bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of mobile phone output power in a multinational study: implications for exposure assessment
Authors: Vrijheid M , Mann S , Vecchia P , Wiart J , Taki M , Ardoino L , Armstrong B K , Auvinen A , Bédard D , Berg-Beckhoff G , Brown J , Chetrit A , Collatz-Christensen H , Combalot E , Cook A , Deltour I , Feychting M , Giles G G , Hepworth S J , Hours M , Iavarone I , Johansen C , Krewski D , Kurttio P , Lagorio S , Lönn S , McBride M , Montestrucq L , Parslow R C , Sadetzki S , Schüz J , Tynes T , Woodward A , Cardis E 
Published: May 2009

Objectives:The output power of a mobile phone is directly related to its radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field strength, and may theoretically vary substantially in different networks and phone use circumstances due to power control technologies. To improve indices of RF exposure for epidemiological studies, we assessed determinants of mobile phone output power in a multinational study.Methods:More than 500 volunteers in 12 countries used Global System for Mobile communications software-modified phones (GSM SMPs) for approximately 1 month each. The SMPs recorded date, time, and duration of each call, and the frequency band and output power at fixed sampling intervals throughout each call. Questionnaires provided information on the typical circumstances of an individual’s phone use. Linear regression models were used to analyse the influence of possible explanatory variables on the average output power and the percentage call time at maximum power for each call.Results:Measurements of over 60 000 phone calls showed that the average output power was approximately 50% of the maximum, and that output power varied by a factor of up to 2 to 3 between study centres and network operators. Maximum power was used during a considerable proportion of call time (39% on average). Output power decreased with increasing call duration, but showed little variation in relation to reported frequency of use while in a moving vehicle or inside buildings. Higher output powers for rural compared with urban use of the SMP were observed principally in Sweden where the study covered very sparsely populated areas.Conclusions:Average power levels are substantially higher than the minimum levels theoretically achievable in GSM networks. Exposure indices could be improved by accounting for average power levels of different telecommunications systems. There appears to be little value in gathering information on circumstances of phone use other than use in very sparsely populated regions.
Patellofemoral Full-Thickness Chondral Defects Treated With Second-Generation Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Authors: Gobbi Alberto , Kon Elizaveta , Berruto Massimo , Filardo Giuseppe , Delcogliano Marco , Boldrini Lorenzo , Bathan Lyndon , Marcacci Maurilio 
Published: May 2009

Background Patellofemoral lesions represent a very troublesome condition to treat for orthopaedic surgeons; however, second-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) seems to offer an interesting treatment option with satisfactory results at short-term follow-up. Hypothesis Hyaluronan-based scaffold seeded with autologous chondrocytes is a viable treatment for the damaged articular surface of the patellofemoral joint. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Among a group of 38 patients treated for full-thickness patellofemoral chondral lesions with second-generation ACI, we investigated 34 who were available for final follow-up at 5 years. These 34 had chondral lesions with a mean size of 4.45 cm2. Twenty-one lesions were located on the patella, 9 on the trochlea, and 4 patients had multiple lesions: 3 had patellar and trochlear lesions, and 1 had patellar and lateral femoral condyle lesions. Twenty-six lesions (76.47%) were classified as International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade IV A or B, 5 lesions (14.70%) were grade IIIC, and 3 (8.82%) were lesions secondary to osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Results were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 subjective and objective scores, EuroQol (EQ) visual analog scale (VAS), and Tegner scores at 2 and 5 years. Eight patients had second-look arthroscopy and biopsies. Results All the scores used demonstrated a statistically significant improvement ( P < .0005) at 2 and 5 years’ follow-up. Objective preoperative data improved from 8 of 34 (23.52%) normal or nearly normal knees to 32 of 34 (94.12%) at 2 years and 31 of 34 (91.17%) at 5 years after transplantation. Mean subjective scores improved from 46.09 points preoperatively to 77.06 points 2 years after implantation and 70.39 at 5 years. The Tegner score improved from 2.56 to 4.94 and 4.68, and the EQ VAS improved from 56.76 to 81.47 and 78.23 at 2 and 5 years’ follow-up, respectively. A significant decline of IKDC subjective and Tegner scores was found in patients with multiple and patellar lesions from 2 to 5 years’ follow-up. Second-look arthroscopies in 8 cases revealed the repaired surface to be nearly normal with biopsy samples characterized as hyaline-like in appearance. Conclusion Hyaluronan-based scaffold seeded with autologous chondrocytes can be a viable treatment for patellofemoral chondral lesions.
Success of Meniscal Repair at Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Toman Charles V. , Dunn Warren R. , Spindler Kurt P. , Amendola Annunziata , Andrish Jack T. , Bergfeld John A. , Flanigan David , Jones Morgan H. , Kaeding Christopher C. , Marx Robert G. , Matava Matthew J. , McCarty Eric C. , Parker Richard D. , Wolcott Michelle , Vidal Armando , Wolf Brian R. , Huston Laura J. , Harrell Frank E. , Wright Rick W. 
Published: May 2009

Background Meniscal repair is performed in an attempt to prevent posttraumatic arthritis resulting from meniscal dysfunction after meniscal tears. The socioeconomic implications of premature arthritis are significant in the young patient population. Investigations and techniques focusing on meniscus preservation and healing are now at the forefront of orthopaedic sports medicine. Hypothesis Concomitant meniscal repair with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a durable and successful procedure at 2-year follow-up. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods All unilateral primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions entered in 2002 in a cohort who had meniscal repair at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were evaluated. Validated patient-oriented outcome instruments were completed preoperatively and then again at the 2-year postoperative time point. Reoperation after the index procedure was also documented and confirmed by operative reports. Results A total of 437 unilateral primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were performed with 82 concomitant meniscal repairs (54 medial, 28 lateral) in 80 patients during the study period. Patient follow-up was obtained on 94% (77 of 82) of the meniscal repairs, allowing confirmation of meniscal repair success (defined as no repeat arthroscopic procedure) or failure. The overall success rate for meniscal repairs was 96% (74 of 77 patients) at 2-year follow-up. Conclusion Meniscal repair is a successful procedure in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. When confronted with a “repairable” meniscal tear at the time of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, orthopaedic surgeons can expect an estimated >90% clinical success rate at 2-year follow-up using a variety of methods as shown in our study.
MRI measures show significant cerebellar gray matter volume loss in multiple sclerosis and are associated with cerebellar dysfunction
Authors: Anderson VM , Fisniku LK , Altmann DR , Thompson AJ , Miller DH 
Published: May 2009

Background Regional atrophy measures may offer useful information about the causes of specific clinical deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective To determine the magnitude of cerebellar gray and white matter (GM and WM) atrophy in patients with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) and MS, and their role in clinical manifestations of cerebellar damage. Methods T1-weighted volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 73 patients [29 CIS, 33 relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), 11 secondary progressive MS (SPMS)] was compared with 25 controls. GM and WM regions were generated using SPM5 and cerebellar regions delineated. Linear regression was used to investigate differences in tissue-specific cerebellar volumes between groups and the association with clinical measures. Results Mean cerebellar GM volume (CGMV) was 100.1 cm3 in controls, 96.4 cm3 in CIS patients, 91.8 cm3 in RRMS patients, and 88.8 cm3 in SPMS patients. Mean cerebellar WM volumes (CWMV) were 21.3 cm3, 20.4 cm3, 19.9 cm3, and 18.8 cm3, respectively. CGMV was reduced by 4.8 cm3 ( P = 0.054) in RRMS patients, and 8.5 cm3 ( P = 0.012) in SPMS patients, relative to controls. Only patients with SPMS showed a borderline significant reduction in CWMV compared with controls (mean 2.1 cm3, P = 0.053). CGMV was significantly smaller in patients assessed as having cerebellar dysfunction compared with patients who had normal cerebellar function. Significant associations of CGMV and CWMV with performance on the nine-hole peg test were also observed. Conclusion Clinically relevant GM atrophy occurs in the cerebellum of MS patients and is more prominent than WM atrophy. As such, it may provide complementary data to other regional atrophy and intrinsic tissue measures.
Retinal nerve fiber thickness in inflammatory demyelinating diseases of childhood onset
Authors: Yeh EA , Weinstock-Guttman B , Lincoff N , Reynolds J , Weinstock A , Madurai N , Agarwal N , Buch P , Karpinski M , Ramanathan M 
Published: May 2009

Purpose To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in children with acquired demyelinating diseases. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of patients seen between 2006–2008 at the Pediatric MS Center of the Jacobs Neurological Institute. Consensus definitions for pediatric demyelinating disease were followed. All children received OCT testing and assessment of visual acuity (VA) using Snellen and low contrast letter acuity (LCLA) charts. Results Thirty-eight children diagnosed with acquired demyelinating disease, 15 healthy controls, and five children with other neurological disorders (OND) were included. Average RNFLT in healthy controls was 107 ± 12 μm( n = 30) versus 108 ± 5 μm ( n = 10) in OND controls. In children with multiple sclerosis, average RNFLT ± SD was 99 ± 14 μm in unaffected ( n = 24) versus 83 ± 12 μmin eyes affected by optic neuritis (“affected eyes”) ( n = 10). Average RNFLT in children with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and transverse myelitis was 102 ± 15 μm in unaffected ( n = 18) versus 67 ± 17 μm in affected eyes ( n = 6). In children with optic neuritis (ON), average RNFLT ± SD was 97 ± 13 μm in unaffected ( n = 5) versus 89 ± 12 μm in affected eyes ( n = 9). Differences between children with demyelinating disease and controls and between ON and nonON eyes were statistically significant ( P < 0.001). Bivariate correlations of RNFLT with LCLA ( P = 0.002) and VA ( P < 0.001) were significant. Conclusions OCT may be a valuable tool for the assessment and monitoring of anterior optic pathway dysfunction in children with demyelinating diseases.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with interferon beta treatment for multiple sclerosis: a case report
Authors: Ledinek AH , Jazbec SŠ , Drinovec I , Rot U 
Published: May 2009

A 23-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis developed respiratory symptoms 3 years after introduction of interferon beta-1b. The diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was established. The patient partially responded to sildenafil and bosetan treatment. This is the first report of PAH, associated with interferon beta therapy. As shown in experimental models, interferon treatment can induce PAH by stimulation of thromboxane cascade and secretion of various inflammatory mediators.
Evaluating potential therapies for bladder dysfunction in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis with high-resolution ultrasonography
Authors: Al-Izki S , Pryce G , Giovannoni G , Baker D 
Published: May 2009

Background In multiple sclerosis (MS), demyelinating and neurodegenerative lesions develop throughout the central nervous system, which result in a loss of neurotransmission. As a result, people with MS exhibit a wide range of symptoms including dysfunction of the bladder, which can lead to urinary incontinence or retention. Such signs can develop in animal models of MS. Current assessments of bladder properties in animal models are generally invasive, electrophysiological techniques. Objective The use of a non-invasive, ultrasound system for measuring bladder volume in a mouse model of MS. Methods Chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis was induced in mice. The bladder volume was assessed using ultrasonography, during the disease course and following therapy with bethanechol chloride. Results It was demonstrated that volumes obtained ultrasonically positively-correlated (r = 0.960) with the urine volumes obtained by manual expression. It was also shown for the first time that bladder size increased significantly in mice with residual neurological deficit. Indeed, this increase in bladder size showed a strong, positive-correlation (r = 0.951) with the hind limb spasticity. Following treatment with bethanechol chloride, bladder volume significantly decreased in mice with chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Conclusion This study demonstrates a novel outcome measure in experimental MS that allows; repeated, non-invasive, high resolution ultrasonic monitoring of bladder function.
Aquaporin-4 autoimmune syndrome and anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-negative opticospinal multiple sclerosis in Japanese
Authors: Matsushita T , Isobe N , Matsuoka T , Shi N , Kawano Y , Wu XM , Yoshiura T , Nakao Y , Ishizu T , Kira JI 
Published: May 2009

Background Antibodies to aquaporin-4 (AQP4) are found in a fraction of Japanese opticospinal multiple sclerosis (OSMS) patients. However, it remains unknown whether anti-AQP4 antibody-positive and negative OSMS patients possess an identical disease. Objective The objective of the current study was to clarify immunological differences between the two groups of patients. Methods We studied the serum antibody titers against AQP4 in 191 patients with idiopathic central nervous system demyelinating diseases and clarified their relationships with immunological parameters. Results Anti-AQP4 antibody positivity rate was higher in patients with OSMS (21/58, 36.2%), idiopathic recurrent myelitis (4/17, 23.5%), and recurrent optic neuritis (7/26, 26.9%), than in conventional MS (CMS) patients (6/90, 6.7%) and patients with other diseases (0/87). Anti-AQP4 antibody titer was significantly higher in patients with SS-A/B antibodies than in those without them. Anti-AQP4 antibody-negative OSMS patients showed significantly higher CD4+IFN-γ+IL-4−T cell percentages and intracellular IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios than anti-AQP4 antibody-positive patients, anti-AQP4 antibody-negative CMS patients, and healthy controls, and CD4+IFN-γ+IL-4−T cell percentages were negatively correlated with anti-AQP4 antibody titers. Conclusion Anti-AQP4 antibody-positive patients are immunologically distinct from anti-AQP4 antibody-negative OSMS patients owing to a Th2 shift in the former group in comparison to a Th1 shift in the latter.
Randomized study of interferon beta-1a, low-dose azathioprine, and low-dose corticosteroids in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Havrdova E , Zivadinov R , Krasensky J , Dwyer MG , Novakova I , Dolezal O , Ticha V , Dusek L , Houzvickova E , Cox JL , Bergsland N , Hussein S , Svobodnik A , Seidl Z , Vaneckova M , Horakova D 
Published: May 2009

Background Studies evaluating interferon beta (IFNβ) for multiple sclerosis (MS) showed only partial efficacy. In many patients, IFNβ does not halt relapses or disability progression. One strategy to potentially enhance efficacy is to combine IFNβ with classical immunosuppressive agents, such as azathioprine (AZA) or corticosteroids, commonly used for other autoimmune disorders. Objective The Avonex–Steroids–Azathioprine study was placebo-controlled trial and evaluated efficacy of IFNβ-1a alone and combined with low-dose AZA alone or low-dose AZA and low-dose corticosteroids as initial therapy. Methods A total of 181 patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) were randomized to receive IFNβ-1a 30 μg intramuscularly (IM) once weekly, IFNβ-1a 30 μg IM once weekly plus AZA 50 mg orally once daily, or IFNβ-1a 30 μg IM once weekly plus AZA 50 mg orally once daily plus prednisone 10 mg orally every other day. The primary end point was annualized relapse rate (ARR) at 2 years. Patients were eligible for enrollment in a 3-year extension. Results At 2 years, adjusted ARR was 1.05 for IFNβ-1a, 0.91 for IFNβ-1a plus AZA, and 0.73 for combination. The cumulative probability of sustained disability progression was 16.8% for IFNβ-1a, 20.7% for IFNβ-1a plus AZA, and 17.5% for combination. There were no statistically significant differences among groups for either measure at 2 and 5 years. Percent T2 lesion volume change at 2 years was significantly lower for combination (+14.5%) versus IFNβ-1a alone (+30.3%, P < 0.05). Groups had similar safety profiles. Conclusion In IFNβ-naïve patients with early active RRMS, combination treatment did not show superiority over IFNβ-1a monotherapy.
Multiple sclerosis rehabilitation outcomes: analysis of a national casemix data set from Australia
Authors: Khan F , Turner-Stokes L , Stevermuer T , Simmonds F 
Published: May 2009

Objective To examine the outcomes of inpatient rehabilitation for persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), using the Australian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre (AROC) database. Method Deidentified data from the AROC database were analyzed for all rehabilitation admissions during 2003–2007, using four classes for functional level. The outcomes included Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores and efficiency, hospital length of stay (LOS), and discharge destination. Results Of 1010 case episodes, 70% were women, admitted from home ( n = 851) and discharged into the community ( n = 890), and 97% ( n = 986) were in the higher three classes for functional level (classes 216, 217, and 218). Majority of the more disabled pwMS were treated in the public hospital system, with a longer LOS compared with private facilities ( P < 0.001). The FIM for classes 216–218 showed significant functional improvement during the admission ( P < 0.001), and those in higher classes showed less change (likely due to higher FIM admission scores). FIM efficiency was significantly higher in class 217 than other classes ( P < 0.001). The year-on-year trend was toward reducing hospital LOS and FIM efficiency, but these did not reach significance ( P = 0.107, P = 0.634). Conclusion The AROC data set is useful for describing rehabilitation outcomes for pwMS. However, additional information needs to be collected to evaluate nature of services provided and service implications.
Fatigued patients with multiple sclerosis have impaired central muscle activation
Authors: Andreasen AK , Jakobsen J , Petersen T , Andersen H 
Published: May 2009

Background The pathogenesis of fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) is poorly understood. Objective To elucidate the role of central motor activation we hypothesized that patients with primary fatigue have impaired central motor function and increased fatigability as compared to secondary fatigued and non-fatigued patients. Methods Sixty patients with relapsing remitting MS and an Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤ 3.5 were recruited and grouped as fatigued (Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) ≥ 5.0) or non-fatigued (FSS ≤ 4.0). Nineteen patients were primary fatigued, 20 secondary fatigued and 21 non-fatigued. Maximal voluntary contraction, central activation and peripheral activation were determined by percutaneous twitch interpolation of the right quadriceps muscle. Results Maximal voluntary contraction was similar between groups but did relate to scores of fatigue. Peripheral activation was similar in all groups. Central activation was impaired in both groups of fatigued patients compared to non-fatigued patients being 0.96(0.05) in primary fatigued and 0.96(0.04) in secondary fatigued versus 0.99(0.1) in non-fatigued patients. The impairment of central motor activation was related to degree of fatigue in all patients. During fatiguing exercise there was a similar loss of strength, without any time differences between the three groups. Conclusion We conclude that impaired central motor activation is involved in MS-fatigue.
High-dose intravenous interferon beta in patients with neutralizing antibodies (HINABS): a pilot study
Authors: Millonig A , Rudzki D , Hölzl M , Ehling R , Gneiss C , Künz B , Berger T , Reindl M , Deisenhammer F 
Published: May 2009

Background Neutralizing antibodies (NABs) against interferon beta (IFNβ) are associated with a loss of IFNβ bioactivity and clinical effectiveness. To date, there are no anti-NAB strategies available. The primary objective of this trial was to investigate whether intravenous IFNβ-1b can restore bioactivity in NAB-positive patients with MS. Methods NAB-positive patients with MS were treated with 8 MIU IFNβ-1b s.c., 8 MIU i.v., and 16 MIU i.v. Each application was preceded by a wash-out period of 1 week. Blood samples were collected before, 3, 12, and 24 h after each administration. Myxovirus protein A (MxA) RNA and protein levels were determined. The study has been approved by the local ethics committee. Results Five patients completed the study. NAB titers ranged from 42 to 4482 neutralizing units. Median MxA protein (1821, range 12–3234) and RNA (2186, range 114–7525) area under the curve levels for the four measurements at each IFNβ injection were significantly higher after i.v. application of 16 MIU as compared with both 8-MIU dosages, which were 743 (0–2709) for MxA protein after 8 MIU i.v. and 254 (0–1200) after s.c., and 1763 (25–7188) for MxA RNA after 8 MIU i.v., and 557 (5–2265) after s.c. applications. NAB titers decreased significantly and transiently after infusion of 16 MIU IFNβ-1b but not after both forms of 8 MIU applications. Typical side effects could be controlled by paracetamol. No allergic reaction was observed. Discussion The results indicate that i.v. administration of IFNβ can restore bioavailability of IFNβ in patients with NABs.
Clinical trials of multiple sclerosis therapies: improvements to demonstrate long-term patient benefit
Authors: Carroll WM 
Published: May 2009

Background The therapeutic goal for multiple sclerosis (MS) is to achieve a better long-term outcome. However, since available data come from short-term studies, it is important to review the evidence that current therapies provide long-term benefit. Method and results Long-term data from both registry studies and long-term follow-up studies, and efficacy treatment data were reviewed. Registry data show that the course of MS is predictable after a certain level of disability is reached, indicating that short-term efficacy data from randomized, controlled trials provide evidence of long-term benefit. Long-term studies of patients originally enrolled in pivotal randomized, controlled trials consistently show that delayed or discontinued treatment provides less benefit than continuous therapy. The 16-Year Long-Term Follow-Up Study of interferon beta-1b (IFNβ-1b; Betaferon®/Betaseron®) therapy had the highest ascertainment of long-term follow-up efforts of the pivotal trials, which led to the currently approved therapies. Disability scores at the start of treatment were predictive of their current disability scores. In addition, this 16-year study showed an excellent safety profile with no unexpected side effects to IFNβ-1b and a lower mortality rate after 16 years compared with those receiving placebo treatment during the pivotal study (6 deaths vs 20 deaths). Conclusion This article reviews the key data and provides recommendations for optimizing clinical studies in MS to demonstrate long-term patient benefit.