bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of continuous unsupervised exercise therapy after above-knee femoropopliteal bypass
Authors: Kobayashi Taira , Hamamoto Masaki , Okazaki Takanobu , Honma Tomoaki , Iba Kazutoshi , Takakuwa Tsubasa , Harada Takumi , Takahashi Shinya 
Published: September 2020

Objective Exercise therapy has acceptable outcomes for patients with intermittent claudication, although few reports exist regarding the results of continuous exercise therapy after surgical reconstruction for intermittent claudication. This study aimed to analyze the long-term outcomes of unsupervised exercise therapy for patients after above-knee femoropopliteal bypass. Material and methods We retrospectively analyzed 69 patients (69 limbs, 69 grafts) who underwent above-knee femoropopliteal bypass from April 2009 to March 2018 in our hospital. At six months after above-knee femoropopliteal bypass, we evaluated the maintenance of unsupervised exercise therapy. Patients who continued unsupervised exercise therapy or discontinued unsupervised exercise therapy were assessed via 1:1 propensity matching. Long-term outcomes such as patency, survival, and major adverse cardiovascular events were compared between the groups after matching. We also analyzed the maintaining rate of unsupervised exercise therapy in a study cohort. Results Twenty-nine (42%) patients continued unsupervised exercise therapy until six months after above-knee femoropopliteal bypass. The discontinued unsupervised exercise therapy had higher proportions of female sex ( p =  0.015) and cerebrovascular disease ( p =  0.025) than did the continued unsupervised exercise therapy. The mean follow-up period was 65 ± 36 months. After propensity matching, the rates of the following factors were significantly higher in the continued unsupervised exercise therapy than in the discontinued unsupervised exercise therapy: primary patency (97% vs. 61%, p =  0.0041), secondary patency (100% vs. 69%, p =  0.0021), and freedom from major adverse cardiovascular events (61% vs. 24%, p =  0.0071) at five years. Both groups had a similar survival rate. The maintaining rate of unsupervised exercise therapy in the study cohort was 44% at six months, 41% at one year, 36% at three years, 25% at five years, and 25% at seven years. Conclusion The findings of this study suggested superior long-term outcomes, including graft patency and freedom from major adverse cardiovascular events, with unsupervised exercise therapy after open bypass than with the usual therapy. Unsupervised exercise therapy may be recommended for the patients after open bypass.
High resolution ultrasound in subclinical diabetic neuropathy: A potential screening tool
Authors: Tandon Anupama , Khullar Tamanna , Maheshwari Siddharth , Bhatt Shuchi , Narang Shiva 
Published: September 2020

Introduction Detection of subclinical neuropathy can aid in triage, timely intervention and dedicated care to reduce disease progression and morbidity. High resolution sonography has emerged as a promising technique for evaluation of peripheral nerves. The aim of the present study was to assess the utility of high resolution sonography in screening diabetic patients for subclinical neuropathy. Methods A total of 70 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 30 controls were enrolled; those with clinical features of neuropathy constituted the diabetic polyneuropathy group and those without symptoms/normal nerve conduction the non-diabetic polyneuropathy group. After institutional ethical committee approval and informed consent, high resolution sonography was performed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Nerves studied were median (elbow and wrist), ulnar (cubital tunnel and Guyon’s canal), common peroneal (fibular head) and posterior tibial nerve (medial malleolus).The size (cross sectional area), shape, echogenicity and morphology of nerve were assessed and compared between the groups. Results The mean cross sectional area of all nerves was significantly higher both in diabetic polyneuropathy and non-diabetic polyneuropathy group compared to controls (p value < .001). Common peroneal nerve cross sectional area of 4.5 mm2 had the highest sensitivity (93%) and specificity (86%) for detecting nerve changes in the non-diabetic polyneuropathy group. The nerves were more rounded, hypoechoic and had an altered morphology in both study groups. Conclusion Presence of sonographic nerve changes in asymptomatic diabetics depicted that morphological alterations in nerves precede clinical symptoms. High resolution sonography detected nerve changes with a good accuracy, and thus, can be a potential screening tool for detection of subclinical diabetic polyneuropathy.
White-matter hyperintensities in patients with carotid artery stenosis: An exploratory connectometry study
Authors: Porcu Michele , Sanfilippo Roberto , Montisci Roberto , Balestrieri Antonella , Suri Jasjit S , Wintermark Max , Saba Luca 
Published: September 2020

Background White-matter lesions (WMLs) are frequently found in magnetic resonance imaging (MRi), and the WML load tends to be higher in patients affected by cervical internal carotid artery (cICA) stenosis. Purpose This study aimed to investigate whether and how WMLs influence cerebral networking in patients with asymptomatic cICA stenosis eligible for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) by exploiting the connectometry technique. Methods The study was designed as a cross-sectional exploratory investigation, and 28 patients with cICA stenosis eligible for CEA were enrolled. All patients received an MRI scan, including a T1-weighted, a FLAIR and a diffusion-weighted (DW) sequence. The T1 and FLAIR sequences were analysed for quantification of WML burden (WMLB) and total number of WMLs (TNWMLs). The DW data were reconstructed in the MNI space using q-space diffeomorphic reconstruction, and were grouped to create a connectometry database. The connectometry analysis evaluated the influence of both the WMLB and TNWMLs to local connectivity in a multiple regression model that included age, WMLB and TNWMLs, adopting three different T-score thresholds (1, 2 and 3). A p-value corrected for false discovery rate of <0.05 was adopted as a threshold to identify statistically significant results. Results The connectometry analysis identified several white-matter bundles negatively correlated with WMLB; no statistically significant correlation was found for TNWMLs. Conclusion Results of our study suggest that WMLs influence brain connectivity measured by the connectometry technique in patients with cICA stenosis eligible for CEA. Further studies are warranted to understand the role of WMLs better as a marker of disease in patients with cICA stenosis.
Long segment right ureteric stricture following ureterorenoscopy for upper ureteric stone: A disastrous complication of endourology
Authors: Paudyal Prajwal , Parmar Kalpesh , Ranjan Kumar Rajiv , Kumar Santosh 
Published: September 2020

Background: Nephrolithiasis is a common ailment in developing countries such as India. Ureteroscopic management has superseded shockwave lithotripsy as the common treatment for upper urinary tract stones. The process of miniaturizing the instrument along with improved quality of video processor has amplified its potential application, maintaining the procedure safe and effective. However, with its extensive use, complications have risen in parallel, and one should be aware of its adverse effects. Ureteric stricture though rare is a serious problem and risks the loss of renal function. Case presentation: A 37-year-old male presented with right flank pain. On evaluation, he was diagnosed with right upper ureteric stone and left renal stone. The patient suffered ureteric perforation while the right ureterorenoscopy was being performed, and an open repair was done. On postoperative follow-up, he developed long segment ureteric stricture. Boari flap ureteroneocystostomy was done. Conclusion: Iatrogenic ureteric injury following ureterorenoscopy is common, minor and managed conservatively. Important tips to prevent major injury are: placement of the safety guide wire across the length of the ureter, small-calibre scopes during access if a tight gripping sensation is present and the use of lubricant along the length of the ureteroscope.
Surgery for pathological T3a, T3b and lymph node positive, prostate cancer: surgical, functional and oncological outcomes
Authors: Gilliland Niall , Vennam Sarath , Geraghty Robert , Peacock Julian , Crockett Matthew , Kearley Samantha , Oxley Jon , Porter Tim , Waine Elizabeth , Aning Jonathan , Rowe Edward , Koupparis Anthony 
Published: September 2020

Objective: To investigate and document the surgical, functional and oncological outcomes following surgery for high-risk prostate cancer patients. Patients and methods: Patients with pathological T3a, T3b and N1 disease were extracted from our prospectively updated institutional database. Data include demographics, preoperative cancer parameters, short and long-term complications and functional results. Details of biochemical recurrence, type and oncological outcome of salvage treatments, cancer-specific and overall survival were also obtained. Results: A total of 669 patients were included; 58.9% had T3a disease, 35.9% had pT3b and 11.4% N1 disease. With a median follow-up of 66 months (8–129), overall survival was 94.3%, cancer-specific survival was 98.7% and biochemical recurrence was 45.6%. Average inpatient stay was 1 day and the overall complication rate was 9.1%; 54.2% experienced a biochemical recurrence and 90.3% went on to have one or more salvage treatments, which were varied. Significant predictors of biochemical recurrence included pathological stage, any positive margin and patient age ( P<0.005). A total of 44.9% had an immediate biochemical recurrence, with 90% receiving subsequent treatment and 20.5% having a durable response. None of the patients receiving prostate bed radiotherapy alone had a durable response. 54% had a delayed biochemical recurrence, with 63.5% receiving subsequent treatment and 44% having a durable response. Conclusions: Surgery is associated with encouraging surgical and functional outcomes, cancer-specific survival and overall survival rates in these patients. Pathological stage is a significant predictor of biochemical recurrence. The present analysis shows that long-term observation for certain patients with biochemical recurrence is appropriate and questions the effectiveness of further local salvage treatments in patients with an immediate biochemical recurrence postoperatively. Level of evidence: II
Physicians’ attitudes and perspectives regarding the uptake of psychosocial aspects and/or patient preferences during multidisciplinary team meetings in oncology
Authors: Baes S , Horlait M , Dhaene S , Leys M 
Published: September 2020

Introduction Coordinating cancer care is challenging because of its complexity. To partly encounter this complexity, multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) were implemented to evaluate diagnosis, discuss treatment options and collectively decide upon the most optimal patient care and treatment plan. In cancer trajectories, medical professionals have a coordinating role and final decision responsibility. As a consequence patient-centred non-biomedical information are easily overlooked during discussions in MDTMs. This study aims to uncover physicians’ perceived barriers regarding the uptake of psychosocial aspects and/or patient preferences in the cancer treatment decision-making process during Multidisciplinary Oncology Consultations (MOCs), a specific type of MDTM in Belgium. Methods Between March 2019 and May 2019 semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty medical professionals specialized in oncology. Grounded theory principles were used to detect and classify perceived barriers and patterns emerging regarding the uptake of psychosocial information in the cancer treatment decision-making process. Results Although physicians showed an open attitude towards taking into account psychosocial aspects and patient preferences in treatment decisions, the majority of respondents is not convinced the MOC is the best place to discuss these aspects. Physicians reported organisational, work process, and health system related barriers. Discussion The MOC emerges as a medicalized form of team discussion that, in its current form, does not reach its objective of truly integrated multidisciplinarity as cancer care is demanding. The working practices of the MOC can be optimized to evolve towards a truly interdisciplinary approach.
Translation and Validation of the Danish Version of the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire
Authors: Bouknaitir Jamal Bech , Carreon Leah Y. , Brorson Stig , Andersen Mikkel Østerheden 
Published: September 2020

Study Design: Validation study. Objectives: To translate and validate the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) into a Danish version of the disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), which assesses symptom severity, physical function, and satisfaction after surgery. Method: Translation into a Danish version of the original questionnaire by back- and forward-translating the questionnaire and finally transforming a prefinal test version into a final and cross-cultural adapted version. Validation was performed as a cohort study assessing floor-ceiling effects, internal consistency, test-retest reproducibility, criterion validity, discriminant validity, and responsiveness to change. Results: Fifty-three patients were consecutively included in the study, 53 healthy controls were matched. Floor effect was seen in the postoperative data. Internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha was good to excellent. Substantial test-retest reproducibility was found using Cohen’s weighted kappa. The Danish ZCQ showed moderate to strong association with similar domains of Oswestry Disability Index, Short Form 36, Euro QoL 5D, visual analogue scale–leg and back. The questionnaire showed significant responsiveness to change and a significant discriminant validity between LSS patients and healthy controls. Conclusion: This study shows the Danish translation of the original ZCQ to be well understood by Danish patients. The Danish version is furthermore a reliable and valid questionnaire, which is responsive to change.
Definitions of Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy: Are We Speaking the Same Language and Are We Measuring the Right Outcome?
Authors: Chona Deepak V. , Bonano John C. , Ayeni Olufemi R. , Safran Marc R. 
Published: September 2020

Background: Return to sport is a commonly studied outcome of hip arthroscopy that is relevant to both patients and providers. There exists substantial variability in criteria used to define successful return to sport. Purpose: To review and evaluate the definitions used in the literature so as to establish a single standard to enable comparison of outcomes in future studies. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases were searched from inception to June 1, 2019, for studies relating to hip arthroscopy and return to sport. Articles included were those that met the following criteria: (1) contained 2 or more patients, (2) studied patients 18 years of age and older, (3) reported postoperative outcomes after hip arthroscopy, (4) clearly defined return to play, and (5) were written in English. Excluded articles (1) reported outcomes for nonoperative or open treatments, (2) did not clearly define return to play, or (3) were review articles, meta-analyses, or survey-based studies. Return-to-play definitions and additional metrics of postoperative performance and outcome were recorded. Results: A total of 185 articles were identified, and 28 articles were included in the final review, of which 18 involved elite athletes and 10 involved recreational athletes. Of articles studying elite athletes, 6 (33%) defined return to play as participation in regular or postseason competition, 3 (17%) extended the criteria to the preseason, and 2 (11%) used participation in sport-related activities and training. The remaining 7 (39%) reported rates of return to the preoperative level of competition but did not specify preseason versus regular season. All 10 articles evaluating recreational athletes defined return to play based on patient-reported outcomes. Four (40%) did so qualitatively, while 6 (60%) did so quantitatively. Conclusion: There exists significant variability in criteria used to define successful return to sport after hip arthroscopy, and these criteria differ among elite and recreational athletes. For elite athletes, return to the preoperative level of competition is most commonly used, but there exists no consensus on what type of competition—regular season, preseason, or training—is most appropriate. For recreational athletes, patient-reported data are most commonly employed, although there are clear differences between authors on the ways in which these are being used as well.
Sex differences in treatment, radiological features and outcome after intracerebral haemorrhage: Pooled analysis of Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Haemorrhage trials 1 and 2
Authors: Sandset Else Charlotte , Wang Xia , Carcel Cheryl , Sato Shoichiro , Delcourt Candice , Arima Hisatomi , Stapf Christian , Robinson Thompson , Lavados Pablo , Chalmers John , Woodward Mark , Anderson Craig S 
Published: September 2020

Introduction Reports vary on how sex influences the management and outcome from acute intracerebral haemorrhage. We aimed to quantify sex disparities in clinical characteristics, management, including response to blood pressure lowering treatment, and outcomes in patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage, through interrogation of two large clinical trial databases. Patients and Methods Post-hoc pooled analysis of the Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Haemorrhage trials 1 and 2, where patients with a hypertensive response (systolic, 150–220 mmHg) after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (<6 h) were randomised to intensive (target <140 mmHg <1 h) or guideline-recommended (<180 mmHg) blood pressure lowering treatment. The interaction of sex on early haematoma growth (24 h), death or major disability (modified Rankin scale scores 3–6 at 90 days), and effect of randomised treatment were determined in multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for baseline confounding variables. Results In 3233 participants, 1191 (37%) were women who were significantly older, had higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores and smaller haematoma volumes compared to men. Men had higher three-month mortality (odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.10–2.00); however, there was no difference between women and men in the combined endpoint of death or major disability. There were no significant sex differences on mean haematoma growth or effect of randomised blood pressure lowering treatment. Discussion Men included in the Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Haemorrhage trials had more comorbidities, larger baseline haematoma volumes and higher mortality after adjustment for age, as compared with women. Conclusion Men included in the Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Haemorrhage trials had a greater odds of dying after intracerebral haemorrhage than women, which could not be readily explained by differing casemix or patterns of blood pressure management. Clinical trial registration The Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Haemorrhage trials studies are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00226096 and NCT00716079).
Vitreous Seed Classification and Regression Patterns in Eyes With Retinoblastoma
Authors: Rishi Pukhraj , Attiku Yamini , Manchegowda Pradeep T. , Agarwal Ashutosh , Sharma Minal 
Published: September 2020

Purpose: This work subclassifies retinoblastoma vitreous seeds and evaluates the efficacy, regression patterns, and adverse effects of combination intravitreal melphalan and topotecan chemotherapy for resistant and recurrent vitreous seeds. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted of patients with retinoblastoma and resistant or recurrent vitreous seeds who were treated with intravitreal melphalan and topotecan injections from August 2014 to July 2018. Main outcome measures included regression pattern, time for regression, time for recurrence of seeds, treatment outcomes, and ocular toxicity. Results: Nineteen eyes received 138 intravitreal injections over 74 treatment sessions (mean, 7.26 injections per eye); vitreous seeds regressed in 18 eyes. Of cloud vitreous seeds, curvilinear (n = 2) and sphero-linear (n = 2) subtypes were observed. During regression, some sphere seeds showed an intermediary streak-like pattern and took longer to regress (mean, 11.13 ± 14.05 months and 11.67 ± 8.62 injections) than those without the intermediary streak-like pattern (mean, 3.55 ± 2.57 months and 4.2 ± 1.87 injections). Mean follow-up was 34.87 ± 21.09 months (median, 35 months; range, 11-96 months). Anterior segment toxicity was seen in 10 (53%) eyes and posterior segment toxicity in 5 (26%) eyes. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates for globe salvage at 2 years was 94% and 73% at 5 years. Kaplan-Meier survival for vitreous seed–free status was 94% at 2 years and 65% at 5 years. Conclusions: An expanded vitreous seed classification system that further subcategorizes hitherto unrecognized vitreous seed morphology is needed. An intermediate streaking process results in a prolonged regression time for sphere vitreous seeds.
Peripheral Leakage on Ultra-Widefield Fluorescein Angiography in Patients With Inherited Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Park Elli A. , Huckfeldt Rachel M. , Comander Jason I. , Sobrin Lucia 
Published: September 2020

Purpose: This report illustrates that peripheral vascular leakage on ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (FA) can occur in patients with inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) without evidence of a separate cause of leakage. Methods: We searched the electronic medical records of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary from 2010 to 2019 for patients with an IRD diagnosis and examination with an ultra-widefield FA. Images from FAs were evaluated in masked fashion by 2 retina specialists. Documentation of an evaluation for alternative causes of vascular leakage was recorded, as well as results from electroretinography, Goldmann perimetry, and genetic testing. Results: A total of 305 patients with an IRD diagnosis and FA procedure code were identified. Of these, 26 patients had both a clinical diagnosis of IRD and ultra-widefield FA on detailed medical-record review. Three patients had FA to evaluate a Coats-like response and were excluded. Of the remaining 23, 4 patients (17%) had significant peripheral leakage on FA. Of these, 1 had pericentral retinitis pigmentosa (for which the genetic cause of disease was undefined), 1 had Refsum disease with confirmed biallelic PHYH mutations, 1 had a CRB1-associated macular dystrophy, and 1 had CERKL-associated macular dystrophy. There was no evidence of ocular inflammation from history, examination, or laboratory testing to account for the FA findings. Of the 19 patients without significant leakage, 4 had minimal leakage and 15 had no peripheral leakage. Conclusions: Peripheral retinal vascular leakage can be seen on ultra-widefield FA in patients with IRD that is likely due to the IRD disease process itself rather than to an additional, distinct eye condition.