bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common Musculoskeletal Diagnoses of Upper and Lower Extremities in Older Patients
Authors: Yamada Erika , Thomas David C. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractOlder adults have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints. Most musculoskeletal pain in the joints of the upper and lower extremities, especially hips, knees, and hands, is associated with the degenerative changes of osteoarthritis. Older adults may also develop tendonitis and bursitis, as well as inflammatory joint and muscle disease. We discuss common musculoskeletal diagnoses at major joints of the upper and lower extremities, their clinical presentation, physical exam findings, and special treatment considerations. Understanding and addressing pain in older adults can be challenging, as patients often have multiple comorbidities and are on many medications. Accurate diagnosis of the etiologies of musculoskeletal pain and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment is important to preserve quality of life for older adults. Mt Sinai J Med 78:546–557, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Screening and Preventive Services for Older Adults
Authors: Nicholas Joseph A. , Hall William J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractFederal, professional, and academic efforts are converging to address the preventive care needs of older Americans. Medicare is placing an increased emphasis on preventive care services for older adults. With the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, access to preventive services has been enhanced by reducing out‐of‐pocket costs for older adults and increasing reimbursement to healthcare providers. In 2010–11, newly revised guidelines for screening and preventive services have been issued by the US Preventive Services Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to these guidelines and the landmark changes in Medicare coverage, there are significant new attempts to modify national screening recommendations based on age and expected risk/benefit for older adults. These population‐specific guidelines with new emphasis on functional status and multiple risk factor reduction are of increasing importance to an aging population, where more conventional disease‐focused guidelines are less suitable for maintaining physical function and quality of life. Evidence‐based measures of physical performance appropriate for primary‐care office use are being developed and piloted. As a result of these policies, guidelines, and tools, we have the ability to offer older adults more comprehensive, cost‐effective screening and preventive measures than in any other previous time. Mt Sinai J Med 78:498–508, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Geriatric Assessment Tools
Authors: Rosen Sonja L. , Reuben David B. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn addition to medical diseases, psychological, social, cognitive, and functional issues influence the health of older persons. Therefore, the traditional medical assessment alone is often not enough to evaluate the older population with multiple comorbidities. Out of this recognized need, the geriatric assessment has been developed, which emphasizes a broader approach to evaluating contributors to health in older persons. Geriatric assessment uses specific tools to help determine patient's status across several different dimensions, including assessment of medical, cognitive, affective, social, economic, environmental, spiritual, and functional status. This article reviews specific tools that practitioners can use in their screening for the following geriatric syndromes: hearing impairment, vision impairment, functional decline, falls, urinary incontinence, cognitive impairment, depression, and malnutrition. This article also reviews spiritual, economic, and social assessment. By identifying conditions that are common in the elderly, geriatric assessment can provide substantial insight into the comprehensive care of older persons, from those who are healthy and high‐functioning to those with significant impairments and multiple comorbidities. Mt Sinai J Med 78:489–497, 2011. © 2011 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Amyloid neuropathy mimicking chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Mathis Stephane , Magy Laurent , Diallo Laho , Boukhris Sami , Vallat Jean‐Michel 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Amyloid neuropathy is a rare peripheral neuropathy that classically presents as a progressive sensory neuropathy with prominent autonomic involvement. Methods: We describe 5 patients with amyloid neuropathy (familial amyloid polyneuropathy or acquired amyloidosis) who were initially mistaken to have chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) based on history, clinical examination, electrodiagnostic studies, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Results: The diagnosis of CIDP had been retained on clinical and electrophysiological grounds for all patients, but we observed no improvement after immunomodulatory treatment. Nerve biopsy confirmed amyloid deposits in nerves, and molecular genetic analysis showed a mutation of the transthyretin (V30M) gene for 3 patients; the 2 other patients had acquired amyloidosis. Conclusions: This report emphasizes the need to look for an alternative diagnosis in CIDP patients who do not respond to treatment and to look carefully for symptoms or signs of autonomic involvement in such patients. Muscle Nerve 45: 26–31, 2012
MicroRNA‐9 up‐regulates E‐cadherin through inhibition of NF‐κB1–Snail1 pathway in melanoma
Authors: Liu Shujing , Kumar Suresh M , Lu Hezhe , Liu Aihua , Yang Ruifeng , Pushparajan Anitha , Guo Wei , Xu Xiaowei 
Published: July 2011

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non‐coding RNAs that post‐transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Hsa‐miR‐9 has been shown to have opposite functions in different tumour types; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here we show that hsa‐miR‐9 is down‐regulated in metastatic melanomas compared to primary melanomas. Overexpression of miR‐9 in melanoma cells resulted in significantly decreased cell proliferation and migratory capacity with decreased F‐actin polymerization and down‐regulation of multiple GTPases involved in cytoskeleton remodelling. miR‐9 overexpression induced significant down‐regulation of Snail1 with a concomitant increase in E‐cadherin expression. In contrast, knockdown of miR‐9 increased Snail1 expression as well as melanoma cell proliferation and migration capacity. Mechanistically, miR‐9 expression down‐regulated NF‐κB1 in melanoma and the effect was abolished by mutations in the putative miR‐9 binding sites within the 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of NF‐κB1. Anti‐miR‐9 miRNA inhibitor also increased the expression of NF‐κB1. The effects of miR‐9 on Snail1 expression and melanoma cell proliferation and migration were rescued by overexpression of NF‐κB1 in these cells. Furthermore, miR‐9 overexpression resulted in significantly decreased melanoma growth and metastasis in vivo. In summary, miR‐9 inhibits melanoma proliferation and metastasis through down‐regulation of the NF‐κB1‐Snail1 pathway. This study finds a new mechanism that miR‐9 utilizes to decrease E‐cadherin expression and inhibit melanoma progression. The results suggest that function of microRNAs is context and tumour type‐specific. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical properties of sisal natural fiber composites according to strain rate and absorption ratio
Authors: Song Jun‐Hee , Mun Sang‐Don , Kim Cheol‐Sang 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe effects of strain rate and water absorption properties can be used to evaluate the environmental degradation of sisal fiber reinforced polymer–matrix composites. Composites of vinylester and epoxy resin, reinforced by sisal fiber, were manufactured using the RTM method. To examine how the mechanical properties change with different surface treatments of a fiber, three fibrous composites with nontreated, permanganate, and silane treatments were compared in this experiment. Material fracture occurred as the brittleness hardened due to an increase in strain rate. The tensile strength was the largest in the permanganate‐treated epoxy composites, while the untreated vinylester had high elongation and fracture energy. The highest tensile strength value occurred at a 30% absorption ratio. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Poly[ethylene‐co‐(acrylic acid)]‐based nanocomposites: Thermal and mechanical properties and their structural characteristics studied by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Rúan‐Esparza L. , Soto V. , Gómez‐Salazar S. , Rabelero M. , Ávalos‐Borja M. , Luna‐Bárcenas G. , Prokhorov E. , Nuño‐Donlucas S.M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractNanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as nanofillers and poly[ethylene‐co‐(acrylic acid)] (PEAA) or a polymer miscible mixture of PEAA and poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PEOx) as a matrix were prepared by the solution‐evaporation method with minimal damage to nanotubes. CNTs were prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with ethanol as the source of carbon. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) showed the formation of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). Thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were studied by analyzing samples containing different amounts of CNTs. The degree of crystallinity (Xc) of the PEAA‐based nanocomposite containing a smaller amount of CNTs was larger (Xc = 17.0%) than both the one of pure PEAA (Xc = 14.6 %) and PEAA‐based nanocomposite containing higher amounts of CNTs (Xc = 15.0%). The Young's modulus, ultimate stress, deformation at break, and toughness obtained from unidirectional tensile tests of the CNTs (1 wt%)‐PEAA nanocomposite were higher than both the one of pure PEAA and CNTs (5 wt%)‐PEAA nanocomposite. When a polymer mixture of PEAA/PEOx (containing 80 wt% of PEAA) was used as a matrix, a better mechanical response was also detected for nanocomposite containing 1 wt% CNTs. The nanocomposites containing small amounts of CNTs prepared here have potential to be used as coatings of metal or glass surfaces expecting a better mechanical performance than the one of pure matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Effect of initial fiber length on the rheological properties of sisal fiber/polylactic acid composites
Authors: Zhang Da‐Wei , Li Yi‐Jie , Feng Yan‐Hong , Qu Jin‐Ping , He He‐Zhi , Xu Bai‐Ping 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe rheological properties of sisal fiber (SF)/polylactic acid (PLA) composites of different SF content and initial fiber length were evaluated using a torque rheometer. Since the SF configuration directly affected the rheological properties of the composites, the length and width of SFs in the final composites were measured. The effect of fiber content, angular velocity, and initial fiber length on the fiber aspect ratio (length to width ratio) and composite rheological properties were analyzed. Initial fiber length significantly affects the rheological properties of SF/PLA composites at low SF content, while fiber content predominantly affects rheological properties at high SF content, and rheological parameters are similar for the composites of different initial fiber length. The average shear stress and mixing temperature are affected by feeding speed for composites of very high SF content. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Preparation, microstructure, and property of silicon rubber/organically modified montmorillonite nanocomposites and silicon rubber/OMMT/fumed silica ternary nanocomposites
Authors: Jia Chao , Zhang Li‐Qun , Zhang Hao , Lu Yong‐Lai 
Published: July 2011

AbstractFive different types of organically modified montmorillonites (OMMT), including Nanomor® I.30P, I.44P, I.24TL, I.34TCN, and I.31PS, were incorporated into silicone rubber (SiR), respectively, by using a melt‐blending method. The intercalation structure and spatial dispersion of OMMT in the obtained composites were characterized with wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results revealed that the high‐polar organic intercalants or silane‐coupling agent might play the negative roles in the melt intercalation of SiR into OMMT, and the higher the initial interlayer spacing of the OMMT, the easier the intercalation. The intercalated structure in the SiR/I.44P OMMT nanocomposite has the largest interlayer spacing, and the spatial dispersion of OMMT is also the best. When OMMT loading is low (i.e., less than 10 phr), the dispersion of OMMT is poor. The dispersion of OMMT improves with increasing OMMT dosage, when the loading does not exceed 30 phr. The gas barrier property and the mechanical properties of the SiR are obviously improved by the incorporation of OMMT. The nitrogen gas permeability coefficient of the SiR nanocomposite containing 30 phr OMMT (I.44P) is lower than that of net SiR by 31%. To further improve the dispersion of OMMT in SiR, 20 phr fumed silica (FS) was added to the compound before mixing OMMT for increasing viscosity of the compound and mechanical shearing force during compounding OMMT. The resultant SiR/OMMT/FS ternary nanocomposites exhibit improved dispersion of OMMT and better gas barrier property than the binary counterparts. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Strength prediction of adhesively bonded repairs on carbon‐epoxy laminates by the single and double‐strap techniques
Authors: Campilho Raul D.S.G. , Rocha Joaquim M.M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis work proposes a numerical technique for the strength prediction of composite structures repaired with adhesively bonded patches, using the finite element method (FEM). This technique is based on the use of cohesive elements including mixed‐mode criteria to simulate a cohesive fracture of the adhesive layer. Trapezoidal traction‐separation laws were used. Experimental validation of this procedure is accomplished by a parametric study on adhesively bonded single‐strap (SS) and double‐strap (DS) repairs on carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates under different loadings (tension, compression, and bending). From the test results and simulations the numerical technique was validated and some design tendencies emerged for efficient repairs. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
One‐step synthesis of highly conductive PPy/graphite nanosheets/Gd3+ composites
Authors: Mo Zunli , Sun Wanhong , Guo Ruibin , Xie Tingting , He Jingxian , Feng Chao 
Published: July 2011

AbstractHighly conductive polypyrrole/graphite nanosheets/Gd3+ (PPy/nanoG/Gd3+) composites are fabricated via in situ polymerization using p‐toluenesulfonic acid as a dopant and FeCl3 as an oxidant. The effects of the graphite nanosheets and Gd3+ loading on the electrical conductivity are investigated. The maximum conductivity of PPy/nanoG/Gd3+ composites about 17.86 S/cm found with 3 wt% graphite nanosheets and 6 wt% Gd3+ at room temperature. The results showed that the high‐aspect‐ratio structure of graphite nanosheets played an important role in forming a conducting network in PPy matrix. Thermal gravimetric analysis demonstrates an improved thermal stability of PPy in the PPy/nanoG/Gd3+ composites. The microstructures of PPy/nanoG/Gd3+ are evidenced by the SEM and TEM examinations. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Morphology and properties of NR/EPDM rubber blends filled with small amounts of titania nanoparticles
Authors: Motaung Tshwafo E. , Luyt Adriaan S. , Thomas Sabu 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis article describes the results of an investigation on the influence of titania nanoparticles on the morphology and properties of vulcanized natural rubber (NR)/ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM) blends. The samples were prepared through roll‐milling and melt‐pressing and diphenyl guianidine was used as vulcanization accelerator. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results show that the titania particles are concentrated in the NR phase, and that the presence of titania in EPDM seems to initiate the formation of crystals in the rubber phase. From the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile testing results it is clear that the presence of titania particles inhibited the vulcanization process in both the investigated rubbers, and that the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were influenced by the interaction between the nanoparticles and the rubber, the reduced vulcanization of the two rubber phases, and the development of crystallinity in EPDM. The thermogravimetric (TGA) results show improved thermal stability of EPDM, and of the EPDM phase in the blend, for the samples containing titania nanoparticles. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Effect of the ceramic filler features on the properties of photopolymerized BaTiO3‐acrylic composites
Authors: Lombardi Mariangela , Guerriero Andrea , Kortaberria Galder , Mondragon Inaki , Sangermano Marco , Montanaro Laura 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBarium titanate—acrylic hybrids with ceramic contents ranging between 10 and 70 wt% were successfully prepared by means of photopolymerization. These composites presented a homogeneous distribution of the ceramic particles within the organic matrix. In addition, an almost complete acrylic double‐bond conversion took place. Basic electrical properties of the composites were investigated by dielectric spectroscopy. The increase of the ceramic phase content implied a higher dielectric constant; however, a limited influence of the crystalline phase (cubic or tetragonal) and of the mean size of the filler was demonstrated. In fact, even if cubic particles are not ferroelectric, they are able to behave similarly to the tetragonal ones due to the formation of particle clusters. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Twin–twin transfusion syndrome treated with laser surgery: postnatal prevalence of congenital heart disease in surviving recipients and donors
Authors: Pruetz Jay D. , Sklansky Mark , Detterich Jon , Korst Lisa M. , Llanes Arlyn , Chmait Ramen H. 
Published: July 2011

ObjectiveTo assess postnatal prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in surviving twins treated for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with laser surgery.MethodsPatients who underwent laser surgery for TTTS at a single institution were prospectively enrolled between January 2009 and May 2010. Preoperative fetal echocardiography was performed. Perinatal outcomes were obtained via postnatal echocardiograms and review of medical records. CHD was defined as unequivocal structural cardiac pathology; patent foramen ovale and patent ductus arteriosus were excluded.ResultsFifty pregnancies with TTTS were enrolled, with the following Quintero stage distribution: stage I, 10%; stage II, 22%; stage III, 50%; and stage IV, 18%. Of the 88 fetuses born alive, 84 patients (95.5%) completed postnatal cardiac evaluation. Overall postnatal prevalence of CHD was 15.5% (13 of 84): 15.6% of recipient twins and 15.4% of donor twins. Three patients required cardiac intervention during infancy. Among liveborn twins with CHD, the overall prenatal detection rate was 30.8% (4/13), comprising 16.7% (1/6) of donors compared with 42.9% (3/7) of recipients.ConclusionFollowing successful laser surgery for TTTS, an increased and comparable postnatal prevalence of CHD occurs among both former recipients and donors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monochorionic twins discordant for congenital heart disease: a referral center's experience and possible pathophysiologic mechanisms
Authors: AlRais F. , Feldstein V. A. , Srivastava D. , Gosnell K. , Moon‐Grady A. J. 
Published: July 2011

ObjectiveTo describe the spectrum of cardiac defects in monochorionic (MC) twins discordant for congenital heart disease (CHD) in a referral center population.MethodRetrospective study of all twin gestations undergoing echocardiography between 2000 and 2009 at our institution.ResultsA total of 356 twin pairs were evaluated during the study period, 202 for suspected twin‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and the remainder for other indications. Twenty‐nine MC pairs were discordant for CHD: laterality defects, 24% [right (2) or left (3) isomerism (3), primitive heart (2)]; ventricular hypoplasia secondary to semilunar valve obstruction, 14% [hypoplastic left heart syndrome (2), severe pulmonary stenosis (PS) or atresia (2)]; valvar dysplasias in TTTS recipients, 27% [PS (4), mitral/tricuspid dysplasia (4)]; conjoining, 14% (4); and other developmental errors, 21% [conotruncal (1), tricuspid atresia (2), ventricular septal defect (2)].ConclusionsThe spectrum of lesions in individuals assumed to be genetically identical and the disproportionate incidence of laterality and ventricular hypoplasia in this population leads us to propose potential mechanisms for the development of CHD in this population including local environmental or epigenetic factors influencing gene expression differentially, abnormal reciprocal laterality signaling between twinned embryos, or placental vascular factors affecting hemodynamics, either early in gestation or later in the setting of TTTS, leading to valvar lesions and ventricular hypoplasia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnosis of fetal urinary tract malformations: prenatal management and postnatal outcome
Authors: Ryckewaert‐D'Halluin A. , Le Bouar G. , Odent S. , Milon J. , D'Hervé D. , Lucas J. , Rouget F. , Loget P. , Poulain P. , Le Gall E. , Taque S. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate prenatal management and to define the criteria of gravity for accurate assessment of the renal and overall prognosis of fetuses presenting malformations of the urinary tract.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective study of 127 cases of urinary tract malformation. We carried out descriptive statistical and univariate analyses as a function of severity criteria and the outcome of pregnancy.ResultsOne‐third of fetuses presented associated extrarenal malformations and 10% of the karyotypes were abnormal. There were more abortions in case of decrease in amniotic fluid volume (p < 0.001), extent of renal damage (p < 0.05), presence of associated extrarenal malformations (p < 0.05), early diagnosis of the malformation (p < 0.001) and presence of chromosomal syndrome (p = 0.01). In our study, there was an excellent correlation between prenatal data and pathological findings for the fetus following abortions for medical reasons or obtained during the surveillance of live‐born children. Fetal biochemistry made very little contribution.ConclusionIn cases of urinary tract malformation, this work confirms the need for regular and frequent ultrasound scans, checking for the echographic factors indicative of gravity and for adapted karyotyping. It also demonstrates that pluridisciplinary management is necessary for the prenatal evaluation of renal and overall fetal prognosis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.