bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of a Controlled Trial of a Peer Concussion Education Program With Collegiate Football Players
Authors: Ernst W , McCarthy K S , Kneavel M E , Gulick S H
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To determine if a novel peer concussion education program (PCEP) increased concussion knowledge and intention-to-report in collegiate football players.

Methods

A sample of football players (N=666) from 10 NCAA colleges were assessed at three time points (baseline, post-test, 1-month follow-up) with adapted measures of the concussion knowledge checklist (adapted from Gioia & Collins [2006]; McLeod et al. [2007], score range=0–27) and intention-to-report questionnaire (adapted from Register-Mihalik et al. [2013], score range=6–42). Five teams (n=408) were randomly assigned to control; five (n=258) to the PCEP. The data were from a larger randomized multi-site trial of men’s and women’s sports (n=1,614).

Results

There was a significant effect of the PCEP on concussion knowledge across time, F(2, 1012)=17.3, p<.0001, ηp2=.03. Model-estimated concussion knowledge scores (M[SE]) at all three timepoints were 19.20 (0.73), 19.90 (0.73) and 19.77 (0.73) for control; 19.81 (0.78), 22.12 (0.78), and 21.83 (0.78) for the PCEP. There was also a significant effect of the PCEP on intention-to-report one’s own concussion across time, F(2,1004)=7.51, p<.001, ηp2=.02. Intention-to-report scores (model-estimated M[SE]) increased for control across all three time points (30.87 [1.13], 32.72 [1.13], and 33.37 [1.13]) but at a faster rate for the PCEP (30.44 [1.25], 34.43 [1.25], and 34.67 [1.26].

Conclusion

There was a significant increase in concussion knowledge and intention-to-report concussion among football players who participated in the PCEP compared to controls which held at a 1-month follow-up.
Fatigue After Concussion: Do Children and Their Parents Report the Same Changes?
Authors: Gerst E H , D SMaegan , Gioia G A
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Fatigue is a commonly reported complaint after concussion; however, fatigue is multi-faceted and a child’s experience of fatigue may differ from their parent’s observations. Differences in self and parent report of post-concussive changes in fatigue were examined.

Methods

Participants were 266 patients (Mean age=13.49, SD=2.75, range 5–18) seen in a concussion clinic. The PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (MFS) was completed. Dependent variables were: General Fatigue, Cognitive Fatigue, Sleep Fatigue, and Total Fatigue. Pearson correlations, paired-tests, and repeated measures MANOVA evaluated differences.

Results

Self- and parent-report scores were correlated (r range=.33 to .66, p< .01). Change in fatigue differed by rater (F(1, 247)=6.79, p=.01, ηp2=.03). For General and Sleep Fatigue, self- and parent report were not statistically different. For Cognitive Fatigue, self-report was significantly worse than parent report. Adolescents (13-18) reported higher Cognitive Fatigue than older children (8-12), t(255)=2.263, p=.02. Parents did not observe a difference between age-groups for Cognitive Fatigue. There were non-significant trends toward female adolescents reporting more change in Cognitive Fatigue.

Conclusion

Children and parents agree that fatigue worsens during concussion recovery. However, parents may not observe the effect of fatigue on cognitive activities (i.e., schoolwork), specifically among adolescents. Thus, self-report of symptom experience after concussion should be an essential part of a post-concussive evaluation. Future studies would benefit from examination of the functional impact of worsened fatigue following concussion.
The Role of Premorbid Psychiatric History and Current Mood Ratings on Self-Reported Concussion Symptom Severity
Authors: Presley C , Tarkenton T , Meredith-Duliba T , Sabo T , Miller S , Bell K , Batjer H , Cullum C M
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Psychiatric history is known to be relevant to concussion outcomes, although less is known about the role of such factors or current mood ratings in adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the role of premorbid psychiatric history (PPH) and current mood ratings (CMR) on overall sports-related concussion (SRC) symptomology and cognitive outcomes in adolescent and young adult athletes.

Methods

Participants age 12–25 years (M=14.8) diagnosed with SRC (n=560) were evaluated within 14 days of injury as part of the North Texas Concussion Registry (ConTex) using the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 Items (PHQ-8), General Anxiety Disorder-7 Item Scale (GAD-7), and ImPACT. Subjects were dichotomized into those with (PPH+) and without (PPH-) pre-existing reported psychiatric diagnoses, and CMR groups were determined by normal vs. elevated scores on the GAD-7 and PHQ-8. T-tests were used to compare groups.

Results

Significant differences in total symptom severity scores were found between both PPH (p=.01) and CMR (p<.001) groupings. PPH+ (n=27) reported significantly higher symptom scores (M=31.6) than PPH- subjects (n=316, M=20.9). Additionally, those reporting elevated CMR endorsed 2.3x higher symptom severity scores (n=48, M=42.1 vs. n=276, M=18.2). Among ImPACT cognitive scores, only Visual Memory differed between CMR groups (p=.047).

Conclusion

Findings suggest that PPH and elevated CMR are associated with greater self-reported symptom severity in adolescent SRC, but have little relationship to cognitive outcomes as assessed by ImPACT. Further research is needed to understand the interaction between PPH, CMR, and SRC recovery across the age spectrum.
Test-Retest Reliability of ImPACT Across a Two-Year Interval in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Burley C , Datoc A , Bennett R , Lashley L
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To examine the two-year test-retest reliability of Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) in a sample of collegiate athletes.

Methods

A total of 163 college athletes (63.8% female) completed two pre-season baseline assessments two years apart as mandated by their athletic programs. Participants completed the first baseline prior to their first year of competition (M age=18.38, M edu=12.13). Individuals with baselines flagged as invalid by ImPACT were excluded. No diagnosed concussions occurred between baseline assessments.

Results

Pearson r correlations for ImPACT composite scores between assessments ranged from .32 to .70. Paired samples t-tests indicated significant differences between verbal memory (t(162)=-4.61, p<.001, MD=-3.6) and visual-motor speed (t(162)=-4.10, p<.001, MD=-1.5) at time 1 and time 2. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) with a “two-way mixed” model and “consistency” type indicated higher reliability for all composite scores. Visual-motor speed (mean ICC=.83; .76–.87 95% confidence interval [CI]) was the most reliable composite score, followed by visual memory (.66; 95% CI .53-.75), impulse control (.62; 95% CI .48–.72), verbal memory (.58; 95% CI .43–.69), and reaction time (.49; 95% CI .30-.62). The total symptom score showed moderate reliability (.63; 95% CI .50–.73).

Conclusion

Overall, ImPACT composite and total symptom scores appear to maintain relative long-term stability in a collegiate sample across a two-year period. ImPACT composite scores showed moderate to good reliability, and total symptom scores showed moderate reliability. Results of this study corroborate previous research indicating moderately stable ImPACT scores across a 2-year test-retest period in collegiate athletes (Schatz, 2010).
The Test-Retest Reliability of a Clinically-Relevant Dual-Task Assessment in Healthy College Students
Authors: Erdman N K , Jimenez J , Buckley T A , Howell D R , Hart J M , Resch J E
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The dual-task (DT) paradigm consists of concurrent administration of motor and cognitive tasks which may demonstrate improved measurement properties of the included tasks as compared to independent administration. Our study examined the test-retest reliability of a clinically-relevant DT assessment.

Methods

Our prospective cohort study included 60 (53.3% female) healthy, recreationally active college students (Age=20.5–1.34 years; Height=171.7–9.33 cm). Participants completed the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) and timed tandem gait (TTG) test concurrently for the DT assessment at two time points separated by a two-week test-retest interval. The SAC composite score (45 points) was calculated by summing the domain scores of immediate memory (30 points) which consisted of a 10-word list, concentration (5 points), and delayed recall (10 points). The TTG composite score was calculated by summing the mean time to complete the TTG during each SAC task (3 trials for immediate memory, up to 5 trials for the digits-backwards task, and one trial for the months in reverse order and delayed recall tasks). Mixed-model intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC[3,1]) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate test-retest reliability between time points for the SAC and TTG composite scores.

Results

Mean SAC (39.4–3.80 vs. 39.6–3.49 points) and TTG (52.1–9.44 vs. 48.2–8.33 sec) composite scores were observed at time points 1 and 2, respectively. Moderate (ICC[3,1]=0.56 [0.26, 0.74]) and good (ICC[3,1]=0.88 [0.80, 0.93]) test-retest reliability were observed for the SAC and TTG composite scores, respectively.

Conclusion

Test-retest reliability for our DT assessment aligns with previously established values for independent administration of the SAC and TTG.
Post-concussion Driving Management Practices Among Certified Athletic Trainers
Authors: Schmidt J D , Lynall R C , Lempke L B , Devos H
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To describe post-concussion driving management practices and opinions among athletic trainers (ATs) and to compare practices across highest earned degree, setting, and years certified.

Methods

A survey weblink was emailed to a convenience sample of 8,723 ATs (10.8% response rate [945/8723]; years certified=14.5±10.7; years worked clinically=12.4±9.4). The validated survey captured AT driving management practices and opinions (agreement on a seven-point Likert scale). We compared the percentage of patients instructed to refrain from driving across highest earned degree, setting, and years certified using Kruskal-Wallis tests (alpha=0.05).

Results

When asked whether they recommended concussed patients refrain from driving, 58.5% of ATs responded “sometimes” (n=553/945), 37.9% responded “always” (n=358/945), and 3.6% responded “never” (n=34/945). ATs most commonly: recommended patients refrain from driving until symptom resolution (44.7%, n=399/892); utilized their clinical exam to determine readiness to return-to-drive (64.9%, n=579/892); and provided instructions verbally (94.2%, n=840/892). ATs agreed that “patients that are impaired by a concussion are a danger on the road”, but only somewhat agreed that “patients with suspected concussion should not drive a motor vehicle until cleared to do so by a medical professional” (median=5). High school (60.5±37.6%) and clinic-based ATs (66.5±31.2%) trended towards higher percentages of patients instructed to refrain from driving relative to college (52.3±38.2%; H(2)=5.92,p=0.052). No other differences observed.

Conclusion

ATs recommend driving restrictions to some, but not all, concussed patients. ATs recognize post-concussion driving dangers, but do not strongly endorse refraining from driving after concussion. High school and clinic-based ATs may manage more adolescent novice drivers and, therefore, act more conservatively.
Examining Optimism Bias in Predicting Concussion Reporting Intentions and Behaviors Among Student-Athletes
Authors: Le R K , Weber M L , Gay J L , Welch C E , Schmidt J D
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether optimism bias is associated with concussion reporting intentions. We hypothesized that student-athletes who are optimistic about whether they will suffer a concussion have lower concussion reporting intentions, relative to those that are neutral or pessimistic.

Methods

Student-athletes from three Georgia universities (Divisions I, II, III) completed an optimism bias survey (n=333, age=19.86–1.52 years, males=217, females=116, response rate=28.2%). The optimism bias survey assesses the student-athletes’ beliefs regarding how likely an event is to occur (e.g. “sustained prolong recovery following concussion”). Participants were grouped into three categories: pessimists (above median), neutral (at median), and optimists (below median). Student-athletes rated their agreement with statements regarding symptom and concussion reporting intentions. Higher average score across items is indicative of greater intentions to report. A priori α was set to p=.05.

Results

Optimism bias category significantly predicted symptom reporting intentions (F(2, 329)=4.5, p=.012, r2=.026) and a trend for concussion reporting intentions (F(2, 329)=3.0, p=.052, r2=.018). Being categorized as neutral and optimists, as compared to pessimists, would be expected to decrease symptom reporting intentions by 0.48 (β=-.178, p=.013) and 0.50 (β=-.203, p=.005) respectively, and concussion reporting intention by 0.34 (β=-.169, p=.018) and 0.26 (β=-.140, p=.05).

Conclusion

Optimism bias has a small, but significant influence on concussion reporting intentions, with pessimists having better reporting intentions compared to those that are neutral or optimistic regarding their risk for suffering a concussion. Therefore, incorporating optimism bias could further educate healthcare professionals on student-athletes' risk when compared to others.
Influence of metabolic status and genetic merit for fertility on proteomic composition of bovine oviduct fluid†
Authors: Gegenfurtner Katrin , Fröhlich Thomas , Kösters Miwako , Mermillod Pascal , Locatelli Yann , Fritz Sébastien , Salvetti P , Forde Niamh , Lonergan Patrick , Wolf Eckhard , Arnold Georg J
Published: July 2019

The oviduct plays a crucial role in fertilization and early embryo development providing the microenvironment for oocyte, spermatozoa, and early embryo. Since dairy cow fertility declined steadily over the last decades, reasons for early embryonic loss have gained increasing interest. Analyzing two animal models, this study aimed to investigate the impact of genetic predisposition for fertility and of metabolic stress on the protein composition of oviduct fluid. A metabolic model comprised maiden Holstein heifers and postpartum lactating (Lact) and non-lactating (Dry) cows, while a genetic model consisted of heifers from the Montbéliarde breed and Holstein heifers with low- and high-fertility index. In a holistic proteomic analysis of oviduct fluid from all groups using nano-liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry analysis and label-free quantification, we were able to identify 1976 proteins, among which 143 showed abundance alterations in the pairwise comparisons within both models. Most differentially abundant proteins were revealed between low fertility Holstein and Montbéliarde (52) in the genetic model and between lactating and maiden Holstein (19) in the metabolic model, demonstrating a substantial effect of genetic predisposition for fertility and metabolic stress on the oviduct fluid proteome. Functional classification of affected proteins revealed actin binding, translation, and immune system processes as prominent gene ontology (GO) clusters. Notably, Actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 1B and the three immune system-related proteins SERPIND1 protein, immunoglobulin kappa locus protein, and Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein were affected in both models, suggesting that abundance changes of immune-related proteins in oviduct fluid play an important role for early embryonic loss.
Cyclins regulating oocyte meiotic cell cycle progression†
Authors: Li Jian , Qian Wei-Ping , Sun Qing-Yuan
Published: July 2019

Oocyte meiotic maturation is a vital and final process in oogenesis. Unlike somatic cells， the oocyte needs to undergo two continuous meiotic divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II) to become a haploid gamete. Notably, oocyte meiotic progression includes two rounds of unique meiotic arrest and resumption. The first arrest occurs at the G2 (germinal vesicle) stage and meiosis resumption is stimulated by a gonadotropin surge; the second arrest takes place at the metaphase II stage, the stage from which it is released when fertilization takes place. The maturation-promoting factor, which consists of cyclin B1 (CCNB1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), is responsible for regulating meiotic resumption and progression, while CDK1 is the unique CDK that acts as the catalytic subunit of maturation-promoting factor. Recent studies showed that except for cyclin B1, multiple cyclins interact with CDK1 to form complexes, which are involved in the regulation of meiotic progression at different stages. Here, we review and discuss the control of oocyte meiotic progression by cyclins A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, and O.
Biallelic mutations in neurofascin cause neurodevelopmental impairment and peripheral demyelination
Authors: Efthymiou Stephanie , Salpietro Vincenzo , Malintan Nancy , Poncelet Mallory , Kriouile Yamna , Fortuna Sara , De Zorzi Rita , Payne Katelyn , Henderson Lindsay B , Cortese Andrea , Maddirevula Sateesh , Alhashmi Nadia , Wiethoff Sarah , Ryten Mina , Botia Juan A , Provitera Vincenzo , Schuelke Markus , Vandrovcova Jana ,   SYNAPS Study Group, Groppa Stanislav , Karashova Blagovesta Marinova , Nachbauer Wolfgang , Boesch Sylvia , Arning Larissa , Timmann Dagmar , Cormand Bru , Pérez-Dueñas Belen , Goraya Jatinder S , Sultan Tipu , Mine Jun , Avdjieva Daniela , Kathom Hadil , Tincheva Radka , Banu Selina , Pineda-Marfa Mercedes , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Ferrari Michel D , van den Maagdenberg Arn M J M , Verrotti Alberto , Marseglia Giangluigi , Savasta Salvatore , García-Silva Mayte , Ruiz Alfons Macaya , Garavaglia Barbara , Borgione Eugenia , Portaro Simona , Sanchez Benigno Monteagudo , Boles Richard , Papacostas Savvas , Vikelis Michail , Rothman James , Kullmann Dimitri , Papanicolaou Eleni Zamba , Dardiotis Efthymios , Maqbool Shazia , Ibrahim Shahnaz , Kirmani Salman , Rana Nuzhat Noureen , Atawneh Osama , Lim Shen-Yang , Shaikh Farooq , Koutsis George , Breza Marianthi , Mangano Salvatore , Scuderi Carmela , Borgione Eugenia , Morello Giovanna , Stojkovic Tanya , Zollo Massimo , Heimer Gali , Dauvilliers Yves A , Minetti Carlo , Al-Khawaja Issam , Al-Mutairi Fuad , Hamed Sherifa , Pipis Menelaos , Bettencourt Conceicao , Rinaldi Simon , Walsh Laurence , Torti Erin , Iodice Valeria , Najafi Maryam , Karimiani Ehsan Ghayoor , Maroofian Reza , Siquier-Pernet Karine , Boddaert Nathalie , De Lonlay Pascale , Cantagrel Vincent , Aguennouz Mhammed , El Khorassani Mohamed , Schmidts Miriam , Alkuraya Fowzan S , Edvardson Simon , Nolano Maria , Devaux Jérôme , Houlden Henry
Published: July 2019

See Karakaya and Wirth (doi:10.1093/brain/awz273) for a scientific commentary on this article.

Neurofascin (NFASC) isoforms are immunoglobulin cell adhesion molecules involved in node of Ranvier assembly. Efthymiou et al. identify biallelic NFASC variants in ten unrelated patients with a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by variable degrees of central and peripheral involvement. Abnormal expression of Nfasc155 is accompanied by severe loss of myelinated fibres.
Evaluating Household Transmission of Invasive Group A Streptococcus Disease in the United States Using Population-based Surveillance Data, 2013–2016
Authors: Adebanjo Tolulope , Apostol Mirasol , Alden Nisha , Petit Susan , Tunali Amy , Torres Salina , Hollick Rosemary , Bell Austin , Muse Alison , Poissant Tasha , Schaffner William , Van Beneden Chris A
Published: July 2019

Using population-based surveillance data, we quantified the secondary invasive group A Streptococcus disease risk among household contacts. The disease risk in the 30 days postexposure to an index-case patient was highest among individuals aged ≥65 years, versus the annual background incidence of all ages.
Anthropogenic noise does not surpass land cover in explaining habitat selection of Greater Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido)
Authors: Raynor Edward J , Harrison Jocelyn Olney , Whalen Cara E , Smith Jennifer A , Schacht Walter H , Tyre Andrew J , Benson John F , Brown Mary Bomberger , Powell Larkin A
Published: July 2019

Over the last century, increasing human populations and conversion of grassland to agriculture have had severe consequences for numbers of Greater Prairie-Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido). Understanding Greater Prairie-Chicken response to human disturbance, including the effects of anthropogenic noise and landscape modification, is vital for conserving remaining populations because these disturbances are becoming more common in grassland systems. Here, we evaluate the effect of low-frequency noise emitted from a wind energy facility on habitat selection. We used the Normalized Difference Soundscape Index, a ratio of human-generated and biological acoustic components, to determine the impact of the dominant acoustic characteristics of habitat relative to physical landscape features known to influence within–home range habitat selection. Female Greater Prairie-Chickens avoided wooded areas and row crops but showed no selection or avoidance of wind turbines based on the availability of these features across their home range. Although the acoustic environment near the wind energy facility was dominated by anthropogenic noise, our results show that acoustic habitat selection is not evident for this species. In contrast, our work highlights the need to reduce the presence of trees, which have been historically absent from the region, as well as decrease the conversion of grassland to row-crop agriculture. Our findings suggest physical landscape changes surpass altered acoustic environments in mediating Greater Prairie-Chicken habitat selection.
Subtypes of atrial fibrillation with concomitant valvular heart disease derived from electronic health records: phenotypes, population prevalence, trends and prognosis
Authors: Banerjee Amitava , Allan Victoria , Denaxas Spiros , Shah Anoop , Kotecha Dipak , Lambiase Pier D , Joseph Jacob , Lund Lars H , Hemingway Harry
Published: July 2019

Aims

To evaluate population-based electronic health record (EHR) definitions of atrial fibrillation (AF) and valvular heart disease (VHD) subtypes, time trends in prevalence and prognosis.

Methods and results

A total of 76 019 individuals with AF were identified in England in 1998–2010 in the CALIBER resource, linking primary and secondary care EHR. An algorithm was created, implemented, and refined to identify 18 VHD subtypes using 406 diagnosis, procedure, and prescription codes. Cox models were used to investigate associations with a composite endpoint of incident stroke (ischaemic, haemorrhagic, and unspecified), systemic embolism (SSE), and all-cause mortality. Among individuals with AF, the prevalence of AF with concomitant VHD increased from 11.4% (527/4613) in 1998 to 17.6% (7014/39 868) in 2010 and also in individuals aged over 65 years. Those with mechanical valves, mitral stenosis (MS), or aortic stenosis had highest risk of clinical events compared to AF patients with no VHD, in relative [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.13 (1.02–1.24), 1.20 (1.05–1.36), and 1.27 (1.19–1.37), respectively] and absolute (excess risk: 2.04, 4.20, and 6.37 per 100 person-years, respectively) terms. Of the 95.2% of individuals with indication for warfarin (men and women with CHA2DS2-VASc ≥1 and ≥2, respectively), only 21.8% had a prescription 90 days prior to the study.

Conclusion

Prevalence of VHD among individuals with AF increased from 1998 to 2010. Atrial fibrillation associated with aortic stenosis, MS, or mechanical valves (compared to AF without VHD) was associated with an excess absolute risk of stroke, SSE, and mortality, but anticoagulation was underused in the pre-direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) era, highlighting need for urgent clarity regarding DOACs in AF and concomitant VHD.
Defective tubulin detyrosination causes structural brain abnormalities with cognitive deficiency in humans and mice
Authors: Pagnamenta Alistair T , Heemeryck Pierre , Martin Hilary C , Bosc Christophe , Peris Leticia , Uszynski Ivy , Gory-Fauré Sylvie , Couly Simon , Deshpande Charu , Siddiqui Ata , Elmonairy Alaa A ,   WGS500 Consortium,   Genomics England Research Consortium, Jayawant Sandeep , Murthy Sarada , Walker Ian , Loong Lucy , Bauer Peter , Vossier Frédérique , Denarier Eric , Maurice Tangui , Barbier Emmanuel L , Deloulme Jean-Christophe , Taylor Jenny C , Blair Edward M , Andrieux Annie , Moutin Marie-Jo
Published: July 2019

Reversible detyrosination of tubulin, the building block of microtubules, is crucial for neuronal physiology. Enzymes responsible for detyrosination were recently identified as complexes of vasohibins (VASHs) one or two with small VASH-binding protein (SVBP). Here we report three consanguineous families, each containing multiple individuals with biallelic inactivation of SVBP caused by truncating variants (p.Q28* and p.K13Nfs*18). Affected individuals show brain abnormalities with microcephaly, intellectual disability and delayed gross motor and speech development. Immunoblot testing in cells with pathogenic SVBP variants demonstrated that the encoded proteins were unstable and non-functional, resulting in a complete loss of VASH detyrosination activity. Svbp knockout mice exhibit drastic accumulation of tyrosinated tubulin and a reduction of detyrosinated tubulin in brain tissue. Similar alterations in tubulin tyrosination levels were observed in cultured neurons and associated with defects in axonal differentiation and architecture. Morphological analysis of the Svbp knockout mouse brains by anatomical magnetic resonance imaging showed a broad impact of SVBP loss, with a 7% brain volume decrease, numerous structural defects and a 30% reduction of some white matter tracts. Svbp knockout mice display behavioural defects, including mild hyperactivity, lower anxiety and impaired social behaviour. They do not, however, show prominent memory defects. Thus, SVBP-deficient mice recapitulate several features observed in human patients. Altogether, our data demonstrate that deleterious variants in SVBP cause this neurodevelopmental pathology, by leading to a major change in brain tubulin tyrosination and alteration of microtubule dynamics and neuron physiology.
Should surgical treatment of catamenial pneumothorax include diaphragmatic repair?
Authors: Pathak Suraj , Caruana Edward , Chowdhry Fiyaz
Published: July 2019

A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether treatment with hormones or pleural symphysis is better than operative procedures such as diaphragmatic repair with mesh to surgically manage recurrent pneumothoraces in patients with catamenial pneumothorax. Diaphragmatic repair with synthetic meshes, hormonal treatment and pleural symphysis are all accepted interventions for the treatment of recurrent catamenial pneumothoraces; however, there is uncertainty over the best combination of treatment. Altogether, 396 papers were found using the reported search, of which 13 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. However, it should be noted that the studies included were small in terms of sample size, and have demonstrated significant bias and surgical heterogeneity. Our literature review found that the recurrence rates of pneumothorax were greatly reduced in the treatment group where surgery and hormone therapy were combined (pooled average recurrence rate of 0%); however, the recurrence rates were significantly higher when these interventions were used alone: hormone therapy alone (58.5%), diaphragmatic repair alone (33.3%) and surgery alone (63.3%). Our results therefore demonstrate that a multimodality approach is required to reduce pneumothorax recurrence rates in patients with catamenial pneumothorax.
The Development of Therapeutics for the Treatment and Prevention of CMV Disease in the Transplant Population: A Regulatory Perspective
Authors: Hodowanec Aimee C , Pikis Andreas , Singer Mary E
Published: July 2019

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains an important pathogen in the transplant population. As such, the US Food and Drug Administration has published a guidance to encourage and inform the development of therapeutics for the treatment and prevention of CMV disease in this population. This review summarizes important phase 3 trial design considerations for industry and provides rationale for some of the recommendations included in the guidance.
Association Between Zika Virus Microcephaly in Newborns With the rs3775291 Variant in Toll-Like Receptor 3 and rs1799964 Variant at Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Gene
Authors: Santos Camilla N O , Ribeiro Danielle R , Cardoso Alves Juliana , Cazzaniga Rodrigo A , Magalhães Lucas S , de Souza Mércia S F , Fonseca Adriana B L , Bispo Ana J B , Porto Roseane L S , Santos Cliomar Alves dos , da Silva Ângela M , Teixeira Mauro M , de Almeida Roque P , de Jesus Amélia R
Published: July 2019

Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) is a cluster of malformation, and the mechanisms that lead it are still unclear. Using hypothesis-driven candidate genes and their function in viral infections, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in a sample population from Sergipe State, Brazil. This study shows that rs3775291 SNP at Toll-like receptor 3, which triggers type I interferon antiviral responses in mothers infected by Zika virus during pregnancy, is associated with CZS occurrence (odds ratio [OR], 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.158–4.148). Moreover, rs1799964 SNP at tumor necrosis factor-α gene in CZS babies is associated with severe microcephaly (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.13–6.21).
Molecular characterization of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii using WGS revealed missed transmission events in Germany from 2012–15
Authors: Eigenbrod Tatjana , Reuter Sandra , Gross Andrea , Kocer Kaan , Günther Frank , Zimmermann Stefan , Heeg Klaus , Mutters Nico T , Nurjadi Dennis
Published: July 2019

Background

Infection and colonization with multi-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii causes therapeutic and economic problems in the nosocomial setting. Due to the sensitivity issue of screening schemes for A. baumannii, it is difficult to implement adequate transmission prevention measures. The high discriminatory power of WGS for transmission-chain analysis provides us with the necessary tool to study and identify transmission events. We retrospectively sequenced and analysed 39 A. baumannii isolates from 2012–15 to search for possible missed transmission events.

Methods

Molecular typing by WGS was performed for non-repetitive (n=39) carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii. Retrospective assessment of patient records was performed to investigate and confirm possible transmission events.

Results

Between July 2012 and September 2015, A. baumannii was isolated from 268 patients, of which 16% (42/268) were carbapenem resistant. Thirty-nine of these isolates were recoverable and sequenced. Fifteen percent (6/39) of these were resistant to all antibiotics tested. Most isolates belong to the circulating IC2 clonal type. SNP analysis revealed four potential outbreak clusters. Two of these clusters showed high concordance with the local spatio-temporal epidemiology, suggesting that transmission events were very likely.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that there were two independent transmission events, which would have been missed by conventional MLST owing to high clonality. The routine implementation of WGS can optimize surveillance and initiation of suitable containment measures. In addition, emerging resistance to salvage therapy is a major therapeutic problem and should be monitored closely.
Calouste Gulbenkian and his coin-collecting network
Authors: Watson George Christopher
Published: July 2019

This paper explores the numismatic collecting activities of the oil magnate and financier Calouste Gulbenkian (1869–1955), focusing in particular on his relationships with scholars who advised him, such as George Hill (1867–1948) and Stanley Robinson (1887–1976), as well as with dealers like Jacob Hirsch (1874–1955), from whom many of his purchases were sourced. The ways in which these relationships shaped his collections will be stressed, as will the similarities between Gulbenkian’s numismatic collection practices and his manner of collecting other art objects.
Diversity and Ecology of Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae), Potential Vectors of Leishmania in the Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
Authors: Vu Nam Sinh , Tran Son Hai , Tran Phong Vu , Tran Tu Cong , Tran Duong Nhu , Dang Anh Duc , Nguyen Yen Thi , Vu Lieu Thi , Ngo Phuong Khanh , Nguyen Hoang Viet , Cassan Cécile , Nguyen Chau Van , Rahola Nil , Bañuls Anne-Laure
Published: July 2019

The study aims to make an update on the distribution and ecology of sand flies in the Quang Ninh province, Northern Vietnam, where Leishmania cases were reported in 2001. Seventeen sites were chosen in three districts of the province: Ha Long, Cam Pha, and Hoanh Bo. Phlebotomine sand flies were collected using 68 CDC light traps from May 30 to 3 June 2016. Captured specimens were transferred individually into Eppendorf tubes with 90% ethanol. The sand fly heads and genitalia were removed and were mounted in Euparal after successive different baths. Specimen identification was determined based on the morphology of the cibarium, pharynx, and/or male genitalia or female spermathecae. A total of 416 sand flies (125 females, 283 males) belonging to four genera were collected and 10 sand fly species were identified: Sergentomyia silvatica, Se. barraudi, Se. hivernus, Se. bailyi, Phlebotomus mascomai, Ph. stantoni, Ph. yunshengensis, Ph. betisi, Chinius junlianensis, Idiophlebotomus longiforceps. The Sergentomyia genus prevailed (79.7% of the collected sand flies), followed by the Phlebotomus genus (13.7%), the Chinius genus (6.1%), and the Idiophlebotomus genus (0.8%). Besides these well-defined taxa, five specimens, named sp1, showed unknown morphological characteristics, requiring further study. The majority of sand flies were collected in rock caves suggesting the cavernicolous character of the species in the Quang Ninh province. However, specimens were also collected in intra and peridomiciliary sites in which Ph. stantoni and Se. hivernus were found as the main species. It is worth noting that two Ph. stantoni were found in the house of a patient affected by Leishmania.
Personalized Exposure Therapy
Authors: Smits Jasper A.J. , Powers Mark B. , Otto Michael W.
Published: July 2019

This book comprehensively covers empirically supported exposure methods (e.g., in vivo exposure, imaginal exposure, and interoceptive exposure) to a broad array of mental health symptoms. This transdiagnostic approach emphasizes the importance of a person-centered application, putting case formulation at the center of intervention planning and implementation. Unlike a rigid manualized method, this book provides clinicians with a framework allowing for a more flexible delivery of exposure therapy. The book begins with an introduction to the aims and guiding principles of person-centered exposure therapy (Chapter s1 and 2), an overview of the general approach (Chapter 3), and an overview of assessment strategies (Chapters 4 and 9). Next, the authors discuss specific modifications for treating fears of (a) emotions and related physical sensations (Chapter 5), (b) people (Chapter 6), and (c) thoughts, images, and trauma memories (Chapter 7). This book also discusses combined medication and exposure therapy and ways to effectively manage common pitfalls (Chapter 8). Chapter 10 includes an exposure psychoeducation handout for clinicians to read and give to patients during early sessions. Finally, Chapter 11 is a bibliography of key references and further resources for clinicians.
Fear of Thoughts, Images, and Trauma Memories
Authors: Smits Jasper A. J. , Powers Mark B. , Otto Michael W.
Published: July 2019

Like Chapter 5 (fear of emotions and bodily sensations), Chapter 7 discusses the treatment of internal threats including thoughts, images, and trauma memories. Imaginal exposure is particularly effective for the treatment of these fears. It has advantages over in vivo exposure because it can be used when in vivo exposure may not be appropriate or feasible (e.g., for combat traumas, contracting a disease, dying alone, harming someone). It can be used alone or in combination with in vivo exposure. When used in combination, it is generally delivered first in therapy (sequentially) or along with in vivo exposure (concurrently). Imaginal exposure therapy steps include identifying the core threat (downward arrow technique) or trauma memory, developing an imaginal exposure script/planning sheet, delivery of imaginal exposure for approximately 30-minutes (recording patient voice, first person, present tense), processing of the imaginal exposure (what was learned/meaning), and assigning home practice (listen to the recording daily). Imaginal exposure can be used as a transdiagnostic approach to reduce fear. In particular, the chapter discusses slight modifications in the cases of generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Why Parents Accommodate
Authors: Lebowitz Eli R.
Published: July 2019

This chapter reviews common reasons and motives that maintain the high levels of family accommodation commonly reported by parents of anxious children. Among these reasons are to reduce child distress, the belief that anxiety is harmful to children, the need to promote short-term child or family functioning, to protect a child’s social status, the parent’s own anxiety, and aggressive behaviors of anxious children that promote family accommodation. This chapter discusses each of these reasons, beliefs, and motivational factors and addresses the challenges they present to clinicians working to reduce family accommodation in the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders. An empathic understanding of the factors contributing to family accommodation is critical to effective intervention by the therapist.
Addressing Accommodation
Authors: Lebowitz Eli R.
Published: July 2019

This chapter provides rich tools and helpful strategies for beginning the practical implementation of reducing family accommodation in clinical work. The chapter covers the psychoeducational component of treatment and includes several useful metaphors that can be used to convey both to parents and to children the rationale for reducing family accommodation. The chapter also offers guidance and suggestions for educating parents on the role of family accommodation in maintaining child anxiety. The chapter also covers tools and tips for more detailed mapping and monitoring of family accommodation and guidelines for choosing domains of accommodation to focus on in the subsequent steps.
Parental Support
Authors: Lebowitz Eli R.
Published: July 2019

This chapter introduces the concept of supportive parental responses to childhood anxiety symptoms, a key concept in addressing family accommodation. Supportive responses are defined as parental responses that convey to the child two messages: a message of acceptance and validation of the child’s anxiety, and a message of confidence in the child’s ability to cope with and to tolerate anxiety-related distress. When parents combine both acceptance and confidence they are being supportive of the child’s anxiety. The chapter includes several examples, clinical anecdotes, suggested texts for explaining the concept of support to parents, and tools for practicing formulating supportive statements that parents can use with their child.
Obstacles to Addressing Accommodation
Authors: Lebowitz Eli R.
Published: July 2019

This chapter covers some of the common obstacles and challenges that clinicians are likely to face in addressing family accommodation in the treatment of childhood anxiety symptoms. The chapter provides useful and practical tools for avoiding and overcoming these challenges. Among the common challenges discussed in the chapter are difficulty in fostering a cooperative and productive working alliance between two parents, coping with aggressive or disruptive responses in the child, and coping with threats to the self by the child in response to parents reducing accommodation. The chapter includes clinical vignettes and sample texts that illustrate the strategies for overcoming each challenge.
Teenager with Social Phobia
Authors: Lebowitz Eli R.
Published: July 2019

This chapter illustrates the work of reducing family accommodation as a stand-alone and independent treatment, without concurrent child-based treatment. The chapter presents the case of Derek, a 16-year-old boy who was coping with Social Phobia and who refused to meet with the therapist for evaluation or treatment. The chapter first introduces the case and provides the rationale for working only with parents rather than focusing on attempting to work directly with Derek. Next the chapter reviews the course of treatment and demonstrates tools for overcoming the challenges inherent in working with parents without a child’s or adolescent’s engagement in the treatment process.
Extreme Accommodation of a Child with OCD and Coercive Behaviors
Authors: Lebowitz Eli R.
Published: July 2019

This chapter illustrates the work of reducing family accommodation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in a case of extreme family accommodation with a high level of resistance and coercive behaviors in the child. The chapter presents the case of Cora, a 12-year-old girl with OCD. The chapter introduces the case and the rationale for working only with Cora’s mother. Next the chapter reviews the course of treatment. The chapter exemplifies the challenges of working with the single parent of a highly aggressive adolescent who forcibly demands extreme levels of family accommodation and reacts with aggression to changes in the parental behavior. Transcripts from sessions and email correspondence with the therapist illustrate both the level of difficulty faced in this case as well as the power of a supportive and knowledgeable therapist to guide the parent in overcoming these challenges. The case demonstrates the ability of parent-based treatment to achieve change in an otherwise highly intractable case.
Dark Energy Survey Year 1 results: the effect of intracluster light on photometric redshifts for weak gravitational lensing
Authors: Gruen D , Zhang Y , Palmese A , Yanny B , Busti V , Hoyle B , Melchior P , Miller C J , Rozo E , Rykoff E S , Varga T N , Abdalla F B , Allam S , Annis J , Avila S , Brooks D , Burke D L , Carnero Rosell A , Carrasco Kind M , Carretero J , Cawthon R , Crocce M , Cunha C E , da Costa L N , Davis C , De Vicente J , Desai S , Diehl H T , Dietrich J P , Drlica-Wagner A , Flaugher B , Fosalba P , Frieman J , García-Bellido J , Gaztanaga E , Gerdes D W , Gruendl R A , Gschwend J , Hollowood D L , Honscheid K , James D J , Jeltema T , Krause E , Kron R , Kuehn K , Kuropatkin N , Lahav O , Lima M , Lin H , Maia M A G , Marshall J L , Menanteau F , Miquel R , Ogando R L C , Plazas A A , Romer A K , Scarpine V , Sevilla-Noarbe I , Smith M , Soares-Santos M , Sobreira F , Suchyta E , Swanson M E C , Tarle G , Thomas D , Vikram V , Walker A R ,   (DES Collaboration)
Published: July 2019

We study the effect of diffuse intracluster light on the critical surface mass density estimated from photometric redshifts of lensing source galaxies, and the resulting bias in a weak lensing measurement of galaxy cluster mass. Under conservative assumptions, we find the bias to be negligible for imaging surveys like the Dark Energy Survey with a recommended scale cut of ≥200 kpc distance from cluster centres. For significantly deeper lensing source galaxy catalogues from present and future surveys like the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope program, more conservative scale and source magnitude cuts or a correction of the effect may be necessary to achieve percent level lensing measurement accuracy, especially at the massive end of the cluster population.
A comparison of interferometric and single-dish methods to measure distances to pulsar scattering screens
Authors: Simard D , Pen U-L , Marthi V R , Brisken W
Published: July 2019

Investigations of small-scale structure in the interstellar medium through pulsar scintillation and the use of scattering screens as interferometers to resolve pulsar emission regions rely on reconstructions of the spatial distributions of scattered pulsar flux and the distances to scattering screens. In many cases, a single, highly anisotropic scattering screen is responsible for pulsar scintillation. This leads to a sparsity of information in the secondary spectrum which can be leveraged to measure the scattering geometry and map the distribution of scattered images of the pulsar using Very Long Baseline Interferometry. It is also possible to make these same measurements using only the autocorrelations from simultaneous observations at multiple stations. We compare the results from these two methods applied to PSR B0834+06, and find that the two main measurables, the effective distance and velocity, obtained from these two analyses agree to within ∼10 per cent. The relative ease of using autocorrelations from simultaneous single-dish measurements, where the data rates are much lower, only millisecond clock precision is required and the results are less sensitive to the calibration of the data, means that this method opens up a more observationally accessible route for mapping pulsar scattering screens. Since this method does not require the recording and storage of baseband data, it can be applied to ultrawide-band observations, which typically have unmanageable baseband data rates but are vital for testing theoretical models of pulsar scintillation.
No evidence for intermediate-mass black holes in the globular clusters ω Cen and NGC 6624
Authors: Baumgardt H , He C , Sweet S M , Drinkwater M , Sollima A , Hurley J , Usher C , Kamann S , Dalgleish H , Dreizler S , Husser T-O
Published: July 2019

We compare the results of a large grid of N-body simulations with the surface brightness and velocity dispersion profiles of the globular clusters ω Cen and NGC 6624. Our models include clusters with varying stellar-mass black hole retention fractions and varying masses of a central intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH). We find that an $\sim 45\, 000$ M⊙ IMBH, whose presence has been suggested based on the measured velocity dispersion profile of ω Cen, predicts the existence of about 20 fast-moving, m > 0.5 M⊙, main-sequence stars with a (1D) velocity v > 60 km s−1 in the central 20 arcsec of ω Cen. However, no such star is present in the HST/ACS proper motion catalogue of Bellini et al. (2017), strongly ruling out the presence of a massive IMBH in the core of ω Cen. Instead, we find that all available data can be fitted by a model that contains 4.6 per cent of the mass of ω Cen in a centrally concentrated cluster of stellar-mass black holes. We show that this mass fraction in stellar-mass BHs is compatible with the predictions of stellar evolution models of massive stars. We also compare our grid of N-body simulations with NGC 6624, a cluster recently claimed to harbour a 20 000 M⊙ black hole based on timing observations of millisecond pulsars. However, we find that models with MIMBH > 1000 M⊙ IMBHs are incompatible with the observed velocity dispersion and surface brightness profile of NGC 6624, ruling out the presence of a massive IMBH in this cluster. Models without an IMBH provide again an excellent fit to NGC 6624.