bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the number of pregnancies affect patterns of great saphenous vein reflux in women with varicose veins?
Authors: Engelhorn C A , Cassou M F , Engelhorn A L , Salles-Cunha S X 
Published: July 2010

Objectives Impact of pregnancies on great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux patterns deserves clarification. Which GSV segment is most affected? Is the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) involved? Methods Colour-flow duplex ultrasonography was performed in 583 women extremities with primary varicose veins (clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements [CEAP C2]), without oedema, skin changes or ulcer. Women with previous thrombosis or varicose surgery were excluded. GSV reflux sources and drainage points were located at SFJ, thigh, knee and calf. Prevalence of most proximal reflux source was noted as a function of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 or more pregnancies. χ2 statistics was employed. Results Prevalence of GSV reflux was not dependent on 0, 1, 2, 3 or ≥4 pregnancies: 75%, 69%, 79%, 70% and 76% for right leg ( P = 0.79) and 78%, 81%, 82%, 79% and 73% for left leg ( P = 0.87), respectively. Prevalence of SFJ reflux and GSV reflux, starting at the thigh, knee or calf, was similar and showed no tendencies to increase with number of pregnancies. Conclusions Number of pregnancies did not influence GSV reflux patterns in women with primary varicose veins.
Impact of Proton Pump Inhibitors on the Effectiveness of Clopidogrel After Coronary Stent Placement: The Clopidogrel Medco Outcomes Study
Authors: Kreutz Rolf P. , Stanek Eric J. , Aubert Ronald , Yao Jianying , Breall Jeffrey A. , Desta Zeruesenay , Skaar Todd C. , Teagarden J. Russell , Frueh Felix W. , Epstein Robert S. , Flockhart David A. 
Published: July 2010

Study Objective. To investigate the potential impact of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on the effectiveness of clopidogrel in preventing recurrent ischemic events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent placement.Design. Population‐based, retrospective cohort study.Data Source. National medical and pharmacy benefit claims database comprising approximately 19 million members.Patients. A total of 16,690 patients who had undergone PCI with stent placement and who were highly adherent to clopidogrel therapy alone (9862 patients) or to clopidogrel with a PPI (6828 patients) between October 1, 2005, and September 30, 2006.Measurements and Main Results. The primary end point was the occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event during the 12 months after stent placement. These events were defined as hospitalization for a cerebrovascular event (stroke or transient ischemic attack), an acute coronary syndrome (myocardial infarction or unstable angina), coronary revascularization (PCI or coronary artery bypass graft), or cardiovascular death. A composite event rate was compared between patients who received clopidogrel alone and those who received concomitant clopidogrel‐PPI therapy. Baseline differences in covariates were adjusted by using Cox proportional hazards models. In the 9862 patients receiving clopidogrel alone, 1766 (17.9%) experienced a major adverse cardiovascular event compared with 1710 patients (25.0%) who received concomitant clopidogrel‐PPI therapy (adjusted hazard ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.39–1.64, p<0.0001). Similar associations of increased risk were observed for each PPI studied (omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, and lansoprazole).Conclusion. Concomitant use of a PPI and clopidogrel compared with clopidogrel alone was associated with a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events within 1 year after coronary stent placement.
Single‐Dose Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of Telavancin in Elderly Men and Women
Authors: Goldberg Michael R. , Wong Shekman L. , Shaw Jeng‐Pyng , Kitt Michael M. , Barriere Steven L. 
Published: July 2010

Study Objective. To assess the safety and tolerability, and the effect of sex on the pharmacokinetic disposition, of a single intravenous dose of telavancin 10 mg/kg in elderly (≥ 65 yrs) subjects.Design. Phase I, open‐label, single‐dose, sex‐stratified study.Setting. Clinical research unit.Subjects. Eight healthy men and eight healthy women (mean ± SD ages 70.6 ± 6.1 and 70.8 ± 5.5 yrs, respectively).Intervention. Each subject received a 60–minute intravenous infusion of telavancin 10 mg/kg.Measurements and Main Results. For the pharmacokinetic analysis, blood samples were collected before drug administration and at regular intervals up to 48 hours after the start of the infusion. Telavancin plasma concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters of telavancin were determined by noncompartmental analysis. Standard clinical laboratory tests and electrocardiograms were used to assess safety and tolerability. The telavancin plasma concentration‐time curves and pharmacokinetic parameters for both sexes were comparable. Pooled mean ± SD clearance, half‐life, and volume of distribution at the steady state were 12.2 ± 1.4 ml/hour/kg, 9.3 ± 1.3 hours, and 156 ± 12 ml/kg, respectively. The pooled mean ± SD plasma concentration of telavancin 24 hours postdose was 10.8 ± 1.6 μg/ml, exceeding the telavancin minimum inhibitory concentration required to inhibit the growth of 90% of organisms for key gram‐positive pathogens (0.5 μg/ml). Ten (63%) of the 16 subjects reported at least one adverse event, most of which were mild; no serious adverse events were noted in this study. No clinically significant changes in vital signs, physical examinations, electrocardiograms, or clinical biochemistry profiles were observed.Conclusion. The pharmacokinetic parameters of telavancin were similar between elderly men and women and comparable to historical results in healthy young subjects. No evidence was found to support telavancin dosage adjustment based on age or sex.
Effectiveness of Exogenous Albumin Administration for the Prevention of Ifosfamide‐Induced Encephalopathy
Authors: Kettle Jacob K. , Grauer Dennis , Folker Tanya L. , O'Neal Nyla , Henry David W. , Williams Casey B. 
Published: July 2010

Study Objectives.To assess the effectiveness of prophylactic albumin for the prevention of ifosfamide‐induced encephalopathy (IIE), and to describe risk factors for IIE and investigate the predictive potential of a novel risk‐stratification model for IIE.Design. Retrospective analysis.Setting.Single academic medical center.Patients.Forty‐one adults who received 93 chemotherapy cycles of regimens that included ifosfamide for the treatment of hematologic or solid tumor malignancy between November 2007 and November 2008. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of albumin for IIE prophylaxis: albumin group (32 cycles) and no albumin group (61 cycles).Measurements and Main Results. Overall occurrence of neurotoxicity during therapy served as the primary outcome measure. Proposed risk factors for IIE were assessed by conducting a subgroup analysis of patients who did and those who did not experience IIE. A novel risk‐stratification model was developed in an attempt to predict patients at risk for IIE. The validity of the scheme was assessed by comparing the occurrence of IIE among high‐ and low‐risk patients as identified by the model. Overall, among the 93 cycles, six cases of IIE (6.5%) were identified. The occurrence of IIE was more common in the albumin group compared with the no albumin group (15.6% [5/32] vs 1.6% [1/61], p=0.01). Baseline albumin level was significantly lower, and serum creatinine and aspartate and alanine aminotransferase concentrations were significantly higher among patients experiencing IIE. All cases of IIE occurred among patients identified as high risk according to the risk‐stratification model (p=0.01).Conclusion. Prophylactic therapy with exogenous albumin is not an effective strategy for the prevention of IIE. The novel risk‐stratification model appears to be an effective method for predicting patients with the greatest potential for developing this adverse effect.
Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis and Its Impact on Mastication
Authors: Pereira Luciano J. , Gazolla Cátia M. , Magalhães Isabela B. , Ramos‐Jorge Maria Letícia , Marques Leandro S. , Gameiro Gustavo H. , Fonseca Douglas C. , Castelo Paula M. 
Published: July 2010

Background: The aim of the present study is to assess the impact of conventional periodontal treatment of chronic periodontitis on the perception of mastication.Methods: The patients (n = 28; age range: 23 to 56 years, mean age: 37.9 years) were evaluated on two occasions (before and after treatment) with a 45‐day interval using the Oral Impact on Daily Performance questionnaire. An electromyography system was used for the determination of activity in muscles of mastication and bite force. Masticatory performance was assessed using a test material. The median particle size of the masticated material was determined using a sieve method and the Rosin‐Rammler equation. The clinical criteria were the number of teeth and probing depth, both determined by a single calibrated observer masked to the treatment phase. The data were analyzed in the pretreatment and post‐treatment periods using Wilcoxon test; Spearman correlation coefficient; and two multiple linear regression models (backward stepwise procedure).Results: There was a significant negative correlation between the number of teeth (number of mastication units) and difficulty eating (P <0.05) before and after treatment. Probing depth had a positive relationship with the total Oral Impact on Daily Performance score before treatment (P <0.01).Conclusions: The subjective perception of the impact of oral health on mastication diminished after periodontal treatment. The number of teeth had considerable importance in the perception of impact on mastication in the sample studied.
Prospective Evaluation of 2,549 Morse Taper Connection Implants: 1‐ to 6‐Year Data
Authors: Mangano Carlo , Mangano Francesco , Shibli Jamil A. , Tettamanti Lucia , Figliuzzi Michele , d'Avila Susana , Sammons Rachel L. , Piattelli Adriano 
Published: July 2010

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the implant survival, the implant–crown success, and the prosthetic complications of 2,549 Morse taper interference–fit connection implants.Methods: A total of 2,549 Morse taper connection implants were inserted in 893 patients from January 2003 until December 2008. At each annual recall, clinical, radiographic, and prosthetic parameters were assessed. The implant–crown success criteria included the absence of pain, suppuration, and clinical mobility; an average distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone contact <2 mm from initial surgery; and the absence of prosthetic complications at the implant–abutment interface. Prosthetic restorations were fixed partial prostheses (462 units); fixed full‐arch prostheses (60 units); single crowns (531 units); and overdentures (93 units).Results: The cumulative implant survival rate was 98.23% (97.25% maxilla, 99.05% mandible). The implant–crown success was 92.49%. A few prosthetic complications at implant–abutment interface were reported (0.37%). After 6 years, distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone contact was 1.10 mm (± 0.30 mm).Conclusion: The use of Morse taper connection implants represents a successful procedure for the rehabilitation of partially and completely edentulous arches.
Physical Activity Promotion in the Physical Therapy Setting: Perspectives From Practitioners and Students
Authors: Shirley Debra , van der Ploeg Hidde P. , Bauman Adrian E. 
Published: July 2010

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is a major risk factor for chronic disease. Primary health care practitioners are well placed to promote a physically active lifestyle. The perceptions and practice of physical therapists on their role in physical activity promotion are not well known.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, confidence, role perception, barriers, feasibility, and counseling practice of physical therapists and physical therapist students regarding the promotion of nontreatment physical activity for better health.DesignA cross-sectional survey was conducted.MethodsIn 2008, 321 (54%) of a random sample of all physical therapists registered in New South Wales, Australia, responded to a survey on their knowledge, confidence, role perception, barriers, feasibility, and counseling practice with regard to promoting a physically active lifestyles to their patients. Physical therapist students (n=279) completed the same survey but without the questions on barriers and counseling practice.ResultsPhysical therapists and physical therapist students consider that it is part of their role to give their patients nontreatment physical activity advice. Overall, they reported having adequate knowledge and skills to undertake this role. Incorporating advice into normal consultations is deemed the most feasible form of lifestyle physical activity promotion in physical therapist practice.LimitationsThe cross-sectional nature of this study makes it difficult to determine cause and effect relationships. Some selection bias may have occurred, as the physical therapists who completed the questionnaires may have been those most interested in physical activity promotion.ConclusionsPhysical therapist practice appears to be an excellent avenue for promoting a physically active lifestyle and could potentially play an important public health role.
Effects of Traditional Sit-up Training Versus Core Stabilization Exercises on Short-Term Musculoskeletal Injuries in US Army Soldiers: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Childs John D. , Teyhen Deydre S. , Casey Patrick R. , McCoy-Singh Kimberly A. , Feldtmann Angela W. , Wright Alison C. , Dugan Jessica L. , Wu Samuel S. , George Steven Z. 
Published: July 2010

Background
The US Army has traditionally utilized bent-knee sit-ups as part of physical training and testing. It is unknown whether the short-term effects of a core stabilization exercise program without sit-up training may result in decreased musculoskeletal injury incidence and work restriction compared with traditional training.

Objective
The objective of this study was to explore the short-term effects of a core stabilization exercise program (CSEP) without sit-up training and a traditional exercise program (TEP) on musculoskeletal injury incidence and work restriction.

Design
The study was designed as a cluster randomized trial.

Setting
The setting was a 16-week training program at Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio, Texas).

Participants
The study participants were soldiers with a mean age of 22.9 years (SD=4,7, range=18–35) for whom complete injury data were available for analysis (n=1,141).

Intervention
Twenty companies of soldiers were cluster randomized to complete the CSEP (10 companies of 542 soldiers) or the TEP (10 companies of 599 soldiers). The CSEP included exercises targeting the transversus abdominus and multifidus musculature. The TEP comprised exercises targeting the rectus abdominus, oblique abdominal, and hip flexor musculature.

Measurements
Research staff recorded all injuries resulting in the inability to complete full duty responsibilities. Differences in the percentages of musculoskeletal injuries were examined with chi-square analysis; independent sample t tests were used to examine differences in the numbers of days of work restriction.

Results
Of the 1,141 soldiers for whom complete injury data were available for analysis, 511 (44.8%) experienced musculoskeletal injuries during training that resulted in work restrictions. There were no differences in the percentages of soldiers with musculoskeletal injuries. There also were no differences in the numbers of days of work restriction for musculoskeletal injuries overall or specific to the upper extremity. However, soldiers who completed the TEP and experienced a low back injury had more days of work restriction: 8.3 days (SD=14.5) for the TEP group and 4.2 days (SD=8.0) for the CSEP group.

Limitations
A limitation of this study was the inconsistent reporting of injuries during training. However, the rates of reporting were similar between the groups.

Conclusions
The incidence of musculoskeletal injuries was similar between the groups. There was marginal evidence that the CSEP resulted in fewer days of work restriction for low back injuries.
Expression and Function of CD300 in NK Cells
Authors: Lankry Dikla , Simic Hrvoje , Klieger Yair , Levi-Schaffer Francesca , Jonjic Stipan , Mandelboim Ofer 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
The killing activity of NK cells is regulated by signals derived from inhibitory and activating NK cell receptors, including the CD300 family of proteins. CD300a was reported to be expressed on all NK cells and to deliver an inhibitory signal upon binding to a yet unknown ligand/s. The CD300a protein contains four ITIMs and is highly homologous to CD300c. Little is known about the function and distribution of these two receptors and the identity of their ligand/s. In this article, we show that CD300a is indeed an inhibitory receptor expressed by human NK cells, but surprisingly, we show that not all NK clones are inhibited in a CD300a-dependent manner. We demonstrate, using a panel of 13 new anti-CD300a and CD300c Abs that we generated, that CD300a and CD300c are indistinguishable on the surface of NK cells. Using mutational-analysis survey, we show that tyrosine 267 located in the third ITIM motif of the CD300a protein is important for the inhibitory function of CD300a.
Regulation of Virus-Specific CD4+ T Cell Function by Multiple Costimulatory Receptors during Chronic HIV Infection
Authors: Kassu Afework , Marcus Roland A. , D’Souza Michelle B. , Kelly-McKnight Elizabeth A. , Golden-Mason Lucy , Akkina Ramesh , Fontenot Andrew P. , Wilson Cara C. , Palmer Brent E. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractElevated expression of inhibitory receptors on virus-specific T cells has been implicated as a mechanism by which viruses evade host immune surveillance. Blockade of these pathways during chronic infection leads to increased T cell function and improved immune control of viral replication. To explore the association between costimulatory receptors and HIV replication, we examined the expression of programmed death 1 (PD-1), CTLA-4, T cell Ig domain and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), and CD28 on HIV-specific CD4+ T cells from HIV-infected subjects. Greater than 30% of HIV-specific CD4+ T cells from untreated subjects coexpressed PD-1, CTLA-4, and TIM-3, whereas &lt;2% of CMV- or varicella-zoster virus-specific CD4+ T cells expressed all three receptors. Coexpression of all three inhibitory receptors on HIV-specific CD4+ T cells was more strongly correlated with viral load compared with the expression of each receptor individually. Suppression of HIV replication with antiretroviral therapy was associated with decreased expression of all three inhibitory receptors on HIV-specific CD4+ T cells. Surprisingly, a high percentage of HIV-specific CD4+ T cells that expressed inhibitory receptors also coexpressed CD28. In vitro blockade of PD-1 binding concurrent with stimulation through CD28 synergistically increased HIV-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation to a greater extent than did either alone. These findings indicate that HIV-specific CD4+ T cell responses during chronic infection are regulated by complex patterns of coexpressed inhibitory receptors and that the synergistic effect of inhibitory receptor blockade and stimulation of costimulatory receptors could be used for therapeutic augmentation of HIV-specific CD4+ T cell function.
Nonredundant Roles for Leukotriene B4 Receptors BLT1 and BLT2 in Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Mathis Steven P. , Jala Venkatakrishna R. , Lee David M. , Haribabu Bodduluri 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid through the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways are known to be important mediators of inflammation. Studies in mouse models demonstrated an important role for the high-affinity leukotriene B4 receptor BLT1 in arthritis, atherosclerosis, and asthma. BLT2, a low-affinity leukotriene B4 receptor, was also shown to be a high-affinity receptor for cyclooxygenase-1 derived 12(S)-hydroxyheptadeca-5Z, 8E, 10E-trienoic acid. However, its biochemical activities and physiological roles remain unknown. In this study, we developed mice deficient in BLT2 by targeted disruption. The BLT2−/− mice developed normally, and analysis of immune cells showed that disruption of BLT2 did not alter BLT1 expression or function. Mast cells from the C57BL/6 mice but not from the BLT2−/− mice showed intracellular calcium mobilization in response to 12(S)-hydroxyheptadeca-5Z, 8E, 10E-trienoic acid. In an autoantibody-induced inflammatory arthritis model, the BLT2−/− mice showed reduced incidence and severity of disease, including protection from bone and cartilage loss. Reciprocal bone marrow transplant experiments identified that loss of BLT2 expression on a bone marrow-derived cell lineage offers protection against severe disease. Thus, BLT2, a unique receptor for 5-lipoxygenase– and cyclooxygenase-1–derived lipid mediators, represents a novel target for therapies directed at treating inflammation associated with arthritis.
Chromoblastomycosis due to Cladosporium carrionii
Authors: N. Namratha , Nadgir Shobha , Kale Mamatha , Rathod Ravi 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTAn 81-year-old male presented with irregular verrucous growth of 6 years duration over the right leg. KOH preparation of the scrapings and histopathology of the lesion showed “sclerotic” bodies diagnostic of chromoblastomycosis. Culture on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar yielded Cladosporium carrionii.
Lipid Profile of Type 2 Diabetic and Hypertensive Patients in the Jamaican Population
Authors: Gordon Lorenzo , Ragoobirsingh Dalip , Morrison Errol Y St A , Choo-Kang Eric , McGrowder Donovan , Martorell E 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT
Aims: Previous studies have shown that diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in females to a greater extent than in males. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the lipid profiles of type 2 diabetic males and females.
Materials and Methods: The study included 107 type 2 diabetic patients (41 males and 66 females), and 122 hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients (39 males and 83 females), aged 15 years and older. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were assayed for each group using standard biochemical methods.
Results: The mean TC, TG, VLDL-C, HDL-C and LDL-C concentrations, TG/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios were higher in type 2 diabetic and hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients compared with non-diabetic, and hypertensive non-diabetic control subjects, although these were not significant (P > 0.05). Hypertensive type 2 diabetic females had significantly higher serum TC (7.42 ± 1.63 mmol/L) than hypertensive non-diabetic males (5.76±1.57 mmol/L; P < 0.05). All the other lipid and lipoprotein parameters except HDL-C were non-significantly higher in females with type 2 DM and those with hypertension and type 2 DM, compared with type 2 diabetic and hypertensive type 2 diabetic males, respectively (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that dyslipidemia exists in our type 2 diabetic population with greater TC in hypertensive type 2 diabetic females compared with hypertensive type 2 diabetic males. This suggests that hypertensive type 2 diabetic females are exposed more profoundly to risk factors including atherogenic dyslipidemia compared with males.