bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Minerva Orthosis on Larynx Height in Young, Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Hosseini Pegah Saddat , Karimi Mohammad Taghi , Moayedfar Saeideh , Golabbakhsh Marzieh , Abnavi Fatemeh 
Published: December 2017

Background: During speech, larynx is higher in the neck for high-pitched sounds and lower for low-pitched sounds. Patients with different problems in cervical and cervicothoracic spine use cervical orthosis to limit cervical motion. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Minerva orthosis on larynx height in young, healthy volunteers. Subjects and methods: This study included 18 subjects. Acoustic measurement of frequency variability has been assessed in 3 brace conditions: (1) without brace, (2) with brace, and (3) 30 minutes after wearing the brace. Results: Several statistically significant differences were found in the comparison between Minerva and 30 minutes after Minerva. Conclusion: When planning cervical orthosis treatment, it is important to consider the reduction in larynx height that may result from bracing for those who are already at risk of developing dysphagia and dysphonia.
The Influence of Neighbor Effect and Urbanization Toward Organ Donation in Thailand
Authors: Wongboonsin Kua , Jindahra Pavitra , Teerakapibal Surat 
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Toward population wellness, an extreme scarcity of organ supply is proven to be an enormous hindrance. Preferences toward organ donation are vital to raise the organ donation rate. Notably, the area people live in can address the social influence on individual preference toward organ donation. Research Questions: This article studies the impact of the neighbor effect on organ donation decisions, addressing the social influence of urbanization on preferences. How neighborhood-specific variables, population density, and socioeconomic status drive the neighbor effect is investigated. The pursuit of organ donor traits is to be answered. Design: The study uses organ donation interview survey data and neighborhood-specific data from Thailand to estimate a series of logistic regression models. Results: Individuals residing in urban areas exhibit a greater likelihood to sign the donor card than those in rural areas. The neighborhood socioeconomic status is the key driver. An individual is more willing to be an organ donor when having neighbors with higher socioeconomic statuses. Results also reveal positive influences of males and education on the organ donation rate. Discussion: This article documents the “neighbor effect” on the organ donation decision via living area type, offering an alternative exposition in raising the organ donation rate. In shifting the society norm toward organ donation consent, policy-makers should acknowledge the benefit of urbanization on organ donation decision derived from resourceful urban areas. Moreover, raising education levels does improve not only citizens’ well-being but also their tendency to exhibit an altruistic act toward others.
Feline vertebral angiomatosis: two cases
Authors: Frizzi Massimo , Ottolini Nicola , Spigolon Claudia , Bertolini Giovanna 
Published: December 2017

Case series summary Two cats aged between 1 and 2 years were presented for paraparesis, general discomfort, back pain and urinary retention. Extradural spinal cord compression at the level of T4 and T8 was evident on CT examination and on MRI. Hemilaminectomy and partial corpectomy were performed to achieve spinal cord decompression. Histopathology of the abnormal bone tissue was suggestive of vertebral angiomatosis. After initially worsening, both cats recovered their normal gait and functional urination. Both cats have been followed-up for >1 year, without any recurrence. Relevance and novel information This is the first report of vertebral angiomatosis with complete data (CT, MRI, surgical procedures, histopathology and >1 year follow-up) and provides important information about the prognosis of this rare vascular malformation.
Spine Surgeon Treatment Variability: The Impact on Costs
Authors: Alvin Matthew D. , Lubelski Daniel , Alam Ridwan , Williams Seth K. , Obuchowski Nancy A. , Steinmetz Michael P. , Wang Jeffrey C. , Melillo Alfred J. , Pahwa Amit , Benzel Edward C. , Modic Michael T. , Quencer Robert , Mroz Thomas E. 
Published: December 2017

Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Objectives: Given the lack of strong evidence/guidelines on appropriate treatment for lumbar spine disease, substantial variability exists among surgical treatments utilized, which is associated with differences in costs to treat a given pathology. Our goal was to investigate the variability in costs among spine surgeons nationally for the same pathology in similar patients. Methods: Four hundred forty-five spine surgeons completed a survey of clinical and radiographic case scenarios on patients with recurrent lumbar disc herniation, low back pain, and spondylolisthesis. Those surveyed were asked to provide various details including their geographical location, specialty, and fellowship training. Treatment options included no surgery, anterior lumbar interbody fusion, posterolateral fusion, and transforaminal/posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Costs were estimated via Medicare national payment amounts. Results: For recurrent lumbar disc herniation, no difference in costs existed for patients undergoing their first revision microdiscectomy. However, for patients undergoing another microdiscectomy, surgeons who operated <100 times/year had significantly lower costs than those who operated >200 times/year ( P < .001) and those with 5-15 years of experience had significantly higher costs than those with >15 years ( P < .001). For the treatment of low back pain, academic surgeons kept costs about 55% lower than private practice surgeons ( P < .001). In the treatment of spondylolisthesis, there was significant treatment variability without significant differences in costs. Conclusions: Significant variability in surgical treatment paradigms exists for different pathologies. Understanding why variability in treatment selection exists in similar clinical contexts across practices is important to ensure the most cost-effective delivery of care among spine surgeons.
Treatment of open upper limb injuries with infection prevention and negative pressure wound therapy: a systematic review
Authors: Ali E. , Raghuvanshi M. 
Published: December 2017

Objective: Open upper limb injuries requiring soft reconstruction can pose a dilemma for trauma surgeons when considering the treatment options. The British Orthopaedic Association and British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons Standard for Trauma (BOAST) have addressed the management of severe open lower limb fractures with the creation of the BOAST 4 guidelines. However, no such gold standard exists for the treatment of open injuries of the upper limb. Furthermore, treatment of these injuries is often more difficult and requires complicated strategies. Since the advent of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), there has been an improvement in wound care, though a focused review of its use in wound closure and infection prevention in the upper limb has not been published. We examine wound care management for open upper limb injuries with regard to the dressings applied, NPWT, wound closure and infection prevention. Method: A systematic search of Medline, Cochrane and Google Scholar was performed using the key words. The key word searches were performed by two independent reviewers and 8,792 papers were found. Manuscripts between 1990 and 2010 were included, with the addition of key manuscripts before this date. Each manuscript was assessed by the two authors independently for methodology and validity Results: Approximately 120 manuscripts fulfilled selection criteria examining the influence of NPWT on open upper and lower limb injuries, and those examining infection risk in the same injuries. Of these 120 manuscripts, 28 were suitable for inclusion in the review. The systematic review is presented, allied to the BOAST 4 principles, examining the use of NPWT and the tools available for infection prevention for wounds of the upper and lower limb. The use of NPWT in conjunction with antibiotic-bead therapy improved the way in which open fractures of both the upper and lower limb are treated. Conclusion: Production of guidelines is warranted for the treatment of upper limb injuries. The treatment options available for wound closure and infection prevention that are used in the treatment of open injuries of the lower limb could be adopted to open injuries of the upper limb.
Maggot debridement therapy for an electrical burn injury with instructions for the use of Lucilia sericata larvae
Authors: Nasoori A. , Hoomand R. 
Published: December 2017

Objective: Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) has proved an efficient and reliable approach for wound healing. We explain the use of maggots with a stepwise procedure for conducting MDT in a patient with severe and large electrical wounds. Method: We captured the flies of Lucilia sericata from the natural environment, Alborz, Iran, and reared them in netted cages. The eggs obtained from the flies were disinfected with chloramine, and then were incubated on culture medium. Results: The young larvae, in open ended pouches, were applied to the wound of a 29-year-old man who suffered from extensive fourth degree electrical burns. The patient's wounds were fully debrided, while adequate granulation tissue grew on the wounds in just 16 days of treatment. MDT prepared the wound bed to receive skin autograft, successfully, without any interaction, allergy, or inflammation. Conclusion: Our case study indicated that MDT can be a suitable pre-grafting measure for electrical wounds. Implementing the stated procedures in the present study can help health professionals to employ MDT for similar cases.
Developing antimicrobial calcium alginate fibres from neem and papaya leaves extract
Authors: Hussain F. , Khurshid M.F. , Masood R. , Ibrahim W. 
Published: December 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate an alternative approach to developing antimicrobial alginate fibres using plant extracts, such as those from neem and papaya leaves. Method: Aqueous leaves extract from neem, papaya and their hybrid combinations were used as solvent to develop sodium alginate fibres. Sodium alginate polymer containing these extracts was extruded in a calcium chloride (CaCl2) bath to develop neem (NE), papaya (PE) and their hybrid combinations-based calcium alginate fibres (H-1 to H-5). The surface morphology, spectra, liquid absorption, tensile strength and antimicrobial activity of these developed fibres were measured. Results: NE fibre showed greater tensile strength than PE. The liquid absorption property of all developed fibres decreased, but showed antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and reduced bacterial growth up to 85% when compared with pure calcium alginate fibre. Conclusion: Neem, papaya and hybrid extract-based calcium alginate fibres have the potential to be used as wound dressings.
Investigating the effect of sports on motor skills in children <p>Çocuklarda sporun motor beceri üzerine etkisinin incelenmesi
Authors: İri Rüçhan , Aktuğ Zait Burak 
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the motor skills (MS) of the children doing licensed sports for 3 days a week for at least 2 years, and to reveal the difference of MS between the children who did and did not do sports. Totally 396 children (female=211, male=185) between 10-14 years old were participated in the study. Motor skills of the children who participated into the study were measured with Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK), and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the formula of [weight (kg)/height (m2)]. Independent t-test was used to determine the difference between physical properties, and motor skills of the children who did and did not do sports. According to obtained data, it was determined that KTK sub-dimensions and total KTK score (TotalKTK) was statistically and significantly higher in favor of children who did sports (p<0.05). Moreover, it was determined that in the classification of total TotalKTK scores was through the percentiles/percentages, the number of children who did sports was higher in high and good categories and was lower number in very low category. Consequently, it was specified/determined that guiding the children towards a sports branch or physical activity was significant factor in developing their motor skills.Extended English abstract is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file. ÖzetYapılan çalışmanın amacı; bir spor branşında lisanlı olarak spor yapan çocukların motor becerilerinin (MB) belirlenmesi ve spor yapan çocuklar ile spor yapmayan çocuklar arasındaki MB farkının ortaya konmasıdır. Çalışmaya 10-14 yaş arasında gönüllü toplam 396 (kız=211, erkek=185) çocuk katılmıştır. Çalışmaya katılan çocukların MB’leri Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK) ile vücut kütle indeksleri (VKİ) ise [vücut ağırlığı (kg)/boy (m2)] formülü ile belirlenmiştir. Spor yapan çocuklar ile spor yapmayan çocukların fiziksel özellikleri ve MB’leri arasındaki farklılığın belirlenmesi için independent t testi kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre KTK alt boyutları ve toplam KTK skorunun (ToplamKTK) spor yapan çocuklar lehine istatiksel olarak anlamlı şekilde yüksek olduğu belirlenmiştir (p<0.05). Ayrıca ToplamKTK skorlarının yüzdelik dilimler aracılığı ile sınıflandırılmasında spor yapan çocukların yüksek ve iyi kategorilerinde daha fazla, çok düşük kategorisinde ise daha az sayıda olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak; çocukların bir spor branşına ya da fiziksel aktiviteye yönlendirilmesinin çocukların MB’lerini geliştirmede önemli bir faktör olduğu belirlenmiştir.
Efficacy and Safety of Ixekizumab in Patients with Active Psoriatic Arthritis: 52-week Results from a Phase III Study (SPIRIT-P1)
Authors: van der Heijde Désirée , Gladman Dafna D. , Kishimoto Mitsumasa , Okada Masato , Rathmann Suchitrita S. , Moriarty Susan R. , Shuler Catherine L. , Carlier Hilde , Benichou Olivier , Mease Philip J. 
Published: December 2017

Objective.To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab (IXE), an interleukin 17A antagonist, in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) after 52 weeks in a phase III study.Methods.Patients were initially randomly assigned to IXE 80 mg every 2 weeks (IXEQ2W) or every 4 weeks (IXEQ4W) after a 160-mg starting dose, placebo (PBO), or adalimumab (ADA) 40 mg Q2W. At Week 24 (Week 16 for inadequate responders), ADA (8-week washout before starting IXE) and PBO patients were rerandomized to IXEQ2W or IXEQ4W. Six treatment groups were evaluated in the extension period (weeks 24–52): IXEQ2W/IXEQ2W, IXEQ4W/IXEQ4W, ADA/IXEQ2W, ADA/IXEQ4W, PBO/IXEQ2W, and PBO/IXEQ4W. The extension period population (EPP) included patients who received ≥ 1 dose of study medication during the extension period.Results.There were 381/417 (91.4%) patients who entered the extension period. In the IXEQ4W/IXEQ4W and IXEQ2W/IXEQ2W groups (EPP), respectively, American College of Rheumatology (ACR)20 (69.1% and 68.8%), ACR50 (54.6% and 53.1%), and ACR70 (39.2% and 39.6%) response rates were sustained at Week 52. Patients rerandomized to IXE also demonstrated efficacy measured by ACR response rates at Week 52. A similar pattern was observed for Psoriasis Area and Severity Index outcomes. Radiographic progression in all 6 groups was minimal. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events (≥ 4%) were nasopharyngitis, injection site reaction, injection site erythema, upper respiratory tract infection, and back pain. No deaths were reported, and serious adverse event frequency was 0–4% with IXE.Conclusion.During the extension period, IXEQ4W or IXEQ2W treatment demonstrated sustained efficacy in key PsA domains with a safety profile consistent with other studies investigating IXE. Clinical trial number: NCT01695239; EudraCT 2011-002326-49.
A Self‐Healable, Highly Stretchable, and Solution Processable Conductive Polymer Composite for Ultrasensitive Strain and Pressure Sensing
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhang Ying , Liu Qingchang , Cheng Wen , Wang Xinran , Pan Lijia , Xu Baoxing , Xu Hangxun 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMimicking human skin's functions to develop electronic skins has inspired tremendous efforts in design and synthesis of novel soft materials with simplified fabrication methods. However, it still remains a great challenge to develop electronically conductive materials that are both stretchable and self‐healable. Here it is demonstrated that a ternary polymer composite comprised of polyaniline, polyacrylic acid, and phytic acid can exhibit high stretchability (≈500%) and excellent self‐healing properties. The polymer composite with optimized composition shows an electrical conductivity of 0.12 S cm−1. On rupture, both electrical and mechanical properties can be restored with ≈99% efficiency in a 24 h period, which is enabled by the dynamic hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. It is further shown that this composite is both strain and pressure sensitive, and therefore can be used for fabricating strain and pressure sensors to detect a variety of mechanical deformations with ultrahigh sensitivity. The sensitivity and sensing range are the highest among all of the reported self‐healable piezoresistive pressure sensors and even surpass most flexible mechanical sensors. Notably, this composite is prepared via a solution casting process, which potentially allows for large‐area, low‐cost fabrication electronic skins.
Mechanisms of Caspr2 antibodies in autoimmune encephalitis and neuromyotonia
Authors: Patterson Kristina R. , Dalmau Josep , Lancaster Eric 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the pathogenic mechanisms of autoantibodies to the cell adhesion molecule Caspr2 in acquired neuromyotonia and autoimmune encephalitis.MethodsCaspr2‐positive samples were confirmed using a cell‐based assay, and their IgG subtypes were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and cell‐based assay. A solid phase binding assay quantified the binding of Caspr2 to contactin‐2 in the presence of Caspr2 autoantibodies. Living cultures of primary rat hippocampal neurons were incubated with Caspr2‐positive or control sera, and the distribution of Caspr2‐positive immunofluorescent puncta and total surface Caspr2 was quantified. HEK cells transfected to express Caspr2 were incubated with Caspr2‐positive or control samples, and cell‐surface biotinylation and Western blot were used to assess total, internalized, and surface levels of Caspr2.ResultsWe confirmed 6 samples with strong Caspr2 reactivity. IgG4 Caspr2 antibodies were present in all 6 cases. Caspr2 interacted with another cell adhesion molecule, contactin‐2, with nanomolar affinity in the solid phase assay, and Caspr2 autoantibodies inhibited this interaction. Caspr2 autoantibodies did not affect the surface expression of Caspr2 in rat primary hippocampal neurons or transfected HEK cells.InterpretationCaspr2 autoantibodies inhibit the interaction of Caspr2 with contactin‐2 but do not cause internalization of Caspr2. Functional blocking of cell adhesion molecule interactions represents a potential mechanism with therapeutic implications for IgG4 autoantibodies to cell adhesion molecules in neurological diseases. Ann Neurol 2018;83:40‐51
Tough Gel Electrolyte Using Double Polymer Network Design for the Safe, Stable Cycling of Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Wu Haiping , Cao Yue , Su Haiping , Wang Chao 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe growth of lithium dendrites and low coulombic efficiency restrict the development of Li metal anodes. Polymer electrolytes are expected to be promising candidates to solve the issue, but ways to obtain a polymer electrolyte that integrates high ionic conductivity and high mechanical toughness is still challenging. By introducing a double polymer network into the electrolyte design to reshape it, a tough polymer electrolyte was developed with high conductivity, and stable operation of lithium metal anodes was further realized. The double network (DNW) gel electrolyte has high modulus of 44.3 MPa and high fracture energy of 69.5 kJ m−2. The conductivity of DNW gel is 0.81 mS cm−1 at 30 °C. By using this gel electrolyte design, the lithium metal electrode could be cycled more than 400 times with a coulombic efficiency (CE) as high as 96.3 % with carbonate‐based electrolytes.
Synthesis of Phenols: Organophotoredox/Nickel Dual Catalytic Hydroxylation of Aryl Halides with Water
Authors: Yang Liu , Huang Zhiyan , Li Gang , Zhang Wei , Cao Rui , Wang Chao , Xiao Jianliang , Xue Dong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA highly effective hydroxylation reaction of aryl halides with water under synergistic organophotoredox and nickel catalysis is reported. The OH group of the resulting phenols originates from water, following deprotonation facilitated by an intramolecular base group on the ligand. Significantly, aryl bromides as well as less reactive aryl chlorides served as effective substrates to afford phenols with a wide range of functional groups. Without the need for a strong inorganic base or an expensive noble‐metal catalyst, this process can be applied to the efficient preparation of diverse phenols and enables the hydroxylation of multifunctional pharmaceutically relevant aryl halides.
Electrolyte‐resistant epoxy for bonding batteries based on sandwich structures
Authors: Seo Jiho , Singh Abhendra K. , Zhang Yancheng , Ma Jun , Bakis Charles E. , Rahn Christopher D. , Hickner Michael A. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTAdhesives that are stable in Li‐ion battery electrolytes are required to realize the potential of new battery designs that integrate structural elements with energy storage. Here, several polymers, commercial adhesives, and sealants were investigated to bond and seal a Li‐ion battery sandwich panel. Gravimetric electrolyte uptake measurements were compared with Hansen solubility parameters to predict long‐term durability of the materials exposed to battery electrolyte. The durability of adhesively bonded joints with an epoxy adhesive, which was selected as the lowest electrolyte uptake material, was examined using single lap shear strength tests and three‐point bending tests in a fabricated sandwich panel. The strength of the epoxy decreased after exposure to battery electrolyte due to solvent uptake in the bond. The addition of lithium hexafluorophosphate to the ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate mixture severely decreased the strength with respect to the pure solvents. In device testing, the sandwich panel did not show any visible damage or leakage when loaded to above 1000 N during three‐point bending tests. Using sol extraction measurements and differential scanning calorimetry analyses, the optimized curing temperature for the epoxy adhesive ranged from 80 to 100 °C. At these temperatures, the cured adhesive had a highly crosslinked structure with low sol extraction. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46059.
Tunable‐focus negative poly(vinyl chloride) gel microlens driven by unilateral electrodes
Authors: Cheng Xiang , Yang Weimin , Cheng Lisheng , Yan Hua , Jiao Zhiwei 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTTunable‐focus microlenses are urgently required for compact optical products to replace digital zoom and obtain high‐quality images. An electrically controllable tunable‐focus negative microlens is proposed, which is based on an electroactive poly(vinyl chloride) gel plasticized by ecofriendly dioctyl terephthalate. The anode and cathode of the microlens are simply assembled on the same side of the electrorheological elastomer, which greatly saves space and allows the thickness of the proposed microlens to be less than 1 mm. By applying voltages ranging from 0 to 1000 V, the stable focus of the microlens is interestingly able to vary as wide as from –∞ to −21.3 mm correspondingly. The proposed microlens is simple and thin but is flexible and stable and has a wide range of the focus variation, showing promising applications in minielectric and optical devices. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46136.