bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Palliative Care Use Among Patients With Solid Cancer Tumors
Authors: Osagiede Osayande , Colibaseanu Dorin T. , Spaulding Aaron C. , Frank Ryan D. , Merchea Amit , Kelley Scott R. , Uitti Ryan J. , Ailawadhi Sikander 
Published: May 2018

Background: Palliative care has been increasingly recognized as an important part of cancer care but remains underutilized in patients with solid cancers. There is a current gap in knowledge regarding why palliative care is underutilized nationwide. Objective: To identify the factors associated with palliative care use among deceased patients with solid cancer tumors. Methods: Using the 2016 National Cancer Data Base, we identified deceased patients (2004-2013) with breast, colon, lung, melanoma, and prostate cancer. Data were described as percentages. Associations between palliative care use and patient, facility, and geographic characteristics were evaluated through multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 1 840 111 patients were analyzed; 9.6% received palliative care. Palliative care use was higher in the following patient groups: survival >24 months (17% vs 2%), male (54% vs 46%), higher Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score (16% vs 8%), treatment at designated cancer programs (74% vs 71%), lung cancer (76% vs 28%), higher grade cancer (53% vs 24%), and stage IV cancer (59% vs 13%). Patients who lived in communities with a greater percentage of high school degrees had higher odds of receiving palliative care; Central and Pacific regions of the United States had lower odds of palliative care use than the East Coast. Patients with colon, melanoma, or prostate cancer had lower odds of palliative care than patients with breast cancer, whereas those with lung cancer had higher odds. Conclusions: Palliative care use in solid cancer tumors is variable, with a preference for patients with lung cancer, younger age, known insurance status, and higher educational level.
A 6-month open-label extension study of the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Doria A , Bass D , Schwarting A , Hammer A , Gordon D , Scheinberg M , Fox N L , Groark J , Stohl W , Kleoudis C , Roth D 
Published: May 2018

Objective To evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of subcutaneous (SC) belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) beyond 1 year. Methods This was a 24-week, open-label extension following a 52-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of belimumab SC. Patients who completed the double-blind phase were eligible to enter the open-label phase. All patients received weekly belimumab 200 mg SC plus standard SLE therapy. Outcome measures included safety and efficacy (SLE Response Index (SRI) and SLE Flare Index (SFI) rates), and changes in biomarker and B cell levels. Results Of 677 patients who completed the 52-week, double-blind phase, 662 entered the open-label phase; 206 had previously received placebo and 456 had previously received belimumab. Despite differences in total belimumab exposure (24 weeks in the placebo-to-belimumab group versus 76 weeks in the belimumab group), the proportions of patients experiencing more than one adverse event (AE) or a serious AE in the open-label phase were similar between groups (placebo-to-belimumab: 51.5 and 6.8%; belimumab: 48.2 and 5.5%, respectively). Most AEs were mild/moderate in severity. Efficacy was maintained through the extension phase. An SRI response was achieved by 16.1% of patients in the placebo-to-belimumab group and 76.3% patients in the belimumab group. Furthermore, 1.0% of patients in the placebo-to-belimumab group and 2.6% of patients in the belimumab group experienced a severe SFI flare. Conclusion Belimumab SC was well tolerated and efficacy was maintained during the extension phase of this study. The safety profile of belimumab SC is consistent with that of previous experience with belimumab. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01484496
Serum theophylline after multiple dosing with transdermal gels in cats
Authors: Barnoski Jacob , Lee-Fowler Tekla M , Boothe Dawn M , Behrend Ellen N 
Published: May 2018

Objectives Our objectives were, first, to determine if therapeutic serum theophylline concentrations could be achieved using long-term, once-daily dosing of transdermal theophylline and, secondarily, to evaluate the difference between two transdermal theophylline formulations. Methods Seven healthy cats, 1–10 years of age, were evaluated in a two-way, randomized, double-blinded, crossover study. Participants received transdermal theophylline at 15 mg/kg for 21 days in either pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO) or Lipoderm formulation. On day 22, blood was collected 2, 6, 14 and 24 h after dosing. After a 14 day washout period, blood was collected to verify non-detectible theophylline concentrations. The alternate formulation was administered for 21 days, and sampling was repeated. Serum theophylline concentrations were determined using an automated immunoassay. Serum concentrations were compared between formulations using a two-way random-measures ANOVA and over time within a formulation using a repeated-measures ANOVA. Results Therapeutic serum theophylline concentrations were achieved for 2/7 cats in each group. Of 56 serum theophylline measurements obtained, only seven (13%) were within the therapeutic range. No significant difference was detected in drug concentrations achieved by the transdermal formulations at any time point. In addition, no significant difference in serum theophylline concentrations was noted between time points for PLO ( P = 0.751) or Lipoderm ( P = 0.107). Conclusions and relevance Once-daily transdermal dosing of theophylline does not reliably achieve therapeutic concentrations. Individual cats may achieve therapeutic concentrations. No significant difference was noted between PLO and Lipoderm formulations. Therefore, transdermal theophylline formulations should not be considered as a first-line therapy in feline asthma patients.
Hip surgeons and leg length inequality after primary hip replacement
Authors: Loughenbury Faye A , McWilliams Anthony B , Stewart Todd D , Redmond Anthony C , Stone Martin H 
Published: May 2018

Background: This study reports the results of 2 separate surveys of British Hip Society (BHS) members relating to leg length inequality (LLI) after primary total hip replacement (THR). Survey 1: Investigates the members’ opinions on the effect of LLI on the outcome of THR and explores the acceptable limits of LLI. Survey 2: Reports on the intraoperative techniques currently used by BHS members to minimise LLI after THR. Results - Survey 1: 97% of all surgeons completing the survey believed that LLI can affect the outcome of THR. Results - Survey 2: All surgeons reported using at least 1 intraoperative technique for assessing leg length with a median of 5 techniques. Over 50% of surgeons use 2 or more tests. Conclusion - Survey 1: 89% of surgeons agreed that 15 mm of LLI after primary uncomplicated THR was always acceptable. 90% of surgeons felt that LLI more than 22.74 mm was never acceptable. Conclusion - Survey 2: Despite the multiple published papers on various methods of assessing leg length intraoperatively, the problem of LLI post THR persists. This study highlights the need for further research to develop a simple intraoperative technique with high accuracy and reproducibility.
Liposomal bupivacaine reduces opioid consumption and length of stay in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty
Authors: VanWagner Michael J , Krebs Nathan M , Corser William , Johnson Christopher N 
Published: May 2018

Background: Optimising postoperative pain management after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been associated with improved patient outcomes. However, conclusions regarding the role of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) during THA remain mixed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether substituting a standard intraoperative wound infiltrate with LB as part of a multimodal pain management protocol would decrease subsequent opioid consumption and overall length of hospital stay in patients undergoing primary THA. Methods: Data was retrospectively collected on 170 consecutive patients who underwent primary THA at a single institution from January 2014 to October 2014. Outcomes from the first 85 patients who received intraoperative LB were compared to the prior 85 patients who received a standard intraoperative “cocktail” without LB. The remainder of the multimodal pain management protocol was identical between groups. Results: Total continuous and categorical postoperative hospital opioid consumption rates in the LB subgroup were significantly lower than the non-LB subgroup ( p < 0.001). The use of LB was associated with a relative reduction in opioid consumption on the day of surgery ( p = 0.001), postoperative day 1 ( p < 0.001), postoperative day 2 ( p < 0.001) and postoperative day 3 ( p < 0.001). Patients who received LB had decreased length of stay ( p = 0.001) and were discharged on lower doses of opioids. Conclusion: Substituting to LB from a standard wound infiltrate during primary THA, in addition to our standard multimodal pain management protocol, resulted in significantly lower postoperative opioid consumption and decreased length of stay.
The effect of altering head length on corrosion using a material loss method
Authors: Lanting Brent A , Wood Thomas J , Young Sam , Van Citters Douglas W , MacDonald Steven J , Howard James L , Teeter Matthew G 
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Corrosion at head neck taper junctions in total hip arthroplasty has increasingly been reported in the literature. Debate persists as to the exact causes and clinical significance of corrosion. Increased offset and head length has been correlated with an increased risk of tribocorrosion due to an adverse mechanical environment. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of head length on corrosion of a metal-on-polyethylene articulation. Methods: Retrievals from a single institution of 28-mm cobalt chromium alloy heads with a 12/14 taper from a single manufacturer were studied. Corrosion of femoral head bores were studied utilising a material loss method. Testing was performed using co-ordinate measuring for maximum linear wear depth. Results: 56 heads were examined with lengths of either −3, 0, +4 or +8 mm and all had been in situ for a minimum of 2 years. There were no significant differences in mean maximum linear wear depth (MLWD) ( p = 0.6545). There was no correlation found between MLWD and the time implants were in situ (Spearman coefficient −0.1157) and no significant difference seen between high or standard offset stems ( p = 0.1336). Conclusion: In contrast to studies using qualitative methodologies, there was no correlation between head length and material loss when confined to a 28-mm head. Broad application of this outcome should be cautioned against as this study examined 1 taper construct and a metal-on-polyethylene articulation.
Hip morphology predicts posterior hip impingement in a cadaveric model
Authors: Morris William Z , Fowers Cody A , Weinberg Douglas S , Millis Michael B , Tu Leigh-Anne , Liu Raymond W 
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Posterior hip impingement is a recently-identified cause of hip pain. The purpose of this study is to characterise posterior femoroacetabular and ischiofemoral impingement and identify its predisposing morphologic traits. Methods: Two hundred and six cadaveric hips were randomly selected and taken through controlled motion in two pure axes associated with posterior hip impingement: external rotation (through the mechanical axis) and adduction (coronal plane). The range of motion and location of impingement was noted for each specimen. Morphologic traits including femoral/acetabular version, and true neck-shaft angle (TNSA) were also measured. Results: External rotation impingement occurred between the femoral neck and acetabulum in 83.0% of hips, and between the lesser trochanter and ischial tuberosity in 17.0%. Adduction impingement occurred between the lesser trochanter and ischial tuberosity in 78.6% of hips, and between the femoral neck and acetabulum in 21.4%. Multiple regression revealed that increased femoral/acetabular version predicted earlier external rotation and adduction impingement. Unstandardised betas ranging from −0.39 to −0.64 reflect that each degree of increased femoral/acetabular version individually accounts for a loss of external rotation or adduction of approximately half a degree before impingement ( p < 0.001 for each). Increased TNSA was associated with earlier adduction impingement only (unstandardised beta −0.35, p = 0.005). Discussion: Relative femoral/acetabular anteversion was associated with earlier posterior hip impingement. Coxa valga was associated with earlier adduction impingement, but protective against external rotation impingement. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring correction during femoral/acetabular osteotomies, as overcorrection of retroversion may predispose to earlier posterior impingement.
Examining Technical Efficiency in Indian Agricultural Production Using Production Frontier Model
Authors: Pradhan Kailash Chandra , Mukherjee Shrabani 
Published: May 2018

The study estimates the technical efficiency (TE) of agricultural production in India using production frontier model for both cross-section and panel data for the years 1999 and 2007. Given the persistent low productivity of agriculture in India, there is a serious need to identify the determining factors for technological lock-in for agricultural production in order to accelerate sustainable productivity and technical efficiency. The model claims that farmer’s education, household’s production process, proportion of irrigated area covered by canals, availability of wells, yielding variety of lands, government services, agricultural expenditure by local government and women reservations in local government significantly contribute to efficiency in resource utilization in farm production. Traditional techniques such as ‘learning by doing’ is, generally, preferred than the adoption of new technologies for agricultural production. It makes a constraint of technological lock-in. JEL: C23, C33, D20, O13
Axillo-Axillary Artery Bypass With Coil Embolization of the Innominate Artery for a Traumatic Innominate Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report
Authors: Sugisawa Ryota , Sano Masaki , Yamamoto Naoto , Inuzuka Kazunori , Tanaka Hiroki , Saito Takaaki , Katahashi Kazuto , Yata Tatsuro , Kayama Takafumi , Yamanaka Yuta , Takeuchi Hiroya , Unno Naoki 
Published: May 2018

Background: Innominate artery aneurysm (IAA) is a rare cervical artery aneurysm. Although atherosclerosis is its most common cause, IAAs due to cervical injury are often reported. Operative indications for IAAs include rupture or symptomatic aneurysm, saccular aneurysm, aneurysm with a diameter of 3 cm or greater, and aneurysmal change of the origin of the innominate artery. Although the ligature of the innominate artery or open surgical repair is well described, the usefulness of endovascular repair has also recently been reported. Herein, we report a case of traumatic IAA with infection in the cervical region after tracheostomy. Case Presentation: A 40-year-old man with cholecystolithiasis planned to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy at another hospital. Urgent tracheostomy was performed because of laryngeal edema at the induction of general anesthesia. Enhanced computed tomography angiography 1 week after the tracheostomy revealed a saccular IAA. The patient was deemed to be at high risk for aneurysm rupture and was referred to our hospital. Preoperative Matas test, Allcock test, and innominate arterial stump pressure measurement were performed to assess the cerebral blood flow and ischemic tolerance of the brain. These examinations showed the patency of the circle of Willis. An axillo-axillary artery bypass with coil embolization of the innominate artery was performed to avoid postoperative vascular graft infection. No postoperative complications such as infection or cerebral infarction occurred. Magnetic resonance imaging angiography performed 6 months after surgical treatment showed that the aneurysm had disappeared, and patency of the bypass graft was present. There were no postoperative complications, such as neurological deficits or graft infection, at more than 5 years after surgery. Conclusions: We report a successfully treated case of IAA after tracheostomy. Axillo-axillary artery bypass with coil embolization of the innominate artery is an effective treatment of IAA with cervical infection.
Telehealth intervention for Latina breast cancer survivors: A pilot
Authors: Meneses Karen , Gisiger-Camata Silvia , Benz Rachel , Raju Dheeraj , Bail Jennifer R , Benitez Tanya J , Pekmezi Dorothy , McNees Patrick 
Published: May 2018

Aim: This study was a pilot test of the Latina Breast Cancer Survivorship Intervention, a survivorship self-management intervention delivered via telephone. Materials and methods: This study used a wait-list control design with random assignment to either (1) support and early education or (2) support and delayed education. Latina breast cancer survivors were recruited through the Florida Cancer Data System Registry. Latinas with stage I–III breast cancer who completed primary cancer treatment 3 years prior to study enrollment were eligible. The Latina Breast Cancer Survivorship Intervention consisted of three education sessions delivered weekly via telephone and six telephone support calls, both delivered by a native Spanish speaker. Primary outcome variables included physical well-being, emotional well-being, fatigue, pain, and depressive symptoms. Data collection occurred at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: In total, 40 Latina breast cancer survivors who were middle-aged to older, married, with health insurance, and Spanish as preferred language enrolled in the Latina Breast Cancer Survivorship Intervention. Data were analyzed using mean change scores. Overall, physical and emotional well-being remained similar over time with well-being scores poorer compared with the general population. Pain levels improved over 6 months and showed a high effect size. Fatigue scores improved at 3 months and showed a moderate effect size. Depressive symptoms remained elevated but were not clinically significant. Conclusion: Telephone-based Latina Breast Cancer Survivorship Intervention reached Latina breast cancer survivors for survivorship education and support. Self-management of pain and fatigue showed improvement over time.
Women in university hockey demonstrate knowledge discordant with attitudes regarding concussions
Authors: Jorgensen Melanie , Laurence Michelle , Quesnele Jairus , Baldisera Tara , Grenier Sylvain 
Published: May 2018

Objective To examine the knowledge and attitudes about sport-related concussion among university athletes. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Validated survey instrument. Subjects Seventy-two university soccer, hockey, and basketball athletes (28 males, 44 females). Main outcome measures Total athlete knowledge scores and attitude scores were measured and average scores were also determined for each sport, sex, and combinations of sport and sex. Results The average athlete knowledge total score was 28.9 ± 2.8 ( SD) out of a possible 35, and the average attitude total score was 76.4 ± 11.8 ( SD) out of a possible 98. Correlations between athlete knowledge scores and athlete attitude scores were positive in the all male athlete sample ( r = 0.09, n = 28, p = .65). The same correlation in the all female athlete sample was negative ( r = −.33, n = 44, p < .05). Sixteen athletes suffered a total of 21 concussions in the 2015–2016 playing season. Conclusions The present sample of university athletes have higher knowledge scores but poorer attitude about concussions. Knowledge regarding concussion did not translate into improved attitudes particularly for female hockey athletes. Coaches should consider concussion education focused on communicating facts, as well as contextual interventions and practical athlete responses to injury. Interventions should consider the differences between male and female athlete reporting tendencies in this demographic. Appropriate detection and reporting systems may help to overcome poor reporting behaviors.
The application of mHealth to monitor implementation of best practices to support healthy eating and physical activity in afterschool programs
Authors: Brazendale Keith , Beets Michael W. , Weaver Robert G. , Turner-McGrievy Brie , Brazendale Allison B. , Chandler Jessica L. , Moore Justin B. , Huberty Jennifer L. , Lemley Joshua , Brownson Ross C. 
Published: May 2018

Background: Childhood obesity continues to be a global epidemic and many child-based settings (e.g. school, afterschool programs) have great potential to make a positive impact on children’s health behaviors. Innovative and time-sensitive methods of gathering health behavior information for the purpose of evaluation and strategically deploying support are needed in these settings. Purpose: The aim is to (1) demonstrate the feasibility of mobile health (mHealth) for monitoring implementation of healthy eating and physical activity (HEPA) standards and, (2) illustrate the utility of mHealth for identifying areas where support is needed, within the afterschool setting. Methods: Site leaders ( N = 175) of afterschool programs (ASPs) were invited to complete an online observation checklist via a mobile web app (Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Mobile, HEPA m) once per week during ASP operating hours. Auto-generated weekly text reminders were sent to site leaders’ mobile devices during spring and fall 2015 and 2016 and spring 2017 school semesters. Data from HEPA m was separated into HEPA variables, and expressed as a percent of checklists where an item was present. A higher percentage for a given item would indicate an afterschool has higher compliance with current HEPA standards. Results: A total of 141 site leaders of ASPs completed 13,960 HEPA m checklists. The average number of checklists completed per ASP was 43 (range 1–220) for healthy eating and 50 (range 1–230) for physical activity. For healthy eating, the most common challenge for ASPs was ‘Staff educating children about healthy eating’, and for physical activity checklists, ‘Girls only physical activity is provided at ASP’. Conclusion: HEPA m was widely used and provided valuable information that can be used to strategically deploy HEPA support to ASPs. This study gives confidence to the adoption of mHealth strategies as a means for public health practitioners to monitor compliance of an initiative or intervention.