bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation dissociates fronto‐visual theta lateralization during visual selective attention
Authors: Spooner Rachel K. , Eastman Jacob A. , Rezich Michael T. , Wilson Tony W.
Published: December 2019

Key points

Visual attention involves discrete multispectral oscillatory responses in visual and ‘higher‐order’ prefrontal cortices.

Prefrontal cortex laterality effects during visual selective attention are poorly characterized.

High‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation dynamically modulated right‐lateralized fronto‐visual theta oscillations compared to those observed in left fronto‐visual pathways.

Increased connectivity in right fronto‐visual networks after stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex resulted in faster task performance in the context of distractors.

Our findings show clear laterality effects in theta oscillatory activity along prefrontal–visual cortical pathways during visual selective attention.

Studies of visual attention have implicated oscillatory activity in the recognition, protection and temporal organization of attended representations in visual cortices. These studies have also shown that higher‐order regions such as the prefrontal cortex are critical to attentional processing, but far less is understood regarding prefrontal laterality differences in attention processing. To examine this, we selectively applied high‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD‐tDCS) to the left or right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). We predicted that HD‐tDCS of the left versus right prefrontal cortex would differentially modulate performance on a visual selective attention task, and alter the underlying oscillatory network dynamics. Our randomized crossover design included 27 healthy adults that underwent three separate sessions of HD‐tDCS (sham, left DLPFC and right DLPFC) for 20 min. Following stimulation, participants completed an attention protocol during magnetoencephalography. The resulting oscillatory dynamics were imaged using beamforming, and peak task‐related neural activity was subjected to dynamic functional connectivity analyses to evaluate the impact of stimulation site (i.e. left and right DLPFC) on neural interactions. Our results indicated that HD‐tDCS over the left DLPFC differentially modulated right fronto‐visual functional connectivity within the theta band compared to HD‐tDCS of the right DLPFC and further, specifically modulated the oscillatory response for detecting targets among an array of distractors. Importantly, these findings provide network‐specific insight into the complex oscillatory mechanisms serving visual selective attention.
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons in pollution: a heart‐breaking matter
Authors: Marris C. R. , Kompella S. N. , Miller M. R. , Incardona J. P. , Brette F. , Hancox J. C. , Sørhus E. , Shiels H. A.
Published: December 2019

Air pollution is associated with detrimental effects on human health, including decreased cardiovascular function. However, the causative mechanisms behind these effects have yet to be fully elucidated. Here we review the current epidemiological, clinical and experimental evidence linking pollution with cardiovascular dysfunction. Our focus is on particulate matter (PM) and the associated low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as key mediators of cardiotoxicity. We begin by reviewing the growing epidemiological evidence linking air pollution to cardiovascular dysfunction in humans. We next address the pollution‐based cardiotoxic mechanisms first identified in fish following the release of large quantities of PAHs into the marine environment from point oil spills (e.g. Deepwater Horizon). We finish by discussing the current state of mechanistic knowledge linking PM and PAH exposure to mammalian cardiovascular patho‐physiologies such as atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, arrhythmias, contractile dysfunction and the underlying alterations in gene regulation. Our aim is to show conservation of toxicant pathways and cellular targets across vertebrate hearts to allow a broad framework of the global problem of cardiotoxic pollution to be established. AhR; Aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Dark lines indicate topics discussed in this review. Grey lines indicate topics reviewed elsewhere.

image
In Vitro
Activity of Eravacycline against Gram-Negative Bacilli Isolated in Clinical Laboratories Worldwide from 2013 to 2017
Authors: Morrissey Ian , Olesky Melanie , Hawser Stephen , Lob Sibylle H. , Karlowsky James A. , Corey G. Ralph , Bassetti Matteo , Fyfe Corey
Published: December 2019

Eravacycline is a novel, fully synthetic fluorocycline antibiotic developed for the treatment of serious infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Here, we evaluated the
in vitro
activities of eravacycline and comparator antimicrobial agents against a global collection of frequently encountered clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacilli. The CLSI broth microdilution method was used to determine MIC data for isolates of
Enterobacterales
(
n
 = 13,983),
Acinetobacter baumannii
(
n
 = 2,097),
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(
n
 = 1,647), and
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
(
n
 = 1,210) isolated primarily from respiratory, intra-abdominal, and urinary specimens by clinical laboratories in 36 countries from 2013 to 2017.
Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections in Children
Authors: Aguilera-Alonso David , Escosa-García Luis , Saavedra-Lozano Jesús , Cercenado Emilia , Baquero-Artigao Fernando
Published: December 2019

Carbapenem-resistant organisms (CRO) are a major global public health threat.
Enterobacterales
hydrolyze almost all β-lactams through carbapenemase production. Infections caused by CRO are challenging to treat due to the limited number of antimicrobial options. This leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Over the last few years, several new antibiotics effective against CRO have been approved.
Whipworm Infection Promotes Bacterial Invasion, Intestinal Microbiota Imbalance, and Cellular Immunomodulation
Authors: Schachter Julieta , Alvarinho de Oliveira Dayane , da Silva Camila Marques , de Barros Alencar Alba Cristina Miranda , Duarte Michelle , da Silva Matheus Müller Pereira , Ignácio Ana Claudia de Paula Rosa , Lopes-Torres Eduardo José
Published: December 2019

Infections with
Trichuris trichiura
are among the most common causes of intestinal parasitism in children worldwide, and the diagnosis is based on microscopic egg identification in the chronic phase of the infection. During parasitism, the adult worm of the trichurid nematode maintains its anterior region inserted in the intestinal mucosa, which causes serious damage and which may open access for gut microorganisms through the intestinal tissue.
Polarly Localized EccE
1
Is Required for ESX-1 Function and Stabilization of ESX-1 Membrane Proteins in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Soler-Arnedo Paloma , Sala Claudia , Zhang Ming , Cole Stewart T. , Piton Jérémie
Published: December 2019

Tuberculosis (TB), the world’s leading cause of death of humans from an infectious disease, is caused by the intracellular bacterium
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. The development of successful strategies to control TB requires better understanding of the complex interactions between the pathogen and the human host. We investigated the contribution of EccE
1
, a membrane protein, to the function of the ESX-1 secretion system, the major virulence determinant of
M. tuberculosis
. By combining genetic analysis of selected mutants with eukaryotic cell biology and proteomics, we demonstrate that EccE
1
is critical for ESX-1 function, secretion of effector proteins, and pathogenesis. Our research improves knowledge of the molecular basis of
M. tuberculosis
virulence and enhances our understanding of pathogenesis.
The Dual-Specificity Kinase DYRK1A Modulates the Levels of Cyclin L2 To Control HIV Replication in Macrophages
Authors: Kisaka Javan K. , Ratner Lee , Kyei George B.
Published: December 2019

HIV continues to be a major public health problem worldwide, with over 36 million people living with the virus. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) can control the virus, it does not provide cure. The virus hides in the genomes of long-lived cells, such as resting CD4
+
T cells and differentiated macrophages. To get a cure for HIV, it is important to identify and characterize the cellular factors that control HIV multiplication in these reservoir cells. Previous work showed that cyclin L2 is required for HIV replication in macrophages. However, how cyclin L2 is regulated in macrophages is unknown. Here we show that the protein DYRK1A interacts with and phosphorylates cyclin L2. Phosphorylation makes cyclin L2 amenable to cellular degradation, leading to restriction of HIV replication in macrophages.
Intracellular Mycobacterium leprae Utilizes Host Glucose as a Carbon Source in Schwann Cells
Authors: Borah Khushboo , Girardi Karina do Carmo de Vasconcelos , Mendum Tom A. , Lery Leticia Miranda Santos , Beste Dany J. V. , Lara Flavio Alves , Pessolani Maria Cristina Vidal , McFadden Johnjoe
Published: December 2019

Leprosy remains a major problem in the world today, particularly affecting the poorest and most disadvantaged sections of society in the least developed countries of the world. The long-term aim of research is to develop new treatments and vaccines, and these aims are currently hampered by our inability to grow the pathogen in axenic culture. In this study, we probed the metabolism of
M. leprae
while it is surviving and replicating inside its primary host cell, the Schwann cell, and compared it to a related pathogen,
M. tuberculosis
, replicating in macrophages. Our analysis revealed that unlike
M. tuberculosis
,
M. leprae
utilized host glucose as a carbon source and that it biosynthesized its own amino acids, rather than importing them from its host cell. We demonstrated that the enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase plays a crucial role in glucose catabolism in
M. leprae
. Our findings provide the first metabolic signature of
M. leprae
in the host Schwann cell and identify novel avenues for the development of antileprosy drugs.
Shigella sonnei
O-Antigen Inhibits Internalization, Vacuole Escape, and Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Watson Jayne L. , Sanchez-Garrido Julia , Goddard Philippa J. , Torraca Vincenzo , Mostowy Serge , Shenoy Avinash R. , Clements Abigail
Published: December 2019

Diarrheal disease remains the second leading cause of death in children under five.
Shigella
remains a significant cause of diarrheal disease with two species,
S. flexneri
and
S. sonnei
, causing the majority of infections.
S. flexneri
are well known to cause cell death in macrophages, which contributes to the inflammatory nature of
Shigella
diarrhea. Here, we demonstrate that
S. sonnei
causes less cell death than
S. flexneri
due to a reduced number of bacteria present in the cell cytosol. We identify the O-Ag polysaccharide which, uniquely among
Shigella
spp., is present in two forms on the bacterial cell surface as the bacterial factor responsible. Our data indicate that
S. sonnei
differs from
S. flexneri
in key aspects of infection and that more attention should be given to characterization of
S. sonnei
infection.
Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity-Competent Antibodies against HIV-1-Infected Cells in Plasma from HIV-Infected Subjects
Authors: Dupuy Franck P. , Kant Sanket , Barbé Alexandre , Routy Jean-Pierre , Bruneau Julie , Lebouché Bertrand , Tremblay Cécile , Pazgier Marzena , Finzi Andrés , Bernard Nicole F.
Published: December 2019

HIV Env-specific nonneutralizing Abs (NnAbs) able to mediate ADCC have been implicated in protection from HIV infection. However, Env-specific NnAbs have the capacity to support ADCC of both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected bystander cells, potentially leading to misinterpretations when the assay used to measure ADCC does not distinguish between the two target cell types present in HIV cultures. Using a novel ADCC assay, which simultaneously quantifies the killing activity of Env-specific Abs on both infected and uninfected bystander cells, we observed that only a minority of Env-specific Abs in HIV+plasma mediated ADCC of genuinely HIV-infected cells displaying Env in its native closed conformation. This assay can be used for the development of vaccine strategies aimed at eliciting Env-specific Ab responses capable of controlling HIV infection.
How to Train Your Fungus
Authors: Gibbons John G.
Published: December 2019

Domestication led to profound changes in human culture. During this period, humans used breeding strategies to select for desirable traits in crops and livestock. These practices led to genetic and phenotypic changes that are trackable through archaeological and genomic records. Bacteria, yeasts, and molds also experienced domestication during the agricultural revolution, but the effects of domestication on microbes are poorly understood in comparison to plants and animals.
Native Plasmid-Encoded Mercury Resistance Genes Are Functional and Demonstrate Natural Transformation in Environmental Bacterial Isolates
Authors: Kothari Ankita , Soneja Drishti , Tang Albert , Carlson Hans K. , Deutschbauer Adam M. , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila
Published: December 2019

Horizontal transfer of mobile genetic elements via natural transformation has been poorly understood in environmental microbes. Here, we confirm the functionality of a native plasmid-encoded mercury resistance operon in a model microbe and then query for the dissemination of this resistance trait via natural transformation into environmental bacterial isolates. We identified 17 strains including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to be naturally competent. These strains were able to successfully take up the plasmid DNA and obtain a clear growth advantage in the presence of mercury. Our study provides important insights into gene dissemination via natural transformation enabling rapid adaptation to dynamic stresses in groundwater environments.
Severe haemolytic disease of a newborn with variant D mimicking blocked-D phenomenon
Authors: Das Soumya , Shastry Shamee , Baliga Poornima B
Published: December 2019

Anti-D is still the most common antibody causing severe haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). In a mother with a very high titer of anti-D, antibodies can coat and block the D antigens on the red blood cells of the newborn. This blocking phenomenon prevents agglutination of the D-positive red cells with the IgM anti-D typing reagent, giving false negative results. Here, we report the case of a newborn with variant D phenotype and severe HDFN, which mimicked the blocked-D phenomenon, which, at the first instance, confused both the treating clinicians and the transfusion service personnel.
Association of Mondor's disease with oral contraceptive pills
Authors: AlSheef Mohammed , Aboauf Hana A , Zaidi Abdul Rehman Zia , AlFayyad Isamme
Published: December 2019

Mondor's disease (MD) is a rare disease characterised by thrombophlebitis of superficial veins in the body. We describe a case of a 28-year-old woman with a painful cord-like lesion of the right breast (3 cm) overlying the right upper quadrant. The patient was recently prescribed metformin and oral contraceptive pills for symptomatic polycystic ovarian syndrome. Right breast ultrasound showed a tubular anechoic structure with several areas of narrowing, resembling a beaded appearance. The patient was diagnosed with MD associated with use of oral contraceptive pills. We recommended the patient to discontinue oral contraceptive because discontinuation of the causative drug is important. The patient was started on topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and a therapeutic dose of enoxaparin. The patient showed significant clinical improvement after 5 days. At 6-week outpatient follow-up, complete resolution of the disease was noted.
Bilateral acute anterior uveitis: a rare ocular side effect of erlotinib
Authors: Chan Sarah , Ahern Elizabeth , Chaudhry Sarah , Hughes Brett
Published: December 2019

Erlotinib used in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a first-generation small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor which reversibly inhibits the kinase domain of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR). The incidence of ocular toxicities as adverse effects (AE) of erlotinib is relatively common. However, post-marketing, acute anterior uveitis (AAU) has been reported in a small number of cases as a putative AE resulting from erlotinib therapy. We present a case of a 67-year-old, Caucasian woman, lifelong non-smoker with stage IV NSCLC who presents with decreased visual acuity and ‘floaters’ 6 weeks after commencing erlotinib. She was later diagnosed with erlotinib-associated bilateral AAU. This is the fifth documented case of erlotinib-associated bilateral AAU since 2010, highlighting the rarity of this AE. Thus, the possibility of AAU should always be considered in patients on EGFR-blocking therapies as significant ocular damage can occur if ophthalmic complaints are not triaged and assessed quickly.
Role of internal limiting membrane peeling in the prevention of epiretinal membrane formation following vitrectomy for retinal detachment: a randomised trial
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Dubey Devashish , Kumawat Devesh , Markan Ashish , Chandra Parijat , Chandra Mahesh , Kumar Atul
Published: December 2019

Aim

To study the role of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in the prevention of macular epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Methods

In a randomised trial, patients with macula-off RRD (duration ≤3 months) with proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade ≤C1 and absence of pre-existing maculopathy were recruited from June 2016 to May 2018. Patients were randomised into two groups: group 1 (conventional treatment) underwent PPV alone, while group 2 underwent PPV with macular ILM peeling. The main outcome measures were macular ERM formation (detected on optical coherence tomography), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), retinal attachment and central macular thickness (CMT) at last follow-up (minimum 6 months).

Results

Sixty patients (30 in each group) completed the required follow-up. The two groups were comparable in sex distribution, age, duration of RRD, baseline CDVA and duration of follow-up (median 15.5 vs 14 months). Macular ERM developed in 20% (n=6) and 0% of eyes in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.002). Retinal reattachment was attained in all eyes. There was no statistical difference in final CDVA between the groups (p=0.43). Dissociated optic nerve fibre layer (DONFL) was found in 0% and 40% (n=12) of eyes in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.0001). However, DONFL did not significantly affect the final CDVA (p=0.84). The final CMT was 266.0±37.5 µm and 270.0±73.7 µm in groups 1 and 2, respectively, with no statistical difference (p=0.62).

Conclusions

ILM peeling prevents macular ERM formation following PPV for RRD but provides similar visual outcomes as compared with conventional treatment.

Trial registration number

CTRI2018/04/012978.
Lessons from the first 6 years of an intervention-based field epidemiology training programme in Papua New Guinea, 2013–2018
Authors: Ropa Barry , Flint James , O"Reilly Michael , Pavlin Boris Igor , Dagina Rosheila , Peni Bethseba , Bauri Mathias , Pukienei Alois , Merritt Tony , Terrell-Perica Steven , Yamba Abel , Prybylski Dimitri , Collins Julie , Durrheim David N , Henderson Alden , Bieb Sibauk
Published: December 2019

Papua New Guinea (PNG) faces a critical shortage of human resources to address pressing public health challenges arising from an increasing burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. PNG is an independent State in the Pacific and home to 8.2 million people. Resource and infrastructure constraints due to the country’s challenging geography have made it difficult and expensive to deliver health services and implement health programmes. The National Department of Health and its partners developed a field epidemiology training programme of Papua New Guinea (FETPNG) to strengthen the country’s public health workforce. The training programme covers field epidemiology competencies and includes the design, implementation and evaluation of evidence-based interventions by Fellows. From 2013 to 2018, FETPNG graduated 81 field epidemiologists. Most FETPNG graduates (84%) were from provincial or district health departments or organisations. Many of their intervention projects resulted in successful public health outcomes with tangible local impacts. Health challenges addressed included reducing the burden of multi-drug resistant-tuberculosis (TB), increasing immunisation coverage, screening and treating HIV/TB patients, and improving reproductive health outcomes. FETPNG Fellows and graduates have also evaluated disease surveillance systems and investigated disease outbreaks. Early and unwavering national ownership of FETPNG created a sustainable programme fitting the needs of this low-resource country. A focus on designing and implementing effective public health interventions not only provides useful skills to Fellows but also contributes to real-time, tangible and meaningful improvements in the health of the population. The graduates of FETPNG now provide a critical mass of public health practitioners across the country. Their skills in responding to outbreaks and public health emergencies, in collecting, analysing and interpreting data, and in designing, implementing and evaluating public health interventions continues to advance public health in PNG.
Association between the number of board-certified cardiologists and the risk of in-hospital mortality: a nationwide study involving the Japanese registry of all cardiac and vascular diseases
Authors: Yoneyama Kihei , Kanaoka Koshiro , Okayama Satoshi , Nishimura Kunihiro , Nakai Michikazu , Matsushita Kunihiro , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Kida Keisuke , Ishibashi Yuki , Izumo Masaki , Watanabe Makoto , Soeda Tsunenari , Okura Hiroyuki , Harada Tomoo , Yasuda Satoshi , Murohara Toyoaki , Ogawa Hisao , Saito Yoshihiko , Akashi Yoshihiro J
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Although there are 14 097 board-certified cardiologists in Japan, it is unknown whether the number of institutional board-certified cardiologists is related to the prognosis of cardiovascular disease patients.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis.

Setting

Data were collected from the nationwide database of acute care hospitals in Japan (2371 hospitals) between 2012 and 2013.

Participants

A total of 1 422 703 consecutive patients were initially included in this study, but 518 610 patients were excluded due to age <18 years, missing data or prior hospitalisations; therefore, 896 171 patients comprised the final sample population.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality due to any cause. For the per-hospital analysis, Poisson regression models were used to estimate the association of board-certified cardiologists with in-hospital mortality, adjusted for hospital facilitation. For the per-patient analysis, hierarchical logistic regression models were used to estimate the ORs of the number of institutional board-certified cardiologists, adjusted for patient demographics, diagnoses, therapies and hospital facilities.

Results

The regression model of the per-hospital analysis indicated that the number of board-certified cardiologists was associated with a lower rate ratio of in-hospital mortality (rate ratio, 0.988; 95% CI 0.983 to 0.993; p<0.01). The per-patient analysis indicated that the median age was 73 years and the in-hospital mortality rate was 11.7%. The regression model indicated that the presence of more board-certified cardiologists was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality (OR, 0.980; 95% CI 0.975 to 0.986; p<0.01) after adjustments for hospital facilities, patient characteristics and treatments.

Conclusions

Among cardiovascular disease patients admitted to acute care hospitals in Japan, the presence of more board-certified cardiologists was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality. These results have implications for national and institutional strategies for determining the required number of board-certified cardiologists.
Protocol for an economic evaluation alongside a cluster randomised controlled trial: cost-effectiveness of Learning Clubs, a multicomponent intervention to improve women’s health and infant’s health and development in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Trang , Sweeny Kim , Tran Thach , Luchters Stanley , Hipgrave David B , Hanieh Sarah , Tran Tuan , Tran Ha , Biggs Beverley-Ann , Fisher Jane
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Economic evaluations of complex interventions in early child development are required to guide policy and programme development, but a few are yet available.

Methods and analysis

Although significant gains have been made in maternal and child health in resource-constrained environments, this has mainly been concentrated on improving physical health. The Learning Clubs programme addresses both physical and mental child and maternal health. This study is an economic evaluation of a cluster randomised controlled trial of the impact of the Learning Clubs programme in Vietnam. It will be conducted from a societal perspective and aims to identify the cost-effectiveness and the economic and social returns of the intervention. A total of 1008 pregnant women recruited from 84 communes in a rural province in Vietnam will be included in the evaluation. Health and cost data will be gathered at three stages of the trial and used to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios per percentage point improvement of infant’s development, infant’s health and maternal common mental disorders expressed in quality-adjusted life years gained. The return on investment will be calculated based on improvements in productivity, the results being expressed as benefit–cost ratios.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved by Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Certificate Number 2016–0683), Australia, and approval was extended to include the economic evaluation (Amendment Review Number 2018-0683-23806); and the Institutional Review Board of the Hanoi School of Public Health (Certificate Number 017-377IDD- YTCC), Vietnam. Results will be disseminated through academic journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617000442303.
Optimization of Fetal Biometry With 3D Ultrasound and Image Recognition (EPICEA): protocol for a prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Ambroise Grandjean Gaëlle , Hossu Gabriela , Banasiak Claire , Ciofolo-Veit Cybele , Raynaud Caroline , Rouet Laurence , Morel Olivier , Beaumont Marine
Published: December 2019

Context

Variability in 2D ultrasound (US) is related to the acquisition of planes of reference and the positioning of callipers and could be reduced in combining US volume acquisitions and anatomical structures recognition.

Objectives

The primary objective is to assess the consistency between 3D measurements (automated and manual) extracted from a fetal US volume with standard 2D US measurements (I). Secondary objectives are to evaluate the feasibility of the use of software to obtain automated measurements of the fetal head, abdomen and femur from US acquisitions (II) and to assess the impact of automation on intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility (III).

Methods and analysis

225 fetuses will be measured at 16–30 weeks of gestation. For each fetus, six volumes (two for head, abdomen and thigh, respectively) will be prospectively acquired after performing standard 2D biometry measurements (head and abdominal circumference, femoral length). Each volume will be processed later by both a software and an operator to extract the reference planes and to perform the corresponding measurements. The different sets of measurements will be compared using Bland-Altman plots to assess the agreement between the different processes (I). The feasibility of using the software in clinical practice will be assessed through the failure rate of processing and the score of quality of measurements (II). Interclass correlation coefficients will be used to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility (III).

Ethics and dissemination

The study and related consent forms were approved by an institutional review board (CPP SUD-EST 3) on 2 October 2018, under reference number 2018–033 B. The study has been registered inhttps://clinicaltrials.govregistry on 23 January 2019, under the numberNCT03812471. This study will enable an improved understanding and dissemination of the potential benefits of 3D automated measurements and is a prerequisite for the design of intention to treat randomised studies assessing their impact.

Trial registration number

NCT03812471; Pre-results.
Professionals’ perspectives on factors affecting GP trainees’ patient mix: results from an interview and focus group study among professionals working in Dutch general practice
Authors: de Bever Sarah , van Rhijn Suzanne C , van Dijk Nynke , Kramer Anneke , Visser Mechteld R M
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Seeing and treating patients in daily practice forms the basis of general practitioner (GP) training. However, the types of patients seen by GP trainees do not always match trainees’ educational needs. Knowledge about factors that shape the mix of patient types is limited, especially with regard to the role of the professionals who work in the GP practice.

Aim

We investigated factors affecting the mix of patients seen by GP trainees from the perspective of professionals.

Design and setting

This qualitative study involved GP trainees, GP supervisors, medical receptionists and nurse practitioners affiliated with a GP Specialty Training Institute in the Netherlands.

Methods

Twelve focus groups and seven interviews with 73 participants were held. Data collection and analysis were iterative, using thematic analysis with a constant comparison methodology.

Results

The characteristics of patients’ health problems and the bond between the doctor and patient are important determinants of GP trainees’ patient mix. Because trainees have not yet developed bonds with patients, they are less likely to see patients with complex health problems. However, trainees can deliberately influence their patient mix by paying purposeful attention to bonding with patients and by gaining professional trust through focused engagement with their colleagues.

Conclusion

Trainees’ patient mix is affected by various factors. Trainees and team members can take steps to ensure that this mix matches trainees’ educational needs, but their success depends on the interaction between trainees’ behaviour, the attitudes of team members and the context. The findings show how the mix of patients seen by trainees can be influenced to become more trainee centred and learning oriented.
Patients’ experiences of early postoperative cognition and its relation to cognitive decline and inflammatory responses: a protocol for a mixed-methods study
Authors: Nilsson Ulrica , Liander Karin , Rooyackers Olav , Eriksson Lars I
Published: December 2019

Introduction

In the early weeks after surgery, patients may experience cognitive changes and impaired memory and concentration—changes commonly referred to as postoperative cognitive decline. It is often the patient and/or a relative that initially detects a change in cognitive capacity after surgery, typically when resuming daily activities. We lack information about how patients experience early postoperative cognition (delayed neurocognitive recovery) and if these experiences can be reflected in biochemical pattern of inflammatory signalling molecules, cognitive function as well as on quality of postoperative recovery.

Methods and analysis

The study has a mixed-methods design that is integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a single investigation. Participants included will be patients aged ≥60 years that are undergoing major elective joint replacement surgery (n=40) and their relative. Patient’s experience of his/her early cognition will be captured by interviews on postoperative day 13–16 during the follow-up visit. A relative will also be interviewed on the same day or the day after. Cognitive function will be measured preoperatively and on postoperative day 13–16 using the International Study Group of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction test battery. Symptoms/discomfort will be measured preoperatively and postoperatively (on postoperative day 1 and 2 and at the follow-up visit day 13–16) by the Swedish version of Quality of Recovery and by a visual analogue scale assessing pain intensity. Biomarkers will also be collected at the same time points. The findings from the interviews will be sorted out depending on group stratification (no delayed neurocognitive recovery and delayed neurocognitive recovery). The qualitative and quantitative findings will be compared to seek for similarities and differences.

Ethics and dissemination

The project has been approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (2019–02968) and will follow the principles outlined in the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments. Results from this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences and in social media.
Effect of tobacco control policies on the Swedish smoking quitline using intervention time-series analysis
Authors: Zhou Xingwu , Crippa Alessio , Danielsson Anna-Karin , Galanti Maria R , Orsini Nicola
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To coherently examine the responsiveness of the Swedish National Tobacco Quitline (SNTQ) to different types of anti-smoking policies over an extended period of calendar time.

Design

Quasi-experimental design with an intervention time-series analysis based on 19 years series of data collected between January 1999 and August 2017 (224 months). Statistical inference on calling rates and rate ratios was obtained using intervention time-series models (Poisson regression and transfer functions).

Participants

A total of 179 851 phone calls to the SNTQ.

Interventions

Recent application of the 2014/40/ European Union (EU) Tobacco Products Directive in 2016. Historical interventions such as a campaign on passive smoking in January 2001; introduction of larger text warnings on cigarette packages since September 2002; banning smoking in restaurants since June 2005; and tobacco tax increase by 10% since January 2012.

Outcome measure

Calling rates to the SNTQ expressed per 100 000 smokers.

Setting

Sweden.

Results

The introduction of large pictorial warnings together with text warnings on cigarette packages (May 2016) was associated with a 35% increase in SNTQ calling rate (95% CI 1.16 to 1.57). The campaign on passive smoking (Jan 2001) was associated with a 61% higher calling rate (95% CI 1.06 to 2.45). Larger text warnings on cigarette packs (Sept 2002) conferred a 28% increment in the calling rate (95% CI 1.15 to 1.42); and prohibition to smoke in restaurants (Jun 2005) was associated with a 15% increase in the calling rate (95% CI 1.01 to 1.30). The 10% tobacco tax increase (Jan 2012) was associated with a 3% higher calling rate (95% CI 0.90 to 1.19).

Conclusions

Within an overall decreasing trend of daily smoking in Sweden, we found that the recent introduction of pictorial warnings together with text warnings and referral text had a discernible positive impact on the calling rates to the smoking quitline. We were also able to detect a likely impact of earlier nationwide interventions.
Effect of fluocinolone acetonide 0.2 μg/day implant on the decision to drive in patients with diabetic macular oedema: a report from the FAME study
Authors: Grewal Dilraj S , Fletcher Donald C , Hariprasad Seenu M , Suner Ivan J
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether treatment with the 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetone implant (FAc; ILUVIEN, Alimera Sciences) and the associated improvements in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfield thickness (CST) demonstrated in the Fluocinolone Acetonide in Diabetic Macular Edema (FAME) study have an impact on the patient’s decision to drive as measured by the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25).

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of up to 3 years of NEI-VFQ-25 data collected during the phase III FAME trial. Patients were divided into four quartiles according to baseline NEI-VFQ-25 driving subscale (DSS) score. Patients who had never driven were excluded. Patients received either the 0.2 µg/day FAc implant or sham (dummy injection). Change in the DSS score of the NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire over 3 years in FAc-treated versus sham-treated patients was analysed by BCVA, CST and baseline DSS score.

Results

The proportion of patients achieving BCVA≥20/40 was similar between the FAc and sham groups throughout the study, while improvements in CST were significantly greater in the quartile of FAc-treated patients with the lowest baseline DSS score (quartile 1; p=0.04). Significant improvements in DSS score were also observed in quartile 1 (p=0.024), while numerical—but not significant—improvements in DSS score were observed in the full cohort.

Conclusion

This post hoc analysis demonstrates a significant association between clinical outcomes in diabetic macular oedema and improvement in quality of life measures following a single FAc implant.
Complications of femoral versus radial access in neuroendovascular procedures with propensity adjustment
Authors: Catapano Joshua S , Fredrickson Vance L , Fujii Tatsuhiro , Cole Tyler S , Koester Stefan W , Baranoski Jacob F , Cavalcanti Daniel D , Wilkinson D Andrew , Majmundar Neil , Lang Michael J , Lawton Michael T , Ducruet Andrew F , Albuquerque Felipe C
Published: December 2019

Background

The transradial artery (TRA) approach for neuroendovascular procedures continues to gain popularity, but neurointerventionalists still lag behind interventional cardiologists in the adoption of a TRA-first approach. This study compares the complications and efficiency of the TRA approach to the standard transfemoral artery (TFA) approach at our institution during our initial phase of adopting a TRA-first approach.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on all consecutive neuroangiographic procedures performed at a large cerebrovascular center from October 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. The standard TFA approach was compared with TRA access, with the primary outcome of complications analyzed via a propensity-adjusted analysis.

Results

A total of 1050 consecutive procedures were performed on 877 patients during this 9-month period; 206 (20%) procedures were performed via TRA and 844 (80%) via TFA. The overall complication rate was significantly higher with the TFA procedures than with the TRA procedures (7% (60/844) vs 2% (4/206), respectively; p=0.003). A propensity-adjusted analysis showed that the TFA approach was a significant risk factor for a complication (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3 to 10.2, p=0.01). However, the propensity analysis showed that fluoroscopy times were on average 4 min less for TFA procedures than for TRA procedures (p=0.003).

Conclusion

The TRA approach for neuroendovascular procedures appears to be safer than the TFA approach. Although a steep learning curve is initially encountered when adopting the TRA approach, the transition to a TRA-first practice can be performed safely for neurointerventional procedures and may reduce complications.
The effects of chronic Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) use on cerebral glucose metabolism in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study
Authors: Workman Craig D. , Kindred John H. , Boles Ponto Laura L. , Kamholz John , Rudroff Thorsten
Published: December 2019

This exploratory pilot study investigated the effects of chronic Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) on cerebral glucose metabolism in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Compared with nonusers, THC users had hypermetabolism of 3 regions (p < 0.039, d >1.17) in left temporal areas, while CBD users had hypometabolism of 5 regions (p < 0.032, d > 1.31) in left temporal areas. This study highlights the need to discriminate between THC and CBD in future cannabis studies.

Novelty Chronic THC and CBD use had disparate effects on cerebral glucose metabolism in PwMS.
Quantum charged spinning massless particles in 2 + 1 dimensions
Authors: Morales Ivan , Neves Bruno , Oporto Zui , Piguet Olivier
Published: December 2019

Motivated by the conduction properties of graphene discovered and studied in the last decades, we consider the quantum dynamics of a massless, charged, spin 1/2 relativistic particle in three dimensional space-time, in the presence of an electrostatic field in various configurations such as step or barrier potentials and generalizations of them. The field is taken as parallel to the y coordinate axis and vanishing outside of a band parallel to the x axis. The classical theory is reviewed, together with its canonical quantization leading to the Dirac equation for a 2-component spinor. Stationary solutions are numerically found for each of the field configurations considered, from which we calculate the mean quantum trajectories of the particle and compare them with the corresponding classical trajectories, the latter showing a classical version of the Klein phenomenon. Transmission and reflection probabilities are also calculated, confirming the Klein phenomenon.
Quasinormal modes of massive scalar field with nonminimal coupling in higher-dimensional de Sitter black hole with single rotation
Authors: Gwak Bogeun
Published: December 2019

We analytically investigate the quasinormal modes of the massive scalar field with a nonminimal coupling in the higher-dimensional de Sitter black hole with a single rotation. According to the separated scalar field equation, the boundary conditions of quasinormal modes are well constructed at the outer and cosmological horizons. Then, under near-extremal conditions, where the outer horizon closes to the cosmological horizon, the quasinormal frequencies are obtained and generalized to universal form in the higher-dimensional spacetime. Here, the real part of the frequency includes the scalar field contents, and its imaginary part only depends on the surface gravity at the outer horizon of the black hole.
MIP Neighborhood Search Heuristics for a Capacitated Fixed-Charge Network Design Problem
Authors: Katayama Naoto
Published: December 2019

The fixed-charge capacitated multicommodity network design problem is a fundamental optimization problem arising in many network configurations. The solution of the problem provides an appropriate network design as well as routes of multicommodity flows aimed at minimizing the total cost, which is the sum of the flow costs and fixed-charge costs over a network with limited arc capacities. In the present paper, we introduce a combined approach with a capacity scaling procedure for finding an initial feasible solution and an MIP neighborhood search for improving the solutions. Besides, we modify the procedure for application to large-scale problems. Computational experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, and high-quality solutions are obtained for two problem sets from the literature.
Mapping the shape of the scalar potential with gravitational waves
Authors: Chala Mikael , Khoze Valentin V. , Spannowsky Michael , Waite Philip
Published: December 2019

We study the dependence of the observable stochastic gravitational wave background induced by a first-order phase transition on the global properties of the scalar effective potential in particle physics. The scalar potential can be that of the Standard Model Higgs field, or more generally of any scalar field responsible for a spontaneous symmetry breaking in beyond-the-Standard-Model settings that provide for a first-order phase transition in the early universe. Characteristics of the effective potential include the relative depth of the true minimum [Formula: see text], the height of the barrier that separates it from the false one [Formula: see text] and the separation between the two minima in field space [Formula: see text], all at the bubble nucleation temperature. We focus on a simple yet quite general class of single-field polynomial potentials, with parameters being varied over several orders of magnitude. It is then shown that gravitational wave observatories such as aLIGO O5, BBO, DECIGO and LISA are mostly sensitive to values of these parameters in the region [Formula: see text]. Finally, relying on well-defined models and using our framework, we demonstrate how to obtain the gravitational wave spectra for potentials of various shapes without necessarily relying on dedicated software packages.
The preparation and electrochemical performance of Mo6S8 as cathode materials for magnesium ion batteries
Authors: Wang Zekun , Huang Jianfeng , Li Jiayin
Published: December 2019

In this work, we reported a Chevrel phase [Formula: see text], which was synthesized by a molten salt approach, and its electrochemical performance as a cathode material for rechargeable magnesium batteries. The phase composition and micromorphology of the product were measured and analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Chevrel phase sulfide delivered an excellent specific capacity of 91 mAh g[Formula: see text] at a current density of 0.2 C after 70 cycles. Its excellent reversible capacity, rate performance and cycle stability demonstrate the feasibility of the Chevrel phase [Formula: see text] materials for future rechargeable magnesium batteries.
Photodegradation of bisphenol A in nonferrous metal mining wastes
Authors: Wu Junyao , Zhang Yiyue , Yao Jun , Gao Wei
Published: December 2019

Metal mining wastes have caused severe environmental pollution. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a typical pollutant that comes from flotation reagent. This work studied the efficiency of direct photodegradation of BPA under multi-wavelength medium-pressure ultraviolet light (MP-UV). The effects of photo-exposure time, initial pH, BPA concentration, and existence of anions, cations, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on the BPA degradation behavior were studied. The results showed that MP-UV could effectively degrade BPA. The reaction follows the apparent first-order kinetic model, with a mineralization rate of 27.6% and accumulation of acidic intermediates. The degradation rate decreases with increasing initial concentration but the total amount of degraded BPA increased. With increasing pH, the degradation rate increases, which is related to the morphology of BPA. The promotion degree of BPA photodegradation follows the order of [Formula: see text], while the inhibition degree follows the order of [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, the half-life of [Formula: see text] system was 11.55 min; and [Formula: see text] is the main oxidative active substance in the system. The half-life of [Formula: see text] system was 12.65 min; and [Formula: see text] is the main oxidative active substance in the system.
A Novel Scale Insensitive KCF Tracker Based on HOG and Color Features
Authors: Lian Zhichao , Feng Changju , Liu Zhonggeng , Huang Chanying , Xu Chunshan , Sun Jin
Published: December 2019

Kernelized Correlation Filters (KCF) for visual tracking have received much attention due to their fast speed and outstanding performances in real scenarios. However, the KCF sometimes still fails to track the targets with different scales, and it may drift because the target response is fixed and the original histogram of orientation gradient (HOG) features cannot represent the targets well. In this paper, we propose a novel fast tracker, which is based on KCF and insensitive to scale changes by learning two independent correlation filters (CFs) where one filter is designed for position estimation and the other is for scale estimation. In addition, it can adaptively change the target response and multiple features are integrated to improve the performance for our tracker. Finally, we employ an adaptive high confidence filters updating scheme to avoid errors. Evaluated on the popular OTB50 and OTB100 datasets, our proposed trackers show superior performances in terms of efficiency and accuracy compared to the existing methods.