bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Kyphoplasty in the Treatment of Osteoblastic-related Spinal Metastases
Authors: Zhang Hong-Tao , Chen Guang-Dong , Yang Hui-Lin , Luo Zong-Ping 
Published: July 2013

Study Design:
A retrospective study.

Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of painful osteoblastic-related spinal metastases unresponsive to conservative treatments.

Summary of Background Data:
PKP represents a powerful tool in the management of oncology patients who suffer from painful osteolytic spinal lesions. However, to our knowledge, there have been no reports on the role of PKP in the treatment of osteoblastic metastatic spinal lesions. In this study, we evaluate the potential efficacy of kyphoplasty for the treatment of painful osteoblastic spinal metastases unresponsive to conservative treatments.

Methods:
A retrospective study was performed on 13 patients managed with PKP for painful osteoblastic-related spinal metastases. Visual analog scale pain score and Oswestry disability index questionnaire were used to assess back pain and functional status, respectively.

Results:
The average visual analog scale pain score before the treatment was 8.5±0.5 compared with 2.0±0.8 at 3 days after the procedure (P<0.001), and remained largely unchanged from 1.6±0.5 at 1 month, 1.5±0.5 at 3 months to 2.2±0.7 at the last follow-up. The Oswestry disability index scores decreased from 77.2±8.2 before the surgery to 34.6±7.4 at 3 days after the operation (P<0.001), 32.2±6.1 at 1 month, 30.2±5.9 at 3 months, and 34.5±6.7 at the last follow-up. No symptomatic cement leakage and PKP-related complications were found after operation.

Conclusions:
PKP is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive procedure to treat painful osteoblastic spinal metastases, leading to a significant reduction of pain and improvement of functional status.
The lanky and the corky: fire‐escape strategies in savanna woody species
Authors: Dantas Vinícius de L. , Pausas Juli G. 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Fire and herbivory are the main disturbances shaping the structure of savannas. In these ecosystems, the key strategies by which woody plants escape fire are either early height growth (the lanky strategy) or early bark growth (the corky strategy). We hypothesize that the dominance of each strategy in different savannas depends on the prevailing disturbance regimes. Given the importance of herbivory in afrotropical savanna, we expect woody plants in these savannas to be taller and have thinner barks (the lanky strategy) than plants in neotropical savanna where fire tends to be more intense (the corky strategy).

We compiled data on bark thickness and stem height in relation to stem diameter for afrotropical and neotropical savanna woody species and tested for differences in the allometric relationship between these two savannas with a general linear mixed model (GLMM).

Fire intensities were higher in neotropical than in afrotropical savannas. Afrotropical savanna plants were taller and had thinner barks for a given diameter than neotropical savanna plants – supporting our hypothesis that because of the contrasting disturbance regimes, the lanky strategy is more adaptive in afrotropical savannas, whereas the corky strategy is more adaptive in neotropical savannas.

Synthesis. While the lanky strategy is more associated with heavily browsed and fuel‐controlled savannas, the corky strategy is associated with lightly browsed savannas that experience more intense fires. Because the relative role of disturbances varies across the globe, we suggest that the height‐bark‐diameter scheme is a powerful framework for understanding the ecology of many savannas.
MC(MC)MC: exploring Monte Carlo integration within MCMC for mark–recapture models with individual covariates
Authors: Bonner Simon , Schofield Matthew 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Estimating abundance from mark–recapture data is challenging when capture probabilities vary among individuals.

Initial solutions to this problem were based on fitting conditional likelihoods and estimating abundance as a derived parameter. More recently, Bayesian methods using full likelihoods have been implemented via reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling (RJMCMC) or data augmentation (DA). The latter approach is easily implemented in available software and has been applied to fit models that allow for heterogeneity in both open and closed populations. However, both RJMCMC and DA may be inefficient when modelling large populations.

We describe an alternative approach using Monte Carlo (MC) integration to approximate the posterior density within a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling scheme. We show how this Monte Carlo within MCMC (MCWM) approach may be used to fit a simple, closed population model including a single individual covariate and present results from a simulation study comparing RJMCMC, DA and MCWM. We found that MCWM can provide accurate inference about population size and can be more efficient than both RJMCMC and DA. The efficiency of MCWM can also be improved by using advanced MC methods like antithetic sampling.

Finally, we apply MCWM to estimate the abundance of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in 1982 allowing for capture probabilities to vary as a function body mass.
Comparison of Hemodynamics in the Ascending Aorta Between Pulsatile and Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Based on Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Karmonik Christof , Partovi Sasan , Schmack Bastian , Weymann Alexander , Loebe Matthias , Noon George P. , Piontek Patrizia , Karck Matthias , Lumsden Alan B. , Ruhparwar Arjang 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis study aims to investigate differences in hemodynamic conditions in the thoracic aorta for pulsatile and continuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Patient‐specific models were reconstructed from three patients with continuous‐flow LVAD (HeartMate II, Thoratec Corporation) and three patients with biventricular assist devices (Excor, Berlin Heart) where only the aortic part was included in the simulations. CFD simulations were performed with constant inflow for the continuous‐flow LVADs and time‐varying inflow for the pulsatile devices. Differences in flow patterns, wall shear stress (WSS), and dynamic pressure in the ascending aorta were compared for both cases. Retrograde flow patterns were observed in all cases proximal to the location of the outflow cannula anastomosis site. On average, dynamic pressures derived from the retrograde flow velocities were higher in the continuous‐flow group with large variations dependent on the angle of the cannula anastomosis relative to the ascending aorta (continuous group: 0.14 ± 0.2 mm Hg, pulsatile group: 0.013 ± 0.008 mm Hg). Elevated WSS contralaterally to the anastomosis site was observed in three of the six models with higher values for the continuous cases. Lower WSS and reduced pressure in the ascending aorta, both favorable hemodynamic conditions, were found in pulsatile versus continuous‐flow LVADs by means of CFD. These findings indicate, along with clinical observations reported by others, the superior performance of pulsatile LVADs.
Stem cell‐based treatment in geographic atrophy: promises and pitfalls
Authors: Kvanta Anders , Grudzinska Monika K. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract.Geographic atrophy is a common and untreatable form of advanced age‐related macular degeneration. The degeneration primarily affects the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors of the retina and their restoration by cell transplantation seems attractive. Recently, a patient with geographic atrophy was the first human to receive cells derived from human embryonic stem cells. In this short review, the rationale, potential and obstacles for stem cell‐derived therapy in geographic atrophy are discussed.
Histopathological changes in the lungs from dogs with tick paralysis: 25 cases (2010–2012)
Authors: Webster RA , Mackie JT , Haskins SC 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and nature of histological lung lesions in dogs with tick paralysis.MethodsA prospective study of 25 client‐owned dogs that died during treatment for tick paralysis or were euthanased because of either the severity of the disease process or financial constraints was conducted at a veterinary emergency hospital in Queensland, Australia. Lung specimens were collected postmortem for histopathological examination.ResultsAll 25 dogs had significant pulmonary changes: 9 exhibited congestion and alveolar oedema, with no obvious inflammatory cell infiltrate; 1 exhibited a mild increase in the number of alveolar macrophages in addition to congestion and alveolar oedema; the remaining 15 dogs had moderate or severe bronchopneumonia, with 2 showing evidence of aspiration pneumonia.ConclusionDogs with clinically severe tick paralysis are likely to have pulmonary parenchymal disease. Bronchopneumonia may be present in a significant proportion of cases and may reflect aspiration.
Empiric antibiotics for an elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level: a randomised, prospective, controlled multi‐institutional trial
Authors: Eggener Scott E. , Large Michael C. , Gerber Glenn S. , Pettus Joseph , Yossepowitch Ofer , Smith Norm D. , Kundu Shilajit , Kunnavakkam Rangesh , Zorn Kevin , Raman Jay D. 
Published: July 2013

Objective
To determine the impact of empiric antibiotics on men with an elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level.
Subjects/Patients and Methods
Men of any age with a PSA level of >2.5 ng/mL and normal digital rectal examination undergoing their first prostate biopsy were recruited from five medical centres.
Patients with previous biopsy, prostate cancer, urinary tract infection (UTI) or prostatitis within the prior year, antibiotic use within 1 month, 5α‐reductase inhibitor use, allergy to fluoroquinolones or clinical suspicion of UTI were excluded.
Men were randomised to 2 weeks of ciprofloxacin or no antibiotic. A PSA measurement was obtained 21–45 days after randomisation immediately before prostate biopsy.
The primary endpoint was the change in PSA level between baseline and immediately before biopsy.
Results
Complete data were available for 77 men with a mean (interquartile range) age of 60.6 (53–66) years.
In the control group of men not receiving antibiotic (39 men), the mean baseline and pre‐biopsy PSA levels were 6.5 and 6.9 ng/mL, respectively (P = 0.8).
In men receiving ciprofloxacin (38 men), the mean baseline PSA level was 7.6 ng/mL and after 2 weeks of ciprofloxacin was 8.5 ng/mL (P = 0.7).
Compared with controls not receiving antibiotic, use of ciprofloxacin was not associated with a statistically significant change in PSA level (P = 0.33).
Prostate cancer was detected in 36 (47%) men, 23 (59%) in the control group and 13 (34%) in the antibiotic group (P = 0.04). Detection rates were not significantly associated with the change in PSA level between baseline and biopsy. The primary limitation of the study is early stoppage due to an interim futility analysis and poor accrual.
Conclusion
Despite not meeting the target accrual goal, empiric use of antibiotics for asymptomatic men with an elevated PSA level does not appear to be of clinical benefit.
Diabetes mellitus and cancer risk: Pooled analysis of eight cohort studies in Japan
Authors: Sasazuki Shizuka , Charvat Hadrien , Hara Azusa , Wakai Kenji , Nagata Chisato , Nakamura Kozue , Tsuji Ichiro , Sugawara Yumi , Tamakoshi Akiko , Matsuo Keitaro , Oze Isao , Mizoue Tetsuya , Tanaka Keitaro , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   for the Research Group for the Development and Evaluation of Cancer Prevention Strategies in Japan
Published: July 2013

Although a growing body of evidence suggests a link between diabetes and cancer, it is not clear whether diabetes independently increases the risk of cancer. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of the association between pre‐existing diabetes and total and site‐specific cancer risk based on a pooled analysis of eight cohort studies in Japan (>330 000 subjects). We estimated a summary hazard ratio by pooling study‐specific hazard ratios for total and site‐specific cancer by using a random‐effects model. A statistically increased risk was observed for cancers at specific sites, such as colon (hazard ratio; HR = 1.40), liver (HR = 1.97), pancreas (HR = 1.85) and bile duct (HR = 1.66; men only). Increased risk was also suggested for other sites, and diabetes mellitus was associated with an overall 20% increased risk in total cancer incidence in the Japanese population. The association between these two diseases has important implications for reiterating the importance of controlling lifestyle factors and may suggest a possible strategy for cancer screening among patients with diabetes. Studies continuously investigating the risk factors for diabetes are also important.
Effects of a national economic crisis on dental habits and checkup behaviors – a prospective cohort study
Authors: McClure Christopher Bruce , Sæmundsson Sigurður Rúnar 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe effects of economic recessions on dental health behaviors and care utilization are vastly unexamined. Thus, we aimed to ascertain changes in dental health behaviors and checkup frequency from before to after the start of the 2008 Icelandic economic collapse using a nationally representative, prospective cohort – the Health and Wellbeing in Iceland cohort.MethodsParticipants in the cohort (n = 4100) were contacted first from October to December of 2007 and again from November to December of 2009. The questionnaires assessed respondent's demographics, dental behaviors (brushing, flossing), and dental checkup frequency. We present odds ratios derived from multivariate logistic regression of visiting a dentist annually after the collapse compared with before, as well as odds ratios of daily brushing and flossing habits.ResultsOverall, there was no strong evidence for drastic changes in dental health behaviors as from 2007 to 2009. However, employed men (odds ratio 1.29; 95% confidence interval 1.07–1.54) – as well as unemployed women (1.98; 1.00–3.92) – experienced increased odds of visiting a dentist at least annually. Additionally, men were more likely to brush (1.42; 1.05–1.93) and floss daily (1.20; 1.03–1.42) after the collapse compared with before.ConclusionsOverall, it seems as if the collapse did not have drastic negative effects on dental health behaviors of the population in Iceland. Our findings suggest that men may have opted for healthier dental health behaviors following the national economic collapse in 2008.
Risk factors associated with methylisothiazolinone contact sensitization
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Geier Johannes , Bauer Andrea , Schnuch Axel 
Published: July 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe preservative methylisothiazolinone (MI) has become an important allergen, with a dramatic increase in sensitization prevalence being seen over the last few years.ObjectiveTo examine risk factors associated with MI sensitization, in order to identify targets of prevention aimed at curtailing the present epidemic.MethodsOn the basis of contact allergy surveillance data collected by the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (www.ivkd.org), 2009–2012, in the course of 28 922 patch tests with MI, 500 ppm in water, included in a series of cosmetic preservatives, logistic regression analysis was employed to quantify the risk associated with a number of putative risk factors.ResultsThe prevalence of MI sensitization increased from 1.94% in 2009 to 6.02% in 2012, the increase being mainly driven by female patients aged ≥ 40 years, patients with face dermatitis, and the use of cosmetics. Adjusted multifactorial analysis additionally identified several occupations (e.g. painters and beauticians) and ano‐genital dermatitis as risk factors for MI sensitization.ConclusionsThe present use concentrations of MI, both cosmetic and industrial, are too high; (self‐)regulatory action is urgently needed. MI should be added to the baseline series.
Complete Spontaneous Left Heart and Aortic Thromboses on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support
Authors: Ramjee Vimal , Shreenivas Satya , Rame Jesus Eduardo , Kirkpatrick James N. , Jagasia Dinesh 
Published: July 2013

Mini‐AbstractThere is an increasing prevalence of mechanical assist device use in patients with end‐stage heart failure. With a growing number of intra‐ and postoperative cardiac thrombotic events in the setting of mechanical assist devices, recognition of this entity is becoming increasingly salient to the clinical management of this population. The case presented herein is notable for multiple reasons: (1) the thrombus demonstrated involves the entire left atrium, left ventricle, and proximal ascending aorta; (2) thrombosis did not occur in the setting of previously described triggers, including fresh frozen plasma, protamine, or intrinsic hypercoagulable state; and finally, (3) thrombosis occurred with therapeutic heparin levels.
Role of the adhesion molecule CD99 in platelet–neutrophil interactions
Authors: Pliyev Boris K. , Shepelev Alexander V. , Ivanova Anna V. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe interaction of platelets with neutrophils plays an important role in inflammation and thrombosis and is coordinated by multiple adhesive interactions. The adhesion molecule CD99 is a key mediator of neutrophil migration across the endothelium but whether it is involved in platelet–neutrophil adhesive interactions has not previously been addressed. We found that platelet CD99 is predominantly localized on the cell surface and is not shed following platelet activation. Blocking of either platelet or neutrophil CD99 significantly diminished neutrophil migration across surface‐adherent activated platelets in a quantitatively equivalent manner. In contrast, the blocking of CD99 affected neither neutrophil adhesion to surface‐adherent activated platelets nor formation of circulating platelet–neutrophil conjugates. Thus, homophilic CD99 interaction mediates neutrophil transplatelet migration but is not involved or is redundant in neutrophil adhesion to surface‐adherent or circulating platelets.
A method to develop a unified fatigue life prediction model for filled natural rubbers under uniaxial loads
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Li , Shangguan Wen‐Bin , Rakheja Subhash , Li Wu‐Cheng , Yu Bin 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTRubber components are widely used in many fields because of their superior elastic properties. Fatigue failures, commonly encountered in rubber components, however, remain a critical issue. In this study, the effect of strain ratio R on the fatigue life of filled natural rubbers used in automotive mounts is investigated experimentally and numerically. A uniaxial tension/compression fatigue experiment was conducted on dumb‐bell cylindrical rubber specimens subject to loads representing different R ratios. The experimental fatigue data are used to formulate two preliminary fatigue models based on peak strain and strain amplitude as the damage parameters. The deficiencies of these two models in predicting fatigue life over a wide range of R ratios are discussed, and an alternative life prediction model is proposed. The proposed model incorporates the effect of R ratio using an equivalent strain amplitude. It is shown that the proposed model could effectively predict fatigue life over a wide range of R ratios with an improved accuracy.
Retrospective analysis of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) marine growth and condition in the northwest Atlantic based on tag‐recovery data
Authors: Miller Alicia S. , Miller Timothy J. , Mills Katherine E. , Sheehan Timothy F. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe life history of North American Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is characterized by extensive round‐trip migrations between freshwater rearing habitats and marine feeding grounds off the coasts of Canada and Greenland. Growth is rapid during the marine migration, and growth rate and condition factor may be indicators of salmon health during this period. Growth data were evaluated from a tag‐recovery program conducted from 1969 to 1991 using hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon smolts released in the Penobscot River, Maine, U.S.A. Information from recaptures of 3167 salmon that were at large in the marine environment for 1 month to 3 yr was analyzed. Length–weight measurements coupled with time‐at‐large data were used to estimate von Bertalanffy and allometric growth parameters specific to the marine phase. Variations in growth and condition factor in relation to smolt age, release date, and temperature conditions in the northwest Atlantic were also examined. The von Bertalanffy k parameter declined with ordinal release date, indicating faster growth rates during the first year of smolts released earlier in the spring. The 2‐yr‐old smolts had a larger k than 1‐yr‐old smolts, although 1‐yr‐old smolts grew to a larger asymptotic size. Sea surface temperature had variable effects on growth parameters and condition factor, with temperature at the beginning of the migration and in overwintering habitat during the first year at sea having the greatest influence on length–weight relationships. Determining the mechanisms that influence growth of individuals during the marine phase will help elucidate the factors responsible for historic growth trends, establishing a baseline for current research.
The effect of wearing loupes on upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among dental hygienists
Authors: Hayes MJ , Osmotherly PG , Taylor JA , Smith DR , Ho A 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesIt is well established that musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a significant occupational health issue for dentists and hygienists. Despite this, there has been little advancement in the application of ergonomic principles in the dental profession. While the use of loupes is often promoted as an ergonomic solution, there is little published research to robustly support this claim. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the use of loupes on upper extremity MSD among dental hygienists.MethodsThe study was conducted using an exploratory pretest and post‐test design, comparing musculoskeletal measures in practising dental hygienists wearing loupes with final‐year dental hygiene students who did not wear loupes. Pre‐ and post‐test measures included valid self‐reported and objective outcome measures and were measured at baseline and 6 months following the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted as a series of mixed anovas with time and treatment as the independent variables.ResultsThe analysis revealed a significant interaction between time and treatment for the Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm and Hand (DASH) scores (P < 0.04), indicating an improvement in symptoms for the treatment group but a reversed trend for the controls. There was also a significant mean increase in scapular position measures; however, this finding was evident in both groups, indicating that these were not a result of the intervention.ConclusionsOverall, this study suggests that wearing loupes appears to have both positive and negative effects on upper extremity MSD among dental hygienists. Ongoing research is required to determine the long‐term effects of loupes wear, over an extended period of time.