bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Facile Route to Prepare Mesoporous Anatase TiO2 Nanotubes Assembly
Authors: Fan Wugang , Gao Lian 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Anatase TiO2 nanotube assembly was prepared by vapor-phase method using carbon nanotubes as template. Large surface area and mesoporous structure of the product favor the applications in gas sensing and photocatalysis.
In-cement technique for revision hip arthroplasty
Authors: Quinlan J. F. , O’Shea K. , Doyle F. , Brady O. H. 
Published: May 2006

The in-cement technique for revision hip arthroplasty involves retaining the original cement-bone interface. This has been proven to be a biomechanically stronger method than recementing after complete removal of the original cement mantle. This study reviewed a series of 54 consecutive revision hip arthroplasty procedures, using the in-cement technique, between November 1999 and November 2003. Clinical and radiological follow-up included functional assessment. There were 54 procedures performed in 51 patients, whose mean age at surgery was 70.3 years (45 to 85). A total of 42 were available at a mean follow-up of 29.2 months (6 to 51). There was no radiological evidence of loosening. Functional assessments were available for 40 patients who had a mean Harris hip score of 85.2 (51.9 to 98.5), a mean Oxford hip score of 19.6 (12 to 41), a mean UCLA activity profile score of 5.9 (3 to 8) and a mean SF-36 score of 78.0 (31.6 to 100). The in-cement technique provides consistent, high functional outcomes and should be considered in appropriately selected cases.
The effect of a neck-retaining femoral implant on leg-length inequality following total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Khanduja V. , Tek V. , Scott G. 
Published: May 2006

The aim of this study was to assess whether a femoral component which retained the neck reduced the incidence of leg-length inequality following total hip arthroplasty. A retrospective review was undertaken of 130 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties performed between April 1996 and April 2004 using such an implant. There were 102 suitable patients for the study. Standardised pre- and post-operative pelvic radiographs were measured by an independent investigator to the nearest millimetre. The leg-length inequality was reduced from a mean pre-operative value of −0.71 cm to a mean of 0.11 cm post-operatively. Of the 102 patients 24 (23.5%) had an equal leg-length post-operatively, and 95 (93.1%) had a leg-length inequality between −1 cm and 1 cm.
Results of arthrodesis in neuropathic feet
Authors: Schwarz R. J. , Macdonald M. R. C. , van der Pas M. 
Published: May 2006

We describe the results of arthrodesis for the treatment of recurrent acute neuropathic bone disease in 24 feet and of chronic disease with deformity in 91 feet, undertaken between January 1984 and December 2003. All were due to leprosy. Correction of the deformity was achieved in 80 of 106 feet (76%) and fusion in 97 of 110 feet (88%). In the 24 feet in which recurrent neuropathic bone disease was the reason for surgery, 17 (71%) obtained stability while in seven (29%) symptoms recurred postoperatively. Complications were experienced following 58 of the 110 operations (53%). In patients presenting primarily with deformity with a minimum follow-up of two years (79 feet), there was a reduced frequency of ulceration in 40 (51%). Normal footwear could be worn by 32 patients (40%) after surgery, while 40 (51%) required a moulded insole. Arthrodesis of the ankle in the neuropathic foot due to leprosy has a good overall rate of success although the rate of complications is high.
Continuous monitoring of the performance of hip prostheses
Authors: Hardoon S. L. , Lewsey J. D. , Gregg P. J. , Reeves B. C. , van der Meulen J. H. P. 
Published: May 2006

New brands of joint prosthesis are released for general implantation with limited evidence of their long-term performance in patients. The CUSUM continuous monitoring method is a statistical testing procedure which could be used to provide prospective evaluation of brands as soon as implantation in patients begins and give early warning of poor performance. We describe the CUSUM and illustrate the potential value of this monitoring tool by applying it retrospectively to the 3M Capital Hip experience. The results show that if the clinical data and methodology had been available, the CUSUM would have given an alert to the underperformance of this prosthesis almost four years before the issue of a Hazard Notice by the Medical Devices Agency. This indicates that the CUSUM can be a valuable tool in monitoring joint prostheses, subject to timely and complete collection of data. Regional or national joint registries provide an opportunity for future centralised, continuous monitoring of all hip and knee prostheses using these techniques.
Percutaneous drilling for the treatment of secondary osteonecrosis of the knee
Authors: Marulanda G. , Seyler T. M. , Sheikh N. H. , Mont M. A. 
Published: May 2006

Osteonecrosis of the knee comprises two separate disorders, primary spontaneous osteonecrosis which is often a self-limiting condition and secondary osteonecrosis which is associated with risk factors and a poor prognosis. In a series of 61 knees (38 patients) we analysed secondary osteonecrosis of the knee treated by a new technique using multiple small percutaneous 3 mm drillings. Total knee replacement was avoided in 59 knees (97%) at a mean follow-up of 3 years (2 to 4). Of the 61 knees, 56 (92%) had a successful clinical outcome, defined as a Knee Society score greater than 80 points. The procedure was successful in all 24 knees with small lesions compared with 32 of 37 knees (86%) with large lesions. All the procedures were performed as day cases and there were no complications. This technique appears to have a low morbidity, relieves symptoms and delays more invasive surgery.
An alternative method for the treatment of nonunion of the tibia with bone loss
Authors: Sen C. , Eralp L. , Gunes T. , Erdem M. , Ozden V. E. , Kocaoglu M. 
Published: May 2006

In this retrospective study we evaluated the method of acute shortening and distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of tibial nonunion with bone loss in 17 patients with a mean age of 36 years (10 to 58). The mean bone loss was 5.6 cm (3 to 10). In infected cases, we performed the treatment in two stages. The mean follow-up time was 43.5 months (24 to 96). The mean time in external fixation was 8.0 months (4 to 13) and the mean external fixator index was 1.4 months/cm (1.1 to 1.8). There was no recurrence of infection. The bone evaluation results were excellent in 16 patients and good in one, while functional results were excellent in 15 and good in two. The complication rate was 1.2 per patient. We conclude that acute shortening and distraction osteogenesis is a safe, reliable and successful method for the treatment of tibial nonunion with bone loss, with a shorter period of treatment and lower rate of complication.
Boost your surgical training: visit South Africa
Authors: Millar Tim 
Published: May 2006

Bottlenecks to the progression of surgical careers have been around since the year dot. Not so long ago, the bottleneck was in progressing from senior registrar to consultant surgeon. Then it was shifted to getting onto an SpR rotation. Soon the problem may be securing a foundation post or an 'ST1' post. Looking further into the future, the bottleneck may once again return to obtaining a consultant post, as Certificate of Completion of Training holders are forced to accept non-consultant 'specialist' posts or to take up short-term jobs in the independent sector. Another possibility is that the post of 'senior consultant' or 'head of department' will be created and hence there will be one final bottleneck before retirement. Surgery has always been a desirable and competitive field of medicine. Bottlenecks are here to stay. All we can do as individuals is to strive to be the best we can be, for ourselves and for our patients. In this month's Trainees' Forum we hear how one trainee has managed the gap between basic and higher surgical training and at the same time given his training a lift, by going abroad. It seems his surgical experience and skills were hugely boosted while his horizons were broadened. It is possible that as our training hours reduce, this may be something that more and more trainees consider…
Steroid Therapy for a Case of Severe Drug-Induced Cholestasis
Authors: Giannattasio Antonietta , D'ambrosi Mariangela , Volpicelli Monica , Iorio Raffaele 
Published: May 2006

Objective: To report a Severe case of cholestatic liver disease successfully treated with corticosteroids following combined therapy with clarithromycin and nimesulide. Case Summary: A 15-year-old girl was admitted with cholestasis probably related to treatment with clarithromycin and nimesulide for an upper respiratory tract infection. Other causes of liver disease (infections, metabolic liver disorders, genetic cholestatic syndromes, autoimmune diseases, primary biliary tract disorders) were excluded. Liver biopsy showed a severe canalicular cholestasis with bile plugs in dilated bile canaliculi, giant cell transformation, and portal and lobular infiltrate. An objective causality assessment suggested that cholestasis was probably related to clarithromycin and/or nimesulide use. No benefit was derived from a course of ursodeoxycholic acid therapy. Since the patient experienced a progressive worsening in cholestasis, prednisone was started after 20 days. This therapy was promptly followed by improvement in clinical and laboratory test results. After 2 months of prednisone treatment, the patient became symptom-free with normal liver function tests. Discussion: The manifestations of drug-induced hepatotoxicity are highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic hypertransaminemia to fulminant hepatic failure. No specific treatment for drug-induced hepatotoxicity exists. Early recognition and drug withdrawal are the keys to management of hepatotoxicity, but in some cases, liver disease may persist despite discontinuation of the drug. Possible advantages of corticosteroid therapy have not been well demonstrated. Conclusions: Application of the Naranjo probability scale indicates a probable relationship between cholestasis and nimesulide plus clarithromycin use. This case draws attention to a possible therapeutic option for some cases of drug-induced hepatotoxicity that show a severe course without any sign of improvement.
Coxibs Versus Combination NSAID and PPI Therapy for Chronic Pain: An Exploration of the Risks, Benefits, and Costs
Authors: Hur Chin , Chan Andrew T , Tramontano Angela C , Gazelle G Scott 
Published: May 2006

Objective: To systematically review studies qualitatively to compare the risks (gastrointestinal [Gl] and cardiovascular) and benefits (pain control) of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (coxibs) relative to an alternative therapy of a nonselective nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) combined with a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) and explore circumstances when coxibs may be appropriate. Methods: Relevant studies were identified through a search of MEDLINE (Ovid Technologies, 1985–November 2005; English language, clinical trial), PubMed (1985–November 2005; English language, clinical trial, humans), and the Cochrane Collaboration using the terms selective COX-2 inhibitors and coxibs, as well as the various chemical names for specific coxib agents. Studies that compared a coxib with a nonselective NSAID and provided data concerning our outcomes of interest were included and categorized by the outcome variable, as well as by the specific coxib studied. Results: The majority of the numerous studies that evaluated pain as an endpoint showed no difference between coxib and nonselective NSAID therapy. However, while limited, preliminary safety data regarding the effects of both classes on the upper and lower Gl tract suggest coxib superiority. Although coxibs are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events (CVEs) compared with placebo, this effect has not been conclusively shown compared with nonselective NSAIDs. Currently, coxib therapy is more expensive than combination therapy using a nonselective NSAID plus a PPI. Conclusions: Compared with combination therapy including a nonselective NSAID and PPI, coxibs provide equivalent pain control and may have a lower Gl tract complication profile, but at an unknown increased risk of CVEs and a greater financial cost. Coxib therapy may be an appropriate treatment for chronic pain in select patients with higher risks of Gl complications, lower risk of CVEs, and in whom greater cost is not a restraint.
Carbamazepine Toxicity Induced by Lopinavir/Ritonavir and Nelfinavir
Authors: Bates Duane E , Herman Robert J 
Published: May 2006

Objective: To present a case of carbamazepine toxicity induced by lopinavir/ritonavir and nelfinavir. Case Summary: A 50-year-old HIV-positive male developed excessive drowsiness secondary to carbamazepine when an antiretroviral regimen containing lopinavir/ritonavir was introduced. The carbamazepine serum concentration increased 46%. Subsequently, the patient developed a possible adverse skin reaction to his antiretrovirals and was hospitalized. The protease inhibitor was changed to nelfinavir. Within 3 days, the patient again developed excessive drowsiness and became unsteady on his feet. This time, the carbamazepine serum concentration had increased by 53%. In both instances, the carbamazepine dosage was decreased by 33%, which resulted in resolution of symptoms. Discussion: Carbamazepine undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism. The major metabolic pathway involves oxidation of carbamazepine via CYP3A4 to an active metabolite, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide. Protease inhibitors are well-known CYP3A4 inhibitors. Other cases of carbamazepine toxicity secondary to protease inhibitors are reviewed. A MEDLINE search (1966–May 2006) revealed 4 cases of carbamazepine toxicity secondary to antiretrovirals. Carbamazepine serum concentrations increased two- to threefold from baseline. Vertigo, drowsiness, disorientation, ataxia, and vomiting occurred within 12 hours to 2 months, which resolved with reduction of the carbamazepine dosage. Conclusions: An objective causality assessment suggests that our patient became drowsy and unsteady on his feet secondary to a carbamazepine–protease inhibitor interaction. Lopinavir/ritonavir and nelfinavir may decrease carbamazepine metabolism, causing an elevation in carbamazepine serum concentrations. Carbamazepine toxicity may be prevented by reducing the carbamazepine dosage by 25–50% when protease inhibitors are introduced. A carbamazepine serum concentration should be repeated 3–5 days after the protease inhibitors are started.
Vancomycin-Induced Elevation of Liver Enzyme Levels
Authors: Cadle Richard M , Mansouri Mohammad D , Darouiche Rabih O 
Published: May 2006

Objective: To report a case of oral vancomycin-induced elevation of liver enzyme levels. Case Summary: A 57-year-old man with multiple medical conditions requiring systemic antibiotic therapy developed numerous Clostridium difficile–associated enterocolitis episodes. The patient did not respond adequately to oral metronidazole, as evidenced by his continuing diarrhea. He was treated with oral vancomycin on 5 separate occasions (with doses from 125 to 500 mg/day), each of which resulted in significant elevations in alanine aminotransferase (to 371 U/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (to 203 U/L) levels. The elevations resolved on each occasion with discontinuation of vancomycin. Discussion: Vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, has primary activity against gram-positive bacteria. Oral vancomycin can be used for the treatment of C. difficile–associated enterocolitis in patients who fail to respond to or are intolerant to metronidazole therapy. Oral vancomycin has very poor bioavailability and, as of May 4, 2006, has not been associated with hepatic toxicity. Inflammatory bowel disease processes can result in increased absorption of oral vancomycin. Conclusions: This is the first reported case of oral vancomycin–induced elevation of hepatic enzyme levels. Use of the Naranjo probability scale indicated that this was a probable adverse drug-associated event.
Withdrawal from Lorazepam in Critically III Children
Authors: Dominguez Karen D , Crowley Mark R , Coleman Denise M , Katz Robert W , Wilkins Diana G , Kelly H William 
Published: May 2006

Background: Sedatives are used in critically ill children to facilitate mechanical ventilation. Although tolerance and withdrawal are associated with use of sedatives, information about withdrawal from benzodiazepines in children is limited. Objective: To document the occurrence of lorazepam withdrawal in critically ill children and identify predictors for the development of withdrawal. Methods: This prospective, investigational, open-label study enrolled pediatric patients receiving a continuous infusion of lorazepam for at least 72 hours. The lorazepam dosage was tapered in a uniform fashion over 6 days by decreasing the total daily dose by 50% every other day on 3 occasions; it was then discontinued. The occurrence of withdrawal from lorazepam was determined by pediatric intensive care unit attending physicians based on clinical judgment. Patients were assessed for withdrawal twice daily beginning 48 hours after the initiation of the lorazepam taper. Assessments were continued for 72 hours after lorazepam discontinuation or until the patient experienced withdrawal, whichever came first. Patient demographic, sedative dosing, and lorazepam serum concentration data were collected to identify risk factors for withdrawal. Results: Twenty-nine patients completed the study. They received lorazepam for a median duration of about 21 days, and withdrawal occurred in 7 patients. There were no significant differences in demographic variables, lorazepam dosage or other sedative therapy, or lorazepam serum concentrations between patients with withdrawal and those without withdrawal. No predictors of withdrawal were identified. Conclusions: Withdrawal occurred in 24% of critically ill children receiving long-term sedation from lorazepam. Risk factors for withdrawal are unknown.
Physical and Chemical Stability of Pemetrexed in Infusion Solutions
Authors: Zhang Yanping , Trissel Lawrence A 
Published: May 2006

Background: Pemetrexed is a multitargeted, antifolate, antineoplastic agent that is indicated for single-agent use in locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer after prior chemotherapy and in combination with cisplatin for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma not treatable by surgery. Currently, there is no information on the long-term stability of pemetrexed beyond 24 hours. Objective: To evaluate the longer-term physical and chemical stability of pemetrexed 2, 10, and 20 mg/mL in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags of dextrose 5% injection and NaCI 0.9% injection. Methods: Triplicate samples of pemetrexed were prepared in the concentrations and infusion solutions required. Evaluations for physical and chemical stability were performed initially and over 2 days at 23 °C protected from light and exposed to fluorescent light, and over 31 days of storage at 4 °C protected from light. Physical stability was assessed using turbidimetric and particulate measurement as well as visual observation. Chemical stability was evaluated by HPLC. Results: All pemetrexed solutions remained chemically stable, with little or no loss of pemetrexed over 2 days at 23 °C, protected from light and exposed to fluorescent light, and over 31 days of storage at 4°C, protected from light. The room temperature samples were physically stable throughout the 48 hour test period. However, pemetrexed admixtures developed large numbers of microparticulates during refrigerated storage exceeding 24 hours. Conclusions: Pemetrexed is chemically stable for 2 days at room temperature and 31 days refrigerated in dextrose 5% injection and NaCI 0.9% injection. However, substantial numbers of microparticulates may form in pemetrexed diluted in the infusion solutions in PVC bags, especially during longer periods of refrigerated storage. Limiting the refrigerated storage period to the manufacturer-recommended 24 hours will limit particulate formation.
Pharmacoeconomics Impact of Linezolid on Economic Outcomes and Determinants of Cost in a Clinical Trial Evaluating Patients with MRSA Complicated Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections
Authors: McKinnon Peggy S , Sorensen Sonja V , Liu Larry Z , Itani Kamal MF 
Published: May 2006

Background: In clinical trials, linezolid has demonstrated higher clinical cure rates and shorter hospital duration for patients than has vancomycin for the treatment of complicated skin and soft-tissue infections (cSSTIs). Objective: To assess economic outcomes of linezolid versus vancomycin and evaluate determinants of treatment costs for cSSTIs. Methods: Economic data were obtained from US subjects enrolled in a multinational, open-label, clinical trial of cSSTIs caused by suspected or proven methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Subjects were randomized to receive intravenous or oral linezolid or intravenous vancomycin for 7–21 days. Costs for each patient were evaluated by applying nationally representative per diem hospital costs by hospital ward. Intravenous administration costs were applied to the duration of intravenous treatment. Factors contributing to the cost of therapy were evaluated using multivariate regression analysis. Results: Seven hundred seventeen US patients were included in the study. Demographics were similar between treatment groups. Length of stay and duration of intravenous therapy were shorter for linezolid-treated patients. Mean ± SD cost for intent-to-treat population patients treated with linezolid versus vancomycin was $4865 ± 4367 versus $5738 ± 5190, respectively (p = 0.017), and in the MRSA population was $4881 ± 3987 versus $6006 ± 5039, respectively (p = 0.041). Factors significantly associated with increased cost included vancomycin therapy, age, and comorbidities, including diabetes. After adjusting for all other factors, treatment with linezolid was associated with significantly lower treatment costs compared with vancomycin. Conclusions: Linezolid therapy was associated with improved clinical outcomes and significantly lower treatment costs than was vancomycin. The largest cost advantage was demonstrated in patients with documented MRSA cSSTIs.
Reviews
Authors: Enli Gunn Sara , Jansen Sue Curry , Carter Cynthia 
Published: May 2006

Entertaining the Citizen: When Politics and Popular Culture Converge, Liesbet van Zoonen, (2004) Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 181 pp., ISBN 0742529061 (hbk), 69.00; ISBN 074252907X (pbk), 26.95.

Courting The Abyss: Free Speech and the Liberal Tradition,
John Durham Peters, (2005) Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press, 316 pp., ISBN 0226662748 (hbk), 29.00.

Mixed Media: Feminist Presses and Publishing Politics, Simone Murray, (2004) London: Pluto Press, 260 pp., ISBN 0745320163 (hbk), 55.00; ISBN 0745320155
(pbk), 16.99.
Simone Murray's book looks at the contribution of the second wave feminist presses to the advancement of feminist ideas in the United Kingdom from the early 1970s to the first years of the twenty-first century. These presses, she claims, have profoundly reshaped the publishing
industries and the wider literary culture and education. To appreciate the complex interrelations between feminist politics, feminist presses, mainstream publishers, academic feminist publishing, and feminist bestsellers, Murray argues for the development of a publishing centred analysis.
This approach enables movement beyond a focus on individual texts so as to contextualize them within the dynamics of the broader publishing industry. Such presses have experienced great difficulties (most are now defunct). Moreover, many mainstream publishers now have extensive gender lists.
Nevertheless, Murray argues that feminist presses continue to be a crucial safeguard, against the vagaries of a publishing industry whose interest in feminist texts lies in their ability to generate profit rather than in any real commitment to a feminist political agenda.