bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Subaru FMOS galaxy redshift survey (FastSound). V. Intrinsic alignments of emission-line galaxies at z ∼ 1.4
Authors: Tonegawa Motonari , Okumura Teppei , Totani Tomonori , Dalton Gavin , Glazebrook Karl , Yabe Kiyoto
Published: February 2018

Intrinsic alignments (IA), the coherent alignment of intrinsic galaxy orientations, can be a source of a systematic error of weak lensing surveys. The redshift evolution of IA also contains information about the physics of galaxy formation and evolution. This paper presents the first measurement of IA at high redshift, z ∼ 1.4, using the spectroscopic catalog of blue star-forming galaxies of the FastSound redshift survey, with the galaxy shape information from the Canada–Hawaii–France telescope lensing survey. The IA signal is consistent with zero with power-law amplitudes fitted to the projected correlation functions for density–shape and shape–shape correlation components, Aδ+ = −0.0071 ± 0.1340 and A++ = −0.0505 ± 0.0848, respectively. These results are consistent with those obtained from blue galaxies at lower redshifts (e.g., $A\,_{\delta +}=0.0035_{-0.0389}^{+0.0387}$ and $A_{++}=0.0045_{-0.0168}^{+0.0166}$ at z = 0.51 from the WiggleZ survey). The upper limit of the constrained IA amplitude corresponds to a few percent contamination to the weak-lensing shear power spectrum, resulting in systematic uncertainties on the cosmological parameter estimations by −0.052 < Δσ8 < 0.039 and −0.039 < ΔΩm < 0.030.
Climate of Respect Evaluation in ICUs: Development of an Instrument (ICU-CORE)
Authors: Beach Mary Catherine , Topazian Rachel , Chan Kitty S. , Sugarman Jeremy , Geller Gail
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

To develop a valid, reliable measure that reflected the environment of respectfulness within the ICU setting.

Design:

We developed a preliminary survey instrument based on conceptual domains of respect identified through prior qualitative analyses of ICU patient, family member, and clinician perspectives. The initial instrument consisted of 21 items. After five cognitive interviews and 16 pilot surveys, we revised the instrument to include 23 items. We used standard psychometric methods to analyze the instrument.

Settings:

Eight ICUs serving adult patients affiliated with a large university health system.

Subjects:

ICU clinicians.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Based on 249 responses, we identified three factors and created subscales: General Respect, Respectful Behaviors, and Disrespectful Behaviors. The General Respect subscale had seven items (α = 0.932) and reflected how often patients in the ICU are treated with respect, in a dignified manner, as an individual, equally to all other patients, on the “same level” as the ICU team, as a person, and as you yourself would want to be treated. The Respectful Behaviors subscale had 10 items (α = 0.926) and reflected how often the ICU team responds to patient and/or family anxiety, makes an effort to get to know the patient and family as people, listens carefully, explains things thoroughly, gives the opportunity to provide input into care, protects patient modesty, greets when entering room, and talks to sedated patients. The subscale measuring disrespect has four items (α = 0.702) and reflects how often the ICU team dismisses family concerns, talks down to patients and families, speaks disrespectfully behind their backs, and gets frustrated with patients and families.

Conclusions:

We created a reliable set of scales to measure the climate of respectfulness in intensive care settings. These measures can be used for ongoing quality improvement that aim to enhance the experience of ICU patients and their families.
Association Between Severity of Depression and Cardiac Risk Factors Among Women Referred to a Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention Clinic
Authors: Bhardwaj Meena , Price Jennifer , Landry Mireille , Harvey Paula , Hensel Jennifer M.
Published: February 2018

Purpose:

Depression comorbid with cardiovascular disease is associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality, with studies suggesting that this is especially true among women. This study examined depressive symptoms and their relationship to cardiac risk factors among women referred to a women's cardiac rehabilitation and primary prevention program.

Methods:

A secondary analysis of data collected between 2004 and 2014 for 1075 women who completed a baseline assessment at the Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative, a women-only cardiac rehabilitation and prevention program in Toronto, Canada. Descriptive statistics for sociodemographic variables, quality of life (SF-36), and cardiac risk factors were stratified by depression symptom severity using cutoff scores from the Beck Depression Inventory—2nd version (BDI-II) and compared with analysis of variance and χ2 statistics. Prevalence of antidepressant use among those with moderate to high depressive symptoms was assessed as an indicator of under- or untreated depression.

Results:

Overall, 38.6% of women scored above the BDI-II cutoff for depression; 23.6% in the moderate or severe range. Socioeconomic status and quality of life decreased with increasing depression severity. Body mass index increased with depressive severity (P < .001), as did the percentage of individuals with below target age predicted fitness (P < .001). Only 39.0% of women in the moderate and severe BDI-II groups were taking antidepressants.

Conclusion:

In this sample, we found a significant prevalence of untreated and undertreated depressive symptoms among women with, or at high risk of developing, cardiovascular disease. Additional strategies are needed to identify these patients early and link them to appropriate treatment.
Nontraditional Surrogate Decision Makers for Hospitalized Older Adults
Authors: Comer Amber R. , Slaven James E. , Montz Annie , Burke Emily , Inger Lev , Torke Alexia
Published: February 2018

Background:

Without advanced preparation of legal documents, state law determines who may serve as a surrogate decision maker for patients in hospitals.

Objectives:

To examine the relationship characteristics associated with traditional versus nontraditional health care surrogates who are making medical decisions for patients in hospitals.

Research Design:

Secondary analysis of a baseline cross-sectional survey of a larger prospective observational study.

Subjects:

In total, 364 patient/surrogate dyads consisting of patients aged 65 years and older admitted to the medical or medical intensive care unit services who lacked decision-making capacity based on a physician assessment and also had a surrogate available.

Results:

This study of surrogate decision makers for hospitalized older adults found that the relationships of nontraditional surrogates such as, nieces, nephews, and friends serving in the surrogate role is nearly identical to those of traditional, first degree relatives serving as a surrogate. Over two-thirds (71.2%) of nontraditional surrogates saw the patient in-person at least weekly compared with 80.8% of legal surrogates (P-value, 0.9023). Almost all traditional and nontraditional surrogates discussed the patient’s medical preferences with the patient (96.9% of legal surrogates and 89.2% of nontraditional surrogates; P=0.0510).

Conclusions:

This study shows that both traditional and nontraditional surrogates, who are a patient’s primary care giver have similar relationships with patients. The findings of this study suggest that requiring family members such as grandchildren to take the extra step of formal appointment through a legal channel may not be necessary to protect patients. Therefore, broader state laws expanding the list of surrogates authorized by state statute to include more nontraditional surrogates may be necessary.
A Pilot Test of Group Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Augment Vocational Services for Persons With Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Kukla Marina , Strasburger Amy M. , Salyers Michelle P. , Rollins Angela L. , Lysaker Paul H.
Published: February 2018

Persons with serious mental illness (SMI) struggle with work functioning even with the assistance of vocational services. The current study sought to address this problem by examining a cognitive-behavioral therapy to augment vocational services. Fifty-two adults with SMI receiving vocational services participated in a pre-post feasibility trial of the Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Work Success (CBTw) intervention. CBTw is a 12-week manualized intervention that addresses cognitive and behavioral factors that impact work functioning. Competitive work outcomes were assessed in the 12 weeks preceding baseline and after the intervention. The results demonstrate strong session attendance and a low attrition rate. There were also significant improvements in work outcomes. Specifically, among participants unemployed at baseline, 50.0% attained work during follow-up. These findings provide preliminary evidence that CBTw may be a feasible intervention to augment vocational services; further controlled research should examine its benefit to work outcomes in people with SMI.
EZH2 Expression in Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Faviana Pinuccia , Marconcini Riccardo , Ricci Sergio , Galli Luca , Lippolis Piero , Farci Fabiola , Castagna Maura , Boldrini Laura
Published: February 2018

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) arise from the cells present throughout the diffuse endocrine system. These neoplasms were previously regarded as rare, but in fact are increasing in incidence (3.65/100 000 individuals/y). Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) plays a crucial role in cell cycle regulation, and it was reported to be overexpressed in several tumors. The aim of the study was to investigate EZH2 expression, also related with proliferation rate, and p53 expression in NETs of the intestine encompassing a group of tumors primary to the stomach, appendix, small intestine, and colon. The specimens from 33 patients with neuroendrocrine tumors were investigated by immunohistochemistry for EZH2, p53, and Ki-67. Only 10 of 33 (30.3%) cases showed high EZH2 expression. High EZH2 levels significantly associated with elevated proliferation rates (P=0.0012) and with elevated percentage of positive cells for p53 (P=0.011). Our results suggest an association between p53 and the EZH2 pathway in NETs. EZH2 could represent a potential target antigen in cancer immunotherapy.
The Role of Bipartition Distraction in the Treatment of Apert Syndrome
Authors: Glass Graeme E. , Ruff Clifford F. , Crombag Genevieve A. J. C. , Verdoorn Melanie H. A. S. , Koudstaal Martin , Anguilla Freida , Hayward Richard , Britto Jonathan A. , Jeelani Owase , Dunaway David J.
Published: February 2018

Apert syndrome is characterized by hypertelorism, a negative canthal axis, and central midfacial hypoplasia, resulting in a biconcave face. Bipartition distraction partially corrects these facial anomalies. This study investigates limitations of bipartition distraction using linear, angular, and geometric morphometric analysis. Preoperative and postoperative three-dimensional computed tomographic craniofacial constructs of 10 patients with Apert syndrome (aged 12 to 21 years) were annotated with 98 landmarks. Twelve age-, sex, and ethnicity-matched normal skulls provided control data. Principal component analysis was used to analyze shape characteristics within and between the groups and describe the changes occurring with surgery. Results were displayed graphically using difference color maps. Conventional point-based measurements documented midfacial width, height, and asymmetry. Apert three-dimensional constructs exhibited reduced upper midfacial height and greater extrinsic symmetric variation relative to controls. Facial bipartition partially corrected excessive midfacial width and interorbital distance but did not adequately correct deficient upper midfacial height. Excessive orbital diameter was unaltered by surgery. There was no demonstrable effect on intrinsic or extrinsic midfacial asymmetry. Principal component analysis demonstrated improved midfacial projection and correction of central biconcavity. Bipartition distraction corrects midfacial retrusion, exorbitism, and hypertelorism. It does not treat midfacial height disproportion or correct orbital shape. It leaves the face too wide at the zygomatic level and does not correct facial asymmetry. Although bipartition distraction is an improvement on the unmodified monobloc advancement, further refinements are needed to fully correct Apert dysmorphology.
Gender-Affirming Surgery in Persons with Gender Dysphoria
Authors: Weissler Jason M. , Chang Brian L. , Carney Martin J. , Rengifo David , Messa Charles A. , Sarwer David B. , Percec Ivona
Published: February 2018

The landscape of gender dysphoria has changed dramatically in recent years secondary to increased societal acceptance, legislative changes, and medical providers’ increased awareness of the associated psychosocial burden associated with the diagnosis. National and global advocacy efforts, in conjunction with expanded third-party insurance coverage, have resulted in new health care opportunities for patients suffering from gender dysphoria. Delivering quality, streamlined health care to these patients requires a complex multidisciplinary approach, involving multiple medical and mental health disciplines, including plastic surgeons. To accommodate the expanding demand for gender-affirmation surgery, academic medical centers specializing in these procedures are gradually emerging. Advancing surgical techniques in the setting of rising patient demand encourage plastic surgeons to increasingly provide high-quality health care to this diverse patient population in an effort to optimize psychosocial functioning and minimize the burden of gender dysphoria. Although the current literature is replete with the evolving surgical and technical approaches to gender-affirming surgery, there remain critical gaps in the plastic surgery literature describing the delivery of comprehensive care to these patients. To address these gaps, the authors establish a framework that plastic surgeons can use to guide their management of patients with gender dysphoria to optimize surgical and psychosocial outcomes. First, the authors describe a timeline of events that have shaped present-day transgender medicine and characterize the current role of the plastic surgeon in the management of gender dysphoria. Subsequently, the authors discuss psychosocial and ethical considerations surrounding gender dysphoria. Finally, the authors discuss the future scope of transgender medicine.
Alternative Metrics of Scholarly Output: The Relationship among Altmetric Score, Mendeley Reader Score, Citations, and Downloads in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Ruan Qing Zhao , Chen Austin D. , Cohen Justin B. , Singhal Dhruv , Lin Samuel J. , Lee Bernard T.
Published: February 2018

Background:

The impact of scholarly output is typically measured by the number of citations and, more recently, downloads. Newer metrics have been developed to reflect digital dissemination of knowledge such as the Altmetric and Mendeley reader scores. This article examines the relationship among citations, download rates, Altmetric scores, and Mendeley reader scores in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Methods:

The authors accessed the 55 most-cited articles published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from 2014 to 2015. Altmetric scores, download rates, field-weighted citations, and Mendeley reader number were extracted. Correlation matrices were used to identify methodologies positively correlating between scores. The top-ranked articles were then collectively evaluated for central subject themes and unifying scoring methodologies.

Results:

The highest Altmetric score obtained was 159, the greatest number of citations was 52, and the greatest number of downloads was 41. There was no apparent correlation between Altmetric scores and Scopus citations (p = 0.58) or article subject themes (p = 0.63). Citation was positively associated with download rates (r = 0.31, p = 0.021) and Mendeley reader number (r = 0.46, p = 0.001). Mendeley reader number demonstrated high precision in identifying top-ranked citation articles (p = 0.044) despite its lack of direct association with Altmetric score (p = 0.83).

Conclusions:

With the growing public desire for evidence-based publications, our study quantifies the unique nature of Altmetric score while discouraging its use in isolation. Download rates are a more rapid measure of publication impact compared with citation number. Mendeley readership is also promising as an alternative index.
18F-FDG PET/CT Equivalent of the Hepatic Hot Spot Sign With CT Correlation
Authors: Jundt Michael C. , Broski Stephen M. , Binkovitz Larry A.
Published: February 2018

A 43-year-old woman presented with an FDG-avid mediastinal Ewing sarcoma invading and nearly occluding the superior vena cava. Geographic increased FDG uptake in hepatic segment IVA was the only other site of nonphysiologic FDG activity. This focal activity was without an underlying mass, had atypical morphology for a hepatic metastasis, and correlated well with prior CT findings of abnormal segment IVA enhancement resulting from the recruitment of portocaval collaterals. In the correct setting, the 18F-FDG hepatic hot spot should be considered in the differential of a focal FDG-avid hepatic lesion in segment IVA.
18F-Fluoroestradiol PET/CT Correctly Diagnosed 18F-FDG–Avid Inflammatory Lymph Nodes in a Patient With Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Yamane Tomohiko , Ueda Shigeto , Seto Akira , Kuji Ichiei
Published: February 2018

A 77-year-old woman with left breast cancer received 18F-FDG PET/CT for initial staging, and 18F-FDG–avid lymph nodes were observed in the bilateral axillae. As estrogen receptor (ER) status of primary lesion was positive, the patient also received 18F-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) PET/CT. Unlike primary lesion, no remarkable 18F-FES uptakes in the lymph nodes were observed. 18F-FDG uptakes in the nodes were finally interpreted as inflammation. 18F-FES PET that can noninvasively evaluate the ER status may have a potential to reveal the pathology of the false-positive lesion observed in 18F-FDG PET for patients with ER-positive breast cancer.
FDG Accumulation in the Lumen of the Gallbladder Without Related Pathology
Authors: Bai Xia , Wang Xuemei , Zhuang Hongming
Published: February 2018

FDG accumulation in the gallbladder has been reported as an indication of either malignancy or inflammation. We here report a case of FDG accumulation in the gallbladder without pathology in the gallbladder. A 15-year-old girl with Hodgkin disease underwent staging FDG PET/CT, which revealed not only the abnormal activity in the lymph nodes and left ilium, which were consistent with the malignant involvement, but also increased activity in the gallbladder. The patient had no symptoms related to hepatobiliary system at the time of scan and did not suffer any problem related to hepatobiliary system during 14 months of follow-up.
Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography-Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Lau Jeffrey M.C. , Raptis Demetrios A. , Laforest Richard , Nensa Felix , Zheng Jie , Gropler Robert J. , Woodard Pamela K.
Published: February 2018

Simultaneous acquisition positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) has the ability to combine anatomic information derived from cardiac MRI with quantitative capabilities of cardiac PET and MRI and the promise of molecular imaging by specific PET tracers. This combination of cardiac PET and MRI delivers a robust and comprehensive clinical examination. It has the potential to assess various cardiovascular conditions, including assessment of myocardial ischemia, infarction, and function, as well as specific characterization of inflammatory and infiltrative heart diseases such as cardiac sarcoid and amyloid. It also offers fascinating possibilities in imaging other cardiovascular-related disease states, such as tumor imaging and vascular imaging. In this review, we begin with a general overview of the potentials of PET-MRI in cardiovascular imaging, followed by a discussion of the technical challenges unique to cardiovascular PET-MRI. We then discuss PET-MRI in various cardiovascular disease imaging applications. Potential limitations of PET-MRI and future directions are also considered.
Surgical Treatment for Extracapsular Condylar Fractures of the Mandible
Authors: Closs Ono Maria C. , de Morais André D. , Freitas Renato da S. , de Oliveira e Cruz Gilvani A.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Condylar fractures are considered the most controversial mandibular fractures, regarding both the diagnosis and the treatment. With the increase in surgical indications for handling this type of fracture, it is important to discuss about the advantages and disadvantages of the several surgical approaches available. This article describes the surgical details and postoperative results of the mini-retromandibular transparotid approach for treating extracapsular condylar fractures of the mandible.

Methods:

In a 1-year period, 16 patients affected by extracapsular condylar fractures with surgical indication were treated with the mini-retromandibular transparotid approach. All the surgeries were executed by the same surgeon. Preoperative and postoperative details of each patient were analyzed.

Results:

In the postoperatory, only 2 patients had purulent drainage in the associated fractures area and only 1 patient had paresis of the buccal branch of the facial nerve. No scar issues concerning the surgical wound were observed and reintervention was not necessary in any of the patients.

Conclusion:

The mini-retromandibular transparotid approach offers advantages and should be included as an option for the open treatment of extracapsular condylar fractures of the mandible.
Improvement of Color Vision Following Posterior Cranial Vault Distraction for Crouzon Syndrome
Authors: Asaad Malke , Goyal Samita , Klement Kristen A. , Denny Arlen D.
Published: February 2018

Crouzon syndrome (CS) is one of the craniosynostosis syndromes that leads to early fusion of cranial sutures and increased intracranial pressure. Intracranial hypertension is a serious complication that may lead to vision loss and cognitive impairment. Early detection and management are necessary to prevent complications. The authors present a patient with CS who underwent posterior cranial vault reconstruction with internal distraction after multiple episodes of headache and papilledema. The patient was unaware of any loss of color vision before the surgery; however, he noted an improvement in his color vision after the surgery. Color vision deficits may be an early sign of intracranial hypertension and finding these deficits using noninvasive testing methods may be an indication for early intervention.
Cervical Spine Dysmorphism in Congenital Muscular Torticollis
Authors: Hussein Mohammed Ahmed , Yun In Sik , Lee Dong won , Park Hanna , Oock Kim Yong
Published: February 2018

Background:

Congenital muscular torticollis is a common childhood musculoskeletal anomaly that might result in permanent craniofacial deformity, facial asymmetry, and changes in the cervical vertebrae, if not treated during early childhood. Although there have been many studies on cervical vertebral changes, their onset in children has not been previously studied.

Methods:

Fifteen patients (aged <8 years) with a confirmed diagnosed of torticollis were included. Three-dimensional computed tomography scans were obtained, and segmentation of the cervical vertebrae was done. Division of the atlas and axis across the midsagittal plane was done to compare the anatomical changes. The volumes of each halves of the atlas and axis were measured.

Results:

An apparent change was observed in the axis of the vertebral column when compared with that of the skull. There were progressive anatomical changes affecting the upper cervical vertebrae, which started to develop around the age of 8 months and became more evident in older children. The axis vertebra was the first to be affected. Rotational and bending deformities were the most likely changes to occur. Pearson correlation analysis showed a statistically significant trend in the volume and height changes for both halves of the atlas and axis (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Children with untreated congenital muscular torticollis show progressive anatomical changes of the cervical vertebrae which started at the age of 8 months. The severity of the deformity increased with the advance of age as well as with the severity of sternocleidomastoid tightness, which might result in permanent deformities.
Dental Anomalies in Different Types of Cleft Lip and Palate: Is There Any Relation?
Authors: Germec Cakan Derya , Nur Yilmaz Rahime Burcu , Bulut Feyza Nur , Aksoy Ayca
Published: February 2018

Aim:

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of dental anomalies in Turkish patients with different types of cleft lip and palate (CLP) and investigate the relationship between the type of cleft and the dental anomaly.

Methods:

Eighty-eight patients with cleft lip and/or palate (mean age: 14.1 ± 6.4 years) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Dental models, panoramic radiographs, and intraoral photographs of these patients were evaluated to detect any maxillary dental anomaly (number and size anomalies). Two hundred fifty unaffected subjects (mean age: 15.2 ± 7.2 years) composed the control group. Data were evaluated using the independent t test, χ
2, Fischer exact test, and the odds ratio.

Results:

Dental anomaly frequency was significantly higher in the cleft group compared with the control group. Tooth agenesis was the most common dental anomaly, followed by microdontia and supernumerary tooth. Lateral incisor agenesis was seen in 69% of the unilateral CLP, in 78% of the bilateral CLP, and in 18% of the cleft palate patients. A significant association was revealed between the right unilateral CLP and the right lateral incisor agenesis (P = 0.0001), the left unilateral CLP and the left lateral incisor agenesis (P = 0.002), and the bilateral CLP and the bilateral lateral incisor agenesis (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Dental anomalies are more frequently seen in patients with CLP compared with the general population. There is a relationship between the cleft type and the ipsilateral lateral incisor agenesis.
Comparison of the Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Male and Female Vocal Folds
Authors: Inan Muzaffer , Salturk Ziya , Ayaz Gizem , Ozdemir Erdi , Kumral Tolgar Lutfi , Berkiten Guler , Tutar Belgin , Sari Hüseyin , Uyar Yavuz
Published: February 2018

Objective:

To investigate effects of smoking cigarette on male and female larynges and compare them.

Method:

Eighteen adult Wistar Albino rats were included to study; 9 were male and 9 female. The exposure groups each contained 6 rats, and the control groups 3 rats. Six male constituted group 1 and 6 female constituted group 2. Group 1 and 3 were exposed to smoke. Group 2 and 4 were composed of 3 males and 3 females, respectively. Smoke from 10 cigarettes was delivered in each of the morning and afternoon daily for 1 month. At the end of 4 weeks, all rats were sacrificed and their larynges were evaluated histopathologically.

Results:

Microscobic evaluation of epithelium of vocal folds revealed no significant difference between study groups. There was also no difference between study and control groups. Subepitelial tissue showed no difference between study groups but angiogenesis and inflammation were higher in study groups. Epithelial analysis of false vocal folds showed significant difference between study groups. Female epithelium showed more hyperplastic and metaplastic changes.

Conclusion:

Cigarette smoke damaged both the vocal folds and false vocal folds. The female false vocal folds were more susceptible to damage than the males.
Pulling and Pushing Stem Cells to Control Their Differentiation
Authors: Ashammakhi Nureddin , Kaarela Outi , Ferretti Patrizia
Published: February 2018

Much has already been done to achieve precisely controlled and customised regenerative therapies. Thanks to recent advances made in several areas relevant to regenerative medicine including the use of stimuli-responsive materials, 4-dimensional biofabrication, inducible pluripotent stem cells, control of stem cell fate using chemical and physical factors, minimal access delivery, and information-communication technology. In this short perspective, recent advances are discussed with a focus on a recent report on the use of mechanical stretching of nanoparticle-laden stem cells by using external magnetic field to induce defined cardiac line differentiation. Although more and more tools are becoming available for engineering tissue models tissues and the range of potential applications is expanding, there is still much work to be done before it is proved to work with human cells, form tissues and ultimately achieve application in the clinic.
Skull Base Metastasis From Occult Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Golinelli Gloria , Toso Andrea , Rosa Maria Silvia , Valletti Paolo Aluffi , Pia Francesco
Published: February 2018

Skull base metastases are extremely rare. The authors report a case of a 65-year-old man who presented with a headache and diplopia secondary to a skull base metastasis from occult renal cell carcinoma. Since there were no other systemic metastases, radical nephrectomy and radiotherapy of the unresectable skull base location were performed. He subsequently received immunotherapy with sunitinib, everolimus, and sorafenib with local and systemic control of the disease after 53 months from surgery. When metastasis is unresectable radical nephrectomy and radiotherapy aimed at the metastasis may be of benefit improving quality of life. Immunotherapy may provide alternative treatment strategies improving the outcomes of patients affected by this rare pathology with historically poor prognosis.
Taxonomies of psychological individual differences: biological perspectives on millennia-long challenges
Authors: Trofimova I. , Robbins T. W. , Sulis W. H. , Uher J.
Published: February 2018

This Editorial highlights a unique focus of this theme issue on the biological perspectives in deriving psychological taxonomies coming from neurochemistry, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, genetics, psychiatry, developmental and comparative psychology—as contrasted to more common discussions of socio-cultural concepts (personality) and methods (lexical approach). It points out the importance of the distinction between temperament and personality for studies in human and animal differential psychophysiology, psychiatry and psycho-pharmacology, sport and animal practices during the past century. It also highlights the inability of common statistical methods to handle nonlinear, feedback, contingent, dynamical and multi-level relationships between psychophysiological systems of consistent psychological traits discussed in this theme issue.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Diverse perspectives on diversity: multi-disciplinary approaches to taxonomies of individual differences'.
Inter-individual differences in the impulsive/compulsive dimension: deciphering related dopaminergic and serotonergic metabolisms at rest
Authors: Dellu-Hagedorn Françoise , Rivalan Marion , Fitoussi Aurélie , De Deurwaerdère Philippe
Published: February 2018

Several impulse control disorders such as ADHD, mania, personality disorders or substance abuse share common behavioural traits, like impulsiveness, risk-taking or inflexible behaviour. These disorders are treated with drugs targeting dopamine (DA) and/or serotonin (5-HT). However, the patient's monoamine imbalance that these neurotransmitters compensate is unclear. This study aims to investigate the patterns of DA and 5-HT metabolisms at rest within selected brain regions related to inter-individual variability in six main components of impulsivity/compulsivity (anticipatory hyperactivity, premature responses, delay discounting, risk-taking, perseveration, flexibility). Rats with adaptive and highly inadaptive behaviours were identified in each task and a sensitive biochemical approach allowed mapping of post-mortem endogenous monoamine tissue content in 20 brain areas. Distinct patterns of 5-HT and DA metabolisms were revealed according to the behavioural traits. Except for hyperactive responses, lower control of actions was mainly associated with a lower DA or 5-HT metabolism in prefrontal and/or subcortical areas (i.e. in orbitofrontal cortex (DA), amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex (5-HT) for inflexible and risk-prone rats). Our results reveal the complex nature of behavioural traits related to impulse control disorders through their associated monoaminergic networks at rest, paving the way for understanding the link between mental disorders and drug therapeutic actions.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Diverse perspectives on diversity: multi-disciplinary approaches to taxonomies of individual differences'.
Genetics of biologically based psychological differences
Authors: Sallis Hannah , Davey Smith George , Munafò Marcus R.
Published: February 2018

In recent years, substantial effort has gone into disentangling the genetic contribution to individual differences in behaviour (such as personality and temperament traits). Heritability estimates from twin and family studies, and more recently using whole genome approaches, suggest a substantial genetic component to these traits. However, efforts to identify the genes that influence these traits have had relatively little success. Here, we review current work investigating the heritability of individual differences in behavioural traits and provide an overview of the results from genome-wide association analyses of these traits to date. In addition, we discuss the implications of these findings for the potential applications of Mendelian randomization.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Diverse perspectives on diversity: multi-disciplinary approaches to taxonomies of individual differences'.
Phospho-regulation of Atoh1 is required for plasticity of secretory progenitors and tissue regeneration
Authors: Tomic Goran , Morrissey Edward , Kozar Sarah , Ben-Moshe Shani , Hoyle Alice , Azzarelli Roberta , Kemp Richard , Chilamakuri Chandra Sekhar Reddy , Itzkovitz Shalev , Philpott Anna , Winton Douglas J.
Published: February 2018

The intestinal epithelium is maintained by a small number of self-renewing stem cells in homeostasis. In addition committed progenitors can contribute to the functional stem cell compartment at a low level during homeostasis and substantially during regeneration following tissue damage. However the mechanism of, and requirement for, progenitor plasticity in mediating pathological response has not been demonstrated. Here we show that multisite phosphorylation of the transcription factor Atoh1 is required both for the contribution of secretory progenitors to the intestinal stem cell pool and for a robust regenerative response following damage. In lineage tracing experiments Atoh1+ cells (Atoh1(WT)CreERT2 mice) show stem cell activity by giving rise to multilineage intestinal clones both in the steady state and after tissue damage. Notably in the colonic epithelium a single generation of Atoh1+ progenitors sustains 1 in 15 stem cells. In an activating Atoh1(9S/T-A)CreERT2 line, the loss of phosphorylation sites on the Atoh1 protein promotes secretory differentiation and inhibits the contribution of these cells to self-renewal. Finally, in a chemical colitis model the Atoh1+ cells of Atoh1(9S/T-A)CreERT2 mice have reduced clonogenic capacity that impacts overall regenerative response of the epithelium. Thus progenitor plasticity plays an integral part in maintaining robust self-renewal in the intestinal epithelium and the balance between stem and progenitor fate behaviour is directly co-ordinated by Atoh1 multi-site phosphorylation.
SELF-PRUNINGaffects auxin responses synergistically with the cyclophilin A DIAGEOTROPICA in tomato
Authors: Silva Willian B. , Vicente Mateus H. , Robledo Jessenia M. , Reartes Diego S. , Ferrari Renata C. , Bianchetti Ricardo , Araújo Wagner L. , Freschi Luciano , Peres Lázaro E. P. , Zsögön Agustin
Published: February 2018

The antiflorigenic signal SELF-PRUNING, which controls growth habit, exerts its effects through auxin transport, signaling and metabolism in tomato.

TheSELF PRUNING(SP) gene is a key regulator of growth habit in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). It is an ortholog ofTERMINAL FLOWER 1, a phosphatidyl-ethanolamine binding protein with anti-florigenic activity inArabidopsis thaliana. A spontaneous loss-of-functionspmutation has been bred into a large number of industrial tomato cultivars, as it produces a suite of pleiotropic effects that are favorable for mechanical harvesting, including determinate growth habit, short plant stature and simultaneous fruit ripening. However, the physiological basis for these phenotypic differences has not been thoroughly explained. Here, we show that thespmutation alters polar auxin transport as well as auxin responses such gravitropic curvature and elongation of excised hypocotyl segments. We further demonstrate that free auxin levels and auxin-regulated gene expression patterns are altered insp, with epistatic effects ofdiageotropica, a mutation in a cyclophilin A protein-encoding gene. Our results indicate that SP impacts growth habit in tomato, at least in part, via changes in auxin transport and responsiveness. These findings hint at novel targets that could be manipulated in the control of growth habit and productivity.
Complete assembly of parental haplotypes with trio binning
Authors: Koren Sergey , Rhie Arang , Walenz Brian P. , Dilthey Alexander T. , Bickhart Derek M. , Kingan Sarah B. , Hiendleder Stefan , Williams John L. , Smith Timothy P. L. , Phillippy Adam M.
Published: February 2018

Reference genome projects have historically selected inbred individuals to minimize heterozygosity and simplify assembly. We challenge this dogma and present a new approach designed specifically for heterozygous genomes. “Trio binning” uses short reads from two parental genomes to partition long reads from an offspring into haplotype-specific sets prior to assembly. Each haplotype is then assembled independently, resulting in a complete diploid reconstruction. On a benchmark human trio, this method achieved high accuracy and recovered complex structural variants missed by alternative approaches. To demonstrate its effectiveness on a heterozygous genome, we sequenced an F1 cross between cattle subspeciesBos taurus taurusandBos taurus indicus, and completely assembled both parental haplotypes with NG50 haplotig sizes >20 Mbp and 99.998% accuracy, surpassing the quality of current cattle reference genomes. We propose trio binning as a new best practice for diploid genome assembly that will enable new studies of haplotype variation and inheritance.
Pathogen susceptibility and fitness costs explain variation in immune priming across natural populations of flour beetles
Authors: Khan Imroze , Prakash Arun , Agashe Deepa
Published: February 2018

In many insects, individuals primed with low doses of pathogens live longer after being exposed to the same pathogen later in life. Yet, our understanding of the evolutionary and ecological history of priming of immune response in natural insect populations is limited. Previous work demonstrated population-, sex- and- stage specific variation in the survival benefit of priming response in flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum) infected with their natural pathogenBacillus thuringiensis. However, the evolutionary forces responsible for this natural variation remained unclear. Here, we tested whether the strength of the priming response (measured as the survival benefit after priming and subsequent infection relative to unprimed controls) was associated with multiple fitness parameters across 10 flour beetle populations. Our results suggest two major selective pressures that may explain the observed inter-population variation in priming: (A) Basal pathogen susceptibility – populations that were more susceptible to infection produced a stronger priming response, and (B) Reproductive success – populations where primed females produced more offspring had lower survival benefit, suggesting a trade-off between priming response and reproduction. Our work is the first empirical demonstration of multiple selective pressures that may govern the adaptive evolution of immune priming in the wild. We hope that this motivates further experiments to establish the role of pathogen-imposed selection and fitness costs in the evolution of priming in natural insect populations.
Association of Arg389Gly β1-adrenergic receptor polymorphism with effective dose of β blocker in congestive heart failure among Chinese Han population
Authors: Gu Rong , Shen Yu , Liu Jianhua , Qiao Shuaihua , Wang Lian , Xu Biao
Published: February 2018

Background

To investigate the relationship between β1-adrenergic receptor (ADRB1) gene polymorphisms and the response to medication in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).

Methods and Results

Two hundred and sixty patients with CHF were enrolled. Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly polymorphisms were identified. During one-year follow-up, differences of echocardiographic parameters and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were analyzed. For Ser49Gly polymorphisms, there were no differences between AA genotype and AG/GG genotype of baseline clinical features and echocardiographic parameters as well as one-year incidence of MACE. For Arg389Gly polymorphisms, there were no significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics, LVDd and LVEF among the three genotypes. However, the increase amplitude of LVEF after one year among patients carrying GG genotype was significantly higher than those carrying CC genotype (11.7% vs 1.3%, P<0.05). The incidence of MACE among different genotypes of CC, CG and GG were 22.2%, 10.0% and 8.3%,with statistical difference (P=0.021).

Conclusions

The study suggested there was no relationship between Ser49Gly polymorphisms of the ADRB1 gene and the therapeutic effect and prognosis in CHF patients under the same dosage of drugs. However, the improvement of cardiac function and prognosis in patients carrying the Gly389 allele were significantly better than those of Arg389Arg homozygous.
RiboTag translatomic profiling ofDrosophilaoenocytes under aging and oxidative stress
Authors: Huang Kerui , Chen Wenhao , Zhu Fang , Bai Hua
Published: February 2018

Background

Aging is accompanied with loss of tissue homeostasis and accumulation of cellular damages. As one of the important metabolic centers, aged liver shows altered lipid metabolism, impaired detoxification pathway, increased inflammation and oxidative stress response. However, the mechanisms for these age-related changes still remain unclear. In fruit flies,Drosophila melanogaster, liver-like functions are controlled by two distinct tissues, fat body and oenocytes. Although the role of fat body in aging regulation has been well studied, little is known about how oenocytes age and what are their roles in aging regulation. To address these questions, we used cell-type-specific ribosome profiling (RiboTag) to study the impacts of aging and oxidative stress on oenocyte translatome inDrosophila.

Results

We show that aging and oxidant paraquat significantly increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in adult oenocytes ofDrosophila, and aged oenocytes exhibited reduced sensitivity to paraquat treatment. Through RiboTag sequencing, we identified 3324 and 949 differentially expressed genes in oenocytes under aging and paraquat treatment, respectively. Aging and paraquat exhibit both shared and distinct regulations on oenocyte translatome. Among all age-regulated genes, mitochondrial, proteasome, peroxisome, fatty acid metabolism, and cytochrome P450 pathways were down-regulated, whereas DNA replication and glutathione metabolic pathways were up-regulated. Interestingly, most of the peroxisomal genes were down-regulated in aged oenocytes, including peroxisomal biogenesis factors and beta-oxidation genes. Further analysis of the oenocyte translatome showed that oenocytes highly expressed genes involving in liver-like processes (e.g., ketogenesis). Many age-related transcriptional changes in oenocytes are similar to aging liver, including up-regulation of Ras/MAPK signaling pathway and down-regulation of peroxisome and fatty acid metabolism.

Conclusions

Our oenocyte-specific translatome analysis identified many genes and pathways that are shared betweenDrosophilaoenocytes and mammalian liver, highlighting the molecular and functional similarities between the two tissues. Many of these genes are altered in both aged oenocytes and aged liver, suggesting a conserved molecular mechanism underlying oenocyte and liver aging. Thus, our translatome analysis will contribute significantly to the understanding of oenocyte biology, and its role in lipid metabolism, stress response and aging regulation.
ProtaBank: A repository for protein design and engineering data
Authors: Wang Connie Y. , Chang Paul M. , Ary Marie L. , Allen Benjamin D. , Chica Roberto A. , Mayo Stephen L. , Olafson Barry D.
Published: February 2018

We present ProtaBank, a repository for storing, querying, analyzing, and sharing protein design and engineering data in an actively maintained and updated database. ProtaBank provides a format to describe and compare all types of protein mutational data, spanning a wide range of properties and techniques. It features a user-friendly web interface and programming layer that streamlines data deposition and allows for batch input and queries. The database schema design incorporates a standard format for reporting protein sequences and experimental data that facilitates comparison of results across different data sets. A suite of analysis and visualization tools are provided to facilitate discovery, to guide future designs, and to benchmark and train new predictive tools and algorithms. ProtaBank will provide a valuable resource to the protein engineering community by storing and safeguarding newly generated data, allowing for fast searching and identification of relevant data from the existing literature, and exploring correlations between disparate data sets. ProtaBank invites researchers to contribute data to the database to make it accessible for search and analysis. ProtaBank is available athttps://protabank.org.

Impact

The ProtaBank database provides a central repository for researchers to store, query, analyze, and share all types of protein engineering data. This modern database will serve a pivotal role in organizing protein engineering data and leveraging the increasingly large amounts of mutational data being generated. Together with the analysis tools, it will help scientists gain insights into sequence-function relationships, support the development of new predictive tools and algorithms, and facilitate future protein engineering efforts.

Abbreviations

3D

three-dimensional

API

application programming interface

AWS

Amazon Web Services

BLAST

Basic Local Alignment Search Tool

Cm

concentration of denaturant at midpoint of unfolding transition

CSV

comma-separated values

ΔG

Gibbs free energy of folding/unfolding

Gβ1

β1 domain of Streptococcal protein G

GdmCl

guanidinium chloride

kcat

catalytic rate constant

Kd

dissociation constant

MIC

minimum inhibitory concentration

PDB

Protein Data Bank

PE

protein engineering

RDS

Relational Database Services

REST

Representation State Transfer

Tm

melting temperature