bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mini‐invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion through Wiltse Approach to Treating Lumbar Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Zhou Chao , Tian Yong‐hao , Zheng Yan‐ping , Liu Xin‐yu , Wang Hu‐hu 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo assess the clinical efficacy of mini‐invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) through the Wiltse approach for treating lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis.MethodsIn this retrospective controlled study, 69 cases with lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis treated in Qilu hospital from April to November 2014 were randomly assigned to Wiltse approach (31 cases, 16 male, 15 female; mean age 45.1 years) and traditional approach groups (38 cases, 21 male, 17 female; 47.2 years. In the Wiltse approach group, the affected level was L4, 5 in 19 cases and L5S1 in 12, 9 of whom had low back pain (LBP) only and 21 both LBP and leg pain. There were 17 cases of I degree and 14 of II degree spondylolisthesis. Pre‐operative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was 13.1 ± 2.6; visual analog scale (VAS) for LBP 7.4 ± 1.2; VAS for leg pain 6.1 ± 2.0 and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score 42.2% ± 1.2%. In the traditional approach group, the affected level was L4, 5 in 22 cases and L5S1 in 16, 11 of whom had LBP only and 27 both LBP and leg pain. There were 21 cases of I degree and 17 of II degree spondylolisthesis. Pre‐operative JOA score was 12.8 ± 1.2; VAS for LBP 6.9 ± 1.1; VAS for leg pain 7.1 ± 2.0 and ODI score 41.2% ± 2.0%. The JOA score, VAS for LBP and leg pain, ODI dynamic X‐rays, CT and/or MR were evaluated 3 and 6 months and 1 year postoperatively.ResultsThere were no differences in sex, age, affected levels, spondylolisthesis degree, pre‐operative JOA score, VAS for LBP or leg pain and ODI score between the two groups (P > 0.05). The incision length, blood loss and time to achieving exposure were better in the Wiltse approach than the traditional approach group (P < 0.05). The VAS for LBP and muscle atrophy MRI scores were significantly lower in the Wiltse approach than the traditional approach group on Days 1 and 14 and at 1 year follow‐up (P < 0.05). The VAS for leg pain, JOA recovery rate and JOA and ODI scores tended to be lower in the Wiltse approach than the traditional approach group at 1 year follow‐up examinations (no differences statistically significant, P > 0.05). The interbody fusion rate was not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). There were no complications of internal fixation in either group.ConclusionTLIF via both approaches has satisfactory clinical efficacy. TLIF through the Wiltse approach significantly reduces the damage of multifidus and postoperative incidence of chronic LBP.
Pulmonary vasculature in COPD: The silent component
Authors: Blanco Isabel , Piccari Lucilla , Barberà Joan Albert 
Published: April 2016

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow obstruction that results from an inflammatory process affecting the airways and lung parenchyma. Despite major abnormalities taking place in bronchial and alveolar structures, changes in pulmonary vessels also represent an important component of the disease. Alterations in vessel structure are highly prevalent and abnormalities in their function impair gas exchange and may result in pulmonary hypertension (PH), an important complication of the disease associated with reduced survival and worse clinical course. The prevalence of PH is high in COPD, particularly in advanced stages, although it remains of mild to moderate severity in the majority of cases.Endothelial dysfunction, with imbalance between vasodilator/vasoconstrictive mediators, is a key determinant of changes taking place in pulmonary vasculature in COPD. Cigarette smoke products may perturb endothelial cells and play a critical role in initiating vascular changes. The concurrence of inflammation, hypoxia and emphysema further contributes to vascular damage and to the development of PH.The use of drugs that target endothelium‐dependent signalling pathways, currently employed in pulmonary arterial hypertension, is discouraged in COPD due to the lack of efficacy observed in randomized clinical trials and because there is compelling evidence indicating that these drugs may worsen pulmonary gas exchange. The subgroup of patients with severe PH should be ideally managed in centres with expertise in both PH and chronic lung diseases because alterations of pulmonary vasculature might resemble those observed in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Because this condition entails poor prognosis, it warrants specialist treatment.
The Importance of Governance Levels in Alternative Food Networks: The Case of Red Meat Inspection Rules
Authors: Denny Riva C. H. , Worosz Michelle R. , Wilson Norbert L. W. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFocusing on U.S. red meat inspection regulations, in the context of alternative food networks (AFNs), we explore the implications of different levels of governmental governance for the number of red meat slaughter establishments in the United States. We argue that disaggregating “the state” makes possible a more nuanced consideration of the effects of different tiers of governance. We use regression analysis with data for 40 U.S. states over 40 years to examine the effects of state (subnational) inspection programs and implementation of the federal Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations on the number of slaughter establishments by type. In this analysis we test two common beliefs among AFN actors: that state inspection helps, and HACCP hurts, small slaughter establishments. It also allows us to make a case for disaggregating governance tiers as we find that state inspection programs and HACCP have significant and opposite effects on the number of federally and non–federally inspected slaughter establishments. Our analysis supports the belief that state inspection is important to small slaughter establishments, but does not support the belief that HACCP has had a negative effect on them. Our conclusion is that agrifood scholars need to pay attention to different forms of governmental governance even with the increased focus on private and third‐party certifications.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two
Kocuria
Isolates,
K. salsicia
G1 and
K. rhizophila
G2, Isolated from a Slaughterhouse in Denmark
Authors: Herschend Jakob , Raghupathi Prem K. , Røder Henriette L. , Sørensen Søren J. , Burmølle Mette 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft genome sequences of
Kocuria salsicia
G1 and
Kocuria rhizophila
G2, which were isolated from a meat chopper at a small slaughterhouse in Denmark. The two annotated genomes are 2.99 Mb and 2.88 Mb in size, respectively.
Genome Sequence of
Kocuria varians
G6 Isolated from a Slaughterhouse in Denmark
Authors: Raghupathi Prem K. , Herschend Jakob , Røder Henriette L. , Sørensen Søren J. , Burmølle Mette 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

We report here the first draft genome sequence of
Kocuria varians
G6, which was isolated from a meat chopper at a small slaughterhouse in Denmark. The 2.90-Mb genome sequence consists of 95 contigs and contains 2,518 predicted protein-coding genes.
Genome Sequences of Five Nonvirulent
Listeria monocytogenes
Serovar 4 Strains
Authors: Sumrall Eric , Klumpp Jochen , Shen Yang , Loessner Martin J. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

We present the complete genome sequences of five nonpathogenic
Listeria monocytogenes
serovar 4 strains: WSLC 1018 (4e), 1019 (4c), 1020 (4a), 1033 (4d), and 1047 (4d). These sequences may help to uncover genes involved in the synthesis of the serovar antigens—phenotypic determinants of virulence deemed clinically relevant.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Mycobacterium bovis
Strain BCG-1 (Russia)
Authors: Sotnikova Evgeniya A. , Shitikov Egor A. , Malakhova Maja V. , Kostryukova Elena S. , Ilina Elena N. , Atrasheuskaya Alena V. , Ignatyev Georgy M. , Vinokurova Nataliya V. , Gorbachyov Vyacheslav Y. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium bovis
BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) is a vaccine strain used for protection against tuberculosis. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of
M. bovis
strain BCG-1 (Russia). Extensive use of this strain necessitates the study of its genome stability by comparative analysis.
Draft Genome Sequence of Two
Sphingopyxis
sp. Strains, Dominant Members of the Bacterial Community Associated with a Drinking Water Distribution System Simulator
Authors: Gomez-Alvarez Vicente , Pfaller Stacy , Revetta Randy P. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

We report the draft genomes of two
Sphingopyxis
sp. strains isolated from a chloraminated drinking water distribution system simulator. Both strains are ubiquitous residents and early colonizers of water distribution systems. Genomic annotation identified a class 1 integron (
intI1
) gene associated with sulfonamide (
sul1
) and puromycin (
pac
) antibiotic resistance genes.
Intravesical administration of combined hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) for the treatment of female recurrent urinary tract infections: a European multicentre nested case–control study
Authors: Ciani Oriana , Arendsen Erik , Romancik Martin , Lunik Richard , Costantini Elisabetta , Di Biase Manuel , Morgia Giuseppe , Fragalà Eugenia , Roman Tomaskin , Bernat Marian , Guazzoni Giorgio , Tarricone Rosanna , Lazzeri Massimo 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesTo compare the clinical effectiveness of the intravesical administration of combined hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate (HA+CS) versus current standard management in adult women with recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs).SettingA European Union-based multicentre, retrospective nested case–control study.Participants276 adult women treated for RUTIs starting from 2009 to 2013.InterventionsPatients treated with either intravesical administration of HA+CS or standard of care (antimicrobial/immunoactive prophylaxis/probiotics/cranberry).Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was occurrence of bacteriologically confirmed recurrence within 12 months. Secondary outcomes were time to recurrence, total number of recurrences, health-related quality of life and healthcare resource consumption. Crude and adjusted results for unbalanced characteristics are presented.Results181 patients treated with HA+CS and 95 patients treated with standard of care from 7 centres were included. The crude and adjusted ORs (95% CI) for the primary end point were 0.77 (0.46 to 1.28) and 0.51 (0.27 to 0.96), respectively. However, no evidence of improvement in terms of total number of recurrences (incidence rate ratio (95% CI), 0.99 (0.69 to 1.43)) or time to first recurrence was seen (HR (95% CI), 0.99 (0.61 to 1.61)). The benefit of intravesical HA+CS therapy improves when the number of instillations is ≥5.ConclusionsOur results show that bladder instillations of combined HA+CS reduce the risk of bacteriologically confirmed recurrences compared with the current standard management of RUTIs. Total incidence rates and hazard rates were instead non-significantly different between the 2 groups after adjusting for unbalanced factors. In contrast to what happens with antibiotic prophylaxis, the effectiveness of the HA+CS reinstatement therapy improves over time.Trial registration numberNCT02016118.
A multicentre randomised, 1-year comparative effectiveness, parallel-group trial protocol of a physical therapy approach compared to corticosteroid injections
Authors: Deyle Gail D , Gill Norman W , Rhon Daniel I , Allen Chris S , Allison Stephen C , Hando Ben R , Petersen Evan J , Dusenberry Douglas I , Bellamy Nicholas 
Published: April 2016

IntroductionCorticosteroid injections (CSIs) are commonly used as an initial or a primary intervention for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Consistent evidence indicates CSIs offer symptom relief with conflicting reports regarding long-term efficacy. Physical therapy (PT) offers a non-invasive alternative. There is moderate evidence suggesting short-term and long-term symptom relief and functional improvement with PT interventions. Patients with knee OA are more commonly prescribed CSI than PT prior to total joint replacement. UnitedHealthcare and Military Health System data show substantially more total knee replacement patients receive preoperative CSI than PT. There are no studies comparing CSI to a PT approach in individuals with knee OA. The primary objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of CSI to PT in individuals with knee OA at 1, 2 and 12 months.Methods and analysisWe plan to recruit 156 participants meeting established knee OA criteria. Following informed consent, participants will be randomised to receive either CSI or PT. All participants will receive instruction on recommended exercise and weight control strategies plus usual medical care. The CSI intervention consisting of 3 injections and the PT intervention consisting of 8–12 sessions will be spaced over 12 months. Measures of the dependent variables (DVs) will occur at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post enrolment. This pragmatic, randomised clinical trial will be a mixed-model 2×5 factorial design. The independent variables are treatment (CSI and PT) and time with five levels from baseline to 1 year. The primary DV is the Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). We will also compare healthcare utilisation between the 2 groups.Ethics and DisseminationThe protocol was approved by the Madigan Army Medical Center Institutional Review Board. The authors intend to publish the results in a peer-reviewed source.Trial Registration NumberNCT01427153.
Development and validation of a 21-item challenges to stopping smoking (CSS-21) scale
Authors: Thomas Dennis , Mackinnon Andrew J , Bonevski Billie , Abramson Michael J , Taylor Simone , Poole Susan G , Weeks Gregory R , Dooley Michael J , George Johnson 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveIdentification of challenges associated with quitting and overcoming them may improve cessation outcomes. This study describes the development and initial validation of a scale for measuring challenges to stopping smoking.MethodsThe item pool was generated from empirical and theoretical literature and existing scales, expert opinion and interviews with smokers and ex-smokers. The questionnaire was administered to smokers and recent quitters who participated in a hospital-based smoking cessation trial. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify subscales in the questionnaire. Internal consistency, validity and robustness of the subscales were evaluated.ResultsOf a total of 182 participants with a mean age of 55 years (SD 12.8), 128 (70.3%) were current smokers and 54 (29.7%) ex-smokers. Factor analysis of the 21-item questionnaire resulted in a 2-factor solution representing items measuring intrinsic (9 items) and extrinsic (12 items) challenges. This structure was stable in various analyses and the 2 factors accounted for 50.7% of the total variance of the polychoric correlations between the items. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α) coefficients for the intrinsic and extrinsic subscales were 0.86 and 0.82, respectively. Compared with ex-smokers, current smokers had a higher mean score (±SD) for intrinsic (24.0±6.4 vs 20.5±7.4, p=0.002) and extrinsic subscales (22.3±7.5 vs 18.6±6.0, p=0.001).ConclusionsInitial evaluation suggests that the 21-item challenges to stopping smoking scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used in research and clinical settings to assess challenges to stopping smoking.
Age-dependent stability of nucleoli and global DNA methylation level in spermatocytes of the domestic horse (Equus caballus)
Authors: Andraszek Katarzyna , Gryzińska Magdalena , Danielewicz Agata , Batkowska Justyna , Smalec Elżbieta 
Published: April 2016

The aim of the study was to determine the number and shape of nucleoli during meiosis in cells of the domestic horse. In addition, the level of global DNA methylation was determined using a quantitative technique for measuring the relative level of DNA methylation, modelled on an immunoenzymatic assay. The research was carried out on stallions belonging to two age groups (2 and 7 yr). In the cells of the 2-yr-old animals, the nucleoli were mainly of a regular shape and no fragmented nucleoli were observed. The cells of the 7-yr-old horses had a small percentage of regularly shaped nucleoli, and nucleoli with a fragmented structure were present. The study provides a basis for further research on epigenetic mechanisms in horses.
An investigation of a novel behavioural test to assess pain in piglets following castration
Authors: Bilsborrow Kayla , Seddon Yolande M. , Brown Jennifer , Waldner Cheryl , Stookey Joseph M. 
Published: April 2016

A novel behavioural test using a handling chute was evaluated over two trials as an objective method to assess pain in piglets following castration. Piglet (n = 98) navigation time (NT) through a handling chute was measured at specific time points up to 24 h post treatment. In trial 1, comparing the NT of castrates (C) and sham castrates (SC), C piglets had a longer NT than SC at 0 and 15 min post treatment (P < 0.05), with no differences thereafter. In trial 2, the effect of an analgesic to control postoperative pain on NT was examined, with castrated piglets given a half (CH) or full (CF) dose of meloxicam 1 h prior to treatment, compared with piglets castrated and given saline (CS) or sham castrated and given saline (SS). Post treatment, CS piglets had a longer NT than SS at 0 min (P < 0.005), and at 15 min, piglets CS had a longer NT than all groups (P < 0.001). No significant associations were found between piglet behaviour in the home pen and NT during the 60 min following treatment. These data demonstrate potential for the use of a handling chute to measure NT as a quick, standardized, method to assess piglet pain in response to castration.
Nanostructures in silicon carbide crystals and films
Authors: Vlaskina S. I. , Kruchinin S. P. , Kuznetsova E. Ya. , Rodionov V. E. , Mishinova G. N. , Svechnikov G. S. 
Published: April 2016

Phase transformations of SiC crystals with grown original defects and thin films have been presented. The SiC crystals were grown by the Tairov method and the films were obtained by the “sandwich” and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods.The analysis of absorption spectra, excitation spectra and low-temperature photoluminescence spectra testifies to the formation of a new microphase during the growth. The complex spectrum can be decomposed into similar structure-constituting spectra shifted on the energy scale relative to the former. Such spectra are indicators of the formation of new nanophases.The joint consideration of photoluminescence spectra, excitement photoluminescence spectra and absorption spectra testifies to the uniformity of different spectra and the autonomy of each of them. Structurally, the total complexity spectra correlate with the degree of disorder (imperfection) of the crystal and are related to the peculiarities of a defective performance such as a one-dimensional disorder. Three different types of spectra have three different principles of construction and behavior.
Tumor Cell Invasion—Not All Barriers Are Created Equal
Authors: Welch Danny R. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The importance of invasion in the complex process of metastasis, although now well established, has been studied with increasing molecular detail due to the development of robust in vitro experimental assays. In this issue of Cancer Research, we highlight a paper published by George Poste and colleagues that compared and contrasted several different invasion assays. The authors concluded that various barriers impose different selective pressures and that simply enriching for invasive ability did not necessarily translate into greater metastasis efficiency. Although perhaps obvious now, these findings were surprising when they were published. Certainly, the data highlight the importance of tumor cell–microenvironment interactions and the necessity to interpret experiments taking the context into consideration. Cancer Res; 76(7); 1675–6. ©2016 AACR.
See related article by Poste et al., Cancer Res 1980;40:1636–44.
Results of a Multilevel Intervention Trial to Increase Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Uptake among Adolescent Girls
Authors: Paskett Electra D. , Krok-Schoen Jessica L. , Pennell Michael L. , Tatum Cathy M. , Reiter Paul L. , Peng Juan , Bernardo Brittany M. , Weier Rory C. , Richardson Morgan S. , Katz Mira L. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Background: Uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is low in Appalachian Ohio and areas with high cervical cancer rates.
Methods: We conducted a group-randomized trial among 12 counties in Appalachian Ohio randomized to receive either an HPV vaccine (intervention counties) or influenza vaccine (comparison counties) multilevel intervention (MLI). Parents (n = 337) who had a daughter aged 9 to 17 years who had not received the HPV vaccine were recruited from commercial lists. Clinics (N = 24) and 119 providers from these clinics were also recruited. The primary outcome was medical record–confirmed receipt of the first shot of the HPV vaccine 3 months after receiving the intervention among daughters of parents enrolled in the study. Secondary outcomes included receipt of the first HPV vaccine shot by 6 months and changes in provider knowledge.
Results: According to medical records, 10 (7.7%) daughters of intervention participants received the first shot of the HPV vaccine within 3 months of being sent the intervention materials compared with 4 (3.2%) daughters of comparison group participants (P = 0.061). By 6 months, 17 (13.1%) daughters of intervention participants received the first HPV vaccine shot compared with eight (6.5%) daughters of comparison group participants (P = 0.002). Provider knowledge about HPV increased (P &lt; 0.001, from baseline to after education).
Conclusions: The MLI increased uptake of the HPV vaccine among girls aged 9 to 17 years; however, uptake was low.
Impact: To improve HPV vaccine uptake, attention to additional levels of influence (e.g., policy, community) and more elements within levels (e.g., reminders, automated prompts) may be needed. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(4); 593–602. ©2016 AACR.
See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Multilevel Approaches to Addressing Cancer Health Disparities.”