bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of anakinra in gouty arthritis: a retrospective study of 40 cases
Authors: Ottaviani Sébastien , Moltó Anna , Ea Hang-Korng , Neveu Séverine , Gill Ghislaine , Brunier Lauren , Palazzo Elisabeth , Meyer Olivier , Richette Pascal , Bardin Thomas , Allanore Yannick , Lioté Frédéric , Dougados Maxime , Dieudé Philippe 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Gout is a common arthritis that occurs particularly in patients who frequently have associated comorbidities that limit the use of conventional therapies. The main mechanism of crystal-induced inflammation is interleukin-1 production by activation of the inflammasome. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of anakinra in gouty patients.

Methods
We conducted a multicenter retrospective review of patients receiving anakinra for gouty arthritis. We reviewed the response to treatment, adverse events and relapses.

Results
We examined data for 40 gouty patients (32 men; mean age 60.0 ± 13.9 years) receiving anakinra. Mean disease duration was 8.7 ± 8.7 years. All patients showed contraindications to and/or failure of at least two conventional therapies. Most (36; 90%) demonstrated good response to anakinra. Median pain on a 100-mm visual analog scale was rapidly decreased (73.5 (70.0 to 80.0) to 25.0 (20.0 to 32.5) mm, P <0.0001), as was median C-reactive protein (CRP) level (130.5 (55.8 to 238.8) to 16.0 (5.0 to 29.5) mg/l, P <0.0001). After a median follow-up of 7.0 (2.0 to 13.0) months, relapse occurred in 13 patients after a median delay of 15.0 (10.0 to 70.0) days. Seven infectious events, mainly with long-term use of anakinra, were noted.

Conclusions
Anakinra may be efficient in gouty arthritis, is relatively well tolerated with short-term use, and could be a relevant option in managing gouty arthritis when conventional therapies are ineffective or contraindicated. Its long-term use could be limited by infectious complications.
Randomized Trial of Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy for the Treatment of Lymphedema in Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Dayes Ian S. , Whelan Tim J. , Julian Jim A. , Parpia Sameer , Pritchard Kathleen I. , D'Souza David Paul , Kligman Lyn , Reise Donna , LeBlanc Linda , McNeely Margaret L. , Manchul Lee , Wiernikowski Jennifer , Levine Mark N. 
Published: September 2013

Purpose Because of its morbidity and chronicity, arm lymphedema remains a concerning complication of breast cancer treatment. Although massage-based decongestive therapy is often recommended, randomized trials have not consistently demonstrated benefit over more conservative measures. Patients and Methods Women previously treated for breast cancer with lymphedema were enrolled from six institutions. Volumes were calculated from circumference measurements. Patients with a minimum of 10% volume difference between their arms were randomly assigned to either compression garments (control) or daily manual lymphatic drainage and bandaging followed by compression garments (experimental). The primary outcome was percent reduction in excess arm volume from baseline to 6 weeks. Results A total of 103 women were randomly assigned, and 95 were evaluable. Mean reduction of excess arm volume was 29.0% in the experimental group and 22.6% in the control group (difference, 6.4%; 95% CI, −6.8% to 20.5%; P = .34). Absolute volume loss was 250 mL and 143 mL in the experimental and control groups, respectively (difference, 107 mL; 95% CI, 13 to 203 mL; P = .03). There was no difference between groups in the proportion of patients losing 50% or greater excess arm volume. Quality of life (Short Form-36 Health Survey) and arm function were not different between groups. Conclusion This trial was unable to demonstrate a significant improvement in lymphedema with decongestive therapy compared with a more conservative approach. The failure to detect a difference may have been a result of the relatively small size of our trial.
Thermodynamics of a Liquid-like Spin State in Molecule-based Magnets with Geometric Frustrations
Authors: Nakazawa Yasuhiro , Yamashita Satoshi 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
We review novel thermodynamic properties of κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu2(CN)3 and EtMe3Sb[Pd(dmit)2]2, where BEDT-TTF stands for bisethylenedithiotetrathiafulvalene and dmit stands for 1,3-dithiole-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate unveiled via single-crystal calorimetry. These compounds are organic dimer-based Mott insulators with a two-dimensional triangular lattice, where electron correlations produce localized radical spins on each molecular dimer. Néel-type magnetic orderings are prohibited by geometric frustrations and strong quantum mechanical fluctuations. The spin orientation of localized π electron fluctuates like a liquid even at zero energy, and the so-called spin-liquid (SL) ground state appears in them. We have performed heat capacity measurements down to extremely low temperatures and observed that the low-temperature heat capacities show a gapless character, evidenced by the finite electronic heat capacity coefficient, γ. Although the charge-transport properties of these compounds are insulating, the thermodynamic parameters, which reflect the low-energy excitations from the liquid ground state, resemble those of typical metallic compounds with Fermi-liquid characteristics. The magnitude of the γ was scaled with the magnetic susceptibility extrapolated down to T = 0. The realization of the unusual magnetic state coupled with the charge degree of freedom is suggested by several other experiments in addition to the heat capacity measurements. Herein we review thermodynamic discussions based on the experiments reported up to now to clarify the novelty of this magnetic ground state.
A Continuous Fluorometric Assay for Trypsin Based on Melittin and the Noncovalent-binding-induced Pyrene Excimer
Authors: Xu Na , Li Yue , Li Hong-Wei , Wu Yuqing 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
A continuous fluorometric assay system based on melittin and a pyrene derivative 1 for trypsin and its inhibitor screening is successfully developed by taking advantage of the noncovalent-binding-induced pyrene excimer. The 1–melittin assembly and its disassembly after further addition of trypsin are confirmed by the fluorescence changes at 475 nm. Such a system can be applied to other proteases of melittin, and essentially, the concept based on the noncovalent-binding-induced continuous fluorometric assay can be extended to other biochemical analyses.
Consumer Favorites and the Design of News
Authors: Xiang Yi , Soberman David 
Published: September 2013

The objective of this paper is to better understand the factors that competitive news providers consider to design or deliver news programmes. The focus is broadcast news where, in any programming time period, a viewer watches (or consumes) one programme. We assume that each viewer is interested in a limited set of topics and that her utility only comes from the “most interesting” news she observes. The key questions we address are as follows: (a) Should firms adopt designs that facilitate the delivery of more information in their news programmes? (b) Does the decision of firms to implement such strategies depend on the complexity of the news programme (i.e., the number of news stories covered in the news product)? (c) How do such strategies influence competition? We show that firms may or may not benefit by providing better-designed news. The incentive to do this is strongly affected by the complexity of the news product and the intensity of competition between news providers. This paper was accepted by J. Miguel Villas-Boas, marketing.
Small-Dense LDL Cholesterol/Large-Buoyant LDL Cholesterol Ratio as an Excellent Marker for Indicating Lipodystrophy in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Srisawasdi Pornpen , Suwalak Tanida , Sukasem Chonlaphat , Chittamma Anchalee , Pocathikorn Anothai , Vanavanan Somlak , Puangpetch Apichaya , Santon Siwalee , Chantratita Wasun , Kiertiburanakul Sasisopin , Kroll Martin H. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Objectives:
To examine whether the lipid parameters are predicting factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–associated lipodystrophy.

Methods:
Whole-body fat compositions of HIV-positive patients receiving stavudine-containing antiretroviral regimens (n = 79) were determined. Lipodystrophy was defined as a ratio of trunk fat mass/lower limb fat mass greater than 2.28. Blood samples were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), small-dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C), apoAI, apoB, lipoprotein(a), and CD4 cell counts. Large-buoyant LDL-C (lbLDL-C) was calculated (LDL-C minus sdLDL-C).

Results:
Twenty-six patients were classified as having lipodystrophy. The mean values of triglycerides, HDL-C, sdLDL-C, apoB, TC/HDL-C, apolipoprotein (apo) B/apoAI, and sdLDL-C/lbLDL-C showed significant differences between patients with and without lipodystrophy (P &lt; .02). Using logistic regression analysis, sdLDL-C/lbLDL-C was identified as a significant predictor of lipodystrophy (P &lt; .001). At a ratio of 0.554, the odds ratio was 17.8 with a likelihood ratio of 5.5.

Conclusions:
The sdLDL-C/lbLDL-C ratio is an excellent marker for indicating lipodystrophy in HIV-infected patients.
Progress of Research on Welding for Molybdenum Alloys
Authors: Wang Jiteng , Wang Juan , Li Yajiang , Zheng Deshuang 
Published: September 2013

AbstractMolybdenum and molybdenum alloys are considered to be attractive structural materials for high-temperature applications. However, molybdenum alloys are sensitive to gas impurities and have the characteristics of low temperature embrittlement and less resistance to oxidation at elevated temperature. The toughness and strength of welded joint is not easy to be ensured by traditional technology. Recently, many efforts have been made to join molybdenum and its alloys. In this paper, we present the result of investigations on welding methods of molybdenum and its alloys and overview the practical applications in engineering. The key of joining molybdenum alloys is to improve the toughness of welded joint and prevent the generation of pores and cracks.
Randomized Trial of a Population-Based, Home-Delivered Intervention for Preschool Language Delay
Authors: Wake Melissa , Tobin Sherryn , Levickis Penny , Gold Lisa , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Zens Naomi , Goldfeld Sharon , Le Ha , Law James , Reilly Sheena 
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE:
Population approaches to lessen the adverse impacts of preschool language delay remain elusive. We aimed to determine whether systematic ascertainment of language delay at age 4 years, followed by a 10-month, 1-on-1 intervention, improves language and related outcomes at age 5 years.

METHODS:
A randomized trial nested within a cross-sectional ascertainment of language delay. Children with expressive and/or receptive language scores more than 1.25 SD below the mean at age 4 years entered the trial. Children randomly allocated to the intervention received 18 1-hour home-based therapy sessions. The primary outcomes were receptive and expressive language (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals – Preschool, 2nd Edition) and secondary outcomes were child phonological skills, letter awareness, pragmatic skills, behavior, and quality of life.

RESULTS:
A total of 1464 children were assessed for language delay at age 4 years. Of 266 eligible children, 200 (13.6%) entered the trial, with 91 intervention (92% of 99) and 88 control (87% of 101) children retained at age 5 years. At age 5 years, there was weak evidence of benefit to expressive (adjusted mean difference, intervention − control, 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.5 to 4.4; P = .12) but not receptive (0.6; 95% CI −2.5 to 3.8; P = .69) language. The intervention improved phonological awareness skills (5.0; 95% CI 2.2 to 7.8; P &lt; .001) and letter knowledge (2.4; 95% CI 0.3 to 4.5; P = .03), but not other secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:
A standardized yet flexible 18-session language intervention was successfully delivered by non-specialist staff, found to be acceptable and feasible, and has the potential to improve long-term consequences of early language delay within a public health framework.
Improving Delivery Room Management for Very Preterm Infants
Authors: DeMauro Sara B. , Douglas Emily , Karp Kelley , Schmidt Barbara , Patel Jay , Kronberger Amy , Scarboro Russell , Posencheg Michael 
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Events in the delivery room significantly impact the outcomes of preterm infants. We developed evidence-based guidelines to prevent heat loss, reduce exposure to supplemental oxygen, and increase use of noninvasive respiratory support to improve the care and outcomes of infants with birth weight ≤1250 g at our institution.

METHODS:
The guidelines were implemented through multidisciplinary conferences, routine use of a checklist, appointment of a dedicated resuscitation nurse, and frequent feedback to clinicians. This cohort study compares a historical group (n = 80) to a prospective group (n = 80, after guidelines were implemented). Primary outcome was axillary temperature at admission to the intensive care nursery. Secondary outcomes measured adherence to the guidelines and changes in clinically relevant patient outcomes.

RESULTS:
Baseline characteristics of the groups were similar. After introduction of the guidelines, average admission temperatures increased (36.4°C vs 36.7°C, P &lt; .001) and the proportion of infants admitted with moderate/severe hypothermia fell (14% vs 1%, P = .003). Infants were exposed to less oxygen during the first 10 minutes (P &lt; .001), with similar oxygen saturations. Although more patients were tried on continuous positive airway pressure (40% vs 61%, P = .007), the intubation rate was not significantly different (64% vs 54%, P = .20). Median durations of invasive ventilation and hospitalization decreased after the quality initiative (5 vs 1 days [P = .008] and 80 vs 60 days [P = .02], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:
We have demonstrated significantly improved quality of delivery room care for very preterm infants after introduction of evidence-based delivery room guidelines. Multidisciplinary involvement and continuous education and reinforcement of the guidelines permitted sustained change.
Change in Care Among Nonenrolled Patients During and After a Randomized Trial
Authors: LeVan Jaclyn M. , Wyckoff Myra H. , Ahn Chul , Heyne Roy , Sánchez Pablo J. , Chalak Lina , Jaleel Mambarambath A. , Burchfield P. Jeannette , Christie Lucy , Soll Roger , Badger Gary J. , Brion Luc P. 
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE:
Parkland Memorial Hospital (PMH) participated in Surfactant, Positive Pressure, and Oxygenation Randomized Trial (SUPPORT), an unblinded controlled trial, in which preterm neonates of 240/7 to 276/7 weeks’ gestational age (GA) were randomized in the delivery room (DR) to endotracheal intubation or nasal continuous positive airway pressure. We hypothesized that DR intubation could change in nonenrolled patients at PMH and that the change would be larger than in comparable centers not participating in the trial.

METHODS:
The PMH Cohort included eligible but nonenrolled neonates of 240/7 to 276/7 weeks (primary) and noneligible neonates of 28 to 346/7 weeks (confirmatory). A subset (240/7–296/7weeks) of that cohort was compared with a contemporaneous cohort born in centers participating in the Vermont Oxford Network (VON). We used a Poisson regression model to obtain adjusted relative risks (RRs) of DR intubation (during/after SUPPORT versus before SUPPORT) for PMH and for VON along with the ratio of these RRs.

RESULTS:
In the PMH cohort (n = 3527), the proportion of DR intubation decreased during/after SUPPORT in the lower GA group (adjusted RR 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–0.96) and the upper GA group (adjusted RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.46–0.70). Compared with the RR for DR intubation in VON, the RR at PMH was smaller in the lower (ratio of RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65–0.87) and the upper GA group (ratio of RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.39–0.68).

CONCLUSIONS:
A center’s participation in an unblinded randomized trial may affect process of care of nonenrolled patients.
Addressing the Challenges of Production Forecasting in the Remote Highlands of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Sullivan S.. , Rowse J.. 
Published: September 2013

Summary
Operational conditions in the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG) bring a multitude of challenges, including complex geology, steep jungle terrain, extreme rainfall, a sensitive ecosystem, a variety of landowner cultures, ageing facilities, mature reservoirs, and fraught logistics. These factors conspire to increase the complexity of production forecasting well beyond just reservoir performance.
After missing production targets for a number of years, a significant improvement in forecasting was needed to fully capture the uncertainties, both identified and unforeseen. A probabilistic forecasting tool by use of Monte Carlo simulation has been developed, which incorporates assessments of all major variables and takes account of historical performance and system changes.
Successful implementation has resulted in the generation of realistic targets that have been met within 4% for 4 years. Further, a clearer understanding of potential threats and opportunities, combined with their impact on production, has been achieved. These results have delivered material benefits to business planning, decision making, and company reputation. Data to be presented on the forecasting tool will describe the quantification of uncertainty for each major variable, including reservoir and facility performance, incremental production opportunities, project schedules, and major unplanned downtime.
This approach could be applicable to exploration and production companies operating in difficult conditions worldwide, in areas where unreliable production targets have a major business impact. It is flexible enough for both short- and long-term forecasts, tracking and reporting, and adaptation to new or changed operating conditions.
The Outcome of Bone Substitute Wedges in Medial Opening High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Hooper N.M. , Schouten R. , Hooper G.J. 
Published: September 2013

Background:
Opening wedge high tibial osteotomy often requires bone grafting to improve the union rate and avoid instability at the osteotomy site. Autograft and allograft have both been associated with complications and the use of bone substitute wedges has been advocated to improve the outcome. This study investigated the clinical, radiological and histological outcomes of using biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic (Triosite) wedges in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy and determined whether the presence of the graft would compromise the satisfactory conversion to a total knee replacement.

Methods:
A consecutive cohort underwent radiological review to determine whether the osteotomy healed and the correction was maintained. Biopsies were performed on those undergoing second procedures. All patients converted to total knee arthroplasty were assessed separately as to any surgical complications attributed to the Triosite wedge.

Results:
There were 36 osteotomies in 33 patients with a minimum of 4 years follow up. All osteotomies healed. There was an average 90 (5-14) of correction, which was maintained. Histological assessment of 17 cases confirmed adequate bone replacement of the Triosite although some areas of tricalcium phosphate remained visible. Conversion to a total knee arthroplasty occurred in 11 cases with no complications.

Conclusion:
Biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic wedges (Triosite) can be reliably used in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy with a low incidence of complications and satisfactory conversion to total knee arthroplasty.
Res Medica, Volume 1, Number 1, 1957
Authors: Davidson Sir Stanley , Cockburn Forrester , Porritt Arthur , Macgregor Alastair G , Gray James A , Ruckley C Vaughan 
Published: September 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTSEDITORIAL TO BE OR NOT TO BE — A DOCTOR: Sir Stanley Davidson, B.A., M.D., P.R.C.P.E., F.R.C.P.( LOND.), Q.H.P. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN: Forrester Cockburn MODERN CONCEPTS OF BREAST CARCINOMA: Sir Arthur Porritt , K.C.M.G., C.B.E.,M.A., M.ch., F.R.C.S. NORTH AMERICAN KALEIDOSCOPE: Alastair G. MacGregor , B.SC., M.D., F.R.F.P.S.G.,M.R.C.P.E., M.R.C.P. BRONCHOGENIC CARCINOMA: James A. GrayOPERA OCCULTA: Collected from the Society’s archives: C. Vaughan Ruckley
Minimal Functional β-Cell Mass in Intraportal Implants That Reduces Glycemic Variability in Type 1 Diabetic Recipients
Authors: Gillard Pieter , Hilbrands Robert , Van de Velde Ursule , Ling Zhidong , Lee Da Hae , Weets Ilse , Gorus Frans , De Block Christophe , Kaufman Leonard , Mathieu Chantal , Pipeleers Daniel , Keymeulen Bart 
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE
Previous work has shown a correlation between β-cell number in cultured islet cell grafts and their ability to induce C-peptide secretion after intraportal implantation in C-peptide–negative type1 diabetic patients. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the minimal functional β-cell mass (FBM) in the implant that induces metabolic improvement.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Glucose clamps assessed FBM in 42 recipients with established implants. C-peptide release during each phase was expressed as percentage of healthy control values. Its relative magnitude during a second hyperglycemic phase was most discriminative and therefore selected as a parameter to be correlated with metabolic effects.

RESULTS
Recipients with functioning β-cell implants exhibited average FBM corresponding to 18% of that in normal control subjects (interquartile range 10–33%). Its relative magnitude negatively correlated with HbA1c levels (r = −0.47), daily insulin dose (r = −0.75), and coefficient of variation of fasting glycemia (CVfg) (r = −0.78, retained in multivariate analysis). A correlation between FBM and CVfg &lt;25% appeared from the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.97 [95% CI 0.93–1.00]). All patients with FBM &gt;37% exhibited CVfg &lt;25% and a &gt;50% reduction of their pretransplant CVfg; this occurred in none with FBM &lt;5%. Implants with FBM &gt;18% reduced CVfg from a median pretransplant value of 46 to &lt;25%.

CONCLUSIONS
Glucose clamping assesses the degree of restoration in FBM achieved by islet cell implants. Values &gt;37% of normal control subjects appear needed to reduce glycemic variability in type 1 diabetic recipients. Further studies should examine whether the test can help guide decisions on additional islet cell transplants and on adjusting or stopping immunotherapy.
Increased Complement Activation in Human Type 1 Diabetes Pancreata
Authors: Rowe Patrick , Wasserfall Clive , Croker Byron , Campbell-Thompson Martha , Pugliese Alberto , Atkinson Mark , Schatz Desmond 
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE
Evidence supporting an association between complement (C) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) includes the identification of C-fixing islet cell autoantibodies in T1D sera and genetic associations with the major histocompatibility complex III C4 region on chromosome 6. Therefore, we investigated whether C activation was present in pancreata from those with or at increased risk (positive for T1D associated autoantibodies) for T1D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Immunohistochemical techniques were used to measure the C degradation product C4d in organ donor pancreata from patients with T1D and type 2 diabetes and autoantibody-positive and autoantibody-negative subjects.

RESULTS
Median C4d antigen density differed across the groups (P &lt; 0.0001) and was highest in patients with T1D. C4d immunostaining localized to the blood vessel endothelium and extracellular matrix surrounding blood vessels and exocrine ducts. Receiver operating characteristic analysis resulted in 81.8% sensitivity and 94.4% specificity for C4d staining.

CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that C activation is occurring within pancreata from patients with T1D and C4d may be a biomarker for T1D.