bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Provides Insight into the Evolution and Genetic Composition of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Belarus
Authors: Wollenberg Kurt R. , Desjardins Christopher A. , Zalutskaya Aksana , Slodovnikova Vervara , Oler Andrew J. , Quiñones Mariam , Abeel Thomas , Chapman Sinead B. , Tartakovsky Michael , Gabrielian Andrei , Hoffner Sven , Skrahin Aliaksandr , Birren Bruce W. , Rosenthal Alexander , Skrahina Alena , Earl Ashlee M. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

The emergence and spread of drug-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(DR-TB) are critical global health issues. Eastern Europe has some of the highest incidences of DR-TB, particularly multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB. To better understand the genetic composition and evolution of MDR- and XDR-TB in the region, we sequenced and analyzed the genomes of 138
M. tuberculosis
isolates from 97 patients sampled between 2010 and 2013 in Minsk, Belarus. MDR and XDR-TB isolates were significantly more likely to belong to the Beijing lineage than to the Euro-American lineage, and known resistance-conferring loci accounted for the majority of phenotypic resistance to first- and second-line drugs in MDR and XDR-TB. Using a phylogenomic approach, we estimated that the majority of MDR-TB was due to the recent transmission of already-resistant
M. tuberculosis
strains rather than repeated
de novo
evolution of resistance within patients, while XDR-TB was acquired through both routes. Longitudinal sampling of
M. tuberculosis
from 34 patients with treatment failure showed that most strains persisted genetically unchanged during treatment or acquired resistance to fluoroquinolones. HIV+ patients were significantly more likely to have multiple infections over time than HIV− patients, highlighting a specific need for careful infection control in these patients. These data provide a better understanding of the genomic composition, transmission, and evolution of MDR- and XDR-TB in Belarus and will enable improved diagnostics, treatment protocols, and prognostic decision-making.
Randomised controlled trial of alternative messages to increase enrolment in a healthy food programme among individuals with diabetes
Authors: Gopalan A , Paramanund J , Shaw P A , Patel D , Friedman J , Brophy C , Buttenheim A M , Troxel A B , Asch D A , Volpp K G 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesWe compared the effectiveness of diabetes-focused messaging strategies at increasing enrolment in a healthy food programme among adults with diabetes.MethodsVitality is a multifaceted wellness benefit available to members of Discovery Health, a South Africa-based health insurer. One of the largest Vitality programmes is HealthyFood (HF), an incentive-based programme designed to encourage healthier diets by providing up to 25% cashback on healthy food purchases. We randomised adults with type 2 diabetes to 1 of 5 arms: (1) control, (2) a diabetes-specific message, (3) a message with a recommendation of HF written from the perspective of a HF member with diabetes, (4) a message containing a physician's recommendation of HF, or (5) the diabetes-specific message from arm 2 paired with an ‘enhanced active choice’(EAC). In an EAC, readers are asked to make an immediate choice (in this case, to enrol or not enrol); the pros and cons associated with the preferred and non-preferred options are highlighted. HF enrolment was assessed 1 month following the first emailed message.ResultsWe randomised 3906 members. After excluding those who enrolled in HF or departed from the Vitality programme before the first intervention email, 3665 (94%) were included in a modified intent-to-treat analysis. All 4 experimental arms had significantly higher HF enrolment rates compared with control (p<0.0001 for all comparisons). When comparing experimental arms, the diabetes-specific message with the EAC had a significantly higher enrolment rate (12.6%) than the diabetes-specific message alone (7.6%, p=0.0016).ConclusionsMessages focused on diabetes were effective at increasing enrolment in a healthy food programme. The addition of a framed active choice to a message significantly raised enrolment rates in this population. These findings suggest that simple, low-cost interventions can enhance enrolment in health promoting programmes and also be pragmatically tested within those programmes.Trial registration numberNCT02462057.
Validity of self-reported myocardial infarction and stroke in regions with Sami and Norwegian populations: the SAMINOR 1 Survey and the CVDNOR project
Authors: Eliassen Bent-Martin , Melhus Marita , Tell Grethe S , Borch Kristin Benjaminsen , Braaten Tonje , Broderstad Ann Ragnhild , Graff-Iversen Sidsel 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveUpdated knowledge on the validity of self-reported myocardial infarction (SMI) and self-reported stroke (SRS) is needed in Norway. Our objective was to compare questionnaire data and hospital discharge data from regions with Sami and Norwegian populations to assess the validity of these outcomes by ethnicity, sex, age and education.DesignValidation study using cross-sectional questionnaire data and hospital discharge data from all Norwegian somatic hospitals.Participants and setting16 865 men and women aged 30 and 36–79 years participated in the Population-based Study on Health and Living Conditions in Sami and Norwegian Populations (SAMINOR) 1 Survey in 2003–2004. Information on SMI and SRS was available from self-administered questionnaires for 15 005 and 15 088 of these participants, respectively. We compared this information with hospital discharge data from 1994 until SAMINOR 1 Survey attendance.Primary and secondary outcomesSensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value and κ.ResultsThe sensitivity and PPV of SMI were 90.1% and 78.9%, respectively; the PPV increased to 93.1% when all ischaemic heart disease (IHD) diagnoses were included. The SMI prevalence estimate was 2.3% and hospital-based 2.0%. The sensitivity and PPV of SRS were 81.1% and 64.3%, respectively. The SRS prevalence estimate was 1.5% and hospitalisation-based 1.2%. Moderate to no variation was observed in validity according to ethnicity, sex, age and education.ConclusionsThe sensitivity and PPV of SMI were high and moderate, respectively; for SRS, both of these measures were moderate. Our results show that SMI from the SAMINOR 1 Survey may be used in aetiological/analytical studies in this population due to a high IHD-specific PPV. The SAMINOR 1 questionnaire may also be used to estimate the prevalence of acute myocardial infarction and acute stroke.
Improving access and continuity of care for homeless people: how could general practitioners effectively contribute? Results from a mixed study
Authors: Jego Maeva , Grassineau Dominique , Balique Hubert , Loundou Anderson , Sambuc Roland , Daguzan Alexandre , Gentile Gaetan , Gentile Stéphanie 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo analyse the views of general practitioners (GPs) about how they can provide care to homeless people (HP) and to explore which measures could influence their views.DesignMixed-methods design (qualitative –> quantitative (cross-sectional observational) → qualitative). Qualitative data were collected through semistructured interviews and through questionnaires with closed questions. Quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistical analyses on SPPS; a content analysis was applied on qualitative data.SettingPrimary care; views of urban GPs working in a deprived area in Marseille were explored by questionnaires and/or semistructured interview.Participants19 GPs involved in HP's healthcare were recruited for phase 1 (qualitative); for phase 2 (quantitative), 150 GPs who provide routine healthcare (‘standard’ GPs) were randomised, 144 met the inclusion criteria and 105 responded to the questionnaire; for phase 3 (qualitative), data were explored on 14 ‘standard’ GPs.ResultsIn the quantitative phase, 79% of the 105 GPs already treated HP. Most of the difficulties they encountered while treating HP concerned social matters (mean level of perceived difficulties=3.95/5, IC 95 (3.74 to 4.17)), lack of medical information (mn=3.78/5, IC 95 (3.55 to 4.01)) patient's compliance (mn=3.67/5, IC 95 (3.45 to 3.89)), loneliness in practice (mn=3.45/5, IC 95 (3.18 to 3.72)) and time required for the doctor (mn=3.25, IC 95 (3 to 3.5)). From qualitative analysis we understood that maintaining a stable follow-up was a major condition for GPs to contribute effectively to the care of HP. Acting on health system organisation, developing a medical and psychosocial approach with closer relation with social workers and enhancing the collaboration between tailored and non-tailored programmes were also other key answers.ConclusionsIf we adapt the conditions of GPs practice, they could contribute to the improvement of HP's health. These results will enable the construction of a new model of primary care organisation aiming to improve access to healthcare for HP.
Beyond hand hygiene: a qualitative study of the everyday work of preventing cross-contamination on hospital wards
Authors: Hor Su-yin , Hooker Claire , Iedema Rick , Wyer Mary , Gilbert Gwendolyn L , Jorm Christine , O'Sullivan Matthew Vincent Neil 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundHospital-acquired infections are the most common adverse event for inpatients worldwide. Efforts to prevent microbial cross-contamination currently focus on hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), with variable success. Better understanding is needed of infection prevention and control (IPC) in routine clinical practice.MethodsWe report on an interventionist video-reflexive ethnography study that explored how healthcare workers performed IPC in three wards in two hospitals in New South Wales, Australia: an intensive care unit and two general surgical wards. We conducted 46 semistructured interviews, 24 weeks of fieldwork (observation and videoing) and 22 reflexive sessions with a total of 177 participants (medical, nursing, allied health, clerical and cleaning staff, and medical and nursing students). We performed a postintervention analysis, using a modified grounded theory approach, to account for the range of IPC practices identified by participants.ResultsWe found that healthcare workers' routine IPC work goes beyond hand hygiene and PPE. It also involves, for instance, the distribution of team members during rounds, the choreography of performing aseptic procedures and moving ‘from clean to dirty’ when examining patients. We account for these practices as the logistical work of moving bodies and objects across boundaries, especially from contaminated to clean/vulnerable spaces, while restricting the movement of micro-organisms through cleaning, applying barriers and buffers, and trajectory planning.ConclusionsAttention to the logistics of moving people and objects around healthcare spaces, especially into vulnerable areas, allows for a more comprehensive approach to IPC through better contextualisation of hand hygiene and PPE protocols, better identification of transmission risks, and the design and promotion of a wider range of preventive strategies and solutions.
Improved thermoelectric properties of hole-doped Bi2−xNaxBa2Co2Oy ceramics
Authors: Gao Wenxian , Wang Guangjiang , Li Xinjian , Hu Xing , Song Hongzhang 
Published: December 2016

In this work, Bi[Formula: see text]Na[Formula: see text]Ba2Co2O[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]=[Formula: see text]0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30) ceramic samples were prepared by the conventional solid phase method. The influence of Na element doping on the thermoelectric properties of samples was investigated from 300 K to 950 K. Compared with undoped sample, the Seebeck coefficients of Na-doped samples have only a slight decrease. While, the electrical resistivity of the Na-doped samples reduces, for Bi[Formula: see text]Na[Formula: see text]Ba2Co2O[Formula: see text] ceramic samples with [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.15, the electrical resistivity decreases with increasing Na doping amounts due to the hole-doping effect. In addition, its temperature-dependent resistivity exhibits metallic electrical conductivity behavior. While, the samples with [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]0.20 exhibit semiconductor electrical conductivity behavior at the temperature range of 473–823 K, because of the significant reduction of the electrical resistivity and the slight decrease of Seebeck coefficients, the power factors of the doped samples get a significant improvement. For the most suitable doped sample Bi[Formula: see text]Na[Formula: see text]Ba2Co2O[Formula: see text], its ZT value can reach a better value of 0.2 at 873 K.
Influence of photoconductivity on the study of trap levels in polyimide films by photo-stimulated discharge
Authors: He Li-Juan , Yang Xiong , Niu Hui-Qin , Yuan Zhen-Hua , Li Da-Wei , Chen Chun-Tian 
Published: December 2016

In this paper, the distribution of the charge trap levels in polyimide (PI) films was investigated by using photo-stimulated discharge (PSD) technique, which was to explore the effect of photoconductivity on photo-stimulated discharge current. The PSD spectra show that the photo-stimulated discharge current of the PI films is mainly distributed in the range of 649–320 nm, but there are two significant current peaks when the wavelength is 300 nm and 244 nm, respectively. By studying the reason of generating two current peaks, it is concluded that the two current peaks are not generated by trapped charge de-trapping but generated by photoconductivity of charge-transfer complex in the PI films. According to the research, it is concluded that the trap levels in PI films are mainly distributed in the range of 1.92 eV–3.88 eV.
Sarcomeric protein modification during adrenergic stress enhances cross-bridge kinetics and cardiac output
Authors: Gresham Kenneth S. , Mamidi Ranganath , Li Jiayang , Kwak Hyerin , Stelzer Julian E. 
Published: December 2016

Molecular adaptations to chronic neurohormonal stress, including sarcomeric protein cleavage and phosphorylation, provide a mechanism to increase ventricular contractility and enhance cardiac output, yet the link between sarcomeric protein modifications and changes in myocardial function remains unclear. To examine the effects of neurohormonal stress on posttranslational modifications of sarcomeric proteins, mice were administered combined α- and β-adrenergic receptor agonists (isoproterenol and phenylephrine, IPE) for 14 days using implantable osmotic pumps. In addition to significant cardiac hypertrophy and increased maximal ventricular pressure, IPE treatment accelerated pressure development and relaxation (74% increase in dP/d tmax and 14% decrease in τ), resulting in a 52% increase in cardiac output compared with saline (SAL)-treated mice. Accelerated pressure development was maintained when accounting for changes in heart rate and preload, suggesting that myocardial adaptations contribute to enhanced ventricular contractility. Ventricular myocardium isolated from IPE-treated mice displayed a significant reduction in troponin I (TnI) and myosin-binding protein C (MyBP-C) expression and a concomitant increase in the phosphorylation levels of the remaining TnI and MyBP-C protein compared with myocardium isolated from saline-treated control mice. Skinned myocardium isolated from IPE-treated mice displayed a significant acceleration in the rate of cross-bridge (XB) detachment (46% increase) and an enhanced magnitude of XB recruitment (43% increase) at submaximal Ca2+ activation compared with SAL-treated mice but unaltered myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity of force generation. These findings demonstrate that sarcomeric protein modifications during neurohormonal stress are molecular adaptations that enhance in vivo ventricular contractility through accelerated XB kinetics to increase cardiac output. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Posttranslational modifications to sarcomeric regulatory proteins provide a mechanism to modulate cardiac function in response to stress. In this study, we demonstrate that neurohormonal stress produces modifications to myosin-binding protein C and troponin I, including a reduction in protein expression within the sarcomere and increased phosphorylation of the remaining protein, which serve to enhance cross-bridge kinetics and increase cardiac output. These findings highlight the importance of sarcomeric regulatory protein modifications in modulating ventricular function during cardiac stress.
Divergent outcomes of fructose consumption on exercise capacity of rats: friend or foe
Authors: Sun Angela , Huang An , Kertowidjojo Elizabeth , Song Su , Hintze Thomas H. , Sun Dong 
Published: December 2016

To test the hypothesis that high fructose (HF) consumption divergently affects exercise capability as a function of feeding duration, rats were fed a normal (as control) diet or a normal caloric diet with HF for 3, 6, 10, and 30 days, respectively, and then were run on a treadmill. Results show that running distance and work were significantly increased, which was associated with greater exercise oxygen consumption in rats fed HF for 3 (HF-3D) and 6 days, but were decreased in rats fed HF for 30 days (HF-30D) compared with rats in their respective control groups. Shear stress-induced vasodilation (SSID) in isolated plantaris muscle arterioles was significantly greater in the HF-3D group than the control group. The difference in SSID between the two groups was abolished by Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), suggesting a nitric oxide (NO)-mediated response. Expression of phosphorylated/activated endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and release of nitrite/NO were significantly increased in vessels of animals in the HF-3D group than controls. In contrast, arterioles isolated from the hypertensive rats in the HF-30D group displayed significantly attenuated NO-mediated SSID accompanied with greater production of superoxide compared with vessels of control animals. Additionally, the NO-dependent modulation of myocardial oxygen consumption (MV̇o2) was also impaired in the HF-30D group, and was prevented by blocking superoxide production with apocynin, an inhibitor that also normalized the reduced SSID in the HF-30D group. In conclusion, short-term (3–6 days) HF feeding enhances exercise potential via an increase in endothelial sensitivity to shear stress, which stimulates eNOS to release NO, leading to better tissue perfusion and utilization of oxygen. However, long-term (30 days) HF feeding initiates endothelial dysfunction by superoxide-dependent mechanisms to compromise exercise performance. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The evidence that short-term fructose intake potentiates exercise capacity by nitric oxide-mediated mechanisms yields an optimal fructose feeding frame in which beneficial effects of fructose have been acquired while detrimental effects have not yet been manifested. This highlights the significance of exercise physiology in providing constructive regimens to improve physical performance.
The protective role of sex hormones in females and exercise prehabilitation in males on sternotomy-induced cranial hypoperfusion in aortic banded mini-swine
Authors: Olver T. Dylan , Hiemstra Jessica A. , Edwards Jenna C. , Ferguson Brian S. , Laughlin M. Harold , Emter Craig A. 
Published: December 2016

During cardiac surgery, specifically sternotomy, cranial hypoperfusion is linked to cerebral ischemia, increased risk of perioperative watershed stroke, and other neurocognitive complications. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine the effect of sex hormones in females and exercise prehabilitation in males on median sternotomy-induced changes in cranial perfusion in a large animal model of heart failure. Cranial blood flow (CBF) before and 10 and 60 min poststernotomy was analyzed in eight groups of Yucatan mini-swine: female control, aortic banded, ovariectomized, and ovariectomized + aortic banded; male control, aortic banded, aortic banded + continuous exercise trained, and aortic banded + interval exercise trained. A median sternotomy decreased cranial perfusion during surgery in all pigs (~24 ± 2% relative to baseline; P ≤ 0.05). CBF was 30 ± 7% lower across all time points in all females vs. all males ( P ≤ 0.05) and sternotomy decreased cranial perfusion ( P ≤ 0.05) independent of sex (females = 34 ± 3% and males = 14 ± 3%) and aortic banding (intact control = 31 ± 5% and intact aortic banded = 31 ± 4%). CBF recovery at 60 min tended to be better in females vs. males (relative to 10 min poststernotomy, females = 23 ± 13% vs. males = −1 ± 5%) and intact aortic banded vs. control pigs (relative to 10 min poststernotomy, aortic banded = 43 ± 20% vs. control = 6 ± 16%; P ≤ 0.05) at 60 min poststernotomy. Ovariectomy impaired CBF recovery during cranial reperfusion 60 min following sternotomy (relative to baseline, all intact females = −1 ± 9% vs. all ovariectomized females = −15 ± 4%; P ≤ 0.05). Chronic exercise training completely prevented significant sternotomy-induced cranial hypoperfusion independent of aortic banding (sternotomy-induced deficit, all sedentary males = −24 ± 6% vs. all exercise-trained males = −7 ± 3%; P ≤ 0.05). Female sex hormones protected against impaired CBF recovery during reperfusion, while chronic exercise training prevented sternotomy-induced cranial hypoperfusion despite cardiac pressure overload. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our findings suggest a median sternotomy may predispose patients, possibly postmenopausal women and sedentary men, to perioperative cerebral ischemia, an increased risk of cardiac surgery-related stroke, and resulting neurocognitive impairments. Specifically, data from this common surgical procedure show: 1) median sternotomy independently decreases cranial perfusion; 2) female sex hormones improve cranial blood flow recovery following sternotomy; and 3) exercise prehabilitation prevents sternotomy-induced cranial hypoperfusion. Exercise prehabilitation before cardiac surgery may be advantageous for capable patients.