bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum YKL-40 predicts long-term outcome in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Yang Luyu , Dong Hui , Lu Huizhi , Liao Youxia , Zhang Hao , Xu Lingwen , Tan Yun , Cao Song , Tan Jinhui , Fu Shouzhi
Published: March 2019

Serum YKL-40, a potential inflammatory marker, is greatly increased at the early stage of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Here, we hypothesized that YKL-40 levels at admission could predict the long-term outcomes after STEMI.

A total of 324 patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were consecutively enrolled and followed for 24 months. The baseline clinical and procedural data were recorded, and serum YKL-40 levels at admission were measured using ELISA method. The endpoint of interest was major adverse cardiac event (MACE), including all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and hospitalization for heart failure.

Patients with elevated serum YKL-40 levels (≥126.8 ng/mL) were more likely to be older and smoker and to present with type 2 diabetes, advanced Killip class, multivessel disease and intra-aortic balloon pump, with increased levels of admission glucose, triglyceride, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and decreased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. During the follow-up period, the incidence of MACE was notably higher in the high than in the low YKL-40 groups (28.4% vs 11.1%, P < .001). Kaplan–Meier curve showed that elevated YKL-40 levels were associated with reduced MACE-free survivals (log-rank P < .001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, we found that high serum YKL-40 level was an independent predictor of MACE after controlling for clinical and angiographic variables (hazard ratio: 1.65, 95% confidence interval: 1.14–2.39, P = .008).

The results of our study indicate that serum YKL-40 may be used as a biomarker to predict the long-term outcome after PCI in patients with STEMI.
The diagnostic value of circulating tumor cells for lung cancer
Authors: Ye Yun , Li Su-Liang , Wang Jian-Jun , Liu Bing
Published: March 2019

Background:

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have become a potential diagnostic tumor marker and have the potential for wide clinical applications. However, the diagnostic parameters vary among previous studies. A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the diagnostic value of CTCs for lung cancer.

Methods:

Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. The included studies assessed the diagnostic value of CTCs in patients with lung cancer up to September 30, 2018. A total of 1601 patients in 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis. We calculated the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) to investigate the diagnostic value of CTCs for lung cancer. STATA version 12.0 and Meta-DiSc version 1.4 software were used to analyze the data.

Results:

The pooled sensitivity was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.73–0.78), the specificity was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86–0.92), the PLR was 6.29 (95% CI: 3.98–9.96), and the NLR was 0.24 (95% CI: 0.14–0.42). Furthermore, the pooled DOR of CTCs for lung cancer was 27.73 (95% CI: 12.99–59.23). The summarized area under the ROC curve was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.90–0.95). The meta-regression analysis suggested that the heterogeneity was mainly attributed to the experimental methods. The results of the clinical diagnosis efficiency show that the diagnostic efficiency has increased significantly by testing CTCs for diagnosing lung cancer.

Conclusion:

The results of this meta-analysis suggest that CTCs are associated with a high diagnostic value for lung cancer. These findings require large-scale prospective studies to verify and evaluate the diagnostic value in the future.
Association of TFPI polymorphisms rs8176592, rs10931292, and rs10153820 with venous thrombosis
Authors: Zhang Yunhong , Pang Aimei , Zhao Lin , Guo Qiang , Zhang Zhen , Zhu Xiaoxiao , Wei Ran , Yin Xunqiang , Wang Bin , Li Xia
Published: March 2019

Background:

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) polymorphisms are known to be involved in venous thrombosis; however, any correlation between the TFPI polymorphisms rs8176592, rs10931292, and rs10153820 and venous thrombosis remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the relationship between these TFPI polymorphisms and the susceptibility to venous thrombosis.

Methods:

A literature search for relevant studies was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Med Online databases. Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using fixed-effect/random-effect models by the STATA 12.0 software. Sources of heterogeneity were analyzed by subgroup analysis.

Results:

Eleven case-control studies involving 3740 subjects (1362 venous thrombosis patients and 2378 healthy controls) were included. The TFPI rs8176592 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of venous thrombosis in the whole population, while no significant association was found between rs10931292/rs10153820 and venous thrombosis. In subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, an increased risk was observed with rs8176592 polymorphism in Asians (Recessive model, OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.06–2.07, P = .023). An increased risk associated with rs10931292 was identified in non-Asians (Recessive model, OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.03–1.97, P = .033). No significant association was found in either Asians or non-Asians with the rs10153820 polymorphism. In subgroup analysis based on source of controls, increased risks were identified in the hospital-based group with rs8176592 polymorphism and in the population-based group with rs10931292 polymorphism, whereas decreased risk was identified in the hospital-based group with the rs10931292 and rs10153820 polymorphisms.

Conclusion:

Meta-analysis suggested that different TFPI polymorphisms may have different associations with venous thrombosis. TFPI rs8176592 polymorphism may increase the risk of venous thrombosis, especially in Asians and hospital-based patients. The TFPI rs10931292 polymorphism may increase the venous thrombosis risk for both non-Asians and population-based patients. Moreover, rs10931292 and rs10153820 polymorphisms of TFPI may decrease the risk of venous thrombosis for hospital-based patients.
Precision medicine in pediatric sepsis
Authors: Atreya Mihir R. , Wong Hector R.
Published: March 2019

Purpose of review

Pediatric sepsis is a heterogeneous state associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but treatment strategies are limited. Clinical trials of immunomodulators in sepsis have shown no benefit, despite having a strong biological rationale. There is considerable interest in application of a precision medicine approach to pediatric sepsis to identify patients who are more likely to benefit from targeted therapeutic interventions.

Recent findings

Precision medicine requires a clear understanding of the molecular basis of disease. ‘Omics data’ and bioinformatics tools have enabled identification of endotypes of pediatric septic shock, with corresponding biological pathways. Further, using a multibiomarker-based approach, patients at highest risk of poor outcomes can be identified at disease onset. Enrichment strategies, both predictive and prognostic, may be used to optimize patient selection in clinical trials and identify a subpopulation in whom therapy of interest may be trialed. A bedside-to-bench-to-bedside model may offer clinicians pragmatic tools to aid in decision-making.

Precision medicine approaches may be used to subclassify, risk-stratify, and select pediatric patients with sepsis who may benefit from new therapies. Application of precision medicine will require robust basic and translational research, rigorous clinical trials, and infrastructure to collect and analyze big data.
Influence of Gender, Profession, and Managerial Function on Clinicians’ Perceptions of Patient Safety Culture: A Cross-National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gambashidze Nikoloz , Hammer Antje , Wagner Anke , Rieger Monika A. , Brösterhaus Mareen , Van Vegten Amanda , Manser Tanja ,   on behalf of the WorkSafeMed Consortium
Published: March 2019

Objectives

In recent years, several instruments for measuring patient safety culture (PSC) have been developed and implemented. Correct interpretation of survey findings is crucial for understanding PSC locally, for comparisons across settings or time, as well as for planning effective interventions. We aimed to evaluate the influence of gender, profession, and managerial function on perceptions of PSC and on the interplay between various dimensions and perceptions of PSC.

Methods

We used German and Swiss survey data of frontline physicians and nurses (n = 1786). Data analysis was performed for the two samples separately using multivariate analysis of variance, comparisons of adjusted means, and series of multiple regressions.

Results

Participants’ profession and managerial function had significant direct effect on perceptions of PSC. Although there was no significant direct effect of gender for most of the PSC dimensions, it had an indirect effect on PSC dimensions through statistically significant direct effects on profession and managerial function. We identified similarities and differences across participant groups concerning the impact of various PSC dimensions on Overall Perception of Patient Safety. Staffing and Organizational Learning had positive influence in most groups without managerial function, whereas Teamwork Within Unit, Feedback & Communication About Error, and Communication Openness had no significant effect. For female participants without managerial functions, Management Support for Patient Safety had a significant positive effect.

Conclusions

Participant characteristics have significant effects on perceptions of PSC and thus should be accounted for in reporting, interpreting, and comparing results from different samples.
The Relationship Between Culture of Safety and Rate of Adverse Events in Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Abusalem Said , Polivka Barbara , Coty Mary-Beth , Crawford Timothy N. , Furman Christian D. , Alaradi Maryam
Published: March 2019

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship of culture of safety dimensions and the rate of unanticipated care outcomes in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality framework of resident safety culture.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey data were collected on 13 dimensions of culture of safety in five LTCFs from registered nurses, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nursing assistants, administrators/managers, administrative support, and rehabilitation staff. Secondary data on falls in the five LTCFs from quarters 1 to 3 of 2014 were obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in February 2015. Spearman’s ρ and the Generalized Estimating Equations using a log link (Poisson distribution) were used.

Results

Communication and feedback about incidences reported the highest mean scores (M = 4.35, SD =0.71). Higher rate of falls was associated with a lower level of team work, lower degree of handoffs, and lower levels of organizational learning. The risk for falls increased as the number of residents per facility increased (rate ratio [RR] = 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–1.02) and as the number of LPN hours per resident increased (RR = 37.7, 95% CI = 18.5–76.50). Risk for long stay urinary tract infections increased as number of residents increased (RR =1.01, 95% CI =1.01–1.01). Increase in culture of safety score was associated with decrease in risk of falls, long stay urinary tract infections, and short stay ulcers.

Conclusions

With the shortage of registered nurses in LTCFs and new reimbursement regulations, many LTCFs are hiring LPNs to have full staffing and save money. Licensed practical nurses may lack essential knowledge to decrease the rate of falls.
Current Controversies in Cardiothoracic Imaging
Authors: Reich Jerome M. , Kim Jong S.
Published: March 2019

Lung cancer seems an ideal screening candidate because of its frequency and lethality, its well-known risk factors, and because it can often be identified at a curable stage with noninvasive procedures. The lethality of clinically diagnosed lung cancers rendered the possibility of material overdiagnosis (OD) (by means of screening) implausible in the judgment of experienced clinicians. Increased experience with lung cancer screening trials, which showed an excess of cases in screened versus control cohorts, led to broader acceptance of its existence. The magnitude of OD and the appropriate methodology for its assessment are disputed. Overdiagnosed individuals experience substantial surgical mortality and their loss of pulmonary reserve leads, in many, to a material reduction in the duration and quality of life. To estimate the scale of computerized tomographic OD, taken as the excess of screen-identified cases versus unscreened controls, we pooled the long-term findings in the 3 reporting European trials comprising 10,675 subjects. There were 263 detected lung cancers in the low-dose, computerized tomographic–screened versus 153 in controls, a 42% excess.
Current Controversies in Cardiothoracic Imaging
Authors: Grannis Frederic W.
Published: March 2019

Initially introduced into the medical literature in research publications from “Special Project #1” of the Council for Tobacco Research, the concept of overdiagnosed lung cancer (OD LC) has consistently served to misinform and confuse the medical community, contributing to interminable delays in implementation of population lung cancer screening. Estimates of overdiagnosis vary enormously (9.5% to 75%). Careful, judicious application of diagnostic algorithms and clinical practice guidelines prevents overtreatment of potentially OD LC and offers a safe and effective method to prevent tens of thousands of LC-related deaths. Speculative concern over potential OD should not further block availability of computed tomography screening to those at risk.
Postural Changes After Abdominoplasty in Morbid Obese Patients
Authors: Grella Roberto , Del Torto Giuseppe , Nicoletti Giovanni Francesco , D'Andrea Francesco
Published: March 2019

Background

In the multidisciplinary treatment of obesity, the role of a plastic surgeon is to remove the excess of skin after weight loss to obtain cosmetic, functional, and psychological benefits. Obesity modifies body geometry, increases the mass of different segments, and imposes functional limitations in life activities that may predispose the obese to injury. The authors evaluated the postural conditions of obese patients, before and 12 months after surgery.

Methods

The study included 15 obese patients of both genders affected by class II obesity. Postural function was evaluated preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Patients underwent conventional abdominoplasty surgical procedure. In all patients, plantar pressure distribution and balance (stabilometric test) were evaluated before and 3 months after surgery.

Results

The static pedobarographic revealed a significant reduction in forefoot peak pressure; total plantar force; rearfoot plantar force percentage; midfoot plantar force percentage; and forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot plantar contact areas percentage 3 months after surgery; the dynamic's one showed a reduction in the first metatarsal peak pressure and plantar contact. The stabilometric values showed a reduction in the range of center of foot pressure (CP) displacement along y axis, the average displacement of the CP speed from the mean (RMS y velocity), and CP mean peak in the condition of vision.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the beneficial effect of dermolipectomies and the consequential weight loss on postural stability of obese men. Such findings may support the hypothesis that dermolipectomy may improve postural stability with and without vision. The data demonstrate that the benefits are related to the magnitude of the resected tissue.
Dorsal Block Splinting of Volar Plate Injuries at Neutral Position
Authors: Stanley Edward A. , Seifman Marc A. , Mills Bernice , Fay Pearse , Thomas Damon J.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Volar plate injuries of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of a finger are common, often occurring in sporting or workplace incidents. Treatment of a stable dorsal dislocation entails a conservative approach, directed at preventing hyperextension and allowing the ligament to heal in position that does not negatively impact on healing. Current treatment regimens include dorsal block splinting (DBS) in 30° of flexion, which maintains the PIPJ in flexion in order to prevent any strain on the healing tissue while attempting to restore anatomical position. Recognized complications of DBS are flexion deformities of the joint and hyperextensibility. We propose that DBS in neutral position, rather than 30° flexion, reduces hyperextensibility as well as preventing flexion deformities of the PIPJ, allowing sooner return of function and participation in daily activities.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients sustaining volar plate injuries was undertaken. Inclusion criteria involved patients splinted at either 30° or neutral position, both those having undergone surgical or conservative regimens and the joint assessed as stable. Data were collected focusing on the number of hand therapy sessions, the time from injury to discharge, active angles of flexion and extension of the PIPJ, and pain.

Results

Over 2 years, 125 patients were treated for volar plate injuries: 20 with DBS at neutral position and 105 DBS at 30°. There were no significant differences in patient demographics. There were fewer hand therapy appointments required for those splinted in neutral position and weeks of hand therapy predischarge. There were no flexion deformities for patients undergoing DBS at neutral position, but no difference in PIPJ extension. There were no differences in hyperextensibility or pain.

Conclusions

Dorsal block splinting at neutral position results in fewer flexion deformities following volar plate injuries of the PIPJ, without resultant hyperextensibility. There are fewer demands on hand therapy. Dorsal block splinting at neutral position may result in better function for patients suffering this injury, with decreased complications and quicker return to daily activities.
Improved Adipocyte Viability in Autologous Fat Grafting With Ascorbic Acid–Supplemented Tumescent Solution
Authors: Lunger Alexander , Ismail Tarek , Todorov Atanas , Buergin Joel , Lunger Fabian , Oberhauser Ida , Haug Martin , Kalbermatten Daniel Felix , Largo Rene Denis , Martin Ivan , Scherberich Arnaud , Schaefer Dirk Johannes
Published: March 2019

Introduction

In reconstructive surgery, fat volume augmentation is often necessary for esthetic or functional reasons. As an alternative to synthetic and xenogeneic materials, autologous fat grafting (AFG) based on liposuction is gaining popularity, yet successful transplantation and long-term volume maintenance are difficult. Standard tumescent solution formulations neglect adipocyte and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell survival during extraction, as well as SVF differentiation into adipocytes thereafter, all of which are crucial for the success of AFG. Here we hypothesized that addition of ascorbic acid (AA) to the tumescent solution could prevent liposuction-induced cell damage.

Materials and Methods

The effect of 0.1 mmol/L AA in tumescent solution was investigated in a previously described ex vivo model of AFG. Briefly, excision fat was infiltrated with tumescent solution, with or without AA, and incubated for 20 minutes at 37°C. Hand-assisted liposuction was then performed with a blunt cannula. Total cell viability, clonogenicity, and differentiation capacity of the SVF cells were assessed.

Results

With AA, 10.3% more cells and in particular 14.9% more adipocytes survived liposuction. Clonogenicity, adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation by SVF cells remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Addition of AA successfully improved survival of adipocytes during liposuction without affecting SVF growth and differentiation. This study therefore identified a useful supplement to the tumescent solution which may lead to improving AFG success.
Ossification of the Vascular Pedicle After Microsurgical Soft Tissue Transfer of the Lateral Upper Arm Free Flap
Authors: Jehn Philipp , Zimmerer Rüdiger , Dittmann Jan , Fedchenko Mykola , Gellrich Nils-Claudius , Spalthoff Simon
Published: March 2019

Reconstruction of intraoral defects is one of the main aspects of head and neck cancer treatment. Since the advent of microvascular surgery in this field, free flap tissue transfer has become a common procedure, and various flaps have been described for soft tissue reconstruction. The lateral upper arm free flap is one of the most frequently used flaps for intraoral defect coverage. This article describes ossification of the corresponding vascular pedicle after soft tissue transfer with the lateral upper arm free flap and microsurgical anastomosis in oral cancer treatment. Similar findings in the context of the lateral upper arm free flap have never been reported in the literature; however, it is important for surgeons to know that pedicle ossification can occur. This knowledge may be helpful to avoid erroneous diagnosis of the ossification as a sign of tumor relapse/recurrence as well as to anticipate potential difficulties in the surgical approach in cases requiring reentry of the reconstructed region, for example, in relapse/recurrence of head and neck cancer.
Correlation of Electronic (Web-Based and Smartphone) Administration of Measures of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Grimes Cara L. , Antosh Danielle D. , Oliphant Sallie , Yurteri-Kaplan Ladin , Kim-Fine Shunaha , Melamud Gabriel , Heisler Christine , Chung Doreen E.
Published: March 2019

Objective

We hypothesized that instruments of pelvic floor dysfunction would yield similar responses on web-based and smartphone administration compared with paper.

Methods

Subjects presenting with pelvic floor disorders were prospectively enrolled at 5 sites and invited to complete 4 validated pelvic floor disorder questionnaires (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire 7, Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire 12, Bristol Stool Scale) on both paper and electronic formats, 2 weeks apart, with the order of administration being randomized. Participants completed the questionnaires electronically on the internet via REDCap or using the PelvicTrack App on a smartphone or tablet.

Results

Two hundred thirty-four subjects were enrolled, and 132 subjects (56%) completed both sets of questionnaires with no intervening treatment. This group was 58 (±15) years old with body mass index 28 (±6) kg/m2 and parity 2 (1, 3) and was 77% white, 6% African American, 7% Asian, and 10% other. Presenting complaints were classified as 58% urinary, 37% prolapse, and 5% defecatory. There was no difference in overall demographic information between those who completed the second round of questionnaires and those who did not. There was no difference in age between those who chose to complete the questionnaires via REDcap and those who chose to complete the questionnaires via smartphone. Correlation coefficients between questionnaire administration range from 0.5 to 0.8. There was no significant difference in the responses for each total scale and individual scale between the first or second administration.

Conclusions

We demonstrated moderate to strong reliability between scales of pelvic floor dysfunction administered electronically compared with paper version. Our results strongly suggest that it is feasible and reliable to administer pelvic floor questionnaires in an electronic format on REDCap and on smartphones.
Small Split Pediatric Kidneys to Expand the Donor Pool: An Analysis of Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) Data
Authors: Suneja Manish , Kuppachi Sarat , Katz Daniel , Hunsicker Lawrence
Published: March 2019

Background.

Increased use of pediatric deceased donor kidneys could enlarge the deceased donor kidney pool. Kidney transplant outcomes from small pediatric donors were compared with those from ideal kidney (IK) and expanded criteria kidney (ECK) donors to understand the optimal use of pediatric donor kidneys.

Methods.

Kaplan-Meier analyses compared long-term patient and death-censored graft survival of en bloc kidney (EBK) and split kidney (SpK) transplants from small pediatric donors (aged ≤8 y and weight <30 kg) with those from IK and ECK. Posttransplant serum creatinine) was compared among these cohorts. Deceased donor kidney disposition was determined from small pediatric donors with ≥1 organ transplanted.

Results.

Patient and death-censored graft survival were similar among recipients of IK, EBK, and SpK transplants, and were superior to those of recipients of ECK. EBK and SpK transplants from donors 5–30 kg had first-year graft loss similar to ECK. Long-term graft survival and serum creatinine with kidneys from SpK donors >10 kg were better than that with ECK donors. About 3901 transplants were performed from 3660 pediatric donors (53% yield).

Conclusions.

Pediatric kidneys can augment the kidney donor pool and should not be considered ECK. If 90% of kidneys from donors (aged ≤8 y and weight <30 kg) with ≥1 organ transplanted been used (as SpK when >10 kg) an additional 159 kidney transplants per year could have been performed. Expanding the use of pediatric kidneys should be further explored by the transplant community.
The Intersection of Physical Function, Cognitive Performance, Aging, and Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Bollaert Rachel E. , Sandroff Brian M. , Stine-Morrow Elizabeth A.L. , Sutton Bradley P. , Motl Robert W.
Published: March 2019

Objective:

To examine the associations between physical function (walking speed and endurance and functional mobility) and cognitive function (information processing speed and verbal memory) in older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls.

Background:

Older adults with MS have worse physical and cognitive function than older adults without MS and young and middle-aged adults with MS. To date, little is known about the associations between, or coupling of, physical and cognitive function outcomes in older adults with MS.

Methods:

We administered physical and cognitive function measures to 40 older adults with MS and 40 demographically matched healthy controls. Pearson product moment correlations were used to examine bivariate linear relationships in the overall sample and in the subsamples of (a) older adults with MS and (b) healthy controls. Linear regression analyses were used to examine the independent associations between demographic characteristics and physical and cognitive function variables in the two subsamples.

Results:

In the overall sample, all physical function variables were significantly correlated with cognitive function, as measured by information processing speed, and these correlations were mainly due to the subsample of older adults with MS. The linear regression analyses further indicated that information processing speed and years of education consistently explained variance in all physical function variables, beyond the influence of demographic variables, in older adults with MS.

Conclusions:

Physical function and information processing speed are strongly correlated in older adults with MS. Future research should examine underlying neurobehavioral mechanisms associated with physical and cognitive function as well as behavioral strategies for jointly improving these functions in older adults with MS.
Preferential Disruption of Auditory Word Representations in Primary Progressive Aphasia With the Neuropathology of FTLD-TDP Type A
Authors: Mesulam Marek-Marsel , Nelson Matthew J. , Hyun JungMoon , Rader Benjamin , Hurley Robert S. , Rademakers Rosa , Baker Matthew C. , Bigio Eileen H. , Weintraub Sandra
Published: March 2019

Four patients with primary progressive aphasia displayed a greater deficit in understanding words they heard than words they read, and a further deficiency in naming objects orally rather than in writing. All four had frontotemporal lobar degeneration-transactive response DNA binding protein Type A neuropathology, three determined postmortem and one surmised on the basis of granulin gene (GRN) mutation. These features of language impairment are not characteristic of any currently recognized primary progressive aphasia variant. They can be operationalized as manifestations of dysfunction centered on a putative auditory word-form area located in the superior temporal gyrus of the left hemisphere. The small size of our sample makes the conclusions related to underlying pathology and auditory word-form area dysfunction tentative. Nonetheless, a deeper assessment of such patients may clarify the nature of pathways that link modality-specific word-form information to the associations that mediate their recognition as concepts. From a practical point of view, the identification of these features in patients with primary progressive aphasia should help in the design of therapeutic interventions where written communication modalities are promoted to circumvent some of the oral communication deficits.
Chronological Effects of Emotional Valence on the Self-selected Retrieval of Autobiographical Memories
Authors: Williamson John B. , Drago Valeria , Harciarek Michal , Falchook Adam Dov , Wargovich Bliss Anne , Heilman Kenneth M.
Published: March 2019

Background and Objective:

Salience of emotional autobiographical memories may have temporal patterns associated with valence. Recall of negative emotional memories is often important in survival and well-being. Based on the possible survival value of negative memories, we posited that when given an open-ended request to recall either a sad or a happy memory, people are more likely to recall an older sad memory than a happy one.

Methods:

We asked 20 healthy participants, aged 18–63 years, to freely recall happy and sad emotional memories and estimate the length of time that had passed since the recalled event had occurred. We analyzed the age of each memory based on valence.

Results:

Sixteen of 20 participants volunteered a more remote sad than happy memory (P<0.05). Older participants’ sad memories were more remote (P<0.05), but the ratio of happy to sad memories was not affected by age.

Conclusions:

Self-selected free retrieval of autobiographical happy and sad emotional memories reveals a time bias. Although the reason for this temporal dichotomy is unknown, it may be that engaging systems involved in defense and survival alters the encoding and/or retrieval characteristics of the memory that modify salience.
Phenotypical microRNA screen reveals a noncanonical role of CDK2 in regulating neutrophil migration
Authors: Hsu A.Y. , Wang D. , Liu S. , Lu J. , Syahirah R. , Bennin D.A. , Huttenlocher A. , Umulis D.M. , Wan J. , Deng Q.
Published: March 2019

Neutrophil migration is essential for inflammatory responses to kill pathogens, however it also causes tissue injury. To discover novel therapeutic targets that modulate neutrophil migration, we performed a neutrophil-specific microRNA overexpression screen in zebrafish, and identified eight microRNAs as potent suppressors of neutrophil migration. Among those,miR-199decreases neutrophil chemotaxis in zebrafish and human neutrophil-like cells. Intriguingly, in terminally differentiated neutrophils,miR-199alters the cell cycle-related pathways and directly suppressescyclin-dependent kinase 2(cdk2), whose known activity is restricted to cell cycle progression and cell differentiation. Inhibiting CDK2, but not DNA replication, disrupts cell polarity and chemotaxis of zebrafish neutrophils. Chemotaxis of primary human neutrophils are also reduced by CDK2 inhibition. Furthermore,miR-199overexpression or CDK2 inhibition significantly improves the outcome of lethal systemic inflammation challenges in zebrafish. Together, our results reveal previously unknown functions ofmiR-199and CDK2 in regulating neutrophil migration and provide new directions in alleviating systemic inflammation.

One Sentence Summary

miR-199directly suppressescdk2expression, neutrophil chemotaxis and systemic inflammation.
High-throughput RNA sequencing from paired lesional- and non-lesional skin reveals major alterations in the psoriasis circRNAome
Authors: Moldovan Liviu-Ionut , Hansen Thomas Birkballe , Venø Morten Trillingsgaard , Hauge Okholm Trine Line , Andersen Thomas Levin , Hager Henrik , Iversen Lars , Kjems Jørgen , Johansen Claus , Kristensen Lasse Sommer
Published: March 2019

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes. It is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition in adults worldwide, with a considerable negative impact on quality of life. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recently identified type of non-coding RNA with diverse cellular functions related to their exceptional stability. In particular, some circRNAs can bind and regulate microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of RNAs that play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The aim of this study was to characterize the circRNAome in psoriasis and to assess potential correlations to miRNA expression patterns.

Results

Using high-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and NanoString nCounter technology, we found a substantial down-regulation of circRNA expression in lesional skin compared to non-lesional skin from psoriasis patients. We saw that this mainly applies to the epidermis by analyzing laser capture microdissected tissues and by RNA chromogenicin situhybridization (CISH). We also found that the majority of the circRNAs were downregulated independent of their corresponding linear host genes. The observed downregulation of circRNAs in psoriasis was not due to altered expression levels of factors known to affect circRNA biogenesis, nor because lesional skin contained an increased number of inflammatory cells such as lymphocytes. Finally, we saw that the overall differences in available miRNA binding sites on the circRNAs between lesional and non-lesional skin did not correlate with differences in miRNA expression patterns.

Conclusions

We have performed the first genome-wide circRNA profiling of paired lesional and non-lesional skin from psoriasis patients and revealed that circRNAs are much less abundant in the lesional samples. Whether this is a cause or a consequence of the disease remains to be revealed, however, we found no evidence that the loss of miRNA binding sites on the circRNAs could explain differences in miRNA expression reported between lesional and non-lesional skin.
Evidence that viruses, particularly SIV, drove genetic adaptation in natural populations of eastern chimpanzees
Authors: Schmidt Joshua M. , de Manuel Marc , Marques-Bonet Tomas , Castellano Sergi , Andrés Aida M.
Published: March 2019

All four subspecies of chimpanzees are endangered. Differing in their demographic histories and geographical ranges within sub-Saharan Africa, they have likely adapted to different environmental factors. We show that highly differentiated SNPs in eastern chimpanzees are uniquely enriched in genic sites in a way that is expected under recent adaptation. These sites are enriched for genes that differentiate the immune response to infection by simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in natural vs. non-natural host species. Conversely, central chimpanzees exhibit selective sweeps at the cytokine receptorsCCR3,CCR9andCXCR6– paralogs ofCCR5andCXCR4,the two major receptors utilized by HIV to enter human cells. Thus, we infer that SIV may be eliciting distinctive adaptive responses in different chimpanzee subspecies. Since central chimpanzee SIV is the source of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, understanding the mechanisms that limit pathogenicity of SIV in chimpanzees can broaden our understanding of HIV infection in humans.
Time-to-target simplifies optimal control of visuomotor feedback responses
Authors: Česonis Justinas , Franklin David W.
Published: March 2019

Visuomotor feedback responses vary in intensity throughout a reach, commonly explained by optimal control. Here we show that the optimal control for a range of movements with the same goal can be simplified to a time-to-target dependent control scheme. We measure participants’ visuomotor responses in five reaching conditions, each with different hand or cursor kinematics. Participants only produced different feedback responses when these kinematic changes resulted in different times-to-target. We complement our experimental data with a range of finite and non-finite horizon optimal feedback control models, finding that only the model with time-to-target as one of the input parameters can successfully replicate the experimental data. Overall, this suggests that time-to-target is a critical control parameter in online feedback control. Moreover, we propose that for a specific task and known dynamics, humans can instantly produce a control signal without any computation allowing rapid response onset and close to optimal control.
Universal surface-to-volume scaling and aspect ratio homeostasis in rod-shaped bacteria
Authors: Ojkic Nikola , Serbanescu Diana , Banerjee Shiladitya
Published: March 2019

Rod-shaped bacterial cells can readily adapt their lengths and widths in response to environmental changes. While many recent studies have focused on the mechanisms underlying bacterial cell size control, it remains largely unknown how the coupling between cell length and width results in robust control of rod-like bacterial shapes. In this study we uncover a universal surface-to-volume scaling relation in Escherichia coli and other rod-shaped bacteria, resulting from the preservation of cell aspect ratio. To explain the mechanistic origin of aspect-ratio control, we propose a quantitative model for the coupling between bacterial cell elongation and the accumulation of an essential division protein, FtsZ. This model reveals a mechanism for why bacterial aspect ratio is independent of cell size and growth conditions, and predicts cell morphological changes in response to nutrient perturbations, antibiotics, MreB or FtsZ depletion, in quantitative agreement with experimental data.
Intraventricular CXCL12 is neuroprotective and increases neurogenesis in a murine model of stroke
Authors: Zamproni Laura N. , Porcionatto Marimelia A.
Published: March 2019

Stroke is the leading cause of physical disability and the second leading cause of death in adults. Chemokines that regulate ischemic microenvironment can influence neurorestorative therapies in stroke patients. CXCL12 was shown to be neuroprotective, but there are some contradictory results in the literature. The objective of this work is to verify whether CXCL12 delivery to the brain could be beneficial or harmful. We decided to evaluate the intraventricular delivery to facilitate its application in clinical practice. Intraventricular CXCL12 was able to produce increased mRNA expression of the receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 in the cerebral cortex. After the stroke, intraventricular CXCL12 decreased mice ischemic area and improved behavioral response. We found CXCL12 was neuroprotective, increase reactive astrogliosis and improve neurogenesis in the perilesional area.
Development and characterization of phytosterol nanoemulsions and self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems
Authors: Chuanxun Yuan , Xueru Zhang , Risheng Jin
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study is to develop a self microemulsion drug delivery system for phytosterols to improve the solubility and bioavailability. The results showed that the formulation of phytosterol self-microemulsion is: lemon essential oil in oil phase, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil 40 and Tween 60 in emulsifier, polyethylene glycol 400 in co-emulsifier, Km = 7:3, Kp = 3:1, Ke = 50%. The drug loading of phytosterol self-microemulsion prepared by this method was 87.22 mg/g, encapsulation efficiency was 89.65%, particle size was 48.85nm, potential was −12.863mV. In vitro release experiment showed that the release of phytosterols in microemulsion was more than 90%, and the release curve was in accordance with the first-order kinetics equation. The pharmacokinetic analysis of PSSM synthesized by this method shows that PSSM can increase the bioavailability of PS more than three times, so it is necessary to do more in-depth research on the self-microemulsion delivery system of phytosterols.
Gastrocnemius muscle remodeling explains functional deficits three months following Achilles tendon rupture
Authors: Hullfish Todd J. , O’Connor Kathryn M. , Baxter Josh R.
Published: March 2019

Plantarflexor functional deficits are associated with poor outcomes in patients following Achilles tendon rupture. In this longitudinal study, we analyzed the fascicle length and pennation angle of the medial gastrocnemius muscle and the length of the Achilles tendon using ultrasound imaging. To determine the relationship between muscle remodeling and functional deficits measured at 3 months after injury, we correlated the reduction in fascicle length and increase in pennation angle with peak torque measured during isometric plantarflexor contractions and peak power measured during isokinetic plantarflexor contractions. We found that the medial gastrocnemius underwent an immediate change in structure, characterized by decreased length and increased pennation of the muscle fascicles. This decrease in fascicle length was coupled with an increase in tendon length. These changes in muscle-tendon structure persisted throughout the first three months following rupture. Deficits in peak plantarflexor power were moderately correlated with decreased fascicle length at 120 degrees per second (R2= 0.424,P= 0.057) and strongly correlated with decreased fascicle length at 210 degrees per second (R2= 0.737,P= 0.003). However, increases in pennation angle did not explain functional deficits. These findings suggest that muscle-tendon structure is detrimentally affected following Achilles tendon rupture. Plantarflexor power deficits are positively correlated with the magnitude of reductions in fascicle length. Preserving muscle structure following Achilles tendon rupture should be a clinical priority to maintain patient function.
Students’ decision making in class selection and enrolment
Authors: Othman Muhammad Hanif , Mohamad Noorihsan , Barom Mohd Nizam
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical model that integrates various dimensional factors which influence decision-making process of class selection and enrolment, analysing different angles of this process and explaining those factors which determine students’ decision.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses quantitative design to determine and explore students’ decision making in class selection and enrolment. There were 396 students who participated in this study. The data were analysed using principle component analysis to determine the dominant factor for class selection and enrolment.

Findings

The study has analysed different factors that can influence students’ decision for class selection and enrolment. Five important underlying factors have been identified which includes the class and lecturer factor, time-space factor, ease and comfort factor, course mate factor and commitment factor. Moreover, the Kruskal–Wallis test shows that there is a significant mean difference in choice and selection behaviour between genders and students’ personal attitudes.

Research limitations/implications

This study is an early attempt to explore the wide fields of decision making in class selection and enrolment. It is hoped that follow-up studies would provide more coverage relative to the findings of this research.

Practical implications

One particular dimension of micro decision making faced by students is class (course) selection in the beginning of every academic semester/term. Class selection is very critical decision for students as it would reflect students expected outcome for their future career directions. More importantly, the decision made by the students may also affect their academic performance throughout their study.

Social implications

From the perspective of the university’s administrators, this issue is very critical for planning purposes. Understanding the students’ behaviour in class selection could improve the cost effectiveness as well as the scheduling of course offering to enhance students’ and instructors’ teaching and learning experience.

Originality/value

While many studies try to explore the questions of what makes a student choose a specific college/university or a specific field, limited number have investigated the behaviour of students in class selection and enrolment. This paper contributes to bridging that gap.
Transcending conventional assessment boundaries in conducting learning study
Authors: Ko Po Yuk
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Assessment for learning (AfL) or formative assessment is an idea widely embraced by the education field; however, it is recognised as difficult to practice at classroom. This paper, with a case study, explores how an action research activity, learning study, helps a group of teachers in Hong Kong transcend some assessment boundaries and develop assessment tools that are more conducive for student’s learning. As guided by variation theory, a distinctive feature of learning study is its intensive use of formative assessment tools, including pre- and post-tests and interviews with students, to provide feedback to teaching and evidence of learning. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how teachers learn to use the formative assessment tools to overcome practical problems in teaching and improve their instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was conducted. Data collected included field notes on classroom observations, records of meetings, students’ interviews and students’ writings in both pre- and post-tests. The general framework for qualitative data analysis by Miles and Huberman (1994) guided the data analysis process with the foci on the change in teachers’ perceptions and improvement of their skills in adopting formative assessment tools.

Findings

Although the initial aim of conducting learning study was examination-driven, i.e., to improve the students’ performance in an external examination, it became evident over time that teachers participating in the inquiry process had gained a better understanding of making use of the assessment results as feedback to improve student learning and their instruction. This constituted an ideal case for studying the learning process of the teachers as they practiced AfL and transcend some conventional assessment boundaries in an authentic classroom situation.

Originality/value

This is one of the scarce studies, which demonstrates how the assessment elements of learning study, i.e. pre/post tests and student interviews, can be integrated into the working practice of teachers as a form of AfL and become an integral aspect of classroom practice.