bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum ionised calcium as a prognostic risk factor in the clinical course of pancreatitis in cats
Authors: Dias Claúdia , Carreira L Miguel 
Published: December 2014

Objectives The aims of the study were to assess the possible effects of sex, age and breed on the evolution of pancreatitis, and to understand if low values of serum ionised calcium ([Ca2+i]) can be considered as a prognostic risk factor for determining the clinical course of the disease. Methods A sample of 24 cats (n = 24) with pancreatitis was used and grouped according to the disease progress into two groups: (i) non-fatal (NF) for those that recovered and (ii) fatal (F) for those that died. Quantification of [Ca2+i] and feline pancreatic lipase (fPL) was carried out for each patient at two different times: T1 (day of diagnosis) and T2 (day of recovery or death). For statistical analysis, P values  <0.05 were considered significant.    Results At T1, 58.3% of patients presented with hypocalcaemia, 33.3% with normocalcaemia and 8.3% with hypercalcaemia. The [Ca2+i] mean values were higher in the F group than in NF. At T2, 75.0% of patients showed normocalcaemia and 25.0% hypocalcaemia. The mean value of [Ca2+i]   for F at T2 was 0.88 ± 0.23 mmol/l, whereas for NF it was 1.10 ± 0.11 mmol/l. There was no sex or age predisposition for disease development, but a breed effect was noted (domestic shorthair cats were more prone to developing pancreatitis). Conclusions and relevance The results suggest that hypocalcaemia is common in patients with pancreatitis and that [Ca2+i] may be used as a prognostic risk factor for predicting the clinical course of the disease, with values ⩽1 mmol/l corresponding to a poor prognosis.
The incidence and prevalence of comorbid gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, ocular, pulmonary, and renal disorders in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review
Authors: Marrie Ruth Ann , Reider Nadia , Stuve Olaf , Trojano Maria , Sorensen Per Soelberg , Cutter Gary R , Reingold Stephen C , Cohen Jeffrey 
Published: December 2014

Background: As new disease-modifying therapies emerge a better knowledge of the risk of comorbid disease in multiple sclerosis (MS) is needed. Objective: To estimate the incidence and prevalence of comorbid gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, ocular, pulmonary, and renal disorders in MS. Methods: We systematically reviewed the world literature by searching PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, the Web of Knowledge, and reference lists of retrieved articles. For selected articles, one reviewer abstracted data using a standardized form. The abstraction was verified by a second reviewer. The quality of all selected studies was assessed. For population-based studies we quantitatively assessed studies using the I2 statistic, and conducted random effects meta-analyses. Results: Study designs were heterogeneous with respect to populations, case definitions, and methods of ascertainment. Incidence of the studied comorbidities was rarely reported. Irritable bowel syndrome and chronic lung disease had a prevalence of more than 10% in the MS population. Irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, cataracts and glaucoma were more common than expected in the MS population. Conclusion: Although they have been the subject of less study than other comorbidities, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and chronic lung disease are common in the MS population and occur more often than expected when compared to the general population.
The effects of neuromuscular taping on gait walking strategy in a patient with joint hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers–Danlos syndrome hypermobility type
Authors: Camerota Filippo , Galli Manuela , Cimolin Veronica , Celletti Claudia , Ancillao Andrea , Blow David , Albertini Giorgio 
Published: December 2014

Objective: In this case study, biomechanical alterations induced by neuromuscular taping (NMT) were quantified, during walking, in a patient with joint hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers–Danlos syndrome hypermobility type (JHS/EDS-HT). Methods: A female JHS/EDS-HT patient underwent NMT applications over the low back spine and bilaterally to the knee. Quantitative gait analyses were collected before the NMT application and at the end of the treatment (2 weeks after the first application of NMT). Results: At the end of treatment following the NMT application, left step length showed improvements in cadence and velocity, the left knee showed a reduction in its flexed position at initial contact, and the right ankle joint improved its position at initial contact and in the swing phase. Improvements were also found in kinetics, in terms of the ankle moment and power. Conclusions: Results show that NMT seems to be a promising low-cost intervention for improving gait strategy in patients with JHS/EDS-HT. Further investigations are needed to assess the effects of this treatment intervention on pathological symptoms.
BST-CarGel® Treatment Maintains Cartilage Repair Superiority over Microfracture at 5 Years in a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shive Matthew S. , Stanish William D. , McCormack Robert , Forriol Francisco , Mohtadi Nicholas , Pelet Stéphane , Desnoyers Jacques , Méthot Stéphane , Vehik Kendra , Restrepo Alberto 
Published: December 2014

Objective The efficacy and safety of BST-CarGel®, a chitosan scaffold for cartilage repair was compared with microfracture alone at 1 year during a multicenter randomized controlled trial in the knee. This report was undertaken to investigate 5-year structural and clinical outcomes. Design The international randomized controlled trial enrolled 80 patients, aged 18 to 55 years, with grade III or IV focal lesions on the femoral condyles. Patients were randomized to receive BST-CarGel® treatment or microfracture alone, and followed standardized 12-week rehabilitation. Co-primary endpoints of repair tissue quantity and quality were evaluated by 3-dimensional MRI quantification of the degree of lesion filling (%) and T2 relaxation times. Secondary endpoints were clinical benefit measured with WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) questionnaires and safety. General estimating equations were used for longitudinal statistical analysis of repeated measures. Results Blinded MRI analysis demonstrated that BST-CarGel®-treated patients showed a significantly greater treatment effect for lesion filling ( P = 0.017) over 5 years compared with microfracture alone. A significantly greater treatment effect for BST-CarGel® was also found for repair tissue T2 relaxation times ( P = 0.026), which were closer to native cartilage compared to the microfracture group. BST-CarGel® and microfracture groups showed highly significant improvement at 5 years from pretreatment baseline for each WOMAC subscale ( P < 0.0001), and there were no differences between the treatment groups. Safety was comparable for both groups. Conclusions BST-CarGel® was shown to be an effective mid-term cartilage repair treatment. At 5 years, BST-CarGel® treatment resulted in sustained and significantly superior repair tissue quantity and quality over microfracture alone. Clinical benefit following BST-CarGel® and microfracture treatment were highly significant over baseline levels.
Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation versus Multipotent Stem Cells for the Treatment of Large Patellofemoral Chondral Lesions
Authors: Gobbi Alberto , Chaurasia Sanyam , Karnatzikos Georgios , Nakamura Norimasa 
Published: December 2014

Objective To compare the outcome of matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)–derived multipotent stem cells (MSCs) implantation in patellofemoral chondral lesions, using the same HYAFF11 scaffold. Methods From January 2005 to December 2010, 37 patients with patellofemoral chondral lesions were prospectively followed up, for a minimum of 3 years; 19 of these patients were treated with MACI and 18 with BMAC. Radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical scores (International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, visual analog scale, and Tegner) were collected preoperatively, at 2-year and final follow-up. Five patients of MACI and 6 of the BMAC group underwent second-look arthroscopy; 4 patients of each group consented to a concomitant biopsy. Results No adverse reactions or postoperative infections were noted. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups ( P > 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in all scores, from preoperative to final follow-up ( P = 0.001), but there was no significant difference in improvement between the 2 groups, except for the IKDC subjective score ( P = 0.015), which favored the BMAC group. Deterioration in MACI and improvement in BMAC group scores were noticed, from 2-year to final follow-up, but was nonsignificant. MACI patients with trochlear lesions showed better results than patellar lesions, while location was not a prognostic factor in the BMAC group. MRI showed complete filling of the defects in 76% of patients in MACI and 81% of patients in BMAC, and histological analysis revealed hyaline-like features. Conclusion Both techniques are viable and effective for large patellofemoral chondral lesions at minimum 3-year follow-up.
Evaluating developmental screening in clinical practice
Authors: Dawson Peter , Camp Bonnie W 
Published: December 2014

Objective: To demonstrate a method of evaluating accuracy of developmental screening modeled on the evidence-based medical literature. Method: A retrospective review was performed on 418 children screened with the Denver II by a trained technician. Two models for analyzing screening data were examined, using predictive values and likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−). Results: The technician, working at 20% time, screened 44% of eligible children. There were 129/418 (31%) children with Suspect Denver II results, 115/418 who were referred, 81/115 (70%) who were evaluated by Early Intervention, and 64/81 (79%) who qualified for services. The uncorrected positive predictive value for the Denver II alone (44%) was insufficient to meet the preset standard of 60%, but the LR+ of 4.16 indicated a significant contribution of test information to improving predictive value. Combining test results with information from the parent–technician conference to achieve a referral decision resulted in an uncorrected predictive value of 56%, which rose with correction for children referred but not evaluated to 72% (LR+ 10.33). Negative predictive values and likelihood ratios of a negative test and a non-referral decision achieved recommended levels. Parents who expressed concern were significantly more likely to complete recommended evaluation than those who did not (82% vs 58%, p < .01). Results were in the same range as in published studies with other screening tests but showed three areas for improvement: screening more children, more carefully supervising some referral decisions, and getting more children to evaluation. Conclusion: Levels of predictive accuracy above 60% can be obtained by combining different types of information about development to make decisions about referral for more complete evaluation. Systematic study of such combinations could lead to improved predictive accuracy of screening programs and support attempts to close the gap between referral and evaluation.
Assessing usability, label comprehension, pen robustness and pharmacokinetics of a self-administered prefilled autoinjector pen of methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pachon Jaime A , Kivitz Alan J , Heuer Kay-Uwe , Pichlmeier Uwe 
Published: December 2014

Objective: To assess usability, bioavailability, and safety of subcutaneous self-administration of 0.3 mL of methotrexate 50 mg/mL solution via a prefilled autoinjector pen (methotrexate pen) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: The study enrolled methotrexate-naïve and methotrexate-experienced patients aged ≥16 years. Visit 1 (Day 1) included methotrexate pen usage training with documentation, patient self-injection, and a patient-training questionnaire completed by the healthcare professional. Visit 2 (Days 8–10) included evaluation of patient self-injection through four scenarios: holding needle in place for 5 s, confirming methotrexate delivery, skin pinch, and pen disposal. At Visit 2, patient opinion and training retention (since Visit 1) were also assessed. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed in 25 patients, who were stratified by body weight and randomized to receive injections in the abdomen or the upper thigh. Results: At Visit 1, 12 of 106 patients had questions about the pen, and 4 required self-injection assistance. At Visit 2, the mean performance rating for all scenarios was ≥9.8 (scale: 1 (very difficult)−10 (very easy)). Successful completion rates were 96.2%–100%; 91.3%–100% of patients required no assistance. Impressions of the pen were favorable; 98.1% of patients passed the written examination. All methotrexate pens effectively delivered 0.3 mL methotrexate and were intact after use. Body weight >100 kg significantly decreased total and peak methotrexate exposure when administered abdominally. No adverse effects resulted in drug discontinuation. Conclusion: The methotrexate pen was used with a high degree of effectiveness, satisfaction, and safety, indicating that this delivery system may be a viable option for patients requiring subcutaneous methotrexate.
Severity and outcome of cystic lung disease in women with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Taveira-DaSilva Angelo M. , Jones Amanda M. , Julien-Williams Patricia , Yao Jianhua , Stylianou Mario , Moss Joel 
Published: December 2014

What are the clinical features, severity, and rate of progression of lung disease in women with tuberous sclerosis and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and how do they differ from patients with sporadic LAM?Data from 94 tuberous sclerosis/LAM and 460 sporadic LAM women were compared. 40 tuberous sclerosis/LAM and 40 sporadic LAM patients were age- and lung function-matched, and changes in volume occupied by cysts (cyst score) and pulmonary function occurring over 6.5 years were evaluated.Tuberous sclerosis/LAM patients had better lung function than sporadic LAM patients, but no difference was observed from sporadic LAM patients in yearly rates of change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (−1.9±2.7versus−1.9±1.9% predicted; p=0.302), diffusing capacity of the lung for CO (−2.1±2.8versus−1.9±2.7% predicted; p=0.282) or cyst scores (+1.0±1.3versus+1.4±1.7%, p=0.213). However, the proportion of patients with abnormal lung function and higher rates of FEV1decline was greater in sporadic LAM. Some young tuberous sclerosis/LAM patients (mean age 25.7±3 years) progressed rapidly from minimal to severe lung disease.Tuberous sclerosis/LAM patients may experience abrupt declines in lung function. Consequently, women with tuberous sclerosis found to have lung cysts should undergo periodic functional and radiological testing to follow disease progression and determine need for therapy.
Prognostic value of right ventricular ejection fraction in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Courand Pierre-Yves , Pina Jomir Géraldine , Khouatra Chahéra , Scheiber Christian , Turquier Ségolène , Glérant Jean-Charles , Mastroianni Bénédicte , Gentil Béatrice , Blanchet-Legens Anne-Sophie , Dib Alfred , Derumeaux Geneviève , Humbert Marc , Mornex Jean-François , Cordier Jean-François , Cottin Vincent 
Published: December 2014

Right ventricle ejection fraction (RVEF) evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging is a strong determinant of patient outcomes in pulmonary arterial hypertension. We evaluated the prognostic value of RVEF assessed with conventional planar equilibrium radionuclide angiography at baseline and change 3–6 months after initiating pulmonary arterial hypertension-specific therapy.In a prospective cohort of newly diagnosed patients with idiopathic, heritable or anorexigen-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension, RVEF was measured at baseline (n=100) and 3–6 months after initiation of therapy (n=78). After a median follow-up of 4.1 years, 41 deaths occurred, including 35 from cardiovascular causes. Patients with a (median) baseline RVEF >25% had better survival than those with a RVEF <25% using Kaplan–Meier analysis (p=0.010). RVEF at baseline was an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in adjusted Cox regression model (p=0.002 and p=0.007, respectively; HR 0.93 for both). Patients with stable or increased RVEF at 3–6 months had a trend for improved all-cause survival (HR 2.43, p=0.086) and had less cardiovascular mortality (HR 3.25, p=0.034) than those in whom RVEF decreased despite therapy.RVEF assessed with conventional planar equilibrium radionuclide angiography at baseline and change in RVEF 3–6 months after therapy initiation independently predict outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Facile One-step Synthetic Route to Mesoporous N-Doped Attapulgite (ATP)@Carbon Composite through Hydrothermal Carbonization and the Application to Adsorbing Toxic Metal Ions
Authors: Yang Guang 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
A new kind of mesoporous N-doped attapulgite clay@carbon (N-ATP@C) nanocomposite material was synthesized by a cheap and facile method: the one-pot hydrothermal method. The characterization results indicated that smaller carbon spheres were coated on the surface of ATP and converted into completely different net-cross structures with mesopores. Therefore, this kind of material exhibited a high adsorption capacity of approximately 125.4 mg g−1 for Cu(II) ions.
Si Substrate as a SiO2 Source for the Preparation of Mesoporous SiO2–TiO2 Thin Films
Authors: Hara Shintaro , Miyata Hirokatsu , Takahashi Masahiko , Shimojima Atsushi , Kuroda Kazuyuki 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
A Si substrate has been proved to be used as a SiO2 source for the preparation of mesoporous silica–titania thin films with cylindrical mesochannels. Exposing mesostructured titania–surfactant thin films to aqueous NH3 vapor reinforces the pore walls with uniformly distributed silicate species, which retain the mesostructure after calcination.
Radio Ecological Problems of Russia’s Arctic Seas Environmental Remediation
Authors: Хвостова  , Khvostova Marina 
Published: December 2014

Some questions related to the Northern Sea Route status are considered in this paper. An analysis of radiation sources
influence on environment, biota and human beings in the Arctic region has been carried out, and stages of this influence
formation have been allocated. The world practice of ocean disposal is considered, and the information on nuclear and
radiation hazardous objects dumped in the northwest Arctic seas has been submitted. The questions connected with lifting
of the nuclear submarine K-27 dumped in the Kara Sea and the nuclear submarine “Komsomolets” sunken in the Norwegian
Sea have been stated. Data on a modern radio ecological situation in places of dumped nuclear and radiation hazardous
objects have been submitted. Such option of marine environment remediation as dumped/sunken objects lifting has been
considered. An analysis of existing Russian technologies for lifting of the dumped/sunken objects has been carried out.
The conclusions are drawn that the sunken and dumped objects containing spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste, don´t
constitute now real radio ecological danger to the population and environment, but they should be considered as sources of
potential danger, whose scales and consequences will depend on protective barriers condition and mechanisms of further
migration of radioactive materials in marine ecosystems. Regular complex surveys of the most potentially hazardous
dumped/sunken objects’ status during joint international scientific and research expeditions should be a first step towards
this problem solution.
Optimization of Mixed Biofuels Composition for Diesel Engines
Authors: Сивачев  , Sivachev V. , Маркова  , Markova V. , Марков  , Markov V. , Сивачев  , Sivachev S. 
Published: December 2014

The advantages of vegetable oil-based biofuels using in diesel engines have been demonstrated. Methods for determining
of optimal composition for mixed fuels containing petroleum diesel fuel and methyl ester of rapeseed oil have been
proposed. Optimization calculations of such mixed fuel composition for a type 245.12С diesel engine have been carried
out using the proposed methods. It has been shown that a mixture containing 60 % of petroleum diesel fuel and 40 %
of methyl ester of rapeseed oil has the best ecological characteristics among the researched mixed biofuels. Even better
ecological characteristics are reached when such mixture’s ingredients are regulated according to changes of the engine’s
shaft rotation speed and load.
Reconstruction of Function of Particles Distribution by Sizes with Laser Sensing Method Use
Authors: Половченко  , Polovchenko S. , Чартий  , Chartiy Pavel 
Published: December 2014

A laser sensing inverse task solution method without using of integral equations has been suggested in this paper and it can
be used for aerosol particles’ sizes and concentration monitoring equipment creation for the real practice of the industrial
production. This method is based on the laser radiation intensity weakening at a limited set of the probing laser radiation
wavelengths. The computer simulation of aerosol flow parameters has been fulfilled and its results showed that during the
regular operation of enterprise’s dust cleaner equipment at the certain point of the technological process the aerosol can
be described by a function of particles distribution by sizes, and this function depends on finite number of parameters. The
particles’ sizes distribution function is described by the logarithmic normal law after a fabric filter as a last step of the dust
cleaner equipment. The laboratory setup realizing the laser sensing at the several laser radiation wavelengths possibilities
simultaneously by the spectral transparency and integral light scattering methods for investigation of studied aerosol
flows’ optical parameters dependence has been created. A complex refractive index of the studied substance has been
investigated. The dependence between the logarithmic normal distribution function parameters and the average volume
- surface diameter values received as a result of the sensing has been revealed. The suggested method of the inverse task
solution can be developed for the dust gas cleaning equipment refusals detection.
Evaluation of Silica Gel Water Capacity for Pneumatic Systems’ Safe Operation Assurance
Authors: Львов  , Lvov V. , Павлихин  , Pavlikhin Gennadiy , Калугина  , Kalugina O. 
Published: December 2014

An analysis of main methods for silica gel water capacity determining has been presented. A new method of silica gel water
capacity’s experimental evaluation in pneumatic systems’ operating conditions has been developed. Bases of fundamental
method for constant humidity assurance of compressed air used for silica gel water capacity evaluations have been
revealed. A description of a test bench for this fundamental method practical realization has been presented. A technique
for experimentation with proposed method’s different modifications has been described. Measurement error estimation
has been performed. Experimental results of finely porous silica gel water capacity evaluation in static conditions and in
absorption process’s different parameters while using this method have been presented. These results’ correlation between
similar data obtained by other methods has been carried out. Analyses results’ statistical processing has been carried out
and it has been shown that a packed density of finely porous silica gel can be considered only as the indirect and qualitative
characteristic of its water capacity which isn´t allowing to provide the necessary accuracy of quantitative estimates for
pneumatic systems’ operation safety assurance.