bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histopathological changes in supraspinous ligaments, ligamentum flava and paraspinal muscle tissues of patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Zhang Ying , Xu Hongfei , Hu Xu , Zhang Chao , Chu Tongwei , Zhou Yue 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the histopathological changes in spinal tissues of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.MethodsTissue samples from 10 AS patients and 10 control subjects were obtained. Hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius, Masson and van Gieson stainings were utilized to determine the pathological changes in tissues. Ultrastructural alterations were examined by electronic microscopy. Proteoglycan levels were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.ResultsOur results demonstrate that the density of collagen fibrils was reduced in the supraspinous ligaments of AS tissue and fibrils were loosely and irregularly organized as compared to a regular distribution of collagen fibrils in controls. In ligamentum flava from AS patients, activated fibroblasts with enlarged nuclei were detected, while the number of elastic fibers was greatly decreased. Paraspinal muscle tissues of AS patients exhibited increased collagen fibril accumulation and atrophy. Significantly decreased proteoglycan and elevated MMP‐3 levels were found in supraspinous ligament samples from AS patients (P < 0.01). Additionally, the levels of TGF‐β1 in ligamentum flava and paraspinal muscle tissues of AS patients were increased (P < 0.01). The expression of TNF‐α was also upregulated in the ligamentum flavum (P < 0.01), with no significant difference in the paraspinal muscle between control and AS patients (P > 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings reveal histopathological changes that occur in certain spinal tissues of AS patients and suggest that increased levels of MMP‐3 and TGF‐β1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of AS.
The Wallstent: long‐term follow‐up of metal stent placement for the treatment of benign ureteroileal anastomotic strictures after Bricker urinary diversion
Authors: Campschroer Thijs , Lock M.T.W. Tycho , Lo Rob T.H. , Bosch J.L.H. Ruud 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the long‐term follow‐up (primary and secondary patency) of metal stent placement in benign ureteroileal anastomotic strictures after Bricker urinary diversion and to compare the failed treatment group with the group of successfully treated patients to search for predisposing factors of stent failure.Patients and MethodsFor patients treated since 1989 for benign ureteroileal strictures after Bricker urinary diversion with end‐to‐side anastomosis, we retrospectively collected data on clinical history, stent placement, auxiliary measures and patency rates from a prospectively kept database.ResultsIn all, 49 patients (mean age 64 years) underwent 56 metal stent procedures. Placement of the stent was possible in all patients. Stent patency without auxiliary treatment remained adequate in 23 cases (primary patency of 41.1%, mean follow‐up 37.7 months). A secondary treatment was successfully performed in 11 patients who had stent obstruction, mostly caused by hyperplastic reaction, encrustation, or migration of the stent. The secondary patency rate was 60.7% (mean follow‐up 55.8 months), comparable with patency rates of 36–100% described in literature with mostly small patient groups and much shorter follow‐up periods.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge we report the largest series of metal stenting in benign ureteroileal anastomotic strictures with the longest follow‐up. We show that placement of a metal stent can lead to a permanent de‐obstruction in approximately six out of 10 patients with preservation of renal function.
Effects of intermittent compared to continuous energy restriction on short‐term weight loss and long‐term weight loss maintenance
Authors: Keogh J. B. , Pedersen E. , Petersen K. S. , Clifton P. M. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryEffective strategies are needed to help individuals lose weight and maintain weight loss. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intermittent energy restriction (IER) compared to continuous energy restriction (CER) on weight loss after 8 weeks and weight loss maintenance after 12 months. Secondary aims were to determine changes in waist and hip measurements and diet quality. In a randomized parallel study, overweight and obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 27 kg m−2) women were stratified by age and BMI before randomization. Participants undertook an 8‐week intensive period with weight, waist and hip circumference measured every 2 weeks, followed by 44 weeks of independent dieting. A food frequency questionnaire was completed at baseline and 12 months, from which diet quality was determined. Weight loss was not significantly different between the two groups at 8 weeks (−3.2 ± 2.1 kg CER, n = 20, −2.0 ± 1.9 kg IER, n = 25; P = 0.06) or at 12 months (−4.2 ± 5.6 kg CER, n = 17 −2.1 ± 3.8 kg IER, n = 19; P = 0.19). Weight loss between 8 and 52 weeks was –0.7 ± 49 kg CER vs. −1 ± 1.1 kg IER; P = 0.6. Waist and hip circumference decreased significantly with time (P < 0.01), with no difference between groups. There was an increase in the Healthy Eating Index at 12 months in the CER compared with the IER group (CER 8.4 ± 9.1 vs. IER −0.3 ± 8.4, P = 0.006). This study indicates that intermittent dieting was as effective as continuous dieting over 8 weeks and for weight loss maintenance at 12 months. This may be useful for individuals who find CER too difficult to maintain.
Soil‐profile distribution of organic C and N after 6 years of tillage and grazing management
Authors: Franzluebbers A. J. , Stuedemann J. A. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryStocks of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total soil nitrogen (TSN) are key determinants for evaluating agricultural management practices to address climate change, environmental quality and soil productivity issues. We determined SOC, TSN and particulate organic C and N depth distributions and cumulative stocks in response to 6 years of tillage (conventional and no‐tillage) and cover‐crop management (without and with cattle grazing) on an Acrisol in the southeastern USA. Total and particulate organic C concentrations were greater under no‐tillage than under conventional tillage at a depth of 0–20 cm only. No differences in concentrations at various depths to 150 cm or of cumulative stocks were observed in total and particulate organic C and N in response to cover crop management, suggesting that animal grazing had no negative effect on SOC and TSN. Compared with perennial grass as a control, the stock of SOC was significantly reduced under cropping at a depth of 0–40 cm, was trending toward reduction at a depth of 0–90 cm and was not different at a depth of 0–150 cm. A declining significance of management with depth indicated an important consideration in attempts to determine the whole‐profile response of SOC and TSN to management: rigorous sampling approaches are needed to overcome the problems of small concentrations and large variation with increasing soil depth. The results of this study clearly indicate that (i) greater SOC and TSN concentrations can be expected in the surface layer under no‐tillage than under conventional tillage in Acrisols of the warm, moist climatic region of the southeastern USA and (ii) compensation for stratified SOC and TSN with no‐tillage does not occur deeper in the soil profile, such that the same relative numeric difference that occurred at the surface remains unchanged with greater cumulative depth.
Microembolic signals predict cerebral ischaemic events in patients with moyamoya disease
Authors: Chen J. , Duan L. , Xu W.‐H. , Han Y.‐Q. , Cui L.‐Y. , Gao S. 
Published: March 2014

Background and purposeRecent studies found that microembolic signals (MESs) could be detected by transcranial Doppler in patients with moyamoya disease. However, the clinical significance of MESs in moyamoya disease remains unclear. Our aim was to investigate whether the MESs could predict cerebral ischaemic events in patients with moyamoya disease.MethodsFifty‐four consecutive patients with moyamoya disease were recruited. MESs were monitored by transcranial Doppler for 30 min in the bilateral middle cerebral arteries of each patient on admission. Patients were followed up for 1 year. The primary end‐point was cerebral ischaemic events including stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA).ResultsMESs were detected in 11 (20.4%) patients, with a frequency of 11 (10.2%) in 108 hemispheres. Logistic regression analysis revealed that previous ischaemic events within 3 months were associated with the presence of MESs (odds ratio 4.41, 95% CI 1.11–17.59). During a median follow‐up of 384 days, 14 (13.0%) hemispheres had ischaemic events (seven strokes and seven TIAs). Cox regression showed that the hazard ratio for the risk of new ischaemic stroke and TIA in the hemispheres with MESs was 6.84 (95% CI 1.82–25.66) compared with those without, and 10.61 (95% CI 1.66–67.70) for ischaemic stroke alone, after controlling for age, sex, presence of ischaemic events at baseline, Suzuki stages and revascularization surgery.ConclusionsIn patients with moyamoya disease, the presence of MESs is associated with recent ischaemic symptoms and independently predicts cerebral ischaemic events. MES detection may be of potential clinical value in the management of patients with moyamoya disease.
Effectiveness and Safety of Antiplatelet in Stroke Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Dialysis
Authors: Chen Chung-Yu , Lee Kun-Tai , Lee Charles Tzu-Chi , Lai Wen-Ter , Huang Yaw-Bin 
Published: March 2014

Background Antiplatelet therapy is known to decrease the risk of secondary ischemic stroke. However, the effectiveness and safety of antiplatelet therapy in patients with end-stage renal disease are uncertain, especially in dialysis. Aims and/or hypothesis We estimated the effectiveness and safety of antiplatelet drugs (aspirin and clopidogrel) for the prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis during long-term follow-up after first-time ischemic stroke. Methods The cases were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Antiplatelet therapy was administered for 11 years to patients experiencing a first ischemic stroke between 1998 and 2006. Primary outcomes, including death and readmission to hospital for stroke, and secondary outcomes, including death, stroke, and acute myocardial infarction or bleeding, were examined. Results In total, 1936 patients experienced a first ischemic stroke during the follow-up. In a time-dependent analysis, the hazard ratio for primary outcomes in patients treated with aspirin was 0·671 ( P < 0·001) and that for clopidogrel was 0·933 ( P = 0·497). At secondary outcomes, patients treated with aspirin, hazard ratio for readmission for stroke was 0·715 ( P = 0·002) and that for bleeding was 0·885 ( P = 0·291). Independent risk factors for mortality and readmission due to ischemic stroke included age, diabetes mellitus, and administration of proton pump inhibitors. Conclusions Antiplatelet therapy, especially aspirin, still offers safe and effective treatment for ischemic stroke prevention in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis.
A preliminary analysis of incidence of dementia in Shanghai, China
Authors: ZHANG MINGYUAN , KATZMAN ROBERT , YU ELENA , LIU WILLIAM , XIAO SHI FU , YAN HEQIN 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe incidence of dementia based on DSM‐III criteria and the impact of age and education on the development of dementia using the data of a longitudinal community population survey is discussed. Study subjects were randomly sampled from the community and were assessed by a two‐stage procedure twice during a 5‐year period. The screening instrument was the Mini‐Mental State Examination and the second stage measures include a medical history and physical examination, a neurological examination and an intensive neuropsychiatric interview and testings (i.e. Blessed Dementia Scale, Activity of Daily Living, Fuld Object Memory Test and Block Design Test. All identified cases from the second stage interview were further verified by computed tomographic scan and laboratory tests. A total of 1970 subjects of non‐dementia aged 65 or older in 1987 were re‐surveyed after 5 years, of whom 114 new cases of dementia were identified. The incidence of dementia in total was 1.15% annually, 0.98% for males and 1.27% for females. The incidence for Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and dementia by other causes was 0.74, 0.33 and 0.08%, respectively. The highest rate (2.02%) was found in illiterate individuals. The incidence of dementia in the Shanghai cohort is similar to that from other countries. Age and education are closely related to the occurrence of dementia. While age increases by each 5 years for those aged 65 and over the likelihood of developing dementia increases nearly one‐fold (74%). Education shows great protective effect on the development of dementia. The non‐educated has a higher risk of suffering from dementia than does the educated.
New challenges of psychiatry: The development of mental health service in Shanghai
Authors: YAN HE QIN 
Published: March 2014

AbstractShanghai has a population of 13 million. In past two decades, three levels of the mental health service have been developed. It was to meet the needs of the city. Acute cases were hospitalized in time. Chronic cases were rehabilitated in community bases. All these are under the system of planning economics. In recent years, China conducted an economic reform. Shanghai was facing rapid development, psychological problems increased, the mental health service system was challenged by the market economics, insurance policy will practised. The reform of the health service system was performed in some areas. The economic constraints became the main problem for mental health facilities. In order to meet the needs of a variety of social strata, it will be necessary to develop different services: ‘The hot line', ‘crises intervention', ‘family member association', ‘psychological consulting', ‘self‐help groups', liaison–consultation psychiatry in general health care etc. Augment services will adapt to the development. The drive will be for healthy living styles to raise public awareness of mental health.
Acute Safety of an Open‐Irrigated Ablation Catheter with 56‐Hole Porous Tip for Radiofrequency Ablation of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Analysis from 2 Observational Registry Studies
Authors: OZA SAUMIL R. , HUNTER TINA D. , BIVIANO ANGELO B. , DANDAMUDI GOPI , HERWEG BENGT , PATEL ANSHUL M. , POLLAK SCOTT J. , WANG HUIJIAN , FISHEL ROBERT S. 
Published: March 2014

Acute Safety from 2 AF Ablation RegistriesIntroductionThis report presents safety data on the use of a new open‐irrigation radiofrequency ablation (RFA) catheter with a 56‐hole porous tip in 742 patients enrolled in 2 US prospective, multicenter observational registry studies representing real‐world use of the catheter.MethodsThis analysis is comprised of patients who underwent RFA of drug‐refractory recurrent symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Acute adverse events (AEs) were collected and categorized by seriousness, timing, and relatedness, with 7 days of follow‐up data in one study and at least 120 days of data from a 1‐year follow‐up in the other. Acute serious adverse events (SAEs) that were identified as potentially related to the device and/or procedure were adjudicated by an independent safety committee.ResultsA total of 30 patients (4.0%) in the combined studies experienced an acute SAE related to the device and/or procedure, which was similar in the subset of patients age 65 and over (4.2%). These SAEs included 1.2% cardiac tamponade/perforation, 0.7% pericarditis, 0.5% pulmonary events, and 0.8% vascular access complications. No myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or atrioesophageal fistulas within 7 days postprocedure were reported. In the study with extended follow‐up, 1 pulmonary vein stenosis and 1 esophageal injury were seen beyond 7 days postprocedure (0.2% each). There were no device or procedure related deaths.ConclusionResults from 2 large observational studies demonstrated that a new porous tip RFA catheter was safe for the treatment of drug refractory, recurrent, symptomatic paroxysmal AF, including treatment of older patients (≥65 years).
Improving Safety in Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Study of the Use of Ultrasound to Guide Vascular Access
Authors: WYNN GARETH J. , HAQ IRAM , HUNG JOHN , BONNETT LAURA J. , LEWIS GAVIN , WEBBER MATTHEW , WAKTARE JOHAN E.P. , MODI SIMON , SNOWDON RICHARD L. , HALL MARK C.S. , TODD DERICK M. , GUPTA DHIRAJ 
Published: March 2014

Vascular Ultrasound for AFAIntroductionThe most frequent complications of AF ablation (AFA) are related to vascular access, but there is little evidence as to how these can be minimized.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing AFA at a high‐volume center received either standard care (Group S) or routine ultrasound‐guided vascular access (Group U). Vascular complications were assessed before hospital discharge and by means of postal questionnaire 1 month later. Outcome measures were BARC 2+ bleeding complications, postprocedural pain, and prolonged bruising.ResultsPatients in Group S (n = 146) and U (n = 163) were well matched at baseline. Follow‐up questionnaires were received from 92.6%. Patients in Group U were significantly less likely to have a BARC 2+ bleed, 10.4% versus 19.9% P = 0.02, were less likely to suffer groin pain after discharge (27.1% vs. 42.8%; P = 0.006) and were less likely to experience prolonged local bruising (21.5% vs. 40.4%; P = 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association of vascular complications with nonultrasound guided access (OR 3.12 95%CI 1.54–5.34; P = 0.003) and increasing age (OR 1.05 95%CI 1.01–1.09; P = 0.02).ConclusionRoutine use of ultrasound‐guided vascular access for AFA is associated with a significant reduction in bleeding complications, postprocedural pain, and prolonged bruising when compared to standard care.
Urinary serum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase SGK1 reflects renal injury in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Lu Xiaoqian , Li Meng , Zhou Lijia , Jiang Hong , Wang Huiping , Chen Jianghua 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimSerum‐ and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase SGK1 functions as an important regulator of transepithelial sodium transport by activating epithelial sodium channel in renal tubules. Considerable evidence demonstrated that SGK1 was associated with hypertension and fibrosing diseases, such as diabetic nephropathy and glomerulonephritis. The present study was performed to evaluate the role of SGK1 played in immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy.MethodsSeventy‐six patients of biopsy‐proven IgA nephropathy and 33 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. All patients and healthy volunteers' urinary and serum samples were tested for SGK1 expression by indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Meanwhile all patients' renal tissues were semi‐quantified for SGK1 expression by immunohistochemistry assay. The relationships between SGK1 expressions and clinical or pathological parameters were also assessed.ResultsSGK1 expression was upregulated in urine and renal tubules in patients of Oxford classification T1 and T2, whereas its expression in serum did not increase significantly. Relationship analysis indicated that urinary and tissue SGK1 expressions were associated with heavy proteinuria and renal insufficiency in patients with IgA nephropathy. On the other hand, RAS blockades would reduce the SGK1 levels both in urine and renal tissues.ConclusionThese results suggested that urinary SGK1 should be a good indicator of tubulointerstitial damage in patients of IgA nephropathy. SGK1 expressions in urine and renal tissues were associated with the activity of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system.
Study on Novel Tuned Mass Dampers Utilizing Plural Auxiliary Masses to Expand Vibration Suppression Performance Under the Conditions of Limited Mass Ratio
Authors: Watanabe Toru , Usuki Daiki , Seto Kazuto 
Published: March 2014

This paper proposes two types of novel Tuned Multi-mass Dampers (TMMD), namely Unequally-divided TMMD (UTMMD) and Wired TMMD (WTMMD).
It is widely known that the TMMD made of plural identical tuned mass dampers (TMDs) achieves higher vibration suppression effect than a single big TMD. In this study, the idea of UTMMD made of plural unequal TMDs is presented and its vibration suppression effect is explored numerically. It is clarified that the vibration suppression effect of UTMMD is essentially the same as that of TMD, while the robustness might be slightly improved.
Meanwhile, the extension of the stroke of TMD is an important issue. WTMMD is another novel TMMD made of an auxiliary mass connected with two small auxiliary masses via wires for each. In this study, an experimental structure and WTMMD is built, and vibration suppression property of WTMMD is investigated experimentally. The WTMMD showed satisfactory vibration suppression performance.
Design of a Piezoelectric Poly-Actuated Linear Motor
Authors: Tsukahara Shinichiro , Penalver-Aguila Lluis , Torres James , Asada H. Harry 
Published: March 2014

Design and analysis for an efficient and force dense piezoelectric poly-actuated linear motor is presented. A linear motor is constructed with multiple piezoelectric actuator units engaging a rod having gear teeth. The multiple piezo-units are placed along the geared rod with a particular phase difference such that a near constant force is generated regardless of the rod position by coordinating the multiple piezo-units. Rolling contact buckling mechanisms within the piezo-units provide large displacement amplification with high energy transmission and low loss properties from the piezo-units to the geared rod. This piezo-based motor has capacitive actuator characteristics which allow it to bear static loads efficiently. Furthermore, the poly-actuator architecture presented provides for scalability through modular design.
First, the basic design principle describing the engagement of buckling amplification mechanisms to a phased array-shaped gear rod is presented, and the resulting force and displacement characteristics are analyzed. Design methods for creating a piezoelectric poly-actuated linear motor are then summarized. A prototype design is presented for which a maximum mean force of 213 N, a maximum velocity of 1.125 m/s, and a force density of 41 N/kg is calculated.