Search results

Title: High hardness in the biocompatible intermetallic compound β-Ti3Au.
Creator: Svanidze, Eteri, Besara, Tiglet, Ozaydin, M Fevsi, Tiwary, Chandra Sekhar, Wang, Jiakui K, Radhakrishnan, Sruthi, Mani, Sendurai, Xin, Yan, Han, Ke, Liang, Hong, Siegrist, Theo,...
Show moreSvanidze, Eteri, Besara, Tiglet, Ozaydin, M Fevsi, Tiwary, Chandra Sekhar, Wang, Jiakui K, Radhakrishnan, Sruthi, Mani, Sendurai, Xin, Yan, Han, Ke, Liang, Hong, Siegrist, Theo, Ajayan, Pulickel M, Morosan, E
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Abstract/Description: The search for new hard materials is often challenging, but strongly motivated by the vast application potential such materials hold. Ti3Au exhibits high hardness values (about four times those of pure Ti and most steel alloys), reduced coefficient of friction and wear rates, and biocompatibility, all of which are optimal traits for orthopedic, dental, and prosthetic applications. In addition, the ability of this compound to adhere to ceramic parts can reduce both the weight and the cost of...
Show moreThe search for new hard materials is often challenging, but strongly motivated by the vast application potential such materials hold. Ti3Au exhibits high hardness values (about four times those of pure Ti and most steel alloys), reduced coefficient of friction and wear rates, and biocompatibility, all of which are optimal traits for orthopedic, dental, and prosthetic applications. In addition, the ability of this compound to adhere to ceramic parts can reduce both the weight and the cost of medical components. The fourfold increase in the hardness of Ti3Au compared to other Ti-Au alloys and compounds can be attributed to the elevated valence electron density, the reduced bond length, and the pseudogap formation. Understanding the origin of hardness in this intermetallic compound provides an avenue toward designing superior biocompatible, hard materials.
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Date Issued: 2016-07-20
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27453942, 10.1126/sciadv.1600319, PMC4956191, 27453942, 27453942, 1600319
Format: Citation

Title: Feeling Older and the Development of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia.
Creator: Stephan, Yannick, Sutin, Angelina R, Luchetti, Martina, Terracciano, Antonio
Abstract/Description: Subjective age is a biopsychosocial marker of aging associated with a range of outcomes in old age. In the domain of cognition, feeling older than one's chronological age is related to lower cognitive performance and steeper cognitive decline among older adults. The present study examines whether an older subjective age is associated with the risk of incident cognitive impairment and dementia. Participants were 5,748 individuals aged 65 years and older drawn from the Health and Retirement...
Show moreSubjective age is a biopsychosocial marker of aging associated with a range of outcomes in old age. In the domain of cognition, feeling older than one's chronological age is related to lower cognitive performance and steeper cognitive decline among older adults. The present study examines whether an older subjective age is associated with the risk of incident cognitive impairment and dementia. Participants were 5,748 individuals aged 65 years and older drawn from the Health and Retirement Study. Measures of subjective age, cognition, and covariates were obtained at baseline, and follow-up cognition was assessed over a 2- to 4-year period. Only participants without cognitive impairment were included at baseline. At follow-up, participants were classified into one of the three categories: normal functioning, cognitive impairment without dementia (CIND), and dementia. An older subjective age at baseline was associated with higher likelihood of CIND (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18; 1.09-1.28) and dementia (OR = 1.29; 1.02-1.63) at follow-up, controlling for chronological age, other demographic factors, and baseline cognition. Physical inactivity and depressive symptoms partly accounted for these associations. An older subjective age is a marker of individuals' risk of subsequent cognitive impairment and dementia.
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Date Issued: 2017-10-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27436103, 10.1093/geronb/gbw085, PMC5927095, 27436103, 27436103, gbw085
Format: Citation

Title: Proteomic Upregulation of Fatty Acid Synthase and Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 and Identification of Cancer- and Race-Specific Pathway Associations in Human Prostate Cancer Tissues.
Creator: Myers, Jennifer S, von Lersner, Ariana K, Sang, Qing-Xiang Amy
Abstract/Description: Protein profiling studies of prostate cancer have been widely used to characterize molecular differences between diseased and non-diseased tissues. When combined with pathway analysis, profiling approaches are able to identify molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer, group patients by cancer subtype, and predict prognosis. This strategy can also be implemented to study prostate cancer in very specific populations, such as African Americans who have higher rates of prostate cancer incidence...
Show moreProtein profiling studies of prostate cancer have been widely used to characterize molecular differences between diseased and non-diseased tissues. When combined with pathway analysis, profiling approaches are able to identify molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer, group patients by cancer subtype, and predict prognosis. This strategy can also be implemented to study prostate cancer in very specific populations, such as African Americans who have higher rates of prostate cancer incidence and mortality than other racial groups in the United States. In this study, age-, stage-, and Gleason score-matched prostate tumor specimen from African American and Caucasian American men, along with non-malignant adjacent prostate tissue from these same patients, were compared. Protein expression changes and altered pathway associations were identified in prostate cancer generally and in African American prostate cancer specifically. In comparing tumor to non-malignant samples, 45 proteins were significantly cancer-associated and 3 proteins were significantly downregulated in tumor samples. Notably, fatty acid synthase (FASN) and epidermal fatty acid-binding protein (FABP5) were upregulated in human prostate cancer tissues, consistent with their known functions in prostate cancer progression. Aldehyde dehydrogenase family 1 member A3 (ALDH1A3) was also upregulated in tumor samples. The Metastasis Associated Protein 3 (MTA3) pathway was significantly enriched in tumor samples compared to non-malignant samples. While the current experiment was unable to detect statistically significant differences in protein expression between African American and Caucasian American samples, differences in overrepresentation and pathway enrichment were found. Structural components (Cytoskeletal Proteins and Extracellular Matrix Protein protein classes, and Biological Adhesion Gene Ontology (GO) annotation) were overrepresented in African American but not Caucasian American tumors. Additionally, 5 pathways were enriched in African American prostate tumors: the Small Cell Lung Cancer, Platelet-Amyloid Precursor Protein, Agrin, Neuroactive Ligand-Receptor Interaction, and Intrinsic pathways. The protein components of these pathways were either basement membrane proteins or coagulation proteins.
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Date Issued: 2016-07-05
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27471561, 10.7150/jca.15860, PMC4964129, 27471561, 27471561, jcav07p1452
Format: Citation

Title: Nearly massless Dirac fermions hosted by Sb square net in BaMnSb2.
Creator: Liu, Jinyu, Hu, Jin, Cao, Huibo, Zhu, Yanglin, Chuang, Alyssa, Graf, D, Adams, D J, Radmanesh, S M A, Spinu, L, Chiorescu, I, Mao, Zhiqiang
Abstract/Description: Layered compounds AMnBi2 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba, or rare earth element) have been established as Dirac materials. Dirac electrons generated by the two-dimensional (2D) Bi square net in these materials are normally massive due to the presence of a spin-orbital coupling (SOC) induced gap at Dirac nodes. Here we report that the Sb square net in an isostructural compound BaMnSb2 can host nearly massless Dirac fermions. We observed strong Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations in this material. From the...
Show moreLayered compounds AMnBi2 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba, or rare earth element) have been established as Dirac materials. Dirac electrons generated by the two-dimensional (2D) Bi square net in these materials are normally massive due to the presence of a spin-orbital coupling (SOC) induced gap at Dirac nodes. Here we report that the Sb square net in an isostructural compound BaMnSb2 can host nearly massless Dirac fermions. We observed strong Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations in this material. From the analyses of the SdH oscillations, we find key signatures of Dirac fermions, including light effective mass (~0.052m0; m0, mass of free electron), high quantum mobility (1280 cm(2)V(-1)S(-1)) and a π Berry phase accumulated along cyclotron orbit. Compared with AMnBi2, BaMnSb2 also exhibits much more significant quasi two-dimensional (2D) electronic structure, with the out-of-plane transport showing nonmetallic conduction below 120 K and the ratio of the out-of-plane and in-plane resistivity reaching ~670. Additionally, BaMnSb2 also exhibits a G-type antiferromagnetic order below 283 K. The combination of nearly massless Dirac fermions on quasi-2D planes with a magnetic order makes BaMnSb2 an intriguing platform for seeking novel exotic phenomena of massless Dirac electrons.
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Date Issued: 2016-07-28
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27466151, 10.1038/srep30525, PMC4964361, 27466151, 27466151, srep30525
Format: Citation

Title: Local Optima in Mixture Modeling.
Creator: Shireman, Emilie M, Steinley, Douglas, Brusco, Michael J
Abstract/Description: It is common knowledge that mixture models are prone to arrive at locally optimal solutions. Typically, researchers are directed to utilize several random initializations to ensure that the resulting solution is adequate. However, it is unknown what factors contribute to a large number of local optima and whether these coincide with the factors that reduce the accuracy of a mixture model. A real-data illustration and a series of simulations are presented that examine the effect of a variety...
Show moreIt is common knowledge that mixture models are prone to arrive at locally optimal solutions. Typically, researchers are directed to utilize several random initializations to ensure that the resulting solution is adequate. However, it is unknown what factors contribute to a large number of local optima and whether these coincide with the factors that reduce the accuracy of a mixture model. A real-data illustration and a series of simulations are presented that examine the effect of a variety of data structures on the propensity of local optima and the classification quality of the resulting solution. We show that there is a moderately strong relationship between a solution that has a high proportion of local optima and one that is poorly classified.
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Date Issued: 2016-07-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27494191, 10.1080/00273171.2016.1160359, PMC5534344, 27494191, 27494191
Format: Citation

Title: Does Exercise Improve Cognitive Performance? A Conservative Message from Lord's Paradox.
Creator: Liu, Sicong, Lebeau, Jean-Charles, Tenenbaum, Gershon
Abstract/Description: Although extant meta-analyses support the notion that exercise results in cognitive performance enhancement, methodology shortcomings are noted among primary evidence. The present study examined relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the past 20 years (1996-2015) for methodological concerns arise from Lord's paradox. Our analysis revealed that RCTs supporting the positive effect of exercise on cognition are likely to include Type I Error(s). This result can be attributed to...
Show moreAlthough extant meta-analyses support the notion that exercise results in cognitive performance enhancement, methodology shortcomings are noted among primary evidence. The present study examined relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the past 20 years (1996-2015) for methodological concerns arise from Lord's paradox. Our analysis revealed that RCTs supporting the positive effect of exercise on cognition are likely to include Type I Error(s). This result can be attributed to the use of gain score analysis on pretest-posttest data as well as the presence of control group superiority over the exercise group on baseline cognitive measures. To improve accuracy of causal inferences in this area, analysis of covariance on pretest-posttest data is recommended under the assumption of group equivalence. Important experimental procedures are discussed to maintain group equivalence.
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Date Issued: 2016-07-21
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27493637, 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01092, PMC4954852, 27493637, 27493637
Format: Citation

Title: Temperature Influences Chorda Tympani Nerve Responses to Sweet, Salty, Sour, Umami, and Bitter Stimuli in Mice.
Creator: Lu, Bo, Breza, Joseph M, Contreras, Robert J
Abstract/Description: Temperature profoundly affects the perceived intensity of taste, yet we know little of the extent of temperature's effect on taste in the peripheral nervous system. Accordingly, we investigated the influence of temperature from 23 °C to 43 °C in 4 °C intervals on the integrated responses of the chorda tympani (CT) nerve to a large series of chemical stimuli representing sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami tastes in C57BL/J6 mice. We also measured neural responses to NaCl, Na-gluconate, Na...
Show moreTemperature profoundly affects the perceived intensity of taste, yet we know little of the extent of temperature's effect on taste in the peripheral nervous system. Accordingly, we investigated the influence of temperature from 23 °C to 43 °C in 4 °C intervals on the integrated responses of the chorda tympani (CT) nerve to a large series of chemical stimuli representing sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami tastes in C57BL/J6 mice. We also measured neural responses to NaCl, Na-gluconate, Na-acetate, Na-sulfate, and MSG with and without 5 µM benzamil, an epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) antagonist, to assess the influence of temperature on ENaC-dependent and ENaC-independent response components. Our results showed that for most stimuli (0.5M sucrose, glucose, fructose, and maltose; 0.02M saccharin and sucralose; 0.5M NaCl, Na-gluconate, Na-acetate, Na-sulfate, KCl, K-gluconate, K-acetate, and K-sulfate; 0.05M citric acid, acetic acid, and HCl; 0.1M MSG and 0.05M quinine hydrochloride: QHCl), CT response magnitudes were maximal between 35 °C and 39 °C and progressively smaller at cooler or warmer temperatures. In contrast, the weakest responses to NHCl, (NH)SO4, and K-sulfate were at the lowest temperature, with response magnitude increasing monotonically with increasing temperature, while the largest responses to acetic acid were at the lowest temperature, with response magnitude decreasing with increasing temperature. The response to sweet and umami stimuli across temperatures were similar reflecting the involvement of TRPM5 activity, in contrast to bitter stimuli, which were weakly affected by temperature. Temperature-modulated responses to salts and acids most likely operate through mechanisms independent of ENaC and TRPM5.
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Date Issued: 2016-08-06
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27497433, 10.1093/chemse/bjw082, PMC5070488, 27497433, 27497433, bjw082
Format: Citation

Title: Emergency total proctocolectomy in an uninsured patient with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Syndrome and acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage in a community hospital: A case report..
Creator: Oviedo, Rodolfo J, Dixon, Bruce M, Sofiak, Chase W
Abstract/Description: Rectal bleeding is the most common symptom of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). This case investigates the efficacy of emergency surgery for FAP with total proctocolectomy end ileostomy for recurrent lower gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage in an uninsured patient in a 266-bed community hospital. The optimal treatment for FAP with acute lower GI hemorrhage and hemodynamic compromise unresponsive to conservative management is unclear. A 41-year-old uninsured African American man with no past...
Show moreRectal bleeding is the most common symptom of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). This case investigates the efficacy of emergency surgery for FAP with total proctocolectomy end ileostomy for recurrent lower gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage in an uninsured patient in a 266-bed community hospital. The optimal treatment for FAP with acute lower GI hemorrhage and hemodynamic compromise unresponsive to conservative management is unclear. A 41-year-old uninsured African American man with no past medical or family history presented to the emergency department with hematochezia lasting three days. A clinical diagnosis of FAP made on colonoscopy with biopsies revealed villous and tubulovillous adenomas without dysplasia. After blood products resuscitation, an emergency total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy was performed. A staged ileal J pouch to anal anastomosis and creation of protective loop ileostomy was performed months later after securing state funding. A final loop ileostomy reversal occurred six weeks later. His self reported quality of life is improved. Lower GI hemorrhage from FAP unresponsive to blood products may require emergency total proctocolectomy and end ileostomy with a staged ileal J pouch to anal anastomosis, which can be done in a community acute care hospital for an uninsured patient. A total proctocolectomy is feasible in the emergency setting in an uninsured patient with lower GI bleeding and FAP. A staged ileal J pouch-anal anastomosis is easier to justify to the hospital compared to a staged completion colectomy with proctectomy. It is essential to monitor the ileo-anal anastomosis with anoscopy.
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Date Issued: 2016-01-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27497040, 10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.07.052, PMC4976607, 27497040, 27497040, S2210-2612(16)30290-5
Format: Citation

Title: Influence of grain boundary characteristics on thermal stability in nanotwinned copper.
Creator: Niu, Rongmei, Han, Ke, Su, Yi-Feng, Besara, Tiglet, Siegrist, Theo M, Zuo, Xiaowei
Abstract/Description: High density grain boundaries provide high strength, but may introduce undesirable features, such as high Fermi levels and instability. We investigated the kinetics of recovery and recrystallization of Cu that was manufactured to include both nanotwins (NT) and high-angle columnar boundaries. We used the isothermal Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) model to estimate activation energy values for recovery and recrystallization and compared those to values derived using the non-isothermal...
Show moreHigh density grain boundaries provide high strength, but may introduce undesirable features, such as high Fermi levels and instability. We investigated the kinetics of recovery and recrystallization of Cu that was manufactured to include both nanotwins (NT) and high-angle columnar boundaries. We used the isothermal Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) model to estimate activation energy values for recovery and recrystallization and compared those to values derived using the non-isothermal Kissinger equation. The JMAK model hinges on an exponent that expresses the growth mechanism of a material. The exponent for this Cu was close to 0.5, indicating low-dimensional microstructure evolution, which is associated with anisotropic twin coarsening, heterogeneous recrystallization, and high stability. Since this Cu was of high purity, there was a negligible impurity-drag-effect on boundaries. The twin coarsening and heterogeneous recrystallization resulted from migration of high-angle columnar boundaries with their triple junctions in one direction, assisted by the presence of high concentration vacancies at boundaries. Analyses performed by electron energy loss spectroscopy of atomic columns at twin boundaries (TBs) and in the interior showed similar plasma peak shapes and L3 edge positions. This implies that values for conductivity and Fermi level are equal for atoms at TBs and in the interior.
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Date Issued: 2016-08-12
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27514474, 10.1038/srep31410, PMC4981844, 27514474, 27514474, srep31410
Format: Citation

Title: Generalized Ensemble Sampling of Enzyme Reaction Free Energy Pathways.
Creator: Wu, D, Fajer, M I, Cao, L, Cheng, X, Yang, W
Abstract/Description: Free energy path sampling plays an essential role in computational understanding of chemical reactions, particularly those occurring in enzymatic environments. Among a variety of molecular dynamics simulation approaches, the generalized ensemble sampling strategy is uniquely attractive for the fact that it not only can enhance the sampling of rare chemical events but also can naturally ensure consistent exploration of environmental degrees of freedom. In this review, we plan to provide a...
Show moreFree energy path sampling plays an essential role in computational understanding of chemical reactions, particularly those occurring in enzymatic environments. Among a variety of molecular dynamics simulation approaches, the generalized ensemble sampling strategy is uniquely attractive for the fact that it not only can enhance the sampling of rare chemical events but also can naturally ensure consistent exploration of environmental degrees of freedom. In this review, we plan to provide a tutorial-like tour on an emerging topic: generalized ensemble sampling of enzyme reaction free energy path. The discussion is largely focused on our own studies, particularly ones based on the metadynamics free energy sampling method and the on-the-path random walk path sampling method. We hope that this minipresentation will provide interested practitioners some meaningful guidance for future algorithm formulation and application study.
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Date Issued: 2016-01-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27498634, 10.1016/bs.mie.2016.05.012, PMC4978182, 27498634, 27498634, S0076-6879(16)30047-7
Format: Citation

Title: Prevalence and Factors Associated With Statin Use Among a Nationally Representative Sample of US Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2012..
Creator: Adedinsewo, Demilade, Taka, Nchang, Agasthi, Pradyumna, Sachdeva, Rajesh, Rust, George, Onwuanyi, Anekwe
Abstract/Description: The 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend statins for adults age ≤75 years who have clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (IA) and adults age 40 to 75 years with diabetes mellitus and LDL-C 70-189 mg/dl (IA). Our aim was to estimate the prevalence and likelihood of statin use among selected statin benefit groups. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012, we examined 5319 adults age ≥20 years...
Show moreThe 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend statins for adults age ≤75 years who have clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (IA) and adults age 40 to 75 years with diabetes mellitus and LDL-C 70-189 mg/dl (IA). Our aim was to estimate the prevalence and likelihood of statin use among selected statin benefit groups. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012, we examined 5319 adults age ≥20 years. We estimated weighted frequencies and prevalence of statin use for adults with diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia (or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥70 mg/dL), defined as statin benefit group 1 (SBG1); and for adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, defined as statin benefit group 2 (SBG2). We constructed a logistic regression model to estimate odds of statin use in SBG1. Overall, an estimated 38.6 million Americans are on a statin. In adjusted models, uninsured and Hispanic adults were less likely to be on a statin compared with white adults; 59.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53.0-66.1) of all adults in SBG1, 58.8% (95% CI: 51.5-66.1) of adults age 40 to 75 in SBG1, and 63.5% (95% CI: 55.6-71.4) of all adults in SBG2 were on a statin. Although the prevalence of statin use has increased over time, Hispanic ethnicity and lack of insurance remain barriers to statin use. Black-white racial disparities were not significant. Our study provides a baseline estimate of statin use in the noninstitutionalized population just prior to introduction of the new guidelines and provides a reference for evaluating the impact of the new guidelines on statin utilization.
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Date Issued: 2016-09-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27505443, 10.1002/clc.22577, PMC5030167, 27505443, 27505443
Format: Citation

Title: Psychometric analysis of the Systematic Observation of Red Flags for autism spectrum disorder in toddlers.
Creator: Dow, Deanna, Guthrie, Whitney, Stronach, Sheri T, Wetherby, Amy M
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of the Systematic Observation of Red Flags as an observational level-two screening measure to detect risk for autism spectrum disorder in toddlers when used with a video-recorded administration of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales. Psychometric properties of the Systematic Observation of Red Flags were examined in a sample of 247 toddlers of 16- to 24 months old: 130 with autism spectrum disorder, 61 with developmental delays,...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the utility of the Systematic Observation of Red Flags as an observational level-two screening measure to detect risk for autism spectrum disorder in toddlers when used with a video-recorded administration of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales. Psychometric properties of the Systematic Observation of Red Flags were examined in a sample of 247 toddlers of 16- to 24 months old: 130 with autism spectrum disorder, 61 with developmental delays, and 56 typically developing. Individual items were examined for performance to create an algorithm with improved sensitivity and specificity, yielding a total Composite score and Domain scores for Social Communication and Restricted Repetitive Behaviors. Codes indicating clear symptom presence were collapsed to yield a count of the number of Red Flags for the overall scale and each symptom domain. Results indicated significant group differences with large effects for the Composite, both Domain scores, and Red Flags score, and good discrimination (area under the curve = 0.84-0.87) between autism spectrum disorder and nonspectrum groups for the Composite, Social Communication Domain, and Social Communication Red Flags score. The Systematic Observation of Red Flags provides an observational screening measure for 16- to 24-month-olds with good discrimination, sensitivity, and specificity. A cutoff of 20 on the Composite is recommended to optimally detect autism spectrum disorder risk.
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Date Issued: 2017-04-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27132013, 10.1177/1362361316636760, PMC5734914, 27132013, 27132013, 1362361316636760
Format: Citation

Title: Developing Asthma-Friendly Childcare Centers with Online Training and Evaluation.
Creator: Nowakowski, Alexandra Catherine Hayes, Carretta, Henry Joseph, Pineda, Nicole, Dudley, Julie Kurlfink, Forrest, Jamie R
Abstract/Description: In 2011, the Florida Asthma Coalition (FAC) began offering its Asthma-Friendly Childcare Center (AFCC) training online. This course teaches childcare center employees the fundamentals of effective asthma management. It covers basic asthma physiology, ways to recognize asthma attacks, techniques to help children experiencing attacks, and strategies to create healthy environments for asthmatics. A team of health services researchers evaluated both years of the online training. Evaluators used a...
Show moreIn 2011, the Florida Asthma Coalition (FAC) began offering its Asthma-Friendly Childcare Center (AFCC) training online. This course teaches childcare center employees the fundamentals of effective asthma management. It covers basic asthma physiology, ways to recognize asthma attacks, techniques to help children experiencing attacks, and strategies to create healthy environments for asthmatics. A team of health services researchers evaluated both years of the online training. Evaluators used a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest, and follow-up assessment. Questions measured knowledge gain and retention, user satisfaction, and implementation of management strategies. Over 650 people from nearly all 67 Florida counties took AFCC training online between 2011 and 2013. Test scores improved by a minimum of 11% points in all program years evaluated. Gains in both knowledge and confidence were substantial and highly significant across years. While individual trainees did forget some content on follow-up, they seemed to retain the specific messages most relevant for their own workplaces. Most trainees also planned to implement multiple management strategies recommended by the training. A large majority of participants rated the training as excellent on all quality metrics, including relevance of content and time efficiency of the online format. Nearly all respondents perceived the training as useful for both providing improved care and fulfilling licensure or certification requirements. Many participants also indicated that their centers would pursue formal certification as AFCCs via the program offered by FAC. The online AFCC course performed strongly in its first years, yielding both high participant satisfaction and substantial improvement in workplace asthma management activity. This training holds promise for introducing and improving multidimensional asthma management strategies at childcare facilities nationwide.
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Date Issued: 2016-03-16
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27014676, 10.3389/fpubh.2016.00039, PMC4792866, 27014676, 27014676
Format: Citation

Title: Autonomic Nervous System Responses During Perception of Masked Speech may Reflect Constructs other than Subjective Listening Effort.
Creator: Francis, Alexander L, MacPherson, Megan K, Chandrasekaran, Bharath, Alvar, Ann M
Abstract/Description: Typically, understanding speech seems effortless and automatic. However, a variety of factors may, independently or interactively, make listening more effortful. Physiological measures may help to distinguish between the application of different cognitive mechanisms whose operation is perceived as effortful. In the present study, physiological and behavioral measures associated with task demand were collected along with behavioral measures of performance while participants listened to and...
Show moreTypically, understanding speech seems effortless and automatic. However, a variety of factors may, independently or interactively, make listening more effortful. Physiological measures may help to distinguish between the application of different cognitive mechanisms whose operation is perceived as effortful. In the present study, physiological and behavioral measures associated with task demand were collected along with behavioral measures of performance while participants listened to and repeated sentences. The goal was to measure psychophysiological reactivity associated with three degraded listening conditions, each of which differed in terms of the source of the difficulty (distortion, energetic masking, and informational masking), and therefore were expected to engage different cognitive mechanisms. These conditions were chosen to be matched for overall performance (keywords correct), and were compared to listening to unmasked speech produced by a natural voice. The three degraded conditions were: (1) Unmasked speech produced by a computer speech synthesizer, (2) Speech produced by a natural voice and masked byspeech-shaped noise and (3) Speech produced by a natural voice and masked by two-talker babble. Masked conditions were both presented at a -8 dB signal to noise ratio (SNR), a level shown in previous research to result in comparable levels of performance for these stimuli and maskers. Performance was measured in terms of proportion of key words identified correctly, and task demand or effort was quantified subjectively by self-report. Measures of psychophysiological reactivity included electrodermal (skin conductance) response frequency and amplitude, blood pulse amplitude and pulse rate. Results suggest that the two masked conditions evoked stronger psychophysiological reactivity than did the two unmasked conditions even when behavioral measures of listening performance and listeners' subjective perception of task demand were comparable across the three degraded conditions.
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Date Issued: 2016-03-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_26973564, 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00263, PMC4772584, 26973564, 26973564
Format: Citation

Title: Role of cardiac troponin I carboxy terminal mobile domain and linker sequence in regulating cardiac contraction.
Creator: Meyer, Nancy L, Chase, P Bryant
Abstract/Description: Inhibition of striated muscle contraction at resting Ca(2+) depends on the C-terminal half of troponin I (TnI) in thin filaments. Much focus has been on a short inhibitory peptide (Ip) sequence within TnI, but structural studies and identification of disease-associated mutations broadened emphasis to include a larger mobile domain (Md) sequence at the C-terminus of TnI. For Md to function effectively in muscle relaxation, tight mechanical coupling to troponin's core-and thus tropomyosin-is...
Show moreInhibition of striated muscle contraction at resting Ca(2+) depends on the C-terminal half of troponin I (TnI) in thin filaments. Much focus has been on a short inhibitory peptide (Ip) sequence within TnI, but structural studies and identification of disease-associated mutations broadened emphasis to include a larger mobile domain (Md) sequence at the C-terminus of TnI. For Md to function effectively in muscle relaxation, tight mechanical coupling to troponin's core-and thus tropomyosin-is presumably needed. We generated recombinant, human cardiac troponins containing one of two TnI constructs: either an 8-amino acid linker between Md and the rest of troponin (cTnILink8), or an Md deletion (cTnI1-163). Motility assays revealed that Ca(2+)-sensitivity of reconstituted thin filament sliding was markedly increased with cTnILink8 (∼0.9 pCa unit leftward shift of speed-pCa relation compared to WT), and increased further when Md was missing entirely (∼1.4 pCa unit shift). Cardiac Tn's ability to turn off filament sliding at diastolic Ca(2+) was mostly (61%), but not completely eliminated with cTnI1-163. TnI's Md is required for full inhibition of unloaded filament sliding, although other portions of troponin-presumably including Ip-are also necessary. We also confirm that TnI's Md is not responsible for superactivation of actomyosin cycling by troponin.
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Date Issued: 2016-07-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_26971468, 10.1016/j.abb.2016.03.010, PMC4899117, 26971468, 26971468, S0003-9861(16)30062-5
Format: Citation

Title: Utilization of Alcohol Treatment Among HIV-Positive Women with Hazardous Drinking.
Creator: Hu, Xingdi, Harman, Jeffrey, Winterstein, Almut G, Zhong, Yue, Wheeler, Amber L, Taylor, Tonya N, Plankey, Michael, Rubtsova, Anna, Cropsey, Karen, Cohen, Mardge H, Adimora,...
Show moreHu, Xingdi, Harman, Jeffrey, Winterstein, Almut G, Zhong, Yue, Wheeler, Amber L, Taylor, Tonya N, Plankey, Michael, Rubtsova, Anna, Cropsey, Karen, Cohen, Mardge H, Adimora, Adaora A, Milam, Joel, Adedimeji, Adebola, Cook, Robert L
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Abstract/Description: Hazardous alcohol consumption has been frequently reported among women with HIV infection and is associated with a variety of negative health consequences. Treatments to reduce alcohol use may bring in health benefits. However, little is known regarding the utilization of alcohol treatment services among HIV+ women with hazardous drinking. Using data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), this study assessed utilization of any alcohol treatment in the past 6 months and performed...
Show moreHazardous alcohol consumption has been frequently reported among women with HIV infection and is associated with a variety of negative health consequences. Treatments to reduce alcohol use may bring in health benefits. However, little is known regarding the utilization of alcohol treatment services among HIV+ women with hazardous drinking. Using data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), this study assessed utilization of any alcohol treatment in the past 6 months and performed multivariable logistic regression to determine correlates of receipt of any alcohol treatment. Among 474 HIV+ women reporting recent hazardous drinking, less than one in five (19%) reported recent utilization of any alcohol treatment. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was the most commonly reported (12.9%), followed by inpatient detoxification (9.9%) and outpatient alcohol treatment program (7.0%). Half (51%) receiving any alcohol treatment reported utilization of multiple treatments. Multivariable analyses found alcohol treatment was more often utilized by those who had social support (odds ratio [OR]=1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.00 to 2.83), fewer economic resources (income ≤$12,000 vs. >$12,000, OR=3.10, 95% CI=1.53 to 6.27), higher levels of drinking (16-35 drinks/week vs. 12-15 drinks/week, OR=3.02, 95% CI=1.47 to 6.21; 36+ drinks/week vs. 12-15 drinks/week, OR=4.41, 95% CI=2.03 to 9.59), and those who reported any illicit drug use (OR=2.77, 95% CI=1.44 to 5.34). More efforts are needed to enhance the utilization of alcohol treatment. Our findings highlight the unique profile of those who utilized alcohol treatment. Such information is vital to improve treatment delivery to address unmet need in this particular population.
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Date Issued: 2016-05-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_26961420, 10.1016/j.jsat.2016.01.011, PMC4943324, 26961420, 26961420, S0740-5472(16)00043-X
Format: Citation

Title: Maternal residential exposure to agricultural pesticides and birth defects in a 2003 to 2005 North Carolina birth cohort.
Creator: Rappazzo, Kristen M, Warren, Joshua L, Meyer, Robert E, Herring, Amy H, Sanders, Alison P, Brownstein, Naomi C, Luben, Thomas J
Abstract/Description: Birth defects are responsible for a large proportion of disability and infant mortality. Exposure to a variety of pesticides have been linked to increased risk of birth defects. We conducted a case-control study to estimate the associations between a residence-based metric of agricultural pesticide exposure and birth defects. We linked singleton live birth records for 2003 to 2005 from the North Carolina (NC) State Center for Health Statistics to data from the NC Birth Defects Monitoring...
Show moreBirth defects are responsible for a large proportion of disability and infant mortality. Exposure to a variety of pesticides have been linked to increased risk of birth defects. We conducted a case-control study to estimate the associations between a residence-based metric of agricultural pesticide exposure and birth defects. We linked singleton live birth records for 2003 to 2005 from the North Carolina (NC) State Center for Health Statistics to data from the NC Birth Defects Monitoring Program. Included women had residence at delivery inside NC and infants with gestational ages from 20 to 44 weeks (n = 304,906). Pesticide exposure was assigned using a previously constructed metric, estimating total chemical exposure (pounds of active ingredient) based on crops within 500 meters of maternal residence, specific dates of pregnancy, and chemical application dates based on the planting/harvesting dates of each crop. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for four categories of exposure (<10(th) , 10-50(th) , 50-90(th) , and >90(th) percentiles) compared with unexposed. Models were adjusted for maternal race, age at delivery, education, marital status, and smoking status. We observed elevated ORs for congenital heart defects and certain structural defects affecting the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and musculoskeletal systems (e.g., OR [95% confidence interval] [highest exposure vs. unexposed] for tracheal esophageal fistula/esophageal atresia = 1.98 [0.69, 5.66], and OR for atrial septal defects: 1.70 [1.34, 2.14]). Our results provide some evidence of associations between residential exposure to agricultural pesticides and several birth defects phenotypes. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:240-249, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Date Issued: 2016-04-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_26970546, 10.1002/bdra.23479, PMC4833532, 26970546, 26970546
Format: Citation

Title: Status of underrepresented minority and female faculty at medical schools located within Historically Black Colleges and in Puerto Rico.
Creator: Mader, Emily M, Rodríguez, José E, Campbell, Kendall M, Smilnak, Timothy, Bazemore, Andrew W, Petterson, Stephen, Morley, Christopher P
Abstract/Description: To assess the impact of medical school location in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Puerto Rico (PR) on the proportion of underrepresented minorities in medicine (URMM) and women hired in faculty and leadership positions at academic medical institutions. AAMC 2013 faculty roster data for allopathic medical schools were used to compare the racial/ethnic and gender composition of faculty and chair positions at medical schools located within HBCU and PR to that of other...
Show moreTo assess the impact of medical school location in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Puerto Rico (PR) on the proportion of underrepresented minorities in medicine (URMM) and women hired in faculty and leadership positions at academic medical institutions. AAMC 2013 faculty roster data for allopathic medical schools were used to compare the racial/ethnic and gender composition of faculty and chair positions at medical schools located within HBCU and PR to that of other medical schools in the United States. Data were compared using independent sample t-tests. Women were more highly represented in HBCU faculty (mean HBCU 43.5% vs. non-HBCU 36.5%, p=0.024) and chair (mean HBCU 30.1% vs. non-HBCU 15.6%, p=0.005) positions and in PR chair positions (mean PR 38.23% vs. non-PR 15.38%, p=0.016) compared with other allopathic institutions. HBCU were associated with increased African American representation in faculty (mean HBCU 59.5% vs. non-HBCU 2.6%, p=0.011) and chair (mean HBCU 73.1% vs. non-HBCU 2.2%, p≤0.001) positions. PR designation was associated with increased faculty (mean PR 75.40% vs. non-PR 3.72%, p≤0.001) and chair (mean PR 75.00% vs. non-PR 3.54%, p≤0.001) positions filled by Latinos/Hispanics. Women and African Americans are better represented in faculty and leadership positions at HBCU, and women and Latino/Hispanics at PR medical schools, than they are at allopathic peer institutions.
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Date Issued: 2016-03-09
Identifier: FSU_pmch_26968254, 10.3402/meo.v21.29535, PMC4788771, 26968254, 26968254, 29535
Format: Citation

Title: Genetic variants associated with subjective well-being, depressive symptoms, and neuroticism identified through genome-wide analyses.
Creator: Okbay, Aysu, Baselmans, Bart M L, De Neve, Jan-Emmanuel, Turley, Patrick, Nivard, Michel G, Fontana, Mark Alan, Meddens, S Fleur W, Linnér, Richard Karlsson, Rietveld, Cornelius...
Show moreOkbay, Aysu, Baselmans, Bart M L, De Neve, Jan-Emmanuel, Turley, Patrick, Nivard, Michel G, Fontana, Mark Alan, Meddens, S Fleur W, Linnér, Richard Karlsson, Rietveld, Cornelius A, Derringer, Jaime, Gratten, Jacob, Lee, James J, Liu, Jimmy Z, de Vlaming, Ronald, Ahluwalia, Tarunveer S, Buchwald, Jadwiga, Cavadino, Alana, Frazier-Wood, Alexis C, Furlotte, Nicholas A, Garfield, Victoria, Geisel, Marie Henrike, Gonzalez, Juan R, Haitjema, Saskia, Karlsson, Robert, van der Laan, Sander W, Ladwig, Karl-Heinz, Lahti, Jari, van der Lee, Sven J, Lind, Penelope A, Liu, Tian, Matteson, Lindsay, Mihailov, Evelin, Miller, Michael B, Minica, Camelia C, Nolte, Ilja M, Mook-Kanamori, Dennis, van der Most, Peter J, Oldmeadow, Christopher, Qian, Yong, Raitakari, Olli, Rawal, Rajesh, Realo, Anu, Rueedi, Rico, Schmidt, Börge, Smith, Albert V, Stergiakouli, Evie, Tanaka, Toshiko, Taylor, Kent, Thorleifsson, Gudmar, Wedenoja, Juho, Wellmann, Juergen, Westra, Harm-Jan, Willems, Sara M, Zhao, Wei, Amin, Najaf, Bakshi, Andrew, Bergmann, Sven, Bjornsdottir, Gyda, Boyle, Patricia A, Cherney, Samantha, Cox, Simon R, Davies, Gail, Davis, Oliver S P, Ding, Jun, Direk, Nese, Eibich, Peter, Emeny, Rebecca T, Fatemifar, Ghazaleh, Faul, Jessica D, Ferrucci, Luigi, Forstner, Andreas J, Gieger, Christian, Gupta, Richa, Harris, Tamara B, Harris, Juliette M, Holliday, Elizabeth G, Hottenga, Jouke-Jan, De Jager, Philip L, Kaakinen, Marika A, Kajantie, Eero, Karhunen, Ville, Kolcic, Ivana, Kumari, Meena, Launer, Lenore J, Franke, Lude, Li-Gao, Ruifang, Liewald, David C, Koini, Marisa, Loukola, Anu, Marques-Vidal, Pedro, Montgomery, Grant W, Mosing, Miriam A, Paternoster, Lavinia, Pattie, Alison, Petrovic, Katja E, Pulkki-Råback, Laura, Quaye, Lydia, Räikkönen, Katri, Rudan, Igor, Scott, Rodney J, Smith, Jennifer A, Sutin, Angelina R, Trzaskowski, Maciej, Vinkhuyzen, Anna E, Yu, Lei, Zabaneh, Delilah, Attia, John R, Bennett, David A, Berger, Klaus, Bertram, Lars, Boomsma, Dorret I, Snieder, Harold, Chang, Shun-Chiao, Cucca, Francesco, Deary, Ian J, van Duijn, Cornelia M, Eriksson, Johan G, Bültmann, Ute, de Geus, Eco J C, Groenen, Patrick J F, Gudnason, Vilmundur, Hansen, Torben, Hartman, Catharine A, Haworth, Claire M A, Hayward, Caroline, Heath, Andrew C, Hinds, David A, Hyppönen, Elina, Iacono, William G, Järvelin, Marjo-Riitta, Jöckel, Karl-Heinz, Kaprio, Jaakko, Kardia, Sharon L R, Keltikangas-Järvinen, Liisa, Kraft, Peter, Kubzansky, Laura D, Lehtimäki, Terho, Magnusson, Patrik K E, Martin, Nicholas G, McGue, Matt, Metspalu, Andres, Mills, Melinda, de Mutsert, Renée, Oldehinkel, Albertine J, Pasterkamp, Gerard, Pedersen, Nancy L, Plomin, Robert, Polasek, Ozren, Power, Christine, Rich, Stephen S, Rosendaal, Frits R, den Ruijter, Hester M, Schlessinger, David, Schmidt, Helena, Svento, Rauli, Schmidt, Reinhold, Alizadeh, Behrooz Z, Sørensen, Thorkild I A, Spector, Tim D, Starr, John M, Stefansson, Kari, Steptoe, Andrew, Terracciano, Antonio, Thorsteinsdottir, Unnur, Thurik, A Roy, Timpson, Nicholas J, Tiemeier, Henning, Uitterlinden, André G, Vollenweider, Peter, Wagner, Gert G, Weir, David R, Yang, Jian, Conley, Dalton C, Smith, George Davey, Hofman, Albert, Johannesson, Magnus, Laibson, David I, Medland, Sarah E, Meyer, Michelle N, Pickrell, Joseph K, Esko, Tõnu, Krueger, Robert F, Beauchamp, Jonathan P, Koellinger, Philipp D, Benjamin, Daniel J, Bartels, Meike, Cesarini, David
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Abstract/Description: Very few genetic variants have been associated with depression and neuroticism, likely because of limitations on sample size in previous studies. Subjective well-being, a phenotype that is genetically correlated with both of these traits, has not yet been studied with genome-wide data. We conducted genome-wide association studies of three phenotypes: subjective well-being (n = 298,420), depressive symptoms (n = 161,460), and neuroticism (n = 170,911). We identify 3 variants associated with...
Show moreVery few genetic variants have been associated with depression and neuroticism, likely because of limitations on sample size in previous studies. Subjective well-being, a phenotype that is genetically correlated with both of these traits, has not yet been studied with genome-wide data. We conducted genome-wide association studies of three phenotypes: subjective well-being (n = 298,420), depressive symptoms (n = 161,460), and neuroticism (n = 170,911). We identify 3 variants associated with subjective well-being, 2 variants associated with depressive symptoms, and 11 variants associated with neuroticism, including 2 inversion polymorphisms. The two loci associated with depressive symptoms replicate in an independent depression sample. Joint analyses that exploit the high genetic correlations between the phenotypes (|ρ^| ≈ 0.8) strengthen the overall credibility of the findings and allow us to identify additional variants. Across our phenotypes, loci regulating expression in central nervous system and adrenal or pancreas tissues are strongly enriched for association.
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Date Issued: 2016-06-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27089181, 10.1038/ng.3552, PMC4884152, 27089181, 27089181, ng.3552
Format: Citation

Title: Coral-Associated Bacterial Diversity Is Conserved across Two Deep-Sea Anthothela Species.
Creator: Lawler, Stephanie N, Kellogg, Christina A, France, Scott C, Clostio, Rachel W, Brooke, Sandra D, Ross, Steve W
Abstract/Description: Cold-water corals, similar to tropical corals, contain diverse and complex microbial assemblages. These bacteria provide essential biological functions within coral holobionts, facilitating increased nutrient utilization and production of antimicrobial compounds. To date, few cold-water octocoral species have been analyzed to explore the diversity and abundance of their microbial associates. For this study, 23 samples of the family Anthothelidae were collected from Norfolk (n = 12) and...
Show moreCold-water corals, similar to tropical corals, contain diverse and complex microbial assemblages. These bacteria provide essential biological functions within coral holobionts, facilitating increased nutrient utilization and production of antimicrobial compounds. To date, few cold-water octocoral species have been analyzed to explore the diversity and abundance of their microbial associates. For this study, 23 samples of the family Anthothelidae were collected from Norfolk (n = 12) and Baltimore Canyons (n = 11) from the western Atlantic in August 2012 and May 2013. Genetic testing found that these samples comprised two Anthothela species (Anthothela grandiflora and Anthothela sp.) and Alcyonium grandiflorum. DNA was extracted and sequenced with primers targeting the V4-V5 variable region of the 16S rRNA gene using 454 pyrosequencing with GS FLX Titanium chemistry. Results demonstrated that the coral host was the primary driver of bacterial community composition. Al. grandiflorum, dominated by Alteromonadales and Pirellulales had much higher species richness, and a distinct bacterial community compared to Anthothela samples. Anthothela species (A. grandiflora and Anthothela sp.) had very similar bacterial communities, dominated by Oceanospirillales and Spirochaetes. Additional analysis of core-conserved bacteria at 90% sample coverage revealed genus level conservation across Anthothela samples. This core included unclassified Oceanospirillales, Kiloniellales, Campylobacterales, and genus Spirochaeta. Members of this core were previously recognized for their functional capabilities in nitrogen cycling and suggest the possibility of a nearly complete nitrogen cycle within Anthothela species. Overall, many of the bacterial associates identified in this study have the potential to contribute to the acquisition and cycling of nutrients within the coral holobiont.
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Date Issued: 2016-04-05
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27092120, 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00458, PMC4820459, 27092120, 27092120
Format: Citation

Title: The ties that bond: neurochemistry of attachment in voles..
Creator: Gobrogge, Kyle, Wang, Zuoxin
Abstract/Description: In socially monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), mating induces three primary types of behavior; namely, partner preference, selective aggression toward conspecific strangers, and bi-parental care, making this rodent an ideal model system to study sociality and underlying neurochemical mechanisms associated with monogamous mating strategies. Here, we highlight species differences in neurochemical receptor distributions associated with mating experience leading to the establishment...
Show moreIn socially monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), mating induces three primary types of behavior; namely, partner preference, selective aggression toward conspecific strangers, and bi-parental care, making this rodent an ideal model system to study sociality and underlying neurochemical mechanisms associated with monogamous mating strategies. Here, we highlight species differences in neurochemical receptor distributions associated with mating experience leading to the establishment of stable pair-bonds. Specifically, we illustrate the role of nucleus accumbens dopamine in programming the formation and maintenance of monogamous bonds and describe the role of anterior hypothalamic vasopressin in the regulation of selective aggression. We conclude by discussing recent molecular work in voles and emphasize the importance of this rodent for future research in the behavioral neurobiology field.
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Date Issued: 2016-06-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27131991, 10.1016/j.conb.2016.04.011, PMC4921794, 27131991, 27131991, S0959-4388(16)30046-0
Format: Citation

Title: Sliding of centrosome-unattached microtubules defines key features of neuronal phenotype.
Creator: Rao, Anand N, Falnikar, Aditi, O'Toole, Eileen T, Morphew, Mary K, Hoenger, Andreas, Davidson, Michael W, Yuan, Xiaobing, Baas, Peter W
Abstract/Description: Contemporary models for neuronal migration are grounded in the view that virtually all functionally relevant microtubules (MTs) in migrating neurons are attached to the centrosome, which occupies a position between the nucleus and a short leading process. It is assumed that MTs do not undergo independent movements but rather transduce forces that enable movements of the centrosome and nucleus. The present results demonstrate that although this is mostly true, a small fraction of the MTs are...
Show moreContemporary models for neuronal migration are grounded in the view that virtually all functionally relevant microtubules (MTs) in migrating neurons are attached to the centrosome, which occupies a position between the nucleus and a short leading process. It is assumed that MTs do not undergo independent movements but rather transduce forces that enable movements of the centrosome and nucleus. The present results demonstrate that although this is mostly true, a small fraction of the MTs are centrosome-unattached, and this permits limited sliding of MTs. When this sliding is pharmacologically inhibited, the leading process becomes shorter, migration of the neuron deviates from its normal path, and the MTs within the leading process become buckled. Partial depletion of ninein, a protein that attaches MTs to the centrosome, leads to greater numbers of centrosome-unattached MTs as well as greater sliding of MTs. Concomitantly, the soma becomes less mobile and the leading process acquires an elongated morphology akin to an axon.
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Date Issued: 2016-05-09
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27138250, 10.1083/jcb.201506140, PMC4862329, 27138250, 27138250, jcb.201506140
Format: Citation

Title: Neurochemical Mediation of Affiliation and Aggression Associated With Pair-Bonding.
Creator: Gobrogge, Kyle L, Jia, Xixi, Liu, Yan, Wang, Zuoxin
Abstract/Description: The neuropeptides vasopressin and corticotropin-releasing factor facilitate, while serotonin inhibits, aggression. How the brain is wired to coordinate interactions between these functionally opposed neurotransmitters to control behavioral states is poorly understood. Pair-bonded male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) were infused with a retrograde tracer, Fluoro-Gold, and tested for affiliation and aggression toward a female partner or novel female subject. Subsequent immunocytochemical...
Show moreThe neuropeptides vasopressin and corticotropin-releasing factor facilitate, while serotonin inhibits, aggression. How the brain is wired to coordinate interactions between these functionally opposed neurotransmitters to control behavioral states is poorly understood. Pair-bonded male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) were infused with a retrograde tracer, Fluoro-Gold, and tested for affiliation and aggression toward a female partner or novel female subject. Subsequent immunocytochemical experiments examined neuronal activation using Fos and neurochemical/neuroreceptor profiles on brain areas involved in these social behaviors. Finally, a series of behavioral pharmacologic and real-time in vivo brain microdialysis experiments were performed on male prairie voles displaying affiliation or aggression. We localized a subpopulation of excitatory vasopressin neurons in the anterior hypothalamus that may gate corticotropin-releasing factor output from the amygdala to the anterior hypothalamus and then the lateral septum to modulate aggression associated with mate guarding. Conversely, we identified a subset of inhibitory serotonergic projection neurons in the dorsal raphe that project to the anterior hypothalamus and may mediate the spatiotemporal release of neuropeptides and their interactions in modulating aggression and affiliation. Together, this study establishes the medial extended amygdala as a major neural substrate regulating the switch between positive and negative affective states, wherein several neurochemicals converge and interact to coordinate divergent social behaviors.
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Date Issued: 2017-02-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27129413, 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.02.013, PMC4992658, 27129413, 27129413, S0006-3223(16)00100-1
Format: Citation

Title: Pressure and high-Tc superconductivity in sulfur hydrides.
Creator: Gor'kov, Lev P, Kresin, Vladimir Z
Abstract/Description: The paper discusses fundamentals of record-TC superconductivity discovered under high pressure in sulfur hydride. The rapid increase of TC with pressure in the vicinity of Pcr ≈ 123GPa is interpreted as the fingerprint of a first-order structural transition. Based on the cubic symmetry of the high-TC phase, it is argued that the lower-TC phase has a different periodicity, possibly related to an instability with a commensurate structural vector. In addition to the acoustic branches, the phonon...
Show moreThe paper discusses fundamentals of record-TC superconductivity discovered under high pressure in sulfur hydride. The rapid increase of TC with pressure in the vicinity of Pcr ≈ 123GPa is interpreted as the fingerprint of a first-order structural transition. Based on the cubic symmetry of the high-TC phase, it is argued that the lower-TC phase has a different periodicity, possibly related to an instability with a commensurate structural vector. In addition to the acoustic branches, the phonon spectrum of H3S contains hydrogen modes with much higher frequencies. Because of the complex spectrum, usual methods of calculating TC are here inapplicable. A modified approach is formulated and shown to provide realistic values for TC and to determine the relative contributions of optical and acoustic branches. The isotope effect (change of TC upon Deuterium for Hydrogen substitution) originates from high frequency phonons and differs in the two phases. The decrease of TC following its maximum in the high-TC phase is a sign of intermixing with pairing at hole-like pockets which arise in the energy spectrum of the cubic phase at the structural transition. On-pockets pairing leads to the appearance of a second gap and is remarkable for its non-adiabatic regime: hydrogen mode frequencies are comparable to the Fermi energy.
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Date Issued: 2016-05-11
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27167334, 10.1038/srep25608, PMC4863257, 27167334, 27167334, srep25608
Format: Citation

Title: Couple-Level Economic and Career Concerns and Intimate Partner Violence in Young Adulthood.
Creator: Copp, Jennifer E, Giordano, Peggy C, Manning, Wendy D, Longmore, Monica A
Abstract/Description: Family scholars have demonstrated that economic conditions influence marital quality and relationship instability. Similarly, researchers have identified low income and poverty as important risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV). Yet limited work has examined how economic factors influence the use of violence in the romantic context, particularly during young adulthood. Using the Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study ( = 928), we examine the influence of economic and career concerns...
Show moreFamily scholars have demonstrated that economic conditions influence marital quality and relationship instability. Similarly, researchers have identified low income and poverty as important risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV). Yet limited work has examined how economic factors influence the use of violence in the romantic context, particularly during young adulthood. Using the Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study ( = 928), we examine the influence of economic and career concerns as specific sources of conflict on IPV among a sample of young adults. Findings suggest that these areas of disagreement within romantic relationships are associated with IPV risk, net of traditional predictors. We discuss the implications of our findings for intervention and prevention efforts.
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Date Issued: 2016-06-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27284209, 10.1111/jomf.12282, PMC4894749, 27284209, 27284209
Format: Citation

Title: Acculturation Factors Related to Obesity of Latino American Men Nationwide.
Creator: Ai, Amy L, Appel, Hoa B, Lee, Jungup
Abstract/Description: Obesity is a public health epidemic, particularly among underrepresented populations. With a large proportion of immigrants, Latino Americans comprise the largest minority population in the United States. This study examined the association of acculturation factors with obesity among Latino American men ( n = 1,127) using the National Latino and Asian American Study. The result identified two acculturation-related factors (being U.S.-born and living in the United States for the longest period...
Show moreObesity is a public health epidemic, particularly among underrepresented populations. With a large proportion of immigrants, Latino Americans comprise the largest minority population in the United States. This study examined the association of acculturation factors with obesity among Latino American men ( n = 1,127) using the National Latino and Asian American Study. The result identified two acculturation-related factors (being U.S.-born and living in the United States for the longest period/5-10 years) as positive correlates. In contrast, a different study on obesity in Latino American women demonstrated discrimination, but not the above factors, as significant correlates. The men's pattern suggests that the Hispanic/Latino paradox might have greater implications for men with respect to weight issues. Furthermore, Mexican American and Other Latino American men presented a greater likelihood of being obese than Cuban and Puerto Rican men. The findings, if replicated in prospective research, suggest the need for gender- and ethnic-specific intervention for obesity in Latino American men, particularly for the largest subgroup, Mexican Americans.
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Date Issued: 2018-09-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27283432, 10.1177/1557988316653182, PMC6142145, 27283432, 27283432, 1557988316653182
Format: Citation

Title: Early goal-directed therapy in severe sepsis and septic shock: insights and comparisons to ProCESS, ProMISe, and ARISE..
Creator: Nguyen, H Bryant, Jaehne, Anja Kathrin, Jayaprakash, Namita, Semler, Matthew W, Hegab, Sara, Yataco, Angel Coz, Tatem, Geneva, Salem, Dhafer, Moore, Steven, Boka, Kamran, Gill,...
Show moreNguyen, H Bryant, Jaehne, Anja Kathrin, Jayaprakash, Namita, Semler, Matthew W, Hegab, Sara, Yataco, Angel Coz, Tatem, Geneva, Salem, Dhafer, Moore, Steven, Boka, Kamran, Gill, Jasreen Kaur, Gardner-Gray, Jayna, Pflaum, Jacqueline, Domecq, Juan Pablo, Hurst, Gina, Belsky, Justin B, Fowkes, Raymond, Elkin, Ronald B, Simpson, Steven Q, Falk, Jay L, Singer, Daniel J, Rivers, Emanuel P
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Abstract/Description: Prior to 2001 there was no standard for early management of severe sepsis and septic shock in the emergency department. In the presence of standard or usual care, the prevailing mortality was over 40-50 %. In response, a systems-based approach, similar to that in acute myocardial infarction, stroke and trauma, called early goal-directed therapy was compared to standard care and this clinical trial resulted in a significant mortality reduction. Since the publication of that trial, similar...
Show morePrior to 2001 there was no standard for early management of severe sepsis and septic shock in the emergency department. In the presence of standard or usual care, the prevailing mortality was over 40-50 %. In response, a systems-based approach, similar to that in acute myocardial infarction, stroke and trauma, called early goal-directed therapy was compared to standard care and this clinical trial resulted in a significant mortality reduction. Since the publication of that trial, similar outcome benefits have been reported in over 70 observational and randomized controlled studies comprising over 70,000 patients. As a result, early goal-directed therapy was largely incorporated into the first 6 hours of sepsis management (resuscitation bundle) adopted by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign and disseminated internationally as the standard of care for early sepsis management. Recently a trio of trials (ProCESS, ARISE, and ProMISe), while reporting an all-time low sepsis mortality, question the continued need for all of the elements of early goal-directed therapy or the need for protocolized care for patients with severe and septic shock. A review of the early hemodynamic pathogenesis, historical development, and definition of early goal-directed therapy, comparing trial conduction methodology and the changing landscape of sepsis mortality, are essential for an appropriate interpretation of these trials and their conclusions.
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Date Issued: 2016-07-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27364620, 10.1186/s13054-016-1288-3, PMC4929762, 27364620, 27364620, 10.1186/s13054-016-1288-3
Format: Citation

Title: Two Obese Patients with Presumptive Diagnosis of Anaphylactoid Syndrome of Pregnancy Presenting at a Community Hospital.
Creator: Kradel, Brian K, Hinson, Scarlett B, Smith, Carr J
Abstract/Description: Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy (ASP) is a rare but extremely serious complication, with an estimated incidence in North America of 1 in 15 200 deliveries. Despite its rarity, ASP is responsible for approximately 10% of all childbirth-associated deaths in the United States. At present, there is no validated biomarker or specific set of risk factors sufficiently predictive of ASP risk to incorporate into clinical practice. Toward the goal of developing a methodology predictive of an...
Show moreAnaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy (ASP) is a rare but extremely serious complication, with an estimated incidence in North America of 1 in 15 200 deliveries. Despite its rarity, ASP is responsible for approximately 10% of all childbirth-associated deaths in the United States. At present, there is no validated biomarker or specific set of risk factors sufficiently predictive of ASP risk to incorporate into clinical practice. Toward the goal of developing a methodology predictive of an impending ASP event for use by obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and other practitioners participating in infant deliveries, physicians encountering an ASP event have been encouraged to report the occurrence of a case and its biologically plausible risk factors. Herein, we report on 2 patients who presented with a presumptive diagnosis of ASP to the delivery unit of a community hospital. Patient One was a 21-year-old, obese (5'11" tall, 250 lbs., BMI 34.9) white female, 1 pregnancy, no live births (G1P0), estimated gestational age (EGA) 40.2 weeks. Patient Two was a 29-year-old, obese (5'7" tall, 307 lbs., BMI 48.1) Hispanic female, second pregnancy, with 1 previous live birth via C-section (G2P1-0-0-1). Her pregnancy was at gestational age 38 weeks plus 2 days. Patient One had 2 possible risk factors: administration of Pitocin to induce labor and post-coital spotting from recent intercourse. Patient Two suffered premature rupture of the placental membranes. Both Patient One and Patient Two had very high body mass indices (BMIs), at the 97th and 99th percentiles, respectively. In the relatively few cases of anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy described to date, this is the first report of a possible association with high BMI.
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Date Issued: 2016-07-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27363628, PMC4933560, 27363628, 27363628, 897984
Format: Citation

Title: Cocaine-induced neurodevelopmental deficits and underlying mechanisms.
Creator: Martin, Melissa M, Graham, Devon L, McCarthy, Deirdre M, Bhide, Pradeep G, Stanwood, Gregg D
Abstract/Description: Exposure to drugs early in life has complex and long-lasting implications for brain structure and function. This review summarizes work to date on the immediate and long-term effects of prenatal exposure to cocaine. In utero cocaine exposure produces disruptions in brain monoamines, particularly dopamine, during sensitive periods of brain development, and leads to permanent changes in specific brain circuits, molecules, and behavior. Here, we integrate clinical studies and significance with...
Show moreExposure to drugs early in life has complex and long-lasting implications for brain structure and function. This review summarizes work to date on the immediate and long-term effects of prenatal exposure to cocaine. In utero cocaine exposure produces disruptions in brain monoamines, particularly dopamine, during sensitive periods of brain development, and leads to permanent changes in specific brain circuits, molecules, and behavior. Here, we integrate clinical studies and significance with mechanistic preclinical studies, to define our current knowledge base and identify gaps for future investigation. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 108:147-173, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Date Issued: 2016-06-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27345015, 10.1002/bdrc.21132, PMC5538582, 27345015, 27345015
Format: Citation

Title: Prediction of individual differences in fear response by novelty seeking, and disruption of contextual fear memory reconsolidation by ketamine.
Creator: Duclot, Florian, Perez-Taboada, Iara, Wright, Katherine N, Kabbaj, Mohamed
Abstract/Description: Only a portion of the population exposed to trauma will develop persistent emotional alterations characteristic of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which illustrates the necessity for identifying vulnerability factors and novel pharmacotherapeutic alternatives. Interestingly, clinical evidence suggests that novelty seeking is a good predictor for vulnerability to the development of excessive and persistent fear. Here, we first tested this hypothesis by analyzing contextual and cued fear...
Show moreOnly a portion of the population exposed to trauma will develop persistent emotional alterations characteristic of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which illustrates the necessity for identifying vulnerability factors and novel pharmacotherapeutic alternatives. Interestingly, clinical evidence suggests that novelty seeking is a good predictor for vulnerability to the development of excessive and persistent fear. Here, we first tested this hypothesis by analyzing contextual and cued fear responses of rats selected for their high (high responders, HR) or low (low responders, LR) exploration of a novel environment, indicator of novelty seeking. While HR and LR rats exhibited similar sensitivity to the shock and cued fear memory retention, fewer extinction sessions were required in HR than LR animals to reach extinction, indicating faster contextual and cued memory extinction. In a second part, we found an effective disruption of contextual fear reconsolidation by the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine, associated with a down-regulation of early growth response 1 (Egr1) in the hippocampal CA1 area, and up-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) mRNA levels in the prelimbic and infralimbic cortices. Altogether, these data demonstrate a link between novelty seeking and conditioned fear extinction, and highlight a promising novel role of ketamine in affecting established fear memory.
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Date Issued: 2016-10-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27343386, 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.06.022, PMC5017153, 27343386, 27343386, S0028-3908(16)30275-1
Format: Citation

Title: GABAergic mechanisms contributing to categorical amygdala responses to chemosensory signals.
Creator: Westberry, Jenne M, Meredith, Michael
Abstract/Description: Chemosensory stimuli from conspecific and heterospecific animals, elicit categorically different immediate-early gene response-patterns in medial amygdala in male hamsters and mice. We previously showed that conspecific signals activate posterior (MeP) as well as anterior medial amygdala (MeA), and especially relevant heterospecific signals such as chemosensory stimuli from potential predators also activate MeP in mice. Other heterospecific chemosignals activate MeA, but not MeP. Here we show...
Show moreChemosensory stimuli from conspecific and heterospecific animals, elicit categorically different immediate-early gene response-patterns in medial amygdala in male hamsters and mice. We previously showed that conspecific signals activate posterior (MeP) as well as anterior medial amygdala (MeA), and especially relevant heterospecific signals such as chemosensory stimuli from potential predators also activate MeP in mice. Other heterospecific chemosignals activate MeA, but not MeP. Here we show that male hamster amygdala responds significantly differentially to different conspecific signals, by activating different proportions of cells of different phenotype, possibly leading to differential activation of downstream circuits. Heterospecific signals that fail to activate MeP do activate GABA-immunoreactive cells in the adjacent caudal main intercalated nucleus (mICNc) and elicit selective suppression of MeP cells bearing GABA-Receptors, suggesting GABA inhibition in MeP by GABAergic cells in mICNc. Overall, work presented here suggests that medial amygdala may discriminate between important conspecific social signals, distinguish them from the social signals of other species and convey that information to brain circuits eliciting appropriate social behavior.
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Date Issued: 2016-09-07
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27329335, 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.06.020, PMC4955787, 27329335, 27329335, S0306-4522(16)30250-0
Format: Citation

Title: Retinopathy and Uveitis Associated with Sofosbuvir Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C Infection.
Creator: Chin-Loy, Katrina, Galaydh, Farah, Shaikh, Saad
Abstract/Description: We report a case of retinopathy and uveitis associated with sofosbuvir therapy for hepatitis C infection. Case report. A 57-year-old-male developed ocular inflammation and retinopathy four weeks after the administration of sofosbuvir for a hepatitis C infection. Hearing loss, rheumatologic disease, and essential tremor were also noted. The ophthalmic findings resolved with discontinuation of the drug. The authors report a case of sofosbuvir induced retinopathy and uveitis, the first...
Show moreWe report a case of retinopathy and uveitis associated with sofosbuvir therapy for hepatitis C infection. Case report. A 57-year-old-male developed ocular inflammation and retinopathy four weeks after the administration of sofosbuvir for a hepatitis C infection. Hearing loss, rheumatologic disease, and essential tremor were also noted. The ophthalmic findings resolved with discontinuation of the drug. The authors report a case of sofosbuvir induced retinopathy and uveitis, the first associated with this emerging therapy for hepatitis C. Ophthalmologists and other treating physicians should be aware of the ophthalmic side effects of this drug.
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Date Issued: 2016-05-03
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27335709, 10.7759/cureus.597, PMC4895080, 27335709, 27335709
Format: Citation

Title: Small caliber covered self-expanding metal stents in the management of malignant dysphagia.
Creator: Kucera, Stephen, Barthel, James, Klapman, Jason, Shridhar, Ravi, Hoffe, Sarah, Harris, Cynthia, Almhanna, Khaldoun, Meredith, Kenneth
Abstract/Description: Use of large caliber [≥18 mm body diameter (BD)] self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) for management of malignant dysphasia is associated with substantial adverse event (AE) and mortality rates (MRs). We sought to determine dysphagia response, stent migration rates, and AE and MRs, for small caliber covered SEMS (sccSEMS) with BDs between 10-16 mm in malignant dysphagia. Thirty-one patients underwent direct endoscopic placement of 50 sccSEMS between January 2008 and March 2011. Patients were...
Show moreUse of large caliber [≥18 mm body diameter (BD)] self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) for management of malignant dysphasia is associated with substantial adverse event (AE) and mortality rates (MRs). We sought to determine dysphagia response, stent migration rates, and AE and MRs, for small caliber covered SEMS (sccSEMS) with BDs between 10-16 mm in malignant dysphagia. Thirty-one patients underwent direct endoscopic placement of 50 sccSEMS between January 2008 and March 2011. Patients were monitored for change in dysphagia score (DS), stent migration, AEs, and death through May 2011. DS improved in 30 of 31 patients (97%). The median DS decreased from 3 to 2 (P<0.0001). The median effective duration of first sccSEMS placement was 116 (95% CI: 75-196) days. Major and minor AE rates were 6.5% and 19.4% respectively. No stent related deaths were encountered. The overall migration rate was 36% (18/50). The anticipated migration rate was 45.7% (16/35) and the unanticipated migration rate was 13.3% (2/15) (P=0.052). Positive effective clinical outcome occurred in 93.5% (29/31) of cases. In malignant dysphagia, direct endoscopic sccSEMS placement provided acceptable dysphagia control and migration rates with substantial reductions in stent related AEs and MRs compared to those reported for large caliber SEMS.
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Date Issued: 2016-06-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27284474, 10.21037/jgo.2015.12.03, PMC4880758, 27284474, 27284474, jgo-07-03-411
Format: Citation

Title: The neurobiology of pair bond formation, bond disruption, and social buffering.
Creator: Lieberwirth, Claudia, Wang, Zuoxin
Abstract/Description: Enduring social bonds play an essential role in human society. These bonds positively affect psychological, physiological, and behavioral functions. Here, we review the recent literature on the neurobiology, particularly the role of oxytocin and dopamine, of pair bond formation, bond disruption, and social buffering effects on stress responses, from studies utilizing the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster).
Date Issued: 2016-10-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27290660, 10.1016/j.conb.2016.05.006, PMC5072360, 27290660, 27290660, S0959-4388(16)30065-4
Format: Citation

Title: Crystallization of spin superlattices with pressure and field in the layered magnet SrCu2(BO3)2.
Creator: Haravifard, S, Graf, D, Feiguin, A E, Batista, C D, Lang, J C, Silevitch, D M, Srajer, G, Gaulin, B D, Dabkowska, H A, Rosenbaum, T F
Abstract/Description: An exact mapping between quantum spins and boson gases provides fresh approaches to the creation of quantum condensates and crystals. Here we report on magnetization measurements on the dimerized quantum magnet SrCu2(BO3)2 at cryogenic temperatures and through a quantum-phase transition that demonstrate the emergence of fractionally filled bosonic crystals in mesoscopic patterns, specified by a sequence of magnetization plateaus. We apply tens of Teslas of magnetic field to tune the density...
Show moreAn exact mapping between quantum spins and boson gases provides fresh approaches to the creation of quantum condensates and crystals. Here we report on magnetization measurements on the dimerized quantum magnet SrCu2(BO3)2 at cryogenic temperatures and through a quantum-phase transition that demonstrate the emergence of fractionally filled bosonic crystals in mesoscopic patterns, specified by a sequence of magnetization plateaus. We apply tens of Teslas of magnetic field to tune the density of bosons and gigapascals of hydrostatic pressure to regulate the underlying interactions. Simulations help parse the balance between energy and geometry in the emergent spin superlattices. The magnetic crystallites are the end result of a progression from a direct product of singlet states in each short dimer at zero field to preferred filling fractions of spin-triplet bosons in each dimer at large magnetic field, enriching the known possibilities for collective states in both quantum spin and atomic systems.
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Date Issued: 2016-06-20
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27320787, 10.1038/ncomms11956, PMC4915149, 27320787, 27320787, ncomms11956
Format: Citation

Title: Fast Method for Computing Chemical Potentials and Liquid-Liquid Phase Equilibria of Macromolecular Solutions.
Creator: Qin, Sanbo, Zhou, Huan-Xiang
Abstract/Description: Chemical potential is a fundamental property for determining thermodynamic equilibria involving exchange of molecules, such as between two phases of molecular systems. Previously, we developed the fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based method for Modeling Atomistic Protein-crowder interactions (FMAP) to calculate excess chemical potentials according to the Widom insertion. Intermolecular interaction energies were expressed as correlation functions and evaluated via FFT. Here, we extend this...
Show moreChemical potential is a fundamental property for determining thermodynamic equilibria involving exchange of molecules, such as between two phases of molecular systems. Previously, we developed the fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based method for Modeling Atomistic Protein-crowder interactions (FMAP) to calculate excess chemical potentials according to the Widom insertion. Intermolecular interaction energies were expressed as correlation functions and evaluated via FFT. Here, we extend this method to calculate liquid-liquid phase equilibria of macromolecular solutions. Chemical potentials are calculated by FMAP over a wide range of molecular densities, and the condition for coexistence of low- and high-density phases is determined by the Maxwell equal-area rule. When benchmarked on Lennard-Jones fluids, our method produces an accurate phase diagram at 18% of the computational cost of the current best method. Importantly, the gain in computational speed increases dramatically as the molecules become more complex, leading to many orders of magnitude in speed up for atomistically represented proteins. We demonstrate the power of FMAP by reporting the first results for the liquid-liquid coexistence curve of γII-crystallin represented at the all-atom level. Our method may thus open the door to accurate determination of phase equilibria for macromolecular mixtures such as protein-protein mixtures and protein-RNA mixtures, that are known to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation, both in vitro and in vivo.
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Date Issued: 2016-08-25
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27327881, 10.1021/acs.jpcb.6b01607, PMC5011432, 27327881, 27327881
Format: Citation

Title: Electrostatic effects on the folding stability of FKBP12.
Creator: Batra, Jyotica, Tjong, Harianto, Zhou, Huan-Xiang
Abstract/Description: The roles of electrostatic interactions in protein folding stability have been a matter of debate, largely due to the complexity in the theoretical treatment of these interactions. We have developed computational methods for calculating electrostatic effects on protein folding stability. To rigorously test and further refine these methods, here we carried out experimental studies into electrostatic effects on the folding stability of the human 12-kD FK506 binding protein (FKBP12). This...
Show moreThe roles of electrostatic interactions in protein folding stability have been a matter of debate, largely due to the complexity in the theoretical treatment of these interactions. We have developed computational methods for calculating electrostatic effects on protein folding stability. To rigorously test and further refine these methods, here we carried out experimental studies into electrostatic effects on the folding stability of the human 12-kD FK506 binding protein (FKBP12). This protein has a close homologue, FKBP12.6, with amino acid substitutions in only 18 of their 107 residues. Of the 18 substitutions, 8 involve charged residues. Upon mutating FKBP12 residues at these 8 positions individually into the counterparts in FKBP12.6, the unfolding free energy (ΔGu) of FKBP12 changed by -0.3 to 0.7 kcal/mol. Accumulating stabilizing substitutions resulted in a mutant with a 0.9 kcal/mol increase in stability. Additional charge mutations were grafted from a thermophilic homologue, MtFKBP17, which aligns to FKBP12 with 31% sequence identity over 89 positions. Eleven such charge mutations were studied, with ΔΔGu varying from -2.9 to 0.1 kcal/mol. The predicted electrostatic effects by our computational methods with refinements herein had a root-mean-square deviation of 0.9 kcal/mol from the experimental ΔΔGu values on 16 single mutations of FKBP12. The difference in ΔΔGu between mutations grafted from FKBP12.6 and those from MtFKBP17 suggests that more distant homologues are less able to provide guidance for enhancing folding stability.
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Date Issued: 2016-08-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27381026, 10.1093/protein/gzw014, PMC4955870, 27381026, 27381026, gzw014
Format: Citation

Title: Elevated Resistin Gene Expression in African American Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Negative Breast Cancer.
Creator: Vallega, Karin A, Liu, NingNing, Myers, Jennifer S, Yu, Kaixian, Sang, Qing-Xiang Amy
Abstract/Description: African American (AA) women diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to have aggressive subtypes. Investigating differentially expressed genes between patient populations may help explain racial health disparities. Resistin, one such gene, is linked to inflammation, obesity, and breast cancer risk. Previous studies indicated that resistin expression is higher in serum and tissue of AA breast cancer patients compared to Caucasian American (CA) patients. However, resistin expression levels...
Show moreAfrican American (AA) women diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to have aggressive subtypes. Investigating differentially expressed genes between patient populations may help explain racial health disparities. Resistin, one such gene, is linked to inflammation, obesity, and breast cancer risk. Previous studies indicated that resistin expression is higher in serum and tissue of AA breast cancer patients compared to Caucasian American (CA) patients. However, resistin expression levels have not been compared between AA and CA patients in a stage- and subtype-specific context. Breast cancer prognosis and treatments vary by subtype. This work investigates differential resistin gene expression in human breast cancer tissues of specific stages, receptor subtypes, and menopause statuses in AA and CA women. Differential gene expression analysis was performed using human breast cancer gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We performed inter-race resistin gene expression level comparisons looking at receptor status and stage-specific data between AA and CA samples. DESeq was run to test for differentially expressed resistin values. Resistin RNA was higher in AA women overall, with highest values in receptor negative subtypes. Estrogen-, progesterone-, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2- negative groups showed statistically significant elevated resistin levels in Stage I and II AA women compared to CA women. In inter-racial comparisons, AA women had significantly higher levels of resistin regardless of menopause status. In whole population comparisons, resistin expression was higher among Stage I and III estrogen receptor negative cases. In comparisons of molecular subtypes, resistin levels were significant higher in triple negative than in luminal A breast cancer. Resistin gene expression levels were significantly higher in receptor negative subtypes, especially estrogen receptor negative cases in AA women. Resistin may serve as an early breast cancer biomarker and possible therapeutic target for AA breast cancer.
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Date Issued: 2016-06-17
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27314854, 10.1371/journal.pone.0157741, PMC4912107, 27314854, 27314854, PONE-D-16-17121
Format: Citation

Title: Marijuana use and viral suppression in persons receiving medical care for HIV-infection.
Creator: Okafor, Chukwuemeka N, Zhou, Zhi, Burrell, Larry E, Kelso, Natalie E, Whitehead, Nicole E, Harman, Jeffery S, Cook, Christa L, Cook, Robert L
Abstract/Description: Marijuana use is common among persons living with HIV (PLWH), but studies on its effect on HIV clinical outcomes are limited. We determined the association between marijuana use and HIV viral suppression among PLWH. Data came from five repeated cross-sections (2009-2013) of the Florida Medical Monitoring Project, a population-based sample of PLWH in Florida. Data were obtained via interview and medical record abstraction (MRA). Weighted logistic regression models were used to determine the...
Show moreMarijuana use is common among persons living with HIV (PLWH), but studies on its effect on HIV clinical outcomes are limited. We determined the association between marijuana use and HIV viral suppression among PLWH. Data came from five repeated cross-sections (2009-2013) of the Florida Medical Monitoring Project, a population-based sample of PLWH in Florida. Data were obtained via interview and medical record abstraction (MRA). Weighted logistic regression models were used to determine the association between marijuana use (past 12 months) and durable viral suppression (HIV-1 RNA value of ≤ 200 copies/milliliter in all measurements within the past 12 months). Of the 1,902 PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy, completed an interview, and had a linked MRA, 20% reported marijuana use (13% less than daily and 7% daily use) and 73% achieved durable viral suppression. In multivariable analysis, marijuana use was not significantly associated with durable viral suppression in daily [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58, 1.33] or in less than daily [AOR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.51, 1.37] users as compared to non-users when adjusting for sociodemographic factors, time since HIV diagnosis, depressive symptoms, alcohol, cigarette and other substance use. In this sample of PLWH receiving medical care in Florida, there was no statistically significant association between marijuana use and viral suppression. However, as the limits of the confidence intervals include effects that may be considered to be clinically important, there is a need for additional evidence from other samples and settings that include more marijuana users.
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Date Issued: 2017-01-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27398989, 10.1080/00952990.2016.1191505, PMC5226929, 27398989, 27398989
Format: Citation

Title: Improving Adolescent Health Risk Assessment: A Multi-method Pilot Study..
Creator: Thompson, Lindsay A, Wegman, Martin, Muller, Keith, Eddleton, Katie Z, Muszynski, Michael, Rathore, Mobeen, De Leon, Jessica, Shenkman, Elizabeth A
Abstract/Description: Objectives Given poor compliance by providers with adolescent health risk assessment (HRA) in primary care, we describe the development and feasibility of using a health information technology (HIT)-enhanced HRA to improve the frequency of HRAs in diverse clinical settings, asking adolescents' recall of quality of care as a primary outcome. Methods We conducted focus groups and surveys with key stakeholders (Phase I) , including adolescents, clinic staff and providers to design and implement...
Show moreObjectives Given poor compliance by providers with adolescent health risk assessment (HRA) in primary care, we describe the development and feasibility of using a health information technology (HIT)-enhanced HRA to improve the frequency of HRAs in diverse clinical settings, asking adolescents' recall of quality of care as a primary outcome. Methods We conducted focus groups and surveys with key stakeholders (Phase I) , including adolescents, clinic staff and providers to design and implement an intervention in a practice-based research network delivering private, comprehensive HRAs via tablet (Phase II). Providers and adolescents received geo-coded community resources according to individualized risks. Following the point-of-care implementation , we collected patient-reported outcomes using post-visit quality surveys (Phase III). Patient-reported outcomes from intervention and comparison clinics were analyzed using a mixed-model, fitted separately for each survey domain. Results Stakeholders agreed upon an HIT-enhanced HRA (Phase I). Twenty-two academic and community practices in north-central Florida then recruited 609 diverse adolescents (14-18 years) during primary care visits over 6 months; (mean patients enrolled = 28; median = 20; range 1-116; Phase II). Adolescents receiving the intervention later reported higher receipt of confidential/private care and counseling related to emotions and relationships (adjusted scores 0.42 vs 0.08 out of 1.0, p < .01; 0.85 vs 0.57, p < .001, respectively, Phase III) than those receiving usual care. Both are important quality indicators for adolescent well-child visits. Conclusions Stakeholder input was critical to the acceptability of the HIT-enhanced HRA. Patient recruitment data indicate that the intervention was feasible in a variety of clinical settings and the pilot evaluation data indicate that the intervention may improve adolescents' perceptions of high quality care.
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Date Issued: 2016-12-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27406154, 10.1007/s10995-016-2070-5, PMC5124035, 27406154, 27406154, 10.1007/s10995-016-2070-5
Format: Citation

Title: Mining Twitter to Assess the Public Perception of the "Internet of Things".
Creator: Bian, Jiang, Yoshigoe, Kenji, Hicks, Amanda, Yuan, Jiawei, He, Zhe, Xie, Mengjun, Guo, Yi, Prosperi, Mattia, Salloum, Ramzi, Modave, François
Abstract/Description: Social media analysis has shown tremendous potential to understand public's opinion on a wide variety of topics. In this paper, we have mined Twitter to understand the public's perception of the Internet of Things (IoT). We first generated the discussion trends of the IoT from multiple Twitter data sources and validated these trends with Google Trends. We then performed sentiment analysis to gain insights of the public's attitude towards the IoT. As anticipated, our analysis indicates that...
Show moreSocial media analysis has shown tremendous potential to understand public's opinion on a wide variety of topics. In this paper, we have mined Twitter to understand the public's perception of the Internet of Things (IoT). We first generated the discussion trends of the IoT from multiple Twitter data sources and validated these trends with Google Trends. We then performed sentiment analysis to gain insights of the public's attitude towards the IoT. As anticipated, our analysis indicates that the public's perception of the IoT is predominantly positive. Further, through topic modeling, we learned that public tweets discussing the IoT were often focused on business and technology. However, the public has great concerns about privacy and security issues toward the IoT based on the frequent appearance of related terms. Nevertheless, no unexpected perceptions were identified through our analysis. Our analysis was challenged by the limited fraction of tweets relevant to our study. Also, the user demographics of Twitter users may not be strongly representative of the population of the general public.
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Date Issued: 2016-07-08
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27391760, 10.1371/journal.pone.0158450, PMC4938510, 27391760, 27391760, PONE-D-15-54733
Format: Citation

Title: A value proposition for early physical therapist management of neck pain: a retrospective cohort analysis..
Creator: Horn, Maggie E, Brennan, Gerard P, George, Steven Z, Harman, Jeffrey S, Bishop, Mark D
Abstract/Description: Neck pain is one of the most common reasons for entry into the healthcare system. Recent increases in healthcare utilization and medical costs have not correlated with improvements in health. Therefore there is a need to identify management strategies for neck pain that are effective for the patient, cost efficient for the payer and provided at the optimal time during an episode of neck pain. One thousand five hundred thirty-one patients who underwent physical therapist management with a...
Show moreNeck pain is one of the most common reasons for entry into the healthcare system. Recent increases in healthcare utilization and medical costs have not correlated with improvements in health. Therefore there is a need to identify management strategies for neck pain that are effective for the patient, cost efficient for the payer and provided at the optimal time during an episode of neck pain. One thousand five hundred thirty-one patients who underwent physical therapist management with a primary complaint of non-specific neck pain from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2012 were identified from the Rehabilitation Outcomes Management System (ROMS) database at Intermountain Healthcare. Patients reporting duration of symptoms less than 4 weeks were designated as undergoing "early" management and patients with duration of symptoms greater than 4 weeks were designated as receiving "delayed" management. These groups were compared using binary logistic regression to examine odds of achieving Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) on the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Separate generalized linear modeling examined the effect of timing of physical therapist management on the metrics of value and efficiency. Patients who received early physical therapist management had increased odds of achieving MCID on the NDI (aOR = 2.01, 95 % CI 1.57, 2.56) and MCID on the NPRS (aOR = 1.82, 95 % CI 1.42, 2.38), when compared to patients receiving delayed management. Patients who received early management demonstrated the greatest value in decreasing disability with a 2.27 percentage point change in NDI score per 100 dollars, best value in decreasing pain with a 0.38 point change on the NPRS per 100 dollars. Finally, patients receiving early management were managed more efficiently with a 3.44 percentage point change in NDI score per visit and 0.57 point change in NPRS score per visit. These findings suggest that healthcare systems that provide pathways for patients to receive early physical therapist management of neck pain may realize improved patient outcomes, greater value and higher efficiency in decreasing disability and pain compared to delayed management. Further research is needed to confirm this assertion.
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Date Issued: 2016-07-12
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27405318, 10.1186/s12913-016-1504-5, PMC4942887, 27405318, 27405318, 10.1186/s12913-016-1504-5
Format: Citation

Title: Combined DSEK and Transconjunctival Pars Plana Vitrectomy.
Creator: Sane, Mona, Shaikh, Naazli, Shaikh, Saad
Abstract/Description: We report here three patients who underwent combined Descemet's stripping with endothelial keratoplasty and transconjunctival pars plana vitrectomy for bullous keratopathy and posterior segment pathology. A surgical technique and case histories are described. Anatomic and visual outcomes of combined Descemet's stripping with endothelial keratoplasty and vitrectomy were excellent. Our experience provides technical guidelines and limitations. The combined minimally invasive techniques allow for...
Show moreWe report here three patients who underwent combined Descemet's stripping with endothelial keratoplasty and transconjunctival pars plana vitrectomy for bullous keratopathy and posterior segment pathology. A surgical technique and case histories are described. Anatomic and visual outcomes of combined Descemet's stripping with endothelial keratoplasty and vitrectomy were excellent. Our experience provides technical guidelines and limitations. The combined minimally invasive techniques allow for rapid anatomical recovery and return of function and visual acuity in a single sitting.
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Date Issued: 2016-01-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27413563, 10.1155/2016/9728035, PMC4927958, 27413563, 27413563
Format: Citation

Title: Label-Free Relative Quantitation of Isobaric and Isomeric Human Histone H2A and H2B Variants by Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Top-Down MS/MS.
Creator: Dang, Xibei, Singh, Amar, Spetman, Brian D, Nolan, Krystal D, Isaacs, Jennifer S, Dennis, Jonathan H, Dalton, Stephen, Marshall, Alan G, Young, Nicolas L
Abstract/Description: Histone variants are known to play a central role in genome regulation and maintenance. However, many variants are inaccessible by antibody-based methods or bottom-up tandem mass spectrometry due to their highly similar sequences. For many, the only tractable approach is with intact protein top-down tandem mass spectrometry. Here, ultra-high-resolution FT-ICR MS and MS/MS yield quantitative relative abundances of all detected HeLa H2A and H2B isobaric and isomeric variants with a label-free...
Show moreHistone variants are known to play a central role in genome regulation and maintenance. However, many variants are inaccessible by antibody-based methods or bottom-up tandem mass spectrometry due to their highly similar sequences. For many, the only tractable approach is with intact protein top-down tandem mass spectrometry. Here, ultra-high-resolution FT-ICR MS and MS/MS yield quantitative relative abundances of all detected HeLa H2A and H2B isobaric and isomeric variants with a label-free approach. We extend the analysis to identify and relatively quantitate 16 proteoforms from 12 sequence variants of histone H2A and 10 proteoforms of histone H2B from three other cell lines: human embryonic stem cells (WA09), U937, and a prostate cancer cell line LaZ. The top-down MS/MS approach provides a path forward for more extensive elucidation of the biological role of many previously unstudied histone variants and post-translational modifications.
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Date Issued: 2016-09-02
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27431976, 10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00414, PMC6261780, 27431976, 27431976
Format: Citation

Title: An insight into the thermodynamic characteristics of human thrombopoietin complexation with TN1 antibody.
Creator: Arai, Shigeki, Shibazaki, Chie, Adachi, Motoyasu, Honjo, Eijiro, Tamada, Taro, Maeda, Yoshitake, Tahara, Tomoyuki, Kato, Takashi, Miyazaki, Hiroshi, Blaber, Michael, Kuroki, Ryota
Abstract/Description: Human thrombopoietin (hTPO) primarily stimulates megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production and is neutralized by the mouse TN1 antibody. The thermodynamic characteristics of TN1 antibody-hTPO complexation were analyzed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) using an antigen-binding fragment (Fab) derived from the TN1 antibody (TN1-Fab). To clarify the mechanism by which hTPO is recognized by TN1-Fab the conformation of free TN1-Fab was determined to a resolution of 2.0 Å using X-ray...
Show moreHuman thrombopoietin (hTPO) primarily stimulates megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production and is neutralized by the mouse TN1 antibody. The thermodynamic characteristics of TN1 antibody-hTPO complexation were analyzed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) using an antigen-binding fragment (Fab) derived from the TN1 antibody (TN1-Fab). To clarify the mechanism by which hTPO is recognized by TN1-Fab the conformation of free TN1-Fab was determined to a resolution of 2.0 Å using X-ray crystallography and compared with the hTPO-bound form of TN1-Fab determined by a previous study. This structural comparison revealed that the conformation of TN1-Fab does not substantially change after hTPO binding and a set of 15 water molecules is released from the antigen-binding site (paratope) of TN1-Fab upon hTPO complexation. Interestingly, the heat capacity change (ΔCp) measured by ITC (-1.52 ± 0.05 kJ mol(-1) K(-1) ) differed significantly from calculations based upon the X-ray structure data of the hTPO-bound and unbound forms of TN1-Fab (-1.02 ∼ 0.25 kJ mol(-1) K(-1) ) suggesting that hTPO undergoes an induced-fit conformational change combined with significant desolvation upon TN1-Fab binding. The results shed light on the structural biology associated with neutralizing antibody recognition.
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Date Issued: 2016-10-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27419667, 10.1002/pro.2985, PMC5029525, 27419667, 27419667
Format: Citation

Title: Examining Healthcare Utilization Patterns of Elderly Middle-Aged Adults in the United States.
Creator: Zayas, Cilia E, He, Zhe, Yuan, Jiawei, Maldonado-Molina, Mildred, Hogan, William, Modave, François, Guo, Yi, Bian, Jiang
Abstract/Description: Elderly patients, aged 65 or older, make up 13.5% of the U.S. population, but represent 45.2% of the top 10% of healthcare utilizers, in terms of expenditures. Middle-aged Americans, aged 45 to 64 make up another 37.0% of that category. Given the high demand for healthcare services by the aforementioned population, it is important to identify high-cost users of healthcare systems and, more importantly, ineffective utilization patterns to highlight where targeted interventions could be placed...
Show moreElderly patients, aged 65 or older, make up 13.5% of the U.S. population, but represent 45.2% of the top 10% of healthcare utilizers, in terms of expenditures. Middle-aged Americans, aged 45 to 64 make up another 37.0% of that category. Given the high demand for healthcare services by the aforementioned population, it is important to identify high-cost users of healthcare systems and, more importantly, ineffective utilization patterns to highlight where targeted interventions could be placed to improve care delivery. In this work, we present a novel multi-level framework applying machine learning (ML) methods (i.e., random forest regression and hierarchical clustering) to group patients with similar utilization profiles into clusters. We use a vector space model to characterize a patient's utilization profile as the number of visits to different care providers and prescribed medications. We applied the proposed methods using the 2013 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS) dataset. We identified clusters of healthcare utilization patterns of elderly and middle-aged adults in the United States, and assessed the general and clinical characteristics associated with these utilization patterns. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework to model healthcare utilization patterns. Understanding of these patterns can be used to guide healthcare policy-making and practice.
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Date Issued: 2016-05-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27430035, PMC4946167, 27430035, 27430035
Format: Citation

Title: Achalasia: A case report on its effect during surgical decision making for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in the young morbidly obese patient..
Creator: Oviedo, Rodolfo J, Sofiak, Chase W, Dixon, Bruce M
Abstract/Description: Achalasia is a condition that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to properly relax, combined with slowing/failure of esophageal peristalsis. This is seen clinically by not allowing solids and liquids to pass easily into the stomach. Achalasia is not historically associated with morbid obesity, yet dual treatment of morbid obesity and achalasia is becoming more prominent due to the worldwide obesity epidemic. Achalasia is typically a disease that affects non-obese adults...
Show moreAchalasia is a condition that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to properly relax, combined with slowing/failure of esophageal peristalsis. This is seen clinically by not allowing solids and liquids to pass easily into the stomach. Achalasia is not historically associated with morbid obesity, yet dual treatment of morbid obesity and achalasia is becoming more prominent due to the worldwide obesity epidemic. Achalasia is typically a disease that affects non-obese adults over the age of 55, which makes the discussion of this case report unique in that our patient is a 23 year-old woman who successfully underwent per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in preparation for a future laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. There is sparse literature on combining laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and partial fundoplication versus POEM with either restrictive or malabsorptive minimally invasive bariatric procedures. LHM and partial fundoplication have long been considered the gold standard surgical treatment for achalasia by disrupting both the longitudinal and circular muscle layers of the LES. The newer, less invasive, POEM technique will be compared to the gold standard LHM and Dor fundoplication in this uncharacteristically young morbidly obese achalasia patient. The decision to pursue a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy over a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was multifactorial due to the patient's concerns regarding malabsorption of vitamins and nutrients in the event of a future pregnancy. The patient has already undergone a POEM procedure, which was chosen to maintain the gastric fundus, cardia, and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) architecture as opposed to a LHM with Dor fundoplication, which would have altered the anatomy, thus making a concomitant laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy an unfeasible option.
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Date Issued: 2016-01-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27423062, 10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.06.046, PMC4949807, 27423062, 27423062, S2210-2612(16)30230-9
Format: Citation

Title: Postsynaptic Fmrp Regulates Synaptogenesis In Vivo In The Developing Cochlear Nucleus.
Creator: Wang, Xiaoyu, Zorio, Diego A. R., Schecterson, Leslayann, Lu, Yong, Wang, Yuan
Abstract/Description: A global loss of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP; encoded by the Fmr1 gene) leads to sensory dysfunction and intellectual disabilities. One underlying mechanism of these phenotypes is structural and functional deficits in synapses. Here, we determined the autonomous function of postsynaptic FMRP in circuit formation, synaptogenesis, and synaptic maturation. In normal cochlea nucleus, presynaptic auditory axons form large axosomatic endbulb synapses on cell bodies of...
Show moreA global loss of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP; encoded by the Fmr1 gene) leads to sensory dysfunction and intellectual disabilities. One underlying mechanism of these phenotypes is structural and functional deficits in synapses. Here, we determined the autonomous function of postsynaptic FMRP in circuit formation, synaptogenesis, and synaptic maturation. In normal cochlea nucleus, presynaptic auditory axons form large axosomatic endbulb synapses on cell bodies of postsynaptic bushy neurons. In ovo electroporation of drug-inducible Fmr1-shRNA constructs produced a mosaicism of FMRP expression in chicken (either sex) bushy neurons, leading to reduced FMRP levels in transfected, but not neighboring nontransfected, neurons. Structural analyses revealed that postsynaptic FMRP reduction led to smaller size and abnormal morphology of individual presynaptic endbulbs at both early and later developmental stages. We further examined whether FMRP reduction affects dendritic development, as a potential mechanism underlying defective endbulb formation. Normally, chicken bushy neurons grow extensive dendrites at early stages and retract these dendrites when endbulbs begin to form. Neurons transfected with Fmr1 shRNA exhibited a remarkable delay in branch retraction, failing to provide necessary somatic surface for timely formation and growth of large endbulbs. Patch-clamp recording verified functional consequences of dendritic and synaptic deficits on neurotransmission, showing smaller amplitudes and slower kinetics of spontaneous and evoked EPSCs. Together, these data demonstrate that proper levels of postsynaptic FMRP are required for timely maturation of somatodendritic morphology, a delay of which may affect synaptogenesis and thus contribute to long-lasting deficits of excitatory synapses.
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Date Issued: 2018-07-18
Identifier: FSU_libsubv1_wos_000439698400004, 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0665-18.2018
Format: Citation

Title: Open chromatin reveals the functional maize genome.
Creator: Rodgers-Melnick, Eli, Vera, Daniel L, Bass, Hank W, Buckler, Edward S
Abstract/Description: Cellular processes mediated through nuclear DNA must contend with chromatin. Chromatin structural assays can efficiently integrate information across diverse regulatory elements, revealing the functional noncoding genome. In this study, we use a differential nuclease sensitivity assay based on micrococcal nuclease (MNase) digestion to discover open chromatin regions in the maize genome. We find that maize MNase-hypersensitive (MNase HS) regions localize around active genes and within...
Show moreCellular processes mediated through nuclear DNA must contend with chromatin. Chromatin structural assays can efficiently integrate information across diverse regulatory elements, revealing the functional noncoding genome. In this study, we use a differential nuclease sensitivity assay based on micrococcal nuclease (MNase) digestion to discover open chromatin regions in the maize genome. We find that maize MNase-hypersensitive (MNase HS) regions localize around active genes and within recombination hotspots, focusing biased gene conversion at their flanks. Although MNase HS regions map to less than 1% of the genome, they consistently explain a remarkably large amount (∼40%) of heritable phenotypic variance in diverse complex traits. MNase HS regions are therefore on par with coding sequences as annotations that demarcate the functional parts of the maize genome. These results imply that less than 3% of the maize genome (coding and MNase HS regions) may give rise to the overwhelming majority of phenotypic variation, greatly narrowing the scope of the functional genome.
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Date Issued: 2016-05-31
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27185945, 10.1073/pnas.1525244113, PMC4896728, 27185945, 27185945, 1525244113
Format: Citation

Title: Quantitative assessment of fluorescent proteins.
Creator: Cranfill, Paula J, Sell, Brittney R, Baird, Michelle A, Allen, John R, Lavagnino, Zeno, de Gruiter, H Martijn, Kremers, Gert-Jan, Davidson, Michael W, Ustione, Alessandro,...
Show moreCranfill, Paula J, Sell, Brittney R, Baird, Michelle A, Allen, John R, Lavagnino, Zeno, de Gruiter, H Martijn, Kremers, Gert-Jan, Davidson, Michael W, Ustione, Alessandro, Piston, David W
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Abstract/Description: The advent of fluorescent proteins (FPs) for genetic labeling of molecules and cells has revolutionized fluorescence microscopy. Genetic manipulations have created a vast array of bright and stable FPs spanning blue to red spectral regions. Common to autofluorescent FPs is their tight β-barrel structure, which provides the rigidity and chemical environment needed for effectual fluorescence. Despite the common structure, each FP has unique properties. Thus, there is no single 'best' FP for...
Show moreThe advent of fluorescent proteins (FPs) for genetic labeling of molecules and cells has revolutionized fluorescence microscopy. Genetic manipulations have created a vast array of bright and stable FPs spanning blue to red spectral regions. Common to autofluorescent FPs is their tight β-barrel structure, which provides the rigidity and chemical environment needed for effectual fluorescence. Despite the common structure, each FP has unique properties. Thus, there is no single 'best' FP for every circumstance, and each FP has advantages and disadvantages. To guide decisions about which FP is right for a given application, we have quantitatively characterized the brightness, photostability, pH stability and monomeric properties of more than 40 FPs to enable straightforward and direct comparison between them. We focus on popular and/or top-performing FPs in each spectral region.
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Date Issued: 2016-07-01
Identifier: FSU_pmch_27240257, 10.1038/nmeth.3891, PMC4927352, 27240257, 27240257, nmeth.3891
Format: Citation

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