bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Camrelizumab Combined with Apatinib for Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Two Case Reports
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhang Lei , Gao Aimei , Piao Longzhen , Quan Xianglan , Shen Xionghu 
Published: August 2024

Aims/Background: Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is a common complication of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC typically infiltrates intrahepatic vessels, particularly the portal vein, leading to the formation of PVTT, marking advanced-stage HCC and correlating with poor prognosis. PVTT often complicates local treatment strategies such as surgical resection and affects the efficacy of interventions. Combination therapy, including immunotherapy and targeted therapy, shows promise in HCC treatment, but management options for HCC patients with PVTT are incompletely characterized. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab + apatinib in treating HCC patients with PVTT. Case Presentation: Two cases of HCC with PVTT were presented. Patient 1, a 51-year-old male with a history of hepatitis B virus, was diagnosed with stage IIIA HCC and treated with camrelizumab + apatinib, achieving complete response (CR) after six cycles. Patient 2, a 50-year-old male with stage IIIA HCC, also underwent the same treatment and achieved CR after four cycles but died due to acute cardiac disease. Results: Our research found that camrelizumab + apatinib effectively shrank the size of filling defects and significantly prolonged patients’ progression-free survival. In addition, no adverse effects were observed during the treatment process. However, despite the manageable safety profile demonstrated by combination therapy, further clinical research is needed to validate its long-term efficacy and safety. Conclusion: Camrelizumab + apatinib produced satisfactory efficacy and safety among the HCC patients with PVTT, providing clinical evidence for future treatment.
OPENING THE BLACK BOX OF COGNITIVE FUNCTIONAL THERAPY FOR LOW BACK PAIN: A REVIEW OF INTERVENTIONS USING THE TEMPLATE FOR INTERVENTION DESCRIPTION AND REPLICATION (TIDIER) CHECKLIST
Authors: Qashwa Y , Gray H 
Published: August 2024

Background and study purposeA recent systematic review with meta-analysis of eight randomised controlled trials concluded that Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) for low back pain might be effective in reducing disability, pain and fear-avoidance beliefs. However, the descriptions of a CFT intervention are not always clear. This study aimed to rate the replicability of the CFT interventions and control groups in the systematic review.MethodsTwo reviewers independently extracted data from the study articles, protocols and appendices into Microsoft Excel using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist. This checklist has 12 items to describe the ‘why’, ‘what’, ‘who’, ‘how’, ‘where’, ‘when and how much’, ‘tailoring’, ‘modifications’, and ‘how well’ for each intervention. We rated the replicability of the CFT interventions and control groups as ‘reported’, ‘partially reported’ and ‘not reported’ and resolved discrepancies by consensus.ResultsNo studies reported 100% of the TIDieR items; the mean ‘reported’ rating was 54% (range 33–67%) for the CFT interventions and 35% (range 8–67%) for controls. The six most replicable items were the same for both CFT and control groups. These were ‘brief name’ (CFT=100%; control=100%), ‘why’ (CFT=100%; control=50%), ‘how’ (CFT=100%; control=50%), ‘what procedures’ (CFT=88%; control=63%), ‘where’ (CFT=88%; control=75%) and ‘planned adherence’ (CFT=75%; control=38%). Items that were not sufficiently ‘reported’ for either CFT or control groups included ‘when and how much’, ‘tailoring’ and ‘adherence’.ConclusionIncomplete descriptions of CFT interventions mean that clinicians and patients cannot implement those that have demonstrated effectiveness, and poor descriptions of control groups prevent researchers from replicating them in future studies.Conflict of interestNo conflicts of interestSources of fundingNo funding obtained
THE CO-CONSTRUCTION OF ‘BACK GUIDE’: A STUDENT-LED SELF-MANAGEMENT INTERVENTION TO SUPPORT BACK HEALTH FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY WORKERS
Authors: Hebberd B , Rooke C , Burton K 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundA local authority approached us, for a cost-beneficial solution to their increasing low back pain referrals. We proposed developing a student-led clinic – an intervention delivered by students but supervised by clinicians. We then conducted scoping reviews on student-led clinics in the management of health conditions and on the self-management of back pain. The findings suggested that student-led self-management interventions for low back health should be feasible. The next step was to co-construct the intervention with key stakeholders.Co-ConstructionA hybrid of Action Research and Design Science methodology was used to co-construct the intervention with five key stakeholder groups (council staff, managers and human resources, employee healthcare, students, and lecturers). Three rounds of focus groups explored the ‘problem’, the possible solutions, the process, and the content. Themes were taken from each of these focus groups and the similarities and differences were analysed. This analysis and subsequent synthesis with the evidence base created potential intervention models, which were discussed and refined with the stakeholder groups.InterventionThe proposed intervention is focused on providing evidence informed biopsychosocial support for work-relevant back pain, based on identifying obstacles and solutions to improve coping with back health at work. An onboarding workshop challenges positively their thinking around back pain and work. This is followed by up to three 1:1 sessions that support the individual to identify work-relevant back health goals and agree a plan to achieve them using techniques to facilitate behaviour change.ConclusionThe intervention is evidence informed and aims to address the prioritised needs of the stakeholders.Conflicts of interestNo conflicts of interestSources of fundingNational Health Service Education
PATIENTS’ AND PHYSIOTHERAPISTS’ PERSPECTIVES OF TREATMENT OUTCOMES AND EXPERIENCES IN EPISODES OF LOW BACK PAIN
Authors: Fewins-Scales C J , Chau R , Roberts L 
Published: August 2024

Statement of purpose of study and backgroundAs the treatment of low back pain (LBP) continues to evolve, there is greater recognition of the importance of optimising the therapeutic relationship to better deliver improved patient outcomes. Contextual effects, such as communication, have been shown to influence the therapeutic relationship, but it is not known how these factors evolve over time. This study analysed interviews from two studies (one cross-sectional and one longitudinal) to explore patients’ and physiotherapists’ perspectives of treatment outcomes and experiences in episodes of LBP in the same dialogic space. The objective was to explore the alignment between these perceptions to identify factors that influence the therapeutic relationship over time.Summary of methods used and resultsTwo secondary thematic analyses were undertaken, one analysing cross-sectional data and the other analysing longitudinal data, from an existing data set from the programme: “Exploring the relationship between communication and clinical decision-making in physiotherapy consultations for back pain”. All data were thematically analysed and organised using a framework approach.Six themes emerged from the cross-sectional data reporting consistency of opinion in the initial consultation stages, but highlighting inadequate patient involvement in shared decision making. Four main themes emerged from the longitudinal data, all of which reported interactional fears and anxieties identified on both the parts of the patient and the physiotherapist.ConclusionThese findings suggest that failing to involve the patient in adequately personalised treatment from the initial consultation may lead to diagnosis hunting and stereotyping behaviours within the therapeutic relationship, in turn leading to increased health resource usage.Conflicts of interestNoneSources of FundingThe primary data set was collected in a research programme funded by Arthritis Research UK (now Versus Arthritis).
DEVELOPMENT AND INITIAL TESTING OF A BRIEF, GENERIC, SELF-REPORTED DISABILITY QUESTIONNAIRE: THE UNIVERSAL DISABILITY INDEX
Authors: Evans David W 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundDisability is an important multifaceted construct. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a brief, generic self-reported disability questionnaire: the Universal Disability Index (UDI).MethodsConvenience sampling was used to collect general population data via an online survey. Data were randomly divided into training and validation subsets. The dimensionality and structure of eight UDI questionnaire items were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA, training subset) followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, validation subset). To assess concurrent validity, the UDI summed score from the full dataset was compared to the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS) and the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) disability scores. Internal consistency was also assessed.Results403 participants enrolled; 364 completed at least one UDI item. Three single-factor versions of the UDI were assessed (8-item, 7-item, and 6-item). All versions performed well during EFA and CFA (182 cases assigned to each), but none met the RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) criterion (≤ 0.08). All versions of the UDI had high internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.90) and were strongly correlated (Pearson's r > 0.7) with both GARS and GCPS disability scores, indicating concurrent validity.ConclusionsA brief, generic self-reported disability questionnaire was found to be valid and to possess good psychometric properties. The UDI has a single factor structure and either a 6-item, 7-item or 8-item version can be used to measure disability. For brevity and parsimony, the 6-item UDI is recommended, but further testing of all versions is warranted.Conflicts of interestNo conflicts of interestSources of fundingNo funding obtained
BERTOLOTTI'S SYNDROME: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Authors: Jenkins A. L. , Harvie C. , O'Donnell J. , Jenkins S. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionLumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are increasingly recognized as a common anatomical variant and is the most common congenital anomaly of the lumbosacral spine. Patients can have symptomatic LSTV, known as Bertolotti's Syndrome, where transitional anatomy can cause back, L5 distribution leg, hip, and groin pain. We propose an outline for diagnosis and treatment of Bertolotti's Syndrome.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed over 500 patients presenting to the primary author with low back, buttock, hip, groin and/or leg pain from April 2009 through April 2024. Patients with radiographic findings of an LSTV and clinical presentation underwent diagnostic injections to confirm diagnosis of Bertolotti's syndrome. Treatment was determined based on patient's LSTV classification. 157 patients with confirmed Bertolotti's syndrome underwent surgical treatment.ResultsOver 500 patients presented with an appropriate clinical presentation and radiographic findings of an LSTV. Diagnostic injections were targeted into the transitional anatomy confirming the LSTV as the primary pain generator to make the diagnosis of Bertolotti's syndrome. The decision in the type of surgical intervention, resection or fusion, was made based on patient's LSTV anatomy. 157 patients with confirmed Bertolotti's Syndrome underwent surgical treatment (121 fusions (77%), 36 resections (23%)). The classification system and surgical outcomes, in part, have been previously published in World Neurosurgery.ConclusionWe have outlined the best practice of diagnosis and treatment selection for Bertolotti's syndrome. We have shown significant improvement in outcomes based on this method. We hope to aid in both patient education and provide an outline on how clinicians can become knowledgeable on Bertolotti's syndrome.Conflicts of interestNo conflicts of interestSources of fundingNo funding obtained
“GO AND GET IT CHECKED”: EXPLORING THE DECISION TO ATTEND THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FOR LOW BACK PAIN
Authors: Whitcomb H. , Roberts L.C. , Ryan C. 
Published: August 2024

Purpose and backgroundLow back pain burdens individuals, society and services, including Emergency Departments (ED), straining services and prolonging wait times. Despite reported personal influences on deciding to attend ED, the role of third-party advice remains underexplored. Sparse guidance for clinicians and service-users highlights the need for effective back pain management strategies, to alleviate system pressure and optimise patient outcomes. This study explored how advice influences the decision to attend the ED for back pain.Methods and ResultsFrom a subtle realist stance, the design was a secondary analysis of qualitative data, where 47 patients (26M:21F, aged 23–79 years) with back pain were purposively sampled from four EDs (2 Northern and 2 Southern) in England between August and December 2021. Eight patients had previously visited ED for this episode of back pain. As this was during the pandemic, semi-structured interviews were conducted online, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a reflective thematic analysis.Three themes were identified as crucial in making the decision to attend ED: The Healthcare professional; Trusted others; and the Individual. Healthcare professionals often dictated decisions, leaving participants feeling powerless. Trusted others provided varying support levels, often acting as allies. Individuals grappled with anxieties around their condition and treatment expectations.ConclusionThis study highlights the need for clinicians to provide clarity and guidance to individuals and their Trusted others, seeking advice regarding escalation to visit the ED with back pain. There was evidence that worrying about pain was a significant motivator for attending ED, resulting in malalignment with current practice guidelines.No conflicts of interest Sources of fundingFunding for primary data: Health Education England & National Institute of Health and Care Research (ICA-CDRF-2018-04-ST2-040)
DELIVERY AND DIFFERENTIATION OF A REGENERATIVE CELL SOURCE AND IMMUNOGENICITY TESTING: A BIOMATERIAL FOR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC REPAIR
Authors: Snuggs J , Ciccione C , Vernengo A , Tryfonidou M , Grad S , Vadala G , Maitre C Le 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundChronic low back pain is strongly linked to degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD), which currently lacks any targeted treatments. This study explores NPgel, a biomaterial combined with notochordal cells (NC), developmental precursor cells, as a potential solution. NCs, known for anti-catabolic effects on IVD cells, present a promising avenue for regenerating damaged IVD tissue.MethodsBovine IVDs underwent enzymatic degeneration before NPgel (+/- NC) injection. Degenerated bovine IVDs were cultured under biomechanical loading for 21 days. Histology and immunohistochemistry assessed NC survival, phenotype, and matrix production. Within an in vivo sheep pilot study, NPgel (+/- NC) was injected into degenerated IVDs, blood was taken, and immune cell activation was monitored via flow cytometry over three months post-injection.ResultsWithin the ex vivo model, IVDs injected with NPgel (+/- NC) exhibited increased matrix expression and deposition. Viable NCs were detected post-culture, indicating survival and matrix production. In the in vivo model, NPgel injection into sheep IVDs did not significantly increase activation of immune cells compared to controls, suggesting no systemic inflammatory effects.ConclusionNPgel, combined with NCs, shows promise for IVD regeneration. Ex vivo findings indicate NPgel supports NC survival and matrix production. Moreover, in vivo results demonstrate the absence of systemic immunogenic responses post-NPgel injection. This suggests NPgel's potential as a carrier for NCs in IVD regeneration therapy. These findings underscore NPgel's candidacy for further investigation in addressing chronic low back pain associated with IVD degeneration. Subsequent research, including long-term efficacy and safety evaluations, is imperative for clinical translation.Conflicts of interestThere are no conflicts of interestSources of fundingiPSpine, grant # 825925, Horizon 2020
GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIA WITHIN THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC AND THEIR POTENTIAL INFLUENCE
Authors: Nüesch A. , Kanelis E. , Alexopoulos L. , Williams F. , Geris L. , Gantenbein B. , Lacey M. , Breakwell L. , Maitre C. Le 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMultiple studies have identified Cutibacterium acnes (C.acnes) and other microbes in intervertebral disc tissue using 16S DNA Sequencing and microbial cultures. However, it remains unclear whether these bacteria are native to the discs or result from perioperative contamination. Our study aimed to detect Gram-positive bacteria in non-herniated human disc samples and explore correlations with Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2, TLR4, NLRP3, and Gasdermin D.MethodsImmunohistochemical staining was conducted on 75 human IVD samples for Gram-positive bacteria, S. aureus, C.acnes, TLR2, TLR4, NLRP3, and Gasdermin D. Cell detection and classification were performed using QuPath. NP cells were treated with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Peptidoglycan (PGN) in monolayer and alginate beads for up to 72 hours, followed by secretome analysis using Luminex. Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn's multiple comparison test, and Pearson correlation.ResultsImmunohistochemical staining revealed Gram-positive bacteria exclusively within cells, with C. acnes positivity ranging from 5–99% and correlating with patient age (r=0.41, p= 0.007). TLR2 positivity ranged from 5–99% and TLR4 from 3–72%, showing a strong correlation (r= 0.62, p= 1.5e-006). Females with mid-degenerative grades exhibited significantly decreased TLR2 expression compared to those without degeneration signs. Treatment with LPS and PGN increased catabolic cyto- and chemokines associated with IVD degeneration.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study confirms Gram-positive bacteria presence in non-herniated human disc samples and highlights their role in triggering a catabolic response in disc cells.No conflicts of interest Sources of fundingThis project is part of the Disc4All Training network to advance integrated computational simulations in translational medicine, applies to intervertebral disc degeneration and funded by Horizon 2020 (H2020-MSCA-ITN-ETN-2020 GA: 955735)
EVALUATING IMPACT OF GETUBETTER, A DIGITAL SELF-MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TOOL, DEPLOYED TO 14,500 PATIENTS ON A COMMUNITY MSK PHYSIOTHERAPY WAITING LIST
Authors: Husselbee R , Nowak I 
Published: August 2024

Purpose/BackgroundMore than 20 million UK citizens have MSK conditions, and post-pandemic the backlog awaiting access to MSK services has increased. The most prevalent MSK condition is low back pain (LBP), and getUBetter has been recommended by NICE as one of five digital health technologies for helping manage LBP. Purpose: Evaluate impact of getUBetter on a community MSK waiting list.Methods/ResultsMixed methods approach used. All patients on community MSK waiting list sent a postal invite for getUBetter. Number of downloads and frequency of use recorded, and users emailed questionnaire exploring outcomes and satisfaction. Rate users removed themselves from the waiting list compared with non-users. Of 14,500 invitations, 657(4.5%) patients downloaded getUBetter, 395(60.1%) used it once and 138(21%) ≥3 times. Seventeen (7%) of 239 patients canvassed responded to questionnaire, 17% reported improved pain, 21% reported improved confidence and had been helped back to work. Twenty-five percent better understood their condition and 43% needed no other treatment. Seventy-five percent were critical of limited content, with chronic osteoarthritis mentioned. 69.6% of users removed themselves from the waiting list. This was 29.6% above the rate for non-users.ConclusionSending postal invites for getUBetter to a MSK waiting list yielded limited uptake. However, despite some criticisms, patients using it reported improved pain, early return to usual activities, and improved confidence in self-management. Some patients recovered without the need for additional support and getUBetter shows some potential for reducing a MSK waiting list. Clearly further work is required to explore methods to increase patient uptake and maximise impact.Conflicts of interestNoneSources of fundingNone
A REALIST EVALUATION OF A SELF-MANAGEMENT APP TO HELP PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN
Authors: Hunter R. , Beattie M. , Zubala A. , Gorely T. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundMobile apps have shown promise in helping people to self-manage conditions like chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, it is unclear who benefits most, why, and under what circumstances. This limits our understanding of how to maximize the potential of mobile app technology.AimThis study aimed to test and refine programme theories about how mobile apps support people to self-manage CLBP in a real-world setting. The theories were based on a previously published realist review.MethodsA realist evaluation was conducted using one-to-one realist interviews by telephone with participants who had used the Curable app to self-manage their CLBP for three months. The interviews were guided by programme theories from the realist review. Analysis of the interviews used abductive and retroductive logic to create chains of inferences, which were then developed into context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOCs). These CMOCs offered causal explanations about who might benefit from a mobile app to self-manage CLBP, why and in what circumstances.ResultsTen interviews were conducted (nine with people with CLBP who trialled the app and one with a founding member of Curable LLC). Twenty CMOCs were created that identified key mechanisms such as agency, control and reassurance that interact with contextual factors such as acceptance, internal capacity, and a biopsychosocial approach to pain management. These factors influence whether a person with CLBP will benefit from a mobile app for self-management.ConclusionsTwenty CMOCs were created to support three programme theories centering around concepts of empowerment, burden of care, and timing.Conflicts of interestNoneSources of fundingR Hunter's work was supported by the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal Studentship Award [2018].Presented at: 13th Congress of the European Pain Federation (EFIC), September 2023, Budapest, Hungary.