bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fenestrated Screws Augmented With PMMA Increase the Pullout Strength of Sacral Pedicle Screws
Authors: Colman Matthew , Pond Jonathan , Bachus Kent , Lawrence Brandon D. , Spiker William R. , Brodke Darrel S. 
Published: December 2014

Study Design:
Biomechanics.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to compare the fixation in osteoporotic specimens of a bicortical sacral pedicle screw to the following constructs: a unicortical solid screw augmented with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (TRACT), a unicortical fenestrated screw augmented with PMMA (FEN), and a bicortical screw/sacral alar screw combination (PED/ALA).

Summary of Background Data:
Rigid posterior sacral fixation of osteoporotic spines is problematic due to poor bone quality. Options to improve fixation include bicortical or tricortical screw trajectory, addition of S2 alar screws, or PMMA augmentation.

Materials and Methods:
Eleven osteoporotic cadaveric sacra were potted in 2-part filler compound. As a baseline fixation method, a 6.5-mm bicortical pedicle screw was placed into 1 pedicle of each sacra. The contralateral side was randomly assigned to receive a unicortical fenestrated 6.5-mm pedicle screw augmented with PMMA, a unicortical solid 6.5-mm pedicle screw augmented with PMMA, or a bicortical pedicle screw/alar screw construct. Pedicle screws were failed in cantilever pullout using a materials testing machine. Data were normalized into a test index by taking the ratio of the test screw pullout strength to the intraspecimen bicortical control screw pullout strength.

Results:
The fixation strengths as expressed by the test index of the TRACT, FEN, and PED/ALA groups were 101%, 157%, and 167%, respectively. Although there was no statistical difference detected between the FEN and PED/ALA groups, the TRACT group had a trend toward lower pullout strength than the FEN (P=0.06) or PED/ALA (0.06) groups. Although underpowered, this study did not detect biomechanical inferiority for any of the 3 test configurations when compared with standard bicortical S1 screws.

Conclusions:
The data indicate that the fixation strength of a fenestrated, PMMA-augmented construct or a combined S1 pedicle/S2 alar screw construct may be better than either standard bicortical or unicortical PMMA screw-tract augmented screws.
Cement Leakage in Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Xie Weixing , Jin Daxiang , Ma Hui , Ding Jinyong , Xu Jixi , Zhang Shuncong , Liang De 
Published: December 2014

Study Design:
The risk factors for cement leakage were retrospectively reviewed in 192 patients who underwent percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA).

Objective:
To discuss the factors related to the cement leakage in PVA procedure for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

Summary of Background Data:
PVA is widely applied for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Cement leakage is a major complication of this procedure. The risk factors for cement leakage were controversial.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective review of 192 patients who underwent PVA was conducted. The following data were recorded: age, sex, bone density, number of fractured vertebrae before surgery, number of treated vertebrae, severity of the treated vertebrae, operative approach, volume of injected bone cement, preoperative vertebral compression ratio, preoperative local kyphosis angle, intraosseous clefts, preoperative vertebral cortical bone defect, and ratio and type of cement leakage. To study the correlation between each factor and cement leakage ratio, bivariate regression analysis was employed to perform univariate analysis, whereas multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to perform multivariate analysis.

Results:
The study included 192 patients (282 treated vertebrae), and cement leakage occurred in 100 vertebrae (35.46%). The vertebrae with preoperative cortical bone defects generally exhibited higher cement leakage ratio, and the leakage is typically type C. Vertebrae with intact cortical bones before the procedure tend to experience type S leakage. Univariate analysis showed that patient age, bone density, number of fractured vertebrae before surgery, and vertebral cortical bone were associated with cement leakage ratio (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the main factors influencing bone cement leakage are bone density and vertebral cortical bone defect, with standardized partial regression coefficients of −0.085 and 0.144, respectively.

Conclusion:
High bone density and vertebral cortical bone defect are independent risk factors associated with bone cement leakage.
Keeping it in the family: the self‐rated health of lone mothers in different European welfare regimes
Authors: Van de Velde Sarah , Bambra Clare , Van der Bracht Koen , Eikemo Terje Andreas , Bracke Piet 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis study examines whether health inequalities exist between lone and cohabiting mothers across Europe, and how these may differ by welfare regime. Data from the European Social Survey were used to compare self‐rated general health, limiting long‐standing illness and depressive feelings by means of a multi‐level logistic regression. The 27 countries included in the analyses are classified into six welfare regimes (Anglo‐Saxon, Bismarckian, Southern, Nordic, Central East Europe (CEE) (newEU) andCEE(non‐EU). Lone motherhood is defined as mothers not cohabiting with a partner, regardless of their legal marital status. The results indicate that lone mothers are more at risk of poor health than cohabiting mothers. This is most pronounced in the Anglo‐Saxon regime for self‐rated general health and limiting long‐standing illness, while for depressive feelings it is most pronounced in the Bismarckian welfare regime. While the risk difference is smallest in theCEEregimes, both lone and cohabiting mothers also reported the highest levels of poor health compared with the other regimes. The results also show that a vulnerable socioeconomic position is associated with ill‐health in lone mothers and that welfare regimes differ in the degree to which they moderate this association.
Contrasting Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches to Rural Development Analysis: The Case of Agricultural Intensification in Lebanon
Authors: Hamade Kanj , Malorgio Giulio , Midmore Peter 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWhile peripheral rural regions in Lebanon face typical problems of lagging development and economic marginalisation, they have not been regarded as a priority for policy‐makers. Local extensionists have encouraged technological innovation as a means of improving farmers’ livelihoods, and this has led to increasing input use and an intensification of agricultural production. This paper applies contrasting quantitative and qualitative methodologies to analyse the effects of such changes at the level of the overall economy of Lebanon and also to explore the impacts on rural households. A computable general equilibrium (CGE) model simulates shocks in which agricultural output increases due to different types of intensification. The results are contrasted at local level through the use of qualitative case study analysis carried out in the Hermel district of northeast Lebanon. Quantitative simulations indicate that, while agricultural intensification has a positive effect overall on the Lebanese economy, the effects on rural households and the income of farmers are negative. The case‐study interviews demonstrate that, at local level, agricultural trade liberalisation, increased agricultural output and greater volatility of commodity prices have resulted in farmers opting for lower input use and more secure market forms of production.
Analysis of the First‐ and Second‐Generation Raving Dragon Novelty Bath Salts Containing Methylone and Pentedrone
Authors: Poklis Justin L. , Wolf Carl E. , ElJordi Omar I. , Liu Kai , Zhang Shijun , Poklis Alphonse 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn recent years, a large number of designer drugs sold as “Bath Salts” have appeared on the market. In July of 2011, Raving Dragon Novelty Bath Salts was obtained over the Internet. This product became unavailable in October of that year coinciding with the DEA issuing a temporarily schedule of mephedrone, methylone, and MDPV. Four months later in February of 2012, a new product was released from the same company under the new name Raving Dragon Voodoo Dust. The contents of both products were identified using spectroscopy methods: nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, UV–visible, tandem mass spectrometry, and high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. It was determined that Raving Dragon Novelty Bath Salts contained methylone. The replacement product Raving Dragon Voodoo Dust contained the unscheduled drug pentedrone. The Raving Dragon brand of products illustrates the rapid change of ingredients in these products to circumvent laws restricting availability, distribution, and use.
Using Facebook as a Space for Storytelling in Geographical Research
Authors: DE JONG ANNA 
Published: December 2014

AbstractGeographers have long been alert to the ways space matters to knowledge production and the stories participants choose to share. Despite such understandings, however, geographers remain surprisingly absent from discussions regarding the ways these concerns play out across online spaces. This article reflects on the employment of one online space, Facebook, as a site for storytelling in research exploring return journeys to two Australian festivals – the Big Day Out and Mardi Gras Parade. This article argues that insight over longer temporalities and shifting spatialities afforded through Facebook facilitates heightened understandings of the nuances, repetitions, differences and paradoxes of identities, encounters, and politics. Facebook, therefore, has the potential to allow for different ways of knowing that cannot be ascertained in more orthodox research spaces. Moreover, the slipperiness of conceptualisations of privacy and consent in this space draws attention to the necessity of understanding consent as fluid and ongoing, rather than antecedent to fieldwork commencement. Crucially, however, reconceptualisations of privacy and consent in this space expose potential obstacles university ethics committees may meet in responding to research moving online.
Aging and insulin signaling differentially control normal and tumorous germline stem cells
Authors: Kao Shih‐Han , Tseng Chen‐Yuan , Wan Chih‐Ling , Su Yu‐Han , Hsieh Chang‐Che , Pi Haiwei , Hsu Hwei‐Jan 
Published: December 2014

SummaryAging influences stem cells, but the processes involved remain unclear. Insulin signaling, which controls cellular nutrient sensing and organismal aging, regulates the G2 phase of Drosophila female germ line stem cell (GSC) division cycle in response to diet; furthermore, this signaling pathway is attenuated with age. The role of insulin signaling in GSCs as organisms age, however, is also unclear. Here, we report that aging results in the accumulation of tumorous GSCs, accompanied by a decline in GSC number and proliferation rate. Intriguingly, GSC loss with age is hastened by either accelerating (through eliminating expression of Myt1, a cell cycle inhibitory regulator) or delaying (through mutation of insulin receptor (dinR) GSC division, implying that disrupted cell cycle progression and insulin signaling contribute to age‐dependent GSC loss. As flies age, DNA damage accumulates in GSCs, and the S phase of the GSC cell cycle is prolonged. In addition, GSC tumors (which escape the normal stem cell regulatory microenvironment, known as the niche) still respond to aging in a similar manner to normal GSCs, suggesting that niche signals are not required for GSCs to sense or respond to aging. Finally, we show that GSCs from mated and unmated females behave similarly, indicating that female GSC–male communication does not affect GSCs with age. Our results indicate the differential effects of aging and diet mediated by insulin signaling on the stem cell division cycle, highlight the complexity of the regulation of stem cell aging, and describe a link between ovarian cancer and aging.
Association study of FOXO3A SNPs and aging phenotypes in Danish oldest‐old individuals
Authors: Soerensen Mette , Nygaard Marianne , Dato Serena , Stevnsner Tinna , Bohr Vilhelm A. , Christensen Kaare , Christiansen Lene 
Published: December 2014

SummaryFOXO3A variation has repeatedly been reported to associate with human longevity, yet only few studies have investigated whether FOXO3A variation also associates with aging‐related traits. Here, we investigate the association of 15 FOXO3A tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 1088 oldest‐old Danes (age 92–93) with 4 phenotypes known to predict their survival: cognitive function, hand grip strength, activity of daily living (ADL), and self‐rated health. Based on previous studies in humans and foxo animal models, we also explore self‐reported diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and bone (femur/spine/hip/wrist) fracture. Gene‐based testing revealed significant associations of FOXO3A variation with ADL (P = 0.044) and bone fracture (P = 0.006). The single‐SNP statistics behind the gene‐based analysis indicated increased ADL (decreased disability) and reduced bone fracture risk for carriers of the minor alleles of 8 and 10 SNPs, respectively. These positive directions of effects are in agreement with the positive effects on longevity previously reported for these SNPs. However, when correcting for the test of 9 phenotypes by Bonferroni correction, bone fracture showed borderline significance (P = 0.054), while ADL did not (P = 0.396). Although the single‐SNP associations did not formally replicate in another study population of oldest‐old Danes (n = 1279, age 94–100), the estimates were of similar direction of effect as observed in the Discovery sample. A pooled analysis of both study populations displayed similar or decreased sized P‐values for most associations, hereby supporting the initial findings. Nevertheless, confirmation in additional study populations is needed.
Purified IgG from Patients with Obstetric but not IgG from Non‐obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome Inhibit Trophoblast Invasion
Authors: Poulton Katie , Ripoll Vera M. , Pericleous Charis , Meroni Pier Luigi , Gerosa Maria , Ioannou Yiannis , Rahman Anisur , Giles Ian P. 
Published: December 2014

ProblemSome patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) suffer pregnancy morbidity (PM) but not vascular thrombosis (VT), whilst others suffer VT only. Therefore, we compared the effects of IgG from VT+/PM− and VT−/PM+ subjects on human first‐trimester trophoblast (HTR8) cells.Method of studyHTR‐8 cells were incubated with APS VT+/PM−, APS VT−/PM+ or healthy control (HC) IgG. We measured trophoblast invasion by cell invasion assay; mRNA expression of TLR4 and adaptor proteins; phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, NFκB and ERK; and expression of interleukin (IL)‐8 and IL‐6.ResultsVT−/PM+ IgG, but not VT+/PM− IgG significantly reduced HTR‐8 invasion. The effects on invasion were blocked by TLR‐4 inhibition. Neither VT+/PM− nor VT−/PM+ IgG altered MyD88 mRNA expression, phosphorylation of signalling molecules or cytokine expression.ConclusionsVT−/PM+ IgG exert functionally relevant effects on human trophoblast cells but VT+/PM− IgG do not.
Clinical outcomes of laparoscopic partial gastrectomy for gastric submucosal tumors
Authors: Hirota Masashi , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Miyazaki Yasuhiro , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Kurokawa Yukinori , Yamasaki Makoto , Miyata Hiroshi , Takiguchi Shuji , Nishida Toshirou , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic partial gastrectomy has become a common procedure for gastric submucosal tumors because of its accepted feasibility, safety, and oncologic outcomes. However, long‐term postoperative outcomes have not been determined, especially based on the location of submucosal tumors.MethodsWe reviewed 52 consecutive gastric submucosal tumor patients who underwent laparoscopic partial gastrectomy between 1999 and 2009. They were divided into a lesser curvature group (LC group, n = 23) and a greater curvature group (GC group, n = 26) according to tumor location. We compared the following postoperative data about gastric function between the two groups: (i) body weight change during the first postoperative year; (ii) gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating, heartburn, and dyspepsia); (iii) the amount of food residue at endoscopy; and (iv) the need for medications such as histamine H2‐receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, and prokinetic drugs.ResultsOnly a few patients – one in the LC group and two in the GC group – showed body weight loss (over 10%). Compared to the GC group (n = 0 in all three categories), the LC group showed significantly higher frequency of prolonged postoperative abdominal symptoms (n = 4, P = 0.042), food residue at endoscopic follow‐up (n = 4, P = 0.036), and postoperative medication use (n = 5, P = 0.016).ConclusionPatients who received laparoscopic partial gastrectomy did not have severe body weight loss, which suggests dysfunction of the gastric remnant. However, patients in the LC group should receive special attention, as they have a higher risk of developing postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms.
Biomarkers in post‐reperfusion syndrome after acute lower limb ischaemia
Authors: de Franciscis Stefano , De Caridi Giovanni , Massara Mafalda , Spinelli Francesco , Gallelli Luca , Buffone Gianluca , Caliò Francesco G , Butrico Lucia , Grande Raffaele , Serra Raffaele 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIschaemia reperfusion (I/R) injury refers to tissue damage caused when blood supply returns to the tissue after a period of ischaemia. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cytokines are biomarkers involved in several vascular complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of MMPs, NGAL and inflammatory cytokines in I/R syndrome. We conducted an open label, multicentric, parallel group study, between January 2010 and December 2013. Patients with acute limb ischaemia were enrolled in this study and were divided into two groups: (i) those subjected to fasciotomy and (ii) those not subjected to fasciotomy, according to the onset of compartment syndrome. Plasma and tissue values of MMPs and NGAL as well as plasma cytokines were evaluated. MMPs, NGAL and cytokine levels were higher in patients with compartment syndrome. Biomarkers evaluated in this study may be used in the future as predictors of I/R injury severity and its possible evolution towards post‐reperfusion syndrome.
LUDOLPH DISSEN, AUGUST BOECKH, GOTTFRIED HERMANN AND TYCHO MOMMSEN: TRACING ASYNDETON, STEERING INFLUENCE
Authors: XANTHOU MARIA G. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Ludolph Dissen's Excursus II on the use of asyndeton in poetic diction, accompanying his 1830 edition of Pindar's odes and fragments, sparked a controversy among German classical scholars, August Boeckh, Gottfried Hermann, Theodor Bergk, Friedrich Schneidewin, and Tycho Mommsen among them. Set in a diachronic framework, this article explores Dissen's observations in his Excursus II and argues that Dissen's and Mommsen's views mark the two ends of a diachronic spectrum, constructing a virtual diptych of literary and textual criticism, as both classical scholars tackled the use of asyndeton in their editions. Along this train of thought, it scrutinizes Dissen's influence on Mommsen's editio maior. It also discusses the influence exerted on their views by Boeckh's and Hermann's editorial practices. Hence, in the light of the rivalry between Boeckh and Hermann, the article explores their reaction to Dissen's observations. In conclusion, it argues that nineteenth-century German classical scholarship fertilized Pindaric literary criticism through large scale projects e.g. the edition of texts, as well as through subtle observations resulting from textual criticism and close reading.
‘LITERACIES’ – 60+ YEARS OF ‘READING’ THE AEGEAN LATE BRONZE AGE
Authors: BENNET JOHN 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Inaugurated in January 1954, the ‘Minoan Linear B Seminar’ explored the information emerging from Ventris' decipherment of Linear B in 1952. The new academic discipline of ‘Mycenaean Studies’ rapidly moved on from questions influenced by the field's ‘pre-history’ dating back a further 60 years to Evans' first publication on Aegean scripts. Intense philological and epigraphical research in the 1950s and 1960s laid the foundations for comparative study of the Mycenaean palatial societies, while a greater appreciation of archaeological data and contexts moved interpretation on in the 1980s and 1990s. Building on this tradition, Mycenaean studies currently needs more documents to sustain a ‘critical mass’ of researchers and, ideally, a new Ventris to unlock the Aegean scripts that remain undeciphered.
Metabolic Syndrome Parameters in adolescents may be determinants for the future periodontal diseases
Authors: Lee Kyeong‐Soo , Lee Sang Gyu , Kim Eun‐Kyong , Jin Hye‐Jung , Im Sang‐Uk , Lee Hee‐Kyung , Merchant Anwar T. , Song Keun‐Bae , Choi Youn‐Hee 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimThe prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases even in adolescents. The evidence that MetS is associated with the periodontal diseases in adolescents has been understudied. Therefore, our aim was to assess the association between MetS parameters and gingivitis in adolescents.Material and methodsA total of 941 participants (590 boys, 351 girls), aged 12–18 years was selected from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross‐sectional and nationally representative survey, which had had information on waist circumference, blood pressure, serum triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and the fasting blood sugar and community periodontal Index (CPI).ResultsThe number of positive parameters of MetS showed significant positive correlation with gingivitis; adjusted and crude ORs with one positive parameters of MetS were 1.92 (95% CI: 1.21–3.04) and 1.88(95% CI: 1.28–2.76), respectively. And adjusted OR with three or more positive parameters of MetS was 3.29 (95% CI: 1.24–8.71). Among five parameters of MetS, Low HDL‐cholesterol showed significant association with gingivitis (crude OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.20–3.73; adjusted OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.24–3.12).ConclusionsHaving more positive parameters of MetS and low HDL‐cholesterol parameter had an independent relationship with the prevalence of gingivitis, which may be determinants for the future periodontal diseases even in adolescents.