bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Adiposity Trajectories With Insulin Sensitivity and Glycemic Deterioration
Authors: Liu Rong , Brickman Wendy J. , Christoffel Katherine K. , Liu Xin , Wang Guoying , Arguelles Lester , Zhang Shanchun , Zimmerman Donald , Wang Binyan , Xu Xiping , Li Zhiping , Xing Houxun , Wang Xiaobin 
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate associations between adiposity trajectories over time and insulin sensitivity and glucose deterioration in a Chinese twin cohort.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This study focused on 341 males and 292 females aged 20–50 years at baseline who had physical clinical examinations and oral glucose tolerance test at two time points with an average of 6 years apart. BMI, waist circumference, percent body fat (PBF), and percent trunk fat (PTF) trajectories were classified into five track groups based on age- and sex-specific tertiles at each visit. We calculated the odds of the insulin sensitivity index(0,120) [ISI(0,120)] or glycemic deterioration at follow-up among five defined trajectories (tertilebaseline → tertilefollow-up) using generalized estimate equation models. Additionally, we applied structural equation models to examine genetic and environmental influences on adiposity, adiposity change over time (ACO), ISI(0,120), and the interrelationships among them.

RESULTS
Participants with stable adiposity (BMI, waist circumference, PBF, and PTF) in the highest tertile or shifting to the highest tertile tended to have the lowest ISI(0,120) at follow-up or experience glycemic deterioration. Genetic factors exerted the major influence on adiposity, but environmental factors unique to each twin contributed more strongly to ISI and ACO. Correlations between adiposity/ACO and insulin sensitivity were mainly due to environmental influences.

CONCLUSIONS
When adiposity stays or becomes high, insulin sensitivity falls and risk of glycemic deterioration rises. Additionally, we found that genetic factors exerted the major influence on adiposity, while environmental factors played the principal role for ACO and insulin sensitivity.
Role of Muscle Mass and Muscle Quality in the Association Between Diabetes and Gait Speed
Authors: Volpato Stefano , Bianchi Lara , Lauretani Fulvio , Lauretani Fabrizio , Bandinelli Stefania , Guralnik Jack M. , Zuliani Giovanni , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE
Older people with type 2 diabetes are at high risk of mobility disability. We investigated the association of diabetes with lower-limb muscle mass and muscle quality to verify whether diabetes-related muscle impairments mediate the association between diabetes and low walking speed.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 835 participants (65 years old and older) enrolled in the InCHIANTI (Invecchiare in Chianti, aging in the Chianti area) population-based study. Total, muscular, and fat cross-sectional areas of the calf and relative muscle density were measured using peripheral quantitative computerized tomography. Indicators of muscle performance included knee-extension torque, ankle plantar flexion and dorsiflexion strength, lower-extremity muscle power, and ankle muscle quality (ratio of ankle strength to the muscle area [kilograms per centimeters squared]). Gait performance was assessed by 4- and 400-m walking speed. Diabetes was ascertained by standard American Diabetes Association criteria.

RESULTS
Prevalence of diabetes was 11.4%. After adjustment for age and sex, participants with diabetes had lower muscle density, knee and ankle strength, and muscle power and worse muscle quality (all P &lt; 0.05). Diabetic participants were also slower on both 4-m (β: −0.115 ± 0.024 m/s, P &lt; 0.001) and 400-m (β:−0.053 ± 0.023 m/s, P &lt; 0.05) walking tests. In multivariable linear regression models, lower-limb muscle characteristics accounted for 24.3 and 15.1% of walking speed difference comparing diabetic and nondiabetic subjects in the 4- and 400-m walks, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
In older persons, diabetes is associated with reduced muscle strength and worse muscle quality. These impairments are important contributors of walking limitations related to diabetes.
Incidence of intervertebral disk degeneration–related diseases and associated mortality rates in dogs
Authors: Bergknut Niklas , Egenvall Agneta , Hagman Ragnvi , Gustås Pia , Hazewinkel Herman A. W. , Meij Björn P. , Lagerstedt Anne-Sofie 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine the incidence and distribution of intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration–related diseases in a large population of dogs of various breeds, ages, and sexes and to determine mortality rates among dogs with these diseases.
Design—Epidemiological study.
Sample—Insurance data for dogs with veterinary health-care and life insurance coverage (n = 665,249 and 552,120, respectively).
Procedures—Insurance claim records of 1 company in Sweden were searched to identify dogs with IVD degeneration–related diseases; incidence and mortality rates were determined for affected dogs < 12 years old and < 10 years old, respectively. Only the first paid IVD degeneration–related claim for a dog was included in incidence rate calculations.
Results—The incidence rate of IVD degeneration–related diseases was 27.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.2 to 28.4) occurrences/10,000 dog-years at risk (DYAR), indicating that approximately 0.3% of dogs/y in this population were affected. Miniature Dachshund was the most highly represented breed, followed by Standard Dachshund and Doberman Pinscher (237.1 [95% CI, 212.9 to 261.4], 141.5 [95% CI, 135.5 to 147.4], and 88.6 [95% CI, 72.1 to 105.2] occurrences/10,000 DYAR, respectively). The incidence rate of IVD degeneration–related disease was greater in male than in female dogs and increased with age. Overall mortality rate attributed to IVD degeneration–related diseases was 9.4 (95% CI, 8.9 to 9.8) deaths/10,000 DYAR and was greater in males than in females.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Differences in incidence rates among various breeds suggested a genetic involvement. Knowledge of the distribution of IVD degeneration–related diseases among dogs of various breeds and ages may facilitate early diagnosis and preemptive treatments in patients at risk for developing these diseases.
Rapid prototype modeling and customized titanium plate fabrication for correction of a persistent hard palate defect in a dog
Authors: Kuipers von Lande Richard G. , Worth Andrew J. , Peckitt Ninian S. , Cave Nick J. , Tang Liqiong 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Case Description—An 8-month-old crossbred dog was evaluated because of an oronasal fistula following 2 previous attempts to surgically correct a secondary palate defect.
Clinical Findings—Three months after initial evaluation and successful closure of the soft palate section of the secondary palate defect via 2 surgeries, an oronasal fistula was present. The oronasal fistula was predominantly right sided, involving the rostral third of the hard palate and, at the widest aspect, spanning the transverse palate at the level of the maxillary canine teeth.
Treatment and Outcome—Following CT of the rostral aspect of the skull, rapid prototyping technology was used to create a stereolithographic model of the skull, allowing fabrication of a customized titanium plate for intranasal stenting. The titanium plate was inserted via a rostral nasal approach and secured rostrally with 1.5-mm screws and caudally with 2.4-mm screws from the nasal bridge. An oronasal fistula formed laterally at the edge of the plate, but bonding of a dental glass ionomer product resulted in successful resolution of the fistula.
Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that rapid prototyping and creation of customized implants may provide an option for the management of large or nonreconstructible oronasal defects in dogs.
Investigation of an outbreak of besnoitiosis in donkeys in northeastern Pennsylvania
Authors: Ness SallyAnne L. , Peters-Kennedy Jeanine , Schares Gereon , Dubey Jitender P. , Mittel Linda D. , Mohammed Hussni O. , Bowman Dwight D. , Felippe M. Julia B. , Wade Susan E. , Shultz Nicole , Divers Thomas J. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Objective—To describe the clinical, endoscopic, and serologic features of an outbreak of besnoitiosis in 2 donkey operations in northeastern Pennsylvania and to report the outcome of attempted treatment of 1 naturally infected individual.
Design—Observational study.
Animals—29 donkeys (Equus asinus) in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Procedures—Donkeys were examined for lesions suggestive of besnoitiosis in an outbreak investigation. Information was collected regarding the history and signalment of animals on each premises. Rhinolaryngoscopy was performed to identify nasopharyngeal and laryngeal lesions. Serum samples were collected for immunofluorescent antibody testing and immunoblotting for Besnoitia spp. Skin biopsy samples were obtained from 8 animals with lesions suggestive of besnoitiosis for histologic examination. Quantitative real-time PCR assay for Besnoitia spp was performed on tissue samples from 5 animals.
Results—Besnoitiosis was confirmed in 6 of the 8 suspected cases. The most common lesion site was the nares, followed by the skin and sclera. Donkeys with clinical signs of disease had higher serum antibody titers and tested positive for a greater number of immunoblot bands than did donkeys without clinical signs of disease. All animals evaluated by PCR assay tested positive. Putative risk factors for disease included age and sex. Ponazuril was not effective at treating besnoitiosis in a naturally infected donkey.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Knowledge of clinical and serologic features of besnoitiosis in donkeys will assist clinicians in the diagnosis and prevention of this disease in donkey populations. Besnoitiosis may be an emerging disease of donkeys in the United States.
Results of computed tomography in horses with ethmoid hematoma: 16 cases (1993–2005)
Authors: Textor Jamie A. , Puchalski Sarah M. , Affolter Verena K. , MacDonald Melinda H. , Galuppo Larry D. , Wisner Erik R. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine whether CT provides unique information about the treatment or prognosis for horses with ethmoid hematoma (EH).
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—16 horses with EH.
Procedures—Horses with a diagnosis of EH that had undergone a diagnostic CT study were included. Clinical features, treatment, outcome, radiographic and CT images, and histologic specimens were reviewed.
Results—CT provided new diagnostic information that affected treatment in 10 of 16 horses. Bilateral disease occurred in 8 of 16 horses and was undetected in 5 horses prior to CT. Paranasal sinus involvement occurred in all horses, but was incompletely defined prior to CT in 7 of 16 horses. The sphenopalatine sinus was affected in 6 of 16 horses as detected on CT; 4 of 6 of these were bilaterally affected. Medical and surgical treatments were performed. Six of 10 horses had a successful outcome, with recurrence in 4 of 10. Five of 6 patients in which treatment addressed all lesion sites identified by CT had a successful outcome. Bilateral disease did not confer a poor prognosis when all affected sites were treated. Sphenopalatine sinus involvement may have been associated with recurrence.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—CT provided anatomic information that may facilitate effective treatment of horses with EH, particularly in patients with bilateral disease and paranasal sinus involvement. Computed tomography is recommended for patients in which the lesion cannot be viewed endoscopically, when sinus involvement or multifocal disease are suspected, or when the lesion has been unresponsive to treatment.
Frequency of use and proficiency in performance of surgical skills expected of entry-level veterinarians by general practitioners
Authors: Hill Lawrence N. , Smeak Daniel D. , Lord Linda K. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Objective—To identify a list of core surgical skills and determine the frequency of use and proficiency in performance of these skills expected of entry-level veterinarians by general practitioners.
Design—Mail-based survey.
Sample—750 general practitioners randomly chosen from the AVMA membership database.
Procedures—Survey respondents rated the proficiency and frequency of use expected of entry-level veterinarians in regard to 26 surgical skills. Demographic information (gender; graduation year; practice type, geographic location, and setting; number of veterinarians in practice; number of surgical procedures performed per week; and number of new graduates mentored in the past 5 years) of respondents was obtained.
Results—387 (52%) general practitioners responded to the survey. Greater than 60% of respondents expected new graduates to have high proficiency and require minimal supervision for 21 of 26 skills. Greater than 60% of respondents assigned 6 of the skills a low expected frequency of use rating. Orthopedic skills, creation of square knots by use of a 1-handed tie technique, and use of electrosurgical and laser instruments received some of the lowest ratings.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Core surgical skills were identified. Results indicated a broad consensus among general practitioners independent of demographic characteristics. Results may aid veterinary colleges in identification of the surgical skills that are most important to include in surgical curricula and for which new graduates should attain proficiency according to general practitioners.
Lower-Extremity Force Decrements Identify Early Mobility Decline Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Marko Moshe , Neville Christopher G. , Prince Mark A. , Ploutz-Snyder Lori L. 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundMany apparently independent older adults modify daily tasks. Task modifications strongly predict future mobility disability. Clinically intuitive, easily measured “biomarkers” associated with task modifications would offer quantifiable treatment targets for prevention of age-related functional limitations.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to examine lower-extremity muscle strength deficits and functionally relevant cutoff points associated with daily task modifications in community dwelling older adults living independently.DesignThis was a cross-sectional observational study.MethodsFifty-three participants (mean age=76.4 years, SD=5.2) were tested for task modifications and leg strength. Task modifications were assessed using a previously described tool (summary task modification score). Twenty-six of the participants were classified as task modifiers (TM group), and 27 participants were classified as non–task modifiers (NTM group). A net antigravity leg force in the sagittal plane (NETforce) was calculated by summing the normalized isometric and isokinetic torques from the hip extensors, knee extensors, and ankle plantar flexors.ResultsCompared with the NTM group, the TM group exhibited 30.0% and 33.5% reduction in lower-extremity isometric and isokinetic NETforces, respectively. Isometric and isokinetic NETforce cutoff points for task modifications were ≤4.24 and 2.77 N·m/kg body weight, respectively. The isometric and isokinetic models both yielded sensitivity and specificity values of 74.1% and 80.8%, respectively (positive likelihood ratio=3.852, 95% confidence interval=1.699–8.735; negative likelihood ratio=0.321, 95% confidence interval=0.167–0.618). Isometric and isokinetic NETforces were significantly associated with task modifications (odds ratio=2.50 and 2.42, respectively).LimitationsThe cross-sectional design of this study does not allow for a test of causal relationships. This study used a modest yet adequate sample size that may limit generalization of the results.ConclusionsIsometric and isokinetic NETforce cutoff points provide quantifiable biomarkers that discriminate community-dwelling older adults who modify daily tasks from those who do not.
Prognostic Factors for Recovery in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Verkerk Karin , Luijsterburg Pim A.J. , Miedema Harard S. , Pool-Goudzwaard Annelies , Koes Bart W. 
Published: May 2012

Background
Few data are available on predictors for a favorable outcome in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP).

Purpose
The aim of this study was to assess prognostic factors for pain intensity, disability, return to work, quality of life, and global perceived effect in patients with CNLBP at short-term (≤6 months) and long-term (&gt;6 months) follow-up.

Data Sources
Relevant studies evaluating the prognosis of CNLBP were searched in PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE (through March 2010).

Study Selection
Articles with all types of study designs were included. Inclusion criteria were: participants were patients with CNLBP (≥12 weeks' duration), participants were older than 18 years of age, and the study was related to prognostic factors for recovery. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria.

Data Extraction
Two reviewers extracted the data and details of each study.

Data Synthesis
A qualitative analysis using “level of evidence” was performed for all included studies. Data were summarized in tables and critically appraised.

Limitations
The results of the studies reviewed were limited by their methodological weaknesses.

Conclusions
At short-term follow-up, no association was found for the factors of age and sex with the outcomes of pain intensity and disability. At long-term follow-up, smoking had the same result. At long-term follow-up, pain intensity and fear of movement had no association with disability. At short-term follow-up, conflicting evidence was found for the association between the outcomes pain intensity and disability and the factor of fear of movement. At long-term follow-up, conflicting evidence was found for the factors of age, sex, and physical job demands. At long-term follow-up, conflicting evidence also was found for the association between return to work and age, sex, and activities of daily living. At baseline, there was limited evidence of a positive influence of lower pain intensity and physical job demands on return to work. No high-quality studies were found for the outcomes of quality of life and global perceived effect.
Minimally invasive decompression and stabilization for the management of thoracolumbar spine metastasis
Authors: Zairi Fahed , Arikat Ala , Allaoui Mohamed , Marinho Paulo , Assaker Richard 
Published: May 2012

Object
Spinal metastasis with spinal cord involvement is a frequent complication in cancer patients. As the spinal compression frequently occurs ventrally, performing a simple posterior laminectomy alone is generally ineffective and dangerous. Many aggressive surgical strategies have been developed to improve outcomes for patients with metastatic spine disease. These strategies are associated with high morbidity and complication rates, especially in patients with numerous neoplasm-associated comorbidities, which can limit their indication in patients with a limited life expectancy. The authors performed a prospective evaluation of minimally invasive decompression and stabilization for the palliative management of symptomatic thoracolumbar spine metastasis.

Methods
Ten patients with metastasis to the thoracolumbar spine and neurological compromise underwent minimally invasive transpedicular vertebrectomy and spinal cord decompression through a tubular expandable retractor. Percutaneous stabilization was also systematically performed to ensure spinal stability.

Results
No complications during the procedure were reported. The mean operative duration was 170 minutes and the mean estimated blood loss was 400 ml. The postoperative course of all patients was uneventful, with the exception of 1 benign urinary tract infection. Eight patients (80%) improved at least 1 Frankel grade.

Conclusions
Minimally invasive treatment of thoracolumbar spine metastasis is a safe and effective palliative option in patients with limited life expectancy, to limit morbidity and preserve quality of life.
Sustained Virological Response after 14 - D Ay Treatment with Danoprevir and 48-Week Treatment with Pegylated Interferon-α2A (40 Kd) plus Ribavirin
Authors: Larrey Dominique , Carenco Christophe , Guyader Dominique , Boyer Nathalie , Benhamou Yves , Pageaux Georges-Philippe , Rouzier Regine , Marcellin Patrick 
Published: May 2012

Background Danoprevir (RG7227) is an inhibitor of the HCV NS3/4A protease. In two Phase Ib studies of treatment-naive patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection, danoprevir administration for 14 days was associated with HCV RNA median reduction reaching 3.8 log10 in monotherapy and 5.7 log10 in combination therapy with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)-α2a (40 KD) plus ribavirin (RBV). After the protocol-defined phase, patients were free to continue with PEG-IFN/RBV. Sustained virological response (SVR) was evaluated in patients who continued treatment with PEG-IFN/RBV. Methods Retrospective analysis of the patients who received a 14-day monotherapy regimen with danoprevir (100 or 200 mg every 8 or 12 h), or 14-day triple therapy with danoprevir (100, 200 or 300 mg every 8 h, or 400, 600 or 900 mg every 12 h) with PEG-IFN-α2a (40 KD; 180 mg/ week subcutaneously) and RBV (1,000–1,200 mg/day) followed by PEG-IFN-α2a (40 KD; 180 μg/week subcutaneously) and RBV (1,000–1,200 mg/day) for 46 weeks (triple therapy group) for a total of 48 weeks (monotherapy group). Results Data were collected from 15 patients with danoprevir monotherapy and 24 patients with danoprevir-based triple therapy. Virological results are expressed using an intention-to-treat principle. Premature treatment discontinuation occurred in five patients. Rapid virological response (RVR; week 4) rate was 50% and 69.6% and SVR rate was 60% and 70.8% in the mono-therapy and triple therapy groups, respectively. RVR was highly predictive of SVR (>90%; HCV RNA<15 IU/ml). Conclusions The addition of danoprevir for 14 days to PEG-IFN/RBV treatment results in a high SVR rate in HCV genotype 1 treatment-naive patients.
Particle Scattering
Authors: Bastasz Robert , Eckstein Wolfgang 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAtomic scattering lies at the heart of numerous materials analysis techniques, especially those that employ ion beams as probes. The concepts of particle scattering apply quite generally to objects ranging in size from nucleons to billiard balls, at classical as well as relativistic energies, and for both elastic and inelastic events. This paper summarizes two main topics in collision theory: kinematics, which governs energy and momentum transfer, and central‐field theory, which accounts for the strength of particle interactions.