bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the transaortic approach
Authors: Chow Simon CY , Cheung Gary SH , Lee Alex PW , Wu Eugene B , Ho Jacky YK , Kwok Micky WT , Yu Peter SY , Wan Innes YP , Underwood Malcolm J , Wong Randolph HL 
Published: May 2017

Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has been established as a safe and effective treatment option for patients at high or prohibitive surgical risk. However, some patients may not be suitable for the transfemoral approach due to severe iliofemoral disease or aneurysmal disease of the thoracoabdominal aorta. The aim of this case series was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of the transaortic approach. Methods From May 2015 to June 2016, 5 patients (mean age 78.4 ± 3.9 years) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis underwent transaortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation after a heart team discussion. They were considered to be at high surgical risk and ineligible for the transfemoral approach due to iliofemoral or thoracoabdominal aortic disease. Results A CoreValve Evolut R was successfully deployed in all 5 patients. We performed 4 right mini-parasternal incisions and one J-incision partial sternotomy. None of the patients required permanent pacemaker implantation, one required reopening of the mini-parasternal incision for postoperative bleeding. Follow-up echocardiography one month after the procedure showed improvement in the mean aortic gradient (from 63.2 to 8.3 mm Hg) and aortic valve area (from 0.62 to 2.2 cm2). None of the patients had more than mild paravalvular leakage. There was no intraoperative or 30-day mortality. Conclusion Transaortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a safe and feasible option for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered unsuitable for transfemoral aortic valve implantation.
mTOR drives cerebral blood flow and memory deficits in LDLR−/− mice modeling atherosclerosis and vascular cognitive impairment
Authors: Jahrling Jordan B , Lin Ai-Ling , DeRosa Nicholas , Hussong Stacy A , Van Skike Candice E , Girotti Milena , Javors Martin , Zhao Qingwei , Maslin Leigh Ann , Asmis Reto , Galvan Veronica 
Published: May 2017

We recently showed that mTOR attenuation blocks progression and abrogates established cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse models. These outcomes were associated with the restoration of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and brain vascular density (BVD) resulting from relief of mTOR inhibition of NO release. Recent reports suggested a role of mTOR in atherosclerosis. Because mTOR drives aging and vascular dysfunction is a universal feature of aging, we hypothesized that mTOR may contribute to brain vascular and cognitive dysfunction associated with atherosclerosis. We measured CBF, BVD, cognitive function, markers of inflammation, and parameters of cardiovascular disease in LDLR−/− mice fed maintenance or high-fat diet ± rapamycin. Cardiovascular pathologies were proportional to severity of brain vascular dysfunction. Aortic atheromas were reduced, CBF and BVD were restored, and cognitive dysfunction was attenuated potentially through reduction in systemic and brain inflammation following chronic mTOR attenuation. Our studies suggest that mTOR regulates vascular integrity and function and that mTOR attenuation may restore neurovascular function and cardiovascular health. Together with our previous studies in AD models, our data suggest mTOR-driven vascular damage may be a mechanism shared by age-associated neurological diseases. Therefore, mTOR attenuation may have promise for treatment of cognitive impairment in atherosclerosis.
Convergence Insufficiency Identifies Athletes at Risk of Prolonged Recovery From Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: DuPrey Kevin M. , Webner David , Lyons Adam , Kucuk Crystal H. , Ellis Jeffrey T. , Cronholm Peter F. 
Published: May 2017

Background: Sensitive and specific screening methods are needed to identify athletes at risk of prolonged recovery after sport-related concussion (SRC). Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a common finding in concussed athletes. Purpose: To assess the relationship between CI and recovery after SRC at the initial office visit. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 270 athletes (147 male, 123 female), mean ± SD age 14.7 ± 2.0 years (range, 10-21 years), with the diagnosis of SRC who presented for initial office visit between January 2014 and January 2016 were evaluated for near point of convergence (NPC). The athletes were categorized into 2 groups: normal near point of convergence (NPC ≤6 cm), and convergence insufficiency (NPC >6 cm). These athletes were then followed to determine recovery time. Results: Athletes presented for initial office visit at a mean of 5.2 ± 4.2 days (range, 1-21 days) after SRC. Half of the athletes had CI after SRC (50.4%; n = 136). Athletes with CI (NPC 12.3 ± 4.7 cm) took significantly longer to recover after SRC, requiring 51.6 ± 53.9 days, compared with athletes with normal NPC (4.1 ± 1.3 cm), who required 19.2 ± 14.7 days ( P < .001). After controlling for potential confounding variables, CI significantly increased the odds of prolonged recovery (≥28 days from injury) by 12.3-fold ( P < .001; 95% confidence interval, 6.6-23.0). CI screening correctly classified 75.2% of our sample with 84.2% sensitivity and 70.0% specificity. The positive predictive value for CI and prolonged recovery was 62.5%, and the negative predictive value was 88.1%. Conclusion: CI at the initial office visit identified athletes at increased risk of prolonged recovery after SCR. Clinicians should consider measuring NPC in concussed athletes as a quick and inexpensive prognostic screening method.
CREATING EVALUATION PROFILES FOR GAMES DESIGNED TO BE FUN: An Interpretive Framework for Serious Game Mechanics
Authors: Ulrich Frank , Helms Niels Henrik 
Published: May 2017

Background. Games can be great pedagogical tools for educators and students. COTS games (commercial-off-the-shelf) are designed for the pure purpose of leisure but can also contain educational value. Aim. In this paper, we address the potential of COTS games as serious games. We develop an interpretive evaluation framework that can identify the educational value in COTS games. Application. The presented framework can create evaluative profiles of the learning, social, game, and immersive mechanics of COTS games as educational tools. Moreover, the framework can position COTS games between four intertwined dimensions, namely pedagogical, design, knowledge, and sociotechnical considerations. Demonstration. To validate the practical application of the interpretive framework, we apply it to a real-world example. Our demonstration reveals the usefulness of the framework. Conclusions. The framework enables critical reflection on the game mechanics; thereby capturing the complexity of the game mechanics that makes COTS game both educational and fun to play.
Weightbearing vs Gravity Stress Radiographs for Stability Evaluation of Supination-External Rotation Fractures of the Ankle
Authors: Seidel Angela , Krause Fabian , Weber Martin 
Published: May 2017

Background: Isolated lateral malleolar fractures may result from a supination-external rotation (SER) injury of the ankle. Stable fractures maintain tibiotalar congruence due to competent medial restraints and can be treated nonoperatively with excellent functional results and long-term prognosis. Stability might be assessed with either stress radiographs or weightbearing radiographs. Methods: A consecutive series of patients with closed SER fractures (presumed AO 44-B1) were prospectively enrolled from 2008 to 2015. Patients with clearly unstable fractures (medial clear space more than 7 mm) on the initial nonweightbearing radiograph were excluded and operated on. All other patients were examined with a gravity stress and a weightbearing anteroposterior radiograph. Borderline instability of the fracture was assumed when the medial clear space was 4 to 7 mm. Those were treated nonoperatively. Results: Of 104 patients with isolated lateral malleolar fractures of the SER type, 14 patients were treated operatively because of clear instability (displacement) on the initial radiographs. Of the nonoperative patients, 44 patients demonstrated borderline instability on the gravity stress but stability on the weightbearing radiograph (“gravity borderline”); the remaining 46 were stable in both tests (“gravity stable”). At an average follow-up of 23 months, no significant differences were seen in the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot score (92 points gravity-borderline group vs 93 points gravity-unstable group), the Foot Functional Index score (11 vs 10 points), the Short Form 36 (SF-36) physical component (86 vs 85 points), and SF-36 mental component (84 vs 81 points). Radiographically, all fractures had healed with anatomic congruity of the ankle. Conclusion: Weightbearing radiographs provided a reliable basis to decide about stability and nonoperative treatment in isolated lateral malleolar fractures of the SER type with excellent clinical and radiographic outcome at short-term follow-up. Gravity stress radiographs appear to overrate the need for operative treatment. Level of Evidence: Level III, prospective comparative study
Is Incisura Fibularis a Reliable Landmark for Assessing Syndesmotic Stability? A Systematic Review of Morphometric Studies
Authors: Anand Prakash Akilesh 
Published: May 2017

Incisura fibularis (IF) is an important landmark in assessing syndesmotic stability radiologically postinjury. The purpose of this review was to explore the anatomy and morphometrics of this widely used anatomical landmark and to further the understanding of the same. A systematic review was conducted online using PubMed and Google Scholar, per PRISMA guidelines. Predefined eligibility criteria were applied, and the data thus compiled were analyzed. Wide variability in morphometrics and, thus, anatomy of IF were observed in the present review, which was influenced by gender. There was no side-to-side variability seen in this study. The study stresses the need to consider the anatomical and gender-based variability while assessing syndesmotic stability and further supports the recommendation of side-to-side comparison. Levels of Evidence: Anatomical, Level V
Removal of Hardware After Syndesmotic Screw Fixation: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Walley Kempland C. , Hofmann Kurt J. , Velasco Brian T. , Kwon John Y. 
Published: May 2017

Background. While trans-syndesmotic fixation with metal screws is considered the gold standard in treating syndesmotic injuries, controversy exists regarding the need and timing of postoperative screw removal. Formal recommendations have not been well established in the literature and clinical practice is highly variable in this regard. The purpose of this systematic review is to critically examine the most recent literature regarding syndesmotic screw removal in order to provide surgeons an evidence-based approach to management of these injuries. Methods. The Cochrane Library and PubMed Medline databases were explored using search terms for syndesmosis and screw removal between October 1, 2010 and June 1, 2016. Results. A total of 9 studies (1 randomized controlled trial and 8 retrospective cohort studies) were found that described the outcomes of either retained or removed syndesmotic screws. Overall, there was no difference in functional, clinical or radiographic outcomes in patients who had their syndesmotic screw removed. There was a higher likelihood of recurrent syndesmotic diastasis when screws were removed between 6 and 8 weeks. There was a higher rate of postoperative infections when syndesmotic screws were removed without administering preoperative antibiotics. Conclusion. Removal of syndesmotic screws is advisable mainly in cases of patient complaints related to the other implanted perimalleolar hardware or malreduction of the syndesmosis after at least 8 weeks postoperatively. Broken or loose screws should not be removed routinely unless causing symptoms. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended on removal. Radiographs should be routinely obtained immediately prior to removal and formal discussions should be had with patients prior to surgery to discuss management options if a broken screw is unexpectedly encountered intraoperatively. Radiographs and/or computed tomography imaging should be obtained after syndesmotic screw removal when indicated for known syndesmotic malreduction. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Systematic review
Law Clinics and Advocacy Within the University Community: Risks and Benefits
Authors: Bamgbose Oluyemisi , Tafita Folake 
Published: May 2017

The inception of the legal aid scheme in the Nigerian legal system brought about hope for the indigent and with it an increased rate of indigent dependents relying on the scheme to access justice. This article discusses the advent of legal clinics in Nigeria and its relevance to a university community; in particular, the writers look into the rationale for establishing a specialized Woman’s Law Clinic and discuss the risks and benefits associated with advocacy and practicing as a University Law Clinic. In concluding, a risk–benefit assessment was examined using the unstructured questionnaire method of finding the stakeholders’ views/perspectives on having a clinic within the university community.
Multigene Panel Testing Provides a New Perspective on Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Espenschied Carin R. , LaDuca Holly , Li Shuwei , McFarland Rachel , Gau Chia-Ling , Hampel Heather 
Published: May 2017

Purpose Most existing literature describes Lynch syndrome (LS) as a hereditary syndrome leading to high risks of colorectal cancer (CRC) and endometrial cancer mainly as a result of mutations in MLH1 and MSH2. Most of these studies were performed on cohorts with disease suggestive of hereditary CRC and population-based CRC and endometrial cancer cohorts, possibly biasing results. We aimed to describe a large cohort of mismatch repair (MMR) mutation carriers ascertained through multigene panel testing, evaluate their phenotype, and compare the results with those of previous studies. Methods We retrospectively reviewed clinical histories of patients who had multigene panel testing, including the MMR and EPCAM genes, between March 2012 and June 2015 (N = 34,981) and performed a series of statistical comparisons. Results Overall, MSH6 mutations were most frequent, followed by PMS2, MSH2, MLH1, and EPCAM mutations, respectively. Of 528 patients who had MMR mutations, 63 (11.9%) had breast cancer only and 144 (27.3%) had CRC only. When comparing those with breast cancer only to those with CRC only, MSH6 and PMS2 mutations were more frequent than MLH1 and MSH2 mutations ( P = 2.3 × 10−5). Of the 528 patients, 22.2% met BRCA1 and BRCA2 ( BRCA1/2) testing criteria and not LS criteria, and 5.1% met neither BRCA1/2 nor LS testing criteria. MSH6 and PMS2 mutations were more frequent than MLH1 and MSH2 mutations among patients who met BRCA1/2 testing criteria but did not meet LS testing criteria ( P = 4.3 × 10−7). Conclusion These results provide a new perspective on LS and suggest that individuals with MSH6 and PMS2 mutations may present with a hereditary breast and ovarian cancer phenotype. These data also highlight the limitations of current testing criteria in identifying these patients, as well as the need for further investigation of cancer risks in patients with MMR mutations.
Preoperative Warming Versus no Preoperative Warming for Maintenance of Normothermia in Women Receiving Intrathecal Morphine for Cesarean Delivery: A Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Munday Judy , Osborne Sonya , Yates Patsy , Sturgess David , Jones Lee , Gosden Edward 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND:
Rates of hypothermia for women undergoing spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery are high and prevention is desirable. This trial compared the effectiveness of preoperative warming versus usual care among women receiving intrathecal morphine, which is thought to exacerbate perioperative heat loss.

METHODS:
A prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial compared 20 minutes of forced air warming (plus intravenous fluid warming) versus no active preoperative warming (plus intravenous fluid warming) in 50 healthy American Society of Anesthesiologists graded II women receiving intrathecal morphine as part of spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean delivery. The primary outcome of maternal temperature change was assessed via aural canal and bladder temperature measurements at regular intervals. Secondary outcomes included maternal thermal comfort, shivering, mean arterial pressure, agreement between aural temperature, and neonatal outcomes (axillary temperature at birth, Apgar scores, breastfeeding, and skin-to-skin contact). The intention-to-treat population was analyzed with descriptive statistics, general linear model analysis, linear mixed-model analysis, χ2 test of independence, Mann-Whitney, and Bland-Altman analysis. Full ethical approval was obtained, and the study was registered on the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Trial No: 367160, registered at http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/).

RESULTS:
Intention-to-treat analysis (n = 50) revealed no significant difference in aural temperature change from baseline to the end of the procedure between groups: F (1, 47) = 1.2, P = .28. There were no other statistically significant differences between groups in any of the secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:
A short period of preoperative warming is not effective in preventing intraoperative temperature decline for women receiving intrathecal morphine. A combination of preoperative and intraoperative warming modalities may be required for this population.
Relationship Between a Sepsis Intervention Bundle and In-Hospital Mortality Among Hospitalized Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of Real-World Data
Authors: Prasad Priya A. , Shea Erica R. , Shiboski Stephen , Sullivan Mary C. , Gonzales Ralph , Shimabukuro David 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND:
Sepsis is a systemic response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Efforts have been made to develop evidence-based intervention bundles to identify and manage sepsis early in the course of the disease to decrease sepsis-related morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the relationship between a minimally invasive sepsis intervention bundle and in-hospital mortality using robust methods for observational data.

METHODS:
We performed a retrospective cohort study at the University of California, San Francisco, Medical Center among adult patients discharged between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014, and who received a diagnosis of severe sepsis/septic shock (SS/SS). Sepsis intervention bundle elements included measurement of blood lactate; drawing of blood cultures before starting antibiotics; initiation of broad spectrum antibiotics within 3 hours of sepsis presentation in the emergency department or 1 hour of presentation on an inpatient unit; administration of intravenous fluid bolus if the patient was hypotensive or had a lactate level >4 mmol/L; and starting intravenous vasopressors if the patient remained hypotensive after fluid bolus administration. Poisson regression for a binary outcome variable was used to estimate an adjusted incidence-rate ratio (IRR) comparing mortality in groups defined by bundle compliance measured as a binary predictor, and to estimate an adjusted number needed to treat (NNT).

RESULTS:
Complete bundle compliance was associated with a 31% lower risk of mortality (adjusted IRR, 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53–0.91), adjusting for SS/SS presentation in the emergency department, SS/SS present on admission (POA), age, admission severity of illness and risk of mortality, Medicaid/Medicare payor status, immunocompromised host status, and congestive heart failure POA. The adjusted NNT to save one life was 15 (CI, 8–69). Other factors independently associated with mortality included SS/SS POA (adjusted IRR, 0.55; CI, 0.32–0.92) and increased age (adjusted IRR, 1.13 per 10-year increase in age; CI, 1.03–1.24).

CONCLUSIONS:
The University of California, San Francisco, sepsis bundle was associated with a decreased risk of in-hospital mortality across hospital units after robust control for confounders and risk adjustment. The adjusted NNT provides a reasonable and achievable goal to observe measureable improvements in outcomes for patients diagnosed with SS/SS.
Prospective External Validation of Three Preoperative Risk Scores for Prediction of New Onset Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Cameron Matthew J. , Tran Diem T. T. , Abboud Jean , Newton Ethan K. , Rashidian Houman , Dupuis Jean-Yves 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND:
Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with early and late morbidity and mortality of cardiac surgical patients. Prophylactic treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been recommended to improve outcome in cardiac surgical patients at high risk of developing POAF. Reliable models for prediction of POAF are needed to achieve that goal. This study attempted to externally validate 3 risk models proposed for preoperative prediction of POAF in cardiac surgical patients: the POAF score, the CHA2DS2-VASc score, and the Atrial Fibrillation Risk Index.

METHODS:
This was a prospective cohort study of 1416 adult patients who underwent nonemergent coronary artery bypass graft and/or valve surgery in a single cardiac surgical center between February 2014 and September 2015. A risk score for each of the 3 prediction models was calculated in each patient. All patients were followed for up to 2 weeks, or until hospital discharge, to observe the primary outcome of new onset AF requiring treatment. Discrimination was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Calibration was assessed using the Pearson χ2 goodness-of-fit test and calibration plots. Utility of the score to implement AF prophylaxis based on the risk of POAF, in comparison to strategies of treating all patients, or not treating any patients, was assessed via a net benefit analysis.

RESULTS:
Of the 1416 patients included in this study, 478 had the primary outcome (33.8%). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for prediction of POAF in the population subsets for which the scores were validated were as follows: 0.651 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.621–0.681) for the POAF score, 0.593 (95% CI, 0.557–0.629) for the CHA2DS2-VASc score (P < .001 versus POAF score, P < .222 versus Atrial Fibrillation Risk Index), and 0.563 (95% CI, 0.522–0.604) for the Atrial Fibrillation Risk Index (P < .001 versus POAF score). The calibration analysis showed that the predictive models had a poor fit between the observed and expected rates of POAF. Net benefit analysis showed that AF preventive strategies based on these scores, and targeting patients with moderate or high risk of POAF, improve decision-making in comparison to preventive strategies of treating all patients.

CONCLUSIONS:
The 3 prediction scores evaluated in this study have limited ability to predict POAF in cardiac surgical patients. Despite this, they may be useful in preventive strategies targeting patients with moderate or high risk of PAOF in comparison with preventive strategies applied to all patients.