bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Pharmacological Therapies for Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Kitridis Dimitrios , Tsikopoulos Konstantinos , Bisbinas Ilias , Papaioannidou Paraskevi , Givissis Panagiotis 
Published: February 2019

Background: Several pharmacological interventions are used for the management of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, although the optimal treatment has yet to be defined. Purpose: To conduct a network meta-analysis to compare the effects of different pharmacological interventions for adhesive capsulitis, administered either alone or after distension of the shoulder capsule. Study Design: Network meta-analysis. Methods: The authors searched Scopus, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to April 22, 2018, for completed studies. They enrolled trials that assessed the results of different pharmacological treatments for the primary management of adhesive capsulitis. The primary outcome was pain relief as measured by self-administered questionnaires. The secondary outcome included the assessment of composite instruments that evaluated, at a minimum, pain and function. The authors clinically interpreted the results after back-transforming the standardized mean differences into mean differences in simple instruments and assessed the quality of the source studies using the Cochrane “risk of bias” tool. Results: The authors considered 30 trials with a total of 2010 participants in this systematic review. For pain relief, there was a significant difference in favor of intra-articular corticosteroids and distension of the shoulder capsule with steroids as compared with control in the short term (mean difference in visual analog scale (VAS): –1.4 [95% CI, −2.5 to −0.4] and −1.7 [95% CI, −3.2 to −0.1], respectively). Furthermore, rotator-interval injections were found to be superior to placebo (mean difference in VAS: –7.2; 95% CI, −10.1 to −4.4), although the intervention was considered in only 1 trial. Finally, there was a statistically significant difference in favor of multiple-site corticosteroid injections compared to placebo in both the short- (mean difference in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index [SPADI]: −86.7; 95% CI, −133.6 to −40) and intermediate-term assessment (mean difference in SPADI: −102.9; 95% CI, −163.9 to −41.8). Conclusion: Intra-articular corticosteroid intervention, administered either alone or after distension of the shoulder capsule, provided clinically meaningful improvements in the short term. Likewise, rotator-interval corticosteroid injections yielded promising results in terms of pain relief. However, these short-term benefits of steroids dissipated over time. Multiple-site corticosteroid injections showed clinical advantage over placebo for short- and intermediate-term composite outcome assessments.
The Longitudinal Relationship Between Social Support and Physical Activity in Hispanics
Authors: Heredia Natalia I. , Walker Timothy J. , Lee MinJae , Reininger Belinda M. 
Published: February 2019

Purpose:Social support has been identified as a determinant of physical activity (PA), but research has been primarily cross-sectional, with mixed findings for different Hispanic subgroups and limited longitudinal research with Hispanics. The purpose of this study is to assess the longitudinal associations of social support with PA in Hispanics on the Texas-Mexico Border.Design and sample:We used 2 time points of data collected from Hispanic adults in the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (N = 588).Measures:We collected social support for PA and self-reported leisure-time PA.Analysis:We used cross-lagged panel models to assess the association between friend support, family support, family punishment (criticizing or complaining) and PA over time.Results:Although social support overall was low for PA, fully adjusted cross-lagged panel models indicated that time 1 friend support was associated with time 2 PA (adjusted rate ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.00 -1.04), though family support was not associated with time 2 PA. In males, time 1 friend support was inversely associated with time 2 family punishment.Conclusion:As expected, the directionality of the relation appears to be from social support to PA. Friend support appears to be predictive of PA in Hispanics, whereas family support is not. This should be considered in intervention development, particularly because familismo (commitment and mutual obligation to family) is considered to be a strong value in these communities.
Use of nalbuphine as a substitute for butorphanol in combination with dexmedetomidine and tiletamine/zolazepam: a randomized non-inferiority trial
Authors: Kreisler Rachael E , Cornell Heather N , Smith Veronica A , Kelsey Samantha E , Hofmeister Erik H 
Published: February 2019

Objectives The goal of this study was to determine whether a drug combination using nalbuphine with dexmedetomidine and tiletamine/zolazepam is non-inferior to one that uses butorphanol. Methods All healthy cats presenting solely for gonadectomy to two trap–neuter–return mobile clinic days were randomly assigned to induction with a combination of tiletamine/zolazepam 3 mg/kg, dexmedetomidine 7.5 µg/kg and either butorphanol or nalbuphine at 0.15 mg/kg. All participants were blinded to the identity of the combinations. The primary endpoint was clinician satisfaction, comprised of the mean of four satisfaction ratings on a 7-point Likert scale (highly dissatisfied through to highly satisfied) recorded for induction, maintenance of anesthesia, surgery and recovery. Exploratory endpoints included each individual score, number of injections, duration of induction, duration of recovery and need for reversal agent. To assess non-inferiority for the primary endpoint and individual scores, the difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the difference between the mean clinical scores for the nalbuphine and butorphanol-based combinations were calculated and compared with a prespecified non-inferiority margin of 20% (1.4 points). Results Seventy-two cats were enrolled, 36 in each group. The mean ± SD composite score for the combination with nalbuphine was 6.06 ± 0.59 (95% CI 5.86–6.25) points, while the combination with butorphanol was 6.22 ± 0.62 (95% CI 6.01–6.43). The difference between mean scores was 0.17 (–0.12 to 0.45), which did not exceed the prespecified boundary of 1.4, establishing the non-inferiority of nalbuphine. No individual clinical score for nalbuphine was inferior to butorphanol, and there were no significant differences for any secondary endpoints. Conclusions and relevance The clinical experience of the nalbuphine-based combination was non-inferior to the butorphanol-based combination. Nalbuphine is an effective substitute for butorphanol, providing another option if butorphanol is unavailable due to shortage, controlled status or cost, without requiring a change in anesthetic workflow.
A Novel Intervention to Treat Failed Angio-Seal Footplate Deployment: Two Case Series
Authors: Hall Thomas C , Habib Said 
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Vascular closure devices are commonly used to achieve rapid haemostasis and early ambulation following arterial puncture for endovascular procedures. Although device failure rates are low, the consequences of arterial occlusion include severe limb ischaemia. We describe a novel endovascular technique for the treatment of Angio-Seal arterial closure device (Terumo, Europe NV) failure causing femoral artery occlusion. Materials and methods: We describe 2 cases of lower limb angioplasty performed for critical limb ischaemia where the access site was closed using an Angio-Seal according to the manufacturer instructions for use (IFU). In both cases, however, ultrasound could not be used during deployment of the Angio-Seal due to body habitus and small subcutaneous haematoma. In both cases, the device failed and occluded the femoral artery. Results: Access was achieved via a retrograde approach from the contralateral limb in one case and a retrograde approach from the ipsilateral profunda artery in the other case. Angiography confirmed that the footplate of the Angio-Seal had occluded the femoral artery. Subsequently, the occlusion was crossed and a short balloon-mounted bare metal stent placed to push the footplate against the arterial wall that resulted in resolution of the occlusion and haemorrhage control. Conclusions: Crossing the occlusion caused by failure of the Angio-Seal closure device and subsequent stenting resulted in satisfactory relief of the femoral artery occlusion and haemostasis without the added risks of open surgical revascularisation and general anaesthetic.
An Integrative Review of the Physical Examination Performed on Deceased Potential Organ and Tissue Donors
Authors: Holloway Justine A. C. , Ranse Kristen , Currie Marian , Jamieson Maggie , van Haren Frank 
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Physical examination of the deceased potential donor is used in conjunction with information obtained from the family and donor’s General Practitioner. The findings of these assessments are used to determine the degree of risk their organs and tissues could pose to a recipient. Objective: To review the international practices of performing the physical examination on deceased potential organ and tissue donors. Method: A systematic search of the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and MedLine and grey literature was conducted. The search was limited to English-language articles, published between 2000 and 2017. Results: The integrative review included 14 of 1223 articles identified. We found that, although a physical examination is considered a routine component of international donor screening practices and standards, supportive evidence for this is lacking. A systematic head to toe approach to the physical examination is consistently advocated, but guidance on the components and processes of such an examination is limited. The literature demonstrates some commonalities regarding what constitutes a high-risk finding, but there is some variation in its completeness, and information on how many donors are declined because of such findings was found in only 1 article. The training and education of staff were considered essential to enable an accurate and thorough physical examination, yet details of constituents of education and training programs were sparse. Conclusion: More research is needed into the components of the physical examination that potentially would reduce risk to recipients. A review of current practice may identify opportunities for practice improvement, education, and training.
Bone morphogenetic protein signaling in inflammation
Authors: Wu David H , Hatzopoulos Antonis K 
Published: February 2019

Bone morphogenetic protein signaling has long been established as a crucial pathway during embryonic development. In recent years, our knowledge of the function of bone morphogenetic protein signaling has expanded dramatically beyond solely its important role in development. Today, the pathway is known to have important homeostatic functions across multiple different tissues in the adult. Even more importantly, bone morphogenetic protein signaling is now known to function as a driver of diseases in the adult spanning different organ systems. In this review, we will explore the functions of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in diseases of inflammation. Through this exploration, we will highlight the value and challenges in targeting bone morphogenetic protein signaling for therapeutic interventions.Impact statementBy compiling findings from recent studies, this review will garner novel insight on the dynamic and complex role of BMP signaling in diseases of inflammation, highlighting the specific roles played by both individual ligands and endogenous antagonists. Ultimately, this summary will help inform the high therapeutic value of targeting this pathway for modulating diseases of inflammation.
Transient ischemic attack: Incidence and early risk of stroke in northern Portugal from 1998–2000 to 2009–2011
Authors: Felgueiras Rui , Magalhães Rui , Silva Mário R , Silva Maria C , Correia Manuel 
Published: February 2019

Objective A decline in TIA incidence would be expected mirroring stroke trends, but patient's awareness of symptoms/signs, improved diagnostic procedures and changes in severity of vascular disease may raise TIA incidence. We aimed to estimate changes in TIA incidence and 30-day stroke risk in Portugal. Methods Data from two prospective community-based registers of first-ever TIA in 104,700 (1998–2000) and 118,232 (2009–2011) persons were collected using comprehensive case ascertainment methods. Incidence and stroke risk from TIA onset were compared using different inception cohorts. ABCD2 was used to stratified stroke risk. Results Overall, 141 patients were included in 1998–2000 and 174 in 2009–2011. Crude annual incidence rate increased from 67 to 74/100,000 (IRR=1.12; 95% CI, 0.90–1.40), particularly in men under 65 years (IRR=1.79; 95% CI, 1.06–3.04). Male/female IRR increased from 1.20 (0.86–1.68) in 1998–2000 to 1.77 (1.31–2.39) in 2009–2011, after adjustment for age. Better control of vascular risk factors (VRFs) accounted for lower ABCD2 scores in 2009–2011. The 30-day stroke risk was similar in study periods (18.4% vs. 16.7%, p > 0.7), decreasing from 16.1% to 8.2% ( p < 0.042) excluding patients reporting TIA after stroke occurrence and from 12.2% to 4.0% ( p < 0.011) further excluding patients who had stroke in ambulance/hospital. ABCD2 discriminated stroke risk only in 1998–2000; stroke severity decreased while posterior circulation stroke was more common in 2009–2011. Conclusion Despite a stable TIA incidence across periods, the risk increased in men compared to women. Better control of VRF accounted for lower ABCD2 scores and secondary prevention reduced stroke risk. Men under 65 years emerge as a preferential target for primary and secondary prevention.
Zone 2 flexor tendon repairs using a tensioned strong core suture, sparse peripheral stitches and early active motion: results in 60 fingers
Authors: Pan Zhang Jun , Xu Yun Fei , Pan Lei , Chen Jing 
Published: February 2019

We report the outcomes of zone 2 tendon repairs in 60 fingers using a strong core suture, sparse peripheral stitches and early active motion. From January 2014 to April 2016, we repaired 60 flexor digitorum profundus tendons with a tensioned 4-strand or 6-strand core suture and three to four peripheral stitches. The A2 or A4 pulleys were vented as necessary. Following early active flexion of the repaired tendons, no repairs ruptured and 52/60 (87%) fingers recovered to good or excellent function using the Tang criteria after follow-up of 8–33 months. We conclude that tensioned multi-strand strong core repairs only require sparse peripheral stitches and are safe for early active flexion. Standard peripheral sutures are not necessary. The core sutures should be properly tensioned to prevent gapping at tendon repair site and pulleys should be sufficiently vented to allow tendon motion. Level of evidence: IV
Serum copeptin might improve risk stratification and management of aortic valve stenosis: a review of pathophysiological insights and practical implications
Authors: Yalta Kenan , Palabiyik Orkide , Gurdogan Muhammet , Gurlertop Yekta 
Published: February 2019

Over recent decades, the prevalence of aortic valve stenosis (AVS) has been constantly increasing possibly owing to the aging of general population. Severe AVS as determined by an aortic valve area (AVA) of <1 cm2 has been regarded as a serious clinical condition potentially associated with a variety of adverse outcomes, including sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, patients with severe AVS (in the absence of overt high-risk features) are usually evaluated and managed exclusively based on symptomatology or imperfect prognostic tools including exercise testing and biomarkers, with a potential risk of mismanagement, suggesting the need for further objective risk stratifiers in this setting. Within this context, copeptin (C-terminal pro-vasopressin), a novel neurohormone widely considered as the surrogate marker of the arginine–vasopressin (AVP) system, may potentially serve as a reliable prognostic and therapeutic guide (e.g. timing of aortic valvular intervention) in patients with severe AVS largely based on its hemodynamic, fibrogenic as well as autonomic implications in these patients. Accordingly, the present paper aims to discuss clinical and pathophysiological implications of copeptin in the setting of AVS along with a summary of biomarkers and other prognostic tools used in this setting.
Congenital absence of pericardium: two cases and a comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Sergio Pietro , Bertella Erika , Muri Margherita , Zangrandi Ilaria , Ceruti Paolo , Fumagalli Franco , Bosio Giancarlo 
Published: February 2019

Congenital absence of pericardium (CAP) is a rare condition, generally asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic, nevertheless sporadic cases complicated by sudden death are described. CAP can be diagnosed by CT and MRI. It is classified as total or partial, and partial defects are divided into left defects and right defects. Interestingly, several articles highlight the correlation between CAP and some anatomical lung abnormalities, such as presence of lung parenchyma between the main pulmonary artery and ascending aorta, lung parenchyma between the base of the heart and left hemidiaphragm, and lung parenchyma between the proximal ascending aorta and right pulmonary artery.
Label-Free Enrichment and Molecular Characterization of Viable Circulating Tumor Cells from Diagnostic Leukapheresis Products
Authors: Franken André , Driemel Christiane , Behrens Bianca , Meier-Stiegen Franziska , Endris Volker , Stenzinger Albrecht , Niederacher Dieter , Fischer Johannes C , Stoecklein Nikolas H , Ruckhaeberle Eugen , Fehm Tanja , Neubauer Hans 
Published: February 2019

AbstractINTRODUCTIONCirculating tumor cells (CTCs) may be used to improve cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. However, because knowledge regarding CTC biology is limited and the numbers of CTCs and CTC-positive cancer patients are low, progress in this field is slow. We addressed this limitation by combining diagnostic leukapheresis (DLA) and microfluidic enrichment to obtain large numbers of viable CTCs from metastasized breast cancer patients.METHODSDLA was applied to 9 patients, and 7.5 mL of peripheral blood was drawn. CTCs were enriched with the Parsortix™ system. The quality of CTCs from fresh and cryopreserved DLA products was tested, and CTCs were cultured in vitro. Single uncultured and cultured CTCs were isolated by micromanipulation to determine different parameters, such as genomic aberrations and mutation profiles of selected tumor-associated genes. Expression levels of estrogen receptor and HER2/neu were monitored during in vitro culture.RESULTSViable CTCs from peripheral blood and fresh or frozen DLA products could be enriched. DLA increased the likelihood of successful CTC culture. Cryopreserved DLA products could be stored with minimal CTC loss and no overt reduction in the tumor cell quality and viability during an observation period of up to 3 years. The analyzed parameters did not change during in vitro culture. DLA samples with high CTC numbers and lower ratios of apoptotic CTCs were more likely to grow in culture.CONCLUSIONSThe increased CTC numbers from fresh or cryopreserved DLA products facilitate multiple functional and molecular analyses and, thus, could improve our knowledge of their biology.
Novel Assay for Quantitative Analysis of DNA Methylation at Single-Base Resolution
Authors: Yu Huichuan , Bai Liangliang , Tang Guannan , Wang Xiaolin , Huang Meijin , Cao Guangwen , Wang Jianping , Luo Yanxin 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The DNA methylation profile provides valuable biological information with potential clinical utility. Several methods, such as quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP), have been developed to examine methylation of specific CpG sites. Existing qMSP-based techniques fail to examine the genomic methylation at a single-base resolution, particularly for loci in gene bodies or extensive CpG open seas lacking flanking CpGs. Therefore, we established a novel assay for quantitative analysis of single-base methylation.

METHODS
To achieve a robust single-base specificity, we developed a PCR-based method using paired probes following bisulfite treatment. The 6-carboxyfluorescein- and 2′-chloro-7′phenyl-1,4-dichloro-6-carboxy-fluorescein-labeled probes conjugated with minor groove binder were designed to specifically bind to the methylated and unmethylated allele of targeted single CpGs at their 3′ half regions, respectively. The methylation percentage was calculated by values of methylation / (methylation + unmethylation).

RESULTS
In the detection of single CpGs within promoters or bodies of 4 human genes, the quantitative analysis of the single-base methylation assay showed a detection capability in the 1 to 1:10000 dilution experiments with linearity over 4 orders of magnitude (R2 = 0.989–0.994; all P &lt; 0.001). In a cohort of 10 colorectal cancer samples, the assay showed a comparable detection performance with bisulfite pyrosequencing (R2 = 0.875–0.990; all P &lt; 0.001), which was better than conventional qMSP methods normalized by input control reaction (R2 = 0.841 vs 0.769; P = 0.002 vs 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS
This assay is highly specific and sensitive for determining single-base methylation and, thus, is potentially useful for methylation-based panels in diagnostic and prognostic applications.
Unpacking policy gridlocks in Africa’s development: An evolving agenda
Authors: Mugwagwa Julius , Banda Geoffrey , Bolo Maurice , Kilonzo Susan , Mavhunga Clapperton , Mjimba Vuyo , Muza Olivia , Teka Zeferino 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Policies are not an end in themselves, but deliberate systems of principles to guide decisions and achievement of rational outcomes. Many factors inherent in or transcending policy processes have dramatic consequences for how policies are interpreted and applied. In this article, we deploy the concept of ‘policy gridlocks’ to better understand factors that facilitate or hinder implementation of single or multiple policies in different African policy arenas. We argue that minimizing or ameliorating ‘policy gridlocks’ requires stakeholders to quantify and more directly feel the cost of their decisions and actions, while scholars must continue to search for institutional means to prevent gridlocks, including broadening the array of conceptual and analytical tools for understanding policy processes. We conclude that limits in financial resources, technical expertise and legislative capacity are the more powerful drivers of policy formulation, implementation and revision gridlocks that need to be addressed, than fragmentation of stakeholder interests.