bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in synovial fluid biomarker concentrations following arthroscopic surgery in horses with osteochondritis dissecans of the distal intermediate ridge of the tibia
Authors: Brink Palle , Smith Roger K. W. , Tverdal Aage , Dolvik Nils I. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify concentrations of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and fibromodulin in synovial fluid from the tarsocrural joints (TCJs) of horses with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the distal intermediate ridge of the tibia and determine whether concentrations would change following arthroscopic removal of osteochondral fragments.
ANIMALS 115 client-owned horses with OCD of the TCJ and 29 control horses euthanized for unrelated reasons.
PROCEDURES COMP and fibromodulin concentrations were measured in synovial fluid from the TCJs of the affected horses before and after osteochondral fragments were removed arthroscopically and in synovial fluid from the TCJs of the control horses after euthanasia. Synovial biopsy specimens from the TCJs of affected and control horses were examined histologically for evidence of inflammation.
RESULTS Synovial fluid COMP and fibromodulin concentrations prior to surgery in horses with OCD were not significantly different from concentrations in control horses. Fibromodulin, but not COMP, concentration in horses with OCD was significantly decreased after surgery, compared with the concentration before surgery. Fibromodulin concentration was significantly correlated with joint effusion score but not with lameness score or results of a flexion test and was correlated with histologic score for number of synoviocytes on the surface of the synovium but not with score for degree of infiltration of inflammatory cells in the synovium. Synovial fluid COMP concentration was not significantly correlated with clinical or histologic findings.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that fibromodulin, but not COMP, could potentially be a biomarker of joint inflammation in horses with OCD of the TCJ.
Lumbar Traction for Managing Low Back Pain: A Survey of Physical Therapists in the United States
Authors: Madson Timothy J. , Hollman John H. 
Published: June 2015

Study Design Cross-sectional survey. Objectives To examine how many physical therapists use traction, the patients for whom traction is used, the preferred delivery modes/parameters of traction, the supplemental interventions used with traction, and whether professional characteristics influence traction usage. Background Several systematic reviews and clinical guidelines have questioned the effectiveness of traction for managing low back pain, yet some patients may benefit from lumbar traction. While traction usage among physical therapists in other countries has been described, usage among physical therapists in the United States has not been examined. Methods We surveyed a random sample of 4000 Orthopaedic Section members of the American Physical Therapy Association. Associations among respondents' professional characteristics and survey responses were explored with chi-square analyses (α = .05). Results The response rate was 25.5% (n = 1001), and 76.6% (n = 767) of respondents reported using traction. Most (58.4%) of the respondents used traction for patients with signs of nerve root compression, though many (31.4%) did not. Common delivery modes included manual methods (68.3%) and mechanical tables (44.9%), most often supplemental to other interventions (eg, stabilization exercises, postural education). Levels of professional preparation (doctoral/masters level versus bachelors/certificate level) were associated with many variables, as was attainment of an orthopaedic specialist certification. Conclusion Most of the orthopaedic physical therapists in the United States who responded to our survey reported that they used lumbar traction, though not necessarily consistent with proposed criteria that identify patients most likely to benefit from traction. They used various traction delivery modes/parameters and used traction within comprehensive plans of care incorporating multiple interventions. Professional characteristics (education levels and clinical specialist credentialing) were associated with traction usage. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(8):586–595. Epub 25 Jun 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.6036
Synthesis and Characterization of Acrylated Epoxidized Flaxseed Oil for Biopolymeric Applications
Authors: Rana A. , Evitts R. W. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
In this study acrylated epoxidized flaxseed oil was synthesized and then characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Triglycerides are the main constituents of flaxseed oil and the carbon-carbon double bond is the reaction site for epoxidation. Flaxseed oil was epoxidized by adding formic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Acrylic acid was then added to produce acrylated epoxidized flaxseed oil (AEFO). The change in the structure of the fatty acids chain after the epoxidation and acrylation reactions was measured and characterized by Hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The FTIR spectra of epoxidized flaxseed oil and flaxseed oil shows the disappearance of the =C–H (3012 cm−1) and C=C (1654 cm−1) peaks. The FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of AEFO since the presence of hydroxyl group (–OH) was shown by the peak at 3455 cm−1 and the acrylate group (–CH=CH2), which was indicated by the peaks at 1406, 984 and 812 cm−1. The changes in peaks of the 1H NMR spectra also confirmed the formation of AEFO. The number of acrylate groups/molecule of triglyceride was found to be 2.6 from 1H NMR spectra.
Processing of Soju Industrial Bioresidue to Extract Microcrystalline Cellulose and Characterization
Authors: Bhima A. Naidu , Park J.-H. , Cho M. , Oh S.-G. , Myung H. , Kamala-Kannan S. , Oh B.-T. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSoju industrial biomass residue (SIBR) is a lignocellulosic agro-industrial biowaste available in large quantities in soju producing countries. In this study, an attempt was made to extract microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a biopolymer from SIBR by controlled acid hydrolysis. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the presence of cellulose I structure with two peaks around 2θ = 15 and 22.5° and increase in crystallinity after acid hydrolysis treatment. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed no significant chemical affect of the cellulose fragment. Thermo-gravimetric analysis reveals that the extracted MCC have a good thermal stability (319°C). Dynamic light scattering studies confirmed the presence of MCC in micro range (126.4 nm) which was supported by transmission electron microscopy. The results of this work are useful for extracting valuable and widely applicable cellulose, and help solve management of SIBR in terms of disposal and pollution problems.
PPy Doped with DBSA and Combined with PSS to Improve Processability and Control the Morphology
Authors: Jayamurugan P. , Ponnuswamy V. , Ashokan S. , Rao Y. V. Subba , Mahalingam T. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
DBSA (Dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid)/PSS (Polystyrene sulfonic acid) doped polypyrrole composites were synthesized by in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization method with 0 to 5°C reaction temperature for 24 h. The particle size distribution of DBSA and PSS doped polypyrrole composites were found at 78 nm, 66 nm, 85 nm, 120 nm and 173 nm for different weight ratios of PSS. The presence of sulfur and higher doping level was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The mass percentages of sulfur were found in 17.94%, 34.41%, 40.87%, 44.9% and 48.16% for various weight ratios of PSS. The SEM study shows the granular morphology and aggregation of polypyrrole composites. Thermal stability improves with higher concentration of PSS. FTIR study confirms the presence of dopants in the composite structure. The UV-study reveals the π→π* transition in benzenoid rings of DBSA and presence of PSS. The conductivity of polypyrrole composite increases maximum upto 2.5 wt% of PSS and then decreases with increasing PSS content.
Microthermoforming Integrated in the Injection Molding Process for Fabrication of Film-Based Microstructured Parts
Authors: Jungmeier A. , Drummer D. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Thermoplastic micro parts are commonly manufactured by the large-scale production technology of micro injection molding, with small wall thicknesses limiting the feasible flow length. In contrast, microthermoforming is an inexpensive technology to manufacture thin-walled microstructured parts, but connecting three-dimensional solid bodies, e.g. functional structures, is impossible. The novel combination of processing techniques, i.e. microthermoforming integrated in the injection molding process with dynamic mold temperature control enables the use of non-adhesive polymer melt to form thermoplastic films via back molding and employ adhesive melt to connect further structures. Additional heating the film with the back molding component represents a particular benefit in terms of reaching the required film temperature and leads to low temperatures prevailing in the mold. Simulative tools facilitate the understanding of film temperatures after back molding and can be used in a further step for the adaption of homogenous temperature distributions across areally distributed microstructures. Generally speaking, the technology is expected to allow for multifunctional, thin-walled microstructured parts produced in short cycle times.
Surface Quenching Induced Microstructure Transformations in Extrusion Foaming of Porous Sheets
Authors: Gandhi A. , Bhatnagar N. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
In this article, a new technology is described to manufacture open cell thermoplastic foamed sheets with the aid of surface-quenching phenomenon during an extrusion process. As the gas laden polymer extrudate exits the slit die, its surface is rapidly quenched which results in freezing of cells on the surface, while the cells at the core continue to grow and leads to development of open-cellular microstructure at the core. Influence of chill roll temperature was found to be extremely significant in developing porous morphological attributes. Subsequently, synergistic effect of physical blowing agent (N2) content and chill roll temperature was examined for their expansion ratio and foam thickness. Fascinatingly, with reduced chill roll temperatures open-cell microstructure and high expansion ratio was obtained although its thickness was observed to decrease. Further, influence of chill roll rotating speed on foam microstructure and expansion ratio was studied. Lower chill roll rotational speed resulted in development of open-cellular microstructure; while at higher speeds, closed cell morphology was obtained. The results coherently demonstrate that by controlling the chill roll temperatures; open-cellular microstructure can be developed in sheet extrusion foaming process.
<i>Didymodon rigidulus</i> var. <i>subulatus</i> (Thér. & Bartram ex E.B. Bartram) R.H. Zander, new to the moss flora of Mongolia and Asia
Authors: Zhao Dong-Ping , Tsegmed Tsogiin , Bai Xue-Liang 
Published: June 2015

Not available. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 22(1): 6366, 2015 (June)
IFNL3 Genotype is associated with Differential Induction of IFNL3 in Primary Human Hepatocytes
Authors: Kurbanov Fuat , Kim Yonghak , Latanich Rachel , Chaudhari Pooja , El-Diwany Ramy , Knabel Matt , Kandathil Abraham J , Cameron Andrew , Cox Andrea , Jang Yoon-Young , Thomas David L , Balagopal Ashwin 
Published: June 2015

Background Lambda interferons (IFNLs) have potent antiviral activity against HCV, and polymorphisms within the IFNL gene cluster near the IFNL3 gene strongly predict spontaneous- and treatment-related HCV infection outcomes. The mechanism(s) linking IFNL polymorphisms and HCV control is currently elusive. Methods IFNL induction was studied in primary human hepatocytes (PHH) from 18 human donors, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 18 human donors, multiple cell lines and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells (iPSC-hepatocytes) from 7 human donors. After stimulation with intracellular RNA and infectious HCV, quantitative PCR (qPCR) primers and probes were designed to distinguish and quantify closely related IFNL messenger (m)RNAs from IFNL1, IFNL2 and IFNL3. Results PHH demonstrated the most potent induction of IFNLs, although had lower pre-stimulation levels compared to PBMCs, monocytes and cell lines. PHH stimulation with cytoplasmic poly I:C induced >1,000-fold expression of IFNL1, IFNL2 and IFNL3. PHH from donors who were homozygous for the favourable IFNL3 allele ( IFNL3-CC) had higher IFNL3 induction compared to PHH from IFNL3-TT donors ( P=0.03). Baseline IFNL mRNA expression and induction was also tested in iPSC-hepatocytes: iPSC-hepatocytes had significantly higher baseline expression of IFNLs compared to PHH ( P<0.0001), and IFNL3 induction was marginally different in iPSC-hepatocytes by IFNL genotype ( P=0.07). Conclusions Hepatocytes express IFNLs when stimulated by a synthetic viral RNA that signals the cell through the cytoplasm. IFNL induction may be greater in persons with the favourable IFNL3 allele. These data provide insight into the strong linkage between IFNL3 genetics and control of HCV infection.
Low Frequency of Drug-Resistant virus did not Affect the Therapeutic Efficacy in Daclatasvir plus Asunaprevir Therapy in Patients with Chronic HCV Genotype-1 Infection
Authors: Kinugasa Hideaki , Ikeda Fusao , Takaguchi Kouichi , Mori Chizuru , Matsubara Takehiro , Shiraha Hidenori , Takaki Akinobu , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Toyooka Shinichi , Yamamoto Kazuhide 
Published: June 2015

Background The efficacy of a direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) is compromised by the development of drug resistance. The associations between resistance-associated virus (RAV) and therapeutic outcomes have not been well-understood. Methods A total of 30 patients with HCV genotype-1b were enrolled and treated for 24 weeks with asunaprevir (ASV) and daclatasvir (DCV). Viral sequences in non-structural (NS) regions 3 and 5A in serum and liver tissue before treatment were examined with direct sequencing, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and the PCR-invader method to evaluate the importance of drug-resistance in the prediction of the outcomes of ASV plus DCV therapy. Results Of 30 patients (22 treatment-naive patients, 2 interferon-intolerant patients and 6 non-responders), 25 patients (83.3%) achieved sustained virological response (SVR) 24 weeks after the treatment. Viral breakthrough occurred in three treatment-naive patients and one non-responder. One treatment-naive patient experienced viral relapse. Among 25 patients without RAV, 24 obtained SVR, whereas 5 patients had RAV with a 1.3 to 88% frequency, resulting in various therapeutic outcomes. As for HCV compartments, similar RAVs were detected in serum and liver tissue for a patient obtaining SVR despite HCV NS5A Y93H and another developed viral breakthrough although no RAV was detected. Direct sequencing could not detect RAVs in low frequency (1.3 to 12%) for three of four patients. Conclusions Low frequency of RAVs might not affect the outcomes of ASV plus DCV therapy. Deep sequencing and PCR-invader methods can detect clinically significant RAVs for ASV plus DCV therapy.
Ca2+ Signaling but Not Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry Is Required for the Function of Macrophages and Dendritic Cells
Authors: Vaeth Martin , Zee Isabelle , Concepcion Axel R. , Maus Mate , Shaw Patrick , Portal-Celhay Cynthia , Zahra Aleena , Kozhaya Lina , Weidinger Carl , Philips Jennifer , Unutmaz Derya , Feske Stefan 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) through Ca2+ release–activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels is essential for immunity to infection. CRAC channels are formed by ORAI1 proteins in the plasma membrane and activated by stromal interaction molecule (STIM)1 and STIM2 in the endoplasmic reticulum. Mutations in ORAI1 and STIM1 genes that abolish SOCE cause severe immunodeficiency with recurrent infections due to impaired T cell function. SOCE has also been observed in cells of the innate immune system such as macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) and may provide Ca2+ signals required for their function. The specific role of SOCE in macrophage and DC function, as well as its contribution to innate immunity, however, is not well defined. We found that nonselective inhibition of Ca2+ signaling strongly impairs many effector functions of bone marrow–derived macrophages and bone marrow–derived DCs, including phagocytosis, inflammasome activation, and priming of T cells. Surprisingly, however, macrophages and DCs from mice with conditional deletion of Stim1 and Stim2 genes, and therefore complete inhibition of SOCE, showed no major functional defects. Their differentiation, FcR-dependent and -independent phagocytosis, phagolysosome fusion, cytokine production, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and their ability to present Ags to activate T cells were preserved. Our findings demonstrate that STIM1, STIM2, and SOCE are dispensable for many critical effector functions of macrophages and DCs, which has important implications for CRAC channel inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to suppress pathogenic T cells while not interfering with myeloid cell functions required for innate immunity.
IL-6 and ICOS Antagonize Bim and Promote Regulatory T Cell Accrual with Age
Authors: Raynor Jana , Karns Rebekah , Almanan Maha , Li Kun-Po , Divanovic Senad , Chougnet Claire A. , Hildeman David A. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of CD4+ T cells, dramatically accumulate with age in humans and mice and contribute to age-related immune suppression. Recently, we showed that a majority of accumulating Tregs in aged mice expressed low levels of CD25, and their accrual is associated with declining levels of IL-2 in aged mice. In this study, we further investigated the origin of CD25lo Tregs in aged mice. First, aged Tregs had high expression of neuropilin-1 and Helios, and had a broad Vβ repertoire. Next, we analyzed the gene expression profile of Tregs, naive T cells, and memory T cells in aged mice. We found that the gene expression profile of aged CD25lo Tregs were more related to young CD25lo Tregs than to either naive or memory T cells. Further, the gene expression profile of aged Tregs was consistent with recently described “effector” Tregs (eTregs). Additional analysis revealed that nearly all Tregs in aged mice were of an effector phenotype (CD44hiCD62Llo) and could be further characterized by high levels of ICOS and CD69. ICOS contributed to Treg maintenance in aged mice, because in vivo Ab blockade of ICOSL led to a loss of eTregs, and this loss was rescued in Bim-deficient mice. Further, serum levels of IL-6 increased with age and contributed to elevated expression of ICOS on aged Tregs. Finally, Treg accrual was significantly blunted in aged IL-6–deficient mice. Together, our data show a role for IL-6 in promoting eTreg accrual with age likely through maintenance of ICOS expression.
Effect of Increased Exposure Times on Amount of Residual Monomer Released from Single-Step Self-Etch Adhesives
Authors: Altunsoy Mustafa , Botsali Murat Selim , Tosun Gonca , Yasar Ahmet 
Published: June 2015

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increased exposure times on the amount of residual Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, HEMA and UDMA released from single-step self-etch adhesive systems. Methods Two adhesive systems were used. The adhesives were applied to bovine dentin surface according to the manufacturer's instructions and were polymerized using an LED curing unit for 10, 20 and 40 seconds (n = 5). After polymerization, the specimens were stored in 75% ethanol-water solution (6 mL). Residual monomers (Bis-GMA, TEGDMA, UDMA and HEMA) that were eluted from the adhesives (after 10 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, 7 days and 30 days) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and Tukey HSD tests. Results Among the time periods, the highest amount of released residual monomers from adhesives was observed in the 10th minute. There were statistically significant differences regarding released Bis-GMA, UDMA, HEMA and TEGDMA between the adhesive systems (p<0.05). There were no significant differences among the 10, 20 and 40 second polymerization times according to their effect on residual monomer release from adhesives (p>0.05). Conclusions Increasing the polymerization time did not have an effect on residual monomer release from single-step self-etch adhesives.
Treatment of Endometriosis-Associated Pain with Elagolix, an Oral GnRH Antagonist: Results from a Phase 2, Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Ács Nándor , O'Brien Chris , Jiang Ping , Burke Joshua , Jimenez Roland , Garner Elizabeth , Chwalisz Kristof 
Published: June 2015

Purpose Elagolix is a novel, oral GnRH antagonist that dose-dependently suppresses estradiol levels. This study evaluated safety and efficacy of elagolix vs. leuprorelin acetate (LA) and placebo in women with endometriosis-associated pain. Methods In this multicenter, double-blind study, women with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis were randomized to oral elagolix 150 or 250 mg once daily, placebo or 3.75 mg LA intramuscularly (i.m.) monthly for 12 weeks. Placebo and LA patients were re-randomized to elagolix, and elagolix patients continued treatment for another 12 weeks. Results Baseline demographics were similar among groups (mean age 31.7 years). Significantly greater reductions in monthly mean pelvic pain compared with placebo (p<0.05) were observed in both elagolix doses at week 4, elagolix 250 mg at week 8 and LA at weeks 4, 8 and 12. The mean (95% CI) percentage change in spinal bone mineral density (BMD) from baseline at week 12 was -1.05 (-1.68, -0.43), -0.80 (-1.53, -0.07) and -1.63 (-2.28, -0.99) for elagolix 150-mg, 250-mg and LA groups, respectively, compared with a mean percentage increase in placebo group (0.11 [-0.50, 0.71]). Headache was the most common adverse event for all treatment groups. Conclusions Both elagolix and LA reduced endometriosis-associated pain for up to 24 weeks of treatment and were associated with generally acceptable safety profiles in this study. Based on relatively small changes from baseline to week 12 in BMD, elagolix may offer a potential long-term treatment option for endometriosis-associated pain in affected women. Larger clinical studies with elagolix are warranted. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00797225.
The influence of socioeconomic deprivation on early outcomes in vascular access surgery
Authors: Khalid Usman , Powell-Chandler Anna , Sabah Tarique , Horvath Szabolcs , Morris Rhys , Ilham Mohamed A. , Stephens Michael R. 
Published: June 2015

Introduction Socioeconomic deprivation is an important factor in determining poor health and is associated with a higher prevalence of many chronic diseases including diabetes and renal failure, and often poorer outcomes for patients with such conditions. The influence of deprivation on outcomes following vascular access surgery has not previously been reported. Methods The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation was used to assess the influence of socioeconomic deprivation on outcomes following 507 consecutive first upper limb arteriovenous (AV) fistulas from a single institution in the United Kingdom, performed between 2011 and 2014. The primary outcome measures were early failure and maturation into a working fistula. Results Four hundred and five (80%) patients had a patent AV fistula at the 2-week follow-up clinic. Three hundred and fifty-nine (71%) patients developed a functionally mature AV fistula as determined by clinical assessment and a Doppler scan. There were no differences in either early failure rates ( p = 0.95) or maturation rates ( p = 0.77) between the least and most deprived groups of patients. Conclusions In conclusion, this study has shown that socioeconomic deprivation does not influence outcomes following vascular access surgery.