bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Interventions for Traumatic Brain Injury: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Fetta Joseph , Starkweather Angela , Gill Jessica M. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Background: Computer-based interventions have been developed to improve cognitive performance after mild traumatic brain injury; however, a thorough evaluation of this body of research has not been addressed in the literature. Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide a synthesis and critical review of current research studies that have tested the efficacy of computer-based interventions on cognitive performance after mild traumatic brain injury. Methods: A critical review was conducted by identifying relevant studies in the electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and CINAHL from 2011 to the present. Because of the limited number of publications focused exclusively on mild traumatic brain injury, research studies that assessed the impact of computer-based interventions on cognitive outcomes in populations with acquired brain injury were included. Results: Of the 58 studies identified, only 10 publications included participants with mild traumatic brain injury. Overall, the identified studies did not use a standard method for assessing the severity of traumatic brain injury, and many studies included participants with a wide variety of etiologies for acquired brain injury and used multiple measures of cognitive performance, which made comparisons difficult across studies. In addition to small sample sizes, the study samples were heterogeneous in regard to the number of previous traumatic brain injuries, time elapsed since injury, and age and gender distributions. Preinjury comorbidities that may affect cognitive performance, such as depression, anxiety, or learning disabilities, were often not assessed. Discussion: There is weak evidence that computer-based interventions can improve working memory and cognitive function in individuals after mild traumatic brain injury. Because of the low-quality evidence, seminal questions remain regarding the optimal format, dosage, timing, and duration of computer-based intervention for improving cognitive performance. Future studies should focus on using a strong research design, such as a prospective, longitudinal, repeated-measures study, with an adequate number of participants who meet mild traumatic brain injury criteria. Preinjury comorbidities, cognitive reserve, time since injury, age, and gender should be addressed in the design because there may be differences in recovery time and mechanisms of cognitive plasticity among populations. Conclusions: Overall, computer-based interventions seem promising as an approach to improve working memory in individuals with acquired brain injury. There is no evidence that currently available interventions are specific to mild traumatic brain injury. Well-designed research studies with adequate sample sizes are needed to assess the effect of computer-based interventions on cognitive performance after mild traumatic brain injury.
Continuous In-Home Symptom and Mobility Measures for Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Presentation
Authors: Newland Pamela , Kimutis Alyssa , Salter Amber , Flick Louise , Thomas Florian P. , Rantz Marilyn , Skubic Marjorie 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT
Gait impairment represents one of the most common and disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). To identify which temporal or spatial parameters of gait could be used as outcome measures in interventional studies of individuals with MS with different levels of disability, we evaluated characteristics of these parameters in a case study of 3 participants with MS, using 1 case as an exemplar and the other participants as validation. A case study of an exemplar participant was conducted with a 67-year-old woman with secondary progressive MS served as exemplar, with 2 other participants (52 and 55 years old) as validation. The primary outcome measures we used were stride time, stride length, gait velocity, and daily symptoms. Stride length and velocity of gait decreased with increasing pain and fatigue. The step time was significantly longer later in the day, whereas the step length remained the same. Stride length and velocity are associated with the level of fatigue and pain, as well as the time of day. These characteristics and parameters of gait need to be considered in future studies of gait in MS, with particular attention to temporality of occurrence in persons with MS.
Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing of Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Men Who Have Sex With Men: Room for Improvement
Authors: Dean Bonnie B. , Scott Mia , Hart Rachel , Battalora Linda , Novak Richard M. , Durham Marcus D. , Brooks John T. , Buchacz Kate 
Published: June 2017

Background
In the United States, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing is recommended at least annually for sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM). We evaluated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) providers’ STI testing practices and frequency of positive test results.

Methods
We analyzed data from HIV Outpatient Study (HOPS) participants who, from 2007 to 2014, completed a confidential survey about risk behaviors. Using medical records data, we assessed the frequency of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis testing and positive results during the year after the survey for MSM who reported sex without a condom in the prior 6 months. We compared testing frequency and positivity for men having 1, 2 to 3, and 4 or more sexual partners. Correlates of STI testing were assessed using general linear model to derive relative risks (RR) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results
Among 719 MSM, testing frequency was 74.5%, 74.3%, and 82.9% for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, respectively, and was higher in those men who reported more sexual partners (P < 0.001 for all). In multivariable analysis, testing for gonorrhea was significantly more likely among non-Hispanic black versus white men (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03–1.33), among men seen in private versus public clinics (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05–1.28), and among men with 2 to 3 and 4 or more sexual partners versus 1 partner (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02–1.23, and RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08–1.30, respectively). Correlates of chlamydia and syphilis testing were similar. Test positivity was higher among men with more sexual partners: for gonorrhea 0.0%, 3.0%, and 6.7% for men with 1, 2 to 3, and 4 or more partners, respectively (P < 0.001, syphilis 3.7%, 3.8% and 12.5%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Among HIV-infected MSM patients in HIV care who reported sex without a condom, subsequent testing was not documented in clinic records during the following year for up to a quarter of patients. Exploring why STI testing did not occur may improve patient care.
Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Mombasa, Kenya: Feasibility, Prevalence, and Correlates
Authors: Masese Linnet N. , Wanje George , Kabare Emmanuel , Budambula Valentine , Mutuku Francis , Omoni Grace , Baghazal Anisa , Richardson Barbra A. , McClelland R. Scott 
Published: June 2017

Introduction
As adolescents and young women become sexually active, they are at risk of adverse reproductive health outcomes including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We assessed feasibility and acceptability of STI screening among 15- to 24-year-old women in Mombasa, Kenya.

Methods
After sensitization activities, participants were recruited from 3 high schools and 1 university. Study staff conducted informational sessions. Students interested in participating were given consent forms to take home, and invited to visit our clinic for STI screening. During clinic visits, participants completed a self-administered questionnaire and provided a urine specimen for STI testing using a nucleic acid amplification test.

Results
Between August 2014 and March 2015, 463 high school and 165 university students collected consent forms. Of these, 293 (63%) from high schools versus 158 (95%) from university attended clinic for STI screening (P < 0.001). Of the 150 (33%) who reported any history of insertive vaginal sex, 78 (52.0%) reported condom use at the last sex act, 31 (20.7%) reported using modern nonbarrier contraceptive methods, and 37 (24.7%) reported not using any contraception at the last sex act. Twenty-six (5.8%) participants were diagnosed with STIs (7 [1.6%] Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 16 [3.6%] Chlamydia trachomatis, 3 [0.7%] Trichomonas vaginalis). In multivariable analyses, reporting receptive vaginal sex without a condom was associated with having a laboratory confirmed STI (odds ratio, 6.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.72–22.28).

Conclusions
These findings support the need for reproductive health interventions to reduce the risk of STIs in a population of adolescent girls and young women in East Africa.
Why an Open Disclosure Procedure Is and Is not Followed After an Avoidable Adverse Event
Authors: Carrillo Irene , Mira José Joaquín , Guilabert Mercedes , Lorenzo Susana ,   On behalf of the Second and Third Victim Research Group
Published: June 2017

Objective
The aim of the study was to analyze the relationships between factors that contribute to healthcare professionals informing and apologizing to a patient after an avoidable adverse event (AAE).

Methods
A secondary study based on the analysis of data collected in a cross-sectional study conducted in 2014 in Spain was performed. Health professionals from hospitals and primary care completed an online survey.

Results
The responses from 1087 front-line healthcare professionals were analyzed. The willingness of the professionals to fully disclose an AAE was greater among those who were backed by their institution (odds ratio [OR] = 72.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 37.5–140.3) and who had experience with that type of communication (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.3–4.5). An apology for the patient was more likely when there was institutional support (OR = 31.3, 95% CI = 14.4–68.2), the professional was not aware of lawsuits (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.2–6.1), and attributed most AAE to human error (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.1–4.2). The fear of lawsuits was determined by the lack of support from the center in disclosing AAE (OR = 5.5, 95% CI = 2.8–10.6) and the belief that being open would result in negative consequences (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1–3.6).

Conclusions
The culture of safety, the experience of blame, and the expectations about the outcome from communicating an AAE to patients affect the frequency of open disclosure. Nurses are more willing than physicians to participate in open disclosure. Health care organizations must act to establish a framework of legal certainty for professionals.
Small fibre neuropathy
Authors: Cazzato Daniele , Lauria Giuseppe 
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review
To provide a review on the state-of-art of clinical features, diagnostics, genetics and treatments of small fibre neuropathy (SFN).

Recent findings
The spectrum of clinical features has been widened from the classical presentation of burning feet as length-dependent SFN to that of small fibre dysfunction and/or degeneration associated with focal, diffuse and episodic neuropathic pain syndromes. The involvement of small nerve fibres in neurodegenerative diseases has been further defined, challenging the relationship between neuropathic pain symptoms and small fibre loss. The clinical reliability of skin biopsy has been strengthened by the availability of normative values for both the immunohistochemistry techniques used and their comparison, and by side and short-term follow-up analyses. Corneal confocal microscopy has implemented its diagnostic potentiality because of the availability of age-adjusted and sex-adjusted normative values. Genetic studies expanded the panel on genes involved in SFN because of the discovery of new mutations in SCN10A and SCN11A, besides the first found in SCN9A, and identification of mutations in COL6A5 in patients with itching.

Summary
In the last 5 years, the chapter of SFN has been widened by new clinical and genetics descriptions leading to a more comprehensive approach to patients in clinical practice and research.
Magnetoencephalographic Recordings in Infants Using a Standard-Sized Array: Technical Adequacy and Diagnostic Yield
Authors: Shibata Sumiya , Mosher John C. , Kotagal Prakash , Gupta Ajay , Alexopoulos Andreas V. , Burgess Richard C. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose:
Although a few magnetoencephalography (MEG) systems have been built specifically for infants (<2 years), most children are routinely examined using MEG systems designed primarily to accommodate adult subjects. The practicality of the adult MEG device has not been systematically reviewed in infants with epilepsy. The aim of this study is to investigate whether infant epilepsy patients, whose heads are small relative to the sensor helmet, can have clinically successful MEG recordings using the conventional adult-size MEG device.

Methods:
We reviewed our database of 964 patients who were referred for routine MEG epilepsy examination between January 2008 and May 2015. We reanalyzed the original data of the infant patients to investigate whether epileptiform discharges of the usual amplitudes could be detected.

Results:
Nine patients (about 1%) were infants. All the infant MEG records were processed with temporally extended signal space separation to remove environmental artifacts. Seven of the nine were processed with movement compensation processing using continuous head position monitoring. Magnetoencephalography captured epileptic abnormalities in all the infants: interictal in nine and ictal in five. The source amplitudes of 10 representative interictal dipoles from each of the infants ranged from 46.0 to 437.2 (mean: 180.1, SD: ±92.5) nA-m.

Conclusions:
Despite increased brain to sensor distance, the conventional MEG device can detect epileptic abnormalities in infants, facilitated by monitoring head position and postprocessing with temporally extended signal space separation, with or without movement compensation. Magnetoencephalography is useful for managing infants with epilepsy using the conventional adult machine, without special adaptations for small heads.
Dynamics of the IFT Machinery at the Ciliary Tip
Authors: Chien Alexander , Shih Sheng Min , Bower Raqual , Tritschler Douglas , Porter Mary E. , Yildiz Ahmet 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIntraflagellar transport (IFT) is essential for the elongation and maintenance of eukaryotic cilia and flagella. Due to the traffic jam of multiple trains at the ciliary tip, how IFT trains are remodeled in these turnaround zones cannot be determined by conventional imaging. Using Photogate, we visualized the full range of movement of single IFT trains and motors inChlamydomonasflagella. Anterograde trains split apart and IFT complexes mix with each other at the tip to assemble retrograde trains. Dynein-1b is carried to the tip by kinesin-II as inactive cargo on anterograde trains. Unlike dynein-1b, kinesin-II detaches from IFT trains at the tip and diffuses in flagella. As the flagellum grows longer, diffusion delays return of kinesin-II to the basal body, depleting kinesin-II available for anterograde transport. Our results suggest that dissociation of kinesin-II from IFT trains serves as a negative feedback mechanism that facilitates flagellar length control inChlamydomonas.
Nanopore-based single molecule sequencing of the D4Z4 array responsible for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mitsuhashi Satomi , Nakagawa So , Ueda Mahoko Takahashi , Imanishi Tadashi , Frith Martin C , Mitsuhashi Hiroaki 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSubtelomeric macrosatellite repeats are difficult to sequence using conventional sequencing methods owing to the high similarity among repeat units and high GC content. Sequencing these repetitive regions is challenging, even with recent improvements in sequencing technologies. Among these repeats, a haplotype carrying a particular sequence and shortening of the D4Z4 array on human chromosome 4q35 causes one of the most prevalent forms of muscular dystrophy with autosomal-dominant inheritance, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Here, we applied a nanopore-based ultra-long read sequencer to sequence a BAC clone containing 13 D4Z4 repeats and flanking regions. We successfully obtained the whole D4Z4 repeat sequence, including the pathogenic geneDUX4in the last D4Z4 repeat. The estimated sequence accuracy of the total repeat region was 99.8% based on a comparison with the reference sequence. Errors were typically observed between purine or between pyrimidine bases. Further, we analyzed the D4Z4 sequence from publicly available ultra-long whole human genome sequencing data obtained by nanopore sequencing. This technology may be a new tool for studying D4Z4 repeats and pathomechanism of FSHD in the future and has the potential to widen our understanding of subtelomeric regions.
Sign of selection on mutation rate modifiers depends on population size
Authors: Raynes Yevgeniy , Scott Wylie C. , Sniegowski Paul D. , Weinreich Daniel M. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe influence of population size(N)on natural selection acting on alleles that affect fitness has been understood for over half a century1. AsNdeclines, genetic drift overwhelms selection and alleles with direct fitness effects are rendered neutral. Often, though, alleles experience so called indirect selection, meaning they affect not the fitness of an individual but the fitness distribution of its offspring. Some of the best studied examples of indirect selection include alleles that modify aspects of the genetic system such as recombination2and mutation3rates. Here we use analytics, simulations and experimental populations ofS. cerevisiaeto show that modifiers that increase the genomic mutation rate (mutators) are favored by indirect selection in large populations but become disfavored asNdeclines. This surprising phenomenon of sign inversion in selective effect demonstrates that indirect selection on a mutator exhibits a qualitatively novel dependence onN. Sign inversion may help understand the relatively sporadic distribution of mutators in nature despite their frequent emergence in laboratory populations. More generally, sign inversion may be broadly applicable to other instances of indirect selection, suggesting a previously unappreciated but critical role of population size in evolution.
Ruxolitinib partially reverses functional NK cell deficiency in patients withSTAT1gain-of-function mutations
Authors: Vargas-Hernandez Alexander , Mace Emily M. , Zimmerman Ofer , Zerbe Christa S. , Freeman Alexandra F. , Rosenzweig Sergio , Leiding Jennifer W. , Torgerson Troy , Altman Matthew C. , Schussler Edith , Cunningham-Rundles Charlotte , Chinn Ivan K. , Hanson Imelda C. , Rider Nicholas L. , Holland Steven M. , Orange Jordan S. , Forbes Lisa R. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundNatural Killer (NK) cells are critical innate effector cells whose development is dependent on the JAK-STAT pathway. NK deficiency can result in severe or refractory viral infections. Patients with Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)1 gain of function (GOF) mutations have increased viral susceptibility.ObjectiveWe sought to investigate NK cell function in STAT1 GOF patients. Methods: NK cell phenotype and function were determined in 16 STAT1 GOF patients.MethodsNK cell phenotype and function were determined in 16 STAT1 GOF patients.NK cell lines expressing patient mutations were generated with CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing. STAT1 GOF NK cells were treated in vitro with ruxolitinib.ResultsPeripheral blood NK cells from of STAT1 GOF patients had impaired terminal maturation. Specifically, patients withSTAT1 GOFmutations have immature CD56dimNK cells with decreased expression of CD16, perforin, CD57 and impaired cytolytic function. STAT1 phosphorylation was elevated but STAT5 was aberrantly phosphorylated in response to IL-2 stimulation. Upstream inhibition of STAT signaling with the small molecule JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinibin vitroandin vivorestored perforin expression in CD56dimNK cells and partially restored NK cell cytotoxic function.ConclusionsProperly regulated STAT1 signaling is critical for NK cell maturation and function. Modulation of elevated STAT1 phosphorylation with ruxolitinib is an important option for therapeutic intervention in patients withSTAT1 GOFmutations.
The strength of the board on sustainability assurance decisions
Authors: Martinez-Ferrero Jennifer , Rodríguez-Ariza Lázaro , María García-Sánchez Isabel 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze how family ownership influences the strength of the board’s monitoring function in companies’ decisions regarding the assurance of sustainability reports.Design/methodology/approachThe international sample consists of 536 companies operating in more stakeholder-oriented countries during the period 2007-2014. The paper proposes alternative logit models of analysis using the random-effects estimator.FindingsThe results provide evidence that a firm’s sustainability assurance and its choice of accounting professionals as higher quality assurers are positively associated with board size and independence. The main result is the positive impact of family businesses on these assurance issues. The paper evidences the greater orientation toward sustainability issues of family businesses. Furthermore, it verifies the greater impact of board size on family firms’ assurance demand.Originality/valueThis study sheds some light on the unexplored topic of sustainability assurance in family firms. One of the differentiating aspects with respect to previous studies is the consideration of the moderating factor of family property. This study also contributes to the understanding of family firms’ demand for assurance and its practitioners, and the literature’s focus on its determinants.
Family influence and SME performance under conditions of firm size and age
Authors: Lwango Albert , Coeurderoy Régis , Giménez Roche Gabriel A. 
Published: June 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a better assessment of the positive impact of family influence (FI) on the performance of SMEs and investigate a possible shift with firm size (FS) and age.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based upon a large sample of 4,240 firms representative of small businesses operating in the USA. It focuses on active ownership, i.e. direct involvement of owners alongside employees as an important factor of FI and conducts hierarchical regression models with profitability as the dependent variable, FI as the independent variable, and FS/age as moderating variables. It also includes other firm characteristics as control variables.FindingsThe results show that even though active family ownership is positively associated with the profitability of SMEs, the relationship between FI and profitability is negatively moderated by FS and firm age (FA).Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this study are mainly related to the definition of family SMEs and to the cross-sectional data used to understand the variations in economic performance. However, the results show the great importance of this kind of study; more attention must be paid to heterogeneity due to the size and age of family businesses as well as the level of owners’ involvement alongside employees.Practical implicationsPractitioners are encouraged to maintain a higher degree of family ownership combined with a higher degree of active ownership in the initial stages, when family businesses are young and small. However, the level of active ownership should be reduced when family businesses increase in age and size. According to this study, practitioners should open up businesses to external human resources other than the owners’ family as the firm increases in size/age to avoid the risks associated with family members lacking talent and/or expropriating benefits.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to give evidence on not only a direct (and positive) relationship between FI and economic performance, but also an indirect (and negative) moderating effect of FS and FA on this relationship.