bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 participates in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats through inhibiting autophagy and promoting oxidative stress
Authors: Dou Yang , Shen Haitao , Feng Dongxia , Li Haiying , Tian Xiaodi , Zhang Jian , Wang Zhong , Chen Gang
Published: May 2017

Tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is a member of the TRAF family and an important multifunctional intracellular adaptin of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily and toll/IL‐1 receptor (TIR) superfamily. TRAF6 has been studied in several central nervous system diseases, including ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases, but its role in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has not been fully illustrated. This study was designed to explore changes of expression level and potential roles and mechanisms of TRAF6 in early brain injury (EBI) after SAH using a Sprague–Dawley rat model of SAH induced in 0.3 mL non‐heparinized autologous arterial blood injected into the pre‐chiasmatic cistern. First, compared with the sham group, we found that the expression levels of TRAF6 increased gradually and peaked at 24 h after SAH. Second, the results showed that application of TRAF6 over‐expression plasmid and genetic silencing siRNA could increase or decrease expression of TRAF6, respectively, and severely exacerbate or relieve EBI after SAH, including neuronal death, brain edema, and blood–brain barrier injury. Meanwhile, the levels of autophagy and oxidative stress were reduced and increased separately. Finally, GFP‐TRAF6‐C70A, which is a TRAF6 mutant that lacks E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, was used to explore the mechanism of TRAF6 in SAH, and the results showed that EBI and oxidative stress were reduced, but the levels of autophagy were increased under this condition. Collectively, these results indicated that TRAF6 affected the degree of EBI after SAH by inhibiting autophagy and promoting oxidative stress.

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The polysialic acid mimetics idarubicin and irinotecan stimulate neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth and signal via protein kinase C
Authors: Loers Gabriele , Astafiev Steven , Hapiak Yuliya , Saini Vedangana , Mishra Bibhudatta , Gul Sheraz , Kaur Gurcharan , Schachner Melitta , Theis Thomas
Published: May 2017

Polysialic acid (PSA) is a large, negatively charged, linear homopolymer of alpha2‐8‐linked sialic acid residues. It is generated by two polysialyltransferases and attached to N‐ and/or O‐linked glycans, and its main carrier is the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). PSA controls the development and regeneration of the nervous system by enhancing cell migration, axon pathfinding, synaptic targeting, synaptic plasticity, by regulating the differentiation of progenitor cells and by modulating cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesions. In the adult, PSA plays a role in the immune system, and PSA mimetics promote functional recovery after nervous system injury. In search for novel small molecule mimetics of PSA that are applicable for therapy, we identified idarubicin, an antineoplastic anthracycline, and irinotecan, an antineoplastic agent of the topoisomerase I inhibitor class, as PSA mimetics using a competition enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Idarubicin and irinotecan compete with the PSA‐mimicking peptide and colominic acid, the bacterial analog of PSA, for binding to the PSA‐specific monoclonal antibody 735. Idarubicin and irinotecan stimulate neurite outgrowth and survival of cultured cerebellar neurons after oxidative stress via protein kinase C and Erk1/2 in a similar manner as colominic acid, whereas Fyn, casein kinase II and the phosphatase and tensin homolog are only involved in idarubicin and irinotecan‐stimulated neurite outgrowth. These novel results show that the structure and function of PSA can be mimicked by the small organic compounds irinotecan and idarubicin which trigger the same signaling cascades as PSA, thus introducing the possibility of retargeting these drugs to treat nervous system injuries.

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Axonal Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth neuropathy concurrent with distal and proximal weakness by translational elongation of the 3′ UTR in NEFH
Authors: Nam Da Eun , Jung Sung‐Chul , Yoo Da Hye , Choi Sun Seong , Seo Sung‐Yum , Kim Gwang Hoon , Kim Song Ja , Nam Soo Hyun , Choi Byung‐Ok , Chung Ki Wha
Published: May 2017

Mutations in the NEFH gene encoding the heavy neurofilament protein are usually associated with neuronal damage and susceptibility to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recently, frameshift variants in NEFH (p.Asp1004Glnfs*58 and p.Pro1008Alafs*56) have been reported to be the underlying cause of axonal Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease type 2CC (CMT2CC). The frameshift mutation resulted in a stop loss and translation of a cryptic amyloidogenic element (CAE) encoded by the 3′ untranslated region (UTR). This study also identified a de novo c.3015_3027dup frameshift mutation predicting p.Lys1010Glnfs*57 in NEFH from a CMT2 family with an atypical clinical symptom of prominent proximal weakness. This mutation is located near the previously reported frameshift mutations, suggesting a mutational hotspot. Lower limb magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed marked hyperintense signal changes in the thigh muscles compared with those in the calf muscles. Therefore, this study suggests that the stop loss and translational elongations by the 3′ UTR of the NEFH mutations may be a relatively frequent genetic cause of axonal peripheral neuropathy with the specific characteristics of proximal dominant weakness.
Assessment of genetic diversity of Iranian Ascochyta rabiei isolates using rep‐PCR markers
Authors: Azizpour Nadia , Rouhrazi Kiomars
Published: May 2017

Genetic diversity and population structure among 29 isolates of Ascochyta rabiei (AR) obtained from diseased chickpea plants in six different geographical origins in Iran was characterized by MAT and rep‐PCR (BOX/ERIC/REP) markers. Both mating types were found in all six populations, and the frequencies of mating types were variable between populations. The majority of the isolates belonged to Mat1‐1 (58.12%) with the remainder (41.88%) being Mat1‐2. A dendrogram was calculated with Jaccard's similarity coefficients with unweighted pair group method clustering (UPGMA) for the combination of rep‐PCR results, AR strains were differentiated into four clusters (A–D) at 60% similarity level. ERIC, REP and BOX showed a total of 19, 37 and 24 alleles per locus, respectively. Gene diversity (He) and Shannon's information index (I) were the highest in the REP (He = 0.82; I = 2.11), while the lowest values were estimated for the ERIC (He = 0.42; I = 1.3). Our result showed that among the three techniques studied, REP‐PCR produced the most complex amplified banding patterns, which reflected a high degree of diversity among the Iranian AR strains. ERIC‐PCR was the least discriminating method, and BOX‐PCR was intermediate. To the best our knowledge, this is first study of assessment of genetic diversity of AR isolates by rep‐PCR markers.
What Challenges Do Nonprofit Hospitals Face in Taking on Community Health Needs Assessments? A Qualitative Study From Appalachian Ohio
Authors: Skinner Daniel , Franz Berkeley , Kelleher Kelly
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the experiences of Appalachian hospitals in undertaking Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs). Of particular interest is whether new requirements to undertake regular evaluation and public health programming pose challenges for rural, Appalachian hospitals.

Methods

Using a sample of nonprofit hospitals in Appalachian Ohio, we conducted in‐depth qualitative interviews with hospital administrators overseeing community benefit activities and external consultants hired to complete assessments. Following a grounded theory approach, we coded interviews to ascertain major themes.

Findings

Our findings suggest that there are several challenges faced by nonprofit hospitals that may relate to their status as rural hospitals. In particular, we found that these hospitals struggle to hire staff to oversee CHNAs, often lack the material resources to address needs identified in reports, and seek more concrete guidelines from the IRS on carrying out these new activities in their communities.

Conclusions

The results from these interviews suggest that there is significant support for new CHNA activities in Appalachian Ohio, but challenges remain to translate these efforts into improved health outcomes in this region. Because rural Appalachia, in particular, faces significant health disparities and a relative lack of health care providers, there is a potential for hospitals to take on an important role in public and preventive health if initial challenges are addressed.
Repeatability of Oral Sugar Test Results, Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐1 Measurements, and Serum High‐Molecular‐Weight Adiponectin Concentrations in Horses
Authors: Frank N. , Walsh D.M.
Published: May 2017

Background

Repeatability of the oral sugar test (OST) has not been evaluated.

Objectives

We hypothesized that OST glucose, insulin, active (aGLP‐1) and total (tGLP‐1) glucagon‐like peptide 1, and high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) adiponectin results would be repeatable.

Animals

Fifty‐three horses from a Tennessee research facility (n = 23) and private practice in Missouri (n = 30), including animals with medical histories of equine metabolic syndrome.

Methods

Two OSTs were performed 7–14 days apart and plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at 0, 60, and 75 minutes; a positive result was defined as detection of an insulin concentration >45 μU/mL at 60 or 75 minutes. Plasma aGLP‐1 and serum tGLP‐1 concentrations at 75 minutes and serum HMW adiponectin concentrations at 0 minute were measured in the Missouri group. Bland‐Altman analyses were performed.

Results

No adverse events were reported. Bland‐Altman analysis indicated mean ± SD bias of 1.5 ± 14.8 μU/mL (95% confidence interval [CI], −27.6 to 30.5 μU/mL) and 1.2 ± 16.1 μU/mL (95% CI, −30.4 to 32.8 μU/mL) for insulin concentrations at 60 and 75 minutes, respectively. There was 91 and 83% agreement in test interpretation between test days for OST insulin results for all horses in the Tennessee and Missouri groups, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Repeatability of the OST was acceptable when values obtained from Bland‐Altman analyses were evaluated, and there was good agreement in binary (negative/positive) test interpretation for insulin concentrations. However, wide 95% CIs were detected for insulin concentrations.
Intranasal Midazolam versus Rectal Diazepam for the Management of Canine Status Epilepticus: A Multicenter Randomized Parallel‐Group Clinical Trial
Authors: Charalambous M. , Bhatti S.F.M. , Van Ham L. , Platt S. , Jeffery N.D. , Tipold A. , Siedenburg J. , Volk H.A. , Hasegawa D. , Gallucci A. , Gandini G. , Musteata M. , Ives E. , Vanhaesebrouck A.E.
Published: May 2017

Background

Intranasal administration of benzodiazepines has shown superiority over rectal administration for terminating emergency epileptic seizures in human trials. No such clinical trials have been performed in dogs.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intranasal midazolam (IN‐MDZ), via a mucosal atomization device, as a first‐line management option for canine status epilepticus and compare it to rectal administration of diazepam (R‐DZP) for controlling status epilepticus before intravenous access is available.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs with idiopathic or structural epilepsy manifesting status epilepticus within a hospital environment were used. Dogs were randomly allocated to treatment with IN‐MDZ (n = 20) or R‐DZP (n = 15).

Methods

Randomized parallel‐group clinical trial. Seizure cessation time and adverse effects were recorded. For each dog, treatment was considered successful if the seizure ceased within 5 minutes and did not recur within 10 minutes after administration. The 95% confidence interval was used to detect the true population of dogs that were successfully treated. The Fisher's 2‐tailed exact test was used to compare the 2 groups, and the results were considered statistically significant ifP< .05.

Results

IN‐MDZ and R‐DZP terminated status epilepticus in 70% (14/20) and 20% (3/15) of cases, respectively (P= .0059). All dogs showed sedation and ataxia.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

IN‐MDZ is a quick, safe and effective first‐line medication for controlling status epilepticus in dogs and appears superior to R‐DZP. IN‐MDZ might be a valuable treatment option when intravenous access is not available and for treatment of status epilepticus in dogs at home.
What's in a Name? The Incorrect Use of Case Series as a Study Design Label in Studies Involving Dogs and Cats
Authors: Sargeant J.M. , O'Connor A.M. , Cullen J.N. , Makielski K.M. , Jones‐Bitton A.
Published: May 2017

Background

Study design labels are used to identify relevant literature to address specific clinical and research questions and to aid in evaluating the evidentiary value of research. Evidence from the human healthcare literature indicates that the label “case series” may be used inconsistently and inappropriately.

Objective

Our primary objective was to determine the proportion of studies in the canine and feline veterinary literature labeled as case series that actually corresponded to descriptive cohort studies, population‐based cohort studies, or other study designs. Our secondary objective was to identify the proportion of case series in which potentially inappropriate inferential statements were made.

Design

Descriptive evaluation of published literature.

Participants

One‐hundred published studies (from 19 journals) labeled as case series.

Methods

Studies were identified by a structured literature search, with random selection of 100 studies from the relevant citations. Two reviewers independently characterized each study, with disagreements resolved by consensus.

Results

Of the 100 studies, 16 were case series. The remaining studies were descriptive cohort studies (35), population‐based cohort studies (36), or other observational or experimental study designs (13). Almost half (48.8%) of the case series or descriptive cohort studies, with no control group and no formal statistical analysis, included inferential statements about the efficacy of treatment or statistical significance of potential risk factors.

Conclusions

Authors, peer‐reviewers, and editors should carefully consider the design elements of a study to accurately identify and label the study design. Doing so will facilitate an understanding of the evidentiary value of the results.
Alpine cushion plants have species–specific effects on microhabitat and community structure in the tropical Andes
Authors: Hupp Nicole , Llambí Luis Daniel , Ramírez Lirey , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: May 2017

Question

Species–specific interactions can connect particular species to others, which has important implications for species interdependence and co‐existence. However, species‐specific effects of ecosystem engineers remain little explored, particularly in the alpine tropics. We investigated the effects of two cushion plants with subtle differences in morphological traits in a tropical Andean ecosystem. We asked whether these foundation species differed in their effects on local abiotic factors, species richness and the structure of plant assemblages growing within them.

Location

La Culata National Park, northern tropical Andes, Venezuela.

Methods

We determined shallow soil temperature, soil organic matter and water content within two co‐existing cushion species, the larger and more compact Azorella julianii and the smaller and denser Arenaria musciformis, and in adjacent open areas. We also recorded the total number of plant species growing within both cushion species, and in paired open areas at three sites. We then compared local species richness, total plant abundance and the abundance of each species within cushions and outside using the relative interaction index (RII), and community dissimilarity patterns using NMDS ordination. We also compared species accumulation curves across sites between the cushions and open areas.

Results

Both cushions had similar positive effects on soil organic matter, but soil water content was increased only with Azorella. Both cushions had a positive effect on local species richness and total plant abundance. In addition, both species significantly modified species abundance patterns, showing a positive association with several species, many of them grasses. However, facilitative effects on other species were generally stronger for Azorella than Arenaria. Moreover, community structure of plants growing within the two cushion plants differed. The exotic invader Rumex acetosella increased in abundance within Azorella but not Arenaria.

Conclusions

We found evidence for species‐specific effects of ecosystem engineers in the alpine tropics; two cushion species with subtly contrasting traits had different effects on microhabitat conditions and plant assemblages. This could in turn increase abiotic and biotic heterogeneity and promote species co‐existence and emphasizes interdependence among species in alpine plant communities.
Intraspecific variation in traits reduces ability of trait‐based models to predict community structure
Authors: Read Quentin D. , Henning Jeremiah A. , Sanders Nathan J.
Published: May 2017

Questions

Is it possible to predict the composition of local plant assemblages? Trait‐based approaches have offered some promise, especially in cases where deterministic processes such as environmental filtering and niche differentiation shape communities. In this study, we asked how much intraspecific variation contributes to trait distributions within and among plant communities, and whether trait distributions resulting from environmental filtering and niche differentiation can predict accurately the relative species abundances of montane plant species in local communities.

Location

West Elk Mountains, Colorado, USA.

Methods

We collected functional trait, species composition and environmental data from 14 sites along a broad climate gradient in Colorado, USA, ranging in elevation from 2480 to 3560 m. We partitioned the variation within and among sites into intraspecific and interspecific components, and compared the results to values from a recent global meta‐analysis, which examined intraspecific trait variability patterns. We also used these data to parameterize statistical models that have been shown to reproduce patterns associated with the processes of environmental filtering and niche differentiation. We fit two models to the data, one assuming that niche differentiation is invariant among sites, and another assuming that niche differentiation varies among sites.

Results

We found that the trait‐based models were worse at predicting species relative abundances in local communities than a null model assuming equal abundances of all species. One plausible explanation for the poor performance of the models is that intraspecific variation in functional traits, which in our system was higher than the global averages documented in the meta‐analysis, swamped the effects of interspecific variation in functional traits along the climatic gradient. In particular, almost all variation in root traits was within rather than among species, even among sites.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that a greater focus be placed on measuring intraspecific trait variability and determining its consequences for community assembly and ecosystem properties.
Wild boar under fire: the effect of spatial behaviour, habitat use and social class on hunting mortality
Authors: Merli E. , Grignolio S. , Marcon A. , Apollonio M.
Published: May 2017

The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is an ungulate of major management concern, often controlled only by indiscriminate, recreational hunting, which represents its main cause of death. Several studies have dealt with the effects of hunting on wild boar populations, pointing out controversial changes in spatial behavior and habitat use related to it. However, little information on the relationship between spatial behavior, habitat use and hunting mortality is available. In this study, 105 wild boars were monitored by means of radio‐tracking. Their cause of death was assessed, thus confirming the major role of hunting. For 89 of them, spatial behavior and habitat use as well as social class were related to hunting mortality. Spatial behavior, expressed as home range size, average daily distance among fixes and familiarity with the hunting area, resulted in having no strong effect on hunting mortality. Conversely, the relationship between the wild boar and the habitat, expressed in the proportion of forests in the home range, landscape complexity and habitat diversity, had a major role in predicting hunting mortality. In particular, the best model including social class and refuges pointed out a positive effect of landscape complexity on hunting mortality, while animals having a higher proportion of forests in their home range (assessed when this did not overlap the protected area) were less likely to be culled. Adult males and subadults of both sexes were more liable to be hunted than family groups. On the whole, behavioral and ecological differences in hunting vulnerability should be taken into account in management plans in order to optimize population management.
Suboptimal maternal and cord plasma pyridoxal 5′ phosphate concentrations are uncommon in a cohort of Canadian pregnant women and newborn infants
Authors: Plumptre Lesley , Masih Shannon P. , Sohn Kyoung‐Jin , Kim Denise , Visentin Carly E. , Ly Anna , Berger Howard , Croxford Ruth , O'Connor Deborah L. , Kim Young‐In
Published: May 2017

Vitamin B6 is important in fetal development, but little is known of the vitamin B6 status of pregnant women and newborns in North America and potential modifying factors. This prospective study determined maternal and cord plasma concentrations of pyridoxal 5′ phosphate (PLP; an indicator of vitamin B6 status) in a convenience sample of 368 Canadian pregnant women and their newborns. The association of maternal intake of vitamin B6 and fetal genetic variants with cord plasma PLP and homocysteine concentrations was also examined. Dietary and supplemental intakes of vitamin B6 were assessed in early and mid to late pregnancy. PLP concentrations were measured in maternal plasma in early pregnancy and at delivery, and in cord plasma. Six fetal variants of the MTHFR and CβS genes were assessed for their association with cord plasma PLP and homocysteine concentrations. Geometric mean (95% CI) PLP concentrations were 107 (98, 116) nmol/L in early pregnancy and 58 (53, 62) nmol/L at delivery, respectively, and 296 (275, 319) nmol/L in cord blood (p < .0001). During early pregnancy and at delivery, 3.6% and 5.5% of women had plasma PLP concentrations <20 nmol/L, respectively. Ninety eight percent of the women with supplemental B6 intake of at least the recommended dietary allowance had PLP concentrations >20 nmol/L. Fetal genetic variants were not associated with cord PLP and homocysteine concentrations. Vitamin B6 deficiency is uncommon in a cohort of Canadian pregnant women due largely to prevalent vitamin B6 supplement use.
Childhood predictors of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ajala O. , Mold F. , Boughton C. , Cooke D. , Whyte M.
Published: May 2017

Childhood obesity predicts the risk of adult adiposity, which is associated with the earlier onset of cardiovascular disease [adult atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, ACVD: hypertension, increased carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) stroke, ischemic heart disease (IHD)] and dysglycaemia. Because it is not known whether childhood obesity contributes to these diseases, we conducted a systematic review of studies that examine the ability of measures of obesity in childhood to predict dysglycaemia and ACVD. Data sources were Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, SCOPUS, ProQuest and reference lists. Studies measuring body mass index (BMI), skin fold thickness and waist circumference were selected; of 1,954 studies, 18 met study criteria. Childhood BMI predicted CIMT: odds ratio (OR), 3.39 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.02 to 5.67, P < 0.001) and risk of impaired glucose tolerance in adulthood, but its ability to predict ACVD events (stroke, IHD; OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.07; P < 0.001) and hypertension (OR, 1.17, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.27, P = 0.003) was weak–moderate. Body mass index was not predictive of systolic BP (r −0.57, P = 0.08) and weakly predicted diastolic BP (r 0.21, P = 0.002). Skin fold thickness in childhood weakly predicted CIMT in female adults only (rs0.09, P < 0.05). Childhood BMI predicts the risk of dysglycaemia and abnormal CIMT in adulthood, but its ability to predict hypertension and ACVD events was weak and moderate, respectively. Skin fold thickness was a weak predictor of CIMT in female adults.
The relationship between the lower third molar (M3) and mandibular angle/condyle fractures – a systematic review
Authors: Akadiri O.A. , Adeyemo W.L.
Published: May 2017

The literature has been inundated with research evidence associating the incidence of mandibular angle and condyle fractures to the presence or absence of an impacted third molar respectively. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the level of risk associated with the status of the third molar and its predisposition to mandibular angle or condyle fracture. This systematic review seeks to articulate the existing evidence. After a rigorous search of medical databases, relevant articles were selected and critically appraised using a mixed model analysis. The findings confirmed an inverse relationship between mandibular angle and condyle fractures; angle fractures increase with the presence of impacted third molar, while condyle fractures reduce with the presence of impacted third molar. In a simple meta‐analysis, this relationship tested statistically significant (P = 0.04) with a strong correlation coefficient of 0.732. This evidence lies between Level III(Limited) and Level II (Limited) on the hierarchy of evidence. A simple guideline is proposed to guide clinical decisions on third molar surgery in trauma‐prone individuals.
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Interspinous Fastener Provides Comparable Clinical Outcome and Fusion Rate to Pedicle Screws
Authors: Huang Wei‐min , Yu Xing‐ming , Xu Xiao‐duo , Song Ruo‐xian , Yu Li‐li , Yu Xiu‐chun
Published: May 2017

Objective

To investigate the clinical feasibility and validity of interspinous fastener (ISF) for lumbar degenerative diseases.

Methods

From October 2013 to March 2014, a total of 46 patients suffering from lumbar degenerative diseases underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) randomly augmented by ISF or pedicle screws. The clinical outcome was primarily measured by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. The minimal clinical important difference (MCID) was defined as an eight‐point decrease in ODI. The second clinical outcome measurement was Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. Interbody fusion rates were evaluated by lumbar plain radiograph and computed tomography (CT) scan. Complications were also compared between groups. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS version 13.0. Sample size calculation was performed before the study. The type I error α was set at 0.05 and the type II error β at 0.1. Based on these assumptions and adding 10% for possible drop‐outs, sample size calculations indicated that a total of 46 patients were required for the study. Parametric data was compared by independent t‐test and categorical variables were compared using χ2‐tests or Fisher exact tests depending on the sample size. A P‐value of less than 0.05 was considered significantly statistically different. Fleiss kappa coefficients were calculated for intra‐observer and inter‐observer reliability.

Results

A total of 43 patients completed the follow‐up, with 22 cases in the ISF group and 21 patients in the pedicle screws group, respectively. Less intraoperative blood loss and shorter operation time were observed in the ISF group. The mean ODI significantly declined in both groups, with the ISF group's decreasing from preoperative 43.3 ± 8.2 to 21.4 ± 3.5 at 24‐month follow‐up and the pedicle screws group's decreasing from preoperative 42.9 ± 7.9 to 22.5 ±3.8 at 24‐month follow‐up, respectively. The ODI changes between groups had no statistical difference (P > 0.05). Of the 43 patients, 33 patients achieved an MCID. The bone fusion rate was 77.3% according to X‐rays and 68.2% according to CT scans in the ISF group, and 81.0% according to X‐rays and 76.2% according to CT scans in the pedicle screws group at the final follow‐up. The intra‐observer and inter‐observer reliability assessed by the kappa value were 0.93 and 0.89, respectively. One patient in the pedicle screws group demonstrated screw loosening at the 6‐month follow‐up but was asymptomatic. One patient with spondylolisthesis in the ISF group demonstrated cage subsidence during the follow‐up but also without related symptoms.

Conclusion

The less invasive ISF combined with PLIF provided comparable clinical outcome and a similar bone fusion rate to pedicle screws. The ISF could potentially serve as a new alternative for lumbar degenerative diseases.
Synergic and antagonistic relationship between MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 with fibrosis and inflammation in Chagas' cardiomyopathy
Authors: Medeiros N. I. , Gomes J. A. S. , Correa‐Oliveira R.
Published: May 2017

Cardiomyopathy is the most important clinical manifestation in the chronic phase of Chagas' disease because of its frequency, severity and impact on morbidity and mortality. The extracellular matrix degradation during cardiac remodeling in Trypanosoma cruzi infection is driven by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), primarily the MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 gelatinases. MMPs also regulate some molecules related to inflammation, such as growth factors, cytokines and chemokines. The involvement of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 is not yet fully understood in Chagas' disease. It has been proposed that the gelatinases may have opposite effect on inflammation/regulation and cardiac remodeling. MMP‐2 would participate in regulation, offering a protective role for cardiac damage in asymptomatic patients and would be a good marker for the initiation of changes in the heart. On the other hand, MMP‐9 can be used as a marker for serious changes on the heart and would be associated with inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we consolidate all characteristics involving MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in Chagas' disease based on current studies to clarify their participation on the inflammation/regulation and fibrosis, and the synergistic or antagonistic role between them.
The hidden hand: Why religious studies need to take conspiracy theories seriously
Authors: Robertson David G.
Published: May 2017

What seemed like fringe concerns to most then have, with Trump's election and Brexit and the growth of the alt‐right across Europe, become of concerns of mainstream commentators. Moreover, the rise of ISIS and the increasingly overt religious language being employed in the political sphere have made the powerful combination of religion and conspiracy plain. This emerging subdiscipline cuts to the very core of some of the most pressing issues in the academic study of religion––and indeed, the social sciences more generally in this postcolonial environment. This article is intended to set out its scope and some of its future directions.
Maintaining quality of life in IPF patients: What role should pulmonary rehabilitation play?
Authors: Benton Melissa J. , Graham Helen L.
Published: May 2017

See article, page 950
Prospecting Application of Nanoparticles and Nearly Nanoscale Particles Within Plant Tissues
Authors: Hu Guai , Cao Jianjin , Jiang Tao , Wang Zhengyang , Yi Zebang
Published: May 2017

Element concentration analysis used in vegetation geochemical prospecting has acquired many achievements. Nevertheless, its limitations cannot be denied, which lead to the research subject of this paper. Plant samples were collected from Fankou lead–zinc deposit. Through high‐resolution analysis of transmission electron microscopy, here we show detailed information regarding nanoparticles and nearly nanoscale particles within natural plant tissues, whose compositions are mainly metallic elements (metal‐bearing particles). The particles exhibit a wide size range (from 30 nm to 1.5 µm in one dimension), diverse shapes and smooth edges. Natural Au particles could be observed. Pb‐, Zn‐, Ag‐, Cr‐bearing particles could be detected frequently as well, along with elemental S. Combined with the results of the background sample, a relationship between the particles contained in mine plant bodies and the known orebody buried underground was demonstrated. A continuous process whereby metallic elements are transferred from concealed orebody to the ground surface and then preserved within plant bodies has been taken into consideration. We verify the feasibility in theory and practice, and propose a model that particles contained in plant tissues can be applied to the exploration of deep concealed metal deposits, which may improve the accuracy and sensitivity of blind ore prospecting.
Methods for Estimating Complier Average Causal Effects for Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: DiazOrdaz K. , Franchini A. J. , Grieve R.
Published: May 2017

In randomized controlled trials with treatment non-compliance, instrumental variable approaches are used to estimate complier average causal effects. We extend these approaches to cost-effectiveness analyses, where methods need to recognize the correlation between cost and health outcomes. We propose a Bayesian full likelihood approach, which jointly models the effects of random assignment on treatment received and the outcomes, and a three-stage least squares method, which acknowledges the correlation between the end points and the endogeneity of the treatment received. This investigation is motivated by the REFLUX study, which exemplifies the setting where compliance differs between the randomized controlled trial and routine practice. A simulation is used to compare the methods’ performance. We find that failure to model the correlation between the outcomes and treatment received correctly can result in poor confidence interval coverage and biased estimates. By contrast, Bayesian full likelihood and three-stage least squares methods provide unbiased estimates with good coverage.
Positive emotions in caring for a spouse: a literature review
Authors: Autio Tiina , Rissanen Sari
Published: May 2017

This article aimed at identifying the positive emotions connected to spouse caregiving and the advantages for spouse carers. Theoretically, the article is based on the concept of emotion and the assumptions of positive psychology. Data search is conducted via electronic literature databases and the analysis method is partly theory‐driven and partly inductive content classification. Our analyses discover and clarify the concepts associated with positive emotions in caring, such as the gains of caregiving, benefit‐finding, finding meaning, personal growth, post‐traumatic growth and resilience. We also utilise a conceptual framework to describe positive emotions in caregiving, and the identified advantages of positive emotions in spouse caregiving include distress buffering, mediation in coping with stress, increased quality of life and well‐being, and finding a sense of purpose. Finally, spouse care is seen in this article as a challenging life situation which at best can support personal growth, if the processing of both positive and negative emotions is included in daily life. Hence, the service and support system should be developed further by utilising the findings of positive psychology as well as studies of personal growth.
Late Oligocene to early Miocene humidity change recorded in terrestrial sequences in the Ili Basin (south‐eastern Kazakhstan, Central Asia)
Authors: Hellwig Alexandra , Voigt Silke , Mulch Andreas , Frisch Konstantin , Bartenstein Alexander , Pross Jörg , Gerdes Axel , Voigt Thomas
Published: May 2017

Enhanced aridification of Central Asia driven by the combined effects of orogenic surface uplift, Paratethys retreat, changes in atmospheric moisture transport and global cooling is one of the most prominent Cenozoic climate change events of the Northern Hemisphere. Deciphering regional long‐term patterns of Central Asian hydrology is, therefore, a key element in understanding the role of Northern Hemisphere mid‐latitude drying in the global hydrological system. This study characterizes long‐term palaeoenvironmental conditions between the late Oligocene and early Miocene in south‐eastern Kazakhstan based on stable isotopes, elemental geochemistry and laser ablation uranium–lead geochronology from alluvial, fluvial and pedogenic deposits. Sedimentary facies and geochemical weathering indices suggest an increased surface and groundwater discharge fed by orographically enhanced precipitation in the Tien Shan hinterland. In contrast, pedogenic stable isotope data and elevated rates of magnesium fixation in clay minerals mirror enhanced rates of evaporation in the vadose zone due to protracted aridification. This study posits that pronounced surface uplift of the Tien Shan Mountains during the Oligocene–Miocene transition promoted regionally increased orographic precipitation and the development of fluvial discharge systems.
Morphodynamics and depositional signature of low‐aggradation cyclic steps: New insights from a depth‐resolved numerical model
Authors: Vellinga Age J. , Cartigny Matthieu J. B. , Eggenhuisen Joris T. , Hansen Ernst W. M.
Published: May 2017

Bedforms related to Froude‐supercritical flow, such as cyclic steps, are increasingly frequently observed in contemporary fluvial and marine sedimentary systems. However, the number of observations of sedimentary structures formed by supercritical‐flow bedforms remains limited. The low number of observations might be caused by poor constraints on criteria to recognize these associated deposits. This study provides a detailed quantification on the mechanics of a fluvial cyclic step system, and their depositional signature. A computational fluid‐dynamics model is employed to acquire a depth‐resolved image of a cyclic step system. New insights into the mechanics of cyclic steps shows that: (i) the hydraulic jump is, in itself, erosional; (ii) there are periods over which the flow is supercritical throughout and there is no hydraulic jump, which plays a significant role in the morphodynamic behaviour of cyclic steps; and (iii) that the depositional signature of cyclic steps varies with rate of aggradation. Previous work has shown that strongly aggradational cyclic steps, where most of the deposited sediment is not reworked, create packages of backsets, bound upstream and downstream by erosive surfaces. Here, the modelling work is focussed on less aggradational conditions and more transportational systems. The depositional signature in such systems is dominated by an amalgamation of concave‐up erosional surfaces and low‐angle foresets and backsets creating lenticular bodies. The difference between highly aggradational cyclic steps and low‐aggradation steps can be visible in outcrop both by the amount of erosional surfaces, as well as the ratio of foreset to backset, with backsets being indicative of more aggradation.
Evaluating abdominal core muscle fatigue: Assessment of the validity and reliability of the prone bridging test
Authors: De Blaiser C. , De Ridder R. , Willems T. , Danneels L. , Vanden Bossche L. , Palmans T. , Roosen P.
Published: May 2017

The aims of this study were to research the amplitude and median frequency characteristics of selected abdominal, back, and hip muscles of healthy subjects during a prone bridging endurance test, based on surface electromyography (sEMG), (a) to determine if the prone bridging test is a valid field test to measure abdominal muscle fatigue, and (b) to evaluate if the current method of administrating the prone bridging test is reliable. Thirty healthy subjects participated in this experiment. The sEMG activity of seven abdominal, back, and hip muscles was bilaterally measured. Normalized median frequencies were computed from the EMG power spectra. The prone bridging tests were repeated on separate days to evaluate inter and intratester reliability. Significant differences in normalized median frequency slope (NMFslope) values between several abdominal, back, and hip muscles could be demonstrated. Moderate‐to‐high correlation coefficients were shown between NMFslope values and endurance time. Multiple backward linear regression revealed that the test endurance time could only be significantly predicted by the NMFslope of the rectus abdominis. Statistical analysis showed excellent reliability (ICC=0.87‐0.89). The findings of this study support the validity and reliability of the prone bridging test for evaluating abdominal muscle fatigue.
Classifying trunk strength impairment according to the activity limitation caused in wheelchair rugby performance
Authors: Altmann V. C. , Groen B. E. , Hart A. L. , Vanlandewijck Y. C. , Keijsers N. L. W.
Published: May 2017

International Federations in Paralympic sports should develop evidence‐based classification, based on the relative strength of association between impairment and activities that determine sport‐specific performance. The purpose of the current study was to assess the relationship between trunk strength impairment and three activities that determine performance in wheelchair rugby, and to determine whether this relationship supports the concept of “natural classes.” Trunk muscle strength and three determinants of performance were assessed in 27 athletes. The correlations between lateral trunk muscle strength and the determinant tilting the chair, and between forward trunk muscle strength and the determinants 1 m acceleration and sprint momentum were calculated. To group athletes based on impairment, K‐means cluster analysis was used to group athletes according to how much trunk muscle strength affected the activities. There were significant, moderate to strong correlations between left‐right strength and chair tilting (r=.50), between forward strength and 1 m acceleration (r=.59), and between forward strength and sprint momentum (r=.79). Cluster analysis indicated at least one cut‐point in performance with a decrease in impairment in all three wheelchair activities, supporting the concept of “natural classes.”
Sex differences in fitness and cardiac function during exercise in adolescents with chronic fatigue
Authors: Pianosi P. T. , Emerling E. , Mara K. C. , Weaver A. L. , Fischer P. R.
Published: May 2017

Females demonstrate less robust Frank‐Starling mechanism with respect to cardiac preload than males at rest. We asked whether this phenomenon would also affect cardiac performance during exercise. We hypothesized that stroke volume (SV) response to exercise would be more limited in deconditioned females such that cardiac output would be mainly rate dependent, compared with males. We conducted a chart audit of clinical exercise tests performed by adolescents with chronic fatigue. Oxygen uptake () was measured breath‐by‐breath at rest and during cycle ergometry, while cardiac output was measured by acetylene rebreathing at rest plus 2‐3 subthreshold workloads. SV response was analyzed in two ways: after normalization for body surface area (SV index, SVI) and as percentage change from resting values. Among 304 adolescents (78% females) with chronic fatigue, 189 (80%) of 236 females and 52 (76%) of 68 males were deconditioned (peakO2 <90% predicted). Heart rate trajectory during exercise was steeper for unfit than fit females, 70 vs 61 beat·min−1 per L·min−1 , (P=.003); but not for males, 47 vs 42 beat·min−1 per L·min−1 (P=.23). The highest measured SVI did not differ between unfit vs fit females (42.8 vs 41.5 mL·m−2, P=.39) while fit males showed larger SV during exercise than their unfit peers (highest SVI 55.9 vs 48.0 mL·m−2, P=.014). Both qualitative and quantitative sex differences exist in SV responses to exercise among chronically fatigued adolescents, suggesting volume loading may be more efficacious in girls.
The association between eccentric hip abduction strength and hip and knee angular movements in recreational male runners: An explorative study
Authors: Brund R. B. K. , Rasmussen S. , Nielsen R. O. , Kersting U. G. , Laessoe U. , Voigt M.
Published: May 2017

Weak hip abductors may be related with increased hip adduction and knee abduction angular movement, which may be risk factors of lower extremity injuries. As the role of eccentric hip abduction strength (EHAS) on hip adduction angular movement and knee abduction angular movement (KABD) remains unclear, the purpose of this study was to explore the association between EHAS and hip and knee angular movement. In 100 healthy male recreational runners, EHAS was quantified using an isokinetic dynamometer, while hip and knee angular movements were collected using pressure‐sensitive treadmill and Codamotion active marker system. Using multiple linear regression models (n=186 legs), no relationships between EHAS and hip and knee kinematics were found. A possible reason for the lack of relationship between EHAS and hip and knee kinematics may be owing to differences in the running kinematics. Some runners with weak EHAS may compensate the weakness by leaning toward the stance limb and thereby reduces the demand on the hip abductors with the consequence of increased knee abduction moment, which may lead to an increased knee abduction angular excursion. Possible, others mechanism as the quadriceps strength and activity in the hip and thigh muscles may also be able to explain the lack of relationship that may or may not exist. Despite the inconclusive results of this study, the findings may suggest that weak hip abductor muscles may be a relevant factor to focus on in future studies.
Scared of the Shelter from the Storm: Fear of Crime and Hurricane Shelter Decision Making
Authors: Farmer Ashley K. , Zelewicz Lee , Wachtendorf Tricia , DeYoung Sarah E.
Published: May 2017

Theories about fear of crime may offer insights about the use of public shelters in disaster situations. This study focuses on fear of victimization and gendered explanations of fear of crime in public shelters during hurricane events. From surveys of 424 North Carolina residents, 179 respondents described safety concerns with staying in a public shelter. Fear of victimization was the most commonly identified safety concern in connection to anticipated shelter use, significantly more so than concerns related to sanitation or structural integrity. Female respondents more often described fear of violent and sexual crimes in public shelters, which could be explained through the sexual assault hypothesis. We draw into our analysis literature examining the relationship between fear of crime and gender as we explore the implications of the results on planning for evacuation and sheltering in disaster events. By directly addressing perceived security in public shelters, we hope to expand our understanding of an important U.S. disaster setting by bridging research between fear of crime and disaster studies.