bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B vaccination coverage, knowledge and sociodemographic determinants of uptake in high risk public safety workers in Kaduna State, Nigeria: a cross sectional survey
Authors: Ochu Chinwe Lucia , Beynon Caryl M
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To estimate hepatitis B vaccination (HBVc) coverage, and knowledge and sociodemographic determinants of full dose uptake in Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) members, Kaduna State, Nigeria, to inform relevant targeted vaccination policies.

Design

A cross sectional survey of FRSC members, Kaduna Sector Command.

Settings

Six randomly selected unit commands under Kaduna Sector Command, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Participants

A pilot tested, structured, self-administered questionnaire was administered to 341 participants aged ≥18 years with ≥6 months of service between 17 June and 22 July 2015. Excluded were FRSC members in road safety 1 zonal command headquarters as the zonal command includes other states beyond the study scope.

Primary outcome

HBVc status of participants categorised as ‘not vaccinated’ for uptake of <3 doses and ‘vaccinated’ for uptake of ≥3 doses.

Analysis

Descriptive analysis estimated HBVc coverage while logistic regression ascertained associations.

Results

Most participants were men, aged 30–39 years, with 3–10 years of service and of marshal cadre. HBVc coverage was 60.9% for ≥1 dose and 30.5% for ≥3 doses. Less than 47% of participants scored above the mean knowledge score for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HBVc. Female sex (AOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.52, p<0.05), perceiving there to be an occupational risk of exposure to HBV (AOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.06 to 7.70, p<0.001) and increasing HBVc knowledge (AOR 2.68, 95% CI 1.83 to 3.92, p<0.001) were independent predictors of full dose HBVc in FRSC members, Kaduna Sector Command.

Conclusions

HBVc coverage and knowledge were poor among FRSC members, Kaduna Sector Command. Educational intervention, geared towards improving FRSC members’ knowledge of HBVc and perception of risk of occupational exposure to HBV, is recommended for these vulnerable public safety workers. Such enlightenment could be a cheap and easy way of improving HBVc coverage in the study population.
CPR performance in the presence of audiovisual feedback or football shoulder pads
Authors: Tanaka Shota , Rodrigues Wayne , Sotir Susan , Sagisaka Ryo , Tanaka Hideharu
Published: June 2017

Objective

The initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be complicated by the use of protective equipment in contact sports, and the rate of success in resuscitating the patient depends on the time from incident to start of CPR. The aim of our study was to see if (1) previous training, (2) the presence of audiovisual feedback and (3) the presence of football shoulder pads (FSP) affected the quality of chest compressions.

Methods

Six basic life support certified athletic training students (BLS-ATS), six basic life support certified emergency medical service personnel (BLS-EMS) and six advanced cardiac life support certified emergency medical service personnel (ACLS-EMS) participated in a crossover manikin study. A quasi-experimental repeated measures design was used to measure the chest compression depth (cm), rate (cpm), depth accuracy (%) and rate accuracy (%) on four different conditions by using feedback and/or FSP. Real CPR Help manufactured by ZOLL (Chelmsford, Massachusetts, USA) was used for the audiovisual feedback. Three participants from each group performed 2 min of chest compressions at baseline first, followed by compressions with FSP, with feedback and with both FSP and feedback (FSP+feedback). The other three participants from each group performed compressions at baseline first, followed by compressions with FSP+feedback, feedback and FSP.

Results

CPR performance did not differ between the groups at baseline (median (IQR), BLS-ATS: 5.0 (4.4–6.1) cm, 114(96–131) cpm; BLS-EMS: 5.4 (4.1–6.4) cm, 112(99–131) cpm; ACLS-EMS: 6.4 (5.7–6.7) cm, 138(113–140) cpm; depth p=0.10, rate p=0.37). A statistically significant difference in the percentage of depth accuracy was found with feedback (median (IQR), 13.8 (0.9–49.2)% vs 69.6 (32.3–85.8)%; p=0.0002). The rate accuracy was changed from 17.1 (0–80.7)% without feedback to 59.2 (17.3–74.3)% with feedback (p=0.50). The use of feedback was effective for depth accuracy, especially in the BLS-ATS group, regardless of the presence of FSP (median (IQR), 22.0 (7.3–36.2)% vs 71.3 (35.4–86.5)%; p=0.0002).

Conclusions

The use of audiovisual feedback positively affects the quality of the depth of CPR. Both feedback and FSP do not alter the rate measurements. Medically trained personnel are able to deliver the desired depth regardless of the presence of FSP even though shallower chest compressions depth can be seen in CPR with FSP. A feedback device must be introduced into the athletic training settings.
Statistical testing of baseline differences in sports medicine RCTs: a systematic evaluation
Authors: Peterson Ross L , Tran Matthew , Koffel Jonathan , Stovitz Steven D
Published: June 2017

Background/Aim

The CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement discourages reporting statistical tests of baseline differences between groups in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). However, this practice is still common in many medical fields. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of this practice in leading sports medicine journals.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search in Medline through PubMed to identify RCTs published in the years 2005 and 2015 from 10 high-impact sports medicine journals. Two reviewers independently confirmed the trial design and reached consensus on which articles contained statistical tests of baseline differences.

Results

Our search strategy identified a total of 324 RCTs, with 85 from the year 2005 and 239 from the year 2015. Overall, 64.8% of studies (95% CI (59.6, 70.0)) reported statistical tests of baseline differences; broken down by year, this percentage was 67.1% in 2005 (95% CI (57.1, 77.1)) and 64.0% in 2015 (95% CI (57.9, 70.1)).

Conclusions

Although discouraged by the CONSORT statement, statistical testing of baseline differences remains highly prevalent in sports medicine RCTs. Statistical testing of baseline differences can mislead authors; for example, by failing to identify meaningful baseline differences in small studies. Journals that ask authors to follow the CONSORT statement guidelines should recognise that many manuscripts are ignoring the recommendation against statistical testing of baseline differences.
How I found my career
Authors: Hall Kenny
Published: June 2017

Kenny Hall was unaware of the veterinary nursing profession until his vet student girlfriend suggested it would be the perfect career for him. As a male nurse he got used to being a ‘rarity’ and now encourages other men to consider veterinary nursing as a great career choice
Ultrafast carrier dynamics in LT-GaAs doped with Si delta layers
Authors: Khusyainov D. I. , Dekeyser C. , Buryakov A. M. , Mishina E. D. , Galiev G. B. , Klimov E. A. , Pushkarev S. S. , Klochkov A. N.
Published: June 2017

We characterized the ultrafast properties of LT-GaAs doped with silicon [Formula: see text]-layers and introduced delta-doping ([Formula: see text]-doping) as efficient method for enhancing the properties of GaAs-based structures which can be useful for terahertz (THz) antenna, ultrafast switches and other high frequency applications. Low temperature grown GaAs (LT-GaAs) became one of the most promising materials for ultrafast optical and THz devices due to its short carrier lifetime and high carrier mobility. Low temperature growth leads to a large number of point defects and an excess of arsenic. Annealing of LT-GaAs creates high resistivity through the formation of As-clusters, which appear due to the excess of arsenic. High resistivity is very important for THz antennas so that voltage can be applied without the risk of breakdown. With [Formula: see text]-Si doping, control of As-clusters is possible, since after annealing, clusters align in the plane where the [Formula: see text]-doping occurs. In this paper, we compare the properties of LT-GaAs-based planar structures with and without [Formula: see text]-Si doping and subsequent annealing. We used pump-probe transient reflectivity as a probe for ultrafast carrier dynamics in LT-GaAs. The results of the experiment were interpreted using the Ortiz model and show that the [Formula: see text]-Si doping increases deep donor and acceptor concentrations and decreases the photoinduced carrier lifetime as compared with LT-GaAs with same growth and annealing temperatures, but without doping.
Relative contributions from the ventricle and arterial tree to arterial pressure and its amplification: an experimental study
Authors: Gaddum Nicholas , Alastruey Jordi , Chowienczyk Phil , Rutten Marcel C. M. , Segers Patrick , Schaeffter Tobias
Published: June 2017

Arterial pressure is an important diagnostic parameter for cardiovascular disease. However, relative contributions of individual ventricular and arterial parameters in generating and augmenting pressure are not understood. Using a novel experimental arterial model, our aim was to characterize individual parameter contributions to arterial pressure and its amplification. A piston-driven ventricle provided programmable stroke profiles into various silicone arterial trees and a bovine aorta. Inotropy was varied in the ventricle, and arterial parameters modulated included wall thickness, taper and diameter, the presence of bifurcation, and a native aorta (bovine) versus silicone. Wave reflection at bifurcations was measured and compared with theory, varying parent-to-child tube diameter ratios, and branch angles. Intravascular pressure-tip wires and ultrasonic flow probes measured pressure and flow. Increasing ventricular inotropy independently augmented pressure amplification from 17% to 61% between the lower and higher systolic gradient stroke profiles in the silicone arterial network and from 10% to 32% in the bovine aorta. Amplification increased with presence of a bifurcation, decreasing wall thickness and vessel taper. Pulse pressure increased with increasing wall thickness (stiffness) and taper angle and decreasing diameter. Theoretical predictions of wave transmission through bifurcations werre similar to measurements (correlation: 0.91, R2 = 0.94) but underestimated wave reflection (correlation: 0.75, R2 = 0.94), indicating energy losses during mechanical wave reflection. This study offers the first comprehensive investigation of contributors to hypertensive pressure and its propagation throughout the arterial tree. Importantly, ventricular inotropy plays a crucial role in the amplification of peripheral pressure wave, which offers opportunity for noninvasive assessment of ventricular health.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study distinguishes contributions from cardiac and arterial parameters to elevated blood pressure and pressure amplification. Most importantly, it offers the first evidence that ventricular inotropy, an indicator of ventricular function, is an independent determinant of pressure amplification and could be measured with such established devices such as the SphygmoCor.
Overcoming the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment of Hodgkin Lymphoma Using Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells
Authors: Ruella Marco , Klichinsky Michael , Kenderian Saad S. , Shestova Olga , Ziober Amy , Kraft Daniel O. , Feldman Michael , Wasik Mariusz A. , June Carl H. , Gill Saar
Published: June 2017

Patients with otherwise treatment-resistant Hodgkin lymphoma could benefit from chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CART) therapy. However, Hodgkin lymphoma lacks CD19 and contains a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). We hypothesized that in Hodgkin lymphoma, CART should target both malignant cells and the TME. We demonstrated CD123 on both Hodgkin lymphoma cells and TME, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). In vitro, Hodgkin lymphoma cells convert macrophages toward immunosuppressive TAMs that inhibit T-cell proliferation. In contrast, anti-CD123 CART recognized and killed TAMs, thus overcoming immunosuppression. Finally, we showed in immunodeficient mouse models that CART123 eradicated Hodgkin lymphoma and established long-term immune memory. A novel platform that targets malignant cells and the microenvironment may be needed to successfully treat malignancies with an immunosuppressive milieu.

Significance: Anti-CD123 chimeric antigen receptor T cells target both the malignant cells and TAMs in Hodgkin lymphoma, thereby eliminating an important immunosuppressive component of the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Discov; 7(10); 1154–67. ©2017 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1047
Targeting BRAF-Mutant Colorectal Cancer: Progress in Combination Strategies
Authors: Sundar Raghav , Hong David S. , Kopetz Scott , Yap Timothy A.
Published: June 2017

Summary: BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer portend a poor prognosis, with first-line treatment often involving triplet or quadruplet chemotherapy, and single-agent targeted therapy with BRAF inhibitors failing to demonstrate clinical activity. Blockade of multiple critical nodes along the MAPK and other pathways may be necessary to improve response rates and survival. Cancer Discov; 7(6); 558–60. ©2017 AACR.

See related article by van Geel et al., p. 610.
Endogenous Parathyroid Hormone Promotes Fracture Healing by Increasing Expression of BMPR2 through cAMP/PKA/CREB Pathway in Mice
Authors: Zhou Wei , Yu Lipeng , Fan Jin , Wan Bowen , Jiang Tao , Yin Jian , Huang Yao , Li Qingqing , Yin Guoyong , Hu Zhaoxing
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: Endogenous parathyroid hormone (PTH) plays an important role in fracture healing. This study investigated whether endogenous PTH regulates fracture healing by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and/or the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. Methods: Eight-week-old wild-type (WT) and PTH-knockout (PTH KO) male mice were selected, and models of open right-femoral fracture were constructed. Fracture healing and callus characteristics of mice in the two groups were compared by X-ray, micro-computed tomography, histological, and immunohistochemical examinations. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) of 8-week-old WT and PTHKO male mice were obtained and induced into osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Results: We found that expression levels of Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX2), bone morphogenetic protein-receptor-type Ⅱ (BMPR2), phosphorylated Smad 1/5/8, and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate-responsive element binding protein (CREB) in the callus of PTHKO mice were significantly decreased, whereas no significant difference in expression of SOX9, TGF-βR2,or pSMAD2/3 was observed between PTHKO and WT mice. Additionally, the activity of osteoblast alkaline phosphatase was low at 7 days post-induction, and was upregulated by addition of PTH or dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP) to the cell culture. Furthermore, H89 (protein kinase A inhibitor)eliminated the simulating effects of PTH and dbcAMP, and a low concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was observed in PTHKO mouse BMMSCs. Conclusion: These results suggested that endogenous PTH enhanced BMPR2 expression by a cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway in osteoblasts, and increased RUNX2 expression through transduction of the BMP/pSMAD1/5/8 signaling pathway.
Survival and Left Ventricular Function Changes in Fulminant Versus Nonfulminant Acute Myocarditis
Authors: Ammirati Enrico , Cipriani Manlio , Lilliu Marzia , Sormani Paola , Varrenti Marisa , Raineri Claudia , Petrella Duccio , Garascia Andrea , Pedrotti Patrizia , Roghi Alberto , Bonacina Edgardo , Moreo Antonella , Bottiroli Maurizio , Gagliardone Maria P. , Mondino Michele , Ghio Stefano , Totaro Rossana , Turazza Fabio M. , Russo Claudio F. , Oliva Fabrizio , Camici Paolo G. , Frigerio Maria
Published: June 2017

Background:

Previous reports have suggested that despite their dramatic presentation, patients with fulminant myocarditis (FM) might have better outcome than those with acute nonfulminant myocarditis (NFM). In this retrospective study, we report outcome and changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in a large cohort of patients with FM compared with patients with NFM.

Methods:

The study population consists of 187 consecutive patients admitted between May 2001 and November 2016 with a diagnosis of acute myocarditis (onset of symptoms <1 month) of whom 55 required inotropes and/or mechanical circulatory support (FM) and the remaining 132 were hemodynamically stable (NFM). We also performed a subanalysis in 130 adult patients with acute viral myocarditis and viral prodrome within 2 weeks from the onset, which includes 34 with FM and 96 with NFM. Patients with giant-cell myocarditis, eosinophilic myocarditis, or cardiac sarcoidosis and those <15 years of age were excluded from the subanalysis.

Results:

In the whole population (n=187), the rate of in-hospital death or heart transplantation was 25.5% versus 0% in FM versus NFM, respectively (
P
<0.0001). Long-term heart transplantation–free survival at 9 years was lower in FM than NFM (64.5% versus 100%, log-rank
P
<0.0001). Despite greater improvement in LVEF during hospitalization in FM versus NFM forms (median, 32% [interquartile range, 20%–40%] versus 3% [0%–10%], respectively;
P
<0.0001), the proportion of patients with LVEF <55% at last follow-up was higher in FM versus NFM (29% versus 9%; relative risk, 3.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.45–7.64,
P
=0.003). Similar results for survival and changes in LVEF in FM versus NFM were observed in the subgroup (n=130) with viral myocarditis. None of the patients with NFM and LVEF ≥55% at discharge had a significant decrease in LVEF at follow-up.

Conclusions:

Patients with FM have an increased mortality and need for heart transplantation compared with those with NFM. From a functional viewpoint, patients with FM have a more severely impaired LVEF at admission that, despite steep improvement during hospitalization, remains lower than that in patients with NFM at long-term follow-up. These findings also hold true when only the viral forms are considered and are different from previous studies showing better prognosis in FM.
An unusual agent for an unusual localization of infective endocarditis
Authors: Litmathe Jens , Fussen Rene , Heinzel Alexander , Müller Marguerite , Sucker Christoph , Tewarie Lachmandath , Dafotakis Manuel
Published: June 2017

We report on a 32-year-old male patient with acute left-hemispheric stroke caused by embolism due to infective endocarditis affected from the HACEK group. Additionally, atypical findings from the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) which showed fluttering structures belonging to the papillary muscle could be proven as infectious agents with the help of a glucose positron emission tomography (PET) scan. TEE controls showed increasing vegetation involving the mitral valve so that surgery became necessary. The current work reflects, in detail, the emergent clinical course of this young patient, suffering from both an unusual localization and an infrequent cause of endocarditis and focuses on an actual view to the literature.
Music listening as self-enhancement: Effects of empowering music on momentary explicit and implicit self-esteem
Authors: Elvers Paul , Fischinger Timo , Steffens Jochen
Published: June 2017

In everyday life people use music to adjust their levels of arousal, to regulate their mood and emotions, and to cope with previous experiences, indicating that music plays an important role for everyday wellbeing. While the relationship between music and emotions has received considerable interest in past decades, little is known about the self-esteem boosting function of empowering music. In the present study, we investigated the relationship of music listening and self-esteem, by examining how momentary explicit and implicit self-esteem are (a) influenced by the expressive properties of music and (b) predicted by individual differences in responses to music. Results indicate that both explicit and implicit self-esteem are affected by music listening but in different ways. While momentary explicit self-esteem changed as a function of the expressive properties of the music and was positively predicted by liking, implicit self-esteem was positively predicted by empathy and negatively predicted by nostalgia. In contrast to changes in self-esteem, no changes in mood were observed. We anticipate our findings to be a starting point for further investigations of the cognitive and affective processes involved when listening to empowering music.
Integration of informal recycling sector in Brazil and the case of Sorocaba City
Authors: Silva de Souza Lima Nathalia , Mancini Sandro Donnini
Published: June 2017

Catadores are people who collect and sell materials that can be recycled. This activity has been done informally in many countries for years. Recently, a recognition process has begun for the informal recycling sector, with public and private initiatives. In Brazil, catadores started out associating with each other in co-operatives in the 1980s. In 2010, the Solid Waste National Policy was approved, promoting the inclusion of theses co-operatives in the formal waste management system. However, only in 25 out of 5670 Brazilian municipalities have hired co-operatives as Private Service Providers. The integration of the informal sector has contributed with social, economic and environmental benefits; income generation, reduction of poverty and resource preservation are highlights. Although there was a legal progress, there are great challenges for various actors involved. This paper aims to diagnose the informal recycling sector, emphasizing the integration process that has happened in Brazil. For this, a substantial literature review and a case study were conducted, applying the tool ‘InteRa’ to the case of Sorocaba. The case showed that it is possible to improve the integration of catadores in the formal waste management system. The co-operatives achieve recycling rates of 2%, higher than the official national rate of 1%. However, we estimate that autonomous pickers increase total recycling in Sorocaba to 9%, still short of the 25% target via source segregation. Therefore, continuing the integration process will benefit both the pickers, and also the municipality through savings on landfill costs.
A location prediction method for work-in-process based on frequent trajectory patterns
Authors: Cai Haoshu , Guo Yu , Lu Kun
Published: June 2017

In the data-rich manufacturing environment, the production process of work-in-process is described and presented by trajectories with manufacturing significance. However, advanced approaches for work-in-process trajectory data analytics and prediction are comparatively inadequate. However, the location prediction of moving objects has drawn great attention in the manufacturing field. Yet most approaches for predicting future locations of objects are originally applied in geography domain. When applied to manufacturing shop floor, the prediction results lack manufacturing significance. This article focuses on predicting the next locations of work-in-process in the workshop. First, a data model is introduced to map the geographic trajectories into the logical space, in order to convert the manufacturing information into logical features. Based on the data model, a prediction method is proposed to predict the next locations using frequent trajectory patterns. A series of experiments are performed to examine the prediction method. The experiment results illustrate the impacts of the user-defined factors and prove that the proposed method is effective and efficient.
Reliability and Validity of Measures for Investigating the Determinants of Health Behaviors Among Women With a History of Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Smith Ben J. , Cheung N. Wah , Najnin Nusrat , Bauman Adrian , Razee Husna , Blignault Ilse , van der Ploeg Hidde P.
Published: June 2017

Aim. Assisting women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to adopt healthy lifestyles is a priority for diabetes prevention. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate measures that can be used to assess the efficacy of behavior change interventions in this group. Method. Measures of psychosocial influences on physical activity and diet were derived from formative research and examination of established instruments. Item reduction by principal components analysis was undertaken following telephone survey administration to 160 women with recent GDM, and the internal reliability and construct validity of the derived scales were assessed. Test–retest reliability was assessed in another sample of 97 women. Results. Scales with acceptable internal reliability were developed for physical activity outcome expectancies (α = .82), perceived barriers (α = .75), encouragement (α = .76) and self-efficacy (α = .82), weight control attitudes (α = .90), and diabetes-related fear (α = .70). Construct validity in relation to physical activity participation was found for the encouragement and self-efficacy scales. The weight control attitudes scale showed construct validity in relation to fruit and vegetable intake. The test–retest reliability of most scales was moderate to good (weighted κ = 0.55-0.69). Conclusion. Reliable and valid measures relevant to the psychosocial needs of women with GDM have been developed with a multiethnic population. These will assist future evidence generation, particularly in relation to the adoption of physical activity, which has been a challenging area of lifestyle intervention to date.
Effects of a Self-Directed Nutrition Intervention Among Adults With Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Baruth Meghan , Wilcox Sara , Jake-Schoffman Danielle E. , Schlaff Rebecca A. , Goldufsky Tatum M.
Published: June 2017

Chronic diseases are common among adults. A healthy diet may be beneficial for managing the consequences of such conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a self-directed nutrition program on dietary behaviors among adults with chronic health conditions. As part of a larger trial examining the effects of a self-directed exercise program, participants with arthritis were randomized to a 12-week self-directed exercise or nutrition intervention. Self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption, fat- and fiber-related behaviors were assessed at baseline, 12 weeks, and 9 months. Repeated measures analyses of covariance examined Group × Time changes in dietary behaviors. Effect sizes were computed. Participants ( n = 321) were, on average, 56.5 ± 10.5 years old, had a mean body mass index of 32.9 ± 8.3 kg/m2, and had 2.0 ± 1.0 chronic health conditions; 88% were female, 65% White, 88% had at least some college education, and 62% married. There were significant Group × Time interactions favoring the nutrition group at 12 weeks for all dietary behaviors ( p < .05) but not at 9 months. Between-group effect sizes were small at 12 weeks and decreased at 9 months. Within-group effect sizes were larger for the nutrition group (small to medium) than the exercise group (none to small) at both time points. A self-directed nutrition intervention can result in meaningful improvements in dietary behaviors among adults with chronic health conditions in the short term.
Community Health Workers and Use of mHealth: Improving Identification of Pregnancy Complications and Access to Care in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Bonnell Susan , Griggs Anne , Avila Gloria , Mack Jonathan , Bush Ruth A. , Vignato Julie , Connelly Cynthia D.
Published: June 2017

This article presents the feasibility and acceptability of using mobile health technology by community health workers (CHWs) in San Juan Province, Dominican Republic, to improve identification of pregnancy complications and access to care for pregnant women. Although most women in the Dominican Republic receive four antenatal care visits, poor women and adolescents in remote areas are more likely to have only one initial prenatal visit to verify the pregnancy. This community-based research began when community leaders raised concern about the numbers of their mothers who died in childbirth annually; San Juan’s maternal mortality rate is 144/100,000 compared to the Caribbean rate of 85/100,000. Eight CHWs in three communities were taught to provide third-trimester antenatal assessment, upload the data on a mobile phone application, send the data to the local physician who monitored data for “red flags,” and call directly if a mother had an urgent problem. Fifty-two pregnant women enrolled, 38 were followed to delivery, 95 antenatal care postintake were provided, 2 urgent complications required CHW home management of mothers, and there were 0 deaths. Stakeholders endorsed acceptability of intervention. Preliminary data suggest CHWs using mobile health technology is feasible, linking underserved and formal health care systems with provision of primary care in mothers’ homes.
Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence in Ghana
Authors: Issahaku Paul Alhassan
Published: June 2017

This study bridges a knowledge gap in existing literature by investigating correlates of male perpetrated intimate partner violence in Ghana. Based on a review of literature, it was hypothesized that some sociodemographic factors would be associated with the experience of male perpetrated physical, psychological, and sexual intimate violence in Ghana. To examine this hypothesis, data were collected from a convenience but nonreferral sample of 443 women, using a structured instrument. Descriptive statistics showed that 27%, 62%, and 34% of the sample, respectively, had experienced past-year physical, psychological, and sexual violence. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, using some 15 sociodemographic factors as predictors. The analyses showed that women in rural settings had 1.71 and 2.20 times the odds of experiencing psychological and physical violence, respectively; women who were younger than their husbands had 2.67 and 5.71 times the odds of experiencing psychological and sexual violence, respectively; women whose husbands were unemployed had 2.41 and 2.58 times the odds of experiencing psychological and physical violence, respectively; women whose husbands had nonmarital sexual partners had 2.10 and 2.33 times the odds of experiencing psychological and physical violence, respectively; women who rated their health as good had 2.10 and 2.39 times the odds of experiencing psychological and sexual violence, respectively; and women whose husbands did not appreciate them had 2.22 and 2.57 times the odds of experiencing physical and sexual violence, respectively. Low education and polygamous marriage were also related to psychological violence. Policy and practice implications of the findings are discussed.
Mapping a Mentoring Roadmap and Developing a Supportive Network for Strategic Career Advancement
Authors: Montgomery Beronda L.
Published: June 2017

This article presents a proactive, individual-centered mentoring model which meets a recognized need for defined, practical methods for supporting comprehensive career planning and strategic development grounded in personal career aspirations. The developed model consists of a mentoring roadmap charting process and construction of a developmental mentoring network based on an integrative literature review of successful mentoring practices and adaptation of tested methods for retrospective analyses of effective mentoring. The mentoring roadmap concept encompasses the following steps: (a) self-reflection, (b) establishment of mentor–mentee relationship(s), (c) maintenance of mentoring relationships, and (d) advancing in mentoring relationship(s). To support strategic advancement along a defined mentoring roadmap and toward attainment of individual goals, the identification and cultivation of a broad collection of mentoring resources or mentors (i.e., nodes) and the relationships (i.e., edges) which connect these nodes in an effective mentoring network topology are discussed. The mentoring roadmap and network model is proposed as complementary to top-down or formal organizational mentoring interventions and as effective for short- and long-term career development planning as a self-guided assessment or mentor-engaged tool to support individuals seeking mentoring.
“They’ll Go with the Lighter”: Tri-racial Aesthetic Labor in Clothing Retail
Authors: Walters Kyla
Published: June 2017

The clothing retail industry demands the performance of aesthetic labor, whereby visible employees embody a store’s desired “look.” Scholars currently understand this labor process as focused on extracting gender, sexual, and class dimensions of worker appearances to promote the company brand. Drawing on 55 interviews with U.S. clothing retail workers, the author argues that racial dynamics of this job create a tri-racial aesthetic labor process that promotes White-dominant beauty standards and exoticizes certain phenotypical forms of racial difference. Clothing retail managers often select and reward White workers, while using lighter-skinned and sometimes racially ambiguous looking Asian, Black, Hispanic, and multiracial workers to carefully diversify brand representations. Darker-skinned Black women appear to experience exclusion, devaluation, and alienation in their performance of aesthetic labor.
Targeting chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells with the hypoxia-inducible factor inhibitor acriflavine
Authors: Cheloni Giulia , Tanturli Michele , Tusa Ignazia , Ho DeSouza Ngoc , Shan Yi , Gozzini Antonella , Mazurier Fréderic , Rovida Elisabetta , Li Shaoguang , Dello Sbarba Persio
Published: June 2017

Key Points

The HIF inhibitor ACF suppresses TKI-insensitive CML stem cells. The FDA-approved drug ACF may represent a novel treatment to prevent CML relapse and, in combination with TKIs, improve remission.
Genome editing of factor X in zebrafish reveals unexpected tolerance of severe defects in the common pathway
Authors: Hu Zhilian , Liu Yang , Huarng Michael C. , Menegatti Marzia , Reyon Deepak , Rost Megan S. , Norris Zachary G. , Richter Catherine E. , Stapleton Alexandra N. , Chi Neil C. , Peyvandi Flora , Joung J. Keith , Shavit Jordan A.
Published: June 2017

Key Points

Deficiency of coagulation factor X in zebrafish results in a severe hemostatic defect that is surprisingly well-tolerated until adulthood. In vivo analysis of human mutations in zebrafish identifies variants underlying symptomatic factor X deficiency.
Gene correction of HAX1 reversed Kostmann disease phenotype in patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Pittermann Erik , Lachmann Nico , MacLean Glenn , Emmrich Stephan , Ackermann Mania , Göhring Gudrun , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Welte Karl , Schambach Axel , Heckl Dirk , Orkin Stuart H. , Cantz Tobias , Klusmann Jan-Henning
Published: June 2017

Key Points

HAX1 W44X -iPSCs recapitulate Kostmann disease phenotype in vitro. Genetic in situ correction of iPSCs reveals a dysregulated HAX1 and HCLS1-centered interaction network in Kostmann disease.
Recovering temporal PSF using ToF camera with delayed light emission
Authors: Kitano Kazuya , Okamoto Takanori , Tanaka Kenichiro , Aoto Takahito , Kubo Hiroyuki , Funatomi Takuya , Mukaigawa Yasuhiro
Published: June 2017

Recovering temporal point spread functions (PSFs) is important for various applications, especially analyzing light transport. Some methods that use amplitude-modulated continuous wave time-of-flight (ToF) cameras are proposed to recover temporal PSFs, where the resolution is several nanoseconds. Contrarily, we show in this paper that sub-nanosecond resolution can be achieved using pulsed ToF cameras and an additional circuit. A circuit is inserted before the illumination so that the emission delay can be controlled by sub-nanoseconds. From the observations of various delay settings, we recover temporal PSFs of the sub-nanosecond resolution. We confirm the effectiveness of our method via real-world experiments.
How Do You Like Your Science, Wet or Dry? How Two Lab Experiences Influence Student Understanding of Science Concepts and Perceptions of Authentic Scientific Practice
Authors: Munn Maureen , Knuth Randy , Van Horne Katie , Shouse Andrew W. , Levias Sheldon
Published: June 2017

This study examines how two kinds of authentic research experiences related to smoking behavior—genotyping human DNA (wet lab) and using a database to test hypotheses about factors that affect smoking behavior (dry lab)—influence students’ perceptions and understanding of scientific research and related science concepts. The study used pre and post surveys and a focus group protocol to compare students who conducted the research experiences in one of two sequences: genotyping before database and database before genotyping. Students rated the genotyping experiment to be more like real science than the database experiment, in spite of the fact that they associated more scientific tasks with the database experience than genotyping. Independent of the order of completing the labs, students showed gains in their understanding of science concepts after completion of the two experiences. There was little change in students’ attitudes toward science pre to post, as measured by the Scientific Attitude Inventory II. However, on the basis of their responses during focus groups, students developed more sophisticated views about the practices and nature of science after they had completed both research experiences, independent of the order in which they experienced them.
Novel Circulations: Old Acquaintance, Rich and Famous, La Flor de Mi Secreto
Authors: Hardie Melissa
Published: June 2017

Across three women's films, the status of the literary novel in the midst of changing media environments is melodramatically plotted through the figure of “old acquaintance.” Vincent Sherman's 1943 Old Acquaintance pits the meager output of celebrated writer Katherine “Kit” Marlowe (Bette Davis) against the stream of popular, lowbrow novels written by her friend Millie Drake (Miriam Hopkins). This contest of literary style and production is closely adapted in George Cukor's 1981 film Rich and Famous. In Pedro Almodóvar's 1995 La flor de mi secreto, friction between literary styles and markets is subdued through melodrama's focus on affective rather than taste-making practices, appearing as a viable metaphor of the fate of book-objects in a zero-sum marketplace. This article focuses on Rich and Famous, which explores the question of affinity between women, lowbrow and highbrow, and the fate of the novel circa 1980. The particular and volatile experience of “alikeness” that founds friendship and the possibility that literary value is volatile—that high- and lowbrow are alike—are imagined in its nuanced representation of what Ronald Britton termed “publication anxiety” and in its use of cinematic space to stage the possibility of amicable if incongruous contemporaneity.
Defective Hand1 phosphoregulation uncovers essential roles for Hand1 in limb morphogenesis
Authors: Firulli Beth A. , Milliar Hannah , Toolan Kevin P. , Harkin Jade , Fuchs Robyn K. , Robling Alex G. , Firulli Anthony B.
Published: June 2017

The morphogenesis of the vertebrate limbs is a complex process where cell signaling and transcriptional regulation coordinate diverse structural adaptations across species. In this study, we examine the consequences of altering Hand1 dimer choice regulation within the developing vertebrate limbs. Although Hand1 deletion via the limb-specific Prx1-Cre reveals a non-essential role for Hand1 in limb morphogenesis, altering Hand1 phosphoregulation, and consequently Hand1 dimerization affinities, results in a severe truncation of anterior-proximal limb elements. Molecular analysis reveals a non-cell autonomous mechanism that causes widespread cell death within embryonic limb bud. In addition, we observe changes in proximal anterior gene regulation including a reduction in the expression of Irx3&5, Gli3, and Alx4, all of which are upregulated in Hand2 limb conditional knockouts. A reduction of Hand2 and Shh gene dosage improves the integrity of anterior limb structures validating this proposed mechanism.
Incompatibility between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes during oogenesis results in ovarian failure and embryonic lethality
Authors: Zhang Chunyang , Montooth Kristi L. , Calvi Brian R.
Published: June 2017

Mitochondrial dysfunction can cause female infertility. An important remaining question is the extent to which incompatibility between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes contributes to female infertility. It was previously shown that a mitochondrial haplotype from D. simulans (simw501) is incompatible with a nuclear genome from the D. melanogaster strain Oregon-R (OreR), resulting in impaired development, which was enhanced at higher temperature. This mito-nuclear incompatibility is between alleles of the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial tyrosyl- tRNA synthetase (Aatm) and the mitochondrial-encoded tyrosyl-tRNA that it aminoacylates. Here, we show that this mito-nuclear incompatibility causes a severe temperature-sensitive female infertility. The OreR nuclear genome contributed to death of ovarian germline stem cells and reduced egg production, which was further enhanced by the incompatibility with simw501 mitochondria. Mito-nuclear incompatibility also resulted in aberrant egg morphology and a maternal-effect on embryonic chromosome segregation and survival, which was completely dependent on the temperature and mito-nuclear genotype of the mother. Our findings show that maternal mito-nuclear incompatibility during Drosophila oogenesis has severe consequences for egg production and embryonic survival, with important broader relevance to human female infertility and mitochondrial replacement therapy.
Substrate stiffness-dependent regulation of the SRF−Mkl1 co-activator complex requires the inner nuclear membrane protein Emerin
Authors: Willer Margaret K. , Carroll Christopher W.
Published: June 2017

The complex comprising serum response factor (SRF) and megakaryoblastic leukemia 1 protein (Mkl1) promotes myofibroblast differentiation during wound healing. SRF−Mkl1 is sensitive to the mechanical properties of the extracellular environment; but how cells sense and transduce mechanical cues to modulate SRF−Mkl1-dependent gene expression is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that the nuclear lamina-associated inner nuclear membrane protein Emerin stimulates SRF−Mkl1-dependent gene activity in a substrate stiffness-dependent manner. Specifically, Emerin was required for Mkl1 nuclear accumulation and maximal SRF−Mkl1-dependent gene expression in response to serum stimulation of cells grown on stiff substrates but was dispensable on more compliant substrates. Focal adhesion area was also reduced in cells lacking Emerin, consistent with a role for Emerin in sensing substrate stiffness. Expression of a constitutively active form of Mkl1 bypassed the requirement for Emerin in SRF−Mkl1-dependent gene expression and reversed the focal adhesion defects evident in EmdKO fibroblasts. Together, these data indicate that Emerin, a conserved nuclear lamina protein, couples extracellular matrix mechanics and SRF−Mkl1-dependent transcription.
Redox regulation of the yeast voltage-gated Ca2+ channel homolog Cch1p by glutathionylation of specific cysteine residues
Authors: Chandel Avinash , Bachhawat Anand K.
Published: June 2017

Cch1p, the yeast homolog of the pore-forming subunit α1 of the mammalian voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (VGCC), is located on the plasma membrane and mediates the redox-dependent influx of Ca2+. Cch1p is known to undergo both rapid activation (after oxidative stress and or a change to high pH) and slow activation (after ER stress and mating pheromone activation), but the mechanism of activation is not known. We demonstrate here that both the fast activation (exposure to pH 8–8.5 or treatment with H2O2) and the slow activation (treatment with tunicamycin or α-factor) are mediated through a common redox-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, through mutational analysis of all 18 exposed cysteine residues in the Cch1p protein, we show that the four mutants C587A, C606A, C636A and C642A, which are clustered together in a common cytoplasmic loop region, were functionally defective for both fast and slow activations, and also showed reduced glutathionylation. These four cysteine residues are also conserved across phyla, suggesting a conserved mechanism of activation. Investigations into the enzymes involved in the activation reveal that the yeast glutathione S-transferase Gtt1p is involved in the glutathionylation of Cch1p, while the thioredoxin Trx2p plays a role in the Cch1p deglutathionylation.
Contraction-induced enhancement of relaxation during high force contractions of mouse lumbrical muscle at 37°C
Authors: Smith Ian C. , Vandenboom Rene , Tupling A. Russell
Published: June 2017

Repeated stimulation of unfatigued rodent fast twitch skeletal muscle accelerates the kinetics of tension relaxation through an unknown mechanism. This effect varies with muscle type and stimulation parameters, and has been observed at physiological temperatures for submaximal but not maximal contractions. The purpose of this study was to compare relaxation kinetics of C57BL/6 mouse lumbrical muscles ex vivo from maximal isometric force (500 Hz for 20 ms) when evoked before (Pre) and after (Post) an intervening tetanic contraction at 37°C. During Post contractions we noted significant increases in the rate of tension decline during both the slow linear phase and the fast exponential phase of relaxation, as well as a reduced duration of the slow phase of relaxation compared to Pre (all P<0.05). This is the first demonstration of enhanced slow and fast relaxation phases from maximal isometric tension induced by prior stimulation in intact muscle at a physiological temperature.
Identification of an optimized 2′-O-methylated trinucleotide RNA motif inhibiting Toll-like receptors 7 and 8
Authors: Schmitt Felix C.F. , Freund Isabel , Weigand Markus A. , Helm Mark , Dalpke Alexander H. , Eigenbrod Tatjana
Published: June 2017

Bacterial RNA serves an important function as activator of the innate immune system. In humans bacterial RNA is sensed by the endosomal receptors TLR7 and TLR8. Differences in the posttranscriptional modification profile of prokaryotic when compared with eukaryotic RNA allow innate immune cells to discriminate between “host” and “foreign” RNA. Ribose 2′-O-methylation is of particular importance and has been reported to antagonize TLR7/8 activation. Yet, the exact sequence context in which 2′-O-methylation has to occur to mediate its inhibitory activity remains largely undefined. On the basis of a naturally occurring 2′-O-methylated RNA sequence, we performed a systematic permutation of the methylated nucleotide as well as adjacent bases and hereby identify two minimal trinucleotide motifs within a 9-mer oligoribonucleotide that are necessary and sufficient to antagonize TLR7 and TLR8 activation, respectively. Given the growing interest in the development of inhibitors of nucleic acid-sensing TLRs for therapeutic purposes, these results will facilitate the rational design of such antagonists in the future.
Making nomenclature governance more inclusive through virtual attendance and electronic voting at the Nomenclature Section of an International Botanical Congress
Authors: Landrum Leslie R. , Demissew Sebsebe , Fortunato Renée , Freire-Fierro Alina , Moore Gerry , Parra-O. Carlos , Rico Arce Lourdes , Smith Gideon F.
Published: June 2017

Participating in, and voting at, the Nomenclature Section of an International Botanical Congress is neither simple nor easily affordable. The technology of virtual meeting attendance and electronic voting should presently be sufficient to allow people from around the world to participate in the Nomenclature Section and thus make the process of nomenclature governance more inclusive and democratic.
ELEMENTARY PUPILS’ ASSOCIATIVE THINKING DEVELOPMENT PATHS WHEN STUDYING RUSSIAN ORTHOGRAPHY
Authors: Тимошенко  , Timoshenko Elena
Published: June 2017

The article discovers some development paths of associative thinking of elementary pupils when mastering orthographic skills. The roles of pupils and teacher are underlined. The author studies special features of associative links creation.