bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the effects of aerobic training during hemodialysis on autonomic heart rate modulation in patients with chronic renal disease
Authors: Morais Mauro J.D. , Raimundo Rodrigo D. , Oliveira Fabiano S. , Abreu Luiz C. de , Bezerra Italla M.P. , Silva Romeu P.M. , Rodrigues Alliny S. , Valenti Vitor E. , Pérez-Riera Andrés R.
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

Chronic renal disease (CRD) affects a large portion of the population and is directly related to cardiovascular problems and hypertension, among others. Studies show that heart rate variability is directly affected by these problems. Physical-oriented exercises have been shown to be of fundamental importance in improving the adverse effects to dialysis treatment.

Objective:

To analyze the effects of aerobic training during hemodialysis on autonomic heart rate modulation in patients with CRD.

Method:

Experimental study of an open, single group clinical trial. In this clinical trial, patients with CRD will initially undergo international physical activity questionnaire and kidney disease quality of life short form protocols, as well as monitoring of heart rate systolic, and diastolic blood pressure. After evaluation of the initial parameters, patients will undergo an aerobic exercise program for 12 weeks, in 3 weekly sessions, lasting 30 minutes a session. These evaluations will allow for a greater control of the disease, and monitoring of any improvements in the quality of life and self-esteem of these patients.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study was approved following the guidelines and norms that regulate research involving human subjects, in Resolution No. 466/12 of the National Health Council. It was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Juazeiro do Norte, with the number 1962 092. All patients who agree to participate in the research will sign the informed consent form. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal articles and conferences.
The clinical outcomes for chordomas in the cranial base and spine
Authors: Zhou Yibiao , Hu Bolin , Wu Zhiwei , Cheng Hanxiong , Dai Min , Zhang Bin
Published: June 2019

Owing to the special growth pattern of chordomas and the limited treatment options currently available, the treatment of chordoma still remains difficult. In this study, we hope to further clarify the relationship between surgical treatment and radiotherapy of chordoma and disease progression.

All patients with a primary histopathological diagnosis of clival or spinal chordomas recorded in our institution between 1976 and 2017 were examined.

A total of 60 patients (location: skull base/clival, n = 24; vertebral column, n = 5; sacrum, n = 31) had a mean follow-up time of 7.7 years (range 12 months–35 years). Compared with patients who received subtotal resection (n = 5, 5-year and 10-year survival = 61% and 39%, respectively), the annual survival rate of patients who received total resection (n = 55, 5-year and 10-year survival = 67%, respectively) was significantly higher. The overall 10-year survival rate (58%) of patients treated with surgery alone was significantly different from those treated with a combination of surgery and radiation (73%). The long-term prognosis of sacral chordoma was the worst (10-year survival rate = 48%).

The best treatment strategy for improved long-term survival in chordoma was a combination of surgical resection and radiation therapy. Adjuvant radiotherapy for chordoma significantly improves disease-free survival, although the long-term survival benefit remains to be determined. A worse prognosis and poor long-term survival are seen in sacral chordomas.
Medical malpractice related to drug-induced anaphylaxis
Authors: Hyeon Cheol Won , Lee Ji Young , Jang SeungGyeong , Cho Soo Ick , Kim SoYoon , Lee Won , Shin SuHwan
Published: June 2019

Drug-induced anaphylaxis (DIA) is a highly paradoxical disorder involving a fatal response to medicines prescribed for therapeutic purposes. This study aimed to improve the awareness on DIA and to prevent errors through an analysis of lawsuit judgments.

Sentenced judgments involving DIA from 1998 to 2017 using the database of the Korean Supreme Court Judgment System were collected. General characteristics, results, and recognized negligence of DIA litigation cases were analyzed.

Of 27 lawsuit cases included, antibiotics (n = 6, 22.2%), radiocontrast media (n = 6, 22.2%), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n = 5, 18.5%) were the most common drugs that had caused DIA. Cardiac arrest was reported in 23 cases (85.2%). The median time interval from drug administration to diagnosis and from diagnosis to cardiac arrest were 7 (interquartile range, IQR = 0–35) and 5 minutes (IQR = 0–33), respectively, suggesting insufficient time to cope with anaphylaxis. Consequently, either death (n = 18, 66.7%) or ischemic brain injury (n = 9, 33.3%) occurred in all cases. Violation of duty of care was recognized in 19 cases (70.4%) with median awarded amount of $106,060 (IQR = $70,296–$168,363). The recognized negligence included inadequate observation after drug administration (n = 6), delayed or missed epinephrine administration (n = 6), ignoring a history of allergy or drug hypersensitivity (n = 6), and prescription error (n = 5).

It is necessary to improve the awareness on DIA, because making a trivial error in any process of history taking, drug prescription and administration, observation, and/or emergency treatment may have fatal consequences that can lead to indemnity.
Facial reanimation: an update on nerve transfers in facial paralysis
Authors: Jandali Danny , Revenaugh Peter C.
Published: June 2019

Purpose of review

The aim of this article is to review the recent literature on nerve transfers in facial paralysis. The discussion focuses on direct nerve repair and three types of nerve transfers, cross facial nerve graft, hypoglossal, and masseter nerve transfers.

Recent findings

Masseteric nerve transfers have a high probability of creating significant movement, although tone is poor. The hypoglossal to facial nerve transfer is reliable in affording facial tone and has been updated to involve a transposition technique that offers good results with minimal morbidity. Combination nerve transfer techniques using multiple cranial nerves or cross-face nerves are increasingly described.

Reinnervation of the facial nerve and neural regeneration in general are areas of intense research and novel surgical approaches continue to be explored. Although direct nerve repair is the most ideal, other nerve transfers can be performed with good results. More specifically, the masseteric nerve transfer can provide excellent movement and the hypoglossal transfer good tone. Combination transfers may afford the benefits of multiple nerves.
Carbapenemase-producing organisms in solid organ transplantation
Authors: Wong Darren , van Duin David
Published: June 2019

Purpose of review

Carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a critical healthcare threat. Infections caused by CRE disproportionately affect transplant patients. Retrospective case studies suggest that up to 10% of transplant recipients develop a CRE infection. The current literature is reviewed with a particular focus on transplant-specific implications.

Recent findings

There are specific risks inherent to transplant recipients that result in an elevated risk for CRE carriage and subsequent infection. Additionally, the manifestations of these infections are dependent on the specific transplant type. The optimal treatment of CRE infections in transplant recipients has not been defined.

A reduction in the regional community CRE burden can lead to a secondary reduction in their occurrence within vulnerable transplant populations. Therefore, core principles of antibiotic stewardship and infection control within all levels of the healthcare system remains the most effective strategy for addressing the current health crisis. Simultaneously, an integrated approach to risk stratification and an approach to treatment is postulated for management of CRE infection within the solid-organ transplant population.
Successful Colonoscopy‐assisted Cecostomy Tube Replacement to Salvage Lost Cecostomy Tract Access in Children
Authors: Dike Chinenye , Rahhal Riad
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

Cecostomy tubes are commonly used for antegrade enema delivery in children with spinal defects and anorectal malformations to help address chronic constipation and fecal incontinence. Once surgically or radiologically placed, cecostomy tubes require changes by a percutaneous approach, which may be unsuccessful requiring repeat laparoscopy or open surgery to re‐establish the cecostomy tract. The role of colonoscopy assistance to salvage lost cecostomy access in children who fail percutaneous replacement is not well described. The primary aim was to describe the safety and effectiveness of a colonoscopy‐assisted approach to re‐establish lost cecostomy access in children.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of the methods, success and complication rates associated with colonoscopy assisted cecostomy tube replacement in children between 2000 and 2017 at a pediatric tertiary care center.

Results:

Ninety‐five patients with 841 attempted procedures were included with only 1% of procedures requiring endoscopic assistance. These included 7 colonoscopy‐assisted cecostomy tube replacement procedures in 6 patients (median age 9.2 years, median weight 26.3 kg, 33% girls). The most common reason for using colonoscopy assistance was a failed percutaneous approach. The colonoscopy‐assisted approach was successful in all cases without documented complications.

Conclusions:

Colonoscopy‐assisted cecostomy tube replacement is safe and highly successful in re‐establishing lost cecostomy access in children after failed attempts with percutaneous or fluoroscopic‐guided approaches.
Testing the Nursing Quality and Safety Self-Inventory
Authors: Letourneau Rayna M. , McCurry Mary K.
Published: June 2019

The Nursing Quality and Safety Self-Inventory (NQSSI) is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring self-assessment of confidence in attaining Quality and Safety Education for Nurses competencies in student nurses. This article reports on the psychometric analysis of the NQSSI for newly licensed registered nurses. Findings support NQSSI as a valid and reliable instrument for nursing professional development practitioners to use to evaluate newly licensed registered nurses’ competency attainment and the effectiveness of transition to practice programs.
Does formal vs home-based physical therapy predict outcomes after ankle fracture or ankle fracture-dislocation?
Authors: Ferguson Chad M. , Harmer Luke , Seymour Rachel B. , Ellington John Kent , Bosse Michael J. , Hsu Joseph R. , Karunakar Madhav , Sims Stephen , Ruffolo Michael , Churchill Christine , Anderson Robert , Cohen Bruce , Davis Hodges , Jones Carroll , Roznowski Amy
Published: June 2019

Background:

Ankle fractures are among the most common injuries treated by orthopaedic surgeons. Various postoperative rehabilitation strategies have been promoted, but the ability to improve patient-reported functional outcome has not been clearly demonstrated. We aim to evaluate outcomes associated with clinic-based, physical therapist-supervised rehabilitation (Formal-PT) compared to surgeon-directed rehabilitation (Home-PT).

Methods:

This prospective observational study included patients with operative bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fractures with or without dislocation (n = 80) at a Level I trauma center. Patients were prescribed PT per the surgeon's practice pattern. Patient-reported functional outcomes at 6 months and complication rates were compared between groups.

Results:

Of the 80 patients, 38 (47.5%) patients received Formal-PT; the remaining received Home-PT. Thirty-four patients (89.5%) attended ≥1 PT session. Number of sessions attended ranged from 1 to 36 (mean = 16). Receipt of Formal-PT did not differ by injury characteristics or demographics. Of patients with private insurance, 57% were prescribed Formal-PT vs 7% of uninsured patients (P = .033). FAAM and Combination SMFA scores at 6 months were similar between groups (Formal-PT: 69.7, 20.1; Home-PT: 70.9, 24.4; P = .868, .454, respectively). Postoperative complications were rare and equivalent between groups.

Conclusions:

Comparison of outcomes between patients with operatively treated displaced ankle fractures/dislocations with Formal-PT vs Home-PT showed no difference in SMFA and FAAM scores. These findings suggest patients receiving supervised PT produced a similar outcome to those under routine physician-directed rehabilitation at 6 months. The cost for therapy averaged $2012.96 per patient receiving Formal-PT.
Ventricular-Arterial Coupling in Children and Infants With Congenital Heart Disease After Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery: Observational Study*
Authors: Marinari Eleonora , Rizza Alessandra , Iacobelli Roberta , Iodice Francesca , Favia Isabella , Romagnoli Stefano , Di Chiara Luca , Ricci Zaccaria
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

Ventricular-arterial coupling represents the interaction between the left ventricle and the arterial system. Ventricular-arterial coupling is measured as the ratio between arterial elastance and ventricular end-systolic elastance. Scant information is available in critically ill children about these variables. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess ventricular-arterial coupling after pediatric cardiac surgery and evaluate its association with other commonly recorded hemodynamic parameters.

Design:

Single-center retrospective observational study.

Setting:

Pediatric cardiac surgery operating room.

Patients:

Children undergoing corrective cardiac surgery.

Interventions:

Hemodynamic monitoring with transesophageal echocardiography.

Measurements and Main Results:

Twenty-seven patients with biventricular congenital heart disease, who underwent elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, were enrolled before operating room discharge. Chen single-beat modified method was applied to calculate ventricular-arterial coupling. The median arterial elastance and end-systolic elastance values were 5.9 mm Hg/mL (2.2–9.3 mm Hg/mL) and 4.3 mm Hg/mL (1.9–8.3 mm Hg/mL), respectively. The median ventricular- arterial coupling was 1.2 (1.1–1.6). End-systolic elastance differences between patients with a ventricular-arterial coupling below (low ventricular-arterial coupling) and above (high ventricular-arterial coupling) the median value were –5.2 (95% CI, –6.28 to –0.7; p = 0.008). Differently, arterial elastance differences were –2.1 (95% CI, –5.7 to 1.6; p = 0.19). Ventricular-arterial coupling showed a significant association with pre-ejection time (r, 0.44; p = 0.02), total ejection time (r, –0.41; p = 0.003), cardiac cycle efficiency (r, –0.46; p = 0.02), maximal delta pressure over delta time (r, –0.44; p = 0.02), ejection fraction (r, –0.57; p = 0.01), and systemic vascular resistances indexed (0.56; p = 0.003). After adjustment, total ejection time (p = 0.001), pre-ejection time (p = 0.02), and ejection fraction (p = 0.001) remained independently associated with ventricular-arterial coupling.

Conclusions:

Median ventricular-arterial coupling values in children after cardiac surgery appear high (above 1). Uncoupling was particularly evident in high ventricular-arterial coupling patients who showed the lowest end-systolic elastance values (but not significantly different arterial elastance values) compared with low ventricular-arterial coupling. Ventricular-arterial coupling appears to be inversely proportional to pre-ejection time, total ejection time, and ejection fraction.
Shaping placebo analgesic responses on the Internet: a randomized experimental trial
Authors: Pontén Moa , Ljótsson Brjánn , Jensen Karin
Published: June 2019

Background:

The field of Internet-based treatments is expanding. However, little is known about placebo effects in online therapeutic settings. The aim of this study was to test if placebo analgesia could be induced via online communication. Exploratory analyses tested if different communication styles (empathetic/neutral) would influence the placebo effect.

Methods:

In this double-blind experiment, 30 healthy participants were randomized to either empathetic or neutral online communication. After completing the online modules, a face-to-face placebo analgesia experiment was performed. An independent experimenter (blinded as to communication type) performed the pain testing and treatment with a sham analgesic device (placebo).

Results:

Overall, there was a significant placebo effect, as participants rated the pain lower when the sham analgesic device was turned on, compared to off. An additional control experiment (n = 17) confirmed that pain testing with the sham analgesic device per se, without any prior communication, was not enough to induce placebo effects. Exploratory analyses indicated a significant difference in perception of the online communication between participants randomized to the empathetic and neutral groups because the empathetic group rated the interaction as more positive. Also, there was a significant difference in online compliance. Yet, exploratory analyses did not suggest any difference in placebo pain ratings between the empathetic and neutral communication groups.

Conclusion:

The results in this study suggest that placebo effects can be created even when information about an analgesic treatment is delivered online. This is the first indication of a novel research line that investigates placebo effects in online treatment.
Magnitude, response, and psychological determinants of placebo effects in chronic low-back pain: a randomised, double-blinded, controlled trial
Authors: Finniss Damien , Nicholas Michael , Brooker Charles , Cousins Michael , Benedetti Fabrizio
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

Denervation of the lumbar zygapophyseal joints by medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy has shown some benefit in treating chronic low-back pain. Before denervation, a diagnosis is made by one or more blinded injections on separate occasions to ascertain whether the relevant joints are contributing to the pain. Placebo injections have been advocated in a diagnostic regime that also includes local anaesthesia, with a decision to proceed to neurotomy based on response to local anaesthesia and not to placebo.

Objectives:

We investigated the magnitude of and response rate to placebo injections, and the roles of expectation, desire for pain relief, and anxiety as determinants of response to placebo.

Methods:

One hundred twenty patients were randomised to receive placebo and local anaesthetic injections on alternate occasions in a double-blind manner. A smaller control group with 2 local anaesthetic injections was also used. Responses to placebo were characterised, including magnitude and frequency.

Results:

This study demonstrated very large response to placebo injections, both response rate (78%) and magnitude (effect size d = 1.85). Expectation and anxiety were important modulators of response to placebo in this setting, with support given to expectation as a dynamic modulator of placebo responses. Large response to placebo (both in rate and magnitude) was observed when participants reported the belief that they were in the placebo arm.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated large placebo responses in the context of injections for low-back pain and further characterised the importance of expectation and anxiety as important psychological mediators.
Partner HIV Serostatus Impacts Viral Load, Genital HIV Shedding, and Immune Activation in HIV-Infected Individuals
Authors: Jaumdally Shameem Z. , Liebenberg Lenine J.P. , Gumbi Pam P. , Little Francesca , Jaspan Heather B. , Gamieldien Hoyam , Tiemessen Caroline T. , Coetzee David , Martin Darren P. , Williamson Carolyn , Williamson Anna-Lise , Passmore Jo-Ann S.
Published: June 2019

Studies of seronegative individuals in HIV discordant relationships provide important insights into the effects of HIV exposure on the seronegative partner, but few have examined the impact of partner serostatus on disease progression in seropositive individuals. We investigated the impact of HIV serostatus on clinical and biological factors influencing HIV disease progression in 337 HIV-infected heterosexual individuals in stable long-term HIV-seroconcordant or HIV-serodiscordant relationships. Seroconcordant individuals had significantly higher plasma viral loads (pVLs) than HIV-infected partners in serodiscordant partnerships [4.4 log10 copies RNA/mL (interquartile range 3.7–5.0) versus 3.9 (3.3–4.5), P < 0.0001], irrespective of gender. pVLs correlated inversely with CD4+ T-cell counts, although CD4 counts did not differ significantly between seroconcordant and serodiscordant individuals. HIV+ seroconcordant individuals had higher frequencies of CCR5+ CD4 and CD8 T cells (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively) than HIV+ individuals in serodiscordant relationships and higher concentrations of plasma IL-1β (P = 0.04), TNF-α (P = 0.02), and IL-10 (P = 0.02). Activated CD4+ T-cell frequencies and TNF-α were the most influential in determining variation in pVLs, independently of CD4 counts. In addition, HIV+ seroconcordant women had significantly higher genital VLs (gVLs) than HIV+ women in serodiscordant relationships (P < 0.001), with pVLs correlating significantly with gVLs (Rho = 0.65, P < 0.0001). Cervical and blood T-cell activation tended to correlate positively, although partner seroconcordance did not influence genital T-cell activation. We conclude that HIV+ seroconcordant individuals have higher frequencies of activated, CCR5-expressing T cells in blood and higher pVLs and gVLs than their HIV+ counterparts in discordant relationships, which could translate to faster disease progression or larger viral reservoir.
Characteristics and Care Outcomes Among Persons Living With Perinatally Acquired HIV Infection in the United States, 2015
Authors: Gray Kristen Mahle , Ocfemia M. Cheryl Bañez , Wang Xiao , Li Jianmin , Nesheim Steven R.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Medical advancements have improved the survival of persons with perinatally acquired HIV infection (PHIV). We describe persons living with diagnosed PHIV and assess receipt of HIV care, retention in care, and viral suppression.

Methods:

Data reported to the National HIV Surveillance System through December 2017 were used to characterize persons living with diagnosed PHIV by year-end 2015 in the United States and 6 dependent areas. National HIV Surveillance System data from 40 jurisdictions with complete laboratory reporting were used to assess receipt of HIV care (≥1 CD4 or viral load during 2015), retention in HIV care (≥2 CD4 or viral load tests ≥3 months apart during 2015) and viral suppression (<200 copies/mL during 2015) among persons with PHIV diagnosed by year-end 2014 and alive at year-end 2015.

Results:

By year-end 2015, 11,747 persons were living with PHIV and half were aged 18–25 years. Of 9562 persons with HIV diagnosed by year-end 2014 and living with PHIV at year-end 2015 in the 40 jurisdictions, 75.4% received any care, 61.1% were retained in care, and 49.0% achieved viral suppression. Persons aged ≤17 years had a significantly higher prevalence of being retained in care (prevalence ratio = 1.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.2 to 1.3) and virally suppressed (prevalence ratio = 1.4, 95% confidence interval = 1.3 to 1.5) than persons aged 18–25 years.

Conclusions:

Efforts to improve care outcomes among persons with PHIV are needed. Enhanced collaboration between pediatric and adult medical providers may ensure continuity of care during the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Hydrocortisone, Ascorbic Acid, and Thiamine (HAT) Therapy Decreases Oxidative Stress, Improves Cardiovascular Function, and Improves Survival in Murine Sepsis
Authors: Kim John , Arnaout Leen , Remick Daniel
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

A small clinical trial showed HAT therapy improved survival but no studies have been reported in animal models to examine potential mechanisms.

Methods:

Sepsis was induced in female mice using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model. Physiologic parameters including heart rate (HR), pulse distension (PD), and respiratory rate (RR) were measured noninvasively at baseline, 6 and 24 h post CLP. These measurements stratified mice into predicted to live (Live-P) or die (Die-P). Mice were randomized to receive HAT therapy or vehicle. Oxidative stress was measured in peritoneal exudative cells 24 h after CLP.

Results:

HR, PD, and RR all declined within the first 6 h of sepsis and were significantly lower in the Die-P mice compared with Live-P. HR 6 h post-CLP best predicted mortality and continued to decline between 6 and 24 h post CLP. Oxidative stress in peritoneal cells harvested 24 h post CLP (determined by 8 isoprostaglandin F2α and protein carbonyl derivatives) was significantly higher in the Die-P mice. HAT therapy was initiated 7 h post-CLP after mortality prediction and stratification. HAT significantly reduced oxidative stress in the Die-P mice without altering these parameters in the Live-P mice. HAT treatment prevented the decline in HR, again only in the Die-P mice. Mice treated with HAT therapy had significantly better survival.

Conclusions:

Physiologic parameters accurately predicted mortality. Die-P mice had significant oxidative stress compared with Live-P. HAT therapy significantly decreased oxidative stress, increased HR, and improved survival in the Die-P mice. These data suggest that HAT exerts a beneficial effect through reducing oxidative stress and improving cardiovascular function.
Amino acids at the exposed C-terminus of the S coat protein of cowpea mosaic virus play different roles in particle formation and viral systemic movement
Authors: Meshcheriakova Yulia , Lomonossoff George P.
Published: June 2019

The icosahedral capsid of cowpea mosaic virus is formed by 60 copies of the large (L) and small (S) coat protein subunits. The 24-amino-acid C-terminal peptide of the S coat protein can undergo proteolytic cleavage without affecting particle stability or infectivity. Mutagenic studies have shown that this sequence is involved in particle assembly, virus movement, RNA encapsidation and suppression of gene silencing. However, it is unclear how these processes are related, and which part(s) of the sequence are involved in each process. Here, we have analysed the effect of mutations in the C-terminal region of the S protein on the assembly of empty virus-like particles and on the systemic movement of infectious virus. The results confirmed the importance of positively charged amino acids adjacent to the cleavage site for particle assembly and revealed that the C-terminal 11 amino acids are important for efficient systemic movement of the virus.
Chronic Subconvulsive Activity during Early Postnatal Life Produces Autistic Behavior in the Absence of Neurotoxicity in the Juvenile Weanling Period
Authors: Friedman LK , Kahen BA
Published: June 2019

The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) varies from very mild to severe social and cognitive impairments. We hypothesized that epigenetic subconvulsive activity in early postnatal life may contribute to the development of autistic behavior in a sex-related manner. Low doses of kainic acid (KA) (25-100 µg) were administered to rat pups for 15 days beginning on postnatal (P) day 6 to chronically elevate neuronal activity. A battery of classical and novel behavioral tests was used, and sex differences were observed. Our novel open handling test revealed that ASD males nose poked more often and ASD females climbed and escaped more frequently with age. In the social interaction test, ASD males were less social than ASD females who were more anxious in handling and elevated plus maze (EPM) tasks. To evaluate group dynamics, sibling and non-sibling control and experimental animals explored 3 different shaped novel social environments. Control pups huddled quickly and more frequently in all environments whether they socialized with littermates or non-siblings compared to ASD groups. Non-sibling ASD pups were erratic and huddled in smaller groups. In the object recognition test, only ASD males spent less time with the novel object compared to control pups. Data suggest that chronic subconvulsive activity in early postnatal life leads to an ASD phenotype in the absence of cell death. Males were more susceptible to developing asocial behaviors and cognitive pathologies, whereas females were prone to higher levels of hyperactivity and anxiety, validating our postnatal ASD model apparent in the pre-juvenile period.

Highlights

Chronic subconvulsive activity in early life leads to autism phenotypes.

Juvenile males were susceptible to asocial behaviors and cognitive pathologies.

Juvenile females were prone to hyperactivity and anxiety validating sex differences.

Non-siblings were erratic in groups irrespective of sex.

A postnatal epigenetic model may drug screen for milder forms of autism.
The cellular and molecular landscape of hypothalamic patterning and differentiation
Authors: Kim Dong Won , Washington Parris Whitney , Wang Zoe Qianyi , Lin Sonia Hao , Sun Changyu , Ismail Basma Taleb , Wang Hong , Jiang Lizhi , Blackshaw Seth
Published: June 2019

The hypothalamus is a central regulator of many innate behaviors essential for survival, but the molecular mechanisms controlling hypothalamic patterning and cell fate specification are poorly understood. To identify genes that control hypothalamic development, we have used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) to profile mouse hypothalamic gene expression across 12 developmental time points between embryonic day 10 and postnatal day 45. This identified genes that delineated clear developmental trajectories for all major hypothalamic cell types, and readily distinguished major regional subdivisions of the developing hypothalamus. By using our developmental dataset, we were able to rapidly annotate previously unidentified clusters from existing scRNA-Seq datasets collected during development, and to identify the developmental origins of major neuronal populations of the ventromedial hypothalamus. We further show that our approach can rapidly and comprehensively characterize mutants that have altered hypothalamic patterning, identifyingNkx2.1as a negative regulator of prethalamic identity. These data serve as a resource for further studies of hypothalamic development, physiology and dysfunction.
Massively parallel single-cell B-cell receptor sequencing enables rapid discovery of diverse antigen-reactive antibodies
Authors: Goldstein Leonard D , Chen Ying-Jiun J , Wu Jia , Chaudhuri Subhra , Hsiao Yi-Chun , Schneider Kellen , Hoi Kam Hon , Lin Zhonghua , Guerrero Steve , Jaiswal Bijay S , Stinson Jeremy , Antony Aju , Pahuja Kanika Bajaj , Seshasayee Dhaya , Modrusan Zora , Hötzel Isidro , Seshagiri Somasekar
Published: June 2019

Using high-throughput single-cell B-cell receptor sequencing (scBCR-seq) we obtained accurately paired full-length heavy- and light-chain variable domains from thousands of individual B cells in a massively parallel fashion. We sequenced more than 250,000 B cells from rat, mouse and human repertoires to characterize their lineages and expansion. In addition, we immunized rats with chicken ovalbumin and profiled antigen-reactive B cells from lymph nodes of immunized animals. The scBCR-seq data recovered 81% (n = 56/69) of B-cell lineages identified from hybridomas generated from the same set of B cells that were subjected to scBCR-seq. Importantly, scBCR-seq identified an additional 710 candidate lineages that were not recovered as hybridomas. We synthesized, expressed and tested 93 clones from the identified lineages and found that 99% (n = 92/93) of the clones were antigen-reactive. Our results establish scBCR-seq as a powerful tool for antibody discovery.
Parallel Capsule Net for Ischemic Stroke Segmentation
Authors: Sharique MD , Pundarikaksha Bondi Uday , Sridar Pradeeba , Rama Krishnan R S , Krishnakumar Ramarathnam
Published: June 2019

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability. Segmentation of ischemic stroke could help in planning an optimal treatment. Currently, radiologists use manual segmentation, which can often be time-consuming, laborious and error-prone. Automatic segmentation of ischemic stroke in MRI brain images is a challenging problem due to its small size, multiple occurrences and the need to use multiple image modalities. In this paper, we propose a new architecture for image segmentation, called Parallel Capsule Net, which uses max pooling in every parallel pathways along with dense connections between the parallel layers. We hypothesise that the spatial information lost due to max pooling in these layers can be retrieved by the use of such dense connections. In order to combine the information encoded by the parallel layers, outputs of the layers are concatenated before upsampling. We also propose the use of a modified loss function which consists of a regional term (Generalized Dice loss + Focal Loss) and a boundary term (Boundary loss) to address the problem of class imbalance which is prevalent in medical images. We achieved a competitive Dice score of 0.754, on ISLES SISS data set, compared to a score of 0.67 reported in earlier studies. We also obtained a Dice score of 0.902 with another popular data set, ATLAS. The proposed parallel capsule net can be extended to other similar medical image segmentation problems.
Invariant Object Representation Based on Principle of Maximal Dependence Capturing
Authors: Raj Rishabh , Dahlen Dar , Duyck Kyle , Yu C. Ron
Published: June 2019

Sensory inputs conveying information about the environment are often noisy and incomplete, yet the brain can achieve remarkable consistency in object recognition. This cognitive robustness is thought to be enabled by transforming the varying input patterns into invariant representations of objects, but how this transformation occurs computationally remains unclear. Here we propose that sensory coding should follow a principle of maximal dependence capturing to encode associations among structural components that can uniquely identify objects. We show that a computational framework incorporating dimension expansion and a specific form of sparse coding can capture structures that contain maximum information about specific objects, allow redundancy coding, and enable consistent representation of object identities. Using symbol and face recognition, we demonstrate that a two-layer system can generate representations that remain invariant under conditions of occlusion, corruption, or high noise.
Water-mediated photo-induced reduction of platinum films
Authors: Fraxedas Jordi , Zhang Kuan , Sepúlveda Borja , Esplandiu María José , García de Andrés Xènia , Llorca Jordi , Pérez-Dieste Virginia , Escudero Carlos
Published: June 2019

Platinum thin films activated ex situ by oxygen plasma become reduced by the combined effect of an intense soft X-ray photon beam and condensed water. The evolution of the electronic structure of the surface has been characterized by near-ambient-pressure photoemission and mimics the inverse two-step sequence observed in the electro-oxidation of platinum, i.e. the surface-oxidized platinum species are reduced first and then the adsorbed species desorb in a second step leading to a surface dominated by metallic platinum. The comparison with measurements performed under high-vacuum conditions suggests that the reduction process is mainly induced by the reactive species generated by the radiolysis of water. When the photon flux is decreased, then the reduction process becomes slower.
Diffraction properties of a strongly bent diamond crystal used as a dispersive spectrometer for XFEL pulses
Authors: Samoylova Liubov , Boesenberg Ulrike , Chumakov Aleksandr , Kaganer Vladimir , Petrov Ilia , Roth Thomas , Rüffer Rudolf , Sinn Harald , Terentyev Sergey , Madsen Anders
Published: June 2019

Self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) enables X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) to generate hard X-ray pulses of sub-100 fs duration. However, due to the stochastic nature of SASE, the energy spectrum fluctuates from pulse to pulse. Many experiments that employ XFEL radiation require the resolution of the spectrum of each pulse. The work presented here investigates the capacity of a thin strongly bent diamond crystal to resolve the energy spectra of hard X-ray SASE pulses by studying its diffraction properties. Rocking curves of the symmetric C*(440) reflection have been measured for different bending radii. The experimental data match the theoretical modelling based on the Takagi–Taupin equations of dynamical diffraction. A uniform strain gradient has proven to be a valid model of strain deformations in the crystal.
A new form of NaMnAsO4
Authors: Weil Matthias , Veyer Théo
Published: June 2019

A new form of NaMnAsO4, sodium manganese(II) orthoarsenate, has been obtained under hydrothermal conditions, and is referred to as the β-polymorph. In contrast to the previously reported orthorhombic α-polymorph that crystallizes in the olivine-type of structure and has one manganese(II) cation in a distorted octahedral coordination, the current β-polymorph contains two manganese(II) cations in [5]-coordination, intermediate between a square-pyramid and a trigonal bipyramid. In the crystal structure of β-NaMnAsO4, four [MnO5] polyhedra are linked through vertex- and edge-sharing into finite {Mn4O16} units strung into rows parallel to [100]. These units are linked through two distinct orthoarsenate groups into a framework structure with channels propagating parallel to the manganese oxide rows. Both unique sodium cations are situated inside the channels and exhibit coordination numbers of six and seven. β-NaMnAsO4is isotypic with one form of NaCoPO4and with NaCuAsO4.
Bhushan Steel: a creditworthy company turned insolvent
Authors: Manuj Hemant
Published: June 2019

Learning outcomes

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how a well-performing company can turn into a loss-making company on account of adverse industry cycle and poor management of risks in the business. The importance of factors like optimal level of leveraging, the ability of the management to deal with external and internal risks, and importance of corporate governance in the process of credit appraisal is understood from this case.

Case overview/synopsis

The case relates to the credit appraisal by the banks of a prominent steel company in India. The company, Bhushan Steel Limited, was doing very well. The banks lent aggressively to the company, based on their credit appraisal. However, the company soon turned insolvent on account of poor assessment of risks and deteriorating external factors. While this case may be analysed and studied through the eyes of both the Management and the lenders, the focus is currently on the latter. In a real-world scenario, the challenge for the lender is to sieve through the financial as well as non-financial data and make a valid conclusion on the level of credit worthiness of the borrowing company. This includes the topics of operational efficiency and synergies, commodity price cycles, external credit ratings, operating and financial leverage, regulatory risks and corporate governance.

Complexity academic level

Post graduate business management programmes – Finance specialisation.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and Finance
Parent-adolescent sexual dialogue
Authors: Somers Cheryl , Avendt Emily , Sepsey Amber
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the content and approach of parent-adolescent communication about sexuality were associated with three adolescent sexuality variables (sexual attitudes, combination of all behaviors and advanced behaviors).

Design/methodology/approach

Survey research with adolescents was conducted in classrooms at school. Participants were 473 adolescents (196 males, 253 females and 24 unreported) in grades 9–12 from two high schools (one urban and one suburban) in a large midwestern city.

Findings

Adolescents who described their parents’ communication approach as open, or who did not engage in conversations about sexuality with their parents reported lower rates of sexual behavior, when compared to adolescents whose parents dictated such conversations. Females were found to have more conservative sexual attitudes than males, and both mothers and fathers were found to have a direct role in talking to their children about sexuality.

Originality/value

Findings from the study may offer guidance to parents and help adults aiming to empower youth to make healthy sexual decisions.
Self-adaptive scale pedestrian detection algorithm based on deep residual network
Authors: Liu Shuang-Shuang
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The conventional pedestrian detection algorithms lack in scale sensitivity. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel algorithm of self-adaptive scale pedestrian detection, based on deep residual network (DRN), to address such lacks.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the “Edge boxes” algorithm is introduced to extract region of interests from pedestrian images. Then, the extracted bounding boxes are incorporated to different DRNs, one is a large-scale DRN and the other one is the small-scale DRN. The height of the bounding boxes is used to classify the results of pedestrians and to regress the bounding boxes to the entity of the pedestrian. At last, a weighted self-adaptive scale function, which combines the large-scale results and small-scale results, is designed for the final pedestrian detection.

Findings

To validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed algorithm, some comparison experiments have been done on the common pedestrian detection data sets: Caltech, INRIA, ETH and KITTI. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is adapted for the various scales of the pedestrians. For the hard detected small-scale pedestrians, the proposed algorithm has improved the accuracy and robustness of detections.

Originality/value

By applying different models to deal with different scales of pedestrians, the proposed algorithm with the weighted calculation function has improved the accuracy and robustness for different scales of pedestrians.
Brand love matters to Millennials: the relevance of mystery, sensuality and intimacy to neo-luxury brands
Authors: Rodrigues Clarinda , Rodrigues Paula
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the mediating effect of brand love on purchase intention and word-of-mouth through mystery, sensuality and intimacy as brand image dimensions in the context of neo-luxury brands. It also explores the moderating effect of duration and intensity of consumer-brand relationships on brand image dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collection was done via an online survey of a representative group of Millennials. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis.

Findings

The paper suggests that brand love mediates the relationship between brand image, purchase intention and word-of-mouth for both Apple and Michael Kors brands. This study also identifies differences in the effects of intimacy, sensuality and mystery on brand love. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the moderation effect of intensity and duration of consumer-brand relationships varies among the two neo-luxury brands.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should aim at investigating other categories of products and services in the field of neo-luxury, as this study focus on fashion and mobile brands. Other antecedents and outcomes of brand love should also be evaluated, as well as other moderating variables.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the fast-growing consumer-brand relationships literature by exploring the role of brand love in the context of the emergent neo-luxury paradigm. It also intends to provide a better understanding of how to build and nurture an effective brand image through a multidisciplinary approach that combines mystery, sensuality and intimacy.
Role of consumer vanity and the mediating effect of brand consciousness in luxury consumption
Authors: Sharda Nikita , Bhat Anil
Published: June 2019

Purpose

There has been substantial research on luxury globally, but there is a dearth of studies empirically investigating the key relationships affecting luxury consumption. The aim of this paper is to consider the role of consumer vanity and brand consciousness and to set their relationships in context of luxury consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

To measure consumer vanity, brand consciousness, attitude towards luxury brands and purchase intentions, pre-established scale items were adopted. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed through luxury exhibitions and festivals in major cities of India. A sample of n = 342 luxury consumers was analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings support that brand consciousness is mediating the relationship between consumer vanity and luxury consumption. Luxury consumers are primarily driven by achievement vanity. They are likely to evaluate luxury brands based on their price, fame and their ability to portray their professional achievements. They incur unreasonable costs to acquire the expensive, famous and prestigious luxury brands and conspicuously consume them to display their success and accomplishments.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides an in-depth explanation of how consumer vanity is leading to consumption of luxury brands. The marketers may benefit by focussing on promotion of their brand's symbols and logos than on specific product features.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical examination understanding the mediating effect of brand consciousness as a mediator between consumer vanity and luxury consumption.
The individualism of motivation
Authors: Mayo Andrew
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the components that drive employee engagement and show how important it is to understand the individualism of motivation as against generic assumptions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper defines employee engagement and takes four drivers that influence it in turn. These are analysed and discussed, particularly as to the individualistic elements of them. Two approaches to understanding individual goals and priorities are illustrated.

Findings

There are four drivers of engagement, namely, the absence of dissatisfaction or irritation factors, intrinsic motivation (inner driven) and extrinsic motivation (external stimulation) and personal well-being. Each of these have highly individualistic elements, and models based on a generic human condition do not work effectively. Two instruments for understanding this individualism are illustrated, one based on goal theory and another based on the psychological contract.

Practical implications

Many motivational efforts fail because of an assumed commonality in what motivates people. The reality is that different personalities and different personal goals and values require individual approaches. Successful engagement demands that leader/managers make it a priority to understand each one of their people in these terms.

Originality/value

This paper is based mostly on the writing, models and experience of the author.
Elections Are (Not) Exciting: Need for Cognition and Electoral Behaviour
Authors: Sohlberg Jacob
Published: June 2019

Need for cognition (NFC) is the personality trait that describes differences in the enjoyment of cognitive efforts. By relying on data collected over two elections in Sweden in 2014, I show the trait's multifaceted political relevance. Individuals who enjoy cognitive challenges are more likely to think that it matters what government that is formed after the election, engage with campaign information, favor complex news over simple news and select stronger reasons for vote choice over weaker, e.g., ideology over habit. Overall, the results suggest that election studies would benefit from measuring need for cognition.