bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation to Predict Risk of Low-Back Pain Associated With Manual Lifting
Authors: Lu Ming-Lun , Waters Thomas R. , Krieg Edward , Werren Dwight 
Published: December 2013

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the Revised National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) lifting equation (RNLE) to predict risk of low-back pain (LBP). Background: In 1993, NIOSH published the RNLE as a risk assessment method for LBP associated with manual lifting. To date, there has been little research evaluating the RNLE as a predictor of the risk of LBP using a prospective design. Methods: A total of 78 healthy industrial workers’ baseline LBP risk exposures and self-reported LBP at one-year follow-up were investigated. The composite lifting index (CLI), the outcome measure of the RNLE for analyzing multiple lifting tasks, was used as the main risk predictor. The risk was estimated using the mean and maximum CLI variables at baseline and self-reported LBP during the follow-up. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a logistic regression analysis adjusted for covariates that included personal factors, physical activities outside of work, job factors, and work-related psychosocial characteristics. Results: The one-year self-reported LBP incidence was 32.1%. After controlling for history of prior LBP, supervisory support, and job strain, the categorical mean and maximum CLI above 2 had a significant relationship (OR = 5.1–6.5) with self-reported LBP, as compared with the CLI below or equal to 1. The correlation between the continuous CLI variables and LBP was unclear. Conclusions: The CLI > 2 threshold may be useful for predicting self-reported LBP. Research with a larger sample size is needed to clarify the exposure–response relationship between the CLI and LBP.
Debt and depression among the Dibao population in northwestern China
Authors: Gong Yanhong , Zhang Xiulan , Zou Hong , Tian Donghua , Qu Zhiyong , Zhang Weijun , Chu Yongqiang 
Published: December 2013

Background: With the rapid development of economy, depression disorder is not only a public health issue but also a socioeconomic problem and attracting more and more attention in China. Aims: The target of this study is to examine the prevalence of depression and the related risk factors in the Dibao population in northwestern China. Method: A cross-sectional analysis in a random sample survey conducted in three northwestern Chinese cities in 2007. The data from 4459 respondents with completed Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression (CES-D) scales were evaluated to explore the key risk factors for depression. Using depression as a binary variable according to the cutoff of the CES-D score and then as a continuous variable, multiple logistic and line regression analysis were performed to compare the odds ratio and the weight of different risk factors for depression. Results: The prevalence of depression in non- Dibao population was 34.7% but that in the Dibao population was 50.0% ( p < .001). After adjusting for important confounders, Dibao population had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.38 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16–1.63) to have possible depression compared to those non- Dibao people. Furthermore, depression was associated with a higher OR of indebtedness (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.31–1.93), and a small amount of debt would increase the possibility of depression for Dibao people (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.28–2.23). In addition, gender, body mass index (BMI), tobacco use and social network were also important risk factors for depression in the Dibao population. Using depression as a continuous variable, being a member of the Dibao population and being indebted will add 2.06 and 1.83 to the CES-D score, respectively, compared with the non- Dibao population and not being indebted. A comparison of the odds ratios of depression between the Dibao and the non- Dibao population showed that factors such as gender, BMI, tobacco use, social network and indebtedness were statistically significant in the Dibao population but were not statistically significant in the non- Dibao population. Additionally, having a savings account was statistically significant in the non- Dibao population but not in the Dibao population. Conclusions: It was not surprising, as proved by other studies, that gender, obesity and social network were risk factors associated with depression in the Dibao population. Our findings indicated that a small amount of indebtedness was also closely related to depression in the Dibao population.
Prior thoracoscopic surgery may improve reoperative pulmonary resection
Authors: Hamaji Masatsugu , Cassivi Stephen D , Shen K Robert , Allen Mark S , Nichols Francis C , Deschamps Claude , Wigle Dennis A 
Published: December 2013

Objectives although video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for pulmonary resection appears to be associated with more favorable postoperative outcomes than thoracotomy, no reports have discussed its benefit at subsequent reoperative pulmonary resection. Methods between January 2000 and December 2009, 144 patients underwent reoperative pulmonary resections for benign and malignant nodules at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Their data were evaluated retrospectively. Twenty-three (16%) patients had prior video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, and 121 (84%) had undergone a prior open thoracotomy. Intraoperative and short-term postoperative outcomes were analyzed and compared between the two groups, using the chi-square test or Mann-Whitney test. Results overall reoperative mortality was 1.38% and morbidity was 49.3%. Intraoperative factor analysis showed that the prior video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group more often underwent anatomical resection ( p = 0.0011) and showed a tendency towards a lower conversion rate from video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to thoracotomy at reoperative pulmonary resection ( p = 0.051). Short-term postoperative outcomes showed that the prior video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group had a significantly lower morbidity rate ( p = 0.013), significantly shorter hospital stay ( p = 0.002), and a tendency for a shorter duration of chest tube drainage ( p = 0.09). Conclusion our results suggest that prior video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery may lead to improved postoperative outcomes at subsequent reoperative pulmonary resection. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery may be favored for future potential reoperative pulmonary resections.
Iloprost reduces myocardial edema in a rat model of myocardial ischemia reperfusion
Authors: Caliskan A , Yavuz C , Karahan O , Yazici S , Guclu O , Demirtas S , Mavitas B 
Published: December 2013

Objective: Myocardial ischemia severely reduces myocyte longevity and function. Extensive interstitial edema and cell damage occur as a result of myocardial reperfusion injury. Current therapies are directed at prevention of ischemia-induced damage to cardiac tissue. Iloprost is a novel pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of ischemia. Methods: Twenty rats were segregated into four experimental groups. The procedure control group consisted of four rats undergoing a sham operation. The remaining 16 rats were divided into two equal groups. The first group (control group) received a continuous intravenous infusion of physiological serum immediately prior to the procedure. Iloprost was administered by a continuous intravenous infusion into the right jugular vein at an infusion rate of 100 ng/kg/min for 30 minutes prior to reperfusion in the experimental group (study group). Following the infusion treatments, ligation of the left coronary artery was conducted for 30 minutes to induce myocardial ischemia. The rats were euthanized 24 hours after reperfusion and cardiac tissue was harvested from all specimens for analysis. Results: Histological examination revealed three myocardial tissue specimens with grade II damage and five myocardial tissue specimens with grade III reperfusion injury in the control group. However, the study group consisted of two grade III myocardial tissue specimens, five grade II myocardial tissue specimens and one grade I myocardial tissue specimen. Moreover, a statistically significant reduction in myocardial edema was observed in the study group (p=0.022). Conclusion: Our results support the hypothesis that iloprost enhances protection against cardiac ischemia reperfusion injury. This protective effect may be associated with vasodilation, antioxidant or anti-edema mechanisms.
Understanding and retention of trial-related information among participants in a clinical trial after completing the informed consent process
Authors: Mexas Fernanda , Efron Anne , Luiz Ronir Raggio , Cailleaux-Cezar Michelle , Chaisson Richard E , Conde Marcus B 
Published: December 2013

Background Methods for assessing the level of understanding of trial-related information during the informed consent (IC) process in developing countries are lacking. Purpose To assess the understanding and retention of trial-related information presented in the IC process by administering an informed consent assessment instrument (ICAI) to participants in a clinical trial for a new tuberculosis (TB) regimen being conducted in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Methods The format of the ICAI was based on the language and structure of the United States National Cancer Institute’s IC comprehension checklist. The ICAI was designed to assess points of the RioMAR study IC process that addressed the principles of research ethics requested by Brazilian Regulatory Authority: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Briefly, (1) Is the respondent participating in a clinical trial? (2) Are two different treatments being evaluated? (3) Is the treatment arm chosen by chance? (4) Is an HIV test required? (5) Are liver function tests required? (6) Can participants leave the study at any time? (7) Are the risks and benefits of taking part in the study clear? (8) May pregnant women participate in the study? (9) Can one of the study drugs reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives? (10) Are patients paid to participate in the study? The ICAI was applied at two time points: immediately after enrollment in the clinical trial and 2 months later. Results A total of 61 patients who enrolled in the RioMAR study participated in this study. The percentage of correct answers to all questions was 82% at the time of the first ICAI; 31 participants (51%) did not recall that an HIV test was required (question 4) and 43 (70%) did not know that they could leave the study (question 6). Other individual questions were answered correctly by at least 76% of participants. There was no association between incorrect answers and age, gender, monthly family income, neighborhood, or level of education (p > 0.07). When the responses to the first and the second ICAI questions were compared, 15% or more of participants had conflicting answers to 5 of the 10 questions. Limitations The ICAI uses dichotomous responses, leading to a 50% chance of guessing the correct answers. Two questions were asked only of women. Finally, only 6 of the 10 questions on the current version of the ICAI apply to most trials; others are trial-specific. Conclusions The ICAI may be adapted to an individual trial and may prove to be a useful tool following a consent discussion to identify issues not fully understood by the research participants, thus prompting study staff to re-explain topics, possibly in a more elementary manner.
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in China: barriers, challenges and recommendations
Authors: Hu Teh-Wei , Lee Anita H. , Mao Zhengzhong 
Published: December 2013

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the barriers in the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in China and present recommendations on ways to address these challenges in tobacco control in China. Methods: We review the available literature on progress and explore the barriers and challenges that impede a speedier pace in the adoption of the effective tobacco control measures, and present recommendations based on in-depth knowledge of decision-making process on the implementation of FCTC in China. Results: The pace of progress in China is too slow. China faces intractable political, structural, economic and social barriers in tobacco control, which make the whole-hearted implementation of FCTC measures a painstaking process. Discussion: The authors recommend a comprehensive approach to speed up the implementation of tobacco control measures. This includes strong political leadership from the top, structural changes to the tobacco industry and government oversight of the tobacco industry, as well as advocacy and support for tobacco control from civil society at the grassroots level.
Clinically Relevant Subregions of Articular Cartilage of the Hip for Analysis and Reporting Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Surowiec Rachel K. , Lucas Erin P. , Wilson Katharine J. , Saroki Adriana J. , Ho Charles P. 
Published: December 2013

Objective: Before quantitative imaging techniques can become clinically valuable, the method, and more specifically, the regions of locating and reporting these values should be standardized toward reproducibility comparisons across centers and longitudinal follow-up of individual patients. The purpose of this technical note is to describe a rigorous and reproducible method of locating, analyzing, and reporting quantitative MRI values in hip articular cartilage with an approach that is consistent with current orthopedic literature. Design: To demonstrate this localization and documentation, 3 patients (age, 23 ± 5.1 years; 2 males, 1 female) who presented with symptomatic mixed-type femoroacetabular impingement (α angle, 63.3° ± 2.1°; center edge angle, 39° ± 4.2°) were evaluated with T2-mapping at 3 T MRI prior to hip arthroscopy. Manual segmentation was performed and cartilage of the acetabulum and femur was divided into 12 subregions adapted from the geographic zone method. Bone landmarks in the acetabulum and femur, identifiable both in arthroscopy and MR images, were manually selected and the coordinates exported for division of cartilage. Results: Mean T2 values in each zone are presented. Conclusions: The current work outlines a standardized system to locate and describe quantitative mapping values that could aid in surgical decision making, planning, and the noninvasive longitudinal follow-up of implemented cartilage preservation and restoration techniques.
Development of a Comprehensive Osteochondral Allograft MRI Scoring System (OCAMRISS) With Histopathologic, Micro–Computed Tomography, and Biomechanical Validation
Authors: Chang Eric Y. , Pallante-Kichura Andrea L. , Bae Won C. , Du Jiang , Statum Sheronda , Wolfson Tanya , Gamst Anthony C. , Cory Esther , Amiel David , Bugbee William D. , Sah Robert L. , Chung Christine B. 
Published: December 2013

Objective: To describe and apply a semiquantitative MRI scoring system for multifeature analysis of cartilage defect repair in the knee by osteochondral allografts and to correlate this scoring system with histopathologic, micro–computed tomography (µCT), and biomechanical reference standards using a goat repair model. Design: Fourteen adult goats had 2 osteochondral allografts implanted into each knee: one in the medial femoral condyle and one in the lateral trochlea. At 12 months, goats were euthanized and MRI was performed. Two blinded radiologists independently rated 9 primary features for each graft, including cartilage signal, fill, edge integration, surface congruity, calcified cartilage integrity, subchondral bone plate congruity, subchondral bone marrow signal, osseous integration, and presence of cystic changes. Four ancillary features of the joint were also evaluated, including opposing cartilage, meniscal tears, synovitis, and fat-pad scarring. Comparison was made with histologic and µCT reference standards as well as biomechanical measures. Interobserver agreement and agreement with reference standards was assessed. Cohen’s κ, Spearman’s correlation, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used as appropriate. Results: There was substantial agreement (κ > 0.6, P < 0.001) for each MRI feature and with comparison against reference standards, except for cartilage edge integration (κ = 0.6). There was a strong positive correlation between MRI and reference standard scores (ρ = 0.86, P < 0.01). Osteochondral allograft MRI scoring system was sensitive to differences in outcomes between the types of allografts. Conclusions: We have described a comprehensive MRI scoring system for osteochondral allografts and have validated this scoring system with histopathologic and µCT reference standards as well as biomechanical indentation testing.
Severe inflammatory response and vasculitis leading to quadruple limb amputations
Authors: Brinkler Rebecca , Zhang Xiaoxi , Ratnasingam Sinthuja , Dawson Jeremy , Palamaras Ioulios 
Published: December 2013

Lesson A systemic inflammatory response causing multi-organ failure and requiring multiple amputations was refractory to all treatments except Anakinra, and the cause remains unclear.
Examining the practice of generalist expertise: a qualitative study identifying constraints and solutions
Authors: Reeve Joanne , Dowrick Christopher F , Freeman George K , Gunn Jane , Mair Frances , May Carl , Mercer Stewart , Palmer Victoria , Howe Amanda , Irving Greg , Shiner Alice , Watson Jessica 
Published: December 2013

Objectives Provision of person-centred generalist care is a core component of quality primary care systems. The World Health Organisation believes that a lack of generalist primary care is contributing to inefficiency, ineffectiveness and inequity in healthcare. In UK primary care, General Practitioners (GPs) are the largest group of practising generalists. Yet GPs fulfil multiple roles and the pressures of delivering these roles along with wider contextual changes create real challenges to generalist practice. Our study aimed to explore GP perceptions of enablers and constraints for expert generalist care, in order to identify what is needed to ensure health systems are designed to support the generalist role. Design Qualitative study in General Practice. Setting UK primary care. Main outcome measures A qualitative study – interviews, surveys and focus groups with GPs and GP trainees. Data collection and analysis was informed by Normalisation Process Theory. Design and setting Qualitative study in General Practice. We conducted interviews, surveys and focus groups with GPs and GP trainees based mainly, but not exclusively, in the UK. Data collection and analysis were informed by Normalization Process Theory. Participants UK based GPs (interview and surveys); European GP trainees (focus groups). Results Our findings highlight key gaps in current training and service design which may limit development and implementation of expert generalist practice (EGP). These include the lack of a consistent and universal understanding of the distinct expertise of EGP, competing priorities inhibiting the delivery of EGP, lack of the consistent development of skills in interpretive practice and a lack of resources for monitoring EGP. Conclusions We describe four areas for change: Translating EGP, Priority setting for EGP, Trusting EGP and Identifying the impact of EGP. We outline proposals for work needed in each area to help enhance the expert generalist role.
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome in obstructive sleep apnea patients in the United Arab Emirates: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Alzaabi Ashraf , Fizal Salahudeen , Moilothkandy Rafeek , Mahboub Bassam , Nagelkerke Nico 
Published: December 2013

Objectives To estimate the frequency of symptoms of obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and to evaluate comorbidities associated with OHS. Design Retrospective study based on patients' medical records and on further sleep tests performed in the study centre during the inclusion visit. Setting Respiratory Care Unit and Sleep Disorder Centre of the Zayed Military Hospital United Arab Emirates. Participants All patients referred to the study centre for a suspicion of sleep-disordered breathing. Main outcome measures Prevalence of OSA and OSA + OHS and comorbidities in patients with OSA and OHS. Results A total of 212 adult patients participated in the study. Of these, 107 patients (50.5% [43.8–57.1% CI 95%]) fulfilled diagnostic criteria for OSA, and the majority were men (79.4%). Among patients with OSA, 18 patients (16.8% [10.8–25.1% CI 95%]) fulfilled diagnostic criteria for OHS. In this group, women were more frequently affected than men (31.8% [7/22] vs. 12.9% [11/85], respectively; p = 0.03) and tended to be older than affected men, with a mean age of 55 ± 10.6 years versus 46 ± 13 for men. After adjustment for gender, OHS was significantly associated with hypertension (OR = 3.5; p = 0.03), diabetes mellitus (OR = 4.6; p = 0.02), ischaemic heart disease (OR = 5.1; p = 0.04) and pulmonary hypertension (OR = 16.1; p = 0.001). Conclusion OHS is a common condition in obese patients in the UAE and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular comorbidities and diabetes.
Performance of the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale for caregiving research
Authors: Andresen Elena M , Byers Katherine , Friary John , Kosloski Karl , Montgomery Rhonda 
Published: December 2013

Objectives: The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CESD) scale has been useful in a broad spectrum of health research on patient and population outcomes. A brief version is used when depressive symptoms are not the primary focus. Rasch (item response) analysis previously demonstrated potential problems with positively worded items. We tested the 10-item CESD (CESD-10) scale and considered an 8-item version with both psychometric and Rasch analyses. Methods: This was a special sample of 2067 caregivers from three existing US databases. We describe item response patterns and internal constancy in addition to Rasch scale results. Results: There were few problems with missing data, and internal consistency was high (alpha = 0.86–0.88) for both CESD versions. Rasch analysis indicated that one of the positive items (“hopeful about future”) could be dropped. Conclusions: We partly confirmed prior work that suggested dropping positive items for the CESD-10. Among caregivers, item-level problems and scaling problems seem minimal. At present, there is not a strong rationale for dropping the CESD-10 positive items: the one poorly performing positive item might be explained by the special caregiver sample.
Altered expression of platelet proteins and calpain activity mediate hypoxia-induced prothrombotic phenotype
Authors: Tyagi Tarun , Ahmad Shadab , Gupta Neha , Sahu Anita , Ahmad Yasmin , Nair Velu , Chatterjee Tathagat , Bajaj Nitin , Sengupta Shantanu , Ganju Lilly , Singh Shashi Bala , Ashraf Mohammad Z. 
Published: December 2013

Key PointsHypoxia induces altered platelet proteome/reactivity, which correlates with a prothrombotic phenotype. CAPNS1-dependent calpain activity in platelet activation cascade is associated with hypoxia-induced thrombogenesis.