bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Axial Rotation Test for Trapeziometacarpal Joint Hypermobility in the Normal Population
Authors: Odgers Ryan A. , Rayan Ghazi M. 
Published: October 2018

Background: The objective was to quantify joint laxity in healthy volunteers by measuring the passive axial rotation of the trapeziometacarpal joint using the axial rotation test. Methods: Eighty volunteers (34 men and 46 women) were subjected to the axial rotation shear test and the degree of total rotational motion (TRM) was assessed. Volunteers were divided into Group I with a range of 18–50 years old and Group II for 51 years and older. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: The average TRM in Group I was 32.3 mm for women, and 27.4 mm, for men (p = 0.04). The average TRM in women of Groups I and II, was 32.3 and 21.6 mm respectively, (p < 0.001). The average TRM in men of Groups I and II, was 27.4 and 19.4 mm (p < 0.001). In Group II the average TRM of women was 21.6 mm, and for men was 19.4 mm, which was not significantly different. Conclusions: Young women have greater degree of rotational laxity in the TM joint compared to men of the same age group and to older women. The axial rotation test can quantify the degree of rotational laxity of the TM joint.
Motec Wrist Arthroplasty: 4 Years of Promising Results
Authors: Giwa L. , Siddiqui A. , Packer G. 
Published: October 2018

Background: The Motec cementless modular metal-on-metal ball-and-socket wrist arthroplasty is an implant with promising intermediate results. An alternative to primary wrist fusion, total wrist arthroplasty is an option for active patients, who wish to retain their wrist function. It is indicated in cases of degenerative osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis and rheumatoid (inflammatory) arthritis.Methods: A prospective review of patient demographics, pre and post-operative Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH), MAYO scores, range of movements and grip strengths. All complications in follow up were recorded across the 4 year period.Results: 25 implants on 23 patients over 5.5 years, mean age 61; 8 females and 15 male. 10 patients with SLAC, 3 SNAC, 5 inflammatory and 7 patients with generalized osteoarthritis. The patients showed significant improvements of MAYO and DASH scores post-operatively, as well as the flexion/extension arc and grip strengths. There was just one case of implant loosening- the radial screw after a wound infection, which was revised with a longer screw. Two implants were converted to Motec fusion due to pain. One implant was dislocated and relocated. The remaining patients have had good wrist function. Only 6 patients were unable to return to work.Conclusions: Similar to published studies, this series shows the Motec implant to be a good motion preserving alternative to total wrist fusion.
Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) Using Multiple Foam Pieces for Hidden Space Drainage through Less Exposure in Musculoskeletal Infections
Authors: Shin Seung-Han , Park Il-Kyu , Kang Jin-Woo , Lee Yong-Suk , Chung Yang-Guk 
Published: October 2018

Background: Purulent musculoskeletal infections often require surgical debridement and drainage. However, when the infection is extensive or involving multiple layers of tissues, maintaining drainage of the involved spaces can be difficult, even with the application of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy. Wide exposure and aggressive debridement is often required for such cases, which in turn may complicate wound coverage.Methods: A retrospective review was performed for 16 patients with musculoskeletal infections treated surgically. The diagnosis for the patients consisted of necrotizing fasciitis, large soft tissue abscess, peri-hardware abscess, infected compartment syndrome, emphysematous osteomyelitis, and gas gangrene of diabetic foot. We minimized the incision and resection for debridement and drainage, and instead we placed multiple foam pieces between the tissues involved with VAC, to maintain drainage of the hidden spaces with negative pressure.Results: Infection was successfully controlled in all cases. The mean duration of VAC treatment was 16.1 days (range, 5–36) and the mean number of VAC changes was 5.1 (range, 1–13). Primary wound closure was achieved in 11 cases, while skin grafts were used to cover the remaining five cases, which consisted of necrotizing fasciitis, infected compartment syndrome, and diabetic foot gas gangrene. No complications specifically associated with VAC therapy were observed.Conclusions: VAC using multiple foam pieces for hidden space drainage appears to be effective for infection control. It is helpful for minimizing exposure and resection for drainage and debridement, although subsequent reduction of the necessity or the level of wound coverage should further be investigated.
EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coliheat labile enterotoxin inhibits intestinal ascorbic acid uptake via a cAMP-dependent NF-κB-mediated pathway
Authors: Subramenium Ganapathy A. , Sabui Subrata , Marchant Jonathan S. , Said Hamid M. , Subramanian Veedamali S. 
Published: October 2018

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and acts as a cofactor for many enzymatic reactions. Humans obtain vitamin C from dietary sources via intestinal absorption, a process that involves the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters-1 and -2 (SVCT1 and SVCT2). Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection impacts intestinal absorption/secretory functions, but nothing is known about its effect on ascorbic acid (AA) uptake. Here we demonstrate that infection of Caco-2 cells with ETEC led to a significant inhibition in intestinal AA uptake. This inhibition was associated with a marked reduction in hSVCT1 and hSVCT2 protein, mRNA, and heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) expression levels as well as significant inhibition in the activity of both the SLC23A1 and SLC23A2 promoters. Similarly, exposure of mice to ETEC led to a significant inhibition in intestinal AA uptake and reduction in mSVCT1 and mSVCT2 protein, mRNA, and hnRNA expression levels. Inhibition was caused by the action of heat labile enterotoxin (LT), since infecting Caco-2 cells with LT-deficient ETEC (ΔLT) failed to impact AA uptake. Because LT activates adenylate cyclase, we also examined the effect of dibutyryl-cAMP in AA uptake by Caco-2 cells and observed a significant inhibition. Furthermore, treating the cells with celastrol, a specific NF-κB inhibitor, significantly blocked the inhibition of AA uptake caused by ETEC infection. Together, these data demonstrate that ETEC infection impairs intestinal AA uptake through a cAMP-dependent NF-κB-mediated pathway that regulates both SLC23A1 and SLC23A2 transcription.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our findings demonstrate that heat-labile enterotoxin produced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli inhibits AA uptake in intestinal epithelial cells and mouse intestine. This effect is mediated through transcriptional repression of SLC23A1 (SVCT1) and SLC23A2 (SVCT2) via a cAMP-dependent NF-κB signaling pathway.
A comparative study of cybersickness during exposure to virtual reality and “classic” motion sickness: are they different?
Authors: Mazloumi Gavgani Alireza , Walker Frederick R. , Hodgson Deborah M. , Nalivaiko Eugene 
Published: October 2018

Existing evidence suggests that cybersickness may be clinically different from “classic,” motion-induced sickness; this evidence was, however, obtained in separate studies that focused on just one of the two conditions. Our aim was to bring clarity to this issue by directly comparing subjective symptoms and physiological effects of motion sickness induced by physical motion (Coriolis cross-coupling) and by immersion in virtual reality (ride on a roller coaster) in the same subjects. A cohort of 30 young, healthy volunteers was exposed to both stimulations in a counterbalanced order on 2 separate days ≥1 wk apart. Nausea scores were recorded during the exposure, and the Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire (MSAQ) was used to profile subjective symptoms postexperiment. Tonic and phasic forehead skin conductance level (SCL) was measured before and during exposure in both stimulation methods. We found that the nausea onset times were significantly correlated in both tests ( r = 0.40, P = 0.03). Similarly, the maximum nausea ratings were significantly correlated during both provocations ( r = 0.58, P = 0.0012). Symptom-profiling with the MSAQ revealed substantial and significant correlations between total symptom scores ( r = 0.69, P < 0.0001) between each of 4 symptom clusters and between 15/18 individual symptoms assessed in both conditions. Both virtual reality and Coriolis cross-coupling provocations caused an increase in tonic SCL associated with nausea [mean difference (mean diff) = 5.1, confidence interval (CI) = (2.59, 6.97), P = 0.007 and mean diff = 1.49, CI = (0.47, 7.08), P = 0.0001, respectively], with a close correlation between the conditions ( r = 0.48, P = 0.04). This was accompanied by a significant increase in the amplitude of phasic skin conductance transients in both visual stimulation and Coriolis cross-coupling when participants reported maximum nausea compared with no nausea [mean diff = 0.27, CI = (0.091, 0.63), P < 0.001 and mean diff = 0.235, CI = (0.053, 0.851), P < 0.006, respectively]. We conclude that symptoms and physiological changes occurring during cybersickness and classic motion sickness are quite similar, at least during advanced stages of these malaises.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Expansion of virtual reality (VR) technology has provoked an interest in cybersickness, a subtype of motion sickness induced by immersion in VR. Finding means for preventing and managing cybersickness requires good understanding of its nature, including its relationship to “classic” motion sickness. The knowledge about this relationship is controversial, partly because there were no studies where the same cohort was exposed to the two provocations. With this approach, we demonstrate that symptoms and physiological manifestations of the two conditions are identical.
Synthetic DNA-Encoded Monoclonal Antibody Delivery of Anti–CTLA-4 Antibodies Induces Tumor ShrinkageIn Vivo
Authors: Duperret Elizabeth K. , Trautz Aspen , Stoltz Regina , Patel Ami , Wise Megan C. , Perales-Puchalt Alfredo , Smith Trevor , Broderick Kate E. , Masteller Emma , Kim J. Joseph , Humeau Laurent , Muthumani Kar , Weiner David B. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAntibody-based immune therapies targeting the T-cell checkpoint molecules CTLA-4 and PD-1 have affected cancer therapy. However, this immune therapy requires complex manufacturing and frequent dosing, limiting the global use of this treatment. Here, we focused on the development of a DNA-encoded monoclonal antibody (DMAb) approach for delivery of anti–CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies in vivo. With this technology, engineered and formulated DMAb plasmids encoding IgG inserts were directly injected into muscle and delivered intracellularly by electroporation, leading to in vivo expression and secretion of the encoded IgG. DMAb expression from a single dose can continue for several months without the need for repeated administration. Delivery of an optimized DMAb encoding anti-mouse CTLA-4 IgG resulted in high serum levels of the antibody as well as tumor regression in Sa1N and CT26 tumor models. DNA-delivery of the anti-human CTLA-4 antibodies ipilimumab and tremelimumab in mice achieved potent peak levels of approximately 85 and 58 μg/mL, respectively. These DMAb exhibited prolonged expression, with maintenance of serum levels at or above 15 μg/mL for over a year. Anti-human CTLA-4 DMAbs produced in vivo bound to human CTLA-4 protein expressed on stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and induced T-cell activation in a functional assay ex vivo. In summary, direct in vivo expression of DMAb encoding checkpoint inhibitors serves as a novel tool for immunotherapy that could significantly improve availability and provide broader access to such therapies.Significance: DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies represent a novel technology for delivery and expression of immune checkpoint blockade antibodies, thus expanding patient access to, and possible clinical applications of, these therapies. Cancer Res; 78(22); 6363–70. ©2018 AACR.
The Northern California Wildfires of 8–9 October 2017: The Role of a Major Downslope Wind Event
Authors: Mass Clifford F. , Ovens David 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA series of large wildfires began over the terrain north of San Francisco, California, during the evening of 8 October 2017 and spread across nearly 250,000 acres, including areas near the towns of Santa Rosa and Napa. These “Wine Country” wildfires were the most destructive in California history, with 44 deaths; the loss of 9,000 buildings; damage to approximately 21,000 structures; $10 billion of insured losses; and substantially greater total economic loss.This paper describes the synoptic and mesoscale conditions that were associated with the wildfires, with strong, easterly “Diablo” winds playing a central role in both initiating and supporting the fires. The climatological conditions preceding the fires are reviewed, including near-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures during the summer, as well as much above-normal precipitation the previous winter, which led to abundant dry grass that provided fuel for the wind-driven fires.High-resolution meteorological modeling realistically simulated the strong winds associated with this event. Importantly, operational mesoscale forecast models provided excellent forecasts of the high winds several days in advance. It appears that a vulnerable power system, urbanization of fire-prone areas, flammable invasive species, and poor communication of dangerous conditions contributed to this catastrophic event. The potential for mitigating or preventing such destructive wildfires using skillful weather prediction is examined, as well as the possible role of global warming.
Establishment of glycated albumin unit conversion equation from the standardized value (mmol/mol) to the routinely used value (%)
Authors: Sato Asako , Yada Sayo , Hosoba Emiko , Kanno Hiroko , Miura Hitomi 
Published: October 2018

Background To promote glycated albumin standardization, the Committee on Diabetes Mellitus Indices, Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry published the recommended reference method and is supplying the reference standard material (JCCRM 611). In this study, we evaluated the basic performance of ‘standardized enzymatic method’ that is traceable to JCCRM 611 and established a unit conversion formula from standardized glycated albumin value (mmol/mol) to the routinely used glycated albumin value (%). Methods To evaluate the accuracy and within-run reproducibility of the ‘standardized enzymatic method’, JCCRM 611 was measured 20 times. To establish the unit conversion formula, serum specimens with known HbA1c concentrations were collected, and their glycated albumin (%) and glycated albumin (mmol/mol) were measured. Results The accuracy of glycated albumin value of the ‘standardized enzymatic method’ was 100.8–103.0%. The within-run reproducibility CV (coefficient of variation, %) of glycated albumin value was 0.6–0.9%. In total, 240 serum specimens were collected, and the distribution of their HbA1c values was HbA1c ≤ 4.9% ( n = 23), 5.0–5.9% ( n = 50), 6.0–6.9%, ( n = 44), 7.0–7.9% ( n = 40), 8.0–8.9% ( n = 37) and ≥9.0% ( n = 46). The unit conversion equation was defined as: GA (%) = 0.05652 × GA (mmol/mol)–0.4217 ( r = 0.999). Glycated albumin (%) calculated by the equation was in close agreement (96.6–104.2%) with the actual measured glycated albumin (%). Conclusions The glycated albumin unit conversion formula was established from mmol/mol to %. This formula provides an easy method to convert the unit and is expected to be useful for the standardization of glycated albumin measurement.
Social Inequality and Mental Health in Chile, Ecuador, and Colombia
Authors: Quijada Yanet , Villagrán Loreto , Vaccari Jiménez Pamela , Reyes Carlos , Gallardo Luz Dary 
Published: October 2018

The results of a comparative study of social inequality and mental health show that Chile and Colombia, which have enormous social gaps despite their economic growth, are characterized by poor mental health indicators and social discontent, while the better equity indicators in Ecuador are not clearly linked to mental health. The concept of social defeat is suggested as a mediator between social inequality and individual and collective mental health, and participation and empowerment are suggested as ways of improving social well-being. Los resultados de un estudio comparativo de desigualdad social y salud mental muestran que Chile y Colombia, que tienen enormes brechas sociales a pesar de su crecimiento económico, se caracterizan por indicadores de salud mental deficientes y descontento social, mientras que los mejores indicadores de equidad en Ecuador no están claramente vinculados a la salud mental. El concepto de derrota social se sugiere como un mediador entre la desigualdad social y la salud mental individual y colectiva, y la participación y el empoderamiento se sugieren como formas de mejorar el bienestar social.
The blood–brain barrier, TWEAK, and neuropsychiatric involvement in human systemic lupus erythematosus and primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Lauvsnes M B , Tjensvoll A B , Maroni S S , Kvivik I , Grimstad T , Greve O J , Harboe E , Gøransson L G , Putterman C , Omdal R 
Published: October 2018

Objective A prevailing hypothesis for neuropsychiatric involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjögren’s syndrome is that brain reactive autoantibodies enter the brain through a disrupted blood–brain barrier. Our aim was to investigate whether TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) plays a role in cerebral involvement in human SLE and primary Sjögren’s syndrome, and whether an impaired blood–brain barrier is a prerequisite for neuropsychiatric manifestations. Methods TWEAK was measured in the cerebrospinal fluid and serum and compared with markers of blood–brain barrier permeability (Q-albumin and MRI contrast-enhanced lesions) and S100B, an astrocyte activation marker in 50 SLE and 52 primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients. Furthermore, we estimated the general intrathecal B-cell activation (IgG index), measured anti-NR2 antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid, and explored whether these variables were associated with neuropsychiatric manifestations. Results No associations were found between TWEAK in the cerebrospinal fluid or serum and neuropsychiatric manifestations in SLE nor in primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients. Furthermore, no associations were found between neuropsychiatric manifestations and indicators of blood–brain barrier integrity or astroglial activity. Anti-NR2 antibodies were associated with impaired visuospatial processing (odds ratio 4.9, P = 0.03) and motor functioning (odds ratio 6.0, P = 0.006). Conclusion No clinical neuropsychiatric manifestations could be attributed to impaired integrity of the blood–brain barrier, or to TWEAK levels in cerebrospinal fluid or serum in either patient group. The TWEAK concentration was considerably higher in the cerebrospinal fluid than in blood, which indicates intrathecal production. We hypothesize that increased TWEAK and S100B result from immunological stress caused by brain-reactive antibodies produced by brain residing immune cells.
Effect of once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy screening on the outcomes of subsequent faecal occult blood test screening
Authors: Brown Jeremy P , Wooldrage Kate , Kralj-Hans Ines , Wright Suzanne , Cross Amanda J , Atkin Wendy S 
Published: October 2018

Objective To investigate the outcomes of biennial guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) screening after once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening. Methods Between 1994 and 1999, as part of the UK FS Screening Trial (UKFSST), adults aged 55–64 were randomly allocated to an intervention group (offered FS screening) or a control group (not contacted). From 2006, a subset of UKFSST participants (20,895/44,041 intervention group; 41,497/87,149 control group) were invited to biennial gFOBT screening by the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. We analysed gFOBT uptake, test positivity, yield of colorectal cancer (CRC), and positive predictive value (PPV) for CRC, advanced adenomas (AAs), and advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN: AA/CRC). Results Uptake of gFOBT at first invitation was 1.9% lower (65.7% vs. 67.6%, p < 0.01) among intervention versus control group participants. Positivity was 0.4% lower (2.0% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.01) and CRC yield was 0.08% lower (0.19% vs. 0.27%, p = 0.14). PPVs were also lower in the intervention versus control group, at 10.3% vs. 12.3% ( p = 0.44) for CRC, 22.7% vs. 31.4% ( p < 0.01) for AA, and 33.0% vs. 43.7% ( p < 0.01) for ACN. Among those who refused FS ( n = 5532), gFOBT uptake at first invitation was 47.7%, CRC yield was 0.25%, and PPV for ACN was 46.2%. Among FS attenders ( n = 15,363), uptake was 72.2%, CRC yield was 0.18%, and PPV for ACN was 27.9%. Conclusions Uptake, positivity and PPV of gFOBT screening were reduced following prior offer of FS screening. However, a quarter of FS screened participants receiving a diagnostic examination after positive gFOBT were diagnosed with ACN.
A Mathematical Demonstration of the Viability of Profit/Loss Sharing as a Debt Alternative in Presence of Market Frictions
Authors: Wolf Franziska , Nabin Munirul H. , Bhattacharya Sukanto 
Published: October 2018

We posit a simple mathematical model to show that a profit-and-loss sharing contract can be formed between a capital seeker and capital provider as a potential alternative to institutional debt financing. The major methodological tool used is that of Nash bargaining; utilising the matching theory proposition of Pissarides (2000). Our posited model demonstrates that a ‘match’ between a capital seeker and a capital provider can occur even in the presence of embedded market frictions arising out of information asymmetries as are especially rife in the emerging markets. This is an important result especially for marginal borrowers in emerging economies and we present supporting empirical evidence that indicates profit-and-loss sharing being increasingly seen as an effective alternative financing to long-term borrowing. JEL Classification: C78, D53, G23
The girl with the eyeball tattoo—what the ophthalmologist may expect? Case report and a review of literature
Authors: Tubek Katarzyna , Berus Tomasz , Leszek Robert 
Published: October 2018

Introduction: We report a case of patient who underwent bilateral eyeball tattoo procedure for cosmetic purpose complicated with intraocular dye injection which led to ocular inflammation, secondary glaucoma, and cataract. Case description: A 21-year-old female presented to emergency department with severe right eye pain and photophobia 21 days after conjunctival tattooing procedure. Slit-lamp examination revealed right-sided eyelid edema and black deposits of tattoo ink under the bulbar conjunctiva. Dye deposits were also present in anterior chamber, covering corneal endothelium, iris and anterior lens’ capsule. Ocular inflammation and secondary glaucoma were diagnosed. The patient underwent surgical treatment to control ocular inflammation. Intraocular pressure remained stable after Nd:YAG iridotomy and on topical drugs. Moreover, during the follow-up, in contralateral eye, we observed “conjunctival lumps”—local hypersensitivity reaction to the dye, which were asymptomatic to the patient. Conclusion: Eyeball tattooing complications are new challenges that ophthalmologist may have to face nowadays. We also reviewed for the first time possible complications of eyeball tattooing described in available literature.