bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stability of Cognitive Outcome From 2 to 5 Years of Age in Very Low Birth Weight Children
Authors: Munck Petriina , Niemi Pekka , Lapinleimu Helena , Lehtonen Liisa , Haataja Leena ,   the PIPARI Study Group
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVES:
This study assessed the stability of cognitive outcomes of premature, very low birth weight (VLBW; ≤1500 g) children.

METHODS:
A regional cohort of 120 VLBW children born between 2001 and 2004 was followed up by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition, at 2 years of corrected age and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence–Revised at the age of 5 years. The Mental Development Index (MDI) and the full-scale IQ (FSIQ) were measured, respectively. A total of 168 randomly selected healthy term control children born in the same hospital were assessed for MDI and FSIQ.

RESULTS:
In the VLBW group, mean ± SD MDI was 101.2 ± 16.3 (range: 50–128), mean FSIQ was 99.3 ± 17.7 (range: 39–132), and the correlation between MDI and FSIQ was 0.563 (P &lt; .0001). In the term group, mean MDI was 109.8 ± 11.7 (range: 54–128), mean FSIQ was 111.7 ± 14.5 (range: 73–150), and the correlation between MDI and FSIQ was 0.400 (P &lt; .0001). Overall, 83% of those VLBW children who had significant delay (–2 SD or less) according to MDI had it also in FSIQ. Similarly, 87% of those children who were in the average range in MDI were within the average range in FSIQ as well.

CONCLUSIONS:
Good stability of cognitive development over time was found in VLBW children and in term children between the ages of 2 and 5 years. This conclusion stresses the value and clinical significance of early assessment at 2 years of corrected age. However, we also emphasize the importance of a long-term follow-up covering a detailed neuropsychological profile of these at-risk children.
Self-Oscillating Polymer Gels as Novel Smart Materials
Authors: Yoshida Ryo 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTAs a novel biomimetic polymer gel, we have been studying polymer gels with an autonomous self-oscillating function, since firstly reported in 1996. For developing the polymer gels, we utilized oscillating chemical reaction, called the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, which is recognized as a chemical model for understanding several autonomous phenomena in biological systems. The self-oscillating polymer gel is composed of a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) network in which the metal catalyst for the BZ reaction is covalently immobilized. Under the coexistence of the reactants, the polymer undergoes spontaneous swelling-deswelling changes (in the case of gel) or cyclic soluble-insoluble changes (in the case of an uncrosslinked polymer) without any on-off switching of external stimuli. Several kinds of functional material systems utilizing self-oscillating polymers and gels such as biomimetic actuators, mass transport surface, etc. are expected. Here recent progress on self-oscillating polymers and gels and the design of functional material systems are summarized.
Modeling of Free Radical Polymerization of Azobenzene-based Linear Polymers
Authors: Iqbal Danish , Melchert C. , Behl M. , Lendlein A. , Beuermann S. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTModeling of free radical polymerizations of the liquid-crystalline monomer 6-[4-(4-heptyloxyphenylazo)phenoxy]hexylacrylate using the PREDICI software package is reported. The model accounts for all elemental reactions that were identified to be important for radical polymerizations of acrylate-type monomers. On the basis of butyl acrylate kinetic data a remarkable agreement between number average molar masses from modelling (Mn,sim) and from experiments (Mn,exp) is observed: Mn,sim = 17800 g·mol−1 and Mn,exp = 17400 g·mol−1. Similarly, dispersity values of 1.8 and 1.6 were determined via modelling and experiments, respectively. It is shown that the assumption of butyl acrylate kinetics provides a reasonable approximation even for acrylate-based monomers having mesogenic substituents.
Effect of environmental conditions on degree of hoof wall hydration in horses
Authors: Hampson Brian A. , de Laat Melody A. , Mills Paul C. , Pollitt Chris C. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine the effect of various environmental conditions on the degree of hydration in hoof wall horn tissue from feral horses and investigate the effect of short-term foot soaking on moisture content in hoof wall and sole tissue in domestic horses.
Animals—40 feral horses from 3 environments (wet and boggy [n = 10], partially flooded [20], and constantly dry desert [10]) and 6 nonferal Quarter Horses.
Procedures—The percentage of moisture content of hoof wall samples from feral horses was measured in vitro. In a separate evaluation, the percentage of moisture content of hoof wall and sole tissue was measured in the dry and soaked forefeet of Quarter Horses.
Results—Mean ± SD percentage of moisture content was 29.6 ± 5.1%, 29.5 ± 5.8%, and 29.5 ± 2.9% for feral horses from the wet and boggy, partially flooded, and constantly dry desert environments, respectively. Moisture content did not differ among the 3 groups, nor did it differ between dry and soaked hoof wall samples from nonferal horses. However, soaking in water for 2 hours resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of moisture content of the sole.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Environmental conditions do not appear to affect moisture content in the hoof wall horn. Soaking horses' feet regularly in water would be unlikely to change the degree of hydration in the hoof wall horn but may further hydrate the sole.
Neurochemical Characterization of Pterygopalatine Ganglion Branches in Humans
Authors: Ebbeling Michelle B. , Oomen Karin P. , De Ru Jacob A. , Hordijk Gerrit J. , Bleys Ronald L. 
Published: February 2012

Background Pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) branches, seem to be involved in the pathophysiology of facial pain. The functions of these branches, including a recently discovered orbital branch, are not completely known but could be of clinical significance. This study was designed to characterize PPG branches through immunohistochemical stain and study their anatomy, specifically the orbital branches. Methods In a cadaver study of four specimens, the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) was dissected out of its bony surroundings as a tissue block. Subsequently, cryostat sectioning of these blocks was performed. In one specimen the PPF was microscopically dissected. Recently discovered neural structures were identified, dissected out of the tissue block, and cryosectioned. All cryostat sectionings were immunohistochemically stained for protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Results A recently discovered neural connection between the PPG and the ophthalmic nerve could be confirmed and classified as an orbital PPG branch. The connection stained throughout for PGP 9.5 and partially stained for NOS. In other orbital branches, both NOS and TH+ nerve fibers were found. The PPG contained NOS+ cells. TH labeling was also found in nerve fibers running through the PPG and the vidian nerve. Conclusion The recently discovered orbital PPG branch is of a mixed parasympathetic and sensory nature. In the other orbital branches, sympathetic fibers were shown as well. This knowledge may add to understanding the symptomatology and therapies of headache syndromes such as nerve block.
Technological Innovations in Tissue Removal during Rhinologic Surgery
Authors: Sindwani Raj , Manz Ryan 
Published: February 2012

Background The modern rhinologist has a wide variety of technological innovations at his/her disposal for the removal of soft tissue and bone during endoscopic surgery. We identified and critically evaluated four leading tissue removal technologies that have impacted, or are poised to impact, rhinological surgery. Methods A literature review was conducted. Results Technological functions, strengths and limitations of microdebriders, radio frequency ablation, endoscopic drills, and ultrasonic aspirators were explored. The primary drawback of powered instruments continues to be the higher costs associated with their use, and their main advantage is the ability to accomplish multiple functions such as tissue removal, suction, and irrigation, all with one tool. The effective and safe use of any powered instrument requires an intimate understanding of its function, capabilities, and limitations. Conclusion Powered instrumentation continues to play a significant and evolving role in soft tissue and bone removal during rhinologic surgery.
Corelationship between Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 and 9 Expression and Severity of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Wang Ling-Feng , Chien Chen-Yu , Chiang Feng-Yu , Chai Chee-Yin , Tai Chih-Feng 
Published: February 2012

Background Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) is involved in the remodeling process of inflammatory airway diseases and is correlated with the severity of asthma. We hypothesized that MMP was associated with the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs). We also investigated the effect of allergy on the expression of MMP in the polyp. Methods The expression of MMP-2 and -9 was investigated in recurrent nasal polyps of 30 patients and in nonrecurrent nasal polyps of 31 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. These expressions were then compared with those in control nasal mucosal samples obtained from 32 patients with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis. Demographic data, Lund-Mackay (LM) score, polyp grade, and allergy status were obtained for all patients. Tissue samples were assessed via immunohistochemistry. Results MMP-2 and -9 were constantly expressed in recurrent NPs, primary NPs, and control nasal mucosa. The expression of MMP-9 was significantly enhanced in glands and MMP-2 positivity was significantly increased in surface epithelium for patients with NPs when compared with control nasal mucosa. The expression of MMP-9 and -2 was not correlated with polyp grade and LM score. Allergic status is an independent factor in the expression of MMP-2 and -9. Conclusion These results suggested up-regulation of MMP-9, and MMP-2 in gland and surface epithelium, respectively, were characteristic of NPs. Therefore, patients with allergy will exhibit greater MMP-2 and -9 positivity. However, the MMP-2 and -9 expression intensity was not correlated with the severity of CRS with nasal polyposis.
The Role of Nitrosative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Unexplained Chronic Cough with Cough Hypersensitivity
Authors: Bae Yun-Jeong , Moon Keun Ai , Kim Tae-Bum , Jang Yong Ju , Lee Yoon Su , Park Chan Sun , Lee Ki-Young , Moon Hee-Bom , Cho You Sook 
Published: February 2012

Background Unexplained chronic cough is a common condition without specific causes. A hyperreactivity of the cough reflex has been suggested as a mechanism for inducing chronic cough. We hypothesized that nitrosative stress in the upper airway might play a role in cough hypersensitivity by causing neurochemical abnormalities. Methods Fifty-one patients with unexplained chronic cough and 27 controls were enrolled. A capsaicin cough provocation test was performed to determine cough sensitivity. Nitrosative stress in the upper airway was assessed by quantifying 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) immunostaining in nasal epithelial cells (NECs) and measuring nasal nitric oxide (nNO). The effect of NO on airway epithelium was investigated by measuring the levels of substance P (SP) in nasal lavage fluid and evaluating SP expression in airway epithelial cells. Results Based on the results of the capsaicin test, patients were divided into two groups: a cough hypersensitivity (CHS) group and a normal cough sensitivity (NCS) group. The levels of 3-NT immunoreactivity in NECs were significantly higher in CHS (49 ± 2.9%) than in NCS (27 ± 3.3%) and controls (12 ± 1.6%), a pattern that was also reflected in the values of nNO (350 ± 43, 215 ± 23, and 138 ± 23 ppb in CHS, NCS, and controls, respectively). SP concentration was also elevated in nasal lavage fluids from CHS (746 ± 28 pg/mL) compared with that from NCS (624 ± 40 pg/mL) and controls (526 ± 41 pg/mL). SP expression in airway epithelial cells was greatly enhanced by exposure to NO donor, which was attenuated by pretreatment with either NO scavenger or NO synthase inhibitor. Conclusion Increased nitrosative stress in the upper airway may play a role in the pathogenesis of unexplained chronic cough with CHS through enhanced secretion of SP.
The Effects of Corticosteroid on Tissue Lactoferrin in Patients with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Acıoğlu Engin , Yigit Özgür , Alkan Zeynep , Azizli Elad , Gelişgen Ramisa , Uzun Hafize 
Published: February 2012

Background Although, lactoferrin (LF) is the second most important antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory peptide after lysozyme in upper respiratory tract, little is known about its role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Recent studies pronounced that LF levels were significantly reduced in CRS with nasal polyposis (NP) compared with other subgroups. However, effects of systemic corticosteroid (CS) treatment, which is currently the main NP treatment modality, and subsequent surgical intervention on LF levels are still not known. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of CS treatment and surgical intervention on LF levels in patients with NP. Methods Patients with inflammatory NP who were scheduled to undergo CS treatment and a control group were included in this study. LF levels were determined from mucosal samples taken from both groups, before and after CS treatment, and also 1 month after surgical intervention. Results Twenty-seven patients with NP and 14 patients who underwent septoplasty were included in the study. Tissue LF levels were significantly lower in the NP group compared with the control group (p = 0.014). Tissue LF levels did not change significantly in NP patients after CS treatment. However, a significant reduction in tissue LF was detected 1 month after endoscopic sinus surgery. Conclusion Tissue LF concentrations significantly decreased in patients with NP. CS treatment had no effect on tissue LF levels, whereas postendoscopic sinus surgery, tissue LF levels were getting lower because there was also a reduction in inflammatory load (whether from reduction in mucosa surface area or resolution of disease).
Suppression of Connexin 26 is Related to Protease-Activated Receptor 2–Mediated Pathway in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Zheng Jing , Liu Wenlong , Fan Yunping , Ye Xingling , Xia Wentong , Wang Hongtian , Shi Jianbo , Xu Geng , Li Huabin 
Published: February 2012

Background Connexin (Cx) 26 plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of tight junctions. However, the expression and modulation of Cx26 in allergic rhinitis (AR) has not been well understood. Methods We detected the expression of Cx26 in house-dust mite (HDM)–sensitized AR patients and investigated the Cx26 production and modulation in primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) and BEAS-2B cells after treatment with the allergen Der p 1 from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Results We found that the mRNA and protein levels of Cx26 were significantly down-regulated in AR patients compared with the control. Der p 1 was found to induce protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) expression and suppress Cx26 production significantly in vitro. PAR2 siRNA was shown to prevent the suppression of Cx26 induced by Der p 1 in BEAS-2B cells. Conclusion The suppression of Cx26 in HDM-sensitized AR patients is related to a PAR2-mediated pathway and might serve during the initiation and maintenance of AR. Targeting the PAR2-mediated Cx26 suppression may be a potential means of preventing allergic sensitization.
18F-fluoride PET/CT for bone scanning
Authors: Dannat T. , Hartung V. , Bockisch A. , Rosenbaum-Krumme S. , Nagarajah J. 
Published: February 2012

Summary
Aim: 18F-fluoride PET/CT is a promising tool for bone scanning. Recently, guidelines concerning the conduct of 18F-fluoride PET/CT have been published. One open question of the German guideline was the necessity of attenuation correction for 18F-fluoride PET/CT. We evaluated the need for a CT-based attenuation correction in 18F-fluoride PET/CT scans for the detection of bone lesions. Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed wholebody 18F-Fluoride PET/CT scans of 59 cancer patients. The lesions were categorized as malignant, benign or inconclusive. This assignment was performed for every lesion in both: attenuation corrected (AC) and non-attenuation- corrected (NAC) images. The maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the lesion in the AC images were also determined. Results: All bone lesions were detected in both image modalities. The AC images revealed 201 lesions categorized as malignant, 114 as benign and 35 as inconclusive. Without an AC, the results were 209, 116 and 25, respectively (p > 0.05). 10/35 lesions categorized as inconclusive in the AC images were categorized as malignant in the NAC images, whereas 8 lesions were confirmed after comparison with other imaging modalities and follow-up data and 2 lesions were categorized as benign. The SUVmax for lesions identified as malignant showed a broad overlap with the SUV max of benign lesions and can consequently not be used for differentiation. Conclusion: An AC is not necessary for detecting bone lesions on 18F-fluoride PET/CT scans as the detection capability is identical for NAC imaging and lesion assignment was even better than with AC imaging. SUVmax seems not to improve the differentiation between malignant and benign bone lesions.
Prevalence of spondylosis deformans in the feline spine and correlation with owner-perceived behavioural changes
Authors: Meij B. P. , van Hofwegen E. M. L. , Voorhout G. , Slingerland L. I. , Picavet P. , Hazewinkel H. A. W. , Kranenburg H. C. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryObjectives: The primary objective was to determine the prevalence, spinal distribution, and association with the signalment of cats suffering from different grades of feline spondylosis deformans (spondylosis). The secondary objective was to document behavioural changes associated with spondylosis by owner observation.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the prevalence of feline spondylosis (group 1). A prospective study was performed to determine the association between radiographic abnormalities of the lumbosacral region (L3-S1) and owner perceived behavioural changes based on a completed questionnaire (group 2). The radiographs were reviewed using a grading system (0–3) for spondylosis.Results: The prevalence of spondylosis in group 1 was 39.4% (158/402). Cats with spondylosis were significantly older than cats without spondylosis (p <0.001). The thoracic (T) vertebrae T4-T10 were most often affected by spondylosis, but spondylosis was most severe in the T10-S1 vertebrae. In group 2, spondylosis of the lumbosacral region was significantly correlated with owner-reported behavioural changes, such as a decreased willingness to greet people and to being petted, increased aggressiveness, and a poor perceived quality of life (p = 0.037).Clinical significance: This study found that feline spondylosis is common and that spondylosis of the lumbosacral region may be accompanied by behavioural changes.
Importance of patient history and physical examination in rheumatoid arthritis compared to other chronic diseases: Results of a physician survey
Authors: Castrejón Isabel , McCollum Lauren , Tanriover Mine Durusu , Pincus Theodore 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo survey physicians' opinions concerning the relative importance of 5 clinical encounter components—vital signs, patient history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and ancillary studies—in the diagnosis and management of 8 chronic diseases.MethodsA SurveyMonkey internet survey was e‐mailed to 7,265 US physicians, including 3,542 rheumatologists and 3,723 nonrheumatologists, with the following query: “Please indicate the relative importance of 5 sources of information—vital signs, patient history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and ancillary studies—in diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, lymphoma, pulmonary fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and ulcerative colitis.” The response options were 0–20%, 21–40%, 41–60%, 61–80%, and 81–100%. A second query with an identical structure addressed management of the 8 diseases. The proportions of physicians who estimated each component as most (or tied for most) important in diagnosis or in management were computed.ResultsThe survey was completed by 313 physicians (154 rheumatologists and 159 nonrheumatologists). More than 90% estimated vital signs as most important for hypertension, and laboratory tests for diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. More than 70% estimated ancillary studies as most important for lymphoma, pulmonary fibrosis, and ulcerative colitis. Patient history and physical examination were estimated as most important for RA and CHF by ≥50% of nonrheumatologists.ConclusionRA and CHF were the only 2 of the 8 diseases studied for which ≥50% of nonrheumatologists estimated a patient history and physical examination as most important for diagnosis and management. Confirmation and extension of these observations in actual care may have implications for reimbursement and organization of clinical care.
Copper Nanoparticles Grafted on a Silicon Wafer and Their Excellent Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Shao Qi , Que Ronghui , Shao Mingwang , Cheng Liang , Lee Shuit‐Tong 
Published: February 2012

AbstractCopper nanoparticles grafted on a silicon wafer are fabricated by reducing copper ions with silicon–hydrogen bonds and assembling them in situ on the Si wafer. The nanoparticles, with an average size of 20 nm, grow uniformly and densely on the Si wafer, and they are used as substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering. These substrates exhibit excellent enhancement in the low concentration detection (1 × 10−9 M) of rhodamine 6G with an enhancement factor (EF) of 2.29 × 107 and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of <20%. They are also employed to detect sudan‐I dye with distinguished sensitivity and uniformity. The results are interesting and significant because Cu substrates are otherwise thought to be poor. These effects might provide new ways to think about surface‐enhanced Raman scattering based on Cu substrates.
TMJ osteoarthritis: A new approach to diagnosis
Authors: Rando Carolyn , Waldron Tony 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDisorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), including TMJ osteoarthritis (TMJ OA), are the topic of intensive clinical research; however, this is not the case in the archaeological literature, with the majority of work on the subject ceasing with the early 1990s. The methods employed in the diagnosis of TMJ OA within the archaeological work appear nonrepresentative of the disease and may have led to erroneous assumptions about the pattern and prevalence of OA. This current work presents a new method for evaluating OA specifically for the TMJ, considering both the biomechanics of the joint and the mechanisms of the disease. Totally, 496 specimens (including a group of modern documented specimens) were analyzed for the presence of TMJ OA using the following criteria: eburnation, osteophytes (marginal and new bone on joint surface), porosity, and alteration to joint contour. The results suggest that eburnation occurs rarely in the TMJ, so should not be used as an exclusive criterion. Rather a combination of at least two of the other criteria should be used, with osteophytes and porosity occurring the most frequently on both the mandibular condyle and articular eminence. Additionally, the prevalence of TMJ OA in the modern assemblage was similar to that observed in current clinical research, suggesting that the method employed here was able to produce a reasonable approximation of what is found in contemporary living populations. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.