bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrashort time‐to‐echo MRI of the cartilaginous endplate: Technique and association with intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Law Travis , Anthony Marina‐Portia , Chan Queenie , Samartzis Dino , Kim Mina , Cheung Kenneth MC , Khong Pek‐Lan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to report the feasibility of the ultrashort time‐to‐echo (UTE) MRI technique to assess cartilaginous endplate (CEP) defects in humans in vivo and to assess their relationship with intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration.MethodsNine volunteer subjects (mean age = 43.9 years; range = 22–61 years) were recruited, representing 54 IVDs and 108 CEPs. The subjects underwent T2‐weighted and UTE MRI to assess for the presence and severity of IVD degeneration, and for the presence of CEP defects, respectively, from T12 to S1. IVD degeneration was graded according to the Schneiderman et al. classification on T2‐weighted MRI. CEP defects were defined on UTE MRI as discontinuity of high signal over four consecutive images and were independently assessed by two observers.ResultsThirty‐seven out of 108 (34.3%) CEPs had defects, which mainly occurred at T12/L1, L1/L2 and L4/L5 (P = 0.008). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that lower body mass index (P = 0.009) and younger (P = 0.034) individuals had a decreased likelihood of having CEP defects. A statistically significant association was found to exist between the presence of CEP defects and IVD degeneration (P = 0.036). A higher prevalence of degenerated IVDs with CEP defects was found at L4/5 and L5/S1, while degenerated IVDs with no CEP defects were found throughout the whole lumbar region. Mean IVD degeneration scores of the L4/5 and L5/S1 levels with CEP defects were higher in comparison with those with no CEP defects.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates the feasibility of using UTE MRI in humans in vivo to assess the integrity of the CEP. A statistically significant association was found to exist between the presence of CEP defects and IVD degeneration. In the lower lumbar region, more severe degeneration was found to occur in the IVDs with CEP defects than in those without defects.
Fluid Divination: Movement, Chaos, and the Generation of “Noise” in Afro‐Cuban Spiritist Oracular Production
Authors: Santo Diana Espirito 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAn examination of oracles in popular forms of Cuban espiritismo invites a rethinking of the role of “randomness” and “context” in the anthropology of divination. Through an analysis of the ways by which spirit mediums develop as persons, and their implications for the mechanics of divination, I argue that among espiritistas the meaning of particular configurations cannot be separated from the event that brings them about. Relatively simple in their properties (e.g. water), spiritist oracles function to provide impulse to a perceived metaphysical universe that requires the generation of movement in order to achieve instantiation. The argument is that this movement provides a background of chaos essential to the purpose of divination. To demonstrate this, I forward an analogy to the language of electronic voice phenomena in parapsychology, in particular with its concept of “noise.” In both EVP and espiritismo, “noise” is the substance that allows spirits to communicate.
Different ways of subcutaneous tissue and skin closure at cesarean section: a randomized clinical trial on the long‐term cosmetic outcome
Authors: Huppelschoten Aleida G. , van Ginderen Johanna C. , van den Broek Krista C. , Bouwma Anne E. , Oosterbaan Herman P. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo study the effect of subcutaneous tissue closing and the effect of two different skin closure methods at cesarean section on long‐term cosmetic results.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingA large teaching hospital in the Netherlands.PopulationWomen undergoing a cesarean section.MethodsWomen undergoing a cesarean section were assigned to subcutaneous tissue closure or not, and skin closure with staples or intracutaneous sutures. Operating time, postoperative pain and incidence of complications were recorded. Long‐term cosmetic result was assessed 1 year postoperatively through the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).Main outcome measuresThe POSAS for subjective and objective scar rating and the NRS to provide an overall opinion on appearance of the scar 1 year after surgery.ResultsOf the 218 women randomized, data from 145 women could be analysed after 1 year of follow‐up. No significant differences were detected in long‐term cosmetic outcome between the different closure methods. Except for operating time, no differences in other secondary outcome measures were found.ConclusionsAt cesarean section, closing the subcutaneous tissue or not and using staples or intracutaneous sutures results in an equivalent long‐term cosmetic appearance of the scar.
Meta‐analysis: colonoscopic post‐polypectomy bleeding in patients on continued clopidogrel therapy
Authors: Gandhi S. , Narula N. , Mosleh W. , Marshall J. K. , Farkouh M. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryBackgroundCurrent guidelines recommend the cessation of clopidogrel therapy 5 days and 7–10 days prior to colonoscopic polypectomy. Recent studies have advocated for continued clopidogrel as post‐polypectomy bleeding (PPB) rates have been similar to those in the general population not on antithrombotic therapy.AimTo assess colonoscopic post‐polypectomy bleeding in patients on continued clopidogrel therapy.MethodsA literature search was conducted for studies that investigated PPB in patients on continued clopidogrel therapy. The primary outcome of interest was the pooled relative risk ratio (RR) of colonoscopic PPB in patients on continued clopidogrel therapy vs. controls. Secondary outcomes were a comparison of immediate and delayed colonoscopy PPB in patients on continued clopidogrel therapy vs. controls.ResultsFive observational studies included 574 subjects on continued clopidogrel therapy and 6169 control subjects. The pooled RR for PPB on continued clopidogrel therapy was 2.54 (95% CI 1.68–3.84, P < 0.00001). For immediate PPB there was a nonsignificant pooled RR of 1.76 (95% CI 0.90–3.46, P = 0.10), and delayed PPB there was a significant pooled RR of 4.66 (95% CI 2.37–9.17, P < 0.00001).ConclusionsThe results of this meta‐analysis suggest that continued clopidogrel increases the risk of delayed but not immediate post‐polypectomy bleeding. Clopidogrel interruption in individuals with coronary artery disease predisposes to serious acute ischaemic events. In high‐risk patients, endoscopists should be cognisant of these risks and consider deferring elective colonoscopy and polypectomy until it is considered safe to interrupt clopidogrel therapy.
Decorin activates Akt downstream of IGF‐IR and promotes myoblast differentiation
Authors: Suzuki Keisuke , Kishioka Yasuhiro , Wakamatsu Jun‐ichi , Nishimura Takanori 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDecorin, a small leucine‐rich proteoglycan, plays an important role in cellular activities through modification of growth factors. It also acts as a signaling molecule to non‐muscle cells through epidermal growth factor receptor or insulin‐like growth factor I receptor (IGF‐IR). However, it is unclear if decorin acts as a signaling molecule to myogenic cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of decorin on the differentiation of myoblasts and the signaling via IGF‐IR to myogenic cells. C2C12 myoblasts cultured in media containing decorin for 72 h showed more extensive formation of multinucleated myotubes than control cells cultured in the same media without decorin. The protein expressions of myogenin and myosin heavy chian were higher in decorn‐treated cells than in control cells. These results suggest that decorin enhances the differentiation of myoblasts. Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry showed that IGF‐IR was expressed in myoblasts and myotubes. Furthermore, Akt, which is downstream of IGF‐IR, was more phosphorylated in myoblasts cultured in media containing decorin than those in media without decorin. These results suggest that decorin activates Akt downstream of IGF‐IR and enhances the differentiation of myogenic cells.
In Utero and Lactational Exposure to Fluoxetine in Wistar Rats: Pregnancy Outcomes and Sexual Development
Authors: Müller Juliane C. , Boareto Ana C. , Lourenço Emerson L. B. , Zaia Renata M. , Kienast Mariana F. , Spercoski Katherinne M. , Morais Rosana N. , Martino‐Andrade Anderson J. , Dalsenter Paulo R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis study evaluated the reproductive effects of fluoxetine exposure in utero and during lactation on pregnancy outcomes and the sexual development of offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated daily with fluoxetine (0.4, 1.7 and 17 mg/kg/day) or distilled water by gavage from gestation day (GD) 7 to lactation day (LD) 21. A significant reduction in maternal body weight was observed during pregnancy and lactation in dams exposed to 17 mg/kg fluoxetine. Hormone analysis revealed an increase in progestagen and glucocorticoid metabolites on GD 15 and oestrogen and progestagen metabolites on LD 7 in dams treated with 17 mg/kg fluoxetine. Oestrogen metabolites also were increased on LD 7 in dams treated with 0.4 mg/kg fluoxetine. Besides that, an increase in the weight of the adrenal glands and a reduction in uterine weight in dams exposed to highest dose of fluoxetine were observed. Finally, pup birthweight and the viability and weaning indices also were reduced in animals exposed to 17 mg/kg fluoxetine. Overall, maternal hormonal changes were only observed at the highest dose tested, which also induced maternal and foetal toxicity. No significant changes were seen in dams or offspring exposed to therapeutic‐like doses.
Occupational outcome in bipolar disorder is not predicted by premorbid functioning and intelligence
Authors: Schoeyen Helle K , Melle Ingrid , Sundet Kjetil , Aminoff Sofie R , Hellvin Tone , Auestad Bjoern H , Morken Gunnar , Andreassen Ole A 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesBipolar disorder (BD), over the long term, can manifest a variety of outcomes depending on a number of different conditions. There is a need for further knowledge regarding preventive factors as well as predictors of the disabling course of the disorder. Studies regarding the impact on functional outcome of premorbid and current general intellectual function [intelligence quotient (IQ)] and premorbid functioning in BD patients are sparse. The present study addressed the role of premorbid functioning [assessed with the Premorbid Adjustment Scale (PAS)], intelligence, course of illness, and sociodemographics on occupational outcome in BD.MethodsBipolar disorder patients were recruited consecutively from psychiatric units (outpatient and inpatient) in four major hospitals in Oslo, Norway [(N = 226: 64.4% bipolar I disorder (BD‐I); 30.1% bipolar II disorder (BD‐II); 5.5% bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (BD‐NOS); 38.6% males]. The associations between current IQ, premorbid IQ [assessed using the National Adult Reading Test (NART)], PAS, clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, and receipt of disability benefit were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses.ResultsThe number of hospitalizations for depressive episodes and illness duration was associated with a higher risk of receipt of disability benefit. PAS, premorbid and current IQ, as well as decline in IQ, did not explain the higher risk of receipt of disability benefits.ConclusionsSevere clinical course of BD was associated with receipt of disability benefit. Occupational outcome was unrelated to PAS, premorbid and current IQ, as well as decline in IQ. This suggests that the persistence of severe clinical symptoms, rather than global cognitive functioning, determines occupational outcome in BD and emphasizes the protective potential of early and continuous clinical treatment.
Characteristics of patients diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder compared with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Pagel Tobias , Baldessarini Ross J , Franklin Jeremy , Baethge Christopher 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesInformation on basic demographic and clinical characteristics of schizoaffective disorder is sparse and subject to sampling bias and low diagnostic reliability. In the present study we aimed to: (i) estimate the demographic and clinical descriptors in schizoaffective disorder patients and (ii) compare the findings with those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.MethodsTo minimize sampling bias and low reliability, we systematically reviewed studies that simultaneously compared schizoaffective, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder patients. We estimated demographic, clinical, and psychometric characteristics based on weighted pooling, and compared disorders by meta‐analysis. We also estimated whether schizoaffective disorder is closer to schizophrenia or to bipolar disorder.ResultsWe identified 50 studies that included 18312 patients. Most characteristics of the 2684 schizoaffective disorder patients fell between those of 4814 diagnosed with bipolar disorder and 10814 with schizophrenia. However, the schizoaffective group had the highest proportion of women (52%), had the youngest age at illness onset (23.3 ± 3.8 years), and had the highest standardized ratings of psychosis and depression. Differences in pooled parameters between schizoaffective versus schizophrenia and versus bipolar disorder subjects were similar. Values for patients with schizoaffective disorders mostly were intermediate between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, the majority of studies showed schizoaffective patients to be more like schizophrenia than bipolar disorder patients in seven out of nine demographic and clinical categories as well as in five out of eight psychometric measures. These results remained similar when we restricted the analyses to studies with psychotic bipolar disorder patients only or to studies using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)‐IIIR and DSM‐IV only.ConclusionsThe present study provided estimates of important characteristics of schizoaffective disorder – as balanced as possible in summarizing the findings from observational studies as unbiased as possible. The results did not support the hypothesis that schizoaffective disorder is primarily an affective disorder. The stronger resemblance of schizoaffective disorder to schizophrenia than to bipolar disorder needs further investigation.
Management of venous thromboembolism – controversies and the future
Authors: Keeling David , Alikhan Raza 
Published: March 2013

SummaryDespite the availability of comprehensive evidence‐based guidelines there are difficult and controversial areas in the management of venous thromboembolism. Institutions and even countries disagree on the importance of calf vein thrombosis, with some rigorously detecting and treating it and others deliberately not looking for it. The need to treat proximal deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is accepted but which patients with an unprovoked first event should have long‐term anticoagulation has become a difficult clinical decision. We are uncertain how to reduce the incidence of post‐thrombotic syndrome seen in a substantial number of patients. How hard to look for an undiagnosed underlying cancer has become a contentious issue particularly in the United Kingdom following the recent publication of a guideline from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Whilst we are wrestling with these dilemmas we are entering an era of new anticoagulants and have to solve the logistical problems of introducing them into clinical practice despite cost pressures. These issues will be explored in this review.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells Contribute to Neointima Formation in Rabbit Elastase‐Induced Aneurysm after Flow Diverter Treatment
Authors: Li Zi‐Fu , Fang Xing‐Gen , Yang Peng‐Fei , Huang Qing‐Hai , Zhao Wen‐Yuan , Liang Chong , Zhao Rui , Liu Jian‐Min 
Published: March 2013

SummaryAimsEndothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are involved in vascular repair and homeostasis after vascular injuries. In this study, we aimed to explore whether bone marrow (BM)‐derived EPCs contribute to neointima formation and reendothelialization in rabbit elastase‐induced aneurysm after flow diverter treatment.MethodsElastase‐induced aneurysms were created in New Zealand male rabbits. Three weeks after model creation, flow diverter was implanted to cover the induced aneurysm neck. Autologous EPCs were isolated from bone marrow, expanded ex vivo, double labeled with Hoechst 33,342 and CFSE(carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester), and transplanted transvenously into the rabbits. The rabbits were assigned into three groups. The first group received autologous transfusion of double‐labeled EPCs from the first day after stent implantation, and the second group received transfusion from the fifteenth day. The autologous transfusion was given at a 3‐day interval and continued for 2 weeks. Fluorescence‐labeled cells were tracked under fluorescence microscope at the aneurysm neck and parent artery in the two groups. The third group was established as control group without EPCs transplantation. Scanning electron microscope was used to investigate the reendothelialization rate between the former two groups and the control group.ResultsIn the first group, double‐positive EPCs were found in 3/5 rabbits and mainly located in the subendothelial space and around the stent struts. In the second group, double‐positive EPCs were found in 2/5 rabbits and mainly located on the surface of neointima. More endothelial‐like cells were observed on the neointima of aneurysm neck and stented parent artery in the groups with EPCs transplantation than control group without EPCs transplantation, but the difference on the number of these cells did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionsBM‐derived EPCs participate in neointima formation and reendothelialization in elastase‐induced aneurysm after flow diverter treatment. The EPCs may differentiate into different cell types according to the stages of neointima formation in vivo.
Bayesian Decision‐Network Modeling of Multiple Stakeholders for Reef Ecosystem Restoration in the Coral Triangle
Authors: VARKEY DIVYA A. , PITCHER TONY J. , McALLISTER MURDOCH K. , SUMAILA RASHID S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractProposals for marine conservation measures have proliferated in the last 2 decades due to increased reports of fishery declines and interest in conservation. Fishers and fisheries managers have often disagreed strongly when discussing controls on fisheries. In such situations, ecosystem‐based models and fisheries‐stock assessment models can help resolve disagreements by highlighting the trade‐offs that would be made under alternative management scenarios. We extended the analytical framework for modeling such trade‐offs by including additional stakeholders whose livelihoods and the value they place on conservation depend on the condition of the marine ecosystem. To do so, we used Bayesian decision‐network models (BDNs) in a case study of an Indonesian coral reef fishery. Our model included interests of the fishers and fishery managers; individuals in the tourism industry; conservation interests of the state, nongovernmental organizations, and the local public; and uncertainties in ecosystem status, projections of fisheries revenues, tourism growth, and levels of interest in conservation. We calculated the total utility (i.e., value) of a range of restoration scenarios. Restricting net fisheries and live‐fish fisheries appeared to be the best compromise solutions under several combinations of settings of modeled variables. Results of our case study highlight the implications of alternate formulations for coral reef stakeholder utility functions and discount rates for the calculation of the net benefits of alternative fisheries management options. This case study may also serve as a useful example for other decision analyses with multiple stakeholders.Modelo de Red de Decisión Bayesiana de Múltiples Actores Interesados en la Restauración de Ecosistemas de Arrecife en el Triángulo de Coral
A Transactional and Collaborative Approach to Reducing Effects of Bottom Trawling
Authors: GLEASON MARY , FELLER ERIKA M. , MERRIFIELD MATT , COPPS STEPHEN , FUJITA ROD , BELL MICHAEL , RIENECKE STEVE , COOK CHUCK 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPrivate‐sector financial and legal transactions have long been used to protect terrestrial habitats and working landscapes, but less commonly to address critical threats in marine environments. Transferrable and marketable fishing privileges, including permits and quotas, make it possible to use private‐sector transactions as conservation strategies to address some fishery management issues. Abating the effects of bottom trawling on the seafloor and bycatch and discard associated with the practice has proven challenging. On the Central Coast of California, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Environmental Defense Fund, local fishers and local, state, and federal authorities worked collaboratively to protect large areas of the seafloor from bottom trawling for groundfish while addressing economic impacts of trawl closures. Contingent on the adoption of trawl‐closure areas by a federal regulatory agency, TNC used private funds to purchase federal groundfish trawl permits and vessels from willing sellers. Trawl‐closure areas were designed collaboratively by combining regional biological diversity and fisheries data with local fishers’ knowledge. The private transactional strategy was designed to remedy some deficiencies in previous federal buyouts, to mitigate economic impacts from trawl closures, and to carefully align with a public regulatory process to protect “essential fish habitat” under the Magnuson‐Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This collaborative effort protected 1.5 million ha (3.8 million acres) of seafloor, reduced trawl effort in the area by 50%, and set a precedent for collaborative partnerships between conservation and fishing interests. This is the first time a large conservation organization has taken an ownership position in a fishery and demonstrates how nongovernmental organizations can invest in fisheries to improve environmental and economic performance.Un Método Transaccional y Colaborativo para Reducir los Efectos de la Pesca de Arrastre de Fondo
Realist review to understand the efficacy of culturally appropriate diabetes education programmes
Authors: Pottie K. , Hadi A. , Chen J. , Welch V. , Hawthorne K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimsMinority populations often face linguistic, cultural and financial barriers to diabetes education and care. The aim was to understand why culturally appropriate diabetes education interventions work, when they work best and for whom they are most effective.MethodsThis review used a critical realist approach to examine culturally appropriate diabetes interventions. Beginning with the behavioural model and access to medical care, it reanalysed 11 randomized controlled trials from a Cochrane systematic review and related programme and training documents on culturally appropriate diabetes interventions. The analysis examined context and mechanism to understand their relationship to participant retention and statistically improved outcomes.ResultsMinority patients with language barriers and limited access to diabetes programmes responded to interventions using health workers from the same ethnic group and interventions promoting culturally acceptable and financially affordable food choices using local ingredients. Programme incentives improved retention in the programmes and this was associated with improved HbA1c levels at least in the short term. Adopting a positive learning environment, a flexible and less intensive approach, one‐to‐one teaching in informal settings compared with a group approach in clinics led to improved retention rates.ConclusionsMinority and uninsured migrants with unmet health needs showed the highest participation and HbA1c responses from culturally appropriate programmes.