bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Wound Healing
Authors: Guo S. , DiPietro L.A.
Published: February 2010

Wound healing, as a normal biological process in the human body, is achieved through four precisely and highly programmed phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. For a wound to heal successfully, all four phases must occur in the proper sequence and time frame. Many factors can interfere with one or more phases of this process, thus causing improper or impaired wound healing. This article reviews the recent literature on the most significant factors that affect cutaneous wound healing and the potential cellular and/or molecular mechanisms involved. The factors discussed include oxygenation, infection, age and sex hormones, stress, diabetes, obesity, medications, alcoholism, smoking, and nutrition. A better understanding of the influence of these factors on repair may lead to therapeutics that improve wound healing and resolve impaired wounds.
Biofilm Dispersal: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Potential Therapeutic Uses
Authors: Kaplan J.B.
Published: February 2010

Like all sessile organisms, surface-attached communities of bacteria known as biofilms must release and disperse cells into the environment to colonize new sites. For many pathogenic bacteria, biofilm dispersal plays an important role in the transmission of bacteria from environmental reservoirs to human hosts, in horizontal and vertical cross-host transmission, and in the exacerbation and spread of infection within a host. The molecular mechanisms of bacterial biofilm dispersal are only beginning to be elucidated. Biofilm dispersal is a promising area of research that may lead to the development of novel agents that inhibit biofilm formation or promote biofilm cell detachment. Such agents may be useful for the prevention and treatment of biofilms in a variety of industrial and clinical settings. This review describes the current status of research on biofilm dispersal, with an emphasis on studies aimed to characterize dispersal mechanisms, and to identify environmental cues and inter- and intracellular signals that regulate the dispersal process. The clinical implications of biofilm dispersal and the potential therapeutic applications of some of the most recent findings will also be discussed.
In vivo Dentin Remineralization by Calcium-phosphate Cement
Authors: Peters M.C. , Bresciani E. , Barata T.J.E. , Fagundes T.C. , Navarro R.L. , Navarro M.F.L. , Dickens S.H.
Published: February 2010

Minimally invasive caries-removal procedures remove only caries-infected dentin and preserve caries-affected dentin that becomes remineralized. Dental cements containing calcium phosphate promote remineralization. This study evaluated the in vivo remineralization capacity of resin-based calcium-phosphate cement (Ca-P) used for indirect pulp-capping. Carious and sound teeth indicated for extraction were randomly restored with the Ca-P base or without base (control), followed by adhesive restoration. Study teeth were extracted after three months, followed by elemental analysis of the cavity floor. Mineral content of affected or sound dentin at the cavity floor was quantified by electron probe micro-analysis to 100-μm depth. After three months, caries-affected dentin underneath the Ca-P base showed significantly increased calcium and phosphorus content to a depth of 30 μm. Mineral content of treated caries-affected dentin was in the range of healthy dentin, revealing the capacity of Ca-P base to promote remineralization of caries-affected dentin.
Anxiety and Quality of Life in Phobic Dental Patients
Authors: Crofts-Barnes N.P. , Brough E. , Wilson K.E. , Beddis A.J. , Girdler N.M.
Published: February 2010

Little is known about the anxiety patients experience before attending for dental treatment. The aim of this study was to determine, in dentally phobic patients, the temporal relationship of pre-operative anxiety levels, and the disruption to daily life caused by this. Twenty-four phobic and 19 comparison (non-phobic) dental patients were recruited. Four validated questionnaires were used to assess anxiety and quality of life, which each patient completed for 5 days prior to, and on the day of, treatment. Those in the experimental group were found to have significantly greater levels of dental and general anxiety, and a significantly lower quality of life compared with those in the comparison group. Significant temporal relationships were found with all of the questionnaires. Dental and general anxiety scores were significantly correlated with quality-of-life measures. This study suggests that phobic dental patients are experiencing significant increased anxiety, and significant negative quality-of-life effects, in this period.
α2-Adrenoceptors Coordinate Swallowing and Respiration
Authors: Yamanishi T. , Takao K. , Koizumi H. , Ishihama K. , Nohara K. , Komaki M. , Enomoto A. , Yokota Y. , Kogo M.
Published: February 2010

Because the discoordination between swallowing and respiration may cause severe respiratory disorders such as aspiration pneumonia, understanding the neuronal mechanisms underlying such coordination is important. Recently, it was reported that medullary noradrenergic neurons are involved in evoking esophageal-gastric relaxation reflex, leading to a hypothesis that such neurons are also involved in swallowing-respiration coordination. We tested this hypothesis using an in vitro brain-stem preparation obtained from neonatal rats. A temporal inhibition of respiratory rhythm was consistently observed when swallowing activity was induced by electrical stimulations to the supralaryngeal nerve. We found that a broad adrenergic receptor agonist, norepinephrine, markedly blocked the swallowing-induced temporal inhibition of respiration. Further studies revealed that swallowing-induced respiratory inhibition is blocked by an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist and enhanced by an α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, indicating an important role of α2-adrenergic receptors in regulation of the coordination between swallowing and respiration in vitro.
Lessons From an Existentialist: What Rollo May Taught Me About Power in the Classroom
Authors: Merwin Michelle M.
Published: February 2010

As a teacher, the author related Rollo May’s ideas about power to her classroom experience. This article examines the five types of power as presented by May (exploitative, manipulative, competitive, nutrient, and integrative power) in relation to consciousness, freedom, destiny, and personal responsibility. May asserted that the potentialities of each type of power reside in all of us, all the time. Through conscious examination, we can discover the degree to which we use them in various exchanges. This personal exploration connected power to spontaneity, creativity, and ultimately transformation of the self. In the end, a simple inquiry into power in the classroom may crescendo to the broader and deeper scale of community, society, and the world.
The Model of War
Authors: Elkins Jeremy
Published: February 2010

During the past half-century, the United States has declared war on (among else) poverty, cancer, crime, drugs, and terrorism. This essay examines, in the context of these, war as a model for responding to domestic political problems and focuses on the role that that model has played in representing the state and its relation to those evils identified as the enemy.
Rhetoric in Democracy: A Systemic Appreciation
Authors: Dryzek John S.
Published: February 2010

Developments in the democratic theory of representation and deliberation enable renewed consideration of the ancient controversy over the proper place of rhetoric in politics. Rhetoric facilitates the making and hearing of representation claims spanning subjects and audiences divided in their commitments and dispositions. Deliberative democracy requires a deliberative system with multiple components whose linkage often needs rhetoric. Appreciation of these aspects of democracy exposes the limitations of categorical tests for the admissibility of particular sorts of rhetoric. Prioritization of bridging over bonding rhetoric is a step in the right direction, while sometimes producing misleading results. A better systemic test asks whether or not rhetoric promotes an effective deliberative system linking competent and reflective actors.
Future Prospects for Performance Management in Chinese City Governments
Authors: Walker Richard M. , Jiannan Wu
Published: February 2010

Contrasting views are presented on the nature and rationale for public management reforms in China. One school argues that they are strongly influenced by international practice, whereas the other holds that they reflect the characteristics of Chinese politics and administration.The authors explore this proposition in the arena of performance management, where they pay particular attention to whether future prospects for performance management are likely to be associated with international practice or Chinese characteristics. The authors’ concern with the future leads them to implement a Delphi study focusing on performance management in city governments, from which they find that performance management has particular Chinese characteristics and that it will continue to be used as a control mechanism. However, expert respondents also indicate the desirability of orienting performance management and evaluation outward to citizens and other key stakeholders, and of enhancing service delivery and performance, in keeping with the international performance management movement. The authors conclude by discussing the research and practice implications of these findings.
Hitting the Target but Missing the Point: The Rise of Non-Mission-Based Targets in Performance Measurement of Chinese Local Governments
Authors: Jie Gao
Published: February 2010

A striking feature of the performance measurement system in Chinese local governments is the emphasis on non-mission-based targets. Drawing on data collected in a 5-year field research project in one inland Chinese county, this article examines the causes, dynamics, and consequences of the rise of non-mission-based targets in local China. It argues that non-mission-based targets are largely an expedient policy adopted by Chinese reformers to deal with the pressing political need to ensure effective governance in local areas. However, the implementation of a performance measurement system with non-mission-based targets has unexpectedly given rise to serious governing problems. In the long run, the widespread use of non-mission-based targets may create daunting challenges that jeopardize the basis of governance.
Dual Faces of Ministerial Leadership in South Korea: Does Political Responsiveness or Administrative Responsibility Enhance Perceived Ministerial Performance?
Authors: Sam Youl Lee  , Jae Moon M. , Sung Deuk Hahm
Published: February 2010

This study is designed to examine dual faces of ministerial leadership that functions in the gray area of politics and administration when a minister performs his or her role as a political appointee and as a department head. The dual faces of ministerial leadership require somehow both political responsiveness and administrative responsibility for effective ministerial performance. Using the perceptual data of middle- and high-ranked South Korean government officials collected from the 2002 and 2007 Korean Minister Surveys, this study attempts to understand the relationship between types of ministerial leadership and performance in agenda setting, policy implementation, and internal management. The results of this study show that president-centered ministerial leadership (political responsiveness) is positively associated with agenda-setting performance and policy implementation performance whereas department-centered leadership (administrative responsibility) is positively associated with all performance areas, including agenda setting, implementation, and internal management.
Examining Intergovernmental and Interorganizational Response to Catastrophic Disasters
Authors: Kapucu Naim , Arslan Tolga , Collins Matthew Lloyd
Published: February 2010

This research focused on the interorganizational and intergovernmental response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. The study used the concepts from the network and partnerships literature and used current techniques of network analysis. The study found that the use of intergovernmental and interorganizational response to coordinate complex operations in multiorganizational environments of catastrophic disasters was not successful in responding to both Hurricane Katrina and Rita in 2005. The research suggests that more investment should be made in community capacity building at the local and state levels for successful and effective partnerships in responding to catastrophic disasters. In this research, the local and state levels are shown to be faster in response and future research should focus on local, state, and federal resources coordination in response to catastrophic disasters.
Visualization of the Chinese academic web based on social network analysis
Authors: Bo Yang  , Zhihui Liu  , Meloche Joseph A.
Published: February 2010

The top 100 university websites in mainland China have been selected as samples to explore the link relationship between their websites using principal component, multidimensional scale and social network analysis methods, such as co-link, betweenness, and k-core. These relationships reflect the characteristics of comprehensive strength, influential power and the subject types of the universities. Macroscopically, websites are typically linked for their influence, while subject/regional relations are discovered through sub-network analysis at the micro-level. The micro-level link analysis shows that subject relation, as well as geographical relation, are significant motivators for collaboration between universities.
Cybernating the academe: Centralized scholarly ranking and visibility of scholars in the developing world
Authors: Nwagwu Williams E.
Published: February 2010

This article uses a metaphor of social cybernetics to explain the neoliberal science politics manifest in the deployment of information technology to homogenize, centralize and globalize scholarly performance criteria, a development that benefits the developed regions of the world that already have a competitive advantage in the use of the technologies. The international citation indexes collect, organize and analyse skewed proportions of the world’s scholarly publications mainly from the North and make generalizations about the state and structure of global scientific knowledge, thus exerting undue control and discipline on global intellectual discourse. The databases do not accord any deference to the global diversity and complexity in human and other resources. However, autonomous databases that have regional, national and organizational focuses are beginning to emerge, but such an infrastructure is not yet available in Africa and many other developing regions. It is envisaged, however, that the current African Citation Index Project of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa will contribute in bridging this gap.
SEDE: An ontology for scholarly event description
Authors: Jeong Senator , Kim Hong-Gee
Published: February 2010

Scholarly events are important scientific communication channels. Our research goal is to satisfy scientists’ basic information needs by collecting, archiving and providing access to scholarly event information. Furthermore, we aim to satisfy users’ in-depth information needs by excavating scholarly meaningful information through reasoning about knowledge. A prerequisite to accomplishing this end is to define a description base for scholarly events to enable software agents to crawl and extract scholarly event data, and to facilitate unified access to this data. The collected data may then be mined for non-obvious knowledge. We present the design and implementation of an ontology for scholarly event description (SEDE) to achieve the research goal, and the application use case scenarios in scholarly event information space. The scenarios presented highlight the characteristics of the SEDE ontology.
Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Canine Cutaneous Melanotic Tumor
Authors: Han J.-I. , Kim D.-Y. , Na K.-J.
Published: February 2010

The Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction pathway is important in many developmental processes and during tumorigenesis. β-Catenin acts as a signal transducer. To investigate whether the Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction pathway is involved in canine cutaneous melanomagenesis, 18 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded canine cutaneous melanotic tumor tissues were examined. For cloning and sequencing of the full-length canine ctnnb1 gene encoding β-catenin, conserved sequences of the human and mouse ctnnb1 gene were used to design the primers. For analysis of expression and translocation of β-catenin in canine cutaneous melanotic tumors, semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were performed. The canine ctnnb1 sequence showed a high degree of similarity to those of human and mouse. Semiquantitative RT-PCR showed a substantial increase in expression of ctnnb1 mRNA in canine cutaneous melanotic tumors compared to normal canine melanocytes, regardless of whether the tumor was benign or malignant. Immunohistochemistry revealed cytoplasmic accumulation of β-catenin in melanotic tumors. In melanoma tissues, nuclear translocation of β-catenin was also observed. The present study demonstrated that abnormal intracellular accumulation and substantially increased expression of β-catenin are involved in canine cutaneous melanotic tumor.
Implantation of Autogenous Meniscal Fragments Wrapped with a Fascia Sheath Enhances Fibrocartilage Regeneration in Vivo in a Large Harvest Site Defect
Authors: Kobayashi Yasukazu , Yasuda Kazunori , Kondo Eiji , Katsura Taro , Tanabe Yoshie , Kimura Masashi , Tohyama Harukazu
Published: February 2010

Background

Concerning meniscal tissue regeneration, many investigators have studied the development of a tissue-engineered meniscus. However, the utility still remains unknown.

Hypothesis

Implantation of autogenous meniscal fragments wrapped with a fascia sheath into the donor site meniscal defect may significantly enhance fibrocartilage regeneration in vivo in the defect.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Seventy-five mature rabbits were used in this study. In each animal, an anterior one-third of the right medial meniscus was resected. Then, the animals were divided into the following 3 groups of 25 rabbits each: In group 1, no treatment was applied to the meniscal defect. In group 2, the defect was covered with a fascia sheath. In group 3, after the resected meniscus was fragmented into small pieces, the fragments were grafted into the defect. Then, the defect with the meniscal fragments was covered with a fascia sheath. In each group, 5 rabbits were used for histological evaluation at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery, and 5 rabbits were used for biomechanical evaluation at 6 and 12 weeks after surgery.

Results

Histologically, large round cells in group 3 were scattered in the core portion of the meniscus-shaped tissue, and the matrix around these cells was positively stained by safranin O and toluisin blue at 12 weeks. The histological score of group 3 was significantly higher than that of group 1 and group 2. Biomechanically, the maximal load and stiffness of group 3 were significantly greater than those of groups 1 and 2.

Conclusion

This study clearly demonstrated that implantation of autogenous meniscal fragments wrapped with a fascia sheath into the donor site meniscal defect significantly enhanced fibrocartilage regeneration in vivo in the defect at 12 weeks after implantation in the rabbit.

Clinical relevance

This study proposed a novel strategy to treat a large defect after a meniscectomy.
Treatment of the Unstable Ankle with an Osteochondral Lesion
Authors: Gregush Ronald V. , Ferkel Richard D.
Published: February 2010

Background

Few reports have studied the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) in the setting of lateral ankle instability.

Hypothesis

Arthroscopic treatment of an OLT and lateral ankle stabilization in the same sitting is safe and leads to reliable improvement of symptoms.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Of 37 patients who underwent concomitant treatment of an OLT and lateral ankle stabilization, 31 (84%) were evaluated at a mean of 7.3 years postoperatively. Patients were evaluated by physical examination, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, the modified Weber Scale, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, the Berndt and Harty Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey.

Results

The average postoperative ankle-hindfoot score was 89, the mean modified Weber score was 85, and the mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation was 86. In sum, 74% of patients had a good result on the Berndt and Harty Scale, 23% had a fair result, and 3% had a poor result. Of the short-form survey, the mean physical function score was 86.5, and the mean summary physical component score was 52.3. For the 13 patients for whom prospective ankle-hindfoot scores were available, a statistically significant improvement was seen, from 75 points preoperatively to 91 points postoperatively (P < .001).

Conclusion

Simultaneous arthroscopic treatment of an OLT and open lateral ankle stabilization is a safe and effective procedure. The presence of an osteochondral lesion had a negative effect on the overall result when compared to that of patients who underwent lateral ankle stabilization as an isolated procedure.
Combined Flexor-Pronator Mass and Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in the Elbows of Older Baseball Players
Authors: Osbahr Daryl C. , Swaminathan Swarup S. , Allen Answorth A. , Dines Joshua S. , Coleman Struan H. , Altchek David W.
Published: February 2010

Background

Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction techniques have afforded baseball players up to a reported 90% return to prior or higher level of play. A subpopulation exists with less impressive clinical outcomes potentially related to the presence of a concomitant flexor-pronator mass injury.

Hypothesis/Purpose

Combined flexor-pronator and ulnar collateral ligament injuries occur in older players, and results in this group are inferior to those reported for isolated ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions.

Study Design

Case Series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

All baseball players who had ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions by 1 surgeon over a 6-year period were identified, and the authors studied those treated for a combined flexor-pronator and ulnar collateral ligament injury. The ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction was accomplished using the docking technique, and the flexor-pronator injury was treated with debridement if tendinotic or reattachment if torn. A 2-sample t test was conducted to evaluate the likelihood of developing the combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament compared with ulnar collateral ligament injury based on age, while a Pearson χ 2 test was used to evaluate the likelihood of a patient being ≥30 years of age in the combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament versus ulnar collateral ligament groups. Outcome was assessed using a modified Conway classification.

Results

A total of 187 male baseball players between 14 and 42 years of age (mean, 20.7 years) had an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction by 1 surgeon. Eight (4%) of 187 baseball players were treated for the combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament injury. There was a statistically significant difference in age between the ulnar collateral ligament group (20.1 years) and the flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament group (33.4 years) (P < .001). Age ≥30 years was a statistically significant age limit to predict the presence of a combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament injury (88%) compared with an isolated ulnar collateral ligament injury (1%) (P < .001). Outcomes were 1 excellent (12.5%), 2 fair (25%), and 5 poor (62.5%).

Conclusion

Combined fflexor-pronator and ulnar collateral ligament injuries in baseball players may portend a worse prognosis, with a 12.5% return to prior level of play. Older age (≥30 years) is a risk factor in the development of this combined injury. When combined flexor-pronator/ulnar collateral ligament injury is suspected preoperatively, patients should be counseled on expected outcomes appropriately.
Epidemiology of Weight Training-Related Injuries Presenting to United States Emergency Departments, 1990 to 2007
Authors: Kerr Zachary Y. , Collins Christy L. , Dawn Comstock R.
Published: February 2010

Background

As participation in weight training in the United States increases, the number of persons at injury risk increases.

Purpose

To examine weight training-related injuries in patients presenting to US emergency departments from 1990 to 2007.

Study Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods

Weight training-related injury data were analyzed from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. Sample weights provided by this organization calculated national estimates of weight training-related injuries from the 100-hospital sample.

Results

From 1990 to 2007, 25 335 weight training injuries were seen in US emergency departments, correlating to an estimated 970 801 injuries nationwide. Patients’ mean age was 27.6 years (range, 6-100 years); 82.3% were male. The upper trunk (25.3%) and lower trunk (19.7%) were the most commonly injured body parts. The most common diagnosis was sprain/strain (46.1%). The most common mechanism of injury was weights dropping on the person (65.5%). A large number of injuries occurred with free weights (90.4%). Males had a larger proportion of upper trunk injuries (26.8%; injury proportion ratio [IPR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-1.57; P < .001) than females (18.4%). Females had a larger proportion of foot injuries (22.9%; IPR, 2.09; 95% CI: 1.93-2.26; P < .001) than males (11.0%). Persons 12 years and younger had a larger proportion of hand (37.9%; IPR, 2.08; 95% CI: 1.76-2.46; P < .001) injuries than persons 13 years or older (18.2%). Persons 55 years and older were injured more when using machines (18.2%; IPR, 1.96; 95% CI: 1.47-2.61, P < .001) than persons 54 years and younger (9.3%). Persons using free weights sustained a greater proportion of fractures/dislocations (23.6%; IPR, 2.44; 95% CI: 1.92-3.09; P < .001) than persons using machines (9.7%).

Conclusion

Further research is needed to drive development of targeted, age- and gender-specific, evidence-based injury prevention strategies to decrease injury rates among weight training participants.
Tunnel Position and Relationship to Postoperative Knee Laxity after Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with a Transtibial Technique
Authors: Tsuda Eiichi , Ishibashi Yasuyuki , Fukuda Akira , Yamamoto Yuji , Tsukada Harehiko , Ono Shuichi
Published: February 2010

Background

Several laboratory studies have pointed out a potential risk of femoral tunnel misplacement in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a transtibial technique. The tunnel malposition away from the anatomic attachment may result in increased postoperative knee laxity in double-bundle reconstruction.

Purpose

This study was conducted to evaluate the femoral and tibial tunnel positions in transtibial double-bundle reconstruction, and to determine the relationship between the tunnel positions and the results of the postoperative knee laxity examinations.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Fifty-three of 71 patients who underwent transtibial double-bundle reconstruction from 2004 to 2005 were followed more than 24 months. The tunnel positions for the anteromedial and posterolateral grafts were measured using 3-dimensional computed tomography images applying the quadrant method. The postoperative knee laxity was examined with the KT-1000 arthrometer manual maximum test, anterior drawer test, and pivot-shift test.

Results

The deep-shallow position (parallel to Blumensaat's line) and high-low position (perpendicular to Blumensaat's line) of the femoral tunnels were 27.7% ± 5.6% from the most posterior condylar contour and 16.3% ± 5.2% from Blumensaat's line for the anteromedial graft, and 35.5% ± 6.4% and 48.0% ± 5.4% for the posterolateral graft. The medial-lateral and anterior-posterior positions of the tibial tunnels were 46.1% ± 2.6% from the most medial contour and 36.5% ± 4.9% from the most anterior contour for the anteromedial graft, and 47.5% ± 3.1% and 51.6% ± 5.0% for the posterolateral graft. There was no statistical correlation between any parameters of the femoral or tibial tunnel position and the results of the knee laxity tests.

Conclusion

The femoral tunnels placed in transtibial double-bundle reconstruction were located appropriately in high-low and deep-shallow orientation, but had larger variability than the previously reported data of the anatomic femoral attachment. However, the variability of the femoral tunnel position was not so large as to result in graft insufficiency with increased postoperative knee laxity.
Chronic Ankle Instability Alters Central Organization of Movement
Authors: Hass Chris J. , Bishop Mark D. , Doidge Douglas , Wikstrom Erik A.
Published: February 2010

Background

Chronic ankle instability alters spinal level sensorimotor function and is hypothesized to alter supraspinal motor control mechanisms. Gait initiation is a functional task modulated by supraspinal pathways, but the effect of chronic ankle instability, a peripheral musculoskeletal impairment, on gait initiation and thus supraspinal motor control mechanisms remains unknown.

Purpose

This study was conducted to determine if supraspinal aspects of motor control are altered in subjects with chronic ankle instability.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Subjects with chronic ankle instability (5 males, 15 females; age, 20.5 ± 1.0 years; height, 169.8 ± 9.8 cm; weight, 74.2 ± 20.2 kg) and uninjured controls (4 males, 16 females; age, 20.85 ± 1.6 years; height, 164.3 ± 7.9 cm; weight, 64.2 ± 10.62 kg) completed 5 gait initiation trials for each leg at a self-selected pace. The resulting trajectory of the center of pressure trace was investigated and peak center of pressure excursions in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions, peak resultant center of pressure excursions, and average direction-specific velocities were calculated.

Results

Significant group × limb interactions were noted during the first (resultant center of pressure displacement [F1,37 = 4.60, P = .04]) and second (mediolateral center of pressure displacement [F1,37 = 3.82, P = .05]) period of gait initiation. Center of pressure displacement was reduced (impaired) in the involved limb of the chronic ankle instability group (resultant, 0.29 ± 0.02; mediolateral, 0.72 ± 0.02) relative to the uninvolved limb of the chronic ankle instability group (resultant, 0.32 ± 0.02; mediolateral, 0.76 ± 0.02) and both limbs of the control group (resultant, 0.32 ± 0.02; mediolateral, 0.74 ± 0.02) when the involved limb of the chronic ankle instability group served as the initial stance limb.

Conclusion

These interactions suggest that supraspinal motor control mechanisms are altered in subjects with chronic ankle instability to place a greater emphasis on reducing the postural demands on the involved limb.

Clinical Relevance

These changes suggest that supraspinal adaptations to motor control may be an important contributor to the underlying neurophysiologic mechanism of chronic ankle instability. The presence of supraspinal adaptations in subjects with chronic ankle instability also indicates that health care providers and rehabilitation specialists treat chronic ankle instability as a global/central and not just a local/peripheral injury.
Single-Tunnel Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Anatomical Placement of Hamstring Tendon Graft
Authors: Gadikota Hemanth R. , Wu Jia-Lin , Seon Jong Keun , Sutton Karen , Gill Thomas J. , Li Guoan
Published: February 2010

Background

Anatomical reconstruction techniques that can restore normal joint kinematics without increasing surgical complications could potentially improve clinical outcomes and help manage anterior cruciate ligament injuries more efficiently.

Hypothesis

Single-tunnel double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with anatomical placement of hamstring tendon graft can more closely restore normal knee anterior-posterior, medial-lateral, and internal-external kinematics than can conventional single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Kinematic responses after single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and single-tunnel double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with anatomical placement of hamstring tendon graft were compared with the intact knee in 9 fresh-frozen human cadaveric knee specimens using a robotic testing system. Kinematics of each knee were determined under an anterior tibial load (134 N), a simulated quadriceps load (400 N), and combined torques (10 N·m valgus and 5 N·m internal tibial torques) at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion.

Results

Anterior tibial translations were more closely restored to the intact knee level after single-tunnel double-bundle reconstruction with anatomical placement of hamstring tendon graft than with a single-bundle reconstruction under the 3 external loading conditions. Under simulated quadriceps load, the mean internal tibial rotations after both reconstructions were lower than that of the anterior cruciate ligament—intact knee with no significant differences between these 3 knee conditions at 0° and 30° of flexion (P > .05). The increased medial tibial shifts of the anterior cruciate ligament—deficient knees were restored to the intact level by both reconstruction techniques under the 3 external loading conditions.

Conclusion

Single-tunnel double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with anatomical placement of hamstring tendon graft can better restore the anterior knee stability compared with a conventional single-bundle reconstruction. Both reconstruction techniques are efficient in restoring the normal medial-lateral stability but overcorrect the internal tibial rotations.

Clinical Relevance

Single-tunnel double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with anatomical placement of hamstring tendon graft could provide improved clinical outcomes over a conventional single-bundle reconstruction.
Effects of Fatigue Due to Contraction of Evertor Muscles on the Ankle Joint Position Sense in Male Soccer Players
Authors: Mohammadi Farshid , Roozdar Arash
Published: February 2010

Background

The high incidence of ankle sprains that occur later in matches suggests that fatigue may contribute to altered neuromuscular control of the ankle. Moreover, deficits in ankle joint position sense (JPS) were seen in patients with a history of recurrent ankle sprains. It has been hypothesized that ankle sprains may be related to altered ankle JPS as a consequence of fatigue.

Purpose

To evaluate if fatiguing contractions of evertor muscles alter the ankle JPS.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Thirty-six soccer players (age, 24.7 ± 1.3 years; height, 183.7 ± 8.2 cm; weight, 78.9 ± 7.9 kg) were recruited. Subjects were asked to recognize 2 positions (15° of inversion and maximal active inversion minus 5°) for 2 conditions: normal and fatigue. Muscular fatigue was induced in evertor muscles of the dominant leg by using isometric contractions. The average of the absolute and variable errors of 3 trials were recorded for both fatigue and nonfatigue conditions. A matched control group of 36 soccer players (age, 23.9 ± 0.9 years; height, 181.2 ± 6.9 cm; weight, 77.8 ± 6.5 kg) was asked to recognize the same positions, before a soccer match and after 45 minutes of playing, and their same scores were recorded. Finally, results of the 2 groups were compared.

Results

There was significant decrease in subjects’ ability to recognize passive and active repositioning of their ankle after a fatigue protocol (P < .001). Passive and active JPS were reduced after playing (P < .001). There was no significant difference between 2 groups in the results of JPS before and after the intervention (P > .1).

Conclusion

The acuity of the ankle JPS is reduced subsequent to a fatigue protocol and after a soccer match.

Clinical Relevance

Evaluation of athletes’ ankle JPS before returning to physical activity may prevent further injuries.
Expression of Sensory Neuropeptides in Tendon is Associated with Failed Healing and Activity-Related Tendon Pain in Collagenase-Induced Tendon Injury
Authors: Lui Pauline Po-Yee , Chan Lai-shan , Fu Sai-chuen , Chan Kai-ming
Published: February 2010

Background

Increase in expression of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been reported in clinical samples of tendinopathy.

Purpose

To examine the spatial-temporal expression of these neuropeptides as well as their association with activity-related tendon pain, matrix degeneration, failed healing, and pathologic calcification in an established collagenase-induced tendon injury rat model.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Collagenase or saline was injected into the patellar tendon of rats. At weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16, just before the rats were sacrificed, the double-stance duration of rats was examined by gait analysis method. After sacrifice, the patellar tendons were harvested for histologic analysis and immunohistochemical staining of SP and CGRP.

Results

There was an increase of SP and CGRP immunopositivity in tendon fibroblasts at week 2. The immunopositive signals decreased at weeks 4 and 8 and were observed in chondrocyte-like cells. At weeks 12 and 16, the immunopositive staining increased again and was observed in cells embedded in calcific deposits in addition to tendon fibroblasts and chondrocyte-like cells. The expression pattern was consistent with matrix degeneration, calcification, and failed healing in the animal model. There were significant positive correlations of immunopositivity of SP (rho = .502, P = .002) and CGRP (rho = .483, P = .003) with double-stance duration after collagenase injection.

Conclusion

There was increased expression of SP and CGRP after collagenase-induced tendon injury, and their expression was positively associated with double-stance duration.

Clinical Relevance

Substance P and CGRP might be involved in the pathogenesis and origin of pain of tendinopathy and could be the targets for future intervention.
Midbrain and Spinal Cord Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Changes in Poliomyelitis
Authors: Choudhary Anita , Sharma Suvasini , Sankhyan Naveen , Gulati Sheffali , Kalra Veena , Banerjee Bidisha , Kumar Atin
Published: February 2010

Poliomyelitis, though eradicated from most parts of the world, continues to occur in India. There is paucity of data on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in poliomyelitis. We report a 3½-year-old boy who presented with subacute onset flaccid paralysis and altered sensorium. Stool culture was positive for wild polio virus type 3. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed signal changes in bilateral substantia nigra and anterior horns of the spinal cord. These MRI changes may be of potential diagnostic significance in a child with poliomyelitis.
Corpus Callosum Segment Circumference Is Associated With Response Control in Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: McNally Melanie A. , Crocetti Deana , Mahone E. Mark , Denckla Martha B. , Suskauer Stacy J. , Mostofsky Stewart H.
Published: February 2010

Response control is impaired in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Given the corpus callosum’s role in response control, we compared callosal morphology in 64 children with ADHD and 64 typically developing children, aged 7 to 13 years, and investigated the relationships between callosal morphology and response control. Area and circumference of 5 callosal segments (genu, rostral body, midbody, isthmus, and splenium) were normalized for cerebral volume and examined for correlation with mean reaction time, intrasubject variability, and/or commission error rate from a go/no-go task. There were no between-group differences in segment areas or circumferences. Reaction time correlated with midbody circumference for boys with ADHD and isthmus circumference for girls with ADHD. For the entire cohort, rostral body circumference correlated with intrasubject variability. Impaired response control in ADHD is associated with anomalies in frontal interhemispheric connections. Future studies examining callosal shape will illuminate the anatomic basis of correlations between callosal segment circumference and response control.
Midazolam or Diazepam Administration During Electroencephalography Helps to Diagnose Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)
Authors: Yilmaz Kutluhan , Sahin Derya Aydin
Published: February 2010

Although diagnostic contribution of intravenous diazepam administration during electroencephalography (EEG) recording in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis has been known, no another drug with less potential side effects has been studied in this procedure. In this study, diazepam is compared with midazolam in 25 subacute sclerosing panencephalitis-diagnosed children and 10 children with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis-suggesting symptoms, normal EEG findings and no certain diagnosis. Neither midazolam nor diazepam affected typical periodic slow-wave complexes. However, in the patients with atypical EEG abnormalities, midazolam, like diazepam, attenuated sharp or sharp-and-slow waves, and therefore made the identification of periodic slow-wave paroxysms easier. In the patients with normal EEGs, both midazolam and diazepam revealed typical periodic complexes on EEG recording in the same 3 patients. Cerebrospinal fluid examination verified the diagnosis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The findings suggest that midazolam or diazepam administration increases the contribution of EEG recording in atypical cases with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
Atypical Propositional Language Organization in Prenatal and Early-Acquired Temporal Lobe Lesions
Authors: Korman Brandon , Bernal Byron , Duchowny Michael , Jayakar Prasanna , Altman Nolan , Garaycoa Genoveva , Resnick Trevor , Rey Gustavo
Published: February 2010

This study investigated differences in propositional language organization in children with developmental and acquired brain lesions. We evaluated 30 right-handed subjects with intractable epilepsy due to either focal cortical dysplasia or hippocampal sclerosis with neuropsychological testing and functional MRI prior to epilepsy surgery. Atypical activations were seen in both prenatal and early postnatal lesions, but the contribution of specific histopathological substrate was minimal. Atypical organization of both temporal and frontal language areas also correlated inversely with receptive vocabulary scores. The data demonstrated a greater propensity toward atypical activation patterns for receptive than expressive networks, particularly when lesions were located in the dominant temporal lobe. Atypical language organization was not correlated with seizure-related factors such as age at onset or duration of epilepsy. The patterns of atypical language activation support prior studies implicating proximity of pathology to eloquent cortex in the dominant hemisphere as the primary determinant of functional reorganization.
Long-term Oral Baclofen Treatment in a Child With Cerebral Palsy: Electroencephalographic Changes and Clinical Adverse Effects
Authors: De Rinaldis Marta , Losito Luciana , Gennaro Leonarda , Trabacca Antonio
Published: February 2010

Baclofen is widely used to control spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Several publications described clinical adverse effects of baclofen oral treatment, but the effect of baclofen on seizure potentiation is still controversial. We describe a 10-year-old female patient with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and mental retardation who developed clinical adverse effects (confusion, agitated state, insomnia, diffuse hypotonia, and hyporeflexia) and electroencephalographic (EEG) changes (quasiperiodic, generalized burst of sharp waves that take up >50% of standard EEG) during long-term oral baclofen treatment, after gradually increasing the dosage but still within the therapeutic dose. Our case showed clearly that the EEG changes in our patient, with a history of epilepsy in good control, have been induced by the baclofen increase, and we describe the possible mechanisms that could explain proconvulsive effect of baclofen.
Unusual Spinal Tuberculosis With Cord Compression in an Infant
Authors: Lee Inn-Chi , Quek Yeak-Wun , Tsao Shih-Ming , Chang I-Chang , Sheu Ji-Nan , Chen Jia-Yuh
Published: February 2010

Spinal abscess is rare in children, especially in young infants. The most common etiology is bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus in particular. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is another cause. We report an unusual cervical spinal abscess with spinal cord compression in a 13-month-old child. The presenting symptoms were weakness in the right arm and, predominantly, the right leg for 1 month. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an abscess of the cervical spine, extension with bony destruction, and spinal cord compression. The patient underwent an emergency neurosurgical decompression and laminectomy. Pathology and culture results confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. After 12 months of antituberculosis treatment, the child could walk with a walker. At 37 months, he was able to walk without assistance. We conclude that spinal tuberculosis should be considered in cases of children with spinal cord-compression symptoms and an image showing an extraspinal abscess. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical for maximizing a functional recovery.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Relationship of Transition Preparation and Self-Determination for Students With Disabilities in Postsecondary Educational Settings
Authors: Morningstar Mary E. , Frey Bruce B. , Noonan Patricia M. , Ng Jennifer , Clavenna-Deane Beth , Graves Perry , Kellems Ryan , McCall Zach , Pearson Mary , Bjorkman Wade Diana , Williams-Diehm Kendra
Published: February 2010

This study examined the relationship between high school transition preparation (school and family based) and self-determination among postsecondary students with disabilities. Seventy-six participants from 4-year universities completed a two-part online survey. The first part of the survey measured three dependent variables: psychological empowerment, hope, and locus of control. The second part measured the independent variable quality of high school transition preparation. Correlational analyses were conducted between the quality of a student’s high school transition preparation and perceived self-determination (i.e., psychological empowerment, hope, and locus of control). Although significant correlations existed among the scales used to measure self-determination, the relationships between high school preparation and the role of families and self-determination was of interest.
Shelter and Service Receipt for Victims of Domestic Violence in Illinois
Authors: Grossman Susan F. , Lundy Marta , George Christine C. , Crabtree-Nelson Sonya
Published: February 2010

There is little empirical research about the services victims of violence in shelters receive and when, yet such information would increase our understanding of their unmet service needs especially after they leave shelter. This article utilizes data from a randomly selected sample of individuals in shelter to examine their service trajectories. Results indicate that most individuals receive service while in shelter. Individual counseling is likely to continue after shelter, but group counseling, employment, and educational assistance tend to end once shelter is over.The policy and practice implications of these results are discussed.