Threshold voltage control in organic thin film transistors with dielectric layer modified by a genetically engineered polypeptide

This is the published version. Copyright 2010 American Institute of PhysicsPrecise control over the threshold voltage of pentacene-based organic thin film transistors was achieved by inserting a genetically engineered quartz-binding polypeptide at the semiconductor-dielectric interface. A 30 V range was accessed with the same peptide by adjusting the pH of the solution for peptide assembly while leaving other device properties unaffected. Mobility of 0.1–0.2 cm2 V−1 s−1 and on/off current ratio of >106 could be achieved for all devices regardless of the presence of the neutral peptide or the peptide assembled in acidic or basic conditions. This shift in threshold voltages is explained by the generation of charged species and dipoles due to variation in assembling conditions. Controlling device characteristics such as threshold voltage is essential for integration of transistors into electronic circuits

Implications of serial measurements of natriuretic peptides in heart failure: insights from BIOSTAT‐CHF

No abstract available

GWAS meta-analysis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy implicates multiple hepatic genes and regulatory elements

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific liver disorder affecting 0.5–2% of pregnancies. The majority of cases present in the third trimester with pruritus, elevated serum bile acids and abnormal serum liver tests. ICP is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including spontaneous preterm birth and stillbirth. Whilst rare mutations affecting hepatobiliary transporters contribute to the aetiology of ICP, the role of common genetic variation in ICP has not been systematically characterised to date. Here, we perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and meta-analyses for ICP across three studies including 1138 cases and 153,642 controls. Eleven loci achieve genome-wide significance and have been further investigated and fine-mapped using functional genomics approaches. Our results pinpoint common sequence variation in liver-enriched genes and liver-specific cis-regulatory elements as contributing mechanisms to ICP susceptibility

Do genitourinary physicians report notifiable diseases? A survey in South East England

Genitourinary medicine work requires public health actions. Notifiable infections may be seen in genitourinary medicine, but concerns over confidentiality could delay public health actions and outbreak management. To assess genitourinary medicine clinicians’ awareness of notification of infectious disease, reporting practices and liaison with Health Protection Units, we sent postal surveys to 140 genitourinary medicine clinicians (SE HPA region) that explored prior public health training, Health Protection Unit liaison and management of possible clinical scenarios. Fifty-seven respondents reported median genitourinary medicine experience of 12 years; 29% had prior public health training, nine on the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV course. A total of 90% had heard of Health Protection Units and understood their role. Approximately one-third would not report key diseases at all, most reporting only on laboratory confirmation. In all, 83% would only notify acute hepatitis on lab confirmation; 50% would report suspected measles immediately (44% awaiting lab confirmation) and 40% would not pass on any patient details without consent. Clinicians have good knowledge of notification of infectious disease conditions but responses suggest it is not always used in clinical context. Reporting delays occur waiting for lab confirmation and liaison with local Health Protection Units may be hindered by confidentiality concerns, potentially delaying public health action. Doctors with prior public health training are more likely to report appropriately

Utility of a Multiplex PCR Assay for Detecting Herpesvirus DNA in Clinical Samples

A multiplex PCR was designed to amplify herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, and varicella-zoster virus DNA present in a diverse range of clinical material. The susceptibility of these viruses to in vivo inhibition by at least one antiviral drug was an important consideration in their inclusion in the multiplex detection system. An aliquot of equine herpesvirus was introduced into each specimen prior to extraction and served as an indicator of potential inhibitors of the PCR and a detector of suboptimal PCR conditions. Compared to virus isolation and immunofluorescence-based antigen detection, the multiplex assay yielded higher detection rates for all viruses represented in the assay. The turnaround time for performance of the assay was markedly reduced compared to those for the other techniques used to identify these viruses. More than 21,000 tests have been performed using the assay. Overall, the multiplex PCR enabled the detection of substantially increased numbers of herpesviruses, in some cases in specimens or anatomical sites where previously they were rarely if ever identified using traditional detection methods