bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Probiotics in Prevention and Treatment for Patients with Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Peng Yi , Li Ailing , Yu Ling , Qin Gang 
Published: July 2015

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease of respiratory allergy, and probiotics can provide a potential strategy for its management. The purpose of this study was to carry out a systematic review to investigate the role of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of AR. Methods We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the use of probiotics for the prevention and treatment of AR in the major electronic databases up to March 2014. The quality of the included RCTs was evaluated, and the data were independently extracted by two assessors. Meta-analyses were performed. Continuous data were expressed as the mean difference (MD) or standardized MD with 95% confidence interval (CI). Dichotomous data were expressed as odds ratio with the 95% CI. A p value Results A total of 11 RCTs were included in the analysis. Probiotic intake was associated with a significant overall improvement of the quality of life scores and nasal symptom scores of patients with AR (MD −2.97 [95% CI, −4.77 to −1.16)]; p = 0.001). No improvements with regard to prevention or immunologic parameters were noted in the patients with AR. Conclusions The current evidence is not sufficiently strong to verify a preventive role of probiotics in AR, but probiotics may improve the overall quality of life and nasal symptom scores. Because the available data were generated from only a few trials with a high degree of heterogeneity, routine use of probiotics for prevention and treatment in patients with AR cannot be recommended.
Tension-Relaxing Method—A Simplified Revision of the Endoscopic Septoplasty Technique: For Both Aesthetic Appearance and Functionality
Authors: Zuo Li , Jing Sa , Zhou Chengyong , Dai Zhiyao , Yang Shuzhi , Sun Baochun , Han Zeli , Chuang Chia-Chen , Range Ethan M. , Wang Feng 
Published: July 2015

Objective This article describes a simplified endonasal approach compared with traditional techniques for the correction of crooked noses by using endoscopic tension-relaxing septoplasty in the absence of nasal splints, with attempts to improve both the aesthetic appearance and functionality. Study Design A retrospective study was conducted at our institution with all 26 patients who underwent tension-relaxing rhinoseptoplasty by endoscope between November 2008 and January 2013. Methods Patients who were concerned about their aesthetic appearance and nasal obstruction were subjected to anterior rhinoscopy, endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity, and computed tomography for the evaluation of correlations among deformity of the nasal structures and nasal airway. The tension-relaxing method was used in the endoscopic rhinoseptoplasty by an endonasal approach. We introduced this technique in the surgery for patients with a C- or an I-shaped crooked nose. Subjective (visual analog scale) and objective (quantitative electronic meter measurement) assessments were used to evaluate aesthetic appearance. Validated Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale and active anterior rhinomanometry were used to assess nasal obstruction. Results All the patients indicated cosmetic satisfaction and reduced nasal obstruction. In cases with I-shaped and C-shaped crooked nose deformities, pre-and postoperative angle values (mean ± standard deviation) were 13.35 ± 3.36° versus 1.85 ± 1.66° (n = 15) and 153.69 ± 6.48° versus 176.64 ± 2.32° (n = 11), respectively. Postoperative correction rates were statistically significant (p < 0.001) in both groups. Results from active anterior rhinomanometry indicated significant improvement in objective nasal obstruction from a mean baseline value of 0.56 ± 0.07 Pa/cm3/s (range, 0.43- 0.69 Pa/cm3/s), to a 12-month value of 0.26 ± 0.02 Pa/cm3/s (range, 0.23-0.29 Pa/cm3/s) (p < 0.001). The mean rhinoseptoplasty duration time was 19.00 ± 3.53 minutes. The nose deformities were significantly improved, with no recurrences of septal deviation or crooked nose, nor complications of septal perforation and nasal infection 12 months after the operation. Conclusion This simple technique is feasible and minimally invasive, and may be particularly beneficial to patients with a deviated septum who seek to improve both their aesthetic appearance and nasal functionality. However, this method is not appropriate for those with a crooked nose caused by nasal bone deformity, lateral cartilages, and severe septal deformity.
Higher Knee Flexion Moment During the Second Half of the Stance Phase of Gait Is Associated With the Progression of Osteoarthritis of the Patellofemoral Joint on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Teng Hsiang-Ling , MacLeod Toran D. , Link Thomas M. , Majumdar Sharmila , Souza Richard B. 
Published: July 2015

Study Design Controlled laboratory study, longitudinal design. Objective To examine whether baseline knee flexion moment or impulse during walking is associated with the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) with magnetic resonance imaging of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) at 1 year. Background Patellofemoral joint OA is highly prevalent and a major source of pain and dysfunction. The biomechanical factors associated with the progression of PFJ OA remain unclear. Methods Three-dimensional gait analyses were performed at baseline. Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee (high-resolution, 3-D, fast spin-echo sequence) was used to identify PFJ cartilage and bone marrow edema-like lesions at baseline and a 1-year follow-up. The severity of PFJ OA progression was defined using the modified Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score when new or increased cartilage or bone marrow edema-like lesions were observed at 1 year. Peak external knee flexion moment and flexion moment impulse during the first and second halves of the stance phase of gait were compared between progressors and nonprogressors, and used to predict progression after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and presence of baseline PFJ OA. Results Sixty-one participants with no knee OA or isolated PFJ OA were included. Patellofemoral joint OA progressors (n = 10) demonstrated significantly higher peak knee flexion moment (P = .01) and flexion moment impulse (P = .04) during the second half of stance at baseline compared to nonprogressors. Logistic regression showed that higher peak knee flexion moment during the second half of the stance phase was significantly associated with progression at 1 year (adjusted odds ratio = 3.3, P = .01). Conclusion Peak knee flexion moment and flexion moment impulse during the second half of stance are related to the progression of PFJ OA and may need to be considered when treating individuals who are at risk of or who have PFJ OA. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(9):656–664. Epub 10 Jul 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5859
Manual Physical Therapy Following Immobilization for Stable Ankle Fracture: A Case Series
Authors: Painter Elizabeth E. , Deyle Gail D. , Allen Christopher , Petersen Evan J. , Croy Theodore , Rivera Kenneth P. 
Published: July 2015

Study Design Case series. Background Ankle fractures commonly result in persistent pain, stiffness, and functional impairments. There is insufficient evidence to favor any particular rehabilitation approach after ankle fracture. The purpose of this case series was to describe an impairment-based manual physical therapy approach to treating patients with conservatively managed ankle fractures. Case Description Patients with stable ankle fractures postimmobilization were treated with manual physical therapy and exercise targeted at associated impairments in the lower limb. The primary outcome measure was the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Secondary outcome measures included the ankle lunge test, numeric pain-rating scale, and global rating of change. Outcome measures were collected at baseline (performed within 7 days of immobilization removal) and at 4 and 12 weeks postbaseline. Outcomes Eleven patients (mean age, 39.6 years; range, 18–64 years; 2 male), after ankle fracture–related immobilization (mean duration, 48 days; range, 21–75 days), were treated for an average of 6.6 sessions (range, 3–10 sessions) over a mean of 46.1 days (range, 13–81 days). Compared to baseline, statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements were observed in Lower Extremity Functional Scale score (P = .001; mean change, 21.9 points; 95% confidence interval: 10.4, 33.4) and in the ankle lunge test (P = .001; mean change, 7.8 cm; 95% confidence interval: 3.9, 11.7) at 4 weeks. These changes persisted at 12 weeks. Discussion Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in self-reported function and ankle range of motion were observed at 4 and 12 weeks following treatment with impairment-based manual physical therapy. All patients tolerated treatment well. Results suggest that this approach may have efficacy in this population. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(9):665–674. Epub 10 Jul 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5981
Oxidation behavior of 26Cr-16Ni and AISI 309 austenitic stainless steels in air flow at 1,173 K
Authors: Pipatnukun Peeraya , Wangyao Panyawat , Lothongkum Gobboon 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This work investigates the isothermal oxidation behavior of as cast 26Cr-16Ni, as cold-rolled AISI 309 and as cast AISI 309 at 1,173 K in air flow rate of 40 cm3 × min−1 using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In 33 hours, the oxidation resistance declines from high to low are as cast 26Cr-16Ni, as cold-rolled AISI 309 and as cast AISI 309, respectively. The oxidation kinetic results show that the exponential rate constant of the as cast 26Cr-16Ni, as cold-rolled AISI 309 and as cast AISI 309 are 8.79 × 10−6, 4.02 × 10−5 and 4.35 × 10−5 g × cm−2 × s-n, respectively. The exponential growth rates of as cast 26Cr-16Ni, as cold-rolled AISI 309 and as cast AISI 309 are 0.42, 0.29 and 0.32, respectively. It indicates that the oxidation kinetic of as cast 26Cr-16Ni approaches a parabolic rate law, but those of as cold-rolled and as cast AISI 309 approach the cubic rate law. The sequence of oxide scale formations on the tested samples is also discussed.
Numerical simulation and experimental validation of angular distortion and residual stresses in a T-joint
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Liying , Shi Zhendong , Dai Zhen , Guo Meiqing 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Welding is the most important method in modern industry. However, welding distortion and residual stress after welding are inevitable. In this paper, experiments were performed to obtain the angular distortion, temperature field and longitudinal residual stress in two T plate structures after welding and post-weld heat treatment, respectively. Then, a three-dimensional thermal elastic-plastic finite element analysis using internal heat generation was carried out to simulate the deformation and stress. The FE analysis results were in good agreement with the measurements. The results showed that both, the thickness of the plates and the heat treatment, could influence the angular distortion and residual stress distribution. Finally, the welding process at a bogie was also simulated by using the same heat source model as for the T-joint. The deformation and stresses were shown and explained.
Analysis of influential factors for ultrasonic disc size evaluation
Authors: Mihaljević Morana , Markučič Damir , Runje Biserka 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The accuracy and reliability of any ultrasonic testing depends on the calibration procedure and sensitivity settings. In the present experimental research, it has been investigated how the changes of ultrasound beam shape influence the disc size evaluation. It was investigated how three selected factors and their interactions affect the disc size evaluation when probe frequencies are changing what is in correlation with changing the ultrasound beam shape. The experiment revealed that different factors and their interactions are significant for disc size evaluation.
Damage mechanisms in aluminum-matrix composites reinforced with nano-alumina particles
Authors: Ebrahimnejad Azam , Sajjadi Seyed Abdolkarim 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
In this research, an examination of the effects of fraction of particulate nano-sized alumina (0, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.%) on the mechanical properties and fracture mechanism of Al–Al2O3 nano-composite has been carried out. The samples were uniaxially tested at room temperature and sample sections were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the fracture mode of the composites was changed by volume fraction of the reinforcement particles. The main damage mechanisms observed in the specimens were clustering and microvoid formation, crack branching and crack deflection.
Der aktuelle Reformschub in der Raumplanung soll auch das Waldgesetz umfassen (Essay)
Authors: Müller-Jentsch Daniel 
Published: July 2015

The present move to reforms in spatial planning should also include the forest law (essay)
The built up area in Switzerland has strongly increased over recent decades. This is due to a strong increase in population as well as to spatial planning which is not very effective. This pressure and the general unease about fragmentation of landscapes, excessive construction of second homes and spoilt village sites have become so strong that Switzerland revised its spatial planning law in 2013 setting binding new regulations on the economic use of land. The core of the new law is to coordinate the various pressures on the limited and nonrenewable land resource and resolve conflicts through a forward looking planning process. The forest, which has absolute protection, escapes this weighing of conflicting spatial planning interests. But the forest accounts for a third of the land area; in view of the situation as regards spatial planning, the author argues for the full integration of the forest into the balance of interests and for a relaxation of the strict protection of forest land.
Künftige Flächennutzung bedarf neuer Handlungsorientierungen (Essay)
Authors: Seidl Irmi 
Published: July 2015

Future land use necessitates a new approach for action (essay)
Future land use may well lead to increasing conflicts between the competing demands for this scarce and limited resource given demands, interests and societal developments. Three approaches to dealing with land use are proposed: multifunctionality, quality of land use and sufficiency. Additionally, beauty needs to gain in importance. The foundation for the proposed approaches needs to be an institutional and cultural transformation that includes the construction industry, the ideological basis of municipal planning, as well as the societal drive for growth, and money creation.
Waldpolitischer Jahresrückblick 2014
Authors: Zimmermann Willi , Steinmann Kathrin , Lieberherr Eva 
Published: July 2015

Annual review of Swiss forest policy 2014
Swiss forest policy in 2014 was marked by the passage of the Federal Council's message and draft of an amendment of the Forest Law, which was also treated by the Council of State's Commission for Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy and by the Council of State itself. This revision affects more than 20 articles of the current Forest Law. Despite these numerous alterations, the revision has not caused major debates. The forest-relevant parliamentary interventions decreased drastically in 2014, but since the beginning of 2015 a countertrend is notable. The forest budget remained practically the same as in previous years. The number of federal court decisions in relation to the forest sector has stayed small. Yet there are increasingly significant cantonal court decisions in this domain. In terms of broader forest policy, the public administration has mainly undertaken new standpoints regarding spatial planning and energy policies.
The 10-Year Effectiveness of Combination Antiretroviral Treatment in Perinatally HIV-Infected Children Participating in Thailand's National Access Program
Authors: Aurpibul Linda , Puthanakit Thanyawee , Sudjaritruk Tavitiya , Oberdorfer Peninnah , Chotecharoentanan Tawalchaya , Taejaroenkul Sineenart , Wongnum Nongyow , Sirisanthana Virat 
Published: July 2015

Background The National Access to Antiretroviral Program for People Living with HIV/AIDS was launched in Thailand in 2002. HIV-infected, antiretroviral-naive, severely immunosuppressed children were initiated on highly active combination antiretroviral treatment (cART). This study aimed to determine the long-term effectiveness of cART. Methods Data were extracted from medical records. Primary end points were mortality rate, proportion of children who remained on first-line cART regimen and children with plasma HIV RNA level (pVL) <50 copies/ml at week 520. Results From August 2002 to July 2003, 107 children were enrolled. The baseline median age was 7.6 years (IQR 5.7–10.0), the median CD4+ T-cell count was 60 cells/mm3 (IQR 21–272) and the median pVL was 5.37 log10 copies/ml (IQR 5.01–5.76). The mortality rate during and after the first year was 3.7 and 0.006 deaths/100 person-years, respectively. At week 520, 90 (84%) continued to be actively followed. Their median age was 17.8 years (IQR 15.8-19.8). 73 (81% as-treated) remained on the first-line regimen, while 18 (20%) had switched to a second-line cART regimen, at the median time of 272 weeks (IQR 256-363) after the first-line cART initiation. 69 (77%) had pVL<50 copies/ml and the median CD4+ T-cell count was 636 cells/mm3 (IQR 466-804). 83 (92%) and 64 (71%) had CD4+ T-cell counts ≥200 and >500 cells/mm3, respectively. Conclusions Long-term virological control, favourable immunological outcomes and healthy survival was achieved in severely immunosuppressed, perinatally HIV-infected children who started first-line NNRTI-based cART. Continuing surveillance for long-term complications is warranted.
IL-1 Receptor Antagonist Chimeric Protein: Context-Specific and Inflammation-Restricted Activation
Authors: Rider Peleg , Carmi Yaron , Yossef Rami , Guttman Ofer , Eini Hadar , Azam Tania , Dinarello Charles A. , Lewis Eli C. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Both IL-1α and IL-1β are highly inflammatory cytokines mediating a wide spectrum of diseases. A recombinant form of the naturally occurring IL-1R antagonist (IL-1Ra), which blocks IL-1R1, is broadly used to treat autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases; however, blocking IL-1 increases the risk of infection. In this study, we describe the development of a novel form of recombinant IL-1Ra, termed chimeric IL-1Ra. This molecule is a fusion of the N-terminal peptide of IL-1β and IL-1Ra, resulting in inactive IL-1Ra. Because the IL-1β N-terminal peptide contains several protease sites clustered around the caspase-1 site, local proteases at sites of inflammation can cleave chimeric IL-1Ra and turn IL-1Ra active. We demonstrate that chimeric IL-1Ra reduces IL-1–mediated inflammation in vitro and in vivo. This unique approach limits IL-1 receptor blockade to sites of inflammation, while sparing a multitude of desired IL-1–related activities, including host defense against infections and IL-1–mediated repair.
On the Bernstein Problem in the Three-dimensional Heisenberg Group
Authors: Dorfmeister Josef F. , Inoguchi Jun-ichi , Kobayashi Shimpei 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
In this note we present a simple alternative proof for the Bernstein problem in the threedimensional Heisenberg group Nil3 by using the loop group technique. We clarify the geometric meaning of the two-parameter ambiguity of entire minimal graphs with prescribed Abresch- Rosenberg diòerential.
Making Healthy Eating Policy Practice
Authors: Beets Michael W. , Weaver R. Glenn , Turner-McGrievy Gabrielle , Huberty Jennifer , Ward Dianne S. , Freedman Darcy , Hutto Brent , Moore Justin B. , Beighle Aaron 
Published: July 2015

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate an intervention designed to assist after-school programs (ASPs) in meeting snack nutrition policies that specify that a fruit or vegetable be served daily and sugar-sweetened beverages/foods and artificially flavored foods eliminated. Design. The study used a 1-year group-randomized controlled trial. Setting. The study took place in ASPs operating in South Carolina, United States. Subjects. Twenty ASPs serving over 1700 children were recruited, match-paired postbaseline on enrollment size and days fruits/vegetables were served per week, and randomized to either intervention (n = 10) or control (n = 10) groups. Intervention. The study used Strategies To Enhance Practice for Healthy Eating (STEPs-HE), a multistep adaptive intervention framework that assists ASP leaders and staff to serve snacks that meet nutrition policies while maintaining cost. Measures. Direct observation of snacks served and consumed and monthly snack expenditures as determined by receipts were used. Analysis. The study used nonparametric and mixed-model repeated measures. Results. By postassessment, intervention ASPs increased serving of fruits/vegetables to 3.9 ± 2.1 vs. 0.7 ± 1.7 d/wk and decreased serving sugar-sweetened beverages to 0.1 ± 0.7 vs. 1.8 ± 2.4 d/wk and sugar-sweetened foods to 0.3 ± 1.1 vs. 2.7 ± 2.5 d/wk compared to controls, respectively. Cost of snacks increased by $0.02/snack in the intervention ASPs ($0.36 to $0.38) compared to a $0.01 per snack decrease in the control group ($0.39 to $0.38). Across both assessments and groups, 80% to 100% of children consumed FVs. Conclusions. The STEPs-HE intervention can assist ASPs in meeting nationally endorsed nutrition policies with marginal increases in cost.
Improving the Post-Stroke Therapeutic Potency of Mesenchymal Multipotent Stromal Cells by Cocultivation With Cortical Neurons: The Role of Crosstalk Between Cells
Authors: Babenko Valentina A. , Silachev Denis N. , Zorova Ljubava D. , Pevzner Irina B. , Khutornenko Anastasia A. , Plotnikov Egor Y. , Sukhikh Gennady T. , Zorov Dmitry B. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

The goal of the present study was to maximally alleviate the negative impact of stroke by increasing the therapeutic potency of injected mesenchymal multipotent stromal cells (MMSCs). To pursue this goal, the intercellular communications of MMSCs and neuronal cells were studied in vitro. As a result of cocultivation of MMSCs and rat cortical neurons, we proved the existence of intercellular contacts providing transfer of cellular contents from one cell to another. We present evidence of intercellular exchange with fluorescent probes specifically occupied by cytosol with preferential transfer from neurons toward MMSCs. In contrast, we observed a reversed transfer of mitochondria (from MMSCs to neural cells). Intravenous injection of MMSCs in a postischemic period alleviated the pathological indexes of a stroke, expressed as a lower infarct volume in the brain and partial restoration of neurological status. Also, MMSCs after cocultivation with neurons demonstrated more profound neuroprotective effects than did unprimed MMSCs. The production of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor was slightly increased in MMSCs, and the factor itself was redistributed in these cells after cocultivation. The level of Miro1 responsible for intercellular traffic of mitochondria was increased in MMSCs after cocultivation. We conclude that the exchange by cellular compartments between neural and stem cells improves MMSCs' protective abilities for better rehabilitation after stroke. This could be used as an approach to enhance the therapeutic benefits of stem cell therapy to the damaged brain.

Significance
The idea of priming stem cells before practical use for clinical purposes was applied. Thus, cells were preconditioned by coculturing them with the targeted cells (i.e., neurons for the treatment of brain pathological features) before the transfusion of stem cells to the organism. Such priming improved the capacity of stem cells to treat stroke. Some additional minimal study will be required to develop a detailed protocol for coculturing followed by cell separation.