Complex topological configurations are fertile ground for exploring emergent phenomena and exotic phases in condensed-matter physics. For example, the recent discovery of polarization vortices and ...their associated complex-phase coexistence and response under applied electric fields in superlattices of (PbTiO
)
/(SrTiO
)
suggests the presence of a complex, multi-dimensional system capable of interesting physical responses, such as chirality, negative capacitance and large piezo-electric responses
. Here, by varying epitaxial constraints, we discover room-temperature polar-skyrmion bubbles in a lead titanate layer confined by strontium titanate layers, which are imaged by atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. Phase-field modelling and second-principles calculations reveal that the polar-skyrmion bubbles have a skyrmion number of +1, and resonant soft-X-ray diffraction experiments show circular dichroism, confirming chirality. Such nanometre-scale polar-skyrmion bubbles are the electric analogues of magnetic skyrmions, and could contribute to the advancement of ferroelectrics towards functionalities incorporating emergent chirality and electrically controllable negative capacitance.
Objective interpretation of laboratory test results used to diagnose and monitor diabetes mellitus in part requires the application of biological variation data (BVD). The quality of published BVD ...has been questioned. The aim of this study was to quality assess publications reporting BVD for diabetes-related analytes using the Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC); to assess whether published BVD are fit for purpose and whether the study design and population attributes influence BVD estimates and to undertake a meta-analysis of the BVD from BIVAC-assessed publications.
Publications reporting data for glucose, HbA1c, adiponectin, C-peptide, fructosamine, insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), insulin, lactate and pyruvate were identified using a systematic literature search. These publications were assessed using the BIVAC, receiving grades A, B, C or D, where A is of highest quality. A meta-analysis of the BVD from the assessed studies utilised weightings based upon BIVAC grades and the width of the data confidence intervals to generate global BVD estimates.
BIVAC assessment of 47 publications delivered 1 A, 3 B, 39C and 4 D gradings. Publications relating to adiponectin, C-peptide, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, lactate and pyruvate were all assessed as grade C. Meta-analysis enabled global BV estimates for all analytes except pyruvate, lactate and fructosamine.
This study delivers updated and evidence-based BV estimates for diabetes-related analytes. There remains a need for delivery of new high-quality BV studies for several clinically important analytes.
•Reliable Biological Variation estimates are necessary for optimal diagnosis and monitoring of DM.•This study provides updated and evidence-based estimates of CVI and CVG values for DM.•This systematic review and quality assessment of published data will deliver BVD sets to be made available on the EFLM BV website.
Systems that exhibit phase competition, order parameter coexistence, and emergent order parameter topologies constitute a major part of modern condensed-matter physics. Here, by applying a range of ...characterization techniques, and simulations, we observe that in PbTiO
/SrTiO
superlattices all of these effects can be found. By exploring superlattice period-, temperature- and field-dependent evolution of these structures, we observe several new features. First, it is possible to engineer phase coexistence mediated by a first-order phase transition between an emergent, low-temperature vortex phase with electric toroidal order and a high-temperature ferroelectric a
/a
phase. At room temperature, the coexisting vortex and ferroelectric phases form a mesoscale, fibre-textured hierarchical superstructure. The vortex phase possesses an axial polarization, set by the net polarization of the surrounding ferroelectric domains, such that it possesses a multi-order-parameter state and belongs to a class of gyrotropic electrotoroidal compounds. Finally, application of electric fields to this mixed-phase system permits interconversion between the vortex and the ferroelectric phases concomitant with order-of-magnitude changes in piezoelectric and nonlinear optical responses. Our findings suggest new cross-coupled functionalities.
Topological solitons such as magnetic skyrmions have drawn attention as stable quasi-particle-like objects. The recent discovery of polar vortices and skyrmions in ferroelectric oxide superlattices ...has opened up new vistas to explore topology, emergent phenomena and approaches for manipulating such features with electric fields. Using macroscopic dielectric measurements, coupled with direct scanning convergent beam electron diffraction imaging on the atomic scale, theoretical phase-field simulations and second-principles calculations, we demonstrate that polar skyrmions in (PbTiO
)
/(SrTiO
)
superlattices are distinguished by a sheath of negative permittivity at the periphery of each skyrmion. This enhances the effective dielectric permittivity compared with the individual SrTiO
and PbTiO
layers. Moreover, the response of these topologically protected structures to electric field and temperature shows a reversible phase transition from the skyrmion state to a trivial uniform ferroelectric state, accompanied by large tunability of the dielectric permittivity. Pulsed switching measurements show a time-dependent evolution and recovery of the skyrmion state (and macroscopic dielectric response). The interrelationship between topological and dielectric properties presents an opportunity to simultaneously manipulate both by a single, and easily controlled, stimulus, the applied electric field.
Abstract Emotional intelligence (EI), defined as a set of abilities for perceiving, using, understanding, and managing emotions, has been associated with a better psychosocial adjustment. Empirical ...studies have found a positive relationship of EI with social function and a negative one with conflicts in social relationships. The purpose of this study was to systematically review available evidence on the relationship between EI and aggression. PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus were searched for relevant articles in English and Spanish, and 19 eligible studies were identified. Together, these studies provide strong evidence that emotional abilities and aggressive behavior are negatively related: people with higher EI show less aggression. This relationship appears to be consistent across ages (from childhood to adulthood), cultures, types of aggression, and EI measures. Few studies have assessed EI using ability tests, and none of the eligible studies was longitudinal or experimental. These findings are discussed in relation to future research on aggression and strategies to prevent and manage it based on EI.
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) induce a procoagulant response linking inflammation and thrombosis. Low levels of miR-146a, a brake of inflammatory response, are involved in higher risk for ...cardiovascular events, but the mechanisms explaining how miR-146a exerts its function remain largely undefined. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of miR-146a deficiency in NETosis both, in sterile and non-sterile models in vivo, and to inquire into the underlying mechanism. Two models of inflammation were performed: 1) Ldlr-/- mice transplanted with bone marrow from miR-146a-/- or wild type (WT) were fed high-fat diet, generating an atherosclerosis model; and 2) an acute inflammation model was generated by injecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 mg/Kg) into miR-146a-/- and WT mice. miR-146a deficiency increased NETosis in both models. Accordingly, miR-146a-/- mice showed significant reduced carotid occlusion time and elevated levels of NETs in thrombi following FeCl3-induced thrombosis. Infusion of DNAse I abolished arterial thrombosis in WT and miR-146a-/- mice. Interestingly, miR-146a deficient mice have aged, hyperreactive and pro-inflammatory neutrophils in circulation that are more prone to form NETs independently of the stimulus. Furthermore, we demonstrated that community acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients with reduced miR-146a levels associated with the T variant of the functional rs2431697, presented an increased risk for cardiovascular events due in part to an increased generation of NETs.
Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent Neglected Tropical Disease, affecting approximately 250 million people worldwide. Schistosoma mansoni is the most important species causing human ...intestinal schistosomiasis. Despite significant efforts in recent decades, the global disease burden of schistosomiasis remains extremely high. This could partly be attributed to the absence of accurate diagnostic tools, primarily in endemic areas. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is increasingly used in molecular diagnostics as a field-friendly alternative to many other complex molecular methods and it has been proposed as an ideal candidate for revolutionizing point-of-care molecular diagnostics. In a previous work, a LAMP-based method to detect S. mansoni DNA (SmMIT-LAMP) was developed by our research group for early diagnosis of active schistosomiasis in an experimental infection murine model. The SmMIT-LAMP has been further successfully evaluated in both human stool and snail samples and, recently, in human urine samples. In this study, we developed an important improvement for SmMIT-LAMP molecular assay, transforming it into a cold maintenance dry format suitable for potentially manufacturing as kit for ready-to-use for schistosomiasis diagnosis. This procedure could be applied to create dry LAMP kits for a laboratory setting and for diagnostic applications for other neglected tropical diseases.
Introduction
The prevalence of schizophrenia is close to 1 percent internationally. According to the 2019 census, the population in the province of León, our study population, is 460,001 inhabitants.
...Objectives
To study the distribution of schizofrenia in the area covered by the Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León, Spain.
Methods
This is a retrospective and cross-sectional descriptive study. The data of the hospitalizations of the last 10 years (2009-2019) will be obtained in any service of the CAULE of the 28 basic health areas of the province of León, with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Prevalence will be calculated. The rate of schizophrenia will be calculated for the decade per 1000 inhabitants.
Results
3133 admissions identified 1576 unique patients. It is the decade of 50-59 where the largest number of hospitalizations is concentrated. Most entered directly into the psychiatry hospital care. It is 2019 where the most income is produced and 2017 the one with the least. The rate of schizophrenia is 3,2 Per 1000 inhabitants.
Conclusions
Hospitalizations for schizophrenia is concentrated in the decade of the 40-49 years. The diagnosis of schizophrenia is frecuently delayed until negative symptoms appear. There is an upward trend in hospitalizations per year in the last decade. The rate of schizophrenia is higher in areas where consanguinity is present and where the prison is located.
Disclosure
No significant relationships.
Aim
To describe nurses and ward managers' experiences with nursing leadership in the implementation of evidence‐based practice.
Background
The implementation of evidence‐based practice requires to ...identify the most suitable styles of nursing leadership for the successful application.
Design
A qualitative descriptive study.
Methods
The study was carried out with 57 nurses (clinical nurses and ward managers) in eight focus groups from five public hospitals. Template analysis, using the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework, was used. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guide was followed in planning and reporting this research.
Results
Three types of nursing leadership were identified: traditional leadership, medium leadership and transformational leadership. Traditional leadership was the most frequent, with a predominance of bureaucratic tasks for ward managers, so implementation of evidence‐based practice is difficult.
Conclusion
Nurses do not feel empowered and they perceive the changes as an imposition. In the absence of strong leadership for evidence‐based practice, a natural leader emerges.
Implications for Nursing Management
Clinical nurses demand more empowerment for decision‐making, and ward managers need clarity of roles. To create an environment favourable to evidence‐based practice, it is necessary consider the role of the transformational leader.
Introduction
Conversion is the transformation of a conflict (unconscious) into a somatic symptom or a “non-verbal way of expressing psychological discomfort”, through somatizations. The disorder ...suggests a neurological or medical disease, associated psychological factors appear and is not produced intentionally.
Objectives
To describe a case of conversion disorder.
Methods
Retrospective review of clinical records and complementary test, including psychiatry, electrophysiology and neurology.
Results
An 18-year-old boy came to the emergency room for paralysis. He has anesthesia of lower limbs. He shows indifference towards this symthoms.He denies any stressful situation. On examination, no psychotic or affective symptoms were observed. Belle indifference. Blood tests and a cranial CT scan were performed without alterations, so the patient was admitted for study. The electromyogram, lumbar puncture and cranial magnetic resonance show negative results. Suggestion is carried out, proving effective and recovering gait and sensitivity. These episodes are repeated up to 4 times until finally, during an interview with the family, episodes of bullying come to light. We work in therapy with a diagnosis of conversion disorder.
Conclusions
The most frequent symptoms in conversion disorder are mutism, paralysis, anesthesia, blindness and seizures. It is usually monosymptomatic for each patient. Diferencial diagnosis with neurological pathology should be made.
Disclosure
No significant relationships.
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