Achieving 18-week waiting times in elective hand surgery.

Objective: The Department of Health proposed an 18-week referral-to-treatment time (RTT) as a measure of high quality healthcare, to be achieved by December 2008. In 2007, referrals for elective hand surgery, to the Plastic Surgery Hand Service, were either direct or indirect. Direct referrals were from the general practitioner (GP).

Genetic diversity in the Maremmano horse and its relationship with other European horse breeds.

The Maremmano is an Italian warmblood horse breed from central Italy. We characterized the genetic diversity and the degree of admixture in Maremmano in comparison to 14 other European horse breeds using 30 microsatellites. Between-breed diversity explained about 9 per cent of the total genetic diversity.

Neurologic complication after a roller coaster ride.

Neurologic complications after roller coaster rides are uncommon but potentially catastrophic. Physicians should have a high index of suspicion and prompt appropriate investigation. A 22-year-old healthy African American man presented with a 2-day history of constant occipital headache associated with vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and ambulatory dysfunction.

A role for endothelin receptor type A in migraine without aura susceptibility? A study in Portuguese patients.

Background And Purpose: Migraine is a common neurological disabling disorder, and anomalies of vascular function have been implied in its pathophysiology. Several findings point to a possible role of the endothelin receptor type A (EDNRA) in migraine. We aim to assess the involvement of endothelin receptor type A (EDNRA) in migraine susceptibility in a sample of Portuguese migraineurs.

BDNF and CGRP interaction: implications in migraine susceptibility.

Objectives: Migraine pathophysiology involves several pathways. Our aims were to explore a possible role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) in migraine susceptibility; to study, for the first time, the calcitonin gene-related peptide gene (CGRP); and a possible interaction between the two.

Methods: Using a case-control approach, four tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs7124442, rs6265, rs11030107, and rs2049046) of BDNF and one tagging SNP-rs1553005-of CGRP were analyzed in 188 cases and 287 controls.

HFE gene polymorphisms and severity in Portuguese patients with multiple sclerosis.

Background: High iron concentrations have been reported in oligodendrocytes, myelin and macrophages in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. It has been proposed that HFE gene polymorphisms could have a role in MS.

Methods: The C282Y and H63D HFE variants frequencies were determined in 373 patients with MS and compared with a normal population.

Topical negative pressure therapy: does it accelerate neovascularisation within the dermal regeneration template, Integra? A prospective histological in vivo study.

Background: The use of topical negative pressure (TNP) dressings with dermal regeneration template (DRT), Integra, has improved outcomes and simplified aftercare. Previous clinical studies have suggested accelerated vascularisation; with a reduction in the duration of the 1st stage after the application of Integra, from 2 to 4 weeks to as little as 4 days, but with no histological evidence. However, histological studies, without TNP, have shown that vascularisation occurs between the second and the fourth week.

Evidence of syntaxin 1A involvement in migraine susceptibility: a Portuguese study.

Objective: To confirm syntaxin 1A as a risk factor for migraine, given that syntaxin 1A interacts with several factors in migraine pathophysiology.

Design: Case-control approach.

Setting: An outpatient clinic.

Moncrief-Popovich technique is an advantageous method of peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation.

Background: A safe and well-functioning peritoneal catheter is fundamental for adequate peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. Peritoneal catheter implantation by Moncrief-Popovich (MP) technique might add several clinical advantages besides allowing timely access implantation. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of catheter-related complications and survival in a single-centre university hospital PD unit, according to the method of catheter implantation.

8,15-epoxylabdane and norlabdane diterpenoids from Eragrostis viscosa.

Four labdanes with a 8alpha,15-epoxy ring (8alpha,15-epoxylabdan-16beta-oic acid; 8alpha,15-epoxy-16-norlabdan-13-one; 8alpha,15-epoxy-16-norlabdane; and 16-acetoxy-8alpha,15-epoxylabdane) and the known compound ambreinolide were isolated from the hexane extract of the aerial parts of the grass Eragrostis viscosa. The structures of all compounds were established based on spectroscopic data and the X-ray analysis of 8alpha,15-epoxy-16-norlabdan-13-one. The hexane extract presented moderate activity against the snail Biomphalaria glabrata.

The combination of micron and nanotopography by H(2)SO(4)/H(2)O(2) treatment and its effects on osteoblast-specific gene expression of hMSCs.

H(2)SO(4)/H(2)O(2) treatment of titanium implants imparts nanofeatures to the surface and alters the osteoblast response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of H(2)SO(4)/H(2)O(2) treatment of commercially pure Titanium (cpTi) surfaces on gene expression of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) differentiated into osteoblasts. Commercially pure grade IV titanium disks (20.

A 3-year longitudinal analysis of changes in Body Mass Index.

The aim of this study was to analyse whether Physical Activity Index (PAI), Physical Fitness, Screen Time (watching TV and computer use), Socio-economic Status and Commuting to School made a significant contribution to longitudinal changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) in youth. This longitudinal study was carried out over a period of 3 years with 345 students (147 boys) who were between 11 and 16 years old at the beginning of the study. Students were invited to perform tests from FITNESSGRAM Battery for Curl-Ups, Push-Ups, Back-Saver Sit and Reach, and 20 m Shuttle-Run (CRF).

New insights on the genetic basis of Portuguese grapevine and on grapevine domestication.

As the ancestor of cultivated grape, Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris represents a unique, invaluable genetic resource for the improvement of cultivated grapevines. Recently, five populations of wild grapevines were identified in Portugal.

Correlates of physical activity in Portuguese adolescents from 10 to 18 years.

This study examined the association between demographic [age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES)] and socio-cultural [father, mother, sibling physical activity (PA); peers and physical education teacher influences] correlates and low, moderate and high levels of PA among Portuguese adolescents aged 10-18 years. A total of 3352 males and females attending basic and secondary schools, their parents and siblings were sampled across four regions of Portugal. PA was assessed with a psychometrically validated questionnaire.

A 3-year longitudinal analysis of changes in fitness, physical activity, fatness and screen time.

Aim: To analyse whether changes in physical activity index (PAI), screen time (ST: television, computer) and body mass index (BMI) made a contribution to longitudinal changes in fitness of children and adolescents. Additionally, we analysed the interaction between baseline fitness level and changes in fitness.

Methods: This is a 3-year longitudinal study of 345 high school students aged 11-19 years.

Cosmetic surgery in the NHS: Applying local and national guidelines.

There is no worldwide consensus, as to how healthcare should be funded, in a modern society. Limited resources in the UK, have led to restrictions on cosmetic surgery in the NHS. Guidelines governing access to cosmetic surgery have been formulated.

HLA in Portuguese systemic lupus erythematosus patients and their relation to clinical features.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a clinically heterogeneous disease translating the different genetic and environmental factors involved. Polymorphisms at several loci, including the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), have been associated worldwide with SLE, although inconsistencies exist among these studies mainly due to genetic heterogeneity between populations and sample characteristics. The aim of the present study was to investigate in Portuguese SLE the association of HLA-DRB1 alleles with clinical patterns of the disease and severity.

Nanostructured alumina-coated implant surface: effect on osteoblast-related gene expression and bone-to-implant contact in vivo.

Purpose: The use of nanotechnology to enhance endosseous implant surfaces may improve the clinical control of interfacial osteoblast biology. This study investigated the influence of a nanostructure-coated implant surface on osteoblast differentiation and its effects on bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and removal torque values.

Materials And Methods: Titanium disks were machined (M) or machined and subsequently treated by acid etching (Ac) or by dipping in an aluminum oxide solution (Al2O3).

Protective role of the HLA-A*02 allele in Portuguese patients with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) HLA-DRB1*15. Recent evidence that CD8 T cells are implicated in MS suggests that HLA class I may also contribute. An association of HLA-A*02 and A*03 alleles has been described.

The effects of implant surface nanoscale features on osteoblast-specific gene expression.

This study investigated the influence of nanoscale implant surface features on osteoblast differentiation. Titanium disks (20.0 x 1.

Beta blockers for peripheral arterial disease.

Objectives: To quantify the potential harm of beta blockers in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Materials And Methods: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing beta blockers with placebo for the outcomes of claudication and maximal walking distance and time, calf blood flow, vascular resistance and skin temperature were searched using the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, PubMed and CINAHL. Trials comparing different types of beta blockers were excluded.

Management of fractured dental implants: a case report.

An implant fracture may be one of the major causes of late implant failures. Complications, such as loosening or fracture of the prosthesis restorative components, or even fracture of the implant, may occur and dental professionals should be aware of the causes of these complications. This study reports a clinical situation involving a patient restored with a mandibular overdenture that presented a fractured implant 2 years after placement.

Is there a relationship between the severity of metopic synostosis and speech and language impairments?

The occurrence of cognitive impairment and behavioral problems in patients with metopic synostosis has been described. The relationship between the severity of metopic synostosis and the incidence of speech and language delays has not been established. Twenty patients with nonsyndromic isolated metopic synostosis were evaluated.