bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Setting research priorities on multiple micronutrient supplementation in pregnancy
Authors: Gomes Filomena , Bourassa Megan W. , Adu‐Afarwuah Seth , Ajello Clayton , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Black Robert , Catarino Elisabete , Chowdhury Ranadip , Dalmiya Nita , Dwarkanath Pratibha , Engle‐Stone Reina , Gernand Alison D. , Goudet Sophie , Hoddinott John , Kæstel Pernille , Manger Mari S. , McDonald Christine M. , Mehta Saurabh , Moore Sophie E. , Neufeld Lynnette M. , Osendarp Saskia , Ramachandran Prema , Rasmussen Kathleen M. , Stewart Christine , Sudfeld Christopher , West Keith , Bergeron Gilles
Published: November 2019

Prenatal micronutrient deficiencies are associated with negative maternal and birth outcomes. Multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) during pregnancy is a cost‐effective intervention to reduce these adverse outcomes. However, important knowledge gaps remain in the implementation of MMS interventions. The Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) methodology was applied to inform the direction of research and investments needed to support the implementation of MMS interventions for pregnant women in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC). Following CHNRI methodology guidelines, a group of international experts in nutrition and maternal health provided and ranked the research questions that most urgently need to be resolved for prenatal MMS interventions to be successfully implemented. Seventy‐three research questions were received, analyzed, and reorganized, resulting in 35 consolidated research questions. These were scored against four criteria, yielding a priority ranking where the top 10 research options focused on strategies to increase antenatal care attendance and MMS adherence, methods needed to identify populations more likely to benefit from MMS interventions and some discovery issues (e.g., potential benefit of extending MMS through lactation). This exercise prioritized 35 discrete research questions that merit serious consideration for the potential of MMS during pregnancy to be optimized in LMIC.
Does Mobility across Universities Raise Scientific Productivity?
Authors: Ejermo Olof , Fassio Claudio , Källström John
Published: November 2019

Using a highly comprehensive new data set on Swedish researchers, we investigate the effects of inter‐university mobility on researcher productivity. Our study suggests substantial gains from mobility on scientific output. The empirical analysis addresses selection using inverse probability treatment censoring weights. We find that mobility induces a long‐lasting increase in a researcher's publications by 32% and citations by 63%. Such mobility effects are not explained by promotions taking place jointly with a move. Positive effects are found among individuals who move between universities and not for those who move to or from university colleges. Moreover, we find that the positive effect of moving only applies to researchers in medicine, natural sciences and engineering and technology, with no effect of mobility found in the social sciences and in the humanities.
Benefit of an electronic head‐mounted low vision aid
Authors: Crossland Michael D , Starke Sandra D , Imielski Piotr , Wolffsohn James S , Webster Andrew R
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of electronic head‐mounted low vision aid (e‐LVA) SightPlus (GiveVision, UK, givevision.net) and to determine which people with low vision would see themselves likely using an e‐LVA like this.

Methods

Sixty participants with low vision aged 18 to 93 used SightPlus during an in‐clinic study session based on a mixed methods design. Visual acuity (ETDRS), contrast sensitivity (Pelli‐Robson) and reading performance (MNREAD) were measured binocularly at baseline (no device), with the device in ‘normal’ mode (zoom only), and with preferred enhanced mode (zoom and one of four digital image enhancements). At the end of the session, a short questionnaire recorded willingness to use an e‐LVA like SightPlus, potential use cases, positive/negative comments and adverse effects.

Results

Binocular distance visual acuity improved significantly by 0.63 logMAR on average (p < 0.0001) to 0.20 logMAR. Contrast sensitivity improved significantly by 0.22 log units (p < 0.0001) to 1.21 log units with zoom only and by 0.40 log units to 1.37 log units with zoom and preferred image enhancement. Reading performance improved significantly for near visual acuity and critical print size (p < 0.015), although reading speed significantly decreased (p < 0.0001). Nearly half (47%) of the participants indicated they would use an e‐LVA like SightPlus, especially for television, reading and entertainment (e.g. theatre). Multivariate logistic regression showed that proportion of lifetime affected by sight loss, baseline contrast sensitivity and use of electronic LVAs explained 41% of the variation in willingness to use.

Conclusions

SightPlus improves visual function in people with low vision and would be used in its current form by one half of the people who tried it. Adverse effects were infrequent and resolved when the device was removed. Future work should focus on comparing e‐LVAs through repeatable real‐world tasks and impact on quality of life.
Differences in ocular biometry between urban and rural children matched by refractive error: the Shandong Children Eye Study
Authors: Rozema Jos J , Sun Wei , Wu Jian Feng , Jiang Wen Jun , Wu Hui , Lu Tai Liang , Hu Yuan Yuan , Chen Rong , Guo Da Dong , Wang Xing Rong , Dankert Sebastian , Jonas Jost B , Iribarren Rafael , Tian Qing Mei , Bi Hong Sheng
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To determine the differences in mean ocular dimensions between urban and rural children and identify possible influencing factors.

Methods

This work uses previously published data from the Shandong Children Eye Study, which was based on a random cluster sampling applied to a cross‐sectional school‐based study design in the rural Guanxian County and Weihai city. All children underwent auto‐refractometry and biometry under cycloplegia.

Results

The study included 3290 children (aged 9.35 ± 2.93 years), consisting of 888 pairs of boys and 757 pairs of girls matched by sex, age and refractive error (each pair matching one child from urban cohort with one from the rural cohort). Overall urban children were significantly taller and heavier than rural children (t‐test; p < 0.001), which was confirmed for all age groups for weight. Urban ocular axial lengths were significantly longer by 0.23 mm compared to the rural population (t‐test; p < 0.001), mostly in younger children and boys. Meanwhile, corneal curvatures were flatter in the urban cohort by 0.08 mm (p < 0.001). This association of axial length with urban vs rural region was reduced in magnitude by 69.7% after accounting for height.

Conclusions

For the same, matched refractive error, children from urban regions had significantly longer eyes and flatter corneal curvature than rural children. Since corneal curvature is defined during the first 2 years of life, early environmental factors may be the source of these differences in ocular dimensions.
Catheter‐induced premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) may aid in the determination of optimal timing for clinical PVC ablation
Authors: Demir Serdar , Akgun Taylan , Gulsen Kamil , Kup Ayhan , Uslu Abdulkadir , Kayan Fethullah , Kepez Alper
Published: November 2019

Background

The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether catheter‐induced premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) produced at the presumptive ablation site may aid in the identification of the optimal timing of the earliest local activation for the successful ablation of clinical PVCs.

Methods

Sixty‐three consecutive patients (35 males, age: 53.5 ± 14.4 years) without any exclusion criteria who had undergone PVC ablation between 1 July 2018 and 1 July 2019 constituted our study population. The time interval between the beginning of the EGM and the beginning of the QRS of each catheter‐induced PVC (Cath EGM‐ECG) and the time interval between the beginning of the EGM of clinical PVCs at the earliest site and the beginning of the QRS of clinical PVCs (PVC earliest EGM‐ECG) were noted for each patient. The value of Cath EGM‐ECG as a reference for procedural success of ablation was evaluated by examining the relationship between Cath EGM‐ECG and PVC earliest EGM‐ECG.

Results

Fifty‐two patients had successful ablation, and 43 of them (82.7%) had PVC earliest EGM‐ECG values greater than or equal to Cath EGM‐ECG. Eleven patients had procedural failure, and all of them had PVC earliest EGM‐ECG values lower than Cath EGM‐ECG. A PVC earliest EGM‐ECG value –1.5 ms greater than Cath EGM‐ECG predicted successful ablation with a sensitivity of 90.4% and a specificity of 100.0% in the general patient population.

Conclusion

Cath EGM‐ECG seems to serve as a reliable guide for finding the optimal timing of the earliest site for successful PVC ablation.
Characterization of tumour mutation burden in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer and interstitial lung disease
Authors: Kobayashi Haruki , Serizawa Masakuni , Naito Tateaki , Konno Hayato , Kojima Hideaki , Mizuno Tetsuya , Isaka Mitsuhiro , Endo Masahiro , Nagashima Takeshi , Kusuhara Masatoshi , Urakami Kenichi , Ohshima Keiichi , Yamaguchi Ken , Ohde Yasuhisa , Takahashi Toshiaki
Published: November 2019

Background and objective

The efficacy expectation of immune checkpoint inhibitors against NSCLC in patients with ILD seems to be high because these populations are supposed to have high TMB. However, information about the characterization of TMB in patients with NSCLC and ILD is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate TMB in samples of NSCLC with ILD and clarify factors that influence TMB values.

Methods

The medical records of patients with NSCLC who underwent thoracic surgery at our institution between January 2014 and January 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Whole‐exome sequencing with an Ion Proton system and gene expression profiling of fresh surgical specimens were performed.

Results

Among 367 patients with NSCLC, 62 (16.9%) were diagnosed with ILD. All samples were collected from primary tumours with a median TMB of approximately 2.1 (range: 0.1–64.4) mutation/Mb. Among 81 squamous cell carcinomas, we compared 27 tumours with concomitant ILD and 54 tumours without ILD. Univariate analyses revealed that tumours with concomitant ILD showed lower TMB values than those without ILD. Multivariate analysis revealed that concomitant ILD was significantly associated with low TMB values. Conversely, no difference was noted in the TMB value of adenocarcinoma between patients with and without ILD.

Conclusion

Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma with ILD do not have high TMB values. Therefore, considering the risk of severe pneumonitis, immune checkpoint inhibitors should not be used routinely against patients with NSCLC and ILD based on the expectation of high TMB values.
Analysis on demand‐ and supply‐side responses during the expansion of health insurance coverage in Vietnam: Challenges and policy implications toward universal health coverage
Authors: Matsushima Midori , Yamada Hiroyuki , Shimamura Yasuharu
Published: November 2019

This study examines how the demand and supply of healthcare services have responded to the expansion of health insurance coverage in Vietnam by using biyearly provincial panel data from 2006 to 2014. The results of our analysis indicate significant progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) in Vietnam, with the expansion of health insurance coverage being accompanied by increases in admissions and inpatient days. However, some concerns remain. Our findings show a positive response of supply capacity only in terms of doctors and nurses at higher‐level hospitals (provincial hospitals), and none in other relevant aspects. Moreover, we find no positive response of the number of outpatient visits. Another concern is the issue of financial protection. The decline in out‐of‐pocket payments is not significant throughout our observation period, suggesting that lowering the cost of healthcare is not straightforward and that the expansion of health insurance coverage alone cannot achieve this. We believe that the Vietnamese experience has valuable implications for other emerging and developing countries, considering that the expansion of health insurance coverage is likely to increase utilization of healthcare services significantly and that the supply side needs to be prepared for the increase.
Senkt New Public Management die Verwaltungsausgaben in den Schweizer Kantonen? Eine empirische Analyse über zwei Dekaden
Authors: Ritz Manuel , Neumann Oliver , Sager Fritz
Published: November 2019

In light of the growing public spending in many regions of the world, this study scrutinizes relevant determinants of core public administration expenditure at the cantonal level in Switzerland, focusing particularly on New Public Management (NPM) reforms. The empirical study comprises all 26 cantons in the period from 1993 through 2014 and uses both cross‐sectional and longitudinal analytical methods. In addition to NPM, we control for various variables related to political parties, institutions, socioeconomics and culture. The results show no clear relationship between NPM reforms and expenditure, although such reforms were often intended to cut costs. Our explanation for this finding is that NPM as a concept is rather inconsistent. Various control variables are either positively or negatively related with expenditure. All in all, our findings suggest that public expenditure is still mostly determined by politics and can only be influenced by administrative reforms within certain narrow limits.
Discovery of the novel HLA allele, HLA‐A*30:72, in a Chinese platelet donor by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Li Xiao‐Feng , Liu Ying , Wu Ce , Zhang Bing , Li Jian‐Ping
Published: November 2019

HLA‐A*30:72 has one nucleotide change from HLA‐A*30:01:01:01 where isoleucine (95) is changed to threonine.
Factors associated with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation and behaviours amongst sub‐Saharan African adolescents aged 10‐19 years: cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nyundo Azan , Manu Adom , Regan Mathilda , Ismail Abbas , Chukwu Angela , Dessie Yadeta , Njau Tasiana , Kaaya Sylvia F. , Smith Fawzi Mary C.
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study aimed to determine the burden of depression, suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviour amongst adolescents at sites in six sub‐Saharan African countries and examine associated risk and protective factors.

Methods

Household‐based cross‐sectional study involving male and female adolescents ages 10‐19 years. A total of 7,662 adolescents from eight sites in six countries participated in the survey. Three sites were urban: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Harar (Ethiopia) and Ibadan (Nigeria); five were rural: Dodoma (Tanzania), Iganga/Mayuge (Uganda), Kersa (Ethiopia), Ningo Prampram (Ghana) and Nouna (Burkina Faso). Log‐binomials models were used to estimate relative risks and confidence intervals for factors associated with depression and suicidal behaviour. This was supplemented using log‐Poisson models as needed.

Results

The prevalence of suicidal behaviour over the last 12 months ranged between 1.2% and 12.4% in the eight sites. Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation/behaviours were associated with older age, female sex, food insecurity, poor access to health care and substance use. Depression was strongly associated with increased risk of suicidal behaviour at two sites where the multivariate model converged: Harar, Ethiopia (RR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.8, 7.0, P < 0.05) and Ibadan, Nigeria (RR = 3.7, 95% CI 2.2, 6.3, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviour are common amongst sub‐Saharan African adolescents at these 8 sites. Most factors associated with depressive symptoms are modifiable and preventable. Routine screening for depressive symptoms in services frequented by adolescents in these and similar communities would be crucial in early detection and prompt intervention.
HIV/AIDS awareness and testing practices among adolescents in eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Gezahegn , Dessie Yadeta , Berhane Yemane , Assefa Nega , Semahegn Agumasie , Canavan Chelsey R. , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To examine HIV/AIDS awareness, HIV testing practices and associated factors among adolescents in two eastern Ethiopian communities.

Methods

Community‐based, cross‐sectional study among 2010 adolescents aged 10–19 years. Participants were asked about their awareness of HIV/AIDS and HIV testing practices, and whether they had ever been tested for HIV. Regression models were applied to identify the factors of statistical significance at P‐value < 0.05.

Results

Of 90% were aware of HIV/AIDS, but only a quarter had ever been tested for HIV. Rural adolescents were less aware of HIV than urban adolescents (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.58), and in‐school adolescents had more knowledge about HIV/AIDS than that out‐of‐school adolescents (AOR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.88, 4.15). Factors associated with lower uptake of HIV testing were male sex (AOR = 0.74; 95% CI; 0.58, 0.91) and being from a rural area (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.36). Factors associated with higher uptake of HIV testing were being in school (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.38), using the Internet (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.28), and ever visiting a health facility (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.96).

Conclusions

Awareness of HIV/AIDS was high, whereas HIV testing was rare. HIV awareness programs for adolescents should target rural and out‐of‐school adolescents. Programmes to increase HIV testing implemented in these and similar communities should focus on male and rural adolescents.
Noninvasive evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) protein concentrations in the stratum corneum and serum of healthy and atopic dogs
Authors: Cobiella Danielle , Gram Dunbar , Santoro Domenico
Published: November 2019

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a cytokine involved primarily in angiogenesis. In human atopic dermatitis (AD), VEGF has been detected in the stratum corneum and blood.

Objective

To evaluate VEGF‐A expression in the serum and stratum corneum of healthy and atopic dogs, and its possible correlation with disease severity in atopic dogs.

Animal

Fifteen atopic and 15 healthy, privately owned dogs.

Methods and materials

The severity of clinical signs associated with AD was evaluated with the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI‐04). For all dogs, a single blood sample was performed and serum collected. Tape stripping (15 times) was performed on the left periocular area (lesional skin). A commercially available canine‐specific VEGF‐A enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed with all samples.

Results

Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A was undetectable in the serum. In the stratum corneum, there was no significant difference in VEGF‐A concentrations between healthy (mean 89.4 ± 59.5 pg/ml) and atopic dogs (mean 100.3 ± 77.1pg/ml) (P = 0.71). There was no correlation between stratum corneum VEGF‐A concentrations and CADESI‐04 scores.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The role of VEGF in canine AD is unclear. Because of many variants, VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D or VEGF‐A isotopes should be explored in the skin to better evaluate the role of VEGF in canine atopy. Full‐thickness skin biopsy, molecular biology and histopathological investigation may be necessary to further assess cutaneous VEGF expression.
Recruitment strategies: non‐donor segmentation based on intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli
Authors: Martín‐Santana Josefa D. , Beerli‐Palacio Asunción , Romero‐Domínguez Laura
Published: November 2019

Background and objectives

Non‐donor behaviour can be influenced by many variables, both intrinsic and extrinsic, which differ among individuals. The aim of this study was therefore to segment Spanish non‐donors based on criteria such as barriers and motivations, which influence the decision to donate for the first time, with the aim of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of recruitment actions.

Materials and methods

A total of 2383 non‐donors residing in Spain evaluated 21 barriers and 25 motivations through an online self‐administered survey distributed by blood transfusion centres, which are responsible for donations in Spain, and several Spanish universities. After validating these scales and determining the underlying categories in each of them, latent class/profile analysis was performed to segment non‐donors.

Results

Spanish non‐donors were divided into six clusters. According to their barriers and motivations, the following labels were assigned: (1) ‘Impure altruists’, (2) ‘I want to, but make it easy for me’, (3) ‘Free‐riders’, (4) ‘Reciprocal altruists’, (5) 'I can't because I'm scared' and (6) ‘I want to, but I can't’. Specific marketing actions were proposed for each cluster based on their characteristics, prioritizing them depending on their attractiveness.

Conclusion

The scales which were designed to evaluate barriers and motivations make a solid contribution to the existing literature due to their holistic, integrative nature. The existence of differentiated clusters and the lack of resources of blood transfusion centres make it clear that there is a need to define and implement targeted marketing strategies.
Global REACH 2018: The influence of acute and chronic hypoxia on cerebral haemodynamics and related functional outcomes during cold and heat stress
Authors: Gibbons T. D. , Tymko M. M. , Thomas K. N. , Wilson L. C. , Stembridge M. , Caldwell H. G. , Howe C. A. , Hoiland R. L. , Akerman A. P. , Dawkins T. G. , Patrician A. , Coombs G. B. , Gasho C. , Stacey B. S. , Ainslie P. N. , Cotter J. D.
Published: November 2019

Key points

Thermal and hypoxic stress commonly coexist in environmental, occupational and clinical settings, yet how the brain tolerates these multi‐stressor environments is unknown

Core cooling by 1.0°C reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) by 20–30% and cerebral oxygen delivery (CDO2) by 12–19% at sea level and high altitude, whereas core heating by 1.5°C did not reliably reduce CBF or CDO2

Oxygen content in arterial blood was fully restored with acclimatisation to 4330 m, but concurrent cold stress reduced CBF and CDO2

Gross indices of cognition were not impaired by any combination of thermal and hypoxic stress despite large reductions in CDO2

Chronic hypoxia renders the brain susceptible to large reductions in oxygen delivery with concurrent cold stress, which might make monitoring core temperature more important in this context

Real‐world settings are composed of multiple environmental stressors, yet the majority of research in environmental physiology investigates these stressors in isolation. The brain is central in both behavioural and physiological responses to threatening stimuli and, given its tight metabolic and haemodynamic requirements, is particularly susceptible to environmental stress. We measured cerebral blood flow (CBF, duplex ultrasound), cerebral oxygen delivery (CDO2), oesophageal temperature, and arterial blood gases during exposure to three commonly experienced environmental stressors – heat, cold and hypoxia – in isolation, and in combination. Twelve healthy male subjects (27 ± 11 years) underwent core cooling by 1.0°C and core heating by 1.5°C in randomised order at sea level; acute hypoxia ( = 50 mm Hg) was imposed at baseline and at each thermal extreme. Core cooling and heating protocols were repeated after 16 ± 4 days residing at 4330 m to investigate any interactions with high altitude acclimatisation. Cold stress decreased CBF by 20–30% and CDO2 by 12–19% (both P < 0.01) irrespective of altitude, whereas heating did not reliably change either CBF or CDO2 (both P > 0.08). The increases in CBF with acute hypoxia during thermal stress were appropriate to maintain CDO2 at normothermic, normoxic values. Reaction time was faster and slower by 6–9% with heating and cooling, respectively (both P < 0.01), but central (brain) processes were not impaired by any combination of environmental stressors. These findings highlight the powerful influence of core cooling in reducing CDO2. Despite these large reductions in CDO2 with cold stress, gross indices of cognition remained stable.
The genus Stigmaeus Koch (Acari: Stigmaeidae) from Greece

Authors: Stathakis Theodoros I. , Kapaxidi Eleftheria V. , Papadoulis Georgios Th.
Published: November 2019

The genus Stigmaeus Koch (Acari: Stigmaeidae) is reported for the first time in Greece. Based on material collected from many localities, fifteen species are recorded from Greece for the first time and five species, Stigmaeus canestrinii sp. nov., S. kochi sp. nov., S. claviformis sp. nov., S. pseudoangustus sp. nov. and S. graminis sp. nov. are described as new to science. Additionally, males of two known species of Stigmaeus are described for the first time. A key to species of this genus recorded in Greece is provided.
A Novel Application of Levenshtein Distance for Assessment of High-Level Motor Planning Underlying Performance During Learning of Complex Motor Sequences
Authors: Hauge Theresa C. , Katz Garrett E. , Davis Gregory P. , Jaquess Kyle J. , Reinhard Matthew J. , Costanzo Michelle E. , Reggia James A. , Gentili Rodolphe J.
Published: November 2019

Few studies have examined high-level motor plans underlying cognitive-motor performance during practice of complex action sequences. These investigations have assessed performance through fairly simple metrics without examining how practice affects the structures of action sequences. By adapting the Levenshtein distance (LD) method to the motor domain, we propose a computational approach to accurately capture performance dynamics during practice of action sequences. Practice performance dynamics were assessed by computing the LD based on the number of insertions, deletions, and substitutions of actions needed to transform any sequence into a reference sequence (having a minimal number of actions to complete the task). Also, combining LD-based performance with mental workload metrics allowed assessment of cognitive-motor efficiency dynamics. This approach was tested on the Tower of Hanoi task. The findings revealed that throughout practice this method could capture: i) action sequence performance improvements as indexed by a reduced LD (decrease of insertions and substitutions), ii) structural modifications of the high-level plans, iii) an attenuation of mental workload, and iv) enhanced cognitive-motor efficiency. This effort complements prior work examining the practice of complex action sequences in healthy adults and has potential for probing cognitive-motor impairment in clinical populations as well as the development/assessment of cognitive robotic controllers.
Cadence-based Classification of Minimally Moderate Intensity During Overground Walking in 21- to 40-Year-Old Adults
Authors: Aguiar Elroy J. , Gould Zachary R. , Ducharme Scott W. , Moore Chris C. , McCullough Aston K. , Tudor-Locke Catrine
Published: November 2019

Background: A walking cadence of ≥100 steps/min corresponds to minimally moderate intensity, absolutely defined as ≥3 metabolic equivalents (METs). This threshold has primarily been calibrated during treadmill walking. There is a need to determine the classification accuracy of this cadence threshold to predict intensity during overground walking. Methods: In this laboratory-based cross-sectional investigation, participants (N = 75, 49.3% women, age 21–40 y) performed a single 5-minute overground (hallway) walking trial at a self-selected preferred pace. Steps accumulated during each trial were hand tallied and converted to cadence (steps/min). Oxygen uptake was measured using indirect calorimetry and converted to METs. The classification accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, overall accuracy, and positive predictive value) of ≥100 steps/min to predict ≥3 METs was calculated. Results: A cadence threshold of ≥100 steps/min yielded an overall accuracy (combined sensitivity and specificity) of 73.3% for predicting minimally moderate intensity. Moreover, for individuals walking at a cadence ≥100 steps/min, the probability (positive predictive value) of achieving minimally moderate intensity was 80.3%. Conclusions: Although primarily developed using treadmill-based protocols, a cadence threshold of ≥100 steps/min for young adults appears to be a valid heuristic value (evidence-based, rounded, practical) associated with minimally moderate intensity during overground walking performed at a self-selected preferred pace.
Recruiting, Evaluating, and Retaining Kinesiology Faculty Members
Authors: Rizzo Terry L. , McCullagh Penny , Pastore Donna
Published: November 2019

This paper offers direction and guidance to help departments develop fair and equitable search, evaluation, and retention strategies for their faculty. Included is how to attract a diverse candidate pool and successfully recruit diverse candidates. In addition, the paper provides guidelines about evaluating faculty members, emphasizing the need for formative evaluation that offers faculty ample opportunities, resources, and support systems for improving their performance before any summative evaluations administered by a department or college. Finally, the paper presents retention stratagems as guidelines to help departments support and retain their high-quality faculty members. Achieving the goals of recruitment, retention, and advancement requires the involvement and leadership of university officers, school deans, department chairs/heads, and faculty.
Nanoparticle-induced neutrophil apoptosis increases survival in sepsis and alleviates neurological damage in stroke
Authors: Zhang Can Yang , Dong Xinyue , Gao Jin , Lin Wenjing , Liu Ze , Wang Zhenjia
Published: November 2019

Nanoparticles target inflammatory neutrophils to deliver doxorubicin for neutrophil apoptosis in resolution of inflammation.
SpCas9 activity prediction by DeepSpCas9, a deep learning–based model with high generalization performance
Authors: Kim Hui Kwon , Kim Younggwang , Lee Sungtae , Min Seonwoo , Bae Jung Yoon , Choi Jae Woo , Park Jinman , Jung Dongmin , Yoon Sungroh , Kim Hyongbum Henry
Published: November 2019

A deep learning–based model predicts activity of a widely used genome editing tool in a highly accurate manner.
Metal-captured inhibition of pre-mRNA processing activity by CPSF3 controls
Cryptosporidium
infection
Authors: Swale Christopher , Bougdour Alexandre , Gnahoui-David Audrey , Tottey Julie , Georgeault Sonia , Laurent Fabrice , Palencia Andrés , Hakimi Mohamed-Ali
Published: November 2019

Targeting parasitic endonuclease CPSF3 with an oxaborole offers a potent and selective candidate treatment against cryptosporidiosis.
Rogue tumor cells use SEMAntics to infiltrate the brain
Authors: Neman Josh
Published: November 2019

Semaphorins promote breast cancer metastasis to brain.
Keeping it simple: A higher-yielding process for manufacturing dendritic cells
Authors: Yadav Vikramaditya G.
Published: November 2019

An optimized protocol using a hollow-fiber bioreactor produces a complete dose of dendritic cell–based immunotherapies in a single batch.
Meropenem-Vaborbactam Activity against Carbapenem-Resistant
Enterobacterales
Isolates Collected in U.S. Hospitals during 2016 to 2018
Authors: Castanheira Mariana , Doyle Timothy B. , Kantro Valerie , Mendes Rodrigo E. , Shortridge Dee
Published: November 2019

The activities of meropenem-vaborbactam and comparators against 152 (1.1%) carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacterales
(CRE) isolates identified among 13,929
Enterobacterales
isolates collected from U.S. hospitals during 2016 to 2018 were evaluated. CRE rates were higher in the Middle Atlantic census division (3.5%) than in the other divisions (range, 0.0% for the West North Central division to 1.4% for the West South Central division).
Advances toward Curing HIV-1 Infection in Tissue Reservoirs
Authors: Henderson Lisa J. , Reoma Lauren B. , Kovacs Joseph A. , Nath Avindra
Published: November 2019

A disease of more than 39.6 million people worldwide, HIV-1 infection has no curative therapy. To date, one man has achieved a sterile cure, with millions more hoping to avoid the potential pitfalls of lifelong antiretroviral therapy and other HIV-related disorders, including neurocognitive decline. Recent developments in immunotherapies and gene therapies provide renewed hope in advancing efforts toward a sterilizing or functional cure.
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Downregulates N-myc Downstream-Regulated Gene 1, Leading to Cellular Proliferation and Migration
Authors: Gupta Purnima , Shahzad Naveed , Harold Alexis , Shuda Masahiro , Venuti Assunta , Romero-Medina Maria Carmen , Pacini Laura , Brault Lise , Robitaille Alexis , Taverniti Valerio , Hernandez-Vargas Hector , Durand Geoffroy , Le Calvez-Kelm Florence , Gheit Tarik , Accardi Rosita , Tommasino Massimo
Published: November 2019

Merkel cell carcinoma was first described in 1972 as a neuroendocrine tumor of skin, most cases of which were reported in 2008 to be caused by a PyV named Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), the first PyV linked to human cancer. Thereafter, numerous studies have been conducted to understand the etiology of this virus-induced carcinogenesis. However, it is still a new field, and much work is needed to understand the molecular pathogenesis of MCC. In the current work, we sought to identify the host genes specifically deregulated by MCPyV, as opposed to other PyVs, in order to better understand the relevance of the genes analyzed on the biological impact and progression of the disease. These findings open newer avenues for targeted drug therapies, thereby providing hope for the management of patients suffering from this highly aggressive cancer.
Geochemical evidence for the production of granitoids through reworking of the juvenile mafic arc crust in the Gangdese orogen, southern Tibet
Authors: Tang Yu-Wei , Chen Long , Zhao Zi-Fu , Zheng Yong-Fei
Published: November 2019

Although continental crust is characterized by the widespread occurrence of granitoids, the causal relationship between continental crust growth and granitic magmatism still remains enigmatic. While fractional crystallization of basaltic magmas (with or without crustal contamination) and partial melting of mafic lower crust are two feasible mechanisms for the production of granitoids in continental arc regions, the problem has been encountered in discriminating between the two mechanisms by whole-rock geochemistry. This can be resolved by an integrated study of zircon U-Pb ages and Hf-O isotopes together with whole-rock major-trace elements and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes, which is illustrated for Mesozoic granitoids from the Gangdese orogen in southern Tibet. The results provide geochemical evidence for prompt reworking of the juvenile mafic arc crust in the newly accreted continental margin. The target granitoids exhibit high contents of SiO2 (65.76–70.75 wt%) and Na2O + K2O (6.38–8.15 wt%) but low contents of MgO (0.19–0.98 wt%), Fe2O3 (0.88–3.13 wt%), CaO (2.00–3.82 wt%), Ni (<5.8 ppm), and Cr (≤10 ppm). They are enriched in large ion lithophile elements, Pb, and light rare earth elements but depleted in high field strength elements. The granitoids are relatively depleted in whole-rock Sr-Nd isotope compositions with low (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.7043–0.7048 and positive εNd(t) values of 0.5–2.6, and have relatively low 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb ratios at given 206Pb/204Pb ratios. Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry U-Pb dating on synmagmatic zircons yield ages of 77 ± 2–81 ± 1 Ma in the Late Cretaceous for their emplacement. Relict zircons have two groups of U-Pb ages in the late Mesozoic and the late Paleozoic, respectively. The whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopes in the granitoids are quite similar to those of Late Cretaceous mafic rocks in the Gangdese batholith. In addition, both synmagmatic zircons and relict zircons with Late Cretaceous U-Pb ages exhibit almost the same Hf-O isotope compositions to those of the slightly earlier mafic rocks. All these observations indicate that the granitoids were mainly derived from partial melting of the juvenile mafic arc crust. Therefore, reworking of the juvenile mafic arc crust is the mechanism for the origin of isotopically depleted granitoids in southern Tibet. It is this process that leads to differentiation of the juvenile mafic arc crust toward the felsic lithology in the continental arc. In this regard, the granitoids with depleted radiogenic isotope compositions do not necessarily contribute to the crustal growth at convergent plate boundaries.
Synthesizing EarthScope data to constrain the thermal evolution of the continental U.S. lithosphere
Authors: Porter Ryan C. , van der Lee Suzan , Whitmeyer Steven J.
Published: November 2019

In this work, we compile several seismic velocity models publicly available from the Incorporated Research Institute for Seismology (IRIS) Earth Model Collaboration (EMC) and compare subcrustal mantle velocities in the models to each other and to the timing of tectonism across the continent. This work allows us to assess the relationship between the time elapsed since the most recent thermotectonic event and uppermost mantle temperatures. We apply mineral- and physics-based models of velocity-temperature relationships to calculate upper-mantle temperatures in order to determine cooling rates for the lower-crust and uppermost mantle following thermotectonic activity. Results show that most of the cooling occurs in the ∼300–500 million years following orogeny. This work summarizes current estimates of upper-mantle shear velocities and provides insights on the thermal stabilization of continental lithosphere through time.
Comorbidity in adults with traumatic brain injury and all-cause mortality: a systematic review
Authors: Xiong Chen , Hanafy Sara , Chan Vincy , Hu Zheng Jing , Sutton Mitchell , Escobar Michael , Colantonio Angela , Mollayeva Tatyana
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Comorbidity in traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been recognised to alter the clinical course of patients and influence short-term and long-term outcomes. We synthesised the evidence on the effects of different comorbid conditions on early and late mortality post-TBI in order to (1) examine the relationship between comorbid condition(s) and all-cause mortality in TBI and (2) determine the influence of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with a TBI at baseline on all-cause mortality.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Medline, Central, Embase, PsycINFO and bibliographies of identified articles were searched from May 1997 to January 2019.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Included studies met the following criteria: (1) focused on comorbidity as it related to our outcome of interest in adults (ie, ≥18 years of age) diagnosed with a TBI; (2) comorbidity was detected by any means excluding self-report; (3) reported the proportion of participants without comorbidity and (4) followed participants for any period of time.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed risk of bias using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Data were synthesised through tabulation and qualitative description.

Results

A total of 27 cohort studies were included. Among the wide range of individual comorbid conditions studied, only low blood pressure was a consistent predictors of post-TBI mortality. Other consistent predictors were traditional sociodemographic risk factors. Higher comorbidity scale, scores and the number of comorbid conditions were not consistently associated with post-TBI mortality.

Conclusions

Given the high number of comorbid conditions that were examined by the single studies, research is required to further substantiate the evidence and address conflicting findings. Finally, an enhanced set of comorbidity measures that are suited for the TBI population will allow for better risk stratification to guide TBI management and treatment.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017070033
Discontinuation of alpha-blocker therapy in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: van der Worp Henk , Jellema Petra , Hordijk Ilse , Lisman-van Leeuwen Yvonne , Korteschiel Lisa , Steffens Martijn G , Blanker Marco H
Published: November 2019

Objectives

We aimed to synthesise the available data for the effect of stopping alpha-blocker therapy among men with lower urinary tract symptoms. The focus was on symptom, uroflowmetry and quality of life outcomes, but we also reviewed the adverse events (AEs) and the number of patients who restarted therapy.

Data sources

We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE/Ovid and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to May 2018.

Eligibility criteria

We selected studies regardless of study design in which men were treated with an alpha-blocker for at least 3 months and in which the effects of alpha-blocker discontinuation were subsequently studied. Only controlled trials were used for the primary objective.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias for the controlled studies only using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses.

Results

We identified 10 studies (1081 participants) assessing the primary objective. Six studies (733 participants) assessed differences in AEs between continuation and discontinuation, and six studies (501 participants) reported the numbers of subjects that restarted treatment after discontinuation. No studies in primary care were identified. After discontinuing monotherapy, symptom scores increased and peak flow rates decreased at 3 and 6 months, but not at 12 months; however, neither parameter changed when alpha-blockers were stopped during combination therapy. Small differences in post-void residual volumes and quality of life scores were considered clinically irrelevant. We also found that 0%–49% of patients restarted after stopping alpha-blocker therapy and that AEs did not increase with discontinuation.

Conclusions

Discontinuing alpha-blocker monotherapy leads to a worsening compared with continuing therapy. Discontinuing the alpha-blocker after combination therapy had no significant effects on outcomes in either the short or long term. Discontinuation may be appropriate for the frail, elderly or those with concomitant illness or polypharmacy. However, studies in primary care are lacking.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016032648.
Mobilising cross-sector collaborations to improve population health in US rural communities: a qualitative study
Authors: Zhu Xi , Weigel Paula , Baloh Jure , Nataliansyah Mochamad , Gunn Nichole , Mueller Keith
Published: November 2019

Objectives

This study examines types and forms of cross-sector collaborations employed by rural communities to address community health issues and identifies factors facilitating or inhibiting such collaborations.

Setting

We conducted case studies of four rural communities in the US state of Iowa that have demonstrated progress in creating healthier communities.

Participants

Key informants from local public health departments, hospitals and other health-promoting organisations and groups participated in this study. Twenty-two key-informant interviews were conducted. Participants were selected based on their organisation’s involvement in community health initiatives.

Results

Rural communities used different forms of collaborations, including cross-sector partnership, cross-sector interaction and cross-sector exploration, to address community health issues. Stakeholders from public health, healthcare, social services, education and business sectors were involved. Factors facilitating cross-sector collaborations include health-promoting local contexts, seed initiatives that mobilise communities, hospital visions that embrace broad views of health and shared collaboration leadership and governance. Challenges to developing and sustaining cross-sector collaborations include different institutional logics, financial and human resources constraints and geographic dispersion.

Conclusions

Rural communities use cross-sector collaborations to address community health issues in the forms of interaction and exploration, but real and lasting partnerships are rare. The development, operation and sustainment of cross-sector collaborations are influenced by a set of contextual and practical factors. Practical strategies and policy interventions may be used to enhance cross-sector collaborations in rural communities.
Direct costs of overdiagnosed asthma: a longitudinal, population-based cohort study in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Ng Bryan , Sadatsafavi Mohsen , Safari Abdollah , FitzGerald J Mark , Johnson Kate M
Published: November 2019

Objectives

A current diagnosis of asthma cannot be objectively confirmed in many patients with physician-diagnosed asthma. Estimates of resource use in overdiagnosed cases of asthma are necessary to measure the burden of overdiagnosis and to evaluate strategies to reduce this burden. We assessed differences in asthma-related healthcare resource use between patients with a confirmed asthma diagnosis and those with asthma ruled out.

Design

Population-based, prospective cohort study.

Setting

Participants were recruited through random-digit dialling of both landlines and mobile phones in the province of British Columbia, Canada.

Participants

We included 345 individuals ≥12 years of age with a self-reported physician diagnosis of asthma. The diagnosis of asthma was reassessed at the end of 12 months of follow-up using a structured algorithm, which included a bronchodilator reversibility test, methacholine challenge test, and if necessary medication tapering and a second methacholine challenge test.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Self-reported annual asthma-related direct healthcare costs (2017 Canadian dollars), outpatient physician visits and medication use from the perspective of the Canadian healthcare system.

Results

Asthma was ruled out in 86 (24.9%) participants. The average annual asthma-related direct healthcare costs for participants with confirmed asthma were $C497.9 (SD $C677.9) and for participants with asthma ruled out, $C307.7 (SD $C424.1). In the adjusted analyses, a confirmed diagnosis was associated with higher direct healthcare costs (relative ratio (RR)=1.60, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.22), increased rate of specialist visits (RR=2.41, 95% CI 1.05 to 5.40) and reliever medication use (RR=1.62, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.35), but not primary care physician visits (p=0.10) or controller medication use (p=0.11).

Conclusions

A quarter of individuals with a physician diagnosis of asthma did not have asthma after objective re-evaluation. These participants still consumed a significant amount of asthma-related healthcare resources. The population-level economic burden of asthma overdiagnosis could be substantial.