bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations Between the 2D:4D Proxy Biomarker for Prenatal Hormone Exposures and Symptoms of Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Redmond Sean M. , Ash Andrea C. 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
Relative lengths of the index (2D) and ring (4D) fingers in humans represent a retrospective biomarker of prenatal hormonal exposures. For this reason, the 2D:4D digit ratio can be used to investigate potential hormonal contributions to the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. This study tested potential group differences in 2D:4D digit ratios in a sample of boys with and without developmental language disorder (DLD) and examined the strength of associations between 2D:4D digit ratio and a battery of verbal and nonverbal measures.

Method
A group of 29 boys affected by DLD and a group of 76 boys with typical language abilities participated (age range = 5;6–11;0 years). Scanned images were used to measure finger lengths. Language measures included the core language subtests from the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals–Fourth Edition (Semel, Wiig, & Secord, 2003), a nonword repetition task, a sentence recall task, and the Test of Early Grammatical Impairment (Rice & Wexler, 2001).

Results
Significant group differences indicated lower 2D:4D digit ratios in the group with DLD. Modest associations were found between 2D:4D digit ratios and some Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals–Fourth Edition subtests.

Conclusions
Prenatal hormone exposures may play a role in the etiology of some language symptoms.
Cyanothioacetamide: a polyfunctional reagent with broad synthetic utility
Authors: Dyachenko Vladimir D. , Dyachenko Ivan V. , Nenajdenko Valentine G. 
Published: October 2017

The review integrates and analyzes the published data on the chemical reactivity of α-cyanothioacetamide, a convenient starting compound for the preparation of activated alkenes, functionally substituted pyrans, thiopyrans, pyridines, thiophenes, pyrroles, quinolines, isoquinolines, pyrimidines, thienopyrroles, pyrazolopyridines, pyridothienopyrimidines and pyrimidothienodiazines. The relatively small α-cyanothioacetamide molecule has several reaction centres. Nucleophilic reactions of the methylene group are covered most extensively, including the Thorpe reaction; reactions with diazonium salts, azides, iso(thio)cyanates and nitroso compounds; nucleopilic substitution; Knoevenagel condensation; Michael reaction; and multicomponent syntheses. Separate parts of the review are devoted to nucleophilic reactions involving the thiocarbonyl and amino groups and electrophilic reactions involving thiocarbonyl and nitrile groups. The focus is on the publications of the last 15 years.
The bibliography includes 350 references.
Metal-inorganic frameworks with pnictogen linkers
Authors: Shestimerova Tatiana A. , Shevelkov Andrei V. 
Published: October 2017

Metal-inorganic frameworks are all-inorganic counterparts of well-known and extensively investigated metal-organic frameworks. Metal atoms connected by linkers form structures of different dimensionality with channels filled with atoms, ions or molecules. The review is devoted to metal-inorganic frameworks assembled from transition metal atoms, mainly mercury and silver, linked to phosphorus, arsenic or antimony atoms or groups of atoms of different shapes (dumbbells, rings, clusters, chains or helices). This assembly gives rise to frameworks of different geometry and with different topology. In all cases, the positively charged framework is composed of transition metal cations and pnictogen atoms as linkers. The positive charge of the framework is compensated by guest anions. Depending on the charge of the framework and the nature of the anion, compounds with different structures and properties can be produced. Specific features of metal-inorganic frameworks, the influence of weak interactions on the framework architecture and possibilities of designing new frameworks are discussed.
The bibliography includes 82 references.
High-throughput characterization of protein–protein interactions by reprogramming yeast mating
Authors: Younger David , Berger Stephanie , Baker David , Klavins Eric 
Published: October 2017

Significance
De novo design of protein binders often requires experimental screening to select functional variants from a design library. We have achieved high-throughput, quantitative characterization of protein–protein binding interactions without requiring purified recombinant proteins, by linking interaction strength with yeast mating. Using a next-generation sequencing output, we have characterized protein networks consisting of thousands of pairwise interactions in a single tube and have demonstrated the effect of changing the binding environment. This approach addresses an existing bottleneck in protein binder design by enabling the high-throughput and quantitative characterization of binding strength between designed protein libraries and multiple target proteins in a fully defined environment.
Methyl-compound use and slow growth characterize microbial life in 2-km-deep subseafloor coal and shale beds
Authors: Trembath-Reichert Elizabeth , Morono Yuki , Ijiri Akira , Hoshino Tatsuhiko , Dawson Katherine S. , Inagaki Fumio , Orphan Victoria J. 
Published: October 2017

Significance
Microbial cells are widespread in diverse deep subseafloor environments; however, the viability, growth, and ecophysiology of these low-abundance organisms are poorly understood. Using single-cell–targeted stable isotope probing incubations combined with nanometer-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry, we measured the metabolic activity and generation times of thermally adapted microorganisms within Miocene-aged coal and shale bed samples collected from 2 km below the seafloor during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 337. Microorganisms from the shale and coal were capable of metabolizing methylated substrates, including methylamine and methanol, when incubated at their in situ temperature of 45 °C, but had exceedingly slow growth, with biomass generation times ranging from less than a year to hundreds of years as measured by the passive tracer deuterated water.
Natural climate solutions
Authors: Griscom Bronson W. , Adams Justin , Ellis Peter W. , Houghton Richard A. , Lomax Guy , Miteva Daniela A. , Schlesinger William H. , Shoch David , Siikamäki Juha V. , Smith Pete , Woodbury Peter , Zganjar Chris , Blackman Allen , Campari João , Conant Richard T. , Delgado Christopher , Elias Patricia , Gopalakrishna Trisha , Hamsik Marisa R. , Herrero Mario , Kiesecker Joseph , Landis Emily , Laestadius Lars , Leavitt Sara M. , Minnemeyer Susan , Polasky Stephen , Potapov Peter , Putz Francis E. , Sanderman Jonathan , Silvius Marcel , Wollenberg Eva , Fargione Joseph 
Published: October 2017

SignificanceMost nations recently agreed to hold global average temperature rise to well below 2 °C. We examine how much climate mitigation nature can contribute to this goal with a comprehensive analysis of “natural climate solutions” (NCS): 20 conservation, restoration, and/or improved land management actions that increase carbon storage and/or avoid greenhouse gas emissions across global forests, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural lands. We show that NCS can provide over one-third of the cost-effective climate mitigation needed between now and 2030 to stabilize warming to below 2 °C. Alongside aggressive fossil fuel emissions reductions, NCS offer a powerful set of options for nations to deliver on the Paris Climate Agreement while improving soil productivity, cleaning our air and water, and maintaining biodiversity.
The human visual cortex response to melanopsin-directed stimulation is accompanied by a distinct perceptual experience
Authors: Spitschan Manuel , Bock Andrew S. , Ryan Jack , Frazzetta Giulia , Brainard David H. , Aguirre Geoffrey K. 
Published: October 2017

Significance
Melanopsin-containing retinal cells detect bright light and contribute to reflex visual responses such as pupil constriction. Their role in conscious, cortical vision is less understood. Using functional MRI to measure brain activity, we find that melanopsin-directed stimulation reaches the visual cortex in people. Such stimulation also produces a distinct perceptual experience. Our results have clinical importance as melanopsin function may contribute to the discomfort that some people experience from bright light.
Dissociating the physiological components of unconscious emotional responses
Authors: Tooley Michael D , Carmel David , Chapman Angus , Grimshaw Gina M 
Published: October 2017

AbstractConscious emotional processing is characterized by a coordinated set of responses across multiple physiological systems. Although emotional stimuli can evoke certain physiological responses even when they are suppressed from awareness, it is not known whether unconscious emotional responses comprise a similar constellation or are confined to specific systems. To compare physiological responses to emotional stimuli with and without awareness, we measured a range of responses while participants viewed positive, negative and neutral images that were accompanied by noise bursts to elicit startle reflexes. We measured four responses simultaneously – skin conductance and heart rate changes in response to the images themselves; and startle eye-blink and post-auricular reflexes in response to the noise bursts that occurred during image presentation. For half of the participants, the images were masked from awareness using continuous flash suppression. The aware group showed the expected pattern of response across physiological systems: emotional images (regardless of valence) evoked larger skin conductance responses (SCRs) and greater heart rate deceleration than neutral images, negative images enhanced eye-blink reflexes and positive images enhanced post-auricular reflexes. In contrast, we found a striking dissociation between measures for the unaware group: typical modulation of SCRs and post-auricular reflexes, but no modulation of heart rate deceleration or eye-blink reflexes. Our findings suggest that although some physiological systems respond to emotional stimuli presented outside of awareness, conscious emotional processing may be characterized by a broad and coordinated set of responses across systems.
Informed Consent Documents Used in Critical Care Trials Often Do Not Implement Recommendations*
Authors: Atwere Pearl , McIntyre Lauralyn , Carroll Kelly , Hayes Tavis , Brehaut Jamie C. 
Published: October 2017

Objective:
Informed consent documents are often poorly understood by research participants. In critical care, issues such as time pressure, patient capacity, and surrogate decision making complicate the consent process further. Recommendations exist for addressing critical care–specific consent issues; we examined how well existing practice implements these recommendations.

Design:
We conducted a systematic search of the literature for recommendations specific to critical care informed consent and rated existing informed consent documents on their implementation of 1) 18 of these critical care recommendations and 2) 36 previously developed general informed consent recommendations. Four hundred twelve registered critical care trials were identified and a request sent to the principal investigators for an example of the informed consent document associated with the trial. Each consent document was rated on both set of recommendations.

Setting:
We evaluated informed consent documents for trials conducted in English or French registered with clinicaltrials.gov.

Patients:
Not applicable.

Interventions:
Not applicable.

Measurements and Main Results:
Independent coders rated implementation of each recommendation on a four-point scale. Of 412 requests, 137 informed consent documents were returned, for a response rate of 34.1%. Of these, 86 met inclusion criteria and were assessed. Overall agreement between raters was 90.6% (weighted κ = 0.79; 0.77–0.81). Implementation of the 18 critical care recommendations was highly variable, ranging between 2% and 96.5%.

Conclusions:
Critical care studies often do not provide the information recommended for those providing consent for research. These clear recommendations provide testable hypotheses about how to improve the consent process for patients and family members considering trial participation in the critical care setting.
MINIMAL OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY B-SCAN DENSITY FOR RELIABLE DETECTION OF INTRARETINAL AND SUBRETINAL FLUID IN MACULAR DISEASES
Authors: Fang Petra P. , Domdei Niklas , Herrmann Philipp , Schmitz-Valckenberg Steffen , Holz Frank G. , Harmening Wolf M. , Krohne Tim U. 
Published: October 2017

Purpose:
To determine the minimal optical coherence tomography B-scan density for reliable detection of intraretinal and subretinal fluid.

Methods:
Spectral domain optical coherence tomography raster scanning (Spectralis; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) using a scan field of 20° × 20° of 97 B-scans with an interscan distance (ISD) of 60 μm was performed in 150 eyes of 150 consecutive patients at monitoring visits for intravitreal anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Using custom software, every other B-scan was repeatedly deleted to generate additional data sets with an ISD of 120 μm (49 B-scans), 240 μm (25 B-scans), and 480 μm (13 B-scans). Two independent reviewers evaluated the data sets for the presence of cystoid spaces of intraretinal fluid and subretinal fluid.

Results:
Treatment diagnoses were neovascular age-related macular degeneration (68.0%), macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (20.7%), diabetic macular edema (10.7%), and other retinal diseases (4.0%). Using the source data sets with an ISD of 60 μm, intraretinal fluid was detected in 56.0%, subretinal fluid in 19.3%, and either/both in 68.7%. Compared with these results, the sensitivity of detection of intraretinal fluid and/or subretinal fluid using an ISD of 120 μm, 240 μm, and 480 μm was 99.0% (95% confidence interval, 94.7–100.0; P = 0.5), 97.1% (91.7–99.4; P = 0.1), and 87.4% (79.4–93.1; P = 0.0001), respectively.

Conclusion:
An increase of ISD up to 240 μm does not significantly impair the detection of treatment-relevant exudative retinal changes in monitoring during intravitreal therapy of macular diseases. These findings are relevant for the choice of optical coherence tomography B-scan density in both routine clinical care and interventional clinical studies.
Improvements in Antimicrobial Prescribing and Outcomes in Pediatric Complicated Appendicitis
Authors: Willis Zachary I. , Duggan Eileen M. , Gillon Jessica , Blakely Martin L. , Di Pentima M. Cecilia 
Published: October 2017

Background:
Complicated appendicitis, characterized by perforation and/or peritonitis, is common in children, and late infectious complications are frequent. The best antibiotic treatment approach is unknown, resulting in substantial variation in care. We evaluated the effects of 2 successive interventions, an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) and a condition-specific clinical practice guideline (CPG), on antimicrobial utilization and patient outcomes in these patients.

Methods:
The ASP at our institution was begun in March 2012. The CPG, a standardized antibiotic treatment, was implemented in July 2013. We reviewed every case of complicated appendicitis managed with early appendectomy between January 2011 and October 2014. Patients were thus divided into 3 eras based on their exposure to the following: (1) neither intervention, (2) ASP only or (3) both ASP and CPG. We compared measures of antibiotic utilization and clinical outcomes among the 3 eras.

Results:
A total of 313 patients were included in the study: 91 exposed to neither intervention; 100 exposed to only the ASP; and 122 exposed to both interventions. With ASP implementation, there were declines in the use of unnecessarily broad or toxic antibiotic regimens. With CPG implementation, there was a decrease in total antibiotic utilization and discharges with intravenous antibiotics. Compliance with CPG-recommended antibiotics exceeded 90%. There was no significant change in overall adverse events; there was a decline in the incidence of surgical-site infections in patients exposed to both interventions.

Conclusions:
Complicated appendicitis is an important target for antimicrobial stewardship and quality improvement efforts. A condition-specific CPG can improve both antimicrobial utilization and clinical outcomes.
Preventing Hospitalization in Mild Acute Pancreatitis Using a Clinical Pathway in the Emergency Department
Authors: Kothari Darshan , Babineau Matthew , Hall Matthew , Freedman Steven D. , Shapiro Nathan I. , Sheth Sunil G. 
Published: October 2017

Goals:We created an observation pathway with close outpatient follow-up for patients with mild acute pancreatitis (AP) to determine its effect on admission rates, length of stay (LOS), and costs.Background:AP is a common reason for hospitalization costing $2.6 billion annually. Majority have mild disease and improve quickly but have unnecessarily long hospital stays.Study:We performed a pilot prospective cohort study in patients with AP at a tertiary-care center. In total, 90 patients with AP were divided into 2 groups: observation cohort and admitted cohort. Exclusion criteria from observation included end-organ damage, pancreatic complications, and/or severe cardiac, liver, and renal disease. Patients in observation received protocolized hydration and periodic reassessment in the emergency department and were discharged with outpatient follow-up. Using similar exclusion criteria, we compared outcomes with a preintervention cohort composed of 184 patients admitted for mild AP in 2015. Our primary outcome was admission rate, and secondary outcomes were LOS, patient charges, and 30-day readmission.Results:Admitted and preintervention cohorts had longer LOS compared with the observation cohort (89.7 vs. 22.6 h,P<0.01 and 72.0 vs. 22.6 h,P<0.01). The observation cohort admission rate was 22.2% lower than the preintervention cohort (P<0.01) and had 43% lower patient charges ($5281 vs. $9279,P<0.01). Moreover there were significantly fewer imaging studies performed (25 vs. 49 images,P=0.03) in the observation cohort. There were no differences in readmission rates and mortality.Conclusions:In this feasibility study, we demonstrate that a robust pathway can prevent hospitalization in those with AP and may reduce resource utilization without a detrimental impact on safety.
Rolling-out Screening Volume Affecting Compliance Rate and Waiting Time of FIT-based Colonoscopy
Authors: Jen Hsiao-Hsuan , Hsu Chen-Yang , Chen Sam Li-Sheng , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Chiu Sherry Yueh-Hsia , Fann Jean Ching-Yuan , Lee Yi-Chia , Wu Ming-Shiang , Hsu Wen-Feng , Peng Szu-Min , Chen Hsiu-Hsi , Chiu Han-Mo 
Published: October 2017

Background and Study Aims:
The population-based colorectal cancer screening program with fecal immunochemical test (FIT) from the inaugural period to the rolling-out period may create a higher demand for colonoscopies, but such a change has not been quantified. We intended to assess the change in the compliance rate and the waiting time (WT) for a colonoscopy and the associated geographic and institutional variations across the 2 periods.

Materials and Methods:
Data from the Taiwanese nationwide colorectal cancer screening program were analyzed. The data included a total of 46,235 FIT-positive cases of 1,258,560 tests in the inaugural period (2004 to 2009) and 270,700 FIT-positive cases of 3,723,789 tests in the rolling-out period (2010 to 2013). The compliance rate and WT for colonoscopy after positive FIT was ascertained and compared between the 2 periods.

Results:
The rolling-out period resulted in a decline of 16.0% for compliance rate and yielded an additional 1,778,499 waiting days with variation across geography and institution. After adjusting for relevant factors, a decrease in compliance rate by 8.5% and an increase of 714,648 waiting days were still noted. In the rolling-out period, a remarkable decline in compliance rate by 9.8% was found in middle Taiwan, and the longest WT (1,260,109 d) was observed in southern Taiwan. Screening at public health centers led to a 19% decrease in compliance rate and an increase of 2,546,746 waiting days.

Conclusions:
The decrease in compliance rate and an increase in the WT with variation across geography and institution resulting from the increased volume of rolling-out FIT screening provide an insight into optimal resource allocation of clinical capacity for colonoscopy.
Clinical Implications of Pediatric Colonic Eosinophilia
Authors: Mark Jacob , Fernando Shahan D. , Masterson Joanne C. , Pan Zhaoxing , Capocelli Kelley E. , Furuta Glenn T. , de Zoeten Edwin F. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTObjective:Pediatric colonic eosinophilia represents a confounding finding with a wide differential. It is often difficult to determine which children may progress to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which have an eosinophilic colitis (EC), and which may have no underlying pathology. There is little guidance for the practitioner on the approach to these patients. To define the clinical presentations of colonic eosinophilia and identify factors which may aid in diagnosis we reviewed patients with colonic eosinophilia and the clinicopathologic factors associated with their diagnoses.Methods:An 8‐year retrospective chart review of children whose histopathology identified colonic eosinophilia (N = 72) compared to controls with normal biopsies (N = 35).Results:Patients with colonic eosinophilia had increased eosinophils/high‐power field compared to controls (P < 0.001) and had 3 clinical phenotypes. Thirty‐six percent had an inflammatory phenotype with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P < .0001), chronic inflammation on colonic biopsies (P < 0.001), and were diagnosed as having IBD. Thirty‐seven percent were diagnosed as having EC, associated with male sex (P < 0.005) and peripheral eosinophilia (P = 0.041). Twenty‐one percent had no significant colonic pathology. Forty‐three percent of patients had >1 colonoscopy and 68% of these had change from initial diagnoses.Conclusions:There are 3 main phenotypes of children with colonic eosinophilia. Signs of chronic systemic inflammation raise suspicion for IBD. Peripheral eosinophilia and male sex are associated with EC. A significant percent of children with colonic eosinophilia do not have colonic disease. Eosinophils/high‐power field is not reliable to differentiate etiologies. Repeat colonoscopies may be required to reach final diagnoses.