bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age‐related spontaneous lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration in a mouse model
Authors: Ohnishi Takashi , Sudo Hideki , Tsujimoto Takeru , Iwasaki Norimasa 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThe pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration is unclear, but it is a major cause of several spinal diseases. Animal models have historically provided an appropriate benchmark for understanding the human spine. However, there is little information about when intervertebral disc degeneration begins in the mouse or regarding the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging and histological findings. The aim for this study was to obtain information about age‐related spontaneous intervertebral disc degeneration in the mouse lumbar spine using magnetic resonance imaging and a histological score regarding when the intervertebral disc degeneration started and how rapidly it progressed, as well as how our histological score detected the degeneration. The magnetic resonance imaging index yielded a moderate correlation with our Age‐related model score. The Pfirrmann grade and magnetic resonance imaging index had moderate correlations with age. However, our Age‐related model score had a high correlation with age. Intervertebral disc level was not a significant variable for the severity of disc degeneration. Both Pfirrmann grade and the Age‐related model score were higher in the ≥14‐month‐old group than in the 6‐month‐old group. The present results indicated that mild but significant intervertebral disc degeneration occurred in 14‐month‐old mice, and the degree of degeneration progressed slowly, reaching a moderate to severe condition for 22‐month‐old mice. At least a 14‐month follow‐up is mandatory for evaluating spontaneous age‐related mouse intervertebral disc degeneration. The histological classification score can precisely detect the gradual progression of age‐related spontaneous intervertebral disc degeneration in the mouse lumbar spine, and is appropriate for evaluating it. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:224–232, 2018.
Luminescence dating of Late Pleistocene eruptions in the Eifel Volcanic Field, Germany
Authors: Schmidt Christoph , Schaarschmidt Maria , Kolb Thomas , Büchel Georg , Richter Daniel , Zöller Ludwig 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTRobust chronologies of Late Pleistocene and Holocene volcanic eruptions are vital for hazard analysis but accurate and precise dating of these events is often difficult. Here we apply various luminescence techniques to quartz and polymineral extracts from heated crustal xenoliths enclosed in scoria and volcanically heated bedrock in the Quaternary Eifel Volcanic Field (EVF), Germany. Consistent results from red thermoluminescence (RTL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of quartz and from post‐infrared infrared stimulated luminescence of polymineral material demonstrate complete luminescence signal resetting during lava emplacement and sufficient signal stability. RTL and OSL age underestimation of one sample with independently known age from the lava contact zone could be eliminated by annealing before laboratory regenerative irradiation. The average luminescence age of 33.6 ± 2.4 ka for the Wartgesberg eruption is in good agreement with independent age control, while the average age of 15.5 ± 1.1 ka for the Facher Höhe scoria cone is much younger than previously assumed. This result represents the third youngest known eruption in the EVF. Our new data are in line with the hypothesized climate‐controlled triggering of Eifel volcanism and confirm that active volcanism related to asthenosphere upwelling migrates from NW to SE in the EVF.
Nerve growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor promote reinnervation by nerve−muscle−endplate grafting
Authors: Mu Liancai , Sobotka Stanislaw , Chen Jingming , Nyirenda Themba 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionThis study was designed to test whether exogenous application of nerve growth factor (NGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2) to muscles reinnervated with nerve−muscle−endplate band grafting (NMEG) could promote specific outcomes.MethodsThe right sternomastoid muscle in adult rats was experimentally denervated and immediately reinnervated by implanting an NMEG pedicle from the ipsilateral sternohyoid muscle. A fibrin sealant containing NGF and FGF‐2 was focally applied to the implantation site. Maximal tetanic force, muscle weight, regenerated axons, and motor endplates were analyzed 3 months after treatment.ResultsMean tetanic force, wet muscle weight, and number of regenerated axons in the treated muscles were 91%, 92%, and 84% of the contralateral controls, respectively. The majority of endplates (86%) in the treated muscles were reinnervated by regenerated axons.DiscussionFocal administration of NGF and FGF‐2 promotes efficacy of the NMEG technique. Muscle Nerve 57: 449–459, 2018
Reliability of a novel approach for quadriceps motor point assessment
Authors: Weiss Ada , Glaviano Neal R. , Resch Jacob , Saliba Susan 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We studied the ability of clinicians to identify quadriceps motor points using a transcutaneous electrical stimulation unit (TENS). Methods: Twenty‐two certified athletic trainers and 1 expert‐rater identified the 7 motor points of the quadriceps at 2 time‐points separated by 1 week. The difference was calculated between where each participant and the expert‐rater identified each motor point using an x–y coordinate system. Bland–Altman plots were used to compare differences between 2 testing sessions. Results: No differences were observed between participants and the expert‐rater for motor point location. The smallest variability in the limits of agreements were observed in the distal vastus medialis oblique (–1.89 to 1.86 cm) and proximal vastus lateralis (–1.61 to 2.35 cm). Discussion: Our results suggest the utilization of a TENS unit may be 1 way to identify quadriceps motor points to improve electrical stimulation applications. The smallest limits of agreement were over the most common quadriceps electrical stimulation electrode positions. Muscle Nerve 57: E1–E7, 2018
Distribution‐free mixed cumulative sum‐exponentially weighted moving average control charts for detecting mean shifts
Authors: Malela‐Majika Jean‐Claude , Rapoo Eeva 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we propose distribution‐free mixed cumulative sum‐exponentially weighted moving average (CUSUM‐EWMA) and exponentially weighted moving average‐cumulative sum (EWMA‐CUSUM) control charts based on the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test for detecting process mean shifts without any distributional assumption of the underlying quality process. The performances of the proposed charts are measured through the average run‐length, relative mean index, average extra quadratic loss, and average ratio of the average run‐length and performance comparison index. It is found that the proposed charts perform better than its counterparts considered in this paper under non‐normal distributions and outperform the classical mixed CUSUM‐EWMA and EWMA‐CUSUM charts in many cases under the normal distribution. The effect of the phase I sample size is also investigated on the phase II performance of the proposed charts. A numerical illustration is given to demonstrate the implementation and simplicity of the proposed charts.
Superselective Transarterial Chemoembolization as an Alternative to Surgery in Symptomatic/Enlarging Liver Hemangiomas
Authors: Özden İlgin , Poyanlı Arzu , Önal Yılmaz , Demir Ali Aslan , Hoş Gültekin , Acunaş Bülent 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundTransarterial embolization of liver hemangiomas has not been considered to be consistently effective.MethodsThe charts of 25 patients who underwent superselective transarterial chemoembolization with the bleomycin–lipiodol emulsion were evaluated retrospectively.ResultsTwenty‐two patients had abdominal pain; asymptomatic/vaguely symptomatic enlargement was the treatment indication in three patients. A single session was conducted in 17 patients, two sessions in 7 and three sessions in one. After the first session, lesion volume decreased by median (range) 51% (10–92%) from median (range) 634 (226–8435) to 372(28–4710) cm3 (p < 0.01), after a median period of 4 months (range 2–8). A second session was performed in eight patients (median (range) initial volume 1276 (441–8435) cm3) with persistent complaints and/or large lesions receiving feeders from both right and left hepatic arteries (staged treatment). Median (range) lesion size decreased further from 806 (245–4710) to 464 (159–2150) cm3 (p < 0.01). Three patients experienced a postembolization syndrome that persisted after the first week. Seventeen of the 22 symptomatic patients (77%) reported resolution or marked amelioration of complaints. Regrowth after initial regression was not observed during median (range) 14 (8–39) months of follow‐up (n:18).ConclusionTransarterial chemoembolization with the bleomycin–lipiodol emulsion is a potential alternative to surgery for symptomatic/enlarging liver hemangiomas. Volume reduction is universal, and symptom control is satisfactory. Centrally located and very large (>1000 cm3) lesions may require two sessions.
Bushmeat consumption and environmental awareness in rural households: a case study around Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Kouassi Joseph A. K. , Normand Emmanuelle , Koné Inza , Boesch Christophe 
Published: June 2017

AbstractConsumption of bushmeat, a staple food of people living in the vicinity of protected areas, is a challenge for the conservation of wildlife. The underlying factors driving this consumption are, however, relatively understudied, particularly among rural households, and improved understanding would facilitate the development of conservation strategies. We therefore aimed to identify the factors that influence bushmeat consumption in rural households to the west of Taï National Park, in Côte d'Ivoire. We carried out enquiries in a total of 144 rural households in 20 localities during July–December 2012. Bushmeat, the majority of which comprised rodents and bovids, accounted for 13% of the animal protein consumed in these households. This consumption was significantly higher in households in which poverty was more acute (low annual income and more dependent children). We found that repeated awareness campaigns involving theatre performances and/or film screenings (multimedia campaigns) contributed to a decrease in bushmeat consumption. This decrease exceeded 62% after exposure to four multimedia campaigns. We highlight the importance of awareness campaigns for reducing consumption of wild animals, and demonstrate the importance of recurring multimedia campaigns to maximize the impact of such conservation activities in rural communities.
A feasibility study for the introduction of micro-enema to improve organ consistency in patients receiving radiotherapy for urinary bladder cancer
Authors: Hutton D. , Callender J. , Hutton N. , Wong H. , Syndikus I. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimsThe aim of the study was to assess the effect on rectal consistency, of introducing a micro-enema in the preparation of patients receiving radiotherapy treatment of urinary bladder cancer.Materials and methodsThe treatment cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from patients receiving radiotherapy for bladder cancer were retrospectively assessed. CBCT datasets from nine patients treated without rectal preparation (97 CBCT), and 13 patients (134 CBCT) treated following micro-enema use before planning and treatment were evaluated. CBCT were compared with the planning computed tomography for rectal status, rectal diameter and presence of gas.ResultsReproducibility of an empty rectum was achieved in 70% of treatment fractions delivered using an enema protocol compared with 33% of fractions delivered without preparation. In total, 10% of fractions were delivered with the presence of faeces or faeces and gas, compared with 46% of fractions for the non-intervention group. Enemas did not affect the proportion of fractions delivered with gas, however, where gas was present, 65% of CBCT fractions had <5% gas for patients using enemas compared with 32% without.FindingsThe use of a micro-enema before planning scan and each fraction was well tolerated and proved effective in managing and reducing inter-fraction variations in rectal volume and contents.
The collaboration of general practitioners and nurses in primary care: a comparative analysis of concepts and practices in Slovenia and Spain
Authors: Hämel Kerstin , Vössing Carina 
Published: June 2017

Aim
A comparative analysis of concepts and practices of GP-nurse collaborations in primary health centres in Slovenia and Spain.

Background
Cross-professional collaboration is considered a key element for providing high-quality comprehensive care by combining the expertise of various professions. In many countries, nurses are also being given new and more extensive responsibilities. Implemented concepts of collaborative care need to be analysed within the context of care concepts, organisational structures, and effective collaboration.

Methods
Background review of primary care concepts (literature analysis, expert interviews), and evaluation of collaboration in ‘best practice’ health centres in certain regions of Slovenia and Spain. Qualitative content analysis of expert interviews, presentations, observations, and group discussions with professionals and health centre managers.

Findings
In Slovenian health centres, the collaboration between GPs and nurses has been strongly shaped by their organisation in separate care units and predominantly case-oriented functions. Conventional power structures between professions hinder effective collaboration. The introduction of a new cross-professional primary care concept has integrated advanced practice nurses into general practice. Conventional hierarchies still exist, but a shared vision of preventive care is gradually strengthening attitudes towards team-oriented care. Formal regulations or incentives for teamwork have yet to be implemented. In Spain, health centres were established along with a team-based care concept that encompasses close physician–nurse collaboration and an autonomous role for nurses in the care process. Nurses collaborate with GPs on more equal terms with conflicts centring on professional disagreements. Team development structures and financial incentives for team achievements have been implemented, encouraging teams to generate their own strategies to improve teamwork.

Conclusion
Clearly defined structures, shared visions of care and team development are important for implementing and maintaining a good collaboration. Central prerequisites are advanced nursing education and greater acceptance of advanced nursing practice.
Niche comparison among two invasive leafminer species and their parasitoid Opius biroi: implications for competitive displacement
Authors: Xing Zhenlong , Zhang Linya , Wu Shengyong , Yi Hao , Gao Yulin , Lei Zhongren 
Published: June 2017

AbstractFundamental to competitive displacement in biological invasion is that exotic species occupy the ecological niches of native species in novel environments. Contrasting outcomes of competitive displacement have occurred between Liriomyza trifolii and L. sativae in different geographical regions following their introduction. Various factors have been advanced in an attempt to explain these different competitive outcomes, although none of these explanations have addressed the effects of niche differences. We conducted field cage experiments to compare the feeding and habitat niches of the two leafminer species and their primary parasitoid, Opius biroi, when occurring together on kidney bean. A wider spatiotemporal niche breadth was found in L. trifolii (0.3670) than in L. sativae (0.3496). With respect to the parasitoid, the proportional niche similarity between L. sativae and the parasitoid was 0.3936 but only 0.0835 for L. trifolii, while similar results were found for niche overlap, indicating that stronger trailing behaviour and parasitic effects of O. biroi occurred in L. sativae. In conclusion, L. trifolii has outperformed L. sativae in occupying the ecological niche and is superior to L. sativae in avoiding parasitization by the pupal parasitoid, O. biroi.
Opposite-view digital holographic microscopy with autofocusing capability
Authors: Zheng Juanjuan , Gao Peng , Shao Xiaopeng 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDigital holographic microscopy (DHM) has its intrinsic ability to refocusing a sample by numerically propagating an object wave from its hologram plane to its image plane. In this paper opposite-view digital holographic microscopy (OV-DHM) is demonstrated for autofocusing, namely, digitally determining the location of the image plane, and refocusing the object wave without human intervention. In OV-DHM, a specimen is illuminated from two sides in a 4π-alike configuration, and two holograms are generated and recorded by a CCD camera along two orthogonal polarization orientations. The image plane of the sample is determined by finding the minimal variation between the two object waves, and consequently refocusing is performed by propagating the waves to the image plane. Furthermore, the field of view (FOV) of OV-DHM can be extended by combining the two object waves which have an angle in-between. The proposed technique also has the potential to reduce speckle noise and out-of-focus background.
The Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcomes of Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Neurosurgical Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Deng Yujun , Yuan Jie , Chi Ruibin , Ye Heng , Zhou Dong , Wang Sheng , Mai Cong , Nie Zhiqiang , Wang Lin , Zhai Yiling , Gao Lu , Zhang Danqing , Hu Linhui , Deng Yiyu , Chen Chunbo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe investigated the incidence, perioperative risk factors, and outcomes of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in neurosurgical critically ill patients. A prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted, enrolling adult patients who underwent neurosurgical procedure and admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care units (ICU). Postoperative AKI was diagnosed within 7 days after surgery based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Of 624 enrolled patients, postoperative AKI occurred in 84 patients. AKI was associated with increased rates of ICU and in-hospital mortality, postoperative renal replacement therapy, postoperative tracheotomy, and postoperative tracheal reintubation. Patients who developed AKI had higher total ICU costs, prolonged length of hospital and ICU stay, and longer duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation. Multivariate analysis identified postoperative reoperation (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.70 [95% CI, 1.61–20.14]), postoperative concentration of serum cystatin C (adjusted OR 4.53 [95% CI, 1.98–10.39]), use of mannitol during operation (adjusted OR 1.97 [95% CI, 1.13–3.43]), postoperative APACHE II score (adjusted OR 1.11 [95% CI, 1.06–1.16]), and intraoperative estimated blood loss (adjusted OR 1.04 [95% CI, 1.00–1.08]) as independent risk factors for postoperative AKI. Postoperative AKI in neurosurgical critically ill cohort is prevalent and associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes.
The Effect of Alternate-Day Fasting (ADF) on Weight Loss, Metabolic Parameters and Psychological Characteristics
Authors: Widhalm Kurt , Pöppelmeyer Christina , Helk Oliver 
Published: June 2017

Zusammenfassung
Einleitung Alternierendes Fasten (ADF), das heißt Phasen 24-stündiger Nahrungskarenz alternierend mit Tagen normaler Nahrungsaufnahme, wurde immer wieder als mögliche Behandlungsoption für Übergewicht diskutiert. Zur Zeit existieren nur wenige Studien in Hinblick auf dessen Praktikabilität, Effektivität und mögliche unerwünschte Komplikationen wie Nährstoffmängel oder anderer Nebenwirkungen. Das Ziel der hier beschriebenen Studie war es, zu untersuchen, ob ADF eine sichere und effektive Methode zur Gewichtsreduktion darstellt, die auch über einen längeren Zeitraum beibehalten werden kann, und ob im Studienzeitraum psychologische oder physische Nebenwirkungen auftreten.
Methoden Wir führten eine prospektive Pilotstudie mit 15 übergewichtigen oder adipösen, aber sonst gesunden, ProbandInnen (älter als 18 Jahre, BMI > 27 kg/m²) durch. Alle ProbandInnen wurden instruiert, sich für einen Zeitraum von 12 Wochen ADF zu unterziehen. Anthropometrische Messungen, Blutdruck- und Bioimpedanzmessungen sowie computerbasierte psychologische Tests wurden durchgeführt. Blutparameter wurden zu Beginn der Intervention, nach 6 Wochen und am Ende der Studie bestimmt.
Ergebnisse Neun von 15 eingeschlossenen ProbandInnen beendeten die Studie. Die durchschnittliche Gewichtsreduktion nach 12 Wochen betrug 7,19 kg (± 4,38). Der relative Körperfettgehalt wurde um 11,68 % (± 15,79 %). Nüchtern-Triglyzeride wurden um 31,29 % (± 54,48 %) reduziert, weiters wurde eine Reduktion von LDL-Cholesterin um 9,20 % (± 40,32 %) verzeichnet.Tests für subjektives Wohlbefinden und Vitalität zeigten signifikante Verbesserung [p = 0,009; α = 0,05; 95 %-KI] bzw. [p = 0,008; α = 0,05; 95 %-KI]. Weiters konnten signifikante Unterschiede in Bezug auf Essverhalten festgestellt werden [p = 0,002; α = 0,05; 95 %-KI]. Die psychologischen Tests zeigten keine Auswirkung der Intervention auf Konzentrationsfähigkeit, Reaktionszeit und Gemüt.
Schlussfolgerung Unsere Resultate deuten darauf hin dass ADF eine adäquate diätetische Maßnahme zur Gewichtsreduktion darstellt, die gefahrlos auch über einen längeren Zeitraum beibehalten werden kann: es wurden keine negativen Effekte auf physiologische oder psychologische Parameter festgestellt. Größere, kontrollierte und randomisierte Studien sind nötig, um die Ergebnisse dieser Pilotstudie zu verifizieren.
Der tragbare Defibrillator (WCD) – EHRA-Review
Authors: Perings Christian 
Published: June 2017

ZusammenfassungDer Kardioverter-Defibrillator nimmt eine zentrale Rolle in der Prävention des plötzlichen Herztodes ein. Neben identifizierbaren Patientengruppen mit anhaltend erhöhtem Risiko für ein arrhythmogenes Ereignis lassen sich auch diejenigen mit einem nur passager erhöhten Risiko für vital bedrohliche Tachyarrhythmien identifizieren. Hier findet der tragbare Kardioverter-Defibrillator (WCD) seine Anwendung. Neben der Funktionsweise des Systems werden die aktuellen Anwendungsbereiche inklusive der Leitlinienempfehlungen zusammengefasst.
The catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in children
Authors: Go Ellen J.L. , O’Neil Kathleen M. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review
To review the difficult syndrome of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, emphasizing new developments in the diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment.

Recent findings
Few recent publications directly address pediatric catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS). Most articles are case reports or are data from adult and pediatric registries. The major factors contributing to most pediatric catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome include infection and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, but complement activation also is important in creating diffuse thrombosis in the microcirculation. Treatment of the acute emergency requires anticoagulation, suppression of the hyperinflammatory state and elimination of the triggering infection. Inhibition of complement activation appears to improve outcome in limited studies, and suppression of antiphospholipid antibody formation may be important in long-term management.

Summary
CAPS, an antibody-mediated diffuse thrombotic disease of microvasculature, is rare in childhood but has high mortality (33–50%). It requires prompt recognition and aggressive multimodality treatment, including anticoagulation, anti-inflammatory therapy and elimination of inciting infection and pathogenic autoantibodies.