bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the Team Environment AssessMent (TEAM) to Enhance Team Building in Sport
Authors: Bruner Mark W. , Eys Mark , Carreau Jeremie M. , McLaren Colin , Van Woezik Rachel
Published: March 2020

Team building (TB) is recognized as one of the most prevalent and promising group-development interventions applied in sport. However, most coaches lack the necessary information to effectively and efficiently target and enhance specific group characteristics and processes. The aim of this study was to develop and apply the Team Environment AssessMent (TEAM) to better inform a TB intervention. Twenty-three male adolescent athletes (mean age 17.9 years) from an elite hockey team completed the TEAM and measures of cohesion before and after a TB intervention. Based on initial TEAM scores, role acceptance and leadership were identified and purposefully targeted in the TB intervention. Athletes’ perceptions of role acceptance, leadership, and task cohesion were stronger after the TB intervention. Furthermore, follow-up interviews with team members and coaches provided additional empirical support for the utility of the TEAM to assess and enhance the efficiency of a TB intervention in sport.
Direct Determination of Pyrazinamide (PZA) Susceptibility by Sputum Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility (MODS) Culture at Neutral pH: the MODS-PZA Assay
Authors: Alcántara Roberto , Fuentes Patricia , Marin Lisette , Kirwan Daniela E. , Gilman Robert H. , Zimic Mirko , Sheen Patricia
Published: March 2020

Pyrazinamide (PZA) is considered the pivot drug in all tuberculosis treatment regimens due to its particular action on the persistent forms ofMycobacterium tuberculosis. However, no drug susceptibility test (DST) is considered sufficiently reliable for routine application. Although molecular tests are endorsed, their application is limited to known PZA resistance associated mutations. Microbiological DSTs for PZA have been restricted by technical limitations, especially the necessity for an acidic pH.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Highly Pathogenic Strain A/Domestic Goose/Pavlodar/1/05 (H5N1) of the Avian Influenza Virus, Isolated in Kazakhstan in 2005
Authors: Issabek Aisha , Burashev Yerbol , Chervyakova Olga , Orynbayev Mukhit , Kydyrbayev Zhailaubay , Kassenov Markhabat , Zakarya Kunsulu , Sultankulova Kulyaisan
Published: March 2020

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza A virus/domestic goose/Pavlodar/1/05 (H5N1) (GS/1/05), which belongs to clade 2.2. This strain of the influenza virus was isolated in northern Kazakhstan in 2005.
Complete Genome Sequence of Clostridium butyricum Strain DKU_butyricum 4-1, Isolated from Infant Feces
Authors: Bang Man-Seok , Jeong Hee-Won , Lee Yea-Jin , Lee Sang-Cheol , Lee Gi Soo , Kim Sungyong , Lee Han-Hwi , Shin Jang-In , Oh Chung-Hun
Published: March 2020

Clostridium butyricum
is a strictly anaerobic spore-forming bacillus that is commonly present in the gut of humans. We report here the complete genome sequence of
Clostridium butyricum
strain DKU_butyricum 4-1, isolated from infant feces.
Draft Genome Sequence of a New Zealand Isolate of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae
Authors: Bridgeman B. J. , Gupta S. K. , Murray A. , Dukkipati V. S. R. , Altermann E. , Wedlock D. N.
Published: March 2020

The genome of New Zealand
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae
isolate 90 was sequenced and assembled using an Illumina MiSeq system and combining the built-in Geneious
de novo
and Velvet
de novo
assemblers. The 1,031,345-bp-long genome harbored 711 genes with a coding percentage of 86.6.
Draft Genome Sequence and Annotation of Paracoccus versutus MAL 1HM19, a Nitrate-Reducing, Sulfide-Oxidizing Bacterium
Authors: Watsuntorn Wannapawn , Kojonna Thammaporn , Rene Eldon R. , Lens Piet N. L. , Chulalaksananukul Warawut
Published: March 2020

Paracoccus versutus
MAL 1HM19 is a mixotrophic nitrate-reducing sulfide-oxidizing bacterium which plays a crucial role in hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S) and nitrate (NO
3
−
) removal. In this study, we report the draft genome sequence of
P. versutus
MAL 1HM19.
Genome Sequences of Uncommon Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Serotypes
Authors: Abdalhamid Baha , Mccutchen Emily L. , Iwen Peter C. , Gomes-Neto Joao Carlos , Benson Andrew K. , Hinrichs Steven H.
Published: March 2020

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) is a foodborne disease with worldwide outbreaks. STEC serotypes O157, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145 cause the most outbreaks. There is little published information regarding the other serotypes. We report the draft genome sequences for 11 uncommon STEC serotypes from Nebraska.
Regional brain volumes, microstructure and neurodevelopment in moderate–late preterm children
Authors: Kelly Claire E , Thompson Deanne K , Spittle Alicia J , Chen Jian , Seal Marc L , Anderson Peter J , Doyle Lex W , Cheong Jeanie LY
Published: March 2020

Objective

To explore whether regional brain volume and white matter microstructure at term-equivalent age (TEA) are associated with development at 2 years of age in children born moderate–late preterm (MLPT).

Study design

A cohort of MLPT infants had brain MRI at approximately TEA (38–44 weeks’ postmenstrual age) and had a developmental assessment (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development and Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment) at 2 years’ corrected age. Relationships between cortical grey matter and white matter volumes and 2-year developmental outcomes were explored using voxel-based morphometry. Relationships between diffusion tensor measures of white matter microstructure (fractional anisotropy (FA) and axial (AD), radial (RD) and mean (MD) diffusivities) and 2-year developmental outcomes were explored using tract-based spatial statistics.

Results

189 MLPT children had data from at least one MRI modality (volumetric or diffusion) and data for at least one developmental domain. Larger cortical grey and white matter volumes in many brain regions, and higher FA and lower AD, RD and MD in several major white matter regions, were associated with better cognitive and language scores. There was little evidence that cortical grey matter and white matter volumes and white matter microstructure were associated with motor and behavioural outcomes.

Conclusions

Regional cortical grey matter and white matter volumes and white matter microstructure are associated with cognitive and language development at 2 years of age in MLPT children. Thus, early alterations to brain volumes and microstructure may contribute to some of the developmental deficits described in MLPT children.
What the percentage of births in facilities does not measure: readiness for emergency obstetric care and referral in Senegal
Authors: Cavallaro Francesca L , Benova Lenka , Dioukhane El Hadji , Wong Kerry , Sheppard Paula , Faye Adama , Radovich Emma , Dumont Alexandre , Mbengue Abdou Salam , Ronsmans Carine , Martinez-Alvarez Melisa
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Increases in facility deliveries in sub-Saharan Africa have not yielded expected declines in maternal mortality, raising concerns about the quality of care provided in facilities. The readiness of facilities at different health system levels to provide both emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) as well as referral is unknown. We describe this combined readiness by facility level and region in Senegal.

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, we used data from nine Demographic and Health Surveys between 1992 and 2017 in Senegal to describe trends in location of births over time. We used data from the 2017 Service Provision Assessment to describe EmONC and emergency referral readiness across facility levels in the public system, where 94% of facility births occur. A national global positioning system facility census was used to map access from lower-level facilities to the nearest facility performing caesareans.

Results

Births in facilities increased from 47% in 1992 to 80% in 2016, driven by births in lower-level health posts, where half of facility births now occur. Caesarean rates in rural areas more than doubled but only to 3.7%, indicating minor improvements in EmONC access. Only 9% of health posts had full readiness for basic EmONC, and 62% had adequate referral readiness (vehicle on-site or telephone and vehicle access elsewhere). Although public facilities accounted for three-quarters of all births in 2016, only 16% of such births occurred in facilities able to provide adequate combined readiness for EmONC and referral.

Conclusions

Our findings imply that many lower-level public facilities—the most common place of birth in Senegal—are unable to treat or refer women with obstetric complications, especially in rural areas. In light of rising lower-level facility births in Senegal and elsewhere, improvements in EmONC and referral readiness are urgently needed to accelerate reductions in maternal and perinatal mortality.
Going the extra mile — cross-border patient handover in a European border region: qualitative study of healthcare professionals’ perspectives
Authors: Beuken Juliëtte A , Verstegen Daniëlle M L , Dolmans Diana H J M , Van Kersbergen Laura , Losfeld Xavier , Sopka Saša , Vogt Lina , Bouwmans Mara E J
Published: March 2020

Background

Cross-border healthcare is complex, increasingly frequent and causes potential risks for patient safety. In this context, cross-border handovers or the transfer of patients from one country to another deserves particular attention. Although general handover has been the topic of extensive research, little is known about the challenges of handover across national borders, especially as perceived by stakeholders. In this study, we aimed to gain insight into healthcare professionals’ perspectives on cross-border handover and ways to support this.

Methods

We conducted semistructured interviews with healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, paramedics and administrative staff) in a European border region to investigate their perspectives on cross-border handover. The interviews were aimed to investigate settings of acute and planned handover. Informed by the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), interviews focused on participant perspectives. We summarised all interviews and inductively identified healthcare professionals’ perspectives. We used elements of the TPB as sensitising concepts.

Results

Forty-three healthcare professionals participated. Although respondents had neutral to positive attitudes, they often did not know very well what was expected of them or what influence they could have on improving cross-border handover. Challenges covered five themes:information transfer,language barriers,task division and education,policy and financial structuresandcultural differences. To overcome these challenges, we proposed strategies such as providing tools and protocols, discussing and formalising collaboration, and organising opportunities to meet and get to know each other.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals involved in cross-border handovers face specific challenges. It is necessary to take measures to come to a shared understanding while paying special attention to the above-mentioned challenges. Meeting in person around meaningful activities (eg, training and case discussions) can facilitate sharing ideas and community building.
Perceptions of Malaysian medical students from different academic years on primary care: a qualitative research
Authors: Chan Sook Ching , Ganeson Jaya Vinoshairine , Ong Jee Tat , Sugathan Sandheep
Published: March 2020

Objective

To explore the perception of medical students from a private medical college in Perak, Malaysia, on primary care practice and induce the factors influencing their perception and willingness to consider primary care as a career pathway.

Design

Qualitative study using focus group discussions. Participants’ responses were audio recorded, transcribed, grouped under various domains and listed out and analysed.

Setting

A private medical college in Perak state, Malaysia.

Participants

Forty-six medical students from years 2 to 5 were included. Eight focus groups were formed with two focus groups from each academic year (six students each in seven groups and four students in one group). Students were informed through their respective student leader of each year and received a participant information sheet and an informed consent form which were completed and returned if they decided to participate in the focus group discussions.

Results

The participants had different levels of understanding of primary care depending on their level of exposure to primary care. Senior students with more exposure had a better understanding about primary care and its services. Attractive factors towards choosing primary care as a career included short working hours with a more balanced family and social life, being able to treat patients as a whole with continuity of care and closer relationship with patients. Unattractive factors included routine, unchallenging and boring practice, poor salary, work overload and administrative work in government clinics, being less recognised by other specialties; and the poor perception by other doctors that those pursuing primary care were not ‘brilliant enough’ for more ‘sophisticated disciplines like surgery or paediatrics’.

Conclusion

This study showed that the medical students’ level of exposure to primary care played a crucial role in determining their understanding of primary care practice and their choice of career in primary care. Issues to be addressed include remuneration, workload and the prejudice against primary care as a career pathway. Suggestions included introducing early exposure to fun and challenging primary care postings in the medical curriculum and producing well trained, skilled and enthusiastic role models.
First-in-human, robotic-assisted neuroendovascular intervention
Authors: Mendes Pereira Vitor , Cancelliere Nicole Mariantonia , Nicholson Patrick , Radovanovic Ivan , Drake Kaitlyn E , Sungur John-Michael , Krings Timo , Turk Aquilla
Published: March 2020

Robotic-assisted technology has been used as a tool to enhance open and minimally invasive surgeries as well as percutaneous coronary and peripheral vascular interventions. It offers many potential benefits, including increased procedural and technical accuracy as well as reduced radiation dose during fluoroscopic procedures. It also offers the potential for truly “remote” procedures. Despite these benefits, robotic technology has not yet been used in the neuroendovascular field, aside from diagnostic cerebral angiography. Here, we report the first robotic-assisted, therapeutic, neuroendovascular intervention performed in a human. This was a stent-assisted coiling procedure to treat a large basilar aneurysm. All intracranial steps, including stent placement and coil deployment, were performed with assistance from the CorPath© GRX Robotic System (Corindus, a Siemens Healthineers Company, Waltham, MA, USA). This represents a major milestone in the treatment of neurovascular disease and opens the doors for the development of remote robotic neuroendovascular procedures.
No regioselectivity for the steroid α-face in cocrystallization of exemestane with aromatic cocrystal formers based on phenanthrene and pyrene
Authors: Topić Filip , Friščić Tomislav
Published: March 2020

The anti-cancer steroidal drug exemestane presents significantly different behavior in cocrystallization with arenes compared with the previously explored steroid progesterone. Mechanochemical and solution-based cocrystallization of exemestane with hydroxy derivatives of phenanthrene and pyrene leads to the formation of cocrystals exhibiting clear O–H···O type arene-steroid hydrogen bonds. So far, exemestane and 1-hydroxypyrene have been observed to form only one type of cocrystal, with the 1:1 stoichiometric ratio of the two components. However, there are two stoichiometric variations of the cocrystal of 9-hydroxyphenanthrene and exemestane, with the arene:steroid stoichiometric ratio of either 1:1 or 1:2. Importantly, although cocrystallization of progesterone with the same arene cocrystal formers was previously reported to take place regioselectively through α···π contacts between the α-face of the steroid and the π-electron surface of the arene, the herein explored cocrystals of exemestane reveal α···π and β···π contacts, as well as sidewise interactions involving the arene π-system and different edges of the steroid molecule. The loss of regioselectivity for the steroid α-face in cocrystallization with the two monohydroxylated arenes is tentatively explained by the highly positive electrostatic surface potential of the steroid β-face and a diminished number of C–H groups on the α-face of exemestane compared with progesterone.
Twisted compactifications of 6D field theories from maximal 7D gauged supergravity
Authors: Karndumri Parinya , Nuchino Patharadanai
Published: March 2020

We study supersymmetric $$AdS_n\times \Sigma ^{7-n}$$AdSn×Σ7-n, $$n=2,3,4,5$$n=2,3,4,5 solutions in seven-dimensional maximal gauged supergravity with $$CSO(p,q,5-p-q)$$CSO(p,q,5-p-q) and $$CSO(p,q,4-p-q)$$CSO(p,q,4-p-q) gauge groups. These gauged supergravities are consistent truncations of eleven-dimensional supergravity and type IIB theory on $$H^{p,q}\circ T^{5-p-q}$$Hp,q∘T5-p-q and $$H^{p,q}\circ T^{4-p-q}$$Hp,q∘T4-p-q, respectively. Apart from recovering the previously known $$AdS_n\times \Sigma ^{7-n}$$AdSn×Σ7-n solutions in SO(5) gauge group, we find novel classes of $$AdS_5\times S^2$$AdS5×S2, $$AdS_3\times S^2\times \Sigma ^2$$AdS3×S2×Σ2 and $$AdS_3\times CP^2$$AdS3×CP2 solutions in non-compact SO(3, 2) gauge group together with a class of $$AdS_3\times CP^2$$AdS3×CP2 solutions in SO(4, 1) gauge group. In SO(5) gauge group, we extensively study holographic RG flow solutions interpolating from the SO(5) supersymmetric $$AdS_7$$AdS7 vacuum to the $$AdS_n\times \Sigma ^{7-n}$$AdSn×Σ7-n fixed points and singular geometries in the form of curved domain walls with $$Mkw_{n-1}\times \Sigma ^{7-n}$$Mkwn-1×Σ7-n slices. In many cases, the singularities are physically acceptable and can be interpreted as non-conformal phases of $$(n-1)$$(n-1)-dimensional SCFTs obtained from twisted compactifications of $$N=(2,0)$$N=(2,0) SCFT in six dimensions. In SO(3, 2) and SO(4, 1) gauge groups, we give a large number of RG flows between the new $$AdS_n\times \Sigma ^{7-n}$$AdSn×Σ7-n fixed points and curved domain walls while, in $$CSO(p,q,4-p-q)$$CSO(p,q,4-p-q) gauge group, RG flows interpolating between asymptotically locally flat domain walls and curved domain walls are given.
The Effects of Yield Control Monetary Policy: A Helicopter Money Drop to Financial Institutions
Authors: Jarrow Robert , Lamichhane Sujan
Published: March 2020

On 21st September, 2016, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) embarked on a new unconventional monetary policy called yield curve control (YCC). We show that YCC creates an arbitrage opportunity in an otherwise frictionless and arbitrage-free government bond market which financial institutions can exploit. This arbitrage creates a wealth transfer from the BOJ to these financial institutions. We estimate the lower bound on this wealth transfer for the first 28 months to be $5.25 billion or [Formula: see text]582.32 billion, which constitutes an unexplored policy externality. This corresponds to 7.49% per annum on the notional employed in this arbitrage strategy.
Is Chlamydia trachomatis PCR Detection from Cervical Canal Swabs Associated with Tubal Obstruction?
Authors: Le Minh Tam , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy , Nguyen Le Na Thi , Ngo Viet Quynh Tram , Nguyen Hoang Bach , Cao Ngoc Thanh
Published: March 2020

Objective: To determine the relationship between a Chlamydia trachomatis PCR positive diagnosis from cervical canal swabs and the presence of tubal diseases among infertile women in Vietnam.

Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, women who sought infertility treatment at the Center for Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Hue University Hospital, Vietnam, from June 2016 to June 2017 were enrolled. All study participants were interviewed, and PCR tests were then performed to diagnose Chlamydia from cervical canal swabs. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) was carried out to examine the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.

Results: Among 568 women whose mean age was 32.0 ± 5.1 years, the prevalence of C. trachomatis infection as detected by PCR was 5.8%. Eighty-one percent (460/568) of infertile women had normal HSG results, and abnormal HSG results were more frequent in women over 35 years old, in women with secondary infertility, and in those with a history of miscarriage or genital tract infection. However, there was no relationship between C. trachomatis PCR positivity and HSG results in infertile women.

Conclusions: The diagnosis of C. trachomatis infection using the cervical swabs is the useful but not an effective method for routine practice for predicting tubal obstruction in infertile women.
Reasons for Hardness in QBF Proof Systems
Authors: Beyersdorff Olaf , Hinde Luke , Pich Ján
Published: March 2020

We aim to understand inherent reasons for lower bounds for QBF proof systems and revisit and compare two previous approaches in this direction. The first of these relates size lower bounds for strong QBF Frege systems to circuit lower bounds via
strategy extraction
(Beyersdorff and Pich, LICS’16). Here, we show a refined version of strategy extraction and thereby for any QBF proof system obtain a trichotomy for hardness: (1) via circuit lower bounds, (2) via propositional Resolution lower bounds, or (3) “genuine” QBF lower bounds. The second approach tries to explain QBF lower bounds through
quantifier alternations
in a system called relaxing QU-Res (Chen, ACM TOCT 2017). We prove a strong lower bound for relaxing QU-Res, which at the same time exhibits significant shortcomings of that model. Prompted by this, we introduce a hierarchy of new systems that improve Chen’s model and prove a strict separation for the complexity of proofs in this hierarchy. We show that lower bounds in our new model correspond to the trichotomy obtained via strategy extraction.
Emotion Dynamics of Public Opinions on Twitter
Authors: Naskar Debashis , Singh Sanasam Ranbir , Kumar Durgesh , Nandi Sukumar , Rivaherrera Eva Onaindia de la
Published: March 2020

Recently, social media has been considered the fastest medium for information broadcasting and sharing. Considering the wide range of applications such as viral marketing, political campaigns, social advertisement, and so on, influencing characteristics of users or tweets have attracted several researchers. It is observed from various studies that influential messages or users create a high impact on a social ecosystem. In this study, we assume that public opinion on a social issue on Twitter carries a certain degree of emotion, and there is an emotion flow underneath the Twitter network. In this article, we investigate social dynamics of emotion present in users’ opinions and attempt to understand (i) changing characteristics of users’ emotions toward a social issue over time, (ii) influence of public emotions on individuals’ emotions, (iii) cause of changing opinion by social factors, and so on. We study users’ emotion dynamics over a collection of 17.65M tweets with 69.36K users and observe 63% of the users are likely to change their emotional state against the topic into their subsequent tweets. Tweets were coming from the member community shows higher influencing capability than the other community sources. It is also observed that retweets influence users more than hashtags, mentions, and replies.
Effects of Polysulfide Solubility and Li Ion Transport on Performance of Li–S Batteries Using Sparingly Solvating Electrolytes
Authors: Yanagi Masato , Ueno Kazuhide , Ando Ayumi , Li Shanglin , Matsumae Yoshiharu , Liu Jiali , Dokko Kaoru , Watanabe Masayoshi
Published: March 2020

Sparingly solvating electrolytes are an emerging class of electrolytes used in Li–S batteries. In this type of electrolytes, polysulfide dissolution and shuttling can be suppressed, resulting in high Coulombic efficiency and cycle life. To optimize the electrolytes for high energy density cells, effects of polysulfide solubility and Li ion transport properties on Li–S battery performance were investigated for tetraglyme (G4)-based solvate ionic liquids [Li(G4)
x
][TFSA] and a sulfolane (SL)-based concentrated electrolyte [Li(SL)2][TFSA], which are both diluted with a hydrofluoroether (HFE). The Li2S8 solubility is low (1 mM in atomic S concentration) in [Li(G4)0.8][TFSA]−4.3HFE and [Li(SL)2][TFSA]−4.0HFE. Cells with [Li(SL)2][TFSA]−4.0HFE exhibited better rate capability despite their lower ionic conductivity. The higher transference number (t
Li
+) of [Li(SL)2][TFSA]−4.0HFE may predominantly contribute to the rate performance, rather than polysulfide solubility and ionic conductivity. Furthermore, [Li(SL)2][TFSA]−4.0HFE demonstrated an initial discharge capacity of 1130 mAh g−1 at a low electrolyte volume to sulfur weight ratio of 4, whereas a typical organic electrolyte failed to achieve such a high capacity owing to limitations of the redox mechanism mediated by dissolved polysulfides. In addition to the low solubility of polysulfides, the high t
Li
+ is crucial for achieving high energy density Li–S batteries by reducing the electrolyte amount.
The Reduced Oligomerization of MAVS Mediated by ROS Enhances the Cellular Radioresistance
Authors: Du Yarong , Pan Dong , Jia Rong , Chen Yaxiong , Jia Cong , Wang Jufang , Hu Burong
Published: March 2020

Although the mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS), located in the mitochondrial outmembrane, is believed to be a signaling adaptor with antiviral feature firstly, it has been shown that suppression of MAVS enhanced radioresistance. The mechanisms underlying this radioresistance remain unclear. Our current study demonstrated that knockdown of MAVS alleviated the radiation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondrial membrane potential disruption and ATP production), downregulated the expressions of proapoptotic proteins, and reduced the generation of ROS in cells after irradiation. Furthermore, inhibition of mitochondrial ROS by the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ reduced amounts of oligomerized MAVS after irradiation compared with the control group and also prevented the incidence of MN and increased the survival fraction of normal A549 cells after irradiation. To our knowledge, it is the first report to indicate that MAVS, an innate immune signaling molecule, is involved in radiation response via its oligomerization mediated by radiation-induced ROS, which may be a potential target for the precise radiotherapy or radioprotection.
Self-Efficacy to Engage in Physical Exercise and Walking Ability Best Predicted Exercise Adherence after Stroke
Authors: Caetano Lívia C. G. , Pacheco Bruna D. , Samora Giane A. R. , Teixeira-Salmela Luci F. , Scianni Aline A.
Published: March 2020

Aim. To describe exercise preferences and to investigate the contribution of exercise preferences, walking ability, and current levels of physical activity in predicting exercise adherence in individuals with chronic stroke. Methods. For this exploratory study, exercise adherence was measured using the first question of the first section of the Exercise Preference Questionnaire (stroke)-Brazil (EPQ (stroke)-Brazil). Nine independent variables were included as potential predictors of exercise adherence: the seven factors of the EPQ (stroke)-Brazil, walking speed, and level of physical activity. Results. Participated 93 individuals with stroke, who had a mean age of 62 (SD 12) years and a mean time since the onset of the stroke of 58 (SD 67) months. The most preferable exercise was walking. Logistic regression analysis revealed that self-efficacy to engage in physical exercise and walking ability predicted and explained 80% of the variance in exercise adherence. Conclusion. The findings showed that feeling able to perform physical exercise and having higher walking ability predicted higher exercise adherences in individuals with chronic stroke. The knowledge of potential contributors to exercise adherence may help in designing exercise programs for individuals with stroke.
A Review of Adropin as the Medium of Dialogue between Energy Regulation and Immune Regulation
Authors: Zhang Shuyu , Chen Qingquan , Lin Xuchen , Chen Min , Liu Qicai
Published: March 2020

Adropin is a secretory protein encoded by the energy balance gene and is closely associated with regulation of energy metabolism and insulin resistance. The clinical findings demonstrated its decreased expression in various inflammatory diseases, its negative correlation with the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, and its potential anti-inflammatory effects. We speculate that adropin plays a pivotal regulatory role in immune cells and inflammatory factors. In this study, we reviewed the advances in researches concentrated on immunological effects of adropin.
Adiponectin Facilitates Postconditioning Cardioprotection through Both AMPK-Dependent Nuclear and AMPK-Independent Mitochondrial STAT3 Activation
Authors: Zhu Qiqi , Li Haobo , Xie Xiang , Chen Xiaozhen , Kosuru Ramoji , Li Sisi , Lian Qingquan , Cheung Chi Wai , Irwin Michael G. , Ge Ren-shan , Xia Zhengyuan
Published: March 2020

Myocardial ischemic postconditioning- (IPo-) mediated cardioprotection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury needs the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which involves adiponectin (APN). APN confers its biological effects through AMP-activated protein kinase- (AMPK-) dependent and AMPK-independent pathways. However, the role of AMPK in APN-mediated STAT3 activation in IPo cardioprotection is unknown. We hypothesized that APN-mediated STAT3 activation in IPo is AMPK-independent and that APN through AMPK-dependent STAT3 activation facilitates IPo cardioprotection. Here, Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to myocardial IR without or with IPo and/or APN. APN or IPo significantly improved postischemic cardiac function and reduced myocardial injury and oxidative stress, and their combination further attenuated postischemic myocardial injuries. APN or its combination with IPo but not IPo alone significantly increased AMPK activation and both nuclear and mitochondrial STAT3 activation, while IPo significantly enhanced mitochondrial but not nuclear STAT3 activation. In primarily isolated cardiomyocytes, recombined globular APN (gAd), hypoxic postconditioning (HPo), or their combination significantly attenuated hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cell injury and increased nuclear and/or mitochondrial STAT3 activation. STAT3 inhibition had no impact on gAd or gAd in combination with HPo-induced AMPK activation but abolished their cellular protective effects. AMPK inhibition did not affect HPo cardioprotection but abolished gAd cardioprotection and disabled gAd to facilitate/enhance HPo cardioprotection and STAT3 activation. These results suggest that APN confers cardioprotection through AMPK-dependent and AMPK-independent STAT3 activation, while IPo confers cardioprotection through AMPK-independent mitochondrial STAT3 activation. Joint use of APN and IPo synergistically attenuated myocardial IR injury by activating STAT3 via distinct signaling pathways.
Factors Affecting Crash Involvement of Commercial Vehicle Drivers: Evaluation of Commercial Vehicle Drivers’ Characteristics in South Korea
Authors: Lee Jooyoung , Yeo Jiho , Yun Ilsoo , Kang Sanghyeok
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of driver-related factors on crash involvement of four different types of commercial vehicles—express buses, local buses, taxis, and trucks—and to compare outcomes across types. Previous studies on commercial vehicle crashes have generally been focused on a single type of commercial vehicle; however, the characteristics of drivers as factors affecting crashes vary widely across types of commercial vehicles as well as across study sites. This underscores the need for comparative analysis between different types of commercial vehicles that operate in similar environments. Toward these ends, we analyzed 627,594 commercial vehicle driver records in South Korea using a mixed logit model able to address unobserved heterogeneity in crash-related data. The estimated outcomes showed that driver-related factors have common effects on crash involvement: greater experience had a positive effect (diminished driver crash involvement), while traffic violations, job change, and previous crash involvement had negative effects. However, the magnitude of the effects and heterogeneity varied across different types of commercial vehicles. The findings support the contention that the safety management policy of commercial drivers needs to be set differently according to the vehicle type. Furthermore, the variables in this study can be used as promising predictors to quantify potential crash involvement of commercial vehicles. Using these variables, it is possible to proactively identify groups of accident-prone commercial vehicle drivers and to implement effective measures to reduce their involvement in crashes.
Symptomatic IgG4-Related Prostatitis Simultaneously Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ezaki Taisuke , Akatsuka Seiya , Sanjo Tansei , Masuda Takeshi
Published: March 2020

IgG4-related disease is a systemic fibroinflammatory disorder that occasionally affects the prostate. It is usually considered that patients with IgG4-related disease are at high risk of developing malignancies. A 71-year-old man presented to our hospital with a chief complaint of urinary retention. Prostate biopsy revealed concomitant IgG4-related prostatitis and prostate cancer. IgG4-related prostatitis was a possible cause of urinary retention, and the aggressive nature of prostate cancer was the cause of the patient’s death 2 years after diagnosis. This is the fourth case report of prostate cancer accompanied by IgG4-related prostatitis; however, there have been no reports of the two diseases coexisting with high clinical significance. Our case report indicates that patients diagnosed with IgG4-related prostatitis should be carefully followed up considering the risk of prostate cancer.
Prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency among Preschool Children in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sahile Zekariyas , Yilma Delelegn , Tezera Robel , Bezu Tadu , Haileselassie Werissaw , Seifu Benyam , Ali Jemal Haidar
Published: March 2020

Background. Vitamin A deficiency is a major nutritional concern in lower‐income countries. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to show the magnitude of vitamin A deficiency among preschoolers in Ethiopia. Objective. The present study was aimed at synthesizing qualitatively and quantitatively the existing literature on the prevalence of VAD in preschool children in Ethiopia. Methods. Studies were searched through the search engine of Google Scholar, Hinari, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Africa‐Wide Information. Searching was made using the keywords/MeSH of vitamin A deficiency, xerophthalmia, night blindness, Bitot’s spot, retinol, children, and Ethiopia. Data were analyzed and compared with the WHO threshold criteria to declare a public health problem. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using a Cochran Q test and I2 statistics. A random‐effects model with 95% confidence interval was used for prevalence estimations. Results. Of the 13 studies included in clinical analysis, 12 of them reported the prevalence of night blindness and/or Bitot’s spot among preschool children in Ethiopia which was above WHO cutoff point for the public health problem 1% and 0.5%, respectively. The prevalence of night blindness significantly decreased from moderate public health problem 4.2% (95% CI: 2.8%‐5.7%) in a period from 1990 to 2004 to mild public health problem 0.8% (95% CI: 0.6%‐1.0%) in a period from 2005 to 2019. Furthermore, statistically insignificant reduction was observed in the prevalence of Bitot’s spot in a period from 1990 to 2004, 2.2% (95% CI: 1.3%‐3.2%) to 1.8% (95% CI: 1.2%‐2.3%) in a period from 2005 to 2019. Among 8 studies on subclinical vitamin A deficiency, 7 of them indicated a severe public health problem (>20%). The prevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency decreased from 55.7% (95% CI: 39.8%‐71.6%) in a period from 1990 to 2004 to 28.3% (95% CI: 9.8%‐46.7%) in a period from 2005 to 2019, but not statistically significant. Conclusions. Despite the reduced proportion of night blindness and Bitot’s spot, still both clinical and subclinical vitamin A deficiencies remain a public health problem in Ethiopia requiring strengthen intervention through the newly initiated health extension program.
Mania as Debut of Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Martínez Ricardo Álvarez , Rodríguez Rosa María Tomé , Ariza María Álvarez , Spuch Carlos , Olivares Jose M.
Published: March 2020

This is a case of a patient affected by Cushing syndrome that was admitted at the hospital due to hormonal problems. He had presented psychiatric symptoms that were mistakenly considered not directly connected to the pathology causing the clinical condition, but a mere psychological reaction to it.
Persistence of Drug-Resistant Leukemic Stem Cells and Impaired NK Cell Immunity in CML Patients Depend on MIR300 Antiproliferative and PP2A-Activating Functions
Authors: Silvestri Giovannino , Trotta Rossana , Stramucci Lorenzo , Ellis Justin J. , Harb Jason G. , Neviani Paolo , Wang Shuzhen , Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin , Walker Christopher J. , Zhang Bin , Srutova Klara , Gambacorti-Passerini Carlo , Pineda Gabriel , Jamieson Catriona H. M. , Stagno Fabio , Vigneri Paolo , Nteliopoulos Georgios , May Philippa C. , Reid Alistair G. , Garzon Ramiro , Roy Denis-Claude , Moutuou Moutuaata M. , Guimond Martin , Hokland Peter , Deininger Michael W. , Fitzgerald Garrett , Harman Christopher , Dazzi Francesco , Milojkovic Dragana , Apperley Jane F. , Marcucci Guido , Qi Jianfei , Polakova Katerina Machova , Zou Ying , Fan Xiaoxuan , Baer Maria R. , Calabretta Bruno , Perrotti Danilo
Published: March 2020

Persistence of drug-resistant quiescent leukemic stem cells (LSC) and impaired natural killer (NK) cell immune response account for relapse of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Inactivation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is essential for CML-quiescent LSC survival and NK cell antitumor activity. Here we show that MIR300 has antiproliferative and PP2A-activating functions that are dose dependently differentially induced by CCND2/CDK6 and SET inhibition, respectively. MIR300 is upregulated in CML LSCs and NK cells by bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) signals to induce quiescence and impair immune response, respectively. Conversely, BCR-ABL1 downregulates MIR300 in CML progenitors to prevent growth arrest and PP2A-mediated apoptosis. Quiescent LSCs escape apoptosis by upregulating TUG1 long noncoding RNA that uncouples and limits MIR300 function to cytostasis. Genetic and pharmacologic MIR300 modulation and/or PP2A-activating drug treatment restore NK cell activity, inhibit BMM-induced growth arrest, and selectively trigger LSC apoptosis in vitro and in patient-derived xenografts; hence, the importance of MIR300 and PP2A activity for CML development and therapy.

Significance:

Tumor-naïve microenvironment–induced MIR300 is the only tumor suppressor miRNA that induces CML LSC quiescence while inhibiting NK cell antitumor immune response, and CML LSC/progenitor cell apoptosis through its anti-proliferative and PP2A-activating functions, respectively. Thus, the importance of MIR300 and PP2A-activating drugs for formation/survival and eradication of drug-resistant CML LSCs, respectively.

See related commentary by Broxmeyer, p. 13.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 5
Associations between Post-treatment Inflammatory Biomarkers and Survival among Stage II-III Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Hua X , Kratz M , Newcomb PA
Published: March 2020

We aimed to evaluate post-treatment inflammatory biomarkers, namely C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL6), monocytes chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1), leptin and adiponectin, in relation to overall survival (OS) in stage II-III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods: Participants were incident, invasive CRC cases who were 22–74 years of age, diagnosed between 1997–2008 from the population-based Seattle Colon Cancer Family Registry. We included stage II-III cases who were at the greatest risk for disease progression. Further restriction to 308 participants with a blood draw 1–3 years after diagnosis was made to preclude acute treatment effects. We measured concentrations of all five markers in EDTA-plasma samples using the Meso Scale Discovery immunoassays. Biomarker levels were log-transformed to ensure normality. We also divided patients into sex-specific quartiles for each marker to test for a dose-effect of a biomarker on disease progression. Mortality and cause of death were assessed through linkage to the National Death Index. We used Cox proportional hazard regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of post-treatment inflammatory markers with OS. HRs were adjusted for potential confounders selected a priori, including age at blood draw, sex, body mass index, plasma storage time, the time between diagnosis and blood draw, and stage at diagnosis. Results: Elevated CRP levels were associated with poorer OS (HR = 1.32 per unit increase of log-CRP, 95% CI = 1.13–1.55). For circulating IL6, a dose-response relationship with survival was evident: compared with the lowest quartile of IL6, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartiles were significantly associated with OS, with HRs (95% CIs) of 2.72 (1.42–5.21), 4.23 (2.24–7.99), and 6.80 (3.56–12.96) respectively (p for trend < 0.0001). For MCP1, we observed a 2-fold increase in the risk of overall mortality per unit increase in log-MCP1 (HR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.39–3.39). Circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin were not significantly associated with OS. Conclusions: Circulating inflammatory markers, specifically CRP, IL6, and MCP1, are prognostic markers in stage II/III CRC patients and should be considered for incorporation into studies of CRC outcomes.
Implementation Strategies for Improving HPV Vaccination in Large Healthcare Systems
Authors: Grabert BK , Liu A , Heisler-MacKinnon J , Schlusser CL , Gilkey MB
Published: March 2020

HPV vaccination could prevent most of the 34,000 HPV-attributable cancers diagnosed in the U.S. each year, but uptake remains suboptimal. Given the increasing consolidating of pediatric primary care, large healthcare systems are key partners in implementing interventions to improve HPV vaccination. To inform future partnerships, we sought to explore implementation strategies systems currently use to improve HPV vaccination. Methods: We conducted in-depth telephone interviews with a multi-state sample of QI leaders in 15 large healthcare systems. Guided by Powell and colleagues's typology of implementation strategies, we analyzed data qualitatively via content analysis. Results: QI leaders reported using a wide range of implementation strategies for improving vaccination services generally, but described barriers to improving HPV vaccination specifically. Many prioritized assessment and feedback, or giving providers data on their vaccination rates, to inform practice improvements. However, several leaders noted that their electronic medical records did not offer HPV vaccine-specific quality metrics, but rather reported on adolescent vaccines in combination, limiting their ability to focus on HPV vaccination. QI leaders also generally favored provider financial incentives, but none were using this strategy to improve HPV vaccination, either due to the lack of an HPV vaccine-specific metric or low prioritization of the metric compared to others. QI leaders perceived provider training as an effective strategy for improving prescribing practices; however, many noted that time with providers for HPV vaccine-specific training was extremely limited. Conclusions: The emergence of large healthcare systems provides an opportunity to leverage existing QI infrastructure for addressing underuse of evidence-based preventive services. Large healthcare systems are motivated to improve vaccination services and use diverse implementation strategies to do so. However, in the case of HPV vaccination, our findings suggest that limitations in existing quality metrics, along with payment structures that constrain time for provider training, are two key barriers to practice improvements.
Single-Cell Immune Competency Signatures Associate with Survival in Phase II GVAX and CRS-207 Randomized Studies in Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Nair Nitya , Chen Shih-Yu , Lemmens Ed , Chang Serena , Le Dung T. , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Murphy Aimee , Whiting Chan , Müller Thomas , Brockstedt Dirk G.
Published: March 2020

The identification of biomarkers for patient stratification is fundamental to precision medicine efforts in oncology. Here, we identified two baseline, circulating immune cell subsets associated with overall survival in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who were enrolled in two phase II randomized studies of GVAX pancreas and CRS-207 immunotherapy. Single-cell mass cytometry was used to simultaneously measure 38 cell surface or intracellular markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from a phase IIa patient subcohort (N = 38). CITRUS, an algorithm for identification of stratifying subpopulations in multidimensional cytometry datasets, was used to identify single-cell signatures associated with clinical outcome. Patients with a higher abundance of CD8+CD45RO−CCR7−CD57+ cells and a lower abundance of CD14+CD33+CD85j+ cells had improved overall survival [median overall survival, range (days) 271, 43–1,247] compared with patients with a lower abundance of CD8+CD45RO−CCR7−CD57+ cells and higher abundance of CD14+CD33+CD85j+ cells (77, 24–1,247 days; P = 0.0442). The results from this prospective–retrospective biomarker analysis were validated by flow cytometry in 200 patients with pancreatic cancer enrolled in a phase IIb study (P = 0.0047). The identified immune correlates provide potential prognostic or predictive signatures that could be employed for patient stratification.