bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone marrow transplantation for CD40 ligand deficiency: a single centre experience
Authors: Khawaja K , Gennery A R , Flood T J , Abinun M , Cant A J 
Published: July 2002

BACKGROUNDCD40 ligand (CD40L) deficiency is a rare X linked immunodeficiency disorder leading to recurrent bacterial infection, with cryptosporidial enteritis and subsequent hepatic cirrhosis. Bone marrow transplantation offers the only cure.OBJECTIVETo analyse retrospectively the outcome of bone marrow transplantation for this condition in one centre.DESIGNA retrospective case note analysis was performed, identifying all patients with CD40L deficiency who had undergone bone marrow transplantation between May 1988 and December 2000. Details of pre-existing infection, pretransplantation immunological and infective data, transplant procedure (particularly donor type and HLA match), conditioning regimen, and marrow manipulation were analysed. Post-transplantation data including infective episodes, engraftment details, immune function, complications, and outcome were recorded.RESULTSEight boys (age 1–14 years, median 5.75) had transplants. Six received T cell depleted unrelated donor marrow. Four survive and have normal immune function. Six had previous Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and three had histological liver damage. Survival was associated with younger age at transplantation and normal liver histology.CONCLUSIONSBone marrow transplantation can be curative in CD40L deficiency. Better outcome is associated with younger age at transplantation and normal liver histology.
Nationwide study of haemolytic uraemic syndrome: clinical, microbiological, and epidemiological features
Authors: Elliott E J , Robins-Browne R M , O'Loughlin E V , Bennett-Wood V , Bourke J , Henning P , Hogg G G , Knight J , Powell H , Redmond D ,   Contributors to the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit
Published: July 2002

AIMSTo establish the incidence and aetiology of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) in Australia and compare clinical and microbial characteristics of sporadic and outbreak cases.METHODSNational active surveillance through the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit with monthly case notification from paediatricians, July 1994 to June 1998. Children under 15 years presenting with microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal impairment were identified.RESULTSNinety eight cases were identified (incidence 0.64 per 105 children <15 years/annum and 1.35 per 105 children <5 years/annum). Eighty four were associated with diarrhoea (64 sporadic, 20 constituting an outbreak) and 14 were atypical. Shiga toxin producingEscherichia coli (STEC) O111:H− was the most common isolate in sporadic HUS and caused the outbreak. However O111:H− isolates from outbreak and sporadic cases differed in phage type and subtyping by DNA electrophoresis. STEC isolates from sporadic cases included O26:H−, O113:H21, O130:H11, OR:H9, O157:H−, ONT:H7, and ONT:H−. STEC O157:H7 was not isolated from any case. Only O111:H− isolates produced both Shiga toxins 1 and 2 and possessed genes encoding E coli attaching and effacing gene (intimin) and enterohemolysin. Outbreak cases had worse gastrointestinal and renal disease at presentation and more extrarenal complications.CONCLUSIONSLinking national surveillance with a specialised laboratory service allowed estimation of HUS incidence and provided information on its aetiology. In contrast to North America, Japan, and the British Isles, STEC O157:H7 is rare in Australia; however, non-O157:H7 STEC cause severe disease including outbreaks. Disease severity in outbreak cases may relate to yet unidentified virulence factors of the O111:H− strain isolated.
Effects of massage on physiological restoration, perceived recovery, and repeated sports performance
Authors: Hemmings Brian , Smith Marcus , Graydon Jan , Dyson Rosemary 
Published: July 2002

Background—Despite massage being widely used by athletes, little scientific evidence exists to confirm the efficacy of massage for promoting both physiological and psychological recovery after exercise and massage effects on performance.Aim—To investigate the effect of massage on perceived recovery and blood lactate removal, and also to examine massage effects on repeated boxing performance.Methods—Eight amateur boxers completed two performances on a boxing ergometer on two occasions in a counterbalanced design. Boxers initially completed performance 1, after which they received a massage or passive rest intervention. Each boxer then gave perceived recovery ratings before completing a second performance, which was a repeated simulation of the first. Heart rates and blood lactate and glucose levels were also assessed before, during, and after all performances.Results—A repeated measures analysis of variance showed no significant group differences for either performance, although a main effect was found showing a decrement in punching force from performance 1 to performance 2 (p<0.05). A Wilcoxon matched pairs test showed that the massage intervention significantly increased perceptions of recovery (p<0.01) compared with the passive rest intervention. A doubly multivariate multiple analysis of variance showed no differences in blood lactate or glucose following massage or passive rest interventions, although the blood lactate concentration after the second performance was significantly higher following massage (p<0.05).Conclusions—These findings provide some support for the psychological benefits of massage, but raise questions about the benefit of massage for physiological restoration and repeated sports performance.
Impact of professionalism on injuries in rugby union
Authors: Garraway W M , Lee A J , Hutton S J , Russell E B A W , Macleod D A D 
Published: July 2002

Objectives—To measure the frequency and nature of injuries occurring in competitive matches since professionalism was introduced in rugby union.Methods—The cohort study previously conducted in players from senior rugby clubs in the Scottish Borders in 1993–1994 when rugby union was an entirely amateur sport was repeated in 1997–1998. The same injury definition, outcome criteria, and method of calculating playing hours were used. In total, 803 (84%) of 960 eligible players participated, including all 30 adult players who played professionally for the Scottish Rugby Union or Border Reivers District. The 576 injury episodes in 381 of these players in competitive matches were compared with the 373 injuries in 266 players out of 975 (94 %) who were eligible and registered with the same senior rugby clubs in 1993–1994. Outcomes were the occurrence of injury episodes, days away from playing or training for rugby, and time lost to employment or attendance at school/college as a consequence of being injured.Results—The proportion of players who were injured almost doubled from 1993–1994 to 1997–1998, despite an overall reduction of 7% of the playing strength of participating clubs. Period prevalence injury rates rose in all age specific groups, particularly in younger players. This translated into an injury episode every 3.4 matches in 1993–94, rising to one in every 2.0 matches in 1997–1998. An injury episode occurred in a professional team for every 59 minutes of competitive play. Professional players sustained a higher proportion of recurrent injuries, particularly in the early part of the season. Some 56% of all their days lost to the game were caused by injuries to the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the knee, hip, and thigh.Conclusions—The introduction of professionalism in rugby union has coincided with an increase in injuries to both professional and amateur players. To reduce this, attention should be focused on the tackle, where many injuries occur. The International Rugby Board should place a moratorium on the use of protective equipment in competitive matches until its contribution to player morbidity has been fully assessed.
Natural selection to sports, later physical activity habits, and coronary heart disease
Authors: Kujala Urho M , Sarna Seppo , Kaprio Jaakko , Tikkanen Heikki O , Koskenvuo Markku 
Published: July 2002

Objectives—To investigate the associations between natural selection to sports at a young age, continuity of physical activity, and occurrence of coronary heart disease.Design—Prospective cohort study.Setting—Finland.Participants—Former top level male athletes participating at a young age (1920–1965) in different types of sport (endurance (n = 166), power speed (n = 235), “other” (n = 834)) and controls healthy at the age of 20 years (n = 743).Main outcome measures—Data on the occurrence of coronary heart disease were obtained from death certificates, three nationwide registers, and questionnaire studies in 1985 and 1995, and data on later physical activity were obtained from the questionnaires.Results—In 1985 all groups of former athletes were more physically active than controls (p<0.001). Despite similar total volumes of physical activity, compared with power speed athletes, former endurance athletes participated more often in vigorous activity (p = 0.006) and had less coronary heart disease (adjusted odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.73; p = 0.004). In 1985 and 1995, both endurance and other athletes had less coronary heart disease than controls. From 1986 to 1995, the incidence of new coronary heart disease was lower among those who participated in vigorous physical activity in 1985.Conclusions—Both a previous aptitude for endurance athletic events and continuity of vigorous physical activity seem to be associated with protection against coronary heart disease, but an aptitude for power speed events does not give protection against coronary heart disease.
Mountain biking injuries in rural England
Authors: Jeys L M , Cribb G , Toms A D , Hay S M 
Published: July 2002

Background—Off road mountain biking is now an extremely popular recreation and a potent cause of serious injury.Aim—To establish the morbidity associated with this sport.Methods—Data were collected prospectively over one year on all patients presenting with an injury caused by either recreational or competitive off road mountain biking.Results—Eighty four patients were identified, 70 males and 14 females, with a mean age of 22.5 years (range 8–71). Most accidents occurred during the summer months, most commonly in August. Each patient had an average of 1.6 injuries (n = 133) and these were divided into 15 categories, ranging from minor soft tissue to potentially life threatening. Operative intervention was indicated for 19 patients (23%) and several required multiple procedures. The commonest injuries were clavicle fractures (13%), shoulder injuries (12%), and distal radial fractures (11%). However, of a more sinister nature, one patient had a C2/3 dislocation requiring urgent stabilisation, one required a chest drain for a haemopneumothorax, and another required an emergency and life saving nephrectomy.Conclusion—This sport has recently experienced an explosion in popularity, and, as it carries a significant risk of potentially life threatening injury across all levels of participation, the use of protective equipment to reduce this significant morbidity may be advisable.
Physical activity in Dublin children aged 7–9 years
Authors: Hussey J , Gormley J , Bell C 
Published: July 2002

Objectives—To investigate the amount of regular activity and time spent in sedentary occupations in children aged 7–9 years. Sex differences in levels of activity and time and facilities for physical education at school were also examined.Methods—A 10% sample of Dublin National Schools were selected. Parents of children in second class were surveyed. The questionnaire used was a modification of the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Teachers of second class were questioned about the time and facilities for physical education in schools.Results—Some 39% of children were participating in hard exercise for at least 20 minutes three or more times a week, with fewer girls (28%) than boys (53%) contributing to this result. A further 57% of children were engaging in at least 20 minutes of light exercise three or more times a week, with no sex differences. Estimated energy expenditure in regular activity was higher in boys than girls. Most (78%) of the children were spending one to three hours a day sedentary in front of a screen.Conclusions—This study provides comprehensive data on physical activity levels in Dublin schoolchildren aged 7–9 years. The amount of inactivity is of concern. Even at this young age, boys are reported to participate in more physical activity than girls.
Hypothermia during sports swimming in water below 11°C: Table 1
Authors: Keatinge W R , Khartchenko M , Lando N , Lioutov V 
Published: July 2002

Objectives—To assess precautions needed to avoid dangerous hypothermia in endurance sports swims in water below 11°C, using rectal temperature, anthropometric measurements, and voluntary swim times during a six day marathon relay swim.Methods—The time in the water and the decrease in rectal temperature were measured during the longest of three to five relay swims by each of eight experienced swimmers in 9.4–11.0°C water. Height, weight, and four skinfold thicknesses were measured.Results—Swimmers with less subcutaneous fat terminated their swims after significantly less time in the water than those with thicker skinfold thickness, even though their rectal temperatures were not significantly lower. The lowest rectal temperature recorded was 34.3°C.Conclusions—Subjective sensation in these experienced swimmers gave reliable guidance on safe durations for swims, and all voluntarily left the water with rectal temperatures that present no threat to people able to rewarm in safe surroundings. Endurance swims in highly competitive conditions or water below 9°C may require continuous temperature monitoring for safety.
Perceptions of retired professional soccer players about the provision of support services before and after retirement
Authors: Drawer S , Fuller CW 
Published: July 2002

Objective: To determine the views of retired players about the provision of support services in English professional soccer before and after retirement and to assess the impact of career ending injury on these views.Method: An anonymous self administered questionnaire was distributed to 500 former players registered with the English Professional Footballers' Association. The questions asked about personal details, current medical status, reasons for retirement, perceptions of the provision and quality of support services, and use of prophylactic treatments while injured.Results: Of the 500 questionnaires distributed, 185 (37%) were returned. The Professional Footballers' Association provided significantly (p<0.001) more help and advice to retired players on medical, financial, career, and educational matters than any other organisation. Although respondents showed some satisfaction with the provision of medical support, they were significantly (p<0.001) less satisfied with the provision of sports science (23%) and education/welfare (19%) support. Respondents who had retired through injury, however, were more dissatisfied with the provision of all services. Significantly (p<0.001) more respondents agreed with the view that injuries would reduce income earning potential, contribute to medical problems, and restrict the duration of their playing career. Respondents who had been medically diagnosed with osteoarthritis were significantly more likely, at some time, to have regularly received steroid injections while injured.Conclusion: The results presented are consistent with other evidence that the provision of injury prevention and socioeconomic services at professional soccer clubs is inadequate. The soccer industry should therefore develop a long term strategy for managing the needs of players who are forced to retire through injury.
Beneficial effects of air inclusions on the performance of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) mouthguard material
Authors: Westerman B , Stringfellow P M , Eccleston J A 
Published: July 2002

Objective: To investigate the impact characteristics of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) mouthguard material with regulated air inclusions, which included various air cell volumes and wall thickness between air cells. In particular, the aim was to identify the magnitude and direction of forces within the impacts.Method: EVA mouthguard material, 4 mm thick and with and without air inclusions, was impacted with a constant force impact pendulum with an energy of 4.4 J and a velocity of 3 m/s. Transmitted forces through the EVA material were measured using an accelerometer, which also allowed the determination of force direction and magnitude within the impacts.Results: Statistically significant reductions in the transmitted forces were observed with all the air inclusion materials when compared with EVA without air inclusions. Maximum transmitted force through one air inclusion material was reduced by 32%. Force rebound was eliminated in one material, and reduced second force impulses were observed in all the air inclusion materials.Conclusion: The regulated air inclusions improved the impact characteristics of the EVA mouthguard material, the material most commonly used in mouthguards world wide.
Physical exercise or micronutrient supplementation for the wellbeing of the frail elderly? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chin A Paw M J M , de Jong N , Schouten E G , van Staveren W A , Kok F J 
Published: July 2002

Objective: To examine the effects of 17 weeks of physical exercise and micronutrient supplementation on the psychological wellbeing of 139 independently living, frail, elderly subjects (inactive, body mass index ≤25 or experiencing weight loss).Methods: Participants (mean (SD) age 78.5 (5.7)) were randomly assigned to: (a) comprehensive, moderate intensity, group exercise; (b) daily micronutrient enriched foods (25–100% recommended daily amount); (c) both; (d) neither. A social programme and identical regular foods were offered as attention control and placebo.Results: At baseline, moderate to low but significant correlations were found between general wellbeing scores and physical fitness (r= 0.28), functional performance (r= 0.37), and blood concentrations of pyridoxine (r= 0.20), folate (r= 0.25), and vitamin D (r= 0.23) (all p values ≤0.02), but not with physical activity levels and other blood vitamin concentrations. General wellbeing score and self rated health were not responsive to 17 weeks of exercise or nutritional intervention.Conclusion: Psychological wellbeing in frail elderly people was not responsive to 17 weeks of intervention with exercise and/or micronutrient enriched foods. The moderate but significant correlations between wellbeing and physical fitness and several blood vitamin concentrations at baseline suggest that changes in wellbeing may occur after long term interventions.
Loss of transforming growth factor β signalling in the intestine contributes to tissue injury in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Hahm K-B , Im Y-H , Parks T W , Park S-H , Markowitz S , Jung H-Y , Green J , Kim S-J 
Published: July 2002

BACKGROUNDInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by an abnormal and uncontrolled immune response to one or more normally occurring gut constituents.AIMGiven the effects of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on both the immune system and extracellular matrix, we postulated that alterations in TGF-β signalling in intestinal epithelial cells may play an important role in the development of IBD.METHODSTGF-β signalling was inactivated in mouse intestine by expressing a dominant negative mutant form of the TGF-β type II receptor under the control of the mouse intestinal trefoil peptide (ITF)/TFF3 promoter. Transgenic mice (ITF-dnRII) developed spontaneous colitis presenting with diarrhoea, haematochezia, and anal prolapse when not maintained under specific pathogen free (SPF) conditions. Under SPF conditions we induced colitis by mixing dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) in drinking water to examine the significance of loss of TGF-β signalling in the pathogenesis of IBD.RESULTSTransgenic mice showed increased susceptibility to DSS induced IBD, and elicited increased expression of major histocompatibility complex class II, generation of autoantibodies against intestinal goblet cells, and increased activity of matrix metalloproteinase in intestinal epithelial cells compared with wild-type littermates challenged with DSS.CONCLUSIONSDeficiency of TGF-β signalling specifically in the intestine contributes to the development of IBD. Maintenance of TGF-β signalling may be important in regulating immune homeostasis in the intestine
Infectious health care workers: should patients be told?
Authors: Blatchford Oliver , O'Brien Sarah J , Blatchford Mary , Taylor Avril 
Published: July 2002

The risk of transmission of HIV or hepatitis B from infectious health care workers to patients is low. However, inadvertent exposure causes great concern amongst patients of an infected health care worker.The patients of a Scottish dentist diagnosed hepatitis B e antigen positive were informed by letter of their exposure. A sample of patients was sent a postal questionnaire. Most (56%) respondents reported feeling anxious on receiving the letter but almost all (93%) thought patients should always be informed following treatment by an infectious health care worker, although the risk was very small.We discuss clinical and ethical factors relating to informing patients following exposure to an infectious health care worker. We suggest that a balance should be struck between patients' wishes to know of risks to which they have been exposed, however small, and the professional view that when risks are negligible, patients need not be informed.
Workplace bullying and sickness absence in hospital staff
Authors: Kivimäki Mika , Elovainio Marko , Vahtera Jussi 
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVESIn the past, evidence on the negative consequences of workplace bullying has been limited to cross sectional studies of self reported bullying. In this study, these consequences were examined prospectively by focusing on sickness absence in hospital staff.METHODSThe Poisson regression analyses of medically certified spells (⩾4 days) and self certified spells (1–3 days) of sickness absence, relating to bullying and other predictors of health, were based on a cohort of 674 male and 4981 female hospital employees aged 19–63 years. Data on sickness absence were gathered from employers' registers. Bullying and other predictors of health were measured by a questionnaire survey.RESULTS302 (5%) of the employees reported being victims of bullying. They did not differ from the other employees in terms of sex, age, occupation, type of job contract, hours of work, income, smoking, alcohol consumption, or physical activity. Victims of bullying had higher body mass and prevalence of chronic disease, and their rates of medically and self certified spells of sickness absence were 1.5 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.3 to 1.7) and 1.2 (1.1 to 1.4) times higher than those of the rest of the staff. The rate ratios remained significant after adjustment for demographic data, occupational background, behaviour involving risks to health, baseline health status, and sickness absence.CONCLUSIONWorkplace bullying is associated with an increase in the sickness absenteeism of the hospital staff. Targets of bullying seem not to belong to any distinct group with certain demographic characteristics or occupational background.