bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Speech Intelligibility in Noise After Wide Dynamic Range Compression
Authors: Rhebergen Koenraad S. , Maalderink Thijs H. , Dreschler Wouter A. 
Published: October 2016

Objectives:
The effects of nonlinear signal processing on speech intelligibility in noise are difficult to evaluate. Often, the effects are examined by comparing speech intelligibility scores with and without processing measured at fixed signal to noise ratios (SNRs) or by comparing the adaptive measured speech reception thresholds corresponding to 50% intelligibility (SRT50) with and without processing. These outcome measures might not be optimal. Measuring at fixed SNRs can be affected by ceiling or floor effects, because the range of relevant SNRs is not know in advance. The SRT50 is less time consuming, has a fixed performance level (i.e., 50% correct), but the SRT50 could give a limited view, because we hypothesize that the effect of most nonlinear signal processing algorithms at the SRT50 cannot be generalized to other points of the psychometric function.

Design:
In this article, we tested the value of estimating the entire psychometric function. We studied the effect of wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) on speech intelligibility in stationary, and interrupted speech-shaped noise in normal-hearing subjects, using a fast method-based local linear fitting approach and by two adaptive procedures.

Results:
The measured performance differences for conditions with and without WDRC for the psychometric functions in stationary noise and interrupted speech-shaped noise show that the effects of WDRC on speech intelligibility are SNR dependent.

Conclusions:
We conclude that favorable and unfavorable effects of WDRC on speech intelligibility can be missed if the results are presented in terms of SRT50 values only.
Postoperative Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Use and Intestinal Anastomotic Dehiscence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Smith Stephen A. , Roberts Derek J. , Lipson Mark E. , Buie W. Donald , MacLean Anthony R. 
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used analgesics in colorectal surgery. Controversy exists regarding the potential association between these drugs and anastomotic dehiscence.

OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to determine whether postoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use is associated with intestinal anastomotic dehiscence.

DATA SOURCES:
PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and references of included articles were searched without date or language restriction.

STUDY SELECTION:
Randomized controlled trials and observational studies that compared postoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use with nonuse and reported on intestinal anastomotic dehiscence were selected.

INTERVENTION:
The use of postoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relative to placebo or nonuse was investigated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Risk ratios and adjusted or unadjusted odds ratios for anastomotic dehiscence were pooled across randomized controlled trials and observational studies using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models.

RESULTS:
Among 4395 citations identified, 6 randomized controlled trials (n = 473 patients) and 11 observational studies (n > 20,184 patients) were included. Pooled analyses revealed that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use was nonsignificantly associated with anastomotic dehiscence in randomized controlled trials (risk ratio, 1.96; 95% CI, 0.74–5.16; I
2 = 0%) and significantly associated with anastomotic dehiscence in observational studies (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.14–1.86; I
2 = 54%). In stratified analyses of observational study data, the pooled OR for anastomotic dehiscence was statistically significant for studies of nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (6 studies; > 4900 patients; OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.65–2.64; I
2 = 0%), but was not statistically significant for studies of cyclooxygenase-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (3 studies; >697 patients; OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.78–2.31; I
2 = 0%).

LIMITATIONS:
Studies varied by patient selection criteria, drug exposures, and definitions of anastomotic dehiscence. Analyses of randomized controlled trials and cyclooxygenase-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were potentially underpowered.

CONCLUSIONS:
Pooled observational data suggest an association between postoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and intestinal anastomotic dehiscence. Caution may be warranted in using these medications in patients at risk for this complication.
Outcomes in Colorectal Surgeon-Driven Management of Obstructing Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Morita Shunji , Ikeda Kimimasa , Komori Takamichi , Tanida Tsukasa , Hatano Hisanori , Tomimaru Yoshito , Imamura Hiroshi , Dono Keizo 
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND:
Emergency surgery for obstructing colorectal cancer is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates.

OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes of emergency surgery for obstructing colorectal cancer in a single hospital, where care was primarily provided by colorectal surgeons.

DESIGN:
This was a retrospective cohort study.

SETTINGS:
The study was conducted at the Toyonaka Municipal Hospital.

PATIENTS:
The study included 208 consecutive patients who underwent emergency surgery for obstructing colorectal cancer between 1998 and 2013.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Surgical outcomes, including mortality and morbidity, were evaluated.

RESULTS:
The obstructing cancers involved the right colon, left colon, and rectum in 78, 97, and 33 of the included patients. Many patients had poor performance indicators, such as age ≥75 years (42%), ASA score of III or more (38%), stage IV colorectal cancer (39%), obstructive colitis (12%), and perforation or penetration (9.6%). Colorectal surgeons performed the operations in all but 5 of the patients. Primary resection and anastomosis were accomplished in 96%, 70%, and 27% of cases involving the right colon, left colon, and rectum. Intraoperative colonic irrigation (n = 32), manual colonic decompression (n = 11), and subtotal or total colorectal resection (n = 34) were performed before left-sided anastomoses. Anastomotic leak was reported in only 2 patients. The in-hospital mortality and morbidity rates were 1.3% and 34.0%.

LIMITATIONS:
This study was a retrospective analysis of data from a single hospital.

CONCLUSIONS:
Surgical outcome analysis for obstructing colorectal cancers managed by specialized colorectal surgeons demonstrates low mortality and morbidity rates. Therefore, we concluded that our management of this condition is safe and feasible.
Examination of Racial Disparities in the Receipt of Minimally Invasive Surgery Among a National Cohort of Adult Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Damle Rachelle N. , Flahive Julie M. , Davids Jennifer S. , Maykel Justin A. , Sturrock Paul R. , Alavi Karim 
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND:
Racial disparities in outcomes are well described among surgical patients.

OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this work was to identify any racial disparities in the receipt of a minimally invasive approach for colorectal surgery.

DESIGN:
Adults undergoing colorectal surgery were studied using the University HealthSystem Consortium. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify predictors for the receipt of a minimally invasive approach.

SETTINGS:
The study was conducted at academic hospitals and their affiliates.

PATIENTS:
Adults ≥18 years of age who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, IBD, or benign colorectal tumor between 2008 and 2011 were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
The receipt of a minimally invasive surgical approach was the main measured outcome.

RESULTS:
A total of 82,474 adult patients met the study inclusion criteria. Of these, 69,664 (84%) were white, 10,874 (13%) were black, and 1936 (2%) were Asian. Blacks were younger, with higher rates of public insurance and higher comorbidity burden and baseline severity of illness compared with white and Asian patients. Black patients were less likely (adjusted OR = 0.83 (95% CI, 0.79–0.87)) and Asian patients more likely (adjusted OR = 1.34 (95% CI, 1.21–1.49)) than whites to receive minimally invasive surgery. This association did not change with stratification by insurance type (public or private). Black patients had higher rates of intensive care unit admission and nonhome discharge, as well as an increased length of stay compared with white and Asian patients. No differences in complications, readmission, or mortality rates were observed with minimally invasive surgery, but black patients were more likely to be readmitted or to die with open surgery.

LIMITATIONS:
The study was limited by the retrospective nature of its data.

CONCLUSIONS:
We identified racial differences in the receipt of a minimally invasive approach for colorectal surgery, regardless of insurance status, as well as improved outcomes for minority races who underwent a minimally invasive technique compared with open surgery. The improved outcomes associated with minimally invasive surgery should prompt efforts to increase rates of its use among black patients.
Resident Compliance With the American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Suspect
Authors: Mihlstin Melanie , Juzych Mark S. , Kromrei Heidi T. , Hwang Frank S. , Yin Jia 
Published: October 2016

Purpose:
To study resident compliance with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Preferred Practice Patterns (PPPs) for primary open-angle glaucoma suspect (POAGS) in a resident ophthalmology clinic.

Patients and Methods:
Two hundred charts were selected for analysis of adult patients with the International Classification of Diseases diagnosis code for POAGS during their initial visit between November 2, 2010 and May 6, 2014 at the Kresge Eye Institute resident clinic. Electronic medical records of clinic visits for POAGS patients were evaluated for documentation and compliance with 17 elements of AAO PPPs.

Results:
The overall mean compliance was 73.8% for all charts (n=200), 74.4% for first-year residents (n=53), 74.5% for second-year residents (n=38), and 73.3% for third-year residents (n=109). Documentation rates were high (>90%) for 9 elements, which included most elements of physical examination and history. Documentation of ocular history, central corneal thickness, gonioscopy, optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer analysis, and visual field ranged from 40% to 80%. Documentation was lowest for patient education elements which ranged from 0% to 10%. Compliance was not significantly different (P>0.05) between residents or between different resident years for any element.

Conclusions:
Residents’ compliance was high for most elements of the PPPs for POAGS. We identified elements with poor compliance especially regarding patient education. Adherence to AAO PPPs can be a helpful method of assessing resident performance.
Vestibular Involvement in Patients With Otitis Media With Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-associated Vasculitis
Authors: Morita Yuka , Takahashi Kuniyuki , Izumi Shuji , Kubota Yamato , Ohshima Shinsuke , Horii Arata 
Published: October 2016

Objective:Otitis media (OM) with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (OMAAV) is a novel concept of ear disease that is characterized by progressive mixed or sensorineural hearing loss with occasional systemic involvement. Considering the accumulating knowledge about the characteristics of and treatment for auditory dysfunction in OMAAV, the objective of this study was to investigate the vestibular function and symptoms of patients with OMAAV.Study Design:Retrospective chart review.Setting:University hospital.Patients:Thirty-one OMAAV patients met criteria proposed by the OMAAV study group in Japan.Main Outcome Measures:Clinical characteristics and vestibular tests.Results:Eleven of 31 OMAAV patients had vestibular symptoms; 3 patients had acute vertigo attack with sudden hearing loss and 8 patients had chronic dizziness. Episodic vertigo was not seen in any of the patients. Three patients who received a less intensive therapy without immunosuppressive agents developed intractable persistent dizziness. All symptomatic patients and six of the nine OMAAV patients without vestibular symptoms showed unilateral or bilateral caloric weakness; therefore, vestibular involvement was present in 84% of OMAAV patients. Gain of vestibulo-ocular reflex was reduced in symptomatic patients. The eye-tracking test and optokinetic nystagmus revealed no evidence of central dysfunction.Conclusion:Vestibular dysfunction was seen in 84% of OMAAV patients. One-third of OMAAV patients showed vestibular symptoms such as acute vertigo attack or chronic dizziness, which are of peripheral origin. One-third of the symptomatic patients developed intractable dizziness. Initial intensive treatment by combination therapy with steroid and immunosuppressive agents may be essential for preventing the development of intractable dizziness.
The role of kindlin in neutrophil recruitment to inflammatory sites
Authors: Stadtmann Anika , Zarbock Alexander 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review
Since the discovery of the lack of kindlin-3 expression as the reason for the immunopathology leukocyte adhesion deficiency III syndrome, the role of kindlin-3 in inflammatory processes was investigated in a numerous studies. This review gives an overview about recent findings regarding the role of kindlin-3 in neutrophil activation and recruitment.

Recent findings
Kindlin-3, together with talin-1, contributes essentially to the activation of β2-integrins in neutrophils. During inside-out signaling, kindlin-3 binds to the β-cytoplasmic integrin tail and is indispensable for the integrin conformational shift into the high-affinity ligand binding conformation, but not for the intermediate (extended) conformation. During outside-in signaling (as a consequence of integrin ligand binding) kindlin-3 interacts with distinct signaling molecules and is required for cell-autonomous functions like migration and spreading.

Summary
Leukocyte adhesion deficiency III syndrome, which is caused by absence of kindlin-3, is a rarely occurring disease. However, the investigation of the clinical symptoms as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms gave rise to a huge amount of new insights into the processes of integrin activation in neutrophils and the consequences of defects in these processes.
Pathogenic insights from Huntington's disease-like 2 and other Huntington's disease genocopies
Authors: Margolis Russell L. , Rudnicki Dobrila D. 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review
Huntington's disease-like 2 (HDL2) is a rare, progressive, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that genetically, clinically, and pathologically closely resembles Huntington's disease. We review HDL2 pathogenic mechanisms and examine the implications of these mechanisms for Huntington's disease and related diseases.

Recent findings
HDL2 is caused by a CTG/CAG repeat expansion in junctophilin-3. Available data from cell and animal models and human brain suggest that HDL2 is a complex disease in which transcripts and proteins expressed bidirectionally from the junctophilin-3 locus contribute to pathogenesis through both gain-and loss-of-function mechanisms. Recent advances indicate that the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease is equally complex, despite the emphasis on toxic gain-of-function properties of the mutant huntingtin protein.

Summary
Studies examining in parallel the genetic, clinical, neuropathological, and mechanistic similarities between Huntington's disease and HDL2 have begun to identify points of convergence between the pathogenic pathways of the two diseases. Comparisons to other diseases that are phenotypically or genetically related to Huntington's disease and HDL2 will likely reveal additional common pathways. The ultimate goal is to identify shared therapeutic targets and eventually develop therapies that may, at least in part, be effective across multiple similar rare diseases, an essential approach given the scarcity of resources for basic and translational research.
Brain connectivity and neurological disorders after stroke
Authors: Baldassarre Antonello , Ramsey Lenny E. , Siegel Joshua S. , Shulman Gordon L. , Corbetta Maurizio 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of reviewAn important challenge in neurology is identifying the neural mechanisms underlying behavioral deficits after brain injury. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the effects of focal brain lesions on brain networks and behavior.Recent findingsNeuroimaging studies indicate that the human brain is organized in large-scale resting state networks (RSNs) defined via functional connectivity, that is the temporal correlation of spontaneous activity between different areas. Prior studies showed that focal brain lesion induced behaviorally relevant changes of functional connectivity beyond the site of damage. Recent work indicates that across domains, functional connectivity changes largely conform to two patterns: a reduction in interhemispheric functional connectivity and an increase in intrahemispheric functional connectivity between networks that are normally anticorrelated, for example dorsal attention and default networks. Abnormal functional connectivity can exhibit a high degree of behavioral specificity such that deficits in a given behavioral domain are selectively related to functional connectivity of the corresponding RSN, but some functional connectivity changes allow prediction across domains. Finally, as behavioral recovery proceeds, the prestroke pattern of functional connectivity is restored.SummaryInvestigating changes in RSNs may shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying brain dysfunction after stroke. Therefore, resting state functional connectivity may represent an important tool for clinical diagnosis, tracking recovery and rehabilitation.
A comparative analysis of Chikungunya and Zika transmission
Authors: Riou Julien , Poletto Chiara , Boëlle Pierre-Yves 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe recent global dissemination of Chikungunya and Zika has fostered public health concern worldwide. To better understand the drivers of transmission of these two arboviral diseases, we propose a joint analysis of Chikungunya and Zika epidemics in the same territories, taking into account the common epidemiological features of the epidemics: transmitted by the same vector, in the same environments, and observed by the same surveillance systems. We analyse eighteen outbreaks in French Polynesia and the French West Indies using a hierarchical time-dependent SIR model accounting for the effect of virus, location and weather on transmission, and based on a disease specific serial interval. We show that Chikungunya and Zika have similar transmission potential in the same territories (transmissibility ratio between Zika and Chikungunya of 1.04 [95% credible interval: 0.97; 1.13]), but that detection and reporting rates were different (around 19% for Zika and 40% for Chikungunya). Temperature variations between 22°C and 29°C did not alter transmission, but increased precipitation showed a dual effect, first reducing transmission after a two-week delay, then increasing it around five weeks later. The present study provides valuable information for risk assessment and introduces a modelling framework for the comparative analysis of arboviral infections that can be extended to other viruses and territories.
BIDS Apps: Improving ease of use, accessibility, and reproducibility of neuroimaging data analysis methods
Authors: Gorgolewski Krzysztof J. , Alfaro-Almagro Fidel , Auer Tibor , Bellec Pierre , Capotă Mihai , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Churchill Nathan W. , Cohen Alexander Li , Craddock R. Cameron , Devenyi Gabriel A. , Eklund Anders , Esteban Oscar , Flandin Guillaume , Ghosh Satrajit S. , Guntupalli J. Swaroop , Jenkinson Mark , Keshavan Anisha , Kiar Gregory , Liem Franziskus , Raamana Pradeep Reddy , Raffelt David , Steele Christopher J. , Quirion Pierre-Olivier , Smith Robert E. , Strother Stephen C. , Varoquaux Gaël , Yarkoni Tal , Wang Yida , Poldrack Russell A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe rate of progress in human neurosciences is limited by the inability to easily apply a wide range of analysis methods to the plethora of different datasets acquired in labs around the world. In this work, we introduce a framework for creating, testing, versioning and archiving portable applications for analyzing neuroimaging data organized and described in compliance with the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS). The portability of these applications (BIDS Apps) is achieved by using container technologies that encapsulate all binary and other dependencies in one convenient package. BIDS Apps run on all three major operating systems with no need for complex setup and configuration and thanks to the comprehensiveness richness of the BIDS standard they require little manual user input. Previous containerized data processing solutions were limited to single user environments and not compatible with most multi-tenant High Performance Computing systems. BIDS Apps overcome this limitation by taking advantage of the Singularity container technology. As a proof of concept, this work is accompanied by 22 ready to use BIDS Apps, packaging a diverse set of commonly used neuroimaging algorithms.Author SummaryMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive way to measure human brain structure and activity that has been used for over 25 years. There are thousands MRI studies performed every year generating a substantial amount of data. At the same time, many new data analysis methods are being developed every year. The potential of using new analysis methods on the variety of existing and newly acquired data is hindered by difficulties in software deployment and lack of support for standardized input data. Here we propose to use container technology to make deployment of a wide range of data analysis techniques easy. In addition, we adapt the existing data analysis tools to interface with data organized in a standardized way. We hope that this approach will enable researchers to access a wider range of methods when analyzing their data which will lead to accelerated progress in human neuroscience.
Developmental study identifies the ages at which the processes involved in the perception of verticality and in postural stability occur
Authors: Tringali Margherita , Wiener‐Vacher Sylvette , Bucci Maria Pia 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to understand the role played by visual information on the development of verticality and postural stability in healthy children.MethodsThe study comprised 66 healthy children from 4.0 to 15.7 years of age. Postural performances were recorded with a TechnoConcept platform. At the same time, the children's perception of subjective visual vertical (SVV) was recorded while they adjusted a vertical fluorescent line, either in the dark or in the presence of perturbing visual stimuli. Two testing control conditions without an SVV task were also performed by all of the children: static posturographic recording with open eyes and closed eyes.ResultsPostural measurements provided evidence of a correlation between the children's age and the tasks performed. Postural stability improved with age until eight to nine years, and SVV performance improved after 10–11 years. After these ages, postural and SVV capabilities did not change until at least 15 years of age.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the maturation of cortical and central processes involved in both the perception of verticality and in postural stability took place during childhood. However, maturation occurred later for vertical perception, which could imply delayed maturation of sensory integration processes.