bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A mixed treatment comparison on efficacy and safety of treatments for spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Fu Xiying , Wang Yanqiao , Wang Can , Wu Huijie , Li Jinyao , Li Ming , Ma Qianqian , Yang Wei 
Published: March 2018

Objectives: This study is aimed at providing a quantitative evaluation on different therapies of spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis. Data sources: PubMed and Embase database. Review methods: We searched for randomized controlled trials that met the requirements. Percentages of improved patients’ spasticity scale, mild adverse effect and severe adverse effect were extracted as outcomes. The forest plots accompanied with surface under the cumulative ranking curves were used to reveal the efficacy and safety of these therapies. Results: In all, 23 randomized controlled trials with a total of 2720 patients were included in our study. Cannabinoids and botulinum toxin had shown a significantly better efficacy than placebo in the percentage of improved patients. Botulinum toxin also showed such significant difference compared with tizanidine and baclofen. No significant difference was found in spasticity scale. Cannabinoids, tizanidine and diazepam had significantly more mild adverse effect reports than placebo. Surface under the cumulative ranking curves suggested that cannabinoids, botulinum toxin and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation were preferable therapies. Conclusions: We recommended botulinum toxin as the optimal intervention for multiple sclerosis–related spasticity. Cannabinoids and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation could also be considered as multiple sclerosis–related spasticity treatments but their safety remained to be verified.
Réflexion autour du positionnement de la vidéographie comme outil de théorisation
Authors: Rokka Joonas , Hietanen Joel 
Published: March 2018

Résumé L’objectif du présent article consiste à examiner d’un œil critique la vidéographie dans le répertoire des approches visuelles et à définir un positionnement qui serait caractéristique, inspirant et audacieux. Nous préconisons notamment des approches vidéographiques différentes qui élargissent le domaine au-delà du « mode de représentation » dominant en reconnaissant le pouvoir évocateur de la vidéo. Ce n’est que de cette manière que la recherche vidéographique pourrait apparaître comme une méthode de recherche autonome sans relever d’autres ordres d’analyse représentatifs, tels que le fait d’être interprétée « comme un texte » ou figée dans des « instantanés » photographiques. Ce faisant, nous développons une image de pensée des vidéographies des consommateurs, dans laquelle les forces affectives de la vidéo sont exploitées au profit de la « théorisation », sous une forme émergente plutôt que descriptive.
Employer theft of temporary migrant workers’ wages in Australia: Why has the state failed to act?
Authors: Clibborn Stephen , Wright Chris F 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWage theft has emerged as a major problem for regulation of work in Australia. Yet, the state has done little to address the issue. In this context, this article considers why there has been recent growth in reported cases of underpayment of wages, particularly of temporary migrant workers, and why the state has failed to implement a strategy to adequately address this problem. The article examines the fragmented nature of employment regulation and visa categories constraining worker agency which, combined with widening avenues for temporary migration, have contributed to the underpayment problem. We also consider how conflicting imperatives of the state, business influence over the policy process and weak political incentives to address underpayment help to account for the state’s inaction.
Incidence, Risk Factors, and Treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Humbyrd Casey Jo , Bae Sunjae , Kucirka Lauren M. , Segev Dorry L. 
Published: March 2018

Background: Dialysis-dependent patients and kidney transplant recipients may be at increased risk for Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). Methods: We studied Medicare patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) from 1999 through 2013. Patients were categorized as waitlisted for a transplant, not waitlisted, or received a transplant. We performed multivariate negative binomial regression using demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and year of study entry to estimate adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs), identify ATR risk factors, and determine treatment patterns and outcomes. Results: We identified 1091 ATRs (incidence, 3.80/10 000 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.58-4.03). Compared with transplant recipients, nonwaitlisted patients had a lower incidence (aIRR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.37-0.53), and waitlisted patients had a similar incidence (aIRR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.78-1.12) of ATR. ATR incidence was higher among patients taking fluoroquinolones (aIRR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.32-1.84) and corticosteroids (aIRR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.44-2.05) compared with those who did not. Patients with ATR were younger, had higher mean body mass index, and had fewer comorbidities than patients without ATR. Seventeen percent of patients received operative treatment within 14 days of ATR diagnosis. The 30-day cumulative incidence of operative site infections was 6.5%. Conclusion: The incidence of ATR was higher among transplant recipients and waitlisted patients compared with nonwaitlisted patients. Younger age, higher body mass index, fewer comorbidities, fluoroquinolone use, and corticosteroid use were risk factors for ATR. Patients were more likely to receive nonoperative than operative treatment for ATR. Those who underwent operative treatment had a low incidence of operative site infection. Level of Evidence: Prognostic level III, comparative study.
Strength of Interference Screw Fixation to Cuboid vs Pulvertaft Weave to Peroneus Brevis for Tibialis Posterior Tendon Transfer for Foot Drop
Authors: Marsland Daniel , Stephen Joanna M. , Calder Toby , Amis Andrew A. , Calder James D. F. 
Published: March 2018

Background: Tibialis posterior (TP) tendon transfer is an effective treatment for foot drop. Currently, standard practice is to immobilize the ankle in a cast for 6 weeks nonweightbearing, risking postoperative stiffness. To assess whether early active dorsiflexion and protected weightbearing could be safe, the current study assessed tendon displacement under cyclic loading and load to failure, comparing the Pulvertaft weave (PW) to interference screw fixation (ISF) in a cadaveric foot model. Methods: Twenty-four cadaveric ankles had TP tendon transfer performed, 12 with the PW technique and 12 with ISF to the cuboid. The TP tendon was cycled 1000 times at 50 to 150 N and then loaded to failure in a materials testing machine. Tendon displacement at the insertion site was recorded every 100 cycles. An independent t test and 2-way analysis of variance were performed to compare techniques, with a significance level of P < .05. Results: Mean tendon displacement was similar in the PW group (2.9 ± 2.5 mm [mean ± SD]) compared with the ISF group (2.4 ± 1.1 mm), P = .35. One specimen in the ISF group failed early by tendon pullout. None of the PW group failed early, although displacement of 8.9 mm was observed in 1 specimen. Mean load to failure was 419.1 ± 82.6 N in the PW group in comparison to 499.4 ± 109.6 N in the ISF group, P = .06. Conclusion: For TP tendon transfer, ISF and PW techniques were comparable, with no differences in tendon displacement after cyclical loading or load to failure. Greater variability was observed in the PW group, suggesting it may be a less reliable technique. Clinical Relevance: The results indicate that early active dorsiflexion and protected weightbearing may be safe for clinical evaluation, with potential benefits for the patient compared with cast immobilization.
Robot-Assisted Versus Laparoscopy-Assisted Proximal Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer in the Upper Location
Authors: Zhang Kecheng , Huang Xiaohui , Gao Yunhe , Liang Wenquan , Xi Hongqing , Cui Jianxin , Li Jiyang , Zhu Minghua , Liu Guoxiao , Zhao Huazhou , Hu Chong , Liu Yi , Qiao Zhi , Wei Bo , Chen Lin 
Published: March 2018

Background: An increasing amount of attention has been paid to minimally invasive function-preserving gastrectomy, with an increase in incidence of early gastric cancer in the upper stomach. This study aimed to compare oncological outcomes, surgical stress, and nutritional status between robot-assisted proximal gastrectomy (RAPG) and laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy (LAPG). Methods: Eighty-nine patients were enrolled in this retrospective study between November 2011 and December 2013. Among them, 27 patients underwent RAPG and 62 underwent LAPG. Perioperative parameters, surgical stress, nutritional status, disease-free survival, and overall survival were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Sex, age, and comorbidity were similar in the RAPG and LAPG groups. There were also similar perioperative outcomes regarding operation time, complications, and length of hospital stay between the groups. The reflux esophagitis rates following RAPG and LAPG were 18.5% and 14.5%, respectively ( P = .842). However, patients in the RAPG group had less blood loss ( P = .024), more harvested lymph nodes ( P = .021), and higher costs than those in the LAPG group ( P < .001). With regard to surgical stress, no significant differences were observed in C-reactive protein concentrations and white blood cell count on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7 between the groups ( Ps > .05). There appeared to be higher hemoglobin levels at 6 months ( P = .053) and a higher body mass index at 12 months ( P = .056) postoperatively in patients in the RAPG group compared with those in the LAPG group, but this difference was not significant. Similar disease-free survival and overall survival rates were observed between the groups. Conclusions: RAPG could be an alternative to LAPG for patients with early gastric cancer in the upper stomach with comparable oncological safety and nutritional status. Further well-designed, prospective, large-scale studies are needed to validate these results.
Does the real-time ultrasound guidance provide safer venipuncture in implantable venous port implantation?
Authors: Yıldırım İlknur , Tütüncü Ayşe Çiğdem , Bademler Süleyman , Özgür İlker , Demiray Mukaddes , Karanlık Hasan 
Published: March 2018

Aim: To examine whether the real-time ultrasound-guided venipuncture for implantable venous port placement is safer than the traditional venipuncture. Methods: The study analyzed the results of 2153 venous ports placed consecutively from January 2009 to January 2016. A total of 922 patients in group 1 and 1231 patients in group 2 were admitted with venous port placed using the traditional landmark subclavian approach and real-time ultrasound-guided axillary approach, respectively. Sociodemographic characteristics of patients, early (pneumothorax, pinch-off syndrome, arterial puncture, hematoma, and malposition arrhythmia) and late (deep vein thrombosis, obstruction, infection, erosion-dehiscence, and rotation of the port chamber) complications and the association of these complications with the implantation method were evaluated. Results: There were no significant differences in the sociodemographic characteristics of the patients between the two groups. The overall and early complications in group 2 were significantly lower than those in group 1. Pinch-off syndrome only developed in group 1. Seven patients and two patients had pneumothorax in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Puncture number was significantly associated with the development of the overall complications. Conclusion: The ultrasound-guided axillary approach may be preferred as a method to reduce the risk of both early and late complications. Large, randomized, controlled prospective trials will be helpful in determining a safer implantable venous port implantation technique.
Factors of variation, maintenance and change in Scandinavian heritage languages
Authors: Johannessen Janne Bondi 
Published: March 2018

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: I investigate variation and change in heritage languages, focusing on descendants of 19th-/early 20th-century North Germanic immigrant languages in America. A battery of predictors (e.g. token frequency, language attitude) are compared against a baseline grammar, something often framed in terms of ‘transfer’, ‘incomplete acquisition’ and ‘attrition’. I examine which particular changes have been attributed to which factors. Design/methodology/approach, data and analysis: I synthesise and draw new conclusions from previous research on heritage Scandinavian. Findings/Conclusions: Relevant factors belong to two main categories: those favouring maintenance and those more likely to trigger change. Factors that support maintenance are structural ones (typically syntax, phonology and morphology), frequency of use and external factors. Factors that contribute to change are articulation, language attitudes and a series of cognitive aspects: incomplete acquisition and attrition, transfer and convergence, processing, memory, complexity and overgeneralisation. Originality: I undertake a comparative synthesis of patterns of change and non-change from baseline varieties. Significance and implications: This opens a door to investigating how factors correlate, what causal connections can be found and what levels of language are affected by what factors.
The effect of language on recognition memory in first language and second language speakers: The case of placement events
Authors: Koster Dietha , Cadierno Teresa 
Published: March 2018

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research questions: German and Spanish differ in lexicalization of object position in placement events (e.g. They stand/lay-put the binoculars on the shelf). Do native (L1) speakers of these languages show different recognition memory for object position in placement scenes (“Thinking for Speaking” (TFS))? And if so, can learning German as a second language (L2) improve memory accuracy? Originality: There is very little research on the effect of language on memory in L2 speakers and no such studies have focused on placement events. By adopting a short time course (750 ms) between the prime and recognition phase this study makes a methodological advancement. Design/Methodology/Approach: We employed a design with L1 speakers ( N = 54) of German and Spanish, and a group of Spanish L2 learners ( N = 123) of German. Participants were presented with a two-phased memory task with minimum delay, with language and pictures showing placement events. Following the direction indicated by German placement verbs we changed position of objects in the picture recognition phase. L2 German speakers received a form-focused instruction on German placement verbs (stand/lay) before the memory task. Data and Analysis: We analysed recognition accuracy for object position changes. Findings/Conclusions: Results showed that L1 German speakers had more accurate recognition memory for object position changes than L1 Spanish speakers. When Spanish learners of L2 German performed the experiment in German, their accuracy exceeded L1 German speakers’ scores. Significance/Implications: The findings provide support for TFS effects on memory for object position in placement events for L1 speakers and show accuracy advantages for L2 speakers. Future studies should consider employing tasks with short time courses as the one used in this paper, in order to establish a base of controlled and reliable findings to unravel the linguistic relativity literature.
Use of procalcitonin as a biomarker for sepsis in moderate to major paediatric burns
Authors: Hollén Linda , Hughes Ryan , Dodds Nick , Coy Karen , Marlow Karen , Pullan Nicola , Davies Julie , Dailami Narges , Keating Katrina , Falder Sian , Shah Mamta , Young Amber 
Published: March 2018

Introduction Accurate and early detection of sepsis poses a significant challenge in burn populations. Our objective was to assess whether procalcitonin is a marker of blood culture positive sepsis in moderate to severe paediatric burns. Methods We analysed procalcitonin levels in 27 children admitted with burns of 15–65% total body surface area. Procalcitonin was measured at admission (baseline), 24 and 48 h post-admission and during periods of suspected sepsis (diagnosed against pre-defined criteria). Patients were categorised into controls with no episodes of suspected sepsis ( n = 10) and those with episodes of suspected sepsis ( n = 17). The latter were split into two groups based on blood culture results: culture positive (bacteraemia) and culture negative patients. Results Baseline procalcitonin levels increased with burn size (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.15 (1.02–1.29)). Suspected sepsis patients had larger burns than controls (median 31 vs. 20%; p = 0.003). Only 5/23 suspected sepsis episodes were blood culture positive. Procalcitonin levels were similar in culture positive and culture negative patients ( p = 0.43). Sensitivity for predicting positive blood culture was 100% (95% confidence interval: 47.8–100.0%) but specificity was only 22.2% (95% confidence interval: 6.4–47.6%). Area under the curve was poor at 0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.33–0.90). There was no significant change in procalcitonin levels from baseline to septic episode in either group (positive: p = 0.35; negative: p = 0.95). Conclusion We conclude that evidence for the use of procalcitonin to diagnose bacteraemia in this population is poor, with burn size playing a significant role implying a correlation with systemic inflammation rather than sepsis.
Women who frequent soup kitchens: A cultural, gender-mainstreaming perspective
Authors: Possick Chaya 
Published: March 2018

Summary The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the meanings Israeli women who frequent soup assign to this experience. The study is based on participant observation and 16 recorded interviews with women in eight soup kitchens in Israel. The study adopts a gender-mainstreaming approach to food security that privileges the life knowledge of women living in poverty. The grounded theory method was employed in the collection and analysis of the data-field notes and interviews. Findings Four main categories regarding women’s constructions of motivations for frequenting soup kitchens emerged: (1) nutritional needs, (2) feeding others, (3) overall economic strategy, and (4) social needs. The issue of dealing with shame is also explored from a humanist and cultural perspective. Applications The findings indicate the need for social workers to consider food security, and eating arrangements when making assessments, evaluating interventions and developing programs and policies in all practice settings. Social workers need to provide information about community food services that are accessible and user-friendly for their women clients who deal with food insecurity and social isolation. Soup kitchens should be structured to allow for active participation of the service users in the administration and operation of food security programs. Finally, social workers should adopt a critical, feminist position regarding women’s use of soup kitchens as an oppressive survival strategy that stems from inequality in gender and class power relations.
Carotid stenting with proximal cerebral protection in symptomatic low-grade vulnerable recurrent carotid stenosis
Authors: de Haro Joaquin , Rodriguez-Padilla Javier , Bleda Silvia , Cañibano Cristina , Michel Ignacio , Acin Francisco 
Published: March 2018

Background: Although the management of carotid disease is well established for symptomatic lesions ⩾70%, carotid revascularization for symptomatic low-grade (⩽50%) stenosis is not actually supported by data from randomized clinical trials. Such patients may occasionally have recurrent neurological symptoms despite optimal medical treatment owing to vulnerable plaques. In such cases, carotid artery stenting (CAS) may represent an option for treatment but this has not been tested in clinical trials. This study analyzed early and long-term outcomes of CAS performed in patients with low-grade symptomatic recurrent carotid stenosis. Methods: From a prospective registry of 322 carotid revascularization in symptomatic patients, 21 consecutive patients with low-grade symptomatic recurrent carotid stenosis who underwent CAS with proximal cerebral protection device Mo.Ma, after ruling out any other source of cerebral embolization, were involved in the study. All patients had suggestive evidence of unstable plaque or plaque ulceration. Results: Procedural technical success rate was 100%. No 30-day stroke or death occurred, and no patients had recurrent neurological events related to the revascularized hemisphere during follow up. No 30-day local complications were reported. No late carotid occlusions were detected. There was one late death, and no stroke-related deaths. Survival rates were 100% at 1 year and 96% at 3 years. Conclusions: This study shows that CAS is a well-tolerated, effective and durable treatment for patients with recurrent symptomatic low-grade carotid stenosis associated with a vulnerable plaque. Patients had excellent protection against further ischemic events and survived long enough.
The influence of a peritoneovenous shunt for cirrhotic and malignant intractable ascites on renal function
Authors: Segawa Takafumi , Kato Kenichi , Kawashima Kazuya , Suzuki Tomohiro , Ehara Shigeru 
Published: March 2018

Background Peritoneovenous shunts (PVS) are widely used for palliation of intractable ascites caused by peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) or liver cirrhosis (LC). Some patients who need PVS have renal dysfunction. However, renal dysfunction is considered a relative contraindication. Therefore, it is important to assess renal function before PVS placement. Purpose To evaluate the relationship between PVS and renal function. Material and Methods Between October 2007 and July 2015, 60 patients (PC = 47; LC = 10; others = 3) underwent PVS placement for intractable ascites. Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and other adverse events (AEs) were retrospectively analyzed. Results Changes in eGFR before, one day after, and one week after PVS placement could be evaluated in 46 patients. The median eGFR before, one day after, and one week after was 56.5, 59.1, and 64.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively ( P < 0.05). These values were 61.6, 72, and 67.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, in PC patients (n = 34; P < 0.05) and 28.5, 27, and 37.2 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, in LC patients (n = 10; P < 0.05). In 17 patients with moderate to severe renal dysfunction (eGFR < 45), these values were 23.4, 23.7, and 30.5 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The most frequent AE was PVS catheter obstruction, which occurred in 12 patients (20.7%). Clinical disseminated intravascular coagulation occurred in six patients (10.3%) and caused death in three patients (5.2%). Conclusion PVS placement for intractable ascites is associated with various AEs. However, PVS appeared to promote renal function, especially in patients with renal impairment.