bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of hypertonic saline versus mannitol in patients with traumatic brain injury in prehospital, emergency department, and intensive care unit settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Miyoshi Yukari , Kondo Yutaka , Suzuki Hidetaka , Fukuda Tatsuma , Yasuda Hideto , Yokobori Shoji ,   for the Japan Resuscitation Council (JRC) Neuroresuscitation Task Force and the Guidelines Editorial Committee, Ajimi Yasuhiko , Iwase Masaaki , Unemoto Kyoko , Kumasawa Junji , Goto Jun , Kobata Hitoshi , Sawamura Atsushi , Hifumi Toru , Hoshiyama Eisei , Honda Mitsuru , Norisue Yasuhiro , Matsumoto Shoji , Miyake Yasufumi , Moriya Takashi , Yatabe Tomoaki , Yamakawa Kazuma , Yang Sunghoon , Wakasugi Masahiro , Nagayama Masao , Kinoshita Kosaku , Nonogi Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Background

Intracranial pressure control has long been recognized as an important requirement for patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Hypertonic saline has drawn attention as an alternative to mannitol in this setting. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of hypertonic saline versus mannitol on clinical outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury in prehospital, emergency department, and intensive care unit settings by systematically reviewing the literature and synthesizing the evidence from randomized controlled trials.

Methods

We searched the MEDLINE database, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Igaku Chuo Zasshi (ICHUSHI) Web database with no date restrictions. We selected randomized controlled trials in which the clinical outcomes of adult patients with traumatic brain injury were compared between hypertonic saline and mannitol strategies. Two investigators independently screened the search results and conducted the data extraction. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were 90-day and 180-day mortality, good neurological outcomes, reduction in intracranial pressure, and serum sodium level. Random effects estimators with weights calculated by the inverse variance method were used to determine the pooled risk ratios.

Results

A total of 125 patients from four randomized trials were included, and all the studies were conducted in the intensive care unit. Among 105 patients from three trials that evaluated the primary outcome, 50 patients were assigned to the hypertonic saline group and 55 patients were assigned to the mannitol group. During the observation period, death was observed for 16 patients in the hypertonic saline group (32.0%) and 21 patients in the mannitol group (38.2%). The risks were not significant between the two infusion strategies (pooled risk ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–1.37). There were also no significant differences between the two groups in the other secondary outcomes. However, the certainty of the evidence was rated very low for all outcomes.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed no significant difference in the all-cause mortality rates between patients receiving hypertonic saline or mannitol to control intracranial pressure. Further investigation is warranted because we only included a limited number of studies
Oxygen administration in patients recovering from cardiac arrest: a narrative review
Authors: Yamamoto Ryo , Yoshizawa Jo
Published: August 2020

High oxygen tension in blood and/or tissue affects clinical outcomes in several diseases. Thus, the optimal target PaO2 for patients recovering from cardiac arrest (CA) has been extensively examined. Many patients develop hypoxic brain injury after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC); this supports the need for oxygen administration in patients after CA. Insufficient oxygen delivery due to decreased blood flow to cerebral tissue during CA results in hypoxic brain injury. By contrast, hyperoxia may increase dissolved oxygen in the blood and, subsequently, generate reactive oxygen species that are harmful to neuronal cells. This secondary brain injury is particularly concerning. Although several clinical studies demonstrated that hyperoxia during post-CA care was associated with poor neurological outcomes, considerable debate is ongoing because of inconsistent results. Potential reasons for the conflicting results include differences in the definition of hyperoxia, the timing of exposure to hyperoxia, and PaO2 values used in analyses. Despite the conflicts, exposure to PaO2 > 300 mmHg through administration of unnecessary oxygen should be avoided because no obvious benefit has been demonstrated. The feasibility of titrating oxygen administration by targeting SpO2 at approximately 94% in patients recovering from CA has been demonstrated in pilot randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Such protocols should be further examined.
Does whole-body bone SPECT/CT provide additional diagnostic information over [18F]-FCH PET/CT for the detection of bone metastases in the setting of prostate cancer biochemical recurrence?
Authors: de Leiris Nicolas , Leenhardt Julien , Boussat Bastien , Montemagno Christopher , Seiller Alexandre , Phan Sy Olivier , Roux Julie , Laramas Mathieu , Verry Camille , Iriart Carole , Fiard Gaelle , Long Jean-Alexandre , Descotes Jean-Luc , Vuillez Jean-Philippe , Riou Laurent , Djaileb Loïc
Published: August 2020

Background

To assess whether whole-body (WB) bone SPECT/CT provides additional diagnostic information over [18F]-FCH PET/CT for the detection of bone metastases in the setting of prostate cancer biochemical recurrence (PC-BR).

Methods

Patients referred for a PC-BR and whom benefited from a WB bone SPECT/CT and FCH PET/CT were retrospectively included. Tests were classified as positive, equivocal, or negative for bone metastases. A best valuable comparator (BVC) strategy including imaging and follow-up data was used to determine the metastatic status in the absence of systematic histological evaluation.

Results

Between January 2011 and November 2017, 115 consecutive patients with a PC-BR were evaluated. According to the BVC, 30 patients had bone metastases and 85 patients did not present with bone lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were respectively 86.7% [69.3–96.2], 98.8% [93.6–100.0], 96.3% [78.7–99.5], and 95.5% [89.4–98.1] for WB bone SPECT/CT and 93.3% [77.9–99.2], 100.0% [95.8–100.0], 100.0 and 97.7% [91.8–99.4] for FCH PET/CT. There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy of bone metastases between WB Bone SPECT/CT (AUC 0.824 [0.74–0.90]) and FCH PET/CT (AUC 0.829 [0.75–0.90], p = 0.41).

Conclusion

Despite good performances for the diagnosis of bone metastases in PC-BR, WB bone SPECT/CT does not provide additive diagnostic information over concomitant FCH PET/CT.
Panspecies molecular assays detect viral pathogens missed by real-time PCR/reverse-transcriptase PCR among pneumonia patients, Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Fieldhouse Jane K. , Bailey Emily S. , Toh Teck-Hock , Hii King-Ching , Mallinson Kerry A. , Ting Jakie , Lednicky John A. , Berita Antoinette , Nguyen Tham Thi , Galan Diego , Than Son T. , Wong See-Chang , Wong Toh-Mee , Blair Patrick J. , Gray Gregory C.
Published: August 2020

Background

In a year-long pneumonia etiology study conducted June 2017 to May 2018 in Sarawak, Malaysia, 599 patients’ nasopharyngeal swab specimens were studied with real-time polymerase chain reaction (rPCR)/ reverse-transcription (rRT-PCR) assays for respiratory pathogens known to contribute to the high burden of lower respiratory tract infections. The study team sought to compare real-time assay results with panspecies conventional molecular diagnostics to compare sensitivities and learn if novel viruses had been missed.

Methods

Specimens were studied for evidence of adenovirus (AdV), enterovirus (EV) and coronavirus (CoV) with panspecies gel-based nested PCR/RT-PCR assays. Gene sequences of specimens positive by panspecies assays were sequenced and studied with the NCBI Basic Local Alignment Search Tool software.

Results

There was considerable discordance between real-time and conventional molecular methods. The real-time AdV assay found a positivity of 10.4%; however, the AdV panspecies assay detected a positivity of 12.4% and the conventional AdV-Hexon assay detected a positivity of 19.6%. The CoV and EV panspecies assays similarly detected more positive specimens than the real-time assays, with a positivity of 7.8% by the CoV panspecies assay versus 4.2% by rRT-PCR, and 8.0% by the EV panspecies assay versus 1.0% by rRT-PCR. We were not able to ascertain virus viability in this setting. While most discordance was likely due to assay sensitivity for previously described human viruses, two novel, possible zoonotic AdV were detected.

Conclusions

The observed differences in the two modes of amplification suggest that where a problem with sensitivity is suspected, real-time assay results might be supplemented with panspecies conventional PCR/RT-PCR assays.
Simulation-based training for early procedural skills acquisition in new anesthesia trainees: a prospective observational study
Authors: Sanchez Novas Delfina , Domenech Gonzalo , Belitzky Natalia Giselda , Errecart Maria Mercedes , Terrasa Sergio Adrian , Garcia Fornari Gustavo
Published: August 2020

Background

In a setting in which learning of basic procedural skills commences upon graduation from medical school, and as a first step towards integration of simulation-based learning into the anesthesiology training program, a preparatory course for new anesthesia trainees was designed. Three educational strategies were sequentially combined (e-learning, simulation-based hands on workshops, and on-site observational learning), and performance was assessed in a stepwise approach on five procedural skills considered essential for early anesthetic management (peripheral intravenous cannulation, sterile hand wash and gowning, anesthesia workstation preparation, face-mask ventilation, and orotracheal intubation). The primary aim of this study was to determine if this preparatory training course at the onset of anesthesiology residency is useful to achieve a competent trainee performance in the clinical setting.

Methods

This prospective study was carried out at a university-affiliated hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 2017 to 2019. The 24 participants, comprising three cohorts of 8 residents each, underwent a preparatory course at the onset of residency. Diverse, consecutive educational strategies, and assessments (three stages: 1, 2, 3) took place using task-specific tools (checklists) and global rating scales for five procedural skills. The primary outcome was achievement of competent scores (85%) in final assessments, and the secondary outcomes were performance improvement between assessment stages and compliance with predefined safety items.

Results

Twenty trainees (83.3%) were found to be globally competent (both assessment tools for all procedures) during final assessments (stage 3). Statistically significant improvement was found for all procedural skills between baseline and after workshop assessment scores (stages 1–2), except for orotracheal intubation in checklists, and for all procedural skills between stages 2 and 3 except for sterile hand wash and gowning in checklists.

Conclusions

In our single-center experience, the gap for competent trainee performance in essential early anesthetic management skills can be effectively covered by conducting an intensive, preparatory course using the combination of three educational strategies (e-learning, simulation-based hands on workshops, and observational learning) at the onset of residency. This course has allowed learning to be generated in a secure environment for both patients and trainees.
Simulation-based education to promote confidence in managing clinical aggression at a paediatric hospital
Authors: Mitchell Marijke , Newall Fiona , Sokol Jennifer , Heywood Melissa , Williams Katrina
Published: August 2020

Background

An increasing number of incidents involving aggressive behaviour in acute care hospitals are being witnessed worldwide. Acute care hospital staff are often not trained or confident in managing aggression. Competent management of clinical aggression is important to maintain staff and patient safety. Training programmes for acute care staff are infrequently described in the literature and rarely reported for paediatric staff. Simulation training allows practice of skills without patient risk and may be more effective than traditional teaching formats for aggression management.

Aim and design

The aim of this proof of concept study was to develop a simulation-based education session on aggression management for acute care paediatric staff based on best practice principles, to evaluate the acceptability of this training programme and to gain an understanding of the impact of the training on participants’ perceived confidence in managing clinical aggression. Two separate simulation exercises were delivered as a 2-h component of a hospital management of clinical aggression (MOCA) training day. Participants completed a written survey immediately prior to, at completion of the simulation-based group training, and at 3–6 months following the simulation training.

Findings

Nine training days were conducted in 2017 for nursing, medical, allied health, education and security staff with a total of 146 participants (83% were acute care nurses). Two thirds (68%) of participants had experienced clinical aggression as part of their routine work, with 51% overall reporting a lack of confidence managing these patients. Immediately following the simulation training, 80% of all participants reported feeling more confident in managing clinical aggression, 47% reported a 1-point increase in confidence, whilst 33% of participants reported a 2- or 3-point increase. At 3–6 months post-training, 66% of respondents (N= 44) reported continued confidence in managing aggression with 100% of participants stating they would recommend simulation training to colleagues.

Conclusions

Simulation training is an acceptable method of training and shows promise to improve staff-perceived confidence for managing behavioural emergencies in acute paediatric health care settings. In addition, there were potential enduring positive impacts at 3 months after the study. Whilst resource and time intensive, further research assessing the benefits of utilising simulation training in this setting is warranted in order to minimise staff burn-out and improve outcomes for these very vulnerable patients.
A practical guide to virtual debriefings: communities of inquiry perspective
Authors: Cheng Adam , Kolbe Michaela , Grant Vincent , Eller Susan , Hales Roberta , Symon Benjamin , Griswold Sharon , Eppich Walter
Published: August 2020

Many simulation programs have recently shifted towards providing remote simulations with virtual debriefings. Virtual debriefings involve educators facilitating conversations through web-based videoconferencing platforms. Facilitating debriefings through a computer interface introduces a unique set of challenges. Educators require practical guidance to support meaningful virtual learning in the transition from in-person to virtual debriefings. The communities of inquiry conceptual framework offer a useful structure to organize practical guidance for conducting virtual debriefings. The communities of inquiry framework describe the three key elements—social presence, teaching presence, and cognitive presence—all of which contribute to the overall learning experience. In this paper, we (1) define the CoI framework and describe its three core elements, (2) highlight how virtual debriefings align with CoI, (3) anticipate barriers to effective virtual debriefings, and (4) share practical strategies to overcome these hurdles.
COVID-19 and a novel initiative to improve safety by 3D printing personal protective equipment parts from computed tomography
Authors: Coté John J. , Haggstrom John , Vivekanandan Ranuga , Coté Kristin A. , Real Daniel L. , Weber David P. , Cheng Anne , Dubay Nicholas G. , Farias-Eisner Robin
Published: August 2020

Background

Powered air-purifying respirators are in short supply and can break down with extended use. Replacement parts can become hard to acquire. The aim of this study was to create an innovative quality improvement proof of concept using rapid prototyping.

Methods

Here we report three cases of 3D printed powered air-purifying respirator parts. 3D printing was performed on all parts using fused deposition modeling with standard polylactic acid, in the same way that presurgical models would be created. Measurements using an electronic caliper as well as CT scans were used to compare an original part to its corresponding 3D printed parts for accuracy.

Results

Electronic caliper and computed tomography measurements both showed accuracy consistant with current published norms.

Conclusions

Ultimately, there will be questions surrounding intellectual property, effectiveness and potential long-term safety for these types of 3D printed parts. Future research should look into the addition of specific nanoparticles from the position of cost, efficacy, safety and improved accuracy.
Efficacy of indigenous plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and Trichoderma strains in eliciting resistance against bacterial wilt in a tomato
Authors: Konappa Narasimhamurthy , Krishnamurthy Soumya , Arakere Udayashankar C. , Chowdappa Srinivas , Ramachandrappa Niranjana Siddapura
Published: August 2020

Bacterial wilt of tomato caused byRalstonia solanacearumis a serious threat to tomato production worldwide. For eco-friendly management of bacterial wilt of tomato, the rhizospheric microorganisms belonging to the generaBacillus(6 isolates),Brevibacillus(1 isolate),Pseudomonas(3 isolates), andTrichoderma(8 isolates) were studied for their ability to induce innate immunity in tomato, individually and in combination againstR. solanacearumin greenhouse and field studies. In laboratory studies, maximum germination percent of 93%, vigor index of 1609 was noted in seed bacterization withP. fluorescensPf3, followed by 91% germination, vigor index of 1593 in treatment withT. asperellumT8 over control. Under greenhouse conditions, protection against bacterial wilt in individual treatments with PGPRs ranged from 38 to 43% andTrichodermasp. ranged from 39 to 43% in comparison to control. In comparison to individual seed treatment, among different combinations, maximum seed germination percent of 97% was recorded with combinationP. fluorescensPf3 +T. longibrachiatumUNS11. In greenhouse studies’ combination seed treatment withP. fluorescensPf3+ T. longibrachiatumUNS11 offered an impressive 62% protection against bacterial wilt over control. Similarly, under field conditions, seed treatment withP. fluorescensPf3+ T. longibrachiatumUNS11 resulted in 61% protection. The innate immunity triggered by eco-friendly seed treatment was analyzed by expression to defense-related enzymes such as peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonialyase, and polyphenol oxidase in comparison to control. This study indicated that the potential benefits of using combination treatments of beneficial microorganisms in effectively inducing resistance are possible for dual benefits of enhanced plant growth, tomato yield, and pathogen suppression.
Ultrasound powered piezoelectric neurostimulation devices: a commentary
Authors: Sun Tao , Wright Jason , Datta-Chaudhuri Timir
Published: August 2020

Conventional neurostimulation systems for preclinical research can be bulky and invasive due to the need for batteries or wired interfaces. Emerging as a new neural interface technique, ultrasound-powered piezoelectric neural stimulators work by converting ultrasound energy to electrical charge for neural stimulation. In addition to the benefits of wireless powering and miniaturization leading to less traumatic surgery, piezoelectric neural stimulators can also exhibit prolonged operational lifetimes for a long-term stable neural interface, and show promise for clinical translation. As one of first steps to demonstrate the value of ultrasound-powered piezoelectric neural interface, Li et al. developed a piezoelectric stimulator to activate spinal cord neural circuits for locomotion restoration in a rat model with spinal cord injury (SCI) and compared its efficacy with conventional electrical stimulation (ES). From the point of view of materials science, neural engineering and microelectronics, we provide our commentary on the article, highlighting its importance and discussing the issues that remain to be addressed in future studies in the emerging field of ultrasound powered piezoelectric neurostimulation devices.
Flow and heat transfer analysis of Eyring-Powell fluid over stratified sheet with mixed convection
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Ashbar Samia
Published: August 2020

This article presents the study of heat transfer under the influence of mixed convective flow of Eyring-Powell fluid over a stratified stretching sheet. The impact of heat generation/absorption is also discussed. The fluid is considered to be a viscous, incompressible, two dimensional, and laminar. Transformation, based on the similarity variables, is used for the alteration of modeled governing partial differential equations (PDEs) into ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The shooting approach is introduced to accomplish the mathematical solution of governing equations. Runge-Kutta method of order four is used for the integration purpose and Newton’s method helps to refine initial guesses. All the programming is done on MATLAB. The effects of emerging parameters on temperature and velocity profiles are discussed through graphs. The related physical properties of flow, i.e., the skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number are described graphically for various parameters. Numerical values for the Nusselt number and skin friction coefficient are tabulated for the various parameters. It is noted that increment in thermal stratification parameter yields fall in both velocity and temperature of fluid and a reverse relation is observed for the heat generation parameter.
Review on analytical studies of some pharmaceutical compounds containing heterocyclic rings: brinzolamide, timolol maleate, flumethasone pivalate, and clioquinol
Authors: Mandour Asmaa A. , Nabil Nada , Zaazaa Hala E. , Abdelkawy Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Background

The heterocyclic compounds are extremely important with wide array of synthetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. Heterocyclic-containing compounds have been reported for their broad spectrum of biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoal, and anthelmintic activity.

Main text

Several techniques have been used for the quantitation of heterocyclic compounds in pharmaceutical samples such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) either equipped with UV-visible or fluorescence, in addition to liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy, UV-visible spectrophotometry, and electrochemical techniques. This article reviewed several published methods that have been applied to detect and quantify some pharmaceutical drugs containing heterocyclic compounds focusing on four drugs: brinzolamide, timolol maleate, flumethasone pivalate, and clioquinol.

Conclusion

From literature reviews, HPLC is the most widely used analytical technique for the quantitative analysis of the four selected drugs.
Efficacy of manual hyperinflation on arterial blood gases in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia
Authors: Elrefaey Basant H. , Zidan Mohamed S.
Published: August 2020

Background

Tracheal intubation exposes mechanically ventilated patients to serious pulmonary complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of manual hyperinflation in supine versus lateral decubitus position on arterial blood gases (ABG) in patients with VAP. Forty-two patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia with age range from 40 to 60 years were selected. They were randomly divided into two equal groups: group A who received manual hyperinflation from supine position and group B who received manual hyperinflation from lateral decubitus position (upper most affected). Both groups received respiratory physiotherapy. The patients received 2 sessions per day for 6 days. Outcome measures were arterial blood gases (PaO2, PaCO2, PaO2/FiO2, and SaO2). They were assessed before the 1st morning session (pre), at day 3 (post 1), and at day 6 (post 2).

Results

After sessions, significant changes of measured variables (PaO2, PaCO2, PaO2/FiO2, and SaO2) were obtained in both groups (P< 0.05, in all variables) and by comparison between groups post-intervention; a significant difference was observed between both groups in measures of oxygenation in favor of group B (P< 0.05), whereas there was a non-significant difference in the PaC02 between both groups (post 1P= 0.52 and post 2P= 0.33).

Conclusion

It was concluded that effect of the bag squeezing on arterial blood gases in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia from lateral decubitus position was more effective than from supine position.

Trial registration

PACTR, PACTR201909817075549. Registered October 21, 2018—retrospectively registered

https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=4655
Efficacy of uniportal video-assisted medical thoracoscopy in the management of multiloculated pleural infections: a retrospective study
Authors: Shoukri Amr Mounir
Published: August 2020

Background

Pleural infection is a serious medical issue for which the appropriate management is still controversial. Complicated (multiloculated) pleural infection usually requires invasive approach.

Results

A retrospective study that aims to assess the efficacy of uniportal video-assisted medical thoracoscopy in the management of complicated (multiloculated) pleural infections. Review of the charts of 37 patients with multiloculated pleural infections who were treated by uniportal video-assisted medical thoracoscopy. There were 30 (81.08%) males and 7 (18.91%) females, age ranging from 22 to 73 years, with a mean age of 49.13 ± 15. Etiology of empyema was complicated parapneumonic effusion in 25 patients (67.5%), tuberculosis in 10 patients (27.02%), and malignancy in 2 patients (5.40%). Treatment of multiloculated pleural infections by uniportal video-assisted medical thoracoscopy was successful in 33 patients (89.1%); those patients did not require any further intervention. Among successful cases, 25 patients (75.75%) showed complete resolution, and 8 patients (24.24%) showed partial success. Four patients (10.81%) required subsequent thoracotomy with decortication.

Conclusion

The conclusion of the present study is that uniportal video-assisted medical thoracoscopy is a safe, valuable, and effective tool in the management of multiloculated pleural infections.
Full-waveform inversion with borehole constraints for elastic VTI media
Authors: Singh Sagar , Tsvankin Ilya , Zabihi Naeini Ehsan
Published: August 2020

The nonlinearity of full-waveform inversion (FWI) and parameter trade-offs can prevent convergence toward the actual model, especially for elastic anisotropic media. The problems with parameter updating become particularly severe if ultra-low-frequency seismic data are unavailable, and the initial model is not sufficiently accurate. We introduce a robust way to constrain the inversion workflow using borehole information obtained from well logs. These constraints are included in the form of rock-physics relationships for different geologic facies (e.g., shale, sand, salt, and limestone). We develop a multiscale FWI algorithm for transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI media) that incorporates facies information through a regularization term in the objective function. That term is updated during the inversion by using the models obtained at the previous inversion stage. To account for lateral heterogeneity between sparse borehole locations, we use an image-guided smoothing algorithm. Numerical testing for structurally complex anisotropic media demonstrates that the facies-based constraints may ensure the convergence of the objective function towards the global minimum in the absence of ultra-low-frequency data and for simple (even 1D) initial models. We test the algorithm on clean data and on surface records contaminated by Gaussian noise. The algorithm also produces a high-resolution facies model, which should be instrumental in reservoir characterization.
High-dimensional co-occurrence matrix: A new tool for 3D seismic target visualization and interpretation
Authors: Luo Qiang , Wang Yibo , Zheng Yikang , Chang Xu , Wang Baodeng , Zeng Rongshu
Published: August 2020

The interpretation of seismic attributes has been developed for more than 40 years, but it still cannot be fully matched with the study of geologic sedimentology. There are two main bottlenecks. One is that almost no attributes can completely characterize amplitudes from a 3D perspective. Another is the influence of wavelets (frequency and phase). Accordingly, a new volumetric attribute extraction technique is presented for solving these two problems as much as possible. A high-dimensional co-occurrence matrix (HCM), as a statistical representation of the spatial structural relationship between data points, can be one of the solutions to extracting 3D attributes. By considering the global spatial distribution, the HCM fixes the directional distortion of the existing co-occurrence matrix methods and effectively suppresses vertical wavelet illusions. By realizing a rapid transformation of seismic data to 3D geologic target visualizations, this method does not rely heavily on structural information such as dip and azimuth and becomes a convenient bridge from seismic to geologic interpretation. We have applied the methodology to channel delineation in a 3D seismic survey acquired in Ordos, China. The results indicate that the attribute volume extracted from HCM expresses the geologic target convincingly and eliminates the illusions caused by the wavelets. The deposition history of the channels could be observed continuously through geologic time.
Geothermal potential of the Tubbergen Formation in the Twente region of east Netherlands
Authors: Veenstra Edo , de Groot Paul , de Lange John , Mol Andre , van den Heuvel Piet
Published: August 2020

We have determined the potential geothermal prospectivity of clean sandstones in the Tubbergen Formation (Late Carboniferous) of the Twente area (eastern Netherlands). We were motivated by the prevailing paradigm that in the Netherlands geothermal power can only be harvested economically through large, expensive installations producing high volumes from high-quality aquifers located between approximately 1500 and 2500 m. No such aquifers are present in Twente. We found that heat production is economically feasible from the Tubbergen Formation sandstones by producing smaller volumes from smaller, highly efficient installations that can be developed at considerably lower cost. Our reinterpretation of publicly available seismic and well data shows that potentially suitable sandstones occur over the whole area with thicknesses of up to 50 m, porosities reaching 20%, and permeabilities reaching 300 mD. The Tubbergen Formation is approximately 400–700 m thick in the study area and contains approximately 60% sandstone. The top reservoir reaches an approximate 1500 m depth in the southwest, and the base reaches some 4300 m in the northeast of the study area. The temperature is expected to range between 60°C and 140°C depending on the depth. The Carboniferous is densely faulted with a block size of approximately 3 × 4 km, each block being a potential target for geothermal development. To determine the economic feasibility, we performed an economic screening for a hypothetical location north of the city of Enschede and backed this up by reservoir simulations. The geologic risks of the Tubbergen Formation are the lack of permeability, reservoir thickness, and lateral extent of the reservoirs. In our judgment, the chance of economic success for this site is 50% or more. Upside potential is present in numerous fault blocks in the study area and in adjacent areas where suitable sandstones with similar porosity and permeability at greater depth and higher temperatures are expected.
Fracture behavior of Longmaxi shale with implications for subsurface applications
Authors: Liao Zonghu , Deng Shunjie , Chen Xiaofeng , Wu Mengni , Kang Yongshang , Zeng Lianbo , Zou Huayao
Published: August 2020

Fracture mechanical properties of shales have gained continued interest recently due to their critical role in many shale-related applications such as unconventional petroleum systems and subsurface carbon and waste disposal. However, due to their strong reactive nature to fluids, fracture mechanical properties of shales have not been extensively studied like other rock types. A more comprehensive understanding of fracture system development in shales under reactive fluids is needed for subsurface applications. We have measured fracture mechanical properties of Longmaxi shale outcrop samples in the Sichuan Basin, China, under different environments of ambient air, deionized water, saline fluids of NaCl and KCl at 0.5 M concentration, and acidic HCl fluid at pH of 5. All aqueous fluids tested show strong weakening effects on fracture propagation compared to the air environment, with the fracture toughness reduced by 75% and the subcritical fracture growth index reduced by 50%. Microstructural analysis reveals the predominantly grain boundary opening cracking mode for all tests, but the fracture traces branch more in reactive aqueous fluids. Natural fractures are comparable with artificial fractures in morphology. Bedding-perpendicular opening mode fractures with multiple-stage fracture fillings of calcite, quartz, and organic matters develop well in natural fractures. Our results suggest that clay mineral hydration and expansion are the main cause for the fluid weakening effect in Longmaxi shale, which has substantial implications for subsurface shale failure processes.
Methodology and application of shale-reservoir natural fracture modeling based on microseismic monitoring data
Authors: Liu Ziwei , Wu Jiapeng , Han Wenzhong , Zhang Yonggui , Li Zhenyong , Ma Yuehua , Ma Kecong , Zhang Yao , Wang Hu
Published: August 2020

Fracturing is a key factor for shale oil and gas enrichment and high production. An accurate fracture model can effectively guide shale oil and gas exploration and development. The establishment of a natural fracture model must address the challenges of difficult data acquisition and poor representativeness of data points. To solve these problems, we have developed a method of shale-reservoir natural fracture modeling based on microseismic monitoring data. This method includes three steps. First, we establish an initial natural fracture model based on scale classification, vertical stratification, and genetic classification. Second, the shape and density of the hydraulic fractures are interpreted by microseismic monitoring data to calibrate the initial model of the shale reservoir natural fractures. Third, we verify the rationality of the model by assessment of the fracture porosity and permeability values. The results show that it is possible to calibrate the natural fracture density model using the fracture shape and density as determined by microseismic monitoring. And we predict that an ideal hydraulic fracture network can be formed when the body density of the natural fracturing is greater than 0.3 m2/m3. The crude production of wells is negatively correlated with the development of large-scale structural fractures and positively correlated with small-scale structural fractures. The well trajectory should run through small-scale fracture development sections as much as possible, avoiding large-scale, high-angle fracture areas. This method provides a new approach to model natural fractures in shale reservoirs that has wide applicability and can be used for modeling shale oil and gas reservoirs.
Understanding angiodiversity: insights from single cell biology
Authors: Jakab Moritz , Augustin Hellmut G.
Published: August 2020

Blood vessels have long been considered as passive conduits for delivering blood. However, in recent years, cells of the vessel wall (endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and pericytes) have emerged as active, highly dynamic components that orchestrate crosstalk between the circulation and organs. Encompassing the whole body and being specialized to the needs of distinct organs, it is not surprising that vessel lining cells come in different flavours. There is calibre-specific specialization (arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, veins), but also organ-specific heterogeneity in different microvascular beds (continuous, discontinuous, sinusoidal). Recent technical advances in the field of single cell biology have enabled the profiling of thousands of single cells and, hence, have allowed for the molecular dissection of such angiodiversity, yielding a hitherto unparalleled level of spatial and functional resolution. Here, we review how these approaches have contributed to our understanding of angiodiversity.
Chromosome–nuclear envelope tethering – a process that orchestrates homologue pairing during plant meiosis?
Authors: Sepsi Adél , Schwarzacher Trude
Published: August 2020

During prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair, synapse and exchange their genetic material through reciprocal homologous recombination, a phenomenon essential for faithful chromosome segregation. Partial sequence identity between non-homologous and heterologous chromosomes can also lead to recombination (ectopic recombination), a highly deleterious process that rapidly compromises genome integrity. To avoid ectopic exchange, homology recognition must be extended from the narrow position of a crossover-competent double-strand break to the entire chromosome. Here, we review advances on chromosome behaviour during meiotic prophase I in higher plants, by integrating centromere- and telomere dynamics driven by cytoskeletal motor proteins, into the processes of homologue pairing, synapsis and recombination. Centromere–centromere associations and the gathering of telomeres at the onset of meiosis at opposite nuclear poles create a spatially organised and restricted nuclear state in which homologous DNA interactions are favoured but ectopic interactions also occur. The release and dispersion of centromeres from the nuclear periphery increases the motility of chromosome arms, allowing meiosis-specific movements that disrupt ectopic interactions. Subsequent expansion of interstitial synapsis from numerous homologous interactions further corrects ectopic interactions. Movement and organisation of chromosomes, thus, evolved to facilitate the pairing process, and can be modulated by distinct stages of chromatin associations at the nuclear envelope and their collective release.
Toxicity reduction required for MRI-guided radiotherapy to be cost-effective in the treatment of localized prostate cancer
Authors: Schumacher Leif-Erik D , Dal Pra Alan , Hoffe Sarah E , Mellon Eric A
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To determine the toxicity reduction required to justify the added costs of MRI-guided radiotherapy (MR-IGRT) over CT-based image guided radiotherapy (CT-IGRT) for the treatment of localized prostate cancer.

Methods:

The costs of delivering prostate cancer radiotherapy with MR-IGRT and CT-IGRT in conventional 39 fractions and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) 5 fractions schedules were determined using literature values and cost accounting from two institutions. Gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity rates associated with CT-IGRT were summarized from 20 studies. Toxicity-related costs and utilities were obtained from literature values and cost databases. Markov modeling was used to determine the savings per patient for every 1% relative reduction in acute and chronic toxicities by MR-IGRT over 15 years. The costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) saved with toxicity reduction were juxtaposed with the cost increase of MR-IGRT to determine toxicity reduction thresholds for cost-effectiveness. One way sensitivity analyses were performed. Standard $100,000 and $50,000 per QALY ratios were used.

Results:

The added cost of MR-IGRT was $1,459 per course of SBRT and $10,129 per course of conventionally fractionated radiotherapy. Relative toxicity reductions of 7 and 14% are required for SBRT to be cost-effective using $100,000 and $50,000 per QALY, respectively. Conventional radiotherapy requires relative toxicity reductions of 50 and 94% to be cost-effective.

Conclusion:

From a healthcare perspective, MR-IGRT can reasonably be expected to be cost-effective. Hypofractionated schedules, such a five fraction SBRT, are most likely to be cost-effective as they require only slight reductions in toxicity (7–14%).

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first detailed economic assessment of MR-IGRT, and it suggests that MR-IGRT can be cost-effective for prostate cancer treatment through toxicity reduction alone.
Functional cardiac CT–Going beyond Anatomical Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease with Cine CT, CT-FFR, CT Perfusion and Machine Learning
Authors: Peper Joyce , Suchá Dominika , Swaans Martin , Leiner Tim
Published: August 2020

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of different functional cardiac CT techniques which can be used to supplement assessment of the coronary arteries to establish the significance of coronary artery stenoses. We focus on cine-CT, CT-FFR, CT-myocardial perfusion and how developments in machine learning can supplement these techniques.
Optimisation of tube voltage range (kVp) for AP abdomen, pelvis and spine imaging of average patients with a digital radiography (DR) imaging system using a computer simulator
Authors: Moore Craig Steven , Wood Tim , Balcam Stephen , Needler Liam , Guest Tim , Ngu Wee Ping , Chong Lee Wun , Saunderson John , Beavis Andrew
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

To investigate via computer simulation, an optimised tube voltage (kVp) range for caesium iodide (CsI)-based digital radiography (DR) of the abdomen, pelvis and lumbar spine.

Methods:

Software capable of simulating abdomen, pelvis and spine radiographs was used. Five evaluators graded clinical image criteria in images of 20 patients at tube voltages ranging from 60 to 120 kVp in 10 kVp increments. These criteria were scored blindly against the same patient reconstructed at a specific reference kVp. Linear mixed effects analysis was used to evaluate image scores for each criterion and test for statistical significance.

Results:

Score was dependent on tube voltage and image criteria; both were statistically significant. All criteria for all anatomies scored very poorly at 60 kVp. Scores for abdomen, pelvis and spine imaging peaked at 70, 70 and 100 kVp, respectively, but other kVp values were not significantly poorer.

Conclusions:

Results indicate optimum tube voltages of 70 kVp for abdomen and pelvis (with an optimum range 70–120 kVp), and 100 kVp (optimum range 80–120 kVp) for lumbar spine.

Advances in knowledge:

There are no recommendations for optimised tube voltage parameters for DR abdomen, pelvis or lumbar spine imaging. This study has investigated and recommended an optimal tube voltage range.
Os idosos na agenda governamental
Authors: Burgos Fernando
Published: August 2020

As mudanças na pirâmide etária brasileira requerem políticas públicas inovadoras que considerem a heterogeneidade da população com mais de 65 anos.
Kannada akshara knowledge in primary school children: measurement of accuracy and reaction time using a cross-sectional study design
Authors: Usha Mysore Nanda Kumar , Anakkathil Anil Malavika , Prabhu Shwetha , Bhat Jayashree S. , Haralakatta Shivananjappa Somashekara
Published: August 2020

Background: Reading acquisition varies between languages, as languages differ in terms of phonology and orthography. Orthographic knowledge is demonstrated to be crucial in literacy acquisition in most orthographies. The literature on acquisition of orthographic knowledge has focused more on alphabetic orthographies and less is understood in alphasyllabary Kannada language. The present study aimed to understand the akshara knowledge acquisition by measuring akshara identification accuracy and reaction time in typically developing Kannada medium primary school children.

Methods: The study consisted of 315 typically developing children, 45 each from Grade I through Grade VII between the age range of 5 years 6 months to 12 years 6 months. The children were assessed for akshara identification accuracy and reaction time using a representative sample of 67 akshara selected at four different levels of complexity: vowels in primary form, consonant with inherent vowels, consonant with vowel diacritics, and consonant clusters. The mean performance was compared between the groups using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni test.

Results: One-way ANOVA revealed significant main effect (p≤0.05) of Grade on akshara identification accuracy and reaction time. The post-hoc Bonferroni test revealed that the mean akshara identification accuracy improved significantly (p≤0.05) from Grade I to Grade V and reached a plateau at Grade VI. The reaction time significantly reduced from Grade I to Grade IV and there was no significant change beyond Grade V.   

Conclusion: The children learning to read alphasyllabary Kannada gain mastery over the majority of aksharas during the initial years of formal schooling, which develops completely by Grade VI. The automaticity in naming akshara develops gradually and reaches a plateau by Grade IV. The present findings indicate that children acquire automaticity in naming akshara early, while the akshara knowledge continues to develop.
Open Access of COVID-19-related publications in the first quarter of 2020: a preliminary study based in PubMed
Authors: Arrizabalaga Olatz , Otaegui David , Vergara Itziar , Arrizabalaga Julio , Méndez Eva
Published: August 2020

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has made funders, researchers and publishers agree to have research publications, as well as other research outputs, such as data, become openly available. In this extraordinary research context of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, publishers are announcing that their coronavirus-related articles will be made immediately accessible in appropriate open repositories, like PubMed Central (PMC), agreeing upon funders’ and researchers’ instigation.

Methods: This work uses Unpaywall, OpenRefine and PubMed to analyse the level of openness of the papers about COVID-19, published during the first quarter of 2020. It also analyses Open Access (OA) articles published about previous coronavirus (SARS CoV-1 and MERS CoV) as a means of comparison.

Results: A total of 5,611 COVID-19-related articles were analysed from PubMed. This is a much higher amount for a period of 4 months compared to those found for SARS CoV-1 and MERS during the first year of their first outbreaks (337 and 125 articles, respectively).  Regarding the levels of openness, 97.4% of the SARS CoV-2 papers are freely available; similar rates were found for the other coronaviruses. Deeper analysis showed that (i) 68.3% of articles belong to an undefined Bronze category; (ii) 72.1% of all OA papers don’t carry a specific license and in all cases where there is, half of them do not meet Open Access standards; (iii)  there is a large proportion that present a copy in a repository, in most cases in PMC, where this trend is also observed. These patterns were found to be repeated in most frequent publishers: Elsevier, Springer and Wiley.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that, although scientific production is much higher than during previous epidemics and is open, there is a caveat to this opening, characterized by the absence of fundamental elements and values ​​on which Open Science is based, such as licensing.