bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Price of Aesthetics After Nipple-Sparring Mastectomy
Authors: Akintayo Rachel M. , Weinstein Andrew L. , Olorunnipa Olushola B. , Otterburn David M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Skin necrosis after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) breast reconstruction impacts cosmesis and patient satisfaction. Skin grafting might mitigate these sequelae, but oftentimes creates a color and texture mismatch with native breast skin. In contrast, abdominal skin on the DIEP flap is an excellent match and can be banked. The purposes of this study are to review our experience with skin banking of DIEP flaps and determine the cost-benefit of skin banking compared with other reconstructive options.

Methods

This was a retrospective review study conducted from 2011 to 2014 to examine patients undergoing staged DIEP reconstruction immediately after NSM. Medicare reimbursement costs using Current Procedural Terminology codes, and provider and facilities fees for conventional reconstructions options versus skin banking were obtained with subsequent cost-minimization and sensitivity analyses.

Results

The proportion of patients who developed mastectomy skin necrosis was 12.1%, and that of those who had a positive retroareolar biopsy corresponding to an average surface area of 58.3 cm2 was 3.0%. Average per patient cost of skin banking was $1224, $844 more than split-thickness skin graft (STSG) without Integra, $420 more than STSG with Integra, and $839.01 more than full-thickness skin graft. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that skin banking was less than managing mastectomy skin loss with STSG and Integra when the incidence of necrosis >10 cm2 exceeded 25.3%.

Conclusions

Skin banking maximizes aesthetic outcomes after skin loss from either positive margins or skin flap necrosis. Use of this technique should occur especially in select patients at increased risk of mastectomy skin flap/nipple-areola complex (NAC) necrosis and/or suspicion for occult NAC carcinoma. Furthermore, among reconstructive plastic surgeons whose rate of mastectomy flap/NAC necrosis >10 cm2 exceeds 25.3%, sensitive analysis favors undergoing a staged reconstruction after NSM.
Immunohistochemically Detected Expression of ATRX, TSC2, and PTEN Predicts Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Grade 1 and 2 Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Uemura Jun , Okano Keiichi , Oshima Minoru , Suto Hironobu , Ando Yasuhisa , Kumamoto Kensuke , Kadota Kyuichi , Ichihara Shuji , Kokudo Yasutaka , Maeba Takashi , Nanno Yoshihide , Toyama Hirochika , Takada Yasutsugu , Shimada Mitsuo , Hanazaki Kazuhiro , Masaki Tsutomu , Suzuki Yasuyuki
Published: October 2019

Objective:

The goal of this retrospective study was to clarify the clinical implications of immunohistochemically detected protein expression for genes that are frequently mutated in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs).

Background:

The clinical management of PNETs is hindered by their heterogenous biological behavior. Whole-exome sequencing recently showed that 5 genes (DAXX/ATRX, MEN1, TSC2, and PTEN) are frequently mutated in PNETs. However, the clinical implications of the associated alterations in protein expression remain unclear.

Methods:

We collected Grade 1 and 2 (World Health Organization 2017 Classification) primary PNETs samples from 100 patients who underwent surgical resection. ATRX, DAXX, MEN1, TSC2, and PTEN expression were determined immunohistochemically to clarify their relationships with prognosis and clinicopathological findings.

Results:

Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that loss of TSC2 (n = 58) or PTEN (n = 37) was associated with significantly shorter overall survival, and that loss of TSC2 or ATRX (n = 41) was associated with significantly shorter recurrence-free survival. Additionally, loss of ATRX or TSC2 was significantly associated with nodal metastasis. In a multivariate analysis, combined loss of TSC2 and ATRX (n = 31) was an independent prognostic factor for shorter recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio 10.1, 95% confidence interval 2.1–66.9, P = 0.003) in G2 PNETs.

Conclusions:

Loss of ATRX, TSC2, and PTEN expression might be useful as a method of clarifying the behavior and clinical outcomes of Grade 1 and 2 PNETs in routine clinical practice. Combined loss of TSC2 and ATRX had an especially strong, independent association with shorter recurrence-free survival in patients with G2 PNETs. Loss of pairs in ATRX, TSC2, or PTEN would be useful for selecting the candidate for postoperative adjuvant therapy.
Knockdown of circular RNA CEP128 suppresses proliferation and improves cytotoxic efficacy of temozolomide in glioma cells by regulating miR-145-5p
Authors: Hua Lin , Huang Lifa , Zhang Xin , Feng Haoke , Shen Bin
Published: October 2019

Background

Circular RNAs serve as key players in the development of tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. Circular RNA CEP128 has been reported to be involved in the development of chemoresistance. However, the role of circular RNA CEP128 in the resistance of glioma cells to temozolomide has not yet been characterized.

Methods

The expression of circular RNA CEP128, miR-145-5p, and ATP-binding cassette super-family G member 2 was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. The effects of circular RNA CEP128 on glioma cell proliferation and chemoresistance were evaluated by cell count kit-8 assay and colony formation assay. Luciferase reporter assay was performed for target validation.

Results

Circular RNA CEP128 was upregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. Moreover, circular RNA CEP128 expression was higher in temozolomide-resistant glioma cells compared with that in their parental cells. Knockdown of circular RNA CEP128 inhibited cell proliferation, reduced the expression of ATP-binding cassette super-family G member 2, as well as reduced resistance to temozolomide in glioma cells. Additionally, miR-145-5p was underexpressed in glioma cells as well as temozolomide-resistant glioma cells. Also, miR-145-5p was identified as a target of circular RNA CEP128. Overexpression of miR-145-5p inhibited the proliferation of U251/temozolomide cells and reduced the expression of ATP-binding cassette super-family G member 2, however, these changes induced by miR-145-5p overexpression were blocked by circular RNA CEP128 overexpression.

Conclusion

Knockdown of circular RNA CEP128 suppresses cell proliferation and improves the cytotoxic efficacy of temozolomide in glioma cells by regulating miR-145-5p, suggesting that circular RNA CEP128 might be a promising target for overcoming the resistance of glioma cells to temozolomide.
t-SNE transformation: a normalization method for local features of single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Chengrui An , Bacardit Jaume , Nijia Zhang , Bingbing Wu
Published: October 2019

Single-cell RNA sequencing has been widely used by biology researchers. There are many analysis tools developed accordingly. However, almost all of them use log transformation in the process of normalization, which may result in system bias on global features of datasets. It is considered that they may not be suitable for researchers who expect local and detailed features of datasets, such as rare cell population and independent expressed genes. In this study, we developed a method called t-SNE transformation to replace log transformation. We found that it can well respond to some specific bio-markers in real datasets. When the cluster number was changed, t-SNE transformation was steadier than log transformation. Further study showed that clustering after t-SNE transformation detected the residual cells more accurately after majority cells of one type were removed manually. It was also sensitive to a highly-variated independent gene added artificially. In conclusion, t-SNE transformation is an alternative normalization for detecting local features, especially interests arouse in cell types with rare populations or highly-variated but independently expressed genes.
The secretome of a parasite alters its host’s behaviour but does not recapitulate the behavioural response to infection
Authors: Berger Chloé Suzanne , Aubin-Horth Nadia
Published: October 2019

Parasites with complex life cycles have been proposed to manipulate the behaviour of their intermediate hosts to increase the probability of reaching their final host. The cause of these drastic behavioural changes could be manipulation factors released by the parasite in its environment (the secretome), but this has rarely been assessed. We studied a non-cerebral parasite, the cestodeSchistocephalus solidus, and its intermediate host, the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), whose response to danger becomes significantly diminished when infected. These altered behaviours appear only during late infection, when the worm is ready to reproduce in its final avian host. Sympatric host-parasite pairs show higher infection success for parasites, suggesting that the secretome effects could differ for allopatric host-parasite pairs with independent evolutionary histories. We tested the effects of secretome exposure on behaviour by using secretions from the early and late infection ofS. solidusand by injecting them in healthy sticklebacks from a sympatric and allopatric population. Contrary to our prediction, secretome from late infection worms did not result in more risky behaviours, but secretome from early infection resulted in more cautious hosts, only in fish from the allopatric population. Our results suggest that the secretome ofSchistocephalus soliduscontains molecules that can affect host behaviour, that the causes underlying the behavioural changes in infected sticklebacks are multifactorial, and that local adaptation between host-parasite pairs may extend to the response to the parasite’s secretome content.
Modeling the Hemodynamic Response Function for Prediction Errors in the Ventral Striatum
Authors: Bravo-Hermsdorff Gecia , Niv Yael
Published: October 2019

To make sensible inferences about neural activation from fMRI data it is important to accurately model the hemodynamic response function (HRF), i.e., the hemodynamic response evoked by a punctuate neural event. HRF models have been derived for sensory areas, where it is relatively clear what events cause a neural impulse response. However, this is obviously harder to do for higher order cortices such as prefrontal areas. Therefore, one HRF model is commonly used for analyzing activity throughout the brain, despite the fact that hemodynamics are known to vary across regions. For instance, several fMRI studies use a canonical HRF to analyze ventral striatum (VS) activity where converging evidence indicates that reward prediction error signals drive neural activity. However, the VS is a target of prominent dopaminergic projections, known to modulate vasculature and affect BOLD activity, suggesting that the HRF in the VS may be especially different from those in other brain areas. To address this, we use data from an experiment focused on learning from prediction-error signals to derive a VS-specific HRF model (VS-HRF). We show that this new VS-HRF increases statistical power in model comparison. Our result is of particular relevance to studies comparing computational models of learning and/or decision making in the VS, and for connectivity analyses, where the use of an (even slightly) inaccurate HRF model can lead to erroneous conclusions. More broadly, our study highlights the importance of the choice of HRF model in determining the significance of the results obtained in classical univariate fMRI analysis.
Hi-C guided assemblies reveal conserved regulatory topologies on X and autosomes despite extensive genome shuffling
Authors: Renschler Gina , Richard Gautier , Valsecchi Claudia Isabelle Keller , Toscano Sarah , Arrigoni Laura , Ramírez Fidel , Akhtar Asifa
Published: October 2019

Genome rearrangements that occur during evolution impose major challenges on regulatory mechanisms that rely on three-dimensional genome architecture. Here, we developed a scaffolding algorithm and generated chromosome-length assemblies from Hi-C data for studying genome topology in three distantly related Drosophila species. We observe extensive genome shuffling between these species with one synteny breakpoint after approximately every six genes. A/B compartments, a set of large gene-dense topologically associating domains (TADs), and spatial contacts between high-affinity sites (HAS) located on the X chromosome are maintained over 40 million years, indicating architectural conservation at various hierarchies. Evolutionary conserved genes cluster in the vicinity of HAS, while HAS locations appear evolutionarily flexible, thus uncoupling functional requirement of dosage compensation from individual positions on the linear X chromosome. Therefore, 3D architecture is preserved even in scenarios of thousands of rearrangements highlighting its relevance for essential processes such as dosage compensation of the X chromosome.
Multidimensional value creation through different reverse supply chain relationships in used clothing sector
Authors: Pal Rudrajeet , Sandberg Erik , Paras Manoj Kumar
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to purport deeper understanding of, and instigate theoretical elaboration to, multidimensional value created through different reverse supply chain (RSC) relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

By capturing the relationships (and their differences) constituted and embedded in three “extreme” case studies from global used clothing supply chain, the sources of multidimensional values are explored in line with Dyer and Singh’s (1998) relational theory.

Findings

In the RSC, when downstream relationships are typically more opportunistic, value is created using inter-personal ways of knowledge sharing and through use of informal safeguards. In contrast, the upstream RSC relationships are more symbiotic, and value is created through more seamless (and routinized) knowledge sharing practices, and additional use of more formal transaction-specific controls or financial incentives as safeguarding instruments.

Research limitations/implications

The use of consolidated case studies may affect the consistency in the findings presented. Another limitation relates to deriving propositions per each source presented in relational theory.

Practical implications

Practitioners particularly from industries whose global RSCs include different natures of relationships and multiple value incentives can be benefited through this study.

Originality/value

The paper extends the original sources of value creation prescribed in relational theory by contextualizing them in RSCs. It depicts how multidimensional values are created relationally by dyadic partners as the nature of relationship differs between upstream and downstream.
Eruptive squamous cell carcinoma in a patient treated with concomitant pembrolizumab and imiquimod
Authors: Kanekura Takuro , Arimura Akiko , Kirishima Mari , Tanimoto Akihide
Published: October 2019

Pembrolizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against programmed cell death 1, is used for various malignant neoplasms. Toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists, specifically targeting the TLR9 subfamily (TLR7–9), are treatment options for solid tumors and hematological malignancies. We experienced a case of eruptive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a patient treated concomitantly with pembrolizumab and imiquimod, a TLR7 agonist. A 75‐year‐old woman who was given a diagnosis of bladder cancer with lung metastasis received pembrolizumab for 3 months when she was referred to our department for the evaluation of skin rashes on her hands. Her skin lesions were diagnosed as well‐differentiated SCC and treated with topical imiquimod. Two months after the start of imiquimod, more than 10 reddish papules appeared on her hands. The histological diagnosis of a new plaque was the same as an earlier biopsy. We herein describe this case in detail and provide a published work review.
Soil pH and temperature regulate assembly processes of abundant and rare bacterial communities in agricultural ecosystems
Authors: Jiao Shuo , Lu Yahai
Published: October 2019

The factors determining stochastic and deterministic processes that drive microbial community structure, specifically the balance of abundant and rare bacterial taxa, remain underexplored. Here we examined biogeographic patterns of abundant and rare bacterial taxa and explored environmental factors influencing their community assembly processes in agricultural fields across eastern China. More phylogenetic turnover correlating with spatial distance was observed in abundant than rare sub‐communities. Homogeneous selection was the main assembly process for both the abundant and rare sub‐communities; however, the abundant sub‐community was more tightly clustered phylogenetically and was more sensitive to dispersal limitations than the rare sub‐community. Rare sub‐community of rice fields and abundant sub‐community of maize fields were more governed by stochastic assembly processes, which showed higher operational taxonomic unit richness. We propose a conceptual paradigm wherein soil pH and mean annual temperature mediate the assembly of the abundant and rare sub‐communities respectively. A higher soil pH leads to deterministic assembly of the abundant sub‐community. For the rare sub‐community, the dominance of stochasticity in low‐temperature regions indicates weaker niche‐based exclusion and the arrival of more evolutionary lineages. These findings suggest that the community assembly processes for abundant and rare bacterial taxa are dependent on distinct environmental variables in agro‐ecosystems.
Algorithmic assemblages of care: imaginaries, epistemologies and repair work
Authors: Schwennesen Nete
Published: October 2019

In the past decade, the figure of the algorithm has emerged as a matter of concern in discussions about the current state of the healthcare sector and what it may become. While analytical focus has mainly centred on ‘algorithmic entities’, the paper argues that we have to move our analytical focus towards ‘algorithmic assemblages’, if we are to understand how advanced algorithms will affect health care. Departing from this figure, the paper explores how an algorithmic system, designed to ‘take on’ the role of a physiotherapist in physical rehabilitation programmes in Denmark, was designed and made to work in practice. On the basis of ethnographic fieldwork, it is demonstrated that the algorithmic system is a fragile accomplishment and outcome of negotiations between the imaginaries embedded in its design and the ongoing adjustments ofITworkers, patients and professionals. Drawing on recent work on the fragility and incompleteness of algorithms, it is suggested that the algorithmic system needs to be creatively ‘repaired’ to build and maintain enabling connections between bodies in‐motion and professionals in arrangements of care. The paper concludes by addressing accountability for the workings of algorithmic systems in medical practice, suggesting that such questions must also be discussed in relation to encounters between algorithmic imaginaries, health professionals and patients, and the various forms of ‘repair work’ needed to enable algorithmic systems to work in practice. Such acts of accountability cannot be understood within an ethics of transparency, but are better thought of as an ethics of ‘response‐ability’, given the need to intervene and engage with the open‐ended outcomes of algorithmic systems.
Temporalities of mental distress: digital immediacy and the meaning of ‘crisis’ in online support
Authors: Tucker Ian M. , Lavis Anna
Published: October 2019

The Internet is increasingly used to seek support by those suffering with mental distress (Bauman, S. and Rivers, I. Mental Health and the Digital Age. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan; 2015). Drawing on research on a major online peer support forum, we analyse discussions around acute distress, self‐harm and suicide. The paper argues that new temporalities of mental health ‘crisis’ are emerging through the intersection of the immediacy of online support, the chronicity of underlying distress and the punctuated nature of professional support. Online support adds a layer of temporal immediacy that does not traditionally feature in other forms of support (e.g. professional in‐person services). This shifts the meaning of a mental health ‘crisis’ from acute to processual, and can lead to definitions of ‘crisis’ being used when not desired nor necessarily accurate. By attending to the layering of temporalities at the intersections of professional in‐person, and online support, we demonstrate how parameters of crisis support are set – by whom, for whom and in relation to whose bodies. This has implications for professional clinical practice internationally in relation to the increased digitisation of support and the meanings of ‘crisis’ that emerge.
Initiation of vasopressor infusions via peripheral versus central access in patients with early septic shock: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Delaney Anthony , Finnis Mark , Bellomo Rinaldo , Udy Andrew , Jones Daryl , Keijzers Gerben , MacDonald Stephen , Peake Sandra
Published: October 2019

Objective

To assess whether the initiation of vasopressor infusions via peripheral venous catheters (PVC) compared to central venous catheters (CVC) in ED patients with early septic shock was associated with differences in processes of care and outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a post‐hoc analysis of the ARISE trial. We compared participants who had a vasopressor infusion first commenced via a PVC versus a CVC. The primary outcome was 90 day mortality.

Results

We studied 937 participants. Of these, 389 (42%) had early vasopressor infusion commenced via a PVC and 548 (58%) via a CVC. Trial participants who received a vasopressor infusion via a PVC were more severely ill, with higher median (interquartile range [IQR]) Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) scores (17 [13–23] versus 16 [12–21], P = 0.003), and higher median (IQR) lactate (mmol/L) (3.6 [1.9–5.8] versus 2.5 [1.5–4.5], P < 0.001). After adjusting for baseline covariates, the estimated odds ratio for mortality for PVC‐treated patients was 1.26 (95% confidence interval 0.95–1.67, P = 0.11). Trial participants who had vasopressors commenced via PVC had a shorter median (IQR) time to commencement of antimicrobials (55 [32–96] versus 71.5 [39–119] min, P < 0.001) and a shorter median (IQR) time to commencement of vasopressors (2.4 [1.3–3.9] versus 4.9 [3.5–6.6] h, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The practice of commencing a vasopressor infusion via a PVC was common in the ARISE trial and more frequent in trial participants with higher severity of illness. Commencement of a vasopressor infusion via a PVC was associated with some improvements in processes of care and, after adjustment, was not associated with an increased risk of death.
PhyloSuite: An integrated and scalable desktop platform for streamlined molecular sequence data management and evolutionary phylogenetics studies
Authors: Zhang Dong , Gao Fangluan , Jakovlić Ivan , Zou Hong , Zhang Jin , Li Wen X. , Wang Gui T.
Published: October 2019

Multigene and genomic data sets have become commonplace in the field of phylogenetics, but many existing tools are not designed for such data sets, which often makes the analysis time‐consuming and tedious. Here, we present PhyloSuite, a (cross‐platform, open‐source, stand‐alone Python graphical user interface) user‐friendly workflow desktop platform dedicated to streamlining molecular sequence data management and evolutionary phylogenetics studies. It uses a plugin‐based system that integrates several phylogenetic and bioinformatic tools, thereby streamlining the entire procedure, from data acquisition to phylogenetic tree annotation (in combination with iTOL). It has the following features: (a) point‐and‐click and drag‐and‐drop graphical user interface; (b) a workplace to manage and organize molecular sequence data and results of analyses; (c) GenBank entry extraction and comparative statistics; and (d) a phylogenetic workflow with batch processing capability, comprising sequence alignment (mafft and macse), alignment optimization (trimAl, HmmCleaner and Gblocks), data set concatenation, best partitioning scheme and best evolutionary model selection (PartitionFinder and modelfinder), and phylogenetic inference (MrBayes and iq‐tree). PhyloSuite is designed for both beginners and experienced researchers, allowing the former to quick‐start their way into phylogenetic analysis, and the latter to conduct, store and manage their work in a streamlined way, and spend more time investigating scientific questions instead of wasting it on transferring files from one software program to another.
Loss of CD36 protects against diet‐induced obesity but results in impaired muscle stem cell function, delayed muscle regeneration and hepatic steatosis
Authors: Verpoorten Sandrine , Sfyri Peggy , Scully David , Mitchell Robert , Tzimou Anastasia , Mougios Vassilis , Patel Ketan , Matsakas Antonios
Published: October 2019

Aim

The prevalence of obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases including impaired skeletal muscle regeneration. Since skeletal muscle regenerative capacity is regulated by satellite cells, we aimed to investigate whether a high‐fat diet impairs satellite cell function and whether this is linked to fatty acid uptake via CD36. We also aimed to determine whether loss of CD36 impacts on muscle redox homeostasis and skeletal muscle regenerative capacity.

Methods

We studied the impact of a high‐fat diet and CD36 deficiency on murine skeletal muscle morphology, redox homeostasis, satellite cell function, bioenergetics and lipid accumulation in the liver. We also determined the effect of CD36 deficiency on skeletal muscle regeneration.

Results

High‐fat diet increased body weight, intramuscular lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in wild‐type mice that were significantly mitigated in CD36‐deficient mice. High‐fat diet and CD36 deficiency independently attenuated satellite cell function on single fibres and myogenic capacity on primary satellite cells. CD36 deficiency resulted in delayed skeletal muscle regeneration following acute injury with cardiotoxin. CD36‐deficient and wild‐type primary satellite cells had distinct bioenergetic profiles in response to palmitate. High‐fat diet induced hepatic steatosis in both genotypes that was more pronounced in the CD36‐deficient mice.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that CD36 deficiency protects against diet‐induced obesity, intramuscular lipid deposition and oxidative stress but results in impaired muscle satellite cell function, delayed muscle regeneration and hepatic steatosis. CD36 is a key mediator of fatty acid uptake in skeletal muscle, linking obesity with satellite cell function and muscle regeneration.
Trading places: Inclusive cities and market vending in the Pacific Islands
Authors: Keen Meg , Ride Anouk
Published: October 2019

Rapid population growth in Pacific island cities far exceeds employment opportunities and is contributing to rising urban inequality and social exclusions. Livelihoods in the informal urban sector, such as market vending, provide much needed income, rural–urban connectivity and food security, but remain largely excluded from policy and planning frameworks. Spatial, economic and social exclusions limit vendors’ economic advancement, their influence over decision‐making, and their access to basic services. Local communities close to informal markets fill some of the gaps left by the policy neglect, but investment and strategic management remains inadequate when vendors do not have secure market places and recognised rights to work. This article reports on a study of three informal markets in Honiara, Solomon Islands. These markets lack legal status but make significant contributions to urban development and economic opportunities. Drawing on surveys and focus groups with vendors and urban decision‐makers we explore the impact of informal markets on urban economies, how social and institutional relationships hinder vendors’ economic advancement, and the opportunities to create more inclusive livelihoods that could contribute to equitable cities.
Laparoscopic modified lateral transabdominal preperitoneal approach for Spigelian hernia repair: An easier approach to a rare condition
Authors: Naik Akshay , Mandovra Pranav , Patankar Roy V.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Both laparoscopic and open approaches are well accepted for spigelian hernia (SH) repair. Several techniques for SH repair are described in literature. In our study, eight patients underwent laparoscopic SH repair. A modified lateral TAPP approach was used in four cases and then compared with the conventional TAPP approach.

Methods

From January 2015 to January 2017, eight cases of SH were treated using the laparoscopic TAPP approach. Four cases underwent surgery by the conventional laparoscopic TAPP approach (group I). For the other four, modified lateral approach transabdominal preperitoneal technique was used (group II). Postoperative pain, operative time, length of hospital stay, and complications were compared between the groups. Patients were followed up for a minimum period of 1 year.

Result

Among the eight cases, the mean age was 52 years in group I and 50 years in group II, mean defect size was 23 mm in group I and 28 mm in group II, mean length of hospital stay was 1.50 days in group I and 1.25 days in group II, and operative time was 61 minutes in group I and 51 minutes in group II. There was no remarkable difference in complications or length of hospital stay between the groups. The groups were comparable in all other parameters, but the lateral approach was ergonomically better for the surgeon.

Conclusion

Of the approaches described for laparoscopic SH repair, the modified lateral TAPP approach is more convenient because it provides better and more adequate lateral and inferior space access and is ergonomically better for surgeons.
Three‐dimensional evaluation of morphology and position of impacted supernumerary teeth in cases of cleidocranial dysplasia
Authors: Tsuji Michiko , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Suzuki Shoichi , Moriyama Keiji
Published: October 2019

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of impacted supernumerary teeth and delayed eruption of permanent teeth. However, there has been no detailed investigation on supernumerary teeth in patients with CCD using three‐dimensional (3D) imaging techniques. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the morphology and position of supernumerary teeth using 3D images reconstructed from cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) data in a group of five Japanese subjects (male, 3; female, 2; age, 15.0‐25.4 years) with CCD. All five subjects exhibited supernumerary teeth (39 in total; average, 7.8; range, 1‐15). All supernumerary teeth were impacted and existed as pairs with adjacent permanent teeth. Comparison of the size (the crown and dental‐root lengths, the crown mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters), the number of cusps and dental roots, the position, and direction of supernumerary teeth in relation to the adjacent permanent teeth was analyzed. The results of relationship analyses revealed that, at sites other than the molar region, supernumerary teeth were positioned on the lingual and distal sides and supernumerary teeth resembled the morphology of their adjacent permanent teeth in terms of the number of cusps but were smaller than the adjacent permanent teeth. In the molar region, supernumerary teeth were microdontia, which were apparently small and obscure morphologically. In addition, while all adjacent permanent teeth exhibited normal direction, five supernumerary teeth exhibited inverse direction. The findings of this study will improve our understanding of the characteristics of CCD and provide important information for the pathophysiology and clinical treatment.
Patterns and predictors of genetic referral among ovarian cancer patients at a National Cancer Institute‐Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Mallen Adrianne R. , Conley Claire C. , Townsend Mary K. , Wells Ali , Boac Bernadette M. , Todd Sarah , Gandhi Anjalika , Kuznicki Michelle , Augusto Bianca M. , McIntyre McKenzie , Fridley Brooke L. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Wenham Robert M. , Vadaparampil Susan T.
Published: October 2019

Germline mutations (eg, BRCA1/2) have prognostic and treatment implications for ovarian cancer (OVCA) patients. Thus, national guidelines recommend genetic testing for OVCA patients. The present study examines patterns and predictors of genetics referral in OVCA patients. Electronic medical record data were abstracted retrospectively from 557 OVCA patients treated from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2015. Logistic regression models identified sociodemographic characteristics, disease/treatment characteristics, family history data, provider characteristics, and survival data that predicted genetics referral. Overall, 27.5% of patients received referral. Eleven variables predicting referral were selected during stepwise regression: younger age, White race, not having private insurance, professional school education, year of OVCA diagnosis, platinum sensitivity, female gynecologic oncologist, chemotherapy administered by a gynecologic oncologist, clinical trial enrollment, longer overall survival, and family history of OVCA. Genetics referral among OVCA patients was similar to rates reported nationwide. Unique predictive factors will contribute to quality improvement and should be validated at a multi‐institutional level to ensure guideline concordant care is provided to all OVCA patients. Future research should identify both patient‐level and provider‐level factors associated with genetics referral.
Short‐term numerosity training promotes symbolic arithmetic in children with developmental dyscalculia: The mediating role of visual form perception
Authors: Cheng Dazhi , Xiao Qing , Cui Jiaxin , Chen Chuansheng , Zeng Jieying , Chen Qian , Zhou Xinlin
Published: October 2019

Studies have shown that numerosity‐based arithmetic training can promote arithmetic learning in typically developing children as well as children with developmental dyscalculia (DD), but the cognitive mechanism underlying this training effect remains unclear. The main aim of the current study was to examine the role of visual form perception in arithmetic improvement through an 8‐day numerosity training for DD children. Eighty DD children were selected from four Chinese primary schools. They were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received training on an apple‐collecting game, whereas the control group received an English dictation task. Children's cognitive and arithmetic performances were assessed before and after training. The results showed that the intervention group showed a significant improvement in arithmetic performance, approximate number system (ANS) acuity, and visual form perception, but not in spatial processing and sentence comprehension. The control group showed no significant improvement in any cognitive ability. Mediation analysis further showed that training‐related improvement in arithmetic performance was fully mediated by the improvement in visual form perception. The results suggest that short‐term numerosity training enhances the arithmetic performance of DD children by improving their visual form perception.
DOES A VALUE‐ADDED TAX INCREASE ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY?
Authors: Adhikari Bibek
Published: October 2019

Theory predicts that a value‐added tax (VAT) is an efficient tax system, which is one of the primary reasons for its rapid adoption worldwide. However, there is little empirical evidence supporting this prediction, especially for developing countries. I estimate the efficiency gains of introducing a VAT using the synthetic control method. I find that a VAT has, on average, positive and economically meaningful impact on economic efficiency. This result, however, is driven by richer countries only. There is no significant impact of the VAT on poorer countries. The findings are robust across a series of placebo studies and sensitivity checks. (JEL H20, H25, O40, E6)
First records of the ash whiteflySiphoninus phillyreaeHaliday (Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae) in Belgium
Authors: Clymans R. , de Schaetzen C. , Jansen M. , Belien T. , Bylemans D.
Published: October 2019

In recent years, a whitefly species has become more abundant in Belgian pear orchards, and a survey over six locations in the province of Limburg in 2017 showed it to be exclusivelySiphoninus phillyreaeHaliday, the ash whitefly. Although the puparia of the species are fairly easy to recognize in the field,S. phillyreaemost probably has previously been overlooked but present in Belgium. Although the species is an important pest in some parts of the world, so far no significant damage has been observed in Belgian pear orchards. This is the first report of this pest in Belgium.
Religiosity and loss aversion: Does local religiosity influence the skewness of stock returns?
Authors: Blau Benjamin M. , Crane Bret D.
Published: October 2019

Traditional asset pricing theory rests on the assumption that stock returns are normally distributed. However, research shows that instead of being normally distributed, stock returns are often positively skewed. In this study, we attempt to explain this phenomenon by taking a unique approach. In particular, we test the hypothesis that religiosity can influence the normality of the return distribution. Our tests are motivated by the idea that religion is an integral part of the culture within a society that influences managerial decision‐making. Local religiosity (or lack thereof) can shape the values, beliefs and decisions of managers including those related to the types of investments that are attractive. We hypothesize that in more religious cultures, individuals will be more loss averse since religion may be used as an attempt to avoid very unfavorable outcomes (Hell). Managers in these religious cultures, therefore, may be attracted to capital investment projects that avoid tail risk, which may help explain the positive skewness of the return distribution of stocks. Empirical results seem to confirm our hypothesis.
Validation of the distress thermometer for caregivers of children and adolescents with schizophrenia
Authors: Bai Xiaoling , Wang Anni , Cross Wendy , Lam Louisa , Plummer Virginia , Guan Ziyao , Sun Mei , Tang Siyuan
Published: October 2019

Aim

To develop and psychometrically test the distress thermometer for caregivers (DT‐C) and document the distress level in primary caregivers of children and adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Design

A validation diagnostic accuracy study and descriptive cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

DT‐C was adopted based on Harverman's distress thermometer for parents. The cut‐off score was detected by using receiver operating characteristic analysis with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21 as a reference standard in a sample of 324 caregivers of children and adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia in China collected between Jan 2017 and Feb 2018.

Results

One‐item DT of DT‐C indicated a good retest reliability (r = 0.86) and one‐item DT and the Problem List (PL) indicated good convergent validity (r = 0.67–0.88). Overall and individual PL domains showed good internal consistency (KR 20 values ranged from 0.70–0.90). Setting seven as the cut‐off score, the values of sensitivity (0.72–0.81), specificity (0.86–0.90), Youden's index (0.61–0.70), positive predictive value (0.67–0.74), and negative predictive value (0.84–0.92) were most satisfactory and area under curve values showed significantly excellent discrimination (0.88–0.90). The average DT score for the 324 participants was 6.34 (SD 2.49), with 46.9% of the participants above the cut‐off. Caregivers above the cut‐off score faced significant multiple problems in practical, family/social, cognitive, emotional, and parenting domains.

Conclusion

The DT‐C, with six domains containing 35 items in Problem List and with the cut‐off score at seven, can be a rapid screening tool to measure distress in these caregivers. The level of distress in caregivers was relatively high. Psychoeducation on specific needs and a solid mutual support network are recommended for mitigating caregivers’ distress.

Impact

This study adapted a reliable DT‐C to measure distress of caregivers, which has the potential to be introduced to caregivers of other types of child and adolescent mental disorders in research, assessments and care planning for health professionals.
Toward A Temporal Theory of Faultlines and Subgroup Entrenchment
Authors: Meister Alyson , Thatcher Sherry M.B. , Park Jieun , Maltarich Mark
Published: October 2019

A wealth of scholarship shows that faultlines drive important outcomes for groups. However, despite mounting calls for incorporating time in the group literature, our understanding of faultlines is bound by assumptions that constrain our ability to incorporate the crucial role of time as it relates to faultlines and their effects. Drawing together guidance for exploring temporal phenomena, with the faultline and group literatures, we embark on an understanding of the temporal nature of faultlines. We distinguish faultlines from specific subgroup configurations by introducing the concept of subgroup entrenchment – the agreement among group members about the existence and composition of strong and stable subgroups. We highlight how a group’s history influences its current and future experience of faultlines and subgroups, by exploring concepts such as duration, temporal alignment, and sequencing patterns. Our theory highlights how the dynamic features of multiple faultlines can influence subgroup entrenchment at any point in time.
Filling the gap between Continuous and Discrete Time Dynamics of Autoregressive Processes
Authors: Girardin Valerie , Senoussi Rachid
Published: October 2019

Discretization of continuous time autoregressive (AR) processes driven by a Brownian motion and embedding of discrete time AR sequences driven by a Gaussian white noise are classical issues. The article aims at establishing and using such discretization and embedding formulae between extended AR continuous time processes and discrete time sequences. The continuous‐time processes are driven by either Brownian or jump processes, and may have random coefficients depending on time; Lévy‐driven processes are also considered. The innovation of the discrete time processes may be of many types – including Gaussian. In one way, observing the continuous time AR process at discrete times leads the AR dynamics of the discretized process to be characterized. The other way round, AR sequences can be embedded, in the almost sure sense, into continuous time AR processes with the same dynamics. Illustration is provided through many examples and simulation.
Expanded polyglutamine impairs normal nuclear distribution of fused in sarcoma and poly (rC)‐binding protein 1 in Huntington's disease
Authors: Mori Shinichiro , Honda Hiroyuki , Ishii Takashi , Yoshimura Motoi , Sasagasako Naokazu , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Taniwaki Takayuki , Iwaki Toru
Published: October 2019

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine repeat expansion in the huntingtin protein. Immunohistochemical studies using the 1C2 antibody for polyglutamine expansion have detected characteristic intranuclear inclusions (INIs) in affected neurons in HD. Further, in vitro and mouse models of HD have shown that the INIs recruit several proteins relating to RNA splicing and translation. In the present study, we immunohistochemically investigated the association of INIs with various heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins in the cerebral cortex of four autopsy cases of HD. Fused in sarcoma (FUS) was colocalized with 1C2‐positive nuclear inclusions in all examined cases. Localization of poly (rC)‐binding protein 1 (PCBP1) in 1C2‐positive nuclear inclusions was also observed. Double immunofluorescence revealed complete or partial loss of the normal, diffuse nuclear distribution of FUS or PCBP1 in neurons with 1C2‐positive nuclear inclusions. This maldistribution of FUS in cortical neurons suggests a severe disturbance of messenger RNA processing, which may be a common pathogenetic mechanism of FUS‐related familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Up‐regulation of lipid metabolism and glycine betaine synthesis are associated with choline‐induced salt tolerance in halophytic seashore paspalum
Authors: Gao Yanli , Li Mingna , Zhang Xiaxiang , Yang Qingchuan , Huang Bingru
Published: October 2019

Choline may affect salt tolerance by regulating lipid and glycine betaine (GB) metabolism. This study was conducted to determine whether alteration of lipid profiles and GB metabolism may contribute to choline regulation and genotypic variations in salt tolerance in a halophytic grass, seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum). Plants of Adalayd and Sea Isle 2000 were subjected to salt stress (200‐mM NaCl) with or without foliar application of choline chloride (1 mM). Genotypic variations in salt tolerance and promotive effects of choline application on salt tolerance were associated with both the up‐regulation of lipid metabolism and GB synthesis. The genotypic variations in salt tolerance associated with lipid metabolism were reflected by the differential accumulation of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine between Adalayd and Sea Isle 2000. Choline‐induced salt tolerance was associated with of the increase in digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG) content including DGDG (36:4 and 36:6) in both cultivars of seashore paspalum and enhanced synthesis of phosphatidylinositol (34:2, 36:5, and 36:2) and phosphatidic acid (34:2, 34:1, and 36:5), as well as increases in the ratio of digalactosyl diacylglycerol: monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG:MGDG) in salt‐tolerant Sea Isle 2000. Choline regulation of salt tolerance may be due to the alteration in lipid metabolism in this halophytic grass species.
Methods for tracking sagebrush‐steppe community trajectories and quantifying resilience in relation to disturbance and restoration
Authors: Wainwright Claire E. , Davies G. Matt , Dettweiler‐Robinson Eva , Dunwiddie Peter W. , Wilderman David , Bakker Jonathan D.
Published: October 2019

Understanding how plant community dynamics are impacted by altered disturbance regimes is a pressing challenge for restoration ecology. Most assessments of community dynamics involve computationally intensive statistical techniques, while management often defers to derived, qualitative “state‐and‐transition” models. Here, we demonstrate an intermediate approach to track and predict community resilience, diversifying the tools available to assess ecosystem change. First, we develop indices of sagebrush‐steppe community structure in permanent monitoring plots based on plant functional types and our conceptual understanding of the ecosystem. The indices define a bivariate space within which the trajectories of permanent monitoring plots can be tracked. Second, we quantify two metrics of community resilience: resistance (overall change during the time period) and stability (average amount of movement per monitoring period). Plots dominated by obligate seeder shrubs displayed low resilience relative to those dominated by grasses and forbs or resprouting shrubs. Resilience was strongly related to initial plant functional type composition and elevation. Our results suggest restoration objectives should consider how plant traits control ecosystem responses to disturbance. We suggest that the approach developed here can help assess longer‐term resilience, evaluate restoration success, and identify communities at risk of state transitions.