bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supraclavicular flap repair in the free flap era
Authors: Trautman Jodie , Gore Sinclair , Potter Matthew , Clark Jonathan , Hyam Dylan , Tan Ngian C. , Ngo Quan , Ashford Bruce 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundSupraclavicular flap (SCF) repair is widely reported in head and neck surgery in select patients and defects. The authors’ objective is to present our series of 30 patients who underwent SCF repair for varying defects and to review the scope and outcome of SCF repair in the literature.MethodsThe authors contributed primary evidence of 30 cases of SCF repair. Our outcomes are compared with those reported in the last 5 years’ literature; 33 articles published between January 2012 and January 2017 that present original clinical experience of 528 SCFs.ResultsSCF is suitable for a wide variety of oral cavity, pharyngeal, skull base and cutaneous defects. Consistent with our experience, SCF is highly reliable even in previously irradiated or dissected necks, so long as the supraclavicular artery is intact. Our case series shows minor complications in 3/30 (10%) and flap loss in 1/30 (3.3%) cases. The literature reports a similar rate of complete flap failure of 3.4% and a slightly higher average minor complication rate of 24.6%.ConclusionWe add our experience of 30 cases of SCF repair to the international literature. We experienced a complication rate lower than the reported average, and maintain that the SCF is an excellent reconstructive option in patients with previously irradiated necks or comorbidities that affect microvasculature and anaesthetic resilience.
Brain‐Computer Interfaces With Multi‐Sensory Feedback for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Case Study
Authors: Irimia Danut C. , Cho Woosang , Ortner Rupert , Allison Brendan Z. , Ignat Bogdan E. , Edlinger Guenter , Guger Christoph 
Published: November 2017

AbstractConventional therapies do not provide paralyzed patients with closed‐loop sensorimotor integration for motor rehabilitation. This work presents the recoveriX system, a hardware and software platform that combines a motor imagery (MI)‐based brain‐computer interface (BCI), functional electrical stimulation (FES), and visual feedback technologies for a complete sensorimotor closed‐loop therapy system for poststroke rehabilitation. The proposed system was tested on two chronic stroke patients in a clinical environment. The patients were instructed to imagine the movement of either the left or right hand in random order. During these two MI tasks, two types of feedback were provided: a bar extending to the left or right side of a monitor as visual feedback and passive hand opening stimulated from FES as proprioceptive feedback. Both types of feedback relied on the BCI classification result achieved using common spatial patterns and a linear discriminant analysis classifier. After 10 sessions of recoveriX training, one patient partially regained control of wrist extension in her paretic wrist and the other patient increased the range of middle finger movement by 1 cm. A controlled group study is planned with a new version of the recoveriX system, which will have several improvements.
Artificial Walking Technologies to Improve Gait in Cerebral Palsy: Multichannel Neuromuscular Stimulation
Authors: Rose Jessica , Cahill‐Rowley Katelyn , Butler Erin E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood motor disability and often results in debilitating walking abnormalities, such as flexed‐knee and stiff‐knee gait. Current medical and surgical treatments are only partially effective in improving gait abnormalities and may cause significant muscle weakness. However, emerging artificial walking technologies, such as step‐initiated, multichannel neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), can substantially improve gait patterns and promote muscle strength in children with spastic CP. NMES may also be applied to specific lumbar‐sacral sensory roots to reduce spasticity. Development of tablet computer‐based multichannel NMES can leverage lightweight, wearable wireless stimulators, advanced control design, and surface electrodes to activate lower‐limb muscles. Musculoskeletal models have been used to characterize muscle contributions to unimpaired gait and identify high muscle demands, which can help guide multichannel NMES‐assisted gait protocols. In addition, patient‐specific NMES‐assisted gait protocols based on 3D gait analysis can facilitate the appropriate activation of lower‐limb muscles to achieve a more functional gait: stance‐phase hip and knee extension and swing‐phase sequence of hip and knee flexion followed by rapid knee extension. NMES‐assisted gait treatment can be conducted as either clinic‐based or home‐based programs. Rigorous testing of multichannel NMES‐assisted gait training protocols will determine optimal treatment dosage for future clinical trials. Evidence‐based outcome evaluation using 3D kinematics or temporal‐spatial gait parameters will help determine immediate neuroprosthetic effects and longer term neurotherapeutic effects of step‐initiated, multichannel NMES‐assisted gait in children with spastic CP. Multichannel NMES is a promising assistive technology to help children with spastic CP achieve a more upright, functional gait.
Genetic risk factors for perception of symptoms in GERD: an observational cohort study
Authors: Patel A. , Hasak S. , Nix B. D. , Sayuk G. S. , Newberry R. D. , Gyawali C. P. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundGenetic polymorphisms in G‐protein beta‐3 subunit (GNβ3) and beta‐2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) are associated with pain and gut hypersensitivity, which can overlap with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).AimTo evaluate relationships between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within GNβ3 and ADRB2 systems, and reflux symptom burden, GERD phenotypes from ambulatory reflux monitoring, and quality of life.MethodsSymptomatic adults undergoing ambulatory reflux testing were recruited and phenotyped based on acid burden and symptom reflux association; major oesophageal motor disorders and prior foregut surgery were exclusions. A comparison asymptomatic control cohort was also identified. Subjects and controls completed questionnaires assessing symptom burden on visual analog scales, short‐form health survey‐36 (SF‐36), and Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories (BAI and BDI). Genotyping was performed from saliva samples; 6 SNPs selected from each of the two genes of interest were compared.ResultsSaliva from 151 study subjects (55.3 ± 1.2 years, 63.6% F) and 60 control subjects (50.9 ± 2.2 years, 66.7%) had sufficient genetic material for genotyping. Study subjects had higher symptom burden, worse total and physical health, and higher anxiety scores compared to controls (P ≤ .002). Tested SNPs within ADRB2 were similar between study subjects and controls (P > .09). Study subjects with recessive alleles in 3 GNβ3 SNPs (Rs2301339, Rs5443, and Rs5446) had worse symptom severity (P = .011), worse mental health (P = .03), and higher depression scores (P = .005) despite no associations with GERD phenotypes or reflux metrics.ConclusionsGenetic variation within GNβ3 predicts oesophageal symptom burden and affect, but not oesophageal acid burden or symptom association with reflux episodes.
Use of oral anticoagulants in German nursing home residents: drug use patterns and predictors for treatment choice
Authors: Jobski Kathrin , Hoffmann Falk , Herget‐Rosenthal Stefan , Dörks Michael 
Published: November 2017

AimsInformation on utilization of oral anticoagulants (OACs) in nursing homes is scarce. This study aimed to (i) describe OAC use in German nursing home residents, (ii) examine factors influencing whether treatment is initiated with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or non‐VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and (iii) assess which conditions predict switching to NOAC instead of continuing VKA.MethodsUsing claims data (2010–2014), we studied a cohort of new nursing home residents aged ≥65 years receiving OAC. Further, OAC use in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) was examined over the years.ResultsOverall, 16 804 patients (median age: 85 years, 75% female, 44% with renal disease) were included. The majority received phenprocoumon as first OAC (58.0%), followed by rivaroxaban (28.1%). Over the study period, NOAC use increased substantially. Initiating NOAC instead of VKA was predicted by a previous stroke (adjusted odds ratio: 1.76; 95% confidence interval: 1.49–2.08). In contrast, renal disease predicted VKA initiation (0.66; 0.59–0.75) as did the presence of a prosthetic heart valve. Switching from VKA to NOAC was predicted by a stroke (2.55; 2.00–3.24), bleeding events and a recent hospitalization. During 2010–2014, the proportion of AF patients with a CHADS2 score ≥2 receiving OAC increased from 27% to 46%.ConclusionsNOACs are increasingly used in German nursing homes, both for initial anticoagulation but also in VKA pre‐treated patients. Switching from VKA to NOAC was substantially influenced by aspects such as intended higher effectiveness and safety but probably also practicability due to less blood monitoring.
Role of p62/SQSTM1 beyond autophagy: a lesson learned from drug‐induced toxicity in vitro
Authors: Alegre Fernando , Moragrega Ángela B , Polo Miriam , Marti‐Rodrigo Alberto , Esplugues Juan V , Blas‐Garcia Ana , Apostolova Nadezda 
Published: November 2017

Background and PurposeSQSTM1/p62 is a multifunctional, stress‐induced, scaffold protein involved in multiple cellular processes including autophagic clearance, regulation of inflammatory responses and redox homeostasis. Its altered function has been associated with different human pathologies, such as neurodegenerative, metabolic and bone diseases (down‐regulation), and cancerogenesis (up‐regulation). However, its role in the off‐target effects of clinically used drugs is still not understood.Experimental ApproachWe evaluated the expression of p62 in cultured Hep3B cells and their derived ρ° cells (lacking mitochondria), along with markers of autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction. The effects of efavirenz were compared with those of known pharmacological stressors, rotenone, thapsigargin and CCCP, and we also used transient silencing with siRNA and p62 overexpression. Western blotting, quantRT‐PCR and fluorescence microscopy were used to assay these effects and their underlying mechanisms.Key ResultsIn Hep3B cells, efavirenz augmented p62 protein content, an effect not observed in the corresponding ρ° cells. p62 up‐regulation followed enhanced SQSTM1 expression mediated through the transcription factor CHOP/DDIT3, while other well‐known regulators (NF‐kB and Nrf2) were not involved. Inhibition of autophagy with 3MA or with transient silencing of Atg5 did not affect SQSTM1 expression in efavirenz‐treated cells while p62 overexpression ameliorated the deleterious effect of efavirenz on cell viability.Conclusion and ImplicationsIn our model, p62 exerted a specific, autophagy‐independent role and protected against efavirenz‐induced mitochondrial ROS generation and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings add to the multifunctional nature of p62 and may help to understand the off‐target effects of clinically useful drugs.
Hormone therapy and patient satisfaction with treatment, in a large cohort of diverse disorders of sex development
Authors: Nordenström Anna , Röhle Robert , Thyen Ute , Bouvattier Claire , Slowikowska‐Hilczer Jolanta , Reisch Nicole , Claahsen van der Grinten Hedi , Brac de la Perriere Aude , Cohen‐Kettenis Peggy T. , Köhler Birgit ,   the dsd‐LIFE group
Published: November 2017

SummaryObjectivesTo describe and investigate the hormone treatments in individuals with different forms of disorders of sex development (DSD) and the patients’ own views on their treatment.DesignMulticentre cross‐sectional clinical evaluation, dsd‐LIFE in 6 European countries from February 2014 to September 2015.ParticipantsA total of 1040 adolescents and adults (≥16 years) with different DSD conditions.Main outcomes measuresHormone replacement, information received and patient satisfaction.ResultsIncluded were women with Turner syndrome (301), 46,XX GD (n = 20), and women with 45,X/46XY (n = 24). Individuals with Klinefelter syndrome (n = 218), 46,XX males (n = 6), individuals with different forms of 46,XY DSD (n = 243): 46,XY DSD conditions (n = 222), men with 45,X/46XY (n = 21) 46,XX CAH, (n = 226). Oestrogen ± progestin was used by 306 (81%) individuals, 72 (19%) received ethinylestradiol and 198 had testosterone treatment. The overall adherence was good, with 10% of women with oestrogen and 5% of those on testosterone had stopped the medication despite 20% reporting dissatisfaction with the treatment, mostly because of psychological side effects. Glucocorticoid replacement in patients with CAH was very seldom stopped. More than 75% were satisfied with the information about the treatment, but the satisfaction with information about treatment options and side effects was lower.ConclusionsMore than 50% in the total cohort had hormone replacement. Although adherence was generally good, this study shows that hormone replacement therapy may be improved. This may be achieved by better individualization of the treatment and by providing specific information to patients regarding both long‐term and short‐term hormonal effects and side effects.
Piezoelectric versus conventional implant site preparation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Atieh Momen A. , Alsabeeha Nabeel H. M. , Tawse‐Smith Andrew , Duncan Warwick J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe use of a piezoelectric device (PED) for implant site preparation (ISP) has been introduced to overcome the limitations of using conventional drills (CDs). With little and inconsistent information in the literature regarding their efficiency for preparing implant osteotomies, the objective of this systematic review was to compare the use of CDs to PEDs for ISP with regard to implant stability values, marginal bone level changes, operating time, and dental implant failure rate.MethodsThe systematic review was prepared according to the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA). The literature was searched for studies that assessed the use of CDs and PEDs for ISP. The Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the selected studies and meta‐analyses were performed using statistical software.ResultsA total of 755 citations were identified. Of these, 4 studies with 178 implant osteotomies in 80 participants were included. The pooled estimates for the implant stability showed significant differences between the 2 surgical techniques in favor of PEDs at baseline, 8 and 12 weeks. A statistically significant difference in the operating time was also shown between the 2 techniques with more time required using PED. The differences in marginal bone level changes or implant failure rate were not statistically significant.ConclusionsWith the limitations of this review in mind, PEDs appear to be a viable alternative to traditional drilling techniques for ISP. With the exception of prolonged operating time associated with the use of PEDs, both techniques were comparable in terms of the marginal bone level changes and the risk of implant failure. The favorable influence of the implant stability pattern related to the use of PEDs on the predictability of immediate and early loading protocols need to be confirmed in future studies.
Total evidence analysis and body size evolution of extant and extinct tortoises (Testudines: Cryptodira: Pan‐Testudinidae)
Authors: Vlachos Evangelos , Rabi Márton 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTestudinidae (tortoises) is an extant clade of terrestrial turtles of worldwide distribution and with a rich fossil record that provides an exceptional context for studying their evolutionary history. Because of the lack of global phylogenetic analyses integrating extinct taxa, our current knowledge of the relationships of the total clade of Testudinidae is rather poor. To resolve this issue, we performed the first total evidence analysis of Pan‐Testudinidae. The total evidence trees are congruent with the molecular topology and agree on the dichotomy of derived Testudinidae (=Testudininae; Converted Clade Name) into two previously recognized major clades, Testudona and Geochelona (New Clade Name). The integration of extinct taxa into the analysis allowed the stratigraphic fit of the total evidence trees, indicating that crown Testudininae, Testudona and Geochelona all originated by the Late Eocene, in agreement with recent molecular estimates. Ghost lineage analysis indicates high diversification in the Late Eocene and in the Miocene. The age of crown Testudo is Late Miocene, again in accordance with some molecular dates. Phylogenetic placement of fossils demonstrates that giant body size independently evolved in multiple continental mainland taxa and confirms recent results deduced from living taxa—giantism in Testudinidae is not linked to the insular effect. An unexpected outcome is the recovery of miniaturization in Testudona (<30 cm carapace length) that emerged sometime between the Oligocene and Early Miocene. No clear correlation between body size evolution and climate is apparent, but increased taxon sampling may nevertheless demonstrate the role of cooling and warming as one of many influential variables.
Three‐dimensional analysis of bone remodeling following ridge augmentation of compromised extraction sockets in periodontitis patients: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Aimetti Mario , Manavella Valeria , Corano Lisa , Ercoli Elena , Bignardi Cristina , Romano Federica 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyze linear and volumetric hard tissue changes in severely resorbed alveolar sockets after ridge augmentation procedure and to compare them with spontaneous healing using three‐dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Material and methodsThirty patients (mean age 53.2 ± 6.3 years) requiring tooth extraction for advanced periodontitis were randomly allocated to test and control groups. The test sites were grafted using a collagenated bovine‐derived bone (DBBM‐C) covered with a collagen membrane, while control sites had spontaneous healing. Both groups healed by secondary intention. Linear and volumetric measurements were taken on superimposed CBCT images obtained after tooth extraction and 12 months later.ResultsGreater horizontal shrinkage, localized mainly in the crestal zone, was observed in the control group (4.92 ± 2.45 mm) compared to the test group (2.60 ± 1.24 mm). While both groups presented a rebuilding of the buccal wall, it was most pronounced in the grafted sockets (2.50 ± 2.12 mm vs. 0.51 ± 1.02 mm). A significant difference was also registered in the percentage of volume loss between grafted and non‐grafted sites (9.14% vs. 35.16%, p‐value <.0001).ConclusionAlveolar sockets with extensive buccal bone deficiencies undergo significant three‐dimensional volumetric alterations following natural healing. The immediate application of a slow‐resorbing xenograft with a covering collagen membrane seems to be effective in improving alveolar ridge shape and dimensions, thus potentially reducing the need for adjunctive regenerative procedures at the time of implant placement.
Mobilizing volunteers to sustain local suppression of a global marine invasion
Authors: Green Stephanie J. , Underwood Elizabeth B. , Akins John L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSpecies invasions often occur at geographic scales that preclude complete eradication, setting up long‐term battles for population control. To understand the extent to which exotic species removal by volunteers can contribute to local invasion suppression and alleviate invasion effects, we studied the activities of volunteers culling invasive lionfish during annual “derby” events in the Atlantic. From 2012 to 2014, single‐day derbies reduced lionfish densities by 52% over 192 km2on average each year. Differences in recolonization and productivity between regions meant that annual events were sufficient to suppress the invasion below levels predicted to cause declines in native species in one region, but not the other. Population reduction was not related to catch per unit effort, confirming the importance of in situ monitoring to gauge control effectiveness. Culling by volunteers may be a useful tool in areas where exotic species are easily identified and safely captured, and culling can be promoted as an ongoing recreational activity. Strategically guiding volunteer effort toward sensitive or underserved habitats could aid practitioners in optimizing their use of limited resources for invasion management.
Development of undergraduate gerodontology courses in Austria, Germany and Switzerland 2004‐2014
Authors: Nitschke I. , Neitzel M. , Sobotta B. A. J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurpose/objectivesIn view of the demographic shift, undergraduate dental students should be prepared for growing numbers of older people and their specific needs. The study examines changes in undergraduate dental teaching in Austria, Germany and Switzerland between 2004 and 2014.MethodsQuestionnaires were mailed in 2004, 2009 and 2014 to all deans and all department heads of Austrian (n = 4), German (n = 30) and Swiss (n = 4) dental schools.ResultsResponse rates were 51% for deans and 47% for heads of department. Gerodontology was taught in 5 German universities, all 3 Swiss and 1 Austrian dental school. Aspects of gerodontology were included in traditional core subjects; however, in a large number of German (88%) and Austrian (50%) universities, dedicated lecture series and seminars are lacking. Changes over time indicate firmly established teaching in Switzerland, minor fluctuations in Austria and reduced dedicated teaching activities in Germany.ConclusionsInclusion of gerodontology in the national syllabus is a decisive factor for the integration of the subject into undergraduate courses. The recommendations of the European College of Gerodontology (2009) regarding didactical and practical teaching should be implemented in the respective compulsory syllabus to prepare current undergraduate dental students for the challenges of tomorrow.
Community evolution increases plant productivity at low diversity
Authors: van Moorsel Sofia J. , Hahl Terhi , Wagg Cameron , De Deyn Gerlinde B. , Flynn Dan F. B. , Zuppinger‐Dingley Debra , Schmid Bernhard 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSpecies extinctions from local communities negatively affect ecosystem functioning. Ecological mechanisms underlying these impacts are well studied, but the role of evolutionary processes is rarely assessed. Using a long‐term field experiment, we tested whether natural selection in plant communities increased biodiversity effects on productivity. We re‐assembled communities with 8‐year co‐selection history adjacent to communities with identical species composition but no history of co‐selection (‘naïve communities’). Monocultures, and in particular mixtures of two to four co‐selected species, were more productive than their corresponding naïve communities over 4 years in soils with or without co‐selected microbial communities. At the highest diversity level of eight plant species, no such differences were observed. Our findings suggest that plant community evolution can lead to rapid increases in ecosystem functioning at low diversity but may take longer at high diversity. This effect was not modified by treatments simulating co‐evolutionary processes between plants and soil organisms.