bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group exercise training for balance, functional status, spasticity, fatigue and quality of life in multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tarakci Ela , Yeldan Ipek , Huseyinsinoglu Burcu E , Zenginler Yonca , Eraksoy Mefkure 
Published: March 2013

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of group exercise training on balance, functional status, spasticity, fatigue and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis. Design: A randomized single-blind controlled study. Setting: University hospital, outpatient physical therapy department. Subjects: Ambulatory patients with multiple sclerosis. Interventions: Exercise group completed a 12-week group exercise programme under the physical therapists’ supervision. Control group was included in the waiting list. Main measures: The primary outcome measures were the Berg Balance Scale, 10-metre walk test, 10-steps climbing test and secondary outcome measures were the Modified Ashworth Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life. Results: Ninety-nine patients completed the study. There were statistically significant improvements for all outcome measures in the group exercise group ( n = 51) ( p < 0.01). In the control group ( n = 48), there were statistically significant negative change in the Berg Balance Scale and 10-metre walk test measures ( p = 0.002, p = 0.001) and statistically significant increment only in the Fatigue Severity Scale score ( p = 0.002). The Berg Balance Scale score was increased 4.33 in the exercise group, while a decreased of 2.33 in control group. The 10-metre walk test duration (second) was decreased 2.72 in exercise group, while increased 1.44 in control group. In comparing inter-groups changes, both primary and secondary outcome mesures showed significant improvements in favour of the exercise group after the training ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that supervised group exercise training is effective in improving balance, functional status, spasticity, fatigue and quality of life in moderately affected people with multiple sclerosis, with no worsening of their clinical status.
Patient evaluation of early discharge after hip arthroplasty: development of a measure and comparison of three centres with differing durations of stay
Authors: Salmon Peter , Hunt Gillian R , Murthy Burra VS , O’Brien Seamus , Beverland David , Lynch Martin C , Hall George M 
Published: March 2013

Objective: We compared patients’ evaluation of care between a surgical unit with a rapid discharge policy and two comparison units to test the hypothesis that the centre with rapid discharge has outcomes that are not inferior to those of the comparison sites. Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Subjects: Consecutive consenting patients undergoing primary hip arthroplasty during 12 months in: a unit that had reduced postoperative stay to median three days; a specialised orthopaedic surgery treatment centre with median stay of five days; a traditional unit with median stay of six days ( N = 316, 125, 119, respectively). Methods: Six weeks postoperatively, patients completed a specially developed questionnaire measuring their evaluation of care and recovery, together with measures of function and quality of life for validation purposes. Results: Factor analysis of questionnaire responses identified two independent components of patients’ evaluation: problems in staff care and problems in physical recovery. Neither component was impaired in the unit with rapid discharge: similar proportions of patients reported recovery problems in each site (odds radios (ORs) for the two comparators versus unit with rapid discharge: 0.96, 1.18); and more patients reported care problems in the two comparator sites (ORs 2.97, 2.16). Conclusion: Duration of stay after primary hip arthroplasty can be reduced to three days without intensive pre- or postoperative care, without detriment to patient evaluation.
Return to Sport Following Shoulder Surgery in the Elite Pitcher
Authors: Harris Joshua D. , Frank Jonathan M. , Jordan Mark A. , Bush-Joseph Charles A. , Romeo Anthony A. , Gupta Anil K. , Abrams Geoffrey D. , McCormick Frank M. , Bach Bernard R. 
Published: March 2013

Context: The ability to return to elite pitching, performance, and clinical outcomes of shoulder surgery in elite baseball pitchers are not definitively established. Objective: To determine (1) the rate of return to sport (RTS) in elite pitchers following shoulder surgery, (2) postoperative clinical outcomes upon RTS, and (3) performance upon RTS and to compare RTS rates in different types of shoulder surgery. Data Sources: Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and checklist, Medline, SciVerse Scopus, SportDiscus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. Study Selection: Levels I-IV evidence were eligible for inclusion if performance-based (eg, RTS) and/or clinical outcome–based reporting of outcomes were reported following surgical treatment of shoulder pathology in elite pitchers (major or minor league or collegiate). Data Extraction: Subject, shoulder, and pre- and postoperative performance-based variables of interest were extracted. All shoulder surgery types were potentially inclusive (eg, open, arthroscopic, rotator cuff, labrum, biceps, acromioclavicular joint, fracture). Study methodological quality was analyzed using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS). Results: Six studies were analyzed (287 elite male pitchers [mean age, 27 years] who underwent shoulder surgery, with 99% on the dominant, throwing shoulder). MCMS was 38 (poor). Most pitchers were professional, with a mean career length of 6.58 years and postoperative clinical follow-up of 3.62 years. In 5 of 6 studies, multiple diagnoses were addressed concomitantly at surgery. Rate of RTS was 68% at mean 12 months following surgery. Twenty-two percent of Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers never RTS in MLB. Overall performance did improve following surgery; however, this did not improve to pre-injury levels. Conclusion: In this systematic review, the rate of return to elite baseball pitching following surgery was established. Performance tended to decrease prior to surgery and gradually improve postoperatively, though not reaching pre-injury levels of pitching. Level of Evidence: IV (systematic review of studies level I-IV evidence), therapeutic.
Comparison of the dry densities of highly compacted bentonites
Authors: Kaufhold S. , Klinkenberg M. , Dohrmann R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBentonites are in worldwide use as candidate materials for the encapsulation of high-level radioactive waste (HLRW). To effectively seal waste canisters, bentonite is compacted to bentonite blocks which can be used to build a wall around the canisters. Compaction significantly improves the swelling pressure, which is currently considered as one of the most important parameters for assessing barrier performance. Most of the studies on compressibility of bentonites consider a few different materials only, which does not lead to a general understanding of bentonite performance. In order to identify the actual compressibility differences of different bentonites, a sizeable set of well characterized materials was investigated with respect to the dry densities after compaction.Different results were obtained for bentonites that had been dried and bentonites that were equilibrated at 70% r.h. (relative humidity) prior to compaction. The dry density of dried bentonites depends on total porosity and particle density. However, the dry density of microporous bentonites depends on the microporosity rather than total porosity because microporosity is not reduced upon compaction. On the other hand, for the samples previously equilibrated at 70% r.h., the water content is most important. However, the water content, i.e. the water uptake capacity at 70% r.h., in turn largely depends on the CEC but also on microporosity. Therefore, under a given load, the 36 bentonites studied showed a significant range of resulting dry densities, depending on water content, CEC and porosity.In conclusion, for a given bentonite, the dry density after compaction explains some geotechnical parameters such as the swelling pressure. However, for reasons explained in the present study, the dry density cannot be generally used to predict these parameters.
Simultaneous thermal analysis of different bentonite–sodium carbonate systems: an attempt to distinguish alkali-activated bentonites from raw materials
Authors: Steudel A. , Mehl D. , Emmerich K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAlkali activation with sodium carbonates is a traditional method to improve bentonite properties for a variety of applications. In some applications, natural sodium-rich bentonites are preferred, and custom regulations require proper declaration of Na-rich bentonites, with respect to activation. Consequently, there is need for a method that can unambiguously distinguish between natural and activated Na-rich bentonites.The paper deals with the preparation of several alkali-activated sets, specifically (a) anhydrous Na2CO3 with trace amounts of thermonatrite (Na2CO3.H2O) and trona (Na3(CO3)(HCO3).2H2O), hereafter called ASC, (b) mixtures of ASC with CaCO3, and (c) mixtures of ASC with CaCO3 and a Ca2+-rich bentonite at different moisture contents, to distinguish natural and alkali-activated bentonites by simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) linked with a mass spectrometer for the analysis of evolved gases. STA linked with MS revealed alkali activation of bentonites, even in the presence of CaCO3. The moisture content during activation and storage of activated samples, however, has a strong influence on the detection of activated samples by STA-MS. Uncertainties remain with respect to unknown foreign phase contents of technical ASC used for alkali activation in practice and the influence of carbonates like dolomite or siderite, which are often present in natural bentonites.
Stichtite: a review
Authors: Theiss F. L. , Ayoko G. A. , Frost R. L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractStichtite is a naturally occurring layered double hydroxide (LDH) with the ideal chemical formula Mg6Cr2CO3(OH)16.4H2O. It has received less attention in the literature than other LDHs and is often described as a rare mineral; however, abundant deposits of the mineral do exist. In this article we aim to review a number of significant publications concerning the mineral stichtite, including papers covering the discovery, geological origin, synthesis and characterizsation of stichtite. Characterization techniques reviewed include powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), near infrared spectroscopy (NIR), Raman spectroscopy (Raman), thermogravimetry (TG) and electron microprobe analysis.
Genomic instability may originate from imatinib-refractory chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells
Authors: Bolton-Gillespie Elisabeth , Schemionek Mirle , Klein Hans-Ulrich , Flis Sylwia , Hoser Grazyna , Lange Thoralf , Nieborowska-Skorska Margaret , Maier Jacqueline , Kerstiens Linda , Koptyra Mateusz , Müller Martin C. , Modi Hardik , Stoklosa Tomasz , Seferynska Ilona , Bhatia Ravi , Holyoake Tessa L. , Koschmieder Steffen , Skorski Tomasz 
Published: March 2013

Key Points
Imatinib does not prevent accumulation of genomic instability in CML-CP. Imatinib-refractory leukemia stem cells may be a source of genomic instability in CML-CP.
The expression and regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-3 is critically modulated by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide with heterogeneous lipid A structures in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Herath Thanuja D K , Wang Yu , Seneviratne Chaminda J , Darveau Richard P , Wang Cun-Yu , Jin Lijian 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundPorphyromonas gingivalislipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a crucial virulence factor strongly associated with chronic periodontitis which is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. It exhibits remarkable heterogeneity containing tetra-(LPS1435/1449) and penta-(LPS1690) acylated lipid A structures. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) as the main resident cells of human gingiva play a key role in regulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and contribute to periodontal homeostasis. This study investigated the expression and regulation of MMPs1-3 and tissue inhibitors of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) in HGFs in response toP. gingivalisLPS1435/1449and LPS1690and hexa-acylatedE. coliLPS as a reference. The expression of MMPs 1–3 and TIMP-1 was evaluated by real-time PCR and ELISA.ResultsThe MMP-3 mRNA and protein were highly upregulated inP. gingivalisLPS1690- andE. coliLPS-treated cells, whereas no induction was observed inP. gingivalisLPS1435/1449-treated cells. On the contrary, the expression of MMP-1 and −2 was not significantly affected byP. gingivalisLPS lipid A heterogeneity. The TIMP-1 mRNA was upregulated inP. gingivalisLPS1435/1449- andE. coliLPS-treated cells. Next, signal transduction pathways involved inP. gingivalisLPS-induced expression of MMP-3 were examined by blocking assays. Blockage of p38 MAPK and ERK significantly inhibitedP. gingivalisLPS1690-induced MMP-3 expression in HGFs.ConclusionThe present findings suggest that the heterogeneous lipid A structures ofP. gingivalisLPS differentially modulate the expression of MMP-3 in HGFs, which may play a role in periodontal pathogenesis.
Factors affecting mortality of hospitalized chest trauma patients in United Arab Emirates
Authors: AlEassa Essa M , Al-Marashda Mariam J , Elsherif Amgad , Eid Hani O , Abu-Zidan Fikri M 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Predictors of mortality of chest trauma vary globally. We aimed to define factors affecting mortality of hospitalized chest trauma patients in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates.

Methods
The data of Al-Ain Hospital Trauma Registry were prospectively collected over a period of three years. Patients with chest trauma who were admitted for more than 24 hours in Al-Ain Hospital or who died after arrival to the hospital were included in the study. Univariate analysis was used to compare patients who died and those who survived. Gender, age, nationality, mechanism of injury, systolic blood pressure and GCS on arrival, the need for ventilatory support, presence of head injury, AIS for the chest and head, presence of injuries outside the chest, and ISS were studied. Significant factors were then entered into a backward stepwise likelihood ratio logistic regression model.

Results
474 patients having a median (range) age of 35 (1–90) years were studied. 90% were males and 18% were UAE citizens. The main mechanism of injury was road traffic collisions (66%) followed by falls (23.4%). Penetrating trauma occurred in 4 patients (0.8%). 88 patients (18.6%) were admitted to the ICU. The median (range) ISS was 5 (1–43). 173 patients (36.5%) had isolated chest injury. Overall mortality rate was 7.2%. Mortality was significantly increased by low GCS (p < 0.0001), high ISS (p = 0.025), and low systolic blood pressure on arrival (p = 0.027).

Conclusion
Chest trauma is associated with a significant mortality in Al-Ain City. This was significantly related to the severity of head injury, injury severity score, and hypotension on arrival.
Nocardia veterana endogenous endophthalmitis in a cardiac transplant patient
Authors: Scott Megan , Mehta Sonia , Rahman Hassan T , Grossniklaus Hans E , Yeh Steven 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Endogenous endophthalmitis secondary to Nocardia species is extremely rare but often portends a poor visual prognosis often owing to the advanced nature of disease at presentation and delay in diagnosis. Patients who are systemically immunosuppressed are at greatest risk and early suspicion of the role of this organism in patients with acute panuveitis is paramount.

Findings
A 66-year-old cardiac transplant patient on oral prednisone, Myfortic, and tacrolimus developed unilateral panuveitis with a focal white subretinal and retinal lesion. His past medical history was notable for Aspergillus pneumonia and cytomegalovirus retinitis in the contralateral eye 12 months prior. Aqueous humor sampling for eubacterial, eufungal, and viral PCR testing, as well as vitreous cultures for bacteria and fungi were unsuccessful in the identification of a causative organism. Progressive enlargement of the lesion was noted despite intravitreal foscarnet, vancomycin, ceftazidime, and voriconazole. A pars plana vitrectomy and retinal and subretinal biopsy led to the identification of Nocardia veterana, a recently identified Nocardia species. A combination of linezolid, meropenem, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, and intravitreal amikacin resulted in eradication of the infection.

Conclusion
This is the first reported case of N. veterana endogenous endophthalmitis in an immunosuppressed patient. Pars plana vitrectomy with a subretinal biopsy was required to establish a diagnosis, as other testing including aqueous PCR and vitreous cultures were negative. The poor visual outcome in our patient highlights the importance of early consideration of Nocardia in the differential diagnosis of panuveitis with subretinal disease in the context of immunosuppression.
The acute and long‐term management of food allergy: protocol for a rapid systematic review
Authors: de Silva Debra , Panesar Sukhmeet S , Thusu Sundeep , Rader Tamara , Werfel Thomas , Muraro Antonella , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber Karin , Roberts Graham , Sheikh Aziz ,   European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines group
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundAllergic reactions to plant and animal derived food allergens can have serious consequences for sufferers and their families. The associated social, emotional and financial costs make it a priority to understand the best ways of managing such immune‐mediated hypersensitivity responses. Conceptually, there are two main approaches to managing food allergy: those targeting immediate symptoms and those aiming to support long‐term management of the condition. The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology is developing guidelines about what constitutes an effective treatment for food allergies. As part of the guidelines development process, a systematic review is planned to examine published research about the management of food allergy in adults and children.MethodsSeven bibliographic databases were searched from their inception to September 30, 2012 for systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, quasi‐randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, controlled before‐and‐after studies and interrupted time series. Experts were consulted for additional studies. There were no language or geographic restrictions. Studies were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program and Cochrane EPOC Risk of Bias tools. Only studies where people had a diagnosis of food allergy or reported a history of food allergy were included. This means that many studies of conditions that may be caused by food allergy are omitted, because only research in people with an explicit diagnosis or history was eligible.DiscussionMany initiatives have been tested to treat the immediate symptoms of food allergy (acute management) and to deal with longer lasting symptoms or induce tolerability to potential allergens (long‐term management). The best management strategies for people with food allergy are likely to depend on the type of allergy, symptom manifestations and age. There is a real need to increase the amount of high quality research devoted to treatment strategies for food allergy. Food allergy can be debilitating and is affecting an increasing number of children and adults. With such little known about how to effectively manage the condition and its manifestations, this appears a priority for future research.
The roles of complement receptor 3 and Fcγ receptors during Leishmania phagosome maturation
Authors: Polando Rachel , Dixit Upasna Gaur , Carter Cristina R , Jones Blake , Whitcomb James P , Ballhorn Wibke , Harintho Melissa , Jerde Christopher L , Wilson Mary E , McDowell Mary Ann 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Opsonophagocytosis influences phagosomal trafficking of Leishmania without altering the intracellular fate.
Leishmania are intracellular parasites adapted to surviving in macrophages, whose primary function is elimination of invading pathogens. Leishmania entry into host cells is receptor-mediated. These parasites are able to engage multiple host cell-surface receptors, including MR, TLRs, CR3, and FcγRs. Here, we investigated the role of CR3 and FcγR engagement on the maturation of Leishmania-containing phagosomes using CD11b−/− and FcγR−/− macrophages, and assessing EEA1 and lysosome-associated proteins is necessary for the phagosome maturation delay, characteristic of Leishmania infection. Leishmania-containing phagosomes do not fuse with lyosomes until 5 h postinfection in WT mice. Phagolysosome fusion occurs by 1 h in CD11b and FcγR common chain KO macrophages, although receptor deficiency does not influence Leishmania entry or viability. We also investigated the influence of serum components and their effects on phagosome maturation progression. Opsonization with normal mouse serum, complement-deficient serum, or serum from Leishmania-infected mice all influenced phagosome maturation progression. Our results indicate that opsonophagocytosis influences phagosomal trafficking of Leishmania without altering the intracellular fate.
IL-4Rα on CD4+ T cells plays a pathogenic role in respiratory syncytial virus reinfection in mice infected initially as neonates
Authors: You Dahui , Marr Nico , Saravia Jordy , Shrestha Bishwas , Lee Greg I , Turvey Stuart E , Brombacher Frank , Herbert De’Broski R , Cormier Stephania A 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
RSV reinfection increases IL-4Rα expression on T helper cells, responsible for the enhanced immunopathologies in mice initially infected as neonates.
RSV is the major cause of severe bronchiolitis in infants, and severe bronchiolitis as a result of RSV is associated with subsequent asthma development. A biased Th2 immune response is thought to be responsible for neonatal RSV pathogenesis; however, molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that IL-4Rα is up-regulated in vitro on human CD4+ T cells from cord blood following RSV stimulation and in vivo on mouse pulmonary CD4+ T cells upon reinfection of mice, initially infected as neonates. Th cell-specific deletion of Il4ra attenuated Th2 responses and abolished the immunopathophysiology upon reinfection, including airway hyper-reactivity, eosinophilia, and mucus hyperproduction in mice infected initially as neonates. These findings support a pathogenic role for IL-4Rα on Th cells following RSV reinfection of mice initially infected as neonates; more importantly, our data from human cells suggest that the same mechanism occurs in humans.
RAGE regulation and signaling in inflammation and beyond
Authors: Kierdorf Katrin , Fritz Günter 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT
RAGE is a key molecule in the onset and sustainment of the inflammatory response. New studies indicate that RAGE might represent a new link between the innate and adaptive immune system. RAGE belongs to the superfamily of Ig cell-surface receptors and is expressed on all types of leukocytes promoting activation, migration, or maturation of the different cells. RAGE expression is prominent on the activated endothelium, where it mediates leukocyte adhesion and transmigration. Moreover, proinflammatory molecules released from the inflamed or injured vascular system induce migration and proliferation of SMCs. RAGE binds a large number of different ligands and is therefore considered as a PRR, recognizing a structural motif rather than a specific ligand. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the signaling pathways activated in the different cell types and discuss a potential activation mechanism of RAGE, as well as putative options for therapeutic intervention.