bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sports Related Hand Injuries in Hong Kong
Authors: Li Hercy C.K. , Li-Tsang Cecilia W.P. 
Published: July 2018

Objective This study attempted to review the incidence of sports related hand injuries in one of the regional hospitals in Hong Kong and to study the intervention method used in this diagnostic group. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 2009 to review all the referrals from the Department of Accident and Emergency to the Occupational Therapy Department. Injuries related to sports activities or exercises were selected and their demographic information including gender, age, types of sports engaged in, and types of injuries were recorded. Results A total of 596 patients were recorded and 62 of them were identified to have sports related injuries of the hand. Types of injuries included proximal interphalangeal joint volar plate injuries, phalangeal fractures, metacarpal fractures, mallet fingers and gamekeeper's thumb. Twelve different types of sports related injuries were identified, with most injuries caused by contact sports, namely basketball (44%) and football (26%). All patients were treated with standardized splintage and mobilization programme. Seventy-eight percent of the patients completed full course of the therapy and most of them had very satisfactory results in restoration of hand function. Residual problems such as joint stiffness, limitation of full range of motion were found only in five cases. Most of them returned to their previous sports with preventive gadgets. The management of various hand injuries was briefly discussed. Conclusion Incidence of sports related hand injuries appear to be on a rising trend and there should be special training for occupational therapists to provide quality therapy services to those injured.
Construct Validity: A Unitary Concept for Occupational Therapy Assessment and Measurement
Authors: Brown Ted 
Published: July 2018

Background In the traditional view of validity, it is divided it into three sub-types: content, criterion-related, and construct. Validity has recently been reconceptualized as a unitary factor known as construct validity. Five sources of construct validity evidence have been specified: test content, response processes, internal structure, relationships to other variables, and consequential aspects of construct validity. They function either as general validity criteria or as standards for all assessment and measurement. Purpose The purpose of the manuscript is to present an overview of the contemporary conceptualization of construct validity and its relevance to occupational therapy practice, education, and research. Key Issues & Implications Taken together, the five components of construct validity evidence provide a way of addressing the multiple and interrelated validity questions that need to be answered in order to justify occupational therapy test score interpretation and use by practitioners. Given the context of evidence-based practice, professional standards of practice, increasing calls for accountability, and the fact that validity of a test, instrument, or scale is now seen as being a dynamic process, it is important for occupational therapists to be conversant with this contemporary view of construct validity, and the body of validity evidence related to the assessment tools used in clinical practice.
Validation of Child Behavior Rating Scale in Singapore (Part 1): Rasch Analysis
Authors: Lim Sok Mui , Rodger Sylvia , Brown Ted 
Published: July 2018

Background Young children demonstrate both interpersonal social skills (IPS) and learning-related social skills (LRSS) in the early childhood environments. Objective The aim of the paper was to investigate the construct validity and measurement properties of the Child Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS) when used to assess young children's IPS and LRSS within early childhood environments in Singapore. Methods The participants included 117 children aged 3–6 years, recruited from six preschools in Singapore. Among these children, 28 of them have special needs. The teachers completed the CBRS for all the children. Results Eight items were found to fit in a unidimensional scale to measure IPS, while 12 items to measure LRSS. The measurement properties of these two scales were found to be satisfactory. Conclusion This study has validated the use of the CBRS to assess IPS and LRSS demonstrated by young Singaporean children. The importance of considering the cultural context when assessing young children's social skills is discussed in the paper.
Elements of Life Satisfaction Amongst Elderly People Living in Institutions in Malaysia: A Mixed Methodology Approach
Authors: Dahlan Akehsan , Nicol Margaret , Maciver Donald 
Published: July 2018

Background Changes in demographic characteristics, social structure and economic status have shifted the direction of care of elderly people in Malaysia. Subsequently, nursing homes and institutions for elderly people becoming a significant care option. The aim of this study is to identify the level of life satisfaction and to examine the elements of life satisfaction amongst the elderly people living in the institutions. Methods In this mixed methodology, a survey using translated version of Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was conducted to 82 participants who conformed to the inclusion criteria. Twenty participants who volunteered to discuss about their live experience regarding life satisfaction living in a public elderly institution in Malaysia. The participants were stratified according to age group and gender. Four focus groups were conducted and the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis were used to identify the key themes emerged from the focus groups. Results The level of life satisfaction is equivalent to the norms and there is no statistical significant difference between the levels with the demographic variables. Two main themes were developed, contentment and acceptance, reflecting the elements of life satisfaction of the participants in the institution. Conclusion The findings are inconsistent with previous findings. However, it identified new elements of life satisfaction for elderly people in the institution.
Effect of the Bobath Technique, Conductive Education and Education to Parents in Activities of Daily Living in Children with Cerebral Palsy in Iran
Authors: Dalvand Hamid , Dehghan Leila , Feizy Awat , Amirsalai Susan , Bagheri Hussein 
Published: July 2018

Objective In children with cerebral palsy, one of the most important roles of occupational therapists is to promote the children's independence in functional performance. The goal of this study was to compare the effect of the Bobath technique, conductive education (CE), and education to parents in activities of daily living (ADLs) in children with cerebral palsy aged 4–8 years in Iran. Methods This study was a quasi-experimental clinical trial with pre/post design. Forty-five children with cerebral palsy were selected by convenience sampling in a rehabilitation centre and allocated to three groups by matching closely their sex, age, and IQ; 15 children were in the Bobath group, 15 were in the CE group, and 15 were in the education-to-parents group. Outcome measures were the Goodenough test and the Client Development Evaluation Report. Results There were no significant differences in mean age (p =.261) and IQ (p=.449) at baseline among the three groups. There were significant differences in ADLs after treatment within each group (p =.001). Significant differences were also found in the average total ADLs scores between the three groups after treatment (p <.0001). We found that the most effective approach was CE, followed by education to parents and the Bobath technique. There were significant differences between 12 sub-skills out of 16 in ADLs in the three groups, and children in the CE group achieved higher scores in comparison with other groups. Conclusion The Bobath technique, CE, and education to parents improved ADL skills in children with cerebral palsy. In the CE approach, group education promoted better social communication and more mobility in familiar environments. On the other hand, practical education and treatment programmes improved ADLs skills.
Randomized controlled trial of a self-administered five-day antiseptic bundle versus usual disinfectant soap showers for preoperative eradication of Staphylococcus aureus colonization
Authors: Kline Susan E. , Neaton James D. , Lynfield Ruth , Ferrieri Patricia , Kulasingam Shalini , Dittes Kayleigh , Glennen Anita , Jawahir Selina , Kaizer Alexander , Menk Jeremiah , Johnson James R. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the efficacy in eradicating Staphylococcus aureus (SA) carriage of a 5-day preoperative decolonization bundle compared to 2 disinfectant soap showers, with both regimens self-administered at home.DesignOpen label, single-center, randomized clinical trial.SettingAmbulatory orthopedic, urologic, neurologic, colorectal, cardiovascular, and general surgery clinics at a tertiary-care referral center in the United States.ParticipantsPatients at the University of Minnesota Medical Center planning to have elective surgery and not on antibiotics.MethodsConsenting participants were screened for SA colonization using nasal, throat, axillary, and perianal swab cultures. Carriers of SA were randomized, stratified by methicillin resistance status, to a decolonization bundle group (5 days of nasal mupirocin, chlorhexidine gluconate [CHG] bathing, and CHG mouthwash) or control group (2 preoperative showers with antiseptic soap). Colonization status was reassessed preoperatively. The primary endpoint was absence of SA at all 4 screened body sites.ResultsOf 427 participants screened between August 31, 2011, and August 9, 2016, 127 participants (29.7%) were SA carriers. Of these, 121 were randomized and 110 were eligible for efficacy analysis (57 decolonization bundle group, 53 control group). Overall, 90% of evaluable participants had methicillin-susceptible SA strains. Eradication of SA at all body sites was achieved for 41 of 57 participants (71.9%) in the decolonization bundle group and for 13 of 53 participants (24.5%) in the control group, a difference of 47.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29.1%–65.7%; P<.0001).ConclusionAn outpatient preoperative antiseptic decolonization bundle aimed at 4 body sites was significantly more effective in eradicating SA than the usual disinfectant showers (ie, the control).Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02182115
Hospital microbiology laboratory practices for Enterobacteriaceae: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) annual survey, 2015 and 2016
Authors: Shugart Alicia , Walters Maroya Spalding , Weiner Lindsey M. , Lonsway David , Kallen Alexander J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe analyzed clinical microbiology laboratory practices for detection of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in US short-stay acute-care hospitals using data from the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Annual Facility Survey. Half of hospitals reported testing for carbapenemases, and 1% performed routine polymyxin susceptibility testing using reference broth microdilution.
Sobolev Algebras Through a ‘Carré Du Champ’ Identity
Authors: Bernicot Frédéric , Frey Dorothee 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe consider abstract Sobolev spaces of Bessel-type associated with an operator. In this work, we pursue the study of algebra properties of such functional spaces through the corresponding semigroup. As a follow-up to our previous work, we show that by making use of the property of a ‘carré du champ’ identity, this algebra property holds in a wider range than previously shown.
Efficacy of herbal extracts and closantel against fenbendazole-resistant Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Dixit A.K. , Das G. , Dixit P. , Sharma R.L. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study assessed the efficacy of closantel vis-à-vis herbal extracts with known anti-parasitic properties, against fenbendazole-resistant nematodes in goats maintained under a semi-intensive system of management at the University goat farm, Jabalpur. Fifty goats were randomly assigned to five groups, each comprising 10 animals, irrespective of their breed, age and sex. Each animal in Group I, II and III was orally administered with aqueous leaf extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) at 1 g/kg body weight, sitaphal (Annona squamosa) at 1.5 g/kg body weight and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) at 1 g/kg body weight, respectively, whereas Group IV was an untreated control group. Each animal in Group V was orally treated with closantel at 10 mg/kg body weight. During the course of the study, all animals were maintained under an identical semi-intensive system of management. Compared to the untreated control group (Group IV), there was no conspicuous reduction in post-treatment (day 10) faecal egg counts (FEC) in animals administered with the herbal extracts (Groups I, II and III), which is suggestive of poor anti-parasitic activity. However, using the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), the overall efficacy of closantel was recorded as 95.64%. This supports the rotational use of closantel as a preferred choice over the benzimidazole group of anthelmintics and/or herbal extracts to meet the acute challenge of in situ development of drug-resistant gastrointestinal nematodes, especially Haemonchus contortus.
Subjective morbidity following fibular free flap reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Sparkman D M , Simmons M R , Patil Y J 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the presence of subjective post-operative donor site morbidity after fibula free flap reconstruction in head and neck cancer patients, utilising three validated instruments: the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire and the Lower Limb Core Scale.MethodsIn this retrospective study, all head and neck cancer patients who underwent fibula free flap reconstruction between January 2009 and July 2014 were identified. All questionnaires and their respective subcomponents were scored.ResultsTwenty-one cases were included. Patients were found to have a higher Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment bothersome index (22.42 vs 13.77, p = 0.03), a lower Short Form 36 Health Survey Physical Component Summary score (42.44 vs 50, p < 0.01) and a decreased Lower Limb Core Scale score (47.08 vs 90.52, p < 0.01), compared to US population norms. The Short Form 36 Health Survey Mental Component Summary scores and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment function index failed to demonstrate significant differences. Gender affected overall disability.ConclusionIn this study, significant long-term disability was demonstrated after fibular flap reconstruction, as measured by the Lower Limb Core Scale.
Distribution of Local Social Services and Territorial Justice: the Case of Estonia
Authors: KRIISK KERSTI 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDistribution of public resources has always been a central issue in public policy. The question of spatial variation in resource allocation as a reflection of differing local conditions is particularly important in decentralised countries with a large number of subunits. On the local level, studies have shown variations in distribution of local welfare but have usually focused on single social policy fields and/or target groups, and often ignored territorial structures. By taking Estonia as a case, this study investigates whether and how the distribution of a range of social services and the structure of disaggregated local social spending corresponds to local socio-demographic conditions. We identify municipal clusters and analyse service provision and social spending on vulnerable groups within them. We use a spatial perspective by taking into consideration the distinction of rural-urban and core-peripheral settings. We show that resource allocation in Estonian municipalities mirrors quite well local socio-demographic structures but the division of municipalities between towns and rural municipalities used in the common discourse of local social policy is too simplified.
Saccade-based termination responses in macaque V1 and visual perception
Authors: NIEMEYER JAMES E. , PARADISO MICHAEL A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNeurons in visual areas of the brain are generally characterized by the increase in firing rate that occurs when a stimulus is flashed on in the receptive field (RF). However, neurons also increase their firing rate when a stimulus is turned off. These “termination responses” or “after-discharges” that occur with flashed stimuli have been observed in area V1 and they may be important for vision as stimulus terminations have been shown to influence visual perception. The goal of the present study was to determine the strength of termination responses in the more natural situation in which eye movements move a stimulus out of an RF. We find that termination responses do occur in macaque V1 when termination results from a saccadic eye movement, but they are smaller in amplitude compared to flashed-off stimuli. Furthermore, there are termination responses even in the absence of visual stimulation. These findings demonstrate that termination responses are a component of naturalistic vision. They appear to be based on both visual and nonvisual signals in visual cortex. We speculate that the weakening of termination responses might be a neural correlate of saccadic suppression, the loss of perceptual sensitivity around the time of saccades.
A new index: Triple Point Conformity Scale (CS3) and its implication in qualitative evaluation of radiotherapy plan
Authors: Ansari Shahnawaz , Satpathy Subrat K. , Ahmad Imteyaz , Singh Priyanka K. , Lad Santosh , Thappa Nimish , Singh B. K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundAcross the history of radiotherapy, with gradual technological progress and various methods of irradiation, the purpose has always been to deliver homogeneously 100% of the prescribed dose to 100% of the target volume containing the identifiable tumour and/or tumour cells potentially present while limiting the dose to adjacent normal tissues.Material and methodsThe formula for triple point conformity scale is: CS3=(V95+V100+V105)/3VT. (a) Lower limit determination: CS3=(VT+0·93 VT+0·0)/3VT=0·643; (b) Upper limit determination: in order to find out an empirical relation in between V105 and VT, we studied over 593 cancer patients of various sites by taking planning target volume as target, and an empirical relation is derived out as: V105/VT=0·0007. Hence, CS3=(VT+VT+0·0007 VT)/3VT=0·6667~0·667.ResultUpper and lower limits of CS3 have been calculated at 0·643 and 0·667, respectively. Maximum value of CS3 index is recorded 0·656 while minimum value is 0·478.DiscussionThe CS3 scale constitutes an attractive tool because it could facilitate decisions during analysis of various treatment plans proposed for conformal radiotherapy. Its major advantages are its simplicity and integration of multiple parameters.ConclusionThe triple point conformity scale (CS3) provides better qualitative information about radiotherapy plans as compared to other conformity indices. This study advises the users to use the CS3 scale to evaluate a conformal radiotherapy plan which encompasses a wide range of relevant clinical volumes, and is able to extract qualitative dosimetric information.
Rio 2.0: revising the Rio scale for SETI detections
Authors: Forgan Duncan , Wright Jason , Tarter Jill , Korpela Eric , Siemion Andrew , Almár Iván , Piotelat Elisabeth 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe Rio scale is a tool for communicating the significance of a signal to the general public. It assigns scores to signals detected in searches for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), which characterizes both the consequences of a signal and the probability the signal is truly from ETI, in an easily digestible format for laypeople to interpret. In the 17 years since its construction, the number of groups actively conducting searches for evidence of intelligent life beyond the Earth has increased significantly, and theoretical work has established a new suite of observables that are capable of revealing the presence of ETI in a range of astronomical observations. In this paper, we revise the Rio scale, with the aim of (i) achieving consensus across academic disciplines on a scheme for classifying signals potentially indicating the existence of advanced extraterrestrial life, (ii) supplying a pedagogical tool to help inform the public about the process scientists go through to develop an understanding of a signal and (iii) providing a means of calibrating the expectations of the world at large when signals are discussed in the media. We also present (and encourage the SETI community to adopt) a single set of consistent terminology for discussing signals.
Abbreviated dignity therapy for adults with advanced-stage cancer and their family caregivers: Qualitative analysis of a pilot study
Authors: Beck Adrienne , Cottingham Ann H. , Stutz Patrick V. , Gruber Rachel , Bernat Jennifer K. , Helft Paul R. , Wilhelm Laura , Schmidt Karen , Stout Madison E. , Willard Claire , Johns Shelley A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveDignity therapy (DT) is designed to address psychological and existential challenges that terminally ill individuals face. DT guides patients in developing a written legacy project in which they record and share important memories and messages with those they will leave behind. DT has been demonstrated to ease existential concerns for adults with advanced-stage cancer; however, lack of institutional resources limits wide implementation of DT in clinical practice. This study explores qualitative outcomes of an abbreviated, less resource-intensive version of DT among participants with advanced-stage cancer and their legacy project recipients.MethodQualitative methods were used to analyze postintervention interviews with 11 participants and their legacy recipients as well as the created legacy projects. Direct content analysis was used to assess feedback from the interviews about benefits, barriers, and recommendations regarding abbreviated DT. The legacy projects were coded for expression of core values.ResultFindings suggest that abbreviated DT effectively promotes (1) self-expression, (2) connection with loved ones, (3) sense of purpose, and (4) continuity of self. Participants observed that leading the development of their legacy projects promoted independent reflection, autonomy, and opportunities for family interaction when reviewing and discussing the projects. Consistent with traditional DT, participants expressed “family” as the most common core value in their legacy projects. Expression of “autonomy” was also a notable finding.Significance of resultsAbbreviated DT reduces resource barriers to conducting traditional DT while promoting similar benefits for participants and recipients, making it a promising adaptation warranting further research. The importance that patients place on family and autonomy should be honored as much as possible by those caring for adults with advanced-stage cancer.