bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishing Minimal Clinically Important Difference of Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy in Post-Laminectomy Syndrome
Authors: Paul Alexandra R , Kumar Vignessh , Roth Steven , Gooch M Reid , Pilitsis Julie G 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The concept of minimum clinically important difference (MCID) has been shown to be effective in spine surgery to differentiate between clinically insignificant and significant improvements as determined by the patient.

OBJECTIVE
The MCID for spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to date has not been established. We sought to determine the MCID for SCS therapy for failed laminectomy syndromes.

METHODS
Preoperative and 6-mo outcomes were assessed prospectively, including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and McGill and Visual Analog Survey questionnaires. Patients were asked: (1) are you satisfied with SCS therapy and (2) would you have the surgery again. Four methods of calculating the MCID were utilized.

RESULTS
Forty-eight patients who underwent placement of an SCS between 2012 and 2014 were reviewed. The 4 calculation methods yielded a range of outcome scores (ODI 8.2-13.3, BDI 3.2-7, McGill 0.3-1.3, and Visual Analog Scale [VAS] 1.2-3.7). The maximum area under the curve was observed for the ODI, BDI, and VAS (0.73, 0.81, and 0.89, respectively), which signifies acceptable accuracy in distinguishing responders from nonresponders with the receiver operating characteristic method and suggests that VAS may be the most sensitive in determining meaningful change for the patient.

CONCLUSION
The MCID for SCS placement was calculated using 4 different methods. The results are similar to calculations for the MCID for many lumbar and cervical procedures done for pain. Our results suggest that an improvement of 1.2 to 3.7 points on the VAS scale and 8.2 to 13.3 points on the ODI is clinically meaningful to the patient. Further defining the MCID for SCS therapy will remain of utmost importance in order to justify the cost of the procedure.
Elevated Spontaneous Interferon-γ Secretion in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Persons
Authors: Sparks Rachel , Koelle David M. , Stern Joshua E. , Dhanireddy Shireesha 
Published: June 2017

AbstractImmune activation in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a well described phenomenon. We found that HIV patients have higher secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ compared with non-HIV subjects, as measured by the “nil” value in the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, even when viral loads are low. This may reflect ongoing immune activation, even with optimal HIV management.
Financialization, Technological Change, and Trade Union Decline
Authors: Meyer Brett 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRecent research finds that financialization and technological change have had a variety of negative effects on labor, including reducing low-skill workers’ wages and increasing income inequality. In this article, I examine the effect on trade unions of one type of financialization, equity market development and one type of technological change, routine-biased technological change. I argue that we should conceptualize trade union strength in two dimensions: (a) the strength of their institutional structures, such as the degree of wage bargaining coordination and the degree to which firms can deviate from collective agreements; (b) the strength of their membership. Using data for 21 OECD countries from 1970 to 2010, I find a negative effect of equity market development on unions’ institutional structures, but not on union membership. Contrarily, I find that routine-biased technological change has a negative effect on union density, but an inconsistent relationship with the strength of unions’ institutional structures.
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: A focused systematic review and practice parameter update
Authors: Wallace Dana V. , Dykewicz Mark S. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review
The review compares and contrasts seven major United States and international allergic rhinitis guidelines from 2008 to 2017.

Recent findings
Despite many treatment options for allergic rhinitis, patients often report lack of therapeutic control and a reduced quality of life. Guidelines intended to improve allergic rhinitis care have been evolving into evidence based, systematic reviews, with less reliance on consensus of expert opinion characteristic of more traditional guidelines. The first Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation-based guideline developed in the United States for seasonal allergic rhinitis was first published in 2017.

Summary
When critically analyzing the allergic rhinitis guidelines that use the rigorous Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology, different groups of expert authors, using the same reference articles, will, at times, reach different conclusions regarding the quality of the evidence and the strength of the recommendation. Factors potentially contributing to these divergent determinations include: lack of objective primary outcome measures in allergic rhinitis, poorly defined Minimal Clinically Important Difference, failure to include all interested parties in guideline development, for example, patients, and subjectivity inherent in the expert panel.
A Nursing Practice Model Based on Christ
Authors: Eckerd Nancy 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT:
Nine out of 10 American adults believe Jesus was a real person, and almost two-thirds have made a commitment to Jesus Christ. Research further supports that spiritual beliefs and religious practices influence overall health and well-being. Christian nurses need a practice model that helps them serve as kingdom nurses. This article introduces the Agape Model, based on the agape love and characteristics of Christ, upon which Christian nurses may align their practice to provide Christ-centered care.
Cryolipolysis for Reduction of Arm Fat: Safety and Efficacy of a Prototype CoolCup Applicator With Flat Contour
Authors: Carruthers Jean D. , Humphrey Shannon , Rivers Jason K. 
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND
Cryolipolysis of the arms has been shown to be an effective but somewhat time-consuming process.

OBJECTIVE
The study evaluated safety and efficacy of a contoured cup cryolipolysis applicator for reduction of arm fat. The prototype was designed to maximize tissue contact with the cooling surface to improve comfort, while reducing treatment time by 25 minutes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Both arms were treated using a prototype device that delivered treatment in 35 minutes at −11°C. Photographic and ultrasound documentation was captured at baseline and 12 weeks post-treatment. Efficacy was assessed by photo review and measurement of fat reduction in ultrasound images. Immediately after 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-treatment, clinical assessments were performed to evaluate treatment areas and sensory alterations.

RESULTS
Thirty women were enrolled and completed treatments to both arms. Ultrasound measurements found mean fat layer reduction of 3.2 mm with an SD of 2.7 mm. Blinded independent photo review found 85.2% correct identification of baseline photographs by at least 2/3 of reviewers. There were no unanticipated adverse device effects. Four study subjects experienced numbness in the treatment area beyond the 12-week visit that subsequently resolved without intervention.

CONCLUSION
These data suggest that the CoolCup prototype applicator provides rapid, safe, and effective arm treatment.
A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind Study Comparing Cyanoacrylate Adhesives to Sutures for Wound Closure in Skin Cancer Patients
Authors: Bartenstein Diana W. , Cummins Deborah L. , Rogers Gary S. 
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND
Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives are not more likely to result in wound dehiscence or infection than sutured closures. However, suturing is the gold standard for optimal cosmetic appearance of scars.

OBJECTIVE
To determine whether cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives produce a cosmetic outcome equivalent to sutures at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include time for wound closure, time spent on wound care, and surgeon and patient satisfaction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seventy-one patients scheduled for skin cancer excision at Beverly Hospital were included in this prospective, randomized, single-blind study. Cosmetic appearance was assessed by a masked panel of dermatologists and plastic surgeons who evaluated digital photographs. Secondary outcomes were assessed by nursing recordings and patient and surgeon evaluations.

RESULTS
There was no significant difference in wound appearance (Visual Analog Scale: p = .4693, modified Hollander Wound Evaluation Score: p = .6413) between adhesives and sutures. It was faster and easier for a surgeon to use adhesives, and subjects spent less time caring for and were more satisfied by wounds sealed with adhesives than sutures.

CONCLUSION
Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives produce cosmetic outcomes that are not statistically significantly different than sutures; furthermore, they are associated with fast application, easy wound care, and patient satisfaction.
Recurrent Tumors Referred for Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A 12-Year Experience at a Single Academic Center
Authors: Higgins H. William , Capobianco Sara , Lee Kachiu C. 
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is used for treatment of primary and recurrent tumors. Compared with primary tumors, recurrent tumors are often more aggressive.

OBJECTIVE
To understand differing characteristics between primary versus recurrent tumors treated by MMS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The authors conducted a retrospective review of a 12-year period at 1 academic center. Recurrent tumors were defined as recurrent if previously treated with cryotherapy, topical chemotherapeutics, electrodesiccation and curettage, or excision. Statistical analysis was conducted with p ≤ .05 considered significant.

RESULTS
A total of 17,971 cases were reviewed, of which 10.5% represented recurrent tumors. Recurrent tumors occurred more commonly in men (ratio 2.2:1). They presented in older individuals (p < .01) and occurred more commonly on the scalp (p < .0001), neck (p < .0001), and trunk (p < .0001). Primary tumors were more commonly located on the periocular (p < .0001), nose (p < .0001), and perioral areas (p < .0001). Squamous cell carcinoma more commonly presented as primary tumors (p = .02) while squamous cell carcinoma in situ more commonly presented as recurrent tumors (p < .001).

CONCLUSION
Distinct characteristics separate primary and recurrent tumors treated by MMS. Primary tumors were more commonly located in Area H, compared with recurrent tumors, which were more commonly located in Area M. This suggests appropriate usage of MMS based on appropriate use criteria.
EX VIVO MODEL FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF DRYWALL INTRAOCULAR FOREIGN BODIES ON COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Syed Reema , Kim Sung-Hye , Palacio Agustina , Nunery William R. , Schaal Shlomit 
Published: June 2017

Background:
The study was inspired after the authors encountered a patient with a penetrating globe injury due to drywall, who had retained intraocular drywall foreign body. Computed tomography (CT) was read as normal in this patient. Open globe injury with drywall has never been reported previously in the literature and there are no previous studies describing its radiographic features.

Methods:
The case report is described in detail elsewhere. This was an experimental study. An ex vivo model of 15 porcine eyes with 1 mm to 5 mm fragments of implanted drywall, 2 vitreous only samples with drywall and 3 control eyes were used. Eyes and vitreous samples were CT scanned on Days 0, 1, and 3 postimplantation. Computed ocular images were analyzed by masked observers. Size and radiodensity of intraocular drywall were measured using Hounsfield units (HUs) over time.

Results:
Intraocular drywall was hyperdense on CT. All sizes studied were detectable on Day 0 of scanning. Mean intraocular drywall foreign body density was 171 ± 52 Hounsfield units (70–237) depending on fragment size. Intraocular drywall foreign body decreased in size whereas Hounsfield unit intensity increased over time.

Conclusion:
Drywall dissolves in the eye and becomes denser over time as air in the drywall is replaced by fluid. This study identified Hounsfield Units specific to intraocular drywall foreign body over time.
Increased Severe Trauma Patient Volume is Associated With Survival Benefit and Reduced Total Health Care Costs
Authors: Endo Akira , Shiraishi Atsushi , Fushimi Kiyohide , Murata Kiyoshi , Otomo Yasuhiro 
Published: June 2017

Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of severe trauma patient volume with survival benefit and health care costs.

Background:
The effect of trauma patient volume on survival benefit is inconclusive, and reports on its effects on health care costs are scarce.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective observational study, including trauma patients who were transferred to government-approved tertiary emergency hospitals, or hospitals with an intensive care unit that provided an equivalent quality of care, using a Japanese nationwide administrative database. We categorized hospitals according to their annual severe trauma patient volumes [1 to 50 (reference), 51 to 100, 101 to 150, 151 to 200, and ≥201]. We evaluated the associations of volume categories with in-hospital survival and total cost per admission using a mixed-effects model adjusting for patient severity and hospital characteristics.

Results:
A total of 116,329 patients from 559 hospitals were analyzed. Significantly increased in-hospital survival rates were observed in the second, third, fourth, and highest volume categories compared with the reference category [94.2% in the highest volume category vs 88.8% in the reference category, adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval, 95% CI) = 1.75 (1.49–2.07)]. Furthermore, significantly lower costs (in US dollars) were observed in the second and fourth categories [mean (standard deviation) for fourth vs reference = $17,800 ($17,378) vs $20,540 ($32,412), adjusted difference (95% CI) = –$2559 (–$3896 to –$1221)].

Conclusions:
Hospitals with high volumes of severe trauma patients were significantly associated with a survival benefit and lower total cost per admission.
Groin Pain Characteristics and Recurrence Rates
Authors: Zwaans Willem A. R. , Verhagen Tim , Wouters Luuk , Loos Maarten J. A. , Roumen Rudi M. H. , Scheltinga Marc R. M. 
Published: June 2017

Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate long-term groin pain and inguinal hernia recurrence rates of 2 types of mesh and to describe the evolution of postoperative groin sensory disturbances.

Summary of Background Data:
Some patients with an inguinal hernia develop chronic pain following open mesh insertion. Previous trials comparing a semi-resorbable, self-gripping Progrip mesh with a standard sutured polypropylene mesh found conflicting results regarding recurrence rates and residual groin pain.

Methods:
Patients aged >18 years scheduled for open primary hernia repair were randomized to a self-gripping mesh (Progrip) or a polypropylene mesh (standard). Removal of the inguinal nerves was left to the discretion of the surgeon. Pain was measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) over a 3-year period. Pain characteristics and hernia recurrences were determined using physical examination.

Results:
Data of 274 patients were complete (75% three-year follow-up rate). Pain steadily decreased over time in both groups in a similar fashion (moderate pain 3.7% in each group). Hyperesthesia was experienced by 2.2% and 3.7% and hypoesthesia in 12% and 19% in Progrip and standard group, respectively. One of seven Progrip patients reported a foreign body feeling versus 1 of 5 standard patients (P = 0.06). Altered skin sensations were not related to a neurectomy. Hernia recurrence rate was 11.5% in the Progrip and 5% in the standard group (P = 0.05).

Conclusions:
Three years after insertion of a self-gripping Progrip mesh or a sutured polypropylene mesh for an open primary inguinal hernia repair, groin pain is minimal, although altered groin skin sensations and foreign body feeling are quite common. A Progrip hernia repair is associated with a high recurrence rate.
A Donor Age-Based and Graft Volume–Based Analysis for Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Elderly Recipients
Authors: Imamura Hajime , Hidaka Masaaki , Soyama Akihiko , Kitasato Amane , Adachi Tomohiko , Ono Shinichiro , Natsuda Koji , Hara Takanobu , Kugiyama Tota , Baimakhanov Zhassulan , Okada Satomi , Fujita Fumihiko , Kanetaka Kengo , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Kuroki Tamotsu , Eguchi Susumu 
Published: June 2017

Background
Given the expected increase in the number of elderly recipients, details regarding how clinical factors influence the outcome in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for the elderly remain unclear. We examined the survival outcomes according to the results of donor age-based and graft volume–based analyses and assessed the impact of prognostic factors on the survival after LDLT for elderly recipients.

Methods
The 198 adult recipients were classified into 2 groups: an elderly group (n = 70, E group; ≥ 60 years of age) and a younger group (n = 128, Y group; <60 years of age). We analyzed the prognostic factors for the survival in the E group and the survival rate for both groups at several follow-up points and conducted subgroup analyses in the E group by combining the donor age (≥50 vs <50 years) and graft weight (GW)/standard liver volume (SLV) (≥40% vs <40%).

Results
Donor age (hazard ratio [HR], 2.17; P = 0.062) and GW/SLV (HR, 1.80; P = 0.23) tended to have a high HR in the E group. The overall patient survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 78.3%, 73.0%, and 61.0% in the E group, and 82.0%, 75.1%, and 69.2% in the Y group, respectively (P = 0.459). However, the outcomes tended to be worse in recipients of grafts from donors ≥50 years of age than in those with grafts from younger donors with GW/SLV < 40% (P = 0.048).

Conclusions
A worse outcome might be associated with aging of the donor, which leads to impairment of the graft function and liver regeneration. Both the graft volume and donor age should be considered when choosing grafts for LDLT in elderly patients.
Splenocyte Infusion and Whole-Body Irradiation for Induction of Peripheral Tolerance in Porcine Lung Transplantation: Modifications of the Preconditioning Regime for Improved Clinical Feasibility
Authors: Jansson Katharina , Dreckmann Karla , Sommer Wiebke , Avsar Murat , Salman Jawad , Siemeni Thierry , Knöfel Ann-Kathrin , Pauksch Linda , Gottlieb Jens , Frühauf Jörg , Werner Martin , Jonigk Danny , Strüber Martin , Haverich Axel , Warnecke Gregor 
Published: June 2017

Background
Preoperative low-dose whole-body irradiation (IRR) with 1.5 and 7 Gy thymic IRR of the recipient, combined with a perioperative donor splenocyte infusion lead to reliable donor specific peripheral tolerance in our allogeneic porcine lung transplantation model. To reduce the toxicity of this preconditioning regime, modifications of the IRR protocol and their impact on allograft survival were assessed.

Methods
Left-sided single lung transplantation from major histocompatibility complex and sex mismatched donors was performed in 14 adult female minipigs. Recipient animals were exposed to 3 different protocols of nonmyeloablative IRR within 12 hours before transplantation. All animals were administered a donor splenocyte infusion on the day of lung transplantation. Intravenous pharmacologic immunosuppression was withdrawn after 28 postoperative days. Allograft survival was monitored by chest radiographs and bronchoscopy.

Results
IRR prolonged transplant survival in a dose- and field-dependent manner. Shielding of the bone marrow from IRR (total lymphoid IRR at 1.5 and 7 Gy thymic IRR) significantly reduced protocol toxicity defined as thrombocytopenia and consecutive increased bleeding propensity, but had a less effective impact on graft survival. Whole-body IRR at 0.5 and 7 Gy thymic IRR proved to be ineffective for reliable tolerance induction. Eventually, high levels of circulating CD4+CD25high regulatory T cells were present in long-term survivors.

Conclusions
These data show that the infusion of donor-specific alloantigen in combination with IRR is efficient once a threshold dose is exceeded.
A Guide to Analysis and Reconstruction of Serial Block Face Scanning Electron Microscopy Data
Authors: Cocks E. , Taggart M. , Rind F.C. , White K. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSerial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) is a relatively new technique that allows the acquisition of serially sectioned, imaged and digitally aligned ultrastructural data. There is a wealth of information that can be obtained from the resulting image stacks but this presents a new challenge for researchers - how to computationally analyse and make best use of the large data sets produced. One approach is to reconstruct structures and features of interest in 3D. However the software programs can appear overwhelming, time consuming and not intuitive for those new to image analysis. There are a limited number of published articles that provide sufficient detail on how to do this type of reconstruction. Therefore the aim of this paper is to provide a detailed step-by-step protocol, videos and explanation on the types of analysis and programs that can be used. To showcase the programs, skeletal muscle from fetal and adult guinea pigs were used. The tissue was processed using the heavy metal protocol developed specifically for SBFSEM. Trimmed resin blocks were placed into a Zeiss Sigma SEM incorporating the Gatan 3View and the resulting image stacks were analysed in 3 different programs, Fiji, Amira and MIB, using a range of tools available for segmentation. The results from the image analysis comparison show that the analysis tools are often more suited to a type of structure. For example larger structures, such as nuclei and cells, can be segmented using interpolation, which speeds up analysis; single contrast structures, such as the nucleolus, can be segmented using the contrast-based thresholding tools. Knowing the nature of the tissue and its specific structures (complexity, contrast, if there are distinct membranes, size) will help to determine the best method for reconstruction and thus maximising output from valuable tissue.