bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Carpal Coalition in an Asian Population – Preliminary Findings of a Study on Patients from a Distal Radius Fracture Database
Authors: Ong Sean , Sechachalam Sreedharan 
Published: May 2017

Background: Congenital carpal coalition is usually seen as an incidental finding. The incidence of carpal coalition has been reported from 0.1 to 9.5 %; highest incidence has been reported in people of African descent. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the incidence and subtypes of carpal coalition in an Asian population. Methods: Review of the radiographs of the patients in our distal radius fracture database from 2009 to 2014 was conducted to determine the incidence and type of carpal coalition. Results: 4141 patients’ wrist radiographs were reviewed. 2 cases of carpal coalition were identified; this leads to an incidence of 0.048%. One was of luno-triquetral type and the other was of capito-hamate type. Conclusions: The preliminary results of our study indicate that carpal coalition in the Asian population is less common than that reported in the Western literature. Our results are inconclusive as to the type of carpal coalition that is more common.
That Tendon is the Median Nerve: Perils of a Palmaris Longus Deficient Wrist
Authors: Woon Colin Yi-Loong , Gourineni Ramadevi , Watkins Summer , Richardson Rhea , Gourineni Prasad 
Published: May 2017

Background: To document the course of the median nerve in the distal forearm in palmaris longus (PL) deficient forearms and elucidate features that help distinguish it from the PL.Methods: In the cadaveric study, 56 cadaveric forearms were dissected and the location and course of the median nerve were documented. In the clinical study, 20 healthy subjects with absent PL were examined with provocative tests to elucidate the PL (Schaeffer’s test and Thompson’s test), and modified Durkan’s and Phalen’s tests. In the imaging study, one subject with a clearly visible and palpable median nerve was further evaluated with MRI with a superficial fiducial marker.Results: Cadaveric dissection revealed that the median nerve was deep to the antebrachial fascia and superficial to the FDS tendons in the distal forearm. In 9 specimens without a PL, the median nerve was the most superficial structure deep and lay draped over the FDS tendons. In the clinical study, PL absence was bilateral in 4 subjects and unilateral in 16. The nerve was visible and palpable in 4 forearms and palpable but not visible in 20 forearms. In all 24 forearms, the nerve was palpable as a lax, mobile, cord-like structure that could be rolled over the taut FDS tendons. Tinel’s and Durkan’s signs were positive in 11 subjects. In the imaging study, MRI confirmed that the palpable structure was the median nerve.Conclusions: Unlike the PL, the nerve is non-contractile and remains flaccid on provocative testing. It is usually palpable and may also be visible in thin forearms. Careful scrutiny may reveal it to be distinct from, and draped over underlying FDS tendons. These findings may help avoid inadvertent median nerve harvest in place of a PL tendon graft.
The Effect of Myostatin (GDF-8) on Proliferation and Tenocyte Differentiation of Rat Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Le Wei , Yao Jeffrey 
Published: May 2017

Background: The future in flexor tendon surgery involves tissue engineering approaches directed toward increasing early repair strength to accelerate tendon healing and to allow for earlier onset of rehabilitation. Previous work has shown that pluripotential mesenchymal stem cells may be successfully delivered to a tendon repair site using a suture carrier. The current work describes the use of Myostatin (GDF-8) to help guide these delivered pluripotential stem cells to differentiate down a tenocyte lineage to potentially maximize the reparative effects of these cells at the tendon repair site.Methods: Primary rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the long bones of male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 500 ng/ml myostatin for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. Collagen 1 A, scleraxis (Scx), and tenomodulin (Tnmd) expression, indicative of tenogenesis, was analyzed using real time PCR and immunohistochemistry staining. A migration assay was performed to assess the functional activity of BMSCs after they were treated with myostatin.Results: Compared to the control cells (without treatment), the cells treated with 500 ng/ml myostatin for 72 h exhibited higher expression of Col 1A, Scx, and Tnmd. The mRNA expression of Col1A, Scx, Tnmd increased 15.3, 13 and 7 times respectively. Immunohistochemistry staining showed Scx and Tnmd were expressed in the cellular cytoplasm. In response to myostatin, the cells also showed a tendency to proliferate and migrate more than the control cells.Conclusions: Myostatin (GDF-8) has the ability to increase rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell growth and differentiation toward a tenocyte lineage. This information could be useful for future studies regarding tendon repair.
A review on structural characteristics, lithium ion diffusion behavior and temperature dependence of conductivity in perovskite-type solid electrolyte Li3xLa2∕3−xTiO3
Authors: Wu Ju , Chen Lanli , Song Tao , Zou Zheyi , Gao Jian , Zhang Wenqing , Shi Siqi 
Published: May 2017

Due to various and indefinite Li-ion distributions within the cuboctahedron surrounded by eight TiO6and local subtle distortions, perovskite-type solid electrolyte Li[Formula: see text]La[Formula: see text]TiO3(LLTO) is suitable to be used as a model system for studying the structure–conductivity relationship. This review is focused on structural characteristics, Li-ion diffusion behavior and conductivity in LLTO. Li-ion concentration, cooling rate of heat treatment and heating temperature are shown to be three main factors influencing the space group structure of LLTO, involving the distributions of Li, La ions and vacancies as well as the distortion of TiO6octahedron. In rhombohedral and some orthorhombic phases, Li ions partially occupy O4windows of cuboctahedrons, whose diffusion could be described by the bond percolation model, whereas in other phases with Li ions inside the cuboctahedrons, the site percolation model is applicable to Li-ion conduction. Li-ion conductivity versus temperature curve exhibits non-Arrhenius behavior, which is divided into three sections with different activation energies, although its first-derivative is continuous. The activation energy is correlated closely with the tilting angle of TiO6octahedron, both of which decrease with the increase of temperature. Experimental studies and theoretical results are discussed in parallel to provide insight into the detailed structure-conductivity relationship.
Addition of Blood Pressure and Weight Transmissions to Standard Remote Monitoring of Implantable Defibrillators and its Association with Mortality and Rehospitalization
Authors: Al-Chekakie M. Obadah , Bao Haikun , Jones Paul W. , Stein Kenneth M. , Marzec Lucas , Varosy Paul D. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Curtis Jeptha P. , Akar Joseph G. 
Published: May 2017

Background—
Among patients with implantable defibrillators (ICD), use of remote patient monitoring (RPM) is associated with lower risk of death and rehospitalization. Standard ICD RPM can be supplemented with weight and blood pressure data. It is not known whether standard RPM plus routine weight and blood pressure transmission (RPM+) is associated with better outcomes.

Methods and Results—

RPM+ patients (n=4106) were compared with patients who only transmitted standard ICD RPM data (n=14 183). Logistic regression models identified patient, physician, and hospital characteristics associated with RPM+ utilization. Mortality and rehospitalization were examined using landmark analyses at 180 days after ICD implant in Medicare fee-for-service patients. In these analyses, we examined the independent association between RPM+ utilization and times to events up to 3 years after device implantation with Cox regression models. We further examined whether the association between RPM+ and outcomes varied by frequency or type of transmissions. Determinants of RPM+ utilization included impaired ejection fraction, cardiac resynchronization therapy, and institutional practice. The risk of mortality of RPM+ patients was similar to standard ICD RPM patients (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.94–1.19;
P
=0.34). RPM+ patients also had similar risks of all-cause hospitalization (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.94–1.14;
P
=0.52), cardiovascular hospitalization (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–1.02;
P
=0.15), or heart failure hospitalizations (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–1.05;
P
=0.18). RPM+ transmission frequency was not associated with outcomes.

Conclusions—
In patients using standard ICD RPM, the added transmission of weight and blood pressure data was not associated with improved outcomes.
Sex Differences in Trajectories of Risk After Rehospitalization for Heart Failure, Acute Myocardial Infarction, or Pneumonia
Authors: Dreyer Rachel P. , Dharmarajan Kumar , Hsieh Angela F. , Welsh John , Qin Li , Krumholz Harlan M. 
Published: May 2017

Background—
Women have an increased risk of rehospitalization in the immediate postdischarge period; however, few studies have determined how readmission risk dynamically changes on a day-to-day basis over the full year after hospitalization by sex and how these differences compare with the risk for mortality.

Methods and Results—
We identified >3 000 000 hospitalizations of patients with a principal discharge diagnosis of heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, or pneumonia and estimated sex differences in the daily risk of rehospitalization/death 1 year after discharge from a population of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65 years and older. We calculated the (1) time required for adjusted rehospitalization/mortality risks to decline 50% from maximum values after discharge, (2) time required for the adjusted readmission risk to approach plateau periods of minimal day-to-day change, and (3) extent to which adjusted risks are greater among recently hospitalized patients versus Medicare patients. We identified 1 392 289, 530 771, and 1 125 231 hospitalizations for heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and pneumonia, respectively. The adjusted daily risk of rehospitalization varied by admitting condition (hazard rate ratio for women versus men, 1.10 for acute myocardial infarction; hazard rate ratio, 1.04 for heart failure; and hazard rate ratio, 0.98 for pneumonia). However, for all conditions, the adjusted daily risk of death was higher among men versus women (hazard rate ratio women versus with men, <1). For both sexes, there was a similar timing of peak daily risk, half daily risk, and reaching plateau.

Conclusions—
Although the association of sex with daily risk of rehospitalization varies across conditions, women are at highest risk after discharge for acute myocardial infarction. Future studies should focus on understanding the determinants of sex differences in rehospitalization risk among conditions.
Change in Physical Activity and Sitting Time After Myocardial Infarction and Mortality Among Postmenopausal Women in the Women's Health Initiative‐Observational Study
Authors: Gorczyca Anna M. , Eaton Charles B. , LaMonte Michael J. , Manson JoAnn E. , Johnston Jeanne D. , Bidulescu Aurelian , Waring Molly E. , Manini Todd , Martin Lisa W. , Stefanick Marcia L. , He Ka , Chomistek Andrea K. , Rossouw Jacques , Ludlam Shari , Burwen Dale , McGowan Joan , Ford Leslie , Geller Nancy , Anderson Garnet , Prentice Ross , LaCroix Andrea , Kooperberg Charles , Howard Barbara V. , Jackson Rebecca , Thomson Cynthia A. , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Limacher Marian , Wallace Robert , Kuller Lewis , Shumaker Sally 
Published: May 2017

Background

How physical activity (
PA
) and sitting time may change after first myocardial infarction (
MI
) and the association with mortality in postmenopausal women is unknown.

Methods and Results

Participants included postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative‐Observational Study, aged 50 to 79 years who experienced a clinical
MI
during the study. This analysis included 856 women who had adequate data on
PA
exposure and 533 women for sitting time exposures. Sitting time was self‐reported at baseline, year 3, and year 6. Self‐reported
PA
was reported at baseline through year 8. Change in
PA
and sitting time were calculated as the difference between the cumulative average immediately following
MI
and the cumulative average immediately preceding
MI
. The 4 categories of change were: maintained low, decreased, increased, and maintained high. The cut points were ≥7.5 metabolic equivalent of task hours/week versus <7.5 metabolic equivalent of task hours/week for
PA
and ≥8 h/day versus <8 h/day for sitting time. Cox proportional hazard models estimated hazard ratios and 95% CIs for all‐cause, coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular disease mortality. Compared with women who maintained low
PA
(referent), the risk of all‐cause mortality was: 0.54 (0.34–0.86) for increased
PA
and 0.52 (0.36–0.73) for maintained high
PA
. Women who had pre‐
MI
levels of sitting time <8 h/day, every 1 h/day increase in sitting time was associated with a 9% increased risk (hazard ratio=1.09, 95%
CI
: 1.01, 1.19) of all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

Meeting the recommended PA guidelines pre‐ and post‐
MI
may have a protective role against mortality in postmenopausal women.
Alogliptin, a Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐4 Inhibitor, Alleviates Atrial Remodeling and Improves Mitochondrial Function and Biogenesis in Diabetic Rabbits
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhao Yungang , Jiang Ning , Qiu Jiuchun , Yang Yajuan , Li Jian , Liang Xue , Wang Xinghua , Tse Gary , Li Guangping , Liu Tong 
Published: May 2017

Background
There is increasing evidence implicating atrial mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation. In this study, we explored whether alogliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, can prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and atrial remodeling in a diabetic rabbit model.

Methods and Results
A total of 90 rabbits were randomized into 3 groups as follows: control group (n=30), alloxan‐induced diabetes mellitus group (n=30), and alogliptin‐treated (12.5 mg/kg per day for 8 weeks) diabetes mellitus group (n=30). Echocardiographic and hemodynamic assessments were performed in vivo. The serum concentrations of glucagon‐like peptide‐1, insulin, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were measured. Electrophysiological properties of Langendorff‐perfused rabbit hearts were assessed. Mitochondrial morphology, respiratory function, membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species generation rate were assessed. The protein expression of transforming growth factor β1, nuclear factor κB p65, and mitochondrial biogenesis–related proteins were measured by Western blot analysis. Diabetic rabbits exhibited left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial dilation without obvious hemodynamic abnormalities, and all of these changes were attenuated by alogliptin. Compared with the control group, higher atrial fibrillation inducibility in the diabetes mellitus group was observed, and markedly reduced by alogliptin. Alogliptin decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production rate, prevented mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and alleviated mitochondrial swelling in diabetic rabbits. It also improved mitochondrial biogenesis by peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐γ coactivator 1α/nuclear respiratory factor‐1/mitochondrial transcription factor A signaling regulated by adiponectin/AMP‐activated protein kinase.

Conclusions
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors can prevent atrial fibrillation by reversing electrophysiological abnormalities, improving mitochondrial function, and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis.
God Belief as an Innate Aspect of Human Nature: A Response to John Shook and Questions for Justin Barrett
Authors: Exline Julie J. , Bradley David F. , Uzdavines Alex , Stauner Nick 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
John Shook’s article “Are People Born to be Believers, or are Gods Born to be Believed?” (this volume) critiques research findings and writings by Justin Barrett suggesting that god beliefs may be innate among human beings. In response to points raised by Shook, we first discuss several complications that need to be balanced when defining and assessing the innateness hypothesis. Second, we address the question of how both god believers and nonbelievers might have both favorable and unfavorable responses to claims of god beliefs being innate. Third, we consider whether certain additional features, besides (vague) god beliefs themselves, might be part of a human predisposition toward religious belief. We agree with Shook’s claims that researchers’ own beliefs may impact their research questions, methods, and interpretations of findings. Given the pervasive risk of blind spots and biases, we conclude by emphasizing the need for accountability, transparency, skepticism, open-mindedness, and collegiality among scholars.
Soups and Sparks Revisited
Authors: Borck Cornelius 
Published: May 2017

In the famous debate whether neurons communicate via chemical mediators or electrical signals, Henry Dale and Otto Loewi mounted powerful evidence on the mediation of nervous activity by chemical transmitters, while John Eccles led the campaign for the electrophysiologists. Eventually, Eccles converted to chemical transmission, when he identified excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials initiated by the release of chemical neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. This well-known episode from the history of neurophysiology counts as a rare instance of philosophy of science advancing scientific research, because the philosopher Karl Popper had encouraged Eccles to theorize an experiment proving the falsity of his own interpretation – according to Popper’s philosophy of science progressing by falsification. The paper shows how Eccles’ intellectual mobilization was grounded in a series of geographical moves, technological adaptations and re-arrangements of his group. This massive travel of people, ideas, instruments, and techniques mediated between the contradictory views, long before Popper kindled Eccles to reflect about the conflicting paradigms and the new theorizing did hardly change his experimental practice. Popper’s immediate effect was a critical and reflexive distance that enabled Eccles to present his evidence more persuasively, as can be shown from archival sources. The exchanges between Eccles and Popper thus shaped the philosophy of falsification to a powerful strategy for writing science.
Of the Artistic Nude and Technological Behaviorism
Authors: Della Rocca Mattia 
Published: May 2017

Neuromorphic technologies lie at the core of 21st century neuroscience, especially in the “big brain science” projects started in 2013 – i.e. the BRAIN Initiative and the Human Brain Project. While neuromorphism and the “reverse engineering” of the brain are often presented as a “methodological revolution” in the brain sciences, these concepts have a long history which is strongly interconnected with the developments in neuroscience and the related field of bioengineering since the end of World War II. In this paper I provide a short review of the first generation of “neuromorphic devices” created in the 1960s, by focusing on the work of Leon Harmon and his “neuromime,” whose material history overlapped in a very interesting sense with the visual and artistic culture of the second half of the 20th century.
Does the Timing of Middle Turbinate Resection Influence Quality‐of‐Life Outcomes for Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis?
Authors: Scangas George A. , Remenschneider Aaron K. , Bleier Benjamin S. , Holbrook Eric H. , Gray Stacey T. , Metson Ralph B. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of bilateral middle turbinate resection (BMTR) on patient‐reported quality of life following primary and revision endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).Study DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary care center.Subjects and MethodsPatients with CRS who were recruited from 11 otolaryngologic practices completed the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test–22, Chronic Sinusitis Survey, and EuroQol 5‐Dimension questionnaires at baseline, as well as 3 and 12 months after ESS. In the primary ESS cohort (n = 406), patients who underwent BMTR (n = 78) at the time of surgery were compared with patients (n = 328) whose middle turbinates were preserved. In the revision ESS cohort (n = 363), a similar comparison was made between patients who did (n = 64) and did not (n = 299) undergo BMTR.ResultsSino‐Nasal Outcome Test–22, Chronic Sinusitis Survey, and EuroQol 5‐Dimension scores showed similar improvements for both the turbinate resection and preservation cohorts at 3 months (P <. 001) and 12 months (P <. 001) after surgery. For patients who underwent revision surgery, the performance of BMTR resulted in greater improvement in Chronic Sinusitis Survey scores at 1 year as compared with the turbinate preservation group (change from baseline: 28.1 vs 20.7, respectively; P =. 026). History of tobacco use and the presence of nasal polyps did not affect clinical outcomes at any time point.ConclusionPatients who underwent BMTR during primary and revision sinus surgery reported similar benefits in quality‐of‐life outcomes 1 year after surgery. In select patients undergoing revision sinus surgery, the performance of BMTR results in improved disease‐specific quality of life.
Data and Reporting Quality in Tympanoplasty and Ossiculoplasty Studies
Authors: Lailach Susen , Zahnert Thomas , Neudert Marcus 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to check the documentation of hearing outcome parameters and influencing factors (surgical, pathological, and methodological) in published literature evaluating hearing outcome after tympanoplasty. We aimed to assess how effectively the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) 1995 guidelines were applied.Study DesignRetrospective noncontrolled study.SettingEar research center.Subjects and MethodsThis study was based on a PubMed research, including peer‐reviewed English‐speaking original studies published from January 2005 to December 2015. In total, 169 studies were checked for correct description of study population, surgical methodology, study design, and documentation of the hearing outcome. In addition, the correct application of AAO‐HNS 1995 criteria was checked.ResultsPre‐ and postoperative air‐bone gap were shown as mean ± standard deviation in half of all series (52% vs 56%). The recommended frequency spectrum (0.5‐3 kHz) was used in 46%, while a documentation of frequency spectrum was available in 85%. Whereas a statement on presence of stapes suprastructure (81%) and initial pathology was usually available, mucosa status (17%) and aeration (8%) were only shown in few series. Revision cases, staged cases, and myringoplasty graft material were documented in 46% to 57%. Type and material of prosthesis were represented in 74% to 82%. None of the publications analyzed fulfilled all 10 AAO‐HNS criteria. In 10%, 7 to 9 criteria were used correctly.ConclusionA heterogeneous description of surgical and pathological findings and the application of minimal reporting standards are essential preconditions to enable comparisons between different studies and to generate meta‐analysis.