bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of post-sclerotherapy laser compression and its efficacy in the treatment of leg telangiectasias
Authors: Sadick N S , Sorhaindo L 
Published: December 2006

Objective: The use of graduated compression stockings is presently indicated in both surgical and non-surgical treatment of varicose veins. The role that it plays in therapeutic efficacy or the complication profile is yet to be determined. The present study examined the role of compression in the treatment of class I–II venulectasia, utilizing the Pulsed Dye Laser. Methods: Thirteen patients with leg vein size 0.5–1.0 mm in diameter were treated with the Long-Pulse Tuneable Dye Laser (Vbeam®). A surface area of 5 cm2 of vessels on bilaterally symmetric thighs was treated. Class II compression hose was applied immediately following treatment to the left thigh only and were left on during waking hours for a period of 7 days. Post-sclerotherapy results and complication profiles were analysed and graded after one treatment session by two independent blinded observers. Results: There was no significant difference in treatment-clearing parameters or side-effect profiles in the compressed versus non-compressed or control groups ( P≤0.05). Conclusion: Preliminary studies suggest that compression does not alter the therapeutic efficacy or complication profile of Pulsed Dye Laser treatment of class I–II venulectasia. Further studies on a larger patient population are in progress.
Duplex ultrasound investigation of the veins in chronic venous disease of the lower limbs – UIP Consensus Document. Part I: Basic principles
Authors: Coleridge-Smith P , Labropoulos N , Partsch H , Myers K , Nicolaides A , Cavezzi A 
Published: December 2006

Objectives: Duplex ultrasound investigation has become the reference standard in assessing the morphology and haemodynamics of the lower limb veins. The project described in this paper was an initiative of the Union Internationale de Phlébologie (UIP). The aim was to obtain a consensus of international experts on the methodology to be used for assessment of veins in the lower limb by ultrasound imaging. Design: Consensus conference leading to a consensus document. Methods: The authors invited a group of experts from a wide range of countries to participate in this project. Electronic submissions from the experts were made available to all participants via the UIP website. The authors prepared a draft document for discussion at a UIP Chapter meeting held in San Diego, USA, in August 2003. Following this meeting, a revised manuscript was circulated to all participants, and further comments were received by the authors and included in subsequent versions of the manuscript. Eventually, all participants agreed on a final version of the paper. Results: The experts have made detailed recommendations concerning the methods to be used for duplex ultrasound examination, as well as the interpretation of images and measurements obtained. This document suggests a methodology for complete assessment of the superficial and perforating veins of the lower limbs, including recommendations on reporting results and training of personnel involved in these investigations. Conclusions: The authors and a large group of experts have agreed a methodology for the investigation of the lower limbs venous system by duplex ultrasonography.
Duplex ultrasound investigation of the veins in chronic venous disease of the lower limbs – UIP Consensus Document. Part II: Anatomy
Authors: Cavezzi A , Labropoulos N , Partsch H , Ricci S , Caggiati A , Myers K , Nicolaides A , Coleridge-Smith P 
Published: December 2006

Objectives: Duplex ultrasound investigation has become the reference standard in assessing the morphology and haemodynamics of the lower limb veins. The project described in this paper was an initiative of the Union Internationale de Phlébologie (UIP). The aim was to obtain a consensus of international experts on the methodology to be used for assessment of the anatomy of superficial and perforating veins in the lower limb by ultrasound imaging. Design: Consensus conference leading to a consensus document. Methods: The authors performed a systematic review of the published literature on duplex anatomy of the superficial and perforating veins of the lower limbs. Afterwards, they invited a group of experts from a wide range of countries to participate in this project. Electronic submissions from the authors and the experts (text and images) were made available to all participants via the UIP website. The authors prepared a draft document for discussion at the UIP Chapter meeting held in San Diego, USA, in August 2003. Following this meeting, a revised manuscript was circulated to all participants and further comments were received by the authors and included in subsequent versions of the manuscript. Eventually, all participants agreed on the final version of the paper. Results: The experts have made detailed recommendations concerning the methods to be used for duplex ultrasound examination as well as the interpretation of images and measurements obtained. This document provides a detailed methodology for complete ultrasound assessment of the anatomy of the superficial and perforating veins in the lower limbs. Conclusions: The authors and a large group of experts have agreed on a methodology for the investigation of the lower limbs venous system, by duplex ultrasonography, with specific reference to the anatomy of the main superficial veins and perforators of the lower limbs in healthy and varicose subjects.
Varisolve® polidocanol microfoam compared with surgery or sclerotherapy in the management of varicose veins in the presence of trunk vein incompetence: European randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wright D , Gobin J P , Bradbury A W , Coleridge-Smith P , Spoelstra H , Berridge D , Wittens C H A , Sommer A , Nelzen O , Chanter D ,   The Varisolve® European Phase III Investigators Group
Published: December 2006

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of Varisolve® 1% polidocanol microfoam sclerosant with alternative treatments for patients with varicose veins and trunk vein incompetence. Methods: An open-label, multicentre, prospective trial of 710 patients randomized to receive either Varisolve® or alternative treatment (surgery or sclerotherapy). The endpoint was ultrasound-determined occlusion of trunk vein(s) and elimination of reflux, analysed against a non-inferiority hypothesis. Results: Overall, non-inferiority was demonstrated with 83.4% efficacy for Varisolve® compared with 88.1% for alternative treatment at three months, and the corresponding magnitudes were 78.9 and 80.4% at 12 months. Surgery was superior to Varisolve®, but the success rate of 68.2% for Varisolve® (surgery 87.2%) was poor compared with 93.8% success for Varisolve® achieved in those randomized to Varisolve® or sclerotherapy. Varisolve® was superior to sclerotherapy at 12 months ( P = 0.001). Deep vein thrombosis occurred in 11/437 (2.5%) after Varisolve®, in 1/125 (0.8%) after sclerotherapy and in none after surgery. No pulmonary emboli were detected. Conclusion: Overall, Varisolve® was non-inferior to alternative treatment. Surgery was more efficacious, but Varisolve® caused less pain and patients returned to normal more quickly. The Varisolve® technique is a useful additional treatment for varicose veins and trunk vein incompetence.
Minimally-invasive treatment of intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum
Authors: Stulik J. , Stehlik J. , Rysavy M. , Wozniak A. 
Published: December 2006

We describe the results of 287 intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum in 247 patients treated by minimally-invasive reduction and K-wire fixation between 1994 and 2003. There were 210 men (85%) and 37 women (15%). The most common cause of injury was a fall from a height in 237 patients (96%). Fracture classification was based on the method described by Sanders and Essex-Lopresti. All patients were operated on within 21 days of injury and 89% (220) within 48 hours. The reduction was graded as nearly anatomical (less than 2 mm residual articular displacement and satisfactory overall alignment) in 212 (73.9%) fractures. There were 20 cases (7%) of superficial pin-track infection and five (1.7%) of deep infection. All healed at a mean of 6 weeks (3 to 19). Loss of reduction was observed in 13 fractures (4.5%) and a musculocutaneous flap was needed in three (1%). The results were evaluated in 176 patients (205 fractures) with a mean age of 44.3 years (13 to 67), available for follow-up at a mean of 43.4 months (25 to 87) using the Creighton-Nebraska Health Foundation Assessment score. The mean score was 83.9 points (63 to 100). There were 29 (16.5%) excellent, 98 (55.7%) good, 26 (14.8%) fair and 23 (13%) poor results. A total of 130 patients (73.9%) were able to return to their original occupation at a mean of 5.6 months (3.2 to 12.5) after the injury. Semi-open reduction and percutaneous fixation is an effective treatment for displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum.
Neurolysis is not required for young patients with a spontaneous palsy of the anterior interosseous nerve
Authors: Seki M. , Nakamura H. , Kono H. 
Published: December 2006

We studied 21 patients with a spontaneous palsy of the anterior interosseous nerve. There were 11 men and 10 women with a mean age at onset of 39 years (17 to 65). Pain around the elbow or another region (forearm, shoulder, upper arm, systemic arthralgia) was present in 17 patients and typically lasted for two to three weeks. It had settled within six weeks in every case. In ten cases the palsy developed as the pain settled. A complete palsy of flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus to the index finger was seen in 13 cases and an isolated palsy of flexor pollicis longus in five. All patients were treated without operation. The mean time to initial muscle contraction was nine months (2 to 18) in palsy of the flexor digitorum profundus to the index finger, and ten months (1 to 24) for a complete palsy of flexor pollicis longus. An improvement in muscle strength to British Medical Research Council grade 4 or better was seen in all 15 patients with a complete palsy of the flexor digitorum profundus and in 16 of 18 with a complete palsy of flexor pollicis longus. There was no significant correlation between the duration of pain and either the time to initial muscle contraction or final muscle strength. Prolonged pain was not always associated with a poor outcome but the age of the patient when the palsy developed was strongly correlated. Recovery occurred within 12 months in patients under the age of 40 years who achieved a final British Medical Research Council grade of 4 or better. Surgical decompression does not appear to be indicated for young patients with this condition.
The undiagnosed Essex-Lopresti injury
Authors: Jungbluth P. , Frangen T. M. , Arens S. , Muhr G. , Kälicke T. 
Published: December 2006

The Essex-Lopresti injury is rare. It consists of fracture of the head of the radius, rupture of the interosseous membrane and disruption of the distal radioulnar joint. The injury is often missed because attention is directed towards the fracture of the head of the radius. We present a series of 12 patients with a mean age of 44.9 years (26 to 54), 11 of whom were treated surgically at a mean of 4.6 months (1 to 16) after injury and the other after 18 years. They were followed up for a mean of 29.2 months (2 to 69). Ten patients had additional injuries to the forearm or wrist, which made diagnosis more difficult. Replacement of the head of the radius was carried out in ten patients and the Sauve-Kapandji procedure in three. Patients were assessed using standard outcome scores. The mean post-operative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 55 (37 to 83), the mean Morrey Elbow Performance score was 72.2 (39 to 92) and the mean Mayo wrist score was 61.3 (35 to 80). The mean grip strength was 68.5% (39.6% to 91.3%) of the unaffected wrist. Most of the patients (10 of 12) were satisfied with their operation and in 11 the pain was relieved. When treating the chronic Essex-Lopresti injury, we recommend accurate realignment of the radius and ulna and replacement of the head of the radius. If this fails a Sauve-Kapandji procedure to arthrodese the distal radioulnar joint should be undertaken to stabilise the forearm while maintaining mobility.
Long-term survival of a cemented titanium-aluminium-vanadium alloy straight-stem femoral component
Authors: Kovac S. , Trebse R. , Milosev I. , Pavlovcic V. , Pisot V. 
Published: December 2006

We present a retrospective series of 170 cemented titanium straight-stem femoral components combined with two types of femoral head: cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy (114 heads) and alumina ceramic (50 heads). Of the study group, 55 patients (55 stems) had died and six (six stems) were lost to follow-up. At a mean of 13.1 years (3 to 15.3) 26 stems had been revised for aseptic loosening. The mean follow-up time for stable stems was 15.1 years (12.1 to 16.6). Survival of the stem at 15 years was 75.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 67.3 to 83.5) with aseptic failure (including radiological failure) as the end-point, irrespective of the nature of the head and the quality of the cement mantle. Survival of the stem at 15 years was 79.1% (95% CI 69.8 to 88.4) and 67.1% (95% CI 51.3 to 82.9) with the CoCr alloy and ceramic heads, respectively. The quality of the cement mantle was graded as a function of stem coverage: stems with complete tip coverage (type 1) had an 84.9% (95% CI 77.6 to 92.2) survival at 15 years, compared with those with a poor tip coverage (type 2) which had a survival of only 22.4% (95% CI 2.4 to 42.4). The poor quality of the cement mantle and the implantation of an alumina head substantially lowered the survival of the stem. In our opinion, further use of the cemented titanium alloy straight-stem femoral components used in our series is undesirable.
A ceramic prosthesis for the treatment of tumours of the distal radius
Authors: Hatano H. , Morita T. , Kobayashi H. , Otsuka H. 
Published: December 2006

Despite extensive experience with prosthetic replacement for the reconstruction of limbs following juxta-articular resection of tumours, there are few reports of prosthetic replacement of the distal radius. We present two cases of massive bone defects of the distal radius in which alumina ceramic prosthetic replacements were used. We evaluated the patients more than ten years after the procedure. Both patients had degenerative changes to the wrist. This, however, was not associated with pain or decreased function, and both had returned to their previous occupation after surgery. When a patient has a massive defect of the distal radius, reconstruction using a ceramic prosthesis is a reasonable alternative to using autograft. This method of treatment results in little pain, a moderate range of movement and satisfactory function.
Topographical variation in glycosaminoglycan content in human articular cartilage
Authors: Rogers B. A. , Murphy C. L. , Cannon S. R. , Briggs T. W. R. 
Published: December 2006

The weight-bearing status of articular cartilage has been shown to affect its biochemical composition. We have investigated the topographical variation of sulphated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) relative to the DNA content of the chondrocyte in human distal femoral articular cartilage.Paired specimens of distal femoral articular cartilage, from weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing regions, were obtained from 13 patients undergoing above-knee amputation. After papain enzyme digestion, spectrophotometric GAG and fluorometric DNA assays assessed the biochemical composition of the samples. The results were analysed using a paired t-test.Although there were no significant differences in cell density between the regions, the weight-bearing areas showed a significantly higher concentration of GAG relative to DNA when compared with non-weight-bearing areas (p = 0.02).We conclude that chondrocytes are sensitive to their mechanical environment, and that local loading conditions influence the metabolism of the cells and hence the biochemical structure of the tissue.
The consequences of meniscectomy
Authors: McDermott I. D. , Amis A. A. 
Published: December 2006

The menisci of the knee have an important role in load-bearing and shock absorption within the joint. They may also function as secondary stabilisers, have a proprioceptive role, and aid the lubrication and nutrition of the articular cartilage. Complete or partial loss of a meniscus can have damaging effects on a knee, leading to serious long-term sequelae. This paper reviews the consequences of meniscectomy and summarises the body of evidence in the literature regarding those factors most relevant to long-term outcome.
Simultaneous in vitro measurement of patellofemoral kinematics and forces following Oxford medial unicompartmental knee replacement
Authors: Price A. J. , Oppold P. T. , Murray D. W. , Zavatsky A. B. 
Published: December 2006

The Oxford medial unicompartmental knee replacement was designed to reproduce normal mobility and forces in the knee, but its detailed effect on the patellofemoral joint has not been studied previously. We have examined the effect on patellofemoral mechanics of the knee by simultaneously measuring patellofemoral kinematics and forces in 11 cadaver knee specimens in a supine leg-extension rig. Comparison was made between the intact normal knee and sequential unicompartmental and total knee replacement. Following medial mobile-bearing unicompartmental replacement in 11 knees, patellofemoral kinematics and forces did not change significantly from those in the intact knee across any measured parameter. In contrast, following posterior cruciate ligament retaining total knee replacement in eight knees, there were significant changes in patellofemoral movement and forces. The Oxford device appears to produce near-normal patellofemoral mechanics, which may partly explain the low incidence of complications with the extensor mechanism associated with clinical use.
Predicting global and topic‐specific certainty beliefs: Domain‐specificity and the role of the academic environment
Authors: Trautwein Ulrich. , Lüdtke Oliver. 
Published: December 2006

Background. Epistemological beliefs are subjective theories of the structure and acquisition of knowledge. The instruments used to measure epistemological beliefs in educational psychology (see Duell & Schommer‐Aikins, 2001) typically consist of questionnaires tapping general, decontextualized beliefs about knowledge or knowledge acquisition in a specific field or in general.Aims. Using specific theories as stimuli, we determine the degree of topic‐specificity of certainty beliefs as well as the association between certainty beliefs and the learning environment.Sample. Participants were 662 upper secondary school students (Study 1) and 211 college students (Study 2).Method. A global instrument and a topic‐specific instrument were used to collect responses to up to 10 stimulus theories. Factor analysis, multiple regression analysis and multi‐level modelling were carried out.Results. Students' topic‐specific certainty beliefs varied markedly across the stimulus theories. Furthermore, students in different academic environments differed more strongly on global certainty beliefs than on topic‐specific certainty beliefs, and global certainty beliefs were only loosely connected to topic‐specific certainty beliefs.Conclusion. Researchers should critically assess the validity of decontextualized global questionnaires for assessing certainty beliefs. If possible, global measures should be complemented by topic‐specific measures.
Micro-Deval Test for the Assessment of Bituminous Aggregate Durability
Authors: Jayawickrama PW , Hossain MS , Phillips F 
Published: December 2006

Abstract
Bituminous aggregates from a total of 52 sources located in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Missouri were evaluated using both Micro-Deval and magnesium sulfate soundness tests. Each aggregate was also characterized using petrography, absorption, and specific gravity. Findings showed that Micro-Deval test is a more repeatable test than the soundness test. Micro-Deval showed a fair to good correlation with soundness and an improved correlation was observed when used along with aggregate absorption values. It is concluded that further research is needed to completely replace soundness tests but the Micro-Deval test could be used as a good quality indicator tool.
Revalidation of the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology in the Vermont Oxford Network
Authors: Zupancic John A. F. , Richardson Douglas K. , Horbar Jeffrey D. , Carpenter Joseph H. , Lee Shoo K. , Escobar Gabriel J. ,   Vermont Oxford Network SNAP Pilot Project Participants
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVES. Our specific objectives were (1) to document the performance of the revised Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology and the revised Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension in predicting death in the Vermont Oxford Network, compared with published normative values; (2) to determine whether this performance could be improved through recalibration of the weights for individual score items; (3) to determine the impact of including congenital anomalies in the predictive model; and (4) to compare performance against that of the Vermont Oxford Network risk adjustment, separately and in combination.
METHODS. Fifty-eight Vermont Oxford Network centers collected data prospectively for the revised Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology in the first 12 hours after admission of infants in 2002.
RESULTS. Data were collected for 10469 infants, and analyses were undertaken for 9897 who met inclusion criteria. The median revised Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology was 5, and the mean birth weight was 1951 g. Recalibration of the revised Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology and revised Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension resulted in minimal changes in their discriminatory abilities. The Vermont Oxford Network risk adjustment performed similarly, compared with the revised Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension.
CONCLUSIONS. Current score performance was similar to that observed previously, which suggests that the revised Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology and revised Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension have not decalibrated over the 7 years since the first cohort was assembled, despite advances in neonatal care during that period. Addition of congenital anomalies to the revised Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension improved discrimination significantly, particularly for infants with birth weights of &gt;1500 g. The Vermont Oxford Network risk adjustment performed similarly, compared with the revised Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension.