Study of the K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] Decay at the J-PARC KOTO Experiment

The rare decay K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] was studied with the dataset taken at the J-PARC KOTO experiment in 2016, 2017, and 2018. With a single event sensitivity of (7.20±0.05_{stat}±0.66_{syst})×10^{-10}, three candidate events were observed in the signal region. After unveiling them, contaminations from K^{±} and scattered K_{L} decays were studied, and the total number of background events was estimated to be 1.22±0.26. We conclude that the number of observed events is statistically consistent with the background expectation. For this dataset, we set an upper limit of 4.9×10^{-9} on the branching fraction of K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] at the 90% confidence level.

Interviews During the Pandemic: A Thoracic Education Cooperative Group and Surgery Residents Project

BACKGROUND

The 2020 interview cycle for cardiothoracic fellowships was affected by the coronavirus-19 pandemic. Many programs shifted from in-person to virtual interviews. We evaluated applicant perceptions of the various formats.

METHODS

All 2019-2020 cardiothoracic fellowship applicants received an electronic survey after completion of the match process. The survey assessed number of in-person/virtual interviews completed, perception of efficacy, and likelihood of ranking a program based on format, and strengths/inadequacies of virtual interviews.

RESULTS

Response rate was 36% (48 of 133). Seventy-three percent of respondents (35 of 48) interviewed with more than 10 programs. Fifty-two percent of respondents (25 of 48) were able to schedule additional interviews once virtual formats were available. A slight majority (56%, 27 of 48) ranked a program at which they had an in-person interview as their first choice. Interviewing at more than 10 programs was associated with an increased likelihood of successfully matching at a program (P = .02). Overwhelmingly, respondents favored an in-person component to the interview process (96%, 46 of 48). Few respondents (29%, 14 of 48) thought they could adequately evaluate a program virtually. The factors that had the highest percentages of adequate portrayal during virtual interviews were the didactic schedule/curriculum (81%, 39 of 48) and case number/autonomy (58%, 28 of 48). The factors with the lowest percentages were culture/personality (19%, 9 of 48) and city/lifestyle (15%, 7 of 48).

CONCLUSIONS

Applicants strongly favored an in-person component to interviews, highlighting potential deficiencies in the virtual interview process. Programs should consider the addition of virtual tours of their hospitals, narrations from staff, and vignettes from current fellows about lifestyle and well-being.

Rapid, point-of-care antigen and molecular-based tests for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection

BACKGROUND

Accurate rapid diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection could contribute to clinical and public health strategies to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. Point-of-care antigen and molecular tests to detect current infection could increase access to testing and early confirmation of cases, and expediate clinical and public health management decisions that may reduce transmission.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care antigen and molecular-based tests for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We consider accuracy separately in symptomatic and asymptomatic population groups.

SEARCH METHODS

Electronic searches of the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register and the COVID-19 Living Evidence Database from the University of Bern (which includes daily updates from PubMed and Embase and preprints from medRxiv and bioRxiv) were undertaken on 30 Sept 2020. We checked repositories of COVID-19 publications and included independent evaluations from national reference laboratories, the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics and the Diagnostics Global Health website to 16 Nov 2020. We did not apply language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included studies of people with either suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection, known SARS-CoV-2 infection or known absence of infection, or those who were being screened for infection. We included test accuracy studies of any design that evaluated commercially produced, rapid antigen or molecular tests suitable for a point-of-care setting (minimal equipment, sample preparation, and biosafety requirements, with results within two hours of sample collection). We included all reference standards that define the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 (including reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests and established diagnostic criteria).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Studies were screened independently in duplicate with disagreements resolved by discussion with a third author. Study characteristics were extracted by one author and checked by a second; extraction of study results and assessments of risk of bias and applicability (made using the QUADAS-2 tool) were undertaken independently in duplicate. We present sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each test and pooled data using the bivariate model separately for antigen and molecular-based tests. We tabulated results by test manufacturer and compliance with manufacturer instructions for use and according to symptom status.

MAIN RESULTS

Seventy-eight study cohorts were included (described in 64 study reports, including 20 pre-prints), reporting results for 24,087 samples (7,415 with confirmed SARS-CoV-2). Studies were mainly from Europe (n = 39) or North America (n = 20), and evaluated 16 antigen and five molecular assays. We considered risk of bias to be high in 29 (50%) studies because of participant selection; in 66 (85%) because of weaknesses in the reference standard for absence of infection; and in 29 (45%) for participant flow and timing. Studies of antigen tests were of a higher methodological quality compared to studies of molecular tests, particularly regarding the risk of bias for participant selection and the index test. Characteristics of participants in 35 (45%) studies differed from those in whom the test was intended to be used and the delivery of the index test in 39 (50%) studies differed from the way in which the test was intended to be used. Nearly all studies (97%) defined the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 based on a single RT-PCR result, and none included participants meeting case definitions for probable COVID-19. Antigen tests Forty-eight studies reported 58 evaluations of antigen tests. Estimates of sensitivity varied considerably between studies. There were differences between symptomatic (72.0%, 95% CI 63.7% to 79.0%; 37 evaluations; 15530 samples, 4410 cases) and asymptomatic participants (58.1%, 95% CI 40.2% to 74.1%; 12 evaluations; 1581 samples, 295 cases). Average sensitivity was higher in the first week after symptom onset (78.3%, 95% CI 71.1% to 84.1%; 26 evaluations; 5769 samples, 2320 cases) than in the second week of symptoms (51.0%, 95% CI 40.8% to 61.0%; 22 evaluations; 935 samples, 692 cases). Sensitivity was high in those with cycle threshold (Ct) values on PCR ≤25 (94.5%, 95% CI 91.0% to 96.7%; 36 evaluations; 2613 cases) compared to those with Ct values >25 (40.7%, 95% CI 31.8% to 50.3%; 36 evaluations; 2632 cases). Sensitivity varied between brands. Using data from instructions for use (IFU) compliant evaluations in symptomatic participants, summary sensitivities ranged from 34.1% (95% CI 29.7% to 38.8%; Coris Bioconcept) to 88.1% (95% CI 84.2% to 91.1%; SD Biosensor STANDARD Q). Average specificities were high in symptomatic and asymptomatic participants, and for most brands (overall summary specificity 99.6%, 95% CI 99.0% to 99.8%). At 5% prevalence using data for the most sensitive assays in symptomatic people (SD Biosensor STANDARD Q and Abbott Panbio), positive predictive values (PPVs) of 84% to 90% mean that between 1 in 10 and 1 in 6 positive results will be a false positive, and between 1 in 4 and 1 in 8 cases will be missed. At 0.5% prevalence applying the same tests in asymptomatic people would result in PPVs of 11% to 28% meaning that between 7 in 10 and 9 in 10 positive results will be false positives, and between 1 in 2 and 1 in 3 cases will be missed. No studies assessed the accuracy of repeated lateral flow testing or self-testing. Rapid molecular assays Thirty studies reported 33 evaluations of five different rapid molecular tests. Sensitivities varied according to test brand. Most of the data relate to the ID NOW and Xpert Xpress assays. Using data from evaluations following the manufacturer's instructions for use, the average sensitivity of ID NOW was 73.0% (95% CI 66.8% to 78.4%) and average specificity 99.7% (95% CI 98.7% to 99.9%; 4 evaluations; 812 samples, 222 cases). For Xpert Xpress, the average sensitivity was 100% (95% CI 88.1% to 100%) and average specificity 97.2% (95% CI 89.4% to 99.3%; 2 evaluations; 100 samples, 29 cases). Insufficient data were available to investigate the effect of symptom status or time after symptom onset.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Antigen tests vary in sensitivity. In people with signs and symptoms of COVID-19, sensitivities are highest in the first week of illness when viral loads are higher. The assays shown to meet appropriate criteria, such as WHO's priority target product profiles for COVID-19 diagnostics ('acceptable' sensitivity ≥ 80% and specificity ≥ 97%), can be considered as a replacement for laboratory-based RT-PCR when immediate decisions about patient care must be made, or where RT-PCR cannot be delivered in a timely manner. Positive predictive values suggest that confirmatory testing of those with positive results may be considered in low prevalence settings. Due to the variable sensitivity of antigen tests, people who test negative may still be infected. Evidence for testing in asymptomatic cohorts was limited. Test accuracy studies cannot adequately assess the ability of antigen tests to differentiate those who are infectious and require isolation from those who pose no risk, as there is no reference standard for infectiousness. A small number of molecular tests showed high accuracy and may be suitable alternatives to RT-PCR. However, further evaluations of the tests in settings as they are intended to be used are required to fully establish performance in practice. Several important studies in asymptomatic individuals have been reported since the close of our search and will be incorporated at the next update of this review. Comparative studies of antigen tests in their intended use settings and according to test operator (including self-testing) are required.

The late-onset dilated cardiomyopathy

Background

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a specific subgroup of non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. Little is known about the genotypic characterization of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients diagnosed over 60 years of age.

Aim

To investigate prevalence, characterization and prognostic impact of the genetic background of late-onset DCM patients.

Methods

We analyzed a study population of 566 DCM patients from two international referral centers. Genetic background was analyzed and patients were grouped into typical-onset DCM (<60 years of age at diagnosis) or late-onset DCM (>60 years of age at diagnosis).

Results

Approximately 12% of patients (n=70) had late-onset DCM and female sex was significantly more frequent in the late-onset DCM cohort (p<0.001). Diagnostic yield of genetic testing was comparable between typical- and late-onset DCM (53% vs 50%, respectively p=0.438) whereas the prevalence of Titin gene truncation variants (TTNtv) was higher in the late-onset DCM group compared to the younger cohort (23% vs 13% respectively; p<0.05). Notably, patients with late-onset genetic DCM had comparable long-term outcomes to those with typical-onset DCM.

Conclusions

Late-onset DCM patients have nearly double the rate of TTNtv mutations and are more likely to be female compared to younger DCM patients. These observed differences in mutational makeup and sex may reveal insights into age and sex dependent mechanisms for TTNtv and should prompt further study. Notably, the increased prevalence of TTNtv and female sex did not translate into noticeable differences in rates of measurable cardiac events.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Apical sparing strain pattern observed in danon disease: insights from a global registry

Background

Danon Disease (DD) is a rare X-linked autophagic disorder due to mutations in the Lysosomal Associated Membrane Protein 2 (LAMP-2) gene and causes severe cardiac manifestations. Measurement of longitudinal strain (LS) has been shown to provide diagnostic insights into different etiologies of hypertrophic cardiomyopathies compared to conventional echocardiographic parameters.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of global and regional LS in DD.

Methods

A retrospective, international registry, using medical records provided by patients, was formed to describe the natural history of DD. Complete echocardiogram images were available for review and LS was analyzed globally and regionally (basal, mid, apex).

Results

A total of eighteen DD patients (male 72%, mean age 17.2±10 years) had sufficient quality echocardiographic images for both traditional and myocardial strain evaluation. Notable traditional echocardiographic parameters included a mean EF of 60±11%, LV mass index 200±159 g/m2, intraventricular septal diameter 17.7±10.3 mm, LV posterior wall diameter 16.1±7.7 mm, LA volume index 21.9±13 mL/m2. Global longitudinal strain was reduced with a mean of −12.1±4.9% with an observed regional strain gradient: apex (−16.6±6.6%), mid (−10.9±4.7%) and basal (−9.2±4.5%). Bull's eye plot patterns reflected an apical sparing pattern that was similar to that described in cardiac amyloidosis.

Conclusion

In this DD cohort, we describe for the first time a strain pattern characterized by reduction in global longitudinal strain with apical sparing, which was originally pathognomonic for cardiac amyloidosis. This strain pattern in conjunction with a paradoxically normal LA volume may discriminate patients with DD from other hypertrophic conditions.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

The in vitro assessment of a novel vaping technology

We have developed a novel vaping product (NVP) IS1.0(TT), which utilises a stainless-steel mesh to transfer and vaporise the e-liquid, mitigating some of the potential sources of toxicants that can be generated using the more traditional 'wick and coil' approach. The emissions from IS1.0(TT) have previously been found to have lower levels of toxicants overall when directly compared with a commercial wick and coil e-cig. This current study assessed the toxicological responses to aerosols from this NVP. Responses induced by IS1.0(TT)were compared to those from a 3R4F reference cigarette, using in vitro test methods which included regulatory genetic toxicological assays as well as some more contemporary screening approaches. The experimental conditions were designed to facilitate the testing of aerosol from this vaping product at doses that in most cases greatly exceeded those of the 3R4F comparator showed little to no toxicological responses and demonstrated significantly reduced effects in these in vitro assays when compared to 3R4F. Furthermore, the extreme doses tested in the present study indicate that the toxicant profile of this NVP translates to lower biological activity in vitro, and suggests that the absolute risk hazard level associated with electronic cigarettes can be reduced through continuous improvement as the technology evolves.

Mapping of modifiable barriers and facilitators with interdisciplinary chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) guidelines concordance within hospitals to the Theoretical Domains Framework: a mixed methods systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Multifarious chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) guidelines have been published by local, national and global respiratory societies. These guidelines subsume holistic evidence based on recommendations to diagnose, treat, prevent and manage acute exacerbation with COPD. Despite the existing comprehensive recommendations, readmission rates and hospitalisations have increased in the last decade. Evidence to date has reported suboptimal clinical guidelines concordance. Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) is a common hospital presentation due to varied causes such as infective exacerbations, worsening disease condition, medication non-adherence, lack of education and incomprehensive discharge planning. AECOPD directly and indirectly causes economic burden, disrupts health-related quality of life (HRQol), hasten lung function decline and increases overall morbidity and mortality. COPD being a multimodal chronic disease, consistent interdisciplinary interventions from the time of admission to discharge may reduce readmissions and enhance HRQol among these patients and their families.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This protocol adheres to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for mixed methods systematic reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews reporting guidelines. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies will append this study to explore determinants of COPD guidelines concordance. Comprehensive three-tier search strategies will be used to search nine databases (COCHRANE, EBSCO HOST, MEDLINE, SCIENCE DIRECT, JBI, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, WILEY and DARE) in May 2020. Two independent reviewers will screen abstracts and full-text articles in consonance with inclusion criteria. The convergent integrative method narrative review will contribute a deeper understanding of any discrepancies found in the existing evidence. Quality of the studies will be reported and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) will be used as a priori to synthesis data. Identified barriers, facilitators and corresponding clinical behavioural change solutions will be categorised using TDF indicators to provide future research and implementation recommendations.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is not required and results dissemination will occur through peer-reviewed publication.

Citizens' juries give verdict on whether private practice veterinarians should attend unvaccinated Hendra virus suspect horses

BACKGROUND

Hendra virus (HeV) is endemic in Australian flying foxes, posing a threat to equine and human health. Equine vaccination remains the most effective risk mitigation strategy. Many horses remain unvaccinated - even in higher-risk regions. Debate surrounding the vaccine's use is characterised by conflicting perspectives, misunderstanding and mistrust. Private veterinary practitioners are critical to early identification of public health risk through recognition, sampling and management of suspect-equine-HeV-cases. However, managing such cases can be burdensome, with some veterinarians opting not to attend unvaccinated horses or to abandon equine practice because of risk posed by HeV disease and liability.

OBJECTIVE

Ascertain the perspectives of informed citizens on what obligations (if any) private veterinarians have to attend unvaccinated horses with HeV or HeV-like disease.

METHODS

Three citizens' juries were tasked with considering approaches to managing HeV risk in Australia, including (reported here) roles and obligations of private veterinarians in responding to HeV-suspect-cases.

RESULTS

Jurors acknowledged that HeV management posed an important challenge for private veterinarians. A clear majority (27 of 31 jurors) voted that veterinarians should not be obliged to attend unvaccinated horses. All recognised that greater support for veterinarians should be a priority.

CONCLUSIONS

When informed of HeV risks and strategies for control and management, citizens appreciated the need to support veterinarians performing this critical 'One Health' role for public benefit. The current governance framework within which zoonotic disease recognition and response operates limits the contingency and scope for increasing support and efficacy of these important veterinary public health practices.

Neural Correlates of Evidence and Urgency During Human Perceptual Decision-Making in Dynamically Changing Conditions

Current models of decision-making assume that the brain gradually accumulates evidence and drifts toward a threshold that, once crossed, results in a choice selection. These models have been especially successful in primate research; however, transposing them to human fMRI paradigms has proved it to be challenging. Here, we exploit the face-selective visual system and test whether decoded emotional facial features from multivariate fMRI signals during a dynamic perceptual decision-making task are related to the parameters of computational models of decision-making. We show that trial-by-trial variations in the pattern of neural activity in the fusiform gyrus reflect facial emotional information and modulate drift rates during deliberation. We also observed an inverse-urgency signal based in the caudate nucleus that was independent of sensory information but appeared to slow decisions, particularly when information in the task was ambiguous. Taken together, our results characterize how decision parameters from a computational model (i.e., drift rate and urgency signal) are involved in perceptual decision-making and reflected in the activity of the human brain.

0159 Reduced REM Sleep Percent in Frequent Cannabis Versus Non-Cannabis Users

Introduction

THC (the main psychoactive component of cannabis) has been shown to suppress REM sleep and decrease sleep latency, although this is not consistently replicated. Increased dream vividness is reported to occur in abstinent cannabis users, although dream quality in active users is unstudied. The current study aimed to assess the effects of cannabis use compared to non-use on objective sleep measures, dream reports, and self-reported anxiety, memory, and sleep quality. To collect objective sleep data we piloted the use of a portable PSG headband that allows EEG and EOG recording at home.

Methods

12 regular cannabis users (> 3 days per week) & 9 non-users (aged 19 - 27; 43% female) participated; participants used no other drugs or alcohol on study nights. The most common form of cannabis use was smoking in joints with tobacco (range = 1 - 15 per day). Participants wore the PSG headband (the Hypnodyne ZMax) over 2 nights at home (2nd night used for analysis), and were instructed to awaken 4 times across the night to fill out brief dream reports. Objective sleep measures included TST, Sleep latency, REM latency, and REM percent. Self-report measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Everyday Memory Questionnaire, and State-Trait Anxiety Index. Dream measures included recall frequency, word length, and three attributes rated on a 1–7 Likert scale - sensory vividness, emotional intensity, and bizarreness.

Results

There were no group differences on self-report measures. Cannabis users showed longer REM latency (t=2.23, p=.04) and lower REM% (U=22, p=.02); there were no other objective group differences. Cannabis users reported higher bizarreness in their dreams (t=2.07, p=.05); there were no other dream differences.

Conclusion

The study presents a novel approach to assess sleep at home and cannabis use. Significant differences emerged between users and non-users on REM latency, REM%, and dream bizarreness.

Support

N/A

Incidence trends of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) in the aging population: A SEER based analysis from 2000-2016

e18522

Background: SCCHN is more prevalent in the elderly. As the United States population ages, it is increasingly important to evaluate the change in the incidence of SCCHN in this population. Methods: This was a retrospective study using data from a population-based cancer registry (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) to identify patients ≥65 years old with the diagnosis of SCCHN between the years 2000-2016. The subgroups of oral cavity (OCC)and oropharynx cancer (OPC) were also analyzed independently. The incidence per year was calculated and joinpoint detection was used to identity significant changes in incidence trends. Annual percent change (APC) was detected to determine if the incidence trend was statistically significant. The study population was further stratified by sex. Results: For all sites, a joinpoint was found in 2003 with a statistically significant decrease in APC in incidence for males from 2000-2003 of -2.45%. For OCC, there was a joinpoint in 2005 with a statistically significant increase in APC in incidence for male patients of 1.41%. For (OPC), no joinpoint was found, but there was a statistically significant increase in APC in incidence for males of 3.41%. For females no joinpoint was found, but for OCC there was a statistically significant decrease in APC in incidence of -0.40%. Conclusions: In patients ≥ 65 years old the trend in incidence rate for all SCCHN sites stratified by sex has decreased between 2000-2016. However, for males the annual percent change in incidence has increased for OCC from 2005-2016 and for OPC from 2000-2016. [Table: see text]

Obstetric complications in patients with schizophrenia and their unaffected siblings

Objective

We sought to explore whether obstetric complications (OCs) are more likely to occur in the presence of familial/genetic susceptibility for schizophrenia or whether they themselves represent an independent environmental risk factor for schizophrenia.

Methods

The presence of OCs was assessed through maternal interview on 216 subjects, comprising 36 patients with schizophrenia from multiply affected families, 38 of their unaffected siblings, 31 schizophrenic patients with no family history of psychosis, 51 of their unaffected siblings and 60 normal comparison subjects. We examined the familiality of OCs and whether OCs were commoner in the patient and sibling groups than in the control group.

Results

OCs tended to cluster within families, especially in multiply affected families. Patients with schizophrenia, especially those from multiply affected families, had a significantly higher rate of OCs compared to normal comparison subjects, but there was no evidence for an elevated rate of OCs in unaffected siblings.

Conclusion

Our data provides little evidence for a link between OCs and genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia. If high rates of OCs are related to schizophrenia genes, this relationship is weak and will only be detected by very large sample sizes.

Detection of Schistosoma DNA in genital specimens and urine: A comparison between five female African study populations originating from S. haematobium and/or S. mansoni endemic areas

Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) is a neglected disease affecting millions, however challenging to diagnose. This explorative descriptive study compares Schistosoma real-time PCR analysis of cervico-vaginal lavages (CVL) with corresponding urine and stool samples of 933 women from five different previously described study populations. Sampling included 310 women from an S. mansoni endemic region in Mwanza, Tanzania and 112 women from a nearby S. haematobium endemic region. Findings were compared with samples collected from S. haematobium endemic regions in South Africa from 394 women and from 117 women from Madagascar of which 79 were urine pre-selected microscopy positive cases from highly-endemic communities and 38 were urine microscopy negatives from a low-endemic community. As anticipated, urine and stool microscopy and gynecological investigations varied substantially between study populations; however, the same Schistosoma real-time PCR was performed in one reference laboratory. Schistosoma DNA was detected in 13% (120/933) of the CVL, ranging from 3% in the S. mansoni Tanzanian endemic region to 61% in the pre-selected Malagasy urine microscopy positive cases. Detectable Schistosoma DNA in CVL was associated with Schistosoma DNA in urine but not with microscopic detection of eggs in urine or by cytological examination. This study confirmed real-time PCR for the detection of Schistosoma DNA in gynecological samples to be a valuable diagnostic tool to study the distribution of FGS within schistosomiasis endemic areas.

Why is there a shortage of doctors in the UK?

Recruitment and retention strategies are indispensable in targeting the medical workforce crisis.