bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Single- and Multiple-Dose Study To Characterize the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Imipenem and Relebactam in Healthy Chinese Participants
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Liu Na , Wei Yudong , Zhang Shuang , Li Haiyan , Yan Bei , Patel Munjal , Wang Hui , Boundy Keith E. , Colon-Gonzalez Francheska , Zang Yanqiao , Zhao Xumin
Published: December 2020

Relebactam/imipenem/cilastatin is approved in the United States to treat complicated urinary tract and intra-abdominal infections in patients who have limited or no alternative treatment options and hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP)/ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP). Initial pharmacokinetic, safety, and tolerability studies of relebactam with and without imipenem/cilastatin included mostly Caucasian participants.
Light Modulates Important Pathogenic Determinants and Virulence in ESKAPE Pathogens Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Tuttobene M. R. , Pérez J. F. , Pavesi E. S. , Perez Mora B. , Biancotti D. , Cribb P. , Altilio M. , Müller G. L. , Gramajo H. , Tamagno G. , Ramírez M. S. , Diacovich L. , Mussi M. A.
Published: December 2020

Pathogenic bacteria are microorganisms capable of producing disease. Dangerous bacterial pathogens, such as
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and
Acinetobacter baumannii
, are responsible for serious intrahospital and community infections in humans.
The relationship between social risk factors and latent tuberculosis infection among individuals residing in England: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lule Swaib A , Gupta Rishi K , Krutikov Maria , Jackson Charlotte , Southern Jo , Abubakar Ibrahim
Published: December 2020

Objective

To investigate the relationship between social risk factors and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among individuals who are eligible for LTBI screening in the United Kingdom (UK).

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data collected in the UK Prognostic Evaluation of Diagnostic Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) Consortium Study which enrolled 9176 recent tuberculosis (TB) contacts and migrants at National Health Service (NHS) facilities and community settings in the UK. The study outcome was LTBI (positive IGRA test (QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube or T-SPOT.TB)). The main exposures were history of smoking, history of substance misuse, homelessness, prison stay and socioeconomic deprivation.

Results

4914 (56.2%) individuals resided in the most deprived areas and 2536 (27.6%) had LTBI. In the multivariable analysis (adjusting for age, gender, place of birth, ethnicity, HIV status, BCG vaccination and recent TB contact) living in the least deprived areas compared with living in the most deprived areas was associated with reduced odds of LTBI (odds ratio (OR)=0.68, 95% CI: 0.51 to 0.90) while ever been homeless (OR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.21) was associated with increased odds of LTBI. Smoking, homelessness and substance misuse were not associated with LTBI.

Conclusion

Social deprivation could be an important risk factor for LTBI, highlighting the social inequality in the burden of TB infection in the UK. Migrants and TB contacts who were socially deprived or homeless were at a significantly higher risk for LTBI, thus tailored intense public health interventions to these groups may help to reduce the risk of future TB disease.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT01162265).
Cross-sectional study of the association between age-related macular degeneration and arthritis in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2008
Authors: Zhu Zhuoting , Liao Huan , Liu Sen , Zhang Jian , Chen Yifan , Wang Wei
Published: December 2020

Objective

To explore the association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and arthritis in a representative sample of the US population.

Design

Population-based, cross-sectional study.

Setting

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2008.

Participants

A total of 4813 participants aged 40 years and older with available information on AMD and arthritis in the 2005–2008 NHANES.

Methods

The status and types of arthritis were obtained from questionnaires. Non-mydriatic fundus photographs were collected. The types of AMD were assessed using the modified Wisconsin Age-Related Maculopathy Grading Classification Scheme. The association between arthritis and AMD was evaluated using logistic regression models.

Results

After adjusting for covariates, participants with any or early AMD had significantly lower odds of having any type of arthritis (any AMD: OR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.36–0.86; early AMD: OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.34–0.88) or osteoarthritis (OA) (any AMD: OR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.26–0.71; early AMD: OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.25–0.76) compared with those without AMD. When considering AMD as the outcome, significant negative associations were also found between any arthritis or OA and any (any arthritis: OR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.43–0.94; OA: OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.33–0.82) or early AMD (any arthritis: OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.40–0.93; OA: OR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.31–0.86) in the multivariable logistic models. There was no significant association between different types of arthritis and late AMD.

Conclusions

People with arthritis, especially those with OA, were less likely to have AMD compared with those without arthritis and vice versa. Further studies are needed to confirm this potential protective effect of arthritis and/or arthritis treatment on AMD and to explore the underlying mechanisms.
Trend of unintentional suffocation death for infants under 1 year of age from 2009 to 2018 in Hunan, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kong Fanjuan , Wang Aihua , He Jian , Xiong Lili , Xie Donghua , Su Jinping , Liu Zhiyu
Published: December 2020

Objective

Few studies have addressed the unintentional suffocation of infants in China. This study is to assess the mortality rate of unintentional suffocation among infants and the differences across age groups, gender, rural versus urban locations and related healthcare services.

Design

A cross-sectional study on unintentional suffocation death of infants under 1 year of age in Hunan Province from 2009 to 2018.

Setting

Hunan Province, with a population of 74 million, has an area of 210 000 square kilometres and 123 counties/districts.

Participants

The total data of 4109 unintentional suffocation deaths of infants in Hunan Province from 2009 to 2018 was collected, including 2331 boys, 1766 girls, 12 infants of unknown gender, 2906 rural children and 1203 urban children.

Main outcome measure

The unintentional suffocation mortality rate of infants is defined as the number of unintentional suffocation deaths of children under 1 year of age per 100 000 live births in the same year.

Results

The infant mortality rate showed a downward trend from 2009 to 2018. Infant unintentional suffocation death decreased first and then fluctuated. The proportion of unintentional suffocation death to infant death showed an upward trend in fluctuation. Boys and rural children had higher mortality rates than those of girls and urban children. A total of 43.5% of the deaths occurred in winter. Forty-eight per cent of the unintentional suffocations were infants between 1 and 4 months of age. A total of 46.4% of the deaths occurred at home, and 71.6% were not treated; approximately 81.8% of the untreated cases were mainly due to a lack of time to get to the hospital. A total of 65.2% of the deaths were diagnosed postmortem.

Conclusion

The mortality rate of unintentional suffocation among infants in Hunan Province should attract the attention of the population, and measures should be taken according to epidemiological investigations.
Comparison of ARIMA model and XGBoost model for prediction of human brucellosis in mainland China: a time-series study
Authors: Alim Mirxat , Ye Guo-Hua , Guan Peng , Huang De-Sheng , Zhou Bao-Sen , Wu Wei
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Human brucellosis is a public health problem endangering health and property in China. Predicting the trend and the seasonality of human brucellosis is of great significance for its prevention. In this study, a comparison between the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model was conducted to determine which was more suitable for predicting the occurrence of brucellosis in mainland China.

Design

Time-series study.

Setting

Mainland China.

Methods

Data on human brucellosis in mainland China were provided by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China. The data were divided into a training set and a test set. The training set was composed of the monthly incidence of human brucellosis in mainland China from January 2008 to June 2018, and the test set was composed of the monthly incidence from July 2018 to June 2019. The mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) were used to evaluate the effects of model fitting and prediction.

Results

The number of human brucellosis patients in mainland China increased from 30 002 in 2008 to 40 328 in 2018. There was an increasing trend and obvious seasonal distribution in the original time series. For the training set, the MAE, RSME and MAPE of the ARIMA(0,1,1)×(0,1,1)12 model were 338.867, 450.223 and 10.323, respectively, and the MAE, RSME and MAPE of the XGBoost model were 189.332, 262.458 and 4.475, respectively. For the test set, the MAE, RSME and MAPE of the ARIMA(0,1,1)×(0,1,1)12 model were 529.406, 586.059 and 17.676, respectively, and the MAE, RSME and MAPE of the XGBoost model were 249.307, 280.645 and 7.643, respectively.

Conclusions

The performance of the XGBoost model was better than that of the ARIMA model. The XGBoost model is more suitable for prediction cases of human brucellosis in mainland China.
Study protocol for resolution of organ injury in acute pancreatitis (RESORP): an observational prospective cohort study
Authors: Sherif Ahmed E , McFadyen Rory , Boyd Julia , Ventre Chiara , Glenwright Margaret , Walker Kim , Zheng Xiaozhong , White Audrey , McFadyen Laura , Connon Emma , Damaskos Dimitrios , Steven Michelle , Wackett Anthony , Thomson Euan , Cameron David C , MacLeod Jill , Baxter Shaun , Semple Scott , Morris David , Clark-Stewart Saskia , Graham Catriona , Mole Damian J
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Survivors of acute pancreatitis (AP) have shorter overall survival and increased incidence of new-onset cardiovascular, respiratory, liver and renal disease, diabetes mellitus and cancer compared with the general population, but the mechanisms that explain this are yet to be elucidated. Our aim is to characterise the precise nature and extent of organ dysfunction following an episode of AP.

Methods and analysis

This is an observational prospective cohort study in a single centre comprising a University hospital with an acute and emergency receiving unit and clinical research facility. Participants will be adult patient admitted with AP. Participants will undergo assessment at recruitment, 3 months and 3 years. At each time point, multiple biochemical and/or physiological assessments to measure cardiovascular, respiratory, liver, renal and cognitive function, diabetes mellitus and quality of life. Recruitment was from 30 November 2017 to 31 May 2020; last follow-up measurements is due on 31 May 2023. The primary outcome measure is the incidence of new-onset type 3c diabetes mellitus during follow-up. Secondary outcome measures include: quality of life analyses (SF-36, Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index); montreal cognitive assessment; organ system physiological performance; multiomics predictors of AP severity, detection of premature cellular senescence. In a nested cohort within the main cohort, individuals may also consent to multiparameter MRI scan, echocardiography, pulmonary function testing, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and pulse-wave analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received the following approvals: UK IRAS Number 178615; South-east Scotland Research Ethics Committee number 16/SS/0065. Results will be made available to AP survivors, caregivers, funders and other researchers. Publications will be open-access.

Trial registration numbers

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03342716) and ISRCTN50581876; Pre-results.
Deployment experiences and mental health problems as predictors of post-deployment unemployment length: a prospective, register-based study among Danish soldiers
Authors: Elrond Andreas Friis , Conway Paul Maurice , Andersen Søren Bo , Karstoft Karen-Inge , Vedtofte Mia Sadowa , Pedersen Jacob
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To test responses of formerly deployed soldiers (FDS) to a questionnaire on deployment experiences in combination with screening levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression approximately 6 months after homecoming as predictors of the subsequent probability of gaining employment when unemployed within 5 years post-deployment.

Design, setting and participants

Danish FDS responders (n=3935) and non-responders (n=3046) to a 6-month post-deployment screening questionnaire after returning from a first-ever deployment to Kosovo, Iraq or Afghanistan (2002 to 2012) were included in the study and followed in public registers from 6 months to 5 years post-deployment.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We tested Cox regression models including deployment experiences (1a), screening levels of PTSD and depressive symptoms (1b), and their combination (2) for FDS responders. For all FDS, a secondary model included a measure on whether they responded to the questionnaire (3).

Results

Neither the deployment experiences (1a) of exposure to danger and combat (HR=1.00, 95% CI=0.97 to 1.03) and witnessing consequences of war (HR=1.01, 95% CI=0.96 to 1.06), or the screening levels (1b) of PTSD (HR=1.06, 95% CI=0.84 to 1.33) and depressive symptoms (HR=0.82, 95% CI=0.64 to 1.06) were significant predictors of transitioning from unemployment to employment. Similar results were found for the combined model (2). A tendency among non-respondents (3) to have a lower probability of transitioning from unemployment to employment was found (HR=0.90, 95% CI=0.81 to 1.00).

Conclusion

Deployment experiences, PTSD and depressive symptoms, as measured at 6-month screening questionnaire, did not predict differences in the probability of gaining employment when unemployed within 5 years post-deployment. However, the findings suggest that those with the least probability of transitioning from unemployment to employment can be found among the non-responders to the post-deployment screening questionnaire.
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following knee arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: Vogel Nicole , Rychen Thomas , Kaelin Raphael , Arnold Markus P
Published: December 2020

Introduction

To evaluate the quality of clinical practice, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are important as certain questions could only be answered by the patient himself. PROMs help to get a better understanding what is meaningful to a patient and directly affects daily functioning. To move beyond traditional measures, we are interested in what matters to patients and developed this project. The aim of this article is to provide the protocol for our study collecting PROMs in daily medical practice from patients who undergo knee arthroplasty.

Methods and analysis

This study is a single-site, observational, prospective cohort study. We will recruit patients scheduled for a knee arthroplasty in our medical office, situated in a private clinic. After signed informed consent, patients complete self-reported questionnaires before the surgery, after 4 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years and 5 years. We will use the following PROMs: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Forgotten Joint Score, EuroQol five dimensions and satisfaction. Additionally, the surgeon will complete the objective Knee Society Score. Administration of the questionnaires will be electronically or paper-based. We will assess differences between preoperative and postoperative data with paired t-test for continuous variables and Wilcoxon signed-rank test for categorical variables. To assess subgroup differences, we will use unpaired t-test for continuous variables and Mann-Whitney U test for categorical variables. To assess possible presence of bias, we will conduct sensitivity analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been reviewed and approved by the local ethics committee in Basel, Switzerland. Written informed consent will be obtained from all patients. We will disseminate the results of the study through peer-reviewed journals, national and international conference presentations and presentations to relevant stakeholders through appropriate channels.
Impacts and interactions of COVID-19 response involvement, health-related behaviours, health literacy on anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life among healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tran Tien V , Nguyen Hoang C , Pham Linh V , Nguyen Minh H , Nguyen Huu Cong , Ha Tung H , Phan Dung T , Dao Hung K , Nguyen Phuoc B , Trinh Manh V , Do Thinh V , Nguyen Hung Q , Nguyen Thao T P , Nguyen Nhan P T , Tran Cuong Q , Tran Khanh V , Duong Trang T , Pham Hai X , Nguyen Lam V , Vo Tam T , Do Binh N , Duong Thai H , Pham Minh Khue , Pham Thu T M , Nguyen Kien Trung , Yang Shwu-Huey , Chao Jane C J , Duong Tuyen Van
Published: December 2020

Objectives

We examined impacts and interactions of COVID-19 response involvement, health-related behaviours and health literacy (HL) on anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among healthcare workers (HCWs).

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected 6 April to 19 April 2020 using online-based, self-administered questionnaires.

Setting

19 hospitals and health centres in Vietnam.

Participants

7 124 HCWs aged 21–60 years.

Results

The COVID-19 response-involved HCWs had higher anxiety likelihood (OR (95% CI)=4.41 (3.53 to 5.51)), higher depression likelihood (OR(95% CI)=3.31 (2.71 to 4.05)) and lower HRQoL score (coefficient, b(95% CI)=−2.14 (−2.89 to −1.38)), compared with uninvolved HCWs. Overall, HCWs who smoked or drank at unchanged/increased levels had higher likelihood of anxiety, depression and lower HRQoL scores; those with unchanged/healthier eating, unchanged/more physical activity and higher HL scores had lower likelihood of anxiety, depression and higher HRQoL scores. In comparison to uninvolved HCWs who smoked or drank at never/stopped/reduced levels, involved HCWs with unchanged/increased smoking or drinking had lower anxiety likelihood (OR(95% CI)=0.34 (0.14 to 0.83)) or (OR(95% CI)=0.26 (0.11 to 0.60)), and lower depression likelihood (OR(95% CI)=0.33 (0.15 to 0.74)) or (OR(95% CI)=0.24 (0.11 to 0.53)), respectively. In comparison with uninvolved HCWs who exercised at never/stopped/reduced levels, or with those in the lowest HL quartile, involved HCWs with unchanged/increased exercise or with one-quartile HL increment reported lower anxiety likelihood (OR(95% CI)=0.50 (0.31 to 0.81)) or (OR(95% CI)=0.57 (0.45 to 0.71)), lower depression likelihood (OR(95% CI)=0.40 (0.27 to 0.61)) or (OR(95% CI)=0.63 (0.52 to 0.76)), and higher HRQoL scores (b(95% CI)=2.08 (0.58 to 3.58)), or (b(95% CI)=1.10 (0.42 to 1.78)), respectively.

Conclusions

Physical activity and higher HL were found to protect against anxiety and depression and were associated with higher HRQoL. Unexpectedly, smoking and drinking were also found to be coping behaviours. It is important to have strategic approaches that protect HCWs’ mental health and HRQoL.
Factors critical to implementation success of cleaner cooking interventions in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for an umbrella review
Authors: Boudewijns Esther A , Vermond Debbie , van der Kleij Rianne M J J , Chavannes Niels H , van Schayck Onno C P , Kirenga Bruce , Brakema Evelyn A
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Over a third of the world’s population relies on solid fuels as their primary energy source. These fuels have damaging effects on health, air quality and forest resources. Interventions to promote access to cleaner solid fuel cookstoves and clean fuels have existed for decades. However, the adoption by local communities has largely failed, which led to a waste of resources and suboptimal outcomes. Therefore, the objective of this umbrella review is to identify factors that determine implementation success for cleaner cooking interventions in low-resource settings and weigh their level of confidence in the evidence.

Methods and analysis

We identified systematic and narrative reviews examining factors that influence the acquisition, initial adoption or sustained use of cleaner solid fuel cookstoves and clean fuels at any scale by a literature search in PubMed, Embase, Global Health Database, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Emcare, Web of Science and CINAHL, without date or language restrictions. The search was conducted on 23 October 2017 and updated on 10 July 2019. Reviews based on qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods studies were included and will be appraised using the Meta Quality Appraisal Tool combined with the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews. Data will be extracted and factors affecting implementation will be coded using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research tool will be used to determine the level of confidence in the coded factors. Two researchers will independently conduct these steps.

Ethics and dissemination

This umbrella review does not require the approval of an ethical review board. Study results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal. The outcomes will be converted into two practical tools: one for cleaner solid fuel cookstoves and one for clean fuels. These tools can guide the development of evidence-based implementation strategies for cleaner cooking interventions in low-income and middle-income countries to improve implementation success. These tools should be pilot-tested and promoted among regional and global initiatives.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018088687.
Congenital haemangiomas: a single-centre retrospective review
Authors: Braun Victoire , Prey Sorilla , Gurioli Carlotta , Boralevi Franck , Taieb Alain , Grenier Nicolas , Loot Maya , Jullie Marie-Laure , Léauté-Labrèze Christine
Published: December 2020

Objective

Congenital haemangiomas (CHs) are rare, benign vascular tumours that are fully developed at birth. Three subtypes of CHs have been described based on clinical behaviour: rapidly involuting CHs (RICHs), non-involuting CHs (NICHs) and partially involuting CHs (PICHs). We explore in our study clinical, evolutionary and paraclinical characteristics of the three CH subtypes.

Design

Children with CH attending our department of paediatric dermatology at Bordeaux University Hospital over a 13-year period were retrospectively included. Epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary data, photographs and imaging results were reviewed. All available tissue samples were histologically examined.

Results

We included 57 patients: 22 with RICH, 22 with NICH and 13 with PICH. Males predominated (ratio 1.7); the most common CH location was on the limbs. RICH, NICH and PICH exhibited overlapping characteristics; all were single telangiectatic lesions with pale peripheral halos. At birth, NICHs were flat but RICHs and PICHs bulky. The median age at complete RICH involution was 12 months. One-third of CHs that appeared RICH-like at birth underwent incomplete involution to become PICHs. Heart failure and thrombocytopenia were rare complications. PICHs were frequently ulcerated. Pain was common for NICH and PICH. The imaging and histological data of the three CH subtypes were rather similar.

Conclusions

We describe the characteristics and evolution of the three CH subtypes using a case series. Certain overlapping features were apparent, reinforcing the hypothesis that RICH, NICH and PICH lie on the same pathological spectrum.
Single-centre telephone survey on patients’ perspectives regarding remote paediatric outpatient consultations in a district general hospital
Authors: Singh Nilima , Datta Manas
Published: December 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote consultations became a new norm for paediatric outpatient clinics. The objective of this survey was to find patients’ perspective on telephone consultations. 200 patients, who had remote consultations since April 2020, were surveyed and their responses were analysed. Almost half (98/200) of the patients or their parents preferred remote consultations mixed with face-to-face consultations; only a fifth (40/200) preferred exclusively face-to-face consultations; and approximately a third (62/200) preferred exclusively remote consultations. In conclusion, remote consultations are becoming a popular choice for patients, although there are limitations, especially in the context of safeguarding.
Minimal clinically important difference for chest discomfort in patients undergoing pleural interventions
Authors: Dahlberg Greta Jean , Maldonado Fabien , Chen Heidi , Rickman Otis , Roller Lance , Walston Charla , Katsis James , Lentz Robert
Published: December 2020

Rationale

Therapeutic thoracentesis is among the most frequently performed medical procedures. Chest discomfort is a common complication and has been associated with increasingly negative pleural pressure as fluid is withdrawn in the setting of non-expendable lung. Visual analogue scales (VASs) are commonly employed to measure changes in discomfort and dyspnoea related to pleural interventions. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID), defined as the smallest change in VAS score associated with patient report of significant change in a symptom, is required to interpret the results of studies using VAS scores and is used in clinical trial power calculations. The MCID for chest discomfort in patients undergoing pleural interventions has not been determined.

Methods

Prospectively collected data from two recent randomised trials of therapeutic thoracentesis were used for this investigation. Adult patients with symptomatic pleural effusions referred for therapeutic thoracentesis were enrolled across ten US academic medical centres. Patients were asked to rate their level of chest discomfort on 100 mm VAS before, during and following thoracentesis. Patients then completed a 7-point Likert scale indicating the significance of any change in chest discomfort from preprocedure to postprocedure. The mean difference between discomfort 5 min postprocedure and discomfort just prior to the start of pleural fluid drainage was categorised by Likert scale response.

Results

Data from a total of 262 thoracenteses were included in the analysis. Thirty-four of 262 patients experienced a ‘small but significant increase’ or a ‘large or moderate increase’ in discomfort following thoracentesis. The mean increase in VAS score in those reporting a ‘small but significant increase’ in chest discomfort (n=23) was 16 mm (SD 22.44, 95% CI 6.87 to 25.21).

Conclusions

The MCID for thoracentesis-related chest discomfort measured by 100 mm VAS is 16 mm. This MCID specific to discomfort resulting from pleural fluid interventions can inform the design and analysis of future pleural intervention studies.
Opioids impair nivolumab outcomes: a retrospective propensity score analysis in non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Taniguchi Yoshihiko , Tamiya Akihiro , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Adachi Yuichi , Enomoto Takatoshi , Azuma Kouji , Kouno Shunichi , Tokoro Akihiro , Atagi Shinji
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Opioids are often administered for cancer-related pain relief. However, few reports have evaluated the association between opioids and immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this retrospective study was to reveal the effect of opioids on the prognosis of patients harbouring NSCLC treated with nivolumab.

Methods

The medical records of consecutive patients with NSCLC receiving nivolumab at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. We collected clinical data at the time of nivolumab treatment initiation. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to minimise potential selection bias. We compared clinical outcomes with and without baseline opioid use.

Results

Of the 296 patients identified in the study, after PSM, 38 cases with opioid use and matched 38 cases without opioid use were selected. The overall response rate was significantly lower in patients with opioid use than in those without (2.63%, 95% CI 0.47% to 13.49%, vs 21.05%, 95% CI 11.07% to 36.35%; p=0.0284). The median progression-free survival in patients with opioid use was significantly shorter than that in patients without (1.17, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.73 months, vs 2.07 95% CI 1.23 to 4.73 months; p=0.002). The median overall survival in patients with opioid use was significantly shorter than that in patients without (4.20, 95% CI 2.53 to 6.20 months, vs 9.57, 95% CI 2.23 to not reached months; p=0.018).

Conclusions

Patients with NSCLC receiving regular opioid administration at nivolumab treatment initiation had a worse nivolumab treatment outcome than patients without opioid use.
Suspicion of epizootic Lawsonia intracellularis disease in a group of pileated gibbons (Hylobates pileatus)
Authors: Quintard Benoit , François‐Brazier Céline , Giorgiadis Marine , Lefaux Brice , Lemberger Karin
Published: December 2020

Within a month, all five individuals of a pileated gibbon (Hylobates pileatus) family presented the same symptoms: diarrhoea, vomiting and severe apathy. During this first outbreak, three of them died acutely and a fourth died during another outbreak 7 months later. Extensive virology, bacteriology and parasitology undertaken on faeces did not reveal any pathogen. Haematology and extensive biochemistry did not demonstrate any obvious medical disorder. Necropsy revealed a severe proliferative enteropathy, and rare argyrophilic bacteria were noted within the lumen of hyperplastic colonic glands on histology with silver staining. Specific faecal PCR was positive for Lawsonia intracellularis infection. These combined elements led to a strong suspicion of L intracellularis epizooty, despite the absence of large numbers of argyrophilic bacteria, as usually expected in this disease process. L intracellularis has mostly been described in pigs even if reported in a broad range of mammalian species including primates. L intracellularis may be underdiagnosed in zoos as it requires a faecal PCR for identification and silver staining for histological visualisation.
Estimating the economic optimal target density of hybrid canola based on data from a western Canadian meta-analysis
Authors: Hartman M.D. , Jeffrey S.R.
Published: December 2020

Canola production in western Canada has expanded such that in many regions canola area rivals the area seeded to wheat. This change can be mainly attributed to adoption of herbicide resistant hybrid varieties and resulting higher relative profitability. Producers responded to higher seed prices by reducing seeding rates, leading to plant densities that were often lower than industry recommendations. The study objectives were to examine canola yield response to plant density and assess economically optimal density levels relative to industry recommendations and grower practices. A meta-analysis approach was applied to yield response and plant density data with herbicide resistant hybrid canola from multiple studies. Three alternative marginal yield–density functions were estimated and used to calculate economically optimal plant density. Sensitivity of results to key parameters was assessed. Resulting optimal density levels under recent average prices, seed size, and emergence were 62–73 plants·m−2, consistent with industry recommendations for western Canada. Recent field surveys report lower densities than this range, suggesting that producers are seeding at less than optimal rates; however, there is significant uncertainty associated with canola production and interaction of seeding rate with other factors. These would impact optimal plant density, although much of the uncertainty remains until well after seeding. The empirical results represent a foundation for development of more detailed models, highlight the significance of the relationship between plant density and economically optimal yield, and suggest the need to develop decision making tools to support producers in making canola planting decisions.
Radiative decays of charged leptons as constraints of unitarity polygons for active-sterile neutrino mixing and CP violation
Authors: Xing Zhi-zhong , Zhang Di
Published: December 2020

We calculate the rates of radiative $$\beta ^- \rightarrow \alpha ^- + \gamma $$

β
-

→

α
-

+
γ

decays for $$(\alpha , \beta ) = (e, \mu )$$

(
α
,
β
)
=
(
e
,
μ
)

, $$(e, \tau )$$

(
e
,
τ
)

and $$(\mu , \tau )$$

(
μ
,
τ
)

by taking the unitary gauge in the $$(3+n)$$

(
3
+
n
)

active-sterile neutrino mixing scheme, and make it clear that constraints on the unitarity of the $$3\times 3$$

3
×
3

Pontecorvo–Maki–Nakagawa–Sakata (PMNS) matrix U extracted from $$\beta ^- \rightarrow \alpha ^- + \gamma $$

β
-

→

α
-

+
γ

decays in the minimal unitarity violation scheme differ from those obtained in the canonical seesaw mechanism with n heavy Majorana neutrinos by a factor 5/3. In such a natural seesaw case we show that the rates of $$\beta ^- \rightarrow \alpha ^- + \gamma $$

β
-

→

α
-

+
γ

can be used to cleanly and strongly constrain the effective apex of a unitarity polygon, and compare its geometry with the geometry of its three sub-triangles formed by two vectors $$U^{}_{\alpha i} U^*_{\beta i}$$

U

α
i

U

β
i

∗

and $$U^{}_{\alpha j} U^*_{\beta j}$$

U

α
j

U

β
j

∗

(for $$i \ne j$$

i
≠
j

) in the complex plane. We find that the areas of such sub-triangles can be described in terms of the Jarlskog-like invariants of CP violation $${{\mathcal {J}}}^{ij}_{\alpha \beta }$$

J

α
β

ij

, and their small differences signify slight unitarity violation of the PMNS matrix U.
Spin-0 scalar particle interacts with scalar potential in the presence of magnetic field and quantum flux under the effects of KKT in 5D cosmic string spacetime
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we study a relativistic quantum dynamics of spin-0 scalar particle interacts with scalar potential in the presence of a uniform magnetic field and quantum flux in background of Kaluza–Klein theory (KKT). We solve Klein–Gordon equation in the considered framework and analyze the relativistic analogue of the Aharonov–Bohm effect for bound states. We show that the energy levels depend on the global parameters characterizing the spacetime, scalar potential and the magnetic field which break their degeneracy.
Scaling of magnetic entropy change and anomalous magnetic correlations in ternary alloy Ce1.3Pr0.7Co7
Authors: Yang Yu-E , Liu Hao , Zheng Huan , Wang Weiyuan , Wang Caixia , Hu Dazhi , Zhang Weichun , Zhu Yan , Ma Chunlan , Fan Jiyu
Published: December 2020

We have studied the magnetic coupling property, magnetic entropy change, and magnetic phase transition behavior of ternary alloy [Formula: see text]. It exhibits a typical paramagnetic–ferromagnetic phase transition at [Formula: see text] K and this phase transition is verified to be second order by the scaling theory. Based on the data of isothermal magnetization measured around [Formula: see text], we obtained the variation of its magnetic entropy change under the different magnetic fields but it only shows a smaller entropy change value. Density functional calculations confirm that the extra magnetic interaction originates from the Pr-Pr exchange interactions, which yields anomalous magnetic coupling with Co-Co (Ce-Ce) exchange interactions. One phenomenological model is suggested to understand anomalous magnetic behavior observed in the present intermetallic compounds.
QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENTS OF FIRMNESS AND AUTOMATIC OPTIMIZATION METHODS OF TRAJECTORY FOR PEDICLE SCREWS
Authors: CHEN XIAOZHAO , YAN CHONGNAN , ZHANG WEI , JIANG BAOGUO , ZHANG JINGHAI
Published: December 2020

Pedicle screw placement is a common internal fixation technology used in spine surgery, with preoperative planning and assessment being one of the most important steps. Preoperative planning mainly refers to determining the path and parameters of screws, and preoperative assessment mainly refers to effects during and after operations (i.e., firmness, etc.). Technologies available at present lack effective quantitative assessments on the firmness of screws. Bone mineral density (BMD) is one of the most important influencing factors for firmness. To address the aforementioned problems, this study aimed to put forward quantitative assessments for the firmness of pedicle screws taking bone mass as the basis. In other words, quantitative assessments of the firmness of screw trajectories were made by computing the total mineral content of the bone supporting screws. Meanwhile, the quantitative assessment results of the firmness were used as the optimized objective functions to put forward and realize an automatic planning optimization method for screw trajectories. The findings of this study might provide more complete and simplified planning schemes for doctors, to enhance the postoperative firmness of screws effectively, prevent from issues such as the loosening of screws due to the low value of a patient’s bone mass, and promote the effects of operations.
A STUDY OF PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION EFFECT AND USER SATISFACTION OF A CUSTOMIZED OFF-LOADING CUSHION BASED ON 3D MODELING: A COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL AIR CUSHIONS
Authors: JANG WAN-HO , LEE SEUNG-BOK , CHOI WON-SEUK , KIM JONG-BAE
Published: December 2020

The study was to compare an off-loading cushion, designed for individuals with spinal cord injury, with air cushion to analyze the effect of pressure on skin injury and user satisfaction. The off-loading cushion can reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers by minimizing the pressure of the ischial tuberosity and coccyx. Because anatomical structures of each participant are different, 3D scanning is used in the customized manufacturing of the cushions. In the 3D modeling, the product is designed so that the ischial tuberosity and coccyx have minimal contact with the cushion’s surface area. The X-sensor was used to confirm the pressure dispersion effect. As a result, maximum pressure of the ischial tuberosity and the coccyx were measured and observed to be lower than that of the air cushion. User satisfaction was compared between two cushions using the QUEST 2.0. The off-loading cushion has slightly higher service and product satisfaction than the air cushion. Based on these findings, this study suggests that off-loading cushions reduce the occurrence of pressure injury compared to air cushions.
Endogenous Retroviruses Drive Resistance and Promotion of Exogenous Retroviral Homologs
Authors: Chiu Elliott S. , VandeWoude Sue
Published: December 2020

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) serve as markers of ancient viral infections and provide invaluable insight into host and viral evolution. ERVs have been exapted to assist in performing basic biological functions, including placentation, immune modulation, and oncogenesis. A subset of ERVs share high nucleotide similarity to circulating horizontally transmitted exogenous retrovirus (XRV) progenitors. In these cases, ERV–XRV interactions have been documented and include ( a) recombination to result in ERV–XRV chimeras, ( b) ERV induction of immune self-tolerance to XRV antigens, ( c) ERV antigen interference with XRV receptor binding, and ( d) interactions resulting in both enhancement and restriction of XRV infections. Whereas the mechanisms governing recombination and immune self-tolerance have been partially determined, enhancement and restriction of XRV infection are virus specific and only partially understood. This review summarizes interactions between six unique ERV–XRV pairs, highlighting important ERV biological functions and potential evolutionary histories in vertebrate hosts.
Zena Werb (1945–2020): Matrix Metalloproteinases, Microenvironments, and Mentoring
Authors: Egeblad Mikala
Published: December 2020

On June 16, 2020, Zena Werb, PhD, died suddenly at age 75. Zena was a faculty member of the Department of Anatomy at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for over 40 years. She was one of the most cited scientists in the life sciences, with an H-index of 170. She was well known for discovering several matrix metalloproteinases and for defining their roles in development and disease. Zena Werb was a major contributor to the recent appreciation—and deeper understanding—of the importance of the tumor microenvironment. She achieved this by her scientific discoveries, by being a thought leader—responsible for several influential reviews in the field—and by mentoring several generations of researchers in the tumor microenvironment field.
The Use of Robots to Respond to Nuclear Accidents: Applying the Lessons of the Past to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station
Authors: Yokokohji Yasuyoshi
Published: December 2020

It has been 10 years since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (NPS) accident. This article begins by discussing the robots used during the responses to the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl nuclear accidents. It then reviews the robots used to respond to the Fukushima Daiichi NPS accident, while considering the lessons learned from the previous accidents. Such discussions will hopefully lead to the further development of robots for decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi NPS.
Synthesis of Bimetallic PdAg Nanoparticles and Their Electrocatalytic Activity toward Ethanol
Authors: Gao Fahui , Yin Yanru , Cao Zhengshuai , Li Hongliang , Guo Peizhi
Published: December 2020

Palladium-based bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) have been studied as important electrocatalysts for energy conversion due to their high electrocatalytic performance and the less usage of the noble metal. Herein, well-dispersed PdAg NPs with uniform size were prepared via oil bath accompanied with the hydrothermal method. The variation of the Ag content in PdAg NPs changed the lattice constant of the face-centered cubic alloy nanostructures continuously. The Pd/Ag molar ratio in the PdAg alloy NPs affected their size and catalytic activity toward ethanol electrooxidation. Experimental data showed that PdAg NPs with less Ag content exhibited better electrocatalytic activity and durability than pure Pd NPs owing to both the small size and the synergistic effect. PdAg-acac-4 with the Pd/Ag molar ratio of 4 : 1 in the start system possessed the highest catalytic current density of 2246 mA/mg for the electrooxidation of ethanol. The differences in the morphology and electrocatalytic activity of the as-made PdAg NPs have been discussed and analyzed.
Diversity and Trophic Relationships of Functional Groups of Bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Bombus Latreille, 1802) in Urban Habitats
Authors: Honchar Hanna Yu
Published: December 2020

Species composition, distribution, and trophic relationships of bumblebees are studied in six types of urban habitat: urban parks, botanical gardens, least-disturbed areas within the city, residential areas, and roadsides. Twenty bumblebee species are recorded in the present study. The species composition of bumblebees has changed from 1933 to 2017. Rare species have disappeared from the city—Bombus fragrans, B. cullumanus, and B. jonellus. The core of urban bumblebee communities consists of ecologically plastic species, most of which belong to the functional morphoecological “short-tongued” group (83%). The more specialized “medium-tongued” and “long-tongued” species are less diverse. Their populations make up 14% and 3% of the total bumblebee population. Five most common species, B. lucorum, B. terrestris, B. lapidarius, B. pascuorum, and B. hypnorum, are found at locations of the most noted categories of habitats. One of the main factors affecting the diversity of morphoecological groups of bumblebees in urban conditions is the state of floral resources. The bumblebees are observed feeding on more than 60 plant species of the families Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, and Salicaceae in urban environment; however, the insects favored plants of 30 species. The ornamental, ruderal, and some invasive species of plants are significant in bumblebees’ feeding in urban conditions. The resources for bumblebee feeding and sustainable density of nesting sites are rich in quality and quantity only at a few of model urban sites. At these territories, the highest species diversity of bumblebee is recorded, including rare, protected, and vulnerable species. The ecological potential of other studied urban sites is enough to sustain the most ecologically plastic bumblebee species.
Relative Telomere Length in Peripheral Blood Cells and Hypertension Risk among Mine Workers: A Case‐Control Study in Chinese Coal Miners
Authors: Yu Sheng-nan , Chen Shi-qi , Fan Guo-quan , Pan Wei-zhe , Jia Jin , Wang Qian , Ma Li , Li Ben , Qiang Mei , Qiu Yu-lan , Wang Tong
Published: December 2020

Hypertension is a common chronic disease in middle‐aged and elderly people and is an important risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases. Its pathogenesis remains unclear. Epidemiological studies have found that the loss of telomere length in peripheral blood cells can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and other diseases. However, a correlation between loss of telomere length and hypertension has not been established. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between telomere length and the risk of essential hypertension (EH) in Chinese coal miners. A case‐control study was performed with 215 EH patients and 222 healthy controls in a large coal mining group located in North China. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted by trained staff with the necessary medical knowledge. Relative telomere length (RTL) was measured by a quantitative real‐time PCR assay using DNA extracted from peripheral blood. In the control group, the age‐adjusted RTL was statistically significantly lower in miners performing hard physical labour compared with nonphysical labour (P = 0.043). A significantly shorter age‐adjusted RTL was found in the control group of participants who consumed alcohol regularly compared with those who do not consume alcohol (P = 0.024). Age‐adjusted RTL was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and alcohol consumption. Hypertension was also found to be significantly correlated with factors such as age, BMI, alcohol consumption, smoking, and tea consumption. Our results suggest that RTL is associated with hypertension in coal miners.