bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short‐Term Therapeutic Effects of Ozone in the Management of Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Arias‐Vázquez Pedro Iván , Tovilla‐Zárate Carlos Alfonso , Hernández‐Díaz Yazmín , González‐Castro Thelma Beatriz , Juárez‐Rojop Isela Esther , López‐Narváez María Lilia , Bermudez‐Ocaña Deysi Yadira , Barjau‐Madrígal Hugo Adrián , Legorreta‐Ramírez Gabriela 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundOzone therapy has been used widely to decrease pain related to osteoarthritis, but the effectiveness of this treatment has not been evaluated.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of ozone therapy in the reduction of pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis, according to the type of intervention and duration of the effect.TypeMeta‐analysis.Literature SurveyWe performed an online search using PUBMED, DIALNET, SCIELO, MEDIGRAPHIC, and ISCO3 databases. We searched for articles published up to January 2018.ParticipantsWe selected eight studies including a total of 355 patients and 363 controls.MethodologyOnly randomized‐controlled trials that assessed the efficacy of intraarticular or periarticular infiltrations with ozone to treat knee osteoarthritis in humans were included in the analysis. The results are expressed as standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals. The meta‐analysis was performed in accordance with the statement of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses.SynthesisWe observed that ozone treatment had a therapeutic effect when compared with placebo (d = −0.81, 95% CI −1.06 to −0.55, I2 = 34.79, P(Q) = .47) or other noninvasive treatments. No significant effects were found in favor of the ozone treatment when compared with the use of hyaluronic acid or platelet‐rich plasma. However, the use of ozone had a significant short‐term benefit reducing knee pain (d = −2.26, 95% CI −2.26 to −3.72, I2 = 97, P(Q) < .001). Pain relief benefits lasted between 3 and 6 months.ConclusionOur results indicate that intraarticular infiltrations of ozone can be used as an optional effective treatment for the management of pain related to knee osteoarthritis. There are short‐term effect benefits that peak at around 1 month of treatment, with a gradual decline in efficacy after 3 to 6 months of treatment. More studies are needed to improve our understanding of the efficacy of this interventional treatment.Level of EvidenceI
Intervention for Increasing Vitamin D Supplementation in a Deficient Rehabilitation Population: Outcomes of a Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Krull Christine , Abramoff Benjamin A. , Jerome Mairin , Principe Jessica , Cai Qingpo , Tailor Yogita 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency (VDD) is highly prevalent and increases the risk of osteoporosis, falls, and fractures. Patients in acute inpatient rehabilitation have several risk factors for VDD, the adverse effects of which may hinder long‐term functional gain.ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for VDD in patients admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation and to evaluate the efficacy of a standardized vitamin D screening and supplementation protocol.DesignProspective cohort study as part of a quality improvement initiative.SettingAn academic, freestanding acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital.ParticipantsPatients consecutively admitted over a 4‐month period between November 2014 and February 2015 (n=128 pre‐intervention and n=129 post‐intervention).InterventionUniversal screening of vitamin D level on admission followed by utilization of a standard supplementation protocol.Main Outcome MeasuresVitamin D insufficiency (VDI) and VDD prevalence along with screening, and supplementation rates.ResultsPreintervention, 10.2% of patients were screened for VDD, with 23.1% VDI and 46.2% VDD. Postintervention, 89.9% were screened, with 31.9% VDI and 47.4% VDD. 6.3% of all patients were supplemented on vitamin D preintervention compared to 53.5% postintervention. In multivariate analyses, the odds of VDD was significantly associated with African American race (OR 7.30, 95% CI, 1.56‐34.20, P = .12) and age younger than 65 (OR 13.62 95% CI, 2.51‐73.83, P = .002). Diagnoses in the “other neurologic” category were associated with decreased odds of VDD (OR 0.01, 95% CI, 0.001‐0.193, P = .002).ConclusionsGiven the high prevalence of VDD in an acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital, a routine screening and standardized supplementation protocol may improve quality of care.Level of EvidenceIII
Sleep‐disordered breathing is common among term and near term infants in the NICU
Authors: Meerkov Meera S. , Hassan Fauziya , Chervin Ronald D. , Barks John D. , Carlson Martha D. , Shellhaas Renée A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveAmong older infants and children, sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) has negative neurocognitive consequences. We evaluated the frequency and potential impact of SDB among newborns who require intensive care.Study DesignTerm and near‐term newborns at risk for seizures underwent 12‐h attended polysomnography in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Bayley Scales of Infant Development, third edition (Bayley‐III) were administered at 18‐22 months.ResultThe 48 newborns (EGA 39.3 ± 1.6) had a median pediatric apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) of 10.1 (3.3‐18.5) and most events were central (vs obstructive). Maternal and prenatal factors were not associated with AHI. Moreover, neonatal PSG results were not associated with Bayley‐III scores (P > 0.05).ConclusionSDB is common among term and near‐term newborns at risk for seizures. Follow‐up at ages when more nuanced testing can be performed may be necessary to establish whether neonatal SDB is associated with long‐term neurodevelopmental disability.
Plasma Proteomics Analysis Reveals Dysregulation of Complement Proteins and Inflammation in Acquired Obesity—A Study on Rare BMI‐Discordant Monozygotic Twin Pairs
Authors: Sahebekhtiari Navid , Saraswat Mayank , Joenväärä Sakari , Jokinen Riikka , Lovric Alen , Kaye Sanna , Mardinoglu Adil , Rissanen Aila , Kaprio Jaakko , Renkonen Risto , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. 
Published: January 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to elucidate the effect of excess body weight and liver fat on the plasma proteome without interference from genetic variation.Experimental DesignThe effect of excess body weight is assessed in young, healthy monozygotic twins from pairs discordant for body mass index (intrapair difference (Δ) in BMI > 3 kg m−2, n = 26) with untargeted LC‐MS proteomics quantification. The effect of liver fat is interrogated via subgroup analysis of the BMI‐discordant twin cohort: liver fat discordant pairs (Δliver fat > 2%, n = 12) and liver fat concordant pairs (Δliver fat < 2%, n = 14), measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy.ResultsSeventy‐five proteins are differentially expressed, with significant enrichment for complement and inflammatory response pathways in the heavier co‐twins. The complement dysregulation is found in obesity in both the liver fat subgroups. The complement and inflammatory proteins are significantly associated with adiposity measures, insulin resistance and impaired lipids.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThe early pathophysiological mechanisms in obesity are incompletely understood. It is shown that aberrant complement regulation in plasma is present in very early stages of clinically healthy obese persons, independently of liver fat and in the absence of genetic variation that typically confounds human studies.
Children Are Not Small Adults, but Can We Treat Them As Such?
Authors: Krekels Elke H.J. , Calvier Elisa A.M. , van der Graaf Piet H. , Knibbe Catherijne A.J. 
Published: January 2019

Although children cannot be considered small adults due to nonlinear processes underlying the pharmacokinetics of drugs, pediatric doses are typically still expressed per kilogram. We use a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) workflow to assess the accuracy of linear scaling of plasma clearance (CLp) for hypothetical drugs with ranges of realistic parameter values in pediatric patients of different ages. The results are compared with 0.75 fixed allometric scaling (AS 0.75). Linear CLp scaling is accurate down to the age of 1 month for drugs undergoing glomerular filtration, except when these drugs are highly bound to alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP). For hepatically cleared drugs, linear scaling is reasonably accurate down the age of 2 years, except for AGP‐bound drugs with a low extraction ratio and mature isoenzymes. In neonates, linear scaling outperforms AS 0.75 for human serum albumin (HSA) and AGP‐bound drugs excreted through glomerular filtration. These results suggest that pediatric patients can, in many cases, be treated as small adults.
Allogeneic Ex Vivo Expanded Corneal Epithelial Stem Cell Transplantation: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Campbell John D.M. , Ahmad Sajjad , Agrawal Ashish , Bienek Carol , Atkinson Anne , Mcgowan Neil W.A. , Kaye Stephen , Mantry Sanjay , Ramaesh Kanna , Glover Alison , Pelly Jane , MacRury Coral , MacDonald Margaret , Hargreaves Emily , Barry Jacqueline , Drain John , Cuthbertson Bruce , Nerurkar Louis , Downing Ian , Fraser Alasdair R. , Turner Marc L. , Dhillon Baljean 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a disease resulting from the loss or dysfunction of epithelial stem cells, which seriously impairs sight. Autologous limbal stem cell transplantation is effective in unilateral or partial bilateral disease but not applicable in total bilateral disease. An allogeneic source of transplantable cells for use in total bilateral disease can be obtained from culture of donated cadaveric corneal tissue. We performed a controlled multicenter study to examine the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of allogeneic corneal epithelial stem cells in the treatment of bilateral LSCD. Patients were randomized to receive corneal epithelial stem cells cultured on amniotic membrane (AM): investigational medicinal product (IMP) or control AM only. Patients received systemic immunosuppression. Primary endpoints were safety and visual acuity, secondary endpoint was change in composite ocular surface score (OSS). Sixteen patients were treated and 13 patients completed all assessments. Safety was demonstrated and 9/13 patients had improved visual acuity scores at the end of the trial, with no significant differences between IMP and control groups. Patients in the IMP arm demonstrated significant, sustained improvement in OSS, whereas those in the control arm did not. Serum cytokine levels were measured during and after the period of immune suppression and we identified strongly elevated levels of CXCL8 in the serum of patients with aniridia, which persisted throughout the trial. This first randomized control trial of allogeneic corneal epithelial stem cells in severe bilateral LSCD demonstrates the feasibility and safety of this approach. tem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:323–331
Selective Localization of Hierarchically Assembled Particles to Plasma Membranes of Living Cells
Authors: Misra Asish C. , Park Tae‐Hong , Carney Randy P. , Rusciano Giulia , Stellacci Francesco , Lahann Joerg 
Published: January 2019

AbstractParticles that preferentially partition to a specific cellular subunit, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, or the cytoskeleton, are of relevance to a number of applications, including drug delivery, genetic manipulation, or self‐assembly. Here, hierarchical assemblies of fully synthetic particles that selectively localize to the plasma membrane of mammalian cells are presented. A multimodal approach is used to create assemblies of polymer‐based carrier particles with amphiphilic gold nanoparticles immobilized on one hemisphere. These assemblies persist in the plasma membrane of cells for several days and undergo rearrangements and clustering, typically considered to be hallmarks of membrane‐bound receptors.
Bayesian networks for the interpretation of biological evidence
Authors: Schaapveld Tayla E. M. , Opperman Stephanie L. , Harbison SallyAnn 
Published: January 2019

In court, it is typical for biological evidence to be reported at a level that only addresses how likely the DNA evidence is if it originated from a particular individual, or individuals. However, there are other questions that could be considered that would be of value in enabling the court, including the jury, to make better informed decisions. For example, although answers to specific questions such as: “Which type of bodily fluid has the DNA originated from?” or, “How was the DNA deposited at the scene?” would be probabilistic in nature, they can be crucial to the outcome of a case. The relationship between the DNA evidence, the source of the DNA and the activity that took place is described in a term called the “hierarchy of propositions.” Currently, such questions are usually answered by scientists subjectively with little to no logical framework to assist them. Bayesian networks have proven to be beneficial in providing logical reasoning by way of a likelihood ratio to help combine subjective, yet, experience‐based, opinions of experts with experimental data when answering questions which can be both complex and uncertain. These networks offer a framework that provides balance, transparency, and robustness in the evaluation of evidence. A current limitation of the use of Bayesian networks includes a lack of understanding of the underlying concepts from both forensic scientists and the courts and consequently a reduced recognition of the potential strengths.This article is categorized under:
Forensic Biology > Interpretation of Biological Evidence
Heparin treatment mitigates radiation-induced oral mucositis in mice by interplaying with repopulation processes
Authors: Kowaliuk M. , Schröder I. , Kuess P. , Dörr W. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the mechanistic background of the muco-protective effect of systemic heparin treatment on the development of radiation-induced oral mucositis in mice.

Materials and methods
Fractionated irradiation was given to the snouts of male C3H/Neu mice over 2 weeks (10 × 3 Gy), either alone or in combination with daily subcutaneous application of unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin (40 or 200 I.U./mouse, respectively). Over this course of 14 days, groups of mice (n = 3) were sacrificed every second day, their tongues excised and processed for histological analysis. The epithelial radiation response with and without heparin treatment was evaluated in terms of tissue morphology, proliferation and expression of cell contact molecules.

Results
Systemic treatment with heparins significantly reduced the cellular effects of irradiation to the oral epithelium. Heparin treated animals showed significantly higher total epithelial cell numbers and thickness throughout the study course. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation analyses revealed that markedly more epithelial cells retained their proliferative capacity in the beginning of the first treatment week, but the proliferation of the mucosa was not stimulated during the rest of the study course. The expression of the adherens junction protein β‑catenin was slightly elevated in heparin treated animals, on day 2 the increase was statistically significant. The expression of e‑cadherin and occludin was mostly unaffected by the concomitant heparin treatment.

Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate an interplay of additional heparin treatment with the repopulation processes, leading to an earlier onset of this adaptive radiation response in oral mucosa. Importantly, we could demonstrate that the protective potential of heparin did not rely on stimulation of normal tissue proliferation. Since both heparin preparations are already approved for clinical use, they are considered as promising candidates for future clinical studies.
Underlying mechanisms of ANAMMOX bacteria adaptation to salinity stress
Authors: Wang Han , Li Han-Xiang , Fang Fang , Guo Jin-song , Chen You-Peng , Yan Pen , Yang Ji-Xiang 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Dealing with nitrogen-rich saline wastewater produced by industries remains challenging because of the inhibition of functional microorganisms by high salinity. The underlying mechanisms of anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) exposed to salinity stress should be studied to investigate the potential of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX) for applications in such wastewater. In this study, the total DNA from granular sludge was extracted from an expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor operated at 0, 15 and 30 g/L salinity and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. The nitrogen removal performance in the reactor could be maintained from 86.2 to 88.0% at less than 30 g/L salinity level. The microbial diversity in the reactor under saline conditions was lower than that under the salt-free condition. Three genera of AnAOB were detected in the reactor, and Candidatus Kuenenia was the most abundant. The predictive functional profiling based on the Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins (COGs) database showed that the inhibition of AnAOB under saline conditions was mainly characterised by the weakening of energy metabolism and intracellular repair. AnAOB might adapt to salinity stress by increasing their rigidity and intracellular osmotic pressure. The predictive functional profiling based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database revealed that the inhibition of AnAOB was mainly manifested by the weakening of intracellular carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the blockage of intracellular energy supply and the reduction of membrane transport capacity. AnAOB might adapt to salinity stress by strengthening wall/membrane synthesis, essential cofactors (porphyrins) and energy productivity, enhancing intracellular material transformation and gene repair and changing its structure and group behaviour. The stability of the nitrogen removal performance could be maintained via the adaptation of AnAOB to salinity and their increased abundance.
Elastic, Viscoelastic and Fibril-Reinforced Poroelastic Material Properties of Healthy and Osteoarthritic Human Tibial Cartilage
Authors: Ebrahimi Mohammadhossein , Ojanen Simo , Mohammadi Ali , Finnilä Mikko A. , Joukainen Antti , Kröger Heikki , Saarakkala Simo , Korhonen Rami K. , Tanska Petri 
Published: January 2019

AbstractArticular cartilage constituents (collagen, proteoglycans, fluid) are significantly altered during osteoarthritis (OA). A fibril-reinforced poroelastic (FRPE) material model can separate the contribution of each constituent on the mechanical response of cartilage. Yet, these properties and their OA related alterations are not known for human tibial cartilage. To answer this gap in the knowledge, we characterized the FRPE as well as elastic and viscoelastic properties of healthy and osteoarthritic human tibial cartilage. Tibial osteochondral explants (n = 27) harvested from 7 cadavers were mechanically tested in indentation followed by a quantification of elastic, viscoelastic and FRPE properties. Then they were histopathologically OARSI graded for the severity of OA. FRPE modeling revealed that non-fibrillar matrix modulus was higher in the healthy group compared to the early OA (p = 0.003) and advanced OA (p < 0.001) groups. The initial fibril network modulus was also higher in the healthy group compared to the early OA (p = 0.009) and advanced OA (p < 0.001) groups. The permeability correlated with the OARSI grade (p = 0.002, r = 0.56). For the first time, the FRPE properties were characterized for human tibial cartilage. This knowledge is crucial to improve the accuracy of computational knee joint models.
Interdependence, participation, and coordination in the budgeting process
Authors: Weiskirchner-Merten Katrin 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis article studies the role of participation in the budgeting process when the company has to coordinate two interdependent divisions. The focus lies on the design of the budgeting process (top-down vs. participative budgets) and the underlying supply of information. This is studied in a principal agent model where two divisions (agents) jointly generate earnings. With the participative budgeting process, the company (principal) implements an information system that provides the division managers with private information. Two economic effects occur. First, the company can benefit from the division managers’ private information by perfectly coordinating the divisions’ operations. Second, the company has to induce the managers to provide productive effort and with participation, to additionally report truthfully. Thus, the company incurs incentive costs. The two considered budgeting processes trade off these effects diametrically. For a low importance of coordination, the company prefers the top-down budgeting process and not installing an information system that allows the managers to obtain private information. Otherwise, the participative budgeting process is used. In contrast to the company, managers always prefer the participative budgeting process. In addition, the model predicts that a higher earnings potential increases the attractiveness of participative budgets.
Don't watch me read: how mere presence and mandatory waiting periods affect consumer attention to disclosures
Authors: CHIN ALYCIA , BECKETT DUSTIN H. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTo help people make informed decisions, policy-makers often require entities to provide consumers with informational materials known as disclosures. However, it is unclear whether consumers pay attention to disclosures. In two experiments where we manipulate the delivery of disclosures, we find that the mere presence of an observer negatively affects attention to disclosures, while introducing a mandatory waiting period after receiving a disclosure increases attention. In a third study, we analyze more than 3000 surveys answered by recent mortgage borrowers. Borrowers who report receiving disclosures at mortgage closing meetings (which are often attended by multiple stakeholders) are less likely to have questions about their disclosures than those who receive disclosures beforehand, suggesting differential attention. Our findings demonstrate that both mandatory waiting periods and the presence of observers can affect consumers’ attention to disclosures. We discuss implications of our research for policies designed to promote informed consumer decision-making.
Context Matters: Measuring Nationalism in the Countries of the Former Czechoslovakia
Authors: Bahna Miloslav 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis paper compares nationalism in the two ex-Czechoslovak countries—the Czech and Slovak republics. The aim is to analyze the measurement of nationalism in the 1995, 2003, and 2013 International Social Survey Program (ISSP) National Identity surveys. According to the nationalism measures from the ISSP survey – which are frequently used by authors analyzing nationalism—both countries experienced a significant rise in nationalism in the 1995 to 2013 period. Moreover, invariance testing of the nationalism latent variable confirms the possibility of comparing levels of nationalism between Czechia and Slovakia over time. However, the associations between nationalism, as measured in the study, and concepts related to nationalism—such as xenophobia, protectionism, or assertive foreign policy—suggest that what is measured as nationalism in 1995 is very different from what is measured in 2013. This is explained by a change of context which occurred in both countries between 1995 and 2013. While answering the same question had a strong nationalistic connotation in 1995, this was not the case in 2013. Based on our findings we advise against using the analyzed “nationalism” items as measurement of nationalism even beyond the two analyzed countries.