bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic interlaminar approach for intracanal L5‐S1 disc herniation: Classification of disc prolapse in relation to learning curve and surgical outcome
Authors: Passacantilli Emiliano , Lenzi Jacopo , Caporlingua Federico , Pescatori Lorenzo , Lapadula Gennaro , Nardone Antonio , Santoro Antonio 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe full endoscopic interlaminar approach (FEILA) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat intracanal lumbar disc herniation not approachable by endoscopic transforaminal access. Disc prolapses have been classified into three categories according to their position and passing nerve root displacement: (i) type A, in which the nerve root is displaced medially; (ii) type B, in which the nerve root is displaced laterally; and (iii) type C, in which the nerve root is ventrally displaced. We focused on the FEILA technique because it was likely to involve few complications and that provided the advantages of the endoscopic approach.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 100 consecutive cases of L5‐S1 disc herniations operated on with FEILA, including 85 type A cases, 13 type B, and 2 type C. Patients were evaluated at discharge, 3 months, 6 months and 2 years.ResultsThe operating time varied from 15 to 40 min. The use of drills and burrs was necessary to treat type B disc herniations; thus, it was preferable that these cases were operated on later in the learning curve. After surgery, 90% of neurological deficits improved. The Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale leg at last follow‐up were 15 and 9, respectively. There were no major complications. There were five cases of recurrence; four of which were treated with same technique and with good results.ConclusionFEILA is a safe procedure for the removal of intracanal L5‐S1 disc herniations. The late follow‐up confirms the stability of the results. We suggest treating type A prolapse at the beginning of the learning curve and type B herniations after sufficient experience in the use of the burrs has been achieved.
Surgery for synchronous colorectal cancers with double colonic anastomoses: A comparison of laparoscopic and open approaches
Authors: Takatsu Yukiko , Akiyoshi Takashi , Nagata Jun , Nagasaki Toshiya , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Fujimoto Yoshiya , Nagayama Satoshi , Fukunaga Yosuke , Ueno Masashi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of laparoscopic double colon resection and synchronous anastomosis for synchronous colorectal cancer.MethodsWe reviewed 42 consecutive patients who underwent double colon resection and synchronous anastomosis for synchronous colorectal cancer between 2000 and 2014. Clinical characteristics and short‐term outcomes were compared between laparoscopic (n = 27) and open (n = 15) groups.ResultsThere was no conversion to open surgery in the laparoscopic group. Operating time in the laparoscopic group was significantly longer than in the open group (373 vs 292 min), but estimated blood loss was significantly lower (40 vs 179 mL). Time to first flatus (1 vs 3 days) and length of hospital stay (12 vs 17 days) were significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group. The rate of postoperative complications was similar in both groups (19% vs 27%). The anastomotic leakage rate was 3.7% in the laparoscopic group and 20.0% in the open group.ConclusionLaparoscopic surgery with double colon resection and synchronous anastomosis for synchronous colorectal cancers is safe and has greater short‐term benefits than open surgery. It should be considered as a treatment option under optimal conditions.
Satellite cells isolated from skeletal muscle will proliferate faster in WENS yellow feather chicks
Authors: Gao Chun‐Qi , Zhang Hao‐Jie , Yan Hui‐Chao , Yuan Li , Dahanayaka Sudath , Li Hai‐Chang , Wang Xiu‐Qi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate the differential proliferation ability of satellite cells (SCs) derived from pectoral muscles (PM) with different fiber characteristics and further to explore the underlying molecular mechanism. WENS Yellow Feather Chicks (WYFC) were chosen as the animal model, with White Plymouth Rock Chicks (WPRC) as a comparison. The results showed that WPRC had higher body and pectoral muscle weight than WYFC at 4 days old (P < 0.05). However, WYFC showed greater fiber numbers/mm2 but smaller fiber cross‐sectional area compared with WPRC in PM (P < 0.05). SCs derived from PM of WYFC had a faster proliferation rate but smaller cell size compared with that from PM of WPRC (P < 0.05). The percentage of cell population in G2/M phase and the messenger RNA abundance of TSC1 (P = 0.08), Rheb (P = 0.07) and target of rapamycin (TOR, P = 0.06) in WYFC were higher than that in WPRC. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that SCs isolated from PM of WYFC had faster proliferation rate but smaller cell size than that in WPRC. The higher SC proliferation in WYFC may be due to higher gene expression of TOR signaling pathway than in WPRC, and the larger cell size of WPRC may be due to higher insulin‐like growth factor‐1 expression than in WYFC.
Mycophenolate mofetil therapy for severe immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Taylor Alice , Neave Lucy , Solanki Shalini , Westwood John Paul , Terrinonive Ilaria , McGuckin Siobhan , Kothari Jaimal , Cooper Nichola , Stasi Roberto , Scully Marie 
Published: August 2015

SummarySevere immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) presents a clinical challenge. Second‐line treatment options are variable without a precise protocol. We present 46 severe ITP patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), retrospectively identified from three London teaching hospitals. Data was collected on patient demographics, co‐morbidities and previous treatment strategies. Our key interest was whether there was a sustained response in platelet count to MMF. Patients included 27 males and 19 females whose ages ranged from 19 to 93 years old (median 52·5 years). Twenty‐nine had primary ITP and 17 had secondary ITP, a third of whom had viral‐associated disease. The standard dose of MMF was 1 g/day. Twenty‐four patients (52%) responded with 15 (33%) achieving a complete response. No active viral‐associated ITP patients demonstrated a response to MMF, although numbers were small (n = 4). We were not able to demonstrate a difference between responders and non‐responders based on gender, age, previous therapies or time since diagnosis of ITP. Three of four previously splenectomized patients responded, two achieving complete response. We conclude that MMF is a useful steroid‐sparing immunosuppressant to be considered in the second‐line or later treatment of ITP.
Molecular dynamics and functional studies define a hot spot of crystal contacts essential for PcTx1 inhibition of acid‐sensing ion channel 1a
Authors: Saez Natalie J , Deplazes Evelyne , Cristofori‐Armstrong Ben , Chassagnon Irène R , Lin Xiaozhen , Mobli Mehdi , Mark Alan E , Rash Lachlan D , King Glenn F 
Published: August 2015

Background and PurposeThe spider‐venom peptide PcTx1 is the most potent and selective inhibitor of acid‐sensing ion channel (ASIC) 1a. It has centrally acting analgesic activity and is neuroprotective in rodent models of ischaemic stroke. Understanding the molecular details of the PcTx1 : ASIC1a interaction should facilitate development of therapeutically useful ASIC1a modulators. Previously, we showed that several key pharmacophore residues of PcTx1 reside in a dynamic β‐hairpin loop; conclusions confirmed by recent crystal structures of the complex formed between PcTx1 and chicken ASIC1 (cASIC1). Numerous peptide : channel contacts were observed in these crystal structures, but it remains unclear which of these are functionally important.Experimental ApproachWe combined molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the PcTx1 : cASIC1 complex with mutagenesis of PcTx1 and rat ASIC1a.Key ResultsCrystal structures of the PcTx1 : cASIC1 complex indicated that 15 PcTx1 residues form a total of 57 pairwise intermolecular contacts (<5 Å) with 32 channel residues. MD simulations, however, suggested that about half of these interactions do not persist in solution. Mutation to alanine of only eight of 15 PcTx1 contact residues substantially altered ASIC1a inhibition by PcTx1. Our data reveal that many of the peptide–channel interactions observed in the PcTx1 : cASIC1 crystal structures are not important for PcTx1 inhibition of rat ASIC1a.Conclusions and ImplicationsWe identified the atomic interactions that are critical for PcTx1 inhibition of ASIC1a. Our data highlight the value of combining structural information, MD and functional experiments to obtain detailed insight into the molecular basis of protein : protein interactions.
Different downstream signalling of CCK1 receptors regulates distinct functions of CCK in pancreatic beta cells
Authors: Ning Shang‐lei , Zheng Wen‐shuai , Su Jing , Liang Nan , Li Hui , Zhang Dao‐lai , Liu Chun‐hua , Dong Jun‐hong , Zhang Zheng‐kui , Cui Min , Hu Qiao‐Xia , Chen Chao‐chao , Liu Chang‐hong , Wang Chuan , Pang Qi , Chen Yu‐xin , Yu Xiao , Sun Jin‐peng 
Published: August 2015

Background and PurposeCholecystokinin (CCK) is secreted by intestinal I cells and regulates important metabolic functions. In pancreatic islets, CCK controls beta cell functions primarily through CCK1 receptors, but the signalling pathways downstream of these receptors in pancreatic beta cells are not well defined.Experimental ApproachApoptosis in pancreatic beta cell apoptosis was evaluated using Hoechst‐33342 staining, TUNEL assays and Annexin‐V‐FITC/PI staining. Insulin secretion and second messenger production were monitored using ELISAs. Protein and phospho‐protein levels were determined by Western blotting. A glucose tolerance test was carried out to examine the functions of CCK‐8s in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice.Key ResultsThe sulfated carboxy‐terminal octapeptide CCK26‐33 amide (CCK‐8s) activated CCK1 receptors and induced accumulation of both IP3 and cAMP. Whereas Gq‐PLC‐IP3 signalling was required for the CCK‐8s‐induced insulin secretion under low‐glucose conditions, Gs‐PKA/Epac signalling contributed more strongly to the CCK‐8s‐mediated insulin secretion in high‐glucose conditions. CCK‐8s also promoted formation of the CCK1 receptor/β‐arrestin‐1 complex in pancreatic beta cells. Using β‐arrestin‐1 knockout mice, we demonstrated that β‐arrestin‐1 is a key mediator of both CCK‐8s‐mediated insulin secretion and of its the protective effect against apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells. The anti‐apoptotic effects of β‐arrestin‐1 occurred through cytoplasmic late‐phase ERK activation, which activates the 90‐kDa ribosomal S6 kinase‐phospho–Bcl‐2‐family protein pathway.Conclusions and ImplicationsKnowledge of different CCK1 receptor‐activated downstream signalling pathways in the regulation of distinct functions of pancreatic beta cells could be used to identify biased CCK1 receptor ligands for the development of new anti‐diabetic drugs.
Forest Fragmentation Drives the Loss of Insectivorous Birds and an Associated Increase in Herbivory
Authors: Peter Franziska , Berens Dana G. , Grieve Graham R. , Farwig Nina 
Published: August 2015

AbstractInsectivorous birds are known to play a decisive role for the natural control of herbivorous insects. Thus, they enhance the growth, reproduction, and survival of plant individuals and in the long‐term benefit plant regeneration. However, particularly in the tropics, forest fragmentation has been suggested to cause a loss of insectivorous birds. Yet, it is unclear whether this hampers the trophic control of herbivorous insects with potential consequences for plants. Therefore, we investigated the effect of increasing forest fragmentation on tritrophic interactions between insectivorous birds, herbivorous insects, and plants in a subtropical forest landscape, South Africa. We monitored the community composition of birds and estimated insectivorous bird abundances along a gradient of forest fragmentation. In the same sites, we installed bird exclosures on a common plant species (Englerophytum natalense) to assess effects of the trophic control of insectivorous birds on herbivorous insects and leaf area loss (LAL). Forest fragmentation strongly shaped the functional composition of bird communities, particularly through a loss of forest‐dependent insectivorous birds. Moreover, LAL was higher within bird exclosures than on control branches and increased with increasing forest fragmentation on the control branches. Altogether, forest fragmentation seems to hamper the trophic control of herbivorous insects by insectivorous birds through changes in the community composition. This, in turn, may interfere with tritrophic interactions and ecological processes. Thus, conservation efforts aiming at enhancing the natural control of herbivorous insects should focus on the maintenance of continuous indigenous forests that are well‐connected to smaller forest fragments on the landscape scale.
Communicative interactions between visually impaired mothers and their sighted children: analysis of gaze, facial expressions, voice and physical contacts
Authors: Chiesa S. , Galati D. , Schmidt S. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundSocial and emotional development of infants and young children is largely based on the communicative interaction with their mother, or principal caretaker (Trevarthen ). The main modalities implied in this early communication are voice, facial expressions and gaze (Stern ). This study aims at analysing early mother–child interactions in the case of visually impaired mothers who do not have access to their children's gaze and facial expressions.MethodsSpontaneous play interactions between seven visually impaired mothers and their sighted children aged between 6 months and 3 years were filmed. These dyads were compared with a control group of sighted mothers and children analysing four modalities of communication and interaction regulation: gaze, physical contacts, verbal productions and facial expressions.ResultsThe visually impaired mothers' facial expressions differed from the ones of sighted mothers mainly with respect to forehead movements, leading to an impoverishment of conveyed meaning. Regarding the other communicative modalities, results suggest that visually impaired mothers and their children use compensatory strategies to guaranty harmonic interaction despite the mother's impairment: whereas gaze results the main factor of interaction regulation in sighted dyads, physical contacts and verbal productions assume a prevalent role in dyads with visually impaired mothers. Moreover, visually impaired mother's children seem to be able to differentiate between their mother and sighted interaction partners, adapting differential modes of communication.ConclusionsThe results of this study show that, in spite of the obvious differences in the modes of communication, visual impairment does not prevent a harmonious interaction with the child.
Reciprocal Relations Between Student–Teacher Relationship and Children's Behavioral Problems: Moderation by Child‐Care Group Size
Authors: Skalická Věra , Belsky Jay , Stenseng Frode , Wichstrøm Lars 
Published: August 2015

In this Norwegian study, bidirectional relations between children's behavior problems and child–teacher conflict and closeness were examined, and the possibility of moderation of these associations by child‐care group size was tested. Eight hundred and nineteen 4‐year‐old children were followed up in first grade. Results revealed reciprocal effects linking child–teacher conflict and behavior problems. Effects of child–teacher closeness on later behavior problems were moderated by group size: For children in small groups only (i.e., ≤ 15 children), greater closeness predicted reduced behavior problems in first grade. In consequence, stability of behavior problems was greater in larger than in smaller groups. Results are discussed in light of regulatory mechanisms and social learning theory, with possible implications for organization of child care.
A Survey of Geometric Analysis in Cultural Heritage
Authors: Pintus Ruggero , Pal Kazim , Yang Ying , Weyrich Tim , Gobbetti Enrico , Rushmeier Holly 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe present a review of recent techniques for performing geometric analysis in cultural heritage (CH) applications. The survey is aimed at researchers in the areas of computer graphics, computer vision and CH computing, as well as to scholars and practitioners in the CH field. The problems considered include shape perception enhancement, restoration and preservation support, monitoring over time, object interpretation and collection analysis. All of these problems typically rely on an understanding of the structure of the shapes in question at both a local and global level. In this survey, we discuss the different problem forms and review the main solution methods, aided by classification criteria based on the geometric scale at which the analysis is performed and the cardinality of the relationships among object parts exploited during the analysis. We finalize the report by discussing open problems and future perspectives.
Adhesion Properties of Human Oral Epithelial‐Derived Cells to Zirconia
Authors: Okabe Eijiro , Ishihara Yuichi , Kikuchi Takeshi , Izawa Ario , Kobayashi Shuichiro , Goto Hisashi , Kamiya Yosuke , Sasaki Keisuke , Ban Seiji , Noguchi Toshihide , Kawai Tatsushi , Mitani Akio 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have examined epithelial attachment to zirconia and the proliferative ability of epithelial cells on zirconia surfaces.PurposeTo evaluate the adhesion properties of zirconia materials for epithelial cell attachment and compare this with titanium and alumina.Materials and MethodsHuman oral epithelial cells were cultured on smooth‐surfaced specimens of commercially pure titanium (cpTi), ceria‐stabilized zirconia/alumina nano‐composite (P‐NANOZR), yttria‐stabilized zirconia (Cercon), and alumina oxide (inCoris AL). The cell morphology, the cell viability and mRNA of integrin β4, laminin γ2, catenin δ2, and E‐cadherin were evaluated by SEM, Cell‐Counting Kit‐8, and real‐time PCR, respectively.ResultsMorphology of cells attached to specimens was similar among all groups. The viable cell numbers on Cercon and inCoris AL after 24 hours culture were significantly higher than for cpTi. Integrin β4, laminin γ2, and catenin δ2 mRNA expression was not different among all groups. However, at 3 and 24 hours after incubation, E‐cadherin mRNA expression in the P‐NANOZR group was significantly higher than for cpTi.ConclusionZirconia may support binding of epithelial cells through hemidesmosomes comparable with titanium. Furthermore, P‐NANOZR may impart resistance to exogenous stimuli through strong intercellular contacts with peri‐implant mucosal cells when used as an abutment and implant superstructure.
Effect of double conical abutment screw on implant preload
Authors: Arnetzl Gerwin Vincent , Payer Michael , Falkensammer Frank , Arnetzl Gerwin 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveThis study compared the loosening torque of experimental double conical abutment screws to that of conventional conical abutment screws and flat‐head screws in implants with internal connections before and after mechanical loading.Material and methodsEighty implant–screw–abutment assemblies were divided into four groups: flat‐head screw (Xive S), conical screw (Straumann), conical screw (Nobel Biocare), and double conical screw (RTB). Abutments were tightened to a torque of 30 Ncm. After 10 min, they were retightened and loosening torque was measured. The same abutments were then retightened with new screws to a torque of 30 Ncm and, again, retightened after 10 min. They were then mechanically loaded for 3 000 000 cycles, and loosening torque was again measured. Data were collected, and an exploratory analysis was performed.ResultsComparisons before mechanical cycling showed significant differences between groups. After mechanical cycling, only the comparisons of Straumann and Nobel Biocare showed no significant differences. Considering the same group before and after mechanical cycling, all comparisons showed significant differences.ConclusionThe shape of the abutment screw head significantly influenced loosening torque: Double conical‐head screws showed significantly higher loosening torque values than conical‐head screws. Conical‐head screws showed higher loosening torque values than conventional flat‐head screws before and after loading.
Outpatient‐based injection laryngoplasty for the management of unilateral vocal fold paralysis – clinical outcomes from a UK centre
Authors: Mohammed H. , Masterson L. , Gendy S. , Nassif R. 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo assess voice outcomes in patients undergoing vocal fold injection (VFI) augmentation laryngoplasty in a clinic‐based setting.MethodsA prospective study of patients with unilateral vocal cord palsy undergoing Radiesse® vocal cord augmentation. We used the ten‐item voice handicap index (VHI‐10) as a postal survey before and after the intervention.ResultsA total of 43 patients were referred to our ENT clinic from June 2011 to October 2014 with unilateral vocal cord palsy. The majority were referred from the oncology department with mediastinal tumours. Fifteen patients died of malignant disease. Twenty‐one patients responded to our survey. VHI‐10 scores were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance (anova), and the results suggest a sustained improvement before and after the intervention (pre‐injection versus 3 months post‐injection P < 0.01; pre‐injection versus 6 months post‐injection P < 0.033).ConclusionThis is the largest case series of patients who had a local anaesthetic vocal cord injection with calcium hydroxylapaptite using the trans‐thyrohyoid approach. Early data would suggest that the results are similar to injections performed under general anaesthesia when performed by an experienced laryngologist. VFI in a clinic‐based (awake) setting has the distinct advantage of providing instant feedback of vocal fold closure and voice outcome during the procedure, avoiding general anaesthesia with its inherent risks and cost and also the limitations of difficult exposure.
A surgical view on the treatment of Madelung's disease
Authors: Sharma N. , Hunter‐Smith D. J. , Rizzitelli A. , Rozen W. M. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryBenign symmetrical lipomatosis (Madelung's disease) is a rare condition of unclear aetiology characterized by numerous, unencapsulated lipomatous deposits. The only effective treatment is by surgical intervention; however, there is no consensus in the optimal approach. We present the case of a patient who required staged, multi‐modality treatment to achieve disease quiescence. The case highlights the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging as a tool for assessment as well as preoperative planning.