bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incremental Hospital Cost and Length-of-stay Associated With Treating Adverse Events Among Medicare Beneficiaries Undergoing Cervical Spinal Fusion During Fiscal Year 2013 and 2014
Authors: Culler Steven D. , McGuire Kevin J. , Little Kenneth M. , Jevsevar David , Shea Kevin , Schlosser Michael , Ambrose Karen E. , Simon April W.
Published: June 2017

Study Design.

A retrospective study.

Objective.

To report the incremental hospital resources consumed with treating adverse events experienced by Medicare beneficiaries undergoing a two or three vertebrae level cervical spinal fusion.

Summary of Background Data.

Hospitals are increasingly at financial risk for patients experiencing adverse events due “pay for performance.” Little is known about incremental resources consumed when treating patients who experienced an adverse event after cervical spinal fusions.

Methods.

Fiscal years 2013 and 2014 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review file was used to identify 86,265 beneficiaries who underwent 2 or 3 vertebrae level cervical spinal fusion. International Classification of Diseases 9th Clinical Modification diagnostic and procedure codes were used to identify 10 adverse events. This study estimated both the observed and risk-adjusted incremental hospital resources consumed (cost [2014 US $] and length-of-stay) in treating beneficiaries experiencing each adverse event.

Results.

Overall, 6.2% of beneficiaries undergoing cervical spinal fusion experienced at least one of the study's adverse events. Beneficiaries experiencing any complication consumed significantly more hospital resources (incremental cost of $28,638) and had longer length-of-stay (incremental stays of 9.1 days). After adjusting for patient demographics and comorbid conditions, incremental cost of treating adverse events ranged from $42,358 (infection) to $10,100 (dural tear).

Conclusion.

Adverse events frequently occur and add substantially to the hospital costs of patients undergoing cervical spinal fusion. Shared decision-making instruments should clearly provide these risk estimates to the patient before surgical consideration. Investment in activities that have been shown to reduce specific adverse events is warranted, and this study may allow health systems to prioritize performance improvement areas.

Level of Evidence: 3
Survival from cancer in the north region of Portugal: results from the first decade of the millennium
Authors: Antunes Luís , Santos Lúcio L. , Bento Maria José
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate net survival from cancer diagnosed during the period 2001–2010 in the north region of Portugal to identify the tumours that need actions to improve the outcomes. Data were retrieved from the North Region Cancer Registry of Portugal database. The top 20 cancer sites in adults were considered: oesophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, liver, larynx, lung, skin melanoma, breast, cervix, corpus uteri, ovary, prostate, kidney, bladder, brain and central nervous system, thyroid, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Net survival was estimated using the Pohar–Perme estimator. The effect of diagnosis period was evaluated using flexible parametric models adjusted for age and sex where appropriate. Thyroid and prostate cancers presented the best 5-year survival (>90%), whereas oesophagus, pancreas, liver and lung cancers the worst 5-year survival (<20%). The largest increase in survival was observed for the larynx. A significant decrease in age-adjusted and sex-adjusted excess mortality was observed for stomach, colon, pancreas, larynx, melanoma, breast, brain and central nervous system, thyroid, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma. For the other cancer sites, no significant trends were observed. For some of these sites, the downward trend in excess mortality was only observed in the short term. An important picture of population-based cancer survival outcomes for the first decade of the millennium in the north region of Portugal was presented in this study. It has been shown that improvements in survival were not universal for all cancer sites. These results should be used to highlight tumours where intervention is needed the most.
Incidence and survival of Hodgkin lymphoma patients in Girona (Spain) over three decades: a population-based study
Authors: Solans Marta , Serra Laura , Renart Gemma , Osca-Gelis Gemma , Comas Raquel , Vilardell Loreto , Gallardo David , Marcos-Gragera Rafael
Published: June 2017

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by heterogeneous histologic findings, clinical presentation and outcomes. Using the Girona population-based cancer registry data we sought to explore the incidence of HL over three decades in Girona Province (Spain) and examine the relationship between clinical features at diagnosis and survival. From 1985 to 2013, 459 cases were recorded. Patients were stratified by sex, age group, stage at diagnosis, histological subtypes and the presence of B-symptoms. The crude incidence rate (CR) was 2.7 and the corresponding European age-adjusted rate was 2.6, being higher in men than in women (sex ratio=1.6). Incidence remained constant throughout the period of study. Nodular sclerosis was the most frequent histology and showed an increasing incidence over time [estimated annual percentage change=+2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8–4.0]. The 5-year observed survival and relative survival of patients diagnosed with HL were 73.1% (95% CI: 69.0–77.5) and 74.6% (95% CI: 70.0–79.4), respectively. No statistical differences in observed survival were observed across the three decades of study (P=0.455). Clinical parameters negatively influencing 5-year relative survival in the multivariate analysis were as follows: age at diagnosis at least 65 years; clinical stage IV; and presence of B-symptoms. These current patterns of presentation and outcomes of HL help delineate key populations in order to explore risk factors for HL and strategies to improve treatment outcomes.
Prevention of βeta-adrenergic–induced Adverse Cardiac Remodeling by Gonadectomy in Male but Not Female Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Magubane Mhlengi , Michel Frederic S. , Erlwanger Kennedy H. , Norton Gavin R. , Woodiwiss Angela J.
Published: June 2017

Chronic β-adrenergic stimulation induces left ventricular (LV) remodeling in male but not in female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). However, the role of sex steroids in mediating these effects has not been determined. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of gonadectomy on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced LV remodeling in SHR. Gonadectomy was performed on 9-month-old male and female SHR. LV remodeling was induced by daily ISO injection (0.04 mg/kg) for 6 months. LV dimensions and functions were determined in vivo by echocardiography and ex vivo using isolated perfused heart preparations. In males, ISO increased LV end diastolic (LVED) diameter in sham-operated (in millimeter, ISO: 8.12 ± 0.26 vs. Con: 6.67 ± 0.20, P = 0.0002) but not in castrated SHR (ISO: 6.97 ± 0.31 vs. Con: 6.53 ± 0.15, P = 0.66). Similarly, ISO increased the volume intercept of the LVED pressure–volume relationship in sham-operated (in milliliters, ISO: 0.26 ± 0.02 vs. Con: 0.19 ± 0.01, P = 0.01) but not in castrated SHR (ISO: 0.17 ± 0.02 vs. Con: 0.17 ± 0.01, P = 0.99). In females, ISO only increased LVED diameter (ISO: 6.43 ± 0.13 vs. Con: 6.07 ± 0.09, P = 0.027). However, ovariectomy did not modify any LV dimensions measured in vivo and ex vivo. In conclusion, testosterone may be responsible for the chronic β-adrenergic–induced LV dilation and eccentric remodeling observed in male but not female SHR.
Associations between high-risk alcohol consumption and sarcopenia among postmenopausal women
Authors: Kwon Yu-Jin , Lim Hyoung-Ji , Lee Yong-Jae , Lee Hye-Sun , Linton John A. , Lee Jae Woo , Kang Hee-Taik
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Sarcopenia is an age-related process, leading to cardio-metabolic diseases and disabilities. High-risk drinking is also closely related to diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, which are modifiable risk factors for sarcopenia. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between alcohol-drinking patterns and sarcopenia in Korean postmenopausal women.

Methods:

Data from 2,373 postmenopausal women were analyzed from the 2008 to 2011 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We defined sarcopenia as two standard deviations below the sex-specific means of the appendicular skeletal muscle/weight (percentage) values of a young reference group. Participants were categorized into three groups according to alcohol-drinking patterns, as assessed by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test questionnaire. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for sarcopenia were calculated using multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results:

In total, 8.2% of Korean postmenopausal women met criteria for sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia increased from low-risk to high-risk alcohol-drinking groups as follows: 7.6, 11.0, and 22.7%, respectively. Compared with the low-risk group, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for the high-risk group was 4.29 (1.87-9.82) after adjusting for age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, household income, education level, daily calorie intake, current smoking and regular exercise, and household food security status

Conclusions:

High-risk alcohol drinking was associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia in postmenopausal Korean women.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Oxytocin or Galantamine for the Treatment of Negative Symptoms and Cognitive Impairments in People With Schizophrenia
Authors: Buchanan Robert W. , Kelly Deanna L. , Weiner Elaine , Gold James M. , Strauss Gregory P. , Koola Maju M. , McMahon Robert P. , Carpenter William T.
Published: June 2017

Purpose/Background

Negative symptoms and cognitive impairments tend to co-occur in people with schizophrenia. If their association with each other is due, in part, to shared pathophysiology, then this suggests that a single drug could potentially be effective for both domains. The current study was designed to examine this hypothesis.

Methods/Procedures

Fifty-eight participants with either Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder entered into a 6-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, double-dummy, randomized clinical trial of intranasal oxytocin and galantamine. Seventeen participants were randomized to intranasal oxytocin, 20 were randomized to galantamine, and 21 were randomized to placebo. The Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms total score was used to assess change in negative symptoms (the primary outcome measure for oxytocin). The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery composite score was used to assess cognition (the primary outcome measure for galantamine).

Findings/Results

There were no significant group differences for negative symptoms (oxytocin vs placebo: F2,47.4 = 0.19, P = 0.83; galantamine vs placebo: F2,52.5 = 0.41, P = 0.67). There were no significant group differences for cognitive impairments (galantamine vs placebo: t
40 = 0.71, P = 0.48; oxytocin vs placebo: t
40 = 0.50, P = 0.62). There were also no significant group differences for the functional capacity or ancillary symptom measures.

Implications/Conclusions

The lack of an efficacy signal for either compound precluded our ability to test whether pharmacological treatment pathways for negative symptoms and cognitive impairments overlap or are independent.
Effect of GWAS-Identified Genetic Variants on Maximum QT Interval in Patients With Schizophrenia Receiving Antipsychotic Agents
Authors: Watanabe Junzo , Fukui Naoki , Suzuki Yutaro , Sugai Takuro , Ono Shin , Tsuneyama Nobuto , Saito Mami , Tajiri Misuzu , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: June 2017

Background

Users of antipsychotics (APs) have a risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Sudden cardiac death in such patients is thought to be largely due to drug-induced QT prolongation. It has been reported that many subjects with drug-induced torsades de pointes (TdP) have risk alleles associated with subclinical congenital long QT syndrome.

Methods

We investigated the effects of the risk alleles associated with long QT on the QT interval in patients receiving APs using 24-hour Holter electrocardiograms to take into account the circadian fluctuation of QT intervals. We investigated 8 single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified on a GWAS.

Results

We found that increased numbers of risk alleles at rs7188697 inNDRG4and rs11970286 inPLNwere the major predictors of an increased maximum QT interval over 24 hours in users of APs.

Conclusions

It could be useful to perform a DNA-based analysis before the initiation of APs to reduce the risk of drug-induced torsades de pointes and SCD.
Cocaine Abuse, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Preexisting Brain Lesions as Risk Factors for Bupropion-Associated Psychosis
Authors: Barman Rajdip , Kumar Sanjeev , Pagadala Bhuvaneshwar , Detweiler Mark B.
Published: June 2017

Background and Objective

Bupropion is generally considered safe and is widely used both as a monotherapy and as an augmentation agent for the treatment of major depression. Concerns have been raised about bupropion’s propensity to precipitate new psychosis and worsen existing psychotic symptoms, although the mechanism is poorly understood. Three cases are reported in which bupropion use was associated with psychosis. The aim of the study was to explore the risk factors and possible mechanisms of psychosis in each case.

Case Reports

Case 1 describes the interaction of cocaine abuse sensitization in a patient who developed psychosis with a lower dosage of bupropion. Cases 2 and 3 discuss the role of traumatic brain injury and structural brain lesions in increasing the risk of psychosis when using bupropion.

Conclusions

Cocaine abuse, traumatic brain injury, and preexisting brain lesions appear to be risk factors for developing psychosis in persons taking bupropion. In such cases, clinicians should carefully assess the risks and benefits and closely monitor patients for symptoms of psychosis.
Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Injection of Liposomal Amphotericin B for the Treatment of Symptomatic Aspergilloma
Authors: Parikh Mihir S. , Seeley Eric , Nguyen-Tran Evelyn , Krishna Ganesh
Published: June 2017

Surgical treatment with lung resection has traditionally been the treatment of choice for pulmonary cavities containing aspergillomas that cause hemoptysis. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive bronchoscopic technique that is commonly used for transbronchial needle aspiration of hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes as well as centrally located parenchymal lesions. Here, we describe a case of a 71-year-old woman who was found to have a cavitary lesion in the lung containing aspergillomas. Under direct ultrasound visualization with EBUS, liposomal amphotericin B was injected into the aspergillomas. These aspergillomas regressed after treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first reported treatment of aspergilloma with EBUS-guided transbronchial needle injection of liposomal amphotericin B.
Emerging Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases in Asia Pacific: Implications to Health Care in the Region (World Gastroenterology Organization: Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology Distinguished Global Lecture 2015)
Authors: Goh Khean-Lee
Published: June 2017

Colorectal cancer (CRC), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are considered important emerging diseases in the Asia Pacific (AP) region. The incidence rate of CRC is the highest among gastrointestinal cancers in the region surpassing that of gastric cancer. However, population CRC screening is limited by availability of adequate health resources and financing. GERD is a highly prevalent disease in AP with the prevalence of GERD symptoms and reflux esophagitis reported to be increasing. The usage of proton pump inhibitors has also been reported to be high. The incidence and prevalence of IBD is not as high as in the west but is now an increasingly recognizable disease in the AP region. Being a complicated disease, IBD will pose a huge financial burden with the increasing use of expensive biological drugs. In tandem with the exponential increase in obesity and diabetes mellitus in AP, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease will become the most important liver disease in the region in the coming years. These emerging diseases reflect the continued fast-paced socioeconomic development in the region with marked lifestyle changes and increasing affluence.
Traumatic Brain Injury, Sleep Quality, and Suicidal Ideation in Iraq/Afghanistan Era Veterans
Authors: DeBeer Bryann B. , Kimbrel Nathan A. , Mendoza Corina , Davidson Dena , Meyer Eric C. , La Bash Heidi , Gulliver Suzy Bird , Morissette Sandra B.
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that sleep quality mediates the association between traumatic brain injury (TBI) history and current suicidal ideation. Measures of TBI history, sleep quality, and suicidal ideation were administered to 130 Iraq/Afghanistan veterans. As expected, sleep quality mediated the effect of TBI history on current suicidal ideation (indirect effect, 0.0082; 95% confidence interval, 0.0019–0.0196), such that history of TBI was associated with worse sleep quality, which was, in turn, associated with increased suicidal ideation. These findings highlight the importance of assessing TBI history and sleep quality during suicide risk assessments for veterans.
Expression of KGF-1 and KGF-2 in Skin Wounds and Its Application in Forensic Pathology
Authors: Yu Lin Sheng , Li Xing Biao , Fan Yan Yan , Ye Guang Hua , Li Jun-Li , Fu Tong-Tong , Liao Yi , Li Feng
Published: June 2017

The expression of keratinocyte growth factor-1 (KGF-1) and keratinocyte growth factor-2 (KGF-2) in skin wounds in mice was studied using multiple methods. The dynamic expression of KGF-1 and KGF-2 for antemortem and postmortem injuries as well as the examination of antemortem injuries after death under different temperature and over varying time periods was studied. It demonstrates that skin KGF-1 resulting from an antemortem injury starts to rise at 6 hours, reaches its peak at 1 day, and starts to drop at 5 days. The expression of skin KGF-2 resulting from an antemortem injury starts to rise at 12 hours, reaches its peak at 7 days, and begins to drop at 10 days. Skin KGF-1 and skin KGF-2 after death stabilize within 7 days at 4°C and −20°C, within 5 days at 20°C, and within 1 day at 30°C. The application of KGF-1 and KGF-2 indicators in skin wound age determination is both feasible and reliable.
Clinical Applications of Whole-slide Imaging in Anatomic Pathology
Authors: Volynskaya Zoya , Evans Andrew J. , Asa Sylvia L.
Published: June 2017

The development of whole-slide imaging has paved the way for digitizing of glass slides that are the basis for surgical pathology. This transformative technology has changed the landscape in research applications and education but despite its tremendous potential, its adoption for clinical use has been slow. We review the various niche applications that initiated awareness of this technology, provide examples of clinical use cases, and discuss the requirements and challenges for full adoption in clinical diagnosis. The opportunities for applications of image analysis tools in a workflow will be changed by integration of whole-slide imaging into routine diagnosis.
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Review of the Eighth Edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Guidelines, Prognostic Factors, and Histopathologic Variants
Authors: Motaparthi Kiran , Kapil Jyoti P. , Velazquez Elsa F.
Published: June 2017

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of nonmelanoma skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma and accounts for the majority of nonmelanoma skin cancer–related deaths. In 2017, the American Joint Committee on Cancer revised the staging guidelines of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to reflect recent evidence concerning high-risk clinicopathologic features. This update reviews the literature on prognostic features and staging, including the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual. A wide range of histopathologic variants of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma exists, several of which are associated with aggressive behavior. A review of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma variants, emphasizing diagnostic pitfalls, immuhistochemical findings and prognostic significance, is included. Of note, the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual refers to squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck only.
Montelukast Treatment of Acute Asthma Exacerbations in Children Aged 2 to 5 Years
Authors: Wang Xiuping , Zhou Jinfang , Zhao Xin , Yi Xiongxiong
Published: June 2017

Background

Although montelukast has an established role in the management of chronic asthma in children, its efficacy in acute asthma exacerbations (AAEs) in children aged 2 to 5 years is not fully known. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of montelukast for treating AAE in children aged 2 to 5 years in China.

Methods

In total, 120 Chinese children with AAE, aged 2 to 5 years, were randomly divided into 2 groups, each with 60 patients. All patients received either montelukast or placebo along with standard therapy for acute asthma between January 2011 and December 2015. The outcome measurements included the difference in peak expiratory flow and lung function improvements, as well as adverse events.

Results

A total of 117 patients completed the study. Montelukast showed no greater effectiveness than did placebo in increasing the peak expiratory flow during the period of hospital stay (P = 0.92 at day 2, P = 0.86 at day 3, and P = 0.82 at day 4) and at discharge (P = 0.84). Similarly, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second at discharge also did not show significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.80). In addition, no serious adverse events were found during the intervention period of the study.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate no benefit of montelukast over placebo in the treatment of AAE in a cohort of 2- to 5-year-old children.
Childhood Falls With Occipital Impacts
Authors: Atkinson Norrell , van Rijn Rick R. , Starling Suzanne P.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Falls are commonly reported in children who present with both accidental and inflicted brain injuries. Short falls rarely result in serious or life-threatening injuries. Our purpose is to describe a series of cases of short falls with occipital impact leading to subdural hemorrhage (SDH).

Methods

We present a series of 8 witnessed accounts of young children diagnosed as having SDHs after striking the back of their heads during a short fall. Child-abuse physicians were surveyed to determine if they had evaluated a child younger than 24 months diagnosed as having SDH, with or without retinal hemorrhages, following a witnessed fall with occipital impact. Submitted cases were analyzed.

Results

The median age of the children was 12.5 months. All fell backward from a standing or seated position onto a hard surface and immediately developed symptoms. There was an average of 4 witnesses per case. Physical examinations were normal; however, the majority of children had enlarged head circumferences. All were previously healthy. Six of 8 children had unilateral convexity SDH. All children had varying degrees of retinal hemorrhage but no retinoschisis. The majority of children had returned to their baseline within 24 hours of hospitalization.

Conclusions

Although a larger study is needed to identify the full spectrum of injuries, we postulate that, if a history of a fall with an occipital impact is elicited during a trauma workup, accidental injury should be considered.
A Collaborative Behavioral Model for Psychiatric Visits in a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Caffy Kelsey , Jones Tamekia L. , Gilmore Barry G.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Psychiatric pediatric emergency department (PED) visits are associated with extended length of stay (LOS) compared with nonpsychiatric visits. To address delays in definitive care, our PED incorporated a Collaborative Behavioral Model for patients with a psychiatric complaint. We evaluated LOS and 6-month readmission by comparing patients who received a psychiatric consultation through the model with a control group of nonpsychiatric patients. In addition, we assessed the utilization of laboratory tests and imaging and the impact of testing on final patient disposition.

Methods

A matched-pair retrospective chart review of psychiatric PED visits was conducted for visits from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2013. Patients who received a psychiatric diagnosis and consultation through the Collaborative Behavioral Model were included. Participants were matched with a control group of similar patients who did not receive a psychiatric diagnosis.

Results

One hundred forty-seven patients met all the inclusion criteria. There was no statistical difference in median LOS for patients who received a psychiatric consultation versus nonpsychiatric visits (204 vs 200 minutes; P = 0.35). The 6-month PED readmission rate for psychiatric visits was significantly less than that in the control group (18% vs 32%; P = 0.003). Of the laboratory and imaging studies performed, 1 abnormal laboratory test (1%) and no imaging studies resulted in a change in patient management.

Conclusions

Collaborative models, with specialized psychiatric components, can better coordinate the care of mental health visits by providing focused interventions that promote efficient disposition. In addition, laboratory and imaging studies resulted in few changes in management or final disposition.
“Chaotic Arrhythmia” During Successful Resuscitation After Ingestion of Yew (Taxus baccata) Needles
Authors: Zutter Andreas , Hauri Kathrin , Evers Katrina S. , Uhde Sabine , Fassl Jens , Reuthebuch Oliver Tobias , Berset Andreas , Kühne Michael , Donner Birgit C.
Published: June 2017

Objective

The study aims to describe the management of a case of life-threatening yew (Taxus baccata) intoxication.

Background

The needles of the yew tree contain highly cardiotoxic taxines. Intoxication with taxines, typically as part of suicide attempts, may lead to potentially lethal arrhythmias which often require prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other supportive measures. No specific therapy has been described. In some cases, extracorporeal life support has been used.

Case

After an attempted suicide with yew needles and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, a female adolescent was resuscitated for 6 hours according to Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support guidelines. Complex ventricular tachycardias were treated by repeated direct current shocks and broad complex bradycardia managed with transvenous cardiac pacing. Antiarrhythmic drugs (amiodarone, lidocaine), magnesium sulfate, and supportive measures (intravenous lipids, sodium bicarbonate) were provided. The arrhythmias finally resolved, and the patient did not show any significant neurological or cardiac short-term sequelae after 24 hours.

Results

The authors describe the successful management of a case of severe taxine intoxication by prolonged conventional advanced cardiac life support lasting for more than 6 hours.

Conclusions

In life-threatening yew intoxication, prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation is absolutely essential owing to the long duration of the cardiotoxic action of taxines and can lead to an outcome without cardiac or neurological sequelae.
Is Radiography Necessary for Pediatric Emergency Department Clinicians to Safely Manage Ankle Injuries?
Authors: Ramasubbu Rohan Angus
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Ankle radiography in the pediatric emergency department exposes a radiosensitive population to harmful ionizing radiation and is costly to health care systems. This study aimed to determine if ankle injuries in children could be managed safely and effectively without radiography.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 94 patients with ankle injuries between July 14, 2015, and December 16, 2015. Participating clinicians filled out a tick-box questionnaire describing their predicted diagnosis and management. In March 2016, we looked retrospectively at TRAK to determine how these patients were actually managed and compared this with the predictions.

Results

Agreement was calculated for the predicted and actual presence of a fracture, with a κ value of 0.433. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to determine interrater reliability between predicted management and actual management, showing an average score of 0.801. Of the 16 patients found to be Low Risk Ankle Rule positive, none were found to have high-risk fractures.

Conclusions

This study found that radiographs are necessary for the management of pediatric ankle injuries. However, there is scope to reduce radiography by implementing the Low Risk Ankle Rule.
A Comparison of Direct Laryngoscopy and Videolaryngoscopy for Endotracheal Intubation by Inexperienced Users
Authors: Balaban Onur , Hakim Mumin , Walia Hina , Tumin Dmitry , Lind Meredith , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Direct laryngoscopy (DL) is the most common technique for endotracheal intubation, whereas videolaryngoscopy provides an indirect view of the glottis without the need to align the oral, pharyngeal, and tracheal axes. The current study compares videolaryngoscopy with DL among experienced and inexperienced users for endotracheal intubation using a pediatric manikin.

Methods

Participants performed DL using Miller and Macintosh laryngoscopes and videolaryngoscopy using CMAC and GlideScope devices on a manikin (SimBaby; Laerdel, Wappingers Falls, NY). Time to endotracheal intubation, number of attempts, and successful intubation within 120 seconds were recorded.

Results

Among 31 experienced users, time to endotracheal intubation with the CMAC (20 ± 13 seconds) did not differ from DL with either the Miller (30 ± 28 seconds) or Macintosh (27 ± 23 seconds) laryngoscopes. However, with the GlideScope, time to endotracheal intubation (85 ± 38 seconds) was longer. The results were similar among 12 inexperienced users, as time to endotracheal intubation with the CMAC (61 ± 34 seconds) was comparable with the Miller (72 ± 45 seconds) or Macintosh (72 ± 45 seconds) laryngoscopes but was longer with the GlideScope (118 ± 6 seconds) for each comparison.

Conclusions

The standard straight or curved laryngoscope blades including the CMAC were associated with shorter procedural time and higher success rate when compared with indirect videolaryngoscopy with an unconventional blade design such as the GlideScope in both experienced and inexperienced users. However, the current study demonstrates that results may be influenced by the anatomical design of the manikin.
Quantitative Assessment of Statistical Reviews of Patient Safety Research Articles
Authors: Daniels Jeffrey R. , Dexter Franklin , Espy Jennifer L. , Brull Sorin J.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

For 8.5 consecutive years, all patient safety articles of a journal underwent statistical review before publication. We sought to establish the prevalence of statistical themes in the statistical reviews, consideration of contemporary statistical methods, and their associations with time to journal receipt of authors' revision.

Methods

An initial set of statistical themes was created using the statistical editor's notes. For example, for the statistical theme of “CONSORT checklist,” the search term needed was “CONSORT.” A complete (exhaustive) list of additional themes was obtained inductively.

Results

Among the 273 subsequent reviews for manuscripts that were ultimately accepted, the number of paragraphs that included a theme of a statistical method was only weakly associated with longer revision times (Kendall τ = 0.139 ± 0.039,P= 0.0004). Among the total 3274 paragraphs of statistical reviews, 72.2% did not include a theme of a statistical method (e.g., the editor instead asked the authors to clarify what statistical method had been used) (95% confidence interval [CI] = 70.6%-73.7%,P< 0.0001 versus 50%).

Among the 207 manuscripts with a review that included a statistical method, 47.3% included a contemporary topic (e.g., generalized pivotal methods) (95% CI = 40.4%–54.4%). However, among the 911 corresponding paragraphs of statistical review comments, only 16.0% included a contemporary theme (95% CI = 13.7%–18.6%).

Conclusions

The revised versions of patient safety articles, which are eventually to be accepted for publication, have many statistical limitations especially in the reporting (writing) of basic statistical methods and results. The results suggest a need for education of patient safety investigators to include statistical writing.
Off-pump Versus On-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Graft Patency Assessment With Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography
Authors: Noiseux Nicolas , Stevens Louis-Mathieu , Chartrand-Lefebvre Carl , Soulez Gilles , Prieto Ignacio , Basile Fadi , Mansour Samer , Dyub Adel M. , Kieser Teresa M. , Lamy André
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

A large multicenter randomized trial (RCT) is needed to assess off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patency when performed by skilled surgeons. This prospective multicenter randomized pilot study compares graft patency after on-pump and off-pump techniques and addresses the feasibility of such an RCT.

Materials and Methods:

Consecutive patients were prospectively recruited for ≥64-slice computed tomography angiography graft patency assessment 1 year after randomization to off-pump or on-pump CABG. Blinded assessment of graft patency was performed, and the results were categorized as normal, ≥50% stenosis, or occlusion. A multilevel model with random effects on the patient was used to account for correlation of results in patients with multiple grafts.

Results:

A total of 157 patients (3 centers, 84 off-pump and 73 on-pump patients, 512 grafts, assessability rate 98.4%) were included. Patency index (% nonoccluded grafts) was 89% for the off-pump technique and 95% for the on-pump technique (P=0.09). Patency was similar for arterial and vein grafts (both 92%; P=0.88), as well as between target territories (89% to 94%; P=0.53).

Conclusions:

In this pilot study, 1-year graft patency results after off-pump and on-pump surgery were similar. This feasibility trial demonstrates that a large multicenter RCT to compare CABG patency after on-pump with that after off-pump techniques is feasible and can be reliably undertaken using computed tomography angiography.
Plasma Resuscitation Improved Survival in a Cecal Ligation and Puncture Rat Model of Sepsis
Authors: Chang Ronald , Holcomb John B. , Johansson Pär I. , Pati Shibani , Schreiber Martin A. , Wade Charles E.
Published: June 2017

Background:

The paradigm shift from crystalloid to plasma resuscitation of traumatic hemorrhagic shock has improved patient outcomes due in part to plasma-mediated reversal of catecholamine and inflammation-induced endothelial injury, decreasing vascular permeability and attenuating organ injury. Since sepsis induces a similar endothelial injury as seen in hemorrhage, we hypothesized that plasma resuscitation would increase 48-h survival in a rat sepsis model.

Methods:

Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats (375–425 g) were subjected to 35% cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) (t = 0 h). Twenty-two hours post-CLP and prior to resuscitation (t = 22 h), animals were randomized to resuscitation with normal saline (NS, 10 cc/kg/h) or pooled rat fresh frozen plasma (FFP, 3.33 cc/kg/h). Resuscitation under general anesthesia proceeded for the next 6 h (t = 22 h to t = 28 h); lactate was checked every 2 h, and fluid volumes were titrated based on lactate clearance. Blood samples were obtained before (t = 22 h) and after resuscitation (t = 28 h), and at death or study conclusion. Lung specimens were obtained for calculation of wet-to-dry weight ratio. Fisher exact test was used to analyze the primary outcome of 48-h survival. ANOVA with repeated measures was used to analyze the effect of FFP versus NS resuscitation on blood gas, electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, catecholamines, and syndecan-1 (marker for endothelial injury). A two-tailed alpha level of <0.05 was used for all statistical tests.

Results:

Thirty-three animals were studied: 14 FFP, 14 NS, and 5 sham. Post-CLP but preresuscitation (t = 22 h) variables between FFP and NS animals were similar and significantly deranged compared with sham animals. FFP significantly increased 48-h survival compared to NS (n = 8 [57%] vs n = 2 [14%]), attenuated the post-resuscitation (t = 28 h) levels of epinephrine (mean 2.2 vs 7.0 ng/mL), norepinephrine, (3.8 vs 8.9 ng/mL), IL-6 (3.8 vs 18.7 ng/mL), and syndecan-1 (21.8 vs 31.0 ng/mL) (all P < 0.05), improved the post-resuscitation PO2 to FiO2 ratio (353 vs 151), and reduced the pulmonary wet-to-dry weight ratio (5.28 vs 5.94) (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Compared to crystalloid, plasma resuscitation increased 48-h survival in a rat sepsis model, improved pulmonary function and decreased pulmonary edema, and attenuated markers for inflammation, endothelial injury, and catecholamines.
Surfactant Proteins-A and -D Attenuate LPS-Induced Apoptosis in Primary Intestinal Epithelial Cells (IECs)
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Meng Qinghe , Yepuri Natesh , Wang Guirong , Xi Xiuming , Cooney Robert N.
Published: June 2017

Introduction:

SP-A/D KO mice with sepsis demonstrate more severe lung, kidney, and gut injury/apoptosis than WT controls. We hypothesize SP-A and SP-D directly regulate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and gut apoptosis during sepsis.

Methods:

Primary IECs were established from SP-A/D KO or C57BL/6 WT mice, stimulated with LPS and harvested at 24 h. IECs from WT mice were treated with SP-A, SP-D, or vehicle for 20 h, then LPS for 24 h. Apoptosis, cleaved caspase-3 levels and the ratio of BAX/Bcl-2 were assayed. The role of P38 MAPK was examined using the P38 MAPK-agonist U46619 and inhibitor SB203580 in LPS-treated cells. p-P38 MAPK/t-P38 MAPK, TLR4, and CD14 were measured by Western Blot.

Results:

LPS-induced apoptosis, caspase-3 levels, BAX/Bcl-2, and p-P38/t-P38 MAPK were increased in SP-A/D KO IECs. SP-A and SP-D attenuate LPS-induced increase in apoptosis, cleaved caspase-3, BAX/Bcl-2, and p-P38/t-P38 MAPK in WT IECs. U46619 increased apoptosis, caspase-3, and BAX/Bcl-2 in IECs which was attenuated by SP-A/D. SB203580 attenuates the LPS-induced increase in apoptosis, caspase-3, and BAX/Bcl-2 in WT IECs. Addition of SP-A or SP-D to SB203580 completely ameliorates LPS-induced apoptosis. The LPS-induced increase in TLR4 and CD14 expression is greater in IECs from SP-A/D KO mice and treatment of WT IECs with SP-A or SP-D prevents the LPS-induced increase in TLR4 and CD14.

Conclusions:

SP-A and SP-D attenuate LPS-induced increases in apoptosis, caspase-3, and BAX/Bcl-2 in IECs. Attenuation of LPS-induced activation of TLR4 and P38 MAPK signaling pathways represents potential mechanisms for the protective effects of SP-A/D on apoptosis.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Then and Now: An Updated Systematic Review of the Progress and Short-term Outcomes Over the Last 5 Years
Authors: Emile Sameh H. , Elfeki Hossam , Elalfy Khaled , Abdallah Emad
Published: June 2017

Introduction and Aim:

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is considered one of the most popular bariatric surgeries of the present time. This review aimed to evaluate the progress and short-term outcomes of LSG over the last 5 years.

Methods:

The systematic review of electronic databases revealed 27 relevant articles, which were carefully assessed. The data extracted from the studies were analyzed and compared with data reported by a previous review published in 2010.

Results:

A total of 5218 patients were included in this review with a mean age of 41.1. The average preoperative body mass index (43.8±8) significantly dropped at 12 months to 30.7±3.9. The average percentage of excess weight loss at 1 year was 67.3. The mean rates of remission of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were 81.9%, 66.5%, and 64.1%, respectively. The mean complication rate across the studies was 8.7% and the average mortality rate was 0.3%. A significant drop in postoperative body mass index, higher percentage of excess weight loss, and significantly lower overall complication rate were observed in comparison with the previous systematic review.

Conclusions:

LSG continues to achieve satisfactory weight loss and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities with acceptably low morbidity and mortality rates.
Laparoscopic Total Extraperitoneal (TEP) Inguinal Hernia Repair Using 3-dimensional Mesh Without Mesh Fixation
Authors: Aliyazicioglu Tolga , Yalti Tunc , Kabaoglu Burcak
Published: June 2017

Background:

Approximately one fifth of patients suffer from inguinal pain after laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. There is existing literature suggesting that the staples used to fix the mesh can cause postoperative inguinal pain. In this study, we describe our experience with laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia surgery using 3-dimensional mesh without mesh fixation, in our institution.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 300 patients who had undergone laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair with 3-dimensional mesh in VKV American Hospital, Istanbul from November 2006 to November 2015 were studied retrospectively. Using the hospital’s electronic archive, we studied patients’ selected parameters, which are demographic features (age, sex), body mass index, hernia locations and types, duration of operations, preoperative and postoperative complications, duration of hospital stays, cost of surgery, need for analgesics, time elapsed until returning to daily activities and work.

Results:

A total of 300 patients underwent laparoscopic TEP hernia repair of 437 inguinal hernias from November 2006 to November 2015. Of the 185 patients, 140 were symptomatic. Mean duration of follow-up was 48 months (range, 6 to 104 mo). The mean duration of surgery was 55 minutes for bilateral hernia repair, and 38 minutes for unilateral hernia repair. The mean duration of hospital stay was 0.9 day. There was no conversion to open surgery. In none of the cases the mesh was fixated with either staples or fibrin glue. Six patients (2%) developed seroma that were treated conservatively. One patient had inguinal hernia recurrence. One patient had preperitoneal hematoma. One patient operated due to indirect right-sided hernia developed right-sided hydrocele. One patient had wound dehiscence at the umbilical port entry site. Chronic pain developed postoperatively in 1 patient. Ileus developed in 1 patient.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic TEP inguinal repair with 3-dimensional mesh without mesh fixation can be performed as safe as repair with tack fixation.
Does prehospital management by doctors affect outcome in major trauma? A systematic review
Authors: Wilson Stephanie Laura , Gangathimmaiah Vinay
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

There is substantial variation worldwide in prehospital management of trauma and the role of doctors is controversial. The objective of this review was to determine whether prehospital management by doctors affects outcomes in major trauma, including the prespecified subgroup of severe traumatic brain injuries when compared with management by other advanced life support providers.

METHODS

EMBASE, MEDLINE(R), PubMed, SciELO, Trip, Web of Science, and Zetoc were searched for published articles. HSRProj, OpenGrey, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for unpublished data. Relevant reference lists were hand-searched. There were no limits on publication year, but articles were limited to the English language. Authors were contacted for further information as required. Quality was assessed using the Downs and Black criteria. Mortality was the primary outcome, and disability was the secondary outcome of interest. Studies were subjected to a descriptive analysis alone without a meta-analysis due to significant study heterogeneity. All searches, quality assessment, data abstraction, and data analysis was performed by two reviewers independently.

RESULTS

Two thousand thirty-seven articles were identified, 49 full-text articles assessed and eight studies included. The included studies consisted of one randomized controlled trial with 375 participants and seven observational studies with over 4,451 participants. All included studies were at a moderate to high risk of bias. Six of the eight included studies showed an improved outcome with prehospital management by doctors, five in terms of mortality and one in terms of disability. Two studies found no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

There appears to be an association between prehospital management by doctors and improved survival in major trauma. There may also be an association with improved survival and better functional outcomes in severe traumatic brain injury. Further high-quality evidence is needed to confirm these findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review, level III.
Big for small: Validating brain injury guidelines in pediatric traumatic brain injury
Authors: Azim Asad , Jehan Faisal S. , Rhee Peter , O’Keeffe Terence , Tang Andrew , Vercruysse Gary , Kulvatunyou Narong , Latifi Rifat , Joseph Bellal
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Brain injury guidelines (BIG) were developed to reduce overutilization of neurosurgical consultation (NC) as well as computed tomography (CT) imaging. Currently, BIG have been successfully applied to adult populations, but the value of implementing these guidelines among pediatric patients remains unassessed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the established BIG (BIG-1 category) for managing pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) without NC (no-NC).

METHODS

We prospectively implemented the BIG-1 category (normal neurologic examination, ICH ≤ 4 mm limited to one location, no skull fracture) to identify pediatric TBI patients (age, ≤ 21 years) that were to be managed no-NC. Propensity score matching was performed to match these no-NC patients to a similar cohort of patients managed with NC before the implementation of BIG in a 1:1 ratio for demographics, severity of injury, and type as well as size of ICH. Our primary outcome measure was need for neurosurgical intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 405 pediatric TBI patients were enrolled, of which 160 (NC, 80; no-NC, 80) were propensity score matched. The mean age was 9.03 ± 7.47 years, 62.1% (n = 85) were male, the median Glasgow Coma Scale score was 15 (13–15), and the median head Abbreviated Injury Scale score was 2 (2–3). A subanalysis based on stratifying patients by age groups showed a decreased in the use of repeat head CT (p = 0.02) in the no-NC group, with no difference in progression (p = 0.34) and the need for neurosurgical intervention (p = 0.9) compared with the NC group.

CONCLUSION

The BIG can be safely and effectively implemented in pediatric TBI patients. Reducing repeat head CT in pediatric patients has long-term sequelae. Likewise, adhering to the guidelines helps in reducing radiation exposure across all age groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/care management, level III.