bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activities and risk factors associated with fall-related injuries among US Army soldiers
Authors: Brooks Raina D , Grier T , Jones B H , Chervak M C
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Falls/near falls are the second leading cause of hospitalisation and outpatient visits among US Army soldiers. While numerous studies have evaluated fall-related or near fall-related injuries among elderly adults, few have evaluated this association among young adults. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics and risk factors associated with fall-related or near fall-related injuries among male US Army soldiers.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of male US Army Airborne Division soldiers (n=5187). Electronic surveys captured demographic, lifestyle, physical training (PT), fitness and injury data during spring/summer of 2016. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors of fall-related or near fall-related injuries, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Primary findings indicated that activities and risk factors associated with fall-related or near fall-related injuries among soldiers included younger age (≤35 years), holding a job that required minimal lifting activities, slower 2-mile run times and not running during personal PT.

Conclusions

The findings from this study suggest that male US Army soldiers and other physically active men may benefit from (1) obtaining and/or maintaining higher aerobic endurance and muscular strength, and (2) training focused on preventing fall-related injuries during PT, road marching and sports/recreational activities. Moreover, prevention strategies and education should further target younger soldiers (≤35 years old), as younger age is not modifiable.
Prevalence and predictors of oral to intravenous antibiotic switch among adult emergency department patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections: a pilot, prospective cohort study
Authors: Quirke Michael , Mitchell Niamh , Varley Jarlath , Kelly Stephen , Boland Fiona , Moughty Adrian , McKeever Joseph , Fahey Tom , Wakai Abel
Published: August 2020

Objective

To determine the prevalence and predictors of oral to intravenous antibiotic switch among adult emergency department (ED) patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs).

Design

Multicentre, pilot cohort study.

Setting

Three urban EDs in Dublin, Ireland.

Participants

Consecutive ED patients aged >16 years old with ABSSSIs between March 2015 and September 2016.

Intervention

Oral flucloxacillin 500 mg–1 g four times a day (alternative in penicillin allergy).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was to determine the prevalence and predictors of oral to intravenous antibiotic switch. Secondary outcomes were to determine the prevalence and predictors of receiving an extended course of oral antibiotic treatment and measurement of interobserver reliability for clinical predictors at enrolment.

Results

Overall, 159 patients were enrolled of which eight were lost to follow-up and five were excluded. The majority of patients were male (65.1%) and <50 years of age (58.2%). Oral to intravenous antibiotic switch occurred in 13 patients (8.9%; 95% CI 4.8% to 14.7%). Increased lesion size (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.79), white cell count (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.67), athlete’s foot (OR 8.00; 95% CI 2.31 to 27.71) and fungal nail infections (OR 7.25; 95% CI 1.99 to 26.35) were associated with oral to intravenous antibiotic switch. 24.8% (95% CI 18.1% to 33.0%) of patients received an extended course of oral antibiotic treatment.

Conclusion

The prevalence of oral to intravenous antibiotic switch in this pilot study is 8.9% (95% CI 4.8% to 14.7%). We identify the predictors of oral to intravenous switch worthy of future investigation.

Trial registration number

NCT02230813.
‘I actually felt like I was a researcher myself.’ On involving children in the analysis of qualitative paediatric research in the Netherlands
Authors: Luchtenberg Malou L , Maeckelberghe Els L M , Verhagen AA Eduard
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility of a new approach to paediatric research whereby we involved children in analysing qualitative data, and to reflect on the involvement process.

Setting

This was a single-centre, qualitative study in the Netherlands. It consisted of research meetings with individual children at home (Phase I) or group meetings at school (Phase II). In Phase I, we identified themes from a video interview during five one-on-one meetings between a child co-researcher and the adult researcher. In Phase II, during two group meetings, we explored the themes in detail using fragments from 16 interviews.

Participants

We involved 14 school children (aged 10 to 14 years) as co-researchers to analyse children’s interviews about their experience while participating in medical research. Notes were taken, and children provided feedback. A thematic analysis was performed using a framework approach.

Results

All co-researchers identified themes. The time needed to complete the task varied, as did the extent to which the meetings needed to be structured to improve concentration. The children rated time investment as adequate and they considered acting as co-researcher interesting and fun, adding that they had learnt new skills and gained new knowledge. The experience also led them to reflect on health matters in their own lives. The adult researchers considered the process relatively time intensive, but the project did result in a more critical assessment of their own work.

Conclusion

The new, two-phase approach of involving children to help analyse qualitative data is a feasible research method. The novelty lies in involving children to help identify themes from original interview data, thereby limiting preselection of data by adults, before exploring these themes in detail. Videos make it easier for children to understand the data and to empathise with the interviewees, and limits time investment.
Do insomnia and/or sleep disturbances predict the onset, relapse or worsening of depression in community and clinical samples of children and youth? Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Marino Cecilia , Andrade Brendan , Aitken Madison , Bonato Sarah , Haltigan John D , Wang Wei , Szatmari Peter
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Disturbed sleep represents a potentially important modifiable risk factor for the development of depression in children and youth. This protocol for a systematic review proposes to investigate whether insomnia and/or sleep disturbances predict child and youth depression in community and clinical-based samples.

Methods and analysis

The protocol adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines. English-written, longitudinal studies that quantitatively estimated the prediction of depression by insomnia and/or sleep disturbances in individuals 5–24 years of age will be included. EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Scopus and Web of Science and grey literature will be searched from 1980 to the present. For the selection of studies, two reviewers will be involved. Data extraction will be conducted by one author and checked independently by a second author. Risk of bias will be appraised using the Research Triangle Institute Item Bank tool. Heterogeneity will be measured using the I2statistics. Meta-analysis will be carried out if ≥3 results are available and if outcome measures can be pooled. The choice between a random-effect or fixed-effect model will be based both on the I2statistics and the participant and study characteristics of the combined studies. Results of the meta-analyses will be summarised by a forest plot. Analyses will be performed in subgroups stratified by key variables defined depending on the amount and type of information retrieved.

A narrative synthesis will be conducted in place of the meta-analysis should the pooling of data not be possible. Quality of evidence will be rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines.

As this is a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of published data, ethics review and approval are not required. The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated at scientific conferences and in patient advocacy organisations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019136729.
Metformin discontinuation in patients beginning second-line glucose-lowering therapy: results from the global observational DISCOVER study programme
Authors: Khunti Kamlesh , Gomes Marilia B , Kosiborod Mikhail , Nicolucci Antonio , Pocock Stuart , Rathmann Wolfgang , Shestakova Marina V , Shimomura Iichiro , Watada Hirotaka , Chen Hungta , Cid-Ruzafa Javier , Fenici Peter , Hammar Niklas , Tang Fengming , Ji Linong
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the extent to which patients with type 2 diabetes discontinue metformin therapy when initiating second-line treatment and factors associated with metformin discontinuation, using baseline data from the DISCOVER study programme.

Design

DISCOVER is a 3-year, prospective, observational study programme including data from 38 countries across 6 continents from 2014 to 2019.

Setting

Primary and secondary healthcare centres, hospitals and specialist diabetes centres in both urban and rural locations.

Participants

A total of 15 992 patients with type 2 diabetes initiating second-line glucose-lowering therapy.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The proportion of patients who discontinued metformin as a second-line therapy and the factors associated with this treatment change.

Results

Of the 14 668 patients (from 37 countries) with valid treatment data, 11 837 (80.7%) received metformin as first-line glucose-lowering therapy; 8488 (71.7%) received metformin monotherapy and 3349 (28.3%) received metformin as part of a combination therapy. Overall, treatment with metformin was discontinued in 15.1% (1782) of patients who received first-line metformin (14.1% (1194) and 17.6% (588) in those who received metformin as monotherapy and as part of a combination, respectively); this proportion varied across regions from 6.9% (54) in Africa to 20.6% (628) in South-East Asia. On metformin discontinuation, 73.6% (1311) of patients received a non-insulin monotherapy at second line. Factors associated with an increased odds of metformin discontinuation were older age (≥75 years) and having a history of chronic kidney disease. The probability of metformin monotherapy discontinuation was lower in patients from Africa than in those from Europe.

Conclusions

A substantial number of patients discontinued taking metformin when beginning second-line therapy. Most of these patients subsequently received a non-insulin monotherapy at second line, in contradiction to international guidelines and potentially leaving them at an increased risk of hyperglycaemia and associated adverse outcomes.

Trial registration numbers

NCT02322762 and NCT02226822.
Health service use among adults with cerebral palsy: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Manikandan Manjula , Walsh Aisling , Kerr Claire , Walsh Michael , M Ryan Jennifer
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodisability that primarily results in motor impairments and activity limitations, but is often associated with epilepsy and disturbances of sensation, perception, cognition, behaviour and speech. Most children with CP survive well into adulthood. Adults with CP experience increased risk of age-related chronic conditions such as arthritis, stroke, cardiorespiratory and mental health conditions in addition to the ongoing disabilities experienced from childhood. Therefore, adults with CP often require extensive health services. However, health service use among adults with CP has not been well documented. This mixed method review aims to identify, appraise and synthesise quantitative and qualitative literature examining health service use among adults with CP.

Methods and analysis

The mixed method systematic review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. A systematic search of MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library from inception to March 2020 will be conducted. Quantitative observational studies, qualitative studies and mixed method studies examining health service use among adults with CP (≥18 years) will be included. Outcomes of interest are the proportion of adults using health services frequency of use and experiences of health services from the perspectives of adults with CP, caregivers and health service providers. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts and full-texts, extract data and assess the quality of included studies using JBI instruments. Where possible a pooled analysis and aggregation of findings will be performed for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively, and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)/GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) employed. Quantitative and qualitative findings will be integrated using a triangulation approach at the synthesis stage. A narrative synthesis will be carried out where this is not possible.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this review. The findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal and conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020155 380.
Reaching mEthadone users Attending Community pHarmacies with HCV: an international cluster randomised controlled trial protocol (REACH HCV)
Authors: Byrne Christopher , Radley Andrew , Inglis Sarah Karen , Beer Lewis J Z , Palmer Nicki , Pham Minh Duc , Healy Brendan , Doyle Joseph S , Donnan Peter , Dillon John F
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global public health threat, and novel models of care are required to treat those currently or previously at highest risk of infection, particularly persons who inject drugs (PWID; ever injected), as conventional healthcare models do not have the reach to deliver cure of HCV to disadvantaged, disproportionately affected communities. In Western Europe and Australasia, it is estimated that HCV affects between 0.4% and 1.0% of the regions’ populations, accordingly, it affects between 0.4% and 0.7% of the populations of countries in this study (Scotland, Wales and Australia).Reaching mEthadone usersAttendingCommunity pHarmacies with HCV (REACH HCV) will evaluate community pharmacy-based diagnostic outreach and HCV treatment against conventional HCV testing and treatment pathways for clients receiving opioid substitution therapy (OST) in community pharmacies.

Methods and analysis

REACH HCV is an international multicentre cluster randomised controlled trial with sites in Scotland, Wales and Australia. The sites are community pharmacies which are randomised equally to one of two pathways: the pharmacy intervention pathway or the education-only (control) pathway. Participants are recruited from OST clients in these pharmacies.

In the pharmacy intervention pathway, participants receive a rapid point-of-care HCV PCR test in their pharmacy by a study outreach nurse. If positive, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are delivered to participants via their pharmacist in line with their OST schedule.

In the education-only pathway, pharmacists counsel OST clients on HCV and refer them to the nearest nurse-led clinic or general practitioner offering HCV testing according to standard care protocols. If positive, DAAs are delivered as in the intervention pathway.

The primary endpoint for both pathways is sustained viral response at 12 weeks post-treatment . Secondary outcomes are: cost-efficacy by pathway; participants tested by pathway; adherence to therapy by pathway and impact of blood test results on treatment decisions.

A statistical analysis plan will be finalised prior to data lock. Analysis will be by intention to treat (ITT) to show superiority. Modified ITT analysis will also be undertaken to explore the steps in the pathways.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial received ethical favourable opinion from the East of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2 (19/ES/0025) for UK sites and approval from the Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee (148/19) for Australian sites and complies with principles of Good Clinical Practice. Final results will be presented in peer-reviewed journals and at relevant conferences.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov RegistryNCT03935906.

Protocol version

V.4.0—19 March 2020.
Predictors of postpartum glucose intolerance in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study in Ethiopia based on the updated diagnostic criteria
Authors: Muche Achenef Asmamaw , Olayemi Oladapo O , Gete Yigzaw Kebede
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To identify the incidence of postpartum glucose intolerance and develop a prediction model based on antenatal characteristics to predict postpartum glucose intolerance.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Gondar town public health facilities in Northwest Ethiopia.

Participants

Women who had gestational diabetes mellitus were advised to undergo postpartum oral glucose tolerance test at 6–12 weeks of delivery.

Main outcome

Postpartum glucose intolerance.

Data analysis

Predictors of postpartum glucose intolerance were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The discriminative power of the predictor variables for postpartum glucose intolerance and the model accuracy were computed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and estimated by area under the curve (AUC) with 95% CI.

Results

A total of 112 (85.5%) women with gestational diabetes mellitus returned and completed the postpartum oral glucose tolerance test. The incidence of postpartum glucose intolerance was 21.4% (95% CI14.3 to 28.4), inclusive of 18.7% pre-diabetes and 2.7% diabetes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced maternal age, high fasting plasma glucose level at diagnosis, overweight and/or obesity, and antenatal depression were predictors of postpartum glucose intolerance. The AUC of the final reduced model to predict postpartum glucose intolerance was 0.884 (95% CI 0.822 to 0.937). Fasting plasma glucose at diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (AUC=0.736, 95% CI0.616 to 0.845) and overweight and/or obesity (AUC=0.718, 95% CI 0.614 to 0.814) were better predictors of postpartum glucose intolerance. Moreover, the AUC for the combined predictors of fasting plasma glucose at diagnosis and mid-upper arm circumference was 0.822 (95% CI 0.722 to 0.907), which was the best predictor.

Conclusions

The incidence of postpartum glucose intolerance was high among women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Antenatal predictors modestly predicted postpartum glucose intolerance. The findings suggest ongoing glucose screening is indicated for all women with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Observational study of administering intranasal steroid sprays by healthcare workers
Authors: de Boer Marielle , Rollema Corine , van Roon Eric , Vries Tjalling de
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Patients with allergic rhinitis receive their information about administering intranasal corticosteroid sprays (INCS) from healthcare workers. Since the majority of patients does not administer these sprays correctly, we investigated whether healthcare workers know how to administer INCS.

Settings

We studied participants at their working place: pharmacy, outpatient clinic or general practitioner centre for emergencies.

Participants

Pharmacist assistants, general practitioners, paediatricians and ear nose throat doctors.

Design

Observational study. All the participants demonstrated the administration technique with a spray device filled with water.

Primary outcome

Number of steps of administration of INCS based on the established INCS protocol.

Secondary outcome

Number of five steps are labelled essential to obtain optimal distribution of the medication.

Results

Among the 75 participants, none performed all the steps correctly. The median of correctly performed steps in the protocol was 14 out of 29. A significantly better result was found among the pharmacist assistants. The essential steps were performed by 27 out of the 75 participants (36%).

Conclusion

The majority of healthcare workers does not know how to administer INCS correctly. Patients could, therefore, receive incorrect and non-uniform instructions. The education of healthcare workers on how to administer INCS correctly may be an option for improvement.
Determinants of immunological recovery following HAART among severely immunosuppressed patients at enrolment to care in Northern Ethiopia: a retrospective study
Authors: Desta Abraham Aregay , Kidane Kibriti Mehari , Bahta Yemane Weldu , Ajemu Kiros Fenta , Woldegebriel Ataklti Gebretsadik , Berhe Asfawosen Aregay , Bezabih Nega Mamo , Woldu Awtachew Berhe , Woldearegay Tewolde Wubayehu
Published: August 2020

Objective

This study aimed to identify determinants of immunological recovery following highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among severely immunosuppressed patients at enrolment to care in Northern Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective study.

Setting

The study was done in Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia.

Participants

The study was done among severely immunosuppressed (<200 CD4 cells/mm3) individuals at initial enrolment to care and whose samples were sent for viral load determination from April 2015 to March 2019 in Tigray Health Research Institute.

Main outcomes

The main outcome variable was immunological recovery, modelled using binary logistic regression.

Results

Among the 9687 patients with severe immunosuppression at enrolment, 2746 (28.35%, 95% CI 27.45% to 29.26%) had immunological recovery following HAART for at least 6 months. Male gender (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.50, p<0.001), age 20–34 years old (AOR=0.33, p<0.001), age ≥50 years old (AOR=0.26, p<0.001), WHO clinical stage III (OR=0.68, p=0.036) and viral non-suppression (AOR=0.38, p<0.001) were strong predictors of immunological failure.

Conclusions

Immunological recovery following HAART was low among severely immunosuppressed individuals at enrolment to care. Gender, age, WHO stage III and viral non-suppression were determinants of immunological recovery. Male patients, adolescents and virally non-suppressed patients should be identified as groups at higher risk for immunological failure. Therefore, greater support and intensive counselling should be prioritised among adolescents, men and virally non-suppressed patients for better immunological recovery.
Does obstructive sleep apnoea contribute to obesity, hypertension and kidney dysfunction in children? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Rodriguez-Lopez Sara , Palkowski Stefan , Gerdung Christopher , Keto-Lambert Diana , Sebastianski Meghan , Castro-Codesal Maria Luisa
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Childhood obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a highly prevalent disorder that may directly contribute to the development of obesity, hypertension and renal injury. Although those associations seem to be clearer in adults, studies in children have revealed conflicting results and updated synthesis of the evidence is lacking. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise the available evidence on the effect of OSA on obesity, systemic blood pressure and kidney function, to help to elucidate whether respiratory interventions to correct OSA would have the potential to improve those outcomes.

Methods and analysis

A systematic literature review search was created by a medical librarian and peer-reviewed by a second librarian prior to running. Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, CINAHL via EbscoHOST, Wiley Cochrane Library and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global were searched on 25 February 2020. Titles and abstracts will be screened by two independent reviewers for inclusion, followed by full-text screening of relevant articles. Studies in children will be included if they report data on OSA and weight, systemic blood pressure or kidney parameters. The extracted data will be combined for analysis and the information subcategorised in groups based on outcome. Risk of bias will be determined using tools specific to study methodology and certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will provide essential information for healthcare professionals to better understand the relationship between childhood OSA and changes in body mass index, systemic blood pressure and kidney function indicators. Our findings will be disseminated through conferences and publications. The results of this review may guide the initiation of new strategies and the development of future research studies. This research did not involve human subjects and therefore did not undergo research ethical review.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020171186.
Exploring the causes and impacts of falls among ambulators with spinal cord injury using photovoice: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Singh Hardeep , Shibi Rosen Arielle , Bostick Geoff , Kaiser Anita , Musselman Kristin E
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This study explored: (1) fall circumstances experienced by ambulators with spinal cord injury (SCI) over a 6-month period, (2) the impacts of falls-related injuries and fall risk and (3) their preferences/recommendations for fall prevention.

Design

A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design with two phases.

Setting

A Canadian SCI rehabilitation hospital and community setting.

Participants

Thirty-three ambulators with SCI participated in phase 1 and eight participants that fell in phase 1 participated in phase 2.

Methods

In phase 1, fall circumstances were tracked using a survey that was completed each time a participant fell during the 6-month tracking period. Phase 2 involved photovoice; participants took photographs of factors that influenced their fall risk and how their fall risk impacted their work/recreational activities. Participants discussed the photographs and topics related to fall prevention in an individual interview and a focus group.

Results

Of the 33 participants, 21 fell in 6 months. Falls commonly occurred in the home while participants were changing positions or walking. Most falls occurred in the morning or afternoon. In phase 2, interviews and focus group discussion revealed three themes: (1) falls are caused by bodily impairments (eg, impaired reactive response during slips and trips and weakness and altered sensation in legs/feet), (2) impacts of fall-related injuries and fall risk (eg, psychosocial effects of fall-related injuries, limiting community participation due to the risk of falling and activity-dependent concern of falling) and (3) approaches to fall prevention (eg, fall prevention strategies used, components of fall prevention and utility of professional fall prevention strategies/interventions).

Conclusions

Fall prevention interventions/strategies should focus on minimising a person’s fall risk within their home as most falls occurred in the home environment. Ambulators with SCI would benefit from education and awareness about common fall circumstances that they may encounter in their daily lives.
‘Immunity Passports’ for SARS-CoV-2: an online experimental study of the impact of antibody test terminology on perceived risk and behaviour
Authors: Waller Jo , Rubin G James , Potts Henry W W , Mottershaw Abigail L , Marteau Theresa M
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess the impact of describing an antibody-positive test result using the terms Immunity and Passport or Certificate, alone or in combination, on perceived risk of becoming infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and protective behaviours.

Design

2×3 experimental design.

Setting

Online.

Participants

1204 adults from a UK research panel.

Intervention

Participants were randomised to receive one of six descriptions of an antibody test and results showing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, differing in the terms describing the type of test (Immunity vs Antibody) and the test result (Passport vs Certificate vs Test).

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome: proportion of participants perceiving no risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 given an antibody-positive test result. Other outcomes include: intended changes to frequency of hand washing and physical distancing.

Results

When using the term Immunity (vs Antibody), 19.1% of participants (95% CI 16.1% to 22.5%) (vs 9.8% (95% CI 7.5% to 12.4%)) perceived no risk of catching coronavirus given an antibody-positive test result (adjusted OR (AOR): 2.91 (95% CI 1.52 to 5.55)). Using the terms Passport or Certificate—as opposed to Test—had no significant effect (AOR: 1.24 (95% CI 0.62 to 2.48) and AOR: 0.96 (95% CI 0.47 to 1.99) respectively). There was no significant interaction between the effects of the test and result terminology. Across groups, perceiving no risk of infection was associated with an intention to wash hands less frequently (AOR: 2.32 (95% CI 1.25 to 4.28)); there was no significant association with intended avoidance of physical contact (AOR: 1.37 (95% CI 0.93 to 2.03)).

Conclusions

Using the term Immunity (vs Antibody) to describe antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2 increases the proportion of people believing that an antibody-positive result means they have no risk of catching coronavirus in the future, a perception that may be associated with less frequent hand washing.

Trial registration number

Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/tjwz8/files/
Outpatient management of heart valve disease following the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for present and future care
Authors: Shah Benoy Nalin , Schlosshan Dominik , McConkey Hannah Zelie Ruth , Buch Mamta Heena , Marshall Andrew John , Cartwright Neil , Dobson Laura Elizabeth , Allen Christopher , Campbell Brian , Khan Patricia , Savill Peter John , Briffa Norman Paul , Chambers John Boyd
Published: August 2020

The established processes for ensuring safe outpatient surveillance of patients with known heart valve disease (HVD), echocardiography for patients referred with new murmurs and timely delivery of surgical or transcatheter treatment for patients with severe disease have all been significantly impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic. This has created a large backlog of work and upstaging of disease with consequent increases in risk and cost of treatment and potential for worse long-term outcomes. As countries emerge from lockdown but with COVID-19 endemic in society, precautions remain that restrict ‘normal’ practice. In this article, we propose a methodology for restructuring services for patients with HVD and provide recommendations pertaining to frequency of follow-up and use of echocardiography at present. It will be almost impossible to practice exactly as we did prior to the pandemic; thus, it is essential to prioritise patients with the greatest clinical need, such as those with symptomatic severe HVD. Local procedural waiting times will need to be considered, in addition to usual clinical characteristics in determining whether patients requiring intervention would be better suited having surgical or transcatheter treatment. We present guidance on the identification of stable patients with HVD that could have follow-up deferred safely and suggest certain patients that could be discharged from follow-up if waiting lists are triaged with appropriate clinical input. Finally, we propose that novel models of working enforced by the pandemic—such as increased use of virtual clinics—should be further developed and evaluated.
Risk of HBV reactivation in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-treated unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lee Pei-Chang , Chao Yee , Chen Ming-Huang , Lan Keng-Hsin , Lee I-Cheng , Hou Ming-Chih , Huang Yi-Hsiang
Published: August 2020

Background

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) is a promising treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether ICIs would have the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation and the necessary of nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) prophylaxis are still unclear. We aimed to investigate the role of NUCs prophylaxis in HBV-infected patients who underwent ICIs treatment.

Methods

The study was a retrospective prospective design to review and follow-up consecutive 62 patients with chronic hepatitis B or resolved HBV infection who had received ICIs treatment for the unresectable HCC. Of them, 60 patients with documented baseline serum HBV DNA value were classified into three categories according to the baseline HBV viral load and the status of antiviral therapy before ICI treatment. The clinical status, including tumor response, viral kinetics and liver function, was recorded and investigated.

Results

No HBV reactivation occurred in the 35 patients with HBV DNA ≤100 IU/mL on NUCs therapy. Of the 19 patients with HBV DNA >100 IU/mL who started NUCs simultaneously with ICI treatment, none encountered HBV reactivation during the immunotherapy. Of the six HBV patients without NUCs treatment, three had a greater than 1 log decrease in HBV viral load, and one maintained his serum HBV DNA in undetectable status during ICI treatment. Eventually, one out of six experienced HBV reactivation after 9 weeks of ICI treatment.

Conclusion

No patients on antiviral therapy developed HBV reactivation, and one out of six not receiving antiviral therapy had HBV reactivation. HBV viral load higher than 100 IU/mL is safe and not a contraindication for ICI treatment for HCC, if NUCs can be coadministrated.
Does socioeconomic status make a difference? A register-based study on the extent to which cardiovascular screening in patients with inflammatory arthritis leads to recommended follow-up in general practice
Authors: Kjeldgaard Anette Hvenegaard , Hørslev-Petersen Kim , Wehberg Sonja , Soendergaard Jens , Primdahl Jette
Published: August 2020

Objective

To investigate to what extent patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) follow recommendations given in a secondary care nurse-led cardiovascular (CV) risk screening consultation to consult their general practitioner (GP) to reduce their CV risk and whether their socioeconomic status (SES) affects adherence.

Methods

Adults with IA who had participated in a secondary care screening consultation from July 2012 to July 2015, based on the EULAR recommendations, were identified. Patients were considered to have high CV risk if they had risk Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) ≥5%, according to the European SCORE model or systolic blood pressure ≥145 mmHg, total cholesterol ≥8 mmol/L, LDL cholesterol ≥5 mmol/L, HbA1c ≥42 mmol/mol or fasting glucose ≥6 mmol/L. The primary outcome was a consultation with their GP and at least one action focusing on CV risk factors within 6 weeks after the screening consultation.

Results

The study comprised 1265 patients, aged 18–85 years. Of these, 336/447 (75%) of the high-risk patients and 580/819 (71%) of the low-risk patients had a GP consultation. 127/336 (38%) of high-risk patients and 160/580 (28%) of low-risk patients received relevant actions related to their CV risk, for example, blood pressure home measurement or prescription for statins, antihypertensives or antidiabetics. Education ≥10 years increased the odds for non-adherence (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.0.37 to 0.92, p=0.02).

Conclusions

75% of the high-risk patients consulted their GP after the secondary care CV risk screening, and 38% of these received an action relevant for their CV risk. Higher education decreased adherence.
Causality of black holes in 4-dimensional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet–Maxwell theory
Authors: Ge Xian-Hui , Sin Sang-Jin
Published: August 2020

We study charged black hole solutions in 4-dimensional (4D) Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet–Maxwell theory to the linearized perturbation level. We first compute the shear viscosity to entropy density ratio. We then demonstrate how bulk causal structure analysis imposes an upper bound on the Gauss–Bonnet coupling constant in the AdS space. Causality constrains the value of Gauss–Bonnet coupling constant $$\alpha _{GB}$$αGB to be bounded by $$\alpha _{GB}\le 0$$αGB≤0 as $$D\rightarrow 4$$D→4.
Phenomenology of NNLO jet production at the LHC and its impact on parton distributions
Authors: Khalek Rabah Abdul , Forte Stefano , Gehrmann Thomas , Ridder Aude Gehrmann-De , Giani Tommaso , Glover Nigel , Huss Alexander , Nocera Emanuele R. , Pires Joao , Rojo Juan , Stagnitto Giovanni
Published: August 2020

We present a systematic investigation of jet production at hadron colliders from a phenomenological point of view, with the dual aim of providing a validation of theoretical calculations and guidance to future determinations of parton distributions (PDFs). We account for all available inclusive jet and dijet production measurements from ATLAS and CMS at 7 and 8 TeV by including them in a global PDF determination, and comparing to theoretical predictions at NNLO QCD supplemented by electroweak (EW) corrections. We assess the compatibility of the PDFs, specifically the gluon, obtained before and after inclusion of the jet data. We compare the single-inclusive jet and dijet observables in terms of perturbative behaviour upon inclusion of QCD and EW corrections, impact on the PDFs, and global fit quality. In the single-inclusive case, we also investigate the role played by different scale choices and the stability of the results upon changes in modelling of the correlated experimental systematics.
Topological Born–Infeld charged black holes in Einsteinian cubic gravity
Authors: Zangeneh M. Kord , Kazemi A.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we study four-dimensional topological black hole solutions of Einsteinian cubic gravity in the presence of nonlinear Born–Infeld electrodynamics and a bare cosmological constant. First, we obtain the field equations which govern our solutions. Employing Abbott–Deser–Tekin and Gauss formulas, we present the expressions of conserved quantities, namely total mass and total charge of our topological black solutions. We disclose the conditions under which the model is unitary and perturbatively free of ghosts with asymptotically (A)dS and flat solutions. We find that, for vanishing bare cosmological constant, the model is unitary just for asymptotically flat solutions, which only allow horizons with spherical topology. We compute the temperature for these solutions and show that it always has a maximum value, which decreases as the values of charge, nonlinear coupling or cubic coupling grows. Next, we calculate the entropy and electric potential. We show that the first law of thermodynamics is satisfied for spherical asymptotically flat solutions. Finally, we peruse the effects of model parameters on thermal stability of these solutions in both canonical and grand canonical ensembles.
PFHTS-IDSS: A Hybrid HTS-based Framework for Indonesian Speech Synthesis via Phoneme and Full-context Lab
Authors: Lei Zhenfeng , Zhai Junjun , Chen Juntao , Liu Wenhao , Yang Shuangyuan , ul Haq Anwar
Published: August 2020

In recent years, globalization has highlighted the importance of having machines that can truly provide customized communication for different languages. Majority of the research in the field focus on developing technologies for widely used languages such as English. In this study, we apply HMM-based speech synthesis (HTS) technology for Indonesian language. The proposed hybrid HTS-based framework, PFHTS-IDSS, uses phoneme and full-context lab to synthesize Indonesian with higher accuracy. First, we identify a list of Indonesian phonemes according to the initial-final structure of Chinese language. Based on this, we add zero-initials that match the Indonesian acoustic performance and HTS, which can make the synthesized speech natural and smooth. Second, we consider Indonesian phonemes as synthetic units to synthesize speech through the triphone and full-context lab. In addition, we design context properties of the full-context lab and the corresponding question set to train the acoustic model, which can eliminate machine sounds. Experimental results suggest that the accuracy of phoneme segmentation (PSA) and the naturalness of speech synthesis (SSN) are significantly improved via PFHTS-IDSS. Especially, the PSA of selecting phonemes as synthetic units reaches 88.3% and the corresponding SSN based on full-context lab is 4.1. The results demonstrated by PFHTS-IDSS presented in this paper may be used in multilingual free interactive system to promote better communication in terms of voice navigation, intelligent speaker and question-answering system.
SPATIOTEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF A DIFFUSIVE LESLIE-TYPE PREDATOR–PREY MODEL WITH BEDDINGTON–DEANGELIS FUNCTIONAL RESPONSE
Authors: LI YAN , ZHANG LINYAN , LI DAGEN , SHI HONG-BO
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we study the spatiotemporal dynamics of a diffusive Leslie-type predator–prey system with Beddington–DeAngelis functional response under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions. Preliminary analysis on the local asymptotic stability and Hopf bifurcation of the spatially homogeneous model based on ordinary differential equations is presented. For the diffusive model, firstly, it is shown that Turing (diffusion-driven) instability occurs which induces spatial inhomogeneous patterns. Next, it is proved that the diffusive model exhibits Hopf bifurcation which produces temporal inhomogeneous patterns. Furthermore, at the points where the Turing instability curve and Hopf bifurcation curve intersect, it is demonstrated that the diffusive model undergoes Turing–Hopf bifurcation and exhibits spatiotemporal patterns. Numerical simulations are also presented to verify the theoretical results.
Derivations of matrix semirings
Authors: Vladeva Dimitrinka
Published: August 2020

It is well known that if [Formula: see text] is a derivation in semiring [Formula: see text], then in the semiring [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] matrices over [Formula: see text], the map [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] for any matrix [Formula: see text] is a derivation. These derivations are used in matrix calculus, differential equations, statistics, physics and engineering and are called hereditary derivations. On the other hand (in sense of [Basic Algebra II (W. H. Freeman & Company, 1989)]) [Formula: see text]-derivation in matrix semiring [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-linear map [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. We prove that if [Formula: see text] is a commutative additively idempotent semiring any [Formula: see text]-derivation is a hereditary derivation. Moreover, for an arbitrary derivation [Formula: see text] the derivation [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] is of a special type, called inner derivation (in additively, idempotent semiring). In the last section of the paper for a noncommutative semiring [Formula: see text] a concept of left (right) Ore elements in [Formula: see text] is introduced. Then we extend the center [Formula: see text] to the semiring LO[Formula: see text] of left Ore elements or to the semiring RO[Formula: see text] of right Ore elements in [Formula: see text]. We construct left (right) derivations in these semirings and generalize the result from the commutative case.
Dynamic Correlations in Open Quantum Systems: The Dephasing Model
Authors: Ignatyuk Vasyl’
Published: August 2020

We study the dynamical correlations in open quantum systems on an example of an exactly solvable dephasing model. The system of non-Markovian kinetic equations for the generalized coherence and quasi-temperature is derived up to the 2-nd order in the coupling constant using the generalized quantum master equation [20]. Numerical and analytical solutions of the kinetic equations are obtained. The analytical result shows a redistribution of the real and imaginary parts of the coherence as compared to the exact one. We give a physical interpretation to the quasi-temperature, relating it to the nonequilibrium kinetic energy of the environment.
Quantum Decomposition Associated with the q-Deformed Lévy–Meixner White Noise
Authors: Riahi Anis , Ettaieb Amine
Published: August 2020

In this paper we start with a new detailed construction of the one-mode type q-Lévy-Meixner Fock space [Formula: see text] which serves to obtain the quantum decomposition associated with the q-deformed Lévy-Meixner white noise processes. More precisely, based on the notion of quantum decomposition and the orthogonalization of polynomials of noncommutative q-Lévy-Meixner white noise [Formula: see text], we study the chaos property of the noncommutative L2-space with respect to the vacuum expectation τ. Next, we determine the distribution of the q-Lévy-Meixner operator J(χD) = ⟨ω, χD⟩ and as a consequence we give some useful properties of the q-Lévy-Meixner white noise process.
On the existence of s-extremal singly even self-dual codes
Authors: Harada Masaaki
Published: August 2020

We construct new [Formula: see text]-extremal singly even self-dual codes with minimum weights [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We also give tables for the currently known results on the existence of [Formula: see text]-extremal singly even self-dual codes with minimum weights [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Major-league SEMAT: Why Should an Executive Care?
Authors: Jacobson Ivar , Ng Pan-Wei , Spence Ian , McMahon Paul E.
Published: August 2020

In today’s ever more competitive world, boards of directors and executives demand that CIOs and their teams deliver "more with less." Studies show, without any real surprise, that there is no one-size-fits-all method to suit all software initiatives, and that a practice-based approach with some light but effective degree of order and governance is the goal of most software-development departments.
Multipath TCP
Authors: Paasch Christoph , Bonaventure Olivier
Published: August 2020

The Internet relies heavily on two protocols. In the network layer, IP (Internet Protocol) provides an unreliable datagram service and ensures that any host can exchange packets with any other host. Since its creation in the 1970s, IP has seen the addition of several features, including multicast, IPsec (IP security), and QoS (quality of service). The latest revision, IPv6 (IP version 6), supports 16-byte addresses.
Verifiable state machines
Authors: Setty Srinath , Angel Sebastian , Lee Jonathan
Published: August 2020

This article describes recent progress in realizing verifiable state machines, a primitive that enables untrusted services to provide cryptographic proofs that they operate correctly. Applications of this primitive range from proving the correct operation of distributed and concurrent cloud services to reducing blockchain transaction costs by leveraging inexpensive off-chain computation without trust.
RNF43 Mutations in IPMN Cases: A Potential Prognostic Factor
Authors: Chang Xiao Yan , Wu Yan , Jiang Ying , Wang Peng Yan , Chen Jie
Published: August 2020

An intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a common pancreatic precursor lesion, and it often harbors mutations in KRAS, GNAS, and RNF43. To clarify the molecular profiles of IPMNs, we conducted mutation analysis of KRAS, GNAS, and RNF43 in 61 IPMN formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens. The mutation rates of codons 12, 13, and 61 in KRAS and codon 201 in GNAS were detected by Sanger sequencing. Next-generation sequencing was performed on RNF43, and the results were further verified by Sanger sequencing. We identified KRAS and GNAS mutations in 35 (57%) and 40 (66%) IPMN cases, respectively. GNAS mutations were significantly correlated with the morphologic subtype (P<0.001) and were more prevalent in the intestinal subtype (93%) than in the gastric (55%) and pancreatobiliary subtypes (44%) but were absent in the oncocytic subtype. RNF43 mutations were found in 5 cases (8%), all of which occurred in high-grade dysplasia and invasive lesions (2/5 and 3/5). All 5 cases harboring RNF43 mutations also exhibited GNAS mutations. RNF43 mutations were associated with a worse prognosis in invasive IPMN patients (P=0.002), while KRAS and GNAS mutations did not affect the prognosis of patients.