bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Standard and Right/Left International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form Scores
Authors: Magnuson Justin A. , Strnad Greg , Smith Clair , Jones Morgan H. , Saluan Paul , Irrgang James J. , Spindler Kurt P. 
Published: March 2019

Background: The International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SKF) is a validated patient-reported outcome used in clinical research. No studies exist directly comparing the standard unilateral adult version (IKDC-SKF) with the bilateral adult version (R/L IKDC-SKF). Hypotheses: The first hypothesis is that no clinically relevant difference would be observed between standard IKDC-SKF scores and involved R/L scores. The second hypothesis is that a relevant difference would be observed between involved and uninvolved scores on the R/L IKDC-SKF. Study Design: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: One hundred patients were enrolled via a crossover study design. Participants were split into 2 groups per simple randomization. One group completed the standard IKDC-SKF first and the R/L IKDC-SKF second. The other group completed forms in the reverse order. A 10-minute washout period was administered between questionnaires. Participants reported their preferred form in a postquestionnaire survey. A 5-point threshold for clinical relevance was set a priori, which is less than multiple published minimal detectable change and minimal clinically important difference metrics of the standard IKDC-SKF, ranging from 6.3 to 20.5. Data were analyzed with Bland-Altman plots, paired t tests, correlations, and chi-square tests. Results: Paired t tests between the standard IKDC-SKF and the involved R/L IKDC-SKF scores demonstrated a statistically significant mean difference of 1.4 ( P = .008; 95% CI, 0.4-2.4). However, the 95% CI falls under the clinically relevant threshold of 5. Standard and involved knee scores from the R/L IKDC-SKF were highly correlated, with a rho of 0.95. Patients consistently distinguished the injured knee from the uninjured knee across a range of scores via the R/L IKDC-SKF ( P < .001). The postquestionnaire survey showed that 55 patients preferred the R/L IKDC-SKF, 30 preferred the standard IKDC-SKF, and 15 had no preference. Post hoc analysis showed a significant preference for “R/L vs standard IKDC-SKF” ( P = .014) and “R/L IKDC-SKF vs no preference” ( P < .003). Conclusion: No clinically relevant difference was observed between the standard IKDC-SKF and the involved knee score of the R/L IKDC-SKF. Therefore, for symptomatic unilateral knee diagnosis, either form can be used. The R/L IKDC-SKF showed a consistent and clinically relevant difference between involved and uninvolved knees. Patients in this study preferred the R/L IKDC-SKF.
Service Users’ Knowledge and Views on Outpatients’ Compulsory Community Treatment Orders: A Cross-Sectional Matched Comparison Study
Authors: Nakhost Arash , Simpson Alexander I. F. , Sirotich Frank 
Published: March 2019

Objective: Community treatment orders (CTOs) have been used in the treatment of some individuals with serious mental illness who fail to adhere to their psychiatric treatment, leading to frequent hospitalization. This article examines perceptions and knowledge of CTOs amongst outpatient service users in Toronto, Canada. Method: Service users under a CTO were matched to a comparison control group of voluntary outpatients ( n = 69 in each group). Participants were interviewed using a series of questionnaires aimed at assessing instead of evaluating their knowledge and perceptions of CTOs, as well as understanding their views about the utility and impact of CTOs in the treatment of individuals with mental health issues. Results: Participants in the CTO group knew significantly more about CTO processes, restrictions, and procedural protections than the control group. Both groups thought that a CTO could improve certain individuals’ mental health. The control group felt more strongly that a CTO could improve a service user’s physical health by providing better access to care and closer monitoring ( P = 0.019) while a significant proportion of the CTO group thought that being on a CTO was better than being in the hospital ( P = 0.001) and that service users should be able to contest their CTO ( P = 0.001). In addition, CTO group participants were significantly more optimistic about the potential positive impact of CTOs on other service users’ quality of life ( P = 0.008) and mental health ( P = 0.023) compared to themselves. Conclusions: In general, both groups viewed CTOs as potentially capable of positively affecting treatment and lives of some individuals with mental illness.
Mental Disorders and Suicide Attempts in the Pregnancy and Postpartum Periods Compared with Non-Pregnancy: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Mota Natalie P. , Chartier Mariette , Ekuma Okechukwu , Nie Yao , Hensel Jennifer M. , MacWilliam Leonard , McDougall Chelsey , Vigod Simone , Bolton James M. 
Published: March 2019

Objective: To compare the rate of mental disorders (i.e., mood and anxiety, substance use, psychotic disorders) and suicide attempts within the same group of women across the pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum periods, and between this perinatal cohort and a non-perinatal reference group. Method: Data were from an administrative repository of residents in Manitoba, Canada. The perinatal cohort consisted of women aged 18 to 45 years who experienced >1 live birth pregnancy between 2011 and 2014 ( n = 45,362). Pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum periods were defined over consecutive 40-week intervals. The non-perinatal cohort consisted of age-matched women with no pregnancies during the same period ( n = 139,705). A reference 40-week interval was defined from the individual’s birthdate in the year they entered the cohort. Rate ratios of diagnosed mental disorders were adjusted (aRR) for demographic factors, parity, and mental health history. Results: Within the perinatal cohort, pregnancy was associated with a lower rate of diagnosed mood or anxiety disorder, substance use disorder, and suicide attempt relative to pre-pregnancy (aRR range, 0.22-0.82). Pregnancy also had lower rates of all outcomes compared with the postpartum period (aRR, 0.44-0.87). Postpartum had a higher rate of psychotic disorder compared with pre-pregnancy (aRR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.17-2.21), but a lower rate of mood or anxiety disorder and suicide attempt. Compared with non-perinatal women, pregnancy was associated with lower rates of all outcomes (aRR range, 0.25-0.87). Conclusions: Compared with a non-perinatal period, the rate of a diagnosed mental disorder is lower during pregnancy but begins to rise in the postpartum period, highlighting an important period for early identification and rapid access to intervention.
Returns to compensation in trucking: Does safety pay?
Authors: Faulkiner Michael R , Belzer Michael H 
Published: March 2019

Large truck crashes remain a significant problem in the truckload sector of the US motor carrier industry. Employing a unique firm-level data set from a large US truckload motor carrier, we identified two different driver groups hired during two distinct pay regimes. Before-and-after data on wages and safety outcomes created a natural experiment. Higher wages paid to experienced drivers in the new pay regime led to higher driver retention rates. Experienced drivers had lower average crash costs and were more productive during each tenure month. Experienced drivers had a much larger expected discounted net present value when compared with inexperienced drivers. As the previously inexperienced drivers gained additional experience, their crash probabilities and their value began to mirror those of the experienced drivers, demonstrating the value of greater tenure. This research supports ‘safe rates’ public policy because safety pays – for trucking companies, for cargo owners and for society.JEL Codes: J24, J28, J33
Utilizing Youth Media Practice to Influence Change: A Pretest–Posttest Study
Authors: Chan Chitat , Holosko Michael J. 
Published: March 2019

Purpose: Youth media practice (YMP) refers to various activities through which young people are empowered to express their views and develop critical reflectiveness via media productions. There is scant empirical research about YMP’s effectiveness. This study developed and field-tested an information and communication technology (ICT)–based YMP. Method: By using “My National/Ethnic Identity” as a heuristic production theme, a pilot study was conducted in Hong Kong in 2018. Participants shared and discussed photos online and conducted face-to-face presentations. The program was evaluated using a one-group pretest–posttest design. Participants included ( N = 20) Hong Kong Chinese students aged 18–24. Results: Participants’ need for cognitive closure decreased, self-esteem increased, and their essentialist views on ethnic identity decreased. Discussion: This study demonstrates that YMP has potential to be a change-making strategy for future social work practice, and proper use of ICT can create space and opportunities for such reflective conversations.
Prevalence and diagnostic value of the ultrasonographic honeycomb appearance of the spleen in cats
Authors: Harel Mathieu , Touzet Chloe , Barthélemy Anthony , Ségard-Weisse Emilie M 
Published: March 2019

Objectives The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of a honeycomb appearance of the spleen in a population of referral cats presented for ultrasound examination, and to determine the diagnostic value of this finding vs the definitive diagnosis, the splenic cytological and haematological results. Methods Data were obtained from the medical records (2016–2018) of cats that had an ultrasonographic honeycomb appearance of the spleen, a splenic cytological diagnosis and a complete blood count. Results Twenty-five cats were included. Prevalence of the honeycomb pattern was 6.8%. None of the spleen was considered normal on cytology and four types of lesions were found: lymphoid hyperplasia (64%), neoplasia (16%), extramedullary haematopoiesis (12%) and splenitis (8%). A honeycomb pattern was successfully identified with a linear high-frequency probe in all cats, but only in 36% of cases with the micro-convex probe. Follow-up information was available for four cats, in which the honeycomb appearance persisted up to 105 days after the first examination; there was persistence of the honeycomb pattern in all cases. Cats with a splenic cytological diagnosis of extramedullary haematopoiesis had the lowest haemoglobin plasma concentration ( P = 0.011). Conclusions and relevance Honeycomb appearance of the spleen is uncommon in cats and, in our study, was systematically associated with cytological alterations; most of the time it was benign (84%). The use of a high-frequency linear probe improves its detection rate. No epidemiological, ultrasonographic or clinical criteria allow differentiation between the different types of infiltration and fine-needle aspiration is therefore recommended.
Cranial cruciate ligament disease in cats: an epidemiological retrospective study of 50 cats (2011–2016)
Authors: Boge Gudrun S , Engdahl Karolina , Moldal Elena R , Bergström Annika 
Published: March 2019

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and long-term outcome of surgically and conservatively treated cats with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD). Methods A retrospective cohort study of cats with CCLD, diagnosed at two university animal hospitals between January 2011 and December 2016, was performed. Signalment, history, treatment and follow-up information were retrieved. Cat owners were contacted for additional long-term follow-up information. The cases were divided into two groups: one conservatively managed and one surgically treated with the lateral fabellotibial suture technique. A quality of life questionnaire, the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI), was distributed to the owners of cats alive at follow-up for assessment of chronic pain as a long-term outcome. Univariable statistical methods were used to evaluate the data. Results Fifty cats were identified and were followed for a median of 41 months after diagnosis of CCLD. Seven cats (14%) developed bilateral CCLD. Twenty-eight cats (56%) were treated conservatively and 22 (44%) surgically. All surgically treated cats in which arthrotomy was performed (19/22) had total cranial cruciate ligament rupture and 9/19 (47%) had meniscal injuries. Postoperative surgical complications were recorded in 6/22 cats (27%). Owners of 24/29 (83%) cats still alive at follow-up completed the FMPI questionnaire. The conservatively treated cats had a lower FMPI score, indicating less chronic pain, than those cats treated surgically ( P = 0.017). Conclusions and relevance Conservatively treated cats with CCLD experienced less chronic pain at long-term follow-up than surgically treated cats. Bilateral disease is not uncommon in cats with CCLD.
Impairment of odor discrimination and identification is associated with disability progression and gray matter atrophy of the olfactory system in MS
Authors: Bsteh Gabriel , Steiger Ruth , Tuovinen Noora , Hegen Harald , Berek Klaus , Wurth Sebastian , Auer Michael , Di Pauli Franziska , Gizewski Elke R , Deisenhammer Florian , Berger Thomas , Scherfler Christoph 
Published: March 2019

Background: Impairment of odor discrimination (D), identification (I), and threshold (T) are characteristic features of multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To identify patterns of gray matter concentration (GMC) associated with different qualities of olfactory function. Methods: Olfactory function (T and combined DI score) was measured by Sniffin’ Sticks-Test over 2 years longitudinally, and T1-weighted 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 37 MS patients and 18 matched healthy controls (HCs). Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was applied to objectively identify changes of voxel-wise-GMC throughout the entire brain volume and to correlate image parameters with odor function. Results: SPM localized significant GMC decreases in the anterior cingulum as well as temporomesial and frontobasal brain areas of the MS group compared with HCs, and revealed significant correlations between lower DI scores and GMC decreases in the olfactory gyrus, anterior cingulum, temporal regions including the parahippocampus, and putamen. Contrarily, no correlations were found between T and GMC. Patients with disability progression had significantly lower mean temporomesial/putamen GMC (0.782 vs 0.804, p = 0.004) compared to patients without Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression. Conclusion: Impairment of DI, but not T is associated with GM atrophy in brain regions related to olfactory function. Further studies are warranted to investigate DI scores and temporomesial/putamen GMC as biomarkers for disability progression.
Environmental health in the biology century: Transitions from population to personalized prevention
Authors: Groopman John D 
Published: March 2019

Within the last decade, for the first time in human history, deaths from chronic diseases have exceeded mortality from acute causes worldwide. These chronic diseases encompass a spectrum of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, and the emerging consequences of obesity and over nutrition. Further, there are more people today who are cancer survivors as well as people who are afflicted with multiple chronic diseases. This results in an emerging new group of susceptible populations with complex biology’s that will drive the development of new experimental models. Since environmental exposures have a profound impact from the etiology of disease through progression and response to therapeutic and preventive interventions, a new appreciation of the role of environmental health has emerged. This mini-review will attempt to provide a global perspective on the transitions that have occurred in environmental health over the last 200 years and how these transitions are impacting diverse populations globally. The extraordinary advances in our understanding of the biology of normal development and the molecular progression of disease processes have created unprecedented opportunities for the translation of basic science to therapy and prevention. The need to integrate findings from the biological, physical, engineering, social, and behavioral sciences, sometimes called convergence, points to an imperative to develop new team science approaches to address the health consequences of environmental exposures. Finally, as it is increasingly recognized that disease outbreaks in one part of the world are no longer isolated from global impacts, there is a need to assure that our next generations of trained scientists have grounding in global collaborations. Impact statement There is a rapidly occurring, dynamic change, in the causes of morbidity and mortality in different populations across the globe. More people today are being diagnosed and treated for chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes than ever before. Environmental exposures across the lifespan have a profound impact on the outcomes of these chronic diseases. Further, there are more people living today who have survived their therapy from these diagnoses and who are now differentially susceptible to environmental exposures. Collectively, this poses both the challenge and opportunity to the experimental biology and medicine community to build new models that reflect this changing human situation. The extraordinary advances in our understanding of the biology of disease provide extraordinary insights for both therapeutic and prevention strategies. Multidisciplinary teams including biological, physical, engineering and social and behavioral scientists will be needed to address this problem over the next several decades.
Understanding health information management practices in public hospitals in Kuwait
Authors: Alhuwail Dari 
Published: March 2019

Background: Health information technology (IT) solutions can aid healthcare reform efforts, but without proper information management, these efforts are futile. In this study, we used Kuwait as an example of a high per-capita gross domestic product country that faces information management challenges to draw insights that can be generalised to other developed countries. Objective: (i) to uncover the status quo of information management practices in public hospitals and (ii) to offer recommendations to improve them. Method: This study analysed qualitative and quantitative accreditation-related data pertaining to the compliance with the information management standard at all secondary care public hospitals over two accreditation cycles. Results: Overall, public hospitals had made positive progress in their compliance with the information management standard. However, issues still existed with (i) developing and implementing an information management plan, (ii) involving the appropriate stakeholders in selecting health IT solutions and (iii) access to the Internet by staff and patients. Conclusion: Evidence underscored the importance of proper information management driven by clear centralised strategic plans. Implications: With the rapid adoption of digital health systems, the role of health information management leaders should not be undervalued. Embracing health IT solutions with strong information management practices can aid healthcare reform efforts.
Experience of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women living with HIV
Authors: Howells P , Modarres M , Samuel M , Taylor C , Hamoda H 
Published: March 2019

Objective To assess the uptake of hormone replacement therapy in women living with HIV (WLHIV) in particular acceptability, response to treatment and compliance. Study design Retrospective review of menopausal women attending a HIV medical gynaecology clinic in a tertiary referral London Hospital between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2016. Main outcome measures Patient demographics, presenting symptoms, uptake of hormone replacement therapy, type of hormone replacement therapy used and bone density assessment findings at presentation. Results Seventy-three HIV patients were evaluated. Of them 64 (87%) were of black ethnicity and 9 (13%) were of white ethnicity. The commonest presenting complaints were vasomotor symptoms (40/73, (55%)) followed by low mood/irritability (20/73, (27%)). When offered hormone replacement therapy, this was accepted by 28/53 (52%) in WLHIV. The commonest regimen prescribed was transdermal oestradiol/micronised progesterone. A total of 22/24 (91%) women of black ethnicity reported good symptom control if they had started hormone replacement therapy, with 4/24 (17%) subsequently discontinuing it; 3/4 (75%) of white women reported good symptom control with hormone replacement therapy, with no one discontinuing it. The commonest reason for discontinuation was irregular bleeding. Of WLHIV who had a bone density assessment, 15/25 (60%) had osteopenia while 2/25 (8%) had osteoporosis. Conclusion Our data show that only around 50% WLHIV accepted hormone replacement therapy when offered and a high proportion of these women discontinued it. Further research is needed to explore the reason leading to low uptake and high rates of stopping hormone replacement therapy. In addition, there is a need to increase awareness of the benefits of hormone replacement therapy in WLHIV both in the context of preventing osteoporosis and menopausal symptom management.
Patient centeredness: The perspectives of uninsured primary care patients in the United States
Authors: Kamimura Akiko , Weaver Shannon , Armenta Bianca , Gull Bethany , Ashby Jeanie 
Published: March 2019

Introduction Patient-centered care has become increasingly important within the United States (US) healthcare system. Given that patient-centered care predicts patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and cost-effectiveness, it is of the utmost importance to study patient-centered care from the perspectives of marginalized populations including minorities, immigrants, and other underserved populations. The purpose of this study is to examine factors that affect underserved primary care patients’ perceptions of patient centeredness. Methods The data were cross-sectional and collected in Fall 2016. Free clinic patients (N = 723) completed a self-administered survey, which measures patient centeredness, patient involvement in care, and clinical empathy. Validated measures were part of the survey, and the internal consistency of scales was tested. The general linear model was performed to predict factors associated with patients’ perceptions of patient centeredness. Results Higher levels of perceived patient involvement in care and higher levels of perceived empathy in consultation are related to higher levels of patient centeredness. While better physical health is associated with higher levels of perceived empathy in consultation, high levels of emotional health and depression are not. Conclusions Patients’ perceptions of involvement and empathy are important factors for patient-centered care, although this study did not show causal directions among variables. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that future studies should focus on the following three points: (1) to develop and evaluate trainings for providers, (2) develop education classes for patients who utilize free clinics, (3) analyze how these programs affect patient-centered care and health outcomes.