bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell-specific expression of Epac2 in the subventricular and subgranular zones
Authors: Seo Hyunhyo , Lee Kyungmin
Published: December 2019

Aim

cAMP signal transduction cascade activation is important in regulating neurogenesis in adult rodents by increasing the proliferation of newborn cells. Although the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) and subgranular zone (SGZ) both contain large populations of neural stem/precursor cells; it remains unclear whether an alternative target of cAMP, the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac2), is involved in adult neurogenesis in the V-SVZ and SGZ. Here, we investigated the cell-specific expression of Epac2 protein in the V-SVZ and SGZ of the adult mouse brain.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analyses were performed using antibodies against Epac2, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), doublecortin (DCX), and beta-catenin, to examine the co-localization of Epac2 protein and neural stem/precursor cells in the V-SVZ and SGZ in three 8-week-old male mice.

Results

In the V-SVZ of the lateral ventricle, most GFAP-positive adult neural stem cells (NSC, defined as type B cells) and 75% of DCX-positive migrating neuroblasts (type A cells) expressed Epac2 proteins. Ninety-three percent of beta-catenin-positive ependymal cells (type E cells), which are in direct contact with NSCs and the ventricles, also expressed Epac2 protein. Similarly, in the SGZ of the hippocampus, Epac2-immunopositive signals were shown by 83% of GFAP-positive radial-glia-like NSCs (type 1 cells), 86% of DCX-positive transiently amplifying cells (type 2 and type 3 cells), and 71% of DCX-positive immature neurons. The present data suggest that a PKA-independent cAMP signaling pathway via Epac2 may be party to adult neurogenesis in the V-SVZ and the SGZ.
Preliminary effect and feasibility of physiotherapy with strength training and protein-rich nutritional supplement in combination with anabolic steroids in cross-continuum rehabilitation of patients with hip fracture: protocol for a blinded randomized controlled pilot trial (HIP-SAP1 trial)
Authors: Hulsbæk Signe , Ban Ilija , Aasvang Tobias Kvanner , Jensen Jens-Erik Beck , Kehlet Henrik , Foss Nicolai Bang , Bandholm Thomas , Kristensen Morten Tange
Published: December 2019

Background

A 2014 Cochrane review evaluating the effect of anabolic steroids after hip fracture concluded that the quality of the studies was insufficient to draw conclusions on the effects and recommended further high-quality trials in the field. Therefore, the aim of this pilot trial is to determine the preliminary effect and feasibility of a 12-week multimodal intervention consisting of physiotherapy (with strength training), protein-rich nutritional supplement and anabolic steroid on knee-extension muscle strength and function 14 weeks after hip fracture surgery.

Methods

We plan to conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial with 48 patients operated for acute hip fracture. The patients are randomized (1:1) to either (1) physiotherapy with protein-rich nutritional supplement plus anabolic steroid or (2) physiotherapy with protein-rich nutritional supplement plus placebo. Outcome assessments will be carried out blinded at baseline (3–10 days after surgery) and at 14 weeks after entering the trial. Primary outcome is the change from baseline to follow-up in maximal isometric knee-extension muscle strength in the fractured limb. Secondary outcomes are physical performance test, patient-reported outcomes, and measures of body composition.

Discussion

If the trial is found feasible and the results show an indication of anabolic steroid being a relevant addition to further enhance the recovery of muscle strength and function in an enhanced recovery after surgery program, this trial will constitute the basis of a larger confirmatory trial.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03545347. Preregistered on 4 June 2018.
Effect of a community-based intervention for cardiovascular risk factor control on stroke mortality in rural Gadchiroli, India: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kalkonde Yogeshwar , Deshmukh Mahesh , Nila Sindhu , Jadhao Sunil , Bang Abhay
Published: December 2019

Background

Stroke has emerged as a leading cause of death in rural India. However, well-tested healthcare interventions to reduce stroke mortality in rural under-resourced settings are lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a community-based preventive intervention on stroke mortality in rural Gadchiroli, India.

Methods

The study is a two-arm, parallel group, cluster randomised controlled trial in which 32 villages will be randomised to the intervention and the enhanced usual care (EUC) arm. In the intervention arm, individuals ≥50 years of age will be screened for hypertension, diabetes and stroke by trained Community Health Workers (CHWs). Screened individuals who are positive will be referred to a mobile outreach clinic which will visit the intervention villages periodically. A physician in the clinic will confirm the diagnosis, provide guideline-based treatment and follow up patients. The CHWs will make home visits once a month to ensure medication compliance and counsel patients to reduce salt consumption and quit tobacco and alcohol. In the EUC arm, households will be provided information on the ill effects of tobacco use and steps to quit it. Individuals from both the arms will have access to the government’s national programme for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, where treatment for hypertension, diabetes and preventive treatment after stroke is available at the nearest primary health centres (PHCs). The intervention will be implemented for 3.5 years. The primary outcome will be a reduction in stroke mortality in the last 2.5 years of the intervention.

Discussion

This trial will provide important information regarding the feasibility and effect of a community-based preventive intervention package on stroke mortality in a rural under-resourced setting and can inform India’s non-communicable diseases prevention and control programme. If successful, such an intervention can be scaled up in the rural regions of India and other countries.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials Registry of India:CTRI/2015/12/006424. Registered on 8 December 2015.
Pretreatment for biorefineries: a review of common methods for efficient utilisation of lignocellulosic materials
Authors: Galbe Mats , Wallberg Ola
Published: December 2019

The implementation of biorefineries based on lignocellulosic materials as an alternative to fossil-based refineries calls for efficient methods for fractionation and recovery of the products. The focus for the biorefinery concept for utilisation of biomass has shifted, from design of more or less energy-driven biorefineries, to much more versatile facilities where chemicals and energy carriers can be produced. The sugar-based biorefinery platform requires pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials, which can be very recalcitrant, to improve further processing through enzymatic hydrolysis, and for other downstream unit operations. This review summarises the development in the field of pretreatment (and to some extent, of fractionation) of various lignocellulosic materials. The number of publications indicates that biomass pretreatment plays a very important role for the biorefinery concept to be realised in full scale. The traditional pretreatment methods, for example, steam pretreatment (explosion), organosolv and hydrothermal treatment are covered in the review. In addition, the rapidly increasing interest for chemical treatment employing ionic liquids and deep-eutectic solvents are discussed and reviewed. It can be concluded that the huge variation of lignocellulosic materials makes it difficult to find a general process design for a biorefinery. Therefore, it is difficult to define “the best pretreatment” method. In the end, this depends on the proposed application, and any recommendation of a suitable pretreatment method must be based on a thorough techno-economic evaluation.
Upgrading of efficient and scalable CRISPR–Cas-mediated technology for genetic engineering in thermophilic fungus Myceliophthora thermophila
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhang Yongli , Li Fangya , Li Jingen , Sun Wenliang , Tian Chaoguang
Published: December 2019

Background

Thermophilic filamentous fungusMyceliophthora thermophilahas great capacity for biomass degradation and is an attractive system for direct production of enzymes and chemicals from plant biomass. Its industrial importance inspired us to develop genome editing tools to speed up the genetic engineering of this fungus. First-generation CRISPR–Cas9 technology was developed in 2017 and, since then, some progress has been made in thermophilic fungi genetic engineering, but a number of limitations remain. They include the need for complex independent expression cassettes for targeting multiplex genomic loci and the limited number of available selectable marker genes.

Results

In this study, we developed anAcidaminococcussp. Cas12a-based CRISPR system for efficient multiplex genome editing, using a single-array approach inM. thermophila. These CRISPR–Cas12a cassettes worked well for simultaneous multiple gene deletions/insertions. We also developed a new simple approach for marker recycling that relied on the novel cleavage activity of the CRISPR–Cas12a system to make DNA breaks in selected markers. We demonstrated its performance by targeting nine genes involved in the cellulase production pathway inM. thermophilavia three transformation rounds, using two selectable markersneoandbar. We obtained the nonuple mutant M9 in which protein productivity and lignocellulase activity were 9.0- and 18.5-fold higher than in the wild type. We conducted a parallel investigation using our transient CRISPR–Cas9 system and found the two technologies were complementary. Together we called themCRISPR–Cas-assistedmarkerrecyclingtechnology (Camr technology).

Conclusions

Our study described new approaches (Camr technology) that allow easy and efficient marker recycling and iterative stacking of traits in the same thermophilic fungus strain either, using the newly established CRISPR–Cas12a system or the established CRISPR–Cas9 system. This Camr technology will be a versatile and efficient tool for engineering, theoretically, an unlimited number of genes in fungi. We expect this advance to accelerate biotechnology-oriented engineering processes in fungi.
Aminorex identified in horse urine following consumption of Barbarea vulgaris; a preliminary report
Authors: Maylin George , Fenger Clara , Machin Jacob , Kudrimoti Sucheta , Eisenberg Rodney , Green Jonathan , Tobin Thomas
Published: December 2019

Background

Aminorex, (RS)-5- Phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-amine, is an amphetamine-like anorectic and in the United States a Drug Enforcement Administration [DEA] Schedule 1 controlled substance. Aminorex in horse urine is usually present as a metabolite of Levamisole, an equine anthelmintic and immune stimulant. Recently, Aminorex identifications have been reported in horse urine with no history or evidence of Levamisole administration. Analysis of the urine samples suggested a botanical source, directing attention to the Brassicaceae plant family, with their contained GlucoBarbarin and Barbarin as possible sources of Aminorex. Since horsepersons face up to a 1 year suspension and a $10,000.00 fine for an Aminorex identification, the existence of natural sources of Aminorex precursors in equine feedstuffs is of importance to both individual horsepersons and the industry worldwide.

Results

Testing the hypothesis that Brassicaceae plants could give rise to Aminorex identifications in equine urine we botanically identified and harvested flowering Kentucky Barbarea vulgaris, (“Yellow Rocket”) in May 2018 in Kentucky and administered the plant orally to two horses. Analysis of post-administration urine samples yielded Aminorex, showing that consumption of Kentucky Barbarea vulgaris can give rise to Aminorex identifications in equine urine.

Conclusions

Aminorex has been identified in post administration urine samples from horses fed freshly harvested flowering Kentucky Barbarea vulgaris, colloquially “Yellow Rocket”. These identifications are consistent with occasional low concentration identifications of Aminorex in equine samples submitted for drug testing. The source of these Aminorex identifications is believed to be the chemically related Barbarin, found as its precursor GlucoBarbarin in Kentucky Barbarea vulgaris and related Brassicaceae plants worldwide.
Prevalence of adjustment disorder among cancer patients, and the reach, effectiveness, cost-utility and budget impact of tailored psychological treatment: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: van Beek Florie E. , Wijnhoven Lonneke M. A. , Jansen Femke , Custers José A. E. , Aukema Eline J. , Coupé Veerle M. H. , Cuijpers Pim , van der Lee Marije L. , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , Wijnen Ben , Prins Judith B. , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Information on the prevalence of adjustment disorders among cancer patients and the value of psychological interventions in this group of patients is limited. This study investigates the prevalence of adjustment disorders among cancer patients as well as the reach, effectiveness, cost-utility and budget impact of a tailored psychological intervention.

Method

This study consists of two parts. Part 1 is an observational study among a representative group of mixed cancer patients after cancer treatment on the prevalence of adjustment disorder as well as the uptake (i.e. reach) of psychological treatment. In Part 2, patients diagnosed with an adjustment disorder are invited to participate in a randomized controlled trial. Patients will be randomized to the intervention (access to the tailored psychological intervention) or control group (waitlist period of 6 months). The psychological intervention consists of three modules: one module containing psycho-education (3 sessions, all patients) and two additional modules (maximum of 6 sessions per module) provided as continuum, in case needed. Module 2 and 3 can consist of several evidence-based interventions (e.g. group interventions, mindfulness, eHealth) The primary outcome is psychological distress (HADS). Secondary outcomes are mental adjustment to cancer (MAC) and health-related quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30). To assess the cost-utility and budget impact, quality of life (EQ-5D-5 L) and costs (iMCQ and iPCQ) will be measured. Measures will be completed at baseline and 3 and 6-months after randomization.

Discussion

This study will provide data of the prevalence of adjustment disorders and the reach, effectiveness, cost-utility and budget impact of a tailored psychological intervention.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register identifier:NL7763. Registered on 3 June 2019.
Recognizing patterns of student’s modeling behaviour patterns via process mining
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Tong , Geng Congkai , Wang Yihan
Published: December 2019

Evaluating student learning effect plays an essential role in education, which is typically done by assessing student’s final deliverables. However, the student’s learning process has not been properly explored in the past.In this paper, we propose an interactive student learning effect evaluation framework which focuses on in-process learning effect evaluation. In particular, our proposal analyzes students modeling assignment based on their operation records by using techniques of frequent sequential pattern mining, user behavior analysis, feature engineering, and process mining. A comprehensive online modeling platform has been developed to enable data collection. We have carried out a case study, in which we applied our approach to a real teaching scenario, consisting of student online modeling behavior data collected from 24 students majoring in computer science. We also associate our process mining results with the numeric evaluation values. The preliminary result of case analysis has shown good potential to mine student modeling patterns and interpret their behaviors, contributing to student learning effect evaluation.
Antioxidants as stabilizers of UV filters: an example for the UV-B filter octylmethoxycinnamate
Authors: Lorigo Margarida , Cairrao Elisa
Published: December 2019

Background

Sunlight is one of the main harmful exogenous factors that induce the reactive oxygen species formation. The human skin is the first line of photoprotection against harmful exogenous factors, such as UV radiations. The topical application of sunscreens, containing UV-B filters, is widely used to protect against UV-induced damage. Octylmethoxycinnamate is the world’s most widely used UV-B filter in sunscreens. However, recent studies have demonstrated that this substance is an endocrine disruptor compound and with potential to damage DNA. Thus, the safety of this organic filter is a current concern for human health, and it was urgent to develop new photoprotective strategies. In this sense, due to the potential to neutralize the UV-induced free radicals, the use of antioxidants as UV filter stabilizers presented as a novel promising strategy.

Research

The purpose of this review was to assess the use of antioxidants as stabilizers for UV-B filter octylmethoxycinnamate. For this, we discuss the chemical and physical characteristics of UV-B filter octylmethoxycinnamate, emphasizing the stability, photostability, and reactivity of this UV filter. The use of antioxidants in sunscreens will also be addressed, from a perspective of the main characteristics that allowed their use in sunscreen formulations. Then, the concomitant use of both was described from a historical and physical chemical perspective, always emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages of this association.

Conclusions

The combination of antioxidants with UV-B filter octylmethoxycinnamate in appropriated formulations represents a viable strategy to protect the human skin against UV-induced damage.
Cleaning ability of rotary NiTi systems with different kinematics
Authors: Ismail Amira Galal , Nagy Mohamed Mokhtar , Galal Manar
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the cleaning ability of rotary NiTi systems with different kinematics: ProTaper Next (PTN) (continuous rotation motion), WaveOne Gold (WOG) (reciprocating motion), and Twisted File Adaptive (TFA) (adaptive motion).

Methodology

Sixty mesiobuccal roots from extracted mandibular molars were divided into three groups (n = 20): PTN, prepared by ProTaper Next; WOG, prepared by WaveOne Gold system; and TFA, prepared by Twisted File Adaptive systems. Teeth were longitudinally split into two halves for evaluation by scanning electron microscope. Images were analysed for debris and smear layer scores using the scoring system described by Hülsmann et al. (J Endod 23:301–6, 1997).

Results

No significant difference was found between the three groups in the coronal one third (P = 0.071). However, the TFA group recorded a significantly higher percentage of debris in the middle and apical thirds (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively)

Conclusions

Under the conditions of this study, adaptive motion produced more debris than the reciprocating and the continuous rotating motions.
Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Groningen Frailty Indicator among Lebanese elderly people
Authors: Khamis Rania , Sabbah Hala , Sabbah Sanaa , Peters Lilian , Droubi Nabil , Sabbah Ibtissam
Published: December 2019

Background

The levels of frailty are anticipated to increase as a result of population aging. A valid instrument is required to detect individuals at high risk of frailty. The present research aimed to assess feasibility, reliability, and construct validity of the Arabic version of Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI) in urban and rural populations in South Lebanon.

Methods

During 2015, a cross-sectional study, which enrolled 390 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and above, was conducted in urban and rural areas in Nabatieh in South Lebanon. The survey included questions on sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, GFI, and Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 (VES-13). The translation and cultural adaptation of the GFI followed a standardized protocol. After that, the psychometric properties of the scale (i.e., feasibility, reliability, and validity) were evaluated.

Results

A total of 390 elderly filled out the questionnaire, of whom 51% were women and 70% lived in rural areas. 81.3% of elderly were identified as frail. The internal consistency of the GFI scale was high for all subscales (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.70), except the social scale (0.56). The GFI yielded statistically significant scores for subgroup analysis (known-groups validity) as higher levels of frailty were seen in older people, women, those with morbidities, and those reported poor financial status. The construct validity of the scale was supported by the significant correlation with the VES-13 (r = 0.73; p = 0.001), quality of life (r = − 0.22; p = 0.001), and self-reported health status (r = − 0.66; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

This study supports the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the GFI Arabic version as a screening tool for frailty among community-dwelling elderly in South Lebanon.
An update on the maize zein-gene family in the post-genomics era
Authors: Khan Nasr Ullah , Sheteiwy Mohamed , Lihua Ning , Khan Muhammad Mohib Ullah , Han Zhao
Published: December 2019

Maize (Zea mays) is a cereal crop of global food importance. However, the deficiency of essential amino acids, more importantly lysine, methionine and tryptophan, in the major seed storage zein proteins makes corn nutritionally of low value for human consumption. The idea of improving maize nutritional value prompted the search for maize natural mutants harboring low zein contents and higher amount of lysine. These studies resulted in the identification of more than dozens of maize opaque mutants in the previous few decades,o2mutant being the most extensively studied one. However, the high lysine contents but soft kernel texture and chalky endosperm halted the widespread application and commercial success of maize opaque mutants, which ultimately paved the way for the development of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) by modifying the soft endosperm ofo2 mutant into lysine-rich hard endosperm. The previous few decades have witnessed a marked progress in maize zein research. It includes elucidation of molecular mechanism underlying the role of different zein genes in seed endosperm development by cloning different components of zein family, exploring the general organization, function and evolution of zein family members within maize species and among other cereals, and elucidating the cis- and trans-regulatory elements modulating the regulation of different molecular players of maize seed endosperm development. The current advances in high quality reference genomes of maize lines B73 and Mo17 plus the completion of ongoing pan genome sequencing projects of more maize lines with NGS technologies are expected to revolutionize maize zein gene research in near future. This review highlights the recent advances in QPM development and its practical application in the post genomic era, genomic and physical composition and evolution of zein family, and expression, regulation and downstream role of zein genes in endosperm development. Moreover, recent genomic tools and methods developed for functional validation of maize zein genes are also discussed.

Graphical abstract
Significant Quality of Life Improvement Observed in a Patient With FCS Associated With a Marked Reduction in Triglycerides
Authors: Gouni-Berthold Ioanna
Published: December 2019

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by severely high triglycerides (TGs). It is associated with a marked increase in risk of recurrent, potentially fatal acute pancreatitis (AP), and symptoms including abdominal pain, fatigue, and anxiety that may substantially reduce quality of life (QoL). A 46-year-old woman with FCS and severely high TGs initially presented with necrotizing pancreatitis with pseudocysts, having previously experienced recurrent AP. The patient reported constant abdominal pain and fatigue, which were evident in her demeanor. Initial management included maximum doses of omega-3 fatty acids and fibrates, plus an extremely restricted diet (reduced intake: calories, fats, simple sugars; no alcohol). Despite adherence to all management strategies, TGs remained at approximately 2800 mg/dL (31.6 mmol/L) and symptoms persisted. The patient was enrolled in COMPASS, a phase 3, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of an investigational drug, volanesorsen, on fasting TGs in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (fasting TGs ≥ 500 mg/dL [≥5.7 mmol/L]). The woman, a confirmed FCS patient, continued into the open-label extension study, during which fasting TGs decreased to 146 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) following 4 months of treatment. The restrictive diet was maintained throughout treatment and no serious adverse events were reported. Along with sustained TG reduction, the patient experienced progressive, perceived improvements in observable QoL measures and a marked reduction in symptom severity and frequency. In a patient with FCS, reduction in TGs following volanesorsen therapy appeared to be associated with marked improvement in clinical symptoms and observed QoL.
Revised Publication Policies by Higher Education Commission for Health Science Journals
Authors: Jawaid Shaukat Ali , Jawaid Masood
Published: December 2019

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.2133

How to cite this:Jawaid SA, Jawaid M. Revised Publication Policies by Higher Education Commission for Health Science Journals. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(2):1-3. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.2133

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
A novel initiative to improve access to medicines for control of non-communicable diseases in low-and middle- income countries
Authors: Mobula Linda M. , Sarfo Stephen , Arthur Lynda , Burnham Gilbert , Ansong Daniel , Plange-Rhule Jacob , Ofori-Adjei David
Published: December 2019

The global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is growing, and access to prevention and treatment strategies remain limited, especially for those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Novel approaches are needed to improve access and affordability of medicines that can treat NCDs in LMICs.  The Access and Affordability Initiative (AAI) is a public private partnership aiming to improve access to and availability of essential medicines for the treatment of NCDs and strengthening of health systems. Through this novel initiative a prospective cohort of patients with hypertension and diabetes were followed in Ghana and the Philippines to examine the effect of differential pricing on access to treatment of hypertension and diabetes. An integrated approach including differential pricing, health systems strengthening, improved supply chain management and greater affordability can improve access to medicines for NCDs.  

While differential pricing has several advantages for improving the affordability of NCD medicines in LMICs, it can’t overcome all barriers as a standalone approach.  An integrated approach to health systems strengthening, supply chain management and affordability are needed to overcome key challenges in getting medicines for NCD to patients in LMICs. Availability and affordability of medicines to treat NCDs among vulnerable patients will help achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Psychological issues surrounding faecal incontinence: experiences of patients and nurses
Authors: Butcher Lesley
Published: December 2019

Continence care breaches social norms about privacy, nakedness and bodily functions. Faecal incontinence (FI) is a condition that is associated with a significant emotional impact, which extends to not only the patient but also the nurse or care worker. Patients can experience feelings of guilt and shame and a sense of ‘incompetence’, which can be connected to childhood experiences. Similarly, nurses and caregivers can encounter feelings of disgust and revulsion, which are often denied, as part of the perceived professional expectation. Nurses can develop self-protective behaviours including emotional detachment and development of a task-orientated approach to physical care. This can, in turn, accentuate the negative feelings experienced by patients with FI. Nurses developing self-awareness through reflection on their own difficult feelings can help to improve communication, which will meet patients' emotional needs and improve the therapeutic relationship. This article aims to encourage nurses and care workers to develop an empathetic understanding of the basic human emotional responses experienced by patients. It also aims to improve nurses' awareness of their own feelings and help them recognise the effect of these emotions on their own behaviours and their patients. Lastly, the importance of providing emotional care to patients with FI is discussed.
Photography and you
Authors: Wander Phil
Published: December 2019

In the first of a two-part article, Phil Wander takes a look at dental photography to enhance your record keeping, treatment planning and treatment uptake, using mobile dental photography equipment
Rethinking hand hygiene
Authors: Waters Rebecca
Published: December 2019

Rebecca Waters considers the new evidence behind infection control
Turn down the volume
Authors: Bissett Julie
Published: December 2019

Julie Bissett Considers noise, quiet times and the art of resetting a mindset
Show and tell
Authors: Lloyd-Rees Kimberley
Published: December 2019

Kimberley Lloyd-Rees considers the importance of dexterity in maintaining good oral hygiene
Do owners administer inappropriate doses of anthelmintic based on an inaccurate perception of their horse's bodyweight?
Authors: Middlecote Lucy , Brown Heike
Published: December 2019

Background:

Inaccurate dosing and repeated administration of anthelmintic from the same drug class are indicated as factors associated with equine helminth resistance; and resistance is specifically related to the under-dosing of anthelmintic products. Research indicates that many owners may still rely on visual estimation to determine a horse's bodyweight.

Aim:

The pilot study aimed to investigate whether owners administer inappropriate doses of anthelmintic based on an inaccurate perception of their horse's bodyweight.

Method:

Data were collected from 16 horse owners with varying experience and from a variety of equine disciplines. A series of questions were presented in order to capture specific information. Owners were asked to provide the dose of anthelmintic (kg) that they had most recently administered to their horse, to estimate the bodyweight of their horse, and to provide a body condition score (BCS) for their horse using the guide provided. Each horse was then weighed on an equine weighbridge to obtain an accurate bodyweight. The estimated bodyweight was compared with that of the accurate bodyweight, and the most recently administered dose of anthelmintic was compared with both the estimated bodyweight and the accurate bodyweight. The BCS provided by each owner was compared with that of the BCS provided by the researcher. Data were tested for normal distribution using a Shapiro-Wilks test, and analysed using an independent-samples t-test or a paired-samples t-test.

Results:

All of the owners inaccurately estimated the bodyweight of their horse, however there was no statistically significant difference between the estimated bodyweight and the accurate bodyweight (p=0.738). Owners with less experience more accurately estimated the bodyweight of their horse when compared with owners with more experience, but there was no statistically significant difference in accuracy between the two groups (p=0.085). There was no statistically significant difference between the accurate bodyweight and the dose of anthelmintic that owners had administered to their horse (p=0.074), but there was a statistically significant difference between the estimated bodyweight and the dose of anthelmintic that owners had administered to their horse (p=0.034).

Conclusion:

Horse owners administer inappropriate doses of equine anthelmintic based on an inaccurate perception of their horse's bodyweight, however the horse's estimated bodyweight does not appear to be the only influencing factor when deciding on the dose of anthelmintic to be administered.
Abiotic Fluorescent Receptors for Bioimaging: Sensing of Nucleic Acids
Authors: Ayoub Masood , Bhat Bilal Ahmad , Islam Shahjahan Ul , Rizvi Syed Masood Ahmad , Junaid Qazi Mohd
Published: December 2019

The design and development of synthetic fluorescent molecular architectures for sensing of nucleic acids and related species in living cells is an area of enormous interest. For the first time a novel compilation of single molecular abiotic fluorescent receptors for nucleic acid detection in living cells have been reviewed. Selected reports have been screened and thoroughly discussed which have revealed enormous promise for bio imaging. The mechanistic aspects of nucleic acid, phosphate or nitrogenous base sensing upon encounter with the receptors has been examined under diverse matrices. In addition to the cytotoxicity, specific conditions deciphering suitable and promising results for real-time application have been highlighted.
Policy evaluation and gender mainstreaming in the European Union: the perfect (mis)match?
Authors: Minto Rachel , Mergaert Lut , Bustelo María
Published: December 2019

This article assesses the ability of the European Commission’s current approach to policy evaluation to evaluate gender mainstreaming and, in turn, other cross-cutting social agendas (Articles 8–10 TFEU). Taking European Union research policy as a case study, through our analysis, we reveal mismatches between current evaluation standards adopted within the Better Regulation framework and requirements for effectively assessing progress towards cross-cutting social objectives, such as gender equality. The article concludes with a series of recommendations to overcome the identified shortcomings. Our analysis constitutes a key contribution to the development of feminist scholarship on the post-implementation phase of the policy process.
Il federalismo fiscale: un falso rimedio nel caso italiano
Authors: Fausto Domenicantonio
Published: December 2019

From a purely theoretical viewpoint it can be pointed out the lack of strong arguments in favor of decentralization.

In Italy, the current pressures toward the so-called «fiscal federalism» are facing the existing considerable discrepancies among the various areas of the country between the ability to spend and financial resources.

The attempt to equalise the regional incomes would require huge transfers from four Northern regions only to all the others.

Such a perspective looks very irrealistic. According to the Author, decentralization entails a more marked economic discrepancy among areas whose economic conditions present huge gaps.

Thus, fiscal federalism appears as an inadequate remedy to the Italian problems.
A Note on Power in the European Parliament
Authors: Berg Sven
Published: December 2019

Si analizza il potere dei giocatori in un gioco di voto ove sono permesse solo alcune coalizioni a causa di, per esempio, vincoli ideologici; il voto su uno spettro monodimensionale è, in questo senso, una illustrazione. L’estensione di Edelman dell’indice Shapley-Shubik è applicata al Parlamento Europeo e ai gruppi partitici lì rappresentati. I nostri risultati sono comparati con quelli recentemente ottenuti da Colomer e Hosli. Si discutono alcuni problemi che sono associati all’estensione fatta da Edelman.
A Second Triangle Loss in Rent Seeking
Authors: Baba Stephen Anthony
Published: December 2019

Vi è un’ampia letteratura sui costi sociali dovuti ad attività non direttamente produttive (rent-seeking) e che, distolte dall’utilizzo appropriato, riducono il benessere della collettività. Accanto ad essa, il presente scritto evidenzia un costo sociale connesso al fatto che il lavoro e le altre risorse saranno utilizzati in modo inefficiente nell’ambito di attività che purtuttavia sono produttive.

L’argomento principale è che, oltre le risorse indicate da Tullock come utilizzate del tutto improduttivamente, anche quelle impiegate in attività produttive lo saranno in modo inefficiente, quando vi siano altre opportunità di uso più produttivo che, a motivo delle regole vigenti, non è conveniente utilizzare.
Impact of third-order dispersion and three-photon absorption on mid-infrared time magnification via four-wave mixing in Si0.8Ge0.2 waveguides
Authors: Zheng Aihu , Sun Qibing , Wang Leiran , Liu Mulong , Zeng Chao , Wang Guoxi , Zhang Lingxuan , Fan Weichen , Zhao Wei , Zhang Wenfu
Published: December 2019

We investigate the influence of third-order dispersion of dispersive elements, three-photon absorption and free-carrier effects on mid-infrared time magnification via four-wave mixing (FWM) in

S
i

0.8

G
e

0.2

waveguides. It is found that the magnified waveform is seriously distorted by these factors, and conversion efficiency is decreased, mainly because of nonlinear absorption. A time lens based on FWM in

S
i

0.8

G
e

0.2

waveguides is proposed for time magnification of mid-infrared ultrashort pulses, in which the low-distortion, high-magnification in the time domain could be obtained by optimizing system parameters. These results make it possible to analyze the transient dynamic process through oscilloscopes and detectors with gigahertz bandwidth and have important applications in ultrafast process analysis, optical pulse sampling, and optical communications.
Enhanced quasi-phase-matched second-harmonic generation in a silicon-organic hybrid microring resonator
Authors: Sadeghi Mehdi , Janjan Babak
Published: December 2019

An enhanced second-harmonic generation process in a dually resonant silicon-organic hybrid microring resonator is presented. The necessary phase matching is fulfilled through quasi-phase matching by periodically altering the spatial distribution of the second-order nonlinearity

χ

(
2
)

of polymer infiltrated into a slot layer along the microring resonator propagation length. Absolute conversion efficiency up to

P

2
ω

/

P
ω

=

38

%

with only 10 mW pump power at

λ
=
3.1

µ

m

is obtained in an optimized structure, which shows a

∼

76

-fold improvement compared to that of the straight waveguide. Also, our efficiency is comparable to that of previous works, even with the much lower pump power. We expect that our device will provide a potential application for bridging the mid-infrared and near-infrared bands on silicon photonics platforms.
Symmetry-engineered waveguide dispersion in $ {\cal P}{\cal T} $PT symmetric photonic crystal waveguides
Authors: Mock Adam
Published: December 2019

This work demonstrates how the crystal symmetry of photonic crystal
defect waveguides interacts with simple, experimentally realizable
parity-time (

P

T

) symmetric regions of chip-scale
absorption and amplification to control the existence and location of
exceptional points in the first Brillouin zone. Our analysis is based
on Heesh–Shubnikov group theory and is generalizable to a large class
of devices for which the symmetry groups can be identified.
Transverse, longitudinal, and transverse–longitudinal hybrid

P

T

symmetries are considered, and for
each, a triangular lattice photonic crystal waveguide with
lattice-aligned and lattice-shifted cladding orientations is analyzed.
We find that various symmetry combinations produce either strictly
real-valued or strictly complex-valued eigenfrequencies at the
Brillouin zone boundary. We also show how symmetry can be used to
predict

P

T

transitions at accidental
degeneracies in the waveguide bands. It is shown how symmetry can be
used to design single-mode waveguides, and we discovered exceptional
points whose propagation constants are highly sensitive to the
non-Hermiticity factor.
Effect of partially coherent pump on the spatial and spectral profiles of down-converted photons
Authors: Kanseri Bhaskar , Sharma Preeti
Published: December 2019

We report a theoretical study of spatial and spectral profiles of twin photons generated with a pump beam having a partially spatially coherent nature. These profiles are simulated for both type-I and type-II spontaneous parametric down conversion in collinear and non-collinear configurations and found to be highly dependent on the choice of beam waist and transverse correlation length of the pump beam. It is found that by suitable selection of coherence length and size of the pump beam, the asymmetry in spatial geometry of down-converted photons and the spectral width can be modified. Owing to the partially spatially coherent nature, these biphoton beams might offer more robustness against losses compared to their fully coherent counterparts, and thus could yield a high success rate in free-space quantum communication and in quantum key distribution.
Entanglement dynamics of moving qubits in a common environment
Authors: Golkar Sare , Tavassoly Mohammad Kazem , Nourmandipour Alireza
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we provide an analytical investigation of the
entanglement dynamics of moving qubits dissipating into a common and
(in general) non-Markovian environment for both weak and strong
coupling regimes. We first consider the case of two moving qubits in a
common environment and then generalize it to an arbitrary number of
moving qubits. Our results show that when the system evolves from an
initial entangled state, the amount of initial entanglement decreases
and finally disappears after a finite interval of time due to the
environmental effects. Moreover, we observe that the movement of
qubits has a constructive role in the protection of the initial
entanglement. In a sense, in this case, we observe a Zeno-like effect
due to the velocity of qubits. On the other hand, we demonstrate how a
stationary state of entanglement may be achieved when we consider the
case in which at least one of the moving qubits is initially in the
ground state. Surprisingly, we observe that when we extend the number
of moving qubits with the same velocity, the stationary state of the
qubits does not depend on the velocity of qubits as well as on the
environmental properties. This means that, in this condition, the
stationary state of entanglement depends only on the number of moving
qubits.
Theoretical investigation of pulse-to-pulse instabilities in a synchronously pumped femtosecond optical parametric oscillator
Authors: Tamulienė Viktorija , Vengris Mikas , Sirutkaitis Valdas
Published: December 2019

A singly resonant synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator (SPOPO) based on the experimental setup of J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 36, 131 (2019)JOBPDE0740-322410.1364/JOSAB.36.000131 is studied theoretically. Stable, oscillatory, and chaotic operation modes of the SPOPO are investigated. The need of the self- and cross-phase modulation terms in the theoretical model for the explanation of the instabilities is demonstrated. The theoretical values of the wavelengths of the signal spectrum maxima are found. The evidence of chaos by the calculation of the Lyapunov exponent is provided. The possibilities to avoid the instabilities are discussed.
Cross-polarization suppression for patch array antennas via generalized Kerker effects
Authors: Yin Weishuang , Liang Xiuye , Chen Ang , Zhang Zhe , Shi Lei , Guan Fang , Liu Xiaohan , Zi Jian
Published: December 2019

The generalized Kerker effect has recently gained an explosive progress in metamaterials, from the scattering management of particle clusters to the reflection and transmission manipulation of metalattices and metasurfaces. Various optical phenomena observed can be explained by the generalized Kerker effect. Due to the same nature of electromagnetic waves, we believe that the generalized Kerker effect can also be used in the microwave field. Inspired by this, in this letter we design a kind of patch array antenna to suppress the cross-polarization by interferences of multipoles. Using different far-field radiation phase symmetries of electromagnetic multipoles for the patch, the cross-polarization can be almost cancelled while the co-polarization be kept. A pair of 8×8 U-slot patch array antennas, working in a wide band (8.8 GHz-10.4 GHz), have been designed, fabricated and measured to verify our proposal. Simulated and measured results both agree well with the theory, showing more than 20 dB gain suppression of the cross-polarization, which indicates the universality of the generalized Kerker effect in electromagnetic waves.
Millimeter-wave SFCW SAR imaging system based on in-phase signal measurement with simplified transceiver
Authors: Chen Hanjiang , Long Zhenyu , Niu Liting , Yang Zhengang , Liu Jingsong , Wang Kejia
Published: December 2019

A conventional millimeter-wave stepped frequency continuous wave (SFCW) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging system generally utilizes IQ modulation technique to acquire the amplitude and phase of the waves scattered from a target object. Due to measure both in-phase signal and quadrature signal, the transceiver of the conventional system is complicate and costly, and the IQ imbalance problem makes the system difficult to calibrate. To reduce hardware complexity and enhance efficiency-cost ratio, a novel SFCW SAR imaging system only measuring in-phase signal is proposed and demonstrated. For lack of quadrature signal measurement, an algorithm based on Fourier transform is proposed to estimate the amplitude and phase. The ultimate images are obtained through an image-reconstruction algorithm, which uses the estimated amplitude and phase as input parameters. The proposed system is verified by both simulation and experiment, where the frequencies are set from 24GHz to 30GHz. The imaging results with high resolution and low noise are demonstrated. Compared to the conventional system, the image quality of the proposed system is almost identical, but the transceiver of the proposed system is greatly simplified.
Design method for nonsymmetric imaging optics consisting of freeform-surface-substrate phase elements
Authors: Duan Yingzhe , Yang Tong , Cheng Dewen , Wang Yongtian
Published: December 2019

Phase elements can be used in optical systems to achieve similar design goals to traditional geometric optical elements. If we replace traditional geometrical optical elements in optical systems by phase elements (such as diffractive optical elements and metasurfaces) which have phase functions loaded on the geometric surface substrates, it is possible to generate imaging optical systems that offer better performance, increased compactness, lighter weight, and easier alignment and manufacturing than conventional imaging systems. Here we propose a design method for imaging systems consisting of freeform-surface-substrate phase elements. The design process begins from an initial system that uses simple geometric planes or other predefined geometric surfaces without phase functions. After point-by-point construction and iteration steps, the geometric substrate surfaces and closed-form phase functions can then be calculated quickly and efficiently. The resulting design can be used as a good starting point for further optimization. To illustrate the generality and feasibility of the proposed design method, we present two high-performance compact systems as design examples. Both systems meet the design requirements, with small distortions after optimization. Their modulation transfer function (MTF) curves are close to the diffraction limit. This design framework can be used to design next-generation imaging systems using phase elements for applications including near-eye-displays, high-performance cameras and remote sensing and detection. The proposed method also offers insight into design of imaging systems that are constrained to conformal substrate shapes or integrated substrates.