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Online and virtual teaching-learning has been a panacea that most educational institutions adopted from the dire need created by COVID-19. We provide a comprehensive bibliometric study of 9523 publications on virtual laboratories in higher education covering the years 1991 to 2021. Influential bibliometrics such as publications and citations, productive countries, contributing institutions, funders, journals, authors, and bibliographic couplings were studied using the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol. A new metric to complement citations called Field Weighted Citation Impact was introduced that considers the differences in research behavior across disciplines. Findings show that 72% of the research work was published between 2011-and 2021, most likely due to digitalization, with the highest number of publications in 2020-2021 highlighting the impact of the pandemic. Top contributing institutions were from the developed economies of Spain, Germany, and the United States. The citation impact from publications with international co-authors is the highest, highlighting the importance of co-authoring papers with different countries. For the first time, Altmetrics in the context of virtual labs were studied though a very low correlation was observed between citations and Altmetrics Attention Score. Still, the overall percentage of publications with attention showed linear growth. Our work also highlights that virtual laboratory could play a significant role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG4-Quality Education, which largely remains under-addressed.

• South Asians living in the US exhibit markedly increased atherosclerotic disease. • South Asian ancestry is a risk enhancer in US cholesterol guidelines. • Pathophysiology may include visceral adiposity and insulin resistance. • Both genetic and cultural factors may play significant roles. • We discuss education, screening, and prevention strategies to meet the challenge. It is now well recognized that South Asians living in the US (SAUS) have a higher prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) that begins earlier and is more aggressive than age-matched people of other ethnicities. SA ancestry is now recognized as a risk enhancer in the US cholesterol treatment guidelines. The pathophysiology of this is not fully understood but may relate to insulin resistance, genetic and dietary factors, lack of physical exercise, visceral adiposity and other, yet undiscovered biologic mechanisms. In this expert consensus document, we review the epidemiology of ASCVD in this population, enumerate the challenges faced in tackling this problem, provide strategies for early screening and education of the community and their healthcare providers, and offer practical prevention strategies and culturally-tailored dietary advice to lower the rates of ASCVD in this cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric adenocarcinoma lymph node retrieval during gastrectomy and survival differ significantly between Asian and Western studies. It is unclear whether such disparities are the result of surgical technique, patient population, or other factors. In this observational study, we aimed to determine whether lymph node retrieval and outcomes differ between White, Black, and Asian American patients undergoing gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma. 47,217 cases of gastric resection for gastric adenocarcinoma and its subtypes were identified in the National Cancer Data Base (2000–2015). Differences in demographics, lymph node retrieval, operative outcomes, and survival were compared by self-reported race (White, Black, and Asian). Asians had greater median lymph node retrieval (17) compared to White (15) and Black (16) patients, P < 0.001. Lymph node ratio was lowest in Asian (0.03) compared to White (0.05) and Black (0.09) patients, P < 0.001. Postoperative mortality was lowest in Asian patients on multivariable analysis (90-day mortality adjusted odds ratio of 0.54, P < 0.001). Median survival was not yet reached for Asian patients but was 39.5 months for White and 43.0 months for Black patients (P < 0.001). Differences in survival by race persisted on multivariable analysis (Asian adjusted hazard ratio was 0.64, 95% CI: 0.59–0.70, P < 0.001). Asian-American patients with gastric cancer undergoing gastrectomy have greater lymph node retrieval, decreased lymph node ratio, decreased postoperative mortality, and increased long-term survival compared to White or Black Americans. Data suggest factors other than surgical technique and oncologic care may be responsible for gastric adenocarcinoma outcome differences seen between Asian and Western studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer rehabilitation is an integral part of the continuum of care for survivors. Due to the increasing number of survivors, physiatrists commonly see cancer patients in their general practices. Essential to guiding the field is to understand the current training and practice patterns of cancer rehabilitation physicians.Objectives: To assess current trends in training and practice for cancer rehabilitation physicians, including the level of burnout among providers in this field.Design: Cross-sectional descriptive survey study.Setting: Online survey.Participants: American physicians who are affiliated with the Cancer Rehabilitation Physician Consortium (CRPC) of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). The CRPC is a group of cancer rehabilitation providers (both fellowship-trained and not fellowship-trained) with the mission of furthering cancer rehabilitation medicine through education, research, and networking.Methods: All CRPC physicians were invited to complete a voluntary and anonymous 43-question online survey. The survey was conceived by a group of eight experts interested in providing additional information to the current literature regarding the training and practice in the cancer rehabilitation field.Main Outcome Measurements: Training, practice, opioid prescribing, and professional support.Results: Thirty-seven of 50 physicians participated (response rate = 74%). Respondents were from various states, the three most common being New York (16%, n = 6), Texas (16%, n = 6), and Massachusetts (11%, n = 4). About 57% (n = 21) of the respondents were employed in an academic medical center and 73% (n = 27) reported their primary departmental affiliation was Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). Approximately 78% (n = 29) credited mentorship early in training for their interest in the field. More than half (54%, n = 20) either strongly agreed or agreed that cancer rehabilitation fellowship training is necessary for graduating physiatrists who plan to treat oncology patients/survivors. National PM&R meetings were the primary source of continuing education for 86% (n = 31). Sixty-five percent (n = 24), strongly agreed or agreed that cancer rehabilitation physiatrists should know how to prescribe opioids, and 35% (n = 13) reported prescribing them when appropriate. About 54% (n = 20) rated their level of burnout as low or very low, and more than half (51%, n = 19) believed their burnout level was lower than physiatrists treating other rehabilitation populations.Conclusions: Cancer rehabilitation is a growing subspecialty in PM&R, and most physiatrists in general practice will treat many survivors-often for neurologic or musculoskeletal impairments related to cancer or its treatment. Cancer rehabilitation physicians perceive that they have relatively low levels of burnout, and early mentorship and fellowship training is beneficial. Professional conferences and mentorship are a primary source for continuing education.Level Of Evidence: IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of this study was to quantify the net increase in resource use associated with complications after isolated mitral valve surgery. Methods: Deidentified patient-level claims data on a random sample of mitral valve operations performed in the United States from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2007, were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample (n = 16,788). Patients with major concomitant cardiac procedures were excluded from the analysis for a net sample size of 6297 patients. Risk-adjusted median total hospital costs and length of stay were analyzed by major complications, including pneumonia, sepsis, stroke, renal failure requiring hemodialysis, cardiac tamponade, myocardial infarction, gastrointestinal bleed, and venous thromboembolism. Results: There were a total of 1323 complication events that occurred in 1089 patients. The most common complication was pneumonia (n = 346, 5.5%), which was associated with a $29,692 increase in hospital costs and a 10.2-day increase in median length of stay (P < .001). The most costly complication was cardiac tamponade, which resulted in an increase in hospital cost of $56,547 and an increase in length of stay of 19.3 days (P < .001). There was a stepwise association between the hospital costs and length of stay and the number of complications per patient (P < .001). There was also a significant association between the discharge location and the occurrence of a complication, with 25% more patients who underwent routine home discharge when there were no complications (P < .001). Conclusions: In patients undergoing isolated mitral valve surgery, postoperative complications were associated with significant increases in mortality, hospital costs, and length of stay, as well as with discharge location. With growing national attention to improving quality and containing costs, it is important to understand the nature and impact of complications on outcomes and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the capability of S100A12, a small calcium binding protein, to mediate aortic wall and aortic aneurysm in the U.S. The study intends to determine the role of S100A12 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The findings reveal on the capability of the S100A12 to activate the pathogenic pathways by modulating oxidative stress and vascular remodeling in vivo.

Abstract: We undertook this study to characterize peak bone density and evaluate its determinants in a healthy cohort of young adult male paramilitary personnel. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 473 healthy men aged 21–40yr. The effect of anthropometry and biochemical parameters on BMD was determined. Mean BMD values of L1–L4, forearm, total hip, and femoral neck were 1.170±0.137, 0.755±0.089, 1.129±0.130, and 1.115±0.133g/cm2, respectively. BMD values for 31- to 40-yr age group were lower than those of 20- to 30-yr age group except for forearm, which was higher in the former. Significant positive correlation was observed between height, weight, and body mass index with BMD. On multivariate regression analysis, weight was the most consistent contributor to variance in the BMD. Compared with age-matched US males, BMD of total hip and femoral neck were higher for Indian paramilitary personnel by 3.58% and 4.2%, whereas lumbar spine BMD was lower by 4.1%. In conclusion, peak BMD in healthy Indian males was achieved by 30yr of age at lumbar spine and hip, with weight being the most consistent contributor to variance in BMD. Peak BMD in this population was comparable to that reported in white US males. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One of the main objectives of the Nuclear Deal is to meet the nation's growing energy needs through accessing nuclear technology. However, there is very little public debate on the relative merits of the technologies available or on the strategies to be adopted for expanding our nuclear power generation capacity. In this context, the article makes out a strong case to press forward with Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) power generation plants and our three-stage fast breeder reactors programme. The Indo-US Nuclear Deal should be seen only as a means to obtain uranium in the short run. In the meanwhile, we should redouble our efforts to mine the vastly superior uranium deposits available in the country (Meghalaya and Andhra Pradesh). The technology shift in the nuclear power generation envisaged in the Deal is ill advised because it makes our country needlessly dependent on the US and others for both enriched uranium and reprocessing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines nonlinear estimation techniques to solve nonlinear problems that have been solved by linear methods traditionally. A class of sampling algorithms known as Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) was used to obtain a solution that is often a general, non-Gaussian, nonunimodal probability distribution in the area of nonlinear estimation. It also explores the problem of estimating spacecraft position using scanning techniques for Deep Space Network antennas of the U.S. National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA).

Background: The novel SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is responsible for the global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Small studies have shown a potential benefit of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine±azithromycin for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019. Use of these medications alone, or in combination, can lead to a prolongation of the QT interval, possibly increasing the risk of Torsade de pointes and sudden cardiac death.Methods: Hospitalized patients treated with chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine±azithromycin from March 1 to the 23 at 3 hospitals within the Northwell Health system were included in this prospective, observational study. Serial assessments of the QT interval were performed. The primary outcome was QT prolongation resulting in Torsade de pointes. Secondary outcomes included QT prolongation, the need to prematurely discontinue any of the medications due to QT prolongation, and arrhythmogenic death.Results: Two hundred one patients were treated for coronavirus disease 2019 with chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine. Ten patients (5.0%) received chloroquine, 191 (95.0%) received hydroxychloroquine, and 119 (59.2%) also received azithromycin. The primary outcome of torsade de pointes was not observed in the entire population. Baseline corrected QT interval intervals did not differ between patients treated with chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine (monotherapy group) versus those treated with combination group (chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin; 440.6±24.9 versus 439.9±24.7 ms, P=0.834). The maximum corrected QT interval during treatment was significantly longer in the combination group versus the monotherapy group (470.4±45.0 ms versus 453.3±37.0 ms, P=0.004). Seven patients (3.5%) required discontinuation of these medications due to corrected QT interval prolongation. No arrhythmogenic deaths were reported.Conclusions: In the largest reported cohort of coronavirus disease 2019 patients to date treated with chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine±azithromycin, no instances of Torsade de pointes, or arrhythmogenic death were reported. Although use of these medications resulted in QT prolongation, clinicians seldomly needed to discontinue therapy. Further study of the need for QT interval monitoring is needed before final recommendations can be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Recent evidence supports improved outcomes in women who undergo an incontinence procedure at the time of apical prolapse repair compared with apical repair alone. Our primary objective was to describe national trends in concomitant apical repair and incontinence procedures that were performed in the United States from 2001-2009. A secondary objective was to describe complications and length of stay. Study Design We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to collect data on hospital discharges for women who had inpatient apical prolapse surgery from 2001-2009. We included women whose records included the International Classification of Disease-9 Clinical Modification procedure codes for apical procedures with and without incontinence procedures. We examined annual trends in the proportion of concomitant procedures using chi-square testing and multiple logistic regression. Results Of all apical procedures, the percentage of concomitant incontinence procedures performed increased from 37.9% in 2001 to 47% in 2009 ( P = .0002 for trend). In-hospital complications (hemorrhage, bowel obstruction, and/or abscess) were less common with concomitant procedures (6.8% vs 11.7%; P = .02). All geographic regions had increasing trends of concomitant incontinence procedures with no difference among regions ( P = .7 for interaction). Both community and academic institutions had increasing trends of concomitant procedures over the study period, with no difference among the types of institutions. Age was not associated with increasing trends in concomitant procedures. Conclusion The proportion of concomitant apical and incontinence procedures increased in the United States from 2001-2009. Length of stay was slightly longer for the concomitant group, but complications were not increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of compounded 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC). Study Design: Compounded 17-OHPC that was obtained from 15 compounding pharmacies throughout the United States was analyzed for potency, impurities, sterility, and pyrogen status. Results: Eighteen samples were supplied by 15 compounding pharmacies. The concentration of 17-OHPC in all samples was within the specification limits, and all tested samples passed sterility and pyrogen testing. Only 1 of 18 samples was out of specification limits for impurities. Conclusion: Compounded 17-OHPC that was obtained from 15 pharmacies throughout the United States did not raise safety concerns when assessed for potency, sterility, pyrogen status, or impurities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Integrated chemical and biological processing systems that use biorenewable resources as feedstocks are critical to addressing the world''s growing demand for carbon-based consumer products, and can make significant contributions to ensuring environmental sustainability. The United States National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Center (ERC) 1 [1] Engineering Research Center (ERC). for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC) 2 [2] Center for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC). provides educational programs that attract a diverse group of students into engineering fields to address the world''s need to produce globally competitive college graduates capable of designing cost-competitive biorenewable chemicals. CBiRC provides a unique fusion of innovative interdisciplinary research and undergraduate educational opportunities through the CBiRC Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. The REU is an intensive ten-week summer program where students not only learn laboratory research skills, but are also immersed in the interdisciplinary academic environment of the ERC through workshops, seminars, research thrust meetings, and interactions with CBiRC professional staff. In this article, we describe a novel evaluation-supported model for an interdisciplinary undergraduate research program in the field of biorenewable chemicals engineering, which encourages undergraduates to build upon basic research skills to propose creative, innovative, and adaptable solutions to chemical engineering problems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Cancer classification is foundational for patient care and oncology research. Systems such as International Classification of Diseases for Oncology (ICD-O), Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT), and National Cancer Institute Thesaurus (NCIt) provide large sets of cancer classification terminologies but they lack a dynamic modernized cancer classification platform that addresses the fast-evolving needs in clinical reporting of genomic sequencing results and associated oncology research., Methods: To meet these needs, we have developed OncoTree, an open-source cancer classification system. It is maintained by a cross-institutional committee of oncologists, pathologists, scientists, and engineers, accessible via an open-source Web user interface and an application programming interface., Results: OncoTree currently includes 868 tumor types across 32 organ sites. OncoTree has been adopted as the tumor classification system for American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Project Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE), a large genomic and clinical data-sharing consortium, and for clinical molecular testing efforts at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. It is also used by precision oncology tools such as OncoKB and cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics., Conclusion: OncoTree is a dynamic and flexible community-driven cancer classification platform encompassing rare and common cancers that provides clinically relevant and appropriately granular cancer classification for clinical decision support systems and oncology research.

Purpose: Infection with hepatitis C virus is the leading cause of infectious disease mortality in the United States. BZF961 is a novel small molecule inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus NS3-4A protease. Here we present the results of a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicentered study in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype-1 infection., Methods: Patients were enrolled sequentially in 2 parts and treated for 3days. BZF961 was administered as monotherapy (500mg BID for 3 days) or in combination with the cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitor ritonavir to boost its exposure (BZF961 10, 20, or 50mg QD or BID)., Findings: BZF961 was safe and well tolerated in the patients studied with no serious adverse events. There were no appreciable differences in adverse events among patients who received BZF961, BZF961 with ritonavir, or placebo. There was a significant, clinically meaningful reduction in viral load from baseline in patients treated either with BZF961 500mg every 12hours alone or BZF961 50mg every 12hours in combination with ritonavir. Activity against the hepatitis C virus of the lower-dose regimens was apparent but more modest. There were no relevant changes from baseline viral loads in placebo-treated patients., Implications: Coadministration of ritonavir with BZF961 boosted BZF961 exposure (including C min , which is the clinically relevant parameter associated with antiviral activity) in a therapeutic range with less variability compared with BZF961 alone. For strategic reasons, BZF961 is no longer under development., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)