bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Realism and Uncertainty of Unobservable Common Causes in Factor Analysis
Authors: Johnson Kent 
Published: September 2014

AbstractFamously, scientific theories are underdetermined by their evidence. This occurs in the factor analytic model (FA), which is often used to connect concrete data (e.g. test scores) to hypothetical notions (e.g. intelligence). After introducing FA, three general topics are addressed. (i) Underdetermination: the precise reasons why FA is underdetermined illuminates various claims about underdetermination, abduction, and theoretical terms. (ii) Uncertainties: FA helps distinguish at least four kinds of uncertainties. The prevailing practice, often encoded in statistical software, is to ignore the most difficult kinds, which are essential to FA's underdetermination. (iii) What to do: some suggestions for dealing with these hardest types of uncertainty are offered.
Magnetic Resonance Neurography in Analysis of Operative Safety of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Chinese Subjects
Authors: Wang Hong‐li , Jiang Jian‐yuan , Lv Fei‐zhou , Yang Sheng‐da , Ma Xin , Chen Wen‐jun , Ma Xiao‐sheng , Xia Xin‐lei , Wang Li‐xun 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveTo measure relevant anatomical variables of lumbosacral nerve root and adjacent structures by magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) and analyze operative safety of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in Chinese subjects.MethodsTwelve normal healthy volunteers (six men, six women) underwent MRN of lumbosacral nerve roots at 3.0 T. Three‐dimensional imaging was reconstructed with Osirix software and the following anatomic variables measured: (i) distance between nerve root and upper pedicle; (ii) distance between nerve root and lower pedicle; (iii) angle between nerve root and sagittal plane; (iv) distance between upper and lower nerve roots; and (v) distance between upper and lower pedicles.ResultsGood images of the L1‐L5 nerve roots were obtained by MRN technology in all 12 volunteers. The distance between nerve root and upper pedicle and the angle between nerve roots and the sagittal plane gradually diminished from L1 to L5. However, there were no significant variations in the distance between nerve root and lower pedicle or between upper and lower pedicles. From L1–2 to L4–5, the distances between upper and lower pedicles, which are closely related to the operating space for TLIF in Chinese men and women, were less than 10 mm in most subjects and were significantly smaller in women than in men. The variables did not differ significantly between the left and right sides of the same segment.ConclusionBased on the above anatomical study and measurement analysis, we believe that TLIF puts the upper nerve root at risk in some Chinese patients. However, this conclusion requires confirmation by anatomical study of large samples and clinical validation.
Challenge of Managing Distal Femur Fractures with Long‐stemmed Total Knee Implants
Authors: Ebraheim Nabil A , Carroll Trevor , Bonaventura Bridget , Moral Muhammad Z , Jabaly Youssef G , Liu Jiayong 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveTreatment of distal femur fractures by long‐stemmed total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is challenging, because of poor bone stock, decreased blood supply, history of multiple knee surgeries and an absence of standard treatment. Few published studies are available concerning this. The purpose of this study was to share surgical technique and better describe our patients' comorbidities, which add to the challenge of managing individuals with these fractures.MethodsBetween August 2008 and September 2013, seven patients presented to our level I trauma center with distal femoral fractures associated with long‐stemmed TKA implants. Their average age was 68.71 years (range, 52–81 years).The most common mechanism of injury was fall (five patients), followed by a traumatic fracture of the femur while walking (one patient), and being lifted out of bed (the one nonambulatory patient). This retrospective study reports a treatment protocol, including surgical technique, and short‐term outcome in seven patients in whom locking compression plates (LCP) were used.ResultsSix fractures were classified as Rorabeck type II, and one as type III. The average time to full‐weight‐bearing was 5.5 months. At this institution, good short‐term results have been achieved by using an LCP with screws placed proximal to the long‐stem and distal to the fracture. The six patients all achieved full‐weight‐bearing,taking an average of 5.5 months (range, 3–7 months).ConclusionsLCP is an effective form of management of distal femur fractures around long stem TKAs. An individualized operative approach possibly incorporating bone‐graft substitutes, cerclage wire and a post‐operative bone stimulator is recommended.
On‐the‐job training makes the difference: healthcare assistants' perceived competence and responsibility in the care of patients with home mechanical ventilation
Authors: Swedberg Lena , Michélsen Hans , Hammar Chiriac Eva , Hylander Ingrid 
Published: September 2014

ObjectivesTo describe and analyse perceived competence and perceived responsibility among healthcare assistants (HC assistants), caring for patients with home mechanical ventilation (HMV) and other advanced caring needs, adjusted for socio‐demographic and workplace background factors.DesignA cross‐sectional study was conducted including 128 HC assistants employed in Stockholm County, Sweden.MethodsThe HC assistants responded to a study‐specific questionnaire on perceived competence and perceived responsibility, provided socio‐demographic and workplace background data, as well as information on the patient characteristics for the understanding of their work situations. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsEighty per cent of the HC assistants rated their perceived competence as high, and fifty‐nine per cent rated their perceived responsibility as high. Fifty‐five per cent lacked formal healthcare training, and only one in five of the HC assistants had a formal training equivalent with a licensed practical nurse (LPN) examination. Males lacked formal training to a greater extent than females and rated their competence accordingly. On‐the‐job training was significantly associated with high ratings on both perceived competence and perceived responsibility, and clinical supervision was associated with high rating on perceived responsibility.ConclusionsHC assistants with limited formal training self‐reported their competence as high, and on‐the‐job training was found to be important. Also, clinical supervision was found important for their perception of high responsibility. In Sweden, HC assistants have a 24‐hour responsibility for the care and safety of their patient with HMV and other advanced caring needs. The study results point out important issues for further research regarding formal training requirements as well as the needs for standardised workplace training and supervision of HC assistants. The consequences of transfer of responsibility by delegation from healthcare professionals to paraprofessionals within advanced home care also need further study.
Effect of corneal contact lens wear on healing time and comfort post LGK for treatment of SCCEDs in boxers
Authors: Wooff Penelope J. , Norman Joanna C. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether dogs with spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) would heal faster and with an improved comfort score following linear grid keratotomy (LGK) combined with corneal contact lens (Acrivet™) wear when compared to dogs having the LGK procedure alone.Study designProspective study.MethodsTwenty‐seven boxer dogs (27 eyes) diagnosed with a SCCEDs were enrolled in the study. A LGK was performed on all dogs under dexmedetomidine and butorphanol sedation. Fourteen eyes were randomly assigned to receive a corneal contact lens. The dogs were evaluated typically at 7, 10, and 14 days or until the ulceration was healed. Client surveys were completed by the owners to subjectively assess comfort level and contact lens retention. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing generalized linear models and survival analysis with the Wilcoxon–Gehan test to evaluate group differences.ResultsAll ulcers healed after the LGK procedure. Dogs with bandage contact lenses had a statistically significant (P = 0.035) decrease in median healing time (7 days (95% CI [7,9]) compared to those without contact lenses (10 days (95% CI [7,12])). There was no difference in subjective comfort score between treatment groups. Early contact loss occurred in 28.6% (95% CI [8.4%, 58.1%]) of dogs. All of the Acrivet™ ruler corneal measurements agreed to within 1 mm (95% CI [87.2%, 100%]) of the Jameson caliper measurements of horizontal corneal diameter.ConclusionsThe use of corneal bandage contact lenses significantly decreased median healing time although there was no effect on subjective comfort score. The Acrivet™ ruler measurements were accurate in determining corneal diameter and therefore contact lens size.
Species‐specific regulation of fibrinogen synthesis with implications for porcine hepatocyte xenotransplantation
Authors: Ramackers Wolf , Klose Johannes , Vondran Florian W. R. , Schrem Harald , Kaltenborn Alexander , Klempnauer Jürgen , Kleine Moritz 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundPatients with liver failure could potentially be bridged with porcine xenogeneic liver cell transplantation. We examined species‐specific differences between primary human and porcine hepatocytes in the regulation of coagulation protein expression and function.MethodsIsolated primary human and porcine hepatocytes were stimulated with either porcine or human interleukin (IL)‐6 (10 ng/ml), IL‐1β (10 ng/ml), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α, 30 ng/ml). mRNA expression of coagulation factors were measured by RT‐PCR and real‐time PCR. Cell culture supernatants were used for the measurement of fibrinogen by ELISA and determination of fibrin clot generation.ResultsFibrinogen expression in human hepatocytes increased after IL‐6 treatment (P = 0.010) and decreased after TNF‐α treatment (P = 0.005). Porcine hepatocytes displayed a lower increase in fibrinogen expression after IL‐6 treatment as compared to hepatocytes of human origin (P = 0.021). Porcine hepatocytes responded contrarily following TNF‐α treatment with an increased expression of fibrinogen resulting in a significant species‐specific difference between human and porcine hepatocytes (P = 0.029). Fibrin polymer generation by human hepatocytes was stable and widely branched after IL‐6 treatment, while stimulation with TNF‐α displayed no fibrin generation at all. In contrast, treatment of porcine hepatocytes with TNF‐α resulted in generation of a stable and widely branched fibrin polymer, and stimulation with IL‐6 only leads to generation of partial fibrin aggregates.ConclusionWe identified species‐specific differences in the regulation of fibrinogen mRNA expression and fibrin generation under inflammatory stimuli. In hepatic xenotransplantation of porcine origin, these interspecies differences might lead to a loss of physiological coagulation function and a loss of transplanted cells.
Moyamoya syndrome in sickle cell anaemia: a cause of recurrent stroke
Authors: Soares Deanne , Bullock Richard , Ali Susanna 
Published: September 2014

SummaryWe report a case with interesting imaging findings as well as an unfortunate but not unexpected clinical outcome. Our patient, an 8-year-old Jamaican boy of Afro-Caribbean descent with homozygous sickle cell disease, presented with left-sided upper limb weakness. He had a history of recurrent cerebrovascular accidents and transient ischaemic attacks beginning at 4 years of age. MRI revealed old bilateral infarctions and the ivy sign on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences. MR angiography demonstrated numerous collaterals, most apparently arising from the left internal carotid, consistent with moyamoya syndrome. The patient had a full recovery and remained well for almost 2 years when he suffered another stroke.
A pilot double-blind randomised placebo-controlled dose–response trial assessing the effects of melatonin on infertility treatment (MIART): study protocol
Authors: Fernando Shavi , Osianlis Tiki , Vollenhoven Beverley , Wallace Euan , Rombauts Luk 
Published: September 2014

IntroductionHigh levels of oxidative stress can have considerable impact on the outcomes ofin vitrofertilisation (IVF). Recent studies have reported that melatonin, a neurohormone secreted from the pineal gland in response to darkness, has significant antioxidative capabilities which may protect against the oxidative stress of infertility treatment on gametes and embryos. Early studies of oral melatonin (3–4 mg/day) in IVF have suggested favourable outcomes. However, most trials were poorly designed and none have addressed the optimum dose of melatonin. We present a proposal for a pilot double-blind randomised placebo-controlled dose–response trial aimed to determine whether oral melatonin supplementation during ovarian stimulation can improve the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology.Methods and analysesWe will recruit 160 infertile women into one of four groups: placebo (n=40); melatonin 2 mg twice per day (n=40); melatonin 4 mg twice per day (n=40) and melatonin 8 mg twice per day (n=40). The primary outcome will be clinical pregnancy rate. Secondary clinical outcomes include oocyte number/quality, embryo number/quality and fertilisation rate. We will also measure serum melatonin and the oxidative stress marker, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine at baseline and after treatment and levels of these in follicular fluid at egg pick-up. We will investigate follicular blood flow with Doppler ultrasound, patient sleepiness scores and pregnancy complications, comparing outcomes between groups. This protocol has been designed in accordance with the SPIRIT 2013 Guidelines.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from Monash Health HREC (Ref: 13402B), Monash University HREC (Ref: CF14/523-2014000181) and Monash Surgical Private Hospital HREC (Ref: 14107). Data analysis, interpretation and conclusions will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberACTRN12613001317785.
Microcredit participation and child health: results from a cross-sectional study in Peru
Authors: Moseson H , Hamad R , Fernald L 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundChildhood malnutrition is a major consequence of poverty worldwide. Microcredit programmes—which offer small loans, financial literacy and social support to low-income individuals—are increasingly promoted as a way to improve the health of clients and their families. This study evaluates the hypothesis that longer participation in a microcredit programme is associated with improvements in the health of children of microcredit clients.MethodsCross-sectional data were collected in February 2007 from 511 clients of a microcredit organisation in Peru and 596 of their children under 5 years of age. The primary predictor variable was length of participation in the microcredit programme. Outcome variables included height, weight, anaemia, household food security and parent-reported indicators of child health. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions assessed the association between the number of loan cycles and child health outcomes. Pathways through which microcredit may have influenced health outcomes were also explored via mediation analyses.ResultsLonger participation in microcredit was associated with greater household food security and reduced likelihood of childhood anaemia. No significant associations were observed between microcredit participation and incidence of childhood illnesses or anthropometric indicators. Increased consumption of red meat may mediate the association between the number of loan cycles and food security, but not the association with anaemia.ConclusionsThe effects of microcredit on the health of clients’ children are understudied. Exploratory findings from this analysis suggest that microcredit may positively influence child health, and that diet may play a causal role.
"Seeking the Light in a Cavity" in Conversation with Nobel Laureate Serge Haroche
Authors: Good Michael , Quek Wei Liang 
Published: September 2014

Serge Haroche, Chair in Quantum Physics at the College de France. Professor Haroche was awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize for Physics for "groundbreaking experimental methods that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems". On 22 April 2013, the first day of the Berge Fest Conference, Professor Haroche delivered a talk on "Controlling photons in cavities". He reviewed recent experiments in Cavity QED in which his group count trapped microwave photons non-destructively and used quantum feedback methods to stabilize the photon number to a preset value. Further developments of these experiments were also discussed in his talk. The editorial team of Asia Pacific Physics Newsletter interviewed Professor Haroche during the Berge Fest Conference on 24 April 2014. For more information of the Berge Fest Conference, please visit http://bergefest.quantumlah.org/
Tracing the Roots of Cancer Evolution
Authors: Jiang Yanwen , Elemento Olivier 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Summary: By comparing the genomes of progenitor cells and mature cells of lymphoid and myeloid lineages in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Damm and colleagues confirmed that CLL originates from preleukemic CD34+ progenitor cells and identified early CLL mutations that are associated with these progenitor cells. Moreover, they discovered that deregulation of B-cell receptor signaling may be one of the hallmarks of CLL, particularly in tumors with EGR2 mutations. Cancer Discov; 4(9); 995–7. ©2014 AACR.
See related article by Damm et al., p. 1088
Common Genetic Variants Contribute to Primary Hypertriglyceridemia Without Differences Between Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia and Isolated Hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: De Castro-Orós Isabel , Cenarro Ana , Tejedor María Teresa , Baila-Rueda Lucía , Mateo-Gallego Rocío , Lamiquiz-Moneo Itziar , Pocoví Miguel , Civeira Fernando 
Published: September 2014

Background—
The majority of hypertriglyceridemias are diagnosed as familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) and primary isolated hypertriglyceridemias. The contribution of common genetic variants in primary hypertriglyceridemias and the genetic difference between FCHL and isolated hypertriglyceridemias have not been thoroughly examined.

Methods and Results—

This study involved 580 patients with hypertriglyceridemias and 403 controls. Of the 37 single nucleotide polymorphisms examined, 12 located in 10 genes showed allelic and genotype frequency differences between hypertriglyceridemias and controls. The minor alleles of
APOE
,
APOA5
,
GALNTN2
, and
GCKR
variants were positively correlated with plasma triglycerides, whereas minor alleles of
ADIPOR2
,
ANGPTL3
,
LPL
, and
TRIB1
polymorphisms were inversely associated. Body mass index, glucose, sex, rs328 and rs7007797 in
LPL
, rs662799 and rs3135506 in
APOA5
, and rs1260326 in
GCKR
explained 36% of the variability in plasma triglycerides, 7.3% of which was attributable to the genetic variables.
LPL
,
GCKR
, and
APOA5
polymorphisms fit dominant, recessive, and additive inheritance models, respectively. Variants more frequently identified in isolated hypertriglyceridemias were rs7412 in
APOE
and rs1800795 in
IL6
; rs2808607 in
CYP7A1
and rs3812316 and rs17145738 in
MLXIPL
were more frequent in FCHL. The other 32 single nucleotide polymorphisms presented similar frequencies between isolated hypertriglyceridemias and FCHL.

Conclusions—

Common genetic variants found in
LPL
,
APOA5
, and
GCKR
are associated with triglycerides levels in patients with primary hypertriglyceridemias. FCHL and isolated hypertriglyceridemias are probably trace to an accumulation of genetic variants predisposing to familial and sporadic hypertriglyceridemias or to hypertriglyceridemias and hypercholesterolemia in case of FCHL.
Heat shock proteins HSP70 and MRJ cooperatively regulate cell adhesion and migration through urokinase receptor
Authors: Lin Yuli , Peng Nana , Zhuang Hongqin , Zhang Di , Wang Yao , Hua Zi-Chun 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background
The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is an important regulator of ECM proteolysis, cell-ECM interactions and cell signaling. uPAR and heat shock proteins HSP70 and MRJ (DNAJB6) have been implicated in tumor growth and metastasis. We have reported recently that MRJ (DNAJB6, a heat shock protein) can interact with uPAR and enhance cell adhesion. Here, we identified another heat shock protein HSP70 as a novel uPAR-interacting protein.

Methods
We performed co-immunoprecipitation in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 and colon cancer HCT116 cells as well as immunofluorence assays in HEK293 cells stably transfected with uPAR to investigate the association of suPAR with HSP70/MRJ. To understand the biological functions of the triple complex of suPAR/HSP70/MRJ, we determined whether HSP70 and/or MRJ regulated uPAR-mediated cell invasion, migration, adhesion to vitronectin and MAPK pathway in two pair of human tumor cells (uPAR negative HEK293 cells vs HEK293 cells stably transfected with uPAR and HCT116 cells stably transfected with antisense-uPAR vs HCT116 mock cells transfected with vector only) using transwell assay, wound healing assay, quantitative RT-PCR analyzing mmp2 and mmp9 transcription levels, cell adhesion assay and Western blotting assay.

Results
HSP70 and MRJ formed a triple complex with uPAR and over-expression of MRJ enhanced the interaction between HSP70 and uPAR, while knockdown of MRJ decreased soluble uPAR in HCT116 cells (P < 0.05) and reduced the formation of the triple complex, suggesting that MRJ may act as an uPAR-specific adaptor protein to link uPAR to HSP70. Further experiments showed that knockdown of HSP70 and/or MRJ by siRNA inhibited uPAR-mediated cell adhesion to vitronectin as well as suppressed cell invasion and migration. Knockdown of HSP70 and/or MRJ inhibited expression of invasion related genes mmp2 and mmp9. Finally, HSP70 and/or MRJ up-regulated phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and FAK suggesting MAPK pathway was involved. All the biological function experiments in cell level showed an additive effect when HSP70 and MRJ were regulated simultaneously indicating their collaborated regulation effects on uPAR.

Conclusions
These findings may offer a novel insight into the interactions between uPAR and HSP70/MRJ and their functions in cell adhesion and migration may provide more understanding of the roles in regulating cancer metastasis.