bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IgA dominates the early neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sterlin Delphine , Mathian Alexis , Miyara Makoto , Mohr Audrey , Anna François , Claër Laetitia , Quentric Paul , Fadlallah Jehane , Devilliers Hervé , Ghillani Pascale , Gunn Cary , Hockett Rick , Mudumba Sasi , Guihot Amélie , Luyt Charles-Edouard , Mayaux Julien , Beurton Alexandra , Fourati Salma , Bruel Timothée , Schwartz Olivier , Lacorte Jean-Marc , Yssel Hans , Parizot Christophe , Dorgham Karim , Charneau Pierre , Amoura Zahir , Gorochov Guy
Published: December 2020

Early specific antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 include IgG, IgM, and IgA, but IgA may neutralize virus and control infection to a larger extent.
In Vitro
Characterization of the Carbohydrate-Binding Agents HHA, GNA, and UDA as Inhibitors of Influenza A and B Virus Replication
Authors: Vanderlinden Evelien , Van Winkel Nathalie , Naesens Lieve , Van Damme Els J. M. , Persoons Leentje , Schols Dominique
Published: December 2020

Here, we report on the anti-influenza virus activity of the mannose-binding agents
Hippeastrum
hybrid agglutinin (HHA) and
Galanthus nivalis
agglutinin (GNA) and the (
N
-acetylglucosamine)

n

-specific
Urtica dioica
agglutinin (UDA). These carbohydrate-binding agents (CBA) strongly inhibited various influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and B viruses
in vitro
, with 50% effective concentration values ranging from 0.016 to 83 nM, generating selectivity indexes up to 125,000.
Cutibacterium acnes
Central Nervous System Catheter Infection Induces Long-Term Changes in the Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteome
Authors: Beaver Matthew , Lagundzin Dragana , Thapa Ishwor , Lee Junghyae , Ali Hesham , Kielian Tammy , Skar Gwenn L.
Published: December 2020

Cutibacterium acnes
is the third most common cause of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt infection and is likely underdiagnosed due to the difficulty in culturing this pathogen. Shunt infections lead to grave neurologic morbidity for patients especially when there is a delay in diagnosis.
The Rhl Quorum-Sensing System Is at the Top of the Regulatory Hierarchy under Phosphate-Limiting Conditions in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Soto-Aceves Martín Paolo , Cocotl-Yañez Miguel , Servín-González Luis , Soberón-Chávez Gloria
Published: December 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an important pathogen, considered a priority for the development of new therapeutic strategies. An important approach to fight its infections relies on blocking quorum sensing.
TsrA Regulates Virulence and Intestinal Colonization in
Vibrio cholerae
Authors: DuPai Cory D. , Cunningham Ashley L. , Conrado Aaron R. , Wilke Claus O. , Davies Bryan W.
Published: December 2020

Cholera is a potentially lethal disease that is endemic in much of the developing world.
Vibrio cholerae
, the bacterium underlying the disease, infects humans utilizing proteins encoded on horizontally acquired genetic material. Here, we provide evidence that TsrA, a
Vibrionaceae
-specific protein, plays a critical role in regulating these genetic elements and is essential for
V. cholerae
virulence in a mouse intestinal model.
Use of the Safewards Model in healthcare services: a mixed-method scoping review protocol
Authors: Gerdtz Marie , Daniel Catherine , Jarden Rebecca , Kapp Suzanne
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Safewards is an organisational approach to delivering inpatient mental health services. The aim of Safewards is to minimise the number of situations in which conflict arises between healthcare workers and patients that lead to the use of coercive interventions (restriction and/or containment).

The Safewards Model has been developed, implemented and evaluated for its impact on all forms of containment. Safewards has been adopted as the recommended approach to preventing patient agitation and clinical aggression in some jurisdictions. Notwithstanding these recommendations, the outcomes of Safewards for staff and patients have not been comprehensively described.

The aim of the scoping review is to describe (1) Safewards interventions; (2) how Safewards interventions have been implemented in healthcare settings; (3) outcome measures used to evaluate the effectiveness of Safewards; (4) barriers and enablers to the uptake and sustainability of Safewards. This review will provide a foundation for further research and/or systematic review of the effectiveness of Safewards.

Methods and analysis

Peer-reviewed manuscripts of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method research in English with be included for the period 01 January 2013– December 31st 2020. Electronic databases including Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane, Embase, Emcare, Joanna Briggs Institute, Medline, Global Health, PsycINFO and Scopus will be searched. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews checklist and explanation and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocol will be followed. Publications will be excluded if they do not include the required participants, concept or context. Two reviewers will independently screen all titles and abstracts and full-text studies for inclusion.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this review is not required as the information to be collected is publicly available. There are no participants or safety considerations in this review of published literature. Key findings for future research and clinical practice will be disseminated though peer-reviewed publication, stakeholder reporting and conference presentations.
Use of implantable meshes for augmented rotator cuff repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baldwin Mathew , Nagra N S , Greenall Gemma , Carr Andrew J , Beard David , Rees J L , Rangan Amar , Merritt Naomi , Dritsaki Melina , Hopewell Sally , Cook Jonathan Alistair
Published: December 2020

Objective

To appraise studies reporting on clinical effectiveness and safety of surgical meshes used to augment rotator cuff repairs (RCRs).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched between April 2006 and April 2020.

Eligibility criteria

All studies evaluating adults (≥18 years) undergoing RCR were considered. There were no language restrictions.

Data extraction and synthesis

Screening, data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted by two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects models if ≥2 comparative studies reported the same outcome measure. Risk of bias assessment was undertaken for randomised (RoB2, Cochrane) and comparative studies (ROBINS-I, Cochrane).

Results

We included 60 studies, consisting of 7 randomised controlled trials, 13 observational comparative studies and 40 observational case series. All comparative studies reported on shoulder-specific functional outcome scores, 18 on the radiographic occurrence of re-tear and 14 on pain score metrics. All studies contained some risk of bias.

Compared with non-augmented repair, a small improvement in shoulder-specific function or pain scores was observed for synthetic patches with a mean improvement of 6.7 points on the University of California Los Angles (UCLA) shoulder score (95% CI 0.1 to 13.4) and 0.46 point reduction on the Visual Analogue Scale (95% CI −0.74 to −0.17), respectively. A reduced likelihood of radiologically observed re-tear was observed for synthetic (risk ratio (RR) 0.41, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.61) and allograft (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.65) patches. A total of 49 studies reported on the occurrence of complications. Slightly higher crude complication rates were observed following patch-augmented repair (2.1%) than standard repair (1.6%).

Conclusions

While several studies suggest a decreased failure rate and small improvements in shoulder function and pain following augmented RCR, a paucity of rigorous clinical evaluation, for both effectiveness and safety, prevents firm recommendations.

Prospero registration number

CRD42017057908.
Protocol for a scoping review of outcomes in clinical studies of interventions for venous thromboembolism in adults
Authors: Tritschler Tobias , Langlois Nicole , Hutton Brian , Shea Beverley J , Shorr Risa , Ng Sara , Dubois Suzanne , West Carol , Iorio Alfonso , Tugwell Peter , Le Gal Grégoire
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common, potentially fatal yet treatable disease. Several advances in treatment of VTE have been made over the past decades, but definition and reporting of outcomes across those studies are inconsistent. Development of an international core outcome set for clinical studies of interventions for VTE addresses this lack of standardisation. The first step in the development of a core outcome set is to conduct a scoping review which aims to generate an inclusive list of unique outcomes that have been reported in previous studies.

Methods and analysis

MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials will be searched with no language restriction for prospective studies reporting on interventions for treatment of VTE in patients who are adult and non-pregnant. Records will be sorted in reverse chronological order. Study screening and data extraction will be independently performed by two authors in blocks based on date of publication, starting with 2015 to 2020 and subsequent 1-year periods, until no new outcome measures are identified from the set of included studies. After homogenising spelling and combining outcomes with the same meaning, a list of unique outcomes will be determined. Those outcomes will be grouped into outcome domains. Qualitative analysis and descriptive statistics will be used to report results.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this study. The results of this scoping review will be presented at scientific conferences, published in a peer-reviewed journal, and they will provide candidate outcome domains to be considered in subsequent steps in the development of a core outcome set for clinical studies of interventions for VTE.

Protocol registration details

http://hdl.handle.net/10393/40459
Relationship between acute pain trajectories after an emergency department visit and chronic pain: a Canadian prospective cohort study
Authors: Daoust Raoul , Paquet Jean , Cournoyer Alexis , Piette Éric , Morris Judy , Lessard Justine , Lavigne Gilles , Chauny Jean-Marc
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Inadequate acute pain management can reduce the quality of life, cause unnecessary suffering and can often lead to the development of chronic pain. Using group-based trajectory modelling, we previously identified six distinct pain intensity trajectories for the first 14-day postemergency department (ED) discharge; two linear ones with moderate or severe pain during follow-up (~40% of the patients) and four cubic polynomial order trajectories with mild or no pain at the end of the 14 days (low final pain trajectories). We assessed if previously described acute pain intensity trajectories over 14 days after ED discharge are predictive of chronic pain 3 months later.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care trauma centre academic hospital.

Participants

This study included 18 years and older ED patients who consulted for acute (≤2 weeks) pain conditions that were discharged with an opioid prescription. Patients completed a 14-day diary in which they listed their daily pain intensity (0–10 numeric rating scale).

Outcomes

Three months after ED visit, participants were questioned by phone about their current pain intensity (0–10 numeric rating scale). Chronic pain was defined as patients with current pain intensity ≥4 at 3 months.

Results

A total of 305 participants remained in the study at 3 months, 49% were women and a mean age of 55±15 years. Twelve per cent (11.9; 95% CI 8.2 to 15.4) of patients had chronic pain at the 3-month follow-up. Controlling for age, sex and pain condition, patients with moderate or severe pain trajectories and those with only a severe pain trajectory were respectively 5.1 (95% CI 2.2 to 11.8) and 8.2 (95% CI 3.4 to 20.0) times more likely to develop chronic pain 3 months later compared with patients in the low final pain trajectories.

Conclusion

Specific acute pain trajectories following an ED visit are closely related to the development of chronic pain 3 months later.

Trial registration number

NCT02799004; Results.
Study protocol for a multicentre, prospective cohort study of the association of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers on outcomes of coronavirus infection
Authors: Russell James A. , Marshall John C , Slutsky Arthur , Murthy Srinivas , Sweet Dave , Lee Terry , Singer Joel , Patrick David M , Du Bin , Peng Zhiyong , Cheng Matthew , Burns Kevin D , Harhay Michael O
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The COVID-19 epidemic grows and there are clinical trials of antivirals. There is an opportunity to complement these trials with investigation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) because an ARB (losartan) was effective in murine influenza pneumonia.

Methods and analysis

Our innovative design includes: ARBs; alignment with the WHO Ordinal Scale (primary endpoint) to align with other COVID-19 trials; joint longitudinal analysis; and predictive biomarkers (angiotensins I, 1–7, II and ACE1 and ACE2). Our hypothesis is: ARBs decrease the need for hospitalisation, severity (need for ventilation, vasopressors, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or renal replacement therapy) or mortality of hospitalised COVID-19 infected adults. Our two-pronged multicentre pragmatic observational cohort study examines safety and effectiveness of ARBs in (1) hospitalised adult patients with COVID-19 and (2) out-patients already on or not on ARBs. The primary outcome will be evaluated by ordinal logistic regression and main secondary outcomes by both joint longitudinal modelling analyses. We will compare rates of hospitalisation of ARB-exposed versus not ARB-exposed patients. We will also determine whether continuing ARBs or not decreases the primary outcome. Based on published COVID-19 cohorts, assuming 15% of patients are ARB-exposed, a total sample size of 497 patients can detect a proportional OR of 0.5 (alpha=0.05, 80% power) comparing WHO scale of ARB-exposed versus non-ARB-exposed patients.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has core institution approval (UBC Providence Healthcare Research Ethics Board) and site institution approvals (Health Research Ethics Board, University of Alberta; Comite d’etique de la recerche, CHU Sainte Justine (for McGill University and University of Sherbrook); Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board, University of Calgary; Queen’s University Health Sciences & Affiliated Hospitals Research Ethics Board; Research Ethics Board, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Veritas Independent Research Board (for Humber River Hospital); Mount Sinai Hospital Research Ethics Board; Unity Health Toronto Research Ethics Board, St. Michael’s Hospital). Results will be disseminated by peer-review publication and social media releases.

Trial registration number

NCT04510623
Real-world patterns of pegloticase use for treatment of gout: descriptive multidatabase cohort study
Authors: Chen Sarah K , Liu Jun , Kim Seoyoung C
Published: December 2020

Objective

Pegloticase is used in severe refractory gout or in cases of intolerance to other urate-lowering therapies. We sought to evaluate the patterns of pegloticase use in the USA and the incidence of safety outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective descriptive study using data from two US commercial insurance claims databases (2010–2018). We identified new initiators of pegloticase with ≥1 gout diagnosis code in the 365-day baseline period prior to pegloticase initiation. We measured the number and duration of pegloticase infusions. We assessed the risk of anaphylaxis or anaphylactoid reactions, cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction or stroke, and hospitalisation for heart failure (new onset or exacerbations) while undergoing pegloticase therapy.

Results

Among 2.9 million patients with ≥1 diagnosis of gout, we identified only 483 (179 in Optum and 304 in MarketScan) pegloticase initiators. The mean age and % female was 55.6 years, 10.9% for MarketScan and 60.6 years and 17.3% for Optum. Hypertension was present in up to 85%, diabetes mellitus in 38%, chronic kidney disease in 46% and heart failure in 21% of the patients. The median number of infusions was four and the duration of therapy was 3 months. During the mean 0.5-year follow-up time on pegloticase, there were 3 (0.6%) anaphylaxis, 7 (1.4%) composite cardiovascular, 31 (6.4%) heart failure hospitalisations and 3 (0.6%) deaths.

Conclusion

Pegloticase is rarely used in gout, and the median duration of pegloticase therapy was 3 months. There were few anaphylaxis events captured in this claims-based study, while heart failure hospitalisations were common.
Clinical and metabolic characteristics of the Diabetes Intervention Accentuating Diet and Enhancing Metabolism (DIADEM-I) randomised clinical trial cohort
Authors: Zaghloul Hadeel , Chagoury Odette , Elhadad Sara , Hayder Ahmed Salma , Suleiman Noor , Al Naama Abdulla , El Nahas Katie , Al Hamaq Abdulla , Charlson Mary , Wells Martin T , Al Abdulla Samya , Abou-Samra Abdul Badi , Taheri Shahrad
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Diabetes Intervention Accentuating Diet and Enhancing Metabolism-I (DIADEM-I) is the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region testing the effectiveness of an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) for weight loss and diabetes remission. We report on the recruitment process and baseline characteristics of the DIADEM-I cohort based on origin (Middle East vs North Africa), and waist circumference.

Design

DIADEM-I is an open-label randomised, controlled, parallel group RCT recruiting young individuals (18–50 years) with early type 2 diabetes (≤3 years since diagnosis) originating from MENA. Individuals from primary care were randomised to usual medical care or ILI (total dietary replacement phase using meal replacement products, followed by staged food reintroduction and physical activity support). The primary outcome is weight loss at 12 months. Other outcomes are glycaemic control and diabetes remission.

Setting

Primary care, Qatar.

Participants

147 (73% men) randomised within DIADEM-I who were included in the final trial data analysis.

Outcome measures

Recruitment metrics, and baseline clinical and metabolic characteristics.

Results

Of 1498 people prescreened, 267 (18%) were invited for screening and 209 (78%) consented. 173 (83%) were eligible. 15 (7%) withdrew before randomisation and the remaining 158 were randomised. Mean age was 42.1 (SD 5.6) years and mean body mass index was: 36.3 (5.5) kg/m2 (women) and 34.4 (5.4) kg/m2 (men). Mean diabetes duration was 1.8 (1.0) years and mean glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was 7.0% (1.30) (52.5 mmol/mol (SD 14.3)). Participants originated from 13 countries. Those from North Africa reported greater physical activity and had lower family history of diabetes. 90% of subjects were taking diabetes medications and 31% antihypertensives. Those with greater waist circumference had significantly higher insulin resistance and lower quality of life.

Conclusion

Recruitment of participants originating from the MENA region into the RCT was successful, and study participation was readily accepted. While DIADEM-I participants originated from 13 countries, there were few baseline differences amongst participants from Middle East versus North Africa, supporting generalisability of RCT results.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN20754766; NCT03225339
Trends in acid suppressant drug prescriptions in primary care in the UK: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Abrahami Devin , McDonald Emily Gibson , Schnitzer Mireille , Azoulay Laurent
Published: December 2020

Objective

To examine proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) prescribing patterns over a 29-year period by quantifying annual prevalence and prescribing intensity over time.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

More than 700 general practices contributing data to the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD).

Participants

Within a cohort of 14 242 329 patients registered in the CPRD, 3 027 383 patients were prescribed at least one PPI or H2RA from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2018.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Annual prescription rates were estimated by dividing the number of patients prescribed a PPI or H2RA by the total CPRD population. Change in prescribing intensity (number of prescriptions per year divided by person-years of follow-up) was calculated using negative binomial regression.

Results

From 1990 to 2018, 21.3% of the CPRD population was exposed to at least one acid suppressant drug. During that period, PPI prevalence increased from 0.2% to 14.2%, while H2RA prevalence remained low (range: 1.2%–3.4%). Yearly prescribing intensity to PPIs increased during the first 15 years of the study period but remained relatively constant for the remainder of the study period. In contrast, yearly prescribing intensity of H2RAs decreased from 1990 to 2009 but has begun to slightly increase over the past 5 years.

Conclusions

While PPI prevalence has been increasing over time, its prescribing intensity has recently plateaued. Notwithstanding their efficacy, PPIs are associated with a number of adverse effects not attributed to H2RAs, whose prescribing intensity has begun to increase. Thus, H2RAs remain a valuable treatment option for individuals with gastric conditions.
What is known about the health service use and follow-up of immediate family members bereaved by suicide? Scoping review protocol
Authors: Petersen Sindre Hoff , Kalseth Jorid , Kaspersen Silje L
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Suicide remains a major public health issue around the world. People bereaved by suicide are a vulnerable group who are at considerable risk of developing mental and physical health problems, such as complicated grief, post-traumatic stress disorder or cardiovascular disease. Many unanswered questions remain, in particular, in terms of their use of healthcare services. This protocol describes how we aim to systematically scope the existing literature on the professional follow-up and health service use by families bereaved by suicide. The scoping review will help to identify research gaps in the literature and aid in the planning and commission of future research. We will provide a summary of research findings.

Methods and analysis

We will use the scoping review framework provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews will be used as a guide for reporting our results. We plan to conduct an extensive literature search using relevant health-related databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL) and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers will screen the articles in a two-stage process: (1) titles and abstracts and (2) full-text documents.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review will identify and consider only previously published research. Hence, no ethical approval is considered necessary. We will disseminate the results in a scientific journal and at conferences, as well as through user organisations for people bereaved by suicide and social media.
How primary healthcare in Iceland swiftly changed its strategy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sigurdsson Emil Larus , Blondal Anna Bryndis , Jonsson Jon Steinar , Tomasdottir Margret Olafia , Hrafnkelsson Hannes , Linnet Kristjan , Sigurdsson Johann Agust
Published: December 2020

Objective

To describe how the primary healthcare (PHC) in Iceland changed its strategy to handle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Descriptive observational study.

Setting

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

Population

The Reykjavik area has a total of 233 000 inhabitants.

Main outcome measures

The number and the mode of consultations carried out. Drug prescriptions and changes in the 10 most common diagnoses made in PHC. Laboratory tests including COVID-19 tests. Average numbers in March and April 2020 compared with the same months in 2018 and 2019.

Results

Pragmatic strategies and new tasks were rapidly applied to the clinical work to meet the foreseen healthcare needs caused by the pandemic. The number of daytime consultations increased by 35% or from 780 to 1051/1000 inhabitants (p<0.001) during the study period. Telephone and web-based consultations increased by 127% (p<0.001). The same tendency was observed in out-of-hours services. The number of consultations in maternity and well-child care decreased only by 4% (p=0.003). Changes were seen in the 10 most common diagnoses. Most noteworthy, apart from a high number of COVID-19 suspected disease, was that immunisation, depression, hypothyroidism and lumbago were not among the top 10 diagnoses during the epidemic period. The number of drug prescriptions increased by 10.3% (from 494 to 545 per 1000 inhabitants, p<0.001). The number of prescriptions from telephone and web-based consultations rose by 55.6%. No changes were observed in antibiotics prescriptions.

Conclusions

As the first point of contact in the COVID-19 pandemic, the PHC in Iceland managed to change its strategy swiftly while preserving traditional maternity and well-child care, indicating a very solid PHC with substantial flexibility in its organisation.
Adenoviral vaccines promote protective tissue-resident memory T cell populations against cancer
Authors: van der Gracht Esmé TI , Schoonderwoerd Mark JA , van Duikeren Suzanne , Yilmaz Ayse N , Behr Felix M , Colston Julia M , Lee Lian N , Yagita Hideo , van Gisbergen Klaas PJM , Hawinkels Lukas JAC , Koning Frits , Klenerman Paul , Arens Ramon
Published: December 2020

Background

Adenoviral vectors emerged as important platforms for cancer immunotherapy. Vaccination with adenoviral vectors is promising in this respect, however, their specific mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Here, we assessed the development and maintenance of vaccine-induced tumor-specific CD8+T cells elicited upon immunization with adenoviral vectors.

Methods

Adenoviral vaccine vectors encoding the full-length E7 protein from human papilloma virus (HPV) or the immunodominant epitope from E7 were generated, and mice were immunized intravenously with different quantities (107, 108or 109infectious units). The magnitude, kinetics and tumor protection capacity of the induced vaccine-specific T cell responses were evaluated.

Results

The adenoviral vaccines elicited inflationary E7-specific memory CD8+T cell responses in a dose-dependent manner. The magnitude of these vaccine-specific CD8+T cells in the circulation related to the development of E7-specific CD8+tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells, which were maintained for months in multiple tissues after vaccination. The vaccine-specific CD8+T cell responses conferred long-term protection against HPV-induced carcinomas in the skin and liver, and this protection required the induction and accumulation of CD8+TRMcells. Moreover, the formation of CD8+TRMcells could be enhanced by temporal targeting CD80/CD86 costimulatory interactions via CTLA-4 blockade early after immunization.

Conclusions

Together, these data show that adenoviral vector-induced CD8+T cell inflation promotes protective TRMcell populations, and this can be enhanced by targeting CTLA-4.
LES investigation on vortex dynamics of transient sheet/cloud cavitating flow using different vortex identification methods
Authors: Qu Shuheng , Li Jinping , Cheng Huaiyu , Ji Bin
Published: December 2020

The sheet/cloud cavitating flow always contains complex multiscale vortex structures generated by the cavity cloud shedding and collapsing. In this study, the transient sheet/cloud cavitating flow around a Clark-Y hydrofoil is numerically investigated using the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) method coupled with the Zwart–Gerber–Belamri (ZGB) cavitation model. The simulation accurately reproduces the unsteady cavitation evolution process, and the predicted time-averaged lift and drag coefficients, total vapor volume variation and velocity distribution agree fairly well with the experimental measurements. The cavitation vortex dynamics are studied in detail with different vortex identification methods including the vorticity method, the [Formula: see text]-criterion method, the [Formula: see text] method, the [Formula: see text] method and the Liutex method. The vortex identification ability of the different methods in the transient sheet/cloud cavitating flow is also discussed. Generally, the Liutex method combines the advantages of the other methods and can accurately identify both the vortex position and strength. Further analysis of cavitation-vortex interactions demonstrates that the cavity cloud shedding and collapsing have a pronounced influence on the vortex structure.
Integrable discretisations of Volterra system with multiple branches of dispersion
Authors: Babalic Corina N.
Published: December 2020

Two integrable discretizations of general differential-difference coupled Volterra equations with multiple branches of dispersion are constructed using the Hirota bilinear formalism. The multi-soliton solutions are built and discussed for both discretizations and the nonlinear forms of completely discretized Volterra system are recovered.
DEVELOPMENT OF ADJUSTABLE WHEELCHAIR TRAINING STRUCTURE AND VALIDATION OF USEFULNESS FOR EVALUATION AND TRAINING OF MANUAL WHEELCHAIR SKILL
Authors: CHOI WON-SEUK , LEE JUN-MIN , KIM TAE YOUNG , KIM JUNG HWAN , LEE JUNG AH , CHOI HYUN
Published: December 2020

As the number of wheelchair users increases, safety accidents related to wheelchairs are increasing. Wheelchair training has been emphasized as a way to deal with this problem. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a wheelchair training structure as an adjustable type and verify its usefulness. Methods: In order to develop the wheelchair training structure as an adjustable type, idea meetings were held by related experts. The structure reflecting the ideas generated by the expert meetings was drawn through 3D modeling and it was produced by a commissioned woodwork shop. Then the final products including the adjustable curb and stairs were evaluated to verify their effectiveness and user satisfaction. Ten physical or occupational therapists rated satisfaction using the Korean-Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology, and four manual wheelchair users rated effectiveness using the wheelchair Skill Test-Questionnaire 5.0. And the evaluations were conducted twice before and after the 10 wheelchair training sessions each with 30 min duration. Results the result of satisfaction evaluation of the adjustable curbs and stairs by the 10 therapists showed that effectiveness was the highest, and the size and weight were the lowest. As for the effectiveness evaluation by the four manual wheelchair users, both the capacity and confidence of all subjects improved. Conclusion: This study confirmed that training using this type of wheelchair training construct will help wheelchair users improve the confidence and skills of using wheelchair which are essential for their safety and independent mobility. Therefore, if the adjustable curbs and stairs are to be used in the rehabilitation process of early manual wheelchair users, it is expected to contribute to the advancing their successful social return.
Olivine chemistry of the Quaternary Datong basalts of the Trans-North China Orogen: insights into mantle source lithology and redox–hydration state
Authors: Hong Lubing , Zhang Yinhui , Zhang Le , Xu Yi-Gang , Liu Zhe , He Pengli
Published: December 2020

Cenozoic intraplate basalts are widespread above the Big Mantle Wedge (BMW) and its front in East Asia. While the mantle source lithology and redox-hydration state have been demonstrated to be crucial in the generation of basalts above the BMW, their nature and role in the basalts above the front of the BMW is poorly constrained. To address this, we report olivine compositions of the Quaternary Datong basalts. Datong basalts exhibit ocean island basalt-like trace-element compositions and depleted Sr–Nd isotopes with slightly enriched signatures (enriched mantle I, EMI) for tholeiitic basalts. Olivines of the Datong basalts show high Ni and Fe/Mn, and low Ca, Mn and Mn/Zn values, pointing to a pyroxenite source. Applying V and Ca partition coefficients between olivine and whole rock, respectively, the Datong basalts lie −0.44 to 0.64 log units above the fayalite–magnetite–quartz buffer for
f
O
2
, and contain 2.1–3.4 wt% H
2
O but highly variable H
2
O/Ce values (265–1498). Both
f
O
2
and H
2
O/Ce in the basalts vary with whole-rock and olivine compositions, indicating that the source was the main control. Thus, there is a heterogeneous redox–hydration state in the source, the EMI component being relatively reduced but extremely wet and recycled oceanic crust being relatively oxidized but dry. The extremely wet EMI component was probably derived from the mantle transition zone. In the light of our findings, we propose a model in which mantle upwelling carried the recycled oceanic crust and EMI component from the mantle transitional zone to shallow mantle, owing to the Pacific slab stagnating in the mantle transitional zone, to form pyroxenite, which subsequently melted to generate Datong basalts.
Immunometabolism in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Roy Dominic G. , Kaymak Irem , Williams Kelsey S. , Ma Eric H. , Jones Russell G.
Published: December 2020

Advances in immunotherapy have underscored the importance of antitumor immune responses in controlling cancer. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) imposes several obstacles to the proper function of immune cells, including a metabolically challenging and immunosuppressive microenvironment. The increased metabolic activity of tumor cells can lead to the depletion of key nutrients required by immune cells and the accumulation of byproducts that hamper antitumor immunity. Furthermore, the presence of suppressive immune cells, such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and the expression of immune inhibitory receptors can negatively impact immune cell metabolism and function. This review summarizes the metabolic reprogramming that is characteristic of various immune cell subsets, discusses how the metabolism and function of immune cells are shaped by the TME, and highlights how therapeutic interventions aimed at improving the metabolic fitness of immune cells and alleviating the metabolic constraints in the TME can boost antitumor immunity.
Conduct Disorders and Empathy Development
Authors: Frick Paul J. , Kemp Emily C.
Published: December 2020

Childhood conduct disorders, a serious mental health concern, put children at risk for significant mental health problems throughout development. Elevations on callous-unemotional (CU) traits designate a subgroup of youth with conduct disorders who have unique causal processes underlying their problem behavior and are at a particularly high risk for serious impairment relative to others with these disorders. As a result, these traits have recently been integrated into major diagnostic classification systems for conduct disorders. Given that CU traits are partly defined by deficits in empathy, we review research on empathy development in typically developing children and use this research to ( a) advance theories on the specific emotional deficits that may be associated with CU traits, ( b) explain the severe pattern of aggressive behavior displayed by children with elevated CU traits, and ( c) suggest possible ways to enhance prevention and treatment for children with conduct disorders and elevated CU traits.
Band Representations and Topological Quantum Chemistry
Authors: Cano Jennifer , Bradlyn Barry
Published: December 2020

In this article, we provide a pedagogical review of the theory of topological quantum chemistry and topological crystalline insulators. We begin with an overview of the properties of crystal symmetry groups in position and momentum space. Next, we introduce the concept of a band representation, which quantifies the symmetry of topologically trivial band structures. By combining band representations with symmetry constraints on the connectivity of bands in momentum space, we show how topologically nontrivial bands can be cataloged and classified. We present several examples of new topological phases discovered using this paradigm and conclude with an outlook toward future developments.
Sensory Evaluation of Odor Approximation Using NMF with Kullback-Leibler Divergence and Itakura-Saito Divergence in Mass Spectrum Space
Authors: Prasetyawan Dani , Takamichi Nakamoto
Published: December 2020

The odor reproduction can be achieved by approximating mass spectra of different odors by blending a set of odor components. The method enables us to create various odors by adjusting the blending recipe. The reproduced odor should be as close as possible to the target odor. Since there are no primary odors that have been found so far, finding an appropriate set of odor components to perform odor reproduction is essential. The number of odor components should be kept as small as possible whereas it should cover the widest range of odors. In the present study, we performed a sensory evaluation of odor reproduction. Odor reproduction and approximation by utilizing Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (NMF) particularly with Kullback-Leibler (KL) and Itakura-Saito (IS) divergences on mass spectrum space were evaluated. The sensory test reveals that the accuracy of odor approximation by IS divergence were higher than that of KL divergence. Moreover, the combination of NMF with IS divergence with that of KL divergence improved the accuracy.
Errors of Integrated Hydrogen Sensors Based on FETs with Structure Pd (Ag)–Ta2O5–SiO2–Si
Authors: Podlepetsky B. , Kovalenko A.
Published: December 2020

The object of the study was an integrated sensor’s cell consisting of n-channel FET-sensor element based on Pd(Ag)–Ta2O5–SiO2–Si structure, fabricated on Si-chip together with heater-resistor and temperature sensor by means of conventional n-MOS-technology using laser evaporation Pd(Ag)-films. Estimation of hydrogen concentration measurement’s errors by FET-sensors has been done, using the models based on the experimental data. Proposed models of absolute and relative errors include components that take into account the instrumental errors of measurement units; the random errors associated with dispersions of sensors’ output voltages; fluctuations of chip temperature and electrical circuits’ parameters; additional errors due to the influence of other gases and radiation. It is shown how the errors depend on sensor sensitivity, hydrogen concentrations and total hydrogen dose. Examples of how to estimate the threshold of sensitivity and the operating range of concentration measurements for a given relative error are presented.
Simulation of Copper Electrodeposition in Millimeter Size Through-Silicon Vias
Authors: Braun T. M. , Josell D. , Deshpande S. , John J. , Moffat T. P.
Published: December 2020

Computational predictions of copper deposition in millimeter size through-silicon vias (mm-TSV) are presented based on localized breakdown of a co-adsorbed polyether-chloride suppressor layer. The model builds upon previous work on localized Cu deposition in microscale TSV and through-holes by incorporating 3D fluid flow calculations to more effectively evaluate chemical transport of cupric ion and additives, both of which are critical to adlayer formation and disruption within the via. Simulations using potentiostatic and potentiodynamic waveforms are compared to previously reported filling experiments. Alternatively, the utility of galvanostatic control and variations in fluid flow are explored computationally. For appropriate applied potential(s) or current, deposition is localized to the via bottom, with subsequent growth proceeding in a bottom-up fashion. Selection of inappropriate current or potential waveforms, or forced convection conditions that supply insufficient cupric ion to the bottom of the via, results in prediction of voids. Simulations of deposition in via arrays (4 × 1) predict non-uniform growth across the arrays, with the passivation of individual vias associated with minor variations in convective flow and/or numerical perturbations in the simulation, that reflects the critical nature of the bifurcation process.
A Novel Molecularly Imprinting Biosensor Including Graphene Quantum Dots/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Composite for Interleukin-6 Detection and Electrochemical Biosensor Validation
Authors: Özcan Nermin , Karaman Ceren , Atar Necip , Karaman Onur , Yola Mehmet Lütfi
Published: December 2020

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a pro-inflammatory cytokine demonstrate a critical role in the inflammatory response. Especially, the high levels of IL-6 measured in plasma have been associated with pathological inflammation. In this report, new molecularly imprinting biosensor on graphene quantum dots (GQDs)/functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) composite were prepared for IL-6 protein detection. The structures of GQDs, f-MWCNTs and GQDs/f-MWCNTs composite were highlighted by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), raman spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. Surface morphology characterization shows the nanoporous cavities as an effective biosensing area. IL-6 protein imprinted electrode was prepared on GQDs/f-MWCNTs composite in the presence of 100.0 mM pyrrole containing 25.0 mM IL-6 protein. 0.01–2.0 pg ml−1 and 0.0030 pg ml−1 were found as linearity range and the detection limit (LOD) for analytical application in plasma samples. Finally, the validated biosensor was examined in terms of stability, repeatability and reproducibility.
The Formation of Social Network Assortativity: A Cultural Trait-Matching Mechanism
Authors: Wang Wei , Sun Xiaoming , Wang Yalan , Cui Wentian
Published: December 2020

The preferential attachment mechanism that forms scale-free network cannot display assortativity, i.e., the degree of one node is positively correlated with that of their neighbors in the network. Given the attributes of network nodes, a cultural trait-matching mechanism is further introduced in this paper. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results indicate that the higher selection probability of such mechanism, the more obvious the assortativity is shown in networks. Further, the degree of nodes presents a positive logarithm correlation with that of adjacent ones. Finally, this study discusses the theoretical and practical significances of the introduction of such a cultural trait-matching mechanism.
Effects of Flaw Geometry on the Fracturing Behavior of Rock‐Like Materials Containing Two Arch‐Like Parallelogram Flaws
Authors: Shi Longqing , Xu Dongjing
Published: December 2020

To increase understanding of the strength and failure mechanism of rocks with arch‐like fractures generated in the overlying strata above a gob during coal mining, a series of uniaxial compression tests on rock‐like specimens containing two preexisting parallelogram flaws at inclination angles varying from 45° to 75° were made using a rock mechanics servocontrolled testing system. Based on the experimental results, the effects of the inclination angles of two flaws having the same area on the mechanical parameters and fracturing process of the specimens were analyzed in detail. By adopting photographic monitoring, the crack initiation, propagation, coalescence, and failure modes in rock‐like specimens were observed and characterized. The crack initiation stress and the second initiation stress were distinctly related to the flaw inclination angles, although the crack initiation stress presented a change trend generally similar to that of the crack second initiation stress with increasing flaw angle. Four modes of ultimate macroscopic failure morphology and the crack coalescence and failure modes of three types could be summarized. The research reported here could provide some theoretical support for the arch‐like fracture evolution in the overburden during the excavation in underground engineering, especially in coal mining engineering.
A Mathematical and Statistical Estimation of Potential Transmission and Severity of COVID‐19: A Combined Study of Romania and Pakistan
Authors: Ozair Muhammad , Hussain Takasar , Hussain Mureed , Awan Aziz Ullah , Baleanu Dumitru , Abro Kashif Ali
Published: December 2020

During the outbreak of an epidemic, it is of immense interest to monitor the effects of containment measures and forecast of outbreak including epidemic peak. To confront the epidemic, a simple SIR model is used to simulate the number of affected patients of coronavirus disease in Romania and Pakistan. The model captures the growth in case onsets, and the estimated results are almost compatible with the actual reported cases. Through the calibration of parameters, forecast for the appearance of new cases in Romania and Pakistan is reported till the end of this year by analysing the current situation. The constant level of number of patients and time to reach this level is also reported through the simulations. The drastic condition is also discussed which may occur if all the preventive restraints are removed.
Recent Developments in Diabetic Retinal Neurodegeneration: A Literature Review
Authors: Pillar Shani , Moisseiev Elad , Sokolovska Jelizaveta , Grzybowski Andrzej
Published: December 2020

Neurodegeneration plays a significant role in the complex pathology of diabetic retinopathy. Evidence suggests the onset of neurodegeneration occurs early on in the disease, and so a greater understanding of the process is essential for prompt detection and targeted therapies. Neurodegeneration is a common pathway of assorted processes, including activation of inflammatory pathways, reduction of neuroprotective factors, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Oxidative stress and formation of advanced glycation end products amplify these processes and are elevated in the setting of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and glucose variability. These key pathophysiologic mechanisms are discussed, as well as diagnostic modalities and novel therapeutic avenues, with an emphasis on recent discoveries. The aim of this article is to highlight the crucial role of neurodegeneration in diabetic retinopathy and to review the molecular basis for this neuronal dysfunction, its diagnostic features, and the progress currently made in relevant therapeutic interventions.
PmDNE: Prediction of miRNA‐Disease Association Based on Network Embedding and Network Similarity Analysis
Authors: Li Junyi , Liu Ying , Zhang Zhongqing , Liu Bo , Wang Yadong
Published: December 2020

Successful prediction of miRNA‐disease association is nontrivial for the diagnosis and prognosis of genetic diseases. There are many methods to predict miRNA and disease, but biological data are numerous and complex, and they often exist in the form of network. How to accurately use the features of miRNA and disease‐related biological networks to predict unknown association has always been a challenge. Here, we propose PmDNE, a method based on network embedding and network similarity analysis, to predict the miRNA‐disease association. In PmDNE, the structure of network bipartite graph is improved, and a random walk generator is designed. For embedded vectors, 128 dimensions are used, and the accuracy of prediction is significantly improved. Compared with other network embedding methods, PmDNE is comparable and competitive with the state of art methods. Our method can solve the problem of feature extraction, reduce the dimension of features, and improve the efficiency of miRNA‐disease association prediction. This method can also be extended to other area for biomedical network prediction.