bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Testing of Orthopedic Suture Material Used for Extra‐Articular Stabilization of Canine Cruciate Ligament‐Deficient Stifles
Authors: Rose Nathan D. , Goerke Derek , Evans Richard B. , Conzemius Michael G. 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveTo determine (1) if braided, polyblend orthopedic suture materials are mechanically superior to monofilament nylon leader and (2) have mechanical properties similar to biomechanical properties of the canine cruciate ligament.Sample PopulationDifferent suture material types.MethodsMechanical testing was performed on 5 different orthopedic suture materials: 80# test Mason monofilament nylon leader (MNL), FiberTape (FT), FiberWire (FW), Xgen OrthoFiber (XOF), and LigaFiba (LF) using a servohydraulic materials‐testing machine. Materials were loaded to failure while collecting data for tensile strength, load at 3 mm and 5 mm of elongation and stiffness. Cyclic elongation of each suture material was tested under physiologic loading between 70 and 150 N for 1000 cycles using 3 mm of elongation to describe excessive elongation. Load at 3 mm of elongation and performance during cyclic testing were compared to previously published physiologic loads in the dog stifle.ResultsUltimate tensile strength was greatest with LF, followed by XOF that was stronger than FT and FW, and the weakest was MNL. LF was the stiffest of all tested materials at 3 mm of elongation. Cyclic elongation was greatest for the MNL elongating 3.75 mm after 1000 cycles. All polyblend braided materials continued to elongate throughout the 1000 cycles under physiologic loads.ConclusionsPolyblend suture materials are stronger and elongate less than MNL in pure tension. The mechanical performance of all sutures tested is questionable when compared with the mechanical demands of the normal stifle in a mid‐sized dog.
Resection of Grade III Cranial Horn Tears of the Equine Medial Meniscus Alter the Contact Forces on Medial Tibial Condyle at Full Extension: An In‐vitro Cadaveric Study
Authors: Fowlie Jennifer , Arnoczky Steven , Lavagnino Michael , Maerz Tristan , Stick John 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveTo evaluate the magnitude and distribution of joint contact pressure on the medial tibial condyle after grade III cranial horn tears of the medial meniscus.Study DesignExperimental study.AnimalsCadaveric equine stifles (n = 6).MethodsCadaveric stifles were mounted in a materials testing system and electronic pressure sensors were placed between the medial tibial condyle and medial meniscus. Specimens were loaded parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tibia to 1800 N at 130°, 140°, 150°, and 160° stifle angle. Peak pressure and contact area were recorded from the contact maps. Testing was repeated after surgical creation of a grade III cranial horn tear of the medial meniscus, and after resection of the simulated tear.ResultsIn the intact specimens, a significantly smaller contact area was observed at 160° compared with the other angles (P < .05). Creation of a grade III cranial horn tear in the medial meniscus did not significantly alter the pressure or contact area measurements at any stifle angle compared with intact specimens (P > .05). Resection of the tear resulted in significantly higher peak pressures in the central region of the medial tibial condyle at a stifle angle of 160° relative to the intact (P = .026) and torn (P = .012) specimens.ConclusionsResection of grade III cranial horn tears in the medial meniscus resulted in a central focal region of increased pressure on the medial tibial condyle at 160° stifle angle.
Socioeconomic Status– and Gender‐Based Differences in Students’ Perceptions of E‐Learning Systems
Authors: Albert Leslie Jordan , Johnson Camille S. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTMany universities are pursuing increases in on‐line course offerings as a means of offsetting the rising costs of providing high‐quality educational opportunities and of better serving their student populations. However, enrollments in online courses are not always sufficient to cover their costs. One possible way of improving enrollments is through marketing campaigns targeted to specific demographic groups. In this study, we take a first look into how students’ perceptions of e‐learning systems, prior to their enrollment in an online course, vary across socioeconomic status and gender. Findings suggest that prior to taking an online course, working‐class students perceive e‐learning systems more positively than their middle‐class peers but that little difference exists between genders. Armed with this knowledge, universities may improve online course enrollments by marketing online courses specifically to working‐class students or through campaigns aimed at improving middle‐class students’ perceptions of e‐learning systems.
Teaching Cases in a Virtual Environment: When the Traditional Case Classroom is Problematic
Authors: Halvorson Wade , Crittenden Victoria L. , Pitt Leyland 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe rise in interactive digital media has catapulted faculty‐student contact abilities from the traditional Web 1.0 model to a post‐Web 2.0 world where students and faculty can have much more interaction in classroom exchanges. Since business cases have long been a pedagogy of choice among professors concerned with training the next generation of decision makers, the intent of this exploratory teaching execution was to gain insight into the case teaching experience in Second Life (SL). SL is a virtual world developed by Linden Lab that enables its users to interact with each other through avatars (virtual representations of the self). While online classrooms in SL are not new (a number of universities throughout the world have set up virtual campuses), business education scholarship is lacking as related to the use of virtual worlds for educational purposes. The aim of the execution was not to suggest that SL case teaching should displace the traditional case classroom interactions. Rather, the exercise found that a case‐based class can be held and attended independent of time, distance, and location should the need arise. Case teaching in SL offers an availability alternative or supplement to the traditional case teaching and learning approach.
Course Management Systems and Blended Learning: An Innovative Learning Approach
Authors: Chou Amy Y. , Chou David C. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThis article utilizes Rogers’ innovation‐decision process model (2003) and Beckman and Berry's innovation process model (2007) to create an innovative learning map that illustrates three learning methods (i.e., face‐to‐face learning, online learning, and blended learning) in two types of innovation (i.e., incremental innovation and radical innovation) that exhibits the behavior and dynamics on a two‐dimensional area of learning changes (i.e., change in learning model and change in technological infrastructure). The behavior and dynamics of face‐to‐face, online, and blended learning are depicted in the innovative learning map. Blended learning is identified as a radical innovative learning method in the innovative learning map. A course management system (CMS) is an information and communication technology (ICT) tool that can be used to facilitate and balance communication channel within a blended learning environment. Two propositions are proposed in this article: (1) CMS facilitates communication channel, enhances learning practice for learners and instructors, and is an enabler for blended learning; and (2) adopting CMS is suitable for blended learning practice. A case study to a college System Analysis and Design (SA&D) course reflects that the adoption of CMS in a blended learning environment is acceptable.
Dual Atrioventricular Nodal Nonreentrant Tachycardia: A Systematic Review
Authors: WANG NORMAN C. 
Published: September 2011

Background:
Dual atrioventricular nodal nonreentrant tachycardia (DAVNNT) is a relatively uncommon supraventricular tachycardia. The clinical characteristics and optimal management strategies are not well described.
Methods:
A systematic review of all reported cases of DAVNNT was performed. Articles were included if they described spontaneous tachycardias resulting from 1:2 atrioventricular (AV) conduction as a result of two AV nodal pathways. Data sources included PubMed from 1950 to January 2011, article bibliographies, and the Google internet search engine.
Results:
Ultimately, 44 citations that reported 49 cases met inclusion criteria. DAVNNT is being reported with increasing frequency. Clinical characteristics were assessed using the 44 cases reported in the English language. Palpitations were the most common presenting symptom (89%). The majority of patients had a significant delay until the correct diagnosis was made (77%). The most common specific mistaken diagnosis was atrial fibrillation (32%) and five patients were diagnosed after referral for pulmonary vein isolation. Nine reports described association with a tachycardia‐mediated cardiomyopathy. Catheter ablation has successfully treated all reported cases since 1994.
Conclusions:
DAVNNT is an uncommon arrhythmia being reported with increasing frequency. It is commonly mistaken for atrial fibrillation and is associated with a reversible tachycardia‐mediated cardiomyopathy. Catheter ablation of the slow AV nodal pathway is curative and appears to be the therapy of choice, although more systematic study is required. (PACE 2011; 34:1671–1681)
Maternal left ventricular and endothelial functions in preeclampsia
Authors: TYLDUM EVA V. , BACKE BJØRN , STØYLEN ASBJØRN , SLØRDAHL STIG A. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract Objective. To compare maternal left ventricular and endothelial functions in preeclampsia and normal pregnancy, during pregnancy and after delivery. Design. Observational study with follow‐up. Setting. University hospital and midwife‐led antenatal care center. Samples. Twenty untreated women with preeclampsia and 20 women with normal pregnancy, matched for gestational age and parity. Methods. The women were examined during pregnancy and three months after delivery. Left ventricular function was assessed by echocardiography, including tissue‐Doppler imaging. Endothelial function was assessed by measuring flow‐mediated dilation of the brachial artery. Main outcome measures. Early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity, “e”, peak systolic tissue velocity, “S”, and flow‐mediated dilation. Results. The diastolic function was reduced in preeclampsia, with lower “e”, and there was a higher ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity and early diastolic mitral annular velocity, “E/e”. Early diastolic mitral inflow deceleration time and isovolumetric relaxation time were similar between the groups, suggesting pseudonormalization and increased filling pressures in preeclampsia. “S” was lower in the preeclampsia group during pregnancy. Both diastolic and systolic left ventricular functions normalized postpartum. The flow‐mediated dilation was impaired in the preeclampsia group both during pregnancy and three months after delivery. Conclusions. The maternal left ventricular function was impaired during preeclampsia but had normalized three months after delivery. The endothelial function, measured by flow‐mediated dilation, was impaired in the preeclampsia group as compared with the normal pregnancy group both during pregnancy and three months after delivery.
Increased attendance rates and altered characteristics of sexual violence
Authors: GISLADOTTIR AGNES , GUDMUNDSDOTTIR BERGLIND , GUDMUNDSDOTTIR RAGNHILDUR , JONSDOTTIR EYRUN , GUDJONSDOTTIR GUDLAUG R. , KRISTJANSSON MAR , VALDIMARSDOTTIR UNNUR A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjective. To study the attendance rates and characteristics of sexual violence presented at emergency services for rape victims, over a 10‐year period. Design. Incidence study. Setting. Rape Trauma Service, within an emergency department at a tertiary referral university hospital. Population. The total female population in Iceland. Methods. Medical records on visits were reviewed and systematically coded. Annual attendance rates were calculated over time as number of visits per 10 000 female inhabitants aged 13–49 years. Characteristics of sexual violence, perpetrators and victims were compared between 1998–2002 and 2003–2007. Main outcome measures. Annual attendance rates and characteristics of sexual violence. Results. Of 1153 visits, 828 (71.8%) were due to severe sexual violence (penetration). Annual attendance rates of all sexual violence increased from 12.5 to 16.9 per 10 000 women aged 13–49 (p<0.01). Attendance rates due to severe sexual violence increased specifically among women aged 18–25 (p<0.01). The proportion of assaults involving multiple perpetrators increased from 13.9% in 1998–2002 to 18.9% in 2003–2007 (p=0.05). With time, a higher proportion of victims had seriously impaired consciousness due to alcohol consumption (p<0.01) and had used illegal drugs prior to assault (p<0.05). Conclusions. The findings point towards an increase in women's visits to specialized emergency services for rape victims, particularly in the age group 18–25 years. The increased role of multiple perpetrators, alcohol and illicit drugs in sexual violence calls for further attention.
The prevalence and risk factors of premature thelarche and pubarche in 4‐ to 8‐year‐old girls
Authors: Atay Zeynep , Turan Serap , Guran Tulay , Furman Andrzej , Bereket Abdullah 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim:  To assess the prevalence of premature thelarche (PT) and pubarche in healthy 4‐ to 8‐year‐old girls and to investigate factors associated with early pubertal development.Method:  Eight hundred and twenty girls were examined by two paediatric endocrinologists to determine Tanner staging. The effects of body mass index, gestational age, intrauterine growth status, age at the first tooth eruption, socio‐economical status, maternal age of menarche and consumption of certain food items on early pubertal development were analysed through parametric and nonparametric tests.Results:  The prevalence of PT and of premature pubarche was 8.9% and 4.3%, respectively. We found a strong association between the prevalence of PT and the body mass index standard deviation scores (BMI SDS). There were more girls with BMI SDS values above 1 in the PT group (56.1%) than among the remaining subjects (22.9%). Premature thelarche was not significantly associated with intrauterine growth, premature birth, socioeconomic status, age of first tooth eruption or maternal age of menarche. Similarly, the amount of milk, eggs, chicken or fish consumed was not associated with PT. None of the investigated factors were associated with premature pubarche.Conclusion:  Occurrence of PT is strongly associated with BMI SDS. Studies investigating secular trends in pubertal development must consider a secular change in body mass index.
Biofilm and Penile Prosthesis Infections in the Era of Coated Implants: A Review
Authors: Wilson Steven K. , Costerton J. William 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The numbers of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implanted has increased yearly due to the large numbers of patients treated for prostate cancer, patients becoming refractory to the five phosphodiesterase inhibitors and Peyronie’s disease.

Aim
Prosthesis implantation can be associated with a variety of complications with device infection being the most dreaded one.

Main Outcome Measures
An understanding of the pathogenesis of these infections is necessary to allow the surgeon to plan treatment.

Methods
Infection begins with colonization of planktonic bacteria in the implant space. Biofilm forms around the bacterial mass within 48 hours. Bacteria in biofilm have reduced growth rates, may change phenotypically, and develop resistance to drugs. Antibiotics and the body’s macrophages will kill the planktonic bacteria released from the biofilm but never eliminate the infecting organisms. This review will delineate present thinking on infection prevention and biofilm’s role in device infection. IPP infection before and after the coated implants will be characterized. Future ideas for prevention and treatment of infection will be explored.

Results
The coated implants have reduced the incidence of IPP infections. The bacteria that cause the majority of infections in the era of the coated implant seem to have changed from predominantly nosocomial coagulase-negative Staphylococcus to more virulent organisms. Device infection requires new paradigms of prevention and treatment strategy because the infecting bacteria are different and the patients are sicker.

Conclusions
The problem of infection is considerably decreased with coated IPP, yet those infections that do occur are systemic in nature and seem to be caused by more aggressive organisms. These infections are not usually amenable to salvage because the virulence of the bacteria. Future research to prevent these infections must be directed to magnifying the effective dosage of antibiotics to penetrate the biofilm or eliminating the bacteria’s ability to secrete the slime.
Testicular Function After Radiotherapy for Rectal Cancer—A Review
Authors: Buchli Christian , Martling Anna , Arver Stefan , Holm Torbjörn 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTIntroductionEighty percent of all male rectal cancer patients are sexually active at the time of diagnosis. Because of modern multimodal therapy many can expect long-term survival. The testes can be exposed to scattered or direct radiation during radiotherapy, depending on their position in relation to the targeted volume.AimThis review analyzes the current literature providing data on testicular exposure to radiation during radiotherapy for rectal cancer and the consequences on testicular function.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Ten original articles providing data on testicular exposure to radiation and testicular function in men with primary rectal cancer were included for qualitative synthesis.Main Outcome MeasuresData on testicular exposure to radiation and testosterone levels in men with rectal cancer are reported.ResultsOn average, the testes were exposed to 0.24–8.4 Gy during long-course radiotherapy for rectal cancer. Testosterone levels after radiation were significantly lower compared with pretreatment levels or compared with patients treated with surgery alone. After radiotherapy, the absolute risk increase was 0.17–0.30 for posttreatment testosterone levels below 8 nmol/L. In the largest study, the relative risk was 2.7 for testosterone levels below 8 nmol/L for men treated with radiotherapy compared with men treated with surgery alone.ConclusionCurrent data generate three hypotheses: (i) during long-course radiotherapy for rectal cancer, the testes can be exposed to direct and/or scattered radiation; (ii) men treated with radiotherapy seem at risk to develop testicular dysfunction with decreased serum testosterone levels compared with both pretreatment values and men treated with surgery alone; and (iii) a decrease in testosterone levels (&lt;8 nmol/L) may precipitate specific symptoms caused by testosterone deficiency such as impaired physical, psychological, and sexual function after treatment.
The Impact of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Women’s Sexual Functioning
Authors: Tseng Jui-Cheng , Lu Ling-Ying , Hu Jui-Chieh , Wang Li-Fong , Yen Ling-Jung , Wu Hsi-Chin , Jiann Bang-Ping 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The effect of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on women’s sexual functioning has been rarely assessed.

Aim
The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of SLE on women’s sexual functioning.

Methods
A total of 302 consecutive female outpatients with SLE were provided with a questionnaire composed of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), questions for sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities. Similarly, 2,159 hospital female employees were assessed as the control group. In patients, data of SLE duration and Sjögren’s syndrome were derived from the chart records and the disease activity was assessed using the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000.

Main Outcome Measures
The FSFI scores were compared between the patients and the controls. Correlates of the FSFI scores were determined in the patients.

Results
Of 302 eligible patients, 92.4% (279/302) responded, in addition to 73.2% (1,580/2,159) of controls. Ninety-five percent (255/268) of the respondent patients were in no-to-mild SLE disease activity. Among the respondents, 171 (61.3%) patients and 930 (58.9%) controls were sexually active in the previous month, P = 0.446. Of the sexually active patients, 52.5% (85/162) had impaired sexual function (the FSFI total score &lt; 26.55) and so did 47.1% (408/867) of the sexually active controls, P = 0.206. With adjustment of age group, marital status and education level, patients had lower FSFI scores than controls only in the domains of lubrication and pain. Significant risk factors for lower FSFI scores in the patients included persistent activity or flare of SLE, menstrual cycle disturbances, and vascular disease. With further adjustment of other risk factors, only vascular disease remained significant as a risk factor for impaired sexual function (odds ratio = 5.7; 95% confidence interval 1.6–20.1).

Conclusion
When not in an exacerbation period, the impact of SLE on women’s sexual functioning is not great and is related to vascular factors.
Erectile Function and Sexual Satisfaction Before and After Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Radical Prostatectomy Patients: A Comparison with Patients with Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Menard Johann , Tremeaux Jack-Charles , Faix Antoine , Pierrevelcin Jean , Staerman Frédéric 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) after radical prostatectomy (RP) may benefit from penile prosthesis (PP) implantation after failure of less invasive treatments.

Aim
To assess surgical outcomes and satisfaction after PP implantation in RP patients and compare the results with those in patients with vasculogenic ED (controls).

Methods
A database of 415 consecutive PPs (January 1996–December 2008) was used to collate data on preimplantation ED treatments, surgical complications, satisfaction, and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores before and 3 months after implantation. The results for 90 post-RP implants (79 primary, 11 secondary) and 131 implants for vasculogenic ED were compared.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures of this study are intra- and postoperative complications and IIEF domain scores.

Results
Mean follow-up of RP patients was 37.6 ± 26.8 months. Mean interval between RP and PP implantation was 31.5 ± 28.7 months. Nearly all primary implants (96.2%) were inflatable (3-piece, 70.1%; 2-piece, 24.1%). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of rates of infection (1.1%), mechanical failure (3.3%), and other surgical complications requiring revision surgery (migration, auto-inflation) (4.4%). For primary implants, the mean preimplantation IIEF score (all items) was significantly lower in RP patients than in controls (14.7 ± 5.9 vs. 22.6 ± 10.8, P = 0.003), chiefly because of significantly lower scores for erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, and orgasmic function. After PP implantation in RP patients, the scores for all domains improved, but the total score remained significantly lower than in controls (63.1 ± 7.0 vs. 68.5 ± 6.9, P = 0.005). The orgasmic function score was significantly lower (P &lt; 0.001). Overall satisfaction rate was 86.1% in RP patients and 90.7% in controls (P = 0.3).

Conclusions
PP implantation after RP is associated with low morbidity and high satisfaction. It improves the scores for all IIEF domains and, in particular, erectile function. Fibrosis of the retropubic space may require a second incision for reservoir placement or implantation of a 2-piece PP.