The elimination of surface cross-hatch from relaxed, limited-area Si1 – xGex buffer layers

The influence of lateral dimensions on the relaxation and surface topography of linearly graded Si1 – xGex buffer layers has been investigated. A dramatic change in the relaxation mechanism has been observed for depositions on Si mesa pillars of lateral dimensions 10 µm and below. Misfit dislocations are able to extend unhindered and terminate at the edges of the growth zone, yielding a surface free of cross-hatch. For lateral dimensions in excess of 10 µm orthogonal misfit interactions occur and relaxation is dominated by the modified Frank–Read (MFR) mechanism. The stress fields associated with the MFR dislocation pile-ups result in a pronounced cross-hatch topography

Potential presence of microsporidia in clinical faecal specimens from the Isle of Man.

Human-related microsporidia Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. have emerged as opportunistic infectious agents affecting both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. A pilot study to determine the potential presence of microsporidia in the general population that have attended Nobles’ Hospital in Isle of Man (UK) since January 2018 was performed. Thirty eight faecal samples submitted to the Nobles’ Hospital microbiology lab for routine testing were analysed via microscopy using the Modified Trichrome stain. Encephalitozoon spp. spores were observed in 4 samples, specifically 3 female from a range of ages (24 yr, 65yr and 89 yr old) and one male (69 yr old). These four patients were presented with diarrhoea in a semi-liquid/liquid form. Other symptoms included vomiting (89 yr old female), abdominal pain (24 yr old female), right flank pain (68 yr old male), dehydration (89 yr old female) and acute kidney injury (89 yr old female). Campylobacter spp. growth was also detected in one sample (65 yr old female). Although preliminary, our results indicate Encephalitozoon spp. were observed in faecal samples from patients in the Isle of Man presenting with diarrhoea, for which further studies will be required to determine the species and the pathogenic involvement of these pathogens in these patients. To our knowledge, this is the first study of the presence of microsporidia in human faecal samples in Isle of Man. A more comprehensive study is needed to determine the occurrence of microsporidia in patients attending with a diarrheic picture to focus attention on the need to include microsporidial diagnosis in their management

Multi-omic association study identifies DNA methylation-mediated genotype and smoking exposure effects on lung function in children living in urban settings

Impaired lung function in early life is associated with the subsequent development of chronic respiratory disease. Most genetic associations with lung function have been identified in adults of European descent and therefore may not represent those most relevant to pediatric populations and populations of different ancestries. In this study, we performed genome-wide association analyses of lung function in a multiethnic cohort of children (n = 1,035) living in low-income urban neighborhoods. We identified one novel locus at the TDRD9 gene in chromosome 14q32.33 associated with percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (p = 2.4x10-9; βz = -0.31, 95% CI = -0.41- -0.21). Mendelian randomization and mediation analyses revealed that this genetic effect on FEV1 was partially mediated by DNA methylation levels at this locus in airway epithelial cells, which were also associated with environmental tobacco smoke exposure (p = 0.015). Promoter-enhancer interactions in airway epithelial cells revealed chromatin interaction loops between FEV1-associated variants in TDRD9 and the promoter region of the PPP1R13B gene, a stimulator of p53-mediated apoptosis. Expression of PPP1R13B in airway epithelial cells was significantly associated the FEV1 risk alleles (p = 1.3x10-5; β = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.06–0.17). These combined results highlight a potential novel mechanism for reduced lung function in urban youth resulting from both genetics and smoking exposure

Estimating the Prevalence of Muscle Wasting, Weakness, and Sarcopenia in Hemodialysis Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Haemodialysis (HD) patients suffer from nutritional problems, which include muscle wasting, weakness, and cachexia, and are associated with poor clinical outcomes. The European Working Group for Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) and Foundations for the National Institute of Health (FNIH) have developed criteria for the assessment of sarcopenia, including the use of non-invasive techniques such as bioelectrical impedance assessment (BIA), anthropometry, and hand grip strength (HGS) dynamometry. This study investigated the prevalence of muscle wasting, weakness, and sarcopenia using the EWGSOP and FNIH criteria. METHODS: BIA was performed in 24 females (f) and 63 males (m) in the post-dialysis period. Total skeletal muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle mass were estimated and index values (i.e., muscle mass divided by height2 [kg/m2]) were calculated (Total Skeletal Muscle Index (TSMI) and Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Index (ASMI)). Mid-arm circumference and triceps skin-fold thickness were measured and mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MUAMC) calculated. HGS was measured using a standard protocol and Jamar dynamometer. Suggested cut-points for low muscle mass and grip strength were utilized using the EWGSOP and FNIH criteria with prevalence estimated, including sarcopenia. RESULTS: The prevalence varied depending on methodology: low TSMI (moderate and severe sarcopenia combined) was 55% for whole group: 21% (f) and 68% (m). Low ASMI was 32% for whole group: 25% (f) and 35% (m). Low MUAMC was 25% for whole group: 0% (f) and 30% (m). ASMI highly correlated with Body Mass Index (r = 0.78, P < .001) and MUAMC (r = 0.68, P < .001). Muscle weakness was high regardless of cut-points used (50-71% (f); 60-79% (m)). CONCLUSIONS: Internationally, this is the first study comparing measures of muscle mass (TSMM and ASMM by BIA and MUAMC) and muscle strength (HGS) using this specific methodology in a hemodialysis population. Future work is required to confirm findings

Biomarkers and Noncalcified Coronary Artery Plaque Progression in Older Men Treated With Testosterone.

ObjectiveRecent results from the Cardiovascular Trial of the Testosterone Trials showed that testosterone treatment of older men with low testosterone was associated with greater progression of noncalcified plaque (NCP). We evaluated the effect of anthropometric measures and cardiovascular biomarkers on plaque progression in individuals in the Testosterone Trial.MethodsThe Cardiovascular part of the trial included 170 men aged 65 years or older with low testosterone. Participants received testosterone gel or placebo gel for 12 months. The primary outcome was change in NCP volume from baseline to 12 months, as determined by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). We assayed several markers of cardiovascular risk and analyzed each marker individually in a model as predictive variables and change in NCP as the dependent variable.ResultsOf 170 enrollees, 138 (73 testosterone, 65 placebo) completed the study and were available for the primary analysis. Of 10 markers evaluated, none showed a significant association with the change in NCP volume, but a significant interaction between treatment assignment and waist-hip ratio (WHR) (P = 0.0014) indicated that this variable impacted the testosterone effect on NCP volume. The statistical model indicated that for every 0.1 change in the WHR, the testosterone-induced 12-month change in NCP volume increased by 26.96 mm3 (95% confidence interval, 7.72-46.20).ConclusionAmong older men with low testosterone treated for 1 year, greater WHR was associated with greater NCP progression, as measured by CCTA. Other biomarkers and anthropometric measures did not show statistically significant association with plaque progression

Playing on common ground: Spaces of sport, education and corporate connectivity, contestation and creativity

In this article we examine connectivities within the ‘messy’ organizational commons of sport, education and corporate partnerships. As scholars forewarn, there are currently key stakeholders within the commons that that have set agendas, occupied ideological and physical terrain, and legitimized a presence and authority. The intertwining of organizations here is an evident function of an increased symbiosis between sport, education and governmental and non-governmental stakeholders to carve out significant sector spaces, and exert authority and power over the creation, implementation and ownership ‘collaborative’ and intersectional work. Drawing on spatial theorists, Henri Lefebvre and Yi Fu Tuan, and examples from FIFA and the IOC, we present a conceptual framework of global stakeholder relations. Focusing of processes of thought, production and action, we offer an intersectional critique of the nuances of Sport–Corporate–Education nexus and consider possibilities and potential for sport education spaces to be reconfigured ane

Randomized controlled trial of molnupiravir SARS-CoV-2 viral and antibody response in at-risk adult outpatients

Viral clearance, antibody response and the mutagenic effect of molnupiravir has not 77 been elucidated in at-risk populations. Non-hospitalised participants within 5 days of 78 SARS-CoV-2 symptoms randomised to receive molnupiravir (n=253) or Usual Care 79 (n=324) were recruited to study viral and antibody dynamics and the effect of molnupiravir on viral whole genome sequence from 1437 viral genomes. Molnupiravir accelerates viral load decline, but virus is detectable by Day 5 in most cases. At Day 14 (9 days post-treatment), molnupiravir is associated with significantly higher viral persistence and significantly lower anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody titres compared to Usual Care. Serial sequencing reveals increased mutagenesis with molnupiravir treatment. Persistence of detectable viral RNA at Day 14 in the molnupiravir group is associated with higher transition mutations following treatment cessation. Viral viability at Day 14 is similar in both groups with post-molnupiravir treated samples cultured up to 9 days post cessation of treatment. The current 5-day molnupiravir course is too short. Longer courses should be tested to reduce the risk of potentially transmissible molnupiravir-mutated variants being generated

Impact of midwife-managed care in the postanatal period: an exploration of psychosocial outcomes

The psychosocial outcomes of a new programme of midwife-managed (MDU) care in the postnatal period were compared with traditional postnatal care by means of a randomized controlled trial. The trial recruited 1299 women with normal healthy pregnancies (consent rate 82%). A total of 648 women were randomly assigned to MDU care and 651 women to traditional care. A self-report questionnaire (response 68%) examined women's ratings of the structure of postnatal care, preparation for parenthood, postnatal depression and infant feeding. Women in the MDU rated their care more highly in relation to: structure of care; preparation for parenthood; support and advice with infant feeding, and they were less likely to be rated as depressed on the basis of their responses to Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). These findings suggest that midwife-managed care has the potential to confer benefit in relation to a number of psychosocial aspects of postnatal care.N. Shields, M. Reid, H. Cheyne, A. Holmes and M. Mcginley, D. Turnbull, L. N. Smit