bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Arginine Supplementation on Wound Healing in Older Adults in Acute and Chronic Settings: A Systematic Review
Authors: Schneider Kara L. , Yahia Najat 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of arginine supplementation on wound healing, as measured by wound size and healing rate, in older adults in acute and long-term care (LTC) settings.

DATA SOURCES
PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey databases.

STUDY SELECTION
Randomized clinical trials and clinical studies were considered for this review. Selection criteria included English-language articles published after 2008 that provide data on older adults with pressure injury receiving arginine supplementation in acute care and LTC settings.

DATA EXTRACTION
Data were extracted from the articles using a predefined checklist including study size and design, participant characteristics (age, pressure injury stage, relevant comorbidities), nutrition intervention and dosage, duration of study, outcomes, and publication year. Studies were appraised using the National Institutes of Health’s Quality Assessment of Controlled Intervention Studies tool.

DATA SYNTHESIS
A preliminary search yielded 39 articles after removing duplicates. Abstracts and titles of articles were screened, and 23 full-text articles were examined further. Ultimately, six articles met the inclusion criteria.

CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence suggests that arginine supplementation in conjunction with oral nutrition supplementation may promote wound healing in older adult patients in acute care and LTC settings as evidenced by significant reductions in wound size and improvements in wound healing when compared with oral nutrition supplementation alone. A definitive conclusion about the use of arginine supplementation alone to promote wound healing cannot be drawn because of limitations in the available literature. Additional high-quality studies are needed to examine arginine supplementation alone as a potential therapy for PI.
Level of Experience Does Not Influence the Accuracy of Radiographic and Ultrasound Measurements of Magnetically Controlled Growing Rod Distractions
Authors: Bye Brian , Graham Chelsea K. , Robbins Christopher , Wallace Nicholas , Lindsey Benjamin , Caird Michelle S. , Farley Frances A. , Li Ying 
Published: September 2019

Background:
Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) have become a popular surgical option for the treatment of early-onset scoliosis. Both radiographs and ultrasound are currently used to measure the amount of length achieved when MCGRs are distracted. Previous studies have investigated the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of radiographic and ultrasound measurements of MCGR distraction. Some authors have reported that there is a “learning curve” in measuring MCGR lengthening with ultrasound, suggesting that new users require several months of experience before they can accurately perform the measurements. The goal of this study was to determine whether surgical experience of the rater is associated with the accuracy of radiographic and ultrasound measurements of MCGR distraction.

Methods:
Six raters evaluated 29 deidentified radiographs and 30 ultrasound images from early-onset scoliosis patients with MCGR. Raters had varying levels of experience, ranging from a senior fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeon to a junior orthopaedic surgery resident. Raters measured the amount of rod distraction in 2 sessions spaced 2 weeks apart. All raters were provided with a document demonstrating the radiographic and ultrasound measurement techniques before the first round of measurements. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated.

Results:
Excellent intraobserver and interobserver agreement was achieved for both radiographic and ultrasound measurements of MCGR distraction. Subanalysis based on experience level showed that excellent intraobserver agreement was maintained with no evidence of decreased reliability in raters with less experience.

Conclusions:
Excellent intraobserver and interobserver agreement was obtained with radiographic and ultrasound measurements of MCGR distraction, regardless of the experience level of the rater. Posting a document with the radiographic and ultrasound measurement techniques in the orthopaedic surgery clinic, and perhaps also the radiology reading room may help avoid inaccurate measurements of distraction length secondary to a learning curve.

Level of Evidence:
Level III—diagnostic.
The Impact of Preoperative Depression on Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey Results in a Cervical Spine Surgery Setting
Authors: Levin Jay M. , Rabah Nicholas M. , Winkelman Robert D. , Mroz Thomas E. , Steinmetz Michael P. 
Published: September 2019

Study Design.
Retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to determine the association between preoperative depression and patient experience in a cervical spine surgery population.

Summary of Background Data.
The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey is used to measure patient experience and its scores directly influence reimbursement in the United States. Although it is well-established in the literature that untreated depression is associated with worse patient-reported outcomes in cervical spine surgery, no previous studies have analyzed the association between depression and patient satisfaction for these patients.

Methods.
HCAHPS survey responses from patients undergoing cervical spine surgery between 2013 and 2015 were collected at a tertiary care center. HCHAPS survey responses were linked to demographic data as well as patient-reported quality of life (QOL) metrics including Patient Health Questionnaire, EuroQol 5 Dimensions index, and Visual Analog Scale for neck pain for each patient. Preoperative PHQ-9 scores of ≥10 (moderate to severe depression) was used to define preoperative depression. Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the association of preoperative depression and top-box scores on several dimensions on the HCAHPS survey.

Results.
In our 145-patient cohort, depressed patients were on average younger, had higher preoperative neck pain scores, and had a lower health-related QOL. Depressed patients were less likely to report satisfaction with questions related to doctor respect (P = 0.020) and doctors listening (P = 0.030). After adjusting for covariates, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with preoperative depression had lower odds of feeling respected by their physicians (odds ratio = 0.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.02–0.87, P = 0.035).

Conclusion.
In patients undergoing cervical spine surgery, preoperative depression was found to have a negative association with patient perceptions of doctor communication as measured by the HCAHPS survey. These results highlight depression as a risk factor for worse patient experience communicating with their spine surgeon.

Level of Evidence: 3
PIEZO2: A Novel Molecule Involved in the Development of AIS
Authors: Wu Zhichong , Wang Yuwen , Xia Chao , Feng Zhenhua , Qiu Yong , Cheng Jack Chun-Yiu , Xu Leilei , Zhu Zezhang 
Published: September 2019

Study Design.
A case–control study.

Objective.
This study aimed to investigate the potential role of PIEZO2 gene in the development of AIS.

Summary of Background Data.
Mutations of PIEZO2 gene have been reported to be associated with progressive scoliosis and impaired proprioception. Previous studies showed that patients with AIS may have impaired proprioception. However, there is lack of knowledge concerning the mechanism underlying the proprioception of AIS patients and the role of PIEZO2 gene in the etiology of AIS.

Methods.
Proprioception tests were performed in both AIS patients and age-matched healthy controls. Based on the falling risk scores, AIS patients were divided into impaired proprioception group and unimpaired proprioception group. Paraspinal muscle was collected from 34 AIS patients during surgery. The tissue expression of PIEZO2 was compared between the impaired group and the unimpaired group. In addition, the average number of muscle fibers in the muscle spindle was compared between the two groups.

Results.
Proprioception test showed that patients had significantly higher falling index (41.7 ± 16.5 vs. 11.3 ± 8.3, P = 0.004). In addition, the expression of PIEZO2 gene was remarkably decreased in the impaired group (0.51 ± 0.24 vs. 1.00 ± 0.33, P = 0.04). The average number of muscle fibers in the muscle spindle was significantly decreased in AIS patients of the impaired group than those of the unimpaired group (2.2 ± 1.3 vs. 3.5 ± 2.1, P = 0.04). PIEZO2 expression level was remarkably correlated with the average number of muscle fibers in the muscle spindle (r = 0.352, P = 0.04).

Conclusion.
Proprioception is remarkably impaired in patients with AIS. Abnormal expression of PIEZO2 may play a role in AIS via altered proprioception and number of muscle fibers in the muscle spindles. Further investigation is warranted to illustrate the mechanism regulating PIEZO2 expression in AIS.

Level of Evidence: 4
Early Self-directed Home Exercise Program After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Coronado Rogelio A. , Devin Clinton J. , Pennings Jacquelyn S. , Vanston Susan W. , Fenster Dana E. , Hills Jeffrey M. , Aaronson Oran S. , Schwarz Jacob P. , Stephens Byron F. , Archer Kristin R. 
Published: September 2019

Study Design.
Pilot randomized controlled trial.

Objective.
To examine the acceptability and preliminary safety and outcome effects of an early self-directed home exercise program (HEP) performed within the first 6 weeks after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Summary of Background Data.
Little is known regarding optimal postoperative management after ACDF.

Methods.
Thirty patients (mean ± standard deviation, age = 50.6 ± 11.0 years, 16 women) undergoing ACDF were randomized to receive an early HEP (n = 15) or usual care (n = 15). The early HEP was a 6-week self-directed program with weekly supportive telephone calls to reduce pain and improve activity. Treatment acceptability was assessed after the intervention period (6 weeks after surgery). Safety (adverse events, radiographic fusion, revision surgery) was determined at routine postoperative visits. Disability (Neck Disability Index), pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale for neck and arm pain), physical and mental health (SF-12), and opioid use were assessed preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 6 and 12 months after surgery by an evaluator blinded to group assignment.

Results.
Participants reported high levels of acceptability and no serious adverse events with the early HEP. No difference in fusion rate was observed between groups (P > 0.05) and no participants underwent revision surgery. The early self-directed HEP group reported lower 6-week neck pain than the usual care group (F = 3.3, P = 0.04, r
2 = 0.3, mean difference = −1.7 [−3.4; −0.05]) and lower proportion of individuals (13% vs. 47%) using opioids at 12 months (P = 0.05). No other between-group outcome differences were observed (P > 0.05).

Conclusion.
An early self-directed HEP program was acceptable to patients and has the potential to be safely administered to patients immediately after ACDF. Benefits were noted for short-term neck pain and long-term opioid utilization. However, larger trials are needed to confirm safety with standardized and long-term radiograph assessment and treatment efficacy.

Level of Evidence: 2
Increasing Access to Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Consultation in Rural and Underserved Communities: Streamlined Evaluation Within Primary Care
Authors: Hine Jeffrey F. , Allin Jessica , Allman Angela , Black Michelle , Browning Brooke , Ramsey Bobbie , Swanson Amy , Warren Zachary E. , Zawoyski Andrea , Allen William 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACT:

Objective:
Preliminary feasibility and clinical utility research has demonstrated that implementation of a streamlined diagnostic model embedded within primary care (PC) clinics promotes early identification of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Use of this model results in dramatically reduced waits for diagnostic consultation, high levels of family/provider satisfaction, and reductions in referrals to overtaxed tertiary diagnostic centers. The current study extends this work by providing data before/after implementation of a streamlined model across a diverse range of PC clinics that provide health care to rural and underserved communities.

Methods:
The streamlined assessment involved record/history review, diagnostic interview, standard rating scales, and an interactive screening tool. Eighty children between the ages of 19 and 47 months were seen across 5 different clinics. Data were collected through chart review.

Results:
Implementation of streamlined model resulted in a significant decrease in latency to diagnostic conclusion from a mean of 144.7 to 49.9 days. Children were likely to experience a greater reduction in wait times if they were a PC patient versus a non-PC patient.

Conclusion:
Results show significant reduction in wait times for ASD diagnostic decisions across both PC and non-PC patients. By reducing waits and identifying concerns more efficiently, we may increase the ability of families to access early intervention and support services.
Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wu Robert C. , Jensen Christine C. , Douaiher Jeffrey , Madoff Robert D. , Kwaan Mary R. 
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND:
Multimodal analgesia is important for postoperative recovery in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Multiple randomized controlled trials have investigated the use of transversus abdominis plane local anesthetic infiltration as a method of decreasing postoperative pain and opioid consumption, with variable results.

OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to examine the overall effect of transversus abdominis plane block in postoperative pain, opioid use, and speed of recovery in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

DATA SOURCES:
A literature search was done with PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane Library. Only randomized controlled trials were selected for review.

INTERVENTIONS:
Transversus abdominis plane local anesthetic infiltration versus no intervention, saline, or other techniques in laparoscopic colorectal surgeries was investigated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
The primary outcome measured was postoperative pain on day 1, at rest or with activity. The secondary outcomes measured were postoperative pain beyond day 1, consumptions of opioid, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS:
Eight clinical trials including 649 patients between 2013 and 2018 were included. Resting pain scores within 2 hours (standardized mean difference, –0.53; p = 0.01), 4 hours (standardized mean difference, –0.42; p = 0.004), and 6 hours (standardized mean difference, –0.47; p = 0.03) showed statistically significant reduction. Six studies including 413 patients demonstrated lower cumulative opioid consumption within 24 hours after surgery (standardized mean difference, –0.82; p = 0.01). Five studies including 357 patients did not show a significant difference in length of stay (standardized mean difference, –0.04; p = 0.82).

LIMITATIONS:
Local anesthetic used in block varied in type and quantity across different studies. There were heterogeneities in pain score measurements and opioid consumption. Patient populations may be different among studies.

CONCLUSIONS:
Transversus abdominis block can lead to a lower pain score at rest within the first 6 hours and reduce opioid consumption within the first 24 hours. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A997.
BaiJiu Increases Nitric Oxide Bioactivity of Chinese Herbs Used to Treat Coronary Artery Disease Through the NO3 −–NO2 −–NO Pathway
Authors: Tang Yaoping , Liu Ying , Yin Bangqiao , Guo Yuhong , Liu Yuan , Zhao Yangyang , Wang Ying , Cao Yingying , Feng Jiaoqun , Leng Jing , Huang Congxin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract:
BaiJiu (BJ) is a type of Chinese rice wine combined with the traditional Chinese herbs GuaLou (GL) and XieBai (XB), which have been used to treat and prevent coronary artery disease for nearly 2000 years in China. However, the mechanisms behind the compatibility of the components of this compound (GLXBBJ) have not been deeply investigated. In this study, the compatibility of the GLXBBJ compounds with nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity was evaluated in herbs, cells, and isolated aortic rings. Nitrate (NO3
−) and nitrite (NO2
−) concentrations were quantified by the Griess method. Nitric oxide (NO) was quantified by a multifunctional enzyme marker using a fluorescent probe. Qualitative analysis of l-arginine-endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) was performed by Western blotting. The tension of aortic rings was measured by multimyograph system. The ability of BJ to reduce NO3
− to NO2
− and NO2
− to NO was strongest under hypoxic conditions and was not affected by temperature. BJ-containing serum significantly decreased the NO3
− content and increased the NO2
− content in hypoxic cells. Combining BJ with GL, XB, or GLXB resulted in stronger vasodilation effects. These results demonstrate that BJ effectively reduces NO3
−/NO2
−, although only a small amount of NO3
− is present. Once combined with GL, XB, or GLXB, which are rich in NO3
−/NO2
−, robust NO bioactivity was generated through the NO3
−–NO2
−–NO pathway. Therefore, this study supports the potential of using traditional Chinese herbs for promoting medical innovation and for future drug development.
Development and Psychometric Characteristics of the TBI-QOL Communication Item Bank
Authors: Cohen Matthew L. , Kisala Pamela A. , Boulton Aaron J. , Carlozzi Noelle E. , Cook Christine V. , Tulsky David S. 
Published: September 2019

Objective:
To develop an item response theory (IRT)-based patient-reported outcome measure of functional communication for adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Setting:
Five medical centers that were TBI Model Systems sites.

Participants:
A total of 569 adults with TBI (28% complicated-mild; 13% moderate; and 58% severe).

Design:
Grounded theory-based qualitative item development, large-scale item calibration testing, confirmatory factor analyses, psychometric analyses with graded response model IRT.

Main Measure:
Traumatic Brain Injury-Quality of Life (TBI-QOL) Communication Item Bank, version 1.0.

Results:
From an initial pool of 48 items, 31 items were retained in the final instrument based on adequate fit to a unidimensional model and absence of bias across several demographic and clinical subgroupings. The TBI-QOL Communication Item Bank demonstrated excellent score precision (reliability ≥ 0.95) across a wide range of communication impairment levels, particularly for individuals with more severe difficulties. The TBI-QOL Communication Item Bank is available as a full item bank, fixed-length short form, and as a computerized adaptive test.

Conclusions:
The TBI-QOL Communication Item Bank permits precise measurement of patient-reported functional communication after TBI. Future development will validate the instrument against performance-based, clinician-reported, and surrogate-reported assessments.
An Exploratory Study on the Use of Event-Related Potentials as an Objective Measure of Auditory Processing and Therapy Effect in Patients With Tinnitus: A Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Study
Authors: Jacquemin Laure , Mertens Griet , Van de Heyning Paul , Vanderveken Olivier M. , Topsakal Vedat , De Hertogh Willem , Michiels Sarah , Beyers Jolien , Moyaert Julie , Van Rompaey Vincent , Gilles Annick 
Published: September 2019

Objective:
Treatment effect in tinnitus research is commonly evaluated by use of self-report questionnaires. As this is a solely subjective assessment method, the need for an objective measurement is paramount to genuinely evaluate the effects of therapeutic interventions. The current study explores the value of event-related potentials (ERPs) in the evaluation of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) for tinnitus treatment.

Study Design:
Prospective exploratory study.

Setting:
Tertiary referral center.

Patients:
Twenty-two chronic tinnitus patients.

Intervention:
HD-tDCS.

Main Outcome Measures:
ERPs.

Results:
The results show a significant shortening of the N1, P2, N2, and P3 latencies after HD-tDCS treatment. Moreover, the increased amplitude of the P2 and N2 peaks result in more salient and clear peaks, with the amplitude of N2 being significant larger after HD-tDCS. However, the ERP changes are not significantly correlated with the change in tinnitus functional index (TFI) total score.

Conclusions:
The current study was the first to explore ERPs as objective measure in a study with HD-tDCS in tinnitus patients. Adding ERPs to the outcome measures in tinnitus research may lead to a better understanding of the therapeutic effect in the future. The results showed a shortening of ERP latencies and an increased N2 amplitude, possibly reflecting more effective sound processing with higher recruitment of synchronized neurons in the auditory cortex. Future studies should elaborate on these results, by collecting control data and adding a sham group, to provide a better insight in the underlying mechanism of the ERP changes after tinnitus treatment.
Glucocorticoid for Hearing Preservation After Cochlear Implantation: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis of Animal Studies
Authors: Shaul Chanan , Venkatagiri Padmavathi K. , Lo Jonathon , Eastwood Hayden T. , Bester Christofer W. , Briggs Robert J. S. , O’Leary Stephen J. 
Published: September 2019

Objectives:
To conduct systematic review and meta-analyses of preclinical studies describing the efficacy of glucocorticoids administered via different routes for hearing preservation after cochlear implantation.

Data Sources:
A literature search was performed in PubMed to identify peer-reviewed articles published before December 31, 2017, with no language restrictions. Search components were “Cochlear implant,” “Glucocorticoids,” and “Hearing preservation.” The results were specified for animal studies.

Study Selection:
Original studies in which glucocorticoids were administered before or during cochlear implantation in animal models and hearing threshold shifts were measured using auditory brainstem response.

Data Extraction:
Quality of included studies was assessed using the SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation protocol. Threshold Shift reduction between the “study” and “control” groups at 1-month postimplantation was the parameter used to evaluate hearing preservation.

Data Synthesis:
The random-effects models were used to combine the results of selected studies. Separate meta-analyses were performed for drug-eluting electrodes, systemic, and local administration.

Conclusions:
Administering either systemic or topical glucocorticosteroids had a significant effect on preserving low and high-frequency hearing. Topical administration was equally effective across a range of concentration levels and provided maximal hearing preservation when applied 120 minutes before implantation. The effect of systemic treatment was achieved with high doses, equivalent to 26 mg of dexamethasone per day in humans. No significant effect was found with the use of drug-eluting electrodes and more studies are needed to characterise the utility and efficacy of this administration method.