bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and C-Reactive Protein Levels Identify a Cohort at Low Risk for Defibrillator Firings and Death
Authors: Wu Katherine C. , Gerstenblith Gary , Guallar Eliseo , Marine Joseph E. , Dalal Darshan , Cheng Alan , Marbán Eduardo , Lima João A.C. , Tomaselli Gordon F. , Weiss Robert G. 
Published: January 2012

Background—
Annually, ≈80 000 Americans receive guideline-based primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), but appropriate firing rates are low. Current selection criteria for ICDs rely on left ventricular ejection fraction, which lacks sensitivity and specificity. Because scar-related myocardial tissue heterogeneity is a substrate for life-threatening arrhythmias, we hypothesized that cardiac magnetic resonance identification of myocardial heterogeneity improves risk stratification through (1) its association with adverse cardiac events independent of clinical factors and biomarker levels and (2) its ability to identify particularly high- and low-risk subgroups.

Methods and Results—

In 235 patients with chronic ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy with a left ventricular ejection fraction of ≤35% undergoing clinically indicated primary prevention ICD implantation, gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance was prospectively performed to quantify the amount of heterogeneous myocardial tissue (gray zone [GZ]) and dense core scar. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and other biomarkers were assayed. The primary end point was appropriate ICD shock for ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation or cardiac death, which occurred in 45 (19%) patients at a 3.6-year median follow-up. On univariable analysis, only diuretics, hsCRP, GZ, and core scar were associated with outcome. After multivariable adjustment, GZ and hsCRP remained independently associated with outcome (
P
<0.001). Patients in the lowest tertile for both GZ and hsCRP (n=42) were at particularly low risk (0.7% per year event rate), whereas those in the highest tertile for both GZ and hsCRP (n=32) had an event rate of 16.1% per year,
P
<0.001.

Conclusions—
In a cohort of primary prevention ICD candidates, combining a myocardial heterogeneity index with an inflammatory biomarker identified a subgroup with a very low risk for adverse cardiac events, including ventricular arrhythmias. This novel approach warrants further investigation to confirm its value as a clinical risk stratification tool.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00181233.
Coronary Vasospasm Induced in Transgenic Mouse With Increased Phospholipase C-δ1 Activity
Authors: Shibutani Shuji , Osanai Tomohiro , Ashitate Toshihiro , Sagara Shigeki , Izumiyama Kei , Yamamoto Yuko , Hanada Kenji , Echizen Takashi , Tomita Hirofumi , Fujita Takeshi , Miwa Takeshi , Matsubara Hiroaki , Homma Yoshimi , Okumura Ken 
Published: January 2012

Background—
We reported that phospholipase C (PLC)-δ1 activity was enhanced 3-fold in patients with coronary spastic angina. We detected variant PLC-δ1 with replacement of arginine 257 by histidine (R257H) showing increased enzymatic activity. We tested the hypothesis that increased PLC-δ1 activity causes enhanced coronary vasomotility.

Methods and Results—

We generated transgenic (TG) mice with human R257H variant PLC-δ1 in vascular smooth muscle cells. PLC enzymatic activity in the coronary artery was increased by 2.57 and 1.89 times, respectively, in homozygous and heterozygous TG compared with wild-type (WT) mice. ST elevation after ergometrine occurred in 17 of 18 homozygous TG, 6 of 20 heterozygous TG, and 3 of 22 WT mice (
P
<0.01, homozygous TG versus WT;
P
<0.05, homozygous TG versus heterozygous TG;
P
=NS, heterozygous TG versus WT). ST elevation was associated with bradyarrhythmias in homozygous TG mice. Focal coronary artery narrowing was documented with the microvascular filling technique in 3 of 5 homozygous TG mice after ergometrine but not in any of 7 WT mice (
P
<0.05). In the isolated Langendorff hearts, coronary perfusion pressure was increased after ergometrine in homozygous TG mice (
P
<0.01) but not in heterozygous TG or WT mice. Coronary perfusion pressure increase after prostaglandin F
2α
was similar among homozygous TG, heterozygous TG, and WT mice. Cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells transfected with variant PLC-δ1 showed a higher PLC activity than those with WT PLC-δ1 (
P
<0.05) and furthermore showed greater intracellular Ca
2+
response to acetylcholine in variant than in WT PLC-δ1 (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—
Increased PLC-δ1 activity enhances coronary vasomotility such as that seen in patients with coronary spastic angina.
The Albumin in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (ALISAH) Multicenter Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Suarez Jose I. , Martin Renee H. , Calvillo Eusebia , Dillon Catherine , Bershad Eric M. , MacDonald R. Loch , Wong John , Harbaugh Robert 
Published: January 2012

Background and Purpose—
Human albumin has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in animal models of cerebral ischemia and humans with various intracranial pathologies. We investigated the safety and tolerability of 25% human albumin in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Methods—
The Albumin in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (ALISAH) Pilot Clinical Trial was an open-label, dose-escalation study. We intended to study 4 different dosages of albumin of increasing magnitude (0.625 g/kg: Tier 1; 1.25 g/kg: Tier 2; 1.875 g/kg: Tier 3; and 2.5 g/kg: Tier 4). Each dosage was to be given to 20 adult patients. Treatment was administered daily for 7 days. We investigated the maximum tolerated dose of albumin based on the rate of severe-to-life-threatening heart failure and anaphylactic reaction and functional outcome at 3 months.

Results—
We treated 47 adult subjects: 20 in Tier 1; 20 in Tier 2; and 7 in Tier 3. We found that doses ranging up to 1.25 g/kg/day×7 days were tolerated by patients without major dose-limiting complications. We also found that outcomes trended toward better responses in those subjects enrolled in Tier 2 compared with Tier 1 (OR, 3.0513; CI, 0.6586–14.1367) and with the International Intraoperative Hypothermia for Aneurysm Surgery Trial cohort (OR, 3.1462; CI, 0.9158–10.8089).

Conclusions—
Albumin in doses ranging up to 1.25 g/kg/day×7 days was tolerated by patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage without major complications and may be neuroprotective. Based on these results, planning of the ALISAH II, a Phase III, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to test the efficacy of albumin, is underway.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00283400.
Abdominal Muscle Strains in Professional Baseball
Authors: Conte Stan A. , Thompson Matthew M. , Marks Matthew A. , Dines Joshua S. 
Published: January 2012

Background: The abdominal core muscles (internal and external oblique, rectus and transversus abdominis) play an important role in the baseball activities of pitching and hitting. Proper abdominal muscle activation during throwing and swinging is crucial for generating optimal ball velocity and bat speed. Abdominal muscle strains can result in substantial loss of playing time, and their incidence has never been reported in baseball. Hypothesis: The incidence of abdominal muscle strains in Major League Baseball has been rising over the past 20 years. Injuries contralateral to the dominant arm or batting side are more common and require more time to recover. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Abdominal muscle strains in baseball players were determined by retrospective review of the Major League Baseball disabled list from 1991 to 2010. Player age, position, dominant hand, batting side, and recovery time were recorded. Results: There were 393 abdominal muscle strains in Major League Baseball from 1991 to 2010, constituting 5% of all baseball injuries. At least 92% of these injuries were internal/external oblique or intercostal muscle strains, and 44% of injuries were sustained by pitchers. The reinjury rate was 12.1%. An upward trend was seen from 1991 to 2010, especially in early-season injuries, and the overall injury rate was 22% higher in the 2000s than in the 1990s. Pitchers averaged 35.4 days on the disabled list compared with 26.7 days for position players ( P < .01); 78.1% of pitcher injuries were contralateral to their dominant arm, and 70.3% of position player injuries were contralateral to their dominant batting side (excluding switch hitters). Position players missed more time for contralateral than for ipsilateral injuries (28.9 vs 21.2 days, P = .03), whereas pitchers missed more time for ipsilateral injuries (44.5 vs 32.8 days, P = .04). Conclusion: The incidence of abdominal muscle strains in baseball has been increasing over the past 20 years, especially early in the season, and there is a relatively high reinjury rate. This upward trend is in spite of new and more advanced diagnostic procedures, preventive core strengthening exercise programs, and rehabilitation techniques. Injuries contralateral to the dominant arm or batting side are more common.
Snowboarding Injuries
Authors: Kim Suezie , Endres Nathan K. , Johnson Robert J. , Ettlinger Carl F. , Shealy Jasper E. 
Published: January 2012

Background: Participation in snowboarding as a winter sport is comparable to alpine skiing concerning the demographics of the participants, risk of injury, and variation in types of injuries sustained. Purpose: To examine the types of snowboarding injuries and changes in injury patterns over time. We also sought to highlight important differences in injury patterns between snowboarders and alpine skiers as affected by age, experience, and sex. Study Design: Case control; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data were collected on injured snowboarders and skiers in a base-lodge clinic of a ski resort in Vermont over 18 seasons (1988-2006) and included extensive information about injury patterns, demographics, and experience. Control data were also obtained during this time period to provide information about the population at risk. Results: The injury rates were assessed as mean days between injuries (MDBI). The average MDBI for all injuries among snowboarders was 345 as compared with 400 for skiers (the lower the number, the higher the injury rate). The most common type of injury for snowboarders was a wrist injury (MDBI, 1258), while for skiers, it was an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain (MDBI, 2332). Wrist injuries accounted for 27.6% of all snowboard injuries and 2.8% of skiing injuries, and ACL injuries composed 1.7% of all snowboard injuries and 17.2% of skiing injuries. Among snowboarders, more wrist injuries, shoulder soft tissue injuries, ankle injuries, concussions, and clavicle fractures were seen, while skiers had more ACL sprains, medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprains of the knee, lateral collateral ligament (LCL) sprains of the knee, lower extremity contusions, and tibia fractures. The trend analysis revealed an increased incidence of clavicle fractures ( P < .01) and a decrease in MCL injuries ( P < .01) and ankle injuries ( P < .025) among snowboarders over time. Skiers had a decrease in thumb metacarpophalangeal-ulnar collateral ligament (MCP-UCL) injuries ( P < .001) and MCL injuries of the knee ( P < .001) over time. We found the highest rate of injury among young, inexperienced, female snowboarders. When examining the location of injury, 21.8% of snowboard injuries occurred in the terrain park compared with 6.5% of ski injuries. Conclusion: Injury rates in snowboarders have fluctuated over time but currently remain higher than in skiers. Wrist, shoulder, and ankle injuries are more common among snowboarders, while knee ligament injuries are more common in skiers. Injured snowboarders were significantly younger, less experienced, and more likely to be female than injured skiers or snowboard control participants. We did not find any evidence that those who spend time in terrain parks are overrepresented in the injury population.
The Incidence of Heterotopic Ossification After Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Bedi Asheesh , Zbeda Robert M. , Bueno Vinicius F. , Downie Brian , Dolan Mark , Kelly Bryan T. 
Published: January 2012

Background: Minimally invasive techniques to treat femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), snapping hip syndrome, and peritrochanteric space disorder (PSD) were developed to reduce complications and recovery time. Although a multitude of studies have reported on the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) after open procedures of the hip, there is little known about the rate of HO after hip arthroscopy. Hypotheses: The incidence of HO after hip arthroscopy is comparable with that after open surgical dislocation of the hip and can be reduced with the addition of indomethacin to an existing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication prophylaxis protocol. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Between July 2008 and July 2010, 616 primary hip arthroscopies were performed to treat FAI and PSD. In July 2009, indomethacin was added in the acute postoperative period to an existing HO prophylactic protocol of naproxen administered for 30 days postoperatively. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed to detect the presence and classify the size and location of HO. Odds ratios and logistic regression explored predictor variables and their relationships with HO, with P < .05 defined as significant. Results: Twenty-nine (21 male, 8 female) of 616 (4.7%) hip procedures developed HO postoperatively. Brooker classification of HO was 18 grade I, 4 grade II, 6 grade III, and 1 grade IV. Mean follow-up was 13.2 months (range, 2.9-26.5 months). Rate of HO for cases with and without indomethacin for prophylaxis was 1.8% (6/339) and 8.3% (23/277), respectively. This difference was statistically significant ( P < .05), and patients who underwent protocol 1 were 4.36 times more likely to develop HO postoperatively than those who had protocol 2. The majority of cases of HO (72.4%) occurred in male patients, and all cases occurred in the setting of osteoplasty performed for symptomatic FAI. We were not able to demonstrate statistically significant clinical risk factors that were predictive for the development of postoperative HO. However, the data clearly demonstrate that the performance of arthroscopic osteoplasty with a capsular cut in male patients represented the majority of cases, who are likely the group at highest risk. Seven cases (~1%) required revision procedures to excise HO. There were no cases of recurrence of HO after excision, whether it was performed open or arthroscopically. Conclusion: The addition of indomethacin is effective in reducing the incidence of HO after hip arthroscopy and should be especially considered in male patients who undergo osteoplasty for correction of symptomatic FAI.
Sports Activity After Osteochondral Transplantation of the Talus
Authors: Paul Jochen , Sagstetter Michael , Lämmle Lena , Spang Jeffrey , El-Azab Hosam , Imhoff Andreas B. , Hinterwimmer Stefan 
Published: January 2012

Background: There are limited data regarding activity after osteochondral transplantation of the talus in orthopaedic publications. Hypothesis: Osteochondral transplantation of the talus is a clinically successful treatment and enables patients to pursue regular and ongoing recreational sporting activities. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: One hundred thirty-one patients were retrospectively analyzed to determine their sporting and recreational activities at an average of 60 ± 28.4 months postoperatively (range, 24-141 months). The clinical evaluation included the Tegner activity scale, the Activity Rating Scale (ARS), and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Results: The VAS illustrated significant preoperative to postoperative improvements (6.3 to 2.7; P < .001). Regarding sporting activity, 96.9% of the patients were engaged in sports during their lifetimes compared with 83.8% the year before surgery and 89.3% at the time of survey. The Tegner score dropped from 5.9 preoperatively to 5.0 after surgery ( P = .001), and the ARS decreased from 8.9 preoperatively to 6.8 postoperatively ( P = .003). The sports frequency and the duration of activities did not significantly change after surgery: 1.7 ± 2.0 (range, 0-8; P = .053) and 4.2 ± 3.8 hours (range, 0-30 hours; P = .052), respectively. The number of actual reported different sports disciplines was unchanged in comparison to the year before surgery (3.7 ± 2.9; range, 0-12). The top 10 cited sports activities did not change for the lifetime, preoperative, and postoperative periods but illustrated an altered order. Although the overall satisfaction with the surgery was good, 15% of our patients were only partially satisfied, and 14% were not satisfied with the procedure. Conclusion: Patients engage in fewer, less frequent sporting activities when a symptomatic osteochondral lesion (OCL) at the talus is present. Talar osteochondral transplantation shows good clinical midterm results and allows patients to return to sporting activity. However, we found patients modify their postoperative sporting activities, and we noted a reduction of participation in high-impact and contact sports.
A Study of the Proximal Wedge Shelf Osteotomy for Correction of Large IM Angle HAV Deformity
Authors: Fabrikant Jerry M. , Colarco Justin 
Published: January 2012

Many procedures have been identified to correct hallux abducto valgus deformity of the foot. Due to surgical skill level, complexity, and risk of complications, more procedures have been defined for distal than proximal correction. The senior author has used an alternative proximal procedure to correct larger hallux abducto valgus deformities, which may prove to be as effective as traditional procedures. The purpose of this study was to examine the short-term clinical and radiographic results of the proximal wedge shelf osteotomy and evaluate its potential as a satisfactory option for correction of larger bunion deformities. The study revealed many positive outcomes as measured radiographically in preoperative and postoperative hallux abductus, intermetatarsal and metatarsal elevation/declination angles, and clinically by first metatarsophalangeal joint scores and patients’ subjective postoperative responses. From a review of the literature and results of the study, the authors conclude that the wedge shelf osteotomy can be used as an effective alternative for correcting larger bunion deformities with an intermetatarsal angle as large as 20° and a hallux valgus angle up to 38°. The advantages of this procedure include ability to correct in more than one plane, good bone-to-bone contact, and ease of fixation with 2 screws in an easily visible dorsal-to-plantar area. Disadvantages include the technical challenge of the procedure and its learning curve and some shortening of the first metatarsal. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV
Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment in Symptomatic Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Gobbi Alberto , Karnatzikos Georgios , Mahajan Vivek , Malchira Somanna 
Published: January 2012

Background: With increasing frequency, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparations have been used to treat cartilage lesions to regenerate tissue homeostasis and retard the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of intra-articular PRP injections in active patients with knee OA and to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with and without previous surgical treatment for cartilage lesions. Study Design: Case series. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with knee OA were followed for a minimum of 12 months. All were treated with 2 intra-articular injections of autologous PRP. Twenty-five patients had undergone a previous operative intervention for cartilage lesions, whereas 25 had not. Operated patients had undergone either cartilage shaving or microfracture. Multiple evaluative scores were collected at pretreatment and at 6 and 12 months posttreatment. The required sample of patients was determined beforehand by using statistical power analysis; International Knee Documentation Committee (subjective) score was defined as the primary parameter. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. General linear model–repeated measure test evaluated within-time improvement for each variable for all patients. Post hoc test with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons was performed to investigate the significance in improvement within time evaluations for each variable for the total sample. The differences in improvement between operated and nonoperated patients were also investigated, as were those between sexes. Results: All patients showed significant improvement in all scores at 6 and 12 months ( P < 0.01) and returned to previous activities. No significant difference in improvement was found between the evaluated subgroups ( P < 0.01). Conclusions: The PRP treatment showed positive effects in patients with knee OA. Operated and nonoperated patients showed significant improvement by means of diminishing pain and improved symptoms and quality of life. Clinical Relevance: There are only a few studies of PRP treatment for cartilage on osteoarthritic knees. Different PRP products might be more or less appropriate to treat different types of tissues and pathologies. The clinical efficacy of PRP remains under debate, and a standardized protocol has not yet been established.
Low-dose rituximab in adult patients with idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia: clinical efficacy and biologic studies
Authors: Barcellini Wilma , Zaja Francesco , Zaninoni Anna , Imperiali Francesca Guia , Battista Marta Lisa , Di Bona Eros , Fattizzo Bruno , Consonni Dario , Cortelezzi Agostino , Fanin Renato , Zanella Alberto 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
This prospective study investigated the efficacy, safety, and response duration of low-dose rituximab (100 mg fixed dose for 4 weekly infusions) together with a short course of steroids as first- or second-line therapy in 23 patients with primary autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). The overall response was 82.6% at month +2, and subsequently stabilized to ∼ 90% at months +6 and +12; the response was better in warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA; overall response, 100% at all time points) than in cold hemagglutinin disease (CHD; average, 60%); the relapse-free survival was 100% for WAIHA at +6 and +12 months versus 89% and 59% in CHD, respectively, and the estimated relapse-free survival at 2 years was 81% and 40% for the warm and cold forms, respectively. The risk of relapse was higher in CHD and in patients with a longer interval between diagnosis and enrollment. Steroid administration was reduced both as cumulative dose (∼ 50%) and duration compared with the patient's past history. Treatment was well tolerated and no adverse events or infections were recorded; retreatment was also effective. The clinical response was correlated with amelioration biologic markers such as cytokine production (IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-17), suggesting that low-dose rituximab exerts an immunomodulating activity. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01345708.