bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Accuracy and Efficacy of the Dexcom G4 Platinum Continuous Glucose Monitoring System
Authors: Nakamura Katherine , Balo Andrew 
Published: March 2015

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of Dexcom G4 Platinum CGM System. Methods: Seventy-two subjects enrolled at 4 US centers; 61% were male; 83% had T1DM and17% had T2DM. Subjects wore at least 1 system for up to 7 days. Subjects participated in a total of 36 hours in the clinic to contribute YSI reference glucose measurements with venous blood draws every 15 minutes on study Day 1, Day 4, and Day 7. Results: The overall mean absolute relative difference (ARD) versus YSI was 13% with a median of 10%. Precision ARD was 9% ± 4% between 2 sensors with a 7% coefficient of variation. The mean ARD versus SMBG was 14% with a median of 11%. One hundred two (94%) sensors lasted 7 days and the systems displayed 97% of their expected glucose readings in average. The time spent in low CGM readings during nighttime hours decreased from the first night use to the 6th night ( P < .001) with a small difference in average CGM glucose from 147 ± 40 mg/dL to 166 ± 62 mg/dL. There were no serious adverse events or infectious complications reported. Conclusions: The study showed the Dexcom G4 Platinum CGM System is one of the most accurate CGMs. The significant reduction in nocturnal time spent in a hypoglycemic state observed during this study suggests that a longer term study of CGM use, especially nocturnal use, could be beneficial for patients with hypoglycemia unawareness.
Impaired Femoral Vascular Compliance and Endothelial Dysfunction in 30 Healthy Male Soccer Players
Authors: Cioni Gabriele , Berni Andrea , Gensini Gian Franco , Abbate Rosanna , Boddi Maria 
Published: March 2015

Background: Despite beneficial effects of physical activity on cardiovascular risk, discordant data on elite athletes (high atherosclerotic damage in activity comprising strenuous exertion) and retired sportsmen are reported in the literature. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that long-lasting daily physical activity could affect the morphology and function of the carotid and femoral vessel walls differently, as assessed in elite male athletes aged 20 to 30 years compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Study Design: Retrospective case-control study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Sixty male subjects (30 athletes and 30 controls) underwent medical examination for ankle brachial index, augmentation index (AIX) and AIX corrected for heart rate (AIXr), peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT), and intima media thickness and pulse wave velocity assay at common carotid (carotid–intima media thickness [c-IMT], carotid–pulse wave velocity [c-PWv]) and femoral arteries (femoral–intima media thickness [f-IMT], femoral–pulse wave velocity [f-PWv]) assessed by ultrasonography using Doppler ultrasound. Results: Athletes showed a significantly lower heart rate (HR) at rest and a better lipid profile than controls. In athletes, c-PWv (5.87 ± 0.80 vs 6.62 ± 1.02 m/s, P = 0.001) and f-PWv (8.96 ± 1.29 vs 7.89 ± 1.39, P = 0.002) were, respectively, significantly lower and higher than values found in controls; accordingly, carotid AIX (4.03 ± 6.21 vs 7.81 ± 5.21, P = 0.003) and femoral AIX (8.56 ± 10.21 vs 6.09 ± 7.95, P = 0.042) were lower and higher than control values, even after correction for heart rate ( P = 0.03). On the other hand, IMT values were significantly higher in controls than in athletes (c-IMT, P < 0.0001; f-IMT, P < 0.0001). A positive significant correlation between HR and c-IMT and f-IMT ( r = 0.527, P < 0.001 and r = 0.539, P < 0.0001, respectively) and between HR and c-PWv ( r = 0.410, P = 0.01) was found when controls and athletes were considered as a whole group. Soccer players showed lower PAT values in comparison with controls ( P = 0.002). Conclusion: Elite sports positively affect c-IMT, f-IMT, and carotid PWv and AIX but not femoral PWv, AIX, AIXr, or PAT. Clinical Relevance: Physical activity affects vascular beds in elite athletes differentially, depending on the rate of superior or inferior limb involvement in different sports. In soccer players, physical activity has a protective effect on carotid and femoral vessel walls but worsens femoral arterial and endothelial function. These findings highlight how different results can be shown on carotid and femoral districts, when these vascular districts are differently stressed during sport activity.
Comparison of vertebroplasty using directional versus straight needle
Authors: Soon Wai Cheong , Mathew Ryan K , Timothy Jake 
Published: March 2015

Background Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed to treat pain and immobility associated with vertebral compression fractures. Previous studies have shown that a single injection can achieve adequate fill across the midline of the vertebral body. Purpose To compare the radiological outcomes of using a novel steerable needle with using a conventional, straight needle in unipedicular vertebroplasty. Material and Methods Data were collected from 19 patients who were operated at our institute between 1 September 2010 and 31 March 2011. Outcomes were measured in terms of radiological evidence of midline crossing of cement. The available pre- and postoperative pain scores and complications were reviewed. Student’s t-test was used to compare mean cement projection across the midline in both groups with P < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant Results Mean fill across the midline was significantly greater with the steerable needle (58%) compared with the straight needle (35%) ( P = 0.046). Cement leakage was higher with the steerable needle (44% versus 30%); however no clinical complications were reported in either group. Conclusion Percutaneous vertebroplasty using a directional needle is an excellent example of advancement and refinement in spinal surgery without increased clinical risk. Our results indicate that the novel technique can potentially provide better radiological outcomes when compared with a straight needle. A larger, randomized multicenter prospective trial would be valuable in confirming these findings.
Management of primary iliopsoas abscess in an immunocompetent patient followed by streptococcal toxic shock syndrome: A case report
Authors: Hirooka Nobutaka , Edo Naoki , Danbara Hisanori , Nishimura Hiroki , Obuchi Yasuhiro , Tanaka Yuji 
Published: March 2015

Objectives: Clinical diagnosis of iliopsoas abscess can be challenging, as this pathology often presents without obvious focal findings. Iliopsoas abscess should thus be a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with fever of unknown origin. Patient and methods: A 62-year-old healthy Japanese man showed primary iliopsoas abscess of Klebsiella pneumoniae complicated by shock after a complete course of treatment for streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Successful treatment was achieved with culture-driven antibiotic selection and delayed drainage. Results: This case demonstrates the importance of identifying the causative microorganisms in iliopsoas abscess to guide therapy. The standard treatments for iliopsoas abscess are antibiotics and drainage of the abscess. Management of this case included successful antibiotic use along with delayed drainage. Conclusion: This case report advances the knowledge on the etiology of iliopsoas abscess and sheds light on the need for scientific development of a treatment strategy.
The role of peritoneal ultrafiltration in the treatment of refractory congestive heart failure
Authors: Samoni Sara , Petrucci Ilaria , Fumagalli Giordano , Tattanelli Costanza , Meola Mario , Palmarini Daniela , Donadio Carlo 
Published: March 2015

Lesson This case offers a starting point for a literature review on peritoneal ultrafiltration in refractory heart failure.
Systematic analysis of funding awarded to institutions in the United Kingdom for infectious disease research, 1997–2010
Authors: Head Michael G , Fitchett Joseph R , Moore David AJ , Atun Rifat 
Published: March 2015

Summary Objectives This study aimed to assess the research investments made to UK institutions for all infectious disease research and identify the direction of spend by institution. Design Systematic analysis. Databases and websites were systematically searched for information on relevant studies funded for the period 1997–2010. Setting UK institutions carrying out infectious disease research. Participants None. Main outcome measures Twenty academic institutions receiving greatest sum investments across infection are included here, also NHS sites, Sanger Institute, Health Protection Agency and the Medical Research Council. We measured total funding, median award size, disease areas and position of research along the R&D value chain. Results Included institutions accounted for £2.1 billion across 5003 studies. Imperial College and University of Oxford received the most investment. Imperial College led the most studies. The Liverpool and London Schools of Tropical Medicine had highest median award size, whereas the NHS sites combined had many smaller studies. Sum NHS funding appears to be declining over time, whilst university income is relatively stable. Several institutions concentrate almost exclusively on pre-clinical research. In some areas, there is clearly a leading institution, e.g. Aberdeen and mycology research or UCL and antimicrobial resistance. Conclusion UK institutions carry out research across a wide range of infectious disease areas. This analysis can identify centres of excellence and help inform future resource allocation for research priorities. Institutions can use this analysis for establishing expertise within their groups, identifying external collaborators and informing local research strategy.
Preparation of PEDOT/GO, PEDOT/MnO2, and PEDOT/GO/MnO2 nanocomposites and their application in catalytic degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Zhang Li , Jamal Ruxangul , Zhao Qin , Wang Minchao , Abdiryim Tursun 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The nanocomposite materials of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/graphene oxide (PEDOT/GO), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/MnO2 (PEDOT/MnO2), and poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/graphene oxide/MnO2 (PEDOT/GO/MnO2) were successfully prepared by facile and template-free solution method. The structure and morphology of nanonanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra (UV–vis), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), respectively. The catalytic activities of nanocomposites were investigated through the degradation processes of methylene blue (MB) solution under dark, UV light, and nature sunlight irradiation, respectively. The results displayed that nanocomposites were successfully synthesized, and PEDOT/GO had higher conjugation length and doped degree than pure PEDOT. However, the introduction of MnO2 could lead to the reduction of conjugation length and doped degree in PEDOT/MnO2 and PEDOT/GO/MnO2 nanocomposites. The field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) analysis also showed that both MnO2 and GO had some effect on the morphology of nanocomposites. The catalytic activities of pure PEDOT and nanocomposites were in the order of PEDOT/GO/MnO2 > PEDOT/MnO2 > PEDOT/GO > pure PEDOT. Besides, the catalytic results also showed that the highest degradation efficiency of MB after 7 h occurred in the PEDOT/GO/MnO2 composite in three irradiation.
Nodular syphilitic scleritis masquerading as an ocular tumor
Authors: Shaikh Sufiyan I , Biswas Jyotirmay , Rishi Pukhraj 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background
Scleritis may be the initial or only presenting feature of systemic, autoimmune, or infectious disorders. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for immune-mediated scleritis. However, steroids could prove detrimental when used to treat infectious scleritis. Hence, infectious causes of scleritis should be ruled out.

Findings
A 47-year-old male from central India presented with swelling, pain, and redness in the left eye since 2 months. The patient was diagnosed elsewhere as having an extraocular extension of intraocular tumor and advised radiation brachytherapy for the same. Clinical examination revealed nodular scleritis in the left eye. The patient did not have any systemic illness or complaints suggestive of connective tissue disease. Laboratory investigations ruled out the same. However, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test was positive. Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) were also positive, confirming the diagnosis of syphilis. Ultrabiomicroscopy (UBM) and ultrasound scan of the eye ruled out intraocular tumor. Treatment was initiated with benzathine penicillin 2.4 million units per week for 3 weeks to which the patient responded remarkably well.

Conclusions
Although rare, syphilis can present as nodular scleritis masquerading as ocular tumor. Syphilis must be considered in the list of etiological diagnoses in patients presenting with nodular scleritis, and testing for this disease should be a part of routine investigation in patients with scleritis.
No luck replicating the immune response in twins
Authors: Baxter Alan G , Hodgkin Philip D 
Published: March 2015

AbstractRecent twin studies highlight the astonishing impact of non-heritable contributions to our immune health and wellbeing. Immunologists, long familiar with heterogeneity generated from within cells, must now grapple with heterogeneity between and within individuals which is present to an extraordinary degree. The capacity to interpret and find patterns in the face of such immune system diversity may be limited when sampling is restricted to blood, necessitating the development of new approaches.
The viscosity technique for the implicit midpoint rule of nonexpansive mappings in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Xu Hong-Kun , Alghamdi Maryam A , Shahzad Naseer 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe viscosity technique for the implicit midpoint rule of nonexpansive mappings in Hilbert spaces is established. The strong convergence of this technique is proved under certain assumptions imposed on the sequence of parameters. Moreover, it is shown that the limit solves an additional variational inequality. Applications to variational inequalities, hierarchical minimization problems, and nonlinear evolution equations are included.
Finite element/percolation theory modelling of the micromechanical behavior of clayey soils
Authors: Pérez-Rea M Luz , Horta-Rangel Jaime , López-Lara Teresa , Hernández-Zaragoza Juan B , Alcocer Sergio M , Castaño Victor M 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
A hybrid model for soils, which combines percolation theory and finite element method is presented. The internal soil structure is modelled via the finite element method, and percolation networks are used for analyzing its mechanical behaviour. Through a microscopic characterization of elastic properties of soil grains, the model is generated. The effective percolation threshold obtained is lower than that of the network geometric percolation. The effective mechanical properties predicted are successfully compared to published experimental results.
Fixed drug eruption to sitagliptin
Authors: Gupta Mrinal , Gupta Anish 
Published: March 2015

AbstractFixed drug eruption is a common adverse effect seen with various drugs notably antibiotics, antiepileptics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Herein we report a case of Sitagliptin induced fixed drug eruption in a 46 year old female who developed circumscribed, erythematous macules all over the body within one week of initiation of Sitagliptin. The lesions resolved with residual hyperpigmentation on cessation of the drug. The diagnosis was confirmed by an oral provocation test which led to a reactivation of the lesions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of fixed drug eruption to Sitagliptin reported in the literature.
Association of hyperglycemia in a general Japanese population with late-night-dinner eating alone, but not breakfast skipping alone
Authors: Nakajima Kei , Suwa Kaname 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe unhealthy habit of late-night-dinner eating (LNDE) is often observed in adults. Since LNDE can lead to breakfast skipping (BS) the next morning, we examined the associations of LNDE and BS with hyperglycemia (HbA1c ≥ 5.7% and/or pharmacotherapy for diabetes), separately and in combination, in 61,364 apparently healthy Japanese adults aged 30–70 years. Although LNDE alone was significantly associated with hyperglycemia, even after adjustment for body mass index, BS alone was not. Our results indicate that hyperglycemia in the general Japanese population is associated with LNDE alone, but not BS alone.
Adaptation of Pseudomonas sp. AKS2 in biofilm on low-density polyethylene surface: an effective strategy for efficient survival and polymer degradation
Authors: Tribedi Prosun , Gupta Anirban Das , Sil Alok K 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background

Pseudomonas sp. AKS2 can efficiently degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE). It has been shown that this degradation of LDPE by AKS2 is correlated to its ability to form biofilm on the polymer surface. However, the underlying mechanism of this biofilm-mediated degradation remains unclear. Since bioremediation potential of an organism is related to its adaptability in a given environment, we hypothesized that AKS2 cells undergo successful adaptation in biofilm on LDPE, which leads to higher level of LDPE degradation. To verify this, the current study investigated a number of parameters of AKS2 cells in biofilm that are known to be involved in adaptation process.

Results
Successful adaptation always develops a viable microbial population. So we examined the viability of AKS2 cells in biofilm. We observed the presence of viable population in the biofilm. To gain an insight, the growth of AKS2 cells in biofilm on LDPE at different time points was examined. Results showed a better reproductive competence and more colonization for AKS2 biofilm cells than planktonic cells, indicating the increased fitness of AKS2 biofilm cells than their planktonic counterpart. Towards understanding fitness, we determined the hydrolytic activity, different carbon source utilization potentials, functional diversity and homogeneity of AKS2 biofilm cells. Results showed increased hydrolytic activity (approximately 31%), higher metabolic potential, higher functional diversity (approximately 27%) and homogeneity for biofilm-harvested cells than planktonic cells. We also examined cellular surface hydrophobicity, which is important for cellular attachment to LDPE surface. Consistent with the above results, the cell surface hydrophobicity of biofilm-harvested AKS2 cells was found to be higher (approximately 26%) compared to that of their planktonic counterpart. All these results demonstrated the occurrence of physiological as well as structural adaptations of AKS2 cells in biofilm on LDPE surface that resulted in better attachment, better utilization of polymer and better growth of AKS2 cells, leading to the development of a stable colony on LDPE surface.

Conclusions
The present study shows that AKS2 cells in biofilm on LDPE surface undergo successful adaptation that leads to enhanced LDPE degradation, and thus, it helps us to understand the underlying mechanism of biofilm-mediated polymer degradation process by AKS2 cells.
Moisture management behaviour of modified polyester wool fabrics
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Sinha Sujit Kumar , Ghosh Subrata 
Published: March 2015

AbstractTo support the thermo regularity system of human body in completely changed environment and physical activity the functional clothing must create a stable microclimate next to the skin. The present study deals with the moisture transport and moisture management behaviour of polyester wool yarn and knitted fabric treated with two types of enzyme viz; alkaline protease enzyme and acidic protease enzyme. The prime object of this study was to enhance the moisture transport and moisture management properties of yarn and fabric for use in active wear. The results reveal superior wicking behaviour by alkaline protease enzyme treatment, while superior moisture vapour permeability with acidic protease enzyme treatment. Moisture management properties of alkaline protease enzyme treated fabric gives better result, ranging its grade from very good to excellent with higher absorption rate, one way transport capacity and spreading speed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to test statistical significance level of all effects.
New dog and new tricks: evolving roles for IL-33 in type 2 immunity
Authors: Lott Jeremy M , Sumpter Tina L , Turnquist Hēth R 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
IL-33 is a more recently identified member of the IL-1 cytokine family, expressed in the nucleus of epithelial cells and released into the extracellular space following tissue damage. The impact of IL-33 as a regulator of the adaptive immune response has been studied extensively, with an understood role for IL-33 in the effector functions of CD4+ Th2 cells. IL-33, however, is now being shown to initiate the Th2-polarizing function of DCs, and stimulate the secretion of the type 2-associated cytokines, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, from tissue-resident innate-immune cells, especially ILCs and MCs. IL-33 also initiates and perpetuates local inflammatory responses through the recruitment and activation of type 2- and inflammatory-associated effectors, such as eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils. As such, IL-33 drives and amplifies type 2-dependent immunity, as well as type 2-dependent tissue destruction and inflammation. It is also becoming apparent that IL-33 supports the reparative capacity of macrophage and ILCs, but these functions may also contribute to chronic fibrotic diseases. Herein, we review new developments in the understanding of IL-33 as it functions in Th2 cells and type 2 immunity. This includes a discussion of our evolving understanding of how IL-33 directly and indirectly promotes type 2 immune responses through action on innate cells in immunity and the pathogenesis of atopic and fibrotic diseases.