bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing community infection by institutional interventions: a minimal SEIRJ model applied to COVID-19
Authors: Plan Emmanuel Lance Christopher VI , Man Minh Tan , Dinh Binh , Bui Thuy , Le Manh 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The 2019 Coronavirus Disease continues to spread, and in the interim absence of a proven cure and vaccine, preventive community interventions continue to be implemented across countries. Here we propose and analyze a minimal compartmental model that simultaneously incorporates three such interventions: lockdowns, rapid isolation, and institutional propaganda. Using a modified SEIRJ model, we vary three different factors in the quantity that determines the effective rate of infection. Estimates of the model parameters are obtained from publicly-available data and were used to simulate various combinations of interventions. Our results show that a combination of interventions could decrease the total number of infected individuals by one or two orders of magnitude and keep the number of active cases low. In particular we show that lockdowns need not be very stringent if proper social distancing via media awareness and rapid identification and isolation is practiced. We also highlight that an effective isolation system strongly improves the effect of these interventions.
Entanglement generation in a quantum network at distance-independent rate
Authors: Patil Ashlesha , Pant Mihir , Englund Dirk , Towsley Don , Guha Saikat 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We develop a protocol for entanglement generation in the quantum internet that allows a repeater node to use n-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) projective measurements that can fuse n successfully-entangled links, i.e., two-qubit entangled Bell pairs shared across n network edges, incident at that node. Implementing n-fusion, for n≥3, is in principle not much harder than 2-fusions (Bell-basis measurements) in solid-state qubit memories. If we allow even 3-fusions at the nodes, we find---by developing a connection to a modified version of the site-bond percolation problem---that despite lossy (hence probabilistic) link-level entanglement generation, and probabilistic success of the fusion measurements at nodes, one can generate entanglement between end parties Alice and Bob at a rate that stays constant as the distance between them increases. We prove that this powerful network property is not possible to attain with any quantum networking protocol built with Bell measurements and multiplexing alone. We also design a two-party quantum key distribution protocol that converts the entangled states shared between two nodes into a shared secret, at a key generation rate that is independent of the distance between the two parties.
Additive-Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V/Polyetheretherketone Composite Porous Cage for Interbody Fusion: Bone Growth and Biocompatibility Evaluation in a Porcine Model
Authors: Tsai Pei-I , Wu Meng-Huang , Li Yen-Yao , Lin Tzu-Hung , Tsai Jane SC , Tai Ting-Han , Lee Ming-Hsueh , Chen Chih-Yu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: We developed a porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite interbody cage by utilizing the advantages of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium alloy (Ti alloy) in combination with additive manufacturing technology. Methods: Porous Ti alloy/PEEK composite cages were manufactured using various controlled porosities. Anterior intervertebral lumbar fusion and posterior augmentation were performed at three vertebral levels on 20 female pigs. Each level was randomly implanted with one of the five cages that were tested: a commercialized pure PEEK cage, a Ti alloy/PEEK composite cage with nonporous Ti alloy endplates, and three composite cages with porosities of 40%, 60%, and 80%, respectively. Micro-computed tomography (CT), backscattered-electron SEM (BSE-SEM), and histological analyses were performed.Results: Micro-CT and histological analyses revealed improved bone growth in high-porosity groups. Micro-CT and BSE-SEM demonstrated that structures with high porosities, especially 60% and 80%, facilitated more bone formation inside the implant but not outside the implant. Histological analysis also showed that bone formation was higher in Ti alloy groups than in the PEEK group. Conclusion: The composite cage presents the biological advantages of Ti alloy porous endplates and the mechanical and radiographic advantages of the PEEK central core, which makes it suitable for use as a single implant for intervertebral fusion.
Equal critical care consideration for both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients during the COVID-19 surge
Authors: DENIS Cynthia , BALDACINI Mathieu , SCHENCK Maleka , ARTZNER Thierry , GRIMAUD Yoann , LAVIGNE Thierry , MEZIANI Ferhat , CASTELAIN Vincent , CLERE-JEHL Raphael , SCHNEIDER Francis , MOREL Guillaume 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID) affects all sections of the community, but some people contract the disease in a form requiring ICU admission. Immunocompromised patients (ICP) figure among the fragile patients whose access to critical care may be denied in the event of ICU bed-shortage. Our aims were: 1) to describe our management experience in seeking to assure equal critical-care consideration for both ICP and immuno-competent patients during the COVID surge, 2) to assess how successful this would be in terms of outcome for all patients, 3) to compare ICU stays of ICP, whether they survived or not, so as to detect possible prognostic factors.Methods: We conducted a cohort study in medical ICUs of a university-affiliated hospital hit by an uncontrolled cluster of COVID. We compared the levels of activity before and during COVID: number of patients (whether COVID+ or COVID-, whether ICP or not); bed-occupancy and bed-availability; mortality rates and the need for sanitary evacuations analyzed to avoid triage decisions.Results: During the pre-COVID period, 396 patients, including 9.3% ICP, were admitted. During the COVID period, 547 patients, including 243 COVID+ (of whom 24 ICP), were admitted: this required an 8 ICU bed-extension (+14.5% beds), a transfer of 69 immuno-competent COVID- patients to surgical ICU step-down beds, and the transfer of 22 immuno-competent COVID patients to distant hospitals. Despite sanitary evacuations, there was a daily average of 2 ICU-access refusals, the patients being taken in charge by step-down units. Health evacuations were decided on when the weekly number of COVID admissions doubled. No ICP was denied access to the ICU; no COVID- ICP was hospitalized during the first 9 weeks of the surge. 28-day mortality was 41.6% in ICP versus 27.3% in immuno-competent patients (p=0.021, log-rank test). With the exception of SAPSII and SOFA, no factor was different between clinical and ICU-stay characteristics among ICP, whether surviving or not.Conclusion and Relevance: Equal critical-care consideration for both immuno-compromised and immunocompetent patients during the COVID-19 surge was possible with acceptable outcome. Sanitary doctrine and fine-tuned hospital logistics were mandatory both at local and national level to reach this goal.
Clinical characteristics and post-intensive care outcomes of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Authors: C Neil MD , Lakey Samuel M , McMahon Sean M , Downey Megan K , Duncan Megan S , Hewitt Julie-Anne , Simpson Calum B , Duffy Martin J , O’Reilly Rosalind F , Johnston Paul , Silversides Jonathan A , Group Belfast COVID ICU 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 can result in a severe viral pneumonia, with high reported mortality rates in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. There is controversy as to whether established therapeutic approaches to acute respiratory distress syndrome are optimal in this condition, and numerous novel therapies have been used, often outside the context of randomised trials. In addition, longer term quality of life outcomes associated with COVID-19 are as yet unknown. The aim of this case series is to describe demographic, physiological and outcome data of patients with COVID-19 admitted to our intensive care units who were treated according to evidence-based guidelines for acute respiratory distress syndrome.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients admitted to intensive care units in our institution with COVID-19 between March and June, 2020. Physiological and laboratory data were recorded at baseline and daily until intensive care discharge or death. Quality of life was assessed at a virtual post-intensive care follow-up clinic around 10 weeks after ICU discharge.Results: 45 patients with COVID-19 were included, 37 (82.2%) of whom were male, with a mean age of 55 years. 42 (93.3%) of this cohort met criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome at time of admission. Clinical management was consistent with evidence based institutional guidelines introduced for acute respiratory distress syndrome. Median length of intensive care stay was 14 days. The intensive care mortality rate was 8.9%. Functional and psychological morbidity post intensive care was significant: 45.2% of respondents had at least moderate impairment of mobility and 35.5% described at least moderate symptoms of anxiety or depression at the time of follow up.Conclusions : This case series demonstrates low mortality in a cohort of patients treated according to an established evidence-based approach for acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, COVID-19 survivors have a marked functional and psychological morbidity impacting quality of life following ICU admission. The therapeutic goal in the future will be to achieve similar survival outcomes while minimizing the significant morbidity associated with COVID-19 related critical care admission.
A pilot study on showcasing the forensic relevance of skin microflora
Authors: Jain Toshi , Nema Vijay , Gupta Mahendra K , Kumawat R. K , Singhal Pradeep K , Chaubey Gyaneshwer , Kango Naveen , SHRIVASTAVA PANKAJ 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Utility of skin microflora is coming up now with the advancement of molecular techniques and the use of results in predicting infection transmission, genetic relatedness of the source of the origin, forensic use etc. Hence, preparing a catalogue of such endogenous and exogenous microbes would serve as a reference for future studies.
Results

Isolates identified showed typical pattern of having core microbial communities as found in all the samples and the typical ones which were found only in one individual and not in others. This study showed a potential to identify and classify microbes associated with skin of healthy individuals.
Conclusion

This can serve as a reference model for future studies and to employ the knowledge into forensic as well as other studies related to health. However, it would be worthwhile to consider similar study with large number of individuals with variable food habits and ethnicity for making an exclusive catalogue for skin microflora.
Risk of pre-term births and major birth defects resulting from paternal intake of COVID-19 medications prior to conception
Authors: Rizzi Silvia , Wensink Maarten Jan , Lindahl-Jacobsen Rune , Tian Lu , Lu Ying , Eisenberg Michael 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, large numbers of people will receive one of the several medications proposed to treat COVID-19, including patients of reproductive age. Given that some medications have shown adverse effects on sperm quality, there might be a transgenerational concern. We aim at examining the association between drugs proposed to treat COVID-19 when taken by the father around conception and any pre-term birth or major birth defects in offspring in a nation-wide cohort study using Danish registry data. Offspring whose father filled at least one prescription of the following medications in the three months preceding conception were considered exposed: chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, losartan, azithromycin, naproxen, dexamethasone and prednisone. Results. For azithromycin and naproxen, large numbers of offspring were exposed (> 1800 offspring), and we found no association with adverse birth outcomes. For chloroquine, losartan and dexamethasone, exposure was intermediate (~ 900 offspring), and there was no statistically significant association with birth defects. For hydroxychloroquine and prednisone, exposure was limited (< 300 offspring). There is strong evidence that azithromycin and naproxen are safe with respect to pre-term birth and birth defects. With some caution, the other drugs investigated can be considered safe.
Efficacy and Safety of CD22 Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell Therapy in Patients With B-cell Malignancies: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Adeel Komal , Fergusson Nathan , Shorr Risa , Atkins Harry , Hay Kevin Anthony 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has had great success in treating patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, with CD19-targeting therapies now approved in many countries. However, a subset of patients fail to respond or relapse after CD19 CAR T-cell therapy, in part due to antigen loss, which has prompted the search for alternative antigen targets. CD22 is another antigen found on the surface of B-cells. CARs targeting CD22 alone or in combination with other antigens have been investigated in several pre-clinical and clinical trials.Given the heterogeneity and small size of CAR T-cell therapy clinical trials, systematic reviews are needed to evaluate their efficacy and safety. Here, we propose a systematic review of CAR T-cell therapies targeting CD22, alone or in combination with other antigen targets, in B-cell malignancies.Methods:We will perform a systematic search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, clinicaltrials.gov, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Ongoing and completed clinical trials will be identified and catalogued. Interventional studies investigating CD22 CAR T-cells, including various multi-antigen targeting approaches, in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies will be eligible for inclusion. Only full-text articles, conferences abstracts, letters and case reports will be considered. Our primary outcome will be a complete response, defined as absence of detectable cancer. Secondary outcomes will include adverse events, overall response, minimal residual disease, and relapse, among others. Quality assessment will be performed using a modified Institute of Health Economics tool designed for interventional single-arm studies. We will report a narrative synthesis of clinical studies, presented in tabular format. If appropriate a meta-analysis will be performed using a random effects model to synthesize results.Discussion:The results of the proposed review will help inform clinicians, patients and other stakeholders of the risks and benefits of CD22 CAR T-cell therapies. It will identify gaps or inconsistencies in outcome reporting and help to guide future clinical trials investigating CAR T-cells.PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42020193027.
Anesthesia Management of Children With Head and Neck Hemangiomas Associated With the Kasabach–merritt Phenomenon
Authors: sun mingyang , Li Ningtao , Chang Enqiang , Ruan Xiaoguo , Zhi Hui , Dong Changxian , Zhang Jiaqiang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: We reported the anesthesia management of the patients with head and neck hemangiomas associated with the Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP).Methods: All 12 young patients with KMP involving the head and neck region who admitted in Henan Provincial Hospital for surgery between June 2012 and December 2016 were included in the study. The data during preoperative preparation including platelet infusion and glucocorticoid treatment, anesthetic management and postoperative recovery were were harvested and analysed.Results: Of the 12 patients, the platelet counts were less than 40× 109/L on admission but no gender difference and three of them responded to glucocorticoid treatment extremely well. The patients who did not respond glucocorticoid treatment well and whose platelets <40× 109/L were transfused platelets 12 hours prior to surgery to correct the platelet count to be equal or more than 100 × 109/L. The patients who had pneumonia before surgery had a prolonged hospital stay. All 12 patients had surgical excision successfully. After surgery, the platelet counts were increased rapidly in all patients.Conclusion Careful pre-anesthesia assessment and preparation, and thoughtful anesthesia management are needed for KMP patients to receive surgical excision.
Subsurface Located Geothermal Well – Case Study
Authors: Langbauer Clemens , Schwarzenegger Christoph , Fruhwirth Rudolf Konrad 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The recovery of geothermal energy has become very attractive in the last decades. Advantages like the small footprint, the waste-free and CO2 neutral energy production and the continuous geothermal resource, will highly promote geothermal energy usage soon. This paper presents a case study of a subsurface located geothermal well. The overall approach is to use existing subsurface facilities and construct the geothermal energy recovery system within them.Currently, the generated power, produced by geothermal energy systems, is more expensive than energy produced from competitive sources, because of the costs associated with the construction of the wellbore. To extend the use of geothermal energy, its recovery costs have to be reduced. The primary wellbore cost driver is the depth. The drilling costs rise exponentially with depth. When situating a geothermal power plant in an underground structure, the temperature at the start point of such a geothermal well is already at an elevated temperature level, and the total amount of meters to be drilled is substantially reduced, thus saving drilling costs. A primary focus of this paper is, on the one hand, the amount of energy to be recovered and, on the other hand, the technical realization of such a project. The results have shown that the efficiency of subsurface located geothermal wells is higher than for surface located ones. Technical equipment and technology for drilling subsurface are already available today. A case study for investigating the influence of parameters like depth and number of wells is performed. Depending on geology, simulations have indicated that it is from the technical point of view more efficient to drill a deeper well in comparison to drill several shallow subsurface wells. Nevertheless, from the economic point of view, currently, surface drilled wells are more economical.So far, a drilling rig has never been positioned below ground, and the legal framework is just partially defined so far. This paper presents a case study of a subsurface located geothermal well positioned in existing underground infrastructure. This case study shows the vast potential but indicates the risks and limitations as well.
Association between electronic cigarette use and tobacco cigarette smoking initiation in adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: O'Brien Doireann , Long Jean , Quigley Joan , Lee Caitriona , McCarthy Anne , Kavanagh Paul 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Aim: This systematic review of longitudinal cohort studies aimed to explore whether electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use by adolescents, in Europe and North America, who had never smoked conventional tobacco cigarettes (tobacco cigarettes) at baseline was associated with subsequent initiation of tobacco cigarette smoking. Methods: A key word search identified peer-reviewed literature published between 1 January 2005 and 2 October 2019 from seven bibliographic databases and one search engine. Using a predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria two authors independently screened abstracts, and subsequently, full text papers. Eligible papers were quality assessed and scored by two authors. Included papers had data on population characteristics, exposure and outcome measures extracted into an adapted Cochrane Data Extraction Form. Statistical analysis was preceded by a feasibility assessment, and included a pairwise random effects meta-analysis, and sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Findings: From an initial 6,619 studies (6,510 papers from the initial searches, plus 109 papers from supplemental searches), 14 unique studies in 21 papers were identified. Nine of the 14 unique longitudinal studies with follow-up periods between 4 and 24 months were eligible for inclusion in a meta-analysis of the association between ever use of e-cigarettes and subsequent initiation of tobacco cigarette use. Based on primary study adjusted odds ratios, our meta-analysis calculated a 4.06 (95%confidence interval (CI): 3.00-5.48) times higher odds of initiating tobacco cigarette smoking for those who had ever used e-cigarettes at baseline, although the odds ratio was reduced slightly (to 3.71 times odds, 95%CI: 2.83-4. 86) when only the four high-quality studies were included. The initial meta-analysis model had a moderate to high statistical heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis restricted to high-quality studies had a low to moderate statistical heterogeneity. Conclusion: The systematic review found that e-cigarette use was associated with initiation of tobacco cigarette smoking among adolescents in Europe and North America, identifying a potentially serious public health harm. Given the widespread availability and use of e-cigarettes, this study further supports urgent action by policymakers to prevent their use by adolescents to reduce direct harms in this vulnerable population group as well as to protect gains in reducing tobacco cigarette initiation.
Molecular and Cellular Characterization of Two Patient-Derived Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) Cell Lines, ETCC-006 and ETCC-010
Authors: Samson Julia , Dean Kellie 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Currently it is unclear how in situ breast cancer progresses to invasive disease; therefore, a better understanding of the events that occur during the transition to invasive carcinoma is warranted. Here we have conducted a detailed molecular and cellular characterization of two, patient-derived, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cell lines, ETCC-006 and ETCC-010. Methods: Human DCIS cell lines, ETCC-006 and ETCC-010, were compared against a panel of cell lines including the immortalized, breast epithelial cell line, MCF10A, breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 and MDA-MB-231, and another DCIS line, MCF10DCIS.com. Cell morphology, hormone and HER2/ERBB2 receptor status, cell proliferation, survival, migration, anchorage-independent growth, indicators of EMT, cell signalling pathways and cell cycle proteins were examined using immunostaining, immunoblots, and quantitative, reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR), along with clonogenic, wound-closure and soft agar assays. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) was used to provide a transcriptomic profile. Results: ETCC-006 and ETCC-010 cells displayed notable differences to another DCIS cell line, MCF10DCIS.com, in terms of morphology, steroid-receptor/HER status and markers of EMT. The ETCC cell lines lack ER/PR and HER, form colonies in clonogenic assays, have migratory capacity and are capable of anchorage-independent growth. Despite being isogenic, less than 30% of differentially expressed transcripts overlapped between the two lines, with enrichment in receptor tyrosine kinase pathways and DNA replication/cell cycle programs. Conclusions: For the first time, we provide a molecular and cellular characterization of two, patient-derived DCIS cell lines, ETCC-006 and ETCC-010, facilitating future investigations into the molecular basis of DCIS to invasive ductal carcinoma transition.