bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treating Women Who Are Pregnant and Parenting for Opioid Use Disorder and the Concurrent Care of Their Infants and Children: Literature Review to Support National Guidance
Authors: Klaman Stacey L. , Isaacs Krystyna , Leopold Anne , Perpich Joseph , Hayashi Susan , Vender Jeff , Campopiano Melinda , Jones Hendrée E.
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

The prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) during pregnancy is increasing. Practical recommendations will help providers treat pregnant women with OUD and reduce potentially negative health consequences for mother, fetus, and child. This article summarizes the literature review conducted using the RAND/University of California, Los Angeles Appropriateness Method project completed by the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to obtain current evidence on treatment approaches for pregnant and parenting women with OUD and their infants and children.

Methods:

Three separate search methods were employed to identify peer-reviewed journal articles providing evidence on treatment methods for women with OUD who are pregnant or parenting, and for their children. Identified articles were reviewed for inclusion per study guidelines and relevant information was abstracted and summarized.

Results:

Of the 1697 articles identified, 75 were included in the literature review. The perinatal use of medication for addiction treatment (MAT, also known as medication-assisted treatment), either methadone or buprenorphine, within comprehensive treatment is the most accepted clinical practice, as withdrawal or detoxification risks relapse and treatment dropout. Medication increases may be needed with advancing pregnancy, and are not associated with more severe neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Switching medication prenatally is usually not recommended as it can destabilize opioid abstinence. Postnatally, breastfeeding is seen as beneficial for the infant for women who are maintained on a stable dose of opioid agonist medication. Less is known about ideal pain management and postpartum dosing regimens. NAS appears generally less severe following prenatal exposure to buprenorphine versus methadone. Frontline NAS medication treatments include protocol-driven methadone and morphine dosing in the context of nonpharmacological supports.

Conclusions:

Women with OUD can be treated with methadone or buprenorphine during pregnancy. NAS is an expected and manageable condition. Although research has substantially advanced, opportunities to guide future research to improve maternal and infant outcomes are provided.
Combined Measurement of Soluble ST2 and Amino-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Provides Early Assessment of Severity in Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Tolppanen Heli , Rivas-Lasarte Mercedes , Lassus Johan , Sadoune Malha , Gayat Etienne , Pulkki Kari , Arrigo Mattia , Krastinova Evguenia , Sionis Alessandro , Parissis John , Spinar Jindrich , Januzzi James , Harjola Veli-Pekka , Mebazaa Alexandre
Published: April 2017

Objectives:

Mortality in cardiogenic shock complicating acute coronary syndrome is high, and objective risk stratification is needed for rational use of advanced therapies such as mechanical circulatory support. Traditionally, clinical variables have been used to judge risk in cardiogenic shock. The aim of this study was to assess the added value of serial measurement of soluble ST2 and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide to clinical parameters for risk stratification in cardiogenic shock.

Design:

CardShock (www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01374867) is a prospective European multinational study of cardiogenic shock. The main study introduced CardShock risk score, which is calculated from seven clinical variables at baseline, and was associated with short-term mortality.

Setting:

Nine tertiary care university hospitals.

Patients:

Patients with cardiogenic shock caused by acute coronary syndrome (n=145).

Interventions:

In this substudy, plasma samples from the study patients were analyzed at eight time points during the ICU or cardiac care unit stay. Additional prognostic value of the biomarkers was assessed with incremental discrimination improvement.

Measurements and Main Results:

The combination of soluble ST2 and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide showed excellent discrimination for 30-day mortality (area under the curve, 0.77 at 12 hr up to 0.93 at 5–10 d after cardiogenic shock onset). At 12 hours, patients with both biomarkers elevated (soluble ST2, ≥ 500 ng/mL and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, ≥ 4,500 ng/L) had higher 30-day mortality (79%) compared to those with one or neither biomarkers elevated (31% or 10%, respectively; p < 0.001). Combined measurement of soluble ST2 and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide at 12 hours added value to CardShock risk score, correctly reclassifying 11% of patients.

Conclusions:

The combination of results for soluble ST2 and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide provides early risk assessment beyond clinical variables in patients with acute coronary syndrome–related cardiogenic shock and may help therapeutic decision making in these patients.
New Developments in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Oncology Surgery
Authors: STEWART KATHERINE IKARD , FADER AMANDA N.
Published: April 2017

Minimally invasive surgery continues to transform the field of gynecologic oncology and has now become the standard of care for many early-stage malignancies. The proven benefits of minimally invasive surgery are driving the rapid introduction and dissemination of novel technologies and the increasing ability to perform even the most complex procedures less invasively. In this article, we will review the current literature on traditional multiport laparoscopy, robotic-assisted laparoscopy, laparoendoscopic single-site surgery as well as robotic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery, with a specific focus on their role in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies.
Hysteroscopy for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Fibroids
Authors: VALENTINE LINDSEY N. , BRADLEY LINDA D.
Published: April 2017

Operative hysteroscopy is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment option for submucosal and intramural leiomyomas. We discuss preoperative evaluation, fluid management, postoperative complications, preventative measures, and hysteroscopic outcomes. Technical instructions and tips for successful hysteroscopy, as well as the various equipment options most commonly utilized in the United States, are also reviewed.
INVOLVEMENT OF MULTIPLE MOLECULAR PATHWAYS IN THE GENETICS OF OCULAR REFRACTION AND MYOPIA
Authors: Wojciechowski Robert , Cheng Ching-Yu
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

The prevalence of myopia has increased dramatically worldwide within the last three decades. Recent studies have shown that refractive development is influenced by environmental, behavioral, and inherited factors. This review aims to analyze recent progress in the genetics of refractive error and myopia.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and OMIM was conducted to identify relevant articles in the genetics of refractive error.

Results:

Genome-wide association and sequencing studies have increased our understanding of the genetics involved in refractive error. These studies have identified interesting candidate genes. All genetic loci discovered to date indicate that refractive development is a heterogeneous process mediated by a number of overlapping biological processes. The exact mechanisms by which these biological networks regulate eye growth are poorly understood. Although several individual genes and/or molecular pathways have been investigated in animal models, a systematic network-based approach in modeling human refractive development is necessary to understand the complex interplay between genes and environment in refractive error.

Conclusion:

New biomedical technologies and better-designed studies will continue to refine our understanding of the genetics and molecular pathways of refractive error, and may lead to preventative and therapeutic measures to combat the myopia epidemic.
SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FEATURES IN DIFFERENT STAGES OF BEST VITELLIFORM MACULAR DYSTROPHY
Authors: Battaglia Parodi Maurizio , Iacono Pierluigi , Romano Francesco , Bandello Francesco
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

To provide a systematic classification of findings regarding the different stages of vitelliform macular dystrophy on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Methods:

Ninety-four eyes of 47 patients were recruited in a prospective cross-sectional study. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts, biomicroscopy, and SD-OCT. The findings assessed included vitelliform material, neurosensory detachment, status of external limiting membrane, ellipsoid zone and retinal pigment epithelium, choroidal excavation, foveal cavitation, choroidal neovascularization, vitreomacular traction, and macular hole. The primary outcome measure was the identification of SD-OCT findings in each vitelliform macular dystrophy stage. Secondary outcomes included the correlations between SD-OCT features and visual acuity changes.

Results:

The outer retinal layers (external limiting membrane, ellipsoid zone, and retinal pigment epithelium) were found to be more commonly disrupted in Stages 2 to 4 (range: 86%–100%), whereas their absence was more typical of Stage 5 (71%–86%). Vitelliform material was found in 100% of Stages 2 and 3, 93% of Stage 4, and interestingly in 43% of Stage 5. Eyes characterized by vitelliform material showed a greater correlation with higher best-corrected visual acuity than eyes without it (0.35 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution vs. 0.80 ± 0.36 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, approximately 20/45 and 20/125 Snellen equivalent, respectively) (t = 3.726, P < 0.05). Moreover, its absence was associated with a best-corrected visual acuity of 0.5 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution or worse (approximately 20/63 Snellen equivalent; P < 0.05). Subretinal fluid was more common in Stages 3 and 4 (72.7% and 75%, respectively) than Stages 2 and 5 (P = 0.004). Eyes with subretinal fluid were significantly associated with a visual acuity of 0.2 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution or worse (approximately 20/32 Snellen equivalent; P = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography assessment primarily indicates an outer retinal layer disruption in Stages 2 to 4, along with the presence of vitelliform material extending into the more advanced clinical stages too. Eyes characterized by the persistence of vitelliform material show better best-corrected visual acuity. Future investigations based on a longitudinal follow-up are warranted to correlate SD-OCT modifications with functional responses to identify SD-OCT indicators for prognostic and therapeutic purposes.
VISUAL ACUITY IMPROVEMENT WHEN SWITCHING FROM RANIBIZUMAB TO AFLIBERCEPT IS NOT SUSTAINED
Authors: Lee Cecilia S. , Kim Alisa J. , Baughman Douglas , Egan Catherine , Bailey Clare , Johnston Robert L. , Natha Salim , Khan Rehna , Brand Christopher , Akerele Toks , McKibbin Martin , Downey Louise , Al-Husainy Saher , Lee Aaron Y. , Tufail Adnan
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

To assess whether visual benefits exist in switching to aflibercept in patients who have been chronically treated with ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:

A multicenter, national, electronic medical record database study was performed. Patients undergoing six continuous monthly ranibizumab injections and then switched to continuous aflibercept were matched to those on continuous ranibizumab therapy. Matching was performed in a 2:1 ratio and based on visual acuity 6 months before and at the time of the switch, and the number of previous ranibizumab injections.

Results:

Patients who were switched to aflibercept demonstrated transiently significant improvement in visual acuity that peaked at an increase of 0.9 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters 3 months after the switch, whereas control patients continued on ranibizumab treatment showed a steady decline in visual acuity. Visual acuity differences between the groups were significant (P < 0.05) at 2, 3, and 5 months after the switch. Beginning at 4 months after the switch, the switch group showed a visual acuity decline similar to the control group.

Conclusion:

Transient, nonsustained improvement in visual acuity occurs when switching between anti–vascular endothelial growth factor agents, which may have implications in treating patients on chronic maintenance therapy on one anti–vascular endothelial growth factor medication.
“Hot Seat” Simulation Model for Conflict Resolution: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kim Sara , Frans Elise , Bohannon Isaac , Barr Karen , Buttrick Elizabeth , Fehr Ryan , Shannon Sarah E.
Published: April 2017

Background:

Unresolved conflicts in health care threaten both clinician morale and quality of patient care. We piloted a training model that targeted clinicians' conflict resolution skills.

Methods:

Sixty clinicians from local hospitals were randomized into an intervention group (n = 30), completing a 3-hour conflict resolution training session, and a control group (n = 30) without training. The training included facilitated practice with actors, coaching, and feedback. Evaluation of 60 participants' conflict resolution skills was done in videotaped simulations with actors portraying interprofessional colleagues. Global ratings and checklist items developed for assessing clinicians' performance mirrored steps in the conflict communication model.

Results:

The intervention group's performance exceeded the control group on global scores, 7.2 of 10 (SD = 1.6) versus 5.6 (SD = 1.5), p < .05, and checklist scores, 9.3 of 11 (SD = 2.9) versus 7.9 (SD = 1.5), p < .05. Two checklist items showed statistically significant differences: (1) subjects opened the dialogue on a neutral ground before jumping into conflict discussions (intervention: 97% and control: 73%, p < .05) and (2) subjects elicited the colleague's story before sharing their own story (intervention: 70% and control: 27%, p < .05).

Conclusions:

The pilot results suggest that a health care–specific approach to conflict resolution can be effectively taught through facilitated practice, coaching, and feedback.
Salpingo-oophorectomy at the Time of Benign Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Evans Elizabeth Casiano , Matteson Kristen A. , Orejuela Francisco J. , Alperin Marianna , Balk Ethan M. , El-Nashar Sherif , Gleason Jonathan L. , Grimes Cara , Jeppson Peter , Mathews Cara , Wheeler Thomas L. , Murphy Miles
Published: April 2017

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2016;128:476–485)

There is a clear survival benefit for prophylactic oophorectomy in patients with inherently higher cancer risk such as those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 and other genetic mutations. For average-risk women, however, cancer risk reduction must be balanced with the consequences of loss of ovarian hormone production and fertility.
Proximity of Uterosacral Ligament Suspension Sutures and S3 Sacral Nerve to Pelvic Landmarks
Authors: Maldonado Pedro A. , Stuparich Mallory A. , McIntire Donald D. , Wai Clifford Y.
Published: April 2017

(Abstracted from Int Urogynecol J 2017;28:77–84)

A common approach for surgical management of apical vaginal prolapse is use of the high uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) procedure. Definitions of success for this procedure vary; its demonstrated efficacy for apical prolapse ranges from 59% to 98.3%.
The impact of pain-related fear on neural pathways of pain modulation in chronic low back pain
Authors: Meier Michael Lukas , Stämpfli Philipp , Humphreys Barry Kim , Vrana Andrea , Seifritz Erich , Schweinhardt Petra
Published: April 2017

Introduction:

Pain-related fear plays a substantial role in chronic low back pain (LBP) by amplifying the experienced disability. Related dysfunctional emotions and cognitions may also affect sensory aspects of pain through a modulatory pathway in which the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and the amygdala play key roles.

Objectives:

We therefore hypothesized a differential amygdala-PAG functional connectivity (FC) in patients with chronic LBP that is modulated by the degree of pain-related fear.

Methods:

We used data of a previously reported fMRI study where 20 chronic LBP patients (7 females, mean age = 39.35) and 20 healthy controls (12 females, mean age = 32.10) were asked to observe video clips showing potentially harmful and neutral activities for the back. Pain-related fear was assessed using the Tampa Scale of kinesiophobia (TSK) and Fear Avoidance Beliefs questionnaires (FABQ). Generalized psychophysiological interactions were used to reveal task-based FC.

Results:

Compared to controls, patients exhibited a significant decrease in amygdala-PAG-FC (P = 0.022) during observation of harmful activities, but not of neutral activities. Furthermore, amygdala-PAG-FC correlated negatively with Tampa Scale of kinesiophobia scores in patients (R
2 = 0.28, P = 0.01) but not with Fear Avoidance Beliefs questionnaires scores.

Discussion:

Our findings might indicate a maladaptive psychobiological interaction in chronic LBP patients characterized by a disrupted amygdala-PAG-FC that is modulated by the degree of pain-related fear. These results shed new light on brain mechanisms underlying psychological factors that may have pronociceptive effects in chronic LBP.
Simplifying the Forehead Flap for Nasal Reconstruction: A Review of 420 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Sanniec Kyle , Malafa Menyoli , Thornton James F.
Published: April 2017

Background:

The forehead flap is an important tool in nasal reconstruction. The authors present objective data and recommendations based on over a decade of consecutive forehead flap nasal reconstructions performed by the senior author (J.F.T.). In addition, the authors separate the technique into its individual steps and provide details of the senior author’s approach to each.

Methods:

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent nasal reconstruction with the forehead flap over a 10-year period performed by the senior author (J.F.T.). Each case was evaluated for defect location, pedicle design, time of division, number of stages, use of cartilage grafts, lining reconstruction, donor-site closure, and complications.

Results:

Four hundred twenty patients underwent forehead flap nasal reconstruction. Average time to pedicle division was 32 days. Three-fourths of patients completed reconstruction in two stages. Defects most commonly involved the nasal ala and tip. Approximately half of patients received cartilage grafts and half underwent lining reconstruction. There were 16 complications, ranging from partial flap loss to postoperative death (n = 1).

Conclusions:

Confidently grasping the nuances of forehead flap nasal reconstruction arms the reconstructive surgeon with a reliable tool that can effectively treat a variety of defects. It is safe to use in an outpatient setting even in elderly patients. Recommendations include ipsilateral flap design and turn-in component as the first choice for lining replacement.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Components of the Hanging Columella: Strategies for Refinement
Authors: Rohrich Rod J. , Afrooz Paul N.
Published: April 2017

The columella is a significant factor in the aesthetic balance of the nose, particularly the lower one-third of the nose. Its position is dependent on the anatomical constituents of the columella, and neighboring anatomical structures. Six components of the hanging columella have been identified: the caudal septum, medial crura, columellar skin, membranous septum, anterior nasal spine, and depressor septi nasi muscle. Columellar refinement begins with a careful analysis and diagnosis of the contributing components, followed by surgical techniques to address these components individually. The cumulative effect of correction of individual components appropriately positions the columella and contributes significantly to the enhancement of nasal aesthetics. Refinement of the columella can be achieved through appropriately trimming the caudal septum; repositioning and reshaping the medial crura; excising redundant columellar skin, membranous septum, and nasal mucosa; appropriately contouring the anterior nasal spine; and dividing the depressor nasi septi nasi.
Quantitative abilities in a reptile (
Podarcis sicula
)
Authors: Miletto Petrazzini Maria Elena , Fraccaroli Isabel , Gariboldi Francesco , Agrillo Christian , Bisazza Angelo , Bertolucci Cristiano , Foà Augusto
Published: April 2017

The ability to identify the largest amount of prey available is fundamental for optimizing foraging behaviour in several species. To date, this cognitive skill has been observed in all vertebrate groups except reptiles. In this study we investigated the spontaneous ability of ruin lizards to select the larger amount of food items. In Experiment 1, lizards proved able to select the larger food item when presented with two alternatives differing in size (0.25, 0.50, 0.67 and 0.75 ratio). In Experiment 2 lizards presented with two groups of food items (1 versus 4, 2 versus 4, 2 versus 3 and 3 versus 4 items) were unable to select the larger group in any contrast. The lack of discrimination in the presence of multiple items represents an exception in numerical cognition studies, raising the question as to whether reptiles' quantitative abilities are different from those of other vertebrate groups.
A hypervariable mitochondrial protein coding sequence associated with geographical origin in a cosmopolitan bloom-forming alga,
Heterosigma akashiwo
Authors: Higashi Aiko , Nagai Satoshi , Seone Sergio , Ueki Shoko
Published: April 2017

Geographical distributions of phytoplankton species can be defined by events on both evolutionary time and shorter scales, e.g. recent climate changes. Additionally, modern industrial activity, including the transport of live fish and spat for aquaculture and aquatic microorganisms in ship ballast water, may aid the spread of phytoplankton. Obtaining a reliable marker is key to gaining insight into the phylogeographic history of a species. Here, we report a hypervariable mitochondrial gene in the cosmopolitan bloom-forming alga,
Heterosigma akashiwo
. We compared the entire mitochondrial genome sequences of seven
H. akashiwo
strains from Japanese and North American coastal waters and identified a hypervariable segment. The region codes for a hypothetical protein with no defined function, and its variations between Japanese and North American isolates were prominent, while the sequences were more conserved among Japanese strains and North American isolates. Comparison of the sequence in isolates obtained from different geographical points in the Northern Hemisphere revealed that the sequence variations largely correlated with latitude and longitude (i.e. Pacific/Atlantic oceans). Our results demonstrate the usefulness of the sequence in determining the phylogeographic history of
H. akashiwo
.
Complexity of EEG Reflects Socioeconomic Context and Geofootprint
Authors: Parameshwaran Dhanya , Thiagarajan Tara C.
Published: April 2017

The fine scale structure and resulting activity of the brain are largely shaped by experience, suggesting that the faster rate and complexity of experience offered by modern civilization may have significant impact on human brain dynamics. Here we defined a new measure of complexity of the EEG signal and compared it across populations spanning incomes from <$1/day to ∼$410/day with a wide range of access to features of modern life such as urban environments, higher education, electricity, motorized transport and telecommunication. Complexity across our sample spanned a 2.75-fold range, separating into two distinct distributions of pre-modern and modern experience. Furthermore, complexity scaled systematically with various technologies and experience factors, of which travel or geofootprint had the strongest relationship. Complexity also had a steep non-linear relationship with income that leveled out at an income of ∼$30/ day. Finally, it was strongly correlated to performance on a pattern completion task indicating its relevance as a cognitive measure. In light of growing income inequality and divergence in access to the tools of modern living across the globe, our findings have significant implications for social policy.
JEPEGMIX2: improved gene-level joint analysis of eQTLs in cosmopolitan cohorts
Authors: Chatzinakos Chris , Lee Donghyung , Webb Bradley T , Vladimirov Vladimir I , Kendler Kenneth S , Bacanu Silviu-Alin
Published: April 2017

Motivation

To increase detection power, researchers use gene level analysis methods to aggregate weak marker signals. Due to gene expression controlling biological processes, researchers proposed aggregating signals for expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL). Most gene-level eQTL methods make statistical inferences based on i) summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and ii) linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns from a relevant reference panel. While most such tools assume homogeneous cohorts, ourGene-levelJointAnalysis of functional SNPs inCosmopolitanCohorts (JEPEGMIX) method accommodates cosmopolitan cohorts by using heterogeneous panels. However, JEPGMIX relies on brain eQTLs from older gene expression studies and does not adjust for background enrichment in GWAS signals.

Results

We propose JEPEGMIX2, an extension of JEPEGMIX. When compared to JPEGMIX, it uses i) cis-eQTL SNPs from the latest expression studies and ii) brains specific (sub)tissues and tissues other than brain. JEPEGMIX2 also i) avoids accumulating averagely enriched polygenic information by adjusting for background enrichment and ii), to avoid an increase in false positive rates for studies with numerous highly enriched (above the background) genes, it outputs gene q-values based on Holm adjustment of p-values.

Contact

chris.chatzinakos@vcuhealth.org

Supplementary information

Supplementary material is available at Bioinformatics online.
Recording action potential propagation in single axons using multi-electrode arrays
Authors: Tovar Kenneth R. , Bridges Daniel C. , Wu Bian , Randall Connor , Audouard Morgane , Jang Jiwon , Hansma Paul K. , Kosik Kenneth S.
Published: April 2017

The small caliber of central nervous system (CNS) axons makes routine study of axonal physiology relatively difficult. However, while recording extracellular action potentials from neurons cultured on planer multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) we found activity among groups of electrodes consistent with action potential propagation in single neurons. Action potential propagation was evident as widespread, repetitive cooccurrence of extracellular action potentials (eAPs) among groups of electrodes. These eAPs occurred with invariant sequences and inter-electrode latencies that were consistent with reported measures of action potential propagation in unmyelinated axons. Within co-active electrode groups, the inter-electrode eAP latencies were temperature sensitive, as expected for action potential propagation. Our data are consistent with these signals primarily reflecting axonal action potential propagation, from axons with a high density of voltage-gated sodium channels. Repeated codetection of eAPs by multiple electrodes confirmed these eAPs are from individual neurons and averaging these eAPs revealed sub-threshold events at other electrodes. The sequence of electrodes at which eAPs co-occur uniquely identifies these neurons, allowing us to monitor spiking of single identified neurons within neuronal ensembles. We recorded dynamic changes in single axon physiology such as simultaneous increases and decreases in excitability in different portions of single axonal arbors over several hours. Over several weeks, we measured changes in inter-electrode propagation latencies and ongoing changes in excitability in different regions of single axonal arbors. We recorded action potential propagation signals in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons which could thus be used to study axonal physiology in human disease models.

Significance Statement

Studying the physiology of central nervous system axons is limited by the technical challenges of recording from axons with pairs of patch or extracellular electrodes at two places along single axons. We studied action potential propagation in single axonal arbors with extracellular recording with multi-electrode arrays. These recordings were non-invasive and were done from several sites of small caliber axons and branches. Unlike conventional extracellular recording, we unambiguously identified and labelled the neuronal source of propagating action potentials. We manipulated and quantified action potential propagation and found a surprisingly high density of axonal voltage-gated sodium channels. Our experiments also demonstrate that the excitability of different portions of axonal arbors can be independently regulated on time scales from hours to weeks.
Evaluation of tools for long read RNA-seq splice-aware alignment
Authors: Križanović Krešimir , Echchiki Amina , Roux Julien , Šikić Mile
Published: April 2017

Motivation

High–throughput sequencing has transformed the study of gene expression levels through RNA-seq, a technique that is now routinely used by various fields, such as genetic research or diagnostics. The advent of third generation sequencing technologies providing significantly longer reads opens up new possibilities. However, the high error rates common to these technologies set new bioinformatics challenges for the gapped alignment of reads to their genomic origin. In this study, we have explored how currently available RNA-seq splice-aware alignment tools cope with increased read lengths and error rates. All tested tools were initially developed for short NGS reads, but some have claimed support for long PacBio or even ONT MinION reads.

Results

The tools were tested on synthetic and real datasets from the PacBio and ONT MinION technologies, and both alignment quality and resource usage were compared across tools. The effect of error correction of long reads was explored, both using self-correction and correction with an external short reads dataset. A tool was developed for evaluating RNA-seq alignment results. This tool can be used to compare the alignment of simulated reads to their genomic origin, or to compare the alignment of real reads to a set of annotated transcripts.

Our tests show that while some RNA-seq aligners were unable to cope with long error-prone reads, others produced overall good results. We further show that alignment accuracy can be improved using error-corrected reads.

Availability

https://github.com/kkrizanovic/RNAseqEval

Contact

mile.sikic@fer.hr
A commensal adhesin enhancesE. coliretention by mucin, while mucin desulfation by mucin-foraging bacteria enhances its transmigration through the mucus barrier
Authors: Al-Saedi Fitua , Vaz Diana Pereira , Stones Daniel H , Krachler Anne Marie
Published: April 2017

Bacterial adhesion to host receptors is an early and essential step in bacterial colonization, and the nature of adhesion-receptor interactions determines bacterial localization and thus the outcome of these interactions. Here, we determine the host receptors for the Multivalent Adhesion Molecule from the gut commensalE. coliHS (MAMHS), which contains an array of seven mammalian cell entry (MCE) domains. The MAMHSadhesin interacts with a range of host receptors, through recognition of a shared 3-O-sulfo-galactosyl moiety. This functional group is also found in mucin, a component of the intestinal mucus layer and thus one of the prime adherence targets for commensalE. coli. Mucin gels impede the motility ofE. coliby acting as a physical barrier, and the barrier effect is enhanced by specific interactions between mucin and MAMHSin a sulfation-dependent manner. Desulfation of mucin by pure sulfatase or the sulfatase-producing commensalBacteroides thetaiotaomicrondecreases binding ofE. colito mucin and increases attachment of bacteria to the epithelial surface, through interactions with surface-localized sulfated lipid and protein receptors. Together, our results demonstrate that theE. coliadhesin MAMHSfacilitates retention of a gut commensal by mucin, and suggest that the amount of sulfatase secreted by mucin-foraging bacteria inhabiting the same niche, such asB. thetaiotaomicron, may affect the capacity of the mucus barrier to retain commensalE. coli.
miR-424(322)/503 is a breast cancer tumor suppressor whose loss promotes resistance to chemotherapy
Authors: Rodriguez-Barrueco Ruth , Nekritz Erin A. , Bertucci François , Yu Jiyang , Sanchez-Garcia Felix , Zeleke Tizita Z. , Gorbatenko Andrej , Birnbaum Daniel , Ezhkova Elena , Cordon-Cardo Carlos , Finetti Pascal , Llobet-Navas David , Silva Jose M.
Published: April 2017

The female mammary gland is a very dynamic organ that undergoes continuous tissue remodeling during adulthood. Although it is well established that the number of menstrual cycles and pregnancy (in this case transiently) increase the risk of breast cancer, the reasons are unclear. Growing clinical and experimental evidence indicates that improper involution plays a role in the development of this malignancy. Recently, we described the miR-424(322)/503 cluster as an important regulator of mammary epithelial involution after pregnancy. Here, through the analysis of ∼3000 primary tumors, we show that miR-424(322)/503 is commonly lost in a subset of aggressive breast cancers and describe the genetic aberrations that inactivate its expression. Furthermore, through the use of a knockout mouse model, we demonstrate for the first time that loss of miR-424(322)/503 promotes breast tumorigenesis in vivo. Remarkably, we found that loss of miR-424(322)/503 promotes chemoresistance due to the up-regulation of two of its targets: BCL-2 and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R). Importantly, targeted therapies blocking the aberrant activity of these targets restore sensitivity to chemotherapy. Overall, our studies reveal miR-424(322)/503 as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer and provide a link between mammary epithelial involution, tumorigenesis, and the phenomenon of chemoresistance.
Information seeking behaviour of ordinary and elite saffron farmers in Iran
Authors: Radad Iraj , Behzadi Hassan , Zadehrahim Somayeh
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The present research aims to compare information-seeking behaviour of ordinary and elite saffron farmers in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consisted of 375 saffron farmers (295 ordinary and 80 elite saffron farmers) selected using the cluster sampling method. Data were collected by a kind of researcher-made questionnaire.

Findings

The results showed saffron onion, pesticides, cultivators and farmland worker were the main components of saffron farmers’ information-seeking behaviour of both groups. The most important sources of information for both groups included reference to past experience, neighbouring saffron farmers, contact with informants and other family members. The main criteria which affected the behaviour of the two groups on the use of information sources were provided information in local language, native people, clear and intelligible information and low cost. Farmers were also confronted with common problems such as lack of attention to the needs of farmers and insufficient number of technical experts. It was also found that there was no significant relationship between information-seeking behaviour of elite and ordinary saffron farmers and their performance.

Originality/value

Saffron is one of the most important agricultural export products in Iran, and this paper is the first research in this subject. The results can help develop information-seeking behaviour of farmers.
Dynamic e-book guidance system for English reading with learning portfolio analysis
Authors: Sung Tien-Wen , Wu Ting-Ting
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Learners were provided with personalized and adaptive articles in a dynamic real-time manner. This study aims to improve learners’ interest in learning English and motivate them through an appropriate e-book assistance mechanism, thus increasing their English reading–comprehension skills.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to their general auxiliary functions, e-books were designed to provide other relevant auxiliary functions to meet the English reading–learning requirements. The e-book was also equipped with a personalized reading guidance and assistance mechanism for conducting systematic assessments and calculations on the basis of the learner’s reading comprehension skills, article difficulty and difficulty stratification and connections between articles.

Findings

The personalized reading guidance and assistance strategy, which provided articles in line with the learners’ personal abilities and presented the articles in a correlated method, facilitated learners’ progressive learning and improved their reading–comprehension abilities. Learners’ confidence and satisfaction toward English reading can be improved effectively through adaptive guidance.

Originality/value

A real-time and dynamic reading guidance strategy was established in this study by considering the learner’s reading–comprehension skills, article difficulty and difficulty stratification and the connections between articles.
Student reading lists: evaluating the student experience at the University of Huddersfield
Authors: McGuinn Kate , Stone Graham , Sharman Alison , Davison Emily
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the bespoke resource list management system (MyReading) at the University of Huddersfield.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was designed to assess student use of MyReading and their views on potential improvements. The survey used closed questions designed to obtain quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data obtained from open questions.

Findings

The paper supports findings of another recent study which found that reading lists are perceived as more important by students than by lecturers. A variety of positive and negative themes emerged which pointed to this conclusion. Positive themes were: the perceived helpfulness of reading lists, students’ view of MyReading as a starting point for independent further reading, ease of use of MyReading and the time saving afforded to students and the value students place on their reading lists as being “quality assured” by lecturers. Negative themes were: inconsistency in the length and structure of lists; concerns that some lists are not regularly updated; lack of awareness of functionality, revealing training needs for students and lecturers; and suggestions for future enhancements to MyReading. Another finding from the quantitative data is the clear link between low use of reading lists by students in certain schools and low use of other library resources.

Practical implications

The research provides guidance to universities regarding future development of resource list management systems and promotional and training needs.

Originality/value

The study adds rich information to the existing body of qualitative research on students’ perceptions of their reading lists.
Determinants of policy risks of renewable energy investments
Authors: Gatzert Nadine , Kosub Thomas
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Policy or regulatory risks represent one of the major barriers for renewable energy investments, especially against the background of several retrospective reductions of support schemes in Europe. This paper aims to contribute to the literature by offering a categorization of major risk drivers and determinants of policy risk associated with renewable energy projects in developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a narrative (traditional) review of the academic literature and supported by industry studies regarding cases of support scheme cuts in Europe (from the end of 2010 until the end of 2013), the paper derives determinants of policy risks of renewable energy investments.

Findings

As a main result, the paper offers a concise categorization of major risk drivers of policy and regulatory risks associated with renewable energy investments in developed countries along with potential indicators.

Practical implications

The derived categorization of major risk drivers and the set of indicators are of high relevance for risk management and risk assessment of renewable energy investments, where understanding the underlying risk drivers is vital. The findings can thus be applied when establishing a sound risk management for renewable energy investments.

Originality/value

The paper helps (potential) investors, policymakers and regulators to assess policy risks associated with renewable energy investments.
Turkish students’ perceived relevance of Facebook as a marketing tool
Authors: Baglione Stephen L. , Harcar Talha , Spillan John
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore Turkish students’ perceived relevance of Facebook, the value of Facebook advertisements and the ethics of Facebook targeting users with advertisements.

Design/methodology/approach

Latent class cluster analysis is estimated to determine whether segments exist and whether covariates differ among segments.

Findings

Segments differ on Facebook relevance and advertisement targeting ethics and usefulness and the covariates gender, hours spent on Facebook during the week and personality. The segment that finds Facebook most relevant and uses it the most disapproves of Facebook’s targeted advertisements. Facebook is an organization that relies heavily on advertising dollars for survival. This fact should be emphasized; otherwise, Facebook may not be able to sustain itself.

Originality/value

The paper provides an understanding of Facebook from a marketing perspective for a country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
Attachment style and leader-member exchange
Authors: Maslyn John M. , Schyns Birgit , Farmer Steven M.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine psychological attachment styles (secure, anxious, and avoidant) as antecedents to leader-member exchange (LMX) quality both directly and through their impact on employees’ efforts to build high quality LMX relationships. Employees with secure attachment styles are proposed to be successful at building high quality LMX relationships while employees with anxious and avoidant styles are proposed to display the opposite effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey of 213 employees nested in 37 work groups. Hypotheses were tested using multilevel modeling within MPlus.

Findings

Results indicated that secure and anxious attachment styles were associated with LMX only by impacting the exertion of effort specifically aimed at relationship development with the manager. Alternatively, the avoidant style was directly and negatively linked to LMX but not associated with effort undertaken to build a high quality relationship.

Practical implications

The effects of attachment style on effort to develop high quality LMX relationships reveal that subordinate attachment style may impact those subordinates’ ability and interest in developing positive LMX relationships. Therefore, managers may need to purposively deviate from typical LMX development processes in order to create a more conducive environment for developing high quality relationships with subordinates of differing attachment styles.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine the mediating impact of effort to build high quality LMX relationships given personal propensities (attachment style) to form relationships in the workplace.
Does strategic leadership development feature in managers’ responses to future HRM challenges?
Authors: Viitala Riitta , Kultalahti Susanna , Kangas Hilpi
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Recent academic discussion depicts leadership development (LD) as an important tool for supporting the implementation of an organization’s strategy, maintaining ongoing development of the organization, and building capabilities that are essential for the future. However, the role of LD in reality depends to a considerable extent on how human resource (HR) managers and other top managers perceive LD and its importance. In this study, the purpose of this paper is to examine how LD manifests in HR managers’ and other top managers’ views on the future challenges of HRM. Accordingly, the authors reason what the findings indicate concerning the strategic role of LD in managers’ minds.

Design/methodology/approach

The topic was approached inductively. The qualitative data were collected from 473 Finnish HR managers and 276 other top managers, using a web-based brainstorming tool that adopted ideas from social media platforms. All of the informants are part of the top management team. The material was analysed using content analysis.

Findings

The findings were a cause for concern. They show that top managers do not very actively consider either leadership or LD when asked to consider the HR challenges of the future. In addition, when they did so, the ideas of LD were mostly traditional and individual-centred. Only a few of the informants connected LD to business needs. The comments mainly reflected ideas of heroic leadership and training.

Originality/value

The study advances the understanding of the perceptions of LD decision makers in organizations, but also suggests that more research on the topic is needed. In addition, the study shows that more discussion would be required between academics and managers to deepen the common view of the content, potential, and reality of LD.
A proposed new psychological model for judgement and decision-making
Authors: Wray Christopher
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the implications for leadership development of a proposed new psychological model based on the integration of two distinct fields of research in cognitive science and neuroscience, namely, judgement and decision-making in the heuristics and biases tradition, and in particular the dual-process theory of cognition and its development into a tri-partite model; and the differences between the distinct modes of attention supported by left and right cerebral hemispheres.

Design/methodology/approach

The distinct fields of research are critically reviewed, the proposed new integrated conceptual framework is presented and compared with other relevant theory, and finally the implications for practice and the connection with contemporary leadership development theory are explored.

Findings

It is suggested that decision-makers’ performance in volatile or complex environments could be enhanced through the appropriate engagement of each among the expanded set of cognitive faculties identified in the proposed model, and that a decision-making methodology incorporating prompts to engage each of these aspects of cognition could be adopted by individuals or embedded in organisational processes.

Research limitations/implications

Potential connections for future research are suggested between the proposed new conceptual framework and existing theories concerning shared leadership in teams and reframing processes in a relational leadership context, and more comprehensive psychological theories of leadership incorporating relevant personality traits. Testable claims for future research are proposed, as the model is yet to be validated empirically.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel, integrated psychological model with potential relevance both as a conceptual framework for future research in contemporary leadership theory and as the basis for a decision-making methodology with practical application in leadership development.