bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring macular pigment changes in macular holes using fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy
Authors: Sauer Lydia , Peters Sven , Schmidt Johanna , Schweitzer Dietrich , Klemm Matthias , Ramm Lisa , Augsten Regine , Hammer Martin 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the impact of macular pigment (MP) on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) lifetimes in vivo by characterizing full‐thickness idiopathic macular holes (MH) and macular pseudo‐holes (MPH).MethodsA total of 37 patients with MH and 52 with MPH were included. Using the fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope (FLIO), based on a Heidelberg Engineering Spectralis system, a 30° retinal field was investigated. FAF decays were detected in a short (498–560 nm; ch1) and long (560–720 nm; ch2) wavelength channel. τm, the mean fluorescence lifetime, was calculated from a three‐exponential approximation of the FAF decays. Macular coherence tomography scans were recorded, and macular pigment's optical density (MPOD) was measured (one‐wavelength reflectometry). Two MH subgroups were analysed according to the presence or absence of an operculum above the MH. A total of 17 healthy fellow eyes were included. A longitudinal FAF decay examination was conducted in nine patients, which were followed up after surgery and showed a closed MH.ResultsIn MH without opercula, significant τm differences (p < 0.001) were found between the hole area (MHa) and surrounding areas (MHb) (ch1: MHa 238 ± 64 ps, MHb 181 ± 78 ps; ch2: MHa 275 ± 49 ps, MHb 223 ± 48 ps), as well as between MHa and healthy eyes or closed MH. Shorter τm, adjacent to the hole, can be assigned to areas with equivalently higher MPOD. Opercula containing MP also show short τm. In MPH, the intactness of the Hele fibre layer is associated with shortest τm.ConclusionsShortest τm originates from MP‐containing retinal layers, especially from the Henle fibre layer. Fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope (FLIO) provides information on the MP distribution, the pathogenesis and topology of MH. Macular pigment (MP) fluorescence may provide a biomarker for monitoring pathological changes in retinal diseases.
The intronic ABCA4 c.5461‐10T>C variant, frequently seen in patients with Stargardt disease, causes splice defects and reduced ABCA4 protein level
Authors: Aukrust Ingvild , Jansson Ragnhild W. , Bredrup Cecilie , Rusaas Hilde E. , Berland Siren , Jørgensen Agnete , Haug Marte G. , Rødahl Eyvind , Houge Gunnar , Knappskog Per M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPurposeDespite being the third most common ABCA4 variant observed in patients with Stargardt disease, the functional effect of the intronic ABCA4 variant c.5461‐10T>C is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular effect of this variant.MethodsFibroblast samples from patients carrying the ABCA4 variant c.5461‐10T>C were analysed by isolating total RNA, followed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) using specific primers spanning the variant. For detection of ABCA4 protein, fibroblast samples were lysed and analysed by SDS‐PAGE followed by immunoblotting using a monoclonal ABCA4 antibody.ResultsThe ABCA4 variant c.5461‐10T>C causes a splicing defect resulting in the reduction of full‐length mRNA in fibroblasts from patients and the presence of alternatively spliced mRNAs where exon 39–40 is skipped. A reduced level of full‐length ABCA4 protein is observed compared to controls not carrying the variant.ConclusionsThis study describes the functional effect and the molecular mechanism of the pathogenic ABCA4 variant c.5461‐10T>C. The variant is functionally important as it leads to splicing defects and a reduced level of ABCA4 protein.
Validation, test–retest reliability and norm scores for the Dutch Catquest‐9SF
Authors: Visser Martijn S. , Dieleman Myrthe , Klijn Stijn , Timman Reinier , Lundström Mats , Busschbach Jan J. V. , Reus Nicolaas J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPurposeThe Catquest‐9SF questionnaire is a unidimensional, reliable, valid and short patient‐reported outcome measure for quantifying benefits in visual functioning from cataract surgery. Our aim was to develop a formal Dutch translation, calculate norm scores, assess its validity and test–retest reliability and provide an easy way for use in clinical practice.MethodsTranslation of the questionnaire was performed according to guidelines of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. Catquest‐9SF was obtained in 657 patients pre‐ and postcataract surgery. We applied Rasch and classical analyses to determine the questionnaire performance with characteristics such as unidimensionality, reliability, separation and differential item functioning. Test–retest reliability was assessed in another group of 145 patients. A cut‐off value to discriminate between people with and without cataract, norm scores and a reliable change index (RCI) were calculated using data from a sample of 916 ‘healthy’ persons from the normal population.ResultsThe Dutch Catquest‐9SF was unidimensional, and both person and item reliability were high; 0.87 and 0.99, respectively. Cronbach's alpha was 0.94, test–retest reliability was 0.85 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.93. Catquest‐9SF showed to be responsive to the effect of cataract surgery (effect size = 1.27; p < 0.001). The cut‐off value was −1.90, and RCI was 2.27. A quick‐access table with norm scores and percentiles was established to facilitate clinical interpretation.ConclusionThis investigation provides validity and reliability of the Dutch Catquest‐9SF as well as norm scores and a new tool to facilitate the clinical interpretation of patient scores. This makes Catquest‐9SF suitable for routine use in clinical practice.
Imaging retinal inflammatory biomarkers after intravitreal steroid and anti‐VEGF treatment in diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Vujosevic Stela , Torresin Tommaso , Bini Silvia , Convento Enrica , Pilotto Elisabetta , Parrozzani Raffaele , Midena Edoardo 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate changes of specific retinal imaging biomarkers [intraretinal hyper‐reflective retinal spots: HRS ; subfoveal neuroretinal detachment: SND; and increased foveal autofluorescence: IFAF after intravitreal steroid or anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment in diabetic macular oedema (DME)] as possible indicators of retinal inflammatory condition.MethodsRetrospective analysis of images and clinical charts of 49 eyes (49 patients) with DME treated with intravitreal dexamethasone (dexamethasone, 23 eyes) or intravitreal ranibizumab (ranibizumab, 26 eyes). All patients had fundus colour photograph, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF), best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and microperimetry recorded before and 1 month after the end of treatment. Central macular thickness (CMT), number of HRS and presence of SND were evaluated by SD OCT. Fundus autofluorescence images were evaluated for area of (IFAF). Retinal sensitivity within 4° and 12° from fovea was quantified by microperimetry. Changes in morphologic and functional parameters were assessed, and correlation was performed by Pearson's correlation.ResultsBest‐corrected visual acuity and CMT improved in all patients, (p < 0.05, for both groups). Mean number of HRS decreased after both treatments (p < 0.0001). Subfoveal neuroretinal detachment resolved in 85.7% dexamethasone‐treated eyes (p = 0.014) and in 50% ranibizumab‐treated eyes (p = 0.025). Mean IFAF area decreased in both groups, (p < 0.0001, for both). A significantly higher decrease in CMT was observed in dexamethasone‐ versus ranibizumab‐treated eyes, (p = 0.032). In dexamethasone group, higher number of HRS at baseline and larger IFAF were correlated with higher increase in retinal sensitivity; eyes with SND at baseline had major decrease in CMT versus those without SND, (p = 0.003).ConclusionHigher number of HRS, larger area of IFAF and presence of SND may indicate a prevalent inflammatory condition in DME with specific response to targeted treatment.
The contributions of mental state understanding and executive functioning to preschool‐aged children's lie‐telling
Authors: Leduc Karissa , Williams Shanna , Gomez‐Garibello Carlos , Talwar Victoria 
Published: October 2016

In this study, preschool‐aged children's lie‐telling behaviour was examined in relation to mental state understanding and executive functioning. Sixty‐seven children aged between 25 and 43 months (Mage in months = 34.80, SD = 4.39) participated in a temptation resistance paradigm (TRP). Children completed emerging ToM tasks measuring the following mental states: (1) diverse beliefs, (2) diverse desires, and (3) knowledge access. Children also completed measures of inhibitory control and working memory. In total, 63 of the 67 children peeked at the toy during the TRP, and a total of 26 of those children denied their transgression to the research assistant. Inhibitory control and understanding of knowledge access predicted lie‐telling behaviour. Results are discussed in relation to a developmental model of children's lie‐telling behaviour.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The relationship between lie‐telling, executive functioning, and ToM has been established in older children (aged 4 and above).

Inhibitory control plays a role in young children's lie‐telling (aged 2–4).

Children above 3 years of age have some understanding of mental states.

What does this study add?

Very young children (2–3‐year‐olds) also possess an understanding of mental states.

Mental state understanding is related to 2–3‐year‐old children's lie‐telling behaviours and may be more predictive than inhibitory control.

While the results were not significant, this study is the first to look at the unique role of working memory in very young children's lie‐telling.
Can Infinitival to Omissions and Provisions Be Primed? An Experimental Investigation Into the Role of Constructional Competition in Infinitival to Omission Errors
Authors: Kirjavainen Minna , Lieven Elena V. M. , Theakston Anna L. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAn experimental study was conducted on children aged 2;6–3;0 and 3;6–4;0 investigating the priming effect of two WANT‐constructions to establish whether constructional competition contributes to English‐speaking children's infinitival to omission errors (e.g., *I want ___ jump now). In two between‐participant groups, children either just heard or heard and repeated WANT‐to, WANT‐X, and control prime sentences after which to‐infinitival constructions were elicited. We found that both age groups were primed, but in different ways. In the 2;6–3;0 year olds, WANT‐to primes facilitated the provision of to in target utterances relative to the control contexts, but no significant effect was found for WANT‐X primes. In the 3;6–4;0 year olds, both WANT‐to and WANT‐X primes showed a priming effect, namely WANT‐to primes facilitated and WANT‐X primes inhibited provision of to. We argue that these effects reflect developmental differences in the level of proficiency in and preference for the two constructions, and they are broadly consistent with “priming as implicit learning” accounts. The current study shows that (a) children as young as 2;6–3;0 years of age can be primed when they have only heard (not repeated) particular constructions, (b) children are acquiring at least two constructions for the matrix verb WANT, and (c) that these two WANT‐constructions compete for production.
Familiarity, Priming, and Perception in Similarity Judgments
Authors: Hiatt Laura M. , Trafton J. Gregory 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe present a novel way of accounting for similarity judgments. Our approach posits that similarity stems from three main sources—familiarity, priming, and inherent perceptual likeness. Here, we explore each of these constructs and demonstrate their individual and combined effectiveness in explaining similarity judgments. Using these three measures, our account of similarity explains ratings of simple, color‐based perceptual stimuli that display asymmetry effects, as well as more complicated perceptual stimuli with structural properties; more traditional approaches to similarity solve one or the other and have difficulty accounting for both. Overall, our work demonstrates the importance of each of these components of similarity in explaining similarity judgments, both individually and together, and suggests important implications for other similarity approaches.
Maternal and infant affect at 4 months predicts performance and verbal IQ at 4 and 7 years in a diverse population
Authors: Sheinkopf Stephen J. , Tenenbaum Elena J. , Messinger Daniel S. , Miller‐Loncar Cynthia L. , Tronick Ed , Lagasse Linda L. , Shankaran Seetha , Bada Henrietta , Bauer Charles , Whitaker Toni , Hammond Jane , Lester Barry M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractUsing existing longitudinal data from 570 infants in the Maternal Lifestyle Study, we explored the predictive value of maternal and infant affect and maternal vocalizations during 2 minutes of face‐to‐face interactions at 4 months on IQ scores at 4.5 and 7 years. After controlling for demographic factors, maternal depression, and prenatal drug exposure, maternal positive affect and maternal positive vocalizations emerged as predictors of both verbal and performance IQ at 4.5 and 7 years. Although infant positive affect during the interaction with the mother was not predictive of these outcome measures, infant positive affect towards an examiner predicted verbal but not performance IQ at 4.5 years. These results suggest that maternal positive affect may index emotional engagement in interaction that facilitates both verbal and nonverbal cognitive development, while infant social positive affect is specifically related to the acquisition of verbal reasoning abilities. These findings are significant because they are based on a discrete snapshot of observable behavior in infancy (just 2 minutes of interaction), because they extend the range of maternal behaviors and characteristics known to support positive developmental outcomes, and because they are derived from high‐risk infants where prevention efforts may be beneficial. Potential mechanisms for these associations are discussed, as are the clinical implications for identifying dyads most in need of targeted interventions.
Executive functioning in Spanish‐ and English‐speaking Head Start preschoolers
Authors: White Lisa J. , Greenfield Daryl B. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA growing percentage of low‐income children in the United States come from Spanish‐speaking homes and are dual language learners (DLLs). Recent research shows that bilingual children, compared to monolinguals, have enhanced executive functioning (EF), a set of foundational cognitive skills that predict higher social‐emotional competence and academic achievement in preschool and beyond. Although this association has been found among children of different backgrounds, no study to date has assessed whether bilingual Latino preschoolers from low‐income backgrounds have higher EF than their monolingual peers and their emerging bilingual peers, respectively. The current study assessed 303 predominantly Latino Head Start preschoolers (83.5% Latino and 13.5% African American) to examine this relationship. Using a language screener, three groups were formed (148 Spanish‐English bilinguals, 83 English monolinguals, and 72 Spanish‐dominant emerging bilinguals) and subsequently compared on a latent factor of EF. As predicted, results indicated that the bilingual group outperformed the monolingual English group on EF. Implications for the findings of the lack of EF differences between the Spanish‐dominant emerging bilinguals and the other two groups are also discussed. This study advances our understanding of the intersection between language and cognitive development for young low‐income Latino DLLs growing up in the United States and highlights bilingualism as a potential advantage in this population. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2Eq_MwLRfQ
Neurobehaviour at term‐equivalent age and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years in infants born moderate‐to‐late preterm
Authors: Spittle Alicia J , Walsh Jennifer M , Potter Cody , Mcinnes Emma , Olsen Joy E , Lee Katherine J , Anderson Peter J , Doyle Lex W , Cheong Jeanie L Y 
Published: October 2016

AimTo examine the association between newborn neurobehavioural assessments and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years in infants born moderate‐to‐late preterm (MLPT).MethodTwo‐hundred and one infants born MLPT (born 32–36+6wks' gestation) were assessed with the Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE) and NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS), with suboptimal performance defined as scores lower than the 10th centile. Development was assessed at 2 years corrected age with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd Edition, with delay defined as scores less than 1 standard deviation (SD) below the mean. The relationships between neurobehaviour at term and Bayley‐III cognitive, language, and motor scales at 2 years were examined using linear regression.ResultsIncreased odds for cognitive delay were associated with suboptimal HNNE total scores (odds ratio [OR] 2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–6.23, p=0.020) and suboptimal NNNS excitability (OR 3.01; 95% CI 1.33–6.82, p=0.008) and lethargy (OR 4.05; 95% CI 1.75–9.31, p=0.001) scores. Suboptimal lethargy scores on the NNNS were associated with increased odds of language (OR 5.64; 95% CI 1.33–23.85, p=0.019) and motor delay (OR: 6.86; 95% CI 1.64–28.71, p=0.08).InterpretationSuboptimal performance on specific aspects of newborn neurobehavioural assessments is associated with neurodevelopmental delay at 2 years in children born MLPT.
Patterns of fish species distributions replicated across three parallel rivers suggest biotic zonation in response to a longitudinal temperature gradient
Authors: Mee Jonathan A. , Robins Geneva L. , Post John R. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEnvironmental gradients determine the distributions of individual species, which, in turn, shape patterns of species assemblage across those gradients. We used species distribution models to study the assemblage of fish species along the three mainstem rivers in the South Saskatchewan River Basin (SSRB) in Alberta, which flow in parallel across an 800‐km longitudinal span and down 1400 m from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains of North America. We estimated the similarity of species assemblages along each river to identify general patterns of species assemblage associated with temperature and five other physiochemical variables. Mean July water temperature, which ranged from <11°C at high elevation to >21°C at low elevation, was strongly associated with the presence–absence of most species in the SSRB. We found that high turnover occurred at two locations along the longitudinal gradient: where mean July water temperature was approximately 15°C and where mean July water temperature was approximately 19 or 20°C. There was also an increase in species richness at lower elevations where water temperatures were higher. Models incorporating forecasted changes in water temperature with climate change will likely provide accurate predictions of changes in the diversity and distribution of riverine fish communities across topographically heterogeneous landscapes.
Red Imported Fire Ant in Australia: What if we lose the war?
Authors: Wylie F. Ross , Janssen‐May Sharon 
Published: October 2016

SummaryIn Australia, a national eradication programme for the Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren), one of the world's most invasive species, has been in operation since 2001 when the pest was first detected in Brisbane, Queensland. Since that time, four separate incursions of this ant have been successfully eradicated from this country, but the main Brisbane population remains. Cost‐benefit analyses already conducted put the likely impact of Red Imported Fire Ant in Australia, if not eradicated, at between A$8.5 and A$45 billion. Despite this, ongoing funding for the eradication programme is not assured. A recent external review has concluded that it remains technically feasible, cost beneficial and in the national interest to eradicate. In support of previous analyses, our study highlights some of the potential impacts of Red Imported Fire Ant in Australia in more detail and provides case examples. Results show that adverse impacts are likely in most sectors of the economy, and will be felt not only by agricultural industries, but also the building and construction, tourism, electrical and communications industries. In addition to industry effects, there will also be negative impacts on public health and lifestyle, the environment and infrastructure such as main roads, airports and schools. Our estimates of potential cost impacts in the case examples where extrapolation was possible exceed A$1.65 billion/year and support previous predictions. We conclude that increased spending is justified to avert ‘invasion debt’ – the future cost of battling pests that escape today. This is a war that Australia cannot afford to lose.
The importance of people compliance (social desirability bias) in the assessment of epilepsy prevalence in rural areas of developing countries. Results of the Atahualpa Project
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H. , Mera Robertino M. ,   the Atahualpa Project Investigators
Published: October 2016

SummaryEpilepsy is a major health issue in rural areas of developing countries. However, heterogeneity of epilepsy prevalence in different studies precludes assessment of the magnitude of the problem. Using similar protocols, two population‐based surveys were conducted 12 years apart (2003 and 2015) in a rural Ecuadorian village (Atahualpa). The only difference was a higher people compliance with interviewers during the second survey. Epilepsy prevalence in the 2003 survey was 13.5 per 1,000 (18/1,332) in villagers aged ≥20 years. This rate increased to 26.8 per 1,000 (41/1,530) in the 2015 survey. Thirty‐three persons with epilepsy detected during the second survey lived in the village in 2003; six of them had seizures starting after 2003. Of the remaining 27 cases, 13 (48%) denied their problem during the first survey. Further interview revealed that denial was related to lack of confidence with unacquainted field personnel. Social Desirability Scale‐17 scores were lower in those who admitted having epilepsy than in those who denied their condition (p = 0.048). Lack of confidence with interviewers and a social desirability bias account for a sizable proportion of epilepsy denial in the study population, and may explain heterogeneity of epilepsy prevalence reported in studies conducted in poor rural settings.
High β‐diversity maintains regional diversity in Brazilian tropical coastal stream fish assemblages
Authors: Teshima F. A. , Mello B. J. G. , Ferreira F. C. , Cetra M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractUnderstanding spatial patterns of species diversity and the variables that structure biological communities is critical to successful ecosystem management. Regional diversity (γ) can be considered a combination of local diversity (α) and among sites variation (β). Using abundance data of fish species in 19 stream stretches, an analysis of diversity partitioning was used to determine the contribution of α‐ and β‐diversity to γ‐diversity. Redundancy analysis was applied to find the contribution of environmental variables and spatial configuration to species composition. Intersite variation contributed significantly to γ‐diversity. Spatial configuration and instream heterogeneity (coarse substrate, channel width, water velocity and shading) and riparian vegetation were related to local fish abundances. Conservation actions should consider that all streams are important, and prioritisation of just a small number of the richest sites is not appropriate.