bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of polymorphism during epitaxial growth of hyperferroelectric candidate LiZnSb on GaSb (111)B
Authors: Du Dongxue , Strohbeen Patrick J. , Paik Hanjong , Zhang Chenyu , Genser Konrad T. , Rabe Karin M. , Voyles Paul M. , Schlom Darrell G. , Kawasaki Jason K.
Published: March 2020

A major challenge for ferroelectric devices is the depolarization field, which competes with and often destroys long-range polar order in the limit of ultrathin films. Recent theoretical predictions suggest a new class of materials, termed hyperferroelectics, that should be robust against the depolarization field and enable ferroelectricity down to the monolayer limit. Here, the authors demonstrate the epitaxial growth of hexagonal LiZnSb, one of the hyperferroelectric candidate materials, by molecular-beam epitaxy on GaSb (111)B substrates. Due to the high volatility of all three atomic species, they find that LiZnSb can be grown in an adsorption-controlled window, using an excess zinc flux. Within this window, the desired polar hexagonal phase is stabilized with respect to a competing cubic polymorph, as revealed by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy measurements. First-principles calculations show that for moderate amounts of epitaxial strain and moderate concentrations of Li vacancies, the cubic LiZnSb phase is lower in formation energy than the hexagonal phase, but only by a few millielectronvolts per formula unit. Therefore, they suggest that kinetics plays a role in stabilizing the desired hexagonal phase at low temperatures. Their results provide a path toward experimentally demonstrating ferroelectricity and hyperferroelectricity in a new class of ternary intermetallic compounds.
Co-occurrence of Acheulian and Oldowan artifacts with
Homo erectus
cranial fossils from Gona, Afar, Ethiopia
Authors: Semaw Sileshi , Rogers Michael J. , Simpson Scott W. , Levin Naomi E. , Quade Jay , Dunbar Nelia , McIntosh William C. , Cáceres Isabel , Stinchcomb Gary E. , Holloway Ralph L. , Brown Francis H. , Butler Robert F. , Stout Dietrich , Everett Melanie
Published: March 2020

Homo erectus
was anatomically variable and behaviorally flexible using both Oldowan and Acheulian artifacts.
An algal enzyme required for biosynthesis of the most abundant marine carotenoids
Authors: Dautermann O. , Lyska D. , Andersen-Ranberg J. , Becker M. , Fröhlich-Nowoisky J. , Gartmann H. , Krämer L. C. , Mayr K. , Pieper D. , Rij L. M. , Wipf H. M.-L. , Niyogi K. K. , Lohr M.
Published: March 2020

A key enzyme in light-harvesting pigment formation in many algae stems from duplication of a gene involved in photoprotection.
Nanoscale integrin cluster dynamics controls cellular mechanosensing via FAKY397 phosphorylation
Authors: Cheng Bo , Wan Wanting , Huang Guoyou , Li Yuhui , Genin Guy M. , Mofrad Mohammad R. K. , Lu Tian Jian , Xu Feng , Lin Min
Published: March 2020

Mechanotransduction model provides insights into integrin clustering/disassembly dynamics and associated FAK phosphorylation.
Computational and experimental performance of CRISPR homing gene drive strategies with multiplexed gRNAs
Authors: Champer Samuel E. , Oh Suh Yeon , Liu Chen , Wen Zhaoxin , Clark Andrew G. , Messer Philipp W. , Champer Jackson
Published: March 2020

CRISPR homing drive variants have different numbers of multiplexed gRNAs for optimal performance.
MTH1 inhibitor amplifies the lethality of reactive oxygen species to tumor in photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhao Lingzhi , Li Junyao , Su Yaoquan , Yang Liqiang , Chen Liu , Qiang Lei , Wang Yajing , Xiang Huijing , Tham Huijun Phoebe , Peng Juanjuan , Zhao Yanli
Published: March 2020

An MTH1 inhibitor is integrated with nanoparticles to enhance therapy effect of reactive oxygen species in cancer treatment.
Computer simulations explain mutation-induced effects on the DNA editing by adenine base editors
Authors: Rallapalli Kartik L. , Komor Alexis C. , Paesani Francesco
Published: March 2020

We uncovered structural and functional changes induced by mutations that dictate the DNA editing activity of ABE enzymes.
Tethered peptide neurotoxins display two blocking mechanisms in the K
+
channel pore as do their untethered analogs
Authors: Zhao Ruiming , Dai Hui , Mendelman Netanel , Chill Jordan H. , Goldstein Steve A. N.
Published: March 2020

Hijacking the cell machinery to tether neurotoxins near their surface receptors (zombie scans) reveals sites of interaction.
Localized cocktail chemoimmunotherapy after in situ gelation to trigger robust systemic antitumor immune responses
Authors: Chao Yu , Liang Chao , Tao Huiquan , Du Yaran , Wu Di , Dong Ziliang , Jin Qiutong , Chen Guobin , Xu Jun , Xiao Zhisheng , Chen Qian , Wang Chao , Chen Jian , Liu Zhuang
Published: March 2020

A cocktail therapeutic formulation is developed for localized chemoimmunotherapy to trigger systemic antitumor responses.
Understanding the mother-breastmilk-infant “triad”
Authors: Bode Lars , Raman Arjun S. , Murch Simon H. , Rollins Nigel C. , Gordon Jeffrey I.
Published: March 2020

Breastmilk research holds important opportunities to improve maternal-child health
Origins of peanut allergy-causing antibodies
Authors: Wesemann Duane R. , Nagler Cathryn R.
Published: March 2020

Analysis of gut-produced antibodies raises questions about how food allergy arises
Fluorescent Hybridization of Mycobacterium leprae in Skin Samples Collected in Burkina Faso
Authors: Millogo Anselme , Loukil Ahmed , Fellag Mustapha , Diallo Boukary , Ouedraogo Abdoul Salam , Godreuil Sylvain , Drancourt Michel
Published: March 2020

Leprosy is caused by
Mycobacterium leprae
, and it remains underdiagnosed in Burkina Faso. We investigated the use of fluorescent
in situ
hybridization (FISH) for detecting
M. leprae
in 27 skin samples (skin biopsy samples, slit skin samples, and skin lesion swabs) collected from 21 patients from Burkina Faso and three from Côte d’Ivoire who were suspected of having cutaneous leprosy. In all seven Ziehl-Neelsen-positive skin samples (four skin biopsy samples and three skin swabs collected from the same patient), FISH specifically identified
M. leprae
, including one FISH-positive skin biopsy sample that remained negative after testing with PCR targeting the
rpoB
gene and with the GenoType LepraeDR assay.
Aortobronchial fistula andListeriaendograft infection after repeated T/EVAR: a rare combination
Authors: Lauk Olivia , Fulchini Rosamaria , Hasse Barbara Katharina , Schmitt-Opitz Isabelle
Published: March 2020

Here we present a rare combination of aortobronchial fistula andListeriaendograft infection after repeat endovascular aortic repair. Device retention, debridement and negative pressure wound therapy, in combination with suppressive antimicrobial therapy, led to satisfactory control of infection until the patient died due to another complication. The combination of an aortobronchial fistula andListeriaendograft infection has never been described before. This present case should encourage and show clinicians the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in highly difficult clinical courses.
Visual field progression 8 years after trabeculectomy in Asian eyes: results from The Singapore 5-Fluorouracil Study
Authors: Ang Bryan C H , Seen Sophia , Kumaran Arjunan , De Leon John Mark Sim , Seah Steve Kah Leng , Foster Paul J , Gazzard Gus , Htoon Hla M , Khaw Peng Tee , Aung Tin , Husain Rahat
Published: March 2020

Background/Aims

This work aimed to study the effect of long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation on visual field (VF) progression 8 years post-trabeculectomy in Asian eyes.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 8-year post-trabeculectomy data from The Singapore 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) Study. VFs were analysed using Progressor software (Medisoft, Leeds, UK). Outcome measures included mean slope for VF per year, number of progressing points and mean slope for progressing points per year. Multivariate regression analyses were performed adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, glaucoma type, intraoperative 5-FU, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, best pre-trabeculectomy VF mean deviation, post-trabeculectomy mean IOP, IOP reduction and IOP fluctuation (SD of IOPs at 6-monthly timepoints).

Results

127 (52.3%) subjects completed 8-year follow-up with ≥5 reliable VFs and ≥8 6-monthly IOP measurements. Mean age was 61.8±9.6 years. Post-operatively, mean IOP was 14.2±2.8 mm Hg and mean IOP fluctuation was 2.53±1.20 mm Hg. Higher IOP fluctuation was associated with greater mean slope for field (B=−0.071; p=0.013), number of progressing points (B=0.963; p=0.014) and VF progression as defined by ≥1 progressing point (OR=1.585; p=0.029). There was also a trend towards eyes with higher IOP fluctuation having ≥3 adjacent progressing points in the same hemifield (OR=1.489; p=0.055). Greater mean IOP reduction post-trabeculectomy was associated only with a lower mean slope for progressing points per year (B=−0.026; p=0.028). There was no significant effect of intra-operative 5-FU compared with placebo for all outcome measures.

Conclusion

In post-trabeculectomy Asian eyes with well-controlled IOP, higher long-term IOP fluctuation may be associated with greater VF progression.
Methods matter: exploring the ‘too much, too soon’ theory, part 1: causal questions in sports injury research
Authors: Nielsen Rasmus Oestergaard , Bertelsen Michael Lejbach , Møller Merete , Hulme Adam , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Casals Marti , Parner Erik Thorlund
Published: March 2020

Background

It is widely accepted that athletes sustain sports injury if they train ‘too much, too soon’. However, not all athletes are built the same; some can tolerate more training than others. It is for this reason that prescribing the same training programme to all athletes to reduce injury risk is not optimal from a coaching perspective. Rather, athletes require individualised training plans. In acknowledgement of athlete diversity, it is therefore essential to ask the right causal research question in studies examining sports injury aetiology.

Purpose

In this first part of aBritish Journal of Sports Medicineeducational series, we present four different causal research questions related to the ‘too much, too soon’ theory and critically discuss their relevance to sports injury prevention.

Content

If it is true that there is no ‘one size ﬁts all’ training programme, then we need to consider by how much training can vary depending on individual athlete characteristics. To provide an evidence-base for subgroup-specific recommendations, a stronger emphasis on the following questions is needed: (1)How much training is ‘too much’ before athletes with different characteristics sustain sports-related injury?and (2)Does the risk of sports injury differ among athletes with a certain characteristic (eg, high experience) compared with athletes with other characteristics (eg, low experience) depending on how much training they perform?

Conclusion

We recommend that sports injury researchers aiming to examine the ‘too much, too soon’ theory should carefully consider how they, assisted by coaches, athletes and clinicians, pose their causal research question. In the light of the limitations of population-based prevention that intends to provide all athletes with the same advice, we argue that a stronger emphasis on research questions targeting subgroups of athletes is needed. In doing so, researchers may assist athletes, clinicians and coaches to understand what training advice/programme works best, for whom and under what circumstances.
Egg consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease: three large prospective US cohort studies, systematic review, and updated meta-analysis
Authors: Drouin-Chartier Jean-Philippe , Chen Siyu , Li Yanping , Schwab Amanda L , Stampfer Meir J , Sacks Frank M , Rosner Bernard , Willett Walter C , Hu Frank B , Bhupathiraju Shilpa N
Published: March 2020

Objective

To evaluate the association between egg intake and cardiovascular disease risk among women and men in the United States, and to conduct a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

Design

Prospective cohort study, and a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

Setting

Nurses’ Health Study (NHS, 1980-2012), NHS II (1991-2013), Health Professionals’ Follow-Up Study (HPFS, 1986-2012).

Participants

Cohort analyses included 83 349 women from NHS, 90 214 women from NHS II, and 42 055 men from HPFS who were free of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer at baseline.

Main outcome measures

Incident cardiovascular disease, which included non-fatal myocardial infarction, fatal coronary heart disease, and stroke.

Results

Over up to 32 years of follow-up (>5.54 million person years), 14 806 participants with incident cardiovascular disease were identified in the three cohorts. Participants with a higher egg intake had a higher body mass index, were less likely to be treated with statins, and consumed more red meats. Most people consumed between one and less than five eggs per week. In the pooled multivariable analysis, consumption of at least one egg per day was not associated with incident cardiovascular disease risk after adjustment for updated lifestyle and dietary factors associated with egg intake (hazard ratio for at least one egg per day
v
less than one egg per month 0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.82 to 1.05). In the updated meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies (33 risk estimates, 1 720 108 participants, 139 195 cardiovascular disease events), an increase of one egg per day was not associated with cardiovascular disease risk (pooled relative risk 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 1.03, I
2
=62.3%). Results were similar for coronary heart disease (21 risk estimates, 1 411 261 participants, 59 713 coronary heart disease events; 0.96, 0.91 to 1.03, I
2
=38.2%), and stroke (22 risk estimates, 1 059 315 participants, 53 617 stroke events; 0.99, 0.91 to 1.07, I
2
=71.5%). In analyses stratified by geographical location (P for interaction=0.07), no association was found between egg consumption and cardiovascular disease risk among US cohorts (1.01, 0.96 to 1.06, I
2
=30.8%) or European cohorts (1.05, 0.92 to 1.19, I
2
=64.7%), but an inverse association was seen in Asian cohorts (0.92, 0.85 to 0.99, I
2
=44.8%).

Conclusions

Results from the three cohorts and from the updated meta-analysis show that moderate egg consumption (up to one egg per day) is not associated with cardiovascular disease risk overall, and is associated with potentially lower cardiovascular disease risk in Asian populations.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42019129650.
Filling gaps in type 1 diabetes and exercise research: a scoping review and priority-setting project
Authors: Klaprat Nika M D , Askin Nicole , MacIntosh Andrea , Brunton Nicole , Hay Jacqueline L , Yardley Jane E , Marks Seth D , Sibley Kathryn M , Duhamel Todd A , McGavock Jonathan M
Published: March 2020

Our team examined the characteristics of patient engagement (PE) practices in exercise-based randomized trials in type 1 diabetes (T1D), and facilitated T1D stakeholders in determining the top 10 list of priorities for exercise research. Two methodological approaches were employed: a scoping review and a modified James Lind Alliance priority-setting partnership. Published (Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Central databases) and grey literature (www.clinicaltrials.gov) were searched to identify randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions lasting minimum 4 weeks and available in English. We extracted information on PE and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to identify if patient perspectives had been implemented. Based on results, we set out to determine exercise research priorities as a first step towards a patient-engaged research agenda. An online survey was distributed across Canada to collect research questions from patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. We qualitatively analyzed submitted questions and compiled a long list that a 12-person stakeholder steering committee used to identify the top 10 priority research questions. Of 9962 identified sources, 19 published trials and 4 trial registrations fulfilled inclusion criteria. No evidence of PE existed in any included study. Most commonly measured PROs were frequency of hypoglycemia (n=7) and quality of life (n=4). The priority-setting survey yielded 194 submitted research questions. Steering committee rankings identified 10 priorities focused on lifestyle factors and exercise modifications to maintain short-term glycemic control. Recent exercise-based randomized trials in T1D have not included PE and PROs. Patient priorities for exercise research have yet to be addressed with adequately designed clinical trials.
Combined and sequential non-invasive approach to diagnosing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels
Authors: Zheng Kenneth I , Liu Wen-Yue , Pan Xiao-Yan , Ma Hong-Lei , Zhu Pei-Wu , Wu Xi-Xi , Targher Giovanni , Byrne Christopher , Wang Xiao-Dong , Chen Yong-Ping , Lu Fengmin , Zheng Ming-Hua
Published: March 2020

Background and aim

Imaging-confirmed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with normal alanine aminotransferase (nALT) levels is infrequently the subject for further evaluation. Early diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is needed to prevent disease progression. Thus, we tested the clinical utility of serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) levels and developed a new non-invasive score to diagnose NASH in patients with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD and persistent nALT levels.

Methods

Serum GP73 and cytokeratin-18 M30 fragments (CK18-M30) levels were measured in 345 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. We developed a new score, named G-NASH model (by incorporating serum GP73), and combined it with serum CK18-M30 measurement in a sequential non-invasive approach to accurately identify NASH among patients with NAFLD and persistent nALT levels.

Results

105 (30.4%) patients had persistent nALT, 53 of whom had histologically confirmed NASH. Both serum GP73 and CK18-M30 levels alone had poor diagnostic accuracy in identifying NASH (55.2% and 51.6%, respectively) in these patients. Conversely, G-NASH model performed better than other established non-invasive scoring systems, and by using our proposed sequential non-invasive approach 82.9% of patients with NASH were correctly identified.

Conclusions

NASH is highly prevalent in patients with NAFLD with persistent nALT levels. The G-NASH model accurately identifies NASH in this patient group.
Challenges in meta-analyses with observational studies
Authors: Metelli Silvia , Chaimani Anna
Published: March 2020

Objective

Meta-analyses of observational studies are frequently published in the literature, but they are generally considered suboptimal to those involving randomised controlled trials (RCTs) only. This is due to the increased risk of biases that observational studies may entail as well as because of the high heterogeneity that might be present. In this article, we highlight aspects of meta-analyses with observational studies that need more careful consideration in comparison to meta-analyses of RCTs.

Methods

We present an overview of recommendations from the literature with respect to how the different steps of a meta-analysis involving observational studies should be comprehensively conducted. We focus more on issues arising at the step of the quantitative synthesis, in terms of handling heterogeneity and biases. We briefly describe some sophisticated synthesis methods, which may allow for more flexible modelling approaches than common meta-analysis models. We illustrate the issues encountered in the presence of observational studies using an example from mental health, which assesses the risk of myocardial infarction in antipsychotic drug users.

Results

The increased heterogeneity observed among studies challenges the interpretation of the diamond, while the inclusion of short exposure studies may lead to an exaggerated risk for myocardial infarction in this population.

Conclusions

In the presence of observational study designs, prior to synthesis, investigators should carefully consider whether all studies at hand are able to answer the same clinical question. The potential for a quantitative synthesis should be guided through examination of the amount of clinical and methodological heterogeneity and assessment of possible biases.
Successful endotracheal intubation following a failed first attempt during aeromedical retrieval
Authors: Glasheen John , Hooper Jeff , Donohue Andrew , Finn Emmeline , Murray-Smith Bronwyn , Bolot Renée , Edwards Mark
Published: March 2020

Introduction

First attempt intubation success is used by many prehospital services as a marker of quality and safety. An increasing complication rate is associated with repeated intubation attempts. The aim of this study was to identify changes to intubation technique following a failed intubation attempt.

Methods

LifeFlight Retrieval Medicine provides aeromedical retrieval services in Queensland, Australia. This retrospective study identified cases of failed intubation attempts from an electronic database registry over a 41-month period from March 2015 to July 2018. These data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of the 762 patients who required intubation 758 (99.5%) were successfully intubated, with 684 intubated at the first attempt (89.8%; 95% CI: 0.87 to 0.92). There was no difference in first attempt success between direct and video laryngoscopy (511/563 (90.8%) vs 172/194 (88.6%) p=0.38), trauma or medical (374/419 (89.3%) vs 310/343 (90.4%), p=0.61), primary or interhospital missions (329/370 (88.7%) vs 355/392 (90.8%), p=0.33). 78 cases of failed first attempt intubations were identified. In 65 of these cases, intubation was successful at the second attempt. A single change was made to the intubation procedure prior to a second successful attempt in 28/78 cases (35.9%), and more than one change was made in 41/78 (52.6%). The changes included the operator, intubation device, patient position, intubating aid and external laryngeal manipulation. No change between attempts was recorded in 9/78 (11.5%). 9 cases were successfully intubated at the third attempt, and changes prior to the third attempt included operator, device and intubating aid.

Conclusion

Although a high overall intubation success was found, one in ten patients who were intubated had a failed first attempt. The majority of successful subsequent attempts were preceded by at least one change to intubating technique. Intubating clinicians need the ability to identify and correct issues leading to a failed first attempt.
Early versus delayed emergency department presentation following mild Traumatic Brain Injury and the presence of symptom at 1, 4 and 12 weeks in children
Authors: Gravel Jocelyn , Ledoux Andrée-Ann , Tang Ken , Yeates Keith Owens , Craig William , Osmond Martin , Boutis Kathy , Burns Emma , Sangha Gurinder , Dubrovsky Alexander Sasha , Beer Darcy , Zemek Roger
Published: March 2020

Objectives

We evaluated the association between timing of presentation and postconcussive symptoms (PCS) at 1, 4 and 12 weeks after injury.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study conducted in nine Canadian paediatric EDs in 2013–2015 (5P study). Participants were children who suffered a head injury within the preceding 48 hours and met Zurich consensus concussion diagnostic criteria. The exposure was the time between head injury and ED presentation. The primary outcome was the presence of PCS at 1 week defined by the presence of at least three symptoms on the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI). Secondary outcomes evaluated PCS at 4 and 12 weeks. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were adjusted for ED PCSI and other potential confounders.

Results

There were 3041 patients with a concussion in which timing of the injury was known. 2287 (75%) participants sought care in the first 12 hours, 388 (13%) 12–24 hours after trauma and 366 (12%) between 24 and 48 hours. Compared with children who sought care >24 hours after trauma, children who sought care in the first 12 hours had a significantly lower incidence of PCS at 1 week (OR: 0.55 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.75)) and 4 weeks (OR: 0.74 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.99)) but not at 12 weeks (OR: 0.88 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.23)).

Conclusions

Patients who present early after a concussion appear to have a shorter duration of PCS than those presenting more than 12 hours later. Patients/families should be informed of the higher probability of PCS in children with delayed presentation.
Substantial and sustained improvement of serrated polyp detection after a simple educational intervention: results from a prospective controlled trial
Authors: Bleijenberg Arne G C , van Leerdam Monique E , Bargeman Marloes , Koornstra Jan Jacob , van Herwaarden Yasmijn J , Spaander Manon CW , Sanduleanu Silvia , Bastiaansen Barbara A J , Schoon Erik J , van Lelyveld Niels , Dekker Evelien , IJspeert Joep E G
Published: March 2020

Objective

Serrated polyps (SPs) are an important cause of postcolonoscopy colorectal cancers (PCCRCs), which is likely the result of suboptimal SP detection during colonoscopy. We assessed the long-term effect of a simple educational intervention focusing on optimising SP detection.

Design

An educational intervention, consisting of two 45 min training sessions (held 3 years apart) on serrated polyp detection, was given to endoscopists from 9 Dutch hospitals. Hundred randomly selected and untrained endoscopists from other hospitals were selected as control group. Our primary outcome measure was the proximal SP detection rate (PSPDR) in trained versus untrained endoscopists who participated in our faecal immunochemical test (FIT)-based population screening programme.

Results

Seventeen trained and 100 untrained endoscopists were included, who performed 11 305 and 51 039 colonoscopies, respectively. At baseline, PSPDR was equal between the groups (9.3% vs 9.3%). After training, the PSPDR of trained endoscopists gradually increased to 15.6% in 2018. This was significantly higher than the PSPDR of untrained endoscopists, which remained stable around 10% (p=0.018). All below-average (ie, PSPDR ≤6%) endoscopists at baseline improved their PSPDR after training session 1, as did 57% of endoscopists with average PSPDR (6%–12%) at baseline. The second training session further improved the PSPDR in 44% of endoscopists with average PSPDR after the first training.

Conclusion

A simple educational intervention was associated with substantial long-term improvement of PSPDR in a prospective controlled trial within FIT-based population screening. Widespread implementation of such interventions might be an easy way to improve SP detection, which may ultimately result in fewer PCCRCs.

Trial registration number

NCT03902899.
Veterinary care of guinea pigs
Authors: Rowland Mark
Published: March 2020

Background: Guinea pigs have become very popular in the pet trade and have been extensively bred for colour and coat mutations. They should not be considered as just a children's pet, as many guinea pigs presented to vets are kept by adults who have the same veterinary expectations for these animals as they would have for dogs and cats. Therefore, it is very important that vets have a working knowledge of guinea pig anatomy and physiology in order to expedite an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic plan. This is especially true of guinea pigs as they are capable of sudden rapid deterioration in their clinical condition. As with all exotics, the provision of supportive care forms a cornerstone in their rehabilitation.

Aim of the article: This article provides a guide to dealing with guinea pigs and an overview of the common conditions they present with.
Understanding the barriers to practice profitability
Authors: Robinson Alan
Published: March 2020

Practice profitability is a key factor in the daily life of any practitioner; however, it is not a topic commonly discussed and vets often struggle to adjust to the realities of commercial practice. Particular barriers, such as the profession's expectations, client expectations and personal expectations, within a highly a competitive market, make it difficult for vets to fulfil their desire to practise high‐quality medicine and surgery. This article looks at the ways vets undercharge for their professional time and how to address this to build commercial viability in practice.
Women in academic medicine leadership: correlation between sex of medical school deans and affiliated academic hospital system CEOs
Authors: Marshall Ariela L , Durani Urshila , Mikhael Joseph
Published: March 2020

Background

Women are currently under-represented in ‘C-suite’ leadership positions at academic medical centres, including medical school deans, department chairs and hospital chief executive officers (CEOs). There are many potential reasons for the low percentage of women in academic medical leadership, including lack of mentorship and sponsorship, increased non-work responsibilities compared with men, implicit bias, and others.

Methods

We collected data from 136 fully accredited US allopathic medical schools regarding sex of the medical school dean and sex of the CEO of the largest academic medical centre/teaching hospital affiliate. Schools where students rotate at non-academic centres were excluded from the final analysis, leaving 124 schools where we investigated the relationship between sex of US medical school dean and affiliated academic medical centre CEO.

Results

16.9% of current medical school deans and 17.7% of affiliated academic medical centre CEOs were female. Systems with one female leader were significantly (6.25-fold, 95% CI 2.22 to 17.56, p=0.001) more likely to have a second female leader, regardless of geographical region or institution type (public vs private).

Conclusions

There is a significant positive association between medical school dean and affiliated academic hospital centre CEO sex. There are many potential factors that could contribute to this positive association, including mentorship, sponsorship and medical system consciousness about gender equity, among others. This relationship is important to recognise as we strive for more gender parity for women in positions of leadership in academic medicine.
Assessment of exercise-induced changes in von Willebrand factor as a marker of severity of aortic stenosis
Authors: Zelis Jo M , Zimmermann Frederik M , Andriessen Froukje P J , Houthuizen Patrick , Van de Ven Jop , Leuverman Jolanda , Johnson Nils P , Pijls Nico H J , Scharnhorst Volkher , Van 't Veer Marcel , Tonino Pim A L
Published: March 2020

Background

Loss of high-molecular-weight multimers (HMWMs) of von Willebrand factor (vWF) occurs due to high shear stress in patients with aortic stenosis. As symptoms of aortic stenosis occur during exercise, measurement of vWF during exercise might identify patients with aortic stenosis of clinical importance. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate whether vWF changes over time as a result of exercise in patients with asymptomatic moderate or severe aortic stenosis.

Methods

Ten subjects were analysed for changes in vWF by measuring HMWMs and closure time with adenosine diphosphate (CT-ADP). All subjects underwent a full stress test on a bicycle ergometer. At rest and at peak exercise, a transthoracic echocardiogram was performed. HMWMs and CT-ADP were assessed at baseline, during and after exercise.

Results

HMWMs and CT-ADP did not change significantly during exercise, p=0.45 and p=0.65, respectively. HMWMs and CT-ADP correlated well, Spearman’s rho −0.621, p<0.001. HMWMs during peak exercise did not correlate with maximal velocity measured, p=0.21. CT-ADP during exercise correlated well with the maximal echocardiographic velocity over the aortic valve (AV), rho 0.82, p=0.04.

Conclusions

In a cohort of 10 patients with moderate or severe aortic stenosis, we observed no significant change in vWF biomarkers during exercise. Peak CT-ADP during exercise showed a good correlation with peak AV velocity measured with echo. Although CT-ADP is an easy test to perform and could be an alternative for peak AV velocity measured during exercise, our results suggest that it can only detect large changes in shear stress.
External validation of a convolutional neural network artificial intelligence tool to predict malignancy in pulmonary nodules
Authors: Baldwin David R , Gustafson Jennifer , Pickup Lyndsey , Arteta Carlos , Novotny Petr , Declerck Jerome , Kadir Timor , Figueiras Catarina , Sterba Albert , Exell Alan , Potesil Vaclav , Holland Paul , Spence Hazel , Clubley Alison , O'Dowd Emma , Clark Matthew , Ashford-Turner Victoria , Callister Matthew EJ , Gleeson Fergus V
Published: March 2020

Background

Estimation of the risk of malignancy in pulmonary nodules detected by CT is central in clinical management. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) offers an opportunity to improve risk prediction. Here we compare the performance of an AI algorithm, the lung cancer prediction convolutional neural network (LCP-CNN), with that of the Brock University model, recommended in UK guidelines.

Methods

A dataset of incidentally detected pulmonary nodules measuring 5–15 mm was collected retrospectively from three UK hospitals for use in a validation study. Ground truth diagnosis for each nodule was based on histology (required for any cancer), resolution, stability or (for pulmonary lymph nodes only) expert opinion. There were 1397 nodules in 1187 patients, of which 234 nodules in 229 (19.3%) patients were cancer. Model discrimination and performance statistics at predefined score thresholds were compared between the Brock model and the LCP-CNN.

Results

The area under the curve for LCP-CNN was 89.6% (95% CI 87.6 to 91.5), compared with 86.8% (95% CI 84.3 to 89.1) for the Brock model (p≤0.005). Using the LCP-CNN, we found that 24.5% of nodules scored below the lowest cancer nodule score, compared with 10.9% using the Brock score. Using the predefined thresholds, we found that the LCP-CNN gave one false negative (0.4% of cancers), whereas the Brock model gave six (2.5%), while specificity statistics were similar between the two models.

Conclusion

The LCP-CNN score has better discrimination and allows a larger proportion of benign nodules to be identified without missing cancers than the Brock model. This has the potential to substantially reduce the proportion of surveillance CT scans required and thus save significant resources.
Effects of exercise training and sex on dynamic responses of O2 uptake in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Green Simon , Kiely Catherine , O’Connor Eamonn , Gildea Norita , O’Shea Donal , Egaña Mikel
Published: March 2020

Effects of training and sex on oxygen uptake dynamics during exercise in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are not well established. We tested the hypotheses that exercise training improves the time constant of the primary phase of oxygen uptake (τp oxygen uptake) and with greater effect in males than females. Forty-one subjects with T2DM were assigned to 2 training groups (Tmale, Tfemale) and 2 control groups (Cmale, Cfemale), and were assessed before and after a 12-week intervention period. Twelve weeks of aerobic/resistance training was performed 3 times per week, 60–90 min per session. Assessments included ventilatory threshold (VT), peak oxygen uptake, τp oxygen uptake (80%VT), and dynamic responses of cardiac output, mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular conductance (80%VT). Training significantly decreased τp oxygen uptake in males by a mean of 20% (Tmale = 42.7 ± 6.2 to 34.3 ± 7.2 s) and females by a mean of 16% (Tfemale = 42.2 ± 9.3 to 35.4 ± 8.6 s); whereas τp oxygen uptake was not affected in controls (Cmale = 41.6 ± 9.8 to 42.9 ± 7.6 s; Cfemale = 40.4 ± 12.2 to 40.6 ± 13.4 s). Training increased peak oxygen uptake in both sexes (12%–13%) but did not alter systemic cardiovascular dynamics in either sex. Training improved oxygen uptake dynamics to a similar extent in males and females in the absence of changes in systemic cardiovascular dynamics.

Novelty Similar training improvements in oxygen uptake dynamics were observed in males and females with T2DM. In both sexes these improvements occurred without changes in systemic cardiovascular dynamics.
An electron temperature model of the nMOSFETs
Authors: Zhang Meng , Yao Ruohe
Published: March 2020

With the development of IC manufacturing process, the device dimensions have been on the nanoscale, while the device performance, such as the electron velocity, mobility and thermal noise, is significantly affected by the hot carrier effect. This paper proposes an electron temperature model to accurately predict the hot carrier effect. The channel transverse electric field is firstly derived by using the channel electric potential equation, taking into account the boundary conditions of the electric field. Based on the electric field equation, the energy balance equation is solved involving the impact of the temperature gradient and then the electron temperature model is established. The impact of the electron temperature on the channel mobility and of temperature gradient on the electron velocity has also been investigated. The results show that when the device enters the nanoscale, the electron mobility is more susceptible to the influence of the electric field and the electron temperature, and the impact of the temperature gradient on the velocity becomes obviously greater. The electron temperature model proposed in this paper can be applied to the performance analysis and modeling of nanosized MOSFETs.
The new structure of analytical and semi-analytical solutions of the longitudinal plasma wave equation in a magneto-electro-elastic circular rod
Authors: Li Jing , Attia Raghda A. M. , Khater Mostafa M. A. , Lu Dianchen
Published: March 2020

This research paper extracts novel analytical and semi-analytical wave solutions of the longitudinal wave equation in a magneto-electro-elastic circular rod by using the modified Khater method as one of the most novel and general computational methods and the Adomian decomposition method as a semi-analytical method. The longitudinal waves in metallic thin films are explained for the first time by Nilsson and Lindau, who used the visual evidence. They noted subdued anomalies in the ports of thin ([Formula: see text]100 Å) Ag layers deposited on amorphous silica for p-polarized light at frequencies padlock to the dynamic plasma frequency. These properties are studied by our two suggested methods and are explained by sketching some of our obtained solutions. Moreover, the stability property is tested for our obtained solutions by using the features of the Hamiltonian system. The performance of our used methods shows the power and effectiveness of these methods and their ability to apply on many different forms of nonlinear partial differential equations.
Functional Comparison between Healthy and Multiple Myeloma Adipose Stromal Cells
Authors: Espagnolle Nicolas , Hebraud Benjamin , Descamps Jean-Gérard , Gadelorge Mélanie , Joubert Marie-Véronique , Ferreira Laura Do Souto , Roussel Murielle , Huynh Anne , Sensébé Luc , Casteilla Louis , Attal Michel , Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Deschaseaux Frederic , Bourin Philippe , Corre Jill
Published: March 2020

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable B cell neoplasia characterized by the accumulation of tumor plasma cells within the bone marrow (BM). As a consequence, bone osteolytic lesions develop in 80% of patients and remain even after complete disease remission. We and others had demonstrated that BM-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are abnormal in MM and thus cannot be used for autologous treatment to repair bone damage. Adipose stromal cells (ASCs) represent an interesting alternative to MSCs for cellular therapy. Thus, in this study, we wondered whether they could be a good candidate in repairing MM bone lesions. For the first time, we present a transcriptomic, phenotypic, and functional comparison of ASCs from MM patients and healthy donors (HDs) relying on their autologous MSC counterparts. In contrast to MM MSCs, MM ASCs did not exhibit major abnormalities. However, the changes observed in MM ASCs and the supportive property of ASCs on MM cells question their putative and safety uses at an autologous or allogenic level.
Traffic Accident Prediction Based on LSTM-GBRT Model
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Yang Wenzhong , Wushour Silamu
Published: March 2020

Road traffic accidents are a concrete manifestation of road traffic safety levels. The current traffic accident prediction has a problem of low accuracy. In order to provide traffic management departments with more accurate forecast data, it can be applied in the traffic management system to help make scientific decisions. This paper establishes a traffic accident prediction model based on LSTM-GBRT (long short-term memory, gradient boosted regression trees) and predicts traffic accident safety level indicators by training traffic accident-related data. Compared with various regression models and neural network models, the experimental results show that the LSTM-GBRT model has a good fitting effect and robustness. The LSTM-GBRT model can accurately predict the safety level of traffic accidents, so that the traffic management department can better grasp the situation of traffic safety levels.
Perceived Patient Satisfaction and Associated Factors among Psychiatric Patients Who Attend Their Treatment at Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic, Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia, Jimma, 2019
Authors: Kassaw Chalachew , Tesfaye Elias , Girma Shimelis , Agenagnew Liyew
Published: March 2020

Background. In health care, patient satisfaction is an attitudinal response and a pillar for quality assurance, but there is reluctance to measure it among mentally ill patients. Satisfied patients become more compliant. However, no study was done in this study area before. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the magnitude of perceived patient satisfaction and associated factor at Jimma University Medical Center, outpatient psychiatry clinic. Methods. Cross-sectional study design was conducted, and systematic random sampling technique was used to get study participants. The 24-item Mental Health Service Satisfaction Scale (a validated tool in Ethiopia) was used to assess patient satisfaction. Data was entered using Epi-data 3.1 and exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 22.0 for analysis. Linear regression analysis (P<0.05) was used to identify the association between the outcome and independent variable. Result. 414 respondents participated in the study with response rate of 98%. The overall percentage of patient satisfaction was 50.3% (95% CI 48.4%–51.2%). Being male (β=−0.651, 95% CI (-0.969, -0.332)), having secondary and above educational status (β=−1.250, 95% CI (-1.765, -0.735)), living in a rural area (β=−1.358, 95% CI (-1.687, -1.030)), having a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (β=1.719, 95% CI (1.332, 2.106)) and bipolar disorder (β=1.203, 95% CI (0.890, 1.516)), far in distance from the hospital (β=−3.250, 95% CI (-4.662, -2.450)), having a history of current substance use (β=−1.719, 95% CI (-2.015, -1.423)), longer in waiting time (β=−3.853, 95% CI (-4.701, -2.205)), and strong social support (β=0.456, 95% CI (0.231, 0.654)) were variables significantly associated with patient satisfaction. Conclusion and Recommendation. This study found that half of the study participants are satisfied with the service. Distance from the hospital, current substance use, waiting time, and having good social support were identified as modifiable factors that can be improved through working with stakeholders to increase patient satisfaction.
Personalized Clothing Recommendation Based on User Emotional Analysis
Authors: Su Xueping , Gao Meng , Ren Jie , Li Yunhong , Rätsch Matthias
Published: March 2020

With the continuous development of economy, consumers pay more attention to the demand for personalization clothing. However, the recommendation quality of the existing clothing recommendation system is not enough to meet the user’s needs. When browsing online clothing, facial expression is the salient information to understand the user’s preference. In this paper, we propose a novel method to automatically personalize clothing recommendation based on user emotional analysis. Firstly, the facial expression is classified by multiclass SVM. Next, the user’s multi-interest value is calculated using expression intensity that is obtained by hybrid RCNN. Finally, the multi-interest value is fused to carry out personalized recommendation. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves a significant improvement over other algorithms.
Menstruation and the Ṭawāf al-Ifāḍa
Authors: Nurgat Yahya
Published: March 2020

This article examines Ibn Taymiyya’s (d. 728/1328) unprecedented fatwas allowing menstruating female pilgrims to perform the ṭawāf al-ifāḍa, an essential rite of the hajj. In normative jurisprudential law, menstruating women are obliged to stay in Mecca and fulfil this rite only after returning to ritual purity. However, women in Ibn Taymiyya’s time found the prospect of staying in Mecca a difficult one, predominantly due to the risk of returning home without the protection of the hajj caravan. For modern pilgrims, bureaucratic and financial obstacles also make extending one’s stay in Mecca a difficult task. This paper examines how Ibn Taymiyya’s application of ḍarūra enabled him to provide legal recourse for the numerous female pilgrims affected by the consequences of menstruating while on the hajj. It also explores the extent to which contemporary scholars have engaged with his landmark ruling in order to assist Muslim women today.
Genealogy of Knowledge and Delegitimization of Universities: The Pseudo-Paracelsian Aurora Philosophorum
Authors: Bulang Tobias
Published: March 2020

This article introduces the pseudo-Paracelsian treatise Aurora Philosophorum (last third of the sixteenth century) and focusses on the contexts of a specific genealogy of knowledge presented in this text. It reaches from a divine origin of human knowledge to the universities of the author’s times. Here, the transfer of science throughout history is described as a process of continuous decline. The concept of knowledge negotiated by this text is conceptualized not as theory alone: knowledge has a genuine in­strumental and practical aspect. The article also presents the principles of the forthcoming edition and commentary of the handwritten and printed copies of the Aurora Philosophorum.
Coming to Terms in Namibia
Authors: Melber Henning
Published: March 2020

The South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO of Namibia) had a unique status among anti-colonial movements. Fighting South Africa’s illegal occupation of South West Africa/Namibia, dubbed by the United Nations as a “trust betrayed,” it resorted to armed struggle in the 1960s. SWAPO was subsequently recognized as “the sole and authentic representative of the Namibian people” by a United Nations General Assembly resolution since the mid-1970s. The political culture in post-colonial Namibia is much characterized by the dominance of SWAPO as a former liberation movement and its official history. This paper summarizes the relevance of the armed struggle for the heroic narrative. It contrasts the glorification with some of the ‘hidden histories’ and trajectories related to some less documented realities of the armed struggle and its consequences which do not have much visibility in the official historiography. It thereby finally seeks to present a more nuanced picture by giving voice to some protagonists of a post-colonial political culture not considered as mainstream.
On the taxonomic position of the genera Krundia, Breukoscelis, and Uphodato (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Fulgoroidea) described from the Insect Limestone of the Isle of Wight
Authors: GNEZDILOV VLADIMIR M. , EMELJANOV ALEXANDR F.
Published: March 2020

Three fossil genera, Krundia Szwedo, 2019, Breukoscelis Szwedo, 2019, and Uphodato Szwedo, 2019, described in the family Issidae are transferred to other families according to the shape and venation of forewings. Krundia Szwedo is transferred to the family Tropiduchidae. Breukoscelis Szwedo is placed in synonymy under Uphodato Szwedo and transferred to the family Cixiidae. Forewing venation of the members of Issidae, Tropiduchidae, and Cixiidae are discussed and illustrated.