bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Exercise is Medicine Canada on Campus Groups
Authors: McEachern Brittany M. , Jackson Julia , Yungblut Susan , Tomasone Jennifer R.
Published: February 2019

The Exercise is Medicine Canada on Campus (EIMC-OC) program was established in 2013 to provide opportunities for students to promote physical activity in their campus communities. Currently, 38 EIMC-OC groups are in operation, and each has encountered challenges and enablers that have yet to be formally documented. This project aimed to (1) identify barriers and facilitators when implementing an EIMC-OC group and (2) investigate levels of implementation at which the barriers and facilitators operate. Throughout winter 2016, 22 EIMC-OC group leaders representing 12 groups contributed data. Participants completed a survey and a semistructured interview developed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interviews were transcribed and underwent thematic analysis. Eighteen barriers and 24 facilitators were identified, with four influencers cited as both a barrier and a facilitator. Common barriers included group member time constraints and communicating with health care professionals. Common facilitators included collaborating with other groups and advertising. Most influencers corresponded to the inner setting and process CFIR domains. Findings from this study suggest that EIMC-OC groups face similar barriers and facilitators despite varying local contexts. The influencers identified highlight recommendations to enhance the success of the EIMC-OC program and other multisite health initiatives at academic institutions.
Plasma microRNAs Predict Chemoresistance in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Shao Bin , Wang Xiaoxia , Zhang Lei , Li Deyu , Liu Xiaoran , Song Guohong , Cao Huiqing , Zhu Jun , Li Huiping
Published: February 2019

Background: MicroRNAs contribute to chemotherapy response in different types of cancer. We hypothesized that plasma miRNAs are potentially associated with chemotherapy response in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Patients and Methods: Fourteen candidate microRNAs were chosen from the literature, and their plasma levels were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Forty metastatic breast cancer patients were chosen as the training groups. The potential significant microRNAs were validated in another 103 plasma samples. Results: In the training set, we identified 3 microRNAs (miR-200a, miR-210, and miR-451) as significantly dysregulated miRNAs between sensitive group (partial response (and stable disease) and resistant group (progressive disease). Then, in the validation set, miR-200a (area under the curve = 0.881, sensitivity = 94.1%, specificity = 76.7%) and miR-210 (area under the curve = 0.851, sensitivity = 88.2%, specificity = 72.1%) showed high diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing sensitive group from resistant group. Furthermore, the plasma level of miR-200a was significantly associated with the stage in surgery ( P = .035), and the high level of miR-210 expression was associated with internal organ metastasis (liver, lung, and brain; P = .024). Conclusions: Plasma miR-200a and miR-210 could be effective biomarkers for the prediction of chemotherapy resistance in metastatic breast cancer patients.
Variation in Surgeons’ Requests for General Anesthesia When Scheduling Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Harris Alex H. S. , Meerwijk Esther L. , Kamal Robin N. , Sears Erika D. , Hawn Mary , Eisenberg Dan , Finlay Andrea K. , Hagedorn Hildi , Marshall Nell , Mudumbai Seshadri C.
Published: February 2019

Background: Carpal tunnel release (CTR) can be performed with a variety of anesthesia techniques. General anesthesia is associated with higher risk profile and increased resource utilization, suggesting it should not be routinely used for CTR. The purpose of this study was to examine the patient factors associated with surgeons’ requests for general anesthesia for CTR and the frequency of routine use of general anesthesia by Veterans Health Administration (VHA) surgeons and facilities. Methods: National VHA data for fiscal years 2015 and 2017 were used to identify patients receiving CTR. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to evaluate patient, procedure, and surgeon factors associated with requests by the surgeon for general anesthesia versus other anesthesia techniques. Results: In all, 18 145 patients underwent CTR performed by 780 surgeons in 113 VHA facilities. Overall, there were 2218 (12.2%) requests for general anesthesia. Although some patient (eg, older age, obesity), procedure (eg, open vs endoscopic), and surgeon (eg, higher volume) factors were associated with lower odds of requests for general anesthesia, there was substantial facility- and surgeon-level variability. The percentage of patients with general anesthesia requested ranged from 0% to 100% across surgeons. Three facilities and 28 surgeons who performed at least 5 CTRs requested general anesthesia for more than 75% of patients. Conclusions: Where CTR is performed and by whom appear to influence requests for general anesthesia more than patient factors in this study. Avoidance of routine use of general anesthesia for CTR should be considered in future clinical practice guidelines and quality measures.
Drawing Careers: The Value of a Biographical Mapping Method in Qualitative Health Research
Authors: Schubring Astrid , Mayer Jochen , Thiel Ansgar
Published: February 2019

Narrative interviews are the methodological gold standard for biographical research. To facilitate memory work in interviewees, qualitative researchers increasingly fuse interviewing with visual elicitation strategies. In this article, we advance the integration of methods by introducing a graphic elicitation strategy that allows interviewees to map biographical developments and critical health experiences, in addition to verbalizing them. The biographical mapping approach was originally developed for a research project on adolescents’ health and illness experiences in elite sport but lends itself to qualitative biographical research in general. Using case material, we first demonstrate how the mapping process helps interviewees to recall past episodes and to produce more detailed biographical data. Second, we describe how the depth of focus in the biographical drawing and interview data allows researchers to identify biographical turning points and to analyze interactions between context, life events, and health in a unique way. By visualizing different strands of development, the elicited drawings also hold heuristic value, as they show the nonlinearity and multidimensionality of biographical developments.
Co-designing Services for Youth With Mental Health Issues: Novel Elicitation Approaches
Authors: Mulvale Gillian , Moll Sandra , Miatello Ashleigh , Murray-Leung Louise , Rogerson Karlie , Sassi Roberto B.
Published: February 2019

Experience-based co-design (EBCD) is an innovative, evidence-based approach to health and social system change based on principles of participatory action research, narrative and learning theory, and design thinking. Unique elicitation strategies such as experience mapping, trigger videos, and prototype development are used in EBCD to engage service users and service providers in a collaborative process of identifying touchpoints and solutions to system-level problems. In this article, we present findings from interviewing a purposeful sample of 18 participants (4 youth, 6 service providers, 6 family members, and 2 employers) across three co-design projects designed to address either mental health or employment services for youth (aged 16–24) with mental health issues in one urban center. Through interviewing participants, perceptions were explored relating to three elicitation techniques: creating experience maps, creating and viewing trigger videos, and co-designing visual “prototype” solutions. Analysis of participants’ comments indicated that these techniques can be powerful tools to foster mutual understanding and collaborative ideas, but they require a social, spatial, and temporal context that optimizes their value. A “safe space” is needed within which the essential elements of elicitation—building trust, finding voice, sharing perspectives, and creating a common vision—can occur. Three core, overlapping processes of co-design elicitation were identified: “building common perspectives,” “building mutual understanding,” and “building innovation.” We present a conceptual framework depicting the interplay of processes and elicitation techniques, essential to building mutual understanding and innovation during the EBCD process.
Dollars do not determine detection: Monetary value associated with unexpected objects does not affect the likelihood of inattentional blindness
Authors: Redlich Dennis , Schnuerch Robert , Memmert Daniel , Kreitz Carina
Published: February 2019

Conscious perception often fails when an object appears unexpectedly and our attention is focused elsewhere (inattentional blindness). Although various factors have been identified that modulate the likelihood of this failure of awareness, it is not clear whether the monetary reward value associated with an object can affect whether or not this object is detected under conditions of inattention. We hypothesised that unexpectedly appearing objects that contain a feature linked to high value, as established via reward learning in a previous task, would subsequently be detected more frequently than objects containing a feature linked to low value. A total of 537 participants first learned the association between a perceptual feature (colour) and subsequent reward values (high, low, or none reward). Afterwards, participants were randomly assigned to a static (Experiment 1) or dynamic (Experiment 2) inattentional blindness task including an unexpected object associated with high, low, or none reward. However, no significant effect of the previously learned value on the subsequent likelihood of detection was observed. We speculate that artificial monetary value, which is known to affect attentional capture, is not strong enough to determine whether or not an object is consciously perceived.
Use of learning frames in climate change communication: A study of organizations in Latin America
Authors: Viteri Fatima , Takahashi Bruno
Published: February 2019

Differences in climate change learning frames (from a pedagogical perspective) between member state government (or official), non-governmental, financial and technical assistance, and network organizations are herein examined as these constitute important sources of information in Latin America but are largely disregarded in the climate change communication literature. A mainly quantitative approach through content analysis of 55 texts published in 2014 showed emphasis on the problematization of climate change by most organizations. Also, analysis showed that learning frames found in texts may promote only descriptive knowledge acquisition with no significant differences overall. There is a limited use of the affordances of online platforms for better textured stories and services that encourage readers' improved learning.
Alectinib in the treatment of ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: clinical trial evidence and experience with a focus on brain metastases
Authors: Tomasini Pascale , Egea Julie , Souquet-Bressand Maxime , Greillier Laurent , Barlesi Fabrice
Published: February 2019

Molecular profiling of metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is required to guide the treatment strategy. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK) gene rearrangements are found in approximately 5% of lung adenocarcinomas and are associated with specific clinical features including a high risk of brain metastases. Crizotinib was the first ALK inhibitor developed and it demonstrated improved outcomes in patients with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC in comparison with chemotherapy. However, despite an initial response, all ALK-positive NSCLC patients develop acquired resistance to crizotinib. Because the most frequent mechanism of resistance is the development of a secondary ALK mutation, second (ceritinib, alectinib, brigatinib) and third-generation (lorlatinib) ALK inhibitors were developed. Alectinib is a second-generation ALK inhibitor and was shown to be effective for a broad spectrum of ALK rearrangements and ALK mutations. It was also shown to have high intracranial efficacy. In this article, we review clinical trial evidence of alectinib efficacy as well as publications reporting the experience of alectinib in daily practice, with a focus on brain metastases.
Impaired quality of life and diabetic foot disease in Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: AlSadrah Sana A
Published: February 2019

Objectives:

This study aimed to assess the overall health-related quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic foot disease compared to diabetic patients without diabetic foot and to identify the clinical utility of this assessment.

Methods:

A total of 250 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (100/150 with/without diabetic foot, respectively) were interviewed. The questionnaires of the 36-item short-form survey and region-specific foot and ankle ability measure were applied. Wagner–Meggitt wound classification was used for foot-ulcer evaluation. Follow-up of patients for 3–6 weeks was done to identify the potential clinical short outcomes of diabetic foot ulcers.

Results:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic foot exhibited poor mental and physical health consequences. Females had more prevalence of forefoot lesions, larger ulcer size, advanced Wagner grade, and higher frequency of unhealed ulcers. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated high value of foot and ankle ability measure and 36-item short-form questionnaires to discriminate type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with and without diabetic foot at cutoff values of 66 and 49.6, respectively. Foot and ankle ability measure questionnaire also showed high performance for differentiating the clinical outcome of foot ulcer. Total foot and ankle ability measure subscale score above the cutoff value of 65.5 could discriminate patients with complete healing and unhealed ulcer lesions at a high sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion:

The current findings confirm the impact of diabetic foot disease on type 2 diabetes mellitus overall health-related quality of life reflected in 36-item short-form questionnaire and foot and ankle ability measure questionnaire which showed high discriminative values for type 2 diabetes mellitus patient sub-grouping. Their application in routine clinical health assessment with continuous medical education programs is highly recommended to achieve a better health-related quality of life.
Salmonella enterica Serotype Panama: An exceptionally virulent cause of illness in children?
Authors: Parry Stephanie M , Aldrich Aileen M , Carlson Anna V , Trotter Sarah A , Iwen Peter C , Cieslak Theodore J
Published: February 2019

Salmonella enterica serotype Panama accounts for <1% of all reported cases of Salmonellosis. Previous reports suggest that it may be unusually virulent in children. We report the case of a family, five of six of whom developed a diarrheal illness due to this organism following exposure during a trip to Costa Rica. Included among these patients were three children, all of whom developed clinical shock requiring aggressive fluid resuscitation, and all of whom ultimately recovered. DNA fingerprinting, using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, demonstrated that all three children were infected with an identical strain of Salmonella. Moreover, this strain was unique among strains recovered in Nebraska. Clinicians should be aware of the propensity of Salmonella enterica serotype Panama to cause especially severe disease in children; laboratory personnel should be aware of the unique need for thiourea buffering when attempting to perform pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis on such strains.
A Survey Study of Self-Rated Patients’ Knowledge About AKI in a Post-Discharge AKI Clinic
Authors: Ortiz-Soriano Victor , Alcorn Joseph L. , Li Xilong , Elias Madona , Ayach Taha , Sawaya B. Peter , Malluche Hartmut H. , Wald Ron , Silver Samuel A. , Neyra Javier A.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Survivors of acute kidney injury (AKI) are at risk of adverse outcomes. Post-discharge nephrology care may improve patients’ AKI knowledge and prevent post-AKI complications.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine patients’ awareness about their AKI diagnosis and self-rated knowledge and severity of AKI before and after their first post-discharge AKI Clinic encounter.

Design:

We conducted a pre- and post-survey study among AKI survivors who attended a post-discharge AKI Clinic.

Setting:

AKI Clinic at the University of Kentucky Medical Center (October 2016 to December 2017). Education about AKI was based on transformative learning theory and provided through printed materials and interdisciplinary interactions between patients/caregivers and nurses, pharmacists, and nephrologists.

Patients:

A total of 104 patients completed the survey and were included in the analysis.

Measurements:

Three survey questions were administered before and after the first AKI Clinic encounter: Question 1 (yes-no) for awareness, and questions 2 and 3 (Likert scale, 1 = lowest to 5 = highest) for self-rated knowledge and severity of AKI.

Methods:

Two mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for between-group (AKI severity) and within-group (pre- and post-encounter) comparisons. Logistic regression was used to examine parameters associated with the within-group change in self-perceived knowledge.

Results:

Twenty-two out of 104 (21%) patients were not aware of their AKI diagnosis before the clinic encounter. Patients’ self-ratings of their AKI knowledge significantly increased after the first AKI Clinic encounter (mean ± SEM: pre-visit = 1.94 ± 0.12 to post-visit = 3.88 ± 0.09, P = .001), even after adjustment for age, gender, Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) severity stage, or poverty level. Patients with AKI stage 3 self-rated their AKI as more severe than patients with AKI stage 1 or 2.

Limitations:

Our study population may not be representative of the general AKI survivor population. Administered surveys are subject to response-shift bias.

Conclusions:

Patients’ self-perceived knowledge about AKI significantly increased following the first post-discharge AKI Clinic encounter that included interdisciplinary education. This is the first survey study examining self-perceived AKI knowledge in AKI survivors. Further examination of AKI literacy in survivors of AKI and its effect on post-AKI outcomes is needed.

Trial registration:

Not applicable.
Buyback Announcement and Its Impact on Shareholders’ Wealth: A Study on Bombay Stock Exchange
Authors: Pradhan Subhendu Kumar , Kasilingam R.
Published: February 2019

Buyback announcement is a programme through which companies buy back its own shares from the public due to many reasons such as undervaluation of share, market situation, lack of investment opportunity and so on. In fact, it may affect the share price movement and company’s performance. In the last couple of years, there is a significant increase of funds offered for buyback in the Indian capital market. Therefore, the study attempts to find out its impact on shareholders’ wealth. To know this impact, buyback announcement are analysed industry-wise using companies of BSE 500 index. The samples are selected based on prescribed criteria made by the researcher which are exclusively related to the number of times buyback programmes are announced by companies under a particular industry. The study analyses the share price movement of sampled companies for 30 days before and 30 days after the announcement. The market adjusted model is used to calculate the abnormal returns (AR). The statistical tools such as paired sample t-test and analysis of variance are used for the analysis. The study concludes that buyback affects the share price of health care industry, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, chemical and petrochemical industry, capital goods industry and finance industry, but it is not applicable to other industries such as agriculture industry and transport equipment industry, which are not significant. The reasons behind this may be the size of the buyback offer, mode of the buyback offer and market situation. The study also concludes that AR earned by the investors are not different according to the nature of the industries. This study proves that buyback announcement is irrelevant to shareholders’ wealth.
Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections—Decision-Making Process in Complex Patients: Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Mohammedzein Assad , Mozumder Aaisha , Milton Scott
Published: February 2019

Cardiac implantable electronic devices infections are becoming increasingly frequent with more of these devices being implanted in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. They carry high morbidity and mortality if not treated promptly, which often entails removal of the entire system. Early recognition is paramount, and a multidisciplinary team is required. In this case report, we go through unique and challenging presentations of such patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices–related issues who presented to our institution, and we describe individual approaches to management and review the literature.
Piecing the Patient Story Back Together: Why the Patient and Caregiver Contribution Matters
Authors: Papautsky Elizabeth Lerner
Published: February 2019

Clinicians make decisions based on a large and complex patient information space in time pressured situations. Through continuity, experience, and privileged knowledge, the patient and caregiver(s) are in a position to support clinician decisionmaking through information delivery. For example, they may make salient relevant information or provide an integrated patient story to help clinicians overcome challenges of making decisions based on incomplete information. Recommendations of engaging patient/caregiver(s) include fostering a culture of listening by clinicians, speaking up by patient/caregiver(s), effective patient education and health information technology, and family-centered rounding and hand-offs. Using a lived experience, I illustrate the value of the potential impact of caregiver’s informational contribution to patient safety.
The Critical Aspects of Value Migration from Volatile Business Models in the Digital Economy
Authors: Jabłoński Marek
Published: February 2019

Value is interdisciplinary and, in a broader context, is responsible for forming and bonding the expected configuration of the business model. A business model may allow for capturing value or losing it through inconsistency. It can capture value from customers and other stakeholders, such as investors. If a business model is consistent, then stakeholders believe in it and it attracts value. In practice, many business models are volatile, that is, unstable and highly susceptible to many factors, which make them incapable of ensuring success. This issue is an important area of scientific exploration, inasmuch as the issue of the volatility of business models and the associated negative consequences, in particular the migration of value, have been discussed to a limited extent. The article discusses the volatility of business models and its impact on value migration. Research into the volatility of companies operating in the digital economy listed on the alternative market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange has been presented. Key factors responsible for the volatility of business models of the companies surveyed have been shown in the context of value migration.
Relational governance, distributed agency and the unfolding of movements, habits and environments: Parking practices and regulations in England
Authors: Merriman Peter
Published: February 2019

This paper argues that practices and technologies of relational governance are central to the everyday and mundane ways in which local and national governments try to reshape the behaviour, habits, actions and movements of ordinary citizens. While behaviour change theories may acknowledge the role of material technologies and environments in enabling positive behaviour change, they fail to acknowledge how actions, habits, practices and movements are multiple, emergent, distributed and relational. In this paper I argue that approaches that highlight the distributed aspects of processes of relational governance can reveal how attempts to govern and shape mobility are underpinned by environed understandings of embodied practices, habits and governmental technologies. The paper illustrates this by focussing on changing practices and policies relating to the control of parking in England since the 1950s. I examine how all manner of material things – from parking meters and traffic wardens, to parking apps and Automatic Number-Plate Recognition camera technologies – have emerged in a wide variety of attempts to influence and reshape parking habits, allowing the government of subjects ‘at-a-distance’ in more circumstantial ways through a range of political programmes, monitoring technologies and design solutions.
Successful Posterior Canal Wall Reconstruction with Tissue‐Engineered Cartilage
Authors: Ito Ken , Toma‐Hirano Makiko , Yasui Takuya
Published: February 2019

Difficulties are associated with reconstruction of middle ear bony structures in surgery for destructive lesions, including cholesteatoma. Although autologous cartilage appears to be the optimal choice because of its resistance to infection, the harvesting of sufficient volumes may be challenging. Therefore, regenerative medicine techniques to obtain sufficient material for reconstruction are awaited. We herein present a case of middle ear surgery for cholesteatoma with a sufficient volume of stick‐shaped tissue‐engineered cartilage produced from a piece of autologous auricular cartilage and autologous serum, with sufficient firmness to reconstruct bony structures. During surgery, sections of tissue‐engineered cartilage were placed side by side to reconstruct the posterior canal wall. The postoperative course was uneventful. This is the first‐in‐human report of reconstructing middle ear bony structures with tissue‐engineered cartilage. The results suggest a promising future for the satisfactory reconstruction of middle ear structures with minimal morbidity at the donor site.
Whitish-Yellow Tumor on its Characteristic Cut Surface: A Case Report of Congenital Granular Cell Epulis
Authors: Mizutani Kenichi , Mukai Munenori , Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Yamada Sohsuke
Published: February 2019

Introduction:

Congenital granular cell epulis is a rare and benign lesion in newborn. There are some papers of the entity; however, there are very few reports focusing on its macroscopic view.

Case Presentation:

A 0-day-old boy was noted to have a mass consisting of multiple nodules on maxillary gingiva, and it was excised. The mass was measured about 2 cm in its greatest diameter. Surface of cross-section was characteristically whitish-yellow and very smooth. Histopathologically, the lesion was composed of a proliferation of large polygonal cells with demarcated cell membrane, granular cytoplasm, and small uniform nuclei. Immunohistochemically, these cells were negative for S100. The diagnosis was concluded as congenital granular cell epulis.

Discussion and Conclusion:

We reported a typical case of congenital granular cell epulis. It is noteworthy that the cross-section observed in this case was very characteristically whitish-yellow and smooth.
Interdisciplinary COPD intervention in primary care: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liang Jenifer , Abramson Michael J. , Russell Grant , Holland Anne E. , Zwar Nicholas A. , Bonevski Billie , Mahal Ajay , Eustace Paula , Paul Eldho , Phillips Kirsten , Cox Narelle S. , Wilson Sally , George Johnson
Published: February 2019

We evaluated the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary, primary care-based model of care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in 43 general practices in Australia. Adults with a history of smoking and/or COPD, aged ≥40 years with two or more clinic visits in the previous year were enrolled following spirometric confirmation of COPD. The model of care comprised smoking cessation support, home medicines review (HMR) and home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (HomeBase). Main outcomes included changes in St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), dyspnoea, smoking abstinence and lung function at 6 and 12 months.

We identified 272 participants with COPD (157 intervention, 115 usual care); 49 (31%) out of 157 completed both HMR and HomeBase. Intention-to-treat analysis showed no statistically significant difference in change in SGRQ at 6 months (adjusted between-group difference 2.45 favouring intervention, 95% CI –0.89–5.79). Per protocol analyses showed clinically and statistically significant improvements in SGRQ in those receiving the full intervention compared to usual care (difference 5.22, 95% CI 0.19–10.25). No statistically significant differences were observed in change in CAT, dyspnoea, smoking abstinence or lung function.

No significant evidence was found for the effectiveness of this interdisciplinary model of care for COPD in primary care over usual care. Low uptake was a limitation.
Latent tuberculosis infection in healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries: an updated systematic review
Authors: Apriani Lika , McAllister Susan , Sharples Katrina , Alisjahbana Bachti , Ruslami Rovina , Hill Philip C. , Menzies Dick
Published: February 2019

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) and TB disease.

We conducted an updated systematic review of the prevalence and incidence of LTBI in HCWs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), associated factors, and infection control practices. We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science (January 1, 2005–June 20, 2017) for studies published in any language. We obtained pooled estimates using random effects methods and investigated heterogeneity using meta-regression.

85 studies (32 630 subjects) were included from 26 LMICs. Prevalence of a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) was 14–98% (mean 49%); prevalence of a positive interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) was 9–86% (mean 39%). Countries with TB incidence ≥300 per 100 000 had the highest prevalence (TST: pooled estimate 55%, 95% CI 41–69%; IGRA: pooled estimate 56%, 95% CI 39–73%). Annual incidence estimated from the TST was 1–38% (mean 17%); annual incidence estimated from the IGRA was 10–30% (mean 18%). The prevalence and incidence of a positive test was associated with years of work, work location, TB contact and job category. Only 15 studies reported on infection control measures in healthcare facilities, with limited implementation.

HCWs in LMICs in high TB incidence settings remain at increased risk of acquiring LTBI. There is an urgent need for robust implementation of infection control measures.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: MicroRNA-506 inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma through the inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by down-regulating LHX2
Authors: Liang Tian-Song , Zheng Ying-Juan , Wang Juan , Zhao Jing-Yi , Yang Dao-Ke , Liu Zhang-Suo
Published: February 2019

Background

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins play key roles in cancer progression and metastasis with the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs). This study aims to assess the role of miR-506 working in tandem with LIM Homeobox 2 (LHX2) in EMT and metastasis through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

Differentially expressed genes associated with NPC were screened using microarray analyses, from which LHX2 was identified. Next, the potential relationship between miR-506 and LHX2 was analyzed. In order to explore the effect of miR-506 or LHX2 on NPC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis, serials of mimics, inhibitors or siRNA against LHX2 were transfected into NPC cells. Then, the expression patterns of LHX2, Wnt1, β-catenin, E-cadherin, Vimentin, TCF4 and Twist were determined to assess the influence of miR-506 or LHX2 on EMT as well as the relationship between the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and TCF4. The tumorigenicity and lymph node metastasis (LNM) in xenograft tumors of nude mice were observed.

Results

The has-miR-506-3p was identified as the down-regulated gene in NPC based on the microarray data while LHX2 was negatively regulated by miR-506. Over-expression of miR-506 or silencing of LHK2 inhibited NPC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumorigenicity and LNM but promoted apoptosis indicated by decreased Wnt1, β-catenin, Vimentin, TCF4 and Twist expressions along with increased E-cadherin expressions.

Conclusions

miR-506 inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in NPC via inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by down-regulating LHX2, accompanied by decreased TCF4. Taken together, miR-506 targeted-inhibition LHX2 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NPC.

Trial registration

ChiCTR1800018889. Registered 15 October 2018.
Gene duplication and evolution in recurring polyploidization–diploidization cycles in plants
Authors: Qiao Xin , Li Qionghou , Yin Hao , Qi Kaijie , Li Leiting , Wang Runze , Zhang Shaoling , Paterson Andrew H.
Published: February 2019

Background

The sharp increase of plant genome and transcriptome data provide valuable resources to investigate evolutionary consequences of gene duplication in a range of taxa, and unravel common principles underlying duplicate gene retention.

Results

We survey 141 sequenced plant genomes to elucidate consequences of gene and genome duplication, processes central to the evolution of biodiversity. We develop a pipeline named DupGen_finder to identify different modes of gene duplication in plants. Genes derived from whole-genome, tandem, proximal, transposed, or dispersed duplication differ in abundance, selection pressure, expression divergence, and gene conversion rate among genomes. The number of WGD-derived duplicate genes decreases exponentially with increasing age of duplication events—transposed duplication- and dispersed duplication-derived genes declined in parallel. In contrast, the frequency of tandem and proximal duplications showed no significant decrease over time, providing a continuous supply of variants available for adaptation to continuously changing environments. Moreover, tandem and proximal duplicates experienced stronger selective pressure than genes formed by other modes and evolved toward biased functional roles involved in plant self-defense. The rate of gene conversion among WGD-derived gene pairs declined over time, peaking shortly after polyploidization. To provide a platform for accessing duplicated gene pairs in different plants, we constructed the Plant Duplicate Gene Database.

Conclusions

We identify a comprehensive landscape of different modes of gene duplication across the plant kingdom by comparing 141 genomes, which provides a solid foundation for further investigation of the dynamic evolution of duplicate genes.
Diffraction imaging of ground-penetrating radar data
Authors: Yuan Hemin , Montazeri Mahboubeh , Looms Majken C. , Nielsen Lars
Published: February 2019

Diffractions caused by, e.g., faults, fractures, and small-scale heterogeneity localized near the surface are often used in ground-penetrating radar (GPR) reflection studies to constrain the subsurface velocity distribution using simple hyperbola fitting. Interference with reflected energy makes the identification of diffractions difficult. We have tailored and applied a diffraction imaging method to improve imaging for surface reflection GPR data. Based on a plane-wave destruction algorithm, the method can separate reflections from diffractions. Thereby, a better identification of diffractions facilitates an improved determination of GPR wave velocities and an optimized migration result. We determined the potential of this approach using synthetic and field data, and, for the field study, we also compare the estimated velocity structure with crosshole GPR results. For the field data example, we find that the velocity structure estimated using the diffraction-based process correlates well with results from crosshole GPR velocity estimation. Such improved velocity estimation may have important implications for using surface reflection GPR to map, e.g., porosity for fully saturated media or soil moisture changes in partially saturated media because these physical properties depend on the dielectric permittivity and thereby also the GPR wave velocity.
Gaussian mixture Markov chain Monte Carlo method for linear seismic inversion
Authors: de Figueiredo Leandro Passos , Grana Dario , Roisenberg Mauro , Rodrigues Bruno B.
Published: February 2019

We have developed a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method for joint inversion of seismic data for the prediction of facies and elastic properties. The solution of the inverse problem is defined by the Bayesian posterior distribution of the properties of interest. The prior distribution is a Gaussian mixture model, and each component is associated to a potential configuration of the facies sequence along the seismic trace. The low frequency is incorporated by using facies-dependent depositional trend models for the prior means of the elastic properties in each facies. The posterior distribution is also a Gaussian mixture, for which the Gaussian component can be analytically computed. However, due to the high number of components of the mixture, i.e., the large number of facies configurations, the computation of the full posterior distribution is impractical. Our Gaussian mixture MCMC method allows for the calculation of the full posterior distribution by sampling the facies configurations according to the acceptance/rejection probability. The novelty of the method is the use of an MCMC framework with multimodal distributions for the description of the model properties and the facies along the entire seismic trace. Our method is tested on synthetic seismic data, applied to real seismic data, and validated using a well test.
BCL-3 promotes a cancer stem cell phenotype by enhancing β-catenin signalling in colorectal tumour cells
Authors: Legge Danny N. , Shephard Alex P. , Collard Tracey J. , Greenhough Alexander , Chambers Adam C. , Clarkson Richard W. , Paraskeva Christos , Williams Ann C.
Published: February 2019

To decrease bowel cancer incidence and improve survival, we need to understand the mechanisms that drive tumorigenesis. Recently BCL-3 (a key regulator of NF-κB signalling) has been recognised as an important oncogenic player in solid tumours. Although reported to be over-expressed in a subset of colorectal cancers (CRC), the role of BCL-3 expression in colorectal tumorigenesis remains poorly understood. Despite evidence in the literature that BCL-3 may interact with β-catenin it is perhaps surprising, given the importance of deregulated Wnt/β-catenin signalling in colorectal carcinogenesis, that the functional significance of this interactions is not known. Here we show for the first time that BCL-3 acts as a co-activator of β-catenin/TCF-mediated transcriptional activity in colorectal cancer cells and that this interaction is important for Wnt-regulated intestinal stem cell gene expression. We demonstrate that targeting BCL-3 expression (using RNA interference) reduced β-catenin/TCF-dependent transcription and the expression of intestinal stem cell genes LGR5 and ASCL2. In contrast, the expression of canonical Wnt-targets C-Myc and Cyclin D1 remained unchanged. Furthermore, we show that BCL-3 increases the functional stem cell phenotype as shown by colorectal spheroid and tumoursphere formation in 3D culture conditions.

We propose that BCL-3 acts as a driver of the stem-cell phenotype in CRC cells potentially promoting tumour cell plasticity and therapeutic resistance. As recent reports highlight the limitations of directly targeting cancer stem cells (CSC), we believe that identifying and targeting drivers of stem cell plasticity have significant potential as new therapeutic targets.
High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Erythrocyte Osmotic Deformability
Authors: HUANG YU-CHIEH , HSU CHIH-CHIN , WANG JONG-SHYAN
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Physical exercise or hypoxic exposure influences erythrocyte susceptibility to osmotic stress, and the aquaporin 1 (AQP1) facilitates the transport of water in erythrocytes. This study investigated whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) affect erythrocyte osmotic deformability by modulating AQP1 function under hypoxic stress.

Methods

Forty-five healthy sedentary males were randomized to engage in either HIIT (3-min intervals at 40% and 80% V˙O2 reserve, n = 15) or MICT (sustained 60% V˙O2 reserve, n = 15) on a bicycle ergometer for 30 min·d−1, 5 d·wk−1 for 6 wk, or to a control group that did not perform any exercise (n = 15). All subjects were analyzed with osmotic gradient ektacytometry for assessing erythrocyte membrane stability and osmotic deformability after hypoxic exercise (HE) (100 W under 12%O2 for 30 min).

Results

Before the intervention, HE increased the shear stress at 50% of maximal elongation (SS1/2) and the ratio of SS1/2 to maximal elongation index (SS1/2/EImax) on erythrocytes pretreated with 50 Pa of shear stress for 30 min and diminished HgCl2-depressed osmolality at 50%EImax (Ohyper). However, both HIIT and MICT for 6 wk diminished the elevations of erythrocyte SS1/2 and SS1/2/EImax caused by HE. Moreover, HIIT also increased contents of erythrocyte AQP1 proteins while enhancing HgCl2-depressed Ohyper and area under elongation index–osmolarity curve after HE. Additionally, changes in erythrocyte AQP1 contents were associated with changes in HgCl2-depressed erythrocyte Ohyper and area under elongation index–osmolarity curve.

Conclusions

Acute HE reduces erythrocyte membrane stability, whereas either HIIT or MICT attenuates the depression of erythrocyte membrane stability by HE. Moreover, HIIT increases the AQP1 content and facilitates the HgCl2-mediated osmotic deformability of erythrocytes after HE.
Imaging strategies in the management of gastric cancer: current role and future potential of MRI
Authors: Borggreve Alicia S. , Goense Lucas , Brenkman Hylke J.F. , Mook Stella , Meijer Gert J. , Wessels Frank J. , Verheij Marcel , Jansen Edwin P.M. , van Hillegersberg Richard , van Rossum Peter S.N. , Ruurda Jelle P.
Published: February 2019

Accurate preoperative staging of gastric cancer and the assessment of tumor response to neoadjuvant treatment is of importance for treatment and prognosis. Current imaging techniques, mainly endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), computed tomography (CT) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET), have their limitations. Historically, the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in gastric cancer has been limited, but with the continuous technical improvements, MRI has become a more potent imaging technique for gastrointestinal malignancies. The accuracy of MRI for T- and N-staging of gastric cancer is similar to EUS and CT, making MRI a suitable alternative to other imaging strategies. There is limited evidence on the performance of MRI for M-staging of gastric cancer specifically, but MRI is widely used for diagnosing liver metastases and shows potential for diagnosing peritoneal seeding. Recent pilot studies showed that treatment response assessment as well as detection of lymph node metastases and systemic disease might benefit from functional MRI (e.g. diffusion weighted imaging and dynamic contrast enhancement). Regarding treatment guidance, additional value of MRI might be expected from its role in better defining clinical target volumes and setup verification with MR-guided radiation treatment.
“Nine Dimensions”: A multidisciplinary approach for community engagement in a complex postwar border region as part of the targeted malaria elimination in Karen/Kayin State, Myanmar
Authors: Tangseefa Decha , Monthathip Krishna , Tuenpakdee Naruemol , König Andrea , Kajeechiwa Ladda , Thwin May Myo , Nosten Suphak , Tun Saw Win , Ma Kayin , Hashmi Ahmar , Lwin Khin Maung , Cheah Phaik Yeong , von Seidlein Lorenz , Nosten Francois
Published: February 2019

Background: In light of growing antimalarial drug resistance in Southeast Asia, control programmes have become increasingly focused on malaria elimination, composed of mass drug administration coupled with prompt diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic cases. The key to a successful elimination programme centres on high participation rates in targeted communities, often enhanced by community engagement (CE) efforts. Social science research was conducted to develop a conceptual framework used for CE activities in the Targeted Malaria Elimination programme, as a cross-border operation in Karen/Kayin State, Myanmar.

Methods: Data was collected from three main sources: (1) participant observation and semi-structured interviews of CE team members; (2) participant observation and semi-structured interviews with villagers; and (3) records of CE workshops with CE workers conducted as part of the TME programme.

Results: Interviews were conducted with 17 CE team members, with 10 participant observations and interviews conducted with villagers and a total of 3 workshops conducted over the course of this pilot programme in 4 villages (November 2013 to October 2014). Thematic analysis was used to construct the nine dimensions for CE in this complex, post-war region: i) history of the people; ii) space; iii) work; iv) knowledge about the world; v) intriguing obstacle (rumour); vi) relationship with the health care system; vii) migration; viii) logic of capitalism influencing openness; and ix) power relations.

Conclusions: Conducting CE for the Targeted Malaria Elimination programme was immensely complicated in Karen/Kayin State because of three key realities: heterogeneous terrains, a post-war atmosphere and cross-border operations. These three key realities constituted the nine dimensions, which proved integral to health worker success in conducting CE. Summary of this approach can aid in infectious disease control programmes, such as those using mass drug administration, to engender high rates of community participation.
German: tourism and hospitality
Authors: Васильева Марианна , Vasil'eva Marianna , Васильева Марианна , Vasil'eva Marianna
Published: February 2019

The purpose of the textbook is to prepare students for the use of the German language in their future professional activities, both orally and in writing.
The textbook consists of 12 lessons-topics, applications and a dictionary of 2500 lexical units. Each lesson-theme contains relevant specialty texts for the learner and introductory reading, a list of lexical units, a number of exercises, dialogues and role-playing games. All texts are authentic and borrowed from the original German literature.
The textbook is intended for students of higher educational institutions studying in the areas of training "Tourism" and "Hotel business".
Basics of organization of extracurricular activities of students in academic subjects
Authors: Казаренков Вячеслав , Kazarenkov Vyacheslav
Published: February 2019

The book outlines the theoretical and methodological foundations of the organization of extracurricular activities of teenage students and high school students in academic subjects, the relationship of these activities with the lesson; discusses ways and means of attracting employees of extracurricular institutions, scientists of higher education and parents of students to joint extracurricular activities with students. The book presents the program of the training course and the course of additional education.
The book is addressed to students and teachers of higher and secondary professional educational institutions, teachers of educational institutions and institutions of additional education, employees of public education.