bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How donor selection criteria can be evaluated with limited scientific evidence: lessons learned from the TRANSPOSE project
Authors: Mikkelsen Christina , Mori Gaia , van Walraven Suzanna M. , Castrén Johanna , Zahra Sharon , MacLennan Sheila , Seidel Kirsten , Fontana Stefano , Veropalumbo Eva , Cannata Livia , Pupella Simonetta , Kvist Maria , Happel Marjan , Korkalainen Piia , Chandrasekar Akila , Paulus Ulrike , Bokhorst Arlinke , Wulff Birgit , Fernandez‐Sojo Jesus , Eguizabal Cristina , Urbano Fernando , Vesga Miguel Angel , van Kraaij Marian , Merz Eva‐Maria , van den Hurk Katja , Hansen Morten Bagge , Slot Ed , Ullum Henrik
Published: November 2020

Background and objective

Donor selection criteria (DSC) are a vital link in the chain of supply of Substances of Human Origin (SoHO) but are also subject to controversy and differences of opinion. Traditionally, DSC have been based on application of the precautionary principle.

Materials and methods

From 2017 to 2020, TRANSPOSE (TRANSfusion and transplantation PrOtection and SElection of donors), a European research project, aimed to identify discrepancies between current DSC by proposing a standardized risk assessment method for all SoHO (solid organs excluded) and all levels of evidence.

Results

The current DSC were assessed using a modified risk assessment method based on the Alliance of Blood Operators’ Risk‐based decision‐making framework for blood safety. It was found that with limited or diverging scientific evidence, it was difficult to reach consensus and an international standardized method for decision‐making was lacking. Furthermore, participants found it hard to disregard their local guidelines when providing expert opinion, which resulted in substantial influence on the consensus‐based decision‐making process.

Conclusions

While the field of donation‐safety research is expanding rapidly, there is an urgent need to formalize the decision‐making process regarding DSC. This includes the need for standardized methods to increase transparency in the international decision‐making process and to ensure that this is performed consistently. Our framework provides an easy‐to‐implement approach for standardizing risk assessments, especially in the context of limited scientific evidence.
Representations of Gender-Diverse Characters in Adventure Time and Steven Universe
Authors: Walsh Abigail S.
Published: November 2020

Television is a strong educational and socializing agent for children. Watching television can teach children appropriate language and vocabulary to use, as well as the social norms about gender behaviors or activities. Previous research on gender representations in children’s television has been limited to studying male and female characters because children’s programming has historically presented audiences with cisgender characters (e.g., boy and girls). Recently, television shows aimed at children have provided audiences with nonbinary and gender-diverse characters. This study is the first exploratory content analysis, to my knowledge, to examine the portrayal and representation of nonbinary and gender-diverse characters in children’s television. The current study examined the gender-neutral pronoun and gendered language use toward nonbinary and gender-diverse characters, as well as the portrayal of these characters as leaders, and with special skills in Adventure Time and Steven Universe. Overall, nonbinary and gender-diverse characters were portrayed as strong, positive, characters, and were represented similarly to their cisgender counterparts. This represents a promising shift toward more inclusive and equitable television representation, which may lead to the acceptance and appropriate use of gender-neutral pronouns toward peers by cisgender children, and the feeling of visibility and validation by nonbinary children. Future research should examine the impacts of these characters on viewers.
RELEVANCE STATEMENT: As children’s television becomes more diverse it has the potential to positively impact the lives of cisgender (e.g., boys and girls) and nonbinary children. Because television has the potential to influence young children, gender-diverse representations in children’s television may lead to children developing more accepting attitudes and behaviors toward nonbinary peers.
The Role of Media Literacy in the Public Relations: What Is Happening in the Portuguese Universities?
Authors: Mourão Rita Monteiro , Miranda Sandra Lopes
Published: November 2020

Media literacy has a key role in education. It is known that the public relations profession often involves a position of media relations. In this context, this type of expert must obtain skills in the critical and active use of media. Afterwards it arises the need to understand what kind of investment in media literacy has been done by Portuguese Public Universities. This will be the objective of this exploratory qualitative study. For the collection of information, we have proceeded to the analysis of the curricula of Degree’s and master’s degree in Public Relations courses of 15 Portuguese Public Universities. In general, it was concluded that there is still little investment at this level. Of the 15 Portuguese public universities analyzed, only three universities hold courses on media education in their curricula, within the degree in public relations / organizational communication / strategic communication. Regarding to the master’s degree we found that only four of the 15 Portuguese Public Universities consider the media literacy in their curricula. This research focuses specifically in Public Universities. However, in future studies it will be also important to include private universities to compare the main differences.
Potential Mobilization of
mcr-10
by an Integrative Mobile Element via Site-Specific Recombination in Cronobacter sakazakii
Authors: Yang Jing , Liu Lina , Feng Yu , He Da , Wang Chengcheng , Zong Zhiyong
Published: November 2020

mcr-10
is a newly identified plasmid-borne colistin resistance gene, but its mobilization mechanism remains unclear. In this study,
mcr-10
was found on an IncFIB plasmid carrying virulence genes
mrkABCDFJ
,
iucABCD
/
iutA
, and
eitCBAD
in a
Cronobacter sakazakii
isolate.
Characterization of a Plasmid-Encoded Resistance-Nodulation-Division Efflux Pump in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae
from Patients in China
Authors: He Ruowen , Yang Yongqiang , Wu Yiping , Zhong Lan-Lan , Yang Yanxian , Chen Guanping , Qin Mingyang , Liang Xiaoxue , Ahmed Mohamed Abd El-Gawad El-Sayed , Lin Minmin , Yan Bin , Xia Yong , Dai Min , Chen Hongtao , Tian Guo-Bao
Published: November 2020

Two multidrug-resistant (MDR)
mcr-1
-harboring
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates from patients with urinary tract infections and one MDR
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae
isolate from a patient with bloodstream infection were identified to carry
tmexCD1-toprJ1
. The addition of the efflux pump inhibitor reduced the tigecycline MIC against all three isolates by 8- to 16-fold. pKQBSI104-1 was transferred from
K. quasipneumoniae
to
Escherichia coli
J53 via conjugation.
The Actin Cytoskeleton Mediates Transmission of “
Candidatus
Liberibacter solanacearum” by the Carrot Psyllid
Authors: Sarkar Poulami , Kontsedalov Svetlana , Lebedev Galina , Ghanim Murad
Published: November 2020

Plant diseases caused by vector-borne pathogens are responsible for tremendous losses and threaten some of the most important agricultural crops. A good example is the citrus greening disease, which is caused by bacteria of the genus
Liberibacter
and is transmitted by psyllids; it has devastated the citrus industry in the United States, China, and Brazil.
The Native Microbiome is Crucial for Offspring Generation and Fitness of
Aurelia aurita
Authors: Weiland-Bräuer Nancy , Pinnow Nicole , Langfeldt Daniela , Roik Anna , Güllert Simon , Chibani Cynthia M. , Reusch Thorsten B. H. , Schmitz Ruth A.
Published: November 2020

All multicellular organisms are associated with a diverse and specific community of microorganisms; consequently, the microbiome is of fundamental importance for health and fitness of the multicellular host. However, studies on microbiome contribution to host fitness are in their infancy, in particular, for less well-established hosts such as the moon jellyfish
Aurelia aurita
. Here, we studied the impact of the native microbiome on the asexual reproduction and on further fitness traits (health, growth, and feeding) of the basal metazoan due to induced changes in its microbiome. We observed significant impact on all fitness traits analyzed, in particular, in the absence of the protective microbial shield and when challenged with marine potentially pathogenic bacterial isolates. Notable is the identified crucial importance of the native microbiome for the generation of offspring, consequently affecting life cycle decisions. Thus, we conclude that the microbiome is essential for the maintenance of a healthy metaorganism.
Defensive Properties of Mucin Glycoproteins during Respiratory Infections—Relevance for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Chatterjee Maitrayee , van Putten Jos P. M. , Strijbis Karin
Published: November 2020

Mucus plays a pivotal role in protecting the respiratory tract against microbial infections. It acts as a primary contact site to entrap microbes and facilitates their removal from the respiratory tract via the coordinated beating of motile cilia. The major components of airway mucus are heavily
O
-glycosylated mucin glycoproteins, divided into gel-forming mucins and transmembrane mucins. The gel-forming mucins MUC5AC and MUC5B are the primary structural components of airway mucus, and they enable efficient clearance of pathogens by mucociliary clearance.
Seed-Derived Microbial Colonization of Wild Emmer and Domesticated Bread Wheat (
Triticum dicoccoides
and
T. aestivum
) Seedlings Shows Pronounced Differences in Overall Diversity and Composition
Authors: Özkurt Ezgi , Hassani M. Amine , Sesiz Uğur , Künzel Sven , Dagan Tal , Özkan Hakan , Stukenbrock Eva H.
Published: November 2020

Genetic and physiological changes associated with plant domestication have been studied for many crop species. Still little is known about the impact of domestication on the plant-associated microbiota. In this study, we analyze the seed-associated and soil-derived bacterial and fungal microbiota of domesticated bread wheat and wild emmer wheat. We show a significant difference in the seed-associated, but not soil-derived, bacterial communities of the wheat species. Interestingly, we find less pronounced effects on the fungal communities. Overall, this study provides novel insight into the diversity of vertically transmitted microbiota of wheat and thereby contributes to our understanding of wheat as a “metaorganism.” Insight into the wheat microbiota is of fundamental importance for the development of improved crops.
Experiences of healthcare, including palliative care, of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families: a longitudinal qualitative investigation
Authors: Mitchell Sarah , Slowther Anne-Marie , Coad Jane , Dale Jeremy
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To understand the experiences and perceptions of healthcare services of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their family members, including palliative care.

Design

Longitudinal qualitative interview study with children and their family members. Up to three in-depth interviews were conducted over 13 months with each child and family. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

Community and hospital settings in the West Midlands, UK.

Participants

Children with a diverse range of life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, aged between 5 and 18 years, and their family members.

Findings

31 participants from 14 families including 10 children took part in 41 interviews. Two children died during the course of the study. Children accepted their conditions as part of life and had other priorities for living. Experiences of ‘fighting’ a fragmented healthcare system that focused on the biomedical aspects of their care were described. The possibility of death was rarely openly discussed. Palliative care tended to be conceptualised as a distinct service or phase of a child’s condition, rather than a broad approach. Access to palliative care depended on the availability of specialist services, and on trusted interpersonal relationships with healthcare professionals who could share uncertainty and the family’s emotional burden.

Conclusions

There is an urgent need to create a more child and family centred approach that enables palliative care to be truly integrated into the wider healthcare of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. Trusted, interpersonal relationships with healthcare professionals, and more effective coordination of care are fundamental to achieving this, and should be valued and enabled throughout the healthcare system.
Does the use of patient decision aids lead to cost savings? a systematic review
Authors: Scalia Peter , Barr Paul J , O'Neill Ciaran , Crealey Grainne E , Bagley Pamela J , Blunt Heather B , Elwyn Glyn
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To update a previous systematic review to determine if patient decision aid (PDA) interventions generate savings in healthcare settings, and if so, from which perspective (ie, patient, organisation providing care, society).

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Campbell Collaboration Library, EconLit, Business Source Complete, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination: NHS Economic Evaluations Database (NHS EED), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) from 15 March 2013 to 25 January 2019. The references of studies that met the eligibility criteria and any publications related to conference abstracts or registered clinical trials were reviewed to increase the sensitivity of the search.

Eligibility criteria

Full and partial economic evaluations with an experimental, quasi-experimental or randomised controlled design were included. The intervention had to satisfy the pre-determined minimum conditions necessary to be defined as a PDA, and (for full evaluations) provide details on the comparator used.

Data extraction and synthesis

All study outcomes and economic data were extracted. The reporting and quality of the economic analyses were independently assessed by two health economists.

Results

Of 5066 studies, 22 studies were included, including the 8 studies from the previous review. Twelve studies reported cost-savings (range=US$10 to US$81 156; US dollars in 2020), primarily from the organisational or health system perspective, and 10 studies did not. However, due to the quality of the economic analyses, and the related issues with the interpretative validity of results it would be inappropriate to say that PDAs will generate savings, from any perspective.

Conclusions

It is unclear whether PDAs will generate savings. Greater consensus on what constitutes a PDA and the need to compare them against usual care over a sufficient time horizon to allow valid assessment of costs and outcomes is required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019118457.
Laparoscopic bowel resection combined with infliximab treatment (LaRIC) versus infliximab for terminal ileitis in Crohn’s disease: a randomised, controlled, open-label trial
Authors: Hao Xiuxiu , Feng Tienan , Yang Yang , Shi Yuan , Jing Ran , Liu Sailiang , Luo Yang , Qiao Yuqi , Zhong Ming , Yu Minhao
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract with an increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide. The early use of anti-­tumour necrosis factor agents, such as infliximab, in patients with an aggressive form of Crohn’s disease has become part of routine practice. However, infliximab has limitations, and early surgery might benefit patients more. The objective of this study was to compare laparoscopic bowel resection with infliximab treatment in patients with moderately or severely active Crohn’s disease with respect to endoscopic remission. The laparoscopic bowel resection combined with infliximab treatment trial is the first randomised controlled trial to demonstrate if early surgery can improve the outcome of patients with Crohn’s disease with limited non-stricturing disease treated with infliximab.

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised, open-label, controlled trial at Renji Hospital. In this study, a total of 106 adult patients aged 18–80 years with moderately or severely active and steroid-dependent or steroid-resistant Crohn’s disease of the distal ileum will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the control and surgery groups. The primary outcome is 12-month endoscopic remission measured by the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease in the control group and the Rutgeerts score in the surgery group. The secondary outcomes are clinical remission, surgery rate, quality of life, Crohn’s disease-related medical costs and Crohn’s disease-related morbidity. The patients will be followed up every 6 months after randomisation through intestinal magnetic resonance enterography and colonoscopy for either 3 years or until clinical remission.

Ethics and dissemination

All participants will provide informed consent. The protocol has been approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of the Academic Medical Center in Shanghai (No KY2019-180). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and scientific conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000029323.
COVID-19 outcomes in UK centre within highest health and wealth band: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ken-Dror Gie , Wade Charles , Sharma Shyam , Law Jessica , Russo Cristina , Sharma Aarti , Joy Elizabeth , John Joshua , Robin Jonathan , John Sarah , Mahana Karim , Fluck David , Bentley Paul , Sharma Pankaj
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To describe the characteristics and outcomes of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 from UK in the highest decile of health and gross regional products per capita.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Recruited all adult inpatients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 symptoms admitted to a single Surrey centre between March and April 2020. Extensive demographic details were documented.

Outcome measure

COVID-19 status of alive/dead and intensive care unit (ICU) status of yes/no.

Participants

Patients with COVID-19 from Surrey centre UK (n=429).

Results

429 adult inpatients (mean age 70±18 years; men 56.4%) were included in this study, of whom, 19.1% required admission to ICU and 31.9% died. Adverse outcomes were associated with age (OR with each decade of years: 1.78, 95% CI 1.53 to 2.11, p<0.001 for mortality); male gender (OR=1.08, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.63, p=0.72, present in 70.7%, of admissions to ICU versus 53% of other cases, p=0.004); cardiac disease (OR=3.43, 95% CI 2.10 to 5.63, p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR=2.37, 95% CI 1.09 to 5.17, p=0.028) and dementia (OR=5.06, 95% CI 2.79 to 9.44, p<0.001). There was no significant impact of ethnicity or body mass index on disease outcome.

Conclusions

Despite reports of worse outcomes in deprived regions, we show similar complication and mortality rates due to COVID-19 in an affluent and high life expectancy region.
Characteristics of frequent paediatric users of emergency departments in England: an observational study using routine national data
Authors: Greenfield Geva , Blair Mitch , Aylin Paul P , Saxena Sonia , Majeed Azeem , Bottle Alex
Published: November 2020

Background

Frequent attendances of the same users in emergency departments (ED) can intensify workload pressures and are common among children, yet little is known about the characteristics of paediatric frequent users in EDs.

Aim

To describe the volume of frequent paediatric attendance in England and the demographics of frequent paediatric ED users in English hospitals.

Method

We analysed the Hospital Episode Statistics dataset for April 2014–March 2017. The study included 2 308 816 children under 16 years old who attended an ED at least once. Children who attended four times or more in 2015/2016 were classified as frequent users. The preceding and subsequent years were used to capture attendances bordering with the current year. We used a mixed effects logistic regression with a random intercept to predict the odds of being a frequent user in children from different sociodemographic groups.

Results

One in 11 children (9.1%) who attended an ED attended four times or more in a year. Infants had a greater likelihood of being a frequent attender (OR 3.24, 95% CI 3.19 to 3.30 vs 5 to 9 years old). Children from more deprived areas had a greater likelihood of being a frequent attender (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.54 to 1.59 vs least deprived). Boys had a slightly greater likelihood than girls (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.06). Children of Asian and mixed ethnic groups were more likely to be frequent users than those from white ethnic groups, while children from black and 'other' had a lower likelihood (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05; OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.06; OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.90; OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.92, respectively).

Conclusion

One in 11 children was a frequent attender. Interventions for reducing paediatric frequent attendance need to target infants and families living in deprived areas.
Predictors of low exercise cardiac output in patients with severe pulmonic regurgitation
Authors: Karsenty Clément , Khraiche Diala , Jais Jean Philippe , Raimondi Francesca , Ladouceur Magalie , Waldmann Victor , Soulat Gilles , Pontnau Florence , Bonnet Damien , Iserin Laurence , Legendre Antoine
Published: November 2020

Background and objectives

Chronic pulmonic regurgitation (PR) following repair of congenital heart disease (CHD) impairs right ventricular function that impacts peak exercise cardiac index (pCI). We aimed to estimate in a non-invasive way pCI and peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) and to evaluate predictors of low pCI in patients with significant residual pulmonic regurgitation after CHD repair.

Method

We included 82 patients (median age 19 years (range 10–54 years)) with residual pulmonic regurgitation fraction >40%. All underwent cardiac MRI and cardiopulmonary testing with measurement of pCI by thoracic impedancemetry. Low pCI was defined <7 L/min/m2.

Results

Low pCI was found in 18/82 patients. Peak indexed stroke volume (pSVi) tended to compensate chronotropic insufficiency only in patients with normal pCI (r=−0.31, p=0.01). Below 20 years of age, only 5/45 patients had low pCI but near-normal (≥6.5 L/min/m2). pVO2(mL/kg/min) was correlated with pCI (r=0.58, p=0.0002) only in patients aged >20 years. Left ventricular stroke volume in MRI correlated with pSVi only in the group of patients with low pCI (r=0.54, p=0.02). No MRI measurements predicted low pCI. In multivariable analysis, only age predicted a low pCI (OR=1.082, 95% CI 1.035 to 1.131, p=0.001) with continuous increase of risk with age.

Conclusions

In patients with severe PR, pVO2is a partial reflection of pCI. Risk of low pCI increases with age. No resting MRI measurement predicts low haemodynamic response to exercise. Probably more suitable to detect ventricular dysfunction, pCI measurement could be an additional parameter to take into account when considering pulmonic valve replacement.
Oncolytic vaccinia virus reinvigorates peritoneal immunity and cooperates with immune checkpoint inhibitor to suppress peritoneal carcinomatosis in colon cancer
Authors: Lee Yu Seong , Lee Won Suk , Kim Chang Woo , Lee Seung Joon , Yang Hannah , Kong So Jung , Ning John , Yang Kyung-Mee , Kang Beodeul , Kim Woo Ram , Chon Hong Jae , Kim Chan
Published: November 2020

Background

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is a common and devastating manifestation of colon cancer and refractory to conventional anticancer therapeutics. During the peritoneal dissemination of colon cancer, peritoneal immunity is nullified by various mechanisms of immune evasion. Here, we employed the armed oncolytic vaccinia virus mJX-594 (JX) to rejuvenate the peritoneal antitumor immune responses in the treatment of PC.

Methods

PC model of MC38 colon cancer was generated and intraperitoneally treated with JX and/or anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody. The peritoneal tumor burden, vascular leakage, and malignant ascites formation were then assessed. Tumors and peritoneal lavage cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, multiplex tissue imaging, and a NanoString assay.

Results

JX treatment effectively suppressed peritoneal cancer progression and malignant ascites formation. It also restored the peritoneal anticancer immunity by activating peritoneal dendritic cells (DCs) and CD8+ T cells. Moreover, JX selectively infected and killed peritoneal colon cancer cells and promoted the intratumoral infiltration of DCs and CD8+ T cells into peritoneal tumor nodules. JX reinvigorates anticancer immunity by reprogramming immune-related transcriptional signatures within the tumor microenvironment. Notably, JX cooperates with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), anti-programmed death-1, anti-programmed death-ligand 1, and anti-lymphocyte-activation gene-3 to elicit a stronger anticancer immunity that eliminates peritoneal metastases and malignant ascites of colon cancer compared with JX or ICI alone.

Conclusions

Intraperitoneal immunotherapy with JX restores peritoneal anticancer immunity and potentiates immune checkpoint blockade to suppress PC and malignant ascites in colon cancer.
Developing a ‘Doctors’ Assistant’ role to ease pressure on doctors and improve patient flow in acute NHS hospitals
Authors: McNally Scarlett , Huber Jörg
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The UK is short of doctors, whose workloads have increased. The new role of Doctors’ Assistant has been evaluated with the aim of addressing workload and patient-flow issues.

Methods

Five Doctors’ Assistants were introduced at two busy acute hospitals, recruited from the healthcare assistant workforce. We devised a 2-week induction, ongoing supervision and communication exercise. The evaluation used a mixed-method design. Doctors and Doctors’ Assistants completed self-reported diary entries and timings of tasks and ward rounds. Qualitative feedback was sought from other hospital staff and analysed by theme.

Results

Diary cards showed 44% of doctors’ time spent on administrative tasks. Doctors’ Assistants’ shifts documented tasks undertaken (including venepuncture, updating patient lists and drafting discharge summaries) with 84% resulting in earlier decision/diagnosis or care. Feedback reported key messages: Doctors’ Assistants provide considerable practical help, their attitude enhances the team and they improve patient flow.

Discussion

The project proved safe, successful and well liked. Unexpectedly, the project had to collect financial data to justify its continuation. Acute hospitals have few clinical roles at this level. Role transition requires training, supervision and line management.

Conclusion

The role of Doctors’ Assistant should be developed more widely, with attention to detail and economic benefits.
Prophylactic administration of tirofiban for preventing thromboembolic events in flow diversion treatment of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Wu Qiaowei , Shao Qiuji , Li Li , Liang Xiaodong , Chang Kaitao , Li Tianxiao , He Yingkun
Published: November 2020

Background

Flow diverter (FD) is widely used in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. However, thromboembolic events (TEs) continue to be the major complications during the periprocedural phase. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the prophylactic use of tirofiban, combined with the conventional dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT), as a new antiplatelet protocol in patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with FDs.

Methods

At least 3–5 days before the procedure, daily DAT were administrated to the patients. Tirofiban was administered as an intravenous bolus (5 µg/kg) over a 3 min period during or immediately after FD deployment, followed by a 0.05 µg/kg/min maintenance infusion for 24–48 hours. Periprocedural TEs and hemorrhagic events (HEs) were recorded.

Results

A total of 331 patients were included, including 229 (69.2%) who received tirofiban administration (tirofiban group) and 102 (30.8%) who received only DAT (non-tirofiban group). Periprocedural TEs occurred in 12 (3.6%) patients, including eight (7.8%) in the non-tirofiban group and four (1.7%) in the tirofiban group. In multivariate analysis, patients receiving tirofiban administration had significantly lower TEs as compared with those who received only DAT (P=0.004). Balloon angioplasty and longer procedure time (>137 min) were also risk factors for TEs. Also, no increase was observed in the rate of HEs related to tirofiban administration.

Conclusions

The current study suggested that prophylactic administration of tirofiban combined with conventional oral DAT seems safe and efficient for preventing TEs during FD treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Balloon angioplasty and prolonged procedure are associated with a high risk of TEs.
Addition of dexamethasone to local infiltration analgesia in elective total knee arthroplasty: double-blind, randomized control trial
Authors: El-Boghdadly Kariem , Short Anthony James , Gandhi Rajiv , Chan Vincent
Published: November 2020

Background and objectives

Total knee arthroplasty is associated with significant pain, and effective analgesia is beneficial to patient satisfaction and functional outcomes. Studies have demonstrated that dexamethasone may have a facilitatory role on the action of local anesthesia, but this effect, when added to a local infiltration analgesia (LIA) mixture for patients having knee arthroplasty, is underexplored. Our hypothesis was that the addition of dexamethasone to local anesthetic infiltration would improve analgesic outcomes following total knee arthroplasty.

Methods

We performed a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of 140 patients undergoing elective, unilateral, total knee arthroplasty. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either 2 mL of saline 0.9% or 2 mL of dexamethasone 4 mg/mL added to a LIA mixture. Our primary outcome was 24 hours of oral morphine equivalent consumption. Our secondary outcomes included short-term and long-term analgesic and functional outcomes and adverse events.

Results

A total of 72 patients were included in the saline group and 68 were included in the dexamethasone group. We found comparable 24 hours of morphine consumption between saline and dexamethasone groups, with a median of 60 (IQR 40–105 (range 16–230)) mg and 56 (IQR 41–75 (range 0–300)) mg, respectively (p=0.096). Dexamethasone was associated with a statistically significant reduction in total inpatient opioid consumption, incidence of requiring rescue patient-controlled analgesia, length of hospital stay, and postoperative nausea, compared with saline. Patients in the dexamethasone group had a greater range of joint movement and distance walked on postoperative day 1 than the saline group. There were no differences in rest or active pain scores, timed up and go or 3-month outcomes.

Conclusions

Dexamethasone 8 mg was associated with no improvements in 24 hours of morphine consumption but was associated with modest improvements in short-term analgesia, short-term function, length of stay and postoperative nausea. There were no long-term benefits in the use of dexamethasone in LIA for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

Trial registration number

NCT02760043
A probabilistic approach to identify the representative rut curve for a bituminous mixture specimen used in a dry wheel tracking test
Authors: Mubashirhussain Syed , Chowdary Venkaiah
Published: November 2020

Rutting is considered a highly significant failure in bituminous pavements. Wheel tracking tests are widely used laboratory simulation tests to characterize the rutting resistance of bituminous mixtures. Considerable variation is observed in the accumulated rut depth at different locations along the wheel traverse and the representative rut curve obtained from different methodologies also shows significant variations. A probabilistic approach was adopted to analyze this scatter in the rut depth at a specific number of wheel passes and reliability-based rut curves were developed. Weibull and lognormal distributions are better at characterizing the scatter in the accumulated rut depths at various locations than the normal distribution. The results from the probabilistic rut data for two different binders and two different bituminous mixtures tested at six different temperatures at a specific number of wheel passes showed that different representative rut curves have different percentages of reliability. This work provides a rationale for choosing a representative rut curve from different methodologies.
The treatment of SARS-CoV2 with antivirals and mitigation of the cytokine storm syndrome: the role of gene expression
Authors: Luo Wenxia , Ige Olufola O. , Beacon Tasnim H. , Su Ruey-Chyi , Huang Shujun , Davie James R. , Lakowski Ted M.
Published: November 2020

In the absence of a vaccine, the treatment of SARS-CoV2 has focused on eliminating the virus with antivirals or mitigating the cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) that leads to the most common cause of death: respiratory failure. Herein we discuss the mechanisms of antiviral treatments for SARS-CoV2 and treatment strategies for the CSS. Antivirals that have shown in vitro activity against SARS-CoV2, or the closely related SARS-CoV1 and MERS-CoV, are compared on the enzymatic level and by potency in cells. For treatment of the CSS, we discuss medications that reduce the effects or expression of cytokines involved in the CSS with an emphasis on those that reduce IL-6 because of its central role in the development of the CSS. We show that some of the medications covered influence the activity or expression of enzymes involved in epigenetic processes and specifically those that add or remove modifications to histones or DNA. Where available, the latest clinical data showing the efficacy of the medications is presented. With respect to their mechanisms, we explain why some medications are successful, why others have failed, and why some untested medications may yet prove useful.
Invisible Higgs search through vector boson fusion: a deep learning approach
Authors: Ngairangbam Vishal S. , Bhardwaj Akanksha , Konar Partha , Nayak Aruna Kumar
Published: November 2020

Vector boson fusion proposed initially as an alternative channel for finding heavy Higgs has now established itself as a crucial search scheme to probe different properties of the Higgs boson or for new physics. We explore the merit of deep-learning entirely from the low-level calorimeter data in the search for invisibly decaying Higgs. Such an effort supersedes decades-old faith in the remarkable event kinematics and radiation pattern as a signature to the absence of any color exchange between incoming partons in the vector boson fusion mechanism. We investigate among different neural network architectures, considering both low-level and high-level input variables as a detailed comparative analysis. To have a consistent comparison with existing techniques, we closely follow a recent experimental study of CMS search on invisible Higgs with 36 fb$$^{-1}$$

-
1

data. We find that sophisticated deep-learning techniques have the impressive capability to improve the bound on invisible branching ratio by a factor of three, utilizing the same amount of data. Without relying on any exclusive event reconstruction, this novel technique can provide the most stringent bounds on the invisible branching ratio of the SM-like Higgs boson. Such an outcome has the ability to constraint many different BSM models severely.
Chapter 2 Structural development of the Arabian Intrashelf Basin region
Authors: Wilson A. O.
Published: November 2020

This chapter summarizes the tectonic events that have affected the region of the Arabian Intrashelf Basin and the development of the intrashelf basin. Precambrian–Infracambrian fault systems provided a structural framework, which was later reactivated during the Late Paleozoic. Further development along the structural trends continued in the Triassic and Early Jurassic with the development of an Early Jurassic tectonically controlled intrashelf basin. The accommodation space was filled with Dhruma Formation carbonates by the early Bathonian, resulting in a broad and fairly flat platform. A crucial factor is how suppressed tectonism was during the Mid- and Late Jurassic. The intrashelf basin developed on the broad, tectonically stable Tethyan passive margin continental shelf 200--300 km distant from the Tethyan outer shelf edge. During the Mid- and Late Jurassic, this tectonic stability provided the foundation for a broad, stable Tethyan continental shelf region at least 1000 × 1200 km in area, far removed from siliciclastic sources, within which the huge Arabian Intrashelf Basin formed and the sequences of carbonate rocks and evaporites that created the Jurassic hydrocarbon system were deposited. Tectonism during the Mid- to Late Jurassic evolution of the Arabian Intrashelf Basin initially included only moderate subsidence. There was subtle uplift along some of the structural trends in the Late Jurassic and uplift and westwards structural tilt along the Tethys oceanic margin. Relatively stable tectonism continued after the Jurassic and was a major factor in the accumulation of the vast reserves of Jurassic sourced oil. Tectonic stability prevented major faulting and structural compartmentalization of the basin features, which provided large areas for hydrocarbon migration as the large and broad anticlines developed into the huge structural traps. The lack of major faulting limited the movement of burial fluids, preserving the early formed porosity and the regionally extensive seals. The present day structures primarily developed from the Late Cretaceous to Miocene as the Tethys Ocean closed.
Chapter 5 Interpretation of the origin and evolution of the Arabian Intrashelf Basin and the development of the Dhruma Atash, Tuwaiq and Hanifa sequences
Authors: Wilson A. O.
Published: November 2020

This is the first of two chapters in which the data presented in the first four chapters of this Memoir are reviewed and interpreted. A summary cross-section across the basin from the Saudi outcrop to Abu Dhabi and the Tethyan margin is used to summarize the regional setting and sequences as interpreted in this Memoir. The key points illustrated by the summary cross-section are stated and discussed in the first part of this chapter. Two different interpretations for the eastern margin of the intrashelf basin are reviewed. In the first of these interpretations, the margin with the deeper waters of the Tethys Ocean shelf is adjacent to the intrashelf basin rim in Abu Dhabi, whereas in the second, preferred in this Memoir, a broad, shallow Tethyan shelf platform (200–300 km wide) extends from the intrashelf basin rim to the Tethys continental shelf edge. The implications of Late Jurassic exposure and erosion on the adjacent Tethyan shelf are discussed. The development of the Arabian Intrashelf Basin during the Callovian–late Oxfordian (the Tuwaiq Mountain Formation, the source rock and the Hanifa intervals and associated sequences) is interpreted and discussed with illustrations, including step-by-step facies maps. The interpretation integrates depositional, eustatic and tectonic factors in the evolution of the intrashelf basin. The interpretation in this Memoir is that the Arabian Intrashelf Basin began with isostatic and extensional subsidence on top of a broad Dhruma Atash Member platform, which had largely filled the accommodation space up to the wave base and to near sea-level. It developed fully into an intrashelf basin during the deposition of the Callovian Tuwaiq sequence, with rising sea-levels coincident with a productive shallow water carbonate factory resulting in a rim of shallow water carbonate. An end-Callovian to early Oxfordian lowstand terminated the Tuwaiq sequence on the basin rim. During the lowstand, restricted conditions in the basin deposited the rich Lower Hanifa source rock as a lowstand systems tract. As more normal conditions returned in a subsequent sequence, the source rock facies graded upwards into Hanifa reservoir facies, which partially filled the basin. Hanifa progradation was terminated by another lowstand during which a subaqueous gypsum/anhydrite marker bed was deposited in at least part of the remnant basin. Earlier interpretations of these sequences are also discussed.
Emotion Work: A Work Psychology Perspective
Authors: Zapf Dieter , Kern Marcel , Tschan Franziska , Holman David , Semmer Norbert K.
Published: November 2020

Emotion work, the management of feelings and emotional displays in response to emotion work requirements, can have both positive and negative effects on well-being and performance. Adopting a work psychology perspective and drawing on work stress and work design literatures, we outline an expanded model of emotion work, regarding emotion work requirements as job characteristics and as part of broader task requirements. The challenge-hindrance stressors framework helps explain positive effects of emotion work in terms of professional role fulfillment. We emphasize the importance of negative events and negative emotions for outcomes of surface acting conditions, and we highlight the often-neglected role of automatic emotion regulation in emotion work. Research on culture suggests that existing results are mostly valid for Western cultures. Practical and research implications refer to a stronger emphasis on conditions at work in general, including stressors and resources, which together determine the meaning of emotion work conditions.
The Spectrum ofHelicobacter-Mediated Diseases
Authors: Robinson Karen , Atherton John C.
Published: November 2020

Helicobacter pylori is the leading cause of peptic ulcer disease. The infection has been implicated in more than 75% of duodenal ulcer cases and 17% of gastric ulcer cases. H. pylori has been classified as a human carcinogen, since it is the main cause of distal gastric adenocarcinoma and B cell mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Evidence also links H. pylori with extragastric conditions including iron deficiency anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and vitamin B12deficiency. Studies indicate that H. pylori may be protective against other conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., reflux esophagitis and related pathologies) and elsewhere in the body (e.g., asthma). The infection is asymptomatic in the vast majority of cases; more serious outcomes occur in only 10–15% of infected individuals. Despite extensive research over the past 3 decades, there is no effective vaccine, and the circumstances leading to disease development remain unclear. In addition, there is now a growing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in H. pylori. This review discusses these important issues.
Simulation and Analysis Methods for Stochastic Compartmental Epidemic Models
Authors: Ganyani Tapiwa , Faes Christel , Hens Niel
Published: November 2020

This article considers simulation and analysis of incidence data using stochastic compartmental models in well-mixed populations. Several simulation approaches are described and compared. Thereafter, we provide an overview of likelihood estimation for stochastic models. We apply one such method to a real-life outbreak data set and compare models assuming different kinds of stochasticity. We also give references for other publications where detailed information on this topic can be found.
Improved Capacity Retention of Lithium Ion Batteries under Fast Charge via Metal-Coated Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Tallman Killian R. , Yan Shan , Quilty Calvin D. , Abraham Alyson , McCarthy Alison H. , Marschilok Amy C. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Takeuchi Esther S. , Bock David C.
Published: November 2020

A primary barrier preventing repetitive fast charging of Li-ion batteries is lithium metal plating at the graphite anode. One approach toward mitigating Li metal deposition is the deliberate modification of the graphite anode surface with materials demonstrating high overpotentials unfavorable for Li metal nucleation, such as Ni or Cu nanoscale films. This research explores Ni and Cu surface coatings at different areal loadings (3 or 11 μg cm−2) on the electrochemistry of graphite/LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622) type Li-ion batteries. Extended galvanostatic cycling of control and metal-coated electrodes in graphite/NMC622 pouch cells are conducted under high rate conditions. Based on the overpotential of Li deposition on metal foil, both Ni and Cu treatments were anticipated to result in reduced lithium deposition. The higher metal film loadings of 11 μg cm−2 Ni- or Cu-coated electrodes exhibit the highest capacity retention after 500 cycles, with mean improvements of 8% and 9%, respectively, over uncoated graphite electrodes. Li plating quantified by X-ray diffraction indicates that the metal films effectively reduce the quantity of plated Li compared to untreated electrodes, with 11 μg cm−2 Cu providing the greatest benefit.
Effects of Cultured Cordycep militaris on Sexual Performance and Erectile Function in Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Male Rats
Authors: Pohsa Sureena , Hanchang Wanthanee , Singpoonga Nattapong , Chaiprasart Peerasak , Taepavarapruk Pornnarin
Published: November 2020

Cordyceps militaris (CM), a valuable edible and medicinal fungus, has been used as traditional medicine to treat health conditions, as well as hyposexuality in Asian societies for over a century. Due to the high demand, several artificial cultivation methods have been developed for their biological activities. In this study, CM was cultured on medium that contained white rice and silkworm pupae, and the levels of cordycepin and adenosine, as well as its aphrodisiac effects in diabetes‐induced erectile dysfunction (DIED), were evaluated. Diabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection and administered orally with CM (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg BW/day) for 3 weeks. Diabetic rats in negative and positive control groups received vehicle and sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg), respectively. Results showed the changes in mating behaviour in which mount latency and intromission latency were significantly increased in diabetic rats, compared with the normal control group. Diabetic rats also showed a significant reduction in intracavernosal pressure (ICP) response to cavernous nerve stimulation, sperm count, testosterone level, penile nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, when compared to the normal control group. Administration of CM (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg BW/day) reversed the effects of diabetes on the mating behaviour, and the ICP responses to electrical stimulation. Moreover, the levels of penile NOS, testicular SOD activities, testosterone, and sperm count were significantly increased, and testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased in these treated diabetic rats. Diabetic rats treated with sildenafil showed a significant induction in intromission frequency and NOS and SOD activities, as well as a marked increase in ICP responses. These results suggest that CCM exerts its aphrodisiac effect, possibly through activating testosterone production and suppressing oxidative stress to enhance erectile function in diabetic rats.