Altered cardiac autonomic functioning associates with self-disorders in schizophrenia.

Elevated resting heart rate (RHR) and reduced heart rate variability (HRV) are signs of autonomic nervous system dysfunction identified in schizophrenia (SCZ). This dysfunction has been found to manifest prior to the onset of the clinical diagnosis. Yet whether such autonomic dysfunction is associated with vulnerability to schizophrenia remains unknown. This case-control study included recent onset SCZ patients (n = 35) and healthy controls (HC) (n = 33). Patients were scored for self-disorders (SD's) using the EASE manual and all participants underwent a 5-minute resting state electrocardiogram (ECG) recording. Patients were included from outpatient clinics in Denmark. The main measures comprised EASE total scores (SDs), RHR (beats per minute) and three standard HRV measures usually included in testing autonomic nervous system dysfunction: root mean squared of successive differences (RMSSD), standard deviation of normal-to-normal interval (SDNN) and high-frequency/ low frequency ratio (HF/LF). Pearson correlations and linear regression models adjusted for age, sex and medication were used in the SCZ group. The main finding was a positive moderate association between SDs and RHR (r = 0.463; p = 0.005) and a negative association between SDs and HRV (RMSSD) (r = -0.440; p = 0.008) in the SCZ group. Linear regression models found SDs to explain 22 % of the variance of RHR and 19 % in RMSSD. SDs correlated with LF/HF (r = 0.434; p = 0.009), but non-significantly with SDNN. The study provides evidence of an intriguing link between SDs as a susceptibility trait for schizophrenia spectrum disorders and altered cardiac autonomic functioning.

Type of Alcohol and Blood Pressure: The Copenhagen General Population Study.

BACKGROUND: Most adults ingest alcoholic beverages. Alcohol shows strong and positive associations with blood pressure (BP). We hypothesized that intake of red wine, white wine, beer, and spirits and dessert wine show similar associations with BP in the general population. METHODS: We included 104,467 males and females aged 20-100 years in the analysis of the Danish general population. Alcohol use and type of alcohol were assessed by questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured by automated digital BP manometer. Multivariable linear regression models were used when analyzing the association between number of drinks per week and BP, stratified by sex and adjusted for relevant confounders. Each alcohol type (red wine, white wine, beer, and spirits and dessert wine) was analyzed in similar models including adjustment for other alcohol types. RESULTS: Most of the subjects (76,943 [73.7%]) drank more than 1 type of alcohol. However, 12,093 (12.6%) consumed red wine only, 4288 (4.5%) beer only, 1815 (1.9%) white wine only, and 926 (1.0%) spirits and dessert wine only. There was a dose-response association between total drinks per week and systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP) (P < .001). The crude difference was 11 mmHg SBP and 7 mmHg DBP between high (>35 drinks per week) and low (1-2 drinks per week) alcohol intake. Overall, SBP was increased by 0.15-0.17 mmHG, and DBP was increased by 0.08-0.15 mmHg per weekly drink. After stratification for age and sex, effects were slightly higher among females and among individuals aged less than 60 years. CONCLUSION: Alcohol intake is associated with highly significant increased SPB and DBP. The effect is similar for red wine, white wine, beer, and spirits.

Synthesis of Well-Ordered Functionalized Silicon Microwires Using Displacement Talbot Lithography for Photocatalysis.

Metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) is a cheap and scalable method that is commonly used to obtain silicon nano- or microwires but lacks spatial control. Herein, we present a synthesis method for producing vertical and highly periodic silicon microwires, using displacement Talbot lithography before wet etching with MACE. The functionalized periodic silicon microwires show 65% higher PEC performance and 2.3 mA/cm2 higher net photocurrent at 0 V compared to functionalized, randomly distributed microwires obtained by conventional MACE at the same potentials.

Electrocardiographic markers in patients with type 2 diabetes and the role of diabetes duration.

BACKGROUND: The association between type 2 diabetes and electrocardiographic (ECG) markers are incompletely explored and the dependence on diabetes duration is largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the electrocardiographic (ECG) changes associated with type 2 diabetes over time. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we matched people with type 2 diabetes 1:1 on sex, age, and body mass index with people without diabetes from the general population. We regressed ECG markers with the presence of diabetes and the duration of clinical diabetes, respectively, adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, smoking, heart rate, diabetes medication, renal function, hypertension, and myocardial infarction. RESULTS: We matched 988 people with type 2 diabetes (332, 34% females) with as many controls. Heart rate was 8 bpm higher (p < 0.001) in people with vs. without type 2 diabetes, but the difference declined with increasing diabetes duration. For most depolarization markers, the difference between people with and without type 2 diabetes increased progressively with diabetes duration. On average, R-wave amplitude was 6 mm lower in lead V5 (p < 0.001), P-wave duration was 5 ms shorter (p < 0.001) and QRS duration was 3 ms (p = 0.03). Among repolarization markers, T-wave amplitude (measured in V5) was lower in patients with type 2 diabetes (1 mm lower, p < 0.001) and the QRS-T angle was 10 degrees wider (p = 0.002). We observed no association between diabetes duration and repolarization markers. CONCLUSIONS: Type 2 diabetes was independently associated with electrocardiographic depolarization and repolarization changes. Differences in depolarization markers, but not repolarization markers, increased with increasing diabetes duration.

MCT4 and CD147 colocalize with MMP14 in invadopodia and support matrix degradation and invasion by breast cancer cells.

Expression levels of the lactate-H+ cotransporter MCT4 (also known as SLC16A3) and its chaperone CD147 (also known as basigin) are upregulated in breast cancers, correlating with decreased patient survival. Here, we test the hypothesis that MCT4 and CD147 favor breast cancer invasion through interdependent effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. MCT4 and CD147 expression and membrane localization were found to be strongly reciprocally interdependent in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Overexpression of MCT4 and/or CD147 increased, and their knockdown decreased, migration, invasion and the degradation of fluorescently labeled gelatin. Overexpression of both proteins led to increases in gelatin degradation and appearance of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-generated collagen-I cleavage product reC1M, and these increases were greater than those observed upon overexpression of each protein alone, suggesting a concerted role in ECM degradation. MCT4 and CD147 colocalized with invadopodia markers at the plasma membrane. They also colocalized with MMP14 and the lysosomal marker LAMP1, as well as partially with the autophagosome marker LC3, in F-actin-decorated intracellular vesicles. We conclude that MCT4 and CD147 reciprocally regulate each other and interdependently support migration and invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, this involves MCT4-CD147-dependent stimulation of ECM degradation and specifically of MMP-mediated collagen-I degradation. We suggest that the MCT4-CD147 complex is co-delivered to invadopodia with MMP14.

Composition, Optical Resonances, and Doping of InP/InGaP Nanowires for Tandem Solar Cells: a Micro-Raman Analysis.

We present a micro-Raman study of InP/InGaP tandem junction photovoltaic nanowires. These nanowires render possible InGaP compositions that cannot be made in thin films due to strain. The micro-Raman spectra acquired along the nanowires reveal the existence of compositional changes in the InGaP alloy associated with the doping sequence. The heavily Zn-doped InxGa1-xP (x is the In molar fraction) side of the tunnel diode is Ga rich, x = 0.25, with respect to the n-type and intrinsic segments of the top cell, which are close to the nominal composition of the NWs (x = 0.35). The p-type end segment is still Ga-rich. Electromagnetic resonances are observed in the tunnel diode. The Raman signal arising from the InGaP side of the tunnel diode is significantly enhanced. This enhancement permits the observation of a Raman mode that can be associated with an LO phonon plasmon coupled mode (LOPCM). This mode has not been previously reported in the literature of InGaP, and it permits the Raman characterization of the tunnel diode. The analysis of this mode and its relation to the LO phonon modes of the alloy, InP-like and GaP-like, allows to establish an apparent one-mode behavior for the phonon plasmon coupling. It indicates that hole plasma couples to the GaP-like LO mode. The LOPCMs are modeled using the Lindhard Mermin formalism for the dielectric function.

Optical Analysis of Perovskite III-V Nanowires Interpenetrated Tandem Solar Cells.

Multi-junction photovoltaics approaches are being explored to mitigate thermalization losses that occur in the absorption of high-energy photons. However, the design of tandem cells faces challenges such as light reflection and parasitic absorption. Nanostructures have emerged as promising solutions due to their anti-reflection properties, which enhances light absorption. III-V nanowires (NWs) solar cells can achieve strong power conversion efficiencies, offering the advantage of potentially integrating tunnel diodes within the same fabrication process. Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have gained attention for their optoelectronic attributes and cost-effectiveness. Notably, both material classes allow for tunable bandgaps. This study explores the integration of MHPs with III-V NWs solar cells in both two-terminal and three-terminal configurations. Our primary focus lies in the optical analysis of a tandem design using III-V semiconductor nanowire arrays in combination with perovskites, highlighting their potential for tandem applications. The space offered by the compact footprint of NW arrays is used in an interpenetrated tandem structure. We systematically optimize the bottom cell, addressing reflectivity and parasitic absorption, and extend to a full tandem structure, considering experimentally feasible thicknesses. Simulation of a three-terminal structure highlights a potential increase in efficiency, decoupling the operating points of the subcells. The two-terminal analysis underscores the benefits of nanowires in reducing reflection and achieving a higher matched current between the top and the bottom cells. This research provides significant insights into NW tandem solar cell optics, enhancing our understanding of their potential to improve photovoltaic performance.

Left Atrial Strain Predicts Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation Detected by Long-term Continuous Monitoring in Elderly High-Risk Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) speckle tracking provides detailed information on atrial function. Its utility for predicting subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF) is unclear. Therefore, we sought to investigate whether LA strain measures could predict SCAF detected by long-term continuous rhythm monitoring. METHODS: This was an echocardiographic substudy of the LOOP study, where elderly at risk of stroke were randomized to receive a loop recorder (Reveal LINQ) or control. Participants who received a loop recorder were included in this analysis. Echocardiography included LA reservoir, conduit, and contraction strain. Participants were followed with continuous rhythm monitoring for SCAF (≥6 minutes). Cox proportional hazards regression was applied to adjust for atrial fibrillation risk factors. RESULTS: In total, 956 participants were eligible for analysis. Median continuous rhythm monitoring was 35 months (IQR, 20-40 months), during which 278 (29%) were diagnosed with SCAF. The mean age was 74 years, 56% were male, median CHA2DS2-VASc-score was 4. LA reservoir strain was an independent predictor of SCAF after multivariable adjustments (HR, 1.04 [1.02-1.05], per 1% decrease) and so was contraction strain. The findings were unchanged in competing risk analyses and in participants with normal LA size and diastolic function. Participants with low reservoir strain (<33%) had a significantly higher risk of SCAF compared with those with high reservoir strain (incidence rate, 14.5 [12.4-16.9] versus 9.8 [8.2-11.8] events/100 person-years). The same was noted for low versus high contraction strain. CONCLUSIONS: LA reservoir and contraction strain are independent predictors of SCAF in elderly at risk of stroke. This also applies to individuals with normal LA size and diastolic function. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02036450.

Fast nanoscale imaging of strain in a multi-segment heterostructured nanowire with 2D Bragg ptychography.

Developing semiconductor devices requires a fast and reliable source of strain information with high spatial resolution and strain sensitivity. This work investigates the strain in an axially heterostructured 180 nm-diameter GaInP nanowire with InP segments of varying lengths down to 9 nm, simultaneously probing both materials. Scanning X-ray diffraction (XRD) is compared with Bragg projection ptychography (BPP), a fast single-projection method. BPP offers a sufficient spatial resolution to reveal fine details within the largest segments, unlike scanning XRD. The spatial resolution affects the quantitative accuracy of the strain maps, where BPP shows much-improved agreement with an elastic 3D finite element model compared with scanning XRD. The sensitivity of BPP to small deviations from the Bragg condition is systematically investigated. The experimental confirmation of the model suggests that the large lattice mismatch of 1.52% is accommodated without defects.

Vertically Processed GaInP/InP Tandem-Junction Nanowire Solar Cells.

We present vertically processed photovoltaic devices based on GaInP/InP tandem-junction III-V nanowires (NWs), contacting approximately 3 million NWs in parallel for each device. The GaInP and InP subcells as well as the connecting Esaki tunnel diode are all realized within the same NW. By processing GaInP/InP tandem-junction NW solar cells with varying compositions of the top junction GaInP material, we investigate the impact of the GaInP composition on the device performance. External quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements on devices with varying GaInP composition provide insights into the performance of the respective subcells, revealing that the GaInP subcell is current-limiting for all devices. I-V measurements under AM1.5G illumination confirm voltage addition of the subcells, resulting in an open-circuit voltage of up to 1.91 V. However, the short-circuit current density is low, ranging between 0.24 and 3.44 mA/cm2, which leads to a resulting solar conversion efficiency of up to 3.60%. Our work shows a path forward toward high-efficiency NW photovoltaics and identifies critical issues that need improvement.

Enhanced LWIR response of InP/InAsP quantum discs-in-nanowire array photodetectors by photogating and ultra-thin ITO contacts.

Here we report on an experimental and theoretical investigation of the long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) photoresponse of photodetectors based on arrays of three million InP nanowires with axially embedded InAsP quantum discs. An ultra-thin top indium tin oxide contact combined with a novel photogating mechanism facilitates an improved LWIR normal incidence sensitivity in contrast to traditional planar quantum well photodetectors. The electronic structure of the quantum discs, including strain and defect-induced photogating effects, and optical transition matrix elements were calculated by an 8-bandk·psimulation along with solving drift-diffusion equations to unravel the physics behind the generation of narrow linewidth intersubband signals observed from the quantum discs.

Durable responses to ATR inhibition with ceralasertib in tumors with genomic defects and high inflammation.

BACKGROUNDPhase 1 study of ATRinhibition alone or with radiation therapy (PATRIOT) was a first-in-human phase I study of the oral ATR (ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related) inhibitor ceralasertib (AZD6738) in advanced solid tumors.METHODSThe primary objective was safety. Secondary objectives included assessment of antitumor responses and pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) studies. Sixty-seven patients received 20-240 mg ceralasertib BD continuously or intermittently (14 of a 28-day cycle).RESULTSIntermittent dosing was better tolerated than continuous, which was associated with dose-limiting hematological toxicity. The recommended phase 2 dose of ceralasertib was 160 mg twice daily for 2 weeks in a 4-weekly cycle. Modulation of target and increased DNA damage were identified in tumor and surrogate PD. There were 5 (8%) confirmed partial responses (PRs) (40-240 mg BD), 34 (52%) stable disease (SD), including 1 unconfirmed PR, and 27 (41%) progressive disease. Durable responses were seen in tumors with loss of AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A) and DNA damage-response defects. Treatment-modulated tumor and systemic immune markers and responding tumors were more immune inflamed than nonresponding.CONCLUSIONCeralasertib monotherapy was tolerated at 160 mg BD intermittently and associated with antitumor activity.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicaltrials.gov: NCT02223923, EudraCT: 2013-003994-84.FUNDINGCancer Research UK, AstraZeneca, UK Department of Health (National Institute for Health Research), Rosetrees Trust, Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre.

Ratio of transmitral early filling velocity to diastolic strain rate and prognosis in type-1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Impaired diastolic function is a hallmark of diabetic cardiomyopathy and a common feature in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The ratio of transmitral early filling velocity to early diastolic strain rate (E/e'sr) has in recent studies proved to have strong prognostic value. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of E/e'sr compared to E/e' in T1DM without known heart disease. METHODS: In this prospective cohort of T1DM patients, echocardiography was performed including two-dimensional speckle tracking. Follow-up was performed using nationwide registries. Outcomes were all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events (MACE). RESULTS: In total 1079 patients (age: 49.6 ± 14.5 years, 52.5% male, duration of diabetes 25.8 ± 14.6 years) were included in the study. During follow-up (median 6.3 years, IQR:5.7-6.9) 13.2% experienced MACE and 5.8% died. Following multivariable adjustment, both E/e'sr and E/e' was significantly associated with both MACE (E/e'sr: HR 1.16 CI95%:[1.05-1.29], p = 0.005, per 10 cm increase) vs. (E/e': HR 1.09 CI95%:[1.03-1.15], p = 0.001, per 1 unit increase) and all-cause mortality (E/e'sr: HR 1.20 [1.03-1.40], p = 0.016) vs. (E/e': HR: 1.11 [1.02-1.20], p = 0.016). Sex modified the association between E/e'sr and MACE (p for interaction = 0.008) such that E/e'sr after multivariable adjustment only remained significantly associated with MACE in females (HR: 1.41 [1.19-1.67], p < 0.001) but not in males (HR: 1.06 [0.93-1.20], p = 0.42). In females, E/e'sr provided incremental information beyond the Steno T1 Risk Engine (Harrell's C-statistic: 0.78 (0.72-0.83) vs. 0.81 (0.75-0.86), p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: In patients with T1DM, both E/e'sr and E/e' provides independent prognostic information regarding prognosis. E/e'sr seems to have stronger prognostic value in females with T1DM.

Even Mild Mitral Regurgitation is Associated with Incident Atrial Fibrillation in the General Population.

BACKGROUND: Mitral regurgitation (MR) can be difficult to quantify. We sought to investigate whether the MR jet area to left atrial (LA) area ratio (MR/LA-ratio) method for quantifying MRs can be used to predict incident AF in the general population. METHODS: The study included 4,466 participants from the 5th Copenhagen City Heart Study, a prospective general population study, who underwent transthoracic echocardiography. MR jet area was measured and indexed to LA area. The endpoint was incident AF. RESULTS: MR was quantified in 4,042 participants (mean age: 57 years, 43% men). Of these, 198 (4.9%) developed AF during a median follow-up period of 5.3 years (IQR: 4.4-6.1 years). MR was present in 1,938 participants (48%) including 1593 (39%) trace/mild MRs (MR/LA-ratio ≤ 20% and ≤4 cm2). In unadjusted analysis, MR/LA-ratio was associated with incident AF (HR: 1.06 (1.00-1.13), p = 0.042 per 5% increase) but not after adjusting for CHARGE-AF score. However, the association was modified by age (p for interaction = 0.034), such that MR/LA-ratio was associated with AF only in participants ≤73 years. In these participants, MR/LA-ratio was independently associated with AF after adjusting for CHARGE-AF score (HR: 1.14 (1.06-1.24), p = 0.001, per 5% increase). This finding persisted when restricting the analysis to participants without moderate or severe MR and normal LA size (HR: 1.35 (1.09-1.68), p = 0.005, per 5% increase). CONCLUSION: Mitral regurgitation, including even trace regurgitations quantified by MR/LA-ratio is independently associated with incident AF in individuals ≤73 years of age.

Authigenic mineralization in Surtsey basaltic tuff deposits at 50 years after eruption.

Alteration of basaltic glass and in situ mineral growth are fundamental processes that influence the chemical and material properties of Earth's oceanic crust. These processes have evolved at the basaltic island of Surtsey (SW Iceland) since eruptions terminated in 1967. Here, subaerial and submarine lapilli tuff samples from a 192 m-deep borehole drilled in 2017 (SE-02b) are characterized through petrographic studies, X-ray powder diffraction analyses, and SEM-EDS imaging and chemical analyses. The integrated results reveal (i) multi-stage palagonitization processes in basaltic glass and precipitation of secondary minerals from matrix pore fluids, (ii) multi-stage crystallization of secondary phillipsite, analcime and Al-tobermorite in the vesicles of basaltic pyroclasts and (iii) variations in palagonitization processes as a function of thermal and hydrological domains. Although temperature appears to be an important factor in controlling rates of secondary mineralization, the chemistry of original basaltic components and interstitial fluids also influences reaction pathways in the young pyroclastic deposits. The integration of systematic mineralogical analyses of the 50-year-old tuff from one of the most carefully monitored volcanic sites on Earth, together with temperature monitoring in boreholes since 1980, provide a reference framework for evaluating mineralogical evolution in other Surtseyan-type volcanoes worldwide.

Use of sugar in coffee and tea and long-term risk of mortality in older adult Danish men: 32 years of follow-up from a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Tea and coffee are the most consumed beverages worldwide and very often sweetened with sugar. However, the association between the use of sugar in tea or coffee and adverse events is currently unclear. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between the addition of sugar to coffee or tea, and the risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality and incident diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Participants from the prospective Copenhagen Male Study, included from 1985 to 1986, without cardiovascular disease, cancer or diabetes mellitus at inclusion, who reported regular coffee or tea consumption were included. Self-reported number of cups of coffee and tea and use of sugar were derived from the study questionnaires. Quantity of sugar use was not reported. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality and secondary endpoints were cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality and incident diabetes mellitus, all assessed through the Danish national registries. The association between adding sugar and all-cause mortality was analyzed by Cox regression analysis. Age, smoking status, daily alcohol intake, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, number of cups of coffee and/or tea consumed per day and socioeconomic status were included as covariates. Vital status of patients up and until 22.03.2017 was assessed. Sugar could be added to either coffee, tea or both. RESULTS: In total, 2923 men (mean age at inclusion: 63±5 years) were included, of which 1007 (34.5%) added sugar. In 32 years of follow-up, 2581 participants (88.3%) died, 1677 in the non-sugar group (87.5%) versus 904 in the sugar group (89.9%). Hazard ratio of the sugar group compared to the non-sugar group was 1.06 (95% CI 0.98;1.16) for all-cause mortality. An interaction term between number of cups of coffee and/or tea per day and adding sugar was 0.99 (0.96;1.01). A subgroup analysis of coffee-only drinkers showed a hazard ratio of 1.11 (0.99;1.26). The interaction term was 0.98 (0.94;1.02). Hazard ratios for the sugar group compared to the non-sugar group were 1.11 (95% CI 0.97;1.26) for cardiovascular disease mortality, 1.01 (95% CI 0.87;1.17) for cancer mortality and 1.04 (95% CI 0.79;1.36) for incident diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: In the present population of Danish men, use of sugar in tea and/or coffee was not significantly associated with increased risk of mortality or incident diabetes.

Prognostic value of myocardial performance index in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: Thousand&1 and Thousand&2 studies.

AIMS: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite diabetes affects the myocardium, risk prediction models do not include myocardial function parameters. Myocardial performance index (MPI) reflects left ventricular function. The prognostic value of MPI has not been evaluated in large-scale diabetes populations. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated two prospective cohort studies: Thousand&1 (1093 individuals with T1D) and Thousand&2 (1030 individuals with T2D). Clinical data, including echocardiography, were collected at baseline. We collected follow-up data from national registries. We defined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as incident events of hospital admission for acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, stroke, or all-cause mortality. For included individuals (56% male, 54 ± 15 years, MPI 0.51 ± 0.1, 63% T1D), follow-up was 100% after median of 5.3 years (range: 4.8-6.3). MPI was associated with MACE (HR 1.2, 95%CI 1.0-1.3, P = 0.012, per 0.10-unit increase) and heart failure (HR 1.3, 95%CI 1.1-1.6, P = 0.005, per 0.10-unit increase) after adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic variables. MPI predicted MACE and heart failure better in T1D than T2D (P = 0.031 for interaction). MPI added discriminatory power to the Steno T1 Risk Engine, based on clinical characteristics, in predicting MACE [area under the curve (AUC) from 0.77 to 0.79, P = 0.030] and heart failure (AUC from 0.77 to 0.83, P = 0.009) in T1D. CONCLUSION: MPI is independently associated with MACE and heart failure in T1D but not T2D and improves prediction in T1D. Echocardiographic assessment in T1D may enhance risk prediction.

Height Explains Sex Difference in Atrial Fibrillation Risk: Copenhagen General Population Study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in men compared with women is explained by height. METHODS: From the Copenhagen General Population Study, we included 106,207 individuals (47,153 men and 59,054 women) from 20 to 100 years of age, without a prior diagnosis of AF, examined between November 25, 2003, and April 28, 2015. The main outcome was AF incidence from national hospital registers until April 2018. The association of risk factors with AF incidence was assessed by cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression and Fine-Gray subdistribution hazards regression analysis. RESULTS: During a maximum of 14.4 years of follow-up (median, 8.9 years), incident AF was observed in 3449 men and 2772 women with 845 (95% CI, 815 to 875) and 514 (95% CI, 494 to 535) events per 100,000 person-years, respectively. The age-adjusted hazard of incident AF was 63% (95% CI, 55% to 72%) higher in men compared with women. Risk factors for AF were generally similar in men and women, except men were taller than women (179 cm vs 166 cm, respectively; P<.001). When controlling for height, the difference in hazard of incident AF between sexes disappeared. For population attributable risk of AF, height was the most important risk factor investigated and explained 21% and 19% of the risk of incident AF in men and women, respectively. CONCLUSION: A 63% higher risk of incident AF in men compared with women is explained by differences in height.

Diabetes and heart failure associations in women and men: Results from the MORGAM consortium.

Background: Diabetes and its cardiovascular complications are a growing concern worldwide. Recently, some studies have demonstrated that relative risk of heart failure (HF) is higher in women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) than in men. This study aims to validate these findings in cohorts representing five countries across Europe. Methods: This study includes 88,559 (51.8% women) participants, 3,281 (46.3% women) of whom had diabetes at baseline. Survival analysis was performed with the outcomes of interest being death and HF with a follow-up time of 12 years. Sub-group analysis according to sex and type of diabetes was also performed for the HF outcome. Results: 6,460 deaths were recorded, of which 567 were amongst those with diabetes. Additionally, HF was diagnosed in 2,772 individuals (446 with diabetes). A multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that there was an increased risk of death and HF (hazard ratio (HR) of 1.73 [1.58-1.89] and 2.12 [1.91-2.36], respectively) when comparing those with diabetes and those without. The HR for HF was 6.72 [2.75-16.41] for women with T1DM vs. 5.80 [2.72-12.37] for men with T1DM, but the interaction term for sex differences was insignificant (p for interaction 0.45). There was no significant difference in the relative risk of HF between men and women when both types of diabetes were combined (HR 2.22 [1.93-2.54] vs. 1.99 [1.67-2.38] respectively, p for interaction 0.80). Conclusion: Diabetes is associated with increased risks of death and heart failure, and there was no difference in relative risk according to sex.

Processing and characterization of large area InP nanowire photovoltaic devices.

III-V nanowire (NW) photovoltaic devices promise high efficiencies at reduced materials usage. However, research has so far focused on small devices, mostly ≤1 mm2. In this study, the upscaling potential of axial junction InP NW photovoltaic devices is investigated. Device processing was carried out on a full 2″ wafer, with device sizes up to 1 cm2, which is a significant increase from the mm-scale III-V NW photovoltaic devices published previously. The short-circuit current density of the largest 1 cm2devices, in which 460 million NWs are contacted in parallel, is on par with smaller devices. This enables a record power generation of 6.0 mW under AM1.5 G illumination, more than one order of magnitude higher than previous III-V NW photovoltaic devices. On the other hand, the fill factor of the larger devices is lower in comparison with smaller devices, which affects the device efficiency. By use of electroluminescence mapping, resistive losses in the indium tin oxide (ITO) front contact are found to limit the fill factor of the large devices. We use combined light-beam induced current (LBIC) and photoluminescence (PL) mapping as a powerful characterization tool for NW photovoltaic devices. From the LBIC and PL maps, local defects can be identified on the fully processed devices.