bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of health literacy on outcomes using telehomecare technology: A systematic review
Authors: Emtekær Hæsum Lisa Korsbakke , Ehlers Lars , Hejlesen Ole K 
Published: January 2015

Objective: To conduct a systematic review of the literature describing the interaction between the use of telehomecare technology and level of health literacy among chronic patients. The aim of the review was both to explore whether and how level of health literacy affects the ability to use telehomecare technology and, additionally, whether and how the use of telehomecare technology influences the level of health literacy. Design: Systematic literature review. Method: Four relevant studies, reported in five papers, were identified and evaluated according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The studies include a total of 1,120 participants in the telehomecare intervention groups and 617 participants in the control groups. The following data were extracted from the four included studies: author, year, country, number of patients, type of patients, time horizon, health literacy screening tool, nature of the intervention and description of the compared alternatives, for example, usual care. Results: The studies report conflicting observations, and a synthesis of their results therefore provides no clear picture of the interaction between health literacy and the use of telehomecare technology. Conclusion: Exploring the interaction between health literacy and the use of telehomecare was not a primary objective in any of the four included studies. Further research is needed to provide a better picture of the interaction between health literacy and the use of telehomecare technology.
Ways of coping of Chinese caregivers for family members with schizophrenia in two metropolitan cities: Guangzhou and Hong Kong, China
Authors: Lam Paul CW , Ng Petrus , Pan Jiayan , Young Daniel KW 
Published: January 2015

Background: In Chinese societies, family caregivers play an important role in the recovery of persons with serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia. While family caregivers are often invaluable sources of caregiving in the community, a majority of them lack adequate knowledge and support skills to cope with the tasks involved. Aims: This study compares the coping strategies and psychological health of caregivers for family members with schizophrenia in two Chinese cities, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Method: A total of 109 caregivers, including 39 from Hong Kong and 70 from Guangzhou, were recruited from non-governmental mental health organizations in the two cities. They were assessed by the Chinese version of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire. Results: While there was no significant difference in the psychological distress of the family caregivers in the two locations, the Guangzhou caregivers adopt significantly more of the eight coping strategies, namely, confronting coping, distancing, self-control, seeking social support, accepting responsibility, escape–avoidance, planful problem solving and positive reappraisal, than their counterparts in Hong Kong. Significant correlations were also found between psychological distress and coping strategies of caregivers in the two cities. Conclusion: There were significant differences in the coping strategies of family caregivers for people with schizophrenia in the two Chinese cities. Further studies are warranted to investigate factors affecting their coping strategies and their effects on psychological health.
Role of traditional healers in the pathway to care of patients with bipolar disorder in Egypt
Authors: Assad Tarek , Okasha Tarek , Ramy Hisham , Goueli Tamer , El-Shinnawy Hanan , Nasr Mohamed , Fathy Heba , Enaba Dalia , Ibrahim Dina , Elhabiby Mahmoud , Mohsen Nesreen , Khalil Sherien , Fekry Mohamed , Zaki Nivert , Hamed Hani , Azzam Hanan , Meguid Marwa A , AbdelMaksoud Rabie Menan , Sultan Marwa , Elghoneimy Soheir , Refaat Osama , Nader Doaa , Elserafi Doha , Elmissiry Marwa , Shorab Iman 
Published: January 2015

Background: A large number of mentally ill patients prefer to visit non-medical practitioners such as traditional healers because of the confidence in the system, affordability and accessibility of the service. This may lead to delay in seeking psychiatric services and has prognostic impact. Aim: To assess the rate of bipolar affective disorder (BAD) patients seeking traditional healers, the sociodemographic and clinical correlates of those patients. Methods: We assessed 350 patients with BAD after confirmation of diagnosis with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorder (SCID-I) research version and assessment of functioning with Global Assessment of Functioning scale. They were assessed for percent, rate and timing of seeking traditional healers. Results: In all, 40.8% sought traditional healers, with 34.9% more than four times. Of those, 62.2% were before seeking psychiatric services and 37.8% after. Lower educational level, less impairment of functioning and presence of hallucinations were significant correlates. Conclusion: This study shows that most of the patients suffering from mental illness prefer to approach faith healers first, which may delay entry to psychiatric care and thereby negatively impact the prognosis of BAD. This highlights the importance of mental health education and developing a positive collaborative relationship with traditional healers.
The Mediating Role of Heart Rate on the Social Adversity-Antisocial Behavior Relationship
Authors: Choy Olivia , Raine Adrian , Portnoy Jill , Rudo-Hutt Anna , Gao Yu , Soyfer Liana 
Published: January 2015

Objectives: Tests the hypothesis that the social adversity-antisocial behavior relationship is partly mediated by a biological mechanism, low heart rate. Method: 18 indicators of social adversity and heart rate measured at rest and in anticipation of a speech stressor were assessed alongside nine measures of antisocial behavior including delinquency (Youth Self-Report [YSR] and Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL]), conduct disorder (Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder Questionnaire), and child psychopathy (Antisocial Process Screening Device [APSD]) in a community sample of 388 children aged 11 to 12 years. PROCESS was used to test mediation models. Results: Low heart rate was a partial mediator of the adversity-antisocial behavior relationship, explaining 20.35 percent and 15.40 percent of the effect of social adversity on delinquency and overall antisocial behavior, respectively. Conclusions: Findings are, to the authors’ knowledge, one of the first to establish any biological risk factor as a mediator of the social adversity-antisocial behavior relationship and suggest that social processes alter autonomic functioning in a way to predispose to antisocial behavior. While not definitive, results give rise to a social neurocriminology theory that argues that the social environment influences biological risk factors in a way to predispose to antisocial and criminal behavior.
Is CO2 a good proxy for indoor air quality in classrooms? Part 1: The interrelationships between thermal conditions, CO2 levels, ventilation rates and selected indoor pollutants
Authors: Chatzidiakou Lia , Mumovic Dejan , Summerfield Alex 
Published: January 2015

Current indoor air quality (IAQ) guidelines in school buildings are framed around thermal conditions, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and corresponding ventilation rates without considering specific indoor pollution levels. Drawing on detailed monitoring data from a sample of 18 classrooms from six London schools, the aim of this paper is to highlight behavioural and environmental factors that affect pollution levels in classrooms, and evaluate the adequacy of CO2 as an overall predictor for IAQ using multilevel modelling. Together with elimination of indoor emission sources, keeping the temperatures below 26℃, and preferably below 22℃ depending on season, may limit total volatile organic compounds below thresholds associated with sensory irritations. The models suggested that after removing dust reservoirs from the classrooms, lowering average indoor CO2 levels below 1000 ppm by increasing ventilation rates can limit indoor airborne particulate matter concentrations below recommended annual WHO 2010 guidelines. Uncontrolled infiltration rates may increase indoor NO2 levels and microbial counts of fungal and bacterial groups, whose presence is associated with wet and moist materials. Overall, indoor CO2 levels were a useful proxy for indoor investigations as they can prevent overheating, dilute pollutants with indoor sources and purge concentrations of airborne particles; however, they were a poor predictor of traffic related pollutants. Practical implications of the findings on the UK policy and building design industry are discussed. Practical application: Driven by the growing population, and many years of intensive use, the UK building stock is in need of rapid expanding, extensive refurbishment and maintenance. However, local authorities lack the money for comprehensive and specialist renovations. The recommendations presented in this paper take into account specific needs and possibilities, and target building designers, engineers and occupants involved with daily operation and management of school buildings. Timely control of ventilation and heating systems, informed selection of construction materials, interior finishing and elimination of indoor sources may improve IAQ of school classrooms.
Prevalence, presentation and occupational risk factors of chronic venous disease in nurses
Authors: Diken AI , Yalçınkaya A , Aksoy E , Yılmaz S , Özşen K , Sarak T , Çağlı K 
Published: January 2015

Objective In this study involving a group of nurses employed in a number of different medical services with relatively well-defined working conditions, the presence and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency were screened and their association with work burden and physical working conditions was explored. Methods Of the 294 actively employed nurses during the study period, 232 (79%) were recruited on the basis of their willingness for participation and fulfilment of the inclusion criteria. Results Among the study subjects, 62.9% had at least one symptom of chronic venous insufficiency, and 50.4% were found to have chronic venous insufficiency according to Clinical–Etiology–Anatomy–Pathophysiology classification criteria. A significant association was found between the diurnal ankle circumference difference in the left–right ankles and the mean duration of hospital stay. Conclusions Our results have shown that the average duration of hospital stay, which is among the variables used to estimate the work burden of nurses, is associated with an increased frequency of the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.
The place of corticosteroids in migraine attack management: A 65-year systematic review with pooled analysis and critical appraisal
Authors: Woldeamanuel YW , Rapoport AM , Cowan RP 
Published: January 2015

Background and objectives Headaches recur in up to 87% of migraine patients visiting the emergency department (ED), making ED recidivism a management challenge. We aimed herein to determine the role of corticosteroids in the acute management of migraine in the ED and outpatient care. Methods Advanced search strategies employing PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases inclusive of a relevant gray literature search was employed for Clinical Studies and Systematic Reviews by combining the terms “migraine” and “corticosteroids” spanning all previous years since the production of synthetic corticosteroids ca. 1950 until August 30, 2014. Methods were in accordance with MOOSE guidelines. Results Twenty-five studies ( n = 3989, median age 37.5 years, interquartile range or IQR 35–41 years; median male:female ratio 1:4.23, IQR 1:2.1–6.14; 52% ED-based, 56% randomized-controlled) and four systematic reviews were included. International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria were applied in 64%. Nineteen studies (76%) indicated observed outcome differences favoring benefits of corticosteroids, while six (24%) studies indicated non-inferior outcomes for corticosteroids. Median absolute risk reduction was 30% (range 6%–48.2%), and 11% (6%–48.6%) for 24-, and 72-hour headache recurrence, respectively. Parenteral dexamethasone was the most commonly (56%) administered steroid, at a median single dose of 10 mg (range 4–24 mg). All meta-analyses revealed efficacy of adjuvant corticosteroids to various abortive medications—indicating generalizability. Adverse effects were tolerable. Higher disability, status migrainosus, incomplete pain relief, and previous history of headache recurrence predicted outcome favorability. Conclusions Our literature review suggests that with corticosteroid treatment, recurrent headaches become milder than pretreated headaches and later respond to nonsteroidal therapy. Single-dose intravenous dexamethasone is a reasonable option for managing resistant, severe, or prolonged migraine attacks.
Anterolateral Tibial Osteotomy for Accessing Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in Autologous Osteochondral Transplantation
Authors: Gianakos Arianna L. , Hannon Charles P. , Ross Keir A. , Newman Hunter , Egan Christopher J. , Deyer Timothy W. , Kennedy John G. 
Published: January 2015

Background: Autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) is a primary treatment strategy for large or cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) or a secondary replacement strategy after failed bone marrow stimulation. The technique requires perpendicular access to the talar dome, which is often difficult to obtain for posterior or lateral lesions. Traditional methods to access these areas have required disruption of the syndesmotic complex with concern over osteotomy reduction, malalignment, and ligament disruption. An alternate to these traditional methods of access is an anterolateral tibial osteotomy. The purpose of this study was to report functional and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes in a series of patients that underwent AOT for treatment of an OLT via an anterolateral tibial osteotomy. Methods: Records of patients that underwent an anterolateral tibial osteotomy for AOT were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS) and demographic data were recorded. Magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) was used to assess morphologic state of tibial cartilage at the repair site of the osteotomy. Quantitative T2 mapping MRI was analyzed in the superficial and deep cartilage layers of the repair site of the osteotomy and in adjacent normal cartilage to serve as control tissue. Seventeen patients with a mean age of 36.9 (range, 17-76) years underwent anterolateral tibial osteotomy with a mean follow-up of 64 (range, 29 to 108) months. MOCART data were available in 9 of 17 patients, and quantitative T2 mapping was available in 6 patients. Results: FAOS significantly improved from an average 39.2 (range, 14 to 66) out of 100 points preoperatively to 81.2 (range, 19 to 98) postoperatively ( P < .01). The average MOCART score was 73.9 out of 100 points (range, 40 to 100). Quantitative T2 analysis demonstrated relaxation times that were not significantly different from the normal native cartilage in both the deep half and superficial half of interface repair tissue ( P > .05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the anterolateral tibial osteotomy was a reasonable alternative for accessing centrolateral or posterolateral OLT for AOT with limited morbidity associated with the osteotomy. The evidence demonstrated adequate osteotomy and cartilaginous healing with improvement in functional outcome scores at medium-term follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Assessment of adherence with oral anticancer agents in oncology clinical trials: A systematic review
Authors: Bergsbaken JJ , Eickhoff JC , Buss BA , Mably MS , Kolesar JM 
Published: January 2015

Background Despite recommendations for adherence reporting in clinical trials involving an oral anticancer agent, the frequency and methods of adherence reporting are inconsistent. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the frequency and type of adherence measures used in oncology and hematology clinical trials of oral anticancer agents and their association with study characteristics including quality, cancer type, stage and treatment type. Design PubMed was searched of all randomized controlled clinical trials assessing self-administered pharmacological interventions in patients with cancer and published over two years, between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2012 were evaluated. Results We identified 70 publications in the PubMed database, comprising 45,118 total patients. Adherence reporting was present in 14 of 70 trials (20%); quantitative reporting was present in three of 70 trials (4%). Method of adherence assessment varied and included medication count, medication diaries and patient self-report. There was no association between adherence reporting and study quality or other study characteristics, although there was a trend towards increased reporting in breast cancer studies, with 46% of the studies reporting adherence ( p = 0.0621). In a preliminary analysis, hematology studies (mean Jadad score 2.19 ± 1.47) were found to have significantly lower quality when compared to non-hematology trials (mean Jadad score 3.39 ± 1.37, p = 0.0034). Conclusion This systematic review demonstrates adherence reporting in clinical trials of oral anticancer agents is infrequent. When reported, adherence was not associated with overall study quality or other study characteristics. Given the potential effects of non-adherence on study power and validity, adherence reporting should be encouraged in oncology and hematology clinical trials.
Ga-68 MAA Perfusion 4D-PET/CT Scanning Allows for Functional Lung Avoidance Using Conformal Radiation Therapy Planning
Authors: Siva Shankar , Devereux Thomas , Ball David L. , MacManus Michael P. , Hardcastle Nicholas , Kron Tomas , Bressel Mathias , Foroudi Farshad , Plumridge Nikki , Steinfort Daniel , Shaw Mark , Callahan Jason , Hicks Rodney J. , Hofman Michael S. 
Published: January 2015

Background: Ga-68-macroaggregated albumin (68Ga-perfusion) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a novel imaging technique for the assessment of functional lung volumes. The purpose of this study was to use this imaging technique for functional adaptation of definitive radiotherapy plans in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: This was a prospective clinical trial of patients with NSCLC who received definitive 3-dimensional (3D) conformal radiotherapy to 60 Gy in 30 fx and underwent pretreatment respiratory-gated (4-dimensional [4D]) perfusion PET/CT. The “perfused” lung volume was defined as all lung parenchyma taking up radiotracer, and the “well-perfused” lung volume was contoured using a visually adapted threshold of 30% maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax). Alternate 3D conformal plans were subsequently created and optimized to avoid perfused and well-perfused lung volumes. Functional dose volumetrics were compared using mean lung dose (MLD), V5 (volume receiving 5 Gy or more), V10, V20, V30, V40, V50, and V60 parameters. Results: Fourteen consecutive patients had alternate radiotherapy plans created based on functional lung volumes. When considering the original treatment plan, the dose to perfused and well-perfused functional lung volumes was similar to that of the conventional anatomical lung volumes with an average MLD of 12.15, 12.67, and 12.11 Gy, respectively. Plans optimized for well-perfused lung improved functional V30, V40, V50, and V60 metrics (all P values <.05). The functional MLD of well-perfused lung was improved by a median of 0.86 Gy, P < .01. However, plans optimized for perfused lung only showed significant improvement in the functional V60 dose parameter (median 1.00%, P = .04) but at a detriment of a worse functional V5 (median 3.33%, P = .05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates proof of principle that 4D-perfusion PET/CT may enable functional lung avoidance during treatment planning of patients with NSCLC. Radiotherapy plans adapted to well-perfused but not perfused functional lung volumes allow for reduction in dose to functional lung using 3D conformal radiotherapy.
Quality Assurance of a 50-kV Radiotherapy Unit Using EBT3 GafChromic Film
Authors: Steenbeke Femke , Gevaert Thierry , Tournel Koen , Engels Benedikt , Verellen Dirk , Storme Guy , De Ridder Mark 
Published: January 2015

Purpose: Radiochromic EBT3 film is gaining acceptance as a valuable dosimetry system for high-energy photon beams. The advantages of these films over other dosimetry systems are low spectral sensitivity and high spatial resolution. The aim of this study was to validate EBT3 film as a dosimeter for machine and treatment quality assurance (QA) of a 50-kV radiotherapy unit. Methods and Materials: Absolute and relative doses were acquired using EBT3 GafChromic films and compared to a parallel-plate ionization chamber (IC), the standard IC for low-energy X-rays. EBT3 was also used to evaluate beam profiles and output factors. Two films above each other, mimicking the clinical situation of a dosimeter on top of the skin, were simultaneously irradiated to evaluate EBT3 as in vivo dosimeter. All films were irradiated for 3 minutes, which corresponds with a surface dose of 3.25 ± 0.07 Gy. Results: A fifth-order polynomial function was found to be the best fit for the calibration curves. Good agreement between IC and EBT3 was found for absolute (0.92% for green and red color channels) and relative (1.2% and 1.0% for green and red color channels, respectively) dosimetry. Output factors for IC and EBT3 were comparable within 2.04% and 1.02% for the green and red color channels, respectively. Flatness and symmetry at the surface were within 2%. By applying film as in vivo dosimeter, an absorption of 4.70% needs to be taken into account with respect to the surface dose. Conclusion: EBT3 GafChromic film is a feasible and valuable QA and dosimetry tool for a 50-kV radiotherapy unit. EBT3 can be used for absolute and relative dosimetry, measurement of output factors and beam profiles. In vivo patient-specific QA can also be performed if one corrects for the dose absorption of the film.