Mass vaccination and surveillance/containment in the eradication of smallpox

The Smallpox Eradication Program, initiated by the WHO in 1966, was originally based on mass vaccination. The program emphasized surveillance from the beginning, largely to track the success of the program and further our understanding of the epidemiology of the disease. Early observations in West Africa, bolstered by later data from Indonesia and the Asian subcontinent, showed that smallpox did not spread rapidly, and outbreaks could be quickly controlled by isolation of patients and vaccination of their contacts. Contacts were usually easy to find because transmission of smallpox usually required prolonged face-to-face contact. The emphasis therefore shifted to active searches to find cases, coupled with contact tracing, rigorous isolation of patients, and vaccination and surveillance of contacts to contain outbreaks. This shift away from mass vaccination resulted in an acceleration of the program's success.

Prevention and treatment of osteoporotic fractures

With the aging international population, osteoporosis has become an epidemic. This painless disease is characterized by a decreased bone mass, resulting in decreased structural integrity of bone, and often goes undiagnosed. Typical osteoporotic fractures include vertebrae, hip, and wrist fractures, and these may have a dramatic impact on quality of life, even if the fracture is successfully treated. Many antiresorptive agents have demonstrated the ability to reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures, and newer anabolic agents may further reduce risk. Non-medical treatments, such as external hip protectors and balance and low-impact strength training, are also very effective in preventing fractures. Before specific treatments can be addressed, however, osteoporosis must first be considered as a diagnosis in any patient with a low-energy fracture. This requires continued public health initiatives involving patient and physician education regarding the necessity for bone mass measurement and the merits of antiresorptive therapy.

Antioxidant treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis / motor neuron disease

BACKGROUND

Free radical accumulation and oxidative stress have been proposed as contributing to the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (or motor neuron disease). A range of antioxidant medications are available, and have been studied.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effects of antioxidant medication in the treatment of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group trials register (July 2003), MEDLINE (from January 1966 to July 2003), EMBASE (from January 1980 to July 2003) and other sources.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials of antioxidant treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The reviewers independently applied the selection criteria, assessed study quality and two reviewers performed independent data extraction.

MAIN RESULTS

The search identified 21 studies for consideration but only eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Only two studies used our predetermined primary outcome measure, (survival at 12 months treatment). Sufficient data were available from three studies to allow analysis of the primary outcome measure, and a meta-analysis was performed. In the individual studies no significant effect was observed of vitamin E 500 mg twice daily; acetylcysteine 50 mg/kg daily subcutaneous infusion; or a combination of L-methionine 2 g, vitamin E 400 International Units, and selenium 3 x 10-5g three times daily (Alsemet). No significant effect on the primary outcome measure was observed in a meta-analysis of antioxidants in general when combining the results. No significant differences were demonstrated in secondary outcome measures.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence of efficacy of individual antioxidants, or antioxidants in general, in the treatment of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. One study reported a mild positive effect, but this was not supported by the analysis we used. Generally the studies were poorly designed, and underpowered, with low numbers of participants and of short duration. Further well-designed trials of medications such as vitamin C and E are unlikely to be performed. If future trials of antioxidant medications are performed, careful attention should be given to sample size, outcome measures, and duration of the trial. The high tolerance and safety, and relatively low cost of vitamins C and E, and other considerations related to the lack of other effective treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, explain the continuing use of these vitamins by physicians and patients. While there is no substantial clinical trial evidence to support their clinical use, there is no clear contraindication.

The osteoporotic spine

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures represent the most common type of osteoporotic fracture. They can cause significant morbidity and mortality, including physical, functional, and psychosocial impairments. Screening using fracture risk assessments can identify those at greatest risk. Medical and non-medical comprise appropriate, comprehensive treatment programs. The minimally invasive spine procedures vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty can help to significantly reduce pain and deformity in patients with severe pain and deformity from vertebral fracture.

Farm residence and exposures and the risk of allergic diseases in New Zealand children

BACKGROUND

Studies in Europe have reported a reduced prevalence of allergy in farmers' children. We aimed to determine if there is a similar reduction in allergy among New Zealand farm children.

METHODS

Two hundred and ninety-three children participated (60%) aged 7-10 years, from selected schools in small towns and the surrounding rural area. Skin prick tests (SPT) to eight common allergens were performed. Parents completed questionnaires about allergic and infectious diseases, place of residence, exposure to animals, and diet, and they provided dust from the living-room floor. Endotoxin was measured using an Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay and Der p 1 using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Current farm abode was found to increase the risk of having symptoms associated with allergy, but not SPT positivity. Independent inverse associations were found for early-life exposures: at least weekly consumption of yoghurt with hayfever (odds ratio (OR) = 0.3, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.1-0.7) and allergic rhinitis (OR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.7); any unpasteurized milk consumption with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) (OR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.8); cats inside or outside with hayfever (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.1-1.0) and AEDS (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8); dogs inside or outside with asthma (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8); and pigs with SPT positivity (OR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite finding a protective effect of early-life animal exposures, we found a greater prevalence of allergic disease on farms.

Patellar metastasis from a squamous carcinoma of the lung: a case report

Bone is a common site of metastasis from lung cancer. Metastasis to the patella, however, is rare. A 76-year-old man presented with knee pain caused by an isolated patellar metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Treatment was delayed secondary to delay in diagnosis. In cases of bone pain that are unexplained or out of proportion to a traumatic event, more extensive diagnostic studies should be done.

Rehabilitation for limb salvage patients: kinesiological parameters and psychological assessment

Osteosarcoma is the most frequently occurring primary malignant tumor of bone, especially in adolescence. Treatment involves either limb salvage surgery or amputation with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This review article discusses the current treatment modalities for osteosarcoma and also compares the gait patterns and psychosocial profiles of patients treated with either limb salvage surgery or amputation for osteosarcoma. Contemporary orthopedic literature on therapeutic options for osteosarcoma patients is reviewed. Background information on the basic principles of kinesiology, with emphasis on studies of gait pattern differences among patients treated with limb salvage versus amputation, is presented. Finally, several studies of the psychologic profiles of patients after these two procedures for osteosarcoma are reviewed. Trends in contemporary orthopedic literature suggest that functional outcomes, in terms of kinesiologic parameters, are comparable for patients treated with either limb salvage or amputation. Both sets of patients reported quality-of-life problems, including difficulty retaining health insurance and finding appropriate employment, social isolation, and poor self-esteem. The management of patients with osteosarcoma includes not only an individualized surgical plan for each patient but also includes awareness of the patients' psychologic and social needs after surgery.

Comparative study of the activity of total hip arthroplasty patients and normal subjects

The walking activity of normal subjects and total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients from the Wrightington Hospital for Joint Disease and The General Infirmary at Leeds was assessed by means of electronic pedometers. The principal objectives were to establish the extent to which joint arthroplasty patients recover their activity relative to normal subjects and to establish the number of loading cycles to which prostheses should be subjected in joint simulator studies of implant performance. A further objective was to establish an experimental procedure for the assessment of the role of activity in contributing to the well-known scatter in the measurements of femoral head penetration into acetabular cups in in vivo studies of implant performance. The last-mentioned issue is addressed in another article ([1]). The walking activity of 2 normal subjects of disparate ages was assessed during 1 full year. It was concluded that fair estimates of activity could be achieved by recording pedometer readings during successive 2- to 4-week periods. This approach was adopted in the full assessment of the walking activity of cohorts of normal subjects and THA patients. Linear regression expressions relating the number of steps taken daily and the annual number of loading cycles on each leg to age are presented for normal subjects and THA patients. In all cases, activity declines with age, but it is shown that total joint arthroplasty is not at all restrictive on walking activity-a remarkable testimony to the efficacy of total joint arthroplasty. Attention is drawn, however, to different levels of activity of THA patients recorded in the present United Kingdom study and a similar survey conducted in California.

The effect of activity levels of total hip arthroplasty patients on socket penetration

Survivorship of total hip arthroplasties (THAs) has been linked to penetration of the femoral head into the polyethylene acetabular cup and to polyethylene wear. The activity level of patients with THAs is considered to be an important factor affecting wear, and the purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between activity as recorded by pedometers and cup penetration. The measurement of daily activity levels of normal subjects and THA patients of various ages are discussed in another article ([1]). Subjects were monitored continuously during 2- to 4-week periods using simple pedometer devices. Patients (n = 54; mean age, 58 years) from the Centre for Hip Surgery at Wrightington Hospital for whom the penetration data also were available were included in the study. The average activity level for the patient group was 1.426 million loading cycles on each hip joint per year. Radiographic penetration measurements were compared for 81 hips in 54 patients with a mean follow-up of 13.1 years (range, 1.3-26.4 years). The overall correlation of penetration with implantation period is known to be poor, however, and did not improve significantly when the penetration was plotted against a new parameter that took account of not only implant life, but also the level of activity and patient weight. The considerable scatter of penetration levels was noted to increase with increasing implantation period, which indicates that in the multifactorial problem of polyethylene wear, other factors, particularly femoral head surface finish or polyethylene deterioration, may predominate.

An unexpected outcome during testing of commercially available demineralized bone graft materials: how safe are the nonallograft components?

STUDY DESIGN

Radiographic and histologic analyses of commercially available bone graft materials were performed.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the osteoinductive efficacy of commercially available demineralized bone matrix material.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The relative in vivo bone formation and toxicology of the nonallograft components the make up various commercially available demineralized bone matrix products are not known.

METHODS

An in vivo bone formation model was used in 30 athymic rats. Six different bone grafting materials were tested in subcutaneous and intermuscular locations. After 4 weeks, radiographic and histologic testing of bone formation was performed.

RESULTS

Eight of nine rats implanted with Grafton demineralized bone matrix products died 1 to 4 days after implantation of the bone graft material. None of the remaining 10 animals implanted with the four other grafting materials died. The experiment was modified and completed with a lower dose of bone graft material. Pathologic analysis indicated that the cause of death was hemorrhagic necrosis of the kidneys, most likely caused by a toxic effect on the glomeruli and tubules. A possible causative factor may have been the glycerol in the graft material.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the volume of Grafton product per kilogram of body weight used in this study was approximately eight times the maximum volume used in humans, the authors believe that this data must be reported because this product is used substantially in clinical settings. In addition, the osteoinductive performance and relative safety of the nonallograft components in all commercially available demineralized bone grafts are not known.

cis-hydroxyproline limits work necessary to flex a digit after tendon injury

Present surgical procedures for the repair of tendon injury are complicated by formation of peritendinous collagenous adhesions which restrict tendon gliding. Several sensitive biomechanical tests have been developed to quantitate peritendinous restriction of gliding. Using these tests it was found that cis-hydroxyproline significantly limits net collagen accumulation following tendon injury in a rat model and decreases the adhesive restraints to tendon gliding. cis-Hydroxyproline and other proline analoques offer a method for specifically preventing excessive collagen formation.

Correlation between vertebral body rotation and two-dimensional vertebral bone density measurement

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vertebral rotation, as seen in idiopathic scoliosis, on bone mineral density determination for the lumbar spine. Bone mineral content, biplanar vertebral segment area and calculated bone mineral density of each vertebra from L1 to L4 were obtained for a human cadaveric specimen. The average density for the entire L1-L4 segment was also recorded. This was done with the spine in the midline position as well as in rotation up to a maximum of 60 degrees either side of the midline. The spine was rotated in each direction using 10 degrees increments and two bone density readings were done at each rotation interval. The measured biplanar vertebral segment area increased with increasing rotation from 0 degrees to 50 degrees but decreased after 50 degrees of rotation (r = 0.73, p<0.001). The bone mineral density was significantly negatively correlated with the degree of rotation (r = -0.92, p<0.001). The decrease in measured bone mineral density was nearly 20% when the lumbar spine was rotated from neutral to 60 . This study demonstrates that degree of spinal rotation influences apparent bone mineral density by increasing the apparent vertebral segment area. The measurement change may be as high as 20%. This fact should be considered when investigating scoliotic patients with vertebral segment rotation.

Bisphosphonate therapy in fibrous dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia is proliferation of fibrous tissue within the bone marrow causing osteolytic lesions and pathologic fractures. Recently, second generation bisphosphonates have shown promise in the treatment of patients with fibrous dysplasia. In the current study, six patients with fibrous dysplasia were treated with either oral alone or oral and intravenous bisphosphonates. The participants were observed for changes in N-telopeptide, pain score, and radiographic changes. In the current study, the combination bisphosphonate therapy diminished pain, prevented fractures, lowered N-telopeptide values, and led to partial resolution of fibrous dysplasia lesions.

Interleukin-4 transgenic mice develop glomerulosclerosis independent of immunoglobulin deposition

Mice with constitutive transgenic (tg) expression of IL-4 develop autoimmune-type disorders resembling human lupus nephritis. The kidneys show progressive glomerulosclerosis with immunoglobulin (Ig) and complement deposition. This study investigated the roles of renal IL-4 expression and glomerular Ig deposition in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis in IL-4 tg mice. Treatment of these mice with IL-4 neutralizing antibody prevented renal disease. IL-4 tg mice treated with methylprednisolone (MP) showed increased mesangial collagen deposition with only trace amounts of glomerular Ig. To analyze the relevance of Ig deposition in the development of the renal lesions, IL-4 tg mice were cross-bred with mu chain-deficient mice (muMT-/-), which are unable to produce Ig. IL-4 tg/muMT-/- mice developed progressive glomerulosclerosis with mesangial accumulation of collagen types I, IV and V despite complete absence of glomerular Ig deposits. Renal IL-4 expression was observed in both anti-IL-4- and MP-treated IL-4 tg mice as well as in IL-4 tg/muMT-/- mice. No statistical difference in the number of glomerular T cells and macrophages between any of the groups was evident. Our data demonstrate that in this model glomerulosclerosis can develop independently of and prior to Ig deposition, and suggest that the initial accumulation of glomerular extracellular matrix is due to renal IL-4 expression. Our results point to a novel mechanism for the development of glomerulosclerosis which may have implications for human disease.

Limb salvage using distraction osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis is a novel technique for the biological restoration of segmental bone defects. Definitive treatment of musculoskeletal tumors often requires large bony resections that can leave patients with significant osseous defects. Limb salvage using distraction osteogenesis is an attractive reconstructive alternative that may, in fact, offer advantages over other conventional techniques. We present our initial experience with the use of distraction osteogenesis in limb salvage.

Bone growth factors

Osteoblastic culture models, experimental, and clinical models have revealed that bone growth factors influence cellular activity. Growth factors including bone morphogenetic proteins, transforming growth factor beta, platelet-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factors I and II, and acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors, are powerful tools for fracture healing and bone grafting. Understanding the role that bone growth factors play in bone repair is necessary to apply these factors in a clinical setting.

Routine vaginal cuff smear testing in post-hysterectomy patients with benign uterine conditions: when is it indicated?

BACKGROUND

By the age of 60 years, an estimated 33% of women will have undergone a hysterectomy. Approximately 85% of these hysterectomies are performed for benign disease. The object of this study was to evaluate cytologic findings from vaginal cuff smears in patients who have undergone hysterectomy for benign uterine conditions.

METHODS

We conducted a community-based retrospective study and follow-up of women with vaginal cuff cytologic smears who had had a hysterectomy for benign uterine conditions. A total of 220 women were randomly selected who had one or more vaginal cuff smears. The main outcomes measures were invasive carcinoma, dysplastic lesions, and infections detected by vaginal cuff smear testing. The setting was a large inner-city hospital.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven percent of 220 women who underwent hysterectomy for benign uterine conditions and who were observed for an average of 89 months had no cytologic abnormalities on vaginal cuff smears. Cytologic evaluation found no invasive carcinomas. Dysplastic lesions were detected in 7 patients (3%). Seventy percent of patients (n = 154) had one or more infections; these infections included bacterial vaginosis (106), trichomoniasis (95), candidiasis (40), koilocytosis suggestive of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection (3), and cytopathic effect of herpes (4). The prevalence of koilocytosis was much higher in the patients with dysplasia (P = .0003).

CONCLUSIONS

Most routine vaginal cuff cytology screening tests need not be performed in women who have had a hysterectomy for benign uterine conditions.

Clinical applications of bone graft substitutes

Autogenous bone grafting remains the gold standard for osseous reconstruction in clinical practice. It is associated with several limitations. The search for an alternative bone graft substitute with combined osteoinductive, osteoconductive, and osteogenic properties continues. This article highlights the properties of the various bone grafting materials currently available and discusses their efficacy in clinical practice.

The use of growth factors in cartilage repair

Articular cartilage, which enables smooth gliding of joints during skeletal motion, is vulnerable to injuries and degenerative diseases over time. Bone growth factors have a role in the preservation of the cartilage matrix. This article reviews the potential to treat cartilage damage for bone morphogenetic proteins, insulin-like growth factors, hepatocyte growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disorder of decreased bone mass, microarchitectural deterioration, and fragility fractures. Osteoporosis is widespread and can affect people of all ethnic backgrounds and many older women and men. An essential element in preventing osteoporosis is the achievement of normal peak bone mass. Adequate nutrition, appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular menstrual cycles and a well balanced exercise program of exercise are essential elements in achieving peak bone mass. At menopause women undergo accelerated bone loss. Thereafter, women and men gradually lose bone mass. A loss of one standard deviation give rise to an enhanced twofold risk of spine fractures or a 2.5 risk of hip fracture. Bone mass is determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, quantitative computed tomography scan, and a peripheral ultrasound. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry has outstanding precision (within 1% to 2%), and has the ability to show the efficacy of drug intervention. Peripheral measurements may identify osteoporosis but only have a 70% correlation with hip and spine bone mass. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry determines bone mass in a patient but the bone collagen breakdown products (N-telopeptide crosslinks) establish the current rate of bone loss. Major risk factors leading to fragility fracture include low body weight, history of fracture, family history of osteoporosis, and smoking. All individuals should ingest adequate calcium and vitamin D, exercise, and prevent falls. Women with low bone mass, high urinary bone collagen breakdown products, and/or major risk factors should consider hormone replacement therapy or a selective estrogen receptor modulator (Evista), calcitonin and bisphosphonates (alendronate). These agents successfully increase bone mass and limit fracture risk. Men at risk for fragility fractures respond similarly as women to alendronate and calcitonin. Although vertebral compression fractures can occur spontaneously, hip fractures are attributable to low bone mass coupled with a fall. Hence, fall prevention programs in addition to medical treatment are critical in the prevention of fragility fractures.