bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patients with sciatica still experience pain and disability 5 years after surgery: A systematic review with meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Machado G.C. , Witzleb A.J. , Fritsch C. , Maher C.G. , Ferreira P.H. , Ferreira M.L. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe clinical course of patients with sciatica is believed to be favourable, but there is conflicting evidence on the postoperative course of this condition. We aimed to investigate the clinical course of sciatica following surgery.Databases and data treatmentAn electronic search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL from inception to April 2015. We screened for prospective cohort studies investigating pain or disability outcomes for patients with sciatica treated surgically. Fractional polynomial regression analysis was used to generate pooled means and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of pain and disability up to 5 years after surgery. Estimates of pain and disability (converted to a 0–100 scale) were plotted over time, from inception to last available follow‐up time.ResultsForty records (39 cohort studies) were included with a total of 13,883 patients with sciatica. Before surgery, the pooled mean leg pain score was 75.2 (95% CI 68.1–82.4) which reduced to 15.3 (95% CI 8.5–22.1) at 3 months. Patients were never fully recovered in the long‐term and pain increased to 21.0 (95% CI 12.5–29.5) at 5 years. The pooled mean disability score before surgery was 55.1 (95% CI 52.3–58.0) and this decreased to 15.5 (95% CI 13.3–17.6) at 3 months, and further reduced to 13.1 (95% CI 10.6–15.5) at 5 years.ConclusionsAlthough surgery is followed by a rapid decrease in pain and disability by 3 months, patients still experience mild to moderate pain and disability 5 years after surgery.What does this review add?This review provides a quantitative summary of the postoperative course of patients with sciatica. Patients with sciatica experienced a rapid reduction in pain and disability in the first 3 months, but still had mild to moderate symptoms 5 years after surgery. Although no significant differences were found, microdiscectomy showed larger improvements compared to other surgical techniques.
Vertical acceleration demands on column lines of steel moment‐resisting frames
Authors: Moschen Lukas , Medina Ricardo A. , Adam Christoph 
Published: May 2016

SummaryIn this paper, vertical peak floor acceleration (PFAv) demands on elastic multistory buildings are statistically evaluated using recorded ground motions. These demands are applicable to the assessment of nonstructural components that are rigid in the vertical direction and located at column lines or next to columns. Hence, PFAv demands of the floor system away from column lines and their effects on nonstructural components are not addressed. This study is motivated by the questionable general assumption that typical buildings are considered to be relatively flexible in the horizontal (lateral) direction but relatively rigid in the vertical (longitudinal) direction. Consequently, only few papers address the evaluation of vertical component acceleration demands throughout a building, and there is no consensus on the relevance of vertical accelerations in buildings. The results presented in this study show that the vertical ground acceleration demands are amplified throughout the column line of a steel frame structure. This amplification is in many cases significant, depending on the vertical stiffness of the load‐bearing system, damping ratio, and the location of the nonstructural component in the building. From these outcomes it can be concluded that the perception of a rigid‐body response of the column lines in the vertical direction is highly questionable, and further research on this topic is required. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zebrafish model of photochemical thrombosis for translational research and thrombolytic screening in vivo
Authors: Lee I‐Ju , Yang Yi‐Cyun , Hsu Jia‐Wen , Chang Wei‐Tien , Chuang Yung‐Jen , Liau Ian 
Published: May 2016

Acute thromboembolic diseases remain the major global cause of death or disability. Although an array of thrombolytic and antithrombotic drugs has been approved to treat or prevent thromboembolic diseases, many more drugs that target specific clotting mechanisms are under development. Here a novel zebrafish model of photochemical thrombosis is reported and its prospective application for the screening and preclinical testing of thrombolytic agents in vivo is demonstrated. Through photochemical excitation, a thrombus was induced to form at a selected section of the dorsal aorta of larval zebrafish, which had been injected with photosensitizers. Such photochemical thrombosis can be consistently controlled to occlude partially or completely the targeted blood vessel. Detailed mechanistic tests indicate that the zebrafish model of photochemical thrombosis exhibits essential features of classical coagulation and a thrombolytic pathway. For demonstration, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a clinically feasible thrombolytic agent, was shown to effectively dissolve photochemically induced blood clots. In light of the numerous unique advantages of zebrafish as a model organism, our approach is expected to benefit not only the development of novel thrombolytic and antithrombotic strategies but also the fundamental or translational research targeting hereditary thrombotic or coagulation disorders.
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A novel nonviral gene delivery tool of BMP‐2 for the reconstitution of critical‐size bone defects in rats
Authors: Kolk Andreas , Tischer Thomas , Koch Christian , Vogt Stephan , Haller Bernhard , Smeets Ralf , Kreutzer Kilian , Plank Christian , Bissinger Oliver 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe osseointegration of bone implants, implant failure, and the bridging of critical‐size bone defects are frequent clinical challenges. Deficiencies in endogenous bone healing can be resolved through the local administration of suitable recombinant growth factors (GFs). In preclinical models, gene‐therapy‐supported bone healing has proven promising for overcoming certain limitations of GFs. We report the dose‐dependent bridging of critical‐size mandibular bone defects (CSDs) in a rat model using a non‐viral BMP‐2‐encoding copolymer‐protected gene vector (pBMP‐2) embedded in poly(d, l‐lactide) (PDLLA) coatings on titanium discs that were used to cover drill holes in the mandibles of 53 male Sprague Dawley rats. After sacrificing, the mandibles were subjected to micro‐computed tomography (µCT), micro‐radiography, histology, and fluorescence analyses to evaluate bone regeneration. pBMP‐2 in PDLLA‐coated titanium implants promoted partial bridging of bone defects within 14 days and complete defect healing within 112 days when the DNA dose per implant did not exceed 2.5 µg. No bridging was observed in untreated control CSDs. Thus, the delivery of plasmid DNA coding for BMP‐2 appears to be a potent method for controlled new‐bone formation with an inverse dose dependency. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2441–2455, 2016.
Homogenization of scatterometer wind retrievals
Authors: Bentamy Abderrahim , Grodsky Semyon A. , Elyouncha Anis , Chapron Bertrand , Desbiolles Fabien 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTSurface winds (10 m equivalent neutral wind velocity) from scatterometer missions since 1992 to present require homogenization to meet the requirements for oceanic and atmospheric climate data records. Sources of differences between winds retrieved from different scatterometer measurements mainly arise from calibration/validation procedures used for each scatterometer and differences in measurement physics. In this study, we focus on the calibration/validation component of the European Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS)‐1 and ERS‐2 wind speed biases. ERS‐1 and ERS‐2 data, named as WNF products, are from the Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la MER (IFREMER). In addition to WNF data, the newly calibrated ERS‐2 products provided by the European Space Agency (ESA), indicated as ASPS2.0 products, are also used. Our approach utilizes collocated satellite‐buoy data. Expected values of the normalized radar cross section (NRCS) are calculated from buoy winds for each antenna beam using the Cmod5.n geophysical model function. The comparisons between expected and measured NRCS examine differences along with variables such as backscatter coefficient and incidence angle ranges. The difference between the expected and measured NRCS is then used to set up empirical models aiming at the correction for biases in ERS‐1 and ERS‐2 WNF NRCS calibrations. Finally, ERS‐1 and ERS‐2 wind retrievals are reprocessed using the corrected NRCS and Cmod5.n. These earlier corrected ERS‐1/2 winds are analysed along with later scatterometer data (QuikSCAT and ASCAT‐A) for their deviations from in situ buoy winds during 1992–2011 period. The scatterometer data homogeneity is also investigated at global scales based on the use of collocated scatterometer retrievals and atmospheric re‐analyses winds derived from ERA Interim and CFSR models.
Interdecadal increase of tropical cyclone genesis frequency over the western north Pacific in May
Authors: Huangfu Jingliang , Huang Ronghui , Chen Wen 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThe interdecadal changes in the frequency of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis in the western North Pacific (WNP) were examined for the epoch 1979–2013. There was an interdecadal increase in the frequency of TC genesis in the WNP in May during 1999–2013 than during 1979–1998, and such changes differed from those occurring between June and December. This interdecadal change is attributed to the early onset of the South China Sea summer monsoon (SCSSM) during 1999–2013, when the southwesterly winds spread eastwards and the monsoon trough (MT) moved into the WNP earlier. The MT favoured enhanced convection and anomalous low‐level cyclonic vorticity, facilitating more TC genesis. During 1979–1998, in contrast, the onset of the SCSSM was delayed and the MT was confined to the west of the South China Sea. As a result, weakened convection and anomalous anticyclonic low‐level vorticity are observed over the WNP, facilitating less TC genesis.
Vancomycin displays time‐dependent eradication of mature Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
Authors: Post Virginia , Wahl Peter , Richards R. Geoff , Moriarty T. Fintan 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThis study was carried out to determine the time and concentration profile required to achieve vancomycin‐mediated eradication of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. This information is critical for the identification of performance targets for local antibiotic delivery vehicles that target biofilm infections. S. aureus UAMS‐1 biofilms were grown for 7 days on titanium–aluminium–niobium discs in Mueller Hinton broth. After 7 days, the discs were then incubated in Mueller Hinton broth containing vancomycin at concentrations of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/L. Biofilm eradication was assessed under both static and shaking conditions. Samples were retrieved at regular intervals for up to 28 days for quantification of residual biofilm. One additional disc was processed per time point for scanning electron microscopy. Progressive and significant reduction of viable bacteria was observed over time at all concentrations compared to unexposed controls. After 28 days under static conditions, the S. aureus biofilm was completely eradicated at 200 mg/L vancomycin and higher concentrations, but not at 100 mg/L. In contrast, bacterial biofilm could not be eradicated under shaking conditions at any concentration.Clinical significance: The present study shows that it is possible to eradicate mature S. aureus biofilm from metal implants by vancomycin alone although the time concentration profile required cannot be achieved by systemic administration or any of the local delivery vehicles currently available. Identifying targets for antibiotic delivery is the first step in developing fit for purpose local antibiotic delivery vehicles that will successfully and predictably treat established biofilm infection. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:381–388, 2017.
Diagnostic potential of multi‐targeted LAMP (loop‐mediated isothermal amplification) for osteoarticular tuberculosis
Authors: Sharma Kusum , Sharma Megha , Batra Nitya , Sharma Aman , Dhillon Mandeep Singh 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTDelay in diagnosing osteoarticular tuberculosis (OATB) contributes significantly to morbidity by causing disfiguration and neurological sequelae. The delay caused by conventional culture and the expertise and expense involved in other nucleic acid based tests, make LAMP (loop‐mediated isothermal amplification) assay a favorable middle path. We evaluated LAMP assay using IS6110 and MPB64 for rapid diagnosis of OATB by comparing with IS6110 PCR and culture. LAMP assay was performed on 140 synovial fluid and pus samples (10 culture‐positive proven cases, 80 culture‐negative probable cases, and 50 negative controls) using three set of primer pairs each for IS6110 and MPB64. LAMP assay, using two‐target approach, had an overall sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 100% in detecting OATB. Sensitivity of IS6110 PCR, IS6110 LAMP, and MPB64 LAMP was 80%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, for confirmed cases and 72.5%, 81.75%, and 86.25%, respectively, for probable cases. Six additional cases were picked using two‐target approach. LAMP assay utilizing IS6110 and MPB64 is a cost‐effective technique for an early and reliable diagnosis of OATB. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:361–365, 2017.
Intra‐articular dexamethasone to inhibit the development of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Grodzinsky Alan J. , Wang Yang , Kakar Sanjeev , Vrahas Mark S. , Evans Christopher H. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTInjury to the joint provokes a number of local pathophysiological changes, including synthesis of inflammatory cytokines, death of chondrocytes, breakdown of the extra‐cellular matrix of cartilage, and reduced synthesis of matrix macromolecules. These processes combine to engender the subsequent development of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to inhibit these disparate responses to injury; given their heterogeneity, this is challenging. However, dexamethasone has the necessary pleiotropic properties required of a drug for this purpose. Using in vitro models, we have shown that low doses of dexamethasone sustain the synthesis of cartilage proteoglycans while inhibiting their breakdown after injurious compression in the presence or absence of inflammatory cytokines. Under these conditions, dexamethasone is non‐toxic and maintains the viability of chondrocytes exposed chronically to such cytokines as interleukin (IL) ‐1, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α. Moreover, the anti‐inflammatory properties of dexamethasone have been appreciated for decades. In view of this information, we have initiated a pilot clinical study to determine whether a single, intra‐articular injection of dexamethasone into the wrist shows promise in preventing PTOA after intra‐articular fracture of the distal radius.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Suppressing the various etiopathophysiological responses to injury in the joint is an attractive strategy for lowering the clinical burden of PTOA. The intra‐articular administration of dexamethasone soon after injury offers a simple and inexpensive means of accomplishing this. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:406–411, 2017.
Antimicrobial activity of pomegranate peel extracts as affected by cultivar
Authors: Rosas‐Burgos Ema C , Burgos‐Hernández Armando , Noguera‐Artiaga Luis , Kačániová Miroslava , Hernández‐García Francisca , Cárdenas‐López José L , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDSome studies have reported that different parts of the pomegranate fruit, especially the peel, may act as potential antimicrobial agents and thus might be proposed as a safe natural alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents. The high tannin content, especially punicalagin, found in pomegranate extracts, has been reported as the main compound responsible for such antimicrobial activity. Because the pomegranate peel chemical composition may vary with the type of cultivar (sweet, sour–sweet and sour), pomegranates may also differ with respect to their antimicrobial capacity.RESULTSThe extract from PTO8 pomegranate cultivar peel had the highest antimicrobial activity, as well as the highest punicalagins (α and β) and ellagic acid concentrations. In the results obtained from both antibacterial and antifungal activity studies, the sour–sweet pomegranate cultivar PTO8 showed the best antimicrobial activity, and the highest ellagic acid concentrations.CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study suggest that ellagic acid content has a significant influence on the antimicrobial activity of the pomegranate extracts investigated. The pomegranate peel of the PTO8 cultivar is a good source of antifungal and antibacterial compounds, and may represent an alternative to antimicrobial agents of synthetic origin. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Modeling the impact of selective harvesting on red deer antlers
Authors: Pozo Rocío A. , Schindler Susanne , Cubaynes Sarah , Cusack Jeremy J. , Coulson Tim , Malo Aurelio F. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTHunting is a common component in the management of ungulate species. Despite its widespread use, the influence of selective harvesting on phenotypic trait change is still ambiguous, and represents a critical gap in our understanding of the responses of wild populations under harvest. Using the long‐term red deer (Cervus elaphus) dataset (1972–2012) from the Isle of Rum National Nature Reserve, Scotland, we assessed the relationship between antler length and key demographic processes (i.e., survival, recruitment, antler growth, parent‐offspring trait correlation) for the male component of the population. We then constructed the first integral projection model for this species to examine the effects of simulated trophy hunting on 2 population‐level parameters: the stable antler size distribution and the relative reproductive value of males. When male mortality rates due to hunting were <20%, the effect on antler size distribution and the reproductive value function were relatively small. However, as mortality due to hunting increased to 50% in large individuals, the direct effects of hunting on mean antler size and reproductive value became evident. Our model acts as a useful starting point to investigate the ecological and evolutionary consequences of hunting in red deer. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Flame‐Retarded Epoxy Resins with a Curing Agent of DOPO‐Triazine Based Anhydride
Authors: Wirasaputra Alvianto , Yao Xiaohao , Zhu Yaming , Liu Shumei , Yuan Yanchao , Zhao Jianqing , Fu Yi 
Published: May 2016

A 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO)‐triazine based anhydride (2,4,6‐tris‐(DOPO‐methylformatephthalic anhydride‐phenoxy)‐1,3,5‐triazine (TDA)) is synthesized and used as a halogen‐free flame retardant co‐curing agent for diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A/methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride (DGEBA/MHHPA) system. The conjugation of anhydride group is increased by the utilization of TDA, leading to the reduction in the curing activation energy. The cured epoxy resin passes V‐0 rating of UL 94 test with the limiting oxygen index of 32.7 vol% when the phosphorus content is only 1.5 wt%. The flame‐retarding action of triazine ring and DOPO moiety is investigated by the residue analysis and the characterization of pyrolysis gas. Due to the presence of bulky aromatic subunits in the molecular structure of TDA, the flame‐retarded epoxy resins maintain the high glass transition temperature of DGEBA/MHHPA. Besides, the moisture absorption is diminished following the usage of TDA.image
Broad Bandgap D–A Copolymer Based on Bithiazole Acceptor Unit for Application in High‐Performance Polymer Solar Cells with Lower Fullerene Content
Authors: Wang Kun , Guo Xia , Guo Bing , Li Wanbin , Zhang Maojie , Li Yongfang 
Published: May 2016

A new broad bandgap and 2D‐conjugated D‐A copolymer, PBDTBTz‐T, based on bithienyl‐benzodithiophene donor unit and bithiazole (BTz) acceptor unit, is designed and synthesized for the application as donor material in polymer solar cells (PSCs). The polymer possesses highly coplanar and crystalline structure with a higher hole mobility and lower HOMO energy level which is beneficial to achieve higher open circuit voltage (Voc) of the PSCs with the polymer as donor. The PSCs based on PBDTBTz‐T:PC71BM blend film with a lower PC71BM content of 40% demonstrate a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.09% with a relatively higher Voc of 0.92 V. These results indicate that the lower HOMO energy level of the BTz‐based D–A copolymer is beneficial to a high Voc of the PSCs. The polymer, with highly coplanar and crystalline structure, can effectively reduce the content of fullerene acceptor in the active layer and can enhance the absorption and PCE of the PSCs.
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1H and 13C NMR spectral assignment of N,N′‐disubstituted thiourea and urea derivatives active against nitric oxide synthase
Authors: Chayah Mariem , Camacho M. Encarnación , Carrión M. Dora , Gallo Miguel A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe 1H and 13C NMR resonances of seventeen N‐alkyl and aryl‐N′‐[3‐hydroxy‐3‐(2‐nitro‐5‐substitutedphenyl)propyl]‐thioureas and ureas (1–17), and seventeen N‐alkyl or aryl‐N′‐[3‐(2‐amino‐5‐substitutedphenyl)‐3‐hydroxypropyl]‐thioureas and ureas (18–34), designed as NOS inhibitors, were assigned completely using the concerted application of one‐ and two‐dimensional experiments (DEPT, HSQC and HMBC). NOESY studies confirm the preferred conformation of these compounds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mapping of intracellular pH in the in vivo rodent heart using hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate
Authors: Lau Angus Z. , Miller Jack J. , Tyler Damian J. 
Published: May 2016

PurposeTo demonstrate the feasibility of mapping intracellular pH within the in vivo rodent heart. Alterations in cardiac acid‐base balance can lead to acute contractile depression and alterations in Ca2+ signaling. The transient reduction in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) consumption and cardiac contractility may be initially beneficial; however, sustained pH changes can be maladaptive, leading to myocardial damage and electrical arrhythmias.MethodsSpectrally selective radiofrequency (RF) pulses were used to excite the
and CO2 resonances individually while preserving signal from the injected hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate. The large flip angle pulses were placed within a three‐dimensional (3D) imaging acquisition, which exploited CA‐mediated label exchange between
and CO2. Images at 4.5 × 4.5 × 5 mm3 resolution were obtained in the in vivo rodent heart. The technique was evaluated in healthy rodents scanned at baseline and during high cardiac workload induced by dobutamine infusion.ResultsThe intracellular pH was measured to be 7.15 ± 0.04 at baseline, and decreased to 6.90 ± 0.06 following 15 min of continuous β‐adrenergic stimulation.ConclusionsVolumetric maps of intracellular pH can be obtained following an injection of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate. The new method is anticipated to enable assessment of stress‐inducible ischemia and potential ventricular arrythmogenic substrates within the ischemic heart. Magn Reson Med 77:1810–1817, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.