Science in Russia: Factors of Modernization and Resources for Development

One of the most strategic resources of a country is its science and technology complex. To be productive, scientists need excellent conditions for doing research. Consequently, they choose such place where they can work efficiently, they even leave their motherland for researching under better conditions. The study describes the key indicators of efficient research activity. To characterize the science of a country, we distinguish two groups: indicators of scientific and technological capabilities and indicators for assessing the impact of scientific productivity. We use statistical data of reports published in Russia from 2003 to 2014. We did the comparative analysis of performance indicators of research activity in some European and Asian OECD member countries. That provides an overview of the main trends of development and the state of world science. Using data analysis presented in Science Watch, Web of Science and Scopus databases, OECD STAN database, ANBERD, the data published by National Science Foundation and the RAND Corporation, we identify key indicators of research activity in the world. We point out the negative tendency of emigration of Russian scientists and highlight the main reasons of this process. In conclusion, we outline the main reasons of the crisis in Russian science

Transpterygoid Trans-sphenoid Approach to the Lateral Extension of the Sphenoid Sinus to Repair a Spontaneous CSF Leak

Objective and Importance: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula from the middle cranial fossa into the sphenoid sinus is a rare condition. In the past, the treatment of choice has been closure via a craniotomy. Only few geriatric cases are known, which were successfully operated by endoscopic surgery. We present a further case of nontraumatic CSF fistula originating from the middle cranial fossa. A new endoscopic technique was applied. We discuss treatment options for this rare defect. Clinical Presentation: A 76-year-old patient presented with a 2-year history of rhinorrhea. High levels of β-trace protein pointed to a diagnosis of CSF fistula. The defect was located at the anterior and inferior aspect of the pterygoid recess of the left sphenoid sinus. Intervention: The patient was operated using an endoscopic trans-sphenoidal approach. After endoscopic opening of the maxillary and sphenoid sinus, a complete posterior ethmoidectomy was performed. The medial part of the pterygoid process was removed, allowing endoscopic exposure and closure of the defect. At 1-year follow-up, the CSF fistula had not recurred and the patient had no sequel from the surgical procedure. Conclusion: In selected cases, this new endoscopic partial transpterygoid approach to the middle cranial fossa is recommended for surgical repair of CSF fistula involving the lateral extension of the sphenoid sinus. To our knowledge, ours is the oldest patient with this condition successfully operated by endoscopic means at the world's most northern university hospital

In vitro surface temperature of nasal balloons during hot water inflation

Background: Posterior epistaxis is often treated with nasal packing by balloon compression or gauzes, and in refractory cases, with ligation of the sphenopalatine artery. These methods are painful, require admission and imply a substantial risk of complications. It has been shown that hot water irrigation is effective to stop bleeding. However, the hot water procedure is associated with patient discomfort, and temperatures over 520C may cause tissue necrosis. The use of nasal balloons filled with hot water may potentially be equally effective and cause less discomfort, but has not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to determine the surface temperature of nasal balloons when filled with hot water. Methodology: An in vitro study was performed to determine surface temperature of Epistat® and Rapid Rhino® nasal balloons when filled with water at different temperatures. Results: There was a strong correlation between inserted water temperature and maximum temperature at Epistat® balloon surface. Maximum surface temperature occurred during the first 30 seconds after water insertion and there was a rapid temperature decline irrespective of inserted water temperature. There was a similar correlation for Rapid Rhino®. However, surface temperatures were in general lower, maintained for a longer period and the peak temperature occurred later. Conclusions: Hot water inflation in nasal balloons seems to be feasible and is unlikely to cause tissue necrosis with inserted water temperatures of 600C or less

A validation study of an esophageal probe-based polygraph against polysomnography in obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract Study objectives The aim of this study was to validate the automatically scored results of an esophageal probe–based polygraph system (ApneaGraph ® Spiro) against manually scored polysomnography (Nox A1, PSG) results. We compared the apnea–hypopnea index, oxygen saturation index, and respiratory disturbance index of the devices. Methods Consenting patients, referred for obstructive sleep apnea workup, were tested simultaneously with the ApneaGraph ® Spiro and Nox A1 ® polysomnograph. Each participant made one set of simultaneous registrations for one night. PSG results were scored independently. Apnea–hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index, and respiratory disturbance index were compared using Pearson’s correlation and scatter plots. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio of all indices at 5, 15, and 30 were calculated. Results A total of 83 participants had successful registrations. The apnea–hypopnea index showed sensitivity of 0.83, specificity of 0.95, and a positive likelihood ratio of 5.11 at an index cutoff of 15. At a cutoff of 30, the positive likelihood ratio rose to 31.43. The respiratory disturbance index showed high sensitivity (> 0.9) at all cutoffs, but specificity was below 0.5 at all cutoffs. Scatterplots revealed overestimation in mild OSA and underestimation in severe OSA for all three indices. Conclusions The ApneaGraph ® Spiro performed acceptably when OSA was defined by an AHI of 15. The equipment overestimated mild OSA and underestimated severe OSA, compared to the PSG

Causes of higher symptomatic airway load in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis display a variety of different phenotypes. The symptoms of disease are characterised by various signs and symptoms such as nasal congestion, nasal discharge, pressure sensation in the face and reduced or complete loss of smell. In a patient population undergoing functional endoscopic sinonasal surgery (FESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis, we wanted to investigate the clinical features and explore if the presence of biofilm, nasal polyps or other disease characteristic could serve as predictor for the symptomatic load. A patient group undergoing septoplasty without disease of the sinuses was included as control. Methods The Sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-20), EPOS visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Lund-Mackey CT score (LM CT score) were used to examine 23 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), 30 patient with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and 22 patients with septal deviation. Tissue samples were collected prospectively during surgery. The cohort has previously been examined for the presence of biofilm. Results Patients with CRSsNP and CRSwNP had significantly higher degree of symptoms compared to the septoplasty group (SNOT-20 scores of 39.8, 43.6 and 29.9, respectively, p = 0.034). There were no significant differences in the total SNOT-20 or VAS symptoms scores between the CRSsNP and CRSwNP subgroups. However patients with nasal polyps showed significantly higher scores of symptoms related to sinonasal discomfort such as cough, runny nose and need to blow nose (p = 0.011, p = 0.046, p = 0.001 respectively). Patients with nasal polyps showed a significantly higher LM CT score compared to patients without polyps (12.06 versus 8.00, p = 0.001). The presence of biofilm did not impact the degree of symptoms. Conclusion The presence of nasal polyp formations in CRS patients was associated with a higher symptomatic airway load as compared to patients without polyps. These findings suggest that nasal polyps could be an indicator of more substantial sinonasal disease. The presence of biofilm did not impact the degree of symptoms, however, as biofilm seem to be a common feature of chronic rhinosinusitis (89% in this cohort), it is more likely to be involved in the development of the CRS, rather than being a surrogate marker for increased symptomatic load

Additional file 1: of Causes of higher symptomatic airway load in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

Data containing patient disease classification, allergy status, asthma status, LM CT score, VAS score, SNOT score and biofilm status. (XLS 28 kb