bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thinking About Cognitive Function: Perceptions of Cognitive Changes in People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Cuevas Heather E. , Stuifbergen Alexa K. , Brown Sharon A. , Rock Jamie L. 
Published: August 2017

Purpose The purpose of this study is 2-fold: (1) to explore how people with diabetes view diabetes-related cognitive problems and (2) to examine participants’ ideas on a cognitive rehabilitation intervention to adapt it for persons diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods A qualitative descriptive study based on narrative interviews was conducted with adults (n = 10) with T2DM. The interview data were analyzed using content analysis. Results The interviews reflected 4 major themes: search for advice regarding cognitive complaints, cognitive symptoms, impact of perceived cognitive dysfunction on diabetes self-management, and maintenance of cognitive health. Specific areas of interest for an intervention included the following: understanding how cognitive function relates to diabetes, dealing with cognitive barriers to self-management, and learning how to incorporate a “brain healthy” lifestyle into daily activities. Conclusions Findings showed that perceived cognitive impairment impacted self-management and suggested that cognitive rehabilitation interventions have potential utility for people with T2DM. Existing successful interventions can be tailored to meet the needs of those whose diabetes self-management is impacted by cognitive problems.
Minocycline as an adjunct for treatment-resistant depressive symptoms: A pilot randomised placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Husain Muhammad I , Chaudhry Imran B , Husain Nusrat , Khoso Ameer B , Rahman Raza R , Hamirani Munir M , Hodsoll John , Qurashi Inti , Deakin John FW , Young Allan H 
Published: August 2017

Background: Evidence suggests that anti-inflammatory medication may be effective in the treatment of depressive symptoms. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether minocycline added to treatment as usual (TAU) for 3 months in patients with treatment-resistant depression will lead to an improvement in depressive symptoms. Methods: Multi-site, 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot trial of minocycline added to TAU for patients suffering from DSM-5 major depressive disorder, whose current episode has failed to respond to at least two antidepressants. The primary outcome measure was mean change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) scores from baseline to week 12. Secondary measures were the Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and EuroQoL (EQ-5D) quality-of-life questionnaire. Side-effect checklists were also used. Minocycline was started at 100 mg once daily (OD) and increased to 200 mg after 2 weeks. Results: A total of 41 participants were randomised, with 21 in the minocycline group and 20 in the placebo group. A large decrease in HAMD scores was observed in the minocycline group compared to the placebo group (standardised effect size (ES) –1.21, p < 0.001). CGI scores in the minocycline group also showed a large improvement compared with placebo (odds ratio (OR): 17.6, p < 0.001). PHQ-9, GAD-7 and EQ-5D total showed more moderate improvements (ES ~ 0.4–0.5). Conclusion: The findings indicate that adjunctive minocycline leads to improvement in symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. However, our findings require replication in a larger sample. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02263872, registered October 2014.
Anti-inflammatory treatments for mood disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Husain Muhammad I , Strawbridge Rebecca , Stokes Paul RA , Young Allan H 
Published: August 2017

Background: Recent studies suggest that anti-inflammatory medication may play a role in the treatment of mood disorders. Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Method: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, EMBASE, PsychINFO and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched from inception until 15 April 2017 for completed and on-going randomized controlled trials of anti-inflammatory agents for major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Data from randomized controlled trials assessing the antidepressant and anti-manic effect of adjunctive mechanistically diverse anti-inflammatory agents were pooled to determine standard mean differences (SMDs) compared with placebo and/or treatment as usual. Results: Patients receiving anti-inflammatory agents showed lower post-treatment depressive symptom scores compared with those receiving placebo with a standard mean difference of −0.71 (six randomized controlled trials, n=214, 95% CI −1.24 to −0.17, p=0.009). Anti-inflammatory treatment was found to reduce post-treatment manic symptom scores with a standard mean difference of −0.72 (three randomized controlled trials, n=96, 95% CI −1.31 to −0.13, p=0.02). Anti-inflammatories did not show a statistically significant improvement in the secondary outcome measure (change in symptom scores from baseline to outcome). Conclusions: Further high quality trials are needed before making recommendations for the routine clinical use of anti-inflammatories in the treatment of mood disorders.
Type 2 endoleaks in endovascular aortic repair: cone beam CT and automatic vessel detection to guide the embolization
Authors: Ierardi Anna Maria , Pesapane Filippo , Rivolta Nicola , Fumarola Enrico Maria , Angileri Salvatore Alessio , Piacentino Filippo , Carrafiello Gianpaolo 
Published: August 2017

Background Dual-phase cone beam computed tomography (DP-CBCT) and automatic vessel detection (AVD) software are helpful tools for detecting arteries before planned endovascular interventions. Purpose To evaluate the usefulness of DP-CBCT and AVD software in guiding the trans-arterial embolization (TAE) of challenging T2 lumbar endoleaks (T2-L-EL). Material and Methods Ten patients with T2-L-EL were included in this study. The accuracy of DP-CBCT and the AVD software was defined by the ability to detect the endoleak and arterial feeding vessel, respectively. Technical success was defined as the correct positioning of the microcatheter using AVD software and the successful embolization of the endoleak. Clinical success was defined as the absence of recurrent endoleaks during follow-up and the stability of the sac diameter for persistent endoleaks. The total volume of iodinated contrast medium, overall procedure time, mean procedural radiation dose, and mean fluoroscopy time were recorded. Results The EL was detected by DP-CBCT in all patients. The AVD software identified the feeding arterial branch in all cases. In one patient, the nidus of the endoleak was not reached due to the small caliber of the feeding artery, even though the software had clearly identified the vessel route. The mean contrast volume was 109 mL, the mean overall procedural time was 74.3 min. The mean procedural radiation dose was 140.97 Gy cm2, and the mean fluoroscopy time was 29.8 min. Conclusion The use of DP-CBCT and the AVD software is feasible and may facilitate successful embolization in challenging occult T2-L-EL with complex vasculature.
Comparison of hamstring and patellar tendon grafts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Stańczak Katarzyna , Zielińska Marzenna , Synder Marek , Domżalski Marcin , Polguj Michał , Sibiński Marcin 
Published: August 2017

Objective This prospective randomized study was performed to compare the outcomes of two operative methods of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction based on either bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) grafts or hamstring tendon (HT) grafts. Methods Among 100 patients, 96 completed the full follow-up period and were included in the final analysis (48 in the BTB group and 48 in the HT group). The patients were evaluated preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after ACL reconstruction. The Kujala score, Tegner score, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were among the parameters used to evaluate the patients. Results Both groups were comparable in terms of sex, age, and body mass index. None of the analyzed scores were significantly different between the BTB and HT groups at either the initial or last visit. Both groups demonstrated improvement at the 12-year follow-up according to the Kujala score and most categories of the KOOS. The Tegner activity level score showed significant improvement in the HT but not BTB group. Conclusion Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with BTB and HT grafts show comparable improvement in functional results after 1 year of rehabilitation.
Use of methylene blue in the prevention of recurrent intra-abdominal postoperative adhesions
Authors: Neagoe Octavian C. , Ionica Mihaela , Mazilu Octavian 
Published: August 2017

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of methylene blue in preventing recurrent symptomatic postoperative adhesions. Methods Patients with a history of >2 surgeries for intra-abdominal adhesion-related complications were selected for this study. Adhesiolysis surgery was subsequently performed using administration of 1% methylene blue. The follow-up period was 28.5 ± 11.1 months. Results Data were available from 20 patients (seven men and 13 women) whose mean ± SD age was 51.2 ± 11.4 years. Adhesions took longer to become symptomatic after the first abdominal surgery when the initial pathology was malignant compared with benign. However, the recurrence of adhesions after a previous adhesiolysis surgery had a similar time onset regardless of the initial disease. Following adhesiolysis surgery with methylene blue, the majority of patients did not present with symptoms associated with adhesion complications (i.e., chronic abdominal pain, bowel obstruction) for the length of the follow-up period. Conclusions The use of methylene blue during adhesiolysis surgery appears to reduce the recurrence of adhesion-related symptoms, suggesting a beneficial effect in the prevention of adhesion formation.
Effects of external trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS) on laser evoked cortical potentials (LEP): A pilot study in migraine patients and controls
Authors: Vecchio Eleonora , Gentile Eleonora , Franco Giovanni , Ricci Katia , de Tommaso Marina 
Published: August 2017

Background Transcutaneous external supraorbital nerve stimulation has emerged as a treatment option for primary headache disorders, though its action mechanism is still unclear. Study aim In this randomized, sham-controlled pilot study we aimed to test the effects of a single external transcutaneous nerve stimulation session on pain perception and cortical responses induced by painful laser stimuli delivered to the right forehead and the right hand in a cohort of migraine without aura patients and healthy controls. Methods Seventeen migraine without aura patients and 21 age- and sex-matched controls were selected and randomly assigned to a real or sham external transcutaneous nerve stimulation single stimulation session. The external transcutaneous nerve stimulation was delivered with a self-adhesive electrode placed on the forehead and generating a 60 Hz pulse at 16 mA intensity for 20 minutes. For sham stimulation, we used 2 mA intensity. Laser evoked responses were recorded from 21 scalp electrodes in basal condition (T0), during external transcutaneous nerve stimulation and sham stimulation (T1), and immediately after these (T2). The laser evoked responses were analyzed by LORETA software. Results The real external transcutaneous nerve stimulation reduced the trigeminal N2P2 amplitude in migraine and control groups significantly in respect to placebo. The real stimulation was associated with lower activity in the anterior cingulate cortex under trigeminal laser stimuli. The pattern of LEP-reduced habituation was reverted by real and sham transcutaneous stimulation in migraine patients. Conclusions The present results could suggest that the external transcutaneous nerve stimulation may interfere with the threshold and the extent of trigeminal system activation, with a mechanism of potential utility in the resolution and prevention of migraine attacks.
Understanding systemic lupus erythematosus patients' desired outcomes and their perceptions of the risks and benefits of using corticosteroids
Authors: Ng X , dosReis S , Beardsley R , Magder L , Mullins C D , Petri M 
Published: August 2017

Introduction The use of corticosteroids in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients requires difficult trade-offs between efficacy and risk of toxicity. This qualitative study examined SLE patients' most desired outcomes and their concerns with corticosteroid use in SLE treatment. Methods SLE patients with current/past experience with using corticosteroids were recruited from the clinics at the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center and the University of Maryland Medical Center. Five in-depth interviews ( N = 5) and four focus groups ( N = 15) were conducted during which discussions were transcribed and analyzed based on a grounded theory approach. Results We identified five major themes describing SLE patients' most desired outcomes: reduction in flares, maintenance of normal activities, minimization of treatment side effects, prevention of future organ damage, and finding a cure. Further, SLE patients reported these primary concerns with the adverse effects of corticosteroids: weight gain, organ damage (particularly bone-related damage), mood swings/irritability, sleep disturbances, and dental issues. Patients appeared to be more concerned with adverse effects that immediately affected their day-to-day lives. Conclusion Knowledge gained during this study better informs how patients view the benefits and risks of corticosteroids. This can facilitate discussions between physicians and patients as they work together to determine the appropriate use of corticosteroids.
Work/Family Balancing and 24/7 Work Schedules: Network Analysis of Strategies in a Transport Company Cleaning Service: Concilier travail-famille et horaires 24/7: analyse réseau des stratégies au sein du service de nettoyage d'une compagnie de transport
Authors: Lefrançois Mélanie , Saint-Charles Johanne , Riel Jessica 
Published: August 2017

Whether or not official work/family balance measures exist within an organization, scheduling accommodations often go through informal channels involving colleagues and superiors and are negotiated within interpersonal relationships. This study examines the relationship dimensions of the scheduling strategies of cleaners working atypical hours in the transport sector through the lenses of ergonomic activity, network, and gender analyses. Using semi-directed interviews, observation, and network analysis, we revealed the effect of gender on relationship dynamics and the influence of these dynamics on work/family balance strategies deployed by cleaners. One of the main contributions of this study is to demonstrate the decisive effect of relationships by revealing inequalities in access to organizational social networks. Creating spaces to discuss work/family balancing and a more equitable circulation of information could contribute to reducing inequalities associated with gender, social status, and family responsibilities and support the work/family strategies developed by workers dealing with restrictive work schedules. Résumé Les accommodements du temps de travail pour la conciliation travail-famille (CTF) passent souvent par des ententes informelles qui s'inscrivent dans les relations entre collègues ou avec des gestionnaires. Notre étude, intégrant l'ergonomie et la communication dans une perspective de genre, porte sur les dimensions relationnelles des stratégies de choix d'horaire d'agentes et agents de nettoyage devant composer avec des horaires atypiques dans le secteur des transports. À partir d'entretiens semi-dirigés, d'observations et d'analyse de réseaux, nous avons pu observer l'influence des dynamiques relationnelles, notamment de genre, sur les stratégies de CTF. Un apport central de cette étude est de montrer l'effet structurant des relations en révélant notamment des inégalités dans l'accès aux ressources facilitant le choix d'horaire, mais aussi dans l'inclusion au sein du réseau de relations. L'article conclut en proposant des pistes de solutions concrètes pour la réduction de ces inégalités.
Low-molecular-weight heparins for the prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer: A systematic literature review of efficacy and cost-effectiveness
Authors: Dranitsaris George , Shane Lesley G , Woodruff Seth 
Published: August 2017

Background Patients with cancer have an elevated risk of venous thromboembolism. Importantly, patients with cancer, who have metastatic disease, renal insufficiency, or are receiving anticancer therapy, have an even higher risk of a recurrent event. Similarly, the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism is higher than the risk of an initial event. To reduce the risk, extended duration of prophylaxis for up to six months with low-molecular-weight heparins such as dalteparin, enoxaparin, nadroparin, and tinzaparin is recommended by international guidelines. In this paper, the clinical and economic literature is reviewed to provide evidenced based recommendations based on clinical benefit and economic value. Methods A systematic review of major databases was conducted from January 1996 to October 2016 for randomized controlled trials evaluating the four distinct low-molecular-weight heparins against a vitamin K antagonists control group for the prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with active cancer. This was then followed by the application of the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence guidance to assess the quality of all trials that met the inclusion criteria. Finally, the cost-effectiveness literature supporting the value proposition of each product was reviewed. Results Six randomized trials met the inclusion criteria. There were one, two, and three trials that compared dalteparin, tinzaparin, and enoxaparin to a vitamin K antagonists control group. However, there were no trials for nadroparin in the setting of secondary venous thromboembolism prevention. In addition, only the dalteparin and one of the tinzaparin trials were of high quality and adequately powered. Of the two studies, only the dalteparin trial reported a statistically significant benefit in terms of venous thromboembolism absolute risk reduction when compared to a vitamin K antagonists control group (HR = 0.48; p = 0.002). In addition, there was robust pharmacoeconomic data from Canada, the Netherlands, France, and Austria supporting the cost-effectiveness of dalteparin for this indication. There were no such studies for any of the other agents. Conclusions The totality of high-quality clinical and cost-effectiveness data supports the use of dalteparin over other low-molecular-weight heparins for preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer.
The Home-Heart-Walk study, a self-administered walk test on perceived physical functioning, and self-care behaviour in people with stable chronic heart failure: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Du Huiyun , Newton Phillip J , Budhathoki Chakra , Everett Bronwyn , Salamonson Yenna , Macdonald Peter S , Davidson Patricia M 
Published: August 2017

Background: Adherence to self-care recommendations is associated with improved patient outcomes and improved quality of life for people living with heart failure. The Home-Heart-Walk (HHW) is an intervention to promote physical activity adapting the elements of a six minute walk test, a reliable and valid measure. This adaptation was designed to support self-monitoring of physical functioning and promote the self-care of people with heart failure. The primary outcome of the Home-Heart-Walk was perceived physical functioning and the secondary outcomes were six-minute walk test distance, health related quality of life, self-care behaviour, self-efficacy and physical activity level. Methods: A multicentre randomized controlled trial. Participants ( N=132) were recruited from three academic hospitals in Sydney, Australia. Participants were randomized to either the Home-Heart-Walk group or the control group. Perceived physical functioning, health related quality of life, self-care behaviour, exercise self-efficacy and physical activity level were measured at baseline and at three- and six-month follow-up. Results: After adjusting for baseline scores, there were no statistically significant between-group differences in perceived physical functioning, six-minute walk test distance, health related quality of life and exercise self-efficacy at follow-up. The intervention group had improvement in self-care behaviour ( F(1,129) = 4.75, p = 0.031) and physical activity level ( U = 1713, z = −2.12, p = 0.034) at the six-month follow-up compared with the control group. Conclusion: The Home-Heart-Walk did not improve the perceived physical functioning of the intervention group. Although the feasibility and acceptability of this strategy to support self-monitoring and improve self-care behaviour was demonstrated, self-reported adherence was unreliable; newer technologies may offer better assessment of adherence.
Comparison of claims data on hospitalization rates and repeat procedures in patients receiving a bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy
Authors: Young Lisa E , Sacks Naomi C , Cyr Philip L , Sharma Abhishek , Dahdal David N 
Published: August 2017

Objectives: To evaluate outcomes of colorectal screening using sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate compared with other prescription bowel-preparation agents. Primary endpoints were rates of procedure-associated hospitalizations, diagnosis at hospitalization, and rates of early repeat screenings. Methods: This retrospective cohort study identified patients using the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan databases, which contain fully adjudicated, de-identified, medical- and prescription-drug claims, as well as demographic and enrollment information for individuals with commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare supplemental insurance coverage. Patients who had a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy over a 3-year period were identified using International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification procedure codes, recorded on claims from physicians and facilities. First, screening colonoscopy was identified for each patient, and the study was limited to those patients who could be observed for ≥6 months before and 3 months after the screening procedure. Total number of hospitalizations and rates of early repeat screenings were evaluated for all patients who received sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate and compared with those who received other bowel-preparation agents. Individual prescription medications that could affect the outcome of the cleansing agent were identified; further evaluations were made to establish whether patients had comorbid conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, or psychiatric illness. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, two-tailed t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 566,628 procedures were identified in the MarketScan databases and included in the study. Sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate performed well in terms of safety outcomes, with no hospitalizations due to diagnosis of hyponatremia, dehydration, or other fluid disorders in the 10 days after procedure. Early repeat rates among sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate patients were comparable with rates observed for all other cleansing agents. Conclusion: Outcomes of colorectal screening using sodium picosulfate and magnesium citrate were not significantly different compared with other prescription bowel-preparation agents.