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A comparison of the effect of ski sidecut on three-dimensional knee joint kinematics during a ski run.

The popularity of alpine skis with large sidecuts has increased dramatically in the last few years. However, little scientific data exists regarding the effect of these skis on certain human factors. The purpose of this study was to compare three-dimensional knee joint motions during entire ski runs while skiing on two skis with a large difference in sidecut (Elan SCX and Elan RP90). Five, expert male skiers performed three runs on each ski. Three-dimensional knee joint motion was collected throughout each run using a portable, magnetic motion tracking system. Twenty-four turns from each run were analyzed for joint motion characteristics. The results indicated that no statistically significant differences in knee joint range of motion or angular velocities were found to exist between the Elan SCX and Elan RP90 during normal skiing maneuvers. Further research is needed on the effect of ski sidecut on knee joint kinematics while skiing on varied terrain and/or with different skiing styles. In addition, similar studies comparing the effect of ski sidecut on metabolic cost and effect on injury rates are also needed.

Adult↗

Favorable neonatal outcome after fetal entrapment and partially successful Zavanelli maneuver in a case of breech presentation.

A 16-year-old primigravida woman presented in advanced labor with a singleton breech presentation. Vaginal delivery was considered to be possible, but entrapment at the level of the fetal thorax occurred. The Zavanelli maneuver was attempted unsuccessfully. A cesarean section was performed immediately but was complicated by lateroflexion of the fetus. The attending pediatrician proceeded to endotracheal intubation and ventilation of the partially born baby. Repositioning of the mother facilitated delivery. The fetus survived without any complications. This case illustrates the lack of scientific data to support decision-making in the case of patients presenting with breech presentation late in labor, as well as the unconventional steps sometimes needed in these situations.

Adolescent↗

Percutaneious Radiofrequency Treatment of Osteoid Osteomas.

Percutaneous radiofrequency coagulation has become a highly successful alternative to surgical management of osteoid osteoma. This review discusses the reasons for intervention, and the background scientific data that supports the radiofrequency approach. The technique is described in detail, followed by a description of the results of 59 procedures. Finally, some comparisons between the radiofrequency method and other percutaneous interventions are discussed.

Journal Article↗

Toxic effects of crude oil combined with oil cleaner simple green on yolk-sac larvae and adult rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND, GOAL AND SCOPE: Cleaner CRYSTAL Simple Green (SG) was used for the cleanup of the oil spill in the Baltic Sea near Lithuania in 2001. No scientific data are available on the effects and consequences of its application for local aquatic life. The aim of this study was to determine and compare sublethal effects of a) solution SG; b) crude oil alone; c) SG in combination with oil on rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss at different stages of its development in laboratory conditions. METHODS: Laboratory studies were performed on adult rainbow trout (4-day duration) and on yolk-sac larvae (25-day duration) evaluating their biological parameters. Concentrations of water-soluble and thin-dispersed fractions of petroleum hydrocarbons were measured using gas chromatography. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: SG solution (0.5 mg/l) did not affect the survival of larvae and adult fish, and no significant changes were determined in respiratory parameters of the exposed lar vae and adult fish. The most expressed alterations were found in morphological parameters (a decrease in the average body mass) of larvae and in haematological indices (a decrease in the leukocyte count) of adult fish at the end of the tests. Crude oil (1610 mg/l) did not affect the survival of adult fish during the 4-day exposure. An increase in larvae mortality rate (approximately 36%) was recorded at the end of the tests. A significant decrease in the average body mass and heart rate of larvae as well as in gill ventilation frequency of larvae and adult fish were determined. SG combined with oil induced an increase in larval mortality approximately 46% of individuals died at the end of the tests. No mortality was recorded in adult fish. The average body mass and heart rate of larvae were significantly decreased. Marked changes were also found in respiratory parameters (gill ventilation frequency of larvae and adult fish significantly decreased, while 'coughing' rate increased). A 1-day, 2-day exposure of fish to SG combined with oil induced a significant decrease in the leukocyte count of adult fish, which was also determined at the end of the tests. The augmentation of adverse impact could be explained by the data obtained from our studies. When SG was added into dilution water with crude oil the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in the mixture increased 3 approximately 4.5 times after 24 h and 96 h, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The comparative study of the effects of crude oil alone, SG and SG combined with oil showed that their toxic effects on fish differed. Oil combined with SG was found to be more toxic to fish (larvae and adults) than SG alone and oil alone. Fish at early stages of development (yolk-sac larvae) were more sensitive to the effects of the compounds studied than adults. RECOMMENDATIONS AND OUTLOOK: To diminish the negative impact of oil spill cleanup using chemicals on aquatic ecosystems, it is recommended to carry out more comprehensive studies of their effects and after-effects in laboratory conditions using a wide scale of local aquatic organisms. The selected species of the most sensitive aquatic organisms should include those which are unable to escape the impact of combined action of oil and cleaners. Special attention should be directed to the research of effects of these pollutants on studied organisms at their most sensitive stages of life (reproduction, hatching, early stages of development), as after-effects of exposure to pollutants may be observed in future generations.

Animals↗

National and regional assessment of the antibacterial soap market: a step toward determining the impact of prevalent antibacterial soaps.

BACKGROUND: Consumer antibacterial soaps contain triclosan or triclocarban. No scientific data have been published to suggest that the use of antibacterial agents in household products prevents infection, and triclosan resistance mechanisms have recently been identified. Little data are available regarding the prevalence of antibacterial agents contained in consumer soaps. METHODS: In a physician-performed survey of 23 stores in 10 states from December 1999 to April 2000, investigators determined the number of national brand liquid and bar soaps and percent of each containing antibacterial agents sold at national chain, regional grocery, and Internet stores. RESULTS: Antibacterial agents were present in 76% of liquid soaps and 29% of bar soaps available nationally. There were no differences found between national, regional, and Internet stores. CONCLUSION: Overall, 45% of surveyed soaps contain antibacterial agents. With limited documented benefits and experimental laboratory evidence suggesting possible adverse effects on the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, consumer antibacterial use of this magnitude should be questioned.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Primary cutaneous malignant melanoma and its precursor lesions: diagnostic and therapeutic overview.

During the past few decades, scientific data relating to melanoma have flourished. New information regarding acquired nevi, dysplastic nevi (atypical nevi), and congenital nevi has given us a better understanding of these precursor lesions and their relationships to malignant melanoma. The roles of laboratory testing, photography, and newer diagnostic tools (eg, epiluminescence) to evaluate patients for melanoma or precursor lesions have fallen under close scrutiny. Traditional surgical therapeutic interventions continue to be replaced by less aggressive protocols based on prospective randomized studies. Many new interventions such as sentinel lymph node procedures are currently being evaluated at research/referral centers around the world. We present clinicians with an evidence-based summary of the current literature with regard to primary cutaneous melanoma, its diagnosis, precursor lesions, and therapy.

Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome↗

Dimensional accuracy of castings produced with ringless and metal ring investment systems.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The ringless casting procedure is in use in clinical dentistry, although there is no adequate scientific data to support its use. PURPOSE: This study compared the vertical margin accuracy of lost wax castings produced with the conventional casting technique using a metal ring and a technique that uses a ringless system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From copings fabricated on a metal die, 30 castings were produced from a high palladium alloy for metal ceramic restorations (Argedent). Ten castings were cast with Bellavest T (Bego) phosphate-bonded investment with the ringless technique, 10 were cast with the same investment with a metal ring, and the final 10 were cast using Hi-temp (Whip Mix) phosphate-bonded investment with a metal ring. The internal surface of the castings were not modified before seating with finger pressure. For vertical margin discrepancy measurements, an optical microscope at a magnification of 100x was used. Data were analyzed with 1-way multivariate ANOVA (repeated measures) and the Student-Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS: When following the manufacturers' recommendations, the castings of the ringless technique provided less vertical margin discrepancy (mean value 181 +/- 71 microm) than the castings produced with the conventional metal ring technique (290 +/- 87 microm and 291 +/- 88 microm). The difference was significant (P <. 001). CONCLUSION: The ringless technique may produce accurate castings for use in fixed prosthodontics, therefore further investigation is needed to develop a protocol for its use.

Analysis of Variance↗

Susceptibility of children to environmental toxic substances.

Our understanding of toxicity of environmental substances is based mainly on investigations using adult human populations and matured animals. Therefore, the scientific community and regulatory agencies have very little knowledge regarding how children respond to insult from toxic chemicals. However, certain scientific data indicate that children are more susceptible to toxic exposure than adults because they have proportionally more intake of food contaminants, active developmental processes, multiple exposure pathways and susceptible socio-behavioral activities. More emphasis should therefore be focused on addressing the information gap for improving the health of our children.

Adult↗

Ganoderma lucidum ("Lingzhi"), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a controlled human supplementation study.

Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a woody mushroom highly regarded in traditional medicine and is widely consumed in the belief that it promotes health and longevity, lowers the risk of cancer and heart disease and boosts the immune system. However, objective scientific validation of the putative health benefits of Lingzhi in human subjects is lacking, and issues of possible toxicity must be addressed. The present double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over intervention study investigated the effects of 4 weeks Lingzhi supplementation on a range of biomarkers for antioxidant status, CHD risk, DNA damage, immune status, and inflammation, as well as markers of liver and renal toxicity. It was performed as a follow-up to a study that showed that antioxidant power in plasma increased after Lingzhi ingestion, and that 10 d supplementation was associated with a trend towards an improved CHD biomarker profile. In the present study, fasting blood and urine from healthy, consenting adults (n 18; aged 22-52 years) was collected before and after 4 weeks supplementation with a commercially available encapsulated Lingzhi preparation (1.44 g Lingzhi/d; equivalent to 13.2 g fresh mushroom/d) or placebo. No significant change in any of the variables was found, although a slight trend toward lower lipids was again seen, and antioxidant capacity in urine increased. The results showed no evidence of liver, renal or DNA toxicity with Lingzhi intake, and this is reassuring. The present study of the effects in healthy, well-nourished subjects provides useful, new scientific data that will support controlled intervention trials using at-risk subjects in order to assess the therapeutic effect of Lingzhi in the promotion of healthy ageing.

Adult↗

Communicating about gut health to the consumer: presenting the BENEO Programme.

Providing sufficient scientific data to be able to make 'health related claims' on foods is quite a challenge. But bringing these claims successfully to the consumer is perhaps an even bigger challenge. Especially when the claims are based on the function of the intestinal tract, as this is a subject that not everybody communicates easily about. In our consumer research, we have focused on how the new consumer thinks and talks about gut health. We found out that he is aware of the existence and the importance of gut microflora. He believes that foods can influence his own flora. At the same time, our research has tested the efficiency of several ways to communicate about these aspects. The consumer reacts quite differently on different marketing concepts. He accepts that natural ingredients can help his gut flora and expects to find such active ingredients in common everyday foods and also in diet supplements. Based on this research, we have condensed the 'prebiotic' message about inulin and oligofructose into a number of simple communications. The best of these were selected for further consumer product testing. The results of this effort form the basis of the BENEO Programme: a communication platform created by ORAFTI that allows the food industry, in partnership with ORAFTI, to bring a uniform and clear message to the consumer about the health benefits of inulin and oligofructose.

Bifidobacterium↗

Diet, nutrition and the prevention of osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence on diet and nutrition relating to osteoporosis and provide recommendations for preventing osteoporosis, in particular, osteopototic fracture. APPROACH: Firstly, to review the definition, diagnosis and epidemiology of osteoporosis, to discuss the difficulties in using bone mineral density to define osteoporosis risk in a world-wide context and to propose that fragility fracture should be considered as the disease endpoint. Secondly, to provide an overview of the scientific data, the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence and the conceptual difficulties in interpreting studies linking diet, nutrition and osteoporosis. The following were considered: calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, protein and fluorine. Other potential dietary influences on bone health were also discussed, including vitamins, trace elements, electrolytes, acid-base balance, phyto-oestrogens, vegetarianism and lactose intolerance. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient knowledge linking bone mineral status, growth rates or bone turnover in children and adolescents to long-term benefits in old age for these indices to be used as markers of osteoporotic disease risk. For adults, the evidence of a link between intakes of any dietary component and fracture risk is not sufficiently secure to make firm recommendations, with the exception of calcium and vitamin D. For other aspects of the diet, accumulating evidence suggests that current healthy-eating advice to decrease sodium intake, to increase potassium intake, and to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables is unlikely to be detrimental to bone health and may be beneficial.

Biomarkers↗

Reliability of the AO/ASIF classification for pertrochanteric femoral fractures.

20 radiographs of pertrochanteric femoral fractures were classified as to fracture "group" and "sub-group" according to the AO/ASIF Fracture Classification (type 31A) by 15 observers. 3 months later, the same radiographs were reviewed by the same observers. Mean agreement of the observers with the final consensus ranged from 53% (with subgroup classification) to 81% (without subgroup). The mean kappa value for interobserver reliability was 0.33 and 0.34 for classification with subgroup in both observer sessions, respectively. Omission of the subgroup classification resulted in better mean kappa values (0.67 and 0.63, respectively). Mean intraobserver reliability was 0.48 in the fracture "subgroup" and 0.78 in the "group" classification. In conclusion, the results show that the AO/ASIF classification for pertrochanteric fractures is reliable for fracture subgroups 31A1, A2 or A3. The group classification should be used to compare scientific data and determine the best treatment. Further classification of fracture subgroups leads to poor reproducibility of results.

Femoral Fractures↗

The role of hypnotizability assessment in treatment.

Disparate opinions about the importance of the assessment of hypnotizability reflect very different ideas about what hypnosis is, the relevance of hypnotizability to psychotherapy and treatment outcome, and the importance of gathering scientific data to document treatment effectiveness and the presence of hypnotic effects. In this article, we argue that in recent years important developments have occurred in the conceptualization, assessment, and technical aspects of hypnotic intervention that imply that clinicians who eschew the use of hypnotizability assessment ought to reconsider their position. In making this argument, we will discuss reasons for assessing hypnotizability, the relation between hypnotizability and treatment outcome, and practical considerations in the assessment of hypnotizability.

Humans↗

Compensation of victims exposed to environmental pollutants.

The sponsors of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), also known as "Superfund," agreed that more information was needed regarding legal remedies for injuries to persons from exposures to hazardous wastes. There has been a rush in Congress and some states to introduce "victims' compensation" bills to facilitate recovery for personal injury from exposure to hazardous waste sites. Such approaches are overly simplistic and totally disregard the reach and shortfall of scientific data.

Humans↗

Rethinking per se exclusions of hypnotically elicited recall as legal testimony.

In 1993, Boggs argued for a rethinking of the per se exclusion of hypnotically elicited testimony. This article analyzes the Minnesota v. Mack (1980) case that initiated this exclusion and the two Illinois cases Boggs cites in favor of her position. The scientific data on the effect of hypnosis on memory do not support Boggs's position. Rather than providing reasons for rethinking this per se position, these data suggest that it should be retained.

Adult↗

Viruses and lymphoma.

The aetiology of lymphomas is poorly understood and the striking increase in its incidence rate in developed societies remains unexplained. The concept of lymphoma as a virally-induced malignancy is not surprising since viruses are implicated in approximately 15% of all cancers. However, lymphoma represents a complex multistep process and, although viral associations have been identified, integration of the available epidemiological and scientific data poses substantial questions. The study of oncogenic viruses has and will continue to yield major insights into the pathogenesis of lymphoma. Further research is likely to uncover new lymphoma associations between both known and as yet unidentified viruses, may provide cellular and pharmacological targeted antiviral therapy strategies for the treatment of malignant lymphoma, and ultimately may generate the most promising avenue for lymphoma prevention.

Humans↗

Celiac disease risk in the USA: high prevalence of antiendomysium antibodies in healthy blood donors.

BACKGROUND: Recent epidemiologic studies in Europe using antigliadin (AGA) and anti-endomysium antibodies (AEA) for initial screening have shown that the overall prevalence of celiac disease (CD) is about 1:300. There are no comparable scientific data for the USA, where CD is considered rare. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of increased AEA in healthy blood donors in the USA. METHODS: Sera from 2000 healthy blood donors were screened for IgG AGA and IgA AGA with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. All those with increased AGA levels, those with intermediate levels, and random samples with low levels were tested for AEA, using both monkey esophagus (ME) and human umbilical cord (HUC) cryosections as substrates. RESULTS: The mean age of the blood donors was 39 years, with 52% being men, 85.2% being Caucasian, 11.8% African-American, 1.5% Asian, and 1.5% Hispanic. Eight healthy blood donors had positive AEA tests on both monkey esophagus and human umbilical cord. Among the eight subjects with increased AEA levels seven were Caucasian and one was African-American. All the four examined AEA-positive donors carried the known susceptibility alleles for CD. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of increased AEA levels in healthy blood donors in the USA is 1:250 (8:2000). This is similar to that reported in countries in Europe, where subsequent small-intestinal biopsies have confirmed CD in all those with AEA positivity. On the basis of a high positive predictive value of the AEA antibody test, it is likely that the eight blood donors identified in this study have CD. These data suggest that CD is not rare in the USA and that there is need for a large-scale epidemiologic study to determine the precise prevalence of the disease in the USA.

Adolescent↗

Apoptosis and regression of embryonic mesenchyme in the development of the middle ear spaces.

Apoptosis was studied using temporal bones from three fetuses representing different times of gestation and from three neonates. Paraffin-embedded sections 20-microm thick were studied using the terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling method based on 3'-end-labeling of fragmented DNA. Phenotyping of the immune cells was performed using regular monoclonal antibodies. In the bone marrow the granulocyte series dominated and the number of cells in the macrophage series was noticeably fewer, with apoptotic cells occurring in both. In the embryonic mesenchyme, solitary apoptotic cells occurred in all locations in both the fetuses and neonates. Apoptosis is a basic factor in the regression of embryonal mesenchyme, but may not be preprogrammed. Basic scientific data obtained from modified tissue cultures show that mechanical forces cause cells to switch between different genetic programs. It is suggested that the act of swallowing causes periodic changes in the amniotic fluid pressure and provides the necessary force for regression of the mesenchyme by apoptosis.

Apoptosis↗