bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the hypotensive efficacy of propofol infusion versus nitroglycerin infusion in functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Abu-sinna Rasha Gamal , Abdelrahman Tamer Nabil 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
FESS is a common minimally invasive surgery that requires a clear field to be performed well. Hypotensive anesthesia is one of the most common maneuvers performed to help in keeping the field clear. An ideal drug for hypotensive anesthesia should be cheap and familiar to the anesthesiologist. So, being familiar with propofol and by using its cardio-depressant action, the idea of the research was developed. The idea of the study was to compare propofol infusion versus nitroglycerine infusion as a hypotensive agent.

Results
The mean duration of surgery was longer in the NTG to the propofol group. There was a high statistical significance in the average blood loss in the propofol group compared to the NTG group. The visibility of the operative field also was significant in the propofol group as compared with the NTG group. The mean heart rate in the NTG group was higher than the mean heart rate in the propofol group. The MAP in both groups was within a close range.

Conclusion
Propofol and NTG can produce a safe and effective controlled hypotension during FESS. Whereas, propofol has better surgical field visibility, less surgical bleeding, and less tachycardia during FESS.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate levels in cerebrospinal fluid after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Männer Anika , Thomas Dominique , Wagner Marlies , Konczalla Jürgen , Steinmetz Helmuth , Brunkhorst Robert , Pfeilschifter Waltraud 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background and purpose
Sphingosin-1-phosphate (S1P) plays a crucial role as a signaling molecule in the immune system and the vasculature. Previous studies suggested a role as a vasoconstrictor of cerebral arteries via the S1P3-Receptor. Cerebral vasospasm (VS) following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a major cause of disability and poor neurological outcome. Early detection of vasospasm could facilitate the prevention of cerebral ischemia in SAH patients. The aim of this prospective case-control study was to characterize the dynamics of S1P in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with SAH in relation to hemorrhage volume, the occurrence of VS, and neurological outcome.

Methods
S1P levels in CSF of 18 control subjects and 18 SAH patients with placement of an external ventricular drainage (EVD) were determined by high sensitivity mass spectrometry from day 1 through 14 after SAH onset. Hemorrhage volume, development of asymptomatic vasospasm (aVS) and symptomatic vasospasm (sVS), and neurological outcome were correlated to day 1 S1P levels.

Results
The intrathecal S1P levels of SAH patients were higher than those of the control subjects, and correlated with hemorrhage volume. There was no significant difference in S1P levels between patients with aVS and those with sVS. S1P levels significantly correlated with neurological outcome on a sliding modified Rankin scale.

Conclusion
S1P levels were highest directly after placement of the EVD and correlated strongly with hemorrhage volume, which may be caused by the intrathecal clot and subsequent lysis of red blood cells, an important source of S1P. We did not detect a second peak of S1P release over the course of the intensive care period.
Development of the equine hindgut microbiome in semi-feral and domestic conventionally-managed foals
Authors: Tavenner Meredith K. , McDonnell Sue M. , Biddle Amy S. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Early development of the gut microbiome is an essential part of neonate health in animals. It is unclear whether the acquisition of gut microbes is different between domesticated animals and their wild counterparts. In this study, fecal samples from ten domestic conventionally managed (DCM) Standardbred and ten semi-feral managed (SFM) Shetland-type pony foals and dams were compared using 16S rRNA sequencing to identify differences in the development of the foal hindgut microbiome related to time and management.

Results
Gut microbiome diversity of dams was lower than foals overall and within groups, and foals from both groups at Week 1 had less diverse gut microbiomes than subsequent weeks. The core microbiomes of SFM dams and foals had more taxa overall, and greater numbers of taxa within species groups when compared to DCM dams and foals. The gut microbiomes of SFM foals demonstrated enhanced diversity of key groups: Verrucomicrobia (RFP12), Ruminococcaceae, Fusobacterium spp., and Bacteroides spp., based on age and management. Lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus spp. and other Lactobacillaceae genera were enriched only in DCM foals, specifically during their second and third week of life. Predicted microbiome functions estimated computationally suggested that SFM foals had higher mean sequence counts for taxa contributing to the digestion of lipids, simple and complex carbohydrates, and protein. DCM foal microbiomes were more similar to their dams in week five and six than were SFM foals at the same age.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the impact of management on the development of the foal gut microbiome in the first 6 weeks of life. The higher numbers of taxa within and between bacterial groups found in SFM dams and foals suggests more diversity and functional redundancy in their gut microbiomes, which could lend greater stability and resiliency to these communities. The colonization of lactic acid bacteria in the early life of DCM foals suggests enrichment in response to the availability of dams’ feed. Thus, management type is an important driver of gut microbiome establishment on horses, and we may look to semi-feral horses for guidance in defining a healthy gut microbiome for domestic horses.
Foliage and fruit susceptibility of a pecan provenance collection to scab, caused by
Venturia effusa
Authors: Bock Clive H. , Alarcon Yanina , Conner Patrick J. , Young Carolyn A. , Randall Jennifer J. , Pisani Cristina , Grauke Larry J. , Wang Xinwang , Monteros Maria J. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background

Pecan (
Carya illinoinensis
) is an important native nut crop in the southern USA. In the Southeast, scab (caused by
Venturia effusa
) is a major constraint to production, and can result in significant yield losses. The breadth of sources of resistance are poorly defined, and the genetics of resistance has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess the severity of pecan scab on foliage and fruit of the trees in a collection at Georgia, USA, of 875 native pecan genotypes from 93 families in 19 provenances in various states in the USA and Mexico.

Methods
The scab responses on foliage and fruit on each pecan tree was visually assessed in 2018 and 2019. Both a most severe measure (most severely infected leaf or fruit), and an overall tree rating was taken. Scab severity data were analyzed using a mixed linear model with means separation to explore provenance and family within provenance scab susceptibilities.

Results
Significant differences in scab susceptibility between provenances and among families within provenances were detected. Trees from provenances in Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas, USA, showed the greatest resistance (based on mean scab severity) for both foliar and fruit scab. Assessments of scab on foliage and fruit gave similar results, as did the values for the most severe scab in the tree and the overall scab severity score. Of the 875 trees assessed, 201 trees had no detectable scab symptoms on foliage or fruit in either year. An additional 116 trees were free of scab symptoms on foliage but did not produce fruit in either year. Those provenances, families within provenances and trees with greatest resistance to scab most often originated from provenance locations with higher rainfall and consequently would be under selection to adapt to scab.

Conclusions
Identifying populations with most diverse resistance, and those most consistently resistant trees can serve as a resource to develop a better understanding of the scab resistance mechanisms. These natural sources of scab resistance coupled with molecular and genomics tools will contribute to the accelerated development of new pecan cultivars with durable resistance to scab.
Practical and ethical complexities of MAiD: Examples from Quebec
Authors: Koksvik Gitte 
Published: November 2020

Background: Legally practiced assisted dying is an ethically complex area in need of empirical and conceptual work. International research suggests that providing assisted dying may be experienced as rewarding and meaningful but also emotionally and psychologically taxing, associated with feelings of loss and loneliness. Yet little research has been published to date, which attends to the long-term effects of providing assisted dying. In this article, I contribute to filling this gap in the literature using the Canadian province Quebec as an illustrative case. Medical aid in dying (MAiD) in the form of physician provided euthanasia has been a lawful end of life healthcare option in Quebec since December 2015 and significant research is currently emerging from this jurisdiction. Methods: In this article, I draw on nine in-depth interviews with Quebec physicians, all of whom engaged with end of life care in different ways. Results: Four of the interviewed physicians provided medical aid in dying (MAiD) and five did not. The major themes of MAiD in relation to aggressive treatment, conscientious objection and uneven distribution of work emerge, and it appeared clearly that MAiD was experienced and thought of as qualitatively different to other end of life procedures. Conclusions: Our findings expose a complexity and contentiousness within the practice, which remains under researched and underreported and indicate avenues where more research is needed.
Spray Characteristics of Rotary Micro Sprinkler Nozzles Used in Orchard Pesticide Delivery
Authors: Guler Huseyin , Zhang Zhihong , Zhu Heping , Grieshop Matthew , Ledebuhr Mark A. 
Published: November 2020

HighlightsDroplet sizes were determined for rotary micro sprinkler nozzles used in solid set canopy delivery systems.An empirical multiple-variable model was developed to predict volume median diameters in spray patterns.Sprinkler nozzles produced medium to coarse droplets to minimize pesticide drift in orchards and trellised systems.Droplet size information can be used to select optimal nozzles for either irrigation or pesticide delivery systems.Abstract. Rotary micro sprinkler nozzles can be used for both irrigation and pesticide applications in orchard systems, but little to no information is available on their droplet size distributions. In this study, the droplet size distributions were investigated and described for rotary micro sprinkler nozzles with five different orifice diameters. A particle/droplet laser image analysis system was used to measure droplet spectra at two pressures (207 and 310 kPa) and two radial distances (0.25 and 0.85 m) from the sprinkler nozzle center. Nozzle orifice sizes, rotational speeds, and flow rates were also measured. Droplet sizes varied with the orifice size, operating pressure, and sampling location. Spiral-shaped spray patterns formed due to the spinning discharge port, within which droplet densities varied with location, orifice diameter, and operating pressure. The volume medium diameters (Dv0.5) for green-black, orange-blue, black-black, blue-black, and red-gray nozzles were respectively 317, 338, 379, 352, and 218 µm at 207 kPa and 283, 250, 283, 270, and 222 µm at 310 kPa. An empirical multiple-variable regression model was developed to predict Dv0.5 in the spray patterns discharged from the nozzles. Test results demonstrated that the rotary micro sprinkler nozzles produced medium to coarse droplets that could be used to minimize spray drift while maintaining efficacy in orchard pesticide applications. Keywords: Chemical application, Droplet size, Irrigation, Rotary nozzle, Spray drift reduction.
Differential confocal measurement for surface topography with microstructures based on spiral scanning and wavelet filter
Authors: Wang Jiale , Cui Yuguo , Liang Dan , Wang Yiqiang , Ying Ronghui 
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a novel spiral-scanning laser differential confocal measurement method (SSLDCM) for fast and precise measurement of surface topography with microstructures. Spiral plane scanning is used to eliminate frequent acceleration and deceleration problems in traditional raster-scanning differential confocal measurement systems and helps to keep the measuring process efficient and stable. To solve the problem of uneven sampling distribution during spiral scanning, a variable sampling rate method is adopted to distribute the sampling points at equal intervals, which would help to reduce the time of the 3D imaging process. A denoising method based on an adaptive wavelet threshold is proposed to filter the existing noise during the measuring process. An experimental measurement platform based on SSLDCM is constructed, and the axial response curve is tested and analyzed. The linear region range of the experimental platform reaches 13 µm, and the slope is about 164.15 mV/µm. In addition, the measurement results of a silicon wafer specimen by SSLDCM show good consistency with a commercial high-precision microscope, and the largest deviation is less than 2.71%. The SSLDCM has great potential to be used in various noncontact surface measurement applications with high efficiency and accuracy.
Fast response microfiber-optic pH sensor based on a polyaniline sensing layer
Authors: Sun Dandan , Xu Shaomin , Fu Yongming , Ma Jie 
Published: November 2020

The microfiber-optic interferential sensor based on polyaniline (PANI) sensing layer is efficiently performed in pH detection. The refractive index changes of PANI film can be translated into a significant wavelength shift in the interferometric fringe. We demonstrate the feasibility of PANI attached to the fiber surface in studying the interface polymerization method. The sensing performances of an improved sensitivity in acid solution with

−

0.54

n
m

/

p
H

and alkaline solution with 0.28 nm/pH are systematically investigated. By taking advantage of its miniature size and mechanical flexibility, the microfiber interferential sensor might make a promising platform for pH measurement.
1.1  J Yb:YAG picosecond laser at 1  kHz repetition rate
Authors: Wang Yong , Chi Han , Baumgarten Cory , Dehne Kristian , Meadows Alexander R. , Davenport Aaron , Murray Gabe , Reagan Brendan A. , Menoni Carmen S. , Rocca Jorge J. 
Published: November 2020

We demonstrate the generation of 1.1 J pulses of picosecond duration at 1 kHz repetition rate (1.1 kW average power) from a diode-pumped chirped pulse amplification Yb:YAG laser. The laser employs cryogenically cooled amplifiers to generateλ=1030nmpulses with average power of up to 1.26 kW prior to compression with excellent beam quality. Pulses are compressed to 4.5 ps duration with 90% efficiency. This compact picosecond laser will enable a variety of applications that require high energy ultrashort pulses at kilohertz repetition rates.
Optical frequency synthesizer referenced to an ytterbium optical clock
Authors: Yao Yuan , Li Bo , Yang Guang , Chen Xiaotong , Hao Yaqin , Yu Hongfu , Jiang Yanyi , Ma Longsheng 
Published: November 2020

Optical clocks with an unprecedented accuracy of

10

−
18

promise innovations in precision spectroscopy and measurement. To harness the full power of optical clocks, we need optical frequency synthesizers (OFSs) to accurately convert the stabilities and accuracies of optical clocks to other desired frequencies. This work demonstrates such an OFS referenced to an ytterbium optical clock. The OFS is based on an optical frequency comb phase-locked to a commercial rubidium microwave clock; in this way most combs can operate robustly. Despite comb frequency instability at

10

−
11

, the synthesis noise and uncertainty reach

6
×

10

−
18

(1 s) and

5
×

10

−
21

, respectively, facilitating frequency synthesis of the best optical clocks. In the OFS, the coherence of the OFS internal oscillator at 1064 nm is accurately transferred to a 578 nm laser for resolving the hertz-level-linewidth ytterbium clock transition (unaffected by megahertz-linewidth comb lines) and faithfully referencing the OFS to an ytterbium optical clock.
Outcomes of mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 associated respiratory failure
Authors: King Christopher S. , Sahjwani Dhwani , Brown A. Whitney , Feroz Saad , Cameron Paula , Osborn Erik , Desai Mehul , Djurkovic Svetolik , Kasarabada Aditya , Hinerman Rachel , Lantry James , Shlobin Oksana A. , Ahmad Kareem , Khangoora Vikramjit , Aryal Shambhu , Collins A. Claire , Speir Alan , Nathan Steven 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
The outcomes of patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 remain poorly defined. We sought to determine clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 managed with invasive mechanical ventilation in an appropriately resourced US health care system.

Methods
Outcomes of COVID-19 infected patients requiring mechanical ventilation treated within the Inova Health System between March 5, 2020 and April 26, 2020 were evaluated through an electronic medical record review.

Results
1023 COVID-19 positive patients were admitted to the Inova Health System during the study period. Of these, 164 (16.0%) were managed with invasive mechanical ventilation. All patients were followed to definitive disposition. 70/164 patients (42.7%) had died and 94/164 (57.3%) were still alive. Deceased patients were older (median age of 66 vs. 55, p <0.0001) and had a higher initial d-dimer (2.22 vs. 1.31, p = 0.005) and peak ferritin levels (2998 vs. 2077, p = 0.016) compared to survivors. 84.3% of patients over 70 years old died in the hospital. Conversely, 67.4% of patients age 70 or younger survived to hospital discharge. Younger age, non-Caucasian race and treatment at a tertiary care center were all associated with survivor status.

Conclusion
Mortality of patients with COVID-19 requiring invasive mechanical ventilation is high, with particularly daunting mortality seen in patients of advanced age, even in a well-resourced health care system. A substantial proportion of patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation were not of advanced age, and this group had a reasonable chance for recovery.
Comorbidity and clinical factors associated with COVID-19 critical illness and mortality at a large public hospital in New York City in the early phase of the pandemic (March-April 2020)
Authors: Filardo Thomas D. , Khan Maria R. , Krawczyk Noa , Galitzer Hayley , Karmen-Tuohy Savannah , Coffee Megan , Schaye Verity E. , Eckhardt Benjamin J. , Cohen Gabriel M. 
Published: November 2020

Background
Despite evidence of socio-demographic disparities in outcomes of COVID-19, little is known about characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients admitted to public hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Objective
To assess demographics, comorbid conditions, and clinical factors associated with critical illness and mortality among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at a public hospital in New York City (NYC) during the first month of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Design
Retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 admitted to NYC Health + Hospitals / Bellevue Hospital from March 9th to April 8th, 2020.

Results
A total of 337 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period. Primary analyses were conducted among those requiring supplemental oxygen (n = 270); half of these patients (135) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). A majority were male (67.4%) and the median age was 58 years. Approximately one-third (32.6%) of hypoxic patients managed outside the ICU required non-rebreather or non-invasive ventilation. Requirement of renal replacement therapy occurred in 42.3% of ICU patients without baseline end-stage renal disease. Overall, 30-day mortality among hypoxic patients was 28.9% (53.3% in the ICU, 4.4% outside the ICU). In adjusted analyses, risk factors associated with mortality included dementia (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 2.11 95%CI 1.50–2.96), age 65 or older (aRR 1.97, 95%CI 1.31–2.95), obesity (aRR 1.37, 95%CI 1.07–1.74), and male sex (aRR 1.32, 95%CI 1.04–1.70).

Conclusion
COVID-19 demonstrated severe morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Modifications in care delivery outside the ICU allowed the hospital to effectively care for a surge of critically ill and severely hypoxic patients.
Diagnostic performance of chest computed tomography during the epidemic wave of COVID-19 varied as a function of time since the beginning of the confinement in France
Authors: Boussouar Samia , Wagner Mathilde , Donciu Victoria , Pasi Nicoletta , Salem Joe Elie , Renard-Penna Raphaele , Marot Stéphane , Freund Yonathan , Redheuil Alban , Lucidarme Olivier 
Published: November 2020

Objective
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the initial chest CT to diagnose COVID-19 related pneumonia in a French population of patients with respiratory symptoms according to the time from the onset of country-wide confinement to better understand what could be the role of the chest CT in the different phases of the epidemic.

Material and method
Initial chest CT of 1064 patients with respiratory symptoms suspect of COVID-19 referred between March 18th, and May 12th 2020, were read according to a standardized procedure. The results of chest CTs were compared to the results of the RT-PCR.

Results
546 (51%) patients were found to be positive for SARS-CoV2 at RT-PCR. The highest rate of positive RT-PCR was during the second week of confinement reaching 71.9%. After six weeks of confinement, the positive RT-PCR rate dropped significantly to 10.5% (p<0.001) and even 2.2% during the two last weeks. Overall, CT revealed patterns suggestive of COVID-19 in 603 patients (57%), whereas an alternative diagnosis was found in 246 patients (23%). CT was considered normal in 215 patients (20%) and inconclusive in 1 patient. The overall sensitivity of CT was 88%, specificity 76%, PPV 79%, and NPV 85%. At week-2, the same figures were 89%, 69%, 88% and 71% respectively and 60%, 84%, 30% and 95% respectively at week-6. At the end of confinement when the rate of positive PCR became extremely low the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of CT were 50%, 82%, 6% and 99% respectively.

Conclusion
At the peak of the epidemic, chest CT had sufficiently high sensitivity and PPV to serve as a first-line positive diagnostic tool but at the end of the epidemic wave CT is more useful to exclude COVID-19 pneumonia.