bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social determinants of health associated with the development of sepsis in adults: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Machon Christina , Sheikh Fatima , Fox-Robichaud Alison
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Sepsis, the life-threatening immune response to infection, affects millions of people annually. Understanding of the factors associated with the development of sepsis is crucial for improving population health and public health efforts; in particular, literature exploring the relationship between sepsis and social determinants of health is lacking. This review seeks to establish and amalgamate existing evidence of the relationships between sepsis and the following social determinants: frailty, registration with a family physician, mental illness, alcohol abuse, social support levels, smoking status, illicit drug use disorders, socioeconomic status, gender and race/ethnicity.

Methods and analysis

This study will analyse qualitative and quantitative studies using standard processes. The selected social determinants of health and their potential link to adult sepsis will be analysed separately under distinct headings. Findings will be consolidated in a final discussion. PubMed and Medline will be searched for articles published between 1970 and 2020 using search strings combining ‘sepsis’ and other variations, such as ‘septicaemia’ with each social determinant of interest. ‘Sepsis’ and at least one social determinant of interest must be present in a study’s title for inclusion in the review; the results of the initial search will be filtered based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Evidence from this scoping review will provide information on the impact of social determinants of health on the risk of developing adult sepsis, which can inform clinicians of the various risk factors to consider when admitting patients.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval from a research ethics board is not needed for this amalgamation of information from studies for which the primary investigators have obtained their own, respective ethics board approval. Once completed, the review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and findings will be presented in local and national forums.
Effects of oil-soluble versus water-soluble contrast media at hysterosalpingography on pregnancy outcomes in women with a low risk of tubal disease: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liang Guiling , Zhu Qian , He Xiaoqing , Wang Xiaofeng , Jiang Ling , Zhu Chenfeng , Xie Li , Qian Zhaoxia , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2020

Introduction

In recent years, due to various factors, the rate of infertility in China has increased and now affects over 10% of women of reproductive age. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a common diagnostic procedure during fertility examinations. However, there is no consensus on the choice of contrast agents and their effects. As the largest multicentre, randomised controlled trial (H2Oil trial from the Netherlands) has shown that oil-soluble contrast at HSG can enhance fertility compared with water-soluble contrast, we propose this study to examine whether the use of oil-soluble contrast media results in increased rates of pregnancy in Chinese women undergoing HSG.

Methods and analysis

This study is a single-centre, randomised, controlled, parallel-group, superiority trial. Patients with low risk of tubal disease will be randomised to undergo HSG using iodinated oil injection (OSCM group, oil-soluble contrast media) or ioversol injection (WSCM group, water-soluble contrast media). To evaluate the potential superiority of the OSCM group, with 1:1 allocation ratio, 90% statistical power and a two-sided significance level of 5%, we have calculated a sample of 520 women per group to be enrolled, for a total of 1040 including 10% loss to follow-up or protocol variation. The primary outcome is the rate of ongoing pregnancy during 6 months after randomisation. The secondary outcomes will consist of thyroid function of patients and newborns, pain scores during HSG, rate of live birth, clinical pregnancies, miscarriages, ectopic pregnancy, time to ongoing pregnancy, time to live birth, cost calculations of the OSCM group/WSCM group, and assisted reproductive technology treatments between the two groups.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol received authorisation from the Medical Research Ethics Committee of International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital on 18 January 2020 (approval no GKLW2020-02). The findings will be reported in peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000031612.
Should we care: a qualitative exploration of the factors that influence the decision of early marriage among young men in urban slums of Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas Subas Chandra , Karim Shuchi , Rashid Sabina Faiz
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To explore how adolescent and young men negotiate the complex realities of lives to explain their pathways into and reasons for early marriage in urban slums of Bangladesh.

Design

The qualitative data used here came from a larger 3-year study that used both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Setting

Interviews were conducted in two of the largest slums in Dhaka and Chittagong city of Bangladesh between December 2015 and March 2018.

Participants

This paper uses qualitative data from 22 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and three focus group discussions (FGDs) with adolescent and young men aged 15–24 years; 13 IDIs and 4 FGDs with parents and 11 key-informant interviews with community leaders. The purposively selected respondents were interviewed in their respective settings.

Results

In the context of urban slums, this study revealed multiple factors influence early marriage decision-making processes among young men. These factors include socially perceived phenomenon of adulthood and readiness of marriage, poverty leading to drop out from schools and early initiation to earning livelihood, manifestations of increasing individual aspiration and agency, fulfilment of romance and erotic desires and dreams of forming one’s own family. In addition, parental and immediate societal interference to preserve norms around gender and society can act as catalysts for this decision.

Conclusions

Study findings imply that complex structural factors, social and gender norms that are contributing to the early marriage for both adolescent boys and young men in Bangladesh’s urban slums. These are locations where conservatism, poverty and urbanisation intersect resulting in early and often unprepared entry to adulthood for young men impacting on their development and well-being. It is, therefore, critical that young men should be included in the national and global conversations around child marriage and child marriage prevention programme.
Quality of life and experiences of sarcoma trajectories (the QUEST study): protocol for an international observational cohort study on diagnostic pathways of sarcoma patients
Authors: Soomers Vicky , Desar Ingrid ME , van de Poll-Franse Lonneke V , Husson Olga , van der Graaf Winette TA
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Sarcomas are rare tumours with considerable heterogeneity. Early and accurate diagnosis is important to optimise patient outcomes in terms of local disease control, overall survival (OS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Time to diagnosis is variable in bone as well as soft tissue sarcoma. Possible factors for a long time from first symptom to diagnosis (the total interval) include patient, tumour and healthcare characteristics, but until now the most relevant risk factors and its association with outcomes remain unknown. Our study aims to (1) quantify total interval, the time interval from first symptom until (histological) diagnosis; (2) identify factors associated with interval length and (3) determine the association between total interval and HRQoL, stage and tumour size at diagnosis, progression-free survival (PFS) and OS.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a longitudinal, prospective, international, multicentre cohort study among patients aged ≥18 years with newly diagnosed bone or soft tissue sarcoma at eight centres (three in UK, five in The Netherlands). Patients will be asked to complete questionnaires at five points in time; one at diagnosis and at follow-up points of 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Questionnaire data is collected within the Patient Reported Outcomes Following Initial treatment and Long term Evaluation of Survivorship (PROFILES) registry: an international data management system for collection of patient-reported outcomes. Clinical data will be extracted from patient records. The primary endpoint is HRQoL at diagnosis, measured with the EORTC QLQ-C30. Secondary endpoints are stage and tumour size at diagnosis, PFS, OS, additional patient-reported outcomes, such as quality-adjusted life years and psychological distress.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was given by the Health Research Authority and Research Ethics Committee for the United Kingdom (18/WA/0096) and medical ethical committee of Radboudumc for The Netherlands (2017-3881). Results will be presented in peer-reviewed journals and presented at meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT03441906.
Prevalence and severity of burnout in Hong Kong doctors up to 20 years post-graduation: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ng Amy Pui Pui , Chin Weng Yee , Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Chen Julie , Lau Chak Sing
Published: October 2020

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and severity of burnout and explore the factors associated with burnout among Hong Kong medical graduates up to 20 years post-graduation.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Hong Kong.

Participants

Doctors who graduated from the University of Hong Kong between 1995 and 2014.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Burnout as measured by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), alcohol consumption as measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Version C, lifestyle behaviours (hours of sleep and work, exercise, smoking, substance use), career satisfaction and sociodemographic characteristics were obtained using paper or online questionnaires.

Results

Response rate was 30.9% (496/1607). Prevalence of CBI burnout was 63.1% (personal), 55.9% (work-related) and 35.4% (patient-related). The mean CBI subscale scores were 57.4±21.4 (personal), 48.9±7.4 (work-related) and 41.5±21.8 (client-related). Factors associated with personal and patient-related burnout included age (coeff −0.437, 95% CI −0.779 to −0.095 and coeff −0.596, 95% CI −0.965 to −0.228, respectively), practice setting (coeff −5.759, 95% CI −10.665 to −0.853 and coeff −5.317, 95% CI −10.602 to −0.032, respectively) and regular exercise (coeff −6.855, 95% CI −11.102 to −2.608 and coeff −6.769, 95% CI −11.333 to −2.205, respectively). Gender (coeff 5.1, 95% CI 1.382 to 8.818), average hours of sleep per night (coeff −5.200, 95% CI −7.139 to −3.262) and work hours per week (coeff 0.226, 95% CI 0.099 to 0.353) were associated with personal burnout only. No factors were significantly associated with work-related burnout.

Conclusion

Burnout is highly prevalent among Hong Kong medical graduates. Younger doctors, women and those working in the public sector appear to be at higher risk for burnout and may benefit from targeted interventions. Policymakers and healthcare authorities should consider measures to help reduce burnout by enabling adequate sleep, reducing work hours and encouraging exercise.
Mortality and morbidity in patients with congenital heart disease hospitalised for viral pneumonia
Authors: Diller Gerhard-Paul , Enders Dominic , Lammers Astrid E , Orwat Stefan , Schmidt Renate , Radke Robert M , Gerss Joachim , De Torres Alba Fernando , Kaleschke Gerrit , Bauer Ulrike M , Marschall Ursula , Baumgartner Helmut
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Data on the clinical outcome of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) affected by severe viral pneumonia are limited. We analysed morbidity and mortality of viral pneumonia and evaluated the association between medical conditions, medication, vaccination and outcome specifically in patients with CHD requiring hospitalisation for viral pneumonia.

Methods

Based on data from one of Germany’s largest health insurers, all cases of viral pneumonia requiring hospital admission (2005–2018) were studied. Mortality, and composites of death, transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, ventilation or extracorporeal lung support served as endpoints.

Results

Overall, 26 262 viral pneumonia cases occurred in 24 980 patients. Of these, 1180 cases occurred in patients with CHD. Compared with patients without CHD, mortality rate was elevated in patients with CHD. As a group, patients with CHD aged 20–59 years even exceeded mortality rates in patients without CHD aged >60 years. No mortality was observed in patients with CHD with simple defects <60 years of age without associated cardiovascular risk factors. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, age, CHD complexity, chromosomal anomalies, cardiac medication, use of immunosuppressants and absence of vaccination for influenza emerged as risk factors of adverse outcome.

Conclusions

We present timely data on morbidity and mortality of severe viral pneumonia requiring hospital admission in patients with CHD. Need for mechanical ventilation and risk of death in CHD increase early in life, reaching a level equivalent to non-CHD individuals >60 years of age. Our data suggest that except for patients with isolated simple defects, patients with CHD should be considered higher-risk individuals when faced with severe viral pneumonia.
Endogenous HLA-DQ8αβ programs superantigens (SEG/SEI) to silence toxicity and unleash a tumoricidal network with long-term melanoma survival
Authors: Knopick Peter , Terman David , Riha Nathan , Alvine Travis , Larson Riley , Badiou Cedric , Lina Gerard , Ballantyne John , Bradley David
Published: October 2020

Background

As the most powerful T cell agonists known, superantigens (SAgs) have enormous potential for cancer immunotherapy. Their development has languished due to high incidence (60%–80%) of seroreactive neutralizing antibodies in humans and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-mediated cardiopulmonary toxicity. Such toxicity has narrowed their therapeutic index while neutralizing antibodies have nullified their therapeutic effects.

Methods

Female HLA-DQ8 (DQA*0301/DQB*0302) tg mice expressing the human major histocompatibility complex II (MHCII) HLA-DQ8 allele on a high proportion of PBL, spleen and lymph node cells were used. In the established tumor model, staphylococcal enterotoxin G and staphylococcal enterotoxin I (SEG/ SEI) (50 µg each) were injected on days 6 and 9 following tumor inoculation. Lymphoid, myeloid cells and tumor cell digests from tumor tissue were assayed using flow cytometry or quantitated using a cytometric bead array. Tumor density, necrotic and viable areas were quantitated using the ImageJ software.

Results

In a discovery-driven effort to address these problems we introduce a heretofore unrecognized binary complex comprizing SEG/SEI SAgs linked to the endogenous human MHCII HLA-DQ8 allele in humanized mice. By contrast to staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) deployed previously in clinical trials, SEG and SEI does not exhibit neutralizing antibodies in humans or TNFα-mediated toxicity in humanized HLA-DQ8 mice. In the latter model wherein SAg behavior is known to be ‘human-like’, SEG/SEI induced a powerful tumoricidal response and long-term survival against established melanoma in 82% of mice. Other SAgs deployed in the same model displayed toxic shock. Initially, HLA-DQ8 mediated melanoma antigen priming, after which SEG/SEI unleashed a broad CD4+ and CD8+ antitumor network marked by expansion of melanoma reactive T cells and interferon-γ (IFNy) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). SEG/SEI further initiated chemotactic recruitment of tumor reactive T cells to the TME converting the tumor from ‘cold’ to a ‘hot’. Long-term survivors displayed remarkable resistance to parental tumor rechallenge along with the appearance of tumor specific memory and tumor reactive T memory cells.

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings show for the first time that the SEG/SEI-(HLA-DQ8) empowers priming, expansion and recruitment of a population of tumor reactive T cells culminating in tumor specific memory and long-term survival devoid of toxicity. These properties distinguish SEG/SEI from other SAgs used previously in human tumor immunotherapy. Consolidation of these principles within the SEG/SEI-(HLA-DQ8) complex constitutes a conceptually new therapeutic weapon with compelling translational potential.
Clinical staging in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: analysis of Edaravone Study 19
Authors: Al-Chalabi Ammar , Chiò Adriano , Merrill Charlotte , Oster Gerry , Bornheimer Rebecca , Agnese Wendy , Apple Stephen
Published: October 2020

Objective

This was a post hoc analysis of the Edaravone Phase III Study MCI186-19 (‘Study 19’) to examine the utility of clinical staging systems as end points in clinical trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale—Revised item scores from Study 19 were retrospectively mapped to King’s stage and Milano-Torino staging (MiToS) stage. We assessed the percentage of patients who experienced progression in King’s and MiToS stages during Study 19. We also assessed disease progression in subgroups of patients according to baseline King’s stage.

Results

During double-blind treatment, the percentage of patients who experienced a progression in King’s stage was lower for edaravone (42.0%, 95% CI 30.4% to 53.6%) than placebo (55.9%, 95% CI 44.1% to 67.6%). The most pronounced effect was noted among patients who were in stage 1 and was maintained throughout open-label treatment. An analysis of a ≥2-stage progression in MiToS stage showed no difference between treatment arms during double-blind treatment, but during the open-label period, more rapid progression was noted among patients in the placebo–edaravone arm than among those in the edaravone–edaravone arm (log-rank test, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The King’s and MiToS staging systems provided utility in assessing clinical progression in Edaravone Study 19. These findings may support the use of staging systems as end points in ALS clinical trials and to understand the timing of benefit as measured by these scales.
Anaesthesia and neuromuscular disorders: what a neurologist needs to know
Authors: van den Bersselaar Luuk R , Snoeck Marc M J , Gubbels Madelief , Riazi Sheila , Kamsteeg Erik-Jan , Jungbluth Heinz , Voermans Nicol C
Published: October 2020

Neurologists are often asked for specific advice regarding patients with neuromuscular disease who require general anaesthesia. However, guidelines on specific neuromuscular disorders do not usually include specific guidelines or pragmatic advice regarding (regional and/or general) anaesthesia or procedural sedation. Furthermore, the medical literature on this subject is mostly limited to publications in anaesthesiology journals. We therefore summarise general recommendations and specific advice for anaesthesia in different neuromuscular disorders to provide a comprehensive and accessible overview of the knowledge on this topic essential for clinical neurologists. A preoperative multidisciplinary approach involving anaesthesiologists, cardiologists, chest physicians, surgeons and neurologists is crucial. Depolarising muscle relaxants (succinylcholine) should be avoided at all times. The dose of non-depolarising muscle relaxants must be reduced and their effect monitored. Patients with specific mutations inRYR1(ryanodine receptor 1) and less frequently inCACNA1S(calcium channel, voltage-dependent, L type, alpha 1S subunit) andSTAC3(SH3 and cysteine rich domain 3) are at risk of developing a life-threatening malignant hyperthermia reaction.
High body mass index is associated with increased risk for osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint during more than 30 years of follow-up
Authors: Rydberg Mattias , Dahlin Lars B , Gottsäter Anders , Nilsson Peter M , Melander Olle , Zimmerman Malin
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the first carpometacarpal (CMC-1) joint is a common hand disorder with symptoms including pain and weakness of the thumb. Previous studies have associated high BMI with OA of weight-bearing joints, whereas studies regarding non-weight-bearing joints have shown conflicting results. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of overweight and obesity on incident OA of the CMC-1 joint.

Method

During 1974 to 1992, 33 346 participants aged 26–61 years were included in the population-based cohort Malmö Preventive Project. Endpoint data were retrieved from Swedish national registers until end of 2018. Sex-stratified Cox regression models adjusted for potential confounders were calculated using BMI as a continuous variable and stratified for normal weight, overweight and obesity.

Results

Median follow-up was 36 years for men and 32 years for women. A one-unit increment of BMI was independently associated with incident OA of the CMC-1 joint in men (HR 1.12; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.15, p<0.001) and women (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.08, p<0.001). Stratifying for BMI groups, obesity was independently associated with OA of the CMC-1 joint in men (HR 3.57; 95% CI 2.68 to 4.77, p<0.001) and women (HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.44 to 2.73, p<0.001).

Conclusion

High BMI and obesity are major risk factors for OA of the CMC-1 joint. The association was stronger among men but could be demonstrated also among women. Future studies are warranted to clarify underlying pathophysiological mechanisms for this association, enabling identification of potential therapeutic targets related to obesity in order to prevent the development of OA of the CMC-1 joint.
Low vitamin D and risk of bacterial pneumonias: Mendelian randomisation studies in two population-based cohorts
Authors: Çolak Yunus , Nordestgaard Børge G , Afzal Shoaib
Published: October 2020

Background

Vitamin D may regulate the innate immune system, and randomised controlled trials suggest a beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation against acute respiratory tract infections. By using a Mendelian randomisation approach, we tested the hypothesis that low 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with increased risk of bacterial pneumonia in observational and genetic analyses.

Methods

We genotyped 116 335 randomly chosen white Danes aged 20 to 100 from the Copenhagen City Heart Study and Copenhagen General Population Study for plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D decreasing genetic variants around
CYP2R1
(rs117913124, rs12794714 and rs10741657),
DHCR7
(rs7944926 and rs11234027),
GEMIN2
(rs2277458) and
HAL
(rs3819817). Information on plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D was available on 35 833 individuals. Individuals were followed from 1981 through 2018 for hospital diagnoses of bacterial pneumonias.

Results

During up to 38 years follow-up, we observed 6342 bacterial pneumonias in observational analyses and 13 916 in genetic analyses. In observational analyses, multivariable adjusted HR for bacterial pneumonias was 1.27 (95% CI: 1.16 to 1.40) for individuals with 25-hydroxyvitamin D<25 nmol/L compared with those with ≥25 nmol/L. In genetic analyses, the OR for bacterial pneumonia per 10 nmol/L lower plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 1.12 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.23) in Wald’s ratio, 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04 to 1.20) in inverse-variance weighted, 1.63 (95% CI: 0.96 to 2.78) in MR-Egger and 1.15 (95% CI: 1.05 to 1.26) in weighted median instrumental variable analysis. This association was strongest for genetic variants around
CYP2R1
. There was no observational or genetic evidence to support that 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with risk of urinary tract infections, skin infections, sepsis or gastroenteritis, which were used as negative control outcomes.

Conclusions

Low vitamin D is associated observationally and genetically with increased risk of bacterial pneumonias.
Effects of screw pile installation on installation requirements and in-service performance using the discrete element method
Authors: Sharif Yaseen Umar , Brown Michael John , Cerfontaine Benjamin , Davidson Craig , Ciantia Matteo Oryem , Knappett Jonathan Adam , Ball Jonathan David , Brennan Andrew , Augarde Charles , Coombs Will , Blake Anthony , Richards David , White David , Huisman Marco , Ottolini Marius
Published: October 2020

Existing guidance on the installation of screw piles suggest that they should be installed in a pitch-matched manner to avoid disturbance to the soil that may have a detrimental effect on the in-service performance of the pile. Recent insights from centrifuge modelling have shown that installing screw piles in this way requires large vertical compressive (or crowd) forces, which is inconsistent with the common assumption that screw piles pull themselves into the ground requiring minimal vertical compressive force. In this paper, through the use of the discrete element method (DEM), the effects of advancement ratio, i.e., the ratio between the vertical displacement per rotation to the geometric pitch of the helix of the screw pile helix, on the installation resistance and in-service capacity of a screw pile is investigated. The findings are further used to assess the applicability of empirical torque capacity correlation factors for large diameter screw piles. The results of the investigation show that it is possible to reduce the required vertical compressive installation force by 96% by reducing the advancement ratio and that although over-flighting a screw pile can decrease the subsequent compressive capacity, it appears to increase the tensile capacity significantly.
Case history examples of estimating OCR in structured and structured organic cohesive soil with field vane tests using the SHANSEP-based method
Authors: Saye Steven R. , Kumm Bryan P. , Lutenegger Alan J.
Published: October 2020

Accurate estimation of the preconsolidation stress and overconsolidation ratio, OCR, in uniform cohesive soils using the field vane test is influenced by the combined effects of soil type and plasticity, geologic history, soil structure, and the presence of organic matter. Published empirical correlations for cohesive soils consider the effects of soil type and plasticity, but significant variability can occur with changes in soil structure and the presence of organic matter content. The adaption of the “stress history and normalized soil engineering properties” (SHANSEP) format improves the characterization of overconsolidated soils using field vane tests by applying a proposed empirical approach to identify structured soils from unstructured soils and updating the SHANSEP-based approach to separately evaluate stress history in structured and unstructured soils. Validation of the correlation coefficients for individual projects is needed as the approach is applied to new geologic materials and with potentially different field vane equipment and laboratory testing procedures used to characterize the soils. This additional testing provides an opportunity to improve the correlations for specific conditions and reduce the variability in current OCR assessments.
Effect of nearby piles and soil properties on thermal behaviour of a field-scale energy pile
Authors: Moradshahi Aria , Faizal Mohammed , Bouazza Abdelmalek , McCartney John S.
Published: October 2020

The thermal response of an energy field scale pile that is part of a pair of energy piles spaced at a centre-to-centre distance of 3.5 m (i.e., 6D, where D is the pile diameter), was examined experimentally and numerically. Three field tests were conducted to assess the axial and radial thermal responses of the energy pile: (i) heating of the energy pile alone, (ii) heating of both energy piles simultaneously, and (iii) heating of the other energy pile while the considered energy pile was not heated. Good agreement was obtained between the experimental and numerical evaluations of the energy pile during the tests. A parametric study of the validated numerical model was performed for each of the three tests to understand the effects of varying soil thermal conductivity, thermal expansion coefficient, and elastic modulus on the thermal response of the considered energy pile. The numerical results confirmed the field results that radial thermal stresses in the energy piles were insignificant compared to axial thermal stresses. The impact of elastic modulus of the soil was more significant on the thermal stresses of the energy pile compared to the effects of soil thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient. The thermal stresses of the considered energy pile were not significantly affected when both energy piles were heated simultaneously, even though ground temperature changes between the energy piles were more significant due to thermal interaction. Only minor thermal effects on the non-thermal pile were observed during heating of one of the energy piles for different soil properties.
A less invasive system for the direct measurement of ventilation in fish
Authors: Eom Junho , Wood Chris M.
Published: October 2020

Most previous systems for quantifying ventilatory flow in fish involve prior anesthesia and difficult surgery to sew or glue membranes to the animal, which are undoubtedly stressful. By modification of the original “van Dam box” design and incorporation of an electromagnetic blood flow probe, we have developed a less invasive system that avoids these problems and provides breath-to-breath measurements of ventilatory flow in real time. The fish can be quickly moved in and out of the apparatus, facilitating repeated measurements on the same animal after different treatments. We have used the system to document the hyperventilatory and hypoventilatory responses to environmental hypoxia and hyperoxia, respectively, in both ∼400-g trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and 10-g goldfish (Carassius auratus); the method is easily adaptable to fish of other sizes. Separate experiments on trout have demonstrated that responses to these treatments in buccal pressure amplitude, breathing frequency, and ventilation index are not altered by the attachments used in the apparatus. This less invasive methodology may prove more acceptable to animal ethics committees.
Delayed effect of drought on xylem vulnerability to embolism in Fagus sylvatica
Authors: Herbette Stephane , Charrier Olivia , Cochard Hervé , Barigah Têté Severien
Published: October 2020

Understanding variation in drought resistance traits is needed to predict the potential of trees to adapt to severe drought events. Xylem vulnerability to embolism is a critical trait related to drought-induced mortality that has large variability between species. Acclimation of this trait to environmental conditions implies changes in the xylem structure and organization, leading previous studies to investigate its variations under conditions that preserve growth. In European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) saplings, we assessed the effect of drought on the species’ vulnerability to embolism in branches developed the next year during recovery. Newly formed branches displayed less vulnerability to embolism in plants that experienced the most severe droughts that led to native embolism. The pressure that induced 50% loss of conductance in severely drought affected plants versus control plants was −3.98 versus −3.1 MPa, respectively. These results argue for a lagged acclimation of this trait to drought events.
Lipopolysaccharide induces BV2 microglial cell migration via a decrease in SET8 expression
Authors: Zhao Yanjun , Yi Wenjing , Lu Yi , Li Wenxian , Wang Hongbing
Published: October 2020

Excessively activated microglia exhibit increased migration, resulting in tissue damage and chronic inflammation. Src was confirmed to play an important role in regulation of cell motility following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. SET8 plays an important part in multiple cellular signal pathways. In this study, we speculated that SET8 is involved in LPS-induced microglial migration via regulation of Src expression. Our study showed that LPS promoted cell migration via augmentation of Src expression in BV2 cells. Moreover, LPS treatment decreased SET8 expression and upregulated the expression of the transcription factor ETS proto-oncogene 1 (ETS1). Overexpression of both SET8 and small interfering ETS1 reversed LPS-induced Src expression and cell migration. The effects of short hairpin SET8 (shSET8) and ETS1 overexpression are the same as the effects of LPS treatment. Decrease of Src expression reversed the shSET8-induced and ETS1 overexpression–induced migration of BV2 cells. Furthermore, SET8 was observed to associate with ETS1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay indicated H4K20me1, a downstream target of SET8, in addition to ETS1, was enriched at the Src promoter region. Furthermore, shSET8 increased Src promoter activity and also increased the positive effect of ETS1 overexpression on Src promoter activity. This study shows that SET8 associates with ETS1 to regulate Src expression, which is involved in LPS-induced BV2 cell migration.
A note on the total action of 4D Gauss–Bonnet theory
Authors: Mahapatra Subhash
Published: October 2020

Recently, a novel four-dimensional Gauss–Bonnet theory has been suggested as a limiting case of the originalD-dimensional theory with singular Gauss–Bonnet coupling constant$$\alpha \rightarrow \alpha /(D-4)$$α→α/(D-4). The theory is proposed at the level of field equations. Here we analyse this theory at the level of action. We find that the on-shell action and surface terms split into parts, one of which does not scale like$$(D-4)$$(D-4). The limiting$$D\rightarrow 4$$D→4procedure, therefore, gives unphysical divergences in the on-shell action and surface terms in four dimensions. We further highlight various issues related to the computation of counterterms in this theory.
Dually flat structures induced from monotone metrics on a two-level quantum state space
Authors: Fujiwara Akio
Published: October 2020

The notion of dually flatness is of central importance in information geometry. Nevertheless, little is known about dually flat structures on quantum statistical manifolds except that the Bogoliubov metric admits a global dually flat structure on a quantum state space $${{\mathcal {S}}}({{\mathbb {C}}}^d)$$

S
(

C

d

)

for any $$d\ge 2$$

d
≥
2

. In this paper, we show that every monotone metric on a two-level quantum state space $${{\mathcal {S}}}({{\mathbb {C}}}^2)$$

S
(

C

2

)

admits a local dually flat structure.
Preformed particle gels for enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Suleimanov B. A. , Veliyev E. F. , Naghiyeva N. V.
Published: October 2020

This study refers to the synthesis of new advanced preformed particle gels (PPGs) based on 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), Polyvinyl Pirrolidone (PVP) and bentonite clay. For the synthesis, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]-methylenebisacrylamide was used as crosslinker and ammonium persulphate as initiator. As a consequence of the inclusion of clay into the polymer matrix and the intercalation of AMPS between the layers as well as the presence of hydrophilic interactions occurring between partners, the final PPGs possessed greater swelling degrees, slower de-swelling process, high thermal stability and enhanced mechanical properties in comparison with pure PPG.
Optical solitons and closed form solutions to the (3+1)-dimensional resonant Schrödinger dynamical wave equation
Authors: Younas Usman , Seadawy Aly R. , Younis M. , Rizvi S. T. R.
Published: October 2020

This paper investigates the new solitons and closed form solutions to [Formula: see text] dimensional resonant nonlinear Schrödinger equation (RNLSE) that explains the behavior of waves with the effect of group velocity dispersion and resonant nonlinearities in the optical fiber. The soliton solutions in single and combined forms like dark, singular, and dark-singular in mixed form are extracted by means of two innovative integration norms namely extended sinh-Gordon equation expansion and [Formula: see text]-expansion function methods. Moreover, kink and closed form solutions are also observed under different constraint conditions. By choosing the suitable selection of the parameters, three dimensional, two dimensional, and contour plots are sketched. The obtained outcomes show that the applied computational strategies are direct, efficient, concise and can be implemented in more complex phenomena with the assistant of symbolic computations.
The varieties of minimal tomographically complete measurements
Authors: DeBrota John B. , Fuchs Christopher A. , Stacey Blake C.
Published: October 2020

Minimal Informationally Complete quantum measurements, or MICs, illuminate the structure of quantum theory and how it departs from the classical. Central to this capacity is their role as tomographically complete measurements with the fewest possible number of outcomes for a given finite dimension. Despite their advantages, little is known about them. We establish general properties of MICs, explore constructions of several classes of them, and make some developments to the theory of MIC Gram matrices. These Gram matrices turn out to be a rich subject of inquiry, relating linear algebra, number theory and probability. Among our results are some equivalent conditions for unbiased MICs, a characterization of rank-1 MICs through the Hadamard product, several ways in which immediate properties of MICs capture the abandonment of classical phase space intuitions, and a numerical study of MIC Gram matrix spectra. We also present, to our knowledge, the first example of an unbiased rank-1 MIC which is not group covariant. This work provides further context to the discovery that the symmetric informationally complete quantum measurements (SICs) are in many ways optimal among MICs. In a deep sense, the ideal measurements of quantum physics are not orthogonal bases.
Bayesian Models of Conceptual Development: Learning as Building Models of the World
Authors: Ullman Tomer D. , Tenenbaum Joshua B.
Published: October 2020

A Bayesian framework helps address, in computational terms, what knowledge children start with and how they construct and adapt models of the world during childhood. Within this framework, inference over hierarchies of probabilistic generative programs in particular offers a normative and descriptive account of children's model building. We consider two classic settings in which cognitive development has been framed as model building: ( a) core knowledge in infancy and ( b) the child as scientist. We interpret learning in both of these settings as resource-constrained, hierarchical Bayesian program induction with different primitives and constraints. We examine what mechanisms children could use to meet the algorithmic challenges of navigating large spaces of potential models, in particular the proposal of the child as hacker and how it might be realized by drawing on recent computational advances. We also discuss prospects for a unifying account of model building across scientific theories and intuitive theories, and in biological and cultural evolution more generally.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Alexander Tobias , Greco Raffaella , Snowden John A.
Published: October 2020

The introduction of targeted biologic therapies has changed the treatment landscape for autoimmune diseases (ADs) substantially, but although these therapies provide more specificity, they require continuous administration, rarely restore organ function or reverse disability, and are not curative. Over the last 25 years, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been increasingly used to treat patients in whom the risk:benefit ratio of HSCT is acceptable. In contrast to chronic suppression of immune function, this intensive one-off procedure aims to provide treatment-free remissions by the reinduction of self-tolerance. The European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Autoimmune Diseases Working Party (ADWP) has been central to development of this approach, with over 3,300 HSCT registrations for ADs. Recent data have improved the evidence base to support autologous HSCT in multiple sclerosis, systemic sclerosis, and Crohn's disease, along with a wide range of rarer disease indications, and autologous HSCT has become an integral part of treatment algorithms in various ADs.
Cytomegalovirus and Epstein‐Barr Infections: Prevalence and Impact on Patients with Hematological Diseases
Authors: de Melo Silva Jean , Pinheiro-Silva Renato , Dhyani Anamika , Pontes Gemilson Soares
Published: October 2020

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infections are widely distributed throughout the world. EBV is linked to various hematological and autoimmune disorders whereas CMV might play important role in the progression of chronic hematological diseases, such as hemoglobinopathies, lymphomas, myelomas, hemophilia, and aplastic and sickle cell anemia. Both viruses produce a viral homolog of human interleukin‐10 that can cause general suppression of immune response, increasing susceptibility to other infections. These viruses can remain latent in the host cells and be reactivated when the host immune system is compromised. Studies showing the impact of CMV and EBV infections on hematological disorders are scarce and unclear in the context of coinfection. This review intends to present the biology, prevalence, and impact of CMV and EBV infections in patients with hematological diseases.
Prevalence of Anxiety and Associated Factors among Pharmacy Students in Saudi Arabia: a Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Samreen Sana , Siddiqui Nasir A. , Mothana Ramzi A.
Published: October 2020

Background and Objective. Anxiety is an emotional and behavioral disorder that may disturb the student’s quality of learning and its outcome. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors among pharmacy students at a university in Saudi Arabia. Methods. We used a cross‐sectional design, and data collection was carried out over a period of two months from September 2018 to November 2018 using paper‐based self‐administered questionnaires. The General Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7) scale was used to measure and classify anxiety among the study participants. Results. The prevalence of anxiety among pharmacy students was 49% (83 students); 44 students (25.9%) had mild anxiety, while 24 (14.1%) students had moderate anxiety, and 15 (8.8%) severe anxiety. There were statistically significant differences in anxiety scores according to faculty type (p = 0.2) and nutritional status (p = 0.4). Conclusion. The findings of this study revealed that half of the pharmacy students suffered from anxiety incidence during their studies at the university. However, the majority of them are experiencing mild to moderate. This may have a significant impact on academic performance and necessitates special attention.
Current Evidence of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID‐19) Ocular Transmission: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Cao Kai , Kline Brad , Han Ying , Ying Gui-shuang , Wang Ning Li
Published: October 2020

Objective. To estimate the prevalence rate of ocular symptoms and the positive rate of conjunctival swab samples of patients diagnosed with 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID‐19). Methods. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis. A comprehensive literature search was done based on PubMed, Embase, MedRxiv, and the Cochrane Library. The primary outcomes are the prevalence rate of conjunctivitis/conjunctival congestion and the positive rate of conjunctival swab samples. Rates were expressed as proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. A total of 12 studies with 1930 participants were included for meta‐analysis. The pooled prevalence rate of conjunctivitis/conjunctival congestion was 8% (95% CI: 5%‐12%). 1% (95% CI: 1%‐4%) of COVID‐19 patients were diagnosed with conjunctivitis/conjunctival congestion as the initial symptom. The pooled positive rate of conjunctival swab samples was 3% (95% CI: 2%‐5%). We also assessed other ocular symptoms reported in the 12 studies, including foreign body sensation, increased secretion, and eye itching. The pooled prevalence rates were 6% (95% CI: 3%‐10%), 10% (95% CI: 8%‐12%), and 9% (95% CI: 7%‐10%), respectively. Conclusions. The evidence on the positive rate of conjunctival swab samples and the prevalence rates of ocular symptoms indicated that COVID‐19 ocular transmission was possible but less likely.
In-Stent Restenosis and a Drug-Coated Balloon: Insights from a Clinical Therapeutic Strategy on Coronary Artery Diseases
Authors: Zhang Dai-Min , Chen Shaoliang
Published: October 2020

Coronary heart disease is a major cause of death and disability in developed countries. Stent implantation has become an efficacious treatment for a culprit lesion vessel of the coronary artery. However, 10%–20% restenosis is still an important complication that restricts the clinical safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents. In-stent restenosis may lead to the recurrence of major cardiovascular adverse events, including angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, and even sudden cardiac death. These events are currently serious problems that occur after coronary stent implantation. Clinical physicians face a difficult choice for in-stent restenosis treatment. Recent studies indicate that a drug-coated balloon has promising clinical efficacy similar to the drug-eluting stents for treating coronary in-stent restenosis. Therefore, in this study, we highlight the progress of coronary intervention and the use of drug-coated balloons in the treatment of in-stent restenosis (ISR).
A Practical Approach to Numerically Predicting a Maneuvering Vessel in Waves Oriented to Maritime Simulator
Authors: Ni Shengke , Liu Zhengjiang , Cai Yao , Zhang Teng
Published: October 2020

To improve the behavioral realism of maritime simulator, the mathematical model of ship heave and pitch motion in regular waves is proposed. To avoid the influence of irregular frequency by two-dimensional Frank source and sink distribution method, the multiparameter conformal mapping method was adopted to solve the hydrodynamic problem of ship’s transverse sections, and then the integration of the hydrodynamic coefficients and the wave exciting forces for the whole ship hull was obtained using the Salvesen–Tuck–Faltinsen (STF) strip method. The Abkowitz model was used for the horizontal maneuverability motion equations, and the ship heave and pitch motion mathematical model in regular waves can be built considering the maneuvering factors. To verify the credibility and applicability of the improved model, the Mariner vessel with a Froude number of 0.2 was taken as the simulation case; when Mariner vessel sails in head waves, the maximum relative error between the calculated results and the experimental results is 23.6% for amplitude response operators of ship heave and pitch motion, and the calculated results and the experimental results have the same trend. When turning maneuvers in regular waves are carried out, the time history of ship pitch and pitch motions in regular waves does not show the sinusoidal periodic change any more, but the time history of heave and pitch motion still possesses periodic change to some extent, at which the period is about the time required for the turning motion to finish a circle. When turning maneuvers are carried out for 3000 seconds, the time required for computer operation is about 487.6 s, and the real-time requirements of maritime simulator are satisfied. Thus, the mathematical model of ship heave and pitch motion established in this paper can be effectively applied to the maritime simulator.