bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutual support between patients and family caregivers in palliative care: A systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: McCauley Rachel , McQuillan Regina , Ryan Karen , Foley Geraldine 
Published: April 2021

Background: Patients in palliative care are usually conceptualised as recipients of support from family caregivers. Family caregivers in palliative care are typically defined as providers of support to patients. Little is known about reciprocal dimensions of support provision between patients and family caregivers in palliative care. Aim: To identify processes of mutual support between patients and family caregivers in palliative care and factors that contribute to or obstruct mutual support between patients and family caregivers in palliative care. Design: Systematic review and narrative synthesis of original peer-reviewed research published between January 2000 and March 2020. Data sources: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, AMED, PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES. Results: After full-text screening, 10 studies were included. We identified that patients and family caregivers in palliative care can support one another by mutually acknowledging the challenges they face, by remaining positive for one another and by jointly adapting to their changing roles. However, patients and family caregivers may not routinely communicate their distress to each other or reciprocate in distress disclosure. A lack of mutual disclosure pertaining to distress can result in conflict between patients and family caregivers. Conclusions: Few studies have focused in whole or in part, on reciprocal dimensions of support provision between patients with advancing non-curable conditions, and their family caregivers in palliative care. Further research is required to identify key domains of mutual support between patients and family caregivers in palliative care.
Clinical Outcome of a Modified Coracoid Tunnel-Free Coracoclavicular Sling Technique With Remnant Preservation for the Treatment of High-Grade Acromioclavicular Joint Separation: A Report of 48 Cases With 2 to 5 Years of Follow-up
Authors: Li Fenglong , Li Yue , Lu Yi , Zhu Yiming , Jiang Chunyan 
Published: April 2021

Background: High-grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation injuries (Rockwood type IV or V) are surgically indicated because of complete disruption of the AC and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments, leading to instability and pain. In surgical techniques that require a suspensory system, coracoid tunnel-related complications are not uncommon. Purpose: To report subjective and objective clinical outcomes and complication rates of a modified coracoid tunnel-free CC sling technique combined with CC ligament remnant preservation for a minimum 2-year follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between January 2014 and January 2017, we prospectively enrolled patients who underwent a modified CC sling technique performed by 1 senior surgeon using the AC TightRope System in a coracoid tunnel-free fashion. The CC distance (CCD) and Rockwood AC joint classification were evaluated on radiographs preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. The visual analog pain score, range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant-Murley score, and University of California Los Angeles score were recorded preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Results: In total, 48 of 54 patients (88.9%) were included for the evaluation with a mean ± SD follow-up of 39.3 ± 8.9 months (range, 24.7-64.3 months). The CCD was significantly decreased from 22.7 ± 4.2 to 9.8 ± 2.3 mm ( P < .01) immediately after surgery and to 11.2 ± 1.8 mm ( P < .01) at final follow-up. At the final follow-up, the side-to-side difference of CCD was 3.5 ± 0.6 mm. Compared with the preoperative level, all subjective evaluations were significantly improved at the final follow-up. We observed that 4 of the 48 patients (8.3%) had a loss of reduction at the final follow-up, but no pain or instability was documented. Further, no coracoid-related complication or other complications were recorded. Conclusion: The coracoid tunnel-free CC sling technique using the AC TightRope System combined with CC ligament remnant preservation demonstrated significant improvement regarding both clinical and radiological outcomes, with a reduction loss rate of 8.3%. It is a safe method that could achieve satisfactory result without any coracoid drilling-related complications.
A Comparison of Two Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs for the Reduction of Participant A1c Levels
Authors: Sharpless Edward , Borkowski Nancy , O’Connor Stephen J. , Hearld Larry , Szychowski Jeffery 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Compare the effectiveness of two educational teaching methods for diabetic patients. Design: Quasi-experimental study comparing two interventions using a pretest/post-test design. Setting: Three clinics within a western U.S. regional health system. Subjects: 818 adult diabetic participants (60.5 mean age, 52% female) attended one to four sessions between 2013-2017, and had A1c tests within 180 days of first attended session and 30 to 365 days after last attended session. Intervention: A group-based, highly interactive learning experience (n = 561) and a traditional, lecture-style class (n = 257). Measures: Pre and post measures of A1c. Analysis: Paired t-tests measured change within each group pre-post intervention. Two-sample t-tests measured mean change pre-post intervention between the two groups. Multivariable linear regression measured mean change in A1c between groups, adjusted for pre-test scores and controlling for demographic variables. Results: Both interactive and traditional teaching interventions were effective at significantly reducing patient A1c levels by 1.3 ( p < 0.001) and 1.0 ( p < 0.001) points respectively. The between groups difference in A1c was not significant, t(512) = 1.66, p = 0.0985, but when controlling for age, pre-A1c and days post-A1c, the interactive intervention was significantly ( p < 0.05) more effective reducing patient A1c levels by 0.19 points than the traditional intervention. Conclusion: Group-based, interactive diabetes self-management education programs may be an effective model for reducing patient A1c levels.
Does Late-Life Depression Counteract the Beneficial Effect of Physical Activity on Cognitive Decline? Results From the NESDO Study
Authors: Henstra Marieke , Giltay Erik , van der Mast Roos , van der Velde Nathalie , Rhebergen Didi , Rius Ottenheim Nathaly 
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Depression both affects physical activity (PA) and cognition in older persons, yet its impact on the association between PA and cognitive decline is to be determined. We aimed to investigate the association between baseline PA and cognitive functioning over time, stratified for depression. Methods: We used data of the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older persons (NESDO), a multi-site cohort study with 6-years follow-up. Patients with complete data on PA and cognitive functioning at baseline were included, yielding 394 participants for the analyses of whom 297 were depressed and 97 non-depressed. PA (continuous) was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Linear mixed models were used to determine differential effects of baseline PA on the rate of decline of 5 standardized outcomes of cognitive functioning over 6-year follow-up. For this purpose, we examined the significance of the interaction-term (PA*time) in both basic and adjusted models. We also assessed the association between time and cognitive functioning. All analyses were stratified for depression. Results: In both groups, no robust significant interactions of PA with time were found. Furthermore, only decline in working memory was significantly worse in the depressed compared to the non-depressed. Conclusion: At older age, the impact of a more inactive lifestyle on cognitive decline was shown to be limited, irrespective of depression that appeared to worsen age-related decline of working memory only. As a higher PA-level at older age has a positive effect on a multitude of other health outcomes, PA should still be encouraged in this population.
Medication adherence is influenced by resilience in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mendoza-Pinto Claudia , García-Carrasco Mario , Campos-Rivera Sandra , Munguía-Realpozo Pamela , Etchegaray-Morales Ivet , Ayón-Aguilar Jorge , Alonso-García Norma Edith , Méndez-Martínez Socorro 
Published: April 2021

Objective Evidence on the relationship between resilience and medication adherence in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients is lacking. We aimed to examine the impact of resilience on medication adherence in SLE patients. Method In a cross-sectional analysis SLE outpatients were assessed for resilience (Connor-Davison Resilience Scale, CD-RISC), depressive symptoms (CES-D) and medication adherence (Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology [CQR]). The disease activity index (mexSLEDAI) and damage (SLICC Damage Index) were administered. Factors independently associated with adherence were identified using multivariate logistic regression. Results Of the 157 patients, 152 (96.8%) were female with a median age of 45.9 (IQR: 39.0-55.5) years and disease duration of 14 (IQR: 10.0-19.0) years. Medication adherence (CQR ≥80%) and depressive symptoms were found in 74.5% and 43.9% of patients, respectively. Adherent patients had a lower CES-D score and a higher CD-RISC score. In the multivariate analysis adjusting for demographic and clinical confounders, resilience and older age protected against non-adherence (OR 0.96, [95% CI 0.94-0.99] and OR 0.96 [95% CI 0.93-0.98], respectively). Conclusion In SLE patients, resilience and older age, which possibly associated with better medication adherence, may protect against non-adherence.
Preparedness to Face the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hospice and Palliative Care Services in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Rapid Online Survey
Authors: Lin Cheng-Pei , Boufkhed Sabah , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Mori Masanori , Hamzah Ednin , Aggarwal Ghauri , Namisango Eve , Higginson Irene J. , Goh Cynthia , Harding Richard 
Published: April 2021

Background: Hospice and palliative care services provision for COVID-19 patients is crucial to improve their life quality. There is limited evidence on COVID-19 preparedness of such services in the Asia-Pacific region. Aim: To evaluate the preparedness and capacity of hospice and palliative care services in the Asia-Pacific region to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: An online cross-sectional survey was developed based on methodology guidance. Asia-Pacific Hospice and Palliative Care Network subscribers (n = 1551) and organizational members (n = 185) were emailed. Descriptive analysis was undertaken. Results: Ninety-seven respondents completed the survey. Around half of services were hospital-based (n = 47, 48%), and public-funded (n = 46, 47%). Half of services reported to have confirmed cases (n = 47, 49%) and the majority of the confirmed cases were patients (n = 28, 61%). Staff perceived moderate risk of being infected by COVID-19 (median: 7/10). > 85% of respondents reported they had up-to-date contact list for staff and patients, one-third revealed challenges to keep record of relatives who visited the services (n = 30, 31%), and of patients visited in communities (n = 29, 30%). Majority of services (60%) obtained adequate resources for infection control except face mask. More than half had no guidance on Do Not Resuscitate orders (n = 59, 66%) or on bereavement care for family members (n = 44, 51%). Conclusion: Recommendations to strengthen the preparedness of palliative care services include: 1) improving the access to face mask; 2) acquiring stress management protocols for staff when unavailable; 3) reinforcing the contact tracing system for relatives and visits in the community and 4) developing guidance on patient and family care during patient’s dying trajectory.
Mind the Gap: Alveolar Bone Graft Revision in the Era of Computed Tomography
Authors: Zubovic Ema , Skolnick Gary B. , Said Abdullah M. , Nissen Richard J. , Snyder-Warwick Alison K. , Patel Kamlesh B. 
Published: April 2021

Objective: To determine the rate of revision alveolar bone grafting (ABG) in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) before and after the introduction of postoperative computed tomography (CT). Design: Retrospective case–control study analyzing the incidence of revision ABG in patients with and without postoperative CT scans for graft success evaluation. Setting: Academic tertiary care pediatric hospital. Patients: Eighty-seven patients with CLP or cleft lip and alveolus treated with autologous iliac crest bone grafting for alveolar clefts over a 10-year period (January 2009 to March 2019) with minimum 6-month follow-up. Fifty patients had postoperative CT evaluation; 37 did not. Interventions: Postoperative CT to determine ABG success, versus standard clinical examination and 2-dimensional radiographs. Main Outcome Measures: Requirement for revision ABG, defined as failure of the original graft by clinical or radiographic examination. Results: Fifty-eight percent of patients underwent a postoperative CT scan at median interval of 10 months after surgery. Patients with postoperative CT evaluation had a 44% rate of revision ABG (22/50) for inadequate graft take, compared to 5% (2/37) in patients without postoperative CT ( P < .001; 95% CT, 31%-58% in the CT group, 1%-16% in the non-CT group). Conclusions: Computed tomography evaluation after ABG is associated with a significantly increased revision rate for inadequate graft take. The presence of a secondary palatal fistula at the time of original ABG is not associated with revision requirement. Lack of standardized dental and orthodontic records complicates the study of ABG outcomes and presents an area for systems-based improvement.
Foot Reanimation Using Double Nerve Transfer to Deep Peroneal Nerve: A Novel Technique for Treatment of Neurologic Foot Drop
Authors: El-Taher Mohamed , Sallam Asser , Saleh Mohamed , Metwally Ahmed 
Published: April 2021

Background: Our primary objective was to assess the efficacy of a new technique for foot reanimation in patients with neurologic foot drop using double nerve transfer from the tibial to the deep peroneal nerve. Our secondary objective was to document the technical nuances of our technique. Methods: Thirty-one patients with common peroneal nerve injury between October 2015 and March 2019 were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients underwent a transfer of the tibial nerve branches to flexor digitorum longus and lateral head of gastrocnemius to the deep peroneal nerve. Motor recovery, range of ankle dorsiflexion, pain, leg girth, and complications were examined as outcome measures. The modified Medical Research Council (MRC) scale was adopted to assess the motor power recovery. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year. Results: Motor recovery of M3 or M4 grade of tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus was achieved in 15 of 31, 13 of 31, and 12 of 31 patients, respectively. Those patients could discontinue use of orthosis. Most patients with high-energy traumas or knee-level injuries failed to recover antigravity function. Only 2 patients reported weak postoperative toe plantarflexion. Our patients achieved significant improvement of the pain perception and range of active ankle motion at the final follow-up. Conclusion: The double nerve transfer technique represented a feasible and safe surgical option. It has been shown to improve function in some patients with neurologic foot drop resulting from a less than 12-month injury of the deep peroneal nerve. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic.
Distal snuffbox versus conventional radial artery access: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rigatelli Gianluca , Zuin Marco , Daggubati Ramesh , Vassilev Dobrin , Zuliani Giovanni , Nguyen Thach , Roncon Loris 
Published: April 2021

Background: A comprehensive comparison of available data in terms of vascular complications between distal and conventional transradial access is still partial and a net benefit of such approach has not yet been clearly demonstrated. Objective: To provide an updated comparison of complications between distal and conventional transradial access used to perform coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: Data were obtained searching MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science for all investigations published any time to December 22, 2020 reporting a comparison between distal and conventional transradial access. The occurrence of radial artery occlusion was chosen as the primary outcome while the hematoma at access site and spasm as secondary and tertiary outcome, respectively. Study eligibility criteria: Case-control studies comparing distal and conventional transradial access for coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention. All studies included adult patients aged at least 18 years. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: Overall, 7073 patients (mean age 57.9 and 58.4 years for distal and conventional transradial access, respectively), were analyzed. The rate of radial artery occlusion was significantly lower in the distal compared with the conventional group (2.1% vs 4.6%, p < 0.001). The pooled analysis, based on a fixed effect model confirmed a lower relative risk of occlusion when distal access is used (RR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31–069, p = 0.002, I2 = 0%). Conversely, no differences in the risk of developing a hematoma at the access site or in the occurrence of a radial artery spasms were observed comparing the two groups (RR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.37–1.13, p = 0.12, I2 = 0% and RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.48–1.63, p = 0.001, I2 = 0%, respectively). Limitations: Only eight case-control studies met inclusion criteria Conclusion: This metanalysis confirmed a lower risk of radial artery occlusion using distal access and comparable performance in terms of hematoma, and radial artery spam risk.
Evaluation of Clinical Recovery After Surgical Treatment for Hand Ischemia From Vasospastic and Occlusive Disease Using PROMIS
Authors: Bernstein David N. , Cliburn John A. , Lachant Daniel J. , White R. James , Hammert Warren C. 
Published: April 2021

Background There is a paucity of literature describing the recovery trajectory after surgery for upper extremity ischemia. Using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF), Upper Extremity (UE), Pain Interference (PI), and Depression domains, we aimed to describe the postoperative recovery of such patients. Methods We queried our PROMIS database for patients undergoing surgery for vasospastic or occlusive disease over a 4.5-year period. Inclusion criteria were preoperative, early (average 3 weeks) and late (average 6 months) postoperative PROMIS PF and/or UE, PI, and Depression scores. The change in PROMIS scores was calculated for each time point. Changes in PROMIS scores were compared with minimal clinically important difference estimates. Results We identified 13 patients undergoing 13 surgical interventions that met inclusion criteria. More than one-half of our patients were men (n = 7 [54%]), and more than one-half of the surgeries (n = 7 [54%]) were for isolated occlusive diagnoses, with the remainder for vasospastic disease. At short-term postoperative follow-up, the change in PROMIS PF, UE, PI, and Depression scores was −6.34 (SD: 9.13), −6.81 (SD: 9.61), 3.16 (SD: 5.78), and −3.05 (SD: 8.37), respectively. At mid-term postoperative follow-up, the change in PROMIS PF, UE, PI, and Depression scores was 4.45 (SD: 10.33), 8.04 (SD: 13.84), −7.03 (SD: 7.06), and −12.27 (SD: 10.85), respectively. Conclusions Our findings suggest patients undergoing surgical treatment for upper extremity ischemia experience a worsening of functional symptoms initially, as expected, followed by notable improvement.
Review of complex regional pain syndrome and the role of the neuroimmune axis
Authors: Prasad, MD Amrita , Chakravarthy, MD Krishnan 
Published: April 2021

Background Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a progressive and painful disease of the extremities that is characterized by continuous pain inconsistent with the initial trauma. CRPS is caused by a multi-mechanism process that involves both the peripheral and central nervous system, with a prominent role of inflammation in CRPS pathophysiology. This review examines what is currently known about the CRPS inflammatory and pain mechanisms, as well as the possible impact of neurostimulation therapies on the neuroimmune axis of CRPS. Study design A narrative review of preclinical and clinical studies provided an overview of the pain and inflammatory mechanisms in CRPS and addressed the effect of neurostimulation on immunomodulation. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines between September 2015 to September 2020. Data sources included relevant literature identified through searches of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Results Sixteen preclinical and eight clinical studies were reviewed. Preclinical studies identified different mechanisms of pain development in the acute and chronic CRPS phases. Several preclinical and clinical studies investigating inflammatory mechanisms, autoimmunity, and genetic profiles in CRPS, supported a role of neuroinflammation in the pathophysiology of CRPS. The immunomodulatory effects of neurostimulation therapy is still unclear, despite clinical improvement in the CRPS patients. Conclusions Increasing evidence supports a role for inflammation and neuroinflammation in CRPS pathophysiology. Preliminary neurostimulation findings, together with the role of (neuro)inflammation in CRPS, seems to provide a compelling rationale for its use in CRPS pain treatment. The possible immunomodulatory effects of neurostimulation opens new therapeutic possibilities, however further research is needed to gain a better understanding of the working mechanisms.
Partitioning risk factors for embolic stroke of undetermined source using exploratory factor analysis
Authors: Perkins Jon D , Akhtar Naveed , Singh Rajvir , Kamran Asad , Ilyas Saadat 
Published: April 2021

Background Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) accounts for up to 25% of strokes. Understanding risk factors associated with ESUS is important in reducing stroke burden worldwide. However, ESUS patients are younger and present with fewer traditional risk factors. Significant global variation in ESUS populations also exists making the clinical picture of this type of stroke unclear. Methods and results ESUS patients were pair matched for age, sex, and ethnicity with a group of all other strokes (both n = 331). Exploratory factor analysis was applied in both groups to 14 risk and clinical factors to identify latent factors. In ESUS patients, two latent factors emerged consisting primarily of heart-related variables such as left ventricular wall motion abnormalities, reduced ejection fraction, and increased left atrial volume index, as well as aortic arch atherosclerosis. This is in comparison to the all other strokes group, which was dominated by traditional stroke risk factors. Conclusions Our findings support the existence of a unique pattern of risk factors specific to ESUS. We show that LVWMA and corresponding changes in left heart function are a potential source of emboli in these patients. In addition, the clustering of aortic arch atherosclerosis with left heart factors suggests a causal link. Through the application of exploratory factor analysis, this work contributes to a further understanding of stroke mechanisms in ESUS.