bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Procedural training for the management of superficial venous insufficiency: A survey of Rouleaux Club members
Authors: Meecham Lewis , Nandhra Sandip ,   on behalf of the Rouleaux Club, Nyamekye Isaac K 
Published: June 2019

Introduction In 2012, the Rouleaux Club published their survey claiming large deficits in venous training. Since then vascular surgery has become its own specialty with a dedicated section of the curriculum for superficial venous intervention. The aim of this study was to assess whether the introduction of the new curriculum has improved current Rouleaux Club members training in superficial venous intervention. Method A trainee designed survey was developed and distributed to UK vascular surgery trainees in summer 2017. Results We received 55 (41.0%) responses. Training in endovenous procedures was available to 100% of trainees, and open surgery was only available to 43.2% of trainees; 86.5% of centres used endovenous procedures as the default intervention Only 75.7% of respondents were timetabled for dedicated superficial venous intervention lists; 72.7% have not received any formal training in duplex ultrasonography. Higher self-reported procedural competence was associated with greater numbers of procedures rather than training grade seniority. Conclusion It seems that despite a separate curriculum there are still self-reported trainee deficits in competence and skills. Low respondent levels (41%) should be considered but there is a potential problem for future venous practice.
Effects of commonly prescribed drugs on cognition and mild cognitive impairment in healthy elderly people
Authors: del Ser Teodoro , Zea María-Ascensión , Valentí Meritxell , Olazarán Javier , López-Álvarez Jorge , Rebollo-Vázquez Ana , Ávila-Villanueva Marina , Frades Belén , Medina Miguel , Fernández-Blázquez Miguel A 
Published: June 2019

Background: Chronic drug intake has been associated with negative and positive cognitive effects in elderly people, although subjacent conditions may be confounding factors. Aim: To study the effects on cognitive performance of commonly prescribed medications in a cohort of cognitively normal older adults. Methods: Medication intake was recorded during two years in 1087 individuals 70–85 years old, without neurological or psychiatric conditions. The influence of every drug, drug family and therapeutic group on six cognitive scores and on the conversion to mild cognitive impairment over two years was ascertained by cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Results: Small effects of several drugs on information processing were found in cross-sectional analyses but only confirmed for a positive effect of vitamin D in case–control analyses. Longitudinal analyses showed no drug effects on the cognitive slopes. Several hypotensive drugs reduced, whereas bromazepam and glucose lowering drugs increased, the conversion rate to mild cognitive impairment with very small effects ( R2=0.3–1%). Conclusions: Cognitively healthy elderly individuals show minimal negative effects on information processing associated with chronic intake of some drugs probably related to the subjacent condition. Some drugs slightly affect the rate of conversion to mild cognitive impairment. Positive effects of vitamin D, chondroitin, atorvastatin and antihypertensive drugs, and negative effects of antidepressants and benzodiazepines, should be further explored in studies with longer follow-up.
Assessment of simplified methods for quantification of [18F]-DPA-714 using 3D whole-brain TSPO immunohistochemistry in a non-human primate
Authors: Van Camp Nadja , Balbastre Yaël , Herard Anne-Sophie , Lavisse Sonia , Tauber Clovis , Wimberley Catriona , Guillermier Martine , Berniard Aurélie , Gipchtein Pauline , Jan Caroline , Badin Romina Aron , Delzescaux Thierry , Hantraye Philippe , Bonvento Gilles 
Published: June 2019

The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is the main molecular target to image neuroinflammation by positron emission tomography (PET). However, TSPO-PET quantification is complex and none of the kinetic modelling approaches has been validated using a voxel-by-voxel comparison of TSPO-PET data with the actual TSPO levels of expression. Here, we present a single case study of binary classification of in vivo PET data to evaluate the statistical performance of different TSPO-PET quantification methods. To that end, we induced a localized and adjustable increase of TSPO levels in a non-human primate brain through a viral-vector strategy. We then performed a voxel-wise comparison of the different TSPO-PET quantification approaches providing parametric [18F]-DPA-714 PET images, with co-registered in vitro three-dimensional TSPO immunohistochemistry (3D-IHC) data. A data matrix was extracted from each brain hemisphere, containing the TSPO-IHC and TSPO-PET data for each voxel position. Each voxel was then classified as false or true, positive or negative after comparison of the TSPO-PET measure to the reference 3D-IHC method. Finally, receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were calculated for each TSPO-PET quantification method. Our results show that standard uptake value ratios using cerebellum as a reference region (SUVCBL) has the most optimal ROC score amongst all non-invasive approaches.
Effect of an Educational Intervention Based on the BASNEF Model on Promoting Physical Activity Among Postpartum Women
Authors: Bashirian Saeed , Ouji Zohreh , Afshari Maryam , Barati Majid , Heydarimoghadam Rashid , Soltanian Alireza 
Published: June 2019

Background Due to the prevalence of low physical activity (PA) among women, especially during the postpartum period, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of an educational program based on BASNEF (beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, and enabling factors) model in promoting the postpartum PA among mothers. Methods This quasi-experimental study was carried out on 68 women of Kermanshah City in Western Iran during 2015 who were recruited through cluster random sampling method. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: intervention ( n = 33) and control ( n = 35). The subjects in the intervention group received the five educational sessions. The assessment of the participants was performed before and 6 weeks after the intervention. The researcher-made questionnaire based on the structures of the BASNEF model and the standard PA questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using SPSS-24 software. Results After educational intervention, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, behavioral intention, enabling factors, number of steps, and the intensity of PA ( p < .001). In addition, there was no significant difference between groups toward the PA intensity before the intervention ( p = .590), but this relationship was significant after the intervention ( p = .001). Conclusion Based on the results, training the PA based on the BASNEF model can be effective in promoting the PA in the postpartum period; therefore, it is recommended that the educational programs be applied for all these mothers in postpartum period. In addition, if the theories and behavior change models be correctly applied in educational programs, the useful results will be obtained.
Correlation between APACHE III score and sleep quality in ICU patients
Authors: Wang Chang-yong , Shang Min , Feng Li-zhi , Zhou Chen-liang , Zhou Qing-shan , Hu Ke 
Published: June 2019

Objective To reveal the correlation between APACHE III score and sleep quality in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods This prospective, observational study included patients aged ≥18 years, who had been admitted to an integrated ICU for ≥48 h. Age, sex, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) prior to ICU, Numeric Rating Scales (NRS), noise, illumination, number of nursing interventions, Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ), and APACHE III score during sleep were evaluated. Results A total of 124 ICU patients were included, all with APACHE III scores < 60. APACHE III scores were not significantly associated with RCSQ scores. There were significant inverse associations between sleep quality in the ICU and PSQI score prior to ICU (odds ratio [OR] 0.587, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.365, 0.945) and noise (OR 0.628, 95% CI 0.522, 0.756). Conclusion In ICU patients with APACHE III scores below 60 points, APACHE III score was not associated with sleep quality. PSQI score prior to ICU and noise were significantly inversely associated with sleep quality in this ICU patient population.
Targeting Women’s Employment: Do Employment Subsidies Work? Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Dildar Yasemin 
Published: June 2019

This paper examines the effect of the 2008 employment package on the gender employment gap in Turkey. The package introduced subsidies for the employment of women in all 81 provinces. However, positive discrimination was only effective in the provinces that did not benefit from social security contribution cuts under a previous subsidy scheme. Using a difference-in-differences analysis, I find that those provinces saw a 5.1 percent higher increase in the female share of employment in comparison with provinces where positive discrimination was not in force. Moreover, the effectiveness of the package is not lower in more conservative provinces, where conservatism is measured by the percentage of early marriages, gender inequality, and gender empowerment indices. The study concludes that the 2008 employment package was successful in closing the gender gap, even in more conservative provinces. By showing that a demand-side intervention can overcome the cultural constraints, it offers valuable insights to policy-makers interested in pursuing policies related to disadvantaged groups, particularly women. JEL Classification: C31, J08, J21, Z10
Vitamin C, Thiamine, and Steroids in the Sepsis Conquest: Replete to Defeat
Authors: Guirguis Erenie , Grace Yasmin , Maarsingh Harm , Tran Thi Ca , Tkachuk Elena 
Published: June 2019

Purpose: Sepsis and septic shock are significant health issues in the United States. Novel treatment options focusing on mitigating the dysregulated host response while reducing the need for vasopressor support are needed. This review discusses ascorbic acid, thiamine, and steroids as monotherapy and in combination for the treatment of sepsis and septic shock. Summary: The results of clinical studies using ascorbic acid, thiamine, and steroids as monotherapy or in combination are reviewed. High doses of IV ascorbic acid improved organ failure evidenced by changes in SOFA scores, declining CRP and PCT levels, and reduced vasopressor use. Thiamine initiation improved lactate levels in thiamine deficient patients in one study and demonstrated quicker lactate clearance and lower 28-day mortality in another study. Steroid studies demonstrated greatest benefit when initiating hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone early in septic shock. Combination therapy with ascorbic acid, thiamine and steroids reduced hospital mortality and vasopressor use in sepsis and septic shock in a small single-center study. Conclusion: Initial studies in patients with sepsis and septic shock demonstrated beneficial effects of ascorbic acid, thiamine, and steroids as monotherapy or in combination without safety concerns. However, the efficacy and safety of these therapies warrant further validation in larger clinical studies.
Effectiveness of a Student Pharmacist–Led Telephone Follow-Up Intervention to Improve Hemoglobin A1C in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Peasah Samuel K. , Granitz Kathryn , Vu Michelle , Jacob Bobby 
Published: June 2019

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a student pharmacist–led telephone follow-up intervention to improve hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in diabetic patients. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, pilot study to implement a telephone follow-up intervention for diabetic patients with HbA1c ≥7%. Patients were recruited and randomized into intervention and control groups. All patients received standard of care. Patients in the intervention group additionally received weekly phone calls from a student pharmacist for 12 weeks to encourage medication adherence. HbA1c at baseline and end of study were measured and the data were analyzed using SAS version 9.4. Analysis included descriptive statistics and a multiple regression model to assess the association between the end of study and baseline HbA1c while controlling for demographics. Results: Seventy-eight patients participated and the average age was 62 (±11) years. Baseline HbA1c was 8.2% (±1.4%) in the intervention group and 7.9% (±1.3%) in the control group. HbA1c decreased by 0.35% in the intervention group ( P = .027) and increased by 0.338% in the control group ( P = .013). The end of study HbA1c were higher in the control group even after controlling for baseline HbA1cs (0.5547, P value .002) in the regression model. Conclusion: Incorporating student pharmacists in physician offices to provide clinical care services could lead to improved patient outcomes and students’ clinical and research skills.
Ambulatory Care Pharmacists’ Perception of Prediabetes
Authors: Carris Nicholas W. , Cowart Kevin M. , Garcia Angela S. 
Published: June 2019

Introduction: Eighty-four million patients in the United States have prediabetes yet evidence-based interventions to prevent diabetes are infrequently used. The concept of prediabetes is contentious, although preventive interventions are guideline supported. Team-based care models incorporating pharmacists for prediabetes have been proposed; however, pharmacist perception regarding prediabetes has not been assessed. This study's objective was to assess ambulatory care pharmacists’ perception of recommendations for prediabetes. Methods: An anonymous survey was electronically distributed through the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Ambulatory Care Practice and Research Network. The primary outcome was the proportion of respondents who reported supporting 3 main recommendations related to prediabetes (ie, screening, evidence-based lifestyle-intervention, metformin). The study was approved by the University of South Florida Institutional Review Board. Data collection and analysis occurred in 2017. Results: The survey was distributed to approximately 2209 potential participants. One hundred thirty-three surveys were completed. The American Diabetes Association guideline was the most common primarily supported guideline related to prediabetes (89%). Of the respondents, 87% supported all 3 main recommendations regarding prediabetes. Qualitative feedback demonstrated the full range of opinions; programs for prediabetes, limited intervention for prediabetes, and against prediabetes as a concept. Conclusions: The majority of ambulatory care pharmacists responding supported all main recommendations related to prediabetes and therefore may be practicable for disseminating diabetes prevention interventions. However, barriers to implementation should be expected.
Priorities on treatment and monitoring of diabetic cats from the owners’ points of view
Authors: Albuquerque Carolina SC , Bauman Bretta L , Rzeznitzeck Janina , Caney Sarah MA , Gunn-Moore Danièlle A 
Published: June 2019

Objectives The aims of this study were to evaluate: owners’ perceptions and priorities on the treatment and monitoring of feline diabetes mellitus (DM); the perceived effectiveness of the communication between veterinarians and clients regarding disease management; and the impact DM has on the owners’ everyday lives and human–pet bonds. Methods An initial questionnaire, then an adapted second questionnaire, were available to owners of cats with DM on vetprofessionals.com . Results A total of 748 questionnaires were completed. At diagnosis, fewer than half of veterinarians discussed how to recognise unstable diabetes (46%) or home blood glucose monitoring (HBGM) (40%). Owners were disappointed that the importance of diet on diabetic remission/stabilisation and HBGM were not discussed. Only 49% of respondents were supervised by a veterinarian/veterinary nurse while first drawing up insulin and injecting their cat. Websites/online forums that owners found themselves were most useful when learning about their cat’s diabetes (76% agreed). Over a third of cats (39%) were not fed a ‘diabetic’ diet but, impressively, 71% of owners used HBGM. Initial concerns about costs, boarding, the effect on their daily life and potential negative impact on the human–pet bond reduced significantly after initiating treatment ( P <0.0001). Conclusions and relevance Caring for a diabetic cat requires significant owner commitment, plus support by the veterinary team for the owner and their cat. It is difficult to discuss all aspects of this complex disease with the owner in a single consultation; hence, it is important to involve the entire veterinary team in owner education and provide owners with informative material (eg, useful websites, printouts). Understanding owners’ priorities, fears, and which monitoring methods have helped others, is paramount to achieve owner compliance and satisfaction, and so improve the health and welfare of diabetic cats. This study provides useful information on the management of feline DM, which can be instrumental in educating future owners.
Low-Grade Surface Osteosarcoma of the Temporal Bone in Paediatric Patients: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Villemure-Poliquin Noémie , Trudel Mathieu , Labonté Sebastien , Blouin Valérie , Fradet Gaétan 
Published: June 2019

Purpose of the study: Primary osteosarcoma of the temporal bone is an exceedingly rare pathology in the paediatric population. As of now, only 3 cases have been reported in the English literature. We describe the additional case of a 16-year-old girl with an osteosarcoma of the mastoid bone. This study aims to report a rare paediatric case of low-grade surface osteosarcoma of the temporal bone. Materials and methods used: A literature review was performed to better understand paediatric osteosarcomas of the head and neck region, to optimize their investigation, to describe their histopathological and radiological characteristics, and to establish the optimal modalities of medical and surgical treatments. The research of previous published data was done using PubMed and Embase library with the keywords mentioned below. Results: The patient presented with a rapidly progressive left retroauricular lesion over a 3-week period. Radiological studies demonstrated aggressive and invasive features. An open biopsy followed and confirmed the diagnosis of a low-grade surface osteosarcoma. In accordance with the multidisciplinary team, we decided to perform a complete surgical resection with wide surgical margins. We did not administer any adjuvant therapies. A control computed tomography (CT) scan obtained 26 months postoperatively still showed no signs of recurrence. Conclusion: Osteosarcomas are aggressive malignant neoplasms found in the head and neck region in only 6% to 10% of cases. They represent approximately 1% of head and neck cancers, and these are generally high-grade lesions. Temporal bone involvement is rare, particularly for low-grade lesions in paediatric patients. In addition to reporting the fourth paediatric case of primary temporal bone osteosarcoma, this study describes its specific clinical, histopathological, and radiological findings, to improve the management and the prognostic of patients affected with this particular clinical entity.
Evaluation of the triple aim of medicine in prehospital telemedicine: A systematic literature review
Authors: Culmer Nathan , Smith Todd , Stager Catanya , Meyer Hannah , Quick Sarah , Grimm Katherine 
Published: June 2019

Objectives With telemedicine becoming more widely implemented in emergency situations, understanding the quality and content of current findings that explore prehospital telemedicine is vital to establish best practices and guide future research. This systematic review examines the clinical importance of telemedicine in patient-provider ambulance-based settings with a focus on multifunctional systems for general prehospital emergency populations. Methods Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology we found 1564 abstracts, which were blind-reviewed by independent reviewers. Relevant articles were reviewed, classified, and analyzed according to research methods and technology type, as well as quality, cost, and satisfaction. The studies were also reviewed for validated evidence-based practice. Results Those studies that looked at cost, quality, and satisfaction with care generally shared favorable results. Setup notwithstanding, cost was comparable or less than controls. Care quality was also found to be in line with or slightly preferable to face-to-face care with some advantages in response time and quality. Patients and providers were satisfied with the systems. Common obstacles included limited bandwidth and small sample sizes. Conclusions Although feasibility remains salient, research regarding the impact of ambulance-based telemedicine on patients and healthcare providers is encouraging, but nascent. As a whole, this body of literature does not yet adequately speak to the most important concerns of medicine: quality, cost, and satisfaction. More research is needed in each of these areas. However, those studies that do address these matters share hopeful results. Future research should test these mechanisms in prehospital settings with greater rigor.
Can WeChat group-based intervention reduce reperfusion time in patients with ST-segment myocardial infarction? A controlled before and after study
Authors: Liu Hui , Wang Wei , Chen Haojia , Li Zhi , Feng Shushuang , Yuan Yonghong 
Published: June 2019

Background Pre-hospital identification of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction and activation of the catheterization laboratory can reduce first medical contact to wire-crossing times. We conducted a study on providing 24-hour tele-electrocardiography services via the WeChat group application, aiming to reduce the time taken for diagnosis and treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Methods A controlled before and after study was conducted on 140 ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients who were initially seen in non-percutaneous coronary intervention-capable hospital and transferred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention at our percutaneous coronary intervention centre from 1 February to 31 October 2018. The WeChat group had 70 patients with pre-hospital electrocardiography transmission via WeChat and the control group had 70 patients who did not transfer pre-hospital electrocardiography. The reperfusion time of the two groups was compared to evaluate the effect of the WeChat group intervention. Results In the WeChat group versus the control group, the median symptom onset to first medical contact time was similar (129 vs 150 min, p > 0.05), but the median first medical contact to wire, door to wire and first medical contact to catheterization laboratory activity were significantly shorter (132 vs 171 minutes, p < 0.001; 60 vs 95 minutes, p < 0.001; 29 vs 74 minutes, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Pre-hospital electrocardiography transfer via a WeChat group resulted in earlier reperfusion of ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients who were transferred from the non-percutaneous coronary intervention centre.