bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Athletes with a concussion history in the last two years have impairments in dynamic balance performance
Authors: Johnston William , Heiderscheit Bryan , Sanfilippo Jennifer , Brooks M. Alison , Caulfield Brian
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine if National Collegiate Athletics Association Division 1 American Football and Ice Hockey athletes with a history of concussion have impaired dynamic balance control when compared to healthy control athletes. This cross‐sectional observational study recruited 146 athletes; 90 control athletes and 56 athletes with a history of concussion. Athletes were tested during a pre‐season evaluation using the inertial‐sensor instrumented Y Balance Test. Independent variables were normalized reach distance, gyroscope magnitude sample entropy, and jerk magnitude root mean square. Kruskal‐Wallis H test and Dunn‐Bonferroni analysis demonstrated that individuals with a concussion history within the last 2 years have statistically significantly lower jerk magnitude root mean square in the posteromedial (Z = 23.22,P = .015) and posterolateral (Z = 24.64,P = .010) reach directions, when compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between those who sustained a concussion longer than two years ago and the control group for the posteromedial (Z = −1.25;P = .889) and posterolateral (Z = 6.44;P = .469) directions. These findings show that athletes with a concussion history within the last two years possess dynamic balance deficits, when compared to healthy control athletes. Conversely, athletes whose injury occurred greater than 2 years ago possessed comparable performance to the healthy controls. This suggests that sensorimotor control deficits may persist beyond clinical recovery, for up to 2 years. Therefore, clinicians should integrate balance training interventions into the return‐to‐play process to accelerate sensorimotor recovery and mitigate the risk of future injury.
Longitudinal restraining devices for the evaluation of structural behaviour of cement‐based materials: The past, present and prospective trends
Authors: Kanavaris Fragkoulis , Azenha Miguel , Schlicke Dirk , Kovler Konstantin
Published: April 2020

The problem of thermal and shrinkage cracking in concrete has been long recognised by researchers and engineers as it can jeopardise the intended serviceability of a concrete structure. This has led researchers to develop testing devices which aim to simulate the behaviour of concrete under restrained deformations. Such devices are discerned in passive and active, depending on how concrete's movement is restrained, whilst a new type of devices has been developed to account for the combined effects of intrinsic restrained deformations and externally imposed actions. This paper presents a detailed and critical literature review on the developed restraining devices and an analysis of the capabilities, complexities and peculiarities associated with their use. Further to this, the challenges the developers of testing devices are faced with, the gaps and uncertainties with the methods found in the literature and recommendations for potential improvements in the field are discussed.
Low‐cost digital image correlation and strain measurement for geotechnical applications
Authors: Eichhorn G. N. , Bowman A. , Haigh S. K. , Stanier S.
Published: April 2020

Particle image velocimetry (PIV), or digital image correlation (DIC), is a widely used technique to measure soil displacements and strains in small‐scale geotechnical models. Arrays of single‐board computers (SBCs) produced by Raspberry Pi, and their associated 8‐MP cameras, are being used at the University of Cambridge to capture the images required for DIC analysis. This alternative to more expensive camera set‐ups has numerous advantages. A single expensive and large camera can be replaced—at low cost—by multiple cameras, adding flexibility and affordability to any experimental set‐up. Traditionally, the alignment of multiple cameras to each other and the referencing to a known coordinate system required painted or machined markers to be located on the observation windows through which the experiments are viewed. This can obstruct localised soil grain displacement measurements in those areas of the model where such markers are placed. To complement the Raspberry Pi camera system, a markerless calibration method was used during image acquisition. This paper outlines the set‐up of four of these small computers and associated cameras, provides an overview of the use of the markerless referencing system and reviews two different experimental apparatus used to measure soil displacement and strain. When the cost of additional cabling, connectors and mounting hardware is considered for this system, the total cost to implement was approximately $125 USD per camera plus one‐time costs of $175 USD for system peripherals, which represents outstanding value and enables practically all geotechnical laboratories to develop similar capabilities.
Comparison of various treatment options for canine atopic dermatitis: a blinded, randomized, controlled study in a colony of research atopic beagle dogs
Authors: Marsella Rosanna , Ahrens Kim , Wilkes Rachel , Trujillo Andrew , Dorr Mackenzie
Published: April 2020

Background

No study has directly compared the various treatment options for canine atopic dermatitis and their effects on skin barrier.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare prednisone, oclacitinib, ciclosporin and lokivetmab treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Animals

Nineteen atopic beagle dogs.

Methods and materials

Controlled, blinded study. Dogs were challenged with allergen twice weekly and randomized to oclacitinib, ciclosporin, lokivetmab, prednisone or no treatment for four weeks. Dermatitis and pruritus were assessed at baseline and after each challenge. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and hydration were measured at baseline, Day (D)14 and D28 (pinnae, axilla, groin). Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 3rd iteration (CADESI‐03), pruritus, TEWL and hydration. For CADESI, the AUC of the first two weeks was compared to that of the last two weeks.

Results

For CADESI, restricted maximum‐likelihood ANOVA showed effect of time (P = 0034) and group x time interaction (P = 0.0169). In the first two weeks, prednisone and oclacitinib were significantly lower than controls (P = 0.019 and P = 0.015, respectively). Lokivetmab prevented flares. Due to variability, no significance differences in pruritus were observed among groups. The TEWL increased with time in controls (P = 0.0237) and ciclosporin (P = 0.04, axilla, D28 versus D0) but not in the oclacitinib and lokivetmab groups. CADESI‐03 correlated with TEWL (P = 0.0043) and pruritus (P = 0.0283). Hydration did not correlate with any parameters. Hydration decreased in controls and prednisone group (axilla, D14 versus D0, P = 0.004 and P = 0.027, respectively). AUC for hydration, over time, was higher for lokivetmab and oclacitinib than controls (P = 0.014 and P = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Lokivetmab prevented flares when given before challenge. Oclacitinib and lokivetmab have some positive effects on skin barrier parameters.
Unistructurality of cluster algebras
Authors: Cao Peigen , Li Fang
Published: April 2020

We prove that any skew-symmetrizable cluster algebra is unistructural, which is a conjecture by Assem, Schiffler and Shramchenko. As a corollary, we obtain that a cluster automorphism of a cluster algebra ${\mathcal{A}}({\mathcal{S}})$ is just an automorphism of the ambient field ${\mathcal{F}}$ which restricts to a permutation of the cluster variables of ${\mathcal{A}}({\mathcal{S}})$.
Sideways deposition rate and ionized flux fraction in dc and high power impulse magnetron sputtering
Authors: Hajihoseini Hamidreza , Čada Martin , Hubička Zdenek , Ünaldi Selen , Raadu Michael A. , Brenning Nils , Gudmundsson Jon Tomas , Lundin Daniel
Published: April 2020

The sideways (radial) deposition rate and ionized flux fraction in a high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) discharge are studied and compared to a dc magnetron sputtering (dcMS) discharge, while the magnetic field strength |B| and degree of balancing are varied. A significant deposition of the film forming material perpendicular to the target surface is observed for both sputter techniques. This sideways deposition decreases with increasing axial distance from the target surface. The sideways deposition rate is always the highest in dc operation, while it is lower for HiPIMS operation. The magnetic field strength has a strong influence on the sideways deposition rate in HiPIMS but not in dcMS. Furthermore, in HiPIMS operation, the radial ion deposition rate is always at least as large as the axial ion deposition rate and often around two times higher. Thus, there are a significantly higher number of ions traveling radially in the HiPIMS discharge. A comparison of the total radial as well as axial fluxes across the entire investigated plasma volume between the target and the substrate position allows for revised estimates of radial over axial flux fractions for different magnetic field configurations. It is here found that the relative radial flux of the film forming material is greater in dcMS compared to HiPIMS for almost all cases investigated. It is therefore concluded that the commonly reported reduction of the (axial) deposition rate in HiPIMS compared to dcMS does not seem to be linked with an increase in sideways material transport in HiPIMS.
Role of consistent terminology in XPS reproducibility
Authors: Baer Donald R. , Shard Alexander G.
Published: April 2020

The use of inconsistent and incorrect terminology in scientific publications contributes to misunderstanding, confusion, and erroneous results in the scientific literature. This issue is of particular importance in x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) that is in widespread use for many different purposes by scientists with diverse backgrounds. A set of surface analysis terminology, approved through consensus by international experts, has been developed by International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee TC201 on Surface Chemical Analysis. To encourage wide use, the terminology is accessible at several web sites at no cost. This short overview provides examples to highlight the importance of agreed terminology in eliminating confusion between similar terms. Examples are provided of terms that are commonly misused or confused in the literature. Other examples highlight terminology that provides a common basis for comparing instrument parameters and performance. As science advances, it is important to clarify terminology for describing evolving concepts and developments important to XPS.
Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of hair samples using unsupervised artificial neural network
Authors: Matsuda Kazuhiro , Aoyagi Satoka
Published: April 2020

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) is extensively employed for the structural analysis of the outermost surfaces of organic materials, including biological materials, because it provides detailed compositional information and enables high-spatial-resolution chemical mapping. In this study, a combination of TOF-SIMS and data analysis was employed to evaluate biological materials composed of numerous proteins, including unknown ones. To interpret complicated TOF-SIMS data of human hair, an autoencoder, a dimensionality reduction method based on artificial neural networks, was applied. Autoencoders can be used to perform nonlinear analysis; therefore, they are more suitable than principal component analysis (PCA) for analyzing TOF-SIMS data, which are influenced by the matrix effect. As a model sample data, the TOF-SIMS depth profile of human hair, acquired via argon gas cluster ion beam sputtering and Bi32+ primary ion beam, was employed. Useful information, including the characteristic distributions of amino acids and permeated surfactants on the outermost surface of the hair, was extracted from the results obtained from the autoencoder. Furthermore, the autoencoder extracted more detailed features than did PCA. Therefore, autoencoders can become a powerful tool for TOF-SIMS data analysis.
Impact of Daptomycin Dose Exposure Alone or in Combination with β-Lactams or Rifampin against Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in an
In Vitro
Biofilm Model
Authors: Jahanbakhsh Seyedehameneh , Singh Nivedita B. , Yim Juwon , Kebriaei Razieh , Smith Jordan R. , Lev Katherine , Tran T. T. , Rose Warren E. , Arias Cesar A. , Rybak Michael J.
Published: April 2020

Enterococcus faecium
strains are commonly resistant to vancomycin and β-lactams. In addition,
E. faecium
often causes biofilm-associated infections and these infections are difficult to treat. In this context, we investigated the activity of dosing regimens using daptomycin (DAP) (8, 10, 12, and 14 mg/kg of body weight/day) alone and in combination with ceftaroline (CPT), ampicillin (AMP), ertapenem (ERT), and rifampin (RIF) against 2 clinical strains of biofilm-producing vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
(VREfm), namely, strains S447 and HOU503, in an
in vitro
biofilm model.
Ecology of Lactobacilli Present in Italian Cheeses Produced from Raw Milk
Authors: Milani Christian , Fontana Federico , Alessandri Giulia , Mancabelli Leonardo , Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Longhi Giulia , Anzalone Rosaria , Viappiani Alice , Duranti Sabrina , Turroni Francesca , Ossiprandi Maria Cristina , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco
Published: April 2020

The microbiota is known to play a key role in the development of the organoleptic features of dairy products. Lactobacilli have been reported to represent one of the main components of the nonstarter bacterial population, i.e., bacteria that are not deliberately added to the milk, harbored by cheese, although the species-level composition of this microbial population has never been assessed in detail. In the present study, we applied a recently developed metagenomic approach that employs an internally transcribed spacer to profile the
Lactobacillus
population harbored by cheese produced from raw milk at the (sub)species level. The obtained data revealed the existence of particular
Lactobacillus
community state types consisting of clusters of
Lactobacillus
(sub)species that tend to cooccur in the screened cheeses. Moreover, analysis of covariances between members of this genus indicate that these taxa form an elaborate network of positive and negative interactions that define specific clusters of covariant lactobacilli.
Adaptive Laboratory Evolution and Reverse Engineering of Single-Vitamin Prototrophies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Perli Thomas , Moonen Dewi P. I. , van den Broek Marcel , Pronk Jack T. , Daran Jean-Marc
Published: April 2020

Many strains of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, a popular platform organism in industrial biotechnology, carry the genetic information required for synthesis of biotin, thiamine, pyridoxine,
para
-aminobenzoic acid, pantothenic acid, nicotinic acid, and inositol. However, omission of these B vitamins typically leads to suboptimal growth. This study demonstrates that, for each individual B vitamin, it is possible to achieve fast vitamin-independent growth by adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE). Identification of mutations responsible for these fast-growing phenotypes by whole-genome sequencing and reverse engineering showed that, for each compound, a small number of mutations sufficed to achieve fast growth in its absence. These results form an important first step toward development of
S. cerevisiae
strains that exhibit fast growth on inexpensive, fully supplemented mineral media that only require complementation with a carbon source, thereby reducing costs, complexity, and contamination risks in industrial yeast fermentation processes.
F-Specific RNA Bacteriophages Model the Behavior of Human Noroviruses during Purification of Oysters: the Main Mechanism Is Probably Inactivation Rather than Release
Authors: Leduc Alice , Leclerc Manon , Challant Julie , Loutreul Julie , Robin Maëlle , Maul Armand , Majou Didier , Boudaud Nicolas , Gantzer Christophe
Published: April 2020

This study provides new data about the behavior of viruses in oysters under purification processes and about their elimination mechanism. First, a high correlation has been observed between F-specific RNA bacteriophages of subgroup II (FRNAPH-II) and norovirus (NoV) in oysters impacted by fecal contamination when both are detected using molecular approaches. Second, when using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and culture to detect FRNAPH-II genomes and infectious FRNAPH in oysters, respectively, it appears that genome detection provides limited information about the presence of infectious particles. The comparison of both genomes and infectious particles highlights that the main mechanism of virus elimination in oysters is inactivation. Finally, this study shows that none of the conditions tested modify virus removal.
Hepatitis B Virus Core Particles Containing a Conserved Region of the G Protein Combined with Interleukin-35 Protected Mice against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection without Vaccine-Enhanced Immunopathology
Authors: Yang Jie , Ma Chen , Zhao Yu , Fan Anjing , Zou Xiufen , Pan Zishu
Published: April 2020

In the past few decades, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has still been a major health concern worldwide. The vaccine-enhance disease (VED) has hindered RSV vaccine development. A truncated hepatitis B virus core protein vaccine containing the conserved region (amino acids 144 to 204) of the RSV G protein (HBc-tG) had previously been shown to induce effective immune responses and confer protection against RSV infection in mice but to also lead to VED. In this study, we investigated the effect of IL-35 on the host response and immunopathology following RSV infection in vaccinated mice. Our results indicate that HBc-tG together with IL-35 elicited a balanced immune response and protected mice against RSV infection without vaccine-enhanced immunopathology. Applying a systems biology method, we identified
Il10
to be the key regulator in reducing the excessive lung inflammation. Our study provides new insight into the function of IL-35 and its regulatory mechanism of VED at the network level.
The Proteasome Governs Fungal Morphogenesis via Functional Connections with Hsp90 and cAMP-Protein Kinase A Signaling
Authors: Hossain Saif , Veri Amanda O. , Cowen Leah E.
Published: April 2020

Fungi cause life-threatening infections and pose a serious threat to human health as there are very few effective antifungal drugs.
Candida albicans
is a major human fungal pathogen and cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. A key trait that enables
C. albicans
virulence is its ability to transition between yeast and filamentous forms. Understanding the mechanisms regulating this virulence trait can facilitate the development of much-needed, novel therapeutic strategies. A key regulator of morphogenesis is the molecular chaperone Hsp90, which is crucial for proteostasis. Here, we expanded our understanding of how proteostasis regulates fungal morphogenesis and identified the proteasome as a repressor of filamentation in
C. albicans
and related species. Our work suggests that proteasome inhibition overwhelms Hsp90 function, thereby inducing morphogenesis. This work provides a foundation for understanding the role of the proteasome in fungal virulence and offers potential for targeting the proteasome to disarm fungal pathogens.
Hematite replacement and oxidative overprinting recorded in the 1.88 Ga Gunflint iron formation, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Rasmussen Birger , Muhling Janet R.
Published: April 2020

The 1.88 Ga Gunflint Formation in Ontario, Canada, has played a key role in the development of current models for the deposition of iron formations. The presence of hematite-rich iron formation intercalated with chert stromatolites containing purported cyanobacterial microfossils sparked the idea that biology was the principal driver of Fe2+ oxidation and iron deposition. However, despite the abundance of hematite in the Gunflint Formation, a primary depositional origin has not been established. Here we present evidence for the replacement of Fe-silicate granules by hematite in drill core intersecting the Gunflint Formation. Iron-oxide replacement proceeded inwards from granule boundaries and along intergranular fractures, producing iron oxide–rich rims around Fe-silicate cores. The abundance of organic matter in shaly iron formation implies that the iron-rich mudstones experienced anoxic diagenesis and that coexisting hematite was not depositional but formed after burial. Widespread distribution of the alteration textures indicates that this was a large-scale process and that much of the hematite is not primary. Lifting the veil of oxidative overprinting reveals an iron-rich sediment that was originally more reduced and dominated by Fe(II)-rich minerals. Our results imply that a major assumption underpinning the original model for biological iron oxidation as the driver of iron formation deposition may be flawed, raising broader questions about the origin of hematite in other iron formations and the role of biology in iron deposition in the early oceans.
Results from NEXT-D: the association of a pre-diabetes-specific health plan and rates of incident diabetes among a national sample of working-age adults
Authors: Moin Tannaz , Li Jinnan , Duru Kenrik , Ettner Susan L , Turk Norman , Chan Charles , Keckhafer Abigail M , Luchs Robert H , Ho Sam , Mangione Carol M
Published: April 2020

Background

Pre-diabetes affects one-third of adults in the USA and a subset will progress to type 2 diabetes. Our objective was to determine whether a disease-specific health plan, known as the Diabetes Health Plan (DHP), designed to improve care for persons with pre-diabetes and diabetes also led to lower rates of incident diabetes among adults with pre-diabetes.

Methods

We examined eligibility and claims data from a large payer who offered the DHP to a national sample of employers. We included adult employees and dependents who were continuously covered by the DHP over a 4-year study window. The primary outcome was incident diabetes. We conducted propensity score matching at the employer level to find comparable control employer groups offering standard plans. Using an adjusted logistic regression model at the individual level, we tested the association between DHP employer group status and incident diabetes diagnosis during the 3 years of postbaseline follow-up.

Findings

Our analysis included data from 11 965 continuously enrolled adults with pre-diabetes (n=1538 from nine employers offering DHP; n=10 427 from 105 control employers offering standard plans). DHP employees and covered dependents with pre-diabetes had an 8% lower absolute predicted probability of incident diabetes compared with individuals from employer groups offering standard benefit plans (29% predicted probability of incident diabetes for DHP vs 37% for controls, p<0.001).

Conclusions

A pre-diabetes-specific health benefit design was associated with lower rates of incident diabetes and represents an area of needed future study.
Prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native adults, 2006–2017
Authors: Bullock Ann , Sheff Karen , Hora Israel , Burrows Nilka Rios , Benoit Stephen R , Saydah Sharon H , Hardin Carmen Licavoli , Gregg Edward W
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The objective of this study was to examine recent trends in diagnosed diabetes prevalence for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults aged 18 years and older in the Indian Health Service (IHS) active clinical population.

Research design and methods

Data were extracted from the IHS National Data Warehouse for AI/AN adults for each fiscal year from 2006 (n=729 470) through 2017 (n=1 034 814). The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes for each year and the annual percentage change were estimated for adults overall, as well as by sex, age group, and geographic region.

Results

After increasing significantly from 2006 to 2013, diabetes prevalence for AI/AN adults in the IHS active clinical population decreased significantly from 2013 to 2017. Prevalence was 14.4% (95% CI 13.9% to 15.0%) in 2006; 15.4% (95% CI 14.8% to 16.0%) in 2013; and 14.6% (95% CI 14.1% to 15.2%) in 2017. Trends for men and women were similar to the overall population, as were those for all age groups. For all geographic regions, prevalence either decreased significantly or leveled off in recent years.

Conclusions

Diabetes prevalence in AI/AN adults in the IHS active clinical population has decreased significantly since 2013. While these results cannot be generalized to all AI/AN adults in the USA, this study documents the first known decrease in diabetes prevalence for AI/AN people.
How men who have sex with men experience HIV health services in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: King Rachel , Sebyala Zubayiri , Ogwal Moses , Aluzimbi George , Apondi Rose , Reynolds Steven , Sullivan Patrick , Hladik Wolfgang
Published: April 2020

In sub-Saharan Africa, men who have sex with men (MSM) are socially, largely hidden and face disproportionate risk for HIV infection. Attention to HIV epidemics among MSM in Uganda and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa has been obscured by repressive governmental policies, criminalisation, stigma and the lack of basic epidemiological data describing these epidemics. In this paper, we aim to explore healthcare access, experiences with HIV prevention services and structural barriers to using healthcare services in order to inform the acceptability of a combination HIV prevention package of services for men who have sex with men in Uganda. We held focus group discussions (FGDs) with both MSM and healthcare providers in Kampala, Uganda, to explore access to services and to inform prevention and care. Participants were recruited through theoretical sampling with criteria based on ability to answer the research questions. Descriptive thematic coding was used to analyse the FGD data. We described MSM experiences, both negative and positive, as they engaged with health services. Our findings showed that socio-structural factors, mediated by psychological and relational factors impacted MSM engagement in care. The socio-structural factors such as stigma, homophobia and policy issues emerged strongly as did the mediating factors such as relations with specific health staff and a social support structure. A combination intervention addressing structural, social and psychological barriers could have an impact even in the precarious policy environment where this study was conducted.
British Society of Gastroenterology guidance for management of inflammatory bowel disease during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kennedy Nicholas A , Jones Gareth-Rhys , Lamb Christopher A , Appleby Richard , Arnott Ian , Beattie R Mark , Bloom Stuart , Brooks Alenka J , Cooney Rachel , Dart Robin J , Edwards Cathryn , Fraser Aileen , Gaya Daniel R , Ghosh Subrata , Greveson Kay , Hansen Richard , Hart Ailsa , Hawthorne A Barney , Hayee Bu"Hussain , Limdi Jimmy K , Murray Charles D , Parkes Gareth C , Parkes Miles , Patel Kamal , Pollok Richard C , Powell Nick , Probert Chris S , Raine Tim , Sebastian Shaji , Selinger Christian , Smith Philip J , Stansfield Catherine , Younge Lisa , Lindsay James O , Irving Peter M , Lees Charlie W
Published: April 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is putting unprecedented pressures on healthcare systems globally. Early insights have been made possible by rapid sharing of data from China and Italy. In the UK, we have rapidly mobilised inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) centres in order that preparations can be made to protect our patients and the clinical services they rely on. This is a novel coronavirus; much is unknown as to how it will affect people with IBD. We also lack information about the impact of different immunosuppressive medications. To address this uncertainty, the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) COVID-19 IBD Working Group has used the best available data and expert opinion to generate a risk grid that groups patients into highest, moderate and lowest risk categories. This grid allows patients to be instructed to follow the UK government’s advice for shielding, stringent and standard advice regarding social distancing, respectively. Further considerations are given to service provision, medical and surgical therapy, endoscopy, imaging and clinical trials.
The equity impact of a universal child health promotion programme
Authors: Pulkki-Brännström Anni-Maria , Lindkvist Marie , Eurenius Eva , Häggström Jenny , Ivarsson Anneli , Sampaio Filipa , Feldman Inna
Published: April 2020

Background

Real-world evaluations of complex interventions are scarce. We evaluated the effect of the Salut Programme, a universal child health promotion intervention in northern Sweden, on income-related inequalities in positive birth outcomes and healthcare utilisation up to 2 years after delivery.

Methods

Using the mother’s place of residence at delivery, the child and the mother were classified as belonging to either the control area (received care-as-usual) or the intervention area (where the intervention was implemented from 2006) and either the premeasure (children born between 2002 and 2004) or the postmeasure (children born between 2006 and 2008) period. Parents’ earned income was used as the socioeconomic ranking variable. The Relative Concentration Index was computed for six binary birth outcome indicators and for inpatient and day patient care for children and their mothers. Changes in inequality over time were compared using a difference-in-difference approach.

Results

Income-related inequalities in birth outcomes and child healthcare utilisation were absent, except that full-term pregnancies were concentrated among the poor at premeasure in the intervention area. In contrast, mothers’ healthcare utilisation was significantly pro-poor in the control area. The extent of inequality changed differentially between premeasure and postmeasure for two birth outcomes: full-term pregnancies and infants with normal birth weight. Inequalities in healthcare utilisation did not change significantly in either area over time.

Conclusion

In northern Sweden, income-related inequalities in birth outcomes and child healthcare utilisation are largely absent. However, relative inequalities in mothers’ healthcare utilisation are large. We found no evidence that the Salut Programme affected changes in inequality over time.
Human Adenovirus 36 Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Lipid Profiles and Increases Inflammatory Markers in Wistar Rats
Authors: Shirani Fatemeh , Teimoori Ali , McAinch Andrew J , Rashno Mohammad , Latifi Seyed Mahmoud , Karandish Majid
Published: April 2020

Human adenovirus 36 (Ad-36) causes obesity with increased adiposity, in contrast, Ad-36 infection reduces glucose and lipid metabolism; the results, however, are not consistent. In the current study, the effects of Ad-36 infection on glucose and lipid profile and inflammatory markers in Wistar rats were investigated. Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into infected and control groups. Ad-36 virus suspension was injected in the experimental group rats. Blood samples were collected in the beginning and after 12 weeks in both groups. After 12 weeks, a significant improvement was observed in fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, insulin sensitivity, serum triglycerides and total cholesterol in the infected group compared with the non-infected groups. There were no significant differences in inflammatory biomarkers including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels between infected and control groups. This study showed that Ad-36 had favorable effects on glycemic and lipid control in infected rats, but inflammatory biomarker levels were similar for 2 groups. Ad-36 infections could potentially be a new way to develop novel antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic therapeutic agents.
Immunotherapy to treat malignancy in patients with pre-existing autoimmunity
Authors: Boland Patrick , Pavlick Anna C , Weber Jeffrey , Sandigursky Sabina
Published: April 2020

In the past 10 years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become an additional pillar of cancer therapy by activating the immune system to treat a number of different malignancies. Many patients receiving ICIs develop immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that mimic some features of classical autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately, patients with underlying autoimmune conditions, many of whom have an increased risk for malignancy, have been excluded from clinical trials of ICIs due to a concern that they will have an increased risk of irAEs. Retrospective data from patients with autoimmune diseases and concomitant malignancy treated with ICIs are encouraging and suggest that ICIs may be tolerated safely in patients with specific autoimmune diseases, but there are no prospective data to guide management. In this manuscript, we review the relationship between pre-existing autoimmune disease and irAEs from checkpoint inhibitors. In addition, we assess the likelihood of autoimmune disease exacerbations in patients with pre-existing autoimmunity receiving ICI.
Novel genetic characterisation and phenotype correlation in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease based on the Elongin C binding site: a large retrospective study
Authors: Xie Haibiao , Ma Kaifang , Zhang Jiufeng , Hong Baoan , Zhou Jingcheng , Li Lei , Zhang Kenan , Gong Kan , Cai Lin
Published: April 2020

Background

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant genetic tumour syndrome resulting from mutations in the VHL gene lineage, and its prognosis is generally poor. This study aimed to provide a more valuable genotype–phenotype correlation based on the Elongin C binding site in VHL disease.

Methods

This study included 553 patients (194 families) who were diagnosed with VHL disease in our centre from September 2010 to February 2019. According to the type of gene mutation, the patients were divided into the Elongin C binding site missense mutation (EM) group, the non-Elongin C binding site missense mutation (nEM) group and the truncation mutation (TR) group. We analysed and compared the age-related tumour risk and prognosis of the three groups.

Results

A total of 14 new intragenic mutations were found in this cohort. The age-related risk of central nervous system haemangioblastoma (CHB) and pancreatic tumour in the EM group was lower than in the combined nEM-TR group, while the corresponding risk of pheochromocytoma (PHEO) was higher. Additionally, the prognoses of EM and nEM-TR were analysed. The median survival period in the EM group was longer than that in the nEM-TR group, and both the total survival and the CHB-specific survival of the EM group were better than those of the nEM-TR group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the EM was an independent risk factor for PHEO. The EM is also an independent protective factor for CHB age-related risk, overall survival and CHB-specific survival in VHL disease. This modified genotype–phenotype correlation integrates gene mutation, the Elongin B binding site, and phenotypic diversity and provides a reference for clinical diagnosis.
Under-reported aspects of diagnosis and treatment addressed in the Dutch-Flemish guideline for comprehensive diagnostics in disorders/differences of sex development
Authors: Bever Yolande van , Brüggenwirth Hennie T , Wolffenbuttel Katja P , Dessens Arianne B , Groenenberg Irene A L , Knapen Maarten F C M , De Baere Elfride , Cools Martine , van Ravenswaaij-Arts Conny M A , Sikkema-Raddatz Birgit , Claahsen-van der Grinten Hedi , Kempers Marlies , Rinne Tuula , Hersmus Remko , Looijenga Leendert , Hannema Sabine E
Published: April 2020

We present key points from the updated Dutch-Flemish guideline on comprehensive diagnostics in disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) that have not been widely addressed in the current (inter)national literature. These points are of interest to physicians working in DSD (expert) centres and to professionals who come across persons with a DSD but have no (or limited) experience in this area. The Dutch-Flemish guideline is based on internationally accepted principles. Recent initiatives striving for uniform high-quality care across Europe, and beyond, such as the completed COST action 1303 and the European Reference Network for rare endocrine conditions (EndoERN), have generated several excellent papers covering nearly all aspects of DSD. The Dutch-Flemish guideline follows these international consensus papers and covers a number of other topics relevant to daily practice. For instance, although next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based molecular diagnostics are becoming the gold standard for genetic evaluation, it can be difficult to prove variant causality or relate the genotype to the clinical presentation. Network formation and centralisation are essential to promote functional studies that assess the effects of genetic variants and to the correct histological assessment of gonadal material from DSD patients, as well as allowing for maximisation of expertise and possible cost reductions. The Dutch-Flemish guidelines uniquely address three aspects of DSD. First, we propose an algorithm for counselling and diagnostic evaluation when a DSD is suspected prenatally, a clinical situation that is becoming more common. Referral to ultrasound sonographers and obstetricians who are part of a DSD team is increasingly important here. Second, we pay special attention to healthcare professionals not working within a DSD centre as they are often the first to diagnose or suspect a DSD, but are not regularly exposed to DSDs and may have limited experience. Their thoughtful communication to patients, carers and colleagues, and the accessibility of protocols for first-line management and efficient referral are essential. Careful communication in the prenatal to neonatal period and the adolescent to adult transition are equally important and relatively under-reported in the literature. Third, we discuss the timing of (NGS-based) molecular diagnostics in the initial workup of new patients and in people with a diagnosis made solely on clinical grounds or those who had earlier genetic testing that is not compatible with current state-of-the-art diagnostics.
Vets would not manage Covid‐19 this way
Authors: Sibley Dick , Brownlie Joe
Published: April 2020

There needs to be a more effective and sustainable strategy to manage Covid‐19 than the current economically ruinous policy, argue vets Dick Sibley and Joe Brownlie.
Assessing the feasibility and stability of uracil base flipping in RNA–small molecule complexes using molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Hagler Lauren D. , Bonson Sarah E. , Kocheril Philip A. , Zimmerman Steven C.
Published: April 2020

Small molecules can be used to target RNAs that mediate disease. A fundamental understanding of binding interactions between RNA and small molecules and the structure of their complexes will further inform the design of new targeting agents. Two small molecule ligands were investigated for their ability to recognize the expanded CUG repeat sequence in RNA, the causative agent of myotonic dystrophy type 1. We report the use of molecular dynamics simulations to explore small molecule–RNA complexes and the finding of a stabilized base flipped conformation at UU mismatches. The results of this computational study support experimental observations and suggest that base flipping is feasible for CUG-repeat RNA.
Gravitational waves with orbital angular momentum
Authors: Baral Pratyusava , Ray Anarya , Koley Ratna , Majumdar Parthasarathi
Published: April 2020

Compact orbiting binaries like the black hole binary system observed in GW150914 carry large amount of orbital angular momentum. The post-ringdown compact object formed after merger of such a binary configuration has only spin angular momentum, and this results in a large orbital angular momentum excess. One significant possibility is that the gravitational waves generated by the system carry away this excess orbital angular momentum. An estimate of this excess is made. Arguing that plane gravitational waves cannot possibly carry any orbital angular momentum, a case is made in this paper for gravitational wave beams carrying orbital angular momentum, akin to optical beams. Restricting to certain specific beam-configurations, we predict that such beams may produce a new type of strain, in addition to the longitudinal strains measured at aLIGO for GW150914 and GW170817. Current constraints on post-ringdown spins, derived within the plane-wave approximation of gravitational waves, therefore stand to improve. The minimal modification that might be needed on a laser-interferometer detector (like aLIGO or VIRGO) to detect such additional strains is also briefly discussed.
Thermodynamic phase transition and global stability of the regular Hayward black hole surrounded by quintessence
Authors: Rodrigue Kamiko Kouemeni Jean , Saleh Mahamat , Thomas Bouetou Bouetou , Crepin Kofane Timoleon
Published: April 2020

In this work, we investigate the thermodynamic and the stability of the regular Hayward black hole surrounded by quintessence. Using the metric of the black hole surrounded by quintessence and the new approach of the holographic principle, we derive the expression of the Unruh–Verlinde temperature. Hawking temperature and specific heat are derived using the first law of black holes thermodynamics. Gibbs free energy is also evaluated. The behaviors of these quantities show that, the parameter of the regular Hayward black hole [Formula: see text] induces a decreasing of the Hawking temperature of the black hole, and that decrease is accentuated when increasing the magnitude of [Formula: see text] and the normalization factor related to the density of quintessence. For the lower entropies, the black hole passes from the unstable phase to the stable one by a first-order thermodynamics phase transition. When increasing the entropy, a second phase transition occurs. This new phase transition is a second-order thermodynamics phase transition and brings the black hole to unstable state. It results that, when increasing of magnitude of [Formula: see text], the phase transition points are shifted to the higher entropies. Moreover, the phenomena of phase transitions are preserved by adding the quintessence. Furthermore, when increasing the normalization factor of quintessence, the first-order transition point is shifted to higher entropies, while the second-order thermodynamics phase transition point is shifted to lower entropies.
Hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics of thermal groundwater at Farafra Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt
Authors: Elbarbary Samah , Abdel Zaher Mohamed , El-Shahat Adam , Al Deep Mohamed , Khedher Khaled M.
Published: April 2020

Groundwater from the Nubian sandstone aquifer at Farafra Oasis in the Western Desert of Egypt has been investigated using chemical tracers and environmental isotopes to clarify the hydrochemical features of this aquifer. The majority of the collected samples are characterized by Ca-Cl water type, which may be attributed to dissolution of the carbonate-rich sediments. Calculated saturation indices show that the main hydrogeochemical processes were the dissolution of carbonates and evaporites and the precipitation of Fe-rich minerals. Temperatures calculated using the K-Mg geothermometer show that the reservoir temperature ranges from 58°C to 121°C. The groundwater samples have δD and δ
18
O values similar to the isotopic content of the Nubian aquifer palaeowater in the Western Desert. Additionally, the isotopic composition suggests that there is no active potential current recharge from the local precipitation. Gamma spectrometry of
226
Ra,
232
Th and
40
K activities indicates that the groundwater of the Nubian aquifer is safe with respect to radioactivity. Groundwater in Farafra Oasis is the main source of irrigation and drinking water for local residents. All the samples are excellent for irrigation uses for all types of crops. It is suggested that the water samples may require some treatment regarding the high iron content before usage as drinking water.

Supplementary material:
Locations of the collected groundwater samples and their Na-K-Mg ternary cation plot is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4938252
Effects of Energetic Ion Irradiation on β-Ga2O3 Thin Films
Authors: Yadav Saurabh , Dash S. , Patra A. K. , Umapathy G. R. , Ojha S. , Patel Shiv P. , Singh R. , Katharria Y. S.
Published: April 2020

In the present work, effect of swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation on structural and optical properties of β-Ga2O3 thin films was investigated. Different ion fluences (ϕ) of 120 MeV Ag9+ ions ranging from 1 × 1011 ions-cm−2 to 5 × 1012 ions-cm−2 were employed. The films were grown at room temperature (RT) using electron beam evaporation method and post-deposition annealing was done at 900 °C in oxygen atmosphere. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy data confirmed the formation of polycrystalline β-Ga2O3 phase having a bandgap of ∼5.14 eV. An increase in the structural disorder, and decrease in the average crystallites size of β-Ga2O3 with increasing ϕ was also revealed by XRD. Ga2O3 thin films showed high transparency in the UV (upto 280 nm) and visible range with average transmittance of ∼80%. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) revealed that the thin films were slightly O deficient. A low frequency vibration mode at 170 cm−1 arising from liberation and translation of tetrahedra-octahedra chains in β-Ga2O3 was observed through Raman spectroscopy. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) images suggested that the films were fairly smooth.
HVPE Growth and Characterization of ε-Ga2O3 Films on Various Substrates
Authors: Nikolaev V. I. , Stepanov S. I. , Pechnikov A. I. , Shapenkov S.V. , Scheglov M. P. , Chikiryaka A.V. , Vyvenko O. F.
Published: April 2020

In this study we compare the growth of gallium oxide films by halide vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) on various substrates under the same growth conditions. Gallium oxide films were deposited at 500 °C–600 °C on basal plane (0001) planar and patterned sapphire substrates, (0001) 2H-GaN, 4H-SiC, and

2

¯

01

bulk β-Ga2O3 substrates. The layers were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cathodoluminescence (CL) techniques. Most of the films exhibit growth features of hexagonal symmetry. Sn-doped Ga2O3 films exhibit n-type electrical conductivity. Heterojunctions composed of n-type hexagonal Ga2O3:Sn and p-type GaN:Mg demonstrate diode-like I-V characteristics and emit light under forward bias.
The Effect of Cr3+ and Mg2+ Impurities on Thermoluminescence and Deep Traps in β-Ga2O3 Crystals
Authors: Luchechko A. , Vasyltsiv V. , Kostyk L. , Tsvetkova O. , Pavlyk B.
Published: April 2020

Thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) of β-Ga2O3 single crystals doped with Cr3+ and Mg2+ impurities was investigated. Based on the correlation between the Cr3+ concentration and light sum accumulated in the thermoluminescence (TL) glow peak at 285 K, it was concluded that doping of β-Ga2O3 with Cr3+ ions leads to the formation of electron traps manifested in this peak. The activation energy of peak at 285 K is equal to Ec-0.55 eV and close to E1. Thus the Cr3+e− centers can be a candidate for E1. The high-temperature TL glow peak at 385 K (Ec-0.94 eV) is related to oxygen vacancies which are created in gallium oxide doped by Mg2+ ions to compensate for the negative charge formed by the substitution of gallium sites by magnesium ions.The co-doping of β-Ga2O3 crystals with Cr3+ and Mg2+ impurities leads to the appearance of a new TL glow peak at 320 K with an energy close to E*2 (Ec-0.7). It is suggested that this peak is formed by defect complex, in particular, oxygen vacancies with Cr3+ or Fe3+ ions.