bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol for the Sri Lankan Cerebral Palsy Register pilot study
Authors: Heiyanthuduwage Thilini Madushika , Sumanasena Samanmali P , Kitnasamy Gopi , Smithers Sheedy Hayley , Khandaker Gulam , Fernando Romaniya , Wijesekara Saraji , Jagoda Jayatri , Ratnayake Pyara , Wanigasinghe Jithangi , Mclntyre Sarah , Goldsmith Shona , Waight Emma , Badawi Nadia , Muhit Mohammad , Muttiah Nimisha
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) describes a heterogeneous group of motor disorders resulting from disturbance in the developing brain. CP occurs in approximately 2.1 per 1000 live births in high-income countries, but in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) the prevalence and severity of CP may be greater and aetiological risk factors different. In Sri Lanka, a LMIC, there have been no epidemiological studies of CP to date. Systematically collected data are required to identify opportunities for primary and secondary prevention, to plan and establish services to support children and adults with CP and their families and to act as a sampling frame for new research. Here we describe a pilot study protocol for a CP register in Sri Lanka.

Methods and analysis

The aim of this study is to establish a CP register in Sri Lanka. We will use different surveillance methodologies in two provinces of Sri Lanka: hospital and community surveillance in the Western Province and community surveillance in the Eastern Province. A common record form will collect demographic, clinical and service data for children with CP <18 years living in these two provinces. Data will be transferred to a secure online data repository and used to describe the epidemiology of CP in these regions. We will describe the strengths and challenges of the surveillance mechanisms and estimate the resources required for ongoing hospital and community based surveillance in the Western and Eastern provinces and to include additional provinces across the country.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has ethical clearance from The University of Kelaniya, National Health Research Council, the Institutional Ethics Review Committee of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Colombo South Teaching Hospital and the Director of the North Colombo Teaching Hospital. Results from this research will be disseminated through local and international conferences and through publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Quality improvement report: setting up a staff well-being hub through continuous engagement
Authors: Saqib Aaisha , Rampal Tarannum
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has presented a new set of challenges for the frontline National Health Service staff. It is not only the long working hours but also the uncertainty and increase in patient mortality that has affected mental health and staff well-being. Hospitals all around the country have rightly responded with various well-being initiatives to help their staff such as wobble rooms and developing online resources. Our vision was to set up a safe space for staff away from clinical noise to enable and encourage mindfulness and psychological resilience through a calm and serene environment. We used the continuous quality improvement methodology and administered an initial needs assessment survey to see if our trust staff will be interested in having such a space. Within our team, we managed to secure a place, and used donations to hospital charity and set up a space within a week. Since opening the hub, we have had excellent feedback from various staff groups. Immediate feedback was obtained using emoji stickers asking for feelings before and after visit. A mood board was put up allowing anonymous expression of feelings. Delayed feedback was requested using a repeat survey. We believe that while there is a lot of talk about well-being and an increasing number of resources being offered electronically, the need for a neat and quiet space cannot be overlooked. We collect feedback on a weekly basis and adapt the space to meet the needs of staff. Long-term impact of such spaces will be reassessed at a later stage.
Resuscitation status conversations: a short education session improves junior doctors’ confidence
Authors: Ferguson Lana , Clark Helen , de Beer Wayne
Published: August 2020

Aim

Junior doctors are frequently required to discuss resuscitation status with patients. They generally lack experience, confidence and skill in having these conversations. However, there is currently no formal postgraduate education requirement to improve or develop in this area. The aim of this educational intervention was to improve junior doctors’ level of confidence and skill in having resuscitation status conversations with patients.

Method

An educational intervention for 27 prevocational postgraduate second and third-year house officers at a tertiary hospital in Hamilton, New Zealand was conducted. A self-administered survey was completed preintervention and postintervention.

Results

Four factors were assessed in the survey (level of confidence having conversations regarding resuscitation status, ability to prognosticate, content of conversations and perceived barriers to having conversations), with a statistically significant difference found with respect to level of confidence having conversations regarding resuscitation status (p=0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that a short education session improves confidence in discussing resuscitation status. It has also identified the need for further postgraduate training in complex communication skills.
Dealing with cultural diversity in palliative care
Authors: Six Stefaan , Bilsen Johan , Deschepper Reginald
Published: August 2020

Palliative care is increasingly confronted with cultural diversity. This can lead to various problems in practice. In this perspective article, the authors discuss in more detail which issues play a role in culture-sensitive palliative care, why naive culturalism will not solve such problems and in which direction research into this aspect of care can be further elaborated.
Sialorrhoea treated with inhaled glycopyrronium
Authors: Plunkett Claire
Published: August 2020

Sialorrhoea or drooling is a distressing and often socially isolating symptom seen in palliative care. Evidence to support efficacy and safety of drug therapy in sialorrhoea is limited. Most drugs, in an adult population, are unlicensed for this indication in the UK including glycopyrronium. A 73-year-old Caucasian man, diagnosed with a right-sided sarcomatoid malignant pleural mesothelioma, presented with difficulty in swallowing and sialorrhoea. A glycopyrronium inhaler (administering 55 μg of glycopyrronium bromide/puff) was initiated in the mornings, increasing up to three times per day as tolerated. He reported a significant decrease in his symptoms 2 days after initiation using a numerical rating scale. A regular dose of one puff two times per day completely resolved the patient’s symptoms within 5 days. This case supports the use of inhaled glycopyrronium as a possible therapy for sialorrhoea in palliative care patients. In addition, doses required for resolution of symptoms were significantly lower when compared with systemic dosages.
Do you need compassion to work in palliative medicine?
Authors: Trotter Sophie Anne
Published: August 2020

Compassion is deemed a "basic social emotion" (Nussbaum) and decreed a National Health Service core value—yet, what does ‘compassion’ really mean? Moreover, why is it so important, how can we deliver it best and how do we measure achievement here?

This essay will argue that compassion stands apart from other forms of interpersonal engagement as a deeply human recognition of another’s suffering which inherently motivates action to do something about this. There are two inextricable elements here: the role of suffering, and the resultant call to action it motivates.

The role of compassion pivots on suffering, and thus, our interpretation of suffering and what we consider its upstream cause: the problem to be fixed. Palliative medicine here stands apart, priding itself on the holistic care of what is important to the patient; thus, the symptoms problematic to the patient are the problem, rather than the underlying cause per se.

Compassion drives motivation to act; medicine equips us with the tools by which we can respond to this. Thus, compassion has been described as a ‘calling’ to healthcare for many who join the profession, and perhaps it is when these tools seem to fail that compassion fatigue takes hold. Though this is beyond the scope of this essay, compassion fatigue is considered a form of burnout directly related to the experiences of a caregiver.

Thus, compassion is central, and its outcomes stem first from our perspective of the issue at hand and second from our ability to drive change. The ability to recognise suffering in another and be motivated to help has relevance far beyond work in palliative medicine; perhaps this form of interpersonal engagement extends to humanity itself.
JAG/BSG national survey of UK endoscopy services: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and early restoration of endoscopy services
Authors: Catlow Jamie , Beaton David , Beintaris Iosif , Shaw Tim , Broughton Raphael , Healey Chris , Penman Ian , Coleman Mark , Rutter Matt
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected UK endoscopy workload. The Joint Advisory Group on GI endoscopy and British Society of Gastroenterology issued guidelines on endoscopy service delivery changes and restoration. We surveyed UK endoscopy clinical leads to gain insights into service restoration.

Methods

A Google Forms-designed survey, assessing endoscopy provision, Covid minimisation and referral pathways was circulated to all UK endoscopy leads. The survey was open between 19 and 24 May 2020.

Results

97 endoscopy leads completed the survey, with all UK nations and regions represented. Analysis showed 20% of endoscopy services were not providing endoscopy. Workload limitations were due to enforced interprocedural downtime (92%; with some services enforcing >1-hour downtime between procedures), social distancing (88%) and working in personal protective equipment (PPE) (87%). 91% of services reported a referral backlog (urgent median 2 months, routine median 6 months). 96% of services reported no current problems accessing PPE. Level 1/2 PPE use in colonoscopy was not uniform. 63% of services routinely swab patients for COVID-19 before endoscopy, 88% of services do not routinely swab asymptomatic staff. Comments addressed reducing endoscopy demand through vetting and changing referral criteria, the mostly commonly cited strategy being increased faecal immunochemical testing in symptomatic patients (70% of services).

Conclusion

This survey demonstrates the pandemic’s profound impact on UK endoscopy. Challenges include standardising Covid-minimisation strategies and recovering staffing levels. To improve endoscopy services, there is a need to refine referral pathways, improve vetting and clarify guidance on downtime and PPE within endoscopy.
Reciprocal regulation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma growth and molecular subtype by HNF4α and SIX1/4
Authors: Camolotto Soledad A , Belova Veronika K , Torre-Healy Luke , Vahrenkamp Jeffery M , Berrett Kristofer C , Conway Hannah , Shea Jill , Stubben Chris , Moffitt Richard , Gertz Jason , Snyder Eric L
Published: August 2020

Objective

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with a 5-year survival of less than 5%. Transcriptomic analysis has identified two clinically relevant molecular subtypes of PDAC: classical and basal-like. The classical subtype is characterised by a more favourable prognosis and better response to chemotherapy than the basal-like subtype. The classical subtype also expresses higher levels of lineage specifiers that regulate endodermal differentiation, including the nuclear receptor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α (HNF4α). The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of HNF4α, SIX4 and SIX1 in regulating the growth and molecular subtype of PDAC.

Design

We manipulate the expression of HNF4α, SIX4 and SIX1 in multiple in vitro and in vivo PDAC models. We determine the consequences of manipulating these genes on PDAC growth, differentiation and molecular subtype using functional assays, gene expression analysis and cross-species comparisons with human datasets.

Results

We show that HNF4α restrains tumour growth and drives tumour cells toward an epithelial identity. Gene expression analysis of murine models and human tumours shows that HNF4α activates expression of genes associated with the classical subtype. HNF4α also directly represses SIX4 and SIX1, two mesodermal/neuronal lineage specifiers expressed in the basal-like subtype. Finally, SIX4 and SIX1 drive proliferation and regulate differentiation in HNF4α-negative PDAC.

Conclusion

Our data show that HNF4α regulates the growth and molecular subtype of PDAC by multiple mechanisms, including activation of the classical gene expression programme and repression of SIX4 and SIX1, which may represent novel dependencies of the basal-like subtype.
Association of cardiac rehabilitation and health-related quality of life following acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hurdus Ben , Munyombwe Theresa , Dondo Tatendashe Bernadette , Aktaa Suleman , Oliver Gerrard , Hall Marlous , Doherty Patrick , Hall Alistair S , Gale Chris P
Published: August 2020

Objective

To study the association of cardiac rehabilitation and physical activity with temporal changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

Evaluation of the Methods and Management of Acute Coronary Events-3 is a nationwide longitudinal prospective cohort study of 4570 patients admitted with an AMI between 1 November 2011 and 17 September 2013. HRQoL was estimated using EuroQol 5-Dimension-3 Level Questionnaire at hospitalisation, 30 days, and 6 and 12 months following hospital discharge. The association of cardiac rehabilitation and self-reported physical activity on temporal changes in HRQoL was quantified using inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score and multilevel regression analyses.

Results

Cardiac rehabilitation attendees had higher HRQoL scores than non-attendees at 30 days (mean EuroQol 5-Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) scores: 71.0 (SD 16.8) vs 68.6 (SD 19.8)), 6 months (76.0 (SD 16.4) vs 70.2 (SD 19.0)) and 12 months (76.9 (SD 16.8) vs 70.4 (SD 20.4)). Attendees who were physically active ≥150 min/week had higher HRQoL scores compared with those who only attended cardiac rehabilitation at 30 days (mean EQ-VAS scores: 79.3 (SD 14.6) vs 70.2 (SD 17.0)), 6 months (82.2 (SD 13.9) vs 74.9 (SD 16.7)) and 12 months (84.1 (SD 12.1) vs 75.6 (SD 17.0)). Cardiac rehabilitation and self-reported physical activity of ≥150 min/week were each positively associated with temporal improvements in HRQoL (coefficient: 2.12 (95% CI 0.68 to 3.55) and 4.75 (95% CI 3.16 to 6.34), respectively).

Conclusions

Cardiac rehabilitation was independently associated with temporal improvements in HRQoL at up to 12 months following hospitalisation, with such changes further improved in patients who were physically active.
Advancing gender equ(al)ity, lifting men’s health: dealing with the spirit of our time
Authors: Marcos-Marcos Jorge , Gasch-Gallén Angel , Mateos José Tomás , Álvarez-Dardet Carlos
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we jointly address two connected issues that should be addressed together more purposefully within both public health policies and programmes: the health and well-being of men and boys, and the focus on equity versus equality from a gender perspective. Awareness of these issues has boosted the debate on the impacts of gender inequality on health and men’s role within it. Although this essay is not intended as an in-depth review on the subject, we provide a brief approach to some critical factors interwoven in the process of achieving greater gender equality. We identify some of the challenges that may arise for both policy and new research that seek to assume a relational gender approach that also pays greater attention to men’s health.
Combination of thermally ablative focused ultrasound with gemcitabine controls breast cancer via adaptive immunity
Authors: Sheybani Natasha D , Witter Alexandra R , Thim Eric A , Yagita Hideo , Bullock Timothy N J , Price Richard J
Published: August 2020

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains recalcitrant to most targeted therapy approaches. However, recent clinical studies suggest that inducing tumor damage can render TNBC responsive to immunotherapy. We therefore tested a strategy for immune sensitization of murine TNBC (4T1 tumors) through combination of focused ultrasound (FUS) thermal ablation and a chemotherapy, gemcitabine (GEM), known to attenuate myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).

Methods

We applied a sparse-scan thermally ablative FUS regimen at the tumor site in combination with systemically administered GEM. We used flow cytometry analysis to investigate the roles of monotherapy and combinatorial therapy in mediating local and systemic immunity. We also tested this combination in Rag1−/−mice or T cell-depleted wild-type mice to determine the essentiality of adaptive immunity. Further, we layered Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade onto this combination to evaluate its impact on tumor outgrowth and survival.

Results

The immune-modulatory effect of FUS monotherapy was insufficient to promote a robust T cell response against 4T1, consistent with the dominant MDSC-driven immunosuppression evident in this model. The combination of FUS+GEM significantly constrained primary TNBC tumor outgrowth and extended overall survival of mice. Tumor control correlated with increased circulating antigen-experienced T cells and was entirely dependent on T cell-mediated immunity. The ability of FUS+GEM to control primary tumor outgrowth was moderately enhanced by either neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with anti-PD-1.

Conclusion

Thermally ablative FUS in combination with GEM restricts primary tumor outgrowth, improves survival and enhances immunogenicity in a murine metastatic TNBC model. This treatment strategy promises a novel option for potentiating the role of FUS in immunotherapy of metastatic TNBC and is worthy of future clinical evaluation.

Trial registration numbers

NCT03237572andNCT04116320.
Chimeric Ad5.F35 vector evades anti-adenovirus serotype 5 neutralization opposing GUCY2C-targeted antitumor immunity
Authors: Flickinger Jr John C , Singh Jagmohan , Carlson Robert , Leong Elinor , Baybutt Trevor R , Barton Joshua , Caparosa Ellen , Pattison Amanda , Rappaport Jeffrey A , Roh Jamin , Zhan Tingting , Bashir Babar , Waldman Scott A , Snook Adam E
Published: August 2020

Background

Adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) is a commonly used viral vector for transient delivery of transgenes, primarily for vaccination against pathogen and tumor antigens. However, endemic infections with Ad5 produce virus-specific neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) that limit transgene delivery and constrain target-directed immunity following exposure to Ad5-based vaccines. Indeed, clinical trials have revealed the limitations that virus-specific NAbs impose on the efficacy of Ad5-based vaccines. In that context, the emerging focus on immunological approaches targeting cancer self-antigens or neoepitopes underscores the unmet therapeutic need for more efficacious vaccine vectors.

Methods

Here, we evaluated the ability of a chimeric adenoviral vector (Ad5.F35) derived from the capsid of Ad5 and fiber of the rare adenovirus serotype 35 (Ad35) to induce immune responses to the tumor-associated antigen guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C).

Results

In the absence of pre-existing immunity to Ad5, GUCY2C-specific T-cell responses and antitumor efficacy induced by Ad5.F35 were comparable to Ad5 in a mouse model of metastatic colorectal cancer. Furthermore, like Ad5, Ad5.F35 vector expressing GUCY2C was safe and produced no toxicity in tissues with, or without, GUCY2C expression. Importantly, this chimeric vector resisted neutralization in Ad5-immunized mice and by sera collected from patients with colorectal cancer naturally exposed to Ad5.

Conclusions

These data suggest that Ad5.F35-based vaccines targeting GUCY2C, or other tumor or pathogen antigens, may produce clinically relevant immune responses in more (≥90%) patients compared with Ad5-based vaccines (~50%).
High-dose versus low-dose angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in heart failure: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Migliavaca Celina Borges , Stein Cinara , Colpani Verônica , Eibel Bruna , Bgeginski Roberta , Simões Marcus Vinicius , Rohde Luiz Eduardo , Falavigna Maicon
Published: August 2020

Objective

To systematically review evidence comparing the effect of low-dose versus high-dose ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and hospitalisation, functional capacity and side effects in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL and LILACS up to January 2019. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing low-dose versus high-dose ACEIs in adults with HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF). Study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2.0, and quality of evidence with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). We conducted random effects meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

Results

We included eight RCTs (5829 patients with HF). In comparison with low-dose ACEIs, high-dose ACEIs showed a non-significant effect on all-cause mortality (8 RCTs, n=5828, relative risk (RR) 0.95, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.02; moderate quality of evidence), cardiovascular mortality (6 RCTs, n=4048, RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.01; moderate quality of evidence), all-cause hospitalisation (5 RCTs, n=5394, RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.10; moderate quality of evidence) and cardiovascular hospitalisation (4 RCTs, n=5242, RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.17; low quality of evidence). High-dose ACEI increased functional capacity (4 studies, n=555, standardised mean difference 0.38, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.55; low quality of evidence) and the risk of hypotension (4 RCTs, n=3783, RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.05; moderate quality of evidence). High-dose ACEI had no effect on dizziness (3 RCTs, n=4994, RR 1.37, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.93; low quality of evidence), but decreased the risk of cough (4 RCTs, n=5146, RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.98; moderate quality of evidence).

Conclusions

The magnitude of benefit of using high dose versus low to intermediate doses of ACEIs might be less than traditionally suggested in clinical guidelines. These findings might help clinicians address the complex task of HF management in a more rational and timely fashion, saving efforts to implement strategies with the greatest net clinical benefit.
Severe respiratory viral infection induces procalcitonin in the absence of bacterial pneumonia
Authors: Gautam Samir , Cohen Avi J , Stahl Yannick , Valda Toro Patricia , Young Grant M , Datta Rupak , Yan Xiting , Ristic Nicholas T , Bermejo Santos D , Sharma Lokesh , Restrepo Marcos I , Dela Cruz Charles S
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Procalcitonin expression is thought to be stimulated by bacteria and suppressed by viruses via interferon signalling. Consequently, during respiratory viral illness, clinicians often interpret elevated procalcitonin as evidence of bacterial coinfection, prompting antibiotic administration. We sought to evaluate the validity of this practice and the underlying assumption that viral infection inhibits procalcitonin synthesis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalised with pure viral infection (n=2075) versus bacterial coinfection (n=179). The ability of procalcitonin to distinguish these groups was assessed. In addition, procalcitonin and interferon gene expression were evaluated in murine and cellular models of influenza infection.

Results

Patients with bacterial coinfection had higher procalcitonin than those with pure viral infection, but also more severe disease and higher mortality (p<0.001). After matching for severity, the specificity of procalcitonin for bacterial coinfection dropped substantially, from 72% to 61%. In fact, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that procalcitonin was a better indicator of multiple indices of severity (eg, organ failures and mortality) than of coinfection. Accordingly, patients with severe viral infection had elevated procalcitonin. In murine and cellular models of influenza infection, procalcitonin was also elevated despite bacteriologic sterility and correlated with markers of severity. Interferon signalling did not abrogate procalcitonin synthesis.

Discussion

These studies reveal that procalcitonin rises during pure viral infection in proportion to disease severity and is not suppressed by interferon signalling, in contrast to prior models of procalcitonin regulation. Applied clinically, our data suggest that procalcitonin represents a better indicator of disease severity than bacterial coinfection during viral respiratory infection.
Isolation and characterisation of Vibrio cholerae from fish examined postmortem at ZSL London Zoo between 2014 and 2018
Authors: Flach Edmund J , LeNette‐Dawson Demi , Greig David R , Ismail Ahmed Amina , Jenkins Claire , John Shinto K , Macgregor Shaheed K , Masters Nic , Stidworthy Mark F , Zimmerman Brian , Chattaway Marie A
Published: August 2020

Background

When suspect Vibrio cholerae were cultured from fish at ZSL London Zoo, investigations were carried out to determine whether they were possible causes of cholera.

Methods

Bacterial culture was carried out on fish examined postmortem and colonies were identified using standard techniques including the API 20NE biochemical test kits. Suspect isolates were submitted to the Public Health England laboratory for additional testing. Separately, a number of fish were submitted for routine histopathology.

Results

On 13 occasions between 2014 and 2018, suspected V cholerae were cultured from individuals of eight different freshwater fish species. Archived cultures for eight of these (from six different fish species) were investigated and seven isolates (from five fish species) were confirmed as V cholerae, but all were non‐O1, non‐O139 strains. Whole‐genome sequencing showed that the five fish species had unique V cholerae multilocus sequence types (three isolates from Aphanius danfordii were identical), all of which were genetically distant from human isolates.

Conclusions

There was no evidence that these isolates could cause cholera. Histopathological changes consistent with vibriosis were seen in several fish, suggesting that V cholerae were causing the disease, but there were also concurrent infections or predisposing stress factors.
Assessing methods to live‐capture wild boars (Sus scrofa) in urban and peri‐urban environments
Authors: Torres‐Blas Irene , Mentaberre Gregorio , Castillo‐Contreras Raquel , Fernández‐Aguilar Xavier , Conejero Carles , Valldeperes Marta , González‐Crespo Carlos , Colom‐Cadena Andreu , Lavín Santiago , López‐Olvera Jorge Ramón
Published: August 2020

Background

Wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations are increasing worldwide and invading urban areas. Live‐capture can improve the management of this challenge, maximising efficiency, allowing scientific studies and potentially improving animal welfare. This study assesses teleanaesthesia, drop‐net, corral trap and cage trap to live‐capture wild boar in urban and peri‐urban areas, evaluating efficiency and animal stress through haematology and serum biochemistry.

Methods

From 2012 to 2018, 655 wild boars were captured in 279 operations (drop‐net=17, teleanaesthesia=186, cage trap=66 and corral trap=10) in the urban and peri‐urban areas of Barcelona (Spain). Haematological and serum biochemical variables were determined in 145 wild boars (42 drop‐netted, 41 teleanaesthetised, 38 cage‐trapped and 24 corral‐trapped).

Results

Performance (wild boars captured per operation) was highest for drop‐net, followed by corral and cage traps, and finally teleanaesthesia. The three physical capture methods were more stressful than teleanaesthesia, causing a more intense physiological reaction, muscular damage, renal function impairment and homeostasis adaption. Stress response was predominantly adrenergic for drop‐net and cortisol‐induced for cage and corral traps.

Conclusion

Teleanaesthesia is the choice in reactive urban situations thanks to its adaptability; drop‐net effectively targets wild boars in peri‐urban environments; cage and corral traps are useful as long‐term methods in specific areas.
Use of cefovecin in dogs and cats attending first‐opinion veterinary practices in Australia
Authors: Hardefeldt Laura , Hur Brian , Verspoor Karin , Baldwin Timothy , Bailey Kirsten E , Scarborough Ri , Richards Suzanna , Billman‐Jacobe Helen , Browning Glenn Francis , Gilkerson James
Published: August 2020

Background

Cefovecin is a long‐acting third‐generation cephalosporin commonly used in veterinary medicine. Third‐generation cephalosporins are critically important antimicrobials that should only be used after culture and susceptibility testing. The authors describe the common indications for cefovecin use in dogs and cats, and the frequency of culture and susceptibility testing.

Materials and methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed using clinical records extracted from VetCompass Australia. A previously described method was used to identify records containing cefovecin. The reason for cefovecin use was annotated in situ in each consultation text.

Results

Over a six‐month period (February and September 2018), 5180 (0.4 per cent) consultations involved cefovecin administration, of which 151 were excluded. Cats were administered cefovecin more frequently than dogs (1.9 per cent of cat consultations and 0.1 per cent of dog consultations). The most common reasons for cefovecin administration to cats were cat fight injuries and abscesses (28 per cent) and dermatitis (13 per cent). For dogs, the most common reasons for cefovecin administration were surgical prophylaxis (24 per cent) and dermatitis (19 per cent). Culture and susceptibility testing were reported in 16 cases (0.3 per cent).

Conclusion

Cefovecin is used in many scenarios in dogs and cats where antimicrobials may be either not indicated or where an antimicrobial of lower importance to human health is recommended.
Performance of near-infrared spectroscopy in pork shoulder as a predictor for pork belly softness
Authors: Lam S. , Soladoye O.P. , Prieto N. , Uttaro B. , Aalhus J.L. , Larsen I. , Shand P. , Gariépy C. , Juárez M.
Published: August 2020

Pork belly quality indicators are economically relevant in the pork industry. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy of the pork shoulder outer subcutaneous fat layer, belly flop angle, and subjective softness scores of the pork belly were measured (N = 144) to determine the accuracy of pork shoulder NIR spectroscopy as a predictor of pork belly softness. The NIR spectra hot carcass estimates explained over 80.0% variability in pork belly softness (80.5%–90.8%), with low prediction error, suggesting that NIR spectroscopy measured in the pork shoulder is an efficient and accurate indicator of pork belly softness to classify pork bellies for specific market demands.
Metabolically healthy obesity: is there a link with polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and status?
Authors: Arsic Aleksandra , Takic Marija , Kojadinovic Milica , Petrovic Snjezana , Paunovic Marija , Vucic Vesna , Ristic Medic Danijela
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to compare dietary intake and status of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids metabolically healthy and unhealthy, and obese and nonobese persons. Metabolic health status in 171 participants was defined according to criteria for metabolic syndrome. Obese and nonobese metabolically unhealthy persons (MUHO and MUHNO) had higher energy intake of n-6 PUFA (7.82 ± 1.03 and 7.49 ± 0.86) and lower intake of n-3 PUFA (0.60 ± 0.12 and 0.62 ± 0.11) compared to obese and nonobese metabolically healthy persons (MHO and MHNO) (5.92 ± 0.63 and 5.72 ± 0.67; 1.20 ± 0.07 and 1.22 ± 0.09, respectively) and a higher n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. The plasma level of n-6 PUFA was lower in the MUHO and MUHNO groups (38.49 ± 3.71 and 38.53 ± 2.19) compared to MHNO (40.90 ± 2.43), while n-3 PUFA status was lower in obese than in nonobese persons (3.58 ± 0.79 and 3.50 ± 1.02 vs. 4.21 ± 0.80 and 4.06 ± 1.15). The MHO group had a higher eicosapentaenoic/arachidonic acid ratio and estimated desaturase (SCD16, D6D) and elongase activity in plasma phospholipids compared to MHNO. The low intake of n-3 PUFA is directly associated with metabolic risk factors. These results indicated that obesity is closely associated with low levels of n-3 PUFA in plasma phospholipids, suggesting that dietary modifications including n-3 PUFA supplementation appear to be suitable therapeutic strategy in obese persons.
Flat-band physics in the spin-1/2 sawtooth chain
Authors: Derzhko Oleg , Schnack Jürgen , Dmitriev Dmitry V. , Krivnov Valery Ya. , Richter Johannes
Published: August 2020

We consider the strongly anisotropic spin-1/2 XXZ model on the sawtooth-chain lattice with ferromagnetic longitudinal interaction Jzz = ΔJ and aniferromagnetic transversal interaction Jxx = Jyy = J > 0. At Δ = −1∕2 the lowest one-magnon excitation band is dispersionless (flat) leading to a massively degenerate set of ground states. Interestingly, this model admits a three-coloring representation of the ground-state manifold [H.J. Changlani et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 117202 (2018)]. We characterize this ground-state manifold and elaborate the low-temperature thermodynamics of the system. We illustrate the manifestation of the flat-band physics of the anisotropic model by comparison with two isotropic flat-band Heisenberg sawtooth chains. Our analytical consideration is complemented by exact diagonalization and finite-temperature Lanczos method calculations.

Graphical abstract
A transportable quantum gravimeter employing delta-kick collimated Bose–Einstein condensates
Authors: Heine Nina , Matthias Jonas , Sahelgozin Maral , Herr Waldemar , Abend Sven , Timmen Ludger , Müller Jürgen , Rasel Ernst Maria
Published: August 2020

Gravimetry with low uncertainty and long-term stability opens up new fields of research in geodesy, especially in hydrology and volcanology. The main limitations in the accuracy of current generation cold atom gravimeters stem from the expansion rate and the residual centre-of-mass motion of their atomic test masses. Our transportable quantum gravimeter QG-1 aims at overcoming these limitations by performing atom interferometry with delta-kick collimated Bose–Einstein condensates generated by an atom chip. With our approach we anticipate to measure the local gravitational acceleration at geodetic campaigns with an uncertainty less than 1 nm/s2 surpassing the state-of-the-art classic and quantum based systems. In this paper, we discuss the design and performance assessment of QG-1.

Graphical abstract
Magnetic monopoles revisited: Models and searches at colliders and in the Cosmos
Authors: Mavromatos Nick E. , Mitsou Vasiliki A.
Published: August 2020

In this review, we discuss recent developments in both the theory and the experimental searches of magnetic monopoles in past, current and future colliders and in the Cosmos. The theoretical models include, apart from the standard Grand Unified Theories, extensions of the Standard Model that admit magnetic monopole solutions with finite energy and masses that can be as light as a few TeV. Specifically, we discuss, among other scenarios, modified Cho–Maison monopoles and magnetic monopoles in (string-inspired, higher derivative) Born–Infeld extensions of the hypercharge sector of the Standard Model. We also outline the conditions for which effective field theories describing the interaction of monopoles with photons are valid and can be used for result interpretation in monopole production at colliders. The experimental part of the review focuses on, past and present, cosmic and collider searches, including the latest bounds on monopole masses and magnetic charges by the ATLAS and MoEDAL experiments at the LHC, as well as prospects for future searches.
Lorentz transformation of a charge-current density and “relativistic polarization” of a moving current loop
Authors: Kholmetskii Alexander , Missevitch Oleg , Yarman Tolga
Published: August 2020

We show that the claim by Franklin (Int. J. Mod. Phys. A 35, 2050061 (2020)) with respect to the vanishing charge distribution over the perimeter of an electrically neutral moving current loop is erroneous and is based on a misinterpretation of physical meaning of Lorentz transformations. Moreover, we show that the development of nonvanishing electric dipole moment by a moving current loop (which we named as “relativistic polarization”) represents a direct implication of covariant formulation of classical electrodynamics of material media. In this respect, we analyze some subtle effects related to the motion of magnetic dipoles in an electromagnetic field and disclose their physical meaning.
A numerical investigation on the heat flow in the process of oil-water displacement in SDPSO
Authors: Han Pan-Pan , You Yun-Xiang , Liu Dong-Xi , Wang Jin
Published: August 2020

Spar Drilling Production Storage and Offloading (SDPSO) is a new type of deep ocean platform developed in recent years. The process of oil-water displacement is used for oil storage and offloading and the research on the accompanying heat flow has been significant. The wax precipitation and solidification at low temperature will particularly affect the flowing of oil in the displacement process. When the heat flow is concerned, numerical simulation requires large computation. It is necessary to develop an efficient numerical method for this calculation. As a kind of interface tracking method, the volume of fluid (VOF) method needs less computing resources compared with other multiphase numerical methods. As for thermal expressions, there are mainly two kinds of governing equations, i.e. temperature equation and enthalpy equation, and two kinds of interpolation scheme of heat conductivity, i.e. algebraic interpolation scheme and harmonic interpolation scheme. There is a need to find out which combination of governing equation and interpolation scheme of heat conductivity would result in a better precision for the heat flow. Therefore, four non-isothermal solvers, corresponding to the four combinations, are established. After comparison with an analytical solution, it is found that the temperature equation together with the harmonic interpolation scheme of heat conductivity results in better precision.
A MoS2-based broadband and multiband metamaterial absorber in the visible band
Authors: Song Shitong , Liu Fanyi , Qi Limei , Zhang Zhao , Wang Haodong , Zhou Yuting
Published: August 2020

A broadband MoS2-based absorber composed of Ag rod/MoS2/dielectric/Ag is proposed in the visible band. The relative bandwidth is 65% for the absorption above 80%. The absorber also has the properties of polarization-independence and wide-angle absorption. Impedance matching theory is used to analyze the physical mechanism of the broadband absorption. By investigating the absorption property of each part of the absorber, it is found that the absorption is enhanced by introducing the two-dimensional material MoS2. The broadband absorber can be changed to be multiband absorber by changing the thickness of dielectric substrate. This structure provides a new perspective to enhance absorption in the visible band and has promising applications in solar cells.
The Culture–Strategy–Execution Trio: A How-To Guide
Authors: Chen Ming-Jer , Chan Y. P. , Tucker Charles
Published: August 2020

Engages in introducing an integrated framework on the “how-to” part of effective strategic management, focusing on the key aspects of successful strategic implementation. Highlighting culture as an important element of strategic thinking, the author emphasizes the key to global business success lies in three interconnected aspects: better understanding and adapting to the local culture; a focused strategy; and persistency in implementation. The article argues that companies must deeply understand and nurture not only their own internal corporate culture, but also the various cultural contexts in which they operate. The article examines the meaning and importance of culture at multiple levels, starting from the perspective of individual leaders and moving all the way through national cultures. Through practical real-world examples, the article also discusses how companies can build and implement an internal culture and cultural outlook that will lead to sustained strength and success.
'Have you thought about…'
Authors: Bruckman Amy
Published: August 2020

Considering the good and the bad effects of technology.
Toward growable computer games
Authors: Kim Raphael , Thomas Siobhan , van Dierendonck Roland , Wood Christopher , Poslad Stefan
Published: August 2020

HCI education reflects the continual evolution of HCI, embracing the changing landscapes of technology, infrastructure, and technology use. This forum aims to provide a platform for HCI educators, practitioners, researchers, and students to share their perspectives, reflections, and experiences related to HCI education.
--- Sukeshini Grandhi, Editor
Who does the work of data?
Authors: Møller Naja Holten , Bossen Claus , Pine Kathleen H. , Nielsen Trine Rask , Neff Gina
Published: August 2020

This forum is dedicated to personal health in all its many facets: decision making, goal setting, celebration, discovery, reflection, and coordination, among others. We look at innovations in interactive technologies and how they help address current critical healthcare challenges.
--- Yunan Chen, Editor
Little green message
Authors: Clegg Brian
Published: August 2020

From the intersection of computational science and technological speculation, with boundaries limited only by our ability to imagine what could be.
Computing value of spatiotemporal information
Authors: Aly Heba , Krumm John , Ranade Gireeja , Horvitz Eric
Published: August 2020

Location data from mobile devices is a sensitive yet valuable commodity for location-based services and advertising. We investigate the intrinsic value of location data in the context of strong privacy, where location information is only available from end users via purchase. We present an algorithm to compute the expected value of location data from a user, without access to the specific coordinates of the location data point. We use decision-theoretic techniques to provide a principled way for a potential buyer to make purchasing decisions about private user location data. We illustrate our approach in three scenarios: the delivery of targeted ads specific to a user's home location, the estimation of traffic speed, and the prediction of location. In all three cases, the methodology leads to quantifiably better purchasing decisions than competing approaches.
Spider Diversification Through Space and Time
Authors: Dimitrov Dimitar , Hormiga Gustavo
Published: August 2020

Spiders (Araneae) make up a remarkably diverse lineage of predators that have successfully colonized most terrestrial ecosystems. All spiders produce silk, and many species use it to build capture webs with an extraordinary diversity of forms. Spider diversity is distributed in a highly uneven fashion across lineages. This strong imbalance in species richness has led to several causal hypotheses, such as codiversification with insects, key innovations in silk structure and web architecture, and loss of foraging webs. Recent advances in spider phylogenetics have allowed testing of some of these hypotheses, but results are often contradictory, highlighting the need to consider additional drivers of spider diversification. The spatial and historical patterns of diversity and diversification remain contentious. Comparative analyses of spider diversification will advance only if we continue to make progress with studies of species diversity, distribution, and phenotypic traits, together with finer-scale phylogenies and genomic data.
Missing Data Assumptions
Authors: Little Roderick J.
Published: August 2020

I review assumptions about the missing-data mechanisms that underlie methods for the statistical analysis of data with missing values. I describe Rubin's original definition of missing at random (MAR), its motivation and criticisms, and his sufficient conditions for ignoring the missingness mechanism for likelihood-based, Bayesian, and frequentist inference. Related definitions, including missing completely at random, always MAR, always missing completely at random, and partially MAR, are also covered. I present a formal argument for weakening Rubin's sufficient conditions for frequentist maximum likelihood inference with precision based on the observed information. Some simple examples of MAR are described, together with an example where the missingness mechanism can be ignored even though MAR does not hold. Alternative approaches to statistical inference based on the likelihood function are reviewed, along with non-likelihood frequentist approaches, including weighted generalized estimating equations. Connections with the causal inference literature are also discussed. Finally, alternatives to Rubin's MAR definition are discussed, including informative missingness, informative censoring, and coarsening at random. The intent is to provide a relatively nontechnical discussion, although some of the underlying issues are challenging and touch on fundamental questions of statistical inference.
Microwave Dielectric Properties of the Binary System BiNbO4–FeNbO4
Authors: Devesa S. , Graça M. P. , Costa L. C.
Published: August 2020

The microwave dielectric properties of BiNbO4–FeNbO4 ceramics prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction method, and co-fired at low temperature, had been investigated. The structure, phase composition and surface morphology were studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques, respectively. The dielectric properties of the prepared samples were determined at ≈2.8 GHz, using the modified resonant cavity perturbation method, which accuracy was previously studied using typical cylindrical samples of polytetrafluorethylene. The experimental dielectric constant values of the samples were then fitted to the theoretical curves of different mixture laws.
Atherogenic diet-diminished endothelial glycocalyx contributes to impaired vasomotor properties in rat
Authors: Kang Hongyan , Sun Anqiang , Wu Qiuhong , Yang Jiali , Zhang Weichen , Qu Yuxin , Gao Menghan , Deng Xiaoyan
Published: August 2020

Twelve-week high-cholesterol (HC) diet reduces the thickness of the endothelial glycocalyx in Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats, which is mainly attributed to a downregulation of heparan sulfate proteoglycan-related genes (syndecan-3, glypican-1, EXT1), not resulting from an enhanced shedding of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) into the plasma. HC-diminished glycocalyx may disturb its mechanotransduction of local shear stress, lower nitric oxide (NO) release, and impair vasomotor responses to norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholine (ACh).