bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Trust Attitudes Promote Grassroots Lobbying in the American States*
Authors: Cluverius John , Banda Kevin K. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesDespite declining trust in government institutions, political scientists have observed increasing political participation across activities, including grassroots lobbying. We argue that higher levels of trust in the state political system as a whole—diffuse political trust—and in state legislatures—specific political trust—should increase the likelihood that citizens contact their state legislators about policy matters because higher levels of trust tend to correlate with believing that the policy‐making process produces equitable political outcomes.MethodsWe use observational data from a nationally representative survey sample taken in 2015.ResultsWe find mixed results: whereas diffuse political trust predicts participation in grassroots lobbying at the state level, specific political trust does not.ConclusionThis finding implies that more general feelings of political trust exert greater influence on grassroots lobbying behavior than do more institution‐specific indicators of trust.
Manufacture of endothelial colony‐forming progenitor cells from steady‐state peripheral blood leukapheresis using pooled human platelet lysate
Authors: Siegel Georg , Fleck Erika , Elser Stefanie , Hermanutz‐Klein Ursula , Waidmann Marc , Northoff Hinnak , Seifried Erhard , Schäfer Richard 
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUNDEndothelial colony‐forming progenitor cells (ECFCs) are promising candidates for cell therapies. However, ECFC translation to the clinic requires optimized isolation and manufacture technologies according to good manufacturing practice (GMP).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSECFCs were manufactured from steady‐state peripheral blood (PB) leukapheresis (11 donors), using GMP‐compliant technologies including pooled human platelet (PLT) lysate, and compared to human umbilical cord endothelial cells, human aortic endothelial cells, and human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. Specific variables assessed were growth kinetics, phenotype, trophic factors production, stimulation of tube formation, and Dil‐AcLDL uptake.RESULTSECFCs could be isolated from PB leukapheresis units with mean processed volume of 5411 mL and mean white blood cell (WBC) concentration factor of 8.74. The mean frequency was 1.44 × 10−8 ECFCs per WBC, corresponding to a mean of 177.8 ECFCs per apheresis unit. Expandable for up to 12 cumulative population doublings, calculated projection showed that approximately 730 × 103 ECFCs could be manufactured from 1 apheresis unit. ECFCs produced epidermal growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A, PLT‐derived growth factor‐B, interleukin‐8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, featured high potential for capillary‐like tubes formation, and showed no telomerase activity. They were characterized by CD29, CD31, CD44, CD105, CD117, CD133, CD144, CD146, and VEGF‐R2 expression, with the most common subpopulation CD34+CD117–CD133–. Compared to controls, ECFCs featured greater Dil‐AcLDL uptake and higher expression of CD29, CD31, CD34, CD44, CD144, and VEGF‐R2.CONCLUSIONSHere we show that isolation of ECFCs with proangiogenic profile from steady‐state PB leukapheresis is feasible, marking a first step toward ECFC product manufacture according to GMP.
The Effects of 3-Month Skill-Based and Plyometric Conditioning on Fitness Parameters in Junior Female Volleyball Players
Authors: Idrizovic Kemal , Gjinovci Bahri , Sekulic Damir , Uljevic Ognjen , João Paulo Vicente , Spasic Miodrag , Sattler Tine 
Published: February 2018

Purpose: This study compared the effects of skill-based and plyometric conditioning (both performed in addition to regular volleyball training twice a week for 12 wk) on fitness parameters in female junior volleyball players. Methods: The participants [n = 47; age: 16.6 (0.6) y; mass: 59.4 (8.1) kg; height: 175.1 (3.0) cm] were randomized into a plyometric (n = 13), a skill-based (n = 17), and a control (n = 17) groups. The variables included body height, body mass, calf girth, calf skinfold, corrected calf girth, countermovement jump, 20-m-sprint, medicine ball toss, and sit-and-reach test. Results: Two-way analysis of variance (time × group) effects for time were significant (P < .05) for all variables except body mass. Significant group × time interactions were observed for calf skinfold [η2 = .14; medium effect size (ES)], 20-m sprint (η2 = .09; small ES), countermovement jump (η2 = .29; large ES), medicine ball (η2 = .58; large ES), with greater gains (reduction of skinfold) for plyometric group, and sit-and-reach (η2 = .35; large ES), with greater gains in plyometric and skill-based groups. The magnitude-based inference indicated positive changes in 1) medicine ball toss and countermovement jump for all groups; 2) sit-and-reach for the plyometric and skill-based groups; and 3) 20-m sprint, calf girth, calf skinfold, and corrected calf girth for plyometric group only. Conclusion: Selected variables can be improved by adding 2 plyometric training sessions throughout the period of 12 weeks. Additional skill-based conditioning did not contribute to improvement in the studied variables compared with regular volleyball training.
Plasma Levels of Rifampin Correlate with the Tuberculosis Drug Activity Assay
Authors: Niward Katarina , Ek Blom Linnea , Davies Forsman Lina , Bruchfeld Judith , Eliasson Erik , Schön Thomas , Chryssanthou Erja , Paues Jakob 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

The plasma tuberculosis drug activity (TDA) assay may be an alternative tool for therapeutic drug monitoring in resource-limited settings. In tuberculosis (TB) patients (
n
= 30), TDA and plasma levels of first-line drugs were analyzed 2 h postdose, 2 weeks after treatment initiation. Patients with plasma levels of rifampin lower than 8 mg/liter had a significantly lower median TDA (1.40 versus 1.68,
P
= 0.0013). TDA may be used to identify TB patients with suboptimal rifampin levels during TB treatment.
Detection of TR
34
/L98H
CYP51A
Mutation through Passive Surveillance for Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in the United States from 2015 to 2017
Authors: Berkow Elizabeth L. , Nunnally Natalie S. , Bandea Alex , Kuykendall Randall , Beer Karlyn , Lockhart Shawn R. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

The emergence of azole-resistant
Aspergillus fumigatus
has become a clinical problem in many parts of the world. Several amino acid mutations in the azole target protein Cyp51Ap contribute to this resistance, with the most concerning being the environmentally derived TR
34
/L98H and TR
46
/Y121F/T289A mutations. Here, we performed passive surveillance to assess a sample of the
A. fumigatus
population in the United States for the presence of these mutations. We found 1.4% of those isolates to exhibit elevated MIC via broth microdilution, and five of those isolates harbored the TR
34
/L98H mutation.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Xanthomonas arboricola
pv. juglandis Strain DW3F3, Isolated from a
Juglans regia
L. Bacterial Blighted Fruitlet
Authors: Fu Benzhong , Chen Qianqian , Wei Mi , Zhu Jieqian , Zou Lulu , Li Guoyuan , Wang Lihua 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Xanthomonas arboricola
pv. juglandis DW3F3, a strong pathogenic strain isolated from blighted walnut immature fruit (
Juglans regia
L. cv. Qingxiang). The genome consists of a single chromosome (5,144 kb).
Regulatory Role of an Interdomain Linker in the Bacterial Chemotaxis Histidine Kinase CheA
Authors: Ding Xueye , He Qiang , Shen Fenglin , Dahlquist Frederick W. , Wang Xiqing 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTThe histidine kinase CheA plays a central role in signal integration, conversion, and amplification in the bacterial chemotaxis signal transduction pathway. The kinase activity is regulated in chemotaxis signaling complexes formed via the interactions among CheA's regulatory domain (P5), the coupling protein CheW, and transmembrane chemoreceptors. Despite recent advancements in the understanding of the architecture of the signaling complex, the molecular mechanism underlying this regulation remains elusive. An interdomain linker that connects the catalytic (P4) and regulatory domains of CheA may mediate regulatory signals from the P5-CheW-receptor interactions to the catalytic domain. To investigate whether this interdomain linker is capable of both activating and inhibiting CheA, we performedin vivoscreens to search for P4-P5 linker mutations that result in different CheA autokinase activities. Several CheA variants were identified with kinase activities ranging from 30% to 670% of the activity of wild-type CheA. All of these CheA variants were defective in receptor-mediated kinase activation, indicating that the natural receptor-mediated signal transmission pathway was simultaneously affected by these mutations. The altered P4-P5 linkers were sufficient for making significant changes in the kinase activity even in the absence of the P5 domain. Therefore, the interdomain linker is an active module that has the ability to impose regulatory effects on the catalytic activity of the P4 domain. These results suggest that chemoreceptors may manipulate the conformation of the P4-P5 linker to achieve CheA regulation in the platform of the signaling complex.IMPORTANCEThe molecular mechanism underlying kinase regulation in bacterial chemotaxis signaling complexes formed by the regulatory domain of the histidine kinase CheA, the coupling protein CheW, and chemoreceptors is still unknown. We isolated and characterized mutations in the interdomain linker that connects the catalytic and regulatory domains of CheA and found that the linker mutations resulted in different CheA autokinase activities in the absence and presence of the regulatory domain as well as a defect in receptor-mediated kinase activation. These results demonstrate that the interdomain linker is an active module that has the ability to impose regulatory effects on CheA activity. Chemoreceptors may manipulate the conformation of this interdomain linker to achieve CheA regulation in the platform of the signaling complex.
Acupuncture ‘dose’ (Number of Treatments) and Insurance Benefits in the Usa
Authors: Schwehr Natalie A , Shippee Nathan D , Johnson Pamela Jo 
Published: February 2018

Background An adequate treatment dose, including a sufficient number of acupuncture treatments, is important for the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for common conditions. Objective To examine the characteristics of US adults who used a full course of acupuncture (≥6 treatments), a short course (1–5 treatments) or no acupuncture, including use of insurance benefits for acupuncture among users. Methods We used population-based survey data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the most current nationally representative data including use of acupuncture. We described subgroups of acupuncture users and used logistic regression to estimate the odds of past year acupuncture use versus non-use and completion of a full treatment course versus a short course. Covariates included demographic factors and health status. Analyses used strata, weights and clustering to account for the complex sample design. Results Among acupuncture users, 38% completed a full course. Acupuncture use was low (1.5%), but odds were higher among women and those with greater education and less poverty. Those who used acupuncture insurance benefits and who had greater education were more likely to receive a full treatment course. Insurance benefits attenuated disparities in use by sex and race/ethnicity. Conclusion Nationally, most people who use acupuncture do not receive a full treatment course. Considering evidence of effectiveness, low risk and relatively low cost of delivery, acupuncture could play a larger role in non-pharmaceutical treatment of common conditions such as pain. Policymakers should consider that, without insurance benefits for acupuncture, people are less likely to complete a full treatment course, which may contribute to disparities in use and health outcomes.
Acupuncture and in vitro fertilisation research: Current and future directions
Authors: Hullender Rubin Lee E , Anderson Belinda J , Craig LaTasha B 
Published: February 2018

Background Acupuncture is a common adjuvant treatment to support patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). However, the impact of acupuncture and the different roles it can play in IVF remain unclear. Objective In this paper, we present an overview and critique of the current evidence on acupuncture's impact on IVF-related stress, describe harms, and propose future directions for investigation. Conclusion Two to three acupuncture sessions performed on or around the day of embryo transfer are insufficient interventions to improve IVF birth outcomes but provide significant IVF-related stress reduction. Research investigating acupuncture to support IVF is heterogeneous and confounded by the lack of an appropriate comparator. However, evidence suggests several acupuncture sessions improve endometrial thickness, reduce stress, and improve patient satisfaction. Observational studies suggest more sessions are associated with increases in clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. An optimised acupuncture intervention with a reasonable comparator is necessary for future studies, with evidence-based guidance on technique and number of sessions. Acupuncture should not be rejected as an adjuvant therapy for IVF, but more studies are needed to clarify acupuncture's role in supporting IVF cycles.
Dementia prevalence in a population at high vascular risk: the Trinidad national survey of ageing and cognition
Authors: Davis Gershwin , Baboolal Nelleen , Mc Rae Amanda , Stewart Robert 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate the dementia prevalence in a country with high levels of cardiovascular risk factorsDesign and methodsOlder people in Trinidad are recognised to have particularly high levels of cardiovascular risk factors. We carried out a survey in a nationally representative sample of people aged ≥70 years using household enumeration. Dementia status was ascertained using standardised interviews and algorithms from the 10/66 schedule and age-specific prevalence were compared with identically defined output from the 10/66 surveys of 16 536 residents in eight other low-income and middle-income countries.ResultsOf 1832 participants (77.0% response rate), dementia was present in 442 (23.4%). Prevalences were 12.0% in persons aged 70–74 years, 23.5% at 75–79, 25.8% at 80–84, 41.3% at 85–89 and 54.0% in those aged ≥90 years. Prevalence ratios compared with averages from 10/66 surveys in these age groups were 2.2, 2.6, 1.6, 1.7 and 1.6, respectively, and were 2.7, 2.8, 1.7, 1.4 and 0.8, respectively, compared with previously published consensus estimates for the Latin American region. Dementia was significantly associated with reported stroke and diabetes in logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic status and other vascular risk factors (OR (95% CI) 4.40 (2.70 to 7.19) and 1.56 (1.20 to 2.03), respectively). Projected national numbers of people with dementia (18 206) were 70%–100% higher than those estimated using most recent regional consensus prevalences.ConclusionIn a nation with high levels of vascular risk, dementia prevalence is higher than expected, particularly at the lower end of the 70+ age range. International prevalence projections may need to take into account risk status as well as age structures.
Association between perceived stress, multimorbidity and primary care health services: a Danish population-based cohort study
Authors: Prior Anders , Vestergaard Mogens , Larsen Karen Kjær , Fenger-Grøn Morten 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesMental stress is common in the general population. Mounting evidence suggests that mental stress is associated with multimorbidity, suboptimal care and increased mortality. Delivering healthcare in a biopsychosocial context is key for general practitioners (GPs), but it remains unclear how persons with high levels of perceived stress are managed in primary care. We aimed to describe the association between perceived stress and primary care services by focusing on mental health-related activities and markers of elective/acute care while accounting for mental–physical multimorbidity.DesignPopulation-based cohort study.SettingPrimary healthcare in Denmark.Participants118 410 participants from the Danish National Health Survey 2010 followed for 1 year. Information on perceived stress and lifestyle was obtained from a survey questionnaire. Information on multimorbidity was obtained from health registers.Outcome measuresGeneral daytime consultations, out-of-hours services, mental health-related services and chronic care services in primary care obtained from health registers.ResultsPerceived stress levels were associated with primary care activity in a dose–response relation when adjusted for underlying conditions, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors. In the highest stress quintile, 6.8% attended GP talk therapy (highest vs lowest quintile, adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR): 4.96, 95% CI 4.20 to 5.86), 3.3% consulted a psychologist (IRR: 6.49, 95% CI 4.90 to 8.58), 21.5% redeemed an antidepressant prescription (IRR: 4.62, 95% CI 4.03 to 5.31), 23.8% attended annual chronic care consultations (IRR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.29) and 26.1% used out-of-hours services (IRR: 1.47, 95% CI 1.51 to 1.68). For those with multimorbidity, stress was associated with more out-of-hours services, but not with more chronic care services.ConclusionPersons with high stress levels generally had higher use of primary healthcare, 4–6 times higher use of mental health-related services (most often in the form of psychotropic drug prescriptions), but less timely use of chronic care services.
Interactive voice response interventions targeting behaviour change: a systematic literature review with meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Tsoli Stergiani , Sutton Stephen , Kassavou Aikaterini 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveA number of promising automated behaviour change interventions have been developed using advanced phone technology. This paper reviewed the effectiveness of interactive voice response (IVR)-based interventions designed to promote changes in specific health behaviours.MethodsA systematic literature review of papers published between January 1990 and September 2017 in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) was conducted. From the total of 2546 papers identified, 15 randomised control trials (RCTs) met the eligibility criteria and were included in a random effects meta-analysis. Meta-regression analysis was used to explore whether behaviour change techniques (BCTs) that were used in the interventions were associated with intervention effectiveness.ResultsMeta-analysis of 15 RCTs showed that IVR-based interventions had small but significant effects on promoting medication adherence (OR=1.527, 95% CI 1.207 to 1.932, k=9, p=0.000) and physical activity (Hedges’ g=0.254, 95% CI 0.068 to 0.439, k=3, p=0.007). No effects were found for alcohol (Hedges’ g=−0.077, 95% CI −0.162 to 0.007, k=4, p=0.073) or diet (Hedges’ g=0.130, 95% CI −0.088 to 0.347, k=2, p=0.242). In the medication adherence studies, multivariable meta-regression including six BCTs explained 100% of the observed variance in effect size, but only the BCT ‘information about health consequences’ was significantly associated with effect size (β=0.690, SE=0.199, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.08, p=0.000).ConclusionIVR-based interventions appear promising in changing specific health behaviours, such as medication adherence and physical activity. However, more studies are needed to elucidate further the combination of active components of IVR interventions that make them effective and test their feasibility and effectiveness using robust designs and objective outcome measures.
Music therapy in UK palliative and end-of-life care: a service evaluation
Authors: Graham-Wisener Lisa , Watts Grace , Kirkwood Jenny , Harrison Craig , McEwan Joan , Porter Sam , Reid Joanne , McConnell Tracey Helena 
Published: February 2018

Music therapy aligns to the holistic approach to palliative and end-of-life care (PEOLC), with an emergent evidence base reporting positive effect on a range of health-related outcomes for both patient and family carer alongside high client demand. However, the current service provision and the role of music therapists in supporting individuals receiving PEOLC in the UK is currently unknown.ObjectivesThis service evaluation aims to identify the provision, role and perceived impact of UK music therapists in supporting patients receiving PEOLC, their families and health and social care professionals.MethodsA survey was distributed to the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) member mailing list in July 2017. BAMT is the professional body for Health and Care Professions Council registered music therapists in the UK.ResultsFifty respondents identified themselves as music therapists currently working with clients receiving PEOLC. The respondents largely reported (84.7%) less than 10 years of experience working in PEOLC settings, with only a minority receiving statutory funding for their role. Music therapists most commonly reported supporting adults with neurological conditions, cancers and dementia.ConclusionsAlthough promising that evidence suggests provision of music therapy in UK PEOLC settings in the past 10 years to have increased, lack of sustainable funding suggests the role to not be consistently accessible in PEOLC.
Alcohol dysregulates miR-148a in hepatocytes through FoxO1, facilitating pyroptosis via TXNIP overexpression
Authors: Heo Mi Jeong , Kim Tae Hyun , You Jueng Soo , Blaya Delia , Sancho-Bru Pau , Kim Sang Geon 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveAlcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of death among chronic liver diseases. However, its pathogenesis has not been completely established. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key contributors to liver diseases progression. This study investigated hepatocyte-abundant miRNAs dysregulated by ALD, its impact on hepatocyte injury and the underlying basis.DesignAlcoholic hepatitis (AH) human and animal liver samples and hepatocytes were used to assess miR-148a levels. Pre-miR-148a was delivered specifically to hepatocytes in vivo using lentivirus. Immunoblottings, luciferase reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays were carried out in cell models.ResultsThe miRNA profile and PCR analyses enabled us to find substantial decrease of miR-148a in the liver of patients with AH. In mice subjected to Lieber-DeCarli alcohol diet or binge alcohol drinking, miR-148a levels were also markedly reduced. In cultured hepatocytes and mouse livers, alcohol exposure inhibited forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) expression, which correlated with miR-148a levels and significantly decreased in human AH specimens. FoxO1 was identified as a transcription factor for MIR148A transactivation. MiR-148a directly inhibited thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) expression. Consequently, treatment of hepatocytes with ethanol resulted in TXNIP overexpression, activating NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis. These events were reversed by miR-148a mimic or TXNIP small-interfering RNA transfection. Hepatocyte-specific delivery of miR-148a to mice abrogated alcohol-induced TXNIP overexpression and inflammasome activation, attenuating liver injury.ConclusionAlcohol decreases miR-148a expression in hepatocytes through FoxO1, facilitating TXNIP overexpression and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which induces hepatocyte pyroptosis. Our findings provide information on novel targets for reducing incidence and progression of ALD.