bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographic appearance of pseudo‐placentational endometrial hyperplasia in a dog
Authors: Ma Ling‐Ya , Heng Hock Gan , Chia Min‐Yuan , Cheng Feng‐Pang , Lin Cheng‐Chung , Chen Kuan‐Sheng
Published: May 2020

A 5‐year‐old, clinically normal intact female Miniature Schnauzer was presented for demonstrative ultrasonography in a seminar. She had two pregnancies in the past and had a natural mating 2 months previously. Ultrasonography revealed a segmental and circumferential mural thickening of the right uterine horn. The endometrium was markedly thickened with multiple organized hyperechoic linear striations, perpendicular to the mucosal surface. Histology revealed focal endometrial hyperplasia resembling the maternal tissue of the normal canine placenta. A diagnosis of spontaneous pseudo‐placentational endometrial hyperplasia (PEH) was made. This study described a unique ultrasonographic appearance of PEH, which may facilitate the diagnosis of PEH.
Indonesia in the Eyes of Australians through Media Coverage (A Qualitative Study about How Australians Portrays Indonesia)
Authors: Indriani Sri Seti , Prasanti Ditha
Published: May 2020

Media reality, by far, tends to construct how people see things despite the objective reality. Indonesia, for this case, is a country that is known as its many conflicts and disasters through media coverage globally. Australia, as its neighbour, has also come to have some conclusions about Indonesia through the Australian Media, which then gives a sense of knowledge about Indonesia. The purpose of this research is to acknowledge how Australian Media portrays Indonesian and how the Australians perceive Indonesia because of it. This qualitative research conducted interviews with some Australians that are concerned about Indonesia.The result of the study concludes that the media portrays Indonesia less as a tourists place, even though it was advertised repeatedly but more like an unorganized, chaotic place for pedestrians and commuters. Indonesia is seen as a country full of disasters and conflicts which signals that the country needs a hand from Australia. It is seen as a violent and dangerous place.Despite the media coverage of Indonesia, and their agreement of Indonesia as a chaotic and dangerous place, Australians still consider Indonesia as a beautiful tourist place to go. Most believe that Indonesia is a young nation that is still developing, and as a young nation, it often has many issues, so it tends to be unorganized. The media has succeeded to portray Indonesia as it is.
Analysis of Radial Compressor Performance at Low Pressure Ratios and Compressor Choke
Authors: Schloßhauer Adrian , Falke Felix , Klütsch Johannes , Kreienborg Iris , Pischinger Stefan
Published: May 2020

Strong transient engine load steps can result in low pressure ratio (ΠC) compressor operation for single stage turbocharged (TC) systems. For conventional full load TC engine matching using one-dimensional (1D)-engine process simulation, these operating points are of limited relevance and are consequently less studied. However, for the layout of sequential turbocharging systems, low pressure ratio compressor operation has to be thoroughly understood. Therefore, in this paper, three-dimensional (3D)-computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations will be presented, which analyze the stationary compressor behavior at low pressure ratios. Operating points at ΠC<1 are investigated by reducing the compressor outlet pressure. The simulation results are validated against measurement data acquired at a stationary hot gas test bench. The compressor performance is quantified by a corrected compressor torque. Opposed to the well-known operation at ΠC>1, the compressor generates power close to zero speed for ΠC<1 (turbine operation). At higher mass flowrates and ΠC<1, the compressor consumes power. Pressure build-up in the wheel is overcompensated by losses in the diffusor and the volute resulting in a net pressure drop across the stage. The 3D-CFD simulations also allow a speed-dependent evaluation of the choking cross section inside the compressor. At low circumferential speeds, compressor choke occurs in the volute or at the wheel outlet. At higher speeds, choking is observed at the wheel inlet. This behavior must be accounted for compressor map extrapolation methods for 1D-engine process simulations in order to correctly predict the choking mass flowrate.
Detecting changes in distortion product otoacoustic emission maps using statistical parametric mapping and random field theory
Authors: Anderson A. P. , Covington K. B. , Rieke C. C. , Fellows A. M. , Buckey J. C.
Published: May 2020

Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) maps collect DPOAE emissions over a broad range of frequencies and ratios. One application of DPOAE mapping could be monitoring changes in intracranial pressure (ICP) in space, where non-invasive measures of ICP are an area of interest. Data were collected in two experiments to statistically assess changes in DPOAE maps. A repeatability study where four maps per subject were collected across four weeks to establish “normal” variability in DPOAE data, and a posture study where subjects were measured supine and prone with lower body negative pressure, lower body positive pressure (LBPP), and at atmospheric pressure. DPOAE amplitude maps were analyzed using statistical parametric mapping and random field theory. Postural changes produced regional changes in the maps, specifically in the range of 5–7.5 kHz and between primary tone ratios of 1.13–1.24. These regional changes were most pronounced in the prone LBPP condition, where amplitudes were lower from baseline for the Postural Cohort than the Repeatability Cohort. Statistical parametric mapping provided a sensitive measure of regional DPOAE map changes, which may be useful clinically to monitor ICP noninvasively in individuals or for research to identify differences within in cohorts of people.
Numerical simulation of an acoustically excited plane jet in an incompressible framework and comparison with experimental data
Authors: Szabó András , Nagy Péter Tamás , Paál György
Published: May 2020

This paper is concerned with the interaction of a two-dimensional plane jet with transverse plane acoustic waves, which occur, for example, in flue instruments in the vicinity of the nozzle exit. The acoustic excitation is modeled with fluctuating boundary conditions within the framework of an incompressible simulation. This method can be easily implemented in commercial CFD software. The simulations are compared with well-documented measurement data from other authors. It is shown that the model can predict not only the growth rate but also the amplitude of the perturbation, thus it captures the key features of the jet behavior in the receptive and in the linear growth region.
Radiation modes and sound radiation from a flexible structure mounted in a duct
Authors: Liu Yang , Du Jingtao , Cheng Li
Published: May 2020

The concept of the radiation modes, originally proposed for free-field problems, has found its widespread use in sound radiation analyses of vibrating structures and their active control applications. In this paper, the sound radiation of a flexible structure, flush-mounted inside a duct in both 2D and 3D configurations, is investigated via an energy-based formulation in conjunction with the near-field integration technique. The structural radiation characteristics are first discussed in terms of modal radiation efficiency, which exhibits obvious oscillating behavior with respect to frequencies, in which symmetric patterns are dominant with smooth variations for small acoustic wavenumbers. Then the interior sound radiation modes are investigated. It is shown that, as compared with their free-space counterparts, the lower-order radiation modes in a duct are more sensitive and prone to be affected by the duct starting from its cut-on frequency. Drastic changes in the radiation mode shapes are observed around the cut-on frequency and each of its multiples/harmonics. Finally, analyses are extended to a coupled panel-duct system. It is observed that, contrary to the free-space case, lower-order radiation modes exhibit predominant variations along the duct length direction, suggesting a possible simplification of the 3D configuration into a 2D one.
Direct evidence for efficient ultrafast charge separation in epitaxial WS
2
/graphene heterostructures
Authors: Aeschlimann Sven , Rossi Antonio , Chávez-Cervantes Mariana , Krause Razvan , Arnoldi Benito , Stadtmüller Benjamin , Aeschlimann Martin , Forti Stiven , Fabbri Filippo , Coletti Camilla , Gierz Isabella
Published: May 2020

We reveal ultrafast charge separation in a WS
2
/graphene heterostructure possibly enabling optical spin injection into graphene.
Versatile transgenic multistage effector-gene combinations for
Plasmodium falciparum
suppression in
Anopheles
Authors: Dong Yuemei , Simões Maria L. , Dimopoulos George
Published: May 2020

We assess the efficacy of an array of transgenic restriction factors in suppressing
Plasmodium
infection in the mosquito vector.
The obesity-induced adipokine sST2 exacerbates adipose T
reg
and ILC2 depletion and promotes insulin resistance
Authors: Zhao Xu-Yun , Zhou Linkang , Chen Zhimin , Ji Yewei , Peng Xiaoling , Qi Ling , Li Siming , Lin Jiandie D.
Published: May 2020

We uncovered sST2 as an obesity-induced adipokine that exacerbates adipose T
reg
/ILC2 depletion and promotes insulin resistance.
Spontaneous oscillations and negative-conductance transitions in microfluidic networks
Authors: Case Daniel J. , Angilella Jean-Régis , Motter Adilson E.
Published: May 2020

We present microfluidic networks designed to exhibit nonlinear flow behaviors that enable new built-in flow control capabilities.
Surrounded catalysts prepared by ion-exchange inverse loading
Authors: Hao Panpan , Xie Mingjiang , Chen Shanyong , Li Muhong , Bi Feifei , Zhang Yu , Lin Ming , Guo Xiangke , Ding Weiping , Guo Xuefeng
Published: May 2020

A reverse-design surrounded catalyst shows great potential as the upgrade of the traditional supported catalyst.
Transient inhibition of mTOR in human pluripotent stem cells enables robust formation of mouse-human chimeric embryos
Authors: Hu Zhixing , Li Hanqin , Jiang Houbo , Ren Yong , Yu Xinyang , Qiu Jingxin , Stablewski Aimee B. , Zhang Boyang , Buck Michael J. , Feng Jian
Published: May 2020

The study produces large amounts of mature human cells in mouse embryos, paving the way for making human organs in animals.
Dlp-mediated Hh and Wnt signaling interdependence is critical in the niche for germline stem cell progeny differentiation
Authors: Tu Renjun , Duan Bo , Song Xiaoqing , Xie Ting
Published: May 2020

Proteoglycan-mediated Hh and Wnt signaling interdependence is required in the niche for stem cell progeny differentiation.
Topology control of human fibroblast cells monolayer by liquid crystal elastomer
Authors: Turiv Taras , Krieger Jess , Babakhanova Greta , Yu Hao , Shiyanovskii Sergij V. , Wei Qi-Huo , Kim Min-Ho , Lavrentovich Oleg D.
Published: May 2020

Photopatterned liquid crystal elastomer templates living tissue with predesigned alignment patterns and topological defects.
Identification of distinct pathological signatures induced by patient-derived α-synuclein structures in nonhuman primates
Authors: Bourdenx M. , Nioche A. , Dovero S. , Arotcarena M.-L. , Camus S. , Porras G. , Thiolat M.-L. , Rougier N. P. , Prigent A. , Aubert P. , Bohic S. , Sandt C. , Laferrière F. , Doudnikoff E. , Kruse N. , Mollenhauer B. , Novello S. , Morari M. , Leste-Lasserre T. , Trigo-Damas I. , Goillandeau M. , Perier C. , Estrada C. , Garcia-Carrillo N. , Recasens A. , Vaikath N. N. , El-Agnaf O. M. A. , Herrero M. T. , Derkinderen P. , Vila M. , Obeso J. A. , Dehay B. , Bezard E.
Published: May 2020

Machine learning–based approach unravels distinct pathological signatures induced by patient-derived α-synuclein seeds in monkeys.
The evolutionary origins of the cat attractant nepetalactone in catnip
Authors: Lichman Benjamin R. , Godden Grant T. , Hamilton John P. , Palmer Lira , Kamileen Mohamed O. , Zhao Dongyan , Vaillancourt Brieanne , Wood Joshua C. , Sun Miao , Kinser Taliesin J. , Henry Laura K. , Rodriguez-Lopez Carlos , Dudareva Natalia , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S. , Buell C. Robin , O’Connor Sarah E.
Published: May 2020

Complementary clues from enzyme and genome evolution reveal how a mint turned into catmint.
Altered
d
-glucose in brain parenchyma and cerebrospinal fluid of early Alzheimer’s disease detected by dynamic glucose-enhanced MRI
Authors: Huang Jianpan , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Han Xiongqi , Dong Celia M. , Cheng Gerald W. Y. , Tse Kai-Hei , Knutsson Linda , Chen Lin , Lai Joseph H. C. , Wu Ed X. , Xu Jiadi , Chan Kannie W. Y.
Published: May 2020

d
-glucose–enhanced MRI detects altered CSF flow and glucose utilization in early Alzheimer’s disease when plaque formation begins.
Crystal structure of bovine herpesvirus 1 glycoprotein D bound to nectin-1 reveals the basis for its low-affinity binding to the receptor
Authors: Yue Dan , Chen Zhujun , Yang Fanli , Ye Fei , Lin Sheng , He Bin , Cheng Yanwei , Wang Jichao , Chen Zimin , Lin Xi , Yang Jing , Chen Hua , Zhang Zhonglin , You Yu , Sun Honglu , Wen Ao , Wang Lingling , Zheng Yue , Cao Yu , Li Yuhua , Lu Guangwen
Published: May 2020

BHV-1 gD structures reveal that viral ligand has a unique G-strand/α2-helix interloop interfering with nectin-1 binding.
Estimating the burden of SARS-CoV-2 in France
Authors: Salje Henrik , Tran Kiem Cécile , Lefrancq Noémie , Courtejoie Noémie , Bosetti Paolo , Paireau Juliette , Andronico Alessio , Hozé Nathanaël , Richet Jehanne , Dubost Claire-Lise , Le Strat Yann , Lessler Justin , Levy-Bruhl Daniel , Fontanet Arnaud , Opatowski Lulla , Boelle Pierre-Yves , Cauchemez Simon
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 pandemic in France

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exacted a heavy toll in France during March and April 2020. Quarantine measures were effective in reducing transmission by 84%, and some relaxation of social isolation was expected in May. Salje
et al.
fit transmission models for the epidemic in France to hospital admissions. The authors forecast that 2.9 million people will have been infected by 11 May, representing 4.4% of the population—a value inadequate for herd immunity. Daily critical care hospitalizations should reduce from several hundreds to tens of cases, but control will remain a delicate balancing act. Any relaxation of lockdown in France will have to be carefully controlled and monitored to avoid undermining more optimistic forecasts.

Science
, this issue p.
208
Transcriptional Inhibition of the F
1
F
0
-Type ATP Synthase Has Bactericidal Consequences on the Viability of Mycobacteria
Authors: McNeil Matthew B. , Ryburn Heath W. K. , Harold Liam K. , Tirados Justin F. , Cook Gregory M.
Published: May 2020

Bedaquiline, an inhibitor of the mycobacterial ATP synthase, has revolutionized the treatment of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection. Although a potent inhibitor, it is characterized by poorly understood delayed time-dependent bactericidal activity. Here, we demonstrate that in contrast to bedaquiline, the transcriptional inhibition of the ATP synthase in
M. tuberculosis
and
Mycobacterium smegmatis
has rapid bactericidal activity. These results validate the mycobacterial ATP synthase as a drug target with the potential for rapid bactericidal activity.
Genome Sequence of a Staphylococcus aureus Strain Isolated from a Dairy Cow That Was Nonresponsive to Antibiotic Treatment
Authors: Lippolis John D. , Putz Ellie J. , Ma Hao , Alt David P. , Casas Eduardo , Reinhardt Timothy A.
Published: May 2020

Staphylococcus aureus
can cause mastitis in dairy cattle. We report the genome sequence of a
Staphylococcus aureus
strain isolated from a dairy cow with a chronic case of mastitis. The infection with this strain of
Staphylococcus aureus
was not cleared from the animal with antibiotic treatment.
Genome Assembly of Azotobacter chroococcum Strain W5, a Free-Living Diazotroph Isolated from India
Authors: Kannepalli Annapurna , Pengani Kedharnath Reddy , Yasin Jeshima Khan , Paul Sangeeta , Tyagi Swati , Venkadasamy Govindasamy , Sharma Meenakshi , Karivaradharajan Swarnalakshmi
Published: May 2020

Azotobacter chroococcum
strain W5 (MTCC 25045) is an effective diazotrophic bacterium with plant growth-promoting traits. Here, we report the draft genome assembly of this biologically and agronomically evaluated
A. chroococcum
strain. The genome assembly in 55 contigs is 4,617,864 bp long, with a G+C content of 66.83%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606
T
, a Model Strain of Pathogenic Bacteria Causing Nosocomial Infection
Authors: Tsubouchi Taishi , Suzuki Masato , Niki Makoto , Oinuma Ken-Ichi , Niki Mamiko , Kakeya Hiroshi , Kaneko Yukihiro
Published: May 2020

Acinetobacter baumannii
ATCC 19606
T
, which is often used in genetic studies as a routine model microorganism, belongs to sequence type 52 (ST52), showing beta-lactam resistance. We present the complete 3.996-Mbp genome sequence (1 chromosome plus 2 plasmids), generated by combining long-read (MinION) and short-read (MiniSeq) sequencing data.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus cereus Bacteriophage vB_BceS_KLEB30-3S
Authors: Šimoliūnienė Monika , Tumėnas Deividas , Kvederavičiūtė Kotryna , Meškys Rolandas , Šulčius Sigitas , Šimoliūnas Eugenijus
Published: May 2020

In this study, we present the genomic characterization of the temperate bacteriophage vB_BceS_KLEB30-3S (KLEB30-3S), which was induced from
Bacillus cereus
strain KR3M-30, isolated from a gypsum karst lake ecosystem in Lithuania. The 37,134-bp genome of KLEB30-3S contains 58 predicted protein-encoding genes and no tRNA genes.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Three Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Isolated from Solanum tuberosum L. Rhizosphere in Tanzania
Authors: Aloo Becky N. , Mbega Ernest R. , Makumba Billy A. , Friedrich Ines , Hertel Robert , Daniel Rolf
Published: May 2020

We present here the complete genome sequences of plant growth-promotingKlebsiellasp. strain MPUS7,Serratiasp. strain NGAS9, andCitrobactersp. strain LUTT5, isolated from rhizosphere soils and tubers of potato (Solanum tuberosumL.) plants growing in the northern and southern highlands of Tanzania.
Draft Genome Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae UMB8492, Isolated from the Female Urinary Tract
Authors: Gondi Suma , Miller-Ensminger Taylor , Voukadinova Adelina , Wolfe Alan J. , Putonti Catherine
Published: May 2020

Here, we present the draft genome sequence for
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strain UMB8492, isolated from a urine sample from a female patient with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. The assembled genome has a length of 5,660,575 bp, a G+C content of 57.19%, and an
N
50
value of 136,315 bp.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptococcus agalactiae UMB7782, Isolated from the Female Urinary Tract
Authors: Salgado Linda M. , Miller-Ensminger Taylor , Voukadinova Adelina , Wolfe Alan J. , Putonti Catherine
Published: May 2020

Streptococcus agalactiae
is a Gram-positive bacterium common to the human gut and vaginal microbiota. Here, we report the 2.1-Mbp draft genome sequence of
S. agalactiae
UMB7782, isolated from a urine sample from a woman with a recurrent urinary tract infection.
Draft Genome Sequence of Clostridium estertheticum-Like Strain FP3, Isolated from Spoiled Uncooked Lamb
Authors: Palevich Nikola , Palevich Faith P. , Maclean Paul H. , Jauregui Ruy , Altermann Eric , Mills John , Brightwell Gale
Published: May 2020

Clostridium estertheticum
-like strain FP3 was isolated from vacuum-packaged refrigerated spoiled lamb. This bacterium is psychrotrophic, Gram positive, spore-forming, and a strict anaerobe. Here, we report the generation and annotation of the 5.6-Mb draft genome sequence of
C. estertheticum
-like strain FP3.
Ovarian torsion and laparoscopy in the paediatric and adolescent population
Authors: Winton Claire , Yamoah Kofi
Published: May 2020

A 9-year-old girl attended the emergency department with right-sided abdominal pain and vomiting. Due to history and following examination, an ultrasound was requested which demonstrated a large complex midline mass. The most likely diagnosis was ovarian torsion, for which the patient underwent laparoscopy, detorsion and ovarian cystectomy. Histology revealed a mature cystic teratoma. Although less common than in the adult population, it is important to consider ovarian torsion in children and adolescents. Presentation is usually with pain accompanied by vomiting and fever, although these symptoms are not always present. Current management is organ-sparing, with laparoscopy±cystectomy. We discuss the adaptations for this procedure with regard to the paediatric and adolescent population. Differences in the anatomy and physiology must lead to consideration for alterations in surgical technique and positioning to ensure the safest and best quality care for these young patients.
Progress on sodium reduction in South Korea
Authors: Park Hye-Kyung , Lee Yoonna , Kang Baeg-Won , Kwon Kwang-il , Kim Jong-Wook , Kwon Oh-Sang , Cobb Laura K , Campbell Norman R C , Blakeman Drew E , Kim Cho-il
Published: May 2020

Introduction

High dietary sodium is a leading contributor to hypertension, and hypertension is the leading underlying cause of death globally. There is a robust body of evidence supporting the health benefits of sodium reduction. Sodium intake in South Korea is high, with about half the population consuming>4000 mg/day, twice the recommended upper limit.

Methods

In 2012, South Korea implemented its National Plan to Reduce Sodium Intake, with a goal of reducing population sodium consumption by 20%, to 3900 mg/day, by 2020. The plan included five key components: (1) a consumer awareness campaign designed to change food consumption behaviours; (2) increased availability of low-sodium foods at schools and worksites; (3) increased availability of low-sodium meals in restaurants; (4) voluntary reformulation of processed foods to lower sodium content; and (5) development of low-sodium recipes for food prepared at home. Monitoring and evaluation included tracking sodium intake and sources of dietary sodium using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Results

By 2014, South Korea had reduced dietary sodium consumption among adults by 23.7% compared to a survey conducted in 2010 prior to implementation of a nationwide salt reduction campaign that used this comprehensive, multipronged approach. The reductions in sodium intake were accompanied by reductions in population blood pressure and hypertension prevalence. Although causal associations between the sodium reduction programme and reduced sodium intake cannot be made, the declines occurred with the introduction of the programme.

Conclusion

Multicomponent interventions have great potential to reduce population sodium intake. Lessons learnt from South Korea could be applied to other countries and are likely very relevant to other Asian countries with similar food sources and consumption profiles.
Effects of an automated digital brief prevention intervention targeting adolescents and young adults with risky alcohol and other substance use: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kvillemo Pia , Strandberg Anna K , Gripenberg Johanna , Berman Anne H , Skoglund Charlotte , Elgán Tobias H
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Adolescence and young adulthood is a period in life when individuals may be especially vulnerable to harmful substance use. Several critical developmental processes are occurring in the brain, and substance use poses both short-term and long-term risks with regard to mental health and social development. From a public health perspective, it is important to prevent or delay substance use to reduce individual risk and societal costs. Given the scarcity of effective interventions targeting substance use among adolescents and young adults, cost-effective and easily disseminated interventions are warranted. The current study will test the effectiveness of a fully automated digital brief intervention aimed at reducing alcohol and other substance use in adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 25 years.

Methods and analysis

A two-arm, double-blind, randomised controlled trial design is applied to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Baseline assessment, as well as 3-month and 6-month follow-up, will be carried out. The aim is to include 800 participants with risky substance use based on the screening tool CRAFFT (Car,Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble). Recruitment, informed consent, randomisation, intervention and follow-up will be implemented online. The primary outcome is reduction in alcohol use, measured by Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test total score. Secondary outcomes concern binge drinking, frequency of alcohol consumption, amount of alcohol consumed a typical day when alcohol is consumed, average daily drinks per typical week, other substance use, mental health, sexual risk behaviours and perceived peer pressure. Moreover, the study involves analyses of potential moderators including perfectionism, openness to parents, help-seeking and background variables.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (no. 2019–03249). The trial is expected to expand the knowledge on digital preventive interventions for substance using adolescents and young adults. Results will be disseminated in research journals, at conferences and via the media.

Trial registration number

24 September 2019, ISRCTN91048246; Pre-results.
Validation study: evaluation of the metrological quality of French hospital data for perinatal algorithms
Authors: Goueslard Karine , Cottenet Jonathan , Benzenine Eric , Tubert‐Bitter Pascale , Quantin Catherine
Published: May 2020

Objective

The aim of our validation study was to assess the metrological quality of hospital data for perinatal algorithms on a national level.

Design

Validation study.

Setting

This was a multicentre study of the French medicoadministrative database on perinatal indicators.

Participants

In each hospital, we selected 150 discharge abstracts for delivery (after 22 weeks of gestation), in 2014, and their corresponding medical records. Overall, 22 hospitals were included.

Interventions

A single investigator performed blind data collection from medical records in order to compare data from discharge abstracts with data from medical records. Finally, 3246 discharge abstracts were studied.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Seventy items, including maternal and delivery characteristics and maternal morbidity, were collected for each delivery stay.

Results

The concordance rate of maternal age at delivery was 94.8% (95% CI 93.8 to 95.4). Combining the two forms of pre-existing diabetes, the algorithm presented a PPV of 65.9% and a sensitivity of 75.7%. The concordance rate of gestational age at delivery was 91.8% (90.9 to 92.7). Regarding gestational diabetes, the PPV was 80.8% (79.4 to 82.2) and the sensitivity was 79.5% (78.1 to 80.9). Regardless of the algorithm explored, the PPV for vaginal delivery was over 99%. For the diagnosis codes corresponding to immediate postpartum haemorrhage, the PPV was 77.7% (76.3 to 79.1) and the sensitivity was 75.5% (74.0 to 77.0). The algorithm for stillbirth presented a PPV of 89.4% (88.3 to 90.5) and a sensitivity of 95.4% (94.7 to 96.1).

Conclusions

This first national validation study of many perinatal algorithms suggests that the French national hospital database is an appropriate data source for epidemiological studies, except for some indicators which presented low PPV and/or sensitivity.
Prevalence and associated factors of preterm birth in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Muchie Kindie Fentahun , Lakew Ayenew Molla , Teshome Destaw Fetene , Yenit Melaku Kindie , Sisay Malede Mequanent , Mekonnen Fantahun Ayenew , Habitu Yohanes Ayanaw
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Preterm birth (PTB) complications are the leading cause of death among neonates globally. The reduction in neonatal mortality is not remarkable in Ethiopia. Therefore, this review will assess the magnitude and associated factors of PTB in Ethiopia.

Methods and analysis

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline will be followed during the systematic review. We will include all observational studies published from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2019 that examined the level and/or associated factors of any type of PTB among live births in Ethiopia. Inclusion criteria will be all live births, PTB defined as delivery before 37 weeks gestation. The primary outcome will be PTB <37 weeks, and secondary outcomes including PTB <34, <32 and <28 weeks will be analysed. PubMed and Science Direct databases as well as Google search engine and Google Scholar will be searched. The pooled prevalence of preterm and effect size of association for associated factors will be analysed using the Stata software V.14. The heterogeneity between studies will be measured by I2 statistics. A random-effects model will be used to estimate if heterogeneity detected. Publication bias will be assessed using a funnel plot. Subgroup analysis will be sought based on possible characteristics of the studies, specific morbidity (like pre-eclampsia, hypertension), type of PTB (spontaneous or iotrogenic) and quality of study (high-quality or low-risk). Meta-regression will be considered for major covariates (maternal age and maternal body mass index) related to PTB. Forest plots will be used to present the combined estimate with 95% CIs. The quality of evidence of the outcomes will be assessed with the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) approach.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is necessary for this systematic review. The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017077356.
HbA1c as a predictor for response of bevacizumab in diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Sharma Sadhana , Joshi Sagun Narayan , Karki Pratap
Published: May 2020

Objective

To study the influence of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) on response of bevacizumab in patients with diabetic macular oedema.

Methods and Analysis

A total of 37 eyes of 37 patients with vision loss due to diabetic macular oedema treated with bevacizumab were included in this study. Participants received monthly intravitreal bevacizumab (0.05 mL/1.25 mg) for 3 months.

Results

There were 17 patients with baseline HbA1c ≤7% (<53mmol/mol) and 20 patients with baseline HbA1c >7% (>53mmol/mol) treated with bevacizumab included in the study. The mean improvement in visual acuity at 3 months was 0.50 logMAR in HbA1c ≤7%(<53mmol/mol) group and 0.33 logMAR in HbA1c >7%(>53mmol/mol) group (95% CI,-0.05-0.38; p=0.13). The mean central macular thickness (CMT) reduction was −229.76 µm in patients with a baseline HbA1c ≤7% (<53 mmol/mol) and −145.20 µm in patients with HbA1c of >7% (>53mmol/mol) (95% CI,12.98-156.14; p=0.022).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that baseline glycaemic control can affect the treatment outcome of intravitreal bevacizumab in the management of diabetic macular oedema and the response was found to be better in patients with good glycaemic control (low HbA1c).
Uptake of minimally invasive surgery and stereotactic body radiation therapy for early stage non-small cell lung cancer in the USA: an ecological study of secular trends using the National Cancer Database
Authors: Blom Erik F , ten Haaf Kevin , Arenberg Douglas A , de Koning Harry J
Published: May 2020

Background

We aimed to assess the uptake of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) among early stage (stage IA–IIB) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases in the USA, and the rate of conversions from MIS to open surgery.

Materials and methods

Data were obtained from the US National Cancer Database, a nationwide facility-based cancer registry capturing up to 70% of incident cancer cases in the USA. We included cases diagnosed with early stage (clinical stages IA–IIB) NSCLC between 2010 and 2014. In an ecological analysis, we assessed changes in treatment by year of diagnosis. Among surgically treated cases, we assessed the uptake of MIS and whether conversion to open surgery took place. For cases that received thoracic radiotherapy, we assessed the uptake of SBRT.

Results

Among 117 370 selected cases, radiotherapy use increased 3.4 percentage points between 2010 and 2014 (p<0.0001). Surgical treatments decreased 3.5 percentage points (p<0.0001). Rates of non-treatment remained stable (range: 10.0%–10.6% (p=0.4066)). Among surgically treated stage IA cases, uptake of MIS increased from 28.7% (95% CI 27.8% to 29.7%) in 2010 to 48.6% (95% CI 47.6% to 49.6%) in 2014 (p<0.0001), while conversions decreased from 17.0% (95% CI 15.6% to 18.6%) in 2010 to 9.1% (95% CI 8.3% to 10.0%) in 2014 (p<0.0001). MIS uptake among stages IB–IIB was lower and conversion rates were higher, but time trends were similar. Uptake of SBRT among stage IA receiving thoracic radiotherapy increased from 53.4% (95% CI 51.2% to 55.6%) in 2010 to 73.0% (95% CI 71.4% to 74.6%) in 2014 (p<0.0001). SBRT uptake among stage IB increased from 32.5% (95% CI 29.9% to 35.2%) in 2010 to 48.2% (95% CI 45.6% to 50.8%) in 2014 (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Between 2010 and 2014, uptake of MIS and SBRT among early stage NSCLC significantly increased, while the rate of conversions to open surgery significantly decreased. Continuing these trends may contribute to improving patient care, in particular with the expected increase in early stages due to the implementation of lung cancer screening.
Swallowing functional outcomes and nutritional status in head and neck cancer radiotherapy: longitudinal study
Authors: Wang Yujie , Zhang Lichuan , Jin Shuai , Li Hongmei , Gong Liqing , Wang Yanli , Jin Sanli , Cao Yiwei , Shih Yian , Lu Qian
Published: May 2020

Objective

To explore the relationships between swallowing functional outcomes and nutritional status in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy (RT).

Methods

This longitudinal study included 122 patients. Data were collected at three time points: baseline (T1), the third week of RT (T2) and the completion of RT (T3). The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events was used to assess the symptom of dysphagia and other toxicities; the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) was used to assess the patient-perceived swallowing functional outcomes; the nutritional status was evaluated by the weight ratio and the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). The generalised estimating equation (GEE) was used to measure the correlation of MDADI with the weight ratio or PG-SGA and also to analyse the influential factors of swallowing functional outcomes.

Results

The participants’ acute dysphagia rates were 5.7% at T1, 69.7% at T2and 77.9% at T3. The swallowing functional outcomes worsen over RT (p<0.001) and were associated with weight ratio (β=0.032, p=0.008) and PG-SGA (β=−0.115, p<0.001). GEE models showed that patients with cancer of the pharynx region, advanced stage, chemoradiotherapy and high RT dose perceived worse swallowing functional outcomes. Oral mucositis, pharynx mucositis and salivary gland inflammation were positively correlated with swallowing functional outcomes, and the pharynx mucositis presented the highest absolute value of β.

Conclusion

The swallowing functional outcomes were negatively correlated with nutritional status. Healthcare professionals should identify early on the population at higher risk and focus on multiple toxicities, especially the management of pharynx mucositis, to improve nutritional status.
A first estimation of the impact of public health actions against COVID-19 in Veneto (Italy)
Authors: Gregori Dario , Azzolina Danila , Lanera Corrado , Prosepe Ilaria , Destro Nicolas , Lorenzoni Giulia , Berchialla Paola
Published: May 2020

Background

Veneto is one of the first Italian regions where the COVID-19 outbreak started spreading. Containment measures were approved soon thereafter. The present study aims at providing a first look at the impact of the containment measures on the outbreak progression in the Veneto region, Italy.

Methods

A Bayesian changepoint analysis was used to identify the changing speed of the epidemic curve. Then, a piecewise polynomial model was considered to fit the data in the first period before the detected changepoint. In this time interval, that is, the weeks from 27 February to 12 March, a quadratic growth was identified by a generalised additive model (GAM). Finally, the model was used to generate the projection of the expected number of hospitalisations at 2 weeks based on the epidemic speed before the changepoint. Such estimates were then compared with the actual outbreak behaviour.

Results

The comparison between the observed and predicted hospitalisation curves highlights a slowdown on the total COVID-19 hospitalisations after the onset of containment measures. The estimated daily slowdown effect of the epidemic growth is estimated as 78 hospitalisations per day as of 27 March (95% CI 75 to 81).

Conclusions

The containment strategies seem to have positively impacted the progression of the COVID-19 epidemic outbreak in Veneto.
Early ischaemic and haemorrhagic complications after atrial fibrillation-related ischaemic stroke: analysis of the IAC study
Authors: Yaghi Shadi , Henninger Nils , Scher Erica , Giles James , Liu Angela , Nagy Muhammad , Kaushal Ashutosh , Azher Idrees , Mac Grory Brian , Fakhri Hiba , Espaillat Kiersten Brown , Asad Syed Daniyal , Pasupuleti Hemanth , Martin Heather , Tan Jose , Veerasamy Manivannan , Liberman Ava L , Esenwa Charles , Cheng Natalie , Moncrieffe Khadean , Moeini-Naghani Iman , Siddu Mithilesh , Trivedi Tushar , Leon Guerrero Christopher R , Khan Muhib , Nouh Amre , Mistry Eva , Keyrouz Salah , Furie Karen
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Predictors of long-term ischaemic and haemorrhagic complications in atrial fibrillation (AF) have been studied, but there are limited data on predictors of early ischaemic and haemorrhagic complications after AF-associated ischaemic stroke. We sought to determine these predictors.

Methods

The Initiation of Anticoagulation after Cardioembolic stroke study is a multicentre retrospective study across that pooled data from consecutive patients with ischaemic stroke in the setting of AF from stroke registries across eight comprehensive stroke centres in the USA. The coprimary outcomes were recurrent ischaemic event (stroke/TIA/systemic arterial embolism) and delayed symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (d-sICH) within 90 days. We performed univariate analyses and Cox regression analyses including important predictors on univariate analyses to determine independent predictors of early ischaemic events (stroke/TIA/systemic embolism) and d-sICH.

Results

Out of 2084 patients, 1520 patients qualified; 104 patients (6.8%) had recurrent ischaemic events and 23 patients (1.5%) had d-sICH within 90 days from the index event. In Cox regression models, factors associated with a trend for recurrent ischaemic events were prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (HR 1.42, 95% CI 0.96 to 2.10) and ipsilateral arterial stenosis with 50%–99% narrowing (HR 1.54, 95% CI 0.98 to 2.43). Those associated with sICH were male sex (HR 2.68, 95% CI 1.06 to 6.83), history of hyperlipidaemia (HR 2.91, 95% CI 1.08 to 7.84) and early haemorrhagic transformation (HR 5.35, 95% CI 2.22 to 12.92).

Conclusion

In patients with ischaemic stroke and AF, predictors of d-sICH are different than those of recurrent ischaemic events; therefore, recognising these predictors may help inform early stroke versus d-sICH prevention strategies.
Preventing kidney injury among sugarcane workers: promising evidence from enhanced workplace interventions
Authors: Glaser Jason , Hansson Erik , Weiss Ilana , Wesseling Catharina , Jakobsson Kristina , Ekström Ulf , Apelqvist Jenny , Lucas Rebekah , Arias Monge Esteban , Peraza Sandra , Hogstedt Christer , Wegman David H
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To assess if improvement of working conditions related to heat stress was associated with improved kidney health outcomes among sugarcane harvest workers in Chichigalpa, Nicaragua, a region heavily affected by the epidemic of chronic kidney disease of non-traditional origin.

Methods

Based on our findings during the 2017–2018 harvest (harvest 1), recommendations that enhanced the rest schedule and improved access to hydration and shade were given before the 2018–2019 harvest (harvest 2). Actual work conditions during harvest 2 were then observed. Serum creatinine (SCr) was measured before and at end-harvest, and cross-harvest changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and incident kidney injury (IKI, ie, SCr increase by ≥0.30 mg/dL or ≥1.5 times the baseline value) were compared between harvest 1 and harvest 2 for three jobs with different physical workloads using regression modelling. Workers who left during harvest were contacted at home, to address the healthy worker selection effect.

Results

In burned cane cutters, mean cross-harvest eGFR decreased 6 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI 2 to 9 mL/min/1.73 m2) less and IKI was 70% (95% CI 90% to 50%) lower in harvest 2 as compared with harvest 1 data. No such improvements were seen among seed cutters groups with less successful intervention implementation.

Conclusion

Kidney injury risk was again elevated in workers with strenuous jobs. The results support further efforts to prevent kidney injury among sugarcane workers, and other heat-stressed workers, by improving access to water, rest and shade. The distinction between design and implementation of such interventions should be recognised.
Automated interpretation of the coronary angioscopy with deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Miyoshi Toru , Higaki Akinori , Kawakami Hideo , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: May 2020

Background

Coronary angioscopy (CAS) is a useful modality to assess atherosclerotic changes, but interpretation of the images requires expert knowledge. Deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) can be used for diagnostic prediction and image synthesis.

Methods

107 images from 47 patients, who underwent CAS in our hospital between 2014 and 2017, and 864 images, selected from 142 MEDLINE-indexed articles published between 2000 and 2019, were analysed. First, we developed a prediction model for the angioscopic findings. Next, we made a generative adversarial networks (GAN) model to simulate the CAS images. Finally, we tried to control the output images according to the angioscopic findings with conditional GAN architecture.

Results

For both yellow colour (YC) grade and neointimal coverage (NC) grade, we could observe strong correlations between the true grades and the predicted values (YC grade, average r=0.80±0.02, p<0.001; NC grade, average r=0.73±0.02, p<0.001). The binary classification model for the red thrombus yielded 0.71±0.03 F1-score and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.91±0.02. The standard GAN model could generate realistic CAS images (average Inception score=3.57±0.06). GAN-based data augmentation improved the performance of the prediction models. In the conditional GAN model, there were significant correlations between given values and the expert’s diagnosis in YC grade but not in NC grade.

Conclusion

DCNN is useful in both predictive and generative modelling that can help develop the diagnostic support system for CAS.
Why paleomedicine is useful for medical education
Authors: Charlier Philippe , Donnell Simon , Lippi Donatella , Nerlich Andreas , Asensi Victor , Perciaccante Antonio , Appenzeller Otto , Bianucci Raffaella
Published: May 2020

What is the place of medico-historical cases in the professional practice of the disciplinary field of medicine and biology? How can these patients from the past be used for teaching and continuing medical education? How to justify their place in biomedical publications? In this article, we explain all the legitimacy of paleomedicine, and the need to intensify such research in the form of a well-individualised branch of paleopathology and the history of medicine.
Minimally invasive approach to low-velocity penetrating extraperitoneal rectal trauma
Authors: Melland-Smith Megan , Chesney Tyler R , Ashamalla Shady , Brenneman Fred
Published: May 2020

Unlike intraperitoneal colorectal injuries, the standard of care for extraperitoneal rectal trauma includes a diverting colostomy due to relative inaccessibility of these injuries for primary repair. New technologies to enhance access to the extraperitoneal rectum have gained increasing use in benign and malignant rectal disease. We present two cases of low-velocity penetrating extraperitoneal rectal trauma. In both cases, a transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) approach was used to access, and primarily repair, full-thickness rectal lacerations. These patients were successfully managed without a colostomy and without complication. TAMIS enables access to distal rectal injuries, facilitating primary repair and bringing the management of extraperitoneal rectal injuries in line with intraperitoneal injuries, with the potential to avoid fecal diversion.
PROMOTING HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY IN CHINA — DOES INNOVATION EXPENDITURE REALLY MATTER?
Authors: DI MAURO FILIPPO , DUY HOANG MINH , VAN BIESEBROECK JO
Published: May 2020

The slowing down of the global economy adds additional challenges to China’ economic policies as the country orchestrates its transition to lower resource dependency and higher technology intensity of output. Are policies aimed at technologically advanced sectors the right answer? Drawing from a newly created dataset of firms’ balance sheets over the period 1998–2013, matched with patents data until 2009, we uncover that expenditure in innovation had limited effect on boosting productivity, without generating a clear gain in overall productivity for the high-tech sector. As a matter of fact, there is a much higher dispersion in productivity outcomes in firms belonging to the low-technology sectors, which derives from a bunch of champions in those sectors scoring higher productivity dynamics than in the High-technology sectors. The paper finds those barriers to entry and in general, market power of incumbents in the high-tech generate less than optimal resource reallocation, which hampers the overall productivity. Policies should presumably aim at removing such obstacles rather than solely promote innovation expenditure.
Nuclear shell model and level density
Authors: Karampagia S. , Zelevinsky V.
Published: May 2020

The accurate knowledge of the nuclear level density is crucial for understanding the nuclear structure and for numerous applications including astrophysical reactions. In this review paper, we discuss the shell-model description of the nuclear level density, the use of the statistical moments method and underlying physics. The level density found with the moments method is shown to agree with the results of the exact diagonalization of the Hamiltonian matrix. The statistical approach is also compared to other standard methods for deriving level densities. The role of specific interaction matrix elements is reviewed in connection to the behavior of the level densities as these evolve. Chaotization and thermalization processes, collective enhancement and phase transitions are discussed with changing strengths of specific groups of two-body interaction matrix elements. The popular phenomenological constant temperature model is compared to the moments method and the effective temperature parameter of the model for different isotopes is discussed.