bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A potential bio-filler: The substitution effect of furfural modified clam shell for carbonate calcium in polypropylene
Authors: Xia Mei-sheng , Yao Zhi-tong , Ge Liu-qin , Chen Tao , Li Hai-yan 
Published: March 2014

Shell waste has the potential to be used as a bio-filler. In this work, the commercial calcium carbonate and furfural modified clam shell were used as fillers in polypropylene. Both fillers were characterized and analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer, particle size analyzer, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurement. The mechanical and thermal properties of unfilled polypropylene and polypropylene composites were investigated as well. X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectrometer analysis indicated that the major phase of calcium carbonate was calcite; of modified clam shell, calcite and aragonite. The calcium carbonate displayed a cubic-like morphology with a smaller particle size as compared with that of modified clam shell. The contact angle measurements indicated that calcium carbonate was fully hydrophobic, while modified clam shell was amphiphilic. Thermal gravimetric analyses confirmed the reinforcement effects of both calcium carbonate and modified clam shell in polypropylene composites. Mechanical property studies showed that the inclusion of modified clam shell played the role mainly of toughening the polypropylene; of calcium carbonate, that of reinforcing, with a nonsignificant toughening effect. The optimal filler ratio of modified clam shell could reach 15 wt.%, as compared with 10 wt.% for calcium carbonate, making it possible for substituting calcium carbonate in polypropylene.
Regression Discontinuity Design in Criminal Justice Evaluation
Authors: Rhodes William , Jalbert Sarah Kuck 
Published: March 2014

Background: Corrections agencies frequently place offenders into risk categories, within which offenders receive different levels of supervision and programming. This supervision strategy is seldom evaluated but often can be through routine use of a regression discontinuity design (RDD). This article argues that RDD provides a rigorous and cost-effective method for correctional agencies to evaluate and improve supervision strategies and advocates for using RDD routinely in corrections administration. The objective is to better employ correctional resources. Method: This article uses a Neyman–Pearson counterfactual framework to introduce readers to RDD, to provide intuition for why RDD should be used broadly, and to motivate a deeper reading into the methodology. The article also illustrates an application of RDD to evaluate an intensive supervision program for probationers. Result: Application of the RDD, which requires basic knowledge of regressions and some special diagnostic tools, is within the competencies of many criminal justice evaluators. RDD is shown to be an effective strategy to identify the treatment effect in a community corrections agency using supervision that meets the necessary conditions for RDD. Conclusion: The article concludes with a critical review of how RDD compares to experimental methods to answer policy questions. The article recommends using RDD to evaluate whether differing levels of control and correction reduce criminal recidivism. It also advocates for routine use of RDD as an administrative tool to determine cut points used to assign offenders into different risk categories based on the offenders’ risk scores.
Diffusion-weighted MRI compared to FDG PET/CT for assessment of early treatment response in lymphoma
Authors: Hagtvedt Trond , Seierstad Therese , Lund Kjersti V , Løndalen Ayca M , Bogsrud Trond V , Smith Hans-Jørgen , Geier Oliver M , Holte Harald , Aaløkken Trond Mogens 
Published: March 2014

Background 18F fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET/CT) is a well-recognized diagnostic tool used for staging and monitoring of therapy response for lymphomas. During the past decade diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being included in the assessment of tumor response for various cancers. Purpose To compare the change in maximum standardized uptake value (ΔSUVmax) from FDG PET/CT with the change in apparent diffusion coefficient (ΔADC) from DW MRI after initiation of the first cycle of chemotherapy in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Material and Methods Twenty-seven consecutive patients with histologically proven lymphoma and lymphomatous lymph nodes (LLN) of the neck (19 with HL, 8 with DLBCL) underwent FDG PET/CT and MRI of the neck before and after initiation of the first cycle of chemotherapy. The mean time interval from initiation of chemotherapy to imaging was 19 days and 2 days for FDG PET/CT and MRI, respectively. For each patient ΔSUVmax, ΔADC, and change in volume of the same LLN were compared. Results There was a significant mean decrease of SUVmax by 70%, but no significant change in ADC. There was no significant reduction in LLN volume. Conclusion There was no significant correlation between ΔSUVmax and ΔADC. Thus, our data do not support that FDG PET/CT can be replaced by early DW MRI for response evaluation in lymphoma patients.
A Cam Deformity Is Gradually Acquired During Skeletal Maturation in Adolescent and Young Male Soccer Players
Authors: Agricola Rintje , Heijboer Marinus P. , Ginai Abida Z. , Roels Pauline , Zadpoor Amir A. , Verhaar Jan A.N. , Weinans Harrie , Waarsing Jan H. 
Published: March 2014

Background: A cam deformity is a major risk factor for hip osteoarthritis, and its formation is thought to be influenced by high-impact sporting activities during growth. Purpose: To (1) prospectively study whether a cam deformity can evolve over time in adolescents and whether its formation only occurs during skeletal maturation and (2) examine whether clinical or radiographic features can predict the formation of a cam deformity. Study Design: Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Preprofessional soccer players (N = 63; mean age, 14.43 years; range, 12-19 years) participated both at baseline and follow-up (mean follow-up, 2.4 ± 0.06 years). At both time points, standardized anteroposterior and frog-leg lateral radiographs were obtained. For each hip, the α angle was measured, and the anterosuperior head-neck junction was classified by a 3-point visual system as normal, flattened, or having a prominence. Differences between baseline and follow-up values for the α angle and the prevalence of each visual hip classification were calculated. Additionally, the amount of internal hip rotation, growth plate extension into the neck, and neck shaft angle were determined. Results: Overall, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of a cam deformity during follow-up. In boys aged 12 and 13 years at baseline, the prevalence of a flattened head-neck junction increased significantly during follow-up (13.6% to 50.0%; P = .002). In all hips with an open growth plate at baseline, the prevalence of a prominence increased from 2.1% to 17.7% ( P = .002). After closure of the proximal femoral growth plate, there was no significant increase in the prevalence or increase in severity of a cam deformity. The α angle increased significantly from 59.4° at baseline to 61.3° at follow-up ( P = .018). The amount of growth plate extension was significantly associated with the α angle and hip classification ( P = .001). A small neck shaft angle and limited internal rotation were associated with cam deformities and could also significantly predict the formation of cam deformities (α angle >60°) at follow-up. Conclusion: In youth soccer players, cam deformities gradually develop during skeletal maturation and are probably stable from the time of growth plate closure. The formation of a cam deformity might be prevented by adjusting athletic activities during a small period of skeletal growth, which will have a major effect on the prevalence of hip osteoarthritis.
Polymorphism in Cytochrome P450 2D6, Glutathione S-Transferases Pi 1 Genes, and Organochlorine Pesticides in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Singh Neeraj Kumar , Banerjee B. D. , Bala Kiran , Basu Mitra , Chhillar Neelam 
Published: March 2014

Objectives: It has been assumed that the association between Alzheimer disease (AD) and pesticides may be stronger among genetically susceptible individuals. The aim of the study was to examine the genetic polymorphism in cytochrome P450 2D6 ( CYP2D6) and glutathione S-transferases pi 1 ( GSTP1) with respect to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and metals in AD. Methods: This study included 100 patients with AD and 100 age-matched controls. The genetic polymorphisms were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. The OCPs and serum metal levels were determined using gas chromatography and an autoanalyzer, respectively. Results: We found a statistically significant association between AD and high levels of β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH; odds ratio [OR] = 2.064, 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs] = 1.373-3.102, dieldrin [OR = 2.086, 95% CI = 1.224-3.555], and copper [OR = 1.038, 95% CI = 1.012-1.064). The significant low level of magnesium (OR = 0.151, 95% CI = 0.047-0.489) even appears to have a protective role against AD. The GSTP1*B ( P = .009) and GSTP1*C ( P = .011) allelic variants were associated with increase in AD risk. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the GSTP1*B and *C allelic variants may be considered a candidate gene for AD. It can be suggested that although CYP2D6*4 polymorphism is not a risk of AD, the CYP2D6*4 and GSTP1 polymorphism may interact with β-HCH, dieldrin, and copper to influence the risk of AD.
The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Inpatient Outcomes After Isolated Ankle Fractures
Authors: Menendez Mariano E. , Neuhaus Valentin , Bot Arjan G. J. , Ring David , Johnson A. Holly 
Published: March 2014

Background: Metabolic syndrome has been associated with increased morbidity following surgical procedures, yet its impact in acute orthopaedic trauma remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of metabolic syndrome on in-hospital (1) complications, (2) length of stay, and (3) nonroutine discharge in patients sustaining an isolated ankle fracture. Methods: Using the National Health Discharge Survey (NHDS) database for the years 2001 through 2007, an estimated 669 841 patients with isolated ankle fractures treated operatively were identified and separated into groups with and without metabolic syndrome. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed for each of the outcome variables. Results: Metabolic syndrome was an independent risk factor for increased nonroutine discharge (OR = 1.8) and the development of in-hospital complications (OR = 2.1). The presence of metabolic syndrome was not an independent risk factor for prolonged hospital stay. Conclusion: Patients with metabolic syndrome sustaining an isolated ankle fracture are at increased risk for in-hospital complications and a less rapid return of independent functional mobility, as evidenced by the higher need for posthospitalization care. Level of Evidence: Level III, epidemiologic study.
Validity of a simple Internet-based outcome-prediction tool in patients with total hip replacement: a pilot study
Authors: Stöckli Cornel , Theiler Robert , Sidelnikov Eduard , Balsiger Maria , Ferrari Stephen M , Buchzig Beatus , Uehlinger Kurt , Riniker Christoph , Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A 
Published: March 2014

Summary We developed a user-friendly Internet-based tool for patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR) due to osteoarthritis to predict their pain and function after surgery. In the first step, the key questions were identified by statistical modelling in a data set of 375 patients undergoing THR. Based on multiple regression, we identified the two most predictive WOMAC questions for pain and the three most predictive WOMAC questions for functional outcome, while controlling for comorbidity, body mass index, age, gender and specific comorbidities relevant to the outcome. In the second step, a pilot study was performed to validate the resulting tool against the full WOMAC questionnaire among 108 patients undergoing THR. The mean difference between observed (WOMAC) and model-predicted value was −1.1 points (95% confidence interval, CI −3.8, 1.5) for pain and −2.5 points (95% CI −5.3, 0.3) for function. The model-predicted value was within 20% of the observed value in 48% of cases for pain and in 57% of cases for function. The tool demonstrated moderate validity, but performed weakly for patients with extreme levels of pain and extreme functional limitations at 3 months post surgery. This may have been partly due to early complications after surgery. However, the outcome-prediction tool may be useful in helping patients to become better informed about the realistic outcome of their THR.
Exenatide protects against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis by improving mitochondrial function in H9c2 cells
Authors: Chang Guanglei , Zhang Dongying , Liu Jian , Zhang Peng , Ye Lin , Lu Kai , Duan Qin , Zheng Aihua , Qin Shu 
Published: March 2014

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues might exert the cardioprotective effects via attenuating apoptosis. This study aimed to determine the protective effects and mechanism of exenatide, a GLP-1 analogue, on cardiomyocyte apoptosis using an in vitro model of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). H9c2 cells were employed to establish an in vitro model of H/R. 200 nM exenatide pretreatment significantly reduced apoptosis measured by flow cytometry. To further study the antiapoptotic mechanism of exenatide, we used flow cytometry in combination with laser confocal microscopy to determine the interaction between exenatide and the process of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. We found that exenatide pretreatment reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and decreased the mitochondrial calcium overload caused by H/R. Furthermore, an increase of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) levels, a decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), a reduction of cytochrome-c release, a decline of cleaved caspase-3 expression, and caspase-3 activation were observed in exenatide-pretreated cultures. These results suggest that exenatide exerts a protective effect on preventing against H/R-induced apoptosis. Importantly, the protective effects of exenatide may be attributed to its role in improving mitochondrial function in H9c2 cells subjected to H/R.
Distinct Effect of TCF4 on the NFκB Pathway in Human Primary Chondrocytes and the C20/A4 Chondrocyte Cell Line
Authors: Landman E.B.M. , Periyasamy P.C. , van Blitterswijk C.A. , Post J.N. , Karperien M. 
Published: March 2014

Objective: Previous studies indicated a difference in crosstalk between canonical WNT pathway and nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) signaling in human and animal chondrocytes. To assess whether the differences found were dependent on cell types used, we tested the effect of WNT modulation on NFκB signaling in human primary articular chondrocytes in comparison with the immortalized human costal chondrocyte cell line C20/A4. Design: We used gene expression analysis to study the effect of WNT modulation on IL1β-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression as well as on WNT and NFκB target gene expression. In addition, we tested the involvement of RelA and TCF4 on activation of the WNT and NFκB pathway by TCF/LEF and NFκB reporter experiments, respectively. Results: We found an inhibitory effect of both induction and inhibition of WNT signaling on IL1β-induced MMP mRNA expression in primary chondrocytes, whereas WNT modulation did not affect MMP expression in C20/A4 cells. Furthermore, TCF/LEF and NFκB reporter activation and WNT and NFκB target gene expression were regulated differentially by TCF4 and RelA in a cell type–dependent manner. Additionally, we found significantly higher mRNA and protein expression of TCF4 and RelA in C20/A4 cells in comparison with primary chondrocytes. Conclusions: We conclude that WNT modulation of NFκB is, at least in part, cell type dependent and that the observed differences are likely because of impaired sensitivity of the NFκB pathway in C20/A4 cells to modulations in WNT signaling. This might be caused by higher basal levels of TCF4 and RelA in C20/A4 cells compared to primary chondrocytes.
Emerging roles for platelets as immune and inflammatory cells
Authors: Morrell Craig N. , Aggrey Angela A. , Chapman Lesley M. , Modjeski Kristina L. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractDespite their small size and anucleate status, platelets have diverse roles in vascular biology. Not only are platelets the cellular mediator of thrombosis, but platelets are also immune cells that initiate and accelerate many vascular inflammatory conditions. Platelets are linked to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, malaria infection, transplant rejection, and rheumatoid arthritis. In some contexts, platelet immune functions are protective, whereas in others platelets contribute to adverse inflammatory outcomes. In this review, we will discuss platelet and platelet-derived mediator interactions with the innate and acquired arms of the immune system and platelet-vessel wall interactions that drive inflammatory disease. There have been many recent publications indicating both important protective and adverse roles for platelets in infectious disease. Because of this new accumulating data, and the fact that infectious disease continues to be a leading cause of death globally, we will also focus on new and emerging concepts related to platelet immune and inflammatory functions in the context of infectious disease.
GPs Meet Rare Lung Disorders Task Force factsheet: a-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Balbi Bruno 
Published: March 2014

Definition
a-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disorder that manifests as pulmonary emphysema, liver cirrhosis and, rarely, as the skin disease panniculitis, or as vasculitis and is characterised by low serum levels of AAT, the main protease inhibitor in human serum.

Key messages

Think about AATD if your patient had emphysema at younger age.

Assess the levels of blood AAT to ascertain the diagnosis by the finding of reduced levels.

Refer the patient to a Department with experience in lung/liver manifestations of AATD.

Follow the patient longitudinally in collaboration with the reference center. Issues to consider are replacement therapy (if needed or available) and clinical evolution toward respiratory or liver failure.
Epigenetics and prenatal influences on asthma and allergic airways disease
Authors: Yang Ivana V. 
Published: March 2014

Educational aimsDescribe how genetic studies have explained a small portion of asthma heritabilityDiscuss how epigenetic marks are influenced by the environment and are important in T-cell lineage differentiationDescribe animal studies of the role of DNA methylation in the development of allergic airway diseaseSummarise human studies on the role of DNA methylation in asthma and allergy
How to: Bronchial thermoplasty in asthma
Authors: Bicknell Stephen , Chaudhuri Rekha , Thomson Neil C. 
Published: March 2014

Educational aimsTo provide an overview on how to perform bronchial thermoplasty for the treatment of asthmaTo summarise the development, mode of action and evidence for the effectiveness of bronchial thermoplasty as well as its place in the management of asthmaSummaryBronchial thermoplasty, which involves the delivery of radio frequency energy to the airways, is a nonpharmacological intervention developed for the treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma. The mode of action of bronchial thermoplasty is not established, but could be due to reduction in airway smooth muscle mass induced by thermal energy. Bronchial thermoplasty results in modest improvements in asthma quality of life questionnaire scores and clinically worthwhile reductions in severe exacerbations and emergency department visits in the year post-treatment, which may persist for up to 5 years.The procedure involves systematic, controlled heating of the airways using dedicated radiofrequency equipment during a series of three bronchoscopy sessions. Bronchial thermoplasty causes short-term increases in asthma-related morbidity, including hospital admissions. Follow-up data, to date, supports the long-term safety of the procedure. Bronchial thermoplasty is a novel treatment option for selected patients with moderate-to-severe asthma that is poorly controlled despite maximal therapy.Key pointsBronchial thermoplasty, which involves the delivery of radio frequency energy to the airways, is a nonpharmacological intervention developed for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe asthma that is poorly controlled despite maximal therapyRandomised controlled clinical trials of bronchial thermoplasty in patients with moderate and severe asthma have shown modest improvements in asthma quality of life and clinically worthwhile reductions in severe exacerbations and emergency department visitsThe treatment involves three bronchoscopy sessions with repeated, precise and carefully recorded activations of a radiofrequency catheter within the medium and large airwaysBronchial thermoplasty causes short-term increases in asthma-related morbidity including increased admissions to hospital for asthma; follow-up data, to date, supports the longterm safety of the procedure
A common cause of sudden and thunderclap headaches: reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome
Authors: Cheng Yu-Chen , Kuo Kuei-Hong , Lai Tzu-Hsien 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThunderclap headache (TCH) is a sudden headache (SH) with accepted criteria of severe intensity and onset to peak within one minute. It is a well-known presentation for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) but most patients with TCH or SH run a benign course without identifiable causes. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), a recently recognized syndrome characterized by recurrent TCH attacks, has been proposed to account for most of these patients.MethodsWe recruited consecutive patients presenting with SH at our headache clinic. Computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging with angiography were performed to exclude structural causes and to identify vasoconstriction. Catheter angiography and lumbar puncture were performed with patients consent. Reversibility of vasoconstriction was confirmed by follow-up study.ResultsFrom July 2010 to June 2013, 31 patients with SH were recruited. Twenty-four (72.7%) of these SH patients exhibited headache fulfilling the TCH criteria. The diagnosis of RCVS was confirmed in 14 (45.2%) of patients with SH and 11 (45.8%) of patients with TCH. Other diagnoses were as follows: primary headaches (SH: 41.9%, TCH: 45.8%) and other secondary causes (SH: 12.9%, TCH: 8.3%). Compared with non-RCVS patients, patients with RCVS were older (50.8 ± 9.3 years vs. 40.8 ± 10.0 years,P = 0.006) and less likely to experience short headache duration of < 1 hour (23.1% vs. 78.6%,P = 0.007). Patients with RCVS were more likely to cite bathing (42.9% vs. 0%,P = 0.004) and less likely to cite exertion (0% vs. 29.4%,P = 0.048) as headache triggers.ConclusionsReversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is a common cause of SH and TCH. Considering the potential mortality and morbidity of RCVS, systemic examination of cerebral vessels should be performed in these patients.