bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling Regional Vegetation NPP Variations and Their Relationships with Climatic Parameters in Wuhan, China
Authors: Wang Lunche , Gong Wei , Ma Yingying , Zhang Miao 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Net primary productivity (NPP) is an important component of the carbon cycle and a key indicator of ecosystem performance. The aim of this study is to construct a more accurate regional vegetation NPP estimation model and explore the relationship between NPP and climatic factors (air temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours, relative humidity, air pressure, global radiation, and surface net radiation). As a key variable in NPP modeling, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was obtained by finding a linear relationship between PAR and horizontal direct radiation, scattered radiation, and net radiation with high accuracy. The fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FPAR) was estimated by enhanced vegetation index (EVI) instead of the widely used normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Stress factors of temperature/humidity for different types of vegetation were also considered in the simulation of light use efficiencies (LUE). The authors used EVI datasets of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) from 2001 to 2011 and geographic information techniques to reveal NPP variations in Wuhan. Time lagged serial correlation analysis was employed to study the delayed and continuous effects of climatic factors on NPP. The results showed that the authors’ improved model can simulate vegetation NPP in Wuhan effectively, and it may be adopted or used in other regions of the world that need to be further tested. The results indicated that air temperature and air pressure contributed significantly to the interannual changes of plant NPP while rainfall and global radiation were major climatic factors influencing seasonal NPP variations. A significant positive 32-day lagged correlation was observed between seasonal variation of NPP and rainfall (P &lt; 0.01); the influence of changing climate on NPP lasted for 64 days. The impact of air pressure, global radiation, and net radiation on NPP persisted for 48 days, while the effects of sunshine hours and air temperature on NPP only lasted for 16 and 32 days, respectively.
Clinical risk factors to predict deep venous thrombosis post-endovenous laser ablation of saphenous veins
Authors: Chi Y-W , Woods T C 
Published: April 2013

Objective: Endovenous laser ablation of saphenous veins is an alternative in treating symptomatic varicose veins. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has been reported in up to 7.7% of patients undergoing such procedure. We sought to establish clinical risk factors that predict DVT post-endovenous laser ablation. Method: Patients who underwent endovenous laser ablation were prospectively followed. Clinical data and post-interventional duplex ultrasound were analysed. A P value <0.05 was accepted as representing a significant difference. Results: From 2007 to 2008, 360 consecutive patients were followed. Nineteen DVTs were found on follow-up ultrasound. Eighteen cases involved either the saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal junctions; only one case involved the deep venous system. Age >66 ( P = 0.007), female gender ( P = 0.048) and prior history of superficial thrombophlebitis (SVT) ( P = 0.002) were associated with increased risk of DVT postprocedure. Conclusion: Age >66, female gender and history of SVT were significant predictors of DVT post-endovenous laser ablation of saphenous veins.
Prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing surgical treatment of varicose veins
Authors: Testroote M J G , Wittens C H A 
Published: April 2013

Introduction: There is no consensus among surgeons with regard to prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing surgical treatment of varicose veins. We performed a systematic review of the available literature. Methods: We systematically searched the online database from PubMed for studies about the incidence of VTE and thromboprophylaxis in varicose vein surgery. We included 13 papers for review. Results: The incidence of VTE after varicose vein surgery remains unclear. Most retrospective case series report an incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of approximately 1%, based on a clinical diagnosis. However, three prospective studies have systematically detected DVT by means of duplex ultrasound and showed that the true incidence might be 5–10 times higher than expected on a clinical basis. Discussion: More data on the incidence of VTE, and the need for postoperative thromboprophylaxis are necessary to formulate evidence-based clinical guidelines. Therefore, high-quality randomised clinical trials, with high numbers of included patients, and ideally comparing prophylaxis to placebo are warranted.
Post-treatment compression: duration and techniques
Authors: Mosti G 
Published: April 2013

Background: Compression treatments used the following intervention for varicose veins range from no compression, to elastic stockings and compression bandaging. There is no consensus on the strength or duration of compression which should be applied following a particular treatment. The author reviews the evidence that has led him to reach his own viewpoint on this subject. Summary: Compression stockings are often prescribed after treatment of varicose veins, but these in general exert a much lower pressure in the thigh compared with firm inelastic compression bandages. It has been shown by objective investigation that it takes a pressure of 10–15 mmHg in the supine position and 40–50 mmHg in the standing position to occlude a superficial vein in the thigh. The author has published a study in which three groups of patients were studied following varicose vein surgery. One group received a strong medical compression stocking, the second group an inelastic bandaging system which achieved 63 mmHg compression in the standing position and an eccentric compression system which achieved 98 mmHg in the standing position. Adverse events after surgery were most frequent in the stocking group with fewer in the inelastic compression bandage group and fewest in the eccentric compression group. A further study has been published by another author in which elastic compression has been compared with eccentric compression following endovenous laser ablation of the saphenous vein. Eccentric compression reduced postoperative pain. Unfortunately, very little data are available to indicate the period for which compression should be applied following varicose vein treatment. Conclusions: In comparison to compression treatments following varicose vein surgery where the actual level of compression has been measured, higher levels of compression are more effective than lower levels in moderating postoperative pain and complications. Strong compression can be achieved by inelastic bandaging or by eccentric compression systems. Far fewer data are available to indicate the duration for which postoperative compression is required.
Percutaneous angioplasty of internal jugular and azygous veins in patients with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and multiple sclerosis: early and mid-term results
Authors: Radak Djordje , Kolar Jovo , Sagic Dragan , Ilijevski Nenad , Tanaskovic Slobodan , Aleksic Nikola , Marinkovic Jelena , Mitrasinovic Anka , Radak Sandra , Babic Srdjan , Matic Predrag , Vlajinac Hristina 
Published: April 2013

Purpose: To assess the safety of endovascular treatment of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and Methods: A total of 72 patients with CCSVI and MS (44 with relapsing remitting – RR, 4 with primary progressive, 20 with secondary progressive and 4 with benign MS) underwent percutaneous angioplasty. Outcome measures were colour Doppler ultrasonography parameters, gradient pressure at the vein abnormality level, postoperative complications, re-stenosis, disease severity scored by means of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and patients’ assumption of disease status. Controls were done after one month on 72 patients, six months on 69 patients and one year on 61 patients, respectively (the average follow-up was 11 months). Results: There were no postoperative complications. Colour Doppler ultrasonography showed significant improvement in cross-sectional area parameters ( P < 0.05) and significant decrease in confluence velocity values ( P < 0.05). Postoperative gradient pressure decreased, in internal jugular vein (IJV) significantly ( P < 0.05). Re-stenosis appeared in 5.3% of patients. EDSS score was significantly improved ( P < 0.01) and about half of patients reported significant or mild improvement in disease status and none of them worsening of symptoms. Conclusion: Endovascular treatment of the IJV and azygous veins in patients with CCSVI and MS is a safe procedure with no post-procedural complications followed by significant improvement of IJV flow haemodynamic parameters and decrease in the EDSS score. Whether CCSVI percutaneous treatment might affect clinical improvement in patients suffering from MS is yet to be seen after completion of major multicentric clinical trials, still it seems like that this procedure is not negligible.
Efficacy and comfort of medical compression stockings with low and moderate pressure six weeks after vein surgery
Authors: Reich-Schupke Stefanie , Feldhaus Felix , Altmeyer Peter , Mumme Achim , Stücker Markus 
Published: April 2013

Objective The first two authors contributed equally to this work. A prospective, randomized study to evaluate efficacy, safety, and comfort of thigh-high, round knitted medical compression stockings (MCSs) with different pressure six weeks after vein surgery. Methods Female patients undergoing vein surgery were randomized for a compression therapy with low (18–21 mmHg, group A) or moderate (23–32 mmHg, group B) pressure MCSs. Follow-up was done by a phlebological experienced, blinded physician (pressure control, clinical aspect, duplex scan, and questionnaire) one and six weeks after surgery. Results Totally, 88 patients (41 in group A and 47 in group B) were analyzed. One week after surgery, patients of group B had significantly lower edema scores than patients of group A either in the clinical assessment (0.7 vs. 0.3; p = 0.016) or in the B-mode scan (0.9 vs. 0.4; p = 0.013). Significant less patients of group B had a feeling of “tightness” ( p = 0.01) and significant more a reduction of discomfort ( p = 0.01) after week 1 but with no significance in week 6. There was no significant difference according to other clinical and ultrasound findings such as hematoma, infection, hyperpigmentation, cording, or thrombosis after one or six weeks. In week 1 and week 6, more patients suffered from pain in group A (week 1 p = 0.24, week 6 p = 0.063). Application of the MCSs was easier in group A in week 1 but similar in groups A and B in week 6. Muscle vein thrombosis occurred in one patient of group A. Conclusion Compression stockings with a pressure of 23–32 mmHg facilitate a faster resolution of clinical and ultrasound verified edema and the subjective feelings of pain, tightness, and discomfort of the leg in the early period after surgery but have no difference in the longer post-surgical period compared to stockings with a pressure of 18–21 mmHg.
Absorption of the Bone Fragment in Shoulders With Bony Bankart Lesions Caused by Recurrent Anterior Dislocations or Subluxations
Authors: Nakagawa Shigeto , Mizuno Naoko , Hiramatsu Kunihiko , Tachibana Yuta , Mae Tatsuo 
Published: April 2013

Background: Recently, bony defects of the glenoid in patients with traumatic anterior shoulder instability have been increasingly noticed. The bone fragment of a bony Bankart lesion is often utilized for Bankart repair, but the fragment is at times smaller than the glenoid defect. The reason for this mismatch in size is unknown. Hypothesis: The bone fragment of a bony Bankart lesion might gradually be absorbed over time. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 163 shoulders were prospectively examined by computed tomography. In shoulders with bony Bankart lesions, glenoid defects and bone fragment absorption were assessed, and findings were compared with the time elapsed after the primary traumatic episode. When a bone fragment was not detected despite loss of the normal contour of the glenoid rim, the findings were classified as erosions if the rim appeared round and slightly compressed and classified as complete bone fragment absorption if the rim appeared straight and sharp. Results: There were no glenoid defects in 55 shoulders, erosions in 16 shoulders, and glenoid defects in 92 shoulders. The size of the glenoid defect was 0% to 10% in 15 shoulders, 10% to 20% in 44, 20% to 30% in 26, 30% to 40% in 6, and 40% to 50% in 1. The average defect size was 7.9% in shoulders scanned at <1 year, 10.7% between 1 and 2 years, and 11.3% at >2 years, indicating no relationship with time after trauma. Regarding bone fragment absorption, all 92 shoulders with glenoid defects showed absorption to some extent. The extent of absorption was <50% in 32 shoulders, >50% in 45, and 100% in 15. The average extent of absorption was 51.9% in shoulders scanned at <1 year, 65.3% between 1 and 2 years, and 70.0% at >2 years, indicating a significant relationship with time after trauma. Conclusion: Bone fragment absorption was seen in all of the shoulders with bony Bankart lesions. Most bone fragments showed severe absorption within 1 year after the primary traumatic episode. Before arthroscopic Bankart repair, not only glenoid defects but also bone fragment absorption should be assessed.
Common and Specific Factors Approaches to Home-Based Treatment
Authors: Lee Mo Yee , Greene Gilbert J. , Fraser J. Scott , Edwards Shivani G. , Grove David , Solovey Andrew D. , Scott Pamela 
Published: April 2013

Objectives: This study examined the treatment outcomes of integrated families and systems treatment (I-FAST), a moderated common factors approach, in reference to multisystemic therapy (MST), an established specific factor approach, for treating at-risk children and adolescents and their families in an intensive community-based setting. Method: This study used a nonrandomized noninferiority trial design to compare the outcomes of 79 families who received I-FAST, the test intervention, to 47 families who have received MST, the reference intervention. Results: I-FAST was noninferior to MST in reducing problem severity and improving functioning based on youth, parents, and workers’ assessments. Conclusions: While the nonrandomized design of this study precludes any definitive conclusions, implications of the study were discussed with respect to the debate regarding common factors and specific factor approaches to family treatment and implementation of evidence-based treatments.
Apprehensions and Expectations of the Adoption of Systematically Planned, Outcome-Oriented Practice
Authors: Savaya Riki , Altschuler Dorit , Melamed Sharon 
Published: April 2013

Objectives: The study examined social workers’ apprehensions and expectations of the impending adoption of systematically planned, empirically based, outcome-oriented practice (SEOP). Method: Employing a mixed methods longitudinal design, the study used concept mapping to identify and map workers’ apprehensions and expectations and a self-reported questionnaire to measure their levels. Results: Apprehensions were that SEOP will increase monitoring and financial considerations in decision making and undermine professional intervention and professional responsibility. Expectations were that it will (a) empower social workers to provide better service and better cope with counterpressures and (b) systemize work procedures and improve organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and governance. Findings also showed that workers, who participated in formulating the system’s guidelines and principles, reported lower apprehensions and higher expectations than those who did not. Conclusions: In introducing SEOP, it is important to take workers’ apprehensions and expectations into consideration and to include workers in the development stage.
Kuopio Treatment Strategy after Deep Sternal Wound Infection
Authors: Berg L. T. , Jaakkola P. 
Published: April 2013

Backgrounds and Aims: Infection of sternotomy wound is a rare potentially fatal complication because of the risk for deep sternal infection. Current treatment comprises antibiotics, debridement, negative pressure wound therapy and sometimes transposition of muscle or omental flaps to fill the anterior mediastinal dead space. Material and Methods: The management of 60 consecutive deep sternotomy wound infections is reviewed. The one stage treatment was mostly chosen. In 5 patients after debridement, negative pressure wound therapy was used before flap reconstruction. Fifty-seven patients were rewired and 3 patients had sternectomy. The choice of the flap was based mainly on anatomic location of a sternal wound defect and also on which grafts been used in cardiac operation. Results: The unilateral turnover split pectoralis major flap was the choice for 50 patients. In 8 patients latissimus dorsi flap was used. Rectus abdominis was used as a standalone flap in 4 patients and in combination with pectoralis major in one. All patients survived after deep sternal wound infection. In only 33 patients the recovery was totally uneventful. In the remaining 27 patients there were one or more complications. Not a single flap was lost completely, but due to partial flap necrosis, a redo reconstruction was needed in 3 patients. Negative pressure wound therapy was used after flap reconstruction in eight patients with incomplete post-flap healing to prepare for wound revision and split thickness skin graft. Conclusions: A structured approach including both cardiac and plastic surgery in case of deep sternal wound infection is recommended. A single stage surgery with the help of muscle flap reconstruction is our standard treatment. With our protocol, we have been able to keep the mortality low.
Challenges and Successes in Dissemination of Evidence-Based Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress
Authors: Foa Edna B. , Gillihan Seth J. , Bryant Richard A. 
Published: April 2013

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) poses monumental public health challenges because of its contribution to mental health, physical health, and both interpersonal and social problems. Recent military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan and the multitude of resulting cases of PTSD have highlighted the public health significance of these conditions. There are now psychological treatments that can effectively treat most individuals with PTSD, including active duty military personnel, veterans, and civilians. We begin by reviewing the effectiveness of these treatments, with a focus on prolonged exposure (PE), a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for PTSD. Many studies conducted in independent research labs have demonstrated that PE is highly efficacious in treating PTSD across a wide range of trauma types, survivor characteristics, and cultures. Furthermore, therapists without prior CBT experience can readily learn and implement the treatment successfully. Despite the existence of highly effective treatments like PE, the majority of individuals with PTSD receive treatments of unknown efficacy. Thus, it is crucial to identify the barriers and challenges that must be addressed in order to promote the widespread dissemination of effective treatments for PTSD. In this review, we first discuss some of the major challenges, such as a professional culture that often is antagonistic to evidence-based treatments (EBTs), a lack of clinician training in EBTs, limited effectiveness of commonly used dissemination techniques, and the significant cost associated with effective dissemination models. Next, we review local, national, and international efforts to disseminate PE and similar treatments and illustrate the challenges and successes involved in promoting the adoption of EBTs in mental health systems. We then consider ways in which the barriers discussed earlier can be overcome, as well as the difficulties involved in effecting sustained organizational change in mental health systems. We also present examples of efforts to disseminate PE in developing countries and the attendant challenges when mental health systems are severely underdeveloped. Finally, we present future directions for the dissemination of EBTs for PTSD, including the use of newer technologies such as web-based therapy and telemedicine. We conclude by discussing the need for concerted action among multiple interacting systems in order to overcome existing barriers to dissemination and promote widespread access to effective treatment for PTSD. These systems include graduate training programs, government agencies, health insurers, professional organizations, healthcare delivery systems, clinical researchers, and public education systems like the media. Each of these entities can play a major role in reducing the personal suffering and public health burden associated with posttraumatic stress.
The Impact of using Inner-to-Inner Wall Diameter Measurement of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Sensier Y , Akil Y , Khodabakhsh P , Naylor M , Sharpe R , Walker J , Hartshorne T 
Published: April 2013

Introduction Following recommendations from the National Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme (NAAASP), an audit was performed to assess the impact of measuring inner rather than outer aortic wall diameters during scans for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Methods Inner and outer aortic wall diameters were taken from a prospective series of 302 patients attending the Vascular Studies Unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary for routine ultrasound screening or surveillance of their abdominal aorta. Absolute differences, as well as the potential impact on patient management, were assessed. Results The mean difference between measuring techniques was found to be 1.6 mm (95% CI 1.59–1.61 mm). Aortas close to the threshold for surgery were referred on average 8.7 months later than if their outer wall dimensions had been used. Additionally, 1.6% of aortas were considered normal using inner wall measurements, but aneurysmal when measured using the outer aortic walls. Conclusion Mean differences between the two measurement techniques are small and well within acceptable levels of observer agreement. There is currently no evidence to suggest that a delay in aneurysm surgery of around nine months has a detrimental effect to either mortality or morbidity rates. Those patients falling just below the threshold for aneurysm (2.5–3.0 cm) remain a subject of review.
CXCL13 plus interleukin 10 is highly specific for the diagnosis of CNS lymphoma
Authors: Rubenstein James L. , Wong Valerie S. , Kadoch Cigall , Gao Hua-Xin , Barajas Ramon , Chen Lingjing , Josephson S. Andrew , Scott Brian , Douglas Vanja , Maiti Mekhala , Kaplan Lawrence D. , Treseler Patrick A. , Cha Soonmee , Hwang Jimmy H. , Cinque Paola , Cyster Jason G. , Lowell Clifford 
Published: April 2013

Key PointsCXCL13 and CXCL12 mediate chemotaxis of CNS lymphoma cells, and CXCL13 concentration in CSF is prognostic. CXCL13 plus IL-10 is highly specific for the diagnosis of CNS lymphoma.