bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase shifts in high-beta- and low-gamma-band local field potentials predict the focus of visual spatial attention
Authors: Mock Vanessa L. , Luke Kimberly L. , Hembrook-Short Jacqueline R. , Briggs Farran 
Published: December 2018

The local field potential (LFP) contains rich information about activity in local neuronal populations. However, it has been challenging to establish direct links between LFP modulations and task-relevant behavior or cognitive processes, such as attention. We sought to determine whether LFP amplitude or phase modulations are predictive of the allocation of visual spatial attention. LFPs were recorded simultaneously in multiple early visual brain structures of alert macaque monkeys performing attention-demanding detection and discrimination tasks. Attention directed toward the receptive field of recorded neurons generated systematically larger phase shifts in high-beta- and low-gamma-frequency LFPs compared with LFP phase shifts on trials in which attention was directed away from the receptive field. This attention-mediated temporal advance corresponded to ~10 ms. LFP phase shifts also correlated with reaction times when monkeys were engaged in the tasks. Importantly, attentional modulation of LFP phase was consistent across monkeys, tasks, visual brain structures, and cortical layers. In contrast, attentional modulation of LFP amplitude varied across frequency bands, visual structures/layers, and tasks. Because LFP phase shifts were robust, consistent, and predictive of spatial attention, they could serve as a reliable marker for attention signals in the brain. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Local field potentials (LFPs) reflect the activity of spatially localized populations of neurons. Whether alterations in LFP activity are indicative of cognitive processes, such as attention, is unclear. We found that shifts in the phase of LFPs measured in multiple visual brain areas reliably predicted the focus of spatial attention. LFP phase shifts could therefore serve as a marker for behaviorally relevant attention signals in the brain.
Poor estimates of motor variability are associated with longer grooved pegboard times for middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Hamilton Landon D. , Mazzo Melissa R. , Petrigna Luca , Ahmed Alaa A. , Enoka Roger M. 
Published: December 2018

Goal-directed movements that involve greater motor variability are performed with an increased risk that the intended goal will not be achieved. The ability to estimate motor variability during such actions varies across individuals and influences how people decide to move about their environment. The purpose of our study was to identify the decision-making strategies used by middle-aged and older adults when performing two goal-directed motor tasks and to determine if these strategies were associated with the time to complete the grooved pegboard test. Twenty-one middle-aged (48 ± 6 yr; range 40–59 yr, 15 women) and 20 older adults (73 ± 4 yr; range 65–79 yr, 8 women) performed two targeted tasks, each with two normalized target options. Decision-making characteristics were not associated with time to complete the test of manual dexterity when the analysis included all participants, but slower pegboard times were associated with measures of greater movement variability during the target-directed actions. When the data were clustered on the basis of pegboard time rather than age, relatively longer times for the faster group were associated with greater motor variability during the prescribed tasks, whereas longer times for the slower group were associated with increased risk-seeking behavior (α) and greater variability in the targeted actions. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study was the first to examine the association between decision-making choices and an NIH Toolbox test of manual dexterity (grooved pegboard test) performed by middle-aged and older adults. Significant associations were observed between decision-making choices and time to complete the test when the analyses were based on pegboard times rather than chronological age. This result indicates that decision-making choices of middle-aged and older adults, independent of age, were associated with time to complete a test of manual dexterity.
Differential developmental changes in cortical representations of auditory-vocal stimuli in songbirds
Authors: Yuan Rachel C. , Bottjer Sarah W. 
Published: December 2018

Procedural skill learning requires iterative comparisons between feedback of self-generated motor output and a goal sensorimotor pattern. In juvenile songbirds, neural representations of both self-generated behaviors (each bird’s own immature song) and the goal motor pattern (each bird’s adult tutor song) are essential for vocal learning, yet little is known about how these behaviorally relevant stimuli are encoded. We made extracellular recordings during song playback in anesthetized juvenile and adult zebra finches ( Taeniopygia guttata) in adjacent cortical regions RA (robust nucleus of the arcopallium), AId (dorsal intermediate arcopallium), and RA cup, each of which is well situated to integrate auditory-vocal information: RA is a motor cortical region that drives vocal output, AId is an adjoining cortical region whose projections converge with basal ganglia loops for song learning in the dorsal thalamus, and RA cup surrounds RA and receives inputs from primary and secondary auditory cortex. We found strong developmental differences in neural selectivity within RA, but not in AId or RA cup. Juvenile RA neurons were broadly responsive to multiple songs but preferred juvenile over adult vocal sounds; in addition, spiking responses lacked consistent temporal patterning. By adulthood, RA neurons responded most strongly to each bird’s own song with precisely timed spiking activity. In contrast, we observed a complete lack of song responsivity in both juvenile and adult AId, even though this region receives song-responsive inputs. A surprisingly large proportion of sites in RA cup of both juveniles and adults did not respond to song playback, and responsive sites showed little evidence of song selectivity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Motor skill learning entails changes in selectivity for behaviorally relevant stimuli across cortical regions, yet the neural representation of these stimuli remains understudied. We investigated how information important for vocal learning in zebra finches is represented in regions analogous to infragranular layers of motor and auditory cortices during vs. after the developmentally regulated learning period. The results provide insight into how neurons in higher level stages of cortical processing represent stimuli important for motor skill learning.
Dynamics of Tumor and Immune Responses during Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Anagnostou Valsamo , Forde Patrick M. , White James R. , Niknafs Noushin , Hruban Carolyn , Naidoo Jarushka , Marrone Kristen , Sivakumar I.K. Ashok , Bruhm Daniel C. , Rosner Samuel , Phallen Jillian , Leal Alessandro , Adleff Vilmos , Smith Kellie N. , Cottrell Tricia R. , Rhymee Lamia , Palsgrove Doreen N. , Hann Christine L. , Levy Benjamin , Feliciano Josephine , Georgiades Christos , Verde Franco , Illei Peter , Li Qing Kay , Gabrielson Edward , Brock Malcolm V. , Isbell James M. , Sauter Jennifer L. , Taube Janis , Scharpf Robert B. , Karchin Rachel , Pardoll Drew M. , Chaft Jamie E. , Hellmann Matthew D. , Brahmer Julie R. , Velculescu Victor E. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Despite the initial successes of immunotherapy, there is an urgent clinical need for molecular assays that identify patients more likely to respond. Here, we report that ultrasensitive measures of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and T-cell expansion can be used to assess responses to immune checkpoint blockade in metastatic lung cancer patients (N = 24). Patients with clinical response to therapy had a complete reduction in ctDNA levels after initiation of therapy, whereas nonresponders had no significant changes or an increase in ctDNA levels. Patients with initial response followed by acquired resistance to therapy had an initial drop followed by recrudescence in ctDNA levels. Patients without a molecular response had shorter progression-free and overall survival compared with molecular responders [5.2 vs. 14.5 and 8.4 vs. 18.7 months; HR 5.36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.57–18.35; P = 0.007 and HR 6.91; 95% CI, 1.37–34.97; P = 0.02, respectively], which was detected on average 8.7 weeks earlier and was more predictive of clinical benefit than CT imaging. Expansion of T cells, measured through increases of T-cell receptor productive frequencies, mirrored ctDNA reduction in response to therapy. We validated this approach in an independent cohort of patients with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (N = 14), where the therapeutic effect was measured by pathologic assessment of residual tumor after anti-PD1 therapy. Consistent with our initial findings, early ctDNA dynamics predicted pathologic response to immune checkpoint blockade. These analyses provide an approach for rapid determination of therapeutic outcomes for patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and have important implications for the development of personalized immune targeted strategies.

Significance: Rapid and sensitive detection of circulating tumor DNA dynamic changes and T-cell expansion can be used to guide immune targeted therapy for patients with lung cancer.
See related commentary by Zou and Meyerson, p. 1038
Novel Model to Predict Gastrointestinal Bleeding During Left Ventricular Assist Device Support
Authors: Yin Michael Yaoyao , Ruckel Shane , Kfoury Abdallah G. , McKellar Stephen H. , Taleb Iosif , Gilbert Edward M. , Nativi-Nicolau Jose , Stehlik Josef , Reid Bruce B. , Koliopoulou Antigone , Stoddard Gregory J. , Fang James C. , Drakos Stavros G. , Selzman Craig H. , Wever-Pinzon Omar 
Published: December 2018

Background:
Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a leading cause of morbidity during continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) support. GIB risk assessment could have important implications for candidate selection, informed consent, and postimplant therapeutic strategies. The aim of the study is to derive and validate a predictive model of GIB in CF-LVAD patients.

Methods and Results:
CF-LVAD recipients at the Utah Transplantation Affiliated Hospitals program between 2004 and 2017 were included. GIB associated with a decrease in hemoglobin ≥2 g/dL was the primary end point. A weighted score comprising preimplant variables independently associated with GIB was derived and internally validated. A total of 351 patients (median age, 59 years; 82% male) were included. After a median of 196 days, GIB occurred in 120 (34%) patients. Independent predictors of GIB included age >54 years, history of previous bleeding, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, severe right ventricular dysfunction, mean pulmonary artery pressure <18 mm Hg, and fasting glucose >107 mg/dL. A weighted score termed Utah bleeding risk score, effectively stratified patients based on their probability of GIB: low (0–1 points) 4.8%, intermediate (2–4) 39.8%, and high risk (5–9) 83.8%. Discrimination was good in the development sample (c-index: 0.83) and after internal bootstrap validation (c-index: 0.74).

Conclusions:
The novel Utah bleeding risk score is a simple tool that can provide personalized GIB risk estimates in CF-LVAD patients. This scoring system may assist clinicians and investigators in designing tailored risk-based strategies aimed at reducing the burden posed by GIB in the individual CF-LVAD patient and healthcare systems.
A new data of freshwater amphipod of genus Niphargus Schiödte, 1849 from Lorestan Province in Iran
Authors: ESMAEILI-RINEH SOMAYEH 
Published: December 2018

Niphargus lorestanensis sp.nov., a new species from west of Iran, is described and illustrated based on the analysis of morphological characters. Previous studies supported new species status using the phylogenetic analyses based on CO1, 28srDNA and H3 data in Esmaeili-Rineh et al., 2015. This species can be distinguished from other Iranian species by the equal length of palpus to outer lobe in maxilla I, the presence of multiple supporting robust setae in palmar corner of gnathopods I–II, not reaching dactyli to posterior margin of propodi in gnathopods I to II and trapezoid shape of propodi in gnathopods I–II. The Iranian fauna of Niphargus is currently represented by 18 described species.
Functional performance and safety of bone-anchored prostheses in persons with a transfemoral or transtibial amputation: a prospective one-year follow-up cohort study
Authors: Leijendekkers Ruud A , van Hinte Gerben , Frölke Jan Paul , van de Meent Hendrik , Atsma Femke , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria WG , Hoogeboom Thomas J 
Published: December 2018

Objectives: (1) To compare level of function, activity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and satisfaction in persons with a lower extremity amputation before surgery and 6- and 12-months after implantation of an osseointegration implant and (2) to report adverse events. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: University medical centre. Subjects: A total of 40 consecutive persons (median age: 56 years) who received a transfemoral (31) or transtibial (9) osseointegration implant, between April 2014 and March 2016. Intervention: Osseointegration implant surgery followed by a predefined rehabilitation programme. Main measures: Hip abductor strength, prosthetic use, back pain frequency, postoperative pain, mobility level (Timed-Up and Go (TUG) and wheelchair-boundedness), walking ability (6 minute walking test (6MWT) and walking distance in daily life), HRQoL, satisfaction regarding the prosthesis, and adverse events. Results: Strength, prosthetic use, walking distance, HRQoL, and satisfaction level increased significantly at 6- and 12-month follow-up compared to baseline ( P ⩽ 0.002). The TUG showed no change at 6-month follow-up ( P = 0.420) but improved significantly at 12-month follow-up compared to baseline ( P = 0.005). Wheelchair-boundedness decreased from 12/40 participants at baseline to 0 at follow-ups. The 6MWT ( P ⩾ 0.038) and back pain ( P ⩾ 0.437) did not change over time. Stump pain was present in 28/39 and 22/40 of the participants at 6-and 12-month follow-up, respectively. The major adverse events were managed successfully and included three dual-cone breakages and four bone fractures. An uneventful course was completed by 19/31 transfemoral and 4/9 transtibial bone-anchored prostheses users. Conclusion: Bone-anchored prostheses lead to improved performance and appear to be safe, so they might be considered for persons with socket-related problems.
Effects of kinesiotape on pain and disability in individuals with chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Yuejie , Yin Ying , Jia Gongwei , Chen Hong , Yu Lehua , Wu Dandong 
Published: December 2018

Objective: To explore the effects of kinesiotape on pain and disability in individuals with chronic low back pain. Data sources: PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for English language publications from inception to 13 February 2018. Review methods: This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018089831). Our key search terms were ((kinesio taping) OR (kinesiotaping) OR (kinesiotape)) AND (low back pain). Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of kinesiotape published in English language were included in this review. The reference lists of retrieved studies and relevant reviews were also searched. Quality of the included trials was assessed according to 2015 updated Cochrane Back and Neck Review Group 13-Item criteria. Results: A total of 10 articles were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 627 participants were involved, with 317 in the kinesiotape group and 310 in the control group. The effects of kinesiotape on pain and disability were explored. While kinesiotape was not superior to placebo taping in pain reduction, either alone ( P = 0.07) or in conjunction with physical therapy ( P = 0.08), it could significantly improve disability when compared to the placebo taping ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Since kinesiotape is convenient for application, it could be used for individuals with chronic low back pain in some cases, especially when the patients could not get other physical therapy.
Why Is Hyperparathyroidism Underdiagnosed and Undertreated in Older Adults?
Authors: Dombrowsky Alex , Borg Benjamin , Xie Rongbing , Kirklin James K , Chen Herbert , Balentine Courtney J 
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Hyperparathyroidism significantly decreases quality of life, yet elderly patients are underdiagnosed and undertreated even though parathyroidectomy offers definitive cure with minimal morbidity. The purpose of this study is to determine why older patients with hyperparathyroidism are not appropriately diagnosed and referred for parathyroidectomy. Methods: We reviewed charts for a random sample of 25 patients aged 75 and older who had hyperparathyroidism and were referred for surgical evaluation, and 25 who were not referred. Two reviewers independently evaluated medical records to identify reasons for delayed diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism and reasons for nonreferral for parathyroidectomy. Results: The median age of our cohort was 84 (80-96) years, 90% were women, 60% were white, and median follow-up was 5.5 (1-17) years. In 58% of all patients, an elevated serum calcium was not acknowledged. Even when calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were both elevated, the diagnosis was missed in 28% of patients, and 16% with clear symptoms of hyperparathyroidism remained undiagnosed. For 42% of patients, a nonsurgeon informed them that surgery offered no benefit. Surgery was also rejected as a treatment for 36% of patients despite the development of new symptoms or rising calcium. Conclusions: Substantial gaps exist in processes for diagnosis and referral of patients with hyperparathyroidism that lead to underdiagnosis and undertreatment. To improve rates of diagnosis and treatment, strategies are needed to educate nonsurgeons and patients about the benefits of surgery and to modify care processes to more efficiently diagnose and refer patients.
Breaking barriers: Adjunctive use of the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) to reach adolescents with obesity living in remote locations
Authors: Coles Nicole , Patel Barkha P , Li Ping , Cordeiro Kristina , Steinberg Alissa , Zdravkovic Ana , Hamilton Jill K 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Implementation of telemedicine has been shown to improve health outcomes, such as body mass index (BMI). However, it is unclear whether telemedicine is useful alongside traditional weight-management programmes for adolescents with complex obesity. The objective was to evaluate implementation of the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), a videoconferencing programme, as an adjunctive tool to face-to-face counselling within the setting of an established interdisciplinary obesity treatment programme. Methods Our observational cohort included two groups of adolescents enrolled in a clinical obesity-management programme over a two year period. Adolescents ( n = 50) in group 1 attended both in-person and virtual visits (OTN group), and adolescents ( n = 50) in group 2 received only in-person visits (comparison group). Within the OTN group, satisfaction survey responses were compared between patients and healthcare professionals. Change in BMI per month, paediatric quality of life scores, session attendance and demographic variables were compared between groups. Results OTN subjects averaged 4.9 telehealth visits per adolescent over the two year programme. Both OTN and comparison groups had similar changes in BMI ( p = 0.757), with increases over time ( p = 0.042). Paediatric quality of life scores in both groups improved over time compared to baseline ( p < 0.001), with higher scores for children compared to parental-reported child scores ( p = 0.008). Both adolescents and healthcare professionals using the OTN were similarly satisfied with their experience. Conclusion Adjunctive use of the OTN within the setting of a weight-management programme is feasible, well accepted by families and healthcare providers, and led to similar outcomes compared to usual care.
Glia–immune interactions post-ischemic stroke and potential therapies
Authors: Hersh Jessica , Yang Shao-Hua 
Published: December 2018

Although the primary responsibility of the immune system has for over a century been perceived as the protector of the host against infection in the peripheral organs, we now know the immune system also plays a vital role in recovery pathways associated with central nervous system (CNS) injury. There is mounting evidence that the blood–brain barrier does not preclude the CNS from immune surveillance. Of particular interest for this review is how microglia and astrocytes interact with the cells of the immune system to modulate repair and recovery mechanisms in ischemic stroke. Our review argues that by deepening our understanding of neuroimmunity, specifically the bidirectional glial–immune cell communications, a plethora of new therapeutic targets and mechanisms may be revealed. Consequently, this review instigates novel experimental approaches to neuroimmunology and fosters a more rapid discovery process for the treatment of stroke. Impact statement This article reviews glial cell interactions with the immune system post-ischemic stroke. Research has shown that glial cells in the brain play a role in altering phenotypes of other glial cells and have downstream immune cell targets ultimately regulating a neuroinflammatory response. These interactions may play a deleterious as well as beneficial role in stroke recovery. Furthermore, they may provide a novel way to approach potential therapies, since current stroke drug therapy is limited to only one Food and Drug Administration-approved drug complicated by a narrow therapeutic window. Until this point, most research has emphasized neuroimmune interactions, but little focus has been on bidirectional communication of glial–immune interactions in the ischemic brain. By expanding our understanding of these interactions through a compilation of glial cell effects, we may be able to pinpoint major modulating factors in brain homeostasis to maintain or discover ways to suppress irreversible ischemic damage and improve brain repair.
The gap between women’s needs when diagnosed with asymptomatic osteoporosis and what is provided by the healthcare system: A qualitative study
Authors: Ravn Jakobsen Pernille , Hermann Anne Pernille , Søendergaard Jens , Kock Wiil Uffe , Myhre Jensen Charlotte , Clemensen Jane 
Published: December 2018

Objectives Women diagnosed with asymptomatic osteoporosis need better support to understand the implications of the condition and how to practice self-management in their daily lives. In contrast, physicians report that asymptomatic osteoporosis is not a serious chronic condition and do not pay much attention to the condition compared to other chronic conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the gap between women’s needs, when diagnosed with asymptomatic osteoporosis, and what is provided by the healthcare system. Methods A secondary analysis of semi-structured interviews with 17 women newly diagnosed with asymptomatic osteoporosis was conducted and combined with semi-structured interviews with six physicians. Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method was used in the analysis. Results Two overall themes were identified: different perceptions of asymptomatic osteoporosis and discrepancies in the osteoporosis consultation. Habermas was used as a theoretical approach to discuss the findings. Discussion We discuss that physicians pay too much attention to the objective world and highlight that there is a need for better inclusion of women’s subjective and social worlds, to enable mutual understanding and communicative action in the osteoporosis consultation. This would lead to treatment decisions based on women’s needs and support women in their self-management of osteoporosis.