bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Tissue Uptake and Retention in Zotarolimus-Coated Balloon Therapy
Authors: Kolachalama Vijaya B. , Pacetti Stephen D. , Franses Joseph W. , Stankus John J. , Zhao Hugh Q. , Shazly Tarek , Nikanorov Alexander , Schwartz Lewis B. , Tzafriri Abraham R. , Edelman Elazer R. 
Published: April 2013

Background—
Drug-coated balloons are increasingly used for peripheral vascular disease, and, yet, mechanisms of tissue uptake and retention remain poorly characterized. Most systems to date have used paclitaxel, touting its propensity to associate with various excipients that can optimize its transfer and retention. We examined zotarolimus pharmacokinetics.

Methods and Results—
Animal studies, bench-top experiments, and computational modeling were integrated to quantify arterial distribution after zotarolimus-coated balloon use. Drug diffusivity and binding parameters for use in computational modeling were estimated from the kinetics of zotarolimus uptake into excised porcine femoral artery specimens immersed in radiolabeled drug solutions. Like paclitaxel, zotarolimus exhibited high partitioning into the arterial wall. Exposure of intimal tissue to drug revealed differential distribution patterns, with zotarolimus concentration decreasing with transmural depth as opposed to the multiple peaks displayed by paclitaxel. Drug release kinetics was measured by inflating zotarolimus-coated balloons in whole blood. In vivo drug uptake in swine arteries increased with inflation time but not with balloon size. Simulations coupling transmural diffusion and reversible binding to tissue proteins predicted arterial distribution that correlated with in vivo uptake. Diffusion governed drug distribution soon after balloon expansion, but binding determined drug retention.

Conclusions—
A large bolus of zotarolimus releases during balloon inflation, some of which pervades the tissue, and a fraction of the remaining drug adheres to the tissue–lumen interface. As a result, the duration of delivery modulates tissue uptake where diffusion and reversible binding to tissue proteins determine drug transport and retention, respectively.
Plasma Retinol-Binding Protein 4 (RBP4) Levels and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Sun Qi , Kiernan Urban A. , Shi Ling , Phillips David A. , Kahn Barbara B. , Hu Frank B. , Manson JoAnn E. , Albert Christine M. , Rexrode Kathryn M. 
Published: April 2013

Background—
Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) may play an important role in the origin of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Few prospective data are available on the relationship between RBP4 and coronary heart disease (CHD). Furthermore, previous studies did not distinguish among full-length and truncated forms of RBP4 that might have various biological activities.

Methods and Results—

We measured plasma levels of full-length and several C-terminally truncated subfractions of RBP4 among 468 women who developed CHD and 472 matched controls in the Nurses’ Health Study cohort during 16 years of follow-up (1990–2006). We observed a temporal variation in the association of full-length RBP4 levels with CHD risk (
P
=0.04 for testing proportional hazard assumption). In the first 8 years of follow-up, after multivariate adjustment for covariates, the odds ratio of CHD risk comparing extreme quartiles of full-length RBP4 levels was 3.56 (95% confidence interval, 1.21–10.51;
P
trend
=0.003), whereas this association was 0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.38–1.56;
P
trend
=0.44) in the follow-up period of 9 to 16 years. Results were similar for total RBP4 levels (summed levels of all RBP4 isoforms). Levels of the primary truncated isoform, RBP4-L, were not associated with CHD risk in any follow-up period; the odds ratios for extreme quartiles were 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 0.50–3.32) and 1.20 (95% confidence interval, 0.64–2.26) in the first and second 8 years of follow-up, respectively.

Conclusions—
In this cohort of women, higher circulating full-length and total RBP4 levels were associated with increased risk of CHD in a time-dependent fashion. Additional data are warranted to confirm the present findings.
Morphological and genetic variations of Ommatotriton in Turkey
Authors: Bülbül Ufuk , Kutrup Bilal 
Published: April 2013

The classification of European newts has fluctuated throughout history based on morphological and genetic discoveries. In this study, specimens of Ommatotriton from Turkey were compared by using morphometrical features and partial mitochondrial sequences data. When we used the TCS program, 15 haplotypes were found for a 541 bp fragment of the 16S rRNA gene in 118 specimens, while 25 haplotypes were found for a 398 bp fragment of the cytb gene in 112 specimens. The sequence divergence of 16S rRNA gene ranged from 0.18% to 5.70% while for cytb gene it ranged from 0.25% to 12.84%. Combined sequences showed that newts collected in three distinct geographical areas of Turkey (Southern Anatolia, Western Black Sea and Eastern Black Sea) form four distinct lineages (Hatay, Adana-Mersin, Western Black Sea and Eastern Black Sea). A total of 195 adult specimens (94 males and 101 females) from 20 different populations belonging to the three distinct geographic areas were used in the morphometrical comparisons. Canonical Variate Analysis demonstrated that the four groups were successfully separated and formed geographically homogeneous groups in the canonical space. As a conclusion, our molecular data suggest that individuals from Western Black Sea are not conspecific with Eastern Black Sea ones and they could represent a good species (Ommatotriton nesterovi). Finally, we suggest that three distinct species, O. nesterovi, O. ophryticus and O. vittatus should be recognised as banded newts of Turkey.
Portfolio Investment: Reconceptualising the Notion of Investment under the ICSID Convention
Authors: Dekastros Michail 
Published: April 2013

The International Investment régime has been transformed to a vibrant and constantly evolving, yet incoherent system. A point of incoherence has been the notion of ‘investment’ under the ICSID Convention for which the case-law and doctrine have remained unsettled for long. Some Respondent States have been particularly resistant to a broad interpretation of the notion of ‘investment’ which would include portfolio investments in its ambit.
Despite this trend, the aim of this article is to reconceptualise the problem and make the case for a more encompassing definition of ‘investment’. In Part II of the article, the case-law of ICSID tribunals will be analysed and it will be argued that the methodology they have followed to interpret the notion of ‘investment’ is erroneous. In Part III, it will be argued that the limitations that they have placed upon the definition of investment are not sanctioned under a proper interpretation of the Convention. In Chapter IV, a new conceptualisation of the notion of investment will be provided. This definition, anchored in International Law but being informed by economics, is more flexible and includes portfolio investment in its scope.
Hot embossing of microstructures on addition curing polydimethylsiloxane films
Authors: Vudayagiri Sindhu , Yu Liyun , Hassouneh Suzan Sager , Skov Anne Ladegaard 
Published: April 2013

The aim of this research work is to establish a hot embossing process for addition curing vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which are thermosetting elastomers, based on the existing and widely applied technology for thermoplasts. To our knowledge, no known technologies or processes are commercially available for embossing microstructures and submicron structures on elastomers like silicones in large scale production of films. The predominantly used technologies to make microscale components for microfluidic devices and microstructures on PDMS elastomer is (a) reaction injection molding, (b) ultraviolet lithography, and (c) photolithography. We focus on hot embossing as it is one of the simplest, most cost-effective, and time-saving methods for replicating structures for thermoplasts. Addition curing silicones are shown to possess the ability to capture and retain an imprint made on it, 10–15 min after the gel point at room temperature. This property is exploited in the hot embossing technology.
The Evolution of Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Diversity in US Otolaryngology Residency Programs
Authors: Schwartz Joseph S. , Young Meredith , Velly Ana M. , Nguyen Lily H. P. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the evolution of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in US otolaryngology–head and neck surgery residency programs and compare these figures with other residency programs.DesignRetrospective database review.SettingUS residency programs.MethodsInformation concerning minority and female representation in US residency programs was obtained from annually published graduate medical education reports by the Journal of the American Medical Association from 1975 to 2010. Minority representation among US population and university students was obtained from the US Census Bureau. The racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of otolaryngology residents was then compared with other medical fields (general surgery, family medicine, and internal medicine).ResultsUnderrepresentation in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery is particularly disconcerting for African Americans (–2.3%/y, P =. 09) and Native Americans (1.5%/y, P =. 11) given their nonsignificant annual growth rates. Hispanic representation (17.3%/y, P <. 0001) is growing in otolaryngology but is half the rate of growth of the Hispanic American population (32.8%/y, P <. 0001). There is nonetheless promise for women (70.6%/y, P <. 0001) and Asian Americans (63.0%/y, P <. 0001), who demonstrated statistically significant growth trendsConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the evolution of female and minority representation among US otolaryngology residents. Despite increasing gender, ethnic, and racial diversity among medical residents in general, female and certain minority group representation in US otolaryngology residency programs is lagging. These findings are in contrast to rising trends of diversity within other residency programs including general surgery.
Morbidity and Cost of Odontogenic Infections
Authors: Eisler Lindsay , Wearda Kaitlin , Romatoski Kelsey , Odland Rick M. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveCost analysis of deep neck space infections from odontogenic origin and review of the morbidity of potentially preventable complications.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingLevel 1 trauma center and academic safety net hospital.Subjects and MethodsPatients treated for deep neck space infections due to an odontogenic source between 2001 and 2010 were reviewed. Two hundred patients were included in the study. Ninety‐eight patients required inpatient admission. Twelve percent of these patients had difficult airways, and 16% had at least 1 day in the intensive care unit. Cost data were available only for the later 3.5 years of the study period.ResultsThe overall cost of treatment for these 71 individuals exceeded $1.1 million.ConclusionThe cost of treatment for odontogenic infections is staggering. Based on assumptions of the percentage of infections in the metropolitan area captured at Hennepin County Medical Center, extrapolation to the total national cost of inpatient care approaches $200 million annually. This study highlights the importance of access to medical and preventative dental care for the general population and demonstrates the cost benefit that could be achieved through prevention of disease and, therefore, avoidance of its complications.
Validity and Responsiveness of VELO: A Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Quality of Life Measure
Authors: Skirko Jonathan R. , Weaver Edward M. , Perkins Jonathan A. , Kinter Sara , Eblen Linda , Sie Kathleen C.Y. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTest the Velopharyngeal Insufficiency (VPI) Effects on Life Outcomes (VELO) instrument for validity, reliability, and responsiveness.Study DesignObservational cohort.SettingAcademic tertiary medical center.SubjectsChildren with VPI (n = 59) and their parents (n = 84) were prospectively enrolled from a pediatric VPI clinic.MethodsPediatric speech language pathologists diagnosed VPI using perceptual speech analysis and rated VPI severity and speech intelligibility deficit (each as minimal, mild, moderate, or severe). All parents and youth 8+ years old (n = 24) completed the VELO instrument and other quality‐of‐life questionnaires at baseline; the first 40 subjects completed the VELO instrument again 2 weeks later. Treatments included Furlow palatoplasty (n = 20), sphincter pharyngoplasty (n = 14), or an obturator (n = 2), and 29 of 36 (81%) subjects completed the questionnaires 3 months posttreatment. VELO was tested with correlations for criterion validity against VPI severity, construct validity against speech intelligibility and velopharyngeal gap size, and concurrent validity against other quality‐of‐life measures (r >. 40 demonstrating validity); for test‐retest reliability using intraclass correlation (>.6 demonstrating reliability); and for responsiveness with the 3‐month posttreatment measure using the paired t test.ResultsParental responses are reported; youth responses showed similar results. The VELO instrument did not meet criterion validity (r = –.18, P =. 10), or functional construct validity (r = –.37, P =. 001), but did meet anatomic construct and concurrent validity (each r >. 50, P <. 01). VELO scores demonstrated excellent test‐retest reliability (r =. 85, P <. 001) and responsiveness (baseline 54 ± 14 to posttreatment 70 ± 18, P <. 001).ConclusionVELO provides a VPI‐specific quality‐of‐life instrument that demonstrates concurrent validity, test‐retest reliability, and responsiveness to change in quality of life with treatment.
Rib Reconstruction of the Absent Mandibular Condyle in Children
Authors: Goerke Derek , Sampson Daniel E. , Tibesar Robert J. , Sidman James D. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTo describe pediatric costochondral graft reconstruction of the absent mandibular condyle and to report the short‐term and long‐term outcomes and complications associated with performing this procedure in young children.Study DesignCase series with a retrospective chart review.SettingPediatric otolaryngology clinic and tertiary children's hospital in a metropolitan area.Subjects and MethodsAll children treated for an absent mandibular condyle with a costochondral graft at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota were identified from 2002 through 2011, and a retrospective chart review was performed.ResultsTen patients aged 3 to 11 years were identified. The most common diagnosis, in 8 of 10 patients, was oculo‐auriculo‐vertebral syndrome. Three of the patients had a tracheostomy, of which 1 was decannulated following condylar reconstruction. Functional improvement, defined as improved symmetry, chewing, or better oral opening, was observed in 8 of 10 patients. Five patients have required no further surgeries to date, with a mean follow‐up time of 3.9 years. Severe overgrowth of the graft was noted in 1 case, and partial or complete resorption of the graft was also noted in 3 cases. Overgrowth occurred after 5.7 years, whereas resorption occurred after an average of 2.5 years.ConclusionsCostochondral grafts are an excellent surgical treatment option for children with severe mandibular malformations. Short‐term results show particular improvement in function and mandibular alignment. The mean follow‐up time with no revision surgery was substantial and indicates that rib grafting is a good addition to the armamentarium of treatment for this patient population.
Large, Small and Median Groups in Group Analysis
Authors: Pisani Rocco Antonio 
Published: April 2013

In the large group philogenetic regression is very easy. It concerns more ‘the masses’. The large group is more concerned with the primordial level of the Foulkes’ matrix, with the archetypal representations of the collective unconscious. The small group, the ‘family group’, is more concerned with transferential phenomena of the matrix. In the median group, the social group, the transference phenomena almost disappears and the specific non-transferential phenomena of group analysis occurs: mirroring, resonance, ego-self training in action etc., are in the foreground, together with the archetypal representations of the primordial level of the matrix.
Engaging with the Median Group
Authors: Rogers Cynthia 
Published: April 2013

This article describes how an understanding of the dynamic processes activated in a median sized group can inform good clinical practice and influence the actions and attitudes of the group convenor and the participants. A median group can be used to encourage dialogue and understanding or to experience and engage with primitive unconscious processes. It sits at the interface of the public and the private sphere and provides a unique space to learn the skill of thinking and feeling in the presence of others. The article indicates what the experience might be, why this particular size of group is employed, how resistances can be addressed, how to maximize creativity and what participants can expect to get from participation in median groups in different settings. Participants feel deskilled whilst learning how to engage. The reward is a window into a new level of awareness and relationships.
Agomelatine
Authors: Karakus E , Halici Z , Albayrak A , Polat B , Bayir Y , Kiki İ , Cadirci E , Topcu A , Aksak S 
Published: April 2013

Paracetamol was shown to induce hepatotoxicity or more severe fatal acute hepatic damage. Agomelatine, commonly known as melatonin receptor agonist, is a new antidepressant, which resynchronizes circadian rhythms with subjective and objective improvements in sleep quality and architecture, as melatonin does. In the present study, it was aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of agomelatine on paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity and to understand the relationship between the hepatoprotective mechanism of agomelatine and antioxidant system and proinflammatory cytokines. A total of 42 rats were divided into 7 groups as each composed of 6 rats: (1) intact, (2) 40 mg/kg agomelatine, (3) 140 mg/kg N-acetylcysteine (NAC), (4) 2 g/kg paracetamol, (5) 2 g/kg paracetamol + 140 mg/kg NAC, (6) 2 g/kg paracetamol + 20 mg/kg agomelatine, and (7) 2 g/kg paracetamol + 40 mg/kg agomelatine groups. Paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity was applied and liver and blood samples were analyzed histopathologically and biochemically. There were statistically significant increases in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and 8-iso-prostane, and decreases in the activity of superoxide dismutase and level of glutathione in the group treated with paracetamol. Administration of agomelatine and NAC separately reversed these changes significantly. In conclusion, agomelatine administration protects liver cells from paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity via antioxidant activity and reduced proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6.
A simple, sensitive and accurate method for rat paw volume measurement and its expediency in preclinical animal studies
Authors: Shejawal N , Menon S , Shailajan S 
Published: April 2013

Several methods are used to evaluate the inflammatory changes. Measurement of edema is the most commonly used method for evaluating artificially induced inflammation in rat model. In this context, we present a method for the measurement of volume of rat paw, in which two glass columns containing fluid are connected by a glass tube. Paw is immersed in one column and the other column is placed on weighing balance. Upon immersion of paw, equal volume of fluid displaced applies a force F, which shows specific and proportional increment in the level of fluid in both the columns, which could then be detected by weighing balance, as ‘Force = Weight’ of displaced fluid, using the specific gravity of the fluid and the volume of paw, and thus the change in the volume of paw can be calculated. The rat paw immersed in column without touching the wall of the column facilitates the accurate measurement of volume of paw when measured several times. Present method is validated for its accuracy and reproducibility when internal radii of both the columns were same or different. Presented method is also cost-effective and hence can be used for the academic and the commercial animal research purpose, without compromising the precision of the evaluation.
Simultaneous determination of methanol, acetaldehyde, acetone, and ethanol in human blood by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection
Authors: Schlatter J , Chiadmi F , Gandon V , Chariot P 
Published: April 2013

Background: Methanol, acetaldehyde, acetone, and ethanol, which are commonly used as biomarkers of several diseases, in acute intoxications, and forensic settings, can be detected and quantified in biological fluids. Gas chromatography (GC)–mass spectrometry techniques are complex, require highly trained personnel and expensive materials. Gas chromatographic determinations of ethanol, methanol, and acetone have been reported in one study with suboptimal accuracy. Our objective was to improve the assessment of these compounds in human blood using GC with flame ionization detection. Methods: An amount of 50 µl of blood was diluted with 300 µl of sterile water, 40 µl of 10% sodium tungstate, and 20 µl of 1% sulphuric acid. After centrifugation, 1 µl of the supernatant was inje-cted into the gas chromatograph. We used a dimethylpolysiloxane capillary column of 30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm. Results: We observed linear correlations from 7.5 to 240 mg/l for methanol, acetaldehyde, and acetone and from 75 to 2400 mg/l for ethanol. Precision at concentrations 15, 60, and 120 mg/l for methanol, acetaldehyde, and acetone and 150, 600, and 1200 mg/ml for ethanol were 0.8–6.9%. Ranges of accuracy were 94.7–98.9% for methanol, 91.2–97.4% for acetaldehyde, 96.1–98.7% for acetone, and 105.5–111.6% for ethanol. Limits of detection were 0.80 mg/l for methanol, 0.61 mg/l for acetaldehyde, 0.58 mg/l for acetone, and 0.53 mg/l for ethanol. Conclusion: This method is suitable for routine clinical and forensic practices.
StayFuse for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Fusion
Authors: Fazal M. A. , James Lawrence , Williams R. L. 
Published: April 2013

Background: Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fusion is a commonly performed procedure for lesser-toe deformities. There are various techniques described to accomplish it. We report the results of PIP joint fusion carried out with an intramedullary fusion device in 150 consecutive toes. The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of PIP joint fusion with this technique. Method: A total of 150 toes in 140 consecutive patients who underwent PIP joint fusions of the lesser toes with a StayFuse implant were included in our study. The mean age of the patients was 69.5 years, and the mean follow-up was 18 months. Clinical, radiologic, and subjective evaluations as well as preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were carried out. Results: Of the PIP joints, 95.3% were clinically asymptomatic, but the radiologic fusion was 73%. The mean preoperative AOFAS score improved from 22.9 to 81.6 at follow-up. There were implant-related complications in 8 toes. Ninety-five percent of the patients were satisfied with the procedure, and 3.3% of the patients needed revision surgery. Conclusion: This technique maintained PIP joint alignment and provided rotational and angular stability with high patient satisfaction and low complication and reoperation rates. We conclude that this is a reproducible technique and an alternative for PIP joint fusions. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.