bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long contoured locking plate fixation of traumatic proximal humeral fractures with distal extension
Authors: George Malal Joby J , Mayne Alistair I W , Arouri Faten , Noorani Ali M , Kent Matthew , Smith Matt , Guisasola Inigo , Brownson Peter 
Published: July 2014

Background There is a paucity of data available with respect to outcome on long contoured locking plate fixation for proximal humerus fractures with distal fracture extension. Methods Thirty-four patients with traumatic proximal humerus fractures with distal extension underwent fixation with long contoured locking plates. Twenty-five patients (74%) were included in the study: one patient died, two patients had unrelated illnesses resulting in them being unable to complete follow-up assessment and six were lost to follow-up. Patients’ case notes and radiographs were retrospectively reviewed, and patients were contacted to assess functional outcome using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and Stanmore Percentage of Normal Shoulder Assessment (SPONSA). Results Mean follow-up was 27 months (range 11 months to 60 months). Mean pain at final follow-up was 3.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.5 to 4.8] with only four patients having residual pain greater than 5 on the VAS scale. Mean DASH score was 41.2 (95% CI = 32.0 to 50.4), mean OSS was 29.1 (95% CI = 24.3 to 33.9) and mean SPONSA was 63.9% (95% CI = 50.8 to 77.2). There was one wound infection. Three patients had non-unions that required bone grafting and revision internal fixation. Conclusions We feel long contoured locking plates represent a useful treatment option for complex proximal humerus fractures
Sensitivity and specificity of an abbreviated 13 C‐mixed triglyceride breath test for measurement of pancreatic exocrine function
Authors: Keller Jutta , Meier Viola , Wolfram Kristina U , Rosien Ulrich , Layer Peter 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundA modified 13 C‐mixed triglyceride breath test (13 C ‐MTGT) detects moderate pancreatic exocrine insufficiency noninvasively and reliably, but it requires prolonged breath sampling (6 hours (hr)).ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate whether 13 C ‐MTGT can be abbreviated, to optimize clinical usability.MethodsWe analyzed the 13 C‐MTGT of 200 consecutive patients, retrospectively. Cumulative 1–5 hr 13 C‐exhalation values were compared with the standard parameter (6‐hr cumulative 13 C‐exhalation). We determined the sensitivity and specificity of shortened breath sampling periods, by comparison with the normal values from 10 healthy volunteers, whom also underwent a secretin test to quantitate pancreatic secretion. Moreover, we evaluated the influence of gastric emptying (GE), using a 13 C‐octanoic acid breath test in a subset (N  = 117).ResultsThe 1–5 hr cumulative 13 C‐exhalation tests correlated highly and significantly with the standard parameter (p  < 0.0001). Sensitivity for detection of impaired lipolysis was high (≥77%), but the specificity was low (≥38%) for the early measurements. Both parameters were high after 4 hrs (88% and 94%, respectively) and 5 hrs (98% and 91%, respectively). Multivariate linear correlation analysis confirmed that GE strongly influenced early postprandial 13 C‐exhalation during the 13 C‐MTGT.ConclusionShortening of the 13 C ‐MTGT from 6 to 4 hrs of duration was associated with similar diagnostic accuracy, yet increased clinical usability. The influence of GE on early postprandial results of the 13 C‐MTGT precluded further abbreviation of the test.
Characterization, sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of vB_AbaM-IME-AB2, a novel lytic bacteriophage that infects multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates
Authors: Peng Fan , Mi Zhiqiang , Huang Yong , Yuan Xin , Niu Wenkai , Wang Yahui , Hua Yuhui , Fan Huahao , Bai Changqing , Tong Yigang 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
With the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs, and glucocorticoids, multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB) has become a major nosocomial pathogen species. The recent renaissance of bacteriophage therapy may provide new treatment strategies for combatting drug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, we isolated a lytic bacteriophage vB_AbaM-IME-AB2 has a short latent period and a small burst size, which clear its host’s suspension quickly, was selected for characterization and a complete genomic comparative study.

Results
The isolated bacteriophage vB_AbaM-IME-AB2 has an icosahedral head and displays morphology resembling Myoviridae family. Gel separation assays showed that the phage particle contains at least nine protein bands with molecular weights ranging 15–100 kDa. vB_AbaM-IME-AB2 could adsorb its host cells in 9 min with an adsorption rate more than 99% and showed a short latent period (20 min) and a small burst size (62 pfu/cell). It could form clear plaques in the double-layer assay and clear its host’s suspension in just 4 hours. Whole genome of vB_AbaM-IME-AB2 was sequenced and annotated and the results showed that its genome is a double-stranded DNA molecule consisting of 43,665 nucleotides. The genome has a G + C content of 37.5% and 82 putative coding sequences (CDSs). We compared the characteristics and complete genome sequence of all known Acinetobacter baumannii bacteriophages. There are only three that have been sequenced Acinetobacter baumannii phages AB1, AP22, and phiAC-1, which have a relatively high similarity and own a coverage of 65%, 50%, 8% respectively when compared with our phage vB_AbaM-IME-AB2. A nucleotide alignment of the four Acinetobacter baumannii phages showed that some CDSs are similar, with no significant rearrangements observed. Yet some sections of these strains of phage are nonhomologous.

Conclusion
vB_AbaM-IME-AB2 was a novel and unique A. baumannii bacteriophage. These findings suggest a common ancestry and microbial diversity and evolution. A clear understanding of its characteristics and genes is conducive to the treatment of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii in the future.
Two-year clinical outcomes of a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing two interspinous spacers for treatment of moderate lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Patel Vikas V , Whang Peter G , Haley Thomas R , Bradley W Daniel , Nunley Pierce D , Miller Larry E , Block Jon E , Geisler Fred H 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
Interspinous spacers are a minimally invasive surgical alternative for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) unresponsive to conservative care. The purpose of this prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial was to compare 2-year clinical outcomes in patients with moderate LSS treated with the Superion® (Experimental) or the X-Stop®, a FDA-approved interspinous spacer (Control).

Methods
A total of 250 patients with moderate LSS unresponsive to conservative care were randomly allocated to treatment with the Experimental (n = 123) or Control (n = 127) interspinous spacer and followed through 2 years post-treatment. Complication data were available for all patients and patient-reported outcomes were available for 192 patients (101 Experimental, 91 Control) at 2 years.

Results
Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) Symptom Severity and Physical Function scores improved 34% to 36% in both groups through 2 years (all p < 0.001). Patient Satisfaction scores at 2 years were 1.8 ± 0.9 with Experimental and 1.6 ± 0.8 with Control. Axial pain decreased from 59 ± 26 mm at baseline to 21 ± 26 mm at 2 years with Experimental and from 55 ± 26 mm to 21 ± 25 mm with Control (both p < 0.001). Extremity pain decreased from 67 ± 24 mm to 14 ± 22 mm at 2 years with Experimental and from 63 ± 24 mm to 18 ± 23 mm with Control (both p < 0.001). Back function assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index similarly improved with Experimental (37 ± 12% to 18 ± 16%) and Control (39 ± 12% to 20 ± 16%) (both p < 0.001). Freedom from reoperation at the index level was 84% for Experimental and 83% for Control (log-rank: p = 0.38) at 2 years.

Conclusions
Both interspinous spacers effectively alleviated pain and improved back function to a similar degree through 2 years in patients with moderate LSS who were unresponsive to conservative care.

Trial registration

NCT00692276.
Atomistic deformation mechanisms in twinned copper nanospheres
Authors: Bian Jianjun , Niu Xinrui , Zhang Hao , Wang Gangfeng 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
In the present study, we perform molecular dynamic simulations to investigate the compression response and atomistic deformation mechanisms of twinned nanospheres. The relationship between load and compression depth is calculated for various twin spacing and loading directions. Then, the overall elastic properties and the underlying plastic deformation mechanisms are illuminated. Twin boundaries (TBs) act as obstacles to dislocation motion and lead to strengthening. As the loading direction varies, the plastic deformation transfers from dislocations intersecting with TBs, slipping parallel to TBs, and then to being restrained by TBs. The strengthening of TBs depends strongly on the twin spacing.
Seedless growth of zinc oxide flower-shaped structures on multilayer graphene by electrochemical deposition
Authors: Aziz Nur Suhaili Abd , Nishiyama Tomoya , Rusli Nurul Izni , Mahmood Mohamad Rusop , Yasui Kanji , Hashim Abdul Manaf 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA seedless growth of zinc oxide (ZnO) structures on multilayer (ML) graphene by electrochemical deposition without any pre-deposited ZnO seed layer or metal catalyst was studied. A high density of a mixture of vertically aligned/non-aligned ZnO rods and flower-shaped structures was obtained. ML graphene seems to generate the formation of flower-shaped structures due to the stacking boundaries. The nucleation of ZnO seems to be promoted at the stacking edges of ML graphene with the increase of applied current density, resulting in the formation of flower-shaped structures. The diameters of the rods/flower-shaped structures also increase with the applied current density. ZnO rods/flower-shaped structures with high aspect ratio over 5.0 and good crystallinity were obtained at the applied current densities of −0.5 and −1.0 mA/cm2. The growth mechanism was proposed. The growth involves the formation of ZnO nucleation below 80°C and the enhancement of the growth of vertically non-aligned rods and flower-shaped structures at 80°C. Such ZnO/graphene hybrid structure provides several potential applications in sensing devices.
Efficiency improvement of InGaP/GaAs/Ge solar cells by hydrothermal-deposited ZnO nanotube structure
Authors: Chung Chen-Chen , Tran Binh Tinh , Lin Kung-Liang , Ho Yen-Teng , Yu Hung-Wei , Quan Nguyen-Hong , Chang Edward Yi 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
In this paper, a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanotube, fabricated by the hydrothermal growth method on triple-junction (T-J) solar cell devices to enhance efficiency, is investigated. Compared to those of bare T-J solar cells (without antireflection (AR) coating) and solar cells with Si3N4 AR coatings, the experimental results show that the T-J solar cells, which use a ZnO nanotube as an AR coating, have the lowest reflectance in the short wavelength spectrum. The ZnO nanotube has the lowest light reflection among all experimental samples, especially in the range of 350 to 500 nm from ultraviolet (UV) to visible light. It was found that a ZnO nanotube can enhance the conversion efficiency by 4.9%, compared with a conventional T-J solar cell. The Si3N4 AR coatings also enhance the conversion efficiency by 3.2%.The results show that a cell with ZnO nanotube coating could greatly improve solar cell performances.
Complementary feature sets for optimal face recognition
Authors: Singh Chandan , Mittal Neerja , Walia Ekta 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
In face recognition tasks, one kind of feature set is not adequate to generate superior results; thus, selection and combination of complementary features are crucial steps. In this paper, the fusion of two useful descriptors, i.e., the Zernike moments (ZMs) and the local binary pattern (LBP)/local ternary pattern (LTP), has been proposed. The ZM descriptor consists of good global image representation capabilities besides being invariant to image rotation and noise, while the LBP/LTP descriptors capture the innate details within some local parts of face image and are insensitive to illumination variations. The fusion of these two is observed to incorporate the traits of both of these individual descriptors. Subsequently, in this work, the performance of diverse feature sets of ZMs (i.e., magnitude features, magnitude plus phase features, and the real plus imaginary component features) combined with the LBP/LTP descriptor is analyzed on FERET, Yale, and ORL face databases. The recognition results achieved by the proposed method are approximately 10 to 30% higher than those obtained with these descriptors separately. Recognition rates of the proposed method are also found to be significantly better (i.e., by 8 to 24%) in case of single example image per person in the training.
Antibiotic treatment following a dog bite in an immunocompromized patient in order to prevent Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection: a case report
Authors: Hloch Ondrej , Mokra Dana , Masopust Jan , Hasa Jan , Charvat Jiri 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a commensal bacterium found in the saliva of dogs and cats. Clinically significant infections in humans after a bite are often associated with the presence of immune deficiency. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial for patient survival. In addition, patients with immune deficiency are susceptible to serious life-threatening nosocomial infections, which may also influence the prognosis of patients with Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection.

Case presentation
A 62-year-old Caucasian female was admitted with septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute renal failure, metabolic acidosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation after suffering two small bites from her dog. She had received a splenectomy during childhood. The patient survived after early empiric treatment with antibiotics and intensive supportive care, including ventilation support, a high dose of noradrenalin, and continuous venovenous hemodialysis applied prior to the definitive diagnosis of Capnocytophaga canimorsus sepsis. She improved within 2 weeks but, despite all efforts to prevent nosocomial infection, her hospital course was complicated by Enterococcus species and Candida albicans pleuropneumonia that prolonged her stay in the intensive care unit, and necessitated ventilation support for 2 months.

Conclusion
Severe Capnocytophaga canimorsus sepsis may be complicated by life-threatening nosocomial infection in immunocompromized patients. The prophylactic application of antibiotics after a dog bite should be considered in high-risk individuals with immune deficiency in order to prevent both Capnocytophyga canimorsus sepsis and serious nosocomial complications.
Incorporating translational research with clinical research to increase effectiveness in healthcare for better health
Authors: Estape Estela S , Mays Mary Helen , Harrigan Rosanne , Mayberry Robert 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe transfer of new scientific discoveries into healthcare interventions requires that basic and clinical researchers work together with health care providers to generate team science. These innovative models require translational teams, and need to extend beyond the academic environment. The future of translational science requires partnerships with the healthcare community as well as the broader, general community. This new integrated model of effective translational teams holds promise for addressing thorny and persistent health disparities, is consistent with the nation's strategic priority of eliminating health disparities, and bodes well for increasing healthcare effectiveness aimed at better health for all.DiscussionAs part of the 13th Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) International Symposium on Health Disparities, several senior academic leaders joined efforts to hold a workshop to discuss a model that considers the incorporation of two translational research strategies in research career development programs: Comparative effectiveness research (CER) and community‐based participatory research (CBPR) for increasing healthcare effectiveness and eliminating healthcare disparities. Discussion included what issues may be most germane to the concept of a unified model for research workforce development through formal training and career development leading to increased effectiveness in healthcare for better health.SummaryWe believe that there is a gap in knowledge and skills in formal research career development programs that will enable physicians, other clinicians, and basic scientists to actively participate in these two translational research strategies. The purpose of this paper is to share the outcomes of these discussions, and encourage further discussion and possible innovation in the formulation of a new model for translational research workforce development.
Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields significantly improve time of closure and proliferation of human tendon fibroblasts
Authors: Seeliger Claudine , Falldorf Karsten , Sachtleben Jens , Griensven Martijn van 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
The promotion of the healing process following musculoskeletal injuries comprises growth factor signalling, migration, proliferation and apoptosis of cells. If these processes could be modulated, the healing of tendon tissue may be markedly enhanced. Here, we report the use of the Somagen™ device, which is certified for medical use according to European laws. It generates low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields that trigger effects of a nature that are yet to be determined.

Methods
A 1.5-cm wide, linear scrape was introduced into patellar tendon fibroblast cultures (N = 5 donors). Treatment was carried out every second day. The regimen was applied three times in total with 30 minutes comprising pulsed electromagnetic field packages with two fundamental frequencies (10 minutes of 33 Hz, 20 minutes of 7.8 Hz). Control cells remained untreated. All samples were analyzed for gap closure time, proliferation and apoptosis one week after induction of the scrape wound.

Results
The mean time for bridging the gap in the nontreated cells was 5.05 ± 0.33 days, and in treated cells, it took 3.35 ± 0.38 days (P <0.001). For cell cultures with scrape wounds, a mean value for BrdU incorporation of OD = 0.70 ± 0.16 was found. Whereas low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields treated samples showed OD = 1.58 ± 0.24 (P <0.001). However, the percentage of apoptotic cells did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions
Our data demonstrate that low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields emitted by the Somagen™ device influences the in vitro wound healing of patellar tendon fibroblasts and, therefore, possibly increases wound healing potential.
Endothelial cells regulate neural crest and second heart field morphogenesis
Authors: Milgrom-Hoffman Michal , Michailovici Inbal , Ferrara Napoleone , Zelzer Elazar , Tzahor Eldad 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT
Cardiac and craniofacial developmental programs are intricately linked during early embryogenesis, which is also reflected by a high frequency of birth defects affecting both regions. The molecular nature of the crosstalk between mesoderm and neural crest progenitors and the involvement of endothelial cells within the cardio–craniofacial field are largely unclear. Here we show in the mouse that genetic ablation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (Flk1) in the mesoderm results in early embryonic lethality, severe deformation of the cardio–craniofacial field, lack of endothelial cells and a poorly formed vascular system. We provide evidence that endothelial cells are required for migration and survival of cranial neural crest cells and consequently for the deployment of second heart field progenitors into the cardiac outflow tract. Insights into the molecular mechanisms reveal marked reduction in Transforming growth factor beta 1 (Tgfb1) along with changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. Our collective findings in both mouse and avian models suggest that endothelial cells coordinate cardio–craniofacial morphogenesis, in part via a conserved signaling circuit regulating ECM remodeling by Tgfb1.
Kinematics of transition during human accelerated sprinting
Authors: Nagahara Ryu , Matsubayashi Takeo , Matsuo Akifumi , Zushi Koji 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT
This study investigated kinematics of human accelerated sprinting through 50 m and examined whether there is transition and changes in acceleration strategies during the entire acceleration phase. Twelve male sprinters performed a 60-m sprint, during which step-to-step kinematics were captured using 60 infrared cameras. To detect the transition during the acceleration phase, the mean height of the whole-body centre of gravity (CG) during the support phase was adopted as a measure. Detection methods found two transitions during the entire acceleration phase of maximal sprinting, and the acceleration phase could thus be divided into initial, middle, and final sections. Discriminable kinematic changes were found when the sprinters crossed the detected first transition—the foot contacting the ground in front of the CG, the knee-joint starting to flex during the support phase, terminating an increase in step frequency—and second transition—the termination of changes in body postures and the start of a slight decrease in the intensity of hip-joint movements, thus validating the employed methods. In each acceleration section, different contributions of lower-extremity segments to increase in the CG forward velocity—thigh and shank for the initial section, thigh, shank, and foot for the middle section, shank and foot for the final section—were verified, establishing different acceleration strategies during the entire acceleration phase. In conclusion, there are presumably two transitions during human maximal accelerated sprinting that divide the entire acceleration phase into three sections, and different acceleration strategies represented by the contributions of the segments for running speed are employed.