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  • Publication . Article . 2020
    Open Access English
    Authors: 
    João Pedro Ferreira; Ulrik M. Mogensen; Pardeep S. Jhund; Akshay S. Desai; Jean-Lucien Rouleau; Michael R. Zile; Patrick Rossignol; Faiez Zannad; Milton Packer; Scott D. Solomon; +1 more
    Publisher: HAL CCSD
    Country: France

    Aims: The associations between potassium level and outcomes, the effect of sacubitril–valsartan on potassium level, and whether potassium level modified the effect of sacubitril–valsartan in patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction were studied in PARADIGM‐HF. Several outcomes, including cardiovascular death, sudden death, pump failure death, non‐cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization, were examined. Methods and results: A total of 8399 patients were randomized to either enalapril or sacubitril–valsartan. Potassium level at randomization and follow‐up was examined as a continuous and categorical variable (≤3.5, 3.6–4.0, 4.1–4.9, 5.0–5.4 and ≥5.5 mmol/L) in various statistical models. Hyperkalaemia was defined as K+ ≥5.5 mmol/L and hypokalaemia as K+ ≤3.5 mmol/L. Compared with potassium 4.1–4.9 mmol/L, both hypokalaemia [hazard ratio (HR) 2.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84–3.14] and hyperkalaemia (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.10–1.83) were associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular death. However, potassium abnormalities were similarly associated with sudden death and pump failure death, as well as non‐cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization. Sacubitril–valsartan had no effect on potassium overall. The benefit of sacubitril–valsartan over enalapril was consistent across the range of baseline potassium levels. Conclusions: Although both higher and lower potassium levels were independent predictors of cardiovascular death, potassium abnormalities may mainly be markers rather than mediators of risk for death.

  • Authors: 
    Leonard Joseph Appleman; Michael Paul Kolinsky; William R. Berry; Margitta Retz; Loic Mourey; Josep M. Piulats; Emanuela Romano; Gwenaelle Gravis; Howard Gurney; Johann S. de Bono; +10 more
    Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

    10 Background: For men with mCRPC, systemic therapies such as docetaxel and cabazitaxel improve survival, but more effective treatments are needed. KEYNOTE-365 (NCT02861573) is a phase 1b/2 study to examine the safety and efficacy of pembro in combination with 4 different study medications (cohorts A, B, C, D) in mCRPC. Previous data from cohort B with a median of 20 months of follow-up showed that pembro + docetaxel and prednisone was well tolerated and had antitumor activity in patients (pts) with mCRPC previously treated with abi or enza. New efficacy and safety data after an additional year of follow-up are presented. Methods: Cohort B enrolled pts who did not respond to or were intolerant to ≥4 weeks of abi or enza in the prechemotherapy mCRPC state and whose disease progressed within 6 months of screening (determined by PSA progression or radiologic bone/soft tissue progression). Pts received pembro 200 mg IV every 3 weeks (Q3W), docetaxel 75 mg/m2 IV Q3W, and oral prednisone 5 mg twice daily. Primary end points were safety, PSA response rate (PSA decrease >50% from baseline), and ORR per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review. Efficacy and safety were assessed in all pts as treated. Results: Of the 104 treated pts, median age was 68.0 years (range, 50-86), 23.1% had PD-L1–positive tumors (combined positive score ≥1), 25.0% had visceral disease, and 50.0% had measurable disease. Median time from enrollment to data cutoff was 32.4 months (range 13.9-40.3); 101 pts discontinued, primarily because of disease progression (77.9%). Efficacy outcomes are reported in the table below. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 100 pts (96.2%); the most frequent (≥30%) were diarrhea (41.3%), fatigue (41.3%), and alopecia (40.4%). Grade 3-5 TRAEs occurred in 46 pts (44.2%). Five pts (4.8%) died of AEs; 2 were treatment-related pneumonitis. Conclusions: After another year of follow-up, pembro + docetaxel and prednisone showed improved ORR and PSA response rates compared to the prior dataset in pts with mCRPC previously treated with abi or enza. Safety was consistent with known profiles of each agent and will be further evaluated in a phase 3 study (KEYNOTE-921). Clinical trial information: NCT02861573. [Table: see text]

  • Closed Access
    Authors: 
    Barrett Ens; Joel Lanir; Anthony Tang; Scott Bateman; Gun A. Lee; Thammathip Piumsomboon; Mark Billinghurst;
    Publisher: Elsevier BV
    Country: Australia

    Collaborative Mixed Reality (MR) systems are at a critical point in time as they are soon to become more commonplace. However, MR technology has only recently matured to the point where researchers can focus deeply on the nuances of supporting collaboration, rather than needing to focus on creating the enabling technology. In parallel, but largely independently, the field of Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) has focused on the fundamental concerns that underlie human communication and collaboration over the past 30-plus years. Since MR research is now on the brink of moving into the real world, we reflect on three decades of collaborative MR research and try to reconcile it with existing theory from CSCW, to help position MR researchers to pursue fruitful directions for their work. To do this, we review the history of collaborative MR systems, investigating how the common taxonomies and frameworks in CSCW and MR research can be applied to existing work on collaborative MR systems, exploring where they have fallen behind, and look for new ways to describe current trends. Through identifying emergent trends, we suggest future directions for MR, and also find where CSCW researchers can explore new theory that more fully represents the future of working, playing and being with others Refereed/Peer-reviewed

  • Open Access
    Authors: 
    Alexander K. C. Leung; Joseph M. Lam; Kin Fon Leong;

    Background: The diagnosis of solitary cutaneous mastocytoma is mainly clinical, based on lesion morphology, the presence of a positive Darier sign, and the absence of systemic involvement. Knowledge of this condition is important so that an accurate diagnosis can be made. Objective: To familiarize physicians with the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, evaluation, and management of a solitary cutaneous mastocytoma. Methods: A PubMed search was completed in Clinical Queries using the key term "solitary cutaneous mastocytoma". The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews. Only papers published in English language were included. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article. Results: Typically, a solitary cutaneous mastocytoma presents as an indurated, erythematous, yellow- brown or reddish-brown macule, papule, plaque or nodule, usually measuring up to 5 cm in diameter. The lesion often has a peau d'orange appearance and a leathery or rubbery consistency. A solitary cutaneous mastocytoma may urticate spontaneously or when stroked or rubbed (Darier sign). Organomegaly and lymphadenopathy are characteristically absent. The majority of patients with skin lesions that erupt within the first two years of life have spontaneous resolution of the lesions before puberty. Treatment is mainly symptomatic. Reassurance and avoidance of triggering factors suffice in most cases. Conclusion: The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on the morphology of the lesion, the presence of a positive Darier sign, and the absence of systemic involvement. A skin biopsy is usually not necessary unless the diagnosis is in doubt.

  • Closed Access
    Authors: 
    André Mocaer; Elisabeth Guillou; Omer Chouinard;
    Publisher: Elsevier BV

    Abstract With an increasing number of coastal issues associated with human pressure and exacerbated by climate change, this study examines how residents of coastal communities perceive their living environment and how they perceive risks in this environment and more particularly coastal risks (marine erosion and flooding). An international (Canada-France) questionnaire study was conducted among 190 people, approximately half of whom lived on New Brunswick's Acadian Coast and half on France's west coast. The results highlight, on the one hand, the residents' strong relationship with their coastal living environment and, on the other, a representation of coastal risks as an important area of concern for them. That said, the worry concerning these risks varied among the participants. The local and cultural context (media coverage of this issue and the country-specific risk management strategies) may explain the differences in attitude between the two countries.

  • Publication . Article . Other literature type . 2020
    Open Access English
    Authors: 
    Jonathan S. Hausmann; Paul Sufka; Suleman Bhana; Jean W. Liew; Pedro Machado; Zachary S. Wallace; Wendy Costello; Philip Robinson; Jinoos Yazdany; Rebecca Grainger; +1 more
    Publisher: AVES Yayincilik
  • Publication . Other literature type . Part of book or chapter of book . Conference object . 2019
    Open Access
    Authors: 
    Ebizimoh Abodei; Alex Norta; Irene Azogu; Chibuzor Udokwu; Dirk Draheim;
    Publisher: Springer International Publishing
    Country: France

    Part 7: Digital Governance; International audience; Infrastructural development is a significant determinant of economic growth. It remains an elusive pursuit for many developing economies suffering from public infrastructural project failures. Although the causes of these failures are identifiable, they remain persistent. Government corruption has been identified as the primary cause of project failures amidst a host of other causal factors, spurred by the ambiguity in public service administration. These factors heighten capital expenditures and hence, the need for more transparent systems in public infrastructural project planning and -delivery. This research uses a case-study methodology to examine the importance of public involvement in addressing the causes of failures in public infrastructural project planning and -delivery. Using Nigeria as a case, the findings from conducted interviews and a document review support the proposition of a technologically collaborative approach in addressing the causes of public infrastructural project failures. The institutionalization of transparency-enhancing blockchain systems are vital in government and public involvement in the processes of public infrastructural project planning and -delivery.

  • Open Access English
    Authors: 
    Arvind Rajamani; Ashwin Subramaniam; Kiran Shekar; Jumana Haji; Jinghang Luo; Shailesh Bihari; Wai Tat Wong; Navya Gullapalli; Markus Renner; Claudia Maria Alcancia; +2 more
    Publisher: Elsevier BV
    Country: Australia

    Abstract Background There has been a surge in coronavirus disease 2019 admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) in Asia-Pacific countries. Because ICU healthcare workers are exposed to aerosol-generating procedures, ensuring optimal personal protective equipment (PPE) preparedness is important. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate PPE preparedness across ICUs in six Asia-Pacific countries during the initial phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which is defined by the World Health Organization as guideline adherence, training healthcare workers, procuring stocks, and responding appropriately to suspected cases. Methods A cross-sectional Web-based survey was circulated to 633 level II/III ICUs of Australia, New Zealand (NZ), Singapore, Hong Kong (HK), India, and the Philippines. Findings Two hundred sixty-three intensivists responded, representing 231 individual ICUs eligible for analysis. Response rates were 68–100% in all countries except India, where it was 24%. Ninety-seven percent of ICUs either conformed to or exceeded World Health Organization recommendations for PPE practice. Fifty-nine percent ICUs used airborne precautions irrespective of aerosol generation procedures. There were variations in negative-pressure room use (highest in HK/Singapore), training (best in NZ), and PPE stock awareness (best in HK/Singapore/NZ). High-flow nasal oxygenation and noninvasive ventilation were not options in most HK (66.7% and 83.3%, respectively) and Singapore ICUs (50% and 80%, respectively), but were considered in other countries to a greater extent. Thirty-eight percent ICUs reported not having specialised airway teams. Showering and “buddy systems” were underused. Clinical waste disposal training was suboptimal (38%). Conclusions Many ICUs in the Asia-Pacific reported suboptimal PPE preparedness in several domains, particularly related to PPE training, practice, and stock awareness, which requires remediation. Adoption of low-cost approaches such as buddy systems should be encouraged. The complete avoidance of high-flow nasal oxygenation reported by several intensivists needs reconsideration. Consideration must be given to standardise PPE guidelines to minimise practice variations. Urgent research to evaluate PPE preparedness and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission is required.

  • Publication . Article . 2018
    Open Access
    Authors: 
    A, Foge;
  • Open Access English
    Authors: 
    Abbott R.a; Abbott T.D.b; Abraham S.c; Acernese F.d; e; Ackley K.f; Adams A.g; Adams C.h; Adhikari R.X.a; Adya V.B.i; +191 more
    Publisher: HAL CCSD
    Countries: Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Belgium, Belgium, United States, Belgium
    Project: EC | PROBIST (754510), NSERC

    We report on an all-sky search for continuous gravitational waves in the frequency band 20-2000 Hz and with a frequency time derivative in the range of [-1.0,+0.1]×10-8 Hz/s. Such a signal could be produced by a nearby, spinning and slightly nonaxisymmetric isolated neutron star in our Galaxy. This search uses the LIGO data from the first six months of Advanced LIGO's and Advanced Virgo's third observational run, O3. No periodic gravitational wave signals are observed, and 95% confidence-level (C.L.) frequentist upper limits are placed on their strengths. The lowest upper limits on worst-case (linearly polarized) strain amplitude h0 are ∼1.7×10-25 near 200 Hz. For a circularly polarized source (most favorable orientation), the lowest upper limits are ∼6.3×10-26. These strict frequentist upper limits refer to all sky locations and the entire range of frequency derivative values. For a population-averaged ensemble of sky locations and stellar orientations, the lowest 95% C.L. upper limits on the strain amplitude are ∼1.4×10-25. These upper limits improve upon our previously published all-sky results, with the greatest improvement (factor of ∼2) seen at higher frequencies, in part because quantum squeezing has dramatically improved the detector noise level relative to the second observational run, O2. These limits are the most constraining to date over most of the parameter space searched. This work was supported by MEXT, JSPS Leading-edge Research Infrastructure Program, JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Specially Promoted Research 26000005, JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas 2905: JP17H06358, JP17H06361 and JP17H06364, JSPS Core-to-Core Program A. Advanced Research Networks, JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (S) 17H06133, the joint research program of the Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, National Research Foundation (NRF) and Computing Infrastructure Project of KISTI-GSDC in Korea, Academia Sinica (AS), AS Grid Center (ASGC) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) in Taiwan under grants including ASCDA-105-M06, Advanced Technology Center (ATC) of NAOJ, and Mechanical Engineering Center of KEK Abbott, R. (LIGO Scientific Collaboration, Virgo Collaboration, KAGRA Collaboration)

search
Include:
The following results are related to Canada. Are you interested to view more results? Visit OpenAIRE - Explore.
31,392 Research products, page 1 of 3,140
  • Publication . Article . 2020
    Open Access English
    Authors: 
    João Pedro Ferreira; Ulrik M. Mogensen; Pardeep S. Jhund; Akshay S. Desai; Jean-Lucien Rouleau; Michael R. Zile; Patrick Rossignol; Faiez Zannad; Milton Packer; Scott D. Solomon; +1 more
    Publisher: HAL CCSD
    Country: France

    Aims: The associations between potassium level and outcomes, the effect of sacubitril–valsartan on potassium level, and whether potassium level modified the effect of sacubitril–valsartan in patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction were studied in PARADIGM‐HF. Several outcomes, including cardiovascular death, sudden death, pump failure death, non‐cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization, were examined. Methods and results: A total of 8399 patients were randomized to either enalapril or sacubitril–valsartan. Potassium level at randomization and follow‐up was examined as a continuous and categorical variable (≤3.5, 3.6–4.0, 4.1–4.9, 5.0–5.4 and ≥5.5 mmol/L) in various statistical models. Hyperkalaemia was defined as K+ ≥5.5 mmol/L and hypokalaemia as K+ ≤3.5 mmol/L. Compared with potassium 4.1–4.9 mmol/L, both hypokalaemia [hazard ratio (HR) 2.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84–3.14] and hyperkalaemia (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.10–1.83) were associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular death. However, potassium abnormalities were similarly associated with sudden death and pump failure death, as well as non‐cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization. Sacubitril–valsartan had no effect on potassium overall. The benefit of sacubitril–valsartan over enalapril was consistent across the range of baseline potassium levels. Conclusions: Although both higher and lower potassium levels were independent predictors of cardiovascular death, potassium abnormalities may mainly be markers rather than mediators of risk for death.

  • Authors: 
    Leonard Joseph Appleman; Michael Paul Kolinsky; William R. Berry; Margitta Retz; Loic Mourey; Josep M. Piulats; Emanuela Romano; Gwenaelle Gravis; Howard Gurney; Johann S. de Bono; +10 more
    Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

    10 Background: For men with mCRPC, systemic therapies such as docetaxel and cabazitaxel improve survival, but more effective treatments are needed. KEYNOTE-365 (NCT02861573) is a phase 1b/2 study to examine the safety and efficacy of pembro in combination with 4 different study medications (cohorts A, B, C, D) in mCRPC. Previous data from cohort B with a median of 20 months of follow-up showed that pembro + docetaxel and prednisone was well tolerated and had antitumor activity in patients (pts) with mCRPC previously treated with abi or enza. New efficacy and safety data after an additional year of follow-up are presented. Methods: Cohort B enrolled pts who did not respond to or were intolerant to ≥4 weeks of abi or enza in the prechemotherapy mCRPC state and whose disease progressed within 6 months of screening (determined by PSA progression or radiologic bone/soft tissue progression). Pts received pembro 200 mg IV every 3 weeks (Q3W), docetaxel 75 mg/m2 IV Q3W, and oral prednisone 5 mg twice daily. Primary end points were safety, PSA response rate (PSA decrease >50% from baseline), and ORR per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review. Efficacy and safety were assessed in all pts as treated. Results: Of the 104 treated pts, median age was 68.0 years (range, 50-86), 23.1% had PD-L1–positive tumors (combined positive score ≥1), 25.0% had visceral disease, and 50.0% had measurable disease. Median time from enrollment to data cutoff was 32.4 months (range 13.9-40.3); 101 pts discontinued, primarily because of disease progression (77.9%). Efficacy outcomes are reported in the table below. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 100 pts (96.2%); the most frequent (≥30%) were diarrhea (41.3%), fatigue (41.3%), and alopecia (40.4%). Grade 3-5 TRAEs occurred in 46 pts (44.2%). Five pts (4.8%) died of AEs; 2 were treatment-related pneumonitis. Conclusions: After another year of follow-up, pembro + docetaxel and prednisone showed improved ORR and PSA response rates compared to the prior dataset in pts with mCRPC previously treated with abi or enza. Safety was consistent with known profiles of each agent and will be further evaluated in a phase 3 study (KEYNOTE-921). Clinical trial information: NCT02861573. [Table: see text]

  • Closed Access
    Authors: 
    Barrett Ens; Joel Lanir; Anthony Tang; Scott Bateman; Gun A. Lee; Thammathip Piumsomboon; Mark Billinghurst;
    Publisher: Elsevier BV
    Country: Australia

    Collaborative Mixed Reality (MR) systems are at a critical point in time as they are soon to become more commonplace. However, MR technology has only recently matured to the point where researchers can focus deeply on the nuances of supporting collaboration, rather than needing to focus on creating the enabling technology. In parallel, but largely independently, the field of Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) has focused on the fundamental concerns that underlie human communication and collaboration over the past 30-plus years. Since MR research is now on the brink of moving into the real world, we reflect on three decades of collaborative MR research and try to reconcile it with existing theory from CSCW, to help position MR researchers to pursue fruitful directions for their work. To do this, we review the history of collaborative MR systems, investigating how the common taxonomies and frameworks in CSCW and MR research can be applied to existing work on collaborative MR systems, exploring where they have fallen behind, and look for new ways to describe current trends. Through identifying emergent trends, we suggest future directions for MR, and also find where CSCW researchers can explore new theory that more fully represents the future of working, playing and being with others Refereed/Peer-reviewed

  • Open Access
    Authors: 
    Alexander K. C. Leung; Joseph M. Lam; Kin Fon Leong;

    Background: The diagnosis of solitary cutaneous mastocytoma is mainly clinical, based on lesion morphology, the presence of a positive Darier sign, and the absence of systemic involvement. Knowledge of this condition is important so that an accurate diagnosis can be made. Objective: To familiarize physicians with the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, evaluation, and management of a solitary cutaneous mastocytoma. Methods: A PubMed search was completed in Clinical Queries using the key term "solitary cutaneous mastocytoma". The search strategy included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews. Only papers published in English language were included. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article. Results: Typically, a solitary cutaneous mastocytoma presents as an indurated, erythematous, yellow- brown or reddish-brown macule, papule, plaque or nodule, usually measuring up to 5 cm in diameter. The lesion often has a peau d'orange appearance and a leathery or rubbery consistency. A solitary cutaneous mastocytoma may urticate spontaneously or when stroked or rubbed (Darier sign). Organomegaly and lymphadenopathy are characteristically absent. The majority of patients with skin lesions that erupt within the first two years of life have spontaneous resolution of the lesions before puberty. Treatment is mainly symptomatic. Reassurance and avoidance of triggering factors suffice in most cases. Conclusion: The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on the morphology of the lesion, the presence of a positive Darier sign, and the absence of systemic involvement. A skin biopsy is usually not necessary unless the diagnosis is in doubt.

  • Closed Access
    Authors: 
    André Mocaer; Elisabeth Guillou; Omer Chouinard;
    Publisher: Elsevier BV

    Abstract With an increasing number of coastal issues associated with human pressure and exacerbated by climate change, this study examines how residents of coastal communities perceive their living environment and how they perceive risks in this environment and more particularly coastal risks (marine erosion and flooding). An international (Canada-France) questionnaire study was conducted among 190 people, approximately half of whom lived on New Brunswick's Acadian Coast and half on France's west coast. The results highlight, on the one hand, the residents' strong relationship with their coastal living environment and, on the other, a representation of coastal risks as an important area of concern for them. That said, the worry concerning these risks varied among the participants. The local and cultural context (media coverage of this issue and the country-specific risk management strategies) may explain the differences in attitude between the two countries.

  • Publication . Article . Other literature type . 2020
    Open Access English
    Authors: 
    Jonathan S. Hausmann; Paul Sufka; Suleman Bhana; Jean W. Liew; Pedro Machado; Zachary S. Wallace; Wendy Costello; Philip Robinson; Jinoos Yazdany; Rebecca Grainger; +1 more
    Publisher: AVES Yayincilik
  • Publication . Other literature type . Part of book or chapter of book . Conference object . 2019
    Open Access
    Authors: 
    Ebizimoh Abodei; Alex Norta; Irene Azogu; Chibuzor Udokwu; Dirk Draheim;
    Publisher: Springer International Publishing
    Country: France

    Part 7: Digital Governance; International audience; Infrastructural development is a significant determinant of economic growth. It remains an elusive pursuit for many developing economies suffering from public infrastructural project failures. Although the causes of these failures are identifiable, they remain persistent. Government corruption has been identified as the primary cause of project failures amidst a host of other causal factors, spurred by the ambiguity in public service administration. These factors heighten capital expenditures and hence, the need for more transparent systems in public infrastructural project planning and -delivery. This research uses a case-study methodology to examine the importance of public involvement in addressing the causes of failures in public infrastructural project planning and -delivery. Using Nigeria as a case, the findings from conducted interviews and a document review support the proposition of a technologically collaborative approach in addressing the causes of public infrastructural project failures. The institutionalization of transparency-enhancing blockchain systems are vital in government and public involvement in the processes of public infrastructural project planning and -delivery.

  • Open Access English
    Authors: 
    Arvind Rajamani; Ashwin Subramaniam; Kiran Shekar; Jumana Haji; Jinghang Luo; Shailesh Bihari; Wai Tat Wong; Navya Gullapalli; Markus Renner; Claudia Maria Alcancia; +2 more
    Publisher: Elsevier BV
    Country: Australia

    Abstract Background There has been a surge in coronavirus disease 2019 admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) in Asia-Pacific countries. Because ICU healthcare workers are exposed to aerosol-generating procedures, ensuring optimal personal protective equipment (PPE) preparedness is important. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate PPE preparedness across ICUs in six Asia-Pacific countries during the initial phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which is defined by the World Health Organization as guideline adherence, training healthcare workers, procuring stocks, and responding appropriately to suspected cases. Methods A cross-sectional Web-based survey was circulated to 633 level II/III ICUs of Australia, New Zealand (NZ), Singapore, Hong Kong (HK), India, and the Philippines. Findings Two hundred sixty-three intensivists responded, representing 231 individual ICUs eligible for analysis. Response rates were 68–100% in all countries except India, where it was 24%. Ninety-seven percent of ICUs either conformed to or exceeded World Health Organization recommendations for PPE practice. Fifty-nine percent ICUs used airborne precautions irrespective of aerosol generation procedures. There were variations in negative-pressure room use (highest in HK/Singapore), training (best in NZ), and PPE stock awareness (best in HK/Singapore/NZ). High-flow nasal oxygenation and noninvasive ventilation were not options in most HK (66.7% and 83.3%, respectively) and Singapore ICUs (50% and 80%, respectively), but were considered in other countries to a greater extent. Thirty-eight percent ICUs reported not having specialised airway teams. Showering and “buddy systems” were underused. Clinical waste disposal training was suboptimal (38%). Conclusions Many ICUs in the Asia-Pacific reported suboptimal PPE preparedness in several domains, particularly related to PPE training, practice, and stock awareness, which requires remediation. Adoption of low-cost approaches such as buddy systems should be encouraged. The complete avoidance of high-flow nasal oxygenation reported by several intensivists needs reconsideration. Consideration must be given to standardise PPE guidelines to minimise practice variations. Urgent research to evaluate PPE preparedness and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission is required.

  • Publication . Article . 2018
    Open Access
    Authors: 
    A, Foge;
  • Open Access English
    Authors: 
    Abbott R.a; Abbott T.D.b; Abraham S.c; Acernese F.d; e; Ackley K.f; Adams A.g; Adams C.h; Adhikari R.X.a; Adya V.B.i; +191 more
    Publisher: HAL CCSD
    Countries: Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Belgium, Belgium, United States, Belgium
    Project: EC | PROBIST (754510), NSERC

    We report on an all-sky search for continuous gravitational waves in the frequency band 20-2000 Hz and with a frequency time derivative in the range of [-1.0,+0.1]×10-8 Hz/s. Such a signal could be produced by a nearby, spinning and slightly nonaxisymmetric isolated neutron star in our Galaxy. This search uses the LIGO data from the first six months of Advanced LIGO's and Advanced Virgo's third observational run, O3. No periodic gravitational wave signals are observed, and 95% confidence-level (C.L.) frequentist upper limits are placed on their strengths. The lowest upper limits on worst-case (linearly polarized) strain amplitude h0 are ∼1.7×10-25 near 200 Hz. For a circularly polarized source (most favorable orientation), the lowest upper limits are ∼6.3×10-26. These strict frequentist upper limits refer to all sky locations and the entire range of frequency derivative values. For a population-averaged ensemble of sky locations and stellar orientations, the lowest 95% C.L. upper limits on the strain amplitude are ∼1.4×10-25. These upper limits improve upon our previously published all-sky results, with the greatest improvement (factor of ∼2) seen at higher frequencies, in part because quantum squeezing has dramatically improved the detector noise level relative to the second observational run, O2. These limits are the most constraining to date over most of the parameter space searched. This work was supported by MEXT, JSPS Leading-edge Research Infrastructure Program, JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Specially Promoted Research 26000005, JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas 2905: JP17H06358, JP17H06361 and JP17H06364, JSPS Core-to-Core Program A. Advanced Research Networks, JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (S) 17H06133, the joint research program of the Institute for Cosmic Ray Research, University of Tokyo, National Research Foundation (NRF) and Computing Infrastructure Project of KISTI-GSDC in Korea, Academia Sinica (AS), AS Grid Center (ASGC) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) in Taiwan under grants including ASCDA-105-M06, Advanced Technology Center (ATC) of NAOJ, and Mechanical Engineering Center of KEK Abbott, R. (LIGO Scientific Collaboration, Virgo Collaboration, KAGRA Collaboration)