bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postprandial augmentation index is reduced in adults with prediabetes following continuous and interval exercise training
Authors: Eichner Natalie Z. M. , Gaitán Julian M. , Gilbertson Nicole M. , Khurshid Mahnoor , Weltman Arthur , Malin Steven K. 
Published: December 2018

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
We compared high‐intensity interval versus continuous training on fasting and postprandial arterial stiffness in people with prediabetes.
What is the main finding and its importance?
We show, for the first time, that exercise improves the augmentation index during the postprandial state, but not the fasted state, in adults with prediabetes. However, the fasted augmentation index improved in relationship to exercise dose, as assessed by kilocalories per session. Collectively, these findings suggest that short‐term exercise can improve arterial compliance in adults with prediabetes. Therefore, lifestyle interventions designed to reduce arterial stiffness could have considerable clinical impact.
AbstractPeople with prediabetes have elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, in part, owing to arterial stiffness mediated by low insulin sensitivity. However, the effect the intensity and/or amount (i.e. kilocalories per session) of short‐term exercise training on fasting and postprandial arterial stiffness is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that increased intensity and dose (i.e. amount) of exercise would be correlated with reduced fasting and postprandial arterial stiffness in obese adults with prediabetes. After randomization, 31 adults (age 61.4 ± 8.3 years, body mass index 32.1 ± 5.4 kg m−2) with prediabetes performed supervised continuous (CONT; n = 17; 70% of peak heart rate) or interval (INT; n = 14; 3 min at 50% of peak heart rate and 3 min at 90% of peak heart rate) cycling training for 60 min day−1 over 2 weeks. The amount of exercise was calculated using regression equations derived from oxygen uptake () and heart rate. Arterial stiffness [augmentation index (AI) and cartoid–femoral pulse wave velocity], insulin and glucose were determined during a 180 min 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and analysed by the total area under the curve (tAUC) pre‐ versus post‐training. The simple index of insulin sensitivity, (SIIS)OGTT, was calculated; aerobic fitness (peak ) and body mass were also assessed. Short‐term training had no effect on weight but did improve peak (P = 0.003), glucose tAUC180min (P = 0.01) and insulin sensitivity (P = 0.002), independent of intensity. The CONT and INT exercise significantly reduced AI 2 h postprandial (P = 0.008) and tAUC180min (P = 0.03). Reductions in fasted AI were related to exercise dose (trend: r = −0.37, P = 0.055). Increased peak was linked to reduced fasted (r = −0.47, P = 0.01) and tAUC180min AI (r = −0.39, P = 0.05). Decreased AI tAUC180min was correlated with increased insulin sensitivity (r = −0.50, P = 0.009). Short‐term CONT and INT training reduced postprandial arterial stiffness comparably in adults with prediabetes.
Immediate Effects of Dry Needling as a Novel Strategy for Hamstring Flexibility: A Single-Blinded Clinical Pilot Study
Authors: Ansari Noureddin Nakhostin , Alaei Parisa , Naghdi Soofia , Fakhari Zahra , Komesh Shiva , Dommerholt Jan 
Published: December 2018

Context: There are numerous studies on the benefits of dry needling (DN) for pain relief. No studies exist examining the effects of DN on hamstring flexibility. Objective: To determine the immediate effects of DN on hamstring flexibility in healthy subjects with shortened hamstrings. Design: A single-blinded, pretest–posttest clinical pilot study. Setting: A university physiotherapy clinic. Subjects: A total of 15 healthy subjects (female = 11; age = 23.26 [4.3] y) with shortened hamstrings participated in this study. Intervention: Subjects received a single session of DN. Three locations on the hamstring muscle group were needled, each for 1 minute. Main Outcome Measures: The active knee extension test, muscle compliance, passive peak torque, and stretch tolerance were measured at baseline, immediately, and 15 minutes after DN. Results: There were statistically significant improvements in all outcome measures immediately after DN and at the 15-minute follow-up. The effect sizes for all outcome measures were large (Cohen’s d ≥ 0.8). No serious adverse events were observed with DN. Conclusions: This is the first study that demonstrates the beneficial effects of DN on hamstring flexibility, muscle compliance, and stretch tolerance without added stretching. The beneficial effects of DN should encourage clinicians to use DN as a novel strategy for increasing muscle flexibility.
Landing Kinematics, Sports Performance, and Isokinetic Strength in Adolescent Male Volleyball Athletes: Influence of Core Training
Authors: Tsai Yi-Ju , Chia Chieh-Chie , Lee Pei-Yun , Lin Li-Chuan , Kuo Yi-Liang 
Published: December 2018

Context: Core control and strength are important for reducing the risk of lower-extremity injury. Current evidence on the effect of core training in male adolescent athletes is limited, and other investigations into the effects of core training often emphasized core strength only. Objective: To examine whether core training emphasizing both control and strength of the trunk and hip would improve joint kinematics during landing, sports performance, and lower-extremity muscle strength in adolescent male volleyball athletes. Design: Single group pretest and posttest design. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Sixteen male participants (age: 13.4 [1] y, height: 167.8 [8.6] cm, mass: 58.6 [13.9] kg, and volleyball experience: 3.8 [1.5] y) from a Division I volleyball team at a junior high school. Main Outcome Measurements: Kinematics of the trunk and lower-extremity during box landing and spike jump landing tasks, volleyball-related sports performance, and isokinetic strength of hip and knee muscles were assessed before and after a 6-week core training program. Results: After training, the participants demonstrated decreased trunk flexion angle (P = .01, Cohen’s d = 0.78) during the box landing task and reduced the maximum knee internal rotation angle (P = .04, Cohen’s d = 0.56) during the spike jump landing task. The average isokinetic strength of hip flexors and external rotators, and knee flexors and extensors also significantly increased (P = .001, Cohen’s d = 0.98; P = .04, Cohen’s d = 0.57; P = .02, Cohen’s d = 0.66; P = .003, Cohen’s d = 0.87, respectively); however, sports performance did not show significant changes. Conclusions: A more erect landing posture following training suggests that the core training program may be beneficial for improving core stability. The long-term effect of core training for knee injury prevention needs further investigation.
Pain Catastrophizing in College Athletes
Authors: Sciascia Aaron , Waldecker Jacob , Jacobs Cale 
Published: December 2018

Background:Pain is the most common patient-reported symptom but the perception of pain is complex, differs between individuals and is not directly proportional to the extent of injury. The relationship between aberrant pain coping strategies such as pain catastrophizing and the presence of pain in competitive athletes should be further established to employ the most optimal treatment.Hypothesis:The hypotheses were that numeric pain rating and pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale, PCS) scores would have a moderate to strong relationship in college athletes, and athletes with either a current injury or previous injury, or playing with pain, would have significantly higher pain catastrophizing scores compared with noninjured/nonpainful athletes.Study Design:Cross-sectional study.Level of Evidence:III.Methods:College athletes completed a demographic form, injury questionnaire, numeric pain rating, and the PCS. All athletes were medically cleared for sports participation at the time of survey completion. A total PCS score was calculated in addition to a rumination, magnification, and helplessness score. Spearman rank was utilized to measure the strength of relationship between the PCS score and pain rating.Results:A total of 291 athletes from 15 different sports completed the questionnaires (males: 156, females: 135; age: 19 [2] y). Negligible correlations existed between the PCS score and pain (r = .27). Athletes who were currently injured or previously injured had significantly higher PCS scores compared with uninjured athletes (P < .01).Conclusions:Approximately one-third of college athletes reported playing injured and/or with pain, but the relationship between pain rating and PCS score was negligible. The individualistic nature of pain perception and coping strategies would suggest that clinicians may want to consider screening for pain catastrophizing either prior to athletic participation or for athletes not following an expected recovery after injury in an effort to enhance individualized patient care.
Comparison of Pain Measures Between Tendons of Elite Basketball Players With Different Sonographic Patterns
Authors: Benítez-Martínez Josep C. , Martínez-Ramírez Pablo , Valera-Garrido Fermín , Casaña-Granell Jose , Medina-Mirapeix Francesc 
Published: December 2018

Context: The prevalence and negative consequences of the symptoms surrounding patellar tendinopathy constitute an important problem for sports medicine professionals. The identification of potential pain mediators is, therefore, of major interest to improve both the prevention and management of this injury. Objective: To compare the pain experienced by elite male adult basketball players and patterns of patellar tendon abnormalities. Also, to identify whether structural and vascular sonographic abnormalities (focal area of hypoechogenicity, thickening, and neovascularization [NV]) are equal in determining pain perceptions. Design: An observational study with professional basketball teams (ACB—Spanish league). Participants: A total of 73 male basketball players (mean age 26.8 y). Main Outcome Measures: Patellar tendon ultrasonography images. Pain scores were compared between the identified patterns. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relative importance of abnormalities. Results: Of the 146 tendons, 91 had some degree of sonographic abnormality. Three main patterns were identified: I (1 structural abnormality without NV), II (2 structural abnormalities without NV), and III (2 structural abnormalities and NV). A total of 31 tendons (21.2%) exhibited pattern I, 46 (31.5%) presented pattern II, and 13 tendons (8.9%) exhibited pattern III. The mean visual analog scale and the Victorian Institute of Sport assessment questionnaire—patellar tendon (VISA-P) scores for pattern III were significantly different (P < .05) compared with patterns I and II; however, the pain pressure threshold (PPT) scores were not. NV was significantly associated with worsened scores for all pain measures; however, the focal area of hypoechogenicity was only associated with PPT scores. Conclusion: Patterns of sonographic abnormalities, including NV, demonstrated greater pain. Although NV determined scores for the visual analog scale, VISA-P, and PPT, the presence of focal area of hypoechogenicity on its own is a determining factor for the PPT. This study suggests that the combination of 2 or more sonographic abnormalities may help explain pain variations among basketball players.
Death and readmissions after hospital discharge during the December holiday period: cohort study
Authors: Lapointe-Shaw Lauren , Austin Peter C , Ivers Noah M , Luo Jin , Redelmeier Donald A , Bell Chaim M 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Objective
To determine whether patients discharged from hospital during the December holiday period have fewer outpatient follow-ups and higher rates of death or readmission than patients discharged at other times.

Design
Population based retrospective cohort study.

Setting
Acute care hospitals in Ontario, Canada, 1 April 2002 to 31 January 2016.

Participants
217 305 children and adults discharged home after an urgent admission, during the two week December holiday period, compared with 453 641 children and adults discharged during two control periods in late November and January.

Main outcome measures
The primary outcome was death or readmission, defined as a visit to an emergency department or urgent rehospitalisation, within 30 days. Secondary outcomes were death or readmission and outpatient follow-up with a physician within seven and 14 days after discharge. Multivariable logistic regression with generalised estimating equations was used to adjust for characteristics of patients, admissions, and hospital.

Results

217 305 (32.4%) patients discharged during the holiday period and 453 641 (67.6%) discharged during control periods had similar baseline characteristics and previous healthcare utilisation. Patients who were discharged during the holiday period were less likely to have follow-up with a physician within seven days (36.3%
v
47.8%, adjusted odds ratio 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.60 to 0.62) and 14 days (59.5%
v
68.7%, 0.65, 0.64 to 0.66) after discharge. Patients discharged during the holiday period were also at higher risk of 30 day death or readmission (25.9%
v
24.7%, 1.09, 1.07 to 1.10). This relative increase was also seen at seven days (13.2%
v
11.7%, 1.16, 1.14 to 1.18) and 14 days (18.6%
v
17.0%, 1.14, 1.12 to 1.15). Per 100 000 patients, there were 2999 fewer follow-up appointments within 14 days, 26 excess deaths, 188 excess hospital admissions, and 483 excess emergency department visits attributable to hospital discharge during the holiday period.

Conclusions
Patients discharged from hospital during the December holiday period are less likely to have prompt outpatient follow-up and are at higher risk of death or readmission within 30 days.
Effectiveness of a brief behavioural intervention to prevent weight gain over the Christmas holiday period: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mason Frances , Farley Amanda , Pallan Miranda , Sitch Alice , Easter Christina , Daley Amanda J 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Objective
To test the effectiveness of a brief behavioural intervention to prevent weight gain over the Christmas holiday period.

Design
Two group, double blinded randomised controlled trial.

Setting
Recruitment from workplaces, social media platforms, and schools pre-Christmas 2016 and 2017 in Birmingham, UK.

Participants
272 adults aged 18 years or more with a body mass index of 20 or more: 136 were randomised to a brief behavioural intervention and 136 to a leaflet on healthy living (comparator). Baseline assessments were conducted in November and December with follow-up assessments in January and February (4-8 weeks after baseline).

Interventions
The intervention aimed to increase restraint of eating and drinking through regular self weighing and recording of weight and reflection on weight trajectory; providing information on good weight management strategies over the Christmas period; and pictorial information on the physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) of regularly consumed festive foods and drinks. The goal was to gain no more than 0.5 kg of baseline weight. The comparator group received a leaflet on healthy living.

Main outcome measures
The primary outcome was weight at follow-up. The primary analysis compared weight at follow-up between the intervention and comparator arms, adjusting for baseline weight and the stratification variable of attendance at a commercial weight loss programme. Secondary outcomes (recorded at follow-up) were: weight gain of 0.5 kg or less, self reported frequency of self weighing (at least twice weekly versus less than twice weekly), percentage body fat, and cognitive restraint of eating, emotional eating, and uncontrolled eating.

Results
Mean weight change was −0.13 kg (95% confidence interval −0.4 to 0.15) in the intervention group and 0.37 kg (0.12 to 0.62) in the comparator group. The adjusted mean difference in weight (intervention−comparator) was −0.49 kg (95% confidence interval −0.85 to −0.13, P=0.008). The odds ratio for gaining no more than 0.5 kg was non-significant (1.22, 95% confidence interval 0.74 to 2.00, P=0.44).

Conclusion
A brief behavioural intervention involving regular self weighing, weight management advice, and information about the amount of physical activity required to expend the calories in festive foods and drinks prevented weight gain over the Christmas holiday period.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Registry
ISRCTN15071781
.
The postoperative handover: a focus group interview study with nurse anaesthetists, anaesthesiologists and PACU nurses
Authors: Randmaa Maria , Engström Maria , Swenne Christine Leo , Mårtensson Gunilla 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate different professionals’ (nurse anaesthetists’, anaesthesiologists’, and postanaesthesia care unit nurses’) descriptions of and reflections on the postoperative handover.DesignA focus group interview study with a descriptive design using qualitative content analysis of transcripts.SettingOne anaesthetic clinic at two hospitals in Sweden.ParticipantsSix focus groups with 23 healthcare professionals involved in postoperative handovers. Each group was homogeneous regarding participant profession, resulting in two groups per profession: nurse anaesthetists (n=8), anaesthesiologists (n=7) and postanaesthesia care unit nurses (n=8).ResultsPatterns and five categories emerged: (1) having different temporal foci during handover, (2) insecurity when information is transferred from one team to another, (3) striving to ensure quality of the handover, (4) weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the bedside handover and (5) having different perspectives on the transfer of responsibility. The professionals’ perceptions of the postoperative handover differed with regard to temporal foci and transfer of responsibility. All professional groups were insecure about having all information needed to ensure the quality of care. They strived to ensure quality of the handover by: focusing on matters that deviated from the normal course of events, aiding memory through structure and written information and cooperating within and between teams. They reported that the bedside handover enhances their control of the patient but also that it could threaten the patient's privacy and that frequent interruptions could be disturbing.ConclusionsThe present findings revealed variations in different professionals’ views on the postoperative handover. Healthcare interventions are needed to minimise the gap between professionals’ perceptions and practices and to achieve a shared understanding of postoperative handover. Furthermore, to ensure high-quality and safe care, stakeholders/decision makers need to pay attention to the environment and infrastructure in postanaesthesia care.
Associations between highly active antiretroviral therapy and the presence of HPV, premalignant and malignant cervical lesions in sub-Saharan Africa, a systematic review: current evidence and directions for future research
Authors: Menon Sonia , Rossi Rodolfo , Zdraveska Natasha , Kariisa Mbabazi , Acharya Sushama D , Vanden Broeck Davy , Callens Steven 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesIn sub-Saharan Africa, substantial international funding along with evidence-based clinical practice have resulted in an unparalleled scale-up of access to antiretroviral treatment at a higher CD4 count. The role and timing of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in mediating cervical disease remains unclear. The aim of this article is to systematically review all evidence pertaining to Africa and identify research gaps regarding the epidemiological association between HAART use and the presence of premalignant/malignant cervical lesions.MethodFive databases were searched until January 2017 to retrieve relevant literature from sub-Saharan Africa. Publications were included if they addressed prevalence, incidence or clearance of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women undergoing HAART as well as cytological or histological neoplastic abnormalities.Results22 studies were included, of which seven were prospective studies. Women receiving HAART are less likely to develop squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs). There is evidence that duration of HAART along with the CD4 count may reduce the prevalence of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV), suggesting that without HAART, severe immunosuppression increases the risk of becoming or remaining infected with HR-HPV. Furthermore, according to existent literature, the CD4 count, rather than HAART coverage or its duration, plays a central role in the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 and CIN 3.ConclusionOur findings suggest a positive impact of HAART duration, in conjunction and interaction with CD4 count, on reducing the prevalence of HR-HPV. The greatest treatment effect might be seen among women starting at the lowest CD4 count, which may have a more instrumental role in cervical oncogenesis than either HAART use or the treatment duration on the prevalence of CIN 2 and CIN 3. There is still insufficient evidence to show a clear association between HAART coverage and the incidence of invasive cervical cancer. Enhanced surveillance on the impact of HAART treatment is crucial.
Electroacupuncture to alleviate postoperative pain after a laparoscopic appendectomy: study protocol for a three-arm, randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Lee Seunghoon , Nam Dongwoo , Kwon Minsoo , Park Won Seo , Park Sun Jin 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for postoperative pain after laparoscopic appendectomy compared with sham electroacupuncture (SEA) and no acupuncture treatment.Methods and analysisThis study is a protocol for a three-arm, randomised, patient-assessor-blinded (to the type of acupuncture treatment), controlled, parallel trial. 138 participants diagnosed with appendicitis and scheduled for laparoscopic appendectomy will be randomly assigned to the EA group (n=46), SEA group (n=46) or control group (n=46). The EA group will receive acupuncture treatment at both regional and distal acupuncture points with electrostimulation. The SEA group will receive sham acupuncture treatment with mock electrostimulation. Both EA and SEA groups will receive a total of four treatments 1 hour preoperative, 1 hour postoperative and during the morning and afternoon the day after surgery with the same routine postoperative pain control. The control group will receive only routine postoperative pain control. The primary outcome is the 11-point Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (PI-NRS) at 24 hours after surgery. The secondary outcomes are the PI-NRS, analgesic consumption, opioid-related side effects, time to first passing flatus, quality of life and adverse events evaluated 6, 12, 24 and 36 hours and 7 days after surgery.Ethics and disseminationThe study was planned in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration and the Korean Good Clinical Practice Guidelines to protect the participants and was approved by the institutional review board (IRB) of Kyung Hee University Medical Center (KMC IRB-1427–02). The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.Trial registration numberClinical Research Information Service (KCT0001328).