bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can Surgery in Patient with Protobothrops Mucrosquamatus Envenomation be Predicted in Emergency Department?
Authors: Su Hy , Li Yh , Tang Cn , Su Ci , Tsai Mj 
Published: December 2017

Objective Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, a Crotalinae snake with haemorrhagic venom, is responsible for the most common poisoning snakebites in Taiwan. Although a specific antivenin has been developed to treat this snakebite, surgical intervention is still needed in some patients because of the progression of tissue injury. Early risk stratification is important to identify the early signs of need for surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the early predictors for surgery in patients with P. mucrosquamatus envenomation. Methods The medical records of inpatients with P. mucrosquamatus envenomation between 2008 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical information was collected and analysed between surgical and nonsurgical patients. Results A total of 60 patients with P. mucrosquamatus envenomation, including 8 surgical patients (13.3%) and 52 non-surgical patients (86.7%), presented to the emergency department during the study period. Compartment syndrome (62.5%) and tissue necrosis (37.5%) were the main reasons for surgery. Comparison between surgical and non-surgical patients showed significantly higher white blood cell count (17.1 × 103/μL vs. 8.5 × 103/μL; p=0.002) and peak D-dimer level (1924.8 ng/mL vs. 730.0 ng/mL; p=0.006) in the surgical group. Ecchymosis (p=0.009), haemorrhagic bulla formation (p=0.002), leukocytosis (p=0.002), elevated peak D-dimer level (>1000 ng/mL) (p=0.005), and rhabdomyolysis (creatine kinase level >1000 IU/L) (p=0.007) were the significant signs relevant to surgery. On multivariate analysis, leukocytosis and ecchymosis were the most significant predictors of surgery in patients with P. mucrosquamatus envenomation. Conclusions Patients with P. mucrosquamatus envenomation presenting with leukocytosis and wound ecchymosis will have a high probability of requiring surgical therapy. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2016;23:210-219)
Ketamine-Induced Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Study of International Prostate Symptom Score and Quality of Life
Authors: Wei Yb , Yang Jr , Wu Ww , Chinaegbomkpam  , Jiang Gq 
Published: December 2017

Introduction Ketamine associated cystitis was first reported in 2007. Although many articles have been published concerning the effects of ketamine on lower urinary tract, not much focus had been put on the Quality of Life (QoL). This study was to assess lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and QoL in ketamine abusers. Methods One hundred ketamine abusers with LUTS were included in the study. All patients were interviewed by one of the three trained investigators through face-to-face interview. Their LUTS were evaluated by the survey instrument consisting of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and 7-points Likert-type QoL scale. Results Sixty-six of them had moderate symptoms and 16 suffered from heavy symptoms. Eighty-one percent patients reported storage symptoms compared to 41% with voiding symptoms. Mono-ketamine abusers (MKA) had higher scores in IPSS, QoL, storage and voiding symptoms than poly-drug abusers (PDA). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that lower educational background, MKA, and longer duration of ketamine abuse were found to be predicting factors on IPSS and QoL. Conclusions LUTS in ketamine abusers are mostly moderate to severe, and their quality of life were wrecked. Mono-ketamine abusers have more severe LUTS and lower quality of life than poly-drug users. Lower educational level, mono-ketamine abuser and longer duration of abuse are independent predictors of severity of LUTS and QoL. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2016;23:227-233)
Biometeorological Modelling and Forecasting of Monthly Ambulance Demand for Hong Kong
Authors: Wong HT , Lai PC , Chen S 
Published: December 2017

Introduction Given the aging population in Hong Kong and the ever rising demand for emergency ambulance services, this study aimed to examine the effects of seasonality and weather on the demand for emergency ambulance services in Hong Kong. The feasibility of using time series models and selected weather factors to forecast average daily ambulance demand over a month was also assessed. Methods Monthly statistics for ambulance demand from 1998 to 2007 were obtained for analysing the effects of seasonality and weather on the demand for emergency ambulance services in Hong Kong. The effectiveness of weather factors in forecasting ambulance demand was also examined by comparing the performance of the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model against other commonly used models. Results The lowest temperatures during cooler months were found to be negatively associated with average daily ambulance demand (adj-R2=0.38), while the average amount of cloud cover and highest temperatures were found to be positively associated with average daily ambulance demand during hotter months (adj-R2=0.34). When the analysis was stratified spatially by ambulance command units, Hong Kong Island had the highest adj-R2 during cool and hot months, reported at 0.55 and 0.46 respectively. With the inclusion of average temperature, the ARIMA models outperformed other models for both short- and long-term predictions. Conclusions Our findings suggest that weather factors, especially temperature, are significantly related to and useful for predicting ambulance demand.
Effectiveness of 100 Beats per Minute Music on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Compression Rate Education: A Manikin Study
Authors: Kim KW , Kim JH , Choe WJ , Kim JY , Lee SI , Kim KT , Park JS , Kim JW , Lee Y , Lee JH , Park J 
Published: December 2017

Introduction Recent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines emphasize the importance of high-quality chest compression. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of education using music on the chest compression rate. Methods This randomised, open-labeled study enrolled 81 medical students. They were randomly divided into three groups. After they were educated in CPR according to the American Heart Association 2010 guidelines, they performed 100 chest compressions using a mannequin capable of collecting each compression depth and speed. After that, the control group received a verbal feedback about their own results. The metronome group was also notified of their own results, and listened to the metronome sound at 100 beats per minute (bpm). The music group listened to the music (about 100 bpm). Twenty-four hours after their CPR education, chest compressions were performed again with the method identical to the first evaluation. The results were compared using multivariate analysis of variances. Result Compression rate (bpm): There was a significant difference between the control (mean, 110.4; 95% CI: 104.4, 116.5) and metronome group (mean, 98.5; 95% CI: 91.6, 105.4) after education (p=0.01). There was a significant difference between control and music group (mean, 98.2; 95% CI: 94.6, 101.8) after education (p<0.001) There were no differences between the music and metronome group before or after education (p=0.50, p=0.94). However, the variance of music group was significantly less than the metronome group (p=0.01). Compression depth (inches): there was no difference between the groups according to the CPR education method. (Control: 1.8±0.3; Metronome group: 1.6±0.2; Music group: 1.7±0.3 p=0.09) Conclusion Both education method of using music and metronome are more effective than conventional method. However the effect of using music may be better than using metronome.
Could Hong Kong Primary Schoolchildren be Taught to Perform Compression-Only CPR: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cy CHAN , Ko HF , Tsui SY , Chan OY , Tang TH , Chu YC 
Published: December 2017

Objective To evaluate whether Hong Kong primary schoolchildren could be taught to perform compression-only CPR. Design Prospective experimental trial Subjects Primary schoolchildren of age 9-12 years old from different Cub Scout packs attended a 2 hour voluntary compression-only CPR training session between late 2014 and mid-2015. Main outcome measures Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge in the format of pre- and post-test multiple choices questions (MCQ). Psychomotor skills assessment including correct hand position, compression depth, compression rate and chest wall recoil between each compression. Results A total of 112 primary schoolchildren attended the training session, in them 72% were boys. Pretest score and post-test score was 2.81/5 and 4.82/5, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). About 96% of subjects had correct hand position at all time during CPR. Mean compression rate was 119/minute. Mean compression depth was 3 cm. About 47% of subjects had 100% complete recoil of chest wall following compression. Conclusion Primary schoolchildren above 9 years old are able to acquire essential knowledge and skills in compression-only CPR. Their physical strength may limit their ability to perform effective chest compression; it is still worthwhile to advocate CO-CPR education in primary schoolchildren in Hong Kong in order to raise their interest in this life saving skills and to equip them with essential cognitive skills in emergency situations. To achieve optimal cost-effectiveness and a compression depth of at least 4 cm, body weight of 53 kg or above should be considered as a selection criterion.
Cardiac Surgical Repair Should Be Offered to Infants with Trisomy 18, Interrupted Aortic Arch and Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Kavarana Minoo N. 
Published: December 2017

The management of children born with trisomy 18 is controversial, and both providers and parents often have differing opinions. Many parents choose to terminate the pregnancy while others go forward, making decisions based on their beliefs, understanding, and physician recommendations. Physicians are similarly divided regarding treatment of these children, as some feel that aggressive treatments are futile while others defer to the parents' wishes.Interrupted aortic arch with ventricular septal defect in children with trisomy 18 presents an ethical dilemma that highlights the kinds of controversies in medical decision making facing physicians on a daily basis. Repair of interrupted aortic arch with ventricular septal defect poses a high risk to newborns with or without trisomy 18. Therefore, the option for surgery should be treated as with any routine informed consent process. Parents should be counseled about the risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of success both short and long term and be should offered a choice between surgery and palliative care.
Clinical and Echocardiographic Predictors of Arrhythmias Detected With 24-Hour Holter Electrocardiography Among Hypertensive Heart Failure Patients in Nigeria
Authors: Mene-Afejuku Tuoyo Omasan , Balogun Michael Olabode , Akintomide Anthony Olubunmi , Adebayo Rasaaq Ayodele , Ajayi Olufemi Eyitayo , Amadi Valentine N , Oketona Omolola Abiodun , Ikwu Amanze Nkemjika , Mene-Afejuku Bamidele , Bamikole Olaniyi James 
Published: December 2017

Background:Hypertensive heart failure (HHF) is the commonest form of heart failure in Nigeria. There is paucity of data in Nigeria on 24-hour Holter electrocardiography (24-HHECG) and important predictors of arrhythmias among HHF patients.Objectives:To determine the 24-HHECG characteristics among HHF patients. To determine the clinical and echocardiographic predictors of arrhythmias detected using 24-HHECG among HHF patients.Methods:A total of 100 HHF patients as well as 50 age-matched and sex-matched apparently healthy controls were prospectively recruited over a period of 1 year. They all had baseline laboratory tests, echocardiography, and 24-HHECG.Results:Hypertensive heart failure patients had significantly higher counts of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) than the controls ( P ≤ .001). Ventricular tachycardia (VT) was recorded in 29% of HHF patients as compared with controls who had no VT on 24-HHECG. The standard deviation of all normal to normal sinus RR intervals over 24 hours (SDNN) was abnormally reduced among HHF patients when compared with controls ( P = .046). There was positive correlation between atrial fibrillation (AF) and the following parameters: PVCs ( r = .229, P = .015), New York Heart Association (NYHA) ( r = .196, P = .033), and VT ( r = .223, P = .018). Following multiple linear regression, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ( P ≤ .001) and serum urea ( P = .037) were predictors of PVCs among HHF patients. Serum creatinine ( P ≤ .001), elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) ( P = .005), and PVCs ( P ≤ .001) were important predictors of VT among HHF patients.Conclusions:Renal dysfunction and reduced LVEF were important predictors of ventricular arrhythmias. High counts of PVCs and elevated SBP were predictive of the occurrence of VT among HHF patients. The NYHA class and ventricular arrhythmias have a significant positive correlation with AF. The SDNN is reduced in HHF patients.
Evaluation of FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System on Glycemic Control, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Fear of Hypoglycemia in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Al Hayek Ayman A , Robert Asirvatham A , Al Dawish Mohamed A 
Published: December 2017

Background/objectives: In the current era of modern technology and the development of smart devices such as the flash glucose monitoring (FGM) systems, patients can easily monitor their glucose levels more frequently without any inconvenience. In this study, we evaluate the effect of FreeStyle Libre FGM system on glycemic control, hypoglycemia, health-related quality of life (QoL), and the fear of hypoglycemia (FOH) among children and young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Design and methods: A prospective study was conducted at the Diabetes Treatment Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January 2017 and May 2017 on 47 (aged 13-19 years) registered patients with T1D who used conventional finger-pricking method for self-testing the glucose. At baseline visit, the FGM sensors were placed on each participant by a trained diabetes educator. The data collected from the sensors were computed to generate the respective ambulatory glucose profiles so as to determine the total number of scans conducted during the study period. At the baseline and at 3 months of the experiment, a trained interviewer administered the questionnaire Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-Child Version (HFS-C) and PedsQL 3.0 (QoL questionnaire) to each patient. The age, sex, weight, height, adjusted body mass index, duration of diabetes, treatment modality, and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of each patient were recorded. Results: As compared with the baseline, a significant improvement was noted in the behavior of FOH ( P = .0001), worry ( P = .0001), QoL ( P = .002), HbA1c level ( P = .008), and hypoglycemia ( P = .023) at 3 months. Significant improvement was noted in the behavior ( P = .0001), worry ( P = .0001), QoL ( P = .003), HbA1c level ( P = .014), and hypoglycemia ( P = .001) among the multiple-dose insulin injection–treated patients as compared with baseline. Significant improvement was noted in the behavior ( P = .0001), worry ( P = .0001), and hypoglycemia ( P = .001) among the insulin pump–treated patients as compared with baseline. A positive correlation was recorded in the behavior ( r = .47; P < .001), QoL ( r = .70; P < .001), and the mean number of FGM scans. A negative correlation was recorded in the worry ( r = −.43; P = .002), HbA1c level ( r = −.58; P < .001), hypoglycemia ( r = −.65; P < .001), and the mean number of FGM scans. Conclusions: The frequent use of FGM scanning reduced the frequency of hypoglycemia, HbA1c level, and worry and increased the behavior and QoL. As compared with self-testing by the conventional finger-pricking method, the use of FGM increased the frequency of self-testing and thus diabetes control.
A multicenter randomized controlled trial of two group education programs for fatigue in multiple sclerosis: Short- and medium-term benefits
Authors: Hugos Cinda L , Chen Zunqiu , Chen Yiyi , Turner Aaron P , Haselkorn Jodie , Chiara Toni , McCoy Sean , Bever Christopher T , Cameron Michelle H , Bourdette Dennis ,   On Behalf of the VA MS Fatigue Study Group
Published: December 2017

Background Fatigue occurs in 75%–95% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is frequently reported as the most disabling symptom. A multicomponent group program of six weekly 2-hour sessions, Fatigue: Take Control (FTC), was developed from an international MS fatigue management guideline. Objective To determine whether FTC is associated with greater improvements in fatigue than MS: Take Control (MSTC), a similarly structured general MS education program. Methods This four-site, parallel, single-blind, randomized controlled trial compared FTC and MSTC in 204 ambulatory participants with MS. The primary outcome, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and secondary outcomes of self-efficacy, physical activity, sleep, and medications were assessed at baseline, program completion, and 3 and 6 months later. Results Mean MFIS scores improved in both groups between baseline and program completion (FTC −4.4, p < 0.001; MSTC −3.8, p < 0.001), between baseline and 3 months after program completion (FTC −3.2, p = 0.01; MSTC −3.3, p = 0.01), and between baseline and 6 months after program completion (FTC −5.2, p < 0.001; MSTC −4.8, p < 0.001). These improvements were not statistically different between groups ( p = 0.64, 0.92, and 0.82, respectively). Conclusion Participation in FTC modestly improved self-reported fatigue for up to 6 months. This improvement did not differ significantly from that occurring with the control program.
Behavioural Changes in Dementia and their Impact on Professional Caregivers: A Grounded Theory Approach
Authors: Appleton Katie , Pereira Antonina 
Published: December 2017

Aim The present study aimed to explore the impact that changes in behavioural symptoms of people living with dementia have on professional caregiver and resident relationships. Method A total of 21 interviews were carried out with professional caregivers of people living with dementia. A grounded theory approach was used to investigate everyday experiences of provision of professional care in dementia settings, focussing specifically on the effect of behavioural change on such relationships. Results A core category emerged from this analysis: ‘Developing behaviour in dementia impacts relationships on a personal and professional level’. Discussion Professionals have recognized as part of their everyday practice an eventual deterioration in relationships between themselves as professional caregivers and the residents, but also between the residents and their family members and among residents themselves. Importantly, understanding patients’ behaviour and behavioural change was identified as a crucial factor to achieve and sustain good relationships between professionals and residents suffering with dementia.
Factors Associated with the Quality of Life of People with Dementia and with Quality of Life-Improving Interventions: Scoping Review
Authors: Holopainen Arja , Siltanen Hannele , Pohjanvuori Anita , Mäkisalo-Ropponen Merja , Okkonen Eila 
Published: December 2017

Objectives To synthesise current research exploring the factors and interventions associated with the quality of life of people with dementia. Background Dementia is a progressive condition affecting an estimated 40 million people worldwide. The illness has a significant impact on the lives of the persons affected and their loved ones, and may thus impair the quality of life of both. As it progresses, dementia weakens the patients’ ability to express their own views about their quality of life and the factors associated with it. Design Scoping review. Data sources Electronic database search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Joanna Briggs Institute Library, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), EMBASE, Medic published up to March 2016; and incremental hand search. Review method: Systematic or other kinds of reviews and single studies were included for the review if they met the inclusion criteria. Results: A total of 20 reviews and 7 primary studies were retained for synthesis. Key findings were abstracted and a themes matrix was generated to identify patterns of meaning. The factors associated with the quality of life of people with dementia were sociodemographic factors, factors related to dementia and social and caring environment. Interventions supporting quality of life focused on the activation of people with dementia. Conclusions: This scoping review identified a large body of knowledge exploring the factors and interventions associated with the quality of life of people with dementia. The interventions were heterogeneous and the sample sizes small, which is why more research is needed.
Attitudes of Nurses and the General Public Towards Euthanasia on Individuals with Dementia and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Terkamo-Moisio Anja , Pietilä Anna-Maija , Lehto Juho T , Ryynänen Olli-Pekka 
Published: December 2017

Objectives Despite the increasing prevalence of dementia, little is known about individuals’ attitudes towards euthanasia on patients with dementia or cognitive impairment. Methods Nurses (n = 1003) and representatives of the general public (n = 2796), recruited via social media and the Finnish Nurses Association, completed an electronic questionnaire in 2014. Results Euthanasia due to severe dementia was approved by 54.6% of nurses and 64.4% of the general public. Depending on the age of the patient, between 50.0% and 54.7% of nurses and between 58.3% and 60.9% of the general public supported euthanasia on patients with severe cognitive impairment. Discussion The attitudes towards euthanasia due to dementia or cognitive impairment are slightly more accepting among the general public than among nurses. Apart from religiosity, none of the background factors were found to be reliable predictors of individuals’ attitudes. Additional research is needed to describe the underlying reasons for the attitudes.