bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Analgesic Agents on the Healing Rat Medial Collateral Ligament
Authors: Hanson Curtis A. , Weinhold Paul S. , Afshari Hessam M. , Dahners Laurence E. 
Published: February 2005

Background Studies have suggested that some nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including piroxicam, may improve ligament healing, whereas other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen and the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib, may have no effect on the mechanical properties or may even deter the healing process. These results might reflect variations in cyclooxygenase enzyme selectivity by different drugs or, alternatively, may be related to their analgesic properties because it is generally accepted that early activity improves ligament healing. Hypothesis Nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs improve ligament healing, whereas other analgesics provide lesser degrees of improvement, and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors are detrimental. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods One hundred fifty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 7 treatment groups (piroxicam, naproxen, rofecoxib, butorphanol, 2 doses of acetaminophen, and control). The right medial collateral ligament of each rat was transected, and the drugs were administered postoperatively on days 1 to 6. On day 14, the rats were sacrificed, and mechanical testing was performed on the medial collateral ligament. Results The piroxicam group demonstrated significantly greater load to failure (27%) compared with the control. No significant differences were observed between other groups. Conclusions Piroxicam improves ligament healing, but this effect cannot be attributed to all nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Opiate analgesics, acetaminophen, and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors do not appear to categorically affect ligament healing. Clinical Relevance In the treatment of ligament injury, piroxicam may be a drug of choice.
The Diagnostic Value of Intracompartmental Pressure Measurement, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Van Den Brand Johan G. H. , Nelson Teresa , Verleisdonk Egbert J. M. M. , Van Der Werken Christian 
Published: February 2005

Background Patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome have pain during exercise that usually subsides at rest. History and physical examination may raise suspicion of the syndrome; diagnosis is usually confirmed with intracompartmental pressure measurement after exercise. Studies have shown that magnetic resonance imaging and near-infrared spectroscopy have diagnostic ability in this syndrome. Hypothesis Magnetic resonance imaging and near-infrared spectroscopy can be used to diagnose chronic exertional compartment syndrome. Study Design Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods Patients were enrolled if there was clinical suspicion of chronic exertional compartment syndrome, and a fasciotomy was performed based on this suspicion. Before fasciotomy, intracompartmental pressure, near-infrared spectroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging data were collected during and after exercise on a treadmill. Near-infrared spectroscopy and intracompartmental pressure values were recorded in the same manner after fasciotomy. Retrospective proof that diagnosis of the syndrome had been correct was the absence of exertional complaints from the preoperative examination during exercise at postfasciotomy visit. Results Fifty patients (100 legs) participated in the prefasciotomy visit; 3 refused fasciotomy; 2 were lost to follow-up. Of 45 patients who completed the postfasciotomy visit, the diagnosis of chronic exertional compartment syndrome was retrospectively confirmed in 42 patients and discarded in 3 patients. The sensitivity for intracompartmental pressure (cutoff point, 35 mmHg) found in this study was 77% (67%-86%, exact 95% confidence interval), lower than estimates from the literature (93%). The sensitivity (previously defined cutoff) for near-infrared spectroscopy was 85% (76%-92%, exact 95% confidence interval), validating the estimate found in the literature (85%). Sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging was comparable to that of intracompartmental pressure and near-infrared spectroscopy; associated specificity at a given sensitivity appeared to be lower with magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusion This study validates the sensitivity of near-infrared spectroscopy and provides estimates for the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging in chronic exertional compartment syndrome in a large group of patients. The sensitivity of noninvasive near-infrared spectroscopy is clinically equivalent to that of invasive intracompartmental pressure measurements.
Chondral Defect Repair after the Microfracture Procedure
Authors: Gill Thomas J. , Mcculloch Patrick C. , Glasson Sonya S. , Blanchet Tracey , Morris Elizabeth A. 
Published: February 2005

Background The extent and time course of chondral defect healing after microfracture in humans are not well described. Although most physicians recommend a period of activity and weightbearing restriction to protect the healing cartilage, there are limited data on which to base decisions regarding the duration of such restrictions. Hypothesis Evaluation of the status of chondral defect repair at different time points after microfracture in a primate model may provide a rationale for postoperative activity recommendations. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Full-thickness chondral defects created on the femoral condyles and trochlea of 12 cynomolgus macaques were treated with microfracture and evaluated by gross and histologic examination at 6 and 12 weeks. Results At 6 weeks, there was limited chondral repair and ongoing resorption of subchondral bone. By 12 weeks, the defects were completely filled and showed more mature cartilage and bone repair. Conclusion In the primate animal model, significant improvements in the extent and quality of cartilage repair were observed from the 6- to 12-week time points after microfracture. Clinical Relevance The poor status of the defect repair at 6 weeks and the ongoing healing observed from the 6- to 12-week time points may indicate that the repair is vulnerable during this initial postoperative period. Assuming the goal of postoperative weightbearing and activity restriction in patients after microfracture is to protect immature repair tissue, this study lends support to extending such recommendations longer than 6 weeks.
Laboratory Variables as Additional Staging Parameters in Patients with Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma. A Systematic Review
Authors: Watine Joseph 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
We have reviewed the biomedical literature published over the last 25 years in order to try to establish which of four frequently evaluated laboratory parameters (i.e. serum, or plasma, NSE, LDH, sodium or albumin) might, alone or in combination, give the "best" pretreatment prognostic information in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients, independent of the usual radiological and clinical parameters. From the 45 studies included in this review, the only clear conclusion that can be derived is that it has not yet been clearly demonstrated that the "new" tests (NSE or other tumor markers) are superior to the "old" tests (LDH, sodium, albumin etc.). From the only seven studies that used the same powerful statistical methodologies (Cox's models in association with recursive partitioning and amalgamation proceduce (RECPAM) analysis) it could be concluded that LDH and albumin might have independent prognostic significance in SCLC and in advanced SCLC respectively. Provided that, in the future, both laboratory and statistical expertises are clearly guaranteed in the primary studies in this field, it might become possible to propose laboratory parameters as additional staging parameters in SCLC.
International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) Standardization Project for the Measurement of Lipoprotein(a). Phase 2: Selection and Properties of a Proposed Secondary Reference Material for Lipoprotein(a).
Authors: Tate Jillian R. , Berg Kåre , Couderc Rémy , Dati Francesco , Kostner Gert M. , Marcovina Santica M. , Rifai Nader , Sakurabayashi Ikunosuke , Steinmetz Armin 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group for the Standardization of Lipoprotein(a) Assays has initiated a project to select a secondary reference material for lipoprotein( a) that can standardize the measurement of this lipoprotein. Most of the analytical problems with lipoprotein( a) assays are due to apolipoprotein(a) kringle 4 type 2 reactive antibodies and values being expressed in mg/l mass units rather than as nmol/l of apolipoprotein( a) particles. In Phase 2, four manufactured materials were compared for analytical performance, commutability properties and method harmonization in 27 lipoprotein(a) test systems. Results of precision and linearity testing were comparable for all materials whereas testing for the harmonization effect resulted in an among-assay coefficient of variation for corrected lipoprotein(a) values of between 11% and 22%. The material that gave maximum harmonization achieved a variation of < 8% for 18 immunonephelometric and immunoturbidimetric assay systems. It can be hypothesized that this residual variation in part takes into account the inaccuracy of lipoprotein(a) measurement due to apolipoprotein(a) size polymorphism. On the basis of acceptable analytical performance, maximal harmonization effect and documented stability, a lyophilized material has been selected as the common calibrator for lipoprotein(a) to be used in a value transfer procedure by diagnostic companies.
Concentrations of Plasma Methylmalonic Acid in 80-Year-Olds Show Only Weak Relation to Psychological Performance
Authors: Hultberg Björn , Jensen Elmo , Dehlin Ove , Hagberg Bo , Samuelsson Gillis , Svensson Torbjörn 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Most studies of the relation between psychological performance in the elderly and deficiencies of cobalamin and folate have used methods that determine the blood concentrations of these vitamins, which might not reflect the vitamin status in the tissues. Recently, two new markers, plasma homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, have attracted growing interest since they are considered to reflect the status of cobalamins and folates in the tissues. In a previous study, we noted a strong association between five parameters of well-being and lower concentrations of plasma homocysteine. In the present study, we have extended these observations by determination of plasma methylmalonic acid in the same healthy elderly population. In the present study, 18 out of 100 subjects had increased plasma methylmalonic acid and in 7 of these subjects, the concentrations of serum cobalamin, blood folate, plasma homocysteine and serum creatinine were within normal limits. The relation between plasma methylmalonic acid concentrations and concentrations of serum cobalamin and blood folates and five parameters of well-being were investigated. Concentrations of plasma methylmalonic acid were only weakly associated with the concentrations of serum cobalamin and lower scores on the logical reasoning test. The present study clearly shows that the levels of plasma methylmalonic acid show a much lesser association with the parameters of well-being than did plasma homocysteine.
The Risk Groups for Coronary Heart Disease in Koreans. Assessment by Distribution of Serum Lipid Concentrations
Authors: Chun Sail , Min Won-Ki , Park Hyosoon , Song Junghan , Kim Jin Q , Min Young Il , Kim Sung-Ryul , Lee Seon-Ho 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Coronary heart disease is the most severe form of disease caused by atherosclerosis; and there is a strong relationship between serum lipid concentrations and atherosclerosis. By decade of life, means, standard deviations and selected percentiles were calculated according to sex for serum concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride in 69,563 Koreans. The prevalence of dyslipoproteinemias which were related to high risk of coronary heart disease were assessed. The mean concentrations of serum total cholesterol and LDL-C in the Korean population were 5.02 mmol/l and 3.00 mmol/l. The 75th and 90th percentile concentrations of total cholesterol were 5.59 mmol/l and 6.24 mmol/l. The mean concentrations of serum triglyceride and HDL-C were 1.58 mmol/l and 1.30 mmol/l. The hyperlipoproteinemia type IV (4.8%) was the most frequent, followed by Type IIa (4.6%), hypoalphalipoproteinemia (3.3%), and type IIb (0.2%). According to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel II, 4.1% of Korean adults needed the initial drug therapy and 10.8% the initial dietary therapy for hypercholesterolemia. The age and sex-specific treatment guidelines for hypercholesterolemia would make it possible that early intervention could be applied to atherosclerosis in Korean adults.
Efficiency of Some In Vitro Allergy Tests for Evaluating Atopy in Children and Adults
Authors: Yılmaz Necat , Bayraktaroǧlu Ziya , Özaslan Jale 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
In recent years, an increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases has been reported, in industrialised countries. It is also a problem in non-industrialised countries, but its extent is less well documented. In this study, inhalant screening allergens (AlaTOP®), food screening allergens (FP5E®), and total and specific IgE were measured in 237 allergic patients (164 adults and 73 children) in order to examine the distribution of common allergens, the percentage of atopy/non-atopy among allergic children and adults in a developing country, Turkey, which has different environments and societies from western countries. We also evaluated the efficiency of automatic allergy screening tests in both groups. The sensitivity and specificity of AlaTOP® in adults were 83% and 86%, respectively; these were 70% and 84%, respectively for FP5E®, and the sensitivity and specificity of AlaTOP® in children were 79% and 82%, while sensitivity and specificity of FP5E® were 72% and 85%, respectively.
The percentages of atopic male children (31%) were higher than in adults (21%). The reverse is true in adults. The most frequent allergens in childhood were Lolium perenne and cow milk, while in adults it was Lolium perenne. Total IgE levels were found to be statistically different between atopic and non-atopic subjects in adults (p < 0.001). This relationship was not found in children (p > 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of total IgE in children were 57% and 67%, and in adults 84% and 67%, respectively. The lower specificity and sensitivity of total IgE level in children than in adults suggests that it is less useful for the diagnosis of allergy.
Statistical Techniques for Evaluating the Diagnostic Utility of Laboratory Tests
Authors: Kazmierczak Steven C. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Clinical laboratory data is used to help classify patients into diagnostic disease categories so that appropriate therapy may be implemented and prognosis estimated. Unfortunately, the process of correctly classifying patients with respect to disease status is often difficult. Patients may have several concurrent disease processes and the clinical signs and symptoms of many diseases lack specificity. In addition, results of laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures from healthy and diseased individuals often overlap. Finally, advances in computer technology and laboratory automation have resulted in an extraordinary increase in the amount of information produced by the clinical laboratory; information which must be correctly evaluated and acted upon so that appropriate treatment and additional testing, if necessary, can be implemented.
Clinical informatics refers to a broad array of statistical methods used for the evaluation and management of diagnostic information necessary for appropriate patient care. Within the realm of clinical chemistry, clinical informatics may be used to indicate the acquisition, evaluation, representation and interpretation of clinical chemistry data. This review discusses some of the techniques that should be used for the evaluation of the diagnostic utility of clinical laboratory data. The major topics to be covered include probalistic approaches to data evaluation, and information theory. The latter topic will be discussed in some detail because it introduces important concepts useful in providing for cost-effective, quality patient care. In addition, an example illustrating how the informational value of diagnostic tests can be determined is shown.
Infrared Analysis of Urinary Stones: a Trial of Automated Identification
Authors: Estepa Laurence Maurice , Levillain Pierre , Lacour Bernard , Daudon Michel 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
A Search algorithm included in the Opus software of Bruker (Germany) was evaluated for analysis of urinary stones. Three reference libraries containing respectively 85 (single components), 1,059 (binary mixtures) and 4,565 (ternary mixture) digitized spectra were created and used to identify unknown spectra (n=320), applying the automatic procedure. Identification of the major component was correct in 83% of cases but the percentage of identification significantly decreased for the second and the third components. In cases of identification of the two first components, quantitative assessment was correct within tolerance limits ± 15%.
The computer results are judged unsatisfactory with regard to pathology because computer-aided identification is not sufficiently sensitive and specific to differentiate species with similar spectral pattern, even for the identification of main component, and also to detect minor components. It can be of assistance to guide spectral analysis, but it cannot replace human identification.
Evaluation of a Direct α-Amylase Assay Using 2-Chloro-4-nitrophenyl-α-D-maltotrioside
Authors: Lorentz Klaus , Gütschow Barbara , Renner Florian 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
We present the adaptation of an IFCC method for α-amylase using 2-chloro-4-nitro-phenyl-α-D-maltotrioside as substrate (1) suited for routine work at 37℃. In the assay, a constant proportion of substrate, i. e. 92%, is directly converted to 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol and maltotriose. The method is based on multi- and univariate optimization leading to following measurement conditions: substrate, 2.25 mmol/l; chloride, 310 mmol/l; calcium 5.0 mmol/l; 4-morpholinoethanesulphonic acid, 50 mmol/l; pH 6.28. The assay may be carried out manually or by mechanized procedures, with substrate or sample start, and it shows these analytical properties in measuring amylase activity of sera: no lag phase, detection limit 2.9 U/l, linear range ≤820 U/l (for 300 s) or ≤1450 U/l (for 120 s of measurement), and total manual imprecision 3.2% (CV) at 46 U/l. Bilirubin ≤630 μmol/l, haemoglobin ≤6 g/l, triacylglycerols ≤30 mmol/l, heparin ≤100 kU/l, and glucose ≤120 mmol/l do not interfere. For adults, we established a preliminary 0.95-reference interval of 30–90 U/l not dependent on sex or age. A close association with the IFCC method demonstrates the reliable transfer of its measurement conditions to a robust routine method with minimal changes.
Organisationsstrukturen zur Verbesserung der Wirtschaftlichkeit medizinischer Laboratorien in Krankenhäusern. Organizational structures improving the economic efficiency of medical hospital laboratories
Authors: Henker (federführend) Otto , Appel Siegfried , Hänseler Edgar , Köller Ursula , Neumeier Dieter , Stein Wolfgang , Tiran Andreas , Vogt Wolfgang 
Published: February 2005

Abstract

Abstract The common trend to form larger organisations has nowadays also reached the health system and the diagnostic laboratories. This development is dominated by economic motivations, notably by the wish to reduce costs. This tendency bears risks, specifically for the quality of medical services. Too much centralisation, which is frequently accompanied by all-inclusive prices and downgrading, puts quality at risk.
Quality management does not necessarily increase costs but can also help to reduce costs. For example changes in the organisation, cooperation and management of laboratories may help to reduce costs but yet maintain or even improve quality. The achievement of this goal needs great efforts for defining visions and strategies and developing concepts. Expertise from economic and organisational sciences rather than mere medical knowledge are necessary to reach these objectives. Know-how on methods and problem solution must be gained or obtained from external sources. All involved individuals must be willing to change and to overcome antagonistic attitudes.
Legal measures including the Health Care Modernisation Act (Gesundheitssystem-Modernisierungsgesetz =GMG) are aimed to reach integrated medical care, for example in out-patient and in-patient settings. It is important that the involved parties cooperate to overcome the disadvantages and to combine the advantages of the present situation. Thereby the health system will develop innovative solutions, which are efficient and cost-saving but also guarantee the maintenance or even improvement of current quality standards.
Molecular detection of hepatitis B virus: recent developments. Molekularer Nachweis des Hepatitis B-Virus: Aktueller Entwicklungsstand
Authors: Weber Bernard , Berger Annemarie 
Published: February 2005

Abstract

Abstract Highly sensitive qualitative and quantitative automated nucleic acid amplification tests (NATs) that are commercially available for the detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have been developed only in the last few years. The potential indications for HBV NATs are: follow-up of chronic hepatitis B, therapy and antiviral resistance monitoring, determination of infectivity and transmission risk, detection of occult (HBsAg-negative and HBV DNA-positive) infection and mutant virus which may escape serologic diagnosis, blood donor screening, and resolution of unusual or discordant serologic constellations. Although NATs are now widely implemented in the routine diagnosis of clinical laboratories, there are several important issues which need to be further investigated. Standardisation of NATs used for the monitoring of antiviral therapy and follow-up of chronic infection is still lacking, and the clinical significance of HBV DNA levels needs to be clarified. The influence of genetic variability in terms of genotype variation has been poorly investigated so far. Although there are highly sensitive automated NATs for blood donor screening available, their implementation is still subject to discussion and certain countries rejected HBV DNA testing for blood donation for reasons of poor cost-effectiveness.
Bayesian Estimation of Recent Migration Rates After a Spatial Expansion
Authors: Hamilton Grant , Currat Mathias , Ray Nicolas , Heckel Gerald , Beaumont Mark , Excoffier Laurent 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is a highly flexible technique that allows the estimation of parameters under demographic models that are too complex to be handled by full-likelihood methods. We assess the utility of this method to estimate the parameters of range expansion in a two-dimensional stepping-stone model, using samples from either a single deme or multiple demes. A minor modification to the ABC procedure is introduced, which leads to an improvement in the accuracy of estimation. The method is then used to estimate the expansion time and migration rates for five natural common vole populations in Switzerland typed for a sex-linked marker and a nuclear marker. Estimates based on both markers suggest that expansion occurred &lt;10,000 years ago, after the most recent glaciation, and that migration rates are strongly male biased.