bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Granuloma formation and tissue pathology in Schistosoma japonicum versus Schistosoma mansoni infections
Authors: Llanwarne Felix , Helmby Helena
Published: July 2020

Schistosomiasis is the most important helminth disease in the world from a public health perspective. S mansoni and S japonicum account for the majority of global intestinal schistosomiasis cases, and the pathogenesis is widely assumed to be fundamentally similar. However, the majority of research on schistosomiasis has been carried out on S mansoni and comparisons between the two species are rarely made. Here, we will discuss aspects of both older and recent literature where such comparisons have been made, with a particular focus on the pathological agent, the host granulomatous response to the egg. Major differences between the two species are apparent in features such as egg production patterns and cellular infiltration; however, it is also clear that even subtle differences in the cascade of various cytokines and chemokines contribute to the different levels of pathology observed between these two main species of intestinal schistosomiasis. A better understanding of such differences at species level will be vital when it comes to the development of new treatment strategies and vaccines.
‘Treat me with respect’: transgender persons’ experiences of encounters with healthcare staff
Authors: Carlström Rebeccah , Ek Susanna , Gabrielsson Sebastian
Published: July 2020

Background

Transgender persons face barriers to health care including discrimination and lack of awareness by professionals. This study aimed to describe transgender persons’ experiences of encounters with healthcare staff.

Methods

Participants were recruited through postings in social media and on websites targeting people identifying as transgender. Through an online form, 21 people identifying as transgender provided written self‐reports. These were analysed using a method for inductive qualitative content analysis. The study was conducted in Sweden in 2018.

Results

The results describe transgender persons’ experiences and perceptions of encounters with healthcare staff in one theme: treat me with respect, and three main categories: accept me for who I am; treat me according to my needs; and meet me with competence.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals can contribute in restoring and upholding transgender people’s trust in health care by accepting their identity and focusing on their healthcare needs while also being informed about transgender people’s needs and realities. A key point in this is recognising transgender person’s vulnerability to violations of dignity in relation to health care.
How does the change of a single data point affect the variance, and why?
Authors: Humenberger Hans
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we investigate an interesting question that came up when reading a problem in a school textbook: What happens to the variance of a dataset in the case of changing one single data point, and why? Some of the answers are not surprising but here we find the full answer and demonstrate the understanding of it suitable for school students.
Experimental and Computational Investigations of the Thermal Environment in a Small Operational Data Center for Potential Energy Efficiency Improvements
Authors: Turkmen Ismail , Mercan Cem Ahmet , Erden Hamza Salih
Published: July 2020

The share of equipment and power use in smaller data centers (DCs) is comparable with that of more massive counterparts. However, they grabbed less attention in the literature despite being less energy-efficient. This study highlights the challenges of setting up a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a 180-m2 small-size high-performance computing (HPC) DC and the validation procedure leading to a reasonably accurate model for the investigation of the thermal environment and potential energy efficiency improvements. Leaky floors, uneven placement of computing equipment and perforated tiles preventing separation of hot and cold air, low-temperature operation, and excessive cooling capacity and fan power were identified sources of energy inefficiency in the DC. Computational fluid dynamics model predictions were gradually improved by using experimental measurements for various boundary conditions (BCs) and detailed geometrical representation of large leakage openings. Eventually, the model led to predictions with an error of less than 1 °C at the rack inlet and less than 5 °C at the rack outlet. The ultimate objective was to use the validated CFD model to test various energy efficiency measures in the form of operational or design changes in line with the best practices. Impact of leakage between the raised floor and the room, reduced airflow rate, cold-aisle and hot-aisle separation, workload consolidation, and higher temperature operation were among the phenomena tested by using the validated CFD model. The estimated power usage effectiveness (PUE) value reduced from 1.95 to 1.40 with the proposed energy efficiency measures.
Effect of Friction Velocity on Tribological Behavior of Coumarin as Mineral Oil Additive
Authors: Tang Huajie , Sun Jianlin , Zhao Zhangliang , Han Zhao
Published: July 2020

The tribological behavior of lubricants, prepared with a mineral base oil, lauryl alcohol, and different concentrations of coumarin, was examined using a four-ball tester under constant and variable friction velocity conditions. At constant friction velocity, the maximum non-seizure load (PB) increased from 304 N to 392 N at a coumarin concentration of 0.5 wt%. Lubricants with 0.7 wt% coumarin exhibited optimum lubricating properties, and the maximum reductions in friction coefficient (FC) and wear scar diameter (WSD) were 20.0% and 11.88%, respectively. Further investigation of the tribological mechanism implied that the ester group in the coumarin molecule established a connection with the surface atom, resulting in the formation of a tribofilm, which further restricted the adhesion wear regime. Additionally, under variable friction velocity conditions, increasing the coumarin concentration had an obvious effect on the mixed lubrication (ML) and elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) regions but not on other lubrication regions. Moreover, a mathematical model was proposed to show the relationship between FC and friction velocity. Importantly, the present work clarifies the effect of friction velocity on the tribological behavior of coumarin and also supports the use of coumarin as a novel additive in mineral oils.
Optimal Load Sharing in Bioinspired Fibrillar Adhesives: Asymptotic Solution
Authors: Khungura Harman , Bacca Mattia
Published: July 2020

We propose here an asymptotic solution defining the optimal compliance distribution for a fibrillar adhesive to obtain maximum theoretical strength. This condition corresponds to that of equal load sharing (ELS) among fibrils, i.e., all the fibrils are carrying the same load at detachment; hence, they all detach simultaneously. We model the array of fibrils as a continuum of linear elastic material that cannot laterally transmit load (analogous to a Winkler soil). Ultimately, we obtain the continuum distribution of fibril's compliance in the closed-form solution and compare it with previously obtained data for a discrete model for fibrillar adhesives. The results show improving accuracy for an incremental number of fibrils and smaller center-to-center spacing. Surprisingly, the approximation introduced by the asymptotic model shows reduced sensitivity of the adhesive strength with respect to misalignment and improved adhesive strength for large misalignment angles.
Surface charges from a sensing pixel perspective
Authors: Klee Maurice M.
Published: July 2020

A new technique is presented for understanding how charges distribute themselves on the surface of a conductor during current flow. The technique uses a set of three-dimensional calculation cells (“pixels”) that cover the conductor's surface and contain internal charge. The pixels have two faces separated by an infinitesimal, but finite, distance, with one face being conductive and the other non-conductive. Each pixel acts as a sensor by responding to (“sensing”) the net Coulomb electric field at its conductive face due to charges in other pixels and charges at the current source and sink (collectively, the external charges). Through a feedback process implemented as a series of time steps, the pixels' internal charges adjust themselves until, at each pixel, a balance is achieved between the electric flux at the conductive face due to the external charges and that due to the pixel's internal charge. Specifically, at each time step, for each pixel at which there is flux imbalance, charge will move into or out of the pixel's conductive face in the direction that reduces the imbalance. The charge distribution for the set of pixels that gives balanced flux for each of the pixels is the system's steady state and for systems where retardation effects are not significant, e.g., biological systems, the time series is the path by which the system reaches that state. Fluxes are calculated using solid angles and because solid angles do not vary with a change in scale, the charge distribution, when expressed in terms of charges/pixel, as opposed to charges/area, depends only on the system shape.
Serial interval of SARS-CoV-2 was shortened over time by nonpharmaceutical interventions
Authors: Ali Sheikh Taslim , Wang Lin , Lau Eric H. Y. , Xu Xiao-Ke , Du Zhanwei , Wu Ye , Leung Gabriel M. , Cowling Benjamin J.
Published: July 2020

From cough to splutter

In epidemiology, serial intervals are measured from when one infected person starts to show symptoms to when the next person infected becomes symptomatic. For any specific infection, the serial interval is assumed to be a fixed characteristic. Using valuable transmission pair data for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in mainland China, Ali
et al.
noticed that the average serial interval changed as nonpharmaceutical interventions were introduced. In mid-January 2020, serial intervals were on average 7.8 days, whereas in early February 2020, they decreased to an average of 2.2 days. The more quickly infected persons were identified and isolated, the shorter the serial interval became and the fewer the opportunities for virus transmission. The change in serial interval may not only measure the effectiveness of infection control interventions but may also indicate rising population immunity.

Science
, this issue p.
1106
Distinct conformational states of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Cai Yongfei , Zhang Jun , Xiao Tianshu , Peng Hanqin , Sterling Sarah M. , Walsh Richard M. , Rawson Shaun , Rits-Volloch Sophia , Chen Bing
Published: July 2020

A dynamic viral spike

Efforts to protect human cells against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have focused on the trimeric spike (S) protein. Several structures have shown a stabilized ectodomain of the spike in its prefusion conformation. Cai
et al.
now provide insight into the structural changes in the S protein that result in the fusion of the viral and host cell membranes. They purified full-length S protein and determined cryo–electron microscopy structures of both the prefusion and postfusion conformations. These structures add to our understanding of S protein function and could inform vaccine design.

Science
, this issue p.
1586
National Surveillance of Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Bacteremic Gram-Negative Bacteria with Emphasis on Community-Acquired Resistant Isolates: Report from the 2019 Surveillance of Multicenter Antimicrobial Resistance in Taiwan (SMART)
Authors: Liu Po-Yu , Lee Yu-Lin , Lu Min-Chi , Shao Pei-Lan , Lu Po-Liang , Chen Yen-Hsu , Cheng Shu-Hsing , Ko Wen-Chien , Lin Chi-Ying , Wu Ting-Shu , Yen Muh-Yong , Wang Lih-Shinn , Liu Chang-Pan , Lee Wen-Sen , Chen Yao-Shen , Wang Fu-Der , Tseng Shu-Hui , Lin Chao-Nan , Tang Hung-Jen , Chen Yu-Hui , Sheng Wang-Huei , Lee Chun-Ming , Liao Ming-Huei , Hsueh Po-Ren
Published: July 2020

A multicenter collection of bacteremic isolates of
Escherichia coli
(
n
= 423),
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(
n
= 372),
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(
n
= 300), and
Acinetobacter baumannii
complex (
n
= 199) was analyzed for susceptibility. Xpert Carba-R assay and sequencing for
mcr
genes were performed for carbapenem- or colistin-resistant isolates. Nineteen (67.
Antiviral Properties of the LSD1 Inhibitor SP-2509
Authors: Harancher Mitchell R. , Packard Jessica E. , Cowan Shane P. , DeLuca Neal A. , Dembowski Jill A.
Published: July 2020

Treatment of HSV-1-infected cells with SP-2509 blocked viral DNA replication, gene expression after the onset of DNA replication, and virus production. These data support a potential new role for LSD1 in the regulation of viral DNA replication and successive steps in the virus life cycle, and further highlight the promising potential to utilize LSD1 inhibition as an antiviral approach.
Multiple Plasmid Vectors Mediate the Spread of
fosA3
in Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing
Enterobacterales
Isolates from Retail Vegetables in China
Authors: Lv Luchao , Huang Xiuyu , Wang Jing , Huang Ying , Gao Xun , Liu Yiyun , Zhou Qiaoli , Zhang Qianhui , Yang Jun , Guo Jian-Ying , Liu Jian-Hua
Published: July 2020

This report provides important information on the transmission and epidemiology of
fosA3
among
Enterobacterales
isolates from vegetables. The rate of occurrence of
fosA3
in ESBL-producing
Enterobacterales
from retail vegetables is high, and
fosA3
was found to be carried by diverse plasmids. Some novel genetic contexts of
fosA3
and novel
fosA3
-carrying plasmids, including several plasmid types common in
K. pneumoniae
, were identified, increasing the number of known transfer vectors for the
fosA3
gene and reflecting the complexity of
fosA3
transmission in
Enterobacterales
. The capture of
fosA3
by the resident plasmid of
K. pneumoniae
will accelerate the spread of
fosA3
in
K. pneumoniae
, one of the most pathogenic species in clinical medicine. Considering the clinical importance of fosfomycin, and the fact that vegetables are directly consumed, the fosfomycin resistance genes present a risk of transmission to the human body through the food chain and thus pose a threat to public health.
Gold mobilization during metamorphic devolatilization of Archean and Paleoproterozoic metavolcanic rocks
Authors: Patten C.G.C. , Pitcairn I.K. , Molnár F. , Kolb J. , Beaudoin G. , Guilmette C. , Peillod A.
Published: July 2020

Volcanic rocks in Archean and Paleoproterozoic greenstone belts are abundant and have been suggested as a potential Au source for orogenic Au deposits. The behavior of Au during metamorphism of these rocks is, however, poorly known. We present ultra-low-detection-limit Au analyses from a suite of variably metamorphosed rocks from the Archean La Grande subprovince, Canada, and the Paleoproterozoic Central Lapland greenstone belt, Finland. Both areas are well endowed in Au and have great potential for discovery of new orogenic Au deposits. The metavolcanic rocks in these belts are grouped into tholeiite and calc-alkaline magmatic series, for which the protolith Au contents are calculated using Au versus Zr/Y power-law regressions from greenschist facies samples. In the tholeiitic rocks, Au is compatible during magmatic processes and decreases with differentiation, whereas in the calc-alkaline rocks, Au is incompatible and increases with differentiation. Mass-variation calculations show that as much as 77% and 59% of the initial Au content is lost during progressive metamorphism to upper amphibolite facies conditions (>550 °C) in La Grande and Central Lapland respectively. This study highlights, first, that metavolcanic rocks release Au during metamorphism in Archean and Paleoproterozoic greenstone belts and are thus a good potential source rocks for orogenic Au deposits; second, that the Au fertility of the metavolcanic rocks is controlled by their mantle source and magmatic evolution; and third, that the metamorphic devolatilization model can be applied to Archean and Paleoproterozoic orogenic Au deposits.
Sinusitis caused by a rare organism,Cedecea lapagei
Authors: Duperret Michael E
Published: July 2020

A 45-year-old man presented with acute sinusitis. He was treated with a 10-day course of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and a subsequent 14-day course of amoxicillin–clavulanate with no improvement in symptoms. Culture of purulent nasal secretions revealed the rare enterobacterCedecea lapagei. The patient had complete resolution of his symptoms after a 14-day course of gentamicin/dexamethasone nasal rinses. Emerging pathogens have been a timeless concern for physicians, as witnessed by the current SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.C. lapageihas been reported to cause human infection only a dozen times since its discovery, all in severely compromised patients. This is the first documented case of sinusitis reported withC. lapageiand may portend a rising prevalence of disease burden in the general population. This case demonstrates the necessity of obtaining cultures when standard antibiotics result in treatment failure.
Association of endothelial dysfunction with incident prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and related traits: the KORA F4/FF4 study
Authors: Huemer Marie-Theres , Huth Cornelia , Schederecker Florian , Klug Stefanie J , Meisinger Christa , Koenig Wolfgang , Rathmann Wolfgang , Peters Annette , Thorand Barbara
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) is an operator-independent and non-invasive measurement method to assess microvascular endothelial function in the fingertips. PAT-derived measures of endothelial function were associated with type 2 diabetes in cross-sectional studies. However, longitudinal studies are lacking. The study aims to investigate the association of two PAT-derived endothelial function parameters reactive hyperemia index (RHI) and mean baseline amplitude (MBA) with follow-up glucose and insulin parameters and the development of (pre)diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Research design and methods

The study included 673 participants initially without diabetes (328 men and 345 women) aged 52–71 years from the prospective population-based Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg F4/FF4 cohort study conducted in Southern Germany (baseline examination F4: 2006–2008; follow-up FF4: 2013–2014). An oral glucose tolerance test was performed at baseline and follow-up to define type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, 2-hour glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function and hemoglobin A1c.

Results

In multivariable adjusted logistic/linear regression models, a 1 SD increase in baseline RHI was inversely associated with incident type 2 diabetes (OR 0.69 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.97)) as well as with fasting insulin (β −0.069 (95% CI −0.131 to −0.007)) and HOMA-IR (β −0.072 (95% CI −0.133 to −0.010)) at follow-up in participants with initial normoglycemia. A 1 SD increase in baseline MBA was positively associated with incident (pre)diabetes (OR 1.62 (95% CI 1.25 to 2.11)) and fasting glucose (β 0.096 (95% CI 0.047 to 0.146)) at follow-up in participants with initial normoglycemia.

Conclusions

Microvascular endothelial dysfunction seems to be involved in the development of early derangements in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance and could thereby trigger the development of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Sensitivity and specificity of different imaging modalities in diagnosing necrotising enterocolitis in a Polish population of preterm infants: a diagnostic test accuracy study protocol
Authors: Seliga-Siwecka Joanna , Rutkowski Jakub , Margas Wojciech , Puskarz- Gąsowska Joanna , Bokiniec Renata
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most serious conditions in newborn infants, affecting up to 10% of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Mortality rates can rise as high as 60%.

The suspected diagnosis is confirmed with typical findings on abdominal radiography (AR) such as pneumatosis intestinalis (PI), portal vein gas (PVG) and in extreme cases pneumoperitoneum. Abdominal ultrasound (AUS) can depict PI, PVG and pnuemoperitoneum (in some cases ahead of AR), but it also provides other crucial information such as bowel wall viability (thickness or thinning) and free abdominal fluid. These additional findings are helpful in diagnosing and managing NEC.

Methods and analysis

The hypothesis being tested is that preforming an AR in patients with clinical symptoms of NEC, but inconclusive/normal AR will enhance detection rates, and expedite treatment in infants born at <32 weeks. Additionally, the time needed to initiate treatment, according to decision made based on AR or AR and AUS will also be compared. The use of AUS together with AR as an add-on test may increase the accuracy of diagnosing NEC and expedite life-saving treatment. We plan to recruit 200 VLBW infants, who are most prone to NEC. It will also be the first multicentre study evaluating the use of AUS as an add-on test, enabling us to recruit a significantly higher number of patients compared with published studies.

Ethics and dissemination

The Bioethical Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw has approved the study (KB 130/2017). We plan to submit our findings to international peer-reviewed journals. Abstract will be submitted to local and international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03188380; Protocol version: V.2.08.2019; Pre-results.
Qualitative study to explore radiologist and radiologic technologist perceptions of outcomes patients experience during imaging in the USA
Authors: Zigman Suchsland Monica , Cruz Maria Jessica , Hardy Victoria , Jarvik Jeffrey , McMillan Gianna , Brittain Anne , Thompson Matthew
Published: July 2020

Objective

We aimed to explore the patient-centred outcomes (PCOs) radiologists and radiologic technologists perceive to be important to patients undergoing imaging procedures.

Design

We conducted a qualitative study of individual semi-structured interviews.

Participants

We recruited multiple types of radiologists including general, musculoskeletal neuroradiology, body and breast imagers as well as X-ray, ultrasound, CT or MRI radiologic technologists from Washington and Idaho.

Outcome

Thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes and subthemes related to PCOs of imaging procedures.

Results

Ten radiologists and six radiology technologists participated. Four main domains of PCOs were identified: emotions, physical factors, knowledge and patient burden. In addition to these outcomes, we also identified patient and provider factors that can potentially moderate these outcomes.

Conclusions

Radiologists and technologists perceived outcomes related to the effect of imaging procedures on patients’ emotions, physical well-being, knowledge and burden from financial and opportunity costs to be important to patients undergoing imaging procedures. There are opportunities for the radiology community to measure and use these PCOs in comparisons of imaging procedures and potentially identify areas where these outcomes can be leveraged to drive a more patient-centred approach to radiology.
Identifying significant contributors for smoking cessation among male prisoners in Australia: results from a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Wand Handan , Richmond Robyn , Adily Armita , Le Andrea , Wilhelm Kay , Butler Tony
Published: July 2020

Introduction

In Australia, an estimated 90% of those entering prison are current tobacco smokers and three-quarters of current prisoners are tobacco smokers.

Aims

To identify factors and their relative contributions to smoking cessation among male prisoners.

Methods

A total of 425 male tobacco smokers with a median age of 32 years in Australian prisons. The primary outcome was continuous abstinence at 3, 6 and 12 months. We measured various sociodemographic characteristics, drug use, psychological distress and the mental and physical health status of the participants. Multivariate logistic regression models and population attributable risks (PAR%) were used to identify the significant factors and their contributions to smoking cessation rates.

Results

The median age of participants was 32 years (IQR 25–41 years). High smoking cessation rates were collectively associated with not using drugs, lower psychological distress, good mental health scores and better physical health (PAR%: 93%, 98% and 88% at 3, 6 and 12 months).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that not using drugs and being in good mental/physical health are the important contributors to continuous abstinence among prisoners. Thus, effective smoking cessation programmes require a multicomponent approach that includes addressing drug problems and mental health functioning.

Trial registration number

12606000229572.
National suicide management guidelines with family as an interv’ention and suicide mortality rates: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Panesar Balpreet , Soni Divya , Khan Mohammed I , Bdair Faris , Holek Matthew , Tahir Talha , Woo Julia , Khumalo Nonhlanhla , Thabane Lehana , Samaan Zainab
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Suicidal behaviour remains a major public health challenge worldwide. Several countries have developed national suicide guidelines aimed at raising awareness of and preventing deaths by suicide. One of the interventions often mentioned in these national guidelines is the involvement of family members as a protective factor in suicide prevention. However, the level or type of family involvement required to reduce suicidal behaviour is not well understood. Thus, in this systematic review, we seek to determine the effectiveness of family-based interventions as a suicide prevention tool, by comparing suicide mortality rates between countries whose national suicide prevention guidelines include family-based interventions and those whose do not.

Methods and analysis

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and WHO MiNDbank databases as well as grey literature such as National Guideline Clearinghouse will be searched. National guidelines for suicide prevention published within the last 20 years (between 1999 and 2019) will be included. Results will be analysed using thematic and qualitative analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

The findings of the study will help improve the efficacy of national suicide prevention strategies. Findings will be disseminated using easily accessible summary reports and resources to primary end users.

PROSPERO registration number

This protocol has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019130195).
Associations of occupational stress with job burn-out, depression and hypertension in coal miners of Xinjiang, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yong Xianting , Gao Xiaoyan , Zhang Zhe , Ge Hua , Sun Xuemei , Ma Xiaofan , Liu Jiwen
Published: July 2020

Objective

Strategies and measures for fighting occupational stress in China are inadequate. This study aimed to determine the level of occupational stress in coal miners and to assess the associations between occupational stress and job burn-out, depression and hypertension. The results could provide clues for preventive measures and strategies to improve the psychological well-being of this population.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Xinjiang Coal Administration Bureau.

Participants

Four coal mines were selected randomly (computer-generated random number-based selection process) from the 21 coal mines of Xinjiang, and all miners with >1 year of employment were screened for participation.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

A general demographic questionnaire, the Self-rating Depression Scale, the Effort–Reward Imbalance (ERI) model and the Maslach Burn-out Inventory.

Results

A total of 1400 questionnaires were collected, including 1334 (95.3%) valid questionnaires. This survey indicated that 1107 (83.0%) participants with an ERI score >1 (high occupational stress) and 227 (12.8%) had ERI ≤1. Severe depression was found in 21.7% of the participants. Job burn-out was positively correlated with occupational stress, which was, in turn, associated with depression. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that depression (β=0.006, p=0.012), sex (β=0.358, p<0.001) and occupational stress (β=0.702, p<0.001) were independently associated with job burn-out. Working years (β=−0.086, p=0.015) and job burn-out (β=0.022, p<0.001) were directly associated with depression.

Conclusion

This study highlights that occupational stress may affect job burn-out, depression symptoms and hypertension. A higher degree of occupational stress was associated with poorer mental status and hypertension.
Adverse effects information in clinical guidelines on pharmacological treatment of depression in children and adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Westergren Tone , Narum Sigrid , Klemp Marianne
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To analyse to what extent clinical practice guidelines on drug treatment of depression in children and adolescents mention the risk of adverse effects, to characterise the citations in the guidelines and to assess to what extent data from a major study (Treatment for Adolescents With Depression Study, TADS) was used as basis for information about adverse effects.

Design

Systematic review of clinical guidelines and clinical decision support tools.

Data sources

PubMed, EMBASE, guideline collections, Health libraries.

Eligibility criteria

We included national guidelines on depression in children and adolescents from European and/or English-speaking countries, published in English, German, French or any Scandinavian language since 2008. We also included well-known, international clinical decision support tools.

Data extraction and synthesis

Guidelines were examined by all authors to identify and classify information on adverse effects. Citations for statements on adverse effects were extracted and classified by category. The extent of citations about suicidality risk versus other adverse effects was assessed.

Results

19 guidelines were assessed. All guidelines discussed risk of suicidal behaviour connected with use of antidepressants. Most guidelines mentioned some other psychiatric adverse effects. Several guidelines did not include information on well-known and common somatic adverse effects. Most references concerned risk of suicidality. Adverse effects identified in underlying studies were not always presented. The TADS study was referred to, directly or indirectly, by 18/19 guidelines, but some only referred to TADS with regard to suicidality without citing the study’s findings of somatic adverse effects. No guideline commented on the lack of long-term adverse effects data from TADS.

Conclusions

Guidelines for treatment of depression in children and adolescents vary widely regarding information on adverse effects. Many guidelines do not provide information on common somatic adverse effects. There is no consensus as to what extent risks of adverse effects connected with use of antidepressants should be described in guidelines.
ADAPT study: adaptation of evidence-informed complex population health interventions for implementation and/or re-evaluation in new contexts: protocol for a Delphi consensus exercise to develop guidance
Authors: Campbell Mhairi , Moore Graham , Evans Rhiannon E , Khodyakov Dmitry , Craig Peter
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Complex population health interventions that are effective in one context may not be effective elsewhere, and may even be harmful. As such, an intervention may require adaptation to ensure it fits with a new context. To date, there is no overarching guidance to help researchers to adapt and evaluate interventions in new contexts, and no criteria to support research funders or journals assess proposed or reported adaptations or evaluation. There is limited assistance for policy-makers and practitioners to decide if evidence-informed interventions are appropriate to their context, or if adaptation and further evaluation is needed. This Delphi exercise will contribute to the development of guidance for these communities to support the adaptation, implementation and/or re-evaluation of complex population health interventions in new contexts.

Methods

We will conduct a Delphi consensus exercise to gather expert opinion from researchers, research funders, journal editors and policy-makers. Expert opinion will be sought on: appropriate definitions and concepts, identifying key methodological considerations and establishing adaptations and processes to be undertaken during adaptation of complex population health interventions in new contexts.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval for the Delphi exercise has been obtained from the University of Glasgow and and the RAND institutional research board. Dissemination of the results of this study will be through peer-reviewed publications, workshops at national and international conferences, and a summary of the guidance developed for key organisations and stakeholders.
Italian COVID-19 epidemic: effects on paediatric emergency attendance—a survey in the Emilia Romagna region
Authors: Cella Andrea , Marchetti Federico , Iughetti Lorenzo , Di Biase Anna Rita , Graziani Giulia , De Fanti Alessandro , Valletta Enrico , Vaienti Francesca , Vergine Gianluca , Viola Laura , Biasucci Giacomo
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 epidemic on paediatric emergency department (ED) attendance in a region of Northern Italy.

Methods

A survey was proposed to six out of nine paediatric EDs in the Emilia Romagna region to evaluate attendance data, distribution by age and gender, triage code score, outcome of clinical course, number of hospitalisations and the distribution of patients by disease. Data were collected during March 2020 and compared with that of March 2019.

Results

A drop in paediatric ED attendance of more than 83.8% was observed, with a higher percentage of infants and severe triage scores. The proportion of patients hospitalised was significantly higher in 2020 than in 2019 (p value: <0.001). The effect size for the comparison of proportions of hospitalised patients was 0.379. Looking at the distribution of attendance by type of disease, a significantly different distribution was highlighted (p value: <0.00001, Cramer’s V); there was a greater proportion of patients presenting to paediatric EDs with poisonings (effect size=0.07), psychiatric pathologies (effect size=0.110), head injuries (effect size=0.167) and fever (effect size=0.212).

Conclusions

Our survey suggests that in the first month of the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy, there has been an increase in delayed attendance and provision of care of potentially severe diseases in paediatric EDs. Hospital and community paediatricians should be aware of this phenomenon and adopt appropriate strategies to prevent this danger, as it may affect children more seriously than COVID-19 itself.
A heat-shocked melanoma cell lysate vaccine enhances tumor infiltration by prototypic effector T cells inhibiting tumor growth
Authors: Gleisner María Alejandra , Pereda Cristián , Tittarelli Andrés , Navarrete Mariela , Fuentes Camila , Ávalos Ignacio , Tempio Fabian , Araya Juan Pablo , Becker María Inés , González Fermín Eduardo , López Mercedes Natalia , Salazar-Onfray Flavio
Published: July 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint blocker (ICB) therapy has shown survival benefits for some patients with cancer. Nevertheless, many individuals remain refractory or acquire resistance to treatment, motivating the exploration of complementary immunotherapies. Accordingly, cancer vaccines offer an attractive alternative. Optimal delivery of multiple tumor-associated antigens combined with potent adjuvants seems to be crucial for vaccine effectiveness.

Methods

Here, a prototype for a generic melanoma vaccine, named TRIMELVax, was tested using B16F10 mouse melanoma model. This vaccine is made of heat shock-treated tumor cell lysates combined with theConcholepas concholepashemocyanin as adjuvant.

Results

While B16F10 lysate provides appropriate melanoma-associated antigens, both a generic human melanoma cell lysate and hemocyanin adjuvant contributes with danger signals promoting conventional dendritic type 1 cells (cDC1), activation, phagocytosis and effective antigen cross-presentation. TRIMELVax inhibited tumor growth and increased mice survival, inducing cellular and humoral immune responses. Furthermore, this vaccine generated an increased frequency of intratumor cDC1s but not conventional type 2 dendritic cells (cDC2s). Augmented infiltration of CD3+, CD4+and CD8+T cells was also observed, compared with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) monotherapy, while TRIMELVax/anti-PD-1 combination generated higher tumor infiltration of CD4+T cells. Moreover, TRIMELVax promoted an augmented proportion of PD-1loCD8+T cells in tumors, a phenotype associated with prototypic effector cells required for tumor growth control, preventing dysfunctional T-cell accumulation.

Conclusions

The therapeutic vaccine TRIMELVax efficiently controls the weakly immunogenic and aggressive B16F10 melanoma tumor growth, prolonging tumor-bearing mice survival even in the absence of ICB. The strong immunogenicity shown by TRIMELVax encourages clinical studies in patients with melanoma.
Evidence-based prevention of Alzheimer's disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of 243 observational prospective studies and 153 randomised controlled trials
Authors: Yu Jin-Tai , Xu Wei , Tan Chen-Chen , Andrieu Sandrine , Suckling John , Evangelou Evangelos , Pan An , Zhang Can , Jia Jianping , Feng Lei , Kua Ee-Heok , Wang Yan-Jiang , Wang Hui-Fu , Tan Meng-Shan , Li Jie-Qiong , Hou Xiao-He , Wan Yu , Tan Lin , Mok Vincent , Tan Lan , Dong Qiang , Touchon Jacques , Gauthier Serge , Aisen Paul S , Vellas Bruno
Published: July 2020

Background

Evidence on preventing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is challenging to interpret due to varying study designs with heterogeneous endpoints and credibility. We completed a systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence with prospective designs to propose evidence-based suggestions on AD prevention.

Methods

Electronic databases and relevant websites were searched from inception to 1 March 2019. Both observational prospective studies (OPSs) and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The multivariable-adjusted effect estimates were pooled by random-effects models, with credibility assessment according to its risk of bias, inconsistency and imprecision. Levels of evidence and classes of suggestions were summarised.

Results

A total of 44 676 reports were identified, and 243 OPSs and 153 RCTs were eligible for analysis after exclusion based on pre-decided criteria, from which 104 modifiable factors and 11 interventions were included in the meta-analyses. Twenty-one suggestions are proposed based on the consolidated evidence, with Class I suggestions targeting 19 factors: 10 with Level A strong evidence (education, cognitive activity, high body mass index in latelife, hyperhomocysteinaemia, depression, stress, diabetes, head trauma, hypertension in midlife and orthostatic hypotension) and 9 with Level B weaker evidence (obesity in midlife, weight loss in late life, physical exercise, smoking, sleep, cerebrovascular disease, frailty, atrial fibrillation and vitamin C). In contrast, two interventions are not recommended: oestrogen replacement therapy (Level A2) and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (Level B).

Interpretation

Evidence-based suggestions are proposed, offering clinicians and stakeholders current guidance for the prevention of AD.
Nonlinear constitutive model of soil–bentonite based on triaxial tests along different stress paths
Authors: Ma Pengcheng , Ke Han , Tong Xing , Chen Yumin
Published: July 2020

To investigate the constitutive behavior of soil–bentonite, which is commonly used as backfill for cutoff walls, a series of triaxial tests was conducted along different stress paths. The tested soil–bentonite comprises 5% Wyoming bentonite and 95% silty clay excavated from a landfill site located in Jiangsu Province, China. Some mechanical properties of the soil–bentonite, including the compression characteristic, shearing characteristic, and coupled deformation of mean and deviatoric stress, were examined based on the test data. Then, a nonlinear constitutive model was developed under the axisymmetric condition based on a modified hypoelastic model framework. All six independent parameters included in the model were calibrated according to the test data. The mechanical behaviors that the triaxial tests revealed can be fully reflected by the nonlinear model; therefore, it can reasonably describe the stress–strain behaviors of the soil–bentonite in triaxial tests of this study and other literature. Compared with the Modified Cam-Clay model, the prediction effect for the shear strain of the nonlinear model is better. According to a large-scale in situ test employing a soil–bentonite cutoff wall, the actual stress paths of soil–bentonite are basically included in the application scope of the nonlinear model, preliminarily indicating its applicability for practical engineering projects.
Retrieving individual tree heights from a point cloud generated with optical imagery from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
Authors: Wang Meimei , Lin Jiayuan
Published: July 2020

Individual tree height (ITH) is one of the most important vertical structure parameters of a forest. Field measurement and laser scanning are very expensive for large forests. In this paper, we propose a cost-effective method to acquire ITHs in a forest using the optical overlapping images captured by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The data sets, including a point cloud, a digital surface model (DSM), and a digital orthorectified map (DOM), were produced from the UAV imagery. The canopy height model (CHM) was obtained by subtracting the digital elevation model (DEM) from the DSM removed of low vegetation. Object-based image analysis was used to extract individual tree crowns (ITCs) from the DOM, and ITHs were initially extracted by overlaying ITC outlines on the CHM. As the extracted ITHs were generally slightly shorter than the measured ITHs, a linear relationship was established between them. The final ITHs of the test site were retrieved by inputting extracted ITHs into the linear regression model. As a result, the coefficient of determination (R2), the root mean square error (RMSE), the mean absolute error (MAE), and the mean relative error (MRE) of the retrieved ITHs against the measured ITHs were 0.92, 1.08 m, 0.76 m, and 0.08, respectively.
Revisiting the bottom quark forward–backward asymmetry $$A_\mathrm{{FB}}$$ in electron–positron collisions
Authors: Wang Sheng-Quan , Meng Rui-Qing , Wu Xing-Gang , Chen Long , Shen Jian-Ming
Published: July 2020

The bottom quark forward–backward asymmetry $$A_\mathrm{{FB}}$$AFB is a key observable in electron–positron collisions at the $$Z^{0}$$Z0 peak. In this paper, we employ the Principle of Maximum Conformality (PMC) to fix the $$\alpha _s$$αs-running behavior of the next-to-next-to-leading order QCD corrections to $$A_\mathrm{{FB}}$$AFB. The resulting PMC scale for this $$A_\mathrm{{FB}}$$AFB is an order of magnitude smaller than the conventional choice $$\mu _r=M_Z$$μr=MZ. This scale has the physically reasonable behavior and reflects the virtuality of its QCD dynamics, which is independent to the choice of renormalization scale. Our analyses show that the effective momentum flow for the bottom quark forward–backward asymmetry should be $$\mu _r\ll M_Z$$μr≪MZ other than the conventionally suggested $$\mu _r=M_Z$$μr=MZ. Moreover, the convergence of perturbative QCD series for $$A_\mathrm{{FB}}$$AFB is greatly improved using the PMC. Our prediction for the bare bottom quark forward–backward asymmetry is refined to be $$A^{0,b}_\mathrm{FB}=0.1004\pm 0.0016$$AFB0,b=0.1004±0.0016, which diminishes the well known tension between the experimental determination for this (pseudo) observable and the respective Standard Model fit to $$2.1\sigma $$2.1σ.
Holographic phase transition from novel Gauss–Bonnet AdS black holes
Authors: Li Hui-Ling , Zeng Xiao-Xiong , Lin Rong
Published: July 2020

In the framework of holography, we discuss on the phase transition behavior from a novel Gauss–Bonnet AdS black hole discovered in [Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 081301 (2020)] in both charged and neutral cases. First, we explore the thermodynamic behavior for the black hole entropy by investigating $$T-S$$T-S diagram, specific heat capacity and free energy, and we find that, in the $$T-S$$T-S plane, the black hole exhibits a van der Waals phase transition similar to that in $$P-V$$P-V plane in extended phase space. Secondly, we detect thermodynamic phase transition for the two point correlation function, and find that, the van der Waals phase transition can also be displayed in the $$T-\delta L $$T-δL plane which is completely similar to that of black hole entropy in the $$T-S$$T-S plane. Our result turns out that, not only the charged but also neutral cases, we can observe holographic van der Waals phase transition for the novel Gauss–Bonnet AdS black hole by employing the black hole entropy and two point correlation function.
An improved algorithm for detecting community defined by node-to-node dynamic distance
Authors: Wan Jiaxin , Han Dingding , Yang Zhengzhuang , Tang Ming
Published: July 2020

The study of community structure is of great significance when analyzing the structural and functional characteristics of networks. Attractor is a fast community detection method with the advantage of high accuracy for complex networks. However, in the connected nodes interaction model proposed by the Attractor algorithm, there is a problem with slow convergence during the distance updating process. To solve this problem, we propose an improved Attractor algorithm based on the change trend of the distances between connected nodes. We have generally found that distances between connected nodes exhibit a consistent trend. The dynamic distance trend is determined by setting a window of evaluation. The convergence of the Attractor algorithm is accelerated by the consistent change trend. Experiments on datasets for real-world networks and synthetic networks have shown that our proposed algorithm not only maintains high-quality communities, but also reduces the calculation time significantly and greatly improves the speed of the algorithm.
Higher-derivative analogue Aharonov–Bohm effect, absorption and superresonance
Authors: Anacleto M. A. , Brito F. A. , Campos J. A. V. , Passos E.
Published: July 2020

In this paper we consider the acoustic metric obtained from an Abelian Higgs model extended with higher derivative terms in the bosonic sector which describes an acoustic rotating black hole and analyze the phenomena of superresonance, analogue Aharonov–Bohm effect and absorption. We investigate these effects by computing the scalar wave scattering by a draining bathtub vortex and discuss the physical interpretation of higher derivative terms. Furthermore, we show that the absorption does not vanish as the draining parameter tends to zero.
Tunable doublet lens based on dielectric metasurface using phase-change material
Authors: Li Xingyi , Li Siqi , Wang Guoxi , Lei Yufang , Hong Yunfan , Zhang Lingxuan , Zeng Chao , Wang Leiran , Sun Qibing , Zhang Wenfu
Published: July 2020

Metasurfaces have recently emerged to realize flat optical components with various functions and providing potential capabilities in manufacturing active devices. In this paper, a doublet lens for mid-infrared wavelength with tunable focal length has been proposed. The designed metalens consists of two dielectric metalenses with different focal lengths patterned on a phase-change materials Ge2Sb1Te4. The doublet lens is proved to have above 13% change in the focal length with the crystalline states shifting of the Ge2Sb1Te4. And the designed doublet lens can be operated in mid-infrared region from 2.41 [Formula: see text]m to 2.60 [Formula: see text]m. In addition, chromatic calibration can be achieved by adjusting the crystalline phases of the Ge2Sb1Te4. This compatible metalens promises potential for a wide range of applications in MIR region such as multi-spectrum imaging, optical coupling system and micrography.