bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient reflectance of photoexcited Cd3As2
Authors: Weber C. P. , Arushanov Ernest , Berggren Bryan S. , Hosseini Tahereh , Kouklin Nikolai , Nateprov Alex
Published: June 2015

We report ultrafast transient-grating measurements of crystals of the three-dimensional Dirac semimetal cadmium arsenide, Cd3As2, at both room temperature and 80 K. After photoexcitation with 1.5-eV photons, charge-carriers relax by two processes, one of duration 500 fs and the other of duration 3.1 ps. By measuring the complex phase of the change in reflectance, we determine that the faster signal corresponds to a decrease in absorption, and the slower signal to a decrease in the light's phase velocity, at the probe energy. We attribute these signals to electrons' filling of phase space, first near the photon energy and later at lower energy. We attribute their decay to cooling by rapid emission of optical phonons, then slower emission of acoustic phonons. We also present evidence that both the electrons and the lattice are strongly heated.
Critical thickness for strain relaxation of Ge1−xSnx (x ≤ 0.17) grown by molecular beam epitaxy on Ge(001)
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhou Qian , Dong Yuan , Tok Eng Soon , Yeo Yee-Chia
Published: June 2015

We investigated the critical thickness (hc) for plastic relaxation of Ge1−xSnx grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Ge1−xSnx films with various Sn mole fraction x (x ≤ 0.17) and different thicknesses were grown on Ge(001). The strain relaxation of Ge1−xSnx films and the hc were investigated by high-resolution x-ray diffraction and reciprocal space mapping. It demonstrates that the measured hc values of Ge1−xSnx layers are as much as an order of magnitude larger than that predicted by the Matthews and Blakeslee (M-B) model. The People and Bean (P-B) model was also used to predict the hc values in Ge1−xSnx/Ge system. The measured hc values for various Sn content follow the trend, but slightly larger than that predicted by the P-B model.
Field emission spectroscopy evidence for dual-barrier electron tunnelling in nanographite
Authors: Bandurin D. A. , Mingels S. , Kleshch V. I. , Lützenkirchen-Hecht D. , Müller G. , Obraztsov A. N.
Published: June 2015

Nanocarbon films with upstanding flake-like graphite crystallites of nanometre thickness were fabricated by carbon condensation from a methane–hydrogen gas mixture activated by a direct-current discharge. The nanographite (NG) crystallites are composed of a few graphene layers. The adjacent atomic layers are connected partially at the edges of the crystallites to form strongly curved graphene structures. The extraordinary field emission (FE) properties were revealed for the NG films with an average current density of a few mA/cm2, reproducibly obtained at a macroscopic applied field of about 1 V/μm. The integral FE current–voltage curves and electron spectra (FEES) of NG cathodes with multiple emitters were measured in a triode configuration. Most remarkably, above a threshold field, two peaks were revealed in FEES with different field-dependent shifts to lower energies. This behaviour evidences electron emission through a dual potential barrier, corresponding to carbon–carbon heterostructure formed as a result of the graphene bending.
Quantum confinement effects across two-dimensional planes in MoS2 quantum dots
Authors: Gan Z. X. , Liu L. Z. , Wu H. Y. , Hao Y. L. , Shan Y. , Wu X. L. , Chu Paul K.
Published: June 2015

The low quantum yield (∼10−5) has restricted practical use of photoluminescence (PL) from MoS2 composed of a few layers, but the quantum confinement effects across two-dimensional planes are believed to be able to boost the PL intensity. In this work, PL from 2 to 9 nm MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) is excluded from the solvent and the absorption and PL spectra are shown to be consistent with the size distribution. PL from MoS2 QDs is also found to be sensitive to aggregation due to the size effect.
Mid-infrared to ultraviolet optical properties of InSb grown on GaAs by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: D'Costa Vijay Richard , Tan Kian Hua , Jia Bo Wen , Yoon Soon Fatt , Yeo Yee-Chia
Published: June 2015

Spectroscopic ellipsometry was used to investigate the optical properties of an InSb film grown on a GaAs (100) substrate, and to compare the optical properties of InSb film with those of bulk InSb. The film was grown by molecular beam epitaxy under conditions intended to form 90° misfit dislocations at the InSb-GaAs interface. The complex dielectric function obtained in a wide spectroscopic range from 0.06–4.6 eV shows the critical point transitions E0, E1, E1 + Δ1, E0′, and E2. The amplitudes, energy transitions, broadenings, and phase angles have been determined using a derivative analysis. Comparing film and bulk critical point results reveal that the epitaxial film is nearly relaxed and has bulk-like optical characteristics.
Androgen receptor modulates Foxp3 expression in CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells
Authors: Walecki Magdalena , Eisel Florian , Klug Jörg , Baal Nelli , Paradowska-Dogan Agnieszka , Wahle Eva , Hackstein Holger , Meinhardt Andreas , Fijak Monika
Published: June 2015

CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are able to inhibit proliferation and cytokine production in effector T-cells and play a major role in immune responses and prevention of autoimmune disease. A master regulator of Treg cell development and function is the transcription factor Foxp3. Several cytokines, such as TGF-β and IL-2, are known to regulate Foxp3 expression as well as methylation of the Foxp3 locus. We demonstrated previously that testosterone treatment induces a strong increase in the Treg cell population both in vivo and in vitro. Therefore we sought to investigate the direct effect of androgens on expression and regulation of Foxp3. We show a significant androgen-dependent increase of Foxp3 expression in human T-cells from women in the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle but not from men and identify a functional androgen response element within the Foxp3 locus. Binding of androgen receptor leads to changes in the acetylation status of histone H4, whereas methylation of defined CpG regions in the Foxp3 gene is unaffected. Our results provide novel evidence for a modulatory role of androgens in the differentiation of Treg cells.
BUSCO: assessing genome assembly and annotation completeness with single-copy orthologs
Authors: Simão Felipe A. , Waterhouse Robert M. , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Kriventseva Evgenia V. , Zdobnov Evgeny M.
Published: June 2015

Motivation: Genomics has revolutionized biological research, but quality assessment of the resulting assembled sequences is complicated and remains mostly limited to technical measures like N50.

Results: We propose a measure for quantitative assessment of genome assembly and annotation completeness based on evolutionarily informed expectations of gene content. We implemented the assessment procedure in open-source software, with sets of Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs, named BUSCO.

Availability and implementation: Software implemented in Python and datasets available for download from http://busco.ezlab.org.

Contact:  evgeny.zdobnov@unige.ch

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Innovating to enhance clinical data management using non-commercial and open source solutions across a multi-center network supporting inpatient pediatric care and research in Kenya
Authors: Tuti Timothy , Bitok Michael , Paton Chris , Makone Boniface , Malla Lucas , Muinga Naomi , Gathara David , English Mike
Published: June 2015

Objective To share approaches and innovations adopted to deliver a relatively inexpensive clinical data management (CDM) framework within a low-income setting that aims to deliver quality pediatric data useful for supporting research, strengthening the information culture and informing improvement efforts in local clinical practice.

Materials and methods The authors implemented a CDM framework to support a Clinical Information Network (CIN) using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap), a noncommercial software solution designed for rapid development and deployment of electronic data capture tools. It was used for collection of standardized data from case records of multiple hospitals’ pediatric wards. R, an open-source statistical language, was used for data quality enhancement, analysis, and report generation for the hospitals.

Results In the first year of CIN, the authors have developed innovative solutions to support the implementation of a secure, rapid pediatric data collection system spanning 14 hospital sites with stringent data quality checks. Data have been collated on over 37 000 admission episodes, with considerable improvement in clinical documentation of admissions observed. Using meta-programming techniques in R, coupled with branching logic, randomization, data lookup, and Application Programming Interface (API) features offered by REDCap, CDM tasks were configured and automated to ensure quality data was delivered for clinical improvement and research use.

Conclusion A low-cost clinically focused but geographically dispersed quality CDM (Clinical Data Management) in a long-term, multi-site, and real world context can be achieved and sustained and challenges can be overcome through thoughtful design and implementation of open-source tools for handling data and supporting research.
Multilocus Sequence Analysis Reveals Genetic Diversity in Xanthomonads Associated With Poinsettia Production
Authors: Rockey W. , Potnis N. , Timilsina S. , Hong J. C. , Vallad G. E. , Jones J. B. , Norman D. J.
Published: June 2015

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. poinsettiicola is traditionally identified as the primary causal agent of bacterial leaf spot on poinsettia (family Euphorbiaceae). Sixty-seven strains of xanthomonads isolated from lesions associated with several species within the family Euphorbiaceae were collected over a 64-year period. The pathogenicity of these strains was compared on several potential hosts and they were analyzed by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) using six housekeeping genes. The 67 Xanthomonas strains associated with poinsettia production were separated into three distinct clades based on MLSA. The first clade identified contained the X. axonopodis pv. poinsettiicola reference strain (LMG849PT). A second clade was more closely related to X. hortorum pv. pelargonii (LMG7314PT) and the third clade contained the X. codiaei type strain (LMG8678T). This analysis indicated that there may also be other closely related pathovars or species of Xanthomonas that can infect poinsettia. Strains from the three clades could not be distinguished by symptoms or virulence on poinsettia plants. Strains capable of infecting geranium were found in all three clades, although the extent of leaf spot formation and number of systemic infections were significantly less than those produced by X. hortorum pv. pelargonii strains, typically the main causal agent of bacterial leaf spot on geranium. Clade III also contained strains isolated from zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa, family Acanthaceae), which is a newly recognized host for X. codiaei and X. axonopodis pv. poinsettiicola. Xanthomonas leaf spot is a serious threat to poinsettia production that can be caused by several Xanthomonas spp. that can infect different ornamental plant hosts. It is imperative that growers maintain a strict sanitation program because reservoirs of inoculum can occur on a number of ornamental hosts.
Effects of Phacoemulsification Combined With Goniosynechialysis on Primary Angle-closure Glaucoma
Authors: Zhang Hengli , Tang Guangxian , Liu Jie
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To assess the effects of phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and goniosynechialysis on patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma and cataract.

Methods:

A total of 145 eyes of 133 consecutively recruited patients were randomly divided into Phaco group and Trab group. Ocular parameters were measured before and after surgery.

Results:

The mean follow-up period was 13.2±5.6 months. The visual acuity in the Phaco group was significantly improved, whereas no alternation was found in the Trab group after surgery. The intraocular pressure (IOP) had no notable difference in 2 groups before surgery. Compared with preoperative IOP, there was significant decrease after surgery. No remarkable change in the IOP was measured in the 2 groups after surgery for 12 months. The anterior chamber depth was markedly augmented in the Phaco group compared with the Trab group after surgery for 3 months. Compared with the the Trab group, no obvious change in coefficient of outflow facility was found in the Phaco group before and after surgery, whereas there was a significant increase relative to its preoperation. The angle closure decreased from (290±25) to (60±35) degrees after surgery for 12 months in the Phaco group and no significant alteration was observed in the Trab group. The reduction extent of peripheral anterior synechiae was in direct proportion to the decreasing level of angle closure in the 2 groups. The change in the corneal endothelial cell density had no significant difference between 2 groups before and after surgery.

Conclusions:

The treatment of phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and goniosynechialysis is safe and effective for patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma and cataract.
Impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) Multidimensional Hand Hygiene Approach During 3 Years in 6 Hospitals in 3 Mexican Cities
Authors: Miranda-Novales María Guadalupe , Sobreyra-Oropeza Martha , Rosenthal Víctor Daniel , Higuera Francisco , Armas-Ruiz Alberto , Pérez-Serrato Irma , Torres-Hernández Héctor , Zamudio-Lugo Irma , Flores-Ruiz Eric M. , Campuzano Roberto , Mena-Brito Jorge , Sánchez-López Martha , Chávez-Gómez Amalia , Rivera-Morales Jaime , Valero-Rodríguez Julián E.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) multidimensional hand hygiene (HH) approach in Mexico, and analyze predictors of poor HH compliance.

Methods

From June 2002 to April 2006, we conducted a prospective, observational, before-and-after study in 8 intensive care units (ICUs) from 6 hospitals in 3 cities of Mexico. The approach included administrative support, availability of supplies, education and training, reminders in the workplace, process surveillance, and performance feedback.

Results

A total of 13,201 observations for HH opportunities were done in each ICU, during randomly selected 30-minute periods. Overall, HH compliance increased from 45% to 79% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69.1–86.5; P = 0.01). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that several variables were significantly associated with poor HH compliance: males versus females (61% versus 66%; 95% CI, 0.91–0.96; P = 0.0001), physicians versus nurses (62% versus 67%; 95% CI, 0.91–0.97; P = 0.0001), and adult versus neonatal ICUs (67% versus 54%; 95% CI, 0.79–0.84; P = 0.0001), among others.

Conclusions

Hand hygiene programs should focus on variables found to be predictors of poor HH compliance.
Fast and sensitive mapping of error-prone nanopore sequencing reads with GraphMap
Authors: Sovic Ivan , Sikic Mile , Wilm Andreas , Fenlon Shannon Nicole , Chen Swaine , Nagarajan Niranjan
Published: June 2015

Exploiting the power of nanopore sequencing requires the development of new bioinformatics approaches to deal with its specific error characteristics. We present the first nanopore read mapper (GraphMap) that uses a read-funneling paradigm to robustly handle variable error rates and fast graph traversal to align long reads with speed and very high precision (>95%). Evaluation on MinION sequencing datasets against short and long-read mappers indicates that GraphMap increases mapping sensitivity by at least 15-80%. GraphMap alignments are the first to demonstrate consensus calling with <1 error in 100,000 bases, variant calling on the human genome with 76% improvement in sensitivity over the next best mapper (BWA-MEM), precise detection of structural variants from 100bp to 4kbp in length and species and strain-specific identification of pathogens using MinION reads. GraphMap is available open source under the MIT license athttps://github.com/isovic/graphmap.
Structural studies of P-type ATPase–ligand complexes using an X-ray free-electron laser
Authors: Bublitz Maike , Nass Karol , Drachmann Nikolaj D. , Markvardsen Anders J. , Gutmann Matthias J. , Barends Thomas R. M. , Mattle Daniel , Shoeman Robert L. , Doak R. Bruce , Boutet Sébastien , Messerschmidt Marc , Seibert Marvin M. , Williams Garth J. , Foucar Lutz , Reinhard Linda , Sitsel Oleg , Gregersen Jonas L. , Clausen Johannes D. , Boesen Thomas , Gotfryd Kamil , Wang Kai-Tuo , Olesen Claus , Møller Jesper V. , Nissen Poul , Schlichting Ilme
Published: June 2015

Membrane proteins are key players in biological systems, mediating signalling events and the specific transport ofe.g.ions and metabolites. Consequently, membrane proteins are targeted by a large number of currently approved drugs. Understanding their functions and molecular mechanisms is greatly dependent on structural information, not least on complexes with functionally or medically important ligands. Structure determination, however, is hampered by the difficulty of obtaining well diffracting, macroscopic crystals. Here, the feasibility of X-ray free-electron-laser-based serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) for the structure determination of membrane protein–ligand complexes using microcrystals of various native-source and recombinant P-type ATPase complexes is demonstrated. The data reveal the binding sites of a variety of ligands, including lipids and inhibitors such as the hallmark P-type ATPase inhibitor orthovanadate. By analyzing the resolution dependence of ligand densities and overall model qualities, SFX data quality metrics as well as suitable refinement procedures are discussed. Even at relatively low resolution and multiplicity, the identification of ligands can be demonstrated. This makes SFX a useful tool for ligand screening and thus for unravelling the molecular mechanisms of biologically active proteins.
The role of uniqueness in destination branding: the case of historical Portsmouth harbor
Authors: Apostolakis Alexandros , Jaffry Shabbar , Sizeland Faye , Cox Adam
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential for utilizing a unique resource, such as the Historic Portsmouth Harbor, in order to differentiate the local brand.

Design/methodology/approach

– The objective of the paper is to examine the role of unique local resources and attractions as a source of competitive advantage through destination branding.

Findings

– The main findings of the paper indicate that policy makers and destination managers should more proactively utilize the unique elements of the Historic Portsmouth Harbor “brand,” as opposed to the commonplace “waterfront city” brand. This could be achieved by staging events of international significance or through a bid for gaining world heritage status. In addition to that, the paper argues that in order for this branding initiative to have a higher impact, a prominent high profile individual should be appointed. This individual could act as a leader or “brand ambassador” in order to attract stakeholder interest and participation.

Originality/value

– The paper could be of value to destination managers and marketing organizations in a local, sub-regional and regional level.
Unsteady convective heat and mass transfer of a nanofluid in Howarth’s stagnation point by Buongiorno’s model
Authors: Dinarvand Saeed , Hosseini Reza , Pop Ioan
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to do a comprehensive study on the unsteady general three-dimensional stagnation-point flow and heat transfer of a nanofluid by Buongiorno’s model.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, the convective transport equations include the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. By introducing new similarity transformations for velocity, temperature and nanoparticle volume fraction, the basic equations governing the flow, heat and mass transfer are reduced into highly non-linear ordinary differential equations. The resulting non-linear system has been solved both analytically and numerically.

Findings

– The analysis shows that velocity, temperature and nanoparticle concentration profiles in the respective boundary layers depend on five parameters, namely unsteadiness parameter A, Brownian motion parameter Nb, thermophoresis parameter Nt, Prandtl number Pr and Lewis number Le. It is found that the thermal boundary layer thickens with a rise in both of the Brownian motion and the thermophoresis effects. Therefore, similar to the earlier reported results, the Nusselt number decreases as the Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects become stronger. A correlation for the Nusselt number has been developed based on a regression analysis of the data. This correlation predicts the numerical results with a maximum error of 9 percent for a usual domain of the physical parameters.

Originality/value

– The stagnation point flow toward a wavy cylinder (with nodal and saddle stagnation points) that a little attention has been given to it up to now. The examination of unsteadiness effect on the general three-dimensional stagnation-point flow. The application of an interesting and global model (Boungiorno’s model) for the nanofluid that incorporates the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. The study of the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis on the nanofluid flow, heat and mass transfer characteristics. The prediction of correlation for the Nusselt number based on a regression analysis of the data. General speaking, we can tell the problem with this geometry, characteristics, the applied model, and comprehensive results, was Not studied and analyzed in literature up to now.
An improved turbulence model for predicting unsteady cavitating flows in centrifugal pump
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Yong , Liu Houlin , Huang Haoqin , Jiang Linglin
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the unsteady caivitating flows in centrifugal pump, especially for improving the turbulence model to obtain highly resolution results-capable of predicting the cavitation inception, shedding off and collapse procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

– Both numerical simulations and experimental visualizations were performed in the present paper. An improved RCD turbulence models was proposed by considering three corrected methods: the rotating corrected method, the compressible corrected method and the turbulent viscosity corrected method. Unsteady RANS computations were conducted to compare with the experiments.

Findings

– The comparison of pump cavitation performance showed that the RCD turbulence model obtained better performance both in non-cavitation and cavitation conditions. The visualization of the cavitation evolution was recorded to validate the unsteady simulations. Good agreement was noticed between calculations and visualizations. It is indicated the RCD model can successfully capture the bubbles detachment and collapse at the rear of the cavity region, since it effectively reduces the eddy viscosity in the multiphase region of liquid and vapor. Furthermore, the eddy viscosity, the instantaneous pressure and density distribution were investigated. The effectiveness of the compressibility was found. Meanwhile, the influence of the rotating corrected method on prediction was explored. It is found that the RCD model solved more unsteady flow characteristics.

Originality/value

– The current work presented a turbulence model which was much more suitable for predicting the cavitating flow in centrifugal pump.
Inequity in access to health services between migrants and natives of Chandigarh, India
Authors: Kaur Manmeet , Singh Sukhbir , Gupta Madhu , Bahuguna Pankaj , Rani Soma
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– People often migrate from rural to urban areas within a country or from less developed to more developed countries for better life opportunities but may remain outside the range of health services. The purpose of this paper was to find out the socio-economic and health system factors that may affect the utilization of health services by the migrants.

Design/methodology/approach

– Five villages and three slums were randomly selected from 23 villages and 18 slums of Chandigarh, a northwest Indian city. Using stratified random sampling, 145 migrants and 63 native women, who were pregnant or had delivered a baby from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2012 were interviewed using semi-structured interview schedule. χ2 was used for testing statistical significance of the differences, and logistic regression was utilized to evaluate the “independent effect” of migration on Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service utilization.

Findings

– The level of education was higher among migrants than the natives but their income was less than that of natives. Majority of the migrant women had registered themselves for antenatal care (ANC) in the first trimester of pregnancy (55 percent) compared to the natives (21 percent), but only few had availed more than three ANC check-ups (18 percent) as compared to the natives (44 percent). Knowledge about danger signs of childhood diarrhea and pneumonia was low among migrants compared to the natives (p
<
0.0001). Health workers interacted less often with migrants (29 percent) than the natives (67 percent). After controlling the effect of socio-economic and -demographic variables, utilization of MCH care services were significantly higher among natives than the migrants. Inadequate community support among migrants led to the lower utilization of MCH care.

Research limitations/implications

– Present study reflects early ANC registration among migrants but the number of ANC visits much less than the natives. This could be further be investigated using qualitative methods.

Practical implications

– Specific strategies are required to address the health needs of migrants such as formation of community-based support groups. Health services and health workers need to be oriented to support migrants to the special needs of migrants.

Social implications

– Reduction in inequality in accessing health between natives and migrants can be addressed with social support.

Originality/value

– The study supports the fact that migration is one of the social determinants of health. Lack of community support to migrants is the major barrier in accessing the health services.
Analyzing the factors affecting coordination in engineer-to-order supply chain
Authors: Mello Mario Henrique , Strandhagen Jan Ola , Alfnes Erlend
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Engineer-to-order (ETO) supply chains involve multiple companies for performing complex projects. The ability to effectively coordinate cross-business activities is essential to avoid delays, cost overruns and quality problems. Coordination is related to a number of contingent factors that need to be better comprehended. The purpose of this paper is to highlight such contingent factors and to analyse their effect on the occurrence of project delays.

Design/methodology/approach

– A multiple case study is used to investigate the moderating factors affecting coordination in projects carried out in an ETO supply chain. Such factors are examined through a cross-analysis of six shipbuilding projects based on data from interviews, project documentation and clips from the media press.

Findings

– In ETO supply chains, the engineering and production activities involve mutual interdependences that need to be coordinated. The findings suggest that both the integration of engineering and production and the production capability are the most critical factors influencing coordination in an ETO supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

– The study was carried out within shipbuilding projects as a setting to represent the ETO domain. To extend the findings, further research can examine other types of projects, such as: oil and gas, construction, military and aerospace.

Practical implications

– In practice, there is no “one-fits-all” solution for coordination. Each project represents a unique context which has specific objectives, actors and constraints. From that perspective, this study provides a basis to comprehend coordination in a complex setting.

Originality/value

– This study builds knowledge upon coordination by generating a number of propositions regarding the effectiveness of coordination on avoiding delays in complex projects carried out in ETO supply chains. Focusing on the engineering and production activities, the authors extend the existing theory by demonstrating that coordination can vary according to the level of several moderating factors.
Lifetime trauma victimization and PTSD in relation to psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder in a sample of incarcerated women and men
Authors: Gobin Robyn L , Reddy Madhavi K. , Zlotnick Caron , Johnson Jennifer E.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and psychopathy are similar, but distinct, psychiatric conditions that are common in male and female inmates; a segment of the population with high rates of trauma exposure. It is unclear whether specific types of lifetime trauma are associated with ASPD and psychopathy in incarcerated women and men. Furthermore, the unique roles of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity and trauma victimization in antisocial personality disturbance are not well-understood. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study investigated associations between trauma variables (different kinds of traumatic experiences and PTSD) and antisocial personality variables (ASPD and psychopathy) in a sample of incarcerated women and men who participated in a randomized clinical trial for major depressive disorder. In total, 88 incarcerated men and women were assessed for ASPD diagnosis, psychopathy severity, PTSD symptom severity, and history of physical, sexual, and crime-related trauma. Regression analyses predicted ASPD or psychopathy from trauma variables, controlling for gender.

Findings

– Physical trauma was the only form of trauma that was significantly related to psychopathy. Physical trauma and crime-related trauma were associated with ASPD. PTSD symptom severity was not associated with psychopathy or ASPD.

Originality/value

– There are associations between some kinds of lifetime trauma exposure and current ASPD/psychopathy in the target sample, but these associations do not appear to be mediated through current PTSD symptoms.
Influence of offence type and prior imprisonment on risk of death following release from prison: a whole-population linked data study
Authors: Jama-Alol Khadra Abdi , Malacova Eva , Ferrante Anna , Alan Janine , Stewart Louise , Preen David
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of offence type, prior imprisonment and various socio-demographic characteristics on mortality at 28 and 365 days following prison release.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using whole-population linked, routinely collected administrative state-based imprisonment and mortality data, the authors conducted a retrospective study of 12,677 offenders released from Western Australian prisons in the period 1994-2003. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the association between mortality at 28 and 365 days post-release and offence type, prior imprisonment, and a range of socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, social disadvantage and Indigenous status).

Findings

– Overall, 135 (1.1 per cent) died during the 365 days follow-up period, of these, 17.8 per cent (n=24) died within the first 28 days (four weeks) of their index release. Ex-prisoners who had committed drug-related offences had significantly higher risk of 28-day post-release mortality (HR=28.4; 95 per cent CI: 1.3-615.3, p=0.033), than those who had committed violent (non-sexual) offences. A significant association was also found between the number of previous incarcerations and post-release mortality at 28 days post-release, with three prior prison terms carrying the highest mortality risk (HR=73.8; 95 per cent CI: 1.8-3,092.5, p=0.024). No association between mortality and either offence type or prior imprisonment was seen at 365 days post-release.

Originality/value

– Post-release mortality at 28 days was significantly associated with offence type (with drug-related offences carrying the greatest risk) and with prior imprisonment, but associations did not persist to 365 days after release. Targeting of short-term transitional programmes to reduce preventable deaths after return to the community could be tailored to these high-risk ex-prisoners.
Sensory Characterization and Consumer Preference Mapping of Fresh Sausages Manufactured with Goat and Sheep Meat
Authors: Paulos Kátia , Rodrigues Sandra , Oliveira António Filipe , Leite Ana , Pereira Etelvina , Teixeira Alfredo
Published: June 2015

The main objective of this study was the sensory characterization, by a taste and a consumers’ panel, of fresh sausages from 140 culled goats and 140 culled ewes. Species and type of preparation effects were studied. All data were previously analyzed by analysis of variance. Taste panel data were analyzed by a Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA). Consumers’ panel data were analyzed by Preference Mapping. The 1st 2 factors explained 88.22% of total variation in GPA. Different sausages samples were perfectly differentiated by assessors. Goat sausages have been considered harder, more fibrous, and less juicy than sheep sausages. The panelists observed that sheep sausages without paprika had greater intensity of flavor, tasted spicy, and had an off‐odor, while goat sausages with paprika were considered sweeter. Consumers’ panel did not show any preference for the different types of sausages. This means that all types of sausages can have market opportunity.
Association between history of psychosis and cardiovascular disease in bipolar disorder
Authors: Prieto Miguel L , McElroy Susan L , Hayes Sharonne N , Sutor Bruce , Kung Simon , Bobo William V , Fuentes Manuel E , Cuellar‐Barboza Alfredo B , Crow Scott , Ösby Urban , Chauhan Mohit , Westman Jeanette , Geske Jennifer R , Colby Colin L , Ryu Euijung , Biernacka Joanna M , Frye Mark A
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To determine whether clinical features of bipolar disorder, such as history of psychosis, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors contribute to a higher risk of CVD among patients with bipolar disorder.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included a sample of 988 patients with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder or schizoaffective bipolar type confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV‐TR disorders (SCID). Medical comorbidity burden was quantified utilizing the Cumulative Illness Severity Rating Scale (CIRS). This 13‐item organ‐based scale includes cardiac disease severity quantification. Confirmed by medical record review, patients who scored 1 (current mild or past significant problem) or higher in the cardiac item were compared by logistic regression to patients who scored 0 (no impairment), adjusting for CVD risk factors that were selected using a backwards stepwise approach or were obtained from the literature.

Results

In a multivariate model, age [odds ratio (OR) = 3.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.66–5.54, p < 0.0001], hypertension (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.69–3.55, p < 0.0001), and history of psychosis (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.03–2.13, p = 0.03) were associated with CVD. When CVD risk factors from the literature were added to the analysis, age (OR = 3.19, 95% CI: 1.67–6.10, p = 0.0005) and hypertension (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.61–3.76, p < 0.01) remained significant, with psychosis being at the trend level (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.96–2.13, p = 0.08).

Conclusions

The phenotype of psychotic bipolar disorder may reflect higher illness severity with associated cardiac comorbidity. Further studies are encouraged to clarify the effect of the disease burden (i.e., depression), lifestyle, and treatment interventions (i.e., atypical antipsychotics) on this risk association.
Mycophenolate mofetil and Sirolimus as second or further line treatment in children with chronic refractory Primitive or Secondary Autoimmune Cytopenias: a single centre experience
Authors: Miano Maurizio , Scalzone Maria , Perri Katia , Palmisani Elena , Caviglia Ilaria , Micalizzi Concetta , Svahn Johanna , Calvillo Michaela , Banov Laura , Terranova Paola , Lanza Tiziana , Dufour Carlo , Fioredda Francesca
Published: June 2015

The management of refractory autoimmune cytopenias in childhood is challenging due to the lack of established evidence on escalating treatments. The long‐term efficacy of immunosuppressive drugs was evaluated in children with refractory autoimmune cytopenias referred to the Haematology Unit of the Gaslini Children's Hospital between 2001 and 2014. Patients were grouped into three categories: autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), ALPS‐related syndrome (at least one absolute/primary additional criterion for ALPS) and primary autoimmune cytopenia (PAC, cytopenia with no other immunological symptoms/signs). Fifty‐eight children (aged 1–16 years) entered the study: 12 were categorized with ALPS, 24 were ALPS‐related and 22 had PAC. Five didn't receive treatment. Fifty‐three were initially treated with steroids/intravenous immunoglobulin. Fourteen responded, whereas 39 did not. Of these 39 patients, 34 (87%) received mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as second/further‐line treatment and 22 (65%) responded. Within these 34 subjects, ALPS patients responded better (11/11, 100%) than the two other groups pooled together (11/23, 48%; P = 0·002). Sirolimus was given as second/further‐line treatment to 16 children, and 12 (75%) responded, including 8 who previously failed MMF therapy. Median follow‐up was 3·46 years. MMF and Sirolimus were well‐tolerated and enabled partial/complete and sustained remission in most children. These drugs may be successfully and safely used in children with refractory autoimmune cytopenias with or without ALPS/ALPS‐related disorders and may represent a valid second/further line option.
Student ePortfolios to develop reflective skills and demonstrate competency development: Evaluation of a curriculum pilot project
Authors: Walton J. N. , Gardner K. , Aleksejuniene J.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry developed a longitudinal curriculum pilot project to assess the usefulness of portfolios for dental students to develop reflective skills and demonstrate competency development, and to examine relationships between portfolio grades and clinical success.

Materials and Methods

Students in one dental class created portfolios with reflections on examples relevant to eight selected competency statements each year of the program. As part of our program evaluation, we set out to look at trends in portfolio grades, meta‐reflection skills, student and faculty views of the project, and relationships among portfolio grades, 4th year clinical grades and faculty rankings.

Results

Portfolio grades improved from years 1 to 3, dropping off slightly in year 4. The highest level of internal consistency for grades within and between years occurred with Competency 42, while the lowest level occurred with Competency 4. Most students were able to demonstrate meta‐reflection by 4th year. Students generally agreed with portfolios and reflection in concept, but suggested a looser structure, and they shared concerns with faculty about the workload involved. Portfolio grades did not correlate with clinical course grades (P = 0.092), but they did correlate significantly with faculty rankings except for year 1.

Conclusion

While portfolio grades for reflections were not consistent, and they did not quite correlate with clinical course grades, they correlated strongly with faculty rankings. Future use of portfolios atUBCDentistry will be enhanced by increasing curricular support regarding both competency development and the importance of reflection for professionals, decreasing workload by focusing on five Key Competencies, incorporating more formative and face‐to‐face feedback, and providing greater opportunities for peer sharing.
Dental students' experiences of treating orthodontic emergencies – a qualitative assessment of student reflections
Authors: Jones K. , Popat H. , Johnson I. G.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Professional regulatory bodies in the UK and Europe state that dental graduates should be able to manage orthodontic emergency patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore dental student experiences of treating orthodontic emergencies within a teaching institution.

Materials and method

This study was designed as a single‐centre evaluation of teaching based in a UK university orthodontic department. The participants were fourth‐year dental students who treated orthodontic emergency patients under clinical supervision as part of the undergraduate curriculum. Student logbook entries for one academic year detailing the types of emergencies treated and structured, reflective commentaries for each procedure were analysed using thematic analysis methods. The total numbers and types of orthodontic emergencies treated by students were presented. Overall, self‐reported student confidence in managing orthodontic emergencies was calculated. Themes, which represented student reflections, were identified.

Results

Seventy‐two students participated in the study. Overall, 69% of students stated they were confident in managing orthodontic emergencies. Students treated a range of emergencies, of which the most frequent was debonded brackets (38%). Reflections from student commentaries were housed under a primary theme of building procedural confidence. Three subthemes were identified: (i) theory‐practice integration; (ii) expanding clinical experience; and (iii) importance of a supportive clinical learning environment.

Conclusion

The majority of dental students were confident in managing orthodontic emergencies. Theoretical knowledge supplemented by exposure to a range of clinical problems within a supported learning environment made students feel more confident.
Understanding innate immunity and inflammation in acne: implications for management
Authors: Dreno B. , Gollnick H.P.M. , Kang S. , Thiboutot D. , Bettoli V. , Torres V. , Leyden J. ,   the Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne
Published: June 2015

Acne has long been understood to have a complex physiological basis involving several main factors: hormonally‐stimulated sebum production, abnormal keratinization of the pilosebaceous duct, and an inflammatory immune response to Propionibacterium acnes. Recent studies at the molecular and cellular level have begun clarifying how all of these factors interact, and the role of the innate immune system is better appreciated. Inflammation has been demonstrated in all acne lesions ‐ the preclinical microcomedo, comedones, inflammatory lesions, ‘post‐inflammatory’ erythema or hyperpigmentation, and scarring. Inflammation localized to the pilosebaceous unit can be considered the defining feature of acne and should be addressed via multiple therapeutic pathways. Clinicians tend to think oral antibiotics should be used to ‘calm’ inflammatory acne, but there is good evidence showing that topical retinoids also have anti‐inflammatory properties as a class effect. For best therapeutic outcomes, most patients with acne should be treated first line with a topical retinoid plus an antimicrobial agent, as has been demonstrated in thousands of patients involved in clinical trials and recommended by the Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne for more than a decade. Moving away from reliance on antibiotic therapy for acne is particularly important in an era of worsening antimicrobial resistance and worldwide calls to reduce antibiotic use. Improved understanding about the role of P. acnes and the innate immune system in acne should help clinicians in designing efficacious treatment strategies.
Safety and efficacy of adapalene 0.1% / benzoyl peroxide 2.5% in the long‐term treatment of predominantly moderate acne with or without concomitant medication – results from the non‐interventional cohort study ELANG
Authors: Gollnick H.P.M. , Friedrich M. , Peschen M. , Pettker R. , Pier A. , Streit V. , Jöstingmeyer P. , Porombka D. , Rojo Pulido I. , Jäckel A.
Published: June 2015

Background

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease requiring long‐term treatment. The fixed‐dose combination adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% (adapalene‐BPO) is indicated for the once‐daily topical treatment of Acne vulgaris when comedones, papules and pustules are present.

Objective

The main objectives of this non‐interventional study were to assess long‐term efficacy and safety of adapalene‐BPO in moderate to severe acne with and without concomitant medication.

Methods

Patients with moderate to severe acne received adapalene‐BPO alone or in combination with concomitant medication over a course of 9 months. The primary efficacy endpoint was changes in acne severity according to the Leeds Revised Acne Grading System; secondary endpoints included treatment success assessed by the patient and safety.

Results

In total, 5131 patients were eligible for efficacy and 5141 for safety evaluation. The majority of patients (78.8%) received adapalene‐BPO alone. About 21.2% received adapalene‐BPO in combination with another agent, mostly topical antibiotics (8.8%) or systemic antibiotics (8.7%). Mean (±SD) acne severity improved from 5.6 ± 1.5 at baseline to 3.3 ± 1.9 at month 3, and further to 1.9 ± 1.9 at month 9 (both P < 0.0001). The degree of improvement correlated significantly with the severity at baseline. After 3 and 9 months of treatment, the facial skin was cleared completely (no more visible acne lesions) in 420 (8.2%) and 1326 patients (25.8%), respectively. A therapeutic effect was noted by the patients after a median time of 3 weeks (range: from 1 day to 12 weeks). No serious adverse events were reported. Facial skin irritations, mostly mild to moderate, occurred in 49.5% of patients and led to discontinuation in only 1.7% of cases.

Conclusion

In consistence with previous clinical findings, the use of adapalene‐BPO in daily practice routine is safe and effective in the long‐term management of patients with moderate to severe acne.