bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fatty acid binding protein-4 is associated with disability in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Bove Riley , Healy Brain C , Musallam Alexander , Soltany Pejvak , Diaz-Cruz Camilo , Sattarnezhad Neda , Glanz Bonnie I , Kivisäkk Pia , Miller Karen K , Chitnis Tanuja 
Published: January 2018

Background: Increased adiposity is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS) and is associated with increased disability scores. Adipokines may mediate the effects of adiposity on MS disease course. Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the association between the adipokines (leptin and fatty acid binding protein-4, FABP4) and clinical course in individuals with MS. Methods: Subjects (18–65 years) with relapsing-remitting MS or clinically isolated syndrome and <10 year disease duration were selected from a longitudinal clinical study. Cross-sectional and longitudinal models assessed the relationship between two adipokines (leptin and FABP4) and disease severity in women and men, adjusting for age, disease duration and disease type, Vitamin D level, testosterone level, and as well by body mass index (BMI). Results: Mean age of subjects ( N = 163, 56% women) was 39.3 years. Higher FABP4 levels were associated with higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores in women in both univariate and multivariate analyses (odds ratio: 1.30; p = 0.005). In men, higher FABP4 level was significantly associated with change in EDSS over time (estimate: 0.0062; p = 0.035). We found no association of FABP4 levels with time to next relapse or a measure of processing speed. Conclusion: FABP4 levels may be associated with increased disability in both men and women with MS independent of effects of BMI and other hormones. Future studies should expand these analyses and further explore downstream mechanisms of adiposity-related effects in MS.
The effect of the global financial crisis on preventable hospitalizations among the homeless in New York State
Authors: White Brandi , Ellis Charles , Jones Walter , Moran William , Simpson Kit 
Published: January 2018

Objective Periods of economic instability may increase preventable hospitalizations because of increased barriers to accessing primary care. For underserved populations such as the homeless, these barriers may be more pronounced due to limited resources in the health care safety net. This study examined the impact of the global financial crisis of 2007–2008 on access to care for the homeless in New York State. Methods Hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) were used as a proxy measure for primary care access. Admissions for ACSCs were identified in the New York State Inpatient Database from 2006 to 2012. Hospitalization rates for ACSCs were calculated for the homeless and nonhomeless. Multivariable linear regression was used to investigate the impact of the financial crisis on hospitalization rates for ACSCs. Results The findings indicate that during the financial crisis, homeless adults had significantly higher preventable hospitalizations than nonhomeless adults, and the uninsured homeless had significantly higher preventable hospitalizations when compared to other homeless subgroups. After the financial crisis, preventable hospitalizations for the homeless stabilized but remained at higher rates than those for the nonhomeless. Conclusions These findings are important to developing health policies designed to provide effective care for underserved population such as the homeless.
REHEARSAL Using Patient-Specific Simulation to Improve Endovascular Efficiency
Authors: Wooster Mathew , Doyle Adam , Hislop Sean , Glocker Roan , Armstrong Paul , Singh Michael , Illig Karl A. 
Published: January 2018

Objective: To determine whether rehearsal using patient-specific information loaded onto an endovascular simulator prior to carotid stenting improves procedural efficiency and outcomes. Methods: Patients scheduled for carotid artery stenting who had adequate preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging were considered for enrollment. After obtaining informed consent, patients were randomized to control versus rehearsal groups. Those in the rehearsal group had their CT scans loaded into an endovascular simulator (Angio Mentor) followed by case rehearsal by the attending on the simulator within 24 hours prior to the procedure; control patients underwent routine carotid stenting without rehearsal. Contrast usage, fluoroscopy time, and timing of procedural steps were recorded by a blinded observer during the actual case to determine benefit. Results: Fifteen patients were enrolled, with 6 patients randomized to the rehearsal group and 9 to the control. All measures showed improvement in the rehearsal group: Mean contrast volume (59.2 vs 76.9 mL), fluoroscopy time (11.4 vs 19.4 minutes), overall operative time (31.9 vs 42.5 minutes), time to common carotid sheath placement (17.0 vs 23.3 minutes), and total carotid sheath dwell time (14.9 vs 19.2 minutes) were all lower (more favorable) in the rehearsal group. The study was terminated early due to the lack of simulator access, and all P values were thus greater than .05 due to the lack of power. No strokes or other adverse events occurred in either group. Conclusion: Case-specific simulator rehearsal using patient-specific imaging prior to carotid stenting is associated with numerically less contrast usage, operative time, and radiation exposure, although this study was underpowered.
Perception of work-related empowerment of nurse managers
Authors: Trus Marija , Doran Diane , Martinkenas Arvydas , Asikainen Paula , Suominen Tarja 
Published: January 2018

Purpose/Aim The paper aims to analyse the perception of being empowered according to the self-evaluation of nurse managers, presenting it as structural and psychological empowerment. Methods A questionnaire-based study was conducted. The sample consisted of 193 nurse managers working in a total of seven university and general level hospitals in Lithuania. The Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II measuring structural empowerment and the Work Empowerment Questionnaire measuring psychological empowerment were used. Results The paper reveals that nurse managers experienced structural empowerment at a moderate level and were highly psychologically empowered. Conclusions These findings are in line with previous research. The results showed that particular background factors were related to aspects of empowerment. The findings of this research can be used to examine the structural and psychological aspects that function as barriers to feeling empowered. The results are also useful for chief nurses who are involved in the recruitment and retention of nurse managers. Further research is needed to look into the question of improving formal power issues, e.g. the rewards for innovation at work, and also outcome empowerment aspects that may affect changes in the way that nurse managers carry out their work.
Physician decision making in anticoagulating atrial fibrillation: a prospective survey of a physician notification system for atrial fibrillation detected on cardiac implantable electronic devices of patients at increased risk of stroke
Authors: Cloutier Justin M. , Khoo Clarence , Hiebert Brett , Wassef Anthony , Seifer Colette M. 
Published: January 2018

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of a physician notification system for atrial fibrillation (AF) detected on cardiac devices, and to assess predictors of anticoagulation in patients with device-detected AF. Methods: In 2013, a physician notification system for AF detected on a patient’s CIED [including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices] was implemented, with a recommendation to consider oral anticoagulation in high-risk patients. We prospectively investigated the effectiveness of this system, and evaluated both patient and physician predictors of anticoagulation, as well as factors influencing physician decision making in prescribing anticoagulation. Both uni- and multivariable analysis as well as descriptive statistics were used in the analysis. Results: We identified 177 patients with device-detected AF, 126 with a CHADS2 ⩾2. Only 41% were prescribed anticoagulation at any point within 12 months. On multivariable analysis, stroke risk as predicted by CHADS2 was not a predictor of anticoagulation. ASA use predicted a lower rate of anticoagulation (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16–0.97, p = 0.04); physicians in practice for <20 years were more likely to prescribe anticoagulation (OR 3.39, 95% CI 1.28–8.93, p = 0.01); and physicians who believed both cardiologist and family doctor should be involved in managing anticoagulation were more likely to prescribe anticoagulation (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.02–10.5, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Patients on aspirin were less likely to be anticoagulated. Physicians in practice for <20 years and who believed that both the general practitioner and cardiologist should be involved in managing anticoagulants were more likely to prescribe anticoagulation.
Correlation Between Third Trimester Glycemic Variability in Non-Insulin-Dependent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Adverse Pregnancy and Fetal Outcomes
Authors: Panyakat Wanwadee Sapmee , Phatihattakorn Chayawat , Sriwijitkamol Apiradee , Sunsaneevithayakul Prasert , Phaophan Amprapha , Phichitkanka Aporn 
Published: January 2018

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy-related metabolic complication. Despite optimal glycemic control from self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) in non-insulin-dependent GDM, variations in pregnancy outcomes persist. Glycemic variability is believed to be a factor that causes adverse pregnancy outcomes. Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) detects interstitial glucose values every 5 minutes, and glycemic variability data from CGMS during the third trimester may be a predictor of fetal birth weight and pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate correlation between third trimester glycemic variability in non-insulin-dependent GDM and fetal birth weight. Method: This prospective study was conducted in 55 pregnant volunteers with non-insulin-dependent GDM that were recruited at 28 to 32 weeks’ gestation from the outpatient clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital during the study period of August 1 to December 31, 2016. Patients had CGMS installed for at least 72 hours and glycemic variability data were analyzed. Results: Of 55 enrolled volunteers, the data from 47 women were included in the analysis. Mean CGMS duration was 85.5 ± 12.83 hours. No statistically significant correlation was identified between glycemic variability in third trimester and birth weight percentiles, or between third trimester CGMS parameters and pregnancy outcomes in the study. Conclusion: Based on these findings, third trimester glycemic variability data from CGMS are not a predictor of fetal birth weight percentile, and no significant association was found between CGMS parameters and adverse pregnancy outcomes; thus, CGMS is not necessary in non-insulin-dependent GDM.
Immediate Weight Bearing After Hallux Valgus Correction Using Locking Plate Fixation of the Ludloff Osteotomy: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Neufeld Steven K. , Marcel John J. , Campbell Michael 
Published: January 2018

Background. A Ludloff osteotomy is a common procedure used to correct hallux valgus deformities. Traditionally, the osteotomy is stabilized with screws only, thus requiring the patient to be non–weight bearing until healed. There have been no outcome studies analyzing immediate weight bearing after Ludloff osteotomy for hallux valgus. Methods. Of the 350 patients (390 feet) who underwent a Ludloff osteotomy fixed with a locking plate and prescribed an immediate weight-bearing postoperative protocol, 288 patients (326 feet) were included in the analysis. Average radiographic follow-up was 8 months, and hallux-valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and any hardware failures or hypertrophic callus formation were recorded. The Foot Function Index (FFI) was assessed in 103 patients at an average of 44 months postoperatively. Results. Average IMA and HVA correction were 7.6° and 21.6°, respectively (P < .0001). Loss of HVA and IMA correction of 4.6° and 2.3°, respectively, were noted between the initial postoperative films and final weight-bearing films. The average FFI score calculated for the 103 respondents was 10.4 out of a possible 100, indicating relatively low pain and disability. Complication rates were consistent with most other published postoperative protocols, with the most commonly seen being superficial infection (4.9%) and symptomatic hardware (4.6%). Conclusion. An immediate weight-bearing protocol for Ludloff osteotomies fixed with locking plates results in recurrence rates that are similar to those found with other protocols. Patient function is quite high and pain low following this protocol. The most commonly observed complications were superficial infection and symptomatic hardware requiring removal. Levels of Evidence: Level IV
Exploring health insurance services in Sudan from the perspectives of insurers
Authors: Salim Anas Mustafa Ahmed , Hamed Fatima Hashim Mahmoud 
Published: January 2018

Background: It has been 20 years since the introduction of health insurance in Sudan. This study was the first one that explored health insurance services in Sudan from the perspectives of the insurers. Methods: This was a qualitative, exploratory, interview study. The sampling frame was the list of Social Health Insurance and Private Health Insurance institutions in Sudan. Participants were selected from the four Social Health Insurance institutions and from five Private Health Insurance companies. The study was conducted in January and February 2017. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with a convenient sample of key executives from the different health insurers. Ideas and themes were identified and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The result showed that universal coverage was not achieved despite long time presence of Social Health Insurance and Private Health Insurance in Sudan. All participants described their services as comprehensive. All participants have good perception of the quality of the services they provide, although none of them investigated customer satisfaction. The main challenges facing Social Health Insurance are achieving universal coverage, ensuring sustainability and recruitment of the informal sector and self-employed population. Consumers’ affordability of the premiums is the main obstacle for Private Health Insurance, while rising healthcare cost due to economic inflation is a challenge facing both Social Health Insurance and Private Health Insurance. Conclusion: In spite of the presence of Social Health Insurance and Private Health Insurance in Sudan, the country is still far from achieving universal coverage. Moreover, the sustainability of health insurance is questionable. The main reasons include low governmental financial resources and lack of affordability by beneficiaries especially for Private Health Insurance. This necessitates finding solutions to improve them or trying other types of health insurance. The quality of services provided by Social Health Insurance and Private Health Insurance was described as good, but no insurance in Sudan measured customer satisfaction as yet.
Volume Estimates in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients by the Watson Equation and Bioimpedance Spectroscopy and the Impact on the Kt/Vurea calculation
Authors: Noori Nazanin , Wald Ron , Sharma Parpia Arti , Goldstein Marc B. 
Published: January 2018

Background: Accurate assessment of total body water (TBW) is essential for the evaluation of dialysis adequacy (Kt/Vurea). The Watson formula, which is recommended for the calculation of TBW, was derived in healthy volunteers thereby leading to potentially inaccurate TBW estimates in maintenance hemodialysis recipients. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) may be a robust alternative for the measurement of TBW in hemodialysis recipients. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Watson formula–derived TBW estimates as compared with TBW measured with BIS. Second, we aimed to identify the anthropometric characteristics that are most likely to generate inaccuracy when using the Watson formula to calculate TBW. Finally, we derived novel anthropometric equations for the more accurate estimation of TBW. Design and Setting: This was a cross-sectional study of prevalent in-center HD patients at St Michael’s Hospital. Patients: One hundred eighty-four hemodialysis patients (109 men and 75 women) were evaluated in this study. Measurements: Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, waist circumference, midarm circumference, and 4-site skinfold (biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac) thickness were measured; fat mass was measured using the formula by Durnin and Womersley. We measured TBW by BIS using the Body Composition Monitor (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany). Methods: We used the Bland-Altman method to calculate the difference between the TBW derived from the Watson method and the BIS. To derive new equations for TBW estimation, Pearson’s correlation coefficients between BIS-TBW (the reference test) and other variables were examined. We used the least squares regression analysis to develop parsimonious equations to predict TBW. Results: TBW values based on the Watson method had a high correlation with BIS-TBW (correlation coefficients = 0.87 and P < .001). Despite the high correlation, the Watson formula overestimated TBW by 5.1 (4.5-5.8) liters and 3.8 (3.0-4.5) liters, in men and women, respectively. Higher fat mass and waist circumference (general and abdominal obesity) were correlated with the greater TBW overestimation by the Watson formula. We created separate equations for men and women based on weight and waist circumference. Limitations: The main limitation of our study was the lack of an external validation for our novel estimating equation. Furthermore, though BIS has been validated against traditional reference standards, our assumption that it represents the “gold standard” for body compartment assessment may be flawed. Conclusions: The Watson formula generally overestimates TBW in chronic dialysis recipients, particularly in patients with the highest waist circumference. Widespread reliance on the Watson formula for derivation of TBW may lead to the underestimation of Kt/Vurea..
Longitudinal assessment of falls in patients with Parkinson’s disease using inertial sensors and the Timed Up and Go test
Authors: Greene Barry R , Caulfield Brian , Lamichhane Dronacharya , Bond William , Svendsen Jessica , Zurski Connie , Pratt Dyveke 
Published: January 2018

Objective To examine the predictive validity of a TUG test for falls risk, quantified using body-worn sensors (QTUG) in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). We also sought to examine the inter-session reliability of QTUG sensor measures and their association with the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score. Approach A six-month longitudinal study of 15 patients with Parkinson’s disease. Participants were asked to complete a weekly diary recording any falls activity for six months following baseline assessment. Participants were assessed monthly, using a Timed Up and Go test, quantified using body-worn sensors, placed on each leg below the knee. Main results The results suggest that the QTUG falls risk estimate recorded at baseline is 73.33% (44.90, 92.21) accurate in predicting falls within 90 days, while the Timed Up and Go time at baseline was 46.67% (21.27, 73.41) accurate. The Timed Up and Go time and QTUG falls risk estimate were strongly correlated with UPDRS motor score. Fifty-two of 59 inertial sensor parameters exhibited excellent inter-session reliability, five exhibited moderate reliability, while two parameters exhibited poor reliability. Significance The results suggest that QTUG is a reliable tool for the assessment of gait and mobility in Parkinson’s disease and, furthermore, that it may have utility in predicting falls in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Assessing the validity of pressure-measuring insoles in quantifying gait variables
Authors: DeBerardinis Jessica , Dufek Janet S , Trabia Mohamed B , Lidstone Daniel E 
Published: January 2018

Introduction Pressure-measuring insoles can provide a portable alternative to existing gait analysis tools. However, there is disagreement among researchers on their accuracy and the appropriate calibration methods. The purposes of this study were to (1) determine the validity of pressure-measuring insoles for calculating stance time and support-phase impulse during walking using two calibration procedures, and (2) examine the effect of insole size on the results. Methods Data were collected from 39 participants (23.5 ± 3.24 yrs, 66.7 ± 17.5 kg, 1.64 ± 0.09 m), each wearing appropriately sized insoles as they walked over two consecutive force platforms. Two calibration methods were evaluated: (1) manufacturer’s recommendation, and (2) a participant weight-based approach. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations were conducted. Results The results indicated that the insoles measured longer stance times than the force platform (differences are less than 10%). Both calibration methods resulted in inaccurate impulse values (differences are 30 and 50% for the two calibration methods, respectively). The results showed that when using the first calibration method, impulse values depended on insole size. The second calibration consistently underestimated the impulse. Conclusions It was concluded that while the insoles provide acceptable qualitative representation of the gait, the two studied calibration methods may lead to a misleading quantitative assessment.
Autologous US-guided PRP injection versus US-guided focal extracorporeal shock wave therapy for chronic lateral epicondylitis: A minimum of 2-year follow-up retrospective comparative study
Authors: Alessio-Mazzola Mattia , Repetto Ilaria , Biti Besmir , Trentini Roberto , Formica Matteo , Felli Lamberto 
Published: January 2018

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of two independent groups of patients treated with ultrasound (US)-guided extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) therapy and with US-guided injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for chronic lateral epicondylitis (LE) with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 63 patients treated for chronic LE (31 patients with autologous US-guided PRP injection and 32 patients with US-guided focal ESW therapy) from 2009 to 2014. All the patients were evaluated by means of Roles–Maudsley (RM) score, quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, visual analogic scale (VAS) and patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) to retrospectively assess the pain relief, level of activity, the self-reported function and subjective satisfaction at minimum of 2-year follow-up. Results: Both US-guided autologous PRP injection and US-guided focal ESW administration proved effective in chronic LE with significant improvement in the QuickDASH, VAS, RM and PRTEE scores ( p < 0.0001). No adverse effects or complications were recorded in any groups. No differences were found in recurrence rate and final results of the QuickDASH, VAS, RM and PRTEE scores between the two groups ( p > 0.05). The mean time between treatment and symptom resolution was significantly shorter for the PRP treatment ( p = 0.0212); furthermore, the mean time to return to the normal activities was quicker for PRP group ( p = 0.0119). Conclusion: Both PRP injection and ESW therapy are feasible and safe options for the treatment of chronic LE with low risk of complications and with good long-term follow-up results. US-guided PRP injection has quick efficacy when compared with US-guided focal ESW therapy.