bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel microsimulation model of tobacco use behaviours and outcomes: calibration and validation in a US population
Authors: Reddy Krishna P , Bulteel Alexander J B , Levy Douglas E , Torola Pamela , Hyle Emily P , Hou Taige , Osher Benjamin , Yu Liyang , Shebl Fatma M , Paltiel A David , Freedberg Kenneth A , Weinstein Milton C , Rigotti Nancy A , Walensky Rochelle P
Published: May 2020

Background and objective

Simulation models can project effects of tobacco use and cessation and inform tobacco control policies. Most existing tobacco models do not explicitly include relapse, a key component of the natural history of tobacco use. Our objective was to develop, calibrate and validate a novel individual-level microsimulation model that would explicitly include smoking relapse and project cigarette smoking behaviours and associated mortality risks.

Methods

We developed the Simulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Outcomes and Policy (STOP) model, in which individuals transition monthly between tobacco use states (current/former/never) depending on rates of initiation, cessation and relapse. Simulated individuals face tobacco use-stratified mortality risks. For US women and men, we conducted cross-validation with a Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) model. We then incorporated smoking relapse and calibrated cessation rates to reflect the difference between a transient quit attempt and sustained abstinence. We performed external validation with the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the linked National Death Index. Comparisons were based on root-mean-square error (RMSE).

Results

In cross-validation, STOP-generated projections of current/former/never smoking prevalence fit CISNET-projected data well (coefficient of variation (CV)-RMSE≤15%). After incorporating smoking relapse, multiplying the CISNET-reported cessation rates for women/men by 7.75/7.25, to reflect the ratio of quit attempts to sustained abstinence, resulted in the best approximation to CISNET-reported smoking prevalence (CV-RMSE 2%/3%). In external validation using these new multipliers, STOP-generated cumulative mortality curves for 20-year-old current smokers and never smokers each had CV-RMSE ≤1% compared with NHIS. In simulating those surveyed by NHIS in 1997, the STOP-projected prevalence of current/former/never smokers annually (1998–2009) was similar to that reported by NHIS (CV-RMSE 12%).

Conclusions

The STOP model, with relapse included, performed well when validated to US smoking prevalence and mortality. STOP provides a flexible framework for policy-relevant analysis of tobacco and nicotine product use.
Is healthcare-seeking with gynaecological alarm symptoms influenced by personal and professional relations? A Danish population-based, cross-sectional study
Authors: Vejlgaard Anja Schmidt , Rasmussen Sanne , Jarbøl Dorte Ejg , Balasubramaniam Kirubakaran
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To identify the personal and professional relations of women experiencing gynaecological alarm symptoms, to analyse if involving a personal relation is related to healthcare-seeking with gynaecological alarm symptoms, and to analyse if having an available social network is associated with involvement of this relation.

Design

Web-based, population-based, cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

Setting

The general population in Denmark.

Participants

The study invited 100 000 individuals randomly drawn from the Danish Civil Registration System. Pregnant women and women who did not answer relevant questions about social network were excluded. A total of 5053 women who experienced at least one gynaecological alarm symptom were included in the study.

Primary and secondary outcomes

(1) Personal and professional relations that women experiencing gynaecological alarm symptoms involve; (2) the association between involving a personal relation and healthcare-seeking; and (3) the association between having an available social network and involvement of this relation.

Results

The general practitioner (GP) was the most involved professional relation, while the spouse/partner was the most involved personal relation. When experiencing gynaecological alarm symptoms, more than 50% of women did not involve a professional relation and 20% did not involve a personal relation. For all four gynaecological alarm symptoms, the odds of involving the GP were higher in the oldest age group. Women were two to seven times more likely to involve their GP if they had personal relation involvement. No statistically significant association was found between having an available social network and involving the GP.

Conclusion

Involving a personal relation in healthcare-seeking was associated with increased involvement of the GP, who consequently was the most involved professional relation when experiencing gynaecological alarm symptoms. Spouse/partner was the most involved personal relation. The oldest age group had the highest odds of involving the GP. No association was found between having an available social network and involving the GP.
Cohort profile: the STOP HIV/AIDS Program Evaluation (SHAPE) study in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Bever Andrea , Salters Kate , Tam Clara , Moore D M , Sereda Paul , Wang Lu , Wesseling Tim , Grieve Sean , Bingham Brittany , Barrios Rolando
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The Seek and Treat for Optimal Prevention of HIV/AIDS (STOP HIV/AIDS) Program Evaluation (SHAPE) study is a longitudinal cohort developed to monitor the progress of an HIV testing and treatment expansion programme across the province of British Columbia (BC). The study considers how sociostructural determinants such as gender, age, sexual identity, geography, income and ethnicity influence engagement in HIV care.

Participants

Between January 2016 and September 2018, 644 BC residents who were at least 19 years old and diagnosed with HIV were enrolled in the study and completed a baseline survey. Participants will complete two additional follow-up surveys (18 months apart) about their HIV care experiences, with clinical follow-up ongoing.

Findings to date

Analyses on baseline data have found high levels of HIV care engagement and treatment success among SHAPE participants, with 95% of participants receiving antiretroviral therapy and 90% having achieved viral suppression. However, persistent disparities in HIV treatment outcomes related to age, injection drug use and housing stability have been identified and require further attention when delivering services to marginalised groups.

Future plans

Our research will examine how engagement in HIV care evolves over time, continuing to identify barriers and facilitators for promoting equitable access to treatment and care among people living with HIV. A qualitative research project, currently in the formative phase, will compliment quantitative analyses by taking a strengths-based approach to exploring experiences of engagement and re-engagement in HIV treatment among individuals who have experienced delayed treatment initiation or treatment interruptions.
Towards patient-centred care in Ghana: health system responsiveness, self-rated health and experiential quality in a nationally representative survey
Authors: Ratcliffe Hannah L , Bell Griffith , Awoonor-Williams Koku , Bitton Asaf , Kim June-Ho , Lipstiz Stuart , Macarayan Erlyn , Ofosu Anthony , Otupiri Easmon , Schwarz Dan , Hirschhorn Lisa R
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Person-centredness, including patient experience and satisfaction, is a foundational element of quality of care. Evidence indicates that poor experience and satisfaction are drivers of underutilisation of healthcare services, which in turn is a major driver of avoidable mortality. However, there is limited information about patient experience of care at the population level, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries.

Methods

A multistage cluster sample design was used to obtain a nationally representative sample of women of reproductive age in Ghana. Women were interviewed in their homes regarding their demographic characteristics, recent care-seeking characteristics, satisfaction with care, patient-reported outcomes, and—using questions from the World Health Survey Responsiveness Module—the seven domains of responsiveness of outpatient care to assess patient experience. Using Poisson regression with log link, we assessed the relationship between responsiveness and satisfaction, as well as patient-reported outcomes.

Results

Women who reported more responsive care were more likely to be more educated, have good access to care and have received care at a private facility. Controlling for respondent and visit characteristics, women who reported the highest responsiveness levels were significantly more likely to report that care was excellent at meeting their needs (prevalence ratio (PR)=13.0), excellent quality of care (PR=20.8), being very likely to recommend the facility to others (PR=1.4), excellent self-rated health (PR=4.0) and excellent self-rated mental health (PR=5.1) as women who reported the lowest responsiveness levels.

Discussion

These findings support the emerging global consensus that responsiveness and patient experience of care are not luxuries but essential components of high-performing health systems, and highlight the need for more nuanced and systematic measurement of these areas to inform priority setting and improvement efforts.
Clinical trials in REM sleep behavioural disorder: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Videnovic Aleksandar , Ju Yo-El S , Arnulf Isabelle , Cochen-De Cock Valérie , Högl Birgit , Kunz Dieter , Provini Federica , Ratti Pietro-Luca , Schiess Mya C , Schenck Carlos H , Trenkwalder Claudia
Published: May 2020

The rapid eye movement sleep behavioural disorder (RBD) population is an ideal study population for testing disease-modifying treatments for synucleinopathies, since RBD represents an early prodromal stage of synucleinopathy when neuropathology may be more responsive to treatment. While clonazepam and melatonin are most commonly used as symptomatic treatments for RBD, clinical trials of symptomatic treatments are also needed to identify evidence-based treatments. A comprehensive framework for both disease-modifying and symptomatic treatment trials in RBD is described, including potential treatments in the pipeline, cost-effective participant recruitment and selection, study design, outcomes and dissemination of results. For disease-modifying treatment clinical trials, the recommended primary outcome is phenoconversion to an overt synucleinopathy, and stratification features should be used to select a study population at high risk of phenoconversion, to enable more rapid clinical trials. For symptomatic treatment clinical trials, objective polysomnogram-based measurement of RBD-related movements and vocalisations should be the primary outcome measure, rather than subjective scales or diaries. Mobile technology to enable objective measurement of RBD episodes in the ambulatory setting, and advances in imaging, biofluid, tissue, and neurophysiological biomarkers of synucleinopathies, will enable more efficient clinical trials but are still in development. Increasing awareness of RBD among the general public and medical community coupled with timely diagnosis of these diseases will facilitate progress in the development of therapeutics for RBD and associated neurodegenerative disorders.
Work-related asthma in the USA: nationally representative estimates with extended follow-up
Authors: Laditka James N , Laditka Sarah B , Arif Ahmed A , Hoyle Jessica N
Published: May 2020

Objective

We studied the associations of working in occupations with high asthma trigger exposures with the prevalence and incidence of asthma, and with ever reporting an asthma diagnosis throughout working life.

Methods

We used the nationally representative Panel Study of Income Dynamics (1968–2015; n=13 957; 205 498 person-years), with annual reports of occupation and asthma diagnoses across 48 years. We compared asthma outcomes in occupations likely to have asthma trigger exposures with those in occupations with limited trigger exposures. We estimated the prevalence ratios and the incidence risk ratios using log-binomial regression adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, and current and past atopy and smoking, and accounting for the survey design and sampling weights. We calculated the attributable risk fractions and population attributable risks, and used multinomial logistic Markov models and microsimulation to estimate the percentage of people ever diagnosed with asthma during working life.

Results

The adjusted prevalence ratio comparing high-risk occupations with low-risk was 4.1 (95% CI 3.5 to 4.8); the adjusted risk ratio was 2.6 (CI 1.8 to 3.9). The attributable risk was 16.7% (CI 8.5 to 23.6); the population attributable risk was 11.3% (CI 5.0 to 17.2). In microsimulations, 14.9% (CI 13.4 to 16.3) with low trigger exposure risk reported asthma at least once, ages 18–65, compared with 23.9% (CI 22.3 to 26.0) with high exposure risk.

Conclusion

Adults were more than twice as likely to report a new asthma diagnosis if their occupation involved asthma triggers. Work exposures to asthma triggers may cause or aggravate about 11% of all adult asthma and increase the risk of work-life asthma by 60%.
Association of mean arterial pressure with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in young adults
Authors: Sun Shuo , Lo Kenneth , Liu Lin , Huang Jiayi , Feng Ying Qing , Zhou Ying-ling , Huang Yu-Qing
Published: May 2020

Background

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is a predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in middle-aged population and elderly, but less evidence has been shown in young adults.

Objectives

We examined the associations of MAP with all-cause and CVD mortality in young adults aged between 18 and 40 years.

Methods

Data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2006) and participants were followed up to 31 December 2015. MAP was categorised by quartiles. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were performed to estimate the association between MAP, all-cause and CVD mortality.

Results

There were a total of 8356 (4598 women (55.03%)) participants with the mean age of 26.63±7.01 years, of which 265 (3.17%) and 10 (0.12%) cases of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality occurred during a median follow-up duration of 152.96±30.45 months, respectively. There was no significant difference in the survival rate by MAP quartiles (p=0.058). When MAP was treated as a continuous variable, the multivariable adjusted HRs for all-cause and CVD mortality were 1.00 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.04; p=0.910) and 0.94 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.14; p=0.529), respectively. When using the lowest quartile (Q1) as referent, the adjusted HRs for all-cause mortality from Q2 to Q4 were 1.16 (95% CI 0.56 to 2.42), 1.06 (95% CI 0.48 to 2.32) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.37 to 2.24; p for tend was 0.749) after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusion

There was no significant association of MAP with all-cause and CVD mortality in young adults with a relatively short follow-up time.
Status and situation of postgraduate medical students in China under the influence of COVID-19
Authors: Wang Shunda , Dai Menghua
Published: May 2020

At the beginning of 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 in China has brought great impact on the society, economy and life. This article introduces current status of Chinese postgraduate medical students under this epidemic situation in combination with the author’s own experience from four aspects: professional spirit, professional knowledge, learning status and protective measures.
Continuing medical education during a pandemic: an academic institution’s experience
Authors: Kanneganti Abhiram , Sia Ching-Hui , Ashokka Balakrishnan , Ooi Shirley Beng Suat
Published: May 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare systems worldwide. The disruption to hospital routines has affected continuing medical education (CME) for specialty trainees (STs). We share our academic institution’s experience in mitigating the disruption on the CME programme amidst the pandemic. Most specialty training programmes had switched to videoconferencing to maintain teaching. Some programmes also utilized small group teachings with precautions and e-learning modules. Surgical residencies were disproportionately affected due to reductions in elective procedures but some ways to provide continued surgical exposure include going through archived surgical videos with technical pointers from experienced faculty and usage of surgical simulators . We should adapt CME sessions to keep trainees up to date with core clinical competencies as they will continue to manage both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cases and this pandemic may last until year’s end.
Tobacco or not tobacco: predicting farming households’ income in Indonesia
Authors: Sahadewo Gumilang Aryo , Drope Jeffrey , Li Qing , Nargis Nigar , Witoelar Firman
Published: May 2020

Background

Recent research in several countries has demonstrated that small-holder tobacco farming is typically not a profitable enterprise. Many farming households report losing money in this economic endeavour, even without incorporating the value of their household labour. Losses are typically considerably worse when household labour is considered. We take advantage of panel data that include information about both current and former tobacco farming households’ characteristics and economic decisions to be the first to rigorously estimate the effects of both tobacco and non-tobacco farming on income.

Methods

We designed and implemented a two-wave economic survey of current and former tobacco farming households in Indonesia’s two largest tobacco-growing regions. We use regression analysis to estimate the effects of tobacco farming on household income per farming area in both survey waves.

Results

We find that former tobacco farming households are typically generating profits from their non-tobacco farming, while current tobacco farming households experience greater variability, including experiencing economic losses. Former tobacco farming households’ income were comparable to current tobacco farming households’ even in the period in which tobacco leaf production and prices of tobacco leaf were relatively high. We find a negative and significant effect of tobacco farming on household income.

Conclusions

One of the main arguments from those opposing tobacco control policies—especially increasing cigarette excise taxes—is their alleged effect on tobacco farming households’ livelihoods through a lower demand for tobacco leaves. Our finding that there is a negative effect of tobacco farming on household income shows that the narrative is grossly inaccurate. Shifting to non-tobacco farming would allow farming households to reallocate their resources to other more lucrative economic opportunities.
Roll-your-own smokers’ reactions to cessation-efficacy messaging integrated into tobacco packaging design: a sequential mixed-methods study
Authors: Blank Mei-Ling , Hoek Janet , Gendall Philip
Published: May 2020

Background

Although loss-framed pictorial warning labels (PWLs) have increased knowledge of the health harms caused by smoking, they may elicit maladaptive responses among some smokers who have tried repeatedly, yet unsuccessfully, to quit smoking. However, research suggests that maladaptive responses may diminish if warnings are complemented with efficacy enhancing messages. Therefore, we explored New Zealand (NZ) adult roll-your-own (RYO) loose tobacco smokers’ reactions to self-efficacy and response efficacy messages integrated into the RYO packaging structure and designed to complement PWLs.

Design

We used a sequential mixed-methods design. In-depth interviews gauged participants’ (n=22) acceptance of the designs and informed stimuli development for an online survey. The survey (n=785) compared self-efficacy and response efficacy designs to standard Quitline information, and examined agreement with emotions, beliefs and projected behaviours associated with quit attempts.

Results

Our findings suggest placing gain-framed response efficacy messages on the inside flap of RYO tobacco pouches may stimulate specific emotional reactions, beliefs and projected behaviours associated with future quit attempts more effectively than NZ’s status quo Quitline information. Those potentially more likely to benefit include smokers who have high baseline response efficacy and who intend to make a quit attempt.

Conclusions

Integrating cessation-related messaging within tobacco packaging could be a high reach, just-in-time micro-intervention at the point of decision-making. Enhanced efficacy messages could complement and enhance PWLs, and support quitting among groups where smoking prevalence is especially high.
Phenotypic evidence for an extensive mosaic hybrid zone between two species of columbine,Aquilegia flavescensandA. formosa
Authors: Groh Jeffrey S. , Cronk Quentin C.B.
Published: May 2020

Describing the structure and dynamics of hybrid zones has important consequences for our understanding of lineage diversification. Herbarium collections constitute an extensive, though often underutilized, morphological resource that can potentially be leveraged to identify and describe hybrid zones. We demonstrate the use of herbarium collections to describe the structure of a hybrid zone between two North American columbines, Aquilegia flavescens S. Watson and A. formosa Fisch. ex DC. Hybrid indices were calculated from floral morphology measurements and mapped using geolocation data, revealing an extensive and consistent pattern of floral intermediacy in several contact zones. Population phenotype samples from contact zones corroborate these findings and strongly suggest introgression. At one locality with a confirmed hybrid population, floral phenotypes show clinal variation in parental-type morphology along an elevational gradient, in the direction predicted by the divergent elevational distributions of these taxa. We argue that these patterns together reflect a habitat-associated mosaic hybrid zone, consistent with divergent ecological selection maintaining the structure of the hybrid zone.
Theia: an advanced optical neutrino detector
Authors: Askins M. , Bagdasarian Z. , Barros N. , Beier E. W. , Blucher E. , Bonventre R. , Bourret E. , Callaghan E. J. , Caravaca J. , Diwan M. , Dye S. T. , Eisch J. , Elagin A. , Enqvist T. , Fischer V. , Frankiewicz K. , Grant C. , Guffanti D. , Hagner C. , Hallin A. , Jackson C. M. , Jiang R. , Kaptanoglu T. , Klein J. R. , Kolomensky Yu. G. , Kraus C. , Krennrich F. , Kutter T. , Lachenmaier T. , Land B. , Lande K. , Learned J. G. , Lozza V. , Ludhova L. , Malek M. , Manecki S. , Maneira J. , Maricic J. , Martyn J. , Mastbaum A. , Mauger C. , Moretti F. , Napolitano J. , Naranjo B. , Nieslony M. , Oberauer L. , Orebi Gann G. D. , Ouellet J. , Pershing T. , Petcov S. T. , Pickard L. , Rosero R. , Sanchez M. C. , Sawatzki J. , Seo S. H. , Smiley M. , Smy M. , Stahl A. , Steiger H. , Stock M. R. , Sunej H. , Svoboda R. , Tiras E. , Trzaska W. H. , Tzanov M. , Vagins M. , Vilela C. , Wang Z. , Wang J. , Wetstein M. , Wilking M. J. , Winslow L. , Wittich P. , Wonsak B. , Worcester E. , Wurm M. , Yang G. , Yeh M. , Zimmerman E. D. , Zsoldos S. , Zuber K.
Published: May 2020

New developments in liquid scintillators, high-efficiency, fast photon detectors, and chromatic photon sorting have opened up the possibility for building a large-scale detector that can discriminate between Cherenkov and scintillation signals. Such a detector could reconstruct particle direction and species using Cherenkov light while also having the excellent energy resolution and low threshold of a scintillator detector. Situated deep underground, and utilizing new techniques in computing and reconstruction, this detector could achieve unprecedented levels of background rejection, enabling a rich physics program spanning topics in nuclear, high-energy, and astrophysics, and across a dynamic range from hundreds of keV to many GeV. The scientific program would include observations of low- and high-energy solar neutrinos, determination of neutrino mass ordering and measurement of the neutrino CP-violating phase $$\delta $$δ, observations of diffuse supernova neutrinos and neutrinos from a supernova burst, sensitive searches for nucleon decay and, ultimately, a search for neutrinoless double beta decay, with sensitivity reaching the normal ordering regime of neutrino mass phase space. This paper describes Theia, a detector design that incorporates these new technologies in a practical and affordable way to accomplish the science goals described above.
On the Koszul formula in noncommutative geometry
Authors: Bhowmick Jyotishman , Goswami Debashish , Landi Giovanni
Published: May 2020

We prove a Koszul formula for the Levi-Civita connection for any pseudo-Riemannian bilinear metric on a class of centered bimodule of noncommutative one-forms. As an application to the Koszul formula, we show that our Levi-Civita connection is a bimodule connection. We construct a spectral triple on a fuzzy sphere and compute the scalar curvature for the Levi-Civita connection associated to a canonical metric.
Construction of rogue waves and conservation laws of the complex coupled Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation
Authors: Abdel-Gawad H. I. , Tantawy M. , Inc Mustafa , Yusuf A.
Published: May 2020

In this work, the solutions of the real coupled Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equations (KPEs) are obtained and they are used to find the ones of the complex system. To this end, the extension theorem is used. The formation of rogue wave (RW) is shown to occur via inelastic collisions of lines-lump solitons and periodic waves and also of two elliptic waves. The quadratic invariant is used to show the phase portrait and bifurcation through the contour plot. Further, the conservation laws (CLs) are constructed by means of new conservation theorem by finding the governing system of equation. The results are given, work consolidated from a previous work, by the first two authors, for suggesting a mechanism for the formation of RW when the complex Korteweg–de Vries equation was studied. Based on the exact solutions found here, numerical computations are carried out and they are represented graphically. Finally, the unified method (UM) can be applied to solve a variety of partial differential equations in science and engineering.
Two-dimensional density-driven segregation in vertically vibrated binary granular mixtures
Authors: Feng Yao-Dong , Liu Can-Can , Shi Qingfan , Sun Gang
Published: May 2020

Two-dimensional segregation effect in vertically vibrated binary granular mixtures with same size is studied by molecular dynamic simulation. The results show that the lighter and mixed state, in which the lighter particles tend to rise and form a pure layer on top of the system while the heavier particles and some of the lighter ones stay at the bottom and form a mixed layer, also exists in the two-dimensional system. The validity of the scheme of the lighter and mixed state is testified by comparing the distribution profiles implied by the scheme with that of the real simulated state. We further propose to use twice the ratio of the thickness of the top layer to that of the whole system as an order parameter to describe the degree of the segregation quantitatively, and present a method that can accurately calculate the order parameter in the simulation. By use of the order parameter, we show that the order parameter is a convex monotonic function of the density ratio between the heavier and lighter particles.
Performance Evaluation of Chinese High-Speed Railway Bridges Under Seismic Loads
Authors: Xie Xu , Yang T. Y.
Published: May 2020

The multi-span simply supported (MSSS) box girder bridge is the most used structural form for the high-speed railway (HSR) in China. In structural design, it is required that the MSSS bridge system has high stiffness and low deflection under the operation loads. With the expansion of the HSR network to regions that are seismically active, the seismic performance of MSSS bridges in these regions is an issue of great concern. In this study, the performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE) methodology originally developed to quantify the seismic performance of buildings and bridges has been adopted to quantify the seismic performance of the HSR MSSS bridges in China. Typically, a four-span MSSS bridge used in China’s Sichuan–Yunnan HSR lines has been extensively assessed by the PBEE approach. This study is the first of its kind to systematically identify and quantify the damage states, repair actions, repair costs and travel delay losses for China’s HSR MSSS bridge system. The results reveal that the financial loss from the MSSS bridge system is highly dependent on the anchorage capacity of the fixed bearings. Overall, the costs of travel delay outweigh those for structural repair. Most of the financial loss can be attributed to the functional loss of the track-slab components and bearings of the HSR MSSS bridge system.
Exploration of physicochemical properties of 4-methoxy acetanilide: A nonlinear optical crystal
Authors: Bhuvaneswari G. , Prasad L. Guru , Prabavathi N.
Published: May 2020

The single crystal XRD analysis has been used to examine the structure of the centrosymmetric crystal 4-Methoxy acetanilide. The material delineated in orthorhombic system with the space group of Pbca. FTIR and Raman spectrum analysis have been executed to comprehend the molecular interactions and to study the vibrational nature of the functional groups presented in the title molecule. Characteristic studies like optical, dielectric and thermal stability have also been carried out. Detailed explorations have been conducted on the optical properties of the crystal using both quantum chemical calculations and experimental data.
Tailoring Cation Solvation in Electrode-Decoupled Redox Flow Batteries Significantly Enhances Capacity and Cycle Life
Authors: Sankarasubramanian Shrihari , Zhang Yunzhu , Ramani Vijay
Published: May 2020

Electrode-decoupled redox flow batteries (ED-RFBs) employ disparate cationic actives in the anolyte and catholyte, significantly expanding the chemical design space for flow batteries. Crossover induced capacity fade in such systems can be mitigated or eliminated by the use of highly permselective anion exchange membranes (AEMs) as separators. Herein, we show that tailoring the solvation shell around the cationic actives aids in significantly reducing crossover and hence capacity fade. A model V-Ce ED-RFB was developed utilizing this paradigm and demonstrated a 30% enhancement in practical volumetric capacity1. By substituting sulfuric acid with methanesulfonic acid as the supporting electrolyte for V and Ce in conjunction with a highly permselective polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene (SEBS) triblock copolymer AEM2 enabled a >95% reduction in capacity fade compared to previous sulfuric acid systems. Employing the Marcus-Hush kinetic formulation to understand the solvation effects3
4, the presence of strongly solvated cations was shown to be the reason for the significantly improved performance. The ED-RFB maintained nearly 100% coulombic efficiency (CE) and ca. 70% energy efficiency (EE) (at a 50 mA.cm-2 galvanostatic charge/discharge current) over 100 cycles. Thus, we demonstrate that judicious selection of the electrolyte composition leads to ED-RFBs with long life, excellent rate capability and stability.

References

1. S. Sankarasubramanian, Y. Zhang, and V. Ramani, Sustain. Energy Fuels, 3, 2417–2425 (2019).

2. Z. Wang, S. Sankarasubramanian, and V. Ramani, Curr. Opin. Electrochem., 12, 240–245 (2018).

3. Y. Li, J. Parrondo, S. Sankarasubramanian, and V. Ramani, J. Phys. Chem. C, 123, 6370–6378 (2019).

4. S. Sankarasubramanian, J. Kahky, and V. Ramani, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A., 116, 14899–14904 (2019).
Carbon Nitride / Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite for Electrochemical Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Nath Anish Reghu , Ajith Mohan Arjun , N Sandhyarani
Published: May 2020

A composite of carbon nitride (CN) and reduced graphene oxide1(RGO) were prepared and used as an electrode material for supercapacitor application. The limited electrical conductivity of carbon nitride is overcome by initially protonating the carbon nitride (p-CN) by refluxing, to increase its conductivity2. The p-CN was hydrothermally treated with graphene oxide to form a composite of p-CN/RGO. Morphology was analysed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM); it reveals an interlayered structure of carbon nitride and graphene. The electrochemical behaviour was studied using a three-electrode system using sulphuric acid and potassium hydroxide as an electrolyte. Electrochemical behaviour was studied using cyclic voltammetry within a potential window of -0.4 to 0.75V. The characteristics show a nearly rectangular shape showing the double layer capacitance behavior. The sulphuric acid medium was found to be better electrolyte for the composite as there were no signs of voltage drop in comparison with potassium hydroxide electrolyte. The composite electrode was found to be a better electrode for supercapacitor applications.

References

1 C. Lu, Y. Yang and X. Chen, Nano Lett., 2019, 19, 4103–4111.

2 Q. Li, D. Xu, J. Guo, X. Ou and F. Yan, Carbon N. Y., 2017, 124, 599–610.

Figure 1
Oxygen deficit is a sensitive measure of mild gas exchange impairment at inspired O2 between 12.5% and 21%
Authors: Liu Matthew A. , Stark Phoebe C. , Prisk G. Kim , West John B.
Published: May 2020

The oxygen deficit (OD) is the difference between the end-tidal alveolar Po2 and the calculated Po2 of arterial blood based on measured oxygen saturation that acts as a proxy for the alveolar-arterial Po2 difference. Previous work has shown that the alveolar gas meter (AGM100) can measure pulmonary gas exchange, via the OD, in patients with a history of lung disease and in normal subjects breathing 12.5% O2. The present study measured how the OD varied at different values of inspired O2. Healthy subjects were split by age (young 22–31; n = 23; older 42–90; n = 13). Across all inspired O2 levels (12.5, 15, 17.5, and 21%), the OD was higher in the older cohort 10.6 ± 1.0 mmHg compared with the young −0.4 ± 0.6 mmHg ( P < 0.0001, using repeated measures ANOVA), the difference being significant at all O2 levels (all P < 0.0001). The OD difference between age groups and its variance was greater at higher O2 values (age × O2 interaction; P = 0.002). The decrease in OD with lower values of inspired O2 in both cohorts is consistent with the increased accuracy of the calculated arterial Po2 based on the O2-Hb dissociation curve and with the expected decrease in the alveolar-arterial Po2 difference due to a lower arterial saturation. The persisting higher OD seen in older subjects, irrespective of the inspired O2, shows that the measurement of OD remains sensitive to mild gas exchange impairment, even when breathing 21% O2.
Caspase-11 contributes to pulmonary host defense against Klebsiella pneumoniae and local activation of coagulation
Authors: Perlee Desiree , de Beer Regina , Florquin Sandrine , van der Poll Tom , van ’t Veer Cornelis , de Vos Alex F.
Published: May 2020

Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae is a common cause of gram-negative pneumonia and sepsis. Caspase-11 is an intracellular receptor for lipopolysaccharide and regulates pyroptosis, a specific form of inflammatory cell death, which aids in host defense against intracellular gram-negative bacteria. Recently, caspase-11 has also been implicated in blood coagulation. Previously, we found that local fibrin formation contributes to protective immunity against Klebsiella infection of the lung. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of caspase-11 in host defense during K. pneumoniae-evoked pneumonia and sepsis. Therefore, we infected wild-type and caspase-11-deficient ( Casp11−/−) mice with a low-dose K. pneumoniae via the airways to induce a gradually evolving pneumosepsis. Casp11−/− mice displayed increased bacterial numbers in the lung 12 h and 48 h after inoculation. Analysis of pulmonary IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF levels showed reduced IL-1α levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and increased TNF levels in the lung of Casp11−/− mice at 48 h after inoculation. Lung γH2AX staining (marker for cell death), lung pathology and neutrophil influx in the lung, as well as bacterial dissemination and organ damage, however, were not altered in Casp11−/− mice after Klebsiella infection. Strikingly, analysis of cross-linked fibrin and D-dimer (markers for coagulation) revealed significantly less fibrin formation in the lungs of Casp11−/− mice at either time point after Klebsiella infection. These data reveal that caspase-11 contributes to protective immunity against K. pneumoniae possibly by activation of blood coagulation in the lung.
The serotonin reuptake blocker citalopram destabilizes fictive locomotor activity in salamander axial circuits through 5-HT1A receptors
Authors: Flaive Aurélie , Cabelguen Jean-Marie , Ryczko Dimitri
Published: May 2020

Serotoninergic (5-HT) neurons are powerful modulators of spinal locomotor circuits. Most studies about 5-HT modulation focused on the effect of exogenous 5-HT and these studies provided key information about the cellular mechanisms involved. Less is known about the effects of increased release of endogenous 5-HT with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Such molecules were shown to destabilize the locomotor output of spinal limb networks through 5-HT1A receptors. However, in tetrapods little is known about the effects of increased 5-HT release on the locomotor output of axial networks, which are coordinated with limb circuits during locomotion from basal vertebrates to mammals. Here, we examined the effect of citalopram on fictive locomotion generated in axial segments of isolated spinal cords in salamanders, a tetrapod where raphe 5-HT reticulospinal neurons and intraspinal 5-HT neurons are present as in other vertebrates. Using electrophysiological recordings of ventral roots, we show that fictive locomotion generated by bath-applied glutamatergic agonists is destabilized by citalopram. Citalopram-induced destabilization was prevented by a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, whereas a 5-HT1A receptor agonist destabilized fictive locomotion. Using immunofluorescence experiments, we found 5-HT-positive fibers and varicosities in proximity with motoneurons and glutamatergic interneurons that are likely involved in rhythmogenesis. Our results show that increasing 5-HT release has a deleterious effect on axial locomotor activity through 5-HT1A receptors. This is consistent with studies in limb networks of turtle and mouse, suggesting that this part of the complex 5-HT modulation of spinal locomotor circuits is common to limb and axial networks in limbed vertebrates.
Prevalence of Hypothyroidism among Dialysis Patients in Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nazzal Zaher A. , Khazneh Emad N. , Rabi Razan A. , Hammoudeh Ahlam A. , Ghanem Ahmed F. , Zaidan Mohammed A.
Published: May 2020

Introduction. The kidney affects the thyroid gland causing various derangements in its function whenever the kidney is impaired, even with a minor imperfection in its job, and this makes dialysis patients more prone to thyroid disorders with subsequent increase in mortality and morbidity. This study aims to assess the prevalence of thyroid disease (hypo- and hyperthyroidism) among dialysis patients and their associated factors. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the dialysis unit of An-Najah National University Hospital. 209 dialysis patients (60% were male, 57.6 ± 14.5 years, mean age) meeting our inclusion criteria were tested for thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) in addition to routine laboratory tests. Findings. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was assessed as 16.3% (95% CI = 11.29% to 21.3%), overt hypothyroidism was 9.1%, and subclinical hypothyroidism was 7.2%. Subclinical hyperthyroidism prevalence was 1%, and no overt hyperthyroidism cases were reported. We observed no significant association between thyroid state and age, gender, duration of dialysis, or weight. Discussion. Hypothyroidism (both subclinical and overt type) is commonly seen in dialysis patients, and its symptoms are ordinary complains even in euthyroid dialysis patients, and this warrants screening programs and more studies on the efficacy of thyroid hormone supplements.
Decreased Mortality with Beta-Blocker Therapy in HFpEF Patients Associated with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Yang Yanhua , Guo Suxia , Huang Ziyao , Deng Chunhua , Chen Lihua , Zhou Guoxiang , Jian Zhengwei , He Ruping , Huang Zhichao , Yao Yongzhao , Lu Jiongbin , Hua Zhiwen , Huang Yuli
Published: May 2020

Background. There are no proven effective treatments that can reduce the mortality in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), probably due to its heterogeneous nature which will weaken the effect of therapy in clinical studies. We evaluated the effect of beta-blocker treatment in HFpEF patients associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), which is a homogeneous syndrome and has seldom been discussed. Methods. This retrospective cohort study screened 955 patients diagnosed with AF and HFpEF. Patients with a range of underlying heart diseases or severe comorbidities were excluded; 191 patients were included and classified as with or without beta-blocker treatment at baseline. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality and rehospitalization due to heart failure. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models were used to evaluate the differences in outcomes. Results. The mean follow-up was 49 months. After adjustment for multiple clinical risk factors and biomarkers for prognosis in heart failure, patients with beta-blocker treatment were associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.405, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.233–0.701, p=0.001) compared with those without beta-blocker treatment. However, the risk of rehospitalization due to heart failure was increased in the beta-blocker treatment group (HR = 1.740, 95% CI = 1.085–2.789, p=0.022). There was no significant difference in all-cause rehospitalization between the two groups (HR = 1.137, 95% CI = 0.803–1.610, p=0.470). Conclusions. In HFpEF patients associated with AF, beta-blocker treatment is associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality, but it increased the risk of rehospitalization due to heart failure.
[Retracted] α1‐Adrenergic Receptor Blockade by Prazosin Synergistically Stabilizes Rat Peritoneal Mast Cells
Authors: Abe Nozomu , Toyama Hiroaki , Ejima Yutaka , Saito Kazutomo , Tamada Tsutomu , Yamauchi Masanori , Kazama Itsuro
Published: May 2020

Background. Adrenaline quickly inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells. Besides β2‐adrenergic receptors, several in vitro studies also indicate the involvement of α‐adrenergic receptors in the process of exocytosis. Since exocytosis in mast cells can be detected electrophysiologically by the changes in the membrane capacitance (Cm), its continuous monitoring in the presence of drugs would determine their mast cell‐stabilizing properties. Methods. Employing the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique in rat peritoneal mast cells, we examined the effects of adrenaline on the degranulation of mast cells and the increase in the Cm during exocytosis. We also examined the degranulation of mast cells in the presence or absence of α‐adrenergic receptor agonists or antagonists. Results. Adrenaline dose‐dependently suppressed the GTP‐γ‐S‐induced increase in the Cm and inhibited the degranulation from mast cells, which was almost completely erased in the presence of butoxamine, a β2‐adrenergic receptor antagonist. Among α‐adrenergic receptor agonists or antagonists, high‐dose prazosin, a selective α1‐adrenergic receptor antagonist, significantly reduced the ratio of degranulating mast cells and suppressed the increase in the Cm. Additionally, prazosin augmented the inhibitory effects of adrenaline on the degranulation of mast cells. Conclusions. This study provided electrophysiological evidence for the first time that adrenaline dose‐dependently inhibited the process of exocytosis, confirming its usefulness as a potent mast cell stabilizer. The pharmacological blockade of α1‐adrenergic receptor by prazosin synergistically potentiated such mast cell‐stabilizing property of adrenaline, which is primarily mediated by β2‐adrenergic receptors.
Site Suitability Analysis of Solar PV Power Generation in South Gondar, Amhara Region
Authors: Nebey Abraham Hizkiel , Taye Biniyam Zemene , Workineh Tewodros Gera
Published: May 2020

The Ethiopian government looked towards renewable energy resources to generate electrical power for the current demand of the country. 85% of the total population of the country lives in rural areas and uses fossil fuel for their domestic uses. Using fossil fuel poses a danger for users and the environment. And the government of Ethiopia planned to electrify 85% of the rural community with abundant available renewable resources around the community. Therefore, identifying potential locations for solar PV with GIS is a decision support tool for proposing suitable sites to the government. The solar PV suitability analysis provides optimal locations for solar PV power plant installations. To find suitable locations for solar PV, factors that affect suitability were identified and weighted using analytical hierarchy processes. Then, the weighted values and reclassified values were multiplied together to produce the final suitability map for solar PV. Due to site unsuitability, solar PV generation efficiency drops and may malfunction. By identifying the most suitable locations, a solar PV power plant is optimally located. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find the most suitable sites in the South Gondar Zone for generating power from solar PV. The suitability of the study area for a solar PV power plant is 86.5%. Eighty-six (86%) of the criteria considered in the study area were found to be suitable for optimal location of solar PV power plant. Most of the suitable areas were found in the western part of the zone. The nature of topography is a key factor in generating solar energy; it affects the solar irradiance coming to the solar PV panel surface.
Index of Microcirculatory Resistance Measured during Intracoronary Adenosine-Induced Hyperemia
Authors: Santos-Pardo Irene , Alström Patrik , Witt Nils
Published: May 2020

Background. The index of microcirculatory resistance is an invasive measure of coronary microvascular function that has to be calculated during maximal hyperemia, classically achieved with intravenous adenosine (IV). The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of intracoronary (IC) adenosine for the calculation of IMR. Methods and Results. 31 patients with stable coronary artery disease were included in the study. Coronary pressure and thermodilution measurements were obtained at rest and during maximal hyperemia using a pressure-temperature sensor-tipped coronary guidewire. Duplicate measurements were performed using first IC and then IV adenosine. Dispersion of transit times was comparable for IC and IV adenosine. IMR values based on IC vs IV adenosine showed a high level of agreement and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.90. Applying an upper normal limit of 25, misclassification of IMR using IC adenosine was seen in just one patient in whom IC adenosine resulted in a lower value. A simplified procedure based on a single bolus dose of saline did not change the level of agreement or the rate of misclassification. Conclusions. We found an excellent agreement between IMR values measured during hyperemia induced by IC as compared to IV adenosine. The use of IC adenosine may facilitate invasive assessment of microvascular function and is potentially time- and cost-saving with less patient discomfort as compared to IV infusion. The trail is registered with NCT03369184.