bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Greenland Ice Sheet Mass Balance Reconstruction. Part III: Marine Ice Loss and Total Mass Balance (1840–2010)
Authors: Box Jason E. , Colgan William 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Greenland ice sheet mass loss to the marine environment occurs by some combination of iceberg calving and underwater melting (referred to here as marine ice loss, LM). This study quantifies the relation between LM and meltwater runoff (R) at the ice sheet scale. A theoretical basis is presented explaining how variability in R can be expected to govern much of the LM variability over annual to decadal time scales. It is found that R enhances LM through three processes: 1) increased glacier discharge by ice warming–softening and basal lubrication–sliding; 2) increased calving susceptibility through undercutting glacier front geometry and reducing ice integrity; and 3) increased underwater melting from forcing marine convection. Applying a semiempirical LM f(R) parameterization to a surface mass balance reconstruction enables total ice sheet mass budget closure over the 1840–2010 period. The estimated cumulative 171-yr net ice sheet sea level contribution is 25 ± 10 mm, the rise punctuated by periods of ice sheet net mass gain (sea level drawdown) (1893–1900, 1938–47, and 1972–98). The sea level contribution accelerated at 27.6 mm yr−1 century−1 over the entire reconstruction, reaching a peak sea level rise contribution of 6.1 mm decade−1 during 2002–10.
Moon Phases, Mood and Stock Market Returns
Authors: Floros Christos , Tan Yong 
Published: March 2013

We employ recent data from 59 international emerging and mature stock markets to provide new evidence of a lunar cycle (full and new moon) effect on their stock market returns. Using a threshold generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (TGARCH) model, we further examine the linkages between efficient-market theory, calendar-related effects and investors’ mood resulting from moon phases. The empirical results show significant full moon effects in six markets, and significant new moon effects in eight markets. In line with the theory, we report significant positive effect of new moon on stock market returns in five cases (UK, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Chile and Cyprus), while a negative effect of full moon is reported for the case of Jordan only. In addition, we find that lunar effects are strongly influenced by the calendar anomalies (Monday effect and January effect); several markets—mostly emerging markets—show evidence of full/new moon effects as well as Monday/January effects (Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Tunisia, Belgium, Cyprus). Further, we prove that the lunar phases are stronger outside America. These findings are recommended to investors, financial managers and analysts dealing with international stock indices. JEL Classification: G02, G14, G15
Biomechanical Comparison of Metatarsal Head Designs in First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Schneider Tim , Dabirrahmani Danè , Gillies Ronald M. , Appleyard Richard C. 
Published: March 2013

Background: Arthritis of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint is characterized by loss of MTP joint range of motion (ROM) and pain. Joint arthroplasty is one treatment option, and while results can be satisfactory, there is still room for improvement. The aim was to use cadaveric model to compare the sagittal kinematics and articulating contact properties of 4 different first metatarsal head designs of an MTP joint implant. Methods: Six cadaveric feet were each prepared with a single modular first MTP joint total arthroplasty. A standard cyclic load, which induced hallux dorsiflexion, was applied and motion measured from high resolution images. Contact behavior was collected simultaneously using a pressure transducer. Data collected compared the native joint with 4 different reconstructed cases. Each reconstructed joint used a different metatarsal-head-component while reusing the same phalangeal component to compare the 4 alternative metatarsal head designs. Results: All reconstructed joints displayed greater ROM compared with the intact joint. Of the 4 metatarsal head components, the grooved, anatomical design demonstrated the greatest dorsiflexion when compared to the standard design, 31.6 degrees (SD ± 8.6 degrees), P < .05. All reconstructed joints displayed contact areas lower than the intact (~50%, P < .001). The grooved metatarsal-head-component experienced the least contact force ( P < .015), and the eccentric component underwent the greatest contact pressure ( P < .05) when compared to the intact case. Conclusions: In this study of a first metatarsophalangeal joint replacement design, ROM was shown to be better for the more anatomically designed metatarsal head, while contact properties did not vary across different designs. Clinical Relevance: This information may be useful in the development of new metatarsal components.
End-Stage Renal Disease and Critical Limb Ischemia: A Deadly Combination?
Authors: Biancari F. , Arvela E. , Korhonen M. , Söderström M. , Halmesmäki K. , Albäck A. , Lepäntalo M. , Venermo M. 
Published: March 2013

Objectives: This study was planned to evaluate the prognostic impact of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in patients with critical leg ischemia (CLI) undergoing infrainguinal revascularization. Materials and Methods: 1425 patients who underwent infrainguinal revascularization for CLI were the subjects of the present analysis. Ninety-five patients had ESRD (eGFR < 15 ml/min/m2), and of them 66 (70%) underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and 29 (30%) underwent bypass surgery. Results: ESRD patients had significantly lower overall survival (at 3-year, 27.1% vs. 59.7%, p < 0.0001), leg salvage (at 3-year, 57.7% vs. 83.0%, p<0.0001), and amputation free survival (at 3-year, 16.2% vs. 52.9%, p < 0.0001) than patients with no or less severe renal failure. The difference in survival was even greater between 86 one-to-one propensity matched pairs (at 3-year, 23.1% vs. 67.3%, p < 0.0001). ESRD was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (RR 2.46, 95%CI 1.85–3.26). Logistic regression showed that age ≥ 75 years was the only independent predictor of 1-year all-cause mortality (OR 4.92, 95%CI 1.32–18.36). Classification and regression tree analysis showed that age ≥ 75 years and, among younger patients, bypass surgery for leg ulcer and gangrene were associated with significantly higher 1-year mortality. Conclusions: Lower limb revascularization in patients with CLI and end-stage renal failure is associated with favourable leg salvage. However, these patients have a very poor survival and this may jeopardize any attempt of revascularization. Further studies are needed to identify ESRD patients with acceptable life expectancy and who may benefit from lower limb revascularization.
Budget Impact Analysis of Surgical Treatment for Obesity in Sweden
Authors: Borg S. , Näslund I. , Persson U. , Ödegaard K. 
Published: March 2013

Background: The recent substantial increase in the number of obese surgeries performed in Sweden has raised concerns about the budget impact. Objective: Our aim in this paper is to present an assessment of the budgetary impact of different policies for surgical intervention for obese and overweight subjects from a healthcare perspective in Sweden. Methods: The model simulates the annual expected treatment costs of obesity related diseases and surgery in patients of different sex, age and Body Mass Index (BMIMI). Costs evaluated are costs of surgery plus the excess treatment costs that an obese patient has over and above the treatment costs of a normal-weight patient. The diagnoses that are included for costs assessment are diabetes and cardiovascular disease since these diagnoses are the principal diagnoses associated with obesity. Four different scenarios over the number of surgical operations performed each year are simulated and compared: (1) no surgical operation, (2) 3 000 surgical operations in persons with BMI > 40, (3) 4000 (BMI > 40), and (4) 5000 (expanded to BMI > 38). Results: Comparing Scenario 2 with Scenario 1 results in a net budget impact of on average SEK 121 million per annum or SEK 40 000 per patient. This implies that 55 percent of the cost of surgery, set equal to SEK 90 000 for each patient, has been offset by a reduction in the excess treatment costs of obesity related diseases. Expanding annual surgery from 3000 to 4000 the cost-offset increased to 58%. By expanding annual surgery further from 4000 to 5000 and at the same time expanding the indication for surgery from BMI > 40 to BMI > 38, no cost-offset is obtained. Conclusion: A cost-minimization strategy for bariatric surgery in Sweden should not expand indication, but rather increase the number of surgeries within the currently accepted indication.
Obesity Has a Negative Impact on Clinical Outcome after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Järvenpää J. , Kettunen J. , Soininvaara T. , Miettinen H. , Kröger H. 
Published: March 2013

Background and Aims: Obesity has been linked to the development of osteoarthritis of the knee and since the incidence of obesity is increasing, the need for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is likely to increase. Conflicting findings have been reported concerning the relationship between obesity and TKA. It has been shown in several studies, that obese patients have poorer clinical results after operation. On the other hand it has also been reported similar results for obese and non-obese patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze clinically and radiologically the results of total knee artrhoplasty in obese patients. Material and Methods: The study consisted of 48 patients who had a TKA. The patients were divided in two groups according their body mass index. Patients of BMI over 30 were regarded as obese. Results: The obese patients had poorer clinical success at the final follow-up, their WOMAC scores were significantly higher compared to non-obese (pain 20.7 vs. 11.6; p = 0.021, stiffness 26.9 vs. 13.4; p = 0.006, physical function 26.5 vs. 14.4; p = 0.003). Differences were also found in the Knee (KS) and Function (FS) scores and a long-term postoperative ROM and (KS: 83.6 vs. 88.9; p = 0.01, FS: 63.6/76.3; p = 0.051, ROM: 104.6 vs. 109.6; p = 0.016). Non-obese patients reached better percentage improvement in the KSS compared to obese patients (KS change + 194.5% vs. + 59.5%, p = 0.03; FS change + 51.5% vs. + 14.9%, p = 0.19). Conclusions: Obesity has a negative impact on the outcome of TKA, assessed by patients' clinical function and satisfaction level.
Accidental Falls Related to Shovelling Snow from Rooftops: Analysis of Injuries in an Extraordinary Epidemic in Southern Finland
Authors: Aulanko M. , Handolin L. , Söderlund T. , Pajarinen J. 
Published: March 2013

Background and Aims: Exceptional amount of snow led to snow removal attempts from the rooftops resulting in a relative unique and extraordinary epidemic of accidental falls in winter of 2010. Material and Methods: The injury pattern, hospital care, surgical operations, and the total costs of the primary hospital stay of accidentally fallen patients treated in Helsinki University Hospital trauma unit were analyzed. Results: Forty-six patients were admitted to hospital during the study period of three months. Majority of the patients were males (N = 43, 93%) with the average age of 52.9 years. Seven patients were admitted to ICU. The average length of primary hospital stay was 4.7 days with 0% mortality. Total amount of fractures was 65 (63%) of all 97 injuries. The most common injuries were fractures of upper and lower extremity, and spinal column. Conclusions: Preventing similar unnecessary epidemics of accidental falls in the future it is important to have professional opinion of the need of snow removal along with understanding of the risk of injury. Wearing appropriate safety equipments, and use professional help when necessary is advisable.
Intravenous Metoprolol versus Biatrial Pacing in the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Open Trial
Authors: Maaroos M. , Halonen J. , Kiviniemi V. , Hartikainen J. , Hakala T. 
Published: March 2013

Background and Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia after coronary arteryby pass surgery (CABG). Intravenous metoprolol and biatrial pacing have been reported to be effective in AF prophylaxis after cardiac surgery. The purpose of this trial was to compare the efficacy of intravenous metoprolol versus biatrial pacing combined with oral metoprolol in the prevention of AF after CABG. Methods: A single-centre prospective randomized open trial of 165 consecutive patients undergoing their first CABG. Patients were randomized to receive either intravenous metoprolol infusion 1–3 mg per hour or biatrial overdrive pacing and oral metoprolol (50–150mg) daily for 72 hours after CABG starting immediately after the surgery. AAI pacing with a pacing rate of 10 beats/minute above the baseline heart rate was used. Patients had continuous ECG-monitoring. The primaryend point was the first episode of AF. Results: The incidence of postoperative AF in the intravenous metoprolol and biatrial pacing groups did not differ from each other (14% vs. 18% respecively, p = 0.66). There was no difference in the time of AF on set between the groups (28.2 ± 16.2 h vs. 30.1 ± 21.2 h respectively, p = 0.8). Intravenous metoprolol infusion had to be temporarily interrupted for one hour in eleven patients because of hypotension or bradycardia. One case of bleeding from the left atria related to the pacemaker electrode wire was found. Conclusion: We found no difference in the incidence of AF between patients treated with intravenous metoprolol or the combination of biatrial pacing and oral metoprolol.
The Validity of Dependence as a Health Outcome Measure in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Spackman D. Eldon , Kadiyala Srikanth , Neumann Peter J. , Veenstra David L. , Sullivan Sean D. 
Published: March 2013

Background: Relating to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dependence has been defined as the increased need for assistance due to deterioration in cognition, physical functioning, and behavior. Our objective was to evaluate the association between dependence and measures of functional impairment. Methods: Data were compiled by the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center. We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate the association between dependence and cognition, physical functioning, and behavior. Results: The independent association with dependence was positive. Dependence was most strongly associated with physical functioning. A secondary analysis suggested a strong association of dependence with multiple impairments, as measured by the interaction terms, in more severe patients. Conclusions: We find that dependence is simultaneously associated with physical functioning, cognition, and behavior, which support the construct validity of dependence. Dependence might be a more simple measure to explain the multifaceted disease progression of AD and convey the increasing need for care.
Epidemiological investigation of two parallel gastroenteritis outbreaks in school settings
Authors: Mellou Kassiani , Sideroglou Theologia , Potamiti-Komi Maria , Kokkinos Petros , Ziros Panos , Georgakopoulou Theano , Vantarakis Apostolos 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Two parallel gastroenteritis outbreaks occurred in an elementary school and a neighboring kindergarten in Kilkis, Northern Greece in 2012. The aim of the study was the investigation of these two parallel outbreaks as well as their possible source.

Methods
Two retrospective cohort studies were performed to identify the mode and the vehicle of transmission as well as the possible connection between them.

Results
Elementary school and kindergarten populations of 79.9% (119/149) and 51.1% (23/45) respectively, participated in the study. Case definition was satisfied by 65 pupils from the elementary school and 14 from the kindergarten. For elementary school, 53 cases were considered primary cases of the outbreak and were included in the analysis. Based on the results of the multivariate analysis, consumption of tap water was the only statistically significant independent risk factor of gastroenteritis (RR = 2.34, 95% C.I.: 1.55-3.53).; a finding supported by the shape of the epidemic curve which referred to a common point source outbreak with secondary cases. For kindergarten, no statistically significant risk factor was identified, and the epidemic curve supported a person-to-person transmission according univariate analysis. Norovirus GI and GII and human Adenovirus were detected by Real Time PCR in stool samples from seven children of elementary school, but stool samples were not collected by children of the kindergarten.

Conclusions
Even though the etiological agent of the outbreak was not verified, combined epidemiological and laboratory results were in favor of a waterborne viral gastroenteritis outbreak at the elementary school, followed by a person to person spread at the kindergarten.
T1BT* structural study of an anti-plasmodial peptide through NMR and molecular dynamics
Authors: Topchiy Elena , Armstrong Geoffrey S , Boswell Katherine I , Buchner Ginka S , Kubelka Jan , Lehmann Teresa E 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundT1BT* is a peptide construct containing the T1 and B epitopes located in the 5’ minor repeat and the 3’ major repeat of the central repeat region of thePlasmodium falciparumcircumsporozoite protein (CSP), respectively, and the universal T* epitope located in the C-terminus of the same protein. This peptide construct, with B = (NANP)3, has been found to elicit antisporozoite antibodies and gamma-interferon-screening T-cell responses in inbred strains of mice and in outbred nonhuman primates. On the other hand, NMR and CD spectroscopies have identified the peptide B’ = (NPNA)3as the structural unit of the major repeat in the CSP, rather than the more commonly quoted NANP. With the goal of assessing the structural impact of the NPNA cadence on a proven anti-plasmodial peptide, the solution structures of T1BT* and T1B’T* were determined in this work.MethodsNMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics calculations were used to determine the solution structures of T1BT* and T1B’T*. These structures were compared to determine the main differences and similarities between them.ResultsBoth peptides exhibit radically different structures, with the T1B’T* showing strong helical tendencies. NMR and CD data, in conjunction with molecular modelling, provide additional information about the topologies of T1BT* and T1B’T*. Knowing the peptide structures required to elicit the proper immunogenic response can help in the design of more effective, conformationally defined malaria vaccine candidates. If peptides derived from the CSP are required to have helical structures to interact efficiently with their corresponding antibodies, a vaccine based on the T1B’T* construct should show higher efficiency as a pre-erythrocyte vaccine that would prevent infection of hepatocytes by sporozoites.
Shedding LIGHT (TNFSF14) on the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer liver metastases
Authors: Qin Jian Zhong , Upadhyay Vivek , Prabhakar Bellur , Maker Ajay V 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
T-cell infiltration in primary colon tumors is associated with improved patient survival. Preliminary data supports a similar association in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), and we previously identified increased CRLM expression of the immunostimulatory cytokine LIGHT (TNFSF14) to be related to improved patient prognosis. Therefore, mechanisms to augment the T-cell response in CRLM may be a promising treatment modality, however, the tumor immune microenvironment and LIGHT expression in CRLM remains to be characterized.

Methods
Utilizing a syngeneic and immunocompetent model of CRLM, the immune microenvironment was characterized for lymphocyte phenotype, function, and location utilizing flow cytometry, immunoassays, and immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results
CD3+ and CD4+ lymphocytes were decreased, and CD8+ cells were increased in CRLM compared to control liver. When present, greater populations of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) were found peritumoral than intratumoral. The TIL expressed significantly higher levels of CD69 and CD107a, but lower levels of LIGHT. Cytokine expression profiles revealed increased levels of the T-helper 1 (Th1) cytokines IFN gamma, IL-12, IL-1b, and IL-8 in CRLM compared to control liver tissue. There was no difference in T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokines between the groups.

Conclusions
Characterization of the tumor microenvironment of CRLM revealed that although a limited number of activated T-cells infiltrate the tumor and initiate an immune response, the number of LIGHT + T cells infiltrating the tumor were very low. Techniques to decrease suppressive influences or augment the cytotoxic T-cell response are needed and may be possible through mechanisms that can increase intratumoral TIL LIGHT expression.
Dual effects of daily FTY720 on human astrocytes in vitro: relevance for neuroinflammation
Authors: Wu Celina , Leong Soo Y , Moore Craig S , Cui Qiao Ling , Gris Pavel , Bernier Louis-Philippe , Johnson Trina A , Séguéla Philippe , Kennedy Timothy E , Bar-Or Amit , Antel Jack P 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundFTY720 (fingolimod, Gilenya™) is a daily oral therapy for multiple sclerosis that readily accesses the central nervous system (CNS). FTY720 is a structural analog to the sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and is a cognate ligand for the S1P G-protein coupled receptors (S1PR). Studies in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis using mice with conditionally deleted S1P1R from astrocytes indicate that one beneficial effect of FTY720 in this model is via downregulating external receptors, which inhibits responses induced by the natural ligand. Another proposed effect of FTY720 on neuroinflammation is its ability to maintain persistent signaling in cells via internalized S1P1R resulting in functional responses that include suppressing intracellular calcium release. We used human fetal astrocytes to investigate potential dual inhibitory- and function-inducing effects of daily FTY720 on responses relevant to neuroinflammation. For the inhibitory effects, we used signaling and proliferation induced by the natural ligand S1P. For the function-inducing responses, we measured inhibition of intracellular calcium release stimulated by the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-1β.MethodsAstrocytes derived from human fetal CNS specimens and maintained in dissociated cultures were exposed to 100 nM of the biologically active form of FTY720 over a dosing regimen that ranged from a single exposure (with or without washout after 1 h) to daily exposures up to 5 days. Responses measured include: phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (pERK1/2) by Western blotting, Ki-67 immunolabeling for cell proliferation, IL-1β-induced calcium release by ratiometric fluorescence, and cytokine/chemokine (IL-6, CXCL10) secretions by ELISA.ResultsWe observed that a single addition of FTY720 inhibited subsequent S1PR ligand-induced pERK1/2 signaling for >24 h. Daily FTY720 treatments (3-5 days) maintained this effect together with a loss of proliferative responses to the natural ligand S1P. Repeated FTY720 dosing concurrently maintained a functional cell response as measured by the inhibition of intracellular calcium release when stimulated by the cytokine IL-1β. Recurrent FTY720 treatments did not inhibit serum- or IL-1β-induced pERK1/2. The secretions of IL-6 and CXCL10 in response to IL-1β were unaffected by FTY720 treatment(s).ConclusionOur results indicate that daily FTY720 exposures may regulate specific neuroinflammatory responses by desensitizing astrocytes to external S1PR stimuli while sustaining cellular influences that are independent of new surface S1PR activation.