bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Evidence of a Dose-Response for Continuing to Play on Recovery Time After Concussion
Authors: Charek Daniel B. , Elbin R. J. , Sufrinko Alicia , Schatz Philip , D'Amico Nathan R. , Collins Michael W. , Kontos Anthony P.
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To investigate a dose-response relationship between continuing to play following concussion and outcomes.

Participants:

A total of 130 athletes (age 11-19 years).

Design:

Repeated-measures design comparing symptoms, neurocognitive performance, and recovery time between 52 athletes immediately removed from play (Removed), 24 who continued to play for 15 minutes or less (Short-Play), and 32 who continued to play for more than 15 minutes (Long-Play).

Main Measures:

Recovery was the number of days from injury to clearance. Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) measured neurocognitive outcomes and the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) measured symptom severity.

Results:

Long-Play (44.09 ± 27.01 days) took longer to recover than Short-Play (28.42±12.74 days) and Removed (18.98 ± 13.76 days). Short-Play was 5.43 times more likely, and Long-Play 11.76 times more likely, to experience protracted recovery relative to Removed. Both Play groups had worse neurocognitive performance and higher symptom scores than Removed at days 1 to 7, with Long-Play demonstrating worse reaction time than Short-Play. At days 8 to 30, both Play groups performed worse than Removed on visual memory and visual motor speed, while only Long-Play performed worse on verbal memory and reaction time.

Conclusions:

Results provide initial evidence of a dose-response effect for continuing to play on recovery from concussion, highlighting the importance of removal from play.
Elevated Tau in Military Personnel Relates to Chronic Symptoms Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Pattinson Cassandra L. , Shahim Pashtun , Taylor Patricia , Dunbar Kerri , Guedes Vivian A. , Motamedi Vida , Lai Chen , Devoto Christina , Peyer Jordan , Roy Michael J. , Gill Jessica M.
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To understand the relationships between traumatic brain injury (TBI), blood biomarkers, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and postconcussive syndrome symptoms.

Design:

Cross-sectional cohort study using multivariate analyses.

Participants:

One hundred nine military personnel and veterans, both with and without a history of TBI.

Main Measures:

PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version (PCL-C); Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI); Ohio State University TBI Identification Method; Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9); Simoa-measured concentrations of tau, amyloid-beta (Aβ) 40, Aβ42, and neurofilament light (NFL).

Results:

Controlling for age, sex, time since last injury (TSLI), and antianxiety/depression medication use, NFL was trending toward being significantly elevated in participants who had sustained 3 or more TBIs compared with those who had sustained 1 or 2 TBIs. Within the TBI group, partial correlations that controlled for age, sex, TSLI, and antianxiety/depression medication use showed that tau concentrations were significantly correlated with greater symptom severity, as measured with the NSI, PCL, and PHQ-9.

Conclusions:

Elevations in tau are associated with symptom severity after TBI, while NFL levels are elevated in those with a history of repetitive TBIs and in military personnel and veterans. This study shows the utility of measuring biomarkers chronically postinjury. Furthermore, there is a critical need for studies of biomarkers longitudinally following TBI.
Lifetime History of Traumatic Brain Injury and Behavioral Health Problems in a Population-Based Sample
Authors: Bogner Jennifer , Corrigan John D. , Yi Honggang , Singichetti Bhavna , Manchester Kara , Huang Lihong , Yang Jingzhen
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To investigate the relationships between indices of lifetime history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) exposure and measures of behavioral health status among Ohioans.

Participants:

A random sample (n = 6996) of Ohioans contacted to complete the 2014 Ohio Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (BRFSS).

Design:

A cross-sectional survey.

Main measures:

The Ohio State University TBI Identification Method adapted for BRFSS module and BRFSS behavioral indicators.

Results:

After demographic adjustment, lifetime history of TBI was found to be associated with increased odds of binge drinking, heavy drinking, smoking, a depressive disorder, or mental health not being good (≥2 days and ≥14 days in last 30 days). Mixed findings across behavioral indicators were observed in regard to number and severity of injury. Age at first injury showed no remarkable associations with the behavioral health indicators.

Conclusions:

Ohioans who have sustained at least one TBI with loss of consciousness in their lifetime are at increased risk for poor behavioral health, including alcohol misuse, smoking, and depression. The findings underscore the need for community-based mental health treatment programs to screen for TBI history in their intake evaluations, and to train clinicians on the provisions of accommodations for cognitive and behavioral deficits.
Characteristics of Corneal Biomechanics in Chinese Preschool Children With Different Refractive Status
Authors: Long Wen , Zhao Yiming , Hu Yin , Li Zhouyue , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zhao Wenchen , Yang Xiao , Cui Dongmei , Trier Klaus
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

To investigate the characteristics of corneal biomechanics in Chinese preschool children with different refractive status.

Methods:

Study participants were 108 Chinese children (216 eyes) aged 4 to 6 years with a spherical equivalent refraction between −9.00 and +9.00 diopters (D). Cycloplegic refraction was measured using an autorefractor, axial length using an IOL Master (Zeiss, Oberkochen, Germany), and corneal biomechanical metrics and corneal power using an ultra-high-speed camera (Corvis ST; Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) and Pentacam (Oculus; Menlo Park, CA). Differences in corneal biometry and biomechanical characteristics among myopia, emmetropia, and hyperopia eyes were analyzed by SPSS 17.0.

Results:

The spherical equivalent refraction was significantly positively correlated with the stiffness parameter at the first applanation (SP-A1, r = 0.22, P < 0.01) and corneal velocity at the second applanation (A2 velocity, r = 0.25, P < 0.001), whereas it was negatively correlated with the peak distance (r = −0.32, P < 0.001) and deformation amplitude ratio (DA ratio, r = −0.34, P < 0.001). In the hyperopia, emmetropia, and myopia groups, the SP-A1 successively decreased (108.70 ± 22.93 vs. 100.50 ± 18.98 vs. 97.97 ± 18.91, P < 0.01), whereas the peak distance progressively increased (4.39 ± 0.32 vs. 4.56 ± 0.30 vs. 4.63 ± 0.34 mm, P < 0.001). In the same order of groups, an increasing trend was found for the axial length (21.11 ± 0.76 vs. 22.39 ± 0.72 vs. 24.09 ± 1.37 mm, P < 0.001), central anterior chamber depth (CACD, 3.04 ± 0.41 vs. 3.21 ± 0.33 vs. 3.37 ± 0.40 mm, P < 0.001) and flat meridian keratometry (K1, 41.92 ± 1.59 vs. 42.73 ± 1.39 vs. 42.98 ± 1.60 D, P < 0.001). Central corneal thickness significantly decreased in the same order of groups (565.46 ± 33.22 vs. 551.97 ± 24.66 vs. 543.36 ± 37.74 µm, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Corneal stiffness is reduced in myopia and increased in hyperopia compared with emmetropia in children aged 4 to 6 years. Corneal biometry and biomechanical characteristics in preschool children seem to depend on refractive status.
Perioperative Corneal Abrasions After Nonocular Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Papp Alexandra M. , Justin Grant A. , Vernau Christian T. , Aden James K. , Fitzgerald Brian M. , Kraus Gregory P. , Legault Gary L.
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review of the international literature evaluating the risk factors, preventative steps, and treatments for perioperative corneal injuries for nonocular surgery.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews databases were searched on April 13, 2018. Two hundred four articles were identified with 16 meeting the inclusion criteria. All studies were evaluated for quality and level of evidence. Two types of studies were included. The first were primary epidemiological studies that looked at the rates of perioperative corneal injuries after nonocular surgery and the second were trials that either studied preventative steps or treatments.

Results:

A statistical analysis was completed to reveal trends in perioperative corneal abrasions. Rates ranged from 0.01% to 59% with a cumulative rate of 0.64% (95% confidence interval 0.36%–1.35%). Primary risk factors were identified as longer procedures, general anesthesia, and advanced age. The most commonly associated ocular injuries were found to include chemical injury, conjunctivitis, blurred vision, and conjunctival congestion. Treatment strategies for corneal abrasion in the literature recommended erythromycin ointment and ample ocular lubrication for the fastest recovery. Education interventions alone, as studied in 2 of the 16 articles, demonstrated a significant decrease in the rate of corneal abrasions.

Conclusions:

Standardized ocular protection, reporting, and education initiatives were found to maximally decrease rates of perioperative corneal abrasions after nonocular surgery. However, no gold standard currently exists for intraoperative ocular protection. More research needs to be conducted on specific prevention strategies and content of educational initiatives in hopes of standard development across facilities nationwide.
Trends in Research Related to Keratoconus From 2009 to 2018: A Bibliometric and Knowledge Mapping Analysis
Authors: Zhao Fangkun , Du Fengkun , Zhang Jinsong , Xu Jun
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

To map the publication trends in and explore hotspots of keratoconus research.

Methods:

A bibliometric analysis based on the Web of Science Core Collection was conducted to investigate the publication trends in research related to keratoconus. The records extracted were analyzed, and a knowledge map was constructed using VOSviewer v.1.6.10 to visualize the annual publication number, distribution of countries, international collaborations, author productivity, source journals, intellectual base, and research hotspots in the field of keratoconus.

Results:

In total, 3194 peer-reviewed publications on keratoconus published between 2009 and 2018 were retrieved, and the annual research output increased with time. The United States ranked the highest among the countries with the most publications, and Tehran University of Medical Sciences was the most active institution. JL Alio contributed to the most number of publications on keratoconus, and Cornea was the most prolific journal publishing keratoconus research. The top cited references mainly focused on corneal collagen cross-linking. The keywords formed 6 clusters: 1) pathogenesis of keratoconus, 2) corneal collagen cross-linking, 3) management for early-stage keratoconus, 4) corneal parameter measurement, 5) surgical treatment of keratoconus, and 6) corneal biomechanics-related research.

Conclusions:

On the basis of the data extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection, the quantity and quality of publications on keratoconus were assessed using bibliometric techniques. The cited references and research hotspots could provide insights into keratoconus research as well as valuable information to cornea specialists for performing research in this field and discovering potential collaborators.
Bacillus Clausii Septicemia in a Pediatric Patient After Treatment With Probiotics
Authors: Joshi Sangeeta , Udani Soonu , Sen Supratim , Kirolikar Suverna , Shetty Anjali
Published: April 2019

Isolated cases of septicemia associated with probiotics have been reported. We describe Bacillus clausii septicemia in a 4-month-old male infant with congenital heart disease following treatment for diarrhea with a probiotic containing B. clausii spores. The septicemia proved refractory to treatment with antibiotics active against the pathogen and progressed to multidrug-resistant sepsis with multiorgan failure.
Lack of Efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for the Treatment of Acute Gastroenteritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Szymański Henryk , Szajewska Hania
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To assess the efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (L. reuteri) for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children.

Study design:

Children younger than 5 years with acute diarrhea, defined as a change in stool consistency to a loose or liquid form and/or an increase in the frequency of evacuations (≥3 in 24 hours), lasting for no longer than 5 days, were eligible for inclusion. Participants (n = 100) were recruited from the pediatrics department of a Polish hospital and randomly assigned to receive L. reuteri in a dose 2 × 108 colony-forming units or placebo, for 5 days, in addition to standard rehydration therapy. The primary outcome measure was duration of diarrhea.

Results:

Ninety-one of the 100 children randomized were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (L. reuteri n = 44; placebo n = 47). The duration of diarrhea after randomization in both groups was similar (P = 0.6). The groups were also similar with respect to all secondary outcome measures, with one exception. Compared with the placebo group, patients in the L. reuteri group had a shorter duration of hospitalization (P = 0.048). Adverse events were similar in both groups.

Conclusions:

Among children with acute gastroenteritis who were younger than 5 years of age, L. reuteri compared with placebo, as an adjunct to rehydration therapy, did not reduce the duration of diarrhea; however, it reduced the duration of hospitalization.
Sex differences in the temporal development of pronociceptive immune responses in the tibia fracture mouse model
Authors: Guo Tian-Zhi , Shi Xiaoyou , Li Wen-Wu , Wei Tzuping , Clark J. David , Kingery Wade S.
Published: April 2019

Previously, distinct sex differences were observed in the pronociceptive role of spinal immune cells in neuropathic and inflammatory mouse pain models. Both peripheral and central innate and adaptive immune changes contribute to sensitization in the tibia fracture rodent model of complex regional pain syndrome, and the current study evaluated sex differences in the development of pronociceptive immune responses after fracture. At 4 and 7 weeks after fracture, the analgesic effects of a microglia inhibitor were tested in male and female mice, and polymerase chain reaction was used to measure inflammatory mediator expression in skin and spinal cord. The temporal progression of complex regional pain syndrome–like changes in male and female wild-type and muMT fracture mice lacking B cells and antibodies were evaluated, and IgM antibody deposition measured. Pronociceptive effects of injecting wild-type fracture mouse serum into muMT fracture mice were also tested in both sexes, and the role of sex hormones was evaluated in the postfracture development of pronociceptive immune responses. Long-lasting immune changes developed in the fracture limb and corresponding spinal cord of both male and female mice, including upregulated neuropeptide and cytokine signaling, microglial activation, and pronociceptive autoimmunity. These complex postfracture immune responses were sexually dichotomous and interacted in temporally evolving patterns that generated post-traumatic nociceptive sensitization in both sexes lasting for up to 5 months. Unfortunately, the redundancy and plasticity of these chronic post-traumatic immune responses suggest that clinical interventions focusing on any single specific pronociceptive immune change are likely to be ineffectual.
Females have greater susceptibility to develop ongoing pain and central sensitization in a rat model of temporomandibular joint pain
Authors: Sannajust Sébastien , Imbert Ian , Eaton Victoria , Henderson Terry , Liaw Lucy , May Meghan , Barbe Mary F. , King Tamara
Published: April 2019

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a prevalent source of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Women are more commonly diagnosed with TMD and are more likely to seek care at tertiary orofacial pain clinics. Limited knowledge regarding mechanisms underlying temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain impairs development of improved pain management strategies. In a rat model of unilateral TMJOA, monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) produces joint pathology in a concentration-dependent manner. Unilateral MIA produces alterations in meal patterns in males and females without altering overnight time spent eating or weight across 2 weeks. Monosodium iodoacetate (80 mg/mL)-treated males develop ongoing pain within 2 weeks after MIA injection. Females develop ongoing pain at a 5-fold lower MIA concentration (16.6 mg/m). Monosodium iodoacetate (80 mg/mL)-treated males show spread of tactile hypersensitivity across the face during the first week after injection and then to the fore paws and hind paws during the second week after injection, indicating development of central sensitization. At the lower dose, female rats demonstrate a similar spread of tactile hypersensitivity, whereas male rats do not develop ongoing pain or spread of tactile hypersensitivity outside the area of the ipsilateral temporomandibular joint. These observations indicate that females have a higher susceptibility to development of ongoing pain and central sensitization compared with male rats that is not due to differences in MIA-induced joint pathology. This model of TMJOA pain can be used to explore sex differences in pain processes implicated in development of neuropathic pain, ongoing pain, and central sensitization, allowing for development of individualized strategies for prevention and treatment of TMD joint pain.
Comparison of anthropometric measurements for prediction of the atherosclerosis and liver histology in young adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Dogan Tolga , Ozturk Kadir , Celikkanat Serhat , Aykan Musa B. , Uygun Ahmet
Published: April 2019

Aim

Anthropometry is a good evaluation tool that establishes the association between body fat distribution and metabolic risk factors precisely. The aim of this study was to test the association of anthropometric measurements with subclinical atherosclerosis and liver fibrosis.

Methods

A total of 78 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients who had no known cardiovascular disease risk factors and 26 volunteered healthy controls were enrolled. Patients with suspected fatty liver underwent a liver biopsy. BMI, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, and neck circumference (NC) were measured. To detect the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, carotid intima–media thickness and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) were examined.

Results

NAFLD patients with fibrosis had higher NC, WC, and hip circumference levels, but no difference was observed between NAFLD patients without fibrosis and controls in these parameters. BMI was statistically different among the three groups (P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding risk factors, the only significant parameter associated with histologic severity of NAFLD was WC, with odds ratio of 1.10. All anthropometric measurements were correlated positively with fibrosis, cf-PWV, and each other. While the association between BMI and cf-PWV remained significant, WC was found to be an independent risk factor for carotid intima–media thickness after adjustment of known cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion

WC is the strongest predictor of liver fibrosis as the anthropometric indexes in patients with NAFLD. NC can be used as an additional useful screening test for the primary evaluation of patients with NAFLD, even if it is not an independent risk factor.
Toward an Understanding of Patients’ and Their Partners’ Experiences of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Heyes Susan M. , Prior Kirsty N. , Whitehead Dean , Bond Malcolm J.
Published: April 2019

Background

Bladder cancer is characterized by recurrence and progression, ongoing surveillance and treatment, adverse effects, and complications and is associated with chronic ill health that may compromise relationships, social activities, and employment.

Objective

The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of quality of life disruptions among both those diagnosed with bladder cancer and their supportive partners (spouses or other family members).

Interventions/Methods

Couples were recruited from a tertiary care public hospital database. Nine heterosexual couples (married/de facto) and another comprising a clinical participant and her daughter-in-law were interviewed for approximately 60 minutes. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, with qualitative description used to gain an in-depth understanding of participants’ experiences without previous agenda or knowledge, allowing their viewpoints to be summarized in everyday terms.

Results

Thematic analysis highlighted 4 themes: psychical responses, cognitive and emotional reactions, survival techniques and the importance of partner support and its assistance for clinical participants acceptance of, and adaptation to their bladder cancer, surveillance, and treatment protocols.

Conclusion

A key finding was the value of a supportive partner in dealing with the effects of bladder cancer daily. From a health service perspective, the need for clear information provision and counseling/support to assist patient management was also evident.

Implications for Future Practice

Health professionals need to appreciate the quality of life implications for patients and partners, thus understanding the needs of couples. Greater collaboration with and by health professionals who assist in care may allow couples to move more confidently toward adaptation to bladder cancer.
An Algorithmic Approach to Prepectoral Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction: Version 2.0
Authors: Antony Anuja K. , Robinson Emilie C.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction has historically been fraught with complications, including flap necrosis, implant extrusion, and capsular contracture, along with high rates of operative revisions. This may result from a number of factors, including the lack of an algorithmic approach, failure to predict postoperative migration of the implant, use of improper implants, and unsuitable patient selection. Over the past 5 years, the authors have gained significant experience in prepectoral breast reconstruction as they have transitioned their direct-to-implant technique.

Methods:

Using video, technical aspects for achieving superior results are demonstrated, including suture technique, application of acellular dermal matrix, creation of the implant pocket, implant selection and placement, and postoperative dressings. Video is used to highlight technical aspects to yield consistent, predictable results using the anterior tenting technique.

Results:

A systematic review of prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction was conducted to amalgamate the experience of the authors and others with regard to technique, material, and outcomes.

Conclusions:

Prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction represents a significant paradigm shift in postmastectomy breast reconstruction and warrants reconsideration. Prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction provides the potential benefits of a single-stage operation, elimination of dynamic deformity, enhanced aesthetic outcomes, and increased patient satisfaction. Although early evidence suggests an increased incidence of complications, our experience and that of others demonstrate favorable outcomes with version 2.0 of prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. As the body of literature encompassing a modern approach to prepectoral direct-to-implant breast reconstruction grows, greater appreciation for operative technique, candidate selection, and implant choice may accelerate its adoption and mitigate past concerns.
Comparing Reconstructive Outcomes in Patients with Gustilo Type IIIB Fractures and Concomitant Arterial Injuries
Authors: Ricci Joseph A. , Stranix John T. , Lee Z-Hye , Jacoby Adam , Anzai Lavinia , Thanik Vishal D. , Saadeh Pierre B. , Levine Jamie P.
Published: April 2019

Background:

The Gustilo classification serves as a proxy for injury severity, but recent data suggest rising complications with decreasing arterial runoff. This study aims to compare different microsurgical anastomosis options based on the number of patent vessels in the lower extremity.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective review of 806 lower extremity free flaps performed from 1976 to 2016 was performed. Patients with Gustilo type IIIB injuries were grouped based on the number of patent vessels in the leg (three, two, or one). Patients were compared based on the type of anastomosis performed, evaluating for perioperative complications and flap failures.

Results:

Perioperative complications occurred in 111 flaps (27 percent): 71 take-backs (17 percent), 45 partial losses (11 percent), and 37 complete losses (9 percent). Among patients with three-vessel runoff (61.8 percent), there was no difference in take-backs or flap loss between those with end-to-end versus end-to-side anastomoses. In 68 patients (18.7 percent) with two-vessel runoff, no difference between take-backs or flap loss was noted when comparing any anastomosis (i.e., end-to-end into an injured vessel, end-to-end into an uninjured vessel, or end-to-side into an uninjured vessel), although vein grafts were required more often in the end-to-side groups (p < 0.01). Finally, in 39 patients (10.7 percent) with single-vessel runoff, no difference was seen between end-to-end anastomosis into an injured vessel or end-to-side anastomosis into an uninjured vessel in terms of take-backs or flap loss.

Conclusion:

Higher rates of flap failure correlated with decreasing numbers of patent vessels in the leg, but neither type of microvascular anastomosis nor vessel selection demonstrated any impact on reconstructive outcomes.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Intraoral Scanning and Setting Up the Digital Final Occlusion in Three-Dimensional Planning of Orthognathic Surgery: Its Comparison with the Dental Model Approach
Authors: Ho Cheng-Ting , Lin Hsiu-Hsia , Lo Lun-Jou
Published: April 2019

Background:

Three-dimensional surgical planning for orthognathic surgery is becoming prevalent, with improving outcomes. However, conventional dental casts are still used for evaluations, digital image conversion, surgical planning, and occlusal splint production. This study used intraoral scanning for the three-dimensional planning of the final digital occlusion and compared this method with the conventional dental cast approach.

Methods:

Thirty consecutive patients who underwent two-jaw orthognathic surgery to treat mandibular prognathism and asymmetry were included. Dental casts (control group) and intraoral scans (study group) were collected simultaneously for designing the final dental occlusion. A step-by-step setup of the final digital occlusion was established for the study group. To validate results, the intraoral scanning–based virtual occlusion was superimposed over the dental model–based final digital occlusion for comparison. Intraobserver and interobserver variability were assessed for setting up the final digital occlusion. The fitness of splints fabricated using the conventional and virtual occlusion methods were compared.

Results:

The steps for setting up the final digital occlusion were applicable in all cases. The average root-mean-square difference of final occlusion images between the two groups was 0.45 mm, indicating a comparable occlusal relationship. The intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver reliability for setting up the virtual occlusion were satisfactory. Moreover, no significant difference existed in the splint fitness test between the groups.

Conclusions:

The proposed intraoral scan and setup process of the final digital occlusion was reliable and accurate. Thus, the method can replace the dental model approach for the three-dimensional planning of orthognathic surgery.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, II.
The Escherichia coli Transcriptome Mostly Consists of Independently Regulated Modules
Authors: Sastry Anand V. , Gao Ye , Szubin Richard , Hefner Ying , Xu Sibei , Kim Donghyuk , Choudhary Kumari Sonal , Yang Laurence , King Zachary A. , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: April 2019

Underlying cellular responses is a transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) that modulates gene expression. A useful description of the TRN would decompose the transcriptome into targeted effects of individual transcriptional regulators. Here, we applied unsupervised learning to a compendium of high-quality Escherichia coli RNA-seq datasets to identify 70 statistically independent signals that modulate the expression of specific gene sets. We show that 50 of these transcriptomic signals represent the effects of currently characterized transcriptional regulators. Condition-specific activation of signals was validated by exposure of E. coli to new environmental conditions. The resulting decomposition of the transcriptome provided: (1) a mechanistic, systems-level, network-based explanation of responses to environmental and genetic perturbations, (2) a guide to gene and regulator function discovery, and (3) a basis for characterizing transcriptomic differences in multiple strains. Taken together, our results show that signal summation forms an underlying principle that describes the composition of a model prokaryotic transcriptome.
Probability-based detection of phosphoproteomic uncertainty reveals rare signaling events driven by oncogenic kinase gene fusion
Authors: Robin Xavier , Voellmy Franziska , Ferkinghoff-Borg Jesper , Howard Conor , Altenburg Tom , Engel Mathias , Simpson Craig D. , Saginc Gaye , Koplev Simon , Klipp Edda , Longden James , Linding Rune
Published: April 2019

We describe a novel Bayesian method for estimating protein concentration and phosphorylation site occupancy ratios from mass spectrometry experiments. Our variance model assigns standard deviations to all quantitative ratios, even when only a single peptide is observed, increasing the number of quantifiable observations in a sample compared to conventional methods. We further demonstrate the application of this method using a dataset investigating the impact of the PRKAR1A-RET gene fusion in immortalized thyroid cells.
TAO Kinase 3 Overexpression Is a Poor Prognosis Marker for Lung Adenocarcinoma and Predicts Paclitaxel Resistance
Authors: Lai Tsung-Ching , Yang Yi-Chieh , Chang Yu-Chan , Chiou Jean , Huang Ming-Shyan , Yang Chih-Jen , Chang Peter Mu-Hsin , Hsiao Michael
Published: April 2019

High expression of TAOK3 has been observed in several cancers, but very little about TAOK3-involved mechanisms has been reported. In this study, we investigated the role of TAOK3 in the therapeutic effect of paclitaxel treatment. Protein expression of TAOK3 was evaluated among 121 patients by using immunohistochemical staining. TAOK3 expression was estimated by analyzing the gene’s expression and its correlation with the IC50 of paclitaxel in cells. The expression of TAOK3 in lung cancer was highly correlated with poor overall survival, progression-free survival, and recurrence rate in lung cancer patients. The expression level of TAOK3 was positively correlated with paclitaxel resistance in the lung cancer cell lines. The depletion of TAOK3 could enhance the sensitivity of paclitaxel in lung cancer and vice versa. TAOK3 expression is associated with paclitaxel-resistance and could be a clinical predictor for disease recurrence and a potential therapeutic target in lung cancer.
A Bayesian Nonparametric Approach to Discover Clinico-Genetic Associations across Cancer Types
Authors: Pradier Melanie F. , Hyland Stephanie L. , Stark Stefan G. , Lehmann Kjong , Vogt Julia E. , Perez-Cruz Fernando , Rätsch Gunnar
Published: April 2019

Motivation

Personalized medicine aims at combining genetic, clinical, and environmental data to improve medical diagnosis and disease treatment, tailored to each patient. This paper presents a Bayesian nonparametric (BNP) approach to identify genetic associations with clinical/environmental features in cancer. We propose an unsupervised approach to generate data-driven hypotheses and bring potentially novel insights about cancer biology. Our model combines somatic mutation information at gene-level with features extracted from the Electronic Health Record. We propose a hierarchical approach, the hierarchical Poisson factor analysis (H-PFA) model, to share information across patients having different types of cancer. To discover statistically significant associations, we combine Bayesian modeling with bootstrapping techniques and correct for multiple hypothesis testing.

Results

Using our approach, we empirically demonstrate that we can recover well-known associations in cancer literature. We compare the results of H-PFA with two other classical methods in the field: case-control (CC) setups, and linear mixed models (LMMs).
New Insights into the Genetic Diversity of the Bacterial Plant Pathogen ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ as Revealed by a New Multilocus Sequence Analysis Scheme
Authors: Hajri Ahmed , Cousseau-Suhard Pascaline , Gentit Pascal , Loiseau Marianne
Published: April 2019

‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) has emerged as a serious threat on solanaceous and apiaceous crops worldwide. Five Lso haplotypes (LsoA, LsoB, LsoC, LsoD and LsoE) have been identified so far. To decipher genetic relationships between Lso strains, a MLSA study of seven housekeeping genes (acnA, atpD, ftsZ, glnA, glyA, gnd and groEL) was performed on a representative bacterial collection of 49 Lso strains. In all, 5415 bp spanning the seven loci were obtained from each of the 49 strains of our bacterial collection. Analysis of sequence data was consistent with a clonal population structure with no evidence of recombination. Phylogenies reconstructed from individual genes, and with concatenated data, were globally congruent with each other. In addition to the five highly supported and distinct genetic clusters, which correspond to the five established haplotypes, our phylogenetic data revealed the presence of a sixth haplotype, designated ‘LsoG’. This new haplotype is currently represented by two strains from France which had distinct sequences in four out of the seven tested housekeeping genes. Altogether, the data presented here provide new information regarding the genetic structure of Lso and the evolutionary history of the haplotypes defined within this bacterial species.
C9orf72 Dipeptide Repeats Inhibit UPF1-Mediated RNA Decay Independent of Stress Granule Formation
Authors: Sun Yu , Eshov Aziz , Guo Junjie U.
Published: April 2019

Expansion of an intronic (GGGGCC)n repeat region within the C9orf72 gene is a major cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (c9ALS/FTD). A pathological hallmark in c9ALS/FTD is the accumulation of misprocessed RNAs, which are often targets of RNA surveillance pathways in normal cells. Here we show that nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) and other RNA decay mechanisms involving upstream frameshift 1 (UPF1), collectively referred to as UPF1-mediated RNA decay (UMD), are broadly inhibited in c9ALS/FTD brains. These effects are recapitulated in cultured cells by the ectopic expression of arginine-rich dipeptide repeats (DPRs), poly(GR) and poly(PR). Despite these two DPRs causing the recruitment of UPF1 to stress granules, stress granule formation is neither sufficient nor necessary for UMD inhibition. Our results suggest that UMD inhibition may accelerate the accumulation of deleterious RNAs and polypeptides in c9ALS/FTD.
Modelling the effect of compaction pressure on hysteresis curves of self-developed SMC cores
Authors: Jakubas Adam , Jastrzębski Radosław , Chwastek Krzysztof
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of varying compaction pressure on magnetic properties of self-developed soft magnetic composite (SMC) cores. The change in shape of ferromagnetic hysteresis curves has – in turn – the impact on the values of hysteresis model parameters. The phenomenological GRUCAD model is chosen for description of hysteresis curves.

Design/methodology/approach

Several cylinder-shaped cores have been made from a mixture of iron powder and suspense polyvinyl chloride using a hydraulic press with a form and a band with a thermocouple for controlling heat treatment conditions. The only varying parameter in the study is the compaction pressure. The magnetic properties of developed cores have been measured using a computer-acquisition card and LabView software. The obtained hysteresis curves are fitted to the equations of the phenomenological GRUCAD model. This description is compliant with the laws of irreversible thermodynamics. The variations of model parameters are presented as functions of compacting pressure.

Findings

The compaction pressure has a significant impact on magnetic properties of self-developed SMC cores. The paper provides a number of charts useful for checking how the parameters of the hysteresis model are affected.

Research limitations/implications

The present paper is limited to modelling symmetrical loops only. Description of more complex magnetization cycles is postponed to another, forthcoming paper.

Practical implications

The GRUCAD hysteresis model may be a useful tool for the designers of magnetic circuits. Its parameters depend on the processing conditions (in this study – the compaction pressure) of the SMC cores.

Originality/value

Modelling of magnetic properties of SMC cores has been carried so far using some well-known description like Preisach, Takács and Jiles–Atherton proposals. The GRUCAD model has a number of advantages, and it may be a useful alternative to the latter formalism. So far it has been used for description of hysteresis curves in conventional materials like non-oriented and grain-oriented electrical steels. In the present work, it is applied to novel SMC materials.
Flavor halos andconsumer perceptions offood healthfulness
Authors: Pham Nguyen , Morrin Maureen , Bublitz Melissa G.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how repeated exposure to health-related products that contain flavors (e.g. cherry-flavored cough syrup) create “flavor halos” that can bias perceptions about the healthfulness of foods that contain the same flavors (e.g. cherry-flavored cheesecake).

Design/methodology/approach

Six experiments, using both between- and within-subjects designs, explore the effects of flavor halos in hypothetical and actual consumption settings. They test the underlying mechanism, rule out competing explanations and identify an opportunity to correct the cognitive biases created by flavor halos.

Findings

Flavor halos can be created via repeated exposure to flavored medicinal products in the marketplace. These flavor halos bias dieters’ judgments about the healthfulness of vice foods containing such flavors. Dieters are motivated toward a directional conclusion about food healthfulness to mediate the guilt associated with consuming indulgent products. Providing dieters with corrective information mitigates these effects.

Research limitations/implications

The authors examine one way flavor halos are created –via repeated exposure to flavored medicinal products. Future research should explore other ways flavor halos are created and other ways to mitigate their effects.

Practical implications

Considering the prevalence of obesity, organizations striving to help consumers pursue health goals (e.g. weight watchers) can use flavors to improve dietary compliance. Health-care organizations can help consumers understand and correct the cognitive biases associated with flavor halos.

Originality/value

By identifying flavor halos, this work adds to the literature investigating how flavors influence consumers’ judgments about healthfulness. The results suggest dieters apply flavor halos as they engage in motivated reasoning to license their indulgent desires.
Seasonal anomalies in the market for American depository receipts
Authors: Lobão Júlio
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The literature provides extensive evidence for seasonality in stock market returns, but is almost non-existent concerning the potential seasonality in American depository receipts (ADRs). To fill this gap, this paper aims to examine a number of seasonal effects in the market for ADRs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines four ADRs for the period from April 1999 to March 2017 to look for signs of eight important seasonal anomalies. The authors follow the standard methodology of using dummy variables for the time period of interest to capture excess returns. For comparison, the same analysis on two US stock market indices is conducted.

Findings

The results show the presence of a highly significant pre-holiday effect in all return series, which does not seem to be justified by risk. Moreover, turn-of-the-month effects, monthly effects and day-of-the-week effects were detected in some of the ADRs. The seasonality patterns under analysis tended to be stronger in emerging market-based ADRs.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, the results show that significant seasonal patterns were present in the price dynamics of ADRs. Moreover, the findings lend support to the idea that emerging markets are less efficient than developed stock markets.

Originality/value

This is the most comprehensive study to date for indication of seasonal anomalies in the market for ADRs. The authors use an extensive sample that includes recent significant financial events such as the 2007/2008 financial crisis and consider ADRs with different characteristics, which allows to draw comparisons between the differential price dynamics arising in developed market-based ADRs and in the ADRs whose underlying securities are traded in emerging markets.
An empirical investigation of determinants of sustainability report assurance in France
Authors: Mnif Sellami Yosra , Dammak Ben Hlima Nada , Jarboui Anis
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aims at providing a proof of the factors associated with sustainability assurance demand by French companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used panel data methodology.

Findings

The study results demonstrate that institutional ownership and the presence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee within the management board have an effect on the demand for sustainability assurance. The results also reveal that three types of stakeholders (employees, environment and customers) positively affect the demand of voluntary sustainability assurance.

Originality/value

The paper provides a preliminary proof on the effects of the governance of corporation and pressure of some groups of stakeholders on the voluntary demand of sustainability assurance in France.
The effect of board and audit committee effectiveness on internal control disclosure under different regulatory environments in South Asia
Authors: Ashfaq Khurram , Rui Zhang
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the internal control disclosure (ICDISC) practices in South Asia and compare those disclosure practices across enforced setting (India) versus comply or explain setting (Pakistan and Bangladesh). Further, whether the audit firm size moderates the relationship between ICDISC practices and board & audit committee effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve these objectives, a sample of 100 non-financial companies was selected from Pakistan and India for three years’ period (2013-2015), whereas 93 companies were selected from Bangladesh based on market capitalization. The ICDISC index has been used which is based on the COSO framework.

Findings

Results of univariate analysis show that public sector companies in South Asia tend to disclose significantly more internal control information as compared to private sector companies. In terms of enforcement variable, the results of Mann–Whitney test show that companies listed in enforced setting have disclosed significantly greater extent of overall as well as individual categories of ICDISC as compared to companies listed in comply or explain setting. Based on multivariate analysis results for overall sample, it was found that board and audit committee characteristics and ownership by government have positive significant effect on ICDISC except representation of female or foreigner on audit committee which was found negatively significant. In addition to this, listing on foreign stock exchange and enforcement effect emerged as significant variables to influence ICDISC. Finally, the results of additional analysis state that the role of board and audit committee for influencing ICDISC has been moderated by the external auditor size in South Asia. In addition, enforcement variable is highly positively significant for companies having non-big four audit firm.

Research limitations/implications

These results imply that enforcement variable acts as an important alternative external control mechanism when companies do not have big four audit firm as their external auditors.

Originality/value

This is very first study on ICDISC in South Asia which explores the effect of enforcement and governance on ICDISC practices of firms. It also contributes toward the literature that the regulation on reporting of internal control can be effective in developing country only if there is strong penalty for non-compliance by regulatory authorities.
The role of operational stickiness in impacting new venture survival
Authors: Shi Yingjie , Zhu Xuechang , Zhang Shuaishuai , Lin Yu
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the existence of operational stickiness, and explores the relationship between operational stickiness and the likelihood of survival. Furthermore, the authors investigate this relationship in different manufacturing industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a large sample of more than 200,000 new manufacturing small and medium enterprises between 2000 and 2013 in China, the authors use the survival analysis method to investigate the non-linear relationship between operational stickiness and the likelihood of survival.

Findings

The authors demonstrate the existence of operational stickiness, such as inventory stickiness, property, plant, and equipment (PPE) stickiness, and labor stickiness. Next, the authors find the inverted U-shaped relationship between operational stickiness and the likelihood of survival. Furthermore, the authors document the differential effect of operational stickiness on the likelihood of survival in different industries.

Practical implications

Managers can improve the firm’s likelihood of survival by maintaining a moderate inventory stickiness and PPE stickiness. However, managers should not adopt sticky labor management in manufacturing industries.

Originality/value

This paper may be the first study to demonstrate the existence of operational stickiness, and confirm the inverted U-shaped relationship between operational stickiness and the likelihood of survival.