bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Comparison of the Fastball from Wind-up and the Fastball from Stretch in Professional Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Dun Shouchen , Kingsley David , Fleisig Glenn S. , Loftice Jeremy , Andrews James R. 
Published: November 2007

Background It has long been thought by many baseball coaches and players that throwing the fastball from the stretch is more stressful to the shoulder and elbow than throwing the fastball from the wind-up. However, no research has compared the biomechanics of these 2 pitch variations. Hypothesis There are differences in shoulder and elbow kinetics, kinematic position at front-foot contact, timing, and ball velocity between the 2 pitching variations. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Twenty-eight professional baseball pitchers (aged 22.1 ± 2.8 years) pitched fastballs from both the wind-up and stretch positions in an indoor laboratory setting. Three-dimensional motion-analysis systems were employed to capture the pitching motion. Kinetic variables, kinematic variables at lead-foot contact, and temporal variables of the 2 pitching variations were compared. Results There was no significant difference between the 2 pitch variations for the kinetic, kinematic, or temporal variables. The difference between the ball velocities was statistically significant, but the mean difference was only 0.2 m/s. Conclusions The pitching biomechanics between the wind-up and stretch fastball showed no statistical differences in joint kinetics, kinematics, or timing, and clinically insignificant differences in ball velocity. Clinical Relevance The current results suggest that pitching the fastball from the stretch is not necessarily more stressful to the shoulder and elbow.
Neutralizing anti-interferon beta antibodies are associated with reduced side effects and delayed impact on efficacy of Interferon-beta
Authors: Farrell R. , Kapoor R. , Leary S. , Rudge P. , Thompson AJ , Miller DH , Giovannoni G. 
Published: November 2007

Interferon-beta (IFNβ) is a biological therapy which is immunogenic, inducing anti-IFN-β neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) in some subjects. The frequency of Nabs varies depending on IFN-β product and the Nab assay used. Objective Assess frequency of Nabs using novel Luciferase assay, evaluate association with relapses, frequency of side effects and to compare results with published data. Methods Serum samples at 12 and 24 months and a follow up sample were tested for binding and Nabs. Titre >20 NU was considered positive. Charts were reviewed retrospectively for clinical data. Results Out of 327 subjects included, 130 subjects (40%) were binding antibody positive, 89 (27%) were Nab +ve at anytime. Risk at 12 months for being Nab +ve: Avonex 8%, Betaferon 39%, Rebif 33%, P < 10-5; at 24 months 8, 31 and 27% respectively, P = 0.002. Nab titres were highest in Rebif Nab +ve subjects — 50% >320 NU. Annualized relapse rate was 1.53 pre-treatment, after treatment relapse rate was higher in Nab +ve group 0.67 (95% CI 0.38—0.97) versus 0.5 (0.38—0.61) Nab —ve P = 0.04. Nab status at 12 and 24 months was significantly associated with risk of subsequent relapse, risk being greatest in those with highest titres. Side effects were also significantly associated with Nab —ve status. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 212—218. http://msj.sagepub.com
Anti-depressant use in association with interferon and glatiramer acetate treatment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Patten SB , Williams JVA , Metz LM 
Published: November 2007

Background Randomized controlled trials incorporating validated depression scales have failed to identify an association between interferon beta treatment and depression in MS. This is surprising since interferons used in other clinical contexts are considered capable of causing depression. The negative results in MS could be due inadequate power in the published trials.Methods In this study, longitudinal data from an IMS Health Canada database called the Therapy Dynamics database were analyzed. The database contains information about prescriptions filled at outpatient pharmacies in Canada, linked at the individual level over time periods as long as 36 months. Antidepressant prescriptions were used as a proxy indicator for depressive disorders. The frequency of antidepressant use was compared in cohorts treated with glatiramer acetate and interferon beta.Results No differences in the frequency of antidepressant treatment were observed. A large proportion (approximately 40%) in all treatment cohorts were treated with antidepressants at some time over the study interval. The proportions remained comparable after adjustment for age and sex and in a time-to-event analysis of new antidepressant prescriptions. Among patients receiving prescriptions exclusively from Neurologists, the frequency of exposure to antidepressants was much lower (2.4%).Conclusions This analysis uncovered no evidence that antidepressant treatment occurs more often in people treated with interferon beta than in those treated with glatiramer acetate. These results help to confirm that depression is not associated with interferon beta treatment in MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 406—411. http://msj.sagepub.com
Association between Lactobacillus species and bacterial vaginosis-related bacteria, and bacterial vaginosis scores in pregnant Japanese women
Authors: Tamrakar Renuka , Yamada Takashi , Furuta Itsuko , Cho Kazutoshi , Morikawa Mamoru , Yamada Hideto , Sakuragi Noriaki , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Background
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), the etiology of which is still uncertain, increases the risk of preterm birth. Recent PCR-based studies suggested that BV is associated with complex vaginal bacterial communities, including many newly recognized bacterial species in non-pregnant women.

Methods
To examine whether these bacteria are also involved in BV in pregnant Japanese women, vaginal fluid samples were taken from 132 women, classified as normal (n = 98), intermediate (n = 21), or BV (n = 13) using the Nugent gram stain criteria, and studied. DNA extracted from these samples was analyzed for bacterial sequences of any Lactobacillus, four Lactobacillus species, and four BV-related bacteria by PCR with primers for 16S ribosomal DNA including a universal Lactobacillus primer, Lactobacillus species-specific primers for L. crispatus, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, and L. iners, and BV-related bacterium-specific primers for BVAB2, Megasphaera, Leptotrichia, and Eggerthella-like bacterium.

Results
The prevalences of L. crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. gasseri were significantly higher, while those of BVAB2, Megasphaera, Leptotrichia, and Eggerthella-like bacterium were significantly lower in the normal group than in the BV group. Unlike other Lactobacillus species, the prevalence of L. iners did not differ between the three groups and women with L. iners were significantly more likely to have BVAB2, Megasphaera, Leptotrichia, and Eggerthella-like bacterium. Linear regression analysis revealed associations of BVAB2 and Megasphaera with Nugent score, and multivariate regression analyses suggested a close relationship between Eggerthella-like bacterium and BV.

Conclusion
The BV-related bacteria, including BVAB2, Megasphaera, Leptotrichia, and Eggerthella-like bacterium, are common in the vagina of pregnant Japanese women with BV. The presence of L. iners may be correlated with vaginal colonization by these BV-related bacteria.
Preoperative Management of the Pheochromocytoma Patient
Authors: Pacak Karel 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors with a highly variable clinical presentation, but they most commonly present as spells of headaches, sweating, palpitations, and hypertension. Patients with pheochromocytoma may develop complicated and potentially lethal cardiovascular and other complications, especially in the setting of diagnostic or interventional procedures (e.g. upon induction of anesthesia or during surgery). The serious and potentially lethal nature of such complications is due to the potent effect of paroxysmal release of catecholamines. Because this warrants prompt diagnosis and treatment, the physician should be aware of the clinical manifestations and complications of catecholamine excess and be able to provide proper preoperative management to minimize catecholamine-related pre-, intra-, and postoperative adverse events. The following clinical scenario and discussion aim to enhance the knowledge of the physician regarding the behavior of pheochromocytoma and to outline current approaches to comprehensive preoperative management of patients suffering from this tumor.
Impact of Statins on Risk of Stroke: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Henyan Nickole N , Riche Daniel M , East Honey E , Gann Pamela N 
Published: November 2007

Background:Evidence from randomized, controlled trials suggests that reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy in patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease reduces the incidence of ischemic stroke; however, data from large epidemiologic observational studies suggest an inverse relationship between risk of hemorrhagic stroke and cholesterol levels.Objective:To perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effect of statin therapy on all cerebrovascular events (CVEs), ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke.Methods:A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing&Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science citations from June 1975 through September 2006 was performed to identify randomized controlled trials of statin therapy. Trials were included if they met the following criteria: (1) controlled clinical trials of statin therapy versus placebo, (2) well-described protocol, and (3) data reported on incidence of all CVEs, ischemic stroke, or hemorrhagic stroke. All data were independently extracted by 3 investigators.Results:Weighted averages are reported as relative risk with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 26 trials (N = 100,560) reported incidence on all CVEs. Six trials (n = 37,292) reported incidence of ischemic stroke and 9 trials (n = 57,895) were included in the hemorrhagic stroke analysis. Statin therapy significantly reduced the risk of all CVEs (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.76 to 0.91) and the risk of ischemic stroke (RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.99). Statin therapy did not significantly reduce risk of hemorrhagic stroke (RR 1, 11; 95% CI 0.77 to 1.60).Conclusions:Statin therapy significantly reduces risk of developing all CVEs and ischemic stroke; however, it is associated with a nonsignificant increase in risk of hemorrhagic stroke.
Evaluation of an Electronic Critical Drug Interaction Program Coupled with Active Pharmacist Intervention
Authors: Humphries Tammy L , Carroll Nikki , Chester Elizabeth A , Magid David , Rocho Bob 
Published: November 2007

Background: Failure to detect significant drug interactions may result in adverse outcomes. While proper screening and management of drug interactions can prevent the majority of adverse events, studies indicate that current practice is suboptimal. In the last quarter of 2001, physicians and pharmacists in Kaiser Permanente Colorado, a group model health maintenance organization, developed an electronic critical drug interaction alert program (CDIX). Electronic screening was coupled with active intervention to prevent dispensing of critically interacting drug combinations. Objective: To assess the impact of CDIX on the co-dispensing ol critically interacting drug combinations. Methods: A physician and team of outpatient pharmacists and clinical pharmacy staff developed a condensed list of critical drug interactions (8 drug combinations) to be included in the evaluation of CDIX. Monthly electronic outpatient pharmacy data were collected 20 months before and 37 months after CDIX implementation, with no lag period following implementation. Univariate analyses were completed to compare baseline subject characteristics of the pre- and post-CDIX groups using χ2 and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests. Interrupted time series analysis was used to estimate changes in the rates of critical drug interactions. Results: Three hundred sixty-seven instances of co-dispensing were observed in 348 subjects during the pre-CDIX period and 256 instances of co-dispensing were observed in 248 subjects during the post-CDIX period. Following CDIX implementation, the overall rate of co-dispensing dropped abruptly from 21.3 to 14.7 per 10,000 prescriptions, representing a relative decrease in co-dispensing of 31% from the month before CDIX implementation (p = 0.0125). Significant reductions in co-dispensing were noted for 7 of the 8 drug class combinations. Conclusions: Employing an intervention system that limits electronic alerts regarding drug interactions to those deemed critical but that also requires pharmacist intervention and collaboration with the prescriber decreases the number of critical drug interactions dispensed.
Global Citizenship and the Baha'i Faith
Authors: Williams Ruth 
Published: November 2007

Attitudes towards refugees has been critiqued by Derrida (2002), who considers receptivity of host societies. Comparatively, Hage (2003) claims Australians are adopting a paranoid nationalism, subsequently hindering the adaptation of newcomers.
Features of a refugee group may be vital to appreciating their ultimate outcome. In-depth interviews with 7 Iranian Bahá’í refugees reveal the centrality of religion to their relatively consistent cosmopolitan identities.
Bahá’ís refer to their faith as a world religion where the key principle ‘elimination of all prejudices’ aspires to unity in diversity. Consequently, Bahá’ís stem from all parts of the world, constituting it as cosmopolitan religion.
Central tenets of their faith appear to facilitate the adaptation process. ‘The unity of humankind’, means Bahá’ís refer to themselves as citizens of the world. Thus, identifying as Bahá’í rather than Iranian or Australian, meaning the values underpinning religion outweigh national or ethnic identity.
Inconsistencies in the Differential Diagnosis of Open Bite
Authors: Arat Zuleyha Mirzen , Akcam Mehmet Okan , Esenlik Elçin , Arat F. Emel 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Objective: To examine inconsistencies in the differential diagnosis of open bite.
Materials and Methods: Using visual judgments, a total of 77 anterior open-bite cases in the postpubertal growth period were grouped as either morphogenetic, functional, or combination. The same sample was also grouped as either hyperdivergent, normodivergent, or hypodivergent using mandibular-plane angle and conventional cephalometry. Kappa analysis was used to test the agreement between the 2 methods of evaluation, and χ2 tests were used to analyze the distribution of cephalometrically grouped hyperdivergent, normodivergent, and hypodivergent cases among the visually assessed morphogenetic, functional and combination groups and vice versa. A κ score of 0.343 indicated a weak agreement between visual judgment and cephalometric methods of evaluation (P &lt; .001).
Results: Despite the expectation that cases evaluated as hyperdivergent using cephalometry would be visually evaluated as morphogenetic, more than half of the cases assessed as hyperdivergent were in fact classified as functional.
Conclusions: These findings highlight the inadequacy of relying solely on cephalometric evaluation to classify open bite.
Asymmetry of the Face in Orthodontic Patients
Authors: Haraguchi Seiji , Iguchi Yoshitaka , Takada Kenji 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the laterality of the normal asymmetry of the human face, examining differences in laterality in relation to sex, growth stage, and skeletal classification.
Materials and Methods: A total of 1800 Japanese subjects (651 males and 1149 females; mean age, 15 years 3 months; range, 4 years 2 months to 59 years 11 months) were selected. Individuals in the sample were categorized according to sex, one of three growth stages, and one of three skeletal patterns. Differences in length between distances from the points at which ear rods were inserted to the facial midline and the perpendicular distance from the soft-tissue menton to the facial midline were measured on a frontal facial photograph. Subjects with a discrepancy of more than 3 standard deviations of the measurement error were categorized as having left- or right-sided laterality.
Results: Of subjects with facial asymmetry, 79.7% had a wider right hemiface, and 79.3% of those with chin deviation had left-sided laterality. These tendencies were independent of sex, age, or skeletal jaw relationships. In this regard, during pubertal growth, the proportion of subjects with wider right hemiface decreased (P &lt; .0001), whereas the proportion of those with a wider left hemiface increased (P &lt; .01), despite a consistent tendency for right-sided dominance.
Conclusion: These results suggest that laterality in the normal asymmetry of the face, which is consistently found in humans, is likely to be a hereditary rather than an acquired trait.
Aging in the Craniofacial Complex
Authors: Dager Marcus M. , McNamara James A. , Baccetti Tiziano , Franchi Lorenzo 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Objective: To describe the dental arch changes occurring after adolescence through the sixth decade of life.
Materials and Methods: Longitudinal dental casts from 40 patients (20 male and 20 female) were digitized and analyzed. Measurements were recorded after the presumed cessation of circumpubertal growth (T1), at approximately 47 years of age (T2), and at least one decade later (T3) were compared.
Results: The majority of the measurements were found to have a significant time effect, demonstrating at least some level of change throughout the aging process (T1–T3). Exceptions to this observation were the posterior maxillary arch width measurements, mandibular intermolar and interpremolar (as measured at the second premolars) widths, the maxillary incisor irregularity index, overjet, overbite, and curve of Spee. The T1–T3 changes reflected for the most part the T1– T2 changes, while the T2–T3 changes affected overall modifications only for the mandibular intercanine width and maxillary depth, as measured at the second premolars. All changes reflected a decrease in arch width, depth, and perimeter, with a significant increase in the mandibular incisor irregularity index.
Conclusions: The dental arches continue to change and adapt throughout life and into the sixth decade, though the degree of change decreases with time.
Effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion on Conductive Hearing Loss
Authors: Kilic Nihat , Kiki Ali , Oktay Hüsamettin , Selimoglu Erol 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
Objective: To test the null hypothesis that rapid maxillary expansion (RME) with a rigid bonded appliance has no effect on conductive hearing loss (CHL) in growing children.
Materials and Methods: Fifteen growing subjects (mean age 13.43 ± 0.86 years) who had narrow maxillary arches and CHL participated in this study. Three pure-tone audiometric and tympanometric records were taken from each subject. The first records were taken before RME (T1), the second after maxillary expansion (T2) (mean = 0.83 months), and the third after retention (mean = 6 months) and fixed appliance treatment (approximately 2 years) periods (T3). The data were analyzed by means of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference (LSD) tests.
Results: Hearing levels of the patients were improved and air-bone gaps decreased at a statistically significant level (P &lt; .001) during active expansion (T2–T1) and the retention and fixed appliance treatment (T2–T3) periods. Middle ear volume increased in all observation periods. However, a statistically significant increase was observed only in the T2–T3 period. No significant change was observed in the static compliance value.
Conclusions: The hypothesis is rejected. RME treatment has a positive and statistically significant effect on both improvements in hearing and normal function of the eustachian tube in patients having transverse maxillary deficiency and CHL.
Linear Accuracy and Reliability of Cone Beam CT Derived 3-Dimensional Images Constructed Using an Orthodontic Volumetric Rendering Program
Authors: Periago Danielle R. , Scarfe William C. , Moshiri Mazyar , Scheetz James P. , Silveira Anibal M. , Farman Allan G. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjective: To compare accuracy of linear measurements made on cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) derived 3-dimensional (3D) surface rendered volumetric images to direct measurements made on human skulls.Materials and Methods: Twenty orthodontic linear measurements between anatomical landmarks on 23 human skulls were measured by observers using a digital caliper. The skulls were imaged with CBCT and Dolphin 3D (version 2.3) software used to generate 3D volumetric reconstructions (3DCBCT). The linear measurements between landmarks were computed by a single observer three times and compared to anatomic dimensions using Student's t-test (P ≤ .05). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and absolute linear and percentage error were calculated.Results: The ICC for 3DCBCT (0.975 ± 0.016) was significantly less than for skull (0.996 ± 0.007) measurements. Mean percentage measurement error for 3DCBCT (2.31% ± 2.11%) was significantly higher than replicate skull measurements (0.63% ± 0.51%). Statistical differences between 3DCBCT means and true dimensions were found for all of the midsagittal measurements except Na-A and six of the 12 bilateral measurements. The mean percentage difference between the mean skull and 3D-based linear measurements was −1.13% (SD ± 1.47%). Ninety percent of mean differences were less than 2 mm, and 95% confidence intervals were all less than 2 mm except for Ba-ANS (3.32 mm) and Pog-Goleft (2.42 mm).Conclusions: While many linear measurements between cephalometric landmarks on 3D volumetric surface renderings obtained using Dolphin 3D software generated from CBCT datasets may be statistically significantly different from anatomic dimensions, most can be considered to be sufficiently clinically accurate for craniofacial analyses.
Assessing Recovery and Establishing Prognosis Following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Kennedy Deborah M , Stratford Paul W , Riddle Daniel L , Hanna Steven E , Gollish Jeffrey D 
Published: November 2007

Background and PurposeInformation about expected rate of change after arthroplasty is critical for making prognostic decisions related to rehabilitation. The goals of this study were: (1) to describe the pattern of change in lower-extremity functional status of patients over a 1-year period after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and (2) to describe the effect of preoperative functional status on change over time.SubjectsEighty-four patients (44 female, 40 male) with osteoarthritis, mean age of 66 years (SD=9), participated.MethodsRepeated measurements for the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were taken over a 1-year period. Data were plotted to examine the pattern of change over time. Different models of recovery were explored using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling that accounted for preoperative status and gender.ResultsGrowth curves were generated that depict the rate and amount of change in LEFS scores and 6MWT distances up to 1 year following TKA. The curves account for preoperative status and gender differences across participants.Discussion and ConclusionThe greatest improvement occurred in the first 12 weeks after TKA. Slower improvement continued to occur from 12 weeks to 26 weeks after TKA, and little improvement occurred beyond 26 weeks after TKA. The findings can be used by physical therapists to make prognostic judgments related to the expected rate of improvement following TKA and the total amount of improvement that may be expected.