bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANO9 regulates PD‐L2 expression and binding ability to PD‐1 in gastric cancer
Authors: Katsurahara Keita , Shiozaki Atsushi , Kosuga Toshiyuki , Shimizu Hiroki , Kudou Michihiro , Arita Tomohiro , Konishi Hirotaka , Komatsu Shuhei , Kubota Takeshi , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Okamoto Kazuma , Kishimoto Mitsuo , Konishi Eiichi , Otsuji Eigo
Published: January 2021

The function of ANO9 in gastrointestinal cancer remains unclear. We investigated the biological behaviors and clinical prognostic values of ANO9 in gastric cancer (GC). Knockdown experiments were performed on human GC cell lines using ANO9 siRNA. Eighty‐four primary tissue samples from patients with advanced GC were examined immunohistochemically (IHC). Knockdown of ANO9 reduced the progression of cancer cells in MKN7 and MKN74 cells. A microarray analysis revealed that ANO9 regulated PD‐L2 via interferon (IFN)‐related genes. We confirmed using flow cytometry that the depletion of ANO9 reduced the binding ability to PD‐1 by downregulating the expression of PD‐L2 in MKN7 and MKN74 cells. IHC revealed a correlation between the expression of ANO9 and PD‐L2 and also that the strong expression of ANO9 was an independent poor prognostic factor in patients with advanced GC. The present results indicate that ANO9 regulates PD‐L2 and binding ability to PD‐1 via IFN‐related genes in GC. Therefore, ANO9 has potential as a biomarker and target of immune checkpoint blockage (ICB) for GC.
Early‐life course factors and oral health among young Norwegian adults
Authors: Åstrøm Anne Nordrehaug , Smith Otto Robert Frans , Sulo Gerhard
Published: January 2021

Objective

Using a national sample of young Norwegian adults, we examined whether unpleasant experience with dental care during childhood is associated with tooth loss and oral health–related quality of life in adulthood after accounting for early‐ and later‐life socio‐behavioural circumstances and dental avoidance behaviour.

Methods

2433 individuals aged 25‐35 years participated in an electronic survey. Oral quality of life was measured using the oral impact of daily performance (OIDP) inventory. Generalized linear models and negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the association of early unpleasant experiences with dental care and tooth loss and OIDP scores. Incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to estimate the relative differences in prevalence of tooth loss and OIDP scores.

Results

Adjusting for early‐life characteristics only, the prevalence of tooth loss was 1.42 (IRR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.24‐1.64) and 1.96 (IRR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.70‐2.26) times higher among individuals who reported unpleasant experiences a few times or several times, than in individuals who did not report unpleasant experiences with dental care in childhood. Adjusting further for educational level, smoking and tooth brushing attenuated the relative differences (IRR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.22‐1.62 and IRR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.62‐2.17, respectively). Lastly, when adjusting for dental avoidance behaviour, the prevalence of tooth loss was 1.29 (IRR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.11‐1.50) and 1.58 (IRR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.32‐1.88) times higher among individuals who reported unpleasant experiences a few times or several times than in those who did not. Corresponding associations of early unpleasant experience with OIDP were (IRR = 1.41 95% CI: 1.22‐1.63) and (IRR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.42‐2.01) when adjusting for early‐life characteristics, and (IRR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.20‐1.60) and (IRR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.27‐1.80) when adjusting for education, smoking and tooth brushing. When adjusting for dental avoidance behaviour, the association of early unpleasant experience with OIDP became nonsignificant.

Conclusion

Unpleasant dental care experiences during childhood are associated with poor oral health in adulthood, independent of later‐life socio‐behavioural characteristics including negative dental care seeking. This highlights the importance of tailoring regular contacts with dental healthcare services in childhood to build confidence in children and thus has implications for healthcare policy.
Using centroids of spatial units in ecological niche modelling: Effects on model performance in the context of environmental data grain size
Authors: Cheng Yanchao , Tjaden Nils Benjamin , Jaeschke Anja , Thomas Stephanie Margarete , Beierkuhnlein Carl
Published: January 2021

Aim

Ecological niche models (ENMs) typically require point locations of species’ occurrence as input data. Where exact locations are not available, geographical centroids of the respective administrational spatial units (ASUs) are often used as a substitute. We investigated how the use of ASU centroids in ENMs affects model performance, what role the size of ASUs plays, and what effects different grain sizes of explanatory variables have.

Location

Europe.

Major taxa studied

Virtual species.

Methods

We set up a two‐factorial study design with artificial ASUs of three different sizes and environmental data of four commonly used grain sizes, repeated over three study regions. To control other factors that may affect ENM performance, we created a virtual species with a known response to environmental variables, precise and even sampling and a known spatial distribution. We ran a series of Maxent models for the virtual species based on centroids and precise occurrence locations under varying ASU and grain sizes.

Results

The use of ASU centroids introduces a value frequency mismatch of the explanatory variables between centroids and true occurrence locations, and it has a negative effect on ENM performance. Value frequency mismatch, negative effect on ENM performance and over‐prediction of the species’ range all increase with ASU size. The effect of grain size of environmental data, on the contrary, was small in comparison.

Main conclusions

ENMs built upon ASU centroids can suffer considerably from the introduced error. For ASUs that are sufficiently small or show low spatial heterogeneity of explanatory variables, ASU centroids can still be a viable and convenient surrogate for precise occurrence locations. When possible, however, central tendency values (median, mean) that represent the whole ASU rather than just a single point location need to be considered.
Biological evaluation of hesperidin for direct pulp capping in dogs’ teeth
Authors: Abo El‐Mal Ebtesam O. , Abu‐Seida Ashraf M. , El Ashry Salma H.
Published: January 2021

This study compared the biological effect of Hesperidin, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA)‐Angelus and calcium hydroxide for direct pulp capping. A total of 126 dogs,teeth were divided according to the post‐treatment evaluation period into three groups (42 teeth each), group I: 2 weeks, group II: 4 weeks and group III: 8 weeks. Each group was further subdivided according to the pulp capping material into three subgroups (14 teeth each), subgroup A (Hesperidin), subgroup B (MTA‐Angelus) and subgroup C (Dycal). Both inflammatory response and dentine bridge formation were assessed by histopathology. All data were statistically analysed. Resolution of the inflammation was recorded by the time with a significant difference between subgroups   within the same group (P<.05). Hesperidin, MTA‐Angelus and Dycal showed either mild or moderate inflammation at 2 weeks with significant differences between subgroups (P < .05). At 4 and 8 weeks, there were no significant differences between subgroups (P > .05). Absence of complete or partial calcified bridge with no odontoblastic layer was reported in all subgroups at 2 weeks while at 4 weeks, the majority of samples in Hesperidin and MTA subgroups showed amorphous calcified deposit. At 8 weeks, there was no significant difference (P > .05) between subgroups except that 78.5% and 92.9% of Hesperidin and MTA‐Angelus samples, respectively, showed moderate dentine bridge. Also, 78.5% of Hesperidin and Dycal samples revealed moderately thick dentine bridge while 78.7% of MTA‐Angelus showed a thin dentine bridge with a significant difference between them (P < .05). In conclusion, Hesperidin is a promising pulp capping material inducing mild inflammation and good dentine bridge formation.
Symptoms and recovery among adult outpatients with and without COVID‐19 at 11 healthcare facilities—July 2020, United States
Authors: Fisher Kiva A. , Olson Samantha M. , Tenforde Mark W. , Self Wesley H. , Wu Michael , Lindsell Christopher J. , Shapiro Nathan I. , Files D. Clark , Gibbs Kevin W. , Erickson Heidi L. , Prekker Matthew E. , Steingrub Jay S. , Exline Matthew C. , Henning Daniel J. , Wilson Jennifer G. , Brown Samuel M. , Peltan Ithan D. , Rice Todd W. , Hager David N. , Ginde Adit A. , Talbot H. Keipp , Casey Jonathan D. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Flannery Brendan , Patel Manish M. , Feldstein Leora R.
Published: January 2021

Background

Symptoms of mild COVID‐19 illness are non‐specific and may persist for prolonged periods. Effects on quality of life of persistent poor physical or mental health associated with COVID‐19 are not well understood.

Methods

Adults aged ≥18 years with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 and matched control patients who tested negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection at outpatient facilities associated with 11 medical centers in the United States were interviewed to assess symptoms, illness duration, and health‐related quality of life. Duration of symptoms, health‐related quality of life measures, and days of poor physical health by symptoms experienced during illness were compared between case patients and controls using Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests. Symptoms associated with COVID‐19 case status were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Among 320 participants included, 157 were COVID‐19 cases and 163 were SARS‐CoV‐2 negative controls. Loss of taste or smell was reported by 63% of cases and 6% of controls and was strongly associated with COVID‐19 in logistic regression models (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 32.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12.6‐83.1). COVID‐19 cases were more likely than controls to have experienced fever, body aches, weakness, or fatigue during illness, and to report ≥1 persistent symptom more than 14 days after symptom onset (50% vs 32%, P < .001). Cases reported significantly more days of poor physical health during the past 14 days than controls (P < .01).

Conclusions

Differentiating COVID‐19 from other acute illnesses will require widespread diagnostic testing, especially during influenza seasons. Persistent COVID‐19‐related symptoms may negatively affect quality of life, even among those initially presenting with mild illness.
Atrial fibrillation is associated with cardiovascular events in obese Japanese with one or more cardiovascular risk factors: The Japan Morning Surge Home Blood Pressure (J‐HOP) Study
Authors: Watanabe Hiroaki , Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Hoshide Satoshi , Kario Kazuomi
Published: January 2021

The impacts of atrial fibrillation (AF) and home blood pressure (BP) on the cardiovascular prognosis of obese individuals have not been clarified. We analyzed the differences in the prognosis (including the effect of the home BP of AF patients with/without obesity) in a Japanese population with cardiovascular risk factors. We enrolled 3,586 patients from the J‐HOP study who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. We conducted 12‐lead electrocardiography, and the group of AF patients was determined as those whose electrocardiography revealed AF. Obesity was defined as a body mass index >25 kg/m2. The primary end points were fatal/nonfatal cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, and aortic dissection). Among the obese patients, those with AF (n = 36) suffered more significantly cardiovascular events (log rank 7.17, p = .007) compared to the patients with sinus rhythm (n = 1,282), but among the non‐obese patients, the rates of cardiovascular events were similar (log rank 0.006, p = .94) in the AF patients (n = 48) and sinus rhythm patients (n = 2220). After adjusting for age, sex, office/home BP, smoking, diabetes, and creatinine level, AF was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in the obese group (hazard ratio [HR] 3.05, 95%CI: 1.17‐7.97, p = .023). Home systolic BP was also a predictor of cardiovascular events in the obese group independent of the risk of AF (per 10 mm Hg: HR 1.36, 95%CI: 1.02‐1.83, p = .039). In conclusion, AF was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in obese patients after adjusting for home BP.
Monitoring breastfeeding indicators in high‐income countries: Levels, trends and challenges
Authors: Vaz Juliana S. , Maia Maria Fatima S. , Neves Paulo A. R. , Santos Thiago M. , Vidaletti Luís Paulo , Victora Cesar
Published: January 2021

Monitoring indicators of breastfeeding practices is important to protect and evaluate the progress of breastfeeding promotion efforts. However, high‐income countries lack standardized methodology to monitor their indicators. We aimed to update and summarize nationally representative annual estimates of breastfeeding indicators in high‐income countries and to describe methodological issues pertaining to the data sources used. A review was conducted through population‐based surveys with nationally representative samples or health reports from nationally representative administrative data of electronic surveys or medical records. Methodological aspects and rates of all breastfeeding indicators available were summarized by country. The median and annual growth of breastfeeding in percentage points within countries with time‐series data were estimated. Data from 51 out of 82 high‐income countries were identified. The data were obtained through surveys (n = 32) or administrative data (n = 19). Seventy‐one percent of countries have updated their indicators since 2015. Ever breastfed was the indicator most frequently reported (n = 46), with a median of 91%. By 6 months of age, the median equals 18% for exclusive and 45% for any breastfeeding. At 12 months, the median of continued breastfeeding decreased to 29%. The annual growth rate for ever breastfed, exclusive and any breastfeeding at 6 months and continued at 12 months varied from 1.5 to −2.0, 3.5 to −3.1, 5.0 to −1.0 and 5.0 to −1.9, respectively, with positive changes for most countries. Stronger interventions are needed to promote breastfeeding in high‐income countries as a whole, and investments are required to monitor trends with standardized methodologies.
Evaluation of skin erythema severity by dermatoscopy in dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Cugmas Blaž , Olivry Thierry
Published: January 2021

Background

To estimate the extent and severity of atopic dermatitis (AD)‐related skin lesions, clinical trials enrolling dogs with AD often use categorical scales such as the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI‐04) and Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI). Despite recent progress in the standardization of these AD‐grading scales, the evaluation of the severity of skin lesions (including erythema) remains subjective.

Objectives

To validate an optical set‐up with a smartphone and a dermatoscope for the objective estimation of skin erythema severity in atopic dogs.

Animals

Forty‐three dogs with AD.

Methods and materials

An erythema index (EI) was calculated from calibrated skin images and compared to the dermatologist’s erythema severity estimate using the erythema grading scale used in the CADESI‐04, as well as an ad hoc Visual Analog Scale (VAS) with a continuous palette of red shades.

Results

We found a strong correlation based on the Spearman rank correlation coefficient between all erythema valuations: CADESI‐04 and VAS: 0.93 [95% CI: (0.85, 0.96)]; CADESI‐04 and EI: 0.85 (0.72, 0.92); VAS and EI: 0.82 (0.67, 0.91). There was a good agreement between the objective EI and CADESI‐04‐based estimates because 71% of samples were classified in the same erythema severity category. When comparing the EI and the VAS, the standard deviation of misestimates was 12% (maximum 100%).

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The proposed optical set‐up has the potential to make erythema severity estimation objective, thus leading to more reliable AD severity scales for the use in experimental canine AD models or in clinical trials enrolling atopic dogs.
Association of Perceived Environment and Physical Activity in Older Adults After the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Moriyama Nobuaki , Iwasa Hajime , Yasumura Seiji
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the association between perceived environment and physical activity among older adults in Fukushima Prefecture after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the impact of evacuation. Questionnaires were distributed to individuals aged 65 years and older from October to November 2018. Perceived environment was assessed using a five-item questionnaire on home fitness equipment, access to facilities, neighborhood safety, enjoyable scenery, and frequency of observing others exercising. Physical activity, assessed via the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Elderly Japanese, was segregated into levels based on the median score. Data from 249 participants (74.2 ± 6.9 years) were analyzed. A logistic regression analysis found that the unenjoyable Scenery × Residing in restoration public housing interaction (odds ratio = 3.87, 95% confidence interval = [1.20, 12.46]) was significant. The association between enjoyable scenery and physical activity varied according to whether the participants had experienced evacuation or not.
Genetic switch in UV response of mimicry-related pale-yellow colors in Batesian mimic butterfly,
Papilio polytes
Authors: Yoda Shinichi , Sakakura Kousuke , Kitamura Tasuku , KonDo Yûsuke , Sato Kazuki , Ohnuki Ryosuke , Someya Itsuki , Komata Shinya , Kojima Tetsuya , Yoshioka Shinya , Fujiwara Haruhiko
Published: January 2021

UV response switch of a wing color in
Papilio polytes
butterflies is important for dimorphic female-limited Batesian mimicry.
Dynamic band structure measurement in the synthetic space
Authors: Li Guangzhen , Zheng Yuanlin , Dutt Avik , Yu Danying , Shan Qingrou , Liu Shijie , Yuan Luqi , Fan Shanhui , Chen Xianfeng
Published: January 2021

Experimental measurement of dynamic band structure exhibits the evolution of the wave vector in a synthetic lattice.
Generation of Lactose- and Protease-Positive Probiotic
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
GG by Conjugation with
Lactococcus lactis
NCDO 712
Authors: Hussain Nazar , Li Ran , Takala Timo M. , Tariq Muhammad , Zaidi Arsalan H. , Saris Per E. J.
Published: January 2021

Probiotic strain
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
GG (LGG) is widely sold on the market as a probiotic or added as a supplement in dairy foods because of its benefits in human health. However, due to the deficiency of lactose and casein utilization, LGG does not grow well in milk.
Defects in the First Step of Lipoprotein Maturation Underlie the Synthetic Lethality of Escherichia coli Lacking the Inner Membrane Proteins YciB and DcrB
Authors: Mychack Aaron , Janakiraman Anuradha
Published: January 2021

A distinguishing feature of Gram-negative bacteria is their double-membraned cell envelope, which presents a formidable barrier against environmental stress. In
E. coli
, more than a quarter of the cellular proteins reside at the inner membrane, but about a third of these proteins are functionally unassigned or their function is incompletely understood.
Unusual finding after treatment for testicular cancer
Authors: Huned Daanesh , Tiwari Raj Vikesh , Lee Lui Shiong
Published: January 2021

In the context of a post-treatment testicular germ cell tumour, an abdominal lesion found on surveillance CT studies led to a differential diagnosis, including recurrent germ cell tumour. We report the case of a 48-year-old man who was noted to have a new interval soft tissue lesion on a surveillance CT scan, 5 years after initial orchidectomy and chemotherapy. Excision of this lesion and histopathological review revealed an intra-abdominal desmoid.
Rectal stump mucocele after a Hartmann’s procedure causing mechanical ileus
Authors: Longchamp Gregoire , Colucci Nicola , Ris Frederic , Buchs Nicolas C
Published: January 2021

Two years after a Hartmann’s procedure, an 85-year-old woman was admitted at our emergency department with abdominal bloating and severe constipation for 5 days. Abdominal CT showed a large rectal stump mucocele associated with compression of surrounding structures, causing a mechanical ileus and a bilateral pyelocaliceal dilatation. Successful transanal drainage with a rectal catheter allowed rapid recovery.
Pulp liner materials in selective caries removal: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Stafuzza Tássia Carina , Vitor Luciana Lourenço Ribeiro , Lourenço Neto Natalino , Rios Daniela , Cruvinel Thiago , Sakai Vivien Thiemy , Moretti Ana Beatriz Silveira , Machado Maria Aparecida Andrade Moreira , Oliveira Thais Marchini
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The literature shows that selective carious tissue removal (SCTR) decreases the number and diversity of bacteria, stops the caries process and reduces the risk of pulp exposure. However, no consensus exists on which pulp liner would be suitable for teeth undergoing SCTR. So, this study will verify the in vivo response of dentine–pulp complex after SCTR in primary teeth with or without pulp liner material.

Methods and analysis

A randomised clinical trial, double-blinded, parallel-group and allocation concealment will be conducted with the enrolment of 384 patients from 5 to 9 years, with one maxillary/mandibular first/second primary molars with deep occlusal/occlusoproximal cavities. The remaining dentine will be lined with calcium hydroxide cement—group 1; mineral trioxide aggregate—group 2 and without liner—group 3. The primary outcome will be success of the of dentine–pulp complex evaluated clinically and radiographically at 6, 12 and 24 months, while the secondary outcomes will be the measurement of the dentine barrier on periapical radiographs. During all study, two trained and calibrated examiners will evaluate the treated teeth clinically and radiographically. Interexaminer and intraexaminer reliability will be verified by casual and systematic error. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test will be adopted to test the normality of continuous variables. Comparisons among groups will be performed by using the χ2test and anaylsis of variance, followed by Tukey test (p<0.05). The logistic regression will be applied, and the degrees of this association will be measured using the OR and 95% CI.

Ethics and dissemination

The present protocol was submitted and approved by the Ethical Committee of the University of São Paulo, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil (CAAE: 79123517.0.0000.5417). Consent for publication will be obtained from all parents or legal guardians. Results of this study will be reported in full through peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

RBR-9fsxnn.
Cohort profile: a multicentre prospective validation cohort of the Chinese Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (CATCH-LIFE) study
Authors: Qiao Liang , Wang Xianbo , Deng Guohong , Huang Yan , Chen Jinjun , Meng Zhongji , Zheng Xin , Shi Yu , Qian Zhiping , Liu Feng , Gao Yanhang , Lu Xiaobo , Liu Junping , Gu Wenyi , Zhang Yan , Wang Tongyu , Wu Dandan , Dong Fuchen , Sun Xin , Li Hai
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a clinical syndrome with high short-term mortality, unclear mechanism and controversial diagnosis criteria. The Chinese Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (CATCH-LIFE) study has been conducted in China to fill the gaps. In the first phase (the CATCH-LIFE investigation cohort), 2600 patients were continuously recruited from 14 national nationwide liver centres from 12 different provinces of China in 2015–2016, and a series of important results were obtained. To validate the preliminary results, we designed and conducted this multicentre prospective observational cohort (the CATCH-LIFE validation cohort).

Participants

Patients diagnosed with chronic liver disease and hospitalised for acute decompensation (AD) or acute liver injure were enrolled, received standard medical therapy. We collected the participants’ demographics, medical history, laboratory data, and blood and urine samples during their hospitalisation.

Findings to date

From September 2018 to March 2019, 1370 patients (73.4% men) aged from 15 to 79 years old were enrolled from 13 nationwide liver centres across China. Of these patients, 952 (69.5%) had chronic hepatitis B, 973 (71.1%) had cirrhosis and 1083 (79.1%) complicated with AD at admission. The numbers and proportions of enrolled patients from each participating centre and the patients’ baseline characteristics are presented.

Future plans

A total of 12 months is required for each participant to complete follow-up. Outcome information (survival, death or receiving liver transplantation) collection and data cleansing will be done before June 2020. The data in the CATCH-LIFE validation cohort will be used for comparison between the new ACLF diagnostic criteria derivated from the CATCH-LIFE investigation cohort with existing ones. Moreover, future proteomic and metabolic omics analyses will provide valuable insights into the mechanics of ACLF, which will promote the development of specific therapy that leads to decrease patients’ mortality.

Registration

NCT03641872.
Diagnosis of urinary tract infection based on symptoms: how are likelihood ratios affected by age? a diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Holm Anne , Siersma Volkert , Cordoba Gloria Cristina
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of age on the diagnostic properties of typical symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI) in women presenting in general practice with symptoms suggestive of UTI with significant bacteriuria as the reference standard.

Design

Diagnostic accuracy study.

Setting

General practice, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Participants

Adult 15 years or older. Women presenting in general practice with symptoms suggestive of UTI where urine was collected for investigation.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Accuracy of four symptoms of UTI (dysuria, frequency, urge and abdominal pain) in six different age groups.

Results

90 practices included 1178 adult women. The prevalence of bacteriuria varied between 30% in women aged 30–44 years and 67% in women aged 75–89 years. The likelihood ratios for dysuria varied between age groups with the best performance in women aged 15–29 (positive likelihood ratio (pLR): 1.62 (1.30–1.94), negative likelihood ratio (nLR): 0.36 (0.19–0.54)) and women aged 30–44 (pLR: 1.74 (1.30–2.17), nLR: 0.48 (0.27–0.68)). CIs included or approximated one for the remaining symptoms in most age groups. When symptoms were combined to calculate post-test probabilities, the combined effect of the varying prevalence of bacteriuria and the varying diagnostic values resulted in a large variation of the post-test probabilities between age groups.

Conclusions

The diagnostic value of symptoms of UTI as well as the prevalence of bacteriuria in women presenting to general practice with suspected UTI vary between age groups with considerable clinical implications. Diagnostic studies should take demographics such as age into consideration.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02698332.
Disclosure of study funding and author conflicts of interest in press releases and the news: a retrospective content analysis with two cohorts
Authors: Sumner Petroc , Schwartz Lisa , Woloshin Steven , Bratton Luke , Chambers Christopher
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To examine how often study funding and author conflicts of interest are stated in science and health press releases and in corresponding news; and whether disclosure in press releases is associated with disclosure in news. Second, to specifically examine disclosure rates in industry-funded studies.

Design

Retrospective content analysis with two cohorts.

Setting

Press releases about health, psychology or neuroscience research from research universities and journals from 2011 (n=996) and 2015 (n=254) and their associated news stories (n=1250 and 578).

Primary outcome measure

Mention of study funding and author conflicts of interest.

Results

In our 2011 cohort, funding was reported in 94% (934/996) of journal articles, 29% (284/996) of press releases and 9% (112/1250) of news. The corresponding figures for 2015 were: 84% (214/254), 52% (131/254) and 10% (58/578). A similar pattern was seen for the industry funding subset. If the press release reported study funding, news was more likely to: 22% if in the press release versus 7% if not in the press release (2011), relative risk (RR) 3.1 (95% CI 2.1 to 4.3); for 2015, corresponding figures were 16% versus 2%, RR 6.8 (95% CI 2.2 to 17). In journal articles, 27% and 22% reported a conflict of interest, while less than 2% of press releases or news ever mentioned these.

Conclusions

Press releases and associated news did not frequently state funding sources or conflicts of interest. Funding information in press releases was associated with such information in news. Given converging evidence that news draws on press release content, including statements of funding and conflicts of interest in press releases may lead to increased reporting in news.
Excess burden of age-associated comorbidities among people living with HIV in British Columbia, Canada: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Nanditha Ni Gusti Ayu , Paiero Adrianna , Tafessu Hiwot M , St-Jean Martin , McLinden Taylor , Justice Amy C , Kopec Jacek , Montaner Julio S G , Hogg Robert S , Lima Viviane D
Published: January 2021

Objectives

As people living with HIV (PLWH) live longer, morbidity and mortality from non-AIDS comorbidities have emerged as major concerns. Our objective was to compare prevalence trends and age at diagnosis of nine chronic age-associated comorbidities between individuals living with and without HIV.

Design and setting

This population-based cohort study used longitudinal cohort data from all diagnosed antiretroviral-treated PLWH and 1:4 age-sex-matched HIV-negative individuals in British Columbia, Canada.

Participants

The study included 8031 antiretroviral-treated PLWH and 32 124 HIV-negative controls (median age 40 years, 82% men). Eligible participants were ≥19 years old and followed for ≥1 year during 2000 to 2012.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The presence of non-AIDS-defining cancers, diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension, Alzheimer’s and/or non-HIV-related dementia, cardiovascular, kidney, liver and lung diseases were identified from provincial administrative databases. Beta regression assessed annual age-sex-standardised prevalence trends and Kruskal-Wallis tests compared the age at diagnosis of comorbidities stratified by rate of healthcare encounters.

Results

Across study period, the prevalence of all chronic age-associated comorbidities, except hypertension, were higher among PLWH compared with their community-based HIV-negative counterparts; as much as 10 times higher for liver diseases (25.3% vs 2.1%, p value<0.0001). On stratification by healthcare encounter rates, PLWH experienced most chronic age-associated significantly earlier than HIV-negative controls, as early as 21 years earlier for Alzheimer’s and/or dementia.

Conclusions

PLWH experienced higher prevalence and earlier age at diagnosis of non-AIDS comorbidities than their HIV-negative controls. These results stress the need for optimised screening for comorbidities at earlier ages among PLWH, and a comprehensive HIV care model that integrates prevention and treatment of chronic age-associated conditions. Additionally, the robust methodology developed in this study, which addresses concerns on the use of administrative health data to measure prevalence and incidence, is reproducible to other settings.
Does sensorimotor function predict graft rupture, contra-lateral injury or failure to return to sports after ACL reconstruction? A protocol for the STOP Graft Rupture study
Authors: Cronström Anna , Ageberg Eva , Häger Charlotte K
Published: January 2021

Introduction

People with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) are at high risk of sustaining a graft rupture and/or contra-lateral ACL injury. The main factors that may predispose individuals for subsequent ACL injuries are, however, not established. To reduce the risk of reinjuries, it is of particular interest to identify modifiable risk-factors, for instance, those related to sensorimotor control which are responsive to training. The aim of the current study protocol is to present the design of our prospective cohort study STOP Graft Rupture investigating sensorimotor function as predictors for graft rupture, contra-lateral ACL injury and/or failure to return to sport (RTS) within 3 years following ACLR.

Methods and analysis

We aim to recruit 200 individuals (15–35 years, ~50% women) with ACLR from Norrland University Hospital, Umeå and Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. Participants will be assessed with a comprehensive test battery for sensorimotor muscle function, including hop performance, muscle strength, muscle activation, hip and ankle range of motion and postural orientation as well as patient-reported function 1 year after ACLR (baseline). For a subgroup of individuals (Umeå cohort), 3D kinematics and joint position sense will also be evaluated. At follow-up (≥3 years post-ACLR), the participants will be asked to answer questions related to new ACL injuries to either knee and about RTS. Separate logistic regression models, adjusting for possible confounders, will be used to evaluate the influence of the different sensorimotor predictors on the prospective outcomes (graft rupture, contra-lateral ACL injury, RTS).

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Board (Dnr 2016/319 and Dnr 2019-04037). The results will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at clinical and scientific congresses.

Trial registration number

NCT04162613.
High-flow nasal cannula therapy for initial oxygen administration in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure: study protocol of randomised controlled unblinded trial
Authors: Alnajada Asem , Blackwood Bronagh , Mobrad Abdulmajeed , Akhtar Adeel , Shyamsundar Murali
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Acute respiratory failure is a common clinical condition accounting for nearly 116 000 admissions in the UK hospitals. Acute type 2 respiratory failure is also called acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF) and characterised by an elevated arterial CO2level of >6 kPa due to pump failure. Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the most common cause of AHRF. High-flow nasal therapy (HFNT) is a new oxygen delivery system that uses an oxygen-air blender to deliver flow rates of up to 60 L/min. The gas is delivered humidified and heated to the patient via wide-bore nasal cannula.

Methods and analysis

We hypothesised that HFNC as the initial oxygen administration method will reduce the number of patients with AHRF requiring non-invasive ventilation in patients at 6 hours post intervention when compared with low-flow nasal oxygen (LFO). A randomised single-centre unblinded controlled trial is designed to test our hypothesis. The trial will compare two oxygen administration methods, HFNT versus LFO. Patients will be randomised to one of the two arms if they fulfil the eligibility criteria. The sample size is 82 adult patients (41 HFNT and 41 LFO) presenting to the emergency department.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Office for Research Ethics Committees Northern Ireland (REC reference: 20/NI/0049). Dissemination will be achieved in several ways: (1) the findings will be presented at national and international meetings with open-access abstracts online and (2) in accordance with the open-access policies proposed by the leading research funding bodies we aim to publish the findings in high-quality peer-reviewed open-access journals.

Trial registration number

The trial was prospectively registered at the clinicaltrials.gov registry (NCT04640948) on 20 November 2020.
The new role of diagnostic angiography in coronary physiological assessment
Authors: Ghobrial Mina , Haley Hazel Arfah , Gosling Rebecca , Rammohan Vignesh , Lawford Patricia V , Hose D Rod , Gunn Julian P , Morris Paul D
Published: January 2021

The role of ‘stand-alone’ coronary angiography (CAG) in the management of patients with chronic coronary syndromes is the subject of debate, with arguments for its replacement with CT angiography on the one hand and its confinement to the interventional cardiac catheter laboratory on the other. Nevertheless, it remains the standard of care in most centres. Recently, computational methods have been developed in which the laws of fluid dynamics can be applied to angiographic images to yield ‘virtual’ (computed) measures of blood flow, such as fractional flow reserve. Together with the CAG itself, this technology can provide an ‘all-in-one’ anatomical and functional investigation, which is particularly useful in the case of borderline lesions. It can add to the diagnostic value of CAG by providing increased precision and reduce the need for further non-invasive and functional tests of ischaemia, at minimal cost. In this paper, we place this technology in context, with emphasis on its potential to become established in the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected coronary artery disease, particularly in the non-interventional setting. We discuss the derivation and reliability of angiographically derived fractional flow reserve (CAG-FFR) as well as its limitations and how CAG-FFR could be integrated within existing national guidance. The assessment of coronary physiology may no longer be the preserve of the interventional cardiologist.
Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies in difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic literature review informing the EULAR recommendations for the management of difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Roodenrijs Nadia M T , Hamar Attila , Kedves Melinda , Nagy György , van Laar Jacob M , van der Heijde Désirée , Welsing Paco M J
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To summarise, by a systematic literature review (SLR), the evidence regarding pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies in difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T RA), informing the EULAR recommendations for the management of D2T RA.

Methods

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched up to December 2019. Relevant papers were selected and appraised.

Results

Two hundred seven (207) papers studied therapeutic strategies. Limited evidence was found on effective and safe disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in patients with comorbidities and other contraindications that limit DMARD options (patients with obesity, hepatitis B and C, risk of venous thromboembolisms, pregnancy and lactation). In patients who previously failed biological (b-)DMARDs, all currently used b/targeted synthetic (ts-)DMARDs were found to be more effective than placebo. In patients who previously failed a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi), there was a tendency of non-TNFi bDMARDs to be more effective than TNFis. Generally, effectiveness decreased in patients who previously failed a higher number of bDMARDs. Additionally, exercise, psychological, educational and self-management interventions were found to improve non-inflammatory complaints (mainly functional disability, pain, fatigue), education to improve goal setting, and self-management programmes, educational and psychological interventions to improve self-management.

The identified evidence had several limitations: (1) no studies were found in patients with D2T RA specifically, (2) heterogeneous outcome criteria were used and (3) most studies had a moderate or high risk of bias.

Conclusions

This SLR underscores the scarcity of high-quality evidence on the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of patients with D2T RA. Effectiveness of b/tsDMARDs decreased in RA patients who had failed a higher number of bDMARDs and a subsequent b/tsDMARD of a previously not targeted mechanism of action was somewhat more effective. Additionally, a beneficial effect of non-pharmacological interventions was found for improvement of non-inflammatory complaints, goal setting and self-management.
Size matters: first-in-human study of a novel 4 French REBOA device
Authors: Power Adam , Parekh Asha , Scallan Oonagh , Smith Shane , Novick Teresa , Parry Neil , Moore Laura
Published: January 2021

Background

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is an emerging technique used for non-compressible torso hemorrhage. However, its current use continues to be limited and there is a need for a simple, fast, and low profile REBOA device. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel 4 French REBOA device called the COBRA-OS (Control of Bleeding, Resuscitation, Arterial Occlusion System).

Methods

This study is the first-in-human feasibility trial of the COBRA-OS. Due to the difficulty of trialing the device in the trauma setting, we performed a feasibility study using organ donors (due to the potential usefulness of the COBRA-OS for normothermic regional perfusion) after neurological determination of death (NDD) prior to organ retrieval. Bilateral 4 French introducer sheaths were placed in both femoral arteries and the COBRA-OS was advanced up the right side and deployed in the thoracic aorta (Zone 1). Once aortic occlusion was confirmed via the left-sided arterial line, the device was deflated, moved to the infrarenal aorta (Zone 3), and redeployed.

Results

A total of 7 NDD organ donors were entered into the study, 71% men, with a mean age 46.6 years (range 26 to 64). The COBRA-OS was able to occlude the aorta in Zones 1 and 3 in all patients. The mean time of placing a 4 French sheath was 47.7 seconds (n=13, range 28 to 66 seconds). The mean time from skin to Zone 1 aortic occlusion was 70.1 seconds (range 58 to 105 seconds); mean balloon volumes were 15 mL for Zone 1 (range 13 to 20 mL) and 9 mL for Zone 3 (range 6 to 15 mL); there were no complications and visual inspection of the aorta in all patients revealed no injury.

Discussion

The COBRA-OS is a novel 4 French REBOA device that has demonstrated fast and safe aortic occlusion in this first-in-human feasibility study.

Level of evidence

Level V, therapeutic.
Synthesis and coordination of a neutral phosphaguanidine and comparison of its basicity with a guanidine
Authors: Kandel Ramjee , Schatte Gabriele , Laverdure Laura , Mosey Nicholas , Jessop Philip G.
Published: January 2021

A phosphaguanidine [Me2NC(PPh2)=NiPr], the analogous guanidine [Me2NC(NPh2)=NiPr], and their hydrochloride (HCl) salts were prepared to study the influence of substituting a phosphorus atom for a nitrogen atom on the basicity of the two compounds and the bonding in their conjugate acids. The pKavalues of both HCl salts were measured in acetonitrile by NMR titration. Surprisingly, the substitution of P for N has essentially no effect on basicity even though the geometry at that atom is changed. The presence of phenyl substituents in the protonated guanidine reduces the resonance in the CN3core, whereas poor orbital overlap between P and C reduces the resonance in the N2CP core of the protonated phosphaguanidine. The neutral phosphaguanidine binds to a Cu(I) halide through both the Nimineand the P, which suggested that the basic N atom on the bound ligand may have little utility as a Brønsted base. Fortunately, however, a Cu(I) halide complex of the protonated phosphaguanidine is stable. Thus, the tendency of the basic N to bind to metals does not proscribe it serving as a metal-proximate Brønsted base.
Investigation of layered composite plates under acoustic emission using an appropriate finite element model
Authors: Sengupta Sanjay , Roy Parikshit , Topdar Pijush , Datta Aloke Kumar
Published: January 2021

Structural damages generate acoustic emission (AE) in the media and cause extensional and flexural acoustic waves. Often in structures like plates, flexural mode is predominant. In this study, the flexural mode AE waveforms due to simulated damage are studied for multi-layered composite plates. A generalized refined 2D plate theory, which satisfies the transverse shear stress continuity at the layer interfaces, is proposed here for modelling the plates. This formulation is implemented through finite element method (FEM) where a four-node rectangular element, that satisfies C1 continuity, is used. Plates, having different thickness ratios, are studied through numerical examples using the model. Results are validated wherever applicable and some new results are obtained. The results indicate that the proposed model can simulate the flexural waveforms realistically for ‘very thin’ to ‘moderately thick’ plates. It is also found that the present model is as accurate as 3D FEM but it possesses much better computational efficiency.
A new species of Microcharacidium (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the Central Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Vieira L.S. , Netto-Ferreira A.L.
Published: January 2021

A new species (Microcharacidium bombioides sp. nov.) of the genus Microcharacidium Buckup, 1993 is described from the Rio Negro, Rio Trombetas, Rio Tapajós, tributaries of the Rio Madeira, and the middle Rio Amazonas. The new species is promptly distinguished from all congeners (Microcharacidium eleotrioides (Géry, 1960), Microcharacidium gnomus Buckup, 1993, and Microcharacidium weitzmani Buckup, 1993) by the presence of 12 circumpeduncular scales, 19 precaudal vertebrae, and 7 dark bars on the flanks connected to their contralateral parts both dorsally and ventrally; 2 short, dark suborbital stripes; all teeth on both jaws conical; 10–11 total dorsal-fin rays; and 3–4 perforated lateral line scales. An updated identification key for the genus is provided and the affinities of the new species with other Microcharacidium are discussed.
A model of compact and ultracompact objects in $$f(\mathcal {R})$$-Palatini theory
Authors: Silveira Fernanda Alvarim , Maier Rodrigo , Perez Bergliaffa Santiago Esteban
Published: January 2021

We present the features of a model which generalizes Schwarzschild’s homogeneous star by adding a transition zone for the density near the surface. By numerically integrating the modified TOV equations for the $$f(\mathcal {R})=\mathcal {R}+\lambda \mathcal {R}^2$$

f

(
R
)

=
R
+
λ

R

2

Palatini theory, it is shown that the ensuing configurations are everywhere finite. Depending on the values of the relevant parameters, objects more, less or as compact as those obtained in GR with the same density profile have been shown to exist. In particular, in some region of the parameter space the compactness is close to that set by the Buchdahl limit.
Magnetic penetration investigation on the bands made of amorphous magnetically soft (CoFe)75Si10B15 alloys under the thermal processing
Authors: Abdullayev A. P. , Ahmadov V. İ. , Isayeva A. A.
Published: January 2021

The effect of isothermal storage temperature and cooling rate on thermal processing on the maximum magnetic penetration in amorphous bands of magnetically soft [Formula: see text] alloys was studied. The dependence of maximum magnetic penetration on the isothermal storage temperature is determined using diffusion processes which occur during thermal processing at the certain isothermal storage temperatures. It is clear that increase of cooling rate directly impacts on the magnetic properties. Magnetic properties have been approached after thermal treatment of the surface when the surface is amorphous and at a certain optical thickness during formation of the amorphous-crystalline layer due to the increasing cooling speed.