bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal evaluation of cognitive functioning in pediatric multiple sclerosis: report from the US Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Network
Authors: Charvet LE , O’Donnell EH , Belman AL , Chitnis T , Ness JM , Parrish J , Patterson M , Rodriguez M , Waubant E , Weinstock-Guttman B , Krupp LB ,   on behalf of the US Network of Pediatric MS Centers
Published: April 2014

Background: Approximately one-third of those with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) experience cognitive impairment. Less is known concerning their change in cognitive functioning over time. Objective: Changes in cognitive function over time were measured in the largest pediatric cohort to date through the US Network of Pediatric MS Centers. Methods: A total of 67 individuals with pediatric MS ( n=62) or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS, n=5), ranging from 8–17 years of age (mean age±standard deviation (SD)=14.37±2.02) completed initial and follow-up neuropsychological testing after an average of 1.64±0.63 years apart. The nine tests administered measure general intellect, attention and working memory, verbal memory, visuomotor integration, language, and executive functioning. Results: Rate of impairment (having one-third or more scores in the impaired range) was 37% at baseline and 33% at follow-up. Tests commonly impaired were measures of visuomotor integration, speeded processing, and attention. Most tested did not decline over two years. There was no clear pattern of change on any specific measure. Conclusion: Findings suggest that, over short timeframes, stable or even improved performances on measures of cognitive ability can occur. Pediatric MS may instead prevent expected age-related cognitive gains.
Subtalar Joint Stress Imaging With Tomosynthesis
Authors: Teramoto Atsushi , Watanabe Kota , Takashima Hiroyuki , Yamashita Toshihiko 
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to perform stress imaging of hindfoot inversion and eversion using tomosynthesis and to assess the subtalar joint range of motion (ROM) of healthy subjects. The subjects were 15 healthy volunteers with a mean age of 29.1 years. Coronal tomosynthesis stress imaging of the subtalar joint was performed in a total of 30 left and right ankles. A Telos stress device was used for the stress load, and the load was 150 N for both inversion and eversion. Tomographic images in which the posterior talocalcaneal joint could be confirmed on the neutral position images were used in measurements. The angle of the intersection formed by a line through the lateral articular facet of the posterior talocalcaneal joint and a line through the surface of the trochlea of the talus was measured. The mean change in the angle of the calcaneus with respect to the talus was 10.3 ± 4.8° with inversion stress and 5.0 ± 3.8° with eversion stress from the neutral position. The result was a clearer depiction of the subtalar joint, and inversion and eversion ROM of the subtalar joint was shown to be about 15° in healthy subjects. Levels of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level IV
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Versus Hemiarthroplasty in the Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures
Authors: Thorsness Robert , Iannuzzi James , Noyes Katia , Kates Stephen , Voloshin Ilya 
Published: April 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to use a nationally representative database to determine the differences in 30-day outcomes based on procedure type for management of proximal humerus fractures including complications, readmission, operative time, and length of stay. Further, we sought to determine patient characteristics and perioperative factors associated with poor outcomes. Design/Setting: This was a retrospective study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. The NSQIP comprises a clinical database with systematic patient tracking at multiple hospitals across the United States. Patients: A total of 413 patients with proximal humerus fractures managed surgically were included. Intervention: Of 413 patients, 330 underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and 83 underwent hemiarthroplasty. Main Outcomes/Measurements: The primary end points included major and minor complications, operative time, rate of return to the operating room, and length of stay. Results: Compared to the hemiarthroplasty cohort, patients in the ORIF cohort were significantly younger (64.2; 17-90 and 69.3; 20-90, respectively, P = .007) and were significantly less likely to be of functionally dependent status (17.5% and 27.7%, P = .036). Compared to the hemiarthroplasty cohort, the ORIF cohort demonstrated fewer postoperative bleeding complications (2.4% and 8.4%, respectively, P = .016) and shorter operative times (115 vs 131 minutes, P = .017). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to complications, reoperation rates, or length of hospital stay. On multivariable analysis, hemiarthroplasty demonstrated increased risk of postoperative bleeding compared to ORIF (odds ratio = 7.06, confidence interval: 2.06-24.24; P = .002) as well as increased operative time ( P = .01). Conclusions: Patients who undergo hemiarthroplasty for management of proximal humerus fractures are significantly older and often functionally dependent. When compared to ORIF, hemiarthroplasty is associated with longer operative times and greater risk of bleeding complications.
Phase 2 trial of CPX-351, a fixed 5:1 molar ratio of cytarabine/daunorubicin, vs cytarabine/daunorubicin in older adults with untreated AML
Authors: Lancet Jeffrey E. , Cortes Jorge E. , Hogge Donna E. , Tallman Martin S. , Kovacsovics Tibor J. , Damon Lloyd E. , Komrokji Rami , Solomon Scott R. , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Cooper Maureen , Yeager Andrew M. , Louie Arthur C. , Feldman Eric J. 
Published: April 2014

Key PointsFirst-line CPX-351 vs 7+3 control in newly diagnosed AML improves 60-day mortality, remission rate, and OS (HR = 0.46, P = .01) in sAML subset.
Patients with myeloid malignancies bearing PDGFRB fusion genes achieve durable long-term remissions with imatinib
Authors: Cheah Chan Y. , Burbury Kate , Apperley Jane F. , Huguet Francoise , Pitini Vincenzo , Gardembas Martine , Ross David M. , Forrest Donna , Genet Philippe , Rousselot Philippe , Patton Nigel , Smith Graeme , Dunbar Cynthia E. , Ito Sawa , Aguiar Ricardo C. T. , Odenike Olatoyosi , Gimelfarb Alla , Cross Nicholas C. P. , Seymour John F. 
Published: April 2014

Key Points
Imatinib achieves deep and durable remissions in patients with myeloid neoplasms bearing PDGFRB. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is no longer indicated for patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm bearing PDGFRB who respond to imatinib.
Overnight orthokeratology is comparable with atropine in controlling myopia
Authors: Lin Hui-Ju , Wan Lei , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Tsai Yi-Yu , Chen Liuh-An , Tsai Alicia Lishin , Huang Yu-Chuen 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Many efforts have been invested in slowing progression of myopia. Among the methods, atropine administration and orthokeratology (OK) are most widely used. This study analyzed the efficacy of atropine and OK lens in controlling myopia progression and elongation of axial length.

Methods
This retrospective study included 105 patients (210 eyes) who wore OK lenses and 105 patients (210 eyes) who applied 0.125% atropine every night during the 3 following period. Student t-test, linear regression analysis, repeated measure ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis.

Results
The change in axial length per year was 0.28 ± 0.08 mm, 0.30 ± 0.09 mm, and 0.27 ± 0.10 mm in the OK lens group, and 0.38 ± 0.09 mm, 0.37 ± 0.12 mm, and 0.36 ± 0.08 mm in the atropine group for years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Linear regression analysis revealed an increase in myopia of 0.28 D and 0.34 D per year, and an increase in axial length of 0.28 mm and 0.37 mm per year in the OK lens and atropine groups, respectively. Repeated measure ANOVA showed significant differences in myopia (p = 0.001) and axial length (p < 0.001) between the atropine and OK lens groups; in astigmatism, there was no significant difference in these parameters (p = 0.320). Comparison of increases in axial length in relation to baseline myopia showed significant correlations both in the OK lens group (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, r = 0.259; p < 0.001) and atropine group (r = 0.169; p = 0.014). High myopia patients benefited more from both OK lenses and atropine than did low myopia patients. The correlation of baseline myopia and myopia progression was stronger in the OK lens group then in the atropine group.

Conclusions
OK lens is a useful method for controlling myopia progression even in high myopia patients.
Retention in care, resource utilization, and costs for adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in Zambia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Scott Callie A , Iyer Hari S , McCoy Kelly , Moyo Crispin , Long Lawrence , Larson Bruce A , Rosen Sydney 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Of the estimated 800,000 adults living with HIV in Zambia in 2011, roughly half were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). As treatment scale up continues, information on the care provided to patients after initiating ART can help guide decision-making. We estimated retention in care, the quantity of resources utilized, and costs for a retrospective cohort of adults initiating ART under routine clinical conditions in Zambia.

Methods
Data on resource utilization (antiretroviral [ARV] and non-ARV drugs, laboratory tests, outpatient clinic visits, and fixed resources) and retention in care were extracted from medical records for 846 patients who initiated ART at ≥15 years of age at six treatment sites between July 2007 and October 2008. Unit costs were estimated from the provider’s perspective using site- and country-level data and are reported in 2011 USD.

Results
Patients initiated ART at a median CD4 cell count of 145 cells/μL. Fifty-nine percent of patients initiated on a tenofovir-containing regimen, ranging from 15% to 86% depending on site. One year after ART initiation, 75% of patients were retained in care. The average cost per patient retained in care one year after ART initiation was $243 (95% CI, $194-$293), ranging from $184 (95% CI, $172-$195) to $304 (95% CI, $290-$319) depending on site. Patients retained in care one year after ART initiation received, on average, 11.4 months’ worth of ARV drugs, 1.5 CD4 tests, 1.3 blood chemistry tests, 1.4 full blood count tests, and 6.5 clinic visits with a doctor or clinical officer. At all sites, ARV drugs were the largest cost component, ranging from 38% to 84% of total costs, depending on site.

Conclusions
Patients initiate ART late in the course of disease progression and a large proportion drop out of care after initiation. The quantity of resources utilized and costs vary widely by site, and patients utilize a different mix of resources under routine clinical conditions than if they were receiving fully guideline-concordant care. Improving retention in care and guideline concordance, including increasing the use of tenofovir in first-line ART regimens, may lead to increases in overall treatment costs.
Design characteristics of the CORRONA CERTAIN study: a comparative effectiveness study of biologic agents for rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Pappas Dimitrios A , Kremer Joel M , Reed George , Greenberg Jeffrey D , Curtis Jeffrey R 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Comparative effectiveness research has recently attracted considerable attention. The C omparative E ffectiveness R egistry to study T herapies for A rthritis and I nflammatory Con ditions (CERTAIN) is an ongoing prospective cohort study of adult patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Methods/Design
CERTAIN uses the existing Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America (CORRONA) network of participating private and academic sites in order to recruit patients fulfilling the 1987 ACR criteria that have at least moderate disease activity. Patients starting or switching biologic agents either anti-TNF therapy or a non anti-TNF biologic are eligible for enrollment, depending on the treatment selected by their physician. Enrollment is expected to be completed by March of 2014, and 2711 patients will participate in the study. As of October 7th 2013, 2234 patients have been enrolled. Patient visits and laboratory blood work are mandated every three months for one year. Safety data is collected through one year and beyond. The primary comparative effectiveness endpoint is attainment of low RA disease activity at one year among patients who have been exposed to at least one prior TNF-α inhibitor agent prior to enrollment. Multiple secondary effectiveness and safety endpoints will be addressed by investigating the entire population enrolled (naïve and biologic experienced).

Discussion
The unique design features of CERTAIN will inform comparative effectiveness and safety questions for choosing biologic agents for the management of RA.
New nanostructured silica incorporated with isolated Ti material for the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to fuels
Authors: Akhter Parveen , Hussain Murid , Saracco Guido , Russo Nunzio 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In this work, new nanoporous silica (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology-6 (KIT-6)-dried or KIT-6-calcined) incorporated with isolated Ti materials with different Si/Ti ratios (Si/Ti = 200, 100, and 50) has been synthesized and investigated to establish photocatalytic reduction of CO2 in the presence of H2O vapors. The properties of the materials have been characterized through N2 adsorption/desorption, UV-vis, TEM, FT-IR, and XPS analysis techniques. The intermediate amount of the isolated Ti (Si/Ti = 100) has resulted to be more uniformly distributed on the surface and within the three-dimensional pore structure of the KIT-6 material, without its structure collapsing, than the other two ratios (Si/Ti = 200 and 50). However, titania agglomerates have been observed to have formed due to the increased Ti content (Si/Ti = 50). The Ti-KIT-6 (calcined) materials in the reaction showed higher activity than the Ti-KIT-6 (dried) materials, which produced CH4, H2, CO, and CH3OH (vapors) as fuel products. The Ti-KIT-6 (Si/Ti = 100) material also showed more OH groups, which are useful to obtain a higher production rate of the products, particularly methane, which was even higher than the rate of the best commercial TiO2 (Aeroxide P25, Evonik Industries AG, Essen, Germany) photocatalyst.
Influence on ICU course, outcome and costs for lung transplantation after implementation of the new Swiss transplantation law
Authors: Klinzing Stephanie , Brandi Giovanna , Raptis Dimitri A , Wenger Urs , Weber Denise , Stehberger Paul A , Inci Ilhan , Béchir Markus 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
The Swiss organ allocation system for donor lungs was implemented on 1 July 2007. The effects of this implementation on patient selection, intensive care unit course, outcomes and intensive care costs are unknown.

Methods
The first 37 consecutive lung transplant recipients following the implementation of the new act were compared with the previous 42 lung transplant recipients.

Results
Following implementation of the new law, baseline characteristics and cumulative one-year patient survival were comparable in both groups (88.1% vs 83.8%, P = 0.58). The costs for each case increased by 35,000 euros after adoption of the new law. Stratifying patients after implementation of the law according to urgency status shows that urgent patients required longer mechanical ventilation (P = 0.04), a longer ICU stay (P = 0.045) and a longer hospital stay (P = 0.04) and ICU costs (median 64,050 euros) were higher compared to regular patients.

Conclusion
The new transplantation law has increased ICU costs with the implementation of the Swiss organ allocation system. Patients listed as ‘urgent’ contribute significantly to the increase in ICU costs.
TNF-α and IFN-γ gene variation and genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes and its microangiopathic complications
Authors: Bazzaz Javad Tavakkoly , Amoli Mahsa M , Taheri Zahra , Larijani Bagher , Pravica Vera , Hutchinson Ian V 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Background
TNF-α has accelerating role in development of type 1 diabetes. Although an immunosupressor function and leading protecting role in T1DM also has been claimed for this pro-inflammatory cytokine. Over-expression of pro-inflammatory and type 1 cytokines (Th1, like IFN-γ) drive insulitis toward the destructive form that leads to type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Among type 1 cytokines only IFN-γ has been detectable in the islet β cells. In deletion studies IFN-γ was also the only Th1 cytokine for which its ablation or blockade caused delayed or decreased incidence of T1DM.

Methods
Functional polymorphisms of TNF-α at position -308*G/A and at position +874*T/A of IFN-γ gene were employed as markers and the comparative distribution of derived genotypes/alleles were assessed in 248 British Caucasian T1DM patients and 118 healthy controls.

Results
There was no significant association between IFN-γ gene polymorphism and T1DM or the diabetic complication triad. There was a marginal association between TNF-α –308*G/A polymorphism in nephropaths (vs healthy controls) (p = 0.06), which its insignificancy may be due to survivor factor. No significant association was evident between the genotype/allele of the applied marker and T1DM or diabetic complication triad.

Conclusion
Our results are in contrast with previous reports suggesting that these polymorphisms are not related to T1DM. This study also underlines the importance of replication of association studies to confirm the previous interpretation.
DNA methylome profiling of human tissues identifies global and tissue-specific methylation patterns
Authors: Lokk Kaie , Modhukur Vijayachitra , Rajashekar Balaji , Märtens Kaspar , Mägi Reedik , Kolde Raivo , Koltšina Marina , Nilsson Torbjörn K , Vilo Jaak , Salumets Andres , Tõnisson Neeme 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Background
DNA epigenetic modifications, such as methylation, are important regulators of tissue differentiation, contributing to processes of both development and cancer. Profiling the tissue-specific DNA methylome patterns will provide novel insights into normal and pathogenic mechanisms, as well as help in future epigenetic therapies. In this study, 17 somatic tissues from four autopsied humans were subjected to functional genome analysis using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip, covering 486 428 CpG sites.

Results
Only 2% of the CpGs analyzed are hypermethylated in all 17 tissue specimens; these permanently methylated CpG sites are located predominantly in gene-body regions. In contrast, 15% of the CpGs are hypomethylated in all specimens and are primarily located in regions proximal to transcription start sites. A vast number of tissue-specific differentially methylated regions are identified and considered likely mediators of tissue-specific gene regulatory mechanisms since the hypomethylated regions are closely related to known functions of the corresponding tissue. Finally, a clear inverse correlation is observed between promoter methylation within CpG islands and gene expression data obtained from publicly available databases.

Conclusions
This genome-wide methylation profiling study identified tissue-specific differentially methylated regions in 17 human somatic tissues. Many of the genes corresponding to these differentially methylated regions contribute to tissue-specific functions. Future studies may use these data as a reference to identify markers of perturbed differentiation and disease-related pathogenic mechanisms.
Method development for simultaneous detection of ferulic acid and vanillin using high-performance thin layer chromatography
Authors: Hingse Swarali S , Digole Shraddha B , Annapure Uday S 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
A simple, accurate, and reliable high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed for separation and detection of ferulic acid and vanillin.

Methods
Separation of ferulic acid and vanillin was carried out on 20 × 10 cm thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates using mobile phase containing toluene/1, 4-dioxan/acetic acid in the ratio 9:2.5:0.4 (v/v). The FA and vanillin were scanned at 320 and 312 nm, respectively. Method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and specificity.

Results
Retention factor (Rf) obtained for ferulic acid and vanillin was 0.48 and 0.56, respectively. The correlation coefficients, 0.9975 and 0.9991 with an average recovery of 98.77% and 98.45% obtained for ferulic acid and vanillin respectively by this method were satisfactory.

Conclusion
The optimized method was found to be efficient, precise, accurate, specific, and economic. Therefore, the method would be useful for both qualitative and quantitative routine analysis in pharmaceutical, food industry, and research laboratories.
Socioeconomic status and prescribing for schizophrenia: analysis of 3200 cases from the Glasgow Psychosis Clinical Information System (PsyCIS)
Authors: Martin Daniel J. , Park John , Langan Julie , Connolly Moira , Smith Daniel J. , Taylor Mark 
Published: April 2014

Aims and methodTo investigate whether socioeconomic status influenced rates of depot medication prescribing, polypharmacy (more than two psychotropic medications), newer (second-generation) antipsychotic prescribing and clozapine therapy. Postcodes, Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) categories and current medication status were ascertained. Patients in the most deprived SIMD groups (8–10 combined) were compared with those in the most affluent SIMD groups (1–3 combined).ResultsOverall, 3200 patients with ICD-10 schizophrenia were identified. No clear relationship between socioeconomic status and any of the four prescribing areas was identified, although rates of depot medication use in deprived areas were slightly higher.Clinical implicationsContrary to our hypothesis, there was no evidence that patients with schizophrenia within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde who live in more deprived communities had different prescribing experiences from patients living in more affluent areas.