bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient-defined outcomes for pain, fatigue, emotional distress, and interference with activities did not differ by age for individuals with musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Wilson Abigail T. , George Steven Z. , Bialosky Joel E. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Introduction:
Age impacts the prevalence and experience of musculoskeletal pain; however, it is unknown whether this factor impacts patient's anticipated outcomes after treatment.

Objective:
Using the Patient-Centered Outcomes Questionnaire (PCOQ), the primary purpose was to determine whether there are age-related differences in desired, successful, expected levels, and importance of improvement in pain, fatigue, emotional distress, and interference with daily activities. As a secondary purpose, anatomical location and sex were then included in the model to examine for interaction effects.

Methods:
A secondary analysis of the Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcome cross-sectional and longitudinal cohorts was conducted. Included in this analysis were 572 individuals seeking physical therapy for nonsurgical neck, low back, shoulder, and knee pain who completed the PCOQ at the initial evaluation. A three-way analysis of variance examined PCOQ domains by age categories, sex, and anatomical location.

Results:
Interaction effects were not observed for any of the domains of interest (P > 0.01). Significant main effects were also not observed for age, sex, and anatomical location (P > 0.01).

Conclusion:
Musculoskeletal pain prevalence may differ across age categories but, in this cohort, neither age, nor sex, nor anatomical location impacted patient-defined outcomes for intensity, fatigue, emotional distress, and interference with daily activities.
Maturation and interhemispheric asymmetry in neurite density and orientation dispersion in early childhood
Authors: Dimond Dennis , Heo Stella , Ip Amanda , Rohr Christiane S. , Tansey Ryann , Graff Kirk , Dhollander Thijs , Smith Robert E. , Lebel Catherine , Dewey Deborah , Connelly Alan , Bray Signe 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe brain’s white matter undergoes profound changes during early childhood, which are believed to underlie the rapid development of cognitive and behavioral skills during this period. Neurite density, and complexity of axonal projections, have been shown to change across the life span, though changes during early childhood are poorly characterized. Here, we utilize neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) to investigate maturational changes in tract-wise neurite density index (NDI) and orientation dispersion index (ODI) during early childhood. Additionally, we assess hemispheric asymmetry of tract-wise NDI and ODI values, and longitudinal changes.MethodsTwo sets of diffusion weighted images (DWI) with different diffusion-weighting were collected from 125 typically developing children scanned at baseline (N=125; age range=4.14-7.29; F/M=73/52), 6-month (N=8; F/M=8/0), and 12-month (N=52; F/M=39/13) timepoints. NODDI and template-based tractography using constrained spherical deconvolution were utilized to calculate NDI and ODI values for major white matter tracts. Mixed-effects models controlling for sex, handedness, and in-scanner head motion were utilized to assess developmental changes in tract-wise NDI and ODI. Paired t-tests were used to assess interhemispheric differences in tract-wise NDI and ODI values and longitudinal changes in cross-sectional and 12-month longitudinal analyses, respectively.ResultsMaturational increases in NDI were seen in all major white matter tracts, though we did not observe the expected tract-wise pattern of maturational rates (e.g. fast commissural/projection and slow frontal/temporal tract change). ODI did not change significantly with age in any tract. We observed higher cross-sectional NDI and ODI values in the right as compared to the left hemisphere for most tracts, but no hemispheric asymmetry for longitudinal changes.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that neurite density, but not orientation dispersion, increases with age during early childhood. In relation to NDI growth trends reported in infancy and late-childhood, our results suggest that early childhood may be a transitional period for neurite density maturation wherein commissural/projection fibers are approaching maturity, maturation in long range association fibers is increasing, and changes in limbic/frontal fibers remain modest. Rightward asymmetry in NDI and ODI values, but not longitudinal changes, suggests that rightward asymmetry of neurite density and orientation dispersion is established prior to age 4.
Evolution of gastrointestinal tract morphology and plasticity in cave-adapted Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus
Authors: Riddle Misty R. , Damen Fleur , Aspiras Ariel , Tabin Julius A. , McGaugh Suzanne , Tabin Clifford J. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe gastrointestinal tract has evolved in numerous ways to allow animals to optimally assimilate energy from different foods. The morphology and physiology of the gut is plastic and can be greatly altered by diet in some animals. In this study, we investigated the evolution and plasticity of gastrointestinal tract morphology by comparing laboratory-raised cave- and river-adapted forms of the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, reared under different dietary conditions. In the wild, river-dwelling populations (surface fish) consume plants and insects throughout the year, while cave-dwelling populations (cavefish) live in a perpetually dark environment and depend on nutrient-poor food brought in by bats or seasonal floods. We found that multiple cave populations converged on a reduced number of digestive appendages called pyloric caeca and that some cave populations have a lengthened gut while others have a shortened gut. Moreover, we identified differences in how gut morphology and proliferation respond to diet between surface fish and cavefish. Using a combination of quantitative genetic mapping, population genetics, and RNA sequencing, we found that changes to the molecular and genetic pathways that influence cell proliferation, differentiation, and immune system function may underlie evolution of the cavefish gut.
High-resolution transcriptomic profiling of the heart during chronic stress reveals cellular drivers of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy
Authors: McLellan Micheal A. , Skelly Daniel A. , Dona Malathi S.I. , Squiers Galen T. , Farrugia Gabriella E. , Gaynor Taylah L. , Cohen Charles D. , Pandey Raghav , Diep Henry , Vinh Antony , Rosenthal Nadia A. , Pinto Alexander R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundCardiac fibrosis is a key antecedent to many types of cardiac dysfunction including heart failure. Physiological factors leading to cardiac fibrosis have been recognized for decades. However, the specific cellular and molecular mediators that drive cardiac fibrosis, and the relative impact of disparate cell populations on cardiac fibrosis, remain unclear.MethodsWe developed a novel cardiac single-cell transcriptomics strategy to characterize the cardiac cellulome—the network of cells that forms the heart. This method was utilized to profile the cardiac cellular ecosystem in response to two weeks of continuous administration of Angiotensin II, a pro-fibrotic stimulus which drives pathological cardiac remodeling.ResultsThis analysis uncovered multiple cell populations contributing to pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix of the heart. Two phenotypically distinct fibroblast populations emerged after induction of tissue stress to promote fibrosis in the absence of smooth muscle actin-expressing myofibroblasts, a key pro-fibrotic cell population. Further, the cellular responses to Angiotensin II and the relative abundance of fibrogenic cells were sexually dimorphic.ConclusionsThese results offer a valuable resource for exploring the cardiac cellular landscape in health and after chronic cardiovascular stress. These data provide insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that promote pathological remodeling of the mammalian heart, highlighting early transcriptional changes which precede chronic cardiac fibrosis.
Integrative Genomic Analysis and Functional Studies Reveal GP5, GRN, MPO and MCAM as Causal Protein Biomarkers for Platelet Traits
Authors: Lee Dong Heon , Yao Chen , Bhan Arunoday , Schlaeger Thorsten , Keefe Joshua , Rodriguez Benjamin AT , Hwang Shih-Jen , Chen Ming-Huei , Levy Daniel , Johnson Andrew D 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTRationaleMean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet count (PLT) are platelet measures that have been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality risk. Identifying protein biomarkers for these measures may yield insights into CVD mechanisms.ObjectiveWe aimed to identify causal protein biomarkers for MPV and PLT among 71 CVD-related plasma proteins measured in Framingham Heart Study (FHS) participants.Methods and ResultsWe conducted integrative analyses of genetic variants associated with PLT and MPV with protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) variants associated with plasma proteins followed by Mendelian randomization (MR) to infer causal relations of proteins for PLT/MPV, and tested protein-PLT/MPV association in FHS participants. Utilizing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived megakaryocyte (MK) clones that produce functional platelets, we conducted RNA-sequencing and analyzed transcriptome-wide differences between low- and high-platelet producing clones. We then performed small interfering RNA (siRNA) gene knockdown experiments targeting genes encoding proteins with putatively causal platelet effects in MK clones to examine effects on platelet production. Protein-trait association analyses were conducted for MPV (n = 4,348) and PLT (n = 4,272). Eleven proteins were associated with MPV and 31 with PLT. MR identified four putatively causal proteins for MPV and four for PLT. Glycoprotein V (GP5), granulin (GRN), and melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) were associated with PLT in both protein-trait and MR analyses. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) showed significant association with MPV in both analyses. MK RNA-sequencing analysis results were directionally concordant with observed and MR-inferred associations for GP5, GRN, and MCAM. In siRNA gene knockdown experiments, silencing GP5, GRN, and MPO decreased platelet counts.ConclusionsBy integrating population genomics data, epidemiological data, and iPSC-derived MK experiments, we identified four proteins that are causally linked to platelet counts. These proteins and genes may be further explored for their utility in increasing platelet production in bioreactors for transfusion medicine purposes as well as their roles in the pathogenesis of CVD via a platelet/blood coagulation-based mechanism.
Fully Bayesian longitudinal unsupervised learning for the assessment and visualization of AD heterogeneity and progression
Authors: Poulakis Konstantinos , Ferreira Daniel , Pereira Joana B. , Smedby Örjan , Vemuri Prashanthi , Westman Eric ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2019

AbstractTau pathology and regional brain atrophy are the closest correlate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Understanding heterogeneity and longitudinal progression of brain atrophy during the disease course will play a key role in understanding AD pathogenesis. We propose a framework for longitudinal clustering that: 1) incorporates whole brain data, 2) leverages unequal visits per individual, 3) compares clusters with a control group, 4) allows to study confounding effects, 5) provides clusters visualization, 6) measures clustering uncertainty, all these simultaneously. We used amyloid-β positive AD and negative healthy subjects, three longitudinal sMRI scans (cortical thickness and subcortical volume) over two years. We found 3 distinct longitudinal AD brain atrophy patterns: a typical diffuse pattern (n=34, 47.2%), and 2 atypical patterns: Minimal atrophy (n=23 31.9%) and Hippocampal sparing (n=9, 12.5%). We also identified outliers (n=3, 4.2%) and observations with uncertain classification (n=3, 4.2%). The clusters differed not only in regional distributions of atrophy at baseline, but also longitudinal atrophy progression, age at AD onset, and cognitive decline. A framework for the longitudinal assessment of variability in cohorts with several neuroimaging measures was successfully developed. We believe this framework may aid in disentangling distinct subtypes of AD from disease staging.
Loss of Nuclear Deformability of Breast Cancer Cells by the Disruption of Actin Filaments
Authors: Antmen Ezgi , Demirci Utkan , Hasirci Vasif 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIt is well known that chemical and biomechanical interactions between the nucleus and cytoskeleton are involved in and critical for movement, migration and nuclear positioning of cancer cells. Through nucleo-cytoskeletal coupling, proteins of the LINC complex and the nuclear envelope are capable of transducing cytoplasmic mechanical input across the nuclear membrane; however, their functional importance in the behavior of cancer cells and their nuclei has never been directly tested. In this study, our assumption was that the differences in the malignancies of breast cancer cells are the result of the differences in their nuclear deformation and its expression can be amplified on micropatterned surfaces. Based on this, our hypothesis was that the level of completeness of polymerization of actin filaments can affect nuclear deformability, and as a result, the metastatic capability of the cancer cells. In order to prove this we disrupted the polymerization of the actin filaments by using two drugs, Cytochalasin D and Jasplakinolide, which caused impaired propagation of intracellular forces, prevented nuclear deformation and increased in the expression levels of Lamin A/C and Nesprin-2 in malignant breast cancer cells. Our findings suggest that activity of these two proteins is critical for nucleo-cytoskeletal force transmission. More importantly, actin filament disruption can prevent the distortions in nuclear morphology and as a result avoid the development of cancer metastasis.
TORC1 regulates vacuole membrane composition through ubiquitin- and ESCRT-dependent microautophagy
Authors: Yang Xi , Zhang Weichao , Wen Xin , Bulinski Patrick J. , Chomchai Dominic A. , Arines Felichi Mae , Liu Yun-Yu , Sprenger Simon , Teis David , Klionsky Daniel J. , Li Ming 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCellular adaptation in response to nutrient limitation requires the induction of autophagy and lysosome biogenesis for the efficient recycling of macromolecules. Here, we discovered that starvation and TORC1 inactivation not only lead to the upregulation of autophagy and vacuole proteins involved in recycling, but also result in the downregulation of many vacuole membrane proteins to supply amino acids as part of a vacuole remodeling process. Downregulation of vacuole membrane proteins is initiated by ubiquitination, which is accomplished by the coordination of multiple E3 ubiquitin ligases, including Rsp5, the Dsc complex, and a newly characterized E3 ligase, Pib1. The Dsc complex is negatively regulated by TORC1 through the Rim15-Ume6 signaling cascade. After ubiquitination, vacuole membrane proteins are sorted into the lumen for degradation by ESCRT-dependent microautophagy. Thus, our study uncovered a complex relationship between TORC1 inactivation and vacuole biogenesis.
Binary integer programming for Multiple Sequence Alignment
Authors: Ali Lajevardy S. , Kargari Mehrdad 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMolecular biology advances in the past few decades have contributed to the rapid increase in genome sequencing of various organisms; sequence alignment is usually considered as the first step in understanding the molecular function of a sequence. An optimal alignment adjusts two or more sequences in a way that it could compare the maximum number of identical or similar residues. The two sequence alignments types are: Pairwise Sequence Alignment (PSA) and Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA). While dynamic programming (DP) technique is used in PSA to provide the optimal method, it will lead to more complexity if used in MSA. So, the MSA mainly uses heuristic and approximation methods. This paper presents a mathematical model for MSA that can be used as a basis for optimal solution in different ways. In order to obtain the results, the model is implemented using Genetic Algorithm method on the web.
Transitional evolutionary forms and stratigraphic trends in chasmosaurine ceratopsid dinosaurs : evidence from the Campanian of New Mexico
Authors: Fowler Denver Warwick , Freedman Fowler Elizabeth Anne 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTThree new chasmosaurines from the Kirtland Formation (∼75.0 - 73.4 Ma), New Mexico, form morphological and stratigraphic intermediates betweenPentaceratops(∼74.7 - 75Ma, Fruitland Formation, New Mexico) andAnchiceratops(∼72 - 71Ma, Horseshoe Canyon Formation, Alberta). The new specimens exhibit gradual enclosure of the parietal embayment that characterizesPentaceratops, providing support for the phylogenetic hypothesis thatPentaceratopsandAnchiceratopsare closely related. This stepwise change of morphologic characters observed in chasmosaurine taxa that do not overlap stratigraphically is supportive of evolution by anagenesis. Recently published hypotheses that placePentaceratopsandAnchiceratopsinto separate clades are not supported. This phylogenetic relationship demonstrates unrestricted movement of large-bodied taxa between hitherto purported northern and southern provinces in the Late Campanian, weakening support for the hypothesis of extreme faunal provincialism in the Late Cretaceous Western Interior.
Apparent increase in lip size is linked to tactile discrimination improvement
Authors: Ambron Elisabetta , Coslett H. Branch 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTMagnified vision of one’s body part has been shown to improve tactile acuity. We used an anesthetic cream (AC) to explore this effect. In Experiment 1, application of AC caused an increase in perceived lip size. As perceived lip size increased, tactile discrimination (as assessed by two-point discrimination) improved. In Experiment 2, we replicated these results in a larger sample and showed that these effects are not observed without AC. Tactile discrimination was better and improved as a function of lip size with AC, while performance remained consistent without AC. In Experiment 3, we showed that the increase in perceived lip size occurred only with the application of AC, but not with moisturizing cream. The application of either cream induced an improvement in two-point discrimination, but this improvement was modulated by perceived lip size only for AC. Magnification effects are mediated by malleable, experience-dependent representations of the human body.
Effect of sinusoidal electrical cortical stimulation on brain cells
Authors: Ryu Seungjun , Kim Kyung-Tai , Seo Hyeon , Cho Jongwook , Park Jiyoung , Jun Sung Chan , Kim Hyoung-Ihl 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundElectrical cortical stimulation is often used in patients with neurological disorders but it is unclear how it modulates different types of brain cells.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of sinusoidal electrical brain stimulation (SEBS) on different types of brain cells and to identify the exact types of brain cells that are stimulated.MethodsThe study subjects were 40 male Sprague Dawley rats (weight 300–350 g; age 9 weeks). SEBS was delivered continuously at frequencies of 20, 40, 60, or 100 Hz to the sensory parietal cortex using epidurally placed electrodes for 1 week. Transverse rat brain tissue sections were immunolabeled with calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and parvalbumin (PV) antibodies and with c-Fos for counting of activated excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Computer simulation was performed to cross-validate the frequency-specific cell stimulation results.ResultsInhibitory neurons were more excited than excitatory neurons after epidural EBS. Most excitatory neural activity was evoked at 40 Hz (p<0.05) and most inhibitory neuronal activity was evoked at 20 Hz (p<0.01). The contralateral sensory cortex was activated significantly more at 40 Hz (p<0.05) and the corticothalamic circuit at 20 Hz (p<0.001). Stimulation-induced excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activation was widest at 20 Hz.ConclusionsEpidural electrical stimulation targets both excitatory and inhibitory neurons and the related neural circuits. Further exploration is needed to identify circuits that promote the plasticity needed for recovery in patients with specific neurological diseases.Graphical Abstract
Concepts of quality in independent accreditation in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Ryskulova Chynarkul 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept, criteria and definitions of quality of higher education from the perspectives of the leadership of three new independent accreditation agencies in Kyrgyzstan.

Design/methodology/approach
The author employed interpretative qualitative research design. The data for this study were collected through semi-structured interviews with the leadership of three independent accreditation agencies and through review and the qualitative analyses of new policies on accreditation of higher education institutions, new accreditation standards and criteria. A priori codes by using categories were defined in advance and emergent codes based on data driven were used for data analyses.

Findings
The research findings support the author’s argument that the new independent accreditation processes will not assure quality because first, the agencies are not independent of the Ministry of Education and Science; second, the current standards do not provide evidence of quality; and third, the institutions do not have what in Europe is called a “quality culture” – ongoing, continuous efforts toward quality.

Originality/value
This is first scholarly work looking at independent accreditation process at its beginning stage. The results of an article can have influence on further development of accreditation system and improvement of accreditation standards.
Self-reported experiences of intimate partner violence in a female forensic intellectual disability population
Authors: Morris Deborah , Camden-Smith Claudia , Batten Robert 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex public health and social issue. Women with an intellectual disability (ID) are at greater risk of experiencing IPV. However, little is known about the IPV experiences of women with an ID and forensic care needs. The purpose of this paper is to explore the history of experienced and perpetrated IPV in women detained to secure specialist ID forensic service.

Design/methodology/approach
Participants completed the Conflict Tactics Scale-2 (CTS-2, Straus et al., 1996). The CTS-2 measures experienced and perpetrated relationship tactics of common forms of IPV.

Findings
Participants reported high levels of experiencing and perpetrating IPV across all relationship tactics measured by the CTS-2. Participants reported they engaged in similar levels of experiencing and perpetrating positive and negative relationship tactics. The only significant difference was “minor sexual coercive behavior” where participants were significantly more likely to experience than perpetrate this behaviour.

Research limitations/implications
Further research exploring the risk factors that contribute to IPV is needed. Shortcomings in the current study are acknowledged.

Practical implications
Women with an ID and forensic profiles may present with treatment needs as victims and perpetrators of IPV. Clinical activities of women in Forensic ID services should include possible IPV care needs. The importance of developing national guidance and interventions to prevent and manage IPV are discussed.

Originality/value
This is the first paper, to the authors’ knowledge, to explore experiences of IPV in women with an ID and forensic care needs.