bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Staining and in Vitro Toxicity of Dithizone with Canine, Porcine, and Bovine Islets
Authors: Clark Samuel A. , Borland Kermit M. , Sherman Sandra D. , Rusack Thelma C. , Chick William L. 
Published: June 2017

Dithizone (DTZ) is a recognized diabetogenic agent in vivo, and a supravital stain commonly used for identification of islets to be used for transplantation. In the present studies, we compared DTZ staining of freshly isolated and cultured canine, bovine, and porcine islets, and the effect of DTZ on the function and viability of islets. Incubation with DTZ resulted in staining of canine and porcine islets, but no discernible staining with bovine islets. Insulin content of porcine, canine, and bovine islet was 2.0 ± 0.2, 2.2 ± 0.3, and 1.9 ± 0.2 mU/EIN, indicating a lack of correspondence of DTZ staining and insulin content. Seven days of culture with canine islets resulted in ≥50% reduction of DTZ stained cells. Exposure to DTZ at 50 μg/mL resulted in a maximal number of stained cells in preparations of purified islets (80-85%; counted after dispersion), a lower percentage of cells stained faintly at 20 μg/mL (50-55%), with no discernible staining at 10 μg/mL. Prolonged exposure of islets (4-48 h) to 20 μg/mL DTZ led to reduced insulin secretion and islet cell death. Incubation of canine or porcine islets with 100 μg/mL of DTZ for 0.5 h resulted in a dramatic loss of viability and diminished insulin secretory function, which was not reversed with continued culture. The concentration dependence of toxic effects paralleled the concentration dependence of cellular staining. The minimally effective staining concentration (20 μg/mL) also resulted in a loss of viability. An additional assessment of DTZ toxicity was made using the RIN-38 β-cell line, which shows no discernible staining with DTZ. A 1 h exposure to dithizone resulted in a dose-dependent loss of viable RIN-38 cells. We conclude first, that DTZ is cytotoxic to islet cells in vitro, at concentrations used for islet staining. Although the toxicity of DTZ appears to be related to its staining properties, high concentrations have toxic effects that are unrelated to staining properties. We propose that cellular accumulation of DTZ (staining), produces toxicity by concentrating DTZ to toxic levels. Secondly, we conclude that DTZ does not stain islets of all species, despite the equivalent insulin content.
New insights into the burden and costs of multiple sclerosis in Europe: Results for Italy
Authors: Battaglia Mario , Kobelt Gisela , Ponzio Michela , Berg Jenny , Capsa Daniela , Dalén Johan ,   The European Multiple Sclerosis Platform
Published: June 2017

Introduction: In order to estimate the value of interventions in multiple sclerosis (MS) – where lifetime costs and outcomes cannot be observed – outcome data have to be combined with costs. This requires that cost data be regularly updated. Objectives and methods: This study is part of a cross-sectional retrospective study in 16 countries collecting data on resource consumption and work capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and prevalent symptoms for patients with MS. Descriptive analyses are presented by level of severity, from the societal perspective, in EUR 2015. Results: A total of 1010 patients (mean age = 45 years) participated in Italy. In total, 94% were below retirement age, and of these, 56% were employed. Employment was related to disability, and MS affected productivity at work in 77% of the patients. Overall, 96% and 65% of the patients experienced fatigue and cognitive difficulties as a problem, respectively. Mean utility and total annual costs were 0.735 and €22,900 at Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of 0–3, 0.534 and €40,100 at EDSS of 4–6.5, and 0.135 and €53,300 at EDSS of 7–9. The mean cost of a relapse was estimated to be €2600. Conclusion: This study illustrates the burden of MS on Italian patients and provides current data on MS that are important for the development of health policies.
New insights into the burden and costs of multiple sclerosis in Europe: Results for Poland
Authors: Selmaj Krzysztof , Kobelt Gisela , Berg Jenny , Orlewska Ewa , Capsa Daniela , Dalén Johan ,   The European Multiple Sclerosis Platform
Published: June 2017

Background: In order to estimate the value of interventions in multiple sclerosis (MS) – where lifetime costs and outcomes cannot be observed – outcome data have to be combined with costs. This requires that cost data be regularly updated. Objective and methods: This study is part of a cross-sectional retrospective study in 16 European countries collecting current data on resource consumption, work capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and prevalent symptoms for patients with MS. Descriptive analyses are presented by level of severity, from the societal perspective, in 2015 Polish Zloty (PLN). Results: A total of 411 MS patients (mean age = 40 years) participated in Poland; 94% were below retirement age, and of these, 59% were employed. Employment was related to disability, and MS affected productivity for 85% of those working. Overall, 97% and 71% of patients experienced fatigue and cognition as important problems, respectively. Mean utility and total annual costs were 0.686 and 48,700 PLN at Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0–3, 0.521 and 59,200 PLN at EDSS 4–6.5 and 0.208 and 81,600 PLN at EDSS 7–9, respectively. The average cost of a relapse was 3,900 PLN. Conclusion: This study illustrates the burden of MS on Polish patients and provides current data that are important for developing health policies.
New insights into the burden and costs of multiple sclerosis in Europe: Results for Spain
Authors: Oreja-Guevara Celia , Kobelt Gisela , Berg Jenny , Capsa Daniela , Eriksson Jennifer ,   The European Multiple Sclerosis Platform
Published: June 2017

Introduction: In order to estimate the value of interventions in multiple sclerosis (MS) where lifetime costs and outcomes cannot be observed, outcome data have to be combined with costs. This requires that cost data be regularly updated. Objectives and methods: This study is part of a cross-sectional retrospective study in 16 countries collecting data on resource consumption, work capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and prevalent symptoms for patients with MS. Descriptive analyses are presented by level of severity, from the societal perspective, in EUR 2015. Results: A total of 462 patients (mean age 43 years) participated in Spain; 96% were below retirement age and of these, 45% were employed. Employment was related to disability, and MS affected productivity at work for 72% of those working. Overall, 92% and 64% of patients experienced fatigue and cognitive difficulties as a problem, respectively. Mean utility and total annual costs were estimated at 0.772 and €20,600 at Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0–3, 0.486 and €48,500 at EDSS 4–6.5 and 0.182 and €68,700 at EDSS 7–9, respectively. The mean cost of a relapse was €2050. Conclusion: This study illustrates the burden of MS on Spanish patients and provides current data that are important for development of health policies.
Varicella-zoster meningovasculitis in a multiple sclerosis patient treated with natalizumab
Authors: Mulero Patricia , Auger Cristina , Parolin Laura , Fonseca Elena , Requena Manuel , Rio Jordi , Tintoré Mar , Rovira Alex , Montalban Xavier 
Published: June 2017

Background: Natalizumab is associated with the occasional occurrence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). While natalizumab-associated PML is well described in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, herpes and other infections have rarely been reported. Objective: To report a case of varicella-zoster (VZV) meningovasculitis in a MS patient treated with natalizumab. Methods: Case report. Results: A 48-year-old woman diagnosed with MS in treatment with natalizumab (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): 4.0). After 72 infusions, she complained of a holocraneal headache and a new unsteady gait with diplopia (EDSS: 5.0). A brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance (MR) scan showed a multifocal leptomeningeal enhancing nodular lesions and an angiography revealed irregularity of the proximal segments of cerebral arteries. Testing for VZV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was positive in cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment with endovenous acyclovir was started. After clinical improvement (EDSS: 4.5), treatment with natalizumab was restarted associated with oral acyclovir as prophylaxis. Conclusion: Neurologists should be aware of other possible neuroinfections besides PML in MS patients under natalizumab.
Evaluation of spatiotemporal trends and predictive modeling of non-accidental trauma utilizing geographical information systems
Authors: Smith Michael R , Shvilkina Tatyana , Pavalonis Albert G , Amberger Melissa A , Onursal Elif M , Long Zachary , Vanderet Danielle , Kollipara Karishma , Esposito Christopher , DiRusso Stephen M , Verrier Ronald , Baltazar Gerard , Davis Robert L 
Published: June 2017

Background Acts of violence can be considered random when viewed singularly, but are appreciable as patterns and clusters of an epidemic. Violence begets violence: it has been shown that people exposed to violence are more likely to harm themselves, their families, and members of the community. Our previous manuscript on this subject demonstrated distinct clusters of violent trauma, where each subtype appeared to have its own domain. Methods The location, date, time of day, and mechanism of injury of all non-accidental trauma patients from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2013 were collected and analyzed. Kernel density analysis was used to identify areas of increased activity and these were compared by year. The areas identified were mapped by their latitude and longitude. The data for the year 2013 were used to determine the potential for the predictive value of the prior 5 years. Results Definite trends can be observed in the temporal distribution of trauma, with a higher incidence of violent trauma occurring between 6 pm and 6 am during the 6-year period. Seasonal variation of higher amounts of violent trauma is also observed from April through August. Predictive modeling did not yield significant results for the following year or for the following month using Crimestat software. Conclusion Discernable trends of trauma are able to be demonstrated based upon the identifiable clusters of assault but these clusters do not remain constant from year to year. Predictive modeling can assist with the identification of elevated incidents of activity, however has poor predictive value for the entirety of the year. The use of the Crimestat Time Series Forecasting Module is best served with the early indication of large changes in assault patterns. Further study and improved collaboration with the local police precincts and surrounding trauma centers is required to treat the epidemic of violence.
A New Mobile Application for Standardizing Diabetic Foot Images
Authors: Yap Moi Hoon , Chatwin Katie E. , Ng Choon-Ching , Abbott Caroline A. , Bowling Frank L. , Rajbhandari Satyan , Boulton Andrew J. M. , Reeves Neil D. 
Published: June 2017

Background: We describe the development of a new mobile app called “FootSnap,” to standardize photographs of diabetic feet and test its reliability on different occasions and between different operators. Methods: FootSnap was developed by a multidisciplinary team for use with the iPad. The plantar surface of 30 diabetic feet and 30 nondiabetic control feet were imaged using FootSnap on two separate occasions by two different operators. Reproducibility of foot images was determined using the Jaccard similarity index (JSI). Results: High intra- and interoperator reliability was demonstrated with JSI values of 0.89-0.91 for diabetic feet and 0.93-0.94 for control feet. Conclusions: Similarly high reliability between groups indicates FootSnap is appropriate for longitudinal follow-ups in diabetic feet, with potential for monitoring pathology.
Before-After Study of an Electronic Order Set for Reversal of Vitamin K Antagonist–Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Vitt Jeffrey R. , Do Lynn V. , Shah Nirav H. , Fong Gary , Nguyen Nicole Y. , Kim Anthony S. 
Published: June 2017

Background: Vitamin K antagonist (VKA)–associated intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) are more likely to expand and are associated with higher mortality than primary ICH. Prompt reversal of anticoagulant effect with prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) may promote hemostasis and decrease hematoma expansion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an electronic order set designed to standardize and facilitate more timely reversal of coagulopathy in VKA-associated ICH. Methods: We identified all adults who received PCC for VKA-associated ICH from June 2012 to June 2015 at University of California San Francisco Medical Center, which included a period before and after an electronic order set became available in 2014. We abstracted baseline demographics and clinical data from electronic health records. The primary outcome was time from radiographic identification of ICH to administration of PCC. Results: Thirty-one patients received PCC for VKA-associated ICH, including 17 patients before and 14 patients after the order set became available. Baseline demographics and clinical features were similar. Order set use was associated with a significant decrease in the time from identification of ICH on imaging to the administration of PCC (median 83 vs 45 minutes; P = .02), more accurate dosing (29.4% vs 92.9%; P < .01), and a shorter time from the PCC order to follow-up international normalized ratio (INR) testing (median 164 vs 85 minutes, P = .001). Conclusion: An electronic order set for administering PCC for VKA-associated ICH was associated with significantly faster time to PCC administration and increased dosing accuracy.
The Effectiveness of Bioskills Training for Simulated Open Lumbar Laminectomy
Authors: Boody Barrett S. , Rosenthal Brett D. , Jenkins Tyler J. , Patel Alpesh A. , Savage Jason W. , Hsu Wellington K. 
Published: June 2017

Study Design: Randomized, prospective study within an orthopedic surgery resident program at a large urban academic medical center. Objectives: To develop an inexpensive, user-friendly, and reproducible lumbar laminectomy bioskills training module and evaluation protocol that can be readily implemented into residency training programs to augment the clinical education of orthopedic and neurosurgical physicians-in-training. Methods: Twenty participants comprising senior medical students and orthopedic surgical residents. Participants were randomized to control (n = 9) or intervention (n = 11) groups controlling for level of experience (medical students, junior resident, or senior resident). The intervention group underwent a 40-minute bioskills training module, while the control group spent the same time with self-directed study. Pre- and posttest performance was self-reported by each participant (Physician Performance Diagnostic Inventory Scale [PPDIS]). Objective outcome scores were obtained from a blinded fellowship-trained attending orthopedic spine surgeon using Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) and Objective Decompression Score metrics. Results: When compared with the control group, the intervention group yielded a significant mean improvement in OSATS ( P = .022) and PPDIS ( P = .0001) scores. The Objective Decompression Scores improved in the intervention group with a trend toward significance ( P = .058). Conclusions: We conclude that a concise lumbar laminectomy bioskills training session can be a useful educational tool for to augment clinical education. Although no direct clinical correlation can be concluded from this study, the improvement in trainee’s technical and procedural skills suggests that Sawbones training modules can be an efficient and effective tool for teaching fundamental spine surgical skills outside of the operating room.
High Prevalence of Nontraumatic Shoulder Pain in a Regional Sample of Female High School Volleyball Athletes
Authors: Frisch Kayt E. , Clark Jacob , Hanson Chad , Fagerness Chris , Conway Adam , Hoogendoorn Lindsay 
Published: June 2017

Background: Shoulder pain is becoming increasingly problematic in young players as volleyball gains popularity. Associations between repetitive motion and pain and overuse injury have been observed in other overhand sports (most notably baseball). Studies of adult athletes suggest that there is a shoulder pain and overuse problem present in volleyball players, but minimal research has been done to establish rates and causes in juvenile participants. Purpose: To establish rates of shoulder pain, regardless of whether it resulted in a loss of playing time, in female high school volleyball players. A secondary goal was to determine whether high repetition volumes correlated with an increased likelihood of experiencing pain. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: A self-report survey focusing on the prevalence of pain not associated with a traumatic event in female high school youth volleyball players was developed. Survey questions were formulated by certified athletic trainers, experienced volleyball coaches, and biomechanics experts. Surveys were received from 175 healthy, active high school volleyball players in Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Results: Forty percent (70/175) of active high school volleyball players remembered experiencing shoulder pain not related to traumatic injury, but only 33% (23/70) reported taking time off to recover from the pain. Based on these self-reported data, activities associated with significantly increased risk of nontraumatic shoulder pain included number of years playing competitive volleyball ( P = .01) and lifting weights out of season ( P = .001). Players who reported multiple risk factors were more likely to experience nontraumatic shoulder pain. Conclusion: When using time off for recovery as the primary injury criterion, we found that the incidence of shoulder pain is more than twice as high as the incidence of injury reported by previous studies. Findings also indicated that the incidence of shoulder pain may be correlated with volume of previous volleyball experience.
Exploiting Big Data in Logistics Risk Assessment via Bayesian Nonparametrics
Authors: Shang Yan , Dunson David , Song Jing-Sheng 
Published: June 2017

In cargo logistics, a key performance measure is transport risk, defined as the deviation of the actual arrival time from the planned arrival time. Neither earliness nor tardiness is desirable for customer and freight forwarders. In this paper, we investigate ways to assess and forecast transport risks using a half-year of air cargo data, provided by a leading forwarder on 1,336 routes served by 20 airlines. Interestingly, our preliminary data analysis shows a strong multimodal feature in the transport risks, driven by unobserved events, such as cargo missing flights. To accommodate this feature, we introduce a Bayesian nonparametric model—the probit stick-breaking process mixture model—for flexible estimation of the conditional (i.e., state-dependent) density function of transport risk. We demonstrate that using alternative methods can lead to misleading inferences. Our model provides a tool for the forwarder to offer customized price and service quotes. It can also generate baseline airline performance to enable fair supplier evaluation. Furthermore, the method allows us to separate recurrent risks from disruption risks. This is important, because hedging strategies for these two kinds of risks are often drastically different. The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2017.1612 .
A Novel PID Controller with Second Order Lead/Lag Filter for Stable and Unstable First Order Process with Time Delay
Authors: Medarametla Praveen Kumar , Muthukumarasamy Manimozhi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA novel Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller is proposed for stable and unstable first order processes with time delay. The controller is cascaded in series with a second order filter. Polynomial approach is employed to derive the controller and filter parameters. Simple tuning rules are derived by analysing the maximum sensitivity of the control loop. Formulae are provided for initial guess of tuning parameter. The range of tuning parameter around the initial guess and the corresponding range of maximum sensitivity is specified based on time delay to time constant ratio. Promising results are obtained with the proposed method is compared against recently proposed methods in the literature. The comparison is made in terms of various performance indices for servo and regulatory responses separately. The proposed method is implemented for an isothermal chemical reactor at an unstable equilibrium point.
A Polarization Reconfigurable Slot Antenna with a Novel Switchable Feeding Network
Authors: Xie Peng , Wang Guang Ming 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA polarization reconfigurable slot antenna is proposed in this paper. The antenna consists of a microstrip line-to-slotline transition structure, two radiation slots and a switchable feeding network. The feeding network is a gradually changed ring slot with six switching diodes on it. By controlling the diodes states, the antenna can generate y-direction polarization, z-direction polarization, left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization. Detailed design considerations of the proposed antenna, simulated and measured results are presented and discussed. Measured results agree well with simulated. The results proved that the antenna can realize polarization reconfiguration effectively at 5 GHz.
Steam explosion treatments of technical hydrolysis lignin
Authors: Krutov Stepan , Ipatova Elena , Vasilyev Aleksander 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Technical hydrolysis lignins, both freshly obtained and stored longterm under atmosphere conditions, were treated by steam explosion (SE, 235°C/3.2 MPa) for 1, 2, and 3 min. The SE treated lignins were characterized by means of solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It was found that SE leads to significant changes in morphological and chemical properties of lignin due to oxidation, condensation and hydrolytic destruction.