bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability, Validity, and Responsiveness of Clinical Performance–Based Outcome Measures of Walking for Individuals With Lower Limb Amputations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hawkins Emily J , Riddick William 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Background
Clinical outcome measures are important to use for individuals with lower limb amputations (LLA) because such individuals require intensive functional gait training before and after being fitted with prostheses. Using standardized instruments throughout the episode of care allows clinicians to objectively monitor patient progress, make evidence-based decisions regarding the plan of care, and communicate results in meaningful ways to patients, payers, and other clinicians. Many clinical outcome measures exist, but not all have been validated and shown to be reliable within this population of interest.

Purpose
The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the psychometric properties of all current performance-based outcome measures applicable to individuals with lower limb amputations.

Data Sources
Reviewers searched for articles using the online databases PubMed/MEDLINE and CINAHL. Reviewers also conducted a manual search of the reference list of 1 of the previously published systematic reviews to identify any additional studies not detected with the online database search.

Study Selection
The 2 reviewers screened titles and abstracts for relevance. The same reviewers obtained and read full-text articles of the potentially relevant studies. Reviewers resolved any discrepancies of the inclusion assessment by further discussion.

Data Extraction
The reviewers created tables to extract psychometric properties of interest from the included articles. Both reviewers extracted the data from the articles and placed relevant values into a table for each primary outcome measure identified.

Data Synthesis
The rigor of study reporting was guided by use of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Checklist. Each reviewer independently read and appraised the included articles, assigning a score to each checklist item. The sum of scores for each item was calculated to appraise the overall quality of reporting of the included articles.

Limitations
Review-level limitations included the absence of a third reviewer to settle any disagreements on article inclusion and article appraisal. Additionally, the percentage of reviewer agreement on article appraisal was not determined before disagreements about checklist item satisfaction were resolved. Furthermore, reviewers only extracted data on reliability, validity, and responsiveness; instrument characteristics, such as floor and ceiling effects, are also important.

Conclusions
Valid and reliable performance-based clinical measures of ambulation in individuals with LLA were identified. Further research should investigate the minimally clinical, important difference of these clinical measures and address trends in unmet reporting guidelines.
Midazolam and Dexmedetomidine Affect Neuroglioma and Lung Carcinoma Cell Biology In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Datoo Tanweer , Zhao Hailin , Wu Lingzhi , Date Akshay , Jiang Cui , Sanders Robert D. , Wang Guolin , Bevan Charlotte , Ma Daqing 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Background
Several factors within the perioperative period may influence postoperative metastatic spread. Dexmedetomidine and midazolam are widely used general anesthetics during surgery. The authors assessed their effects on human lung carcinoma (A549) and neuroglioma (H4) cell lines in vitro and in vivo.

Methods
Cell proliferation and migration were measured after dexmedetomidine (0.001 to 10 nM) or midazolam (0.01 to 400 μM) treatment. Expression of cell cycle and apoptosis markers were assessed by immunofluorescence. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species were measured by JC-1 staining and flow cytometry. Antagonists atipamezole and flumazenil were used to study anesthetic mechanisms of action. Tumor burden after anesthetic treatment was investigated with a mouse xenograft model of lung carcinoma.

Results
Dexmedetomidine (1 nM) promoted cell proliferation (2.9-fold in A549 and 2-fold in H4 cells vs. vehicle, P < 0.0001; n = 6), migration (2.2-fold in A549 and 1.9-fold in H4 cells vs. vehicle, P < 0.0001; n = 6), and upregulated antiapoptotic proteins in vitro. In contrast, midazolam (400 μM) suppressed cancer cell migration (2.6-fold in A549 cells, P < 0.0001; n = 4), induced apoptosis via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased reactive oxygen species expression in vitro—effects partly attributable to peripheral benzodiazepine receptor activation. Furthermore, midazolam significantly reduced tumor burden in mice (1.7-fold vs. control; P < 0.05; n = 6 per group).

Conclusions
Midazolam possesses antitumorigenic properties partly mediated by the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, whereas dexmedetomidine promotes cancer cell survival through signaling via the α2-adrenoceptor in lung carcinoma and neuroglioma cells.
Recommendations for Publishing Assessment-Based Articles in JCEHP
Authors: Wood Timothy J. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract:
A common research study in assessment involves measuring the amount of knowledge, skills, or attitudes that participants' possess. In the continuing professional development arena, a researcher might also want to assess this information as an outcome of an educational activity. At some point, the researcher may wish to publish the results from these assessment-based studies. The goal of this commentary is to highlight common problems that could negatively influence the likelihood of an assessment-based manuscript being published.
Effects of a Long-term Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program on Functional Capacity and Inflammatory Profile of Older Patients With COPD
Authors: Vieira Fabíola C. O. S. , Pereira Daniele S. , Costa Thacianna B. , Souza Rilda C. A. , Castro Célia M. M. B. , Dornelas de Andrade Arméle , Marinho Patrícia Érika de Melo 
Published: August 2018

Purpose:
To evaluate the effects of a long-term pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) on functional capacity, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), quality of life, and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2 (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2, respectively), and cytokine interleukin 1beta (IL-1β) in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods:
In a quasi-experimental study, PRP effectiveness was investigated in elderly patients with stage I-IV COPD undergoing a 6-mo training program. Participants took part in an 80-min PRP 3 times/wk. Before and after the intervention, the distance walked during a 6-min walk test (6MWD), MIP, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and plasma levels of TNF-α, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and IL-1β were evaluated.

Results:
In 7 patients who completed the PRP and had markers evaluated, we observed improvement in 6MWD (range, 26-331 m) and MIP for most patients. There was an improvement in impact and total domains for all patients and in symptoms and activity for most patients on the SGRQ at the completion of the PRP. TNF-α, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and IL-1β increased in some patients at the end of the PRP. The 6-mo PRP improved functional capacity, MIP, and quality of life for most patients.

Conclusions:
Inflammatory markers showed various changes at the end of the study; however, only sTNFR2 levels improved after the PRP.
Occurrence and predictors of metaplastic atrophic gastritis in a nation-wide consecutive endoscopic population presenting with upper gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Lahner Edith , Carabotti Marilia , Esposito Gianluca , Hassan Cesare , Zullo Angelo , Annibale Bruno 
Published: August 2018

Objectives
The frequency of metaplastic atrophic gastritis in noninvestigated dyspepsia and its associated symptoms pattern are not known. This study aimed to assess the occurrence and clinical predictors of metaplastic atrophic gastritis in a consecutive endoscopic population presenting with upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

Patients and methods
A post-hoc cross-sectional study was carried out on endoscopic-histological data from 668 patients (64% women, age: 58 years) with upper gastrointestinal symptoms obtained during a multicenter study. Patients with dyspeptic (46%), reflux-like symptoms (22%), and both (32%) as indications for gastroscopy were included. Gastroscopy with biopsies (Sydney System) was performed. Clinical data and symptoms were collected using a structured questionnaire.

Results
Metaplastic atrophic gastritis was detected in 201 (30.1%) patients: 22.3% antrum-restricted, 4.5% corpus-restricted, and 3.3% extensive. Postprandial fullness was more frequent in patients with metaplastic atrophic gastritis compared with those without metaplastic atrophic gastritis (29.8 vs. 18.8%, P=0.002); epigastric pain/burning, early satiety, and reflux symptoms occurred similarly in both groups. At multivariate logistic regression, metaplastic atrophic gastritis (any site) was associated with age older than 55 years [odds ratio (OR): 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26–2.73], Helicobacter pylori (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.1–2.39), postprandial fullness (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.03–2.54), and smoking (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.02–2.31). Corpus-restricted atrophic gastritis was associated with postprandial fullness (OR: 4.16, 95% CI: 1.79–9.63) and NSAIDs (OR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.01–8.88), extensive and antrum-restricted atrophic gastritis was associated with age older than 55 (OR 3.6, 95% CI: 1.20–12.67 and OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.06–2.49).

Conclusion
Metaplastic atrophic gastritis, a preneoplastic condition, may be found in about one of three patients undergoing endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal symptoms, and clinical predictors are age older than 55 years, smoking, H. pylori infection, and postprandial fullness, especially for corpus-restricted metaplastic atrophic gastritis. An accurate pre-endoscopic characterization of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms with easily achievable clinical information may help to better address an endoscopic investigation.
Food immunotherapy for children with food allergies: state of the art and science
Authors: Anagnostou Katherine 
Published: August 2018

Purpose of review
This review examines the current literature and provides insight into the role of food immunotherapy in the management of food-allergic children. Key food immunotherapy trials, benefits, and risks of the intervention, as well as areas requiring further study are all discussed.

Recent findings
Research studies have reported encouraging results regarding the efficacy of food immunotherapy in desensitizing food-allergic patients with an acceptable safety profile and a documented improvement in quality of life. The role of biologics and long-term effects of food immunotherapy are still under investigation.

Summary
The burden of food allergy is significant, multifaceted, and well documented. Food immunotherapy is a novel treatment option and an exciting area of research that has seen tremendous progress over the last decade, presenting encouraging results for the treatment of children with food allergies.
Appearance/Image- and Performance-Enhancing Drug Users
Authors: Lusetti Monia , Licata Manuela , Silingardi Enrico , Bonsignore Alessandro , Palmiere Cristian 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Image- and performance-enhancing drugs include a wide range of substances used to promote physical changes to enhance appearance. Anabolic androgen steroids are the most widely used image- and performance-enhancing drugs along with a wide variety of additional substances. The aim of this study was to identify the pathological changes pertaining to the cardiovascular system possibly involved in the death and characterize the substances associated with steroid use and their possible role in the death. A series of deaths involving image- and performance-enhancing drug users were selected. Nandrolone and testosterone were the most frequently identified steroids. The most commonly illegal drugs found were tetrahydrocannabinol, cocaine, and methadone. Antidepressants, opioids, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates were also found. These findings highlight that results obtained from postmortem investigations should be meticulously evaluated to understand the weight that each identified substance may have played in the death process and exclude any alternative causes of death.
Salvaging the Unavoidable: A Review of Complications in Pediatric Tissue Expansion
Authors: Gosain Arun K. , Turin Sergey Y. , Chim Harvey , LoGiudice John A. 
Published: August 2018

Background:
Tissue expansion, while a mainstay of reconstruction for pediatric cutaneous lesions, has significant complication rates. The authors review the complications in a single-surgeon series of tissue expansion to identify risk factors for complications and guide subsequent therapy so that reconstructive goals in patients can be met irrespective of intervening complications.

Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted of all pediatric patients who underwent tissue expansion performed by the senior author (A.K.G.) over a 12-year period. In total, 282 expanders were placed in 94 patients.

Results:
A total of 65 complications occurred in 39 of 94 patients (41.5 percent), involving 65 of the 282 expanders (23.0 percent) placed. Major complications that required expander removal included exposure (n = 11), rupture (n = 15), and migration (n = 11). The most frequent minor complications, which did not require immediate expander removal, included migration (n = 13) and port malfunction (n = 9). The majority of expanders were placed in the scalp (n = 114), followed by the torso (n = 100), face and neck (n = 52), and the extremities (n = 16). Serial expansion beyond the second round resulted in a marked increase in complications. Despite complications, tissue expansion in the majority of patients could be salvaged, and a satisfactory outcome was achieved.

Conclusions:
Families must be made aware that approximately one-third of patients may have a complication requiring additional surgery or modification of the initial reconstructive plan. However, these complications need not preclude attainment of reconstructive goals.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, IV.
Transmasseteric Anterior Parotid Approach for Treatment of Mandibular Subcondylar Fractures
Authors: Qian Yemei , Wang Weihong , Xu Biao , Zou ZhiRong , Yang Chun , Shao Shenjie 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
This study demonstrated the application of transmasseteric anterior parotid approach for open reduction of mandibular subcondylar fractures depending on the basis of the anatomical study of the temporomandibular joint and parotid gland area. The anatomical study was performed on 5 Chinese adult cadavers fixed by 10% formalin. The temporomandibular joints and parotid regions were studied. In the clinical study, 26 patients with mandibular subcondylar fractures were recruited between July 2014 and December 2017. All 26 patients with mandibular subcondylar fractures received satisfactory occlusions and normal mouth opening: no postoperative facial paralysis occurred in these patients. It is crucial to know the anatomy of both temporomandibular joint and parotid region for reducing significantly the surgical trauma and complications. Transmasseteric anterior parotid approach is a feasible approach for the surgical treatment of the mandibular subcondylar fractures. This method can provide adequate exposure, minimal facial nerve injury, open reduction easily, and inconspicuous scarring.
Autologous Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Prevent Transfusion-elicited Sensitization and Upregulate Transitional and Regulatory B Cells
Authors: Zhang Zijian , Wilson Nancy A. , Chinnadurai Raghavan , Panzer Sarah E. , Redfield Robert R. , Reese Shannon R. , Galipeau Jacques , Djamali Arjang 
Published: August 2018

Background
We hypothesized that immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) may be considered for desensitization.

Methods
Autologous or allogeneic bone marrow derived MSC were infused via tail vein at 0.5 M (0.5 × 106), 1 M, or 2 M cells/dose on days −2, 3, 6, 9, 12 (prevention) or 14, 17, 20, 23, 26 (treatment) relative to transfusion in a Brown Norway to Lewis rat model (10 groups total, n = 6 per group).

Results
At 4 weeks, pooled analyses demonstrated that autologous and allogeneic MSC were equally effective in reducing IgG1 and IgG2a de novo donor-specific antibody (dnDSA, P < 0.001). Dose-response studies indicated that moderate-dose MSC (5 M total) was most effective in reducing IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2c dnDSA (P ≤ 0.01). Time course studies determined that preventive and treatment strategies were equally effective in reducing IgG1 and IgG2a dnDSA (P ≤ 0.01). However, individual group analyses determined that moderate-dose (5 M) treatment with autologous MSC was most effective in reducing IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2c dnDSA (P ≤ 0.01). In this group, dnDSA decreased after 1 week of treatment; regulatory B cells increased in the spleen and peripheral blood mononuclear cells; and transitional B cells increased in the spleen, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and bone marrow (P < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that autologous MSC prevent transfusion-elicited sensitization and upregulate transitional, and regulatory B cells. Additional studies are needed to determine the biological relevance of these changes after kidney transplantation.
Polymer brushes immersed in solvent molecules at thermal equilibrium: A theoretical approach
Authors: Edwards Mike 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTBy means of density functional theory (DFT), influence of solvent molecules on polymer brushes is investigated. Osmotic pressure of solvent molecules gives rise to a stronger stretching of the brush chains in perpendicular direction. This suggests that the osmotic pressure of solvent molecules is a driving force in increasing thickness of brush layer.
Wave-like activity patterns in the neuropil of striatal cholinergic interneurons in freely moving mice represent their collective spiking dynamics
Authors: Rehani Rotem , Atamna Yara , Tiroshi Lior , Chiu Wei-Hua , Aceves Buendía José de Jesús , Martins Gabriela J. , Jacobson Gilad A. , Goldberg Joshua A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCholinergic interneurons (CINs) are believed to form synchronous cell assemblies that modulate the striatal microcircuitry and possibly orchestrate local dopamine release. We expressed GCaMP6s, a genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECIs), selectively in CINs, and used microendoscopes to visualize the putative CIN assemblies in the dorsal striatum of freely moving mice. The GECI fluorescence signal from the dorsal striatum was composed of signals from individual CIN somata that were engulfed by a widespread fluorescent neuropil. Bouts of synchronous activation of the cholinergic neuropil revealed traveling-wave-like patterns of activity that preceded the signal from individual somata. To investigate the nature of the neuropil signal and why it precedes the somatic signal, we target-patched GECI-expressing CINs in acute striatal slices in conjunction with multiphoton imaging or wide-field imaging that emulates the microendoscopes’ specifications. The ability to detect fluorescent transients associated with individual action potential was constrained by the long decay constant of GECIs (relative to common inorganic dyes) to slowly firing (< 2 spikes/s) CINs. The microendoscopes’ resolving power and sampling rate further diminished this ability. Additionally, we found that only back-propagating action potentials but not synchronous optogenetic activation of thalamic inputs elicited observable calcium transients in CIN dendrites. Our data suggest that only bursts of CIN activity (but not their tonic firing) are visible using endoscopic imaging, and that the spatiotemporal neuropil patterns are a physiological measure of the collective recurrent CIN network spiking activity.Significance StatementCholinergic interneurons (CINs) are key modulators of the striatal microcircuitry that are necessary for assigning action value and behavioral flexibility. We present a first endoscopic imaging study of multiple molecularly identified CINs in freely moving mice. We reveal the presence of traveling-wave-like activity in the CIN neuropil. We then use ex vivo electrophysiological and imaging techniques to show that the neuropil signal is the integrated fluorescence arising from the axo-dendritic arbors of CINs dispersed throughout the striatum. We conclude that the neuropil signal acts as a mean-field readout of the striatal CIN network activity.
Counterbalancing the time-dependence effect on the human mitochondrial DNA molecular clock
Authors: Cabrera Vicente M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe propose a new method for estimating the coalescent age of phylogenetically related sequences that takes into account the observed time dependency of molecular rate estimates. Applying this method to human mitochondrial DNA data we have obtained significantly older ages for the main events of human evolution than in previous estimates. These ages are in close agreement with the most recent archaeological and paleontological records.
Turnaround of struggling plant of DJSL Limited: capital investment or operational improvement
Authors: Chakrabarti Somnath , Kumar Nripendra , Upadhyay Anupam 
Published: August 2018

Subject area
Strategy.

Study level/applicability
The case can primarily be used for a Strategic Management course for teaching the revival strategies for financially weak plants. The case highlights the need to shift from a product manufacturing perspective to a market orientation perspective and, hence, may add value as an add-on case in a Strategic Marketing course. The case also covers the topic of benchmarking which may be of use in an Operations Management course.

Case overview
DJSL Ltd. is the largest engineering and manufacturing enterprise in India in the energy-related/infrastructure space in the public sector. Its Lucknow unit, manufacturing porcelain insulators and wear resistant ceramic lining (CERA LINING), has started reporting losses. A change of management took place in October 2015, whereby Mr. S P Singh was appointed as the Head of the Lucknow Unit. Mr. Singh had rich functional experience of 30 years, mainly in the domains of strategy, project execution and commercial aspects. He was asked to come up with a revival plan for the Unit by the top management of DJSL. The case highlights the importance of operational issues in turnaround management.

Expected learning outcomes
Students may be encouraged to debate the benchmarking practices that are best suited for the Lucknow unit. They can also discuss the impact of benchmarking efforts upon turnaround strategy. Students are also encouraged to understand the constraints which may limit the success of initiatives impacting operational improvements. Students need to develop the understanding of marketing strategy to perform a SWOT analysis of each product of the Lucknow unit and to sense the business opportunities in and around the environment. Students need to discuss how productivity may be improved with the adoption of appropriate people development strategies. Students are encouraged to discuss the revival/turnaround strategies and to identify the influence of improvement in operational efficiency/productivity upon revival plan.

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code
CSS: 11: Strategy.