Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

The systemic pro-inflammatory response: targeting the dangerous liaison between COVID-19 and cancer

Inflammation is an established driver of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and a mechanism linked to the increased susceptibility to fatal COVID-19 demonstrated by patients with cancer. As patients with cancer exhibit a higher level of inflammation compared with the general patient population, patients with cancer and COVID-19 may uniquely benefit from strategies targeted at overcoming the unrestrained pro-inflammatory response. Targeted and non-targeted anti-inflammatory therapies may prevent end-organ damage in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with cancer and decrease mortality. Here, we review the clinical role of selective inhibition of pro-inflammatory interleukins, tyrosine kinase modulation, anti-tumor necrosis factor agents, and other non-targeted approaches including corticosteroids in their roles as disease-modulating agents in patients with COVID-19 and cancer. Investigation of these therapeutics in this highly vulnerable patient group is posited to facilitate the development of tailored therapeutics for this patient population, aiding the transition of systemic inflammation from a prognostic domain to a source of therapeutic targets.

A 5-Year Analysis of Physician-Industry Interactions, Physician Gender, and Anti-VEGF Use in US Ophthalmologists

Purpose: To explore physician gender, industry payments, and prescribing habits of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents.Methods: Retrospective review of U.S. ophthalmologists prescribing and receiving industry payments for aflibercept and/or ranibizumab (brand anti-VEGF injections) between August 2013 to December 2017.Results: Men receiving industry payments were older and had longer post-residency experience than women (both P < .001). Men were more likely to receive industry payments (P = .01), receive >5 payments (P = .003), and receive payments totaling >$1000 (P = .008). Men administered more injections on average than women when receiving >3 industry payments (P < .001) or when receiving >$100 (P < .01). On multivariate analysis, years in practice, male gender, number of payments, and total value of payments were independent factors associated with the number of brand injections administered (all P < .001).Conclusions: A positive association between industry payments and brand anti-VEGF use was identified, however, causality was not determined. Gender bias may be present in physician-industry relationships.

730 An Atypical Presentation of a Hernia: Gastro-Inguinal Hernia

Acute presentation of an inguinal hernia is a common presentation to general surgery in the United Kingdom (UK). Rarely intra-abdominal organs, outside of small bowel and colon, can present within an inguinal hernia e.g., appendix or bladder. There has been limited publication involving an incarcerated hernia containing the stomach.

We present the case of an 84-year-old male with a background of COPD and hypertension who presented to Accident & Emergency with a three-day history of vomiting and diffuse abdominal pain.

On examination, the patient had a distended abdomen with generalized peritonitis, and an irreducible non-tender inguinoscrotal hernia. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated small bowel obstruction and gastric outlet obstruction secondary to a large incarcerated right inguinal hernia containing stomach.

The patient rapidly deteriorated clinically, which led to a decision to palliate the patient. The patient died eight days after initial presentation. The cause of death was documented as likely perforated viscus in an inguino-scrotal hernia.

This case illustrates the devastating prognosis of an acute presentation of an inguinal hernia containing the stomach. This should be considered a surgical emergency and immediate operative intervention should take place if the patient is clinically able to have surgery.

953 Role of Routine Preoperative Echocardiograms in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients undergoing Deformity Correction Surgery

Introduction

Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) are often noted to have routine preoperative Echocardiograms (ECHO). The prevalence of ECHO abnormalities and their impact on perioperative outcome is not clear, especially balancing against its costs. The study aims at identifying the significance of routine preoperative ECHO for AIS patients.

Methodology

Clinical records of 295 adolescent AIS patients, &gt;10years age (mean 15.64years), who underwent primary posterior corrective surgery in a tertiary spinal centre, between 2015-2020, were reviewed. Patients with revision surgery, anterior correction, syndromic/neuromuscular scoliosis and/or pre-existent known cardiac comorbidities were excluded.

Results

139(47%) patients had preoperative ECHO. 21(15%) patients showed echocardiographic abnormalities (11 trivial valvular abnormalities, 5 mild root dilatation, 3 mild pericardial effusion and 2 septal defects). None of these patients showed any clinical symptoms/signs or required Cardiology assessment; and none had perioperative cardiovascular complications. Conversely, four(1.36%) patients demonstrated auscultatory murmurs on preoperative clinical assessment. None reported any perioperative complication. The average known cost of an echocardiogram was noted to be £363.

Conclusions

Routine preoperative Echocardiogram for all AIS patients is not recommended or deemed cost-effective. Positive clinical assessment finding could be used as a screening tool for performing ECHO in AIS patients.

Machine learning-based radiomic evaluation of treatment response prediction in glioblastoma

AIM

To investigate machine learning based models combining clinical, radiomic, and molecular information to distinguish between early true progression (tPD) and pseudoprogression (psPD) in patients with glioblastoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 76 patients (46 tPD, 30 psPD) with early enhancing disease following chemoradiotherapy for glioblastoma. Outcome was determined on follow-up until 6 months post-chemoradiotherapy. Models comprised clinical characteristics, O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status, and 307 quantitative imaging features extracted from enhancing disease and perilesional oedema masks on early post-chemoradiotherapy contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging, T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. Feature selection was performed within bootstrapped cross-validated recursive feature elimination with a random forest algorithm. Naive Bayes five-fold cross-validation was used to validate the final model.

RESULTS

Top selected features included age, MGMT promoter methylation status, two shape-based features from the enhancing disease mask, three radiomic features from the enhancing disease mask on ADC, and one radiomic feature from the perilesional oedema mask on T2WI. The final model had an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.80, sensitivity 78.2%, specificity 66.7%, and accuracy of 73.7%.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating a machine learning-based approach using quantitative radiomic features from standard-of-care magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in combination with clinical characteristics and MGMT promoter methylation status has a complementary effect and improves model performance for early prediction of glioblastoma treatment response.

Angular Analysis of the B^{+}→K^{*+}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decay

We present an angular analysis of the B^{+}→K^{*+}(→K_{S}^{0}π^{+})μ^{+}μ^{-} decay using 9  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. For the first time, the full set of CP-averaged angular observables is measured in intervals of the dimuon invariant mass squared. Local deviations from standard model predictions are observed, similar to those in previous LHCb analyses of the isospin-partner B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} decay. The global tension is dependent on which effective couplings are considered and on the choice of theory nuisance parameters.

Lung Transplantation in COVID 19 ARDS - Short Term Outcomes

Introduction

COVID-19 associated severe acute respiratory syndrome rapidly progress to irreversible lung injury, multiple organ failure and death. Lung transplantation is considered as the rescue therapy for these patients. Herein, we reported a case series of two successful life-saving bilateral lung transplantations for COVID-19-associated respiratory failure.

Case Report

Case 1: A 69-year-old male was admitted for hypoxia and altered mental status. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia by abnormal CT findings and positive PCR result. After receiving a course of dexamethasone, convalescent plasma, remdesivir and broad-spectrum antibiotics, he remained to be profoundly hypoxic, requiring non-invasive ventilation. Following two negative PCR results, he underwent bilateral lung transplantation on day 57. He was discharged to rehab unit on postoperative day 26. No desaturation was observed with the 6-min walk test on 30-day follow-up.

Case 2: A 63-year-old male was presented with cough, and dyspnea. He was hemodynamically stable, SpO2 was 94%, chest x-ray was normal and tested positive for COVID-19. He was discharged home with dexamethasone and bronchodilators. However, he presented back on day 6 with worsening dyspnea. He was admitted and received a course of dexamethasone, remdesivir, convalescent plasma and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Due to persistent hypoxic respiratory failure, the patient underwent bilateral orthotopic lung transplantation on day 68. His postoperative course was complicated by primary graft dysfunction stage 3 and required open tracheostomy. His condition gradually improved and decannulated. He is currently on room air and able to walk 30 ft using a roller walker.

Summary

SARS-CoV-2 recovery is characterized by post inflammatory fibrosis and multi organ dysfunction. Lung transplantation can be successfully performed in patients with final stage respiratory failure of COVID-19 related pulmonary fibrosis.

Tolerability of cariprazine in the early stage of schizophrenia: A pooled, post-hoc analysis of 4 phase ii/iii double-blind placebo-controlled trials

Introduction

In the early stage of schizophrenia (first 5 years), the most important clinical target besides symptom control is relapse prevention as each relapse significantly decreases the possibility of preferable long-term outcomes. Early discontinuation of antipsychotic medication due to intolerable side-effects is one of the most common causes of relapse.

Objectives

This poster aims to present cariprazine’s tolerability in the early stage of schizophrenia.

Methods

Data from 4 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (NCT00404573, NCT01104766, NCT01104779, NCT00694707) with similar design (1 week of wash out period, 6 weeks of treatment and 2-4 weeks of follow-up) were pooled. For the post-hoc analysis, patients with early stage of schizophrenia (defined as having a disease duration of less than 5 years) were extracted from the whole safety population, and approved doses of cariprazine (1.5-6.0 mg/day) were combined. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and discontinuation rates were analysed versus placebo.

Results

Overall, 169 placebo- (PBO) and 322 cariprazine-treated (CAR) patients were identified as having schizophrenia for less than 5 years. 67.7% cariprazine- and 56.2% placebo-treated patients reported at least one TEAE; most frequently insomnia (10.9 % CAR; 12.4% PBO), akathisia (9.6% CAR; 2.4% PBO) and extrapyramidal symptoms (9.3% CAR; 1.8% PBO). Discontinuation due to adverse events was reported in only 8.4% of cariprazine- and 14.8% of placebo-treated patients. Relapse occurred in 3.1% of cariprazine- and 5.3% of placebo-treated patients.

Conclusions

Cariprazine was generally well-tolerated in the early stage of schizophrenia; given the limitations of this analysis, additional research is warranted.

Conflict of interest

Studies were funded by Gedeon Richter Plc. and Allergan Plc (prior to its acquisition by AbbVie). Dombi, Acsai, Dr. Barabássy, Dr. Sebe, Dr. Laszlovszky, Dr Vass, Dr. Szatmári and Dr. Németh are employees of Gedeon Richter Plc., Dr. Earley and Dr. Patel a

Designing a continuous data-driven feedback and learning initiative to improve electronic prescribing: an interdisciplinary quality improvement study

Introduction

The WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge aims to reduce severe avoidable medication-related harm by 50% by 2023[1]. Research suggests that providing timely, trusted feedback that incorporates relevant action can improve practice. However, a key barrier is lack of prescribing error data. Hospital electronic prescribing (EP) data may help address this gap.

Aims

To explore approaches for continuously monitoring medication safety signals using existing or new EP data, and to deliver personalised prescribing feedback and learning to improve patient safety.

Methods

We conducted a feasibility study (November 2019 - February 2020) on a 28-bed adult gastroenterology. This ward was chosen because of a high prescribing error rate. All foundation year 1 and 2 doctors, and pharmacists on the ward, participated in the study. The study team comprised pharmacists, doctors, quality improvement experts and clinical analysts, and used a quality improvement approach to design and test (i) methods for extracting electronic data to calculate prescribing accuracy rates, (ii) ways to refine a paper-prototype of an electronic pharmacists’ interventions form, (iii) potential digital medication safety indicators, and (iv) approaches for feedback for doctors to augment existing verbal feedback from pharmacists. Data were documented in accordance with local information governance and analysed using Excel. Acceptability and usability was assessed through verbal feedback from participants during weekly huddles. Outcome measures: feasibility of using EP to determine prescribing accuracy, user acceptability and usability of data collection, feedback and learning by pharmacists and doctors. We also measured changes in prescribing accuracy rate, pharmacists’ interventions, and quality of prescribing for targeted problematic medications.

Results

Extracting EP data required multiple data linkages to be configured and validated, and not all required data were available. Potential digital medication safety indicators: utility of the reason code ‘prescribed in error’ and actions by pharmacists to modify medications were limited by underuse and lack of data granularity. After testing different ways to extract relevant EP data, we eventually used a combination of EP and manual retrospective review of electronic patient records to determine prescribing accuracy rates. An intervention form was redesigned to tally interventions and capture details for contextual learning for email feedback to doctors and weekly prescribing improvement huddles. Doctors reported emails as timely and helpful for gaining new prescribing- and system-related knowledge. Pharmacists reported intervention data as providing invaluable evidence to drive improvement.

Statistical process control charts showed no special cause variation around a mean prescription accuracy rate of 98% for inpatient orders, and 87% for discharge orders. By contrast, pharmacists recorded a mean of 10 interventions/day with 7 special cause variation (above upper control limit of 19) in the first two months. Omission of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was identified as a priority medication issue. Specific prescriber- and system-based improvements were suggested (Jan 2020), some implemented (Feb 2020) and others fed back to the thrombosis committee (Feb 2020).

Conclusion

Harnessing the potential of EP data to improve medication safety requires the workforce to have a deeper understanding of the EP data structure and processes. Using a quality improvement approach, we developed a feedback and learning model that is acceptable and useful to pharmacists and doctors. Further research should explore adapting the approach to other clinical areas.

Reference

1. Sheikh, A., Dhingra-Kumar, N., Kelley, E., Kieny, M. and Donaldson, L. The Third Global Patient Safety Challenge: Tackling Medication-Related Harm. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. World Health Organisation. 2017;95:546-546A.

Observation of a New Excited D_{s}^{+} Meson in B^{0}→D^{-}D^{+}K^{+}π^{-} Decays

Using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1} collected with the LHCb detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, the B^{0}→D^{-}D^{+}K^{+}π^{-} decay is studied. A new excited D_{s}^{+} meson is observed decaying into the D^{+}K^{+}π^{-} final state with large statistical significance. The pole mass and width, and the spin parity of the new state are measured with an amplitude analysis to be m_{R}=2591±6±7  MeV, Γ_{R}=89±16±12  MeV, and J^{P}=0^{-}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. Fit fractions for all components in the amplitude analysis are also reported. The new resonance, denoted as D_{s0}(2590)^{+}, is a strong candidate to be the D_{s}(2^{1}S_{0})^{+} state, the radial excitation of the pseudoscalar ground-state D_{s}^{+} meson.

18 Socio-Demographic Associations of COVID Antibody in Multi-Ethnic Healthcare Workers

Introduction

Healthcare workers are particularly susceptible to developing COVID-19 owing to close and frequent contact with COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to describe prevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibodies amongst healthcare workers within a hospital trust and examine factors associated with increased prevalence of this antibody.

Methods

Data was obtained over a 4-week period in 2020 from a cross-sectional prospective survey of healthcare workers serving a multi-ethnic inner-city population who had IgG SARS-COV-2 antibody. Multiple, overlapping sources of notification were implemented to promote the availability of the test. Anonymised socio-demographic data about staff members were cross referenced with data of the antibody tests.

Results

Of 7,013,6,212 (89%) staff undertook the antibody test during the study period. The overall detection rate of IgG SARS COV-2 antibody was 26%(1584/6212). Univariate analyses reveal that there were no differences in the prevalence rates in terms of gender or age. Compared to white staff members (18%), prevalence of the antibody was significantly greater in Black(38%) and Asian(27%) staff members. The combined prevalence for all BAME staff members was 32%. The prevalence rates of staff in general wards (43%) were significantly higher other areas of the trust. For staff in emergency medicine, intensive care and anaesthetics, prevalence was 23%, whereas for other clinical teams it was 21%. In terms of professional groups, prevalence rates were highest amongst nursing and allied clinical services (28%), followed by doctors (23%), whereas, it was lower for non-clinical staff(19%).

Discussion

This large multi-ethnic hospital-based study has described the prevalence of recent exposure to SARS-COV-2 infection amongst healthcare workers and determined socio-demographic associations of this prevalence including ethnicity, professional healthcare groups, and geographical areas of work in healthcare settings. The study provides information that may be useful in future COVID studies examining the role of antibody testing both in general populations as well as in healthcare settings.

90 Socio-Demographic and Medical Factors in A Multi-Ethnic Cohort of COVID Deaths

Introduction

Whilst most patients during the COVID pandemic made an uneventful recovery,there was a significant minority in whom the disease was severe and unfortunately fatal. This survey aims to examine and evaluate risk factors for those patients who died of COVID and to identify any markers for improvement in the management of such patients during future COVID surges.

Methods

Medical records of all patients who died within a multi-ethnic, inner city acute district general hospital over a 6-week period in 2020 were examined. Data collected included demographic details, medical comorbidities, and type of ward where they received care. Multivariable analysis using stepwise backward logistic regression was conducted to examine independent risk factors for these patients.

Results

Of 275 deaths,204 were related to COVID. Compared to non-COVID deaths(n = 71), there were no age differences. There were significantly more deaths in males (58%vs39%,P &lt; 0.001)) and in Black African and South Asian groups. 18% of COVID deaths were those who were not frail (Frailty Rockwood Scale 1–3) whereas there were no non-COVID deaths in this group(P &lt; 0.001). 69% of COVID deaths occurred in general medical wards whereas 19% in critical care units (90% and 7% for non-COVID deaths,p &lt; 0.001). COVID patients died more quickly compared to non-COVID patients (length of stay mean, 11vs21,p &lt; 0.001). Medical factors prevalent in &gt;20% of COVID deaths included Diabetes, Hypertension, Chronic Heart Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease,and Dementia. Multivariable analyses showed males (OR 1.9), age &gt; 70(OR 2.0), frailty (OR 2.3) were independent risk factors for COVID deaths.

Discussion

Compared to non-COVID deaths,COVID deaths were more common in previously well individuals,males,Black African and South Asian ethnicity, but multivariable analyses showed males, age &gt; 70 and frailty were independent risk factors for COVID deaths. This survey indicates that greater psychological support may be required for healthcare workers on general medical wards who looked after greater proportion of COVID deaths.

Observation of Multiplicity Dependent Prompt χ_{c1}(3872) and ψ(2S) Production in pp Collisions

The production of χ_{c1}(3872) and ψ(2S) hadrons is studied as a function of charged particle multiplicity in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2  fb^{-1}. For both states, the fraction that is produced promptly at the collision vertex is found to decrease as charged particle multiplicity increases. The ratio of χ_{c1}(3872) to ψ(2S) cross sections for promptly produced particles is also found to decrease with multiplicity, while no significant dependence on multiplicity is observed for the equivalent ratio of particles produced away from the collision vertex in b-hadron decays. This behavior is consistent with a calculation that models the χ_{c1}(3872) structure as a compact tetraquark. Comparisons with model calculations and implications for the binding energy of the χ_{c1}(3872) state are discussed.

Measurement of CP Violation in the Decay B^{+}→K^{+}π^{0}

A measurement of CP violation in the decay B^{+}→K^{+}π^{0} is reported using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1} collected with the LHCb experiment at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=13  TeV. The CP asymmetry is measured to be 0.025±0.015±0.006±0.003, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to an external input. This is the most precise measurement of this quantity. It confirms and significantly enhances the observed anomalous difference between the direct CP asymmetries of the B^{0}→K^{+}π^{-} and B^{+}→K^{+}π^{0} decays, known as the Kπ puzzle.

First Observation of the Decay B_{s}^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} and a Measurement of |V_{ub}|/|V_{cb}|

The first observation of the suppressed semileptonic B_{s}^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ} decay is reported. Using a data sample recorded in pp collisions in 2012 with the LHCb detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2  fb^{-1}, the branching fraction B(B_{s}^{0}→K^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}) is measured to be [1.06±0.05(stat)±0.08(syst)]×10^{-4}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second one represents the combined systematic uncertainties. The decay B_{s}^{0}→D_{s}^{-}μ^{+}ν_{μ}, where D_{s}^{-} is reconstructed in the final state K^{+}K^{-}π^{-}, is used as a normalization channel to minimize the experimental systematic uncertainty. Theoretical calculations on the form factors of the B_{s}^{0}→K^{-} and B_{s}^{0}→D_{s}^{-} transitions are employed to determine the ratio of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix elements |V_{ub}|/|V_{cb}| at low and high B_{s}^{0}→K^{-} momentum transfer.

Clinical profile and outcomes of De novo posttransplant thrombotic microangiopathy

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) after kidney transplant is rather uncommon but an important reversible cause of graft loss. This retrospective study of biopsy-proven posttransplant TMA was done to identify the important etiological factors, clinical features, and outcomes of post transplant TMA in a tertiary care referral hospital in northern India. This retrospective study was conducted among all renal transplant recipients who presented with graft dysfunction between 1989 and 2015. All the cases were looked for their etiology, clinical course, treatment modalities, and renal outcomes. The study was conducted in accord with prevailing ethical principles and reviewed by our own institutional review board. Seventeen patients out of 2000 (0.008%) transplants done during the study period had posttransplant TMA, out of which all the patients had de novo TMA, and the median time of presentation after transplantation was four months. Systemic TMA was noted in only four patients. Biopsy revealed associated rejection in five patients and associated calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) toxicity in 12 patients. Patients with TMA due to CNI toxicity were managed with CNI reduction or switching to alternate CNI or mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors. In addition, antithymocyte globulin and plasma exchange were used in rejection-associated TMA. While four out of 12 patients (33%) in CNI-related TMA developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD), all patients in rejection-associated TMA developed ESRD. The overall one-year graft survival was 47%, whereas five- and 10-year survival was 35%. There was no significant difference in graft survival between localized and systemic TMAs (P = 0.4). Posttransplant TMA should be suspected even if there are no systemic features of hemolysis and early graft biopsy and prompt action is needed. The occurrence of TMA in the setting of rejection is associated with grave prognosis.

Model-Independent Study of Structure in B^{+}→D^{+}D^{-}K^{+} Decays

The only anticipated resonant contributions to B^{+}→D^{+}D^{-}K^{+} decays are charmonium states in the D^{+}D^{-} channel. A model-independent analysis, using LHCb proton-proton collision data taken at center-of-mass energies of sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}, is carried out to test this hypothesis. The description of the data assuming that resonances only manifest in decays to the D^{+}D^{-} pair is shown to be incomplete. This constitutes evidence for a new contribution to the decay, potentially one or more new charm-strange resonances in the D^{-}K^{+} channel with masses around 2.9  GeV/c^{2}.

Constraints on the K_{S}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} Branching Fraction

A search for the decay K_{S}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} is performed using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6  fb^{-1} and collected with the LHCb experiment during 2016, 2017, and 2018 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The observed signal yield is consistent with zero, yielding an upper limit of B(K_{S}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})<2.2×10^{-10} at 90% C.L.. The limit reduces to B(K_{S}^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})<2.1×10^{-10} at 90% C.L. once combined with the result from data taken in 2011 and 2012.

Observation of Enhanced Double Parton Scattering in Proton-Lead Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV

A study of prompt charm-hadron pair production in proton-lead collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV is performed using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 30  nb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb experiment. Production cross sections for different pairs of charm hadrons are measured and kinematic correlations between the two charm hadrons are investigated. This is the first measurement of associated production of two charm hadrons in proton-lead collisions. The results confirm the predicted enhancement of double parton scattering production in proton-lead collisions compared to the single parton scattering production.

THORACIC DUCT STENT-GRAFT DECOMPRESSION WITH 3-MONTH PATENCY: REVISITING A HISTORICAL TREATMENT OPTION FOR PORTAL HYPERTENSION

This report introduces the rationale for thoracic duct stent-graft decompression in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension and provides a case example with 3-month stent-graft patency. Thoracic duct flow and pressure are elevated in cirrhosis. Historically, complications of portal hypertension have been successfully treated with external drainage of the thoracic duct or surgical lymphovenous bypass. A 45-year-old woman with cirrhosis, chronic portosplenomesenteric thrombosis, and acute variceal hemorrhage underwent percutaneous thoracic duct stent-graft placement across the lymphovenous junction. The hemorrhage subsequently resolved and follow up endoscopy demonstrated decom-pression of the bleeding varices. Venography 40 days later demonstrated a partially patent stent-graft with fibrin sheath formation distally. The stent-graft was extended distally to the right atrium and was fully patent on venography 3 months later. The patient had no further episodes of hemorrhage.

Improving pulmonary vein isolation during cryoballoon ablation using the re-look angiography technique

Background

Cryoballoon ablation for pulmonary vein (PV) antral isolation is contact-dependent. Currently, occlusion assessment using the cryoballoon is most commonly performed using contrast venogram prior to ablation. However, there is a known difference in balloon size/shape between the inflated and ablation state, due to significant increase in cryoballoon pressure, which can cause potential undetected leak and, thus, failure of PV isolation. This phenomenon is currently not detected using standard techniques and effectiveness of mitigation techniques have not been assessed.

Purpose

We hypothesize that repeat injection of contrast five seconds after the initiation of cryoballoon ablation can be used to assess changes in shape and confirm ongoing occlusion during ablation; the re-look angiography technique. The incidence of PVI leak and the ability for the relook angiography to remedy the leak is assessed.

Methods

A total of 125 patients (440 PVs) undergoing cryoballoon ablation (Medtronic Arctic Front Advance Balloon™) were assessed using the re-look angiography technique unless they required occlusion with a segmental approach. Fifteen patients were excluded from contrast use due to renal insufficiency.

Results

Successful single occlusion was seen in 330 (75%) PVs and the re-look angiography technique was employed in each of those events. In 180 of the 330 (55%) single PV occlusions, a new PV leak undetected during the initial PV angiogram was identified. This prompted repositioning of the balloon to achieve complete PV isolation in 85 of 180 of the PV cases, with 95 of the cases requiring additional segmental ablation to complete full PV isolation.

Conclusion

A significant amount of insufficient PV antral contact during cryo-ablation may not be detected with conventional single PV angiography and may explain inadequate PV isolation. The re-look angiography technique is a simple tool to confirm robust balloon contact and guide repositioning as well as identify the need for additional segmental ablation. Additional follow up is needed for translation to improved clinical outcomes.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Can risk prediction models help us individualise stillbirth prevention? A systematic review and critical appraisal of published risk models

BACKGROUND

Stillbirth prevention is an international priority - risk prediction models could individualise care and reduce unnecessary intervention, but their use requires evaluation.

OBJECTIVES

To identify risk prediction models for stillbirth, and assess their potential accuracy and clinical benefit in practice.

SEARCH STRATEGY

MEDLINE, Embase, DH-DATA and AMED databases were searched from inception to June 2019 using terms relevant to stillbirth, perinatal mortality and prediction models. The search was compliant with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies developing and/or validating prediction models for risk of stillbirth developed for application during pregnancy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Study screening and data extraction were conducted in duplicate, using the CHARMS checklist. Risk of bias was appraised using the PROBAST tool.

RESULTS

The search identified 2751 citations. Fourteen studies reporting development of 69 models were included. Variables consistently included were: ethnicity, body mass index, uterine artery Doppler, pregnancy-associated plasma protein and placental growth factor. For almost all models there were significant concerns about risk of bias. Apparent model performance (i.e. in the development dataset) was highest in models developed for use later in pregnancy and including maternal characteristics, and ultrasound and biochemical variables, but few were internally validated and none were externally validated.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost all models identified were at high risk of bias. There are first-trimester models of possible clinical benefit in early risk stratification; these require validation and clinical evaluation. There were few later pregnancy models but, if validated, these could be most relevant to individualised discussions around timing of birth.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Prediction models using maternal factors, blood tests and ultrasound could individualise stillbirth prevention, but existing models are at high risk of bias.

COVID-19-related intracranial imaging findings: a large single-centre experience

AIM

To describe the neuroradiological changes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of 3,403 patients who were confirmed positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK between 1 March 2020 and 31 May 2020, and who underwent neuroimaging. Abnormal brain imaging was evaluated in detail and various imaging patterns on magnetic resonance imaging MRI were identified.

RESULTS

Of the 3,403 patients with COVID-19, 167 (4.9%) had neurological signs or symptoms warranting neuroimaging. The most common indications were delirium (44/167, 26%), focal neurology (37/167, 22%), and altered consciousness (34/167, 20%). Neuroimaging showed abnormalities in 23% of patients, with MRI being abnormal in 20 patients and computed tomography (CT) in 18 patients. The most consistent neuroradiological finding was microhaemorrhage with a predilection for the splenium of the corpus callosum (12/20, 60%) followed by acute or subacute infarct (5/20, 25%), watershed white matter hyperintensities (4/20, 20%), and susceptibility changes on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in the superficial veins (3/20, 15%), acute haemorrhagic necrotising encephalopathy (2/20, 10%), large parenchymal haemorrhage (2/20, 10%), subarachnoid haemorrhage (1/20, 5%), hypoxic–ischaemic changes (1/20, 5%), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)-like changes (1/20, 5%).

CONCLUSION

Various imaging patterns on MRI were observed including acute haemorrhagic necrotising encephalopathy, white matter hyperintensities, hypoxic-ischaemic changes, ADEM-like changes, and stroke. Microhaemorrhages were the most common findings. Prolonged hypoxaemia, consumption coagulopathy, and endothelial disruption are the likely pathological drivers and reflect disease severity in this patient cohort.

Brief psychological interventions for psychiatric disorders in young people with long term physical health conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Rates of psychiatric disorders are considerably elevated in young people with long term physical health conditions. Currently few children obtain effective mental health treatments in the context of long term physical health conditions, and ways to improve access to evidence-based mental health interventions are urgently needed. One approach is to deploy briefer, more economical, yet still evidence-based, treatments. The objective of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of brief interventions targeting psychiatric disorders in children and young people with long term physical health conditions.

METHODS

Predefined terms relating to brief psychological interventions for psychiatric disorders in children with long term physical health conditions were used to search relevant databases. A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out in accordance with the Cochrane guidelines. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, extracted the data and conducted risk of bias assessments.

RESULTS

A total of 12 randomised controlled trials were found to meet the inclusion criteria of the review. Of those, three studies were suitable for meta-analysis. A large effect size in favour of brief cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety was found (g = - 0.95, CI -1.49 to -0.041; p < .001) with non-significant moderate-substantial heterogeneity (I² = 58%; p = .09).

CONCLUSION

This review suggests there is preliminary evidence that brief interventions, based on cognitive behavioural principles, may benefit young people with an anxiety disorder in the context of a long term physical health condition. There was insufficient evidence to assess whether this held true for depression and disruptive behaviour.

Clinical response to antibiotic regimens in lower limb cellulitis: a systematic review

There is variation in the treatment of lower limb cellulitis (LLC) with no agreement on the most effective antibiotic regimen. Many patients with cellulitis fail to respond to first-line antibiotics. This can negatively affect patient care and result in unnecessary hospital admissions. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the clinical response and safety of antibiotic regimens for the management of LLC. A systematic review for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted using OVID MEDLINE, Ovid Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in January 2019. Outcomes of interest included the clinical response to antibiotic regimens (type, dose, route, duration) and the safety of antibiotics in LLC. Trial quality was identified using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Four RCTs were included. All included studies showed no significant differences between the clinical response to different antibiotic type, administration route, treatment duration or dose. LLC may be overtreated and shorter courses of oral antibiotics, possibly with lower doses, may be more suitable. There is a lack of published data on the clinical response and safety of antibiotics in LLC. Three studies were high risk for bias overall. Further high-quality studies may help determine whether less intensive antibiotic regimens can effectively treat LLC.

Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Broad-Spectrum Anti-MRSA Agent Levonadifloxacin Compared with Linezolid for Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections: A Phase 3, Openlabel, Randomized Study

BACKGROUND

Levonadifloxacin is a novel broad-spectrum anti-MRSA agents belonging to the benzoquinolizine subclass of quinolone. It is developed for oral or intravenous administration for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive organisms including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

OBJECTIVES

To establish the non-inferiority of levonadifloxacin compared with linezolid for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) and to compare the safety of the two antimicrobials.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This was a Phase 3, multicentre, randomized, open-label, active- comparator study with 500 subjects. Oral levonadifloxacin 1000 mg was compared with oral linezolid 600 mg whereas IV levonadifloxacin 800mg was compared with IV linezolid 600 mg, each treatment was administered twice daily for 7-10 days. Non-inferiority was evaluated by comparing oral levonadifloxacin to oral linezolid and IV levonadifloxacin to IV linezolid for overall clinical response at TOC (Test of Cure) Visit.

RESULTS

The clinical cure rates observed at the TOC in the mITT (modified Intent to treat) populations for levonadifloxacin was numerically higher compared to linezolid in the IV sub-group [(91.0% verses 87.8%); treatment difference of 3.2% (95%CI, -4.5 to 10.9)] and in the oral sub-group (95.2% versus 93.6%); treatment difference of 1.6 % [95%CI, -4.2 to 7.3]). As the lowerbound of the 95% CI around the treatment difference was greater than -15% for both subgroups, the primary objective of the study was met. Therefore, both IV levonadifloxacin and oral levonadifloxacin were non-inferior to IV linezolid and oral linezolid, respectively. The majority of subjects in the micro-ITT population had a baseline infection caused by S. aureus with approximately 30% of subjects having MRSA. Levonadifloxacin (IV and oral) had a higher clinical cure rate at TOC for MRSA patients compared with linezolid (IV and oral), (95.0% vs. 89.3% respectively). Levonadifloxacin showed evidence of favourable clinical and microbiological efficacy in subjects with concurrent bacteraemia as well as in subjects with diabetes including diabetic foot infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens including MRSA. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that bioavailability of oral levonadifloxacin was 90% and similar pharmacokinetic profile of levonadifloxacin by both routes provide an option for IV to oral switch for the treatment of subjects. Incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were similar between treatment groups and between IV (20.8% vs. 22.4%, for levonadifloxacin and linezolid, respectively) and oral therapy (16.0% vs. 13.5%, respectively), There were no SAEs or deaths related to study drug and the majority of the AEs observed were mild in nature. Overall, the administration of both IV and oral levonadifloxacin was well-tolerated in subjects with ABSSSI.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that IV and oral levonadifloxacin therapy has excellent clinical activity against MRSA and offers advantage compared to other quinolones which generally lack MRSA coverage. Levonadifloxacin is safe and well tolerated in the treatment of ABSSSI caused by Gram -positive pathogens including MRSA as well as non-inferior to IV and oral linezolid, respectively. Similar pharmacokinetic profile of IV and oral levonadifloxacin provides an option for IV to oral switch for the treatment of subjects. Both oral and IV levonadifloxacin have recently been granted approval in India for the treatment of ABSSSI including diabetic foot infections and concurrent bacteraemia in adults (18 years of age or older). ClinicalTrials.gov Registration: NCT03405064. CTRI No.: CTRI/2017/06/008843.

Measurement of CP-Averaged Observables in the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decay

An angular analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}(→K^{+}π^{-})μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is presented using a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.7  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. The full set of CP-averaged observables are determined in bins of the invariant mass squared of the dimuon system. Contamination from decays with the K^{+}π^{-} system in an S-wave configuration is taken into account. The tension seen between the previous LHCb results and the standard model predictions persists with the new data. The precise value of the significance of this tension depends on the choice of theory nuisance parameters.

Guidelines for the management of diabetes services and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

The UK National Diabetes Inpatient COVID Response Group was formed at the end of March 2020 to support the provision of diabetes inpatient care during the COVID pandemic. It was formed in response to two emerging needs. First to ensure that basic diabetes services are secured and maintained at a time when there was a call for re-deployment to support the need for general medical expertise across secondary care services. The second was to provide simple safe diabetes guidelines for use by specialists and non-specialists treating inpatients with or suspected of COVID-19 infection. To date the group, comprising UK-based specialists in diabetes, pharmacy and psychology, have produced two sets of guidelines which will be continually revised as new evidence emerges. It is supported by Diabetes UK, the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists and NHS England.

Perioperative intravenous contrast administration and the incidence of acute kidney injury after major gastrointestinal surgery: prospective, multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the impact of preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast for CT and the risk of developing postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

This prospective, multicentre cohort study included adults undergoing gastrointestinal resection, stoma reversal or liver resection. Both elective and emergency procedures were included. Preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast was defined as exposure to contrast administered for the purposes of CT up to 7 days before surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of AKI within 7 days. Propensity score-matched models were adjusted for patient, disease and operative variables. In a sensitivity analysis, a propensity score-matched model explored the association between preoperative exposure to contrast and AKI in the first 48 h after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 5378 patients were included across 173 centres. Overall, 1249 patients (23·2 per cent) received intravenous contrast. The overall rate of AKI within 7 days of surgery was 13·4 per cent (718 of 5378). In the propensity score-matched model, preoperative exposure to contrast was not associated with AKI within 7 days (odds ratio (OR) 0·95, 95 per cent c.i. 0·73 to 1·21; P = 0·669). The sensitivity analysis showed no association between preoperative contrast administration and AKI within 48 h after operation (OR 1·09, 0·84 to 1·41; P = 0·498).

CONCLUSION

There was no association between preoperative intravenous contrast administered for CT up to 7 days before surgery and postoperative AKI. Risk of contrast-induced nephropathy should not be used as a reason to avoid contrast-enhanced CT.

Guidelines for the management of diabetes in care homes during the Covid-19 pandemic

The National Diabetes Stakeholders Covid-19 Response Group was formed in early April 2020 as a rapid action by the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care, Diabetes UK, the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists, and Diabetes Frail to address and support the special needs of residents with diabetes in UK care homes during Covid-19. It was obvious that the care home sector was becoming a second wave of Covid-19 infection and that those with diabetes residing in care homes were at increased risk not only of susceptibility to infection but also to poorer outcomes. Its key purposes included minimising the morbidity and mortality associated with Covid-19 and assisting care staff to identify those residents with diabetes at highest risk of Covid-19 infection. The guidance was particularly created for care home managers, other care home staff, and specialist and non-specialist community nursing teams. The guidance covers the management of hyperglycaemia by discussion of various clinical scenarios that could arise, the management of hypoglycaemia, foot care and end of life care. In addition, it outlines the conditions where hospital admission is required. The guidance should be regarded as interim and will be updated as further medical and scientific evidence becomes available.

Paediatric antimicrobial stewardship programmes in the UK's regional children's hospitals

A survey was conducted in UK regional children's hospitals with paediatric intensive care and paediatric infectious disease (PID) departments to describe the characteristics of paediatric antimicrobial stewardship (PAS) programmes. A structured questionnaire was sent to PAS coordinators. 'Audit and feedback' was implemented in 13 out of 17 centres. Microbiology-led services were more likely to implement antimicrobial restriction (75% vs 33% in PID-led services), to focus on broad-spectrum antibiotics, and to review patients with positive blood cultures. PID-led services were more likely to identify patients from e-prescribing or drug charts and review all antimicrobials. A PAS network has been established.

Observation of New Ξ_{c}^{0} Baryons Decaying to Λ_{c}^{+}K^{-}

The Λ_{c}^{+}K^{-} mass spectrum is studied with a data sample of pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6  fb^{-1} collected by the LHCb experiment. Three Ξ_{c}^{0} states are observed with a large significance and their masses and natural widths are measured to be m[Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0}]=2923.04±0.25±0.20±0.14  MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0}]=7.1±0.8±1.8  MeV, m[Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0}]=2938.55±0.21±0.17±0.14  MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0}]=10.2±0.8±1.1  MeV, m[Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0}]=2964.88±0.26±0.14±0.14  MeV, Γ[Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0}]=14.1±0.9±1.3  MeV, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to the limited knowledge of the Λ_{c}^{+} mass. The Ξ_{c}(2923)^{0} and Ξ_{c}(2939)^{0} baryons are new states. The Ξ_{c}(2965)^{0} state is in the vicinity of the known Ξ_{c}(2970)^{0} baryon; however, their masses and natural widths differ significantly.