bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Quantitative Study of Long Saphenous Vein Morphology in Patients Undergoing Arterial Surgery
Authors: Varty K. , Jones L. , Porter K. E. , Bell P. R. F. , London N. J. M. L. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To quantify the incidence and extent of structural changes present in the long saphenous vein of patients with arterial disease. Design: Observational study of saphenous vein morphology. Setting: Departments of Surgery and Pathology, Leicester Royal Infirmary. Patients: Sixty vein biopsies from patients undergoing arterial surgery. Main outcome measures: Intimal and medial thickness and morphology. Results: Smooth muscle cell hyperplasia, elastosis and fibrosis contributed to intimal thickening (> 10 μm) in 87% of veins. This was frequently associated with medial longitudinal muscle hypertrophy. Intimal thickness had a skewed distribution with a median (range) of 33 (8–381) μm, The upper limit of the normal range was 200 μm. The median (range) medial thickness was 293 (131–468) μm. Conclusions: Intimal thickening is common in the long saphenous vein of patients undergoing arterial surgery but is extensive in only a small proportion. The upper limit of the normal range was 200 μm.
Recurrent Varicose Veins and Primary Deep Venous Insufficiency: Relationship and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Guarnera G. , Furgiuele S. , Di Paola F. M. , Camilli S. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Evaluation of the relationship between deep venous insufficiency and recurrent varicose veins (RVV). Design: Retrospective analysis of patients affected by RVV submitted to clinical examination, continuous-wave (CW) Doppler, duplex scanning and descending phlebography in cases of incompetence at groin level. Setting: Department of Vascular Surgery, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IRCCS), Rome. Patients: Two hundred and thirty-nine patients affected by RVV. Main outcome measures: CW Doppler ultrasound, duplex ultrasound imaging and descending phlebography to assess venous incompetence. Results: Doppler examination revealed no reflux at the groin level in 80 limbs. In the remaining 166 limbs, descending phlebography showed a superficial venous reflux in 95 limbs (related to a sapheno-femoral junction recanalization or to an inadequate previous operation) while in 69 (28% of the 246 limbs examined) deep venous reflux was present (superficial femoral vein in 38 cases, profunda femoris vein in seven cases and both veins in 24 cases); in two cases reflux came from the pelvic veins. Conclusions: Our data suggest a possible role of primary deep venous insufficiency in the development of RVV and the value of descending phlebography in the planning of further surgery.
Day Case Varicose Vein Operations: Patient Suitability and Satisfaction
Authors: Ramesh S. , Umeh H. N. , Galland R. B. 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: To define how many patients with varicose veins are suitable to have the operation carried out as a day case. To define how well the procedure is tolerated. Design: A prospective 6-month study. Setting: District General Hospital. Patients: One hundred and sixty-eight new patients and a separate group of 100 patients having a day case varicose vein operation. Interventions: New patients were assessed according to RCS guidelines. Postoperatively, patients completed a one-page questionnaire. Results: Of the 168 patients, 141 (84%) were suitable for a day case operation. The main indications for an overnight stay were associated medical conditions and social problems. Of the 100 patients having an operation, 90 stated they would have a similar procedure carried out as a day case again. In the first 2 postoperative weeks, 12 patients saw their GP and three a district nurse. No patients contacted their GP before the fifth postoperative day. Twenty-eight patients took no analgesia following discharge from hospital; 81 felt that their postoperative pain was less than or as they expected. Conclusion: Most patients with varicose veins are suitable to have a day case procedure, which is well tolerated and provides no additional workload for the GP.
Liquid Crystal Thermography and Duplex in the Preoperative Marking of Varicose Veins
Authors: Kalodiki E. , Calahoras L. , Geroulakos G. , Nicolaides A. N. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To determine the role of liquid crystal thermography (LCT) in preoperative marking of varicose veins and incompetent perforating veins. Design: Single patient group study comparing techniques. Setting: Teaching hospital vascular laboratory. Patients: Two hundred patients (265 legs) referred to St Mary's Hospital Vascular Laboratory for preoperative varicose vein marking. Methods: Patients were studied using LCT and duplex ultrasonography to identify calf perforating veins. Results: In part I of the study LCT identified 47 ‘areas at risk’, 42 of which were demonstrated to contain incompetent perforating veins on duplex examination (positive predictive value 89%). Thirty-eight of these 42 patients were explored at operation and 36 (95%) were confirmed as incompetent. The remaining two perforating veins could not be located. In part II of the study LCT identified 327 ‘areas at risk’, 299 of which were demonstrated to contain incompetent perforating veins on duplex examination (positive predictive value 91%). Conclusion: LCT is useful in the identification of incompetent perforating veins, it is easy to perform, less time consuming, cheaper and can replace duplex scanning.
Effect of Long-Distance Flights on Oedema of the Lower Extremities
Authors: Loew D. , Gerlach H. E. , Altenkämper K. H. , Schneider B. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: During long-distance flights, passengers complain of leg heaviness and oedema in the feet, ankles and distal parts of the lower extremities. Among the rarer complications are thrombophlebitis, thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of class II elastic stockings with no stockings and a venoactive compound (dried extract of vine leaves) and with a diuretic combination for preventing venous oedema during a long-distance flight. Design: Open, randomized study on outward-bound and return flights, volunteers having been administered the venoactive compound Antistax ( n = 13) or no medication ( n = 13); nine subjects received the fixed diuretic combination only on the outward-bound flight. Each subject ( n = 35) wore a class II compression stocking (Sigvaris 902/A-D) on one leg. Main outcome measures: Water displacement volume measurements of the lower limb; secondary end-points: clinical oedema, subjective symptoms, phlebological status, clinical and Doppler findings. Results: The most effective measure in preventing lower limb oedema was the individually fitted elastic support stockings. The venoactive drug Antistax was ineffective. The diuretic combination did have an effect in combination with the compression stocking. Conclusion: During long-distance flights, compression stockings are more effective in preventing oedema in the lower limbs than the venoactive dried extract of vine leaves. The diuretic combination had a marked effect in combination with compression.
Quality of Life in Venous Ulceration: A Randomized Trial of Two Bandage Systems
Authors: Franks P. J. , Moffatt C. J. , Ellison D. A. , Connolly M. , Fielden S. , Groarke L. , McCollum C. N. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a prospective randomised trial of patients suffering from venous ulceration, comparing the original four-layer bandage system with a new four-layer system (Profore). Design: Randomised prospective parallel groups trial. Setting: Community leg ulcer clinics within two trusts in England. Participants: Patients newly presenting for treatment suffering from chronic leg ulceration, with ankle–brachial pressure index (ABPI) >0.8. Methods: Patients entering the trial were asked to complete the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) at entry and after 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Principal analysis was the comparison of final NHP scores analysed by ANOVA with baseline scores entered as a covariate. Results: In all, 231 of 232 patients who entered the trial completed the initial questionnaire, with 208 patients completing at least one follow-up questionnaire. Improvements were noted for all scores after 24 weeks, which were significantly greater in the 167 patients whose ulcers had healed compared with the 41 whose ulcers remained unhealed for the domains of Sleep (mean difference [ d] = 10.5, 95% CI 2.9 to 18.1, p = 0.007) and Bodily Pain ( d = 8.9, 95% CI 1.3 to 16.5, p = 0.023), with a large difference for Physical Mobility ( d = 5.0) which failed to achieve statistical significance (95% CI −0.5 to 10.6, p = 0.07) following adjustment for the baseline scores. There were similar mean scores between the 99 patients treated with the original bandage system and 109 treated with Profore for all domains of the NHP, the largest adjusted difference favouring Profore for Energy ( d = 3.7, 95% CI −3.8 to 11.2, p = 034). Conclusions: Patients suffering from leg ulceration show improvements in perceived health following effective ulcer management. The two bandage systems achieved similar improvements in perceived health over 24 weeks.
Use of the Muscle Pump Activator for Increasing Lower Limb Venous Flow Velocity
Authors: Zelikovski A. , Koren A. , Stelman E. , Avrahami A. , Cohen J. , Haddad M. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To demonstrate the effect of a newly developed device, the Muscle Pump Activator, on venous flow velocity of the lower limbs. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Tertiary-care teaching hospital. Subjects: A group of 30 healthy volunteers. Interventions: The Muscle Pump Activator is a self-activated pedal device for use in the sitting position. Venous flow velocity was measured by duplex examination of the femoral vein at rest and during activation by the subject of the device. Subjective reports were also collected. Results: Venous flow velocity increased from 13.3 (SD 2.4) cm/s at rest to a maximum of 70.3 (SD 14.4) cm/s during 15 s of pedalling ( p<0.01). This represents an increase in flow of 439 (SD 12.4)%. Ease of use and comfort of the device were reported by all the volunteers. Conclusions: This Muscle Pump Activator significantly improves venous flow velocity and holds promise as a useful adjunctive modality for the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis. It is easy to use and well tolerated. Studies are now needed in clincial settings with large groups of patients.
Iliocaval Venous Obstruction in Pergolide-Induced Retroperitoneal Fibrosis
Authors: Simms M. S. , Simms M. H. 
Published: January 2017

Design: Case report. Setting: BMI Priory Hospital, Birmingham, UK. Patient: A 67-year-old man presenting with unilateral lower limb oedema. Past history included ipsilateral lower limb melanoma and Parkinson's disease, treated by pergolide. Intervention: Laparotomy to confirm a diagnosis of retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) causing iliac vein obstruction. Conclusion: RPF is a rare complication of pergolide therapy for Parkinson's disease. Previous reports have also described iliocaval obstruction and there may be an association between pergolide-induced RPF and venous complications.
Activity- vs. structural-oriented treatment approach for frozen shoulder: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Horst Renata , Maicki Tomasz , Trąbka Rafał , Albrecht Sindy , Schmidt Katharina , Mętel Sylwia , von Piekartz Harry 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To compare the short- and long-term effects of a structural-oriented (convential) with an activity-oriented physiotherapeutic treatment in patients with frozen shoulder. Design: Double-blinded, randomized, experimental study. Setting: Outpatient clinic. Subjects: We included patients diagnosed with a limited range of motion and pain in the shoulder region, who had received a prescription for physiotherapy treatment, without additional symptoms of dizziness, a case history of headaches, pain and/or limited range of motion in the cervical spine and/or temporomandibular joint. Interventions: The study group received treatment during the performance of activities. The comparison group was treated with manual therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (conventional therapy). Both groups received 10 days of therapy, 30 minutes each day. Main measures: Range of motion, muscle function tests, McGill pain questionnaire and modified Upper Extremity Motor Activity Log were measured at baseline, after two weeks of intervention and after a three-month follow-up period without therapy. Results: A total of 66 patients were randomized into two groups: The activity-oriented group ( n = 33, mean = 44 years, SD = 16 years) including 20 male (61%) and the structural-oriented group ( n = 33, mean = 47 years, SD = 17 years) including 21 male (64%). The activity-oriented group revealed significantly greater improvements in the performance of daily life activities and functional and structural tests compared with the group treated with conventional therapy after 10 days of therapy and at the three-month follow-up ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Therapy based on performing activities seems to be more effective for pain reduction and the ability to perform daily life activities than conventional treatment methods.
A Versatile New Sustained-Action Neuroleptic: Pipotiazine Palmitate in Psychiatric Practice
Authors: Johnston R E , Niesink F 
Published: January 2017

The long-term clinical effects of pipotiazine palmitate were tested in 206 men and women who were either not responding well to their previous neuroleptic therapy or who were negligent about pursuing protracted oral drug therapy. Of the 206 patients, 130 were suffering from some form of chronic schizophrenia; the remainder presented with depression, psychoneurotic or behavioural disorders. Pipotiazine palmitate, a long-acting depot neuroleptic, was given as a monthly intramuscular injection for up to 23 months. The average starting dose was 50 mg/injection and the average final dose was 65 mg/injection. These doses were somewhat lower than those usually reported in the literature, however all but a few patients received oral neuroleptics or antidepressants concomitantly. Psychiatric testing using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale revealed that significant improvement was achieved over time in all diagnostic groups represented. Individual as well as cumulative scores improved steadily for 6 months at which time symptomatology was minimal in most patients. Pipotiazine palmitate was well tolerated, and only seven (3.4%) of the 206 patients had to interrupt therapy because of unwanted effects. The most frequent side-effects were extrapyramidal symptoms, particularly tremor and rigidity, yet these effects led to the discontinuation of therapy in only five patients.
A Multicentre Study of a Once Daily Dosage of Acebutolol* in the Treatment of Hypertension in General Practice
Authors: Baker P G , Goulton J 
Published: January 2017

A three-month open, multicentre trial was carried out in 2132 hypertensive patients under uncontrolled conditions in general practice, to assess the effectiveness and tolerance of acebutolol when given orally as a single morning dose, in the range of 200 to 1200 mg/day. Concomitant antihypertensive therapy was given to 702 patients. Forty-five patients, out of 1893 who were eligible for analysis, showed inadequate blood pressure control and were withdrawn from the study. There were 602 reports of side-effects or adverse reactions attributed to acebutolol in 584 patients, necessitating 120 withdrawals from the trial. The results showed that acebutolol given once daily produces a substantial and progressive reduction in blood pressure over the three months of the trial. The changes from pre-trial values of all haemodynamic assessments measured were statistically significant (p < 0-001).
An Open Evaluation of a 3-Day Course of Pivmecillinam (Ten 200 mg Tablets) in Women with Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis
Authors: Donald J F , Rimmer D M D 
Published: January 2017

One hundred and eighty-four women, with acute uncomplicated cystitis, received a 3-day course of pivmecillinam comprising an initial 400 mg (two tablets) dose, followed by 200 mg every 8 hours; a total of ten tablets. A satisfactory clinical response was achieved in 91% of patients. Bacteriological success was observed in 94% of sixty-eight patients with a proven infection. Side-effects were reported in sixteen patients (8.4%). Two patients ceased therapy prematurely. Pivmecillinam did not select out resistant Gram-negative organisms. A trend towards reinfection with Gram-positive cocci was observed. The possible significance of reinfection with different organisms is discussed.
General Practitioners' Evaluation of Side-Effects and Efficacy of Oxamethacin as Compared with Indomethacin
Authors: Polderman J , Colon M 
Published: January 2017

Sixteen general practitioners conducted a multicentre double-blind clinical trial to compare oxamethacin (100 mg t.i.d.) with indomethacin (50 mg t.i.d.) for a maximum duration of 2 weeks. Each drug was administered to 339 patients suffering from various pathological conditions requiring a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. When focusing on patients without associated drug therapy, 126/250 patients (50%) presented a good response on inflammation under oxamethacin and 98/236 patients (42%) a good response under indomethacin (p < 10−2); 141/250 patients (56%) presented a good response on pain under oxamethacin and 117/236 (50%) under indomethacin (p<5.10−2). Side effects and complaints were reported by 34/250 patients (14%) under oxamethacin and by 67/236 (28%) under indomethacin (p < 5.10−5). Some patients stopped treatment because of side-effects: 14/250 (6%) under oxamethacin and 32/236 (14%) under indomethacin (p < 2.10−3).
The value of cycling as a meaningful and therapeutic occupation
Authors: Feighan Mike , Roberts Anne E 
Published: January 2017

Introduction Occupational therapists believe that meaningful occupations are linked to an individual’s health and wellbeing, and there is a growing literature exploring the personal meaning of specific occupations. However, few of these studies have focused on the personal meaning of active sporting occupations and their therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to explore the personal meanings attributed to the occupation of cycling, with a view to providing occupational therapists and others with an understanding of its therapeutic potential. Method Following approval by an ethics committee, seven men and women who cycled regularly took part in semi-structured interviews. These interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to interpret the data. Findings The findings describe how and why cycling was meaningful. Cycling altered their mind-set and their emotions, contributed towards their identity and connected them to others. These themes concur with the findings of other studies and provide a rationale for their use therapeutically. Conclusion This study contributes to what is known about the value people derive from cycling, and its impact on their health and wellbeing. Occupational therapists can use this information for individual and group therapy as well as for guidance on the health and wellbeing of communities.
An exploratory study of children’s pretend play when using a switch-controlled assistive robot to manipulate toys
Authors: Adams Kim D , Rios Rincón Adriana M , Becerra Puyo Lina M , Castellanos Cruz Javier L , Gómez Medina María F , Cook Al M , Encarnação Pedro 
Published: January 2017

Introduction Assistive robots could be a means for children with physical disabilities to manipulate toys and for occupational therapists to track children’s play development. This study aimed to (a) establish if free play set-ups without and with a robot would elicit a developmental sequence of play in typically developing children, (b) determine if the robot affected children’s play and (c) observe the play schemes that children performed. Method An experimental crossover design was conducted. Thirty typically developing children between the ages of 3 and 8 years old performed free play activities with conventional toys or unstructured materials without and with a switch-controlled Lego Mindstorms robot. Children’s pretend and functional play was analyzed using a coding scheme developed for the present study. Results There was a trend, increasing with age, for pretend play without the robot with unstructured materials ( p = .002), and with the robot, for conventional toys ( p = 0.015) and unstructured materials ( p = 0.027). Younger children exhibited more pretend play without the robot than with it. Conclusion Assistive robots and appropriate play set-ups can provide a method to measure the play development level of children with disabilities, and support pretend play. Suggestions to support pretend play when children with disabilities use assistive robots are discussed.
Impact of yoga on balance, balance confidence and occupational performance for adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A pilot study
Authors: Willis Boslego Leslie A , Munterfering Phillips Chloe E , Atler Karen E , Tracy Brian L , Van Puymbroeck Marieke , Schmid Arlene A 
Published: January 2017

Introduction The purpose of this study was to examine the preliminary efficacy of yoga on balance, balance confidence, occupational performance, and satisfaction with performance in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Method Fifteen adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy attended eight weeks of yoga, including positive affirmations, breathing, postures and relaxation. Balance was measured using the Berg balance scale; balance confidence, using the activities-specific balance confidence scale; and occupational performance and satisfaction, using the Canadian occupational performance measure. We used a non-controlled pretest–posttest design. Findings Significant improvements were found for all measures. Improvements remained significant after the Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05/4–0.0125) and effect sizes were large for occupational performance and satisfaction ( dCohen = 1.13, 1.07, respectively). Conclusion Yoga may significantly improve balance, balance confidence, occupational performance, and satisfaction for adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Further research utilizing a control group, a larger sample size, and randomization is required.
Effectiveness of a supportive housing program for homeless adults with mental illness and substance use: A two-group controlled trial
Authors: Gutman Sharon A , Raphael-Greenfield Emily I 
Published: January 2017

Introduction The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a housing transition program for homeless shelter residents with chronic mental illness and substance use. Method A two-group controlled study design was used to assess the program, with 10 participants in an intervention group and 10 in a control group. Goal attainment scaling and quality of life ratings were used pre- and post-intervention to determine if a statistically significant difference existed between groups at post-intervention. Results A statistically significant difference existed between intervention and control group goal attainment scaling scores ( U = 9.50, p < .03, d = 1.34), and on quality of life scores ( U = 10.50, p < .04, d = 1.30) at post-intervention. At a 6-month follow-up, 57.14% of intervention group participants had transitioned into supportive housing, while only 25% of control group participants had transitioned. Conclusion Findings suggest that intervention participants made greater progress toward desired housing goals and reported higher quality of life ratings than controls at post-intervention. This study provides support for the effectiveness of a housing program for homeless adults with chronic mental illness and substance use histories to achieve housing goals and higher quality of life ratings.