bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lengthening of the shortened first metatarsal after Wilson’s osteotomy for hallux valgus
Authors: Singh D. , Dudkiewicz I. 
Published: November 2009

Metatarsalgia is a recognised complication following iatrogenic shortening of the first metatarsal in the management of hallux valgus. The traditional surgical treatment is by shortening osteotomies of the lesser metatarsals. We describe the results of lengthening of iatrogenic first brachymetatarsia in 16 females. A Scarf-type osteotomy was used in the first four cases and a step-cut of equal thicknesses along the axis of the first metatarsal was performed in the others. The mean follow-up was 21 months (19 to 26). Relief of metatarsalgia was obtained in the six patients in whom 10 mm of lengthening had been achieved, compared to only 50% relief in those where less than 8 mm of lengthening had been gained. One-stage step-cut lengthening osteotomy of the first metatarsal may be preferable to shortening osteotomies of the lesser metatarsals in the treatment of metatarsalgia following surgical shortening of the first metatarsal.
The Avon patellofemoral joint replacement
Authors: Starks I. , Roberts S. , White S. H. 
Published: November 2009

We present a prospective review of the two-year functional outcome of 37 Avon patellofemoral joint replacements carried out in 29 patients with a mean age of 66 years (30 to 82) between October 2002 and March 2007. No patients were lost to follow-up. This is the first independent assessment of this prosthesis using both subjective and objective analysis of outcome. At two years the median Oxford knee score was 39 (interquartile range 32 to 44), the median American Knee Society objective score was 95 (interquartile range 90 to 100), the median American Knee Society functional score was 85 (interquartile range 60 to 100), and the median Melbourne Knee score was 28 (interquartile range 21 to 30). Two patients underwent further surgery. Only one patient reported an unsatisfactory outcome. We conclude that the promising early results observed by the designing centre are reproducible and provide further support for the role of patellofemoral joint replacement.
Obesity in total hip replacement
Authors: CHOONG P. F. M. , DOWSEY M. M. , LIEW D. 
Published: November 2009

We welcome letters to the Editor concerning articles which have recently been published. Such letters will be subject to the usual stages of selection and editing; where appropriate the authors of the original article will be offered the opportunity to reply. Letters should normally be under 300 words in length, double-spaced throughout, signed by all authors and fully referenced. The edited version will be returned for approval before publication.
Spiritual, religious, and personal beliefs are important and distinctive to assessing quality of life in health: A comparison of theoretical models
Authors: O'Connell Kathryn A. , Skevington Suzanne M. 
Published: November 2009

Objectives. The study investigates theoretical debates on the contribution of spiritual, religious, and personal beliefs (SRPB) to quality of life (QoL) in health, by examining contrasting models.Design and method. The WHOQOL‐SRPB assesses QoL relating to SRPB where 33 QoL facets are scored in 6 domains, of which SRPB is one. The measure was completed by a heterogeneous sample of 285 sick and well people representing a cross‐section of religious, agnostic, and atheist beliefs in UK, and structured for gender (52% female) and age (mean 47 years).Results. No evidence was found to support the model of spiritual QoL as a concept that overarches every other QoL domain. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that SRPB is an integral concept to overall QoL, with a very good fit (comparative fit index=.99). Spiritual QoL made a significant, relatively independent contribution, similar to the other five domains (β=0.68). Spiritual QoL is most closely associated with the psychological domain, particularly hope and optimism and inner peace; two of the nine SRPB facets. Spiritual QoL, but not most other aspects of QoL, is higher for religious people.Conclusion. The results explain theoretical confusion arising from previous research. Spiritual QoL makes a significant and distinctive contribution to QoL assessment in health and should be assessed routinely in health care populations.
Purification and partial characterization of the lectin from the marine red algaTichocarpus crinitus(Gmelin) Rupr. (Rhodophyta)
Authors: Molchanova Valentina , Chernikov Oleg , Chikalovets Irina , Lukyanov Pavel 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA new lectin from the red algaTichocarpus crinitus(TCL) was purified and partially characterized. The purification procedure consisted of extracting soluble proteins with 0.025 mTris-HCl buffer (pH 7.5), followed by ammonium sulphate precipitation (75% saturation), hydrophobic interaction chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose and gel filtration chromatography on Superdex 75 HR 10/30. TCL is a monomeric protein with a relative molecular weight of 41,000, as shown by gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in the presence and absence of β-mercaptoethanol. Isoelectric focusing showed that TCL is an acidic protein with an isoelectric point (pI) of 4.93, and analysis of its amino acid composition revealed high contents of acidic amino acids (aspartic and glutamic acids), serine, threonine, proline and alanine. Its activity was not inhibited by any of the monosaccharides tested, but was inhibited by the complex glycoproteins porcine stomach mucin (type VII) (PSM) and fetuin, and was independent of divalent cations. The carbohydrate content of 6.9% suggested that the lectin is a glycoprotein. TCL had a weak mitogenic effect on human lymphocytes and an ability to stimulate synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 by human whole-blood cells.
Determination of median levels of the free β subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin in women from mainland China using a new time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay
Authors: Tang Yong-Ping , Wu Ying-Song , Yin Ai-Hua , Xu Wei-Wen , Yuan Peng-Hui , Li Ming 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background: The free β subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-hCG) is an important serum marker for biochemical screening. Its weekly median value varies with ethnicity. Most of the fluorometers for lanthanide chelates are designed for the detection of signals from europium (Eu3+) chelates only.

Methods: We developed a two-site, one-step assay using two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against free β subunit and β subunit with Eu3+ chelates as labels. Using the present assay, we evaluated 24,634 normal serum samples in Chinese pregnant women during 8–20 weeks of gestation.

Results: The detection limit using this assay was <0.05 ng/mL. The within-run and between-run imprecision was <6.0% and 7.0% using control material. Free β-hCG concentrations measured using the current assay in 999 maternal serum samples correlated well with those obtained by samarium (Sm3+)-labeled DELFIA free hCGβ assay (r=0.987). The medians for 8–20 weeks for maternal serum free β-hCG were higher in the women from mainland China compared to reports from other countries.

Conclusions: The present assay is suitable for use in biochemical screening of women in mainland China. Our study on the median concentrations of free β-hCG will help establish reference values that are specific for ethnic populations from the Chinese mainland. These will be useful for studying the importance of ethnic factors in biochemical screening.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:109–14.
Age- and gender-specific reference ranges for serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and IGF-binding protein-3 concentrations on the Immulite 2500: results of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)
Authors: Friedrich Nele , Krebs Alexander , Nauck Matthias , Wallaschofski Henri 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background: The objective of the present study was to calculate age- and gender-specific reference ranges for serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) concentrations using quantile regression.

Methods: From the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP), 1798 men and women aged 25–85 years were recruited. Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were determined using a chemiluminescent immunometric assay on an Immulite 2500® analyzer. Quantile regressions were performed to calculate the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles.

Results: The reference ranges identified 43 (4.6%) women and 41 (4.8%) men with serum IGF-I concentrations, and 47 (5.0%) women and 42 (5.0%) men with serum IGFBP-3 concentrations outside the reference range.

Conclusions: The use of quantile regression results in accurate calculation of age- and gender-specific reference ranges for serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:115–20.
Plasma osteopontin concentrations in preeclampsia – is there an association with endothelial injury?
Authors: Stenczer Balázs , Rigó Jr János , Prohászka Zoltán , Derzsy Zoltán , Lázár Levente , Makó Veronika , Cervenak László , Balogh Krisztián , Mézes Miklós , Karádi István , Molvarec Attila 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background: It has been previously reported that plasma osteopontin (OPN) concentrations are increased in cardiovascular disorders. The goal of the present study was to determine plasma OPN concentrations in healthy pregnant women and preeclamptic patients, and to investigate their relationship to the clinical characteristics of the study subjects and to markers of inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP)], endothelial activation [von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag)] or endothelial injury (fibronectin), oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA)] and trophoblast debris (cell-free fetal DNA).

Methods: Forty-four patients with preeclampsia and 44 healthy pregnant women matched for age and gestational age were involved in this case-control study. Plasma OPN concentrations were measured with ELISA. Serum CRP concentrations were determined with an autoanalyzer using the manufacturer's reagents. Plasma VWF:Ag was quantified by ELISA, while plasma fibronectin concentrations were measured by nephelometry. Plasma MDA concentrations were estimated by the thiobarbituric acid-based colorimetric assay. The amount of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma was determined by quantitative real-time PCR analysis of the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene. For statistical analyses, non-parametric methods were applied.

Results: Serum levels of CRP, as well as plasma concentrations of VWF:Ag, fibronectin, MDA and cell-free fetal DNA were significantly higher in preeclamptic patients than in healthy pregnant women. There was no significant difference in plasma OPN concentrations between controls and the preeclamptic group. However, preeclamptic patients with plasma fibronectin concentrations in the upper quartile had significantly higher plasma OPN concentrations than those below the 75th percentile, as well as healthy pregnant women [median (interquartile range): 9.38 (8.10–11.99) vs. 7.54 (6.31–9.40) and 7.40 (6.51–8.80) ng/mL, respectively, p<0.05 for both]. Furthermore, in preeclamptic patients, plasma OPN concentrations showed a significant positive linear association with plasma fibronectin (Spearman R=0.38, standardized regression coefficient (β)=0.41, p<0.05 for both).

Conclusions: Plasma OPN concentrations are increased in preeclamptic patients with extensive endothelial injury. However, further studies are warranted to explore the relationship between OPN and endothelial damage.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:181–7.
Applicability of common reference intervals for serum creatinine concentrations to the Croatian population
Authors: Flegar-Meštrić Zlata , Perkov Sonja , Šimonović Barbara , Juretić Dubravka 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background: In accordance with an ongoing activity for worldwide harmonization based on traceability in laboratory methods, the goal of this study was to validate the applicability of recommended “common” reference intervals for serum creatinine concentrations using a specific enzymatic method to the Croatian population.

Methods: The reference group consisted of 240 healthy subjects (120 males and 120 females), between 18 and 74 years of age (median 57 years), who were selected in accordance with the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) recommendations. Creatinine in serum was measured using the creatinine enzymatic assay (Olympus OSR61204) that was standardized to the isotopic dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) method and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Material (SRM) 967. In addition, creatinine was measured using a kinetic Jaffe method (Olympus OSR6178) standardized to NIST SRM 909b level 2 standard.

Results: Method comparison between enzymatic creatinine (x) and the Jaffe kinetic method (y) gave the following P/B equation for the entire group (n=240): y=1.00x+17.00; r=0.968. Reference intervals for serum creatinine (central 95th percentiles) obtained using the enzymatic creatinine method ranged from 54 to 107 μmol/L for males and from 50 to 93 μmol/L for females. The IFCC recommended common reference intervals for global applications are 64–104 μmol/L and 49–90 μmol/L for males and females, respectively.

Conclusions: Comparability of obtained results confirmed the applicability of recently recommended “common” reference intervals to the Croatian population for all laboratories measuring serum creatinine concentrations using enzymatic methods traceable to the IDMS method and NIST SRM 967.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:231–5.
Home ranges, movements and activity of the short-tailed mongoose (Herpestes brachyurus) on Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Jennings Andrew P. , Zubaid Akbar , Veron Geraldine 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The ecology of Asian rainforest mongooses is very poorly known. The short-tailed mongoose (Herpestes brachyurus) is found in rainforests throughout Southeast Asia and very little is documented about its natural history and ecology. Here, we present results from the first radio telemetry study of this species. We captured seven short-tailed mongooses in Krau Wildlife Reserve, Peninsular Malaysia and radio-tracked five adults (three males and two females). Our observations confirmed that this is a solitary, territorial species. The mean home range size of males (233 ha, 95% MCP) was larger than females (132 ha). Females had exclusive home ranges (mean overlap was 3.7%), and male home ranges overlapped more than one female's range. Short-tailed mongooses showed a diurnal activity pattern: mean activity between 06:00 and 17:59 h was 84.7%. The mean minimum distance covered during a 24-h period by males (842 m) was significantly greater than females (468 m). Short-tailed mongooses were mainly found in lowland forest. Deforestation and pollution of watercourses could have serious impacts on this species across its range.
Preliminary account of cetacean diversity and humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) group characteristics around the Union of the Comoros (Mozambique Channel)
Authors: Kiszka Jeremy , Vely Michel , Breysse Olivier 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Cetacean diversity and occurrence has never been investigated in the Union of the Comoros, located in the northern Mozambique Channel. Small boat-based surveys were conducted during the austral winter of 2002, primarily to assess the occurrence of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and whether the area represents a wintering ground where the species reproduce. All other cetacean species were also recorded. Opportunistic sighting records were used to provide information on the diversity of cetaceans occurring in the area. Between 2000 and 2003, 12 cetacean species were recorded around the Comoros, including: Megaptera novaeangliae, Stenella longirostris, Peponocephala electra, Stenella attenuata, Tursiops truncatus, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Mesoplodon densirostris, Physeter macrocephalus, Lagenodelphis hosei, Grampus griseus, Mesoplodon pacificus and possibly Tursiops aduncus. During the dedicated surveys, the humpback whale was the most commonly encountered species (72% of sightings) followed by the spinner dolphin (15%). Humpback whale group composition was heterogeneous, but mother-calf pairs were the most commonly sighted (49%). This study demonstrates that the Union of the Comoros is an important site for migrating humpback whales in the southwest Indian Ocean and for a wide variety of toothed cetacean species.
Adherence Feedback to Improve Asthma Outcomes Among Inner-City Children: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Otsuki Michiko , Eakin Michelle N. , Rand Cynthia S. , Butz Arlene M. , Hsu Van Doren , Zuckerman Ilene H. , Ogborn Jean , Bilderback Andrew , Riekert Kristin A. 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the longitudinal effects of home-based asthma education combined with medication adherence feedback (adherence monitoring with feedback [AMF]) and asthma education alone (asthma basic care [ABC]) on asthma outcomes, relative to a usual-care (UC) control group.
METHODS: A total of 250 inner-city children with asthma (mean age: 7 years; 62% male; 98% black) were recruited from a pediatric emergency department (ED). Health-outcome measures included caregiver-frequency of asthma symptoms, ED visits, hospitalizations, and courses of oral corticosteroids at baseline and 6-, 12-, and 18-month assessments. Adherence measures included caregiver-reported adherence to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy and pharmacy records of ICS refills. Multilevel modeling was used to examine the differential effects of AMF and ABC compared with UC.
RESULTS: ED visits decreased more rapidly for the AMF group than for the UC group, but no difference was found between the ABC and UC groups. The AMF intervention led to short-term improvements in ICS adherence during the active-intervention phase relative to UC, but this improvement decreased over time. Asthma symptoms and courses of corticosteroids decreased more rapidly for the ABC group than for the UC group. Hospitalization rates did not differ between either intervention group and the UC group. No differences were found between the ABC and AMF groups on any outcome.
CONCLUSIONS: Asthma education led to improved adherence and decreased morbidity compared with UC. Home-based educational interventions may lead to modest short-term improvements in asthma outcomes among inner-city children. Adherence feedback did not improve outcomes over education alone.
Variants in the UGT1A1 Gene and the Risk of Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Lin Yu-Cheng , Chang Pi-Feng , Hu Fu-Chang , Chang Mei-Hwei , Ni Yen-Hsuan 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress is increased in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Variants in the UGT1A1 gene contribute to increased bilirubin levels, and bilirubin can act as an antioxidant. We hypothesize that variant UGT1A1 genotypes reduce the risk for NAFLD development.
METHODS: Two hundred thirty-four obese children 6 to 13 years of age were recruited. NAFLD was determined through liver ultrasonography. The UGT1A1 genotypes UGT1A1*6 and UGT1A1*28 were detected. We assessed the effects of UGT1A1 genotypes on pediatric NAFLD.
RESULTS: In total, 12% of the obese children had NAFLD. The subjects with NAFLD had lower serum total bilirubin levels (0.25 ± 0.30 mg/dL) than did those without NAFLD (0.36 ± 0.38 mg/dL; P = .021). With conditioning on the effects of age- and gender-adjusted BMI, waist/hip ratio, and adiponectin levels, variant UGT1A1*6 genotypes were a protecting factor for NAFLD, with an estimated adjusted odds ratio of 0.31 (95% confidence interval: 0.11–0.91; P = .033), but variant UGT1A1*28 genotypes were not significantly associated with the occurrence of NAFLD.
CONCLUSIONS: Variant UGT1A1*6 genotypes are associated with a lower risk of NAFLD in obese Taiwanese children. The UGT1A1 genotype is a new risk factor for pediatric NAFLD.
Pompe Disease in Infants: Improving the Prognosis by Newborn Screening and Early Treatment
Authors: Chien Yin-Hsiu , Lee Ni-Chung , Thurberg Beth L. , Chiang Shu-Chuan , Zhang Xiaokui Kate , Keutzer Joan , Huang Ai-Chu , Wu Mei-Hwan , Huang Pei-Hsin , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Chen Yuan-Tsong , Hwu Wuh-Liang 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE: Pompe disease causes progressive, debilitating, and often life-threatening musculoskeletal, respiratory, and cardiac symptoms. Favorable outcomes with early intravenous enzyme-replacement therapy and alglucosidase alfa have been reported, but early clinical diagnosis before the development of severe symptoms has rarely been possible in infants.
METHODS: We recently conducted a newborn screening pilot program in Taiwan to improve the early detection of Pompe disease. Six of 206088 newborns screened tested positive and were treated for Pompe disease. Five had the rapidly progressive form of Pompe disease, characterized by cardiac and motor involvement, and were treated soon after diagnosis. The sixth patient was started on treatment at 14 months of age because of progressive muscle weakness. Outcomes were compared with treated patients whose disease was diagnosed clinically and with untreated historical control subjects.
RESULTS: At the time of this report, patients had been treated for 14 to 32 months. The 5 infants who had early cardiac involvement demonstrated normalization of cardiac size and muscle pathology with normal physical growth and age-appropriate gains in motor development. The infant without cardiac involvement also achieved normal motor development with treatment. Survival in patients who had newborn screening was significantly improved compared with those in the untreated reference cohort (P = .001). Survival in the treated clinical comparators was reduced but not statistically different from that in the newborn screening group (P = .48).
CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study indicate that early treatment can benefit infants with Pompe disease and highlight the advantages of early diagnosis, which can be achieved by newborn screening.
Nonaccidental Head Injury Is the Most Common Cause of Subdural Bleeding in Infants &lt;1 Year of Age
Authors: Matschke Jakob , Voss Janina , Obi Nadia , Görndt Jennifer , Sperhake Jan-Peter , Püschel Klaus , Glatzel Markus 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE: Subdural bleeding (SDB) in infants is considered an essential symptom of nonaccidental head injury (NAHI). Recently, this view has been challenged by the “unified hypothesis,” which claims that SDB in infants is related to hypoxia and brain swelling rather than to traumatic shearing of bridging veins. We analyzed a large series of infants' autopsies for the presence and causes of SDB, which should be a common event according to the unified hypothesis.METHODS: Autopsy, clinical, and legal information for infants &lt;1 year of age from a single institution over 50 years were analyzed regarding cause of death, presence, morphology, and cause of SDB, and brain weight.RESULTS: From a total of 16 661 autopsies during the study period, 715 (4.3%) involved infants &lt;1 year of age. Fifty (7.0%) of those had SDB. NAHI was identified in 17 patients. The most common cause of SDB was trauma (15 cases [30.0%]), with NAHI accounting for 14 cases. SDB was present in 82.4% of patients with NAHI but only 5.2% of infants with other causes of death. Four patients (8.0%) had unexplained SDB with no discernible cause of bleeding. Statistical analysis did not reveal any correlation between the presence of SDB and brain weight.CONCLUSIONS: In the study population, unexplained SDB in infants was an extreme rarity. Moreover, a correlation between brain swelling and the presence of SDB could not be drawn. Our data argue strongly against the unified hypothesis and strengthen the association between SDB and NAHI in infancy.