bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphism of Trp64Arg in β3-adrenergic receptor gene and serum LDL-cholesterol concentrations in healthy Japanese
Authors: Kotani Kazuhiko , Sakane Naoki , Kurozawa Youichi , Kaetsu Akihiko , Okamoto Mikizo , Osaki Yoneatsu , Kishimoto Takuji 
Published: June 2008

Background Polymorphism of Trp64Arg in the β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) gene may play a critical role in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism by mediating lipolysis and thermogenesis. Since the frequency of Arg alleles of the β3-AR gene is generally low among many populations, studies on the Arg/Arg genotype in relation to lipid and lipoprotein metabolism are required in countries such as Japan which has a relatively high frequency of the Arg allele. Methods We genotyped 275 clinically healthy Japanese (male/female, 134/141, mean 45.7 years) without medication for β3-AR gene polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, and investigated the effects of the gene polymorphism on clinical parameters including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations. Results The genotype frequencies were: Trp/Trp, 68.0%; Try/Arg, 28.0% and Arg/Arg, 4.0%, with an allele frequency of 0.18 for Arg64. When subjects were divided into three groups according to the genotype, a significant increase of serum LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration in the Arg/Arg group (3.48 ± 1.59 mmol/L) was observed when compared with those of the Trp/Trp and Arg/Trp groups (3.15 ± 0.80, 3.25 ± 0.92 mmol/L, respectively). Genotype differences did not show any significant effect on other parameters. Spearman's rank correlation demonstrated a significant relationship between LDL-C concentrations and the number of Arg alleles, age and BMI. Multiple regression analysis, using LDL-C concentration as a criterion variable and some factors including β3-AR gene polymorphism as explanatory variables, revealed that the number of Arg alleles was a significant and independent factor for LDL-C concentrations, along with age and BMI. Conclusions These findings suggested a role of the β3-AR gene polymorphism in regulating lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, showing small but significant effects on elevated LDL-C values in subjects with Arg/Arg, but not Trp/Arg and Trp/Trp genotypes.
Increased resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates to antimicrobial drugs, at a referral hospital in north-west Ethiopia
Authors: Erqou Sebhat , Kebede Yenew , Mulu Andargachew 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY Beta lactam antibiotics were very effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, resistance to this class of antibiotics has become an increasing problem. Reports of penicillin resistant and multidrug resistant strains are being made in many parts of the world. We examined the drug sensitivity pattern of S. pneumoniae isolates in a retrospective analysis of laboratory records of S. pneumoniae isolates between March 2001 and April 2005 at Gondar University Hospital, Ethiopia. A significant proportion of the isolates were found to be resistant to one or more of the commonly used antibiotics. Furthermore, the isolates appear to be acquiring an increasing resistance to crystalline penicillin, cotrimoxazole and ampicillin. This situation needs immediate attention.
An overnight sedimentation method: improving the diagnosis of tuberculosis when electrical centrifuge is not available
Authors: Rasheed M U , Dechu Tsegaye 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY An experimental comparative study was conducted in order to compare the positivity pattern of sputum microscopy using the direct and overnight sedimentation Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) smears, direct and NaOCl pretreated centrifuged ZN smears and overnight sedimentation and NaOC1 pretreated centrifuged ZN smears methods. We examined 660 sputum smeared slides for the presence of acid-fast bacillus from 220 sputum samples. Compared with the direct microscopy method, positivity increased by 91.1% after centrifugation ( P < 0.001, χ2 = 18.27) and by 71.1% after overnight sedimentation ( P < 0.001, χ2 = 11.61). No statistical significant difference was observed between the results of two different concentration techniques ( P > 0.05, χ2 = 0.789). The application of overnight sedimentation (in a laboratory without electricity) and/or the centrifugation technique could make a positive impact on the effectiveness of national tuberculosis control programmes.
Of ‘microbes’ and ‘millet’: the practice of tea tea in northern Uganda
Authors: Westerhaus Michael Jon , Zabulon Yoti 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY In northern Uganda, incisions called tea tea are commonly placed on the chests of children outside of the biomedical setting to relieve respiratory distress. To better characterize tea tea, we administered a questionnaire to 224 caretakers, whose children had evidence tea tea cuts. In 148 cases (66.4%), the grandparents made the decision to have the cuts performed, at times against the wishes of the caretakers. One seventy-six (80.0%) of the patients were seen by a medical professional just prior to receiving the cuts. Traditional healers and grandmothers, respectively, performed the cuts in 164 (73.5%) and 42 (18.8%) cases. Caretakers paid at least 500 USh (US$0.29) for tea tea in 129 cases (57.8%) and nothing in 71 cases (31.4%). This study shows that tea tea is a healing practice with associated costs that is regularly advocated for and performed by grandmothers and traditional healers.
Herba Artemisiae annuae tea preparation compared to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in adults: a randomized double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Blanke Christoph H , Naisabha Godson B , Balema Mussa B , Mbaruku Godfrey M , Heide Lutz , Müller Markus S 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY Tea preparations from the herb Artemisia annua L. (Aa) which is used in traditional Chinese medicine might offer an inexpensive way of producing artemisinin drugs locally. We compared Aa with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) in the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in semi-immune adults. After seven days, the cure rate was 7/10 for the Aa compared to 7/9 for SP; this dropped to 4/10 for Aa and 4/9 for SP at day 14 and to 1/9 for Aa and 3/8 for SP at day 28.
Reduction of hepatitis B seroprevalence in blood banking units by combined utilization of self-exclusion forms and clinical evaluation of blood donation candidates in Turkey
Authors: Yenicesu Idil , Dilsiz Günter , Öztürk Gülyüz 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY In this retrospectively designed study, we evaluate the influence of the permanence and qualifications of health-care professionals on blood disposal rates due to hepatitis seropositivity. We observed a decrease of 44.2% in the number of blood units being rejected due to the donor's hepatitis B seropositivity in the second study period in which self-exclusion forms and where blood donation candidates were evaluated by a family physician. However, a similar decrease of the disposal rate due to hepatitis C seropositivity was not observed. This is especially important in countries which cannot afford many of the expensive modern laboratory tests. A comprehensive evaluation of self-exclusion forms and a brief examination prior to donation will greatly increase transfusion safety. Unfortunately, there are blood banks in Turkey which employ no physicians at all.
Drug substitution therapy: a new approach in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS in Malaysia
Authors: Razali S M 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY The prevalence of HIV/AIDS among drug addicts in Malaysia is high, especially among intravenous drug users. The present treatment and rehabilitation of drug addiction is considered as a failure. The government finally decided to start on Drug Substitution Therapy in early 2005 as an effort to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country.
External ophthalmomyiasis by oestrus ovis: an unknown endemic eye disease in rural parts of central India
Authors: Misra S , Misra N , Reddy B 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY Although much general information has accumulated about ocular myiasis, there are very few reports about the same amongst the Indian population. We present a case series, comprising of 13 documented cases of external ophthalmomyiasis due to Oestrus ovis, detected at regular intervals in a small geographical area of rural central India, which strongly indicated the presence of a previously unknown endemic eye disease of this region.
Chikungunya: a review
Authors: Jain Manisha , Rai Sumit , Chakravarti Anita 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne Alphavirus, which causes epidemics of fever, rash and polyarthralgia in Africa and Asia. First isolated in 1953 in Tanzania, CHIKV has caused numerous well-documented outbreaks and epidemics in both Africa and South-East Asia. The epidemic of Chikungunya fever that affected the population of La Reunion at Christmas in 2005 will be remembered as the most serious public health crises in the island's history. A widely circulating mutant CHIKV is a possible explanation for the epidemiological pattern of the disease in this region. In this review, we have tried to give the latest information about the present outbreak and have tried to analyse the possible reasons for the same.
A two-level ultrasonographic service in a maternity care unit of a rural district hospital in Tanzania
Authors: Stein W , Katunda I , Butoto C 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY Ultrasonography has been shown to improve obstetric management in sub-Saharan Africa. This study demonstrates that basic ultrasonography can be performed by midwives and that a two-level ultrasonographic service in the maternity care unit of a rural sub-Saharan district hospital is feasible.
Prong sign: a simple measure to enhance safety of laparoscopic sterilization
Authors: Puri Manju , Pasrija Shikha , Trivedi S S 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY Laparoscopic female sterilization is widely practiced and is very safe. However, mesosalpingeal tears and mesosalpingeal haematomas are common complications especially when performed by an inexperienced surgeon. It was found that the observation of a simple ‘prong sign’ could prevent these complications and possibly reduce failure rates.
Training needs, practices and barriers in the work of community reproductive health workers in Masindi district, Uganda
Authors: Martinez R , Vivancos R , Visschers B , Namatovu L , Nyangoma E , Walley J 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY Community reproductive health workers play a valuable role in family planning counselling and the distribution of contraceptive methods in rural communities. However, they face stigma, misconceptions and a lack of support. Regular supervision by health workers and support from community leaders can help address these issues.
Epidemiological shift, seasonal variation and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among enteric fever pathogens in south India
Authors: Vidyalakshmi K , Yashavanth R , Chakrapani M , Shrikala B , Bharathi B , Suchitra U , Dhanashree B , Dominic R M S 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY Between January 2005 and December 2006, a higher incidence of paratyphoid fever (53.8%) compared to typhoid fever (44.9%) has been observed at a tertiary hospital in South India. A definite seasonal pattern of incidence is seen in paratyphoid fever (peak incidence during October–December, i.e., post monsoon period) but not in typhoid fever. Decreased fluoroquinolone susceptibility is much higher in S. Paratyphi A (98.8%) as compared to S. Typhi (46.5%). These findings are of importance in therapeutic decision making, development of vaccination strategies and implementing public health measures for disease control.
Cytotoxic effect of drugs eluted from polymethylmethacrylate on stromal giant-cell tumour cells
Authors: Savadkoohi D. Gouran , Sadeghipour P. , Attarian H. , Sardari S. , Eslamifar A. , Shokrgozar M. A. 
Published: June 2008

Curettage and packing with polymethylmethacrylate cement is a routine treatment for giant-cell tumour (GCT) of bone. We performed an in vitro evaluation of the cytotoxic effect of a combination of cement and methotrexate, doxorubicin and cisplatin on primary cell cultures of stromal GCT cells obtained from five patients. Cement cylinders containing four different concentrations of each drug were prepared, and the effect of the eluted drugs was examined at three different time intervals. We found that the cytotoxic effect of eluted drugs depended on their concentration and the time interval, with even the lowest dose of each drug demonstrating an acceptable rate of cytotoxicity. Even in low doses, cytotoxic drugs mixed with polymethylmethacrylate cement could therefore be considered as effective local adjuvant treatment for GCTs.
Closed reduction with traction for developmental dysplasia of the hip in children aged between one and five years
Authors: Rampal V. , Sabourin M. , Erdeneshoo E. , Koureas G. , Seringe R. , Wicart P. 
Published: June 2008

The treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip diagnosed after the first year of life remains controversial. A series of 36 children (47 hips), aged between one and 4.9 years underwent gradual closed reduction using the Petit-Morel method. A pelvic osteotomy was required in 43 hips (91.5%). The patients whose hips did not require pelvic osteotomy were among the youngest. The mean age at final follow-up was 16.1 years (11.3 to 32). The mean follow-up was 14.3 years (10 to 30). At the latest follow-up, 44 hips (93.6%) were graded as excellent or good according to the Severin classification. Closed reduction failed in only two hips (4.3%) which then required open reduction. Mild avascular necrosis was observed in one (2.1%). The accuracy of the reduction and associated low complication rate justify the use of the Petit-Morel technique as the treatment of choice for developmental dysplasia of the hip in patients aged between one and five years.
Validation of orthopaedic bench models for trauma surgery
Authors: Leong J. J. H. , Leff D. R. , Das A. , Aggarwal R. , Reilly P. , Atkinson H. D. E. , Emery R. J. , Darzi A. W. 
Published: June 2008

The aim of this study was to validate the use of three models of fracture fixation in the assessment of technical skills. We recruited 21 subjects (six experts, seven intermediates, and eight novices) to perform three procedures: application of a dynamic compression plate on a cadaver porcine model, insertion of an unreamed tibial intramedullary nail, and application of a forearm external fixator, both on synthetic bone models. The primary outcome measures were the Objective Structural Assessment of technical skills global rating scale on video recordings of the procedures which were scored by two independent expert observers, and the hand movements of the surgeons which were analysed using the Imperial College Surgical Assessment Device. The video scores were significantly different for the three groups in all three procedures (p < 0.05), with excellent inter-rater reliability (α = 0.88). The novice and intermediate groups specifically were significantly different in their performance with dynamic compression plate and intramedullary nails (p < 0.05). Movement analysis distinguished between the three groups in the dynamic compression plate model, but a ceiling effect was demonstrated in the intramedullary nail and external fixator procedures, where intermediates and experts performed to comparable standards (p > 0.6). A total of 85% (18 of 21) of the subjects found the dynamic compression model and 57% (12 of 21) found all the models acceptable tools of assessment. This study has validated a low-cost, high-fidelity porcine dynamic compression plate model using video rating scores for skills assessment and movement analysis. It has also demonstrated that Synbone models for the application of and intramedullary nail and an external fixator are less sensitive and should be improved for further assessment of surgical skills in trauma. The availability of valid objective tools of assessment of surgical skills allows further studies into improving methods of training.
The effect of the platelet concentration in platelet-rich plasma gel on the regeneration of bone
Authors: Kawasumi M. , Kitoh H. , Siwicka K. A. , Ishiguro N. 
Published: June 2008

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma on the proliferation and differentiation of rat bone-marrow cells and to determine an optimal platelet concentration in plasma for osseous tissue engineering. Rat bone-marrow cells embedded in different concentrations of platelet-rich plasma gel were cultured for six days. Their potential for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation was analysed. Using a rat limb-lengthening model, the cultured rat bone-marrow cells with platelet-rich plasma of variable concentrations were transplanted into the distraction gap and the quality of the regenerate bone was evaluated radiologically. Cellular proliferation was enhanced in all the platelet-rich plasma groups in a dose-dependent manner. Although no significant differences in the production and mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase were detected among these groups, mature bone regenerates were more prevalent in the group with the highest concentration of platelets. Our results indicate that a high platelet concentration in the platelet-rich plasma in combination with osteoblastic cells could accelerate the formation of new bone during limb-lengthening procedures.
Operative treatment of congenital torticollis
Authors: Shim J. S. , Jang H. P. 
Published: June 2008

There were 47 patients with congenital muscular torticollis who underwent operative release. After a mean follow-up of 74 months (60 to 90), they were divided into two groups, one aged one to four years (group 1) and the other aged five to 16 years (group 2). The outcomes were assessed by evaluating the following parameters: deficits of lateral flexion and rotation, craniofacial asymmetry, surgical scarring, residual contracture, subjective evaluation and degree of head tilt. The craniofacial asymmetry, residual contracture, subjective evaluation and overall scores were similar in both groups. However, group 2 showed superior results to group 1 in terms of the deficits of movement, surgical scarring and degree of head tilt. It is recommended that operative treatment for congenital muscular torticollis is postponed until the patient can comply successfully with post-operative bracing and an exercise programme.
The value of synovial biopsy, joint aspiration and C-reactive protein in the diagnosis of late peri-prosthetic infection of total knee replacements
Authors: Fink B. , Makowiak C. , Fuerst M. , Berger I. , Schäfer P. , Frommelt L. 
Published: June 2008

We analysed the serum C-reactive protein level, synovial fluid obtained by joint aspiration and five synovial biopsies from 145 knee replacements prior to revision to assess the value of these parameters in diagnosing late peri-prosthetic infection. Five further synovial biopsies were used for histological analysis. Samples were also obtained during the revision and incubated and analysed in an identical manner for 14 days. A total of 40 total knee replacements were found to be infected (prevalence 27.6%). The aspiration technique had a sensitivity of 72.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 58.7 to 86.3), a specificity of 95.2% (95% CI 91.2 to 99.2), a positive predictive value of 85.3% (95% CI 73.4 to 100), a negative predictive value of 90.1% (95% CI 84.5 to 95.7) and an accuracy of 89%. The biopsy technique had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 98.1% (95% CI 95.5 to 100), a positive predictive value of 95.2% (95% CI 88.8 to 100), a negative predictive value of 100% and an accuracy of 98.6%. C-reactive protein with a cut-off-point of 13.5 mg/l had a sensitivity of 72.5% (95% CI 58.7 to 86.3), a specificity of 80.9% (95% CI 73.4 to 88.4), a positive predictive value of 59.2% (95% CI 45.4 to 73.0), a negative predictive value of 88.5% (95% 81.0 to 96.0 CI) and an accuracy of 78.1%. We found that biopsy was superior to joint aspiration and C-reactive protein in the diagnosis of late peri-prosthetic infection of total knee replacements.
The effect of trochleoplasty on patellar stability and kinematics
Authors: Amis A. A. , Oguz C. , Bull A. M. J. , Senavongse W. , Dejour D. 
Published: June 2008

Objective patellar instability has been correlated with dysplasia of the femoral trochlea. This in vitro study tested the hypothesis that trochleoplasty would increase patellar stability and normalise the kinematics of a knee with a dysplastic trochlea. Six fresh-frozen knees were loaded via the heads of the quadriceps. The patella was displaced 10 mm laterally and the displacing force was measured from 0° to 90° of flexion. Patellar tracking was measured from 0° to 130° of knee flexion using magnetic sensors. These tests were repeated after raising the central anterior trochlea to simulate dysplasia, and repeated again after performing a trochleoplasty on each specimen. The simulated dysplasia significantly reduced stability from that of the normal knee (p < 0.001). Trochleoplasty significantly increased the stability (p < 0.001), so that it did not then differ significantly from the normal knee (p = 0.244). There were small but statistically significant changes in patellar tracking (p< 0.001). This study has provided objective biomechanical data to support the use of trochleoplasty in the treatment of patellar instability associated with femoral trochlear dysplasia.
Does the joint line matter in revision total knee replacement?
Authors: Porteous A. J. , Hassaballa M. A. , Newman J. H. 
Published: June 2008

We identified 148 patients who had undergone a revision total knee replacement using a single implant system between 1990 and 2000. Of these 18 patients had died, six had developed a peri-prosthetic fracture and ten had incomplete records or radiographs. This left 114 with prospectively-collected radiographs and Bristol knee scores available for study. The height of the joint line before and after revision total knee replacement was measured and classified as either restored to within 5 mm of the pre-operative height or elevated if it was positioned more than 5 mm above the pre-operative height. The joint line was elevated in 41 knees (36%) and restored in 73 (64%). Revision surgery significantly improved the mean Bristol knee score from 41.1 (sd 15.9) pre-operatively to 80.5 (sd 15) post-operatively (p < 0.001). At one year post-operatively both the total Bristol knee score and its functional component were significantly better in the restored group than in the elevated group (p < 0.01). Overall, revision from a unicondylar knee replacement required less use of bone graft, fewer component augments, restored the joint line more often and gave a significantly better total Bristol knee score (p < 0.02) and functional score (p < 0.01) than revision from total knee replacement. Our findings show that restoration of the joint line at revision total knee replacement gives a significantly better result than leaving it unrestored by more than 5 mm. We recommend the greater use of distal femoral augments to help to achieve this goal.