bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-Nociceptive Effects of Elcatonin Injection for Postmenopausal Women with Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ikegami Shota , Kamimura Mikio , Uchiyama Shigeharu , Nakagawa Hiroyuki , Hashidate Hiroyuki , Takahara Kenji , Takahashi Jun , Kato Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2010

Background:
Eel calcitonin (elcatonin) injection is widely used for elderly patients suffering from somatic pain in Japan. However, there have been few reports on the analgesic effects of elcatonin injection. The purpose of this study was to examine the analgesic effects of elcatonin injection in postmenopausal women with lower back pain.

Methods:
This study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Thirty-six women aged ≥50 years with acute lower back pain participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two treatment groups according to whether they received a placebo or a weekly trigger point injection of elcatonin (20 units). They were observed for 5 weeks and the extent of pain at motion and at rest according to the visual analog scale (VAS) was evaluated. The mean VAS scores for the elcatonin group were then compared with those of the placebo group.

Results:
There were no statistically significant differences in the mean VAS scores for pain at rest between the two groups during the 5-week treatment course. However, the mean VAS scores for motion pain in the elcatonin group were significantly lower than those in the placebo group at the third, fifth and sixth weeks.

Conclusions:
Elcatonin injection (20 units) significantly relieved motion pain in the lower back in postmenopausal women after three weeks of treatment. This analgesic effect continued for the subsequent 3 weeks.
Dynamic Lumbar Pedicle Screw-Rod Stabilization: Two-Year Follow-Up and Comparison with Fusion
Authors: Ozer Ali Fahir , Crawford Neil R , Sasani Mehdi , Oktenoglu Tunc , Bozkus Hakan , Kaner Tuncay , Aydin Sabri 
Published: March 2010

Background:A lumbar pedicular dynamic stabilization system (LPDSS) is an alternative to fusion for treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD). In this study, clinical and radiological results of one LPDSS (Saphinaz, Medikon AS, Turkey) were compared with results of rigid fixation after two-year follow-up.Methods:All patients had anteroposterior and lateral standing x-rays of the lumbar spine preoperatively and at 3 months, 12 months and 24 months after surgery. Lordosis of the lumbar spine, segmental lordosis and ratio of the height of the intervertebral disc spaces (IVS) measured preoperatively and at 3 months, 12 months and 24 months after surgery.All patients underwent MRI and/or CT preoperatively, 3months, 12 months and 24 months postoperatively. The ratio of intervertebral disc space to vertebral body height (IVS) and segmental and lumbar lordosis were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Pain scores were evaluatedviaVisual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) preoperatively and postoperatively.Results:In both groups, the VAS and ODI scores decreased significantly from preoperatively to postoperatively. There was no difference in the scores between groups except that a lower VAS and ODI scores were observed after 3 months in the LPDSS group. In both groups, the IVS ratio remained unchanged between preoperative and postoperative conditions. The lumbar and segmental lordotic angles decreased insignificantly to preoperative levels in the months following surgery.Conclusions:Patients with LPDSS had equivalent relief of pain and maintenance of sagittal balance to patients with standard rigid screw-rod fixation. LPDSS appears to be a good alternative to rigid fixation.
Perforation Rates of Cervical Pedicle Screw Insertion by Disease and Vertebral Level
Authors: Uehara Masashi , Takahashi Jun , Hirabayashi Hiroki , Hashidate Hiroyuki , Ogihara Nobuhide , Mukaiyama Keijiro , Ikegami Shota , Kato Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2010

Background:
Different perforation rates for cervical pedicle screws by disease are expected in relation to bone quality and pedicle morphology; however, no report comparing pedicle screw perforation rate by disease had previously been published. This study investigated the perforation rates of pedicle screws inserted to cervical pedicle by disease and vertebral level using a CT-based navigation system.

Materials/Methods:
Fifty-three patients who underwent cervical pedicle screw insertion using CT based navigation system were studied. Diseases included rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (24 cases), destructive spondyloarthropathy (DSA) (10), cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) (9), spine tumor (6), and cervical spondylotic myelopathy associated with athetoid cerebral palsy (CP) (4). Screw perforation rates for cervical pedicle screws were studied. Major perforation was defined as perforation 50% of screw diameter or more.

Results:
Major perforation rate by disease from C3 to C7 was as follows: spine tumor (0/24, 0%), RA (2/59, 3.4%), DSA (3/65, 4.6%), CP (2/20, 10.0%), and CSM (6/40, 15.0%). There were no clinically important complications such as vertebra arterial injury, spinal cord injury, or nerve root injury caused by any screw perforation. Major perforation rate by vertebral level was: C2(2/30, 6.7%), C3(4/49, 8.2%), C4(6/43, 14.0%), C5(1/32, 3.1%), C6(1/41, 2.4%), and C7(1/45, 2.2%), showing highest rate for C4, followed by C3.

Conclusions:
Cervical pedicle screw perforation rate by disease was higher in CSM compared to RA and DSA. The perforation rate by vertebral level was higher for C4 and C3, in this order.
Initial Evaluation on Subsidence of Cemented Collarless Polished Tapered Stem Applied to the Patients with Narrow Femoral Medullar Canal
Authors: Dairaku Katsuyuki , Ishii Masaji , Kobayashi Shinji , Kawaji Hiroyuki , Sasaki Kan , Takakubo Yuya , Takagi Michiaki 
Published: March 2010

Purpose:The geometry of the proximal femur is one of the important factors for choosing the suitable stem. We have been applied cemented collarless polished tapered (CPT) stem to the patients with small femur. Radiographic evaluation was performed to access the clinical feature of the stem in early stage of the follow-up.Methods:One hundred total hip arthroplasties with CPT system were performed between October 2004 to February 2006. This study focused on the 53 cases to whom size 1 or smaller sized stem were implanted, and its post-operative period was 41 months (30-46 months). Morphologic classification of preoperative proximal femur, stem alignment, thickness of the cement mantle, cementing technique, subsidence of the stem, improvement in the bone-cement interface, and stress shielding were assessed.Results:The size of the inserted stem was X-SMALL in one case, SMALL in two cases, SIZE 0 in 12 cases, and SIZE 1 in 38 cases. Canal shape of proximal femur was stovepipe type in five cases, normal type in 43 cases, and champagne-flute type in five cases. There was no subsidence in eight cases. 44 stems subsided within 1 mm, one stem subsided 1 to 2 mm, and no stem subsided over 2 mm. In 39 of 45 cases, subsidence was appeared within six months after operation. Marked progressive and excessive subsidence was not seen after the two years of follow-up.Conclusions:Short term radiographic results of THA with CPT stem to small femur were satisfactory with less unfavorable radiographic findings, which imply contribution to longer survivorship of the stem.
Approaches to the Management of Presumed Immediate Hymenoptera Venom Allergy and Non-Detectable IgE
Authors: Mingomataj Ervin Ç. , Bakiri Alketa H. 
Published: March 2010

Objective:
To provide a comprehensive evaluation in patients with a convincing history of immediate insect allergy but
negative skin test and/or specific IgE results, adequately addressing the question of how best to manage them.

Data sources:
Observational peer-reviewed studies and case reports were searched on Pub-Med database from 1998 up to
March 2009 using the following keywords: Hymenoptera Allergy & Negative IgE (Negative Skin Tests).

Study selection:
Studies on supplemental diagnostic tests that provided data from patients with immediate hymenoptera allergy but negative conventional tests results to the offending allergens were selected. In this work, we also included studies providing additional relevant information regarding this issue.

Results:
Among 43 identified papers only 9 of them presented relevant original data, while the other papers were reviews. In the majority of the cases, the culprit insect was identified with in vitro tests such as Basophil Activation Test, Cellular Allergen Stimulation Test or Western blot, whereas in vivo (less frequently) with sting challenge or dialyzed venom skin test.

Conclusions:
The management of patients with a convincing history of immediate insect allergy but negative conventional test results requires an adaption of the guidelines including an incorporation of the novel diagnostic tools. Although cellular tests represent equivalent sensitivity and superior specificity as compared with standard ones, these tests still remain supplementary diagnostic tools. In a minority of cases (especially in the developing countries where cellular tests cannot be performed), venom immunotherapy in adult subjects could be taken into account based solemnly on the history of a clear patient’s identification of the culprit insect.
Inhibition of Reactive Oxygen Species by Lovastatin Downregulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression and Ameliorates Blood-Retinal Barrier Breakdown in db/db Mice
Authors: Li Jingming , Wang Joshua J. , Yu Qiang , Chen Kai , Mahadev Kalyankar , Zhang Sarah X. 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE
Oxidative stress is a key pathogenic factor in diabetic retinopathy. We previously showed that lovastatin mitigates blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown in db/db mice. The purpose of this study is to determine the mechanisms underlying the salutary effects of lovastatin in diabetic retinopathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Expression of NADPH oxidase (Nox) 4, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α; production of reactive oxygen species (ROS); and retinal vascular permeability were measured in cultured retinal capillary endothelial cells (RCECs) and in db/db mice treated with lovastatin.

RESULTS
Expressions of Nox4 and VEGF were significantly increased in retinas of db/db mice and reduced by lovastatin treatment. In cultured RCECs, hypoxia and high glucose upregulated mRNA and protein expression of Nox4, ROS generation, and VEGF level. These changes were abrogated by pretreatment with lovastatin or NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride. Overexpression of Nox4 increased basal level of ROS generation, HIF-1α, and VEGF expression in RCECs. In contrast, blockade of Nox4 activity using adenovirus-expressing dominant-negative Nox4 abolished hypoxia- and high-glucose–induced ROS production and VEGF expression. Moreover, inhibition of Nox4 attenuated hypoxia-induced upregulation of HIF-1α and high-glucose–elicited phosphorylation of STAT3. Finally, depletion of Nox4 by adenovirus-delivered Nox4 small interfering RNA significantly decreased retinal NADPH oxidase activity and VEGF expression and reduced retinal vascular premeability in db/db mice.

CONCLUSIONS
Activation of Nox4 plays an important role in high-glucose– and hypoxia-mediated VEGF expression and diabetes-induced BRB breakdown. Inhibition of Nox4, at least in part, contributes to the protective effects of lovastatin in diabetic retinopathy.
Lipocalin-2 Deficiency Impairs Thermogenesis and Potentiates Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance in Mice
Authors: Guo Hong , Jin Daozhong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wright Wendy , Bazuine Merlijn , Brockman David A. , Bernlohr David A. , Chen Xiaoli 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE
Lipocalin (LCN) 2 belongs to the lipocalin subfamily of low–molecular mass–secreted proteins that bind small hydrophobic molecules. LCN2 has been recently characterized as an adipose-derived cytokine, and its expression is upregulated in adipose tissue in genetically obese rodents. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of LCN2 in diet-induced insulin resistance and metabolic homeostasis in vivo.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Systemic insulin sensitivity, adaptive thermogenesis, and serum metabolic and lipid profile were assessed in LCN2-deficient mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or regular chow diet.

RESULTS
The molecular disruption of LCN2 in mice resulted in significantly potentiated diet-induced obesity, dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, and insulin resistance. LCN2−/− mice exhibit impaired adaptive thermogenesis and cold intolerance. Gene expression patterns in white and brown adipose tissue, liver, and muscle indicate that LCN2−/− mice have increased hepatic gluconeogenesis, decreased mitochondrial oxidative capacity, impaired lipid metabolism, and increased inflammatory state under the HFD condition.

CONCLUSIONS
LCN2 has a novel role in adaptive thermoregulation and diet-induced insulin resistance.
Cost-Effectiveness of Aspirin Use Among Persons With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Ping , Barker Lawrence E. , Hoerger Thomas J. 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE
To assess the long-term cost-effectiveness of aspirin use among adults aged ≥40 years with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We used a validated cost-effectiveness model of type 2 diabetes to assess the lifetime health and cost consequences of use or nonuse of aspirin. The model simulates the progression of diabetes and accompanying complications for a cohort of subjects with type 2 diabetes. The model predicts the outcomes of type 2 diabetes along five disease paths (nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, coronary heart disease, and stroke) from the time of diagnosis until age 94 years or until death.

RESULTS
Over a lifetime, aspirin users gained 0.31 life-years (LY) or 0.19 quality-adjusted LYs (QALYs) over nonaspirin users, at an incremental cost of $1,700; the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of aspirin use was $5,428 per LY gained or $8,801 per QALY gained. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, the ICER was &lt;$30,000 per QALY in all of 2,000 realizations in two scenarios.

CONCLUSIONS
Regular use of aspirin among people with newly diagnosed diabetes is cost-effective.
The Role of Adjunctive Exenatide Therapy in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Raman Vandana S. , Mason Kimberly J. , Rodriguez Luisa M. , Hassan Krishnavathana , Yu Xiaoying , Bomgaars Lisa , Heptulla Rubina A. 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE
Exenatide improves postprandial glycemic excursions in type 2 diabetes. Exenatide could benefit type 1 diabetes as well. We aimed to determine an effective and safe glucose-lowering adjuvant exenatide dose in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Eight subjects completed a three-part double-blinded randomized controlled study of premeal exenatide. Two doses of exenatide (1.25 and 2.5 μg) were compared with insulin monotherapy. Prandial insulin dose was reduced by 20%. Gastric emptying and hormones were analyzed for 300 min postmeal.

RESULTS
Treatment with both doses of exenatide versus insulin monotherapy significantly reduced glucose excursions over 300 min (P &lt; 0.0001). Exenatide administration failed to suppress glucagon but delayed gastric emptying (P &lt; 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS
Adjunctive exenatide therapy reduces postprandial hyperglycemia in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. This reduction in glucose excursion occurs despite reduction in insulin dose. We suggest that exenatide has therapeutic potential as adjunctive therapy in type 1 diabetes.
Preliminary malacological investigation of the loess profile at Šarengrad, Croatia
Authors: Hupuczi Júlia , Molnár Dávid , Galović Lidija , Sümegi Pál 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
More than 3 400 specimens of 51 mollusc species were identified in a loessy-alluvial section at Šarengrad village in Croatia. This section provides one of the most diverse collections of mollusc species in the lower Danube. The malacological data from this profile suggests that this section developed during the last interglacial-glacial cycle.
Thermo-mechanical modeling of friction stir welding
Authors: Azimzadegan T. , Serajzadeh S. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
In this paper an integrated model has been utilized to predict thermo-mechanical behavior during friction stir welding of an aluminum alloy. A finite element code, ABAQUS, is employed to solve the governing equations of heat conduction and plastic deformation, while a rigid – viscoplastic material behavior is utilized and effects of different thermal and mechanical boundary conditions are considered in the simulation. To assess the accuracy of the model, predicted results have been compared with experimental data and good agreement has been observed.
Growth and structure of NdGaO3 films prepared by metal–organic deposition
Authors: Wang Yao , Zhang Guofang , Li Chengshan , Yan Guo , Lu Yafeng 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
We have successfully prepared NdGaO3 films with the (h00) preferred orientation on YSZ(100) single crystalline substrate by metal – organic deposition. The structure and morphology of the NdGaO3 films were investigated by X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. It was found that the crystal orientation of the NdGaO3 films depends on the heat treatment temperature and time. An optimal growth condition for highly textured NdGaO3 films was obtained. The analysis by atomic force microscopy showed that the NdGaO3 films are smooth and pinhole-free. Our results showed that the NdGaO3 films prepared by the low-cost production method of metal – organic deposition could serve as a crystalline substrate with perovskite structure for many kinds of oxide electronic devices.
The relationship between the microstructure and the magnetic properties of nano-scale magnetic particles in a Cu–Fe–Co ternary alloy
Authors: Wada Naoya , Azuma Yoshiharu , Takeda Mahoto , Hiroi Zenji 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The relationship between the microstructures and the properties of nano-scale Fe–Co magnetic particles formed in a copper alloy was investigated. Several structural aspects and physical properties of Fe–Co precipitates were investigated simultaneously using transmission electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry. The microstructure and magnetic properties of precipitates comprising both Fe and Co atoms evolved with isothermal annealing at 873 K. We found that the evolution of small coherent precipitates obeys the Ostwald ripening law; however, the coarsening rate of the particles increased after coherent particles transformed into incoherent precipitates. The coercive force varied, correlating with the evolution of precipitates.
The microstructure and magnetic properties of nano-scale Fe magnetic particles precipitated in a Cu–Fe alloy
Authors: Wada Naoya , Takamatsu Kumiko , Takeda Mahoto , Takeguchi Masaki , Blanchin Marie-Gevenieve 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The evolution of nano-scale Fe particles precipitated in a Cu – Fe alloy has been examined from the viewpoint of the relationship between the microstructure and magnetic properties, using conventional, high-resolution and Lorentz electron microscopy, and magnetic measurements. It has been revealed that spherical Fe particles have a tendency to align along the <001> direction in a Cu matrix at the early stage of precipitation. A twin-like structure developed when spherical Fe particles grew to approximately 40 to 60 nm in size. Lorentz microscopy was successfully applied to determine the direction and magnitude of the magnetic momentum of Fe particles.
Heat transfer analysis of special reinforced NSC-columns under severe fire conditions
Authors: Sismanis Panagiotis G. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe 3-D heat conduction equation was numerically solved and the temperature distribution inside two special metallic frames, loaded with the proper number of reinforced bars, encased by normal strength concrete in the final columnar form, and subject to intense fire conditions, was computed by time. Typical temperature profiles were applied for the simulation of the cellulosic and hydrocarbon kinds of fire. Heat transfer by radiation and convection was included in the surrounding the column medium under fire, testing various convective heat-transfer coefficients. Computational results were analyzed until the critical time period in which the integrity and the mechanical strength of the column were reversible, considering fire abatement until that time.
Effect of solution heat treatment on the age hardening capacity of dendritic and globular AlSi7Mg0.6 alloys
Authors: Birol Yucel 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The effect of solution heat treatment on the age hardening capacity of dendritic and globular AlSi7Mg0.6 alloys was investigated in the present work to find out if solution treatment times are in fact shorter for rheocast parts. The morphology of the α-Al matrix, whether dendritic or globular, has no effect on the response of the alloy to T6 treatment. A solution treatment at 540 °C for 2 h suffices to fully solutionize the Mg and Si and the age hardening capacity of the AlSi7Mg0.6 alloy is impaired when it is 1 h or shorter. This is true for both dendritic and globular alloys. The expected favourable impact of the globular structure on the solution treatment times is believed to be offset by the relatively coarser structure in the globular alloy with respect to its dendritic counterpart.
COPEPOD INDICATORS OF SURFACE WATER MOVEMENTS OFF THE OREGON COAST1
Authors: Cross Ford A. , Small Lawrence F. 
Published: March 2010

Two small copepods, Acartia danae and Centropages mcmurrichi, were used as reciprocal indicators of seasonal surface current changes off the Oregon coast in 1961 and 1962. A. danae was found inshore and offshore in winter, indicating the northward flow (with an onshore component) of the Davidson Current. C. mcmurrichi was found inshore in early summer and farther offshore by late summer, indicating a southerly flow (with an offshore component). In the spring and fall, these species occurred together inshore, indicating a transitional state.Temperature‐salinity‐plankton (TSP) diagrams were used to examine the relationships between distributions of the copepods and local processes affecting near‐surface water properties (upwelling, rainfall and runoff, and the Columbia River plume). These diagrams emphasized that the major effect on copepod distribution was the seasonal shift of surface currents, with rainfall and runoff possibly affecting the inshore distribution of A. danae in winter. Upwelling had no apparent effect on the distribution of either species. Columbia River discharge, which flows southerly in summer, probably overwhelmed the general offshore (westerly) movement of surface currents, and hence the offshore movement of C. mcmurrichi, near the mouth of the river. The effect of the Columbia River plume farther out to sea was not shown conclusively to have an effect on the distribution of either species in summer.