bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Nexus Among Economic Growth, Inflation and Unemployment in Bhutan
Authors: Tenzin Ugyen 
Published: February 2019

In order to understand the dynamics of unemployment in Bhutan at a macro-level, this study has explored the association among economic growth, inflation and unemployment from 1998 to 2016. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model was applied to estimate the impact of economic growth and inflation on unemployment. The results of this empirical analysis suggest that economic growth had no impact on the reduction of unemployment rate in Bhutan both in the short and in the long run. In fact, as the economic growth increased, so did the unemployment rate. However, inflation had a negative association with unemployment rate in the short run and a positive association in the long run. In other words, an increase in the employment rate led to an increase in the inflation in the short run. Likewise, if inflation is not monitored or controlled, the uncertainty of inflation can lead to lower investment and lower economic growth, thereby causing unemployment to rise in the long run. This study, therefore, recommends policymakers to take into account the employment elasticity with respect to economic output and focus on sectors, which have more absorptive capacity in engaging the young labour market entrants. JEL: B22, C22, E24, E31
Real-Time Quantitative Measurements of Foot Perfusion in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Mironov O. , Zener R. , Eisenberg N. , Tan K.T. , Roche-Nagle Graham 
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Current methods of evaluating adequacy of endovascular procedures are imperfect and do not always predict which patients will do well. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of real-time quantitative measurements of perfusion among patients with critical limb ischemia. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four patients with critical limb ischemia undergoing endovascular treatment were recruited. Perfusion Images of the foot were obtained pre and post successful angioplasty using an SPY Elite System (Novadaq Technologies, Ontario, Canada). Patients were followed for 6 months. Subsequently a logistic regression was performed to determine whether intraprocedural perfusion parameters predicted the odds of wound healing. Results: Twenty-nine patients had successful angioplasty. Median age was 69.5% ± 8.3; 75% were men and 64% were diabetic. Rutherford stages were (4%-39%, 5%-57%, 6%-4%), and the average target limb ankle–brachial index (ABI) was 0.58 (SD 2.24). There was no significant correlation between the ABI and perfusion parameters. Inflow perfusion rate correlated significantly with Rutherford stage (Spearman rho 0.398, P = .036). After successful angioplasty 39% had a decrease in inflow rate and 57% had a decreased total inflow. In all, 25 patients completed 6 months of follow-up. Resolution of rest pain and/or healing of the ischemic wound occurred in 10 (40%) patients at 1 month, 4 (16%) at 3 months, and 2 (8%) at 6 months. One patient underwent a major amputation at 2 months. Eight (32%) patients never healed or had persistent rest pain. None of the real-time perfusion variables were significant predictors of wound healing. Conclusion: Many patients experience a paradoxical decrease in perfusion following successful angioplasty suggesting perfusion may not correlate with angiographic outcome, possibly due to microemboli, microvascular disease, or vasospasm. Real-time perfusion imaging following intra-arterial infusion of indocyanine green does not predict the odds of wound healing.
Distal radioulnar joint configurations in three-dimensional computed tomography in patients with idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome
Authors: Kim Jihyeung , Cho Jaewoo , Lee Yo-Han , Oh Sohee , Gong Hyun Sik , Baek Goo Hyun 
Published: February 2019

We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients diagnosed with idiopathic ulnar impaction syndrome and measured the slopes of the sigmoid notch and ulnar head at their centre using their preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography. We found that the slope of the sigmoid notch and that of the ulnar head were not parallel to each other. There was a significant linear relation between the slope of the ulnar head and the changes in the closest joint space of the distal radioulnar joint at the centre of the sigmoid notch after ulnar shortening. We conclude that the slope of the ulnar head is more strongly correlated with changes in the closest joint space in the distal radioulnar joint than that of the sigmoid notch. Our findings suggest that slope of the ulnar head might be as important a predisposing factor as that of the sigmoid notch for the progression of distal radioulnar joint arthritis after ulnar-shortening osteotomy. We should consider the slopes of both the sigmoid notch and ulnar head before the osteotomy. Level of evidence: IV
A Framework for Designing Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Facilities: A New Approach Using Interdisciplinary Value-Focused Thinking
Authors: Lipson-Smith Ruby , Churilov Leonid , Newton Clare , Zeeman Heidi , Bernhardt Julie 
Published: February 2019

Aim: To use Value-Focused Thinking to investigate what is important in the design of inpatient stroke rehabilitation facility buildings. Background: Many stroke patients require inpatient rehabilitation in a dedicated facility. Rehabilitation facilities are healthcare spaces, but they are also learning spaces where patients practice targeted tasks to acquire new skills and to reacquire skills and abilities that were compromised as a result of their stroke. There is currently no consensus regarding how the design of inpatient rehabilitation facilities could be optimized for patients’ learning. Method: We used Value-Focused Thinking to develop a framework of what interdisciplinary experts consider important for inpatient stroke rehabilitation facility design. Two workshops were conducted. The following experts were invited to participate: past patients with experience of stroke rehabilitation; stroke rehabilitation clinicians; stroke rehabilitation academics; healthcare environments academics; learning environments academics; architects, designers, and wayfinders with experience designing healthcare or learning environments; and healthcare design policy makers. Results: Thirty experts participated. The experts’ final framework included 16 criteria that were considered fundamentally important for inpatient stroke rehabilitation facility design, and 14 criteria that were considered instrumentally important. Inpatient stroke rehabilitation facility design should maximize efficiency, maximize effectiveness (i.e., patients’ clinical and functional outcomes), foster emotional well-being, and maximize safety. Opportunities to practice physical, cognitive, and social activity were considered important for patients’ outcomes. Conclusions: Value-Focused Thinking was an effective and equitable means of engaging experts from multiple disciplines. Designers, planners, and developers of inpatient stroke rehabilitation facilities should consider the rehabilitation-specific framework developed in this study alongside evidence from other healthcare settings.
Perceived needs and coping resources of newly hired nurses
Authors: Schmitt Catherine A , Schiffman Rachel 
Published: February 2019

Objective: Newly hired nurses who do not transition well often leave their first nursing position or nursing prematurely, at great cost to themselves, the profession, hiring organizations and patients. The purpose of this secondary analysis study was to better understand the transition experience of new graduate nurses and experienced nurses as they moved to a new setting in nursing, and the preceptor’s role in that transition. Methods: Schlossberg’s Transition Theory provided the framework for the secondary analysis of a large qualitative data set that were collected from 118 newly hired nurses who were predominantly female and Caucasian with the majority being under the age of 30 years and having less than 1-year experience. The data available for secondary analysis included all transcripts from the original study. Results: Two main themes were identified: Institutional Support and Sense of Self. Discussion: Preceptors are critical early in the transition and the newly hired nurse continues to look for support beyond the first year of the transition. Hospitals should consider implementing transition to practice programs that support the newly hired nurse, to include those with prior experience, throughout the first year of transition and should also consider a mentorship program of support after the first year.
Factors related to patient choice of bladder reconstruction following radical cystectomy
Authors: Reed Phil , Osborne Lisa A 
Published: February 2019

Objective: To identify patient values and concerns related to choice of bladder reconstruction following removal, in order to provide understanding of factors important in making surgical decisions. Subjects and methods: Sixty-two patients treated for advanced bladder cancer (grade pT1 and above), and choosing either ileal conduit or orthotopic neobladder following cystectomy, each completed three questionnaires: European Organization for Research and Treatment quality of life questionnaire; bladder reconstruction satisfaction questionnaire; and life values inventory. Results: Health status (European Organization for Research and Treatment quality of life questionnaire) was not related to procedure satisfaction. Older, and female, patients had ileal conduit. Ileal conduit patients rated ease of postoperative maintenance, and perceived ease of surgery, as more important; neobladder patients rated returning to normality as more important (bladder reconstruction satisfaction questionnaire). Ileal conduit patients had higher life values (life values inventory) concerning environment, humility and loyalty; while neobladder patients had higher values concerning creativity, independence and science. Conclusion: Pre-existing concerns influence choices that patients make between ileal conduit and neobladder after removal of their bladder. Those wanting to minimise surgical difficulty and extra work following the reconstruction, and valuing living their life with regard to others, favour ileal conduit. Patients being younger, male, valuing the way they lived their life preoperatively, and valuing science/technology, favour neobladder. These findings are a stepping stone towards developing a tool to aid joint patient/consultant decision-making, when planning reconstructive surgery for bladder cancer. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicentre audit.
The Incidence of Pars Interarticularis Defects in Athletes
Authors: Tawfik Samuel , Phan Kevin , Mobbs Ralph J. , Rao Prashanth J. 
Published: February 2019

Study Design: Literature review. Objective: To conduct a literature review of studies reporting the incidence of pars interarticularis defects in athletes of specific sports, in order to allow more targeted prevention and treatment strategies to be implemented for the groups at highest risk. Methods: Electronic searches were performed using PubMed, Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Database of Controlled Trials from their dates of inception to September 2017, with the following keywords: “spondylolysis,” “sports,” “low back pain,” and “pars defects.” Results: A total of 509 total articles were retrieved, of which 114 were used in the final review. The incidence of pars interarticularis defects was found to be highest in diving (35.38%), cricket (31.97%), baseball/softball (26.91%), rugby (22.22%), weightlifting (19.49%), sailing (17.18%), table tennis (15.63%), and wrestling (14.74%). Only 5 studies reported the management instituted for their participants, and these were all case reports. Of 74 players with spondylolysis in these studies, 70 (94.59%) underwent conservative treatment and 4 (5.41%) underwent surgical treatment. 61 (82.43%) returned to their previous level of play, 6 (8.11%) retired, and the disposition of the final 7 was not reported. Conclusion: The current medical literature provides good evidence that the incidence of pars interarticularis defects is higher in the athletic population, with the highest incidence in diving. There remains no gold standard protocol for the management of pars interarticularis defects. Further research is required to compare conservative therapy to surgical therapy and to compare the various surgical techniques to each other.
Return of an Intact Hook Test Result: Clinical Assessment of Biceps Tendon Integrity After Surgical Repair
Authors: Pallante Graham D. , O’Driscoll Shawn W. 
Published: February 2019

Background: The hook test is a sensitive and specific tool that has been previously described for diagnosing distal biceps tendon ruptures in an efficient, cost-effective manner. However, its application in postoperative evaluations after surgical repair of distal biceps tendon ruptures is not documented. Hypothesis/Purpose: We hypothesized that the hook test result returns to normal at some point postoperatively after distal biceps repair. This information could be used in decision making during follow-up examinations with both normal and abnormal findings. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed records of distal biceps repair. Between July 1, 2003, and July 1, 2016, a total of 56 patients underwent distal biceps repair and also had clear documentation of the results of the hook test during the postoperative period. Hook test results consisted of “intact,” “abnormal,” or “absent.” The timing of the return to a normal hook test result was recorded. Results: Overall, 51 of 57 (89%) repairs were documented to have the hook test result return to “intact.” The test result returned to intact by a mean of 10 weeks after surgery (range, 2 weeks to 15 months). The biceps tendon was intact according to the hook test at the 4-month follow-up in 45 of the 51 patients (88%) in whom it ultimately returned. The hook test result was abnormal in 5 repairs in 5 patients with only a short-term follow-up, ranging from 2 to 7 weeks postoperatively. One patient with an abnormal hook test result at 2 weeks postoperatively underwent revision and was confirmed to have a partial tear of the biceps insertion. His hook test result returned to intact 3 months after revision repair. Conclusion: The hook test result returns to normal in patients who undergo distal biceps repair in the primary and revision settings with adequate follow-up. The vast majority of patients have a normal hook test result by 4 months postoperatively. An abnormal hook test result at 4 months postoperatively may indicate a failed repair and should prompt further investigation.
Segmental Power Analysis of Sequential Body Motion and Elbow Valgus Loading During Baseball Pitching: Comparison Between Professional and High School Baseball Players
Authors: Aguinaldo Arnel , Escamilla Rafael 
Published: February 2019

Background: Pitching-related elbow injuries remain prevalent across all levels of baseball. Elbow valgus torque has been identified as a modifiable risk factor of injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament in skeletally mature pitchers. Purpose: To examine how segmental energy flow (power) influences elbow valgus torque and ball speed in professional versus high school baseball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 16 professional pitchers (mean age, 21.9 ± 3.6 years) and 15 high school pitchers (mean age, 15.5 ± 1.1 years) participated in marker-based motion analysis of baseball pitching. Ball speed, maximum elbow valgus torque (MEV), temporal parameters, and mechanical power of the trunk, upper arm, and forearm were collected and compared using parametric statistical methods. Results: Professional pitchers threw with a higher ball speed (36.3 ± 2.9 m/s) compared with high school pitchers (30.4 ± 3.5 m/s) ( P = .001), and MEV was greater in professional pitchers (71.3 ± 20.0 N·m) than in high school pitchers (50.7 ± 14.6 N·m) ( P = .003). No significant difference in normalized MEV was found between groups ( P = .497). Trunk rotation time, trunk power, and upper arm power combined to predict MEV ( r = 0.823, P < .001), while trunk rotation time and trunk power were the only predictors of ball speed ( r = 0.731, P < .001). There were significant differences between the professional and high school groups in the timing of maximum pelvis rotation velocity (42.9 ± 9.7% of the pitching cycle [%PC] vs 27.9 ± 23.4 %PC, respectively; P < .025), maximum trunk rotation (33 ± 16 %PC vs 2 ± 23 %PC, respectively; P = .001), and maximum shoulder internal rotation velocity (102.4 ± 8.9 %PC vs 93.0 ± 11.7 %PC, respectively; P = .017). Conclusion: The power of trunk motion plays a critical role in the development of elbow valgus torque and ball speed. Professional and high school pitchers do not differ in elbow torque relative to their respective size but appear to adopt different patterns of segmental motion. Clinical Relevance: Because trunk rotation supplies the power associated with MEV and ball speed, training methods aimed at core stabilization and flexibility may benefit professional and high school pitchers in reducing the injury risk and improving pitching performance.
High-throughput flow injection analysis-MRM3 (FIA-MRM3) spectrometry for alternative fast screening of the isomeric methamphetamine and phentermine in blood for forensic toxicology cases in Malaysia
Authors: Zubaidi Fathiah A , Choo Yeun-Mun , Tan Guan-Huat , Myron P , Cornelia CS 
Published: February 2019

Background: Methamphetamine (MA) and phentermine (PTM) are critical isomeric compounds that often coexist in biological specimen in toxicology cases which have similar nominal mass. The dependency of high-resolution mass spectrometer and special chiral stationary phase column for separation of isomeric compound impedes screening throughput especially in meeting high sampling demand. Aim: In the absence of such equipment for identification, we introduce the flow injection analysis (FIA)-MRM3 technique and demonstrated its capabilities for quick identification of both isomeric compounds without liquid chromatography (LC) separation through the addition of selectivity criteria in the MRM3 mode. Method: 20 to 100 ng/mL of MA and PTM, respectively, in whole blood sample (WBS) and dried blood stain (DBS) were used to develop the method for the identification and relative quantification. Twenty whole blood samples which were reported positive of the drugs were randomly selected and were individually stained onto the Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) card for DBS study. Results: The peaks from the two isomeric compounds were successfully discerned for all the tested specimens using the FIA-MRM3 spectrometry technique. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for MA and PTM were comparable to normal liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry runs at 2.23 and 2.07 ng/mL, respectively, for WBS ( n = 30). For DBS, the LOD and LOQ were 3.40 and 2.86 ng/mL, respectively. The accuracy and inter-day precision for DBS and WBS were in the range of 99.97–111.19% and 7.17–9.55%, respectively. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that the technique is highly adoptable in the screening of isomeric compounds of similar masses in a simple and rapid analysis.
In vitro and in vivo efficacy of an anti-CD203c conjugated antibody (AGS-16C3F) in mouse models of advanced systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Wedeh Ghaith , He Liang , Wittner Monika , Beghi Florian , Baral Viviane , Launay Jean-Marie , Bibi Siham , Doñate Fernando , Kouros-Mehr Hosein , Arock Michel , Louache Fawzia 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a new class of therapeutics that use antibodies to deliver potent cytotoxic drugs selectively to cancer cells. CD203c, an ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase-phosphodiesterase 3, is overexpressed on neoplastic mast cells (MCs) in systemic mastocytosis (SM), thus representing a promising target for antibody-mediated therapy. In this study, we have found that human neoplastic MC lines (ROSAKIT D816V and ROSAKIT D816V-Gluc), which express high levels of CD203c, are highly and specifically sensitive to the antiproliferative effects of an ADC against CD203c (AGS-16C3F). In these cell lines, AGS-16C3F induced cell apoptosis at very low concentrations. To characterize the effects of AGS-16C3F on leukemia progression in vivo, ROSAKIT D816V-Gluc NOD-SCID γ mouse models of advanced SM (AdvSM) were treated with AGS-16C3F or an ADC control for 2 weeks. Whereas AGS-16C3F had no apparent toxicity in xenotransplanted mice, in vivo neoplastic MC burden significantly decreased in both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic organs. Furthermore, animals treated with AGS-16C3F had prolonged survival compared with the animals treated with control ADC, and AGS-16C3F efficiently prevented disease relapse. In conclusion, these preclinical studies identified CD203c as a novel therapeutic target on neoplastic MCs, and AGS-16C3F as a promising ADC for the treatment of patients with AdvSM.
Drivers of year-to-year variation in exacerbation frequency of COPD: analysis of the AERIS cohort
Authors: Wilkinson Tom M.A. , Aris Emmanuel , Bourne Simon C. , Clarke Stuart C. , Peeters Mathieu , Pascal Thierry G. , Taddei Laura , Tuck Andrew C. , Kim Viktoriya L. , Ostridge Kristoffer K. , Staples Karl J. , Williams Nicholas P. , Williams Anthony P. , Wootton Stephen A. , Devaster Jeanne-Marie 
Published: February 2019

The association between exacerbation aetiology and exacerbation frequency is poorly understood.We analysed 2-year follow-up data from a prospective observational study of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (www.clinicaltrials.govidentifier numberNCT01360398) to evaluate year-to-year variation in exacerbation frequency and related aetiology. A total of 127 patients underwent blood and sputum sampling monthly and at exacerbation to detect respiratory infections and eosinophilic inflammation; 103 continued into year 2 and 88 completed both years.The most common bacterial species at stable state and exacerbation wasHaemophilus influenzae. Among infrequent exacerbators (one exacerbation per year), the incidence of viral infection at exacerbation was high (60.0% (95% CI 35.1–81.7%) in year 1 and 78.6% (53.4–94.2%) in year 2). Those with more frequent exacerbations tended to have higher relative incidence of bacterial than viral infection. Patients with at least two additional exacerbations in year 2versusyear 1 had a higher risk ofH. influenzaecolonisation at stable state than those with at least two fewer exacerbations, as detected by culture (OR 1.43 (95% CI 0.71–2.91)versus0.63 (0.40–1.01), p=0.06) and PCR (1.76 (95% CI 0.88–3.51)versus0.56 (0.37–0.86), p<0.01). This was not seen with other infection types or eosinophilic inflammation.Analysis of the same cohort over 2 years showed, for the first time, that changes in yearly COPD exacerbation rate may be associated with variations inH. influenzaecolonisation.