bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of a Massage Therapy Intervention for Pediatric Palliative Care Patients and Their Family Caregivers
Authors: Weekly Taelyr , Riley Beverly , Wichman Christopher , Tibbits Melissa , Weaver Meaghann 
Published: November 2018

Context: All inpatient children receiving pediatric palliative care consults at a free-standing children’s hospital. Objectives: To explore the impact of massage therapy on pediatric palliative care patients’ symptom burden and medication use pattern, to describe the impact of massage therapy on family caregiver distress, and to report on bedside nursing staff perception of massage therapy for children and their families. Methods: A 1-time point, single-center exploratory study offering 10-minute bedside massage to children receiving palliative care and 10-minute massage to their family caregivers. Results: A total of 135 massages were provided to children and their caregivers. Difference in child Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale (FLACC) score was detectable ( P < .0001) with the median (interquartile range [IQR]) before FLACC score being 2 (1-3) and after FLACC score being 0 (0-1). Difference in “as-needed” pain medication usage in the 24 hours before and after the massage was detectable ( P = .0477). Median difference in family caregiver distress with massage was −3.0 (IQR = 2.0, P < .0001). Bedside nurses (100%) reported massage to be a meaningful way to care for their families and patients. Conclusion: Massage therapy is a potentially meaningful intervention for pediatric palliative care patients with noted impact on symptom burden, benefit to family caregivers, and acceptance by nursing staff.
Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer in Korçe, Albania
Authors: Judkins Jonathon , Laska Irena , Paice Judith , Kumthekar Priya 
Published: November 2018

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to quantify cancer family caregiver (FCG) quality of life (QOL) in a Southern Albanian population and to determine whether differences exist between 4 domains of QOL (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual). This study also sought to compare QOL in our cohort to QOL in historical studies that used the same survey instrument, and to examine correlations between demographic characteristics and QOL to identify any high-risk groups. Methods: A sample of 40 FCGs was recruited at the Mary Potter Palliative Care Clinic in Korçe, Albania. Each participant completed the City of Hope Quality of Life (Family Version), a validated 37-question instrument that measures caregiver well-being in 4 domains: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Results: There were no significant differences between the composite scores of the 4 QOL domains in our study. However, there were differences when comparing self-reported QOL between domains (“Rate your overall physical/psychological/social/spiritual well-being”). The QOL measured in our study was significantly lower than in 3 studies from the United States that used the same questionnaire. There were no significant correlations between demographic groups and QOL. Conclusions: This study examines the impact that the paucity of palliative services has on the QOL of Albanian cancer FCGs. Although there were no domains of QOL or demographic groups identified in our study that were faring significantly worse than others, the poor overall QOL provides further evidence to support the continued development of palliative services for both patients and family members in Albania.
Advanced Care Planning for Persons With Dementia in Primary Care: Attitudes and Barriers Among Health-Care Professionals
Authors: Lee Linda , Hillier Loretta M. , Locklin Jason , Lee Jennifer , Slonim Karen 
Published: November 2018

Background: Advance care planning (ACP) provides clarity on goals and preferences for future health-care decisions, the timeliness of which is critical for persons with dementia. Aim: This study assessed Primary Care Collaborative Memory Clinic (PCCMC) health-care practitioners’ desire for more education on ACP, capacity for and attitudes toward ACP, and current ACP practices in their regular family practice and in their PCCMC. Methods: Primary Care Collaborative Memory Clinic health-care professionals completed a questionnaire in which they rated their interest in learning various ACP-related topics (5-point scale: not at all to very much so), attitudes toward ACP, and the importance of and perceived degree of responsibility for ACP (5-point scale: not at all to extremely). Respondents estimated ACP completion in regular family practice and PCCMC. Results: Two hundred and sixty one surveys were completed. Mean knowledge ratings were moderate (M = 3.0) and mean ratings of interest in ACP topics were all high (median ≥ 4). Despite the perception that ACP is very important (M = 4.9) and the responsibility of PCCMCs (M = 3.7), the majority of respondents estimated that 40% or fewer patients have had ACP. Ratings of willingness to conduct ACP (M = 3.7) and comfort level (M = 3.4) were moderate but significantly exceeded ratings of ability (M = 2.9), comfort (M = 3.5), and confidence (M = 2.8). Conclusion: There was a striking disconnect between perceptions of the importance of completing ACP for persons with dementia and actual ACP completion rates. Primary Care Collaborative Memory Clinics may be in an ideal position to support ACP discussions; however, there is a need to improve health-care professionals’ knowledge and attitudes toward ACP.
Comparing the 1997 update of the 1982 American College of Rheumatology (ACR-97) and the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC-12) criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) classification: which enables earlier classification of SLE in an urban Asian population?
Authors: Low E S H , Krishnaswamy G , Thumboo J 
Published: November 2018

Objective We compared the 1997 update of the 1982 American College of Rheumatology (ACR-97) and the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC-12) criteria, for earlier classification of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a multiethnic urban Asian SLE population. Methods Patients from a retrospective, nested case-control study of the influence of lupus nephritis on mortality in SLE were studied. For each patient, dates of first manifestations of each criteria (both ACR-97 and SLICC-12) were recorded, and the date of disease classification using ACR-97 or SLICC-12 criteria was compared to determine which criteria resulted in earlier classification. Results Among 182 SLE patients (74.2% Chinese, 18.1% Malay, 4.4% Indian and 3.3% Other ethnicities), 10 (5.5%) did not fulfill the ACR-97 criteria and 2 (1.1%) did not fulfill the SLICC-12 criteria. Using the SLICC-12 criteria, 18% of subjects showed earlier classification, whereas 7% of subjects showed earlier classification using the ACR-97 criteria. The SLICC hematologic criteria of “Leukopenia or lymphopenia” contributed most significantly to earlier diagnosis by SLICC-12. “Leukopenia or lymphopenia'' was present in 59% (19/32) of patients where SLICC-12 criteria allowed for earlier classification than ACR-97, compared with 15.4% (2/13) of patients where ACR-97 allowed earlier classification than SLICC-12 ( p = 0.02). The immunologic criterion that is considered a strength of the SLICC-12 criteria did not appear to contribute significantly to earlier diagnosis in this study. Conclusion SLICC-12 criteria allow for earlier classification of SLE in a multiethnic cohort of Asian patients, supporting the validity of the SLICC-12 criteria and its use in clinical care and research.
Do older workers really reduce firm productivity?
Authors: Lee Bokwon , Park Joowoong , Yang Jae-Suk 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this article, we examine the effect of workforce ageing on company productivity, using an analysis based on Korean firms. We found that an increase in the ratio of workers aged over 50 years to total workers had a negative effect on value added per worker, which was consistent with the findings of most previous studies based on European data. However, the results of the analysis, including various classifications such as size, industry and several financial conditions, revealed that an increase in the ratio of older workers had positive effects on value added per worker in large manufacturing firms under risky or growing conditions. As the productivity of older workers may vary, future research may determine under what conditions – size, industry, region and financial conditions – older workers contribute positively to productivity. Firms with financial troubles or those planning to downsize should be cautious about laying off older workers as an approach to improving organisational performance because these workers contribute positively to productivity under certain conditions.
Feline upper respiratory tract infection and disease in Australia
Authors: Nguyen Dalton , Barrs Vanessa R , Kelman Mark , Ward Michael P 
Published: November 2018

Objectives The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of feline infectious upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and disease (URTD) in Australian cats. Methods Laboratory data demonstrating URTI from feline URTD multiplex PCR panel (feline herpesvirus 1 [FHV-1], feline calicivirus [FCV], Bordetella bronchiseptica, Chlamydophila felis, Mycoplasma felis and H1N1 influenza) submissions in Australia (2013–2015) were obtained. For comparison, reports of feline URTD during the same time period were sourced from a voluntary companion animal disease surveillance system. Results A total of 3126 samples were submitted for testing; 1533 (49%) were positive. Of these, the most commonly detected agents were M felis (21.5%) and FCV (16.0%) alone, followed by FCV and M felis (13.4%) together as a respiratory infection complex, then FHV-1 (7.0%) alone. During the study period, there were 262 reports of 320 clinical feline URTD cases. Most cases (69%) were reported from New South Wales, <1 year of age (41%) and equally distributed between the sexes. Infection was more common in entire cats (69%) and most cases (55%) involved domestic shorthair cats. Of the 90 reports that had a known vaccination status, 63 had a vaccination history, 40 of which were recently vaccinated. Most (72%) feline URTD cases recovered from clinical disease. Both feline URTI and URTD were more common during winter months. Conclusions and relevance Feline URTI and URTD cause substantial impact in Australia, being most commonly associated with M felis and FCV infection. This information can be used by veterinarians to educate clients about prevention and management of this important infectious disease of cats.
Posterior “Open Book” approach for type 1 internal hemipelvectomy
Authors: Stranix John T , Vranis Neil M , Lam Gretl , Rapp Timothy , Saadeh Pierre B 
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Internal limb-sparing hemipelvectomy is currently the preferred surgical option for resection of pelvic tumours. Obtaining an acceptable functional outcome through the standard ilioinguinal or iliofemoral incisions, only compounds the already challenging dissection, resection and reconstruction of these extensive en-bloc extirpative oncologic operations. Surgical technique: We describe a novel surgical approach to the lateral pelvis that minimises injury to the gluteal muscles, spares the gluteal vessels and provides a broad yet shallow operative field conducive to microsurgery with sizeable vasculature in close proximity to facilitate any microsurgical reconstruction. Access to the ilium and sacrum for Enneking Type 1 and Type 4 resections respectively is obtained by reflecting a skin and soft tissue flap anteriorly while the gluteal muscles are reflected posteriorly and inferiorly. This technique minimises the amount of tissue reflected in any particular direction, therefore, providing a broad and shallow operative field which benefits the orthopaedic oncologic surgeon and the plastic reconstructive surgeon. Conclusion: The “posterior open-book” approach offers a promising alternative to the standard ilioinguinal or iliofemoral incisions for internal limb-sparing Type 1 hemipelvectomies while also optimising the exposure for subsequent reconstructive procedures.
Scurvy is Back
Authors: Callus Claire Ann , Vella Samantha , Ferry Peter 
Published: November 2018

Background and objective: Scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, first described by Hippocrates, is known to many as ‘The Pirates’ Disease’. Although a disease rarely acknowledged in modern medicine, we present 2 cases of elderly gentlemen found to have scurvy, who improved significantly on treatment. Methods: This study presents a case report of 2 patients undergoing rehabilitation at Karin Grech Hospital in Malta, noted to have signs and symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C levels were found to be low and thus supplementation was administered. Results: After a few weeks, a significant improvement was noted in level of frailty, mood, bleeding tendency, and gum health. Conclusions: The modern doctor must keep this ancient disease in mind, as it presents insidiously with debilitating repercussions, particularly in older people who are at a higher risk. It is easily treatable once detected.
Comparison of Management Guidelines for Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: A Review of Phototherapy, Systemic Therapies, and Biologic Agents
Authors: Ighani Arvin , Partridge Arun C.R. , Shear Neil H. , Lynde Charles , Gulliver Wayne P. , Sibbald Cathryn , Fleming Patrick 
Published: November 2018

Introduction: Many international guidelines for management of psoriasis exist and most have variations in grading evidence quality, strength of recommendations, and dosing. The objective of our review is to compare international guidelines published in the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, and the United States for the management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Methods: We conducted a literature review on systemic therapies and phototherapy for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients. The British, Canadian, European, and American guidelines served as the key comparators in our review. To identify relevant supporting clinical trials not referenced in the guidelines, we conducted literature searches in PubMed and EMBASE. Two authors independently extracted data on indications, dosing, efficacy, evidence grade, and strength of clinical recommendation for each therapy. Results: Monoclonal antibodies directed toward tumour necrosis factor and interleukin (IL)-12/23 received the strongest recommendations for treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, supported by robust, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Newer agents such as IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors are not referenced in most guidelines. There are fewer RCTs for conventional therapies and few head-to-head comparisons with biologics, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. Among older agents, methotrexate is most strongly recommended for long-term maintenance and cyclosporine is recommended for short-term control of flares. Conclusion: Physicians should individualize psoriasis-management strategies based on medication tolerance, efficacy, safety, patient comorbidities, availability of the medication, and patient preference.
Histologic identification of intraocular Cytauxzoon felis in three cats
Authors: Meekins Jessica , Cino-Ozuna Ada G 
Published: November 2018

Case series summary A 5-month-old male intact domestic shorthair (DSH) cat (cat 1), a 1-year-old male neutered DSH cat (cat 2) and a 1.5-year-old female spayed DSH cat (cat 3) were submitted for gross necropsy after acute death, with the clinical suspicion of cytauxzoonosis. All three cats displayed signs of rapidly progressive clinical deterioration, including lethargy, anorexia, and hyper- or hypothermia. Cat 1 was euthanized owing to the grave prognosis for survival, whereas cats 2 and 3 were found dead 1–4 days after the onset of clinical signs. Remains were submitted to the Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for gross necropsy. In all three cats, general examination findings included icterus of the mucous membranes, multifocal pulmonary parenchymal hemorrhages, and splenic reddening and enlargement. Histologic examination revealed macrophages laden with protozoal schizonts diffusely distributed within blood vessels and vascular spaces of all affected organs, including the blood vessels of the uveal tract. The ciliary body within the anterior uveal tract was most affected. Relevance and novel information This is the first description of cytauxzoonosis affecting the eyes of infected cats. This report confirms involvement of ocular blood vessels similar to the classic lesions of the lungs, spleen and liver. In cats presenting with a history and clinical findings suggestive of cytauxzoonosis, complete ophthalmic examination is indicated to confirm or rule out ocular involvement.
The associations of social networking site use and self-reported general health, mental health, and well-being among Canadians
Authors: Coyne Paige , Santarossa Sara , Polumbo Nicole , Woodruff Sarah J. 
Published: November 2018

Objectives To investigate social networking site (SNS) use and frequency, and their potential associations with self-reported general health, mental health, and well-being among the Canadian population using the nationally representative 2013 General Social Survey (GSS). Methods Data were collected via Statistics Canada GSS 2013 (cycle 27). Six separate one-way analysis of covariances (ANCOVAs) were conducted to determine differences in general health, mental health, and well-being for both SNS use and frequency, controlling for age, gender, number of children at home, household location, education, and income. Results SNS users were younger (with nearly 96% being 15–24 years old vs. 27% ≥ 75 years; p < .001), female ( p < .001), have three or fewer children at home ( p < .001), live in urban/Prince Edward Island locations, were at the lower or higher ends of household income ( p < .001), and were less educated ( p < .001). Among all Internet users, better general health ( p = .03) was associated with using SNSs, yet better mental health ( p = .001) and well-being ( p = .001) were associated with not using SNSs. Among SNS account-holders, those who never accessed their accounts had significantly lower general health ( p = .007), mental health ( p < .001), and well-being ( p < .001) compared with those who accessed their accounts, regardless of frequency. Conclusion Differences exist for SNS use and frequency and health outcomes. However, investigations into the possible differences that may exist between individuals who do not have a SNS account and those who do, but do not use it, are needed in the future.
GM-CSF inhibition reduces cytokine release syndrome and neuroinflammation but enhances CAR-T cell function in xenografts
Authors: Sterner Rosalie M. , Sakemura Reona , Cox Michelle J. , Yang Nan , Khadka Roman H. , Forsman Cynthia L. , Hansen Michael J. , Jin Fang , Ayasoufi Katayoun , Hefazi Mehrdad , Schick Kendall J. , Walters Denise K. , Ahmed Omar , Chappell Dale , Sahmoud Tarek , Durrant Cameron , Nevala Wendy K. , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Pease Larry R. , Hedin Karen E. , Kay Neil E. , Johnson Aaron J. , Kenderian Saad S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractChimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy is a new pillar in cancer therapeutics; however, its application is limited by the associated toxicities. These include cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity. Although the IL-6R antagonist tocilizumab is approved for treatment of CRS, there is no approved treatment of neurotoxicity associated with CD19-targeted CAR-T (CART19) cell therapy. Recent data suggest that monocytes and macrophages contribute to the development of CRS and neurotoxicity after CAR-T cell therapy. Therefore, we investigated neutralizing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as a potential strategy to manage CART19 cell–associated toxicities. In this study, we show that GM-CSF neutralization with lenzilumab does not inhibit CART19 cell function in vitro or in vivo. Moreover, CART19 cell proliferation was enhanced and durable control of leukemic disease was maintained better in patient-derived xenografts after GM-CSF neutralization with lenzilumab. In a patient acute lymphoblastic leukemia xenograft model of CRS and neuroinflammation (NI), GM-CSF neutralization resulted in a reduction of myeloid and T cell infiltration in the central nervous system and a significant reduction in NI and prevention of CRS. Finally, we generated GM-CSF–deficient CART19 cells through CRISPR/Cas9 disruption of GM-CSF during CAR-T cell manufacturing. These GM-CSFk/o CAR-T cells maintained normal functions and had enhanced antitumor activity in vivo, as well as improved overall survival, compared with CART19 cells. Together, these studies illuminate a novel approach to abrogate NI and CRS through GM-CSF neutralization, which may potentially enhance CAR-T cell function. Phase 2 studies with lenzilumab in combination with CART19 cell therapy are planned.
Fertility treatment among women with asthma: a case–control study of 3689 women with live births
Authors: Vejen Hansen Anne , Ali Zarqa , Malchau Sara S. , Blafoss Joan , Pinborg Anja , Ulrik Charlotte S. 
Published: November 2018

Asthma has been linked with prolonged time to pregnancy. Our aim was to explore a possible association between asthma and need for fertility treatment among women with live births.All women enrolled in the Management of Asthma during Pregnancy (MAP) programme at Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark were each matched with the next three consecutive women giving birth at Hvidovre Hospital. Information from the Danish National Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) registry was cross-linked with the Danish Medical Birth registry to identify live births. The primary outcome of interest was births following fertility treatment.Our sample comprised pregnancies from asthmatic mothers (n=932, described as “cases”) and non-asthmatic mothers (n=2757, described as “controls”), with 12% (n=114) and 8% (n=212), respectively, having had fertility treatment (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.32–2.13; p<0.001). This association remained statistically significant after adjusting for confounders, including body mass index (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.00–1.70; p=0.047). In women ≥35 years, 25% of cases (n=63) and 13% of controls (n=82) received fertility treatment (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.47–3.07; p<0.001), which also remained statistically significant after adjusting for confounders (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.11–2.46; p=0.013).A higher proportion of the births from asthmatic mothers involved fertility treatment compared to non-asthmatic mothers, not least among women aged ≥35 years.