bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timely culture for mycobacteria which utilizes a microcolony method
Authors: Welch D F , Guruswamy A P , Sides S J , Shaw C H , Gilchrist M J
Published: January 2020

For the isolation of mycobacteria from clinical specimens, we evaluated a method that used a thinly poured Middlebrook 7H11 agar plate (10 by 90 mm) that was examined microscopically. Inoculated plates were sealed, incubated, and examined at regular intervals for the appearance of microcolonies. Plates were examined microscopically, while still sealed, by focusing on the agar surface through the bottom of the plate and the agar. Plates were scanned at low power (x40 total magnification), and colony morphology was confirmed at intermediate power (x100 to x180 magnification). This method was compared with a traditional method that used macroscopic examination of standard mycobacterial media. By using all specimens submitted for mycobacterial culture over the duration of the study, the method was evaluated until 270 isolates of mycobacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, n = 103; M. avium-M. intracellulare, n = 115; miscellaneous, n = 52) were detected. While the conventional method required an average of 23 days to the time of first detection of mycobacteria, the experimental method required an average of only 11 days. When limited to acid-fast stain-positive specimens that were culture positive for M. tuberculosis, the average interval to positivity was 7 days for the microcolony method compared with 17 days for the conventional method. With the experimental method, the microscopic colonial morphology allowed for the presumptive identification of M. tuberculosis colonies, which were distinguished by cording, and M. avium-M. intracellulare colonies, which were smooth and entire. Presumptive identification was complete for 83.5% of the M. tuberculosis isolates within 10 days and for 85% of the M. avium-M. intracellulare isolates within 11 days after inoculation. If the microcolony method was combined with a conventional tube medium, the composite would optimize for speed of recovery while providing the full sensitivity of the conventional method. In addition to reducing the interval to positivity, the microcolony method allows for the easy detection of mixed mycobacterial infections and yields a presumptive identification that facilitates the selection of a confirmatory gene probe test.
Comparison of typing methods for Clostridium difficile isolates
Authors: Wolfhagen M J , Fluit A C , Torensma R , Jansze M , Kuypers A F , Verhage E A , Verhoef J
Published: January 2020

A simple discriminative typing method for Clostridium difficile has been developed. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of whole-cell proteins and restriction enzyme analysis are relatively simple techniques but are difficult to evaluate, especially the restriction enzyme analysis. Immunoblotting and restriction fragment length polymorphism typing facilitate simple discrimination of patterns.
Bacteremia due to Rochalimaea henselae in a child: practical identification of isolates in the clinical laboratory
Authors: Welch D F , Hensel D M , Pickett D A , San Joaquin V H , Robinson A , Slater L N
Published: January 2020

Two closely related species of Rochalimaea, Rochalimaea quintana and Rochalimaea henselae, are nutritionally fastidious but can be cultivated on bacteriologic media from the blood of patients with diverse clinical presentations. We report a case of culture-proven R. henselae bacteremia in a child with persistent fever. Serologic evidence of infection by R. henselae was ascertained by testing sera at two intervals for immunoglobulin G or immunoglobulin M antibodies by enzyme immunoassay and immunoblot. The case isolate and a collection of other strains (R. henselae, R. quintana, and related organisms) were used to test commercial identification systems for their comparative utility in the identification of Rochalimaea spp. on a practical basis. Of six systems designed for testing of either fastidious or anaerobic isolates of bacteria, the MicroScan Rapid Anaerobe Panel was the only system that distinguished R. henselae from R. quintana. Four of five others gave reactions that were unique within their data bases but did not distinguish Rochalimaea isolates at the species level.
Paecilomyces variotii in peritoneal dialysate
Authors: Marzec A , Heron L G , Pritchard R C , Butcher R H , Powell H R , Disney A P , Tosolini F A
Published: January 2020

Four cases of peritonitis caused by the filamentous fungus Paecilomyces variotii in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis are reported. Removal of the Tenckhoff catheter and antifungal chemotherapy led to resolution of symptoms in all cases. Possible contaminating events are discussed, and reported infections with P. variotii are reviewed.
Genomic fingerprinting of Neisseria meningitidis associated with group C meningococcal disease in Canada
Authors: Strathdee C A , Tyler S D , Ryan J A , Johnson W M , Ashton F E
Published: January 2020

A single electrophoretic type (ET15) of Neisseria meningitidis has been associated with an increased incidence of group C meningococcal disease in Canada. Genomic fingerprinting through pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of chromosomal DNA was used to characterize the clonal relationship among meningococcal isolates of different electrophoretic types and among isolates within ET15. The genomic fingerprints of the ET15 isolates, while similar as a group, were sufficiently distinct to confirm linkage for four pairs of strains from focal outbreaks and differed markedly from those of the other common electrophoretic types, ET5, ET9, and ET21.
Nucleotide sequence analysis of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) adherence factor probe and development of PCR for rapid detection of EPEC harboring virulence plasmids
Authors: Franke J , Franke S , Schmidt H , Schwarzkopf A , Wieler L H , Baljer G , Beutin L , Karch H
Published: January 2020

The 1-kb BamHI-SalI fragment from plasmid pMAR2 termed the enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) adherence factor (EAF) probe was cloned in pUC19 and pK18. The nucleotide sequence of this fragment was determined, and a set of primers was designed to amplify a 397-bp region associated with pMAR2 by PCR. An analysis of the whole EAF sequence with database libraries indicated no significant homology to any known genes. However, between bases 701 and 787 of the fragment, an 82.8% homology between the EAF and the insertion sequence IS630 of Shigella sonnei exists. The results of PCR with primers of the EAF sequence demonstrated that all of the 151 EAF probe-positive EPEC strains with localized adherence to HEp-2 cells yielded positive EAF PCR results. In contrast, none of the 277 EAF probe-negative strains reacted to the EAF PCR. In addition, the PCR assay was successfully used to generate vector-free digoxigenin-labeled EAF fragments that gave valid results in colony blot hybridization assays. The EAF PCR appears to be a specific and efficient method for the detection of EPEC strains carrying the EAF plasmids.
Biophysical and Biochemical Characterization of Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus
Authors: Camyre Kenneth P. , Pfau Charles J.
Published: January 2020

Biological, biochemical, and biophysical properties of three lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus strains were compared. The biological property examined was the concentration range of virus which would, when injected into neonates, cause a carrier state. The dosage range for the CA1371 and Traub strains was found to be as broad as the limits examined (5 to 100
ld
50
units/mouse). The WCP strain, however, would only produce carriers within a 3 to 5
ld
50
range. The biochemical properties examined were the growth rates in tissue culture and the effect of varying the input ratio of virus to cells. With identical input ratios, the Traub strain reached a peak titer 32 hr after infection. The CA1371 and WCP strain reached their peaks at the 40th hr. With a 10-fold decrease in the amount of CA1371 virus per cell, peak titer (as high as in the above experiments) was not obtained until 56 hr postinfection. The biophysical properties examined were stability in density gradients and inactivation rates at 4C. In potassium tartrate gradients, full recovery of the CA1371 and WCP strain could be achieved. However, inactivation kinetics showed that only the CA1371 strain was much more stable than the Traub-LCM. The realization that marked differences in LCM strains exist is discussed in relation to certain inconsistencies in the literature.
Genetic studies of the Fv-1 locus of mice: linkage with Gpd-1 in recombinant inbred lines
Authors: Taylor B A , Bedigian H G , Meier H
Published: January 2020

Multiple recombinant inbred lines, derived from crosses between strains permissive to N-tropic murine leukemia viruses (Fv-1n) and strains permissive to B-tropic murine leukemia viruses (Fv-1b), have been characterized as to Fv-1 genotype and other chromosome 4 markers, including the closely linked hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase isozyme locus (Gpd-1). Only one recombinant between Fv-1 and Gpd-1 was found among 45 lines tested. On this basis, the distance between Fv-1 and Gpd-1 is estimated to be 0.6 centimorgans. None of the lines was either resistant or susceptible to both N- and B-tropic viruses. Nineteen other inbred strains, previously untested, were characterized as either Fv-1n or Fv-1b.
Restriction and modification in Bacillus subtilis: effects on transfection under marker rescue conditions
Authors: Bron S , Luxen E , Venema G
Published: January 2020

The role of homology between donor and recipient DNAs in the protection of transfecting DNA against restriction by competent Bacillus subtilis R cells was studied under marker rescue conditions with modified helper phage. By comparing restriction under conditions of preinfection marker rescue and superinfection marker rescue, the significance of DNA homology during the initial stages of DNA processing by competent cells could be studied. The results showed that both in preinfection and in superinfection, complete protection against restriction of transfectants produced via rescue by the modified homologous helper chromosome occurred. Even up to 90 min after entry, DNA entering the helper-mediated pathway of transfection was not affected by restriction. The significance of these findings is discussed in the general context of the role of DNA homology between donor and recipient on the fate of donor DNA in competent B. subtilis, in particular in relation to the effects on restriction.
Function of an internal bacteriophage T7 core during assembly of a T7 procapsid
Authors: Serwer P , Watson R H
Published: January 2020

A DNA-free, proteinaceous procapsid of bacteriophage T7 (capsid I) has been shown in previous studies to consist of an external, spherical shell (envelope) and an internal, cylindrical core with fibrous projections that connect the core to the envelope. To determine the role of the core in assembly of the envelope of capsid I, the kinetics of appearance of capsid I and possible intermediates in capsid I assembly (AG particles) were determined in the presence and absence of the core. For obtaining these data, agarose gel electrophoresis was used and appeared to be a technique more accurate and efficient than techniques used for obtaining similar data in the past. The results of these experiments were: (i) in the presence of the core, AG particles behaved kinetically as intermediates in the assembly of capsid I; (ii) in the absence of the core, assembly of capsid I terminated prematurely and AG particles accumulated. These and other data have been interpreted by assuming that: AG particles are breakdown products of precursors of capsid I; these precursors have uncorrected errors in the assembly of their envelope; and a function of the core is to correct these errors.
DNA clone of avian Fujinami sarcoma virus with temperature-sensitive transforming function in mammalian cells
Authors: Lee W H , Liu C P , Duesberg P
Published: January 2020

We have molecularly cloned an integrated proviral DNA of Fujinami sarcoma virus (FSV) into a lambda phage vector and further subcloned it into plasmid pBR322. The source of provirus was a quail nonproducer cell clone transformed by FSV. The FSV strain used is temperature sensitive in the maintenance of transformation of avian cells. The recombinant plasmid was shown to contain an entire FSV genome by fingerprinting the hybrids formed with 32P-labeled FSV RNA. This analysis also revealed a previously undetected env-related sequence in FSV which represents the 3' end of the gp85 env gene. A physical map of cloned FSV DNA identifying sites of several restriction enzymes is described. Upon transfection, FSV DNA cloned in pBR322 transformed mouse NIH-3T3 cells, which proved to be temperature sensitive in maintaining transformation. Phosphorylation but not synthesis of p140, the only known gene product of FSV, was also temperature sensitive in these cells. The correlation between transformation and phosphorylation of p140 suggests that phosphorylation of p140 is necessary for transformation of mouse cells, as was shown previously for avian cells. These results provide direct genetic evidence that the mechanisms for maintaining transformation of mammalian and avian cells involve the same FSV gene product, p140. Homology was detected by hybridization between transformation-specific sequences of FSV DNA and certain restriction endonuclease-resistant fragments of cellular DNA of two avian species, chicken and quail. Under the same conditions homology was also detected with DNA of non-avian species, although apparently to a lower degree than with avian cells.
Draft Genome Sequences of 12 Leuconostoc carnosum Strains Isolated from Cooked Ham Packaged in a Modified Atmosphere and from Fresh Sausages
Authors: Candeliere Francesco , Raimondi Stefano , Spampinato Gloria , Tay Moon Yue Feng , Amaretti Alberto , Schlundt Joergen , Rossi Maddalena
Published: January 2020

Leuconostoc carnosum
is a lactic acid bacterium that preferentially colonizes meat. In this work, we present the draft genome sequences of 12
Leuconostoc carnosum
strains isolated from modified-atmosphere-packaged cooked ham and fresh sausages. Three strains harbor bacteriocin genes.
Complete Genome Sequences, Derived by Next-Generation Sequencing, of JC Polyomavirus Strains Isolated from Vietnamese Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Van Trang Dinh , Rockett Rebecca J. , Ha An Phan Hai , Nguyen Trung Vu , Dwyer Dominic E.
Published: January 2020

JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) may cause clinical syndromes such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in immunocompromised patients. Here, we report seven complete genome sequences of JCPyV genotype 7A, generated directly from urine samples from Vietnamese renal transplant recipients by using rolling-circle amplification and next-generation sequencing.
Complete Genome Sequence of Sinorhizobium meliloti Strain AK21, a Salt-Tolerant Isolate from the Aral Sea Region
Authors: Jiménez-Zurdo José I. , Martínez-Abarca Francisco , Cobo-Díaz José F. , López-Contreras José A. , Fernández-López Manuel , Toro Nicolás
Published: January 2020

We report here the complete genome sequence of the salt-tolerant
Sinorhizobium meliloti
strain AK21, isolated from nodules of
Medicago sativa
L. subsp.
ambigua
inhabiting the northern Aral Sea Region. This genome (7.36 Mb) consists of a chromosome and four accessory plasmids, two of which are the symbiotic megaplasmids pSymA and pSymB.
Draft Genome Sequences of 10 Bacterial Strains Isolated from Root Nodules of Alnus Trees in New Hampshire
Authors: Davis Ian , Sevigny Joseph , Kleiner Victoria , Mercurio Kelsey , Pesce Céline , Swanson Erik , Thomas W. Kelley , Tisa Louis S.
Published: January 2020

Here, we report the draft genome sequences obtained for 10 bacterial strains isolated from root nodules of
Alnus
trees. These members of the nodule microbiome were sequenced to determine their potential functional roles in plant health. The selected strains belong to the genera
Rhodococcus
,
Kocuria
,
Rothia
,
Herbaspirillum
,
Streptomyces
, and
Thiopseudomonas
.
The impact of physician migration on mortality in low and middle-income countries: an economic modelling study
Authors: Saluja Saurabh , Rudolfson Niclas , Massenburg Benjamin Ballard , Meara John G , Shrime Mark G
Published: January 2020

Background

The WHO estimates a global shortage of 2.8 million physicians, with severe deficiencies especially in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). The unequitable distribution of physicians worldwide is further exacerbated by the migration of physicians from LMICs to high-income countries (HIC). This large-scale migration has numerous economic consequences which include increased mortality associated with inadequate physician supply in LMICs.

Methods

We estimate the economic cost for LMICs due to excess mortality associated with physician migration. To do so, we use the concept of a value of statistical life and marginal mortality benefit provided by physicians. Uncertainty of our estimates is evaluated with Monte Carlo analysis.

Results

We estimate that LMICs lose US$15.86 billion (95% CI $3.4 to $38.2) annually due to physician migration to HICs. The greatest total costs are incurred by India, Nigeria, Pakistan and South Africa. When these costs are considered as a per cent of gross national income, the cost is greatest in the WHO African region and in low-income countries.

Conclusion

The movement of physicians from lower to higher income settings has substantial economic consequences. These are not simply the result of the movement of human capital, but also due to excess mortality associated with loss of physicians. Valuing these costs can inform international and domestic policy discussions that are meant to address this issue.
Occupational exposure to silica and risk of heart disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Kai , Mu Min , Fang Kehong , Qian Yuanyuan , Xue Song , Hu Weijiang , Ye Meng
Published: January 2020

Objective

To search for evidence of the relationship between occupational silica exposure and heart disease.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background

Growing evidence suggests a relationship between occupational silica exposure and heart disease; however, the link between them is less clear.

Data sources

PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer and EMBASE were searched for articles published between 1 January 1995 and 20 June 2019. Articles that investigated the effects of occupational silica exposure on the risk of heart disease were considered.

Study selection

We included cohort studies, including prospective, retrospective and retroprospective studies.

Data extraction and synthesis

We extracted data using a piloted data collection form and conducted random-effects meta-analysis and exposure-response analysis. The meta-relative risk (meta-RR), a measure of the average ratio of heart disease rates in those with and without silica exposure, was used as an inverse variance-weighted average of relative risks from the individual studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for cohort studies was used for study quality assessment.

Outcome measure

We calculated the risk of heart diseases such as pulmonary heart disease, ischaemic heart disease and others.

Results

Twenty cohort studies were included. The results suggest a significant increase in the risk of overall heart disease (meta-RR=1.08, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.13). Stronger evidence of association with pulmonary heart disease was found in the risk estimate of both categories of heart disease (meta-RR=1.24, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.43) and in the exposure-response analysis (meta-RR=1.39, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.62). Our subgroup analyses also revealed that the statistical heterogeneity among studies could be attributed mainly to the diversity in reference group, occupation and study quality score.

Conclusions

Silica-exposed workers are at an increased risk for overall heart disease, especially pulmonary heart disease. Further research is needed to better clarify the relationship between occupational silica exposure and ischaemic heart disease.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019124673.
Use of tabletop exercises for healthcare education: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Frégeau Amélie , Cournoyer Alexis , Maheu-Cadotte Marc-André , Iseppon Massimiliano , Soucy Nathalie , St-Cyr Bourque Julie , Cossette Sylvie , Castonguay Véronique , Fleet Richard
Published: January 2020

Introduction

There is a growing interest in developing interprofessional education (IPE) in the community of healthcare educators. Tabletop exercises (TTX) have been proposed as a mean to cultivate collaborative practice. A TTX simulates an emergent situation in an informal environment. Healthcare professionals need to take charge of this situation as a team through a discussion-based approach. As TTX are gaining in popularity, performing a review about their uses could guide educators and researchers. The aim of this scoping review is to map the uses of TTX in healthcare.

Methods and analysis

A search of the literature will be conducted using medical subject heading terms and keywords in PubMed, Medline, EBM Reviews (Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews), CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Embase and ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), along with a search of the grey literature. The search will be performed after the publication of this protocol (estimated to be January 1st 2020) and will be repeated 1 month prior to the submission for publication of the final review (estimated to be June 1st 2020). Studies reporting on TTX in healthcare and published in English or French will be included. Two reviewers will screen the articles and extract the data. The quality of the included articles will be assessed by two reviewers. To better map their uses, the varying TTX activities will be classified as performed in the context of disaster health or not, for IPE or not and using a board game or not. Moreover, following the same mapping objective, outcomes of TTX will be reported according to the Kirkpatrick model of outcomes of educational programs.

Ethics and dissemination

No institutional review board approval is required for this review. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The findings of this review will inform future efforts to TTX into the training of healthcare professionals.
Protocol for studying racial/ethnic disparities in depression care using joint information from participant surveys and administrative claims databases: an observational cohort study
Authors: Donneyong Macarius , Reynolds Charles , Mischoulon David , Chang Grace , Luttmann-Gibson Heike , Bubes Vadim , Guilds McKenna , Manson Joann , Okereke Olivia
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Current evidence indicates that older racial/ethnic minorities encounter disparities in depression care. Because late-life depression is common and confers major adverse health consequences, it is imperative to reduce disparities in depression care. Thus, the primary objectives of this protocol are to: (1) quantify racial/ethnic disparities in depression treatment and (2) identify and quantify the magnitude of these disparities accountable for by a multifactorial combination of patient, provider and healthcare system factors.

Methods and analysis

Data will be derived from the Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial-Depression Endpoint Prevention (VITAL-DEP) study, a late-life depression prevention ancillary study to the VITAL trial. A total of 25 871 men and women, aged 50+ and 55+ years, respectively, were randomised in a 2×2 factorial randomised trial of heart disease and cancer prevention to receive vitamin D and/or fish oil for 5 years starting from 2011. Most participants were aged 65+ years old at randomisation. Medicare claims data for over 19 000 VITAL/VITAL-DEP participants were linked to conduct our study.

The major study outcomes are depression treatment (antidepressant use and/or receipt of psychotherapy services) and adherence to medication treatment (antidepressant adherence and acceptability). The National Academy of Medicine framework for studying racial disparities was leveraged to select patient-level, provider-level and healthcare system-level variables and to address their potential roles in depression care disparities. Blinder-Oaxaca regression decomposition methods will be implemented to quantify and identify correlates of racial/ethnic disparities in depression treatment and adherence.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval from the Partners Healthcare (PHS) IRB, protocol# 2010P001881. We plan to disseminate our results through publication of manuscripts patient engagement activities, such as study newsletters regularly sent out to VITAL participants, and presentations at scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT01696435.
Multiprofessional in situ simulation is an effective method of identifying latent patient safety threats on the gastroenterology ward
Authors: Uttley Elizabeth , Suggitt Deborah , Baxter David , Jafar Wisam
Published: January 2020

Objective

In situ simulation (ISS) is an effective training method for multiprofessional teams dealing with emergencies in high pressured environments. A regular ISS programme was organised for the multiprofessional gastroenterology team with a primary objective of identifying, classifying and addressing latent patient safety threats and secondary objectives of improving team confidence and individual role recognition.

Method

22 unannounced ISS sessions (averaging approximately one session every 6 weeks and four participants per session) were conducted between February 2017 and August 2019 involving multiprofessional team members. The sessions centred around the following four common gastrointestinal emergency scenarios: massive upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage; biliary sepsis (cholangitis) and shock; postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography complications including perforation and cardiac arrest. Following the simulation, the faculty, which included nurses and doctors, facilitated a structured debrief session and action plan to identify and address latent errors.

Results

96 participants from nursing, medical, physician associate and pharmacy backgrounds took part in the simulation programme. Analysis of collected latent safety threats identified the following four themes: education and training; equipment; medication and team working. Analysis of anonymously completed questionnaires identified that 95% of participants had a perceived better understanding of their role and 86% felt more confident in assessing an unwell patient. 96% of participants felt comfortable during the debrief.

Conclusion

ISS provides a unique opportunity to train the multiprofessional gastroenterology team in their own high-pressured environment, helping identify and address latent patient safety threats and improve perceived participant confidence and role recognition.
Glucocorticoids in rheumatoid arthritis: current status and future studies
Authors: Hua Charlotte , Buttgereit Frank , Combe Bernard
Published: January 2020

Since their first use for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the late 1940s, glucocorticoids (GCs) have been representing a substantial part of the therapeutic arsenal for RA. However, even if GCs are still widely prescribed drugs, their toxicity is discussed controversially, so obtaining consensus on their use in RA is difficult. Hence, the most recent European League Against Rheumatism and American College of Rheumatology recommendations on early arthritis and RA management advocate the use of GCs as adjunct treatment to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time possible. However, the recommendations remain relatively vague on dose regimens and routes of administration. Here, we describe literature data on which the current recommendations are based as well as data from recent trials published since the drafting of the guidelines. Moreover, we make proposals for daily practice and provide suggestions for studies that could help clarifying the place of GCs in RA management. Indeed, numerous items, including the benefit/risk ratio of low-dose and very low-dose GCs and optimal duration of GCs as bridging therapy, remain on the research agenda, and future studies are needed to guide the next recommendations for RA.
Exploring healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and experiences of shared decision making in rheumatology
Authors: Mathijssen Elke G E , van den Bemt Bart J F , Wielsma Sabien , van den Hoogen Frank H J , Vriezekolk Johanna E
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To explore physicians’ and nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and experiences of shared decision making (SDM) in rheumatology, to identify barriers and facilitators to SDM, and to examine whether physicians’ and nurses’ perspectives of SDM differ.

Methods

A cross-sectional, exploratory, online survey was used. Besides demographic characteristics, healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and experiences of SDM in rheumatology were assessed. Barriers and facilitators to SDM were identified from healthcare professionals’ answers. Descriptive statistics were computed and differences between physicians’ and nurses’ perspectives of SDM were examined with a t-test or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate.

Results

Between April and June 2019, 77 physicians and 70 nurses completed the survey. Although most healthcare professionals lacked a full conceptual understanding of SDM, almost all physicians (92%) and all nurses had a (very) positive attitude toward SDM, which was most frequently motivated by the belief that SDM improves patients’ treatment adherence. The majority (>50%) of healthcare professionals experienced problems with the application of SDM in clinical practice, mostly related to time constraints. Other important barriers were the incompatibility of SDM with clinical practice guidelines and beliefs that patients do not prefer to be involved in decision making or are not able to take an active role. Modest differences between physicians’ and nurses’ perspectives of SDM were found.

Conclusions

There is a clear need for education and training that equips and empowers healthcare professionals to apply SDM. Furthermore, the commitment of time, resources and financial support for national, regional and organisational initiatives is needed to make SDM in rheumatology a practical reality.
Parkinsonism Differently Affects the Single Neuronal Activity in the Primary and Supplementary Motor Areas in Monkeys: An Investigation in Linear and Nonlinear Domains
Authors: Darbin Olivier , Hatanaka Nobuhiko , Takara Sayuki , Kaneko Nobuya , Chiken Satomi , Naritoku Dean , Martino Anthony , Nambu Atsushi
Published: January 2020

The changes in neuronal firing activity in the primary motor cortex (M1) and supplementary motor area (SMA) were compared in monkeys rendered parkinsonian by treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. The neuronal dynamic was characterized using mathematical tools defined in different frameworks (rate, oscillations or complex patterns). Then, and for each cortical area, multivariate and discriminate analyses were further performed on these features to identify those important to differentiate between the normal and the pathological neuronal activity. Our results show a different order in the importance of the features to discriminate the pathological state in each cortical area which suggests that the M1 and the SMA exhibit dissimilarities in their neuronal alterations induced by parkinsonism. Our findings highlight the need for multiple mathematical frameworks to best characterize the pathological neuronal activity related to parkinsonism. Future translational studies are warranted to investigate the causal relationships between cortical region-specificities, dominant pathological hallmarks and symptoms.
COMPLEMENTARITY BETWEEN TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE CAPITAL: EVIDENCE FROM JAPANESE FIRM-LEVEL DATA
Authors: HOSONO KAORU , MIYAKAWA DAISUKE , TAKIZAWA MIHO , YAMANOUCHI KENTA
Published: January 2020

Using Japanese firm-level panel data spanning from 2000 to 2013, we estimate industry-level production functions that explicitly take into account the complementarity and substitutability between tangible and intangible capital. The estimation results show that tangible and intangible capitals are complementary in most industries although the degree of complementarity substantially varies across industries. We further find that the relation between tangible and intangible capital in the production function accounts for the relation between firm-level tangible capital and intangible capital investments. Namely, firms’ tangible investments are more strongly positively associated with intangible investments as the degree of the complementarity between the tangible and intangible assets becomes larger. These findings show the necessity to take into account the relation between the dynamics of tangible and intangible capital in terms of their complementarity for precisely understanding the mechanisms governing a firm’s growth.
Applying Adaptive Pushover Analysis to Estimate Incremental Dynamic Analysis Curve
Authors: Ahmadi Hamid Reza , Mahdavi Navideh , Bayat Mahmoud
Published: January 2020

To estimate seismic demand and capacity of structures, it has been suggested by researchers that Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) is one of the most accurate methods. Although this method shows the most accurate response of the structure, some problems, such as difficulty in modeling, time-consuming analysis and selection of the earthquake records, encourage researchers to find some ways to estimate the dynamic response of structures by using static nonlinear analysis. The simplicity of pushover analysis in evaluating structural nonlinear response serves well as an alternative to the time-history analysis method. In this paper, based on the concepts of the displacement-based adaptive pushover (DAP), a new approach is proposed to estimate the IDA curves. The performance of the proposed method has been investigated using 3- and 9-story moment-resisting frames. In addition, the results were compared with exact IDA curves and IDA curves developed by the modal pushover analysis (MPA) based method. For evaluation, IDA curves with 16%, 50% and 84% fractile were estimated. Using the results, [Formula: see text] capacities corresponding to Collapse Prevention (CP) limit state were calculated and assessed. Finite element modeling of the structures has been carried out by using ZEUS-NL software. Based on the achieved results, the proposed approach can estimate the capacity of the structure accurately. The significant advantage of the applied approach is the low computational cost and desirable accuracy. The proposed approach can be used to develop the approximate IDA curves.
Seismic Analysis of Structures Subjected to Spatially Varying Earthquake Using POD Vectors: Experimental and Analytical Studies
Authors: Balamonica K. , Gopalakrishnan N. , Ramamohan Rao A.
Published: January 2020

Structures, such as bridges, pipelines which are supported at multiple places, will be subjected to differential excitation. A significant change in the correlation of the motions between the two supports is due to the combined effects of wave passage, coherency loss and local soil conditions. In the classical formulation, the response is divided into quasi-static and dynamic components and the latter is usually evaluated by time history methods or modal analysis for a linear system. In this work, the feasibility of Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) vectors as a replacement for the conventional eigenvectors has been discussed. The performance of POD modes has been assessed for the uncoupled system, system having closely spaced modes. The null space vectors of the POD modes generated from the response of the structure subjected to correlated input motion were able to predict the responses of the structures subjected to spatially varying input motions. The efficiency of using the POD vectors has also been verified with the help of an experiment conducted on a steel control and safety rod drive mechanism (CSRDM) which is an example of multi-supported and differentially excited structure.
A low-cost, low-density and corrosion resistant compositionally complex alloy: AlFeMnSi
Authors: O'Brien Sean , Esteves Luiza , Birbilis Nick , Gupta Rajeev
Published: January 2020

A new class of compositionally complex alloy, consisting of equiatomic concentrations of Al, Fe, Mn and Si is reported. The alloy was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Corrosion behavior of the AlFeMnSi alloy, as evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 0.6 M NaCl solution, was comparable with that of stainless steel (SS) 304L. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to study the AlFeMnSi surface film. The AlFeMnSi alloy also exhibited a lower cost, lower density, and a higher hardness as compared with SS 304L, rendering it a promising alloy for bespoke applications.
H,K-ATPase type 2 regulates gestational extracellular compartment expansion and blood pressure in mice
Authors: Walter Christine , Rafael Chloé , Lasaad Samia , Baron Stéphanie , Salhi Amel , Crambert Gilles
Published: January 2020

The modifications of the hemodynamic system and hydromineral metabolism are physiological features characterizing a normal gestation. Thus, the ability to expand plasma volume without increasing the level of blood pressure is necessary for the correct perfusion of the placenta. The kidney is essential in this adaptation by reabsorbing avidly sodium and fluid. In this study, we observed that the H,K-ATPase type 2 (HKA2), an ion pump expressed in kidney and colon and already involved in the control of the K+ balance during gestation, is also required for the correct plasma volume expansion and to maintain normal blood pressure. Indeed, compared with WT pregnant mice that exhibit a 1.6-fold increase of their plasma volume, pregnant HKA2-null mice (HKA2KO) only modestly expand their extracellular volume (×1.2). The renal expression of the epithelial Na channel (ENaC) α- and γ-subunits and that of the pendrin are stimulated in gravid WT mice, whereas the Na/Cl− cotransporter (NCC) expression is downregulated. These modifications are all blunted in HKA2KO mice. This impeded renal adaptation to gestation is accompanied by the development of hypotension in the pregnant HKA2KO mice. Altogether, our results showed that the absence of the HKA2 during gestation leads to an “underfilled” situation and has established this transporter as a key player of the renal control of salt and potassium metabolism during gestation.
Heterogeneities in intrinsic excitability and frequency-dependent response properties of granule cells across the blades of the rat dentate gyrus
Authors: Mishra Poonam , Narayanan Rishikesh
Published: January 2020

The dentate gyrus (DG), the input gate to the hippocampus proper, is anatomically segregated into three different sectors, namely, the suprapyramidal blade, the crest region, and the infrapyramidal blade. Although there are well-established differences between these sectors in terms of neuronal morphology, connectivity patterns, and activity levels, differences in electrophysiological properties of granule cells within these sectors have remained unexplored. Here, employing somatic whole cell patch-clamp recordings from the rat DG, we demonstrate that granule cells in these sectors manifest considerable heterogeneities in their intrinsic excitability, temporal summation, action potential characteristics, and frequency-dependent response properties. Across sectors, these neurons showed positive temporal summation of their responses to inputs mimicking excitatory postsynaptic currents and showed little to no sag in their voltage responses to pulse currents. Consistently, the impedance amplitude profile manifested low-pass characteristics and the impedance phase profile lacked positive phase values at all measured frequencies and voltages and for all sectors. Granule cells in all sectors exhibited class I excitability, with broadly linear firing rate profiles, and granule cells in the crest region fired significantly fewer action potentials compared with those in the infrapyramidal blade. Finally, we found weak pairwise correlations across the 18 different measurements obtained individually from each of the three sectors, providing evidence that these measurements are indeed reporting distinct aspects of neuronal physiology. Together, our analyses show that granule cells act as integrators of afferent information and emphasize the need to account for the considerable physiological heterogeneities in assessing their roles in information encoding and processing.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We employed whole cell patch-clamp recordings from granule cells in the three subregions of the rat dentate gyrus to demonstrate considerable heterogeneities in their intrinsic excitability, temporal summation, action potential characteristics, and frequency-dependent response properties. Across sectors, granule cells did not express membrane potential resonance, and their impedance profiles lacked inductive phase leads at all measured frequencies. Our analyses also show that granule cells manifest class I excitability characteristics, categorizing them as integrators of afferent information.
Effect of Interface Properties on Tensile and Fatigue Behavior of 2D Woven SiC/SiC Fiber‐Reinforced Ceramic‐Matrix Composites
Authors: Li Longbiao
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the effect of the fiber/matrix interface properties on the tensile and fatigue behavior of 2D woven SiC/SiC ceramic‐matrix composites (CMCs) is investigated. The relationships between the interface parameters of the fiber/matrix interface debonding energy and interface frictional shear stress in the interface debonding region and the composite tensile and fatigue damage parameters of first matrix cracking stress, matrix cracking density, and fatigue hysteresis‐based damage parameters are established. The effects of the fiber/matrix interface properties on the first matrix cracking stress, matrix cracking evolution, first and complete interface debonding stress, fatigue hysteresis dissipated energy, hysteresis modulus, and hysteresis width are analyzed. The experimental first matrix cracking stress, matrix cracking evolution, and fatigue hysteresis loops of SiC/SiC composites are predicted using different interface properties.
Parent’s Perception regarding the Delivery of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Education in Secondary Schools in Fiji: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ram Sharan , Andajani Sari , Mohammadnezhad Masoud
Published: January 2020

Background. Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) remains a challenge globally. This study aims to gauge the perceptions of parents towards the delivery of SRH education in mainstream public secondary schools in Fiji. Methods. The qualitative study design was used to collect the data from parents in Suva, Fiji, from July to August 2018. A semistructured questionnaire was developed to run Focus Group Discussion (FGD) among parents residing in Suva who had school-attending children from years 11 to 13. Parents were recruited from five schools with the help of students. Twenty-six parents of which 10 were males, aged between 38 and 65, participated in this study. Consent was obtained from each participant prior to the data collection stage. Data collected were transcribed verbatim and were analyzed thematically. Ethical approvals were obtained before collecting the data. Results. Seven themes emerged which included the provision of school-based sex education, parental involvement with school-based sex education, sex education at home, age-appropriate incremental sex education, ethnic variations regarding sex education, barriers and facilitators for the delivery of school-based sex education, and perceived ideal version of sex education. Conclusions. Findings from this study suggest for policy and programs to match parents, schools, and students’ expectations. Effective interventions need to involve and help parents to take a more active part to change policy, program, and advocacy for relevant SRH education.
Coexisting Three-Scroll and Four-Scroll Chaotic Attractors in a Fractional-Order System by a Three-Scroll Integer-Order Memristive Chaotic System and Chaos Control
Authors: Hu Xikui , Zhou Ping
Published: January 2020

Based on the integer-order memristive system that can generate two-scroll, three-scroll, and four-scroll chaotic attractors, in this paper, we found other phenomena that two kinds of three-scroll chaotic attractors coexist in this system with different initial conditions. Furthermore, we proposed a coexisting fractional-order system based on the three-scroll chaotic attractors system, in which the three-scroll or four-scroll chaotic attractors emerged with different fractional-orders q. Meanwhile, with fractional-order q=0.965 and different initial conditions, coexistence of two kinds of three-scroll and four-scroll chaotic attractors is found simultaneously. Finally, we discussed controlling chaos for the fractional-order memristive chaotic system.
The Impact of International Research Collaboration Network Evolution on Chinese Business School Research Quality
Authors: Fang Wei , Dai Sheng , Tang Lulu
Published: January 2020

The University of Texas at Dallas has proposed 24 top journals (UTD24) covering all areas related to management. UTD24 are currently the most authoritative management journals. Institutions or research scholars who have published papers in these journals are considered to have a high academic level. This study uses the paper quality published by an institution in the UTD24 journals to indicate the research quality of this institution and takes the papers published by Chinese Business School in the UTD24 journals from 2000 to 2018 as the research object. By analyzing the staged evolution process and the research hotspot of international research collaboration network (IRC network) of Chinese Business School, this paper summarizes and analyzes the factors that influence the quality of papers published by Chinese Business School in UTD24 journals: degree centrality of an institution, betweenness centrality of an institution, the degree of attention of an institution, the degree of novelty of an institution, and the number of countries cooperating with the institution. This paper divides paper quality into two parts: the total number of papers and citations per paper of an institution. Among them, degree centrality and betweenness centrality of the institution have a significant positive impact on the total number of papers of the institution. The degree of attention and the number of countries cooperating with the institution have a significant positive impact on citations per paper, and the degree of novelty has a significant negative impact on citations per paper.
On Fekete–Szegö Problems for Certain Subclasses of Analytic Functions Defined by Differential Operator Involving q-Ruscheweyh Operator
Authors: Alsoboh Abdullah , Darus Maslina
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we define a new derivative operator involving q-Ruscheweyh differential operator using convolution. Using this new operator, we introduce two new classes of analytic functions and obtain the Fekete–Szegö inequalities.