bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical study on quantum dynamics for Ar-HF inelastic collision
Authors: Yang Dong-zheng , Liu Qiong , Zhao Hai-lin , Xie Dai-qian
Published: March 2019

The integral cross sections and rate constants of pure rotational and ro-vibrational energy transfer processes for the Ar-HF system are thoroughly studied by using the time-independent close coupling method based on our newly constructed potential energy surface. Compared to previous theoretical results, pure rotational transitions in this work achieve better agreement with the experimental data. For ro-vibrational energy transfer, it is found that quasi-resonant transitions dominate the cross sections in all cases. Furthermore, the vibrational-resolved rate constant of transition v=1→v=0 increases very quickly with the temperature from 100 K to 1500 K and is also in good agreement with the available experimental results.
Unraveling vibrational wavepacket dynamics using femtosecond ion yield spectroscopy and photoelectron imaging
Authors: Zhang Bing
Published: March 2019

Time-resolved photoionization is a powerful experimental approach to unravel the excited state dynamics in isolated polyatomic molecules. Depending on species of the collected signals, different methods can be performed: time-resolved ion yield spectroscopy (TR-IYS) and time-resolved photoelectron imaging (TR-PEI). In this review, the essential concepts linking photoionization measurement with electronic structure are presented, together with several important breakthroughs in experimentally distinguishing the oscillating wavepacket motion between different geometries. We illustrate how femtosecond TR-IYS and TR-PEI are employed to visualize the evolution of a coherent vibrational wavepacket on the excited state surface.
Dissociation dynamics of energy-selected ions using threshold photoelectron-photoion coincidence velocity imaging
Authors: Wu Xiang-kun , Tang Xiao-feng , Zhou Xiao-guo , Liu Shi-lin
Published: March 2019

Threshold photoelectron-photoion coincidence (TPEPICO) is a powerful method to prepare and analyze internal energy- or state-selected ions. Here, we review the state-of-the-art TPEPICO imaging technique combining with tunable vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron radiation and its recent applications at Hefei Light Source (HLS), especially on the fundamental data measurement and the dissociation dynamics of ions. By applying the double velocity map imaging for both electrons and ions in coincidence, the collection efficiency of the charged particles, the electron energy resolution and the resolving power of the released kinetic energy in dissociation have been greatly improved. The kinetic energy and the angular distributions of fragment ions dissociated from parent ions with definitive internal energy or state have been acquired directly from TPEPICO images. Some dissociation mechanisms involving non-adiabatic quantum effects, like conical intersection and internal conversion, have been revealed. Moreover, the mass-selected threshold photoelectron spectroscopy (MS-TPES) shows tremendous advantages in isomer-specific analysis of complex systems.
Crossed molecular beams and theoretical studies of the O(3P)+ 1,2-butadiene reaction: Dominant formation of propene+CO and ethylidene+ketene molecular channels
Authors: Caracciolo Adriana , Vanuzzo Gianmarco , Balucani Nadia , Stranges Domenico , Tanteri Silvia , Cavallotti Carlo , Casavecchia Piergiorgio
Published: March 2019

Detailed understanding of the mechanism of the combustion relevant multichannel reactions of O(3P) with unsaturated hydrocarbons (UHs) requires the identification of all primary reaction products, the determination of their branching ratios and assessment of intersystem crossing (ISC) between triplet and singlet potential energy surfaces (PESs). This can be best achieved combining crossed-molecular-beam (CMB) experiments with universal, soft ionization, mass-spectrometric detection and time-of-fiight analysis to high-level ab initio electronic structure calculations of triplet/singlet PESs and RRKM/Master Equation computations of branching ratios (BRs) including ISC. This approach has been recently demonstrated to be successful for O(3P) reactions with the simplest UHs (alkynes, alkenes, dienes) containing two or three carbon atoms. Here, we extend the combined CMB/theoretical approach to the next member in the diene series containing four C atoms, namely 1,2-butadiene (methylallene) to explore how product distributions, branching ratios and ISC vary with increasing molecular complexity going from O(3P)+propadiene to O(3P)+1,2-butadiene. In particular, we focus on the most important, dominant molecular channels, those forming propene+CO (with branching ratio ∼0.5) and ethylidene+ketene (with branching ratio ∼0.15), that lead to chain termination, to be contrasted to radical forming channels (branching ratio ∼0.35) which lead to chain propagation in combustion systems.
High resolution crossed molecular beams study of the H+HD→H2+D reaction
Authors: Sang Ji-wei , Yuan Dao-fu , Chen Wen-tao , Yu Sheng-rui , Luo Chang , Wang Si-wen , Wang Tao , Yang Xue-ming , Wang Xing-an
Published: March 2019

The H+H2 reaction is the simplest chemical reaction system and has long been the prototype model in the study of reaction dynamics. Here we report a high resolution experimental investigation of the state-to-state reaction dynamics in the H+HD→H2+D reaction by using the crossed molecular beams method and velocity map ion imaging technique at the collision energy of 1.17 eV. D atom products in this reaction were probed by the near threshold 1+1′ (vacuum ultraviolet+ultraviolet) laser ionization scheme. The ion image with both high angular and energy resolution were acquired. State-to-state differential cross sections was accurately derived. Fast forward scattering oscillations, relating with interference effects in the scattering process, were clearly observed for H2 products at H2(v′=0, j′=1) and H2(v′=0, j′=3) rovibrational levels. This study further demonstrates the importance of measuring high-resolution differential cross sections in the study of state-to-state reaction dynamics in the gas phase.
Surficial geochemistry and bioaccessibility of tellurium in semiarid mine tailings
Authors: Hayes Sarah M. , Ramos Nicole A.
Published: March 2019

Environmental contextTellurium can be more toxic than arsenic, but its fate in the surficial environment is poorly understood. We studied tellurium behaviour in semiarid mine tailings and found that most tellurium is associated with iron (oxy)hydroxides as tellurate (TeVI), the less toxic oxidation state. Iron (oxy)hydroxides are likely to control the fate of Te in the surficial environment and may effectively sequester Te oxyanions released by oxidative weathering. AbstractTellurium (Te) is a critical element owing to its use in solar technology. However, some forms are highly toxic. Few studies have examined Te behaviour in the surficial environment, thus little is known about its potential human and environmental health impacts. This study characterises two physicochemically distinct Te-enriched mine tailings piles (big and flat tailings) deposited by historic gold (Au) mining in the semiarid Delamar mining district, Nevada, USA. The big tailings are characterised by smaller particle size and higher concentrations of potentially toxic elements (up to 290mgTekg−1), which are enriched at the tailings surface. In contrast, the flat tailings have larger particle size and properties that are relatively invariant with depth. Based on the sulfate to sulfide ratio, the tailings were determined to be sulfate dominated, which suggested a high degree of weathering, although the flat tailings did contain significant amounts of sulfides (~40%). Tellurium X-ray absorption spectroscopy of the big tailings indicates that tellurate, the less toxic Te species, is the principal form of Te. Electron microscopy indicates that most of the Te present at the site is associated with iron (oxy)hydroxides, and sometimes with other potentially toxic elements, especially lead and antimony. Physiologically-based extraction tests indicate that substantially more Te is solubilised in synthetic stomach fluids than in lung fluids, with gastric bioaccessibility ranging from 13 to 31% of total Te. This points to low to medium bioaccessibility, which is common for iron (oxy)hydroxide-associated elements. Together, these results represent a preliminary assessment of Te surficial behaviour in a semiarid environment and indicate that Te in these tailings represent a moderate health concern.
Urea and legume residues as 15N-N2O sources in a subtropical soil
Authors: Gomes J. , Brüggemann N. , Dick D. P. , Pedroso G. M. , Veloso M. , Bayer C.
Published: March 2019

In this work, we used the 15N labelling technique to identify the sources of N2O emitted by a subtropical soil following application of mineral nitrogen (N) fertiliser (urea) and residues of a legume cover crop (cowpea). For this purpose, a 45-day incubation experiment was conducted by subjecting undisturbed soil cores from a subtropical Acrisol to five different treatments: (1) control (no crop residue or fertiliser-N application); (2) 15N-labelled cowpea residue (200 μg N g–1 soil); (3) 15N-labelled urea (200 μg N g–1 soil); (4) 15N-labelled cowpea residue (100 μg N g–1 soil) + unlabelled urea (100 μg N g–1 soil); and (5) unlabelled cowpea residue (100 μg N g–1 soil) + 15N-labelled urea (100 μg N g–1 soil). Cores were analysed for total N2O formation, δ15N-N2O and δ18O-N2O by continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry, as well as for total NO3–-N and NH4+-N. Legume crop residues and mineral fertiliser increased N2O emissions from soil to 10.5 and 9.7 µg N2O-N cm–2 respectively, which was roughly six times the value for control (1.5 µg N2O-N cm–2). The amount of 15N2O emitted from labelled 15N-urea (0.40–0.45% of 15N applied) was greater than from 15N-cowpea residues (0.013–0.015% of 15N applied). Unlike N-poor crop residues, urea in combination with N-rich residues (cowpea) failed to reduce N2O emissions relative to urea alone. Legume cover crops thus provide an effective mitigation strategy for N2O emissions in relation to mineral N fertilisation in climate-smart agriculture. Judging by our inconclusive results, however, using urea in combination with N-rich residues provides no clear-cut environmental advantage.
Antiquity of forelimb ecomorphological diversity in the mammalian stem lineage (Synapsida)
Authors: Lungmus Jacqueline K. , Angielczyk Kenneth D.
Published: March 2019

Significance

Mammals and their closest fossil relatives use their shoulders and forelimbs for many functions, which is reflected by the great range of mammalian forelimb shapes. We found that forelimb shape diversity in the early mammalian lineage (Synapsida) began to increase about 270 million years ago, with the emergence of a group called Therapsida, and is accompanied by new forelimb functions. The functional diversification of therapsid forelimbs was curtailed by the Permo-Triassic mass extinction, but eventually continued as more mammal-like therapsids evolved new ecologies. Our analyses characterize the deep time origin of a quintessential part of the mammalian body plan: evolutionarily labile forelimbs that can be deployed in a wide range of functional and ecological roles.
Measuring the impact of interaction between children of a matrilineal and a patriarchal culture on gender differences in risk aversion
Authors: Liu Elaine M. , Zuo Sharon Xuejing
Published: March 2019

Significance

Studies show that women are more risk averse than men. We explore sources and malleability of such differences in a setting where children of two culturally distinct populations, the matrilineal Mosuo and the traditionally patriarchal Han, come together to attend school. Using survey and field experiments, we elicit individual risk attitudes from elementary and middle school students from the two populations. When they first enter school, Mosuo girls take more risks than Mosuo boys, while Han girls are more risk averse than Han boys, reflecting cultural differences. However, after spending time in the majority-Han environment, Mosuo children adopt the risk preferences of the majority. This shows that risk preferences are shaped by culture and malleable in response to new environments.
Computer science skills across China, India, Russia, and the United States
Authors: Loyalka Prashant , Liu Ou Lydia , Li Guirong , Chirikov Igor , Kardanova Elena , Gu Lin , Ling Guangming , Yu Ningning , Guo Fei , Ma Liping , Hu Shangfeng , Johnson Angela Sun , Bhuradia Ashutosh , Khanna Saurabh , Froumin Isak , Shi Jinghuan , Choudhury Pradeep Kumar , Beteille Tara , Marmolejo Francisco , Tognatta Namrata
Published: March 2019

We assess and compare computer science skills among final-year computer science undergraduates (seniors) in four major economic and political powers that produce approximately half of the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduates in the world. We find that seniors in the United States substantially outperform seniors in China, India, and Russia by 0.76–0.88 SDs and score comparably with seniors in elite institutions in these countries. Seniors in elite institutions in the United States further outperform seniors in elite institutions in China, India, and Russia by ∼0.85 SDs. The skills advantage of the United States is not because it has a large proportion of high-scoring international students. Finally, males score consistently but only moderately higher (0.16–0.41 SDs) than females within all four countries.
ATP7A delivers copper to the lysyl oxidase family of enzymes and promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis
Authors: Shanbhag Vinit , Jasmer-McDonald Kimberly , Zhu Sha , Martin Adam L. , Gudekar Nikita , Khan Aslam , Ladomersky Erik , Singh Kamlendra , Weisman Gary A. , Petris Michael J.
Published: March 2019

Significance

The family of copper-dependent lysyl oxidase (LOX) enzymes contributes to tumor metastasis. In this study, we show that the ATP7A copper transporter is required to deliver copper to LOX family members. Deletion of ATP7A inhibited LOX activity in breast and lung cancer cell lines, resulting in a significant loss of tumor growth and metastatic potential of these cells in mice. Elevated expression of ATP7A was found to be associated with reduced survival of breast cancer patients. Our study suggests that blocking the function of ATP7A could be an approach to inhibiting LOX-dependent malignancies.
Key role of soluble epoxide hydrolase in the neurodevelopmental disorders of offspring after maternal immune activation
Authors: Ma Min , Ren Qian , Yang Jun , Zhang Kai , Xiong Zhongwei , Ishima Tamaki , Pu Yaoyu , Hwang Sung Hee , Toyoshima Manabu , Iwayama Yoshimi , Hisano Yasuko , Yoshikawa Takeo , Hammock Bruce D. , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: March 2019

Significance

Maternal immune activation (MIA) plays a role in neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the precise mechanisms of its etiology remain largely unknown. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) plays a role in the inflammation associated with MIA. Expression of sEH protein in the prefrontal cortex of juvenile offspring after MIA was higher than controls. Expression of sEH mRNA in neurospheres from induced pluripotent stem cells of schizophrenia patients with the 22q11.2 deletion and in the postmortem brains from ASD patients was higher than controls. Treatment with sEH inhibitor could prevent the onset of behavioral abnormalities in offspring after MIA. Our findings indicate that sEH inhibitors are promising prophylactic or therapeutic drugs for neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring after MIA.
Biomaterials-aided mandibular reconstruction using in vivo bioreactors
Authors: Tatara Alexander M. , Koons Gerry L. , Watson Emma , Piepergerdes Trenton C. , Shah Sarita R. , Smith Brandon T. , Shum Jonathan , Melville James C. , Hanna Issa A. , Demian Nagi , Ho Tang , Ratcliffe Anthony , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P. , Jansen John A. , Wong Mark E. , Mikos Antonios G.
Published: March 2019

Significance

People may suffer large losses of mandibular (jaw) bone due to cancer, infection, trauma, congenital disease, or other disorders. The resulting bony defects are both aesthetically disfiguring and functionally disabling. We have designed a strategy to use biomaterials and 3D printing to leverage the body’s own innate healing capacity to generate customized engineered tissues that fit the patient’s defect. Using a large animal (sheep) model, we 3D printed bioreactors, filled them with biomaterial scaffold materials, and implanted them against the ribs to grow customized bony tissues. These tissues were then successfully surgically transplanted to repair a large defect in the sheep mandible. This approach results in tissue flaps with custom geometry and reduced risk of rejection.
Triggering of a Dll4–Notch1 loop impairs wound healing in diabetes
Authors: Zheng Xiaowei , Narayanan Sampath , Sunkari Vivekananda Gupta , Eliasson Sofie , Botusan Ileana Ruxandra , Grünler Jacob , Catrina Anca Irinel , Radtke Freddy , Xu Cheng , Zhao Allan , Ekberg Neda Rajamand , Lendahl Urban , Catrina Sergiu-Bogdan
Published: March 2019

Significance

Diabetic foot ulcerations (DFUs) represent a major medical and economic problem with still-unclear pathogenic mechanisms. The Notch pathway plays a pivotal role in cell differentiation, proliferation, and angiogenesis, processes that are profoundly disturbed in diabetic wounds. Notch signalling is activated upon interactions between membrane-bound Notch receptors (Notch 1–4) and ligands (Jagged 1–2 and Delta-like 1, 3, 4). Here, we report that a specific positive Delta-like 4–Notch1 feedback loop is activated by high glucose levels and specifically impairs wound healing in diabetes. Local inhibition of Notch signalling in experimental wounds using chemical and genetic approaches markedly improves healing exclusively in diabetic, but not in nondiabetic, animals, making Notch1 signalling an attractive locally therapeutic target for the treatment of DFUs.
Spontaneity and Self-Consciousness in theGroundworkand the B-Critique
Authors: Choi Yoon
Published: March 2019

According to some influential readings of theGroundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, the view presented there of the kind of spontaneity we are conscious of through theoretical reason and the significance of such self-consciousness is irremediably at odds with the Critical theory, and thus roundly and rightly rejected in the second edition of theCritique of Pure Reasonand theCritique of Practical Reason. This paper argues, on the contrary, that theGroundworkcan be read as articulating for the first time the account of self-consciousness and spontaneity that Kant goes on to develop in the B-Critique, especially the B-Transcendental Deduction.
Gender-Specific Predictors of Methadone Treatment Outcomes among African Americans at An Urban Clinic
Authors: Lister Jamey J. , Brown Suzanne , Greenwald Mark K. , Ledgerwood David M.
Published: March 2019

Background: African American patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) have demonstrated poorer methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) outcomes compared with white patients. This issue is further complicated in urban settings, where African Americans experience high rates of poverty and publicly funded treatment. Despite interrelated factors that disadvantage African Americans, the literature focusing on this population is scant. To address this shortcoming, we conducted the first investigation of gender differences and gender-specific MMT outcome predictors among African Americans (or any racial minority population). This study provides gender-specific findings to improve African American MMT outcomes. Methods: We studied 211 African American patients (male: n = 137, 64.9%) at an urban, university-affiliated MMT clinic. We used existing intake data to assess baseline demographic, substance use, mental health, and interpersonal factors. Primary outcomes were 3-month drug+ (positive) urine drug screen (UDS) results and treatment retention. Results: Women were more likely (than men) to endorse histories of interpersonal violence, substance abuse in their social network, and mental health problems. Men reported a greater likelihood (than women) for early opioid-use onset and a lack of prior MMT. There were no gender differences in 3-month drug+ UDS or treatment retention. In multivariable analyses among women, no baseline factors predicted 3-month opioid+ UDS and physical abuse history predicted a higher proportion of 3-month cocaine+ UDS. Among men, primary injection opioid use and older age best predicted a higher proportion of 3-month cocaine+ UDS and parent substance abuse predicted shorter retention. In both gender-stratified analyses, higher proportions of 3-month opioid+ UDS and cocaine+ UDS predicted shorter retention. Conclusions: This study offers an analysis of gender differences in risk factors, MMT outcomes, and gender-specific predictors among African American patients. MMT clinics should tailor assessment and treatment protocols to address gender-specific needs.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of laser solid formed 30Cr–Mn–Si–Ni–2A ultra-high-strength steel
Authors: Wang M. , Wang Q. , Lin X. , Huang W. D.
Published: March 2019

Microstructure and mechanical properties of laser solid formed 30Cr–Mn–Si–Ni–2A steel are investigated. The deposits consist of epitaxial columnar grains, equiaxed grains or direction changed dendrites can be observed in the bulk specimens. The microstructure at the bottom of deposits is mainly composed of tempered martensite; the middle to top zone of the deposits are characterised by martensite and bainite. With the increasing of deposition height, the volume fraction of bainite increases, the size of martensite laths increases but its volume fraction decreases. The microhardness shows a decrease from the bottom zone to the middle–upper zone, and then a significant increase at the top of the deposits. Anisotropic and unevenly distributed tensile properties are observed for the deposits. Samples after heat treatment demonstrate tensile strength of 1720 MPa and elongation rate of 8.7%.
The long and short of membrane curvature sensing by septins
Authors: McMurray Michael A.
Published: March 2019

Septin proteins form hetero-oligomers that associate with membranes of specific curvatures, but the mechanism is unknown. In this issue, Cannon et al. (2019. J. Cell Biol. https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201807211) identify a single amphipathic helix that is necessary and sufficient for membrane curvature sensing by septins.
Dual roles of EZH2 in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Skoda Radek C. , Schwaller Juerg
Published: March 2019

In this issue of JEM, Basheer et al. (https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20181276) describe opposing roles of the epigenetic regulator Ezh2 during initiation and maintenance of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Ezh2 was found to have tumor suppressive and oncogenic functions in different phases of the same malignancy.
Dynamic rearrangement of the intrinsic ligand regulates KCNH potassium channels
Authors: Dai Gucan , James Zachary M. , Zagotta William N.
Published: March 2019

KCNH voltage-gated potassium channels (EAG, ERG, and ELK) play significant roles in neuronal and cardiac excitability. They contain cyclic nucleotide-binding homology domains (CNBHDs) but are not directly regulated by cyclic nucleotides. Instead, the CNBHD ligand-binding cavity is occupied by an intrinsic ligand, which resides at the intersubunit interface between the N-terminal eag domain and the C-terminal CNBHD. We show that, in Danio rerio ELK channels, this intrinsic ligand is critical for voltage-dependent potentiation (VDP), a process in which channel opening is stabilized by prior depolarization. We demonstrate that an exogenous peptide corresponding to the intrinsic ligand can bind to and regulate zebrafish ELK channels. This exogenous intrinsic ligand inhibits the channels before VDP and potentiates the channels after VDP. Furthermore, using transition metal ion fluorescence resonance energy transfer and a fluorescent noncanonical amino acid L-Anap, we show that there is a rearrangement of the intrinsic ligand relative to the CNBHD during VDP. We propose that the intrinsic ligand switches from antagonist to agonist as a result of a rearrangement of the eag domain–CNBHD interaction during VDP.
Implementation and evaluation of a team-based pharmacy practice model in a community health system
Authors: Gill Taylor K , Thornton Luciana M , Schroeder Todd R , Garrelts James C , Schminke Brandon C , Utz Kenneth J , Gerlach Charles T
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The development and implementation of a team-based pharmacy practice model is described.

Methods

In January 2016 a transition from a staff-specialist to a team-based pharmacy practice model was implemented. The overall goal of the model change was to enhance the pharmacist’s clinical roles and further integrate pharmacists into the healthcare team. Before implementation of the new staffing model, a formalized metric evaluation process was created. The aim of this metric evaluation was to gauge model success, determine areas of model revision, and objectively communicate pharmacist impact. Objective metrics were evaluated before implementation and 1 year after implementation. In addition, surveys were distributed to pharmacists, physicians, nursing and hospital administration before and after model implementation.

Results

At 1-year postimplementation, the pharmacist:patient bed ratio decreased from 1:87 to 1:47, the number of rounds/huddles with pharmacist attendance increased by 63% to 80 per week, and the number of clinical interventions and new clinical consultations increased from 57 to 62 and from 12 to 16 per day, respectively. Nonformulary medication use also decreased from 1.77 to 0.623 per 1000 patient days, and compliance with therapeutic initiatives increased from 77%to 91%. Overall, 72% of pharmacist survey responses indicated satisfaction with the model change.

Conclusion

A team-based pharmacy practice model was designed and successfully implemented over a 3-year period. Data analysis revealed improvements in clinical and operational endpoints and enhanced pharmacist, physician, and nursing satisfaction.
Pearson’s chi-squared statistics: approximation theory and beyond
Authors: Xu Mengyu , Zhang Danna , Wu Wei Biao
Published: March 2019

We establish an approximation theory for Pearson’s chi-squared statistics in situations where the number of cells is large, by using a high-dimensional central limit theorem for quadratic forms of random vectors. Our high-dimensional central limit theorem is proved under Lyapunov-type conditions that involve a delicate interplay between the dimension, the sample size, and the moment conditions. We propose a modified chi-squared statistic and introduce an adjusted degrees of freedom. A simulation study shows that the modified statistic outperforms Pearson’s chi-squared statistic in terms of both size accuracy and power. Our procedure is applied to the construction of a goodness-of-fit test for Rutherford’s alpha-particle data.
Social Workers’ Reflections on Ethics in Relation to Adoption in the UK: Everywhere but Nowhere?
Authors: Featherstone Brid , Gupta Anna
Published: March 2019

Empirical research with social workers exploring their understandings and use of codes or ethical theories in practice remain underdeveloped in the UK. This article, based on the British Association of Social Work commissioned Enquiry into the role of the social worker in adoption with a focus on ethics and human rights, provides an important contribution in this context. The Enquiry engaged with a range of stakeholders and explored their perspectives on the adoption process, but the primary focus of this article is on how ethics were understood and discussed by social workers. One hundred and five social workers participated in the Enquiry through questionnaires, interviews and group discussions, and a thematic analysis of their data revealed important findings. For example, the social workers made no explicit reference to codes of ethics or specific ethical theories. However, some of the themes that emerge from the analysis support discussions in what is now a substantial international literature on the importance of recognising ‘ethics work’ by social workers (Banks, 2016). Weinberg’s (2009) explorations of moral distress and ethical trespass are also important and underdeveloped concepts that resonate with themes from the Enquiry and could support more ethically enquiring cultures within organisations and more broadly.
Omadacycline: A Novel Tetracycline Derivative With Oral and Intravenous Formulations
Authors: Watkins Richard R , Deresinski Stan
Published: March 2019

Omadacycline, an aminomethylcycline, is a novel member of the tetracycline class of antibiotics. It has received approval by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, and is available in both oral and intravenous formulations. It is also being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of cystitis and pyelonephritis. The omadacycline molecule was designed to overcome tetracycline resistance and has broad-spectrum activity that includes gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, anaerobes, atypicals, and other drug-resistant strains, like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, as well as Yersinia pestis and Bacillus anthracis, organisms of biodefense interest. Omadacycline has minimal drug-drug pharmacokinetic interactions and a favorable safety profile, with the most common adverse events being gastrointestinal symptoms.
Chest tube drainage versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for a first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Daemen Jean H T , Lozekoot Pieter W J , Maessen Jos G , Gronenschild Michiel H M , Bootsma Gerben P , Hulsewé Karel W E , Vissers Yvonne J L , de Loos Erik R
Published: March 2019

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax affects up to 28 patients per 100 000 population yearly and is commonly resolved by chest tube drainage. However, drainage is also known to be associated with ipsilateral recurrence rates ranging from 25% to 43%. Preventive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) may be an effective alternative to diminish these recurrence rates and its associated morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of chest tube drainage and VATS as first line treatments of an initial episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched through 16 September 2018. Data regarding the ipsilateral recurrence rate and the length of hospitalization were extracted and submitted to meta-analysis using the random-effects model and the I2 test for heterogeneity. Two randomized controlled trials and 2 observational studies were included, enrolling a total of 479 patients. Pairwise analysis demonstrated significantly reduced ipsilateral recurrence rates [odds ratio 0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07–0.33; P < 0.00001] and length of hospitalization (standardized mean difference −2.19, 95% CI −4.34 to −0.04; P = 0.046) in favour of VATS. However, a significant level of heterogeneity was detected for the length of hospitalization (I2 = 97%; P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis that stratified study design found no statistical differences regarding recurrence rate. In conclusion, VATS can be an effective and attractive alternative to standard chest tube drainage, with reduced ipsilateral recurrence rates and length of hospitalization. However, given the low quality of the majority of included studies, more well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary to strengthen the current evidence.
Carotid artery wave intensity in mid- to late-life predicts cognitive decline: the Whitehall II study
Authors: Chiesa Scott T , Masi Stefano , Shipley Martin J , Ellins Elizabeth A , Fraser Alan G , Hughes Alun D , Patel Riyaz S , Khir Ashraf W , Halcox Julian P , Singh-Manoux Archana , Kivimaki Mika , Celermajer David S , Deanfield John E
Published: March 2019

Aims

Excessive arterial pulsatility may contribute to cognitive decline and risk of dementia via damage to the fragile cerebral microcirculation. We hypothesized that the intensity of downstream-travelling pulsatile waves measured by wave intensity analysis in the common carotid artery during mid- to late-life would be associated with subsequent cognitive decline.

Methods and results

Duplex Doppler ultrasound was used to calculate peak forward-travelling compression wave intensity (FCWI) within the common carotid artery in 3191 individuals [mean ± standard deviation (SD), age = 61 ± 6 years; 75% male] assessed as part of the Whitehall II study in 2003–05. Serial measures of cognitive function were taken between 2002–04 and 2015–16. The relationship between FCWI and cognitive decline was adjusted for sociodemographic variables, genetic and health-related risk factors, and health behaviours. Mean (SD) 10-year change in standardized global cognitive score was -0.39 (0.18). Higher FCWI at baseline was associated with accelerated cognitive decline during follow-up [difference in 10-year change of global cognitive score per 1 SD higher FCWI = −0.02 (95% confidence interval −0.04 to −0.00); P = 0.03]. This association was largely driven by cognitive changes in individuals with the highest FCWI [Q4 vs. Q1–Q3 = −0.05 (−0.09 to −0.01), P = 0.01], equivalent to an age effect of 1.9 years. Compared to other participants, this group was ∼50% more likely to exhibit cognitive decline (defined as the top 15% most rapid reductions in cognitive function during follow-up) even after adjustments for multiple potential confounding factors [odds ratio 1.49 (1.17–1.88)].

Conclusion

Elevated carotid artery wave intensity in mid- to late-life predicts faster cognitive decline in long-term follow-up independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.
Impact of transcatheter mitral valve repair on ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Ledwoch Jakob , Nommensen Anna , Keelani Ahmed , Meyer-Saraei Roza , Stiermaier Thomas , Saad Mohammed , Pöss Janine , Desch Steffen , Tilz Roland , Thiele Holger , Eitel Ingo , Eitel Charlotte
Published: March 2019

Aims

Patients with heart failure and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) have a poor prognosis and carry an increased risk for ventricular arrhythmias. The present study evaluates the impact of transcatheter mitral valve repair using the MitraClip on the potential reduction of ventricular arrhythmias.

Methods and results

Patients undergoing MitraClip implantation were prospectively enrolled into the present study and received 24 h Holter ECG assessment prior to and 6 months after the procedure. In addition, left ventricular dimensions and function were assessed at baseline and follow-up. A total of 50 patients with mainly functional MR (82%) were included. Non-sustained or sustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT and/or sVT) occurred in 32% of patients and was reduced to 14% at follow-up (P = 0.01). Also, premature ventricular complex (PVC) burden ≥5% decreased from 16% to 4% (P = 0.04). Patients with persistent (n = 6) or new (n = 1) nsVT and/or sVT at follow-up showed a significant decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction from 38% (interquartile range 26–45%) to 33% (interquartile range 22–44%; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

In this prospective study, transcatheter mitral valve repair using MitraClip was associated with a reduced prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias. The subset of patients with persistent or new ventricular arrhythmias after MitraClip implantation showed progression of left ventricular dysfunction.
‘Swimming mosquitoes’: a key stepping stone to prevent Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya: an educative experience in Colima, Mexico
Authors: Medone Paula , Hernï¿½ndez-Suï¿½rez Carlos M
Published: March 2019

Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya arboviruses (DZC), mainly transmitted by mosquito Aedes aegypti, are global health public issues affecting 390 million people each year. In most endemic countries, vector control strategies have been focused on reducing breeding sites and adult mosquito populations. Most health communication strategies have pointed out adult mosquito as the main responsible of the transmission, persuading people to eliminate domestic containers. However, it is not clear how should people understand the relationship between adult mosquitoes and water domestic containers. So, the main goal of the present study was to assess the people understanding of this relationship. Results showed that most people associate adult mosquitoes with DZC, but only few could associate swimming larvae with mosquitoes. The unawareness of larva presence leads to an underestimation of risk perception about DZC transmission. In this context, we consider that educative interventions for health promotion, based on meaningful knowledge and social representations arise as long-term strategies to control transmission of vector-borne diseases. Here, we propose innovative health strategies focused on increase the risk perception about swimming larvae, considering social representations, which may be a key stepping stone to increase people adherence to massive campaigns and reducing DZC burden.
Concentration–response model of rilpivirine in a cohort of HIV-1-infected naive and pre-treated patients
Authors: Néant Nadège , Solas Caroline , Bouazza Naïm , Lê Minh Patrick , Yazdanpanah Yazdan , Dhiver Catherine , Bregigeon Sylvie , Mokhtari Saadia , Peytavin Gilles , Tamalet Catherine , Descamps Diane , Lacarelle Bruno , Gattacceca Florence
Published: March 2019

Background

Rilpivirine is widely prescribed in people living with HIV. Although trough plasma concentrations have been associated with virological response, the drug pharmacodynamics remain incompletely characterized.

Objectives

To develop the first pharmacodynamic model of rilpivirine in order to establish the rilpivirine concentration–response relationship for future treatment optimization.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted in patients receiving the once-daily rilpivirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine regimen. Individual rilpivirine trough plasma concentrations over time were predicted using a previous pharmacokinetic model. An established susceptible, infected, recovered model was used to describe HIV dynamics without assuming disease steady-state. Population analysis was performed with MONOLIX 2018 software. Simulations of the viral load evolution as a function of time and rilpivirine trough plasma concentration were performed.

Results

Overall, 60 naive and 39 pre-treated patients were included with a follow-up ranging from 2 to 37 months. The final model adequately described the data and the pharmacodynamic parameters were estimated with a good precision. The population typical value of rilpivirine EC50 was estimated at 65 ng/mL. A higher infection rate constant of CD4 cells for HIV-1 was obtained in pre-treated patients. Consequently, the time to obtain virological suppression was longer in pre-treated than in naive patients.

Conclusions

The concentration–response relationship of rilpivirine was satisfactorily described for the first time using an original population pharmacodynamic model. Simulations performed using the final model showed that the currently used 50 ng/mL rilpivirine trough plasma concentration efficacy target might need revision upwards, particularly in pre-treated patients.
Scarcity of Recurrent Regulatory Driver Mutations in Colorectal Cancer Revealed by Targeted Deep Sequencing
Authors: Poulos Rebecca C , Perera Dilmi , Packham Deborah , Shah Anushi , Janitz Caroline , Pimanda John E , Hawkins Nicholas , Ward Robyn L , Hesson Luke B , Wong Jason W H
Published: March 2019

Background

Genetic testing of cancer samples primarily focuses on protein-coding regions, despite most mutations arising in noncoding DNA. Noncoding mutations can be pathogenic if they disrupt gene regulation, but the benefits of assessing promoter mutations in driver genes by panel testing has not yet been established. This is especially the case in colorectal cancer, for which few putative driver variants at regulatory elements have been reported.

Methods

We designed a unique target capture sequencing panel of 39 colorectal cancer driver genes and their promoters, together with more than 35 megabases of regulatory elements focusing on gene promoters. Using this panel, we sequenced 95 colorectal cancer and matched normal samples at high depth, averaging 170× and 82× coverage, respectively.

Results

Our target capture sequencing design enabled improved coverage and variant detection across captured regions. We found cases with hereditary defects in mismatch and base excision repair due to deleterious germline coding variants, and we identified mutational spectra consistent with these repair deficiencies. Focusing on gene promoters and other regulatory regions, we found little evidence for base or region-specific recurrence of functional somatic mutations. Promoter elements, including TERT, harbored few mutations, with none showing strong functional evidence. Recurrent regulatory mutations were rare in our sequenced regions in colorectal cancer, though we highlight some candidate mutations for future functional studies.

Conclusions

Our study supports recent findings that regulatory driver mutations are rare in many cancer types and suggests that the inclusion of promoter regions into cancer panel testing is currently likely to have limited clinical utility in colorectal cancer.
The Wendelstein Weak Lensing (WWL) pathfinder: accurate weak lensing masses for Planck clusters
Authors: Rehmann R L , Gruen D , Seitz S , Bender R , Riffeser A , Kluge M , Goessl C , Hopp U , Mana A , Ries C , Schmidt M
Published: March 2019

We present results from the Wendelstein Weak Lensing (WWL) pathfinder project, in which we have observed three intermediate-redshift Planck clusters of galaxies with the new 30 arcmin × 30 arcmin wide field imager at the 2 m Fraunhofer Telescope at Wendelstein Observatory. We investigate the presence of biases in our shear catalogues and estimate their impact on our weak lensing mass estimates. The overall calibration uncertainty depends on the cluster redshift and is below 8.1–16 per cent for z ≈ 0.27–0.77. It will decrease with improvements on the background sample selection and the multiplicative shear bias calibration. We present the first weak lensing mass estimates for PSZ1 G109.88+27.94 and PSZ1 G139.61+24.20, two Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ)-selected cluster candidates. Based on Wendelstein colours and SDSS (Sloan Digital Sky Survey) photometry, we find that the redshift of PSZ1 G109.88+27.94 has to be corrected to z ≈ 0.77. We investigate the influence of line-of-sight structures on the weak lensing mass estimates and find upper limits for two groups in each of the fields of PSZ1 G109.88+27.94 and PSZ1 G186.98+38.66. We compare our results to SZ and dynamical mass estimates from the literature, and in the case of PSZ1 G186.98+38.66 to previous weak lensing mass estimates. We conclude that our pathfinder project demonstrates that weak lensing cluster masses can be accurately measured with the 2 m Fraunhofer Telescope.
The Importance of Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring Worldwide and the Origins of SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program
Authors: Fuhrmeister Andrew S , Jones Ronald N
Published: March 2019

The origins of how and why the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program was created are briefly described, with additional details on how the isolates are collected and tested as well as the important uses of the data in monitoring antimicrobial resistance and drug development.
Applying circulating tumor DNA methylation in the diagnosis of lung cancer
Authors: Li Lei , Fu Kai , Zhou Wenyu , Snyder Michael
Published: March 2019

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Low dose computed tomography (LDCT) is commonly used for disease screening, with identified candidate cancerous regions further diagnosed using tissue biopsy. However, existing techniques are all invasive and unavoidably cause multiple complications. In contrast, liquid biopsy is a noninvasive, ideal surrogate for tissue biopsy that can identify circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) containing tumorigenic signatures. It has been successfully implemented to assist treatment decisions and disease outcome prediction. ctDNA methylation, a type of lipid biopsy that profiles critical epigenetic alterations occurring during carcinogenesis, has gained increasing attention. Indeed, aberrant ctDNA methylation occurs at early stages in lung malignancy and therefore can be used as an alternative for the early diagnosis of lung cancer. In this review, we give a brief synopsis of the biological basis and detecting techniques of ctDNA methylation. We then summarize the latest progress in use of ctDNA methylation as a diagnosis biomarker. Lastly, we discuss the major issues that limit application of ctDNA methylation in the clinic, and propose possible solutions to enhance its usage.
Gender-Stratified Prevalence of Psychiatric and Pain Diagnoses in a Primary Care Patient Sample with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Wan Betsy , Gebauer Sarah , Salas Joanne , Jacobs Christine K , Breeden Matthew , Scherrer Jeffrey F
Published: March 2019

Objective

Comorbid psychiatric and pain-related conditions are common in patients with fibromyalgia. Most studies in this area have used data from patients in specialty care and may not represent the characteristics of fibromyalgia in primary care patients. We sought to fill gaps in the literature by determining if the association between psychiatric diagnoses, conditions associated with chronic pain, and fibromyalgia differed by gender in a primary care patient population.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting and Subjects

Medical record data obtained from 38,976 patients, ≥18 years of age with a primary care encounter between July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2016.

Methods

International Classification of Diseases–9 codes were used to define fibromyalgia, psychiatric diagnoses, and conditions associated with chronic pain. Unadjusted associations between patient demographics, comorbid conditions, and fibromyalgia were computed using binary logistic regression for the entire cohort and separately by gender.

Results

Overall, 4.6% of the sample had a fibromyalgia diagnosis, of whom 76.1% were women. Comorbid conditions were more prevalent among patients with vs without fibromyalgia. Depression and arthritis were more strongly related to fibromyalgia among women (odds ratio [OR] = 2.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.50–3.13; and OR = 5.19, 95% CI = 4.62–5.84) compared with men (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.71–2.71; and (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 3.22–4.75). The relationship of fibromyalgia and other diagnoses did not significantly differ by gender.

Conclusions

Except for depression and arthritis, the burden of comorbid conditions in patients with fibromyalgia is similar in women and men treated in primary care. Fibromyalgia comorbidities in primary care are similar to those found in specialty care.