bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Reduction and Healing of the Bony Fragment Really Matter in Arthroscopic Bony Bankart Reconstruction?
Authors: Jiang Chun-Yan , Zhu Yi-Ming , Liu Xin , Li Feng-Long , Lu Yi , Wu Guan
Published: August 2013

Background:

Bony Bankart lesions can be treated with arthroscopic repair. However, few studies have evaluated the importance of bony fragment reduction and healing to stability of the glenohumeral joint after arthroscopic bony Bankart repair.

Purpose:

To evaluate functional results after surgery and determine the correlation between reduction and healing of the fracture and postoperative stability of the glenohumeral joint.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 50 patients (47 men, 3 women; average age, 27.6 years; range, 16.5-50.1 years) with bony Bankart lesions and recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations were treated with arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation with suture anchors. The average follow-up period was 32.5 months (range, 24.3-61.2 months). Preoperative and postoperative range of motion and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant-Murley, and Rowe scores were compared to evaluate the results of the surgeries. Sequential 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) scans were available for 37 patients and were analyzed to investigate the effect of the bony defect of the glenoid and the correlation between the success of the surgery and reduction and healing of the bony fragment.

Results:

After surgery, active forward elevation was significantly improved ( P < .05). No significant differences were found regarding external and internal rotations after surgery. The ASES, Constant-Murley, and Rowe scores improved significantly after surgery. Redislocations occurred in 3 patients, and a positive anterior apprehension sign was detected in 1 patient during follow-up. The overall failure rate was 8.0% (4/50). The CT scans during the follow-up period showed a nonunion of the bony fragment in 13.5% of cases (5/37). The reconstructed size of the glenoid was <80% in 3 of the 4 failure cases but >80% in all of the successful cases.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic reduction and fixation of a bony Bankart lesion can achieve good results in selected cases. The size of the reconstructed glenoid is crucial to the success of the surgery.
Traversing the Border
Authors: Sarmiento Carolina S. , Beard Victoria A.
Published: August 2013

Transnational communities transcend national borders in order to act collectively, despite geographic, economic, and political challenges. Oaxacan migrants exemplify how community organizations mobilize beyond the local scale to facilitate community-based planning in the United States and Mexico. The article brings together contributions from scholarship on collective action, governance, and citizenship to analyze community-based planning. It analyzes how Oaxacan migrants modify norms and customs about community service and indigenous governance in relation to community-based planning in both countries. The findings expand our understanding of how community-based planning is scaled up and embedded in transnational processes and relationships.
Recognition of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants by Health Insurance Providers in the United States
Authors: Chetwynd Ellen , Meyer Anne-Marie , Stuebe Alison , Costello Rebecca , Labbok Miriam
Published: August 2013

Background:

Insurance coverage for lactation management is proposed by the United States Affordable Care Act. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are key providers of lactation services. In order to inform national discussion, this study examines the scope of insurance reimbursement of IBCLC services.

Objectives:

An email survey of US IBCLCs (N = 10 495) in March 2011 was used to explore frequencies of (1) submission—how often lactation consults were submitted to insurance providers for reimbursement and (2) recognition—the proportion of submitted charges recognized by insurance providers.

Methods:

Results (N = 2045) were analyzed to describe patterns of submission and recognition by IBCLC work setting, job classification, and reimbursement strategy.

Results:

Many survey respondents did not know their submission (41%) or recognition (57%) levels. Multiple strategies were used for reimbursement of IBCLC services with large variations in recognition between strategies. Overall, less than 15% reported high levels of submissions to insurance providers. Moreover, of submitted encounters, only 4% were consistently recognized by insurance providers. Inpatient hospital IBCLCs were least likely to have consults recognized (3%), and private community IBCLCs were most frequently recognized (32%). Compared with using IBCLC credentials for submitting an encounter, using another clinical license was the most successful strategy for achieving recognition of IBCLC consults (crude risk ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.01; P = .02).

Conclusion:

IBCLCs provide key care to a vulnerable population. However, we found that these services are not consistently reimbursed. IBCLCs poorly communicate their health care activities to insurance providers, but insurance providers also inconsistently recognize and reimburse IBCLC care.
Transmission of acoustic emission in bones, implants and dental materials
Authors: Ossi Zannar , Abdou Wael , Reuben Robert L , Ibbetson Richard J
Published: August 2013

There is considerable interest in using acoustic emission (AE) and ultrasound to assess the quality of implant–bone interfaces and to monitor for micro-damage leading to loosening. However, remarkably little work has been done on the transmission of ultrasonic waves though the physical and biological structures involved. The aim of this in vitro study is to assess any differences in transmission between various dental materials and bovine rib bones with various degrees of hydration. Two types of tests have been carried out using pencil lead breaks as a standard AE source. The first set of tests was configured to assess the surface propagation of AE on various synthetic materials compared with fresh bovine rib bone. The second is a set of transmission tests on fresh, dried and hydrated bones each fitted with dental implants with various degrees of fixity, which includes components due to bone and interface transmission. The results indicate that transmission through glass ionomer cement is closest to the bone. This would suggest that complete osseointegration could potentially be simulated using such cement. The transmission of AE energy through bone was found to be dependent on its degree of hydration. It was also found that perfusing samples of fresh bone with water led to an increase in transmitted energy, but this appeared to affect transmission across the interface more than transmission through the bone. These findings have implications not only for implant interface inspection but also for passive AE monitoring of implants.
I just wanted to ask: A comparison of user studies of the Citizens Advice Bureau (SHIL) in Israel
Authors: Ravid Gilad , Bar-Ilan Judit , Baruchson-Arbib Shifra , Yaari Eti , Aharony Noa , Rafaeli Sheizaf , Weiss-Blatt Nirit
Published: August 2013

Day-to-day information needed by citizens can be sought in a variety of ways. Specifically, we were interested in users of online, citizen rights websites, such as the SHIL site ( http://shil.info ). Our results report findings from three parallel data collection efforts. Surveys were undertaken to gain a better understanding of how the SHIL website is used and to compare the information needs and information sources used by SHIL users and potential users unaware of the existence of the website. The surveys were administered to samples from three populations (current users of this site, previous users of the site, and users who filled in an offline questionnaire and were mostly unaware of the existence of the SHIL website). We report several interesting differences between the three groups, and suggest future work on analyzing the site, its users, the content it provides and the needs it serves.
Analysis of the Prevalence Rate and Correlative Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease in Physical Checkups of Adults in Henan Area
Authors: Liang Yan
Published: August 2013

This paper reports the results of physical examination data of a population aged 19 years and above in the Henan area. The prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in adults in a healthy population and associations with potential risk factors are described. There were 556 cases with albuminuria, a prevalence rate of 5.09% (95% CI: 3.19-6.88). The prevalence rate of males (5.87%) was higher than that of females (3.81%). There were 278 cases with eGFR <60 mL/min·(1.73 m2)−1, suggesting a high rate of unreported CKD in this community.
Effect of Synthetic Pyrethroid Pesticide Exposure During Pregnancy on the Growth and Development of Infants
Authors: Xue Zhanyou , Li Xiaoqiong , Su Qian , Xu Li , Zhang Peng , Kong Zhenyu , Xu Jianhui , Teng Junfang
Published: August 2013

Antenatal urine of 497 pregnant women was collected in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of a county hospital in Jiaozuo, Henan. The content of the main metabolites of synthetic pyrethroid pesticides in urine were determined. After 1 year, physical development indices of 1-year old infants, such as height, weight, and head and chest circumference, were measured. The neural and mental development of the infants was assessed by the Development Screen Test (DST) scale. We observed that the level of synthetic pyrethroid pesticide exposure was negatively related to the neural and mental development of infants (β = −0.1527, P < 0.05). Therefore, direct or indirect exposure to synthetic pyrethroid pesticides should be avoided during pregnancy.
Meta-Analysis of the Correlation Between PTPN22 Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Shi Lipu , Wei Yanlin , Xun Wen , Han Dan
Published: August 2013

In this meta-analysis of the association between PTPN22 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus, 4 case–control studies, including one from China, were included. The studies included 1864 participants: 772 cases and 1092 controls. The meta-analysis showed that the 1858C/T polymorphism of the PTPN22 gene is correlated with systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility, when assessed by distribution characteristics such as nationality, race, and region. A large sample size from the Chinese population is required for a further prospective study before causality can be established.
Emergence of Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in the United States: clinical signs, lesions, and viral genomic sequences
Authors: Stevenson Gregory W. , Hoang Hai , Schwartz Kent J. , Burrough Eric R. , Sun Dong , Madson Darin , Cooper Vickie L. , Pillatzki Angela , Gauger Philip , Schmitt Beverly J. , Koster Leo G. , Killian Mary L. , Yoon Kyoungjin J.
Published: August 2013

During the 10 days commencing April 29, 2013, the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory received the first 4 of many submissions from swine farms experiencing explosive epidemics of diarrhea and vomiting affecting all ages, with 90–95% mortality in suckling pigs. Histology revealed severe atrophy of villi in all segments of the small intestines with occasional villus-epithelial syncytial cells, but testing for rotaviruses and Transmissible gastroenteritis virus ( Alphacoronavirus 1) were negative. Negative-staining electron microscopy of feces revealed coronavirus-like particles and a pan-coronavirus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) designed to amplify a conserved region of the polymerase gene for all members in the family Coronaviridae produced expected 251-bp amplicons. Subsequent sequencing and analysis revealed 99.6–100% identity among the PCR amplicons from the 4 farms and 97–99% identity to the corresponding portion of the polymerase gene of Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) strains, with the highest identity (99%) to strains from China in 2012. Findings were corroborated at National Veterinary Services Laboratories using 2 nested S-gene and 1 nested N-gene PCR tests where the sequenced amplicons also had the highest identity with 2012 China strains. Whole genome sequence for the virus from 2 farms in 2 different states using next-generation sequencing technique was compared to PEDV sequences available in GenBank. The 2013 U.S. PEDV had 96.6–99.5% identity with all known PEDV strains and the highest identity (>99.0%) to some of the 2011–2012 Chinese strains. The nearly simultaneous outbreaks of disease, and high degree of homology (99.6–100%) between the PEDV strains from the 4 unrelated farms, suggests a common source of virus.
Teaching with Autoharps in the 21st Century
Authors: Birnie Rebecca A.
Published: August 2013

The excitement of playing an instrument is one of the greatest motivating forces in teaching general music to students. The autoharp, which may be long forgotten in the general music classrooms of the 21st century, is an ideal instrument to “re-introduce” to students. The teaching of a traditional folk instrument provides advantages for connecting students with music and fostering performance-based music making. The author explores beginning instruction of the autoharp for general music, emphasizing the simplicity of use and the benefits of immediate success. The connection to American culture and folk song repertoire is advocated in addition to recommendations for purchase, care, and tuning of the instrument specifically for student use. Teaching strategies are given, including references to the standards and informal, formal, and peer assessments. A recommended resource list comprising online references, instruction books, and beginning folk song repertoire is included, with a listing of suggested two- and three-chord songs.
Encouraging reactivity to create robust machines
Authors: Lehman Joel , Risi Sebastian , D’Ambrosio David , O Stanley Kenneth
Published: August 2013

The robustness of animal behavior is unmatched by current machines, which often falter when exposed to unforeseen conditions. While animals are notably reactive to changes in their environment, machines often follow finely tuned yet inflexible plans. Thus, instead of the traditional approach of training such machines over many different unpredictable scenarios in detailed simulations (which is the most intuitive approach to inducing robustness), this work proposes to train machines to be reactive to their environment. The idea is that robustness may result not from detailed internal models or finely tuned control policies but from cautious exploratory behavior. Supporting this hypothesis, robots trained to navigate mazes with a reactive disposition prove more robust than those trained over many trials yet not rewarded for reactive behavior in both simulated tests and when embodied in real robots. The conclusion is that robustness may neither require an accurate model nor finely calibrated behavior.
K-means clustering and neural network for evaluating sound level vibration in vehicle cabin
Authors: Nopiah Zulkifli Mohd , Junoh Ahmad Kadri , Ariffin Ahmad Kamal
Published: August 2013

One of the characteristics that may influence customers in vehicle purchasing is the level of comfort of the vehicle’s sound vibration in the vehicle cabin. The basic principle suggests that the sound vibration discomfort level is affected by a few factors which are mainly based on magnitudes, frequencies, directions and also the exposed periods. Normally, the phenomenon of sound vibration disrupts the performance of the driver by affecting the driver’s vision and also inducing a certain degree of stress due to the sound and vibration to which the driver and his or her passengers are exposed. The sound vibration is generally contributed by a few sources originated from the transmission of the vehicle’s engine, tire interactions with the road surface and also the exposure of vehicle’s body vibration during the movement. The objective of this study is to propose an approach that clusters the level of sound and vibration into a few categories and classifies them into those categories without implementing the subjective test that normally involves human assessment. The study has observed the changes of the sound quality and the level of vibration at particular points in the vehicle cabin over the changes of engine speeds. In reference to the results, the study has successfully provided a technical procedure in order to cluster, and also to classify, the level of sound vibration by taking into account the correlation between experienced noise and exposed vibration in the vehicle cabin.
Hazards in determining whether a drug is hazardous
Authors: Badry Nadine , Fabbro Joan , de Lemos Mario L
Published: August 2013

The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health list and evaluation criteria have provided an important foundation to help institutions identify and create a list of hazardous formulary drugs. However, further guiding principles were needed to make the adoption feasible at our organization. First, we developed separate directives for determining the inherent hazardous toxicity of a drug and for the requirements for safe handling based on dosage forms (exposure risks) of these drugs. Secondly, we created a systematic approach in determining the scope of the drugs reviewed by US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Thirdly, we streamlined our review process by defining which drugs needed to be evaluated by our organization. Finally, we considered the pros and cons of creating a tiered system for classifying hazardous drugs beyond those recommended by US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Female-to-Male Transmasculine Adult Health
Authors: Reisner Sari L. , Gamarel Kristi E. , Dunham Emilia , Hopwood Ruben , Hwahng Sel
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of health research about transgender people. OBJECTIVES: This mixed-methods study sought to formatively investigate the health and perceived health needs of female-to-male transmasculine adults. DESIGN: A cross-sectional quantitative needs assessment ( n = 73) and qualitative open-ended input ( n = 19) were conducted in June 2011. A latent class analysis modeled six binary health indicators (depression, alcohol use, current smoking, asthma, physical inactivity, overweight status) to identify clusters of presenting health issues. RESULTS: Four clusters of health indicators emerged: (a) depression; (b) syndemic (all indicators); (c) alcohol use, overweight status; and (d) smoking, physical inactivity, overweight status. Transphobic discrimination in health care and avoiding care were each associated with membership in the syndemic class. Qualitative themes included personal health care needs, community needs, and resilience and protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: Findings fill an important gap about the health of transmasculine communities, including the need for public health efforts that holistically address concomitant health concerns.
What is a feral cat?
Authors: Gosling Lara , Stavisky Jenny , Dean Rachel
Published: August 2013

Study rationale:

The definition of a true feral cat is an area of much contention, with many variations used worldwide. In this study, opinions were gathered from feral cat rescue workers and veterinary surgeons working in the United Kingdom to identify a practical definition of a feral cat, suitable for use in the field, education and research.

Protocol:

A mixed methods approach, using questionnaires and focus groups, was used to collect data from feral cat workers and veterinary surgeons.

Findings:

Conflicts in opinion on the implications of taming feral cats exist. The rescue workers typically felt that most cats could be tamed, whereas the veterinary surgeons felt this was generally inappropriate, except in the case of young kittens. A consistent definition of feral cats would enable better communication regarding the welfare and management of these animals, and would be useful for further research and education of the public.

Proposed definition:

A feral cat is proposed by this study to be a cat that is unapproachable in its free-roaming environment and is capable of surviving with or without direct human intervention, and may additionally show fearful or defensive behaviour on human contact.
2013 AAFP Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel Report
Authors: Scherk Margie A , Ford Richard B , Gaskell Rosalind M , Hartmann Katrin , Hurley Kate F , Lappin Michael R , Levy Julie K , Little Susan E , Nordone Shila K , Sparkes Andrew H
Published: August 2013

Rationale:

This Report was developed by the Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) to provide practical recommendations to help clinicians select appropriate vaccination schedules for their feline patients based on risk assessment. The recommendations rely on published data as much as possible, as well as consensus of a multidisciplinary panel of experts in immunology, infectious disease, internal medicine and clinical practice.
ISFM Guidelines on Population Management and Welfare of Unowned Domestic Cats (Felis catus)
Authors: Sparkes Andrew H , Bessant Claire , Cope Kevin , Ellis Sarah L H , Finka Lauren , Halls Vicky , Hiestand Karen , Horsford Kim , Laurence Christopher , MacFarlaine Ian , Neville Peter F , Stavisky Jenny , Yeates James
Published: August 2013

Guidelines rationale:

Cats are among the most commonly kept domestic pets, and coexist with humans in a variety of different circumstances. Cats are sentient beings and, as such, humans have a responsibility for cat welfare where humans and cats coexist. Because cats reproduce efficiently, measures to control populations are frequently needed, but these should be based on ethical and humane approaches.

Framework:

These consensus guidelines from the International Society of Feline Medicine’s Welfare Advisory Panel provide a framework for the approach to welfare and population control measures, primarily among unowned cats and those going through a homing programme.
Influence of electric double layers on elastohydrodynamic lubricating water film in line contact
Authors: Chen Yingjun , Zuo Qiyang , Huang Ping
Published: August 2013

The influence of the electric double layers of two friction surfaces on nanoscale lubrication is significant. Based on the previous mathematical model of electro-viscosity considering the asymmetrical electric double layers, and by using a viscosity–pressure model of water, a theoretical evaluation concerning the effect of the electric double layers on the film thickness and the pressure distribution of the elastohydrodynamic lubricating water film of the line contact is carried out. The analysis results show that the electric double layers lead to a noticeable increase in the film thickness, but the influence of the electric double layers on the pressure distribution is minimal.
Development of a portable total nitrogen detection system based on microelectrodes
Authors: Song Ziyuan , Bian Chao , Tong Jianhua , Li Yang , Sun Jizhou , Zhang Hong , Xia Shanhong
Published: August 2013

This article presents a portable total nitrogen detection system based on microelectrode chip. The microelectrode chip, integrated with a working electrode modified with copper and a counter electrode, was fabricated by microelectromechanical systems technology and was used to detect the concentration of nitrate after total nitrogen digestion. MSP430F4793 microcontroller was applied in this portable system to realize multifunction such as electrochemical modification of the working electrode, detection of the current response, storage of the detection results, calibration, and communication. Water samples from a lake were detected by this developed system, an electrochemical analyzer, and a commercial total nitrogen monitoring system at the same time. Correlation coefficients of 92.9% and 98.15% were shown by the developed system with the electrochemical analyzer and the commercial total nitrogen monitoring system, respectively. Compared with the traditional analyzer system, this portable detection system has the advantages of miniaturization, low cost, and low power consumption.
IFSSH Flexor Tendon Committee Report 2014
Authors: Tang Jin Bo , Chang James , Elliot David , Lalonde Donald H. , Sandow Michael , Vögelin Esther
Published: August 2013

Hand surgeons continue to search for the best surgical flexor tendon repair and treatment of the tendon sheaths and pulleys, and they are attempting to establish postoperative regimens that fit diverse clinical needs. It is the purpose of this report to present the current views, methods, and suggestions of six senior hand surgeons from six different countries — all experienced in tendon repair and reconstruction. Although certainly there is common ground, the report presents provocative views and approaches. The report reflects an update in the views of the committee. We hope that it is helpful to surgeons and therapists in treating flexor tendon injuries.
The use of a pyrocarbon capitate resurfacing implant in chronic wrist disorders
Authors: Marcuzzi A. , Ozben H. , Russomando A.
Published: August 2013

The present study describes the technique and results of proximal row carpectomy with resection of the head of the capitate and replacement with a pyrocarbon capitate resurfacing implant. The major indication for surgical treatment was arthritic changes on the head of the capitate. Patients were assessed by range of motion, grip strength, pain and functional scoring, and radiographic studies. In most patients, wrist function was improved and pain relief was obtained. This surgical procedure may represent a good alternative to total and partial wrist arthrodesis.
Comparison between open and arthroscopic-assisted foveal triangular fibrocartilage complex repair for post-traumatic distal radio-ulnar joint instability
Authors: Luchetti R. , Atzei A. , Cozzolino R. , Fairplay T. , Badur N.
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to assess the objective and subjective functional outcomes after foveal reattachment of proximal or complete ulnar-sided triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions by two surgical procedures: an open technique or an arthroscopically assisted repair. The study was done prospectively on 49 wrists affected by post-traumatic distal radio-ulnar joint instability. Twenty-four patients were treated with the open technique (Group 1) and 25 by the arthroscopically assisted technique (Group 2). Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a clear foveal detachment of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in 67% of the cases. Arthroscopy showed a positive ulnar-sided detachment of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (positive hook test) in all cases. Distal radio-ulnar joint stability was obtained in all but five patients at a mean follow-up of 6 months. Both groups had improvement of all parameters with significant differences in wrist pain scores, Mayo wrist score, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation questionnaire scores. There were no significant post-operative differences between the two groups in the outcome parameters except for the Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score, which was significantly better in Group 2 ( p < 0.001).
Desmopressin in the treatment of nocturia: clinical evidence and experience
Authors: Friedman Fara M. , Weiss Jeffrey P.
Published: August 2013

Nocturia is a common and bothersome condition experienced by both men and women. Studies have suggested that nocturia contributes a level of morbidity to those who suffer from the condition, both young and old. Desmopressin has historically been utilized to treat conditions such as central diabetes insipidus, certain bleeding disorders and primary nocturnal enuresis. Recently, interest has increased as to the use of desmopressin (a vasopressin analog) in the treatment of adult nocturia, for whom nocturnal polyuria is prevalent. While desmopressin has been traditionally administered in tablet and bioequivalent high dose melt formulations, newer low-dose orally disintegrating sublingual desmopressin has been recently studied to determine safe and efficacious dosing strategies. In this review, nocturia and its associated morbidities are discussed, followed by a contemporary literature review regarding the safety and efficacy of desmopressin for its treatment.
Retrospective analysis of long-term outcomes in ulna-shortening osteotomy
Authors: Johnston Laura , Chojnowski Adrian
Published: August 2013

Background

There is limited information regarding the long-term outcomes of ulna-shortening osteotomy for ulna impaction syndrome. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire is a commonly used patient-rated outcome measure to assess function of the upper limb. The purpose of this retrospective case analysis was to compare patient-reported functional outcome with satisfaction in the assessment of long-term outcome after ulna shorting osteotomy.

Methods

A study of 32 patients presenting with ulna impaction syndrome with an average assessment of 54 months (range 8–102 months, SD 25.87) following ulna-shortening osteotomy. Outcome was evaluated using the QuickDASH questionnaire and an ordinal patient satisfaction score. Anonymous QuickDASH scores and patient satisfaction scores were obtained for 22 patients, one of whom underwent bilateral ulna-shortening osteotomy and completed individual responses for each procedure, providing us with 23 responses (68% response rate).

Results

Thirty two patients had an ulna-shortening osteotomy between 2003 and 2012. Fifteen were male (47%) and 17 were female (53%) with an average age at surgery of 43 years (range 15–73, SD 11.27). Two patients underwent bilateral operations. The average QuickDASH score was 22.88 ( n = 23, range 0–72.5, SD 24.22) at follow-up. The average work QuickDASH score was 15.39 (range 0–50, SD 20.74). The average sport QuickDASH score was 34.38 (range 0–81.25, SD 28.89). Patient satisfaction scores showed 87% of patients reported an improvement in symptoms and 61% of patients would definitely recommend the procedure to patients with similar symptoms.

Conclusion

Long-term outcomes after ulna-shortening osteotomy show high levels of patient satisfaction and low QuickDASH scores.
Nonoperative Treatment Approach to Knee Osteoarthritis in the Master Athlete
Authors: Huleatt Joel B. , Campbell Kevin J. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: August 2013

Context:

Middle-age and elderly participants in athletic activities frequently encounter the chronic disabling process of osteoarthritis. Knowledge of the treatment of knee osteoarthritis is needed to keep the master athlete active.

Objective:

This article reviews the current scientific evidence regarding recommendations for the maturing athlete, specifically discussing the strengths and weaknesses of dietary and lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, bracing, supplements, pharmacotherapies, and biologics in the management of knee osteoarthritis.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Conclusion:

These treatment modalities can help keep the aging athlete active, which in itself plays an important role in reducing the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
Encopresis
Authors: Mosca Nancy W. , Schatz Mary L.
Published: August 2013

Encopresis is a medical condition that can be seen in the school setting with children of all ages, though primarily at the early childhood and elementary level. This condition can cause a great amount of frustration with the student, family, and teachers due to the child’s inability to control elimination patterns. The school nurse must be aware of the warning signs that a student may be experiencing encopresis in order to promote treatment. This article will assist the school nurse in understanding typical causes for functional encopresis, knowing how to help a student who soils, and developing an individualized healthcare plan that assists a student to become continent of stool again. Encopresis is not just an accident.
Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Toxoplasma Encephalitis in HIV-Infected Patients from Zaria, Northern Nigeria
Authors: Ogoina Dimie , Obiako Reginald O. , Onyemelukwe Geoffrey C. , Musa Bolanle O. , Hamidu Ahmed Umdagas
Published: August 2013

Toxoplasma encephalitis (TE) is the most common cause of focal deficits in patients living with HIV/AIDS. Among 257 HIV-infected adult patients seen between January 2006 and December 2010 in a tertiary hospital in Zaria, northern Nigeria, 9 (3.5%) patients had clinical, serological, and brain imaging evidence of TE. All 9 patients had CD4 count of less than 50 cells/mm3. Of the 9 patients, 7 were antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive, while 2 were cases of ART-induced TE-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. After administering intravenous dexamethasone for cerebral decompression and specific antitoxoplasma therapy, symptoms and signs resolved in 8 patients within 4 to 14 days, but 1 patient died. Our data suggest that even in the ART era in Nigeria, TE remains a fairly common cause of morbidity among HIV-infected patients due to late HIV diagnosis and significant immunosuppression at diagnosis. Early HIV diagnosis, early initiation of highly active ART, and routine prophylaxis against TE are imperative in combating the challenge of HIV/AIDS-related TE in Nigeria.
Partial IFN-γR2 deficiency is due to protein misfolding and can be rescued by inhibitors of glycosylation
Authors: Moncada-Vélez Marcela , Martinez-Barricarte Rubén , Bogunovic Dusan , Kong Xiao-Fei , Blancas-Galicia Lizbeth , Tirpan Cengiz , Aksu Guzide , Vincent Quentin B. , Boisson Bertrand , Itan Yuval , Ramírez-Alejo Noé , Okada Satoshi , Kreins Alexandra Y. , Bryant Vanessa L. , Franco Jose Luis , Migaud Mélanie , Espinosa-Padilla Sara , Yamazaki-Nakashimada Marco , Espinosa-Rosales Francisco , Kutukculer Necil , Abel Laurent , Bustamante Jacinta , Vogt Guillaume , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Boisson-Dupuis Stéphanie
Published: August 2013

Key Points

Hypomorphic IFNGR2 alleles encode misfolded proteins with abnormal N-glycosylation. Chemical modifiers of N-glycosylation effectively complemented the patients’ response to IFN-γ.
Preferential splenic CD8+ T-cell activation in rituximab-nonresponder patients with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Audia Sylvain , Samson Maxime , Mahévas Matthieu , Ferrand Christophe , Trad Malika , Ciudad Marion , Gautheron Alexandrine , Seaphanh Famky , Leguy Vanessa , Berthier Sabine , Salles Bruno , Martin Laurent , Lorcerie Bernard , Ortega-Deballon Pablo , Facy Olivier , Caillot Denis , Soudry-Faure Agnès , Michel Marc , Godeau Bertrand , Larmonier Nicolas , Saas Philippe , Janikashvili Nona , Bonnotte Bernard
Published: August 2013

Key Points

Activated CD8+ T cells are preferentially found in the spleen of ITP patients who are nonresponders to rituximab.
Complete moment convergence for randomly weighted sums of martingale differences
Authors: Yang Wenzhi , Wang Yiwei , Wang Xinghui , Hu Shuhe
Published: August 2013

In this article, we obtain the complete moment convergence for randomly weighted sums of martingale differences. Our results generalize the corresponding ones for the nonweighted sums of martingale differences to the case of randomly weighted sums of martingale differences.

MSC:60G50, 60F15.
Therapeutic efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A in trigeminal neuralgia: a systematic review
Authors: Hu Yong , Guan Xiaofei , Fan Lin , Li Mu , Liao Yiteng , Nie Zhiyu , Jin Lingjing
Published: August 2013

Trigeminal neuralgia is a common disorder caused mainly by compression of the trigeminal nerve root by an overlying blood vessel. Pharmacotherapy and surgery are ineffective or unsuitable in many patients. Therefore, other therapeutic modalities have been tried, including injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A). This study aims to systematically review the therapeutic efficacy and safety of BTX-A in trigeminal neuralgia. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library Clinical Trials and Web of Science from January 1966 to March 2013 were searched with the terms of “botulinum toxin” AND “trigeminal neuralgia”, and references of related articles were traced. Data on the efficacy and safety of BTX-A in this disorder were extracted and analyzed by at least 2 reviewers. Data for individual studies were reported, and pooled data were analyzed if appropriate. Five prospective studies and one double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study were identified. Response was achieved in approximately 70-100% of patients, and the mean pain intensity and frequency were reduced by approximately 60-100% at 4 weeks after treatment in most studies. Major adverse events were not reported. Available studies show BTX-A may be effective in treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. However, well-designed randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial is still lacking. Future BTX-A treatment studies on optimal dose, duration of the therapeutic efficacy, common AEs, and the time and indications for repeat injection would be promising.
A flexible count data model to fit the wide diversity of expression profiles arising from extensively replicated RNA-seq experiments
Authors: Esnaola Mikel , Puig Pedro , Gonzalez David , Castelo Robert , Gonzalez Juan R
Published: August 2013

Background

High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) offers unprecedented power to capture the real dynamics of gene expression. Experimental designs with extensive biological replication present a unique opportunity to exploit this feature and distinguish expression profiles with higher resolution. RNA-seq data analysis methods so far have been mostly applied to data sets with few replicates and their default settings try to provide the best performance under this constraint. These methods are based on two well-known count data distributions: the Poisson and the negative binomial. The way to properly calibrate them with large RNA-seq data sets is not trivial for the non-expert bioinformatics user.

Results

Here we show that expression profiles produced by extensively-replicated RNA-seq experiments lead to a rich diversity of count data distributions beyond the Poisson and the negative binomial, such as Poisson-Inverse Gaussian or Pólya-Aeppli, which can be captured by a more general family of count data distributions called the Poisson-Tweedie. The flexibility of the Poisson-Tweedie family enables a direct fitting of emerging features of large expression profiles, such as heavy-tails or zero-inflation, without the need to alter a single configuration parameter. We provide a software package for R called implementing a new test for differential expression based on the Poisson-Tweedie family. Using simulations on synthetic and real RNA-seq data we show that yieldsP-values that are equally or more accurate than competing methods under different configuration parameters. By surveying the tiny fraction of sex-specific gene expression changes in human lymphoblastoid cell lines, we also show that accurately detects differentially expressed genes in a real large RNA-seq data set with improved performance and reproducibility over the previously compared methodologies. Finally, we compared the results with those obtained from microarrays in order to check for reproducibility.

Conclusions

RNA-seq data with many replicates leads to a handful of count data distributions which can be accurately estimated with the statistical model illustrated in this paper. This method provides a better fit to the underlying biological variability; this may be critical when comparing groups of RNA-seq samples with markedly different count data distributions. The package forms part of the Bioconductor project and it is available for download athttp://www.bioconductor.org.
A multiple-alignment based primer design algorithm for genetically highly variable DNA targets
Authors: Brodin Johanna , Krishnamoorthy Mohan , Athreya Gayathri , Fischer Will , Hraber Peter , Gleasner Cheryl , Green Lance , Korber Bette , Leitner Thomas
Published: August 2013

Background

Primer design for highly variable DNA sequences is difficult, and experimental success requires attention to many interacting constraints. The advent of next-generation sequencing methods allows the investigation of rare variants otherwise hidden deep in large populations, but requires attention to population diversity and primer localization in relatively conserved regions, in addition to recognized constraints typically considered in primer design.

Results

Design constraints include degenerate sites to maximize population coverage, matching of melting temperatures, optimizing de novo sequence length, finding optimal bio-barcodes to allow efficient downstream analyses, and minimizing risk of dimerization. To facilitate primer design addressing these and other constraints, we created a novel computer program (PrimerDesign) that automates this complex procedure. We show its powers and limitations and give examples of successful designs for the analysis of HIV-1 populations.

Conclusions

PrimerDesign is useful for researchers who want to design DNA primers and probes for analyzing highly variable DNA populations. It can be used to design primers for PCR, RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing, and other experimental protocols targeting highly variable DNA samples.
Insights into the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) innate immune system: genetic diversity of the toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in wild populations and domestic breeds
Authors: Abrantes Joana , Areal Helena , Esteves Pedro J
Published: August 2013

Background

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) belong to the innate immune system and are a major class of pattern recognition receptors representing the first line of the innate immune response. The TLR molecule is structurally composed by an ectodomain that contains leucine rich repeats (LRRs) that interact with pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), a transmembrane domain and a conserved cytoplasmic domain designated TIR (Toll-IL1 receptor) that is responsible for the intracellular signaling. TLR3 has been associated with the direct recognition of double-stranded viral RNA resulting from viral replication, while TLR7 and TLR8 target single-stranded viral RNA. In the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), TLR7 and TLR8 were reported to be absent and pseudogenised, respectively, making TLR3 the only available TLR for the recognition of viral RNA. Thus, the levels of diversity of TLR3 were evaluated in the European rabbit by analysing different genetic backgrounds and exposure to pathogen pressures.

Results

We detected 41 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding sequence of TLR3. The highest diversity was observed in the wild populations of Iberian Peninsula, between 22–33 polymorphic positions. In the French population, 18 SNPs were observed and only 4 polymorphic positions were detected in the domestic breeds. 14 non-synonymous substitutions were observed, most of them in the LRR molecules. The remaining were scattered across the transmembrane and TIR domains.

Conclusion

The study of TLR3 in European rabbit populations might be relevant to understand the interplay between RNA viruses and innate immunity. Wild rabbit populations presented more diversity than domestic breeds and other mammals previously studied. This might be linked to the absence of population bottlenecks during their evolution and to the almost inexistence of man-mediated selection. The observed variability might have also been potentiated by the contact of the wild populations with various pathogens. The study of these patterns of variability might reveal scenarios of host-pathogen interaction and identify TLR3 polymorphisms’ that arose due to viral pathogens affecting wild populations.
Novel bioinformatics strategies for prediction of directional sequence changes in influenza virus genomes and for surveillance of potentially hazardous strains
Authors: Iwasaki Yuki , Abe Takashi , Wada Yoshiko , Wada Kennosuke , Ikemura Toshimichi
Published: August 2013

Background

With the remarkable increase of microbial and viral sequence data obtained from high-throughput DNA sequencers, novel tools are needed for comprehensive analysis of the big sequence data. We have developed “Batch-Learning Self-Organizing Map (BLSOM)” which can characterize very many, even millions of, genomic sequences on one plane. Influenza virus is one of zoonotic viruses and shows clear host tropism. Important issues for bioinformatics studies of influenza viruses are prediction of genomic sequence changes in the near future and surveillance of potentially hazardous strains.

Methods

To characterize sequence changes in influenza virus genomes after invasion into humans from other animal hosts, we applied BLSOMs to analyses of mono-, di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide compositions in all genome sequences of influenza A and B viruses and found clear host-dependent clustering (self-organization) of the sequences.

Results

Viruses isolated from humans and birds differed in mononucleotide composition from each other. In addition, host-dependent oligonucleotide compositions that could not be explained with the host-dependent mononucleotide composition were revealed by oligonucleotide BLSOMs. Retrospective time-dependent directional changes of mono- and oligonucleotide compositions, which were visualized for human strains on BLSOMs, could provide predictive information about sequence changes in newly invaded viruses from other animal hosts (e.g. the swine-derived pandemic H1N1/09).

Conclusions

Basing on the host-dependent oligonucleotide composition, we proposed a strategy for prediction of directional changes of virus sequences and for surveillance of potentially hazardous strains when introduced into human populations from non-human sources. Millions of genomic sequences from infectious microbes and viruses have become available because of their medical and social importance, and BLSOM can characterize the big data and support efficient knowledge discovery.
Lack of significant association between mutations of KCNJ10 or FOXI1 and SLC26A4 mutations in pendred syndrome/enlarged vestibular aqueducts
Authors: Landa Priya , Differ Ann-Marie , Rajput Kaukab , Jenkins Lucy , Bitner-Glindzicz Maria
Published: August 2013

Background

Pendred syndrome is a common autosomal recessive disorder causing deafness. Features include sensorineural hearing impairment, goitre, enlarged vestibular aqueducts (EVA) and occasionally Mondini dysplasia. Hearing impairment and EVA may occur in the absence of goitre or thyroid dyshormonogensis in a condition known as non-syndromic EVA. A significant number of patients with Pendred syndrome and non-syndromic EVA show only one mutation in SLC26A4. Two genes, KCNJ10, encoding an inwardly rectifying potassium channel and FOXI1, a transcriptional factor gene, are thought to play a role in the disease phenotypes.

Methods

Using Polymerase Chain Reaction and Sanger sequencing, sixty-eight patients with monoallelic mutations of SLC26A4 were tested for mutations in KCNJ10 and FOXI1.

Results

Two variants were observed in the KCNJ10 gene, p.Arg271Cys in three patients and p.Arg18Gln in one patient; only one variant, p.Arg123Trp was observed in the FOXI1 gene in a single patient. Both p.Arg271Cys and p.Arg18Gln are likely to be polymorphisms as judged by their frequency in the general population.

Conclusion

Therefore we found no evidence for a significant association between mutations of KCNJ10 and FOXI1 with SLC26A4. It was also observed that the variant, p.Arg271Cys in KCNJ10, previously thought to have a protective effect against seizure susceptibility, was found in a patient with Pendred syndrome with co-existing epilepsy.