bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-Wired: treatment and peer support for men who have sex with men who use methamphetamine
Authors: Burgess Kent , Parkhill Garth , Wiggins Jeremy , Ruth Simon , Stoovè Mark
Published: March 2018

Background
This paper examines a methamphetamine treatment and peer support program for gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) who use methamphetamine. Australian MSM use illicit drugs including methamphetamine at significantly higher rates than the broader community.1,2 Methamphetamine rates are higher again amongst HIV positive MSM. Methamphetamine in the MSM community is associated with sexual activity and may be associated with psychosocial harms including risk of the transmission of HIV and sexually transmissible infections.3,4,7,8 Methods: This paper presents the formal evaluation of Re-Wired, Australia’s first structured methamphetamine treatment and support program for MSM, consisting of a free, six week therapeutic group and Re-Wired 2.0, a follow up peer support group. Data collection included baseline and post intervention administration of the Kessler Scale of Psychological Distress (K10) and the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT), the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) and the Readiness to Change Questionnaire (RCQ). This was complemented with qualitative session feedback and a small number of post intervention participant interviews. Results: Program evaluation demonstrated modest improvements in participant psychological distress, personal well-being and stage of change and reductions in methamphetamine use post intervention. Qualitative data revealed benefits of a specialised harm reduction intervention for this population through addressing fear of discrimination and stigma. Conclusions: The presented harm reduction program for MSM who use methamphetamine demonstrates the potential for a specialist peer-based approach to reduce harm in this vulnerable population. This approach may be suitable for adaptation with MSM populations in similar high-income settings.
The Supreme One
Authors: Alexidze Lela
Published: March 2018

In the prologue to his Commentary on Proclus’ Elements of theology Ioane
Petritsi, Georgian Neoplatonist of the twelfth century, argues that the main
subject of Proclus’ Elements is the theory of the supreme One. In Petritsi’s
opinion, Proclus’ merit was to elaborate the philosophy of the ‘pure’,
absolutely transcendent One which is unperceivable even for the Intellect. On
the other hand, the supreme One is, in Petritsi’s interpretation, the cause of
everything, including matter, and It has some positive (‘kataphatic’)
characteristics which cannot be separated from Its hyper-essence. These are,
mainly, Its causality and productivity, Its will and providential activity. The
aim of this article is to analyse, what the supreme One is in Petritsi’s
Commentary and to answer the following question: Do the absolute transcendence
of the supreme One and Its positive characteristics contradict each other or are
they in a certain way compatible with each other? I argue that for making the
transition from the first aspect of the supreme One (Its transcendence) to
another one (Its productivity) more coherent, Petritsi made an attempt to
introduce in the ontological hierarchy one more one after the supreme One and
before the Henads. In my opinion, this ‘second one’, which is almost inseparable
from the supreme transcendent One, is Its another aspect, representing Its
productive activity. For the same purpose, as I think, Petritsi identified the
creative aspect of the One with the Logos/the Son of God and, in certain cases,
also with Plato’s Demiurge.
Verb morphology in speakers with agrammatic aphasia
Authors: Marusch Tina , Jäger Lena Ann , Burchert Frank , Nickels Lyndsey
Published: March 2018

This paper reports an investigation of the production of verb morphology in English speakers with agrammatic aphasia. Our main goal was to
test four accounts of the processing of (ir-)regularity by quantifying regularity using affix type and the presence or absence of stem
changes.

Production accuracy of regular, mixed and two types of irregular past participles (irregular 1, irregular 2) was tested in English using a
sentence completion task with a group of five speakers with agrammatic aphasia.

The results showed significant effects on production accuracy of whether the verb required a stem change and of time reference frame but no
effect of affix type: past participles that required stem changes (mixed and irregular 2 past participles) were more difficult to produce
than past participles that did not change their stem (regular and irregular 1 past participles). Moreover, the production of present
continuous forms was more accurate compared to past participle forms.

These results suggest that a categorical conception of regular versus irregular is over-simplified, as accuracy was best predicted by stem
change rather than by regularity. This is a finding most consistent with the Stem-based Assembly model.

The results of this study have implications for the design and selection of stimuli in future experiments: Experimental stimuli need to be
controlled for stem changes and affix type rather than assuming that irregular verbs are homogeneous.
The Bank of International Settlements as a think tank for financial policy-making
Authors: Westermeier Carola
Published: March 2018

The Bank of International Settlements (BIS) is known to be the ‘bank of central banks’ and a confidential place where central bankers meet to discuss policies. However, this contribution shows that it is also far more. Economic research and policy-making are closely connected within the BIS. Researchers and analysts provide knowledge for financial regulation and introduce new approaches to policy-makers who meet within the BIS-hosted bodies, such as the Basel Committee of Banking Supervision. The Monetary and Economic Department of the BIS operates like a think tank in the field of financial policy-making. This is exemplified by the introduction of macroprudential regulation, a new approach that originated within the BIS. By combining post-structural discourse theory with the concept of discourse coalition, this paper shows how macroprudential regulation became a frame of reference promising to maintain financial stability and how the BIS benefits from this.
Plasma cell output from germinal centers is regulated by signals from Tfh and stromal cells
Authors: Zhang Yang , Tech Laura , George Laura A. , Acs Andreas , Durrett Russell E. , Hess Henry , Walker Lucy S.K. , Tarlinton David M. , Fletcher Anne L. , Hauser Anja Erika , Toellner Kai-Michael
Published: March 2018

Germinal centers (GCs) are the sites where B cells undergo affinity maturation. The regulation of cellular output from the GC is not well understood. Here, we show that from the earliest stages of the GC response, plasmablasts emerge at the GC–T zone interface (GTI). We define two main factors that regulate this process: Tfh-derived IL-21, which supports production of plasmablasts from the GC, and TNFSF13 (APRIL), which is produced by a population of podoplanin+ CD157high fibroblastic reticular cells located in the GTI that are also rich in message for IL-6 and chemokines CXCL12, CCL19, and CCL21. Plasmablasts in the GTI express the APRIL receptor TNFRSF13B (TACI), and blocking TACI interactions specifically reduces the numbers of plasmablasts appearing in the GTI. Plasma cells generated in the GTI may provide an early source of affinity-matured antibodies that may neutralize pathogens or provide feedback regulating GC B cell selection.
Selective inhibition of the p38α MAPK–MK2 axis inhibits inflammatory cues including inflammasome priming signals
Authors: Wang Chun , Hockerman Susan , Jacobsen E. Jon , Alippe Yael , Selness Shaun R. , Hope Heidi R. , Hirsch Jeffrey L. , Mnich Stephen J. , Saabye Matthew J. , Hood William F. , Bonar Sheri L. , Abu-Amer Yousef , Haimovich Ariela , Hoffman Hal M. , Monahan Joseph B. , Mbalaviele Gabriel
Published: March 2018

p38α activation of multiple effectors may underlie the failure of global p38α inhibitors in clinical trials. A unique inhibitor (CDD-450) was developed that selectively blocked p38α activation of the proinflammatory kinase MK2 while sparing p38α activation of PRAK and ATF2. Next, the hypothesis that the p38α–MK2 complex mediates inflammasome priming cues was tested. CDD-450 had no effect on NLRP3 expression, but it decreased IL-1β expression by promoting IL-1β mRNA degradation. Thus, IL-1β is regulated not only transcriptionally by NF-κB and posttranslationally by the inflammasomes but also posttranscriptionally by p38α–MK2. CDD-450 also accelerated TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA decay, inhibited inflammation in mice with cryopyrinopathy, and was as efficacious as global p38α inhibitors in attenuating arthritis in rats and cytokine expression by cells from patients with cryopyrinopathy and rheumatoid arthritis. These findings have clinical translation implications as CDD-450 offers the potential to avoid tachyphylaxis associated with global p38α inhibitors that may result from their inhibition of non-MK2 substrates involved in antiinflammatory and housekeeping responses.
Primary atopic disorders
Authors: Lyons Jonathan J. , Milner Joshua D.
Published: March 2018

Monogenic disorders have provided fundamental insights into human immunity and the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. The pathways identified as critical in the development of atopy range from focal defects in immune cells and epithelial barrier function to global changes in metabolism. A major goal of studying heritable single-gene disorders that lead to severe clinical allergic diseases is to identify fundamental pathways leading to hypersensitivity that can be targeted to provide novel therapeutic strategies for patients with allergic diseases, syndromic and nonsyndromic alike. Here, we review known single-gene disorders leading to severe allergic phenotypes in humans, discuss how the revealed pathways fit within our current understanding of the atopic diathesis, and propose how some pathways might be targeted for therapeutic benefit.
Housing preferences of young adults in Indonesia: housing attributes and consequences
Authors: Farasa N , Kusuma H E
Published: March 2018

Nowadays, the housing demand of young adults in Indonesia is important issues for the sustainable development of the market. Facing differences of life phases, such as marriage, leaving home after graduation, and new job positioning, young adults become the main segment facing constant housing choice decisions in the housing market. In their particular phase of life, young adults have distinct preferences for housing attributes which bring a great influence on their lives in the future. Data was gathered from a survey questionnaire that was answered by 180 young adults in Indonesia, ranging from age 22-33 years. The findings suggest that the green area and view, location, simplicity, home design, and accessibility are the significant parts as housing attributes for young adults’ housing preferences in Indonesia. The effect of these attributes has many consequences such as security, personalization, mood/ambiance, maintenance, interaction, image, flexibility, environmental, economy, durability, convenience, comfort, and circulation. The biggest group of young adults who prefer comfort as their wanted consequences tend to have high preferences on housing attributes of the green area and view, and simplicity.
EWAS: epigenome-wide association study software 2.0
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhao Linna , Liu Di , Hu Simeng , Song Xiuling , Li Jin , Lv Hongchao , Duan Lian , Zhang Mingming , Jiang Qinghua , Liu Guiyou , Jin Shuilin , Liao Mingzhi , Zhang Meng , Feng Rennan , Kong Fanwu , Xu Liangde , Jiang Yongshuai
Published: March 2018

Motivation

With the development of biotechnology, DNA methylation data showed exponential growth. Epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) provide a systematic approach to uncovering epigenetic variants underlying common diseases/phenotypes. But the EWAS software has lagged behind compared with genome-wide association study (GWAS). To meet the requirements of users, we developed a convenient and useful software, EWAS2.0.

Results

EWAS2.0 can analyze EWAS data and identify the association between epigenetic variations and disease/phenotype. On the basis of EWAS1.0, we have added more distinctive features. EWAS2.0 software was developed based on our ‘population epigenetic framework’ and can perform: (i) epigenome-wide single marker association study; (ii) epigenome-wide methylation haplotype (meplotype) association study and (iii) epigenome-wide association meta-analysis. Users can use EWAS2.0 to execute chi-square test, t-test, linear regression analysis, logistic regression analysis, identify the association between epi-alleles, identify the methylation disequilibrium (MD) blocks, calculate the MD coefficient, the frequency of meplotype and Pearson's correlation coefficients and carry out meta-analysis and so on. Finally, we expect EWAS2.0 to become a popular software and be widely used in epigenome-wide associated studies in the future.

Availability and implementation

The EWAS software is freely available at http://www.ewas.org.cn or http://www.bioapp.org/ewas.
QuimP: analyzing transmembrane signalling in highly deformable cells
Authors: Baniukiewicz Piotr , Collier Sharon , Bretschneider Till
Published: March 2018

Transmembrane signalling plays important physiological roles, with G protein-coupled cell surface receptors being particularly important therapeutic targets. Fluorescent proteins are widely used to study signalling, but analyses of image time series can be challenging, in particular when cells change shape. QuimP software semi-automatically tracks spatio-temporal patterns of fluorescence at the cell membrane at high spatial resolution. This makes it a unique tool for studying transmembrane signalling, particularly during cell migration in immune or cancer cells for example.

Availability and implementation

QuimP (http://warwick.ac.uk/quimp) is a set of Java plugins for Fiji/ImageJ (http://fiji.sc) installable through the Fiji Updater (http://warwick.ac.uk/quimp/wiki-pages/installation). It is compatible with Mac, Windows and Unix operating systems, requiring version >1.45 of ImageJ and Java 8. QuimP is released as open source (https://github.com/CellDynamics/QuimP) under an academic licence.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
MEG Working Memory N-Back Task Reveals Functional Deficits in Combat-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Huang Ming-Xiong , Nichols Sharon , Robb-Swan Ashley , Angeles-Quinto Annemarie , Harrington Deborah L , Drake Angela , Huang Charles W , Song Tao , Diwakar Mithun , Risbrough Victoria B , Matthews Scott , Clifford Royce , Cheng Chung-Kuan , Huang Jeffrey W , Sinha Anusha , Yurgil Kate A , Ji Zhengwei , Lerman Imanuel , Lee Roland R , Baker Dewleen G
Published: March 2018

Combat-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a leading cause of sustained cognitive impairment in military service members and Veterans. However, the mechanism of persistent cognitive deficits including working memory (WM) dysfunction is not fully understood in mTBI. Few studies of WM deficits in mTBI have taken advantage of the temporal and frequency resolution afforded by electromagnetic measurements. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and an N-back WM task, we investigated functional abnormalities in combat-related mTBI. Study participants included 25 symptomatic active-duty service members or Veterans with combat-related mTBI and 20 healthy controls with similar combat experiences. MEG source–magnitude images were obtained for alpha (8–12 Hz), beta (15–30 Hz), gamma (30–90 Hz), and low-frequency (1–7 Hz) bands. Compared with healthy combat controls, mTBI participants showed increased MEG signals across frequency bands in frontal pole (FP), ventromedial prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and anterior dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), but decreased MEG signals in anterior cingulate cortex. Hyperactivations in FP, OFC, and anterior dlPFC were associated with slower reaction times. MEG activations in lateral FP also negatively correlated with performance on tests of letter sequencing, verbal fluency, and digit symbol coding. The profound hyperactivations from FP suggest that FP is particularly vulnerable to combat-related mTBI.
A New Brief Measure of Executive Function: Adapting the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders Task to Older Adults
Authors: Cerino Eric S , Hooker Karen , Stawski Robert S , McClelland Megan
Published: March 2018

Background and Objectives

Executive function (EF) abilities are recognized as components of cognition most likely to show age-related declines. Measurement of EF in older adults is often computer-based, takes place in a laboratory setting, and thus lacks ecological validity. We sought to investigate a new way of measuring EF in older adults by adapting a brief, behavioral measure of EF in children, the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task (HTKS).

Research Design and Methods

A sample of 150 community-dwelling older adults (Mean age = 68.55, SD = 6.34) completed the HTKS, NIH Toolbox: Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule.

Results

The HTKS showed adequate internal consistency, α = .84. Significant associations between HTKS variables and measures of attention and inhibitory control were robust to the influences of age, processing speed, and subjective health ratings. HTKS completion time exhibited the strongest associations to NIHTB-CB measures, suggesting that the time it takes older adults to complete the HTKS may be a better measure of EF than the total score. Nonsignificant associations between HTKS variables and positive and negative affect demonstrated discriminant validity.

Discussion and Implications

These results provide initial evidence for use of the HTKS as a brief, low-cost, easy to administer measure of EF in older adults. Further research is needed to determine its potential to identify individuals at risk for poor cognitive outcomes. A brief, valid measure may allow for wider screenings aimed at early intervention, when cognitive interventions are most effective.
Domains and Measurements of Healthy Aging in Epidemiological Studies: A Review
Authors: Lu Wentian , Pikhart Hynek , Sacker Amanda
Published: March 2018

Purpose of the Study

Few studies have recommended the essential domains of healthy aging and their relevant measurement to assess healthy aging comprehensively. This review is to fill the gap, by conducting a literature review of domains and measures of healthy aging in epidemiological studies.

Design and Methods

A literature search was conducted up to March 31, 2017, supplemented by a search of references in all relevant articles in English. We made a final selection of 50 studies across 23 countries or regions.

Results

Nineteen studies applied Rowe and Kahn’s three standards to assess healthy aging. Thirty-seven studies measured physical capabilities mainly by (instrumental) activities of daily living. Cognitive functions were included in 33 studies. Nineteen of them applied Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Twenty-six studies considered metabolic and physiological health, but they mainly asked the self-reported absence of diseases. Twenty-four studies assessed psychological well-being by employing diverse scales. Questions about participation in social activities were mainly asked to measure social well-being in 22 studies. Sixteen studies considered individuals’ general health status, which was mainly measured by self-rated health. Security questions were asked in five studies. Health behaviors were taken into account by three studies. Fifteen studies either applied SF-12/36 or developed health indices to assess healthy aging.

Implications

This review summarizes detailed scales or methods that have been used to assess healthy aging in previous epidemiological studies. It also discusses and recommends the essential domains of healthy aging, and the relevant instruments for further epidemiological research to use in the assessment of healthy aging.
Quantifying the binding stoichiometry and affinity of histo-blood group antigen oligosaccharides for human noroviruses
Authors: Han Ling , Zheng Ruixiang , Richards Michele R , Tan Ming , Kitova Elena N , Jiang Xi , Klassen John S
Published: March 2018

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are a major cause of acute gastroenteritis. Many HuNoVs recognize histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) as cellular receptors or attachment factors for infection. It was recently proposed that HuNoV recognition of HBGAs involves a cooperative, multistep binding mechanism that exploits both known and previously unknown glycan binding sites. In this study, binding measurements, implemented using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) were performed on homodimers of the protruding domain (P dimers) of the capsid protein of three HuNoV strains [Saga (GII.4), Vietnam 026 (GII.10) and VA387 (GII.4)] with the ethyl glycoside of the B trisaccharide (α-d-Gal-(1→3)-[α-l-Fuc-(1→2)]-β-d-Gal-OC2H5) and free B type 1 tetrasaccharide (α-d-Gal-(1→3)-[α-l-Fuc-(1→2)]-β-d-Gal-(1→3)-d-GlcNAc) in an effort to confirm the existence of new HBGA binding sites. After correcting the mass spectra for nonspecific interactions that form in ESI droplets as they evaporate to dryness, all three P dimers were found to bind a maximum of two B trisaccharides at the highest concentrations investigated. The apparent affinities measured for stepwise binding of B trisaccharide suggest positive cooperativity. Similar results were obtained for B type 1 tetrasaccharide binding to Saga P dimer. Based on these results, it is proposed that HuNoV P dimers possess only two HBGA binding sites. It is also shown that nonspecific binding corrections applied to mass spectra acquired using energetic ion source conditions that promote in-source dissociation can lead to apparent HuNoV–HBGA oligosaccharide binding stoichiometries and affinities that are artificially high. Finally, evidence that high concentrations of oligosaccharide can induce conformational changes in HuNoV P dimers is presented.
Effective factors in implementation and development of health promoting hospitals: a systematic review
Authors: Yaghoubi Maryam , Karamali Mazyar , Bahadori Mohammadkarim
Published: March 2018

One of the requirements for the implementation of Health Promoting Hospitals (HPHs) is comprehensive integration of health promotion (HP) activities and programs in hospital quality management system. Therefore, this systematic review was conducted utilizing a comprehensive European Foundation for Quality Managment (EFQM) model to determine appropriate criteria for the implementation and development of HPH. This systematic review considered the published literature on factors affecting the implementation and development of HPH during 1997–2016. Twenty-three articles were finalized for further investigation. EFQM was used as guidance for the investigation and analysis of studies conducted in relation to HPH. Regarding our results, real need analysis and accurate assessment of needs, attention to infrastructure factors, HPH standardization, promotion of self-care, knowledge enhancement and patient and staff skills training, improvement of quality indicators, continuous participation of HPH committee, designing HP interventions, paying attention to clinical outcome, equity in health, promoting a healthy work environment, continuity and cooperation etc. are among the factors contributing to HPH implementation and development. In case of having high capacity for successful HPH implementation, comprehensive HPH capacity building and resource development are not possible unless they are performed based on one of the framework emphasized by World Health Organization (WHO) such as EFQM.
The relative price of healthy and less healthy foods available in Australian school canteens
Authors: Billich Natassja , Adderley Marijke , Ford Laura , Keeton Isabel , Palermo Claire , Peeters Anna , Woods Julie , Backholer Kathryn
Published: March 2018

School canteens have an important role in modelling a healthy food environment. Price is a strong predictor of food and beverage choice. This study compared the relative price of healthy and less healthy lunch and snack items sold within Australian school canteens. A convenience sample of online canteen menus from five Australian states were selected (100 primary and 100 secondary schools). State-specific canteen guidelines were used to classify menu items into ‘green’ (eat most), ‘amber’ (select carefully) and ‘red’ (not recommended in schools). The price of the cheapest ‘healthy’ lunch (vegetable-based ‘green’) and snack (‘green’ fruit) item was compared to the cheapest ‘less healthy’ (‘amber/red’) lunch and snack item, respectively, using an un-paired t-test. The relative price of the ‘healthy’ items and the ‘less healthy’ items was calculated to determine the proportion of schools that sold the ‘less healthy’ item cheaper. The mean cost of the ‘healthy’ lunch items was greater than the ‘less healthy’ lunch items for both primary (AUD $0.70 greater) and secondary schools ($0.50 greater; p < 0.01). For 75% of primary and 57% of secondary schools, the selected ‘less healthy’ lunch item was cheaper than the ‘healthy’ lunch item. For 41% of primary and 48% of secondary schools, the selected ‘less healthy’ snack was cheaper than the ‘healthy’ snack. These proportions were greatest for primary schools located in more, compared to less, disadvantaged areas. The relative price of foods sold within Australian school canteens appears to favour less healthy foods. School canteen healthy food policies should consider the price of foods sold.
Positive Obligations of the Occupying Power: Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Authors: Giacca Gilles , Nohle Ellen
Published: March 2018

Military occupation can have a detrimental impact on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by the population of an occupied territory. All aspects of civilian life risk stagnation in a prolonged occupation, an outcome that is difficult to reconcile with the obligation on the Occupying Power to ensure civil life in the occupied territory. A protracted occupation, such as that of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, challenges the adequacy of occupation law to effectively ensure an adequate standard of living for the population of the occupied territory as the law of occupation is based on the premise that occupation is a temporary state. In these circumstances, it is argued that international human rights law performs an essential complementary function in developing the obligations of the Occupying Power.
Exact and inexact subsampled Newton methods for optimization
Authors: Bollapragada Raghu , Byrd Richard H , Nocedal Jorge
Published: March 2018

The paper studies the solution of stochastic optimization problems in which approximations to the gradient and Hessian are obtained through subsampling. We first consider Newton-like methods that employ these approximations and discuss how to coordinate the accuracy in the gradient and Hessian to yield a superlinear rate of convergence in expectation. The second part of the paper analyzes an inexact Newton method that solves linear systems approximately using the conjugate gradient (CG) method, and that samples the Hessian and not the gradient (the gradient is assumed to be exact). We provide a complexity analysis for this method based on the properties of the CG iteration and the quality of the Hessian approximation, and compare it with a method that employs a stochastic gradient iteration instead of the CG method. We report preliminary numerical results that illustrate the performance of inexact subsampled Newton methods on machine learning applications based on logistic regression.
On Generalized Minors and Quiver Representations
Authors: Rupel Dylan , Stella Salvatore , Williams Harold
Published: March 2018

The cluster algebra of any acyclic quiver can be realized as the coordinate ring of a subvariety of a Kac–Moody group—the quiver is an orientation of its Dynkin diagram, defining a Coxeter element and thereby a double Bruhat cell. We use this realization to connect representations of the quiver with those of the group. We show that cluster variables of preprojective (resp. postinjective) quiver representations are realized by generalized minors of highest-weight (resp. lowest-weight) group representations, generalizing results of Yang–Zelevinsky in finite type. In type $A_{n}^{\!(1)}$ and finitely many other affine types, we show that cluster variables of regular quiver representations are realized by generalized minors of group representations that are neither highest- nor lowest-weight; we conjecture this holds more generally.
Data Fusion for Correcting Measurement Errors
Authors: Schifeling Tracy , Reiter Jerome P , Deyoreo Maria
Published: March 2018

Often in surveys, key items are subject to measurement errors. Given just the data, it can be difficult to determine the extent and distribution of this error process and, hence, to obtain accurate inferences that involve the error-prone variables. In some settings, however, analysts have access to a data source on different individuals with high-quality measurements of the error-prone survey items. We present a data fusion framework for leveraging this information to improve inferences in the error-prone survey. The basic idea is to posit models about the rates at which individuals make errors, coupled with models for the values reported when errors are made. This can avoid the unrealistic assumption of conditional independence typically used in data fusion. We apply the approach on the reported values of educational attainments in the American Community Survey, using the National Survey of College Graduates as the high-quality data source. In doing so, we account for the sampling design used to select the National Survey of College Graduates. We also present a process for assessing the sensitivity of various analyses to different choices for the measurement error models. Supplemental material is available online.
SDSS-IV MaNGA: a distinct mass distribution explored in slow-rotating early-type galaxies
Authors: Rong Yu , Li Hongyu , Wang Jie , Gao Liang , Li Ran , Ge Junqiang , Jing Yingjie , Pan Jun , Fernández-Trincado J G , Valenzuela Octavio , Ortíz Erik Aquino
Published: March 2018

We study the radial acceleration relation (RAR) for early-type galaxies (ETGs) in the SDSS MaNGA MPL5 data set. The complete ETG sample show a slightly offset RAR from the relation reported by McGaugh et al. (2016) at the low-acceleration end; we find that the deviation is due to the fact that the slow rotators show a systematically higher acceleration relation than the McGaugh's RAR, while the fast rotators show a consistent acceleration relation to McGaugh's RAR. There is a 1σ significant difference between the acceleration relations of the fast and slow rotators, suggesting that the acceleration relation correlates with the galactic spins, and that the slow rotators may have a different mass distribution compared with fast rotators and late-type galaxies. We suspect that the acceleration relation deviation of slow rotators may be attributed to more galaxy merger events, which would disrupt the original spins and correlated distributions of baryons and dark matter orbits in galaxies.
Trigeminal Nerve Atrophy Predicts Pain Recurrence After Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Classical Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Hu Yong-Sin , Lee Cheng-Chia , Guo Wan-Yuo , Lin Chung-Jung , Yang Huai-Che , Wu Hsiu-Mei , Liu Kang-Du , Chung Wen-Yuh
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Trigeminal nerve atrophy and neurovascular compression (NVC) are frequently observed in classical trigeminal neuralgia (CTN).

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether nerve characteristics contribute to Gamma Knife (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden) surgery (GKS) outcomes in unilateral CTN without previous surgery.

METHODS

From 2006 to 2012, 67 patients with unilateral CTN without previous surgery received GKS with a maximal dose of 90 Gy delivered to the trigeminal nerve juxta brainstem. Two evaluators, blinded to the side of pain, analyzed the magnetic resonance images before GKS to obtain the parameters, including nerve cross-sectional area (CSA), vessel type of NVC, and site of NVC along the nerve. Correlations of the parameters with pain relief (Barrow Neurological Institute [BNI] grades I-IIIb) and recurrence (BNI grades VI-V) were made by using Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses.

RESULTS

The median CSA of the symptomatic nerves was significantly smaller than that of the asymptomatic nerves (4.95 vs 5.9 mm2, P < .001). After adjustment for age and sex, larger nerve CSA was associated with lower initial pain relief (hazard ratio 0.81, P = .03) and lower pain recurrence after initial response (hazard ratio 0.58, P = .02). Patients with nerve atrophy (CSA of ≤ 4.4 mm2 after receiver operating characteristic curve analysis) had a lower 5-yr probability of maintaining pain relief after initial response than those without nerve atrophy (65% vs 86%, P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Trigeminal nerve atrophy may predict pain recurrence in patients with initial post-GKS relief of CTN. Arterial and proximal NVC are not predictive of GKS outcomes. Future studies are required to determine optimal treatments for long-term pain relief in patients with CTN and trigeminal nerve atrophy.
Pediatric Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Surgery in Bonn and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ormond D Ryan , Clusmann Hans , Sassen Robert , Hoppe Christian , Helmstaedter Christoph , Schramm Johannes , Grote Alexander
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy surgery is well established as safe and successful for children with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Despite evidence from available data, there remains some reluctance to refer children with medically refractory epilepsy for preoperative evaluation and workup for possible surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To present the largest case series of pediatric (TLE) patients thus far, in order to better understand the predictability of preoperative evaluation on seizure outcome, and to better understand longitudinal outcomes in a large pediatric cohort.

METHODS

One hundred eighty-three pediatric patients with TLE who underwent surgical treatment between 1988 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative seizure history, noninvasive and invasive preoperative evaluation, surgical results, pathological results, long-term seizure outcomes, and complications were evaluated. A review of pediatric TLE in the literature was also undertaken to better understand reported complications and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 42 mo (range 12-152 mo); 155 patients had good seizure outcomes (Engel I/II; 84.8%) and 28 patients had poor seizure outcomes (Engel III/IV; 15.2%); 145 patients were Engel I (78.8%). Only 10 patients did not have worthwhile improvement (Engel class IV; 5.4%). A review of the literature identified 2089 unique cases of pediatric TLE. Satisfactory seizure outcomes occurred in 1629 patients (79%) with unsatisfactory outcomes in 433 patients (21%).

CONCLUSION

Pediatric patients benefit from surgery for medically refractory TLE with an acceptable safety profile regardless of histopathological diagnosis, seizure frequency, or seizure type. Seizure freedom appears to have extensive durability in a significant proportion of surgically treated patients.
Use of Multiple Imputation to Estimate the Proportion of Respiratory Virus Detections Among Patients Hospitalized With Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Bozio Catherine H , Flanders W Dana , Finelli Lyn , Bramley Anna M , Reed Carrie , Gandhi Neel R , Vidal Jorge E , Erdman Dean , Levine Min Z , Lindstrom Stephen , Ampofo Krow , Arnold Sandra R , Self Wesley H , Williams Derek J , Grijalva Carlos G , Anderson Evan J , McCullers Jonathan A , Edwards Kathryn M , Pavia Andrew T , Wunderink Richard G , Jain Seema
Published: March 2018

Background

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on respiratory specimens and serology on paired blood specimens are used to determine the etiology of respiratory illnesses for research studies. However, convalescent serology is often not collected. We used multiple imputation to assign values for missing serology results to estimate virus-specific prevalence among pediatric and adult community-acquired pneumonia hospitalizations using data from an active population-based surveillance study.

Methods

Presence of adenoviruses, human metapneumovirus, influenza viruses, parainfluenza virus types 1–3, and respiratory syncytial virus was defined by positive PCR on nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal specimens or a 4-fold rise in paired serology. We performed multiple imputation by developing a multivariable regression model for each virus using data from patients with available serology results. We calculated absolute and relative differences in the proportion of each virus detected comparing the imputed to observed (nonimputed) results.

Results

Among 2222 children and 2259 adults, 98.8% and 99.5% had nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal specimens and 43.2% and 37.5% had paired serum specimens, respectively. Imputed results increased viral etiology assignments by an absolute difference of 1.6%–4.4% and 0.8%–2.8% in children and adults, respectively; relative differences were 1.1–3.0 times higher.

Conclusions

Multiple imputation can be used when serology results are missing, to refine virus-specific prevalence estimates, and these will likely increase estimates.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Placebo-Controlled, Intranasal Human Abuse Potential Study of Oxycodone ARIR, a Novel, Immediate-Release, Abuse-Deterrent Formulation
Authors: Webster Lynn R , Iverson Matthew , Pantaleon Carmela , Smith Michael D , Kinzler Eric R , Aigner Stefan
Published: March 2018

Objective

Prescription opioid abuse continues to be a public health concern. Oxycodone ARIR is an immediate-release (IR) oxycodone tablet composed of multiple overlapping barriers that deter manipulation of the tablet for non-oral abuse.

Design

This randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active- and placebo-controlled, four-way crossover, intranasal human abuse potential study assessed the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of crushed intranasal oxycodone ARIR compared with crushed intranasal IR oxycodone and intact oral oxycodone ARIR.

Outcome Measures

Pharmacodynamic end points included mean maximum drug liking (Emax), as measured by subjects on a bipolar 100-mm visual analog scale (primary), and desire to take the drug again, overall drug liking, drug high, and good effects (secondary). Pharmacokinetic assessments included peak concentration and time to peak concentration.

Results

Twenty-nine subjects completed the treatment phase. Crushed intranasal oxycodone ARIR demonstrated a significant reduction of 46.9% and 23.4% in drug liking Emax compared with crushed intranasal IR oxycodone and intact oral oxycodone ARIR, respectively (P < 0.0001 for both). Significant reductions also were observed in desire to take the drug again, drug high, overall drug liking, and good effects when comparing crushed intranasal oxycodone ARIR with crushed intranasal IR oxycodone and intact oral oxycodone ARIR (P < 0.001 for all). Crushed intranasal oxycodone ARIR exhibited lower peak oxycodone plasma concentrations and slower time to peak concentration compared with crushed intranasal IR oxycodone and intact oral oxycodone ARIR. All treatments were well tolerated; adverse effects were typical of opioids or intranasal administration.

Conclusions

These data indicate that oxycodone ARIR has the potential to reduce abuse via the intranasal route.
Biopsychosocial Profiles and Functional Correlates in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Weiner Debra K , Gentili Angela , Coffey-Vega Katherine , Morone Natalia , Rossi Michelle , Perera Subashan
Published: March 2018

Objective

To describe key peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) conditions in a group of older adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and their association with pain severity and self-reported and performance-based physical function.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Outpatient VA clinics.

Subjects

Forty-seven community-dwelling veterans with CLBP (age 68.0 ± 6.5 years, range = 60–88 years, 12.8% female, 66% white) participated.

Methods

Data were collected on peripheral pain generators—body mass index, American College of Rheumatology hip osteoarthritis criteria, neurogenic claudication (i.e., spinal stenosis), sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain, myofascial pain, leg length discrepancy (LLD), and iliotibial band pain; and CNS pain generators—anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index), maladaptive coping (Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Cognitive Strategies Questionnaire), and fibromyalgia (fibromyalgia survey). Outcomes were pain severity (0 to 10 scale, seven-day average and worst), self-reported pain interference (Roland Morris [RM] questionnaire), and gait speed.

Results

Approximately 96% had at least one peripheral CLBP contributor, 83% had at least one CNS contributor, and 80.9% had both peripheral and CNS contributors. Of the peripheral conditions, only SIJ pain and LLD were associated with outcomes. All of the CNS conditions and SIJ pain were related to RM score. Only depression/anxiety and LLD were associated with gait speed.

Conclusions

In this sample of older veterans, CLBP was a multifaceted condition. Both CNS and peripheral conditions were associated with self-reported and performance-based function. Additional investigation is required to determine the impact of treating these conditions on patient outcomes and health care utilization.
Factors associated with food insecurity among older homeless adults: results from the HOPE HOME study
Authors: Tong M , Tieu L , Lee C T , Ponath C , Guzman D , Kushel M
Published: March 2018

Background

The US homeless population is aging. Older adults and those living in poverty are at a high risk of food insecurity.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a population-based study of 350 homeless adults aged ≥50. We assessed food security and receipt of food assistance. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine factors associated with very low food security.

Results

The majority of the cohort was male and African American. Over half (55.4%) met criteria for food insecurity, 24.3% reported very low food security. Half (51.7%) reported receiving monetary food assistance. In the multivariable model, those who were primarily sheltered in the prior 6 months, (multi-institution users [AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22–0.86]) had less than half the odds of very low food security compared with those who were unsheltered. Depressive symptoms (AOR = 3.01, 1.69–5.38), oral pain (AOR = 2.15, 1.24–3.74) and cognitive impairment (AOR = 2.21, 1.12–4.35) were associated with increased odds of very low food security.

Conclusions

Older homeless adults experience a high prevalence of food insecurity. To alleviate food insecurity in this population, targeted interventions must address specific risk groups.
Root Exudates of Stressed Plants Stimulate and AttractTrichodermaSoil Fungi
Authors: Lombardi Nadia , Vitale Stefania , Turrà David , Reverberi Massimo , Fanelli Corrado , Vinale Francesco , Marra Roberta , Ruocco Michelina , Pascale Alberto , d’Errico Giada , Woo Sheridan L. , Lorito Matteo
Published: March 2018

Plant roots release complex mixtures of bioactive molecules, including compounds that affect the activity and modify the composition of the rhizosphere microbiome. In this work, we investigated the initial phase of the interaction between tomato and an effective biocontrol strain of Trichoderma harzianum (T22). We found that root exudates (RE), obtained from plants grown in a split-root system and exposed to various biotic and abiotic stress factors (wounding, salt, pathogen attack), were able to stimulate the growth and act as chemoattractants of the biocontrol fungus. On the other hand, some of the treatments did not result in an enhanced chemotropism on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, indicating a mechanism that may be selective for nonpathogenic microbes. The involvement of peroxidases and oxylipins, both known to be released by roots in response to stress, was demonstrated by using RE fractions containing these molecules or their commercial purified analogs, testing the effect of an inhibitor, and characterizing the complex pattern of these metabolites released by tomato roots both locally and systemically.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions Delivered by Physiotherapists on Pain, Disability and Psychological Outcomes in Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions
Authors: Silva Guerrero Alma Viviana , Maujean Annick , Campbell Letitia , Sterling Michele
Published: March 2018

Objective:

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of physiotherapist delivered psychological interventions combined with physiotherapy on pain, disability, and psychological outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal pain conditions.

Methods:

The review was conducted in accordance with the (PRISMA) guidelines. Five databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials from inception to May 2016. Studies were required to compare a psychological intervention delivered by physiotherapists combined with physiotherapy to physiotherapy alone or usual care. Physiotherapists delivering the interventions must have undergone training by a psychologist or a health professional trained in the delivery of psychological interventions.

Results:

A total of 34 articles met the eligibility criteria, of those, 30 were suitable for meta-analysis. There was low to high quality evidence that physiotherapist delivered psychological intervention combined with physiotherapy decreased pain in the short (26 studies, mean difference=−0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.65 to −0.09) and long term (22 studies, mean difference=−0.38; 95% CI, −0.67 to −0.10) and decreased disability in the short term (29 studies, standardized mean difference =−0.14; 95% CI, −0.26 to −0.01). Effect sizes were small. Low to high quality evidence demonstrated small to medium effects for some psychological outcomes at short-term and long-term follow-ups.

Discussion:

The results indicate that psychological interventions delivered by physiotherapist show promise to improve health outcomes, particularly psychological outcomes, in musculoskeletal pain conditions.