bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of systemic oxygen consumption in patients during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation — description of a new method and the first clinical observations
Authors: Cheypesh A , Yu X , Li J 
Published: July 2013

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides temporary life-saving support for patients with severe cardiac failure, but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While ECMO enables oxygen delivery (DO2), little is known about oxygen consumption (VO2), largely due to technical difficulties. We aimed to introduce the adaptation of respiratory mass spectrometry to measure VO2 in patients during ECMO and to use this unique model to determine the pathological dependency of VO2 on DO2 in humans. Methods and Patients: Respiratory mass spectrometry remains the ‘state-of-the-art’ method, allowing the highly sensitive and rapid measurement of VO2 in critically ill patients. The principle and design of the respiratory mass spectrometer are described, together with the setting up of this machine with the ECMO oxygenator and the native lungs of the patients. In two patients with severe dilated cardiomyopathy and little cardiac contraction, the decrease in pump flow and, hence, DO2 by 20% was associated with a decrease in VO2 by 5% and 8%, respectively, whereas the increase in pump flow was not associated with any significant change in VO2. Conclusions: The direct measurement of VO2 by respiratory mass spectrometry in ECMO patients provides a unique technique for clinical research on the metabolism and VO2-DO2 relationship in this special group of critically ill patients. Our pilot study is the first to demonstrate a pathological dependency of VO2 on DO2 in humans. Further studies are warranted with this technique to examine the changes and the factors affecting systemic oxygen transport in patients during ECMO.
Odorant substances that trigger headaches in migraine patients
Authors: Silva-Néto RP , Peres MFP , Valença MM 
Published: July 2013

Objectives Our objective was to determine odorants that trigger migraine attacks and the time of onset of headache after exposure. Methods Migraine or tension-type headache patients, diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders-II, were interviewed about lifetime prevalence of headaches triggered by odors and time of onset of pain, after exposure of the patient to the odor. Results We studied 200 migraine patients and 200 tension-type headache patients. There were odor-triggered headaches after 25.5 ± 1.9 minutes of exposure in 70.0% (140/200) of migraine patients and none with tension-type headache, which ran at low sensitivity (70.0%, 95% CI 63.1–76.2) and high specificity (100.0%, 95% CI 97.6–100.0). Odor-triggered headaches are distributed in the following order of frequency: perfumes (106/140, 75.7%), paints (59/140, 42.1%), gasoline (40/140, 28.6%) and bleach (38/140, 27.1%). There was significance in the association of odor-triggered migraine, especially among perfume with cleaning (phi = –0.459), cooking (phi = 0.238), beauty products (phi = –0.213) and foul odors (phi = –0.582). Conclusions Odorants, isolated or in association, especially perfume, may trigger migraine attacks after a few minutes of exposure.
Changes in Serum Biomarkers of Cartilage Turnover After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Svoboda Steven J. , Harvey Travis M. , Owens Brett D. , Brechue William F. , Tarwater Patrick M. , Cameron Kenneth L. 
Published: July 2013

Background: Biomarkers of cartilage turnover and joint metabolism have a potential use in detecting early degenerative changes after a traumatic knee joint injury; however, no study has analyzed biomarkers before an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and again after injury or in comparison with a similar group of uninjured controls. Hypothesis: Changes in serum biomarker levels and the ratio of cartilage degradation to synthesis, from baseline to follow-up, would be significantly different between ACL-injured patients and uninjured controls. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This case-control study was conducted to examine changes in serum biomarkers of cartilage turnover following ACL injury in a young athletic population. Specifically, 2 markers for type II collagen and aggrecan synthesis (CPII and CS846, respectively) and 2 markers of types I and II degradation and type II degradation only (C1,2C and C2C, respectively) were studied. Preinjury baseline serum samples and postinjury follow-up samples were obtained for 45 ACL-injured cases and 45 uninjured controls matched for sex, age, height, and weight. Results: Results revealed significant decreases in C1,2C ( P = .042) and C2C ( P = .006) over time in the ACL-injured group when compared with the controls. The change in serum concentrations of CS846 from baseline to follow-up was also significantly different between the ACL-injured patients and uninjured controls ( P = .002), as was the change between groups in the ratio of C2C:CPII over time ( P = .013). No preinjury differences in the ratio of C1,2C:CPII or C2C:CPII were observed between groups; however, postinjury differences were observed for both ratios. Conclusion: Changes in biomarker concentrations after an ACL injury suggest an alteration in cartilage turnover and joint metabolism in those sustaining ACL injuries compared with uninjured matched controls.
Single-Stage Cell-Based Cartilage Regeneration Using a Combination of Chondrons and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Bekkers Joris E.J. , Tsuchida Anika I. , van Rijen Mattie H.P. , Vonk Lucienne A. , Dhert Wouter J.A. , Creemers Laura B. , Saris Daniel B.F. 
Published: July 2013

Background: Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is traditionally a 2-step procedure used to repair focal articular cartilage lesions. With use of a combination of chondrons (chondrocytes in their own territorial matrix) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), ACI could be innovated and performed in a single step, as sufficient cells would be available to fill the defect within a 1-step surgical procedure. Chondrons have been shown to have higher regenerative capacities than chondrocytes without such a pericellular matrix. Purpose: To evaluate cartilage formation by a combination of chondrons and MSCs in vitro and in both small and large animal models. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Chondrons and MSCs were cultured at different ratios in vitro containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 50%, or 100% chondrons (n = 3); embedded in injectable fibrin glue (Beriplast); and implanted subcutaneously in nude mice (n = 10; ratios of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 20% chondrons). Also, in a 1-step procedure, a combination of chondrons and MSCs was implanted in a freshly created focal articular cartilage lesion (10% chondrons) in goats (n = 8) and compared with microfracture. The effect of both treatments, after 6-month follow-up, was evaluated using biochemical glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and GAG/DNA analysis and scored using validated scoring systems for macroscopic and microscopic defect repairs. Results: The addition of MSCs to chondron cultures enhanced cartilage-specific matrix production as reflected by a higher GAG production ( P < .03), both in absolute levels and normalized to DNA content, compared with chondrocyte and 100% chondron cultures. Similar results were observed after 4 weeks of subcutaneous implantation in nude mice. Treatment of freshly created cartilage defects in goats using a combination of chondrons and MSCs in Beriplast resulted in better microscopic, macroscopic, and biochemical cartilage regeneration ( P ≤ .02) compared with microfracture treatment. Conclusion: The combination of chondrons and MSCs increased cartilage matrix formation, and this combination of cells was safely applied in a goat model for focal cartilage lesions, outperforming microfracture. Clinical Relevance: This study describes the bench-to-preclinical development of a new cell-based regenerative treatment for focal articular cartilage defects that outperforms microfracture in goats. In addition, it is a single-step procedure, thereby making the expensive cell expansion and reimplantation of dedifferentiated cells, as in ACI, redundant.
The metabolism of carbohydrates and lipid peroxidation in lead-exposed workers
Authors: Kasperczyk Aleksandra , Dobrakowski Michal , Ostałowska Alina , Zalejska-Fiolka Jolanta , Birkner Ewa 
Published: July 2013

The present study was undertaken to estimate the effect of occupational exposure to lead on the blood concentration of glucose and several enzymes involved in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway. To estimate the degree of lipid peroxidation, the concentrations of conjugated dienes were determined. The examined group included 145 healthy male employees of lead–zinc works. Taking into account the mean blood lead levels, the examined group was divided into two subgroups. The control group was composed of 36 healthy male administrative workers. The markers of lead exposure were significantly elevated in both subgroups when compared with the controls. There were no significant changes in fasting glucose concentration and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase activity in the study population. The concentration of conjugated dienes was significantly higher in both subgroups, whereas the activity of malate dehydrogenase was significantly higher only in the group with higher exposure. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase and sorbitol dehydrogenase were significantly decreased in the examined subgroups. The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase decreased significantly in the group with higher exposure and could be the cause of the elevated concentrations of conjugated dienes. It is possible to conclude that lead interferes with carbohydrate metabolism, but compensatory mechanisms seem to be efficient, as glucose homeostasis in lead-exposed workers was not disturbed.
Preparation and properties of bisphenol A-based bisphthalonitrile polymers
Authors: Chen Zhiran , Yang Xulin , Xu Mingzhen , Liu Xiaobo 
Published: July 2013

The nitrile groups of 2,2-bis [4-(3,4)-dicyanophenoxy phenyl] propane (bisphthalonitrile; BAPh) can be cured by the nucleophilic phenol groups. Bisphenol A (BPA) can react with 4-nitrophathalonitrile to synthesize BAPh. Therefore, BPA was used as a novel curing agent to react with BAPh. The BAPh/BPA prepolymers and polymers were prepared by heat polymerization. The curing behaviors were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic rheological analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicate that BPA can decrease the melting temperature of BAPh, shorten the curing time of BAPh with lower curing temperature at 243°C, and widen the processing windows of BAPh to 95–120°C. Meanwhile, BAPh/BPA polymers could withstand temperatures up to 443°C under nitrogen atmosphere and 420°C in air when cured at 240°C for 10 h. The mechanical properties of BAPh/BPA polymers were investigated, and it exhibits a flexural strength of 75 to 122 MPa. Dynamic mechanical analysis was used to evaluate the dynamic mechanical properties of BAPh/BPA polymers. The polymers show glass transition temperature ranging from 244 to 299°C heating and cured to 240°C. Herein, the BAPh/BPA polymers can be a good candidate resin for high-performance polymeric materials.
Preparation of expandable graphite via ozone-hydrothermal process and flame-retardant properties of high-density polyethylene composites
Authors: Shen Ming-Yuan , Li Kuo-Yi , Kuan Chen-Feng , Kuan Hsu-Chiang , Chen Chia-Hsun , Yip Ming-Chuen , Chou Huang-Wen , Chiang Chin-Lung 
Published: July 2013

This work presented the ozone (O3)-hydrothermal process to prepare expandable graphite (EG), which is one kind of halogen-free flame retardant. The results showed the expanded volume of EG using the O3-hydrothermal process (O3-HEG), which is higher than those compared with convectional liquid phase synthesis, ultrasound irradiation, and hydrothermal method. Raman spectra and energy dispersive x-ray were used to analyze the structure and confirm that the EG had been prepared. Scanning electron microscope was utilized to observe the morphology of EG and expanded graphite. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that EG can slowdown thermal degradation of polymer and improve the thermal stability of composites. Limiting oxygen index value of composites with 40 wt% loading of O3-HEG is 33, which is higher than that of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/natural graphite composite. HDPE composites-containing 30 wt % O3-HEG is capable of passing the V-0 classification and has an anti-dripping behavior.
Realignment Surgery for Severe Talar Tilt Secondary to Paralytic Cavovarus
Authors: Lee Woo-Chun , Ahn Ji-Yong , Cho Jae-Ho , Park Chul-Hyun 
Published: July 2013

Background: Realignment surgeries for mild to moderate ankle osteoarthritis with minimal talar tilt have been reported to be effective. However, there has been no report on joint-sparing surgery of ankle osteoarthritis in patients with paralytic disorders who have severe talar tilt. We therefore investigated whether ankle osteoarthritis with severe talar tilt caused by paralytic disorders can be improved after operative treatment. Methods: This study included 12 ankles (11 patients) with varus ankle osteoarthritis from paralytic disorders with cavovarus deformity of the foot. Mean follow-up period was 3.0 years (range, 2-4.5 years). Causes of paralysis were residual polio in 7 ankles (6 patients), cerebral palsy in 2 ankles, and idiopathic in 3 ankles. Preoperative and postoperative clinical assessments were performed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and a visual analogue scale (VAS). The Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) was used for postoperative assessment. Pre- and postoperative radiographic parameters were compared. Results: Mean AOFAS score improved from 39.1 (range, 32-57) preoperatively to 77.9 (range, 72-85) postoperatively. Mean talar tilt improved from 17.4 degrees (range, 9.5-33.5 degrees) to 1.4 degrees (range, 0-4 degrees). Degree of osteoarthritis according to Takakura classification improved in all ankles except two. Mean heel alignment angle was reduced from 40.4 degrees (range, 2-65 degrees) of varus preoperatively to 11.2 degrees (range, –3 to 25.5 degrees) of varus postoperatively. Conclusion: Medial varus ankle osteoarthritis from paralytic cavovarus may be improved even in cases of severe talar tilt. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Measurement and Reversal of Prophylactic and Therapeutic Peak Levels of Rivaroxaban
Authors: Körber Mareike Kristina , Langer Elisabeth , Ziemer Sabine , Perzborn Elisabeth , Gericke Christine , Heymann Christian von 
Published: July 2013

Background: Rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Bayer HealthCare, Leverkusen, Germany) is a new oral anticoagulant drug. Anticoagulants may cause bleeding, thereby requiring reliable monitoring and efficient therapy. We investigated thromboelastometry versus routine coagulation tests to measure prophylactic and therapeutic concentrations of rivaroxaban and their reversal with prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) in vitro. Methods: Rivaroxaban was solubilized, and PCC and rFVIIa were added in 2 concentrations to the rivaroxaban-spiked blood samples, and thromboelastometry and measurements were performed. Results: Rivaroxaban increased tissue factor–activated clotting time (CTExTEM) dose dependently. Activated partial prothrombin time (aPTT), prothrombin time ratio (PTR), and prothrombin time (PT) were changed significantly in both concentrations. Reversal with PCC in both dosages caused no significant change in the measured parameters. For prophylactic rivaroxaban dosage, rFVIIa changed the PT significantly but not CTExTEM, aPTT, and PTR. For therapeutic rivaroxaban dosage, the CTExTEM was significantly reduced. The other parameters remained unaffected. Conclusions: Thromboelastometry can detect rivaroxaban effects. In vitro rFVIIa seems highly effective for reversal in contrast to PCC.
ACE genotype, phenotype and all-cause mortality in different cohorts of patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Færch Louise H , Sejling Anne-Sophie , Lajer Maria , Tarnow Lise , Thorsteinsson Birger , Pedersen-Bjergaard Ulrik 
Published: July 2013

Aims: Carrying the D-allele of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism and high ACE activity are prognostic factors in diabetic nephropathy, which predicts mortality in type 1 diabetes. We studied the association between the ACE D-allele and ACE phenotype and long-term all-cause mortality in three single-institution outpatient cohorts. Methods: Genotype-based analyses were performed in 269 patients from Hillerød Hospital (HIH) (follow-up: 12 years) and in 439 patients with diabetic nephropathy and 437 patients with persistent normoalbuminuria from the Steno Diabetes Center (SDC) (follow-up: 9.5 years). Patients not on renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-blocking treatment were included in analyses of serum ACE activity (HIH: n = 208) and plasma ACE concentration (SDC: n=269). Results: In the HIH cohort, carrying a D-allele was associated with excess mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 4.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–16)), but not in the SDC cohorts. At HIH, serum ACE activity was associated with excess mortality (HR=1.04 (95% CI 1.0–1.1 per unit increase)), but in the SDC cohort plasma ACE concentration was not. Conclusion: In unselected patients with type 1 diabetes, carrying the ACE D-allele and high spontaneous serum ACE activity were associated with 12-year excess mortality. These findings could not be reproduced in two other cohorts with persistent normoalbuminuria or diabetic nephropathy.
The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Su Gang , Dou Hengli , Zhao Limei , Wang Hongjie , Liu Guiyang , Huang Bo , Peng Bo 
Published: July 2013

Objective: The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) may be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). There have been several studies investigating the association between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and PD risk, but they reported inconsistent findings. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and PD risk. Methods: Published literature from PubMed and Embase databases were searched for eligible publications. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using random- or fixed-effects models based on between-study heterogeneity. Results: A total of five studies including 606 cases and 708 controls were finally included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed that there was no obvious association between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and PD risk under the homogeneous co-dominant model (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.71–1.82), heterogeneous co-dominant model (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.70–1.22), dominant model (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.76–1.28) or recessive model (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.83–1.37). Conclusion: The meta-analysis suggests that there is no evidence for the association between ACE gene I/D polymorphism and PD risk.
The effect of blood collection procedure on plasma renin activity (PRA) and concentrations of direct renin (DRC) and aldosterone
Authors: Glinicki Piotr , Jeske Wojciech , Gietka-Czernel Małgorzata , Bednarek-Papierska Lucyna , Kruszyńska Aleksandra , Słowińska-Srzednicka Jadwiga , Zgliczyński Wojciech 
Published: July 2013

Introduction: Performing measurements of plasma renin activity (PRA) or direct renin concentration (DRC) and aldosterone concentration, we should be well informed about requirements concerning blood sample processing. Material and methods: Forty-seven patients had blood collected in the supine and upright positions. Blood was withdrawn into two EDTA2K tubes and one with clot activator. One EDTA2K tube was cooled at +4°C and centrifuged at +4°C whereas the other was prepared at room temperature. PRA and DRC were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and radioimmunometry (IRMA), respectively, in both cooled and not cooled plasma samples, and aldosterone was measured by RIA in not cooled plasma and in serum. Results: In all the groups, with low, medium, and high values of PRA and direct renin, the temperature of sample processing within 30 minutes had no marked influence on the final result (correlation coefficient for renin was 0.9994, and for PRA, 0.8297). The measured concentrations of aldosterone also showed high correlation ( r = 0.9790) but were markedly higher in plasma. Conclusion: The measurements of DRC, and to a lesser extent PRA, were similar regardless of temperature condition during the 20–30 minutes necessary for blood sample processing. Aldosterone concentrations in plasma vs serum samples appeared to be markedly higher.
Return-to-Sport and Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in National Basketball Association Players
Authors: Harris Joshua D. , Erickson Brandon J. , Bach Bernard R. , Abrams Geoffrey D. , Cvetanovich Gregory L. , Forsythe Brian , McCormick Frank M. , Gupta Anil K. , Cole Brian J. 
Published: July 2013

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a significant injury in National Basketball Association (NBA) players. Hypotheses: NBA players undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR) have high rates of return to sport (RTS), with RTS the season following surgery, no difference in performance between pre- and postsurgery, and no difference in RTS rate or performance between cases (ACLR) and controls (no ACL tear). Study Design: Case-control. Methods: NBA players undergoing ACLR were evaluated. Matched controls for age, body mass index (BMI), position, and NBA experience were selected during the same years as those undergoing ACLR. RTS and performance were compared between cases and controls. Paired-sample Student t tests, chi-square, and linear regression analyses were performed for comparison of within- and between-group variables. Results: Fifty-eight NBA players underwent ACLR while in the NBA. Mean player age was 25.7 ± 3.5 years. Forty percent of ACL tears occurred in the fourth quarter. Fifty players (86%) RTS in the NBA, and 7 players (12%) RTS in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) or D-league. Ninety-eight percent of players RTS in the NBA the season following ACLR (11.6 ± 4.1 months from injury). Two players (3.1%) required revision ACLR. Career length following ACLR was 4.3 ± 3.4 years. Performance upon RTS following surgery declined significantly ( P < 0.05) regarding games per season; minutes, points, and rebounds per game; and field goal percentage. However, following the index year, controls’ performances declined significantly in games per season; points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals per game; and field goal and free throw percentage. Other than games per season, there was no significant difference between cases and controls. Conclusion: There is a high RTS rate in the NBA following ACLR. Nearly all players RTS the season following surgery. Performance significantly declined from preinjury level; however, this was not significantly different from controls. ACL re-tear rate was low. Clinical Relevance: There is a high RTS rate in the NBA after ACLR, with no difference in performance upon RTS compared with controls.