bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic Performance of Frailty for Delirium and Functional Decline in Vascular Surgery Patients
Authors: Thillainadesan Janani , Mudge Alison M. , Aitken Sarah J. , Hilmer Sarah N. , Cullen John S. , Yumol Minna F. , Close Jacqueline C.T. , Norris Christina M. , Kerdic Richard , Naganathan Vasi
Published: November 2020

Background

Frailty in older vascular surgery patients is associated with increased mortality, hospital stay, and morbidity. The association of frailty with hospital‐acquired geriatric syndromes such as delirium and functional decline has not been well studied.

Objectives

To investigate the association between frailty and hospital‐acquired geriatric syndromes in older hospitalized vascular surgery patients, and to evaluate the prognostic performance of the frailty index (FI) and the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) for delirium and functional decline.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Acute care academic hospital.

Participants

Patients aged 65 years or more admitted to a tertiary vascular surgery unit (N=150).

Measurements

Frailty was assessed using the FI and CFS. The adjusted association of frailty status with delirium and functional decline was assessed using logistic regression analysis. The prognostic performance of FI and CFS was determined by assessing C‐statistic and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV).

Results

Of 150 participants, FI identified 34 (23%) and CFS identified 45 (30%) as frail. Frailty was an independent predictor of delirium (FI adjusted odds ratio, odds ratio (OR) = 5.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.53–21.03; CFS adjusted OR = 4.07, 95% CI = 1.14–14.50), but not functional decline. FI and CFS showed acceptable prognostic performance for delirium (C‐statistic 0.74), but not functional decline (C‐statistic 0.63–0.64). For both outcomes, the FI and CFS had high NPV (86–96%), and low PPV (22–29%).

Conclusion

Frail older vascular surgery patients are more likely to develop hospital‐acquired geriatric syndromes. The FI and CFS have acceptable prognostic performance for predicting delirium but not all individuals who are identified as frail develop delirium. Ongoing research is needed to identify interventions that improve outcomes in patients who screen positive for frailty.
Sound production, hearing sensitivity, and in‐depth study of the sound‐producing muscles in the cowfish (Lactoria cornuta)
Authors: Parmentier Eric , Marucco Fuentes Erica , Millot Morgane , Raick Xavier , Thiry Marc
Published: November 2020

The ability to produce sounds has been reported in various Ostraciidae but not deeply studied. In some Ostracion species, two different sound‐producing muscles allow these boxfishes to produce two different kinds of sounds in a sequence. This study investigates sound production in another Indo‐Pacific species, the longhorn cowfish Lactoria cornuta that also possesses two pairs of sonic muscles associated with the swim bladder: extrinsic sonic muscles (ESMs) and intrinsic sonic muscles (ISMs). The cowfish produces two kinds of sounds called hums and clicks. Hums are made of trains of low amplitude pulses that last for long periods of time, suggesting that they are produced by fatigue‐resistant muscles, whereas clicks correspond to shorter sounds with greater amplitude than the hums, suggesting that they result from more powerful contractions. Ultra‐structural differences are found between extrinsic and intrinsic sonic muscles. According to features such as long sarcomeres, long I‐bands, a high number of mitochondria, and a proliferation of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), ESMs would be able to produce fast, strong, and short contractions corresponding to clicks (the shortest sounds with the greatest amplitude). ISMs have the thinnest cells, the smallest number of myofilaments that have long I‐bands, the highest volume of mitochondria, and well‐developed SR supporting these muscles; these features should generate fast and prolonged contractions that could correspond to the hums that can be produced over long periods of time. A concluding figure shows clear comparisons of the different fibers that were studied in L. cornuta. This study also compared the call features of each sound with the cowfish's hearing ability and supports L. cornuta was more sensitive to frequencies ranging between at least 100 and 400 Hz with thresholds of 128–143 dB re 1 µPa over this range, meaning that they are sensitive to the frequencies produced by conspecifics.
Mothers' and Fathers' Well‐Being: Does the Gender Composition of Children Matter?
Authors: Negraia Daniela V. , Yavorsky Jill E. , Dukhovnov Denys
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study examines whether—and if so how—gender composition of children matters for mothers' and fathers' well‐being during parenting activities.

Background

Despite that parents interact with girls and boys differently and spend different amounts of time with them, scholars have paid little attention to how gender composition of children matters for parental well‐being.

Method

The study assessed parental well‐being during time spent with children, across four measures of subjective well‐being (N = 16,140 activities, 8,621 parents), pooled across three survey waves (2010, 2012, and 2013) from the American Time Use Survey Well‐being Module. Random intercept models were used to account for the multilevel structure of the data.

Results

For both mothers and fathers, gender composition of children was not associated with different levels of happiness or meaning while parenting. However, fathers reported greater stress parenting all girls and mixed‐gender children (i.e., girl/s and boy/s at the same time) compared to parenting all boys. Mothers reported greater fatigue and stress parenting all girls, compared to parenting all boys. Controlling for activity type explained some of the stress patterns.

Conclusion

This study, which is contextualized in broader literature on gender stereotypes, interactional processes, and time‐use, makes several contributions to research on gender, family, and health and identifies an important factor—gender composition of children—that helps shape mothers' and fathers' well‐being while parenting.
An Alternative Incorporation Technique for Minimizing Complications in Attachment‐Retained Implant Mandibular Overdentures: Technical Report
Authors: Sipahi Cumhur , Ezmek Bahadır
Published: November 2020

The present technical report aimed to display an alternative incorporation method for ball/stud attachments in mandibular implant overdentures (MIO) to prevent or minimize metal housing debonding and attachment malpositioning. Precoating of metal housings with auto‐polymerizing acrylic resin (AAR) and fabrication of straight AAR bars onto metal housings for optimal parallelism were used as new techniques. The glossy flat surfaces of metal housings (matrices) were sandblasted and precoated with a thin layer of AAR in the laboratory. Straight acrylic resin bars (3 cm long and 3 mm in diameter) were obtained and attached to these flat metal housing surfaces using a surveyor. The metal housings carrying the AAR bars were then placed intraorally onto ball/stud attachments, accurately positioned parallel to each other, and perpendicular to the long axes of implants and bound to the MIO with AAR.
Rehabilitation of Occlusal Vertical Dimension in a Patient with Acromegaly: A Clinical Report
Authors: Kaffaf Mehmet Berk , Şeşen Pınar , Şakar Olcay
Published: November 2020

Acromegaly is a rare acquired disorder caused by excessive growth hormone production. Dentists play an important role in the diagnosis of this disorder because of intraoral and extraoral symptoms such as extreme growth of the mandible, enlargement of the maxilla, diastema between teeth, a tendency toward malocclusion, a wide and thick nose, a marked malar bone, and thick lips. The prosthetic treatment of these patients is challenging because growth in the condyles and rami can lead to the development of a severe class III jaw relationship.

This case report describes the prosthetic treatment of a patient with acromegaly. A decreased occlusal vertical dimension and class III jaw relationship were determined by intraoral and extraoral examinations and cephalometric radiography. The occlusal vertical dimension was reestablished by increasing it approximately 10 mm, as per the esthetic and functional needs of the patient. Four years after treatment, the patient was functioning well, and neither occlusal disharmony nor temporomandibular disorder was observed.
Tempered radicalism and intersectionality: Scholar‐activism in the neoliberal university
Authors: Richter Jennifer , Faragó Flóra , Swadener Beth Blue , Roca‐Servat Denisse , Eversman Kimberly A.
Published: November 2020

Using a collaborative critical personal narrative methodology grounded in intersectionality, we interrogated tensions in identifying ourselves as tempered radicals and scholar‐activists who were involved in a local university‐community activist organization. We assert the value of informal activist spaces within the university and identify issues related to the lack of recognition of scholar‐activism as legitimate scholarship, including the paradox of universities as colonizing and liberatory spaces for community engagement and activism. Our themes highlight how mentorship affects scholar‐activism and how activism transforms and disrupts the neoliberal university. Yet, activism is rendered invisible, making homeplaces for scholar‐activism critical for students, faculty, staff, and the community to address structural inequalities within and outside of the university. We conclude with recommendations to improve mentorship for scholar‐activists, to revise tenure and promotion policies to include scholar‐activism, and to recognize spaces within the academy that honor scholar‐activism as a critical form of praxis informed by intersectionality.
Reproductive Output, Synchrony across Depth and Influence of Source Depth in the Development of Early Life stages of Kelp
Authors: Giraldo‐Ospina Ana , Kendrick Gary A. , Hovey Renae K.
Published: November 2020

Ecklonia radiata is the main foundation species in Australian temperate reefs, yet little has been published on its reproduction and how this may change across its depth range (1–50+ m). In this study, we examined differences in sporophyte morphology and zoospore production during a reproductive season and across four depths (7, 15, 25, and 40 m). Additionally, we examined differences in germination rate, survival, and morphological traits of gametophytes obtained from these four depths, cultured under the same light and temperature conditions. Multivariate morphology of sporophytes differed significantly between deep (~40 m) and shallow sites (7 and 15 m), but individual morphological traits were not significantly different across depths. Total spore production was similar across depths but the peak of zoospore release was observed in February at 15 m of depth (6,154 zoospores · mm−2 of tissue) and the minimum observed in January at 7, 25, and 40 m (1,141, 987, and 214 zoospores · mm−2 of tissue, respectively). The source depth of zoospores did not have an influence in the germination rate or the survival of gametophytes, and only gametophytes sourced from 40 m sites presented significantly less surface area and number of branches. Overall, these results indicate that E. radiata’s reproductive performance does not change across its depth range and that kelp beds reproducing in deeper areas may contribute to the replenishment of their shallow counterparts. We propose that deep kelps may constitute a mechanism of resilience against climate change and anthropogenic disturbances.
Painful Subjects: Treating Chronic Pain among People Living with HIV in the Age of Opioid Risk
Authors: Carroll Jennifer J. , Lira Marlene C. , Lunze Karsten , Colasanti Jonathan A. , del Rio Carlos , Samet Jeffrey H.
Published: November 2020

Public narratives often attribute the opioid overdose epidemic in the United States to liberal prescribing practices by health care providers. Consequently, new monitoring guidelines for the management of opioid prescriptions in patients with chronic pain have become recognized as key strategies for slowing this tide of overdose deaths. This article examines the social and ontological terrain of opioid‐based pain management in an HIV clinic in the context of today's opioid overdose epidemic. We engage with anthropological analyses of contemporary drug policy and the nonverbal/performative ways patients and clinicians communicate to theorize the social context of the opioid overdose epidemic as a “situation,” arguing that the establishment of new monitoring strategies (essentially biomedical audit strategies) trouble patient subjectivity in the HIV clinic—a place where that subjectivity has historically been protected and prioritized in the establishment of care.
Systematic evaluation of cough‐anorectal pressure responses in health and in fecal incontinence: A high‐resolution anorectal manometry study
Authors: Rasijeff Annika M. P. , Garcia‐Zermeno Karla , Carrington Emma V. , Knowles Charles , Scott S. Mark
Published: November 2020

Background

Anorectal manometry is the most commonly performed test of anorectal function. The cough‐anorectal response is frequently assessed as part of a routine manometric investigation but has not previously been the subject of detailed analysis. This study systematically examined anorectal pressure responses to cough in health and evaluated the impact of parity and symptoms of fecal incontinence (FI) on measurements.

Methods

High‐resolution anorectal manometry (HR‐ARM) traces from nulliparous (n = 25) and parous (n = 25) healthy volunteers (HV: aged 41, range 18‐64), and 57 parous patients with FI (age 47, range 28‐72) were retrospectively reviewed. Cough‐anorectal pressure responses were analyzed between groups by qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Key results

In health, traditional anal pressure measurements (“rest” and “squeeze”) were similar between nulliparous and parous women. In contrast, incremental anal‐rectal pressure difference during cough significantly differed: nulliparous 42 mm Hg (95% CI: 21‐64) vs. parous 6 mm Hg (−14‐25), P < 0.036). This measure also differed significantly between nulliparous HVs and patients with FI (−2 mm Hg (95% CI: −15‐12), P < 0.001), but not between parous HVs and FI. Qualitatively, a color‐contour trace resembling a “spear” in the upper anal canal was observed uniquely in FI. Of 25 patients with normal anal function by traditional measures, cough parameters were abnormal in 52%.

Conclusions and inferences

Novel HR‐ARM measures during coughing revealed differences in anal function between nulliparous and parous HV, and patients with FI, which were not detected by traditional measures. Cough‐anorectal measurements may improve manometric yield, though clinical utility would require assessment by longitudinal studies.
Soil biodiversity enhances the persistence of legumes under climate change
Authors: Yang Gaowen , Roy Julien , Veresoglou Stavros D. , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: November 2020

Global environmental change poses threats to plant and soil biodiversity. Yet, whether soil biodiversity loss can further influence plant community’s response to global change is still poorly understood.

We created a gradient of soil biodiversity using the dilution‐to‐extinction approach, and investigated the effects of soil biodiversity loss on plant communities during and following manipulations simulating global change disturbances in experimental grassland microcosms.

Grass and herb biomass was decreased by drought and promoted by nitrogen deposition, and a fast recovery was observed following disturbances, independently of soil biodiversity loss. Warming promoted herb biomass during and following disturbance only when soil biodiversity was not reduced. However, legumes biomass was suppressed by these disturbances, and there were more detrimental effects with reduced soil biodiversity. Moreover, soil biodiversity loss suppressed the recovery of legumes following these disturbances. Similar patterns were found for the response of plant diversity. The changes in legumes might be partly attributed to the loss of mycorrhizal soil mutualists.

Our study shows that soil biodiversity is crucial for legume persistence and plant diversity maintenance when faced with environmental change, highlighting the importance of soil biodiversity as a potential buffering mechanism for plant diversity and community composition in grasslands.
Planning for the future of a pediatric kidney transplant recipient with special needs: A parent's perspective
Authors: Carney Maedi Tanham
Published: November 2020

I was asked to write this article to share with medical professionals, my view as a parent with a child who has special needs and needs a transplant. It is a detailed story from a parent's point of view on what it is like to have a child with special needs with serious medical complications and how I went about finding and managing my daughter's care. I summarize my own personal experiences based on my years of planning for my daughter.
Improving ovulation in gilts using anti‐inhibin serum treatment combined with fixed‐time artificial insemination
Authors: Jia Ruoxin , Chen Xiaoyu , Zhu Zhiwei , Huang Jing , Yu Fuxian , Zhang Liang , Ogura Atsuo , Pan Jianzhi
Published: November 2020

For successful batch farrowing, porcine oestrus and ovulation must be synchronized using fixed‐time artificial insemination (FTAI). However, exogenous gonadotropins, which are currently used in FTAI, negatively affect gilt ovulation. Here, we aimed to improve sexually mature gilt superovulation efficiency using passive immunization against inhibin during FTAI. Altrenogest‐treated gilts were challenged with 10 ml anti‐inhibin serum (AIS group, n = 6), 1,000 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG group, n = 6), or 10 ml goat serum (control group, n = 6). Gilts in the AIS and PMSG groups were inseminated according to the FTAI protocol, and gilts in the control group were inseminated during natural oestrus. When PMSG was replaced by AIS during FTAI of gilts, ovulation rate and embryos recovered were significantly greater in the AIS group as compared to the other two groups (p < .05). Especially the average number of 6–8‐cell embryos in the AIS group was significantly higher than that in the PMSG group (p < .01). Moreover, the blastocyst number in the AIS group was significantly higher than that in the PMSG group and the control group (p < .05). But there was no significant difference in the blastocyst number between the PMSG group and the control group (p > .05). Besides, plasma levels of estradiol‐β (E2) and progesterone (P4) were significantly greater in the AIS group as compared to the other two groups on Day 23 and D 27, respectively (p < .01). In summary, we devised an improved high‐yield FTAI protocol for sexually mature gilts using AIS; this protocol had a greater superovulation efficiency than the FTAI using PMSG.
Beyond Generalization of the ATE: Designing Randomized Trials to Understand Treatment Effect Heterogeneity
Authors: Tipton Elizabeth
Published: November 2020

Researchers conducting randomized trials have increasingly shifted focus from the average treatment effect to understanding moderators of treatment effects. Current methods for exploring moderation focus on model selection and hypothesis tests. At the same time, recent developments in the design of randomized trials have argued for the need for population-based recruitment in order to generalize well. In this paper, we show that a different population-based recruitment strategy can be implemented to increase the precision of estimates of treatment effect moderators, and we explore the trade-offs between optimal designs for the average treatment effect and moderator effects.
Burden of Disease of Guillain–Barré Syndrome in Brazil before and during the Zika virus epidemic 2014–2016
Authors: Wachira Virginia Kagure , Nascimento Gilmara Lima , Peixoto Henry Maia , de Oliveira Maria Regina Fernandes
Published: November 2020

Objective

To estimate the burden of disease of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) in Brazil in 2014, 1 year before the Zika virus epidemic, and in 2015 and 2016 during the epidemic.

Methods

The burden of disease of GBS was estimated using the summary measure of population health: Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY), that combines both mortality (Years of Life Lost YLLs) and morbidity (Years Lived with Disability) components. The study population was composed of GBS hospitalised cases and deaths from the information systems of the Brazilian Unified Health System.

Results

The GBS incidence rate in 2014, 2015 and 2016 was 0.74, 0.96, 1.02/100 000 respectively, and the mortality rate in the same period was 0.08, 0.009 and 0.11/100 000 habitants. The DALYs calculated using the point estimate of GBS disability weight and its values of the confidence interval (0.198 and 0.414) were 5725.90 (5711.79–5742.89) in 2014, 6054.61 (6035.57–6077.54) in 2015 and 7588.49 (7570.20–7610.51) in 2016. The DALYs were high among the male population and in age groups between 20 and 50 years.

Conclusions

The increase in DALYs in the years 2015 and 2016 compared to 2014 probably resulted from the introduction of ZIKV in Brazil, reinforcing the importance of investments in the prevention of ZIKV infection and in the care of GBS patients.
Bacterial isolates of indolent ulcers in 43 dogs
Authors: Levitt Shayna , Osinchuk Stephanie C. , Bauer Bianca , Sandmeyer Lynne S.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To determine whether bacteria are isolated from canine indolent ulcers and evaluate their influence on clinical outcomes.

Methods

Swabs for anaerobic and aerobic culture were collected from indolent ulcers of 43 client‐owned dogs presenting to the University of Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Centre. Outcomes were compared between ulcers with bacterial isolates and those without. Medical therapy was reviewed.

Results

Bacteria were isolated in 8/43 ulcers: Three cultured two isolates and five cultured single isolates. Staphylococcus was the most common genus isolated and was present in six ulcers: Species included unspecified [2], pseudintermedius [2], schleiferi [1], and hominis [1]. Streptococcus was the second most common isolate present in two ulcers: Species included canis and agalactiae. Tobramycin was the most common antibiotic used in ulcers with bacterial isolates prior to referral (n = 3). One case did not have conclusive follow‐up data from the referring veterinarian and was therefore excluded from further analysis. All seven culture‐positive ulcers were recorded as healed without complication: six healing after one procedure and one healing after two procedures. Thirty‐five ulcers were culture‐negative. There was no difference in outcome between indolent ulcers with bacterial isolates and those with negative cultures (P = .7475).

Conclusions

Bacteria were isolated from 19% of indolent ulcers, and Staphylococcus was the most common isolate. Bacterial isolation did not influence outcome.
Nurse-initiated protocols in the emergency department management of pediatric oncology patients with fever and suspected neutropenia: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Northcott Katie M.T. , Gibson Kim , Peters Micah D.J.
Published: November 2020

Objective:

The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the existing evidence regarding nurse-initiated protocols in the emergency department management of pediatric oncology patients with fever and suspected neutropenia.

Introduction:

Febrile neutropenia in pediatric oncology patients poses a significant burden of increased morbidity and mortality. Prompt, efficient emergency care and rapid antibiotic administration within 60 minutes of presentation to hospital is required to prevent clinical deterioration and reduce rates of intensive care admission and mortality. Efficient emergency department care delivery is impacted by modern day challenges, such as increasing user-demand, limited resources, and lack of flow. In response to this, to expedite care provision, practice guidelines have been developed to include nurse-initiated protocols that guide nurses to initiate specific predetermined investigations and interventions for patients meeting certain criteria. Febrile neutropenic pediatric patients may be a specific group that can benefit from nurse-initiated protocols due to the time-critical nature of required care.

Inclusion criteria:

The scoping review will consider literature that reports on nurse-initiated protocols in the management of pediatric febrile oncology patients with suspected neutropenia in the emergency department setting.

Methods:

JBI methodology for scoping reviews will guide the review process. English-language literature from 2000 to present will be searched in Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Emcare, CINAHL Plus, and gray literature in Google Scholar, Open Grey, and Theses Global. Critical appraisal will not be performed. A tabular and accompanying narrative summary of the information will present extracted evidence aligned to the review's objective and questions.
Strategies to improve financial literacy and related outcomes among medical students, residents, and fellows in the United States: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Vengaloor Thomas Toms , Christian Robin , Palokas Michelle , Hinton Elizabeth , Pruett Christian
Published: November 2020

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to explore strategies to improve financial literacy and related outcomes among medical students, residents, and fellows in the United States.

Introduction:

Financial wellness and literacy are essential parts of overall wellness for medical students, residents, and fellows. Financial illiteracy and increased financial debt have negative implications for medical professionals and health care. Burnout is common among medical students, residents, and practicing physicians, and financial stress is one of the causes. High medical school debt results in decreased interest in primary care specialties as the payments are lower, resulting in a shortage of primary care providers.

Inclusion criteria:

The review will include studies that identify strategies to improve financial literacy among medical students, residents, and fellows in the United States.

Methods:

The proposed review will be conducted as per JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The search strategy will aim to locate both published and unpublished studies. The key databases to be searched include PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Academic Search Premier. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts for assessment against the inclusion criteria for the review. The results of the search will be reported and presented in a PRISMA flow diagram. Data will be extracted from papers included in the scoping review using a data extraction tool. The extracted data will be presented in both diagrammatic and narrative forms.
Investigation on Sustained Discharge of Satellite’s Power Harness Due to Plasma from Space Debris Impact
Authors: Mando Yuki , Tanaka Koji , Hirai Takayuki , Kawakita Shirou , Higashide Masumi , Kurosaki Hirohisa , Hasegawa Sunao , Nitta Kumi
Published: November 2020

Space debris travels at a velocity of 7-8 km/s in low Earth orbit (LEO) and at 3 km/s in geostationary Earth orbit (GEO). An impact between space debris and spacecraft will result in tremendous damage. In particular, particles less than 1mm in diameter pose a risk of causing permanent sustained discharge (PSD). PSD may affect a satellite’s power system. The effect on solar arrays has been well-studied given their large area, but the effect on the bundle of a satellite’s wire harness (called the power harness) has yet to be clarified, even though the power harness is usually exposed to the space environment without protection. We conducted hypervelocity impact experiments using a two-stage light gas gun, and investigated the risk resulting in PSD from hypervelocity impacts of particles less than 1mm in size. In addition, we compared two kinds of circuit configurations: a more realistic circuit configuration with internal resistance and a circuit configuration without it, so as to investigate whether internal resistance affects the occurrence of PSD. Stainless steel and aluminum oxide projectiles measuring from 0.3 to 1 mm in diameter were gun-accelerated up to 7.16 km/s. Targets entailed a three-layered power harness under a simulated power condition of typical satellites operating in LEO or GEO. As a result, 11 of 28 shots resulted in PSD. With the more realistic circuit configuration we could not confirm any results regarding PSD. We thus found that PSD is less likely to occur in a more realistic circuit configuration.
Diphenylsiloxane–dimethylsiloxane copolymer: Optical functions from 191 to 1688 nm (0.735–6.491 eV) by spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Patel Dhananjay I. , Shah Dhruv , Roychowdhury Tuhin , Wheeler Joshua I. , Ess Daniel H. , Hilfiker James N. , Linford Matthew R.
Published: November 2020

We report the optical functions of diphenylsiloxane-dimethylsiloxane (DPS-DMS) copolymer as determined from reflection spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and transmission ultraviolet-visible data, which were generated over 191–1688 nm from a commercial sample of DPS-DMS. This material is a random, linear copolymer terminated with silanol groups that is a liquid at room temperature and pressure. Both reflection and transmission measurements required special experimental considerations. The reflection SE measurements utilized the “rough-surface” method, wherein the liquid was poured onto a roughened (frosted) glass slide, which scatters the reflected light leaving only the reflection from the liquid surface. That is, there is effectively no substrate or material beneath the liquid that affects the ellipsometry measurements or that needs to be modeled. Transmission measurements were obtained via a dual cuvette approach to eliminate the effects of the cuvettes. The reflection data provided the refractive index across the entire spectral range as well as the extinction coefficient at ultraviolet wavelengths. The transmission measurements provided input for the extinction coefficients at visible and near infrared wavelengths, where the liquid is transparent or semitransparent. The reflected SE data were modeled using a Sellmeier dispersion model and six Gaussian oscillators plus a surface roughness layer. This produced a good fit with a mean squared error (MSE) of 2.41. For example, we obtained the following n(λ) values, where λ is the wavelength in nanometers: n(300) = 1.534, n(500) = 1.477, and n(1000) = 1.458. As expected, the refractive index of DPS-DMS is higher than that of liquid polydimethylsiloxane.
Integrating economic dynamics into ecological networks: The case of fishery sustainability
Authors: Glaum Paul , Cocco Valentin , Valdovinos Fernanda S.
Published: November 2020

Integrating economic drivers into ecological networks reveals nonlinear drivers of sustainability in fisheries.
Small-molecule sequestration of amyloid-β as a drug discovery strategy for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Heller Gabriella T. , Aprile Francesco A. , Michaels Thomas C. T. , Limbocker Ryan , Perni Michele , Ruggeri Francesco Simone , Mannini Benedetta , Löhr Thomas , Bonomi Massimiliano , Camilloni Carlo , De Simone Alfonso , Felli Isabella C. , Pierattelli Roberta , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Dobson Christopher M. , Vendruscolo Michele
Published: November 2020

A small molecule binds to a disordered protein in its monomeric form, preventing its aggregation linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Multimodal imaging of bacterial-host interface in mice and piglets with
Staphylococcus aureus
endocarditis
Authors: Panizzi Peter , Krohn-Grimberghe Marvin , Keliher Edmund , Ye Yu-Xiang , Grune Jana , Frodermann Vanessa , Sun Yuan , Muse Charlotte G. , Bushey Kaitlyn , Iwamoto Yoshiko , van Leent Mandy M. T. , Meerwaldt Anu , Toner Yohana C. , Munitz Jazz , Maier Alexander , Soultanidis Georgios , Calcagno Claudia , Pérez-Medina Carlos , Carlucci Giuseppe , Riddell Kay P. , Barney Sharron , Horne Glenn , Anderson Brian , Maddur-Appajaiah Ashoka , Verhamme Ingrid M. , Bock Paul E. , Wojtkiewicz Gregory R. , Courties Gabriel , Swirski Filip K. , Church William R. , Walz Paul H. , Tillson D. Michael , Mulder Willem J. M. , Nahrendorf Matthias
Published: November 2020

Multimodal intravital microscopy and PET imaging of
S. aureus
endocarditis can monitor adjuvant immunotherapy in mice and pigs.
iPSC-derived NK cells maintain high cytotoxicity and enhance in vivo tumor control in concert with T cells and anti–PD-1 therapy
Authors: Cichocki Frank , Bjordahl Ryan , Gaidarova Svetlana , Mahmood Sajid , Abujarour Ramzey , Wang Hongbo , Tuininga Katie , Felices Martin , Davis Zachary B. , Bendzick Laura , Clarke Raedun , Stokely Laurel , Rogers Paul , Ge Moyar , Robinson Megan , Rezner Betsy , Robbins David L. , Lee Tom T. , Kaufman Dan S. , Blazar Bruce R. , Valamehr Bahram , Miller Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2020

Natural killer cells derived from iPSCs prime T cells for anti–PD-1 immune checkpoint therapy.
Evaluating the evidence for a neuroimaging subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Esterman Michael , Stumps Anna , Jagger-Rickels Audreyana , Rothlein David , DeGutis Joseph , Fortenbaugh Francesca , Romer Adrienne , Milberg William , Marx Brian P. , McGlinchey Regina
Published: November 2020

The search for neuroimaging and cognition-based subgroups of posttraumatic stress disorder illustrates the power and pitfalls of this approach.
Antibody binding to native cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B predicts efficacy of the gB/MF59 vaccine in humans
Authors: Jenks Jennifer A. , Nelson Cody S. , Roark Hunter K. , Goodwin Matthew L. , Pass Robert F. , Bernstein David I. , Walter Emmanuel B. , Edwards Kathryn M. , Wang Dai , Fu Tong-Ming , An Zhiqiang , Chan Cliburn , Permar Sallie R.
Published: November 2020

Protection against CMV correlates with gB/MF59 vaccine-elicited IgG that binds cell-associated gB.
Gastric Metabolomics Detects Helicobacter pylori Correlated Loss of Numerous Metabolites in Both the Corpus and Antrum
Authors: Keilberg Daniela , Steele Nina , Fan Sili , Yang Christina , Zavros Yana , Ottemann Karen M.
Published: November 2020

Helicobacter pylori
is a chronic bacterial pathogen that thrives in several regions of the stomach, causing inflammation that can vary by site and result in distinct disease outcomes. Whether the regions differ in terms of host-derived metabolites is not known. We thus characterized the regional variation of the metabolomes of mouse gastric corpus and antrum organoids and tissue. The uninfected secreted organoid metabolites differed between the corpus and antrum in only seven metabolites as follows: lactic acid, malic acid, phosphoethanolamine, alanine, uridine, glycerol, and isoleucine.
Diagnostic accuracy of history taking, physical examination and imaging for non-chronic finger, hand and wrist ligament and tendon injuries: a systematic review update
Authors: Krastman Patrick , Mathijssen Nina M C , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M A , Kraan Gerald A , Runhaar Jos
Published: November 2020

Objective

The diagnostic work-up for ligament and tendon injuries of the finger, hand and wrist consists of history taking, physical examination and imaging if needed, but the supporting evidence is limited. The main purpose of this study was to systematically update the literature for studies on the diagnostic accuracy of tests for detecting non-chronic ligament and tendon injuries of the finger, hand and wrist.

Methods

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar ProQuest and Cinahl were searched from 2000 up to 6 February 2019 for identifying studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 checklist, and sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were extracted.

Results

None of the studies involved history taking. Physical examination, for diagnosing lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), showed Se, Sp, accuracy, PPV and NPV ranging from 58% to 90%, 20% to 69%, 56% to 73%, 53% to 71% and 55% to 65%, respectively. Physical examination in hand and finger injuries the Se, Sp, accuracy, PPV and NPV ranged from 88% to 99%, 75% to 100%, 34% to 88%, 91% to 100% and 75% to 95%, respectively. The accuracy of MRI with high-resolution (3 T) techniques for TFCC and interosseous ligaments of the proximal carpal row ranged from 89% to 91% and 75% to 100%, respectively. The accuracy of MRI with low-resolution (1.5 T) techniques for TFCC and interosseous ligaments of the proximal carpal row ranged from 81% to 100% and 67% to 95%, respectively.

Conclusions

There is limited evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of history taking and physical examination for non-chronic finger, hand and wrist ligament and tendon injuries. Although some imaging modalities seemed to be acceptable for the diagnosis of ligament and tendon injuries in the wrist in patients presenting to secondary care, there is no evidence-based advise possible for the diagnosis of non-chronic finger, hand or wrist ligament and tendon injuries in primary care.
Ensuring that COVID-19 research is inclusive: guidance from the NIHR INCLUDE project
Authors: Witham Miles D , Anderson Eleanor , Carroll Camille B , Dark Paul M , Down Kim , Hall Alistair S , Knee Joanna , Maher Eamonn R , Maier Rebecca H , Mountain Gail A , Nestor Gary , O"Brien John T , Oliva Laurie , Wason James , Rochester Lynn
Published: November 2020

Objective

To provide guidance to researchers, funders, regulators and study delivery teams to ensure that research on COVID-19 is inclusive, particularly of groups disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and who may have been historically under-served by research.

Summary of key points

Groups who are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 include (but are not limited to) older people, people with multiple long-term conditions, people with disabilities, people from Black, Asian and Ethnic minority groups, people living with obesity, people who are socioeconomically deprived and people living in care homes. All these groups are under-served by clinical research, and there is an urgent need to rectify this if COVID-19 research is to deliver relevant evidence for these groups who are most in need. We provide a framework and checklists for addressing key issues when designing and delivering inclusive COVID-19 research, based on the National Institute for Health Research INnovations in CLinical trial design and delivery for the UnDEr-served project roadmap. Strong community engagement, codevelopment and prioritisation of research questions and interventions are essential. Under-served groups should be represented on funding panels and ethics committees, who should insist on the removal of barriers to participation. Exclusion criteria should be kept to a minimum; intervention delivery and outcome measurement should be simple, flexible and tailored to the needs of different groups, and local advice on the best way to reach and engage with under-served communities should be taken by study delivery teams. Data on characteristics that allow identification of under-served groups must be collected, analyses should include these data to enable subgroup comparisons and results should be shared with under-served groups at an early stage.

Conclusion

Inclusive COVID-19 research is a necessity, not a luxury, if research is to benefit all the communities it seeks to serve. It requires close engagement with under-served groups and attention to aspects of study topic, design, delivery, analysis and dissemination across the research life cycle.
Mental health in hospital emergency departments: cross-sectional analysis of attendances in England 2013/2014
Authors: Baracaia Simona , McNulty David , Baldwin Simon , Mytton Jemma , Evison Felicity , Raine Rosalind , Giacco Domenico , Hutchings Andrew , Barratt Helen
Published: November 2020

Objective

To describe the population of patients who attend emergency departments (ED) in England for mental health reasons.

Methods

Cross-sectional observational study of 6 262 602 ED attendances at NHS (National Health Service) hospitals in England between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014. We assessed the proportion of attendances due to psychiatric conditions. We compared patient sociodemographic and attendance characteristics for mental health and non-mental health attendances using logistic regression.

Results

4.2% of ED attendances were attributable to mental health conditions (median 3.2%, IQR 2.6% to 4.1%). Those attending for mental health reasons were typically younger (76.3% were aged less than 50 years), of White British ethnicity (73.2% White British), and resident in more deprived areas (59.9% from the two most deprived Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles (4 and 5)). Mental health attendances were more likely to occur ‘out of hours’ (68.0%) and at the weekend (31.3%). Almost two-thirds were brought in by ambulance. A third required admission, but around a half were discharged home.

Conclusions

This is the first national study of mental health attendances at EDs in England. We provide information for those planning and providing care, to ensure that clinical resources meet the needs of this patient group, who comprise 4.2% of attendances. In particular, we highlight the need to strengthen the availability of hospital and community care ‘out of hours.’
Systematic review of psychotherapy for adults with functional neurological disorder
Authors: Gutkin Myles , McLean Loyola , Brown Richard , Kanaan Richard A
Published: November 2020

Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a common and disabling disorder that is often considered difficult to treat, particularly in adults. Psychological therapies are often recommended for FND. Outcome research on psychological therapies for FND has grown in recent years but has not been systematically evaluated since 2005. This study aims to build on that by systematically reviewing the evidence-base for individual outpatient cognitive behavioural and psychodynamic psychotherapies for FND. Medical databases were systematically searched for prospective studies of individual outpatient psychotherapy for FND with at least five adult participants. Studies were assessed for methodological quality using a standardised assessment tool. Results were synthesised, and effect sizes calculated for illustrative purposes. The search strategy identified 131 relevant studies, of which 19 were eligible for inclusion: 12 examining cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and 7 investigating psychodynamic therapy (PDT). Eleven were pre–post studies and eight were randomised controlled trials. Most studies recruited a single symptom-based subtype rather than all presentations of FND. Effect sizes, where calculable, showed generally medium-sized benefits for physical symptoms, mental health, well-being, function and resource use for both CBT and PDT. Outcomes were broadly comparable across the two therapy types, although a lack of high-quality controlled trials of PDT is a significant limitation, as is the lack of long-term follow-up data in the majority of identified CBT trials. In conclusion, both CBT and PDT appear to potentially offer some benefit for FND, although better quality studies are needed.
Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors and the risk of mortality in patients with hypertension hospitalised for COVID-19: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ssentongo Anna E , Ssentongo Paddy , Heilbrunn Emily S , Lekoubou Alain , Du Ping , Liao Duanping , Oh John S , Chinchilli Vernon M
Published: November 2020

Objective

The association between the use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone (RAAS) inhibitors and the risk of mortality from COVID-19 is unclear. We aimed to estimate the association of RAAS inhibitors, including ACE inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) with COVID-19 mortality risk in patients with hypertension.

Methods

PubMed (MEDLINE) SCOPUS, OVID, Cochrane Library databases and medrxiv.org were searched from 1 January 2020 to 1 September 2020. Studies reporting the association of RAAS inhibitors (ACEi or ARBs) and mortality in patients with hypertension, hospitalised for COVID-19 were extracted. Two reviewers independently extracted appropriate data of interest and assessed the risk of bias. All analyses were performed using random-effects models on log-transformed risk ratio (RR) estimates, and heterogeneity was quantified.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review (n=73,073 patients with COVID-19; mean age 61 years; 53% male). Overall, the between-study heterogeneity was high (I2=80%, p<0.01). Patients with hypertension with prior use of RAAS inhibitors were 35% less likely to die from COVID-19 compared with patients with hypertension not taking RAAS inhibitors (pooled RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.94). The quality of evidence by Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations was graded as ‘moderate’ quality.

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis, with prior use of RAAS inhibitors was associated with lower risk mortality from COVID-19 in patients with hypertension. Our findings suggest a potential protective effect of RAAS-inhibitors in COVID-19 patients with hypertension.

PROSPERO registration number

The present study has been registered with PROSPERO (registration ID: CRD 42020187963).
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of local scour around circular side-by-side bridge piers with ice cover
Authors: Namaee Mohammad Reza , Sui Jueyi , Wu Yongsheng , Linklater Natalie
Published: November 2020

Local scour around piers is one of the primary causes of collapse of bridges that cross rivers. The most severe scouring occurs in cold regions where ice cover significantly changes the velocity profile. Having an accurate estimation of the maximum scour depth around bridge piers, especially in cold regions, is necessary for a safer design of piers. In this study, 3D numerical models are compared to laboratory experiments to examine the process of local scour around bridge piers with and without smooth and rough ice cover. By using the equation of Meyer-Peter and Müller, the sediment transport model is validated to approximate the transport of the sediment particles. Numerical results showed good agreements with experimental observations where the maximum scour depth and turbulent kinetic energy around bridge piers were the highest under rough ice cover conditions.
The role of temperate treed swamps as a carbon sink in southwestern Nova Scotia
Authors: Kendall Rachel A. , Harper Karen A. , Burton David , Hamdan Kevin
Published: November 2020

Forested wetlands may represent important ecosystems for mitigating climate change effects through carbon (C) sequestration because of their slow decomposition and C storage by trees. Despite this potential importance, few studies have acknowledged the role of temperate treed swamps in the C cycle. In southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada, we examined the role of treed swamps in the soil C cycle by determining C inputs through litterfall, assessing decomposition rates and soil C pools, and quantifying C outputs through soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The treed swamps were found to represent large supplies of C inputs through litterfall to the forest floor. The swamp soils had substantially greater C stores than the swamp–upland edge or upland soils. We found growing season C inputs via litterfall to exceed C outputs via GHG emissions in the swamps by a factor of about 2.5. Our findings indicate that temperate treed swamps can remain a C sink even if soil GHG emissions were to double, supporting conservation efforts to preserve temperate treed swamps as a measure to mitigate climate change.