bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward the detection of the triatomic negative ion SPN−: Spectroscopy and potential energy surfaces
Authors: Trabelsi Tarek , Hochlaf Majdi , Francisco Joseph S.
Published: April 2018

High level theoretical calculations using coupled-cluster theory were performed to provide an accurate description of the electronic structure, spectroscopic properties, and stability of the triatomic negative ion comprising S, N, and P. The adiabatic electron affinities (AEAs) and vertical detachment energies (VDEs) of PNS, SPN, PSN, and cyc-PSN were calculated. The predicted AEA and VDE of the linear SPN isomer are large: 2.24 and 3.04 eV, respectively. The potential energy surfaces (PESs) of the lowest-lying electronic states of the SPN− isomer along the PN and SP bond lengths and bond angle were mapped. A set of spectroscopic parameters for SPN−, PNS−, and PSN− in their electronic ground states is obtained from the 3D PESs to help detect these species in the gas phase. The electronic excited state SPN−(12A″) is predicted to be stable with a long lifetime calculated to be 189.7 μs. The formation of SPN− in its electronic ground state through the bimolecular collision between S− + PN and N + PS− is also discussed.
In vitro regeneration from leaf-base segments in three genotypes of Urochloa spp.
Authors: Yaguinuma Diliane Harumi , Takamori Luciana Midori , Mendonça de Oliveira Adriana , Vieira Luiz Gonzaga Esteves , Ribas Alessandra Ferreira
Published: April 2018

The key agricultural species of Urochloa P.Beauv. (signal grass), important as tropical forage grasses, are characterised by asexual seed formation (apomixis), and this presents a challenge for breeding programs. Biotechnological approaches could be an option to develop improved cultivars. We evaluated the regenerative potential from three commercial genotypes, U. brizantha cv. Marandu, U. decumbens cv. Basilisk and U. ruziziensis cv. Ruziziensis, by using leaf-base segments as explants. We tested two auxins (2,4-D and picloram) and one cytokinin (TDZ) at four concentrations (1, 2, 3 and 4 mg L–1). Seeds were scarified, peeled and disinfected before inoculation on half-strength MS media in the dark for 14 days. Leaf-base explants were sectioned in thin slices and inoculated into the media. We analysed the number of primary calluses, number of calluses with shoots clusters and the average of regenerated plants. The lowest concentration of auxins tested (1 mg L–1) yielded the highest number of regenerated plants for Marandú and Basilisk, whereas the optimum for Ruziziensis was 2 mg L–1. Medium with higher concentrations of TDZ (4 mg L–1) was required to produce high frequency of plants for all genotypes. Explants cultured on media with TDZ produced very few calluses. These results indicate that the auxins and cytokinin tested can induce plant regeneration from Urochloa leaf-base segments, and may be used to produce transgenic plants in genetic transformation studies.
Cognitive and geographic constraints on morphosyntactic variation
Authors: Claes Jeroen
Published: April 2018

In this paper, I examine whether the variation patterns ofhaberpluralization (e.g.,hubo/hubieron fiestas‘there was/were parties’) in Peninsular Spanish corroborate the hypothesis elaborated in earlier work that the phenomenon constitutes a competition between two variants of the presentational construction withhaberthat is constrained by domain-general cognitive constraints on spreading activation. In addition, this paper examines whetherhaberpluralization is incrementing in frequency in particular Peninsular regions and whether or not the phenomenon is spreading geographically. To meet these objectives, I analyze a dataset of more than 7,500 cases ofhaber + plural NP, which were culled from two publicly available data sources: theCorpus Oral y Sonoro del Español Rural(which represents only rural speakers born before the 1940s;Fernández-Ordóñez 2005-) andTwitter(which represents mainly young and middle-aged speakers). The results of a mixed-effects logistic regression analysis that tests the effects of tense, the absence/presence of negation, typical action-chain position of the noun, the regional origin of the examples, and the data sources support the competition hypothesis. This model also supports that pluralizedhaberis spreading westward from its epicenters (Valencia, Barcelona, and Murcia), while also incrementing in frequency in northern, eastern and southern Spain. However, its frequency appears to be declining in central Spain. A geographically more detailed, but similar picture is obtained with three generalized additive mixed models that test the effects of geography on the total dataset as well as on each of the two subcorpora.
Expanding the causative alternation
Authors: Mangialavori Rasia Eugenia
Published: April 2018

The causative-inchoative alternation has been a subject of much debate. It might also be a case where variation patterns that escape existing typological descriptions provide a new perspective on the problem. We analyze the variability and systematicity of alternative argument structure realizations, together with corresponding aspectual/event properties, by considering three different ways in which change-of-state verbs can be semantically and syntactically construed in Romance. Under the general assumption that the syntactic projection of arguments correlates non-trivially with event structure, we apply a novel theoretical approach to the semantics and syntax of the causative-inchoative alternation. We argue that different verbal heads can be independently combined to yield contrasting verbal configurations, with corresponding event/argument structure properties quite freely. Alongside standard cases such as causative and inchoative frames, we discuss what we call ‘stative-causative constructions’ [SCC], where the initiator appears as the sole argument. The general properties of this additional (third) variant suggest the availability of a null causative (external-argument-selecting) v0producing original monoargumental structures with corresponding (simpler) event structure. These little-known Spanish data challenge current argument structure theories assuming that the causative v0necessarily implicates the eventive (BECOME) component, or that the latter figures in the verb’s permanent lexical entry. SCCs provide empirical evidence suggesting that what is commonly described as a basic unaccusative/transitive verb may have unergative uses.
Exploring the Left Dislocation construction by means of multiple linear regression
Authors: Tizón-Couto David
Published: April 2018

This study deals with the complexity of left-dislocated [LDed] noun phrases in the Modern English period (1500–1914). The purpose is twofold: to estimate the effects of a number of theoretically relevant predictors on complexity, operationalized as word-length, and to explore whether shorter LDed NPs, which are characteristic of contemporary spoken English, symbolize the claimed ‘orality’ of earlier speech-related texts. Multiple linear regression is employed in order to assess the correlation between complexity and factors relating to both the context (e.g. genre) and the inner configuration (e.g. augmentation of the LDed constituent) of the tokens extracted from the Penn-Helsinki suite of corpora. The results confirm that shorter LDed items more closely match the characterization previously offered for contemporary spoken Left Dislocation. The results also provide preliminary insight into the accommodation strategies that might facilitate the resumption of heavier LDed NPs. As regards genre, speech-purposed and mixed texts feature a higher relative rate of shorter LDed elements. Thus, if shorter LDed NPs are more closely connected with the spoken variant, it is in speech-purposed and mixed genres where they might be claimed to constitute a trait of orality that is deliberately employed by writers in order to reproduce conversation. Surprisingly, speech-like genres do not include LDed items as often, and these are just as complex as those attested in writing-related texts.
Do the Youth Olympic Games promote Olympism? Analysing a mission (im)possible from a local youth perspective
Authors: Schnitzer Martin , Walde Janette , Scheiber Sabrina , Nagiller Roman , Tappeiner Gottfried
Published: April 2018

On the basis of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG), we assess if and how the youth in the communities of the YOG host cities have been influenced concerning their perception of the Olympic values (OV) and the Olympic movement (OM). Special attention of the study is paid to the analysis of intervention mechanisms which the local youth underwent (e.g. attending the YOG on‐site, participating in school programmes). Our study was conducted among 1004 adolescents living in the host region three years after the Innsbruck 2012 YOG had been staged. Our analyses extend the corresponding literature by (1) showing that the YOG and the involvement of the local youth in such an event have the power of creating an interest in the OM and its events, but do not have the power to influence the young citizens’ perception of the OV significantly; (2) illustrating that the perception adolescents have of the OV depend mainly on their socio‐demographic background, their a priori interest in sports events, social capital (norms, institutional trust) and the extent to which the youngsters follow the event in the different media; and (3) corroborating the hypothesis that intervention programmes (e.g. school programmes) for promoting (Olympic) values and ideals should not be single, obligatory and isolated activities. We conclude that it is not surprising that the International Olympic Committee has reformulated the goals for the YOG in the Olympic Agenda 2020, as some goals relating to the promotion of the OV might have been a mission impossible.
Superresolution imaging of Drosophila tissues using expansion microscopy
Authors: Jiang Nan , Kim Hyeon-Jin , Chozinski Tyler J. , Azpurua Jorge E. , Eaton Benjamin A. , Vaughan Joshua C. , Parrish Jay Z.
Published: April 2018

The limited resolving power of conventional diffraction-limited microscopy hinders analysis of small, densely packed structural elements in cells. Expansion microscopy (ExM) provides an elegant solution to this problem, allowing for increased resolution with standard microscopes via physical expansion of the specimen in a swellable polymer hydrogel. Here, we apply, validate, and optimize ExM protocols that enable the study of Drosophila embryos, larval brains, and larval and adult body walls. We achieve a lateral resolution of ∼70 nm in Drosophila tissues using a standard confocal microscope, and we use ExM to analyze fine intracellular structures and intercellular interactions. First, we find that ExM reveals features of presynaptic active zone (AZ) structure that are observable with other superresolution imaging techniques but not with standard confocal microscopy. We further show that synapses known to exhibit age-dependent changes in activity also exhibit age-dependent changes in AZ structure. Finally, we use the significantly improved axial resolution of ExM to show that dendrites of somatosensory neurons are inserted into epithelial cells at a higher frequency than previously reported in confocal microscopy studies. Altogether, our study provides a foundation for the application of ExM to Drosophila tissues and underscores the importance of tissue-specific optimization of ExM procedures.
The degradation pathway of a model misfolded protein is determined by aggregation propensity
Authors: Sun Zhihao , Brodsky Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2018

Protein homeostasis in the secretory pathway is maintained by a hierarchy of quality control checkpoints, including endoplasmic reticulum–associated degradation (ERAD), which leads to the destruction of misfolded proteins in the ER, as well as post-ER proteolysis. Although most aberrant proteins are degraded by ERAD, some misfolded proteins escape the ER and are degraded instead by lysosomal/vacuolar proteases. To date, it remains unclear how misfolded membrane proteins are selected for these different fates. Here we designed a novel model substrate, SZ*, to investigate how substrate selection is mediated in yeast. We discovered that SZ* is degraded by both the proteasome and vacuolar proteases, the latter of which occurs after ER exit and requires the multivesicular body pathway. By interrogating how various conditions affect the fate of SZ*, we also discovered that heat-shock and substrate overexpression increase ERAD targeting. These conditions also increase substrate aggregation. We next found that aggregation of the membrane-free misfolded domain in SZ* is concentration dependent, and fusion of this misfolded domain to a post-ER quality control substrate instead targets the substrate for ERAD. Our data indicate that a misfolded membrane protein with a higher aggregation propensity is preferentially retained in the ER and targeted for ERAD.
Deep reinforcement learning of cell movement in the early stage of C.elegans embryogenesis
Authors: Wang Zi , Wang Dali , Li Chengcheng , Xu Yichi , Li Husheng , Bao Zhirong
Published: April 2018

Motivation

Cell movement in the early phase of Caenorhabditis elegans development is regulated by a highly complex process in which a set of rules and connections are formulated at distinct scales. Previous efforts have demonstrated that agent-based, multi-scale modeling systems can integrate physical and biological rules and provide new avenues to study developmental systems. However, the application of these systems to model cell movement is still challenging and requires a comprehensive understanding of regulatory networks at the right scales. Recent developments in deep learning and reinforcement learning provide an unprecedented opportunity to explore cell movement using 3D time-lapse microscopy images.

Results

We present a deep reinforcement learning approach within an agent-based modeling system to characterize cell movement in the embryonic development of C.elegans. Our modeling system captures the complexity of cell movement patterns in the embryo and overcomes the local optimization problem encountered by traditional rule-based, agent-based modeling that uses greedy algorithms. We tested our model with two real developmental processes: the anterior movement of the Cpaaa cell via intercalation and the rearrangement of the superficial left-right asymmetry. In the first case, the model results suggested that Cpaaa’s intercalation is an active directional cell movement caused by the continuous effects from a longer distance (farther than the length of two adjacent cells), as opposed to a passive movement caused by neighbor cell movements. In the second case, a leader-follower mechanism well explained the collective cell movement pattern in the asymmetry rearrangement. These results showed that our approach to introduce deep reinforcement learning into agent-based modeling can test regulatory mechanisms by exploring cell migration paths in a reverse engineering perspective. This model opens new doors to explore the large datasets generated by live imaging.

Availability and implementation

Source code is available at https://github.com/zwang84/drl4cellmovement.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Exact Bayesian inference for phylogenetic birth-death models
Authors: Parag Kris V , Pybus Oliver G
Published: April 2018

Motivation

Inferring the rates of change of a population from a reconstructed phylogeny of genetic sequences is a central problem in macro-evolutionary biology, epidemiology and many other disciplines. A popular solution involves estimating the parameters of a birth-death process (BDP), which links the shape of the phylogeny to its birth and death rates. Modern BDP estimators rely on random Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling to infer these rates. Such methods, while powerful and scalable, cannot be guaranteed to converge, leading to results that may be hard to replicate or difficult to validate.

Results

We present a conceptually and computationally different parametric BDP inference approach using flexible and easy to implement Snyder filter (SF) algorithms. This method is deterministic so its results are provable, guaranteed and reproducible. We validate the SF on constant rate BDPs and find that it solves BDP likelihoods known to produce robust estimates. We then examine more complex BDPs with time-varying rates. Our estimates compare well with a recently developed parametric MCMC inference method. Lastly, we perform model selection on an empirical Agamid species phylogeny, obtaining results consistent with the literature. The SF makes no approximations, beyond those required for parameter quantization and numerical integration and directly computes the posterior distribution of model parameters. It is a promising alternative inference algorithm that may serve either as a standalone Bayesian estimator or as a useful diagnostic reference for validating more involved MCMC strategies.

Availability and implementation

The Snyder filter is implemented in Matlab and the time-varying BDP models are simulated in R. The source code and data are freely available at https://github.com/kpzoo/snyder-birth-death-code.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
MetaboDiff: an R package for differential metabolomic analysis
Authors: Mock Andreas , Warta Rolf , Dettling Steffen , Brors Benedikt , Jäger Dirk , Herold-Mende Christel
Published: April 2018

Comparative metabolomics comes of age through commercial vendors offering metabolomics for translational researchers outside the mass spectrometry field. The MetaboDiff packages aims to provide a low-level entry to differential metabolomic analysis with R by starting off with the table of metabolite measurements. As a key functionality, MetaboDiffs offers the exploration of sample traits in a data-derived metabolic correlation network.

Availability and implementation

The MetaboDiff R package is platform-independent, available at http://github.com/andreasmock/MetaboDiff/ and released under the MIT licence. The package documentation comprises a step-by-step markdown tutorial.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
RBind: computational network method to predict RNA binding sites
Authors: Wang Kaili , Jian Yiren , Wang Huiwen , Zeng Chen , Zhao Yunjie
Published: April 2018

Motivation

Non-coding RNA molecules play essential roles by interacting with other molecules to perform various biological functions. However, it is difficult to determine RNA structures due to their flexibility. At present, the number of experimentally solved RNA–ligand and RNA–protein structures is still insufficient. Therefore, binding sites prediction of non-coding RNA is required to understand their functions.

Results

Current RNA binding site prediction algorithms produce many false positive nucleotides that are distance away from the binding sites. Here, we present a network approach, RBind, to predict the RNA binding sites. We benchmarked RBind in RNA–ligand and RNA–protein datasets. The average accuracy of 0.82 in RNA–ligand and 0.63 in RNA–protein testing showed that this network strategy has a reliable accuracy for binding sites prediction.

Availability and implementation

The codes and datasets are available at https://zhaolab.com.cn/RBind.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Sequential rank agreement methods for comparison of ranked lists
Authors: Ekstrøm Claus Thorn , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Jensen Andreas Kryger
Published: April 2018

The comparison of alternative rankings of a set of items is a general and common task in applied statistics. Predictor variables are ranked according to magnitude of association with an outcome, prediction models rank subjects according to the personalized risk of an event, and genetic studies rank genes according to their difference in gene expression levels. We propose a sequential rank agreement measure to quantify the rank agreement among two or more ordered lists. This measure has an intuitive interpretation, it can be applied to any number of lists even if some are partially incomplete, and it provides information about the agreement along the lists. The sequential rank agreement can be evaluated analytically or be compared graphically to a permutation based reference set in order to identify changes in the list agreements. The usefulness of this measure is illustrated using gene rankings, and using data from two Danish ovarian cancer studies where we assess the within and between agreement of different statistical classification methods.
Is the plasma aldosterone-to-renin ratio associated with blood pressure response to treatment in general practice?
Authors: Käyser Sabine C , Schalk Bianca W M , de Grauw Wim J C , Schermer Tjard R , Akkermans Reinier P , Lenders Jacques W M , Deinum Jaap , Biermans Marion C J
Published: April 2018

Background

Individualized antihypertensive treatment based on specific biomarkers such as renin may lead to more effective blood pressure control in patients with newly diagnosed essential hypertension. Recent studies suggested that the plasma aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) may also be a candidate predictor for this purpose.

Objective

To assess whether the ARR is associated with the blood pressure response to antihypertensive treatment in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study in primary care, we determined the ARR in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension prior to starting treatment. Treatment was categorized in five groups: no medication, use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker, use of calcium channel blocker, use of diuretic, or use of beta blocker. We examined the relation between the ARR and blood pressure response within 1 year of treatment, taking into account the type of antihypertensive treatment and adjusting for gender, age, baseline blood pressure, and comorbidity.

Results

Out of 304 patients, we used 947 measurements (727 no medication, 220 medication) for analysis. There was no association between the ARR and the response in blood pressure, and this applied to each treatment group. Target blood pressure, defined as systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg, was reached in 31% of patients. There was no association between the ARR and reaching target blood pressure (OR 1.002, 95% CI 0.983–1.022).

Conclusion

The ARR is not associated with the response in blood pressure within 1 year of antihypertensive treatment in primary care.
Chromosome-scale assembly of the Monopterus genome
Authors: Zhao Xueya , Luo Majing , Li Zhigang , Zhong Pei , Cheng Yibin , Lai Fengling , Wang Xin , Min Jiumeng , Bai Mingzhou , Yang Yulan , Cheng Hanhua , Zhou Rongjia
Published: April 2018

Background

The teleost fish Monopterus albus is emerging as a new model for biological studies due to its natural sex transition and small genome, in addition to its enormous economic and potential medical value. However, no genomic information for the Monopterus is currently available.

Findings

Here, we sequenced and de novo assembled the genome of M. albus and report the de novochromosome assembly by FISH walking assisted by conserved synteny (Cafs). Using Cafs, 328 scaffolds were assembled into 12 chromosomes, which covered genomic sequences of 555 Mb, accounting for 81.3% of the sequences assembled in scaffolds (~689 Mb). A total of 18 ,660 genes were mapped on the chromosomes and showed a nonrandom distribution along chromosomes.

Conclusions

We report the first reference genome of the Monopterus and provide an efficient Cafs strategy for a de novo chromosome-level assembly of the Monopterus genome, which provides a valuable resource, not only for further studies in genetics, evolution, and development, particularly sex determination, but also for breed improvement of the species.
Is Cancer History Associated With Assets, Debt, and Net Worth in the United States?
Authors: Doroudi Maryam , Coughlan Diarmuid , Banegas Matthew P , Han Xuesong , Robin Yabroff K
Published: April 2018

Background

Financial hardships experienced by cancer survivors have become a prominent public health issue in the United States. Few studies of financial hardship have assessed financial holdings, including assets, debts, and their values, associated with a cancer history.

Methods

Using the 2008–2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, we identified 1603 cancer survivors and 34 915 individuals age 18–64 years without a cancer history to assess associations between self-reported cancer history and assets, debts, and net worth. Distributions of self-reported asset and debt ownership, their values, and net worth were compared for adults with and without a cancer history with chi-square statistics. Multivariable ordered probit regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between cancer history and net worth using a two-sided Wald test. All analyses were stratified by age group (18–34, 35–44, 45–54, and 55–64 years). Statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

Among those age 45–54 years, cancer survivors had a lower proportion of home ownership than individuals without a cancer history (59.0% vs 67.1%, P = .0014) and were statistically significantly more likely to have negative net worth (≤–$3000) and less likely to have positive net worth (≥$3000). Cancer survivors were more likely to have debt than individuals without a cancer history, especially among those age 18–34 years (41.3% vs 27.1%, P < .001).

Conclusions

Cancer history is associated with lower asset ownership, more debt, and lower net worth, especially in survivors age 45–54 years. Longitudinal studies of financial holdings will be important to inform development of interventions to reduce financial hardship.
Oxytocin Reduces Cigarette Consumption in Daily Smokers
Authors: Van Hedger Kathryne , Kushner Meredith J , Lee Royce , de Wit Harriet
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Despite widespread knowledge of the dangers of cigarette consumption, smoking continues to be a public health concern. One compound that has shown potential for treatment in preclinical models is the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT). The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of intranasal oxytocin on cigarette craving, behavioral economic demand for cigarettes, and cigarette consumption, in regular smokers after 18 hours of abstinence.

Method

Otherwise healthy daily smokers (n = 35) completed two sessions where they received OT (40 IU intranasal) or placebo (PBO) and completed measures of craving and cigarette demand, and they were given six opportunities to smoke partial cigarettes in exchange for money.

Results

On average participants smoked few cigarettes after receiving OT than after receiving PBO, and they reported less desire for additional cigarettes during the smoking period. OT did not affect cigarette demand or standardized measures of cigarette craving.

Conclusions

This study suggests that OT decreases some indices of smoking desire and consumption, providing modest support for the idea that OT might be effective for reducing cigarette smoking.

Implications

This study provides new evidence that oxytocin might have clinical value in the treatment of addictive disorders, in this case tobacco addiction. The study adds to a growing literature suggesting that this neuropeptide, which is mainly known for its role in social bonding and attachment, may also affect mood and motivational states relevant to addiction.
Health Care Utilization Behaviors Predict Disengagement From HIV Care: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Okeke Nwora Lance , Clement Meredith E , McKellar Mehri S , Stout Jason E
Published: April 2018

Background

The traditional definition of engagement in HIV care in terms of only clinic attendance and viral suppression provides a limited understanding of how persons living with HIV (PLWH) interact with the health care system.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with ≥1 HIV clinic visits at the Duke Adult Infectious Diseases Clinic between 2008 and 2013. Health care utilization was characterized by 4 indicators: clinic attendance in each half of the year (yes/no), number of emergency department (ED) visits/year (0, 1, or 2+), inpatient admissions/year (0, 1, 2+), and viral suppression (never, intermittent, always). Health care engagement patterns were modeled using latent class/latent transition analysis.

Results. 

A total of 2288 patients (median age, 46.4 years; 59% black, 71% male) were included in the analysis. Three care engagement classes were derived from the latent class model: “adherent” “nonadherent,” and “sick.” Patients age ≤40 years were more likely to be in the nonadherent class (odds ratio, 2.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.38–5.04) than other cohort members. Whites and males were more likely to transition from nonadherent to adherent the following year. Nonadherent patients were significantly more likely to disengage from care the subsequent year than adherent patients (23.6 vs 0.2%, P < .001).

Conclusions

A broader definition of health care engagement revealed distinct and dynamic patterns among PLWH that would have been hidden had only previous HIV clinic attendance had been considered. These patterns may be useful for designing engagement-targeted interventions.
Reduction of Peripartum Racial and Ethnic Disparities
Authors: Howell Elizabeth A. , Brown Haywood , Brumley Jessica , Bryant Allison S. , Caughey Aaron B. , Cornell Andria M. , Grant Jacqueline H. , Gregory Kimberly D. , Gullo Susan M. , Kozhimannil Katy B. , Mhyre Jill M. , Toledo Paloma , D'Oria Robyn , Ngoh Martha , Grobman William A.
Published: April 2018

Racial and ethnic disparities exist in both perinatal outcomes and health care quality. For example, black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes and have more than a twofold greater risk of severe maternal morbidity than white women. In an effort to achieve health equity in maternal morbidity and mortality, a multidisciplinary workgroup of the National Partnership for Maternal Safety, within the Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care, developed a concept article for the bundle on reduction of peripartum disparities. We aimed to provide health care providers and health systems with insight into racial and ethnic disparities in maternal outcomes, the etiologies that are modifiable within a health care system, and resources that can be used to address these etiologies and achieve the desired end of safe and equitable health care for all childbearing women.
Evolution of clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis
Authors: van de Sande Marleen G.H. , van Vollenhoven Ronald F.
Published: April 2018

Purpose of review

The present review presents an overview of the evolution in trial design from mainly randomized placebo-controlled efficacy trials to more strategic clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis. Additionally, it relates to how these differently designed trials have affected clinical practice.

Recent findings

Placebo-controlled clinical trials, comparing a new agent to placebo on a stable background, have resulted in the development of a wide array of therapeutic agents in rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis. However, these kind of trials do have some down sides as they do not provide evidence on the optimal strategy to use this multitude of treatments in daily clinical practice and the ethics concerning a placebo phase are often discussed. These and other concerns resulted in the emergence of various different types of trials in rheumatoid arthritis. A similar change of focus is now observed in spondyloarthritis clinical trials. We address literature on direct comparison (’head-to-head’), noninferiority trials, induction-maintenance, discontinuation, and treat-to-target/tight control clinical trials.

In recent years various clinical trials have been published with a design different from placebo-controlled clinical trials. These novel trial designs aimed to provide guidance on the optimal way to use the full range of targeted treatments available and to make it possible, in some design, to leave out the placebo. In rheumatoid arthritis, some of these more strategic type of trials have had a large impact on common practice. In spondyloarthritis, the first steps toward trials with a more strategic design have been taken, and it stands to reason that more will follow
Epidemiology and Impact of Health Care Provider–Diagnosed Anxiety and Depression Among US Children
Authors: Bitsko Rebecca H. , Holbrook Joseph R. , Ghandour Reem M. , Blumberg Stephen J. , Visser Susanna N. , Perou Ruth , Walkup John T.
Published: April 2018

Objective:

This study documents the prevalence and impact of anxiety and depression in US children based on the parent report of health care provider diagnosis.

Methods:

National Survey of Children's Health data from 2003, 2007, and 2011–2012 were analyzed to estimate the prevalence of anxiety or depression among children aged 6 to 17 years. Estimates were based on the parent report of being told by a health care provider that their child had the specified condition. Sociodemographic characteristics, co-occurrence of other conditions, health care use, school measures, and parenting aggravation were estimated using 2011–2012 data.

Results:

Based on the parent report, lifetime diagnosis of anxiety or depression among children aged 6 to 17 years increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8.4% in 2011–2012. Current anxiety or depression increased from 4.7% in 2007 to 5.3% in 2011–2012; current anxiety increased significantly, whereas current depression did not change. Anxiety and depression were associated with increased risk of co-occurring conditions, health care use, school problems, and having parents with high parenting aggravation. Children with anxiety or depression with effective care coordination or a medical home were less likely to have unmet health care needs or parents with high parenting aggravation.

Conclusion:

By parent report, more than 1 in 20 US children had current anxiety or depression in 2011–2012. Both were associated with significant comorbidity and impact on children and families. These findings may inform efforts to improve the health and well-being of children with internalizing disorders. Future research is needed to determine why child anxiety diagnoses seem to have increased from 2007 to 2012.
Possible Ameliorative Effect of Ivabradine on the Autonomic and Left Ventricular Dysfunction Induced by Doxorubicin in Male Rats
Authors: El-Naggar Amany E. , El-Gowilly Sahar M. , Sharabi Fouad M.
Published: April 2018

Heart failure is a common adverse effect associated with doxorubicin treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of ivabradine treatment on doxorubicin-induced heart failure in conscious rats. Rats were treated with doxorubicin (2.5 mg/kg/d) or ivabradine (10 mg/kg/d) alone or along with doxorubicin injections. Changes in heart rate variability (HRV), baroreflex sensitivity, left ventricular (LV) function, serum cardiac troponin T, and cardiac histological features were taken as index parameters for the development of heart failure. Ivabradine significantly reduced the elevated heart rate; normalized the parameters of LV function, dP/dtmax and the relaxation time constant (Tau); reduced the elevated serum level of cardiac troponin T; and minimized the cardiac structural abnormalities in doxorubicin-treated rats. Moreover, ivabradine significantly increased the diminished time domain parameters of HRV, SDNN and rMSSD, and decreased the elevated low frequency power and the low frequency/high frequency while having no effect on the reduced high frequency power. Consistently, ivabradine significantly lowered the elevated baroreflex sensitivity measured by sodium nitroprusside. In conclusion, ivabradine ameliorated the LV dysfunction induced by doxorubicin. Moreover, ivabradine increased the overall HRV and restored the autonomic balance by reducing the sympathetic over activation. Therefore, ivabradine may have a possible therapeutic potential against doxorubicin-induced heart failure.
Probability Distribution of Dose and Dose-Rate Effectiveness Factor for use in Estimating Risks of Solid Cancers From Exposure to Low-Let Radiation
Authors: Kocher David C. , Apostoaei A. Iulian , Hoffman F. Owen , Trabalka John R.
Published: April 2018

This paper presents an analysis to develop a subjective state-of-knowledge probability distribution of a dose and dose-rate effectiveness factor for use in estimating risks of solid cancers from exposure to low linear energy transfer radiation (photons or electrons) whenever linear dose responses from acute and chronic exposure are assumed. A dose and dose-rate effectiveness factor represents an assumption that the risk of a solid cancer per Gy at low acute doses or low dose rates of low linear energy transfer radiation, R
L, differs from the risk per Gy at higher acute doses, R
H; R
L is estimated as R
H divided by a dose and dose-rate effectiveness factor, where R
H is estimated from analyses of dose responses in Japanese atomic-bomb survivors. A probability distribution to represent uncertainty in a dose and dose-rate effectiveness factor for solid cancers was developed from analyses of epidemiologic data on risks of incidence or mortality from all solid cancers as a group or all cancers excluding leukemias, including (1) analyses of possible nonlinearities in dose responses in atomic-bomb survivors, which give estimates of a low-dose effectiveness factor, and (2) comparisons of risks in radiation workers or members of the public from chronic exposure to low linear energy transfer radiation at low dose rates with risks in atomic-bomb survivors, which give estimates of a dose-rate effectiveness factor. Probability distributions of uncertain low-dose effectiveness factors and dose-rate effectiveness factors for solid cancer incidence and mortality were combined using assumptions about the relative weight that should be assigned to each estimate to represent its relevance to estimation of a dose and dose-rate effectiveness factor. The probability distribution of a dose and dose-rate effectiveness factor for solid cancers developed in this study has a median (50th percentile) and 90% subjective confidence interval of 1.3 (0.47, 3.6). The harmonic mean is 1.1, which implies that the arithmetic mean of an uncertain estimate of the risk of a solid cancer per Gy at low acute doses or low dose rates of low linear energy transfer radiation is only about 10% less than the mean risk per Gy at higher acute doses. Data were also evaluated to define a low acute dose or low dose rate of low linear energy transfer radiation, i.e., a dose or dose rate below which a dose and dose-rate effectiveness factor should be applied in estimating risks of solid cancers.
SURGICAL OUTCOMES AFTER INVERTED INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE FLAP VERSUS CONVENTIONAL PEELING FOR VERY LARGE MACULAR HOLES
Authors: Narayanan Raja , Singh Sumit R. , Taylor Stanford , Berrocal Maria H. , Chhablani Jay , Tyagi Mudit , Ohno-Matsui Kyoko , Pappuru Rajeev R. , Apte Rajendra S.
Published: April 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the anatomical and visual outcomes of inverted flap technique of peeling of internal limiting membrane (ILM) versus standard peeling of ILM for macular holes of basal diameter more than 800 μm.

Methods:

Patients with very large idiopathic macular holes more than 800 μm in basal diameter (ranging from 243 μm to 840 μm in minimum diameter) were retrospectively included in the study. In Group A, 18 eyes of 18 patients underwent ILM peeling using the inverted flap technique. In Group B, 18 eyes of 18 patients underwent conventional ILM peeling. The primary endpoint was the rate of hole closure at 6 months after surgery. The secondary outcome measure was the change in best-corrected visual acuity at 6 months after surgery.

Results:

There were no significant differences in ocular characteristics of the study groups at baseline except for the age distribution. Mean macular hole diameter was 1,162.8 ± 206.0 μm and 1,229.6 ± 228.1 μm in Group A and Group B, respectively. The hole closure rate was 88.9% (16/18) in Group A and 77.8% (14/18) in Group B (P = 0.66). The mean gain in best-corrected visual acuity was higher in Group A than in Group B (P = 0.12) at 6 months, but this was not statistically significant. There were no severe ocular adverse events in either group.

Conclusion:

In this multicenter series, inverted ILM flap technique did not lead to significantly higher anatomical closure rates than conventional ILM peeling in large macular holes more than 800 μm in diameter.
Chemokine (c-c motif) receptor 2 mediates mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in sickle cell disease mice
Authors: Sadler Katelyn E. , Zappia Katherine J. , O'Hara Crystal L. , Langer Sarah N. , Weyer Andy D. , Hillery Cheryl A. , Stucky Cheryl L.
Published: April 2018

Approximately one-third of individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) develop chronic pain. This debilitating pain is inadequately treated because the underlying mechanisms driving the pain are poorly understood. In addition to persistent pain, patients with SCD are also in a tonically proinflammatory state. Previous studies have revealed that there are elevated plasma levels of many inflammatory mediators including chemokine (c-c motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) in individuals with SCD. Using a transgenic mouse model of SCD, we investigated the contributions of CCL2 signaling to SCD-related pain. Inhibition of chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), but not CCR4, alleviated the behavioral mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in SCD. Furthermore, acute CCR2 blockade reversed both the behavioral and the in vitro responsiveness of sensory neurons to an agonist of TRPV1, a neuronal ion channel previously implicated in SCD pain. These results provide insight into the immune-mediated regulation of hypersensitivity in SCD and could inform future development of analgesics or therapeutic measures to prevent chronic pain.
Stigmatization of Overweight and Obese Women During Forensic Examinations
Authors: Davis Karis M. , Sekula L. Kathleen
Published: April 2018

Stigma and discrimination toward overweight and obese people pose consequences to their psychological and physical health. In the United States, overweight and obesity and affects over 34% of the population. This frequently ignored public health issue often sees overweight and obese individuals blamed for their weight, thereby justifying the bias. During a post-sexual-assault examination, sexual assault nurse examiners and other forensic examiners must be cognizant of the specific issues and challenges related to the care of these victims. Forensic nurses may need to refine their techniques such as positioning overweight and obese patients on an appropriate-sized table, obtaining equipment for better visualization, and requiring assistance during the examination (e.g., lifting the victim's pendulous skin folds for assessment and evidence collection). Moreover, they may need to recognize and reflect on their own weight related biases. Addressing these important issues may lead to decreasing stigmatization during examinations, thereby providing quality care to victims of sexual assault, regardless of their weight.
Incorporating “Father-Friendly” Breastfeeding Language in Maternity Settings
Authors: Johnston Jarold T.
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this commentary is to provide perinatal providers with the tools they need to incorporate fathers into the breastfeeding relationship. Research shows that engaged fathers increase initiation rates, decrease the rate of breastfeeding complications that lead to premature cessation, and increase the duration and exclusivity of a mother's breastfeeding efforts. Despite this evidence, studies frequently show that fathers report being ignored or excluded from breastfeeding education. This is likely an oversight on the behalf of perinatal providers rather than a conscious effort. Ultimately, however, perinatal providers need to be prepared to address the concerns of all parents who will provide care to the infant and not the mother alone. This commentary discusses the value of fathers as breastfeeding supporters and offers evidence-based teaching strategies requested by fathers. This commentary also identifies and describes 4 father-friendly breastfeeding promotion resources and highlights the techniques used to draw fathers into the mother's breastfeeding efforts.
Antenatal Breastfeeding Education and Support
Authors: Jacobsen Noelle
Published: April 2018

Key breastfeeding outcomes identified by the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Healthy People 2020 include early initiation, any such feeding at 6 months of age, and exclusivity. Broader themes in the current literature include infants who ever breastfed and overall duration. Healthcare providers need to know what current practices demonstrate effectiveness. A review of 2 Cochrane articles on which interventions impact these selected outcomes does not reveal any significant implications for clinical practice. Scant evidence exists to support any specific support efforts or educational outreach to improve these outcomes. A discussion of potential strategies to consider for future research and clinical practice is put forth.
Clinical Implications of the Association Between Temporal Bone Tegmen Defects and Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence
Authors: Handzel Ophir , Brenner-Ullman Adi , Cavel Oren , Oron Yahav , Wasserzug Oshri , Fliss Dan M. , Ungar Omer J.
Published: April 2018

Objective:

To discuss the clinical implications of the association between temporal bone tegmen dehiscence (TD) necessitating surgical correction and the adjacent dehiscent superior semicircular canal (SSCD).

Study Design:

Retrospective.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Patients:

Sixteen patients with idiopathic TD, with or without SSCD, requiring surgical correction.

Interventions:

Corrective surgery for TD. High-resolution temporal bone-targeted computed tomography.

Main Outcome Measures:

The impact of the minimal distance between TD and SSCD or the arcuate eminence on the choice of surgical approach to TD.

Results:

The patients’ median age was 58 years and 5 were males. The median body mass index was 31.8 kg/m2. The average distance from the TD and the SSC was 4.9 mm (range 2.1–14.2 mm). Three of the 14 patients who were operated via a temporal craniotomy to fix a cerebrospinal fluid-leaking TD required plugging of an asymptomatic SSCD due to its close proximity (3–5 mm) to the defect, and two of them had relatively protracted vestibular recuperation. Two patients were operated via a transmastoid approach for sealing a cerebrospinal fluid-leaking TD coexisting with a bilateral asymptomatic SSCD. No patient had a hearing loss.

Conclusion:

The close proximity of a TD and an SSCD might not allow selective exposure. As a result, asymptomatic SSCD may become symptomatic during TD correction via the temporal craniotomy approach. The need to plug an asymptomatic SSCD that is proximal to a TD should be factored in planning for surgery and rehabilitation. The choice of surgical approach (middle fossa vs. transmastoid) could be influenced by this relationship, especially in cases of bilateral lesions.