bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dieta cetogénica: mecanismos en el control de la epilepsia refractaria
Authors: Sanzana-Cuche Rodolfo , Labbé Atenas Tomás 
Published: March 2020

Introducción
Existe un porcentaje de pacientes con epilepsia que son refractarios al tratamiento con fármacos anticonvulsivantes. Este cuadro se denomina como epilepsia refractaria (ER), y en ese escenario clínico la dieta cetogénica (DC) ha probado ser una alternativa efectiva. Existen diferentes versiones de la DC y ciertos componentes de esta que han mostrado ser más efectivos que otros. Por otra parte, diferentes autores han propuesto hipótesis de cómo la DC podría actuar a nivel molecular y celular para controlar estos episodios de convulsión. En la siguiente revisión profundizaremos en los conceptos generales de la DC y las hipótesis más investigadas.
Método y resultados
Se realizó una búsqueda avanzada en PubMed considerando los términos «refractory», «epilepsy», «ketogenic», «diet», incluidos en el título y el resumen. La búsqueda se centró en artículos originales disponibles en inglés, con énfasis en los útiles para comprender los conceptos generales de la DC, los componentes que podrían jugar un rol relevante al momento de controlar la ER y cuáles serían sus mecanismos de acción. Se seleccionaron 17 artículos de los cuales se rescataron los principales mecanismos asociados a la dieta cetogénica.
Conclusiones
La DC ha probado ser efectiva en el tratamiento de la ER, sin embargo, hay pacientes que no la toleran adecuadamente. Existen ciertos compuestos asociados la DC que han probado ser más efectivos que otro como es el caso de los triglicéridos de cadena mediana (TCM). Finalmente se han investigado numerosas hipótesis en relación al mecanismo de acción de la DC, donde destacan las hipótesis de los cuerpos cetónicos, la adenosina y la del cortocircuito GABA.
Vitamin C and inflammatory cytokine levels in elective total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Shah Shalin , Brown Christopher , Owen John , Fisher Bernard , Natarajan Ramesh , Kates Stephen 
Published: March 2020

Background: Vitamin C levels are decreased in arthritis patients and reduced levels following surgery may impair adequate healing. Aim: This study measured changes in vitamin C and inflammatory markers in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: Venous blood samples were collected from 10 patients during the preoperative to postoperative period. Vitamin C, interleukin-1 β, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured using various assays. Results: No significant changes in vitamin C levels were measured. However, all participants had suboptimal preoperative vitamin C levels and 90% had suboptimal levels postoperatively. IL-6 and CRP levels significantly increased during the immediate postoerative period. Conclusion: There was a rise in inflammation following TKA while vitamin C levels did not significantly change during this short study period. Of note, every patient had suboptimal vitamin C levels prior to surgery and 90% continued with suboptimal levels two days postoperatively.
A narrative review of antithrombin use during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults: rationale, current use, effects on anticoagulation, and outcomes
Authors: Piacente Claudia , Martucci Gennaro , Miceli Vitale , Pavone Gaetano , Papeo Anna , Occhipinti Giovanna , Panarello Giovanna , Lorusso Roberto , Tanaka Kenichi , Arcadipane Antonio 
Published: March 2020

Background: During extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the large contact surface between the blood and the extracorporeal circuit causes a continuous activation of coagulation and inflammation. Unfractionated heparin, a glycosaminoglycan that must bind to antithrombin as a cofactor, is currently the standard anticoagulant adopted during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Antithrombin, beyond being a potent natural anticoagulant, acts in the cross-talk between coagulation and inflammatory system through anticoagulation and coagulation-independent effects. Objectives: In this review, we describe, in the adult setting of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, the pathophysiological rationale for antithrombin use, the current practice of administration, and the effects of antithrombin on anticoagulation, bleeding, and outcomes. Data sources: Studies on adults (18 years or older) on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation published from 1995 to 2018 in order to evaluate the use of antithrombin. Results: In adults on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, antithrombin supplementation has a highly pathophysiological rationale since coagulation factor consumption, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and endothelial activation are triggered by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Eleven articles are focused on the topic but among the authors there is no consensus on the threshold for supplementation (ranging from 70% to 80%) as well as on the dose (rarely standardized) and time of administration (bolus vs continuous infusion). Consistently, antithrombin is considered able to achieve better anticoagulation targets in or not in the presence of heparin resistance. The impact of antithrombin administration on bleeding still shows contrasting results. Conclusion: Antithrombin use in veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should be investigated on the threshold for supplementation, dose, and time of administration.
Acute cholecystitis: predictive clinico-radiological assessment for conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Jang Young Rock , Ahn Su Joa , Choi Seung Joon , Lee Ki Hyun , Park Yeon Ho , Kim Keon Kuk , Kim Hyung-Sik 
Published: March 2020

Background Previous studies evaluating predictive factors for the conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy have reported conflicting conclusions. Purpose To create a risk assessment model to predict the conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy in patients with acute calculous cholecystitis. Material and Methods A retrospective review of patients with acute calculous cholecystitis with available preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) findings who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Forty-four parameters—including demographics, clinical history, laboratory data, and CT findings—were analyzed. Results Among the included 581 patients, conversion occurred in 113 (19%) cases. Multivariate analysis identified obesity (odd ratio [OR] 2.58, P = 0.04), history of abdominal surgery (OR 1.78, P = 0.03), and prolonged prothrombin time (OR 1.98, P = 0.03) as predictors of conversion. In preoperative CT findings, the absence of gallbladder wall enhancement (OR 3.15, P = 0.03), presence of a gallstone in the gallbladder infundibulum (OR 2.11, P = 0.04), and inflammation of the hepatic pedicle (OR 1.71, P = 0.04) were associated with conversion. Inter-observer agreement for CT study interpretation was very good (range 0.81–1.00). A model was created to calculate the risk for conversion, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87. The risk for conversion, estimated based on the number of factors identified, was in the range of 5.3% (with one factor) to 86.4% (with six factors). Conclusion Obesity, history of abdominal surgery, prolonged prothrombin time, absence of gallbladder wall enhancement, presence of a gallstone in the gallbladder infundibulum, and inflammation of the hepatic pedicle are associated with conversion of laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy.
Myocardial damage associated with elective percutaneous coronary intervention in Chinese patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Sun Shengjia , Ou Yang , Shi Haiming , Luo Jianfeng , Luo Xinping , Shen Yunzhi , Chen Yufei , Liu Xiaojin , Zhu Zhidong , Shen Wei 
Published: March 2020

Objective To determine the prevalence of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) related myocardial damage (injury or myocardial infarction), investigate several cardiac biomarkers, explore possible risk factors and assess survival in patients undergoing elective PCI. Methods Patients >18 years of age who had undergone an elective PCI at Huashan hospital in Shanghai, China from October 2016 to June 2017 and had baseline and post-PCI results available for four cardiac biomarkers (cTnT, CK-MB mass, hs-CRP and NT-ProBNP) were eligible. Patients were separated into two groups according to whether or not they had PCI related myocardial damage. Results Of the 143 patients who were eligible for the study, 75 (52%) were classified as ‘controls,’ and 68 (48%) had PCI related myocardial damage. Of the 68 patients, 64 (45%) had PCI related myocardial injury and 4 (3%) had PCI related myocardial infarction. Elderly Chinese patients, with high systolic blood pressure on admission and who required multiple coronary segments for PCI had a high risk of myocardial damage. Relative cTnT or relative CK-MB mass may be useful cardiac biomarkers for monitoring PCI related myocardial damage, especially at 24h post-PCI. There was no significant difference in survival rates between controls and those with myocardial complications. Conclusions PCI related myocardial damage is common but appears to have no impact on prognosis. Senior age, high systolic blood pressure and multiple coronary segments for PCI are risk factors.
Comparative analysis of electrocardiographic imaging and ECG in predicting the origin of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Zhou Xinbin , Fang Lin , Wang Zhijun , Liu Huafeng , Mao Wei 
Published: March 2020

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) in localizing the origin of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OTVAs) and compare its performance with that of seven published 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) algorithms. Methods Patients with OTVAs who were undergoing catheter ablation were prospectively investigated. The OVTA origins were localized using both ECGI and seven 12-lead ECG algorithms, with the successful ablation site set as the gold standard. The performance of the ECGI and 12-lead ECG algorithms were compared. Results Twenty-seven patients were enrolled into the study. The ECGI system correctly identified the chamber of OTVA origin in 27/27 (100%) patients and the sublocalization within the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) in 21/22 (95.5%) patients. However, the ECG algorithms correctly diagnosed the chamber and sublocalization in only 21/27 (77.8%) patients and 13/22 (59.1%) patients, respectively, which was significantly lower compared with the ECGI system. Conclusions Non-invasive ECGI can accurately predict the origin of OTVAs in a manner that is superior to that of conventional 12-lead ECGs in differentiating the RVOT from the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and septum from free wall in the RVOT. This provides a useful tool to guide catheter ablation. This trial has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR1900025527).
Dry needling for scar treatment
Authors: Rozenfeld Evgeni , Sapoznikov Sebakhutu Eleanora , Krieger Yuval , Kalichman Leonid 
Published: March 2020

Objective: To review current scientific knowledge as to the efficacy of dry needling of scars on pain and other related symptoms and explore the possible physiological mechanisms of action. Methods: A narrative review of scientific literature published in English. Results: Two randomized controlled trials found that dry needling of scars (using the classic “surrounding the dragon” technique in one study and intradermal needling in a second study) was more effective than sham or control interventions with respect to scar appearance and pain. Two case reports have suggested that scar needling generates a rapid decrease in pain and improvement of mobility in scarred tissues. Another two case reports have reported positive effects of scar needling on the wound healing process. These findings are supported by an animal study examining the effect of needling on the wound healing process and the physiological mechanisms of action underlying the technique. Conclusion: There is preliminary evidence that the “surrounding the dragon” needling technique is a beneficial treatment for patients suffering from scar pain and other scar-related symptoms and can facilitate wound healing and make this process less painful. Further high-quality studies should be conducted to verify/quantify the efficacy of this method, to better understand the underlying mechanisms of action underlying the effects of scar needling and to establish an effective intervention protocol.
A nurses’ ethical commitment to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Fisher Kathleen , Robichaux Catherine , Sauerland Jeanie , Stokes Felicia 
Published: March 2020

Aim: This article explores the issues of knowledge deficits of healthcare professionals in meeting the needs of people with IDD throughout the life span, and to identify factors that contribute to these deficits. Although statistics vary due to census results and the presence of a “hidden population,” approximately 1%–3% of the global population identify as living with an intellectual or developmental disability. People with intellectual or developmental disability experience health inequities and confront multiple barriers in society, often related to the stigma of intellectual or developmental disability. Disparities in care and service are attributed to a lack of knowledge and understanding among healthcare providers about people with intellectual or developmental disability, despite their increased risk for chronic health problems. The near absence of educational programs in nursing both nationally and internationally contributes to this significant knowledge deficit. In addition, ethical considerations between paternalistic beneficence and idealized autonomy have resulted in a lack of clear direction in working with a population that is often ignored or exploited. Nurses who view people with intellectual or developmental disability as vulnerable without assessing or acknowledging their capabilities may err toward paternalism in an effort to “first do no harm.” Likewise, nurses who fail to recognize the challenges and limitations faced by people with intellectual or developmental disability may not provide sufficient protections for a vulnerable person. People with intellectual or developmental disability are not binary, but rather complex individuals with a myriad of presentations. This article seeks to encourage a well-informed model of nursing care. Through an ethical lens, this article explores the nurse’s ethical commitments in cases of victimization, access to care, decision making, and the provision of optimal end-of-life care for people with intellectual or developmental disability.
Evaluation of different cleaning methods for feline inhalation chambers after bacterial contamination
Authors: Klenk Friederike K , DeSimoi Vanessa , Wolf Georg , Schulz Bianka S 
Published: March 2020

Objectives Inhalation chambers are commonly used for the delivery of aerosol drugs to cats with respiratory disease. The aim of the study was to identify successful cleaning methods for inhalation devices after standardised bacterial contamination. Methods Spacer devices of two different manufacturers were used: RC Chamber (Cegla Medizintechnik) and Aerokat (Trudell Medical International). The bacterial contamination was performed using Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Previously marked areas of the chamber were contaminated with 50 μl of bacterial solution, containing between 2.2 ×105 and 2.1 ×108 colony-forming units/ml each. After cleaning the devices as recommended by each manufacturer (RC Chamber: special microwave cleaning bag [n = 5] or boiling water with liquid dish detergent for 15 mins [n = 5]; Aerokat: rinsing in a solution of lukewarm water and liquid dish detergent for 15 mins), chambers were air-dried for 24 h and samples for bacterial culture were taken from three defined areas. Sample material was applied on Müller–Hinton agar plates and subsequently incubated for 24 h at 37°C. Results Bacterial contamination was not detected in any of the examined inhalation devices using the recommended cleaning methods. Conclusions and relevance If inhalation chambers are cleaned following the manufacturers’ recommendations, successful bacterial decontamination can be expected.
Outcomes of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in primary open-angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma
Authors: Tekeli Oya , Köse Helin Ceren 
Published: March 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation between primary open-angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and other types of secondary glaucoma. Methods: Outcomes of 96 consecutive patients with refractory, end-stage glaucoma treated with micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation were retrospectively reviewed. Follow-up examinations were performed on a regular basis until 12 months postoperatively. Surgical successes were defined as maintaining intraocular pressure ⩽18 mmHg and ⩾20% reduction in intraocular pressure (criteria A), ⩽15 mmHg intraocular pressure and ⩾25% reduction in intraocular pressure (criteria B), and ⩽12 mmHg intraocular pressure and ⩾30% reduction in intraocular pressure from baseline (criteria C). Results: Ninety-six eyes of 96 patients (50 (52%) females, 46 (48%) males) were included. Among all eyes, 32 were primary open-angle glaucoma, 30 were pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and 34 were other types of secondary glaucoma. The mean age was 59.37 ± 11.45 (range: 20–91) years. The mean follow-up period was 14.2 ± 3.9 (range: 12–16) months. At 12 months, the success rates of primary open-angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma group were 68.75%, 66.6%, and 64.7% (p = 0.185) for criteria A; 56.25%, 53.3%, and 50% (p = 0.153) for criteria B; and 43.75%, 43.3%, and 38.2% (p = 0.146) for criteria C. Four patients (12.5%) in primary open-angle glaucoma group, 5 patients (16.6%) in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma group, and 14 (41.2%) patients in other secondary glaucoma group required reoperation during the follow-up (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is an equally effective method of lowering intraocular pressure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and other types of secondary glaucoma. The rate of reoperation was higher in refractory secondary glaucoma patients.
Reliability of cutaneous landmarks for the catheter length assessment during peripherally inserted central catheter insertion: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Elli Stefano , Bellani Giacomo , Cannizzo Luigi , Giannini Luciano , De Felippis Christian , Vimercati Simona , Madotto Fabiana , Lucchini Alberto 
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Peripherally inserted central catheters are very common devices for short, medium and long-term therapies. Their performance is strictly dependent on the correct tip location, at the junction between the upper caval vein and the right atrium. It is very important to obtain an estimated measure of the catheter, in order to reach the cavo-atrial junction and optimize the catheter length. Estimated measures are often obtained using cutaneous landmarks. Objective: Evaluate the reliability of cutaneous landmark-based length estimation during catheter insertion. Identify any patient’s related factors that may affect cutaneous landmarks reliability. Methods: We used two distinct techniques and collected data about cutaneous landmark-based length estimation, electrocardiographic guided intravascular length, age, weight and height. We studied the reliability of possible correcting factors, balancing the error average by regression models, and we found and tested two different models of prediction. Results: A total number of 519 patients were studied. The average bias, between the two studied length assessment by cutaneous landmarks and electrocardiographic guided catheter length, were 3.77 ± 2.44 cm and 3.28 ± 2.57 cm, respectively. The analysed prediction models (deviance explained 43.5%, Akaike information criterion = 1313.67% and 43.4%, Akaike information criterion = 1313.92), fitted on the validation set, showed a root mean square error of 3.07 and 3.06. Conclusion: Landmark-based length estimation for preventive catheter length assessment seems to be unreliable, when associated with post-procedural tip location. They are useful for distal trimming catheters to optimize the ‘out of skin’ portion when associated with electrocardiographic tip location. Models identified for balancing bias are probably not useful.
Does national policy in England help deliver better and more consistent care for those at the end of life?
Authors: Barker Rhiannon , Wilson Patricia , Butler Claire 
Published: March 2020

Objectives To explore the extent to which national policy in end of life care in England influences and guides local practice, to ensure that care for patients over the age 75 years is of a consistently good quality. Method This paper reports on phase one of a larger study and focuses its discussion on the high-level (macro) determinants emerging from the analysis. Fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted with professionals involved in the development of English policy in end of life care. Results Factors influencing the quality of end of life care were stratified into three system levels: meso, macro and micro. English national policy was reported to be an important macro-level determinant of effective outcomes, and examples were provided to demonstrate how policy was influencing practice. Yet, the complexity of the area and the range of interacting contributory factors mean the value of policy alone is hard to assess. At the macro-level, concern was voiced around: whether policy was effective in tackling rising inequity; lack of mandatory leverage to exert change relating to end of life outcomes; the impact of ongoing infrastructural change on statutory services; workforce pressures; over-reliance on acute services and continued abdication of responsibility for end of life care to medical professionals supported by the continued dominance of the medical model of care. Conclusions The links between the existence of policy at the macro-level of the system and the effective enactment of good practice remain unclear, although strategies are suggested to help achieve greater national consistency in end of life care outcomes. Policymakers must pay attention to the following: controlling the rise in localism and its contribution to regional inequalities; the impact of continuous infrastructural change together with increasing workforce pressures; encouraging broader professional and public responsibility for recognition and care of those at the end of life.