bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Canadian Inner‐City Shelter
Authors: Szakacs Tom A , Toye Baldwin , Turnbull Jeffrey M , Muckle Wendy , Roth Virginia R 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization is increasingly of concern in community settings. However, despite a recent outbreak in Calgary, Alberta, data on the prevalence of MRSA in Canadian communities are lacking. Globally, few studies have been performed in high‐risk groups such as inner‐city populations.METHODS: A cross‐sectional study of the prevalence of MRSA among residents and staff at three Ottawa, Ontario, shelters was conducted. All participants completed a questionnaire, and provided nasal swabs as well as one of rectal, anal or groin swabs.RESULTS: Among 84 participants, the prevalence of MRSA colonization was 2.4%. Among the resident subgroup, the prevalence was 4.5%, while no MRSA isolates were found among 40 staff participants. All isolates were USA100 (CMRSA‐2) subtypes.CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MRSA colonization among residents is higher than baseline population rates, but is consistent with other inner‐city populations. Although community outbreaks of USA300 and USA400 strains are increasingly reported, movement of nosocomial strains (ie, USA100 [CMRSA‐2]) into communities remains an important avenue in the spread of MRSA and underscores the importance of nosocomial MRSA control.
Serological Evidence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in an Indigenous North American Population
Authors: Minuk GY , Sun A , Sun DF , Uhanova J , Nicolle LE , Larke B , Giulivi A 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are thought to be uncommon in North America. Recently, HEV transmission has been reported following the consumption of deer meat. Because deer are closely related to caribou and caribou meat is a staple of the Canadian Inuit and the American Eskimo diet, the present study explored the seroprevalence of HEV infection in an isolated Canadian Inuit community.METHODS: Stored sera were thawed and tested for immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM anti-HEV by ELISA, and tested for HEV-RNA by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS: The study consisted of 393 sera (representing approximately 50% of the community’s inhabitants). Eleven samples (3%) were IgG anti-HEV-positive. Their mean age was 29±8 years and three were male. Two of 11 (18%) were also IgM anti-HEV-positive. All IgG anti-HEV-positive individuals were HEV-RNA-negative. Liver biochemistry was normal in all. Seven of 11 (64%) were also positive for anti-hepatitis A virus, five (46%) were hepatitis B virus seropositive and none (0%) were positive for anti-hepatitis C virus. There were no associations between infections with HEV and other hepatropic viruses. Serological testing was negative for HEV infection in 25 caribou from an adjacent region.CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that serological evidence of HEV infection was present in 3% of the observed Canadian Inuit population; the presence of IgM anti-HEV suggested recent infection and HEV did not appear to coinfect with other common hepatotropic viruses. The source of HEV infection in the population remains unclear. These findings are interesting but preliminary. Additional data are required to determine whether HEV infections are responsible for otherwise unexplained acute hepatitis in the Canadian Inuit population and visitors returning from northern North American communities.
Aspiration in the Context of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Authors: Thomson A , Tye-Din J , Tonga S , Scott J , Mclaren C , Pavli P , Lomas F 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary aspiration is a life-threatening complication of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, the incidence of which has not been determined. Endoscopy-related aspiration has not been studied in procedures in which patients swallow a radiolabelled potential aspirate immediately before endoscopy and undergo nuclear scanning postprocedure.METHODS: A pilot study was conducted in which 200 MBq of non-absorbable technetium-99m phytate in 10 mL of water was administered orally to 50 patients who were about to undergo endoscopy. Gamma camera images were obtained to ensure that there had been no aspiration before endoscopy. After endoscopy, a repeat scan was performed. Fluid aspirated through the endoscope was also collected and analyzed for radioactivity using a hand-held radiation monitor.RESULTS: No evidence of pulmonary aspiration was found in any of the patients studied. The mean estimated percentage of the initially administered radioactivity aspirated through the endoscope was 2.66% (range 0% to 10.3%).CONCLUSION: The present pilot study confirms earlier observations that clinically significant aspiration in the context of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is uncommon. The incidence of aspiration may, however, be different in acutely bleeding patients undergoing endoscopy. For logistic reasons, this group could not be studied.
An Empirical Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Trial for Suspected Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Skomro Robert P , Cotton David J , Gjevre John A , Grover Vaneeta K , McNab Brian D , Reid John K , Ward Heather A 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Standard practice in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) management requires that a positive diagnostic, overnight polysomnography (PSG) test be obtained before initiating treatment. However, long waiting times due to lack of access to PSG testing facilities may delay the initiation of definitive treatment for OSA.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the response of patients who had a high clinical suspicion for OSA and who were waiting for a PSG test to an empirical continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) trial.METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients who had been offered empirical CPAP therapy for suspected OSA was conducted. After outpatient assessment, 183 patients with a high pretest probability of having OSA began empirical CPAP testing using an arbitrary CPAP pressure. The presence of OSA, the accuracy of empirical CPAP pressure prescription, the adherence to empirical CPAP and the improvement in daytime somnolence were evaluated at the time of PSG.RESULTS: Of 183 patients on a CPAP trial, 91% had OSA, which was at least moderate (more than 15 apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep) in 75% of the patients. Eighty per cent of the patients had significant daytime somnolence (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS] greater than 10, mean ± SD ESS 14±5), which improved with CPAP (ESS 9.0±5, P<0.01). In 40% of the patients, the arbitrary CPAP pressure was lower than that determined by manual titration. Adherence to a trial of CPAP (longer than 2 h/night) predicted OSA with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 41%; the positive and negative predictive values were 92% and 22%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: At the time of PSG testing, OSA was present in 91% of the patients who had received empirical CPAP. An empirical CPAP provided satisfactory interim treatment for excessive somnolence, despite the fact that the CPAP pressure was suboptimal in 40% of the patients.
Helicobacter pyloriInfection in Ontario: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Naja Farah , Kreiger Nancy , Sullivan Terrence 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND:Helicobacter pylorihas been classified by the World Health Organization as a type I carcinogen. Nearly 50% of the world’s population is estimated to be infected withH pylori. Prevalence patterns of the infection are different between developing and developed countries. The present study had two objectives – to estimate the prevalence ofH pyloriinfection in Ontario, and to evaluate the relationship between the infection and various demographic characteristics and selected lifestyle factors.METHODS: Ten microlitres of plasma were aliquoted from stored blood of 1306 men and women, 50 to 80 years of age, from Ontario. The blood samples belonged to control patients of a colorectal cancer population-based study group. Serological testing was used to detectH pyloriinfection; information was obtained on dietary intake and lifestyle habits, as well as past and present medical history, education, income, number of siblings, ethnicity and place of birth.RESULTS: The overall weighted seroprevalence ofH pyloriwas 23.1% (95% CI 17.7% to 29.5%), with men having higher infection rates (29.4%, 95% CI 21.1% to 39.3%) than women (14.9%, 95% CI 10.1% to 21.4%). Seroprevalence of the infection increased significantly with age and number of siblings. Increased risk was also associated with being nonwhite, being born outside of Canada and immigrating at 20 years of age or older. An inverse association with seroprevalence was found for education and alcohol consumption.CONCLUSION: The prevalence ofH pyloriinfection in Ontario is comparable with that of other developed countries. Age, sex, number of siblings, ethnicity, place of birth and age at immigration are among the factors associated withH pyloriinfection.
Effects of Changes in Lung Volume on Oscillatory Flow Rate During High‐Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation
Authors: Butcher Scott J , Pasiorowski Michal P , Jones Richard L 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of high‐frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) in mucolysis and mucous clearance is thought to be dependant on oscillatory flow rate (Fosc). Therefore, increasing Fosc during HFCWO may have a clinical benefit.OBJECTIVES: To examine effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on Fosc at two oscillation frequencies in healthy subjects and patients with airway obstruction.METHODS: Five healthy subjects and six patients with airway obstruction underwent 12 randomized trials of HFCWO (CPAP levels of 0 cm H2O, 2 cm H2O, 4 cm H2O, 6 cm H2O, 8 cm H2O and 10 cm H2O at frequencies of 10 Hz and 15 Hz) within a body plethysmograph, allowing measurements of changes in lung volume. Fosc was measured by reverse plethysmography using a 20 L isothermic chamber near the mouth. At the end of each randomized trial, an inspiratory capacity manoeuvre was used to determine end‐expiratory lung volume (EELV).RESULTS: EELV increased significantly (P<0.05) with each level of CPAP regardless of oscillation frequency. Fosc also significantly increased with CPAP (P<0.05) and it was correlated with EELV (r=0.7935, P<0.05) in obstructed patients but not in healthy subjects (r=0.125, P=0.343). There were no significant differences in perceived comfort across the levels of CPAP.CONCLUSIONS: Significant increases in Fosc with CPAP‐induced increases in lung volume were observed, suggesting that CPAP may be useful as a therapeutic adjunct in patients who have obstructive airway disease and who require HFCWO.
Endoscopic Follow-Up of Positive Fecal Occult Blood Testing in the Ontario FOBT Project
Authors: Paszat Lawrence , Rabeneck Linda , Kiefer Lori , Mai Verna , Ritvo Paul , Sullivan Terry 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: The Ontario FOBT Project is a pilot study of fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) for colorectal cancer screening conducted among age-eligible volunteers (50 to 75 years) in 12 of 37 public health regions in Ontario.METHODS: Volunteers responded to invitations from primary care practitioners (PCPs) in six regions, and from public health programs in the remaining regions. FOBT collection kits were distributed from routine laboratory specimen collection sites, to which completed kits were returned. Results were sent to PCPs in all 12 regions, with copies sent to the study office at Cancer Care Ontario (Toronto, Ontario). Follow-up of positive results was at the discretion of the PCPs. The study files contained the unique Ontario Health Insurance Numbers, the date of the analyses, the number of satisfactory slides and the results for each slide. The Ontario Health Insurance Numbers were encrypted for each participant, and along with the study file, were linked to medical billing claims, hospital records and aggregate demographic data.RESULTS: Among participants with positive results (men 3.5% and women 2.2%), the median time from date of FOBT analysis to date of colonoscopy was 121 days among men and 202 days among women. At the end of follow-up, after positive FOBT (six to 17 months), 73% of men and 56% of women had proceeded to colonoscopy.CONCLUSION: Although colonoscopy appeared to be acceptable to the majority of participants with positive FOBT, accessibility problems was the likely explanation for lengthy intervals between the date of positive FOBT and its performance. Differences between the experiences of men and women require further investigation.
Comparative Efficacy of Two Doses of Nebulized Colistimethate for the Eradication of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Brochet Marie-Sophie , McDuff Anne-Catherine , Bussières Jean-François , Caron Elaine , Fortin Geneviève , Lebel Denis , Marcotte Jacques-Édouard 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects the respiratory and digestive systems. It evolves toward deterioration of pulmonary function through colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There is no consensus with respect to its eradication. Nebulized colistimethate is used for eradication treatment, but the optimal dose and duration is yet to be determined.OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of two doses of nebulized colistimethate (30 mg versus 75 mg twice daily) for the eradication of P aeruginosa in children with CF and intermittent colonization.METHODS: A cohort study with both historical (30 mg) and prospective (75 mg) arms was conducted from 1999 to 2003. Medical records were used to collect data.RESULTS: Eighty‐one patients were recruited in the retrospective group, for a total of 111 treatment courses. Twenty patients were recruited in the prospective group, for a total of 20 events. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of eradication of P aeruginosa at days 28 and 90, neither when comparing the doses of colistimethate nor duration of treatment. There was a statistically significant difference (P=0.004) between days 1 and 90 in all analyzed subgroups (regardless of dose or duration of treatment) for forced vital capacity only. In the group of patients in whom eradication was achieved at day 28 (after receiving a three‐week treatment course of colistimethate), 50% of patients developed a new infection 5.75 months later, on average, regardless of the dose administered. In the group of patients who achieved eradication at day 90 (after receiving a 15‐week treatment course of colistimethate), 50% of the 14 patients developed a new infection after an average period of 7.3 months (P=0.28).CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in the efficacy between a 30 mg dose and a 75 mg dose of colistimethate for P aeruginosa eradication in children with CF and intermittent colonization.
Retrospective Review of Pediatric and Adult Autoimmune Hepatitis in Two Quaternary Care Centres in British Columbia: Increased Prevalence Seen in British Columbia’S First Nations Community
Authors: Chung Henry V , Riley Mark , Ho Jin K , Leung Benjamin , Jevon Gareth P , Arbour Laura T , Barker Colin , Schreiber Richard , Yoshida Eric M 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: It has been previously reported that British Columbia’s (BC’s) First Nations (Aboriginal) community has an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatological conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus) and primary biliary cirrhosis. The researchers hypothesized that this community may also be at increased risk for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).METHODS: Independent, retrospective reviews of the databases of two separate tertiary/quaternary British Columbia university-affiliated health care institutions, the Adult Liver Transplant Program of the BC Transplant Society and the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, BC Children’s Hospital (Vancouver, BC), were performed. All patients referred with a diagnosis of probable or definite AIH who identified themselves as being of First Nations descent from 1988 to 2004 were reviewed. The liver transplant database records all adult patients in the province referred for transplant assessment. The pediatric database records all children referred to the BC Children’s Hospital.RESULTS: A total of 68 adult patients with a definite or probable diagnosis of AIH were referred to the liver transplant program. Twelve patients (17.6%) were Aboriginal, 11 of which were female. Similarly, a total of 30 children with probable or definite AIH were identified from the pediatric database. Six of these cases (20%) were identified in Aboriginal children.CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest an increased prevalence of AIH among BC’s First Nations community. A disproportionate First Nations representation was found on independent review of two databases. Future studies are needed to determine the true prevalence of AIH in this community, and to uncover the genetic predisposition and the environmental triggers explaining this phenomenon.
Use of Gabapentin for Perioperative Pain Control – a Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Peng Philip WH , Wijeysundera Duminda N , Li Carina CF 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant, has recently been suggested as an effective postoperative ‘analgesic’ agent. The objective of the present study was to examine the analgesic effectiveness, opioid‐sparing effects and side effects associated with the use of gabapentin in a perioperative setting.METHODS: Following the Quality of Reporting of Meta‐analyses recommendations, nine electronic databases until February 2006 were searched, without language restriction, for randomized controlled trials comparing gabapentin with control for postoperative pain control. Outcome measures, namely, 24 h cumulative opioid consumption, visual analogue scale pain scores and adverse effects, were expressed as odds ratios, ratio of means or weighted mean differences (as appropriate), which were aggregated under the fixed or random effects models.RESULTS: Gabapentin caused a 35% reduction in total opioid consumption over the first 24 h following surgery (ratio of means 0.65, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.72), a significant reduction in postoperative pain at rest (in the first 24 h) and with movement (at 2 h, 4 h and 12 h), regardless of whether treatment effects were expressed as ratios of means or weighted mean differences, and a reduction of vomiting (relative risk [RR] 0.73, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.95) and pruritus (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.70). It was associated with a significant increase in dizziness (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.84) and an increase in sedation of borderline significance (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.74).CONCLUSION: Gabapentin improves the analgesic efficacy of opioids both at rest and with movement, reduces analgesic consumption and opioid‐related adverse effects, but is associated with an increased incidence of sedation and dizziness.
The Cost of Lung Cancer in Alberta
Authors: Demeter Sandor J , Jacobs Philip , Chmielowiec Chester , Logus Wayne , Hailey David , Fassbender Konrad , McEwan Alexander 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. In addition, lung cancer has a significant economic impact on society.OBJECTIVE: To present an economic analysis of the actual care costs of lung cancer which will allow comparison with, and verification of, cost estimates that were developed through modelling and opinion.METHODS: A chart review was conducted of incident cases (circa 1998) of primary bronchogenic lung cancer. Cases were censored at two years from the date of diagnosis. Relevant clinical and health utilization data were collected. Health utilization data included hospital and institutional outpatient (ie, ambulatory clinic) costs. Cost estimates were derived for over 200 specific health services. The present analysis was performed from the economic perspective of the health care institution.RESULTS: A total of 13,389 health service events were captured with an estimated total cost of $8.4 million. Laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging and ambulatory visits constituted 86% of the service events while patient admissions and therapy constituted 76% of the costs. The vast majority of overall costs occurred just before, or within, three months of diagnosis. The median nonsmall cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer case costs were $10,928 (range $9,234 to $11,047) and $15,350 (range $13,033 to $21,436), respectively.CONCLUSION: The results agree with the literature that the majority of lung cancer case costs are realized around the date of diagnosis (ie, early phase). The present study illustrates Canadian health care system lung cancer case costs based on actual care received versus hypothetical care algorithms.
One Bite or Two? A Prospective Trial Comparing Colonoscopy Biopsy Technique in Patients with Chronic Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Hookey Lawrence C , Hurlbut David J , Day Andrew G , Manley Paul N , Depew William T 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Surveillance for mucosal dysplasia in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis requires numerous biopsies (often over 40). The aim of the present study was to determine if two biopsies could be obtained with jumbo forceps before removing them from the instrument (double biopsy technique), as opposed to one biopsy per pass, without sacrificing the histological quality of the biopsy material.METHODS: Twelve patients with chronic ulcerative colitis underwent colonoscopy, and four-quadrant biopsies were obtained at 10 cm intervals. For biopsies at each interval, two quadrants were obtained using the double biopsy technique and the other two quadrants were obtained individually. Two pathologists blinded to the biopsy technique examined each biopsy for technical and diagnostic qualities. The primary outcome was the histological adequacy in the evaluation of dysplasia.RESULTS: A total of 468 biopsies were obtained. A higher proportion of double-biopsy specimens were inadequate for dysplasia assessment compared with single-biopsy specimens (OR=2.78, 95% CI 1.37 to 5.59; P=0.005). In the double biopsy technique group, 14 samples were deemed inadequate due to actual tissue specimen loss, compared with eight samples in the single biopsy technique. However, when analysis was repeated using only the retrieved specimens, the double biopsy technique continued to be at higher risk of obtaining inadequate specimens (OR=14.5, 95% CI 2.1 to 98.7; P=0.006).CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that the double biopsy technique is vulnerable to specimen loss and reduced histological quality, and the adoption of this technique as an equivalent method for tissue sampling may be premature.