bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the CodY RNome reveals RsaD as a stress‐responsive riboregulator of overflow metabolism in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Augagneur Yoann , King Alyssa N. , Germain‐Amiot Noëlla , Sassi Mohamed , Fitzgerald John W. , Sahukhal Gyan S. , Elasri Mohamed O. , Felden Brice , Brinsmade Shaun R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn Staphylococcus aureus, the transcription factor CodY modulates the expression of hundreds of genes, including most virulence factors, in response to the availability of key nutrients like GTP and branched‐chain amino acids. Despite numerous studies examining how CodY controls gene expression directly or indirectly, virtually nothing is known about the extent to which CodY exerts its effect through small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs). Herein, we report the first set of sRNAs under the control of CodY. We reveal that staphylococcal sRNA RsaD is overexpressed >20‐fold in a CodY‐deficient strain in three S. aureus clinical isolates and in S. epidermidis. We validated the CodY‐dependent regulation of rsaD and demonstrated that CodY directly represses rsaD expression by binding the promoter. Using a combination of molecular techniques, we show that RsaD posttranscriptionally regulates alsS (acetolactate synthase) mRNA and enzyme levels. We further show that RsaD redirects carbon overflow metabolism, contributing to stationary phase cell death during exposure to weak acid stress. Taken together, our data delineate a role for CodY in controlling sRNA expression in a major human pathogen and indicate that RsaD may integrate nutrient depletion and other signals to mount a response to physiological stress experienced by S. aureus in diverse environments.
Setting research priorities on multiple micronutrient supplementation in pregnancy
Authors: Gomes Filomena , Bourassa Megan W. , Adu‐Afarwuah Seth , Ajello Clayton , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Black Robert , Catarino Elisabete , Chowdhury Ranadip , Dalmiya Nita , Dwarkanath Pratibha , Engle‐Stone Reina , Gernand Alison D. , Goudet Sophie , Hoddinott John , Kæstel Pernille , Manger Mari S. , McDonald Christine M. , Mehta Saurabh , Moore Sophie E. , Neufeld Lynnette M. , Osendarp Saskia , Ramachandran Prema , Rasmussen Kathleen M. , Stewart Christine , Sudfeld Christopher , West Keith , Bergeron Gilles 
Published: November 2019

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

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

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of electronic head‐mounted low vision aid (e‐LVA) SightPlus (GiveVision, UK, givevision.net) and to determine which people with low vision would see themselves likely using an e‐LVA like this.MethodsSixty participants with low vision aged 18 to 93 used SightPlus during an in‐clinic study session based on a mixed methods design. Visual acuity (ETDRS), contrast sensitivity (Pelli‐Robson) and reading performance (MNREAD) were measured binocularly at baseline (no device), with the device in ‘normal’ mode (zoom only), and with preferred enhanced mode (zoom and one of four digital image enhancements). At the end of the session, a short questionnaire recorded willingness to use an e‐LVA like SightPlus, potential use cases, positive/negative comments and adverse effects.ResultsBinocular distance visual acuity improved significantly by 0.63 logMAR on average (p < 0.0001) to 0.20 logMAR. Contrast sensitivity improved significantly by 0.22 log units (p < 0.0001) to 1.21 log units with zoom only and by 0.40 log units to 1.37 log units with zoom and preferred image enhancement. Reading performance improved significantly for near visual acuity and critical print size (p < 0.015), although reading speed significantly decreased (p < 0.0001). Nearly half (47%) of the participants indicated they would use an e‐LVA like SightPlus, especially for television, reading and entertainment (e.g. theatre). Multivariate logistic regression showed that proportion of lifetime affected by sight loss, baseline contrast sensitivity and use of electronic LVAs explained 41% of the variation in willingness to use.ConclusionsSightPlus improves visual function in people with low vision and would be used in its current form by one half of the people who tried it. Adverse effects were infrequent and resolved when the device was removed. Future work should focus on comparing e‐LVAs through repeatable real‐world tasks and impact on quality of life.
Differences in ocular biometry between urban and rural children matched by refractive error: the Shandong Children Eye Study
Authors: Rozema Jos J , Sun Wei , Wu Jian Feng , Jiang Wen Jun , Wu Hui , Lu Tai Liang , Hu Yuan Yuan , Chen Rong , Guo Da Dong , Wang Xing Rong , Dankert Sebastian , Jonas Jost B , Iribarren Rafael , Tian Qing Mei , Bi Hong Sheng 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPurposeTo determine the differences in mean ocular dimensions between urban and rural children and identify possible influencing factors.MethodsThis work uses previously published data from the Shandong Children Eye Study, which was based on a random cluster sampling applied to a cross‐sectional school‐based study design in the rural Guanxian County and Weihai city. All children underwent auto‐refractometry and biometry under cycloplegia.ResultsThe study included 3290 children (aged 9.35 ± 2.93 years), consisting of 888 pairs of boys and 757 pairs of girls matched by sex, age and refractive error (each pair matching one child from urban cohort with one from the rural cohort). Overall urban children were significantly taller and heavier than rural children (t‐test; p < 0.001), which was confirmed for all age groups for weight. Urban ocular axial lengths were significantly longer by 0.23 mm compared to the rural population (t‐test; p < 0.001), mostly in younger children and boys. Meanwhile, corneal curvatures were flatter in the urban cohort by 0.08 mm (p < 0.001). This association of axial length with urban vs rural region was reduced in magnitude by 69.7% after accounting for height.ConclusionsFor the same, matched refractive error, children from urban regions had significantly longer eyes and flatter corneal curvature than rural children. Since corneal curvature is defined during the first 2 years of life, early environmental factors may be the source of these differences in ocular dimensions.
Catheter‐induced premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) may aid in the determination of optimal timing for clinical PVC ablation
Authors: Demir Serdar , Akgun Taylan , Gulsen Kamil , Kup Ayhan , Uslu Abdulkadir , Kayan Fethullah , Kepez Alper 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study is to evaluate whether catheter‐induced premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) produced at the presumptive ablation site may aid in the identification of the optimal timing of the earliest local activation for the successful ablation of clinical PVCs.MethodsSixty‐three consecutive patients (35 males, age: 53.5 ± 14.4 years) without any exclusion criteria who had undergone PVC ablation between 1 July 2018 and 1 July 2019 constituted our study population. The time interval between the beginning of the EGM and the beginning of the QRS of each catheter‐induced PVC (Cath EGM‐ECG) and the time interval between the beginning of the EGM of clinical PVCs at the earliest site and the beginning of the QRS of clinical PVCs (PVC earliest EGM‐ECG) were noted for each patient. The value of Cath EGM‐ECG as a reference for procedural success of ablation was evaluated by examining the relationship between Cath EGM‐ECG and PVC earliest EGM‐ECG.ResultsFifty‐two patients had successful ablation, and 43 of them (82.7%) had PVC earliest EGM‐ECG values greater than or equal to Cath EGM‐ECG. Eleven patients had procedural failure, and all of them had PVC earliest EGM‐ECG values lower than Cath EGM‐ECG. A PVC earliest EGM‐ECG value –1.5 ms greater than Cath EGM‐ECG predicted successful ablation with a sensitivity of 90.4% and a specificity of 100.0% in the general patient population.ConclusionCath EGM‐ECG seems to serve as a reliable guide for finding the optimal timing of the earliest site for successful PVC ablation.
Characterization of tumour mutation burden in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer and interstitial lung disease
Authors: Kobayashi Haruki , Serizawa Masakuni , Naito Tateaki , Konno Hayato , Kojima Hideaki , Mizuno Tetsuya , Isaka Mitsuhiro , Endo Masahiro , Nagashima Takeshi , Kusuhara Masatoshi , Urakami Kenichi , Ohshima Keiichi , Yamaguchi Ken , Ohde Yasuhisa , Takahashi Toshiaki 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveThe efficacy expectation of immune checkpoint inhibitors against NSCLC in patients with ILD seems to be high because these populations are supposed to have high TMB. However, information about the characterization of TMB in patients with NSCLC and ILD is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate TMB in samples of NSCLC with ILD and clarify factors that influence TMB values.MethodsThe medical records of patients with NSCLC who underwent thoracic surgery at our institution between January 2014 and January 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Whole‐exome sequencing with an Ion Proton system and gene expression profiling of fresh surgical specimens were performed.ResultsAmong 367 patients with NSCLC, 62 (16.9%) were diagnosed with ILD. All samples were collected from primary tumours with a median TMB of approximately 2.1 (range: 0.1–64.4) mutation/Mb. Among 81 squamous cell carcinomas, we compared 27 tumours with concomitant ILD and 54 tumours without ILD. Univariate analyses revealed that tumours with concomitant ILD showed lower TMB values than those without ILD. Multivariate analysis revealed that concomitant ILD was significantly associated with low TMB values. Conversely, no difference was noted in the TMB value of adenocarcinoma between patients with and without ILD.ConclusionSquamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma with ILD do not have high TMB values. Therefore, considering the risk of severe pneumonitis, immune checkpoint inhibitors should not be used routinely against patients with NSCLC and ILD based on the expectation of high TMB values.
Analysis on demand‐ and supply‐side responses during the expansion of health insurance coverage in Vietnam: Challenges and policy implications toward universal health coverage
Authors: Matsushima Midori , Yamada Hiroyuki , Shimamura Yasuharu 
Published: November 2019

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

AbstractIn light of the growing public spending in many regions of the world, this study scrutinizes relevant determinants of core public administration expenditure at the cantonal level in Switzerland, focusing particularly on New Public Management (NPM) reforms. The empirical study comprises all 26 cantons in the period from 1993 through 2014 and uses both cross‐sectional and longitudinal analytical methods. In addition to NPM, we control for various variables related to political parties, institutions, socioeconomics and culture. The results show no clear relationship between NPM reforms and expenditure, although such reforms were often intended to cut costs. Our explanation for this finding is that NPM as a concept is rather inconsistent. Various control variables are either positively or negatively related with expenditure. All in all, our findings suggest that public expenditure is still mostly determined by politics and can only be influenced by administrative reforms within certain narrow limits.
Factors associated with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation and behaviours amongst sub‐Saharan African adolescents aged 10‐19 years: cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nyundo Azan , Manu Adom , Regan Mathilda , Ismail Abbas , Chukwu Angela , Dessie Yadeta , Njau Tasiana , Kaaya Sylvia F. , Smith Fawzi Mary C. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the burden of depression, suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviour amongst adolescents at sites in six sub‐Saharan African countries and examine associated risk and protective factors.MethodsHousehold‐based cross‐sectional study involving male and female adolescents ages 10‐19 years. A total of 7,662 adolescents from eight sites in six countries participated in the survey. Three sites were urban: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Harar (Ethiopia) and Ibadan (Nigeria); five were rural: Dodoma (Tanzania), Iganga/Mayuge (Uganda), Kersa (Ethiopia), Ningo Prampram (Ghana) and Nouna (Burkina Faso). Log‐binomials models were used to estimate relative risks and confidence intervals for factors associated with depression and suicidal behaviour. This was supplemented using log‐Poisson models as needed.ResultsThe prevalence of suicidal behaviour over the last 12 months ranged between 1.2% and 12.4% in the eight sites. Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation/behaviours were associated with older age, female sex, food insecurity, poor access to health care and substance use. Depression was strongly associated with increased risk of suicidal behaviour at two sites where the multivariate model converged: Harar, Ethiopia (RR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.8, 7.0, P < 0.05) and Ibadan, Nigeria (RR = 3.7, 95% CI 2.2, 6.3, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsDepressive symptoms and suicidal behaviour are common amongst sub‐Saharan African adolescents at these 8 sites. Most factors associated with depressive symptoms are modifiable and preventable. Routine screening for depressive symptoms in services frequented by adolescents in these and similar communities would be crucial in early detection and prompt intervention.
HIV/AIDS awareness and testing practices among adolescents in eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Gezahegn , Dessie Yadeta , Berhane Yemane , Assefa Nega , Semahegn Agumasie , Canavan Chelsey R. , Fawzi Wafaie W. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo examine HIV/AIDS awareness, HIV testing practices and associated factors among adolescents in two eastern Ethiopian communities.MethodsCommunity‐based, cross‐sectional study among 2010 adolescents aged 10–19 years. Participants were asked about their awareness of HIV/AIDS and HIV testing practices, and whether they had ever been tested for HIV. Regression models were applied to identify the factors of statistical significance at P‐value < 0.05.ResultsOf 90% were aware of HIV/AIDS, but only a quarter had ever been tested for HIV. Rural adolescents were less aware of HIV than urban adolescents (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.58), and in‐school adolescents had more knowledge about HIV/AIDS than that out‐of‐school adolescents (AOR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.88, 4.15). Factors associated with lower uptake of HIV testing were male sex (AOR = 0.74; 95% CI; 0.58, 0.91) and being from a rural area (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.36). Factors associated with higher uptake of HIV testing were being in school (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.38), using the Internet (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.28), and ever visiting a health facility (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.96).ConclusionsAwareness of HIV/AIDS was high, whereas HIV testing was rare. HIV awareness programs for adolescents should target rural and out‐of‐school adolescents. Programmes to increase HIV testing implemented in these and similar communities should focus on male and rural adolescents.
Noninvasive evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) protein concentrations in the stratum corneum and serum of healthy and atopic dogs
Authors: Cobiella Danielle , Gram Dunbar , Santoro Domenico 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a cytokine involved primarily in angiogenesis. In human atopic dermatitis (AD), VEGF has been detected in the stratum corneum and blood.ObjectiveTo evaluate VEGF‐A expression in the serum and stratum corneum of healthy and atopic dogs, and its possible correlation with disease severity in atopic dogs.AnimalFifteen atopic and 15 healthy, privately owned dogs.Methods and materialsThe severity of clinical signs associated with AD was evaluated with the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI‐04). For all dogs, a single blood sample was performed and serum collected. Tape stripping (15 times) was performed on the left periocular area (lesional skin). A commercially available canine‐specific VEGF‐A enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed with all samples.ResultsVascular endothelial growth factor‐A was undetectable in the serum. In the stratum corneum, there was no significant difference in VEGF‐A concentrations between healthy (mean 89.4 ± 59.5 pg/ml) and atopic dogs (mean 100.3 ± 77.1pg/ml) (P = 0.71). There was no correlation between stratum corneum VEGF‐A concentrations and CADESI‐04 scores.Conclusions and clinical importanceThe role of VEGF in canine AD is unclear. Because of many variants, VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D or VEGF‐A isotopes should be explored in the skin to better evaluate the role of VEGF in canine atopy. Full‐thickness skin biopsy, molecular biology and histopathological investigation may be necessary to further assess cutaneous VEGF expression.
Recruitment strategies: non‐donor segmentation based on intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli
Authors: Martín‐Santana Josefa D. , Beerli‐Palacio Asunción , Romero‐Domínguez Laura 
Published: November 2019

Background and objectivesNon‐donor behaviour can be influenced by many variables, both intrinsic and extrinsic, which differ among individuals. The aim of this study was therefore to segment Spanish non‐donors based on criteria such as barriers and motivations, which influence the decision to donate for the first time, with the aim of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of recruitment actions.Materials and methodsA total of 2383 non‐donors residing in Spain evaluated 21 barriers and 25 motivations through an online self‐administered survey distributed by blood transfusion centres, which are responsible for donations in Spain, and several Spanish universities. After validating these scales and determining the underlying categories in each of them, latent class/profile analysis was performed to segment non‐donors.ResultsSpanish non‐donors were divided into six clusters. According to their barriers and motivations, the following labels were assigned: (1) ‘Impure altruists’, (2) ‘I want to, but make it easy for me’, (3) ‘Free‐riders’, (4) ‘Reciprocal altruists’, (5) 'I can't because I'm scared' and (6) ‘I want to, but I can't’. Specific marketing actions were proposed for each cluster based on their characteristics, prioritizing them depending on their attractiveness.ConclusionThe scales which were designed to evaluate barriers and motivations make a solid contribution to the existing literature due to their holistic, integrative nature. The existence of differentiated clusters and the lack of resources of blood transfusion centres make it clear that there is a need to define and implement targeted marketing strategies.