bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring Sustained Attention and Perceived Workload
Authors: Laurie-Rose Cynthia , Curtindale Lori M. , Frey Meredith 
Published: February 2017

Objective: We examined the effects of spatial uncertainty, field dependence/independence (FD/I), and sex on vigilance performance and perceived workload in elementary school children. Background: Building on previous work in which children demonstrated their ability to evaluate workload, we tested whether spatial-uncertainty manipulations in a vigilance task would elicit in children the same deleterious effects on performance and workload as it does with adults. We also examined individual difference effects associated with FD/I and sex to determine their influence on both performance and workload. Method: In the low-uncertainty task, stimuli appeared in the center of the computer screen; in the high-uncertainty task, they appeared in one of the four quadrants of the screen. Neutral events consisted of uppercase letter strings. Critical signals consisted of a single lowercase letter among uppercase letters. Following each vigil, children completed a workload assessment via a modified version of the NASA Task Load Index. Results: Children showed lower perceptual sensitivity, greater response latency variability (RTSD), and a higher response criterion in the uncertain display condition. Workload scores reflected these performance differences. Field-dependent children showed lower perceptual sensitivity and greater RTSD than did field-independent children. The two groups exhibited differing workload profiles. Despite no objective performance differences, boys reported greater workload than girls. Conclusion: The scale demonstrated sensitivity and diagnosticity with regard to both the task variable and individual differences. Application: These findings contribute to the emerging field of “educational ergonomics” and indicate that appropriate assessment tools might identify children who are experiencing increased workload.
Electronic assistive technology used by people with acquired brain injury in shared supported accommodation: Implications for occupational therapy
Authors: Jamwal Rebecca , Callaway Libby , Ackerl Jane , Farnworth Louise , Winkler Di 
Published: February 2017

Introduction People with severe acquired brain injury often require lifetime support, sometimes received from paid workers if living in shared supported accommodation. Electronic assistive technology may offer a less intrusive method of support that can enable autonomous participation and deliver cost savings. However, research on rates, barriers, and facilitators of electronic assistive technology uptake is lacking. This study aimed to identify electronic assistive technology types used by people with acquired brain injury living in shared supported accommodation, assess user satisfaction and psychosocial impact of electronic assistive technology, detail the impact of technology use on respondents’ participation and support needs, and describe barriers and/or facilitators to electronic assistive technology uptake and ongoing use. Method Participants were identified electronic assistive technology users with acquired brain injury living in shared supported accommodation in Australia ( N = 22). Mixed methods data were collected using semi-structured interviews and published measures of support need, electronic assistive technology satisfaction, and psychosocial impact. Results Participants reported satisfaction with the devices they used, and positive psychosocial outcomes. Areas impacted by electronic assistive technology, key facilitators and barriers to electronic assistive technology use, and implications for occupational therapists working to deliver electronic assistive technology solutions were identified. Conclusion Electronic assistive technology use by this group can positively influence both everyday functioning and participation. Skilled prescription and ongoing support services are necessary to maximise uptake and use.
No Effect of Generalized Joint Hypermobility on Injury Risk in Elite Female Soccer Players: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Blokland Donna , Thijs Karin M. , Backx Frank J.G. , Goedhart Edwin A. , Huisstede Bionka M.A. 
Published: February 2017

Background: Although it has been suggested that generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is a risk factor for injury in soccer players, it remains unclear whether this applies to elite female soccer players. Purpose: To investigate whether GJH is a risk factor for injury in elite female soccer players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Elite female soccer players in the Netherlands were screened at the start of the 2014-2015 competitive season. GJH was assessed using the Beighton score. Soccer injuries and soccer exposure were registered throughout the entire season. Poisson regression was performed to calculate incidence risk ratios (IRRs) using different cutoff points of the Beighton score (≥3, ≥4, and ≥5) to indicate GJH. Results: Of the 114 players included in the study, 20 were classified as hypermobile (Beighton score ≥4). The mean (±SD) injury incidence per player was 8.40 ± 9.17 injuries/1000 hours of soccer, with no significant difference between hypermobile and nonhypermobile players. GJH was not a risk factor for injuries when using Beighton score cutoff points of ≥3 (IRR = 1.06 [95% CI, 0.74-1.50]; P = .762), ≥4 (IRR = 1.10 [95% CI, 0.72-1.68]; P = .662), or ≥5 (IRR = 1.15 [95% CI, 0.68-1.95]; P = .602). Similarly, GJH was not a significant risk factor for thigh, knee, or ankle injuries evaluated separately. Conclusion: This study indicates that GJH is not a risk factor for injuries in elite female soccer players, irrespective of Beighton score cutoff point. Hypermobile players at this elite level might have improved their active stability and/or used braces to compensate for joint laxity.
Mechanisms and Factors Associated With Tackle-Related Injuries in South African Youth Rugby Union Players
Authors: Burger Nicholas , Lambert Mike Ian , Viljoen Wayne , Brown James Craig , Readhead Clint , den Hollander Steve , Hendricks Sharief 
Published: February 2017

Background: The majority of injuries in rugby union occur during tackle events. The mechanisms and causes of these injuries are well established in senior rugby union. Purpose: To use information from an injury database and assess video footage of tackle-related injuries in youth rugby union matches to identify environmental factors and mechanisms that are potentially confounding to these injuries. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods: Injury surveillance was conducted at the under-18 Craven Week rugby tournament. Tackle-related injury information was used to identify injury events in match video footage (role-matched noninjury tackle events were identified for the cohort of injured players). Events were coded using match situational variables (precontact, contact, and postcontact). Relative risk ratio (RRR; ratio of probability of an injury or noninjury outcome occurring when a characteristic was observed) was reported by use of logistic regression. Results: In comparison with the first quarter, injury risk was greater in the third (RRR = 9.75 [95% CI, 1.71-55.64]; P = .010) and fourth quarters (RRR = 6.97 [95% CI, 1.09-44.57]; P = .040) for ball carriers and in the fourth quarter (RRR = 9.63 [95% CI, 1.94-47.79]; P = .006) for tacklers. Ball carriers were less likely to be injured when they were aware of impending contact (RRR = 0.14 [95% CI, 0.03-0.66]; P = .012) or when they executed a moderate fend (hand-off) (RRR = 0.22 [95% CI, 0.06-0.84]; P = .026). Tacklers were less likely to be injured when performing shoulder tackles (same side as leading leg) in comparison to an arm-only tackle (RRR = 0.02 [95% CI, 0.001-0.79]; P = .037). Ball carriers (RRR = 0.09 [95% CI, 0.01-0.89]; P = .040) and tacklers (RRR = 0.02 [95% CI, 0.001-0.32]; P =.006) were less likely to be injured when initial contact was made with the tackler’s shoulder/arm instead of his head/neck. Conclusion: The relative risk of tackle-related injury was higher toward the end of matches. Incorrect technique may contribute to increased injury risk. Implementing recovery strategies between matches, training safe and effective techniques, and improving levels of conditioning may counter the negative effects of fatigue. These findings may assist stakeholders in youth rugby to formulate injury prevention strategies and may improve the preparation of field-side medical staff for managing tackle-related injuries at these or similar tournaments.
The effect of increasing operator experience on procedure-related characteristics in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting
Authors: Kouvelos George , Koutsoumpelis Andreas , Arnaoutoglou Eleni , Nassis Christos , Bouris Vasilios , Peroulis Michalis , Papadopoulos George , Matsagkas Miltiadis 
Published: February 2017

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and safety of carotid artery stenting for the treatment of severe carotid artery disease in our department and to investigate the effect of increasing operator experience on perioperative and procedure-related characteristics. Methods From January 2007 to February 2015 200 patients underwent 207 endovascular procedures for carotid artery stenosis. Of all, 113 arteries (56.5%) were symptomatic. Significant changes across time were calculated with the use of Change Point analysis using bootstrap and mean squared error estimates. Results The technical success was 98.6% (204/207 cases). Thirty-day neurological events included stroke in four patients (2%) and transient ischemic attack in two (1%). None of the patients died during the first 30 days. The most significant change of radiation duration occurred after the 33rd patient with a decrease from 25.31 min to 12.31 min, while for the total operative time that change occurred between the 31st and 33rd patient where mean operation time decreased from 88.89 min to 49.22 min. The most significant change of contrast media used occurred at the 40th patient with a decrease from 91.58 ml to 62 ml. During a mean follow-up period of 42 ± 20.02 months none of the patients experienced any cerebrovascular event. There was one case of significant recurrent stenosis, which was successfully treated by endovascular means. Conclusions Endovascular treatment of carotid artery stenosis performed in a single center with the use of a cerebral protection device seems to consist a safe therapeutic choice with acceptable results, within the referenced benchmarks proposed in the latest guidelines. Certain perioperative parameters such as the amount of contrast media used, the fluoroscopy and operation time, seem to decline overtime indicating increasing operator’s experience. A number of performed cases above 40 was related to the significant decrease of those parameters and may represent the learning curve of the procedure.
Tryptase mast cell density, protease-activated receptor-2 microvascular density, and classical microvascular density evaluation in gastric cancer patients undergoing surgery: possible translational relevance
Authors: Ammendola Michele , Sacco Rosario , Vescio Giuseppina , Zuccalà Valeria , Luposella Maria , Patruno Rosa , Zizzo Nicola , Gadaleta Claudia , Marech Ilaria , Ruggieri Roberta , Kocak Ibrahim Furkan , Ozgurtas Taner , Gadaleta Cosmo Damiano , Sammarco Giuseppe , Ranieri Girolamo 
Published: February 2017

Background: Mast cells (MCs) can stimulate angiogenesis, releasing several proangiogenic cytokines stored in their cytoplasm. In particular, MCs can release tryptase, a potent in vivo and in vitro proangiogenic factor via protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) activation and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. Nevertheless, no data are available concerning the relationship among tryptase MC density (TMCD), endothelial cells (ECs) positive to PAR-2 microvascular density (PAR-2-MVD) and classical MVD (C-MVD) in gastric cancer (GC) angiogenesis. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the correlation of TMCD, PAR-2-MVD, C-MVD with each other and with the main clinicopathological features in GC patients who underwent surgery. A series of 77 GC patients with stage T2-3N2-3M0 (classified by the American Joint Committee on Cancer for Gastric Cancer, 7th edition) were selected and then underwent surgery. Results: Tumour tissue samples were evaluated by mean of immunohistochemistry and image analysis methods in terms of numbers of TMCD, PAR-2-MVD and C-MVD. A significant correlation between the TMCD, PAR-2-MVD and C-MVD groups with each other was found by Pearson t-test analysis ( r ranged from 0.64 to 0.76; p value ranged from 0.02 to 0.03). There was no other significant correlation between the above parameters and clinicopathological features. Conclusions: Our in vivo preliminary data suggest that TMCD and PAR-2-MVD may play a role in GC angiogenesis and they could be further evaluated as a target of antiangiogenic therapy.
Current best practice in the management of patients after pituitary surgery
Authors: Prete Alessandro , Corsello Salvatore Maria , Salvatori Roberto 
Published: February 2017

Sellar and parasellar masses are a common finding, and most of them are treated surgically via transsphenoidal approach. This type of surgery has revolutionized the approach to several hypothalamic-pituitary diseases and is usually effective, and well-tolerated by the patient. However, given the complex anatomy and high density of glandular, neurological and vascular structures in a confined space, transsphenoidal surgery harbors a substantial risk of complications. Hypopituitarism is one of the most frequent sequelae, with central adrenal insufficiency being the deficit that requires a timely diagnosis and treatment. The perioperative management of AI is influenced by the preoperative status of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Disorders of water metabolism are another common complication, and they can span from diabetes insipidus, to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, up to the rare cerebral salt-wasting syndrome. These abnormalities are often transient, but require careful monitoring and management in order to avoid abrupt variations of blood sodium levels. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks, damage to neurological structures such as the optic chiasm, and vascular complications can worsen the postoperative course after transsphenoidal surgery as well. Finally, long-term follow up after surgery varies depending on the underlying pathology, and is most challenging in patients with acromegaly and Cushing disease, in whom failure of primary pituitary surgery is a major concern. When these pituitary functioning adenomas persist or relapse after neurosurgery other treatment options are considered, including repeated surgery, radiotherapy, and medical therapy.
Preoperative planning using the picture archiving and communication system technique in high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Kim Hee-June , Lee Hyun-Joo , Shin Ji-Yeon , Park Kyeong-Hyeon , Min Seung-Gi , Kyung Hee-Soo 
Published: February 2017

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) method in order to select the correction angle and gap in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and clinical results of the patients. Material and methods: This retrospective study analyzed 27 consecutive patients (30 knees) underwent open-wedge HTO using the PACS method between April 2013 and March 2015. Full-length lower limb radiographs obtained preoperatively and at the final follow-up were used to the percentages of crossing points of the weight-bearing line and tibial plateau with respect to the medial border and mechanical femur-tibia angle. Preoperatively predicted and postoperatively measured wedge angles and gaps were compared. The clinical results were evaluated using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score and the Knee Society score. Results: At the 20.5 months (12–26.5) follow-up, the weight-bearing line on the tibial plateau was corrected from 17.3% to 61.3%, and the mechanical femur-tibia angle was corrected from 7.3° varus to 3.1° valgus. No significant difference in preoperative and postoperative measured values was observed ( p = 0.440 and p = 0.505). The mean HSS score increased from 66.7 to 88.8 ( p < 0.001). The knee score and function score of Knee Society increased from 62.0 to 88.7 ( p < 0.001) and from 60.2 to 91.7 ( p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: In open-wedge HTO, correction of angular deformity based on the PACS method could be an accurate correction method and the good clinical results could be obtained.
Differential ability of the dorsal and ventral rat hippocampus to exhibit group I metabotropic glutamate receptor–dependent synaptic and intrinsic plasticity
Authors: Tidball Patrick , Burn Hannah V. , Teh Kai Lun , Volianskis Arturas , Collingridge Graham L. , Fitzjohn Stephen M. 
Published: February 2017

Background: The hippocampus is critically involved in learning and memory processes. Although once considered a relatively homogenous structure, it is now clear that the hippocampus can be divided along its longitudinal axis into functionally distinct domains, responsible for the encoding of different types of memory or behaviour. Although differences in extrinsic connectivity are likely to contribute to this functional differentiation, emerging evidence now suggests that cellular and molecular differences at the level of local hippocampal circuits may also play a role. Methods: In this study, we have used extracellular field potential recordings to compare basal input/output function and group I metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent forms of synaptic and intrinsic plasticity in area CA1 of slices taken from the dorsal and ventral sectors of the adult rat hippocampus. Results: Using two extracellular electrodes to simultaneously record field EPSPs and population spikes, we show that dorsal and ventral hippocampal slices differ in their basal levels of excitatory synaptic transmission, paired-pulse facilitation, and EPSP-to-Spike coupling. Furthermore, we show that slices taken from the ventral hippocampus have a greater ability than their dorsal counterparts to exhibit long-term depression of synaptic transmission and EPSP-to-Spike potentiation induced by transient application of the group I mGluR agonist ( RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine. Conclusions: Together, our results provide further evidence that the information processing properties of local hippocampal circuits differ in the dorsal and ventral hippocampal sectors, and that these differences may in turn contribute to the functional differentiation that exists along the hippocampal longitudinal axis.
Relapse of HHV8-positive multicentric Castleman disease following rituximab-based therapy in HIV-positive patients
Authors: Pria Alessia Dalla , Pinato David , Roe Jennifer , Naresh Kikeri , Nelson Mark , Bower Mark 
Published: February 2017

Key Points
HIV-associated MCD remains a relapsing remitting disease despite rituximab-based therapy. Most patients can be salvaged at relapse by retreating with rituximab, but the risk of developing HHV8-associated lymphomas remains.
Procalcitonin to guide antibiotic administration in COPD exacerbations: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mathioudakis Alexander G. , Chatzimavridou-Grigoriadou Victoria , Corlateanu Alexandru , Vestbo Jørgen 
Published: February 2017

Challenges in the differentiation of the aetiology of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) have led to significant overuse of antibiotics. Serum procalcitonin, released in response to bacterial infections, but not viral infections, could possibly identify AECOPD requiring antibiotics. In this meta-analysis we assessed the clinical effectiveness of procalcitonin-based protocols to initiate or discontinue antibiotics in patients presenting with AECOPD.Based on a prospectively registered protocol, we reviewed the literature and selected randomised or quasi-randomised trials comparing procalcitonin-based protocols to initiate or discontinue antibioticsversusstandard care in AECOPD. We followed Cochrane and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) guidance to assess risk of bias, quality of evidence and to perform meta-analyses.We included eight trials evaluating 1062 patients with AECOPD. Procalcitonin-based protocols decreased antibiotic prescription (relative risk (RR) 0.56, 95% CI 0.43–0.73) and total antibiotic exposure (mean difference (MD) −3.83, 95% CI (−4.32–−3.35)), without affecting clinical outcomes such as rate of treatment failure (RR 0.81, 0.62–1.06), length of hospitalisation (MD −0.76, −1.95–0.43), exacerbation recurrence rate (RR 0.96, 0.69–1.35) or mortality (RR 0.99, 0.58–1.69). However, the quality of the available evidence is low to moderate, because of methodological limitations and small overall study population.Procalcitonin-based protocols appear to be clinically effective; however, confirmatory trials with rigorous methodology are required.
Avaliação de deficiência nos defeitos congênitos: um olhar desde a Classificação Internacional do Funcionamento, a Deficiência e a Saúde
Authors: Ortiz-Quiroga Diana Marcela , Ariza Yoseth , Pachajoa Harry 
Published: February 2017

Introdução: Na atualidade, coexistem dois modelos contrapostos que têm servido como marco para a avaliação e tratamento da deficiência: o modelo reabilitador e o social. No entanto, em 2001, a OMS recorre uma terceira via de interpretação através da sintetização destes modelos, que derivam na Classificação Internacional do Funcionamento, a Deficiência e a Saúde (CIF). Objetivo: Avaliar a deficiência através da CIF, em pacientes com defeitos congênitos atendidos em um hospital de quarto nível da cidade de Cali. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal que incluiu 40 pacientes (crianças e adolescentes) com defeitos congênitos e seus perfis de funcionamento obtidos através da CIF. Resultados: As funções que com maior frequência reportaram-se alteradas no componente corporal foram as mentais; as neuromusculoesqueléticas e de movimento; as do sistema digestivo, metabólico e endócrino, e as sensoriais. No componente de atividades e participação, as limitações centraram-se na aprendizagem básica, mobilidade e comunicação. No componente de fatores contextuais, os profissionais da saúde e a tecnologia para brincar, foram os principais facilitadores reportados. Conclusões: A utilização de ferramentas integrais como a CIF para a avaliação, intervenção e seguimento dos pacientes com defeitos congênitos, permitirá considerar ao fenômeno da deficiência como um problema de origem social e, principalmente, como um assunto centrado na inclusão das pessoas na sociedade.