bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors and Biomarkers of Treatment Gains in a Clinical Stroke Trial Targeting the Lower Extremity
Authors: Burke Erin , Dobkin Bruce H. , Noser Elizabeth A. , Enney Lori A. , Cramer Steven C. 
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose—
Behavioral measures are often used to distinguish subgroups of patients with stroke (eg, to predict treatment gains, stratify clinical trial enrollees, or select rehabilitation therapy). In studies of the upper extremity, measures of brain function using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have also been found useful, but this approach has not been examined for the lower extremity. The current study hypothesized that an fMRI-based measure of cortical function would significantly improve prediction of treatment-induced lower extremity behavioral gains. Biomarkers of treatment gains were also explored.

Methods—

Patients with hemiparesis 1 to 12 months after stroke were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of ropinirole+physical therapy versus placebo+physical therapy, results of which have previously been reported (NCT00221390).
15
Primary end point was change in gait velocity. Enrollees underwent baseline multimodal assessment that included 19 measures spanning 5 assessment categories (medical history, impairment, disability, brain injury, and brain function), and also underwent reassessment 3 weeks after end of therapy.

Results—
In bivariate analysis, 8 baseline measures belonging to 4 categories (medical history, impairment, disability, and brain function) significantly predicted change in gait velocity. Prediction was strongest, however, using a multivariate model containing 2 measures (leg Fugl–Meyer score and fMRI activation volume within ipsilesional foot sensorimotor cortex). Increased activation volume within bilateral foot primary sensorimotor cortex correlated positively with treatment-induced leg motor gains.

Conclusions—
A multimodal model incorporating behavioral and fMRI measures best predicted treatment-induced changes in gait velocity in a clinical trial setting. Results also suggest potential use of fMRI measures as biomarkers of treatment gains.
Lepidozia bragginsiana, a new species from New Zealand (Marchantiopsida)
Authors: Cooper Endymion D. , Renner Matt A. M. 
Published: June 2014

Molecular and morphological data support the recognition of a new Lepidozia species related to L. pendulina and also endemic to New Zealand, which we dedicate to Dr John Braggins. Lepidozia bragginsiana can be distinguished from closely related and other similar species by its bipinnate branching, the narrow underleaf lobes, typically uniseriate toward their tip on both primary and secondary shoots, the asymmetric underleaves on primary shoots that are usually narrower than the stem and also possess basal spines and spurs, the production of spurs and spines, or even accessory lobes, on the postical margin of primary and secondary shoot leaves; and by the relatively small leaf cells with evenly thickened walls. Lepidozia bragginsiana is an inhabitant of hyper-humid forest habitats where it occupies elevated microsites on the forest floor. A lectotype is proposed for L. obtusiloba.
Intrafamilial Variable Hearing Loss in TRPV4 Induced Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Oonk Anne M.M. , Ekker Merel S. , Huygen Patrick L.M. , Kunst Henricus P.M. , Kremer Hannie , Schelhaas Jurgen J. , Pennings Ronald J.E. 
Published: June 2014

Objective: Mutations in the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 gene ( TRPV4) can induce a great diversity of neuropathies. Together with these neuropathies, hearing loss can occur. This study is focused on providing an audiometric phenotype description of a Dutch family with spinal muscular atrophy caused by a mutation in TRPV4. Methods: A neurological examination was repeated and pure tone and speech audiometry were performed. Results: A large variety in neurological symptoms as well as variation in audiometric characteristics was observed. The severity of hearing loss is mild to moderate and the audiogram configuration is highly variable. The hearing loss of these patients has a progressive nature in general. The frequencies that deteriorate significantly differ between family members. When compared to presbyacusis patients, speech recognition scores of patients with a TRPV4 mutation are not clearly different. Conclusion: The function of TRPV4 in the inner ear is still elusive but it is suggested that TRPV4 is required for maintenance of cochlear function in stress conditions, like acoustic injury. We can neither confirm nor reject this based on the results obtained in this family. Therefore, one might consider advising patients with a TRPV4 mutation to avoid exposure to environmental influences such as noise exposure.
Designing an occupancy flow-based controller for airport terminals
Authors: Mambo DA , Eftekhari MM , Steffen T , Ahmad MW 
Published: June 2014

One of the most cost-effective ways to save energy in commercial buildings is through designing a dedicated controller for adjusting environmental set-points according occupancy flow. This paper presents the design of a fuzzy rule-based supervisory controller for reducing energy consumptions while simultaneously providing comfort for passengers in a large airport terminal building. The inputs to the controller are the time schedule of the arrival and departure of passenger planes as well as the expected number of passengers, zone global illuminance (daylight) and external temperature. The outputs from the controller are optimised temperature, airflow and lighting set-point profiles for the building. The supervisory controller was designed based on expert knowledge in MATLAB/Simulink, and then validated using simulation studies. The simulation results demonstrate significant potential for energy savings in the controller's ability to maintain comfort by adjusting set-points according to the flow of passengers. Practical application: The systematic approach adopted here, including the use of artificial intelligence to design supervisory controllers, can be extended to other large buildings which have variable but predictable occupancy patterns like the restricted area of the airport terminal building.
Numerical investigations on effects of seven drag reduction components in elbow and T-junction close-coupled pipes
Authors: Li A , Chen X , Chen L 
Published: June 2014

Close-coupled pipes can be applied to a number of HVAC systems. This paper discusses the local drag reduction achieved by components placed in elbow and T-junction close-coupled pipes. The components are necessary to reduce or even eliminate vortices produced by turning flow patterns. It includes a numerical study of drag reduction effects of seven components with different shapes. The shear stress transport (SST) k– ω turbulence model is applied. The local pressure loss coefficients and the drag reduction rate are introduced to compare drag reduction effects. The results show that the drag reduction components studied in this paper all have varying degrees of an effect for most of the cases. Also, the drag reduction effect of components was influenced by the specific flow cases. Therefore, the selection of a suitable shape for the drag reduction component should consider the flow pattern. Practical application: This paper has studied the local drag reduction achieved by components placed in elbow and T-junction close-coupled pipes, which can be used in the building industry. In order to find the suitable component shapes, we designed seven kinds of drag reduction components. The designs came from drag reduction technologies used in different applications such as commercial, high performance automobiles and aerofoil designs.
Strategies for Improving Power in School-Randomized Studies of Professional Development
Authors: Kelcey Ben , Phelps Geoffrey 
Published: June 2014

Objectives: Group-randomized designs are well suited for studies of professional development because they can accommodate programs that are delivered to intact groups (e.g., schools), the collaborative nature of professional development, and extant teacher/school assignments. Though group designs may be theoretically favorable, prior evidence has suggested that they may be challenging to conduct in professional development studies because well-powered designs will typically require large sample sizes or expect large effect sizes. Using teacher knowledge outcomes in mathematics, we investigated when and the extent to which there is evidence that covariance adjustment on a pretest, teacher certification, or demographic covariates can reduce the sample size necessary to achieve reasonable power. Method: Our analyses drew on multilevel models and outcomes in five different content areas for over 4,000 teachers and 2,000 schools. Using these estimates, we assessed the minimum detectable effect sizes for several school-randomized designs with and without covariance adjustment. Results: The analyses suggested that teachers’ knowledge is substantially clustered within schools in each of the five content areas and that covariance adjustment for a pretest or, to a lesser extent, teacher certification, has the potential to transform designs that are unreasonably large for professional development studies into viable studies.
Supra-aortic low-dose contrast-enhanced time-resolved magnetic resonance (MR) angiography at 3 T: comparison with time-of-flight MR angiography and high-resolution contrast-enhanced MR angiography
Authors: Lee Youn-Joo , Kim Bum-soo , Koo Ja-Sung , Kim Bom-Yi , Jang Jinhee , Choi Hyun Seok , Jung So-Lyung , Ahn Kook-Jin 
Published: June 2014

Background Low-dose, time-resolved, contrast-enhanced, magnetic resonance angiography (TR-CEMRA) has been described previously; however, a comparative study between low dose TR-CEMRA and time-of-flight MRA (TOF-MRA) in the diagnosis of supra-aortic arterial stenosis has not yet been published. Purpose To demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of low-dose TR-CEMRA compared with TOF-MRA, using high-resolution contrast-enhanced MRA (HR-CEMRA) as the reference standard. Material and Methods This prospective study consisted of 30 consecutive patients. All patients underwent TOF-MRA of the neck and circle of Willis and supra-aortic HR-CEMRA, followed by supra-aortic low-dose TR-CEMRA. Gadoterate meglumine (Gd-DOTA, Dotarem®, Guerbet, Roissy CdG Cedex, France) was injected at a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg for HR-CEMRA, followed by a 0.03 mmol/kg bolus for low-dose TR-CEMRA. Three readers evaluated the assessibility and image quality, and then two readers classified each stenosis into the following categories: normal (0–30%), mild stenosis (31–50%), moderate (51–70%), severe (71–99%), and occlusion. Results TR-CEMRA and HR-CEMRA showed a greater number of assessable arterial segments than TOF-MRA ( P < 0.01). For TR-CEMRA, 29 cases showed within or better than the diagnostic range, whereas all 30 cases were in the diagnostic range for TOF-MRA and HR-CEMRA. For evaluation of stenosis in a total of 743 arterial segments, both TR-CEMRA and TOF-MRA results agreed with those of HR-CEMRA in 729 segments (98.1%), with excellent inter-observer agreement of TR-CEMRA; stenosis was overestimated in nine segments (1.2%) and underestimated in five segments (0.7%). For diagnosis of stenosis using 30% as the cut-off value on HR-CEMRA, the sensitivity and specificity were 88.2% and 99.3%, respectively, for the TR-CEMRA procedure, versus 94.1% and 99.6%, respectively, for TOF-MRA. Conclusion Low-dose TR-CEMRA is feasible and effective in the diagnosis of supra-aortic arterial stenosis, and could be more useful option than TOF-MRA.
Surgical Treatment of Symptomatic Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior Tears in Patients Older Than 40 Years
Authors: Erickson John , Lavery Kyle , Monica James , Gatt Charles , Dhawan Aman 
Published: June 2014

Background: Successful arthroscopic repair of symptomatic superior labral tears in young athletes has been well documented. Superior labral repair in patients older than 40 years is controversial, with concerns for residual postoperative pain, stiffness, and higher rates of revision surgery. Purpose: To analyze the published data on the surgical treatment of superior labral injuries in patients aged ≥40 years, including those with concomitant injuries to the rotator cuff. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The MEDLINE database via PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for articles related to superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: the study contained at least 1 group of patients who had undergone arthroscopic repair of a type II or IV SLAP lesion with a minimum 2-year follow-up, objective and/or functional scoring systems were used to evaluate postoperative outcomes, and the mean patient age was ≥40 years for at least 1 treatment arm or subgroup analysis. Studies were excluded if the article was a review or if the article included data for SLAP type I, III, or V to X tears or Bankart lesions. Results: While several authors reported equivalent outcomes of SLAP repair in patients both older than 40 years and younger than 40 years, others demonstrated significantly higher failure rates in the older cohort. Decreased patient satisfaction and increasing complications, including postoperative stiffness and reoperations, occur at higher rates as the patient age increases. The literature demonstrates that biceps tenotomy and tenodesis are reliable alternatives to SLAP repair and that biceps tenotomy is a viable revision procedure for failed SLAP repair. With concomitant rotator cuff tears, the evidence favors debridement or biceps tenotomy over SLAP repair. Conclusion: While studies show that good outcomes can be obtained with SLAP repair in an older cohort of patients, age older than 40 years and workers’ compensation status are independent risk factors for increased surgical complications. The cumulative evidence supports labral debridement or biceps tenotomy over labral repair when an associated rotator cuff injury is present.
Talonavicular Arthroscopy for Osteochondral Lesions
Authors: Ross Keir A. , Seaworth Christine M. , Smyth Niall A. , Ling Jeffrey S. , Sayres Stephanie C. , Kennedy John G. 
Published: June 2014

Background: Traditional treatment of talonavicular osteochondral lesions (OCLs) requires an open procedure. Arthroscopic microfracture of talonavicular OCLs may provide a viable, minimally invasive approach. The purpose of this study was to describe an arthroscopic approach for treatment of talonavicular OCLs, describe the proximity of arthroscopic portals to important structures in cadaver specimens, and report magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and clinical outcomes of this technique. Methods: Five cadaver specimens were dissected so proximity of portals to adjacent tendons and neurovascular structures could be assessed. Subsequently, 3 athletic patients with OCLs of the talonavicular joint were treated with arthroscopic debridement and microfracture. Patient records and imaging studies were retrospectively reviewed. Results: In the cadaver specimens, the mean distance between the neurovascular bundle and the medial border of the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) was 9.0 (range, 8 to 10) mm. The saphenous nerve was located a mean of 6.8 (range, 6 to 7) mm from the medial border of the tibialis anterior tendon. Therefore, portals were placed just medial to the EHL and tibialis anterior tendon to avoid the neurovascular bundle and saphenous nerve, respectively. In all patients, access, identification of the OCL, debridement, and microfracture were successfully performed. All patients demonstrated improvements in Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores and Short Form–12 scores and began gradual return to activity within 12 weeks following the operation. No significant complications occurred. MRI indicated signal consistent with reparative fibrocartilage in all patients. Conclusion: Talonavicular arthroscopy allowed visualization, curettage, synovectomy, loose body removal, and microfracture of OCLs that would have otherwise required an open approach. At early follow-up, all patients had returned to their previous activity levels. Arthroscopy of the talonavicular joint was a viable approach for microfracture of OCLs. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Comparison of Lag Screw Versus Buttress Plate Fixation of Posterior Malleolar Fractures
Authors: Erdem Mehmet Nuri , Erken H. Yener , Burc Halil , Saka Gursel , Korkmaz Mehmet Fatih , Aydogan Mehmet 
Published: June 2014

Background: The goal of this study was to report the results of selective open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the posterior malleolus with a posterolateral approach and to compare the results of the 2 techniques. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 40 patients who underwent posterior malleolar fracture fixation between 2008 and 2012. The patients were treated with a posterolateral approach. We assigned alternating patients to receive plate fixation and the next screw fixation, consecutively, based on the order in which they presented to our institution. Fixation of the posterior malleolus was made with lag screws in 20 patients and a buttress plate in 20 patients. We used American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, range of motion (ROM) of the ankle, and radiographic evaluations as the main outcome measurements. The mean follow-up was 38.2 (range, 24-51) months. Results: Full union without any loss of reduction was obtained in 38 of the 40 patients. We detected a union with a step-off of 3 mm in 1 patient in the screw group and a step-off of 2 mm in 1 patient in the plate group. At the final follow-up, the mean AOFAS score of the patients regardless of fixation type was 94.1 (range, 85-100). The statistical results showed no significant difference between the patients regardless of the fixation type of the posterior malleolus in terms of AOFAS scores and ROM of the ankle ( P > .05). Conclusions: Good (AOFAS score of 94/100) and equivalent (within 3 points) results were obtained using the 2 techniques (screws or plate) for fixation after open reduction of posterior malleolar fragments. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective case series.
Syndesmotic Fixation in Supination-External Rotation Ankle Fractures
Authors: Kortekangas Tero H. J. , Pakarinen Harri J. , Savola Olli , Niinimäki Jaakko , Lepojärvi Sannamari , Ohtonen Pasi , Flinkkilä Tapio , Ristiniemi Jukka 
Published: June 2014

Background: This study compared mid-term functional and radiologic results of syndesmotic transfixation with no fixation in supination external rotation (SER) ankle fractures with intraoperatively confirmed syndesmosis disruption. Our hypothesis was that early-stage good functional results would remain and unfixed syndesmosis disruption in SER IV ankle fractures would not lead to an increased incidence of osteoarthritis. Methods: A prospective study of 140 operatively treated patients with Lauge-Hansen SER IV (Weber B) ankle fractures was performed. After bony fixation, the 7.5-Nm standardized external rotation stress test for both ankles was performed under fluoroscopy. A positive stress examination was defined as a difference of more than 2 mm side-to-side in the tibiotalar or tibiofibular clear spaces on mortise radiographs. The patients were randomized to either syndesmotic screw fixation (13 patients) or no syndesmotic fixation (11 patients). After a minimum of 4 years of follow-up (mean, 58 months), ankle function and pain (Olerud-Molander, a 100-mm visual analogue scale [VAS] for ankle function and pain) and quality of life (RAND-36) of all 24 patients were assessed. Ankle joint congruity and osteoarthritis were assessed using mortise and lateral projection plain weight-bearing radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 3T) scans. Results: Improvement in Olerud-Molander score, VAS, and RAND-36 showed no significant difference between groups during the follow-up. In the syndesmotic transfixation group, improvements in all functional parameters and pain measurements were not significant, whereas in the group without syndesmotic fixation, the Olerud-Molander score improved from 84 to 93 ( P = .007) and the pain (VAS) score improved from 11 to 4 ( P = .038) from 1 year to last follow-up. X-ray or MRI imaging showed no difference between groups at the last follow-up visit. Conclusion: With the numbers available, no significant difference in functional outcome or radiologic findings could be detected between syndesmosis transfixation and no-fixation patients with SER IV ankle fracture after a minimum of 4 years of follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.
AAFP and ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats
Authors: Carney Hazel C , Sadek Tammy P , Curtis Terry M , Halls Vicky , Heath Sarah , Hutchison Pippa , Mundschenk Kari , Westropp Jodi L 
Published: June 2014

Rationale: These Guidelines have been developed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) as a resource for veterinary practitioners who want to better understand and manage the important clinical condition of house-soiling in their feline patients. The Guidelines offer straightforward, practical solutions that, in most cases, will help veterinarians and cat owners prevent, manage or entirely remediate feline house-soiling behavior. Evidence base: The Guidelines include scientifically documented information when it is available. However, because research is often lacking, some recommendations reflect the accumulated clinical experience of the authors.
A pilot study of the effects of eplerenone add-on therapy in patients taking renin–angiotensin system blockers
Authors: Kawada Noritaka , Isaka Yoshitaka , Kitamura Harumi , Rakugi Hiromi , Moriyama Toshiki 
Published: June 2014

Hypothesis: This study determined the parameters for predicting the clinical effects of eplerenone (Ep) add-on therapy on blood pressure (BP) and proteinuria in patients taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) or angiotensin II type I receptor blockers (ARBs). Materials and methods: Patients were treated with a gradual increase of Ep to a final dose of 50 mg/day for 2 months. In 35 patients, the efficacy of Ep was evaluated by peripheral BP, proteinuria, and the transtubular K gradient (TTKG). Fifteen patients had additional analysis for central BP, plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), measured in the supine position, and 24-hour urine collection before and after receiving Ep. Results: Ep add-on therapy reduced the mean arterial pressure ( p=0.0005) and central BP ( p=0.009) independently to the baseline PAC. Ep induced PRA, but failed to show effects on PAC, TTKG, or albuminuria. Correlation analysis showed inverse relationships between the percent reduction in albuminuria and baseline PAC. Conclusions: Ep add-on therapy in patients taking renin–angiotensin system blockers is expected to reduce BP, even in patients with low PAC. In contrast, the anti-proteinuric action of Ep is dependent on baseline plasma aldosterone levels. TTKG is not appropriate for evaluating the efficacy of Ep.