bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homeostatic activity-dependent tuning of recurrent networks for robust propagation of activity
Authors: Gjorgjieva Julijana , Evers Jan Felix , Eglen Stephen J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractDeveloping neuronal networks display spontaneous rhythmic bursts of action potentials that are necessary for circuit organization and tuning. While spontaneous activity has been shown to instruct map formation in sensory circuits, it is unknown whether it plays a role in the organization of motor networks that produce rhythmic output. Using computational modeling we investigate how recurrent networks of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal populations assemble to produce robust patterns of unidirectional and precisely-timed propagating activity during organism locomotion. One example is provided by the motor network inDrosophilalarvae, which generates propagating peristaltic waves of muscle contractions during crawling. We examine two activity-dependent models which tune weak network connectivity based on spontaneous activity patterns: a Hebbian model, where coincident activity in neighboring populations strengthens connections between them; and a homeostatic model, where connections are homeostatically regulated to maintain a constant level of excitatory activity based on spontaneous input. The homeostatic model tunes network connectivity to generate robust activity patterns with the appropriate timing relationships between neighboring populations. These timing relationships can be modulated by the properties of spontaneous activity suggesting its instructive role for generating functional variability in network output. In contrast, the Hebbian model fails to produce the tight timing relationships between neighboring populations required for unidirectional activity propagation, even when additional assumptions are imposed to constrain synaptic growth. These results argue that homeostatic mechanisms are more likely than Hebbian mechanisms to tune weak connectivity based on local activity patterns in a recurrent network for rhythm generation and propagation.
Clinical Validation of a Non-Invasive Prenatal Test for Genome-Wide Detection of Fetal Copy Number Variants
Authors: Lefkowitz Roy B. , Tynan John A. , Liu Tong , Wu Yijin , Mazloom Amin R. , Almasri Eyad , Hogg Grant , Angkachatchai Vach , Zhao Chen , Grosu Daniel S. , McLennan Graham , Ehrich Mathias 
Published: December 2015

1.ABSTRACTBackgroundCurrent cell-free DNA (cfDNA) assessment of fetal chromosomes does not analyze and report on all chromosomes. Hence, a significant proportion of fetal chromosomal abnormalities are not detectable by current non-invasive methods. Here we report the clinical validation of a novel NIPT designed to detect genome-wide gains and losses of chromosomal material ≥7 Mb and losses associated with specific deletions <7 Mb.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to provide a clinical validation of the sensitivity and specificity of a novel NIPT for detection of genome-wide abnormalities.Study DesignThis retrospective, blinded study included maternal plasma collected from 1222 study subjects with pregnancies at increased risk for fetal chromosomal abnormalities that were assessed for trisomy 21 (T21), trisomy 18 (T18), trisomy 13 (T13), sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs), fetal sex, genome-wide copy number variants (CNVs) 7 Mb and larger, and select deletions smaller than 7 Mb. Performance was assessed by comparing test results with findings from G-band karyotyping, microarray data, or high coverage sequencing.ResultsClinical sensitivity within this study was determined to be 100% for T21, T18, T13, and SCAs, and 97.7% for genome-wide CNVs. Clinical specificity within this study was determined to be 100% for T21, T18, and T13, and 99.9% for SCAs and CNVs. Fetal sex classification had an accuracy of 99.6%.ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that genome-wide non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal chromosomal abnormalities can provide high resolution, sensitive, and specific detection of a wide range of sub-chromosomal and whole chromosomal abnormalities that were previously only detectable by invasive karyotype analysis. In some instances, this NIPT also provided additional clarification about the origin of genetic material that had not been identified by invasive karyotype analysis.
Accelerated DNA evolution in rats is driven by differential methylation in sperm
Authors: Liu Xiao-Hui , Lian Jin-Min , Ling Fei , Li Ning , Wang Da-Wei , Song Ying , Li Qi-Ye , Jin Ya-Bin , Feng Zhi-Yong , Cong Lin , Yao Dan-Dan , Sui Jing-Jing 
Published: December 2015

SummaryLamarckian inheritance has been largely discredited until the recent discovery of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. However, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is still under debate for unable to rule out DNA sequence changes as the underlying cause for heritability. Here, through profiling of the sperm methylomes and genomes of two recently diverged rat subspecies, we analyzed the relationship between epigenetic variation and DNA variation, and their relative contribution to evolution of species. We found that only epigenetic markers located in differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between subspecies, but not within subspecies, can be stably and effectively passed through generations. DMRs in response to both random and stable environmental difference show increased nucleotide diversity, and we demonstrated that it is variance of methylation level but not deamination caused by methylation driving increasing of nucleotide diversity in DMRs, indicating strong relationship between environment-associated changes of chromatin accessibility and increased nucleotide diversity. Further, we detected that accelerated fixation of DNA variants occur only in inter-subspecies DMRs in response to stable environmental difference but not intra-subspecies DMRs in response to random environmental difference or non-DMRs, indicating that this process is possibly driven by environment-associated fixation of divergent methylation status. Our results thus establish a bridge between Lamarckian inheritance and Darwinian selection.
Rev‐erbα modulates the hypothalamic orexinergic system to influence pleasurable feeding behaviour in mice
Authors: Feillet Céline A. , Bainier Claire , Mateo Maria , Blancas‐Velázquez Aurea , Salaberry Nora L. , Ripperger Jürgen A. , Albrecht Urs , Mendoza Jorge 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe drive to eat is regulated by two compensatory brain pathways termed as homeostatic and hedonic. Hypothalamic orexinergic (ORX) neurons regulate metabolism, feeding and reward, thus controlling physiological and hedonic appetite. Circadian regulation of feeding, metabolism and rhythmic activity of ORX cells are driven by the brain suprachiasmatic clock. How the circadian clock impacts on ORX signalling and feeding‐reward rhythms is, however, unknown. Here we used mice lacking the nuclear receptor REV‐ERBα, a transcription repressor and a key component of the molecular clockwork, to study food‐reward behaviour. Rev‐Erbα mutant mice showed highly motivated behaviours to obtain palatable food, an increase in the intake and preference for tasty diets, and in the expression of the ORX protein in the hypothalamus. Palatable food intake was inhibited in animals treated with the ORX1R antagonist. Analyzing the Orx promoter, we found Retinoic acid‐related Orphan receptor Response Element binding sites for Rev‐Erbα. Furthermore, Rev‐Erbα dampened the activation of Orx in vitro and in vivo. Our data provide evidence for a possible repressive role of Rev‐Erbα in the regulation of ORX signalling, highlighting an implication of the circadian clockwork in modulating food‐reward behaviours with an important impact for the central regulation of overeating.
Primary hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy: management by minimally invasive surgery based on ultrasound localization
Authors: Stringer Kate M. , Gough Jenny , Gough Ian R. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundPrimary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy has the potential to seriously impact the mother and foetus. Management may be difficult because the condition is usually diagnosed during pregnancy necessitating a rapid decision to proceed with surgery. Minimally invasive surgery is appealing due to shorter operative times and lower risk of complications.MethodWe present a consecutive series of eight women diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy.ResultsAll eight women were treated successfully by parathyroidectomy during pregnancy with no maternal or foetal complications. Seven of these 8 women were treated with minimally invasive parathyroidectomy based on ultrasound localization.ConclusionWhere ultrasound localization is performed by experienced endocrine surgeons, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is a feasible and safe approach in the pregnant patient with primary hyperparathyroidism.
Routine multidisciplinary cerebrovascular meetings do not reduce aneurysm clipping case load: a cohort study
Authors: Davis Brendan W. , Stuart Michael J. , Jayapratap Pravitha , Hall Bruce I. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundStructured multidisciplinary care is an increasingly popular tool in the management of many complex disease processes; however, there is little published data regarding the effects of such a process on management of intracranial aneurysms and neurosurgical case loads. There is some resistance in the neurosurgical community to routine involvement of interventional neuroradiologists in the care of patients with intracranial aneurysms due to concerns regarding maintenance of neurosurgical case loads and training capabilities. At our tertiary Australian hospital, we have implemented a weekly multidisciplinary cerebrovascular meeting (MDCVM) facilitating routine discussion of these cases between neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists.MethodsThis study identified management modalities for ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms diagnosed at our centre for a 2‐year period before and after the implementation of MDCVM culminating in a 4‐year retrospective cohort study. The pre‐ and post‐MDCVM cohorts were well matched for demographics with 162 and 224 patients, respectively.ResultsThere is no significant difference in percentage or absolute numbers of endovascular or surgical cases in the pre‐MDCVM (103; 73.0% versus 38; 27.0%, respectively) or post‐MDCVM cohorts (105; 79.5% versus 27; 20.5%, respectively), reflecting a maintained surgical case load after the implementation of MDCVM (P = 0.21). There were no significant differences in any confounding variables including age, sex, aneurysm size/location, Fisher or World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade.ConclusionsImplementation of MDCVM did not impact on active management case loads with consistent numbers and percentages for both endovascular and microsurgical management.
Twitter in urology and other surgical specialties at global conferences
Authors: Chung Amanda , Woo Henry 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundOver recent years, Twitter has demonstrated an expanding role in scientific discussion, surgical news and conferences. This study evaluates the role of Twitter in urological conferences, with comparison to other surgical specialties.MethodsA retrospective analysis of Twitter metrics during the two largest recent English‐speaking conferences for each surgical specialty was performed. Using www.symplur.com, all ‘tweets’ under the official conference hashtag from 0000 hour the first day to 24.00 hour the final day were assessed. The number of impressions, ‘tweeters’ and rates of ‘tweeting’ were analysed.ResultsNine of 18 conferences examined had official hashtags registered with Symplur Healthcare Hashtags. Plastic and urological surgery had both major conferences registered. Only one of two conferences for each cardiothoracic, general, orthopaedic, otolaryngology and paediatric was registered. Both major neurosurgical and vascular conferences were unregistered. Urological conferences were associated with significantly more Twitter activity than non‐urological surgical conferences in all parameters, with greater than triple the number of impressions, tweets and ‘tweeters’. Urological surgical conferences were associated with 337% more tweets and 164% more impressions per conference day, than non‐urological surgical conferences.ConclusionTwitter has been used to supplement surgical conferences. In this regard, the urological community leads the way compared to the remainder of surgical specialty communities.
Assessment of corneal curvature using verion optical imaging system: a comparative study
Authors: Lauschke Jenny L , Lawless Michael , Sutton Gerard , Roberts Timothy V , Hodge Christopher 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundKeratometry is a critical determinant of the postoperative refractive outcome. This study evaluates the comparability of keratometry measurements obtained using the Verion Optical Imaging System with devices used in current clinical practice. Further, it determines the interobserver reliability of the Verion Optical Imaging System.DesignRetrospective analysis of patient dataParticipantsKeratometric data was obtained from 100 patients presenting for pre‐operative evaluation. Furthermore, repeatability and reproducibility were assessed using 15 healthy volunteers.MethodsCorneal curvature values acquired by the Verion Optical Imaging System were compared with existing keratometry devices including autokeratometry, partial coherence interferometry (IOLMaster) and Scheimpflug corneal topography (Pentacam).Main Outcome MeasuresDirect comparison of corneal power, cylinder, axis of astigmatism and vector analysis were performed using correlation and Bland–Altman analyses. Reproducibility and reliability of the device were assessed using within‐subject standard deviation and intraclass correlation coefficients for experienced and inexperienced technicians.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between Verion values and those obtained by other methods in relation to mean keratometry, corneal astigmatism, steep meridian and vector analyses (P > 0.05). Bland–Altman plots showed narrow limits of agreement for keratometry and astigmatism and wider agreement for steep meridian.Intraoperator reliability for both experienced and inexperienced operators and interoperator reproducibility showed no statistically significant differences between values.ConclusionMeasurements show no significant difference from those obtained by the other devices. This suggests the Verion system is en par with instruments used in current clinical practice. The Verion Optical Imaging System produces repeatable data with no difference related to operator experience.
In‐Class vs. Online Testing in University‐Level Language Courses: A Research Report
Authors: VanPatten Bill , Trego Daniel , Hopkins Walter P. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAgainst the background of concerns for how paper‐and‐pencil testing fits into contemporary language teaching, this brief research report presents the findings of a first study on the difference in scores between in‐class testing and online testing in a communicative and proficiency‐oriented program. A total of 244 students of third‐semester Spanish at the university level participated. One hundred twenty‐four took tests online, while 120 took tests in class. Results showed no difference between the scores, suggesting that at least for this particular kind of program, in‐class testing can be altered and moved online, freeing up class time for alternative measurements (in this case, curriculum‐specific can‐do statements).
Intravenous immunoglobulin in acute Sydenham's chorea: A systematic review
Authors: Mohammad Shekeeb S , Nosadini Margherita , Grattan‐Smith Padraic , Dale Russell C 
Published: December 2015

AbstractSydenham's chorea (SC) is a major manifestation seen in 25% of patients with acute rheumatic fever. SC is the prototypic autoimmune neurological disorder, which has a less appreciated associated risk of psychiatric morbidity. We undertook a systematic review to examine whether the use of intravenous immunoglobulin affects clinical recovery and morbidity.
Human papillomavirus vaccination crisis in Japan
Authors: Dornbusch Hans Jürgen , Stiris Tom , del Torso Stefano , Ross‐Russell Robert , Zavrsnik Jernej , Wettergren Björn , Mercier Jean‐Christophe , Valiulis Arunas , Hadjipanayis Adamos 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) is gravely concerned about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination crisis in Japan and particularly about the negative position taken by governmental authorities. Given that the HPV vaccine is both safe and effective, there is no recognizable reason to date to withhold this lifesaving and cost effective public health measure from a population. Therefore, the EAP strongly encourages the Japanese health authorities to actively support HPV vaccination for the future health of their children and adolescents.
Sexual Function and Pessary Management Among Women Using a Pessary for Pelvic Floor Disorders
Authors: Meriwether Kate V. , Komesu Yuko M. , Craig Ellen , Qualls Clifford , Davis Herbert , Rogers Rebecca G. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Pessaries are commonly used to treat pelvic floor disorders, but little is known about the sexual function of pessary users.

Aim
We aimed to describe sexual function among pessary users and pessary management with regard to sexual activity.

Methods
This is a secondary analysis of a randomized trial of new pessary users, where study patients completed validated questionnaires on sexual function and body image at pessary fitting and 3 months later.

Main Outcome Measures
Women completed the Pelvic Organ Prolapse—Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire, International Urogynecological Association Revised (PISQ-IR), a validated measure that evaluates the impact of pelvic floor disorders on sexual function, a modified female body image scale (mBIS), and questions regarding pessary management surrounding sexual activity.

Results
Of 127 women, 54% (68/127) were sexually active at baseline and 42% (64/114) were sexually active at 3 months. Sexual function scores were not different between baseline and 3 months on all domains except for a drop of 0.15 points (P  = 0.04) for sexually active women, and a drop of 0.34 points for non-sexually active women (P  = 0.02) in the score related to the sexual partner. Total mBIS score did not change (P  = 0.07), but scores improved by 0.2 points (P  = 0.03) in the question related to self-consciousness. Pessary satisfaction was associated with improved sexual function scores in multiple domains and improved mBIS scores. The majority (45/64, 70%) of sexually active women removed their pessary for sex, with over half stating their partner preferred removal for sex (24/45, 53%).

Conclusion
Many women remove their pessary during sex for partner considerations, and increased partner concerns are the only change seen in sexual function in the first 3 months of pessary use. Pessary use may improve self-consciousness and pessary satisfaction is associated with improvements in sexual function and body image.
Discussing Sexual Dysfunction with Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: Practice Patterns in the Office of the Nephrologist
Authors: van Ek Gaby F. , Krouwel Esmée M. , Nicolai Melianthe P. , Bouwsma Hanneke , Ringers Jan , Putter Hein , Pelger Rob C.M. , Elzevier Henk W. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTIntroductionSexual dysfunction (SD) is a common problem in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sexual health remains a difficult subject to detect and discuss. Although many studies have been performed on the incidence of SD, little is known about practice patterns when it concerns quality of life (QoL)-related questions such as SD in the nephrologists’ practice.AimThe aim of this study was to determine to which extent nephrologists, important renal care providers, discuss SD with their patients and their possible barriers toward discussing this subject.MethodsA 50-item questionnaire was sent to all Dutch nephrologists (n = 312).Main Outcome MeasuresThe survey results.ResultsThe response rate of the survey was 34.5%. Almost all responders (96.4%) stated to address SD in less than half of their new patients. The most important barrier not to discuss SD was patients not expressing their concern regarding SD spontaneously (70.8%). Other important barriers were: “the lack of a suitable moment to discuss” (61.9%) and “insufficient time” (46.9%). Eighty-five percent of the nephrologists stated that insufficient attention was paid to SD and treatment options during their training. Sixty-five percent of the respondents stated to be in need of extending their knowledge on the discussing of SD.ConclusionsDutch nephrologists do not discuss problems with sexual function routinely. The lack of knowledge, suitable education, and insufficient time are factors causing undervaluation of SD in CKD patients. Implementation of competent sexual education and raising awareness among nephrologists on the importance of paying attention to SD could improve care and QoL for patients with CKD. More research should be performed among patients and other renal care providers to develop an adequate method to enhance our current system.
Pay attention to me! Late ERPs reveal gender differences in attention allocated to romantic partners
Authors: Burdwood Erin N. , Simons Robert F. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe present study employed late ERPs to examine differences in the association between neural responses to romantic partners and relationship quality factors across men and women. Participants passively viewed photos of their romantic partners, celebrities, and strangers during a computerized facial processing task. All participants demonstrated enhanced positivity to partner faces at late ERP components (P3 and LPP), furthering the notion that significant others elicit more motivated and sustained attention than do other familiar or unfamiliar individuals. Neural responses to romantic partner faces were influenced by factors including overall relationship quality, investment, and communication quality, with associations varying by gender. Results highlight the key role that relationship quality factors play in the immediate processing of romantic partners—a finding with implications for couples counseling and research.