bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smart Sensors and Virtual Physiology Human Approach as a Basis of Personalized Therapies in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Fernández Peruchena Carlos M , Prado-Velasco Manuel 
Published: November 2010

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has a growing incidence and prevalence in modern societies, pushed by the aging and change of life styles. Despite the huge resources dedicated to improve their quality of life, mortality and morbidity rates, these are still very poor. In this work, DM pathology is revised from clinical and metabolic points of view, as well as mathematical models related to DM, with the aim of justifying an evolution of DM therapies towards the correction of the physiological metabolic loops involved. We analyze the reliability of mathematical models, under the perspective of virtual physiological human (VPH) initiatives, for generating and integrating customized knowledge about patients, which is needed for that evolution. Wearable smart sensors play a key role in this frame, as they provide patient’s information to the models.
A telehealthcare computational architecture based on distributed smart sensors (first processing layer) and personalized physiological mathematical models integrated in Human Physiological Images (HPI) computational components (second processing layer), is presented. This technology was designed for a renal disease telehealthcare in earlier works and promotes crossroads between smart sensors and the VPH initiative. We suggest that it is able to support a truly personalized, preventive, and predictive healthcare model for the delivery of evolved DM therapies.
Behçet’s Disease as a Model of Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Regina Micaela La , Gasparyan Armen Yuri , Orlandini Francesco , Prisco Domenico 
Published: November 2010

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology characterized by recurrent oral, genital aphthous ulcerations, uveitis, skin lesions and other multisystem affections associated with vasculitis. Different types of vessels, predominantly veins, can be affected in BD. The frequency of vascular lesions in BD, such as superficial and deep venous thromboses, arterial aneurysms and occlusions, ranges between 7-29%.In this review, various factors of thrombogenesis in BD, particularly pro- and antithrombotic endothelial and non-endothelial factors, factors of coagulation, platelet activation and rheological changes are presented and discussed from positions of Virchow’s triad of venous thrombosis.Despite advances in understanding of thrombogenesis in BD, still many issues of diagnosis and targeted preventive and therapeutic measures remain unresolved. Further studies are needed to clarify the pathobiology of BD-related thrombosis and to provide the clinicians with recommendations over the utility, safety and effectiveness of the antithrombotic therapy in BD.
Promising Clinical Results of the Universal Total Wrist Prosthesis in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: van Winterswijk P.J.T.S. , Bakx P.A.G.M. 
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of the Universal Total Wrist prosthesis.Seventeen wrist arthroplasties were performed in 15 patients using the Universal Total Wrist prosthesis. The 11 women and 4 men in the study group ranged in age from 45 to 86 years. Fourteen patients had rheumatoid arthritis and one had osteoarthritis. Follow up ranged from 20 to 74 months. Patients were evaluated for range of motion, with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) survey and radiographically.All range of motion values improved after surgery. Average postoperative motion was 29° dorsiflexion, 38° volar flexion, 7° radial deviation and 17° ulnar deviation. The DASH scores improved with 29 %. Pain score improved in all 15 patients. One prosthesis had to be removed due to component loosening of the carpal plate. The other cases showed no radiographic signs of loosening. One patient had an early prosthetic dislocation and was treated conservatively with success.The Universal Total Wrist prosthesis provides a promising outcome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Dislocation of the Elbow: A Retrospective Multicentre Study of 86 Patients
Authors: de Haan Jeroen , Schep Niels W.L , Zengerink Imme , van Buijtenen Jesse , Tuinebreijer Wim E , den Hartog Dennis 
Published: November 2010

The objective of this retrospective multicentre cohort study was to prospectively assess the long-term functional outcomes of simple and complex elbow dislocations.
We analysed the hospital and outpatient records of 86 patients between 01.03.1999 and 25.02.2009 with an elbow dislocation. After a mean follow-up of 3.3 years, all patients were re-examined at the outpatient clinic for measurement of different outcomes.
The mean range of motion was ROM 135.5°. The Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI) scored an average of 91.9 (87.5% of the patients were rated excellent or good). The average Quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Quick- DASH) score was 9.7, the sports/music score 11.5 and work score 6.1. The Oxford function score was 75.7, Oxford pain score 75.2 and Oxford social-psychological score 73.9.
Elbow dislocation is a mild disease and generally, the outcome is excellent. Functional results might improve with early active movements.
Results of Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation in the Knee
Authors: Muller Sandra , Breederveld Roelf S , Tuinebreijer Wim E 
Published: November 2010

Repair of full thickness defects of articular cartilage in the knee is difficult but important to prevent progression to osteoarthritis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical results of Osteochondral Autograft Transplant System (OATS) treatment for articular defects of the knee.Between 1999 and 2005, 15 knees (14 patients) were treated by the OATS technique. Age ranged from 27 to 52 years. Cartilage defects were up to 3.75 cm2. The mean follow-up was 42 months. Knee function was assessed by the Lysholmscore and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form. Six patients scored good or excellent. No patient had knee instability. Twelve of 13 patients returned to sports at an intermediate or high level. The subjective assessment score (0-10) changed from 4.7 before operation to 7.2 afterward (P=0.007). The OATS-technique resulted in a decrease in symptoms in patients with localized articular cartilage defects. We consider the OATS technique to be an appropriate treatment for cartilage defects to prevent progression of symptoms.
Why Does Intermarriage Increase Immigrant Employment? The Role of Networks
Authors: Furtado Delia , Theodoropoulos Nikolaos 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Social networks are commonly understood to play a large role in the labor market success of immigrants. Using 2000 U.S. Census data, this paper examines whether access to native networks, as measured by marriage to a native, increases the probability of immigrant employment. We start by confirming that in both least squares and instrumental variables frameworks, marriage to a native indeed increases immigrant employment rates. Next, we show that the returns to marrying a native are not likely to arise solely from legal status acquired through marriage or characteristics of native spouses. We then present several pieces of evidence suggesting that networks obtained through marriage play an important part in explaining the relationship between marriage decisions and employment.
Urinary Cystatin C as a Potential Risk Marker for Cardiovascular Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Satoh-Asahara Noriko , Suganami Takayoshi , Majima Takafumi , Kotani Kazuhiko , Kato Yasuhisa , Araki Rika , Koyama Kazunori , Okajima Taiichiro , Tanabe Makito , Oishi Mariko , Himeno Akihiro , Kono Shigeo , Sugawara Akira , Hattori Masakazu , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Shimatsu Akira 
Published: November 2010

Summary

Background and Objectives
Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and all-cause mortality. Serum cystatin C (S-CysC), a marker of GFR, has been shown to be associated with CVD and CKD. This study was designed to elucidate the association of urinary CysC (U-CysC), a marker of renal tubular dysfunction, with CVD and CKD risk factors in patients with obesity and MS.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
The U-CysC-creatinine ratio (UCCR) was examined in 343 Japanese obese outpatients enrolled in the multi-centered Japan Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Study.

Results
UCCR was positively correlated with urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) and S-CysC and negatively correlated with estimated GFR (eGFR). Among obese patients, UCCR was significantly higher in MS patients than in non-MS patients. UCCR had significant correlations with the number of components of MS and arterial stiffness, all of which are CVD predictors, similarly to UACR (P < 0.05). Interestingly, diet- and exercise-induced weight reduction for 3 months significantly decreased only UCCR among all of the renal markers examined (P < 0.01), in parallel with the decrease in BMI, HbA1c, and arterial stiffness, suggesting the beneficial effect of weight reduction on renal tubular dysfunction.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that UCCR is significantly associated with renal dysfunction, the severity of MS, arterial stiffness, and weight change in obese patients. The data of this study suggest that U-CysC could serve as a CVD and CKD risk factor in patients with obesity and MS.
Teaching Introductory Psychology through Flexible Delivery: A Case Study
Authors: Little Emma , Francis Andrew 
Published: November 2010

The issue of how to engage students early in the higher educational area of psychology is a pertinent one for educators. With the development of information technologies, the use of traditional educational approaches may now be supplemented by web and computer based material that provides flexibility in student learning. An innovative approach to the teaching of psychology has been trialled and now implemented throughout undergraduate psychology at RMIT University, Australia. This paper will provide a description of this approach, as well as evaluation from students and staff, and suggestions for the implementation of the approach at other universities. Introductory psychology at RMIT is taught through a combination of flexible delivery strategies and traditional lecture and tutorials. A fully interactive, online educational program has been developed by lecturers in psychology and provides a student-directed approach to the learning of traditional areas in introductory psychology. In addition, students attend a one-hour weekly lecture that is used as an opportunity for critical analysis of the material, clarification of difficult concepts, and student questions. Students are then involved in a two-hour practical and applied tutorial that give them direct experience and exposure to concepts in psychology. The response from students and staff to this approach has been extremely positive and data will be presented to demonstrate this. Comparison of student feedback and results from pre and post implementation will be provided. The implications for a flexible delivery approach to student learning will be examined in this paper.
Severe postpartum morbidity and mode of delivery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Farchi Sara , Polo Arianna , Franco Francesco , Di Lallo Domenico , Guasticchi Gabriella 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe aim of this population‐based study was to estimate the risk of postpartum maternal complications associated with mode of delivery in a population of low‐risk pregnancies. Data from 324,883 full‐term singleton births between 2001 and 2007 were retrieved from birth and hospital discharge databases of the Lazio Region, Central Italy. Women with breech presentation births and those with chronic/pregnancy‐related diseases in the mother/fetus were excluded. The association between mode of delivery and maternal outcome was estimated for women by odds ratios (ORs), adjusted for potential confounders. Of nulliparous women 78.6% intended vaginal delivery, while for multiparous this was 68.6%. Elective cesarean section was associated with a higher risk of hysterectomy, obstetric shock and anesthetic complications compared with women in the intended vaginal delivery group. This suggests there is a need for a program to reduce unnecessary elective cesarean sections.
Prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts among pregnant Pakistani women
Authors: Asad Nargis , Karmaliani Rozina , Sullaiman Nasreen , Bann Carla M. , McClure Elizabeth M. , Pasha Omrana , Wright Linda L. , Goldenberg Robert L. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjective. To determine the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts and to identify demographic variables and mental health correlates such as anxiety/depression and domestic violence among pregnant women in an urban community in Pakistan. Design. Cross‐sectional data from a prospective cohort study are presented. Setting. Women enrolled in an antenatal care clinic and followed to delivery in an urban area of Pakistan. Population. Cohort of pregnant women in Pakistan. Methods. A total of 1,369 pregnant women were enrolled and interviewed regarding various maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes, and were asked specific questions about suicidal thoughts and attempts and administered the Aga Khan University Anxiety Depression Scale at 20–26 weeks of gestation. Main outcome measures. Suicidal thoughts and attempts, verbal, sexual or physical abuse. Results. Overall, 148 of the 1,369 (11%) women studied had considered suicide. Of these, 148 women, 67 (45%) had attempted suicide. In all, 18% of the women were classified as having depression/anxiety, almost half (48%) reported experiencing verbal abuse and 20% reported physical/sexual abuse. Women who had anxiety/depression or had experienced verbal or physical/sexual abuse were significantly more likely to have had suicidal thoughts and attempts. Conclusions. Women at the greatest risk for having suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt were those who were depressed/anxious and had experienced some form of domestic abuse. With the high prevalence of these conditions, attention should be given to the establishment of effective mental health treatment programs for pregnant women.
Complete Stress Shielding of the Achilles Tendon: Ultrastructure and Level of Interleukin-1 and TGF-β
Authors: Wang Wei , Tang Xiaoyu , Zhang Jing , Yan Xiaoyan , Yanhong Ma 
Published: November 2010

Few studies emphasize the collagen metabolism-related cytokines and ultrastructure of the completely stress-shielded Achilles tendon. In this study, we used a rat model with complete stress shielding of the Achilles tendon to observe the changes in the ultrastructure of the Achilles tendon and concentration of IL-1 and TGF-β 3 weeks after stress shielding.
The model group comprised 12 male Sprague-Dawley rats. The stress of the Achilles tendon of the left hind limb was shielded through tendon cerclage combined with sciatic nerve transection, and the right served as a normal control. Three weeks later, the ultrastructure of the Achilles tendon was observed under electron microscopy and IL-1 and TGF-β levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Compared with the control side, collagen fibrils of the shielded Achilles tendons were irregularly arranged and loose. The number of small-diameter collagen fibrils increased significantly with the decrease of the average diameter of collagen fibrils. At the same time, IL-1 concentrations increased significantly in the model group as compared to that in the control group, but no significant difference was found in TGF-β levels.
These results suggest that IL-1 may play an important role in the change of ultrastructure after stress shielding.
Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Tiotropium Bromide
Authors: Mamary A. James , Criner Gerard J. 
Published: November 2010

In COPD, pathologic upregulation and stimulation of muscarinic (M) receptors contribute to bronchospasm, mucus hypersecretion and possibly airway remodeling. Tiotropium bromide (brand name Spiriva; Boehringer Ingelheim/Pfizer) inhalational powder was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in January 2004 for the long-term, once-daily, maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Tiotropium is recommended by the Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) as a first-line therapeutic in treating chronic moderate and severe COPD and is the only long acting inhaled anti-muscarinic (anti-cholinergic) therapy available for the treatment of COPD in the USA. The primary functional effect of tiotropium is mediated through antagonism of M3 receptors and the decreased acetylcholine induced airway smooth muscle bronchoconstriction. Tiotropium is associated with increased lung function, health related quality of life, and exercise tolerance and reduced dyspnea and acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). On November 19, 2009 the Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee voted 11-1 for new product labeling about the benefits of tiotropium stating that the data provide “substantial and convincing evidence” that tiotropium decreases AECOPD. 1 This indication “for reducing COPD exacerbations” was added to product labeling in December 2009. Tiotropium is safe and well tolerated with few side effects. The large multicenter UPLIFT (Understanding the Potential Long-Term Impacts on Function with Tiotropium) trial demonstrated the long-term safety of tiotropium over four years of continuous use showing no increase in stoke and all cause mortality. Serious adverse events including respiratory failure, congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction were significantly less in the tiotropium group. In a pre-specified subgroup analysis Tiotropium retarded FEV1 decline in milder COPD. Additional review of cholinergic pathobiology relevant to COPD and asthma provides context for future therapeutic and preventative roles for tiotropium.
Robustness of efficient server assignment policies to service time distributions in finite‐buffered lines
Authors: Kırkızlar Eser , Andradóttir Sigrún , Ayhan Hayriye 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWe study the assignment of flexible servers to stations in tandem lines with service times that are not necessarily exponentially distributed. Our goal is to achieve optimal or near‐optimal throughput. For systems with infinite buffers, it is already known that the effective assignment of flexible servers is robust to the service time distributions. We provide analytical results for small systems and numerical results for larger systems that support the same conclusion for tandem lines with finite buffers. In the process, we propose server assignment heuristics that perform well for systems with different service time distributions. Our research suggests that policies known to be optimal or near‐optimal for Markovian systems are also likely to be effective when used to assign servers to tasks in non‐Markovian systems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2010
Towards green loyalty: driving from green perceived value, green satisfaction, and green trust
Authors: Chen Yu‐Shan 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis study proposed four original concepts – green perceived value, green satisfaction, green trust, and green loyalty – and discussed their relationships. The results showed that enhancing green perceived value, green satisfaction, and green trust of customers can increase their green loyalty. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that green perceived value can not only directly influence green loyalty positively, but also indirectly influence it positively via green satisfaction and green trust. In addition, this study undertook a comparative analysis between the original model and the four competing models. The results indicated that it is imperative to separate green perceived value, green satisfaction, green trust, and green loyalty from perceived value, satisfaction, trust, and loyalty. In the environmental era, if companies intend to raise their customers' green loyalty, they need to invest resources to raise their customers' green perceived value, green satisfaction, and green trust, rather than perceived value, satisfaction, and trust. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Political Economy of Central Asia: Initial Reflections on the Need for a New Approach
Authors: Rustemova Assel 
Published: November 2010

This article aims to give an overview of the analytical approaches to political economy of Central Asia. It argues that twenty years after transition paradigm we still find lingering separation between politics and economics that compartmentalizes studies of economic development, nation- and state-building into separate projects. 1 1 I am grateful to Peter Rutland, Philip Cerny and Frank Fischer for thought-provoking conversations that inspired me to write this article. The analytical separation between economics and politics creates two crucial problems for scholars of development in Central Asia: the suspense of theorization of economy and lack of attention to the new practices of governing. Two theories tried to solve the issue of separation. First is the theory of the “resource curse”, which argues for the inability of a raw material supplier to develop a healthy democratic system (Pomfret, 2006; Auty, 2006a, 2006b, 2006c). The second view, “varieties of capitalism” traces institutional and historical peculiarities as preconditions for a stable market-oriented democratic system (Lane, 2006; Luong, 2000). However, the first view is rather deterministic in relying on a single variable to prove the case; whereas, the second view is highly arbitrary by picking specific historical and cultural contexts that suit the case. I argue that post-structuralist approaches and specifically, the framework of “governmentality” – a term coined by Michel Foucault, allows for more fruitful heuristic exercise. Governmentality as an analytical approach looks at the way the state positions itself in its society and determines the type of governing rationale it adopts. Particularly, it incorporates both discursive and structural-technological conditions of each state into analysis by augmenting the data before constructing the theory to argue what rationale drives government activities in the state. Governmentality speaks to both “resource curse” and the “varieties of capitalism” by enriching and complicating them while allowing identification of how rationales of governing evolve and change over time.