bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct Intra-arterial thrombectomy in order to Revascularize AIS patients with large vessel occlusion Efficiently in Chinese Tertiary hospitals: A Multicenter randomized clinical Trial (DIRECT-MT)—Protocol
Authors: Yang Pengfei , Treurniet Kilian M , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yongwei , Li Zifu , Xing Pengfei , Zhang Yongxin , Zhang Ping , Wang Hao , Hong Bo , Dippel Diederik WJ , Roos Yvo BWEM , Majoie Charles BLM , Deng Benqiang , Liu Jianmin ,   on behalf of DIRECT-MT investigators
Published: October 2019

Rationale Intravenous thrombolysis combined with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been proven safe and clinical effective in patients with acute ischemic stroke of anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. However, despite reperfusion, a considerable proportion of patients do not recover. Incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was similar between patients treated with the combination of intravenous thrombolysis and MT, as compared to intravenous thrombolysis alone, suggesting that this complication should be attributed to pre-treatment with intravenous thrombolysis. Conversely, intravenous thrombolysis may be beneficial in patients with small clots occluding intracranial arteries with underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease, not accessible for MT. Aim To assess whether direct MT is non-inferior compared to combined intravenous thrombolysis plus MT in patients with AIS due to an anterior circulation large vessel occlusion, and to assess treatment effect modification by presence of intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Sample size Aim to randomize 636 patients 1:1 to receive direct MT (intervention) or combined intravenous thrombolysis plus MT (control). Design This is a multicenter, prospective, open label parallel group trial with blinded outcome assessment (PROBE design) assessing non-inferiority of direct MT compared to combined intravenous thrombolysis plus MT. Outcomes The primary outcome is the score on the modified Rankin Scale assessed blindly at 90 (±14) days. An common odds ratio, adjusted for the prognostic factors (age, NIHSS, collateral score), representing the shift on the 6-category mRS scale measured at three months, estimated with ordinal logistic regression, will be the primary effect parameter. Non-inferiority is established if the lower boundary of the 95% confidence interval does not cross 0.8. Discussion DIRECT-MT could result in improved therapeutic efficiency and cost reduction in treatment of anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke.
Patient-reported outcomes after in situ cubital tunnel decompression: a report in 77 patients
Authors: Yeoman Thomas F. M. , Stirling Paul H. C. , Lowdon Alexandra , Jenkins Paul J. , McEachan Jane E. 
Published: October 2019

This prospective single-centre study describes the patient-reported outcomes following open in situ decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome. The Quick version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and patient satisfaction scores were collected over a 3-year period. Outcomes were available for 77 patients at a mean of 17 months (11–27 months) postoperatively. The mean scores improved significantly from 39 to 30 postoperatively. The score change correlated strongly and significantly with postoperative satisfaction. Sixty-six patients (86%) were satisfied. Patients with clinical evidence of weakness at presentation had significantly lower satisfaction scores than those without. By reporting functional improvement and high levels of patient satisfaction in a large series, this study supports the use of in situ decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome. The outcomes for the patients with weakness and atrophy of ulnar nerve innervated muscles before surgery are less satisfactory. Level of evidence: III
New evidence in diagnosis of pulmonary embolism during pregnancy
Authors: Viau-Lapointe Julien , Arsenault Marie-Pier 
Published: October 2019

Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in pregnancy is notoriously difficult and lacking high quality evidence. Three studies (DiPEP, ARTEMIS and CT-PE-Pregnancy) evaluating a systematic approach to PE diagnosis have recently been published. DiPEP is a retrospective case-control study that found a poor utility of clinical decision rules or D-dimer testing for PE diagnosis in pregnancy. ARTEMIS and CT-PE-Pregnancy are well conducted prospective management studies that proposed two algorithms with different clinical decision rules and D-dimer criteria for the diagnosis of PE in pregnancy. They included few events in high risk patients, which makes difficult the assessment of both algorithm's safety in women with a high probability of PE. Considering this new evidence, D-dimer testing might be useful to avoid radiation imaging in pregnant women considered at low risk for PE. In contrast, a negative D-dimer cannot be considered sufficiently safe to rule out PE when clinicians estimate that PE is the most likely diagnosis.
The Cost Variability of Orthobiologics
Authors: Momaya Amit Mukesh , McGee Andrew Sullivan , Dombrowsky Alexander R. , Wild Alan Joshua , Faroqui Naqeeb M. , Waldrop Raymond P. , He Jun Kit , Brabston Eugene W. , Ponce Brent Andrew 
Published: October 2019

Background: Mixed results exist regarding the benefit of orthobiologic injections. The purpose of this study was to assess the variability in costs for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell (SC) injections and evaluate for variables that influence pricing. Hypothesis: There will be significant variability in the cost of PRP and SC injections throughout the United States. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Calls were made to 1345 orthopaedic sports medicine practices across the United States inquiring into the availability of PRP or SC knee injections and associated costs. In addition to pricing, the practice type, number of providers, and population and income demographics were recorded. Univariate statistical analyses were used to identify differences in availability and cost between variables. Results: Of the contacted offices that provided information on both PRP and SC availability (n = 1325), 268 (20.2%) offered both treatments, 550 (41.5%) offered only PRP injections, 20 (1.5%) offered only SC injections, and 487 (36.8%) did not offer either treatment. The mean ± SD cost of a PRP injection was $707 ± $388 (range, $175-$4973), and the mean cost of an SC injection was $2728 ± $1584 (range, $300-$12,000). Practices offering PRP and SC injections tended to be larger (PRP, 12.0 physicians per practice vs. 8.1 [ P < 0.001]; SC, 13.6 vs 9.7 [ P < 0.001]). Practices that offered PRP injections were located in areas with higher median household income ( P = 0.047). Variables associated with higher cost of PRP injections included city population ( P < 0.001) and median income of residents ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: While the majority of sports medicine practices across the United States offer some type of orthobiologic injection, there exists significant variability in the cost of these injections. Clinical Relevance: This study demonstrates the significant variability in costs of orthobiologic injections throughout the country, which will allow sports medicine physicians to appreciate the value of these injections when counseling patients on available treatment options.
Quality Improvement Basics: A Crash Course for Pediatric Cardiac Care
Authors: Bates Katherine E. , Connor Jean , Chanani Nikhil K. , McLellan Mary C. , McCormick Andrea , Smith-Parrish Melissa , Moga Michael-Alice 
Published: October 2019

Background: Lack of knowledge of quality improvement (QI) methodology and change management principles can explain many of the difficulties encountered when trying to develop effective QI initiatives in health care. Methods: An interactive QI workshop at the 14th Annual Meeting of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society provided an overview of the role of QI in health care, basic QI frameworks and tools, and leadership and organizational culture pitfalls. The top five QI projects submitted to the meeting were later presented to an expert QI panel in a separate session to illustrate examples of QI principles. Results: Workshop presenters introduced two major QI methodologies used to design QI projects. Important first steps include identifying a problem, forming a multidisciplinary team, and developing an aim statement. Key driver diagrams were highlighted as an important tool to develop a project’s framework. Several diagnostic tools used to understand the problem were discussed, including the “5 Why’s,” cause-and-effect charts, and process flowcharts. The importance of outcome, process, and balancing measures was emphasized. Identification of interventions, the value of plan-do-study-act cycles to fuel continuous QI, and use of statistical process control, including run charts or control charts, were reviewed. The importance of stakeholder engagement, transparency, and sustainability was discussed. Later, the top five QI projects presented highlighted multiple “QI done well” practices discussed during the preconference QI workshop. Conclusions: Understanding QI methodology and appropriately applying basic QI tools are pivotal steps to realizing meaningful and sustained improvement.
Trends in Medical Costs for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Ando Kei , Machino Masaaki , Tanaka Satoshi , Morozumi Masayoshi , Kanbara Shunsuke , Ito Sadayuki , Inoue Taro , Ishiguro Naoki , Imagama Shiro 
Published: October 2019

Study Design: A retrospective review of clinical data and costs was performed for surgeries for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) conducted from 2008 to 2017. Objective: Cost containment and healthcare value have become focal points in Japanese health care policy. The purpose of the study was to investigate trends over time in medical costs for surgery for AIS. Methods: A total of 83 patients underwent surgery for AIS from 2008 to 2017 at our hospital. Clinical data and length of stay were collected, and medical costs for surgery, local bone grafting, fees per day, and surgical instruments were evaluated. Results: There were slight year-by-year decreases in fees per day and decreases in costs of surgical instruments. The average length of stay was 16.4 days and gradually decreased over time. In contrast, scoliosis surgery costs increased about 1.6 times in 10 years from $9515 to $15 130. Conclusion: The trends for decreases in fees per day and prices for surgical instruments reflect recent government medical cost control policies. The cost for scoliosis surgery is also defined by the government, and the increase over 10 years may reflect the perspective of valuing effective and advanced surgeries. This study of cost trends of operative spinal intervention provides an assessment of surgical benefit and is likely to influence health care costs.
Validation of the Shin Pain Scoring System: A Novel Approach for Determining Tibial Bone Stress Injuries
Authors: Nussbaum Eric D. , Gatt Charles J. , Epstein Robert , Bechler Jeffrey R. , Swan Kenneth G. , Tyler David , Bjornaraa Jaynie 
Published: October 2019

Background: The incidence of adolescent overuse injuries, including bone stress injuries (BSIs), is on the rise. The identification of a BSI in the early stages is key to successful treatment. The Shin Pain Scoring System (SPSS) was developed to aid clinicians in identifying patients with a BSI. Hypothesis: The SPSS will correlate with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grading of a BSI in an adolescent population. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Enrolled in this study were 80 adolescent high school athletes between the ages of 13 and 18 years participating in a variety of sports with more than 1 week of atraumatic shin pain. The SPSS questionnaire was completed for each participant, and physical examination findings were recorded. Each question and physical examination item was allotted a point value, which totaled 29 points. Radiographs and MRI scans of both lower legs were obtained for each participant. The SPSS score was statistically analyzed using logistic regression, a classification matrix, and a 2 × 2 contingency table to evaluate validity and predictability. Results: Logistic regression analysis of our data determined that 3 categories of SPSS scores provided the highest diagnostic value when compared with MRI grading based on the Fredericson classification (0-4). The SPSS correctly identified 43.5% of injuries for category 1 (MRI grades 0-1), 62.5% for category 2 (MRI grade 2), and 50.0% for category 3 (MRI grades 3-4). Overall, the SPSS correctly identified the degree of BSI in 54.4% of all tibias studied. Binary analysis for validity demonstrated a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 26%, positive predictive value of 76%, and negative predictive value of 71% for the SPSS relative to the “gold standard” MRI results. Conclusion: The SPSS is a potentially valid method to identify tibial BSIs, given the sensitivity and negative and positive predictive values. It also provides helpful categorization to alert clinicians to the presence of a BSI and direct further diagnostics and/or interventions. The SPSS should be considered as an additional tool to use when evaluating adolescents with atraumatic tibial BSIs.
Midterm Outcomes of Bone Marrow Stimulation for Primary Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Toale James , Shimozono Yoshiharu , Mulvin Conor , Dahmen Jari , Kerkhoffs Gino M.M.J. , Kennedy John G. 
Published: October 2019

Background: Bone marrow stimulation (BMS) is a common surgical intervention in the treatment of small osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). Evidence has shown good clinical outcomes after BMS in the short term, but several studies have shown less favorable results at midterm and long-term follow-up because of fibrocartilaginous repair tissue degeneration. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of BMS in the treatment of primary OLTs at midterm and long-term follow-up and to investigate reported data in these studies. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic search of the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Clinical and radiological outcomes as well as reported data were evaluated. Results: A total of 15 studies comprising 853 patients (858 ankles) were included at a weighted mean follow-up time of 71.9 months. There were 9 studies that used the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, with a weighted mean postoperative score of 89.9. There were 3 studies that measured postoperative magnetic resonance imaging results in the midterm using the MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) scoring system and showed 48% of patients with complete filling, 74% with complete integration, and 76% with surface damage. There was a complication rate of 3.4% and a reoperation rate of 6.0% after BMS in the midterm. Conclusion: This systematic review found good clinical outcomes after BMS at midterm follow-up for primary OLTs. Radiological outcomes showed repair tissue surface damage in the majority of patients, which may be a harbinger for long-term problems. Data were variable, and numerous data were underreported. Further high-quality studies, a validated outcome scoring system, and further radiological reports at midterm follow-up are required to accurately assess the success of BMS in the midterm.
Processes of Stroke Unit Care and Outcomes at Discharge in Vietnam: Findings from the Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q) in a Major Public Hospital
Authors: Nguyen Thang Huy , Gall Seana , Cadilhac Dominique A. , Nguyen Hoang , Terry Daniel , Pham Binh N. , Nguyen Trung Q. , Nguyen An T. , Dao Nha T. , Duong Chinh D. , Phan Bau V. , Phan Hoang T. 
Published: October 2019

Background: An essential strategy to reduce mortality and disability after stroke is to ensure access to evidence-based care. In developed countries, it has been shown that if hospitals improve the quality of care, the impact of stroke is attenuated. However, in developing countries, data on the processes of care and associated patient outcomes are scarce. We examined the care processes and outcomes among patients with acute stroke from a stroke unit in a major public hospital in Vietnam whereby there are approximately 15,000 hospital admissions for stroke per year. Methods: We included first-ever strokes admitted to the 115 People’s Hospital (June 2017-March 2018). Data were collected in the Registry of Stroke Care Quality which is used in >50 countries. Baseline characteristics, stroke-related factors (e.g., type and severity), processes of care (e.g., thrombolysis), and outcomes at discharge were examined including mortality and functional outcome, assessed as the walking ability without assistance. Results: Data were available for 6601 patients with first-ever stroke (44% women, 80% ischemic stroke [IS], median age: 62 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 53-72) who received stroke unit care. The median time from stroke onset to hospital arrival was 15.7 hours (IQR: 5.6-37.5). At admission, the median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score indicating stroke severity was 7 (IQR: 4-12). Among those with IS, 9% received intravenous thrombolysis. Over 90% of the participants received recommended process of care including dysphasia screening (99%), antihypertensive agents (92%), cholesterol-lowering medication (IS = 99%), and antithrombotic medication (IS = 98%). At discharge (median length of stay: 4 days, IQR: 3-6), 3% of all cases died and 46% were able to walk independently. Advanced age, stroke severity, and not receiving antihypertensive agent(s) were contributing factors to mortality and poorer functional outcome. Conclusion: There was a considerable delay in the time from stroke onset to hospital arrival. Evidence-based care at the stroke unit was consistently provided. It remains unclear whether other hospitals in Vietnam and other developing countries perform as well. Greater public awareness of stroke to reduce onset to arrival times and more stroke units are warranted to achieve the excellent outcomes in the major public hospital.
Unreported Summary Statistics in Trial Publications and Risk of Bias in Stroke Rehabilitation Systematic Reviews: An International Survey of Review Authors and Examination of Practical Solutions
Authors: Weir Christopher J. , Assi Valentina , Na Lumine , Lewis Stephanie C. , Murray Gordon D. , Langhorne Peter , Brady Marian C. 
Published: October 2019

Objective: Continuous outcome measures are essential in rehabilitation research. Incomplete reporting of their mean and standard deviation, required for meta-analysis, potentially introduces bias and imprecision if it prevents studies being included. We aimed to determine how often systematic reviewers encounter missing mean or standard deviation values and to recommend practical statistical solutions. Design: 1. Cross-sectional survey of systematic review authors. 2. Reanalysis of Cochrane review data to evaluate how accurately statistical methods for recovering missing mean or standard deviation values estimate the true meta-analysis treatment effect. Setting: Rehabilitation intervention systematic reviews. Participants: Cochrane stroke rehabilitation review authors; stroke patients. Interventions: Reanalysis of a Cochrane review of early supported discharge services. Main measures: Hospital length of stay. Results: Survey responses covered 53 of 70 Cochrane reviews. Almost all studied continuous outcome measures, 68% encountering missing summary statistics. Various solutions were attempted but 76% of meta-analyses omitted at least one study due to missing information. In the review reanalysis ( N = 1055), a method based on the minimum and maximum performed best in recovering missing standard deviations; a method based on the median, lower and upper quartiles successfully estimated a missing mean. Conclusion: Practical statistical methods help reduce risk of bias, maximise the evidence included in rehabilitation meta-analyses and offer a clear hierarchy of solutions to handling unreported mean and standard deviation values.
Services Export and Economic Growth in ASEAN Countries
Authors: Sermcheep Sineenat 
Published: October 2019

Based on the panel data from 1980 to 2014, this article examines the effect of services export on economic growth in the ASEAN countries. The results show that there has been evidence of services export-led growth in ASEAN during the past decades. The services export data are disaggregated into modern and traditional services exports, and the estimations show that both exports contribute to the GDP growth with the less strong positive effect from the modern services exports. The goods export, conventional engine of growth, also maintains its significant and robust role as the growth-enhancing factor for ASEAN. In the period of a slow growth of goods exports and the direction of the growth policy towards services-oriented sector, the services exports have become increasingly significant as a new engine of growth, which also complement to the existing growth engine. JEL Codes: F43, O4
Variable agreement between wearable heart rate monitors during exercise in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Gaynor Madeline , Sawyer Abbey , Jenkins Sue , Wood Jamie 
Published: October 2019

In people with cystic fibrosis (CF), greater cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with improved survival and quality of life. Wearable activity monitors are a popular method of monitoring exercise, with measures of heart rate used to indicate exercise intensity. We assessed the agreement of heart rate recordings obtained using the Fitbit Charge HR™, Polar® H7 heart rate sensor and Masimo SET® Rad-5v pulse oximeter with the three-lead ECG during continuous and interval exercise.Adults with CF completed two exercise sessions, of 15-min duration per session, on a cycle ergometer while wearing the previously mentioned monitors. Firstly, participants cycled at 30% of estimated peak workload (Wpeak). Secondly, participants cycled at 1-min intervals at 60% ofWpeakinterspersed with 2 min of unloaded cycling. Heart rate readings on all devices were recorded at minute intervals and their agreement was analysed using the Bland–Altman method.The Polar® H7 heart rate sensor had the best agreement with three-lead ECG, with a bias of 0±1 bpm during both continuous and interval exercise. The Masimo SET® Rad-5v pulse oximeter had good agreement, with a bias of 1±7 bpm and 1±5 bpm during continuous and interval exercise, respectively. The Fitbit Charge HR™demonstrated less agreement, with a bias of 9±17 bpm and 5±13 bpm during continuous and interval exercise, respectively.The Fitbit Charge HR™is not recommended for assessing heart rate during exercise in adults with CF. Findings support the use of the Polar® H7 for accurate heart rate monitoring.