bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brief Narrative Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress in Iraqi Refugees: A Preliminary Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hijazi Alaa M. , Lumley Mark A. , Ziadni Maisa S. , Haddad Luay , Rapport Lisa J. , Arnetz Bengt B. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMany Iraqi refugees suffer from posttraumatic stress. Efficient, culturally sensitive interventions are needed, and so we adapted narrative exposure therapy into a brief version (brief NET) and tested its effects in a sample of traumatized Iraqi refugees. Iraqi refugees in the United States reporting elevated posttraumatic stress (N = 63) were randomized to brief NET or waitlist control conditions in a 2:1 ratio; brief NET was 3 sessions, conducted individually, in Arabic. Positive indicators (posttraumatic growth and well‐being) and symptoms (posttraumatic stress, depressive, and somatic) were assessed at baseline and 2‐ and 4‐month follow‐up. Treatment participation (95.1% completion) and study retention (98.4% provided follow‐up data) were very high. Significant condition by time interactions showed that those receiving brief NET had greater posttraumatic growth (d = 0.83) and well‐being (d = 0.54) through 4 months than controls. Brief NET reduced symptoms of posttraumatic stress (d = −0.48) and depression (d = −0.46) more, but only at 2 months; symptoms of controls also decreased from 2 to 4 months, eliminating condition differences at 4 months. Three sessions of brief NET increased growth and well‐being and led to symptom reduction in highly traumatized Iraqi refugees. This preliminary study suggests that brief NET is both acceptable and potentially efficacious in traumatized Iraqi refugees.
Neuromuscular junction disorders mimicking myopathy
Authors: Mongiovi Phillip C. , Elsheikh Bakri , Lawson Victoria H. , Kissel John T. , Arnold W. David 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Small‐amplitude, short‐duration motor unit action potentials are non‐specific findings seen in myopathies and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorders. NMJ studies (repetitive nerve stimulation and single‐fiber electromyography) can determine if such findings are related to NMJ abnormalities but are not considered routinely in atypical cases. Methods: Medical records of 338 patients with confirmed NMJ disorders were reviewed to identify cases with a clinical or electrodiagnostic impression of myopathy during initial evaluation. A history of muscle biopsy with findings that did not support a myopathic process was required for inclusion. Results: Four patients met the inclusion criteria. NMJ studies were abnormal in all cases. One patient had elevated acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Three patients were antibody negative: 2 demonstrated immunotherapy responsiveness, and 1 had a Rapsyn mutation. Conclusions: NMJ disorders may mimic myopathies, and NMJ studies should be performed to clarify so‐called “myopathic” electromyographic findings to avoid unnecessary testing and delayed diagnosis. Muscle Nerve 50: 854–856, 2014
Containment control of linear multi‐agent systems with multiple leaders of bounded inputs using distributed continuous controllers
Authors: Li Zhongkui , Duan Zhisheng , Ren Wei , Feng Gang 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThis paper considers the containment control problem for multi‐agent systems with general linear dynamics and multiple leaders whose control inputs are possibly nonzero and time varying. Based on the relative states of neighboring agents, a distributed static continuous controller is designed, under which the containment error is uniformly ultimately bounded and the upper bound of the containment error can be made arbitrarily small, if the subgraph associated with the followers is undirected and, for each follower, there exists at least one leader that has a directed path to that follower. It is noted that the design of the static controller requires the knowledge of the eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix and the upper bounds of the leaders’ control inputs. In order to remove these requirements, a distributed adaptive continuous controller is further proposed, which can be designed and implemented by each follower in a fully distributed fashion. Extensions to the case where only local output information is available and to the case of multi‐agent systems with matching uncertainties are also discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust non‐fragile H ∞  ∕ L2 − L ∞ control of uncertain linear system with time‐delay and application to vehicle active suspension
Authors: Kong Yongsu , Zhao Dingxuan , Yang Bin , Han Chenghao , Han Kyongwon 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThis paper presents an approach to design robust non‐fragile H ∞  ∕ L2 − L ∞  static output feedback controller, considering actuator time‐delay and the controller gain variations, and it is applied to design vehicle active suspension. According to suspension design requirements, the H ∞  and L2 − L ∞  norms are used, respectively, to reflect ride comfort and time‐domain hard constraints. By employing a delay‐dependent Lyapunov function, existence conditions of delay‐dependent robust non‐fragile static output feedback H ∞  controller and L2 − L ∞  controller are derived, respectively, in terms of the feasibility of bilinear matrix inequalities. Then, a new procedure based on LMI optimization and a hybrid algorithm of the particle swarm optimization and differential evolution is used to solve an optimization problem with bilinear matrix inequality constraints. Simulation results show that the designed active suspension system still can guarantee their own performance in spite of the existence of the model uncertainties, the actuator time‐delay and the controller gain variations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tubing Erosion of an Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Long after Implantation
Authors: Morales Alvaro 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Erosion through skin of connecting tubing of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) has not been previously reported.

Aim
The aim of this study was to present a case of tubing erosion, review the pertinent literature, and discuss the possible causes and management options, including preservation of the device and its components.

Methods
A 42-year-old male failing to respond to medical treatment for erectile dysfunction underwent insertion of an AMS 700 IPP in 1986. Six years later, a revision was necessary because of a leak in the right cylinder and 4 years after, the pump was replaced. Fourteen years after the original implant, he presented with a portion of the tube connecting the pump to the right cylinder eroding through the skin. There was no infection. The skin area involved was resected and the original pump and tubing were buried in a new scrotal pocket after thorough irrigation.

Results
The IPP remained in place, allowing vaginal penetration and without infection for another 11 years. Three years later, it was de-functionalized, converted into a fixed volume device. It eventually was replaced 25 years after originally implanted with a semirigid prosthesis because it did not provide sufficient rigidity and because of concerns about the presence of “screws” detected during pelvic imaging.

Conclusions
Mechanical failures in the early IPP models, as illustrated in this case, were expected. However, the long survival of the device is remarkable. Erosion of the connecting tubing through the skin is unique and, under exceptional circumstances, may be managed conservatively without replacing components of the IPP. Clinicians unfamiliar with procedures involving inflatable devices need to be aware of “foreign bodies” visible in radiological examinations in men who have had revisions of an IPP.
Adherence to Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Long-Term Users: How Do Men Use the Inhibitors?
Authors: Carvalheira Ana , Forjaz Vera , Pereira Nuno Monteiro 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Introduction
The high effectiveness of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-i) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) has been demonstrated. However, previous research shows that PDE5-i treatments have high discontinuation rates.

Aim
The main goals of this study were to (i) characterize the way men use PDE5-i and (ii) analyze the adherence to treatment, identifying the factors that influence PDE5-i use.

Methods
A total of 148 men with clinical diagnosis for ED who maintained the treatment with PDE5-i for over 3 years were interviewed. Interviews concerning their ongoing treatment were carried out using a standardized questionnaire with quantitative and qualitative items.

Main Outcome Measures
Physiological measures included the intracavernous alprostadil injection test, associated with penile rigidometry and penile Doppler ultrasound. The qualitative measure included two questions: “Do you use the drug in every sexual intercourse?" and “How do you use the inhibitor?"

Results
ED causes were classified as venogenic (31%), arteriogenic (23%), psychogenic (18%), iatrogenic (13%), neurogenic (8%), and diabetic (7%). Participation rate was 71.8%. Of the 148 patients studied, 75% claimed not to use PDE5-i in every intercourse. Most used tadalafil (66%), followed by sildenafil (20%), vardenafil (10%), and 4% alternated the type of medicine. Four main categories emerged concerning the factors that determine the intake of PDE5-i in some intercourse situations and not in others: (i) psychological factors; (ii) medication-related factors; (iii) circumstantial factors; and (iv) relational factors.

Conclusion
The analysis of men's narratives revealed a combination of factors that influence the adherence to PDE5-i. The psychological and medication-related factors were the most prevalent. This study highlighted the importance of taking these factors into account, both at the time of prescription and during the follow-up in order to improve adherence.
Single‐Port and Multi‐Port Laparoscopic Left Lateral Liver Sectionectomy for Treating Benign Liver Diseases: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Hu Minggen , Zhao Guodong , Wang Fei , Xu Dabin , Liu Rong 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground
The use of single‐port laparoscopy for left‐lateral liver sectionectomy (LLLS) has been reported in the literature, but the effectiveness and safety of LLLS has not been validated in randomized, controlled trials. This prospective randomized controlled trial compared the effectiveness and safety of single‐port and multi‐port laparoscopic LLLS for the surgical treatment of benign liver disease.
MethodsAltogether, 38 patients aged 17–65 years (16 men, 22 women) with benign liver diseases were hospitalized for elective laparoscopic LLLS between January 2010 and December 2012. Patients were randomly assigned to either single‐port (n = 19) or multi‐port (n = 19) laparoscopic LLLS. Main outcome measures were operative time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, complication rates, and postoperative hospitalization.ResultsBaseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Single‐port and multi‐port laparoscopies were successfully completed in all but one patient (1/19, 5.3 %) who required conversion from a single‐port to a multi‐port procedure. The two groups had similar mean operative times and volumes of intraoperative blood loss. There were no clinically significant postoperative complications or deaths. The single‐port group had a significantly shorter postoperative hospitalization than the multi‐port group (2.5 ± 1.7 vs. 4.0 ± 2.1 days; p < 0.05).ConclusionsSingle‐port laparoscopic LLLS is a technically feasible, effective, safe alternative to multi‐port laparoscopy for the treatment of benign liver diseases in cautiously selected patients.
Study of Serum Leptin in Well‐differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: Correlation with Patient and Tumor Characteristics
Authors: Rehem Rania Abdel , Elwafa Waleed Abo , Elwafa Reham Abo , Abdel‐Aziz Tarek Ezzat 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere is a proven relationship between obesity and several cancers including breast, endometrium, colorectal, and esophagus. With the increasing incidence of both obesity and thyroid cancer, we designed the present study to investigate a causal relationship between leptin, which is one of the well known adipokines, and well‐differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC).MethodsSerum leptin levels were measured in 30 patients with WDTC and compared to 30 healthy control subjects before and 1 month after surgery. Other parameters studied included age, sex, body mass index, menopausal status in women, lymph node status, tumor size, and disease multifocality.ResultsThere were no differences between the two groups regarding age and sex. Preoperative leptin levels were higher in the WDTC patients when compared to the control patients [19.25 (1.50–109.60) vs 0.90 (0.50–11.80) ng/ml, p < 0.001, group 1 vs group 2, respectively]. A significant drop in leptin levels 1 month after surgery occurred in the WDTC group, falling from 19.25 (1.50–109.60) to 0.90 (0.60–8.90) ng/ml (p < 0.001). This did not occur in the control group (p = 0.274). Lymph node involvement, tumor size, and multifocality had no effect on leptin levels, although trends were observed (p = 0.48, 0.079, and 0.064), respectively.ConclusionsSerum leptin levels were significantly higher in WDTC patients when compared to control group patients, with a significant drop after surgery. Leptin may play a role in diagnosis of WDTC; however, its prognostic value is still undetermined.
Two Anatomical Pathways for Retroperitoneoscopic Pancreatectomy: Indications for the Posterior and Lateral Approaches
Authors: Zhao Guodong , Hu Minggen , Liu Rong , Zhiming Zhao , Xu Yong , Zhou Huinian , Wang Xuefei , Zhang Xinning 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundRetroperitoneoscopic pancreatectomy (RP) is a novel surgical procedure that is safe and feasible in animal models and clinical practice. However, the optimal approach for RP has not been established.ObjectiveThis study aimed to introduce the posterior and lateral approaches for RP.MethodsThis prospective study included 19 patients with suspected pancreatic lesions who underwent RP. RP was performed using either a posterior or a lateral approach.ResultsThe posterior, lateral, and jointed approaches were used in 13 (68.4 %), 3 (15.8 %), and 3 (15.8 %) cases, respectively. Patients underwent enucleation (N = 8), distal pancreatectomy (N = 4), and resection of cystic pancreatic lesions (N = 2) and non‐pancreatic lesions (N = 5). All retroperitoneoscopic procedures were successfully accomplished with no conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery. Intraoperative complications occurred in two (12.5 %) cases, including one case with injury to the peritoneum and one case with injury to the peritoneum and splenic vein. Postoperative grade A pancreatic fistulas occurred in six cases, and were cured by delayed drainage. No disease recurrence or abnormal symptoms were observed during the mean follow‐up period of 14.06 ± 9.60 months.ConclusionsRP using the posterior or lateral approach is feasible and effective, but has different indications. The posterior approach is useful for distal pancreatectomy, as well as resection of pancreatic lesions in the posterior or superoposterior region of the distal pancreas. The lateral approach is useful for resection of pancreatic lesions in the anterior or inferior region of the body and tail. The two approaches can be used in combination or conversion.
The Impact of Resident‐ and Self‐Evaluations on Surgeon’s Subsequent Teaching Performance
Authors: Boerebach Benjamin C. M. , Arah Onyebuchi A. , Heineman Maas Jan , Busch Olivier R. C. , Lombarts Kiki M. J. M. H. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluates how residents’ evaluations and self‐evaluations of surgeon’s teaching performance evolve after two cycles of evaluation, reporting, and feedback. Furthermore, the influence of over‐ and underestimating own performance on subsequent teaching performance was investigated.MethodsIn a multicenter cohort study, 351 surgeons evaluated themselves and were also evaluated by residents during annual evaluation periods for three subsequent years. At the end of each evaluation period, surgeons received a personal report summarizing the residents’ feedback. Changes in each surgeon’s teaching performance evaluated on a five‐point scale were studied using growth models. The effect of surgeons over‐ or underestimating their own performance on the improvement of teaching performance was studied using adjusted multivariable regressions.ResultsCompared with the first (median score: 3.83, 20th to 80th percentile score: 3.46–4.16) and second (median: 3.82, 20th to 80th: 3.46–4.14) evaluation period, residents evaluated surgeon’s teaching performance higher during the third evaluation period (median: 3.91, 20th to 80th: 3.59–4.27), p < 0.001. Surgeons did not alter self‐evaluation scores over the three periods. Surgeons who overestimated their teaching performance received lower subsequent performance scores by residents (regression coefficient b: −0.08, 95 % confidence limits (CL): −0.18, 0.02) and self (b: −0.12, 95 % CL: −0.21, −0.02). Surgeons who underestimated their performance subsequently scored themselves higher (b: 0.10, 95 % CL: 0.03, 0.16), but were evaluated equally by residents.ConclusionsResidents’ evaluation of surgeon’s teaching performance was enhanced after two cycles of evaluation, reporting, and feedback. Overestimating own teaching performance could impede subsequent performance.
Sources of low-arsenic groundwater in the Bengal Basin: investigating the influence of the last glacial maximum palaeosol using a 115-km traverse across Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque M. A. , McArthur J. M. , Sikdar P. K. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Pollution of groundwater in the Bengal Basin (Bangladesh and West Bengal, India) by arsenic (As) puts at risk the health of more than 100 million consumers. Using 1,580 borehole lithological logs and published hydrochemistry on 2,387 wells, it was predicted that low-As (<10 μg/L) groundwater exists, in palaeo-interfluvial aquifers of brown sand capped by a protective palaeosol, beneath at least 45,000 km2 of the Bengal Basin. The aquifers were predicted to be at a depth of as little as 25 m below ground level (mbgl), and typically no more than 50 mbgl. The predictions were confirmed along an east–west traverse 115 km in length (i.e. across half of Bangladesh) by drilling 28 new boreholes to 91-m depth to reveal subsurface sedimentology, and by mapping As distribution in groundwater. The aquifers identified occur at typically <40 mbgl and so are accessible with local drilling methods. A protective palaeosol that caps the palaeo-interfluvial aquifers prevents downward movement into them of As-polluted groundwater present in shallower palaeo-channel aquifers and ensures that the palaeo-interfluvial aquifers will yield low-As groundwater for the foreseeable future. Their use, in place of the shallower As-polluted palaeo-channel aquifers, would rapidly mitigate the health risks from consumption of As-polluted groundwater.
Musculoskeletal education: an assessment of the clinical confidence of medical students
Authors: Truntzer Jeremy , Lynch Alison , Kruse David , Prislin Michael 
Published: May 2014

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions account for nearly 15–30 % of encounters in a primary care practice. Yet, studies demonstrate that medical students and residents lack the knowledge and confidence to care for many MSK conditions. This study addresses the design of focused MSK educational practices towards improving students’ knowledge, interest, and confidence for conducting MSK examinations. Students attending a voluntary educational symposium on sports medicine were recruited to participate. The symposium was directed toward teaching elements of the MSK exam. Participants completed validated pre- and post-workshop surveys that assessed confidence in performing MSK examinations as well as satisfaction and perceived importance of MSK education. Additionally, mean survey responses from a convenience group of students who did not participate in the symposium were compared against the intervention group. Thirteen students participated in the educational symposium. Hundred and nine students completed the general survey. In the non-intervention group, students demonstrated knowledge and confidence improvements through the second year of medical school but did not show similar improvement in subsequent years. No difference in MSK confidence scores between fourth-year students going into high versus low MSK focused specialities was observed. In the intervention group students demonstrated improvements in confidence with respect to the knee, shoulder and ankle exams (p < 0.01). Areas not covered such as concussions and neuromuscular impairments failed to show significant change.
Applications for Radio‐frequency Identification Technology in the Perioperative Setting
Authors: Zhao Tiyu , Zhang Xiaoxiang , Zeng Lili , Xia Shuyan , Hinton Antentor Othrell , Li Xiuyun 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe implemented a two‐year project to develop a security‐gated management system for the perioperative setting using radio‐frequency identification (RFID) technology to enhance the management efficiency of the OR. We installed RFID readers beside the entrances to the OR and changing areas to receive and process signals from the RFID tags that we sewed into surgical scrub attire and shoes. The system also required integrating automatic access control panels, computerized lockers, light‐emitting diode (LED) information screens, wireless networks, and an information system. By doing this, we are able to control the flow of personnel and materials more effectively, reduce OR costs, optimize the registration and attire‐changing process for personnel, and improve management efficiency. We also anticipate this system will improve patient safety by reducing the risk of surgical site infection. Application of security‐gated management systems is an important and effective way to help ensure a clean, convenient, and safe management process to manage costs in the perioperative area and promote patient safety.
Evidence-Based Patient Decontamination: An Integral Component of Mass Exposure Chemical Incident Planning and Response
Authors: Leary Adam D. , Schwartz Michael D. , Kirk Mark A. , Ignacio Joselito S. , Wencil Elaine B. , Cibulsky Susan M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDecontaminating patients who have been exposed to hazardous chemicals can directly benefit the patients’ health by saving lives and reducing the severity of toxicity. While the importance of decontaminating patients to prevent the spread of contamination has long been recognized, its role in improving patient health outcomes has not been as widely appreciated. Acute chemical toxicity may manifest rapidly—often minutes to hours after exposure. Patient decontamination and emergency medical treatment must be initiated as early as possible to terminate further exposure and treat the effects of the dose already absorbed. In a mass exposure chemical incident, responders and receivers are faced with the challenges of determining the type of care that each patient needs (including medical treatment, decontamination, and behavioral health support), providing that care within the effective window of time, and protecting themselves from harm. The US Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Homeland Security have led the development of national planning guidance for mass patient decontamination in a chemical incident to help local communities meet these multiple, time-sensitive health demands. This report summarizes the science on which the guidance is based and the principles that form the core of the updated approach. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1–7)