bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Platelet-rich Plasma for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Xuan Zhaopeng , Yu Wenjun , Dou Yichen , Wang Tao
Published: May 2020

Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be beneficial for patients with low back pain. However, the results remain controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy of PRP for low back pain.

Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases were searched systematically. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of PRP on low back pain were included. Two investigators independently searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. The primary outcome was pain scores within 8 weeks. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model.

Results Three RCTs involving 131 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control intervention for low back pain, PRP injection was found to reduce pain scores significantly (mean difference: − 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], − 2.12 to − 0.81; p < 0.0001), improve the number of patients with > 50% pain relief at 3 months (risk ratio [RR]: 4.14; 95% CI, 2.22–7.74; p < 0.00001), and offer relatively good patient satisfaction (RR: 1.91; 95% CI, 1.04–3.53; p = 0.04). No increase in adverse events was reported after PRP injection (RR: 1.92; 95% CI, 0.94-3.91; p = 0.07).

Conclusions Compared with control intervention for low back pain, PRP injection was found to improve pain relief and patient satisfaction significantly with no increase in adverse events.
Negative Pressure Dressings over Free Muscle Flaps with Immediate Split-Thickness Skin Grafting: A 9-Year Experience
Authors: Kumbla Pallavi A. , Henry Steven L. , Boyd Carter J. , Kelley Patrick K. , Thorburn Ashley Q. , Myers René P.
Published: May 2020

Background Negative pressure wound therapy has allowed for significant advances in the treatment of wounds. This occurs through a process of angiogenesis, microdeformation, macrodeformation, and decrease in exudate and bacterial load. It is routinely used as a bolster in the management of skin grafts. However, its role as a dressing over free muscle flaps has not gained widespread acceptance due to the fear of flap compromise.

Methods A retrospective review of 97 patients over 9 years was performed. All patients underwent free muscle flap coverage of various wounds with immediate split-thickness skin grafting. A negative pressure dressing was applied, with windows made in the foam sponge to enable Doppler monitoring as well as visual inspection of the flap. Complications including flap failure, skin graft loss, hematoma, distal flap necrosis, negative pressure dressing failure, partial muscle necrosis, and mild flap congestion were assessed.

Results Flap loss occurred at a rate of 8.2% (eight flaps). Four of these flaps were lost due to patient factors not attributable to the dressing. In the remaining four flaps (4.1% of the series), it is conceivable that the negative pressure dressing was a contributing factor. However, this failure rate is comparable to flap loss rates in studies where negative pressure dressings were not used. The rates of skin graft failure, hematoma, distal flap necrosis, inability to maintain seal, partial muscle necrosis, and mild flap congestion were also acceptable and similar to studies where negative pressure dressings were not used.

Conclusion Negative pressure dressings over free muscle flaps with immediate split-thickness skin grafts are effective and safe to use while allowing for postoperative flap monitoring and skin graft protection.
Massive scalar field on (A)dS space from a massless conformal field in R6
Authors: Huguet E. , Queva J. , Renaud J.
Published: May 2020

We show how the equations for the scalar field (including the massive, massless, minimally, and conformally coupled cases) on de Sitter and anti-de Sitter [(A)dS] spaces can be obtained from both the SO(2, 4)-invariant equation □ϕ = 0 in R6 and two geometrical constraints defining the (A)dS space. Thus, apart from the equation in R6, the results only follow from the geometry.
Fast charge exchange recombination spectroscopy on HuanLiu-2A tokamak
Authors: He X. X. , Yu D. L. , Yan L. W. , Liu L. , Chen W. J. , Wei Y. L. , He X. F. , Ma Q. , Shi Z. B. , Liu Yi , Yang Q. W. , Xu M. , Duan X. R.
Published: May 2020

A Fast Charge eXchange Recombination Spectroscopy (CXRS) diagnostic with eight radial channels has been implemented on a HuanLiu-2A (HL-2A) tokamak with a time resolution of up to 10 kHz monitoring helium II spectra or 1 kHz monitoring carbon VI spectra. The crucial aspects of the fast CXRS are to improve the spectral intensity and the acquisition frequency. The spectral intensity has been greatly enhanced by customized fiber bundles. The main boost in optimizing the acquisition frequency is achieved by binning more pixel rows of the charge coupled device (CCD) representing one radial channel and by reducing the effective image area of the CCD. Consequently, the sawtooth oscillations of ion temperature and rotation velocity are continuously observed for the first time in the HL-2A tokamak.
Theory of ignition and burn propagation in inertial fusion implosions
Authors: Christopherson A. R. , Betti R. , Miller S. , Gopalaswamy V. , Mannion O. M. , Cao D.
Published: May 2020

A detailed analytic model is presented here to investigate the physics of burn propagation in inertially confined plasmas. The onset of ignition and burn propagation occurs when alpha heating of the hot spot causes rapid ablation of shell mass into the hot spot. This allows large energy gains to be achieved since most of the fuel mass is located in the shell. Here, we first present a comprehensive review of previous analytic models that have been used to describe the physics of hot-spot evolution and ignition; we then show that a proper description of a propagating burn wave requires a comprehensive model of hot spot and shell evolution that includes proper mass conservation in the shell, fusion reactivity, and fuel depletion. The analytic theory is in good agreement with detailed radiation-hydrodynamic simulations that predict the onset of burn propagation as occurring when the yield enhancement caused by alpha heating is between 15- and 25-fold, fα ∼ 1.4, where fα = alpha energy deposited/hot-spot energy at bang time, and the hot-spot burnup fraction is approximately 2%. We show that the definition of ignition is not sensitive to the alpha-particle stopping power nor asymmetries provided that the absorbed fraction of alpha particles θα is correctly accounted for. Finally, we use the results of 2-D simulations to show that even when θα is small and unknown (as is true in hot spots with mid modes that have significant leakage of alpha particles into the surrounding cold bubbles), one can still relate the experimentally measureable parameter χα53 to the yield amplification and the burning-plasma parameter Qαhs = alpha energy deposited/total input work delivered to the hot spot.
Strategies to improve the dynamic levitation performance of superconducting maglevs against force decay and disturbance
Authors: Huang Chenguang , Xu Bin , Zhou Youhe
Published: May 2020

In the design of maglev systems, the levitation force determines the levitation height and the dynamic stability associated with potential vibrations, especially the offset of the levitation point relative to the working point. However, such two key parameters are often antagonistic: a relatively low dynamic stability comes with a high levitation force, whereas a relatively low levitation force can come with a high dynamic stability. In this paper, we will discuss several strategies to deal with this problem by means of a two-dimensional numerical model based on Newton's second law and Maxwell's equations together with a power-law constitutive relation. The dynamics of maglev systems consisting of a bulk high-temperature superconductor and a Halbach-type permanent-magnet guideway with soft ferromagnets are analyzed. The results show that the drift phenomenon occurs in both vertical and lateral directions triggered by a transverse disturbance, and preloading can alleviate such a phenomenon, but this will lead to a reduction in the levitation force. Improved preloading is effective in enhancing the levitation force without sacrificing the dynamic stability. In some systems, the levitation force and dynamic stability can be further improved by adjusting the soft ferromagnets to an appropriate location in the guideway. Moreover, some guidelines on how the superconducting part should be designed are provided in order to overcome the technical difficulty and reduce the material consumption while at the same time maintaining the dynamic levitation performance.
Generation of pure-state single photons with high heralding efficiency by using a three-stage nonlinear interferometer
Authors: Li Jiamin , Su Jie , Cui Liang , Xie Tianqi , Ou Z. Y. , Li Xiaoying
Published: May 2020

We experimentally study a fiber-based three-stage nonlinear interferometer and demonstrate its application in generating heralded single photons with high efficiency and purity by spectral engineering. We obtain a heralding efficiency of 90% at a brightness of 0.039 photons/pulse. The purity of the source is checked by two-photon Hong-Ou-Mandel interference with a visibility of 95 ± 6% (after correcting Raman scattering and multi-pair events). Our investigation indicates that the heralded source of single photons produced by the three-stage nonlinear interferometer has the advantages of high purity, high heralding efficiency, high brightness, and flexibility in wavelength and bandwidth selection.
Magnetoresistance effects in Pt/EuO1−x
Authors: Mallick Kingshuk , Wagh Aditya A. , Ionescu Adrian , Barnes Crispin H. W. , Anil Kumar P. S.
Published: May 2020

We report on the angular and field dependence of the magnetoresistance (MR) in bilayers of Pt/EuO1−x thin films, measured in both in-plane and out-of-plane geometries at different temperatures (T). The presence of oxygen vacancies manifested by a metal–insulator transition as well as a high-T ferromagnet-to-paramagnet transition (TP) was observed in the bilayers. The anisotropic magnetoresistance could be extracted in the entire T-range, even above TP, exhibiting two sign crossovers. We attribute its T-evolution to the rotation of the easy axis of the magnetization direction from a high-T out-of-plane to a low-T in-plane orientation. In addition, we provide direct experimental evidence of the spin Hall effect-induced spin Hall magnetoresistance, systematically considering several known MR contributions that can arise from the films' (111) texture and interface.
Band positions of anatase (001) and (101) surfaces in contact with water from density functional theory
Authors: Geiger Julian , Sprik Michiel , May Matthias M.
Published: May 2020

Titanium dioxide in the anatase configuration plays an increasingly important role in photo(electro)catalytic applications due to its superior electronic properties when compared to rutile. In aqueous environments, the surface chemistry and energetic band positions upon contact with water determine charge-transfer processes over solid–solid or solid–electrolyte interfaces. Here, we study the interaction of anatase (001) and (101) surfaces with water and the resulting energetic alignment by means of hybrid density functional theory. While the alignment of band positions favors charge-transfer processes between the two facets for the pristine surfaces, we find the magnitude of this underlying driving force to crucially depend on the water coverage and the degree of dissociation. It can be largely alleviated for intermediate water coverages. Surface states and their passivation by dissociatively adsorbed water play an important role here. Our results suggest that anatase band positions can be controlled over a range of almost 1 eV via its surface chemistry.
The effects of hydrostatic pressure and temperature on the nonlinear optical properties of shallow-donor impurities in semiconductors in a magnetic field
Authors: Wang Weiyang , Xu Lei , Wei Xiangfei , Zhang Sha , Yao Zhikun
Published: May 2020

We present a theoretical study of the nonlinear optical properties of shallow-donor impurities in semiconductors subjected to magnetic fields, hydrostatic pressures, and intense laser illumination within the Voigt configuration. The donor energy levels and their wave functions are obtained using a combination of nonperturbative and variational methods where intense laser field effects are exactly taken into account through a laser-dressed Coulomb potential (LdCP). The combined effects of radiation and magnetic fields, hydrostatic pressures, and temperatures on the linear, third-order nonlinear, and total optical absorption coefficients (OACs) for the 1s→2p± and 2pz transitions are investigated using a compact density-matrix approach. We find that the transition energies and geometric factors can be increased or decreased by changing external fields via the LdCP or by changing hydrostatic pressures and temperatures. In this way, saturable absorption depends not only on the incident optical intensity but also on the laser field, which is more easily realized in the z-polarization direction. The peak positions and magnitudes of the linear, third-order nonlinear, and total OACs can be effectively adjusted with an appropriate choice of these external perturbations. Moreover, hydrostatic pressures and temperatures affect these OACs in an opposite way. This opens a promising route to design new and efficient impurity-based devices manipulated by external perturbations.
A microfluidic rectifier for Newtonian fluids using asymmetric converging–diverging microchannels
Authors: Tao Ran , Ng Tiniao , Su Yan , Li Zhigang
Published: May 2020

Flow rectification for Newtonian fluids remains challenging compared with that for non-Newtonian fluids because the physical properties of Newtonian fluids are independent of the structure of flow channels, and flow rectification can only be achieved through direction-dependent flow scenarios. In this work, we fabricate a microfluidic rectifier for Newtonian fluids using asymmetric converging–diverging microchannels. The highest diodicity measured for the rectifier is 1.77, which is 15%–54% higher than previous microfluidic rectifiers for Newtonian fluids. An expression for the diodicity is developed based on two scaling laws for the flow resistances in the forward and backward directions. Numerical simulations are also performed to confirm the experiments.
Structural evolution of methane hydrate under pressures up to 134 GPa
Authors: Kadobayashi Hirokazu , Hirai Hisako , Ohfuji Hiroaki , Ohtake Michika , Muraoka Michihiro , Yoshida Suguru , Yamamoto Yoshitaka
Published: May 2020

High-pressure experiments were performed to understand the structural evolution of methane hydrate (MH) up to 134 GPa using x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy with diamond anvil cells. XRD revealed the distinct changes in the diffraction lines of MH owing to phase transition from a guest-ordered state phase [MH-III(GOS)] to a new high-pressure phase (MH-IV) at 33.8–57.7 GPa. MH-IV was found to be stable up to at least 134 GPa without decomposition into solid methane and high-pressure ices. Raman spectroscopy showed the splits in the C–H vibration modes ν3 and ν1 of guest methane molecules in filled-ice Ih (MH-III) at 12.7 GPa and 28.6 GPa, respectively. These splits are caused by orientational ordering of guest methane molecules contained in the hydrate structure, as observed in a previous study. These results suggest that the structural evolution of the filled-ice structure of MH is caused by successive orientational ordering of guest methane molecules, thereby inducing changes in the host framework formed by water molecules.
Thin film transistors based on ultra-wide bandgap spinel ZnGa2O4
Authors: Jang Yeaju , Hong Seongyun , Seo Jihoon , Cho Hyeongmin , Char Kookrin , Galazka Zbigniew
Published: May 2020

We report on thin film transistors (TFTs) based on spinel ZnGa2O4 (ZGO) that was recently spotlighted as an ultra-wide bandgap oxide semiconductor. The ZGO layers were grown in a spinel structure by pulsed laser deposition on the cubic spinel MgAl2O4 (MAO) as well as on cubic MgO substrates while changing the Zn/Ga ratio. The compressive strained epitaxial growth of ZGO on MgAl2O4 (100) and the tensile strained epitaxial growth of ZGO on MgO (100) without any misfit or threading dislocations were confirmed by the reciprocal space map and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. The electrical transport properties were demonstrated through TFTs based on ZGO as the channel layer, Al2O3 as the gate oxide, and Sn-doped In2O3 as the source, drain, and gate electrodes. When the Zn/Ga ratio is slightly lower than the ideal value of 0.5 on MgO substrates, the ZGO TFT showed the highest mobility of 5.4 cm2/V s. The ION/IOFF ratio and subthreshold swing (S) value are 4.5 × 108 and 0.19 V/dec, respectively.
Self-similar amplification and self-compression of short microwave pulses during Cherenkov-type interaction with relativistic electron beams
Authors: Rostuntsova A. A. , Ryskin N. M. , Ginzburg N. S.
Published: May 2020

This paper reports the results of studies of super-radiance pulse amplification in the case of Cherenkov interaction of a relativistic electron beam with a traveling electromagnetic wave. 1D Nonstationary (time-domain) nonlinear models of a Cherenkov traveling-wave-tube amplifier are considered in two approximations, namely, in the cases of small variation of electron velocity and small variation of electron energy. For both cases, self-similar solutions, which describe the pulse amplification and compression, are derived and limiting transition between them is discussed. The results of numerical simulation of amplification of a seed pulse are presented showing that the main characteristics of the pulse (peak amplitude, pulse width, etc.) behave in time and space in good agreement with the self-similar solutions.
Application of the Lambert W function to steady shearing Newtonian flows with logarithmic wall slip
Authors: Pitsillou Rafaella , Syrakos Alexandros , Georgiou Georgios C.
Published: May 2020

We consider various viscometric flows of a Newtonian fluid, i.e., plane, annular, and circular Couette flows and planar and axisymmetric Poiseuille flows, in the presence of wall slip that follows a logarithmic slip law. We derive analytical solutions in terms of the Lambert W function. The effects of logarithmic slip on these flows are discussed, and comparisons of the results with their Navier-slip counterparts are made.
Testis-specific changes in gene expression of post-pubertal beef bulls divergent for residual feed intake and exposure to different pre-natal diets
Authors: Johnson Chinju , Fitzsimmons Carolyn , Kovalchuk Igor , Kastelic John , Thundathil Jacob
Published: May 2020

Context Selection for residual feed intake (RFI) and its impact on male reproductive development has had mixed reviews in the past. Our previous studies demonstrated earlier puberty, larger testes and greater percentage of progressively motile sperm in high-RFI bulls. However, the molecular mechanisms within testes of bulls with varying RFI remain unclear. Aims To determine the effect of RFI and pre-natal diet on the expression patterns of testicular genes and use this information to explain differences observed across RFI. Methods The study included 25 purebred-Angus bulls with a genetic background of either high or low RFI and fed either normal or low pre-natal nutrition from 30 to 150 days post conception. After slaughter (17 months), testicular tissue was recovered, and RNA was extracted and sequenced. Key results Of 19218 expressed genes, 17 were differentially expressed for RFI (including PLCD1, INPP4B), with no differences being observed for pre-natal diet or diet × RFI interaction (false discovery rate) < 0.1%). KEGG pathway analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes were associated with inositol phosphate metabolism, and phosphatidylinositol signalling. On the basis of a candidate gene-expression study, IGF1R was upregulated in high-RFI bulls (P < 0.1). Conclusions Increased expression of IGF1R and lowered PLCD1 and INPP4B expression could activate PI3K–Akt signalling responsible for cell growth, proliferation and steroid metabolism in high-RFI bulls. Implications Selecting bulls for feed efficiency might affect molecular networks associated with reproduction and fertility.
Faecal microbiota transplantation: a review
Authors: Sinclair Holly A , Chapman Paul
Published: May 2020

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the transfer of human faeces from a healthy donor to a recipient with a disease associated with gut dysbiosis. Here we review faecal microbiota transplantation as a treatment for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and other conditions including decolonisation of multiresistant organisms. Donor selection and screening, adverse events, processing, administration and regulation of FMT are discussed.
Knockdown of KLF9 promotes the differentiation of both intramuscular and subcutaneous preadipocytes in goat
Authors: Xu Qing , Lin Yaqiu , Wang Yong , Bai Wenlin , Zhu Jiangjiang
Published: May 2020

KLF9 is reported to promote adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells and pigs. However, the roles of KLF9 in adipocytes differentiation of goat remain unknown. In this study, the expression profiles of KLF9 were different between subcutaneous and intramuscular preadipocytes of goat during differentiation process. After silencing KLF9 gene, the lipid droplets were increased in both two types of adipocytes. In subcutaneous preadipocyte with silencing KLF9, the expressions of C/EBPβ, PPARγ, LPL, KLF1-2, KLF5, and KLF17 genes were up-regulated, while KLF12, KLF4, and KLF13 genes were down-regulated in expression level. In intramuscular preadipocyte, aP2, C/EBPα, KLF2-3, KLF5, and KLF7 gene were up-regulated, and Pref-1 gene was down-regulated. In addition, the binding sites of KLF9 existed in the promoters of aP2, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, LPL and Pref-1. Taken together, KLF9 play a negative role in the differentiation of both intramuscular and subcutaneous preadipocytes in goats, but the functional mechanism may be different.
Autoionization dynamics of helium nanodroplets resonantly excited by intense XUV laser pulses
Authors: Ovcharenko Y , LaForge A C , Langbehn B , Plekan O , Cucini R , Finetti P , O’Keeffe P , Iablonskyi D , Nishiyama T , Ueda K , Piseri P , Di Fraia M , Richter R , Coreno M , Callegari C , Prince K C , Stienkemeier F , Möller T , Mudrich M
Published: May 2020

The ionization dynamics of helium droplets irradiated by intense, femtosecond extreme ultraviolet (XUV) pulses is investigated in detail by photoelectron spectroscopy. Helium droplets are resonantly excited to atomic-like 2p states with a photon energy of 21.5 eV and autoionize by interatomic Coulombic decay (ICD). A complex evolution of the electron spectra as a function of droplet size (250 to 106 He atoms per droplet) and XUV intensity (109–1012 W cm−2) is observed, ranging from narrow atomic-like peaks that are due to binary autoionization, to an unstructured feature characteristic of electron emission from a nanoplasma. The experimental results are analyzed and interpreted with the help of a numerical simulation based on rate equations taking into account all relevant processes—multi-step ionization, electronic relaxation, ICD, secondary inelastic collisions, desorption of electronically excited atoms, and collective autoionization (CAI).
Spectroscopy properties of a single praseodymium ion in a crystal
Authors: Xia Kangwei , Kolesov Roman , Wang Ya , Siyushev Petr , Kornher Thomas , Reuter Rolf , Yang Sen , Wrachtrup Jörg
Published: May 2020

Addressing and coherent control of single atoms in solids, with both optical and nuclear spin degrees of freedom is of particularly interest for applications ranging from nanoscale sensing to quantum computing. Here, we performed the spectroscopy study of single praseodymium ions in an yttrium aluminum garnet crystal at cryogenic temperature. The single nuclear spin of individual praseodymium ions is detected through a background-free optical upconversion readout technique. Single ions show stable photoluminescence with spectrally resolved hyperfine splitting of the praseodymium ground state. Based on this measurement, optical Rabi and optically detected nuclear magnetic resonance measurements are performed to study their spin coherence properties. We find short the spin coherence times of praseodymium nuclear spins which we attribute to spin phonon coupling.
Environmental pressures on stomatal size may drive plant genome size evolution: evidence from a natural experiment with Cape geophytes
Authors: Veselý Pavel , Šmarda Petr , Bureš Petr , Stirton Charles , Muasya A Muthama , Mucina Ladislav , Horová Lucie , Veselá Kristýna , Šilerová Alexandra , Šmerda Jakub , Knápek Ondřej
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

The idea that genome (size) evolution in eukaryotes could be driven by environmental factors is still vigorously debated. In extant plants, genome size correlates positively with stomatal size, leading to the idea that conditions enabling the existence of large stomata in fossil plants also supported growth of their genome size. We test this inductive assumption in drought-adapted, prostrate-leaved Cape (South Africa) geophytes where, compared with their upright-leaved geophytic ancestors, stomata develop in a favourably humid microclimate formed underneath their leaves.

Methods

Stomatal parameters (leaf cuticle imprints) and genome size (flow cytometry) were measured in 16 closely related geophytic species pairs from seven plant families. In each pair, representing a different genus, we contrasted a prostrate-leaved species with its upright-leaved phylogenetic relative, the latter whose stomata are exposed to the ambient arid climate.

Key Results

Except for one, all prostrate-leaves species had larger stomata, and in 13 of 16 pairs they also had larger genomes than their upright-leaved relatives. Stomatal density and theoretical maximum conductance were less in prostrate-leaved species with small guard cells (<1 pL) but showed no systematic difference in species pairs with larger guard cells (>1 pL). Giant stomata were observed in the prostrate-leaved Satyrium bicorne (89–137 µm long), despite its relatively small genome (2C = 9 Gbp).

Conclusions

Our results imply that climate, through selection on stomatal size, might be able to drive genome size evolution in plants. The data support the idea that plants from ‘greenhouse’ geological periods with large stomata might have generally had larger genome sizes when compared with extant plants, though this might not have been solely due to higher atmospheric CO2 in these periods but could also have been due to humid conditions prevailing at fossil deposit sites.
Ethical and Practical Issues Associated With the Possibility of Using Controlled Human Infection Trials in Developing a Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine
Authors: Cox Andrea , Sulkowski Mark , Sugarman Jeremy
Published: May 2020

Despite the existence of established treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV), more effective means of preventing infection, such as a vaccine, are arguably needed to help reduce substantial global morbidity and mortality. Given the expected challenges of developing such a vaccine among those at heightened risk of infection, controlled human infection studies seem to be a promising potential approach to HCV vaccine development, but they raise substantial ethical and practical concerns. In this article, we describe some of the challenges related to the possibility of using controlled human infection studies to accelerate HCV vaccine development. The related ethical and practical concerns require further deliberation before such studies are planned and implemented.
The Structure and Behavioral Effects of Revealed Social Identity Preferences*
Authors: Hett Florian , Mechtel Mario , Kröll Markus
Published: May 2020

A large body of evidence shows that social identity affects behaviour. However, our understanding of the substantial variation of these behavioural effects is still limited. We use a novel laboratory experiment to measure differences in preferences for social identities as a potential source of behavioural heterogeneity. Facing a trade-off between monetary payments and belonging to different groups, individuals are willing to forego significant earnings to avoid belonging to certain groups. We then show that individual differences in these foregone earnings correspond to the differences in discriminatory behaviour towards these groups. Our results illustrate the importance of considering individual heterogeneity to fully understand the behavioural effects of social identity.
The gold standard, fiscal dominance and financial supervision in Greece and South-East Europe, 1841–1939
Authors: Morys Matthias
Published: May 2020

We add a historical and regional dimension to the debate on the Greek debt crisis by analysing repeated cycles of entry and exit from the gold standard, government default, and financial supervision for four South-East European countries from political independence to World War II. The prevailing pattern of fiscal dominance was broken only under financial supervision, when conditionality scaled back the treasury’s influence; only then were central banks able to stabilize their exchange rates. A political economy analysis for Greece finds that financial supervision was politically acceptable as it made successfully adhering to gold more likely in the view of contemporaries.
Understanding the factors influencing the implementation of participatory interventions to improve care coordination. An analytical framework based on an evaluation in Latin America
Authors: Vargas Ingrid , Eguiguren Pamela , Mogollón-Pérez Amparo-Susana , Bertolotto Fernando , Samico Isabella , López Julieta , De Paepe Pierre , Vázquez María-Luisa
Published: May 2020

Healthcare coordination is considered key to improving care quality. Although participatory action research (PAR) has been used effectively to bridge the gap between evidence and practice in other areas, little is known about the key success factors of its use in healthcare organizations. This article analyses the factors influencing the implementation of PAR interventions to improve clinical coordination from the perspective of actors in public healthcare networks of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay. A qualitative, descriptive-interpretative study was conducted in each country’s healthcare network. Focus groups and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to a criterion sample of: local steering committee (LSC) (29), professional platform (PP) (28), health professionals (49) and managers (28). Thematic content analysis was conducted, segmented by country and themes. The PAR process led by the LSC covered the return of baseline results, selection of problems and interventions and design, implementation and adjustment of the intervention, with PP. Interventions were implemented to improve communication and clinical agreement between primary and secondary care. Results reveal that contextual factors, the PAR process and the intervention’s content influenced their implementation, interacting across time. First, institutional support providing necessary resources, and professionals’ and managers’ willingness to participate, emerge as contextual pivotal factors, influenced by other factors related to: the system (alignment with policy and political cycle), networks (lack of time due to work overload and inadequate working conditions) and individuals (not knowing each other and mutual mistrust). Second, different characteristics of the PAR process have a bearing, in turn, on institutional support and professionals’ motivation: participation, flexibility, consensual decision-making, the LSC’s leadership and the facilitating role of researchers. Evidence is provided that implementation through an adequate PAR process can become a factor of motivation and cohesion that is crucial to the adoption of care coordination interventions, leading to better results when certain contextual factors converge.
Time as an outcome measure in fertility-related clinical studies: long-awaited
Authors: Sunkara Sesh K , Zheng Wenjing , D’Hooghe Thomas , Longobardi Salvatore , Boivin Jacky
Published: May 2020

Time taken to achieve a live birth is an important consideration that is central to managing patient expectations during infertility treatment. However, time-related endpoints are not reported as standard in the majority of fertility-related clinical studies and there is no internationally recognized consensus definition for such endpoints. There is, therefore, a need for meaningful discussions around the selection of appropriate time-related treatment outcome measures for studies evaluating fertility treatments that will be relevant to diverse stakeholders (e.g. patients, healthcare professionals, clinical scientists, authorities and industry). Here, we provide a proposal for the evaluation of time-related outcome measures in fertility-related clinical studies, alongside associated definitions.
Responsiveness of the Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Measures to Changes in Disease Status and Quality of Life Among Children and Adolescents With Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Brenner Erica J , Long Millie D , Mann Courtney M , Chen Wenli , Reyes Camila , Lin Li , Reeve Bryce B , Kappelman Michael D
Published: May 2020

Background

PROMIS Pediatric domains provide self-reported measures of physical, emotional, and social health in children with chronic conditions. We evaluated the responsiveness of the PROMIS Pediatric measures to changes in disease activity and disease-specific, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods

IBD Partners Kids & Teens is an internet-based cohort of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Participants age 9 to 17 report symptoms related to disease activity (short Crohn’s Disease Activity Index [sCDAI]), the IMPACT-III HRQOL measure, and 5 PROMIS Pediatric domains. We conducted longitudinal analyses using mixed linear models to examine the extent to which PROMIS Pediatric measures respond to changes in sCDAI and IMPACT-III.

Results

Our study sample included 544 participants with CD (mean age 13 years, 44% female). All PROMIS Pediatric domains responded to changes in sCDAI, indicating improved physical, emotional, and social health, corresponding to improved disease activity and the converse (P < 0.001). Observed effect estimates ranged from 1.8 for peer relationships to 6.8 for fatigue. Of 246 participants with 2 or more completed reports, disease activity was stable in 527, worse in 72, and improved in 67. Changes in PROMIS Pediatric scores were associated with changes in IMPACT-III (r = −0.43 for anxiety, r = −0.45 for depressive symptoms, r = −0.43 for pain interference, r = −0.59 for fatigue, and r = 0.23 for peer relationships).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for the longitudinal responsiveness of the PROMIS Pediatric measures to change in disease status and HRQOL in pediatric CD patients.
Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 via Close Contact and Respiratory Droplets Among Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Mice
Authors: Bao Linlin , Gao Hong , Deng Wei , Lv Qi , Yu Haisheng , Liu Mingya , Yu Pin , Liu Jiangning , Qu Yajin , Gong Shuran , Lin Kaili , Qi Feifei , Xu Yanfeng , Li Fengli , Xiao Chong , Xue Jing , Song Zhiqi , Xiang Zhiguang , Wang Guanpeng , Wang Shunyi , Liu Xing , Zhao Wenjie , Han Yunlin , Wei Qiang , Qin Chuan
Published: May 2020

We simulated 3 transmission modes, including close-contact, respiratory droplets and aerosol routes, in the laboratory. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be highly transmitted among naive human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) mice via close contact because 7 of 13 naive hACE2 mice were SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositive 14 days after being introduced into the same cage with 3 infected-hACE2 mice. For respiratory droplets, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from 3 of 10 naive hACE2 mice showed seropositivity 14 days after introduction into the same cage with 3 infected-hACE2 mice, separated by grids. In addition, hACE2 mice cannot be experimentally infected via aerosol inoculation until continued up to 25 minutes with high viral concentrations.
Relationships Between Maternal Antibody Responses and Early Childhood Infection With Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
Authors: Poppe Lisa K , Kankasa Chipepo , Wood Charles , West John T
Published: May 2020

While mother-to-child transmission is believed to play in important role in early childhood infection with Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the maternal immune response remains largely uncharacterized. This study aimed to characterize the longitudinal humoral response to KSHV in a cohort of HIV-infected Zambian mothers without KS and identify potential factors that may influence transmission. In total, 86/124 (69.4%) mothers were found to be KSHV seropositive. Longitudinal KSHV titers were fairly stable over time, although seroreversion was still common. Of the total 124 mothers, 81 had at least 1 child KSHV seroconvert during the 2 years analyzed, while the remaining 43 mothers had KSHV-seronegative children. Mothers of KSHV-negative children had higher geometric mean titers than mothers of KSHV-positive children; however, there was no difference in the presence of neutralizing antibodies. This suggests that a strong anti-KSHV immune response, and potentially nonneutralizing antibodies, may reduce transmission.
Quality assessment of weekend discharge: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chiu Chia-Yu , Oria David , Yangga Peter , Kang Dasol
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Hospital bed utility and length of stay affect the healthcare budget and quality of patient care. Prior studies already show admission and operation on weekends have higher mortality rates compared with weekdays, which has been identified as the ‘weekend effect.’ However, discharges on weekends are also linked with quality of care, and have been evaluated in the recent decade with different dimensions. This meta-analysis aims to discuss weekend discharges associated with 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality, 30-day emergency department visits and 14-day follow-up visits compared with weekday discharges.

Data sources

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from January 2000 to November 2019.

Study selection

Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines were followed. Only studies published in English were reviewed. The random-effects model was applied to assess the effects of heterogeneity among the selected studies.

Data extraction

Year of publication, country, sample size, number of weekday/weekend discharges, 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality, 30-day ED visits and 14-day appointment follow-up rate.

Results of data synthesis

There are 20 studies from seven countries, including 13 articles from America, in the present meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in odds ratio (OR) in 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality, 30-day ED visit, and 14-day follow-up between weekday and weekend. However, the OR for 30-day readmission was significantly higher among patients in the USA, including studies with high heterogeneity.

Conclusion

In the USA, the 30-day readmission rate was higher in patients who had been discharged on the weekend compared with the weekday. However, interpretation should be cautious because of data limitation and high heterogeneity. Further intervention should be conducted to eliminate any healthcare inequality within the healthcare system and to improve the quality of patient care.
Determining the optimal dosing of a novel combination regimen of ceftazidime/avibactam with aztreonam against NDM-1-producing Enterobacteriaceae using a hollow-fibre infection model
Authors: Lodise Thomas P , Smith Nicolas M , O’Donnell Nick , Eakin Ann E , Holden Patricia N , Boissonneault Katie Rose , Zhou Jieqiang , Tao Xun , Bulitta Jürgen B , Fowler Vance G , Chambers Henry F , Bonomo Robert A , Tsuji Brian T
Published: May 2020

Background

MBL-producing strains of Enterobacteriaceae are a major public health concern. We sought to define optimal combination regimens of ceftazidime/avibactam with aztreonam in a hollow-fibre infection model (HFIM) of MBL-producing strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Methods

E. coli ARLG-1013 (blaNDM-1, blaCTX-M, blaCMY, blaTEM) and K. pneumoniae ARLG-1002 (blaNDM-1, blaCTXM-15, blaDHA, blaSHV, blaTEM) were studied in the HFIM using simulated human dosing regimens of ceftazidime/avibactam and aztreonam. Experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of staggered versus simultaneous administration, infusion duration and aztreonam daily dose (6 g/day versus 8 g/day) on bacterial killing and resistance suppression. Prospective validation experiments for the most active combination regimens were performed in triplicate to ensure reproducibility.

Results

Staggered administration of the combination (ceftazidime/avibactam followed by aztreonam) was found to be inferior to simultaneous administration. Longer infusion durations (2 h and continuous infusion) also resulted in enhanced bacterial killing relative to 30 min infusions. The rate of killing was more pronounced with 8 g/day versus 6 g/day aztreonam combination regimens for both tested strains. In the prospective validation experiments, ceftazidime/avibactam with aztreonam dosed every 8 and 6 h, respectively (ceftazidime/avibactam 2/0.5 g every 8 h + aztreonam 2 g every 6 h), or ceftazidime/avibactam with aztreonam as continuous infusions resulted in maximal bacterial killing and resistance suppression over 7 days.

Conclusions

Simultaneous administration of aztreonam 8 g/day given as a continuous or 2 h infusion with ceftazidime/avibactam resulted in complete bacterial eradication and resistance suppression. Further study of this combination is needed with additional MBL-producing Gram-negative pathogens. The safety of this double β-lactam strategy also warrants further study in Phase 1 clinical trials.
Efficacy, metabolism and pharmacokinetics of Ro 15-5458, a forgotten schistosomicidal 9-acridanone hydrazone
Authors: Probst Alexandra , Häberli Cécile , Siegel Dionicio , Huang Jianbo , Vigneron Seth , Ta Anh P , Skinner Danielle E , El-Sakkary Nelly , Momper Jeremiah D , Gangoiti Jon , Dong Yuxiang , Vennerstrom Jonathan L , Charman Susan A , Caffrey Conor R , Keiser Jennifer
Published: May 2020

Background

Treatment of schistosomiasis, a neglected disease, relies on just one partially effective drug, praziquantel. We revisited the 9-acridanone hydrazone, Ro 15-5458, a largely forgotten antischistosomal lead compound.

Methods

Ro 15-5458 was evaluated in juvenile and adult Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. We studied dose–response, hepatic shift and stage specificity. The metabolic stability of Ro 15-5458 was measured in the presence of human and mouse liver microsomes, and human hepatocytes; the latter also served to identify metabolites. Pharmacokinetic parameters were measured in naive mice. The efficacy of Ro 15-5458 was also assessed in S. haematobium-infected hamsters and S. japonicum-infected mice.

Results

Ro 15-5458 had single-dose ED50 values of 15 and 5.3 mg/kg in mice harbouring juvenile and adult S. mansoni infections, respectively. An ED50 value of 17 mg/kg was measured in S. haematobium-infected hamsters; however, the compound was inactive at up to 100 mg/kg in S. japonicum-infected mice. The drug-induced hepatic shift occurred between 48 and 66 h post treatment. A single oral dose of 50 mg/kg of Ro 15-5458 had high activity against all tested S. mansoni stages (1-, 7-, 14-, 21- and 49-day-old). In vitro, human hepatocytes produced N-desethyl and glucuronide metabolites; otherwise Ro 15-5458 was metabolically stable in the presence of microsomes or whole hepatocytes. The maximum plasma concentration was approximately 8.13 μg/mL 3 h after a 50 mg/kg oral dose and the half-life was approximately 4.9 h.

Conclusions

Ro 15-5458 has high activity against S. mansoni and S. haematobium, yet lacks activity against S. japonicum, which is striking. This will require further investigation, as a broad-spectrum antischistosomal drug is desirable.
Establishing metastatic patient-derived xenograft model for colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Yanmei , Lee Sau Har , Wang Cheng , Gao Yunhe , Li Jiyang , Xu Wei
Published: May 2020

Background

Patient-derived xenograft model is a powerful and promising tool for drug discovery and cancer biology studies. The application of previous metastatic colorectal cancer models has been greatly limited by its low success rate and long time to develop metastasis. Therefore, in this study, we aim to describe an optimized protocol for faster establishment of colorectal cancer metastatic patient-derived xenograft mouse models.

Methods

Smaller micro tissues (˂150 μm in diameter) mixed with Matrigel were engrafted subcutaneously into NSG mice to generate the passage 1 (P1) patient-derived xenograft. The micro tumours from P1 patient-derived xenograft were then excised and orthotopically xenografted into another batch of NSG mice to generate a metastatic colorectal cancer patient-derived xenograft, P2. Haematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry staining were performed to compare the characters between patient-derived xenograft tumours and primary tumours.

Results

About 16 out of 18 P1 xenograft models successfully grew a tumour for 50.8 ± 5.1 days (success rate 89.9%). Six out of eight P1 xenograft models originating from metastatic patients successfully grew tumours in the colon and metastasized to liver or lung in the NSG recipients for 60.9 ± 4.5 days (success rate 75%). Histological examination of both P1 and P2 xenografts closely resembled the histological architecture of the original patients’ tumours. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed similar biomarker expression levels, including CDH17, Ki-67, active β-catenin, Ki-67 and α smooth muscle actin when compared with the original patients’ tumours. The stromal components that support the growth of patient-derived xenograft tumours were of murine origin.

Conclusions

Metastatic patient-derived xenograft mouse model could be established with shorter time and higher success rate. Although the patient-derived xenograft tumours were supported by the stromal cells of murine origin, they retained the dominant characters of the original patient tumours.
Sublobar resection versus lobectomy for patients with resectable stage I non-small cell lung cancer with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a phase III study evaluating survival (JCOG1708, SURPRISE)
Authors: Tanaka Kiyo , Tsutani Yasuhiro , Wakabayashi Masashi , Mizutani Tomonori , Aokage Keiju , Miyata Yoshihiro , Kuroda Hiroaki , Saji Hisashi , Watanabe Shun-ichi , Okada Morihito ,   behalf of the Lung Cancer Surgical Study Group/Japan Clinical Oncology Group
Published: May 2020

The standard treatment for the patients with surgically resectable early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is lung lobectomy. However, if patients have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis combined with early stage lung cancer, there is no standard treatment for this population. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis have chronic progressive decline in respiratory function; thus, the preservation of respiratory function is essential. The aim of this trial is to confirm the clinical effectiveness of sublobar resection such as wedge resection or segmentectomy for early NSCLC with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis compared with lobectomy in a randomized phase III trial. The primary endpoint is overall survival. If the non-inferiority of overall survival and minimal invasiveness are proven, it can be a new standard treatment for early NSCLC with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A planned total 430 patients will be enrolled from 50 institutions over 5 years. This trial has been registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry with code UMIN000032696 [http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm].