bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial Determinants of Weight Loss Among Young Adults With Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Falck Ryan S. , Best John R. , Drenowatz Clemens , Hand Gregory A. , Shook Robin P. , Lavie Carl J. , Blair Steven N.
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

The ardent wish to lose weight, drive for thinness (DT), might be 1 psychosocial contributor to weight loss (WL) in adults with overweight and obesity. In examining DT as a predictor of WL, it is important to determine whether its predictive value is equal in males and females and whether it exerts its effects primarily through changes in diet or physical activity (PA).

Methods:

Two-hundred three men and women with overweight and obesity (body mass index >25 kg/m2; aged 21-35 years; 47% female) participated in this 12-month observational study. DT score and demographic information were collected at baseline. Participants were measured at quarterly intervals for objectively measured PA, energy intake, and anthropometrics. Linear mixed regression analyses determined whether DT predicted WL over time and whether these effects were moderated by sex. Followup mediation analyses determined whether the effects of DT on WL could be explained by either changes in diet or PA.

Results:

Females reported higher DT as compared with males at baseline (P < .001). We observed a significant sex × time × DT interaction on WL (P < .04), such that higher DT predicted WL in males (P < .04), but not in females (P = .54). This effect of DT on WL in overweight and obese males was mediated by changes in PA (indirect effect, −0.43; 95% CI, −1.52 to −0.05), but not changes in energy intake.

Conclusions:

Among young adults with overweight and obesity who have higher DT, PA appears to be more important to WL than caloric restriction, particularly in males.
Measured Physical Activity and 30-Day Rehospitalization in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Waring Thomas , Gross Katherine , Soucier Richard , ZuWallack Richard
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND:

Patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure are at high risk for readmission within 30 days of discharge. Since physical inactivity is associated with increased health care utilization in other diseases, it may predict rehospitalization in heart failure.

METHODS:

In a single-center, prospective study, physical activity was measured following hospital discharge using an accelerometer on the wrist. We then related this activity to the 30-day all-cause rehospitalization rate in heart failure. Each minute of activity was dichotomized into higher or lower intensity, based on a threshold of 3000 vector magnitude units. Counts above this threshold corresponded to a higher level of physical activity. Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to relate the activity group to 30-day readmissions.

RESULTS:

Ninety-five patients admitted to a heart failure unit were screened; 61 met inclusion criteria and provided consent. Fifty patients were evaluated. Forty-six percent were male, mean age was 71 ± 15 years, and 46% had left ventricular ejection fraction <40%. Thirty-day all-cause hospitalizations occurred in 13 of these 50 patients (26%). Sixty-six percent and 34% were dichotomized into the higher and lower physical activity groups, respectively, over the first week; the latter were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days, with an OR = 5.0 (95% CI, 1.3-19.1), P = .02.

CONCLUSION:

Physical inactivity is related to 30-day all-cause readmissions for heart failure. Further studies are necessary to assess causality and to determine whether treatments directed at increasing physical activity could reduce readmission rate.
Multicenter Study of Temporal Trends in the Achievement of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Goals During Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Gordon Neil F. , Salmon Richard D. , Sperling Laurence S. , Wright Brenda S. , Faircloth George C. , Gordon Terri L. , Berk Martin R. , Rubenfire Melvyn , Franklin Barry A.
Published: October 2016

PURPOSE:

Secondary prevention risk factor goals have been established by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology, and the American Heart Association has further delineated ideal cardiovascular health metrics. We evaluated risk factor goal achievement during early-outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and temporal trends in risk factor control.

METHODS:

Patients completed assessments on entry into and exit from CR at 35 centers between 2000 and 2009 and were categorized into 3 cohorts: entire (N = 12 984), 2000-2004 (n = 5468), and 2005-2009 (n = 7516) cohorts.

RESULTS:

Improvements occurred in multiple risk factors during CR. For the entire cohort, the percentages of patients at goal at CR completion ranged from 95.5% for smoking to 21.9% for body mass index (BMI) of <25.0 kg/m2. Compared with 2000-2004, the percentage of the 2005-2009 cohort at goal was higher (P < .001) for blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and physical activity, lower (P = .005) for BMI, and not significantly different (P > .05) for fasting glucose and smoking. At CR completion, of those in the entire, 2000-2004, and 2005-2009 cohorts, 4.4%, 3.9%, and 4.8% (P = .219 vs 2000-2004), respectively, had all biomarkers at the goal for ideal cardiovascular health and, of those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, 70.8%, 71.5%, and 70.3% (P = .165 vs 2000-2004), respectively, were receiving statins.

CONCLUSIONS:

The percentage of patients at goal at CR completion increased for some, but not all, risk factors during 2005-2009 versus 2000-2004. Despite the benefits of CR, risk factor profiles are often suboptimal after CR. There remains room for improvement in risk factor management during CR and a need for continued intervention thereafter.
EN FACE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY OF MULTIPLE EVANESCENT WHITE DOT SYNDROME
Authors: Su Daniel , Xu David , Phasukkijwatana Nopasak , Sarraf David
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To report novel en face imaging findings of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome.

Methods:

A 25-year-old woman presented with photopsia and vision loss affecting the left eye. Ophthalmic examination, color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fundus autofluorescence, en face OCT, and OCT angiography were performed.

Results:

The diagnosis of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome was made based on clinical examination and multimodal imaging findings. Fundus autofluorescence demonstrated numerous hyperautofluorescent spots that corresponded to multifocal areas of ellipsoid loss with SD-OCT. En face OCT illustrated multiple small round hyperreflective “dots” at the level of the outer nuclear layer that precisely colocalized over numerous hyporeflective “spots” at the level of the ellipsoid zone. Optical coherence tomography angiography demonstrated normal flow within the superficial and deep retinal capillary plexus and the choroid in the left eye.

Conclusion:

We report the unique en face OCT pattern of hyperreflective dots (at the level of the outer nuclear layer) that precisely colocalized over larger hyporeflective spots (at the level of the ellipsoid zone) in multiple evanescent white dot syndrome. This finding may provide a signature pattern of recognition for this elusive disorder.
Nurse Practitioners’ Knowledge of Prevention Guidelines and Counseling Practices Related to Primary Prevention of Skin Cancer Among Adolescents in Arizona
Authors: Lucas Maxine A. , Loescher Lois J. , Pacheco Christy L.
Published: October 2016

Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and one of the most preventable. Skin cancer incidence continues to rise among adolescents. The inconsistent practice guidelines for skin cancer prevention create challenges for counseling. The purposes of this study were to investigate skin cancer knowledge, attitudes, and primary prevention counseling practices by Arizona nurse practitioners caring for adolescents on an outpatient basis and to determine congruency of counseling with evidence-based guidelines. Participants completed a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study using an online survey. The main variables were knowledge of skin cancer, skin cancer prevention, attitudes regarding counseling, current practice guideline use, and recommendations. Of the 67 participants who responded to the survey, 51 were eligible, and 44 completed the survey. Participant knowledge regarding skin cancer was moderate to low, and less was known about skin cancer in adolescents. Despite positive attitudes toward skin cancer prevention, participants reported low rates of counseling in practice, similar to previous interdisciplinary research. Reported recommendations used in practice were not reflective of any one particular guideline. Future research should explore barriers to incorporating primary prevention counseling practices and aim to educate nurse practitioners on skin cancer prevention.
The Psychosocial, Economic, and Occupational Impacts of Psoriasis
Authors: Cyr Melissa E.
Published: October 2016

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune, and inflammatory disorder that impacts the skin and joints, with the propensity to produce devastating psychosocial, economic, and occupational effects. These are often not solitary; for example, psychological manifestations may impact one’s occupational and economic statuses. The purpose of this review is to raise awareness of these consequences of disease that clinicians may consider incorporating into a patient-centered model of care.
Herpes Zoster
Authors: Nassaji Mohammad , Ghorbani Raheb , Taheri Ramin , Azizzadeh Maryam , Zolfaghari Sheida
Published: October 2016

Herpes zoster results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. Pain is the most common manifestation of the disease and has a substantial impact on health-related quality of life. Acute pain and its correlated risk factors have been less investigated in previous studies. This study was designed to evaluate the relationships between acute pain severity and some demographic and clinical features of the patients. Two hundred twenty-three adult patients with a diagnosis of herpes zoster were enrolled. Herpes zoster was diagnosed by a dermatologist and an infectious diseases specialist. Severity of acute pain was measured using the visual analog scale. Data about the medical and demographic characteristics of participants were collected. The mean (±SD) severity of acute pain in patients was 56.8 (±24.6). Acute pain severity was significantly associated with age (p = .045), female gender (p = .048), smoking (p = .021), immunosuppression (p = .022), and presence (p = .001) and duration (p = .028) of prodromal phase. Body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and location of dermatomes did not correlate with the intensity of pain. This study suggests that age, gender, cigarette smoking, immunosuppressed state, and presence and duration of prodromal phase are the major correlates of acute pain intensity in herpes zoster.
Pediatric Minor Traumatic Brain Injury With Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Burns Erin Comer , Burns Beech , Newgard Craig D. , Laurie Amber , Fu Rongwei , Graif Theresa , Ward Casey S. , Bauer Abbie , Steinhardt David , Ibsen Laura M. , Spiro David M.
Published: October 2016

Background

Pediatric patients with any severity of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH) are often admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) for early detection of secondary injury. We hypothesize that there is a subset of these patients with mild injury and tICH for whom ICU care is unnecessary.

Objectives

To quantify tICH frequency and describe disposition and to identify patients at low risk of inpatient critical care intervention (CCI).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients aged 0 to 17 years with tICH at a single level I trauma center from 2008 to 2013. The CCI included mechanical ventilation, invasive monitoring, blood product transfusion, hyperosmolar therapy, and neurosurgery. Binary recursive partitioning analysis led to a clinical decision instrument classifying patients as low risk for CCI.

Results

Of 296 tICH admissions without prior CCI in the field or emergency department, 29 had an inpatient CCI. The decision instrument classified patients as low risk for CCI when patients had absence of the following: midline shift, depressed skull fracture, unwitnessed/unknown mechanism, and other nonextremity injuries. This clinical decision instrument produced a high likelihood of excluding patients with CCI (sensitivity, 96.6%; 95% confidence interval, 82.2%–99.9%) from the low-risk group, with a negative likelihood ratio of 0.056 (95% confidence interval, −0.053–0.166). The decision instrument misclassified 1 patient with CCI into the low-risk group, but would have impacted disposition of 164 pediatric ICU admissions through 5 years (55% of the sample).

Conclusions

A subset of low-risk patients may not require ICU admission. The proposed decision rule identified low-risk children with tICH who may be observable outside an ICU, although this rule requires external validation before implementation.
Compartment Syndrome Secondary to Group A Streptococcus Infection in the Presence of a Congenital Hemangioma
Authors: Kracoff Sharon L.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Nontraumatic compartment syndrome is frequently difficult to diagnose but this is especially troublesome in infants. Pain is the most sensitive sign and is characteristically severe and refractory to routine analgesia. Failure to diagnose and treat can lead to disability, multiorgan failure, and death. Surgical intervention is crucial and includes emergent fasciotomy, debridement, nerve decompression, and later skin grafting. Streptococcal myositis causing compartment syndrome is more likely in the immunocompromised patient.

Congenital hemangiomas are rare, benign vascular tumors that present fully grown at birth.

Methods

Case report and literature review.

Results

This case report details a healthy child, with a resolving congenital hemangioma of the forearm, presenting with toxic shock syndrome and a streptococcal myositis creating a compartment syndrome in the same forearm after an upper respiratory tract infection. The child underwent an emergent fasciotomy and debridement of the arm. Profound systemic effects necessitated transfer to intensive care unit and continuing postoperative mechanical ventilation, inotropic support, intravenous antibiotics, and immunoglobulin administration. Postoperatively, blood cultures and wound biopsies were all positive for Beta Hemolytic Group A Streptococci. Several days later, after a course of antibiotics, the volar forearm was closed with meshed split thickness skin grafts with good graft take. In our patient, we concluded that the hemangioma may have acted as a locus to attract the hematogenous spread of the streptococcal infection from the throat and caused a soft tissue infection that led to massive edema of the limb and consequently to compartment syndrome.
Use of Comparative Case Study Methodology for US Public Health Policy Analysis: A Review
Authors: Dinour Lauren M. , Kwan Amy , Freudenberg Nicholas
Published: October 2016

Context:

There is growing recognition that policies influence population health, highlighting the need for evidence to inform future policy development and reform.

Objectives:

This review describes how comparative case study methodology has been applied to public health policy research and discusses the methodology's potential to contribute to this evidence.

Methods:

English-language, peer-reviewed articles published between 1995 and 2012 were sought from 4 databases. Articles were included if they described comparative case studies addressing US public health policy. Two researchers independently assessed the 20 articles meeting review criteria.

Main Outcome Measures:

Case-related characteristics and research design tactics utilized to minimize threats to reliability and validity, such as the use of multiple sources of evidence and a case study protocol, were extracted from each article.

Results:

Although comparative case study methodology has been used to analyze a range of public health policies at all stages and levels, articles reported an average use of only 3.65 (out of 10) research design tactics.

Conclusion:

By expanding the use of accepted research design tactics, public health policy researchers can contribute to expanding the evidence needed to advance health-promoting policies.
State-Level Farmers Market Activities: A Review of CDC-Funded State Public Health Actions That Support Farmers Markets
Authors: Kahin Sahra A. , Wright Demia S. , Pejavara Anu , Kim Sonia A.
Published: October 2016

Context:

Introducing farmers markets to underserved areas, or supporting existing farmers markets, can increase access and availability of fruits and vegetables and encourage healthy eating. Since 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) has provided guidance and funding to state health departments (SHDs) to support the implementation of interventions, including activities around farmers markets, to address healthy eating, and improve the access to and availability of fruits and vegetables at state and community levels.

Objective:

For this project, we identified state-level farmers market activities completed with CDC's DNPAO funding from 2003 to 2013. State-level was defined as actions taken by the state health department that influence or support farmers market work across the state.

Design and Participants:

We completed an analysis of SHD farmers market activities of 3 DNPAO cooperative agreements from 2003 to 2013: State Nutrition and Physical Activity Programs to Prevent Obesity and Other Chronic Diseases; Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Program; and Communities Putting Prevention to Work. To identify state farmers market activities, data sources for each cooperative agreement were searched using the key words “farm,” “market,” “produce market,” and “produce stand.” State data with at least one state-level farmers market action present were then coded for the presence of itemized activities.

Results:

Across all cooperative agreements, the most common activities identified through analysis included the following: working on existing markets and nutrition assistance benefit programs, supporting community action, and providing training and technical assistance. Common partners were nutrition assistance benefit program offices and state or regional Department of Agriculture or agricultural extension offices.

Implications for Policy & Practice:

Common farmers market practices and evidence-based activities, such as nutrition assistance benefits programs and land-use policies, can be adopted as methods for farmers market policy and practice work.

Conclusion:

The activities identified in this study can inform future planning at the state and federal levels on environment, policy, and systems approaches that improve the food environment through farmers markets.
Health Care Communication Laws in the United States, 2013: Implications for Access to Sensitive Services for Insured Dependents
Authors: Kristoff Iris , Cramer Ryan , Leichliter Jami S.
Published: October 2016

Young adults may not seek sensitive health services when confidentiality cannot be ensured. To better understand the policy environment for insured dependent confidentiality, we systematically assessed legal requirements for health insurance plan communications using WestlawNext to create a jurisdiction-level data set of health insurance plan communication regulations as of March 2013. Two jurisdictions require plan communications be sent to a policyholder, 22 require plan communications to be sent to an insured, and 36 give insurers discretion to send plan communications to the policyholder or insured. Six jurisdictions prohibit disclosure, and 3 allow a patient to request nondisclosure of certain patient information. Our findings suggest that in many states, health insurers are given considerable discretion in determining to whom plan communications containing sensitive health information are sent. Future research could use this framework to analyze the association between state laws concerning insured dependent confidentiality and public health outcomes and related sensitive services.
20 Years of Public Health Economics and Decision Sciences at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship, 1995-2015
Authors: Skelton Adam G. , Meltzer Martin I.
Published: October 2016

The CDC Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship was started in 1995 to provide postdoctoral training in public health economics. This article describes the origins and state of the fellowship and the practice of prevention effectiveness research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The fellowship can be seen as one successful example of a demand-driven public health innovation to develop crucial capacity for the contemporary health system. Nearly 150 individuals have been trained through the program since its inception.
Mississippi Medical Reserve Corps: Moving Mississippi From Emergency Planning to Response Ready
Authors: McCormick Lisa C. , Fifolt Matthew , Mercer Caroline , Pevear Jesse , Wilson Jonathan
Published: October 2016

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that might impact a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteer's decision to respond to an emergency event. The 2 primary goals of this survey were to (1) establish realistic planning assumptions regarding the use of volunteers in health care emergency responses, and (2) determine whether barriers to volunteer participation could be addressed by MRC units to improve volunteer response rates.

Design:

An anonymous online survey instrument was made available via Qualtrics through a customized URL. For the purpose of distribution, the Mississippi State Department of Health sent an electronic message that included the survey link to all MRC volunteers who were registered with the Mississippi Responder Management System (MRMS) as of September 2014.

Results:

Approximately 15% of those surveyed indicated they would be available and able to deploy within 24 hours. The most common factors reported in terms of respondent decisions to deploy included risk to personal health (61.2%), length of deployment (58.8%), and the security of the deployment area (55.3%). In addition, 67% of respondents indicated that extended periods of deployment would have a negative financial impact on their lives. Respondents who have had training or previous deployment experience reported having greater knowledge of potential response roles, increased comfort in their ability to respond with the MRC, and increased confidence in responding to differing public health emergencies.

Conclusions:

Barriers to MRC volunteers being able to deploy should be addressed by each MRC unit. Issues such as risk to personal safety while on deployment, site security, and length of deployment should be considered by planners and those solutions communicated to MRC members during trainings. Emergency plans utilizing MRC volunteers will require significant evaluation to assess the risk of relying on an expected resource that could be severely limited during an actual emergency.
Restructuring a State Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Program: Implications of a Local Health Department Model for SNAP-Ed
Authors: Wu Helen W. , Backman Desiree , Kizer Kenneth W.
Published: October 2016

Context and Objective:

The US Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) funds state programs to improve nutrition and physical activity in low-income populations through its Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention grants. States vary in how they manage and structure these programs. California substantially restructured its program in 2012 to universally position local health departments (LHDs) as the programmatic lead in all jurisdictions. This study sought to determine whether California's reorganization aligned with desirable attributes of decentralized public management.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

This study conducted 40 in person, semistructured interviews with 57 local, state, and federal SNAP-Ed stakeholders between October 2014 and March 2015. Local respondents represented 15 counties in all 7 of California's SNAP-Ed regions. We identified 3 common themes that outlined advantages or disadvantages of local public management, and we further defined subthemes within: (1) coordination and communication (within local jurisdictions, across regions, between local and state), (2) efficiency (administrative, fiscal, program), and (3) quality (innovation, skills). We conducted qualitative content analysis to evaluate how respondents characterized the California experience for each theme, identifying positive and negative experiences.

Results:

California's LHD model offers some distinct advantages, but the model does not exhibit all the advantages of decentralized public management. Strategic planning, partnerships, subcontracting, and fiscal oversight are closer to communities than previously. However, administrative burden remains high and LHDs are limited in their ability to customize programs on the basis of community needs because of state and federal constraints.

Conclusions:

California's use of a universal LHD model for SNAP-Ed is novel. Recent federal SNAP-Ed changes present an opportunity for other states to consider this structure. Employing small-scale approaches initially (eg, pilot efforts) may facilitate effective transitions. For an LHD model to be effective, LHDs must be adept at managing administrative complexity and capable of succeeding within stringent federal/state requirements.
Validity of a Subjective Financial Situation Measure to Assess Socioeconomic Status in US Young Adults
Authors: Williams Valerie F. , Smith Alexandria A. , Villanti Andrea C. , Rath Jessica M. , Hair Elizabeth C. , Cantrell Jennifer , Teplitskaya Lyubov , Vallone Donna M.
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

Young adulthood is an important period for preventing the establishment of negative health behaviors that can influence trajectories to chronic disease and early death. Given the evolving nature of educational attainment and income variation during this developmental period, identifying indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) remains a challenge. This study examines measures of subjective and objective indicators of SES to predict health risk for young adults.

Methods:

This study uses data from the Truth Initiative Young Adult Cohort Study from respondents aged 18 to 34 years who completed 3 consecutive surveys between June 2011 and August 2012 (n = 2182). Analyses were conducted to compare a measure of subjective financial situation (SFS) to commonly used SES measures for adults and adolescents. Age-stratified, multivariable logistic regression was used to model the relationship between 5 SES indicators (SFS, household income, respondent education, parental education, and subjective childhood financial situation) and dichotomized versions of 3 health status measures (body mass index, self-reported health status, and quality of life), controlling for gender, race/ethnicity, and region.

Results:

Findings indicate that SFS is associated with other commonly used SES measures. Prospective associations with health outcomes revealed that SFS is a stronger predictor of health outcomes among young adults aged 18 to 24 years as compared with other SES measures.

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence that subjective financial situation may be more robust than traditional SES indicators in predicting health outcomes among young adults, particularly for 18- to 24-year-olds, and should be considered a viable candidate measure for assessing SES among this age group.
Prediction of Vascular Invasion Using a 3-Point Scale Computed Tomography Grading System in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Correlation With Surgery
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Zhui-Yang , Ni Jian-Ming , Li Bin , Chen Fang-Ming , Jiang Chun-Juan , Hu Chun-Hong
Published: October 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between a 3-point scale multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) grading system and surgical exploration in predicting vascular invasion and resectability in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA).

Methods

Fifty-five patients with surgical and pathologic confirmation of PDA were retrospectively analyzed by 3 radiologists independently. All patients had MDCT examination with multiplanar reformatted images, computed tomography (CT) angiography, and negative-contrast CT cholangiopancreatography (nCTCP). A 3-point scale CT grading system and criteria for unresectability adopting the latest guidelines were used in predicting the correlation between the invasion and resectability of 5 peripancreatic vessels and surgical grade and pathology.

Results

Tumor location was correctly identified in all patients including 2 isodense lesions by means of nCTCP. The mean sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of MDCT were 92%, 83%, 95%, 78%, and 90%, respectively, in predicting tumor resectability compared with surgery and pathology and with good agreement (κ = 0.72–0.77). A correlation was observed between CT and surgical grade in predicting vascular invasion on a per-vessel basis, and the agreement presented as good to excellent (κ = 0.66–1.00).

Conclusions

A 3-point scale CT grading system is a simple and practical method in predicting peripancreatic vessel invasion and, importantly, correlates with surgical grade and pathology. Axial images combined with multiplanar reformation, nCTCP, and CT angiography can strengthen the comprehensive evaluation of PDA for resectability.
Effects of a Text-Processing Comprehension Intervention on Struggling Middle School Readers
Authors: Barth Amy E. , Vaughn Sharon , Capin Philip , Cho Eunsoo , Stillman-Spisak Stephanie , Martinez Leticia , Kincaid Heather
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

We examined the effects of a text-processing reading comprehension intervention emphasizing listening comprehension and expressive language practices with middle school students with reading difficulties.

Method:

A total of 134 struggling readers in grades 6–8 were randomly assigned to treatment (n= 83) and control conditions (n= 51) using a 2:1 ratio (two students randomized to treatment for every one student randomized to control). Students in the treatment condition received 40 min of daily instruction in small groups of four to six students for approximately 17 hr.

Results:

One-way analysis of covariance models on outcome measures with the respective pretest scores as a covariate revealed significant gains on proximal measures of vocabulary and key word and main idea formulation. No significant differences were found on standardized measures of listening and reading comprehension.

Discussion:

Results provide preliminary support for integrating listening comprehension and expressive language practices within a text-processing reading comprehension intervention framework for middle-grade struggling readers.
Predicting Second Grade Listening Comprehension Using Prekindergarten Measures
Authors: Alonzo Crystle N. , Yeomans-Maldonado Gloria , Murphy Kimberly A. , Bevens Beau
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine prekindergarten predictors of listening comprehension in second grade.

Methods:

Within a large, 5-year longitudinal study, children progressing from prekindergarten to second grade were administered a comprehensive set of prekindergarten measures of foundational language skills (vocabulary and grammar), higher-level language skills (inferencing, comprehension monitoring, and text structure knowledge), listening comprehension, working memory, and nonverbal processing, as well as second grade measures of listening comprehension.

Results:

A prekindergarten measure of listening comprehension—the Test of Narrative Language—and a prekindergarten measure of foundational language skills and working memory—the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-4 Recalling Sentences—were significant predictors of second grade listening comprehension.

Conclusions:

Our findings show that a quick, reliable measure of sentence imitation and/or listening comprehension, administered in prekindergarten, provides insight into a child's second grade listening comprehension. Knowing who is at risk for comprehension failure will allow educators to make informed, evidence-based decisions on the need for further in-depth assessment and language-intensive instruction to stave off future reading disabilities.
Assessing Comprehension in Kindergarten Through Third Grade
Authors: Sabatini John P. , Halderman Laura K. , O'Reilly Tenaha , Weeks Jonathan P.
Published: October 2016

Traditional measures of reading ability designed for younger students typically focus on componential skills (e.g., decoding, vocabulary), and the items are often presented in a discrete and decontextualized format. The current study was designed to explore whether it was feasible to develop a more integrated, scenario-based assessment of comprehension for younger students. A secondary goal was to examine developmental differences in item performance when administration was in listening versus reading modalities. Cross-sectional differences were examined across kindergarten to third grade on a scenario-based assessment comprising literal comprehension, inference, vocabulary, and background knowledge items. The assessment, originally targeted for third grade, was administered one-on-one to 141 third-grade and 485 second-grade students. It was adapted for and administered to kindergarten (n = 390) and first-grade (n = 419) students by reducing the number of items and switching to a listening comprehension method of administration. Each grade was significantly more accurate than the previous grade on overall performance and background knowledge. A regression analysis showed significant variance associated with background knowledge in predicting comprehension, even after controlling for grade. A deeper analysis of item performance across grades was conducted to examine what elements worked well and where improvements should be made in adapting comprehension assessments for use with young children.
Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: Visual Recovery in a Patient With the Rare m.3890G>A Point Mutation
Authors: Murray Jared J. , Nolan Kaitlyn W. , McClelland Collin , Lee Michael S.
Published: October 2016

A 15-year-old boy experienced painless vision loss in the left eye of unknown duration. Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) was suspected, despite negative testing for the 3 most common pathogenic gene mutations and idebenone 300 mg 3 times daily was prescribed. Nine months later, the patient developed right eye involvement. Complete mitochondrial genome analysis revealed 2 rare variants—m.3890G>A of the MT-ND1 gene and m.8417C>A of the MT-ATP8 gene. The former has been described in severe infantile Leigh syndrome and LHON; the latter is of unknown significance. The patient experienced progressive visual deterioration through 12 months, but improved to 20/20, right eye and 20/25, left eye, at 21 months. Visual recovery can occur in a patient with bilateral optic neuropathy secondary to the rare m.3890G>A point mutation.
Structural and Functional analysis of the GABARAP Interaction Motif (GIM)
Authors: Rogov Vladimir V. , Stolz Alexandra , Ravicahandran Arvind C. , Law Alexander , Suzuki Hironori , Kniss Andreas , Rios-Szwed Diana O. , Löhr Frank , Wakatsuki Soichi , Dötsch Volker , Dikic Ivan , Dobson Renwick C.J. , McEwan David G.
Published: October 2016

Through the canonical LC3 interaction motif (LIR), [W/F/Y]-X1-X2-[I/L/V], protein complexes are recruited to autophagosomes to perform their functions as either autophagy adaptors or receptors. How these adaptors/receptors selectively interact with either LC3 or GABARAP families remains unclear. Herein, we determine the range of selectivity of 30 known core LIR motifs towards LC3s and GABARAPs. From these, we define aGABARAPInteractionMotif (GIM) sequence (W/F-V-X2-V) that the adaptor protein PLEKHM1 tightly conforms to. Using biophysical and structural approaches, we show that the PLEKHM1-LIR is indeed eleven-fold more specific for GABARAP than LC3B. Selective mutation of the X1and X2positions either completely abolished the interaction with all LC3 and GABARAPs or increased PLEKHM1-GIM selectivity 20-fold towards LC3B. Finally, we show that conversion of the canonical p62/SQSTM1-LIR into our newly defined GIM, by introducing two valine residues, enhances p62/SQSTM1 interaction with endogenous GABARAP over LC3B. The identification of a GABARAP-specific interaction motif will aid the identification and characterization of the continually expanding array of autophagy receptor and adaptor proteins and theirin vivofunctions.
Neuronal synchrony and the relation between the BOLD response and the local field potential
Authors: Hermes Dora , Nguyen Mai , Winawer Jonathan
Published: October 2016

The most widespread measures of human brain activity are the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal and surface field potential. Prior studies report a variety of relationships between these signals. To develop an understanding of how to interpret these signals and the relationship between them, we developed a model of (a) neuronal population responses, and (b) transformations from neuronal responses into the fMRI BOLD signal and electrocorticographic (ECoG) field potential. Rather than seeking a transformation between the two measures directly, this approach interprets each measure with respect to the underlying neuronal population responses. This model accounts for the relationship between BOLD and ECoG data from human visual cortex in V1-V3, with the model predictions and data matching in three ways: Across stimuli, the BOLD amplitude and ECoG broadband power were positively correlated, the BOLD amplitude and alpha power (8-13 Hz) were negatively correlated, and the BOLD amplitude and narrowband gamma power (30-80 Hz) were uncorrelated. The two measures provide complementary information about human brain activity and we infer that features of the field potential that are uncorrelated with BOLD arise largely from changes in synchrony, rather than level, of neuronal activity.
The case for species selection
Authors: Simpson Carl
Published: October 2016

The mere existence of speciation and extinction make macro-evolutionary processes possible. Speciation and extinction introduce discontinuities in the microevolutionary change within lineages by initiating, disrupting, and terminating the continuity of species lineages. Within a clade, speciation and extinction become potent means of macroevolution in and of themselves. This process, termed species selection, is a macroevolutionary analogue of natural selection, with species playing an analogous part akin to that played by organisms in microevolution. That said, it has proven difficult to think about levels of selection. The concept of species sorting was introduced to help our thinking on this issue by identifying two aspects inherent in hierarchical systems can confuse our attempts to understand them: uncertainty in the level that selection acts and uncertainty about if the pattern of selection is in fact caused at all. Thanks to insights from evolutionary transitions in individuality, we now know more about how to identify the level of selection and how to parse the causal structure in hierarchical evolutionary circumstances. We know that if the fitness of organisms causes the fitness of more inclusive species then they must covary. However, there is no evidence of such a covariance between fitnesses at these two levels. This covariance is just not observed; neither between cells and organisms nor between organisms and species. Rather, speciation and extinction rates appear to be completely divorced from organismal fitness. With this insight, the concept of species sorting shrinks so that it only covers the two processes of species selection and drift. I argue that we are better off focusing on understanding the processes of species selection and drift and that there is therefore no further need for the concept of species sorting.
Single or Multi-Frequency generators in on-going brain activity: a mechanistic whole-brain model of empirical MEG data
Authors: Deco Gustavo , Cabral Joana , Woolrich Mark W. , Stevner Angus B.A , van Hartevelt Tim J. , Kringelbach Morten L.
Published: October 2016

During rest, envelopes of band-limited on-going MEG signals co-vary across the brain in consistent patterns, which have been related to resting-state networks measured with fMRI. To investigate the genesis of such envelope correlations, we consider a whole-brain network model assuming two distinct fundamental scenarios: one where each brain area generates oscillations in a single frequency, and a novel one where each brain area can generate oscillations in multiple frequency bands. The models share, as a common generator of damped oscillations, the normal form of a supercritical Hopf bifurcation operating at the critical border between the steady state and the oscillatory regime. The envelopes of the simulated signals are compared with empirical MEG data using new methods to analyse the envelope dynamics in terms of their phase coherence and stability across the spectrum of carrier frequencies.

Considering the whole-brain model with a single frequency generator in each brain area, we obtain the best fit with the empirical MEG data when the fundamental frequency is tuned at 12Hz. However, when multiple frequency generators are placed at each local brain area, we obtain an improved fit of the spatio-temporal structure of on-going MEG data across all frequency bands. Our results indicate that the brain is likely to operate on multiple frequency channels during rest, introducing a novel dimension for future models of large-scale brain activity.
Accurate prediction of human essential genes using only nucleotide composition and association information
Authors: Biao Feng-Biao , Dong Chuan , Hua Hong-Li , Liu Shuo , Luo Hao , Zhang Hong-Wan , Jin Yan-Ting , Zhang Kai-Yue
Published: October 2016

Three groups recently identified essential genes in human cancer cell lines using wet experiments, and these genes are of high values. Herein, we improved the widely used Z curve method by creating a λ-interval Z curve, which considered interval association information. With this method and recursive feature elimination technology, a computational model was developed to predict human gene essentiality. The 5-fold cross-validation test based on our benchmark dataset obtained an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.8814. For the rigorous jackknife test, the AUC score was 0.8854. These results demonstrated that the essentiality of human genes could be reliably reflected by only sequence information. However, previous classifiers in three eukaryotes can gave satisfactory prediction only combining sequence with other features. It is also demonstrated that although the information contributed by interval association is less than adjacent nucleotides, this information can still play an independent role. Integrating the interval information into adjacent ones can significantly improve our classifier’s prediction capacity. We re-predicted the benchmark negative dataset by Pheg server (https://cefg.uestc.edu.cn/Pheg), and 118 genes were additionally predicted as essential. Among them, 21 were found to be homologues in mouse essential genes, indicating that at least a part of the 118 genes were indeed essential, however previous experiments overlooked them. As the first available server, Pheg could predict essentiality for anonymous gene sequences of human. It is also hoped the λ-interval Z curve method could be effectively extended to classification issues of other DNA elements.
Challenges and advances for transcriptome assembly in non-model species
Authors: Ungaro Arnaud , Pech Nicolas , Martin Jean-François , McCairns R.J. Scott , Mévy Jean-Philippe , Chappaz Rémi , Gilles André
Published: October 2016

Analyses of high-throughput transcriptome sequences of non-model organisms are based on two main approaches: de novo assembly and genome-guided assembly using mapping to assign reads prior to assembly. Given the limits of mapping reads to a reference when it is highly divergent, as is frequently the case for non-model species, we evaluate whether using blastn would outperform mapping methods for read assignment in such situations (>15% divergence). We demonstrate its high performance by using simulated reads of lengths corresponding to those generated by the most common sequencing platforms, and over a realistic range of genetic divergence (0% to 30% divergence). Here we focus on gene identification and not on resolving the whole set of transcripts (i.e. the complete transcriptome). For simulated datasets, the transcriptome-guided assembly based on blastn recovers 94.8% of genes irrespective of read length at 0% divergence; however, assignment rate of reads is negatively correlated with both increasing divergence level and reducing read lengths. Nevertheless, we still observe 92.6% of recovered genes at 30% divergence irrespective of read length. This analysis also produces a categorization of genes relative to their assignment, and suggests guidelines for data processing prior to analyses of comparative transcriptomics and gene expression to minimize potential inferential bias associated with incorrect transcript assignment. We also compare the performances of de novo assembly alone vs in combination with a transcriptome-guided assembly based on blastn via simulation and empirically, using data from a cyprinid fish species and from an oak species. For any simulated scenario, the transcriptome-guided assembly using blastn outperforms the de novo approach alone, including when the divergence level is beyond the reach of mapping methods. Combining de novo assembly and a related reference transcriptome for read assignment also addresses the bias/error in contigs caused by the dependence on a related reference alone. Empirical data corroborate those findings when assembling transcriptomes from the two non-model organisms: Parachondrostoma toxostoma (fish) and Quercus pubescens (plant). For the fish species, out of the 31,944 genes known from D. rerio, the guided and de novo assemblies recover respectively 20,605 and 20,032 genes but the performance of the guided assembly approach is much higher for both the contiguity and completeness metrics. For the oak, out of the 29,971 genes known from Vitis vinifera, the transcriptome-guided and de novo assemblies display similar performance but the new guided approach detects 16,326 genes where the de novo assembly only detects 9,385 genes.