bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Burden of Illness in Patients with Moderate to Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Canada
Authors: Maleki-Yazdi M Reza , Kelly Suzanne M , Lam Sy S , Marin Mihaela , Barbeau Martin , Walker Valery 
Published: March 2016

INTRODUCTION: No recent Canadian studies with physician‐ and spirometry‐confirmed diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that assessed the burden of COPD have been published.OBJECTIVE: To assess the costs associated with maintenance therapy and treatment for acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) over a one‐year period.METHODS: Respirologists, internists and family practitioners from across Canada enrolled patients with an established diagnosis of moderate to severe COPD (Global initiative for chonic Obstructive Lung Disease stages 2 and 3) confirmed by postbronchodilator spirometry. Patient information and health care resources related to COPD maintenance and physician‐documented AECOPD over the previous year were obtained by chart review and patient survey.RESULTS: A total of 285 patients (59.3% male; mean age 70.4 years; mean pack years smoked 45.6; mean duration of COPD 8.2 years; mean postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s 58.0% predicted) were enrolled at 23 sites across Canada. The average annual COPD‐related cost per patient was $4,147. Across all 285 patients, maintenance costs were $2,475 per patient, of which medications accounted for 71%. AECOPD treatment costs were $1,673 per patient, of which hospitalizations accounted for 82%. Ninety‐eight patients (34%) experienced a total of 157 AECOPD. Treatment of these AECOPD included medications and outpatient care, 19 emergency room visits and 40 hospitalizations (mean length of stay 8.9 days). The mean cost per AECOPD was $3,036.DISCUSSION: The current costs associated with moderate and severe COPD are considerable and will increase in the future. Appropriate use of medications and strategies to prevent hospitalizations for AECOPD may reduce COPD‐related costs because these were the major cost drivers.
The Ventral Striatum is Implicated in the Analgesic Effect of Mood Changes
Authors: Villemure Chantal , Laferrière Audrey C , Bushnell M Catherine 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: The ventral striatum, particularly the nucleus accumbens, is commonly associated with the processing of reward and positive stimuli, positive affect as well as antinociceptive processes.OBJECTIVES: The present study examined whether the ventral striatum is implicated in analgesia resulting from positive mood change induced by pleasant odours.METHODS: Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies were conducted in healthy individuals receiving painful heat stimuli in the presence of pleasant or unpleasant odours, which were used to induce positive and negative mood states. Ventral striatum activity was examined in the two mood states.RESULTS: For most subjects, pleasant odours improved mood and reduced pain unpleasantness perception relative to unpleasant odours. In the pleasant odour condition, the maximum activation of both the left and right ventral striatum was positively correlated with the amount of pain reduction. Furthermore, the left and right ventral striatum activations positively covaried with one another, and the right ventral striatum activation positively correlated with that in the periaqueductal grey matter. Both ventral striatum activations negatively covaried with the activation of the right mediodorsal thalamus, left dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, left medial prefrontal cortex and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex.CONCLUSIONS: Because both the mediodorsal thalamus and anterior cingulate are involved in pain affect perception, and activation within the prefrontal areas and periaqueductal grey matter were previously shown to correlate with mood‐related pain modulation, it is concluded that the ventral striatum is likely implicated in the analgesic effect of positive mood changes induced by pleasant odours on pain unpleasantness.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Transarterial Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Jun , He Xiao Dong , Zhang You Cheng 
Published: March 2016

Transarterial therapies, either alone or in conjunction with adjuvant therapies, have been demonstrated to improve survival rates in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although generally well tolerated and widely used for more than two decades, transarterial procedures have been reported to be associated with several infectious complications when performed in patients with HCC. However, the question of whether antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary for patients undergoing transarterial procedures for HCC remains controversial. Accordingly, this meta-analysis examined clinical trial evidence regarding the effects of prophylactic antibiotic therapy versus no prophylactic treatment with respect to infectious complications in patients undergoing transarterial therapy for HCC.BACKGROUND: The use of prophylactic antibiotics against postprocedure infection in patients undergoing transarterial therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma is controversial.AIM: To compare the effects of prophylactic antibiotic treatment and no prophylactic antibiotic treatment on infectious complications following transarterial procedures.METHODS: Clinical trials fulfilling predefined selection criteria were identified by searching several bibliographic databases; a meta-analysis was performed where appropriate.RESULTS: Four trials of inadequate quality consisting of 210 patients were included in the analysis. Only one case of possible postprocedure infection in each group was reported. The rate of patients developing fever (RR 0.91 [95% CI 0.61 to 1.35]), changes in peripheral white blood cell count or serum C-reactive protein levels, and the mean length of hospital stay (mean difference 0.20 [95% CI 0.75 to 1.14]) showed no significant intergroup differences between antibiotic and no antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, the results of the present study indicated that the incidence of bacteremia, septicemia, sepsis or hepatic abscess after transarterial therapy was rare.CONCLUSION: Antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing transarterial therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma may not be routinely necessary. However, a more judicious use of antibiotics is recommended for patients who are at an increased risk of infection. Nevertheless, prospective trials on a larger scale are clearly needed.
Evaluation of Endoscopist and Pathologist Factors Affecting the Incidence of Microscopic Colitis
Authors: Andrews Christopher N , Beck Paul L , Wilsack Lynn , Urbanski Stefan J , Storr Martin 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Microscopic colitis (MC) is an umbrella term for collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC). The incidence of these diseases is increasing for unclear reasons.OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that may impact diagnosis rates of MC in a North American population.METHODS: Population-based pathology and endoscopy databases were searched to identify all cases of MC and the number of lower endoscopy (LE) procedures performed over a five-year period (January 2004 to December 2008) in a catchment area of 1.2 million people. Endoscopist characteristics were compared with diagnostic rates.RESULTS: MC incidence increased from 1.68 per 10,000 in 2004, to 2.68 per 10,000 in 2008, with an average annual increase of 12% per year (95% CI 7% to 16%; P<0.0001). The incidence rate of LC increased but the rate of CC remained stable over the study period. Approximately one-half of the cases were probable and one-half were definite based on pathologists’ reports – a proportion that remained stable over time. The number of LEs per population increased by 4.6% annually over the study period (95% CI 2.8% to 6.4%; P<0.0001), and biopsy rates in LE for MC indications (eg, unexplained diarrhea, altered bowel habits) increased over time (3.4% annual increase [95% CI 1.8% to 6.0%]; P<0.001). Endoscopists with an academic practice, gastroenterologists and those with lower annual endoscopy volumes were more likely to make a diagnosis of MC.CONCLUSION: The incidence of MC is rising due to increased diagnosis of LC, while CC incidence remains stable. Patients with MC symptoms have stable endoscopy rates but are being biopsied more often. Physician training, practice type and endoscopy volume impact the diagnostic rates of MC.
Rate of Serious Complications of Colonoscopy in Quebec
Authors: Sewitch Maida J , Jiang Mengzhu , Joseph Lawrence , Barkun Alan N , Bitton Alain 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: The rate of serious complications is one marker of the quality of colonoscopy services.OBJECTIVE: To estimate the rate of serious complications of colonoscopy according to colonoscopy indication and polypectomy status.METHODS: A prospective cohort study of patients scheduled for colonoscopy who were recruited from seven endoscopy facilities across Montreal (Quebec) was conducted. Before colonoscopy, patients completed a brief questionnaire and provided their health insurance numbers. Colonoscopy indication was based on patient-reported medical history. Polypectomy status was obtained from provincial physician billing records (Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec). Diagnoses and procedures associated with hospitalization in the 30 days following colonoscopy were obtained from the provincial hospitalization database (MedEcho).RESULTS: Of the 2134 patients enrolled (mean age 60.9 years, 50.1% male), 33 (1.55% [95% CI 1.06% to 2.16%]) were hospitalized within 30 days. One patient experienced bleeding following a colonoscopy that involved polypectomy and was diagnosed with carcinoma in situ of the rectum. Based on self-reported rectal bleeding in the previous six months, the colonoscopy was nonscreening. The provincial hospitalization data showed no occurrences of perforation, diverticulitis, myocardial infarction/stroke or death; thus, the rate of serious colonoscopy complications was 0.05% (95% CI 0.00% to 0.26%).DISCUSSION: The rate of serious colonoscopy complications requiring hospitalization was low and comparable with what is reported in the literature. The serious complication occurred subsequent to polypectomy and in a nonscreening colonoscopy.CONCLUSION: The findings support the relative safety of screening colonoscopy in persons without large bowel diseases and symptoms. However, future research to determine the rate of serious complications not requiring hospitalization is warranted to reassure decision makers of the safety of colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening.
Risk Factors and Outcomes for Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Compared with Seasonal Influenza in Hospitalized Children in China
Authors: Zhang Qingli , Ji Wei , Guo Zhongqin , Bai Zhenjiang , MacDonald Noni E 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical features and outcomes of children hospitalized in China with pandemic (p)H1N1 between 2009 and 2010 versus seasonal influenza A between 2008 and 2009.METHODS: Systematic review of laboratory‐confirmed admissions to the Children’s Hospital, Soochow University (Suzhou, China).RESULTS: Seventy‐five children younger than 14 years of age were admitted with pH1N1, 70 with H3N2 and three with seasonal H1N1. With pH1N1, the mean age was older (36 months versus seven months), the length of stay was longer (nine days versus seven days), underlying conditions were more common (29% versus 15%), anemia was more common (11% versus 0%) (P<0.05), with trends toward more secondary bacterial pneumonia and intensive care unit care, compared with seasonal influenza. Two of the 75 children with pH1N1 died versus no deaths in children with seasonal influenza. None of the children had received pH1N1, seasonal influenza, conjugated pneumococal or Haemophilus influenzae b vaccines.CONCLUSION: In China, children hospitalized with pH1N1 influenza differed from case series in Canada, Argentina and the United States, suggesting that locale, background and health care system influenced the presentation and outcomes of pandemic and seasonal influenza.
Serological Survey of the Novel Influenza A H1N1 in Inner City Winnipeg, Manitoba, 2009
Authors: Thompson Laura H , Mahmud Salaheddin M , Keynan Yoav , Blanchard James F , Slater Joyce , Dawood Magdy , Fowke Keith , Van Caeseele Paul , Becker Marissa 
Published: March 2016

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the determinants of pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) infection in Canada among low‐income, inner city populations. To inform future influenza planning, the seroprevalence of pH1N1 antibodies among inner city clinic attendees in Winnipeg (Manitoba) according to sociodemographic and risk factor characteristics were estimated and vaccination rates were explored.METHODS: Adults presenting to three inner city community clinics in Winnipeg from October 2009 to December 2009 were recruited as study participants (n=458). A questionnaire was administered to collect demographic, risk factor and symptom information, and a venous blood sample was collected for hemagglutination inhibition assay testing to detect the presence of antibodies against pH1N1.RESULTS: Approximately one‐half (53%) of the study participants reported an annual household income of <$10,000/year, and 65% identified as Aboriginal. pH1N1 positivity was 5.7% among those enrolled early in the study and 15.5% among those enrolled later in the study. Positivity was higher among participants who were female, Aboriginal and in contact with children ≤5 years of age. The overall pH1N1 vaccination rate was 28%.DISCUSSION: pH1N1 positivity was high among low‐income adults accessing clinics in Winnipeg’s inner city compared with the general population. Of further concern were the low rates of uptake of both seasonal and pH1N1 influenza vaccinations. When planning for future influenza outbreaks, it is important to incorporate strategies for the prevention, control, and care of influenza among low‐income and inner city adults.
Necessity of a Repeat Cholangiogram During Biliary Stent Removal after Postcholecystectomy Bile Leak
Authors: Jain Vishal , Yeasted Nathan , Pooran Nakechand 
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: To assess the need for repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in patients undergoing biliary stent removal after management of postcholecystectomy bile leak.METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative endoscopy database at PennState Milton S Hershey Medical Center (Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA) identified all patients referred for ERC with an indication of postcholecystectomy bile leak from January 2001 to June 2010. Baseline demographics, location of bile leak, size of biliary stent placed, duration of stenting, bile leak persistence, and the presence of stone, sludge or strictures on repeat ERC were analyzed.RESULTS: A total of 81 patients underwent ERC for management of bile leaks after cholecystectomy. One patient was excluded due to a complete transection of the common bile duct necessitating immediate surgical intervention. Fourteen (17.5%) patients underwent open cholecystectomy, 46 (57.5%) underwent laparoscopic procedures and 10 (12.5%) procedures were converted from a laparoscopic to an open approach intraoperatively. Of the 80 patients, 47 (58.7 %) had a cystic duct leak, 11 (13.7 %) had a right hepatic duct leak, 11 (13.7%) had a common bile duct leak, five (6.2%) had a gallbladder fossa leak, four (5%) had a common hepatic duct leak and the remaining two (2.5%) had a left hepatic duct leak. All 80 patients underwent biliary stenting as part of management for their bile leak. Fifty-seven of the 80 patients (71.2%) had a 10 Fr stent placed, with the remainder undergoing placement of a 7 Fr stent. Seventy-five (93.7%) patients underwent biliary sphincterotomy during the initial ERC. Sixty-nine patients underwent repeat ERC after a mean duration of 8.2 weeks (range 0.4 to 18.5 weeks). Eleven patients had no reviewable records regarding a repeat procedure performed for stent removal. Three patients required an early repeat ERC due to suspicion of cholangitis and, hence, were excluded from the final analysis. Of the 66 patients included in the final analysis, 61 (92.4%) had resolution of their bile leak on repeat ERC. All patients had resolution of their bile leak by the third ERC. Fifteen patients (22.7%) had an abnormality on repeat cholangiography (persistent leak in four, stones in three, sludge in seven, and a combination of leak and stone in one) that required further endoscopic intervention including balloon sweep or additional stenting.CONCLUSION: Although the majority of postcholecystectomy bile leaks resolve after biliary stent placement, a sizeable percentage (22.7%) of patients had abnormalities on subsequent cholangiograms that required further intervention. These findings suggest the need for a repeat ERC at the time of biliary stent removal in the management of postcholecystectomy bile leaks.
The ‘Natural History’ of Declined Outpatient Gastroenterology Referrals
Authors: de Boer Emelie M , Pincock David , Veldhuyzen van Zanten Sander 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ‘natural history’ of outpatients who were referred to the Division of Gastroenterology at the University of Alberta Hospital (Edmonton, Alberta) for gastrointestinal problems and were subsequently declined.METHODS: Patients were tracked for 12 months after they were referred and declined for the following indications: abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fecal occult blood test-positive stools and iron deficiency. For each patient, data regarding consultations by other gastroenterologists or surgeons working in the region, clinically relevant diagnoses and the number of gastrointestinal-related x-rays performed were obtained.RESULTS: Of a total sample size of 230 patients, 110 (47.8%) were seen by another gastroenterologist or surgeon after decline. A significant diagnosis was made in 21 patients (9.1%), which had immediate clinical consequences in 29%. Forty per cent of patients underwent one or more gastointestinal-related x-rays before being declined, which increased to 55% after decline.CONCLUSION: Approximately 50% of declined patients were seen by other gastroenterologists or surgeons in the region. In 9.1% of these patients, a clinically important diagnosis was made, of which one-quarter had immediate medical consequences.
Myofascial Pain in Patients Waitlisted for Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Henry Richard , Cahill Catherine M , Wood Gavin , Hroch Jennifer , Wilson Rosemary , Cupido Tracy , VanDenKerkhof Elizabeth 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Knee pain is one of the major sources of pain and disability in developed countries, particularly in aging populations, and is the primary indication for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA).OBJECTIVES: To determine the presence of myofascial pain in OA patients waitlisted for TKA and to determine whether their knee pain may be alleviated by trigger point injections.METHODS: Following ethics approval, 25 participants were recruited from the wait list for elective unilateral primary TKA at the study centre. After providing informed consent, all participants were examined for the presence of active trigger points in the muscles surrounding the knee and received trigger point injections of bupivacaine. Assessments and trigger point injections were implemented on the first visit and at subsequent visits on weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8. Outcome measures included the Timed Up and Go test, Brief Pain Inventory, Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory and Short‐Form McGill Pain Questionnaire.RESULTS: Myofascial trigger points were identified in all participants. Trigger point injections significantly reduced pain intensity and pain interference, and improved mobility. All participants had trigger points identified in medial muscles, most commonly in the head of the gastrocnemius muscle. An acute reduction in pain and improved functionality was observed immediately following intervention, and persisted over the eight‐week course of the investigation.CONCLUSION: All patients had trigger points in the vastus and gastrocnemius muscles, and 92% of patients experienced significant pain relief with trigger point injections at the first visit, indicating that a significant proportion of the OA knee pain was myofascial in origin. Further investigation is warranted to determine the prevalence of myofascial pain and whether treatment delays or prevents TKA.
Experimental Pain Responses in Children with Chronic Pain and in Healthy Children: How Do They Differ?
Authors: Tsao Jennie CI , Evans Subhadra , Seidman Laura C , Zeltzer Lonnie K 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Extant research comparing laboratory pain responses of children with chronic pain with healthy controls is mixed, with some studies indicating lower pain responsivity for controls and others showing no differences. Few studies have included different pain modalities or assessment protocols.OBJECTIVES: To compare pain responses among 26 children (18 girls) with chronic pain and matched controls (mean age 14.8 years), to laboratory tasks involving thermal heat, pressure and cold pain. Responses to cold pain were assessed using two different protocols: an initial trial of unspecified duration and a second trial of specified duration.METHODS: Four trials of pressure pain and of thermal heat pain stimuli, all of unspecified duration, were administered, as well as the two cold pain trials. Heart rate and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and after completion of the pain tasks.RESULTS: Pain tolerance and pain intensity did not differ between children with chronic pain and controls for the unspecified trials. For the specified cold pressor trial, 92% of children with chronic pain completed the entire trial compared with only 61.5% of controls. Children with chronic pain exhibited a trend toward higher baseline and postsession heart rate and reported more anxiety and depression symptoms compared with control children.CONCLUSIONS: Contextual factors related to the fixed trial may have exerted a greater influence on pain tolerance in children with chronic pain relative to controls. Children with chronic pain demonstrated a tendency toward increased arousal in anticipation of and following pain induction compared with controls.