bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic syndrome is not only a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in systemic lupus erythematosus but is also associated with cumulative organ damage: a cross-sectional analysis of 311 patients
Authors: Demir S , Artim-Esen B , Şahinkaya Y , Pehlivan Ö , Alpay-Kanıtez N , Omma A , Erer B , Kamalı S , Gül A , Aral O , Öcal L , İnanç M 
Published: September 2015

Background/Purpose Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that are one of the major causes of mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the frequencies of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and CVD in SLE patients and investigate the link between these and clinical features of SLE. Methods A total of 311 SLE patients were consecutively assessed for cumulative organ damage (SDI/SLICC scores), history of CVD and MetS as defined by the National Cholesterol Educational Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III). Clinical data of SLE patients were collected from the records. Results The mean age of the patients was 40.2 ± 13.4 years and 89% were female. The frequencies of CVD and MetS were 15.2% and 19%, respectively. In this SLE cohort increased age, cumulative damage, disease duration and CVD were associated with MetS. CVD was associated with disease duration, cumulative damage, pericarditis, hematologic involvement, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, neurological involvement and antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) positivity. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use was found as a protective factor for CVD. Conclusion In SLE patients, MetS was associated with CVD and both increased with disease duration. Patients who developed MetS and/or CVD had increased cumulative organ damage. Certain clinical features of SLE and the presence of aPL were also associated with CVD. There was a significant protective effect of HCQ from CVD. The prevention of MetS and long-term use of HCQ may be beneficial in improving the prognosis of SLE.
Return to Play in National Football League Players After Operative Jones Fracture Treatment
Authors: Lareau Craig R. , Hsu Andrew R. , Anderson Robert B. 
Published: September 2015

Background: Jones fractures commonly occur in professional athletes and operative treatment remains the standard of care in this patient population. In our clinical experience, an aggressive postoperative rehabilitation protocol for National Football League (NFL) players with an average return to play (RTP) between 8 and 10 weeks can have successful outcomes with few complications. The purpose of this study was to quantify RTP and rate of complications, including nonunion, refracture, and reoperation among a cohort of NFL players with operatively treated Jones fractures. Methods: Between 2004 and 2014, 25 consecutive NFL players who underwent acute Jones fracture fixation by a single surgeon were reviewed. Operative treatment for the majority of patients involved fixation with a Jones-specific intramedullary screw and iliac crest bone marrow aspirate with demineralized bone matrix injected at the fracture site. Additionally, our protocol involved the use of noninvasive bone stimulators, application of customized orthoses, and an aggressive patient-specific rehabilitation protocol. Patient demographics were recorded along with position played, seasons played after surgery, RTP, and complications. RTP was defined as the ability to play in a single regular-season NFL game after surgery. At the time of surgery, average age for all patients was 24.0 years and BMI 31.0. Results: Player positions included 8 wide receivers, 4 linebackers, 4 tight ends, 2 defensive tackles, 2 cornerbacks, 1 offensive tackle, 1 center, 1 tackle, 1 defensive end, and 1 quarterback. Seventy-six percent of players underwent operative fixation during their first 3 seasons. Forty-eight percent were diagnosed before or during their rookie (first) season. RTP was 100% for all players and 80% were still playing at time of publication. Three patients (12.0%) refractured and required revision surgery. Time until RTP was influenced by other variables and difficult to measure because many surgeries were performed early in the offseason. All 9 players who underwent surgery between July and October, and were therefore eligible to return to play in the same season, had an average RTP of 8.7 weeks (range 5.9-13.6). Conclusion: With an appropriately placed intramedullary screw and an aggressive rehabilitation protocol, early RTP was achievable with a low refracture rate in professional athletes. All NFL players in this series were able to return to play after surgery. We observed that these injuries were more likely to occur in the first 3 seasons of play and in wide receivers, linebackers, and tight ends. This at-risk subset of players may benefit from improved preventative measures. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Comparison of short wrist transverse open and limited open techniques for carpal tunnel release: a randomized controlled trial of two incisions
Authors: Cho Y. J. , Lee J. H. , Shin D. J. , Park K. H. 
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to compare outcomes of limited open and short wrist transverse techniques in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. In a single centre randomized controlled trial, 84 patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized before surgery to limited open or short wrist transverse open carpal tunnel release. The patients were evaluated at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 and 2 years after surgery. At every follow-up, the Brigham and Women’s Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores, scar discomfort, and subjective patient satisfaction were evaluated. Two years after surgery, five patients were lost to follow-up. The groups had similar Brigham and Women’s Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity and Functional Status scores and subjective satisfaction scores. The incidence of scar discomfort was not significantly different between the two groups on serial postoperative follow-up. Short wrist transverse open release surgery showed similar early postoperative symptoms and subjective and functional outcomes to limited open release. Level of evidence: II
Transfer Delays From the Neurologic Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Morris Nicholas A. , Batra Ayush , Biffi Alessandro , Cohen Adam B. 
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Neurocritical care beds are a scarce, valuable resource. The purpose of this pilot study was to quantify discharge delays from the neurologic intensive care unit (NICU) at a tertiary-care teaching hospital and to examine the impact on overall hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary goals were to evaluate (1) the effect of NICU delays on patient physical/occupational therapy services and (2) the accuracy of clinician estimates of NICU discharge date and hospital LOS. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients discharged over 1 month from NICU. A patient was defined to have experienced a delay when deemed medically ready for NICU discharge (ie, floor transfer) but without actual NICU discharge within 8 hours of the ready time. Results: Sixty-five patients were discharged from the NICU with an average delay of 25 hours 51 minutes (median 13 hours 3 minutes), of which 60% (39 of 65) of patients were delayed at least 8 hours, while 25% (16 of 65) were delayed at least 48 hours. The primary reason for delay was lack of floor bed availability. NICU admissions that experienced a delay did not have a significantly longer hospital LOS. Clinician estimates on admission of NICU discharge date were within 24 hours for 63% of admissions. Conclusion: Discharge delays from the NICU were common but did not significantly increase hospital LOS in this cohort. Delays did not have a significant impact on total physical therapy or occupational therapy duration. Clinician estimates of NICU discharge dates were relatively accurate.
Periodontal disease and liver cirrhosis: A systematic review
Authors: Grønkjær Lea Ladegaard 
Published: September 2015

Objectives: Studies suggest that periodontal disease, a source of subclinical and persistent infection, may be associated with various systemic conditions, including liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to examine the literature and determine the relationship between periodontal disease and liver cirrhosis and to identify opportunities and directions for future research in this area. Methods: A systematic review of English articles in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases was conducted using search terms including ‘liver cirrhosis’, ‘end-stage liver disease’, ‘liver diseases’, ‘oral health’, ‘periodontal disease’, ‘mouth disease’, ‘gingivitis’, and ‘periodontitis’. Results: Thirteen studies published between 1981 and 2014 were found to include data on oral health and periodontal disease in cirrhotic patients. Studies indicated an increased incidence of periodontal disease in patients with liver cirrhosis, measured with several different periodontal indices. The reported prevalence of periodontal disease in cirrhosis patients ranged from 25.0% to 68.75% in four studies and apical periodontitis was found in 49%–79% of the patients. One study found that mortality was lower among patients who underwent dental treatment versus non-treated patients. Another study suggested an association between periodontal disease and the progression of liver cirrhosis, but data are sparse and conflicting as to whether periodontal disease is correlated to cirrhosis aetiology and severity. Conclusion: Despite the clinical reality of periodontal disease in liver cirrhosis patients, there are few published studies. Before clinical implications can be addressed, more data on the prevalence of and correlation between periodontal disease and liver cirrhosis aetiology, duration, and progression are needed.
Reliability of ultrasound elastography for the quantification of transversus abdominis elasticity
Authors: Hirayama Kuniaki , Akagi Ryota , Takahashi Hideyuki 
Published: September 2015

Background The transversus abdominis (TrA), which is considered to be involved in controlling spinal stability, is covered by two muscles (i.e. the external and internal oblique muscles) as well as subcutaneous fat. Therefore, there were doubts about whether it was possible to perform highly reliable measurements of muscle elasticity. Purpose To investigate the reliability of ultrasound elastography for the quantification of elasticity of the TrA. Material and Methods A skilled and an unskilled operator of ultrasound elastography measured TrA elasticity in 10 healthy men (age, 24 ± 4 years; height, 172.0 ± 5.2 cm; weight, 72.3 ± 12.0 kg) in the supine position. The tests were repeated six times; of the six measured values, a group of four measurements showing the lowest coefficient of variation (CV) was adopted and the mean values were used for further analysis. This procedure was repeated twice on each participant on two different days. Results The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) between days for skilled and unskilled operators were 0.86 ( P < 0.00) and 0.59 ( P = 0.02), respectively, and the CVs were 8.7% and 13.8%, respectively. The ICCs between operators and CVs were in the range of 0.56–0.57 ( P = 0.02–0.03) and 13.5–15.5%, respectively. No systematic error was found for any comparison. Conclusion The reliabilities of the skilled and unskilled operators were high and moderate, respectively.
Limited Changes in Spinal Lamina I Dorsal Horn Neurons following the Cytotoxic Ablation of Non-Peptidergic C-Fibers
Authors: Saeed Abeer W. , Pawlowski Sophie A. , Ribeiro-da-Silva Alfredo 
Published: September 2015

Background Non-peptidergic nociceptive neurons are a sub-population of small diameter primary sensory neurons that comprise approximately 50 % of the C fiber population. Together with the peptidergic sub-population, they transmit nociceptive information from the periphery to the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Despite the numerous studies investigating the role of the non-peptidergic primary afferents, their role in normal nociception and in pain remains poorly understood. Our lab has previously demonstrated that, in rat models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain, there is a de novo expression of substance P receptors (NK-1r) by lamina I pyramidal projection neurons, a neuronal population that normally does not express these receptors. Results In this study, we used a ribosomal toxin, saporin, conjugated to the lectin IB4 to selectively ablate the nonpeptidergic nociceptive C fibers, to investigate if the loss of these fibers was enough to induce a change in NK-1r expression by lamina I projection neurons. IB4-saporin treatment led to the permanent ablation of the IB4-positive afferents but also to a small non-significant reduction in CGRP-positive afferents. An overall increase in immunoreactivity for the NK-1r was observed in lamina I projection neurons, however, the lack of non-peptidergic afferents did not increase the number of lamina I pyramidal projection neurons immunoreactive for the receptor. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that the deletion of the non-peptidergic afferents, at the L4–L5 spinal levels, is not sufficient to trigger the de novo expression of NK-1r by projection pyramidal neurons but increases the expression of NK-1r in fusiform and multipolar projection neurons. Furthermore, our data suggest that a neuropathic component is essential to trigger the expression of NK-1r by pyramidal neurons.
Treatment of clozapine-associated obesity and diabetes with exenatide (CODEX) in adults with schizophrenia: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mayfield Karla , Siskind Dan , Winckel Karl , Hollingworth Samantha , Kisely Steve , Russell Anthony W. 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundClozapine causes significant metabolic disturbances including obesity and type 2 diabetes. Recent evidence that reduced glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) may contribute to aetiology of clozapine-associated metabolic dysregulation suggests a potential therapeutic role for GLP-1 agonists.MethodThis open-label, pilot randomised controlled trial evaluates the effect of exenatide in clozapine-treated obese adults who have schizophrenia, with or without poorly controlled diabetes. Sixty out-patients will be randomised to once weekly extended release exenatide or treatment as usual for 24 weeks.AimsTo evaluate the feasibility of larger studies regarding methodology, acceptability, tolerability and estimate efficacy for glycaemic control or weight loss. Secondary outcomes are psychosis severity and metabolic parameters.ConclusionsThis is the first trial investigating GLP-1 agonists for glycaemic control and weight loss in clozapine-treated patients with either diabetes or obesity. Clozapine-associated obesity and diabetes with exenatide (CODEX) will provide proof-of-concept empirical evidence addressing whether this novel treatment is practical and worthy of further investigation.
Controlled Nucleation of Supramolecular Polymerization in a Pressure-regulatable Microflow Channel
Authors: Numata Munenori , Sakai Ryoichiro , Asai Atsushi , Sanada Yusuke , Sakurai Kazuo 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Supramolecular polymerization of TPPS, a kind of self-assembling porphyrin, was investigated in a pressure-adjustable microflow channel. We found that the nucleation process of TPPS was accelerated under pressured environments, leading to the creation of many short fibers. This result implies that the fiber length is controllable by adjusting the pressure applied in the microflow channel.
Identificação e exploração de oportunidades: estudos de casos no Paraná e em Quebec
Authors: Pelizza Vier Machado Hilka , Moura Basaglia Marcela 
Published: September 2015

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi o de compreender a identificação e a exploração de oportunidades em dois contextos. A abordagem da pesquisa foi a qualitativa e o método foi o estudo de casos, tendo sido selecionados dois casos em Quebec e dois casos no Paraná. Poucas diferenças foram encontradas em relação ao contexto, mas foi possível a influência da condição de imigrantes na formação da intenção empreendedora. Na identificação e na exploração de oportunidades foram observados alguns elementos, tais como redes, informações e o papel do meio, tal como salientado anteriormente por outros autores (ARDICHVILI, CARDOZO, REI, 2003; JULIEN, 2010). Os resultados mostraram também como os empreendedores construíram as oportunidades, gerando valor para o meio e produzindo artefatos (BRUYAT, JULIEN, 2010; SARASVATHY, 2008).
Performance of a thrombectomy device for aspiration of thrombus with various sizes based on a computational fluid dynamic modeling
Authors: Soleimani Sajjad , Dubini Gabriele , Pennati Giancarlo 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
It is important to thoroughly remove the thrombus within the course of aspiration thrombectomy; otherwise, it may lead to further embolization. The performance of the aspiration thrombectomy device with a generic geometry is studied through the computational approach. In order to model the thrombus aspiration, a real left coronary artery is chosen while thrombi with various sizes are located at the bifurcation area of the coronary artery and, depending on the size of the thrombus, it is stretched toward the side branches. The thrombus occupies the artery resembling the blood current obstruction in the coronary vessel similar to the situation that leads to heart attack. It is concluded that the aspiration ability of the thrombectomy device is not linked to the thrombus size; it is rather linked to the aspiration pressure and thrombus age (organized versus fresh thrombus). However, the aspiration time period correlates to the thrombus size. The minimum applicable aspiration pressure is also investigated in this study.
Citrulline as a biomarker of gastrointestinal toxicity in patients with rectal carcinoma treated with chemoradiation
Authors: Zezulová Michaela , Bartoušková Marie , Hlídková Eva , Adam Tomáš , Krčmová Lenka Kujovská , Červinková Barbora , Solichová Dagmar , Zlevorová Miloslava , Cwiertka Karel , Friedecký David , Vrána David , Melichar Bohuslav 
Published: September 2015

AbstractGastrointestinal toxicity is the principal toxicity of chemoradiation in the treatment of rectal carcinoma. The assessment of this toxicity still relies mostly on the symptoms reported by the patient.Plasma citrulline, serum neopterin and urinary neopterin were followed weekly in 49 patients with rectal carcinoma during chemoradiation.Citrulline significantly (p<0.05) decreased while serum and urinary neopterin concentrations increased during therapy. Irradiated gut volume correlated significantly inversely with citrulline and positively with urinary neopterin. Statistically significant inverse correlations were also observed between urinary neopterin and plasma citrulline concentrations during the treatment. Urinary neopterin concentrations were significantly higher and citrulline concentrations were lower in patients who experienced grade ≥3 gastrointestinal toxicity.Citrulline represents a promising biomarker of gastrointestinal toxicity. Moreover, the volume of irradiated gut correlated with urinary neopterin concentrations and an association was observed between gastrointestinal toxicity evidenced by lower citrulline concentrations and systemic immune activation reflected in increased concentrations of urinary neopterin.
Asymmetric Wnt Pathway Signaling Facilitates Stem Cell-Like Divisions via the Nonreceptor Tyrosine Kinase FRK-1 inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Mila Danielle , Calderon Adriana , Baldwin Austin T , Moore Kelsey M , Watson McLane , Phillips Bryan T , Putzke Aaron P 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAsymmetric cell division is critical during development, as it influences processes such as cell fate specification and cell migration. We have characterized FRK-1, a homolog of the mammalian Fer nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, and found it to be required for differentiation and maintenance of epithelial cell types, including the stem cell-like seam cells of the hypodermis. A genomic knockout of frk-1, allele ok760, results in severely uncoordinated larvae that arrest at the L1 stage and have an excess number of lateral hypodermal cells that appear to have lost asymmetry in the stem cell-like divisions of the seam cell lineage. frk-1(ok760) mutants show that there are excess lateral hypodermal cells that are abnormally shaped and smaller in size compared to wild type, a defect that could be rescued only in a manner dependent on the kinase activity of FRK-1. Additionally, we observed a significant change in the expression of heterochronic regulators in frk-1(ok760) mutants. However, frk-1(ok760) mutants do not express late, nonseam hypodermal GFP markers, suggesting the seam cells do not precociously differentiate as adult-hyp7 cells. Finally, our data also demonstrate a clear role for FRK-1 in seam cell proliferation, as eliminating FRK-1 during the L3–L4 transition results in supernumerary seam cell nuclei that are dependent on asymmetric Wnt signaling. Specifically, we observe aberrant POP-1 and WRM-1 localization that is dependent on the presence of FRK-1 and APR-1. Overall, our data suggest a requirement for FRK-1 in maintaining the identity and proliferation of seam cells primarily through an interaction with the asymmetric Wnt pathway.
Intradural Extension of a Pyogenic Epidural Abscess
Authors: Rosinsky Philip J. , Zimhony Oren , Ciobotaro Pnina , Sagiv Shaul , Ben-Galim Peleg 
Published: September 2015

Case:
Few cases of spinal epidural abscess involving an extradural abscess with an intradural extension have been reported. A unique complication with extension of pus from the epidural space through multiple perforations into the dura is described. Due to a proximal meningeal inflammatory reaction, which served as a proximal plug, no cerebrospinal fluid leak was encountered.

Conclusion:
Intradural extension of pus through multiple dural perforations is a rare complication of spinal epidural abscess and a treatment challenge. Early diagnosis enabling prompt surgical decompression, along with subsequent aggressive debridements and prolonged intravenous antibiotic treatment, can lead to a favorable outcome.
Anterior Transverse Divergent Dislocation of the Elbow in a Child
Authors: Suzuki Taku , Yoshida Hirobumi , Matsumura Noboru , Iwamoto Takuji , Ochi Kensuke , Sato Kazuki 
Published: September 2015

Case:
A five-year-old boy injured his right elbow. Radiography revealed an anterior dislocation of the elbow with an olecranon fracture and a proximal radioulnar joint dissociation. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the disruption of the proximal radioulnar joint, and a diagnosis of anterior transverse divergent dislocation of the elbow was established. Open reduction and fixation of the ulna was performed with good clinical results.

Conclusion:
We document a rare type of anterior divergent dislocation of the elbow. It is important to use CT to evaluate a proximal radioulnar joint dissociation to determine the correct diagnosis to aid in surgical planning.