bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Shape of Eurozone’s Uncertainty: Its Impact and Predictive Value on GDP
Authors: Fendel Ralf , Mai Nicola , Mohr Oliver
Published: September 2020

This paper examines the role of uncertainty in the context of the business cycle in the euro area. To gain a more granular perspective on uncertainty, the paper decomposes uncertainty along two dimensions: First, we construct the four different moments of uncertainty, including the point estimate, the standard deviation, the skewness and the kurtosis. The second dimension of uncertainty spans along three distinct groups of economic agents, including consumers, corporates and financial markets. Based on this taxonomy, we construct uncertainty indices and assess the impact on real GDP via impulse response functions and further investigate their informational value in rolling out-of-sample GDP forecasts. The analysis lends evidence to the hypothesis that higher uncertainty expressed through the point estimate, a larger standard deviation among confidence estimates, positive skewness and a higher kurtosis are all negatively correlated with the business cycle. The impulse response functions reveal that in particular the first and the second moment of uncertainty cause a permanent effect on GDP with an initial decline and a subsequent overshoot. We find uncertainty in the corporate sector to be the main driver behind this observation, followed by financial markets’ uncertainty whose initial effect on GDP is comparable but receding much faster. While the first two moments of uncertainty improve GDP forecasts significantly, both the skewness and the kurtosis do not augment the forecast quality any further.
Tuning Proportional-Integral-Derivative Gains of a Three-Dimensional RRRP Pick and Place Robot for Asymptotic Trajectory Tracking
Authors: Dutta Saurav Kumar , Reddy B. Sandeep , Dwivedy Santosha Kumar
Published: September 2020

This paper uses the Floquet theory for tuning the feedback gains to stabilize the tracking errors of a revolute-revolute-revolute-prismatic (RRRP) robot moving in a three-dimensional (3D) workspace. This robot is driven by a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control law, tracking a time-varying trajectory in joint space, without knowledge of any bounds of the inertia matrix and/or Jacobian of the gravity vector. The Floquet theory is used to obtain the values of feedback gains for which the asymptotic stability of the tracking errors is obtained. The numerical results obtained by Floquet theory are verified by the tracking error plots and phase portraits. The obtained results will be very useful for the control of any industrial robot, required to perform repetitive tasks like assembly of parts and inspection of products, amongst others.
Squeeze Film Damper Suppression of Thermal Bow-Morton Effect Instability
Authors: Shin Dongil , Palazzolo Alan B. , Tong Xiaomeng
Published: September 2020

The Morton effect (ME) is a synchronous vibration problem in turbomachinery caused by the nonuniform viscous heating around the journal circumference, and its resultant thermal bow (TB) and ensuing synchronous vibration. This paper treats the unconventional application of the SFD for the mitigation of ME-induced vibration. Installing a properly designed squeeze film damper (SFD) may change the rotor's critical speed location, damping, and deflection shape, and thereby suppress the vibration caused by the ME. The effectiveness of the SFD on suppressing the ME is tested via linear and nonlinear simulation studies employing a three-dimensional (3D) thermohydrodynamic (THD) tilting pad journal bearing (TJPB), and a flexible, Euler beam rotor model. The example rotor model is for a compressor that experimentally exhibited an unacceptable vibration level along with significant journal differential heating near 8000 rpm. The SFD model includes fluid inertia and is installed on the nondrive end bearing location where the asymmetric viscous heating of the journal is highest. The influence of SFD cage stiffness is evaluated.
Workload Differences Between Training Drills and Competition in Elite Netball
Authors: Simpson Marni J. , Jenkins David G. , Kelly Vincent G.
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To examine potential differences in internal and external workload variables between playing positions and between training drills and games within an elite netball team during training and competition. Methods: Nine elite female netballers were monitored during 15 games and all training sessions over 28 weeks. Workload variables assessed were relative PlayerLoad (PL per minute), accelerations, decelerations, jumps, changes of direction, high-intensity events, medium-intensity events, low-intensity events, PL in a forward direction, PL in a sideways direction, PL in a vertical direction, and summated heart-rate zones using heart-rate monitors and inertial measurement units. Results: Conditioning and match play during training were the only drills that matched or exceeded game workloads. Workloads during small-sided games were lower than game workloads for all variables. In games, goalkeeper, goal attack, and goal shooter had a greater frequency of jumps compared with other positions. Midcourt positions had a greater frequency of low-intensity events in a game. Conclusions: Workloads during small-sided games were lower than game workloads across all external and internal variables; therefore, netball staff should modify these small-sided games if they wish them to develop game-based qualities. Specific game workload variables indicate that there are differences within some positional groups; coaches need to be aware that positional groupings may fail to account for differences in workload between individual playing positions.
Effects of 2 Models of Aquatic Exercise Training on Cardiorespiratory Responses of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The Diabetes and Aquatic Training Study—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Delevatti Rodrigo Sudatti , Kanitz Ana Carolina , Bracht Cláudia Gomes , Lisboa Salime Donida Chedid , Marson Elisa Corrêa , Reichert Thaís , Bones Vitória , Kruel Luiz Fernando Martins
Published: September 2020

Background: There are a lack of clinical trials with suitable methodological quality that compare aquatic exercise training types in type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment. This study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic and combined aquatic training on cardiorespiratory outcomes in patients with T2D. Methods: Untrained patients with T2D were randomized to receive an aerobic aquatic training, a combined aquatic training, or a procedure control in 3 weekly sessions for 15 weeks. The sessions were 50 minutes long. The intensities were from 85% to 100% of heart rate of anaerobic threshold and at maximal velocity for aerobic and resistance parts, respectively. Resting heart rate, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and oxygen uptake corresponding to second ventilatory threshold and its relation with VO2peak were evaluated. Results: Participants were 59.0 (8.2) years old and 51% women. Intervention groups increased in VO2peak (aerobic aquatic training group: 4.48 mL·kg−1·min−1, P = .004; combined aquatic training group: 5.27 mL·kg−1·min−1; P = .006) and oxygen uptake corresponding to second ventilatory threshold, whereas the control group presented an increase in oxygen uptake corresponding to second ventilatory threshold and minimal change in VO2peak. Conclusions: Aerobic and combined aquatic exercise interventions improve the cardiorespiratory fitness of patients with T2D.
Aβ-accelerated neurodegeneration caused by Alzheimer’s-associated
ACE
variant R1279Q is rescued by angiotensin system inhibition in mice
Authors: Cuddy Leah K. , Prokopenko Dmitry , Cunningham Eric P. , Brimberry Ross , Song Peter , Kirchner Rory , Chapman Brad A. , Hofmann Oliver , Hide Winston , Procissi Daniele , Hanania Taleen , Leiser Steven C. , Tanzi Rudolph E , Vassar Robert
Published: September 2020

Ace1
knockin mice have increased neuronal ACE1 and hippocampal neuron loss that is accelerated by Aβ and blocked by approved angiotensin pathway drugs.
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 activates a network of profibrotic signaling pathways to promote fibrosis in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Chakraborty Debomita , Zhu Honglin , Jüngel Astrid , Summa Lena , Li Yi-Nan , Matei Alexandru-Emil , Zhou Xiang , Huang Jingang , Trinh-Minh Thuong , Chen Chih-Wei , Lafyatis Robert , Dees Clara , Bergmann Christina , Soare Alina , Luo Hui , Ramming Andreas , Schett Georg , Distler Oliver , Distler Jörg H. W.
Published: September 2020

Up-regulation of FGFR3 and FGF9 induces profibrotic pathways promoting fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.
Bicyclic azetidines kill the diarrheal pathogen
Cryptosporidium
in mice by inhibiting parasite phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase
Authors: Vinayak Sumiti , Jumani Rajiv S. , Miller Peter , Hasan Muhammad M. , McLeod Briana I. , Tandel Jayesh , Stebbins Erin E. , Teixeira Jose E. , Borrel Julien , Gonse Arthur , Zhang Mingliang , Yu Xianshui , Wernimont Amy , Walpole Chris , Eckley Sean , Love Melissa S. , McNamara Case W. , Sharma Manmohan , Sharma Amit , Scherer Christina A. , Kato Nobutaka , Schreiber Stuart L. , Melillo Bruno , Striepen Boris , Huston Christopher D. , Comer Eamon
Published: September 2020

Bicyclic azetidines potently inhibit
Cryptosporidium
in vivo by targeting phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase.
MIS-Cing pieces of the puzzle
Authors: Sengupta Shaon
Published: September 2020

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19 is distinct from other hyperinflammatory conditions in children.
Selection for Resistance to a Glyphosate-Containing Herbicide in Salmonella enterica Does Not Result in a Sustained Activation of the Tolerance Response or Increased Cross-Tolerance and Cross-Resistance to Clinically Important Antibiotics
Authors: Pöppe Judith , Bote Katrin , Ramesh Abhinaya , Murugaiyan Jayaseelan , Kuropka Benno , Kühl Michael , Johnston Paul , Roesler Uwe , Makarova Olga
Published: September 2020

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are among the world’s most popular, with traces commonly found in food, feed, and the environment. Such high ubiquity means that the herbicide may come into contact with various microorganisms, on which it acts as an antimicrobial, and it may select for resistance and cross-resistance to clinically important antibiotics. It is therefore important to estimate whether the widespread use of pesticides may be an underappreciated source of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms that may compromise efficiency of antibiotic treatments in humans and animals.
Role of Phosphatidylethanolamine Biosynthesis in Herpes Simplex Virus 1-Infected Cells in Progeny Virus Morphogenesis in the Cytoplasm and in Viral Pathogenicity
In Vivo
Authors: Arii Jun , Fukui Ayano , Shimanaka Yuta , Kono Nozomu , Arai Hiroyuki , Maruzuru Yuhei , Koyanagi Naoto , Kato Akihisa , Mori Yasuko , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: September 2020

Glycerophospholipids in cell membranes and virus envelopes often affect viral entry and budding. However, the role of glycerophospholipids in membrane-associated events in viral replication in herpesvirus-infected cells has not been reported to date. In this study, we have presented data showing that cellular PE biosynthesis mediated by Pcyt2 is important for HSV-1 envelopment in the cytoplasm, as well as for viral replication and pathogenicity
in vivo
. This is the first report showing the importance of PE biosynthesis in herpesvirus infections. Our results showed that inhibition of Pcyt2, a key cell enzyme for PE synthesis, significantly inhibited HSV-1 replication and pathogenicity in mice. This suggested that the PE biosynthetic pathway, as well as the HSV-1 virion maturation pathway, can be a target for the development of novel anti-HSV drugs.
The Epigenetic Regulator EZH2 Instructs CD4 T Cell Response to Acute Viral Infection via Coupling of Cell Expansion and Metabolic Fitness
Authors: Li Ren , Pan Zhiwei , Wu Jialin , Yue Shuai , Lin Yao , Yang Yang , Li Zhirong , Hu Li , Tang Jianfang , Shan Lingling , Tian Qin , Jiang Peng , Wei Ping , Ye Lilin , Liu Pinghuang , Chen Xiangyu
Published: September 2020

The CD4 T cell response is critical in curtailing viral infection or eliciting efficacious viral vaccination. Highly efficient expansion of virus-specific CD4 T cells culminates in a qualified CD4 T cell response. Here, we found that the epigenetic regulator EZH2 is a prerequisite for the virus-specific CD4 T cell response, with a mechanism coupling cell expansion and metabolism. Thus, our study provides valuable insights for strategies targeting EZH2 to improve the efficacy of CD4 T cell-based viral vaccines and to help treat diseases associated with aberrant CD4 T cell responses.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Shewanella
sp. Strain T2.3D-1.1, Isolated from 121.8 Meters Deep in the Subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt
Authors: de Francisco-Polanco Sofia , Martínez José M. , Leandro Tania , Amils Ricardo
Published: September 2020

Shewanella
sp. strain T2.3D-1.1 was isolated from the deep subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. We report its draft genome sequence, consisting of 49 scaffolds, with a chromosome of ≈4.6 Mb and a 23.8-kb plasmid. The chromosome annotation identified 4,068 coding DNA sequences, 1 rRNA operon, and 108 tRNA genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium Bacillus subtilis Strain BZR 517, Isolated from Winter Wheat, Now Reclassified as Bacillus velezensis Strain BZR 517
Authors: Radchenko Vitaly V. , Vasilyev Ilya Y. , Ilnitskaya Elena V. , Garkovenko Alexey V. , Asaturova Anzhela M. , Tomashevich Natalia S. , Kozitsyn Alexander E. , Milovanov Alexander V. , Grigoreva Tatiana V. , Shternshis Margarita V.
Published: September 2020

Bacillus velezensis
strain BZR 517 is a prospective plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium with known biocontrol properties, which may be used to improve soil quality. The genome sequencing was conducted as part of new biological agent development in order to determine the biocontrol potential of the strain, including the production of biologically active compounds.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four
Aspergillus
Section
Fumigati
Clinical Strains
Authors: dos Santos Renato Augusto Corrêa , Rivero-Menendez Olga , Steenwyk Jacob L. , Mead Matthew E. , Goldman Gustavo Henrique , Alastruey-Izquierdo Ana , Rokas Antonis
Published: September 2020

Aspergillus
fungi in section
Fumigati
include important human pathogens. Here, we sequenced the genomes of two strains of
Aspergillus hiratsukae
and two strains of
Aspergillus felis
. The average genome sizes are 29.5 Mb for
A. hiratsukae
and 31.8 Mb for
A. felis
.
Complete Genome Sequences of Four Extensively Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from Thailand
Authors: Chopjitt Peechanika , Wongsurawat Thidathip , Jenjaroenpun Piroon , Boueroy Parichart , Hatrongjit Rujirat , Kerdsin Anusak
Published: September 2020

Here, we report the complete genome sequences of four clinical isolates of extensively drug-resistantAcinetobacter baumannii(XDRAB), isolated in Thailand. These results revealed multiple antimicrobial-resistant genes, each involving two sequence type 16 (ST16) isolates, ST2, and a novel sequence type isolate, ST1479.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Bacterial Isolates That Degrade the Cyanobacterial Toxin Microcystin-LR
Authors: McCartney Alexander T. , Yeo Ji-Youn , Blomquist Thomas M. , Huntley Jason F.
Published: September 2020

We previously demonstrated that 13 bacterial isolates from Lake Erie, when grown in groups of four to five isolates per group, degraded the cyanobacterial toxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) into nontoxic fragments. Whole-genome sequencing of these bacteria was performed to provide genus and species information and to predict putative MC-LR-degrading genes.
MDA-5 dermatomyositis complicated by interstitial lung disease and cutaneous ulcers: successful treatment with corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil and intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Stager Kelli , Wise Leanna
Published: September 2020

Antimelanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5) dermatomyositis is a subtype of dermatomyositis that is associated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD), as well as with a variety of cutaneous manifestations. Patients with MDA-5 dermatomyositis tend to have a poor prognosis that is often attributed to the high rates of concurrent RP-ILD. Given the severity of disease, early diagnosis and aggressive management is pivotal. We present a case of a 40-year-old woman diagnosed with MDA-5 dermatomyositis who presented with weakness, painful cutaneous ulcerations and interstitial lung disease. She was treated with monthly intravenous Ig (IVIg), weight-based prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). After approximately 2 years of treatment, her interstitial lung disease remains stable and she has had significant improvement in weakness and cutaneous ulcerations. Our case provides evidence for early and aggressive treatment of MDA-5 dermatomyositis with a combination of weight-based prednisone, MMF and IVIg.
Quality of early evidence on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Yang Sarah , Li Allen , Eshaghpour Ali , Ivanisevic Sofia , Salopek Adrian , Eikelboom John , Crowther M
Published: September 2020

Since the initial description of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and its declaration as a worldwide pandemic, the number of publications on the novel virus has increased rapidly. We studied the trends and quality of evidence in early SARS-CoV-2 publications. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed for papers published between 1 January 2020 and 21 April 2020. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and subsequently full texts for eligibility in this systematic review. The search yielded 2504 citations published between January and February 2020 or an unspecified date, 109 of which remained for extraction after screening. Data extracted included study design, year of publication, country of basis, journal of publication, impact factor of publishing journal, study sample size, number of citations and topic of investigation. Study design-specific critical appraisal tools were used to evaluate the scientific rigour of all included papers: the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used for case series, Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles scale for narrative reviews, Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cohort studies and AMSTAR 2 for systematic reviews. The overall quality of the literature was low-moderate. Of 541 papers that reported clinical characteristics, 295 were commentaries/expert opinions and 36 were case reports. There were no randomised clinical trials, 45 case series studies, 58 narrative reviews, 1 cohort study and 5 systematic reviews. We encourage clinicians to be attentive to these findings when utilising early SARS-CoV-2 evidence in their practices.
The role of health system context in the design and implementation of performance-based financing: evidence from Cote d’Ivoire
Authors: Duran Denizhan , Bauhoff Sebastian , Berman Peter , Gaudet Tania , Konan Clovis , Ozaltin Emre , Kruk Margaret E
Published: September 2020

Low quality of care is a significant problem for health systems in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Policymakers are increasingly interested in using performance-based financing (PBF), a system-wide provider payment reform, conditioned on both quantity and quality of performance, to improve quality of care. The health system context influences both the design and the implementation of these programmes and thus their effectiveness. This study analyses how context has influenced the design and implementation of PBF in improving the quality of primary care in one particular setting, Cote d’Ivoire, a lower-middle income country with some of the poorest health outcomes in the world. Based on literature, an analytical framework was developed identifying five pathways through which financial incentives can influence the quality of primary care: earmarking, conditioning, provider behaviour, community involvement and management. Guided by this framework, semistructured interviews were conducted with policymakers and providers to diagnose the context and to assess the links between financing and quality of care at the primary care level. PBF in Cote d’Ivoire was found to have increased data availability and quality, facility-wide and disease-specific inputs, provider motivation and management practices in contracted facilities, but had limited success in improving process and outcome measures of quality, as well as community involvement and the provision of non-incentivised services. These limitations were attributable to a centralised health system structure constraining the decision space of health providers; financing and governance challenges across the health sector; and shortcomings with regard to the design of the PBF quality checklist and incentive structures in Cote d’Ivoire. In order to improve the quality of primary care, health sector reforms such as PBF should incorporate the organisational and service delivery context more broadly into their design and implementation, as is the case in other countries.
Unprecedented reduction in births of very low birthweight (VLBW) and extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants during the COVID-19 lockdown in Ireland: a ‘natural experiment’ allowing analysis of data from the prior two decades
Authors: Philip Roy K , Purtill Helen , Reidy Elizabeth , Daly Mandy , Imcha Mendinaro , McGrath Deirdre , O'Connell Nuala H , Dunne Colum P
Published: September 2020

Background

Aetiology of births involving very low birthweight (VLBW) and extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants is heterogeneous and preventive strategies remain elusive. Socioenvironmental measures implemented as Ireland’s response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) pandemic represented a national lockdown, and have possibly influenced the health and well-being of pregnant women and unborn infants.

Methods

Regional trends of VLBW and ELBW infants in one designated health area of Ireland over two decades were analysed. Poisson regression and rate ratio analyses with 95% CI were conducted. Regional data covering most of the lockdown period of 2020 were compared with historical regional and national data and forecasted national figures for 2020.

Results

Poisson regression analysis found that the regional historical VLBW rate per 1000 live births for January to April, 2001–2019 was 8.18 (95% CI 7.21 to 9.29). During January to April 2020, an unusually low VLBW rate of just 2.17 per 1000 live births was observed, reflecting a rate ratio of 3.77 (95% CI 1.21 to 11.75), p=0.022, representing a 73% reduction of VLBW during the first 4 months of 2020 compared with same period for the preceding two decades. There were no ELBW infants admitted to the regional neonatal intensive care unit. National Irish VLBW rate for 2020 is forecasted to be reduced to approximate 400 per 60 000 births compared with the historical 500–600 range.

Conclusion

An unprecedented reduction in regional births of VLBW and ELBW infants was observed in Ireland coinciding with the COVID-19 lockdown. Potential determinants of this unique temporal trend possibly reside in the summative socioenvironmental impact of the COVID-19 lockdown. Our findings, if mirrored in other regions that have adopted a lockdown, demonstrate the potential to evaluate these implicated behavioural and socioenvironmental modifiers to positively influence VLBW and ELBW rates globally.
Does an emergency access button increase the patients’ satisfaction and feeling of safety with the out-of-hours health services? A randomised controlled trial in Denmark
Authors: Ebert Jonas Fynboe , Huibers L , Christensen Bo , Collatz Christensen Helle , Christensen Morten Bondo
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate if the option to bypass the telephone queue can increase satisfaction and feeling of safety in callers.

Design

Randomised controlled parallel superiority trial. Data from questionnaire survey.

Setting

Two out-of-hours (OOH) services in Denmark.

Participants

217 510 citizens who called the OOH services between 4 September 2017 and 30 November 2017.

Randomisation

Two-faze study period: First half with randomisation of participants based on their date of birth; even date randomised to intervention, uneven date randomised to control group. Second half with all participants included in intervention group.

Intervention

Providing randomised callers (intervention group n=146 355) with the option to bypass the telephone waiting line through an emergency access button (EAB), while the rest got the normal service (control group n=71 155). All EAB users were invited to a questionnaire survey as well as random participants who did not use the EAB (of whom approximately 50% did not have the EAB option).

Main outcome measures

Satisfaction and feeling of safety in callers.

Results

2208 of 6704 (32.9%) invited callers answered the questionnaire (intervention group n=1415 (users n=621, non-users n=794); control group n=793). The OR for answering in the two categories with highest satisfaction when provided with the EAB option was 1.34 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.68) for satisfaction with the waiting time, 1.21 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.60) for overall satisfaction and 1.46 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.89) for feeling of safety. Approximately 72% (441/621) of EAB users reported that the EAB option increased their feeling of safety with the OOH services ‘to a high degree’ compared with 25% (197/794) of callers who had the EAB option without using it.

Conclusions

The EAB can provide fast access to OOH telephone advice in case of severe illness. It favours citizens perceived in most need of urgent healthcare and significantly increases both feeling of safety and patient satisfaction.

Trial registration details

NCT02572115(5 October 2015).
Accuracy of the combined method (auscultation and pH measurement) and ultrasonography for confirmation of gastric tube placement: a study protocol for a prospective study
Authors: Rigobello Mayara Carvalho Godinho , Elias Junior Jorge , Bonacim Carlos Alberto Grespan , Silveira Renata Cristina de Campos Pereira , Bonardi Fernanda Caroline , Nunes Roosevelt Santos , Pereira Rosana Aparecida , Gimenes Fernanda Raphael Escobar
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Patients using a nasogastric tube (NGT) are vulnerable to adverse events, therefore proper assessment of these patients, verification of the correct tube placement and constant monitoring by the nursing staff are strategies that can reduce adverse events and risks associated with the care. The aim of this study will be to assess the accuracy of the combined method (auscultation and pH measurement) and ultrasonography for confirmation of gastric tube placement compared with the X-ray method. A further aim will be to measure and provide evidence for the direct costs of each method of confirming NGT placement and to evaluate the impact of each method on the mean direct cost of the patient.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, single-centre study of diagnostic accuracy. Data will be collected in the clinical and surgical wards, intensive care unit and coronary care unit of a Brazilian teaching hospital. The sample will consist of 385 assessments, performed in adult patients that agree to participate in the study and that receive an NGT. The combined method and the ultrasound will be the index tests and will be performed on all study participants for later comparison with an X-ray examination, considered the reference standard and the gold standard to distinguish between gastric and pulmonary placement. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value will be calculated to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the methods investigated in this study, with Cohen’s kappa analysis used to evaluate the degree of concordance.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, registration number: 83087318.4.0000.5393. The findings will be reported through academic journals, seminars and conference presentations, social media, print media, the internet and community/stakeholder engagement activities.
Protocol of DEXPED trial: efficacy of intravenous dexamethasone, administered at the time of analgesic blocking of the lower limb, on postoperative pain in children: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial
Authors: Vautrin Nicolas , Thilly Nathalie , Bernard Yohann , Wurtz François , Meistelman Claude
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Dexamethasone is a drug used to prolong the postoperative analgesia in children after peripheral nerve blockade, although the dose usually used (0.2 mg/kg) has not been studied yet. This study is a monocentric, prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study in a university hospital in France. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of 0.2 mg/kg intravenous dexamethasone on early postoperative pain in children aged 6–15 years, who require a lower limb peripheral nerve block following general anaesthesia.

Methods and analysis

Eighty children, aged 6–15 years, undergoing surgery for which peripheral nerve lower limb blockade with ropivacaine following general anaesthesia are included. The inclusion criteria are: children aged 6–15 years, with American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I or II and scheduled for surgery requiring a peripheral block of the lower limb for analgesic purposes, with a preoperative anaesthetic evaluation between 90 and 2 days before the surgery, with informed consent from legal representatives. General anaesthesia is performed. The patient receives, according to his group, either 0.2 mg/kg of dexamethasone intravenously at the start of anaesthetic induction or the same volume of placebo. Then, the peripheral block of the lower limb is performed with ropivacaine. The primary outcome is the total doses of opioid administered (in mg/kg of morphine equivalent) within 24 hours postoperatively. The secondary objectives are the evaluation of the effect of a single-dose intravenous dexamethasone at the time of anaesthetic induction, on the following parameters: onset of postoperative pain, duration of motor block, postoperative nausea and vomiting within 24 hours.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and has been approved by the French national ethics committee and the National Drug Safety Agency. Findings of this study will be widely disseminated through conference presentations, reports, factsheets and academic publications.

Trial registration number

NCT03618173.
Effect of exercise on symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in low and middle-income countries: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pokharel Pratik , Rana Juwel , Moutchia Jude , Uchai Shreeshti , Kerri Aldiona , Luna Gutiérrez Patricia Lorena , Islam Rakibul M
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has the potential to affect the quality of life adversely. Published guidelines recommend the use of exercise as part of the first-line management interventions for PMS. However, the published evidence related to the effectiveness of physical activity and PMS is inconclusive. This review will assess the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions in reducing PMS in women screened or diagnosed with PMS in low and middle-income countries, where the prevalence of PMS is high.

Methods and analysis

Electronic databases will be researched, including Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google Scholar. All the studies published until March 2020 will be included. A standardised data extraction form will be used adapted from the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Included articles will be assessed using the risk of bias tools based on study design. Data will be analysed using Review Manager V.5.3. The inverse-variance random-effects method will be used to report the standardised mean difference. A meta-analysis will be used only if studies are sufficiently homogenous. A narrative synthesis will be undertaken when studies are heterogeneous. Methodological heterogeneity between studies will be evaluated by considering the study types. Statistical heterogeneity will be tested using the I2test. Subgroup analyses may be performed only for the primary outcome in case of sufficient studies. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted to assess the impact of intervention excluding studies without randomisation and studies with a high risk of bias. Funnel plots will be used to assess the potential reporting bias and small-study effects only when there are more than 10 studies included in the meta-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not require ethical approval, as the review is entirely based on published studies. The results will be published and/or will be presented at a pertinent conference.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020163377.
Quantity and quality of conflict of interest policies at German medical schools: a cross-sectional study and survey
Authors: Grabitz Peter , Friedmann Zoe , Gepp Sophie , Hess Leonard , Specht Lisa , Struck Maja , Tragert Sophie Kira , Walther Tobias , Klemperer David
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To assess the quantity and evaluate the quality of policies and curricula focusing on conflicts of interests (COI) at medical schools across Germany.

Design

Cross-sectional study, survey of medical schools, standardised web search.

Setting

Medical schools, Germany.

Participants

38 German medical schools.

Interventions

We collected relevant COI policies, including teaching activities, by conducting a search of the websites of all 38 German medical schools using standardised keywords for COI policies and teaching. Further, we surveyed all medical schools’ dean’s offices. Finally, we adapted a scoring system for results we obtained with 13 categories based on prior similar studies.

Main outcomes and measures

Presence or absence of COI-related policies, including teaching activities at medical school. The secondary outcome was the achieved score on a scale from 0 to 26, with high scores representing restrictive policies and sufficient teaching activities.

Results

We identified relevant policies for one medical school via the web search. The response rate of the deans’ survey was 16 of 38 (42.1%). In total, we identified COI-related policies for 2 of 38 (5.3%) German medical schools, yet no policy was sufficient to address all COI-related categories that were assessed in this study. The maximum score achieved was 12 of 26. 36 (94.7%) schools scored 0. No medical school reported curricular teaching on COI.

Conclusions

Our results indicate a low level of action by medical schools to protect students from undue commercial influence. No participating dean was aware of any curriculum or instruction on COI at the respective school and only two schools had policies in place. The German Medical Students Association and international counterparts have called for a stronger focus on COI in the classroom. We conclude that for German medical schools, there is still a long way to go.
Disease monitoring of biologic treatment in IBD: early impact and future implications of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shields Stephanie , Dunlop Allan , Seenan John Paul , Macdonald Jonathan
Published: September 2020

COVID-19 has dominated life in 2020 with, at the time of writing, over 4.9M global cases and >320 000 deaths. The impact has been most intensely felt in acute and critical care environments. However, with most UK elective work postponed, laboratory testing of faecal calprotectin halted due to potential risk of viral transmission and non-emergency endoscopies and surgeries cancelled, the secondary impact on chronic illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming apparent. Data from the Scottish Biologic Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) service shows a dramatic drop in TDM testing since the pandemic onset. April 2020 saw a 75.6% reduction in adalimumab testing and a 36.2% reduction in infliximab testing when compared with February 2020 data, a reduction coinciding with the widespread cancellation of outpatient and elective activity. It is feared that disruption to normal patterns of care and disease monitoring of biologic patients could increase the risk of disease flare and adverse clinical outcomes. Urgent changes in clinical practice have been instigated to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on routine clinical care. Further transformations are needed to maintain safe, effective, patient-centred IBD care in the future.
Trends in academic productivity in the COVID-19 era: analysis of neurosurgical, stroke neurology, and neurointerventional literature
Authors: Lee Jae Eun , Mohanty Alina , Albuquerque Felipe C , Couldwell William T , Levy Elad I , Benzel Edward C , Wakhloo Ajay K , Hirsch Joshua A , Fiorella David , Fargen Kyle M , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Srinivasan Visish M , Johnson Jeremiah , Mokin Maxim , Kan Peter
Published: September 2020

Background

Academic physicians aim to provide clinical and surgical care to their patients while actively contributing to a growing body of scientific literature. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in procedural-based specialties across the United States witnessing a sharp decline in their clinical volume and surgical cases.

Objective

To assess the impact of COVID-19 on neurosurgical, stroke neurology, and neurointerventional academic productivity.

Methods

The study compared the neurosurgical, stroke neurology, and neurointerventional academic output during the pandemic lockdown with the same time period in previous years. Editors from a sample of neurosurgical, stroke neurology, and neurointerventional journals provided the total number of original manuscript submissions, broken down by months, from the year 2016 to 2020. Manuscript submission was used as a surrogate metric for academic productivity.

Results

8 journals were represented. The aggregated data from all eight journals as a whole showed that a combined average increase of 42.3% was observed on original submissions for 2020. As the average yearly percent increase using the 2016–2019 data for each journal exhibited a combined average increase of 11.2%, the rise in the yearly increase for 2020 in comparison was nearly fourfold. For the same journals in the same time period, the average percent of COVID-19 related publications from January to June of 2020 was 6.87%.

Conclusion

There was a momentous increase in the number of original submissions for the year 2020, and its effects were uniformly experienced across all of our represented journals.
Health system factors associated with post-trauma mortality at the prehospital care level in Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Koome Gilbert , Atela Martin , Thuita Faith , Egondi Thaddaeus
Published: September 2020

Background

Africa accounts forabout 90% of the global trauma burden. Mapping evidence on health systemfactors associated with post-trauma mortality is essential in definingpre-hospital care research priorities and mitigation of the burden. The studyaimed to map and synthesize existing evidence and research gaps on healthsystem factors associated with post-trauma mortality at the pre-hospital carelevel in Africa.

Methods

A scoping review of published studies and grey literature was conducted. The search strategy utilized electronic databases comprising of Medline, Google Scholar, Pub-Med, Hinari and Cochrane Library. Screening and extraction of eligible studies was done independently and in duplicate.

Results

A total of 782 study titles and or abstracts were screened. Of these, 32 underwent full text review. Out of the 32, 17 met the inclusion criteria for final review. The majority of studies were literature reviews (24%) and retrospective studies (23%). Retrospective and qualitative studies comprised 6% of the included studies, systematic reviews (6%), cross-sectional studies (17%), Delphi studies (6%), panel reviews (6%) and qualitative studies (12%), systematic reviews (6%), cross-sectional studies (17%), Delphi studies (6%), panel reviews (6%) and qualitative studies (12%). Reported post-trauma mortality ranged from 13% in Ghana to 40% in Nigeria. Reported preventable mortality is as high as 70% in South Africa, 60% in Ghana and 40% in Nigeria. Transport mode is the most studied health system factor (reported in 76% of the papers). Only two studies (12%) included access to pre-hospital care interventions aspects, nine studies (53%) included care providers aspects and three studies (18%) included aspects of referral pathways. The types of transport mode and referral pathway are the only factors significantly associated with post-trauma mortality, though the findings were mixed. None of the included studies reported significant associations between pre-hospital care interventions, care providers and post-trauma mortality.

Discussion

Although research on health system factors and its influence on post-trauma mortality at the pre-hospital care level in Africa are limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that access to pre-hospital care interventions, the level of provider skills and referral pathways are important determinants of mortality outcomes. The strength of their influence will require well designed studies that could incorporate mixed method approaches. Moreover, similar reviews incorporating other LMICs are also warranted. Key Words: Health System Factors, Emergency Medical Services [EMS], Pre-hospital Care, Post-Trauma mortality, Africa.
Uroabdomen following rupture of a primary ureteral soft tissue sarcoma in a Labrador retriever
Authors: Hertel Beatrice , L'Eplattenier Henry
Published: September 2020

A seven‐year‐old, female neutered Labrador retriever presented for acute onset of lethargy and abdominal pain. Imaging showed the presence of an irregular mass in the left retroperitoneal space, extending from the caudal pole of the left kidney to the urinary bladder, and a moderate amount of peritoneal effusion. The excretory urography confirmed that the mass was originating from the ureter and the effusion was consistent with urine leakage. A left ureteronephrectomy was performed and histology revealed a primary soft tissue sarcoma of intermediate grade. This is the second description of ureteral soft tissue sarcoma and report of uroabdomen due to ureteral mass in veterinary literature.
Rumen–reticulum organ mass and rumen mucosa surface area of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) consuming two energy diets
Authors: Spilinek S.G. , Reitz R. , Weckerly F.W.
Published: September 2020

Flexibility in gut morphology has fitness consequences in herbivores. To accommodate dietary variation in energy concentration, rumen–reticulum absorptive capacity and organ mass might also covary. We hypothesized that low energy diets result in greater food intake but lower volatile fatty acid concentrations. The consequence would be heavy rumen–reticulum organs and low absorptive capacity. We measured rumen–reticulum organ mass and absorptive capacity in captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780)) from central Texas, USA. Deer consumed a pelleted ration, ad libitum, of 1.77 kcal/g (low) or 2.67 kcal/g (standard) digestible energy from the time animals were weaned. In December, 4.5- and 5.5-year-old deer were euthanized, the rumen–reticulum was extracted, thoroughly rinsed, wrung out, and weighed. Four 1 cm × 3 cm samples were extracted from four regions of the rumen and mucosal surface area was measured. Our surrogate of food intake and mastication intensity was first molar height. Molar height was lower in animals consuming the low energy diet. Analyses indicated sex-specific responses. Males eating the low energy diet had heavier rumen–reticulum organs, but females did not. Females consuming the low energy diet had a lower surface enlargement factor, but males did not. The processes driving variation in rumen–reticulum morphology from dietary variation require further examination.
Gravitational theory of cosmology, galaxies and galaxy clusters
Authors: Moffat J. W.
Published: September 2020

A modified gravitational theory explains early universe and late time cosmology, galaxy and galaxy cluster dynamics. The modified gravity (MOG) theory extends general relativity (GR) by three extra degrees of freedom: a scalar field G, enhancing the strength of the Newtonian gravitational constant $$G_N$$

G
N

, a gravitational, spin 1 vector graviton field $$\phi _\mu $$

ϕ
μ

, and the effective mass $$\mu $$
μ
of the ultralight spin 1 graviton. For $$t < t_\mathrm{rec}$$

t
<

t
rec

, where $$t_\mathrm{rec}$$

t
rec

denotes the time of recombination and re-ionization, the density of the vector graviton $$\rho _\phi > \rho _b$$

ρ
ϕ

>

ρ
b

, where $$\rho _b$$

ρ
b

is the density of baryons, while for $$t > t_\mathrm{rec}$$

t
>

t
rec

we have $$\rho _b > \rho _\phi $$

ρ
b

>

ρ
ϕ

. The matter density is parameterized by $$\Omega _M=\Omega _b+\Omega _\phi +\Omega _r$$

Ω
M

=

Ω
b

+

Ω
ϕ

+

Ω
r

where $$\Omega _r=\Omega _\gamma +\Omega _\nu $$

Ω
r

=

Ω
γ

+

Ω
ν

. For the cosmological parameter values obtained by the Planck Collaboration, the CMB acoustical oscillation power spectrum, polarization and lensing data can be fitted as in the $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model. When the baryon density $$\rho _b$$

ρ
b

dominates the late time universe, MOG explains galaxy rotation curves, the dynamics of galaxy clusters, galaxy lensing and the galaxy clusters matter power spectrum without dominant dark matter.
Joule–Thomson expansion and quasinormal modes of regular non-minimal magnetic black hole
Authors: Jawad Abdul , Yasir Muhammad , Rani Shamaila
Published: September 2020

The Joule–Thomson effect and quasinormal modes (QNM) onto regular non-minimal magnetic charged black hole with a cosmological constant are being investigated. For this purpose, we extract some thermodynamical parameters such as pressure [Formula: see text] and mass [Formula: see text] in the presence of magnetic [Formula: see text] as well as electric [Formula: see text] charge. These parameters lead to inversion temperature [Formula: see text], pressure [Formula: see text] and corresponding isenthalpic curves. We introduce the tortoise coordinate and the Klein–Gordon wave equation which leads to the second-order ordinary Schrödinger equation. We find out the complex frequencies of QNMs through the massless scalar field perturbation which satisfy boundary conditions by using the first-order Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) technique.