bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics and Lifestyle Behaviors in a Population-Based Sample of Chinese and South Asian Immigrants With Hypertension
Authors: Yi Stella S. , Thorpe Lorna E. , Zanowiak Jennifer M. , Trinh-Shevrin Chau , Islam Nadia S. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the United States. Chinese Americans and their counterparts in Chinese countries have been shown to have an elevated risk of stroke compared to non-Hispanic Whites, while South Asian Americans and their counterparts in South Asian countries have an elevated risk of heart disease. Exactly how cardiovascular disease morbidity varies by Asian subgroup, however, is not well understood. The purpose of this analysis was to identify differences in clinical presentation and lifestyle behaviors between Chinese and South Asian American immigrants vs. non-Hispanic Whites in a representative sample of adults with self-report of physician-diagnosed hypertension.

METHODS
Data on adults with self-reported hypertension were obtained from the New York City Community Health Survey 2009–2013 (Chinese: n = 555; South Asian: n = 144; non-Hispanic White: n = 5,987).

RESULTS
Compared to non-Hispanic Whites with hypertension, foreign-born Chinese adults with hypertension were of a much lower socioeconomic profile and less likely to have private health insurance, and foreign-born Chinese and South Asian adults with hypertension had lower body mass index (BMI) values (25.3, 26.0 vs. 28.7kg/m 2 ; P &lt; 0.001). South Asians were younger than non-Hispanic Whites (mean age: 49.5 vs. 62.1 years; P &lt; 0.001) and had poorer diet quality. BMI and diet quality results persisted in multivariable regression models.

CONCLUSIONS
Findings from this study highlight important clinical distinctions in hypertensive Chinese and South Asian immigrant communities with respect to age and body size. Whether targeted and culturally appropriate approaches would reduce cardiovascular disease-related mortality in these groups needs further study.
Chronic Pain Following Motor Vehicle Collision
Authors: Giummarra Melita J. , Ioannou Liane , Ponsford Jennie , Cameron Peter A. , Jennings Paul A. , Gibson Stephen J. , Georgiou-Karistianis Nellie 
Published: February 2016

Objective:
Motor vehicle collisions (MVC) are a major cause of injury, which frequently lead to chronic pain and prolonged disability. Several studies have found that seeking or receiving financial compensation following MVC leads to poorer recovery and worse pain. We evaluated the evidence for the relationship between compensation and chronic pain following MVC within a biopsychosocial framework.

Method:
A comprehensive search of 5 computerized databases was conducted. Methodological quality was evaluated independently by 2 researchers according to formal criteria, and discrepancies were resolved with a third reviewer.

Results:
We identified 5619 studies, from which 230 full-text articles were retrieved and 27 studies were retained for appraisal. A third of studies (37%) were of low quality, and 44% did not measure or control for factors such as injury severity or preinjury pain and disability. Most studies (70%) reported adverse outcomes, including all of the highest quality studies. Engagement with compensation systems was related to more prevalent self-reported chronic pain, mental health disorders, and reduced return to work. Recovery was poorer when fault was attributed to another, or when a lawyer was involved. Five studies compared Tort “common law” and No-Fault schemes directly and concluded that Tort claimants had poorer recovery.

Conclusions:
Although causal relationships cannot be assumed, the findings imply that aspects of loss, injustice, and secondary mental health outcomes lead to chronic pain following MVC. Further robust prospective research is required to understand the complex relationship between compensation systems and pain following road trauma, particularly the role of secondary mental health outcomes.
Affect and Low Back Pain
Authors: Hassett Afton L. , Goesling Jenna , Mathur Sunjay N. , Moser Stephanie E. , Brummett Chad M. , Sibille Kimberly T. 
Published: February 2016

Objectives:
Affect balance style, a measure of trait positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA), is predictive of pain and functioning in fibromyalgia and healthy individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distribution of affect balance styles and the relationship between these styles and clinical factors in low back pain.

Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, patients with low back pain (N=443) completed questionnaires and were categorized as having 1 of 4 distinct affect balance styles: Healthy (high levels of PA and low levels of NA), Low (low PA/low NA), Reactive (high PA/high NA), and Depressive (low PA/high NA). Comparisons between groups were made in regard to pain, functioning, and psychiatric comorbidity.

Results:
High NA was observed in 63% (n=281), whereas low PA was present in 81% (n=359). We found that having a Depressive style was associated with greater pain severity, increased odds for comorbid fibromyalgia, and worse functioning compared with having a Healthy or Low style. Yet, those with a Low style were at increased risk for depression compared with a Healthy style, whereas patients with a Reactive style had similar levels of pain, functioning, and depression as those with a Healthy affective style.

Conclusions:
Our study revealed that there are important differences between trait affect balance styles in regard to pain, mood, and functioning in low back pain. Findings related to Reactive and Low affective styles suggest that relationships between affect, pain, and disability in low back pain extend beyond considering NA alone.
Quadriceps Muscle Strength Correlates With Serum Vitamin D and Knee Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Javadian Yahya , Adabi Marzieh , Heidari Behzad , Babaei Mansour , Firouzjahi Alireza , Ghahhari Behnaz Y. , Hajian-Tilaki Karim 
Published: February 2016

Background:
Quadriceps muscle weakness and vitamin D deficiency are associated with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) and vitamin D in KOA.

Methods:
Patients with KOA aged 40 years and above were studied. QMS was assessed by the dynanometry method and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) by the ELISA method. Serum 25-OHD<20 ng/mL was considered as a deficiency. The intensity of knee pain was determined by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Pain Scale. The Pearson test was used for correlation analysis between QMS and serum 25-OHD as well as knee pain.

Results:
A total of 92 patients (female, 80%) with a mean age of 49.6±11.7 years were studied. QMS was correlated positively with serum 25-OHD (r=0.304, r
2=9.24%, P=0.005) and negatively with knee pain (r=−0.232, r
2=5.3%, P=0.034). After adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index, the positive correlation increased to a higher level (r=0.496, r
2=24.9%, P=0.01). For each 1 ng/mL increase in serum 25-OHD, the value of QMS increased by 14.2%±3.5% (P=0.014). There was no significant correlation between serum 25-OHD and knee pain (P=0.13).

Conclusions:
These findings demonstrated a significant correlation between QMS with both serum vitamin D and knee pain, indicating a confounding role for quadriceps muscle in the association between serum vitamin D and osteoarthritis knee pain. On the basis of the findings of this study, vitamin D supplementation may affect pain by strengthening quadriceps muscle in KOA.
Assessment of Procedural Pain in Children Using Analgesia Nociception Index
Authors: Avez-Couturier Justine , De Jonckheere Julien , Jeanne Mathieu , Vallée Louis , Cuisset Jean-Marie , Logier Régis 
Published: February 2016

Objectives:The Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI), based on heart rate (HR) variability analysis, is known to decrease after a painful stimulus during surgery under general anesthesia in adults. It is measured continuously and noninvasively. We studied ANI response to procedural pain in a pediatric population and ANI measurement’s feasibility in this context, across age.Methods:A prospective, noninterventional pilot study was performed. All children (between 6 mo and under 18 y) undergoing muscle biopsy conducted under analgesia and light sedation were included. Medical staff was blind to the ANI monitor. HR and ANI were recorded and analyzed during 2 periods: T1 before incision and T2 after incision. Pain was assessed by the FLACC scale at T2. We observed ANI and HR variations after incision. ANI, HR, and FLACC were compared between children younger or older than 6 years. Enrollment or technical issues were reported.Results:A total of 26 children were included (median age, 6 y; ranging from 6 mo to 16 y; 16 male). ANI decreased from T1 to T2. HR, ANI, or FLACC values were not different in children younger or older than 6 years. No parents or children refused to take part in the study. No technical issues was reported.Discussion:In this pilot study, ANI measurement seems relevant in pediatric procedural pain, across age. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Isometric Exercise Above but not Below an Individual’s Pain Threshold Influences Pain Perception in People With Lateral Epicondylalgia
Authors: Coombes Brooke K. , Wiebusch Matheus , Heales Luke , Stephenson Aoife , Vicenzino Bill 
Published: February 2016

Objective:
To examine the acute effects of isometric exercise of different intensities on pain perception in individuals with chronic lateral epicondylalgia.

Materials and Methods:
Participants performed 3 experimental tasks completed in a randomized order on separate days: control (no exercise) and isometric wrist extension (10×15 s) at load 20% below (infrathreshold), and 20% above (suprathreshold) an individual’s pain threshold. Self-reported pain intensity (11-point numeric rating scales), pressure pain threshold, and pain-free grip were assessed by a blinded examiner before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after task performance. Relation analysis between pain ratings and clinical variables, including pain and disability and kinesiophobia was performed.

Results:
Twenty-four individuals with unilateral lateral epicondylalgia of median 3-month duration participated. Pain intensity during contraction was significantly higher during suprathreshold exercise than infrathreshold exercise (mean difference in numeric rating scale 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-1.5; P=0.002). Pain intensity during suprathreshold exercise was significantly correlated with pain and disability (R=0.435, P=0.034) and kinesiophobia (R=0.556, P=0.005). Pain intensity was significantly higher immediately after performance of suprathreshold exercise, compared with infrathreshold exercise (P=0.01) and control (P<0.001) conditions, whereas infrathreshold exercise and control conditions were comparable. Thirty minutes later, pain levels remained significantly higher for suprathreshold exercise compared with infrathreshold exercise (P=0.043). Pressure pain threshold and pain-free grip showed no significant effects of time, condition, or time×condition (P>0.05).

Discussion:
Individuals with lateral epicondylalgia demonstrated increased pain intensity after an acute bout of isometric exercise performed at an intensity above, but not below, their individual pain threshold. Further investigation is needed to determine whether measurement of an individual’s exercise induced pain threshold may be important in reducing symptom flares associated with exercise.
Effect of Exogenous Albumin on the Incidence of Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery with a Preoperative Albumin Level of Less Than 4.0 g/dl
Authors: Lee Eun-Ho , Kim Wook-Jong , Kim Ji-Yeon , Chin Ji-Hyun , Choi Dae-Kee , Sim Ji-Yeon , Choo Suk-Jung , Chung Cheol-Hyun , Lee Jae-Won , Choi In-Cheol 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAbstract
Administration of 20% exogenous albumin immediately before surgery significantly reduces the risk of acute kidney injury after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with a preoperative serum albumin level of less than 4.0 g/dl.
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background
Hypoalbuminemia may increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). The authors investigated whether the immediate preoperative administration of 20% albumin solution affects the incidence of AKI after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

Methods
In this prospective, single-center, randomized, parallel-arm double-blind trial, 220 patients with preoperative serum albumin levels less than 4.0 g/dl were administered 100, 200, or 300 ml of 20% human albumin according to the preoperative serum albumin level (3.5 to 3.9, 3.0 to 3.4, or less than 3.0 g/dl, respectively) or with an equal volume of saline before surgery. The primary outcome measure was AKI incidence after surgery. Postoperative AKI was defined by maximal AKI Network criteria based on creatinine changes.

Results
Patient characteristics and perioperative data except urine output during surgery were similar between the two groups studied, the albumin group and the control group. Urine output (median [interquartile range]) during surgery was higher in the albumin group (550 ml [315 to 980]) than in the control group (370 ml [230 to 670]; P = 0.006). The incidence of postoperative AKI in the albumin group was lower than that in the control group (14 [13.7%] vs. 26 [25.7%]; P = 0.048). There were no significant between-group differences in severe AKI, including renal replacement therapy, 30-day mortality, and other clinical outcomes. There were no significant adverse events.

Conclusion
Administration of 20% exogenous albumin immediately before surgery increases urine output during surgery and reduces the risk of AKI after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with a preoperative serum albumin level of less than 4.0 g/dl.
A Method to Prevent Occipitocervical Joint Violation Using Plain Radiography During Percutaneous Anterior Transarticular Screw Fixation
Authors: Jin Hai-Ming , Xu Dao-Liang , Xuan Jun , Chen Jiao-Xiang , Goswami Amit , Chen Xi-Bang , Wu Ai-Min , Chi Yong-Long , Wang Xiang-Yang 
Published: February 2016

Study Design.
A prospective study of anterior transarticular screw (ATS) fixation patients.

Objective.
To develop a method to determine screw tip position through plain radiography after percutaneous ATS fixation to prevent occipitocervical joint (OCJ) violation.

Summary of Background Data.
No studies using plain radiography to prevent OCJ violation during percutaneous ATS fixation have been performed.

Methods.
In total, 34 subjects (with 68 screws) who had undergone percutaneous ATS fixation were enrolled. To evaluate the screw tip location in relation to the C1 lateral mass (LM), the screw tip positions were graded 1, 2, or 3 on anteroposterior (AP) radiographs, and I, II, or III on lateral radiographs. OCJ violation was analyzed by postoperative computed tomography (CT).

Results.
Screws with tips located lower (tip I) in the LM did not result in OCJ violation. Only one tip in the tip 3 position showed OCJ perforation, and this screw was also located in tip III. Screw perforation rates of tip 1–tip II, tip 1–tip III, and tip 2–tip III were the highest (100%), followed by tip 2–tip II (10.5%) and tip3–tip III (10%).

Conclusion.
This study provides insights into OCJ violation during percutaneous ATS fixation. According to AP radiography, a percutaneous ATS with the screw tip located in the lateral part of the LM resulted in a lower rate of OCJ perforation, whereas screws located in the medial LM resulted in the highest rate of perforation. Percutaneous ATS with the screw tip located in the neutral part of the LM should ensure that the screw tip is below the upper part of the LM, preventing OCJ violation. These findings may help surgeons assess screw positioning both during and after the operation.

Level of Evidence: 3
Comparison of Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Hispanic and Asian Chronic Hepatitis B Patients in Southern California
Authors: Zhu Jiaming , Khemichian Saro , Nghiem Dat , Zhang Shi-Rong , Limurti Joyce , Saito Takeshi , Fong Tse-Ling 
Published: February 2016

Objectives:
There are few data regarding the clinical and serologic features of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection among Hispanics in the United States. The aims of this study were to compare and contrast clinical characteristics of Hispanic and Asian CHB patients.

Methods:
Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from Hispanic and Asian CHB patients seen between January 2013 and May 2014 at Los Angeles County Hepatitis Clinic.

Results:
A total of 55 Hispanic and 342 Asian CHB patients were identified. Almost all were foreign-born. Compared with Asians, Hispanics were more likely to report heterosexual transmission (P<0.0001) and blood transfusion history (P<0.0001) as risk factors. Overall, 31% of Hispanics had HBV>2000 IU/mL compared with 54% of Asians (P=0.004).
Significantly more Asian HBeAg-negative/anti-HBe-positive CHB patients had high HBV DNA levels (>2000 IU/mL) with elevated ALT compared with Hispanic patients (P=0.04). Compared with Asians, Hispanic CHB patients were more likely to have elevated ALT and low HBV DNA levels (P=0.001). Among CHB patients who received antiviral therapy, response was comparable among Hispanics and Asians. There were no Hispanic CHB patients who experienced spontaneous reactivation or developed hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusions:
There were important differences in the clinical, demographic, and serologic characteristics between Hispanic and Asian CHB. Response rate to antiviral therapy was comparable. Further studies of Hispanic CHB patients in the United States are warranted.
Outcomes and Predictors of Rebleeding After 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Injection in Acute Gastric Variceal Hemorrhage
Authors: Al-Bawardy Badr , Gorospe Emmanuel C. , Saleem Atif , Buttar Navtej S. , Wong Kee Song Louis M. 
Published: February 2016

Background and Aim:
Endoscopic injection of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2-OCA) is used on an off-label basis for gastric variceal hemorrhage (GVH) in the United States. We assessed the efficacy, safety, and predictors of rebleeding after gastric variceal obturation (GVO) with 2-OCA in patients with acute GVH.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with GVH who underwent 2-OCA injection for GVO over a 15-year period. Rates of acute hemostasis, predictors of rebleeding, and cyanoacrylate-related adverse events were assessed.

Results:
A total of 95 patients (63 males, median age 59±14 y) were analyzed. Gastric varices were categorized as GOV-1 (3%), GOV-2 (61%), and isolated gastric varices type 1 (36%) per Sarin classification. Initial hemostasis was achieved in all patients. Successful GVO, defined as sustained hemostasis within a month after injection, was achieved in 87 (92%) patients. Failed GVO with in-hospital rebleeding was observed in 8 (8%) patients. On univariate analysis, only the model for end-stage liver disease score was associated with an increased risk of rebleeding (odds ratio 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.4; P<0.01). Glue-related adverse events consisted of pulmonary emboli in 2 patients (2.1%), resulting in death in 1 patient. All cause in-hospital mortality was 13% due to uncontrolled gastric variceal rebleeding (n=3), renal failure (n=6), metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (n=1), hemorrhagic stroke (n=1), and pulmonary embolism (n=1).

Conclusions:
Injection of 2-OCA was effective at achieving hemostasis in a high proportion of patients (92%) admitted for acute GVH. The risk of glue-related pulmonary embolism approximated 2% in our patient cohort, including 1 fatality.
Applicability of endoscopic indices in the determination of disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kucharski Marcin , Karczewski Jacek , Mańkowska-Wierzbicka Dorota , Karmelita-Katulska Katarzyna , Grzymisławski Marian , Kaczmarek Elżbieta , Iwanik Katarzyna , Rzymski Piotr , Swora-Cwynar Ewelina , Linke Krzysztof , Dobrowolska Agnieszka 
Published: February 2016

Objective
The combination of clinical remission and mucosal healing represents a major goal of different treatment strategies for ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to assess which of the endoscopic indices used to evaluate mucosal changes in UC are correlated with clinical indices currently used to determine disease activity, as well as which of the endoscopic indices are correlated with the Geboes Index used for histological evaluation. It also aimed to find correlations between the currently used clinical activity indices and the histological Geboes Index.

Methods
A group of 49 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of UC and a group of 52 individuals without a diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease, who constituted the control group, were investigated. All patients were evaluated by colonoscopy, and the severity of mucosal changes was scored in terms of nine different endoscopic indices commonly used in both pharmacological trials and clinical practice. Evaluation was also carried out using clinical and histological indices. Endoscopic indices used for UC were then correlated with different clinical and histological indices to find the strongest correlations.

Results and conclusion
A high correlation was demonstrated between three of the 11 evaluated clinical indices – Improvement Based on Individual Symptom Scores, Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index, and Schroeder Index – and all nine endoscopic indices – Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity, Baron Score, Schroeder Index, Feagan Index, Powell–Tuck Index, Rachmilewitz Index, Sutherland Index, Lofberg Index, and Lemman Index. Improvement Based on Individual Symptom Scores was the index with the highest correlation with all the endoscopic indices used for UC. The above indices are recommended for clinical evaluation of UC activity. The Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity was moderately correlated with a histological index, and it is therefore recommended for routine endoscopic mucosal evaluation in patients with UC.
Implementing an electronic observation and early warning score chart in the emergency department: a feasibility study
Authors: Pullinger Richard , Wilson Sarah , Way Rob , Santos Mauro , Wong David , Clifton David , Birks Jacqueline , Tarassenko Lionel 
Published: February 2016

Background
Use of automated systems to aid identification of patient deterioration in routine hospital practice is limited and their impact on patient outcomes remains unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing an electronic observation chart with automated early warning score (EWS) calculation in the high-acuity area of an emergency department.

Methods
This study enrolled 3219 participants before and 3352 after implementation of an automated system, using bedside vital-sign entry on networked mobile devices. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of participants for whom an EWS was accurately recorded at each stage.

Results
Of the participants, 52.7% before and 92.9% after implementation of the electronic system had an accurate EWS recorded on charts available to the study team. Participant groups were well balanced for baseline characteristics and acuity.

Conclusion
In this study, the feasibility and limitations of implementing an electronic observation chart in the ED were demonstrated. Accurate EWS documentation was more frequent after implementation of the electronic observation chart. Retrospective analysis suggests that the use of an electronic observation system may lead to a greater percentage of observations being taken from those patients with a higher EWS.