bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Drain Placed in the Donor Site in the Early Postoperative Period after Arthroscopically Assisted Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Quadrupled Hamstring Tendons
Authors: Karahan Mustafa , Erol Bülent , Bekiroglu Nural , Uyan Derya 
Published: April 2005

Background No scientific study has addressed the effects of the routine use of postoperative drains in the donor site after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendons. Hypothesis Patients who have drains placed in their donor sites have less lower extremity edema, more motion, and more comfort in the early postoperative period. Study Design Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods Thirty-four patients undergoing arthroscopically assisted quadruple hamstring tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were randomly assigned to either receive a drain for 24 hours placed at the donor site (17 patients) or have no drain at the donor site (17 patients). Data were collected on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7 regarding knee flexion, knee extension, thigh circumference, leg circumference, and visual analog scale (measuring pain). Results In the study group versus the control group, there were increased knee flexion measurements on postoperative day 7 (84° vs 69°, P <. 05); smaller thigh circumference measurements on postoperative day 7 (36.8 vs 40.1 cm, P <. 05); smaller leg circumference measurements on postoperative days 3 (33.2 vs 36.4 cm, P <. 05), 5 (32.7 vs 36.0 cm, P <. 05), and 7 (31.8 vs 35.7 cm, P <. 001); and a lower visual analog scale score on postoperative days 3 (40.38 vs 57.50, P =. 001), 5 (38.46 vs 60.35, P =. 001), and 7 (38.07 vs 61.43, P =. 001). Conclusion Drain placement at the donor site after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction gives more comfort to the patient and provides better flexion within the first week.
The Effectiveness of Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Using the Novel Knot/Press-Fit Technique
Authors: Kilger Robert H.P. , Thomas Maribeth , Hanford Scott , Alaseirlis Dimosthenis A. , Paessler Hans H. , Woo Savio L-Y. 
Published: April 2005

Background A variety of fixation devices are used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon grafts. These devices increase costs and can present artifacts in magnetic resonance imaging as well as complications in revision surgery. Therefore, a novel knot/press-fit technique that requires no implantable devices has been introduced. Null Hypothesis The knot/press-fit technique restores knee kinematics as well as the more commonly used EndoButton CL fixation and has similar biomechanical properties as other devices published in the literature. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (52 ± 7 years) were tested using a robotic/universal force-moment sensor testing system. The knee kinematics of the intact, anterior cruciate ligament-deficient, EndoButton-reconstructed, and knot/pressfit-reconstructed knee in response to both a 134-N anterior tibial load and a combined rotatory load at multiple knee flexion angles was determined. Differences between the 4 knee states were evaluated with a 2-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance (P <. 05). To determine the stiffness and strength of the knot/press-fit fixation, the femur-graft-tibia complex was tested in uniaxial tension. Results In response to an anterior tibial load, the anterior tibial translation for the knot/press-fit reconstruction was found to be not significantly different from that of the intact anterior cruciate ligament as well as that of the EndoButton reconstruction (P >. 05). In response to a combined rotatory load, neither reconstruction procedure could effectively reduce the coupled anterior tibial translation to that of the intact knee, and no significant difference between the 2 reconstructions could be detected (P >. 05). The stiffness of the knot/press-fit complex was found to be 37.8 ± 9.6 N/mm, and the load at failure was 540 ± 97.7 N, which is equal to other devices published in the literature. Clinical Relevance The experiment suggests that the knot/press-fit technique may be a reliable alternative for the femoral fixation of hamstring tendon grafts.
The level of TACI gene expression in myeloma cells is associated with a signature of microenvironment dependence versus a plasmablastic signature
Authors: Moreaux Jérôme , Cremer Friedrich W. , Reme Thierry , Raab Marc , Mahtouk Karene , Kaukel Philine , Pantesco Veronique , De Vos John , Jourdan Eric , Jauch Anna , Legouffe Eric , Moos Marion , Fiol Genevieve , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Rossi Jean François , Hose Dirk , Klein Bernard 
Published: April 2005

AbstractB-cell activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) have been shown to promote multiple myeloma (MM) cell growth. We show that the main site of production for BAFF and APRIL is the bone marrow (BM) environment, and that production is mainly by monocytes and neutrophils. In addition, osteoclasts produce very high levels of APRIL, unlike BM stromal cells. Myeloma cells (MMCs) express TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor), the receptor of BAFF/APRIL, at varying levels. TACI expression is a good indicator of a BAFF-binding receptor. Expression data of purified MMCs from 65 newly diagnosed patients have been generated using Affymetrix microarrays and were analyzed by supervised clustering of groups with higher (TACIhi) versus lower (TACIlo) TACI expression levels. Patients in the TACIlo group had clinical parameters associated with bad prognosis. A set of 659 genes was differentially expressed between TACIhi and TACIlo MMCs. This set makes it possible to efficiently classify TACIhi and TACIlo MMCs in an independent cohort of 40 patients. TACIhi MMCs displayed a mature plasma cell gene signature, indicating dependence on the BM environment. In contrast, the TACIlo group had a gene signature of plasmablasts, suggesting an attenuated dependence on the BM environment. Taken together, our findings suggest using gene expression profiling to identify the group of patients who might benefit most from treatment with BAFF/APRIL inhibitors.
Impact of a Pharmaceutical Care Program in a Community Pharmacy on Patients with Dyslipidemia
Authors: Paulós Claudio P , Nygren Carin E Akesson , Celedón Consuelo , Cárcamo Carina A 
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate use of medications is a significant problem in health care today. A possible solution to this problem may be achieved through better control of patients' drug therapy. OBJECTIVE: To design a pharmaceutical care program for dyslipidemic patients within a community pharmacy setting that provides education in the areas of medication compliance and lifestyle modifications, while emphasizing the importance of achieving cholesterol goals to ensure improvement in quality of life. METHODS: Patients at an outpatient pharmacy volunteered to be surveyed for 16 weeks. Although both the intervention and control groups were surveyed, the randomly selected intervention group was interviewed more frequently and more comprehensively. Cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, weight, risk factors, drug-related problems (DRPs), and quality of life were measured via a survey at the onset of the study and continually measured until the study's conclusion. RESULTS: In the intervention group, 26 DRPs were detected, of which 24 were resolved; in the control group, 26 DRPs were detected, of which 5 were resolved. When comparing initial and final blood cholesterol levels in the intervention group, the mean decrease was 27.0 ± 41.1 mg/dL (p = 0.0266); in the control group, the average blood cholesterol level decreased by a mean of 1.4 ± 37.2 mg/dL (p = 0.6624). In the intervention group, the triglyceride level decreased an average of 50.5 ± 80.3 mg/dL (p = 0.0169), while the control group experienced a mean triglyceride level increase of 29.6 ± 118.5 mg/dL (p = 0.1435). As a result of the intervention, the quality of life in the intervention group was improved. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term pharmaceutical care plans developed in a retail pharmacy within the proper setting may contribute to improved blood lipid values, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and patients' quality of life.
Sildenafil for Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Lee Audrey J , Chiao Teresa B , Tsang Mildred P 
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of sildenafil for treatment of pulmonary hypertension. DATA SOURCES: Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE (1977–March 2005), Cochrane Library, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1977–March 2005) using the terms sildenafil and pulmonary hypertension. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All articles in English identified from the data sources were evaluated. Studies including >5 patients with primarily adult populations were included in the review. DATA SYNTHESIS: The treatment of pulmonary hypertension is challenging. Sildenafil has recently been studied as monotherapy and in combination with other vasodilators in the management of pulmonary hypertension. Eight hemodynamic studies and 12 clinical trials were reviewed (1 retrospective, 3 double-blind, 8 open-label). Sildenafil reduced pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary vascular resistance/peripheral vascular resistance index and tended to increase cardiac output/cardiac index compared with baseline. Sildenafil was comparable to nitric oxide and at least as effective as iloprost or epoprostenol in terms of its pulmonary vasoreactivity. Combination therapy with iloprost, nitric oxide, or epoprostenol resulted in enhanced and prolonged pulmonary vascular effects. Clinical trials suggest that sildenafil improves exercise tolerance and New York Heart Association functional class, but large, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings. Overall, sildenafil was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, sildenafil is a promising and well-tolerated agent for management of pulmonary hypertension. Further well-designed trials are warranted to establish its place in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
Etoricoxib: A Highly Selective COX-2 Inhibitor
Authors: Martina Shaunta‘ D , Vesta Kimi S , Ripley Toni L 
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE: To review the available literature evaluating the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of etoricoxib, a highly selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor that is not currently approved for use in the US. DATA SOURCES: Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–December 2004), Current Contents (1998–December 2004), and Cochrane Library (4th quarter 2004). References from retrieved articles, information from the manufacturer, and abstracts from the American College of Rheumatology and Annual European Congress of Rheumatology meetings were searched. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All clinical trials published in English evaluating etoricoxib were included in this review. An abstract was excluded if it presented preliminary data from trials that are now published, analyzed data previously reported in a published clinical trial, or compared etoricoxib with placebo for an indication with published active-comparator controlled trials. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twelve clinical trials evaluating efficacy were reviewed. Efficacy for acute pain has been evaluated in acute gout, primary dysmenorrhea, and dental surgery and for chronic pain in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and chronic lower back pain. For safety, 3 clinical trials and 6 retrospective analyses of gastrointestinal, renovascular, or cardiovascular adverse effects were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Available studies demonstrate the efficacy of etoricoxib compared with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, but no published studies to date have compared etoricoxib with other selective COX-2 inhibitors. While these agents have demonstrated a significant reduction in gastrointestinal adverse effects, the cardiovascular adverse effects of selective COX-2 inhibition are not well defined. Further study is necessary to delineate the benefits and risks of etoricoxib compared with alternative treatment regimens.
Generalized Seizure and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis following Levofloxacin Exposure
Authors: Christie Megan J , Wong Karen , Ting Robert H , Tam Paul Y , Sikaneta Tabo Gordon 
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE: To report the case of a ciprofloxacin-allergic patient who developed a generalized tonic—clonic seizure and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) following a single dose of levofloxacin. CASE SUMMARY: An 87-year-old white woman was admitted to the hospital following a transient episode of unresponsiveness that had been accompanied by flailing of her limbs. Approximately 4 hours earlier, she had developed a pruritic rash on her trunk and limbs, and 3 hours before this had taken a first dose of levofloxacin. The fluoroquinolone had been prescribed for treatment of an upper respiratory tract infection. She had developed a skin rash approximately 3 years earlier following ciprofloxacin prescribed for a urinary tract infection. On admission, the patient had a normal neurologic examination. She was mildly hypomagnesemic (serum magnesium 1.7 mg/dL), with no other electrolyte imbalances present. Skin biopsy confirmed TEN. The lesions progressed to involve 30% of the body surface area and were managed with polymyxin B and gramicidin cream. Levofloxacin was discontinued on admission, and no anticonvulsants were prescribed. The woman remained seizure-free at discharge one week later. DISCUSSION: Generalized tonic—clonic seizures are a rare complication of levofloxacin therapy. TEN following levofloxacin use has, to our knowledge, as of March 28, 2005, been previously reported only once. The seizure and TEN were probably induced by levofloxacin as corroborated by the Naranjo probability scale. We believe that the previous adverse dermatologic reaction to ciprofloxacin sensitized our patient to levofloxacin. CONCLUSIONS: These rare adverse reactions to levofloxacin, involving disparate organ systems, can occur simultaneously. A previous dematologic adverse reaction to a fluoroquinolone can sensitize a patient to more severe adverse reactions (with onset after only a single dose of the subsequent fluoroquinolone). Further fluoroquinolone use should be avoided in such patients.
The non-thyroidal illness syndrome after coronary artery bypass grafting: a 6-month follow-up study
Authors: Cerillo Alfredo Giuseppe , Storti Simona , Mariani Massimiliano , Kallushi Enkel , Bevilacqua Stefano , Parri Maria Serena , Clerico Aldo , Glauber Mattia 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) is considered a transient and completely reversible phenomenon, but it has been shown that it may last for several days postoperatively after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. This study was undertaken to assess thyroid function 6 months after uncomplicated CABG. The thyroid profile was evaluated in 40 consecutive patients undergoing CABG preoperatively, at 0, 12, 48, and 120h postoperatively, and at 6-month follow-up. Triiodothyronine (T
Preanalytical variability in laboratory testing: influence of the blood drawing technique
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Salvagno Gian Luca , Brocco Giorgio , Guidi Gian Cesare 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe predominant technique used to draw blood for laboratory testing is a conventional straight needle attached to an evacuated tube system. However, alternative tools might be advantageous in exceptional circumstances. The use of butterfly devices has been traditionally discouraged for reasons of costs and due to the high risk of obtaining unsuitable samples, but there is no convincing evidence to support the latter indication. The purpose of this study was to compare results of hematological and clinical chemistry testing, after drawing blood into evacuated tubes, employing either a traditional 21-gauge straight needle or a 21-gauge butterfly device with 300-mm-grade polyvinyl chloride tubing. Blood samples and complete sets of data were successfully obtained for 30 consecutive outpatients. Of the 43 hematological and clinical chemistry parameters measured, means for paired samples collected by the two alternative drawing techniques did not differ significantly, except for serum sodium, white blood cells and platelets counts. Bland-Altman plots and limits-of-agreement analysis showed mean bias of between −7.2% and 1.7% and relative coefficients of variation ranging from 0.2% to 21.2%. The 95% agreement interval in the set of differences was acceptable and was mostly within the current analytical quality specifications for desirable bias. The rate of hemolysis in plasma was not statistically different between the two collection techniques. Taken together, the results of the present investigation suggest that, when a proper technique is used and within certain limitations, the butterfly device may be a reliable alternative to the conventional straight needle to draw blood for laboratory testing.
Überkritisches Wasser als Lösungsmittel
Authors: Weingärtner Hermann , Franck Ernst Ulrich 
Published: April 2005

AbstractWasser tritt nicht nur bei gewöhnlichen Temperaturen und niedrigen Drücken auf, sondern kann bei sehr hohen Temperaturen weit oberhalb seines kritischen Punkts bei 647 K vorliegen. Unter diesen überkritischen Bedingungen lässt sich Wasser kontinuierlich von gasförmigen zu flüssigkeitsähnlichen Dichten komprimieren. Die daraus resultierenden dichten überkritischen Phasen haben außergewöhnliche Eigenschaften, die durch Druck und Temperatur variiert werden können und die Grundlage innovativer Technologien bilden. Dieser Aufsatz beschreibt den derzeitigen Kenntnisstand über die wichtigsten Eigenschaften des überkritischen Wassers und seiner Gemische mit unpolaren, polaren und ionischen Stoffen sowie über die zugrunde liegenden molekularen Prozesse.
Energizing cell‐free protein synthesis with glucose metabolism
Authors: Calhoun Kara A. , Swartz James R. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractIn traditional cell‐free protein synthesis reactions, the energy source (typically phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) or creatine phosphate) is the most expensive substrate. However, for most biotechnology applications glucose is the preferred commercial substrate. Previous attempts to use glucose in cell‐free protein synthesis reactions have been unsuccessful. We have now developed a cell‐free protein synthesis reaction where PEP is replaced by either glucose or glucose‐6‐phosphate (G6P) as the energy source, thus allowing these reactions to compete more effectively with in vivo protein production technologies. We demonstrate high protein yields in a simple batch‐format reaction through pH control and alleviation of phosphate limitation. G6P reactions can produce high protein levels (∼700 μg/mL of chloramphenical acetyl transferase (CAT)) when pH is stabilized through replacement of the HEPES buffer with Bis‐Tris. Protein synthesis with glucose as an energy source is also possible, and CAT yields of ∼550 μg/mL are seen when both 10 mM phosphate is added to alleviate phosphate limitations and the Bis‐Tris buffer concentration is increased to stabilize pH. By following radioactivity from [U‐14C]‐glucose, we find that glucose is primarily metabolized to the anaerobic products, acetate and lactate. The ability to use glucose as an energy source in cell‐free reactions is important not only for inexpensive ATP generation during protein synthesis, but also as an example of how complex biological systems can be understood and exploited through cell‐free biology. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety Study in a Supercritical Extraction Plant
Authors: Lucas S. , Alonso E. , Sanz J.A. , Cocero M.J. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThis work presents a safety study of a supercritical extraction plant. In order to define process equipment and operation conditions, a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) plant to produce 336 kg/d (60t/season1)) sweet pepper oleoresin is presented. The plant was designed to operate at 40MPa extraction pressure, 40 °C extraction temperature, and 6MPa separation pressure using 10000Kg/h CO2 as solvent. A formal analysis was carried out in order to identify the most important hazards. It is obvious that the dangers arising from this plant have much to do with the nature of the substances being processed, the way they are treated in the plant, and their tendency to take part in chemical reactions under these conditions. The basic procedure involved was first to identify the main types and sources of hazards (possibility of releases, fires, explosions, and operation of high‐pressure systems) and quantify the causes and effects. Standardized test methods were used for this. The work included representative tests such as Dow index and a detailed PROBIT analysis.
Composite Microfiltration Membranes Imprinted with cAMP
Authors: Hilal N. , Kochkodan V. , Windsor P.J. , Lester E. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractComposite microfiltration membranes covered with a thin layer of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) selective to adenosine 3′:5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) were obtained and their separation properties were studied. MIP layers were prepared using photoinitiated copolymerization of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEM) as a functional monomer and trimethylopropane trimethacrylate (TRIM) as a crosslinker in the presence of cAMP as template in ethanol/water mixture. Blank membranes were prepared under the same conditions, but without cAMP. It was found out that pH of aqueous solution of the template has an effect on the binding of cAMP with MIP membranes. It was concluded that the ability of MIP membranes to bind cAMP is a result of both ionic interactions between charged dimethylamino groups of polymer matrix and the phosphorous residue of cAMP molecule and the specific shape of recognizing sites. These sites are complementary to cAMP in terms of three dimensional shape as well as correct position of functional groups involved in the template binding. This paper shows that the binding capability of MIP membranes can be adjusted by varying the values of degree of modification (DM). Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Force Microscopy (SEM) were used to visualise surfaces and cross sections of membranes to gain better understanding in the analysis of MIP layer deposited on membranes.
Effect of Drag‐Reducing Polymer on the Rate of Cementation of Copper Ion on Zinc Pellets
Authors: Fadali O.A. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe effect of Polyox WSR‐301 drag‐reducing polymer on the rate of cementation of copper from copper sulfate solution over packed beds of zinc pellets was investigated. The mass transfer coefficient was found to increase with increasing superficial liquid velocity for solution free of polymer. The mass transfer data were correlated in the absence of drag‐reducing polymer, using the following equation Jd = 12.55 Re–0.5 for the conditions 10 < Re < 1970 and 1265 < Sc < 1393. In the presence of polymer, starting from a Reynolds number (Re) 550, the rate of mass transfer was found to decrease by an amount ranging from 7.5 to 51 % depending on Re and polymer concentrations. The percentage decrease in the rate of mass transfer increased with increasing Re, passed through a maximum at Re = 1400 and then decreased rapidly with further increase in Re.