bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can an Endplate‐conformed Cervical Cage Provide a Better Biomechanical Environment than a Typical Non‐conformed Cage?
Authors: Zhang Fan , Xu Hao‐cheng , Yin Bo , Xia Xin‐lei , Ma Xiao‐sheng , Wang Hong‐li , Yin Jun , Shao Ming‐hao , Lyu Fei‐zhou , Jiang Jian‐yuan 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesTo evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of endplate‐conformed cervical cages by finite element method (FEM) analysis and cadaver study.MethodsTwelve specimens (C2–C7) and a finite element model (C3–C7) were subjected to biomechanical evaluations. In the cadaver study, specimens were randomly assigned to intact (I), endplate‐conformed (C) and non‐conformed (N) groups with C4–5 discs as the treated segments. The morphologies of the endplate‐conformed cages were individualized according to CT images of group C and the cages fabricated with a 3‐D printer. The non‐conformed cages were wedge‐shaped and similar to commercially available grafts. Axial pre‐compression loads of 73.6 N and moment of 1.8 Nm were used to simulate flexion (FLE), extension (EXT), lateral bending (LB) and axial rotation (AR). Range of motion (ROM) at C4–5 of each specimen was recorded and film sensors fixed between the cages and C5 superior endplates were used to detect interface stress. A finite element model was built based on the CT data of a healthy male volunteer. The morphologies of the endplate‐conformed and wedge‐shaped, non‐conformed cervical cages were both simulated by a reverse engineering technique and implanted at the segment of C4–5 in the finite element model for biomechanical evaluation. Force loading and grouping were similar to those applied in the cadaver study. ROM of C4–5 in group I were recorded to validate the finite element model. Additionally, maximum cage‐endplate interface stresses, stress distribution contours on adjoining endplates, intra‐disc stresses and facet loadings at adjacent segments were measured and compared between groups.ResultsIn the cadaver study, Group C showed a much lower interface stress in all directions of motion (all P < 0.05) and the ROM of C4–5 was smaller in FLE‐EXT (P = 0.001) but larger in AR (P = 0.017). FEM analysis produced similar results: the model implanted with an endplate‐conformed cage presented a lower interface stress with a more uniform stress distribution than that implanted with a non‐conformed cage. Additionally, intra‐disc stress and facet loading at the adjacent segments were obviously increased in both groups C and N, especially those at the supra‐jacent segments. However, stress increase was milder in group C than in group N for all directions of motion.ConclusionsEndplate‐conformed cages can decrease cage‐endplate interface stress in all directions of motion and increase cervical stability in FLE–EXT. Additionally, adjacent segments are possibly protected because intra‐disc stress and facet loading are smaller after endplate‐conformed cage implantation. However, axial stability was reduced in group C, indicating that endplate‐conformed cage should not be used alone and an anterior plate system is still important in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
F11 rs2289252T and rs2036914C Polymorphisms Increase the Activity of Factor XI in Post‐trauma Patients with Fractures Despite Thromboprophylaxis
Authors: Song Nan , Tian Ai‐xian , Zhang Jian‐min , Jiang Hong‐qiang , Zang Jia‐cheng , Ma Xin‐long 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between F11 rs2289252, rs2036914 polymorphisms and the activity of clotting factor XI in post‐trauma patients with fractures receiving routine anticoagulation therapy for deep venous thrombosis (DVT).MethodsA case‐control study involving 110 consecutive post‐trauma patients with fractures and DVT in our hospital was conducted from April 2014 to October 2015; these patients comprised a DVT group. Another 40 sex‐ and age‐matched patients with fractures but without DVT served as controls. Additionally, 40 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy people were chosen as a normal group. Venous blood samples (2 mL) were drawn from all participants and genomic DNA extracted from the leukocytes of the patients with fracture‐related DVT, whose genotype and allele frequency distribution of F11 gene rs2089252 and rs2036914 single nucleotide polymorphism were then assessed by a sequencing method. The activity of factor XI was measured by a solidification method in all participants, including those in control and normal groups.ResultsThe activity of factor XI in patients with fracture‐related DVT and F11 rs2089252 CT was 1.16 times that of those with CC genotypes (P < 0.0001), whereas in patients with fracture‐related DVT and F11 rs2089252 TT genotypes it was 1.32 times that of those with CC genotypes (P < 0.0001), in patients with fracture‐related DVT and F11 rs2089252 T allele it was 1.24 times that of those with C allele (P < 0.05), in patients with fracture‐related DVT and F11 rs2036914 CC it was 1.35 times that of those with TT genotypes, in patients with fracture‐related DVT and F11 rs2036914 CT genotypes it was 1.12 times that of those with TT genotypes (P < 0.05), and in patients with fracture‐related DVT F11 and rs2036914 C allele it was 1.22 times that of those with T allele (P < 0.05). The activity of factor XI was significantly higher in the control than in the normal group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsHigh activity of factor XI indicates a risk of occurrence of DVT in post‐trauma patients with fractures. F11 rs2089252 and rs2036914 (single nucleotide polymorphisms) are associated with activity of factors XI in such patients despite prophylaxis.
An Alternative Intraoperative Radiographic Method for Optimizing Cup Inclination during Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Huang Gang‐yong , Zhao Guang‐lei , Xia Jun , Wei Yi‐bing , Wang Si‐qun , Wu Jian‐guo 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveDuring total hip arthroplasty (THA), the location of the acetabular prosthesis is very important for guaranteeing successful surgery. However, this remains a challenge for many surgeons. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using the intraoperative fluoroscopic iliopubic tangential angle (IPTA) to determine the valgus angles of acetabular prostheses.MethodsIn the first stage, the IPTA and valgus angles of native acetabula were defined and measured in 102 THAs obtained from the picture archiving and communication systems of our hospital. Obturator foramen morphology was also measured and divided into groups according to the axial length ratio. Correlations between obturator foramen morphology and IPTA and valgus angles of native acetabula were then determined. In the second stage, angular differences (angle θ) between the IPTA and valgus angles of native acetabula were measured during unilateral THA in 136 patients to determine whether this is a stable value that could be used as a reference for placement of acetabular prostheses. Postoperative data such as Harris Hip Score (HHS) scores and complications were collected and evaluated.ResultsThe average IPTA at the apex of the true acetabulum was 58.8° ± 4.1°. The average valgus angle of native acetabula was 43.1° ± 3.9° and angle θ was 15.7° ± 1.3°. Obturator foramen morphology was divided into five groups according to the axial length ratio. IPTA was closely related to obturator foramen morphology (Pearson r = 0.489, P ≈ 0.000). Angle θ was stable and independent of obturator foramen morphology. When the IPTA and angle θ were used as references for placing acetabular prostheses in 136 THAs, the average postoperative valgus angles of acetabular prostheses was 45.13° ± 4.07° and the good‐to‐excellent rate was 97.05%. There were no short‐term complications such as fracture, dislocation or infection. The average HHS score 6 months after surgery was 37.2 higher than the preoperative score, this difference being significant (P < 0.01). Neither infection nor dislocation was found 6 months after surgery.ConclusionsThe IPTA (at the apex of the true acetabulum) and angle θ (obtained by intraoperative fluoroscopy) are consistent in determining the postoperative valgus angle of acetabular prosthesis during THA. Thus, IPTA and angle θ are of value in guiding placement of acetabular prostheses; in particular, this method can facilitate the learning of young surgeons.
Investigations into Encephalartos insect pests and diseases in South Africa and identification of Phytophthora cinnamomi as a pathogen of the Modjadji cycad
Authors: Nesamari R. , Coutinho T. A. , Roux J. 
Published: September 2016

South Africa holds the greatest diversity of Encephalartos species globally. In recent years several reports have been received of Encephalartos species in the country dying of unknown causes. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of, and identify the causal agents of, diseases of Encephalartos species in the Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces of South Africa. Plant material with symptoms and insects were collected from diseased plants in private gardens, commercial nurseries and conservation areas in these regions. Insects collected were identified based on morphology, and microbial isolates based on morphology and DNA sequence data. Insect species identified infesting cultivated cycads included the beetle Amorphocerus talpa, and the scale insects Aonidiella aurantii, Aspidiotus capensis, Chrysomphalus aonidum, Lindingaspis rossi, Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona and Pseudococcus longispinus. Fungal species isolated from diseased plants included species of Diaporthe, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Lasiodiplodia, Neofusicoccum, Peyronellaea, Phoma, Pseudocercospora and Toxicocladosporium. The plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi was identified from E. transvenosus plants in the Modjadji Nature Reserve. Artificial inoculation studies fulfilled Koch's postulates, strongly suggesting that P. cinnamomi is responsible for the deaths of these plants under field conditions.
Assessing feasibility in invasive plant management: a retrospective analysis of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) control
Authors: Corbin Jeffrey D. , Wolford Matthew , Zimmerman Christopher L. , Quirion Brendan 
Published: September 2016

AbstractGiven the difficulty that habitat managers face in controlling invasive species, assessing a project's feasibility before implementation can be a useful exercise. We describe efforts to eradicate a population of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) from an area of the Adirondack Park, United States. We applied a retrospective assessment of the feasibility of the project using 2 different decision support tools, the Invasive Plant Management Decision Analysis Tool (IPMDAT) and WeedSearch. We modeled several scenarios in each tool by varying parameters related to the effectiveness of control in order to test the sensitivity of project success to particular assumptions. Except for a small decline between 2007 and 2009, the population increased during the control period. The number of surveyed transects with at least one garlic mustard individual increased, as did plant density within transects. IPMDAT and WeedSearch analysis confirmed that eradication of the garlic mustard population at this site was unlikely. IPMDAT discouraged proceeding with the goal of eradication, and only recommended containment if control of seed production could be effective and subpopulations (e.g. transects) could be eliminated. WeedSearch estimated that time required to achieve eradication would range from 11 years if control was 100% effective to more than 50 years if control was only 90% effective. The application of tools such as IPMDAT or WeedSearch can aid project planning by giving invasive species managers a more realistic picture of the commitment that may be required in order to achieve specific restoration goals.
Can computed tomography and carbon monoxide transfer coefficient diagnose an asthma‐like phenotype in COPD?
Authors: Al‐Kassimi Feisal A. , Alhamad Esam H. , Al‐Hajjaj Mohammed S. , Raddaoui Emad , Alzeer Abdulaziz H. , Alboukai Ahmad A. , Somily Ali M. , Cal Joseph G. , Ibrahim Abdalla F. , Shaik Shaffi A. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTBackground and objectivePost‐mortem and computed tomography (CT) studies indicated that emphysema is a feature of COPD even in the ‘blue bloater/chronic bronchitis’ type. We aim to test the hypothesis that the non‐emphysematous patients are distinct from the main body of COPD and are more akin to asthmatic patients.MethodsWe studied 54 patients with COPD. Emphysema was measured by Goddard's visual scoring of CT scan and the carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (KCO). Bronchial biopsy was offered for thickness of basement membrane (BM) (≥7 µm) as a marker of remodelling in irreversible asthma. Spirometry was repeated after therapy with Budesonide/Formoterol for 1 year.ResultsThe non‐emphysematous phenotype were 24 of 54 patients (44%) by CT scan and 23 of 54 patients (43%) by KCO, showing agreement in 53 out of 54 patients. The non‐emphysematous patients were younger, had higher forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1
) (median 61% vs 49.7%), greater prevalence of hypertrophy of nasal turbinates and higher serum IgE. The emphysematous phenotype had lower BMI and greater dyspnoea score. The BM was thickened in 11 of 14 and 0 of 10 patients in the non‐emphysematous and emphysematous groups, respectively. Three patients without emphysema and a normal BM normalized their FEV1
upon receiving inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long‐acting β2 agonist (LABA). All the non‐emphysematous improved their FEV1
after ICS/LABA (median = 215 mL). The median decline in the emphysematous was −65 mL.ConclusionThe non‐emphysematous phenotype of COPD displays important features of asthma: clinical picture, histology and response to ICS. CT and KCO can predict spirometric response to ICS/LABA.
Canine ocular onchocerciasis: a retrospective review of the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of 16 cases in New Mexico (2011–2015)
Authors: McLean Nancy Johnstone , Newkirk Kimberly , Adema Coenraad M 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the clinical exam findings, treatment and outcomes of 16 dogs diagnosed with ocular onchocerciasis in New Mexico.Materials and MethodsRecords of dogs diagnosed by the primary author were reviewed (2011–2015). Records that were accessible and included a diagnosis ofOnchocerca lupiby histopathologic or molecular identification of the nematode were included.ResultsSixteen cases were included. 3/16 dogs were treated with year‐round heartworm prophylaxis prior to infection. Clinical exam findings included conjunctival hyperemia and/or episcleral injection (16/16), focal subconjunctival mass(es) (14/16), retinal detachment (7/16), corneal edema (4/16), chemosis (3/16), corneal opacity (2/16), exophthalmia (1/16), glaucoma (1/16), strabismus (1/16), blepharospasm (1/16), and vitreal degeneration (1/16). Ocular involvement was unilateral in 7/16 dogs and bilateral in 9/16 dogs. The diagnosis was confirmed via histologic identification of the nematodes and/orPCR. Treatment consisted of medical management or a combination medical and surgical management. Known or suspected recurrence of disease was documented in 10 dogs.ConclusionsCanine ocular onchocerciasis is endemic in New Mexico. Histopathology and molecular identification are useful diagnostic tools. Medical management alone was successful in many cases.
Intraocular pressure in the smallest primate aging model: the gray mouse lemur
Authors: Dubicanac Marko , Joly Marine , Strüve Julia , Nolte Ingo , Mestre‐Francés Nadine , Verdier Jean‐Michel , Zimmermann Elke 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the practicability of common tonometers used in veterinary medicine for rapid intraocular pressure (IOP) screening, to calibrate IOP values gained by the tonometers, and to define a reference IOP value for the healthy eye in a new primate model for aging research, the gray mouse lemur.Studied animals and proceduresTonoVet® and the TonoPen™ measurements were calibrated manometrically in healthy enucleated eyes of mouse lemurs euthanized for veterinary reasons. For comparison of the practicability of both tonometers as a rapid IOP assessment tool for living mouse lemurs, the IOP of 24 eyes of 12 animals held in the hand was measured. To define a standard reference value for IOP in mouse lemurs, 258 healthy animals were measured using the TonoVet®.ResultsIntraocular pressure measurements for the TonoVet® can be corrected using the formula: y = 0.981 + (1.962*TonoVet® value), and those for the TonoPen™ using that of y = 5.38 + (1.426*TonoPen™ value). The calibrated IOP for a healthy mouse lemur eye was 20.3 ± 2.8 mmHg. The TonoVet® showed advantages in practicability, for example, small corneal contact area, short and painless corneal contact, shortened total time spent on investigation, as well as the more accurate measured values. IOP measurements of healthy mouse lemur eyes were not affected by age, sex, eye side, or colony.ConclusionTonometry using TonoVet® is the more practicable assessment tool for IOP measurement of the tiny eyes of living mouse lemurs. Pathological deviations can be identified based on the described reference value.
Investigating a single sensor ability in the characterisation of drinkable water: a pilot study
Authors: Santonico Marco , Parente Francesca Romana , Grasso Simone , Zompanti Alessandro , Ferri Giuseppe , D'Amico Arnaldo , Pennazza Giorgio 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPhysical and chemical characterization of Bottled water is certified on the bottle‐label, which reports the analysis performed by a qualified laboratory. All these data can be suitable treated via multidimensional evaluation and the value of certain parameters against a specific threshold, can address some of these water samples to the treatment of specific medical issues or more in general for dietary options. These thresholds are often referred only to two or three of the listed parameters. In this work, a single voltammetric sensor has been used to characterize 14 different species of bottled water, after a calibration procedure with saline matrices. The sensor has the capability to discriminate among water samples with different dry residue and it is also able to predict the parameters reported on the bottle‐label with an acceptable resolution. Considering the portability of the device and its satisfactory repeatability, the sensor could perform a water quality characterisation, synthesizing bottle‐water characteristic in a reproducible and characteristic profile. The device, when fully integrated and calibrated, can support bottled water monitoring in different steps of the production‐distribution‐utilization chain by means of real‐time measurements.
Influence of Pleat Deformation on Pressure Drop for a High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter: A Small-Scale Experimental Approach
Authors: Bourrous S. , Bouilloux L. , Nerisson P. , Thomas D. , Appert-Collin J. C. 
Published: September 2016

For industrial or domestic applications, the wide range of use of pleated filters makes the understanding of their airflow behavior a major issue for designer and users. In all industrial installations dealing with radioactive matter, the containment of pollutants must be ensured. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are used as the last purification stage before the air is rejected in the environment. These filters can be used either alone, in the case of nonsensible installation, or coupled with other filtration devices disposed before it where contamination level could be important. The prediction of their pressure drop is very important in nuclear safety to be able to anticipate any dysfunction or rupture of these devices. It has been observed that geometry of the medium has an influence on the pressure drop of a pleated filter. In the case of HEPA filters, no convincing explanation has been brought to explain their airflow behavior. The pressure drop evolution of the filter during the clogging remains difficult to explain by assuming constant pleat geometry. Some studies show that deformation occurs during the filter use, which could induce an increase of the available volume in the pleat and a reduction of the efficient filtration surface. The increase in computation capacity introduces nowadays the possibility to perform complex simulation, taking into account the effect of fluids on sensible devices. This can be the case for simple structural analysis or for more complex analysis such as vibration induced by gas or fluid flow. It is mostly applied to avoid breaking or deformation of safety devices, and this can also be applied to anticipate the fluid behavior of some special devices such as filters. In classical filtration application, properties of the filter are coupled with particle deposition (e.g., changes in geometry and permeability depend on the thickness of the deposit). The studies concerning mechanical properties of filters are mainly performed for liquid filtration and clean filters. For pleated filters, the complexity of this kind of analysis remains the modification of the link between geometry, pressure drop, mechanical strength, and particle transport and accumulation inside the pleat. As a first approach, it has been chosen to combine an experimental and a numerical approach to improve the understanding of filter behavior. In this paper, the pleat deformation will be investigated using a direct nonintrusive laser measurement performed on a single pleat experiment. The rate of filtration surface lost will be estimated using these data and taken into account to evaluate the pressure drop against the filtration velocity. Results obtained show that the pleat deformation is an important parameter, which influences the geometry of the pleat.
Personalised Hip Therapy: development of a non-operative protocol to treat femoroacetabular impingement syndrome in the FASHIoN randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wall Peter DH , Dickenson Edward J , Robinson David , Hughes Ivor , Realpe Alba , Hobson Rachel , Griffin Damian R , Foster Nadine E 
Published: September 2016

IntroductionFemoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is increasingly recognised as a cause of hip pain. As part of the design of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of arthroscopic surgery for FAI syndrome, we developed a protocol for non-operative care and evaluated its feasibility.MethodsIn phase one, we developed a protocol for non-operative care for FAI in the UK National Health Service (NHS), through a process of systematic review and consensus gathering. In phase two, the protocol was tested in an internal pilot RCT for protocol adherence and adverse events.ResultsThe final protocol, called Personalised Hip Therapy (PHT), consists of four core components led by physiotherapists: detailed patient assessment, education and advice, help with pain relief and an exercise-based programme that is individualised, supervised and progressed over time. PHT is delivered over 12–26 weeks in 6–10 physiotherapist-patient contacts, supplemented by a home exercise programme. In the pilot RCT, 42 patients were recruited and 21 randomised to PHT. Review of treatment case report forms, completed by physiotherapists, showed that 13 patients (62%) received treatment that had closely followed the PHT protocol. 13 patients reported some muscle soreness at 6 weeks, but there were no serious adverse events.ConclusionPHT provides a structure for the non-operative care of FAI and offers guidance to clinicians and researchers in an evolving area with limited evidence. PHT was deliverable within the National Health Service, is safe, and now forms the comparator to arthroscopic surgery in the UK FASHIoN trial (ISRCTN64081839).Trial registration numberISRCTN 09754699.