bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spinal artery aneurysms: clinical presentation, radiological findings and outcome
Authors: Renieri Leonardo , Raz Eytan , Lanzino Giuseppe , Krings Timo , Shapiro Maksim , Shirani Peyman , Brinjikji Waleed 
Published: January 2018

Background and purposeSpinal arterial aneurysms are a rare cause of spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We performed a retrospective review of spinal arterial aneurysms not associated with spinal arteriovenus shunts from three institutions in order to better understand the clinical and imaging characteristics of these lesions.Materials and methodsWe performed a retrospective review of spinal arterial aneurysms managed at three North American institutions. For each patient, the following information was collected: demographic data, clinical presentation, comorbidities, imaging findings, and neurological status at the last follow-up. Treatment strategies and outcomes were reported.Results11 patients were included; 7 were women and median age was 60 years. The most common presentation was sudden back pain (81.8%). We found 3 aneurysms on the radiculomedullary artery and 8 along the radiculopial arteries. Of the 3 aneurysms on the radiculomedullary artery, 1 was treated conservatively, 1 was treated with coiling of the aneurysm and sacrifice of the radiculomedullary artery, and 1 was treated with surgical trapping. The 8 aneurysms on the radiculopial artery were treated endovascularly in 4 cases, surgically in 1 case, and conservatively in 3 cases. One surgically treated patient had a spinal subdural hematoma. There were no other complications. Mean clinical follow-up time was 20 months, and 87.5% of patients were functionally independent.ConclusionsSpinal arterial aneurysms are lesions which commonly present with sudden back pain and spinal SAH. Conservative, surgical, and endovascular treatment options are safe and effective. Long term outcomes in these patients are generally good.
Comparison of speed-accuracy tradeoff between linear and nonlinear filtering algorithms for myocontrol
Authors: Borish Cassie N. , Feinman Adam , Bertucco Matteo , Ramsy Natalie G. , Sanger Terence D. 
Published: January 2018

Nonlinear Bayesian filtering of surface electromyography (EMG) can provide a stable output signal with little delay and the ability to change rapidly, making it a potential control input for prosthetic or communication devices. We hypothesized that myocontrol follows Fitts’ Law, and that Bayesian filtered EMG would improve movement times and success rates when compared with linearly filtered EMG. We tested the two filters using a Fitts’ Law speed-accuracy paradigm in a one-muscle myocontrol task with EMG captured from the dominant first dorsal interosseous muscle. Cursor position in one dimension was proportional to EMG. Six indices of difficulty were tested, varying the target size and distance. We examined two performance measures: movement time (MT) and success rate. The filter had a significant effect on both MT and success. MT followed Fitts’ Law and the speed-accuracy relationship exhibited a significantly higher channel capacity when using the Bayesian filter. Subjects seemed to be less cautious using the Bayesian filter due to its lower error rate and smoother control. These findings suggest that Bayesian filtering may be a useful component for myoelectrically controlled prosthetics or communication devices. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Whereas previous work has focused on assessing the Bayesian algorithm as a signal processing algorithm for EMG, this study assesses the use of the Bayesian algorithm for online EMG control. In other words, the subjects see the output of the filter and can adapt their own behavior to use the filter optimally as a tool. This study compares how subjects adapt EMG behavior using the Bayesian algorithm vs. a linear algorithm.
A Combination of SAHA and Quinacrine Is Effective in Inducing Cancer Cell Death in Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Zhu Shoumin , Chen Zheng , Wang Lihong , Peng Dunfa , Belkhiri Abbes , Lockhart A. Craig , El-Rifai Wael 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Purpose: We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of single agent and the combination of quinacrine and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) in wt- and mut-p53 upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGC) cell models.
Experimental Design: ATP-Glo, clonogenic cell survival, Annexin V, comet, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), qPCR, and Western blot analysis assays were utilized.
Results: Using clonogenic cell survival, ATP-Glo cell viability, Annexin V, and sub-G0 population analysis, we demonstrated that a combination of quinacrine and SAHA significantly decreased colony formation and increased cancer cell death (range, 4–20 fold) in six UGC cell models, as compared with single-agent treatments, irrespective of the p53 status (P &lt; 0.01). The combination of quinacrine and SAHA induced high levels of DSB DNA damage (&gt;20-fold, P &lt; 0.01). Western blot analysis showed activation of caspases-3, 9, and γ-H2AX in all cell models. Of note, although quinacrine treatment induced expression of wt-p53 protein, the combination of quinacrine and SAHA substantially decreased the levels of both wt-P53 and mut-P53. Furthermore, cell models that were resistant to cisplatin (CDDP) or gefitinib treatments were sensitive to this combination. Tumor xenograft data confirmed that a combination of quinacrine and SAHA is more effective than a single-agent treatment in abrogating tumor growth in vivo (P &lt; 0.01).
Conclusions: Our novel findings show that the combination of quinacrine and SAHA promotes DNA damage and is effective in inducing cancer cell death, irrespective of p53 status and resistance to CDDP or gefitinib in UGC models. Clin Cancer Res; 24(8); 1905–16. ©2018 AACR.
A Climatology of Southwest Indian Ocean Tropical Systems: Their Number, Tracks, Impacts, Sizes, Empirical Maximum Potential Intensity, and Intensity Changes
Authors: Leroux Marie-Dominique , Meister Julien , Mekies Dominique , Dorla Annie-Laure , Caroff Philippe 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA 17-yr “climatology” of tropical-system activity, track, size, and 24-h intensity change in the southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) is developed and analyzed in comparison with other intensively studied basins such as the North Atlantic Ocean. A first formulation of the empirical maximum potential intensity of SWIO tropical systems is also proposed, along with the climatology of sea surface temperatures from September to June. Systems with a 34-kt (1 kt = 0.514 m s−1) wind radius that does not exceed 46 km are considered to be very small or midget systems, on the basis of the 5th percentile of storm size distribution. Using the 95th percentile of overwater intensity changes, rapid intensification (RI) is statistically defined by a minimum increase of 15.4 m s−1 day−1 in the maximum 10-min mean surface wind speed (VMAX). This value is similar to the 30-kt threshold commonly used in the North Atlantic basin for 1-min sustained wind speeds. Rapid decay (RD) can be statistically defined by a minimum weakening of 13.9 m s−1 day−1, although the spread in the 5th percentile of intensity changes among the different intensity classes indicates that it is not as appropriate to use a unique RD threshold for all systems. It is shown that 43% of all tropical systems and all very intense tropical cyclones (VMAX ≥ 59.6 m s−1) underwent RI at least once during their lifetimes. It is highlighted that systems have a greater propensity to intensify rapidly for an initial intensity between 65 and 75 kt. Statistics indicate that operational intensity forecast errors are significantly greater at short range for RI cases while track errors are reduced.
Gustatory Function in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Wolf Axel , Renner Bertold , Tomazic Peter V. , Mueller Christian A. 
Published: January 2018

Objectives: Recent research has shown that taste receptors in airway epithelial cells are involved in defending against upper respiratory tract infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate gustatory function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: Taste function was assessed using the extended “taste strip” test in 37 patients with CRS (20 males, 17 females; mean age = 32.1 years; range, 20-82 years) and 135 healthy controls (70 males, 65 females; mean age = 29.5 years; range, 18-84 years). Results: The mean (±SD) total extended taste score was 12.8 (±3.5) in patients and 14.5 (±3.2) in controls. Analysis of variance indicated an interaction of sinusitis and gender ( P < .05) with significantly lower total scores and significantly poorer results for the bitter taste among male patients compared to controls ( P < .01). In addition, CRS patients exhibited a trend toward decreased sweet taste perception compared to controls, but this did not reach significance ( P = .051). Conclusions: Patients with CRS exhibited decreased gustatory function compared to healthy controls. The effect was most pronounced for bitter taste. Thus, the assessment of gustatory function seems to be useful for detecting potential risk factors for recurrent upper respiratory tract infection.
Helmet Clasp Cracks Larynx? A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Ostby Erin T. , Crawley Brianna K. 
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Helmet use is well known to greatly reduce the risk of head injury in both bicycle and motorcycle riding. However, helmet buckle position may increase the risk of injury to the neck cartilages. We present a series of cases in which thyroid cartilage fracture is presumed to arise from the position of the helmet buckle during a crash. Our objective with this case series is to outline an unusual series of cases and review the literature regarding laryngeal injuries secondary to helmet impact. Design: Single institution case series. Materials and Methods: We present 3 adult patients with laryngeal fractures following bicycle and motorcycle accidents. Medical records were reviewed for history. Results: All patients in this series presented with voice or swallowing complaints and were found to have thyroid cartilage fractures. It was determined that the buckle of the helmet was positioned overlying the larynx during these accidents, so the impact and flexion of the head and neck may have produced sufficient force against it to fracture the cartilage. A literature search yielded works supporting helmet use for head and brain protection but only a single report of laryngeal injuries secondary to helmet use. Conclusions: Though wearing a helmet is protective against head injuries, it may create serious risk to the neck cartilages when the buckle is positioned adjacent to the larynx. Rare but serious, neck cartilage fracture should be considered in helmeted cycling accidents. It may be reasonable to advance a helmet design that positions the buckle and other nonpliable components laterally, away from neck cartilages.
Long non-coding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 inhibits the apoptosis of retina Müller cells after diabetic retinopathy through regulating miR-497/brain-derived neurotrophic factor axis
Authors: Li Xiu-juan 
Published: January 2018

Background: The role of long non-coding RNA in diabetic retinopathy, a serious complication of diabetes mellitus, has attracted increasing attention in recent years. The purpose of this study was to explore whether long non-coding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 was involved in the context of diabetic retinopathy and its underlying mechanisms. Results: Our results revealed that nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 was significantly downregulated in the retina of diabetes mellitus rats. Meanwhile, miR-497 was significantly increased in diabetes mellitus rats’ retina and high glucose–treated Müller cells, but brain-derived neurotrophic factor was increased. We also found that high glucose–induced apoptosis of Müller cells was accompanied by the significant downregulation of nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 in vitro. Further study demonstrated that high glucose–promoted Müller cells apoptosis through downregulating nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 and downregulated nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 mediated this effect via negative regulating miR-497. Moreover, brain-derived neurotrophic factor was negatively regulated by miR-497 and associated with the apoptosis of Müller cells under high glucose. Conclusion: Our results suggested that under diabetic conditions, downregulated nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 decreased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor through elevating miR-497, thereby promoting Müller cells apoptosis and aggravating diabetic retinopathy.
Korean clergy for healthy families: online intervention for preventing intimate partner violence
Authors: Choi Y. Joon , Orpinas Pamela , Kim Irang , Ko Kyung Soon 
Published: January 2018

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) among immigrant women is a serious public health problem. Churches and clergy play a fundamental role in their lives, as a form of social organization and alternative to community services. Purpose: To describe the implementation and evaluation of an intervention for Korean American faith leaders designed to increase knowledge about IPV and about resources to handle IPV, strengthen attitudes that do not support IPV, enhance self-efficacy to handle IPV, and increase prevention and intervention behaviors about IPV. Methods: Korean American faith leaders in a Southeastern state of the USA were invited to participate in the study ( n = 55). Participants completed two online assessments: baseline and a 3-month follow-up. After the baseline assessment, participants were randomized to either the intervention ( n = 27) or the control ( n = 28) group. The intervention consisted of three online modules, each taking approximately 30–45 min to complete. Modules were developed based on the researchers’ work with Korean American faith leaders. Assessments and interventions were available in Korean and English. Results: Compared to the control group, the intervention group significantly improved their knowledge of resources and enhanced attitudes against IPV. The intervention group increased their self-efficacy and behaviors to prevent IPV more than the control group, but these changes were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The online training provided a safe and convenient environment for the Korean American clergy, for whom anonymity and convenient access were important. Results are promising, but highlight the need to include more specific training of skills, which could be incorporated into the online modules in the form of an avatar. This online training could serve as a template to be adapted for other immigrant groups.
Longitudinal assessment of gray matter volumes and white matter integrity in patients with medication-overuse headache
Authors: Beckmann Yesim , Gökçe Sevgin , Zorlu Nabi , Türe H Sabiha , Gelal Fazıl 
Published: January 2018

Background Medication-overuse headache is a common clinical entity, but neuroimaging studies investigating volumetric and microstructural alterations of the brain in medication-overuse headache are rare. Therefore, in the current longitidunal study we evaluated gray matter volume and white matter integrity in patients with medication-overuse headache before and after drug withdrawal. Methods A prospective study evaluated 27 patients with medication-overuse headache and 27 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy adults. High-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging were obtained from the control group and medication-overuse headache patients before and six months after drug withdrawal. Tract-based spatial statistics of multiple diffusivity indices and voxel-based morphometry were employed to investigate white and gray matter abnormalities. Results No correlation was found between age, gender, education and smoking status in both groups. The most commonly overused medications were simple analgesics (96.3%) and combined analgesics (3.7%). The mean duration of the history of medication overuse and headaches was 56.7 ± 63.5 months. White matter diffusional and gray matter morphological alterations including volume, fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity analyses showed no significant relationship in the patients before and six months after withdrawal of analgesics. Also no difference was observed between the patients versus controls. Conclusion Our data demonstrated no structural alterations within the brain in medication-overuse headache.
The Science and Clinical Applications of Placental Tissues in Spine Surgery
Authors: Shaw K. Aaron , Parada Stephen A. , Gloystein David M. , Devine John G. 
Published: January 2018

Study Design: Narrative literature review. Objectives: Placental tissue, amniotic/chorionic membrane, and umbilical cord have seen a recent expansion in their clinical application in various fields of surgery. It is important for practicing surgeons to know the underlying science, especially as it relates to spine surgery, to understand the rationale and clinical indication, if any, for their usage. Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed and MEDLINE databases to identify studies reporting the application of placental tissues as it relates to the practicing spine surgeon. Four areas of interest were identified and a comprehensive review was performed of available literature. Results: Clinical application of placental tissue holds promise with regard to treatment of intervertebral disc pathology, preventing epidural fibrosis, spinal dysraphism closure, and spinal cord injury; however, there is an overall paucity of high-quality evidence. As such, evidence-based guidelines for its clinical application are currently unavailable. Conclusions: There is no high-level clinical evidence to support the application of placental tissue for spinal surgery, although it does hold promise for several areas of interest for the practicing spine surgeon. High-quality research is needed to define the clinical effectiveness and indications of placental tissue as it relates to spine surgery.
Utilization of Social Media Platforms for Educational Purposes among the Faculty of Higher Education with Special Reference to Tamil Nadu
Authors: Vivakaran Mangala Vadivu , Neelamalar M. 
Published: January 2018

Social media tools are observed to play a vital role in the renovation of the conventional teaching and learning practices across the globe. Though primarily developed for online social communication, social media platforms tend to possess suitable tools that can be used for instructional purposes in order to initiate active learning among students. Additionally, the social publishing features that support User Generated Content (UGC) act as powerful drivers in converting social media sites into informal, networked and constructive virtual learning environments. The present study aims to analyse the use of social media platforms for educational purposes in developing nations such as India. The study intends to examine the penetration and reception of social media platforms in higher educational institutions in urban as well as the technologically deprived rural areas. An extensive survey was conducted among the faculty members in the higher educational institutions in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The research reveals the present diffusion level of social software in the academic sector of Tamil Nadu, a state containing a varied technological landscape due to its internal digital divide and many other infrastructural discrepancies. Additionally, factors that induce and the barriers that affect the pedagogical employment of social media tools by the higher education faculty members have been identified.
Observations on blood figure of sheep infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum
Authors: THEODORIDIS (Ι. ΘΕΟΔΩΡΙΔΗΣ) Y. , SOTIRAKI (Σ. ΣΩΤΗΡΑΚΗ) S. , PAPADOPOULOS (Η. ΠΑΠΑΔΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ) E. 
Published: January 2018

Total protein, serum albumin, serum iron and haematocrit of 21 mixed breed female sheep were examined in order to clarify the pathogenicity of Dicrocoelium dendriticum in these animals. The animals were placed individually in metabolic cages and divided into three groups depending on the presence of the worm burden, after their slaughtering and liver examination. The first one was composed of six animals with high D. dendriticum burden (4.800-8.180 parasites), the second of seven with a moderate burden (400-2.720 parasites) and the third which was composed of eight animals, was the control and its worm burden ranged between 0 and 37 parasites. In the begining of the experiment, all sheep were treated, with anthelmintic drugs and an insecticide against cestode and nematode parasites and ectoparasites. Additionally, the control group was treated with a drug against D. dendriticum. All sheep were free of Fasciola hepatica and lung nematodes. During the study, three blood samplings were taken for total protein,serum albumin and serum iron and every day for haematocrit. The first blood sampling was taken the same day with the anthelmintic treatment and the other two, three and four weeks later. There were no statistically significant differences when the group mean values were compared either between the different dates of sampling in the same group or between the different groups,with the exception of serum albumin in the highly infected group, which appeared to be improved in the 2nd and 3rd blood examinations. Finalty, according to the not significant changes in the blood figures, in combination with the other radioisotopic measurments, which took place earlier, is concluded, that D. dendriticum, appart from local lesions, does not seem to infuence the animal health in general.