bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of prenatal anti‐D titration testing by gel and tube methods: A review of the literature
Authors: Lieberman Lani , Andrews Jennifer , Evans Michael D. , Cohn Claudia S.
Published: April 2021

Background

Antenatal titration testing is traditionally performed using a manual tube test. Tube testing has limitations; it is a manual, time‐consuming method with wide interobserver variability. Gel‐based testing is an attractive alternative because it is more precise and can be automated. This study's objective was to summarize the published literature that assessed the relationship between titrations performed by tube and gel for anti‐D alloimmunized pregnancies.

Study Design and Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed. Articles were selected if research was original and compared at least five pairs of anti‐D titration tests performed by gel and tube. Differences in the number of dilutions between gel and tube methods were compared overall by study and cell type using linear models.

Results

A total of 512 articles were identified; eight were included, and titer data from 384 tube and gel pairs were abstracted. The median anti‐D titer in tube was 8 (range 0–2048) and by gel was 64 (range 0–4096). Anti‐D gel titration results were 2.1 (95% CI; 1–3.3) additional dilutions greater than in tube. Most studies utilized double‐dose reagent cells for testing. At a tube titer of 16, the sensitivity and specificity of gel titrations is maximal (91% and 94% respectively) at a gel titer of 64.

Conclusion

Overall, titrations performed by gel were two dilutions higher than the corresponding tube titer. For titrations, double‐dose reagent cells should be considered to standardize practice. A rigorous prospective study is needed to compare tube titrations with gel titrations using a standardized process.
Correlation between cytologic features and histologic grades in cutaneous and subcutaneous soft tissue sarcomas in dogs—A pilot study
Authors: Sanchez‐Redondo Sonia , Hare Cassia H. Z. , Constantino‐Casas Fernando , Williams Tim L.
Published: April 2021

Currently, canine soft tissue sarcoma (STS) grading is based on histopathology. In humans, several studies have demonstrated concordance between cytologic grading systems for STS and histologic grade. The aim of this study was to correlate several cytologic parameters (smear cellularity, anisokaryosis, nucleolar malignancy score, multinucleation, and the number of mitotic figures per 200 cells) that form part of a human STS cytologic grading system, with histologic grades of canine cutaneous and subcutaneous STS. Three observers (blinded) reviewed the cytologic preparations independently from cases with confirmed histologic diagnoses of STS. A cytologic grading score was assigned for each parameter. Correlations between cytologic grading scores (averaged between observers) and histologic grades were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient, with statistical significance defined as P < .05. Twenty‐one cases were included in the study (10 Grade I STS, nine Grade II STS, and two Grade III STS). The number of mitotic figures (≥3) per 200 cells was the only parameter that showed a significant but weak, positive correlation with histologic grade (rs = .469; P = .032). No Grade I tumors had ≥3 mitotic figures per 200 cells; however, ≥3 mitotic figures per 200 cells were only observed in 33% of Grade II tumors and 50% (one out of two) of the Grade III tumors. This pilot study suggests that an increased number of mitotic figures seen on cytology might correlate with higher grade STS; however, the sensitivity of this parameter for grading STS appears to be low.
Interventions to change clinicians’ behavior in relation to suicide prevention care in the emergency department: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Shin Hwayeon Danielle , Cassidy Christine , Weeks Lori E. , Campbell Leslie Anne , Rothfus Melissa A. , Curran Janet
Published: April 2021

Objective:

This review aims to explore, characterize, and map the literature on interventions implemented to change emergency department clinicians’ behavior related to suicide prevention using the Behavior Change Wheel as a guiding theoretical framework.

Introduction:

An emergency department is a critical place for suicide prevention, yet many patients who present with suicide-related thoughts and behaviors are discharged without proper assessment or appropriate treatment. Supporting clinicians (who provide direct clinical care, including nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals) to make the desired behavior change following evidence-based suicide prevention care is an essential step toward improving patient outcomes. However, reviews to date have yet to take a theoretical approach to investigate interventions implemented to change clinicians’ behavior.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider literature that includes interventions that target emergency department clinicians’ behavior related to suicide prevention. Behavior change refers to observable practice changes as well as proxy measures of behavior change, including knowledge and attitudes. There are many ways in which an intervention can change clinicians’ behavior (eg, education, altering service delivery). This review will include a wide range of interventions that target behavior change regardless of the type, but will exclude interventions that exclusively target patients.

Methods:

Multiple databases will be searched: PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Embase. We will also include gray literature, including Google search, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and Scopus conference papers. Full texts of included studies will be reviewed, critically appraised, and extracted. Extracted data will be coded to identify intervention functions using the Behavior Change Wheel. Findings will be summarized in tables accompanied by narrative reports.
Global Sensitivity Analysis for U(VI) Transport for Integrating Coupled Thermal–Hydrological–Chemical Processes Models Into Performance Assessment Model
Authors: Ermakova Dinara , Wainwright Haruko , Zheng LianGe , Shirley Ian , Lu Hannah
Published: April 2021

The long-term integrity of the bentonite buffer is of significant interest in the performance assessment (PA) of geological nuclear waste disposal. This study aims at understanding how the initial bentonite chemical composition and other geochemical parameters affect long-term chemical properties within the buffer, which will subsequently affect the transport. Using coupled thermal–hydrological–chemical (THC) models for migration of U(VI) in a generic repository, we performed a global sensitivity analysis (GSA) to identify the influence of each parameter on the temporal evolution of a spatially averaged distribution coefficient for the entire buffer. Such an analysis can be used in a repository-scale PA. In this work, we used the toughreact software to model coupled THC processes in a generic clay repository with bentonite buffer. In this model, U(VI) is released from a canister via schoepite dissolution, which is assumed to occur 1000 yr after closure. U(VI) migrates through the bentonite buffer affected by two-site protolysis nonelectrostatic surface complexation and cation exchange (2 SPNE SC/CE). GSA results showed that adsorption density on smectite, pH, volume fractions of smectite, calcite, and Ca+2 aqueous concentration all play a significant role in U(VI) transport, since roughly 80% of adsorbed U(VI) is absorbed by smectite, and Ca+2 affects the aqueous complexation with U(VI). This work demonstrates the complex process models' potential usefulness that can be transferred to the PA model. It also provides information needed to proceed with the development of a reduced-order model, which has the potential to optimize repository designs, site characterization, and performance confirmation.
Heat Transfer Characteristics of a Train of Droplets Impinging Over a Hot Surface: From Film Evaporation to Leidenfrost Point
Authors: Guggilla Ganesh , Narayanaswamy Ramesh , Stephan Peter , Pattamatta Arvind
Published: April 2021

High-performance computing systems are needed in advanced computing services such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. Consequently, the increase in electron chip density results in high heat fluxes and requires good thermal management to maintain the servers. Spray cooling using liquid offers higher heat transfer rates and is efficient when implemented in electronics cooling. Detailed studies of fundamental mechanisms involved in spray cooling, such as single droplet and multiple droplet interactions are required to enhance the process's knowledge. The present work focuses on studying a train of two FC-72 droplets impinging over a heated surface. Experimental investigation using high-speed photography and infrared thermography is conducted. Simultaneously, numerical simulations using opensource CFD package, OpenFOAM are carried out, emphasizing the significance of contact angle hysteresis. The surface temperature is chosen as a parameter, and different boiling regimes along with dynamic Leidenfrost point for the present impact conditions are identified. Spreading hydrodynamics and heat transfer characteristics of these consecutively impinging droplets till the Leidenfrost temperature are studied and compared.
Analytical Model Quantifying the Net Coolant Flow Rate to a Microstructured Copper Surface Validated With Two-Phase Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements
Authors: Harrison Matthew , Gess Joshua
Published: April 2021

Using particle image velocimetry (PIV), the amount of fluid required to sustain nucleate boiling was quantified to a microstructured copper circular disk. Having prepared the disk with preferential nucleation sites, an analytical model of the net coolant flow rate requirements to a single site has been produced and validated against experimental data. The model assumes that there are three primary phenomena contributing to the coolant flow rate requirements at the boiling surface; radial growth of vapor throughout incipience to departure, bubble rise, and natural convection around the periphery. The total mass flow rate is the sum of these contributing portions. The model accurately predicts the quenching fluid flow rate at low and high heat fluxes with 4% and 30% error of the measured value, respectively. For the microstructured surface examined in this study, coolant flow rate requirements ranged from 0.1 to 0.16 kg/s for a range of heat fluxes from 5.5 to 11.0 W/cm2. Under subcooled conditions, the coolant flow rate requirements plummeted to a nearly negligible value due to domination of transient conduction as the primary heat transfer mechanism at the liquid/vapor/surface interface. PIV and the validated analytical model could be used as a test standard where the amount of coolant the surface needs in relation to its heat transfer coefficient or thermal resistance is a benchmark for the efficacy of a standard surface or boiling enhancement coating/surface structure.
Modeling and Simulation of a Retail Commercial Refrigeration System
Authors: Brownbridge Oliver , Sully Matthew , Noons Joshua , Albayati Ibrahim M.
Published: April 2021

Commercial food outlets in the UK are responsible for 3% of the UK total energy consumption, with refrigeration systems account for 29% of this total. This highlights the potential and importance of huge energy saving within commercial refrigeration systems. In this paper, a validated model that simulates a commercial refrigeration system installed over 2000 sq. ft to mimic a real express store installed at the Riseholme Refrigeration Research Centre at the University of Lincoln, UK, is developed and presented. The detailed modeling of the display case using a temperature model comprising of three states includes air inside the display case, products, and the evaporator. Additionally, the model presents a holistic view of the whole system with each subsystem cohesively linked together. Further focus has been given on the high-temperature (HT) system due to the high level of installations of this system found in retail commercial refrigeration stores as well as low-temperature (LT) systems featuring doors which decrease the heat transfer from the store into the cases. It is concluded that the trends of the simulation results for the display case temperatures, expansion valve opening degree, suction line pressures, and compressors power consumption, all have high resemblance to the trends of collected data obtained from the Riseholme Refrigeration Research Centre. This supports the validation of the developed model.
Novel Empirical Correlation for Estimation of the Total Organic Carbon in Devonian Shale From the Spectral Gamma-Ray and Based on the Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed Abdulhamid , Elkatatny Salaheldin
Published: April 2021

The evaluation of the quality of unconventional hydrocarbon resources becomes a critical stage toward characterizing these resources, and this evaluation requires the evaluation of the total organic carbon (TOC). Generally, TOC is determined from laboratory experiments; however, it is hard to obtain a continuous profile for the TOC along the drilled formations using these experiments. Another way to evaluate the TOC is through the use of empirical correlation, and the currently available correlations lack the accuracy especially when used in formations other than the ones used to develop these correlations. This study introduces an empirical equation for the evaluation of the TOC in Devonian Duvernay shale from only gamma-ray and spectral gamma-ray logs of uranium, thorium, and potassium as well as a newly developed term that accounts for the TOC from the linear regression analysis. This new correlation was developed based on the artificial neural networks (ANNs) algorithm which was learned on 750 datasets from Well-A. The developed correlation was tested and validated on 226 and 73 datasets from Well-B and Well-C, respectively. The results of this study indicated that for the training data, the TOC was predicted by the ANN with an AAPE of only 8.5%. Using the developed equation, the TOC was predicted with an AAPE of only 11.5% for the testing data. For the validation data, the developed equation overperformed the previous models in estimating the TOC with an AAPE of only 11.9%.
Estimation of the Rate of Penetration While Horizontally Drilling Carbonate Formation Using Random Forest
Authors: Osman Hany , Ali Abdulwahab , Mahmoud Ahmed Abdulhamid , Elkatatny Salaheldin
Published: April 2021

Predicting the rate of penetration (ROP) is challenging especially during horizontal drilling. This is because there are many factors affecting ROP. Machine learning techniques are very promising in identifying the structural relationships existing between the inputs and target variables; these techniques were recently successfully applied to estimate the ROP in different wellbore shapes and through various formation lithologies. This study is aimed to introduce a random forest (RF) regression model for ROP prediction based on many factors such as the drilling mechanical parameters (torque, pipe speed, and weight on bit), hole cleaning parameters (the drilling fluid flowrate and pump pressure), and formation properties (formation bulk density and formation resistivity). In addition to its superiority in providing accurate results, RF has the advantage of providing interpretable rules. These rules help in understanding the relationships between the regressors and the target variable. Actual field measurements collected during horizontally drilling carbonate formation were used for training and testing the RF model. Unseen data collected from another well were used for validating the optimized model. Using the K-fold validation method, the proposed RF model has proven its superior performance when compared to artificial neural networks and support vector regression models. An illustrative example on a sample of real drilling data is presented to explain how the RF regression model is applied to the drilling data. In addition, developing interpretable regression rules through merging RF results is explained. These rules can guide drilling practitioners in accomplishing drilling projects at minimum time and cost.
Detection of gold cysteine thiolate complexes on gold nanoparticles with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Nie Heng-Yong , Romanovskaia Elena , Romanovski Valentin , Hedberg Jonas , Hedberg Yolanda S.
Published: April 2021

Gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in nanomedical applications as a carrier for molecules designed for different functionalities. Previous findings suggested that biological molecules, including amino acids, could contribute to the dissolution of Au NPs in physiological environments and that this phenomenon was size-dependent. We, therefore, investigated the interactions of L-cysteine with 5-nm Au NPs by means of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). This was achieved by loading Au NPs on a clean aluminum (Al) foil and immersing it in an aqueous solution containing L-cysteine. Upon rinsing off the excessive cysteine molecules, ToF-SIMS confirmed the formation of gold cysteine thiolate via the detection of not only the Au–S bond but also the hydrogenated gold cysteine thiolate molecular ion. The presence of NaCl or a 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid buffer disabled the detection of Au NPs on the Al foil. The detection of larger (50-nm) Au NPs was possible but resulted in weaker cysteine and gold signals, and no detected gold cysteine thiolate signals. Nano-gold specific adsorption of L-cysteine was also demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry using paraffine-impregnated graphite electrodes with deposited Au NPs. We demonstrate that the superior chemical selectivity and surface sensitivity of ToF-SIMS, via detection of elemental and molecular species, provide a unique ability to identify the adsorption of cysteine and formation of gold–cysteine bonds on Au NPs.
Annoyance, perception, and physiological effects of wind turbine infrasound
Authors: Maijala Panu P. , Kurki Ilmari , Vainio Lari , Pakarinen Satu , Kuuramo Crista , Lukander Kristian , Virkkala Jussi , Tiippana Kaisa , Stickler Emma A. , Sainio Markku
Published: April 2021

Even though some individuals subjectively associate various symptoms with infrasound, there are very few systematic studies on the contribution of infrasound to the perception, annoyance, and physiological reactions elicited by wind turbine sound. In this study, sound samples were selected among long-term measurement data from wind power plant and residential areas, both indoors and outdoors, and used in laboratory experiments. In the experiments, the detectability and annoyance of both inaudible and audible characteristics of wind turbine noise were determined, as well as autonomic nervous system responses: heart rate, heart rate variability, and skin conductance response. The participants were divided into two groups based on whether they reported experiencing wind turbine infrasound related symptoms or not. The participants did not detect infrasonic contents of wind turbine noise. The presence of infrasound had no influence on the reported annoyance nor the measured autonomic nervous system responses. No differences were observed between the two groups. These findings suggest that the levels of infrasound in the current study did not affect perception and annoyance or autonomic nervous system responses, even though the experimental conditions corresponded acoustically to real wind power plant areas.
A review on B/A measurement methods with a clinical perspective
Authors: Panfilova Anastasiia , van Sloun Ruud J. G. , Wijkstra Hessel , Sapozhnikov Oleg A. , Mischi Massimo
Published: April 2021

The nonlinear parameter of ultrasound B/A has shown to be a useful diagnostic parameter, reflecting medium content, structure, and temperature. Despite its recognized values, B/A is not yet used as a diagnostic tool in the clinic due to the limitations of current measurement and imaging techniques. This review presents an extensive and comprehensive overview of the techniques developed for B/A measurement of liquid and liquid-like media (e.g., tissue), identifying the methods that are most promising from a clinical perspective. This work summarizes the progress made in the field and the typical challenges on the way to B/A estimation. Limitations and problems with the current techniques are identified, suggesting directions that may lead to further improvement. Since the basic theory of the physics behind the measurement strategies is presented, it is also suited for a reader who is new to nonlinear ultrasound.
Comparison of mesopelagic organism abundance estimates using in situ target strength measurements and echo-counting techniques
Authors: Cotter Emma , Bassett Christopher , Lavery Andone
Published: April 2021

Recent studies using acoustic techniques suggest that the biomass of mesopelagic fishes may be an order of magnitude higher than previously estimated from trawls. However, there is uncertainty surrounding these estimates, which are derived from shipboard echosounder measurements using necessary, but poorly constrained, assumptions. Here, an echosounder is used to measure individual target strengths at depth. These measurements are used to infer mesopelagic organism density through echo-counting. Measured target strengths are used to estimate organism density by inverting shipboard echosounder measurements. The two sampling methods agree well, but highlight the importance of accurate target strength measurements.
Contribution of American Football Uniforms to the Development of Exercise-Induced Hyperthermia: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Katt Grace , Miller Kevin C.
Published: April 2021

Clinical Scenario: Many American football players have died from exertional heatstroke, one of the leading causes of sudden death in athletes. These athletes are predisposed to exertional heatstroke, in part, because of their protective equipment. Few authors have systematically appraised the research to determine how much faster rectal temperature (Trec) increases when full American football uniforms generally consisting of a helmet, shoulder pads, jersey, pants with padding, socks, shoes, and underwear/compressions (PADS) are worn compared with no uniform so that clinicians can better plan and modify exercise sessions to prevent dangerous Trec (i.e., ≥40.5 °C). Clinical Question: How much faster does Trec increase when men wear a full American football uniform compared with workout clothing during exercise in the heat? Summary of Key Findings: The authors searched the literature for randomized controlled studies with PEDro scores >6 that compared Trec of males wearing PADS to a control uniform during exercise under controlled laboratory conditions. In all four studies, Trec increased faster when PADS were worn during exercise (PADS = 0.052 ± 0.007 °C/min and control = 0.039 ± 0.009 °C/min). The average effect size across studies was 1.4 ± 0.5. Clinical Bottom Line: PADS increase Trec significantly faster than lesser uniform ensembles. Clinicians should factor in equipment and alterations in exercise duration and rest break frequency to help prevent dangerous Trec in American football players. Strength of Recommendation: Given the large effect size and controlled experimental study designs, there is strong evidence that wearing PADS during exercise results in faster increases in body core temperature.
Investigating the Association Between Child Television Viewing and Measured Child Adiposity Outcomes in a Large Nationally Representative Sample of New Zealanders: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hobbs Matthew , Biddle Stuart J.H. , Kingsnorth Andrew P. , Marek Lukas , Tomintz Melanie , Wiki Jesse , McCarthy John , Campbell Malcolm , Kingham Simon
Published: April 2021

Background: This study investigates the association between television (TV) viewing and child adiposity and if parental education and child ethnicity moderate this association. Method: Cross-sectional, pooled (2013/2014–2016/2017) adult and child New Zealand Health Survey were matched resulting in 13,039 children (2–14 y) and parent dyads. Child TV viewing was estimated using self-reported time for each weekday and weekend. The height (in centimeters), weight (in kilograms), and waist circumference of parents and children were measured. Childhood body mass index and obesity were defined using the International Obesity Task Force cutoff values. Effect modification was assessed by interaction and then by stratifying regression analyses by parent education (low, moderate, and high) and child ethnicity (Asian, European/other, Māori, and Pacific). Results: Overall, watching ≥2 hours TV on average per day in the past week, relative to <2 hours TV viewing, was associated with a higher odds of obesity (adjusted odds ratio = 1.291 [1.108–1.538]), higher body mass index z score (b = 0.123 [0.061–0.187]), and higher waist circumference (b = 0.546 [0.001–1.092]). Interactions considering this association by child ethnicity and parent education revealed little evidence of effect modification. Conclusion: While TV viewing was associated with child adiposity, the authors found little support for a moderating role of parental education and child ethnicity.
Dissociating the Influence of Perceptual Biases and Contextual Artifacts Within Target Configurations During the Planning and Control of Visually Guided Action
Authors: Roberts James W. , Gerber Nicholas , Wakefield Caroline J. , Simmonds Philip J.
Published: April 2021

The failure of perceptual illusions to elicit corresponding biases within movement supports the view of two visual pathways separately contributing to perception and action. However, several alternative findings may contest this overarching framework. The present study aimed to examine the influence of perceptual illusions within the planning and control of aiming. To achieve this, we manipulated and measured the planning/control phases by respectively perturbing the target illusion (relative size-contrast illusion; Ebbinghaus/Titchener circles) following movement onset and detecting the spatiotemporal characteristics of the movement trajectory. The perceptual bias that was indicated by the perceived target size estimates failed to correspondingly manifest within the effective target size. While movement time (specifically, time after peak velocity) was affected by the target configuration, this outcome was not consistent with the direction of the perceptual illusions. These findings advocate an influence of the surrounding contextual information (e.g., annuli) on movement control that is independent of the direction predicted by the illusion.
Agonist anti-ChemR23 mAb reduces tissue neutrophil accumulation and triggers chronic inflammation resolution
Authors: Trilleaud C. , Gauttier V. , Biteau K. , Girault I. , Belarif L. , Mary C. , Pengam S. , Teppaz G. , Thepenier V. , Danger R. , Robert-Siegwald G. , Néel M. , Bruneau S. , Glémain A. , Néel A. , Poupon A. , Mosnier J. F. , Chêne G. , Dubourdeau M. , Blancho G. , Vanhove B. , Poirier N.
Published: April 2021

Agonistic proresolutive monoclonal antibody reverses chronic inflammation.
Type 1 conventional dendritic cell fate and function are controlled by DC-SCRIPT
Authors: Zhang Shengbo , Coughlan Hannah D. , Ashayeripanah Mitra , Seizova Simona , Kueh Andrew J. , Brown Daniel V. , Cao Wang , Jacquelot Nicolas , D’Amico Angela , Lew Andrew M. , Zhan Yifan , Tonkin Christopher J. , Villadangos Jose A. , Smyth Gordon K. , Chopin Michaël , Nutt Stephen L.
Published: April 2021

DC-SCRIPT is a key transcription factor controlling type 1 conventional dendritic cell fate and function.
Role of Synonymous Mutations in the Evolution of TEM β-Lactamase Genes
Authors: Faheem Mohammad , Zhang Charles J. , Morris Monica N. , Pleiss Juergen , Oelschlaeger Peter
Published: April 2021

Nonsynonymous mutations are well documented in TEM β-lactamases. The resulting amino acid changes often alter the conferred phenotype from the broad spectrum (2b) conferred by TEM-1 to extended spectrum (2be), inhibitor resistant (2br), or both extended spectrum and inhibitor resistant (2ber).
A Whole-Genome-Based Gene-by-Gene Typing System for Standardized High-Resolution Strain Typing of Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Abdel-Glil Mostafa Y. , Chiaverini Alexandra , Garofolo Giuliano , Fasanella Antonio , Parisi Antonio , Harmsen Dag , Jolley Keith A. , Elschner Mandy C. , Tomaso Herbert , Linde Jörg , Galante Domenico
Published: April 2021

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been established for bacterial subtyping and is regularly used to study pathogen transmission, to investigate outbreaks, and to perform routine surveillance. Core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) is a bacterial subtyping method that uses WGS data to provide a high-resolution strain characterization. This study aimed at developing a novel cgMLST scheme for
Bacillus anthracis
, a notorious pathogen that causes anthrax in livestock and humans worldwide.
Impact on percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndromes during the COVID-19 outbreak in a non-overwhelmed European healthcare system: COVID-19 ACS-PCI experience in Ireland
Authors: Connolly Niall Patrick , Simpkin Andrew , Mylotte Darren , Crowley James , O'Connor Stephen , AlHarbi Khalid , Kiernan Thomas , Arockiam Sacchin , Owens Patrick , John Amal , Blake Gavin J , Fitzgerald Sean , Cadogan Diarmaid , Rosseel Liesbeth
Published: April 2021

Aims

To evaluate temporal trends of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) treated via percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) throughout the COVID-19 outbreak in a European healthcare system affected but not overwhelmed by COVID-19-related pathology.

Methods and results

We performed a retrospective multicentre analysis of the rates of PCI for the treatment of ACS within the period 2 months pre and post the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Ireland, as well as comparing PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with the corresponding period in 2019. During the 2020 COVID-19 period (29 February–30 April 2020), there was a 24% decline in PCI for overall ACS (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.76; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.88; p<0.001), including a 29% reduction in PCI for non-ST-elevation ACS (IRR 0.71; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.88; p=0.002) and an 18% reduction in PCI for STEMI (IRR 0.82; 95% CI 0.67 to 1.01; p=0.061), as compared with the 2020 pre-COVID-19 period (1 January–28 February 2020). A 22% (IRR 0.78; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.93; p=0.005) reduction of PCI for STEMI was seen as compared with the 2019 reference period.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a significant reduction in PCI procedures for the treatment of ACS since the COVID-19 outbreak in Ireland. The reasons for this decline are still unclear but patients need to be encouraged to seek medical attention when cardiac symptoms appear, in order to avoid incremental cardiac morbidity and mortality due to a reduction in coronary revascularisation for the treatment of ACS.
Long-term physical and psychological outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest—protocol for a national cross-sectional survey of survivors and their relatives (the DANCAS survey)
Authors: Joshi Vicky L , Tang Lars H , Borregaard Britt , Zinckernagel Line , Mikkelsen Tina Broby , Taylor Rod S , Christiansen Sofie Raahauge , Nielsen Jørgen Feldbæk , Zwisler Ann Dorthe
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors is increasing. However, there remains limited knowledge on the long-term physical and psychological problems suffered by survivors and their relatives. The aims of the DANCAS (DANish cardiac arrest survivorship) survey are to describe the prevalence of physical and psychological problems, identify predictors associated with suffering them and to determine unmet rehabilitation needs in order to make recommendations on the timing and content of future rehabilitation interventions.

Methods and analysis

The DANCAS survey has a cross-sectional design involving a survey of OHCA survivors and their relatives. OHCA survivors will be identified through the Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry as having suffered an OHCA between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019. Each survivor will be asked to identify their closest relative to complete the relatives’ survey. Contents of survivor survey: EQ-5D-5Level, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Two Simple Questions, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, 12-item WHO Disability Assessment Scale 2.0, plus questions on unmet rehabilitation and information needs. Contents of relatives’ survey: World Health Organisation-Five Well-Being Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly—Cardiac Arrest and the Modified Caregiver Strain Index. Self-report outcome data collected through the surveys will be enriched by data from Danish national registries including demographic characteristics, circumstances of cardiac arrest and comorbidities. The survey will be completed either electronically or by post December 2020–February 2021.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Surveys and registry-based research studies do not normally require ethical approval in Denmark. This has been confirmed for this study by the Region of Southern Denmark ethics committee (20192000-19). Results of the study will be disseminated via several peer-reviewed publications and will be presented at national and international conferences.
Incidence of Kawasaki disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective cohort study in Japan
Authors: Iio Kyohei , Matsubara Kousaku , Miyakoshi Chisato , Ota Kunitaka , Yamaoka Rika , Eguchi Junji , Matsumura Osamu , Okutani Takahiro , Ueda Ikuyo , Nishiyama Masahiro
Published: April 2021

Background

Epidemiological studies in Kawasaki disease (KD) have suggested infectious aetiology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, measures for mitigating SARS-CoV-2 transmission also suppress the circulation of other contagious microorganisms. The primary objective is to compare the number and incidence of KD before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, and the secondary objective is to investigate temporal association between the KD epidemiology and activities of SARS-CoV-2 and other viral and bacterial infections.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2016 and 2020 in Kobe, Japan. We collected information of hospitalised KD children in Kobe. Child population was identified through the resident registry system. Activity of COVID-19 and 11 other infectious diseases was derived from a public health monitoring system. Monthly change of KD incidence was analysed using a difference-in-difference regression model.

Results

Throughout the study period, 1027 KD children were identified. KD had begun to decline in April 2020, coinciding with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of KD cases (n=66) between April and December 2020 was 40% of the average in the same period in 2016–2019 (165/year). Annual KD incidence was 315, 300, 353, 347 and 188/100 000 children aged 0–4 years in 2016–2020, respectively. The difference-in-difference value of KD incidence was significantly reduced in the fourth quarter in 2020 (−15.8, 95% CI −28.0 to −3.5), compared with that in 2016–2019. Sentinel surveillance showed a marked decrease of all infectious diseases except exanthema subitum after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 86 COVID-19 cases aged <10 years and no KD children associated with COVID-19.

Conclusion

This study showed that the number and incidence of KD was dramatically reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. This change was temporally associated with decreased activities of various infectious diseases other than COVID-19, supporting the hypothesis of infection-triggered pathogenesis in KD.
Analysis of the relationship between surgeon procedure volume and complications after total knee arthroplasty using a propensity-matched cohort study
Authors: Okoro Tosan , Tomescu Sebastian , Paterson J Michael , Ravi Bheeshma
Published: April 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to identify a threshold in annual surgeon volume associated with increased risk of revision (for any cause) and deep infection requiring surgery following primary elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Design

A propensity score matched cohort study.

Setting

Ontario, Canada.

Participants

169 713 persons who received a primary TKA between 2002 and 2016, with 3-year postoperative follow-up.

Main outcome measures

Revision arthroplasty (for any cause), and the occurrence of deep surgical infection requiring surgery.

Results

Based on restricted cubic spline analysis, the threshold for increased probability of revision and deep infection requiring surgery was <70 cases/year. After matching of 51 658 TKA recipients from surgeons performing <70 cases/year to TKA recipients from surgeons with greater than 70 cases/year, patients in the former group had a higher rate of revision (for any cause, 2.23% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.39 to 3.07) vs 1.70% (95% CI 0.85 to 2.55); Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.33, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.47, p<0.0001) and deep infection requiring surgery (1.29% (95% CI 0.44 to 2.14) vs 1.09% (95% CI 0.24 to 1.94); HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.51, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

For primary TKA recipients, cases performed by surgeons who had performed fewer than 70 TKAs in the year prior to the index TKA were at 31% increased relative risk of revision (for any cause), and 18% increased relative risk for deep surgical infection requiring surgery, at 3-year follow-up.
Social inequalities and the pandemic of COVID-19: the case of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Silva Julio , Ribeiro-Alves Marcelo
Published: April 2021

Background

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a global pandemic. The lack of protective vaccine or treatment led most of the countries to follow the flattening of the infection curve with social isolation measures. There is evidence that socioeconomic inequalities have been shaping the COVID-19 burden among low and middle-income countries. This study described what sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors were associated with the greatest risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality and how did the importance of key neighbourhood-level socioeconomic factors change over time during the early stages of the pandemic in the Rio de Janeiro municipality, Brazil.

Methods

We linked socioeconomic attributes to confirmed cases and deaths from COVID-19 and computed age-standardised incidence and mortality rates by domains such as age, gender, crowding, education, income and race/ethnicity.

Results

The evidence suggests that although age-standardised incidence rates were higher in wealthy neighbourhoods, age-standardised mortality rates were higher in deprived areas during the first 2 months of the pandemic. The age-standardised mortality rates were also higher in males, and in areas with a predominance of people of colour, which are disproportionately represented in more vulnerable groups. The population also presented COVID-19 ‘rejuvenation’, that is, people became risk group younger than in developed countries.

Conclusion

We conclude that there is a strong health gradient for COVID-19 death risk during the early stages of the pandemic. COVID-19 cases continued to move towards the urban periphery and to more vulnerable communities, threatening the health system functioning and increasing the health gradient.
Multicenter study of US trauma centers examining the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on injury causes, diagnoses and procedures
Authors: Salottolo Kristin , Caiafa Rachel , Mueller Jalina , Tanner Allen , Carrick Matthew M , Lieser Mark , Berg Gina , Bar-Or David
Published: April 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in nationwide social distancing and shelter-in-place orders meant to curb transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The effect of the pandemic on injury patterns has not been well described in the USA. The study objective is to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the distribution and determinants of traumatic injuries.

Methods

This retrospective multi-institutional cohort study included all hospital admissions for acute traumatic injury at six community level I trauma centers. Descriptive statistics were used to compare injury causes, diagnoses and procedures over two similar time periods: prepandemic (March 11–June 30, 2019) and pandemic (March 11–June 30, 2020).

Results

There were 7308 trauma patients included: 3862 (53%) prepandemic and 3446 (47%) during the pandemic. Cause of injury significantly differed by period (p<0.001). During the pandemic, there were decreases in motor vehicle crashes (from 17.0% to 14.0%, p<0.001), worksite injuries (from 5.2% to 4.1%, p=0.02), pedestrian injuries (from 3.0% to 2.2%, p=0.02) and recreational injuries (from 3.0% to 1.7%, p<0.001), while there were significant increases in assaults (6.9% to 8.5%, p=0.01), bicycle crashes (2.8% to 4.2%, p=0.001) and off-road vehicle injuries (1.8% to 3.0%, p<0.001). There was no change by study period in falls, motorcycle injuries, crush/strikes, firearm and self-inflicted injuries, and injuries associated with home-improvement projects. Injury diagnoses differed between time periods; during the pandemic, there were more injury diagnoses to the head (23.0% to 27.3%, p<0.001) and the knee/leg (11.7% to 14.9%, p<0.001). There were also increases in medical/surgical procedures (57.5% to 61.9%, p<0.001), administration of therapeutics/blood products (31.4% to 34.2%, p=0.01) and monitoring (11.0% to 12.9%, p=0.01).

Discussion

Causes of traumatic injury, diagnoses, and procedures were significantly changed by the pandemic. Trauma centers must adjust to meet the changing demands associated with altered injury patterns, as they were associated with increased use of hospital resources.

Level of evidence

III (epidemiological).
Population structure within the Hard Maple complex
Authors: Jackson Whitney A. , Honig Josh A. , Smouse Peter E. , Grabosky Jason C.
Published: April 2021

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) is the most economically important member of the Hard Maple species complex, a group of related species that occupy a range between Canada and Mexico, which are adapted to distinct ecological niches. Sugar maple has been identified as vulnerable to rapid climate change, and sustainable solutions are needed to support its role in the production of maple sugar, as well as timber and nursery production in the northeastern United States. Genetic relationships among sugar maple and its allies are largely unknown. In the current study, genetic relationships of 278 individuals from six hard maple species were assessed using 17 multi-allelic microsatellite (SSR) loci. Genetic variance was partitioned into separate components for variation within and among populations and within and among species. Most of the divergence among populations (FPT = 0.263) reflected interspecific divergence (FST = 0.169), but provenances within species also differed at nontrivial scales (FPS = 0.113). Estimation and testing of paired interprovenance divergence showed that all population pairs were statistically divergent. Principal coordinates analysis indicated that the pattern of radiation observed among these taxa is broadly compatible with geography.
Enhancement of low-mass dileptons in ultraperipheral collisions
Authors: Dremin I. M. , Gevorkyan S. R. , Madigozhin D. T.
Published: April 2021

It is shown that production of low-mass $$e^+e^-$$

e
+

e
-

-pairs in ultraperipheral nuclear collisions is enhanced due to the Sommerfeld–Gamow–Sakharov (SGS) factor. This effect is especially strong near the threshold of creation of unbound $$e^+e^-$$

e
+

e
-

-pairs with low masses in the two-photon fusion. Coulomb attraction of the non-relativistic components of such pairs may lead to the increased intensity of 511 keV photons. It can be recorded at the NICA collider and has some astrophysical implications. The analogous effect can be observed at LHC in dilepton production.
Matter perturbations in Einstein dark energy model
Authors: Haghani Zahra
Published: April 2021

We consider the growth rate of matter perturbations in the Einstein dark energy theory. The theory consists of the Einstein–Hilbert Lagrangian plus the trace of the energy momentum tensor, coupled non-minimally to a dynamical vector field. We will show that the theory has three fixed points corresponding to the dust, radiation and de Sitter universes. Due to the present of trace of the energy–momentum tensor in the Lagrangian, the fixed points occurs in different locations compared to $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM theory. We will analyze the theory with and without cosmological constant. We will fit the model parameters using two independent data sets corresponding to the Hubble parameter H and also $$f\sigma _8$$

f

σ
8

. The theory is then shown to be consistent with observational data.
Magnetic dipole moments of the hidden-charm pentaquark states: $$P_c(4440)$$, $$P_c(4457)$$ and $$P_{cs}(4459)$$
Authors: Özdem Ulaş
Published: April 2021

In this work, we employ the light-cone QCD sum rule to calculate the magnetic dipole moments of the $$P_c(4440)$$

P
c

(
4440
)

, $$P_c(4457)$$

P
c

(
4457
)

and $$P_{cs}(4459)$$

P

cs

(
4459
)

pentaquark states by considering them as the diquark–diquark–antiquark and molecular pictures with quantum numbers $$J^P = \frac{3}{2}^-$$

J
P

=

3
2

-

, $$J^P = \frac{1}{2}^-$$

J
P

=

1
2

-

and $$J^P = \frac{1}{2}^-$$

J
P

=

1
2

-

, respectively. In the analyses, we use the diquark–diquark–antiquark and molecular form of interpolating currents, and photon distribution amplitudes to obtain the magnetic dipole moment of pentaquark states. Theoretical examinations on magnetic dipole moments of the hidden-charm pentaquark states, are essential as their results can help us better figure out their substructure and the dynamics of the QCD as the theory of the strong interaction. As a by product, we extract the electric quadrupole and magnetic octupole moments of the $$P_c(4440)$$

P
c

(
4440
)

pentaquark. These values show a non-spherical charge distribution.
Isotropic Quot schemes of orthogonal bundles over a curve
Authors: Cheong Daewoong , Choe Insong , Hitching George H.
Published: April 2021

We study the isotropic Quot schemes [Formula: see text] parametrizing degree [Formula: see text] isotropic subsheaves of maximal rank of an orthogonal bundle [Formula: see text] over a curve. The scheme [Formula: see text] contains a compactification of the space [Formula: see text] of degree [Formula: see text] maximal isotropic subbundles, but behaves quite differently from the classical Quot scheme, and the Lagrangian Quot scheme in [D. Cheong, I. Choe and G. H. Hitching, Irreducibility of Lagrangian Quot schemes over an algebraic curve, preprint (2019), arXiv:1804.00052, v2]. We observe that for certain topological types of [Formula: see text], the scheme [Formula: see text] is empty for all [Formula: see text]. In the remaining cases, for infinitely many [Formula: see text] there are irreducible components of [Formula: see text] consisting entirely of nonsaturated subsheaves, and so [Formula: see text] is strictly larger than the closure of [Formula: see text]. As our main result, we prove that for any orthogonal bundle [Formula: see text] and for [Formula: see text], the closure [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is either empty or consists of one or two irreducible connected components, depending on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In so doing, we also characterize the nonsaturated part of [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] has even rank.