bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical Intervention in Central Toxic Keratopathy
Authors: Tu Kyaw L. , Aslanides Ioannis M. 
Published: May 2012

Purpose. To report management and outcome of 3 cases of bilateral central toxic keratopathy (CTK). Methods. A retrospective chart review on 3 laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis patients who developed CTK within a short time of one another. Results. Patient A had flap lifts and irrigation (FL+I) twice in the right eye (OD) on postoperative day 1 at diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) stage 3 and once each on days 1 (at DLK stage 3) and 5 (at CTK) for the left eye (OS). She attained 20/20 unaided visual acuity (UVA) OD at 1 month. Her UVA OS remained at 20/32 but best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) gradually improved to 20/25 at 8 months. Patient B had right FL+I on day 3 and left FL+I on day 5 (both for CTK). His OS achieved full visual potential (20/25 UVA) by 1 month but UVA OD was reduced to 20/25 (preoperative BCVA 20/20) at 8 months. Patient C had medical management only. Her preoperative BCVA OD of 20/33 fell to 20/50 postoperative UCVA/BCVA; OS regained full visual potential of 20/40 between 2 and 8 months. Patient A's OD did not develop a full-blown CTK; instead an arrested CTK resulted. All except that one eye had initial hyperopic/astigmatic errors that gradually lessened. Artemis II imaging confirmed early stromal loss posterior to the flap with stroma regaining some thickness over the following months. Conclusions. Surgical intervention in cases of CTK may improve clinical outcomes.
Association of C‐reactive protein with high disease activity in systemic sclerosis: Results from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Authors: Muangchan Chayawee , Harding Sarah , Khimdas Sarit , Bonner Ashley ,   Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, Baron Murray , Pope Janet 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveThis study was performed to determine the prevalence of elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels and the significance of CRP in clinical parameters in systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) patients.MethodsCanadian Scleroderma Research Group data were used. Statistical comparisons were made for CRP levels ≤8 mg/liter versus >8 mg/liter, early (≤3 years from first non–Raynaud's phenomenon symptom) versus late SSc, and diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) versus limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc). A survival analysis was analyzed between patients with normal versus elevated CRP levels.ResultsA total of 1,043 patients (mean ± SD age 55.4 ± 12.1 years, mean ± SD disease duration of 11.0 ± 9.5 years) were analyzed; elevation of CRP level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; >20 mm/hour) occurred in 25.7% and 38.2%, respectively. Mean ± SD baseline CRP level in dcSSc (11.98 ± 25.41 mg/liter) was higher than in lcSSc (8.15 ± 16.09 mg/liter; P = 0.016). SSc patients with an early disease duration had a higher mean ± SD CRP level (12.89 ± 28.13 mg/liter) than those with a late disease duration (8.60 ± 17.06 mg/liter; P = 0.041). Although not consistent in all subsets, CRP was significantly associated (P < 0.01) with ESR, modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS), worse pulmonary function parameters, disease activity, damage, and Health Assessment Questionnaire. CRP level seemed to normalize in many SSc patients over time. Total lung capacity <80% predicted, MRSS, and serum creatinine were predictors of elevated CRP levels in SSc (odds ratio [OR] 2.76 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.73–4.40], P = 0.0001; OR 1.03 [95% CI 1.01–1.05], P = 0.005; and OR 1.005 [95% CI 1.001–1.010], P = 0.02, respectively). Survival for patients with elevated CRP levels was less than for patients with normal CRP levels (P = 0.001).ConclusionCRP level is elevated in one‐quarter of SSc patients, especially early disease. It is correlated with disease activity, severity, poor pulmonary function, and shorter survival.
Cartilage thickening in early radiographic knee osteoarthritis: A within‐person, between‐knee comparison
Authors: Cotofana Sebastian , Buck Robert , Wirth Wolfgang , Roemer Frank , Duryea Jeff , Nevitt Michael , Eckstein Felix ,   Osteoarthritis Initiative Investigators Group
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether the presence of definite osteophytes (in the absence of joint space narrowing [JSN]) on radiographs is associated with (subregional) increases in cartilage thickness in a within‐person, between‐knee cross‐sectional comparison of participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Based on previous results, the external weight‐bearing medial femoral condyle (ecMF) and external weight‐bearing lateral femoral condyle (ecLF) subregions were selected as primary end points.MethodsBoth knees of 61 Osteoarthritis Initiative participants (n = 4,796) displayed definite tibial or femoral marginal osteophytes and no JSN in 1 knee, and no signs of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) in the contralateral knee; this was confirmed by an expert central reader. In these participants, cartilage thickness was measured in 16 femorotibial subregions of each knee, based on sagittal double‐echo steady‐state with water excitation magnetic resonance images. Location‐specific joint space width from fixed‐flexion radiographs was determined using dedicated software. Location‐specific associations of osteophytes with cartilage thickness were evaluated using paired t‐tests and mixed‐effects models.ResultsOf the 61 participants, 48% had only medial osteophytes, 36% only lateral osteophytes, and 16% bicompartmental osteophytes. The knees with osteophytes had significantly thicker cartilage than contralateral knees without osteophytes in the ecMF (mean ± SD +71 ± 223 μmoles, equivalent to an increase of +5.5%; P = 0.015) and ecLF (mean ± SD +64 ± 195 μmoles, +4.1%; P = 0.013). No significant differences between knees were noted in other subregions or in joint space width. Cartilage thickness in the ecMF and ecLF was significantly associated with tibial osteophytes in the same (medial or lateral) compartment (P = 0.003).ConclusionThe knees with early radiographic OA display thicker cartilage than (contralateral) knees without radiographic findings of OA, specifically in the external femoral subregions of compartments with marginal osteophytes.
Lumbar spine radiographic features and demographic, clinical, and radiographic knee, hip, and hand osteoarthritis
Authors: Goode Adam P. , Marshall Stephen W. , Renner Jordan B. , Carey Timothy S. , Kraus Virginia B. , Irwin Debra E. , Stürmer Til , Jordan Joanne M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of lumbar spine individual radiographic features (IRFs) of disc space narrowing (DSN), osteophytes (OST), and facet joint osteoarthritis (FOA); to describe the frequencies of demographic, clinical, and radiographic knee, hip, and hand osteoarthritis (OA) across lumbar spine IRFs; and to determine factors associated with lumbar spine IRFs.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of 840 participants enrolled in the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project (2003–2004). Sample‐based prevalence estimates were generated for each lumbar spine IRF. The associations between lumbar spine IRFs and demographic, clinical, and peripheral joint OA were determined with logistic regression models.ResultsSample‐based prevalence estimates were similar for DSN (57.6%) and FOA (57.9%) but higher for OST (88.1%), with significant differences across race and sex. Hand and knee OA frequencies increased across IRFs, whereas the effect was absent for hip OA. African Americans had lower odds of FOA (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 0.45 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.32–0.62]), while there was no racial association with DSN and OST. Low back symptoms were associated with DSN (ORadj 1.37 [95% CI 1.04–1.80]) but not OST or FOA. Knee OA was associated with OST (ORadj 1.62 [95% CI 1.16–2.27]) and FOA (ORadj 1.69 [95% CI 1.15–2.49]) but not DSN. Hand OA was associated with FOA (ORadj 1.67 [95% CI 1.20–2.28]) but not with DSN or OST. No associations were found with hip OA.ConclusionThese findings underscore the importance of analyzing lumbar spine IRFs separately as the associations with demographic, clinical, and radiographic knee, hip, and hand OA differ widely.
Incomplete reporting of recruitment information in clinical trials of biologic agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A review
Authors: Simsek Ismail , Yazici Yusuf 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveIt is important to evaluate how a randomized controlled trial (RCT) sample was assembled from the general patient population in order to determine whether a patient differs from those who participated in the trial in a meaningful way. The aim of this study is to assess the adequacy of reporting of the recruitment process of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients participating in RCTs with biologic agents.MethodsWe searched PubMed for all reports of RCTs involving etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, certolizumab, abatacept, tocilizumab, and rituximab in RA patients. Data recorded were eligibility fraction, enrollment fraction, recruitment fraction, and number of patients needed to be screened (NNS) in order to randomize 1 participant.ResultsOf the 66 trials included in the analysis, 23 (35%) reported the number of individuals assessed by investigators for eligibility, and 18 (27%) reported the number eligible for participation. Of the studies that reported quantitative recruitment information, the median eligibility fraction was 80.6% (interquartile range [IQR] 71.8–91.1%) and the median enrollment fraction was 100% (IQR 88.4–100%). The median NNS was found to be 1.28 (IQR 1.18–1.43).ConclusionA substantial majority of RCTs conducted in RA patients with biologic agents did not provide sufficient information about the patient recruitment process, which makes assessments of external validity difficult. The rate of reporting of the recruitment process in this study was found to be lower as compared to similar studies conducted in different specialties.
Association of morbid obesity with disability in early inflammatory polyarthritis: Results from the Norfolk Arthritis Register
Authors: Humphreys J. H. , Verstappen S. M. M. , Mirjafari H. , Bunn D. , Lunt M. , Bruce I. N. , Symmons D. P. M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveObesity has been associated with disease outcomes in inflammatory arthritis. This study aimed to investigate cross‐sectionally the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and functional disability in a large inception cohort of patients with early inflammatory polyarthritis (IP).MethodsPatients age ≥16 years with ≥2 swollen joints for ≥4 weeks were recruited into the Norfolk Arthritis Register. At the initial assessment, clinical and demographic data were obtained, joints were examined, and height and weight were measured. Blood samples were taken to measure inflammatory markers and autoantibodies, and patients completed the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) to assess functional disability. Univariate and multivariate ordinal regression were used to examine the cross‐sectional association between BMI and the HAQ. Multiple imputation using chained equations allowed inclusion of patients with missing variables.ResultsA total of 1,246 patients were studied (median age 57 years). Of those patients, 782 patients (63%) were female and 303 (25%) were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Morbid obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) was significantly associated with worse functional disability in the univariate and multivariate analysis with missing data imputed, adjusting for age, sex, symptom duration, smoking status, disease activity, autoantibodies, comorbidities, and treatment (multivariate odds ratio 1.87, 95% confidence interval 1.14–3.07).ConclusionMorbid obesity in patients with early IP is associated with worse HAQ scores. This should be taken into account in patient management and when interpreting the HAQ in clinical practice.
Predictors of change in bodily pain in early rheumatoid arthritis: An inception cohort study
Authors: McWilliams Daniel F. , Zhang Weiya , Mansell Josephine S. , Kiely Patrick D. W. , Young Adam , Walsh David A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate possible predictors for lack of pain improvement after 1 year of treatment for early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThe Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Network (ERAN) database was used for analysis of baseline and 1‐year pain data. The ERAN is a hospital‐based inception cohort of 1,189 people. Short Form 36 questionnaire bodily pain scores were used to calculate change in pain at 1 year as the outcome. The proportion of the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) attributable to patient‐reported components (joint tenderness and visual analog scale score; DAS28‐P) at baseline was derived as a predictor. Predictors of less improvement in pain were investigated using adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) generated by logistic regression, adjusting for 14 additional clinical and demographic covariates.ResultsGreater pain at baseline was associated with sex, high DAS28, worse mental health, and smoking. Most patients with early RA reported incomplete improvement in bodily pain after 1 year. The DAS28‐P index did not significantly change in the patients whose disease remained active. Less improvement in pain was predicted by female sex (ORadj 3.41, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.35–8.64) and a high DAS28‐P index at baseline (ORadj for tertiles 2.09, 95% CI 1.24–3.55). Other conventional RA risk factors did not predict pain changes.ConclusionThe factors most likely to predict less improvement in pain in early RA are female sex and a high DAS28‐P index. A high DAS28‐P index may reflect greater contributions of noninflammatory factors, such as central sensitization, to pain. Strategies in addition to inflammatory disease suppression may be required to adequately treat pain.
Disease‐specific knowledge and clinical skills required by community‐based physiotherapists to co‐manage patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Briggs Andrew M. , Fary Robyn E. , Slater Helen , Bragge Peter , Chua Jason , Keen Helen I. , Chan Madelynn 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveWhile strong evidence supports the role of physiotherapy in the co‐management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it remains unclear what constitutes the essential disease‐specific knowledge and clinical skills required by community‐based physiotherapists to effectively and safely deliver recommended care. This study aimed to identify essential disease‐specific knowledge and skills, link these with evidence from clinical guidelines, and broadly determine the professional development (PD) needs and confidence related to the management of RA among physiotherapists.MethodsAn international Delphi panel of rheumatologists, physiotherapists, and consumers (n = 27) identified essential disease‐specific knowledge and clinical skills over 3 rounds. Physiotherapy‐relevant recommendations from high‐quality, contemporary clinical guidelines were linked to Delphi responses. Finally, an e‐survey of PD needs among registered physiotherapists (n = 285) was undertaken.ResultsOverarching themes identified by the Delphi panel across the RA disease stages included the need for excellent communication, the importance of a multidisciplinary team and early referral, adoption of chronic disease management principles, and disease monitoring. Of the essential Delphi themes, 86.7% aligned with clinical guideline recommendations. Up to 77.5% of physiotherapists reported not being confident in managing patients with RA. Across the range of essential knowledge and skills themes, 45.1–93.5% and 71.1–95.2% of respondents, respectively, indicated they would benefit from or definitely need PD.ConclusionTo effectively manage RA, community‐based physiotherapists require excellent communication skills and disease‐specific knowledge, including understanding the role of the multidisciplinary team and the principles of early referral, chronic disease management, and monitoring. Physiotherapists identified a need for PD to develop these skills.
Structural Characterization of Sputtered Fe70Pd30 Thin Films During Ex Situ and In Situ TEM Heating
Authors: Bechtold Christoph , Lotnyk Andriy , Erkartal Burak , Kienle Lorenz , Quandt Eckhard 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMagnetic shape memory (MSM) thin films have been investigated for their use as actuators and sensors in micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS). Here, we report on the fabrication of polycrystalline Fe7Pd3 thin films by magnetron sputtering. Two‐dimensionally structured, freestanding films can be obtained by the use of different lift‐off techniques and optical lithography. The effect of different heat treatments is discussed. In situ transmission electron microscopy of the as deposited films up to 850 °C shows intermediate phases during heating. Significant changes in magnetic properties of the intermediate phases are observed in complementary investigations on ex situ annealed freestanding films.
CNTs in Optoelectronic Devices: New Structural and Photophysical Insights on Porphyrin‐DWCNTs Hybrid Materials
Authors: Aurisicchio Claudia , Marega Riccardo , Corvaglia Valentina , Mohanraj John , Delamare Romain , Vlad Dana Alina , Kusko Cristian , Dutu Constantin Augustin , Minoia Andrea , Deshayes Gaëlle , Coulembier Olivier , Melinte Sorin , Dubois Philippe , Lazzaroni Roberto , Armaroli Nicola , Bonifazi Davide 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe preparation and physical characterization of diverse porphyrin‐derived double‐walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) conjugates are described. A porphyrin molecule is covalently linked and physically adsorbed to COOH‐derived DWCNTs. The photophysical properties of all porphyrin‐CNTs derivatives are studied in solution and in polymeric matrices. Definitive experimental evidence for photoinduced electron and/or energy transfer processes involving the porphyrin chromophores and the CNT wall is not obtained, but solid‐state UV‐vis absorption profiles display electronic transitions fingerprinting J‐ and H‐ type aggregates, where porphyrin molecules intermolecularly interact “head‐to‐tail” and “face‐to‐face”, respectively. In parallel, molecular modeling based on force‐field simulations is performed to understand the structure of the porphyrin‐CNTs interface and the nature of the interactions between the porphyrins and the DWCNTs. Finally, multilayered‐type devices are fabricated with the aim of investigating the interaction of the porphyrin‐derived DWCNTs with poly(3‐hexylthiophene)‐pyrene matrices containing small amounts of 1‐[3‐(methoxycarbonyl)propyl]‐1‐phenyl‐[6.6]C61.
Crystal Growth of Calcium Carbonate in Hydrogels as a Model of Biomineralization
Authors: Asenath‐Smith Emily , Li Hanying , Keene Ellen C. , Seh Zhi Wei , Estroff Lara A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn recent years, the prevalence of hydrogel‐like organic matrices in biomineralization has gained attention as a route to synthesizing a diverse range of crystalline structures. Here, examples of hydrogels in biological, as well as synthetic, bio‐inspired systems are discussed. Particular attention is given to understanding the physical versus chemical effects of a broad range of hydrogel matrices and their role in directing polymorph selectivity and morphological control in the calcium carbonate system. Finally, recent data regarding hydrogel‐matrix incorporation into the growing crystals is discussed and a mechanism for the formation of these single‐crystal composite materials is presented.
The Impact of Carrier Transport Confinement on the Energy Transfer Between InGaN/GaN Quantum‐Well Nanorods and Colloidal Nanocrystals
Authors: Jiang Bin , Zhang Chunfeng , Wang Xiaoyong , Park Min Joo , Kwak Joon Seop , Xu Jian , Zhang Huichao , Zhang Jiayu , Xue Fei , Xiao Min 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe energy transfer (ET) between InGaN/GaN multiple‐quantum‐well (MQW) nanorods (NRs) and semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) for efficient color conversion is studied. An exceptional contribution of carrier transport confinement to the ET mechanisms is observed in the proximal side‐wall coupling system, which consists of InGaN/GaN NRs and CdSe NCs. Under relatively low or high excitation, the ET rate shows different carrier‐density dependence, resulting from different electron‐hole configurations, i.e., bound excitons and free carriers. In the localized exciton regime, the ET rate decreases when increasing temperature from 20 K to 200 K. However, in the free‐carrier regime, the ET rate varies insignificantly in the same temperature range. The temperature dependence in this NR‐NC coupling system is different from that in the previously studied planar MQW‐NC coupling system. It is suggested that the carrier transport confinement in NRs is a major factor for these divergences. The highly efficient ET with efficiency up to 80% shows a promising potential of using such NR‐NC coupled structures for ET‐pumped, NC‐based, light‐emitting devices.
Short‐term secular variation in menarche and blood lead concentration in school girls in the copper basin of southwestern poland: 1995 and 2007
Authors: Sławińska Teresa , Ignasiak Zofia , Little Bertis B. , Malina Robert M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectives:To evaluate short‐term secular change in menarche and associations with blood lead level in Polish girls between 1995 and 2007.Methods:Menarcheal status of school girls 7–16 years from villages in southwestern Poland was surveyed in 1995, 2001, 2004, and 2007. Blood lead was sampled in 1995 and 2007. Median ages and variance statistics for menarche were estimated with probit analysis. Associations between blood lead level and menarcheal status in 1995 and 2007 were analyzed with logistic regression using blood lead level as an independent binary variable: 2.00–5.00 and ≥5.10 μg/dl.Results:Median ages at menarche declined slightly from 1995 (13.36 ± 0.06 years) to 2001 (13.20 ± 0.04 years), was stable in 2004 (13.20 ± 0.05 years), and declined to 2007 (12.81 ± 0.05 years). Blood lead levels declined from 6.57 ± 0.13 μg/dl in 1995 to 4.24 ± 0.14 μg/dl in 2007. With age, height, and BMI controlled, probability of attaining menarche was not associated with blood lead in 1995, but was decreased with increased blood lead in 2007 (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.09–1.06, P = 0.057).Conclusion:Ages at menarche and blood lead levels declined between 1995 and 2007. Higher blood lead levels were not associated with menarche in 1995, suggesting that nutritional and health conditions and perhaps somewhat unstable social and economic conditions in the 1980s and early 1990s may have masked the influence of lead on sexual maturation. Elevated blood lead was associated with the probability of later menarche in 2007, although the association was of borderline (P = 0.06). Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.