bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventing Preschool Mental Health Problems: Population-Based Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hiscock Harriet , Gulenc Alisha , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Gold Lisa , Bayer Jordana , Shaw Daniel , Le Ha , Wake Melissa
Published: September 2017

Objective:

Prevention of child behavior problems may reduce later mental health problems. We compared the effectiveness, at the population level, of an efficacious targeted prevention program alone or following a universal parenting program.

Methods:

Three-arm, cluster randomized controlled trial. One thousand three hundred fifty-three primary caregivers and healthy 8-month-old babies recruited from July 2010 to January 2011 from well-child centers (randomization unit). Primary outcome: Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) externalizing and internalizing scales* at child ages 3 and 4.5 years. Secondary outcomes: Parenting Behavior Checklist* and over-involved/protective parenting (primary caregiver report). Secondary caregivers completed starred measures at age 3.

Results:

Retention was 76% and 77% at ages 3 and 4.5 years, respectively. At 3 years, intention-to-treat analyses found no statistically significant differences (adjusted mean difference [95% confidence interval (CI);p-value]) for externalizing (targeted vs usual care −0.2 [−1.7 to 1.2;p= .76]; combined vs usual care 0.4 [−1.1 to 1.9;p= .60]) or internalizing behavior problems (targeted vs usual care 0.2 [−1.2 to 1.6;p= .76]; combined vs usual care 0.4 [−1.1 to 2.0;p= .58]). Primary outcomes were similar at 4.5 years. At 3 years, primary and secondary caregivers reported less over-involved/protective parenting in both the combined and targeted versus usual care arm; secondary caregivers also reported less harsh discipline in the combined and targeted versus usual care arm. Mean program costs per family were A$218 (targeted arm) and A$682 (combined arm).

Conclusion:

When translated to the population level by existing staff, pre-existing programs seemed ineffective in improving child behavior, alone or in combination, but improved parenting.
Multidrug-Resistant Organisms: A Review of Transmission and Control
Authors: Ehrmann Barbara
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are becoming increasingly common in health care and community settings. As the physical therapy profession moves toward complete direct access, knowledge of the microbiology, recognition of these organisms, and prevention of transmission are important for physical therapists. Although health care–acquired MRSA is found in traditional care settings, community-acquired MRSA is found in younger persons, families, and members of sports teams.

Methods:

This article uses a review of the literature to explore the transmission of MRSA, as well as to highlight effective prevention methods. Both health care–acquired MRSA and community-acquired MRSA are compared and discussed. Prevalence of other MDROs is also described.

Conclusion:

Universal decolonization in intensive care units is one of the few strategies supported by a high level of evidence. Physical therapists must understand the development and transmission of MDROs, so that they can protect themselves, as well as others they come in contact with. Review of the integument, particularly in athletes, is important to identify MRSA lesions early.
Nursing Education
Authors: Parks Diana , Till Thomas , McGowan Maria A. , Latour Donn
Published: September 2017

Patient education is an integral component for compliance with dermatologic medical treatments. This column has been developed in partnership with the caring nurses dedicated to optimizing patient care through practicum-based education and treatment. This article focuses on postbiopsy care.
Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes After Surgery for Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome
Authors: Alkhafaji Mohammed S. , Varma Sanskriti , Pross Seth E. , Sharon Jeffrey D. , Nellis Jason C. , Santina Charles C. Della , Minor Lloyd B. , Carey John P.
Published: September 2017

Objective:

Evaluate the long-term patient-reported outcomes of surgery for superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS).

Study Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Patients:

Adults who have undergone surgery for SCDS with at least 1 year since surgery.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Primary outcome: change in symptoms that led to surgery. Secondary outcomes: change in 11 SCDS-associated symptoms, change in psychosocial metrics, and willingness to recommend surgery to friends with SCDS.

Results:

Ninety-three (43%) respondents completed the survey with mean (SD) time since surgery of 5.3 (3.6) years. Ninety-five percent of respondents reported the symptoms that led them to have surgery were “somewhat better,” “much better,” or “completely cured.” Those with unilateral symptoms were more likely to report improvement than those with bilateral symptoms. There was no difference between those with short (1–5 yr) versus long (5–20 yr) follow-up. Each of the SCDS-associated symptoms showed significant improvement. The largest improvements were for autophony, pulsatile tinnitus, audible bodily sounds, and sensitivity to loud sound. Headaches, imbalance, dizziness, and brain fog showed the least improvements. Most patients reported improvements in quality of life, mood, and ability to function at work and socially. Ninety-five percent of patients would recommend SCDS surgery.

Conclusions:

Respondents demonstrated durable improvements in the symptoms that led them to have surgery. Auditory symptoms had the greatest improvements. Headaches, imbalance, dizziness, and brain fog showed the least improvements. Nearly, all patients would recommend SCDS surgery to others. These results can be used to counsel patients regarding the lasting benefits of surgery for SCDS.
The maturation of a ‘neural–hematopoietic’ inflammatory axis in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Stiekema Lotte C.A. , Schnitzler Johan G. , Nahrendorf Matthias , Stroes Erik S.G.
Published: September 2017

Purpose of review

Atherogenesis is the result of a complex interplay between lipids and innate immune cells, which are descendants of upstream progenitors residing in hematopoietic organs. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in the connection between hematopoiesis and atherogenesis.

Recent findings

The relevance of a neural–hematopoietic axis was recently supported by the demonstration of a correlation between metabolic activity in the amygdala and the bone marrow. During follow-up, both amygdalar and bone marrow activities also predicted cardiovascular risk in patients, lending further support to a connection between neural stress and cardiovascular events mediated via increased hematopoietic activity.

In parallel, functional changes in hematopoietic stem cells may also convey cardiovascular risk. In experimental models, knock-out of the ten–eleven translocation 2 (TET2) gene leading to monocyte–macrophage hyperresponsiveness, was associated with accelerated atherogenesis in murine experiments. In humans, whole-exome sequencing reporting on the ‘clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential’ gene substantiated a two-fold elevated risk for developing coronary heart disease compared with noncarriers.

Recent studies support the relevance of a ‘neural–hematopoietic’ inflammatory axis and clonal hematopoiesis as drivers of atherogenesis in humans. These data warrant further studies addressing the role of novel ‘hematopoietic’ targets for the treatment of patients with increased cardiovascular risk.
Pancreatic Stellate Cells Have Distinct Characteristics From Hepatic Stellate Cells and Are Not the Unique Origin of Collagen-Producing Cells in the Pancreas
Authors: Yamamoto Gen , Taura Kojiro , Iwaisako Keiko , Asagiri Masataka , Ito Shinji , Koyama Yukinori , Tanabe Kazutaka , Iguchi Kohta , Satoh Motohiko , Nishio Takahiro , Okuda Yukihiro , Ikeno Yoshinobu , Yoshino Kenji , Seo Satoru , Hatano Etsuro , Uemoto Shinji
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The origin of collagen-producing myofibroblasts in pancreatic fibrosis is still controversial. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which have been recognized as the pancreatic counterparts of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), are thought to play an important role in the development of pancreatic fibrosis. However, sources of myofibroblasts other than PSCs may exist because extensive studies of liver fibrosis have uncovered myofibroblasts that did not originate from HSCs. This study aimed to characterize myofibroblasts in an experimental pancreatic fibrosis model in mice.

Methods

We used transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein via the collagen type I α1 promoter and induced pancreatic fibrosis with repetitive injections of cerulein.

Results

Collagen-producing cells that are negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein (ie, not derived from PSCs) exist in the pancreas. Pancreatic stellate cells had different characteristics from those of HSCs in a very small possession of vitamin A using mass spectrometry and a low expression of lecithin retinol acyltransferase. The microstructure of PSCs was entirely different from that of HSCs using flow cytometry and electron microscopy.

Conclusions

Our study showed that characteristics of PSCs are different from those of HSCs, and myofibroblasts in the pancreas might be derived not only from PSCs but also from other fibrogenic cells.
Venous Thromboembolism Is Associated With Adverse Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Trikudanathan Guru , Umapathy Chandraprakash , Munigala Satish , Gajendran Mahesh , Conwell Darwin L. , Freeman Martin L. , Krishna Somashekar G.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The systemic inflammatory cascade and vascular stasis in hospitalized patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) serve as a milieu for development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Our aim was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of VTE in AP and to evaluate its impact on clinical outcomes of AP.

Methods

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002–2011) was reviewed to identify all patients hospitalized with AP. Patients with a concomitant diagnosis of VTE were compared with those without. The primary clinical outcome (inpatient mortality) and secondary resources outcomes (length of stay and total hospital charges) were analyzed using univariate and multivariate comparisons.

Results

Among 2,382,426 patients with AP, 22,205 (0.93%) had VTE. Multivariate analysis showed patients with greater comorbidity (odds ratio [OR], 1.47), white race (OR, 1.11), acute kidney injury (OR, 1.08), acute respiratory failure (OR, 1.40), pseudocyst (OR, 1.41), total parenteral nutrition (OR, 1.28), and central venous catheter placement (OR, 3.01) were associated with a diagnosis of VTE. Venous thromboembolism was also independently associated with increased mortality (OR, 1.31) and prolonged duration of hospitalization by 6.5 days (P < 0.001) and contributed to an excess $44,882 (P < 0.001) in hospitalization costs.

Conclusions

Venous thromboembolism is adversely associated with mortality and health care resource utilization in AP.
Prognostic Significance of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Nejati Reza , Goldstein Jennifer B. , Halperin Daniel M. , Wang Hua , Hejazi Nazila , Rashid Asif , Katz Matthew H. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Fleming Jason B. , Rodriguez-Canales Jaime , Blando Jorge , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Maitra Anirban , Wolff Robert A. , Varadhachary Gauri R. , Wang Huamin
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and their prognostic value in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) after neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods

Intratumoral CD4+, CD8+, and FOXP3+lymphocytes were examined by immunohistochemistry using a computer-assisted quantitative analysis in 136 PDAC patients who received neoadjuvant therapy and pancreaticoduodenectomy. The results were correlated with clinicopathological parameters and survival.

Results

High CD4+TILs in treated PDAC were associated with high CD8+TILs (P= 0.003), differentiation (P= 0.04), and a lower frequency of recurrence (P= 0.02). Patients with high CD4+TILs had longer disease-free survival and overall survival (OS) than did patients with low CD4+TILs (P< 0.01). The median OS of patients with a high CD8+/FOXP3+lymphocyte ratio (39.5 [standard deviation, 6.1] months) was longer than that of patients with a low CD8+/FOXP3+lymphocyte ratio (28.3 [standard deviation, 2.3] months;P= 0.01). In multivariate analysis, high CD4+TILs were an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.30–0.81;P= 0.005) and OS (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–0.89;P= 0.02).

Conclusions

High level of CD4+lymphocytes is associated with tumor differentiation and lower recurrence and is an independent prognostic factor for survival in PDAC patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy.
Operative Versus Nonoperative Management of Blunt Pancreatic Trauma in Children
Authors: Koh Ezra Y. , van Poll Daan , Goslings J. Carel , Busch Olivier R. , Rauws Erik A. , Oomen Matthijs W. , Besselink Marc G.
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to compare operative versus nonoperative management of blunt pancreatic trauma in children. A systematic literature search was performed. Studies including children with blunt pancreatic injuries classified according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma classification were included. The primary outcome was pseudocyst formation. After screening 526 studies, 23 studies with 928 patients were included. Sufficient data were available for 674 patients (73%). Of 309 patients with grade I or II injuries, 258 (83%) were initially managed nonoperatively with a 96% success rate. Of 365 patients with grade III, IV, or V injuries, nonoperative management was initially chosen for 167 patients (46%) with an 89% success rate. Pseudocysts occurred in 18% of patients managed nonoperatively versus 4% of patients managed operatively (P < 0.01), of whom 65% were treated nonoperatively. Hospitalization was 20.5 days after nonoperative versus 15.1 days after operative management (nonparametric t test, P = 0.41). Blunt pancreatic trauma in children can be managed nonoperatively in the majority of patients with grade I or II injuries and in about half of the patients with grade III to V injuries. Although pseudocysts are more common after nonoperative management, two thirds can be managed nonoperatively.
Lymph Node Metastasis in the Prognosis of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Martin Jacob A. , Warner Richard R.P. , Aronson Anne , Wisnivesky Juan P. , Kim Michelle Kang
Published: September 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the prognostic use of the extent of lymph node (LN) involvement in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) by analyzing population-based data.

Methods

Patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry were identified with histologically confirmed, surgically resected GEP-NETs. We divided patients into 3 lymph node ratio (LNR) groups based on the ratio of positive LNs to total LNs examined: 0.2 or less, greater than 0.2 to 0.5, and greater than 0.5. Disease-specific survival was compared according to LNR group.

Results

We identified 3133 patients with surgically resected GEP-NETs. Primary sites included the stomach (11% of the total), pancreas (30%), colon (32%), appendix (20%), and rectum (7%). Survival was worse in patients with LNRs of 0.2 or less (hazard ratio [HR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–2.0), greater than 0.2 to 0.5 (HR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.6–2.5), and greater than 0.5 (HR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.5–3.9) compared with N0 patients. Ten-year disease-specific survival decreased as LNR increased from N0 (81%) to 0.2 or less (69%), greater than 0.2 to 0.5 (55%), and greater than 0.5 (50%). Results were consistent for patients with both low- and high-grade tumors from most primary sites.

Conclusions

Degree of LN involvement is a prognostic factor at the most common GEP-NET sites. Higher LNR is associated with decreased survival.
How Good Is Your Rule of Thumb? Validating Male-to-Female Case Ratio as a Proxy for Men Who Have Sex With Men Involvement in N. gonorrhoeae Incidence at the County Level
Authors: Stenger Mark , Bauer Heidi , Klingler Ellen , Bell Teal , Donnelly Jennifer , Eaglin Margaret , Jespersen Megan , Madera Robbie , Mattson Melanie , Torrone Elizabeth
Published: September 2017

Background

Lacking information on men who have sex with men (MSM) for most reported cases, sexually transmitted disease (STD) programs in the United States have used crude measures such as male-to-female case ratios (MFCR) as a rule of thumb to gauge MSM involvement at the local level, primarily with respect to syphilis cases in the past. Suitability of this measure for gonorrhea incidence has not previously been investigated.

Methods

A random sample of gonorrhea cases reported from January 2010 through June 2013 were interviewed in selected counties participating in the STD Surveillance Network to obtain gender of sex partners and history of transactional sex. Weighted estimates of proportion of cases among MSM and proportion reporting transactional sex were developed; correlation between MFCR and proportion MSM was assessed.

Results

Male-to-female case ratio ranged from 0.66 to 8.7, and the proportion of cases occurring among MSM varied from 2.5% to 62.3%. The MFCR was strongly correlated with proportion of cases among MSM after controlling for transactional sex (Pearson partial r = 0.754, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Male-to-female case ratio for gonorrhea at the county level is a reliable proxy measure indicating MSM involvement in gonorrhea case incidence and should be used by STD programs to tailor their programmatic mix to include MSM-specific interventions.
Development of Survey Scales for Measuring Exposure and Behavioral Responses to Disruptive Intraoperative Behavior
Authors: Villafranca Alexander , Hamlin Colin , Rodebaugh Thomas L. , Robinson Sandra , Jacobsohn Eric
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Disruptive intraoperative behavior has detrimental effects to clinicians, institutions, and patients. How clinicians respond to this behavior can either exacerbate or attenuate its effects. Previous investigations of disruptive behavior have used survey scales with significant limitations. The study objective was to develop appropriate scales to measure exposure and responses to disruptive behavior.

Methods

We obtained ethics approval. The scales were developed in a sequence of steps. They were pretested using expert reviews, computational linguistic analysis, and cognitive interviews. The scales were then piloted on Canadian operating room clinicians. Factor analysis was applied to half of the data set for question reduction and grouping. Item response analysis and theoretical reviews ensured that important questions were not eliminated. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach α. Model fit was examined on the second half of the data set using confirmatory factor analysis. Content validity of the final scales was re-evaluated. Consistency between observed relationships and theoretical predictions was assessed. Temporal stability was evaluated on a subsample of 38 respondents.

Results

A total of 1433 and 746 clinicians completed the exposure and response scales, respectively. Content validity indices were excellent (exposure = 0.96, responses = 1.0). Internal consistency was good (exposure = 0.93, responses = 0.87). Correlations between the exposure scale and secondary measures were consistent with expectations based on theory. Temporal stability was acceptable (exposure = 0.77, responses = 0.73).

Conclusions

We have developed scales measuring exposure and responses to disruptive behavior. They generate valid and reliable scores when surveying operating room clinicians, and they overcome the limitations of previous tools. These survey scales are freely available.
Characterizing the temporal dynamics of object recognition by deep neural networks : role of depth
Authors: Ramakrishnan Kandan , Groen Iris I.A. , Smeulders Arnold W.M. , Scholte H. Steven , Ghebreab Sennay
Published: September 2017

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have recently emerged as promising models of human vision based on their ability to predict hemodynamic brain responses to visual stimuli measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). However, the degree to which CNNs can predict temporal dynamics of visual object recognition reflected in neural measures with millisecond precision is less understood. Additionally, while deeper CNNs with higher numbers of layers perform better on automated object recognition, it is unclear if this also results into better correlation to brain responses. Here, we examined 1) to what extent CNN layers predict visual evoked responses in the human brain over time and 2) whether deeper CNNs better model brain responses. Specifically, we tested how well CNN architectures with 7 (CNN-7) and 15 (CNN-15) layers predicted electro-encephalography (EEG) responses to several thousands of natural images. Our results show that both CNN architectures correspond to EEG responses in a hierarchical spatio-temporal manner, with lower layers explaining responses early in time at electrodes overlying early visual cortex, and higher layers explaining responses later in time at electrodes overlying lateral-occipital cortex. While the explained variance of neural responses by individual layers did not differ between CNN-7 and CNN-15, combining the representations across layers resulted in improved performance of CNN-15 compared to CNN-7, but only after 150 ms after stimulus-onset. This suggests that CNN representations reflect both early (feed-forward) and late (feedback) stages of visual processing. Overall, our results show that depth of CNNs indeed plays a role in explaining time-resolved EEG responses.
Impaired conscious access and abnormal attentional amplification in schizophrenia
Authors: Berkovitch L , Del Cul A , Maheu M , Dehaene S
Published: September 2017

Previous research suggests that the conscious perception of a masked stimulus is impaired in schizophrenia, while unconscious bottom-up processing of the same stimulus, as assessed by subliminal priming, can be preserved. Here, we test this postulated dissociation between intact bottom-up and impaired top-down processing and evaluate its brain mechanisms using high-density recordings of event-related potentials. Sixteen patients with schizophrenia and sixteen controls were exposed to peripheral digits with various degrees of visibility, under conditions of either focused attention or distraction by another task. In the distraction condition, the brain activity evoked by masked digits was drastically reduced in both groups, but early bottom-up visual activation could still be detected and did not differ between patients and controls. By contrast, under focused top-down attention, a major impairment was observed: in patients, contrary to controls, the late non-linear ignition associated with the P3 component was reduced. Interestingly, the patients showed an essentially normal attentional amplification of the PI and N2 components. These results suggest that some but not all top-down attentional amplification processes are impaired in schizophrenia, while bottom-up processing seems to be preserved.
PDZ Domains in Microorganisms: Link Between Stress Response and Protein Synthesis
Authors: Muley Vijaykumar Yogesh , Galande Sanjeev
Published: September 2017

The PSD-95/Dlg-A/ZO-1 (PDZ) domain is highly expanded and diversified in metazoan where it is known to assemble diverse signalling components by virtue of interactions with other proteins in sequence-specific manner. In contrast, in bacteria it monitors protein quality control during stress response. The distribution, functions and origin of PDZ domain-containing proteins in prokaryotes are largely unknown. We analyzed 7,852 PDZ domain-containing proteins in 1,474 prokaryotes and fungi. PDZ domains are abundant in eubacteria; and, this study confirms their occurrence also in archaea and fungi. Of all eubacterial PDZ domain-containing proteins, 89% are predicted to be membrane and periplasmic, explaining the depletion of bacterial domain forms in metazoan. Planctomycetes, myxobacteria and other eubacteria occupying terrestrial and aquatic niches encode more domain copies, which may have contributed towards multi-cellularity and prokaryotic-eukaryotic transition. Over 93% of the 7,852 PDZ-containing proteins classified into 12 families including 6 novel families. Out of these 88% harbour eight different protease domains, suggesting their substrate-specificity is guided by PDZ domains. The genomic context provides tantalizing insight towards the functions associated with PDZ domains and reinforces their involvement in protein synthesis. We propose that the highly variable PDZ domain of the uncharacterized Fe-S oxidoreductase superfamily, exclusively found in gladobacteria and several anaerobes and acetogens, may have preceded all existing PDZ domains.
Evidence of population specific selection inferred from 289 genome sequences of Nilo-Saharan and Niger-Congo linguistic groups in Africa
Authors: Mulindwa Julius , Noyes Harry , Ilboudo Hamidou , Nyangiri Oscar , Koffi Mathurin , Mumba Dieudonne , Simo Gustave , Enyaru John , Chisi John , Simuunza Martin , Alibu Pius , Jamoneau Vincent , Macleod Annette , Bucheton Bruno , Hertz-Fowler Christiane , Sidibe Issa , Matovu Enock ,   for the TrypanoGEN Research Group, as members of The H3Africa Consortium.
Published: September 2017

Background

There are over 2000 genetically diverse ethno-linguistic groups in Africa that could help decipher human evolutionary history and the genetic basis of phenotypic variation. We have sequenced 300 genomes from Niger-Congo populations from six sub-Saharan African countries (Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Guinea) and a Nilo-Saharan population from Uganda. Of these, we analysed 289 samples for population structure, genetic admixture, population history and signatures of selection. These samples were collected as part of the TrypanoGEN consortium project [1].

Results

The population genetic structure of the 289 individuals revealed four clusters, which correlated with ethno-linguistic group and geographical latitude. These were the West African Niger-Congo A, Central African Niger-Congo B, East African Niger-Congo B and the Nilo-Saharan. We observed a spatial distribution of positive natural selection signatures in genes previously associated with AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and Human African Trypanosomiasis among the TrypanoGEN samples. Having observed a marked difference between the Nilo-Saharan Lugbara and Niger-Congo populations, we identified four genes (APOBEC3G,TOP2B,CAPN9,LANCL2), which are highly differentiated between the two ethnic groups and under positive selection in the Lugbara population (_iHS -log p > 3.0, Rsb -log p > 3.0, Fst > 0.1 bonferroni p > 1.8x10e4).

Conclusion

The signatures that differentiate ethnically distinct populations could provide information on the specific ecological adaptations with respect to disease history and susceptibility/resistance. For instance in this study we identifiedAPOBEC3Gwhich is believed to be involved in the susceptibility of the Nilo-Saharan Lugbara population to Hepatitis B virus infection.
Abdominal adiposity negatively associates with the rate of long term sequential skill learning
Authors: Millette Amira , Lynch Brighid , Verstynen Timothy
Published: September 2017

Obesity is associated with functional and structural differences in the corticostriatal systems of the brain. These pathways are known to be critical for the acquisition of complex sensorimotor skills, such as the ability to learn a coordinated sequence of actions. Thus, individual differences in obesity should be associated with reduced efficiency of learning sequential skills. Here we measured long-term sequence learning across five days of training on the serial reaction time task in a cohort of neurologically healthy adults (N=30) with body types ranging from lean to obese. As expected, individuals with a greater degree of central adiposity, measured as central waist circumference, exhibited slower rates of learning, across all training days, than their leaner counterparts. This association between learning and central adiposity was restricted to response speeds, but not accuracy. These findings show that obesity is negatively associated with the efficiency of learning a long-term sequential skill, possibly due to previously observed associations between obesity and general basal ganglia function.
A rainfall-manipulation experiment with 517Arabidopsis thalianaaccessions
Authors: Exposito-Alonso Moises , Gámez Rodríguez Rocío , Barragán Cristina , Capovilla Giovanna , Chae Eunyoung , Devos Jane , Dogan Ezgi S. , Friedemann Claudia , Gross Caspar , Lang Patricia , Lundberg Derek , Middendorf Vera , Kageyama Jorge , Karasov Talia , Kersten Sonja , Petersen Sebastian , Rabbani Leily , Regalado Julian , Reinelt Lukas , Rowan Beth , Seymour Danelle K. , Symeonidi Efthymia , Schwab Rebecca , Tran Diep Thi Ngoc , Venkataramani Kavita , Van de Weyer Anna-Lena , Vasseur François , Wang George , Wedegärtner Ronja , Weiss Frank , Wu Rui , Xi Wanyan , Zaidem Maricris , Zhu Wangsheng , García-Arenal Fernando , Burbano Hernán A. , Bossdorf Oliver , Weigel Detlef
Published: September 2017

The gold standard for studying natural selection and adaptation in the wild is to quantify lifetime fitness of individuals from natural populations that have been grown together in a common garden, or that have been reciprocally transplanted. By combining fitness values with species traits and genome sequences, one can infer selection coefficients at the genetic level. Here we present a rainfall-manipulation experiment with 517 whole-genome sequenced natural accessions of the plantArabidopsis thalianaspanning the global distribution of the species. The experiments were conducted in two field stations in contrasting climates, in the Mediterranean and in Central Europe, where we built rainout shelters and simulated high and low rainfall. Using custom image analysis we quantified fitness- and phenology-related traits for 23,154 pots, which contained about 14,500 plants growing independently, and over 310,000 plants growing in small populations (max. 30 plants). This large field experiment dataset, which associates fitness and ecologically-relevant traits with genomes, will provide an important resource to test eco-evolutionary genetic theories and to understand the potential evolutionary impacts of future climates on an important plant model species.
Novel transcriptional activity and extensive allelic imbalance in the human MHC region
Authors: Gensterblum Elizabeth , Wu Weisheng , Sawalha Amr H
Published: September 2017

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region encodes human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes and is the most complex region in the human genome. The extensive polymorphic nature of the HLA hinders accurate localization and functional assessment of disease risk loci within this region. Using targeted capture sequencing and constructing individualized genomes for transcriptome alignment, we identified 908 novel transcripts within the human MHC region. These include 593 novel isoforms of known genes, 137 antisense strand RNAs, 119 novel long intergenic noncoding RNAs, and 5 transcripts of 3 novel putative protein coding human endogenous retrovirus genes. We revealed extensive allele-dependent expression imbalance involving 88% of all heterozygous transcribed single nucleotide polymorphisms throughout the MHC transcriptome. Further, we showed that the transcriptome within the MHC region can be defined by 14 distinct co-expression clusters, with evidence of co-regulation by unique transcription factors in at least 9 of these clusters. Our data suggest a very complex regulatory map of the human MHC, and can help uncover functional consequences of disease risk loci in this region.
Associative memory retrieval modulates upcoming perceptual decisions
Authors: Bornstein Aaron M. , Aly Mariam , Feng Samuel F. , Turk-Browne Nicholas B. , Norman Kenneth A. , Cohen Jonathan D.
Published: September 2017

Expectations can inform fast, accurate decisions. But what informs expectations? Here we test the hypothesis that expectations are set by dynamic inference from memory. Participants performed a cue-guided perceptual decision task with independently-varying memory and sensory evidence. Cues established expectations by reminding participants of past stimulus-stimulus pairings, which predicted the likely target in a subsequent noisy image stream. Participant’s responses used both memory and sensory information, in accordance to their relative reliability. Formal model comparison showed that the sensory inference was best explained when its parameters were set dynamically at each trial by evidence sampled from memory. Supporting this model, neural pattern analysis revealed that responses to the probe were modulated by the specific content and fidelity of memory reinstatement that occurred before the probe appeared. Together, these results suggest that perceptual decisions arise from the continuous sampling of memory and sensory evidence.
Crossmodal congruency effect scores decrease with repeat test exposure
Authors: Gill Satinder , Blustein Daniel , Wilson Adam , Sensinger Jon
Published: September 2017

The incorporation of feedback into a person’s body schema is well established. The crossmodal congruency effect (CCE) task is used to objectively quantify incorporation without being susceptible to experimenter biases. This visual-tactile interference task is used to calculate the CCE score as a difference in response time for incongruent and congruent trials. Here we show that this metric is susceptible to a learning effect that causes attenuation of the CCE score due to repeated task exposure sessions. We demonstrate that this learning effect is persistent, even after a 6 month hiatus in testing. Two mitigation strategies are proposed: 1. Only use CCE scores that are taken after learning has stabilized, or 2. Use a modified CCE protocol that decreases the task exposure time. We show that the modified and shortened CCE protocol, which may be required to meet time or logistical constraints in laboratory or clinical settings, reduced the impact of the learning effect on CCE results. Importantly, the CCE scores from the modified protocol were not significantly more variable than results obtained with the original protocol. This study highlights the importance of considering exposure time to the CCE task when designing experiments and suggests two mitigation strategies to improve the utility of this psychophysical assessment.
Integrative and distinctive coding of perceptual and conceptual object features in the ventral visual stream
Authors: Martin Chris B , Douglas Danielle , Newsome Rachel N , Man Louisa LY , Barense Morgan D
Published: September 2017

A tremendous body of research in cognitive neuroscience is aimed at understanding how object concepts are represented in the human brain. However, it remains unknown whether and where the visual and abstract conceptual features that define an object concept are integrated. We addressed this issue by comparing the neural pattern similarities among object-evoked fMRI responses with behavior-based models that independently captured the visual and conceptual similarities among these stimuli. Our results revealed evidence for distinctive coding of visual features in lateral occipital cortex, and conceptual features in the temporal pole and parahippocampal cortex. By contrast, we found evidence for integrative coding of visual and conceptual object features in perirhinal cortex. The neuroanatomical specificity of this effect was highlighted by results from a searchlight analysis. Taken together, our findings suggest that perirhinal cortex uniquely supports the representation of fully-specified object concepts through the integration of their visual and conceptual features.
Organizational factors of justice and culture leading to organizational identification in merger and acquisition
Authors: Ismail Maimunah , Umar Baki Nordahlia
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of two organizational factors, namely, organizational justice and organizational culture, on organizational identification as perceived by employees following merger and acquisition (M&A) in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study, which adopts the Social Identity Theory as its theoretical foundation, was conducted among employees from selected Malaysian organizations that had undergone M&A from 2009 to 2016. Data were obtained from 302 respondents and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling procedures.

Findings

The results reveal that interactional justice and four dimensions of organizational culture contribute significantly to organizational identification, with a determination power of 61 per cent.

Practical implications

The study offers practical insights to human resource managers in strengthening organizational identification as perceived by employees after an M&A by considering the crucial role of interactional justice and organizational culture.

Originality/value

There have been few investigations that link employees’ perceptions of organizational justice and culture with post-merger organizational identity. This study theorizes on human issues in M&A and enriches the Western literature on organizational identification by providing insights from an Asian (Malaysian) perspective.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited in terms of respondents who were employed in M&A organizations in the Klang Valley areas in Malaysia. The scope is also limited to an examination of two groups of organizational factors, namely, justice and culture, that lead to organizational identification. Implications to managing human resources from the perspective of organizational development are discussed.
Physician performance feedback in a Canadian academic center
Authors: Garvin Dennis , Worthington James , McGuire Shaun , Burgetz Stephanie , Forster Alan J. , Patey Andrea , Gerin-Lajoie Caroline , Turnbull Jeffrey , Roth Virginia
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims at the implementation and early evaluation of a comprehensive, formative annual physician performance feedback process in a large academic health-care organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods approach was used to introduce a formative feedback process to provide physicians with comprehensive feedback on performance and to support professional development. This initiative responded to organization-wide engagement surveys through which physicians identified effective performance feedback as a priority. In 2013, physicians primarily affiliated with the organization participated in a performance feedback process, and physician satisfaction and participant perceptions were explored through participant survey responses and physician leader focus groups. Training was required for physician leaders prior to conducting performance feedback discussions.

Findings

This process was completed by 98 per cent of eligible physicians, and 30 per cent completed an evaluation survey. While physicians endorsed the concept of a formative feedback process, process improvement opportunities were identified. Qualitative analysis revealed the following process improvement themes: simplify the tool, ensure leaders follow process, eliminate redundancies in data collection (through academic or licensing requirements) and provide objective quality metrics. Following physician leader training on performance feedback, 98 per cent of leaders who completed an evaluation questionnaire agreed or strongly agreed that the performance feedback process was useful and that training objectives were met.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a physician performance feedback model, leadership training approach and first-year implementation outcomes. The results of this study will be useful to health administrators and physician leaders interested in implementing physician performance feedback or improving physician engagement.
Non-linear elastic delamination of multilayered functionally graded beam
Authors: Rizov Victor
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to perform an analytical study of non-linear elastic delamination fracture in the multilayered functionally graded split cantilever beam (SCB) configuration. The SCB studied may have an arbitrary number of vertical layers. The material in each layer is functionally graded along the layer thickness. Also, the material properties may be different in each layer. The analytical solution derived was applied for parametric investigations in order to evaluate the effects of material properties and delamination crack location on the non-linear fracture behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The delamination fracture was studied in terms of the strain energy release rate. The SCB mechanical response was described by using a power-law stress-strain relation. A non-linear analytical solution for the strain energy release rate was derived by considering the SCB complementary strain energy. In order to verify the solution, an additional analysis of the strain energy release rate was developed by considering the complementary strain energy in the beam cross-sections ahead and behind the crack front.

Findings

The effects of material gradient, crack location along the beam width and non-linear material behaviour on the delamination fracture were evaluated. The analytical solution derived is useful for parametric studies of non-linear fracture in multilayered functionally graded beams.

Originality/value

Delamination fracture in the multilayered functionally graded SCB configuration was analysed with considering the non-linear material behaviour.
Natural course and characteristics of cutaneous neurofibromas in neurofibromatosis 1
Authors: Ehara Yuko , Yamamoto Osamu , Kosaki Kenjiro , Yoshida Yuichi
Published: September 2017

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is characterized by cutaneous, neurological and osseous manifestations. Most NF1 patients develop cutaneous neurofibromas. However, time‐dependent change with aging and the predilection site of cutaneous neurofibromas remain unclear. To clarify the natural course and characteristics of cutaneous neurofibromas, a retrospective study was conducted for 57 NF1 patients who were treated at the Department of Dermatology of Tottori University Hospital between January 2007 and April 2016. For each patient, we investigated the time‐dependent changes and the numbers of cutaneous neurofibromas in four body surface regions. There was a positive correlation between age and number of cutaneous neurofibromas (r = 0.75, P < 0.001). Cutaneous neurofibromas were located on the trunk (60.2%), lower limbs (16.1%), upper limbs (14.4%), and head and neck (9.2%). There was no significant relationship between each body type (e.g. obese or thin) and cutaneous neurofibromas. With respect to the year‐to‐year percentage change in cutaneous neurofibromas, the average annual rate of increase was 0.21 (range, −0.71 to 1.2). The number of cutaneous neurofibromas had increased in approximately 61% of the patients 1 year later. Our data will enable physicians to estimate the overall state of cutaneous neurofibromas in NF1 and will be useful for handling cutaneous manifestations before they become a serious condition.
Prevalence, comorbidities and mortality of toxic shock syndrome in children and adults in the USA
Authors: Strom Mark A. , Hsu Derek Y. , Silverberg Jonathan I.
Published: September 2017

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a superantigen‐mediated illness, is characterized by rash, hypotension and multi‐organ dysfunction. Predictors of TSS and related morbidity and mortality are poorly defined. In this study, data on 61,959,084 hospitalizations from the 2003–2012 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a 20% stratified sample of US hospitalizations, were analyzed and ICD‐9‐CM coding used to identify 4491 hospitalizations with a diagnosis of TSS. Incidence, in‐hospital mortality rate, comorbidities, length of stay and costs of care attributable to TSS were determined. In multivariate survey logistic regression models, TSS was associated with female sex (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.54 [1.48–1.60]), younger age (0–17 years, 2.17 [2.06–2.29]; 40–59: 0.53 [0.50–0.56]; 60–79: 0.28 [0.26–0.30]; 80+: 0.13 [0.11–0.14] compared with 18–39) and race/ethnicity (black, 0.63 [0.59–0.67]; Hispanic: 0.60 [0.56–0.64]; Asian, 1.11 [1.00–1.11]; and other, 0.83 [0.75–0.92] compared with white). Patients with TSS had a three‐fold greater cost of care (mean: $36,656 ± 942) and length of stay (LOS) (mean: 10.65 ± 0.23 days) than patients without TSS. Shared predictors of increased LOS and costs in patients with TSS were male sex; age 40–79 years; Black, Hispanic, Asian and other race/ethnicity; and more than one chronic condition. Predictors of in‐hospital mortality included respiratory failure (13.66 [11.37–16.43]), liver disease/failure (3.36 [2.59–4.34]), chickenpox (91.26 [27.74–300.25]), coagulopathy (2.14 [1.85–2.48]), and higher age. In conclusion, there are significant racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and comorbid disparities in the incidence and mortality of TSS in adults and children in the USA.
Transcriptional regulation of ectoine catabolism in response to multiple metabolic and environmental cues
Authors: Schulz Annina , Hermann Lucas , Freibert Sven‐Andreas , Bönig Tobias , Hoffmann Tamara , Riclea Ramona , Dickschat Jeroen S. , Heider Johann , Bremer Erhard
Published: September 2017

Ectoine and hydroxyectoine are effective microbial osmostress protectants, but can also serve as versatile nutrients for bacteria. We have studied the genetic regulation of ectoine and hydroxyectoine import and catabolism in the marine Roseobacter species Ruegeria pomeroyi and identified three transcriptional regulators involved in these processes: the GabR/MocR‐type repressor EnuR, the feast and famine‐type regulator AsnC and the two‐component system NtrYX. The corresponding genes are widely associated with ectoine and hydroxyectoine uptake and catabolic gene clusters (enuR, asnC), and with microorganisms predicted to consume ectoines (ntrYX). EnuR contains a covalently bound pyridoxal‐5'‐phosphate as a co‐factor and the chemistry underlying the functioning of MocR/GabR‐type regulators typically requires a system‐specific low molecular mass effector molecule. Through ligand binding studies with purified EnuR, we identified N‐(alpha)‐L‐acetyl‐2,4‐diaminobutyric acid and L‐2,4‐diaminobutyric acid as inducers for EnuR that are generated through ectoine catabolism. AsnC/Lrp‐type proteins can wrap DNA into nucleosome‐like structures, and we found that the asnC gene was essential for use of ectoines as nutrients. Furthermore, we discovered through transposon mutagenesis that the NtrYX two‐component system is required for their catabolism. Database searches suggest that our findings have important ramifications for an understanding of the molecular biology of most microbial consumers of ectoines.