bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of the platelet concentration in platelet-rich plasma gel on the regeneration of bone
Authors: Kawasumi M. , Kitoh H. , Siwicka K. A. , Ishiguro N.
Published: June 2008

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma on the proliferation and differentiation of rat bone-marrow cells and to determine an optimal platelet concentration in plasma for osseous tissue engineering. Rat bone-marrow cells embedded in different concentrations of platelet-rich plasma gel were cultured for six days. Their potential for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation was analysed. Using a rat limb-lengthening model, the cultured rat bone-marrow cells with platelet-rich plasma of variable concentrations were transplanted into the distraction gap and the quality of the regenerate bone was evaluated radiologically.

Cellular proliferation was enhanced in all the platelet-rich plasma groups in a dose-dependent manner. Although no significant differences in the production and mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase were detected among these groups, mature bone regenerates were more prevalent in the group with the highest concentration of platelets.

Our results indicate that a high platelet concentration in the platelet-rich plasma in combination with osteoblastic cells could accelerate the formation of new bone during limb-lengthening procedures.
Operative treatment of congenital torticollis
Authors: Shim J. S. , Jang H. P.
Published: June 2008

There were 47 patients with congenital muscular torticollis who underwent operative release. After a mean follow-up of 74 months (60 to 90), they were divided into two groups, one aged one to four years (group 1) and the other aged five to 16 years (group 2). The outcomes were assessed by evaluating the following parameters: deficits of lateral flexion and rotation, craniofacial asymmetry, surgical scarring, residual contracture, subjective evaluation and degree of head tilt.

The craniofacial asymmetry, residual contracture, subjective evaluation and overall scores were similar in both groups. However, group 2 showed superior results to group 1 in terms of the deficits of movement, surgical scarring and degree of head tilt.

It is recommended that operative treatment for congenital muscular torticollis is postponed until the patient can comply successfully with post-operative bracing and an exercise programme.
The value of synovial biopsy, joint aspiration and C-reactive protein in the diagnosis of late peri-prosthetic infection of total knee replacements
Authors: Fink B. , Makowiak C. , Fuerst M. , Berger I. , Schäfer P. , Frommelt L.
Published: June 2008

We analysed the serum C-reactive protein level, synovial fluid obtained by joint aspiration and five synovial biopsies from 145 knee replacements prior to revision to assess the value of these parameters in diagnosing late peri-prosthetic infection. Five further synovial biopsies were used for histological analysis. Samples were also obtained during the revision and incubated and analysed in an identical manner for 14 days.

A total of 40 total knee replacements were found to be infected (prevalence 27.6%). The aspiration technique had a sensitivity of 72.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 58.7 to 86.3), a specificity of 95.2% (95% CI 91.2 to 99.2), a positive predictive value of 85.3% (95% CI 73.4 to 100), a negative predictive value of 90.1% (95% CI 84.5 to 95.7) and an accuracy of 89%. The biopsy technique had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 98.1% (95% CI 95.5 to 100), a positive predictive value of 95.2% (95% CI 88.8 to 100), a negative predictive value of 100% and an accuracy of 98.6%. C-reactive protein with a cut-off-point of 13.5 mg/l had a sensitivity of 72.5% (95% CI 58.7 to 86.3), a specificity of 80.9% (95% CI 73.4 to 88.4), a positive predictive value of 59.2% (95% CI 45.4 to 73.0), a negative predictive value of 88.5% (95% 81.0 to 96.0 CI) and an accuracy of 78.1%.

We found that biopsy was superior to joint aspiration and C-reactive protein in the diagnosis of late peri-prosthetic infection of total knee replacements.
The effect of trochleoplasty on patellar stability and kinematics
Authors: Amis A. A. , Oguz C. , Bull A. M. J. , Senavongse W. , Dejour D.
Published: June 2008

Objective patellar instability has been correlated with dysplasia of the femoral trochlea. This in vitro study tested the hypothesis that trochleoplasty would increase patellar stability and normalise the kinematics of a knee with a dysplastic trochlea. Six fresh-frozen knees were loaded via the heads of the quadriceps. The patella was displaced 10 mm laterally and the displacing force was measured from 0° to 90° of flexion. Patellar tracking was measured from 0° to 130° of knee flexion using magnetic sensors. These tests were repeated after raising the central anterior trochlea to simulate dysplasia, and repeated again after performing a trochleoplasty on each specimen. The simulated dysplasia significantly reduced stability from that of the normal knee (p < 0.001). Trochleoplasty significantly increased the stability (p < 0.001), so that it did not then differ significantly from the normal knee (p = 0.244). There were small but statistically significant changes in patellar tracking (p< 0.001).

This study has provided objective biomechanical data to support the use of trochleoplasty in the treatment of patellar instability associated with femoral trochlear dysplasia.
Does the joint line matter in revision total knee replacement?
Authors: Porteous A. J. , Hassaballa M. A. , Newman J. H.
Published: June 2008

We identified 148 patients who had undergone a revision total knee replacement using a single implant system between 1990 and 2000. Of these 18 patients had died, six had developed a peri-prosthetic fracture and ten had incomplete records or radiographs. This left 114 with prospectively-collected radiographs and Bristol knee scores available for study. The height of the joint line before and after revision total knee replacement was measured and classified as either restored to within 5 mm of the pre-operative height or elevated if it was positioned more than 5 mm above the pre-operative height. The joint line was elevated in 41 knees (36%) and restored in 73 (64%).

Revision surgery significantly improved the mean Bristol knee score from 41.1 (sd 15.9) pre-operatively to 80.5 (sd 15) post-operatively (p < 0.001). At one year post-operatively both the total Bristol knee score and its functional component were significantly better in the restored group than in the elevated group (p < 0.01). Overall, revision from a unicondylar knee replacement required less use of bone graft, fewer component augments, restored the joint line more often and gave a significantly better total Bristol knee score (p < 0.02) and functional score (p < 0.01) than revision from total knee replacement.

Our findings show that restoration of the joint line at revision total knee replacement gives a significantly better result than leaving it unrestored by more than 5 mm. We recommend the greater use of distal femoral augments to help to achieve this goal.
Safety of external fixation during postoperative chemotherapy
Authors: Tsuchiya H. , Shirai T. , Morsy A. F. , Sakayama K. , Wada T. , Kusuzaki K. , Sugita T. , Tomita K.
Published: June 2008

We studied the safety of external fixation during post-operative chemotherapy in 28 patients who had undergone distraction osteogenesis (17, group A) or vascularised fibular grafting (11, group B) after resection of a tumour. Four cycles of multi-agent post-operative chemotherapy were administered over a mean period of 14 weeks (6 to 27). The mean duration of external fixation for all patients was 350 days (91 to 828). In total 204 wires and 240 half pins were used.

During the period of post-operative chemotherapy, 14 patients (11 in group A, 3 in group B) developed wire- and pin-track infection. A total of ten wires (4.9%) and 11 half pins (4.6%) became infected. Seven of the ten infected wires were in periarticular locations.

External fixation during post-operative chemotherapy was used safely and successfully for fixation of a vascularised fibular graft and distraction osteogenesis in 27 of 28 patients. Post-operative chemotherapy for malignant bone tumours did not adversely affect the ability to achieve union or cause hypertrophy of the vascularised fibular graft and had a minimal effect on distraction osteogenesis. Only one patient developed osteomyelitis which required further surgery.
Perthes’ disease
Authors: Canavese F. , Dimeglio A.
Published: June 2008

Children presenting with Perthes’ disease before their sixth birthday are considered to have a good prognosis. We describe 166 hips in children in this age group. The mean age at onset of the disease was 44 months (22 to 72). Mild forms (Catterall I and II) were treated conservatively and severe forms (Catterall III and IV) either conservatively or operatively. The aim of the former treatment was to restrict weight-bearing. Operative treatment consisted of innominate osteotomy and was indicated by a Conway type-B appearance on the bone scan. All the patients were followed to skeletal maturity with a mean follow-up of 11 years (8 to 15).

The end results were evaluated radiologically using the classifications of Stulberg and Mose. A total of 50 hips were Catterall grade-I or grade-II, 65 Catterall grade-III and 51 Catterall grade-IV. All hips with mild disease had a good result at skeletal maturity. Of the hips with severe disease 78 (67.3%) had good (Stulberg I and II), 26 (22.4%) fair (Stulberg III) and 12 (10.3%) poor results (Stulberg IV and V). Of the Catterall grade-III hips 38 were treated conservatively of which 31 (81.6%) had a good result, six (15.8%) a fair and one (2.6%) a poor result. Operative treatment was carried out on 27 Catterall grade-III hips, of which 21 (77.8%) had a good, four (14.8%) a fair and two (7.4%) a poor result. By comparison conservative treatment of 19 Catterall grade-IV hips led to ten (52.7%) good, seven (36.8%) fair and two (10.5%) poor results. Operative treatment was carried out on 32 Catterall grade-IV hips, of which 16 (50.0%) had a good, nine (28.1%) a fair and seven (21.9%) a poor result.

We confirm that the prognosis in Perthes’ disease is generally good when the age at onset is less than six years. In severe disease there is no significant difference in outcome after conservative or operative treatment (p > 0.05). Catterall grade-III hips had a better outcome according to the Stulberg and Mose criteria than Catterall grade-IV hips, regardless of the method of treatment.
Behaviour–emotional characteristics of primary‐school children rated as having language problems
Authors: Lundervold A. J. , Heimann M. , Manger T.
Published: June 2008

Background Primary‐school teachers are expected to detect problems related to language function, but the teachers' evaluations may be heavily influenced by gender and classroom behaviour.

Aim To investigate the relationship between language problems (LPs) and behaviour–emotional problems as rated by primary‐school teachers.

Methods All participants participated in a population‐based study, the Bergen Child Study (BCS). Teachers of 9,072 children and parents of 6,234 children completed forms containing questions pertaining to language function and the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) to screen for behaviour–emotional problems. LP was defined as a score above the 95th percentile on the sum score of five language items. Children achieving a total SDQ score above the 90th percentile were defined as high scorers, indicating a high risk for behavioural–emotional problems.

Results Based on teacher reports, 540 children were defined as having LP, more boys (N = 366) than girls. Children defined as having LP were reported to have significantly higher scores on all SDQ subscales, and a higher total difficulty score than children without language problems (NLP). More LP boys than LP girls were defined as high scorers on the SDQ, with the highest effect size on the hyperactivity–inattention subscore. The agreement between teachers and parents was moderate to low, with the highest consensus of behaviour–emotional problems in children with LP.

Conclusions Primary‐school children defined as having LP according to their teachers are frequently characterized by behavioural–emotional problems. Further assessment is warranted for primary‐school children defined as having LP by their teachers.
The presence of aggression cues inverts the relation between digit ratio (2D:4D) and prosocial behaviour in a dictator game
Authors: Millet Kobe , Dewitte Siegfried
Published: June 2008

Digit ratio (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic trait. Men have relatively shorter index (2D) compared to ring (4D) fingers than women. More masculine ratios are thought to be influenced by higher prenatal testosterone levels. In the present paper, we aim to show the context‐dependency of the relation between 2D:4D and social behaviour. In two studies, we expose participants either to control or to aggression cues. Afterwards, they make a decision in a dictator game. Participants with low 2D:4D showed higher allocation levels (i.e. they were more prosocial) than participants with high 2D:4D in a neutral situation. However, this relationship inverts after exposure to an aggression cue. It turns out that in high 2D:4D people, aggression cues even increase prosocial behaviour. We call for future research which focuses on other plausible interactions between 2D:4D and context cues rather than on linear relations.
Young children understand multiple pretend identities in their object play
Authors: Wyman Emily , Rakoczy Hannes , Tomasello Michael
Published: June 2008

This set of studies examined the ability of 3‐year‐olds to conceptualize multiple pretend identities with objects. Rather than relying on verbal response measures, as has been done in the past, children's creative and inferential pretend actions were used as indicators of their understanding. The common structure to all four studies was that children were confronted with one pretend scenario, moved to a second pretend scenario and then back again to the first. Children proficiently tailored their pretence to an object whose pretend identity changed between scenarios despite being less able to name each identity. Thus, using an inferential action methodology, these studies provide early and particularly convincing evidence that children can track the multiple pretend identities of objects.
Accessibility of salient beliefs about the outcomes of physical activity
Authors: Scott Emma J. , Eves Frank F. , Hoppé Roberta , French David P.
Published: June 2008

Objectives. Attitudes may influence behaviour through both deliberative and automatic processes. To investigate the automatic influences of attitudes, this study explores the accessibility of modally salient beliefs about physical activity outcomes using response latency measures.

Design. Response latencies for modally salient beliefs for physically activity outcomes were compared with latencies for non‐salient, hygiene outcomes. Possible relationships between self‐report and response latency was assessed between‐ and within‐subjects.

Method. Regularly active participants (N=148) completed a computer‐based response latency task in which they indicated whether an outcome, for example more fit, was a likely or unlikely consequence of six different physical activities, for example go running. Self‐reports of the likelihood of these outcomes, their importance, intentions to participate in the physical activities and frequency of participation were obtained.

Results. As expected, the physical activity outcomes were more accessible than control outcomes. In addition, the outcome strong heart was less accessible than the outcomes more fit and have fun. There was only weak evidence, however, of any relationship between self‐reports and the accessibility of the physical activity outcomes.

Conclusion. Response latency data may represent a source of between‐subject variation that differs from self‐report. Discussion focuses on the possible origins of such a discrepancy.
Implementing the NICE OCD/BDD guidelines
Authors: Lovell Karina. , Bee Penny.
Published: June 2008

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has produced a nationally coordinated programme of clinical guidelines which provide rigorous and systematically derived statements of best evidence to improve patient care. Successful implementation of the NICE guidelines into clinical practice is complex and challenging and this paper focuses on the specific barriers and facilitators of implementing the obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) guidelines. Particular challenges for this guideline are the very nature of OCD/BDD, the adoption of the stepped care model and specific treatment and training issues.
Controlled recall of verbal material in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Hudson John M. , Flowers Kenneth A. , Roberts Kathrine A.
Published: June 2008

This study used a guided process‐dissociation procedure to examine the contribution of controlled and automatic uses of memory to a cued‐recall task in 24 patients with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE: 12 left‐sided; 12 right‐sided), and 12 neurotypical controls. In an inclusion task, participants attempted to complete three‐letter word stems using previously studied words, in an exclusion task they aimed to avoid using studied words to complete stems. Patients with left TLE produced fewer target completions under inclusion conditions. Completion rates were not significantly different under exclusion conditions. Estimates derived from process dissociation calculations, confirmed that the cued‐recall deficit in left TLE patients arose entirely from impairment in controlled memory processes. There were no group differences in the estimates of automatic processes. Recognition judgements of stems corresponding to studied words did not differ between the groups. Overall the results support the view that controlled and automatic memory processes are mediated by separable neural systems. Hippocampal and related structures within the left MTL are more important than corresponding right hemisphere structures for the controlled retrieval of verbal material. In contrast, the findings from this study do not suggest that the left and right temporal lobes make a differential contribution to automatic memory processing. The theoretical and clinical relevance of these findings are discussed.
Transdermal Lovastatin Enhances Fracture Repair in Rats
Authors: Gutierrez Gloria E , Edwards James R , Garrett Ian R , Nyman Jeffry S , McCluskey Brandon , Rossini Gianni , Flores Alda , Neidre Daria B , Mundy Gregory R
Published: July 2008

Statins have been shown to stimulate BMP2 transcription and bone formation. This raises the possibility that they could be useful for enhancing rates of fracture repair. Observational studies in patients treated with oral statins for lipid-lowering have been controversial. The likely reason for their inconsistent effects is that the statin concentration reaching the periphery was too low after oral administration to produce a reproducible biologic effect. Thus, we examined the effects of lovastatin (LV) given transdermally in a well-described preclinical model of fracture repair. Effects on the healing fracture callus were assessed by biomechanical strength, radiographs, and quantitative morphology. LV was administered transdermally (TD) for 5 days after fracture in several doses (0.1–5 mg/kg/d) and compared with vehicle-treated control rats and rats treated with LV by oral gavage (PO) at 5–25 mg/kg/d for 5 days from the day of fracture. Radiological evaluation of bones treated with TD LV showed enhanced fracture repair at 2 and 6 wk. BMD in the callus area at 6 wk was also increased in the TD group compared with vehicle-treated controls (p < 0.05). The force required to break TD-treated bones (0.1 mg/kg/d for 5 days) was 42% greater than vehicle-treated controls (p < 0.02), and there was a 90% increase in stiffness (p < 0.01). PO LV at much higher doses (10 and 25 mg/kg/d) showed increased stiffness but no change in other biomechanical properties. By histological examination, a significant increase was also observed in the size of the callus, surrounding proliferating cell nuclear antigen–positive cells, and osteoblast and osteoclast number in TD-treated rats compared with controls at day 8 after fracture (n = 6). In summary, we found that TD LV in low doses accelerates fracture healing, whereas 10-fold the lipid-lowering dose was required to produce any effect when it was administered orally. These studies provide valuable information on the potential of statins and TD delivery as a new and effective therapeutic modality in fracture repair.
Annexin-Mediated Matrix Vesicle Calcification in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Chen Neal X , O'Neill Kalisha D , Chen Xianming , Moe Sharon M
Published: July 2008

In bone, osteoblasts and chondrocytes synthesize matrix vesicles (MVs) that interact with collagen to initiate calcification. MVs have been identified in human calcified arteries but are poorly characterized. The objective of this study is to determine the role of annexins and fetuin-A in MV formation and activity during calcification in bovine vascular smooth muscle cells (BVSMCs). BVSMCs were treated with control or calcification (high phosphorus) media, and cellular MVs were isolated by collagenase digestion and secreted MVs were isolated from cultured media by ultracentrifugation. The results showed that alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was significantly increased in MVs from calcified BVSMCs compared with noncalcified BVSMCs, as was annexin II and VI content and 45Ca uptake. We also determined that MVs from calcifying BVSMCs could mineralize type I collagen but not type II collagen in the absence of cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Blockade of annexin calcium channel activity by K201 significantly decreased ALP activity and reduced the ability of the MVs to subsequently calcify on collagen, whether the K201 was added during or after MV formation. Furthermore, cellular MVs had significantly increased ability to calcify on collagen compared with secreted MVs, likely because of their increased ALP activity and annexin II content but low fetuin-A content. In conclusion, our results suggest that mineralization in VSMCs requires both active MVs and an interaction of the MVs with type I collagen, and both steps require annexin activity.
Connexin 43 Is Required for the Anti-Apoptotic Effect of Bisphosphonates on Osteocytes and Osteoblasts In Vivo
Authors: Plotkin Lilian I , Lezcano Virginia , Thostenson Jeff , Weinstein Robert S , Manolagas Stavros C , Bellido Teresita
Published: July 2008

Connexin (Cx)43 is required for inhibition of osteocyte and osteoblast apoptosis by bisphosphonates in vitro. Herein, we evaluated its requirement for the in vivo actions of bisphosphonates using mice in which Cx43 was deleted specifically from osteocytes and osteoblasts (Cx43ΔOb−Ot/− mice). Effective removal of Cx43 was confirmed by the presence of the deleted form of the gene and by reduced mRNA and protein expression in osteoblastic cells and bones obtained from Cx43ΔOb−Ot/− mice. The amino-bisphosphonate alendronate (2.3 μmol/kg/d) was injected daily into 5-mo-old female mice (n = 6–11) for 31 days, starting 3 days before implantation of pellets releasing the glucocorticoid prednisolone (2.1 mg/kg/d). Cx43ΔOb−Ot/− mice and their littermates (Cx43fl/−, Cx43ΔOb−Ot/+, and Cx43fl/+) gained bone with similar kinetics and exhibited identical bone mass from 2 to 4.5 mo of age, indicating that Cx43 deletion from osteocytes and mature osteoblasts does not impair bone acquisition. In addition, prednisolone induced a similar increase in osteocyte and osteoblast apoptosis in Cx43ΔOb−Ot/− or in control Cx43fl/− littermates. However, whereas alendronate prevented prednisolone-induced apoptosis in control Cx43fl/− mice, it was ineffective in Cx43ΔOb−Ot/− mice. In contrast, alendronate inhibited glucocorticoid-induced bone loss in both type of animals, suggesting that inhibition of resorption is the predominant effect of alendronate against the early phase of glucocorticoid-induced bone loss. Taken together with earlier in vitro evidence, these findings show that Cx43 is required for the anti-apoptotic effect of bisphosphonates on osteocytes and osteoblasts.