bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single center experience on the production of fluorine-18 radiopharmaceuticals using a 7.5 MeV cyclotron: capabilities and challenges
Authors: Fesas Andreas , Pourkhessalian Mohammad Reza , Vrachimis Alexis 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA plethora of cyclotron options have been developed to fulfil the demands of nuclear medicine industries in PET and SPECT radioisotopes. As a remote site, the difficulties of transporting fluorine 18 radiopharmaceuticals for PET examinations were overcome by the installation of a 7.5 MeV cyclotron for in-house production. The addition of a third-party synthesis module enabled the synthesis of 7 additional radiotracers according to a ‘’dose on demand’’ principle. Radiochemical yield is considered the primary factor in producing sufficient activity for a single patient dose, since low energy cyclotrons can only offer low initial activities. We hereby report the average radiochemical yields, synthesis times and doses per production for [18F]FDG, [18F]PSMA-1007, [18F]DOPA, [18F]FET, [18F]FLT, [18F]FMISO, [18F]Choline and [18F]FES using a BG75 cyclotron and a Neptis Mosaic-RS. Additionally, the presence of radionuclidic impurities in the final product was examined.
Effectiveness of prophylactic intravenous ondasetron to reduce fentanyl induced pruritus among elective cesarean section patients in Worabe Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, 2020, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hulchafo Abdi , Abiy Sileshi , Shifa Shukralla , Yemam Dessalegn 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:
Prurius is the most common reason that obstetrics receive a treatment after intrathecal opioids. Which is characterized by an unpleasant, localized and/or generalized sensation on the skin and mucous membranes. It deserves the same degree of clinical attention as pain. Its incidence is 30–100% and having special increment in case of obstetric patients 60–100%.

Methods:
Institution based double blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 93 patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia with 25 μg fentanyl and 12.5 mg bupivacaine were included. Data was entered by coding and analyzed by using SPSS version 20 software package and pruritus was analyzed using cross-tabulation (chi-square test) and presented in frequency and percentage. Severity of pruritus was compared by using Mann Whitney U test for statistical significant difference between groups. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant at power of 80%.

Results:
The comparison of data showed that the incidences of pruritus in treatment group (14%) were significantly reduced with compared to placebo group (36%) approximately by 2.6 times at p-value (0.01). The overall severity of pruritus was mild (85.7% vs 47.4%), moderate (14.3% vs 47.4%) and severe (0.0% vs. 5.3%) between ondansetron and placebo groups respectively but not statistically significant.

Conclusions:
Prophylactic use of IV ondansetron significantly reduced the incidence of intrathecal fentanyl induced pruritus compared to placebo groups in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

Highlights:
Affording Archaeology: How Field School Costs Promote Exclusivity
Authors: Heath-Stout Laura E. , Hannigan Elizabeth M. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTField schools are essential for undergraduate students pursuing careers in archaeology, but they are expensive and, consequently, inaccessible to many. Although there have been efforts to rectify this through the creation of scholarships, there have been no systematic studies of the full cost of archaeological field schools. Here, we present a study of 208 field schools from 2019, including their tuition, room and board, and airfare, as well as the wages that students may lose by participating in them rather than working. We also explore how archaeologists interviewed for Heath-Stout's dissertation study of diversity issues in the discipline have navigated finding field experiences. We argue that scholarships are an ineffective and insufficient means of promoting equity and accessibility in the field because the root of the problem lies in institutionalized inequality and exclusivity. We provide strategies that students and faculty can use to address these problems on both individual and systemic levels. By making field schools affordable and accessible to a more diverse set of undergraduate students, we can create a more just and inclusive discipline.
Novel second-order sliding mode guidance law with an impact angle constraint that considers autopilot lag for intercepting manoeuvering targets
Authors: Zhang W.J. , Xia Q.L. , Li W. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTA novel second-order sliding-mode-based impact angle and autopilot lag guidance law for engaging manoeuvering targets with unknown acceleration is presented in this study. A backstepping technique is applied to the design of the sliding surface. The proposed guidance law is based on a new sliding surface. It exhibits the advantage of ensuring that the sliding surface and its derivative will converge to zero in finite time while guaranteeing that the sliding surface will not cross zero until the ultimate time. The method effectively eliminates the undesired chattering of the sliding surface. To compensate for the uncertainty caused by target manoeuvering, a new observer is developed to estimate target manoeuvering. The convergence of the system is proven through a Lyapunov function and finite time convergence theory. Lastly, mathematical simulations results show that the proposed guidance law can achieve precise interception with a wide range of impact angles, thereby verifying the effectiveness of the guidance law.
LESS-EXPENSIVE VALUATION AND RESERVING OF LONG-DATED VARIABLE ANNUITIES WHEN INTEREST RATES AND MORTALITY RATES ARE STOCHASTIC
Authors: Fergusson Kevin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractVariable annuities are products offered by pension funds and life offices that provide periodic future payments to the investor and often have ancillary benefits that guarantee survival benefits or sums insured on death. This paper extends the benchmark approach to value and hedge long-dated variable annuities using a combination of cash, bonds and equities under a variety of market models, allowing for dependence between financial and insurance markets. Under a simplified case of independence, the results show that when the discounted index is modelled as a time-transformed squared Bessel process, less-expensive valuation and reserving is achieved regardless of the short rate model or the mortality model.
EU Internal Market Law and the Law of International Commercial Arbitration: Have the EU Chickens Come Home to Roost?
Authors: FERRETTI Federico 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEU Internal Market law and international arbitration increasingly interact with each other but there are important areas of conflict between the two that represent an obstacle to market integration in a common area of justice. The article examines, from the perspective of EU public economic law, these areas of conflict to assess the extent to which the Internal Market needs harmonised rules on commercial arbitration to support dispute resolution and access to an efficient delivery of justice within its operation. The current state of affairs is unsatisfactory and it lacks legal certainty. If properly regulated, commercial arbitration can become an important instrument functional to EU market efficiency.
Acute care research competencies for clinical research professionals
Authors: Schuckman Stephanie , Babcock Lynn , Spinner Cristina , Adeoye Opeolu , Gomaa Dina , Pritts Timothy , Kissela Brett M. , Lindsell Christopher J. , Knapke Jacqueline M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroduction:Acute care research (ACR) is uniquely challenged by the constraints of recruiting participants and conducting research procedures within minutes to hours of an unscheduled critical illness or injury. Existing competencies for clinical research professionals (CRPs) are gaining traction but may have gaps for the acute environment. We sought to expand existing CRP competencies to include the specialized skills needed for ACR settings.Methods:Qualitative data collected from job shadowing, clinical observations, and interviews were analyzed to assess the educational needs of the acute care clinical research workforce. We identified competencies necessary to succeed as an ACR-CRP, and then applied Bloom’s Taxonomy to develop characteristics into learning outcomes that frame both knowledge to be acquired and job performance metrics.Results:There were 28 special interest competencies for ACR-CRPs identified within the eight domains set by the Joint Task Force (JTF) of Clinical Trial Competency. While the eight domains were not prioritized by the JTF, in ACR an emphasis on Communication and Teamwork, Clinical Trials Operations, and Data Management and Informatics was observed. Within each domain, distinct proficiencies and unique personal characteristics essential for success were identified. The competencies suggest that a combination of competency-based training, behavioral-based hiring practices, and continuing professional development will be essential to ACR success.Conclusion:The competencies developed for ACR can serve as a training guide for CRPs to be prepared for the challenges of conducting research within this vulnerable population. Hiring, training, and supporting the development of this workforce are foundational to clinical research in this challenging setting.
The potential for antibody-dependent enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Translational implications for vaccine development
Authors: Wang Jiong , Zand Martin S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThere is an urgent need for vaccines to the 2019 coronavirus (COVID19; SARS-CoV-2). Vaccine development may not be straightforward, due to antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Antibodies against viral surface proteins can, in some cases, increase infection severity by ADE. This phenomenon occurs in SARS-CoV-1, MERS, HIV, Zika, and dengue virus infection and vaccination. Lack of high-affinity anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in children may explain the decreased severity of infection in these groups. Here, we discuss the evidence for ADE in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection and how to address this potential translational barrier to vaccine development, convalescent plasma, and targeted monoclonal antibody therapies.
The impact of changing reflexive to clinician-ordered Clostridioides difficile polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for indeterminate cases: Cost savings without associated adverse events
Authors: Sullivan Eva L. , Majumdar Rohit , Ortiz Courtney , Riggs Patricia K. , Crum-Cianflone Nancy F. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjective:To evaluate changing Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) testing among inpatients with indeterminate enzyme immunoassay (EIA) results (antigen+/toxin−) from reflexive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to clinician-ordered PCR testing.Design:Multicenter, before-and-after, quasi-experimental study.Setting:Four large urban tertiary-care hospitals.Methods:We evaluated two 6-month periods before and after an intervention. The primary study outcome was the change in the number of CDI diagnoses between periods. Secondary outcomes included the number of PCR tests performed, adverse events, and healthcare cost savings.Results:In total, 500 EIA-indeterminate C. difficile test results were evaluated: 281 before the intervention and 219 thereafter. CDI was diagnosed by PCR among EIA-indeterminate cases in 182 in the preintervention period versus 94 patients in the postintervention period (48% reduction; P < .01). PCR testing was performed in 99.6% of indeterminate cases (280 of 281; 1 not performed due to an inhibitor) in the preintervention period versus 66% (144 of 219) in the postintervention period (34% reduction; P < .01). We observed no differences between study periods in 30-day all-cause (P = .96), GI-related (P = .93), or C. difficile (P = .47) readmissions, nor in 30-day C. difficile infections (P > .99). No patient without a PCR test in the postintervention period and not treated was later diagnosed with CDI. Each reflexive PCR test not performed led to a cost savings of $4,498 per patient.Conclusions:Applying diagnostic stewardship to C. difficile PCR testing in the inpatient setting led to significant reductions in both testing and cases. Changing the C. difficile PCR testing algorithm for EIA-indeterminate cases from reflexive to clinician-required ordering resulted in valuable cost savings without associated adverse events.
Surface exposure dating of the Pierre Sublobe of the James Lobe, Laurentide Ice Sheet
Authors: Heath Stephanie L. , Lowell Thomas V. , Hall Brenda L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe Laurentide Ice Sheet of the last glacial period terminated in several lobes along its southern margin. The timing of maximum extent may have varied among the terminal lobes owing to internal ice sheet dynamics and spatially variable external controls. Some terminal ice lobes, such as the westernmost James Lobe, remain poorly dated. To determine the timing of maximum ice extent in this key location, we have mapped glacial deposits left by the Pierre Sublobe in South Dakota and applied 10Be surface exposure age dating on boulders on moraine ridges associated with three distinct late Quaternary glacial drifts. The oldest and most extensive “Tazewell” drift produced variable 10Be surface exposure ages spanning 20–7 ka; the large range is likely attributable to moraine degradation and subsequent boulder exhumation. The oldest ages of about 20 ka are probably limiting minimum ages for the Tazewell moraine surfaces. By contrast, exposure ages of the youngest “Mankato” drift of the easternmost Pierre Sublobe tightly cluster at about 16 ka. This age for the Pierre Sublobe is consistent with the nearby Des Moines Lobe, suggesting both acted together.
Resistant starch supplementation increases crypt cell proliferative state in the rectal mucosa of older healthy participants
Authors: Malcomson Fiona C. , Willis Naomi D. , McCallum Iain , Xie Long , Ouwehand Arthur C. , Stowell Julian D. , Kelly Seamus , Bradburn D. Michael , Belshaw Nigel J. , Johnson Ian T. , Mathers John C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThere is strong evidence that foods containing dietary fibre protect against colorectal cancer, resulting at least in part from its anti-proliferative properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementation with two non-digestible carbohydrates, resistant starch (RS) and polydextrose (PD), on crypt cell proliferative state (CCPS) in the macroscopically normal rectal mucosa of healthy individuals. We also investigated relationships between expression of regulators of apoptosis and of the cell cycle on markers of CCPS. Seventy-five healthy participants were supplemented with RS and/or PD or placebo for 50 d in a 2 × 2 factorial design in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (the Dietary Intervention, Stem cells and Colorectal Cancer (DISC) Study). CCPS was assessed, and the expression of regulators of the cell cycle and of apoptosis was measured by quantitative PCR in rectal mucosal biopsies. SCFA concentrations were quantified in faecal samples collected pre- and post-intervention. Supplementation with RS increased the total number of mitotic cells within the crypt by 60 % (P = 0·001) compared with placebo. This effect was limited to older participants (aged ≥50 years). No other differences were observed for the treatments with PD or RS as compared with their respective controls. PD did not influence any of the measured variables. RS, however, increased cell proliferation in the crypts of the macroscopically-normal rectum of older adults. Our findings suggest that the effects of RS on CCPS are not only dose, type of RS and health status-specific but are also influenced by age.
Promoting a Public Service Ethic in the Legal Profession in Kenya: The Imperative Role of Clinical Legal Education
Authors: Osiemo Lynette , Kok Anton 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe taskforce appointed in 2016 to undertake a review of the legal sector in Kenya highlighted a decline in public service and pro bono work as one of the challenges facing the legal profession in the country. In its report, the taskforce made several proposals to tackle the problem, all directed at qualified lawyers. This article seeks to contribute to the deliberations anticipated from the findings of the taskforce, by suggesting instead that the problem of a declining public service ethic be addressed by targeting law students. Bringing students face to face with real clients and their needs can play an important role in broadening their horizons and shaping their beliefs about, and attitudes towards, the different possible careers they can pursue with their education. The article specifically recommends clinical legal education as a practical and comprehensive means by which students can be encouraged from early on to have an interest in pro bono and public service work.
Constrained language use in Finnish: A corpus-driven approach
Authors: Ivaska Ilmari , Bernardini Silvia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIt has been suggested that second languages and translated languages are constrained by an interplay of several linguistic systems. This paper reports on a data-driven quantitative study on constrained Finnish. We detect linguistic phenomena that distinguish constrained from non-constrained Finnish across constrained varieties, first/source languages, and registers. Implementing a two-phase method, we first detect key quantitative differences of syntactically defined POS bigrams between each variety-, language-pair- and register-specific constrained dataset and its non-constrained counterpart, using Boruta feature selection. We then use the results as variables in a Multi-dimensional Analysis. The results show that both nominal complexity and verbal/clausal complexity distinguish constrained from non-constrained Finnish. These differences interact with both type of constraint and register: the constrained varieties are less sensitive to register differences, and this tendency is more pronounced in learner Finnish than in translated Finnish. Leaving out any of these variables from the analysis would blur our view of this multi-faceted phenomenon.
Oral and nasal probiotic administration for the prevention and alleviation of allergic diseases, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Jamalkandi Sadegh Azimzadeh , Ahmadi Ali , Ahrari Iman , Salimian Jafar , Karimi Mehrdad , Ghanei Mostafa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractInteraction between a healthy microbiome and the immune system leads to body homeostasis, as dysbiosis in microbiome content and loss of diversity may result in disease development. Due to the ability of probiotics to help and modify microbiome constitution, probiotics are now widely used for the prevention and treatment of different gastrointestinal, inflammatory, and, more recently, respiratory diseases. In this regard, chronic respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and allergic rhinitis are among the most common and complicated respiratory diseases with no specific treatment until now. Accordingly, many studies have evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of probiotic administration (mostly via the oral route and much lesser nasal route) on chronic respiratory diseases. We tried to summarise and evaluate these studies to give a perspective of probiotic therapy via both the oral and nasal routes for respiratory infections (in general) and chronic respiratory diseases (specifically). We finally concluded that probiotics might be useful for allergic diseases. For asthmatic patients, probiotics can modulate serum cytokines and IgE and decrease eosinophilia, but with no significant reduction in clinical symptoms. For COPD, only limited studies were found with uncertain clinical efficacy. For intranasal administration, although some studies propose more efficiency than the oral route, more clinical evaluations are warranted.
Effect of Extreme Temperature on Naloxone Nasal Spray Dispensing Device Performance
Authors: Estephan Michael , Loner Carly , Acquisto Nicole M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroduction:The opioid epidemic has led to the wide-spread distribution of naloxone to emergency personnel and to the general public. Recommended storage conditions based on prescribing information are between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F), with excursions permitted between 4°C and 40°C (39°F and 104°F). Actual storage likely varies widely with potential exposures to extreme temperatures outside of these ranges. These potentially prolonged extreme temperatures may alter the volume of naloxone dispensed from the nasal spray device, which could result in suboptimal efficacy.Study Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the naloxone volume deployed following nasal spray device storage at extreme temperatures over an extended period of time.Methods:Naloxone nasal spray devices were exposed to storage temperatures of −29°C (−20°F), 20°C (68°F), and 71°C (160°F) to simulate extreme temperatures and a control for 10 hours. First, the density was measured under each temperature condition. Following the density calculation part of the experiment, the mass of naloxone dispensed from each nasal spray device at each temperature was captured and used to calculate volume: calculated volume (microliter, µl) = spray mass (mg converted to g)/mean density (g/mL). Measurements and calculations are reported as means with standard deviation and standard error, and a one-way ANOVA was used to evaluate mean dispensed volume differences at different temperatures.Results:There was no difference in the mean volume deployed at −29°C (−20°F), 20°C (68°F), and 71°C (160°F), and measurements were 101.44µl (SD = 9.56; SE = 5.52), 99.01µl (SD = 6.31; SE = 3.64), and 108.28µl (SD = 2.04; SE = 1.18), respectively; P value = .289, F-statistic value = 1.535.Conclusion:The results of this study suggest that naloxone nasal spray devices will dispense the appropriate volume, even when stored at extreme temperatures outside of the manufacturer’s recommended range.
The Efficacy of Novel Commercial Tourniquet Designs for Extremity Hemorrhage Control: Implications for Spontaneous Responder Every Day Carry
Authors: Ellis Joshua , Morrow Melissa M. , Belau Alec , Sztajnkrycer Luke S. , Wood Jeffrey N. , Kummer Tobias , Sztajnkrycer Matthew D. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroduction:Tourniquets (TQs) save lives. Although military-approved TQs appear more effective than improvised TQs in controlling exsanguinating extremity hemorrhage, their bulk may preclude every day carry (EDC) by civilian lay-providers, limiting availability during emergencies.Study Objective:The purpose of the current study was to compare the efficacy of three novel commercial TQ designs to a military-approved TQ.Methods:Nine Emergency Medicine residents evaluated four different TQ designs: Gen 7 Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT7; control), Stretch Wrap and Tuck Tourniquet (SWAT-T), Gen 2 Rapid Application Tourniquet System (RATS), and Tourni-Key (TK). Popliteal artery flow cessation was determined using a ZONARE ZS3 ultrasound. Steady state maximal generated force was measured for 30 seconds with a thin-film force sensor.Results:Success rates for distal arterial flow cessation were 89% CAT7; 67% SWAT-T; 89% RATS; and 78% TK (H 0.89; P = .83). Mean (SD) application times were 10.4 (SD = 1.7) seconds CAT7; 23.1 (SD = 9.0) seconds SWAT-T; 11.1 (SD = 3.8) seconds RATS; and 20.0 (SD = 7.1) seconds TK (F 9.71; P <.001). Steady state maximal forces were 29.9 (SD = 1.2) N CAT7; 23.4 (SD = 0.8) N SWAT-T; 33.0 (SD = 1.3) N RATS; and 41.9 (SD = 1.3) N TK.Conclusion:All novel TQ systems were non-inferior to the military-approved CAT7. Mean application times were less than 30 seconds for all four designs. The size of these novel TQs may make them more conducive to lay-provider EDC, thereby increasing community resiliency and improving the response to high-threat events.