bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of a Novel Polymer in an Animal Model of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pellionisz Peter A. , Lin Yuan , Mallen‐St Clair Jon , Luo Jie , Suwarnasarn Arnold , Schaue Dorthe , Elashoff David A. , Palma‐Diaz Fernando , Dubinett Steven M. , Sharma Sherven , Wu Ben , St John Maie A. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the adverse effects and therapeutic efficacy of our biocompatible polymer platform delivering targeted local therapy of cytokine CCL21 and cisplatin in a partially resected xenograft animal model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, to evaluate the efficacy of cotreatment with radiotherapy and assess the biocompatibility of the cisplatin‐eluting polymer in the murine neck.Study DesignExperimental animal study.SettingAcademic research laboratory.Subjects and MethodsSCCVII/SF cell injection established head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumors in C3H/HeJ mice. Subjects underwent surgery, and a chemokine‐eluting polymer was implanted into the resected site. Subjects treated with cisplatin received radiation or no radiation, and tissue was harvested after 8 weeks to assess polymer biocompatibility.ResultsOur results with the polymer platform significantly (P <. 05) reduced SCCVII/SF tumor size in C3H/HeJ mice with cisplatin (49% ± 8.7%, Δ3.4 ± 0.6 cm3 [95% CI]), CCL21 (42% ± 4.8%, Δ3.5 ± 0.4 cm3), and cisplatin/CCL21 dual‐agent polymer (82% ± 4.4%, Δ8.0 ± 0.4 cm3) as compared with controls. Cisplatin polymer with high‐dose (16 Gy) and low‐dose (4 Gy) radiation reduced tumor mass (respectively, 92% ± 7.2%, Δ6.1 ± 0.5 cm3; 85% ± 7.4%, Δ5.7 ± 0.5 cm3) as compared with the reduction from high‐dose radiotherapy alone (70% ± 7.9%, Δ4.7 ± 0.5 cm3). No significant toxicity or inflammation was noted on histopathology after radiotherapy and cisplatin‐eluting polymer treatment.ConclusionCisplatin, CCL21, and cisplatin/CCL21 dual‐agent polymer all exhibit significant antitumor effects and decrease tumor burden. Moreover, combination cisplatin polymer with radiotherapy may permit a decrease in intensity of radiation therapy in patients having received the cisplatin polymer. Histopathologic analysis suggests that the polymer is free from significant adverse effects in this model and warrants clinical trial.
The impact of self-perceived limitations, stigma and sense of coherence on quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients: results of a cross-sectional study
Authors: Broersma Feddrik , Oeseburg Barth , Dijkstra Jacob , Wynia Klaske 
Published: September 2017

Objective: To examine the impact of perceived limitations, stigma and sense of coherence on quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands. Subjects: Multiple sclerosis patients. Main measures: World Health Organization Quality of Life – abbreviated version, Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness, Sense of Coherence Scale, background and disease-related questions. Results: In total, 185 patients (61% response rate) participated in the study with moderate to severe limitations. Stigma was highly prevalent but low in severity. Patients with a higher sense of coherence experienced a lower level of limitations ( B = −0.063, P < 0.01) and less stigma (enacted stigma B = −0.030, P < 0.01; self-stigma B = −0.037, P < 0.01). Patients with a higher level of limitations experienced more stigma (enacted stigma B = 0.044, P < 0.05; self-stigma B = 0.063, P < 0.01). Patients with a higher sense of coherence experienced better quality of life (physical health B = 0.059, P < 0.01; psychological health B = 0.062, P < 0.01; social relationships B = 0.052, P < 0.01; environmental aspects B = 0.030, P < 0.01). Patients with a higher level of limitations experienced poorer quality of life (physical health B = −0.364, P < 0.01; psychological health B = −0.089, P < 0.05) and patients with more stigma also experienced poorer quality of life (self-stigma: physical health B = −0.073, P < 0.01; psychological health B = −0.089, P < 0.01; social relationships B = −0.124, P < 0.01; environmental aspects B = −0.052, P < 0.01, and enacted stigma: physical health B = −0.085, P < 0.10). Conclusion: Patients with less perceived limitations and stigma and a higher level of sense of coherence experienced better quality of life. Patients with a higher sense of coherence experienced a lower level of limitations and less stigma.
Use of three-dimensional finite element models of the lateral ankle ligaments to evaluate three surgical techniques
Authors: Wang Cheng-Wei , Muheremu Aikeremujiang , Bai Jing-Ping 
Published: September 2017

Objective To compare three surgical techniques for lateral ankle ligament reconstruction using finite element (FE) models. Methods A three-dimensional FE model of the left foot of a healthy volunteer and lateral collateral ligament injury models were developed. Three tendons [one-half of the autologous peroneus longus tendon (PLT), one-half of the peroneus brevis tendon (PBT), and an allogeneic tendon] were used for lateral collateral ligament reconstruction. The ankle varus stress and anterior drawer tests were performed to compare the three surgical techniques. Results The ankle varus stress test showed that the equivalent stresses of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) (84.00 MPa) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) (27.01 MPa) were lower in allogeneic tendon reconstruction than in the other two techniques but similar to those of normal individuals (138.48 and 25.90 MPa, respectively). The anterior drawer test showed that the equivalent stresses of the ATFL and CFL in autologous PLT reconstruction (31.31 and 28.60 MPa, respectively) and PBT reconstruction (31.47 and 29.07 MPa, respectively) were lower than those in allogeneic tendon reconstruction (57.32 and 52.20 MPa, respectively). Conclusions The allogeneic tendon reconstruction outcome was similar to normal individuals. Allogeneic tendon reconstruction may be superior for lateral ankle ligament reconstruction without considering its complications.
Gait Characteristics Associated With a Greater Increase in Medial Knee Cartilage T1ρ and T2 Relaxation Times in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Teng Hsiang-Ling , Wu Daniel , Su Favian , Pedoia Valentina , Souza Richard B. , Ma C. Benjamin , Li Xiaojuan 
Published: September 2017

Background: Osteoarthritis of the medial tibiofemoral joint (MTFJ) is prevalent among patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Magnetic resonance T1ρ and T2 relaxation times provide noninvasive methods to quantify early cartilage degeneration. Altered sagittal-plane gait biomechanics have been observed after ACLR, but their associations with longitudinal changes in MTFJ cartilage T1ρ and T2 remain unclear. Hypothesis/Purpose: To examine whether the peak knee flexion moment (KFM), knee flexion angle (KFA), and vertical ground-reaction force (vGRF) during gait are associated with prospective changes in medial tibiofemoral cartilage T1ρ and T2 in ACL-reconstructed knees and to compare these gait characteristics between patients undergoing ACLR and healthy control participants. We hypothesized that a higher KFM, KFA, and vGRF would be associated with greater increases in cartilage relaxation times and that patients undergoing ACLR would demonstrate altered gait characteristics compared with healthy controls. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Thirty-three patients undergoing ACLR underwent gait analysis before and 6 months and 1 year after ACLR and knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after ACLR. Twelve healthy controls underwent knee MRI and gait analysis at baseline and 1 year. Cartilage T1ρ and T2 were calculated for the medial tibia and medial femoral condyle. Linear regressions were used to evaluate associations between gait characteristics and changes in cartilage relaxation times from before ACLR to follow-up time points. Independent t tests were used to compare differences in gait between patients undergoing ACLR and control participants. Results: A higher KFM and KFA before ACLR were related to greater increases in medial femoral condyle T1ρ and T2 at 6 months after ACLR. Similarly, a higher KFM, KFA, and vGRF at 6 months were associated with greater increases in medial tibia and medial femoral condyle T1ρ and T2 at 1 and 2 years after ACLR. Gait characteristics at 1 year were not associated with changes in cartilage relaxation times at 2 years after ACLR. Compared with healthy controls, patients undergoing ACLR demonstrated a lower KFM at 6 months after ACLR. Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: The findings of this study revealed that a higher KFM, KFA, and vGRF during gait, especially at 6 months after ACLR, were associated with greater deterioration of MTFJ cartilage health at later time points.
Worksite Health Promotion for Low-Wage Workers: A Scoping Literature Review
Authors: Stiehl Emily , Shivaprakash Namrata , Thatcher Esther , Ornelas India J. , Kneipp Shawn , Baron Sherry L. , Muramatsu Naoko 
Published: September 2017

Objective: To determine: (1) What research has been done on health promotion interventions for low-wage workers and (2) what factors are associated with effective low-wage workers’ health promotion programs. Data Source: This review includes articles from PubMed and PsychINFO published in or before July 2016. Study Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: The search yielded 130 unique articles, 35 met the inclusion criteria: (1) being conducted in the United States, (2) including an intervention or empirical data around health promotion among adult low-wage workers, and (3) measuring changes in low-wage worker health. Data Extraction: Central features of the selected studies were extracted, including the theoretical foundation; study design; health promotion intervention content and delivery format; intervention-targeted outcomes; sample characteristics; and work, occupational, and industry characteristics. Data Analysis: Consistent with a scoping review, we used a descriptive, content analysis approach to analyze extracted data. All authors agreed upon emergent themes and 2 authors independently coded data extracted from each article. Results: The results suggest that the research on low-wage workers’ health promotion is limited, but increasing, and that low-wage workers have limited access to and utilization of worksite health promotion programs. Conclusion: Workplace health promotion programs could have a positive effect on low-wage workers, but more work is needed to understand how to expand access, what drives participation, and which delivery mechanisms are most effective.
Ethics and quality care in nursing homes: Relatives’ experiences
Authors: Jakobsen Rita , Sellevold Gerd Sylvi , Egede-Nissen Veslemøy , Sørlie Venke 
Published: September 2017

Background: A total of 71,000 people in Norway suffer from some form of dementia in 2013, of whom approximately 30,000 are in nursing homes. Several studies focus on the experiences of those who have close relatives and who are staying in a nursing home. Results show that a greater focus on cooperation between nursing staff and relatives is a central prerequisite for an increased level of care. Benefits of developing systematic collaboration practices include relief for nursing staff, less stress, and greater mutual understanding. Going through studies focusing on the experiences of nursing home patients’ relatives, negative experiences are in the majority. In this study, relatives are invited to share positive experiences regarding the care of their loved ones; a slightly different perspective, in other words. Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate relatives of persons with dementia’s experiences with quality care in nursing homes. Method: The study is a part of a larger project called Hospice values in the care for persons with dementia and is based on a qualitative design where data are generated through narrative interviews. The chosen method of analysis is the phenomenological–hermeneutical method for the study of lived experiences. Participants and research context: Participants in the project were eight relatives of persons with dementia who were living in nursing homes, long-term residences. The sampling was targeted, enrolment happened through collective invitation. All relatives interested were included. Ethical considerations: The Norwegian Regional Ethics Committee and the Norwegian Social Science Data Services approve the study. Findings: Findings show that relatives have certain expectations as to how their loved ones ought to be met and looked after at the nursing home. The results show that in those cases where the expectations were met, the relatives’ experiences were associated with engagement, inclusion and a good atmosphere. When the expectations were not met, the relatives experienced powerlessness, distrust and guilt. Discussion: The results are discussed considering the concepts of trust, power and asymmetry. Conclusion: When asked about experiences with quality care, the relatives spoke both of expectations met and of expectations not met. Results in this study are important knowledge for developing units where performing quality care is the overall aim.
Validation of different score systems in predicting cardiac arrest occurrence of ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Han Ko‐Wen , Chen Shou‐Yen , Weng Yi‐Ming , Ng Chip‐Jin , Chiu Te‐Fa , Hsieh I‐Chang , Chen Jih‐Chang 
Published: September 2017

Introduction:Patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction are at risk of developing cardiac arrest. A validated tool for predicting cardiac arrest would help physicians recognize these high‐risk patients earlier. This study assessed the usefulness of various score systems in predicting cardiac arrest in patients hospitalized for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction.Methods:Patients’ data were retrieved from the hospital's ST‐elevation myocardial infarction registry records. Patients aged 18 years or older seen at the emergency department with a diagnosis of ST‐elevation myocardial infarction between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2014 were enrolled. The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction score, the 6‐month Global Registry of Acute Coronary Event risk score, CHADS2 score, and HEART score were calculated and compared.Results:A total of 249 patients were recruited. The Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction score, 6‐month Global Registry of Acute Coronary Event risk score, CHADS2 score, and HEART scores were calculated. In total, 41 (16.5%) patients had cardiac arrest at emergency department or during hospitalization and 12 (29.3%) of them survived. The 6‐month Global Registry of Acute Coronary Event risk score had the biggest area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (0.72).Conclusion:The 6‐month Global Registry of Acute Coronary Event risk score is more useful in predicting cardiac arrest in patients hospitalized for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction than the other three scores. It is recommended that the 6‐month Global Registry of Acute Coronary Event risk score be calculated for identifying emergency department patients hospitalized for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction who are at risk of cardiac arrest during their hospital stay.
Release with or without reconstruction of the transverse carpal ligament for severe carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Gutiérrez-Monclus Rodrigo G. , Gutiérrez-Espinoza Hector J. , Flores-Astudillo Alvaro R. , Lluch-Homedes Alberto L. , Aguirre-Jerez Marcela 
Published: September 2017

The objective of this study is to compare the clinical effectiveness of two surgical techniques in patients with severe unilateral idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. A total of 117 patients were randomized in two groups. In the experimental group ( n = 59) reconstruction of the transverse carpal ligament was performed after open retinaculum release (TCL reconstruction group). In the control group ( n = 58) only retinaculum release was performed (TCL release group). The primary outcome measure was grip strength; secondary outcome measures were pain and response to the Boston questionnaire. Significance was analysed using the t-test or Mann–Whitney test. At 6 months, the experimental group showed clinical and statistically significant improvement in grip strength and decrease in symptom severity. Retinaculum release with reconstruction of the transverse carpal ligament results in improvement of grip strength in the medium term when compared with open retinaculotomy in patients with severe unilateral idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Level of evidence: II
Non-vascularized iliac bone grafting for scaphoid nonunion with avascular necrosis
Authors: Kim Jihyeung , Park Jin Woo , Chung Jeehyeok , Jeong Bae Kee , Gong Hyun Sik , Baek Goo Hyun 
Published: September 2017

We present the surgical outcomes of non-vascularized bone grafting taken from the iliac crest in 24 patients with scaphoid nonunion and avascular necrosis. The Fisk-Fernandez technique was used in 11 patients, and cancellous bone grafting was used in 13 patients. Bony union was achieved in 22 of the 24 patients. Non-vascularized iliac bone grafting can be used for the surgical management of scaphoid nonunion with avascular necrosis. Although revascularization of the proximal fragment after surgery was not evaluated, bony union was confirmed in nearly all patients. Level of evidence: IV
Substantial improvement of primary cardiovascular prevention by a systematic score-based multimodal approach: A randomized trial: The PreFord-Study
Authors: Gysan Detlef Bernd , Millentrup Stefanie , Albus Christian , Bjarnason-Wehrens Birna , Latsch Joachim , Gohlke Helmut , Herold Gerd , Wegscheider Karl , Heming Christian , Seyfarth Melchior , Predel Hans-Georg 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Trial design
Prospective randomized multicentre interventional study.

Methods
Individual cardiovascular risk assessment in Ford Company, Germany employees (n = 4.196), using the European Society of Cardiology-Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (ESC-SCORE) for classification into three risk groups. Subjects assigned to ESC high-risk group (ESC-SCORE ≥ 5%), without a history of cardiovascular disease were eligible for randomization to a multimodal 15-week intervention programme (INT) or to usual care and followed up for 36 months.

Objectives
Evaluation of the long-term effects of a risk-adjusted multimodal intervention in high-risk subjects. Primary endpoint: reduction of ESC-SCORE in INT versus usual care. Secondary endpoints: composite of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events and time to first cardiovascular event. Statistical analysis: intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis.

Results
Four hundred and forty-seven subjects were randomized to INT (n = 224) or to usual care (n = 223). After 36 months ESC-SCORE development favouring INT was observed (INT: 8.70% to 10.03% vs. usual care: 8.49% to 12.09%; p = 0.005; net difference: 18.50%). Moreover, a significant reduction in the composite cardiovascular events was observed: (INT: n = 11 vs. usual care: n = 27). Hazard ratio of intervention versus control was 0.51 (95% confidence interval 0.25–1.03; p = 0.062) in the intention-to-treat analysis and 0.41 (95% confidence interval 0.18–0.90; p = 0.026) in the per-protocol analysis, respectively. No intervention-related adverse events or side-effects were observed.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate the efficiency of identifying cardiovascular high-risk subjects by the ESC-SCORE in order to enrol them to a risk adjusted primary prevention programme. This strategy resulted in a significant improvement of ESC-SCORE, as well as a reduction in predefined cardiovascular endpoints in the INT within 36 months. (ISRCTN 23536103.)
Predictors of subsequent myocardial infarction, stroke, and death in stable post-myocardial infarction patients: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Chen Dong-Yi , Li Chen-Yu , Hsieh Ming-Jer , Chen Chun-Chi , Hsieh I-Chang , Chen Tien-Hsing , Chen Shao-Wei , Wang Chao-Yung , Chang Shang-Hung , Lee Cheng-Hung , Tsai Ming-Lung , Ho Ming-Yun , Yeh Jih-Kai , Chang Chee-Jen , Wen Ming-Shien 
Published: September 2017

Background: This study investigated the predictors of subsequent cardiovascular events in stable post-myocardial infarction patients in Taiwan. Methods: A total of 11,183 patients were recruited who had survived one year post-myocardial infarction without subsequent events of recurrent myocardial infarction or stroke from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Their composite cardiovascular event rates were identified. Results: The composite cardiovascular events rate in three year follow-up in the post-myocardial infarction population was 13.8%. Corresponding event rates were 5.8% recurrent myocardial infarction, 5.0% stroke, and 5.2% death. Independent factors associated with a higher risk of ischemic events or death included heart failure (hazard ratio (HR)=1.19), hypertension (HR=1.16), age (65–75 vs <65 years: HR=1.29; 75–85 vs <65 years: HR=1.50; >85 vs <65 years: HR=1.70), diabetes (HR=1.33), prior stroke (HR=1.24), chronic kidney disease (HR=1.4), atrial fibrillation (HR=1.27), and underutilization of guideline-based medication (HR=1.73). Composite risk for myocardial infarction, stroke and death increased progressively from 4.9% in patients with zero risk factor to 100.0% in patients with eight risk factors. Conclusions: For acute myocardial infarction patients surviving one year without subsequent events of recurrent myocardial infarction or stroke, the risk of cardiovascular events remained high. Eight predictors identified patients at increased risk for subsequent cardiovascular events within the next three years. These results suggest an unmet need, particularly in patients with additional risk factors.
Chronic pain, loss and the future – Development and evaluation of an innovative, interactive pain education tool
Authors: Curtis Sally Anne , Pirie Katrina Ishbel 
Published: September 2017

Background: The development of chronic pain can result in multiple losses to an individual, which can negatively impact their quality of life. Presentation of the concepts of loss and grief as an interactive educational tool may help those who live with chronic pain gain a deeper understanding of their condition. This in turn may enable more effective management of their pain. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of such a tool through the perceptions and experiences of people living with chronic pain. Methods: An interactive pain education tool was developed and distributed with an evaluation questionnaire. Participants were invited to re-evaluate the tool three months later. Responses to the questionnaire were provided using a Likert scale and free text comments. Descriptive statistics were used to present quantitative results and inductive thematic analysis was applied to the free text comments. Results: The pain education tool was well received by participants, the majority of whom found the process of using the tool a positive experience. Responses showed the tool helped participants express themselves and promoted self-reflection. The tool provided access to the reflections of others, which helped validate and legitimise their feelings and gain the understanding that their response to pain was normal. This in turn helped promote self-compassion and a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation associated with chronic pain. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study show the pain education tool can help individuals gain a new and more positive perspective on themselves and their pain experience, therefore helping them live with and manage their chronic pain.