bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research into the specifications of woven composites obtained from raffia fibers pretreated using the ecological method
Authors: Kocak Dilara , Merdan Nigar , Evren Oya Burcak 
Published: August 2014

Studies on using cellulosic natural fibers as reinforcement for composites are rapidly growing. The aim of this study is using a raffia-based woven fabric as reinforcement for composites that are grown in the Mediterranean Zone of Turkey. These fabrics benefit from their mechanical performances, low density and their biodegradability. However, it is necessary for the fabrics to form adhesion in the matrix. Therefore, chemical processes should be applied onto the surface of the raffia-based woven fabrics. In this study, three different formulations (different concentrations of maleic anhydride, formic acid and acetic acid) were applied by using conventional and microwave energy on the raffia fabrics. At the end of the application, composite structures were formed by using the fabric as the reinforcement layer and isophtalic polyester as the matrix by the vacuum infusion method. The composite structures were characterized by attenuated total reflectance scanning electron microscope analysis and their mechanical tests were performed through tensile testing. Considering all results, the combination of acetic acid with the microwave process was found to modify the raffia fabric surfaces.
Exploring Regional Differences in the Reading Competencies of Italian Students
Authors: Matteucci Mariagiulia , Mignani Stefania 
Published: August 2014

Background: Recently, the study of territorial differences in educational outcomes has assumed a particular importance for the policy strategies related to the socioeconomic conditions of different geographical areas. In Italy, international surveys for student assessments have introduced a regional stratification only recently, and regular national student assessments started only in 2008. Method: In this article, the reading performances of Italian students based on OECD-PISA 2009 are investigated, taking into account regional and macro-area partition. Student outcomes are explored by using a multilevel analysis, where school membership, socioeconomic and cultural background of students, and regional gross domestic product are introduced. Results: The results show that, despite the existence of a unified educational system in Italy, regional and macro-area differences in student reading achievements are consolidated and variability in performances among schools is especially noticeable. Comparisons based on national assessments by INVALSI at the end of compulsory school confirm these findings. Conclusion: Italian policy makers are advised to take into account these results to improve learning opportunities and to reduce educational gaps. In particular, targeted regional policies are needed to improve the mean performance especially in the Southern regions of Calabria, Campania, and Sicilia, and to strengthen the system equity in several regions, such as Emilia-Romagna. To decrease the school differences, possible suggestions are to postpone the choice of the school type (currently, at age 14) and to motivate good teachers to work in schools located in the worst socioeconomic and cultural environments.
Differences in Otosclerotic and Normal Human Stapedial Osteoblast Properties Are Normalized by Alendronate in Vitro
Authors: Gronowicz Gloria , Richardson Yvonne L. , Flynn John , Kveton John , Eisen Marc , Leonard Gerald , Aronow Michael , Rodner Craig , Parham Kourosh 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveIdentify and compare phenotypic properties of osteoblasts from patients with otosclerosis (OSO), normal bones (HOB), and normal stapes (NSO) to determine a possible cause for OSO hypermineralization and assess any effects of the bisphosphonate, alendronate.Study DesignOSO (n = 11), NSO (n = 4), and HOB (n = 13) cultures were assayed for proliferation, adhesion, mineralization, and gene expression with and without 10–10M‐10–8M alendronate.SettingAcademic hospital.MethodsCultures were matched for age, sex, and passage number. Cell attachment and proliferation + alendronate were determined by Coulter counting cells and assaying tritiated thymidine uptake, respectively. At 7, 14, and 21 days of culture + alendronate, calcium content and gene expression by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were determined.ResultsOSO had significantly more cells adhere but less proliferation than NSO or HOB. Calcification was significantly increased in OSO compared to HOB and NSO. NSO and HOB had similar cell adhesion and proliferation rates. A dose‐dependent effect of alendronate on OSO adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization was found, resulting in levels equal to NSO and HOB. All cultures expressed osteoblast‐specific genes such as RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, and osteocalcin. However, osteopontin was dramatically reduced, 9.4‐fold at 14 days, in OSO compared to NSO. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG), important in bone resorption, was elevated in OSO with decreased levels of OPG levels. Alendronate had little effect on gene expression in HOB but in OSO increased osteopontin levels and decreased RANKL/OPG.ConclusionsOSO cultures displayed properties of hypermineralization due to decreased osteopontin (OPN) and also had increased RANKL/OPG, which were normalized by alendronate.
Trigeminal Nerve Deficit in Large and Compressive Acoustic Neuromas and Its Correlation with MRI Findings
Authors: Karkas Alexandre , Lamblin Eléa , Meyer Mikael , Gay Emmanuel , Ternier Jessica , Schmerber Sébastien 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesEvaluate the prevalence of preoperative trigeminal nerve deficit in large/compressive acoustic neuromas and try to find a correlation between pre/postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and pre/postoperative trigeminal nerve deficit.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingUniversity medical center.Subjects and MethodsRetrospective study (1994‐2009) including patients with stage 4 or 5 acoustic neuromas (Zini‐Magnan classification). All patients underwent surgical resection. Pre‐ and postoperative trigeminal symptoms were sought. Imaging criteria were sought on pre‐ and 3‐month postoperative MRI scans. Pearson χ2 statistical test was used.ResultsFifty‐three patients (27 females, mean 51 years) were operated on. Preoperatively, 3 patients (5.7%) had trigeminal neuralgia, 1 (1.9%) trigeminal anesthesia, and 28 (52.8%) trigeminal hypoesthesia. Sixteen patients (30.2%) had no corneal reflex (ophthalmic branch); keratitis occurred in 1 patient (1.9%). Postoperatively, 2 patients (3.8%) had trigeminal neuralgia, 1 (1.9%) trigeminal anesthesia, and 24 (45.3%) trigeminal hypoesthesia. Twenty‐six patients (49%) had no corneal reflex; keratitis occurred in 11 patients (20.7%). Preoperative trigeminal hypoesthesia was statistically correlated with impaction of the tumor on cerebellar peduncles on preoperative MRI. Postoperative trigeminal hypoesthesia was statistically correlated with nonvisibility of the trigeminal nerve on postoperative MRI.ConclusionIn large/compressive acoustic neuromas, trigeminal nerve deficit has to be sought to avoid corneal complications in particular. Trigeminal hypoesthesia occurs preoperatively in about half of the cases. It remains relatively stable after tumor removal, but there appears to be an increased rate of absent corneal reflex and keratitis postoperatively. We were able to correlate pre/postoperative trigeminal hypoesthesia with pre/postoperative MRI findings.
Current Utilization of Balloon Dilation versus Endoscopic Techniques in Pediatric Sinus Surgery
Authors: Ference Elisabeth H. , Schroeder James W. , Qureshi Hannan , Conley David , Chandra Rakesh K. , Tan Bruce K. , Shintani Smith Stephanie 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesTo study the utilization of balloon catheter dilation (BCD) compared to traditional endoscopic surgery (ESS) in pediatric patients.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis.SettingHospital and freestanding ambulatory surgery centers in California, Florida, Maryland, and New YorkSubjectsPatients less than 18 years who underwent BCD(316) or ESS(2346), as identified by CPT codes from the State Ambulatory Surgery Databases 2011.MethodsPatient and facility demographics, mean charges, and operating room time were examined using bivariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsA total of 2662 children underwent surgery, with BCD used in 10.6% of maxillary, 8.4% of sphenoid, and 11.8% of frontal procedures. Adjusted analysis found that children with asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), GERD, or concomitant adenoidectomy were more likely to have BCD compared to patients without these comorbidities, asthma odds ratio (OR) = 1.94 (95% CI, 1.84‐3.41), AR OR = 1.77 (95% CI, 1.03‐3.07), GERD OR = 2.79 (95% CI,. 59‐4.90), or without adenoidectomy OR = 2.50 (95% CI, 1.84‐3.41). Patients with cystic fibrosis were less likely to have BCD, OR = 0.33 (95% CI, 0.11‐0.95). Median charges for patients undergoing maxillary antrostomy alone by BCD (P =. 042) or with adenoidectomy (P <. 001) were approximately $2100 and $4200 greater than the median of patients undergoing those procedures with ESS. However, operating room time was similar (P =. 81) between patients undergoing maxillary antrostomy, regardless of whether BCD was used, but was longer (P <. 001) in those undergoing maxillary antrostomy and adenoidectomy when BCD was utilized.ConclusionsBCD was used in 11.9% of pediatric sinus surgery and had higher average charges with no decrease in OR time compared to procedures that only utilized ESS. Future research is necessary to evaluate whether BCD may lead to improved outcomes and eventually decreased operating room time for pediatric patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.
Complementarity of visual and voxel-based FDG-PET analysis to detect MCI-like hypometabolic pattern in elderly patients with hypertension and isolated memory complaints
Authors: Van Der Gucht Axel , Verger Antoine , Yagdigul Yalcin , Poussier Sylvain , Joly Laure , Watfa Ghassan , Benetos Athanase , Karcher Gilles , Marie Pierre-Yves 
Published: August 2014

Background 18F-FDG PET can be used to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and clarify the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Purpose To compare the results of a quantitative analysis of FDG-PET brain images to a standard visual analysis (SVA) with regards to the detection of MCI-like hypometabolic pattern in elderly patients with hypertension and subjective, isolated memory complaints. Material and Methods FDG-PET brain was performed in 71 patients (mean age, 76.4 ± 5.1 years; women, 53.5%). Images were analyzed for the presence of an MCI-like hypometabolic pattern using an SVA by 2 physicians and a voxel-based statistical procedure (statistical parametric mapping [SPM]) that compared each patient’s images to normal reference samples from 19 elderly individuals obtained using the same PET camera. The reliability of these analyses was evaluated according to neuropsychological assessment results, including the Grober & Buschke Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test, and a combined analysis by a neuropsychologist. Results An MCI-like hypometabolic pattern was documented in 5 patients (7%) by SVA and 7 patients (10%) by SPM analysis; however, only 2 of these patients were selected by both methods. The group characteristics of the 7 patients identified by the quantitative method were consistent with the MCI pattern, which included a higher rate of abnormal GB-FCSRT in Free Recall (57% vs. 9%, p < 0.05) or in Total Recall (29% vs. 8%, p < 0.05) when compared with other patients. In contrast, the group identified by SVA did not exhibit these characteristics. Conclusion A combined visual and quantitative analysis improves the diagnostic accuracy to detect an MCI-like hypometabolic pattern in elderly patients with hypertension and subjective, isolated memory complaints.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Fixation Angles, Part 1
Authors: Kennedy Nicholas I. , LaPrade Robert F. , Goldsmith Mary T. , Faucett Scott C. , Rasmussen Matthew T. , Coatney Garrett A. , Engebretsen Lars , Wijdicks Coen A. 
Published: August 2014

Background: Currently, no consensus exists for the optimal graft fixation angle for anatomic single-bundle (SB) posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (PCLRs). Additionally, direct graft forces have not been measured. Alternative graft fixation angles and the resultant graft forces should be investigated to optimize the stability of SB PCLRs without overconstraining the knee. Hypothesis: Graft fixation angles of 75°, 90°, and 105° for SB PCLR were hypothesized to improve knee stability compared with the sectioned posterior cruciate ligament state with no evidence of knee overconstraint. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Nine fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were biomechanically evaluated for the intact, sectioned, and SB PCLR states with the anterolateral bundle graft fixed at 75°, 90°, and 105°. A 6 degrees of freedom robotic system assessed knee laxity with a 134-N posterior load applied at 0° to 120° and 5-N·m external, 5-N·m internal, and 10-N·m valgus rotation torques applied at 60° to 120°. By securing the graft to an external load cell, graft forces were measured throughout kinematic testing. Results: No significant kinematic differences were found among the 3 fixation angles. Each fixation angle resulted in significantly less posterior translation than in the sectioned state at all flexion angles ( P < .05), with 4.1 mm of average residual laxity during an applied posterior loading. For all graft fixation angles, internal rotation was significantly increased between 60° and 120° of flexion, and external rotation was significantly increased at 90°, 105°, and 120° of flexion compared with the intact state. Graft forces were not significantly different among the 3 fixation angles and remained below reported loads observed during activities of daily living. Conclusion: All tested SB PCLR graft fixation angles restored knee laxity to similar levels; however, persistent laxity resulted in significant increases in knee laxity compared with the intact state during posterior tibial loading at all flexion angles, internal rotation at flexion angles ≥60°, and external rotation at ≥75° of flexion. Clinical Relevance: The results of this study suggest that SB PCL graft fixation angles of 75°, 90°, and 105° were comparable in restoring knee kinematics and exposed the graft to similar time-zero loads. However, SB PCLRs did not fully reduce knee laxity to the intact state.
Platelet-Rich Plasma in Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Malavolta Eduardo Angeli , Gracitelli Mauro Emilio Conforto , Ferreira Neto Arnaldo Amado , Assunção Jorge Henrique , Bordalo-Rodrigues Marcelo , de Camargo Olavo Pires 
Published: August 2014

Background: Although platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used in rotator cuff repair, most authors have been unable to report the advantages of this method in clinical trials. Hypothesis: The use of PRP promotes better functional and structural results in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind study with 2 groups of 27 patients each (PRP group and control group). Complete supraspinatus tears with retraction of less than 3 cm were subjected to arthroscopic single-row repair; at the end of the surgical procedure, liquid PRP prepared by apheresis was given to the patients in the PRP group with autologous thrombin. The outcomes were assessed by the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Constant scales, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. The significance level was 5%. Results: The 2 groups of patients exhibited significant clinical improvement ( P < .001). Between the preoperative assessment and 24-month follow-up, the mean UCLA score increased from 13.63 ± 3.639 to 32.70 ± 3.635 and from 13.93 ± 4.649 to 32.44 ± 4.318 in the control and PRP groups, respectively ( P = .916). The mean Constant score increased from 47.37 ± 11.088 to 85.15 ± 9.879 in the control group and from 46.96 ± 11.937 to 84.78 ± 14.048 in the PRP group ( P = .498). The mean VAS score varied from 7.00 ± 1.939 and 6.67 ± 1.617 before surgery to 1.15 ± 1.916 and 0.96 ± 2.244 at the 24-month assessment in the control and PRP groups, respectively ( P = .418). The only difference was in the mean UCLA score at 12 months, with 30.04 ± 4.528 in the control group and 32.30 ± 3.506 in the PRP group ( P = .046). The control group exhibited 1 case of a complete retear and 4 partial retears, and the PRP group exhibited 2 cases of partial retears ( P = .42). Conclusion: Platelet-rich plasma prepared by apheresis and applied in the liquid state with thrombin did not promote better clinical results at 24-month follow-up. Given the numbers available for analysis, the retear rate also did not change.
Incidence and Trends of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the United States
Authors: Mall Nathan A. , Chalmers Peter N. , Moric Mario , Tanaka Miho J. , Cole Brian J. , Bach Bernard R. , Paletta George A. 
Published: August 2014

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is among the most commonly studied injuries in orthopaedics. The previously reported incidence of ACL injury in the United States has varied considerably and is often based on expert opinion or single insurance databases. Purpose: To determine the incidence of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) in the United States; to identify changes in this incidence between 1994 and 2006; to identify changes in the demographics of ACLR over the same time period with respect to location (inpatient vs outpatient), sex, and age; and to determine the most frequent concomitant procedures performed at the time of ACLR. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes 844.2 and 717.83 were used to search the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) and the National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery (NSAS) for the diagnosis of ACL tear, and the procedure code 81.45 was used to search for ACLR. The incidence of ACLR in 1994 and 2006 was determined by use of US Census Data, and the results were then stratified based on patient age, sex, facility, concomitant diagnoses, and concomitant procedures. Results: The incidence of ACLR in the United States rose from 86,687 (95% CI, 51,844-121,530; 32.9 per 100,000 person-years) in 1994 to 129,836 (95% CI, 94,993-164,679; 43.5 per 100,000 person-years) in 2006 ( P = .015). The number of ACLRs increased in patients younger than 20 years and those who were 40 years or older over this 12-year period. The incidence of ACLR in females significantly increased from 10.36 to 18.06 per 100,000 person-years between 1994 and 2006 ( P = .0003), while that in males rose at a slower rate, with an incidence of 22.58 per 100,000 person-years in 1994 and 25.42 per 100,000 person-years in 2006. In 2006, 95% of ACLRs were performed in an outpatient setting, while in 1994 only 43% of ACLRs were performed in an outpatient setting. The most common concomitant procedures were partial meniscectomy and chondroplasty. Conclusion: The incidence of ACLR increased between 1994 and 2006, particularly in females as well as those younger than 20 years and those 40 years or older. Research efforts as well as cost-saving measures may be best served by targeting prevention and outcomes measures in these groups. Surgeons should be aware that concomitant injury is common.
Effectiveness of ethics education as perceived by nursing students
Authors: Vynckier Tine , Gastmans Chris , Cannaerts Nancy , de Casterlé Bernadette Dierckx 
Published: August 2014

Background: The effectiveness of ethics education continues to be disputed. No studies exist on how nursing students perceive the effectiveness of nursing ethics education in Flanders, Belgium. Objectives: To develop a valid and reliable instrument, named the ‘Students’ Perceived Effectiveness of Ethics Education Scale’ (SPEEES), to measure students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of ethics education, and to conduct a pilot study in Flemish nursing students to investigate the perceived efficacy of nursing ethics education in Flanders. Research design: Content validity, comprehensibility and usability of the SPEEES were assessed. Reliability was assessed by means of a quantitative descriptive non-experimental pilot study. Participants and research context: 86 third-year baccalaureate nursing students of two purposefully selected university colleges answered the SPEEES. Ethical considerations: Formal approval was given by the ethics committee. Informed consent was obtained and anonymity was ensured for both colleges and their participating students. Findings: The scale content validity index/Ave scores for the subscales were 1.00, 1.00 and 0.86. The comprehensibility and user-friendliness were favourable. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.94 for general effectiveness, 0.89 for teaching methods and 0.85 for ethical content. Students perceived ‘case study’, ‘lecture’ and ‘instructional dialogue’ to be effective teaching methods and ‘general ethical concepts’ to contain effective content. ‘Reflecting critically on their own values’ was mentioned as the only ethical competence that, was promoted by the ethics courses. The study revealed rather large differences between both schools in students’ perceptions of the contribution of ethics education to other ethical competences. Discussion and conclusion: The study revealed that according to the students, ethics courses failed to meet some basic objectives of ethics education. Although the SPEEES proved to be a valid and reliable measure, the pilot study suggests that there is still space for improvement and a need for larger scale research. Additional insights will enable educators to improve current nursing ethics education.
Financial Sectors Reform and Economic Growth in Morocco: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Yu Jung-Suk , Hassan M. Kabir , Mamun Abdullah , Hassan Abul 
Published: August 2014

This study analyses the impact of financial sector reforms from the early 1990s on promoting economic growth in Morocco. To derive feasible policy implications, we estimate not only pooled regressions, but also variance decompositions of GDP growth rates to examine what proxy measures of financial development are most important in economic growth over time and how much they contribute to economic growth across geographic regions and income groups. We find strong linkages between financial development and economic growth in high-income OECD countries, but not in East Asia and Pacific, South Asian and Sub-Saharan African regions, in the short run. Therefore, it may be necessary for Morocco to make different policy efforts to achieve steady economic growth in the long run. JEL Classification: G21, O16, C33