bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paratuberculosis (Johne's Disease) in Cattle and Other Susceptible Species
Authors: Sweeney R.W. , Collins M.T. , Koets A.P. , McGuirk S.M. , Roussel A.J.
Published: October 2012

Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) is a widespread and costly disease. This consensus statement will summarize recommendations regarding diagnosis, control, and treatment of Johne's disease in cattle and other species. Each section of recommendations is followed by a statement that subjectively characterizes the strength of the supporting evidence. The role played byMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP) in the pathogenesis has been a matter of controversy for many years. This statement concludes with an assessment of the evidence in favor of MAP as a potential zoonotic pathogen.
Does subgroup membership information lead to better estimation of true subscores?
Authors: Haberman Shelby J. , Sinharay Sandip
Published: October 2012

Haberman (2008) suggested a method to determine if subtest scores have added value over the total score. The method is based on classical test theory and considers the estimation of the true subscores. Performance of subgroups, for example, those based on gender or ethnicity, on subtests is often of interest. Researchers such as Stricker (1993) and Livingston and Rupp (2004) found that the difference in performance between the subgroups often varies over the different subtests. We suggest a method to examine whether the knowledge of the subgroup membership of the examinees leads to a better estimation of the true subscores. We apply our suggested method to data from two operational testing programmes. The knowledge of the subgroup membership of the examinees does not lead to a better estimation of the true subscore for the data sets.
Role of Alumina Buffer Layer on the Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of PZT System Thick Films
Authors: Shin Tae Hee , Ha Jong‐Yoon , Song Hyun Cheol , Yoon Seok‐Jin , Hwang Seong‐Ju , Nahm Sahn , Park Hyung‐Ho , Choi Ji‐Won
Published: October 2012

Piezoelectric properties of screen‐printed thick films, 0.01Pb(Mg1/2W1/2)O3–0.41Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.35PbTiO3–0.23PbZrO3 + 0.1 wt% Y2O3 + 1.5 wt% ZnO (PMW–PNN–PT–PZ+YZ) on alumina (Al2O3) buffer layers deposited on Si substrates, were studied. To improve piezoelectric properties of and integrate the PMW–PNN–PT–PZ+YZ thick films, the Al2O3 buffer layers on silicon (Si) substrates were used. The Al2O3 buffer layer on the Si substrate suppressed the pyrochlore phases of the piezoelectric thick films and prevented interdiffusion of Si and Pb. The PMW–PNN–PT–PZ+YZ thick films with 900 nm thick Al2O3 buffer layer showed piezoelectric properties such as Pr = 32 μC/cm2, Ec = 25 kV/cm, and d33 = 32 pC/N. These significant piezoelectric properties of our screen‐printed PMW–PNN–PT–PZ+YZ thick films by the Al2O3 buffer layers can be applied to functional thick film in many micro‐electromechanical system (MEMS) applications such as micro actuators and sensors.
Investigation of Optimal Growth Conditions of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3–Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8 Heterostructures
Authors: Daniel Paul Joseph , Lin Jauyn Grace
Published: October 2012

The deposition conditions of less explored La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) and Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8 (Bi‐2212) heterostructures are investigated in terms of two different deposition orders. One is in the order of Bi‐2212/LSMO and the other is LSMO/Bi‐2212. The experimental results indicate the metal‐insulator transition (TMI) and Curie temperature (TCurie) of LSMO as well as the superconducting critical transition (TC) of the Bi‐2212 to be very sensitive to the order of deposition. In Bi‐2212/LSMO, due to factors such as strain, roughness, and degree of oxygenation, superconductivity is not stabilized to interact with LSMO. Whereas the LSMO/Bi‐2212 order of deposition displays both superconductivity and ferromagnetic behavior for a single post annealing condition. In LSMO/Bi‐2212, depositing Bi‐2212 as a top layer and post annealing in air is crucial to achieve optimal carrier concentration for exhibiting high TC.
Using virtual species to study species distributions and model performance
Authors: Meynard Christine N. , Kaplan David M.
Published: October 2012

Simulations of virtual species (i.e. species for which the environment–occupancy relationships are known) are increasingly being used to test the effects of different aspects of modelling and sampling strategy on performance of species distribution models (SDMs). Here we discuss an important step of the simulation process: the translation of simulated probabilities of occurrence into patterns of presence and absence. Often a threshold strategy is used to generate virtual occurrences, where presence always occurs above a specific simulated probability value and never below. This procedure effectively translates any shape of simulated species response into a threshold one and eliminates any stochasticity from the species occupancy pattern. We argue that a probabilistic approach should be preferred instead because the threshold response can be treated as a particular case within this framework. This also allows one to address questions relating to the shape of functional responses and avoids convergence issues with some of the most commonSDMs. Furthermore, threshold‐based virtual species studies generate over‐optimistic performance measures that lack classification error or incorporate error from a mixture of sampling and modelling choices. Incorrect use of a threshold approach can have significant consequences for the practising biogeographer. For example, low model performance may be interpreted as due to sample bias or poor model choice, rather than being related to fundamental biological responses to environmental gradients. We exemplify these shortcomings with a case study where we compare results from threshold and probabilistic simulation approaches.
MMP‐9 ‐1562C>T contributes to periodontitis susceptibility
Authors: Pan Yongchu , Li Dandan , Cai Qi , Zhang Weibing , Ma Junqing , Wang Meilin , Wang Lin
Published: October 2012

Aim

The study was conducted to explore the potential association of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐9 ‐1562C>T with susceptibility to periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Electronic literature searches of PubMed, EMBASE and EBSCO databases were performed. Fixed‐effects or random‐effects models were used to calculate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) for four genetic comparisons.

Results

Seven eligible studies with a total of 628 cases and 689 controls were recruited in the pooled analysis. We found MMP‐9 ‐1562C>T contributed to decreased risk of chronic periodontitis. Furthermore, the polymorphism was associated with modified risk of periodontitis among Caucasian populations.

Conclusions

This study indicated that MP‐9 ‐1562C>T might be involved in the development of periodontitis. A replication of our results in independent large analysis populations is necessary to give evidence to our observation.
Post‐treatment levels of stem cell factor and hs‐CRP in serum and crevicular fluid of chronic periodontitis subjects with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pradeep Avani R. , Kalra Nitish , Priyanka N. , Kumari Minal , Khaneja Ella , Naik Savitha B.
Published: October 2012

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the stem cell factor (SCF) and high sensitive C reactive protein (hs‐CRP) concentration in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum of chronic periodontitis subjects with type 2 diabetes, and to evaluate the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on their GCF and serum concentrations.

Materials and methods

A total of (age and gender matched) 22 subjects were evaluated. Pre‐ and post‐treatment levels of SCF and hs‐CRP in GCF and serum were measured and compared using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay. Clinical parameters including probing depth and clinical attachment level were also measured. Paired t‐test was used to compare the before‐ and after‐treatment levels of the two molecules.

Results

A highly significant difference (P < 0.001) was found in the GCF and serum concentrations of SCF and hs‐CRP before and after treatment.

Conclusion

Our observations indicated that short‐term nonsurgical therapy resulted in a significant improvement in periodontal indices and in a marked decrease of SCF and hs‐CRP serum and GCF levels.
Human insulin versus porcine insulin in rhesus monkeys with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jin Xi , Zeng Li , Zhang Shuang , He Sirong , Ren Yan , Chen Younan , Wei Lingling , Wang Li , Li Hongxia , Cheng Jingqiu , Lu Yanrong
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background

Monkeys with insulin‐dependent diabetes are important preclinical animal models for islet transplantation. Exogenous insulin should be administered to achieve good glycemic control and minimize the long‐term vascular complications associated with diabetes until the graft function recovered completely. However, the effect of multiple daily injections of porcine or human insulin and the long‐term effects of porcine insulin have not been studied in diabetic rhesus monkeys.

Methods

Diabetic rhesus monkeys, using a 6‐month self‐control insulin comparison experiment, were used to detect the incidence of adverse events and long‐term diabetes complication events after long‐term administration of porcine insulin.

Results

In this study, we found that a 20% higher dose of porcine insulin results in similar glycemic control as the human insulin regimen, and adverse events were seldom reported when porcine insulin was administered. Moreover, long‐term injection with porcine insulin could delay the rate and severity of diabetes‐related complications.

Conclusions

Porcine insulin as a competent candidate for regular insulin therapy to maintain blood glucose levels in insulin‐dependent diabetic monkeys during preclinical studies of islet transplantation.
Subtle cognitive deficits in severe alcohol addicts – Do they show a specific profile?
Authors: Wollenweber Frank A. , Halfter Sarah , Brügmann Elisabeth , Weinberg Christina , Cieslik Edna C. , Müller Veronika I. , Hardwick Robert M. , Eickhoff Simon B.
Published: October 2012

Although alcohol dependency is a burden to society, data on cognitive performance in therapy‐resistant patients after multiple withdrawals are poor. In this study, 22 patients without reported cognitive deficits and 20 control subjects performed extensive cognitive testing and a motor task assessing short‐term memory. Patients displayed subtle deficits (mainly in executive function), while memory functions were relatively unimpaired. Our results suggest that subtle frontal‐executive deficits may contribute to a poor prognosis, but could be missed by routine clinical tests.
WAGE AND MOBILITY EFFECTS OF LEGALIZATION: EVIDENCE FROM THE NEW IMMIGRANT SURVEY*
Authors: Lofstrom Magnus , Hill Laura , Hayes Joseph
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT Using New Immigrant Survey data, we identify immigrants who were unauthorized to work prior to obtaining Legal Permanent Resident status, and examine whether lacking legal status to work in the United States constrains employment outcomes of illegal immigrants. The data reveal no evidence of improved employment outcomes attributable to legal status, except among the high‐skilled. In light of evidence that unauthorized immigrants experienced increased wages as a result of receiving amnesty through the 1986 Immigration and Reform Control Act, we interpret the results as consistent with a reduced threat of employer sanctions combined with widespread availability of false work authorization documents.
Experiences of involuntary admission in an approved mental health centre
Authors: McGuinness D. , Dowling M. , Trimble T.
Published: October 2012

Accessible summary

This qualitative study interviewed six people who had been detained in a psychiatric hospital in Ireland. The people interviewed had been detained. The study participants were asked to recall their experiences of detention.

The participants expressed both negative and positive experiences of care delivery during their detention. Participants' initial feelings and opinions on their early days of detention focused on their difficulties in knowing ‘what's going on’. This was because of a lack of information and explanation of what was happening. Participants also talked about their need to ‘move on’ while in hospital, and the variety of emotions that they felt on this journey.

The study findings highlight the need for psychiatric nurses to assist people detained in their care make sense of their detention experience. By doing so, this may help people deal with the experience in a more positive way and may also help strengthen relationships with the mental health professional team on discharge.

The aim of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of what it means to have an involuntary hospital admission. A sample of six people who were detained at an approved Irish mental health centre consented to recount their experiences were interviewed. The interview transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three superordinate themes were identified: ‘The early days’, ‘Experiences of treatment’ and ‘Moving on?’. ‘The early days' represented participants’ initial feelings and opinions of the experience of coming into the approved centre. ‘Experiences of treatment’ refers to participants' experiences of medication and relationships with staff. Finally, the theme ‘Moving on?’ represented participants' views on how they adjusted to involuntary admission. ‘Learning the way’ was central to the participants' notion of moving on. The findings suggest that the meaning of detention is a varied one that evokes an array of emotional responses for participants and highlights the need for a renewed way of thinking and doing concerning those subject to involuntary.
Natural, potential and actual vegetation in North America
Authors: Jackson Stephen T.
Published: October 2012

The potential natural vegetation (PNV) concept has parallel applications in Europe and North America. Paleoecological studies in parts of North America provide records of vegetation patterns and dynamics under little or no human disturbance. Something resembling PNV emerges at millennial temporal scales and at regional to subcontinental spatial scales. However, at finer spatial and temporal scales, actual vegetation often displays properties of inertia, contingency and hysteresis, most frequently because of climatic variability across multiple timescales and the episodic nature of disturbance and establishment. Thus, in the absence of human disturbance, the actual vegetation that develops at a site may not resemble a particular PNV ideal, but could instead represent one of any number of potential outcomes constrained by historically contingent processes. PNV may best be viewed as an artificial construct, with utility in some settings. Its utility may diminish and even be detrimental in a rapidly changing environment.
Retracing the routes of introduction of invasive species: the case of the Sirex noctilio woodwasp
Authors: Boissin E. , Hurley B. , Wingfield M. J. , Vasaitis R. , Stenlid J. , Davis C. , de Groot P. , Ahumada R. , Carnegie A. , Goldarazena A. , Klasmer P. , Wermelinger B. , Slippers B.
Published: October 2012

Understanding the evolutionary histories of invasive species is critical to adopt appropriate management strategies, but this process can be exceedingly complex to unravel. As illustrated in this study of the worldwide invasion of the woodwasp Sirex noctilio, population genetic analyses using coalescent‐based scenario testing together with Bayesian clustering and historical records provide opportunities to address this problem. The pest spread from its native Eurasian range to the Southern Hemisphere in the 1900s and recently to Northern America, where it poses economic and potentially ecological threats to planted and native Pinus spp. To investigate the origins and pathways of invasion, samples from five continents were analysed using microsatellite and sequence data. The results of clustering analysis and scenario testing suggest that the invasion history is much more complex than previously believed, with most of the populations being admixtures resulting from independent introductions from Europe and subsequent spread among the invaded areas. Clustering analyses revealed two major source gene pools, one of which the scenario testing suggests is an as yet unsampled source. Results also shed light on the microevolutionary processes occurring during introductions, and showed that only few specimens gave rise to some of the populations. Analyses of microsatellites using clustering and scenario testing considered against historical data drastically altered our understanding of the invasion history of S. noctilio and will have important implications for the strategies employed to fight its spread. This study illustrates the value of combining clustering and ABC methods in a comprehensive framework to dissect the complex patterns of spread of global invaders.
Genome‐wide association reveals genetic basis for the propensity to migrate in wild populations of rainbow and steelhead trout
Authors: Hecht Benjamin C. , Campbell Nathan R. , Holecek Dean E. , Narum Shawn R.
Published: October 2012

Little is known of the genetic basis of migration despite the ecological benefits migratory species provide to their communities and their rapid global decline due to anthropogenic disturbances in recent years. Using next‐generation sequencing of restriction‐site‐associated DNA (RAD) tags, we genotyped thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in two wild populations of migratory steelhead and resident rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from the Pacific Northwest of the United States. One population maintains a connection to the sea, whereas the other population has been sequestered from its access to the ocean for more than 50 years by a hydropower dam. Here we performed a genome‐wide association study to identify 504 RAD SNP markers from several genetic regions that were associated with the propensity to migrate both within and between the populations. Our results corroborate those in previous quantitative trait loci studies and provide evidence for additional loci associated with this complex migratory life history. Our results suggest a complex multi‐genic basis with several loci of small effect distributed throughout the genome contributing to migration in this species. We also determined that despite being sequestered for decades, the landlocked population continues to harbour genetic variation associated with a migratory life history and ATPase activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of genotyping‐by‐sequencing and how RAD‐tag SNP data can be readily compared between studies to investigate migration within this species.
Evolution and diversity of Arsenophonus endosymbionts in aphids
Authors: Jousselin Emmanuelle , Cœur d'Acier Armelle , Vanlerberghe‐Masutti Flavie , Duron Olivier
Published: October 2012

Endosymbiotic bacteria are important drivers of insect evolutionary ecology, acting both as partners that contribute to host adaptation and as subtle parasites that manipulate host reproduction. Among them, the genus Arsenophonus is emerging as one of the most widespread lineages. Its biology is, however, entirely unknown in most cases, and it is therefore unclear how infections spread through insect populations. Here we examine the incidence and evolutionary history of Arsenophonus in aphid populations from 86 species, characterizing the processes that shape their diversity. We identify aphids as harbouring an important diversity of Arsenophonus strains. Present in 7% of the sampled species, incidence was especially high in the Aphis genus with more than 31% of the infected species. Phylogenetic investigations revealed that these Arseno‐phonus strains do not cluster within an aphid‐specific clade but rather exhibit distinct evolutionary origins showing that they undergo repeated horizontal transfers (HT) between distantly related host species. Their diversity pattern strongly suggests that ecological interactions, such as plant mediation and parasitism, are major drivers for Arsenophonus dispersal, dictating global incidence across insect communities. Notably, plants hosting aphids may be important ecological arenas for global exchange of Arsenophonus, serving as reservoirs for HT.
Moral Reputation: An Evolutionary and Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Sperber Dan , Baumard Nicolas
Published: October 2012

From an evolutionary point of view, the function of moral behaviour may be to secure a good reputation as a co‐operator. The best way to do so may be to obey genuine moral motivations. Still, one's moral reputation maybe something too important to be entrusted just to one's moral sense. A robust concern for one's reputation is likely to have evolved too. Here we explore some of the complex relationships between morality and reputation both from an evolutionary and a cognitive point of view.
Same‐Saying, Pluri‐Propositionalism, and Implicatures
Authors: Corazza Eros
Published: October 2012

In combining a pluri‐propositionalist framework (Bach‐style) concerning alleged conventional implicatures, and a pluri‐propositionalist framework (Perry‐style) distinguishing various levels of content associated with a single utterance, I defend a Grice‐inspired model of communication. In so doing, I rely on the distinction between what is said, i.e. what is semantically encoded, and what is pragmatically implicated. I show how the notion of same‐saying plays a central role in dealing with problems pertaining to communication insofar as it permits us to posit a stability of content among interlocutors. I also show how people can be classified as same‐sayers in different ways, viz. if they express the same (minimal) proposition/content or if they utter the same sentence. If A utters ‘I'm happy’ and B replies: ‘C said that too’, what B said can mean either that C said that A is happy—thus C and A expressed the same proposition—or that C utters the same words—they both utter ‘I'm happy’ and in so doing express different propositions, i.e. that A is happy and that C is happy respectively.
Is the Mystery of Thought Demystified by Context‐Dependent Categorisation? Towards a New Relation Between Language and Thought
Authors: Thomas Michael S. C. , Purser Harry R. M. , Mareschal Denis
Published: October 2012

We argue that are no such things as literal categories in human cognition. Instead, we argue that there are merely temporary coalescences of dimensions of similarity, which are brought together by context in order to create the similarity structure in mental representations appropriate for the task at hand. Fodor (2000) contends that context‐sensitive cognition cannot be realised by current computational theories of mind. We address this challenge by describing a simple computational implementation that exhibits internal knowledge representations whose similarity structure alters fluidly depending on context. We explicate the processing properties that support this function and illustrate with two more complex models, one applied to the development of semantic knowledge (Rogers andMcClelland, 2004), the second to the processing of simple metaphorical comparisons (Thomas and Mareschal, 2001). The models firstly demonstrate how phenomena that seem problematic for literal categorisation (such as the ‘non‐literal’ comparisons involved in metaphor and analogy) resolve to particular cases of the contextual modulation of mental representations; and secondly prompt a new perspective on the relation between language and thought: language affords the strategic control of context on semantic knowledge, allowing information to be brought to bear in a given situation that might otherwise not be available to influence processing. This may explain one way in which human thought is creative, and distinctive from animal cognition.
Effect of health contract intervention on renal dialysis patients in Korea
Authors: Cho Mi‐Kyoung
Published: October 2012

This study is a randomized, controlled trial to examine the effect of the health contract intervention, based on the goal attainment theory, on the self‐care behavior and physiological indices of renal dialysis patients in Korea. The experimental group (n = 21) underwent health contract intervention for 4 weeks, while the control group (n = 22) received routine care. The data were collected using questionnaires and measurement of physiological indices and analyzed using the SPSS WIN 12.0 program. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Total score of self‐care behavior (P = 0.011) and individual scores for behaviors, such as diet (P = 0.017), exercise and rest (P = 0.001), and blood pressure and body weight (P = 0.006) were higher in the experimental group. Serum potassium concentration and mean weight gain between dialysis sessions were significantly low in the experimental group (P = 0.002, P = 0.017). Therefore, the health contract intervention based on the goal attainment theory proved effective in improving self‐care behavior and physiological indices (K, P, mean weight gain) in renal dialysis patients in Korea.
Cancer rehabilitation from the perspectives of oncology nurses in Korea
Authors: Chang HeeKyung , Park Yeon‐Hwan
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to understand the perception of oncology nurses and how it is related to cancer rehabilitation in Korea. A qualitative study with three focus groups consisting of 6–8 Korean oncology nurses (n = 21) was conducted. The interviews were thematically analyzed. Two main themes for the attributes of cancer rehabilitation were “comprehensive activities of nurses” and “active involvement of survivors.” Six subthemes from the oncology nurses' care experiences were identified: “incorporating partnership and sharing feelings,” “fulfilling individualized needs,” “providing timely and practical support,” “enhancing internal strength with optimistic mindset,” “regaining functional independence,” and “getting family members in.” The findings suggest that oncology nurses can play a key role in rehabilitation for cancer survivors. Nursing interventions focused on comprehensive activities of nurses as well as active involvement of survivors can be effective in enhancing cancer survivors' strength and resilience in order to lead a healthy life. Oncology nurses need to be taught a psychosocial intervention based on individualized assessment and family partnership for cancer survivors.
The dual effect of abscisic acid on stomata
Authors: Pantin Florent , Monnet Fabien , Jannaud Dorothée , Costa Joaquim Miguel , Renaud Jeanne , Muller Bertrand , Simonneau Thierry , Genty Bernard
Published: October 2012

The classical view that the drought‐related hormone ABA simply acts locally at the guard cell level to induce stomatal closure is questioned by differences between isolated epidermis and intact leaves in stomatal response to several stimuli. We tested the hypothesis that ABA mediates, in addition to a local effect, a remote effect in planta by changing hydraulic regulation in the leaf upstream of the stomata.

By gravimetry, porometry to water vapour and argon, and psychrometry, we investigated the effect of exogenous ABA on transpiration, stomatal conductance and leaf hydraulic conductance of mutants described as ABA‐insensitive at the guard cell level.

We show that foliar transpiration of several ABA‐insensitive mutants decreases in response to ABA. We demonstrate that ABA decreases stomatal conductance and down‐regulates leaf hydraulic conductance in both the wildtype Col‐0 and the ABA‐insensitive mutant ost2‐2.

We propose that ABA promotes stomatal closure in a dual way via its already known biochemical effect on guard cells and a novel, indirect hydraulic effect through a decrease in water permeability within leaf vascular tissues. Variability in sensitivity of leaf hydraulic conductance to ABA among species could provide a physiological basis to the isohydric or anisohydric behaviour.
Total Joint Arthroplasty in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Patients
Authors: Swensen Stephanie , Schwarzkopf Ran
Published: October 2012

Recent advances in the medical management of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have led to improvement in their life expectancy. The growing numbers of HIV‐positive patients are now living long enough to develop end‐stage arthritis, as well as other long‐term musculoskeletal complications of HIV infection and treatment. This has resulted in an increased demand for total joint arthroplasty among these individuals. However, the safety and outcomes of such procedures are frequently questioned in published reports. Although increased complication rates have often been reported, most studies have reported on joint arthroplasties in HIV patients with hemophilia. The most widely reported complications in both HIV‐negative and positive hemophiliac patients are aseptic loosening and postoperative infection. A possible relationship between the rate of these complications and cluster of differentiation (CD4) lymphocyte count has also been proposed. In addition to hemophilia, other factors frequently comorbid with HIV infection, such as intravenous drug use, can further complicate the clinical outcomes of these individuals following total joint replacement procedures. Physicians treating HIV positive patients must remain aware of the risks and outcomes of total joint surgery in this group when counseling them on treatment options.
Cage Migration after Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Factors Related to It
Authors: Zhao Feng‐dong , Yang Wei , Shan Zhi , Wang Jian , Chen Hai‐xiao , Hong Zheng‐hua , Qian Yu , He Deng‐wei , Fan Shun‐wu
Published: October 2012

Objective

To review and analyze cage migration and related risk factors in patients who have undergone transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to review the complications of cage migration in 512 patients who had undergone a TLIF procedure from January 2010 to June 2011 in five spinal centers. In all, 263 men and 249 women with a mean age of 54.7 years were included. All patients were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by visual analogue scores, the Oswestry disability index, plain radiography and three‐dimensional CT scanning to analyze the incidence of, and risk factors related to, cage migration.

Results

Cage migration was found in 6 of the 512 patients (1.17%). Significant differences were found between all pairs of centers. Different shapes and sizes of cages had different incidences of migration. Analysis showed that rectangular‐shaped cages had a significantly greater incidence of cage migration (3.11%, 5/161) than did kidney‐shaped cages (0.28%, 1/351; P < 0.05). Small cages had a tendency to more frequent post‐operative cage migration (5.13%, 4/78) than did large cages (0.46%, 2/434; P < 0.05). Double segment TLIF cages migrated more frequently (5.75%, 5/87) than did mono‐segment cages (0.24%, 1/425; P < 0.05)). Furthermore, when the adjacent endplates were of linear type, the cages migrated much more frequently (3.50%) than when they were of concave‐concave type (0.27%; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Cage size, shape, number of fused segments and adjacent endplate shape might be risk factors for cage migration in addition to surgical technique, disc height and bone mineral density.
Causes, Treatment and Prevention of Esophageal Fistulas in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Sun Lin , Song Yue‐ming , Liu Li‐min , Gong Quan , Liu Hao , Li Tao , Kong Qing‐quan , Zeng Jian‐cheng
Published: October 2012

Objective

To evaluate the causes, treatment and prevention of esophageal fistulas after anterior cervical spine surgery.

Method

Between January 2004 and December 2011, 5 of 2348 patients who underwent anterior cervical surgery in our hospital developed esophageal fistulas (three male and two female patients, average age 34 years). Their diagnoses were cervical injuries (three), cervical spondylosis (one) and cervical tuberculosis (one). Their esophageal fistulas were treated by debridement and exploratory surgery, primary suturing of the perforation and/or sternocleidomastoid myoplasty. If conservative treatment failed or esophageal fistula recurred, plate removal was offered. Postoperative treatment included esophageal rest, enteral nutrition, wound drainage, and antibiotics. Methylene blue was used to evaluate results.

Result

An esophageal fistula was discovered during anterior cervical surgery in one patient and primary suturing performed. In four patients, fistulas were diagnosed after anterior cervical decompression and fusion. In one of these, only debridement and exploratory surgery were required. In another, a perforation was sutured during debridement and exploratory surgery. In the third, internal fixation was removed because of failure of prolonged conservative treatment. In the fourth, the esophageal fistula recurred repeatedly; he required removal of the hardware and reinforcement with a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap. At 6–48 months follow‐up, all patients were in good condition, symptom free, and without cervical instability or infectious spondylitis.

Conclusion

Successful management of esophageal fistula after anterior cervical spinal surgery depends on primary closure of the perforation with or without muscle flaps, surgical drainage, esophageal rest and nutritional support, and removal of hardware if necessary. Prevention consists of careful surgery and gentle tissue handling.
Surgical Treatment of Gastrocnemius Muscle Ruptures
Authors: Cheng Yu , Yang Hui‐lin , Sun Zhi‐yong , Ni Li , Zhang Hong‐tao
Published: October 2012

Rupture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius, known as “tennis leg”, typically occurs when the muscle has been overstretched by dorsiflexion of the ankle with full knee extension. The classic clinical presentation is a middle‐aged person who complains of sports‐related acute pain in the mid portion of the calf, associated with a snapping sensation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound is often required to evaluate patients with this condition. This injury is usually managed non‐operatively, surgical treatment rarely being indicated according to published reports. One case of longstanding and one of recent rupture of the musculotendinous junction of the medial head of the gastrocnemius that were successfully treated by surgical repair are presented here and the MRI characteristics and indications for surgery are discussed.
Allergic airway diseases in childhood – marching from epidemiology to novel concepts of prevention
Authors: Hatzler Laura , Hofmaier Stephanie , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G.
Published: October 2012

In the past years, a wide range of epidemiological, clinical, and experimental studies have produced remarkable advances in the field of respiratory allergies in childhood. By the recent investigations on epidemiological trends, risk factors, and prevention of asthma and allergic rhinitis, various exiting concepts have been challenged, and novel innovative approaches have been developed. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (PAI), with a number of highly relevant contributions between 2010 and 2012, has become an important forum in this area. The prevalence of asthma in some developed countries may have reached a plateau, while in developing countries, where the prevalence was previously low, allergic diseases are still on the increase. A wide array of risk and protective factors, including hygiene, infections, outdoor and indoor air pollution, allergen exposure, breast‐feeding practices, nutrition, and obesity, play a multifaceted role in shaping the observed worldwide trends of respiratory allergies. Under the guidance of recent research, prediction and prevention strategies in the clinical practice are progressively changing, the focus moving away from avoidance of allergen exposure and toward tolerance induction.
A Significant Proportion of Children with Morphea En Coup De Sabre and Parry‐Romberg Syndrome Have Neuroimaging Findings
Authors: Chiu Yvonne E. , Vora Sheetal , Kwon Eun‐Kyung M. , Maheshwari Mohit
Published: October 2012

En coup de sabre (ECDS) and Parry‐Romberg syndrome (PRS) are variants of linear morphea on the head and neck that can be associated with neurologic manifestations. Intracranial abnormalities on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are present in a significant proportion of individuals with these conditions. We describe 32 children from our institution with ECDS or PRS; neuroimaging was performed in 21 cases. We also review 51 additional cases from the literature. Nineteen percent of the children at our institution with ECDS or PRS had intracranial abnormalities on MRI, half of whom were asymptomatic. Hyperintensities on T2‐weighted sequences were the most common finding, present in all children with intracranial abnormalities on MRI. Seizures (13%) and headaches (9%) were the most common neurologic symptom. Neurologic symptoms were not correlated with neuroimaging abnormalities, with two asymptomatic children having marked MRI findings and only two of nine symptomatic children having an abnormal MRI. Similarly the severity of the superficial disease did not predict neurologic involvement; a child with subtle skin involvement had striking MRI findings and seizures, whereas another with a bony defect had no brain parenchymal involvement. Neurologic symptoms and neuroimaging abnormalities are found in a surprisingly substantial percentage of children with ECDS and PRS. Early recognition of neurologic involvement is necessary because it affects treatment choices. Because clinical predictors of intracranial abnormalities are poor, strong consideration should be given to obtaining an MRI before treatment initiation to assist in management decisions and establish a baseline examination.
The Reversibility of UV‐B Induced Alterations in Optical Properties of the Rabbit Cornea Depends on Dose of UV Irradiation
Authors: Cejka Cestmir , Rosina Josef , Sirc Jakub , Michalek Jiri , Brunova Blanka , Cejkova Jitka
Published: October 2012

Solar UVB radiation evokes photokeratitis, accompanied by increased corneal hydration and changes in corneal transparency, resulting in increased light absorption. Corneal optical properties are disturbed and visual acuity decreased. The aim of this study was to investigate the reversibility of these UVB‐induced changes. Rabbit corneas were irradiated with UVB doses of 0.5 J cm−2 or 1.01 J cm−2 during 4 days. Some rabbits were sacrificed after the last irradiation and some 2 months later. Corneas were investigated spectrophotometrically for light absorption, and corneal hydration was evaluated by central corneal thickness with an ultrasonic pachymeter. Corneal impression cytologies were examined immunohistochemically for proinflammatory cytokines and malondialdehyde. The increased corneal light absorption, hydration and the staining of immunohistochemical markers found in corneas after irradiation returned to normal values during 2 months in corneas irradiated with the lower UVB dose. In contrast, in corneas irradiated with the higher UVB dose, a moderate but statistically significant increase in corneal light absorption, hydration and positive immunohistochemical stainings remained as residual changes. This was in contrast to normal corneas, where the staining of proinflammatory cytokines as well as malondialdehyde was negative. In conclusion, the reversibility of UVB‐induced disturbances was dependent on UVB dose.
Effect of cold‐induced changes in physical and chemical leaf properties on the resistance of winter triticale (×Triticosecale) to the fungal pathogen Microdochium nivale
Authors: Szechyńska‐Hebda M. , Hebda M. , Mierzwiński D. , Kuczyńska P. , Mirek M. , Wędzony M. , van Lammeren A. , Karpiński S.
Published: October 2012

This study showed that several mechanisms of the basal resistance of winter triticale to Microdochium nivale are cultivar‐dependent and can be induced specifically during plant hardening. Experiments and microscopic observations were conducted on triticale cvs Hewo (able to develop resistance after cold treatment) and Magnat (susceptible to infection despite hardening). In cv. Hewo, cold hardening altered the physical and chemical properties of the leaf surface and prevented both adhesion of M. nivale hyphae to the leaves and direct penetration of the epidermis. Cold‐induced submicron‐ and micron‐scale roughness on the leaf epidermis resulted in superhydrophobicity, restricting fungal adhesion and growth, while the lower permeability and altered chemical composition of the host cell wall protected against tissue digestion by the fungus. The fungal strategy to access the nutrient resources of resistant hosts is the penetration of leaf tissues through stomata, followed by biotrophic intercellular growth of individual hyphae and the formation of haustoria‐like structures within mesophyll cells. In contrast, a destructive necrotrophic fungal lifestyle occurs in susceptible seedlings, despite cold hardening of the plants, with the host epidermis, mesophyll and vascular tissues being digested and becoming disorganized as a result of the low chemical and mechanical stability of the cell wall matrix. This work indicates that specific genetically encoded physical and mechanical properties of the cell wall and leaf tissues that depend on cold hardening are factors that can determine plant resistance against fungal diseases.
Complete sequence of Erwinia piriflorinigrans plasmids pEPIR37 and pEPIR5 and role of pEPIR37 in pathogen virulence
Authors: Barbé S. , Llop P. , Blom J. , Cabrefiga J. , Goesmann A. , Duffy B. , Montesinos E. , Smits T. H. M. , López M. M.
Published: October 2012

Erwinia piriflorinigrans is a newly described pathogen causing necrosis of pear blossoms. Complete sequencing of the 37‐kb plasmid pEPIR37 common to 27 E. piriflorinigrans strains revealed homology to sequences of the ubiquitous plasmids pEA29 of the fire blight pathogen E. amylovora, plasmid pEP36 of E. pyrifoliae, plasmid pEJ30 of Erwinia sp. from Japan, and genomic regions of the related Rosaceae epiphytic Erwinia species E. tasmaniensis and E. billingiae. A second 5·5‐kb cryptic plasmid pEPIR5, found in 12 E. piriflorinigrans strains, was also sequenced revealing mobilization and replication proteins with similarities to many small ColE1‐type plasmids in Erwinia spp. and other enterobacteria. Functional analyses of pEPIR37 introduced into a strain of E. amylovora cured of pEA29 plasmid, which has a reduced virulence, showed a role in increasing symptom development similar to that observed in E. amylovora carrying plasmid pEA29.
Coxiella burnetii Shedding During the Peripartum Period and Subsequent Fertility in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Garcia‐Ispierto I , López‐Helguera I , Tutusaus J , Serrano B , Monleón E , Badiola JJ , López‐Gatius F
Published: October 2012

Contents

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of Coxiella burnetii shedding or seropositivity on post‐partum recovery and subsequent fertility in high‐producing dairy cows. Given the difficulty in diagnosing C. burnetii infection at the farm level, an exhaustive series of tests in 43 pregnant animals that delivered at least one live calf were conducted, including blood serology and PCR of milk or colostrum, cotyledons (only at parturition), faeces, vaginal fluid against C. burnetii on gestation Day 171–177, at parturition and on Days 1–7, 8–14, 15–21, 22–28, 29–35 and 90–97 post‐partum. During scheduled herd visits, ultrasonography (US) of the genital tract and examination of vaginal fluid were performed on Days 15–21 (V1), 22–28 (V2), 29–35 (V3) and 51–57 (V4) post‐partum by the same veterinarian. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of suffering endometritis (the presence of echogenic intrauterine fluid (IUF), cervical diameter of ≥4 cm or endometrial thickness ≥0.75 cm) was lower in C. burnetii‐seropositive animals (OR = 0.10), compared with C. burnetii‐seronegative animals. According to Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, C. burnetii‐seronegative and non‐shedding cows showed a delayed return to luteal activity and conception was delayed in non‐shedding animals, compared with the remaining animals. Overall, the results of our study provide useful insight into the effects of C. burnetii infection on post‐partum recovery and subsequent fertility. In particular, animals not infected with Coxiella seem to be susceptible to infection and not protected against the bacterium in dairy herds. The elevated costs of determining an infection at the farm level, make monitoring of cows virtually impossible from a clinical point of view.
Intrauterine Idiopathic Amputation of the Head of a Porcine Foetus
Authors: Agerholm JS , Garoussi MT
Published: October 2012

Contents

An anencephalic full‐term porcine foetus accompanied by a mummified head was submitted for examination. The neck almost entirely lacked skin and was covered by granulation tissue as were the exposed parts of the spine and spinal cord. The case represents a rare case of intrauterine amputation. A definitive cause could not be established because the placenta was not available. The most likely cause is strangulation of the neck. Such strangulation could be due to a defect of the allantoamnion with herniation of the foetal head or entanglement by amniotic constriction bands.
Is Vitamin C Intake too Low in Dialysis Patients?
Authors: Raimann Jochen G. , Levin Nathan W. , Craig Ronald G. , Sirover William , Kotanko Peter , Handelman Garry
Published: October 2012

Vitamin C has several well‐established roles in physiology including synthesis of collagen, carnitine and epinephrine, absorption of dietary iron, and mobilization of storage iron for erythropoeisis. Loss of several of these functions explains the pathology of scurvy, where defective collagen synthesis and anemia are major symptoms. Vitamin C deficiency is very common in dialysis patients and may arise from dialytic vitamin C clearance, restricted intake of vitamin C‐rich foods, and increased vitamin C catabolism in vivo from inflammation. In the dialysis population, greater vitamin C intake may be needed for optimal health. Relationships between intake, body distribution, inflammation, and dialytic losses are complex and need further study. Concern about vitamin C metabolism leading to accumulation of tissue oxalate has led to the recommendation that vitamin C intake equals, but not exceeds, the intake recommended for the general population. Vitamin C deficiency in dialysis patients may have clinical consequences; a study in Renal Research Institute clinics found an association with periodontal disease. Data also support a role for vitamin C in prevention of dialysis‐related anemia. New research questions are proposed in this editorial, with a discussion of strategies to determine the optimal provision of vitamin C for CKD patients.