bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving care quality with prison telemedicine: The effects of context and multiplicity on successful implementation and use
Authors: Edge Chantal , Black Georgia , King Emma , George Julie , Patel Shamir , Hayward Andrew
Published: October 2019

Background

Prison telemedicine can improve the access, cost and quality of healthcare for prisoners, however adoption in prison systems worldwide has been variable despite these demonstrable benefits. This study examines anticipated and realised benefits, barriers and enablers for prison telemedicine, thereby providing evidence to improve the chances of successful implementation.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using a combination of medical subject headings and text word searches for prisons and telemedicine. Databases searched included: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and International Bibliography of the Social Sciences. Articles were included if they reported information regarding the use of/advocacy for telemedicine, for people residing within a secure correctional facility. A scoping summary and subsequent thematic qualitative analysis was undertaken on articles selected for inclusion in the review, to identify issues associated with successful implementation and use.

Results

One thousand, eight hundred and eighty-two non-duplicate articles were returned, 225 were identified for full text review. A total of 163 articles were included in the final literature set. Important considerations for prison telemedicine implementation include: differences between anticipated and realised benefits and barriers, differing wants and needs of prison and community healthcare providers, the importance of top-down and bottom-up support and consideration of logistical and clinical compatibility.

Conclusions

When implemented well, patients, prison and hospital staff are generally satisfied with telemedicine. Successful implementation requires careful consideration at outset of the partners to be engaged, the local context for implementation and the potential benefits that should be communicated to encourage participation.
Top management team time horizon blending and organizational ambidexterity
Authors: Chen Jianhong , Miller Danny , Chen Ming-Jer
Published: October 2019

We focus on the strategic implications of executive time horizons on a top management team. We argue that time horizon mean and diversity individually and interactively influence organizational ambidexterity, that is, a firm’s joint exploitation of current competencies and exploration of new opportunities. Drawing on the chief executive officer and top management team interface literature, we propose that effective CEO temporal leadership will enhance the joint effects of top management team time horizon mean and diversity on organizational ambidexterity. We tested our hypotheses by conducting multiple runs of surveys on a sample of 146 Chinese small- and medium-sized firms. Our study contributes to upper echelons theory and temporal research on strategy, being the first to examine the strategic consequences of top management team time horizon composition.
The Need for Advanced Clinical Education for Nurse Practitioners Continues Despite Expansion of Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs
Authors: Martsolf Grant R. , Sochalski Julie
Published: October 2019

We read with great interest Mundinger and Carter’s exposition of how, in their view, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) education has lost its way and what consequences might result. Mundinger and Carter note that DNP programs are overwhelming focused on nonclinical practice. We share the concern of Mundinger and Carter about the future of nurse practitioner (NP) education within the context of expanding DNP programs. In this commentary, we raise concerns about NP transition to practice and the limited, but concerning, evidence that new NPs struggle in their transition to practice. We note that this concern is magnified as NPs continue to move into specialty roles. Health systems have responded to this concern by developing residency and fellowship programs. Fifteen years after the AACN position statement on the clinical doctorate was issued, the goal of DNP education remains an unfinished project. An important question remains: Can, will, and how should DNP programs deliver?
System modeling and identification of a balance type checkweigher compensated by voice coil actuator
Authors: Vimalesh Annadurai , An JiYun , Ahn Jung Hwan , Kim Hwa Young
Published: October 2019

The aim of this article is to investigate the characteristics of checkweigher which consists of two parts: electrical part (voice coil actuator) and mechanical part (lever-pivot mechanism). Its integrated weighing system simplified m, c, and k model, and system identification is performed through comparison of experimental results and simulated results by Simulink. m and k are attributed to the mechanical part and c is mainly due to the electromagnetic damping of voice coil actuator. Even with a determined voice coil actuator, the damping effect can be adjusted by the relocation of voice coil actuator to improve the performance of checkweigher. The validity of the simplified model is verified by comparing simulation and experimental results.
Characteristics and management of stroke in Korea: 2014–2018 data from Korean Stroke Registry
Authors: Jeong Han-Yeong , Jung Keun-Hwa , Mo Heejung , Lee Chan-Hyuk , Kim Tae Jung , Park Jong-Moo , Oh MiSun , Lee Ji Sung , Kim Beom Joon , Kim Joon-Tae , Kim Jinkwon , Seo Woo-Keun , Lee Jun , Cha Jae-Kwan , Ko Sang-Bae , Bae Hee-Joon , Yoon Byung-Woo
Published: October 2019

Background

Lifestyle changes and evolving healthcare practices in Korea have influenced disease patterns and medical care. Since strokes have high disease burden in countries with aging populations, it is necessary to evaluate the associated recent disease characteristics and patient care patterns. The Korean Stroke Registry is a nationwide, multicenter, prospective, hospital-based stroke registry in Korea used to monitor these changes across the population.

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the recent status of clinical characteristics and management of stroke cases in order to identify changes in the Korean population across time.

Methods

This study used Korean Stroke Registry data from patients experiencing ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack patients, between 2014 and 2018. We analyzed data on demographics, risk factors, stroke subtypes, and treatments that included thrombolysis.

Results

A total of 39,291 patients (mean age 68.0 ± 13.0, 58.3% male) were analyzed. The proportions of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and prior stroke were 63.4%, 30.9%, 27.7%, 19.4%, and 17.1%, respectively. In the stroke subtype analysis, the frequency of large artery atherosclerosis was highest (32.6%), followed by cardioembolism (21.3%) and small vessel occlusion (19.9%). Acute reperfusion therapy was conducted in 15.3% of cases (11.7% using intravenous tPA and 7.3% using intra-arterial thrombectomy). Intra-arterial thrombectomy also demonstrated a steep increasing trend over time (RR 1.095 (1.060–1.131), p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study provided analysis of nationwide, hospital-based, quality-controlled data from the Korean Stroke Registry database regarding changes in the characteristics, risk factors, and treatments of strokes in Korea.
Global importance measure methodology for integrated probabilistic risk assessment
Authors: Sakurahara Tatsuya , Reihani Seyed , Kee Ernie , Mohaghegh Zahra
Published: October 2019

An integrated probabilistic risk assessment framework combines spatio-temporal probabilistic simulations of underlying failure mechanisms with classical probabilistic risk assessment logic consisting of event trees and fault trees. The importance measure methods commonly used in classical probabilistic risk assessment, for example, Fussell–Vesely importance measure and Risk Achievement Worth, generate the ranking of components at the basic event level utilizing the one-at-a-time and local methods. These classical importance measure methods, however, are not sufficient for integrated probabilistic risk assessment where, in addition to the component-level risk importance ranking, the ranking of risk-contributing factors (e.g. physical design parameters) associated with the underlying failure mechanisms is desired. In this research, the global importance measure method is suggested and implemented for the integrated probabilistic risk assessment framework. The global importance measure can account for four key aspects of integrated probabilistic risk assessment, including (a) ranking of input parameters at the failure mechanism level based on the contribution to the system risk metrics, (b) uncertainty of input parameters, (c) non-linearity and interactions among input parameters inside the model, and (d) uncertainty associated with the system risk estimates; therefore, it enhances the accuracy of risk importance ranking when the risk model has a high level of non-linearity, interactions, and uncertainties. This article shows (a) qualitative justifications for the selection of the global importance measure method for the integrated probabilistic risk assessment framework and (b) quantitative proof of concept using three case studies, including two illustrative fault tree examples and one practical application of the integrated probabilistic risk assessment framework for Generic Safety Issue 191 at nuclear power plants (a sump blockage issue following a loss-of-coolant accident).
Reproducibility of Fixed-luminance and Multi-luminance Flicker Electroretinography in Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy Using an Office-based Testing Paradigm
Authors: Wroblewski John J. , McChancy Christa , Pickel Kassandra , Buterbaugh Hunter , Wieland Tyler , Gonzalez Alberto
Published: October 2019

Background:

We evaluated the reproducibility of office-based flicker electroretinography (ERG) in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

Methods:

An observational study was conducted in which ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWF-FA) was performed on 20 patients with mild-to-moderate NPDR; images were graded by the Fundus Photography Reading Center (Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA). Fixed- and multi-luminance flicker ERG was repeated four times (greater than or equal to seven days apart). Recording consistency was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), coefficients of variation, and Pearson correlations.

Results:

82.5% and 17.5% of eyes had mild and moderate NPDR using UWF-FA; 90% of the angiograms were given a high confidence grade. Fixed-luminance phase values were highly reproducible (ICC: 0.949; P < .001). There was a significant negative correlation between fixed-luminance phase and log-corrected ischemic index values (−0.426; P = .015).

Conclusions:

Office-based, fixed-luminance phase values are highly reproducible and negatively correlate with retinal ischemia in NPDR, suggesting that global retinal dysfunction may be reliably quantified early in patients with diabetes.
A Multiple Hypothesis Approach to Estimating Meal Times in Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Corbett John P. , Breton Marc D. , Patek Stephen D.
Published: October 2019

Introduction:

It is important to have accurate information regarding when individuals with type 1 diabetes have eaten and taken insulin to reconcile those events with their blood glucose levels throughout the day. Insulin pumps and connected insulin pens provide records of when the user injected insulin and how many carbohydrates were recorded, but it is often unclear when meals occurred. This project demonstrates a method to estimate meal times using a multiple hypothesis approach.

Methods:

When an insulin dose is recorded, multiple hypotheses were generated describing variations of when the meal in question occurred. As postprandial glucose values informed the model, the posterior probability of the truth of each hypothesis was evaluated, and from these posterior probabilities, an expected meal time was found. This method was tested using simulation and a clinical data set ( n = 11) and with either uniform or normally distributed ( μ = 0, σ = 10 or 20 minutes) prior probabilities for the hypothesis set.

Results:

For the simulation data set, meals were estimated with an average error of −0.77 (±7.94) minutes when uniform priors were used and −0.99 (±8.55) and −0.88 (±7.84) for normally distributed priors ( σ = 10 and 20 minutes). For the clinical data set, the average estimation error was 0.02 (±30.87), 1.38 (±21.58), and 0.04 (±27.52) for the uniform priors and normal priors ( σ = 10 and 20 minutes).

Conclusion:

This technique could be used to help advise physicians about the meal time insulin dosing behaviors of their patients and potentially influence changes in their treatment strategy.
Predictors of Time-to-Repeat Point-of-Care Glucose Following Hypoglycemic Events in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Abusamaan Mohammed S. , Klonoff David C. , Mathioudakis Nestoras
Published: October 2019

Background:

Previous studies have shown low adherence to the recommendation to repeat point-of-care glucose (POCG) within 15 minutes following the treatment of inpatient hypoglycemia. We sought to evaluate whether patient and clinical factors may predict time-to-repeat (TTR) POCG following hypoglycemic events in hospitalized adult patients.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 22 226 index hypoglycemic (≤70 mg/dL) readings (of 993 395 total POCG samples) from 6226 hospital admissions within the Johns Hopkins Health System over three years. Time-to-repeat was defined as the difference in time (minutes) between the index POCG and the next POCG sample. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of TTR with clinical, patient, and hospital factors.

Results:

The median (IQR) TTR was 49 (25-119) minutes, and 14.1% of index POCGs had a TTR ≤15. Severity of hypoglycemia, intensive care unit (ICU), intermediate care (IMC) and pediatrics admissions, and dextrose or glucagon administration were associated with higher adjusted odds of TTR ≤15 minutes. Admission to community hospitals, procedural units, surgery, and labor and delivery was associated with lower adjusted odds of TTR ≤15 minutes. Age, sex, insulin on board, secretagogue use, diabetes type, nutritional status, previous POCG value, and glycemic variability were not significantly associated.

Conclusion:

There is low adherence to the recommendation to repeat a POCG within 15 minutes following the treatment of inpatient hypoglycemia, which may be mediated by both patient and hospital factors. Further studies are needed to understand the mediators and implications of this practice variability.
A Randomized Study of a Strength Training Program to Prevent Injuries in Runners of the New York City Marathon
Authors: Toresdahl Brett G. , McElheny Kathryn , Metzl Jordan , Ammerman Brittany , Chang Brenda , Kinderknecht James
Published: October 2019

Background:

Lower extremity overuse injuries are common among runners, especially first-time marathoners. Hip abductor and quadriceps strengthening is often recommended to reduce running-related injuries.

Hypothesis:

A 12-week strength training program would decrease the rate of overuse injuries resulting in marathon noncompletion and improve race finishing time.

Study Design:

Randomized trial.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

Twelve weeks before the New York City Marathon, first-time marathon runners age 18 years and older were randomized into a strength training group or an observation group. The strength training group was instructed to perform a 10-minute program 3 times weekly using written and video instruction. This program targeted the quadriceps, hip abductor, and core muscle groups. Injuries were self-reported through biweekly surveys, with major injuries being those that resulted in marathon noncompletion and minor injuries being those that impaired training or race performance.

Results:

A total of 720 runners were enrolled (mean age, 35.9 ± 9.4 years; 69.4% female), of whom 583 runners started the marathon and 579 completed it. The incidence of major injury was 8.9% and minor injury was 48.5%. Fifty two of 64 major injuries were overuse, of which 20 were bone stress injuries. The incidence of overuse injury resulting in marathon noncompletion was 7.1% in the strength training group and 7.3% in the observation group (risk ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.57-1.63; P = 0.90). The mean finishing time was 5 hours 1 ± 60 minutes in the strength training group and 4 hours 58 ± 55 minutes in the observation group ( P = 0.35).

Conclusion:

There is a high prevalence of injury among first-time marathon runners, but this self-directed strength training program did not decrease overuse injury incidence resulting in marathon noncompletion.

Clinical Relevance:

Prevention strategies such as strength training need to be developed and evaluated through clinical trials to reduce the high prevalence of overuse injuries in runners, especially for high-risk populations such as first-time marathon runners.
Outraged but Sympathetic: Ambivalent Emotions Limit the Influence of Viral Outrage
Authors: Sawaoka Takuya , Monin Benoît
Published: October 2019

Viral outrage—the piling up of online condemnation in response to offensive remarks—is a common expression of moral judgment in the digital age. We examined whether viral outrage is effective in convincing observers that an offender is blameworthy. Across seven studies, participants ( N = 3,406) saw racist, sexist, or disrespectful posts with accompanying expressions of outrage and evaluated the offender. As more people expressed outrage, observers believed it was more normative to express condemnation but also felt that the outrage was more excessive, thus inspiring both more outrage and more sympathy toward the offender. Greater outrage increased condemnation toward the offender; greater sympathy decreased it. These two processes operated in opposition and suppressed one another. These findings held even when the offense was relatively benign and even when the offender was a high-status public figure. Overall, people’s ambivalent reactions of outrage and sympathy limit the influence of viral outrage in inspiring condemnation.
Efficacy and safety of vorapaxar for secondary prevention in low body weight in patients with atherosclerosis: analyses from the TRA 2°P-TIMI 50 Trial
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Bonaca Marc P , Goodrich Erica , Scirica Benjamin M , Morrow David A
Published: October 2019

Background

Vorapaxar inhibits the thrombin-mediated activation of platelets, reduces thrombotic events in patients with myocardial infarction or peripheral arterial disease while increasing bleeding. In the TRA 2°P-TIMI 50 trial, we observed a nominally significant interaction between low body weight and the reduced efficacy of vorapaxar.

Methods

We investigated the relationship between body weight and the efficacy and safety of vorapaxar within a multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vorapaxar in patients with atherosclerosis. This analysis was performed among 20,138 patients with a clinical indication for vorapaxar.

Results

Compared with patients weighing 60 kg or more, patients weighing less than 60 kg were older, more frequently women, Asian and had renal insufficiency (each P<0.001). The efficacy of vorapaxar with respect to cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke showed a significant interaction with patients’ weight (Pinteraction<0.03). However among patients younger than 65 years, vorapaxar reduced the primary endpoint regardless of weight (weight ≥60 kg: 6.4% vs. 8.1%, hazard ratio (HR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–0.86; weight <60 kg: 5.4% vs. 7.2%, HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.37–1.49, Pinteraction=0.98). Among patients aged 65 years and older, the efficacy of vorapaxar diminished in patients weighing less than 60 kg (high weight: 10.4% vs. 12.6%, HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69–0.95; low weight: 16.1% vs. 9.0%, HR 1.62, 95% CI 0.95–2.76, Pinteraction=0.01). The relative increase in bleeding with vorapaxar was not modified by weight (all Pinteraction>0.05).

Conclusions

Vorapaxar reduced vascular events and improved net clinical outcome regardless of body weight in younger patients. Elderly patients with low weight may not be good candidates for aggressive secondary prevention with vorapaxar added to standard therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov Unique identifier: NCT00526474
Biomechanical Analysis of an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Pseudarthrosis Model Revised With Machined Interfacet Allograft Spacers
Authors: Hah Raymond J. , Alluri Ram , Anderson Paul A.
Published: October 2019

Study Design:

Biomechanics study.

Objectives:

To evaluate the biomechanical advantage of interfacet allograft spacers in an unstable single-level and 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) pseudoarthrosis model.

Methods:

Nine single-level and 8 two-level ACDF constructs were tested. Range of motion in flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR) at 1.5 N m were collected in 4 testing configurations: (1) intact spine, (2) ACDF with interbody graft and plate/screw, (3) ACDF with interbody graft and plate/loosened screws (loose condition), and (4) ACDF with interbody graft and plate/loosened screws supplemented with interfacet allograft spacers (rescue condition).

Results:

All fixation configurations resulted in statistically significant decreases in range of motion in all bending planes compared with the intact spine ( P < .05). One Level. Performing ACDF with interbody graft and plate on the intact spine reduced FE, LB, and AR 60.0%, 64.9%, and 72.9%, respectively. Loosening the ACDF screws decreased these reductions to 40.9%, 44.6%, and 52.1%. The addition of interfacet allograft spacers to the loose condition increased these reductions to 74.0%, 84.1%, and 82.1%. Two Level. Performing ACDF with interbody graft and plate on the intact spine reduced FE, LB, and AR 72.0%, 71.1%, and 71.2%, respectively. Loosening the ACDF screws decreased these reductions to 55.4%, 55.3%, and 51.3%. The addition of interfacet allograft spacers to the loose condition significantly increased these reductions to 82.6%, 91.2%, and 89.3% ( P < .05).

Conclusions:

Supplementation of a loose ACDF construct (pseudarthrosis model) with interfacet allograft spacers significantly increases stability and has potential applications in treating cervical pseudarthrosis.
Aortic dissection masquerading as a code stroke: A single-centre cohort study
Authors: Guglielmi Valeria , Groeneveld Nina-Suzanne , Posthuma Laura , Groot Adrien E , Majoie Charles BLM , Talacua Hanna , Kaya Abdullah , Boekholdt S Matthijs , Planken R Nils , Roos Yvo BWEM , Coutinho Jonathan M
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Data on the incidence of acute aortic dissection in the code stroke population are scarce. We report estimated incidence, clinical manifestations, treatment and outcomes of patients with an acute aortic dissection in a code stroke cohort from a comprehensive stroke centre.

Patients and methods

We used data from a single-centre prospective registry of consecutive adult patients who presented to the emergency department between 2015 and 2018 with neurological deficits suggestive of an acute stroke (‘code stroke’). All patients routinely underwent non-contrast computed tomography of the brain and computed tomography-angiography of the aortic arch, cervical and intracranial arteries.

Results

Of 2874 code stroke patients, 1563 (54.4%) had acute ischaemia (ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack). Fifteen patients (0.5% of code stroke patients and 0.8% of patients with acute ischaemia) had an acute aortic dissection (all Stanford classification type A). Discerning clinical manifestations were decreased consciousness in 11/15 (73%), pain in 8/15 (53%) and low systolic blood pressure (mean 106 mmHg, SD30). Acute aortic dissection was an incidental finding during computed tomography-angiography in 4/15 (27%). Two out of 15 patients (13%) received intravenous thrombolysis, 9/15 (60%) underwent aortic surgery and 10/15 (67%) died. Of those who survived, 3/5 (60%) had a good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2).

Discussion and Conclusion

In our comprehensive stroke centre, about 1/200 code stroke patients and 1/125 patients with acute ischaemia had an acute aortic dissection. Multicentre studies are necessary to acquire a more reliable estimate of the incidence of acute aortic dissection in the code stroke population. Given the ramifications of missing this diagnosis, imaging of the entire aortic arch is important in these patients.
Non-destructive Measurement of Magnetic Properties of Claw Pole
Authors: Hu Chengliang , Bai Xuejiao , Tang Minjun , Tang Xiaofeng , Zhao Zhen
Published: October 2019

The magnetic properties of the claw pole have a direct effect on the output power of a generator. Many methods can be used to measure these magnetic properties, each with its own advantages, but an important shortcoming is that all are destructive. In this study, a new non-destructive method to measure the magnetic properties of claw pole was proposed and a corresponding testing set-up was designed. A finite-element model was constructed to simulate the measurement process. Results proved that the measured magnetization-like curves had good agreement with the trend of the input magnetic curves and the effect of the positioning error in the measuring process could be neglected. To further validate the new method, seven types of claw poles of different materials subjected to different heat-treatment processes were forged and tested by both the new method and the conventional ring-sample method. Compared with the latter, the new method showed better consistency, relatively higher accuracy, and much stronger stability of measurement results; however, its sensitivity needs to be improved. The effects of material compositions and heat-treatment parameters on the magnetic properties of the claw pole were briefly analyzed.
Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Nanosheets Strongly Coupled with Mo2C Nanoparticles for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Lei Ying , Yang Yong , Liu Yudong , Zhu Yaxing , Jia Mengmeng , Zhang Yang , Zhang Ke , Yu Aifang , Liu Juan , Zhai Junyi
Published: October 2019

Exploring earth-abundant and noble metal-free catalysts for water electrolysis is pivotal in renewable hydrogen production. Herein, a highly active electrocatalyst of nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheets coupled with Mo2C nanoparticles (Mo2C/NPC) was synthesized by a novel method with high BET surface area of 1380 m2 g−1 using KOH to activate carbon composite materials. The KOH plays a key role in etching out MoS2 to produce Mo precursor; simultaneously, it corrodes carbon to form porous structure and produce reducing gas such as H2 and CO. The resulting Mo2C/NPC hybrid demonstrated superior HER activity in acid solution, with the overpotential of 166 mV at current density of 10 mA cm−2, onset overpotential of 93 mV, Tafel slope of 68 mV dec−1, and remarkable long-term cycling stability. The present strategy may provide a promising strategy to fabricate other metal carbide/carbon hybrids for energy conversion and storage.
Anomalous Mode Transitions in High Power Distributed Bragg Reflector Quantum Cascade Lasers
Authors: Cheng Feng-Min , Zhang Jin-Chuan , Gu Zeng-hui , Wang Dong-Bo , Zhuo Ning , Zhai Shen-Qiang , Wang Li-Jun , Liu Jun-Qi , Liu Shu-Man , Liu Feng-Qi , Wang Zhan-Guo
Published: October 2019

In this paper, an anomalous spectral data of distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) emitting around 7.6 μm is presented. The two-section DBR lasers, consisting of a gain section and an unpumped Bragg reflector, display an output power above 0.6 W in continuous wave (CW) mode at room temperature. The anomalous spectral data is defined as a longitudinal mode which moves toward shorter wavelengths with increasing temperature or injection current, which is unexpected. Although the longer wavelength modes are expected to start lasing when raising device temperature or injection current, occasional mode hops to a shorter wavelength are seen. These anomalous mode transitions are explained by means of modal analysis. The thermal-induced change of the refractive index implied by an increase in the temperature or injection current yields nearly periodic transitions between cavity modes.
Tunneling Atomic Layer-Deposited Aluminum Oxide: a Correlated Structural/Electrical Performance Study for the Surface Passivation of Silicon Junctions
Authors: Liu Kangping , Cristini-Robbe Odile , Elmi Omar Ibrahim , Wang Shuang Long , Wei Bin , Yu Ingsong , Portier Xavier , Gourbilleau Fabrice , Stiévenard Didier , Xu Tao
Published: October 2019

Passivation is a key process for the optimization of silicon p-n junctions. Among the different technologies used to passivate the surface and contact interfaces, alumina is widely used. One key parameter is the thickness of the passivation layer that is commonly deposited using atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. This paper aims at presenting correlated structural/electrical studies for the passivation effect of alumina on Si junctions to obtain optimal thickness of alumina passivation layer. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) observations coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) measurements are used to determine the thickness of alumina at atomic scale. The correlated electrical parameters are measured with both solar simulator and Sinton’s Suns-Voc measurements. Finally, an optimum alumina thickness of 1.2 nm is thus evidenced.
YWHA (14-3-3) protein isoforms and their interactions with CDC25B phosphatase in mouse oogenesis and oocyte maturation
Authors: Eisa Alaa A. , De Santanu , Detwiler Ariana , Gilker Eva , Ignatious Alexander C. , Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan , Kline Douglas
Published: October 2019

Background

Immature mammalian oocytes are held arrested at prophase I of meiosis by an inhibitory phosphorylation of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). Release from this meiotic arrest and germinal vesicle breakdown is dependent on dephosphorylation of CDK1 by the protein, cell cycle division 25B (CDC25B). Evidence suggests that phosphorylated CDC25B is bound to YWHA (14-3-3) proteins in the cytoplasm of immature oocytes and is thus maintained in an inactive form. The importance of YWHA in meiosis demands additional studies.

Results

Messenger RNA for multiple isoforms of the YWHA protein family was detected in mouse oocytes and eggs. All seven mammalian YWHA isoforms previously reported to be expressed in mouse oocytes, were found to interact with CDC25B as evidenced by in situ proximity ligation assays. Interaction of YWHAH with CDC25B was indicated by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) microscopy. Intracytoplasmic microinjection of oocytes with R18, a known, synthetic, non-isoform-specific, YWHA-blocking peptide promoted germinal vesicle breakdown. This suggests that inhibiting the interactions between YWHA proteins and their binding partners releases the oocyte from meiotic arrest. Microinjection of isoform-specific, translation-blocking morpholino oligonucleotides to knockdown or downregulate YWHA protein synthesis in oocytes suggested a role for a specific YWHA isoform in maintaining the meiotic arrest. More definitively however, and in contrast to the knockdown experiments, oocyte-specific and global deletion of two isoforms of YWHA, YWHAH (14-3-3 eta) or YWHAE (14-3-3 epsilon) indicated that the complete absence of either or both isoforms does not alter oocyte development and release from the meiotic prophase I arrest.

Conclusions

Multiple isoforms of the YWHA protein are expressed in mouse oocytes and eggs and interact with the cell cycle protein CDC25B, but YWHAH and YWHAE isoforms are not essential for normal mouse oocyte maturation, fertilization and early embryonic development.
Rice of Northeast India harbor rich genetic diversity as measured by SSR markers and Zn/Fe content
Authors: Vanlalsanga  , Singh S. Priyokumar , Singh Y. Tunginba
Published: October 2019

Background

Rice (Oryza sativaL.) is one of the most important crops of the world and a major staple food for half of the World’s human population. The Northeastern (NE) region of India lies in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and about 45% of the total flora of the country is found in the region. Local rice cultivars from different states of NE India were analyzed for genetic diversity and population structure using microsatellite markers, and their zinc and iron content.

Results

A total of 149 bands were detected using twenty-two microsatellite markers comprising both random and trait-linked markers, showing 100% polymorphism and high value of expected heterozygosity (0.6311) and the polymorphism information content (0.5895). Nali Dhan cultivar of Arunachal Pradesh possessed the highest genetic diversity (0.3545) among studied populations while Moirangphou Khonganbi of Manipur exhibited the lowest genetic diversity (0.0343). The model-based population structure revealed that all the studied 65 rice cultivars were grouped into two clusters. Cluster I was represented by 36 cultivars and cluster II by 29 cultivars. Badalsali cultivar of Assam possessed the highest Zn content (75.8 μg/g) and Kapongla from Manipur possessed the lowest (17.98 μg/g). The highest and the lowest Fe content was found in Fazu (215.62 μg/g) and Idaw (11.42 μg/g) of Mizoram.

Conclusion

The result suggested rice cultivars of NE India possessing high genetic diversity (Nali dhan), high Zn (Badalsali) and Fe (Fazu) content can be useful as a source of germplasm for future rice improvement programs.
Inter- and intra-breed genome-wide copy number diversity in a large cohort of European equine breeds
Authors: Solé Marina , Ablondi Michela , Binzer-Panchal Amrei , Velie Brandon D. , Hollfelder Nina , Buys Nadine , Ducro Bart J. , François Liesbeth , Janssens Steven , Schurink Anouk , Viklund Åsa , Eriksson Susanne , Isaksson Anders , Kultima Hanna , Mikko Sofia , Lindgren Gabriella
Published: October 2019

Background

Copy Number Variation (CNV) is a common form of genetic variation underlying animal evolution and phenotypic diversity across a wide range of species. In the mammalian genome, high frequency of CNV differentiation between breeds may be candidates for population-specific selection. However, CNV differentiation, selection and its population genetics have been poorly explored in horses.

Results

We investigated the patterns, population variation and gene annotation of CNV using the Axiom® Equine Genotyping Array (670,796 SNPs) from a large cohort of individuals (N = 1755) belonging to eight European horse breeds, varying from draught horses to several warmblood populations. After quality control, 152,640 SNP CNVs (individual markers), 18,800 segment CNVs (consecutive SNP CNVs of same gain/loss state or both) and 939 CNV regions (CNVRs; overlapping segment CNVs by at least 1 bp) compared to the average signal of the reference (Belgian draught horse) were identified. Our analyses showed that Equus caballus chromosome 12 (ECA12) was the most enriched in segment CNV gains and losses (~ 3% average proportion of the genome covered), but the highest number of segment CNVs were detected on ECA1 and ECA20 (regardless of size). The Friesian horses showed private SNP CNV gains (> 20% of the samples) on ECA1 and Exmoor ponies displayed private SNP CNV losses on ECA25 (> 20% of the samples). The Warmblood cluster showed private SNP CNV gains located in ECA9 and Draught cluster showed private SNP CNV losses located in ECA7. The length of the CNVRs ranged from 1 kb to 21.3 Mb. A total of 10,612 genes were annotated within the CNVRs. The PANTHER annotation of these genes showed significantly under- and overrepresented gene ontology biological terms related to cellular processes and immunity (Bonferroni P-value < 0.05). We identified 80 CNVRs overlapping with known QTL for fertility, coat colour, conformation and temperament. We also report 67 novel CNVRs.

Conclusions

This work revealed that CNV patterns, in the genome of some European horse breeds, occurred in specific genomic regions. The results provide support to the hypothesis that high frequency private CNVs residing in genes may potentially be responsible for the diverse phenotypes seen between horse breeds.
Sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal dysfunction are associated with thalamic atrophy in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Niccolini Flavia , Wilson Heather , Giordano Beniamino , Diamantopoulos Konstantinos , Pagano Gennaro , Chaudhuri Kallol Ray , Politis Marios
Published: October 2019

Background

Non-motor symptoms are common aspects of Parkinson’s disease (PD) occurring even at the prodromal stage of the disease and greatly affecting the quality of life. Here, we investigated whether non-motor symptoms burden was associated with cortical thickness and subcortical nuclei volume in PD patients.

Methods

We studied 41 non-demented PD patients. Non-motor symptoms burden was assessed using the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale grading (NMSS). Cortical thickness and subcortical nuclei volume analyses were carried out using Free-Surfer. PD patients were divided into two groups according to the NMSS grading: mild to moderate (NMSS: 0–40) and severe (NMSS: ≥ 41) non-motor symptoms.

Results

Thalamic atrophy was associated with higher NMSQ and NMSS total scores. The non-motor symptoms that drove this correlation were sleep/fatigue and gastrointestinal tract dysfunction. We also found that PD patients with severe non-motor symptoms had significant thalamic atrophy compared to the group with mild to moderate non-motor symptoms.

Conclusions

Our findings show that greater non-motor symptom burden is associated with thalamic atrophy in PD. Thalamus plays an important role in processing sensory information including visceral afferent from the gastrointestinal tract and in regulating states of sleep and wakefulness.
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria and Oxalis – evidence for a vertically inherited bacterial symbiosis
Authors: Jooste Michelle , Roets Francois , Midgley Guy F. , Oberlander Kenneth C. , Dreyer Léanne L.
Published: October 2019

Background

Plant-endophyte symbioses often revolve around nitrogen metabolism, and involve varying degrees of intimacy. Although evidence for vertical inheritance of nitrogen-fixing endophytic bacteria is increasing, it is confined mostly to crop plants, and to date no such system has been reported for geophytes.

Methods

Bacterial endophytes associated with Oxalis, the most species-rich geophytic genus form the Cape Flora in southern Africa was studied. Culturable endophytes were isolated from surface-sterilized vegetative and reproductive plant organs for six host species at three locations. Colonies of microbes on various artificial media were morphotyped, enumerated and identified using sequence data. Filter exclusion experiments were conducted to determine if endophytes were vertically transmitted to seeds, determine if mucilage plays a role to actively attract microbes from the soil and to assess microbial richness isolated from the mucilage of Oxalis seedlings. Fluorescent microscopy was implemented in order to visualize endophytic bacteria in cryo-sectioned seeds.

Results

Evidence for a novel, vertically transmitted symbiosis was reported. Communities of nitrogen-fixing and plant growth-promoting Bacillus endophytes were found to associate with selected Oxalis hosts from nitrogen-deficient environments of the Cape. Bacillus endophytes were ubiquitous and diverse across species and plant bodies, and were prominent in seeds. Three common nitrogen-fixing Bacillus have known oxalotrophic properties and appear to be housed inside specialised cavities (containing oxalates) within the plant body and seeds.

Conclusions

The discovery of vertical transmission and potential benefits to both host and endophyte suggest a particularly tight mutualism in the Oxalis-endophyte system. This discovery suggests unexpected ways in which geophytes might avoid nitrogen deficiency, and suggest that such symbioses are more common than previously expected.
Can a ‘consent to contact’ community help research teams overcome barriers to recruitment? The development and impact of the ‘Research for the Future’ community
Authors: Grady Katherine , Gibson Martin , Bower Peter
Published: October 2019

Background

Recruitment to health research remains a major challenge. Innovation is required to meet policy commitments to help patients take part in health research. One innovation that may help meet those policy goals is the development of ‘consent to contact’ systems, where people give generic consent to be contacted about research opportunities. Despite their potential, there are few empirical assessments of different ways of recruiting patients to such communities, or of the value of such communities to local research teams.

Main text

We describe the development of the ‘Research for the Future‘consent to contact community, outline the recruitment of patients to the community, and present data on their participation in research.

Discussion

Over 5000 people have been registered across 3 clinical areas. A range of recruitment strategies have been used, including direct recruitment by clinicians, postal invitations from primary care, and social media. In a 1 year period (2016–2017), the community provided over 1500 participants for a variety of research projects. Feedback from research teams has generally been positive.

The ‘Research for the Future‘consent to contact community has proven feasible and useful for local research teams. Further evaluation is needed to assess the cost-effectiveness of different recruitment strategies, explore patient and researcher experience of its advantages and disadvantages, and explore how the community can be more reflective of the wider population.
Correction to: Rapid development of HIV elite control in a patient with acute infection
Authors: Morley Deirdre , Lambert John S. , Hogan Louise E. , De Gascun Cillian , Redmond Niamh , Rutishauser Rachel L. , Thanh Cassandra , Gibson Erica A. , Hobbs Kristen , Bakkour Sonia , Busch Michael P. , Farrell Jeremy , McGetrick Padraig , Henrich Timothy J.
Published: October 2019

After publication of the original article [1], we were notified in Table 1 a column should be removed.
Molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes in HIV-positive patients and evaluation of risk factors for colonization
Authors: Fontanelli Sulekova Lucia , Gabrielli Simona , Furzi Federica , Milardi Giovanni Luigi , Biliotti Elisa , De Angelis Maurizio , Iaiani Giancarlo , Fimiani Caterina , Maiorano Myriam , Mattiucci Simonetta , Taliani Gloria
Published: October 2019

Background

Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protozoa in human faecal samples with uncertain impact on public health. Studies on the prevalence of Blastocystis in HIV-positive patients are limited and dated.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 156 HIV-positive patients to evaluate the prevalence of Blastocystis-subtypes by molecular amplification and sequencing the small subunit rRNA gene (SSU rDNA), to identify the risk factors for its transmission, to examine the relationship between the presence of the protist and gastrointestinal disorders. Furthermore, the evaluation of the faecal calprotectin by immunoassay from a sample of subjects was performed to evaluate the gut inflammation in Blastocystis-carriers.

Results

Blastocystis-subtypes ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 were identified in 39 HIV-positive patients (25%). No correlation was found between the presence of the protist and virological or epidemiological risk factors. Blastocystis was more frequently detected in homosexual subjects (p = 0.037) infected by other enteric protozoa (p = 0.0001) and with flatulence (p = 0.024). No significant differences in calprotectin level was found between Blastocystis-carriers and free ones.

Conclusions

Blastocystis is quite common in HIV-positive patients on ART showing in examined patients 25% prevalence. Homosexual behaviour may represent a risk factor for its transmission, while CD4 count and viremia didn’t correlate with the presence of the protist. The pathogenetic role of Blastocystis remains unclear and no gut inflammation status was detected in Blastocystis-carriers. The only symptom associated with Blastocystis was the flatulence, evidencing a link between the presence of the protist and the composition and stability of gut microbiota.
Acute liver failure due to visceral leishmaniasis in Barcelona: a case report
Authors: Martinez de Narvajas Iratxe , Díaz Alba , Bassegoda Octavio , Carpio Adriá , Fuster Carla , Valls María Eugenia , Alvarez-Martínez Miriam J. , García-Vidal Carolina , Soriano Alejandro , Martínez José Antonio , Ambrosioni Juan
Published: October 2019

Background

Leishmaniasis is an emerging infectious disease. Due to human migration and tourism, visceral leishmaniasis may become more common in non-endemic areas. In the Mediterranean basin, visceral leishmaniasis typically occurs in rural regions.

Case presentation

We present an unusual urban case of acute liver failure due to visceral leishmaniasis, following a prolonged fever of unknown origin. After obtaining negative results from the bone marrow aspirate, we performed a liver biopsy that elucidated the diagnosis. The liver involvement in visceral leishmaniasis may appear as chronic granulomatous hepatitis. However diffuse hepatitis process, a necro-inflammatory pattern, without forming granulomas were observed in the liver biopsy specimens in this case. Intracytoplasmic Leishmania amastigotes were observed in the liver biopsy specimens and a polymerase chain reaction confirmed the diagnosis. Only five pathological confirmed cases of acute hepatitis due to visceral leishmaniasis have been described so far, just two in adults and both from Barcelona. A revision of the literature is performed.

Conclusions

Acute hepatitis is an uncommon debut of visceral leishmaniasis in immunocompetent patients. Furthermore there are only few cases in the literature that describe the histopathological changes that we found in this patient. In conclusion, in case of acute hepatitis leading to liver failure, leishmaniasis should be considered a differential diagnosis (even in non-endemic countries and without clear epidemiological exposure) and liver biopsy can elucidate the diagnosis.