bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
I need to be who I am: a qualitative interview study exploring the needs of people with dementia in Norway
Authors: Telenius Elisabeth Wiken , Eriksen Siren , Rokstad Anne Marie Mork
Published: August 2020

Objective

Many people with dementia receive community services. These services are often based on the needs of informal caregivers and professional caregivers’ assessment. User involvement and participation are main objectives in the Norwegian National Dementia Plan 2020. To enhance user involvement and individual tailoring of healthcare services, more information is required about the needs of people with dementia. The aim of this study was to explore the experienced needs of people with dementia in order to facilitate user involvement in provided services.

Methods

An explorative cross-sectional study design was used. We performed semistructured interviews with people with dementia who were recruited from all regions of Norway. The sample comprised 35 participants diagnosed with dementia. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and the data material was analysed using a qualitative content analysis.

Results

Three main categories emerged from the interviews: (1) to stay connected; (2) to be active and participate; and (3) to live for the moment. The overarching theme was: the need to be who I am.

Conclusions

People with dementia participating in the study were heterogeneous regarding wants and requirements. Most of them expressed the need and wish to hold on to who they are. Close and robust relations with family and friends can give significant support to people with dementia. However, living with dementia might put considerable strain on relations. Services should provide support to enhance relationships, encourage existing networks to remain stable and facilitate participation in meaningful activities for people living with dementia.
Alcohol use and alcohol-related harm in rural and remote communities: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Friesen Erik Loewen , Kurdyak Paul
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Alcohol-related harm is a major public health concern and appears to be particularly problematic in rural and remote communities. Evidence from several countries has shown that the prevalence of harmful alcohol use and alcohol-attributable hospitalisations and emergency department visits are higher in rural and remote communities than in urban centres. The extents of this rural–urban disparity in alcohol-related harm as well as the factors that mediate it are poorly understood. The objective of this scoping review is to synthesise the international research on the factors that influence the prevalence or risk of alcohol-related harm in rural and remote communities. This will help to clarify the conceptual landscape of rural and remote alcohol research and identify the gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will access published literature through search strategies developed for Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL and Sociological Abstracts. There will be no date, country or language restrictions placed on the search. Title and abstract, followed by full-text screening, will be conducted by two independent reviewers to evaluate all identified articles against a set of prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data from selected articles will be extracted and compiled into a final manuscript that adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

The results of this review will be helpful in guiding future research on rural and remote alcohol use and alcohol-related harm, which will inform more effective, evidence-based public health strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm in rural and remote communities. The results will be disseminated via field-specific conference presentations and peer-reviewed publication.
Translation to English, cross-cultural adaptation, and pilot testing of the self-report questionnaire on swallowing difficulties with medication intake and coping strategies (SWAMECO) for adults with polypharmacy
Authors: Arnet Isabelle , Messerli Markus , Oezvegyi Jana , Hersberger Kurt , Sahm Laura
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To translate the SWAMECO from German into English; to complete content and face validity with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and with patients from the target population that is, community-dwelling adult patients taking three or more medicines for three or more months.

Design

The process followed guidance from Sousa et al and included translation and cross-cultural adaptation, and cognitive testing among selected HCPs and patients. As the SWAMECO questionnaire is a screening instrument, pilot testing was performed in the target population.

Setting

Three community pharmacies in and around Cork (Ireland) recruited patients for interviews and pilot testing.

Participants

Community-dwelling patients with ≥3 oral medications for ≥3 months, aged ≥18 years.

Outcome measures

Answers to the SWAMECO questionnaire; clarity of each question, each instruction and each response format.

Results

Issues related to cultural and conceptual differences were resolved by rewording some items. Ten HCPs and 11 patients completed the questionnaire and gave their feedback and opinions on criteria according to Fitzpatrick et al. Revisions included rewording; deleting of two questions; using of colour to signpost that is, where to skip questions that were not applicable to the participants; and replacement of the A-14 medication adherence scale with three validated items. Of the 66 patients enrolled for pilot testing, eight (12.1%) indicated swallowing difficulties. Difficulties with ingesting foods or liquids correlated with swallowing difficulties (p=0.001). All patients perceived discomfort (mean 6.9 on a Visual Analogue Scale from 0 to 10). Patients with swallowing difficulties were significantly more likely to report modifying their medicines (p=0.004) and having poorer medication adherence (p=0.028) than those who had no swallowing difficulties.

Conclusions

The version of the SWAMECO questionnaire in English contains 28 items and is ready for use in adults with polypharmacy.
Comparing mental distress and help-seeking among first-year medical students in Norway: results of two cross-sectional surveys 20 years apart
Authors: Ruud Nora , Løvseth Lise Tevik , Isaksson Ro Karin , Tyssen Reidar
Published: August 2020

Objective

To investigate any changes in mental distress levels over 20 years among medical students, as well as the clinical importance of these changes.

Design

Two cross-sectional surveys 20 years apart.

Setting

The surveys were performed at two Norwegian medical faculties in 1993 and 2015.

Participants

One hundred and seventy-four first-year medical students in 1993 were compared with 169 students in 2015.

Main outcome measures

Mental distress (Hopkins Symptom Checklist 5) and Mental Health Problems in Need of Treatment.

Results

Mental distress increased from 1993 to 2015 (p<0.001) due to a larger increase among female students, which seemed to be of clinical importance (Cohen’sd=0.63). There was a significant gender difference in mental distress in 2015 (p=0.007), but not in 1993. Independent factors associated with mental distress in 2015 were female sex (p<0.001), low perceived social support from parents (p=0.023) and low perceived social support from other friends (p=0.048). Additional analyses showed that social support from friends was more important for female students than for their male peers. From 1993 to 2015, there was no significant increase in the proportion of female students reporting previous mental health problems in need of treatment (21.3% vs 27.8%), but we found a significant increase in help-seeking among those in need of treatment over these years from 30.0% (6/20) to 74.3% (26/35; p=0.003).

Conclusions

We found a significant increase in mental distress among female medical students over the past 20 years, but also a promising increase in help-seeking among those in need of treatment. The strong and important association between low social support and mental distress should urge both universities and students to maintain students’ social life after entering medical school.
Patient preferences for asthma management: a qualitative study
Authors: Baggott Christina , Chan Amy , Hurford Sally , Fingleton James , Beasley Richard , Harwood Matire , Reddel Helen K , Levack William Mark Magnus
Published: August 2020

Objective

Preference for asthma management and the use of medications is motivated by the interplay between lived experiences of asthma and patients’ attitudes towards medications. Many previous studies have focused on individual aspects of asthma management, such as the use of preventer and reliever inhalers. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the preferences of patients with mild-moderate asthma for asthma management as a whole and factors that influenced these preferences.

Design

A qualitative study employing qualitative descriptive analysis situated within a constructionist epistemology to analyse transcribed audio recordings from focus groups.

Setting

Three locations within the greater Wellington area in New Zealand.

Participants

Twenty-seven adults with self-reported doctor’s diagnosis of asthma, taking short-acting beta-agonists alone or inhaled corticosteroids with or without long-acting beta2-agonist, who had used any inhaled asthma medication within the last month.

Results

Four key areas described preferences for asthma management. Preferences for self-management: participants wanted to be in control of their asthma and developed personal strategies to achieve this. Preferences for the specific medications or treatment regimen: participants preferred regimens that were convenient and reliably relieved symptoms. Preferences for inhaler devices: devices that had dose counters and were easy to use and portable were important. Preferences for asthma services: participants wanted easier access to their inhalers and to be empowered by their healthcare providers. Participant preferences within each of these four areas were influenced by the impact asthma had on their life, their health beliefs, emotional consequences of asthma and perceived barriers to asthma management.

Conclusions

This study illustrates the interaction of the lived experience of asthma, factors specific to the individual, and factors relating to asthma treatments in shaping patient preferences for asthma management. This aids our understanding of preferences for asthma management from the patient perspective.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000601134).
Cross-sectional associations of neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage and greenness with accelerometer-measured leisure-time physical activity in a cohort of ageing workers
Authors: Halonen Jaana I , Pulakka Anna , Pentti Jaana , Kallio Minna , Koskela Sofia , Kivimäki Mika , Kawachi Ichiro , Vahtera Jussi , Stenholm Sari
Published: August 2020

Objective

Neighbourhood characteristics may affect the level of physical activity (PA) of the residents. Few studies have examined the combined effects of distinctive neighbourhood characteristics on PA using objective data or differentiated between activity during working or non-working days. We examined the associations of socioeconomic disadvantage and greenness with accelerometer-measured leisure-time PA during working and non-working days.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Finnish Retirement and Aging (FIREA) study.

Participants

708 workers (604 women, mean age 62.4 ranging from 58 to 64 years,) participating in the FIREA study who provided PA measurement data for at least 1 working and non-working day.

Primary and secondary outcomes

PA was measured with wrist-worn accelerometer on average of 4 working and 2 non-working days. Outcomes were total PA, light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). These measurements were linked to data on neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage and greenness within the home neighbourhood (750×750 m). Generalised linear models were adjusted for possible confounders.

Results

On non-working days, higher neighbourhood disadvantage associated with lower levels of total PA (p value=0.07) and higher level of neighbourhood greenness associated with higher level of total PA (p value=0.04). Neighbourhood disadvantage and greenness had an interaction (p value=0.02); in areas of low disadvantage higher greenness did not associate with the level of total PA. However, in areas of high disadvantage, 2 SD higher greenness associated with 46 min/day (95% CI 8.4 to 85) higher total PA. Slightly stronger interaction was observed for LPA (p=0.03) than for the MVPA (p=0.09). During working days, there were no associations between neighbourhood characteristics and leisure-time total PA.

Conclusions

Of the disadvantaged neighbourhoods, those characterised by high levels of greenness seem to associate with higher levels of leisure-time PA during non-working days. These findings suggest that efforts to add greenness to socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods might reduce inequalities in PA.
Value of lung ultrasound for the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Yujiao , Zhang Donghang , Zhou Cheng , Huang Han , Wang Rurong
Published: August 2020

Introduction

In the recent COVID-19 pandemic, cases have exceeded over one million, with the number of confirmed cases increasing by 50 000–60 000 per day. The virus has killed nearly 50 000 people all over the world in only 3 months. These reforms bring major challenges to the public health and healthcare system. The pulmonary pathological features during the initial phase of COVID-19 are alveolar oedema, pneumocyte hyperplasia, gravitational consolidations and interstitial thickening. The ability of lung ultrasound (LUS) and its evolving applications in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia are widespread. This study aims to evaluate the surveillance value of LUS in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods and analysis

We will perform a systematic search and meta-analysis on the use of LUS to diagnose and confirm COVID-19 pneumonia. We will search Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Google Scholar, China Biology Medicine disc and WHO Global Health Library for studies on diagnostic accuracy from December 2019 to April 2021. Data collection and screening will be individually accomplished by two reviewers. The assessment of risk of bias for each outcome will be conducted using the QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2) tool. Data will be synthesised and heterogeneity will be evaluated. Meta-analysis will be conducted when strong homogeneous data are accessible. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation(GRADE) will be used to assess quality of evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval of ethics committee is not needed for this review. While results will be disseminated electronically, effective dissemination will be done through presentations and peer-reviewed publication.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020177803; pre-results.
Long-term contribution of international electives for medical students to professional identity formation: a qualitative study
Authors: Hayashi Mikio , Son Daisuke , Nanishi Keiko , Eto Masato
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Globalisation has given medical university students the opportunity to pursue international electives in other countries, enhancing the long-term socialisation of medical professionals. This study identified the long-term effects of international electives on the professional identity formation of medical students.

Design

This is a qualitative study.

Setting

The authors interviewed Japanese medical professionals who had completed their international electives more than 10 years ago, and analysed and interpreted the data using a social constructivism paradigm.

Participants

A total of 23 medical professionals (mean age 36.4 years; range 33–42 years) participated in face-to-face, semistructured in-depth interviews.

Results

During the data analysis, 36 themes related to professional identity formation were identified, and the resulting themes had five primary factors (perspective transformation, career design, self-development, diversity of values and leadership). It was concluded that international electives for medical students could promote reflective self-relativisation and contribute to medical professional identity formation. Additionally, such electives can encourage pursuing a specialisation and academic or non-academic work abroad. International electives for medical students could contribute to medical professional identity formation on the basis of cross-cultural understanding.

Conclusions

This study addressed a number of issues regarding the long-term impact of international elective experiences in various countries on the professional identity formation of Japanese medical professionals. This study offers some guidance to mentors conducting international electives and provides useful information for professional identity formation development in medical professionals.
Critical patient insights from the same-day feedback programme at Stanford Health Care
Authors: Luna Alessandro , Price Amy , Srivastava Ujwal , Chu Larry F
Published: August 2020

Patient-centered organisations

Healthcare organisations now integrate patient feedback into value-based compensation formulas. This research considered Stanford Healthcare’s same-day feedback, a programme designed to evaluate the patient experience. Specifically, how did patients with cancer interviewed in the programme assess their physicians? Furthermore, how did assessments differ across emotional, physical, practical and informational needs when interviewed by volunteer patient and family partners (PAFPs) versus hospital staff?

Patient–physician communication barriers

Integral to this research was Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), which suggests individuals adjust interactions based on conversational roles, needs and understanding. Previous influential research was conducted by Froschet al(2012) and Di Bartoloet al(2017), who revealed barriers to patient–physician communication, and Bakeret al(2011) who associated CAT with these interactions. However, we still did not know if patients alter physician assessments between interviewers.

Volunteers collect patient needs

This mixed methods study worked with 190 oncology unit patient interviews from 2009 to 2017. Open-ended interview responses underwent thematic analysis. When compared with hospital staff, PAFPs collected more practical and informational needs from patients. PAFPs also collected more verbose responses that resembled detailed narratives of the patients’ hospital experiences. This study contributed insightful patient perspectives of physician care in a novel hospital programme.
Prevalence of cognitive dysfunction, psychological morbidity and abuse in the community-based elderly population in India
Authors: Bhatia Manjeet Singh , Srivastava Shruti , Moond Vishali
Published: August 2020

Background

The elderly population in India is expected to grow enormously by 2050 owing to an increase in life expectancy. Community-based data on the prevalence of psychological morbidity, abuse and cognitive dysfunction are scarce.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction, psychological morbidity and abuse in the elderly population in a resettlement colony from East Delhi, India.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the elderly population of a resettlement colony, in East Delhi, comprising 5 blocks and 12 subblocks with a total population of 65 000. The study was carried out within 2 months from April to August 2017. The self-reported questionnaires were administered to detect cognitive dysfunction, psychological morbidity, social support and pattern of abuse.

Results

The mean age of the study subjects was 70.29 years (53.8% were males, 78.8% were married, 86.9% were Hindus and 75% were living with children). A total of 106 subjects (66.6%) belonged to the lower socioeconomic strata with 120 (75%) living with children. Most of the subjects (70.6%) studied below the primary level of education. As detected on Goldberg General Health Questionnaire-12, 56.9% of the subjects had psychological morbidity. On Dementia Assessment by Rapid Test, 33.1% of subjects were screened positive. The pattern of abuse reported was as follows: emotional abuse (16.9%), physical abuse (7.5%), sexual abuse (1.9%) and social neglect (18.1%). The social support score was found to be 46.22 (12.22).

Conclusion

The results of this community-based study signify that appropriate steps at the policy level need to be undertaken so that abuse as well as neglect can be prevented. In addition, screening the elderly population helps to detect early cognitive dysfunction, psychological morbidity, abuse victims and individuals with poor support.
Transvenous embolization of a posterior condylar canal fistula causing pulsatile tinnitus
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , Lanzino Giuseppe , Cloft Harry J
Published: August 2020

Dural arteriovenous fistulas of the skull base commonly present with pulsatile tinnitus. In our experience, transvenous embolization of dural arteriovenous fistulas of the skull base represents a safe and effective treatment modality due to its precision in treatment of the site of convergence of all feeding arteries and the low risk of ischemic complications. We present a case of an adult patient who presented to our institution with pulsatile tinnitus several months following a motor vehicle accident. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a dural arteriovenous fistula at the junction of the posterior condylar vein and suboccipital venous plexus supplied by branches of the vertebral artery, occipital artery, and ascending pharyngeal artery. In this operative video we demonstrate this technique and provide an in-depth discussion of our treatment decision-making process and the anatomical considerations involved in treating this lesion.

Video 1
Validation of phlebotomy performance metrics developed as part of a proficiency-based progression initiative to mitigate wrong blood in tube
Authors: O’Herlihy Noirin , Griffin Sarah , Henn Patrick , Gaffney Robert , Cahill Mary Rose , Gallagher Anthony G
Published: August 2020

Aims

The purpose of this study was to (1) characterise the procedure of phlebotomy, deconstruct it into its constituent parts and develop a performance metric for the purpose of training healthcare professionals in a large teaching hospital and to (2) evaluate the construct validity of the phlebotomy metric and establish a proficiency benchmark.

Method

By engaging with a multidisciplinary team with a wide range of experience of preanalytical errors in phlebotomy and observing video recordings of the procedure performed in the actual working environment, we defined a performance metric. This was brought to a modified Delphi meeting, where consensus was reached by an expert panel. To demonstrate construct validity, we used the metric to objectively assess the performance of novices and expert practitioners.

Results

A phlebotomy metric consisting of 11 phases and 77 steps was developed. The mean inter-rater reliability was 0.91 (min 0.83, max 0.95). The expert group completed more steps of the procedure (72 vs 69), made fewer errors (19 vs 13, p=0.014) and fewer critical errors (1 Vs 4, p=0.002) than the novice group.

Conclusions

The metrics demonstrated construct validity and the proficiency benchmark was established with a minimum observation of 69 steps, with no critical errors and no more than 13 errors in total.
Donning and doffing of personal protective equipment protocol and key points of nursing care for patients with COVID-19 in ICU
Authors: Yuan Li , Chen Shu , Xu Yafang
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus pandemic is the most important public health event in the world currently. Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a critical state are at risk of progressing rapidly into many serve complications; they require a high level of care from ICU nurses. How to avoid the virus to infect health care worker is also a critical issue. Based on the summarized experience of Chinese health workers, literature review and clinical practice, this article introduced donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE) protocol and some keypoints of nursing critical care in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): caring of patients requiring intubation and ventilation, venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention, caring of patients on ECMO, caring for patients requiring enteral nutrition, psychological support and nursing management of COVID-19 ICU. This article introduced a useful protocol of donning and doffing personal protective equipment to protect health care workers, and provided key points for the ICU nurses how to take care of COVID-19 patients.
CT localisation of a broken intravenous cannula in two dogs
Authors: Frau Tascon Maria , Dempsey Lara , Tayari Hamaseh , Brissot Herve , Anselmi Carlo
Published: August 2020

Two dogs were presented because part of the cephalic vein catheter was missing. In both cases, the catheter was not visualised by ultrasound and difficult to see on radiographs. CT was used to localise the catheter fragment making a focused surgical approach possible for retrieval. Moreover, CT of the thorax ensured that there was no further fragment migration. CT should be considered convenient and useful, to facilitate planning of the surgical approach in order to localise a broken intravenous cannula and to ensure no further catheter fragment migration.
Anomalous internal pair creation
Authors: Kálmán Péter , Keszthelyi Tamás
Published: August 2020

In recent electron-positron angular correlation measurements the observed significant enhancements relative to the internal pair creation at large angles was interpreted as indication of the creation of $$J^{\pi }=1^{+}$$

J
π

=

1
+

boson called X17 particle. In this paper it is brought up that such enhancements can be generated by higher order processes. It is found that nuclear transitions, the transition energy of which is significantly lower than the whole transition energy, can cause peaked angle dependence in electron-positron angular correlation.
Charged particle dynamics in the surrounding of Schwarzschild anti-de Sitter black hole with topological defect immersed in an external magnetic field
Authors: Shafiq Sidra , Hussain Saqib , Ozair Muhammad , Aslam Adnan , Hussain Takasar
Published: August 2020

In this paper, geodesic motion of the charged particles in the vicinity of event horizon of Schwarzschild anti-de-Sitter black hole (BH) with topological defects has been investigated. Weakly magnetized environment is considered in the surrounding of BH which only effects the motion of the particles and doesn’t effect the geometry of the BH. Hence, particles are under the influence of gravity and electromagnetic forces. We have explored the effect of magnetic field on the trajectories of the particles and more importantly on the position of the innermost stable circular orbit. It is observed that the trajectories of the particles in the surrounding of BH are chaotic. Escape conditions of the particles under the influence of gravitomagnetic force are also discussed. Moreover, the escape velocity of particles and its different features have been investigated in the presence and absence of magnetic field. Effect of dark energy on the size of event horizon, mass of the BH and stability of the orbits of the particles have also been explored in detail. These studies can be used to estimate the power of relativistic jets originated from the vicinity of BH.
Chaotic motion around a black hole under minimal length effects
Authors: Guo Xiaobo , Liang Kangkai , Mu Benrong , Wang Peng , Yang Mingtao
Published: August 2020

We use the Melnikov method to identify chaotic behavior in geodesic motion perturbed by the minimal length effects around a Schwarzschild black hole. Unlike the integrable unperturbed geodesic motion, our results show that the perturbed homoclinic orbit, which is a geodesic joining the unstable circular orbit to itself, becomes chaotic in the sense that Smale horseshoes chaotic structure is present in phase space.
Complexity of phase distribution in two-phase flow using composite multiscale entropy
Authors: Rafałko Gabriela , Mosdorf Romuald , Litak Grzegorz , Górski Grzegorz
Published: August 2020

Multiphase flow in a minichannel is a complex phenomenon which shows various patterns dynamics including slugs and bubbles depending on gas/fluid component flow rates. In this paper, air and water–glycerol mixed fluid flow has been studied. In the experiment, the volume flow rates of air and water–glycerol were changing. We studied transition of bubbles to slugs two-phase flow patterns by using multiscale entropy approach to digital camera signals and identified various patterns. The results clearly indicate that the multiscale entropy is an important complexity measure dependent on the flow distribution of the gas phase in a water–glycerol content.
The quantum speed limit time of a two-qubit XYZ spin chain with intrinsic decoherence
Authors: Hou Lu , Shao Bin , Zhu Yuguang
Published: August 2020

We study the quantum speed limit (QSL) time of the two-qubit XYZ spin chain model with the influence of intrinsic decoherence. We show that the intrinsic decoherence can suppress the evolution of this system, no matter what initial states the two qubits start from. The investigation of entanglement reveals that quantum correlation is the physical reason for the acceleration of the system. In addition, we also demonstrate that for different initial states, external magnetic field may have opposite influence on QSL time and it mainly derives from the inhibition of entanglement as magnetic field increases.
Jarlskog determinant and data on flavor matrices
Authors: Kim Jihn E. , Kim Se-Jin , Nam Soonkeon , Shim Myungbo
Published: August 2020

The essences of the weak [Formula: see text] violation, the quark and lepton Jarlskog invariants, are determined toward future model buildings beyond the Standard Model (SM). The equivalence of two calculations of Jarlskog invariants gives a bound on the [Formula: see text] phase in some parametrization. Satisfying the unitarity condition, we obtain the CKM and PMNS matrices from the experimental data, and present the results in matrix forms. The Jarlskog determinant [Formula: see text] in the quark sector is found to be [Formula: see text] while [Formula: see text] in the leptonic sector is [Formula: see text] in the normal hierarchy parametrization.
Field of a moving locked charge in classical electrodynamics
Authors: Silenko Alexander J.
Published: August 2020

The paradox of a field of a moving locked charge (confined in a closed space) is considered and solved with the use of the integral Maxwell equations. While known formulas obtained for instantaneous fields of charges moving along straight and curved lines are fully correct, measurable quantities are average electric and magnetic fields of locked charges. It is shown that the average electric field of locked charges does not depend on their motion. The average electric field of protons moving in nuclei coincides with that of protons being at rest and having the same spatial distribution of the charge density. The electric field of a twisted electron is equivalent to the field of a centroid with immobile charges whose spatial distribution is defined by the wave function of the twisted electron.
Study of Submerged Mono-and Poly-Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells with Split Spectral Ranges Using Optical Filters
Authors: Enaganti Prasanth K. , Goel Sanket
Published: August 2020

Investigating submerged Solar Photovoltaics (SPV) has significant benefits in harvesting the useful amount of underwater solar energy. Earlier, the authors analysed the amorphous, mono- and poly-crystalline silicon solar cells with varying underwater conditions (Enaganti 2020). The findings indicated that SPV has a wide potential to utilize in underwater conditions for diverse applications. This has motivated us to explore the behaviour of solar cells underwater considering other parameters, like solar spectral range, as well. Evidently, the solar spectral range gets narrower and the solar radiation gets reduced in underwater conditions with an increasing in water depths. Herein, the performance of mono- and poly-crystalline silicon solar cells has been investigated underwater with varying regions of the spectral ranges from the Standard AM 1.5 solar simulator using optical colour glass filters. The obtained results manifest that even with the limited spectral ranges, mono- and polycrystalline solar cells showed 44.8% and 39.34% decrease in the maximum power output respectively at 20 cm water depth using band pass filter. This power decay was witnessed to be very less compared to the other filters and also without using filter as the water readily absorbs the IR portion of the light.
Electrochemical Flow Cell to Detect Li-ion Battery Crosstalk Reactions
Authors: Harris Oliver , Tang Maureen H.
Published: August 2020

While the Li-ion battery has been engineered over the last four decades to improve energy capacity, power density, and device safety, the useful lifetime of this essential energy storage technology has not progressed as much. This is largely due to experimental challenges of studying, characterizing, and understanding the SEI: the battery `component' most vital to ageing and failure. More importantly for the goal of improving Li-ion battery lifetime, researchers have lacked adequate diagnostic tools for studying how the SEI fails. Here we demonstrate a prototype electrochemical flow cell for the specific application of detecting crosstalk reactions in advanced Li-ion battery chemistries. We develop a generator-collector approach to understanding battery crosstalk and leverage finite-element simulations to guide design of this novel reactor. After calibrating the device using a known redox couple, the device is cycled under varying electrode configurations to detect capacity fade induced by the metal dissolution crosstalk mechanism. The path forward will involve adding new product detection capabilities and engineering a reactor environment that replicates a sealed Li-ion battery.
On the early stages of localised atmospheric corrosion of magnesium- aluminium alloys
Authors: Shahabi-Navid Mehrdad , Cao Yu , Svensson Jan-Erik , Allanore Antoine , Birbilis Nick , Johansson Lars-Gunnar , Esmaily Mohsen
Published: August 2020

The surface film on pure magnesium and two aluminium-containing magnesium alloys was characterised after 96 h at 95% RH and 22°C. The concentration of CO2 was carefully controlled to be either 0 or 400 ppm. The exposed samples were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The results showed that when the alloys were exposed to the CO2-contaning environment, alumina (Al3+) was incorporated into a layered surface film comprising a partially “hydrated” MgO layer followed by Mg(OH)2, and magnesium hydroxy carbonates. Localised corrosion was attributed to film thinning by a dissolution/precipitation mechanism.
Examination of Reducing Agents Used for Aluminum Electroless Deposition
Authors: Makino Kohei , Marumoto Daisuke , Koura Setsuko
Published: August 2020

Because of its properties such as low electrical resistance, simple to structure in dry etch processes, aluminum is widely used for wiring material in the field of semiconductors. However, in order to deposit aluminum on a silicon substrate, it is necessary to use a sputtering or glow plasma method, and thus a large apparatus is required. If the technique of electroless deposition of aluminum is established, it will be able to obtain the thin film on the silicon substrate easily without electricity. In this research, we performed constant current and electroless aluminum deposition on various semiconductor substrates and evaluated the possibility of Al electroless deposition on semiconductor wiring. As a result of evaluation by SEM XRD promising results were obtained, and a new reducing agent was discovered that can significantly reduce the time for electroless deposition.
miR-30a targets gene networks that promote browning of human and mouse adipocytes
Authors: Saha Pradip K. , Hamilton Mark P. , Rajapakshe Kimal , Putluri Vasanta , Felix Jessica B. , Masschelin Peter , Cox Aaron R. , Bajaj Mandeep , Putluri Nagireddy , Coarfa Cristian , Hartig Sean M.
Published: August 2020

MicroRNA-30a (miR-30a) impacts adipocyte function, and its expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) correlates with insulin sensitivity in obesity. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrates that miR-30a expression contributes to 2% of all miRNA expression in human tissues. However, molecular mechanisms of miR-30a function in fat cells remain unclear. Here, we expanded our understanding of how miR-30a expression contributes to antidiabetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonist activity and metabolic functions in adipocytes. We found that WAT isolated from diabetic patients shows reduced miR-30a levels and diminished expression of the canonical PPARγ target genes ADIPOQ and FABP4 relative to lean counterparts. In human adipocytes, miR-30a required PPARγ for maximal expression, and the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone robustly induced miR-30a but not other miR-30 family members. Transcriptional activity studies in human adipocytes also revealed that ectopic expression of miR-30a enhanced the activity of rosiglitazone coupled with higher expression of fatty acid and glucose metabolism markers. Diabetic mice that overexpress ectopic miR-30a in subcutaneous WAT display durable reductions in serum glucose and insulin levels for more than 30 days. In agreement with our in vitro findings, RNA-seq coupled with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) suggested that miR-30a enabled activation of the beige fat program in vivo, as evidenced by enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and induction of UCP1 expression. Metabolomic and gene expression profiling established that the long-term effects of ectopic miR-30a expression enable accelerated glucose metabolism coupled with subcutaneous WAT hyperplasia. Together, we establish a putative role of miR-30a in mediating PPARγ activity and advancing metabolic programs of white to beige fat conversion.
Early antihypertensive treatment and ischemia-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Greite Robert , Derlin Katja , Hensen Bennet , Thorenz Anja , Rong Song , Chen Rongjun , Hellms Susanne , Jang Mi-Sun , Bräsen Jan Hinrich , Meier Martin , Willenberg Ina , Immenschuh Stephan , Haller Hermann , Luft Friedrich C. , Panigrahy Dipak , Hwang Sung Hee , Hammock Bruce D. , Schebb Nils Helge , Gueler Faikah
Published: August 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently complicates major surgery and can be associated with hypertension and progress to chronic kidney disease, but reports on blood pressure normalization in AKI are conflicting. In the present study, we investigated the effects of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril, and a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, 1-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3-(1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl)urea (TPPU), on renal inflammation, fibrosis, and glomerulosclerosis in a mouse model of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced AKI. Male CD1 mice underwent unilateral IRI for 35 min. Blood pressure was measured by tail cuff, and mesangial matrix expansion was quantified on methenamine silver-stained sections. Renal perfusion was assessed by functional MRI in vehicle- and TPPU-treated mice. Immunohistochemistry was performed to study the severity of AKI and inflammation. Leukocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry, and proinflammatory cytokines were analyzed by quantitative PCR. Plasma and tissue levels of TPPU and lipid mediators were analyzed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. IRI resulted in a blood pressure increase of 20 mmHg in the vehicle-treated group. TPPU and enalapril normalized blood pressure and reduced mesangial matrix expansion. However, inflammation and progressive renal fibrosis were severe in all groups. TPPU further reduced renal perfusion on days 1 and 14. In conclusion, early antihypertensive treatment worsened renal outcome after AKI by further reducing renal perfusion despite reduced glomerulosclerosis.
Intratubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tubular atrophy after kidney injury in mice
Authors: Yamashita Noriyuki , Kusaba Tetsuro , Nakata Tomohiro , Tomita Aya , Ida Tomoharu , Watanabe-Uehara Noriko , Ikeda Kisho , Kitani Takashi , Uehara Masahiro , Kirita Yuhei , Matoba Satoaki , Humphreys Benjamin D. , Tamagaki Keiichi
Published: August 2020

Tubular atrophy is a common pathological feature of kidney fibrosis. Although fibroblasts play a predominant role in tissue fibrosis, the role of repairing tubular epithelia in tubular atrophy is unclear. We demonstrated the essential role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-mediated intratubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the pathogenesis of tubular atrophy after severe ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Actively proliferating tubular epithelia undergoing intratubular EMT were noted in the acute phase of severe IRI, resulting in tubular atrophy in the chronic phase, reflecting failed tubular repair. Furthermore, FAK was phosphorylated in the tubular epithelia in the acute phase of severe IRI, and its inhibition ameliorated both tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis in the chronic phase after injury. In vivo clonal analysis of single-labeled proximal tubular epithelial cells after IRI using proximal tubule reporter mice revealed substantial clonal expansion after IRI, reflecting active epithelial proliferation during repair. The majority of these proliferating epithelia were located in atrophic and nonfunctional tubules, and FAK inhibition was sufficient to prevent tubular atrophy. In vitro, transforming growth factor-β induced FAK phosphorylation and an EMT phenotype, which was also prevented by FAK inhibition. In an in vitro tubular epithelia gel contraction assay, transforming growth factor-β treatment accelerated gel contraction, which was suppressed by FAK inhibition. In conclusion, injury-induced intratubular EMT is closely related to tubular atrophy in a FAK-dependent manner.
COX-2-independent activation of renal (pro)renin receptor contributes to DOCA-salt hypertension in rats
Authors: Wang Fei , Sun Ying , Luo Renfei , Lu Xiaohan , Yang Baoxue , Yang Tianxin
Published: August 2020

It has been shown that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2-dependent activation of renal (pro)renin receptor (PRR) contributes to angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced hypertension. However, less is known about the involvement of this mechanism in ANG II-independent hypertension. The goal of the present study was to test whether or not COX-2-dependent upregulation of PRR serves as a universal mechanism contributing to ANG II-dependent and -independent hypertension. Here, we examined the association between renal COX-2 and PRR during deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension in rats. By immunoblot analysis and immunofluorescence, renal protein expression of PRR was remarkably upregulated by DOCA-salt treatment. Surprisingly, this upregulation of renal PRR expression was unaffected by a COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib. To address the role of renal PRR to the pathogenesis of DOCA-salt hypertension, a decoy PRR inhibitor, PRO20, was infused to the renal medulla of uninephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats for 14 days. Radiotelemetry demonstrated effective attenuation of DOCA-salt hypertension by intramedullary infusion of a PRR inhibitor, PRO20. In parallel, DOCA-salt-induced hypertrophy in the heart and kidney as well as proteinuria were improved, accompanied with blunted polydipsia and polyuria. In contrast, intravenous infusion of PRO20 was less effective in attenuating DOCA-salt hypertension and cardiorenal injury. Together, these results suggest that COX-2-independent activation of renal PRR contributes to DOCA-salt hypertension.
Intracellular location of aquaporin-2 serine 269 phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in kidney collecting duct cells
Authors: Wong Kit Yee , Wang Wei-Ling , Su Shih-Han , Liu Chin-Fu , Yu Ming-Jiun
Published: August 2020

Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is a vasopressin-regulated water channel protein responsible for water reabsorption by the kidney collecting ducts. Under control conditions, most AQP2 resides in the recycling endosomes of principal cells, where it answers to vasopressin with trafficking to the apical plasma membrane to increase water reabsorption. Upon vasopressin withdrawal, apical AQP2 retreats to the early endosomes before joining the recycling endosomes for the next vasopressin stimulation. Prior studies have demonstrated a role of AQP2 S269 phosphorylation in reducing AQP2 endocytosis, thereby prolonging apical AQP2 retention. Here, we studied where in the cells S269 was phosphorylated and dephosphorylated in response to vasopressin versus withdrawal. In mpkCCD collecting cells, vacuolar protein sorting 35 knockdown slowed vasopressin-induced apical AQP2 trafficking, resulting in AQP2 accumulation in the recycling endosomes where S269 was phosphorylated. Rab7 knockdown, which impaired AQP2 trafficking from the early to recycling endosomes, reduced vasopressin-induced S269 phosphorylation. Rab5 knockdown, which impaired AQP2 endocytosis, did not affect vasopressin-induced S269 phosphorylation. Upon vasopressin withdrawal, S269 was not dephosphorylated in Rab5 knockdown cells. In contrast, S269 dephosphorylation upon vasopressin withdrawal was completed in Rab7 or vacuolar protein sorting 35 knockdown cells. We conclude that S269 is dephosphorylated during Rab5-mediated AQP2 endocytosis before AQP2 joins the recycling endosomes upon vasopressin withdrawal. While in the recycling endosomes, AQP2 can be phosphorylated at S269 in response to vasopressin before apical trafficking.
Relation of Fibrinogen‐to‐Albumin Ratio to Severity of Coronary Artery Disease and Long‐Term Prognosis in Patients with Non‐ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Li Mingkang , Tang Chengchun , Luo Erfei , Qin Yuhan , Wang Dong , Yan Gaoliang
Published: August 2020

Previous studies showed that fibrinogen‐to‐albumin ratio (FAR) regarded as a novel inflammatory and thrombotic biomarker was the risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study, we sought to evaluate the relationship between FAR and severity of CAD, long‐term prognosis in non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS) patients firstly implanted with drug‐eluting stent (DES). A total of 1138 consecutive NSTE‐ACS patients firstly implanted with DES from January 2017 to December 2018 were recruited in this study. Patients were divided into tertiles according to FAR levels (Group 1: ≤8.715%; Group 2: 8.715%~10.481%; and Group 3: >10.481%). The severity of CAD was evaluated using the Gensini Score (GS). The endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including all‐cause mortality, myocardial reinfarction, and target vessel revascularization (TVR). Positive correlation was detected by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis between FAR and GS (r = 0.170, P < 0.001). On multivariate logistic analysis, FAR was an independent predictor of severe CAD (OR: 1.060; 95% CI: 1.005~1.118; P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that FAR was an independent prognostic factor for MACE at 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year after DES implantation (HR: 1.095; 95% CI: 1.011~1.186; P = 0.025. HR: 1.076; 95% CI: 1.009~1.147; P = 0.026. HR: 1.080; 95% CI: 1.022~1.141; P = 0.006). Furthermore, adding FAR to the model of established risk factors, the C‐statistic increased from 0.706 to 0.720, 0.650 to 0.668, and 0.611 to 0.632, respectively. And the models had incremental prognostic value for MACE, especially for 1‐year MACE (NRI: 13.6% improvement, P = 0.044; IDI: 0.6% improvement, P = 0.042). In conclusion, FAR was associated independently with the severity of CAD and prognosis, helping to improve risk stratification in NSTE‐ACS patients firstly implanted with DES.