bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can Policing Disorder Reduce Crime? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Braga Anthony A. , Welsh Brandon C. , Schnell Cory 
Published: June 2015

Objective: Crime policy scholars and practitioners have argued for years that when police address social and physical disorder in neighborhoods they can prevent serious crime, yet evaluations of the crime control effectiveness of disorder policing strategies yield conflicting results. This article reports on the results of the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of disorder policing on crime. Methods: Systematic review protocols and conventions of the Campbell Collaboration were followed, and meta-analytic techniques were used to assess the impact of disorder policing on crime and investigate the influence of moderating variables. Results: We identified 30 randomized experimental and quasi-experimental tests of disorder policing. Our meta-analysis suggests that policing disorder strategies are associated with an overall statistically significant, modest crime reduction effect. The strongest program effect sizes were generated by community and problem-solving interventions designed to change social and physical disorder conditions at particular places. Conversely, aggressive order maintenance strategies that target individual disorderly behaviors do not generate significant crime reductions. Conclusion: The types of strategies used by police departments to control disorder seem to matter, and this holds important implications for police–community relations, justice, and crime prevention. Further research is needed to understand the key programmatic elements that maximize the capacity of these strategies to prevent crime.
Disorder and Decline
Authors: Skogan Wesley 
Published: June 2015

Objectives: A significant and diverse body of research has built up during the 30+ years since the publication of Wilson and Kelling’s seminal “broken windows” article. They affected research, policy, and politics around the world. This article summarizes some of the main strands of research that have since sprung up around these and other claims. Results: This article discusses approaches to conceptualizing and measuring disorder and weighs the strengths and weaknesses of various measurement modalities. It summarizes what this research has revealed about the apparent causes and effects of disorder. Conclusion: Research documents that disorder has broad implications for public health and safety and that it is deeply implicated in the dynamics of neighborhood stability and change. Further, there is evidence that—directly and via its impact on other features of community life—disorder stimulates conventional crime.
Understanding the Mechanisms Underlying Broken Windows Policing
Authors: Weisburd David , Hinkle Joshua C. , Braga Anthony A. , Wooditch Alese 
Published: June 2015

Objectives: We argue that the model underlying broken windows policing requires a developmental sequence involving reductions in fear of crime and eventual enhancement of community social controls. We investigate whether existing evaluation studies provide evidence on these mechanisms. Methods: Drawing from a larger systematic review of disorder policing, we identify six eligible studies. We use narrative review and meta-analytic methods to summarize the impacts of these interventions on fear of crime and collective efficacy (a proxy for community social controls). Findings: Disorder policing strategies do not have a significant impact on fear of crime in a meta-analysis of six studies. In the one study measuring collective efficacy, there is also not a significant outcome. Conclusions: Existing broken windows policing programs do not show evidence of influencing the key mechanisms of the broken windows model of crime prevention, though evidence is currently not persuasive. We outline four key directions for improving research in this area, namely, (1) explore the mechanisms underlying the model, not just test crime outcomes; (2) use measures of disorder distinct from crime; (3) employ longitudinal designs to better fit the developmental nature of the mechanism; and (4) include observational analyses to examine the complex nature of feedback mechanisms.
Outcome analysis of cubital tunnel decompression
Authors: Jariwala A , Bansal N , Nicol GM , Shelton J , Wigderowitz CA 
Published: June 2015

Background Cubital tunnel decompression is a commonly undertaken upper limb procedure. Most studies compare the different techniques of decompression; however, only a few have specifically investigated the outcome of ulnar nerve decompression. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of ulnar nerve decompression following cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods and results A total of 174 ulnar nerve decompression cases were identified from the upper limb surgery database with complete data available for 136 cases. Simple decompression was performed in 110 (80.88%) cases, and in 26 (19.12%), anterior subcutaneous transposition was also supplemented. These operations were performed at three different hospitals by surgeons of different levels of experience. The most common cause of cubital tunnel syndrome was idiopathic. The outcome was satisfactory in 86% of cases. No obvious association was demonstrated between the outcome of surgery and duration of symptoms, presence of co-morbidities or the type of surgery performed. Conclusion This is the largest outcome analysis of the results of ulnar nerve decompression at the elbow. Good results following nerve decompression were attained in 86% of cases without any significant effect of duration of symptoms or co-morbidities on the outcome of surgery. It is hoped that the findings of the current study will help general practitioners, junior doctors and surgeons in their management and pre-operative consultation with patients having cubital tunnel syndrome.
The Fate of the Fixed Syndesmosis Over Time
Authors: Gennis Elisabeth , Koenig Scott , Rodericks Deirdre , Otlans Peters , Tornetta Paul 
Published: June 2015

Background: A prior study demonstrated statistical widening of the syndesmosis within weeks of elective screw removal. However, no information is available as to the radiographic outcomes of screw retention. The aim of this study was to evaluate radiographic syndesmotic widening and talar shift over time in patients treated with syndesmotic screws and to compare screw removal with retention along with other potential risk factors that may have led to tibia-fibula diastasis after weightbearing. Methods: One hundred sixty-six skeletally mature patients with ankle fractures and concomitant syndesmotic injuries were treated with syndesmotic reduction and screw fixation. The syndesmosis was evaluated intraoperatively either by a stress test or direct visualization. If the syndesmosis was incompetent, it was reduced and stabilized with syndesmotic screws to maintain reduction. Anteroposterior, mortise, and lateral radiographs at presentation, postoperatively, and at follow-up after weightbearing were evaluated. We measured the medial clear space (MCS), tibia-fibula overlap (OL), and tibia-fibula clear space (CS). Screws that were retained were graded as loose/broken or intact. Results: The fibula shifted an insignificant amount on postoperative mortise radiographs after elective syndesmotic screw removal at 3 months or more after initial fixation, indicated by a slightly greater CS and lower OL. The MCS did not change from preoperative to postoperative screw removal. There was no change in the radiographic markers from the postoperative to final follow-up images in those whose screws became loose or broken. Likewise, there was no radiographic difference if screws remained intact versus those that were loose or broken. Conclusion: In contradistinction to prior work, we found that only very mild widening (0.5 mm) of the tibia-fibula space occurred after weightbearing following syndesmotic fixation. The removal of syndesmotic screws at 3 months resulted in a slightly lower OL (<1 mm) and greater CS (0.5 mm) on mortise radiographs than screw retention even if the retained screws loosened or broke. This was not associated with any talar subluxation, and these differences were not statistically significant. The mortise remained intact whether the syndesmotic screws were removed, were loosened or broken, or remained solid. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Concomitant Ankle Injuries Associated With Tibial Shaft Fractures
Authors: Jung Ki Jin , Chung Chin Youb , Park Moon Seok , Chung Myung Ki , Lee Dong Yeon , Koo Seungbum , Lee Kyoung Min 
Published: June 2015

Background: Ankle injuries associated with tibial shaft fractures can cause postoperative ankle pain and stiffness even when satisfactory bony union has been achieved. Although several previous studies have described these injuries, they have not been clearly defined or classified in terms of ankle injury type or need for surgical fixation. Methods: Seventy-one consecutive patients (mean ± SD age, 48.3 ± 16.7 years; 37 men and 34 women) with tibial shaft fractures who underwent computed tomography examination were included. Data were collected including age, sex, body mass index, fracture location of the tibia and fibula (in percentile of length), tibial fracture shape (spiral, oblique, transverse), presence and pattern of concomitant ankle injuries (on the distal tibial articular surface), and necessity for surgical fixation of ankle injuries. Factors associated with concomitant ankle injuries associated with tibial shaft fractures were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 47 (64.7%) of the 71 tibial shaft fractures involved concomitant ankle injuries, including 8 cases of combined lateral malleolar fracture, posterior malleolar fracture, and anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) avulsion fracture; 9 cases of combined posterior malleolar fracture and AITFL avulsion fracture; 6 cases of combined lateral malleolar fracture and posterior malleolar fracture; 1 case of combined lateral malleolar fracture and AITFL avulsion fracture; 10 cases of posterior malleolar fracture; 7 cases of lateral malleolar fracture; 5 cases of AITFL avulsion fracture; and 1 unclassified fracture. Of these, 34 of the ankle injuries required surgical fixation. Spiral-type tibial shaft fracture was significantly associated with concomitant ankle injury ( P = .001). Conclusions: Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware that tibial shaft fractures, especially spiral-type fractures, are frequently associated with ankle injuries, such as lateral malleolar fractures, posterior malleolar fractures, and AITFL avulsion fractures. A considerable portion of these cases may necessitate surgical fixation. We recommend all spiral-type tibial shaft fractures routinely undergo computed tomography examination. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative series.
Mid-term Results of Intramuscular Lengthening of Gastrocnemius and/or Soleus to Correct Equinus Deformity in Flatfoot
Authors: Rong Kai , Ge Wen-tao , Li Xing-chen , Xu Xiang-yang 
Published: June 2015

Background: Intramuscular lengthening of the gastrocnemius and/or soleus (Baumann procedure) is widely used in patients who have cerebral palsy, with several advantages over other lengthening techniques. Tightness of the gastrocnemius or gastrocnemius-soleus complex has been confirmed to be related to flatfoot deformity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term results of the Baumann procedure as a part of the treatment of flatfoot with equinus deformity. Methods: We reviewed 35 pediatric and adult patients (43 feet) with flatfoot who underwent the Baumann procedure for the concomitant equinus deformity. The mean duration of follow-up was 39.4 months. Preoperative and follow-up evaluations included the maximal angle of dorsiflexion of the ankle with the knee fully extended and with the knee flexed to 90 degrees, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot (AOFAS-AH) scores, and postoperative complications. Results: Preoperatively, the mean angle of passive ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended was −4.7 ± 2.7 degrees and that with the knee flexed was 2.3 ± 2.5 degrees. At the final follow-up, both values improved significantly by a mean of 13.6 degrees ( P < .001) and 9.7 degrees ( P < .001), respectively. The average AOFAS-AH scores improved from 56.8 points preoperatively to 72.1 at the final follow-up. Recurrence of equinus was observed in 3 patients (4 feet). There were no cases of overcorrection, neurovascular injury, or healing problems. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the Baumann procedure can effectively and sequentially correct the tightness of the gastrocnemius or the gastrocnemius-soleus complex in patients with flatfoot deformity, without obvious postoperative complications. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Clinical and MRI phenotype of children with MOG antibodies
Authors: Fernandez-Carbonell Cristina , Vargas-Lowy David , Musallam Alexander , Healy Brian , McLaughlin Katherine , Wucherpfennig Kai W , Chitnis Tanuja 
Published: June 2015

Objective: To investigate the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-seropositive pediatric demyelinating syndromes. Methods: Serum samples collected from 74 children with suspected demyelinating disorders whom were being followed at Massachusetts General Hospital were incubated with control green fluorescent protein (GFP)- and MOG-GFP-transfected Jurkat cell clones. The binding ratios were calculated using flow cytometry. Using statistical analyses, we compared the demographic, clinical and radiological features in our seropositive and seronegative patients. Results: We found that 13 out of 74 (17.5%) patients were seropositive for MOG. The MOG-seropositive patients were younger than the seronegative patients ( p = 0.049). No single disease category predominated among the seropositive patients, nor was one group more likely to have a polyphasic course. There were two out of four neuromyelitis optica (NMO) patients who had MOG antibodies; both were seronegative for aquaporin −4 (AQP4) antibodies. One had monophasic disease and the other had frequent relapses. There was a bimodal distribution of the MOG-seropositive patients by age at onset, with a distinct younger group (4–8 years) having a high prevalence of encephalopathy and an older group (13–18 years), whom presented almost exclusively with optic neuritis. MRI analysis demonstrated the absence of corpus callosum lesions in the seropositive patients ( p = 0.012). The annualized relapse rate (ARR) and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) results at 2 years did not differ between the seropositive and seronegative patients. Conclusion: MOG antibodies are found across a variety of pediatric demyelinating syndromes having some distinct clinical and MRI features.
Cognitive and patient-reported outcomes in adults with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis
Authors: Baruch Natalie F , O’Donnell Ellen H , Glanz Bonnie I , Benedict Ralph HB , Musallam Alexander J , Healy Brian C , Rintell David , Chitnis Tanuja 
Published: June 2015

Background: Little is known about long-term cognitive and patient-reported outcomes of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS). Objective: The objective of this paper is to compare cognitive and patient-reported outcomes in adults with POMS vs. adult-onset MS (AOMS). Methods: We compared standardized patient-reported measures MSQOL54, MFIS, CES-D and SDMT in adult patients with MS onset prior to and after age 18, using data gathered in the Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigations in MS at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (CLIMB) study. Results: Fifty-one POMS and 550 AOMS patients were compared. SDMT scores were significantly lower in POMS after adjusting for age (−7.57 (−11.72, −3.43; p < 0.001), but not after adjusting for disease duration. Estimated group difference demonstrated lower normative z scores in POMS vs. AOMS in unadjusted analysis (−0.74 (95% CI: −1.18, −0.30; p = 0.0009) and after adjusting for disease duration (−0.60; 95%CI: −1.05, −0.15; p = 0.0097). Findings were unchanged in a subset of POMS diagnosed prior to age 18. In unadjusted and adjusted analyses, no significant differences were observed in health-related quality-of-life, fatigue, depression or social support between POMS and AOMS. Conclusions: Younger age of onset was associated with more impairment in information-processing speed in adults with POMS compared to AOMS, and remained significant when controlling for disease duration in age-normed analysis. The two groups were similar in terms of patient-reported outcomes, suggesting similar qualitative experiences of MS.
Association of angiotensin ІІ type 1 receptor (A1166C) polymorphism with breast cancer risk: An update meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Fangguo , Chen Guiling , Dou Yan , Xu Xinyun 
Published: June 2015

Objective: Previous studies on the relationship between angiotensin ІІ type 1 receptor ( AT1R) gene (A1166C) polymorphism and breast cancer did not reach the same conclusion. In the present study, we aimed to further evaluate the relationship between the AT1R gene A1166C polymorphism and breast cancer risk. Methods: We selected five case-control studies related to AT1R gene A1166C polymorphism and breast cancer by searching PubMed, EMBase, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese CNKI, Web of Science, and the Wanfang database. We utilized Q-test and I2 test to detect the heterogeneity between each study. A random-effects model (I2 > 50%; p < 0.10) or a fixed-effects model (I2 < 50%; p > 0.10) was utilized to merge the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) during the meta- analyses. Results: The present study included 972 patients with breast cancer and 1336 cancer-free control subjects. By meta-analysis, we found A1166C polymorphism was associated with decreased risk for breast cancer in Caucasian population in an additive model (C vs. T: OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.62–0.96, p = 0.02). However, we did not find associations in other genetic models (AC+CC vs. AA: OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.50–1.22, p = 0.28; CC vs. AA+AC: OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 0.94–2.85, p = 0.08). Conclusion: We concluded that AT1R gene A1166C polymorphism was associated with reduced risk for breast cancer.
Is it appropriate to use Western guidelines for breaking bad news in non-Western emergency departments? A patients’ perspective
Authors: Labaf Ali , Jahanshir Amirhosein , Baradaran Hamid , Shahvaraninasab Amir 
Published: June 2015

Objective To find whether Western guidelines on breaking bad news in a nonemergency department are appropriate for an emergency department of a non-Western country; according to patients’ preferences. Method We designed a 19 items questionnaire of Likert-type scale and interviewed 156 patients in the emergency department of a referral hospital in Iran. Results The patients’ preferences in 9 out of 19 statements were similar to the guidelines. “Using the maternal language” received the strongest agreement. The strongest disagreement was on “encouraging the patients to talk after receiving bad news.” The summative scores of subsection indicated strong agreement for cultural issues, followed by communication skills, breaking bad news session, and privacy. Conclusion The patients’ preferences were not completely consistent with the guidelines. We could not determine if it was a situational or cultural issue. However, it is reasonable to design a new guideline for breaking bad news, considering these factors.
Management of Brain Metastasis in Patients With Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Carcinomas
Authors: Kotecha Rupesh , Zimmerman Amy , Murphy Erin S. , Ahmed Zain , Ahluwalia Manmeet S. , Suh John H. , Reddy Chandana A. , Angelov Lilyana , Vogelbaum Michael A. , Barnett Gene H. , Chao Samuel T. 
Published: June 2015

Background: The patterns of intracranial failure in patients with brain metastasis from pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma (PNEC) remain unknown. Methods: From 1998 to 2013, 29 patients with the diagnosis of PNEC were treated for brain metastasis: 16 patients (55%) underwent whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT), 5 (17%) patients underwent WBRT with a stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) boost, and 8 (28%) patients underwent primary SRS alone. Results: The median age at treatment was 61 years (range: 44-84 years) and the median follow-up was 9.6 months (0-157.4 months). Of the patients treated with SRS alone, 1 patient had radiographic local progression of disease and 1 patient had a distant intracranial failure. Of the patients treated with WBRT with or without an SRS boost, 9 patients developed intracranial progression, including 1 local failure. No differences in rates of intracranial progression or local failure between the 2 groups ( P = .94 and P = .44, respectively) were observed. The actuarial rates of distant intracranial failure at 12 months were 32.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 8.9%-56.8%) and 25% (95% CI 0.0%-67.4%) in patients undergoing primary WBRT or SRS, respectively ( P = .31). The median overall survival was 15.8 months in patients treated with WBRT and 20.4 months in patients treated with primary SRS ( P = .78). Conclusion: Patients with brain metastasis from PNECs can be effectively treated with either WBRT or SRS alone, with a pattern of failure more consistent with non-small cell lung cancer than small cell lung cancer. In this series, there was not a statistically significant increased risk of distant intracranial failure when patients were treated with primary SRS.
Radial force measurement of endovascular stents: Influence of stent design and diameter
Authors: Matsumoto Takuya , Matsubara Yutaka , Aoyagi Yukihiko , Matsuda Daisuke , Okadome Jun , Morisaki Koichi , Inoue Kentarou , Tanaka Shinichi , Ohkusa Tomoko , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: June 2015

Background and purpose Angioplasty and endovascular stent placement is used in case to rescue the coverage of main branches to supply blood to brain from aortic arch in thoracic endovascular aortic repair. This study assessed mechanical properties, especially differences in radial force, of different endovascular and thoracic stents. Material and methods We analyzed the radial force of three stent models (Epic™, E-Luminexx® and SMART®) stents using radial force-tester method in single or overlapping conditions. We also analyzed radial force in three thoracic stents using Mylar® film testing method: conformable Gore®-TAG®, Relay®, and Valiant® Thoracic Stent Graft. Results Overlapping SMART stents had greater radial force than overlapping Epic or Luminexx stents ( P < 0.01). The radial force of the thoracic stents was greater than that of all three endovascular stents ( P < 0.01). Conclusions Differences in radial force depend on types of stents, site of deployment, and layer characteristics. In clinical settings, an understanding of the mechanical characteristics, including radial force, is important in choosing a stent for each patient.
Evaluation of practice change in Tanzanian health professionals 12 months after participation in an Infection Prevention and Management Course
Authors: Jones Mark , Gower Shelley , Whitfield Ann , Thomas Susan 
Published: June 2015

Background: Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) is a problem confronting developing countries. Education programmes have been shown to be effective in increasing awareness and changing practice in health professionals. Methods: Practice change in health professionals who completed an Infection Prevention and Management Course in Tanzania was explored via focus group 12 months after completion of the course. Findings: Positive changes in infection control practice were found, along with barriers to more widespread change. Conclusions: Providing tailored and continuing education programs to hospital staff, including managers, is recommended.