bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Partial Ostectomy of the Dens to Correct Atlantoaxial Subluxation in a Pony
Authors: Cillán‐Garcia Eugenio , Taylor Sarah E. , Townsend Neil , Licka Theresia 
Published: March 2011

Objective: To report a surgical technique that allows decompression and anatomic re‐alignment for management of subluxation of the atlantoaxial articulation.Study Design: Clinical report.Animals: Four‐year‐old Welsh Section B pony gelding.Methods: Attempts at closed reduction of subluxation of the atlantoaxial articulation under general anesthesia were unsuccessful, so a ventral surgical approach allowing partial ostectomy of the dens of the axis was used to facilitate reduction.Result: Recovery from surgery was uneventful and the pony remained comfortable without neurologic deficits. Both neck stiffness and ataxia resolved. Radiographic examination at 5 days and 6 months postoperatively showed normal anatomic position of the dens of the axis and stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint.Conclusion: Partial ostectomy of the dens using a ventral approach can be used to facilitate reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation.
A Method for Computing the Damage Level Due to the Exposure to an Airborne Chemical with a Time‐Varying Concentration
Authors: Acquesta Alejandro D. , Sánchez Erica Yanina , Porta Andres , Jacovkis Pablo M. 
Published: March 2011

The calculation of damage level due to the exposure to a toxic cloud is usually not included in most popular software, or it is included using techniques that do not take into account the variation in concentration over a period of time. In this work, a method is introduced for calculating the temporal evolution of the potential damage level and to obtain a more precise and descriptive estimation of this level. The proposed goal is:
to estimate the maximum and minimum damage level experienced by a population due to the exposure to an airborne chemical with a time‐varying concentration;
to be able to assess the damage level experienced in a progressive way, as the exposure to the airborne chemical occurs.
The method relies on transformations of time‐concentration pairs on a continuum of damage level curves based on the available guideline levels, obtaining maximum and minimum approximations of the expected damage level for any exposure duration. Consequently, applying this method to transport model output data and demographic information, damage evolution in relation to time and space can be predicted, as well as its effect on the local population, which enables the determination of threat zones. The comparison between the proposed method and the current (Spanish and ALOHA) ones showed that the former can offer a more precise estimation and a more descriptive approach of the potential damage level. This method can be used by atmospheric dispersion models to compute damage level and graphically display the regions exposed to each guideline level on area maps.
Phototherapy of mycosis fungoides
Authors: Trautinger Franz 
Published: March 2011

Background/purpose: Among the primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas, mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common disease entity. Recently, an improved understanding of the pathology, clinical presentation, and prognosis of MF has lead to the development of new and practically useful classification and staging systems. In most patients, MF presents with patches and plaques and remains confined to the skin for years and decades, making it an ideal target for phototherapy. However, treatment schedules vary widely and this review describes the current knowledge about phototherapy of MF focusing mainly on narrow‐ and broadband UVB and 8‐methoxypsoralen plus UVA, its indications, practical aspects, and clinical outcome.Methods: Review and summary of the pertinent literature.Results and conclusions: Since 1976, when the first report on phototherapy for MF was published, sufficient evidence has accumulated to make narrowband UVB and PUVA safe and effective treatment options for early stages of the disease. In refractory cases or more advanced stages, combination of phototherapy with systemic treatments including mainly interferons and retinoids might be valuable. Additional research is required to further define the optimal treatment schedules and the role of maintenance.
Characterization of cutaneous photosensitivity in healthy volunteers receiving talaporfin sodium
Authors: Bromley Elizabeth , Briggs Brittany , Keltner Llew , Wang Sy‐Shi 
Published: March 2011

Purpose: Historically, cutaneous photosensitivity has been the most common side effect of treatment with light‐activated drugs. Talaporfin sodium is a water soluble photosensitizer in commercial use and clinical development that is cleared from the body relatively rapidly. This trial was conducted to determine the period of skin photosensitivity in healthy subjects given talaporfin sodium and to determine the correlation between photosensitivity and plasma levels of talaporfin sodium.Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers were dosed with 0.25–1.0 mg/kg talaporfin sodium and exposed at successive timepoints to a solar simulator applied to a small patch of skin on the back. Photosensitivity was assessed at these sites 24 h later. Duration of photosensitivity and correlation with plasma drug concentration were analyzed.Results: Skin reactions were generally mild and were classified most commonly as asymptomatic erythema. Photosensitivity subsided in each subject between 1 and 3 weeks after dosing. Subjects no longer exhibited photosensitivity at plasma drug levels between 600 and 2900 ng/ml in each subject. Two subjects in the lowest dose group did not exhibit photosensitivity despite plasma drug levels as high as 4000 ng/ml.Conclusions: These results indicate that a clinically effective dose of talaporfin sodium was well‐tolerated and that cutaneous photosensitivity was mild and resolved relatively rapidly.
Vaccination with photodynamic therapy‐treated macrophages induces highly suppressive T‐regulatory cells
Authors: Akilov Oleg E. , Wu Mei X. , Jin Yongzhu , Zhou Zhuoyan , Geskin Larisa J. , Falo Louis D. , Hasan Tayyaba 
Published: March 2011

Background/purpose: The present study explores whether photodynamic therapy (PDT)‐induced apoptosis can increase the number of tolerogenic regulatory T cells (Treg) and limit collateral tissue damage.Methods: BALB/c mice were vaccinated subcutaneously three times with PDT‐induced apoptotic or thaw‐frozen, necrotic non‐infected autologous macrophages (MΦ). Two weeks after the last vaccination, mice were infected intradermally with 106 promastigotes of Leishmania major.Results: Mice that received PDT‐induced apoptotic MΦ had fewer parasites and higher numbers of Treg than mice vaccinated with thaw‐frozen necrotic MΦ or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). Interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐6 were significantly suppressed, while IL‐10 was increased in mice that received the PDT‐induced apoptotic MΦ. The role of Treg in this process was confirmed through Treg transfer from vaccinated to naïve mice. Mice receiving CD4+CD25+ cells from mice vaccinated with PDT‐induced apoptotic MΦ showed smaller lesions 3 weeks after infection and lower parasitic burdens than mice that received Tregs from mice of thaw‐frozen necrotic MΦ or PBS groups. These changes were mediated by the depletion of CD3+CD8+ and NKT cells and increased levels of IL‐12p70 and interferon‐γ, IL‐10, and TGF‐β in the cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions.Conclusion: Vaccination with apoptotic MΦ‐induced tolerogenic Treg cells that limited collateral tissue damage and diminished parasitic burden.
Value of β2‐Microglobulin in the Serum of Healthy Subjects Older Than 40 Years
Authors: Matoković Damir , Hašpl Miroslav , Petrić Petar , Škorvaga Sanja , Rajić Marijana Tomić 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe aim of this research was to determine if the age of healthy subjects older than 40 years of age has an influence on the concentration of β2‐microglobulin in the serum of subjects of different populations. We examined the values of β2‐microglobulin in the serum of 51 healthy subjects aged 40–86 years using the microparticle enzyme immunoassay AxSYM β2‐microglobulin test. The reference values of β2‐microglobulin according to the nonparametric statistical method is 0.95–2.73 mg/L. A correlation was found between β2‐microglobulin and age: 40–50 years (0.94–1.54 mg/L), 51–65 years (0.96–2.62 mg/L), and >65 years (1.13–2.84 mg/L). There was no significant statistical difference of β2‐microglobulin between genders (P > 0.05); however, there was a statistically significant difference between the concentration of β2‐microglobulin and the subjects' age. (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ρ = 0.66; P < 0.01). A direct correlation between age and the concentration of β2‐microglobulin was observed. This research is a contribution to determining reference values of β2‐microglobulin in subjects of different populations.
Farmers’ Concerns: A Qualitative Assessment to Plan Rural Medical Education
Authors: Anderson Brittney T. , Johnson Gwendolyn J. , Wheat John R. , Wofford Amina S. , Wiggins O. Sam , Downey Laura H. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract  Context: Limited research suggests that translational approaches are needed to decrease the distance, physical and cultural, between farmers and health care.Purpose: This study seeks to identify special concerns of farmers in Alabama and explore the need for a medical education program tailored to prepare physicians to address those concerns.Methods: We conducted 2 focus groups with 20 farmers from diverse communities, backgrounds, and farming operations. The sessions were audio‐recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for determined patterns.Findings: The following categories were developed as areas of importance to farmers: the need for physicians to understand the culture of farming, occupational exposures in farming, and recommendations for improving the health of farmers.Conclusion: Findings suggest that to adequately serve farmers, medical students interested in entering practice in rural areas should have or develop a relevant and adequate understanding of farming practices.
Adoption and Perceived Effectiveness of Financial Improvement Strategies in Critical Access Hospitals
Authors: Holmes George M. , Pink George H. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractPurpose: To ascertain the use and perceived success of strategies to improve the financial performance of Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs).Methods: Information about the use and perceived effectiveness of 44 specific strategies to improve financial performance was collected from an online survey of 291 CAH Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers. Responses were merged with financial and operational characteristics of the respondents’ hospitals obtained from Medicare cost reports. Use rates and perceived success and failure were calculated for each strategy. A cluster analysis was applied to classify strategies based on their use and success. Finally, CAH characteristics were examined to predict the use of individual strategies.Findings: Financial improvement strategies are pervasive among CAHs. The administrators who responded to the survey in this study reported using an average of 17.0 of the maximum 44 strategies listed in the survey questionnaire. Revenue/cost, human resource, and capital strategies were more frequently used than service expansion and reduction strategies. Overall, CAH characteristics did not explain the use or perceived success of specific strategies, but they did partially predict the number of strategies attempted.Conclusions: CAH administrators have used multiple strategies to improve financial performance with a wide variety of reported success. More research into the effectiveness of specific interventions is needed to help administrators select evidence‐based strategies.
Scaling local abundance determinants in mediterranean dung beetles
Authors: NUMA CATHERINE , LOBO JORGE M. , VERDÚ JOSÉ R. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract. 1. We study the factors that contribute to the variation in the local abundance of dung beetle species inhabiting Cabañeros National Park, a Mediterranean reserve in Central Spain. The relative roles of five different groups of explanatory variables (climatic, local‐scale vegetation, landscape‐scale vegetation, landscape connectivity and trophic resources) were assessed for 27 sampling sites established by a nested hierarchical sampling design that considered three regional landscapes (woodland, scrubland, grassland) and three local habitat types (forest, scrub, pasture) within each landscape.2. Connectivity variables related to the spatial configuration of closed vegetation and distance to patches of open or closed vegetation were the best predictors of the species abundance. Precipitation was the most important climatic variable, whereas grassland area at the local‐ or landscape‐scale and woodland area at the landscape‐scale were the most important vegetation variables. Dung resources variables had the lowest explanatory ability.3. More than 60% of the models explained more than 70% of the total variability. Observed and predicted abundance were highly and positively correlated and the mean percentage of absolute predictive errors was approximately 50%. Low‐abundance observations had higher predictive errors and model accuracies seemed to be lower for species with narrow distributional ranges and presence in a high number of sampling localities.4. Mediterranean ecosystems contain a diverse assemblage of dung beetle species whose composition and abundance are influenced by a variety of factors operating across different spatial scales. The most important variables are the spatial configuration and the habitat connectivity around each locality.
Testing a new adaptive grid‐based shallow flow model for different types of flood simulations
Authors: Wang J.‐P. , Liang Q. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis work aims to test a robust numerical tool for modelling different types of floods, e.g. rapid‐varying dam breaks or slow‐evolving inundations. Based on a novel adaptive grid system, the model solves the 2D shallow water equations using a first‐order accurate Godunov‐type scheme to approximate the flood hydrodynamics. The grid dynamically adapts to local topographic features, moving wet–dry interfaces and other flow features. High‐resolution mesh is only generated to those areas of interests. Therefore, it facilitates the accurate prediction of flood fronts and routs and meanwhile maintains efficient simulation. Results are presented for an analytical case of surge reflecting from a standing wall, a laboratory‐scale rapidly varying dam‐break flow and a prototypical case of slowly evolving flood inundation in the 36 km2 floodplain at Thamesmead. To produce results with a similar resolution, the adaptive grid‐based model is found to be considerably more efficient than its uniform grid‐based counterpart.
The effect of hoof angle variations on dorsal lamellar load in the equine hoof
Authors: RAMSEY G. D. , HUNTER P. J. , NASH M. P. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study:In the treatment of laminitis it is believed that reducing tension in the deep digital flexor tendon by raising the palmar angle of the hoof can reduce the load on the dorsal lamellae, allowing them to heal or prevent further damage.Objective:To determine the effect of alterations in hoof angle on the load in the dorsal laminar junction.Methods:Biomechanical finite element models of equine hooves were created with palmar angles of the distal phalanx varying from 0–15°. Tissue material relations accounting for anisotropy and the effect of moisture were used. Loading conditions simulating the stages in the stance where the vertical ground reaction force, midstance joint moment and breakover joint moment were maximal, were applied to the models. The loads were adjusted to account for the reduction in joint moment caused by increasing the palmar angle. Models were compared using the stored elastic energy, an indication of load, which was sampled in the dorsal laminar junction.Results:For all loading cases, increasing the palmar angle increased the stored elastic energy in the dorsal laminar junction. The stored elastic energy near the proximal laminar junction border for a palmar angle of 15° was between 1.3 and 3.8 times that for a palmar angle of 0°. Stored elastic energy at the distal laminar junction border was small in all cases. For the breakover case, stored elastic energy at the proximal border also increased with increasing palmar angle.Conclusions and potential relevance:The models in this study predict that raising the palmar angle increases the load on the dorsal laminar junction. Therefore, hoof care interventions that raise the palmar angle in order to reduce the dorsal lamellae load may not achieve this outcome.See also correspondence by ReddenSee also correspondence by Curtis
Fetal wellbeing may be compromised during strenuous exercise among pregnant elite athletes
Authors: Salvesen Kjell Å , Hem Erlend , Sundgot-Borgen Jorunn 
Published: March 2011

ObjectivesTo study fetal wellbeing and uteroplacental blood flow during strenuous treadmill running in the second trimester.MethodsSix pregnant Olympic-level athletes in endurance events aged 28–37 years and training 15–22 h per week before the pregnancy were tested once at 23–29 weeks of pregnancy. The women ran three to five submaximal workloads on a treadmill with approximately 60–90% of maximal oxygen consumption. The maternal–fetal circulation was assessed with Doppler ultrasound of the uterine and umbilical arteries before, during and after exercise.ResultsMean uterine artery volume blood flow was reduced to 60–80% after warming up and stayed at 40–75% of the initial value during exercise. Fetal heart rate (FHR) was within the normal range (110–160 bpm) as long as the woman exercised below 90% of maximal maternal heart rate (MHR). Fetal bradycardia and high umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI) occurred when the woman exercised more than 90% of maximal MHR and the mean uterine artery volume blood flow was less than 50% of the initial value. FHR and umbilical artery PI normalised quickly after stopping the exercise.ConclusionsExercise at intensity above 90% of maximal MHR in pregnant elite athletes may compromise fetal wellbeing.
Fit for the fight? Illnesses in the Norwegian team in the Vancouver Olympic Games
Authors: Hanstad Dag Vidar , Rønsen Ola , Andersen Svein S , Steffen Kathrin , Engebretsen Lars 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundThe development of strategies to prevent illnesses before and during Olympic Games provides a basis for improved health and Olympic results.Objective(1) To document the efficacy of a prevention programme on illness in a national Olympic team before and during the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games (OWG), (2) to compare the illness incidence in the Norwegian team with Norwegian incidence data during the Turin 2006 OWG and (3) to compare the illness incidence in the Norwegian team with illness rates of other nations in the Vancouver OWG.MethodsInformation on prevention measures of illnesses in the Norwegian Olympic team was based on interviews with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Chief Nutrition and Sport Psychology Officers, and on a review of CMO reports before and after the 2010 OWG. The prevalence data on illness were obtained from the daily reports on injuries and illness to the International Olympic Committee.ResultsThe illness rate was 5.1% (five of 99 athletes) compared with 17.3% (13 out of 75 athletes) in Turin (p=0.008). A total of four athletes missed one competition during the Vancouver Games owing to illness, compared with eight in Turin. The average illness rate for all nations in the Vancouver OWG was 7.2%.ConclusionsAlthough no definite cause-and-effect link between the implementation of preventive measures and the prevalence of illness in the 2010 OWG could be established, the reduced illness rate compared with the 2006 OWG, and the low prevalence of illnesses compared with other nations in the Vancouver OWG suggest that the preparations were effective.
Implementing an exercise-training programme to prevent lower-limb injuries: considerations for the development of a randomised controlled trial intervention delivery plan
Authors: Finch Caroline F , White Peta , Twomey Dara , Ullah Shahid 
Published: March 2011

ObjectiveTo identify important considerations for the delivery of an exercise training intervention in a randomised controlled trial to maximise subsequent participation in that randomised controlled trial and intervention uptake.DesignA cross-sectional survey, with a theoretical basis derived from the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Reach, Efficacy/Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework.Participants374 male senior Australian Football players, aged 17–38 years.Main outcome measurementsBeliefs about lower-limb injury causation/prevention, and the relative value of exercise training for performance and injury prevention. The data are interpreted within HBM constructs and implications for subsequent intervention implementation considered within the RE-AIM framework. Ordinal logistic regression compared belief scores across player characteristics.Results74.4% of players agreed that doing specific exercises during training would reduce their risk of lower-limb injury and would be willing to undertake them. However, 64.1% agreed that training should focus more on improving game performance than injury prevention. Younger players (both in terms of age and playing experience) generally had more positive views. Players were most supportive of kicking (98.9%) and ball-handling (97.0%) skills for performance and warm-up runs and cool-downs (both 91.5%) for injury prevention. Fewer than three-quarters of all players believed that balance (69.2%), landing (71.3%) or cutting/stepping (72.8) training had injury-prevention benefits.ConclusionsDelivery of future exercise training programmes for injury prevention aimed at these players should be implemented as part of routine football activities and integrated with those as standard practice, as a means of associating them with training benefits for this sport.
Shockwave treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome in athletes; a prospective controlled study
Authors: Moen M H , Rayer S , Schipper M , Schmikli S , Weir A , Tol J L , Backx F J G 
Published: March 2011

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to describe the results of two treatment regimens for medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS); a graded running programme and the same running programme with additional shockwave therapy (extracorporeal shockwave therapy; ESWT).DesignA prospective observational controlled trial.SettingTwo different sports medicine departments.Participants42 athletes with MTSS were included.InterventionPatients from one hospital were treated with a graded running programme, while patients from the other hospital were treated with the same graded running programme and focused ESWT (five sessions in 9 weeks).Main Outcome MeasuresTime to full recovery (the endpoint was being able to run 18 min consecutively without pain at a fixed intensity).ResultsThe time to full recovery was significantly faster in the ESWT group compared with the patients who only performed a graded running programme, respectively 59.7±25.8 and 91.6±43.0 days (p=0.008).ConclusionsThis prospective observational study showed that MTSS patients may benefit from ESWT in addition to a graded running programme. ESWT as an additional treatment warrants further investigation in a prospective controlled trial with the addition of randomisation and double blinding.