bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex-Associated Differences in Pre-Antiretroviral Therapy Plasma HIV-1 RNA in Diverse Areas of the World Vary by CD4+ T-Cell Count
Authors: Grinsztejn Beatriz , Smeaton Laura , Barnett Ronald , Klingman Karin , Hakim James , Flanigan Timothy , Kumarasamy N , Campbell Thomas , Currier Judith ,   ACTG the PEARLS study team
Published: July 2011

Background Sex differences in the natural history of HIV infection may vary between resource-rich and resource-limited settings. Methods Baseline characteristics from a randomized clinical trial of treatment-naive subjects conducted at sites in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and North and South America were analysed to determine if there were significant differences by sex. Results Of the 1,571 participants, 740 (47.1%) were women. Women had higher mean screening CD4+ T-cell counts (mean 15 cells higher; P<0.001), lower mean haemoglobin and creatinine clearance, a lower mean baseline HIV-1 viral load (4.85 log10 versus 5.05 log10 copies/ml; P<0.001) and were less likely to have a prior AIDS diagnosis than men. The sex difference in viral load was related to CD4+ T-cell count; however, it was independent of country and persisted within the strata with CD4+ T-cell count <200 cells/mm3. Conclusions Women in resource-limited settings have lower levels of plasma HIV-1 RNA and appear to present for enrolment into clinical trials at an earlier stage of disease than men. The biological basis for lower viral load in women compared to men remains unexplained. It will be important to determine if the sex differences observed at baseline impact clinical outcomes once the PEARLS clinical trial is completed.
Computer Literacy of Nurses in a Community Hospital: Where Are We Today?
Authors: Campbell Carlene J. , McDowell Dorothea E. 
Published: July 2011

Background:
As the use of electronic health records continues to grow, it is imperative that nurses gain competency and confidence with computers and computer software applications.

Methods:
A descriptive study of licensed registered nurses at a community hospital was completed to measure self-perceived computer literacy. The Gassert/McDowell Computer Literacy Survey© was used. The Pearson correlation was used to assess for a relationship between year of birth and computer literacy scores. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were conducted to assess for a relationship between educational level and computer literacy scores.

Results:

The nurses had little to no experience with nearly half of the items surveyed. A moderately positive correlation was seen between year of birth and computer literacy. The correlation between nurses’ educational level and computer literacy was found to be statistically significant (
p
≤ .05)

Conclusion:
Basic computer classes may be beneficial to nurses, with training focused on specific skills, such as bibliographic database searching, to improve evidence-based practice.
Subluxation of the Crystalline Lens: A No-Ring Approach
Authors: Rodrigues Antonio Carlos L. , Trivedi Rupal H. , Wilson M. Edward 
Published: July 2011

Purpose:
To report the surgical technique and outcomes of a no-ring approach to posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children and young adults with subluxation of the crystalline lens.

Methods:
A three-piece 5.5-mm hydrophobic acrylic IOL was implanted in which the optic and one haptic were inside the capsular bag and the other haptic was in the ciliary sulcus. The implantations were done in 13 eyes of 10 patients with lens subluxation. One haptic was fixated in the ciliary sulcus by passing it through an operculum-shaped opening in the capsular bag edge, made between 2 and 3 clock hours, clockwise from the middle point of the subluxated area.

Results:
The mean age of the 10 patients was 12.61 ± 8.04 years and the mean follow-up was 21.38 ± 11.29 months. The mean preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.15 ± 0.58 and 0.37 ± 0.17 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, respectively, in 11 measured eyes. The postoperative BCVA was 20/40 or better in 4 eyes (36.36%), between 20/40 and 20/60 in 6 eyes (54.54%), and between 20/80 and 20/100 in 1 eye (9.09%). The BCVA improved in all eyes. Postoperative IOL decentration between 1.0 and 1.5 mm occurred in 3 of 13 eyes (23.08%).

Conclusion:
The results indicate that the no-ring technique allows centration of an IOL implanted into a subluxated capsular bag without using capsule tension rings.
Povidone-Iodine Before Lidocaine Gel Anesthesia Achieves Surface Antisepsis
Authors: Doshi Rishi R. , Leng Theodore , Fung Anne E. 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Viscous lidocaine interferes with ocular surface antisepsis. The current study was designed to evaluate the impact on surface antisepsis of different application sequences with lidocaine gel and povidone-iodine solution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Blood agar plates inoculated with
Staphylococcus epidermidis
were treated with varying sequences of 2% lidocaine gel and 5% povidone-iodine solution. The plates were then incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and bacterial growth was determined.

RESULTS:

Plates on which povidone-iodine was applied alone or prior to lidocaine gel demonstrated no bacterial growth regardless of whether the antiseptic was retained on the plate for 5 seconds or for 30 seconds. There was no statistically significant difference between bacterial growth on plates not treated with povidone-iodine and on plates treated with lidocaine gel alone or prior to povidone-iodine (
P
= .553 and
P
= .485, respectively).

CONCLUSION:
Povidone-iodine effectively reduces bacterial counts when applied alone or prior to lidocaine gel. Lidocaine gel was confirmed to be a barrier to antisepsis when administered prior to povidone-iodine.
Serial Measurement of Tear Meniscus by FD-OCT After Instillation of Artificial Tears in Patients With Dry Eyes
Authors: Bujak Matthew C. , Yiu Samuel , Zhang Xinbo , Li Yan , Huang David 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To use Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) to study the effect of artificial tears on the tear meniscus in patients with dry eyes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
The lower tear meniscus of 16 consecutive patients with dry eyes was imaged by an FD-OCT system (RTVue; Optovue, Inc., Fremont, CA). Baseline and five serial pairs of measurements were taken after the instillation of artificial tears (Optive; Allergan, Irvine, CA) at 1, 2, 5, 10, and 15 minutes. The lower meniscus height, depth, and area were measured with a computer caliper.

RESULTS:

Baseline meniscus measurements were 235.5 ± 150.0 μm, 138.1 ± 78.7 μm, and 0.020 ± 0.022 mm
2
for height, depth, and area, respectively. After instillation of artificial tears, all lower tear meniscus parameters remained significantly elevated for 5 minutes and returned to baseline by 10 minutes.

CONCLUSION:
FD-OCT is able to quantify a dramatic initial increase in tear meniscus, followed by a decay back to baseline values after approximately 5 minutes. FD-OCT may be useful in objectively quantifying the dynamic efficacy of dry eye treatments.
Uveitis Following Intravitreal Bevacizumab: A Non-Infectious Cluster
Authors: Kay Christine N. , Tarantola Ryan M. , Gehrs Karen M. , Folk James C. , Mahajan Vinit B. , Boldt H. Culver , Syed Nasreen A. , Russell Stephen R. 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
In this retrospective case series, the authors report seven cases of bevacizumab-related uveitis that occurred within a 4-month period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Seven eyes of six patients developed non-infectious uveitis following bevacizumab intravitreal injections in a cohort of 978 consecutive bevacizumab injections.

RESULTS:
The mean age of patients was 74.6 years (range: 26 to 92). All patients developed symptom onset within 1 day of injection. Shared signs and symptoms included corneal edema, anterior chamber and vitreous cell, conjunctival injection, ocular pain, and lack of hypopyon. In all patients, visual acuity returned to within one line of baseline acuity. All seven eyes had been previously injected with bevacizumab, with a mean number of antecedent injections of 6.1 (range: 3 to 12).

CONCLUSION:
A cluster of sterile bevacizumab-related uveitic reactions was described in this case series. Acute onset of symptoms, absence of hypopyon, a predominant anterior segment reaction, and prompt improvement on topical steroid therapy are useful clinical features distinguishing this uveitic syndrome from infectious endophthalmitis.
Life history of Neoplasta parahebes (Diptera: Empididae: Hemerodromiinae)
Authors: Harkrider J. Robert 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe life history of Neoplasta parahebes MacDonald and Turner in a mountain stream in Southern California is reported. Female N. parahebes were separated from sympatric female Neoplasta hebes Melander by ovipositor morphology. Adults readily fed on adult midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) smaller than themselves. Ovarioles of gravid females contained an average of 74.8 eggs. Mating occurred in a unidirectional position. Females oviposited under the bark of submerged decaying wood. Eggs averaged 459 μm × 115 μm in size; most were laid within a 24 h period and, at room temperature, hatched in 10–11 days. There are three larval instars. Densities of larval N. parahebes were as high as 9.2 per 100 cm2 of wood surface in submerged dead tree branches. Branches also contained larvae of Orthocladius lignicola Kieffer, a wood-boring chironomid; larval N. parahebes readily fed on the midge larvae in their tunnels. Pupation occurred in the decaying wood.
Towards an integrated taxonomy of theMerodon equestrisspecies complex (Diptera: Syrphidae) including description of a new species, with additional data on IberianMerodon
Authors: Marcos-García M. Ángeles , Vujić Ante , Ricarte Antonio , Ståhls Gunilla 
Published: July 2011

AbstractStudy of specimens ofMerodonMeigen collected in southwestern Europe resulted in new data and taxonomic changes for this genus. The cryptic speciesMerodon confusussp. nov.(Merodon equestrisspecies group) is described based on specimens collected in Cabañeros National Park, central Spain. Morphological and molecular diagnostic characters are provided to separate members of the species group.Merodon aeneus fulvusGil Collado is proposed as a junior synonym ofMerodon pumilusMacquart. The first Iberian record ofMerodon rufusMeigen is reported and updates of the revision of IberianMerodonare provided.
Revision of Fijian Syneches (Diptera: Empidoidea: Hybotidae), with a reassessment of the genus
Authors: Sinclair Bradley J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractSyneches Walker from Fiji is revised, including the description of two new species: S. bezziisp. nov. and S. insolitussp. nov. A lectotype is designated for S. pullus Bezzi and a key to the five recognized species is provided. Epiceia Walker, Harpamerus Bigot syn. nov., and Parahybos Kertész syn. nov. are considered congeneric with Syneches; all species affected by these changes are listed, including the following new replacement names: S. meijereinom. nov. and S. yanginom. nov.
Total Hip Arthroplasty in Developmental Hip Dysplasia Using Cementless Tapered Stem. Results after a Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Faldini Cesare , Nanni Matteo , Leonetti Danilo , Miscione Maria Teresa , Acri Francesco , Giannini Sandro 
Published: July 2011

Acetabular and femoral abnormalities make total hip arthroplasty in developmental hip dysplasia a challenging procedure. We present details of long-term follow-up of a series of patients affected by developmental hip dysplasia treated with total hip arthroplasty using a cementless tapered stem. Thirty-five hips in 20 patients (18 women and 2 men) aged between 44 and 60 years (mean 51 years) were observed. Clinical evaluation was conducted using the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Radiographic evaluation consisted in standard anteroposterior and axial view radiographs of the hip. According to Crowe's classification, 25 hips had grade 2 and 10 hips grade 3 dysplasia. All patients were treated with total hip arthroplasty using a cementless tapered stem (Wagner Cone Prosthesis™). After surgery the patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months and annually thereafter. The average follow-up was 12 years (range 10–14 years). The average HHS was 57±7 (range 45–66) preoperatively, 90±7 (range 81–100) 12 months after surgery and 90±6 (range 83–100) at last follow-up. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated excellent osseointegration of the implants in most cases. Signs of bone resorption were present in 5 hips, but no evidence of loosening was observed and none of the implants have been revised. The tapered stem achieved adequate stability and orientation, and may be a suitable option for total hip arthroplasty for arthritis following developmental hip dysplasia.
Original article. Pharmacodynamics of dry powder formulations of salbutamol for delivery by inhalation
Authors: Sukasame Nichakorn , Nimnoo Narumon , Suwandecha Tan , Srichana Teerapol 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Background: Salbutamol is a β2-selective adrenoceptor agonist used as a bronchodilator. Delivery by inhalation has many advantages over oral dosage for the treatment of asthma. It offers rapid onset of action with low systemic side effects.
Objective: Evaluate the relationship of in vitro particle size characteristics and pharmacodynamics of formulations of inhaled salbutamol dry powder.
Methods: Three formulations contained micronized salbutamol and a lactose carrier with different size ranges (40- 80, 20-40, and 10-20 μm for formulations 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Following formulation of the drug, resultant powders were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and the aerosolization performance determined using an Andersen Cascade Impactor analysis. A high-performance liquid chromatography method was used for measuring the salbutamol drug content. The in vivo pharmacodynamics of the formulations was monitored in 12 healthy and 12 asthmatic volunteers.
Results: The percentage of the fine particle fractions (FPF) for formulations 1, 2, and 3 were 24.87±0.52%, 33.82±3.80%, and 41.50±2.86%, respectively. The mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMAD) were around 3 μm for all formulations. The pharmacodynamic parameters, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and mid expiratory flow (FEF25-75), were indices for evaluation of the bioavailability of the bronchodilatory drug. All formulations improved the FEF25-75 value in asthmatics, while FVC and FEV1 were not altered.
Conclusion: The formulations of salbutamol dry powder aerosols with a fine lactose carrier produced a high deposition in the lower regions of the respiratory tract. Although the FEF25-75 value in asthmatics was improved, the value did not correlate well with the FPF of the salbutamol dry powder.
Original article. Intravenous sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy in very elderly patients of Thailand
Authors: Amornyotin Somchai , Srikureja Wichit , Pausawasdi Nonthalee , Kachintorn Udom 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Background: The use of sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) procedures in elderly patients has been established as a safe and effective technique. However, it is still uncertain whether the situation is valid for Asians.
Objective: Evaluate the outcome of intravenous sedation (IVS) for GIE procedures in very elderly patients (>86 years old) in Thailand and compare the clinical efficacy of IVS between very elderly and those younger (<86 years old)
Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of the sedation service records of patients who underwent GIE procedures between 2007 and 2008 at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand. All sedations were administered by anesthetic personnel in the endoscopy room. The cohort was divided into three groups, <65 years old (group 1), 65-85 years old (group 2), and >86 years old (group 3).
Results: Sedation was provided for 1,779 patients (965, 687, and 127 patients in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively) in 2,061 GIE procedures. Fentanyl, midazolam and propofol were the most common IVS drugs used in all three groups. Patients in group 3 required lower mean doses of these intravenous sedatives than those in group 1 or 2 (p <0.001). Mean procedure time in group 3 was longer than in group 1 or 2 (p=0.010). Adverse events in group 3 occurred more frequently when compared to group 1 or 2 (p <0.001). Transient hypotension was the main complication across all aged groups.
Conclusion: IVS for GIE procedure in very elderly patients was associated with higher minor advance events but relatively safe and effective when carried out by trained anesthetic personnel with appropriate monitoring and dose adjustment.
Prevalence and recognition of geriatric syndromes in an outpatient clinic at a tertiary care hospital of Thailand
Authors: Limpawattana Panita , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak , Soonpornrai Suvanee , Huangthaisong Wilawan 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Background: Geriatric syndromes are a series of clinical conditions in the elderly that do not fit into distinct categories. They affect the quality of life of a patient and are associated with disability.
Objectives: This study determined the prevalence of geriatric syndromes in an Internal Medicine Outpatient setting. It compared the prevalence of each geriatric syndrome when using a comprehensive geriatric assessment versus the routine medical assessment.
Methods: One hundred twenty elderly patients of the Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Srinagarind Hospital Medical School were randomly reviewed between January 2008 and May 2010. Information on baseline characteristics and the presence of a geriatric syndrome was collected. Data for 50 patients assessed using a comprehensive geriatric assessment were reviewed prospectively and data for 70 patients assessed by a routine medical assessment were reviewed retrospectively. The prevalence for each syndrome was compared between two groups. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used to analyze these outcomes.
Results: The mean age and sex were not different between the two groups. Comparing the comprehensive geriatric assessment and routine medical assessment groups, there were, respectively, a prevalence of 30% vs. 1% for falls, 16% vs. 19% for dementia, 24% vs. 9% for urinary incontinence, 50% vs. 17% for functional dependency, and 22% vs. 14% for depression. Each syndrome was more prevalent with increasing age and in females. Falls (RR 2.79; 95% CI, 2.07-3.75), functional dependency (RR 2.24; 95% CI, 1.51-3.33) and urinary incontinence (RR 1.79; 95% CI, 1.18-2.70) had significantly higher prevalence in the comprehensive geriatric assessment group compared with the routine medical assessment group.
Conclusions: Geriatric syndromes were highly prevalent in the elderly outpatient population. Under-recognition of these syndromes with routine medical assessments is common. Therefore, routine screening of these conditions by the comprehensive geriatric assessment is recommended.
Original article. Development of chitosan/nanosized apatite composites for bone cements
Authors: Rattanachan Sirirat , Boonphayak Piyanan , Lorprayoon Charussri 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Background: Calcium phosphate cements (CPC) is a promising materials for bone defect repair. Nanosized apatite or calcium orthophosphate has a better bioactivity than coarser crystals. Chitosan is produced commercially from chitin that is the structural element in the exoskeleton of crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp. The mixing of nanosized apatite and chitosan may provide the consistency cement, improving mechanical properties of the set bone cement.
Objective: Develop nanosized apatite powder with chitosan for bone composite cement.
Materials and method: Nanosized apatite was synthesized by chemical method at low temperature and used as the single-component for bone cement. The nanosized apatite powder was characterized using X-ray diffraction method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. CPCs were developed based on chitosan/nanosized apatite and calcium sulfate hemihydrate. The compressive strength of the set cement was measured after one to four weeks. The phase composition and the morphology of the set cements were investigated.
Results: Calcium sulfate hemihydrate was effective in increasing the compressive strength after setting in a simulated body fluid for seven days. The compressive strength of chitosan/nanosized apatite composite was about 18 MPa after soaking.
Conclusion: The workability and setting time of this composite were suitable to handling for bone cement. These composite cements had a significant clinical advantage for substitution of the regenerated bone.
Brief communication (Original). Preparation of a novel porous scaffold from poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/hydroxyapatite
Authors: Nazarpak Masoume Haghbin , Pourasgari Farzaneh , Sarbolouki Mohammahdnabi 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Background: Scaffolds for bone tissue engineering must meet functional requirements, porosity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Different polymeric scaffolds have been designed to satisfy these properties. Composite materials could improve mechanical properties compared with polymers, and structural integrity and flexibility compared with brittle ceramics.
Objective: Fabricate poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) /hydroxyapatite (HA) porous scaffolds by freezeextraction method, and evaluate the possibility for optimizing their biocompatibility by changing their HA content.
Methods: Porous PLGA/HA composites structure were prepared by freezing a polymer solution, and then the solvent was extracted by a non-solvent and subsequently air-dried. The scaffolds were coated with triblock copolymer and sterilized by ultraviolet light. Human mesenchymal stem cells were cultured on the prepared scaffolds and were studied after three days by 4, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) fluorescence microscopy.
Results: Microstructural studies with SEM showed the formation of about 50 micrometer size porous structure and interconnected porosity so that cells were adhered well into the structure of the coated samples. DAPI fluorescence microscopy showed more cell adhesion to the coated scaffolds and cell diffusion into the pores are visible. Direct assay of cell proliferation performed with MTT test showed cell growing on the scaffold similar to or more than on control samples.
Conclusion: The triblock-coated PLGA/HA porous scaffolds may provide cell adhesion and proliferation, demonstrating their potential application in bone engineering.
Clinical report. Benefits from genetic test in descendants of familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome: report of a family in southern Thailand
Authors: Wanitsuwan Worawit , Boonpipatanapong Teeranut , Kanngern Samornmas , Chaiyapan Walawee , Graidist Podchanapond , Sangkhathat Surasak 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Background: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited colorectal cancer predisposing syndrome that has an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with complete penetrance. Although the disease-causing gene of FAP, the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, is well understood, genetic testing for FAP remains uncommon in Thailand, possibly because of its high cost.
Objective: Present a family in southern Thailand that had benefited from this test.
Subject and methods: The proband was a 31-year-old man who had rectal cancer with profuse adenomatous polyposis of his colon.
Results: APC mutation screening revealed a novel mutation at codon 1249 (TGC1249TAA) that could predict a premature stop codon. On screening of three siblings in the same generation who were alive and 11 members of the descendant generation, four cases were positive for the mutation. The positive members were confirmed to have a type of diffuse colonic polyposis by endoscopy, and a prophylactic colectomy was performed without complications for every affected individual.
Conclusion: A genetic test is cost-effective. It should be considered for FAP, especially when the number of at-risk family members is high.