bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Amyloid A and C-Reactive Protein Concentrations Are Differently Associated with Markers of Autoimmunity in Patients with Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: PERTOVAARA MARJA , JYLHÄVÄ JUULIA , UUSITALO HANNU , PUKANDER JUHANI , HELIN HEIKKI , HURME MIKKO 
Published: October 2009

Objective.Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease in which the concentration of the acute-phase protein serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is low. We investigated whether levels of another acute-phase protein, serum amyloid A (SAA), are increased in patients with pSS and whether the immunological markers in patients with pSS are associated with variation in SAA levels.Methods.Serum SAA concentrations were measured by ELISA in 74 patients with pSS and in 56 control subjects with sicca symptoms.Results.Median SAA levels did not differ significantly between patients with pSS and subjects with sicca symptoms. In patients with pSS SAA concentrations correlated significantly with age, leukocyte count, CRP, interleukin 6, and C4. Unlike CRP, there was a significant inverse correlation between SAA and serum IgG levels and anti-SSA antibody titers, as well as a trend towards an inverse correlation between SAA and antinuclear antibody and rheumatoid factor titers.Conclusion.Our data imply that high SAA production could constitute a protective element in pSS: high SAA levels inhibit in particular various signs of B cell hyperreactivity, i.e., IgG and autoantibody production.
Serum Cardiac Troponin T, But Not Troponin I, Is Elevated in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies: Figure 1.
Authors: AGGARWAL ROHIT , LEBIEDZ-ODROBINA DOROTA , SINHA ALPANA , MANADAN AUGUSTINE , CASE JOHN P. 
Published: October 2009

Objective.To study the association of serum cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) with creatine kinase (CK) in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM).Methods.We performed a retrospective study on patients with IIM followed by the rheumatology service of a county hospital from 2004 to 2008. Patients with myocardial ischemia and/or with renal failure were excluded. Clinical data including electromyogram, muscle biopsy, and CK, cTnT and cTnI were recorded. Patients who had simultaneous analysis of CK and cardiac troponin (cTnT or cTnI) levels were studied. CK levels were correlated with cTnT and cTnI by chi-square test and Spearman correlation.Results.We identified 49 patients with IIM (69 observations) who satisfied our inclusion criteria. The primary diagnosis was polymyositis in 23, dermatomyositis in 16, and myositis associated with connective tissue disease in 10 patients. There were 33/49 women with average age 45.8 years. Twenty-eight patients with IIM had simultaneous CK and cTnT values assayed. Of those patients, 18/23 with elevated CK also had elevated cTnT, and 5/5 patients with normal CK levels had normal cTnT levels (p = 0.005). In 41 patients with IIM who had simultaneous CK and cTnI levels assayed, only 1/29 with elevated CK had elevated cTnI, and 12/12 patients with normal CK had normal cTnI (p = 0.5). CK correlated strongly with the cTnT (r = 0.62, p = 0.001) but did not correlate with cTnI.Conclusion.Elevated cTnT, but not cTnI, was highly associated with CK in patients with IIM despite the absence of myocardial ischemia.
Malnutrition Is Common in Systemic Sclerosis: Results from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Database
Authors: BARON MURRAY , HUDSON MARIE , STEELE RUSSELL 
Published: October 2009

Objective.Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. Little is known about nutritional status in SSc. We investigated the prevalence and demographic and clinical correlates of nutritional status in a large cohort of patients with SSc.Methods.This was a cross-sectional multicenter study of patients (n = 586) from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group Registry. Patients were assessed with detailed clinical histories, medical examinations, and self-administered questionnaires. The primary outcome was risk for malnutrition using the “malnutrition universal screening tool” (MUST). Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between selected demographic and clinical variables and MUST categories.Results.Of the 586 patients in the study, MUST scores revealed that almost 18% were at high risk for malnutrition. The significant correlates of high malnutrition risk included the number of gastrointestinal (GI) complaints, disease duration, diffuse disease, physician global assessment of disease severity, hemoglobin, oral aperture, abdominal distension on physical examination, and physician-assessed possible malabsorption. Among 14 GI symptoms, only poor appetite and lack of a history of abdominal swelling and bloating predict MUST. These factors accounted for 24% of the variance in MUST scores.Conclusion.The risk for malnutrition in SSc is moderate and is associated with shorter disease duration, markers of GI involvement, and disease severity. Patients with SSc should be screened for malnutrition, and potential underlying causes assessed and treated when possible.
Double- Versus Single-incision Technique for Open Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Hamed A. Rami , Makki Daoud , Chari Raymond , Packer Greg 
Published: October 2009

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was performed comparing the double incision technique to the conventional open method used in carpal tunnel decompression surgery, with pillar pain, scar sensitivity, and recovery of grip strength each assessed independently. Forty patients (40 hands) were operated on, 21 hands with the standard single-incision technique and 19 hands with the double-incision technique. Patients were assessed throughout 6 months of follow-up.
The results showed that the double-incision technique caused less pillar pain and scar sensitivity compared to the single-incision technique. No difference in recovery of grip strength was noted between the 2 techniques. The limited open technique using the double incision in carpal tunnel decompression surgery is advantageous over the standard technique in tackling scar-related morbidities.
Giant Medial Parameniscal Cyst in an Osteoarthritic Knee
Authors: Choi Edmund H. , Huang James , Bryk Diana , Bryk Eli 
Published: October 2009

Medial parameniscal cysts of the knee are typically 0.3 to 9 mm in diameter. Few cases of unusually large medial parameniscal cysts have been reported. We describe the treatment of a patient with osteoarthritis of the knee who presented with an extraordinarily large, ipsilateral, medial parameniscal cyst, 10 cm in diameter. We believe this to be the largest medial parameniscal cyst reported in the English literature.
Based on the patient's severe tricompartmental arthritis and associated symptoms, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was indicated with simultaneous excision of the parameniscal cyst. Perioperativley, the cyst was found to have penetrated beyond the meniscocapsular attachments that were adjacent to a degenerative posterior horn horizontal medial meniscal tear. Following excision of the cyst, the mass was measured with surgical tape to be 10×10×5 cm. After complete excision of the parameniscal cyst, TKA was performed. Histological examination confirmed a benign parameniscal synovial cyst. At 2-year follow-up, the patient was ambulating unassisted without difficulty. The wound had completely healed with no evidence of recurrence of the cyst. The patient's range of motion was 0° to 110° with no signs of instability.
Our patient's pathology was most significant for the heretofore unseen large size of the paramensical cyst. Open excision of this giant parameniscal cyst followed by TKA was effective in treating the patient's degenerative joint disease and extraordinarily large, painful soft tissue mass.
Upper Airway Compromise by Extravasated Fluid: A Rare Complication After Arthroscopic Repair of Atrophic Cuff Tear
Authors: Venkat Gorthi , Moon Young Lae , Na Woong Chae , So Keum Young 
Published: October 2009

During arthroscopic procedures, leakage of irrigation fluid into surrounding tissue planes is a frequently noticed phenomenon usually clinically asymptomatic and resolving within 12 hours postoperatively. Although rare, this fluid may produce life-threatening complications such as airway compromise. This article describes a case of upper airway obstruction in a 60-year-old man undergoing arthroscopic repair for an atrophic rotator cuff tear.
The patient presented with a 6-month history of pain and weakness in the left shoulder. Magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed a massive rotator cuff tear with significant retraction and fatty degeneration of cuff musculature. Perioperatively, all vital cardiorespiratory parameters were within normal limits. Postoperatively, immediately on extubation, he was dyspneic, and examination revealed a diffuse swelling extending from the left shoulder up to the neck and face. He was reintubated and sent to the recovery room, where he recovered 12 hours later.
This article highlights the possibility of respiratory compromise due to the extravasation of irrigation fluid into the neck and chest during arthroscopic repair of massive and atrophied cuff tears, even with shorter surgical time as is this case. The widened suprascapular space will offer less resistance to the spread of fluid into the neck and chest from the shoulder. We advocate monitoring the patient continuously to prevent this serious complication from becoming life-threatening.
Impact on the Corneal Endothelium of Mitomycin C During Photorefractive Keratectomy
Authors: Roh Danny S. , Funderburgh James L. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose:
This brief review examines both basic science and clinical studies to evaluate the potential impact on the health of the corneal endothelium of mitomycin C (MMC) usage during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Methods:
The mechanism of action and consequences of MMC are reviewed within the context of in vitro, animal, and clinical studies and a hypothesis of how this vital cell layer responds to MMC at both the cellular and clinical levels is formed.

Results:
Seven basic science studies were reviewed demonstrating significant MMC toxicity to corneal endothelial cells. Of the five clinical studies reviewed, three demonstrated no effect on corneal endothelial density, whereas two studies found significant cell loss after MMC usage.

Conclusions:

Although all of the basic science studies reviewed highlight the toxicity of MMC on the corneal endothelium, current clinical studies are less conclusive. Given the corneal penetration of MMC and the fragile nature of the corneal endothelium, additional follow-up studies are needed to determine the long-term impact of MMC usage during PRK on the corneal endothelium. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:894–897.]
Early Outcomes of INTRACOR Femtosecond Laser Treatment for Presbyopia
Authors: Holzer Mike P. , Mannsfeld Annett , Ehmer Angela , Auffarth Gerd U. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose:
To investigate early functional outcomes of the INTRACOR femtosecond laser–based intrastromal procedure to treat presbyopia.

Methods:
Twenty-five eyes of 25 presbyopic patients were enrolled in this prospective, ethics committee–approved study. Following detailed preoperative examination, the INTRACOR procedure was performed using the TECHNOLAS femtosecond laser (Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH) in the non-dominant eye. Postoperatively, follow-up examinations were performed at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months, including near and distance visual acuity, slit-lamp microscopy, and corneal topography.

Results:
All 25 surgeries were uneventful. The mean postoperative uncorrected near visual acuity increased from 0.7±0.16 logMAR to 0.26±0.21 logMAR and the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity changed slightly from 0.11±0.11 logMAR to 0.05±0.1 logMAR at 3 months postoperative. Regarding best distance correction, mean sphere changed from +0.75±0.23 diopters (D) preoperatively to +0.15±0.31 D postoperatively and mean cylinder from −0.33±0.17 D to −0.42±0.23 D. Postoperative healing was uneventful, and in all eyes, the cornea was clear within a few hours after surgery without any remaining cavitation gas bubbles.

Conclusions:

The INTRACOR procedure for presbyopia showed good visual acuity outcomes in the early postoperative period. The short treatment time in combination with maintained corneal integrity suggests this new technique has good potential for the treatment of presbyopia. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:855–861.]
Corneal Power Measurements Using Scheimpflug Imaging in Eyes With Prior Corneal Refractive Surgery
Authors: Holladay Jack T. , Hill Warren E. , Steinmueller Andreas 
Published: October 2009

Purpose:
To evaluate the accuracy of central corneal power measurements by Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam) for eyes that had corneal refractive surgery.

Methods:
This study comprised two groups: a pilot group of 100 eyes with prior hyperopic or myopic LASIK that did not have cataract surgery, and a test group of 41 eyes with prior radial keratotomy (RK) and cataract surgery. In the pilot group, Pentacam images and refraction were taken preoperatively and 3 months after LASIK. The historical method was used to compute the theoretical postoperative keratometry (K) -reading and then compared to the measured equivalent K-reading (EKR) from the Pentacam. The EKR is the same value measured by standard keratometry or topography on the front surface, adjusted for the effect of the back surface power difference from normal. In the test group of RK eyes, the postoperative refraction and EKR were measured 3 months after cataract surgery. The Holladay IOL Consultant Program was used to back-calculate the theoretical K-reading. The EKR measurements were then compared to the back-calculated corneal power.

Results:
The optimal zone sample size was determined to be 4.5 mm for the pilot group. The mean prediction error for this group was −0.06±0.56 diopters (D) (range: −1.63 to +1.34 D). Using the 4.5-mm zone determined in the pilot group, the EKR value for the test group of 41 RK eyes had a mean prediction error of −0.04±0.94 D (range: −1.84 to +2.27 D).

Conclusions:

When historical refractive data are not available, Scheimpflug imaging with the Pentacam provides an alternative method of measuring the central corneal power in eyes that previously received corneal refractive surgery. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:862–868.]
Effect of Aging on Corneal Biomechanical Parameters Using the Ocular Response Analyzer
Authors: Kamiya Kazutaka , Shimizu Kimiya , Ohmoto Fumiko 
Published: October 2009

Purpose:
To assess the effect of aging on corneal biomechanical parameters in a normal population.

Methods:

We prospectively examined 204 normal eyes of 204 healthy Japanese volunteers (68 men, 136 women; mean age 46.7±19.4 years [range: 19 to 89 years]). Corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor, corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOP
cc
), and Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOP
G
) were qualitatively assessed using a Reichert Ocular Response Analyzer. Central corneal thickness was measured using an ultrasound pachymeter. This measurement was performed 3 times, and the mean value obtained was used for statistical analysis. The relationships between patient age and corneal biomechanical parameters, or age and intraocular pressure (IOP), were investigated.

Results:

Mean corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor were 10.1±1.5 mmHg and 10.1±1.6 mmHg, respectively. Mean central corneal thickness was 539.1±30.9 µm. A weak, but significant, negative correlation was found between age and corneal hysteresis (Pearson's correlation coefficient r=−0.17,
P
=.02) and corneal resistance factor (r=−0.18
P
=.01). On the other hand, no significant correlation was found between age and central corneal thickness (r=−0.06,
P
=.41), age and IOP
cc
(r=−0.02,
P
=.82), or age and IOP
G
(r=−0.11,
P
=.11).

Conclusions:

Corneal biomechanical parameters are significantly decreased by aging without significant changes in central corneal thickness or IOP, suggesting that age-related structural changes resulting from collagen cross-linking may lead to a reduction of corneal biomechanical variables independent of central corneal thickness or IOP. [
J Refract Surg
. 2009;25:888–893.]
Automated sleep–wake staging combining robust feature extraction, artificial neural network classification, and flexible decision rules
Authors: Chapotot Florian , Becq Guillaume 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe classification of sleep–wake stages suffers from poor standardization in scoring criteria and heterogeneous conditioning of polysomnographic signals. To improve applicability of fully automated sleep staging, we have designed a formal classification framework to rigorously (1) select robust candidate features, (2) emulate artificial neural network classifiers, and (3) assign sleep–wake stages using flexible decision rules. An extensive database of 48 PSG records scored in 20 s epochs by two independent clinicians was used. A small subset of 2 s elementary epochs representative of each stages with unequivocal expert scores was selected to form a limited set of learning exemplars. From 16 statistical, spectral and non‐linear candidate features extracted in 2 s epochs from EEG and EMG signals, a sequential forward search selected an optimal set of five features with a 22% error rate. Multiple layer perceptrons were trained from this optimal feature set while classification accuracy was assessed using the unequivocal instance subset. A simple majority vote among 10 consecutive classifier outputs ensured a final scoring resolution comparable to that of the experts. Poor classification performance was obtained for movement time, wakefulness, and intermediate sleep stages with a 36±15% error rate (Cohen's kappa 0.48±0.18). In contrast, deep and paradoxical sleep was classified with an 82% accuracy not far from inter‐expert expert agreement (83±3%). Significant improvements should be expected using a larger learning set compensating for a high inter‐individual variability, and decision rules incorporating more domain‐knowledge. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of teens with and without work permits
Authors: Dal Santo Janet Abboud , Bowling J. Michael 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackgroundFactors associated with the issuance of mandated work permits for teens, and their enforcement are currently unknown.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was administered to 1945 teens at 16 randomly selected North Carolina high schools. Predictor variables examined included teens' socio‐demographic characteristics, employment patterns, and labor law knowledge.ResultsOne thousand and ninety‐four non‐working and 844 working teens participated. Seventy‐seven percent of working teens worked during the school year and 39% started working younger than 16. The majority (80%) worked in retail and services. Forty‐four percent worked without work permits. Factors associated with being less likely to be issued a work permit included white race, employment in a family‐owned business, being a laborer, and limited or no knowledge of child labor laws.ConclusionsAdherence to and enforcement of the work permit system is low. Interventions should specifically target teens who work in family owned businesses, in unskilled labor and in hazardous industries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:841–849, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zum Mechanismus der Wacker‐Reaktion: zwei Hydroxypalladierungen!
Authors: Keith John A. , Henry Patrick M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractDieser Kurzaufsatz gibt einen Überblick über die wichtigsten Untersuchungen zur Aufklärung des komplexen Mechanismus des Wacker‐Prozesses, also der homogenen Olefinoxidation mit Palladium(II)‐Katalysatoren. Details der nucleophilen Addition und anderer Schritte des Wacker‐Prozesses sind über vier Jahrzehnte hinweg in zahlreichen Studien behandelt worden. Eine Zusammenfassung und kritische Analyse der bisherigen Arbeiten zeigt uns den Stand der Forschung auf und kann helfen, ungelöste Fragen herauszuarbeiten.
Neutrale dreizähnige PNP‐Liganden und deren Hybrid‐Analoga: vielseitige Liganden für die kooperative homogene Katalyse
Authors: van der Vlugt Jarl Ivar , Reek Joost N. H. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn der Koordinationschemie sowie in der homogenen Katalyse werden Liganden üblicherweise als “statische” Molekülteile betrachtet, die nicht aktiv in den Katalysezyklus eingreifen. Derartige klassische Systeme liefern deshalb auch keine zusätzlichen Möglichkeiten, um alternative Reaktionswege zu erleichtern. Aktuelle Fortschritte bei der Verwendung neuartiger Pinzettenliganden haben interessante Möglichkeiten für die kooperative Katalyse eröffnet. Die Chemie von Pyridin abgeleiteter neutraler Liganden mit einem zentralen Stickstoffdonor wird vorgestellt. Dabei liegt ein besonderer Fokus auf Situationen, in denen derartige Liganden am Reaktionsgeschehen teilnehmen und folglich ein Potenzial für metallvermittelte organische Umsetzungen aufweisen. Diese Übersicht soll ein Anreiz sein, solche partizipierenden Liganden und deren Metallkomplexe in alte und neue homogenkatalysierte Umsetzungen aufzunehmen.
Palladium supported on polyether‐functionalized mesoporous silica. Synthesis and application as catalyst for Heck coupling reaction
Authors: Grandsire Anne Flore , Laborde Coralie , Lamaty Frédéric , Mehdi Ahmad 
Published: October 2009

AbstractA new catalytic system based on Pd supported on polyether‐functionalized mesoporous silica was prepared. This material was obtained by co‐hydrolysis and polycondensation of tetraethylorthosilicate and a bis‐silylated triblock copolymer P123 (Mw = 5800) followed by the decomposition of Pd(OAc)2 salt. We have shown that this material can be applied as powerful heterogeneous catalyst for the Heck coupling reaction. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of poly(cyclooctene) by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization: Characterization and shape memory properties
Authors: Alonso‐Villanueva J. , Cuevas J. M. , Laza J. M. , Vilas J. L. , León L. M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractCis‐cyclooctene was polymerized via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization using a well‐defined ruthenium catalyst (Grubbs' type) under varying reaction conditions. Control over molecular weight was achieved by the inclusion of a chain transfer agent and its influence on the behavior of the obtained polymers was evaluated. The resulting polymers were characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Taking into account their thermal behavior, samples of appropriate molecular weight were subjected to a suitable treatment by chemical crosslinking to obtain a material showing thermally induced shape memory effect. The material recovers its original shape after several cycles of deformation into different shapes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010