bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Airborne Measurements of Coastal Jet Transition around Point Conception, California
Authors: Rahn David A. , Parish Thomas R. , Leon David 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Low-level winds along the Californian coast during spring and early summer are typically strong and contained within the cool, well-mixed marine boundary layer (MBL). A temperature inversion separates the MBL from the warmer free troposphere. This setup is often represented by a two-layer shallow-water system with a lateral boundary. Near a prominent point such as Point Conception, California, the fast-moving MBL flow is supercritical and can exhibit distinct features including a compression bulge and an expansion fan. Measurements from the University of Wyoming King Air research aircraft on 19 May 2012 during the Precision Atmospheric MBL Experiment (PreAMBLE) captured wind in excess of 14 m s−1 off of Point Conception under clear skies and wind ~2 m s−1 east of San Miguel in the California Bight. A compression bulge was identified upwind of Point Conception. When the flow rounds the point, the MBL undergoes a near collapse and there is a spike in MBL height embedded in the general decrease of MBL height with greater turbulence just downwind that is associated with greater mixing through the inversion layer. Lidar and in situ measurements reveal that transport of continental aerosol is present near the pronounced MBL height change and that there is a complex vertical structure within the Santa Barbara Channel. Horizontal pressure gradients are obtained by measuring the slope of an isobaric surface. Observations of wind and pressure perturbations are able to be linked through a simple Bernoulli relationship. Variation of MBL depth explains most, but not all of the variation of the isobaric surface.
Immunological detection of large oxidized lipoproteins in hypertriglyceridemic serum
Authors: Sakurai Toshihiro , Wada Norio , Takahashi Yuji , Ichikawa Ayako , Ikuta Akiko , Furumaki Hiroaki , Hui Shu-Ping , Jin Shigeki , Takeda Seiji , Fuda Hirotoshi , Fujikawa Masato , Shimizu Chikara , Nagasaka Hironori , Furukawa Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Seiichi , Chiba Hitoshi 
Published: July 2013

Background Triglyceride-rich, low-density lipoproteins (TG-rich LDL) have been reported as an oxidized lipoprotein species in patients with severe liver disease. Using TG-rich LDL as an immunogen, we obtained a monoclonal antibody (G11-6) that reacted with TG-rich LDL from patients with liver disease and with metal-oxidized LDL only in the early process of the oxidation reaction. This study determined the G11-6-reactive lipoproteins in hypertriglyceridemic serum. Methods Serum samples from healthy volunteers ( n = 12) and hypertriglyceridemic patients ( n = 9) were fractionated by gel filtration and subjected to a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using G11-6 and polyclonal anti-apolipoprotein B antibodies. Results Small LDL and larger lipoproteins reacted with G11-6. G11-6-reactive small LDL was identified in both the healthy subjects and hypertriglyceridemic patients, whereas G11-6-reactive larger lipoproteins were found only in the hypertriglyceridemic patients. Conclusions G11-6 is a useful tool for detecting increased large oxidized lipoproteins in hypertriglyceridemic patients.
Chronic venous disease: Correlation between ultrasound findings and the clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophysiologic classification
Authors: Matić Predrag A , Vlajinac Hristina D , Marinković Jelena M , Maksimović Miloš Ž , Radak Đorđe J 
Published: July 2013

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate association between clinical manifestation of chronic venous disease and the presence and severity of functional venous disease. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 towns in Serbia. All men and women aged >18 years, consecutively coming to venous specialists (47 specialists) were included in the study. Patients who were previously treated for chronic venous disease were excluded. Patients were classified according to the clinical category of clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophysiologic classification for chronic venous disease. Reflux and/or obstruction were determined by using a color duplex ultrasound. Results The study included 1679 chronic venous disease patients. Color duplex ultrasound was performed in 1029 (61.3%) of them who formed the final study group. Reflux was found in 76.8% of patients – 53.1% had reflux in superficial, 7.2% in deep and 16.1% in perforator veins. Obstruction was found in 31.9% of patients – superficial in 14.8% of patients and deep in 16.9%. Deep obstruction was even found in clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophysiologic C0s-C1 categories. Reflux and obstruction combined were revealed in 19.1% of patients. Reflux in deep and perforator veins and reflux and obstruction combined were significantly associated with clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophysiologic clinical categories being the most frequent in patients with venous ulcers. Conclusion Clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophysiologic clinical categories of chronic venous disease are strongly correlated with functional disease especially with reflux in deep and perforator veins, and reflux and obstruction combined. The presence of deep obstruction in patients with chronic venous disease belonging to clinical, etiologic, anatomic and pathophysiologic C0s-C1 category could justify recommendation for color duplex ultrasonography in all patients with symptoms of chronic venous disease but without clear clinical signs.
Intrathecal baclofen in multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury: complications and long-term dosage evolution
Authors: Draulans Nathalie , Vermeersch Kristof , Degraeuwe Bart , Meurrens Tom , Peers Koen , Nuttin Bart , Kiekens Carlotte 
Published: July 2013

Objective: To investigate the long-term dosage evolution and complication rate of intrathecal baclofen use in multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury patients, based on a large population with a long follow-up. Design: Retrospective data analysis Setting: Academic hospital Subjects: Patients with multiple sclerosis ( n = 81) or spinal cord injury ( n = 49) having an intrathecal baclofen pump implanted at the University Hospitals Leuven between 1988 and 2009. Intervention: Medical records review of included patients in August 2010. Main measures: Complications linked to intrathecal baclofen therapy. Daily baclofen dosage after 3 and 6 months, and yearly thereafter. Data on dosage evolution were analysed using a mixed-effect linear model. Results: In 130 patients with a mean follow-up of 63 months, comprising 797 pump years, 104 complications were recorded. This corresponds to a complication rate of 0.011 per month, equally divided among both groups. Seventy-eight of these complications were catheter related. The mean dosage of baclofen stabilizes two years after implantation at 323 µg/day in the multiple sclerosis population. In spinal cord injury patients the daily dose only stabilizes after five years at a significantly higher dosage (504 µg/day). No significant increase in dosage is seen in the long term. Conclusions: In multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury patients, intrathecal baclofen therapy has a complication rate of 1% per month. Complications are mainly due to catheter-related problems (74%). The intrathecal baclofen dosage stabilizes in the long term, indicating that long-term tolerance, defined as progressive diminution of the susceptibility to the effects of a drug, is not present.
A multicentre cluster-randomized controlled study to evaluate a train-the-trainer programme for implementing internal and external participation in medical rehabilitation
Authors: Koerner Mirjam , Wirtz Markus , Michaelis Martina , Ehrhardt Heike , Steger Anne-Kathrin , Zerpies Eva , Bengel Jürgen 
Published: July 2013

Objective: Evaluation of the effect of the train-the-trainer programme ‘Fit for Shared Decision-Making’ on internal (team) and external (patient) participation in medical rehabilitation from a patient and staff perspective. Design: A multicentre, cluster-randomized controlled study. Setting: Eleven medical rehabilitation clinics, divided into intervention and control groups. Subjects: A staff and a patient survey were conducted pre- and post-intervention, plus a further patient survey six months later. Intervention: Train-the-trainer programme ‘Fit for Shared Decision-Making’ for interprofessional settings. Main measures: Each survey measured internal participation with a self-compiled six-item scale (Internal Participation Scale, IPS), and external participation by means of a nine-item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) for the patients and for healthcare professionals. Results: Patient samples numbered 402 for the pre-, 463 for the post-intervention data collection period and 461 six months after the intervention. Patients’ appraisal of external participation (Fperiod x group (2) = 0.256, p=0.774, η2=0.000) showed no change, whereas internal participation (Fperiod x group (2) = 3.785, p=0.023, η2=0.007) showed a significant increase. A total of 195 healthcare professionals participated in the pre- and 168 in the post-intervention staff survey. Here external participation was significantly enhanced in the intervention group (Fperiod x group (1) = 4.893, p=0.028, η2=0.014). Conclusions: The train-the-trainer approach can be recommended for implementing internal and external participation in interprofessional settings such as medical rehabilitation clinics. However, there is a need for more intensive staff training for internal participation and an additional intervention for patients to achieve success in all aspects.
Serum concentrations of A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 9 (ADAM9) mRNA as a promising novel marker for the detection of pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Liu Jingyu , Zhu Yong , Pei Qi , Di Jinan , Zhang Suwen 
Published: July 2013

Aims This prospective study investigated the potential role of serum A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 9 (ADAM9) mRNA in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis from other diseases with similar clinical presentations, such as tuberculosis (TB). Methods Serum samples were collected from patients with sarcoidosis, and compared with those from patients with TB and healthy control subjects. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the concentration of ADAM9 mRNA relative to the internal control, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Results A total of 100 patients with sarcoidosis were compared with 50 patients with TB and 50 healthy control subjects. The serum concentration of ADAM9 mRNA in patients with sarcoidosis was significantly lower than that in healthy control subjects and patients with TB. The serum concentration of ADAM9 mRNA in patients with TB was significantly higher than that in healthy control subjects. Conclusion These data suggest that serum ADAM9 mRNA might be a potential biomarker for the differential diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis.
CT and MRI Measurements of Tibial Tubercle–Trochlear Groove Distances Are Not Equivalent in Patients With Patellar Instability
Authors: Camp Christopher L. , Stuart Michael J. , Krych Aaron J. , Levy Bruce A. , Bond Jeffrey R. , Collins Mark S. , Dahm Diane L. 
Published: July 2013

Background: Tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) is a commonly used measurement for surgical decision making in patients with patellofemoral malalignment and instability. This measurement has historically been performed utilizing axial computed tomography (CT). More recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed as an equivalent method, but this has not yet been fully validated. Purpose: To determine the reliability of TT-TG distance measurements on both MRI and CT and to determine whether the measurements are interchangeable with one another. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: All patients with patellar instability who underwent both CT and MRI of the knee from 2003 to 2011 were included (n = 59 knees in 54 patients). Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists measured the TT-TG distances for each patient by CT and MRI in a randomized, blinded fashion. Interobserver reliability was calculated between radiologists for both imaging modalities, and intermethod reliability was calculated between the 2 imaging modalities. The results are reported using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman analysis. Results: The 59 knees had a mean TT-TG distance of 16.9 mm (range, 8.3-25.8 mm) by CT and 14.7 mm (range, 1.5-25.1 mm) by MRI. Interobserver reliability between the radiologists was considered excellent for both CT and MRI (ICC = 0.777 and 0.843, respectively). When comparing CT to MRI, the ICC was considered only fair for each of the raters (0.532 and 0.539). Eleven patients (19%) had a TT-TG distance of ≥20 mm on CT preoperatively and underwent distal realignment by tibial tubercle osteotomy. In this surgical subgroup, the mean TT-TG distance was 22.5 mm (range, 19.8-25.8 mm) by CT and only 18.7 mm (range, 14.4-22.8 mm) by MRI for a mean difference of 3.80 mm ( P < .001). Conclusion: The TT-TG distance can be measured with excellent interrater reliability on both MRI and CT; however, the values derived from these 2 tests may not be interchangeable. This observation should be taken into consideration when MRI is used for surgical planning because MRI may underestimate the TT-TG distance when compared with CT.
Exposure to priority organochlorine contaminants in the Italian general population. Part 2
Authors: Mrema EJ , Rubino FM , Mandic-Rajcevic S , Sturchio E , Turci R , Osculati A , Brambilla G , Minoia C , Colosio C 
Published: July 2013

Concentrations of 36 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were measured in serum of 372 Italian residents of general population living in Novafeltria, Pavia, and Milan. Total PCB level differed significantly between these sites ( p < 0.0001) with median concentrations of 836.50, 1354.57, and 2062.08 pmol/g lipid, respectively. However, there is no evidence for the difference in distribution of total PCB levels by genders. Total dioxin-like PCBs differed significantly ( p < 0.0001) between the sites (median 109.78, 50.88, and 166.99 pmol/g lipid, respectively) and genders of Novafeltria and Pavia ( p = 0.011 and 0.009, respectively). PCB 138, 153, 170, and 180 differed significantly between the places of residence ( p < 0.0001) with higher values in Milan population. In the overall population, total PCB and PCB 138, 153, 156, 170, and 180 correlated positively with age (correlations range between 0.320 and 0.569, p < 0.0001). In Novafeltria, the correlations ranged between 0.545 and 0.670, and in Pavia, the correlations ranged between 0.516 and 0.666. In Milan, correlations with age range between 0.327 and 0.417 for total PCB and congeners 138, 153, and 180. With an exception of PCB 170, there was no evidence of significant difference in the distribution of most abundant PCB congeners and total PCB across the body mass index categories.
Mestizos with systemic lupus erythematosus develop renal disease early while antimalarials retard its appearance: Data from a Latin American cohort
Authors: Pons-Estel GJ , Alarcón GS , Burgos PI , Hachuel L , Boggio G , Wojdyla D , Nieto R , Alvarellos A , Catoggio LJ , Guibert-Toledano M , Sarano J , Massardo L , Vásquez GM , Iglesias-Gamarra A , Costallat LT Lavras , Da Silva NA , Alfaro JL , Abadi I , Segami MI , Huerta G , Cardiel MH , Pons-Estel BA 
Published: July 2013

Objectives The objective of this paper is to assess the predictors of time-to-lupus renal disease in Latin American patients. Methods Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients ( n = 1480) from Grupo Latino Americano De Estudio de Lupus (GLADEL’s) longitudinal inception cohort were studied. Endpoint was ACR renal criterion development after SLE diagnosis (prevalent cases excluded). Renal disease predictors were examined by univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Antimalarials were considered time dependent in alternative analyses. Results Of the entire cohort, 265 patients (17.9%) developed renal disease after entering the cohort. Of them, 88 (33.2%) developed persistent proteinuria, 44 (16.6%) cellular casts and 133 (50.2%) both; 233 patients (87.9%) were women; mean (± SD) age at diagnosis was 28.0 (11.9) years; 12.2% were African-Latin Americans, 42.5% Mestizos, and 45.3% Caucasians ( p = 0.0016). Mestizo ethnicity (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.19–2.17), hypertension (HR 3.99, 95% CI 3.02–5.26) and SLEDAI at diagnosis (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.06) were associated with a shorter time-to-renal disease occurrence; antimalarial use (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43–0.77), older age at onset (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85–0.95, for every five years) and photosensitivity (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56–0.98) were associated with a longer time. Alternative model results were consistent with the antimalarial protective effect (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50–0.99). Conclusions Our data strongly support the fact that Mestizo patients are at increased risk of developing renal disease early while antimalarials seem to delay the appearance of this SLE manifestation. These data have important implications for the treatment of these patients regardless of their geographic location.
Association of MeCP2 (rs2075596, rs2239464) genetic polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu K , Zhang L , Chen J , Hu Z , Cai G , Hong Q 
Published: July 2013

Objective Limited studies have shown an association between the methyl-CpG-binding protein2 ( MeCp2) genetic polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in different populations, but the results are inconclusive. In order to get a precise and systematic estimation, a meta-analysis was performed. Methods A systematic literature search using English and Chinese databases (PubMed/Medline, Web of Knowledge, Wanfang Data (Chinese), etc.) for the eligible studies was performed. Based on heterogeneity among studies, random- or fixed-effects models were selected to analyze the risk of SLE associated with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MeCP2 genetic polymorphisms. Results A significant increased risk of both SNPs of MeCP2 genetic variances associated with SLE was found. Analysis using a fixed-effects model found an increased risk of SLE with the A allele of rs2075596 (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.34 to 1.49, p < 0.001), and the random-effects model also identified a risk factor of A allele of rs2239464 (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.49, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis suggested that the major source of between-study heterogeneity stemmed from the difference between diverse ethnic groups. After omitting the smallest study, no publication bias was found, which further confirmed the reliability and stability of the meta-analysis. Conclusions Mutations of SNPs ( rs2075596, rs2239464) of MeCP2 showed increased risk of developing SLE. Large-scale multicenter epidemiological studies in selected populations with other risk factors are urgently required.
Cortical lesion load correlates with diffuse injury of multiple sclerosis normal appearing white matter
Authors: Mistry Niraj , Abdel-Fahim Rasha , Mougin Olivier , Tench Christopher , Gowland Penny , Evangelou Nikos 
Published: July 2013

Background: Degeneration of central nervous system normal appearing white matter (NAWM) underlies disability and progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). Axon loss typifies NAWM degeneration. Objective: The objective of this paper is to assess correlation between cortical lesion load and magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR) of the NAWM in MS. This was in order to test the hypothesis that cortical lesions cause NAWM degeneration. Methods: Nineteen patients with MS underwent 7 Tesla magnetisation-prepared-rapid-acquisition-gradient-echo (MPRAGE), and magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR) brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cortical lesions were identified using MPRAGE and MTR images of cortical ribbons. White matter lesions (WMLs) were segmented using MPRAGE images. WML maps were subtracted from white matter volumes to produce NAWM masks. Pearson correlation was calculated for NAWM MTR vs cortical lesion load, and WML volumes. Results: Cortical lesion volumes and counts all had significant correlation with NAWM mean MTR. The strongest correlation was with cortical lesion volumes obtained using MTR images ( r = −0.6874, p = 0.0006). WML volume had no significant correlation with NAWM mean MTR ( r = −0.08706, p = 0.3615). Conclusion: Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that cortical lesions cause NAWM degeneration. This implicates cortical lesions in the pathogenesis of NAWM axon loss, which underpins long-term disability and progression in MS.
Mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus: magnitude of the evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nwaneri Chukwuemeka , Cooper Helen , Bowen-Jones David 
Published: July 2013

Background: Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increase in age-related mortality. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to define the relative risks (RR) of all-cause or cause-specific mortality in type 2 diabetes and to determine gaps in current research. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was undertaken for studies (published 1990–2010) on mortality in type 2 diabetes. The study reports on the measure of mortality as defined by RR for all-cause and cause-specific mortality, heterogeneity, sensitivity analyses and biases. Results: In total 35 studies (220,689 patients; mean follow-up of 10.7 years) were eligible for inclusion: 33 studies reported increased mortality risks; 24 had full data on 95% confidence intervals (CIs), one study reported no excess mortality in men diagnosed after 65 years whereas three reported increased mortality in similar age groups in both sexes. Meta-analysis showed RR = 1.85 (95% CI 1.79–1.92) for all-cause mortality [men RR=1.57 (95% CI 1.46–1.68); women RR=2.0 (95% CI 1.89–2.12)], RR=1.76 (95% CI 1.66–1.88) for cardiovascular mortality and RR=2.26 (95% CI: 1.7-3.02) for stroke. There was no statistically significant evidence of publication bias. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes increases mortality approximately two-fold increase and macrovascular disease is the principal cause of death.