Value Of Different Methods Research Articles

Prognostic Role of Ultrasound Diagnostic Methods in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

To evaluate the prognostic value (total mortality + repeated hospitalization for heart failure (HF)) of ultrasound diagnostic methods in patients with acute decompensated HF (ADHF). The subjects were patients with chronic HF, who were hospitalized for ADHF. Using ultrasound methods-lung ultrasound, ultrasound assessment of hepatic venous congestion as per the venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) protocol, and indirect elastometry-we assessed the number of B-lines, hepatic venous congestion, and liver density of the patients. Clinical outcomes were assessed using a structured telephone survey method at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge. Combined overall mortality and readmission rates associated with HF were assessed. Threshold values for different methods for detecting congestion were set as follows: the number of B-lines in ultrasound data > 5; liver density > 6.2 kPa. The subjects were 207 patients (54.1% male; mean age = 70.7 ± 12.8 years). A total of 63 (30.4%) endpoints and 23 (11.1%) deaths were detected within 364 days (IQR = 197-365). Liver density > 6.2 kPa had a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.9 (95% CI: 1.0-3.3; p = 0.029). Hepatic venous congestion (VExUS protocol) had HR of 2.8 (95% CI: 1.3-5.7; p = 0.004). There was a significant increase in the risk of overall prognostic value in the presence of congestion, identified by liver fibroelastometry + lung ultrasound (HR = 10.5, 95% CI: 2.3-46.2; p = 0.002). The ultrasound assessment of hepatic venous congestion (VExUS + lung ultrasound protocol) yielded HR of 16.7 (95% CI: 3.9-70.7; p < 0.001). For all three methods combined, the overall HR was 40.1 (95% CI: 6.6-243.1; p < 0.001). A combination of ultrasound diagnostic methods that include the number of B-lines, presence of hepatic venous congestion according to the VExUS protocol, and liver density according to indirect elastometry at discharge may have an independent prognostic value for patients with ADHF.

JC polyomavirus: a short review of its biology, its association with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and the diagnostic value of different methods to manifest its activity or presence

ABSTRACT Introduction : JC polyomavirus is the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a demyelinating disease resulting from the lytic infection of oligodendrocytes that may develop in immunosuppressed individuals: HIV-1 infected or individuals under immunosuppressive therapies. Understanding the biology of JCPyV is necessary for a proper patient management, the development of diagnostic tests, and risk stratification. Areas covered : The review covers different areas of expertise including the genomic characterization of JCPyV strains detected in different body compartments (urine, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid) of PML patients, viral mutations, molecular diagnostics, viral miRNAs and disease. Expert opinion : The implementation of molecular biology techniques improved our understanding of JCPyV biology. Deep-sequencing analysis of viral genomes revealed the presence of viral quasispecies in the cerebrospinal fluid of PML patients characterized by non-coding control region rearrangements and VP1 mutations. These neurotropic JCPyV variants present enhanced replication and an altered cell tropism that contribute to PML development. Monitoring these variants may be relevant for the identification of patients at risk of PML. Multiplex real-time PCR targeting both the LTAg and the archetype NCCR could be used to identify them. Failure to amplify NCCR should indicate the presence of a JCPyV prototype speeding up the diagnostic process.

Factors influencing intention to apply spatial approaches to on-farm experimentation: insights from the Australian winegrape sector

Grape growers are often constrained by available time and labor to conduct trials that deliver informative results. Spatially distributed trial designs coupled with data collection using sensing technologies can introduce efficiencies and also account for the impact of land variability on trial results. Various spatial approaches have been proposed, yet how farmers perceive them is largely unknown. We collaborated with four wine businesses in Australia to explore how grape growers and viticultural consultants perceive a simplified spatial approach to experimentation involving one or more vineyard rows or “strips.” In each case, the simplified strip approach was applied alongside growers’ or consultants’ own methods to compare the perceived value of different methods. The Theory of Planned Behavior was used as an analytical framework to identify factors influencing participants’ intentions towards adopting the strip approach. Our findings show that growers and consultants perceived several advantages of the strip approach over their own methods. Key factors impeding uptake were resource constraints for collecting trial data and lack of skills and knowledge to use and analyze spatial data to position the trial and interpret results. These constraints highlight the need to support growers and consultants who see value in this approach by developing automated and affordable measurements for viticultural variables beyond yield, and by providing training on how to analyze and interpret spatial and response data. This study provides novel insights for private and public sectors on where to focus efforts to facilitate adoption of spatial approaches to On-Farm Experimentation by specific target audiences.

Kernel Analyses of Volcanic Vent Distribution: How Accurate and Complete are the Objective Bandwidth Selectors?

Kernel Density Estimation is a powerful tool that can be used to extract information about the underlying plumbing system in zones of distributed volcanism. Different approaches concerning the form in which this tool should be applied, however, exist on the literature. One of those approaches sustains that an unbiased selection of a parameter known as the bandwidth is preferable to other alternatives because it reduces biases on the analysis. Nevertheless, there are more than 30 different forms in which a bandwidth can be “objectively” selected, therefore questioning the meaning of “objectivity” on the selection of a method used for its calculation. Furthermore, as shown in this work, the range of allowed “objective” choices of the bandwidth is not much different from a typical range that could be selected subjectively. Consequently, instead of focusing on the question of “what is the best method?” it is shown here that a more informative approach is to focus on the questions of “what are the special values of different methods, and what are their several advantageous applicabilities?”. The benefits of this shift in approach are illustrated with application to three locations of volcanic interest that have a previously well-constrained volcanic structure.

Accuracy of Working Length Determination In Primary Molar Teeth Using Three Different Methods: An Invitro Study

Background: An accurate working length plays a pivotal role for the success of treatment in endodontics. It involves a wide array of procedures. Aim: Use of digital radiovisiography (RVG), apex locator (EAL) and cone beam computed tomography technique (CBCT) to evaluate working length in primary teeth. Materials and Methods: This study included thirty extracted primary teeth having at least 2/3rd of root. Alginate was combined with 0.9% normal saline solution and teeth were inserted in it after access opening. Two qualified examiners recorded working length for all canals twice with RVG, EAL and CBCT. In control group, a Kerr- file from coronal reference to the apical foramen was used to visually determine the actual (AL) under stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland and Altman analysis were used to calculate the agreement on measurements of all methods using actual values of different methods. Results: Electronic working length measured with AL (0.0007) was statistically significant compared to RVG (1.9570) and CBCT (0.8440). Amongst all methods for determination of working length the ICC showed the highest reliability for EAL and least for RVG. Conclusion: In comparison to RVG and CBCT, the EALperformed the best for determining working length in primary teeth.

Comparison of targeted metagenomics and IS-Pro methods for analysing the lung microbiome

BackgroundTargeted metagenomics and IS-Pro method are two of the many methods that have been used to study the microbiome. The two methods target different regions of the 16 S rRNA gene. The aim of this study was to compare targeted metagenomics and IS-Pro methods for the ability to discern the microbial composition of the lung microbiome of COPD patients.MethodsSpontaneously expectorated sputum specimens were collected from COPD patients. Bacterial DNA was extracted and used for targeted metagenomics and IS-Pro method. The analysis was performed using QIIME2 (targeted metagenomics) and IS-Pro software (IS-Pro method). Additionally, a laboratory cost per isolate and time analysis was performed for each method.ResultsStatistically significant differences were observed in alpha diversity when targeted metagenomics and IS-Pro methods’ data were compared using the Shannon diversity measure (p-value = 0.0006) but not with the Simpson diversity measure (p-value = 0.84). Distinct clusters with no overlap between the two technologies were observed for beta diversity. Targeted metagenomics had a lower relative abundance of phyla, such as the Proteobacteria, and higher relative abundance of phyla, such as Firmicutes when compared to the IS-Pro method. Haemophilus, Prevotella and Streptococcus were most prevalent genera across both methods. Targeted metagenomics classified 23 % (144/631) of OTUs to a species level, whereas IS-Pro method classified 86 % (55/64) of OTUs to a species level. However, unclassified OTUs accounted for a higher relative abundance when using the IS-Pro method (35 %) compared to targeted metagenomics (5 %). The two methods performed comparably in terms of cost and time; however, the IS-Pro method was more user-friendly.ConclusionsIt is essential to understand the value of different methods for characterisation of the microbiome. Targeted metagenomics and IS-Pro methods showed differences in ability in identifying and characterising OTUs, diversity and microbial composition of the lung microbiome. The IS-Pro method might miss relevant species and could inflate the abundance of Proteobacteria. However, the IS-Pro kit identified most of the important lung pathogens, such as Burkholderia and Pseudomonas and may work in a more diagnostics-orientated setting. Both methods were comparable in terms of cost and time; however, the IS-Pro method was easier to use.

Opportunities for predicting cesarean scar insufficiency

Objective. The study aimed to compare the diagnostic value of different methods of assessing the condition of the scar on the uterus after a cesarean section.Materials and methods. A comparative analysis of the diagnostic value of assessing the validity of the scar on the uterus in the pre-graviridar period and during pregnancy ultrasound (ultrasound) investigation with dopplerometry (DM), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and microwave radiothermometry (RTM). The study included fertile patients after delivery by cesarean section (n = 56), at the planning stage, during pregnancy and after delivery, both through natural birth pathways and by re-cesarean section.Results. A comparative analysis of the assessment of the scar in the uterus by the mentioned methods revealed the comparable diagnostic value of these methods during the planning phase of pregnancy and in gestation time 11–12 and 20 –21 weeks, while at the period of 37–38 weeks, the sensitivity of RTM was significantly (1.6 times) higher than ultrasound investigation.Conclusions. Despite the high diagnostic effectiveness of all three methods of assessing the condition of the uterine scar after cesarean section, the method of microwave radiothermometry has advantages in the simplicity of the method, lack of need for expensive equipment, and specialized qualifications of the doctor.

Comparison of pre-analytical characteristics for molecular and serological diagnostics of COVID-19.

Background: The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection relies on RT-PCR from nasopharyngeal swabs. The pre-analytical value of different methods of material harvesting for SARS-CoV-2 are unknown. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive investigation of the pre-analytical performance for different pharyngeal sampling procedures in hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition to swabs taken simultaneously from different locations, saliva and pharyngeal lavages were also analyzed using RT-PCR.Results: In 10 COVID-19 patients, standard nasopharyngeal swabs detected 8 out of 10 positive patients, whereas swabs taken from the palatoglossal arch resulted in 9 correct-positive results. Brushing the posterior pharynx wall with swabs resulted in detection of 9 out of 10 positive patients with no difference using either dry swabs or liquid Amies medium. A strong correlation between Ct values of both swab materials was observed. Pharyngeal lavages yielded 6 out of 10 positive results in concordance with 85% of nasopharyngeal swabs in late-stage COVID-19 patients. Investigating 23 patients with early SARS-CoV-2 infection, pharyngeal lavages showed a concordance rate of 100% compared to nasopharyngeal swabs.Conclusions: The diagnostic performance of swabs taken from the palatoglossal arch in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection is similar to that of specimens taken from the nasopharyngeal region. However, the former sampling method is associated with less discomfort and much easier to perform. Pharyngeal lavages may replace swabs for mass screening in early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The predictive values are comparable, and the procedure is performed without exposing healthcare workers to transmission risks.

Evaluation of the prognostic value of different methods of calculating the tumour metabolic volume with 18F-FDG PET/CT, in patients with diffuse large cell B-cell lymphoma

Introduction and objectivesMetabolic tumor volume (MTV) is a promising indicator of prognosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The aim of the present study is to evaluate the different methods for the calculation of the basal metabolic tumor volume with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the patients with DLBCL, relating each one of the volumes measured with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). MethodologyThis is a retrospective analytical cohort study, in which 34 patients underwent to 18F-FDG PET/CT baseline prior to treatment. We compared three SUV thresholds 2.5, SUV 40% of the maximum SUV and SUV mean hepatic uptake (PERCIST) for the calculation of MTV and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) biomarkers, relating them to the PFS and OS. The best predictive model was selected based on the Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) after performing a Cox proportional hazards regression. ResultsIn relation to the PFS, they show statistically significant differences: MTV 2.5, TLG 2.5, MTV 40, TLG 40, MTV and TLG calculated with the PERCIST threshold. Among these, the one that has a lower AIC is MTV 2.5, so it is considered the best parameter to predict the PFS. With respect to OS, it shows statistically significant differences: MTV 2.5, VMT and TLG calculated with the PERCIST threshold. Among these three, the one with the lowest AIC is MTV 2.5, which is why it is considered the best parameter to predict OS. In addition, a higher value of MTV and total tumor glycolysis (TLG), is associated with worse PFS and OS. ConclusionThe MTV calculated with the threshold SUV 2.5 seems to be the best parameter to predict PFS and OS in patients diagnosed with DLBCL with 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Assessment of diagnostic value of different methods (culture, PCR and biopsy) for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in patients with bronchial anthracosis

Introduction: Although several studies have shown the relationship between tuberculosis (TB) and anthracosis, few studies have investigated the diagnostic value of various methods of diagnosis of TB in these patients. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the diagnostic value of different methods including smear, culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sample and bronchial biopsy specimens in the diagnosis of TB in patients with bronchial anthracosis. Patients and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 67 patients referring for bronchoscopy, and bronchial anthracosis was an incidental finding. The BAL sample and patients’ bronchial biopsies were examined for TB infection. Results: The most affected areas by anthracosis were the right and the left upper lobes. The BAL smear and its culture were positive in 12 (20%) and 10 patients (17%), respectively. The PCR of BAL sample was positive in 37%. Non-specific chronic inflammation followed by bronchial anthracosis was the most common pathologic findings. According to pathological examinations, nine patients (13%) had TB. Sensitivity and specificity of the PCR versus culture were 90% and 70%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 74%. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the pathologic examination of biopsy specimen were 33%, 85% and 74%, respectively. Conclusion: Findings of this study showed that nearly one fifth of patients with bronchial anthracosis suffer from TB simultaneously. In these patients, PCR of the BAL and pathologic examination of the biopsy specimen had the same diagnostic accuracy, but the sensitivity of PCR was three times higher. However, application of PCR and pathologic examination does not seem to have more diagnostic advantages than BAL culture for the diagnosis of TB, although the results by PCR may help to diagnose the disease sooner.

Roles of different methods in measurement of distance between intracranial arteriovenous malforma-tion and eloquent cortex in prediction of postoperative neurological deficits

Objectives To explore the predictive values of different methods measuring the distance between lesion and eloquent cortex (LED) in surgery-related functional deficit (SFD) in intracranial arteriovenous malformations (iAVMs). Methods This study retrospectively reviewed and followed up the patients who underwent microsurgical resection of iAVMs at Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January to December 2017. Based on the difference (≥1) between the mRS (modified Rankin scale) at 3 months after surgery and that prior to surgery, 17 patients were categorized into the SFD group and 79 into non-SFD group. The eloquent cortex was firstly recognized according to the Spetzler-Martin(S-M)standard. Based on the presurgical T1-weight, T2-weight, time-of-flight, functional and diffuse tensor imaging MR, the LED and modified LED (MLED) were measured. Multivariate logistic analysis was performed to investigate the independent risk factors related to SFD at 3 months post surgery. The ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis was performed to explore the predicting values of different measuring methods in SFD. Results Multivariate logistic analysis based on 96 patients demonstrated that the S-M grading (OR=3.10), MLED (OR=0.66) and nidus type (diffuse and compact, OR=0.12) were independent risk factors for SFD (all P<0.05). For all iAVMs, both MLED and LED had good predictive value in SFD, and the AUC (area under a curve) values were 0.843 and 0.830 respectively (both P<0.05), while the S-M grading(AUC: 516, P=0.804) did not have predictive value. For compact iAVMs, LED (AUC=0.784) and MLED (AUC=0.726) could effectively predict the risk of SFD(all P<0.05). For diffuse iAVMs, MLED (AUC=0.833) could predict the risk of SFD (P=0.003), whereas LED (AUC=0.583, P=0.665) had poor predicting value. Conclusions The distance between iAVM and eloquent cortex seems to be an important factor to predict the surgical outcome. For compact iAVM, both LED and MLED have good predicting values, while only MLED shows predicting value for diffuse iAVM. Key words: Intracranial arteriovenous malformations; Neurological deficit; Multi-modeimage; Forecasting

Development of a viable route for lithium-6 supply of DEMO and future fusion power plants

In the European DEMO program, the design development of a demonstration power plant (DEMO) is currently in its pre-conceptual phase. In DEMO, breeding blankets will use large quantities of lithium, enriched in the isotope lithium-6 (6Li), for breeding the tritium needed to feed the DT fusion reaction. Unfortunately, enriched lithium is commercially not available in the required quantities, which is threatening the success of future power plant applications of nuclear fusion. Even if the manufacturing of the breeding blankets is still two decades ahead of us, it is now mandatory to address the topic of lithium-6 supply and to make sure that a viable supply (and reprocessing) route is available when needed.This paper presents an unbiased systems engineering approach assessing a number of available lithium isotope separation methods by defining requirements, rating them systematically and finally calculating a ranking number expressing the value of different methods. As a result, we suggest using a chemical exchange method based on a lithium amalgam system, but including some important improvements leading to a more efficient and ‘clean’ process (the ICOMAX process) in comparison with the formerly used COLEX process. Furthermore, by modelling activities and experiments in the KIT mercury laboratory (HgLab Karlsruhe), it is shown which work has to be done in the next years to make sure that the technical-scale process is available in time to supply DEMO and future fusion power plants by middle of the 21st century.

Lessons learned from the application of machine learning to studies on plant response to radio-frequency

This paper applies Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to peer-reviewed publications in order to discern whether there are consistent biological impacts of exposure to non-thermal low power radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Expanding on previous analysis that identified sensitive plant species, we extracted data from 45 articles published between 1996 and 2016 that included 169 experimental case studies of plant response to RF-EMF. Raw-data from these case studies included six different attributes: frequency, specific absorption rate (SAR), power flux density, electric field strength, exposure time and plant type (species). This dataset has been tested with two different classification algorithms: k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) and Random Forest (RF). The outputs are estimated using k-fold cross-validation method to identify and compare classifier mean accuracy and computation time. We also developed an optimization technique to distinguish the trade-off between prediction accuracy and computation time based on the classification algorithm. Our analysis illustrates kNN (91.17%) and RF (89.41%) perform similarly in terms of mean accuracy, nonetheless, kNN takes less computation time (3.38 s) to train a model compared to RF (248.12 s). Very strong correlations were observed between SAR and frequency, and SAR with power flux density and electric field strength. Despite the low sample size (169 reported experimental case studies), that limits statistical power, nevertheless, this analysis indicates that ML algorithms applied to bioelectromagnetics literature predict impacts of key plant health parameters from specific RF-EMF exposures. This paper addresses both questions of the methodological importance and relative value of different methods of ML and the specific finding of impacts of RF-EMF on specific measures of plant growth and health. Recognizing the importance of standardizing nomenclature for EMF-RF, we conclude that Machine Learning provides innovative and efficient RF-EMF exposure prediction tools, and we propose future applications in occupational and environmental epidemiology and public health.

Enhancing learning outcomes from industry engagement in Australian engineering education

Industry engagement, commonly implemented as a 12 week industry placement during a vacation towards the end of the degree, has traditionally been a provider-mandated component of externally accredited professional engineering degrees in Australia. Such placements are intended to bridge knowledge and capability gaps between academic study and engineering employment and contextualise the final phase of academic study. Changes in the composition of Australia’s engineering industries have made it progressively harder to source such placements. In-curriculum exposure to engineering practice has also been expected, but has been delivered with considerable variability. In 2014 the authors completed a national project, led by the Australian Council of Engineering Deans (ACED), with peak industry bodies and several partner universities, funded from the Commonwealth Department of Industry Workplace Innovation Program, to explore how improving industry engagement could contribute further to engineering graduates’ learning outcomes and employability. The data collected from the engineering students and employers, reported in this paper, can now be regarded as baseline data on industry engagement, against which subsequent developments can be referenced. For the first time, students’ ratings of the value of different methods for industry engagement are shown to be related to their ‘authenticity’. Several industry-inspired in-curriculum interventions were also trialled at partner universities. Guidelines for good practice were developed from melding the experiential findings with theoretical perspectives. In the years since completing the project, the accreditation body, Engineers Australia, has updated and intensified its focus on engagement with practice (including changing its language from ‘exposure’ to ‘engagement’), and many engineering faculties have significantly enhanced their models and requirements for work integrated learning and industry engagement. This paper outlines these changes and examples of new implementations, including virtual and electronically-mediated methods that also reflect ongoing changes in engineering industry practice.

Study on the Significance of Folate Receptor-Mediated Staining Solution (FRD) Staining in Screening High Grade Cervical Lesions.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the significance of folate receptor-mediated staining solution (FRD) in examination of cervical lesions during gynecological examination.Material/MethodsA total of 404 patients participated in this study. FRD staining was applied to screen high grade cervical lesions. ThinPrep cytology test (TCT) and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing were also used for screening high grade cervical lesions. Coincidence rate and KAPPA value of different methods were compared by SPSS software.ResultsAs for CIN2+ and CIN3+, sensitivities for HPV testing were (96.92% and 97.78%) >TCT classification 1 (90.77% and 91.11%) >FRD staining (80.00% and 86.67%) >TCT classification 2 (70.77% and 77.78%), respectively. While specificities for HPV testing were (7.08% and 6.44%) <TCT classification 1 (39.53% and 37.88%) <FRD staining (51.92% and 50.97%) <TCT classification 2 (70.80% and 69.36%), respectively. Coincidence rate and KAPPA value of FRD staining, TCT classification 1, TCT classification 2, and HPV testing for detecting CIN2+ results were 56.44% and 16.52%, 47.77% and 13.54%, 70.79% and 27.76%, and 21.53% and 1.36%, respectively. Coincidence rate and KAPPA value of FRD staining, TCT classification 1, TCT classification 2, and HPV testing versus CIN3+ results were 54.95% and 14.19%, 43.81% and 9.27%, 70.30% and 23.91%, and 17.08% and 1.12%, respectively.ConclusionsFRD staining was capable of detecting cervical lesions rapidly and is a cost-effective method for routine cervical lesions screening.

Diagnostic value of different methods for detecting fungi in non-invasive paranasal sinus mycosis

Diagnostic value of different methods for detecting fungi in non-invasive paranasal sinus mycosis

Multiple Ways to Detect IDH2 Mutations in Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma from Immunohistochemistry to Next-Generation Sequencing

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is a peripheral T-cell lymphoma associated with chemoresistance and a poor prognosis. Various nonsynonymous mutations in the R172 residue of IDH2 are present in 20% to 30% of AITL patients. In addition to their diagnostic value, these mutations are potentially targetable, especially by isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 2 inhibitor, and therefore their identification in a routine setting is clinically relevant. However, in AITL, the neoplastic cells may be scarce, making the identification of molecular anomalies difficult. We evaluated the diagnostic value of different methods to detect IDH2 mutations in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor samples. Immunohistochemistry with an anti-IDH2 R172K antibody, Sanger sequencing, high-resolution melting PCR, allele-specific real-time quantitative PCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were applied to biopsy specimens from 42 AITL patients. We demonstrate that the IDH2 R172K antibody is specific to this amino acid substitution and highly sensitive for the detection of the IDH2R172K variant, the most frequent substitution in this disease. In our study, NGS and allele-specific real-time quantitative PCR displayed a good sensitivity, detecting 96% and 92% of IDH2 mutations, respectively, in contrast to Sanger sequencing and high-resolution melting PCR, which showed a significantly lower detection rate (58% and 42%, respectively). These results suggest that a combination of immunohistochemistry and AS-PCR or NGS should be considered for the identification of IDH2 mutations in AITL in a routine setting.

Crossing the Digital Divide: Monism, Dualism and the Reason Collective Action is Critical for Cyber Theory Production

In studying topics in cyber conflict and cyber-security governance, scholars must ask—arguably more so than has been the case with any other emergent research agenda—where the epistemological and ontological value of different methods lies. This article describes the unique, dual methodological challenges inherent in the multifaceted program on global cyber-security and asks how problematic they are for scholarly efforts to construct knowledge about digital dynamics in world affairs. I argue that any answer to this question will vary depending on how one perceives the social science enterprise. While traditional dualistic perspectives on social science imply unique challenges for researcher, a monistic perspective of Weberian objectivity does not. Regardless of one’s perspective, however, the most important steps to be taken at the level of the research program are clearly those focused on constructing the trappings of community. To this end, I outline steps that might be taken to develop a range of community-building and -supporting mechanisms that can simultaneously support a micro-foundational approach to research and expose community elements to one another. Doing this stands to better opportunities for the production of knowledge and direct researchers towards fruitful avenues whilst shortening gaps between the ivory tower and the real world.

Features of the diagnosis of defeat of the nervous system of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp.

Objective. To carry out a comparative analysis of the informative value of different methods of diagnosing the nervous system damage due to Candida and Cryptococcus spp . Materials and methods. The article presents the results of a complex mycological examination of 170 patients with neuroinfection treated in the Department of Intensive Care and Detoxification of Gromashevsky Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases . The study was conducted during hospitalization, on the 14 th , 21 st day of treatment. The cryptococcal antigen in CMP was detected using latex agglutination reaction with qualitative and semi-quantitative CALAS ® , Meridian Bioscience, Europe test system. Results. Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CrMe) was diagnosed in 15.88% (38.46% among HIV-infected), Candida meningoencephalitis (CME) in 3.53% of patients with neuroinfection. General clinical findings of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are not informative enough, but do not fully reflect the inflammatory process in the nervous system, especially in HIV-infected and cancer patients. CSF microscopy and the culture method confirm the diagnosis of CrMe, CME only in 66.67% patients with HIV-negative status and in 33.33% HIV-infected patients. The article presents the results of CSF study by latex agglutination (RLA) for detecting cryptococcal antigen (CrAg). Conclusions. RLA for detecting CrAg in CSF should be considered as the basic method for early diagnosis of CrMe. In 71.43% HIV-patients, RLA CrAg in CSF was detected by negative microscopy. In CME patients PCR should be considered as the most informative and sensitive diagnostic method in difficult cases.

THE ASSESSMENT OF THE FORENSIC EXAMINATION OF X-RAY SIGNS OF THE DAMAGE TO BONES AND JOINTS IN THE CASE OF ITEMS OF MEDICAL CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING HEALTH HAZARDS

The main evidence-based method of bone fractures and injuries of the surrounding tissues is the results of radiological diagnosis (conventional radiography and computed tomography), provided for forensic medical examinations on a variety of media, which is a prerequisite for faultless judgments by the expert on the nature and severity of the harm done to human health. The aim of the study was to estimate the diagnostic value of different methods of radiation diagnosis to establish the harm to health in accordance with medical criteria in the execution of forensic medical examination of living persons with injuries of bones and major joints. Research materials: data from statistical reporting of the the Bureau of forensic medical examination for the Moscow region over 2011-2016. Results: lack of clear visualization of injuries on radiographs of bones and joints, defects in X-rays images can lead to expert errors in the application of medical criteria in the determination of the severity of the injury. So, according to our data, the number of expert’s errors amounted to 18.2%. Conclusion: computed tomography allows visualize not only bone fractures, but also the condition of surrounding tissues, including bleeding in the meninges and the substance of the brain, which is a prerequisite in the detection the characteristics corresponding to medical criteria.