bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECOG-ACRIN EAA172: Phase 1/2 study of daratumumab, bortezomib, dexamethasone (DVd) with or without venetoclax in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) with assessment for t(11;14) status.
Authors: Thompson Michael A. , Jacobus Susanna J. , Kumar Shaji , Janakiram Murali , Lonial Sagar , Weiss Matthias , Callander Natalie Scott , Rajkumar S. Vincent
Published: March 2020

TPS8052

Background: The most common translocation in multiple myeloma (MM) is t(11;14)(q13;q32), present in approximately 20% of cases. MM cells with t(11;14) usually have a favorable high BCL-2 level and inferior outcomes compared to standard risk MM. Venetoclax (VEN) is a potent, selective, orally available small-molecule BCL-2 inhibitor that induces cell death in MM cell lines and primary samples. VEN has single agent activity in relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) with an acceptable safety profile, especially in t(11;14) MM; however, non- t(11;14) MM patients may benefit from single agent VEN and VEN incorporated in multi-agent RRMM regimens. Dexamethasone (d) promotes Bcl-2 dependence in MM resulting in sensitivity to VEN and this combination with bortezomib (Vd-VEN) has an acceptable safety profile with high response rates in heavily pre-treated MM. Combination therapy with daratumumab and bortezomib (DVd) has become a standard of care in RRMM. Our hypotheses are that the addition of VEN will improve upon this standard and be most effective in the t(11;14) positive subset. Methods: Eligibility criteria include RRMM with measurable disease, not bortezomib refractory, platelet count > 100K. t(11;14) is an integral biomarker with status (positive or negative) established at registration. After a Ph1 study to determine the recommended phase 2 VEN dose, patients are randomized to DVd +/- VEN [stratified by prior lines of therapy and R-ISS]. The primary Ph2 objectives are to compare 8-cycle minimal residual disease (MRD) negative rate and to inform the role of t(11;14) as a biomarker. The Ph2 design proposed by Freidlin et al. follows a decision algorithm as outlined in the table below. Simulations were run to establish an optimal sample size given various parameters including biomarker prevalence and power to make appropriate decisions for a Ph3 design. Target Ph2 accrual is 240 patients with a 1/3 positive:2/3 negative t(11;14) split. Clinical trial information: NCT03701321. [Table: see text]
SGNBCMA-001: A phase 1 study of SEA-BCMA, a non-fucosylated monoclonal antibody, in subjects with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
Authors: Abdallah Al-Ola A. , Hoffman James Edward , Schroeder Mark A. , Jacquemont Celine , Li Hong , Wang Yinghui , Van Epps Heather , Campbell Mary S.
Published: March 2020

TPS8054

Background: Despite recent advances in treatment, multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable in most patients. The standard of care for MM includes combinations of agents with different mechansims of action, e.g. proteasome inhibitors (PIs), immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), monoclonal antibodies, alkylating agents, and corticosteroids. Sequential lines of treatment typically yield shorter durations of disease control with each subsequent relapse. Frail patients face a particularly high unmet need, given the toxicity profiles of many agents. SEA-BCMA is a humanized non-fucosylated IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting BCMA, a plasma cell-specific protein that is expressed on MM cells of most patients. Based on preclinical data, SEA-BCMA displays enhanced antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity through increased FcγRIII binding, antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis, and blocking of BCMA-mediated pro-survival and proliferative signaling. SEA-BCMA is active at 0.03 mg/kg in xenograft models and does not cause adverse effects in preclinical models, supporting clinical investigation for MM. Methods: This is a phase 1, open-label, multicenter, dose-escalation study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and antitumor activity of SEA-BCMA in adults with relapsed/refractory MM. Enrollment began in November 2018 for adults aged ≥18 years with histologically confirmed MM, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of ≤1, and no other therapeutic options available. Prior therapies must include a PI, an IMiD, and an anti-CD38 antibody. Prior receipt of BCMA targeted agents is prohibited. BCMA expression is not required for study entry, but will be tested retrospectively. Dose-escalation is being conducted in ~25 subjects using the modified toxicity probability interval method. During dose-expansion, ~40 subjects will be treated at the maximum tolerated or optimal dose. Responses are assessed per the 2016 International Myeloma Working Group criteria. Biomarker and pharmacokinetic evaluations will be performed on peripheral blood and bone marrow. Clinical trial information: NCT03582033.
Gemstone-301: A phase III clinical trial of CS1001 as consolidation therapy in subjects with locally advanced/unresectable (stage III) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have not progressed after prior concurrent/sequential chemoradiotherapy (CRT).
Authors: Wu Yi-Long , Chen Ming , Zhou Qing , Li Hao , Sun Wenyi , He Hongyan , Lu Dongmei
Published: March 2020

TPS8572

Background: In China, the standard of care for patients with unresectable Stage III NSCLC is platinum-based doublet chemotherapy given concurrently or sequentially with radiotherapy. However, the median progression-free survival (PFS) of those patients is poor (approximately 8-10 months) and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate is only 15%. Recently, treatment with durvalumab resulted in significantly longer PFS and OS than placebo for patients with locally advanced/unresectable NSCLC whose disease did not progress after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) in PACIFC trial. CS1001 is the first full-length, fully human programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) targeted immunoglobin G4 (IgG4, s228p) monoclonal antibody (mAb) developed by the OMT transgenic rat platform. The Phase Ia/Ib study (GEMSTONE-101, NCT03312842) demonstrated that CS1001 was well tolerated and had promising anti-tumor activities across a range of tumors including NSCLC. GEMSTONE-301 is a randomized, double-blind, Phase III study to compare the efficacy and safety of CS1001 versus placebo as consolidation therapy in Stage III unresectable NSCLC patients. This is the first Phase III trial on an anti-PD-(L)1 mAb initiated in China for this indication. Methods: In this trial, eligible patients with locally advanced/unresectable (Stage III) NSCLC who have not progressed after prior concurrent/sequential CRT are 2:1 randomized to receive CS1001 1200 mg, every 3 weeks or placebo, every 3 weeks. Stratification factors for randomization include ECOG status (0 versus 1), chemoradiotherapy (concurrent versus sequential) and total radiotherapy dose ( < 60 Gy versus ≥ 60 Gy). Study treatment will be given for up to 24 months or until disease progression, intolerable toxicity, consent withdrawal, or discontinuation for other reason. Tumor assessments will be performed every 9 weeks in the first year and every 12 weeks thereafter by RECIST v1.1. AEs will be monitored throughout the study and graded according to NCI-CTCAE v4.03. Primary endpoint is PFS evaluated by investigators according to RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints are PFS evaluated by Blinded Independent Center Review (BICR), objective response rate, OS, time to death/distant metastasis (TTDM), safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) profile. Enrollment is ongoing across sites in China and will continue until 402 patients are randomized. Clinical trial information: NCT03728556.
PACIFIC-2: Phase 3 study of concurrent durvalumab and platinum-based chemoradiotherapy in patients with unresectable, stage III NSCLC.
Authors: Bradley Jeffrey D. , Nishio Makoto , Okamoto Isamu , Newton Michael David , Trani Leonardo , Shire Norah J , Gu Yu , Dennis Philip A. , Lee Ki Hyeong
Published: March 2020

TPS8573

Background: Durvalumab, a selective, high-affinity, engineered human IgG1 mAb that blocks PD-L1 binding to PD-1 and CD80, is approved in the US, Japan and several other countries, for the treatment of patients (pts) with unresectable, stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease has not progressed following concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT). These approvals were based on results from the phase 3 PACIFIC study, in which durvalumab was given 1–42 days after completion of definitive cCRT and significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) vs placebo (median 16.8 vs 5.6 months; HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.42– 0.65; p<0.001) and overall survival (OS) vs placebo (stratified HR 0.68; 99.73% CI 0.47–0.997; p=0.0025). Increasing evidence suggests additional benefit when anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies are administered alongside cCRT. The PACIFIC 2 study therefore aims to assess whether durvalumab plus cCRT provides additional benefit, in terms of PFS and objective response rate (ORR), compared with cCRT alone. Methods: PACIFIC 2 is a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, international study. Approximately 300 pts with unresectable stage III NSCLC will be randomized (2:1) to receive either durvalumab (intravenous 1500 mg) every 4 weeks (q4w) + cCRT, or placebo q4w + cCRT. Eligible pts must have histologically or cytologically confirmed stage III disease; ECOG performance status 0 or 1; and life expectancy >12 weeks at randomization. Pts who discontinue treatment will be followed for safety and OS. Primary endpoints are PFS and ORR (RECIST v1.1) assessed via blinded independent central review. Secondary endpoints include OS; OS at month 24; complete response (CR) rate; duration of response; disease control rate; time to death/distant metastases; time from randomization to second progression; safety; and symptoms, functioning and global health status. Pts with a CR, partial response or stable disease will continue to receive durvalumab or placebo until clinical or RECIST v1.1-defined disease progression, or until another discontinuation criterion is met. Study enrollment began in March 2018 and recruitment is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT03519971.
Methane emissions in triple rice cropping: patterns and a method for reduction
Authors: Oda Masato , Nguyen Huu Chiem
Published: March 2020

The Mekong Delta paddies are known as hotspots of methane emission, but these emissions are not well studied. We analyzed methane emission patterns based on monitoring data from typical triple rice cropping paddies collected over 5 years. We found that the total emissions in a crop season doubled in the second crop, tripled in the third crop, and reset after the annual natural flood of the Mekong River. The emission peaks occurred around 0 to 3 weeks after starting irrigation, then gradually decreased. This suggests that methane was generated by the soil organic matter, because the small rice plants provide little carbon for methanogenesis. In general, the main source of emitted methane is rice-derived carbon by current-season photosynthates and the emission peaks at the rice heading stage. However, the contribution of the rice-derived carbon is negligible in the hotspot paddies while total emission is high. The increase in emission levels from the first to the third crop can be explained by the accumulation of rice residue from the preceding crops, especially rice straw incorporated into the soil. The reset of emission levels after annual flood means that the rice straw is decomposed without methanogenesis in water with dissolved oxygen. Thus, the annual emission pattern shows that decomposing rice straw in paddy surface-water is an effective method to reduce methane emissions.
Case Report: An occurrence of steinstrasse in retrograde intra renal surgery for a large staghorn kidney stone – difficulty managing surgical outcomes
Authors: Birowo Ponco , Rasyid Nur , Atmoko Widi , Sutojo Bobby
Published: March 2020

Immediate removal of staghorn stones is compulsory to prevent life-threatening complications. The advancement of endoscopic technology makes retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) a favorable treatment to remove large stones over the standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Without careful considerations, it can cause the formation of steinstrasse. Here, we present the case of a 68-year-old man with multiple stones along his right urogenital duct after being treated with RIRS to remove a staghorn stone. After 2 years of multiple interventions, the steinstrasse was completely removed. To prevent this complication, detailed assessment of the stone (size, location) and renal anatomy should be performed prior to the procedure.
Using the Learning Assistant Model in an Undergraduate Business Analytics Course
Authors: Dean Matthew D.
Published: March 2020

Undergraduate business students, like many other undergraduate majors, are often apprehensive about the quantitative courses required to earn their degree. Active learning methods, including flipped classrooms, have been studied as approaches to mitigate these fears among students. With our overarching goal of helping students improve their understanding of quantitative business concepts, we implemented a novel active learning method called the Learning Assistant model. Using an experimental design holding the instructor and the student assessments constant, we report the results of the first-known implementation of this technique in a business course. As indicated by the change in the students’ final numerical grades, this pedagogical technique shows promise in helping students master the material better than those who took the course in a traditional lecture-based learning environment.
Rare health conditions 33: lambdoid synostosis, traumatic retrograde amnesia and malaria
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this series is to briefly highlight a range of rare health conditions. Rare health conditions are those that affect no more and usually less than 1 person in every 2000 and many HCAs and nurses will encounter some of these conditions, given the high number of these conditions. This 33rd article will explore three of these conditions: lambdoid synostosis, traumatic retrograde amnesia and malaria.
Emotion-focused care requested by hospital patients with dementia via advance care planning
Authors: Petty Stephanie
Published: March 2020

Background This study responds to international pressures to improve hospital care for patients with dementia. Aim To reach a concise overview of ways to improve the emotional wellbeing of patients with dementia when in hospital by exploring their personal care requests. Methods Written advance care planning (ACP) documents completed by patients with dementia and their caregivers were retrieved from a UK hospital (n=21) and analysed using descriptive phenomenology. Findings Care requests showed the changeable and personal nature of emotional distress and gave the responses that patients require from hospital staff. Responses included attending to physical health, offering reassurance, being with the patient, treating the patient as a person and providing a different physical environment. Conclusion ACP documents offered a structured tool for informing care with succinct, personalised requests of patients with dementia. Patient requests were consistent with extensive literature defining person-centred care. Increased use of ACP in hospitals requires evaluation.
The effects of unexpected pregnancy loss on the social and emotional development of subsequent children
Authors: Rowe Caron
Published: March 2020

A range of factors can have an impact on a child whose parents have dealt with the grief of losing a baby, including unresolved grief and maternal mental health, encompassing depression, anxiety and stress. This article will discuss these factors and reasons why early recognition of additional needs, intervention, implementation and deliverance of specialised care plans is fundamental in ensuring all children get the best start possible, optimising their chances of fulfilling their potential. It will also consider why health visitors play a vital role through the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme and 4-5-6 model of health visiting.
Maintaining the workforce
Authors: Hanley Jane
Published: March 2020

As ever greater numbers of nurses leave the NHS, Jane Hanley reflects on the reasons why, and the need for resilience to help existing staff cope with the challenges ahead
Cranial nerves: part 2
Authors: Kirk Andrew
Published: March 2020

The clinical examination is an important part of any patient consultation. After the primary survey and history-taking, a more in-depth examination of the patient is sometimes required to aid the working diagnosis and help negate other differential diagnoses. The extent of this depends on the stability of the patient and it may not be possible in time-critical circumstances. However, it is becoming an increasing part of paramedic practice owing to the continued expansion of the scope of the paramedic role in both urgent and emergency care. Educational delivery of clinical examinations of each of the main body systems is now an integral part of undergraduate paramedic curricula.

This clinical examination series provides a step-by-step overview for each of the main body systems. Continuing professional development (CPD) is an essential requirement for all clinicians in order to maintain and demonstrate currency and advancement within their roles. This series therefore provides an overview of each examination to support students, newly qualified paramedics and paramedics wishing to use these as a CPD development activity and an aide-memoire for clinical practice. These articles provide overviews of initial examination considerations, including first impressions.

In this month's edition, cranial nerves VII–XII will be explored.
Ipratropium
Authors: Rees Sharon
Published: March 2020

In this column, Sharon Rees aims to refresh knowledge and interest in some of the commonly used drugs in a series of tweets. This month she is talking about #ipratropium
Vitamin D supplementation: a necessary alternative?
Authors: Winter George
Published: March 2020

This month, George Winter considers whether supplementatation is needed when looking at ways to improve a patient's vitamin D concentration
Contraception for women aged 40 and over
Authors: Boog Katie , Cooper Michelle
Published: March 2020

Although fertility naturally declines with age, women who do not wish to become pregnant require contraception until menopause. The safety profile for contraception in women over 40 is different to that of younger women, due to an increased background risk of co-morbidities such as venous thromboembolism, osteoporosis and breast cancer. Conversely, contraception may alleviate or mask symptoms of perimenopause, such as vasomotor symptoms or problematic periods, conferring additional non-contraceptive benefits to women in this age group. For these reasons, the risk-benefit ratio for women over 40 using contraception is different to that of younger women and requires specific consideration when working with women to choose a suitable method of contraception.
Barriers and enablers to nurse prescribing in primary care
Authors: Magowan Judith
Published: March 2020

Non-medical prescribing has seen rapid growth in recent years in the United Kingdom. It has been shown to be beneficial to patients and healthcare services. There are advantages for practitioners who choose to take on this extended role, however, some nurse independent prescribers only use their prescribing qualification in a limited way and others not at all. This literature review will consider the barriers and enablers for nurse prescribers who work in primary care. Five papers were selected from a database search of Ovid Medline, PubMed, Cinahl, and Google Scholar: two meta-syntheses, one systematic review, a national cross-sectional survey and a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. The results showed that key areas of continuing professional development, support, and organisational factors could affect prescribing in either a positive or negative way and that these areas were often interrelated. There was little difference in these issues between primary care and the acute sector. Ensuring access to continuing professional development, the provision of ongoing clinical and managerial support and improvement to infrastructure along with further research are recommended to ensure nurse independent prescribers advance and fully utilise their prescribing qualification and that this vital service continues to develop and expand.
Antimalarial Activity of Some Organotin(IV) Chlorobenzoate Compounds against Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Hadi Sutopo , Fenska Mona Dwi , Wijaya Rama Aji , Noviany Noviany , Suhartati Tati
Published: March 2020

This paper reported the comparative study on antimalarial activity of some organotin(IV) derivatives with some chlorobenzoic acid derivatives used as the ligands. The compounds were synthesized by reacting the intermediate products of dibutyltin(IV) oxide, diphenyltin(IV) dihydroxide and triphenyltin(IV) hydroxide, with chlorobenzoic acid. The antimalarial activity was performed against Plasmodium falciparum. The results showed that the IC50 of the compounds tested were about the same with the chloroquine (2 x 10-3 µg/mL) used as the positive control, but unlike chloroquine which has been known to have resistance as antimalarial, these organotin(IV) compounds prepared are not resistant to the Plasmodium. The result also showed that the derivative of triphenyltin(IV) has higher IC50respective to others.
Development of a position–velocity–time-modulated two-dimensional ion beam figuring system for synchrotron x-ray mirror fabrication
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Huang Lei , Zhu Yi , Vescovi Matthew , Khune Denis , Kang Hyukmo , Choi Heejoo , Kim Dae Wook , Tayabaly Kashmira , Bouet Nathalie , Idir Mourad
Published: March 2020

With the rapid evolution of synchrotron x-ray sources, the demand for high-quality precision x-ray mirrors has greatly increased. Single nanometer shape accuracy is required to keep imaging capabilities at the diffraction limit. Ion beam figuring (IBF) has been used frequently for ultra-precision finishing of mirrors, but achieving the ultimate accuracy depends on three important points: careful alignment, accurate dwell time calculation and implementation, and accurate optical metrology. The Optical Metrology Group at National Synchrotron Light Source II has designed and built a position–velocity–time-modulated two-dimensional IBF system (PVT-IBF) with three novel characteristics: (1) a beam footprint on the mirror was used as a reference to align the coordinate systems between the metrology and the IBF hardware; (2) the robust iterative Fourier transform-based dwell time algorithm proposed by our group was applied to obtain an accurate dwell time map; and (3) the dwell time was then transformed to velocities and implemented with the PVT motion scheme. In this study, the technical aspects of the PVT-IBF systems are described in detail, followed by an experimental demonstration of the figuring results. In our first experiment, the 2D RMS in a

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clear aperture was reduced from 3.4 to 1.1 nm after one IBF run. In our second experiment, due to a 5 mm pinhole installed in front of the source, the 2D RMS in a

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clear aperture was reduced from 39.1 to 1.9 nm after three IBF runs, demonstrating that our PVT-IBF solution is an effective and deterministic figuring process.
Higher radial orders of Laguerre–Gaussian beams in nonlinear wave mixing processes
Authors: Pires D. G. , Rocha J. C. A. , Jesus-Silva A. J. , Fonseca E. J. S.
Published: March 2020

We generalize the study of Laguerre–Gaussian beams in nonlinear wave mixing processes, considering optical beams with both integer azimuthal and non-null radial mode index as input modes combined in the nonlinear crystal. Here, we present a deeper discussion of the generation of higher radial orders through a nonlinear wave mixing process leading to a more complete understanding of the nonlinear process considered.
Phase compensation for free-space continuous-variable quantum key distribution
Authors: Wang Shiyu , Huang Peng , Liu Miaomiao , Wang Tao , Wang Ping , Zeng Guihua
Published: March 2020

Large-scale and flexible deployment of quantum networks is possible with reliable free-space quantum key distribution. However, signal fading occurs in free-space channels and causes various adverse effects. Under this circumstance, phase compensation becomes a challenging task for quantum key distribution using continuous variables. Here we investigate the feasibility of implementing phase compensation via simply computing the correlation between transmitted and received data. Demonstration and performance analysis are conducted with real transmittance of a 150-m free-space fading channel; results indicate the applicability of this compensation scheme to free-space quantum communication systems.
Single-cycle, MHz repetition rate THz source with 66 mW of average power
Authors: Meyer F. , Vogel T. , Ahmed S. , Saraceno C. J.
Published: March 2020

We demonstrate terahertz (THz) generation using the tilted pulse front method in lithium niobate, driven at an unprecedented high average power of more than 100 W and at a 13.3 MHz repetition rate, provided by a compact amplifier-free mode-locked thin-disk oscillator. The conversion efficiency was optimized with respect to the pump spot size and pump pulse duration, enabling us to generate a maximum THz average power of 66 mW, which is, to the best of our knowledge, the highest reported to date from a laser-driven, few-cycle THz source. Furthermore, we identify beam walk-off as the main obstacle that currently limits the conversion efficiency in this excitation regime (with moderate pulse energies and small spot sizes). Further upscaling to the watt level and beyond is within reach, paving the way for linear and nonlinear high average power THz spectroscopy experiments with an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio at megahertz repetition rates.
Conical versus Gaussian terahertz emission from two-color laser-induced air plasma filaments
Authors: Sørensen Christian Buhl , Guiramand Léo , Degert Jérôme , Tondusson Marc , Skovsen Esben , Freysz Eric , Abraham Emmanuel
Published: March 2020

In this Letter, we demonstrate that the far-field terahertz (THz) beam generated from a Ti:Sapphire two-color laser-induced filament can exhibit a conical or Gaussian distribution, depending on the filtering experimental conditions. Using both an incoherent Golay cell detector and a two-dimensional coherent electro-optic detection covering the 0.2–2.6 THz spectral range, in our experimental conditions, we provide evidence that the conical emission is due to photo-induced carriers in the silicon filter, typically used to block the remaining pump laser light. Moreover, the low-frequency THz beam retrieves an almost

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Gaussian spatial distribution when the silicon filter is preceded by a large bandgap ceramic filter, which stops the pump beam, thus preventing the carrier generation in the silicon filter.
Transient grating in a thin gas target for characterization of extremely short optical pulses
Authors: Kida Yuichiro
Published: March 2020

A transient-grating cross-correlation frequency-resolved optical gating (TG XFROG) with a thin gas target toward characterization of sub-femtosecond optical pulses is discussed. For evaluation of the reliability, sub-10 fs near-infrared pulses are characterized, the results of which are compared with those given by the sum-frequency-generation XFROG. The TG XFROG covers the nanojoule energy range or that for the advanced few-cycle UV pulses recently reported. It is also shown that the TG XFROG fails to characterize and heavily underestimates the durations of intense test pulses. The FROG technique sensitively detects the onset of this anomalous behavior, which represents a serious issue for pulse characterizations.
Screening for tylosin and other antimicrobial residues in fresh and fermented (nono) cow milk in Delta state, South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Stella Onwumere-Idolor Onyinye , Ezenduka Ekene Vivienne , Anaelom Nwanta John
Published: March 2020

Background and Aim: Milk is a food that contains almost all the essential nutrients needed for growth and maintenance for both young and old animals and man. Since quite nutritious and in high demand, dairy products should be free of both chemical and biological contaminants. Unfortunately, antibiotics used in the treatment of infectious diseases in dairy cattle are often seen in their products if withdrawal periods of those drugs are not observed before milking. This study aimed to detect the presence of antibiotics and the level of tylosin in fresh and fermented (nono) milk from cows in Delta state, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred and five samples comprising 126 fresh milk and 79 fermented milk (nono) were sampled from Kwale, Ozoro, and Oleh representing one senatorial district of Delta state, South-South Nigeria. They were screened for the presence of tylosin and other antimicrobial residues using four-plate test and tylosin was confirmed with high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results: Antibiotic residues were obtained in 76% and 85% of fresh milk and nono, respectively. Tylosin residue was also detected in 24% fresh milk and 11% nono samples at mean concentrations of 14.64±0.69 μg/l and 7.97±0.23 μg/l, respectively. The mean concentrations of tylosin from both milk types were below the recommended maximum residue limit (MRL) of 50 μg/l in dairy.

Conclusion: High prevalence of antimicrobial residues in fresh milk and nono shows that consumers in the study area are predisposed to health hazards due to the presence of residues of different antibiotics in fresh milk and nono. Although tylosin was confirmed in both milk products, the mean concentrations were below the MRL. However, it is still very vital to resort to the observance of withdrawal periods and avoid gross misuse of antimicrobials. It is also necessary to emphasize the need for effective prevention of infectious diseases and most importantly create awareness and establish a national antibiotic residue monitoring program in Nigeria.
Esophageal Motility Disorders Associated With Death or Allograft Dysfunction After Lung Transplantation? Results of a Retrospective Monocentric Study
Authors: Gouynou Célia , Philit François , Mion François , Tronc François , Sénéchal Agathe , Giai Joris , Rabain Anne-Marie , Mornex Jean-François , Roman Sabine
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES:

Pathological gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a known risk factor for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after lung transplantation. This study aimed at determining whether functional esophageal evaluation might predict BOS occurrence and survival in this setting.

METHODS:

Ninety-three patients who underwent esophageal high-resolution manometry and 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring within the first year after lung transplantation were retrospectively included. A univariable analysis was performed to evaluate the parameters associated with GER disease and BOS occurrence. The Cox regression model was used to identify the prognostic factors of death or retransplantation.

RESULTS:

Thirteen percent of patients exhibited major esophageal motility disorders and 20% pathological GER. GER occurrence was associated with younger age, cystic fibrosis, and hypotensive esophagogastric junction. Within a median follow-up of 62 months, 10 patients (11%) developed BOS, and no predictive factors were identified. At the end of the follow-up, 10 patients died and 1 underwent retransplantation. The 5-year cumulative survival rate without retransplantation was lower in patients with major esophageal motility disorders compared with that in those without (75% vs 90%, P = 0.01) and in patients who developed BOS compared with that in those without (66% vs 91%; P = 0.005). However, in multivariable analysis, major esophageal motility disorders and BOS were no longer significant predictors of survival without retransplantation.

DISCUSSION:

Major esophageal motility disorders and BOS were associated with allograft survival in lung transplantation in the univariable analysis. Although the causes of this association remain to be determined, this observation confirms that esophageal motor dysfunction should be evaluated in the context of lung transplantation.
Abdominal Pain Response to Rifaximin in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea
Authors: Lembo Anthony , Rao Satish S. C. , Heimanson Zeev , Pimentel Mark
Published: March 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Abdominal pain is the principal symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This analysis examined abdominal pain response in adults with IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) receiving the nonsystemic antibiotic rifaximin.

METHODS:

In the Targeted Nonsystemic Antibiotic Rifaximin Gut-Selective Evaluation of Treatment for IBS-D 3 trial, adults with IBS-D received open-label rifaximin 550 mg 3 times daily for 2 weeks, followed by the 4-week post-treatment phase assessing abdominal pain and stool consistency response. Responders were followed for up to 18 additional weeks; patients with recurrence were randomly assigned to receive two 2-week courses of double-blind rifaximin 550 mg 3 times daily or placebo, separated by 10 weeks. Analyses evaluated mean weekly improvements from baseline (e.g., ≥30%, ≥40%, and ≥50%) in abdominal pain during the 4-week post–repeat-treatment phases.

RESULTS:

Of the 2,438 evaluable patients, 1,384 (56.8%) had abdominal pain response to open-label rifaximin (≥30% improvement from baseline in the mean weekly abdominal pain score during ≥2 of the first 4 weeks post-treatment). Weekly decrease (improvement) in responders' mean abdominal pain score (scale range, 0–10) from baseline ranged from −2.6 to −3.3 points during the 18-week follow-up. After the first double-blind repeat treatment, a significantly higher percentage of rifaximin-treated patients were abdominal pain responders (53.9% [172/319]) vs placebo (44.4% [134/302], P = 0.02), with similar results after the second repeat treatment (52.9% [155/293] vs 44.7% [123/275], respectively, P = 0.047). A significantly higher percentage of rifaximin-treated patients were weekly abdominal pain responders for ≥50% of the 18-week double-blind repeat treatment phase (47.9% [138/288] vs 35.9% [97/270], P = 0.004).

DISCUSSION:

Rifaximin is efficacious in improving abdominal pain in adults with IBS-D.
A Retórica do Gesto de Lavínia em Titus Andronicus
Authors: Capelatto Igor Alexandre
Published: March 2020

Considerando gesto uma manifestação cultural de uma atitude ou "ação" no corpo, este trabalho investiga o corpo multifacetado, violentado de Lavínia e como ela se comunica através dos gestos na peça Titus Andronicus de William Shakespeare, uma vez que lhe é arrancada a língua: "Que dor! Esse instrumento delicioso do pensamento dela, que eloquência tão agradável modulava sempre, foi arrancado da gentil gaiola, onde, tal como pássaro melódico, cantava suaves notas e variadas, que as ouças de nós todos deleitavam". Através de Agamben, Benjamin, Flusser entre outros filósofos do gesto, este trabalho investiga o comportamento do gesto que comunica fisicalidade e subjetividade (forma e cultura) e se constitui como discurso em Titus Andronicus. Segundo Galard: o gesto é a poesia do ato.
O ato de "perseguir" na arte contemporânea
Authors: De Almeida Bruno Gomes
Published: March 2020

O caráter coletivo e vivencial de certa vertente da produção de arte contemporânea traz à tona estratégias artísticas das mais variadas. A tentativa de promover diferentes tipos de grupalidade pode ser pensada como indício de um desejo genuíno de estar junto. Desta forma, o presente texto, como parte de um estudo mais amplo acerca das formas de estar-junto da arte contemporânea, pretende se debruçar sobre uma forma específica que se evidencia em vários trabalhos artísticos. É o estar-junto do "perseguir". O propósito é aprofundar um olhar a respeito dessa estratégia de estar-junto, identificando toda a potência por trás da ação de perseguir. Para isso, foram analisados trabalhos específicos de Francis Alys, Vito Acconci, Sophie Calle e Marina Abramovic.
Cena, cinema e literatura
Authors: Santana Samuel Antônio
Published: March 2020

O presente artigo apresenta de forma sucinta os procedimentos adotados durante o processo de criação do texto dramatúrgico para o espetáculo Liquidados, para o qual desenvolveu-se uma prática intensa e extensiva de troca entre escrita textual e composição cênica para a construção de uma dramaturgia da cena. Durante esse trânsito evidencia-se a inter-relação que se estabeleceu entre elementos cênicos, literários e cinematográficos que trabalhados durante o processo de escrita, a partir de três conceitos de intertextualidade – Bricolage, Apropriação e Paródia –, contribuíram fortemente para o desenvolvimento de nossa dramaturgia textual.
¿Tiene límites la interpretación?
Authors: Fernández Díaz Hamlet
Published: March 2020

El presente trabajo se propone como objetivo central reflexionar sobre la complejidad dialéctica del proceso de interpretación en el arte. Para ello, abordamos primeramente la problemática de la interpretación desde una perspectiva semiótica. ¿Cuál es la explicación semiótica de la interpretación; cuál es su especificidad en el campo del arte; cuáles son los factores que condicionan el proceso de interpretación/comprensión estética? Como parte de esa problemática marco, intentamos responder a la interrogante de si existen límites en la interpretación artística. Y por último, analizamos el fenómeno de la intencionalidad en el arte: ¿cuál es la dialéctica que se establece entre la intención autor, la intención obra y la intención receptor? Consideramos que la discusión teórica que se propone en el artículo es de fundamental interés tanto para estudiantes de Historia del Arte, como para artistas en proceso de formación y profesores de artes visuales en general.
Afronte como verbo
Authors: Leite de Aquino Soares Victor Hugo , Kumasaka Matsumoto Roberta
Published: March 2020

Ao estabelecer diálogos com o doc–ficção Afronte (2017), dirigido por Marcus Mesquita e Bruno Victor, sobre homossexuais negros no Distrito Federal, este artigo trata de poéticas de resistência à heterossexualidade normativa e o sujeito branco como padrão do que seria humanidade. O trabalho parte da relação entre processos estéticos e identitários, para tratar do processo do ator de ser/tornar-se homossexual negro e também dos diversos modos como essas identidades engendram o processo criativo-inventivo de composição da personagem VH no filme. Apresentamos escrevivências do ser ator negro em performatividade conjulgando Afronte como verbo para por em cheque as questões de representação de homossexuais negros — masculinidades negras não hegemônicas — e trilhar caminhos em arte que desestabilizem a história única, reducionista e normativa, impulsionando a emergência das pluralidades.
Composição em tempo real
Authors: Ramos Jarbas Siqueira Ramos , Chavarelli Vilela da Silva Patrícia , Araújo Vieira Mariane
Published: March 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar o trabalho desenvolvido pelo Núcleo de Estudos em Improvisação em Dança - NEID, vinculado ao Curso de Dança da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, propondo discutir as noções de improvisação em dança e composição em tempo real que têm sido base para a pesquisa desenvolvida por esse grupo, refletindo sobre os processos compositivos na improvisação, que se dá na construção da própria cena. Para tanto, além de tratar das discussões conceituais que subsidiam a discussão sobre improvisação em dança no NEID, buscamos apresentar os trabalhos artísticos desenvolvidos nos últimos anos: Corpos (In)Dóceis, que surgiu do encontro com o artista visual e fotógrafo Paulo Soares Augusto, e Soma – Variações Sobre o Sensível, resultado de pesquisa compartilhada com o Núcleo de Música e Tecnologia da UFU. Esperamos ao final que as discussões sobre os processos compositivos da cena improvisada possam ser ponto de partida para ampliarmos as discussões em torno da improvisação em dança. PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Dança; Improvisação; Composição em tempo real; Processos compositivos.
Gesto, traço, palavra
Authors: Martins Rodrigues de Moraes Anita
Published: March 2020

Este artigo explora possibilidades reflexivas que o encontro entre artes plásticas, dança e literatura pode desencadear. Trata-se de pensar a produção artística em sua diversidade e em tensão com teorias expressivas e miméticas da arte. Pretende-se, especialmente a partir do encontro com o desenho de Marcia de Moraes, a dança de Juliana Moraes e a escrita de Clarice Lispector, confrontar a teoria da função humanizadora da literatura elaborada por Antonio Candido. Na problematização da própria ideia de humanização, terá destaque a leitura do livro A paixão segundo G.H., de Clarice Lispector.
LABOR PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT IN A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT: PROBLEM BASED APPROACH
Authors: Porntepkasemsant Patraporn , Charoenpornpattana Santi
Published: March 2020

Construction labor productivity is an important aspect of a construction project. However, low productivity problems have had a significant impact on construction project timeframes resulting in over budget expenditure. The objective of this study was to determine the factors affecting labor productivity in Thai construction projects. A structured questionnaire survey was employed, completed by 54 executive managers from leading companies in Thailand. The five highest importance ranking factors affecting labor productivity were found to be: lack of workers, financial shortages, incomplete drawings, labor skill and experience, and incompetent construction management team. It is hoped that the results of this research will lead to improved productivity and effectively in project work. The study is an initial investigation about labor productivity and examines the improvements necessary to make the Thai construction industry more competitive and profitable.
CONCRETE CRACK MODELING DUE TO NON-UNIFORM CORROSION USING SMEARED APPROACH
Authors: Hartana I Ketut , Sutrisno Wahyuniarsih , Suprobo Priyo
Published: March 2020

Numbers of researchers has been conducted the finite element analysis to predict cracks due to corrosion and assumed the corrosion as uniform expansive pressure. However, the analysis cannot reflect actual stress and crack occur in concrete. The corrosion volume could be bigger in several point at interface between concrete and steel bar. This condition causes the concentrate stress and gives different response with the uniform expansive pressure assumption. This study developed series of finite element model to study the crack propagation of the concrete due to non-uniform corrosion. The analysis is conducted with Abaqus finite element program used smeared cracking approach. Reinforced concrete was modeled in 2D using the Zhao experiment at edge section. This paper also discusses the effect of usage a deformed reinforcement to the spread of rust and crack pattern. Based on this study, the result of finite element modeling shows fairly good agreement with experimental data. It also shows that the usage of deformed reinforcement affect the non-uniformities level of the rust and cause the crack pattern at the concrete propagate differently compared with concrete which use plain reinforcement.
A NUMERICAL PARAMETRIC STUDY ON THE LOAD CARRYING BEHAVIOR UNDER BENDING OF HONEYCOMB GIRDERS
Authors: Petersen Tobias , Krahwinkel Manuel
Published: March 2020

A honeycomb girder (HCG) is defined by a mirror symmetric arrangement of two trapezoidal corrugated steel sheets (TCSS). Mechanical fasteners such as screws or rivets connect them. The high bending stiffness of HCGs provides the opportunity to span distances up to 14.0 m. Especially in the application as a cladding of roofs and facades of industrial steel-framed buildings this new construction type promises the potential to improve the resource and economic efficiency of these buildings. Former experimental investigations verified a numerical model. Based on this finite element method (FEM) model a parametric study on HCGs with an equidistant fastener arrangement has been carried out. By applying three design criteria on the numerical results the maximum characteristic surface loads for 360 HCG constellations have been determined. This paper investigates the influence of a graduated arrangement of mechanical fasteners in HCG systems on their maximum characteristic surface load.
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF FULLY ANCHORED CIRCULAR CYLINDRICAL LIQUIDS’ STORAGE STEEL TANKS USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: Lateef Hanadi Abdulridha , Atalla Abdulamir
Published: March 2020

A vibration analysis of circular cylindrical steel liquid storage tanks anchored to rigid base is conducted. Empty, partially and completely liquid filled tanks are considered as well as tanks composed of two courses using ANSYS 11.0 finite element package. The tank wall is modeled using linear elastic shell finite element and a new method, based on the added mass approach, is developed to model the effect of the contained liquid. In this method the properties of the shell element is modified to include the effect of the contained liquid. The analysis includes four tank case studies which are empty, fully filled with water, and filled with changeable liquid level in addition to study the effect of the variable thickness of tank on the natural frequencies and mode shapes. The results show that the natural frequency of completely filled tall tank may be less by 70.7% than the natural frequency of empty tank. It is also found that a maximum value of natural frequency can be obtained when the lower thick course consists 0.75 of tank height and its thickness is four times that of the upper one. The natural frequencies decrease with the increasing in liquid level for tall tank. The natural frequency of completely filled tank is less by 70.7% than the natural frequency of empty tank.
STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF DAMAGED OPEN-WEB TYPE SRC BEAM-COLUMNS WITH BOLT-CONNECTED BATTEN STEEL PLATES AFTER RETROFITTING
Authors: Kume Takahiro , Fujinaga Takashi , Sun Yuping
Published: March 2020

In this paper, structural performance of damaged SRC beam-columns with open-web type of batten steel plate after retrofitting was investigated. Three open-web type SRC beam-columns with bolt-connected batten steel plates were fabricated and tested under combined constant axial load and cyclic lateral load. At first, each beam-column was　cyclically loaded to the targeted displacement. After the first loading, the test columns were retrofitted and reloaded till large deformation or failure. The damaged portion of each column was retrofitted with the polymer cement mortar and epoxy resin was injected into the cracks. The measured stiffness of retrofitted columns varied between 71.4% and 85.5% of the initial one. And, test results also indicated that the column which experienced the larger displacement and higher axial load showed lower load carrying capacity, but the others showed approximately the same capacities as the initial columns. Numerical analysis was also conducted to explain the retrofitted columns. Analytical results predicted the experimental behavior fairly well, which verifies the validity of the analytical models in low axial load.