bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability of economic growth and digital risks in regions of Russia
Authors: Litvintseva Galina P. , Karelin Ilya N.
Published: July 2021

Digital transformation of society which influenced all spheres of people’s life can promote sustainability of economy, especially on the growth stage of its lifecycle. The research characterizes sustainability of economy as sustainability of economic growth in regions of Russia, which is estimated by variation ratio of growth rates of physical volume of gross regional product in 85 regions during 2011–2019. Positive connection between regional subindices of people’s quality of life and the ESG ranking of Russian regions is revealed. It was discovered that increase of people’s digital wealth positively influenced on sustainability of growth rates of gross regional product during 2015–2018. The risk of unemployment rate increase which is frequently mentioned in publications was not confirmed, namely the share of unemployed with higher education and without it as a part of relevant labor force negatively correlates with digital indices. Digitalization of social sphere and services positively influence on divorcement rate and tumor illness frequency while its decrease could result in growth of economic crimes share. However people’s digital wealth could influence on decrease of share of government and municipal servicemen in regions labor force. It is advisable to count these ambiguous processes when perfecting national and regional development programs.
Staff training at the enterprises in the framework of the sustainable development concept
Authors: Yandarbaeva L.A. , Kostoeva A.A.
Published: July 2021

In the modern world of severe market competition, enterprises should develop their main resource - the human resource. It is necessary to be competent in the staff training system, regularly improve knowledge and skills of employees in order they could practice them in their field of activity to achieve professional success, as well as the company profitability. The research contained herein allows to conclude that flexibility, adaptability, ability to mobilize own efforts and advantages are the qualities to be developed by the organizations wishing to remain in the market longer than their competitors. The companies striving for sustainable development should regularly improve their staff training system. The fact of the staff sustainable development is the improved company performance, better use of the staff, support of initiative employees, incentives for efficient labour, staff motivation.
Improvement of methodology for accounting of extra-budgetary resources of public educational and medical institutions
Authors: Ostonokulov Azamat
Published: July 2021

In the context of the pandemic, it is more relevant than ever to increase the expenditure of the state budget and the effective use of funds to ensure the openness and transparency of financial information about budget execution. This research investigates the sources of formation and direction of spending of extra-budgetary resources of public educational and medical institutions and the need to form systematic information about their movement from a scientific and theoretical standpoint. An analysis of the current state of accounting for extra-budgetary resources of public educational and medical institutions was carried out. Scientific proposals and practical recommendations for the effective management of extra-budgetary resources of educational and medical institutions and the improvement of their accounting methodology according to international accounting standards in the public sector have been developed.
Methodology for assessing the resources of an industrial enterprise based on the concept of sustainable development
Authors: Orekhova Svetlana , Zavialova M.
Published: July 2021

The article presents an original method for assessing the resources of an industrial enterprise based on the concept of sustainable development. The main emphasis in the assessment is made on the compliance of the enterprise resources with the principles of social, environmental and economic efficiency. The quality of human, investment, production and financial resources of industrial enterprises was assessed through the prism of established optima, the principles of resource conservation and resource efficiency. The proposed methodology will make it possible to develop a resource strategy that implements the principles of the concept of sustainable development and ECG management. Improvement of the resource strategy is aimed at eliminating the gaps in the quality of the enterprise resources.
Strategic drivers for the development of innovative methods of financial management in Russian industrial organizations
Authors: Piontkevich Nadezhda
Published: July 2021

The modern world economy faces the objective need to build a multipolar world. This is accompanied by increasing geopolitical instability, unsustainable development of the world economy and sharp aggravation of the global competition. In these conditions, the strategic guidelines for global economic development were exposed to external challenges that had an impact on all the leading national economies and the world business community as a whole. The purpose of the article is to study modern strategic drivers of development in the financial management system of industrial organizations in various sectors of economy. The article uses modern methods of collecting and processing initial information. The authors defined the main strategic directions for sustainable development of industrial organizations in modern conditions. The article proves the prospects of using the identified strategic drivers for the development of innovative methods in financial management in Russian industrial organizations.
Unfair tax competition influence on the development of the sustainable economy and international economic relations
Authors: Sokolova Olga , Goncharova Nadezhda , Lenov Pavel
Published: July 2021

The gist of this article boils down to the impact of unfair tax competition on the current state and further development of a sustainable economy and international economic relations. With the development of the world economy and international economic relations, the world community is faced with such an economic category as unfair tax competition or tax dumping. International tax competition or tax dumping is one of the most negative phenomena associated with the tax policy of states. To stimulate the inflow of investment in a particular country or region, governments of different jurisdictions resort to a special type of tax policy characterized by strong tax cuts. It is obvious that unfair tax competition consists of not only tax dumping, but also other advantages provided by the state. The most obvious of these benefits is high confidentiality for investors. The activities of offshore jurisdictions can not only cause significant damage to the economies of countries that are not able to apply tax dumping, but also provoke serious economic crises. Tax evasion is primarily due to the fact that economic agents prefer to register in offshore countries and pay taxes there. In this regard, offshore countries are quite rightly called the “dependents” of the world economy, since they are the ones who unreasonably use the public goods created by the onshore states. The article examines the impact of unfair tax competition on the current state and further development of the world economy and international economic relations. The policy of offshore countries is analyzed, the reasons, problems and prospects for the development of the international struggle against unfair tax competition are studied. Final positioning is formulated in the paper.
Effect of national chelated micronutrient fertilizers on the productivity of grape plants and quality indicators of wine
Authors: Aleynikova Natalia , Didenko Pavel , Radionovskaya Yana , Cherviak Sofia , Ermikhina Marianna
Published: July 2021

The article presents the results of studies, carried out in 2018-2020 in soil and climatic conditions of viticultural zone of the South Coast of Crimea on wine grape variety ‘Cabernet-Sauvignon’. It was established that double application of national chelated micronutrient fertilizers Tiaton and Chelaton Extra for foliar dressing of grapes contributed to an increase in the average bunch weight by 9.3-15.3 g (10.3-16.9%), shoot productivity by 10.4-17.1% and cropping power by 0.6-1 t/ha (10-16.7%) in comparison with the control. It was experimentally determined that test treatments with Chelaton Extra preparation led to a significant increase in the average length of annual shoots by 13.3 cm (9.3%) and a gain in the green matter of bushes by 265.9 cm3 (12%). Using of the studied micronutrient fertilizers against the background of increased grape productivity positively influenced the process of sugar accumulation and ensured the value component at the control level. The studies have proven that double treatment with Chelaton Extra fertilizer contributed to an increase in the mass concentration of phenolic substances in wine by 10.7%.
Assessment of food security in the regions of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation
Authors: Pestryakov Aleksey , Reutova Ekaterina , Sbrodova Nadezhda , Titovets Alisa
Published: July 2021

Food security issues are among the priority areas for the development of the regions of the Arctic zone, both on the territory of the Russian Federation and abroad. The sustainable development of the territory largely depends on the satisfaction of the basic needs of the population. For a detailed and comprehensive assessment of the situation on this issue, a qualitative methodology is required, which will most objectively reflect the state of food security in the regions of the Arctic zone. The study analyzes the existing methods of assessing food security, justifies their main advantages and disadvantages. The authors propose their own methodology for assessing the food security of the regions of the Arctic zone, which uses the most common indicators used in previous methods, and is also based on the main socially significant features of the regions of the Arctic zone (small population, limited opportunities for food production).
Assessment of the universities impact on global competitiveness based on rankings
Authors: Sannikova Inna N. , Prikhodko Eugenia A. , Muhitdinov Alisher A.
Published: July 2021

The paper analyzes the ranking positions of universities in leading countries in comparison with the most popular ratings of overall country and digital competitiveness. This analysis is carried out in order to understand whether there is a relationship between the aggregate high rating of universities with the same position of general and digital competitiveness. Conclusions based on the results of the analysis are important for studying the impact of universities on the development of territories, the pace of structural transformation of the analog economy into a digital one, and ensuring the transfer of knowledge. In addition, the comparison of the methods of rating formation allows us to understand its applicability for making strategic government management decisions.
Principles of sustainable development in education: opportunities and reality
Authors: Gavrilova V.V.
Published: July 2021

At the end of the XX century, the concept of sustainable development was formulated and certain steps in its implementation were taken. There is a reliable tool for solving existing problems in the development of modern civilization - the education system. Education for sustainable development (ESD) must change the thinking and behavior of our planet's population. This article considers examples of the implementation of the goals and tasks of sustainable development in the Perm Institute of Railway Transport. An analysis of work programs and a survey of students allow to draw certain conclusions about what opportunities exist in a technical university for the implementation of the principles of sustainable development in education.
The system of professional development and assessment of the competencies of university teaching staff to ensure quality education in the interests of sustainable development of society: a case study of Russia
Authors: Razinkina Elena , Kalinina Olga , Zima Elena
Published: July 2021

This article substantiates the need to form a comprehensive system of professional development and assessment of teachers’ competencies in order to ensure quality education in the interests of sustainable development of society. The main goals and objectives are formulated and the methodological tools developed by the authors for the formation of this system are described. The features of the implementation of the system in the practice of conducting the educational process at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (St. Petersburg, Russia) are revealed. The risks are identified and recommendations for their minimization are given for other educational organizations of higher education that implement a comprehensive system of professional development and assessment of the competencies of teachers using digital services.
Formation of digital competencies in higher education as the basis for realization of sustainable development goals
Authors: Razinkina Elena , Zima Elena , Pankova Lyudmila
Published: July 2021

The formation of digital competencies of citizens is currently a strategic goal for the Russian education system from the perspective of realization of sustainable development goals. The article considers the level model of digital competencies within higher education programmes at the SPbPU, the key feature of which is a universal core that allows to facilitate sequential growth of competencies and implement flexible educational trajectories of students within the “2+2+2” model.
Evolution of research methodology on the role of higher education in socio-economic development
Authors: Molokova Elena
Published: July 2021

The article analyses the development of research methodology on the role (contribution) of higher education. It is noted that the field of research on the meaning (contribution or role) of higher education is always determined by the historical context of its development. The relevance of the study stems from the need to systematise existing approaches to assessing the contribution of higher education to sustainable economic development. In this article, by correlating the characteristics of the economy and public policies existing at certain stages of society development, conclusions are drawn about the factors influencing the formation of approaches to the assessment of the role of higher education. Based on the results of the analysis, the peculiarities of the development of methodological approaches in the field of research are identified, the conclusion is made about the increase in the range of indicators included in the assessments and the gradual shift of emphasis from the economic to socio-economic and humanitarian role of higher education, as well as the expansion of the interpretation of higher education and its functions.
Higher education for sustainable development: Research-based learning (the case of the Ural State University of Economics)
Authors: Pirozhkova Irina
Published: July 2021

Development of higher education requires academics to search for new forms and approaches to teaching. Research-based teaching and learning is a sound approach that meets the requirements of the state for attraction of your people to scientific and research activities. Research-based learning is a process of knowledge acquisition with the help of analysing, experimenting and interpretation of data with the help scientific methods of analysis. A serious of lessons designed with the help of research-based learning principles have been integrated into the discipline Foreign language. As a result, 18 research papers have been written by students, 15 of them have been published. A survey has been conducted to reveal the students’ attitude to and interest in research work.
Komplexe distale Radiusfraktur – ein Fall für zwei
Authors: Zander Andrea , Vander Ingmar
Published: July 2021

Bei einem Fahrradsturz erleidet Frau M. eine offene distale Radiustrümmerfraktur mit Skaphoidfraktur. Zwei Monate später sucht sie aufgrund der ausgeprägten Schwellung des Unterarmes und der Finger, ihrer Schulterschmerzen und erheblicher Bewegungseinschränkungen des Handgelenks Hilfe in einer handtherapeutischen Praxis. Ihre Physio- und Ergotherapeuten erarbeiten gemeinsam ein Behandlungskonzept.
Endovenöse Behandlung beim Crossenrezidiv: Technik, Limits und Übersicht zur vorhandenen Literatur
Authors: Müller Lars , Alm Jens
Published: July 2021

Einleitung Die endovaskuläre Behandlung mittels Lasertechniken oder Radiofrequenz zur Primärbehandlung der Varikose ist weit etabliert und durch umfangreiche Literatur und Leitlinienempfehlungen fundiert. Demgegenüber existiert nur eine geringe Zahl publizierter Studien zur endovenösen Behandlungsform beim Rezidiv.

Methoden In dieser Arbeit wird zunächst diese vorhandene Literatur analysiert. Im Anschluss werden eigene Erfahrungen und Techniken zur endovaskulären Rezidivbehandlung präsentiert und mögliche Limitationen der Methode diskutiert.

Ergebnisse In einer PubMed-Recherche wurden 7 relevante Arbeiten zu Beobachtungsstudien gefunden. In einer Arbeit wurden die Ergebnisse einer prospektiv-randomisierten Studie zum Vergleich Radiofrequenz versus Operation dargestellt. In den meisten publizierten Studien erfolgte eine Fallselektion, wobei das Vorhandensein eines längeren Stammvenensegments Voraussetzung für eine thermische Ablation darstellte. Die Ergebnisse bezüglich Morbidität und Verschlussraten sind günstig, Langzeitdaten fehlen allerdings. In der eigenen Praxis werden regelmäßig Crossenrezidive endovenös therapiert, hauptsächlich mit den aktuellsten radialen Lasern. Es werden dabei auch solche Befunde behandelt, die keinen oder nur kurzstreckig einen geraden Venenverlauf aufweisen, zum Beispiel Crossenstümpfe oder Neovaskularisationen, die einer thermischen Behandlung zugänglich sind. Technische Hilfsmittel, die eine effektive Ablation eines Rezidivs in den meisten Fällen ermöglichen, werden in dieser Arbeit dargestellt. Besonders hervorzuheben ist die direkte Punktion eines Crossenstumpfes oder kürzerer Venensegmente sowie das Auffädeln im Rahmen der Punktion von gewundenen Venensegmenten. Zu diskutieren sind anatomische Konstellationen, in denen eine endovenöse thermische Ablation eventuell nicht die Methode der ersten Wahl darstellt. Beispiele hierfür sind extrem gewundene, stark dilatierte Venenabschnitte oder aber sehr diffuse, kleinkalibrige Neovaskularisationen.

Schlussfolgerung Zusammengefasst erscheint die endovenöse thermische Ablation bei der Rezidivvarikose als eine effektive Behandlungsmethode, die auch bei anatomisch herausfordernden Situationen mit kurzem Crossenstumpf und gewundenen Venenverläufen funktioniert. Eine breiter aufgelegte Begleitforschung wäre allerdings wünschenswert.
Willkommen in Deutschland
Authors: Herlach Stephanie
Published: July 2021

Die internationale Anwerbung von Pflegekräften gewinnt zunehmend an Bedeutung, um dem hiesigen Pflegekräftemangel entgegenzuwirken. Dabei ist nicht nur fundiertes Hintergrundwissen über den Ablauf des Anerkennungsverfahrens, sondern auch die personelle und organisatorische Betreuung bedeutend.
Ich hab mich gefreut wie ein Erwachsener
Authors: Hertlein Margit
Published: July 2021

Eigentlich heißt es „sich freuen wie ein Kind“. Das vergessen wir Erwachsenen ab und an und freuen uns … na ja, etwas verhaltener, eben wie Erwachsene. Ein bisschen mehr Enthusiasmus und spielerische Freude würden dem einen oder anderen von uns gut zu Gesichte stehen.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of 2-(2-Amino-2-phenylethyl)-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylic Acid: A Microwave-Assisted 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Approach
Authors: Denton Richard W. , Urquilla Andromeda , Merrer Dina C. , Sumner Ryan
Published: July 2021

The microwave-assisted 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of furanyl and benzyl oximes and several methyl acrylates effectively provided several isoxazoline when mediated by diacetoxyiodobenzene. The selected isoxazoline, methyl-5-(3-methoxy-3-oxopropyl)-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydro isoxazole-5-carboxylate, was rapidly transformed to the γ-lactone carboxylic acid, 2-(2-amino-2-phenylethyl)-5-oxotetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid, in reasonable yield. The biological activity of this γ-lactone carboxylic acid increased the growth of E. coli organisms by about 44% and has a potential significance in stem cell research.
Identifying Opportunities for Workflow Automation in Health Care: Lessons Learned from Other Industries
Authors: Zayas-Cabán Teresa , Haque Saira Naim , Kemper Nicole
Published: July 2021

Background Workflow automation, which involves identifying sequences of tasks that can be streamlined by using technology and modern computing, offers opportunities to address the United States health care system's challenges with quality, safety, and efficiency. Other industries have successfully implemented workflow automation to address these concerns, and lessons learned from those experiences may inform its application in health care.

Objective Our aim was to identify and synthesize (1) current approaches in workflow automation across industries, (2) opportunities for applying workflow automation in health care, and (3) considerations for designing and implementing workflow automation that may be relevant to health care.

Methods We conducted a targeted review of peer-reviewed and gray literature on automation approaches. We identified relevant databases and terms to conduct the searches across sources and reviewed abstracts to identify 123 relevant articles across 11 disciplines.

Results Workflow automation is used across industries such as finance, manufacturing, and travel to increase efficiency, productivity, and quality. We found automation ranged from low to full automation, and this variation was associated with task and technology characteristics. The level of automation is linked to how well a task is defined, whether a task is repetitive, the degree of human intervention and decision-making required, and the sophistication of available technology. We found that identifying automation goals and assessing whether those goals were reached was critical, and ongoing monitoring and improvement would help to ensure successful automation.

Conclusion Use of workflow automation in other industries can inform automating health care workflows by considering the critical role of people, process, and technology in design, testing, implementation, use, and ongoing monitoring of automated workflows. Insights gained from other industries will inform an interdisciplinary effort by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to outline priorities for advancing health care workflow automation.
Treatment Recommendations for Suspected Scapholunate Ligament Pathology
Authors: Bakker Daniel , Kortlever Joost T.P. , Kraan Gerald A. , Mathijssen Nina , Colaris Joost W. , Ring David ,   The Science of Variation Group
Published: July 2021

Background The diagnosis and treatment of scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) pathology is debated and notably variable. This study assessed the influence of diagnostic arthroscopy on treatment recommendations and the interobserver reliability of the arthroscopic classification of SLIL pathology.

Methods The influence of diagnostic arthroscopy on treatment recommendations and the reliability of the arthroscopic classification of SLIL pathology were tested in a survey-based experiment. Seventy-seven surgeons evaluated 16 scenarios of people with wrist pain with variation in symptoms, scaphoid shift, time of symptom onset, and MRI appearance of the SLIL. Participants were randomized to view or not to view diagnostic wrist arthroscopy. Factors associated with recommendation for repair, capsulodesis, or tenodesis were analyzed.

Results Viewing arthroscopic videos was associated with both offering surgery and a more reconstructive option. Other factors independently associated with recommendation for surgery included greater pain intensity and activity intolerance, women surgeons, an asymmetric scaphoid shift, and a recent onset of symptoms. The interobserver reliability of SLIL classification was slight.

Conclusions Diagnostic arthroscopy leads to more surgery, and more invasive surgery, in spite of unreliable assessment of pathology.

Clinical Relevance This points to the need to measure the potential benefits and harms of diagnostic wrist arthroscopy among people with wrist pain and no clear diagnosis on interview, examination, and radiographs.

Level of Evidence Not applicable.
LDCT Screening in Smokers in India—A Pilot, Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Parang Sanghavi , Bhavin Jankharia
Published: July 2021

Aim The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of low dose CT scan (LDCT) to pick up nodules and carcinomas in smokers in India.

Methods A retrospective study of 350 smokers scanned with LDCT was performed in a private practice center in Mumbai, India. Their demographic profile, smoking history in pack-years, lung nodules, and associated findings/superimposed complications were recorded and analyzed. The nodules were assigned the appropriate Lung-RADS category and results of the patients undergoing biopsy were recorded.

Results Of the 350 smokers, 15 (4%) were women . The mean age was 61 years (32–90 years) with a mean smoking history of 22 pack-years (1–160 pack-years). Lung nodules were found in 335 (93%) smokers, with Lung-RADS category 1 nodules seen in 117 (36%), category 2 in 133 (41%), category 3 in 29 (9%), and category 4 in 46 (14%) of positive scans. Seven of the category 4 patients who underwent biopsy showed carcinoma, with a mean smoking history of 30 pack years. Superimposed interstitial lung disease, airways diseases, and infections were also seen in the scans and recorded.

Discussion It has been proven in the Western world that screening for lung cancer with LDCT saves lives with early pick-up of malignant nodules. This pilot study from India, shows that even in a tuberculosis endemic country, LDCT picks up malignant lung nodules early and saves lives.

Conclusion Smokers with a more than 20 pack years history have a higher incidence of lung nodules, which may represent carcinoma, in a tuberculosis endemic country like India, as has been proven in other countries in the Western world. Larger studies and trials may be performed to elaborate further on this proof-of-concept study.
The Association between the Extent of Late Gadolinium Enhancement and Diastolic Dysfunction in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Alis Deniz , Guler Arda , Asmakutlu Ozan , Topel Cagdas , Sahin Ahmet A.
Published: July 2021

Background Diastolic dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients is a frequent, yet poorly understood phenomenon.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between the myocardial fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction in patients with HCM.

Materials and Methods We retrospectively investigated the impact of the myocardial fibrosis, as assessed by the extent of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE-%) on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), on diastolic dysfunction in 110 patients with HCM. The diastolic dysfunction was evaluated by the left atrial (LA) volume index measured on CMRI and lateral septal E/E′ ratio calculated on echocardiography.

Results : There was a moderate correlation between the LGE-% and LA volume (r = 0.59, p < 0.0001). The logistic regression model of LGE-%, mitral regurgitation, and total left ventricular mass that investigated the independent predictors of LA volume identified LGE-% as the only independent parameter associated with the LA volume index (β = 0.30, p = 0.003). No correlation was observed between the LGE-% and E/E′(r = 0.24, p = 0.009).

Conclusions Myocardial fibrosis in HCM patients is associated with a chronic diastolic burden as represented by increased LA volume. However, the fibrosis does not influence the E/E′ ratio, which is a well-known parameter of ventricular relaxation, restoring forces, and filling pressure.
Hydrogen Peroxide Poisoning—A Rare Cause of Portal Venous Gas
Authors: Rohith Gorrepati , Rajesh B. S. , Archana Elangovan , Srinivasan K.
Published: July 2021

Hydrogen peroxide is a clear and odorless liquid at room temperature that can easily be mistaken for water. Its ingestion results in varied clinical and radiological squeals depending on the volume and concentration of the liquid. We present a case of a 22-year-old lady who accidentally ingested 30 to 40 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide and presented with hematemesis and abdominal pain. On further radiological evaluation, she was found to have portal venous gas and pneumatosis of the bowel wall. She was conservatively managed with 100% oxygen and nil per os for 2 days following which the portal venous gas resolved. Hydrogen peroxide ingestion causes a massive release of oxygen and when its volume exceeds its solubility in blood, gas embolism occurs that is responsible for portal venous gas and pneumatosis. Close monitoring with conservative management will suffice in mild cases without the need for any therapeutic intervention.
Correlation between Chondromalacia Patella and Patellofemoral Factors in Middle-Age Population: A Clinical, Functional, and Radiological Analysis
Authors: Kaur Rashmeet , Dahuja Anshul , Kaur Chandanpreet , Singh Jagdeep , Singh Paramdeep , Shyam Radhe
Published: July 2021

Background Despite higher incidence of patellofemoral pain (PFP) and consequently morbidity, the understanding about PF factors leading to PF arthritis is way lacking.

Material and Methods A prospective study of first 80 patients who were diagnosed with chondromalacia patella (CMP) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) divided into early and late CMP groups were evaluated clinically, radiologically, and in terms of functional outcome.

Results : Quadriceps angle, Clark’s test, and Insall–Salvati ratio results were nonsignificant despite greater values were observed in late CMP group, whereas trochlear morphology results (sulcus angle: 153:138 degrees and sulcus depth 3.9:5.4 mm) and clinical scores were significant in late CMP group (Kujala’s score: 61:78, whereas PF pain score: 43:25). Type-C patellar morphology was found in greater number in late CMP cohort.

Conclusion Trochlear and patellar morphologies along with clinical scores play a key role in understanding of the CMP.
Assessment of Cerebrospinal Fluid Hydrodynamics Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Postcraniospinal Surgery Patients
Authors: Arora Pankaj , Rawat Kanica , Azad Rajiv , Chouhan Kehkashan
Published: July 2021

Objective Aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of craniospinal interventions on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow hydrodynamics and study the correlation of postoperative changes in flow alteration with clinical outcome.

Materials and Methods Fifty patients who underwent various craniospinal procedures were studied using conventional and phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PCMRI) protocol. CSF flow quantification was performed at cerebral aqueduct, foramen magnum, C2–3, and D12–L1 vertebral levels with site showing maximal alteration of CSF flow dynamics considered as the region of interest. Velocity encoding was kept at 20 cm/s. Patients with pathology atcraniovertebral junction were considered separately (group I) from others (group II) due to different flow dynamics. Follow-up scans were performed after an interval of 1 month for temporal evaluation of changes in CSF flow dynamics.

Results Patients in both groups showed a significant change in peak CSF velocity postoperatively (mean change of 1.34 cm/s in group I and 0.28 cm/s in group II) with bidirectional improvement in flow on cine-phase-contrast qualitative images. Regional pain (82%) and headache (46%) were seen in most of the patients preoperatively. Postoperatively clinical symptoms improved in 59.5%, static in 26.2%, and worsened in 14.3%. In both the groups, an improvement in clinical symptomatology had significant correlation with mean changes in peak CSF velocity postoperatively (p = 0.04 in both groups).

Conclusion PCMRI can effectively evaluate changes in CSF flow noninvasively both pre- and postoperatively. This may have potential role in determining clinical outcome and prognosis of patients undergoing procedures in craniospinal axis.
Onsite Computed Tomography Fractional Flow Reserve in Patients with Suspected Stable Coronary Artery Disease Initial Experience
Authors: Kapoor Atul , Mahajan Goldaa , Kapoor Aprajita
Published: July 2021

Introduction Computed tomographic coronary angiographic (CTCA) has evolved into a robust technique to detect significant stenosis; however, there is a discordance in the anatomic and functional significance of stenosis. Therefore, patients with stable coronary artery disease need to be further evaluated before deciding for any revascularization procedure.

Material and Methods A total of 100 consecutive patients of suspected stable coronary artery disease who underwent CTCA were evaluated for functional significance of lesions using onsite computed tomography fractional flow reserve (CTFFR) and the results were compared for detection of both significant and hemodynamically significant/severe stenosis on per vessel and per patient basis and differences were statistically analyzed. Impact of these differences were analyzed for the final outcome and management plan.

Results CTCA detected 33 patients with severe stenosis, while 54 patients had hemodynamically significant stenosis on CTFFR. The sensitivity and specificity of CTCA for the detection of significant coronary artery stenosis per vessel basis were 97.7 and 93.3%, respectively, with a negative predictive value of 98.0%. For severe coronary artery stenosis, sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were 51.6, 89, 68.8, and 80%, respectively, on per vessel basis with CTCA. On per patient basis, CTCA showed as sensitivity and specificity of 61 and 84%, respectively, with area under curve (AUC) being 0.92 and 0.67 for significant and severe stenosis, respectively.

Discussion Onsite CTFFR is a useful tool to calculate functionally significant stenosis and also improves the sensitivity and specificity of CTCA. CTFFR detected 12% more stenotic vessels in the present study on per vessel basis and 21% on per patient basis.
Influence of CNT loading and environmental stressors on leaching of polymer-associated chemicals from epoxy and polycarbonate nanocomposites
Authors: Walker Imari , Montaño Manuel D. , Lankone Ronald S. , Fairbrother D. Howard , Ferguson P. Lee
Published: July 2021

Environmental context Carbon nanotubes are added to polymers such as polycarbonate and epoxy to form nanocomposites with enhanced material properties. Environmental factors including temperature, UV light exposure and pH have the potential to degrade these composites and increase the release of toxic polymer-associated chemicals. This study investigates how carbon nanotube loading decreases the release of known endocrine-disrupting compounds, bisphenol A and 4-tert-butylphenol, from polymer nanocomposites under simulated weathering environments. Abstract Nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes are increasingly added to polymer matrices to improve tensile strength and electrical and thermal conductivity, and to reduce gas permeability. During use and after disposal, these plastic nanocomposites (PNCs) are degraded into microplastics by physical and chemical processes including mechanical abrasion, UV light exposure, hydrolysis and oxidation. Such polymers have the potential to enter aquatic environments and release potentially hazardous polymer-associated chemicals and transformation products. This work identifies and quantifies polymer-associated chemicals leached from polymers and nanocomposites during simulated environmental exposure. Epoxy and polycarbonate PNCs containing single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) loadings ranging from 0 to 1 wt-% were exposed to water for 5 days, and the release of the chemicals bisphenol A (BPA) and 4-tert-butylphenol (TBP) was measured. The role of UV exposure, pH, temperature and natural organic matter in regulating chemical release was also investigated. Temperature, pH and UV light were found to be the most significant factors influencing release of TBP and BPA from PNCs. Additionally, increasing carbon nanotube loading in both polycarbonate and epoxy composites was found to decrease the release of these phenolic chemicals. A 0.3 % higher SWCNT loading decreased the release of BPA 45 ± 18 %, and a 1 % SWCNT loading decreased chemical release from epoxy by 48 ± 26 % for BPA and 58 ± 8 % for TBP. This information provides important data that can be used to help assess the risks posed by SWCNT polymer nanocomposites in aqueous environments, particularly as they age and are transformed.
Quality Risk Management: State of the Industry—Part 1. Has the Industry Realized the Full Value of ICH Q9?
Authors:   Technological University Dublin, Greene Anne , Waldron Kelly , Calnan Nuala
Published: July 2021

This paper summarizes research designed to characterize the current state of pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries with respect to the adoption of Quality Risk Management as per ICH Q9. The research supports the hypotheses that the full value of QRM with respect to product quality and patient safety has not yet been realized. In addition, industry appears to be lagging behind regulatory expectations with respect to QRM maturity, indicating that current approaches to QRM require significant improvement.
Temporal boundaries in electromagnetic materials
Authors: Gratus Jonathan , Seviour Rebecca , Kinsler Paul , Jaroszynski Dino A
Published: July 2021

Temporally modulated optical media are important in both abstract and applied situations, such as spacetime transformation optics, relativistic laser–plasma interactions, and dynamic metamaterials. Here we investigate the behaviour of temporal boundaries, and show that traditional approaches that assume constant dielectric properties, with loss incorporated as an imaginary part, necessarily lead to unphysical solutions. Furthermore, although physically reasonable predictions can be recovered with a narrowband approximation, we show that appropriate models should use materials with a temporal response and dispersive behaviour.
Ultra-low V
pp and high-modulation-depth InP-based electro–optic microring modulator
Authors: Liu Dapeng , Tang Jian , Meng Yao , Li Wei , Zhu Ninghua , Li Ming
Published: July 2021

A modulator is an essential building block in the integrated photonics, connecting the electrical with optical signals. The microring modulator gains much attention because of the small footprint, low drive voltage and high extinction ratio. An ultra-low V
pp and high-modulation-depth indium phosphide-based racetrack microring modulator is demonstrated in this paper. The proposed device mainly comprises one racetrack microring, incorporating a semiconductor amplifier, and coupling with a bus waveguide through a multimode interference coupler. Traveling wave electrodes are employed to supply bidirectional bias ports, terminating with a 50-Ω impedance. The on/off extinction ratio of the microring reaches 43.3 dB due to the delicately tuning of the gain. An 11 mV V
pp, a maximum 42.5 dB modulation depth and a 6.6 GHz bandwidth are realized, respectively. This proposed microring modulator could enrich the functionalities and designability of the fundamental integrated devices.
Structuro-functional surrogates of response to subcallosal cingulate deep brain stimulation for depression
Authors: Elias Gavin J B , Germann Jürgen , Boutet Alexandre , Pancholi Aditya , Beyn Michelle E , Bhatia Kartik , Neudorfer Clemens , Loh Aaron , Rizvi Sakina J , Bhat Venkat , Giacobbe Peter , Woodside D Blake , Kennedy Sidney H , Lozano Andres M
Published: July 2021

Subcallosal cingulate deep brain stimulation produces long-term clinical improvement in approximately half of patients with severe treatment-resistant depression. We hypothesized that both structural and functional brain attributes may be important in determining responsiveness to this therapy.

In a treatment-resistant depression subcallosal cingulate deep brain stimulation cohort, we retrospectively examined baseline and longitudinal differences in MRI-derived brain volume (n = 65) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET glucose metabolism (n = 21) between responders and non-responders. Support vector machines were subsequently trained to classify patients’ response status based on extracted baseline imaging features. A machine learning model incorporating preoperative frontopolar, precentral/frontal opercular and orbitofrontal local volume values classified binary response status (12 months) with 83% accuracy [leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV): 80% accuracy] and explained 32% of the variance in continuous clinical improvement. It was also predictive in an out-of-sample subcallosal cingulate deep brain stimulation cohort (n = 21) with differing primary indications (bipolar disorder/anorexia nervosa; 76% accuracy). Adding preoperative glucose metabolism information from rostral anterior cingulate cortex and temporal pole improved model performance, enabling it to predict response status in the treatment-resistant depression cohort with 86% accuracy (LOOCV: 81% accuracy) and explain 67% of clinical variance. Response-related patterns of metabolic and structural post-deep brain stimulation change were also observed, especially in anterior cingulate cortex and neighbouring white matter. Areas where responders differed from non-responders—both at baseline and longitudinally—largely overlapped with depression-implicated white matter tracts, namely uncinate fasciculus, cingulum bundle and forceps minor/rostrum of corpus callosum. The extent of patient-specific engagement of these same tracts (according to electrode location and stimulation parameters) also served as an independent predictor of treatment-resistant depression response status (72% accuracy; LOOCV: 70% accuracy) and augmented performance of the volume-based (88% accuracy; LOOCV: 82% accuracy) and combined volume/metabolism-based support vector machines (100% accuracy; LOOCV: 94% accuracy).

Taken together, these results indicate that responders and non-responders to subcallosal cingulate deep brain stimulation exhibit differences in brain volume and metabolism, both pre- and post-surgery. Moreover, baseline imaging features predict response to treatment (particularly when combined with information about local tract engagement) and could inform future patient selection and other clinical decisions.
Risk of Healthcare-Associated Transmission of Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Hospitalized Cancer Patients
Authors: Chow Karin , Aslam Anoshé , McClure Tara , Singh Jessica , Burns Jacquelyn , McMillen Tracy , Jani Krupa , Lucca Anabella , Bubb Tania , Robilotti Elizabeth V , Babady N Esther , Kamboj Mini
Published: July 2021

Background

There is limited information on the risk of hospital-acquired coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among high-risk hospitalized patients after exposure to an infected patient or healthcare worker (HCW) in a nonoutbreak setting.

Methods

This study was conducted at a tertiary care cancer center in New York City from 10 March 2020 until 28 February 2021. In early April 2020, the study institution implemented universal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing at admission and retesting every 3 days through the hospital stay. Contact tracing records were reviewed for all exposures to SARS-CoV-2 positive patients and HCWs.

Results

From 10 March 2020 to 28 February 2021, 11 348 unique patients who were SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative at the time of admission underwent 31 662 postadmission tests during their hospitalization, and 112 tested positive (0.98%). Among these, 49 patients housed in semiprivate rooms during admission resulted in 74 close contacts and 14 secondary infections within 14 days, for an overall attack rate of 18.9%. Among those exposed to a roommate undergoing an aerosol-generating procedure (AGP), the attack rate was 35.7%. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) corroborated transmission in 6/8 evaluated pairs. In addition, three transmission events occurred in 214 patients with significant exposure to 105 COVID-19 positive healthcare workers (1.4%).

Conclusions

The overall risk of hospital-acquired COVID-19 is low for hospitalized cancer patients, even during periods of high community prevalence. However, shared occupancy with an unrecognized case is associated with a high secondary attack rate in exposed roommates.
Nitro-oleic acid reduces thoracic aortic aneurysm progression in a mouse model of Marfan syndrome
Authors: Nettersheim Felix Sebastian , Lemties Julian , Braumann Simon , Geißen Simon , Bokredenghel Senai , Nies Richard , Hof Alexander , Winkels Holger , Freeman Bruce A , Klinke Anna , Rudolph Volker , Baldus Stephan , Mehrkens Dennis , Mollenhauer Martin , Adam Matti
Published: July 2021

Aims

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in the Fibrillin-1 gene. It is associated with formation of thoracic aortic aneurysms that can potentially be a life-threatening condition due to aortic rupture or dissection. Excessive non-canonical transforming growth factor beta signalling, mediated by activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2)-dependent nitric oxide production, have been identified to drive aortic pathology in MFS through induction of elastin fragmentation and smooth muscle cell apoptosis. Despite promising results in animal studies, specific pharmacological interventions approved for clinical use in patients with MFS-related aortic disease are rare. Nitro-oleic acid (NO2-OA) is an endogenously generated signalling modulator, which is available as an oral compound and has been shown to inhibit ERK1/2 activation and NOS2 expression in different disease models, thereby exerting promising therapeutic effects. In this study, we investigated whether NO2-OA decreases aortic dilation in MFS.

Methods and results

Eight-week-old MFS (Fbn1C1041G/+) mice were treated with NO2-OA or vehicle for 4 weeks via subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps. Echocardiography indicated progressive ascending aortic dilation and wall stiffening in MFS mice, which was significantly attenuated by NO2-OA treatment. This protective effect was mediated by inhibition of aortic ERK1/2, Smad2 as well as nuclear factor kappa B overactivation and consequent attenuation of elastin fragmentation by matrix metalloproteinase 2, apoptosis, and collagen deposition. Critically, the therapeutic efficacy of NO2-OA in MFS was further emphasized by demonstrating its capability to reduce lethal aortic complications in Fbn1C1041G/+ mice challenged with Angiotensin II.

Conclusion

NO2-OA distinctly attenuates progression of aortic dilation in MFS via modulation of well-established disease-mediating pathways, thereby meriting further investigation into its application as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of this condition.