bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide and respiratory complaints in Hajj pilgrims wearing a cotton towel or plain cotton ihram
Authors: Ayoub Meo Sultan , Iqbal Muhammad , Al-Masri Abeer , Zia Inam , Afzal Sibtain 
Published: December 2019

Objective Hajj is an important component of Islam. This study aimed to determine the effect of wearing a cotton towel or plain cotton ihram on the onset of respiratory symptoms and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels in Hajj pilgrims. Methods One hundred male nonsmoking subjects (age: 20–60 years) without a previous clinical history of respiratory illnesses were included. Fifty subjects were dressed in a cotton towel ihram and 50 wore a plain cotton ihram (control group). Respiratory symptoms and FeNO levels were recorded on the day before leaving for Hajj, when ihrams were removed, and when the pilgrims had returned home. Results Pilgrims who wore cotton towel ihrams showed significantly higher rates of respiratory symptoms, including being generally ill, coughing, a sore throat, and a runny nose, than those who wore plain ihrams. FeNO levels also tended to be higher in pilgrims who wore a cotton towel ihram compared with those with a plain cotton ihram during and after Hajj. Conclusions Hajj pilgrims who wear cotton towel ihrams may have a risk of respiratory symptoms, including a cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Therefore, a plain cotton ihram is advisable while performing Hajj to minimize respiratory illness.
Use of the base purse-string suture approach to remove giant uterine fibroids during cesarean section
Authors: Liu Dan , Han Min , Huang Pu , Li Chunfang , Li Xuelan 
Published: December 2019

Objective This study aimed to investigate the optimal strategy for myomectomy for removing giant uterine fibroids when necessary in women undergoing cesarean section. Methods This study was retrospective in design, and assessed outcomes in 26 patients who underwent myomectomy using a “base purse-string suture” during cesarean section. The operative duration, blood loss, uterine involution, and duration of postpartum lochia were analyzed. Results This suture was associated with a mean operative duration of 11.17 ± 5.36 minutes and the mean estimated blood loss was 11.15 ± 6.05 mL. The mean postpartum duration of lochia was 34.92 ± 7.55 days and there were no cases of postpartum hemorrhage. Uterine size returned to normal within 6 weeks of delivery, without any apparent defects or abnormalities in the uterine wall as shown by an ultrasonic examination. Conclusion This novel implementation of a base purse-string suture during cesarean myomectomy for removal of giant fibroids is a simple, safe, and effective intervention that should be considered for implementation in appropriate patients.
Respiratory function, functional capacity, and physical activity behaviours in children and adolescents with scoliosis
Authors: Amăricăi Elena , Suciu Oana , Onofrei Roxana Ramona , Miclăuș Roxana Steliana , Iacob Radu Emil , Caţan Liliana , Popoiu Călin Marius , Cerbu Simona , Boia Eugen 
Published: December 2019

Objectives To assess pulmonary function and functional capacity in children and adolescents with mild or moderate idiopathic scoliosis who were included in a rehabilitation programme, and to observe some of their physical activity behaviours. Methods Forty children (aged 9–17 years) with mild or moderate idiopathic scoliosis (patients) and 40 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Physical activity behaviours (hours of time spent at a desk and at a computer, hours of competitive and non-competitive practice of exercise per week) were recorded. Patients were assessed before beginning rehabilitation and 12 weeks after an exercised-based programme by spirometry and functional capacity testing (6-minute walk test). Results All respiratory and functional capacity parameters were significantly increased after physical therapy compared with before beginning physical therapy in patients. However, there were still differences between patients and controls in all assessed parameters after therapy. Children and adolescents who were diagnosed with scoliosis spent a longer time at a computer, and had reduced regular and competitive physical exercise compared with controls. Conclusions In children and adolescents with mild/moderate idiopathic scoliosis, pulmonary parameters and functional capacity are improved after 12 weeks of supervised physical therapy.
A management program for preventing occupational blood-borne infectious exposure among operating room nurses: an application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model
Authors: Lin Hua , Wang Xiaoyan , Luo Xiaohui , Qin Zhen 
Published: December 2019

Objectives The study aim was to determine the effect of an occupational blood-borne pathogen exposure (OBE) management program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model on knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding OBE prevention among operating room nurses. Methods This was a one-group pre-test post-test experimental study. The PRECEDE-PROCEED model was used to design and evaluate the effect of an OBE management program on 87 operating room nurses from February to July 2018. The study included pre-intervention assessment; risk factor analysis; interventions targeted to predisposing, reinforcing and enabling factors and focusing on areas of low scoring; and a post-intervention assessment. Attitudes, knowledge and behaviour compliance regarding OBE were measured before and after the 6-month program using a self-developed questionnaire. Descriptive epidemiological analysis and t-tests were used for data analysis. Results Low-scoring items for OBE knowledge, attitudes and behaviour were identified in the baseline assessment. Six months post-intervention, there were significant improvements in attitudes toward OBE prevention, in knowledge about OBE safety precautions and in behaviour compliance with standard precautions. Conclusions The findings indicate the effectiveness of an OBE management program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for improving knowledge, attitudes and behaviour adherence to OBE prevention among operating room nurses.
Publication rates of abstracts presented at the World Congress on Pain held by the International Association for the Study of Pain in 2010
Authors: Akkoc Ibrahim 
Published: December 2019

Objective To examine publication rates of the full texts of abstracts presented at the 2010 World Congress on Pain (WCP) of the International Association for the Study of Pain. Methods Poster presentations published in the abstract booklet of the 13th WCP in 2010 were examined. The post-congress status of each abstract was investigated by searching titles, first author, and co-authors, in order, using local search engines. The year of publication, country, index, impact factor (IF) of the publishing journal, and name and title consistencies between the abstract and published text were recorded. Results A total 1907 poster presentations were investigated. Of these, 525 (27.5%) were published in scientific journals. The most poster presentations (402, 37%) were from the United States. The most published presentations appeared in scientific journals in 2011. Science Citation Index (SCI), SCI Expanded, and Emerging Sources Citation Index published 491 abstracts as full texts. The mean IF of journals in which articles were published was 3.90 ± 3.64. Conclusions As with scientific journals, a communication process should be established with authors during assessment of poster presentations at congresses regarding critical progression and rectification of deficiencies, which will increase the likelihood of presentation abstracts being published.
ARID1A upregulation predicts better survival in patients with urothelial bladder carcinoma
Authors: Cao Qifeng , Wang Chen , Ding Yu , Xu Ding , Qian Subo , Shen Haibo , Qi Jun 
Published: December 2019

Objective AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A) is frequently mutated or deficient in various types of tumors. However, the role of ARID1A in bladder cancer remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate ARID1A expression and its biological role and correlation with prognosis in patients with urothelial bladder carcinoma (BUC). Methods ARID1A expression levels in BUC and normal tissues were assessed by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and patient outcomes. Downregulation of ARID1A was mimicked by transfection with small interfering RNA in T24 bladder cancer cells, and the effects on cell proliferation and migration were evaluated. Results ARID1A expression was significantly reduced in BUC tissues and was significantly associated with T stage and AJCC stage. Upregulation of ARID1A predicted a better prognosis in BUC patients. ARID1A expression and lymph node status were identified as independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Silencing of ARID1A promoted the proliferation of BUC cells. Conclusions ARID1A may represent a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with BUC.
Central arterial and peripheral arterial blood pressure in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing versus not undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Sun Liping , Zhou Ru , Zhang Xinzhou 
Published: December 2019

Objective We assessed the consistency of noninvasive and invasive measurements of central arterial pressure (CAP) and the difference between peripheral brachial artery pressure and CAP in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing versus not undergoing hemodialysis. Methods This single-center cross-sectional study was performed from May to December 2018. The patients were divided into a control group (n = 50), CKD group (stages 3–5, n = 50), and dialysis group (n = 20), and all underwent measurement of peripheral humeral arterial pressure and noninvasive and invasive measurement of CAP. Group differences and correlations between CAP and peripheral arterial pressure were assessed. Results The consistency between noninvasive and invasive CAP was better in the control and CKD groups than in the dialysis group. In the dialysis group, the noninvasive equipment underestimated the actual CAP. The CAP was close to the peripheral brachial artery pressure in the dialysis group, while the CAP was significantly lower than the peripheral brachial artery pressure in the control and CKD groups. Conclusion Noninvasive equipment underestimates the actual CAP in patients undergoing dialysis and should be used with caution. The difference between the peripheral arterial pressure and CAP was smaller in patients undergoing dialysis than in patients with CKD and controls.
Management of testicular torsion <360° in children: a single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Guo Xiang , Sun Lan , Lei Wei , Li Shuang , Guo Hui 
Published: December 2019

Objective This study aimed to summarize clinical manifestations, and physical examination, laboratory examination, and ultrasound results of children with testicular torsion <360°. Methods We performed a retrospective study of children who were diagnosed with testicular torsion <360° between October 2007 and October 2017. Results There were 11 (19.2%) patients with testicular torsion of 90°, 33 (58.0%) with 180°, and 13 (22.8%) with 270°. The median age of onset was 5.7 years (range, 1–14 years) and the median duration of symptoms was 4.2 days (range, 0.5–5 days). Ultrasound showed low blood flow in 46 (80.8%) patients. The testis was retained in 41 (72.0%) patients and resected in 16 (28.0%). The testes appeared necrotic at 2 to 3 days after onset for patients with 270° torsion, appeared necrotic at 3 to 4 days after onset for those with 180° torsion, and were not necrotic at 4 to 5 days after onset for those with 90° torsion. The duration of symptoms in children decreased as the torsion angle increased. Conclusion Children with testicular torsion <360° are relatively young, while the duration of symptoms is relatively long. A high postoperative testicular survival rate is one of the clinical features in this study.
Upper Extremity and Hip Range of Motion Changes Throughout a Season in Professional Baseball Players
Authors: Chan Justin M. , Zajac John , Erickson Brandon J. , Altchek David W. , Camp Christopher , Coleman Struan H. , Dines Joshua S. 
Published: December 2019

Background: Loss of upper and lower extremity range of motion (ROM) is a significant risk factor for injuries in professional baseball players. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to determine changes in ROM in professional baseball players over the course of a single season and their careers. We hypothesized that pitchers and position players would lose ROM, specifically total shoulder motion (total ROM [TROM]) and hip internal rotation (IR), over the course of a season and their careers. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Upper and lower extremity ROM measurements were recorded during pre-, mid-, and postseason on all professional baseball players for a single organization between 2011 and 2018. ROM measurements were compared for pitchers and position players over the course of the season and their careers. Also, ROM measurements over the pre-, mid-, and postseason were compared between pitchers and position players. Results: A total of 166 professional baseball players (98 pitchers, 68 position players) were included. Pitcher hip external rotation (ER; P < .001), IR ( P = .010), and TROM ( P < .001) for lead and trail legs decreased over the course of the season. Pitcher shoulder ER ( P = .005), TROM ( P = .042), and horizontal adduction ( P < .001) significantly increased over the course of the season. Position player shoulder flexion ( P = .046), hip ER ( P < .001, lead leg; P < .001, trail leg), and hip TROM ( P = .001; P = .002) decreased over the course of the season. Position player shoulder ER ( P = .031) and humeral adduction ( P < .001) significantly increased over the course of the season. Over the course of pitchers’ careers, there was decreased shoulder IR ( P = .014), increased shoulder horizontal adduction ( P < .001), and hip IR ( P = .042) and hip TROM ( P = .027) for the lead leg. Position players experienced loss of hip TROM ( P = .010, lead leg; P = .018, trail leg) over the course of their careers. Pitchers started with and maintained more shoulder ER and gained more shoulder TROM over a season as compared with position players. Conclusion: Pitchers and position players saw overall decreases in hip ROM but increases in shoulder ROM over the course of the season and career.
A Retrospective Study Reviewing Interprofessional Advance Care Planning Group Discussions in Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Proof-of-Concept and Feasibility Study
Authors: Grossman Daphna , Katz Amanda , Lock Karen , Caraiscos Valerie B. 
Published: December 2019

Background: Advance care planning (ACP) is a process of reflection and discussion wherein a patient, in consultation with a health-care provider, family, and/or loved ones, clarifies values and treatment preferences and establishes goals, including a plan for end-of-life (EOL) care. Advance care planning encompasses appreciating and understanding illness and treatment options, elucidating patient values and beliefs, and identifying a substitute decision maker (SDM) or designating a power of attorney (POA) for personal care. These discussions have proven to be effective in improving patient–family satisfaction, reducing anxiety regarding EOL care in patients and family members, and improving patient-centered care by empowering patients to direct their care at EOL. However, ACP conversations are often difficult to have due to the sensitive nature of such discussions. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether group facilitation for teaching and discussing ACP enhances participants’ understanding of ACP and allows them to feel comfortable and supported when discussing these sensitive issues. Methods: Patients who were registered in North York General Hospital’s (NYGH) pulmonary rehabilitation program from June 2016 until August 2017 were given the opportunity to attend two 1-hour sessions related to ACP. The first session was dedicated to educating patients on ACP, explaining the hierarchy of the SDM and the role of the POA for personal care. The second session, provided a short time later, was devoted to discussions of values, wishes, fears, and trade-offs for future medical and EOL care. These discussions led by the supportive care nurse practitioner and a physician who are members of the NYGH Freeman Palliative Care Team were held in a group-facilitated format. Anonymous feedback forms, including both qualitative and quantitative feedback, were completed by the participants and analyzed. Participants: Analysis of a sample of 30 participants who attended 1 or 2 of the ACP sessions revealed that 21 identified as female and 9 identified as male. The average age of the participants was 76 years. Findings: Participants felt the content was relevant to their needs and were comfortable asking questions with all feedback averages ranging from good to very good. Participants appreciated the opportunity to share their thoughts in an open and interactive format. Conclusion: Discussing issues relevant to ACP, including providing information about ACP, sharing fears, wishes, and tradeoffs, were well-received in a group-support environment. Future studies should assess the impact of ACP group discussion on the individual, such as identifying a POA, having discussions regarding wishes and values with the SDM/POA, and examining the clinical impact of such sessions.
Vanuatu Psychiatry Mentorship Programme: a case illustrating cultural and clinical considerations
Authors: Obed Jimmy , Bush Allister , Stathis Stephen , Hunter Ernest 
Published: December 2019

Objectives: The objectives of this article are to describe a case highlighting challenges in managing an acute psychiatric presentation, the process of mentorship and the significance of cultural matters influencing family engagement in Vanuatu. Method: Case description. Results: This case highlights resourcing constraints facing a small mental health team in the Pacific, the clinical significance of the concept of tabu in a ni-Vanuatu context and the importance of family decision making processes in ni-Vanuatu culture. Conclusion: A structured mentoring programme to foster mental health capacity development in Vanuatu can support psychiatric decision-making in complex cases, reflection on the role of culture in formulation and family engagement, and mutual learning.
“It’s Like a Death Sentence but It Really Isn’t” What Patients and Families Want to Know About Hospice Care When Making End-of-Life Decisions
Authors: Tate Channing E. , Venechuk Grace , Brereton Elinor J. , Ingle Pilar , Allen Larry A. , Morris Megan A. , Matlock Daniel D. 
Published: December 2019

Background: Hospice is underutilized, due to both lack of initiation from patients and late referral from clinicians. Prior research has suggested the reasons for underuse are multifactorial, including clinician and patient lack of understanding, misperceptions about the nature of hospice care, and poor communication during end-of-life discussions about hospice care. Little is known about the decisional needs of patients and families engaging in hospice decision-making. Objectives: To understand the decisional needs of patients and families making decisions about hospice care. Methods: We conducted focus groups with family caregivers and hospice providers and one-on-one interviews with patients considering or enrolled in hospice care. We identified participants through purposeful and snowball sampling methods. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Results: Four patients, 32 family caregivers, and 27 hospice providers participated in the study. Four main themes around decisional needs emerged from the interviews and focus groups: (1) What is hospice care?; (2) Why might hospice care be helpful?; (3) Where is hospice care provided?; and (4) How is hospice care paid for? Discussion: Hospice may not be the right treatment choice for all with terminal illness. Our study highlights where patients’ and families’ understanding could be enhanced to assure that they have the opportunity to benefit from hospice, if they so desire.
Balloon catheter dilation as the primary treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Authors: Gazit Inbal , Pras Eran , Or Lior , Hartstein Morris E 
Published: December 2019

Purpose: The aim of this study is to report the outcome of balloon catheter dilation as the primary treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children of all ages. Methods: A 10-year retrospective study of 148 children (270 eyes), aged 9 to 159 months (mean age: 29.6 ± 17.7 months), who previously had not undergone a nasolacrimal surgical procedure and who presented with clinical signs of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, was conducted. All children underwent balloon catheter dilation of the nasolacrimal duct. Results: Treatment success, defined as complete resolution of nasolacrimal duct obstruction symptoms present at follow-up visits at 1 week and up to 6 months after surgery, was 87% (234 of 270 eyes). Partial success was defined as occasional tearing which was acceptable to parents and present in 3% (nine eyes). Only 10% of the children underwent a second procedure due to complete failure. In a sub-analysis by age groups—under 18 months, between 18 and 36 months, and above 36 months—complete resolution rates were 85%, 93%, and 77%, and partial success rates were 3%, 3%, and 4%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the age groups ( p = .007). Conclusion: In this large cohort of patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction, balloon catheter dilation was successful as a primary treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, particularly under the age of 36 months.
Reoperation in esotropic Duane retraction syndrome: Long-term motor outcome of superior rectus transposition
Authors: Magli Adriano , Rombetto Luca , Esposito Veneruso Paolo 
Published: December 2019

Aim: The aim was to evaluate the long-term motor outcome of superior rectus transposition procedure in patients affected by unilateral esotropic Duane retraction syndrome with residual esotropia and anomalous head position. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients affected by esotropic Duane retraction syndrome who underwent superior rectus transposition procedure as reoperation for residual esotropia and/or residual anomalous head position. Amount of deviation, anomalous head position, duction limitation, globe retraction, presence of upshoot/downshoot, and vertical deviation were analyzed before and after superior rectus transposition procedure. Results: Twenty patients were selected. All patients underwent unilateral medial rectus recession or bilateral medial rectus recession, for unilateral esotropic Duane retraction syndrome at least 2 years before superior rectus transposition reoperation. Mean age at surgery (superior rectus transposition) was 12 ± 6.8 years, and the follow-up period was 2.7 ± 0.6. Mean deviations at distance and near before surgery were 19.5 ± 5.7 and 15.2 ± 6.8, respectively. Two patients showed upshoot. Head turn was 11.4 ± 5.1°; abduction limitation was −2.6 ± 0.9. After superior rectus transposition, all patients showed an improvement of esotropia at distance and near (8.1 ± 5.7 and 5.1 ± 5.6, respectively; p < 0.05), anomalous head position (5.6 ± 3.9°; p < 0.05), and abduction limitation (−2.3 ± 0.8; p < 0.05). No statistically significant changes occurred in globe retraction. No adduction limitation, vertical deviation, and upshoot/downshoot were present after superior rectus transposition procedure. Results were stable during follow-up. Conclusion: Superior rectus transposition procedure is an effective procedure in esotropic Duane retraction syndrome patients who previously undergone unilateral/bilateral medial rectus recession, with residual esotropia and anomalous head position. It allows improvement of esotropia, head turn, and partial recovery of abduction in a significant percentage of patients (30%) with no vertical complications.