bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Risk Factors for New Vertebral Fracture After Percutaneous Vertebroplasty
Authors: Borensztein Matias , Camino Willhuber Gaston O. , Posadas Martinez Maria Lourdes , Gruenberg Marcelo , Sola Carlos A. , Velan Osvaldo 
Published: October 2017

Study Design: Retrospective analysis. Level of evidence III. Objectives: Low-energy vertebral compression fractures are an increasing socioeconomic problem among elderly patients. Percutaneous vertebroplasty has been extensively used for the treatment of painful fractures because of its effectiveness. However, some complications have been described; among them, new vertebral compression fractures, whether adjacent or not to the treated vertebra, are commonly reported complications (8% to 52%). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed epidemiological and technical variables presumably associated with new vertebral compression fractures. To determine the relationship between new vertebral compression fracture and percutaneous vertebroplasty, 30 patients (study group) with this complication were compared with 60 patients treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty without this condition (control group). Results: A higher cement percentage was found in the study group (40.3%) compared with the control group (30.5%). Initial vertebral kyphosis was significantly higher in the first group (15°) compared with the control group (9°). Epidemiological factors were similar in both groups. Conclusions: In our study, increased cement percentage injected and a higher kyphosis were associated with new vertebral compression fractures.
Return to Play in Adolescent Athletes With Symptomatic Spondylolysis Without Listhesis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Overley Samuel C. , McAnany Steven J. , Andelman Steve , Kim Jun , Merrill Robert K. , Cho Samuel K. , Qureshi Sheeraz A. , Hecht Andrew C. 
Published: October 2017

Study Design: Meta-analysis. Objectives: To assess return to play (RTP) rates in adolescent athletes with lumbar spondylolysis without spondylolisthesis treated conservatively or operatively. Methods: A review of Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Reviews was performed. The pooled results were performed by calculating the effect size based on the logit event rate. Studies were weighted by the inverse of the variance. Confidence intervals were reported at 95%. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and I2 value. Results: The initial literature search resulted in 724 articles, of which 29 were deemed relevant on abstract review. Overall, 11 studies provided data for 376 patients with a pars interarticularis defect. Return to athletic competition, based on logit event rate, was found to be statistically favored after both nonoperative and operative treatment (92.2% vs 90.3%). There was no heterogeneity noted among the studies reporting nonoperative treatment ( Q value of 4.99 and I2 value of 0). There was mild heterogeneity within the operative studies ( Q value of 3.54 and I2 value of 15.18). Conclusions: Adolescent athletes RTP 92.2% of the time with nonoperative management, compared with 90.3% when treated operatively, though both treatment groups strongly favor RTP. As this is the first study to pool results of all relevant literature, it provides strong evidence to guide decision making and help manage expectations in this unique patient population.
Low-Density Pedicle Screw Constructs for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Evaluation of Effectiveness and Cost
Authors: Tannous Oliver O. , Banagan Kelly E. , Belin Eric J. , Jazini Ehsan , Weir Tristan B. , Ludwig Steven C. , Gelb Daniel E. 
Published: October 2017

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: To determine whether a low-density (LD) screw construct can achieve curve correction similar to a high-density (HD) construct in adolescent scoliosis. Methods: Patients treated operatively for idiopathic scoliosis between 2007 and 2011 were identified through a database review. A consistent LD screw construct was used. Radiographic assessment included percent correction of major and fractional lumbar curves, T5-T12 kyphosis, and angle of lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV). Costs were compared with HD constructs. Results: Thirty-five patients were included in the analysis. Ages ranged from 12 to 19 years (mean = 14.9 years). Average screw density was 1.2 screws per level (range = 1.07-1.5 screws). Mean percent curve correction at latest follow-up: major curve, 66.9%; fractional lumbar curve, 63%. Average postoperative thoracic kyphosis: 29.5°. Mean LIV angle: 5.6°. Average construct cost was $14 871 per case compared with $23 840 per case if all levels had been instrumented with 2 screws, amounting to an average savings of $9000. Conclusions: Our LD screw construct is among the lowest density constructs reported and achieves curve correction comparable to HD constructs at substantially lower cost.
Veteran Patient Perspectives and Experiences During Implementation of a Patient-Centered Medical Home Model
Authors: Tuepker Anaïs , Newell Summer , Nicolaidis Christina , Reyes Marie-Elena , González-Prats Maria Carolina , Skaperdas Eleni , Kansagara Devan 
Published: October 2017

Background: The Veterans Health Administration (VA) has implemented the largest shift to a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model of care in the United States to date. Objective: We interviewed veterans about their experiences of primary care to understand whether they observed changes in care during this period as well as to learn which characteristics of care mattered most to their experiences. Method: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 veterans receiving primary care at 1 of 8 VA clinics in the northwest United States. Interviews were analyzed using an inductive–deductive hybrid approach by an interdisciplinary team that included a veteran patient. Result: Participants noticed recent positive changes, including improved communications and shorter waits in clinic, but rarely were aware of VA’s PCMH initiative; a strong relationship with the primary care provider and feeling cared for/respected by everyone involved in care delivery were key components of quality care. The needs of the veteran community as a whole also shaped discussion of care expectations. Conclusion: The PCMH model may provide benefits even when invisible to patients. Veteran awareness of population needs suggests a promising role for veteran involvement in further PCMH transformation efforts.
End of life after stroke: A nationwide study of 42,502 deaths occurring within a year after stroke
Authors: Asplund Kjell , Lundström Staffan , Stegmayr Birgitta 
Published: October 2017

Introduction In the scientific literature, there is very limited empirical information on end-of-life issues after stroke in the scientific literature. The present nationwide study describes the circumstances surrounding deaths that occur within a year after a stroke. Patients and methods Datasets from three nationwide Swedish registers (on stroke, palliative care and cause of death) were linked. Basic information was available for 42,502 unselected cases of death that occurred within a year after a stroke and more detailed information was available for 16,408 deaths. Odds ratios for characteristics of end-of-life care were calculated by logistic regression. Results In the late phase after stroke (three months to one year), 46% of patients died in a nursing home, whereas 37% of patients died in a hospital after readmission and 10% of patients died at home. Eleven per cent of deaths were reported as being unexpected. A next of kin was present at 49% of deaths. The frequency of unattended deaths (neither next of kin nor staff were present at the time of death) ranged from 5% at home with specialised home care to 25% in hospitals. Discussion This is, by far, the largest study published on end-of-life issues after stroke. Major differences between countries in healthcare, community services, family structure and culture may limit direct transfer of the present results to other settings. Conclusion There is considerable discordance between presumed ‘good death’ late after stroke (dying at home surrounded by family members) and the actual circumstances at the end of life.
Occupational exposure to disinfectants and asthma control in US nurses
Authors: Dumas Orianne , Wiley Aleta S. , Quinot Catherine , Varraso Raphaëlle , Zock Jan-Paul , Henneberger Paul K. , Speizer Frank E. , Le Moual Nicole , Camargo Carlos A. 
Published: October 2017

Disinfectant use has been associated with adverse respiratory effects among healthcare workers. However, the specific harmful agents have not been elucidated. We examined the association between occupational exposure to disinfectants and asthma control in the Nurses' Health Study II, a large cohort of female nurses.Nurses with asthma were invited in 2014 to complete two questionnaires on their current occupation and asthma (response rate 80%). Asthma control was defined by the Asthma Control Test (ACT). Exposure to major disinfectants was evaluated by a job–task–exposure matrix (JTEM).Analyses included 4102 nurses with asthma (mean age 58 years). Asthma control was poor (ACT score 16–19) in 12% of nurses and very poor (ACT score ≤15) in 6% of nurses. Use of disinfectants to clean medical instruments (19% exposed) was associated with poorly (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.05–1.79) and very poorly (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.38–2.56) controlled asthma (ptrend=0.004, after adjustment for potential confounders). Using JTEM estimates, exposure to formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, hypochlorite bleach, hydrogen peroxide and enzymatic cleaners was associated with poor asthma control (all ptrend<0.05); exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds and alcohol was not.Use of several disinfectants was associated with poor asthma control. Our findings suggest targets for future efforts to prevent worsening of asthma control in healthcare workers.
Inter-test reproducibility of the lung clearance index measured by multiple breath washout
Authors: Oude Engberink Esther , Ratjen Felix , Davis Stephanie D. , Retsch-Bogart George , Amin Reshma , Stanojevic Sanja 
Published: October 2017

The lung clearance index (LCI) has strong intra-test repeatability; however, the inter-test reproducibility of the LCI is poorly defined.The aim of the present study was to define a physiologically meaningful change in LCI in preschool children, which discriminates changes associated with disease progression from biological variability.Repeated LCI measurements from a longitudinal cohort study of children with cystic fibrosis and age-matched controls were collected to define the inter-visit reproducibility of the LCI. Absolute change, the coefficient of variation, Bland–Altman limits of agreement, the coefficient of repeatability, intra-class correlation coefficient, and percentage changes were calculated.LCI measurements (n=505) from 71 healthy and 77 cystic fibrosis participants (aged 2.6–6 years) were analysed. LCI variability was proportional to its magnitude, such that reproducibility defined by absolute changes is biased. A physiologically relevant change for quarterly LCI measurements in health was defined as exceeding ±15%. In clinically stable cystic fibrosis participants, the threshold was higher (±25%); however, for measurements made 24 h apart, the threshold was similar to that observed in health (±17%).A percentage change in LCI greater than ±15% in preschool children can be considered physiologically relevant and greater than the biological variability of the test.
Blood pressure response to CPAP treatment in subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea: the predictive value of 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
Authors: Castro-Grattoni Anabel L. , Torres Gerard , Martínez-Alonso Montserrat , Barbé Ferran , Turino Cecilia , Sánchez-de-la-Torre Alicia , Cortijo Anunciacion , Duran-Cantolla Joaquin , Egea Carlos , Cao Gonzalo , Sánchez-de-la-Torre Manuel 
Published: October 2017

The reduction in blood pressure (BP) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is modest and highly variable. In this study, we identified the variables that predict BP response to CPAP.24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin, adiponectin and 24-h urinary catecholamine were measured before and after 6 months of CPAP in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients.Overall, 88 middle-aged, obese male patients with severe OSA (median apnoea–hypopnoea index 42 events·h−1) were included; 28.4% had hypertension. 62 patients finished the study, and 60 were analysed. The daytime diastolic BP (−2 mmHg) and norepinephrine (−109.5 nmol·day-1) were reduced after CPAP, but no changes in the 24-h BP, night-time BP, dopamine, epinephrine, CRP, leptin or adiponectin were detected. The nocturnal normotension was associated with an increased night-time-BP (+4 mmHg) after CPAP, whereas nocturnal hypertension was associated with a reduction of 24-h BP (−3 mmHg). A multivariate linear regression model showed differential night-time BP changes after CPAP. Specifically, low night-time heart rate (<68 bpm) and BP dipper profile were associated with increased night-time BP and new diagnosis of nocturnal hypertension.Our results suggest that nocturnal hypertension, circadian BP pattern and night-time heart rate could be clinical predictors of BP response to CPAP and support the usefulness of 24-h ABPM for OSA patients before treatment initiation. These results need to be confirmed in further studies.
Low toxicity and favorable clinical and quality of life impact after non-myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Ruiz Milton Artur , Kaiser Roberto Luiz , de Quadros Luiz Gustavo , Piron-Ruiz Lilian , Peña-Arciniegas Tatiana , Faria Mikaell Alexandre Gouvea , Siqueira Rubens Camargo , Pirozzi Flavio Fontes , Kaiser Fernanda Soubhia Liedtke , Burt Richard K. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe incidence of adverse events in myeloablative transplant protocols is high in refractory Crohn’s disease; this study used low doses of cyclophosphamide. Fourteen patients were submitted to non-myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.ResultsThe average number of days of anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL) was 5.4 ± 4.2 and 14 ± 2.4 in the mobilization and conditioning phases, respectively. The mean number of days of neutropenia (neutrophils < 0.5 × 109/L) in the mobilization phase was 1.7 ± 1.5 while it was 7.6 ± 1.4 in the conditioning phase. When comparing the conditioning and mobilization phases, there was an increased number days of leukopenia (white blood cells < 1.0 × 109/L), lymphocytopenia (lymphocytes < 0.5 × 109/L) and thrombocytopenia (platelets < 25 × 109/L). Crohn’s Disease Activity Index values before the transplant ranged from 155 to 450.5 (mean 281.2 ± 79.0) and at 30 days after the procedures they ranged from 45.4 to 177 (mean 95.8 ± 35.4). Moreover, the procedure improved in overall quality of life of patients. Non-myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with lower doses of cyclophosphamide leads to lower rates of hematological toxicity and adverse events compared to protocols described in the literature.Trial registrationNCT 03000296: Date 9 December 2016
Chronic psychosocial stress disturbs long-bone growth in adolescent mice
Authors: Foertsch S. , Haffner-Luntzer M. , Kroner J. , Gross F. , Kaiser K. , Erber M. , Reber S. O. , Ignatius A. 
Published: October 2017

Although a strong association between psychiatric and somatic disorders is generally accepted, little is known regarding the interrelation between mental and skeletal health. While depressive disorders were shown to be strongly associated with osteoporosis and increased fracture risk, evidence from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients is less consistent. Therefore, the present study investigated the influence of chronic psychosocial stress on bone using a well-established murine model for PTSD. 7-week-old C57BL/6N mice were subjected to chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC) for 19 days, whereas control mice were singly housed. Anxiety-related behavior was assessed in the open field/novel object test, before the mice were euthanized to assess endocrine and bone parameters.
CSC mice exhibited an increased anxiety-related behavior in the open field/novel object test, increased adrenal and decreased thymus weights and unaffected plasma morning corticosterone. Micro-computed tomography and histomorphometrical analyses revealed significantly reduced tibia and femur lengths, increased growth plate thickness and reduced mineral deposition at the growth plate, suggesting disturbed endochondral ossification during long-bone growth. This was associated with reduced Runx2-expression in hypertrophic chondrocytes in the growth plate. Trabecular thicknesses and bone mineral density were significantly increased in CSC compared to singly housed mice. Tyrosine hydroxylase expression was increased in bone-marrow cells located at the growth plates of CSC mice, implying that local adrenergic signaling might be involved in the effects of CSC on the skeletal phenotype. Concluding, chronic psychosocial stress negatively impacts endochondral ossification in the growth plate, affecting both longitudinal and appositional bone growth in adolescent mice.
The peer review process for awarding funds to international science research consortia: a qualitative developmental evaluation
Authors: Gregorius Stefanie , Dean Laura , Cole Donald C , Bates Imelda 
Published: October 2017

Background: Evaluating applications for multi-national, multi-disciplinary, dual-purpose research consortia is highly complex. There has been little research on the peer review process for evaluating grant applications and almost none on how applications for multi-national consortia are reviewed. Overseas development investments are increasingly being channelled into international science consortia to generate high-quality research while simultaneously strengthening multi-disciplinary research capacity. We need a better understanding of how such decisions are made and their effectiveness.Methods: An award-making institution planned to fund 10 UK-Africa research consortia. Over two annual rounds, 34 out of 78 eligible applications were shortlisted and reviewed by at least five external reviewers before final selections were made by a face-to-face panel. We used an innovative approach involving structured, overt observations of award-making panel meetings and semi-structured interviews with panel members to explore how assessment criteria concerning research quality and capacity strengthening were applied during the peer review process. Data were coded and analysed using pre-designed matrices which incorporated categories relating to the assessment criteria.Results: In general the process was rigorous and well-managed. However, lack of clarity about differential weighting of criteria and variations in the panel’s understanding of research capacity strengthening resulted in some inconsistencies in use of the assessment criteria. Using the same panel for both rounds had advantages, in that during the second round consensus was achieved more quickly and the panel had increased focus on development aspects.Conclusion: Grant assessment panels for such complex research applications need to have topic- and context-specific expertise. They must also understand research capacity issues and have a flexible but equitable and transparent approach. This study has developed and tested an approach for evaluating the operation of such panels and has generated lessons that can promote coherence and transparency among grant-makers and ultimately make the award-making process more effective.
Incidental Detection of Maternal Neoplasia in Noninvasive Prenatal Testing
Authors: Dharajiya Nilesh G , Grosu Daniel S , Farkas Daniel H , McCullough Ron M , Almasri Eyad , Sun Youting , Kim Sung K , Jensen Taylor J , Saldivar Juan-Sebastian , Topol Eric J , van den Boom Dirk , Ehrich Mathias 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) uses cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as an analyte to detect copy-number alterations in the fetal genome. Because maternal and fetal cfDNA contributions are comingled, changes in the maternal genome can manifest as abnormal NIPT results. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) present in cases of maternal neoplasia has the potential to distort the NIPT readout to a degree that prevents interpretation, resulting in a nonreportable test result for fetal aneuploidy.

METHODS
NIPT cases that showed a distortion from normal euploid genomic representation were communicated to the caregiving physician as nonreportable for fetal aneuploidy. Follow-up information was subsequently collected for these cases. More than 450000 pregnant patients who submitted samples for clinical laboratory testing &gt;3 years are summarized. Additionally, in-depth analysis was performed for &gt;79000 research-consented samples.

RESULTS
In total, 55 nonreportable NIPT cases with altered genomic profiles were cataloged. Of these, 43 had additional information available to enable follow-up. A maternal neoplasm was confirmed in 40 of these cases: 18 malignant, 20 benign uterine fibroids, and 2 with radiological confirmation but without pathological classification.

CONCLUSIONS
In a population of pregnant women who submitted a blood sample for cfDNA testing, an abnormal genomic profile not consistent with fetal abnormalities was detected in about 10 out of 100000 cases. A subset of these observations (18 of 43; 41.9%) was attributed to maternal malignant neoplasms. These observational results suggest the need for a controlled trial to evaluate the potential of using cfDNA as an early biomarker of cancer.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lohman Kirsty , Pringle Kirby 
Published: October 2017

A European Youth Revolt: European Perspectives on Youth Protest and Social Movements in the 1980s, Knud Andresen and Bart van der Steen (eds) (2016) Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 277 pp., ISBN: 9781137565709, h/bk, £63.00
Punk and Revolution: Seven more Interpretations of
Peruvian Reality, Shane Greene (2016) Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 248 pp., ISBN: 9780822362746, p/bk, £19.00
Tudor-SN protein expression in colorectal cancer and its association with clinical characteristics
Authors: Zhu Weifang , Tan Shiyun 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectivesTudor-SN protein (SND1) is known to be up-regulated in some types of human malignancies and functions as an oncogene. The objective of our study was to investigate the expression and prognostic value of SND1 in human colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsReal-time PCR and western blot were performed to examine the SND1 expression in human CRC and their corresponding non-cancerous colon tissues from 42 patients. Its clinical significance was evaluated by analyzing its expression with multiple pathological characters of CRC patients. Finally, a Kaplan-Meier survival curve was derived for SND1 gene expression among these CRC patients.ResultsWe found a significantly increased expression of SND1 mRNA and protein in tissue samples of CRC when compared to those in the paired normal adjacent colon tissues. High SND1 expression was positively correlated with higher tumor grades, aggressive N1+N2 nodal status and poor differentiation. Additionally, the overall survival rate in CRC patients with higher expression of SND1 was significantly shorter than that with lower SND1 expression.ConclusionOur findings suggested that SND1 might act as an important agent in the CRC carcinogenesis and predicted worse outcomes. The high expression of SND1 could be used as a novel predictive and prognostic marker of CRC.