bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beta-band motor unit coherence and nonlinear surface EMG features of the first dorsal interosseous muscle vary with force
Authors: McManus Lara , Flood Matthew W. , Lowery Madeleine M. 
Published: July 2019

Motor unit firing times are weakly coupled across a range of frequencies during voluntary contractions. Coherent activity within the beta-band (15–35 Hz) has been linked to oscillatory cortical processes, providing evidence of functional connectivity between the motoneuron pool and motor cortex. The aim of this study was to investigate whether beta-band motor unit coherence is altered with increasing abduction force in the first dorsal interosseous muscle. Coherence between motor unit firing times, extracted from decomposed surface electromyography (EMG) signals, was investigated in 17 subjects at 10, 20, 30, and 40% of maximum voluntary contraction. Corresponding changes in nonlinear surface EMG features (specifically sample entropy and determinism, which are sensitive to motor unit synchronization) were also examined. A reduction in beta-band and alpha-band coherence was observed as force increased [ F(3, 151) = 32, P < 0.001 and F(3, 151) = 27, P < 0.001, respectively], accompanied by corresponding changes in nonlinear surface EMG features. A significant relationship between the nonlinear features and motor unit coherence was also detected ( r = −0.43 ± 0.1 and r = 0.45 ± 0.1 for sample entropy and determinism, respectively; both P < 0.001). The reduction in beta-band coherence suggests a change in the relative contribution of correlated and uncorrelated presynaptic inputs to the motoneuron pool, and/or a decrease in the responsiveness of the motoneuron pool to synchronous inputs at higher forces. The study highlights the importance of considering muscle activation when investigating changes in motor unit coherence or nonlinear EMG features and examines other factors that can influence coherence estimation. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Intramuscular alpha- and beta-band coherence decreased as muscle contraction force increased. Beta-band coherence was higher in groups of high-threshold motor units than in simultaneously active lower threshold units. Alterations in motor unit coherence with increases or decreases in force and with the onset of fatigue were accompanied by corresponding changes in surface electromyography sample entropy and determinism. Mixed-model analysis indicated mean firing rate and number of motor units also influenced the coherence estimate.
Hyperexcitability precedes motoneuron loss in the Smn2B/− mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Quinlan K. A. , Reedich E. J. , Arnold W. D. , Puritz A. C. , Cavarsan C. F. , Heckman C. J. , DiDonato C. J. 
Published: July 2019

Spinal motoneuron dysfunction and loss are pathological hallmarks of the neuromuscular disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Changes in motoneuron physiological function precede cell death, but how these alterations vary with disease severity and motoneuron maturational state is unknown. To address this question, we assessed the electrophysiology and morphology of spinal motoneurons of presymptomatic Smn2B/− mice older than 1 wk of age and tracked the timing of motor unit loss in this model using motor unit number estimation (MUNE). In contrast to other commonly used SMA mouse models, Smn2B/− mice exhibit more typical postnatal development until postnatal day (P)11 or 12 and have longer survival (~3 wk of age). We demonstrate that Smn2B/− motoneuron hyperexcitability, marked by hyperpolarization of the threshold voltage for action potential firing, was present at P9–10 and preceded the loss of motor units. Using MUNE studies, we determined that motor unit loss in this mouse model occurred 2 wk after birth. Smn2B/− motoneurons were also larger in size, which may reflect compensatory changes taking place during postnatal development. This work suggests that motoneuron hyperexcitability, marked by a reduced threshold for action potential firing, is a pathological change preceding motoneuron loss that is common to multiple models of severe SMA with different motoneuron maturational states. Our results indicate voltage-gated sodium channel activity may be altered in the disease process. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Changes in spinal motoneuron physiologic function precede cell death in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but how they vary with maturational state and disease severity remains unknown. This study characterized motoneuron and neuromuscular electrophysiology from the Smn2B/− model of SMA. Motoneurons were hyperexcitable at postnatal day (P)9–10, and specific electrophysiological changes in Smn2B/− motoneurons preceded functional motor unit loss at P14, as determined by motor unit number estimation studies.
Apolipoprotein E Genotype Modifies the Association Between Cardiac Output and Cognition in Older Adults
Authors: Bown Corey W. , Liu Dandan , Osborn Katie E. , Gupta Deepak K. , Mendes Lisa A. , Pechman Kimberly R. , Hohman Timothy J. , Wang Thomas J. , Gifford Katherine A. , Jefferson Angela L. 
Published: July 2019

Background

Subtle reductions in cardiac output relate to lower cerebral blood flow, especially in regions where Alzheimer's disease pathology first develops. Apolipoprotein E (

APOE

)‐ε4 is a genetic susceptibility risk factor for Alzheimer's disease that also moderates vascular damage. This study investigated whether

APOE

‐ε4 carrier status modifies the cross‐sectional association between cardiac output and cognition.

Methods and Results

Vanderbilt Memory & Aging Project participants free of clinical stroke and dementia (n=306, 73±7 years, 42% female) underwent echocardiography to determine cardiac output (L/min), comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, and venous blood draw to determine

APOE

genotype and ε4 carrier status. Linear regressions related cardiac output to neuropsychological test performance, adjusting for age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, body surface area, cognitive diagnosis, Framingham Stroke Risk Profile, and

APOE

‐ε4 status. Main effect models were null (
P
>0.19). With identical covariates, models were repeated testing a

cardiac output×
APOE

‐ε4 status interaction and again stratified by ε4 carrier status.

Cardiac output×
APOE

‐ε4 status related to naming (β=0.91,
P
=0.0009), category fluency (β=1.2,
P
=0.01), information processing speed (β=−5.4,
P
=0.001), visuospatial skill (β=0.85,
P
=0.003), and executive function performances (β=0.22,
P
=0.002). Stratified models suggested that lower cardiac output was associated with worse neuropsychological performances among

APOE

‐ε4 carriers.

Conclusions

APOE

‐ε4 carrier status appears to modify the cross‐sectional association between cardiac output and neuropsychological performance such that lower cardiac output relates to poorer performances among carriers of the ε4 allele. These findings add to increasing evidence that

APOE

‐ε4 carrier status has important implications for associations between vascular and brain health in aging adults.
A Social Benefit Cost Analysis of Special Economic Zones in India: A Study of Noida SEZ
Authors: Babita  , Bishnoi N. K. 
Published: July 2019

Special economic zones (SEZs) in India have been in news due to their usefulness vis-à-vis adverse effects on economy. A good number of opponents opine that costs incurred by SEZs outweigh the benefits. However, it cannot be denied that SEZs have played a positive role in the welfare of the economy. Thus, to examine this issue, we carried out a social benefit–cost analysis (SBCA) on Noida Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) within the context of enclave model for the period of 2009–2016. The result shows the positive net present value and benefit–cost ratio greater than one under methodological assumptions. This infers that NSEZ is contributing towards the welfare of Indian economy. One interesting findings of the study is that NSEZ is generating positive gains to economy with the absence of various market distortions which could otherwise reduce the realised benefits. Hence, need arises to eliminate such distortions from outside area of economy also to make it competitive at global level. Therefore, it can be concluded that competitiveness of the Indian economy can be enhanced with the removal of market distortions and liberalisation of rules, regulation and policies for economic development activities. Hence, the Government of India should emphasise and make regulations and policies that encourage competitiveness of the industries. JEL Classification: D04, D61, F13, H2, J01
Improving Teacher Practices With Children Under Five: Experimental Evidence From the Mississippi Buildings Blocks
Authors: Arteaga Irma , Thornburg Kathy , Darolia Rajeev , Hawks Jacqueline 
Published: July 2019

Background: The literature on the effects of teacher coaching in early childhood (EC) education programs is underdeveloped but emerging. Using the theory of action in professional development as our theoretical framework, we hypothesize that active coaching improves teaching methods and creates a more effective classroom environment for enhancing children’s learning and skills. Objectives: This study evaluates the effects of the Mississippi Building Blocks (MBB) program, an EC intervention with a strong emphasis on supervisor and coaching training. Research design: We conduct a randomized controlled experiment in which data were collected at baseline, midpoint (Month 3), and postintervention (Month 6) in 24 preschool classrooms in Mississippi. Subjects: The experiment included 195 preschoolers, of which 95 were in classrooms led by teachers who received coaching (treatment) and 100 were in classrooms without coaching (control). Measures: We measured child’s emergent language and literacy, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, print language skills, problem-solving, math skills, and socioemotional development. Results: We find that MBB coaching led to substantial improvements in child outcomes relative to the control group, particularly in gross motor skills, print language skills, and socioemotional development. We also find some evidence that MBB coaching improved math skills, though these estimates are on the margin of statistical significance. Finally, a mediator analysis indicates that improvements in the classroom learning environment brought about by MBB coaching improved child outcomes. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that an intensive form of classroom coaching for teachers leads to significant gains in child outcomes.
Autologous transplantation of deciduous tooth pulp into necrotic young permanent teeth for pulp regeneration in a dog model
Authors: Huang Yan , Tang Xiaoying , Cehreli Zafer C. , Dai Xiaoyun , Xu Jiangjingjun , Zhu Hongshui 
Published: July 2019

Objectives To investigate the potential for pulpal regeneration via autologous transplantation of deciduous tooth pulp into immature necrotic permanent teeth using an experimental dog model. Methods Experimental apical periodontitis was induced in 60 teeth of six Beagle dogs. Following canal disinfection and pulpotomy, autologous deciduous pulp tissue was transplanted into the root canals (n = 30); as controls, contralateral teeth were treated in accordance with the recommendations of the American Association of Endodontists. Radiographic examinations were performed immediately before transplant, as well as 3 and 6 months after transplant. At the 6-month examination, root samples were collected and histological and immunohistochemical analyses were used to examine tissue regeneration. Results Radiographic analysis showed no significant differences in most histopathological parameters examined; however, apical diameter reduction was greater in the experimental group. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed that the canal walls of the experimental group had newly formed dentin-like tissue with dentinal tubules, while the control group had cementum-like deposits along the canal wall and apical foramina. Conclusions Autologous transplantation may be useful for regeneration of dental pulp in necrotic young permanent teeth.
Elderly patients undergoing cystectomy, comparing preoperative American Society of Anesthesiology and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores and operative approaches
Authors: Martin Christopher , West Jeremy M , Palermo Salvatore , Patel Darshan P , Presson Angela P , Comploj Evi , Pycha Armin , Hancock Joel B , Dechet Christopher B , Trenti Emanuela 
Published: July 2019

Objective: To evaluate preoperative scoring systems and operative management and their relation to complications in patients older than 75 years undergoing cystectomy at two academic institutions. Methods: In total, 212 patients aged 75–95 years with muscle invasive bladder cancer underwent cystectomy at the University of Utah and Central Hospital of Bolzano, Italy. The rates of Grade 3 Clavien-Dindo complications and above in radical cystectomy patients (n = 199) were compared using Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Scores and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification. The rates of Grade 3 Clavien-Dindo complications and above were also compared by urinary diversion type. Logistic regression was used to control for source institution. Results: In total, 199 cases were included in the primary analysis. Neither of the preoperative scoring systems were predictive for identification of radical cystectomy patients with ⩾Grade 3 Clavien-Dindo complications. In secondary analysis (n = 212, including partial cystectomy), none of the urinary diversion types associated with radical cystectomy had a significantly different rate of complications. However, partial cystectomy (n = 13) had a significantly lower rate of complications. Conclusion: Complication rates among elderly patients undergoing cystectomy for muscle invasive bladder cancer were very high. For patients who are approved for surgery after the history and physical exam, none of our objective metrics adequately predicted operative risk. A unique diversion procedure described by the Bolzano group, uretero-ureterocutaneostomy, had equivalent complication rates to the more common diversion procedures. It also appears based on outcomes in this cohort that partial cystectomy is a particularly favorable option within the elderly population in terms of perioperative morbidity.
Associations of Mother’s Behaviors and Home/Neighborhood Environments with Preschool Children’s Physical Activity Behaviors
Authors: Zhang Man , Quick Virginia , Jin Yanhong , Martin-Biggers Jennifer 
Published: July 2019

Objective: Examining associations of mother’s behaviors and home/neighborhood physical activity (PA) environments with preschoolers’ PA and screen time. Design: Cross-sectional online survey. Setting: Mothers with a 2 to 5 years old preschooler were recruited from the US panel members of Survey Sampling International. Participants: Five hundred thirty-one mothers with a preschool child aged 2 to 5 years old. Outcome Measure: Child daily screen time and PA, mother–child inside- and outside-home co-PA. Analysis: K-mean cluster analysis and Logit and negative binomial regressions. Results: Mothers’ healthy behaviors, such as decreased screen time, healthy eating habits, and increased PA, and perceived importance for PA were significantly ( P < .05) associated with preschoolers’ decreased screen time and increased PA. Available toys ( P < .01) and maternal perceived neighborhood safety ( P < .05) were negatively correlated with preschoolers’ screen time, while available room space ( P < .01) was positively correlated with preschoolers’ PA. Variables positively correlated with mother–child co-PA included mothers’ PA ( P < .001) and healthy eating habits ( P < .05), and home room space ( P < .05) for inside-home, and yard space and quality ( P < .05) for outside-home. Conclusions: Mother’s role modeling and home PA environment were positively associated with preschoolers’ PA behavior.
There’s an App for That: Using Geosocial Networking Apps to Access Young Black Gay, Bisexual, and other MSM at Risk for HIV
Authors: Fields Errol L. , Long Amanda , Dangerfield Derek T. , Morgan Anthony , Uzzi Mudia , Arrington-Sanders Renata , Jennings Jacky M. 
Published: July 2019

Purpose: Young black gay, bisexual, and other MSM (YBMSM) that carry a disproportionate HIV burden in the US Geosocial networking applications (GSN apps) are environments that may increase HIV risk among users. This study explored the acceptability and feasibility of using these apps for HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) public health outreach. Design: Semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews. Setting: A frequently reported GSN app for meeting sex partners by newly diagnosed HIV-infected MSM in Baltimore. Participants: Seventeen YBMSM aged 18 to 24 (mean = 21.5/SD = 1.8) who were logged-on to the GSN app in venues or census tracts in high HIV transmission areas. Methods: Participants completed 60 to 90 minute semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed. Interview data were analyzed in NVivo10 using categorical analysis and double-coded until consistency was achieved. Results: Participants described GSN apps as acceptable and feasible resources for public health practitioners seeking to access YBMSM to provide HIV/STI treatment and prevention services and resources. Three themes emerged: (1) the need to authenticate public health messages to distinguish from spam; (2) improved access to YBMSM including opportunities to identify and access virtual congregations of youth in non-gay-related spaces; and (3) the importance of avoiding stigmatizing YBMSM when targeting sexual health messages. Conclusion: GSN apps have great potential as tools for identifying and engaging at-risk YBMSM. Additional work is needed to understand limitations of this medium, to develop strategies to engage YBMSM without further stigmatizing them, and to maximize their outreach potential.
Role of Baseline Albumin-Bilirubin Grade on Predict Overall Survival Among Sorafenib-Treated Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu Huong , Nguyen Van Hieu , Nguyen Van Hung , Nguyen Thanh Long , Le Van Quang 
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade has been recently used in evaluation of liver function and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, in Vietnam, the utility of ALBI grade in clinical setting has not been adequately investigated. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 110 patients with HCC treated with sorafenib from January 2010 to November 2018 at 2 tertiary hospitals in Vietnam. Prognostic value of ALBI grade was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional regression model. Results: Results showed that the majority of ALBI grade 1 were Child-Pugh level A (97.5%); ALBI grade 2 was seen in all Child-Pugh score groups of 5, 6, 7, ≥8, whereas ALBI grade 3 was mostly reported in Child-Pugh score ≥8 group (83.3%). Compared with ALBI grade 3, ALBI grade 1 reduced 66.4% risk of death (hazards ratio [HR] = 0.336, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.115-0.981; P = .046). Compared with ALBI grade 3, ALBI grade 2 reduced 67.3% risk of death (HR = 0.327, 95% CI: 0.122-0.875; P = .026). Albumin-bilirubin grade was an independent predictor of survival outcome. Conclusion: Baseline ALBI grade is a simple and objective approach in assessing liver functions of patients with HCC. Baseline ALBI grade is an independent predictor of survival in patients treated with sorafenib.
Video interpretation and diagnosis of pediatric amblyopia and eye disease
Authors: Sabri Kourosh , Moinul Prima , Tehrani Nasrin , Wiggins Rick , Fleming Natalie , Farrokhyar Forough 
Published: July 2019

Aim The aim of this study was to assess the potential of using video screening to interpret the results of paediatric eye examinations. Design Prospective multi-centred, blinded study. Methods Children aged 5 months to 11 years referred to a paediatric ophthalmology centre were enrolled in the study. Outcome measures included the degree of agreement between examiners for assessment of various aspects of paediatric eye examination. In Phase 1, children were individually assessed in the clinic by three different examiners to determine the level of agreement. In Phase 2 a video recording was made of the first ophthalmologist examining the children. The other two examiners viewed the video recordings to make their diagnoses. Areas of assessment included lid function, pupillary function, ocular motility, strabismus, nystagmus, torticollis and facial asymmetry. Agreement between examiners was measured using Gwet’s agreement coefficient (AC1). Results A total of 27 patients in Phase 1 (mean age 4.0 years) and 160 children in Phase 2 (mean age 4.8 years) underwent clinical and video-recorded screening. In Phase 1, all but one area of ocular examination (heterotropia) achieved ≥84% agreement between three examiners. In Phase 2, there was greater variation between direct clinical examination and interpretation of video findings, ranging from 55–100% agreement. Conclusion Using experienced clinicians and changing only one variable in Phase 2 (the method of assessment – direct examination versus video interpretation), the results show the possible usefulness of video-recorded screening as a means of assessing children. Further research is indicated to assess the accuracy of ophthalmologists interpreting video recordings of eye examinations performed by trained non-eye-care professionals.