bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contributions of rapid neuromuscular transmission to the fine control of acoustic parameters of birdsong
Authors: Mencio Caitlin , Kuberan Balagurunathan , Goller Franz 
Published: November 2016

Neural control of complex vocal behaviors, such as birdsong and speech, requires integration of biomechanical nonlinearities through muscular output. Although control of airflow and tension of vibrating tissues are known functions of vocal muscles, it remains unclear how specific muscle characteristics contribute to specific acoustic parameters. To address this gap, we removed heparan sulfate chains using heparitinases to perturb neuromuscular transmission subtly in the syrinx of adult male zebra finches ( Taeniopygia guttata). Infusion of heparitinases into ventral syringeal muscles altered their excitation threshold and reduced neuromuscular transmission changing their ability to modulate airflow. The changes in muscle activation dynamics caused a reduction in frequency modulation rates and elimination of many high-frequency syllables but did not alter the fundamental frequency of syllables. Sound amplitude was reduced and sound onset pressure was increased, suggesting a role of muscles in the induction of self-sustained oscillations under low-airflow conditions, thus enhancing vocal efficiency. These changes were reversed to preinfusion levels by 7 days after infusion. These results illustrate complex interactions between the control of airflow and tension and further define the importance of syringeal muscle in the control of a variety of acoustic song characteristics. In summary, the findings reported here show that altering neuromuscular transmission can lead to reversible changes to the acoustic structure of song. Understanding the full extent of muscle involvement in song production is critical in decoding the motor program for the production of complex vocal behavior, including our search for parallels between birdsong and human speech motor control.NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is largely unknown how fine motor control of acoustic parameters is achieved in vocal organs. Subtle manipulation of syringeal muscle function was used to test how active motor control influences acoustic parameters. Slowed activation kinetics of muscles reduced frequency modulation and, unexpectedly, caused a distinct decrease in sound amplitude and increase in phonation onset pressure. These results show that active control enhances the efficiency of energy conversion in the syrinx.
Modifying the Clinical Research Infrastructure at a Dedicated Clinical Trials Unit: Assessment of Trial Development, Activation, and Participant Accrual
Authors: Tang Chad , Hess Kenneth R. , Sanders Dwana , Davis Suzanne E. , Buzdar Aman U. , Kurzrock Razelle , Lee J. Jack , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Hong David S. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Purpose: Information on processes for trials assessing investigational therapeutics is sparse. We assessed the trial development processes within the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (ICT) at MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) and analyzed their effects on the trial activation timeline and enrolment.
Experimental Design: Data were from a prospectively maintained registry that tracks all clinical studies at MD Anderson. From this database, we identified 2,261 activated phase I–III trials; 221 were done at the ICT. ICT trials were matched to trials from other MD Anderson departments by phase, sponsorship, and submission year. Trial performance metrics were compared with paired Wilcoxon signed rank tests.
Results: We identified three facets of the ICT research infrastructure: parallel processing of trial approval steps; a physician-led research team; and regular weekly meetings to foster research accountability. Separate analyses were conducted stratified by sponsorship [industry (133 ICT and 133 non-ICT trials) or institutional (68 ICT and 68 non-ICT trials)]. ICT trial development was faster from IRB approval to activation (median difference of 1.1 months for industry-sponsored trials vs. 2.3 months for institutional) and from activation to first enrolment (median difference of 0.3 months for industry vs. 1.2 months for institutional; all matched P &lt; 0.05). ICT trials also accrued more patients (median difference of 8 participants for industry vs. 33.5 for institutional) quicker (median difference 4.8 participants/year for industry vs. 11.1 for institutional; all matched P &lt; 0.05).
Conclusions: Use of a clinical research–focused infrastructure within a large academic cancer center was associated with efficient trial development and participant accrual. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1407–13. ©2016 AACR.
Effects of the P‐Selectin Antagonist Inclacumab on Myocardial Damage After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention According to Timing of Infusion: Insights From the SELECT‐ACS Trial
Authors: Stähli Barbara E. , Gebhard Catherine , Duchatelle Valérie , Cournoyer Daniel , Petroni Thibaut , Tanguay Jean‐François , Robb Stephen , Mann Jessica , Guertin Marie‐Claude , Wright R. Scott , L. L'Allier Philippe , Tardif Jean‐Claude 
Published: November 2016

Background

The Effects of the P‐Selectin Antagonist Inclacumab on Myocardial Damage After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Non‐ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (
SELECT
‐
ACS
) trial suggested beneficial effects of inclacumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against P‐selectin, on periprocedural myocardial damage. This study evaluated the effect of inclacumab on myocardial damage according to varying time intervals between study drug infusion and percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
).

Methods and Results

Patients (n=544) enrolled in the
SELECT
‐
ACS
trial and randomized to receive 1 infusion of placebo or inclacumab (5 or 20 mg/kg, administered between 1 and 24 hours before
PCI
) were divided according to the time interval between study drug infusion and
PCI
. The primary end point was the change in troponin I from baseline at 16 and 24 hours after
PCI
. In patients receiving inclacumab 20 mg/kg with a short (less than median) time interval between infusion and
PCI
, placebo‐adjusted geometric mean percent changes in troponin I, creatine kinase–myocardial band, and peak troponin I at 24 hours were −45.6% (
P
=0.005), −30.7% (
P
=0.01), and −37.3% (
P
=0.02), respectively. No significant changes were observed in patients with a long (greater than median) time interval between infusion and
PCI
. Placebo‐adjusted geometric mean percent changes in troponin I and creatine kinase–myocardial band were −43.5% (
P
=0.02) and −26.0% (
P
=0.07), respectively, when inclacumab 20 mg/kg was administered between 1 and 3 hours before
PCI
, whereas the drug had no effect with longer intervals.

Conclusions

Inclacumab 20 mg/kg significantly reduces myocardial damage after
PCI
in patients with non–
ST
‐segment elevation myocardial infarction, and benefits are larger when the infusion is administered <3 hours before
PCI
.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01327183.
Clinical Outcomes of Vasospastic Angina Patients Presenting With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Cho Sung Woo , Park Taek Kyu , Gwag Hye Bin , Lim A. Young , Oh Min Seok , Lee Da Hyon , Seong Choong Sil , Yang Jeong Hoon , Song Young Bin , Hahn Joo‐Yong , Choi Jin‐Ho , Lee Sang Hoon , Gwon Hyeon‐Cheol , Choi Seung‐Hyuk 
Published: November 2016

Background

Coronary vasospasm is an important pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (
ACS
). However, the clinical features and prognosis of vasospastic angina (
VA
) patients presenting with
ACS
(
VAACS
) are still unclear. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and long‐term outcomes of
VAACS
patients without significant coronary artery stenosis.

Methods and Results

A total of 986
VA
patients confirmed by ergonovine provocation test were analyzed.
VAACS
was defined as
VA
patients visiting the emergency room with documented electrocardiographic changes, significant arrhythmias, or elevated cardiac biomarkers.
VA
patients with elevated cardiac biomarkers were further considered to have myocardial infarction (
MI
;
VAMI
). During 4.4 years of median follow‐up, we investigated major adverse cardiac events including cardiac death,
MI
, revascularization, and rehospitalization because of recurrent angina. The
VAACS
group consisted of 149 patients (15.1%), and
VAMI
occurred in 81 patients (8.2%).
VAACS
patients were younger and had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus,
MI
history, and higher levels of inflammatory markers compared with non‐
VAACS
patients. In multivariable Cox regression analyses,
VAACS
patients were associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio, 1.65; 95%
CI
1.14–2.37;
P
=0.007) and recurrent
MI
hazard ratio, 2.57; 95%
CI
, 1.35–4.87;
P
=0.004). In addition,
VAMI
patients had an increased risk of major adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio, 1.75; 95%
CI
, 1.11–2.76;
P
=0.016) and recurrent
MI
(hazard ratio, 2.43; 95%
CI
, 1.09–5.40;
P
=0.03).

Conclusion

VAACS
patients showed worse clinical outcomes, driven mainly by recurrent
MI
. Therefore, intensive medical treatment might be required in
VAACS
patients.
Election Management Bodies (embs) in Eastern and Southern Africa: Some Reflections on their Legal Framework
Authors: Fombad Charles Manga 
Published: November 2016

It is generally recognised that election management bodies (embs) constitute one of the most important institutions needed to sustain Africa’s fledgling transition to democratic and constitutional governance. They are needed to ensure that all political actors adhere to the rules of the electoral contest and that the outcome of elections are not predetermined and are based on free and fair processes that reflect the genuine will of the people. However, frequent incidents of post-election violence in which citizens question the role played by the embs in the last few years have raised many questions about their role, which has not been systematically and thoroughly investigated.
This paper aims to take a critical look at the legal framework relating to the setting up and regulation of embs in a selected number of countries in the Eastern and Southern African region to see whether there is any possible connection between the manner in which they are structured and the effectiveness of their operations. Does the legal framework of an emb have anything to do with the acceptance or non-acceptance of the electoral results of elections organised by the emb? Are there any lessons that can be learnt by comparing the legal framework of the embs of countries where election results are generally accepted with that of countries where the announcement of election results have often provoked violence? The establishment of an emb is supposed to be a clear sign of a firm commitment by a country to constitutionalism and constitutional democracy. This does not always turn out to be so. From the comparative analysis of the experiences of the selected countries, this study will highlight some of the major lessons that can be drawn in designing embs in order to enhance their performance and credibility.
Physical activity intervention using Fitbits in an introductory college health course
Authors: Rote Aubrianne E 
Published: November 2016

Objective: This study took the form of an intervention examining change in physical activity and quality of experience among students in an introductory health course who were asked to wear a Fitbit activity monitor throughout the semester. Method: College students ( N = 56) took part in this controlled trial. Students enrolled in an introductory health course (Education + Fitbit; n = 24) were asked to purchase a Fitbit and wear it throughout the semester. This activity monitor purchase replaced the textbook requirement to reduce the financial burden for students. Change in objectively measured physical activity within this group was compared to students enrolled in a traditional introductory health course (Education Only; n = 14) and students enrolled in an introductory humanities course (Control; n = 18). To assess objectively measured physical activity, all participants wore a sealed pedometer for one week at the beginning and end of the semester. Students in the Education + Fitbit group also provided written feedback on their experience with the Fitbit. Results: A 2 × 3 repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant interaction between time and group, F(2, 53) = 3.957, p = .025. Post hoc analysis of this interaction indicated that students in the Education + Fitbit group significantly increased ( p = .014) objectively measured physical activity by 1,078 steps/day, whereas physical activity in Education Only and Control groups did not significantly change. Qualitative data demonstrated that student experiences with the Fitbit were resoundingly positive. Conclusion: Replacing a textbook requirement with requiring a commercially available activity monitor in an introductory health course may be an effective and enjoyable strategy to increase physical activity among US college students.
Lesion Size Is a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes After Bone Marrow Stimulation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ramponi Laura , Yasui Youichi , Murawski Christopher D. , Ferkel Richard D. , DiGiovanni Christopher W. , Kerkhoffs Gino M.M.J. , Calder James D.F. , Takao Masato , Vannini Francesca , Choi Woo Jin , Lee Jin Woo , Stone James , Kennedy John G. 
Published: November 2016

Background:The critical lesion size treated with bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) has been 150 mm2in area or 15 mm in diameter. However, recent investigations have failed to detect a significant correlation between the lesion size and clinical outcomes after BMS for OLTs.Purpose:To systematically review clinical studies reporting both the lesion size and clinical outcomes after BMS for OLTs.Study Design:Systematic review.Methods:A systematic search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed in March 2015 based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Included studies were evaluated with regard to the level of evidence (LOE), quality of evidence (QOE), lesion size, and clinical outcomes.Results:Twenty-five studies with 1868 ankles were included; 88% were either LOE 3 or 4, and 96% did not have good QOE. The mean area was 103.8 ± 10.2 mm2in 20 studies, and the mean diameter was 10.0 ± 3.2 mm in 5 studies. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved from 62.4 ± 7.9 preoperatively to 83.9 ± 9.2 at a mean 54.1-month follow-up in 14 studies reporting both preoperative and postoperative scores with a mean follow-up of more than 2 years. A significant correlation was found in 3 studies, with a mean lesion area of 107.4 ± 10.4 mm2, while none was reported in 8 studies, with a mean lesion area of 85.3 ± 9.2 mm2. The lesion diameter significantly correlated with clinical outcomes in 2 studies (mean diameter, 10.2 ± 3.2 mm), whereas none was found in 2 studies (mean diameter, 8.8 ± 0.0 mm). However, the reported lesion size measurement method and evaluation method of clinical outcomes widely varied among the studies.Conclusion:An assessment of the currently available data does suggest that BMS may best be reserved for OLT sizes less than 107.4 mm2in area and/or 10.2 mm in diameter. Future development in legitimate prognostic size guidelines based on high-quality evidence that correlate with outcomes will surely provide patients with the best potential for successful long-term outcomes.
Prolactin levels are associated with a pro-inflammatory body mass distribution among women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Elera-Fitzcarrald C , Ugarte-Gil M F , Gamboa-Cárdenas R V , Zevallos F , Medina M , Cucho-Venegas J M , Perich-Campos R A , Alfaro-Lozano J L , Rodriguez-Bellido Z , Alarcón G S , Pastor-Asurza C A 
Published: November 2016

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine whether prolactin levels are associated with a pro-inflammatory body mass distribution in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in consecutive female SLE patients seen in our rheumatology department from January 2012 to July 2015. Prolactin was measured in ng/ml. Body mass distribution was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and it was divided into subtotal (whole body excluding the head), subtotal bone mineral content, lean mass index (appendicular lean mass/height2), subtotal trunk and leg fat percentages and trunk-to-leg fat ratio. The association between prolactin levels and body mass distribution components was evaluated by univariable and multivariable linear regression models adjusting for possible confounders. Results One hundred and eighty-five patients were evaluated; their mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 34.8 (13.8) years; nearly all patients were Mestizo. Patients included in this study were comparable to the rest of the cohort in terms of age, disease duration, SLEDAI, SDI and body mass index. Disease duration was 7.3 (6.6) years. The SLEDAI was 5.2 (4.3) and the SDI 0.9 (1.3). Prolactin levels were 18.9 (16.7) ng/ml. In univariable analyses, prolactin was negatively associated with bone mineral density, bone mineral content, leg fat percentage and lean mass index, and positively associated with trunk-to-leg fat ratio. In the multivariable analyses, prolactin was negatively associated with bone mineral content and positively associated with trunk-to-leg fat ratio. Conclusions Higher prolactin levels are associated with a pro-inflammatory body mass distribution in SLE patients.
Treatment of Angio-Seal-Related Femoral Artery Occlusion Using Directional Atherectomy—Primary Results and Midterm Follow-Up
Authors: Babaev Anvar , Gokhale Rohit , Zavlunova Susanna , Attubato Michael 
Published: November 2016

Objective: We describe a novel approach for the endovascular treatment of femoral artery occlusion as a result of Angio-Seal closure device deployment. Background: Angio-Seal is the most commonly used vascular closure device following percutaneous coronary and peripheral catheterizations worldwide. A rare complication of Angio-Seal deployment is an occlusion of the femoral artery leading to limb ischemia requiring revascularization. Given its unique ability to cut both atherosclerotic plaque and the Angio-Seal anchor with a collagen plug at operator-directed planes, TurboHawk/HawkOne atherectomy device can be a fast and effective approach to treat Angio-Seal-associated femoral artery occlusions. Methods: We studied 13 consecutive patients who developed Angio-Seal-associated femoral artery occlusions that occurred from 3 hours to several weeks after catheterization. These patients were successfully treated with TurboHawk/HawkOne directional atherectomy followed by balloon angioplasty with no complications. During a mean follow-up period of 20.4 ± 17.3 months, 12 patients remained claudication free with no evidence of obstructive arterial disease of the treated segment on imaging studies. One patient developed restenosis that was treated with repeat atherectomy and balloon angioplasty following which he was asymptomatic at follow-up. Conclusion: The use of directional atherectomy followed by balloon angioplasty is a quick, safe, and effective endovascular approach to treating Angio-Seal-associated femoral artery occlusions. It is associated with an excellent success rate, no complications, and good midterm outcomes.
Psychological Distress and Associated Factors Among Mexican American Adolescent Females
Authors: Recto Pamela , Champion Jane Dimmitt 
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Mental health literacy is a critical component of adolescent health enabling recognition, management, and prevention of psychological distress. Adolescents engaging in risk behaviors and experiencing interpersonal violence, substance use, and pregnancy are at high risk for psychological distress. Method: Secondary analysis of data collected via a control randomized trial among Mexican American females (aged 14-18 years; N = 461) experiencing high-risk sexual behavior, interpersonal violence, and sexually transmitted infection was conducted with comparisons of psychological distress by pregnancy status. Results: At study entry, 46.4% ( n = 214) self-reported ever experiencing pregnancy (ever-pregnant) while 53.6% ( n = 246) self-reported never experiencing pregnancy (never-pregnant). Adolescents reporting ever-pregnancy status were older and school dropouts. However, adolescents reporting never-pregnancy experienced higher sexual risk behaviors, substance use, interpersonal violence, and psychological distress than those reporting ever-pregnancy. A higher proportion of ever- versus never-pregnant adolescents were born in Mexico and preferred Spanish language indicating less acculturation. Conclusions: Findings support the need for mental health literacy concerning psychological distress with consideration of implications of acculturation among adolescents experiencing high-risk sexual behavior, interpersonal violence, and substance use. More never- than ever-pregnant adolescents were attending school, presenting opportunities for implementation of health promotion strategies within community health settings for mental health literacy.
Arts on prescription in Scandinavia: a review of current practice and future possibilities
Authors: Jensen Anita , Stickley Theodore , Torrissen Wenche , Stigmar Kjerstin 
Published: November 2016

Aims: This article reviews current practice relating to arts and culture on prescription in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and in the United Kingdom. It considers future possibilities and also each of the Scandinavian countries from a culture and health policy and research perspective. The United Kingdom perhaps leads the field of Arts on Prescription practice, and subsequent research is described in order to help identify what the Scandinavian countries might learn from the UK research. Method: The method adopted for the literature search was a rapid review which included peer-reviewed and grey literature in English and the respective languages of Scandinavia. Results: The discussion considers the evidence to support social prescription and the potential obstacles of the implementation of Arts on Prescription in Scandinavian countries. Conclusion: The article concludes that of the Scandinavian countries, Sweden is ahead in terms of Arts on Prescription and has embraced the use of culture for health benefits on a different scale compared to Norway and Denmark. Denmark, in particular, is behind in recognising ways in which art and culture can benefit patients and for wider public health promotion. All three countries may benefit from the evidence provided by UK researchers.