bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of indicated non‐cosmetic panniculectomy at time of gynecologic surgery
Authors: Rasmussen Ryan W. , Patibandla Jay R. , Hopkins Michael P. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo report postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing indicated non‐cosmetic panniculectomy at the time of gynecologic surgery.MethodsMedical charts were retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent panniculectomy coupled with gynecologic surgery at a university‐affiliated hospital in the USA in 1990–2014. The data reviewed included age, body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), surgical procedure, estimated blood loss, pathology, wound complication, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and readmission rate. One‐way analysis of variance and logistic regression were used to evaluate the data.ResultsIn total, 300 patients underwent panniculectomy; the mean age was 51 years and the mean BMI was 46. Overall, there were 94 (31.3%) complications, including 85 (28.3%) cases of superficial cellulitis and 9 (3.0%) cases of surgical‐site infection. In logistic regression, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking were significant predictors of wound complications, identifying 78% of women who subsequently developed wound complications.ConclusionPanniculectomy combined with gynecologic surgery was found to be safe and effective for obese patients, with an acceptable incidence of wound infection. History of diabetes, hypertension, and smoking increased the risk of postoperative wound complications. These factors will help to predict patients at risk of wound complication.
Extended axial imaging range, widefield swept source optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Liu Gangjun , Yang Jianlong , Wang Jie , Li Yan , Zang Pengxiao , Jia Yali , Huang David 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe developed a high‐speed, swept source OCT system for widefield OCT angiography (OCTA) imaging. The system has an extended axial imaging range of 6.6 mm. An electrical lens is used for fast, automatic focusing. The recently developed split‐spectrum amplitude and phase‐gradient angiography allow high‐resolution OCTA imaging with only two B‐scan repetitions. An improved post‐processing algorithm effectively removed trigger jitter artifacts and reduced noise in the flow signal. We demonstrated high contrast 3 mm×3 mm OCTA image with 400×400 pixels acquired in 3 seconds and high‐definition 8 mm×6 mm and 12 mm×6 mm OCTA images with 850×400 pixels obtained in 4 seconds. A widefield 8 mm×11 mm OCTA image is produced by montaging two 8 mm×6 mm scans. An ultra‐widefield (with a maximum of 22 mm along both vertical and horizontal directions) capillary‐resolution OCTA image is obtained by montaging six 12 mm×6 mm scans.
National survey on turnaround time of clinical biochemistry tests in 738 laboratories in China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Fei Yang , Wang Wei , Zhao Haijian , Wang Minqi , Chen Bingquan , Zhou Jie , Wang Zhiguo 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundThis survey was initiated to estimate the current status of turnaround time (TAT) monitoring of clinical biochemistry in China, provide baseline data for establishment of quality specifications and analyze the impact factors of TAT.Methods738 laboratories were included. Questionnaires involved general information and data of related indicators of TAT during 1 week were provided to participating laboratories. Nine quality indicators were covered, which were medians, 90th and outlier rates of pre‐examination, examination, and post‐examination TAT. The 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile of TATs were calculated as optimum, desirable, and minimum quality specifications. Percentages and sigma values were used to describe the outlier rates. Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to identify the potential impacts of TAT.ResultsResponse rate of this survey was 46.44%. More than 50% of the laboratories indicated they had set up target TATs in three time intervals and monitored TATs generally. The post‐examination TAT of most laboratories was 0min, while the pre‐examination and examination TAT varied. Sigma values of outlier rates for 45%~60% of laboratories were above 4, while 15%~20% of labs whose sigma values were below 3. Group comparisons suggested nurse or mechanical pipeline transportation, link laboratory information system with hospital information system, and using computer reporting instead of printing report were related to shorter TATs.ConclusionsDespite of the remarkable progresses of TATs in China, there was also room to improve. Laboratories should strengthen the construction of information systems, identify reasons for TAT delay to improve the service quality continuously.
Couples Coping Through Deployment: Findings From a Sample of National Guard Families
Authors: Blow Adrian J. , Bowles Ryan P. , Farero Adam , Subramaniam Sailaja , Lappan Sara , Nichols Emily , Gorman Lisa , Kees Michelle , Guty Danielle 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveMilitary families face numerous changes and stresses as they negotiate deployments and other life transitions. How they cope with these events is an important part of their overall well‐being and resilience. This longitudinal study on coping in a sample of National Guard couples examined the association between the predeployment coping (active vs. avoidant) of each in the relationship, and their own and their significant others’ mental health (anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) and family well‐being (dyadic adjustment and parenting stress) postdeployment.MethodA total of 238 matched couples completed the predeployment survey, 143 matched couples completed the post, with 122 matched couples completing both pre‐ and postdeployment surveys.ResultsWhile active coping was not significantly associated with any outcomes, predeployment avoidant coping in both soldiers and significant others was associated with increased anxiety, PTSD, and depression post deployment (actor effects). Additionally, soldier avoidant coping predeployment was associated with increased parenting stress for soldiers, while significant other avoidant coping predeployment was associated with increased relationship distress for significant others (actor effects). Finally, significant other avoidant coping predeployment was associated with higher parenting distress for soldiers postdeployment (partner effect).ConclusionFindings suggest that interventions are needed to combat avoidant coping (behavioral disengagement, denial, substance abuse) predeployment because this way of coping is strongly related to negative outcomes. In addition, those who work clinically with these families should work to reduce avoidant coping strategies and any familial dynamics exacerbated by this way of coping.
Parental Secondary Stress: The Often Hidden Consequences of Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury in Youth
Authors: Whitlock Janis , Lloyd‐Richardson Elizabeth , Fisseha Feven , Bates Thaddeus 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveThis study aims to deepen understanding of the effects on parents of having a self‐injuring child by (a) analyzing differences in dimensions of caregiver strain between caregivers of youth with nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI+) and parents of youth with no known mental health history (MH−); (b) identifying factors that contribute to caregiver strain; and (c) examining parent outcome expectancies.MethodParticipants were 196 NSSI+ parents and 57 MH− parents. Quantitative measures of psychosocial variables, parent mental health and support variables, and child self‐injury characteristics were assessed in relation to caregiver strain, and NSSI+ parental expectancies were assessed via mixed methods.ResultsParents with a NSSI+ youth were more likely to exhibit all forms of objective and subjective strain than parents of youth with no mental health challenges. Despite this, many parents expressed beliefs that their child would experience personal growth as a result of their NSSI experience.ConclusionFindings reveal the important role of mindful parenting practices and informal social support.
Muscle mass and association to quality of life in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Bye Asta , Sjøblom Bjørg , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore , Grønberg Bjørn H. , Baracos Vickie E. , Hjermstad Marianne J. , Aass Nina , Bremnes Roy M. , Fløtten Øystein , Jordhøy Marit 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundCancer wasting is characterized by muscle loss and may contribute to fatigue and poor quality of life (QoL). Our aim was to investigate associations between skeletal muscle index (SMI) and skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) and selected QoL outcomes in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at diagnosis.MethodsBaseline data from patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC and performance status 0–2 enrolled in three randomized trials of first‐line chemotherapy (n = 1305) were analysed. Associations between SMI (cm2/m2) and SMD (Hounsfield units) based on computed tomography‐images at the third lumbar level and self‐reported physical function (PF), role function (RF), global QoL, fatigue, and dyspnoea were investigated by linear regression using flexible non‐linear modelling.ResultsComplete data were available for 734 patients, mean age 65 years. Mean SMI was 47.7 cm2/m2 in men (n = 420) and 39.6 cm2/m2 in women (n = 314). Low SMI values were non‐linearly associated with low PF and RF (men P = 0.016/0.020, women P = 0.004/0.012) and with low global QoL (P = 0.001) in men. Low SMI was significantly associated with high fatigue (P = 0.002) and more pain (P = 0.015), in both genders, but not with dyspnoea. All regression analyses showed poorer physical outcomes below an SMI breakpoint of about 42–45 cm2/m2 for men and 37–40 cm2/m2 for women. In both genders, poor PF and more dyspnoea were significantly associated with low SMD.ConclusionsLow muscle mass in NSCLC negatively affects the patients' PF, RF, and global QoL, possibly more so in men than in women. However, muscle mass must be below a threshold value before this effect can be detected.
The Future Problem Solving Program International: An Intervention to Promote Creative Skills in Portuguese Adolescents
Authors: Azevedo Ivete , de Fátima Morais Maria , Martins Fernanda 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI) is an internationally applied educational program that involves young people. Its theoretical foundation is both the Creative Problem Solving Model and the Futurist Thinking. It aims to promote creative and critical thinking through a futurist approach to problems. This study intended to analyze the effects of the program on creative skills evaluated by the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (Figural Version). The participants’ perceptions of the efficacy of the program were also assessed. This intervention was carried out with 131 adolescents over a period of 7 months in an extra‐curricular context. The evaluation of the program takes into account periods both before and after interventions, using similar experimental and control groups. The results showed significant statistical differences for the all skills studied and very positive perceptions of the efficacy of FPSPI. Two significant gender differences in creative performance were also found. The results are described and discussed in order to promote awareness for future research concerning this program.
Effects of Group Training in Problem‐Solving Style on Future Problem‐Solving Performance
Authors: Main Laura F. , Delcourt Marcia A. B. , Treffinger Donald J. 
Published: May 2017

Seventy‐five participants from one suburban high school formed 21 teams with 3–4 members each for the Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI). Students were selected to participate in either the regular FPSPI or an enhanced FPSPI, where multiple group training activities grounded in problem‐solving style were incorporated into a 9‐week treatment period. An ANCOVA procedure was used to examine the difference in team responses to a creative problem‐solving scenario for members of each group, after accounting for initial differences in creative problem‐solving performance, years of experience in FPSPI, and creative thinking related to fluency, flexibility, and originality. The ANCOVA resulted in a significant difference in problem‐solving performance in favor of students in the treatment group (F(1, 57) = 8.21, p = .006, partial eta squared = .126, medium), while there were no significant differences in years of experience or creativity scores. This result led researchers to conclude that students in both groups had equivalent creative ability and that participation in the group activities emphasizing problem‐solving style significantly contributed to creative performance.
Consumers’ perspectives of Malaysian community pharmacists as health educators: a qualitative insight
Authors: Ooi Guat See , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Shafie Asrul Akmal , Kong David C. M. , Mak Vivienne S. L. , Chua Gin Nie 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundAround the globe, community pharmacy has always been a health care hub made accessible to the public.AimThis study was conducted to evaluate consumers’ perceptions towards the role of the pharmacist as health educator (HE) and hence to identify the barriers toward consumers’ acceptance of the role.MethodThis qualitative study was conducted in four states of Malaysia where participants (>18 years old) were recruited using a convenience sampling method until saturation of themes. A semi‐structured interview guide was used and face‐to‐face interviews with consenting participants were conducted for approximately 20 min by trained interviewers. All interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and evaluated using a thematic content analysis approach.ResultsIn all, 21 consumers were interviewed. Analysis of interview transcripts identified four major themes: understanding of the term ‘HE’, facilitators and barriers for consumers accepting pharmacists as HE, and strategies to overcome the barriers. Most respondents acknowledged and recognised the roles of community pharmacists in terms of giving clear advice and explanations about healthcare issues and medications, and the ability to educate the public. The major barriers included the experience of the pharmacist, consumers’ preferences for general practitioners as their HEs, the unavailability of pharmacists on the premises and personal encounters with pharmacists with bad attitudes.ConclusionConsumers generally accept pharmacists as HEs. However, some barriers do exist. The pharmacy stakeholders in the country need to address these barriers in order to improve future utilisation of community pharmacists as HEs in the existing healthcare system.
A large‐scale assessment of temporal trends in meta‐analyses using systematic review reports from the Cochrane Library
Authors: Fanshawe Thomas R. , Shaw Luke F. , Spence Graeme T. 
Published: May 2017

IntroductionPrevious studies suggest that many systematic reviews contain meta‐analyses that display temporal trends, such as the first study's result being more extreme than later studies' or a drift in the pooled estimate. We assessed the extent and characteristics of temporal trends using all Cochrane intervention reports published 2008‐2012.MethodsWe selected the largest meta‐analysis within each report and analysed trends using methods including a Z‐test (first versus subsequent estimates); generalised least squares; and cumulative sum charts. Predictors considered include meta‐analysis size and review group.ResultsOf 1288 meta‐analyses containing at least 4 studies, the point estimate from the first study was more extreme and in the same direction as the pooled estimate in 738 (57%), with a statistically significant difference (first versus subsequent) in 165 (13%). Generalised least squares indicated trends in 717 (56%); 18% of fixed effects analyses had at least one violation of cumulative sum limits. For some methods, meta‐analysis size was associated with temporal patterns and use of a random effects model, but there was no consistent association with review group.ConclusionsAll results suggest that more meta‐analyses demonstrate temporal patterns than would be expected by chance. Hence, assuming the standard meta‐analysis model without temporal trend is sometimes inappropriate. Factors associated with trends are likely to be context specific.
Recurrence patterns following irreversible electroporation for hepatic malignancies
Authors: Langan Russell C. , Goldman Debra A. , D'Angelica Michael I. , DeMatteo Ronald P. , Allen Peter J. , Balachandran Vinod P. , Jarnagin William R. , Kingham T. Peter 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundIrreversible electroporation (IRE) has emerged as a novel, safe ablative therapy for peri‐vascular lesions. However, there remains a paucity of data on long‐term outcomes.MethodsWe identified patients who underwent open IRE (1/2011‐6/2015) for primary and secondary hepatic malignancies. Local ablation‐zone recurrence (LR) was determined by cross‐sectional imaging. Cumulative incidence (CumI) of LR was calculated and a competing risks regression assessed factors associated with LR.ResultsForty patients had 77 lesions treated. The majority of lesions were of colorectal origin (74%). Median tumor size was 1.3 cm (range 0.5‐6). Most patients (86%) had prior systemic therapy and 29% received systemic therapy following IRE. With a median follow‐up of 25.7 months (range 4.5‐58.8 months), 10 lesions in 9 patients recurred locally (CumI: 13.4%, 95%CI: 7.8‐22.2%). Median estimated time to LR was not reached and no LR occurred after 19 months. Factors significantly associated with LR included ablation zone size (HR 1.58; 95%CI 1.12‐2.23; P = 0.0093) and body mass index (HR 1.21 95%CI 1.10‐1.34; P = 0.0001).ConclusionIRE LR rates were low after the treatment of well selected, small tumors. This technique is useful for lesions in anatomic locations precluding resection or thermal ablation.
Adult acute supraglottitis: Analysis of 358 patients for predictors of airway intervention
Authors: Shapira Galitz Yael , Shoffel‐Havakuk Hagit , Cohen Oded , Halperin Doron , Lahav Yonatan 
Published: May 2017

Objectives/HypothesisAcute supraglottitis is a potentially life‐threatening condition due to rapid onset upper airway obstruction. The study aimed to characterize adult acute supraglottitis patients and to recognize factors associated with an aggressive disease course.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsAll adult acute supraglottitis patients admitted to a single academic medical center between 2000 and 2014 were included and their medical charts reviewed. The main outcome measures were airway intervention and mortality.ResultsThree hundred fifty‐eight patients were enrolled. Mean age was 53 years (range, 16–92 years), with 62.8% males. Sore throat (79%) and dysphagia (70.9%) were the most common symptoms. Stridor (3.6%), tachypnea (5.7%), and dyspnea (6.4%) were uncommon but significantly associated with airway intervention. The epiglottis was most commonly involved (67%). Involvement of the epiglottis and aryepiglottic folds showed a trend of correlation to airway intervention. Blood glucose levels, C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels, and relative neutrophilia were significantly higher in patients admitted to the intensive care unit or requiring airway intervention. Thirty‐four patients (9.5%) required intensive care unit admission. Sixteen patients (4.4%) required airway intervention. Recurrent episodes of supraglottitis, seen in 19 patients, were more common in males (P = .048), and tended to have a more severe clinical course, requiring more airway interventions (P = .005) and intensive care unit admissions (P = .016).ConclusionsThe typical high risk patient—a male, with dyspnea and stridor, presenting with edema of the epiglottis and aryepiglottic folds, elevated CRP, hyperglycemia, and a history of recurrent episodes—should warrant more aggressive treatment and closer observation.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 127:2106–2112, 2017
Subtle blood‐brain barrier leakage rate and spatial extent: Considerations for dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: van de Haar Harm J. , Jansen Jacobus F.A. , Jeukens Cécile R.L.P.N. , Burgmans Saartje , van Buchem Mark A. , Muller Majon , Hofman Paul A.M. , Verhey Frans R.J. , van Osch Matthias J.P. , Backes Walter H. 
Published: May 2017

PurposeDynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI can be used to measure blood‐brain barrier (BBB) leakage. In neurodegenerative disorders such as small vessel disease and dementia, the leakage can be very subtle and the corresponding signal can be rather noisy. For these reasons, an optimized DCE‐MRI measurement and study design is required. To this end, a new measure indicative of the spatial extent of leakage is introduced and the effects of scan time and sample size are explored.MethodsDual‐time resolution DCE‐MRI was performed in 16 patients with early Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 17 healthy controls. The leakage rate (Ki) and volume fraction of detectable leaking tissue (vL) to quantify the spatial extent of BBB leakage were calculated in cortical gray matter and white matter using noise‐corrected histogram analysis of leakage maps. Computer simulations utilizing realistic Ki histograms, mimicking the strong effect of noise and variation in Ki values, were performed to understand the influence of scan time on the estimated leakage.ResultsThe mean Ki was very low (order of 10−4 min−1) and highly influenced by noise, causing the Ki to be increasingly overestimated at shorter scan times. In the white matter, the Ki was not different between patients with early AD and controls, but was higher in the cortex for patients, reaching significance after 14.5 min of scan time. To detect group differences, vL proved more suitable, showing significantly higher values for patients compared with controls in the cortex after 8 minutes of scan time, and in white matter after 15.5 min.ConclusionsSeveral ways to improve the sensitivity of a DCE‐MRI experiment to subtle BBB leakage were presented. We have provided vL as an attractive and potentially more time‐efficient alternative to detect group differences in subtle and widespread blood‐brain barrier leakage compared with leakage rate Ki. Recommendations on group size and scan time are made based on statistical power calculations to aid future research.
Computerized detection of lung nodules through radiomics
Authors: Ma Jingchen , Zhou Zien , Ren Yacheng , Xiong Junfeng , Fu Ling , Wang Qian , Zhao Jun 
Published: May 2017

PurposeLung cancer is a major cause of cancer deaths, and the 5‐year survival rate of stage IV lung cancer patients is only 2%. However, the 5‐year survival rate of stage I lung cancer patients significantly increases to 50%. As such, spiral computed tomography (CT) scans are necessary to diagnose high‐risk lung cancer patients in early stages. In this study, a computer‐aided detection (CAD) system with radiomics was proposed. This system could automatically detect pulmonary nodules and reduce radiologists’ workloads and human errors.MethodsIn the proposed scheme, a nodular enhancement filter was used to segment nodule candidates and extract radiomic features. A synthetic minority over‐sampling technique was also applied to balance the samples, and a random forest method was utilized to distinguish between real nodules and false positive detections. The radiomics approach quantified intratumor heterogeneity and multifrequency information, which are highly correlated with lung nodules.ResultsThe proposed method was used to evaluate 1004 CT cases from the well‐known Lung Image Database Consortium, and 88.9% sensitivity with four false positive detections per CT scan was obtained by randomly selecting 502 cases for training and 502 other cases for testing.ConclusionsThe proposed scheme yielded a high performance on the LIDC database. Therefore, the proposed scheme is possibly effective for various CT configurations used in routine diagnosis and lung cancer screening.