bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PET Imaging of Translocator Protein as a Marker of Malaria-Associated Lung Inflammation
Authors: Goggi Julian L. , Claser Carla , Hartimath Siddesh V. , Hor Pei Xiang , Tan Peng Wen , Ramasamy Boominathan , Abdul Rahman Husaini , Cheng Peter , Chang Zi Wei , Nguee Samantha Yee Teng , Tang Jun Rong , Robins Edward G. , Renia Laurent
Published: July 2021

Malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (MA-ARDS) is a severe complication of malaria that occurs despite effective antimalarial treatment. Currently, noninvasive imaging procedures such as chest X-rays are used to assess edema in established MA-ARDS, but earlier detection methods are needed to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Examining the Distribution and Impact of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Capsular Locus of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 19A
Authors: Arends D. W. , Miellet W. R. , Langereis J. D. , Ederveen T. H. A. , van der Gaast–de Jongh C. E. , van Scherpenzeel M. , Knol M. J. , van Sorge N. M. , Lefeber D. J. , Trzciński K. , Sanders E. A. M. , Dorfmueller H. C. , Bootsma H. J. , de Jonge M. I.
Published: July 2021

Streptococcus pneumoniae
serotype 19A prevalence has increased after the implementation of the PCV7 and PCV10 vaccines. In this study, we have provided, with high accuracy, the genetic diversity of the 19A serotype in a cohort of Dutch invasive pneumococcal disease patients and asymptomatic carriers obtained in the period from 2004 to 2016.
A Novel Family of RNA-Binding Proteins Regulate Polysaccharide Metabolism in
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
Authors: Adams Amanda N. D. , Azam Muhammad S. , Costliow Zachary A. , Ma Xiangqian , Degnan Patrick H. , Vanderpool Carin K.
Published: July 2021

The human colon houses hundreds of bacterial species, including many belonging to the genus
Bacteroides
, that aid in breaking down our food to keep us healthy.
Bacteroides
have many genes responsible for breaking down different dietary carbohydrates and complex regulatory mechanisms ensure that specific genes are only expressed when the right carbohydrates are available. In this study, we discovered that
Bacteroides
use a family of RNA-binding proteins as global regulators to coordinate expression of carbohydrate utilization genes.
Phanerozoic record of mantle-dominated arc magmatic surges in the Zealandia Cordillera
Authors: Ringwood M.F. , Schwartz J.J. , Turnbull R.E. , Tulloch A.J.
Published: July 2021

We integrated new and existing bedrock and detrital zircon dates from the Zealandia Cordillera to explore the tempo of Phanerozoic arc magmatism along the paleo-Pacific margin of southeast Gondwana. We found that episodic magmatism was dominated by two high-magma-addition-rate (MAR) events spaced ∼250 m.y. apart in the Devonian (370–368 Ma) and the Early Cretaceous (129–105 Ma). The intervening interval between high-MAR events was characterized by prolonged, low-MAR activity in a geographically stable location for more than 100 m.y. We found that the two high-MAR events in Zealandia have distinct chemistries (S-type for the Devonian and I-type for the Cretaceous) and are unlikely to have been related by a repeating, cyclical process. Like other well-studied arc systems worldwide, the Zealandia Cordillera high-MAR events were associated with upper-plate deformation; however, the magmatic events were triggered by enhanced asthenospheric mantle melting in two distinct arc-tectonic settings—a retreating slab and an advancing slab, respectively. Our results demonstrate that dynamic changes in the subducting slab were primary controls in triggering mantle flare-up events in the Phanerozoic Zealandia Cordillera.
Synthesis, Thermoresponsive Behavior, and Catalytic Properties of Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymers of N-Vinylcaprolactam and N-Vinylimidazole
Authors: Barabanova A. I. , Blagodatskikh I. V. , Vyshivannaya O. V. , Muranov A. V. , Peregudov A. S. , Khokhlov A. R.
Published: July 2021

Thermoresponsive diblock copolymers (DCs) were prepared by two-stage reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer/macromolecular design by interchange of xanthate (RAFT/MADIX) polymerization of N-vinylcaprolactam and N-vinylimidazole (VI). The poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL) blocks were first synthesized and used as macro-chain transfer agent in VI polymerization. The temperature behavior of PVCL and DCs in aqueous media has been studied by static and dynamic light scattering. It has been shown that the phase separation temperature of both PVCLs and DCs depends on the length of the PVCL chain and the composition of aqueous solvent. The temperature range above the PVCL θ temperature and below the cloud point is characterized by the conformational rearrangements leading to the formation of mesoglobules. The study of catalytic activity of DCs in the hydrolysis reaction of p-nitrophenyl propionate has shown that their activity substantially increases in this transitional temperature region owing to the formation of highly developed hydrophilic–hydrophobic interfaces inside the mesoglobules.
Repeated aspiration and sclerotherapy to manage recurrent spinal epidermoid cyst
Authors: Neyaz Zafar , Prasad Surya Nandan , Singh Vivek , Phadke Rajendra Vishnu
Published: July 2021

Spinal epidermoid cysts are rare lesions and epidermoid cyst in intramedullary location is even rarer. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment; however, in cases of recurrence, repeat surgery becomes quite difficult. Treatment of recurrent intramedullary epidermoid cyst by surgery alone is a challenge. We managed one such rare case with repeated aspiration and sclerotherapy. Here, we have highlighted hypertonic saline sclerotherapy as a promising tool to treat recurrent spinal epidermoid cysts.
Neonatal Schwartz-Jampel syndrome type II: a rare case of peripheral origin of neonatal hypertonia
Authors: Verma Arjun , Banait Nishant , Suryawanshi Pradeep , Garegrat Reema
Published: July 2021

Neonatal Schwartz-Jampel syndrome type II is a rare and severe form of genetic disorder. Different from the classical appearance in infancy, neonatal presentation involves respiratory and feeding difficulties, along with characteristic pursed appearance of the mouth, myotonia, skeletal dysplasia and severe fatal hyperthermia. The clinical spectrum of this syndrome is so wide that it easily baffles with more common differentials. In this case report, a neonate born to third-degree consanguineous marriage with previous two abortions presented with respiratory difficulty, severe hyperthermia and feeding difficulty, which were daunting challenges to manage due to being refractory to standard line of management. Severe myotonia and gross dysmorphism were challenging dots to connect. Targeted exome sequencing was a ray of hope, which revealed homozygous mutation in the leukaemia inhibitory factor receptor gene on chromosome 5p13, confirming the genetic diagnosis for a fairly common spectrum of symptoms. The neonate later developed pneumoperitoneum and succumbed to underlying severe neonatal illness.
Young adult with Cantú syndrome: dealing with a rare genetic skin disorder
Authors: Roessler Helen I , van Haaften Gijs , van Haelst Mieke M
Published: July 2021

This case report of a young adult with Cantú syndrome (CS) illustrates a remarkable journey of learning how to cope with symptom management and emotional impact associated with a rare skin condition. We describe a 20-year-old woman with a CS-related mutation inABCC9resulting in clinical manifestations, including congenital hypertrichosis, facial dysmorphism and cardiomegaly. As of yet, no treatment is available for CS.

Little is known about the impact of CS and similar (skin) conditions on the life of affected individuals, and about their needs and preferences in this regard. Hence, we describe the psychosocial implications our case had to deal with immediately after her diagnosis. In addition, we outline her significant progress in managing disease-associated features and emotional stress prompted by considerable personal development and an increase in confidence. This example shows that a normal lifestyle is achievable for (newly diagnosed) individuals despite suffering from CS or a related skin disorder.
Sneeze-induced pneumolabyrinth 15 years after stapedotomy
Authors: Cheang Ya Fang Amanda , Yeo Seng Beng
Published: July 2021

Pneumolabyrinth refers to the presence of air within the inner ear and is a fairly common occurrence immediately after stapes surgery, but rarely occurs in a delayed manner years after the initial operation. We present a case of a patient with a history of left stapedotomy 15 years prior, who presented with acute onset vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss in her operated ear. Her symptoms were preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection associated with bouts of sneezing. Examination revealed a spontaneous right beating nystagmus and positive head thrust to the left. Pure tone audiometry demonstrated a left mixed hearing loss which subsequently deteriorated to a profound sensorineural hearing loss. CT showed the presence of air within the left vestibule and semicircular canals. The patient underwent an exploratory tympanotomy and repair of perilymphatic leak with resolution of vestibular symptoms but no improvement in sensorineural hearing thresholds.
Submucosal impaction of a forgotten DJ stent: addressing the unexpected
Authors: Ziauddin Shiraz Akif Mohammed , Devana Sudheer Kumar , Sharma Aditya , Chaudhary Kapil
Published: July 2021

A 16-year-old man with horseshoe kidney presented with a right-sided forgotten double J stent (DJS), 1 year after bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy. X-ray of the kidney, ureter and bladder showed bilateral residual stones with no encrustations or stone formation on the DJS. Initial attempt of DJS removal using 22 French (Fr) cystoscope and 6/7.5 Fr semirigid ureteroscope failed due to resistance while pulling the DJS and inability to uncoil the upper end of DJS. Finally, percutaneous antegrade scopy was done suggestive of submucosal impaction of the forgotten DJS in upper ureter. The overlying mucosal bridge was cut using holmium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) laser and the DJS was retrieved. The index case highlights an unusual cause of entrapment of the DJS and whenever resistance is encountered, the use of force should be avoided and the cause of resistance should be troubleshooted, thereby preventing serious injuries like ureteral avulsion.
Isolated keratinising corneal ocular surface squamous neoplasia with multifocal recurrence
Authors: Singh Swati , Jakati Saumya , Pasari Anand , Basu Sayan
Published: July 2021

Corneal ocular surface squamous neoplasia usually begins at the limbus and presents as an avascular translucent sheet over the corneal surface. This case report describes a 67-year-old man with an unusual isolated, keratinous nodular corneal lesion. Slit-lamp examination showed an elevated, avascular, whitish plaque-like lesion at the central cornea surrounded by a normal corneal epithelium, with reduced visual acuity of 20/200 in the right eye. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography displayed a hyper-reflective, thickened epithelium with back shadowing. Histopathology showed keratinising hyperplastic stratified squamous epithelium with parakeratosis and moderate nuclear pleomorphism in lower second/third of epithelium suggestive of moderate dysplasia. His visual acuity returned to 20/20 after surgical excision but he developed multifocal corneal recurrences 6 weeks later, which were successfully managed with seven cycles of topical interferon immunotherapy. There are no recurrences observed at 6 months of follow-up.
COVID-19-associated myocarditis presenting as new-onset heart failure and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Gaine Sean , Devitt Patrick , Coughlan John Joseph , Pearson Ian
Published: July 2021

A 58-year-old man presented to the emergency department with recent-onset palpitations and progressive exertional dyspnoea. ECG demonstrated new-onset atrial fibrillation. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed global impairment in left ventricular systolic function with left ventricular ejection fraction of 20%. Cardiac MRI (CMRI) demonstrated generalised severe myocarditis. A SARS-CoV-2 PCR was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. As such, we diagnosed our patient with COVID-19-associated myocarditis based on CMRI appearances and positive SARS-CoV-2 swab. This case highlights that COVID-19-associated myocarditis can present as new atrial fibrillation and heart failure without the classic COVID-19-associated symptoms.
Review of neurological rehabilitation for Multiple Sclerosis in the British Military
Authors: O'Sullivan Oliver , Allsopp L , Mitchell J , Price L , Tourle K , Ellis H
Published: July 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disorder, classically presenting in working age adults, including those in the Armed Forces. The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall offers vocationally focused neurorehabilitation services for service personnel (SP) with MS, with the goal to minimise disability, maximise independence and remain able to work.

This paper has two aims. First, it briefly provides a clinical update of MS, focusing on pathology, presentation, diagnosis and management. Finally, it will describe the role of DMRC and data from the last decade in the management of MS.

Our findings suggest not all SP with MS are being referred to DMRC, and some of those who do have significant delays, potentially impacting on patient support, symptom management and occupational outcomes. It is hoped that this paper will improve awareness and recognition of MS for Armed Forces personnel.
Effects of integrated models of care for diabetes and hypertension in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rohwer Anke , Uwimana Nicol Jeannine , Toews Ingrid , Young Taryn , Bavuma Charlotte M , Meerpohl Joerg
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To assess the effects of integrated models of care for people with multimorbidity including at least diabetes or hypertension in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) on health and process outcomes.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, LILACS, Africa-Wide, CINAHL and Web of Science up to 12 December 2019.

Eligibility criteria

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, controlled before-and-after studies and interrupted time series (ITS) studies of people with diabetes and/or hypertension plus any other disease, in LMICs; assessing the effects of integrated care.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two authors independently screened retrieved records; extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We conducted meta-analysis where possible and assessed certainty of evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Results

Of 7568 records, we included five studies—two ITS studies and three cluster RCTs. Studies were conducted in South Africa (n=3), Uganda/Kenya (n=1) and India (n=1). Integrated models of care compared with usual care may make little or no difference to mortality (very low certainty), the number of people achieving blood pressure (BP) or diabetes control (very low certainty) and access to care (very low certainty); may increase the number of people who achieve both HIV and BP/diabetes control (very low certainty); and may have a very small effect on achieving HIV control (very low certainty). Interventions to promote integrated delivery of care compared with usual care may make little or no difference to mortality (very low certainty), depression (very low certainty) and quality of life (very low certainty); and may have little or no effect on glycated haemoglobin (low certainty), systolic BP (low certainty) and total cholesterol levels (low certainty).

Conclusions

Current evidence on the effects of integrated care on health outcomes is very uncertain. Programmes and policies on integrated care must consider context-specific factors related to health systems and populations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018099314.
General practitioner and nurse practitioner attitudes towards electronic reminders in primary care: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Cecil Elizabeth , Dewa Lindsay Helen , Ma Richard , Majeed Azeem , Aylin Paul
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Reminders in primary care administrative systems aim to help clinicians provide evidence-based care, prescribe safely and save money. However, increased use of reminders can lead to alert fatigue. Our study aimed to assess general practitioners’ (GPs) and nurse practitioners’ (NPs) views on electronic reminders in primary care.

Design

A qualitative analysis using semistructured interviews.

Setting and participants

Fifteen GPs and NP based in general practices located in North-West London and Yorkshire, England.

Methods

We collected data on participants’ views on: (1) perceptions of the value of information provided; (2) reminder-related behaviours and (3) how to improve reminders. We carried out a thematic analysis.

Results

Participants were familiar with reminders in their clinical systems and felt many were important to support their clinical work. However, participants reported, on average, 70% of reminders were ignored. Four major themes emerged: (1) reaction to a reminder, which was mixed and varied by situation. (2) Factors influencing the decision to act on reminders, often related to experience, consultation styles and interests of participants. Time constraints, alert design, inappropriate presentation and litigation were also factors. (3) Negative consequences of using reminders were increased workload or costs and compromising GP and NPs behaviour. (4) Factors relating to improving users’ engagement with reminders were prevention of unnecessary reminders through data linkage across healthcare administrative systems or the development of more intelligent algorithms. Participants felt training was vital to effectively manage reminders.

Conclusions

GPs and NPs believe reminders are useful in supporting the provision of good quality patient care. Improving GPs and NPs’ engagement with reminders centres on further developing their relevance to their clinical practice, which is personalised, considers cognitive workflow and suppresses inappropriate presentation.
How have journalists been affected psychologically by their coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic? A descriptive study of two international news organisations
Authors: Osmann Jonas , Selva Meera , Feinstein Anthony
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented healthcare challenges. Journalists covering the pandemic at close quarters are working in ways akin to first responders, but nothing to date is known of the psychological distress this is potentially causing them. This study aims to determine whether journalists reporting on the COVID-19 crisis have been affected emotionally, and if so to assess the severity of their distress. It also investigates potential demographic and work-related predictors and whether news organisations had provided counselling to their journalists.

Participants

A total of 111 journalists working for two international news organisations were approached of which 73 (66%) participated in the study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Symptoms of anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7)), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)), overall psychological distress (12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12)), and treatment.

Results

The percentages of journalists exceeding threshold scores for clinically significant anxiety, depression, PTSD and psychological distress were: GAD-7, 26%; PHQ-9, 20.5%; PCL-5, 9.6%; GHQ-12, 82.2%. Journalists assigned to cover the pandemic (n=54 (74%)) were significantly more anxious (p<0.05). Journalists who received counselling (n=38 (52%)) following the onset of the pandemic reported significantly fewer symptoms of anxiety (p<0.01), depression (p<0.01) and overall psychological distress (p<0.01).

Conclusions

Journalists covering the COVID-19 pandemic are experiencing levels of anxiety and depression similar to those seen in first responders. Psychological therapy provided in a timely manner can significantly alleviate emotional distress.
Disease burden of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy and their future projections in the UK: cross-sectional analyses of a primary care database
Authors: Haider Sajjad , Thayakaran Rasiah , Subramanian Anuradha , Toulis Konstantinos A , Moore David , Price Malcolm James , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To estimate the current disease burden, trends and future projections for diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the IQVIA Medical Research Data (IMRD).

Participants/design/setting

We performed a cross-sectional study of patients aged 12 and above to determine the prevalence of DM and DR from the IMRD database (primary care database) in January 2017, involving a total population of 1 80 824 patients with DM. We also carried out a series of cross-sectional studies to investigate prevalence trends, and then applied a double exponential smoothing model to forecast the future burden of DM and DR in the UK.

Results

The crude DM prevalence in 2017 was 5.2%. The DR, sight-threatening retinopathy (STR) and diabetic maculopathy prevalence figures in 2017 were 33.78%, 12.28% and 7.86%, respectively, in our IMRD cross-sectional study. There were upward trends in the prevalence of DM, DR and STR, most marked and accelerating in STR in type 1 DM but slowing in type 2 DM, and in the overall prevalence of DR.

Conclusion

Our results suggest differential rising trends in the prevalence of DM and DR. Preventive strategies, as well as treatment services planning, can be based on these projected prevalence estimates. Improvements that are necessary for the optimisation of care pathways, and preparations to meet demand and capacity challenges, can also be based on this information. The limitations of the study can be overcome by a future collaborative study linking DR screening and hospital eye services data.
Effectiveness of contact tracing apps for SARS-CoV-2: a rapid systematic review
Authors: Jenniskens Kevin , Bootsma Martin C J , Damen Johanna A A G , Oerbekke Michiel S , Vernooij Robin W M , Spijker René , Moons Karel G M , Kretzschmar Mirjam E E , Hooft Lotty
Published: July 2021

Objective

To systematically review evidence on effectiveness of contact tracing apps (CTAs) for SARS-CoV-2 on epidemiological and clinical outcomes.

Design

Rapid systematic review.

Data sources

EMBASE (OVID), MEDLINE (PubMed), BioRxiv and MedRxiv were searched up to 28 October 2020.

Study selection

Studies, both empirical and model-based, assessing effect of CTAs for SARS-CoV-2 on reproduction number (R), total number of infections, hospitalisation rate, mortality rate, and other epidemiologically and clinically relevant outcomes, were eligible for inclusion.

Data extraction

Empirical and model-based studies were critically appraised using separate checklists. Data on type of study (ie, empirical or model-based), sample size, (simulated) time horizon, study population, CTA type (and associated interventions), comparator and outcomes assessed, were extracted. The most important findings were extracted and narratively summarised. Specifically for model-based studies, characteristics and values of important model parameters were collected.

Results

2140 studies were identified, of which 17 studies (2 empirical, 15 model-based studies) were eligible and included in this review. Both empirical studies were observational (non-randomised) studies and at high risk of bias, most importantly due to risk of confounding. Risk of bias of model-based studies was considered low for 12 out of 15 studies. Most studies demonstrated beneficial effects of CTAs on R, total number of infections and mortality rate. No studies assessed effect on hospitalisation. Effect size was dependent on model parameters values used, but in general, a beneficial effect was observed at CTA adoption rates of 20% or higher.

Conclusions

CTAs have the potential to be effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 related epidemiological and clinical outcomes, though effect size depends on other model parameters (eg, proportion of asymptomatic individuals, or testing delays), and interventions after CTA notification. Methodologically sound comparative empirical studies on effectiveness of CTAs are required to confirm findings from model-based studies.
Predictors of ophthalmology career success (POCS) study
Authors: Das Aditi , Smith Daniel , Mathew Rashmi G
Published: July 2021

Objective

Ophthalmology is the busiest outpatient specialty with demand predicted to rise over 40% in the next 20 years. A significant increase in the number of trainee ophthalmologists is required to fill currently vacant consultant posts and meet the UK’s workforce demands by 2038. Our aim was to understand what determines success in ophthalmology training, in order to inform future ophthalmologists, refine recruitment and facilitate workforce planning.

Methods and Analysis

This was a retrospective longitudinal cohort study using routinely collected data available from UK Medical Education Database (UKMED) (https://www.ukmed.ac.uk/). Data were analysed on 1350 candidates who had applied for ophthalmology specialty training (OST) between 2012 and 2018, as well as 495 candidates who had attempted Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) Part 1 between 2013 and 2018. Participants who had not obtained their primary medical qualification from the UK medical schools were excluded. Primary outcome measures included gaining a place on the OST programme and passing the FRCOphth Part 1 examination on first attempt.

Results

Higher education performance measure decile scores at medical school are strongly predictive in securing an OST post and passing the part 1 examination first time (p<0.001). Candidates who attempt FRCOphth Part 1 prior to their ST1 application are more likely to get a place on OST on first attempt. Socioeconomic factors, gender and ethnicity do not influence success in OST entry. Male trainees are more likely to pass FRCOphth Part 1 on their first attempt.

Conclusion

This study is the first quantitative assessment of the factors that determine success in OST recruitment and ophthalmology postgraduate examinations in the UK. Similar studies should be undertaken in all other medical and surgical specialties to understand what factors predict success.
Helicobacter pylori infection has a detrimental impact on the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies
Authors: Oster Paul , Vaillant Laurie , Riva Erika , McMillan Brynn , Begka Christina , Truntzer Caroline , Richard Corentin , Leblond Marine M , Messaoudene Meriem , Machremi Elisavet , Limagne Emeric , Ghiringhelli Francois , Routy Bertrand , Verdeil Gregory , Velin Dominique
Published: July 2021

Objective

In this study, we determined whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection dampens the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.

Design

Using mouse models, we evaluated whether immune checkpoint inhibitors or vaccine-based immunotherapies are effective in reducing tumour volumes of H. pylori-infected mice. In humans, we evaluated the correlation between H. pylori seropositivity and the efficacy of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade therapy in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Results

In mice engrafted with MC38 colon adenocarcinoma or B16-OVA melanoma cells, the tumour volumes of non-infected mice undergoing anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 and/or programmed death ligand 1 or anti-cancer vaccine treatments were significantly smaller than those of infected mice. We observed a decreased number and activation status of tumour-specific CD8+ T cells in the tumours of infected mice treated with cancer immunotherapies independent of the gut microbiome composition. Additionally, by performing an in vitro co-culture assay, we observed that dendritic cells of infected mice promote lower tumour-specific CD8+ T cell proliferation. We performed retrospective human clinical studies in two independent cohorts. In the Dijon cohort, H. pylori seropositivity was found to be associated with a decreased NSCLC patient survival on anti-PD-1 therapy. The survival median for H. pylori seropositive patients was 6.7 months compared with 15.4 months for seronegative patients (p=0.001). Additionally, in the Montreal cohort, H. pylori seropositivity was found to be associated with an apparent decrease of NSCLC patient progression-free survival on anti-PD-1 therapy.

Conclusion

Our study unveils for the first time that the stomach microbiota affects the response to cancer immunotherapies and that H. pylori serology would be a powerful tool to personalize cancer immunotherapy treatment.
Adverse effects related to tattoos in the community setting: a systematic review
Authors: Sindoni Alessandro , Valeriani Federica , Gallè Francesca , Liguori Giorgio , Romano Spica Vincenzo , Vitali Matteo , Protano Carmela
Published: July 2021

Background

Tattoos were historically associated with deviant behaviours or religious and other social purposes, but in the last decades, they have gained increasing popularity and have become a mainstream. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the literature evidence about decorative tattoos complications, considering both infective and non-infective risks.

Methods

This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement. We searched the following electronic bibliographic databases: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (science and social science citation index).

Results

The literature search resulted in 6473 studies. A total of 207 full articles were considered potentially relevant and were reviewed independently by researchers. After full-text evaluation, 152 of 207 articles were excluded, as they did not meet selection criteria. The remaining 55 studies were included in the systematic review and their quality assessment was performed. Ten studies reported microbiological complications, 37 reported non-microbiological effects and eight reported either microbiological and non-microbiological complications.

Conclusions

Several well-known and uncommon risks are associated with tattooing and tattoo after-care. Public health authorities could take into account health education programmes for tattooists and customers in order to prevent health complications in people with tattoos.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020177972.
A mirror in fiction: drawing parallelisms between Camus’sLa Pesteand COVID-19
Authors: Pérez Romero César
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 represents one of the most challenging global health issues in modern times. However, as epidemics have affected humans since our origins, many before us have described how significantly they compromise human lives. Leaving apart the aspects more linked to medicine and health sciences, we focus here on analysing how epidemics force people to change their habits, what type of emotions and behaviours they promote, and which roles are played by different social actors. For such a purpose, especially if we wish to draw some parallels between past epidemics and COVID-19, historical records seemed to be more suitable than literary works. Nonetheless, we have taken this approach relying onLa Peste(Albert Camus, 1947), a novel based on a fictional epidemic of plague in the Algerian town of Oran. Far from creating a barrier separating fiction from reality, this reading allowed us to establish several links with our current situation. Recognising that context and solutions vary widely between the two scenarios, core matters concerning epidemics seemed to remain invariable. The important role of data and statistics, the leadership acquired by health authorities, the separations of relatives or the negative effects on trade and business are some issues which took place in Oran as well as nowadays. Besides that, epidemics also affect humans at an individual level, and certain thoughts and feelings inLa Peste’s main characters may make us identify with our own fears and desires.
Latent class analysis-derived subphenotypes are generalisable to observational cohorts of acute respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective study
Authors: Sinha Pratik , Delucchi Kevin L , Chen Yue , Zhuo Hanjing , Abbott Jason , Wang Chunxue , Wickersham Nancy , McNeil J Brennan , Jauregui Alejandra , Ke Serena , Vessel Kathryn , Gomez Antonio , Hendrickson Carolyn M , Kangelaris Kirsten N , Sarma Aartik , Leligdowicz Aleksandra , Liu Kathleen D , Matthay Michael A , Ware Lorraine B , Calfee Carolyn S
Published: July 2021

Rationale

Using latent class analysis (LCA), two subphenotypes of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have consistently been identified in five randomised controlled trials (RCTs), with distinct biological characteristics, divergent outcomes and differential treatment responses to randomised interventions. Their existence in unselected populations of ARDS remains unknown. We sought to identify subphenotypes in observational cohorts of ARDS using LCA.

Methods

LCA was independently applied to patients with ARDS from two prospective observational cohorts of patients admitted to the intensive care unit, derived from the Validating Acute Lung Injury markers for Diagnosis (VALID) (n=624) and Early Assessment of Renal and Lung Injury (EARLI) (n=335) studies. Clinical and biological data were used as class-defining variables. To test for concordance with prior ARDS subphenotypes, the performance metrics of parsimonious classifier models (interleukin 8, bicarbonate, protein C and vasopressor-use), previously developed in RCTs, were evaluated in EARLI and VALID with LCA-derived subphenotypes as the gold-standard.

Results

A 2-class model best fit the population in VALID (p=0.0010) and in EARLI (p<0.0001). Class 2 comprised 27% and 37% of the populations in VALID and EARLI, respectively. Consistent with the previously described ‘hyperinflammatory’ subphenotype, Class 2 was characterised by higher proinflammatory biomarkers, acidosis and increased shock and worse clinical outcomes. The similarities between these and prior RCT-derived subphenotypes were further substantiated by the performance of the parsimonious classifier models in both cohorts (area under the curves 0.92–0.94). The hyperinflammatory subphenotype was associated with increased prevalence of chronic liver disease and neutropenia and reduced incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Measurement of novel biomarkers showed significantly higher levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8 and markers of endothelial injury in the hyperinflammatory subphenotype, whereas, matrix metalloproteinase-9 was significantly lower.

Conclusion

Previously described subphenotypes are generalisable to unselected populations of non-trauma ARDS.
Development and validation of a method to predict the soil thermal conductivity using thermal piezocone penetration testing (T-CPTU)
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Congress Surya Sarat Chandra , Cai Guojun , Liu Lulu , Liu Songyu , Puppala Anand J. , Zhang Wenwei
Published: July 2021

A new in situ thermal piezocone penetration test (T-CPTU) system is developed to determine the thermal properties of soil. It is expected to overcome most of the shortcomings observed in existing in situ test techniques. Based on Fourier's heat conduction equation and pore pressure dissipation theoretical equation, a method for calculating the thermal conductivity, namely the predicted temperature method, was proposed. The accuracy of the T-CPTU probe testing process and thermal conductivity calculation results were verified by numerical simulation, laboratory large-scale model tank tests, and thermal needle tests. Finally, the field data of T-CPTUs at three sites in Nanjing, China, were collected and compared with the laboratory thermal needle tests. The results indicated that the thermal conductivities obtained using T-CPTU were accurate and closer to those of laboratory thermal needle tests for most soils. The thermal conductivities of the undisturbed soil samples measured in the laboratory were lower than those obtained by T-CPTU.
Phenothiazines as dual inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease and COVID-19 inflammation
Authors: Forrestall Katrina L. , Burley Darcy E. , Cash Meghan K. , Pottie Ian R. , Darvesh Sultan
Published: July 2021

COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), currently has no treatment for acute infection. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is an essential enzyme for viral replication and an attractive target for disease intervention. The phenothiazine moiety has demonstrated drug versatility for biological systems, including inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase, a property important in the cholinesterase anti-inflammatory cascade. Nineteen phenothiazine drugs were investigated using in silico modelling techniques to predict binding energies and inhibition constants (Ki values) with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Because most side-effects of phenothiazines are due to interactions with various neurotransmitter receptors and transporters, phenothiazines with few such interactions were also investigated. All compounds were found to bind to the active site of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and showed Ki values ranging from 1.30 to 52.4 µM in a rigid active site. Nine phenothiazines showed inhibition constants <10 µM. The compounds with limited interactions with neurotransmitter receptors and transporters showed micromolar (µM) Ki values. Docking results were compared with remdesivir and showed similar interactions with key residues Glu-166 and Gln-189 in the active site. This work has identified several phenothiazines with limited neurotransmitter receptor and transporter interactions and that may provide the dual action of inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro to prevent viral replication and promote the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines to curb viral-induced inflammation. These compounds are promising candidates for further investigation against SARS-CoV-2.
The effect of a plate installation upstream of an orifice on the pressurized flushing efficiency
Authors: Shahriari Reyhaneh , Daryaee Mehdi , Kashefipour Seyed Mahmood
Published: July 2021

The effect of a plate installation upstream of an orifice was investigated as a new method for improving the pressurized flushing efficiency. A plate with three different widths (BT) was installed at four different distances (LT) upstream of the orifice. According to the results, the plate installation significantly increased the pressurized flushing efficiency due to the wake vortices formed upstream of the orifice. The flushing efficiency increased up to a maximum value of 11.5 times relative to what was calculated for the experiment without plate for the same conditions. For the best configuration of the plate width and its distance from the outlet (i.e., LT/DO = 0.7 and BT/DO = 0.5, DO is the orifice diameter), the length, width, and depth of the flushing cone increased by approximately 160, 90, and 240% relative to the control experiment under the same conditions, respectively. Four empirical equations based on the effective and dimensionless variables were developed, enabling the users to make predictions based on the flushing cone volume and dimensions. Finally, the importance of each effective parameter in the derived equations were analyzed using sensitivity analysis method. The sensitivity analysis results showed the greater impact of outlet discharge of the orifice and the plate distance than its width on the flushing cone volume and dimensions.
Deuterium scattering experiments in CTEQ global QCD analyses: a comparative investigation
Authors: Accardi A. , Hobbs T. J. , Jing X. , Nadolsky P. M.
Published: July 2021

Experimental measurements in deep-inelastic scattering and lepton-pair production on deuterium targets play an important role in the flavor separation of u and d (anti)quarks in global QCD analyses of the parton distribution functions (PDFs) of the nucleon. We investigate the impact of theoretical corrections accounting for the light-nuclear structure of the deuteron upon the fitted u, d-quark, gluon, and other PDFs in the CJ15 and CT18 families of next-to-leading order CTEQ global analyses. The investigation is done using the $$L_2$$

L
2

sensitivity statistical method, which provides a common metric to quantify the strength of experimental constraints on various PDFs and ratios of PDFs in the two distinct fitting frameworks. Using the $$L_2$$

L
2

sensitivity and other approaches, we examine the compatibility of deuteron data sets with other fitted experiments under varied implementations of the deuteron corrections. We find that freely-fitted deuteron corrections modify the PDF uncertainty at large momentum fractions and will be relevant for future PDFs affecting electroweak precision measurements.
Enacting and Sustaining Change in Undergraduate STEM Education: A Multiple Case Study across 6 Universities
Authors: Georgiou Helen , Sharma Manjula D.
Published: July 2021

University teaching in STEM has come under increased scrutiny as internationally, a recognition of the importance of a STEM-literate future workforce is becoming clear. In STEM faculties, where change has been historically difficult and the tension between teaching and research more pronounced, this represents a significant challenge. Although there have been no widespread success stories or single models for pedagogical change in STEM in higher education, there have been unique ‘pockets’ of excellence; faculties, groups or individuals that are making a significant difference. In this study, we adopt a multiple case study approach to identify emergent themes underlying ‘pockets of excellence’ at six Australian universities. We argue that the four themes correspond to critical factors; a ‘champion’, support for the champion from the leadership team or a mentor, a critical mass of supporters, and an institutional culture that values the contribution. We find that although change can occur with some of these present, for it to be lasting, all must be emphasised to some degree.
Thermal monitoring to infer possible interactions between shallow hydrothermal system and slope-scale gravitational deformation of Mt Epomeo (Ischia Island, Italy)
Authors: Della Seta M. , Esposito C. , Fiorucci M. , Marmoni G. M. , Martino S. , Sottili G. , Belviso P. , Carandente A. , de Vita S. , Marotta E. , Peluso R.
Published: July 2021

Geothermal and volcanic systems are prone to gravity-induced slope instability at different scales. Endogenous magmatic, hydrothermal and seismic forcings can significantly modify rock mass rheology and perturb the local stress field and gravitational equilibrium, inducing shallow or slope-scale processes. The island of Ischia, which is part of the Phlegrean Volcanic District (Italy), is a remarkable example of this kind of complex interacting system. This study focuses on monitoring the hydrothermal system located beneath the ongoing slope-scale deformation, which involves Mt Nuovo (the western part of Mt Epomeo) and is a complementary effect of the resurgence of an ancient caldera. Debris and rock avalanches have affected the slopes of this volcanic island, in response to the renewal of volcanic activity and caldera resurgence. Large parts of the corresponding mass-wasting deposits overlay the most active areas of the Ischia hydrothermal system, where ongoing slope-scale gravity-driven deformation owing to a mass rock creep (MRC) process is still evolving. To investigate possible relations between the perturbing shallow hydrothermal system and the MRC process, thermal monitoring of selected groups of fumarolic emissions located in several portions of the deforming sector has been carried out since 2008 on a monthly basis by means of direct (thermal probes) and remote sensing (IR-thermography) techniques. Thermal monitoring of specific fumaroles reveals a peculiar seasonal trend characterized by a delayed inverse correlation with rainy periods and a short-term pulsating response to dry stages. The fumaroles also appear spatially correlated to the presence of MRC-related structures involving volcanic slopes. According to the measured thermal data, a conceptual model of the thermal interactions within the Mt Nuovo slope is provided, framing the potential role of thermal actions in accelerating the deformation process. In this view, possible chain effects, owing to magmatic or hydrothermal renovation, are depicted, delineating the most severe multihazard scenario consisting of an accelerating evolution of the MRC process towards paroxysmal collapse.
Back-off
Authors: Reinhardt Jakob , Prasch Lorenz , Bengler Klaus
Published: July 2021

Standstill behavior by a robot is deemed to be ineffective and inefficient to convey a robot’s intention to yield priority to another party in spatial interaction. Instead, robots could convey their intention and thus their next action via motion. We developed a
back-off (BO)
movement to communicate the intention of yielding priority to pedestrians at bottlenecks. To evaluate human sensory perception and subjective legibility, the BO is compared to three other motion strategies in a video study with 167 interviewees at the university and public spaces, where it excels regarding legibility. Implemented in a real encounter, objective motion behavior of 78 participants as a reaction to a stop-and-wait strategy, and two versions of BO (short and long), shows an improvement of the pedestrians’ efficiency in the second encounter with the robot’s short BO version compared to the stop strategy. Eventually, in the third encounter with all motion strategies, interaction causes only a small time consumption still required by the cognitive process of perceiving an object in the visual field. Hence, the design of kinematic parameters, BO path and time, exhibits the potential to increase the fluency of an interaction with robots at bottlenecks.
Augmented Reality in Outdoor Settings
Authors: Tzima Stavroula , Styliaras Georgios , Bassounas Athanasios
Published: July 2021

New technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) have already been exploited in the promotion of unique and well-known cultural assets. Nevertheless, different types of heritage assets can be found scattered in many different places, in both urban and rural landscapes, where AR applications may not function properly due to problems concerning the effectiveness of GPS or image recognition methods. It is an important issue that limits the exploitation of AR technology with a view to hidden cultural heritage promotion. The current study presents a hybrid image recognition technique used in an AR application and its evaluation in the outdoor settings. The hybrid technique is based on an image-based marker and its evaluation mainly aimed to study if and to what extent it is accepted by the users, if it raises aesthetic issues, and if it affects the use and acceptance of the AR in culture field. The evaluation was based on a qualitative research and the results showed that to most participants the used hybrid technique does not create an aesthetical issue. Additionally, all participants found the AR app useful and easy to use and they consider that the AR technology can significantly contribute to the promotion of cultural heritage.