bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Quality of Life Improvement in Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Sublingual Immunotherapy
Authors: Katotomichelakis Michael , Riga Maria , Tripsianis Gregory , Balatsouras Dimitrios , Kourousis Christos , Danielides Gerasimos , Giotakis Evangelos , Danielides Vassilios 
Published: December 2014

Objectives: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been described as a significant intervention in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). However, factors that may predict treatment outcomes with respect to quality of life (QoL) results and mainly the role of olfactory function are still being underestimated. In this study, we investigated determinants that best predict treatment outcomes for QoL, exploring mainly the role of olfaction. Methods: One hundred forty-five patients following SLIT, 45 placebo-controls, and 48 healthy subjects were studied. Olfactory function was objectively evaluated using “Sniffin’ Sticks” test pre- and post-cessation of SLIT. Three categories of validated QoL questionnaires were filled out by all subjects: questionnaire specific for olfaction (Questionnaire of Olfactory Deficits), questionnaires for assessing psychology (Beck Depression Inventory, Zung Depression Scale, State & Trait Anxiety Inventory), general Short Form-36 health survey. Results: Statistically significant improvement of olfactory function by 11.1% and of all QoL questionnaires results (all P < .001) was observed on final evaluation. Anosmia, asthma history, and the severity of symptoms—expressed by the Total Symptoms Score—were proven independent determinants of clinically significant improvement in patients’ QoL. Conclusions: Several factors were found that may predict QoL outcomes in AR patients following SLIT.
How Reliable Are Sino-Nasal Cell Lines for Studying the Pathophysiology of Chronic Rhinosinusitis?
Authors: Ball Stephen L. , Suwara Monika I. , Borthwick Lee A. , Wilson Janet A. , Mann Derek A. , Fisher Andrew J. 
Published: December 2014

Background: Well-characterized cell lines represent useful scientific tools to study the pathophysiology of human disease. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a very common condition, though the number of CRS cell lines is limited, as are data showing how closely they resemble primary cells. Methodology: Searches for available human cell lines were performed using the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and European Collection of Cell Cultures (ECACC). Identified cells were cultured and characterized with tinctorial and immunohistochemical staining and ELISA to assess their response to common, disease-relevant inflammatory stimuli. Carefully phenotyped CRS patients were recruited with informed consent. Primary nasal epithelial cell (PNEC) brushings were harvested, cultured, and compared to the available cell lines. Results: Searches identified 1 relevant CRS sino-nasal cell line, RPMI 2650. Cultured PNECs showed strong expression of epithelial markers while being negative for mesenchymal markers. However, RPMI 2650 cells show an atypical mixed epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. When stimulated by pro-inflammatory ligands, PNECs responded in a dose-dependent manner, whereas RPMI 2650 cells showed limited response. Conclusions: The number and availability of cell lines to study the pathophysiology of CRS greatly underrepresent the disease burden. Additionally, the sole commercially available cell line appears to have a different phenotype and behavior to primary patient-derived cells. The development of further reproducible cell lines would be beneficial in our understanding of CRS.
Social phobia among long-term internally displaced persons: An epidemiological study of adults in two internally displaced person settlements in Sudan
Authors: Salah Tarig Taha Mohamed , Ayazi Touraj , Lien Lars , Eide Arne , Hauff Edvard 
Published: December 2014

Background: Despite the high worldwide prevalence and association with other mental disorders and disability, only few studies are available on social phobia in low-income countries. Aims: This study aims to assess the prevalence, socio-demographic correlates and comorbidity of social phobia and its association with disability among long-term internally displaced persons (IDPs) in one urban and one rural area in Central Sudan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was implemented in two IDP areas in Central Sudan. Data were collected during face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires to assess socio-demographic factors and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) to determine psychiatric diagnoses. A total of 1,876 adults were enrolled from both study areas. Results: The overall lifetime prevalence of social phobia was 14.2%, with higher rates among IDPs in the rural area and among those who were less educated. Social phobia was associated with other mental disorders in both study areas. Disability and prolonged displacement increased the risk of having social phobia in the rural area. Conclusion: Further work needs to be done to improve our understanding and to establish proper interventions in dealing with social phobia, other common mental disorders and disability among long-term IDPs in these impoverished areas.
Development of a rehabilitation goal menu for inpatients with neurological disorders: application in a Saudi Arabian context
Authors: Al-Haidary Hisham , Qannam Hazem , Lam Tania 
Published: December 2014

Objective: To develop a rehabilitation goal menu based on understanding the specific goals that are important to neurological inpatients and that fall within commonly identified rehabilitation domains. Design: Qualitative methods (semi-structured interview, focus groups) to develop a goal menu followed by cross-sectional study to measure participants’ goal rankings. Setting: Rehabilitation hospital in Saudi Arabia. Subjects: A total of 130 participants with neurological injury. Main measures: Participant rankings of rehabilitation goals and self-reported level of difficulty in areas such as mobility, self-care, accessibility, productivity, and leisure. Results: A 10-item goal menu was developed based on initial focus groups, semi-structured interviews, and literature review. The overall highest ranked rehabilitation goal was Functional Mobility/Locomotion, followed by Self-Care and Religious/Life Philosophy. Self-reported level of difficulty with mobility was strongly associated with the ranking of Functional Mobility/Locomotion as a rehabilitation goal. However, there was little correspondence between reported difficulty and priority ranking of self-care. Subsequent factor analysis of detailed goal items suggest that the goal menu could be reduced to seven items. Conclusions: This study provided an understanding of which rehabilitation goals are important to Saudi clients with neurological disorders that could be used to facilitate their contribution to the goal-setting process.
Fall risk and incidence reduction in high risk individuals with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized control trial
Authors: Sosnoff Jacob J , Moon Yaejin , Wajda Douglas A , Finlayson Marcia L , McAuley Edward , Peterson Elizabeth W , Morrison Steve , Motl Robert W 
Published: December 2014

Objective: To determine the feasibility of three fall prevention programs delivered over 12 weeks among individuals with multiple sclerosis: (A) a home-based exercise program targeting physiological risk factors; (B) an educational program targeting behavioral risk factors; and (C) a combined exercise-and-education program targeting both factors. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Home-based training with assessments at research laboratory. Participants: A total of 103 individuals inquired about the investigation. After screening, 37 individuals with multiple sclerosis who had fallen in the last year and ranged in age from 45–75 years volunteered for the investigation. A total of 34 participants completed postassessment following the 12-week intervention. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned into one of four conditions: (1) wait-list control ( n = 9); (2) home-based exercise ( n = 11); (3) education ( n = 9); or (4) a combined exercise and education ( n = 8) group. Measures: Before and after the 12-week interventions, participants underwent a fall risk assessment as determined by the physiological profile assessment and provided information on their fall prevention behaviors as indexed by the Falls Prevention Strategy Survey. Participants completed falls diaries during the three-months postintervention. Results: A total of 34 participants completed postintervention testing. Procedures and processes were found to be feasible. Overall, fall risk scores were lower in the exercise groups (1.15 SD 1.31) compared with the non-exercise groups (2.04 SD 1.04) following the intervention ( p < 0.01). There was no group difference in fall prevention behaviors ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: Further examination of home-based exercise/education programs for reducing falls in individuals with multiple sclerosis is warranted. A total of 108 participants would be needed in a larger randomized controlled trial. ClinicalTrials.org #NCT01956227
MRI Volume and Signal Intensity of ACL Graft Predict Clinical, Functional, and Patient-Oriented Outcome Measures After ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Biercevicz Alison M. , Akelman Matthew R. , Fadale Paul D. , Hulstyn Michael J. , Shalvoy Robert M. , Badger Gary J. , Tung Glenn A. , Oksendahl Heidi L. , Fleming Braden C. 
Published: December 2014

Background: Clinical, functional, and patient-oriented outcomes are commonly used to evaluate the efficacy of treatments after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury; however, these evaluation techniques do not directly measure the biomechanical changes that occur with healing. Purpose: To determine if the magnetic resonance (MR) image–derived parameters of graft volume and signal intensity (SI), which have been used to predict the biomechanical (ie, structural) properties of the graft in animal models, correlate with commonly used clinical (anteroposterior [AP] knee laxity), functional (1-legged hop), and patient-oriented outcome measures (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS]) in patients 3 and 5 years after ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Based on a subset of participants enrolled in an ongoing ACL reconstruction clinical trial, AP knee laxity, 1-legged hop test, and KOOS were assessed at 3- and 5-year follow-up. Three-dimensional, T1-weighted MR images were collected at each visit. Both the volume and median SI of the healing graft were determined and used as predictors in a multiple regression linear model to predict the traditional outcome measures. Results: Graft volume combined with median SI in a multiple linear regression model predicted 1-legged hop test at both the 3- and 5-year follow-up visits ( R2 = 0.40, P = .008 and R2 = 0.62, P = .003, respectively). Similar results were found at the 5-year follow-up for the KOOS quality of life ( R2 = 0.49, P = .012), sport/function ( R2 = 0.37, P = .048), pain ( R2 = 0.46, P = .017), and symptoms ( R2 = 0.45, P = .021) subscores, although these variables were not significant at 3 years. The multiple linear regression model for AP knee laxity at 5-year follow-up approached significance ( R2 = 0.36, P = .088). Conclusion: The MR parameters (volume and median SI) used to predict ex vivo biomechanical properties of the graft in an animal model have the ability to predict clinical or in vivo outcome measures in patients at 3- and 5-year follow-up. Clinical Relevance: Results from this study may enhance clinical evaluation of graft health by relating the MR parameters of volume and median SI to traditional outcome measures and could potentially aid researchers in determining the appropriate timing for athletes to return to sport.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Function in Providing Rotational Stability Assessed by Medial and Lateral Tibiofemoral Compartment Translations and Subluxations
Authors: Noyes Frank R. , Jetter Andrew W. , Grood Edward S. , Harms Samuel P. , Gardner Eric J. , Levy Martin S. 
Published: December 2014

Background: Rotational knee stability provided by the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the pivot-shift phenomena involves analysis of more complex robotic testing profiles and resulting tibiofemoral compartment kinematics and subluxations. Hypotheses: Using anterior-posterior tibial forces along with internal and valgus tibial moments will produce a major anterior subluxation of both tibiofemoral compartments not obtained with internal and valgus moments alone. Increasing the internal torque in pivot-shift testing will constrain the anterior subluxations of the medial and central tibial compartments. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A 6 degrees of freedom robotic knee testing system applied anterior translation and rotational loading profiles in 10 cadaveric knees before and after ACL sectioning. Changes in knee motion limits were measured, and medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartment translations were determined by digitization of tibial plateau anatomic landmarks. Loading profiles simulated Lachman and tibial rotation tests as well as typical pivot-shift loading profiles from prior in vitro and in vivo studies. Results: After ACL sectioning, anterior tibial translation increased by 10.3 ± 3.7 mm at 25° of flexion ( P < .001). Internal tibial rotation increased by 1.6° ± 1.1° (5 N·m; P > .05). In pivot-shift tests (anterior translation, 100 N; internal rotation, 1 N·m; valgus, 7 N·m), the tibial rotation center shifted outside the medial tibial margin, with abnormal anterior translation of both compartments (medial, 12.9 ± 3.9 mm; lateral, 7.5 ± 3.7 mm; P < .001), with internal rotation decreasing by 4.1° ± 3.5° ( P < .05). A greater internal rotation torque (5 vs 1 N·m) in the pivot-shift test constrained and limited anterior tibial translation and prevented anterior subluxation of the medial compartment ( P < .001). Conclusion: Sectioning of the ACL produces major increases in tibiofemoral compartment translations and only small increases in internal tibial rotation. The simulation of the pivot shift requires a combined loading profile of anterior translation, internal rotation, and valgus, which produces the greatest anterior subluxation of the medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartments. This testing profile is recommended to be included along with other loading profiles for future ACL studies. The application of a high internal rotation torque in cadaveric pivot-shift tests constrains anterior tibial subluxation of the medial and center compartments and appears less ideal for analysis of ACL function and graft reconstructions. Clinical Relevance: Surgeons should be cautious in interpreting conclusions on ACL function and graft reconstructions without knowing the resulting tibiofemoral subluxations or loading conditions that may limit maximum anterior tibial femoral subluxations.
Modified Suture-Bridge Technique to Prevent a Marginal Dog-Ear Deformity Improves Structural Integrity After Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Ryu Keun Jung , Kim Bang Hyun , Lee Yohan , Lee Yoon Seok , Kim Jae Hwa 
Published: December 2014

Background: The arthroscopic suture-bridge technique has proved to provide biomechanically firm fixation of the torn rotator cuff to the tuberosity by increasing the footprint contact area and pressure. However, a marginal dog-ear deformity is encountered not infrequently when this technique is used, impeding full restoration of the torn cuff. Purpose: To evaluate the structural and functional outcomes of the use of a modified suture-bridge technique to prevent a marginal dog-ear deformity compared with a conventional suture-bridge method in rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence 2. Methods: A consecutive series of 71 patients aged 50 to 65 years who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for full-thickness medium-sized to massive tears was evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to repair technique: a conventional suture-bridge technique (34 patients; group A) versus a modified suture-bridge technique to prevent a marginal dog-ear deformity (37 patients; group B). Radiographic evaluations included postoperative cuff integrity using MRI. Functional evaluations included pre- and postoperative range of motion (ROM), pain visual analog scale (VAS), the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale, the Constant score, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. All patients were followed up clinically at a minimum of 1 year. Result: When the 2 surgical techniques were compared, postoperative structural integrity by Sugaya classification showed the distribution of types I:II:III:IV:V to be 4:20:2:4:4 in group A and 20:12:4:0:1 in group B. More subjects in group B had a favorable Sugaya type compared with group A ( P < .001). The postoperative healed:retear rate was 26:8 in group A and 36:1 in group B, with a significantly lower retear rate in group B ( P = .011). However, there were no significant differences in ROM and all functional outcome scores between the 2 groups postoperatively. When surgical techniques were compared across healed (n = 62) and retear (n = 9) groups, significantly fewer modified suture-bridge technique repairs were found in the retear group ( P = .03). There were significant differences between healed and retear groups in functional outcome scores, with worse results in the retear group. Conclusion: A modified suture-bridge technique to prevent a marginal dog-ear deformity provided better structural outcomes than a conventional suture-bridge technique for medium-sized to massive rotator cuff tears. This technique may ultimately provide better functional outcomes by decreasing the retear rate.
Crucial resources to strengthen the desire to live
Authors: Vatne May , Nåden Dagfinn 
Published: December 2014

Background: Suicidality is a life-and-death struggle in deep loneliness and psychological pain. There is a lack of knowledge about what could help the suicidal patients’ struggle for continued life. The aim of this study was to develop a deeper understanding of suicidal patients in the aftermath of suicidal attempts. The research question was ‘What resources in the person himself or herself and his or her surroundings are crucial in a suicidal crisis to maintaining the will to live and hope for life’? Methodology: The study has a hermeneutic approach and an explorative design. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 10 participants: men and women 21–52 years of age. The context was two emergency psychiatric units and one crisis resolution team. Ethical considerations: The participants signed an informed consent before the interviews were conducted. Findings: This article presents three themes: (a) becoming aware of the desire to live, (b) an experience of connectedness and (c) someone who cares. Discussion: The suicidal person’s awareness of wishes, dreams, hopes and will, but also of their feelings in the aftermath of the suicide attempt, seemed to play a crucial role in a suicidal crisis. Experiences of connectedness remind the person of the responsibility in his or her own life and in the lives of others and seemed to strengthen the urge to go on. Private and professional relationships seem to be crucial in stimulating the desire and hope to go on living. Conclusion: Becoming aware of the desire to live, being connected to others and experiencing someone who cares is necessary for life. Both private and professional networks seemed to be important resources that could remind the suicidal person of his or her own dignity as part of being human.
Minor Changes in Core Temperature Prior to Cardiac Arrest Influence Outcomes
Authors: Cour Martin , Jahandiez Vincent , Loufouat Joseph , Ovize Michel , Argaud Laurent 
Published: December 2014

Aim: To investigate whether slight variations in core temperature prior to cardiac arrest (CA) influence short-term outcomes and mitochondrial functions. Methods and Materials: Three groups of New Zealand White rabbits (n = 12/group) were submitted to 15 minutes of CA at 38°C (T-38 group), 39°C (T-39), or 40°C (T 40) and 120 minutes of reperfusion. A Sham-operated group (n = 6) underwent only surgery. Restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival, hemodynamics, and pupillary reactivity were recorded. Animals surviving to the end of the observation period were euthanized to assess fresh brain and heart mitochondrial functions (permeability transition and oxidative phosphorylation). Markers of brain and heart damages were also measured. Results: The duration of asphyxia required to induce CA was significantly lower in the T-40 group when compared to the T-38 group ( P < .05). The rate of ROSC was >80% in all groups ( P = nonsignificant [ns]). Survival significantly differed among the T-38, T-39, and T-40 groups: 10 (83%) of 12, 7 (58%) of 12, and 4 (33%) of 12, respectively (log-rank test, P = .027). At the end of the protocol, none of the animals in the T-40 group had pupillary reflexes compared to 8 (67%) of 12 in the T-38 group ( P < .05). Troponin and protein S100B were significantly higher in the T-40 versus T-38 group ( P < .05). Cardiac arrest significantly impaired both inner mitochondrial membrane integrity and oxidative phosphorylation in all groups. Brain mitochondria disorders were significantly more severe in the T-40 group compared to the T-38 group ( P < .05). Conclusion: Small changes in body temperature prior to asphyxial CA significantly influence brain mitochondrial functions and short-term outcomes in rabbits.
Atorvastatin Reduces the Incidence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Statin-Naive Patients Undergoing Isolated Heart Valve Surgery
Authors: Dehghani Mohammad Reza , Kasianzadeh Majid , Rezaei Yousef , Sepehrvand Nariman 
Published: December 2014

Background: Atorvastatin has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but its effect on isolated heart valve surgery is unknown. Methods: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 58 patients who underwent isolated heart valve surgery supported by on-pump cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly assigned to receive either placebo (n = 29) or 40 mg of atorvastatin once daily starting 3 days preoperatively and continuing within 5 days postoperatively (n = 29). A continuous monitoring tool and an electrocardiographic Holter monitoring were used for detecting the POAF (Clinical Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique Identifier: NTC02084069). Results: The patients’ median age was 49 years, and 67% were female. In all, 6 (21%) and 13 (45%) cases of POAF were observed in the atorvastatin and placebo groups, respectively ( P = .050). The duration of AF before re-establishment of sinus rhythm was significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than in the placebo group (median of 70 vs 132 minutes, P = .026). The lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stay were comparable between the groups. The increase in postoperative white blood cell count was significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than in the placebo group (median of 1.5 vs 2.3 × 103/µL, respectively, P = .019). After adjustment, the atorvastatin treatment was associated with a decrease in the risk of developing POAF (odds ratio 0.122, 95% confidence interval 0.027-0.548, P = .006). Conclusion: Perioperative treatment with 40 mg of atorvastatin is useful to decrease the incidence of POAF in the statin-naive patients undergoing isolated heart valve surgery.