bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of safety and stability of C-2 pars and pedicle screws for atlantoaxial fusion: meta-analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Elliott Robert E. , Tanweer Omar , Boah Akwasi , Smith Michael L. , Frempong-Boadu Anthony 
Published: October 2012

Object
Some centers report a lower incidence of vertebral artery (VA) injury with C-2 pars screws compared with pedicle screws without sacrificing construct stability, despite biomechanical studies suggesting greater load failures with C-2 pedicle screws. The authors reviewed published series describing C-2 pars and pedicle screw implantation and atlantoaxial fusions and compared the incidence of VA injury, screw malposition, and successful atlantoaxial fusion with each screw type.

Methods
Online databases were searched for English-language articles between 1994 and April of 2011 describing the clinical and radiographic outcomes following posterior atlantoaxial fusion with C-1 lateral mass and either C-2 pars interarticularis or pedicle screws. Thirty-three studies describing 2975 C-2 pedicle screws and 11 studies describing 405 C-2 pars screws met inclusion criteria for the safety analysis. Seven studies describing 113 patients treated with C-2 pars screws and 20 studies describing 918 patients treated with C-2 pedicle screws met inclusion criteria for fusion analysis. Standard and formal meta-analysis techniques were used to compare outcomes.

Results
All studies provided Class III evidence. Ten instances of VA injury occurred with C-2 pedicle screws (0.3%) and no VA injury occurred with pars screws. The point estimate of VA injury for C-2 pedicle screws was 1.09% (95% CI 0.73%–1.63%) and was similar to that of C-2 pars screws (1.48%, 95% CI 0.62%–3.52%). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of clinically significant screw malpositions (1.14% [95% CI 0.77%–1.69%) vs 1.69% [95% CI 0.73%–3.84%]). Radiographically identified screw malposition occurred in a higher proportion of C-2 pedicle screws compared with C-2 pars screws (6.0% [95% CI 3.7%–9.6%] vs 4.0% [95% CI 2.0%–7.6%], p < 0.0001). Pseudarthrosis occurred in a greater proportion of patients treated with C-2 pars screws (5 [4.4%] of 113) compared with those treated with C-2 pedicle screws (2 [0.22%] of 900). Point estimates with 95% confidence intervals show a slightly higher rate of successful atlantoaxial fusion in the pedicle screw cohort (97.8% [CI 96.0%–98.8%] vs 93.5% [CI 86.6%–97.0%]; p < 0.0001). Q-testing ruled out heterogeneity between the study groups.

Conclusions
With a thorough knowledge of axis anatomy, surgeons can place both C-2 pars and C-2 pedicle screws accurately with a small risk of VA injury or clinically significant malposition. There may be subtle trade-off of safety for rigidity when using axial pedicle instead of pars screws, and the decision to use either screw type must be made only after careful review of the preoperative CT imaging and must take into account the surgeon's expertise and the particular demands of the clinical scenario in any given case.
Development of ethosomes with taguchi robust design-based studies for transdermal delivery of alfuzosin hydrochloride
Authors: Prasanthi D , Lakshmi P K 
Published: October 2012

In the present investigation efficiency of ethosomes as novel lipid carriers for transdermal delivery of Alfuzosin Hydrochloride (AH) has been evaluated. Taguchi robust design method was used for optimization of ethosomal formulations. Phospholipid type, concentration of phospholipid and concentration of ethanol was selected as independent variables and their effect on the dependent variables (entrapment efficiency and flux) was studied. Ethosomal formulation (EA8) with soya phosphatidylcholine (3%) and ethanol 20% were optimized. Vesicles were spherical, unilamellar with smooth surface. The optimized formulation exhibited vesicle size (6.85 ± 1.35µm), zeta potential (-8.14 ± 0.62mv), entrapment efficiency (91.86 ± 3.25%), flux (27.42 ± 0.04µg/cm2/hr), lag time (0.26±0.20hr) and skin deposition (298.01 ± 15.4µg/g). Transdermal flux was enhanced by 6.92 times over drug solution. Vesicle skin interaction studies showed fatty change in the dermis. The formulations were stable at 4°C for 120 days. Results suggested ethosomes as efficient carriers for AH transdermal delivery.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i11.12063 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(11): 370-375
Increased Fdg Uptake in Association with Reduced Extremity Fat in HIV Patients
Authors: Torriani Martin , Zanni Markella V , Fitch Kathleen , Stavrou Eleni , Bredella Miriam A , Lim Ruth , Cypess Aaron M , Grinspoon Steven 
Published: October 2012

Background HIV lipodystrophy – characterized by peripheral lipoatrophy, with or without central fat accumulation – confers increased metabolic risk. However, the functional activity of HIV lipodystrophic tissue in relation to metabolic risk has yet to be fully explored in vivo through the use of non-invasive imaging techniques. This study assesses the relationship between FDG uptake in various fat depots and metabolic/immune parameters among subjects with HIV lipodystrophy. Methods Lipodystrophic men on antiretroviral therapy underwent whole-body 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/computed tomography scans and detailed metabolic/immune phenotyping. Results FDG uptake in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of the extremities (mean standardized uptake value [SUV] of the arm and leg SAT) was found to correlate with the degree of peripheral lipoatrophy ( r=0.7; P=0.01). Extremity SAT FDG uptake was positively associated with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; r=0.6; P=0.02) and fasting hyperinsulinaemia ( r=0.7; P=0.01), while fat percentage of extremities was not. Furthermore, extremity SAT FDG uptake was significantly associated with CD4+ T-cell count ( r=0.6; P=0.05). In multivariate modelling for HOMA-IR, extremity SAT FDG uptake remained significant after controlling for body mass index and tumour necrosis factor-α (R2 for model =0.71, P=0.02; SUV in the extremity SAT β-estimate 12.3, P=0.009). Conclusions In HIV lipodystrophic patients, extremity SAT FDG uptake is increased in association with reduced extremity fat and may contribute to insulin resistance. Non-invasive assessments of in situ inflammation using FDG-PET may usefully complement histological and gene expression analyses of metabolic dysregulation in peripheral fat among HIV-positive patients.
Do the prophetic and reformist approaches in Christian ethics exclude one another? A responsibility ethics attempt at reconciliation
Authors: De Villiers D. Etienne 
Published: October 2012

In the article the view that was expressed in, inter alia, the Kairos Document, that the prophetic and reformist approaches in Christian Ethics exclude one another, was challenged. A case was argued against this view by drawing on Reinhard Kratz’s book on the latest research findings on prophecy in the Old Testament, James Gustafson’s distinction of four modes of moral discourse and Walter Brueggemann’s view that prophetic texts are acts of imagination that offer and purpose ‘alternative worlds’. The conclusion was that the prophetic and reformist approaches rather complement, overlap and interpenetrate one another. In the last part of the article an argument was presented that both of the two approaches can be accommodated and integrated in a Christian ethics of responsibility. Sluit die profetiese en hervormingsbenaderings in die Christelike etiek mekaar uit? ‘n Verantwoordelikheidsetiese poging tot versoening. In die artikel is standpunt ingeneem teen die beskouing wat onder andere in die Kairos Dokument uitdrukking vind, dat die profetiese en hervormingsbenaderings in die Christelike Etiek mekaar uitsluit. ‘n Saak is beredeneer teen hierdie beskouing met ‘n beroep op Reinhard Kratz se boek oor die nuutste bevindings oor Ou Testamentiese profesie, James Gustafson se onderskeiding van vier modi van morele diskoers en Walter Brueggemann se beskouing dat profetiese tekste verbeeldingryk aan ons die moontlikheid van ‘n alternatiewe wêreld voorhou. Die gevolgtrekking was dat die profetiese en hervormingsbenaderings mekaar eerder aanvul, oorvleuel en bevrug. In die laaste gedeelte van die artikel was geredeneer dat beide hierdie benaderings geakkommodeer en geïntegreer kan word in ‘n Christelike etiek van verantwoordelikheid.
Chemoselective Synthesis of Naphthylamides and Isoquinolinones via Rhodium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Dehydrogenative Annulation of Benzamides with Alkynes
Authors: Shi Zhuangzhi , Tang Conghui , Jiao Ning 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA rhodium(III)‐catalyzed direct dehydrogenative annulation of benzamides with alkynes through chelating‐assisted CH activation has been developed. Naphthylamide and isoquinolinone derivatives can be chemoselectively obtained by this protocol.
Geomorphic coupling between hillslopes and channels in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Savi Sara , Schneuwly‐Bollschweiler Michelle , Bommer‐Denns Bastian , Stoffel Markus , Schlunegger Fritz 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTThe coupling relationships between hillslope and channel network are fundamental for the understanding of mountainous landscapes' evolution. Here, we applied dendrogeomorphic methods to identify the hillslope–channel relationship and the sediment transfer dynamics within an alpine catchment, at the highest possible resolution. The Schimbrig catchment is located in the central Swiss Alps and can be divided into two distinct geomorphic sectors. To the east, the Schimbrig earth flow is the largest sediment source of the basin, while to the west, the Rossloch channel network is affected by numerous shallow landslides responsible for the supply of sediment from hillslopes to channels. To understand the connectivity between hillslopes and channels and between sources and sink, trees were sampled along the main Rossloch stream, on the Schimbrig earth flow and on the Rossloch depositional area. Geomorphic observations and dendrogeomophic results indicate different mechanisms of sediment production, transfer and deposition between upper and lower segments of the channel network. In the source areas (upper part of the Rossloch channel system), sediment is delivered to the channel network through slow movements of the ground, typical of earth flow, shallow landslides and soil creep. Contrariwise, in the depositional area (lower part of the channel network), the mechanisms of sediment transfer are mainly due to torrential activity, floods and debris flows. Tree analysis allowed the reconstruction of periods of high activity during the last century for the entire catchment. The collected dataset presents a very high temporal resolution but we encountered some limitations in establishing the source‐to‐sink connectivity at the catchment‐wide scale. Despite these uncertainties, for decennial timescales the results suggest a direct coupling between hillslopes and neighbouring channels in the Rossloch channel network, and a de‐coupling between sediment sources and sink farther downstream, with connections possible only during extraordinary events. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visfatin induces stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 expression by β1 integrin signaling in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Huang Wen‐Shih , Chen Cheng‐Nan , Sze Chun‐I , Teng Chih‐Chuan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObesity has been shown to be associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Adipokines produced by the adipose tissue are linked to some malignancies, including CRC. Visfatin is an adipokine shown to be a biomarker of CRC malignant potential. In addition, the stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) has been reported to play a role in CRC progression. Although the relationship between visfatin and CRC has been established, the underlying mechanism has not been clarified. We investigated the molecular mechanism governing the interaction between visfatin stimulation and SDF‐1 expression in human CRC cell lines. We found that visfatin stimulation led to an increase in the expression and secretion of SDF‐1 in CRC DLD‐1 and SW48 cells. Experiments involving specific inhibitors and small interfering RNA demonstrated that the activation of ERK and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways are critical for visfatin‐induced SDF‐1 expression. Analysis of transcription factor binding using ELISA and luciferase reporter assays revealed that visfatin increased NF‐κB‐ and AP‐1‐DNA‐binding activities in DLD‐1 cells. Inhibition of NF‐κB and AP‐1 activation blocked the visfatin‐induced expression and activity of the SDF‐1 promoter. The effect of visfatin on DLD‐1 signaling and SDF‐1 expression was mediated by β1 integrin. In summary, these findings provide novel insights pertaining to the pathophysiological role of visfatin in CRC. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An fMRI investigation of working memory and its relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness in pediatric posterior fossa tumor survivors who received cranial radiation therapy
Authors: Wolfe Kelly R. , Madan‐Swain Avi , Hunter Gary R. , Reddy Alyssa T. , Baños James , Kana Rajesh K. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe present study investigated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functioning in pediatric brain tumor survivors who received cranial radiation. This population is known to show executive dysfunction and lower rates of aerobic exercise compared to peers.ProcedureNine adolescent survivors of pediatric posterior fossa tumor completed an n‐back working memory task during a functional MRI scan, as well as cardiorespiratory fitness testing on a cycle ergometer.ResultsNeuroimaging findings indicated typical activation patterns associated with working memory, mainly in the frontal–parietal network. Higher cardiorespiratory fitness was related to better performance on a behavioral measure of working memory and more efficient neural functioning.ConclusionsThis study provides preliminary evidence that cardiorespiratory fitness may be related to executive functioning, particularly working memory, in pediatric brain tumor survivors. Descriptions of the brain regions recruited for working memory by pediatric brain tumor survivors may be used to inform future interventions or indicators of treatment efficacy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 669–675. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aspergillus galactomannan antigen assay and invasive aspergillosis in pediatric cancer patients and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Choi Soo‐Han , Kang Eun‐Suk , Eo Hong , Yoo So‐Young , Kim Ji Hye , Yoo Keon Hee , Sung Ki Woong , Koo Hong Hoe , Kim Yae‐Jean 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundInvasive aspergillosis (IA) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised children. We investigated the usefulness of an Aspergillus galactomannan (GM) antigen assay as a diagnostic tool for IA in pediatric cancer patients and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients.ProcedureThe GM antigen assay results were analyzed in 749 blood samples from 99 patients. A GM index (GMI) greater than or equal to 0.5 on at least two separate occasions was considered positive. A review of the clinical data was performed for subjects with proven or probable IA.ResultsTwenty‐one of 23 patients with proven or probable IA had positive GM antigen test results (91.3% sensitivity, 95% CI 71.9–98.9; 81.7% specificity, 95% CI 69.6–90.5; P < 0.0001). The false‐positive rate was 18.3%. Being younger than 3 years of age, having a solid tumor, and receiving HCT within 4 weeks of the test were statistically significant factors for causing false‐positive results (P < 0.05). Among the 23 patients with IA (six proven, 17 probable), 16 (69.6%) had hematological malignancies, five (22.7%) had solid tumors, and two (8.7%) had primary immunodeficiency. Nineteen patients (82.6%) received HCT. The most common clinical site of IA was the lungs (91.3%), and consolidation was the most frequent finding in chest CT scans (36.8%). The mortality at 12 weeks was 43.5%.ConclusionsHaving a positive GM assay at least twice is useful in diagnosing IA in pediatric patients with cancer and HCT recipients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:316–322. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
For critical social-ecological system studies: integrating power and discourses to move beyond the right institutional fit
Authors: CLEMENT FLORIANE 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYOvercoming the ‘panacea problem’ has been a major challenge for scholars devoted to the study of social-ecological systems (SESs). Panaceas are overly simplified institutional prescriptions, which have recurrently misguided natural resource policies across the world. To address this challenge, SES-scholars have focused their efforts on identifying the right institutional fit for a particular system, and a major initiative to refine the analysis of human-environment interaction has been the development of a multi-tiered interdisciplinary framework, called the SES framework. SES studies and analytical frameworks need to go beyond their current focus on finding the right institutional fit by positing power and discourses as key components of the analysis of SESs.
Burden of Clostridium difficile Infection in Long-Term Care Facilities in Monroe County, New York
Authors: Pawar Deepa , Tsay Rebecca , Nelson Deborah S. , Elumalai Meena Kumari , Lessa Fernanda C. , McDonald L. Clifford , Dumyati Ghinwa 
Published: October 2012

Background.Long-term care facility (LTCF) residents are at increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). However, little is known about the incidence, recurrence, and severity of CDI in LTCFs or the extent to which acute care exposure contributes to CDI in LTCFs. We describe the epidemiology of CDI in a cohort of LTCF residents in Monroe County, New York, where recent estimates suggest a CDI incidence in hospitals of 9.2 cases per 10,000 patient-days.Design.Population-based surveillance study.Setting.Monroe County, New York.Patients.LTCF residents with onset of CDI while in the LTCF or less than 4 calendar-days after hospital admission from the LTCF from January 1 through December 31, 2010.Methods.We conducted surveillance for CDI in residents of 33 LTCFs. A CDI case was defined as a stool specimen positive for C. difficile obtained from a patient without a C. difficile-positive specimen in the previous 8 weeks; recurrence was defined as a stool specimen positive for C. difficile obtained between 2 and 8 weeks after the last C. difficile-positive stool specimen.Results.There were 425 LTCF-onset cases and 184 recurrences, which yielded an incidence of 2.3 cases per 10,000 resident-days (interquartile range [IQR], 1.2–3.3) and a recurrence rate of 1.0 case per 10,000 resident-days (IQR, 0.3–1.4). The cases occurred in 394 LTCF residents, and 52% of these residents developed CDI within 4 weeks after hospital discharge. Hospitalization for CDI occurred in 70 cases (16%). Of those cases that involved hospitalization for CDI, 70% were severe CDI, and 23% ended in death within 30 days after hospital admission.Conclusion.CDI incidence in Monroe County LTCFs is one-fourth the incidence among hospitalized patients. Approximately 50% of LTCF-onset cases occurred more than 4 weeks after hospital discharge, which emphasizes that prevention of CDI transmission should go beyond acute care settings.
Global biogeography and diversification of palms sheds light on the evolution of tropical lineages. I. Historical biogeography
Authors: Baker William J. , Couvreur Thomas L.P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimPalms (Arecaceae/Palmae) are a model group for evolutionary studies in the tropics. Family‐wide data on taxonomy, phylogenetics and distribution are now available, but a general framework of palm evolution is still lacking. The overall aim of this study, published in two companion papers, is to seek evolutionary explanations for the geographical distribution of palm lineages and species diversity patterns at global and regional levels. In this first paper we undertake a detailed analysis of palm biogeography for all major lineages in a global context, comparing our results to the fossil record, molecular dating studies and previously established biogeographical hypotheses for the family.LocationGlobal.MethodsA dated phylogeny of all palm genera and distributional data were used to infer ancestral areas. A global model of area evolution for tropical lineages was formulated and ancestral areas were reconstructed using a maximum likelihood approach under the dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis model.ResultsThe crown node divergence of palms and divergences of all five subfamilies occurred before the end of the Cretaceous within Laurasian regions. Early range expansions into South America took place in the stem lineages of subfamilies Arecoideae and Ceroxyloideae, and into Africa and South America in Cretaceous lineages within subfamily Calamoideae. The largest subfamily Arecoideae underwent its early diversification history in South America and has been an important source of lineages expanding into other regions, notably in the major Indo‐Pacific tribe Areceae. In contrast, the history of subfamily Coryphoideae was primarily Laurasian, supporting earlier boreotropical hypotheses for the group. Dispersals across Wallace's Line are prevalent in major groups of Arecoideae, Calamoideae and Coryphoideae, both before and after the Miocene geological evolution of the Malesian Archipelago.Main conclusionsWe present the first robust biogeographical hypothesis for the evolution of palms in space and time. Although palms show evidence of dispersal limitation, our findings highlight the role of long‐distance dispersal events in the establishment of major biogeographical patterns of palm clades. This is consistent with the growing evidence for long‐distance dispersal as a major mechanism underpinning the distribution of tropical lineages.
Psychological distress among women who were sexually abused as children
Authors: Rahm GullBritt , Renck Barbro , Ringsberg Karin C. 
Published: October 2012

One of the aims of the study was to investigate how participants in self‐help groups (SHG) for women (n = 87) who had been sexually abused in childhood rated their mental health and to what extent they were at risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A further aim was to investigate the relationship between the ratings of mental health, occurrence of PTSD, women's interpersonal relationships, reasons for participating in an SHG and characteristics of the childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The participants completed questionnaires regarding their personal relationships, reasons for joining a group, abuse characteristics, mental health (Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revised) and PTSD (Impact of Event Scale‐Revised). The women showed poor mental health, and more than half of them were at risk of developing PTSD. Lack of social support and feelings of shame correlated with poor mental health, whereas guilt did not. Relationships with female friends had a positive association. Further research is needed to determine whether participating in an SHG could provide adequate social support and reduce feelings of shame, thereby contributing to the healing process in the aftermath of CSA.Key Practitioner Message: • Child abuse is a significant component of the global burden of disease; • Both social workers and public health care providers meet sexually abused girls and it is important that they have knowledge about the subject; • An important clinical implication for adequate treatment would be to assess and recognise childhood sexual abuse and to link diagnosis to trauma.