bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Nature of Whiplash in a Compensable Environment: Injury, Disability, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Systems
Authors: Connelly Luke B. 
Published: June 2017

Synopsis Whiplash is a compensable injury in many jurisdictions, but there is considerable heterogeneity in the compensation arrangements that apply across jurisdictions, even within some countries. These compensation schemes have, however, been subject to a common set of interrelated concerns, chiefly concerning the incentives, behaviors, and outcomes that may arise when financial compensation for injuries is available to injured parties. This article provides a nontechnical overview of some of those concerns through the lens of economics: principally, insurance economics and health economics, including related subsets such as information economics and agency theory, as well as economics and the law. It notes that because it is generally infeasible to randomize the treatment (ie, compensation) via trials, analyses of observational data are necessary to discover more about the relationship between compensation and health outcomes. This poses the analytical challenge of discovering causal connections between phenomena from nonrandomized data sets. The present article calls for further research that would enable convincing causal interpretations of such relationships via the careful analysis of rich observational data sets using modern econometric methods. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(7):503–508. Epub 16 Jun 2017. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7533
Histopathological prognostic factors of recurrence following definitive therapy for atypical and malignant meningiomas
Authors: Kim Daniel , Niemierko Andrzej , Hwang William L. , Stemmer-Rachamimov Anat O. , Curry William T. , Barker Fred G. , Martuza Robert L. , Oh Kevin S. , Loeffler Jay S. , Shih Helen A. 
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVEPatients with atypical and malignant (WHO Grade II and III) meningiomas have a worse prognosis than patients with benign (WHO Grade I) meningiomas. However, there is limited understanding of the pathological risk factors that affect long-term tumor control following combined treatment with surgery and radiation therapy. Here, the authors identify clinical and histopathological risk factors for the progression and/or recurrence (P/R) of high-grade meningiomas based on the largest series of patients with atypical and malignant meningiomas, as defined by the 2007 WHO classification.METHODSPatients diagnosed with WHO Grade II and III meningiomas between 2007 and 2014 per the WHO 2007 criteria and treated with both surgery and external beam radiation therapy were retrospectively reviewed for clinical and histopathological factors at the time of diagnosis and assessed for P/R outcomes at the last available follow-up.RESULTSA total of 76 patients met the inclusion criteria (66 Grade II meningiomas, 10 Grade III meningiomas). Median follow-up from the time of pathological diagnosis was 52.6 months. Three factors were found to predict P/R: Grade III histology, brain and/or bone invasion, and a Ki-67 proliferation rate at or above 3%. The crude P/R rate was 80% for patients with Grade III histology, 40% for those with brain and/or bone involvement (regardless of WHO tumor grade), and 20% for those with a proliferative index ≥ 3% (regardless of WHO tumor grade). The median proliferation index was significantly different between patients in whom treatment failed and those in whom it did not fail (11% and 1%, respectively).CONCLUSIONSIn patients with atypical or malignant meningiomas, the presence of Grade III histology, brain and/or bone involvement, and a high mitotic index significantly predicted an increased risk of treatment failure despite combination therapy. These patients can be stratified into risk groups predicting P/R. Patients with high-risk features may benefit from more treatment and counseling than is typically offered currently.
Indications, technique, and safety profile of insular stereoelectroencephalography electrode implantation in medically intractable epilepsy
Authors: Alomar Soha , Mullin Jeffrey P. , Smithason Saksith , Gonzalez-Martinez Jorge 
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVEInsular epilepsy is relatively rare; however, exploring the insular cortex when preoperative workup raises the suspicion of insular epilepsy is of paramount importance for accurate localization of the epileptogenic zone and achievement of seizure freedom. The authors review their clinical experience with stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrode implantation in patients with medically intractable epilepsy and suspected insular involvement.METHODSA total of 198 consecutive cases in which patients underwent SEEG implantation with a total of 1556 electrodes between June 2009 and April 2013 were reviewed. The authors identified patients with suspected insular involvement based on seizure semiology, scalp EEG data, and preoperative imaging (MRI, PET, and SPECT or magnetoencephalography [MEG]). Patients with at least 1 insular electrode based on the postoperative 3D reconstruction of CT fused with the preoperative MRI were included.RESULTSOne hundred thirty-five patients with suspected insular epilepsy underwent insular implantation of a total of 303 electrodes (1–6 insular electrodes per patient) with a total of 562 contacts. Two hundred sixty-eight electrodes (88.5%) were implanted orthogonally through the frontoparietal or temporal operculum (420 contacts). Thirty-five electrodes (11.5%) were implanted by means of an oblique trajectory either through a frontal or a parietal entry point (142 contacts). Nineteen patients (14.07%) had insular electrodes placed bilaterally. Twenty-three patients (17.04% of the insular implantation group and 11.6% of the whole SEEG cohort) were confirmed by SEEG to have ictal onset zones in the insula. None of the patients experienced any intracerebral hemorrhage related to the insular electrodes. After insular resection, 5 patients (33.3%) had Engel Class I outcomes, 6 patients (40%) had Engel Class II, 3 patients (20%) had Engel Class III, and 1 patient (6.66%) had Engel Class IV.CONCLUSIONSInsula exploration with stereotactically placed depth electrodes is a safe technique. Orthogonal electrodes are implanted when the hypothesis suggests opercular involvement; however, oblique electrodes allow a higher insular sampling rate.
Gamma Knife surgery for clival epidural-osseous dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Lee Cheng-Chia , Chen Ching-Jen , Chen Shao-Ching , Yang Huai-Che , Lin Chung Jung , Wu Chih-Chun , Chung Wen-Yuh , Guo Wan-Yuo , Hung-Chi Pan David , Shiau Cheng-Ying , Wu Hsiu-Mei 
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVEClival epidural-osseous dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is often associated with a large nidus, multiple arterial feeders, and complex venous drainage. In this study the authors report the outcomes of clival epidural-osseous DAVFs treated using Gamma Knife surgery (GKS).METHODSThirteen patients with 13 clival epidural-osseous DAVFs were treated with GKS at the authors’ institution between 1993 and 2015. Patient age at the time of GKS ranged from 38 to 76 years (median 55 years). Eight DAVFs were classified as Cognard Type I, 4 as Type IIa, and 1 as Type IIa+b. The median treatment volume was 17.6 cm3 (range 6.2–40.3 cm3). The median prescribed margin dose was 16.5 Gy (range 15–18 Gy). Clinical and radiological follow-ups were performed at 6-month intervals. Patient outcomes after GKS were categorized as 1) complete improvement, 2) partial improvement, 3) stationary, and 4) progression.RESULTSAll 13 patients demonstrated symptomatic improvement, and on catheter angiography 12 of the 13 patients had complete obliteration and 1 patient had partial obliteration. The median follow-up period was 26 months (range 14–186 months). The median latency period from GKS to obliteration was 21 months (range 8–186 months). There was no intracranial hemorrhage during the follow-up period, and no deaths occurred. Two adverse events were observed following treatment, and 2 patients required repeat GKS treatment with eventual complete obliteration.CONCLUSIONSGamma Knife surgery offers a safe and effective primary or adjuvant treatment modality for complex clival epidural-osseous DAVFs. All patients in this case series demonstrated symptomatic improvement, and almost all patients attained complete obliteration.
Evaluation of surgical treatment for neuropathic pain from neuroma in patients with injured peripheral nerves
Authors: Decrouy-Duruz Valérie , Christen Thierry , Raffoul Wassim 
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVEChronic neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury is a major clinical problem. Its management is difficult, and therapeutic approaches vary and include oral medication, neurostimulation, and surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the adequacy of surgical nerve revision in a large series of patients with long-term follow-up.METHODSThe authors reviewed the charts of 231 patients (335 nerve injuries) who experienced neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury and underwent surgery for nerve revision at the authors’ institution between 1997 and 2012. The following parameters were recorded for each patient: history, location, duration, and severity of the pain and details of nerve revision surgery. In addition, patients were invited to participate in a follow-up consultation and were asked to score their pain at that time. Current medications and examination findings were also documented.RESULTSElective surgery was the source of nerve injury for 55.4% of the patients. The lower extremity was the most commonly involved anatomical region (54.3%), followed by the lower abdomen (16.4%) and the thoracic region (13%). The mean time between the onset of injury and revision surgery was 48 months. On average, 1.3 injured nerves per patient were explored, and surgery was performed 1.2 times per patient. Each nerve underwent revision 1.1 times on average. Neuromas-in-continuity and scar-tethered nerves were observed in 205 nerves (61%) and terminal neuromas were observed in 130 nerves (39%). The authors performed 186 (56%) neurolyses and 149 (44%) neuroma resections and translocations. The mean follow-up of the 127 (55%) patients who agreed to come back for a consultation was 68 months. These patients indicated an average pain decrease of 4 points in the visual analog scale (VAS) score. Pain relief greater than a 2-point decrease on the VAS, a criterion for a successful treatment according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies guidelines, was encountered in 80% of patients. Pain relief did not vary in a statistically significant way with regard to surgical technique, age and sex of the patient, affected nerve, or time between trauma and surgery. Before surgery, 76% of the patients were on a regimen of paracetamol and/or NSAIDs and 44% received opiates, while after nerve revision only 37% still required simple analgesia and 14% needed opiates.CONCLUSIONSBearing in mind that medication achieves satisfying pain relief in only 30%–40% of patients with neuropathic pain, surgery must be considered as an effective alternative therapy. No objective criteria were shown to be factors of poor prognosis. Systematic preoperative clinical mapping of the injured nerves and diagnostic nerve blocks could improve the primary success rate of the surgery.
Low Distortion Embedding of the Hamming Space into a Sphere with Quadrance Metric and k-means Clustering of Nominal-continuous Data
Authors: Denisiuk Aleksander , Grabowski Michał 
Published: June 2017

In this article we propose a new clustering algorithm for combinations of continuous and nominal data. The proposed algorithm is based on embedding of the nominal data into the unit sphere with a quadrance metrics, and adaptation of the general k-means clustering algorithm for the embedding data. It is also shown that the distortion of new embedding with respect to the Hamming metrics is less than that of other considered possibilities. A series of numerical experiments on real and synthetic datasets show that the proposed algorithm provide a comparable alternative to other clustering algorithms for combinations of continuous and nominal data.
The state of the science of health literacy measurement
Authors: Nguyen Tam H. , Paasche-Orlow Michael K. , McCormack Lauren A. 
Published: June 2017

Advancing health literacy (HL) research requires high-quality HL measures. This article provides an overview of the state of the science of HL measurement at the level of the individual: where the field started, currently is, and should be going. It is divided into eight key sections looking at (1) the history of HL measurement, (2) the relationship between HL definitions and measurement, (3) the HL conceptual domains most and least frequently measured, (4) the methods used to validate HL measures, (5) the characteristics of the participants in the measurement validation studies, (6) the practical considerations related to administering HL measures, (7) the advantages and disadvantages of using objective versus subjective HL measures, and (8) future directions for HL measurement. Based on the material presented in this article, the following conclusions can be drawn. First, there is an enormous proliferation of HL measures and this growth presents both opportunities and challenges for the field. Second, to move the field forward, there is an urgent need to better align HL measurement with definitions of HL. Third, some HL domains, such as numeracy, are measured more often than others, such as speaking and listening. Consequently, it is important to think about novel mechanisms to measure HL domains that are rarely measured. Fourth, HL measures are most often developed, validated, and refined using classical measurement approaches. However, strong empirical and practical rationales suggest making an assertive shift toward using modern measurement approaches. Fifth, most HL measures are not well validated for use in minority populations; consequently, future validation studies should be mindful of validation samples. Sixth, HL measures can be administered using multiple modes, most frequently via paper-and-pencil surveys. Identifying which mode of administration is most suitable requires reflecting on the underlying measurement purpose and the characteristics of the participants being measured. These considerations should also be made when deciding between a subjective versus objective HL measure. Cumulatively, this article provides tools to help readers select and use the most appropriate measures of HL for their needs. It also provides rationale and strategies for moving the science of HL measurement forward.
Data-driven maternal health literacy promotion and a postscript on its implications
Authors: Smith Sandra A. , Carroll Lauren N. 
Published: June 2017

Scientific discovery and global health policy are moving health literacy promotion and maternal-child health from the fringes of research and public health to the forefront of healthcare reform [ Matern Child Health J. 18 ( 2014 ), 344–365]. In 2011 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Shanghai Declaration [ Lancet 378 ( 2011 ), 566–567]. The Declaration highlights new understanding of the origins of health and disease in early development. It calls on all nations to apply this knowledge to reduce the burdens of chronic disease and related disparities worldwide. The Declaration recommends a specific intervention strategy: promote health literacy across the life course, particularly in parents and children, and empower women. This article explores findings and implications of the Life Skills Progression Maternal Health Literacy studies. These LSP-MHL studies evaluated implementations of an intervention designed to promote health literacy in parents and empower women in the U.S. First, the article reports findings of the most recent of five published LSP-MHL studies with discussion of its implications for future work in this line of inquiry. A postscript highlights two of many implications of the LSP-MHL intervention studies for health literacy research in the third era of modern healthcare.
Comparison of Flexural Performance of Lightweight Fibre-reinforced Concrete and Normalweight Fibre-reinforced Concrete
Authors: Ali Ahsan , Iqbal Shahid , Holschemacher Klaus , Bier Thomas A. 
Published: June 2017

Current study encompasses comparison of flexural tests results of Normalweight Fibre-reinforced Concrete (NWFC) and Lightweight Fibre-reinforced Concrete (LWFC) beam specimens. Fibres are known for their positive effect on crack control, better post-cracking behaviour under flexure and for enhancing toughness. These improvements, however, come at the expense of degraded workability. Using lightweight aggregates of regular shape instead of heavier, irregular and rough textured normalweight aggregates can address the issue of poor workability of concrete besides other advantages that it will bring along with. Replacing normalweight aggregate with lightweight aggregate also has its demerits and in most cases under similar testing environments lightweight concrete has lower strength results. This paper covers evaluation of flexural performance for both LWFC and NWFC having similar compressive strength class. For this purpose 24 beams 150 × 150 × 700 mm in dimensions were tested under flexure. For a fair comparison, it was made sure that both the concretes (LWFC and NWFC) at every fibre volume fraction (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75%) fell under the same strength class.
Stabilization of Algerian Clayey Soils with Natural Pozzolana and Lime
Authors: Harichane Khelifa , Ghrici Mohamed , Kenai Said 
Published: June 2017

Cohesive soils with a high plasticity index present difficulties in construction operations because they usually contain expansive clay minerals. However, the engineering properties of soils can be improved by different techniques. The aim of this paper is to study the effect of using lime, natural pozzolana or a combination of both lime and natural pozzolana on plasticity, compaction and shear strength of two clayey soils classified as CH and CL according to the unified soil classification system (USCS). The obtained results indicated that for CH class clay soil, the plasticity index decreased significantly for samples stabilized with lime. On the other hand, for the soil classified as CL class clay, a high decrease in the plasticity index value was observed for samples stabilized with natural pozzolana compared to those stabilized with lime. Also, both the cohesion and internal friction angle in lime added samples were demonstrated to increase with time. The combination of lime and natural pozzolana exhibits a significant effect on the enhancement of both the cohesion and internal friction angle at later stages. The lime-natural pozzolana combination appears to produce higher shear strength parameters than lime or natural pozzolana used alone.
Anakinra in a Cohort of Children with Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis
Authors: Pardeo Manuela , Pires Marafon Denise , Messia Virginia , Garganese Maria Carmen , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Insalaco Antonella 
Published: June 2017

Objective.To report efficacy and safety in patients with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) unresponsive to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) and bisphosphonates and/or glucocorticoids treated with anakinra.Methods.Nine patients (6 females) with refractory CNO were treated with anakinra for at least 6 months. We recorded, at baseline and after 6 months of treatment, clinical and laboratory features, and number and distribution of bone lesions detected by 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy. Disease activity was evaluated using a physician’s global assessment (PGA).Results.At baseline, 9/9 patients had mild to severe PGA. After 6 months of treatment, in 5 patients the PGA score was graded from none to minimal. At baseline, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were elevated in 8 out of 9 patients. After 6 months, 5/9 patients had normalized CRP and ESR and in all except 1, CRP and ESR decreased. Before starting anakinra, a total of 77 bone lesions were detected by bone scintigraphy. After 6 months of treatment of the 77 lesions, 42 had resolved and 35 were stable. In 7/9 patients, 20 new lesions appeared during treatment; 2 of these 7 patients were symptomatic. At the last followup visit (median 1.7 yrs, range 0.8–2.8), 6/9 patients maintained a PGA graded as none to minimal.Conclusion.Anakinra is a possible therapeutic alternative in patients with refractory CNO. The practical significance of clinically silent bone lesions detected by bone scintigraphy remains to be established.
Sleep Disturbance in Psoriatic Disease: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Wong Ian T.Y. , Chandran Vinod , Li Suzanne , Gladman Dafna D. 
Published: June 2017

Objective.We aimed to determine the prevalence and quality of sleep in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and those with psoriasis without PsA (PsC) followed in the same center, to identify factors associated with sleep disturbance, and to compare findings to those of healthy controls (HC).Methods.The study included 113 PsA [ClASsification for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) criteria] and 62 PsC (PsA excluded by a rheumatologist) patients and 52 HC. Clinical variables were collected using a standard protocol. The sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Other patient-reported outcomes collected included the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Dermatology Life Quality Index, EQ-5D, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 survey, patient’s global assessment, and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-fatigue) scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and linear regression.Results.The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 84%, 69%, and 50% in PsA, PsC, and HC, respectively. Total PSQI score was higher in both patients with PsA and patients with PsC compared with HC (p < 0.01) and higher in patients with PsA compared to patients with PsC (p < 0.0001). EQ-5D anxiety component, EQ-5D final, and FACIT-fatigue were independently associated with worse PSQI in patients with PsC and those with PsA (p < 0.05). Actively inflamed (tender or swollen) joints are independently associated with worse PSQI in patients with PsA (p < 0.01).Conclusion.Patients with psoriatic disease have poor sleep quality. Poor sleep is associated with fatigue, anxiety, and lower EQ-5D. In patients with PsA, poor sleep is associated with active joint inflammation.
CUBATURES FOR MEDIUM-SIZED PLUS ENERGY BUILDINGS
Authors: Sick Friedrich , Ross Lioba 
Published: June 2017

INTRODUCTION On the basis of dynamic building simulations within a maximal realistic framework, it may be useful with respect to the overall energy balance to dispense with pursuing a minimal surface/volume ratio of buildings—thus minimizing heat losses across the building shell—in favor of solar energy use. The specific use of the building (here: office or residential) plays a crucial role. Balancing the energy demand for heating and cooling and a possible photovoltaic yield, a surplus is possible in all cases under investigation. Long, low unobstructed buildings perform best due to large portions of roof area suitable for solar energy use. For tall buildings with less roof area, parts of the facades may be used for solar applications which makes them also perform better than compact designs. If the total energy demand including auxiliary energy for HVAC and especially electricity for the office and residential usages, respectively, is considered, compact cubatures of the size considered here (about 3500 m2) are not capable of providing positive energy balances. Residential usage performs worse than office use. Investigations are performed for the climatic conditions of Berlin, Germany.