bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The hepatitis C cascade of care in people who inject drugs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Mohamed Zameer , Rwegasha John , Kim Jin U. , Shimakawa Yusuke , Poiteau Lila , Chevaliez Stéphane , Bhagani Sanjay , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D. , Thursz Mark R. , Mbwambo Jessie , Lemoine Maud
Published: July 2018

The World Health Organisation has recently called for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination and has identified people who inject drugs (PWID) as a key population to scale‐up screening and linkage to care. This study reports the cascade of care for HCV in PWID attending the largest opioid substitution treatment (OST) clinic in Dar‐es‐Salaam, Tanzania. Between February 2011 and March 2016, HCV serology for all PWID registered at the Muhimbili National Hospital OST clinic, Dar‐es‐Salaam were obtained from records. In 2015, consecutive HCV‐seropositive PWID were invited to undergo a clinical evaluation including epidemiological questionnaire, liver stiffness measurement (Fibroscan) and virological analysis (HCV RNA viral load and genotyping). During the study period, 1350 persons registered at the OST clinic: all had a HCV serology including 409 (30%) positive results. Among the HCV‐seropositive individuals, 207 (51%) were active attenders and 153 (37%) were enrolled for clinical assessment: 141 (92%) were male, median age: 38 years (IQR 34‐41), and 65 (44%) were co‐infected with HIV; 116 patients (76%) had detectable HCV RNA, with genotypes 1a (68%) and 4a (32%); 21 (17%) had clinically significant fibrosis (≥F2) and 6 (5%) had cirrhosis (F4). None were offered HCV treatment. Chronic hepatitis C among PWID enrolled in the OST centre in Dar‐es‐Salaam is frequent, but its continuum of care is insufficient; integration of HCV diagnosis and treatment should form a part of OST intervention in PWID in Tanzania.
Repurposing Ionophores as novel antimicrobial agents for the treatment of bovine mastitis caused by Gram‐positive pathogens
Authors: Hickey Elizabeth E. , Wong Hui San , Khazandi Manouchehr , Ogunniyi Abiodun D. , Petrovski Kiro R. , Garg Sanjay , Page Stephen W. , O'Handley Ryan , Trott Darren J.
Published: July 2018

Increasing reports of multidrug‐resistant bacterial infections in animals has created a need for novel antimicrobial agents that do not promote cross‐resistance to critically important antimicrobial classes used in human medicine. In response to the recent emergence of antimicrobial resistance in several bovine mastitis pathogens, in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility was determined for four polyether ionophores (lasalocid, monensin, narasin and salinomycin) against Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. isolated from clinical cases. In addition, erythrocyte haemolysis and WST‐1 cell proliferation assays were used to assess in vitro mammalian cell cytotoxicity and biofilm susceptibility testing was performed using the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC™) biofilm assay. Lasalocid, monensin, narasin and salinomycin exhibited bacteriostatic antimicrobial activity against all pathogens tested, including methicillin‐resistant staphylococci, with MIC90 values <16 μg/ml. Narasin and monensin displayed the least toxicity against mammalian cell lines and all compounds significantly reduced viable cell numbers in a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. Based on in vitro characterization, all four ionophores offer potentially novel treatments against bovine mastitis but in vivo studies will be essential to determine whether acceptable safety and efficacy is present following intramammary administration.
Growth, mortality and recruitment of silver cyprinid (Rastrineobola argentea) in the open waters of Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Yongo Edwine , Manyala Julius , Agembe Simon
Published: July 2018

This study investigated the growth, mortality and recruitment of Rastrineobola argentea in Lake Victoria on the basis of length–frequency data collected during the period 2014–2015. The asymptotic length (L∞) had a mean (±SE) value of 53.50 ± 0.50 mm SL, growth curvature (K) of 0.81 ± 0.06 year−1, total mortality (Z) of 2.96 ± 0.12 year−1, a natural mortality (M) of 1.23 ± 0.06 year−1, a fishing mortality (F) of 1.74 ± 0.07 year−1, an exploitation rate (E) of 0.59 ± 0.01, a growth performance index (∅′) of 3.36 ± 0.02 and a length at 50% capture (L50) of 28.25 ± 0.43 mm SL. The fish exhibited a peak breeding during the months of May and August. The Beverton and Holt relative yield‐per‐recruit model indicated mean (±SE) indices as 0.37 ± 0.01 for optimum sustainable yield (E0.5), 0.76 ± 0.01 for maximum sustainable yield (Emax) and 0.66 ± 0.01 for economic yield (E0.1). Compared with previous studies, there is a great decline in the sizes of R. argentea stocks in Lake Victoria. Thus, management measures should include restriction on illegal seine nets <10 mm mesh size and re‐enforcement of a fishing ban or a closed season.
SOD2 is upregulated in periodontitis to reduce further inflammation progression
Authors: Yoon Yong , Kim Tae‐Jun , Lee Jae‐Mok , Kim Do‐Yeon
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Periodontitis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease that results in destruction of tooth‐supporting structures followed by tooth‐loss. Until now, periodontitis has been regarded to be initiated by bacterial infection followed by aberrant host response. Although increasing evidence suggests a strong association between oxidative stress and periodontitis, precise molecular mechanism has been left unanswered. In this study, we investigated roles of SOD2, the main antioxidant enzyme maintaining reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, under inflammatory conditions.

Methods

We computationally analyzed SOD2 expression in periodontitis. To confirm this data, immunoblot assay was performed with samples from periodontitis patients. The cellular mechanism of change in SOD2 expression was identified through immunoblot assay and immunofluorescence. To evaluate the molecular function of SOD2, we generated SOD2‐deficient cells by utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system.

Results

We first determined that SOD2 expression was significantly increased in periodontitis. We also confirmed that SOD2 expression was upregulated through the NF‐κB pathway when the inflammatory signal was stronger and extended. Gene manipulation against SOD2 through the CRISPR/Cas9 system showed that the absence of SOD2 increased production of NLRP3 inflammasome components.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that intracellular SOD2 has a protective role by suppressing NLRP inflammasome‐caspase‐1‐IL‐1β axis under inflammatory conditions.
Activities and specificities of CRISPR/Cas9 and Cas12a nucleases for targeted mutagenesis in maize
Authors: Lee Keunsub , Zhang Yingxiao , Kleinstiver Benjamin P. , Guo Jimmy A. , Aryee Martin J. , Miller Jonah , Malzahn Aimee , Zarecor Scott , Lawrence‐Dill Carolyn J. , Joung J. Keith , Qi Yiping , Wang Kan
Published: July 2018

CRISPR/Cas9 and Cas12a (Cpf1) nucleases are two of the most powerful genome editing tools in plants. In this work, we compared their activities by targeting maize glossy2 gene coding region that has overlapping sequences recognized by both nucleases. We introduced constructs carrying SpCas9‐guide RNA (gRNA) and LbCas12a‐CRISPR RNA (crRNA) into maize inbred B104 embryos using Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. On‐target mutation analysis showed that 90%–100% of the Cas9‐edited T0 plants carried indel mutations and 63%–77% of them were homozygous or biallelic mutants. In contrast, 0%–60% of Cas12a‐edited T0 plants had on‐target mutations. We then conducted CIRCLE‐seq analysis to identify genome‐wide potential off‐target sites for Cas9. A total of 18 and 67 potential off‐targets were identified for the two gRNAs, respectively, with an average of five mismatches compared to the target sites. Sequencing analysis of a selected subset of the off‐target sites revealed no detectable level of mutations in the T1 plants, which constitutively express Cas9 nuclease and gRNAs. In conclusion, our results suggest that the CRISPR/Cas9 system used in this study is highly efficient and specific for genome editing in maize, while CRISPR/Cas12a needs further optimization for improved editing efficiency.
Loneliness, HPA stress reactivity and social threat sensitivity: Analyzing naturalistic social challenges
Authors: Nowland Rebecca , Robinson Sarita J. , Bradley Belinda F. , Summers Vikki , Qualter Pamela
Published: July 2018

Loneliness has been linked to poor health through an increased activation of threat surveillance mechanisms, such as the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis (HPA). The socio‐cognitive model (Cacioppo & Hawley) proposes that lonely people have an increased social threat sensitivity which activates the HPA axis. The current study examined the impact of loneliness on HPA stress reactivity and social threat sensitivity in response to naturally occurring social challenges. Participants (N = 45) were prospective undergraduates attending a 3‐day university preparation programme over the summer, prior to commencing their university studies. Cortisol levels and perceived stress were measured before and after an ice breaker session on Day 1 and a lecture session on Day 3. Social threat sensitivity was also measured on the first and third day. When meeting unfamiliar peers in the ice breaker session, HPA stress reactivity was evident, but it was not markedly different in those who reported high levels of loneliness than those with low levels. The high loneliness group had higher levels of perceived stress and increased social threat sensitivity than the low loneliness group on both testing days. The findings show partial support for the socio‐cognitive model of loneliness because increased threat sensitivity was demonstrated in the high loneliness group. The findings indicate that lonely people do not respond in a physiologically different way to specific social challenges, but they typically report higher social threat sensitivity and higher perceived stress than their non‐lonely peers.
Effects of analytical (abstract) versus experiential (concrete) induced rumination of negative self defining memories on schizotypic symptoms
Authors: Ricarte Jorge Javier , Ros Laura , Fernández Dolores , Nieto Marta , Latorre José Miguel
Published: July 2018

Repetitive thought may have adaptive and functional consequences, depending on, among other things, the interpretation of the content: analytical or abstract (general and decontextualized) and experiential or concrete (specific, contextual and incidental). Studies experimentally manipulating repetitive thought have shown both the constructive consequences of the experiential mode and the dysfunctional consequences of the analytical mode. The aim of the current study is to observe the effect of analytical and experiential rumination of negative self‐defining memories on schizotypic symptoms. A sample of 111 university students were randomly assigned to one of the two experimental conditions of induced rumination, “analytical” or “experimental.” The participants completed a series of questionnaires (anomalous perception of reality, preoccupation and depression) and a negative self‐defining memory was obtained to be used as the content of the induced rumination. Following the rumination induction, participants in the experiential condition significantly decreased their scores on anomalous perception of reality compared with those in the analytical condition. We also observed that post‐induction scores on self‐reported sadness significantly increased in both experimental conditions while scores on self‐reported happiness decreased. Our results show that the concrete/experiential rumination, focused here on negative self‐defining memories, have positive consequences on schizotypic symptoms, such as decreased anomalous perception of reality.
Does Pro-Green Policy and Growth Strategy of an Organization will Bail Out Post-Crisis?
Authors: Anbarasan P.
Published: July 2018

The study comprehensively analysis going green policy as a tangible approach to achieving sustainable development in any enterprise. Although business is conducted for profit motive sustaining the profit and enterprise competitive advantage is mainly related to an enterprise vision and values that incorporate in their management policies, hence the study analyzes the complex structure that related to sustainability and policy through causal loop diagram (CLD) of system dynamics and put forth capability advancement for sustainable development policy initiatives. Finally, the growth strategy and future scope of the study is discussed.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: July 2018

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 7 Abdul Azim Akhtar, Independent Academic & Researcher, Delhi, IndiaBegoña Montero-Fleta, Universitat Politécnica de València, SpainEnzo Loner, University of Trento, ItalyFroilan Mobo, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, PhilippinesJehu Onyekwere Nnaji, University of Naples II, Italy and Globe Visions Network Italy, ItalyJianquan Cheng, Manchester Metropolitan University, UKJulia M. Mack, Gannon University, USAK.O. Aramide, The Polytechnic Ibadan, NigeriaMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanMohammad Naji Shah Mohammadi, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaQingzhi Huan, Peking University, ChinaRachita Shrivastava Roy, Department of Higher Education,Chhatisgarh-India, IndiaShariq aziz butt, Superior University Lahore, PakistanXian-Liang Tian, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, ChinaZlatan Begić, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Maternal obesity has sex‐dependent effects on insulin, glucose and lipid metabolism and the liver transcriptome in young adult rat offspring
Authors: Lomas‐Soria Consuelo , Reyes‐Castro Luis A. , Rodríguez‐González Guadalupe L. , Ibáñez Carlos A. , Bautista Claudia J. , Cox Laura A. , Nathanielsz Peter W. , Zambrano Elena
Published: July 2018

Key points

Maternal high‐fat diet consumption predisposes to metabolic dysfunction in male and female offspring at young adulthood.

Maternal obesity programs non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a sex‐dependent manner.

We demonstrate sex‐dependent liver transcriptome profiles in rat offspring of obese mothers.

In this study, we focused on pathways related to insulin, glucose and lipid signalling.

These results improve understanding of the mechanisms by which a maternal high‐fat diet affects the offspring.

Maternal obesity (MO) predisposes offspring (F1) to obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MO's effects on the F1 liver transcriptome are poorly understood. We used RNA‐seq to determine the liver transcriptome of male and female F1 of MO and control‐fed mothers. We hypothesized that MO‐F1 are predisposed to sex‐dependent adult liver dysfunction. Female Wistar rat mothers ate a control (C) or obesogenic (MO) diet from the time they were weaned through breeding at postnatal day (PND) 120, delivery and lactation. After weaning, all male and female F1 ate a control diet. At PND 110, F1 serum, liver and fat were collected to analyse metabolites, histology and liver differentially expressed genes. Male and female MO‐F1 showed increased adiposity index, triglycerides, insulin and homeostatic model assessment vs. C‐F1 with similar body weight and glucose serum concentrations. MO‐F1 males presented greater physiological and histological NAFLD characteristics than MO‐F1 females. RNA‐seq revealed 1365 genes significantly changed in male MO‐F1 liver and only 70 genes in female MO‐F1 compared with controls. GO and KEGG analysis identified differentially expressed genes related to metabolic processes. Male MO‐F1 liver showed the following altered pathways: insulin signalling (22 genes), phospholipase D signalling (14 genes), NAFLD (13 genes) and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis (7 genes). In contrast, few genes were altered in these pathways in MO‐F1 females. In summary, MO programs sex‐dependent F1 changes in insulin, glucose and lipid signalling pathways, leading to liver dysfunction and insulin resistance.
α2δ‐1 couples to NMDA receptors in the hypothalamus to sustain sympathetic vasomotor activity in hypertension
Authors: Ma Huijie , Chen Shao‐Rui , Chen Hong , Zhou Jing‐Jing , Li De‐Pei , Pan Hui‐Lin
Published: July 2018

Key points

α2δ‐1 is upregulated, promoting the interaction with NMDA receptors (NMDARs), in the hypothalamus in a rat model of hypertension.

The prevalence of α2δ‐1–bound NMDARs at synaptic sites in the hypothalamus is increased in hypertensive animals.

α2δ‐1 is essential for the increased presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDAR activity of hypothalamic neurons in hypertension.

α2δ‐1–bound NMDARs in the hypothalamus are critically involved in augmented sympathetic outflow in hypertensive animals.

Increased glutamate NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activity in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus leads to augmented sympathetic outflow in hypertension. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. α2δ‐1, previously considered to be a voltage‐activated calcium channel subunit, is a newly discovered powerful regulator of NMDARs. In the present study, we determined the role of α2δ‐1 in regulating synaptic NMDAR activity of rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM)‐projecting PVN neurons in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). We show that the protein levels of α2δ‐1 and NMDARs in synaptosomes and the α2δ‐1–NMDAR complexes in the hypothalamus were substantially higher in SHRs than in normotensive control rats. The basal amplitude of evoked NMDAR currents and NMDAR‐mediated synaptic glutamate release in RVLM‐projecting PVN neurons were significantly increased in SHRs. Strikingly, inhibiting α2δ‐1 activity with gabapentin or disrupting the α2δ‐1–NMDAR association with an α2δ‐1 C‐terminus peptide completely normalized the amplitude of evoked NMDAR currents and NMDAR‐mediated synaptic glutamate release in RVLM‐projecting PVN neurons in SHRs. In addition, microinjection of the α2δ‐1 C‐terminus peptide into the PVN substantially reduced arterial blood pressure and renal sympathetic nerve discharges in SHRs. Our findings indicate that α2δ‐1–bound NMDARs in the PVN are required for the potentiated presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDAR activity of PVN presympathetic neurons and for the elevated sympathetic outflow in hypertension. α2δ‐1–bound NMDARs may be an opportune target for treating neurogenic hypertension.
Alternative cereals can improve water use and nutrient supply in India
Authors: Davis Kyle Frankel , Chiarelli Davide Danilo , Rulli Maria Cristina , Chhatre Ashwini , Richter Brian , Singh Deepti , DeFries Ruth
Published: July 2018

Replacing rice with other cereals offers benefits in terms of both reducing freshwater use and enhancing nutrient production.
Capacity to support predators scales with habitat size
Authors: McIntosh Angus R. , McHugh Peter A. , Plank Michael J. , Jellyman Phillip G. , Warburton Helen J. , Greig Hamish S.
Published: July 2018

Metabolic scaling means that reductions in habitat size that decrease predator body size will also reduce predator biomass that can be supported.
A nearly complete foot from Dikika, Ethiopia and its implications for the ontogeny and function of
Australopithecus afarensis
Authors: DeSilva Jeremy M. , Gill Corey M. , Prang Thomas C. , Bredella Miriam A. , Alemseged Zeresenay
Published: July 2018

The ontogeny of locomotor traits in the
Australopithecus
foot is unique and suggests that juvenile early hominins relied on pedal grasping.
Biogeography of soil bacteria and archaea across France
Authors: Karimi Battle , Terrat Sébastien , Dequiedt Samuel , Saby Nicolas P. A. , Horrigue Walid , Lelièvre Mélanie , Nowak Virginie , Jolivet Claudy , Arrouays Dominique , Wincker Patrick , Cruaud Corinne , Bispo Antonio , Maron Pierre-Alain , Bouré Nicolas Chemidlin Prévost , Ranjard Lionel
Published: July 2018

Each soil bacterial taxon exhibits a specific wide scale distribution explained by particular environmental filters.
Draft Genome Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain ICIS-278_PBV, Isolated from the Feces of a Healthy 59-Year-Old Man from Orenburg, Russia
Authors: Andryuschenko S. V. , Zdvizhkova I. A. , Perunova N. B. , Bukharin O. V.
Published: July 2018

This report describes the draft genome sequence of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strain ICIS-278_PBV, isolated from the feces of a healthy 59-year-old man from Orenburg, Russia. The size of the genome was 5,584,615 bp (57.2% G+C content).
Genome Sequence of Geobacillus thermoleovorans SGAir0734, Isolated from Singapore Air
Authors: Gaultier Nicolas E. , Junqueira Ana Carolina M. , Uchida Akira , Purbojati Rikky W. , Houghton James N. I. , Chénard Caroline , Wong Anthony , Kolundžija Sandra , Clare Megan E. , Kushwaha Kavita K. , Panicker Deepa , Putra Alexander , Kee Carmon , Premkrishnan Balakrishnan N. V. , Heinle Cassie E. , Lim Serene B. Y. , Vettath Vineeth Kodengil , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Schuster Stephan C.
Published: July 2018

The thermophilic bacterium
Geobacillus thermoleovorans
was isolated from a tropical air sample collected in Singapore. The genome was sequenced on the PacBio RS II platform and consists of one chromosome with 3.6 Mb and one plasmid with 75 kb.
Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness and diabetic retinopathy in people aged 50 years and older in the National Capital District of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Burnett Anthea , Lee Ling , D'Esposito Fabrizio , Wabulembo Geoffrey , Cama Anaseini , Guldan Georgia , Nelisse Marleen , Koim Samuel Peter , Keys Drew , Poffley Alison J , Limburg Hans , Garap Jambi
Published: July 2018

Background/aims

To conduct an assessment of avoidable blindness, diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in adults aged 50 years and older in the National Capital District (NCD) region of Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Methods

A cross-sectional population-based survey was performed for which 25 clusters of 50 people aged ≥50 years were randomly selected from the NCD region. The standardised rapid assessment of avoidable blindness (RAAB) with diabetic retinopathy (+DR) methodology was used. Blindness was defined as presenting visual acuity <3/60 in the better eye. Participants were classified as having diabetes if they were known to have diabetes or if their random blood glucose level was ≥200 mg/dL. Dilated fundus examination and Scottish DR grading were performed.

Results

In total, 1192 out of 1250 eligible participants (95.4%) were examined. Of these, 7.8% had known or newly diagnosed diabetes. Seventy-one per cent of participants with known diabetes had a blood glucose level ≥200 mg/dL, and 82.9% had never had an ophthalmological examination for DR. Prevalence of DR and/or maculopathy was 46.4%. The age-adjusted and sex-adjusted prevalence of diabetes was estimated at 8.1% (95% CI 5.7% to 10.4%) in the population aged 50 years or older in the NCD region of PNG.

Conclusions

Prevalence of diabetes in adults aged 50 years and older was lower than reported elsewhere in the region, and lower than other RAAB+DR surveys. Despite this, the prevalence of DR is high compared with other RAAB+DR surveys and demonstrates the need for increased awareness and accessibility to eye services for people with diabetes.
Accuracy of trained rural ophthalmologists versus non-medical image graders in the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy in rural China
Authors: McKenna Martha , Chen Tingting , McAneney Helen , Vázquez Membrillo Miguel Angel , Jin Ling , Xiao Wei , Peto Tunde , He Mingguang , Hogg Ruth , Congdon Nathan
Published: July 2018

Background/aims

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of trained rural ophthalmologists and non-medical image graders in the assessment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in rural China.

Methods

Consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus were examined from January 2014 to December 2015 at 10 county-level facilities in rural Southern China. Trained rural ophthalmologists performed a complete eye examination, recording diagnoses using the UK National Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (NDESP) classification system. Two field, mydriatic, 45° digital photographs were made by nurses using NDESP protocols and graded by trained graders with no medical background using the NDESP system. A fellowship-trained retina specialist graded all images in masked fashion and served as reference standard.

Results

Altogether, 375 participants (mean age 60±10 years, 48% men) were examined and 1277 images were graded. Grader sensitivity (0.82–0.94 (median 0.88)) and specificity (0.91–0.99 (median 0.98)), reached or exceeded NDESP standards (sensitivity 80%, specificity 95%) in all domains except specificity detecting any DR. Rural ophthalmologists’ sensitivity was 0.65–0.95 (median 0.66) and specificity 0.59–0.95 (median 0.91). There was strong agreement between graders and the reference standard (kappa=0.84–0.87, p<0.001) and weak to moderate agreement between rural doctors and the reference (kappa=0.48–0.64, p<0.001).

Conclusion

This is the first study of diagnostic accuracy in DR grading among non-medical graders or ophthalmologists in low-income and middle-income countries. Non-medical graders can achieve high levels of accuracy, whereas accuracy of trained rural ophthalmologists is not optimal.
See You in 7: improving acute myocardial infarction follow-up care
Authors: Batten Alex , Jaeger Cassie , Griffen David , Harwood Paula , Baur Karen
Published: July 2018

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) follow-up care is a crucial part of the AMI recovery process. The American College of Cardiology’s ‘See You in 7 Challenge’ advocates that all patients discharged with a diagnosis of AMI have a cardiac rehabilitation referral made and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation appointment scheduled to occur within 7 days of hospital discharge. A streamlined AMI cardiac rehabilitation referral and appointment scheduling process was not in place at this urban academic medical centre. To develop the streamlined processes, a Six Sigma project was initiated. Four months before the intervention, 1/38 patients with AMI (2.6%) were scheduled to have the initial outpatient cardiac rehabilitation appointment occur within 7 days of hospital discharge, with an average 18.7 days from hospital discharge to the scheduled initial outpatient cardiac rehabilitation appointment. To reduce the time to this initial appointment, availability of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation appointments was increased, additional staff were trained in appointment scheduling and insurance verification processes and appointments were scheduled prior to hospital discharge. After intervention, the number of patients scheduled to attend an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation appointment within 7 days of hospital discharge improved to 72/79 (91.1%) (two-proportion test, p<0.001). Days from hospital discharge to first scheduled outpatient cardiac rehabilitation appointment were reduced from 18.7 days to 6.3 days (a 66.3% reduction) (Mann-Whitney U test, p<0.01). Initial outpatient cardiac rehabilitation attendance within 7 days of hospital discharge increased from 1/38 (2.6%) to 42/79 (53.2%) (a 50.6% increase) (two-proportion test, p<0.001).
Management patterns of gastric polyps in the United States
Authors: Corral Juan E , Keihanian Tara , Diaz Liege I , Morgan Douglas R , Sussman Daniel A
Published: July 2018

Objective

Recent guidelines on endoscopic sampling recommend complete gastric polyp removal for solitary fundic polyps >10 mm, hyperplastic polyps >5 mm and all adenomatous polyps. We aim to describe endoscopic approach to polyps in the time period prior to the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guidelines and to identify opportunities for clinical practice improvements.

Design

Retrospective review of the Clinical Outcome Research Initiative (CORI) database, including all oesophagogastroduodenoscopies (OGDs). Reviewers grouped interventions during procedures based on instruments used for polyp sampling by forceps or snare polypectomy. Logistic regression estimated the effect of variables of interest on method of polypectomy.

Results

Of 783 037 OGDs reported in the CORI database, 25 670 (3.3%) described gastric polyps and met the inclusion criteria. Mean gastric polyp size was 6.5±4.9 mm, and 46.2% and 14.5% were located in the corpus and antrum, respectively. Polyps in the forceps group were smaller than polyps in the snare group (5.7±4.0 mm vs 9.3±6.4 mm, respectively, p<0.001). We identified 1056 polyps (41.3%) >10 mm that only underwent forceps biopsy. Forceps were used more frequently in the gastric fundus.

Conclusions

Snare polypectomy was underused in gastric polyps, per current ASGE guidelines. Anatomical location and endoscopic features of polyps were important predictors of the approach to gastric polypectomy.
Device representatives in hospitals: are commercial imperatives driving clinical decision-making?
Authors: Grundy Quinn , Hutchison Katrina , Johnson Jane , Blakely Brette , Clay-Wlliams Robyn , Richards Bernadette , Rogers Wendy A
Published: July 2018

Despite concerns about the relationships between health professionals and the medical device industry, the issue has received relatively little attention. Prevalence data are lacking; however, qualitative and survey research suggest device industry representatives, who are commonly present in clinical settings, play a key role in these relationships. Representatives, who are technical product specialists and not necessarily medically trained, may attend surgeries on a daily basis and be available to health professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide advice. However, device representatives have a dual role: functioning as commissioned sales representatives at the same time as providing advice on approaches to treatment. This duality raises the concern that clinical decision-making may be unduly influenced by commercial imperatives. In this paper, we identify three key ethical concerns raised by the relationship between device representatives and health professionals: (1) impacts on healthcare costs, (2) the outsourcing of expertise and (3) issues of accountability and informed consent. These ethical concerns can be addressed in part through clarifying the boundary between the support and sales aspects of the roles of device representatives and developing clear guidelines for device representatives providing support in clinical spaces. We suggest several policy options including hospital provision of expert support, formalising clinician conduct to eschew receipt of meals and payments from industry and establishing device registries.
Prognostic power of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in Fontan patients: a systematic review
Authors: Udholm Sebastian , Aldweib Nael , Hjortdal Vibeke Elisabeth , Veldtman Gruschen R
Published: July 2018

Objective

Exercise impairment is common in Fontan patients. Our aim is to systematically review previous literature to determine the prognostic value of exercise capacity in older adolescent and adult Fontan patients with respect to late outcome. Additionally, we reviewed the determinants of exercise capacity in Fontan patients and changes in exercise capacity over time.

Methods

PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, The Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched systematically for studies reporting exercise capacity and late outcome such as mortality, cardiac transplantation and hospitalisation. Studies were eligible for inclusion if more than 30 patients were included and mean age was ≥16 years.

Results

Four thousand and seven hundred and twenty-two studies were identified by the systematic search. Seven studies fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The total number of patients was 1664 adult Fontan patients. There were 149 deaths and 35 heart transplantations. All eligible studies were retrospective cohort studies. The correlation between exercise capacity and late outcome was identified, and HRs were reported.

Conclusion

In Fontan patients, the best predictors of death and transplantation were a decline in peak VO2, heart rate variables and exercise oscillatory ventilation. Peak VO2was not strongly predictive of mortality or hospitalisation in Fontan patients. Several variables were strong and independent predictors of hospitalisation and morbidity.
Owner and veterinary surgeon perspectives on the roles of veterinary nurses and receptionists in relation to small animal preventive healthcare consultations in the United Kingdom
Authors: Belshaw Zoe , Robinson Natalie Jane , Dean Rachel Sarah , Brennan Marnie Louise
Published: July 2018

Veterinary receptionists and veterinary nurses rarely feature in published practice‐based research, yet are integral to small animal veterinary practice in the UK. The aim of this study was to investigate the perspectives of UK‐based owners and veterinary surgeons about veterinary nurses and receptionists in relation to their role in preventive healthcare. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 15 dog and cat owners and 14 veterinary surgeons. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed. Reception staff were identified as having a range of important roles, from rapport building to providing healthcare information and advice. The perceived importance of those roles appeared to differ between owners and veterinary surgeons. Veterinary nurses were described as performing a diversity of roles in relation to preventive healthcare, both in the reception area and in the consulting room. Many owners, and some veterinary surgeons, expressed uncertainty about the remit and status of veterinary nurses in relation to providing veterinary advice. This study identifies for the first time the degree of responsibility for preventive healthcare given to veterinary receptionists and veterinary nurses in UK small animal practices. Further work is needed involving reception and nursing staff to fully appreciate and define their roles in small animal practice.
Effects of adipokine zinc-α2-glycoprotein on adipose tissue metabolism after dexamethasone treatment
Authors: Qiao Yu , Fan Guoqiang , Guo Jun , Gao Shixing , Zhao Ruqian , Yang Xiaojing
Published: July 2018

Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) has been demonstrated to play a role in stimulating lipid mobilization under normal conditions. However, further studies are required to determine whether ZAG overexpression can alleviate the reduction in plasma lipid levels under stress conditions. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ZAG on lipometabolism in white adipose tissue (WAT) after dexamethasone (DEX) stimulation using C57BL/6 male mice as the experimental models. Transcript and protein levels of genes associated with the β-adrenoreceptor (β-AR)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase a (PKA) pathway, lipid mobilization, and energy metabolism were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Plasma levels of nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Results indicated that plasma NEFA levels were decreased in the DEX group, but NEFA levels were rescued by ZAG overexpression. ZAG overexpression resulted in the upregulation of β3-AR and phosphorylated PKA protein relative to those of the DEX group. Analysis of lipometabolism showed that protein levels of phosphorylated hormone-sensitive lipase was reduced upon DEX treatment but were restored by ZAG overexpression. For energy metabolism, ZAG significantly upregulated the protein expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase1a and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 relative to those of the DEX group. In conclusion, ZAG could alleviate DEX-induced decrease in plasma NEFA levels and this could be associated with the promoting lipid mobilization in WAT.
A cellular automaton evacuation model based on random fuzzy minimum spanning tree
Authors: Yang Qiong
Published: July 2018

To address efficiency and security problem of pedestrian evacuation in indoor space, a cellular automaton evacuation model is proposed based on the random fuzzy minimum spanning tree. First, based on field, crowding coefficient and available path capacity, the model defines the calculation formula of pedestrian movement probability and provides detailed evacuation optimization method and its evolution process. At last, we use the established simulation platform to make computer experiments, analyzing the relation of evacuation time, exit flow rate, exit crowding coefficient and available path capacity in order to obtain more realistic pedestrian flow characteristics. The result has shown that the model has good adaptability.
The prisoner’s dilemma game on scale-free networks with heterogeneous imitation capability
Authors: Wu Tianhang , Wang Hanchen , Yang Jian , Xu Liang , Li Yumeng , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2018

In human societies, personal heterogeneity may affect the strategy adoption capability of the individuals. In this paper, we study the effects of heterogeneous learning ability on the evolution of cooperation by introducing heterogeneous imitation capability of players. We design a pre-factor [Formula: see text] to represent the heterogeneous learning ability of players, which is related to the degree of players. And a parameter [Formula: see text] is used to tune the learning levels. If [Formula: see text], the learning ability of players decreases and the low-degree player has the higher reduction level, but if [Formula: see text], the learning ability of low-degree players enhances to a higher level. By carrying out extensive simulations, it reveals that the evolution of cooperation is influenced significantly by introducing player’s heterogeneous learning ability and can be promoted under the right circumstances. This finding sheds some light on the important effect of individual heterogeneity on the evolutionary game.
Panax notoginseng for Inflammation-Related Chronic Diseases: A Review on the Modulations of Multiple Pathways
Authors: Xu Yu , Tan Hor-Yue , Li Sha , Wang Ning , Feng Yibin
Published: July 2018

Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng) is a well-known and commonly used Chinese herbal medicine in Asian countries. As one of the major species in the Panax genus, it has a distinct chemical composition and medical application compared with other species. P. notoginseng attracts attention and interest due to its potential therapeutic effects not only on blood diseases, but also other kinds of human chronic disorders. This paper critically reviewed the latest advance of knowledge on the pharmacological effects of P. notoginseng on a variety of chronic diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, ischemia, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer disease and trauma, as well as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and so on. As inflammation is considered the fundamental factor involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, our review therefore focuses on understanding the involvement of classical inflammatory pathways underlying the mechanism of action of P. notoginseng. Potential clinical application was also discussed. Furthermore, by combining with network pharmacology, we introduced the major bioactive components of P. notoginseng, analyzed their cellular targets and associated signaling pathways. In conclusion, this review identified inflammatory pathway as the key signaling for determining the efficacy of P. notoginseng on chronic diseases. It is speculated that P. notoginseng is a multi-targeted agent with an anti-inflammatory property in the adjuvant and alternative treatment of human chronic diseases.
Study on integration of aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films with graphene oxide (GO)
Authors: Dalal Aditya , Mandal Animesh , Adhi Shubhada , Adhi Kiran
Published: July 2018

Aluminum (0.5 at.%)-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition technique (PLD) in oxygen ambient of 10[Formula: see text] Torr. The deposited thin films were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), Raman spectroscopy and uv–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis). Next, graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by Hummers method and was characterized by XRD, UV–vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thereafter, GO solution was drop-casted on AZO thin films. These films were then characterized by Raman Spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy and PL. Attempt is being made to comprehend the modifications in properties brought about by integration.
Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu solder with minor added Ge and Pd–Cu reaction
Authors: Guo Y. Z. , Yan J. Y. , Yen Y. W. , Chu T. N.
Published: July 2018

To improve solder-joint reliability, the Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu (SAC) solder had minor Ge and Pd additions to form composite solders. The results indicated that the Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn phases formed at the SAC–[Formula: see text]Ge/Cu interface ([Formula: see text], 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 wt.%) and the Ag3Sn phase precipitated in the solder. Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn phases formed at the interface and PdSn4 phase in the solder when the SAC–1.0Pd and SAC–2.0Pd reacted with the Cu. The SAC–1.0 Pd solder had the lowest liquidus temperature, and Ge addition improved the wettability.
Improving contact performance of graphene on p-type GaN thin films with V-pits microstructures
Authors: Song Ruo-Nong , Ke Wen-Cheng
Published: July 2018

This study presents the electrical properties of graphene that directly is contact on two types of p-type GaN thin films. The diameter of several hundred nanometer V-pits were formed on the p-GaN thin films by adjusting the NH3 flow rate during the metal organic chemical vapor deposition epitaxial process. The single-layer graphene with a high transmittance of 97% in the visible range was transferred on p-GaN thin films to form an Ohmic contact. The V-pits provide more carrier transport paths that promote the carrier tunneling into p-GaN thin films, resulting in a better Ohmic contact performance. In addition, the increased current value was attributed to the presence of V-pits on the p-GaN thin films.
Evaluation of adhesive failure cases of L joint structures under tensile loading
Authors: Shin Do-Hoon , Hyun Dong-Keun , Kim Yun-Hae
Published: July 2018

In aerospace, aircraft weight is one of the important factors essential for long range and high fuel efficiency. Instead of fastening, bonding methods like co-curing, co-bonding and secondary bonding are used on the aircraft parts. Secondary bonding was developed for integrated parts because of easy handling, less defect ratio and low cost. During manufacturing, the integrated parts using secondary bonding, bonding strength can show a wide range of failure strengths. Due to inconstant failure strength, the design value can be dropped and reinforcement methods should be applied. To avoid over-designing and to get a constant value for failure, the adhesive failure cases are studied in this project. In this study, L joining composite parts are investigated under tensile loading. Different conditions are tested to select a suitable manufacturing method for secondary bonding methods. From the experimental results, the secondary bonding was sensitive at exposed temperature/time and shape conditions of the fillet. The results show that the failure strength depends on the shape of fillet and exposed time for curing.
Enhancement in field emission of MoS2 nanosheets prepared in water using laser ablation method
Authors: Kanazawa Makoto , Koinkar Pankaj , Furube Akihiro , Gavhane Dnyaneshwar , More Mahendra A.
Published: July 2018

The laser ablation of a noble target material in a liquid is known as an alternative physical method for nanostructure fabrication. In the present study, the nanosecond laser ablation is used to irradiate MoS2 in water to produce MoS2 nanosheets. The experiments of laser ablation time of 20 minutes and 120 minutes have been carried out to study their field emission properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy have been used to reveal surface and structural morphology. It is observed that the laser ablation time is an important factor in determining the size of MoS2 nanostructure. The Raman spectra of laser ablation confirm the formation of MoS2 nanosheets and removal of molybdenum oxide species. The TEM shows the size of MoS2 microsheet has been reduced from 2 [Formula: see text]m to 400 nm after the laser ablation treatment. It is found that the turn-on fields are reduced and current densities of MoS2 are increased after the laser ablation. The enhancement in the field emission characteristics of MoS2 is due to the reduction in the size of MoS2 and removal of molybdenum oxide species. The nanostructures produced by laser ablation may be used for optoelectronic application.
Speech Enhancement Using Modified MMSE-LSA and Phase Reconstruction in Voiced and Unvoiced Speech
Authors: Jia Hairong , Wang Weimei , Wang Dong , Zhang Xueying
Published: July 2018

Aiming at the problem of auditory negative enhancement of typical phase reconstruction method, an improved method of phase reconstruction and MMSE-LSA estimation is proposed. First, the geometric relationship between noisy speech and clean speech in unvoiced segment is used to estimate the phase of the clean speech; Second, considering the randomness of speech appearance in the actual noise environment, a modified MMSE-LSA amplitude estimation is proposed by using the binary hypothesis model. Finally, the new phase reconstruction in voiced and unvoiced speech is combined with the modified MMSE-LSA. The simulation results show that the performance of the algorithm proposed in this paper is better than typical phase reconstruction method in terms of the SegSNR and PESQ.
Trace-free SL(2, ℂ)-representations of Montesinos links
Authors: Chen Haimiao
Published: July 2018

Given a link [Formula: see text], a representation [Formula: see text] is trace-free if the image of each meridian has trace zero. We determine the conjugacy classes of trace-free representations when [Formula: see text] is a Montesinos link.
INNOVATIVE METHOD FOR PREPARATION OF Fe–Al–Cr INTERMETALLIC FUNCTIONALLY GRADED MATERIAL ON 1045 STEEL WITH UNIQUE TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: LUO XIXI , YAO ZHENGJUN , ZHANG PINGZE , TAO XUEWEI , CHEN YU
Published: July 2018

By combining the plasma ion implantation (PII) technology and double glow plasma surface metallurgy (DGPSM), a Fe–Al–Cr intermetallic functionally graded material was deposited on 1045 steel. The obtained Fe–Al–Cr intermetallic functionally graded material was around 11[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m in thickness and was composed of a Cr-enriched layer (Cr-enriched Fe–Cr compounds), a Fe–Al–Cr-enriched layer (Fe2AlCr and Al8Cr5 compounds), and a Fe-enriched layer (Fe-enriched Fe–Cr solid solution). The interfacial contact between the Fe–Al–Cr intermetallic functionally graded material and the steel substrate is excellent due to the metallurgical bonding. The wear rate of the Fe–Al–Cr intermetallic functionally graded material was only around 25% of that of the 1045 steel substrate. Due to the different compound distributions in the Cr-enriched layer, Fe–Al–Cr-enriched layer, and Fe-enriched layer, the friction coefficients were different and their tribological behaviors were abrasive wear, oxidative wear and adhesive wear, respectively.