bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Combined Magnetic Fields Treatment and Nano-Hydroxyapatite Coating on Porous Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Bone Graft in Rabbit Spinal Fusion Model
Authors: Zhuo Xianglong , Li Chentian , Li Bing , Li Zhaoyang , Lv Hongbin , Huang Jianjun , Xu Daqi , Hu Jianzhong 
Published: November 2017

Study Design.
An animal experimental study was designed to investigate the efficacy of combined magnetic fields (CMF) treatment and nano-hydroxyapatite (HA) coating in the biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) graft in posterolateral lumbar fusion.

Objective.
To evaluate the effects of CMF treatment and nano-HA/BCP and their combination effect in posterolateral lumbar fusion.

Summary of Background Data.
Enhancement of artificial bone graft bioeffects could improve spinal fusion outcomes. The bone graft integration is vital in spinal fusion, nano-HA coating, and CMF treatment were reported as effective methods to improve bone graft integration.

Methods.
A bilateral transverse process fusion model was performed on 32 rabbits. The CMF treatment was performed for 30 minutes per day postoperation. The fusion rate, new bone formation, artificial bone graft-autologous bone fusion interface in x-ray and scanning electron microscopy, biomechanics property of fusion rate, histological fusion condition, artificial bone residual rate, and immunohistochemistry assessment of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression were observed at 9th week after surgery.

Results.
CMF treatment and nano-HA coating increased the fusion rate, adjusted optical density index, intensity of binding of artificial and autologous bone, bone growth rate, and bending stiffness. CMF treatment also significantly increased BMP-2 and TGF-β1 expression in fusion region while nano-HA coating significantly decreased artificial bone residual rate.

Conclusion.
Our findings suggest that porous nano-HA/BCP graft could significantly improve spine fusion outcome with excellent bioactivity, biocompatibility and degradability and CMF treatment could significantly improve spine fusion outcome by improving bioactivity and biocompatibility of artificial bone graft in rabbit. Combination of CMF treatment with nano-HA/BCP graft could significantly increase posterolateral lumbar fusion rate in rabbit, which would be a potential strategy for spine fusion preclinical study.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Increased Risk of Acute Cholecystitis in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Hsu Cherng-Lan , Wang Mei-Ting , Ho Yu-Chun , Pan Shin-Liang 
Published: November 2017

Study Design.
Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.
To evaluate the risk of acute cholecystitis (AC) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) based on a nationwide sample.

Summary of Background Data.
Prior research evaluating the risk of AC in patients with SCI is limited. Moreover, since most previous studies on the association between AC and SCI used case-series designs, little is known about the relative risk of SCI patients developing AC from a longitudinal follow-up, compared with individuals without SCI.

Methods.
We used the data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. The SCI group consisted of 11,523 patients with SCI aged between 20 and 90 years. Propensity score matching procedure was employed to minimize potential confounding effects arising from the imbalance in the baseline characteristics. A total of 23,046 propensity score-matched patients without SCI were enrolled in the non-SCI group. We compared the incidence of AC between these two groups, and assessed the impact of SCI on the risk of developing AC.

Results.
In the SCI and non-SCI groups, the respective incidence rates of AC were 36.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 30.0–44.8) and 25.2 (95% CI, 21.2–29.8) per 10,000 person-years. As compared with the non-SCI group, the hazard ratio for the SCI group of AC was 1.71 (95% CI, 1.22–2.41, P = 0.0018); and the cumulative incidence of AC of the SCI group was higher than that of the non-SCI group (P = 0.0036).

Conclusion.
This population-based cohort study showed that there was an increased risk of AC in patients with SCI.

Level of Evidence: 3
Serious Adverse Events Significantly Reduce Patient-Reported Outcomes at 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Pugely Andrew J. , Kelly Michael P. , Baldus Christine R. , Gao Yubo , Zebala Lukas , Shaffrey Christopher , Glassman Steven , Boachie-Adjei Oheneba , Parent Stefan , Lewis Stephen , Koski Tyler , Edwards Charles , Schwab Frank , Bridwell Keith H. 
Published: November 2017

Study Design.
This is an analysis of a prospective 2-year study on nonoperative patients enrolled in the Adult Symptomatic Lumbar Scoliosis (ASLS) National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) trial.

Objective.
The purpose was to evaluate the impact of serious adverse events (SAEs) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in nonoperative management of ASLS as measured by Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Short Form-12 (SF-12) at 2-year follow-up.

Summary of Background Data.
Little is known about PROs in the nonoperative management of ASLS or the prevalence and impact of SAEs on PROs.

Methods.
The ASLS trial dataset was analyzed to identify adult lumbar scoliosis patients electively choosing or randomly assigned to nonoperative treatment with minimum 2-year follow-up. Patient data were collected prospectively from 2010 to 2015 as part of NIAMS R01-AR055176–01A2 “A Multi-Centered Prospective Study of Quality of Life in Adult Scoliosis.” SAEs were defined as life-threatening medical events, new significant or permanent disability, new or prolonged hospitalization, or death.

Results.
One hundred five nonoperative patients were studied to 2-year follow-up. Twenty-seven patients (25.7%) had 42 SAEs; 15 (14.3%) had a SAE during the first year. The SAE group had higher body mass index (29.4 vs. 25.2; P = 0.008) and reported worse SRS-22 Function scores than the non-SAE group at baseline (3.3 vs. 3.6; P = 0.024). At 2-year follow-up, SAE patients experienced less improvement (change) in SRS-22 Self-Image (−0.07 vs. 0.26; P = 0.018) and Mental Health domains (−0.19 vs. 0.25; P = 0.002) than non-SAE patients and had lower SRS-22 Function, Self-Image, Subscore, and SF-12 Mental and Physical component scores (MCS/PCS). Fewer SAE patients reached minimal clinically important difference (MCID) threshold in SRS-22 Mental Health (14.8% vs. 43.6%; P = 0.01).

Conclusion.
A high percentage (25.7%) of ASLS patients managed nonoperatively experienced SAEs. Those patients who sustained a SAE had less improvement in reported outcomes.

Level of Evidence: 2
Increased Lumbar Lordosis and Smaller Vertebral Cross-Sectional Area Are Associated With Spondylolysis
Authors: Wren Tishya A. L. , Ponrartana Skorn , Aggabao Patricia C. , Poorghasamians Ervin , Skaggs David L. , Gilsanz Vicente 
Published: November 2017

Study Design.
A cross-sectional comparison of vertebral morphology and lumbar lordosis (LL) in adolescents with and without spondylolysis.

Objective.
To test the hypothesis that in addition to LL, vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA) is also associated with spondylolysis.

Summary of Background Data.
Recent data indicate that the CSA of the vertebral body is a determinant of LL, which has been shown to be associated with spondylolysis.

Methods.
Using magnetic resonance imaging, we compared the degree of LL from L1 to L5 and the CSA of the lumbar vertebrae in 35 adolescents (16 females and 19 males) with spondylolysis and 86 healthy controls (36 females and 50 males) of similar sex, age, height, and weight.

Results.
There were no significant differences in age, height, weight, or vertebral height between subjects with and without spondylolysis, regardless of sex. In contrast, LL angle in spondylolysis patients was 57% and 51% greater in girls and boys with spondylolysis; 44.1 ± 10.4° versus 28.1 ± 9.8° and 34.8 ± 5.9° versus 23.0 ± 6.0° for girls and boys, respectively (both P's < 0.0001). Additionally, values for vertebral CSA were on average, 8% and 10% smaller in females and males with spondylolysis; 7.6 ± 0.8 cm2
versus 8.3 ± 1.1 cm2 and 8.4 ± 1.6 versus 9.3 ± 1.6 for girls and boys, respectively (both P's ≤ 0.039). Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses indicated that the CSA of the vertebral body was negatively associated with LL angle and an independent predictor of the presence of spondylolysis. This was true regardless of whether girls and boys were analyzed together or independently, and whether LL angle was measured from L1 to L5 or S1.

Conclusion.
We provide evidence that patients with spondylolysis have increased LL and smaller vertebral CSA.

Level of Evidence: 4
Simultaneous Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 and Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 Completely Protects Against Acute Inflammation and Sepsis
Authors: Steeland Sophie , Van Ryckeghem Sara , Vandewalle Jolien , Ballegeer Marlies , Van Wonterghem Elien , Eggermont Melanie , Decruyenaere Johan , De Bus Liesbet , Libert Claude , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E. 
Published: November 2017

Objectives:
Sepsis causes very high mortality and morbidity rates and remains one of the biggest medical challenges. This study investigates whether plasma levels of both matrix metalloproteinase 8 and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 are associated with sepsis severity and also investigates the therapeutic applicability of simultaneous inhibition of the two molecules in sepsis.

Design:
Observational human pilot study—prospective controlled animal study.

Setting:
University hospital and research laboratory.

Subjects:
Sepsis patients and C57BL/6 mice deficient for matrix metalloproteinase 8 and/or tumor necrosis factor receptor 1.

Intervention:
Plasma and whole blood RNA were collected from 13 sepsis patients for 7 consecutive days and within 24 hours of admission to ICU. Matrix metalloproteinase 8 and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 plasma and expression levels were determined in these patients. Mice deficient for both matrix metalloproteinase 8 and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 were generated and subjected to endotoxemia and cecal ligation and puncture. Additionally, a bispecific Nanobody that simultaneously blocks matrix metalloproteinase 8 and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 was created.

Measurements and Main Results:
Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase 8 and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 were positively correlated with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (r, 0.51 and 0.58) and interleukin 6 levels (r, 0.59 and 0.52) in 13 sepsis patients. Combined elimination of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 8 in double knockout mice resulted in superior survival in endotoxemia and CLP compared with single knockouts and wild-type mice. Cotreatment with our bispecific Nanobody in CLP resulted in improved survival rates (28% vs 19%) compared with untreated mice.

Conclusions:
Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase 8 and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 might have therapeutic potential to treat sepsis and proof-of-principle was provided as therapeutics that inhibit both tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 8 are effective in CLP.
Sleep Sufficiency in Pediatric and Adolescent Tourette's Disorder: National Survey of Children's Health
Authors: Ricketts Emily J. , Rozenman Michelle , Choy Caitlin , Goldberg Hannah B. , Kim Jessica S. , Colwell Christopher S. , McCracken James T. , Piacentini John 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT:

Objective:
The present study compared sleep sufficiency in youth with current Tourette's disorder (TD), history of TD and matched case controls, and examined predictors of sufficient sleep using a large US population–based survey.

Method:
Participants were 673 caregivers of youth aged 6 to 17 years (298 with current TD, 122 with a history of TD with no endorsement of current diagnosis, and 254 matched case controls) from the 2007 and 2011–2012 versions of the National Survey of Children's Health. History and current TD status, current comorbidity (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and depression) and psychiatric medication status were assessed by yes/no items. Current TD severity was dichotomized into mild or moderate/severe symptoms. Sleep was assessed by parent-reported number of sufficient nights their child slept in the past week.

Results:
Univariate analysis of variance yielded significant group differences in nights of sufficient sleep (F[2,369.70] = 71.53, p < .001), with controls having 1.5 more nights per week relative to both TD groups (p < .001). With respect to predictors of sufficient sleep, the analysis of covariance yielded a significant age × sex × TD severity interaction (F[1,15.84] = 4.28, p = .04) such that older adolescent males with mild TD had significantly fewer nights of sufficient sleep than children (p = .004) and early adolescents (p = .002; F[2,54.93] = 7.45, p = .001). Early adolescent females with moderate/severe TD had fewer nights of sufficient sleep relative to males (p = .008). Comorbidity type and psychiatric medication status did not significantly predict sleep.

Conclusion:
Findings suggest that insufficient sleep in youth with TD persists independently of comorbidity or psychiatric medication status. Findings highlight the importance of clinical sleep monitoring in this population.
Evaluation of the Effect of Moist Chamber Spectacles in Patients With Dry Eye Exposed to Adverse Environment Conditions
Authors: Ogawa Mamoru , Dogru Murat , Toriyama Naoki , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Shimazaki Jun , Tsubota Kazuo 
Published: November 2017

Purpose:
To evaluate the effect of moist chamber spectacle wear on the ocular surface and tear functions in a controlled wind exposure environment.

Methods:
Twenty-eight eyes of 14 probable dry eye subjects (4 men, 10 women; mean age: 34.5 years) underwent constant wind exposure for 10 min without spectacle, with conventional spectacle wear, and with moist chamber spectacle wear. Dryness Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, tear evaporation, blink rate, tear film breakup testing, and fluorescein staining were performed before and after wind exposure.

Results:
The mean dryness VAS score after wind exposure was significantly higher when no spectacles were worn or when conventional spectacles with no moist chambers were worn compared with after exposure scores when moist chamber spectacles were worn (P=0.02). The mean of tear evaporation rate from the ocular surface and blink rate increased significantly with wind exposure when no spectacles were worn or when conventional spectacles with no moist chambers were worn (P=0.04). There were no significant changes before and after wind exposure when the moist chamber spectacles were worn (P=0.1).

Conclusion:
Moist chamber spectacles appear to have favorable effects on dry eye symptomatology, tear stability, and blink rates in adverse environment conditions such as wind exposure.
Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Investigation of the Power Vector in Astigmatism: The Yamagata Study (Funagata)
Authors: Namba Hiroyuki , Kawasaki Ryo , Sugano Akira , Nishi Katsuhiro , Murakami Takanori , Nishitsuka Koichi , Kato Takeo , Kayama Takamasa , Yamashita Hidetoshi 
Published: November 2017

Purpose:
To investigate how age and other factors affect astigmatism in Japanese adults over a period of 5 years.

Methods:
We included 512 Japanese participants who had undergone systemic and ophthalmological examinations both in 2005–2007 and in 2010–2012 in Funagata town, Yamagata, Japan. Astigmatism was evaluated using power vector analyses, where J0 represents the power of orthogonal astigmatism. Positive values of J0 indicate with-the-rule astigmatism, whereas negative values indicate against-the-rule (ATR).

Results:
In this cross-sectional investigation, J0 represented the power of orthogonal astigmatism, and multivariate regression revealed that both J0 and corneal J0 (cJ0) declined with increasing age (both P < 0.001). In a longitudinal investigation spanning 5 years, the mean amounts of change (Δ) in J0 and ΔcJ0 were −0.045 ± 0.308 and −0.072 ± 0.278, respectively. This confirmed an ATR shift with increasing age in most individuals. The age-divided distribution of the magnitude of differences indicated that older age was associated with a larger astigmatic change over a 5-year period in both the cornea and the entire eye. Using multivariate logistic regression, we observed that older age at baseline was a risk factor for low ΔJ0, indicating a large shift toward ATR astigmatism.

Conclusions:
We confirmed that a refractive and keratometric shift toward ATR astigmatism occurs with aging. Older age at baseline was also associated with a larger magnitude of astigmatic changes over the subsequent 5 years.
Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Nobili Valerio , Socha Piotr 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an increasingly prevalent paediatric disorder, is diagnosed and managed not only by both pediatric gastroenterologists/hepatologists but also frequently by the general pediatrician. This article updates recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approach, which may be applied to everyday practice. Diagnosis of NAFLD takes into account the risk factor profile and is a diagnosis of exclusion. Techniques such as transient elastography and specific biomarkers aimed at improving diagnosis and monitoring of NAFLD need further validation in the pediatric population. Defining the risk to develop cirrhosis seems to be of primary importance already in childhood and a combination of genetic, clinical, and environmental factors can help in monitoring and making decisions on therapy. Weight reduction therapy should be the aim of treatment approach, but the compliance is poor and pharmacological treatment would be helpful; docosahexaenoic acid, some probiotics, and vitamin E are to be considered, but evidence is not sufficient to recommend widespread use.
Torticollis and Fever in a Young Boy
Authors: Rafferty Jason R. , Janopaul-Naylor Elizabeth , Riese Jeffrey 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Cat-scratch disease–associated vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural involvement are rare and may manifest with nonspecific chronic symptoms in children, such as fever or torticollis. We present only the fourth case in the literature describing epidural involvement in an immunocompetent boy presenting with fever, torticollis, and indiscriminate left upper back tenderness. Bartonella henselae serologies are important to consider because such atypical complications often are responsive to conservative management with antibiotics.
Feasibility of Early, Motor-Assisted Cycle Ergometry in Critically Ill Neurological Patients With Upper Limb Weakness and Variable Cognitive Status
Authors: Deluzio Sandra , Vora Isha , Kumble Sowmya , Zink Elizabeth K. , Stevens Robert D. , Bahouth Mona N. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Upper limb paresis, common in many neurological conditions, is a major contributor of long-term disability and decreased quality of life. Evidence shows that repetitive, bilateral arm movement improves upper limb coordination after neurological injury. However, it is difficult to integrate upper limb interventions into very early rehabilitation of critically ill neurological patients because of patient arousal and medical acuity. This report describes the safety and feasibility of bilateral upper limb cycling in critically ill neurological patients with bilateral or unilateral paresis. Patients were included in this pilot observational series if they used upper limb cycle ergometry with occupational therapy while in the neurocritical care unit between May and August 2016. Patient demographics, neurological function, and hemodynamic status were recorded precycling and postcycling. Cycling parameters including duration and active and/or passive cycling were collected. No significant changes in hemodynamic or respiratory status were noted postintervention. No adverse effects or safety events were noted. In this series, upper limb cycle ergometry was a safe and feasible intervention for early rehabilitation in critically ill patients in the neurocritical care unit. Future studies will prospectively measure the impact of early upper limb cycle ergometry on neurological recovery and functional outcome in this population.
Genetics of vestibular syndromes
Authors: Roman-Naranjo Pablo , Gallego-Martinez Alvaro , Lopez Escamez Jose A. 
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review
The increased availability of next generation sequencing has enabled a rapid progress in the discovery of genetic variants associated with vestibular disorders. We have summarized molecular genetics finding in vestibular syndromes during the last 18 months.

Recent findings
Genetic studies continue to shed light on the genetic background of vestibular disorders. Novel genes affecting brain development and otolith biogenesis have been associated with motion sickness. Exome sequencing has made possible to identify three rare single nucleotide variants in PRKCB, DPT and SEMA3D linked with familial Meniere disease. Moreover, superior canal dehiscence syndrome might be related with variants in CDH3 gene, by increasing risk of its development. On the other hand, the association between vestibular schwannoma and enlarged vestibular aqueduct with variants in NF2 and SLC26A4, respectively, seems increasingly clear. Finally, the use of mouse models is allowing further progress in the development gene therapy for hearing and vestibular monogenic disorders.

Summary
Most of episodic or progressive syndromes show familial clustering. A detailed phenotyping with a complete familial history of vestibular symptoms is required to conduct a genetic study. Progress in these studies will allow us to understand diseases mechanisms and improve their current medical treatments.
GeTFEP: A general transfer free energy profile of transmembrane proteins
Authors: Tian Wei , Naveed Hammad , Lin Meishan , Liang Jie 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFree energy of transferring amino acid side–chains from aqueous environment into lipid bilayers, known as transfer free energy (TFE), provides important information on the thermodynamic stability of membrane proteins. In this study, we derived a TFE profile named General Transfer Free Energy Profile (GeTFEP) based on computation of the TFEs of 58β–barrel membrane proteins (βMPs). The GeTFEP agrees well with experimentally measured and computationally derived TFEs. Analysis based on the GeTFEP shows that residues in different regions of the TM segments ofβMPs have different roles during the membrane insertion process. Results further reveal the importance of the sequence pattern of transmembrane strands in stabilizingβMPs in the membrane environment. In addition, we show that GeTFEP can be used to predict the positioning and the orientation ofβMPs in the membrane. We also show that GeTFEP can be used to identify structurally or functionally important amino acid residue sites ofβMPs. Furthermore, the TM segments ofα–helical membrane proteins can be accurately predicted with GeTFEP, suggesting that the GeTFEP captures fundamental thermodynamic properties of amino acid residues inside membrane, and is of general applicability in studying membrane protein.