bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum 25Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Taiwanese Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Wang LingFeng 
Published: August 2013

Objectives:Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased incidence of allergic airway diseases and is correlated with the severity of asthma. The study was designed to determine if serum Vitamin D level is lower in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and correlated with the severity of CRSwNP.Methods:Patients with latest diagnosis of CRSwNP undergoing elective endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited. Twenty patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) were used as control. Demographic characteristic information was collected. The severity of CRSwNP was assessed with the Lund‐Mackay score and polyp grading system. Vitamin D status was assessed by measuring circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD). Data were stratified by factors known to affect serum 25OHD, including sex, race, and body mass index.Results:Serum 25OHD levels (ng/ml ± SD) were significantly lower in patients with CRSwNP (21.4 ± 5.7) than in those with CRSsNP (28.8 ± 6.2) (P < 0.001). A significantly negative relationship was found between serum 25OHD level and polyp grade (r=‐0.63, P = 0.001), indicating lower serum 25OHD was associated with higher polyp grade. Serum 25OHD was inversely related to both LM score and total IgE level as well; however, statistical significance was not found.Conclusions:A significantly lower vitamin D level was found in a group of Taiwanese CRSwNP patients, which revealed an association with greater nasal polyp size. Serum vitamin D levels could be added to the routine workup of patients suffering from CRSwNP.
The Portable Device “Watch PAT” as a Diagnostic Method of Sleep‐Disordered Breathing
Authors: Pinto Jose A. , Godoy Luciana B. M. , Mizoguchi Elcio I. , Ribeiro Renata C. , Gomes Leonardo M. , Hirsch Lina A. M. 
Published: August 2013

Objectives:1) Evaluate the accuracy of Watch PAT in diagnosing sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB). 2) Compare the results of Watch PAT and polysomnography (PSG).Methods:Prospective study performed between February and December 2012. Thirty patients with suggestive complaints of respiratory sleep disorder underwent Watch PAT and polysomnography simultaneously.Results:Twenty men and ten women underwent the sleep studies. Mean age was 42.8 ± 12.32 years. There was a trend that the apnea / hypopnea index (AHI) of Watch PAT was significantly higher than that of PSG (p<0.001); however the values of AHI of both sleep studies were significantly correlated (r = 0.762). There was also a high correlation between the values of the following variables: minimum oxygen saturation (r = 0.842, p<0.001), oxygen saturation <90% (r = 0.799, p <0.001), and mean heart frequency (r = 0.951, p <0.001). The analysis which used ROC curve to test the diagnostic efficiency of Watch PAT concluded that the area under the curve could reach 0.727 if the threshold of 12 events/hour was used as the cut‐off point in this study with a sensitivity of 96.2% and a specificity of 60%. When analyzing the severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (AHI ≥ 30 events/hour), the area under the curve was 0.846 with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 86.4%.Conclusions:Watch PAT tends to overestimate the AHI when compared with PSG, especially for mild OSA. The Watch PAT is an alternative method that is reliable and highly sensitive for the diagnosis of SDB.
The Development of Nanoparticles for Targeted Head and Neck Cancer Detection with Molecular Imaging
Authors: Mouchli Anas , Lajud Shayanne A. , Nagda Danish , Zheng Jun , O'Malley Bert W. , Li Daqing 
Published: August 2013

Objectives:1) Develop an accurate detection system for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) using tumor specific nanoparticle‐based probes. 2) Apply these probes for real‐time non‐invasive HNSCC detection using molecular imaging (MI) system.Methods.Fluorescence‐labeled LDS nanoparticles targeting Hsp47 (a highly specific biomarker for HNSCC) were constructed. The HNSCC targeted properties of these constructs were evaluated in vitro using human HNSCC tumor cell lines and in a mouse model of HNSCC with a MI system.Results:Fluorescence‐labeled LDS nanoparticles demonstrated HNSCC tumor cell targeting properties in vitro. Furthermore, this targeting strategy demonstrated accurate and real time tumor detection using MI system.Conclusions:Our study suggests that these novel nanoparticle‐based HNSCC tumor‐targeting constructs have the potential to be used clinically for non‐invasive, accurate, and real time detection of tumors for patients evaluated for HNSCC.
The role of follow-up ultrasound and clinical parameters after abdominal MDCT in patients with multiple trauma
Authors: Geyer Lucas L , Körner M , Linsenmaier U , Wirth S , Reiser MF , Meindl T 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundBeside its value during the initial trauma work-up (focused assessment with sonography for trauma), ultrasound (US) is recommended for early follow-up examinations of the abdomen in multiple injured patients. However, multidetector CT (MDCT) has proven to reliably diagnose traumatic lesions of abdominal organs, to depict their extent, and to assess their clinical relevance.PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic impact of follow-up US studies after MDCT of the abdomen and to identify possible clinical parameters indicating the need of a follow-up US.Material and MethodsDuring a 30-month period, patients with suspected multiple trauma were allocated. Patients with admission to the ICU, an initial abdominal MDCT scan, and an US follow-up examination after 6 and 24 h were included. Two patient cohorts were defined: patients with normal abdominal MDCT (group 1), patients with trauma-related pathologic abdominal MDCT (group 2). In all patients, parameters indicating alteration of vital functions or hemorrhage within the first 24 h were obtained by reviewing the medical charts.ResultsForty-four of 193 patients were included: 24 were categorized in group 1 (mean age, 41.1 years; range, 21–90 years), 20 in group 2 (mean age, 36.6 years; range, 16–71 years). In group 1, US did not provide new information compared to emergency MDCT. In group 2, there were no contradictory 6- and 24-h follow-up US findings. In patients with positive MDCT findings and alterations of clinical parameters, US did not detect progression of a previously diagnosed pathology or any late manifestation of such a lesion. In none of the patients with negative abdominal MDCT and pathological clinical parameters US indicated an abdominal injury.ConclusionRoutine US follow-up does not yield additional information after abdominal trauma. In patients with MDCT-proven organ lesions, follow-up MDCT should be considered if indicated by abnormal clinical and/or laboratory findings.
Diffusion tensor imaging of the cervical spinal cord in healthy adult population: normative values and measurement reproducibility at 3T MRI
Authors: Brander Antti , Koskinen Eerika , Luoto Teemu M , Hakulinen Ullamari , Helminen Mika , Savilahti Sirpa , Ryymin Pertti , Dastidar Prasun , Öhman Juha 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundCompared to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the brain, there is a paucity of reports addressing the applicability of DTI in the evaluation of the spinal cord. Most normative data of cervical spinal cord DTI consist of relatively small and arbitrarily collected populations. Comprehensive normative data are necessary for clinical decision-making.PurposeTo establish normal values for cervical spinal cord DTI metrics with region of interest (ROI)- and fiber tractography (FT)-based measurements and to assess the reproducibility of both measurement methods.Material and MethodsForty healthy adults underwent cervical spinal cord 3T MRI. Sagittal and axial conventional T2 sequences and DTI in the axial plane were performed. Whole cord fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were determined at different cervical levels from C2 to C7 using the ROI method. DTI metrics (FA, axial, and radial diffusivities based on eigenvalues λ1, λ2, and λ3, and ADC) of the lateral and posterior funicles were measured at C3 level. FA and ADC of the whole cord and the lateral and posterior funicles were also measured using quantitative tractography. Intra- and inter-observer variation of the measurement methods were assessed.ResultsWhole cord FA values decreased and ADC values increased in the rostral to caudal direction from C2 to C7. Between the individual white matter funicles no statistically significant difference for FA or ADC values was found. Both axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity of both lateral funicles differed significantly from those of the posterior funicle. Neither gender nor age correlated with any of the DTI metrics. Intra-observer variation of the measurements for whole cord FA and ADC showed almost perfect agreement with both ROI and tractography-based measurements. There was more variation in measurements of individual columns. Inter-observer agreement varied from moderate to strong for whole cord FA and ADC.ConclusionBoth ROI- and FT-based measurements are applicable methods yielding reproducible results for cervical spinal cord DTI metrics. Normative values for both measurement methods are presented.
BMS-927711 for the acute treatment of migraine: A double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, dose-ranging trial
Authors: Marcus Ronald , Goadsby Peter J , Dodick David , Stock David , Manos George , Fischer Tanya Z 
Published: August 2013

Background BMS-927711 is a potent, selective, competitive human calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist that has shown in vivo efficacy without vasoconstrictor effect. The objective of the current study was to determine an effective and tolerable dose range of BMS-927711 for the acute treatment of migraine. Methods In this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, dose-ranging study, 885 patients were randomized using an adaptive design to one of the following dose groups: BMS-927711 (10, 25, 75, 150, 300, or 600 mg); sumatriptan 100 mg (active comparator); and placebo. Patients were treated for a single migraine attack. The primary endpoint was pain freedom at two hours post-dose. Results Of patients who took the study drug, 799 had one post-randomization efficacy evaluation. Significantly more patients in the BMS-927711 75 mg (31.4%, p = 0.002), 150 mg (32.9%, p < 0.001), and 300 mg (29.7%, p = 0.002) groups and the sumatriptan group (35%, p < 0.001) had pain freedom at two hours post-dose versus placebo (15.3%). For the secondary endpoint of sustained pain freedom from two to 24 hours post-dose, BMS-927711 doses (25–600 mg) were also statistically significant compared with placebo. No deaths or treatment-related serious adverse events (AEs) were reported, and no patients discontinued because of AEs. Conclusions BMS-927711 is superior to placebo at several different doses (75 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg) and has an excellent tolerability profile.
Is Prophylactic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement Indicated?
Authors: Collins Jason Andrew , Ward James P. , Youm Thomas 
Published: August 2013

Background: This is a systematic review to determine if prophylactic surgical intervention for asymptomatic patients with radiographic evidence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is warranted to prevent early degenerative joint disease of the hip. Methods: A systematic search was performed from 1965 to 2013 in PubMed and EMBASE. Inclusion criteria were prospective or retrospective studies comparing skeletally mature asymptomatic patients with radiographic evidence of FAI treated with prophylactic hip arthroscopic surgery versus nonoperative management. A total of 840 references were identified from the searches. After detailed eligibility screening, none of the references met the eligibility criteria. Results: No trials were identified that met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Conclusion: There is a lack of available evidence to support surgical intervention for the treatment of FAI in asymptomatic patients. This article attempts to address this dilemma by reviewing the available literature to answer several questions that would indirectly address the topic. First, what is the prevalence of FAI in the asymptomatic population? Second, what is the natural history of FAI if left untreated? Upon reviewing these issues, the authors’ conclusion parallels that of the systematic review: Current evidence does not support prophylactic surgery for asymptomatic FAI in the vast majority of cases. However, limited evidence suggests that asymptomatic patients who have previously undergone total hip arthroplasty for FAI-induced osteoarthritis of the contralateral hip are at a significantly increased risk for early degenerative joint disease. Further research is needed to better clarify surgical indications.
Apathy in Elderly Nondemented Patients With Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Skorvanek Matej , Rosenberger Jaroslav , Gdovinova Zuzana , Nagyova Iveta , Saeedian Radka Ghorbani , Groothoff Johan W. , Dijk Jitse P. 
Published: August 2013

Objectives: To describe the prevalence and clinical determinants of apathy in elderly nondemented patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and their relationship to quality of life (QoL). Methods: A total of 106 nondemented elderly patients with PD were examined using the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Starkstein Apathy Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and 39-item Parkinson’s disease quality of life questionnaire. Results: Apathy was present in 54% of the studied population. Factors associated with apathy were higher depression scores and a lower daily levodopa equivalent dose. Longer disease duration, higher motor MDS-UPDRS subscore, and higher depression and anxiety scores, but not apathy, were found to be associated with worse QoL. Conclusions: Although apathy does not seem to be an independent predictor of worse QoL specifically in elderly patients with PD, it remains very relevant, as its presence increases caregiver burden. Both depression and potential dopaminergic treatment underdosing can be properly managed, thus potentially reducing the prevalence and severity of apathy in a proportion of the apathetic patients with PD.
Five Parameters You Must Understand to Master Control of Your Laser/Light-Based Devices
Authors: Farkas Jordan P. , Hoopman John E. , Kenkel Jeffrey M. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In this article, the authors review basic fundamental principles of light characteristics and their interaction with the target tissue. It is imperative for the practitioner to understand these concepts to deliver appropriate, efficacious, and safe phototherapeutic treatment for their patients. Once a diagnosis is made and a laser is chosen as a treatment tool, a basic knowledge and understanding of the physics and properties of light/tissue interaction is essential to allow practitioners to provide their patients with optimal results.
Subchronic Toxicity Evaluation of Anthraquinone in Fischer 344 Rats
Authors: Dodd Darol E. , Layko Debra K. , Cantwell Katherine E. , Willson Gabrielle A. , Thomas Russell S. 
Published: August 2013

Female F344 rats were exposed to anthraquinone (AQ) by dietary feed at concentrations of 0, 50, 150, 469, 938, 1875, or 3750 ppm for 2 or 13 weeks. End points evaluated included clinical observations, body weights, serum chemistry, blood AQ, gross pathology, organ weights, and select tissue histopathology. Mean body weight and food consumption were 5% to 10% lower than control values in rats of the ≥938 ppm group during study weeks 2 through 13. Occasional decreases in body weight means were also observed in rats of the 150 and 469 ppm groups. Increases in liver, kidney, and spleen weights were observed in rats exposed to AQ diet concentrations ≥150 ppm for 13 weeks. Urinary bladder weights were increased at ≥469 ppm. Liver and spleen weights were also increased following 2 weeks of exposure. Liver weight increases were clearly dependent on AQ concentration. At 2 weeks, decreases in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine concentrations were observed in higher AQ exposure groups, and AST was decreased at 13 weeks (≥1875 ppm). Microscopic alterations were observed in the liver (mild centrilobular hypertrophy), spleen (mild hematopoietic cell proliferation and pigmentation), and kidneys (minimal hyaline droplets) of rats exposed to AQ for 13 weeks. Blood AQ concentrations ranged from 0.75 to 14.8 µg/mL in rats of the 150 to 3750 ppm groups, respectively, and were similar in value following either 2 weeks or 13 weeks of exposure. A no observed adverse effect level of 469 ppm AQ (31.3 mg/kg/d) was selected based on the absence of liver histopathology.
Application and a proposed modification of the 2010 McDonald criteria for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in a Canadian cohort of patients with clinically isolated syndromes
Authors: Kang H , Metz LM , Traboulsee AL , Eliasziw M , Zhao GJ , Cheng Y , Zhao Y , Li DKB ,   the Minocycline in CIS Study Group, Traboulsee A. , Li D. , Riddehough A. , Cheng Y. , Lam K. , Lee A. , Zhao GJ. , Vorobeychik G. , Metz L. , Yeung M. , Yong VW. , Hill M. , Cerchiaro G. , Ma C. , Topor T. , Blevins G. , Marriott J. , Kremenchutzky M. , Freedman M. , Lee L. , Duquette P. , Antel J. , Grand’Maison F. , Thibault M. , Bhan V. , Eliasziw M. 
Published: August 2013

Background: The 2005 and 2010 McDonald criteria utilize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide evidence of disease dissemination in space (DIS) and time (DIT) for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients who have clinically isolated syndromes (CIS). Methods: Data from 109 CIS patients not satisfying the 2005 criteria at entry into a randomized controlled minocycline trial were analyzed to determine the proportion who would have been diagnosed with MS at screening based on 2010 criteria. The impact of including symptomatic, as well as asymptomatic, MRI lesions to confirm DIT was also explored. Results: Thirty percent (33/109) of patients, retrospectively, met the 2010 criteria for a diagnosis of MS at baseline. When both symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions were used to confirm DIT, three additional patients met the 2010 criteria. There was a significant 10.1% increase in the proportion of patients who met the 2010 DIS criteria, compared with the 2005 DIS criteria; however, two patients satisfied the 2005 DIS but not 2010 DIS criteria. Conclusion: Using 2010 McDonald criteria, 30% of the CIS patients could be diagnosed with MS using a single MRI scan. Inclusion of symptomatic lesions in the DIT criteria further increases this proportion to 33%.
Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields induce neural differentiation in bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jung , Jung Jessica , Park Jee-Hye , Kim Jin-Hee , Ko Kyung-Nam , Kim Chan-Wha 
Published: August 2013

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) affect numerous biological functions such as gene expression, cell fate determination and even cell differentiation. To investigate the correlation between ELF-EMF exposure and differentiation, bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were subjected to a 50-Hz electromagnetic field during in vitro expansion. The influence of ELF-EMF on BM-MSCs was analysed by a range of different analytical methods to understand its role in the enhancement of neural differentiation. ELF-EMF exposure significantly decreased the rate of proliferation, which in turn caused an increase in neuronal differentiation. The ELF-EMF-treated cells showed increased levels of neuronal differentiation marker (MAP2), while early neuronal marker (Nestin) was down-regulated. In addition, eight differentially expressed proteins were detected in two-dimensional electrophoresis maps, and were identified using ESI-Q-TOF LC/MS/MS. Among them, ferritin light chain, thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase, and tubulin β-6 chain were up-regulated in the ELF-EMF-stimulated group. Ferritin and thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase are involved in a wide variety of functions, including Ca2+ regulation, which is a critical component of neurodegeneration. We also observed that the intracellular Ca2+ content was significantly elevated after ELF-EMF exposure, which strengthens the modulatory role of ferritin and thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase, during differentiation. Notably, western blot analysis indicated significantly increased expression of the ferritin light chain in the ELF-EMF-stimulated group (0.60 vs. 1.08; P < 0.01). These proteins may help understand the effect of ELF-EMF stimulation on BM-MSCs during neural differentiation and its potential use as a clinically therapeutic option for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Assessment of national reference values for railway safety: a statistical treatment
Authors: Braband Jens , Schäbe Hendrik 
Published: August 2013

We discuss the decision procedure used in the Commission Decision for national reference values. According to the safety directive, every year seven safety indicators have to be computed for every member state. In the decision, a fixed procedure has been presented for computing the safety indicators and to assess whether there is a possible deterioration in safety. In the safety assessment, the decision depends on a weighted sum in place of an arithmetic mean. It is then of interest how such a decision procedure would behave and what would be the advantages and disadvantages of the particular method. In this article, we study a slightly simplified version of the procedure by two means. First, we analyze the weighted sum and derive its characteristic as efficiency. Moreover, we compare it via a spread with an ordinary sample mean. We support the theoretical results with the help of a simple simulation study in order to estimate failure probabilities of the first and second kinds. In particular, we construct such alternative distributions that the decision procedure cannot distinguish.
The Calcaneal Scarf Osteotomy
Authors: Feuerstein Catherine A. , Weil Lowell , Weil Lowell Scott , Klein Erin E. , Agerakis Nicholas G. , Akram Usman 
Published: August 2013

Purpose. Surgical correction of the adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is continually evolving. This technique article presents the technique of the calcaneal scarf osteotomy (CSO) and radiographic evidence supporting the ability of this procedure to correct an AAFD. Method. The technique described here is a single osteotomy that corrects flatfoot deformity in all 3 planes. Retrospectively, medical records were reviewed to identify patients who underwent a CSO for surgical correction of AAFD. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were reviewed. Results. Thirty patients (32 feet) had an average age of 49.0 ± 17.2 years (range = 35-73 years) with an average of 5.7 ± 2.0 years (range = 1-11 years) of follow-up. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographic parameters were significantly altered with this procedure (P < .001). CSO-induced calcaneal–cuboid joint arthritis did not occur. Discussion and Conclusions. The results of the current study demonstrate that the CSO significantly changes radiographic exam parameters in patients who suffer from AAFD. Therefore, the CSO provides triplanar correction through one osteotomy with early return to weight bearing and lacks the complications such as lateral column pain associated with other calcaneal osteotomies. Levels of Evidence: Level IV, Retrospective cohort study