bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Grafting of maleic anhydride on polypropylene by reactive extrusion: effect of maleic anhydride and peroxide concentrations on reaction yield and products characteristics
Authors: Berzin Françoise , Flat Jean-Jacques , Vergnes Bruno 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
A series of polypropylenes (PPs) grafted with maleic anhydride (MA), prepared by reactive extrusion in a twin screw extruder with different contents of peroxide and MA, was characterized. For each sample, the amount of grafted MA, the molecular weight distribution, the viscoelastic properties in small amplitude oscillatory shear and the transition temperatures and enthalpies were measured. The respective influence of initial MA and peroxide concentrations on these parameters was characterized. In particular, it was shown that the rheological properties are only controlled by the molecular weight, whatever the way it has been obtained, by varying either MA content or peroxide concentration. Moreover, it is clearly shown that the presence of MA tends to enhance the PP degradation due to the peroxide.
ATLANTIC DIP: simplifying the follow-up of women with previous gestational diabetes
Authors: Noctor E , Crowe C , Carmody L A , Avalos G M , Kirwan B , Infanti J J , O'Dea A , Gillespie P , Newell J , McGuire B , O'Neill C , O'Shea P M , Dunne F P , _ _ 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivePrevious gestational diabetes (GDM) is associated with a significant lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we assessed the performance of HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) measurements against that of 75 g oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) for the follow-up screening of women with previous GDM.MethodsTwo hundred and sixty-six women with previous GDM underwent the follow-up testing (mean of 2.6 years (s.d. 1.0) post-index pregnancy) using HbA1c (100%), and 75 g OGTT (89%) or FPG (11%). American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria for abnormal glucose tolerance were used.Design, cohort study, and resultsThe ADA HbA1c high-risk cut-off of 39 mmol/mol yielded sensitivity of 45% (95% CI 32, 59), specificity of 84% (95% CI 78, 88), negative predictive value (NPV) of 87% (95% CI 82, 91) and positive predictive value (PPV) of 39% (95% CI 27, 52) for detecting abnormal glucose tolerance. ADA high-risk criterion for FPG of 5.6 mmol/l showed sensitivity of 80% (95% CI 66, 89), specificity of 100% (95% CI 98, 100), NPV of 96% (95% CI 92, 98) and PPV of 100% (95% CI 91, 100). Combining HbA1c ≥39 mmol/mol with FPG ≥5.6 mmol/l yielded sensitivity of 90% (95% CI 78, 96), specificity of 84% (95% CI 78, 88), NPV of 97% (95% CI 94, 99) and PPV of 56% (95% CI 45, 66).ConclusionsCombining test cut-offs of 5.6 mmol/l and HbA1c 39 mmol/mol identifies 90% of women with abnormal glucose tolerance post-GDM (mean 2.6 years (s.d.1.0) post-index pregnancy). Applying this follow-up strategy will reduce the number of OGTT tests required by 70%, will be more convenient for women and their practitioners, and is likely to lead to increased uptake of long-term retesting by these women whose risk for type 2 diabetes is substantially increased.
Efficacy of Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injection in Acute Nonarteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Long-Term Follow Up§
Authors: Saatci Ali Osman , Taskin Okan , Selver Ozlem Barut , Yaman Aylin , Bajin Meltem Soylev 
Published: October 2013

Background:
To evaluate the effect of a single intravitreal ranibizumab injection in eyes with acute nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

Subjects and Methods:
In this retrospective clinical data analysis, 17 eyes of sixteen patients who experienced a visual loss with duration of 15 days or less comprised the study group. In addition to standard ophthalmic examination, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) analysis with spectral domain OCT was also performed prior to 0.5 mg Ranibizumab injection, one week, one, three, six months and one year after the injection.

Results:
The mean time between visual loss and intravitreal injection was 7.5 days (Range, 2-15 days). Mean age of patients was 59 years (Range, 41-90 years). Male to female ratio was 6:10. After a single dose of ranibizumab injection, visual gain was noted in 14 of 17 study eyes. In two eyes, visual acuity was minimally reduced and no change was noted in the remaining eye with an initial visual acuity of hand motions. While pre-injection mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.45 ±0.88 log Mar unit, post-injection mean BCVA was 1.00±0.68, 0.86 ±0.70, 0.80 ±0.71, 0.77 ±0.70, 0.77 ±0.70 log Mar unit respectively at the first week, first month, third month, sixth month and first year. In all patients, the mean RNFLT dramatically decreased after the injection during the follow- up. While pre-injection mean RNFLT was 210 ±38 µm, post-injection mean RNFLT was 162.11±40.2, 94±27, 71.23±22.5, 63 ±19 and 57 ±18 µm respectively at the first week, first month, third month, sixth month and first year. No injection related complication was noted during the follow-up period.

Conclusion:
Intravitreal ranibizumab injection can be a treatment modality in eyes with acute NAION.
Glargine insulin for treatment of naturally occurring diabetes mellitus in dogs
Authors: Hess Rebecka S. , Drobatz Kenneth J. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate the effects of twice-daily glargine insulin administration in dogs with diabetes mellitus.
Design—Open-label, prospective clinical trial.
Animals—10 dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus.
Procedures—Dogs with poorly regulated or newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus were enrolled if their owners agreed to return them to the hospital at 1- to 3-week intervals for 4 follow-up visits. During each follow-up visit, blood glucose concentrations were measured every 2 hours for at least 10 hours after feeding a diet high in insoluble fiber and after administration of glargine insulin (time 0). The initial glargine insulin dosage was 0.5 U/kg (0.23 U/lb) SC twice daily.
Results—All dogs had well-regulated diabetes mellitus at a mean ± SD of 38 ± 14 days (median, 43 days; range, 7 to 55 days) following study enrollment. At the time diabetes mellitus was well regulated, mean glargine insulin dosage was 0.5 ± 0.15 U/kg (0.23 ± 0.068 U/lb; median, 0.5 U/kg; range, 0.32 to 0.67 U/kg [0.15 to 0.30 U/lb]) twice daily, and 3 dogs were receiving a dosage < 0.4 U/kg (0.18 U/lb). In dogs with well-regulated diabetes mellitus, the mean minimum blood glucose concentration (163 ± 89 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval, 100 to 227 mg/dL) was detected 2 hours after administration of glargine insulin and the mean maximum blood glucose concentration (230 ± 95 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval, 64 to 323 mg/dL) was detected 12 hours after administration of glargine insulin. There was no significant difference between mean minimum and mean maximum blood glucose concentrations nor were there significant differences between blood glucose concentrations measured at other time points. Blood glucose concentration < 80 mg/dL was measured at least once in 7 of 10 dogs.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of the present study suggested that, in diabetic dogs fed a diet high in insoluble fiber, glargine insulin is a peakless insulin that does not induce a distinct blood glucose concentration nadir. For glargine insulin, 0.3 U/kg (0.136 U/lb) SC twice daily is recommended as an initial dosage.
Superficial digital flexor tendonitis in cutting horses: 19 cases (2007–2011)
Authors: Tipton Tyler E. , Ray Chris S. , Hand D. Reese 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Objective—To characterize superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon lesions in the forelimbs of cutting horses and determine recurrence rate and prognosis for this condition.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—19 cutting horses with SDF tendonitis.
Procedures—Medical records for horses evaluated for SDF tendonitis in 2007 through 2011 were reviewed. Data regarding age, sex, lameness grade, affected limb, and treatment were collected. Ultrasonographic images were reviewed, and lesion characteristics were recorded. Follow-up telephone interviews with owners or trainers were conducted to determine recurrence of SDF tendonitis, return of horse to its previous level of activity, and duration of the convalescent period.
Results—All 19 horses initially evaluated for SDF tendonitis had similar lesions in the lateral aspect of the tendon. The right forelimb was affected in 11 horses, and the left forelimb was affected in 7 horses; 1 horse was affected in both forelimbs. Mean lameness grade was 1.26 (range, 0 to 3). Of 17 horses for which follow-up information was available, 3 had recurrence of tendon lesions and 1 developed a lesion in the contralateral forelimb SDF tendon; 16 horses returned to their previous level of activity.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The location of SDF tendonitis in cutting horses appeared to be unique in that no central core lesions were detected ultrasonographically. Lesions at the periphery of the tendon may have an increased ability to heal, compared with lesions at the central core. Results suggested that cutting horses with SDF tendonitis have a better prognosis than that reported for affected racehorses.
Effects of body position and extension of the neck and extremities on lung volume measured via computed tomography in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Authors: Mans Christoph , Drees Randi , Sladky Kurt K. , Hatt Jean-Michel , Kircher Patrick R. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Objective—To determine the effects of body position and extension of the neck and extremities on CT measurements of ventilated lung volume in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans).
Design—Prospective crossover-design study.
Animals—14 adult red-eared slider turtles.
Procedures—CT was performed on turtles in horizontal ventral recumbent and vertical left lateral recumbent, right lateral recumbent, and caudal recumbent body positions. In sedated turtles, evaluations were performed in horizontal ventral recumbent body position with and without extension of the neck and extremities. Lung volumes were estimated from helical CT images with commercial software. Effects of body position, extremity and neck extension, sedation, body weight, and sex on lung volume were analyzed.
Results—Mean ± SD volume of dependent lung tissue was significantly decreased in vertical left lateral (18.97 ± 14.65 mL), right lateral (24.59 ± 19.16 mL), and caudal (9.23 ± 12.13 mL) recumbent positions, compared with the same region for turtles in horizontal ventral recumbency (48.52 ± 20.08 mL, 50.66 ± 18.08 mL, and 31.95 ± 15.69 mL, respectively). Total lung volume did not differ among positions because of compensatory increases in nondependent lung tissue. Extension of the extremities and neck significantly increased total lung volume (127.94 ± 35.53 mL), compared with that in turtles with the head, neck, and extremities withdrawn into the shell (103.24 ± 40.13 mL).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Vertical positioning of red-eared sliders significantly affected lung volumes and could potentially affect interpretation of radiographs obtained in these positions. Extension of the extremities and neck resulted in the greatest total lung volume.
On the multi-index (3m-parametric) Mittag-Leffler functions, fractional calculus relations and series convergence
Authors: Paneva-Konovska Jordanka 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
In this paper we consider a family of 3m-indices generalizations of the classical Mittag-Leffler function, called multi-index (3m-parametric) Mittag-Leffler functions. We survey the basic properties of these entire functions, find their order and type, and new representations by means of Mellin-Barnes type contour integrals, Wright pΨq-functions and Fox H-functions, asymptotic estimates. Formulas for integer and fractional order integration and differentiations are found, and these are extended also for the operators of the generalized fractional calculus (multiple Erdélyi-Kober operators). Some interesting particular cases of the multi-index Mittag-Leffler functions are discussed. The convergence of series of such type functions in the complex plane is considered, and analogues of the Cauchy-Hadamard, Abel, Tauber and Littlewood theorems are provided.
Upper ankle ligament rupture and long term problems in a patient with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome — a case report
Authors: Horst Klemens , Dienstknecht Thomas , Pishnamaz Miguel , Kobbe Philipp , Sellei Richard , Pape Hans 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Rupture of the upper ankle joint ligaments is a common injury. Therapy in patients with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a challenge due to the autosomal-dominant collagenopathy. Therapeutic recommendations and long term results in treatment of patients with EDS are rare. Therefore uncertainty exists. We present a case of clinical and radiologic long term results after ligament rupture of the upper ankle joint in a patient with EDS. A literature review tries to reveal current therapeutic strategies in patients with EDS.
Visible light photoelectrocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B using a dye-sensitised TiO2 electrode
Authors: Wahyuningsih Sayekti , Purnawan Candra , Kartikasari Puspa , Praistia Novita 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTitanium dioxide is a promising catalyst for application in the photodegradation of organic pollutants in water due to its powerful oxidising property and long-term photostability. This study presents the production of titanium dioxide using the sol-gel process, dye sensitisation of the TiO2 electrode, and the performance of that cell. Sensitisation of titanium dioxide was performed using a dye, i.e., Fe(II)-polypyridyl complexes. The photoelectrocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RB) using ITO/TiO2/dye as electrode was investigated via a series of potentials, from +1.0 V to −1.0 V, and at various pH and NaCl concentration values (ITO is indium tin oxide conductive glass). The photoelectrocatalytic degradation of RB was performed with a visible light lamp. The change in the absorbance of RB with various potentials indicated that the absorbance of RB in solution systems with the sensitised TiO2 electrodes decreased with increasing anodic potential bias. The degradation cell exhibited better performance when the positive anodic bias was applied. The pH values of RB in solution systems also influence the photoelectrodegradation process because of the different RB species present. NaCl concentration also affects the activity of RB photoelectrocatalytic degradation due to changes in the ionic strength character of the electrolyte.
Evaluation of antioxidants in Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) and its dietary supplements
Authors: Filipiak-Szok Anna , Kurzawa Marzanna , Szłyk Edward 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe antioxidant activity (AA), total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) in Dong quai (DQ, Angelica sinensis) raw materials and dietary supplements (DS) containing this plant were determined using the CUPRAC, FRAP and fluorescence methods. The antioxidant activity for DQ aqueous extracts revealed by CUPRAC was (1330.45 ± 1.30) μmol Trolox equivalent (TE) per 100 g of dry mass (DM), whereas the antioxidant activity as determined by FRAP was (1813.9 ± 2.0) μmol of TE per 100 g of DM. Lower values were noted for the fluorescence method than for CUPRAC and FRAP (ranging from (35.96 ± 0.3) to (304.6 ± 1.4) μmol of TE per 100 g of DM). The highest TPC values were determined for an aqueous extract of DQ ((3330.3 ± 2.3) μmol of TE per 100 g of DM), while TFC for ethanolic extracts of DQ was ((146.50 ± 0.5) mg of quercetin equivalent (QE) per 100 g of DM). Cinnamic acid, isomers of benzoic acid and derivatives of quercetin were analysed by HPLC-PDA. The ferulic acid concentration in an ethanolic extract of DQ was (21.83 ± 0.07) mg per 100 g of DM. Of the flavonols detected, rutin exhibited the highest concentration in ethanolic extract of DQ ((3.32 ± 0.13) mg of QE per 100 g of DM). Other phytochemicals (alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, steroids, etc.) were identified by phytoscreening colour reaction. The results were analysed by principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis and one-way ANOVA tests.
Fatty acid methyl ester production from acid oil using silica sulfuric acid: Process optimization and reaction kinetics
Authors: Shah Krunal , Parikh Jigisha , Dholakiya Bharat , Maheria Kalpana 
Published: October 2013

AbstractConversion of high free fatty acids (FFA) containing acid oil (AO) to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) using silica sulfuric acid (SSA) as a solid acid catalyst was investigated. Process parameters such as reaction temperature, reaction time, catalyst loading, and methanol to oil molar ratio were optimized using the Taguchi orthogonal array method. Maximum FFA conversion (97.16 %) was achieved under the optimal set of parameter values viz. 70°C, 4 mass % catalyst loading, and 1: 15 oil to methanol molar ratio after 90 min. SSA was reused three times successfully without a significant loss in activity. Biodiesel produced from AO met the international biodiesel standards. Determination of kinetic parameters proved that the experimental results fit the pseudo first order kinetic law.
Direct Access to Physical Therapy for Patients With Low Back Pain in the Netherlands: Prevalence and Predictors
Authors: Scheele Jantine , Vijfvinkel Frank , Rigter Marijn , Swinkels Ilse C.S. , Bierman-Zeinstra Sita M.A. , Koes Bart W. , Luijsterburg Pim A.J. 
Published: October 2013

Background
In the Netherlands, direct access to physical therapy was introduced in 2006. Although many patients with back pain visit physical therapists through direct access, the frequency and characteristics of episodes of care are unknown.

Objective
The purposes of this study were: (1) to investigate the prevalence of direct access to physical therapy for patients with low back pain in the Netherlands from 2006 to 2009, (2) to examine associations between mode of access (direct versus referral) and patient characteristics, and (3) to describe the severity of the back complaints at the beginning and end of treatment for direct access and referral-based physical therapy.

Design
A cross-sectional study was conducted using registration data of physical therapists obtained from a longitudinal study.

Method
Data were used from the National Information Service for Allied Health Care, a registration network of Dutch physical therapists. Mode of access (direct or referral) was registered for each episode of physical therapy care due to back pain from 2006 to 2009. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore associations between mode of access and patient/clinical characteristics.

Results
The percentage of episodes of care for which patients with back pain directly accessed a physical therapist increased from 28.9% in 2006 to 52.1% in 2009. Characteristics associated with direct access were: middle or higher education level (odds ratio [OR]=1.3 and 2.0, respectively), previous physical therapy care (OR=1.7), recurrent back pain (OR=1.7), duration of back pain &lt;7 days (OR=4.2), and age &gt;55 years (OR=0.6).

Limitations
The study could not compare outcomes of physical therapy care by mode of access because this information was not registered from the beginning of data collection and, therefore, was missing for too many cases.

Conclusions
Direct access was used for an increasing percentage of episodes of physical therapy care in the years 2006 to 2009. Patient/clinical characteristics associated with the mode of access were education level, recurrent back pain, previous physical therapy sessions, and age.
The Groningen Meander Walking Test: A Dynamic Walking Test for Older Adults With Dementia
Authors: Bossers Willem J.R. , van der Woude Lucas H.V. , Boersma Froukje , Scherder Erik J.A. , van Heuvelen Marieke J.G. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundCurrent dynamic walking tests, used in studies with older adults with dementia, rely strongly on healthy cognitive and physical function. Therefore, the Groningen Meander Walking Test (GMWT) was developed specifically for people with dementia. The aim of the GMWT is to measure dynamic walking ability by walking over a meandering curved line, with an emphasis on walking speed and stepping accuracy, while changing direction.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility, test-retest reliability, and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the GMWT.DesignA repeated-measures design was used.MethodsForty-two people with dementia participated in the study. Adherence rate, adverse events, repetition of instructions during test performance, test duration, and number of oversteps were assessed.ResultsThe adherence rate was excellent, with no adverse events. No repetitive instructions were given during test performance, and test duration was short (mean=17.16 seconds) with few oversteps (mean=1.94 oversteps). Test-retest reliability for participants without a walking device was excellent for the GMWT time score (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=.942), with an MDC of 2.96 seconds. Test-retest reliability for participants with a 4-wheeled walker (4WW) was moderate (ICC=.837), with an MDC of 10.35 seconds. For the overstep score, a marginal ICC of .630 was found, with an MDC of 4.38 oversteps.LimitationsNo fall data were available, and there was a volunteer bias.ConclusionsThe GMWT is a feasible test for people with dementia. With the GMWT time score, a reliable and sensitive field test to measure walking abilities in older adults with dementia is available. The GMWT overstep score can be used to give information about the execution according to protocol and should be emphasized during the instructions. Future studies need to investigate the validity of the GMWT.
Endoscope-assisted spinal decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Minamide Akihito , Yoshida Munehito , Yamada Hiroshi , Nakagawa Yukihiro , Kawai Masaki , Maio Kazuhiro , Hashizume Hiroshi , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Tsutsui Shunji 
Published: October 2013

Object
The authors undertook this study to document the clinical outcomes of microendoscopic laminotomy, a minimally invasive decompressive surgical technique using spinal endoscopy for lumbar decompression, in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Methods
A total of 366 patients were enrolled in the study and underwent microendoscopic laminotomy between 2007 and 2010. Indications for surgery were single- or double-level LSS, persistent neurological symptoms, and failure of conservative treatment. Microendoscopy provided wide visualization through oblique lenses and allowed bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach, through partial resection of the base of the spinous process, thereby preserving the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments and contralateral musculature. Clinical symptoms and signs of low-back pain were evaluated prior to and following surgical intervention by applying the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). These items were evaluated preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively.

Results
Effective circumferential decompression was achieved in all patients. The 2-year follow-up evaluation was completed for 310 patients (148 men and 162 women; mean age 68.7 years). The average recovery rate based on the JOA score was 61.3%. The overall results were excellent in 34.9% of the patients, good in 34.9%, fair in 21.7%, and poor in 8.5%. The mean RMDQ score significantly improved from 11.3 to 4.8 (p < 0.001). In all categories of both JOABPEQ and SF-36, scores at 2 years' follow-up were significantly higher than those obtained before surgery (p < 0.001). Twelve surgery-related complications were identified: dural tear (6 cases [1.9%]), wrong-level operation (1 [0.3%]), transient neuralgia (4 [1.3%]), and infection (1 [0.3%]). All patients recovered, and there were no serious postoperative complications.

Conclusions
Microendoscopic laminotomy is a safe and very effective minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of degenerative LSS.