bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Levofloxacin-Induced Tendinopathy of the Hip
Authors: Ganske Corrine M , Horning Kristin K 
Published: April 2012

Objective: To describe what we believe to be the first reported possible case of tendinopathy of the hip in a patient receiving levofloxacin. Case Summary: A 58-year-old male with recurrent otitis media was admitted for left lateral hip pain of 10 on a scale of 10. He had started a 5-day course of levofloxacin 750 mg/day 10 days before he began experiencing pain. He also took simvastatin 20 mg/day and walked 90 minutes each day. He was treated with oxycodone with acetaminophen and physical therapy. His pain had improved significantly at a 10-day recheck. Discussion: Fluoroqulnolone-induced tendinopathy has been well-reported in the literature, but most cases involve Pefloxacin and affect the Achilles tendon. Only 11 cases of tendinopathy have been reported with levofloxacin based on a MEDLINE search (1966-December 2011). This is the first known case reported that involved tendinopathy of the hip believed to be caused by fluoroquinolones. The Naranjo probability scale revealed a possible adverse reaction of levofloxacin-induced tendinopathy of the hip. Contributing factors likely included the high dose of levofloxacin, concomitant use of a statin, and strenuous physical activity. Conclusions: Health care professionals should be aware of the possibility of tendinopathy of the hip in patients who receive fluoroquinolones. Thorough history for possible risk factors should be obtained. Patients on fluoroquinolones at risk for tendinopathy should be counseled to avoid strenuous physical activity.
A New Look into the Determinants of the Ecological Discount Rate: Disentangling Social Preferences
Authors: Echazu Luciana , Nocetti Diego , Smith William T. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
How should changes in environmental quality occurring in the future be discounted? To answer this question we consider a model of “ecological discounting”, where the representative consumer has a utility function defined over two attributes, consumption and environmental quality, which evolve stochastically over time. We characterize the determinants of the social discount rate and its behavior over time using a preference structure that disentangles attitudes towards intertemporal inequality, attitudes towards risk, and tastes over consumption and environmental quality. We show that the degree of substitutability between consumption and environmental quality, the degree of risk aversion, the degree of inequality aversion, and the rate at which these attitudes change as natural and man-made resources evolve over time are all important aspects of the ecological discount rate and its term structure. Our analysis suggests that over medium and long term horizons the ecological discount rate should be below the rate of time preference, supporting recent proposals for immediate action towards climate change mitigation.
Bacterial Hazards of Sludge Brought Ashore by the Tsunami after the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011
Authors: Wada Koji , Fukuda Kazumasa , Yoshikawa Toru , Hirose Toshio , Ikeno Takako , Umata Toshiyuki , Irokawa Toshiya , Taniguchi Hatsumi , Aizawa Yoshiharu 
Published: April 2012

Bacterial Hazards of Sludge Brought Ashore by the Tsunami after the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011: Koji WADA, et al. Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine—ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify bacteria in sludge brought by the 2011 tsunami in Japan to determine the necessary precautions for workers who handle the sludge.MethodsTwo sludge samples and one water sample were collected from each of two sites in Miyagi Prefecture in June 2011. We also obtained control samples from a paddy field and a dry beach in Fukuoka, Japan. The samples were subjected to physicochemical analyses, conventional cultivation methods, and molecular methods for bacterial flora analysis. The bacterial floras were analyzed using a clone library method employing fragments of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) amplified with universal primers.ResultsWe detected 51–61 genera in sludge samples and 14 and 17 genera in water samples collected in the tsunami‐affected areas. In sludge samples collected in the tsunami‐affected areas, more genera belonged to Proteobacteria than to Bacteroidetes, but in water samples collected in these areas, more genera belonged to Bacteroidetes than to Proteobacteria. Non‐O1, non‐O139 V. cholerae (non‐agglutinable vibrio) was found at approximately 104cells/ml near the coast of the tsunami affected area. Sulfate‐reducing bacteria were detected in sludge collected from the paddy field, and a relatively high concentration of sulfate ions was found in the water sample (258 mg/l).ConclusionsSludge brought by the tsunami contained some pathogens; therefore, frequent hand washing is recommended for workers who have direct contact with the sludge to minimize their risk of infection. Under the anaerobic conditions of paddy fields, hydrogen sulfide could be produced by sulfate‐reducing bacteria metabolizing sulfate ions.
Intense optical absorption of defects created in Er3+-diffused layer in MgO (5 mol%)-doped LiNbO3crystal by local Er3+diffusion under Li-poor atmosphere
Authors: Zhang De-Long , Xu Shi-Yu , Han Fang , Hua Ping-Rang , Yu Dao-Yin , Yue-Bun Pun Edwin 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Squimulation – Simultaneous Well Stimulation and Scale Squeeze Treatments in Deep-Water, West Africa
Authors: Patterson D. , Kendrick M. , Williams W. , Jordan M. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
In a deepwater West African field the relatively small number of high-cost, highly productive wells, coupled with a high barium sulfate scaling tendency (upon waterflood breakthrough of injected seawater) requires effective scale management along with removal of near-wellbore damage in order to achieve high hydrocarbon recovery.
The nature of the well completion strategy in the field (frac packs for sand control) had resulted in some wells with higher than expected skin values due to drilling fluid losses, residual frac gel, fluid loss agents, and fines mobilization within the frac packs.
The paper will present how the challenges of managing impaired completions and inorganic scale forced innovation in terms of when to apply both stimulation and scale inhibitor packages to deep water wells. This paper will outline a novel process for non-conventional batch chemical applications where bullhead stimulation treatments have been displaced deep into the formation (&gt;20ft) using a scale inhibitor overflush. Not only does this benefit the stimulation by displacing the spent acid and reagents away from the immediate wellbore area, but the combined treatment provides a cost savings with a single mobilization for the combined treatment. The paper will describe the laboratory testing that was performed to qualify the treatments. The five field treatments that were performed demonstrate how these coupled applications have proven very effective at both well stimulation/skin reduction and scale inhibitor placement prior to and after seawater breakthrough. The term "squimulation" is used by the local operations team to describe this simultaneous squeeze and stimulation process.
Many similar fields are currently being developed in the Campos basin, Gulf of Mexico, and West Africa, and this paper is a good example of best-practice sharing from another oil basin.
An Association Study of Interleukin 18 Receptor Genes (IL18R1 and IL18RAP) in Lumbar Disc Degeneration
Authors: Omair Ahmad , Lie Benedicte Alexandra , Reikeras Olav , Brox Jens Ivar 
Published: April 2012

Objectives:
To examine association of candidate genetic variants in structural, inflammatory, matrix modifying, vitamin D receptor genes and variants associated with osteoarthritis, with surgical candidates and surgical patients with lumbar disc degeneration (LDD), in light of their previously reported susceptibility for LDD.

Methods:
Genotyping of 146 Norwegian LDD patients and 188 Norwegian controls was performed for 20 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from collagen, aggrecan, interleukin, VDR, MMP3 and COX2 genes and 7 SNPs from osteoarthritic genes.

Results:
The neighboring genes IL18R1 and IL18RAP polymorphisms (rs2287037 and rs1420100), showed a statistically non-significant risk for developing LDD (OR 1.36 [95 % CI 0.99 – 1.87]; p=0.06 and OR 1.33 [95 % CI 0.98-1.81]; p=0.07). Homozygosity of these risk alleles was associated with LDD (p=0.023 and p=0.027). The non-risk alleles at these SNPs were situated on a haplotype negatively associated with LDD (p=0.008). Carriage of at least one non-risk allele at both loci also reduces the risk of developing LDD (OR 0.51 [95 % CI 0.33-0.80]; p=0.003).

Conclusion:
Our findings support the polygenic nature of LDD and suggest that variation in interleukin 18 receptor genes could affect the risk of severe LDD and associated low back pain.
Ceramic Femoral Components in Total Knee Arthroplasty - Two Year Follow-Up Results of an International Prospective Multi-Centre Study
Authors: Bergschmidt Philipp , Bader Rainer , Ganzer Dirk , Hauzeur Christian , Lohmann Christoph , Rüther Wolfgang , Tigani Domenico , Rani Nicola , Prats Fernando Lopez , Zorzi Claudio , Madonna Vincenzo , Rigotti Stefano , Benazzo Francesco , Rossi Stefano Marco Paolo , Kundt Guenther , Bloch Hans Rudolf , Mittelmeier Wolfram 
Published: April 2012

Background:Total knee arthroplasty can be considered as a reliable surgical procedure with a good long-term clinical result. However, implant failure due to particle induced aseptic loosening as well as the aspect of hypersensitivity to metal ions still remains an emerging issue.Methods:The purpose of this prospective international multi-centre study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes and the reliability of the unconstrained Multigen Plus Total Knee System with a new BIOLOX® delta ceramic femoral component. Cemented total knee arthroplasty was performed on 108 patients (110 knees) at seven hospitals in three countries. Clinical and radiological evaluations were performed preoperatively, and after 3, 12 and 24 months postoperatively using the HSS-, WOMAC-, SF-36-score and standardised X-rays.Results:The mean preoperative HSS-Score amounted to 55.5 ± 11.5 points and improved significantly in all postoperative evaluations (85.7 ± 11.7 points at 24 months). Furthermore, improvements in WOMAC- and SF-36-score were evaluated as significant at all points of evaluation. Radiolucent lines around the femoral ceramic component at 24 months were found in four cases. Progression of radiolucent lines was not seen and no implant loosening was observed. During the 24 month follow-up eight patients underwent subsequent surgery due to reasons unrelated to the implant material.Conclusions:The observed clinical and radiological results are encouraging for a long-term survival of the ceramic femoral component. Therefore, ceramic implants could be a promising solution not only for patients with allergies against metallic implant materials, but also for the osteoarthritic knee joint. Long-term follow-up is necessary to draw conclusions regarding the superiority of the ceramic knee implants concerningin vivowear and long-term survivorship.
Relationships of the Psychological Influence of Food and Barriers to Lifestyle Change to Weight and Utilization of Online Weight Loss Tools
Authors: Binks Martin , Mierlo Trevor van , Edwards Christopher L 
Published: April 2012

Introduction:
The psychological influence of food (PFS) and perceived barriers to lifestyle change (PBLC) were considered as predictors of body mass index and website tool utilization (TU) in an online weight loss program.

Materials and Methodology:
An archival analysis of all (N = 1361) overweight/obese (BMI M = 31.6 + 6.24 kg/m2), adult (M = 42.0 + 10.72 years) users (82.4% female) of an evidence-based, multidisciplinary Internet weight loss program was performed. Predictor variables included: PFS and PBLC, age, and longest maintained weight loss in relation to 1) BMI 2) TU.

Results:
Both PBLC and PFS were correlated with baseline BMI and TU. Regression analyses indicated that only PFS independently predicted BMI (p = .0001) and TU (p = .001) when the model included all predictor variables. One-way ANOVA indicated gender differences on both PBLC and PFS scores (p = .001). Subsequent regression analyses separated by gender showed that in females PFS predicted BMI (p = .0001) and TU (p = .005). For males no variable significantly predicted BMI (p’s > .05) however PBLC did predict TU (p = .008).

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that when developing online weight loss programs clinical characteristics of the user could inform website algorithms to maximize website utilization. Gender differences indicated that for women it may be important to understand how factors related to the psychological influence of food impact utilization of online weight loss programs, however, for men broader barriers to lifestyle change is an important consideration.
Effects of topically administered FK506 on sciatic nerve regeneration and reinnervation after vein graft repair of short nerve gaps
Authors: Azizi Saeed , Mohammadi Rahim , Amini Keyvan , Fallah Roza 
Published: April 2012

Object
Despite the development of various nerve coaptation materials and techniques, achievement of desired functional peripheral nerve regeneration is still inadequate, and repair of peripheral nerve injuries is still one of the most challenging tasks and concerns in neurosurgery. The effect of an FK506-loaded vein graft as an in situ delivery system for FK506 in bridging the defects was studied using a rat sciatic nerve regeneration model.

Methods
A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using an inside-out vein graft (IOVG) filled with 10 μl of a carrier-drug dilution (10 ng/ml FK506) in the IOVG/FK506 group. In the IOVG control group, the vein was filled with the same volume of carrier dilution alone. The regenerated fibers were studied 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery.

Results
Functional study confirmed faster recovery of the regenerated axons in the IOVG/FK506 group than in the IOVG group (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the mean gastrocnemius muscle weight ratios of the IOVG/FK506 and IOVG control groups (p < 0.05). Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in the IOVG/FK506 group than in the IOVG control group. Immunohistochemical analysis showed more positive immunoreactivity to S100 protein in the IOVG/FK506 group than in the IOVG control group.

Conclusions
When loaded in a vein graft, FK506 resulted in improvement of functional recovery and quantitative morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. Topical application of this readily available agent offers the benefit of cost savings as well as avoiding the complications associated with systemic administration.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Gross Bradley A. , Ropper Alexander E. , Popp A. John , Du Rose 
Published: April 2012

Object
Given the feasibility of curative surgical and endovascular therapy for cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), there is a relative paucity of radiosurgical series for these lesions as compared with their arteriovenous malformation counterparts.

Methods
The authors reviewed records of 56 patients with 70 cerebral DAVFs treated at their institution over the past 6 years. Ten DAVFs (14%) in 9 patients were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), with follow-up obtained for 8 patients with 9 DAVFs. They combined their results with those obtained from a comprehensive review of the literature, focusing on obliteration rates, post-SRS hemorrhage rates, and other complications.

Results
In the authors' group of 9 DAVFs, angiographic obliteration was seen in 8 cases (89%), and no post-SRS hemorrhage or complications were observed after a mean follow-up of 2.9 years. Combining the results in these cases with data obtained from their review of the literature, they found 558 DAVFs treated with SRS across 14 series. The overall obliteration rate was 71%; transient worsening occurred in 9.1% of patients, permanent worsening in 2.4% (including 1 death, 0.2% of cases), and post-SRS hemorrhage occurred in 1.6% of cases (4.8% of those with cortical venous drainage [CVD]). The obliteration rate for cavernous DAVFs was 84%, whereas the rates for transversesigmoid and for tentorial DAVFs were 58% and 59%, respectively (adjusted p values, pcav,TS = 1.98 × 10−4, pcav,tent = 0.032). Obliteration rates were greater for DAVFs without CVD (80%, compared with 60% for those with CVD, p = 7.59 × 10−4). Both transient worsening and permanent worsening were less common in patients without CVD than in those with CVD (3.4% vs 7.3% for transient worsening and 0.9% vs 2.4% for permanent worsening).

Conclusions
Stereotactic radiosurgery with or without adjunctive embolization is an effective therapy for DAVFs that are not amenable to surgical or endovascular monotherapy. It is best suited for lesions without CVD and for cavernous DAVFs.
The superior ophthalmic vein approach for the treatment of carotid-cavernous fistulas: a novel technique using Onyx
Authors: Chalouhi Nohra , Dumont Aaron S. , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Gonzalez L. Fernando , Bilyk Jurij R. , Randazzo Ciro , Hasan David , Dalyai Richard T. , Rosenwasser Robert , Jabbour Pascal 
Published: April 2012

Object
Endovascular therapy is the primary treatment option for carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs). Operative cannulation of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) provides a reasonable alternative route to the cavernous sinus when all transvenous and transarterial approaches have been unsuccessful. The role of the liquid embolic agent Onyx in the management of CCFs has not been well documented, especially when using an SOV approach. The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of Onyx embolization of CCFs through a surgical cannulation of the SOV.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed all patients with CCFs who were treated with Onyx through an SOV approach between April 2009 and April 2011. Traditional endovascular approaches had failed in all patients.

Results
A total of 10 patients were identified, 1 with a Type A CCF, 5 with a Type B CCF, and 4 with a Type D CCF. All fistulas were embolized in 1 session. Onyx was the sole embolic agent used in 7 cases and was combined with coils in 3 other cases. Complete obliteration was achieved in 8 patients and a significant reduction in fistulous flow was achieved in 2 patients, which later progressed to near-complete occlusion on angiographic follow-up. All patients experienced a complete clinical recovery with excellent cosmetic results and were free from recurrence at their latest clinical follow-up evaluations.

Conclusions
Onyx embolization is an excellent therapy for CCFs in general, and through an SOV approach in particular. Direct operative cannulation of the SOV followed by Onyx embolization may be the best treatment option in patients with CCFs when all other endovascular approaches have been exhausted.
Treatment of carotid-cavernous fistulas using intraarterial balloon assistance: case series and technical note
Authors: Gonzalez L. Fernando , Chalouhi Nohra , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Jabbour Pascal , Dumont Aaron S. , Rosenwasser Robert H. 
Published: April 2012

Object
Multiple approaches have been used to treat carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs). The transvenous approach has become a popular and effective route. Onyx is a valuable tool in today's endovascular armamentarium. The authors describe the use of a balloon-assisted technique in the treatment of CCFs with Onyx and assess its feasibility, utility, and safety.

Methods
The authors searched their prospectively maintained database for CCFs embolized using Onyx with the assistance of a compliant balloon placed in the internal carotid artery (ICA).

Results
Five patients were treated between July 2009 and July 2011 at the authors' institution. A balloon helped to identify the fistulous point, served as a buttress for coils, protected from inadvertent arterial embolizations, and prevented Onyx and coils from obscuring the ICA during the course of embolization. No balloon-related complications were noted in any of the 5 cases. All 5 fistulas were completely obliterated at the end of the procedure. Four patients had available clinical follow-ups, and all 4 showed reversal of nerve palsies.

Conclusions
Balloon-assisted Onyx embolization of CCFs offers a powerful combination that prevents inadvertent migration of the embolic material into the arterial system, facilitates visualization of the ICA, and serves as a buttress for coils deployed in the cavernous sinus through the fistulous point. Despite adding another layer of technical complexity, an intraarterial balloon can provide valuable assistance in the treatment of CCFs.
Salinity and solid fraction of frazil and grease ice
Authors: Maus Sönke , De La Rosa Sara 
Published: April 2012

AbstractUnder turbulent conditions ice growth in sea water often occurs as tiny suspended frazil ice crystals. When the turbulence is insufficient to keep the crystals in suspension, they may accumulate in a surface grease layer of pure ice and sea water. Here we give an account of this grease of low solid fraction and high salinity prior to its freeze-up into a solid ice cover. We provide equations for determining the bulk salinity, Sg, and solid ice volume fraction, ϕs, of the grease layer by indirect and direct methods, review previous observations, and present new data. For the evolution of the solid fraction of accumulating grease ice we find (I) an early mode 0.08 < ϕs < 0.12 and (II) a long-term packing limit of 0.28 < ϕs < 0.31, which for sea water of salinity 34 corresponds to 29.5 < Sg <31.5 and 24 < Sg < 26, respectively. We associate (I) with a mechanical limit related to initial random packing of frazil crystals and (II) with a thermodynamic limit, beyond which the grease will freeze-up into a solid ice cover. By comparing the results with a simple model of random close packing of anisotropic particles, we find that the results are consistent with frazil flocs having an aspect ratio of ˜10, much smaller than values assumed in most model applications that include sea-water frazil ice processes.
A method for recording ice ablation using a low-cost ultrasonic rangefinder
Authors: Len Keeler M. , Brugger Keith A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe have adapted inexpensive ultrasonic rangefinders to measure ablation rates on the surface of a glacier. While ultrasonic rangers are commercially available for this purpose, our goal was to utilize rangefinders typically used in hobby robotics without significantly compromising performance. To correct for environmental factors that affect the speed of sound we use two ultrasonic rangefinders, one focused on a fixed target. Measurements of ablation correlate well with manual measurements with an uncertainty of about ±3 cm, suggesting an accuracy comparable with other non-manual methods of recording ablation. The limitations of our rangefinder include those inherent in commercially available units as well as having less acoustical power, which results in a reduced effective range of the sensor (~2 m) and difficulties in detecting surfaces lying below low-density snow. Our sensor design provides a cost-effective means of increasing the spatial coverage of ice ablation measurements.