bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes After Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Intra-articular Distal Humerus Fractures
Authors: Cook Jay B. , Riccio Anthony I. , Anderson Terrence , Chen Weichen , Shaha Steven H. , Wimberly Robert L. 
Published: June 2015

Background:
To determine the radiographic and clinical outcomes of the surgical management of adolescent intra-articular distal humerus fractures.

Methods:
We performed a retrospective review of the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 31 consecutive adolescent patients surgically treated for acute distal humerus intra-articular fractures. Nine patients returned for objective measures of range of motion, strength testing, and completion of validated outcome scores including the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS); The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH); and the SF-36.

Results:
The average age at the time of injury was 13.5 years (range, 12 to 16 y) with a mean follow-up of 1.22 years (range, 9 d to 5.5 y). Multiple surgical approaches were performed. Overall, the active range of motion for our patients was 10.7 to 133.9 degrees with a mean arc of 123.4 degrees. AO classification type C2 and C3 injuries lost significantly more motion than other fracture patterns. Twelve patients sustained perioperative nerve palsies that resolved by final follow-up; seven of these nerve injuries were iatrogenic and sustained during a Bryan-Morrey tricepital slide approach. Eight patients required implant removal; 7 of these patients had prominent olecranon screws after an olecranon osteotomy. Including postoperative neuropathies, there were 20 complications in 15 patients. Thirteen complications in 9 patients required a return to the operating room. Of the 9 patients who returned for objective testing, there was no statistically significant loss of range of motion or strength of the injured extremity when compared with the uninjured limb. The MEPS revealed 6 excellent, 1 good, and 2 fair results. The average DASH score was 5.1 (range, 0 to 19.1) and the physical (average 55.7; range, 47.4 to 59.0) and mental components (average 54.2; range, 29.8 to 63.4) of the SF-36 were comparable.

Conclusions:
After surgical intervention for an adolescent intra-articular distal humerus fracture, one can expect no significant loss of motion or strength. The reported outcomes are not all excellent. The peri-operative complication rates are high and may be related to surgical approach and fracture pattern.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV.
Does the Position of the Aorta Change With the Altered Body Position in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients With Thoracolumbar Kyphosis?
Authors: Qu Zhe , Bang-Ping Qian , Qiu Yong , Shi Ben-Long , Ji Ming-Liang , Wang Bin , Yu Yang , Zhu Ze-Zhang 
Published: June 2015

Study Design:
A prospective magnetic resonance imaging study.

Objective:
To quantitatively explore the differences in the anatomic position of the aorta relative to the spine between supine and prone positions in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis.

Summary of Background Data:
Aortic complications may occur during the lumbar spine osteotomy in correcting thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to AS, and a clear understanding of the spatial relationship between the aorta and the vertebrae is essential to prevent these iatrogenic complications. However, previous anatomic study was performed with AS patients in the supine position, which was different from the prone position adopted in surgery. To date, no report has been published to investigate the mobility of the aorta relative to the vertebrae between supine and prone positions in AS patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis.

Materials and Methods:
From March 2013 to September 2014, 22 AS patients (21 males, 1 female) with thoracolumbar kyphosis with a mean age of 30.7 years (range, 19–46 y) were recruited. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations from T9 to L3 in both the supine and prone positions were performed, and the left pedicle-aorta (LtP-Ao) angle and LtP-Ao distance were measured at each level. The differences of these parameters between the 2 positions were compared by the paired sample t test, and the relationships between the shifting of the aorta and the change of global kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were evaluated by the Pearson correlation coefficient. The level of significance (α) was set at 0.05.

Results:
At T9–L3 levels, no significant difference was noted in LtP-Ao distances (43.78 vs. 44.42 mm; P=0.077) and LtP-Ao angles (0.82 vs. 0.22 degrees; P=0.053) between supine and prone positions. The correlation analysis also revealed no remarkable correlation between the change of LtP-Ao angle and increase of global kyphosis and lumbar lordosis in the prone position.

Conclusions:
There is no significant change of the relative positions between the aorta and the vertebrae at T9–L3 levels after the patient turned to a prone position, which implied that the mobility and range of motion of the aorta is limited in advanced stage of AS.
Vertebral End-Plate Perforation for Intervertebral Disc Height Preservation After Single-level Lumbar Discectomy
Authors: Vodičar Miha , Košak Robert , Gorenšek Matevž , Korez Robert , Vrtovec Tomaž , Koder Jadran , Antolič Vane , Vengust Rok 
Published: June 2015

Study design:
Pilot single-centre, stratified, prospective, randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group, controlled study.

Objective:
To determine whether vertebral end-plate perforation after lumbar discectomy causes annulus reparation and intervertebral disc volume restoration. To determine that after 6 months there would be no clinical differences between the control and study group.

Summary of Background Data:
Low back pain is the most common long-term complication after lumbar discectomy. It is mainly caused by intervertebral disc space loss, which promotes progressive degeneration. This is the first study to test the efficiency of a previously described method (vertebral end-plate perforation) that should advocate for annulus fibrosus reparation and disc space restoration.

Methods:
We selected 30 eligible patients according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly assigned them to the control (no end-plate perforation) or study (end-plate perforation) group. Each patient was evaluated in 5 different periods, where data were collected [preoperative and 6-mo follow-up magnetic resonance imaging and functional outcome data: visual analogue scale (VAS) back, VAS legs, Oswestry disability index (ODI)]. Intervertebral space volume (ISV) and height (ISH) were measured form the magnetic resonance images. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t test and linear regression. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
We found no statistically significant difference between the control group and the study group concerning ISV (P=0.6808) and ISH (P=0.8981) 6 months after surgery. No statistically significant differences were found between ODI, VAS back, and VAS legs after 6 months between the 2 groups, however, there were statistically significant differences between these parameters in different time periods. Correlation between the volume of disc tissue removed and preoperative versus postoperative difference in ISV was statistically significant (P=0.0020).

Conclusions:
The present study showed positive correlation between the volume of removed disc tissue and decrease in postoperative ISV and ISH. There were no statistically significant differences in ISV and ISH between the group with end-plate perforation and the control group 6 months after lumbar discectomy. Clinical outcome and disability were significantly improved in both groups 3 and 6 months after surgery.
Measurement of Thoracic Inlet Alignment on MRI
Authors: Qiao Jun , Zhu Feng , Liu Zhen , Xu Leilei , Zhu Zezhang , Qian Bangping , Sun Xu , Jiang Qing , Qiu Yong 
Published: June 2015

Study design:
A retrospective radiographic study.

Objective:
To investigate the reliability of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure thoracic outlet parameters and whether supine MRI could supersede upright x-ray in measuring these parameters.

Summary of Background Data:
On x-ray, overlapped soft and bony tissues make sternum contour invisible. Thus, measuring thoracic inlet (TI) alignment on x-ray may be inaccurate. MRI could clearly show anatomy around TI.

Methods:
A total of 124 adolescents with idiopathic thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis were recruited. The visibility of T1 upper endplate and the upper end of sternum on the lateral standing x-ray films was rated. For patients with moderate or good clarity forT1 upper endplate and the upper end of sternum on x-ray films, thoracic inlet angle (TIA), T1 slope (T1S), and neck tilt (NT) were measured by 3 observers on standing x-ray films and supine MR images, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to determine the intraobserver, interobserver, and method reliability. The paired t test was performed to compare the measurements between the 2 methods. The correlation coefficients between the 2 methods were analyzed by regression analysis.

Results:
The visibility of TI region on x-ray films was unsatisfactory, whereas all the landmarks were clear on MR images. Only 81 patients’ x-ray films were graded as moderate or good visibility in the TI region. Both the intraobserver ICC and interobserver ICC were better in the MRI set than in the x-ray set among all the observers for 3 TI parameters. The paired t test demonstrated that no significant difference was noted in terms of TIA, T1S, and NT (P=0.572, 0.203, and 0.637, respectively). Regression analysis demonstrated high correlation coefficients for TIA, T1S, and NT (R=0.612, 0.629, and 0.722, respectively).

Conclusions:
MRI serves as a good substitute for x-ray scans with regard to the measurement of TI alignment, with superior reliability.
Consensus on Outcome Measures for Glaucoma Effectiveness Trials: Results From a Delphi and Nominal Group Technique Approaches
Authors: Ismail Rehab , Azuara-Blanco Augusto , Ramsay Craig R. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose:
Comparing the relative effectiveness of interventions across glaucoma trials can be problematic due to differences in definitions of outcomes. We sought to identify a key set of clinical outcomes and reach consensus on how best to measure them from the perspective of glaucoma experts.

Methods:
A 2-round electronic Delphi survey was conducted. Round 1 involved 25 items identified from a systematic review. Round 2 was developed based on information gathered in round 1. A 10-point Likert scale was used to quantify importance and consensus of outcomes (7 outcomes) and ways of measuring them (44 measures). Experts were identified through 2 glaucoma societies membership—the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society and the European Glaucoma Society. A Nominal Group Technique (NGT) followed the Delphi process. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:
A total of 65 participants completed round 1 out of 320; of whom 56 completed round 2 (86%). Agreement on the importance of outcomes was reached on 48/51 items (94%). Intraocular pressure (IOP), visual field (VF), safety, and anatomic outcomes were classified as highly important. Regarding methods of measurement of IOP, “mean follow-up IOP” using Goldmann applanation tonometry achieved the highest importance, whereas for evaluating VFs “global index mean deviation/defect (MD)” and “rate of VF progression” were the most important. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) was identified as highly important. The NGT results reached consensus on “change of IOP (mean of 3 consecutive measurements taken at fixed time of day) from baseline,” change of VF−MD values (3 reliable VFs at baseline and follow-up visit) from baseline, and change of RNFL thickness (2 good quality OCT images) from baseline.

Conclusions:
Consensus was reached among glaucoma experts on how best to measure IOP, VF, and anatomic outcomes in glaucoma randomized controlled trials.
A Patient Safety Rounds Pilot Program at Clinics Affiliated With a Large Research and Education Institution
Authors: Savely Susanne M. , Muraca Paul W. , Eller Melinda F. , Aljehani Nasser , Kathuria Navneet 
Published: June 2015

Objective
In 2012, a 6-month Patient Safety Rounds pilot program was conducted to examine the provider perspective of patient safety and to educate personnel about national patient safety goals at clinics associated with a large research and education institution.

Methods
The Patient Safety Rounds (PSR) team, consisting of 3 to 4 rotating members from executive leadership, physician and nursing groups, and administrative staff, identified contacts within clinical departments and made arrangements for monthly visits. Patient safety issues were preselected by committee for presentation and discussion at a premeeting held with supervisors and administrators during the first few minutes of PSR. After the premeeting, the PSR team split up and met individually with care providers, between patient visits, to review the monthly safety topic and any patient safety concerns that they wanted to discuss during the visit.

Results
Approximately 37 patient safety issues were identified, recorded, and classified during these PSR team visits. If the issues could not be immediately addressed, they were either addressed shortly thereafter or referred to appropriate personnel for resolution.

Conclusions
This PSR pilot program was viewed as a success by participants because it identified provider perspective concerns, which led to the identification and resolution of numerous patient safety issues. This interesting pilot program, however, was discontinued owing to the departure of key leadership and the reorganization and reprioritization of resources.
Dosing Cefepime for Renal Function Does Not Completely Prevent Neurotoxicity in a Patient With Kidney Transplant
Authors: Balderia Percy Guanzon , Chandorkar Aditya , Kim Yongwoo , Patnaik Soumya , Sloan Joshua , Newman George Charles 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Dosing cefepime for renal function does not completely prevent neurotoxicity in a kidney transplant patient. Cefepime neurotoxicity has been reported primarily among patients with renal insufficiency who received standard doses of the antibiotic. We report a case of nonconvulsive status epilepticus from dose-adjusted cefepime in a kidney transplant patient. The timing of symptoms along with clinical and electroencephalographic improvement after discontinuation of cefepime was critical to the diagnosis. Whether we should adjust the dose of cefepime differently in a patient with transplanted kidney to prevent neurotoxicity is unknown.
Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine on Wound Healing of Nasal Mucosa
Authors: Yilmaz Beyhan , Türkçü Gül , Şengül Engin , Gül Aylin , Özkurt Fazil Emre , Akdağ Mehmet 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Postoperative nasal mucosa healing is a highly complex and organized process, and the success rates of endoscopic sinus surgery and septoplasty surgeries are closely associated with the postoperative wound healing processes. In this experimental study, the authors’ aim was to use histopathologic examination to investigate the effects of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) on the wound healing of rat nasal mucosa after mechanical trauma. Twenty-one Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: the nontreated group (N = 7), the control saline group (N = 7), and the NAC group (N = 7). No treatment was given to the nontreated group for 15 days. The control saline group received intraperitoneal injection of saline (2.5 mL/kg, intraperitoneal) for 15 days and the NAC group was intraperitoneally injected with NAC at a dose of 300 mg/kg/day for 15 days. At the beginning of the study, unilateral mechanical nasal trauma was induced with an interdental brush inserted through the right nostril in all rats. Samples were stained using hematoxylin and eosin solution, and were examined by a pathologist using a light microscope. The severity of inflammation was milder in the NAC group compared with that in the nontreated and saline groups (P < 0.05). The subepithelial thickness index was lower in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Goblet cell loss was reduced in the experimental group compared with the nontreated and saline groups (P < 0.05). NAC decreases inflammation and goblet cell loss. Therefore, NAC has potential beneficial effects on the wound healing of nasal mucosa in rats.
The rhetoric of conscience and teachers’ resistance in an era of accountability: a Macao study
Authors: Huang Hua , Vong Sou Kuan 
Published: June 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore and explain the role of the traditional Chinese rhetoric of “conscience” in teachers’ resistance against the drive for accountability that oppresses them.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper first introduces increased accountability in the context of Macao and describes its impact on teachers. Following this, it presents a post-structuralist theory of teachers’ resistance as an analytical framework. A case study was conducted to illuminate how teachers employ the rhetoric of conscience to respond to the challenges raised by the prevalence of accountability.

Findings
– This paper argues that the rhetoric of conscience, as the traditional paradigm, provides new insight for teachers to live a life that is different from the normality that is defined by the discourse introduced by accountability.

Originality/value
– This paper sheds light on the role of the traditional Chinese rhetoric of conscience in teachers’ resistance in an era of accountability. In teachers’ lived experiences, the rhetoric of conscience intersects with the dominating notion of accountability and this contributes to a transitional discursive space where teachers’ resistance emerges as they negotiate or struggle with the entangled discourses.
The development of human rights education in China
Authors: Shen Taixia 
Published: June 2015

Purpose– There has been a lack of human rights education for a long period since New China was founded. Human rights education appeared at the university level in the 1990s, and has developed quickly over the past decade in mainland China. The purpose of this paper is to argue that human rights education in mainland China has had its own characteristics and problems during its development, and intends to identify and solve its problems in order to achieve sustainability.Design/methodology/approach– First, this paper surveys the development of human rights education in mainland China. Second, it summarizes its characteristics and problems objectively, and then gives some ideas and suggestions for its future sustainable development.Findings– Human rights education in mainland China has seen great improvement, although it also has its own characteristics and has had problems during its development. The ideas about and approaches to human rights education development in mainland China should be adjusted. Ensuring and promoting the respect of human rights in society is the main goal of human rights education. Balanced development, independent development, the encouragement of and investment by the government and society in the subject and the high quantity and quality of available human rights teachers are the guarantees for a sustainable model of human rights education in mainland China.Originality/value– This paper studies the history and current situation of human rights education in mainland China, summarizing its characteristics and existing problems completely and objectively. This paper states that human rights education in mainland China should change its theories and its approaches to development.
Implementation of global traceability standards: incentives and opportunities
Authors: Ringsberg Henrik Anders 
Published: June 2015

Purpose
– Implementing global traceability standards (GTSs) facilitates interoperability in food supply chains (FSCs). The purpose of this paper is to present incentives, opportunities and requirements for implementing GTSs in a fresh FSC.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research was developed in two stages: a literature review was conducted to establish a theoretical framework; and then an in-depth case study of a Swedish fresh fish supply chain was conducted. The Kano methodology was used to evaluate opportunities based on implementation requirements in each enterprise.

Findings
– FSC enterprises implement a GTS to meet legal food traceability requirements. This incentive is stronger among enterprises upstream in the FSC than among downstream enterprises. Downstream enterprises emphasize communication with the end consumer as an incentive to implement a GTS. Implementing a GTS increases the opportunity to preserve end consumer confidence, efficiency in information sharing, reduces time in inventory management and the risk of theft.

Research limitations/implications
– The paper contributes to the field of food traceability by providing knowledge regarding incentives, opportunities and requirements for implementing standards to meet food traceability requirements at FSC enterprises.

Practical implications
– Regulatory requirements on traceability preservation of food safety, quality and sustainability stipulate the implementation of a GTS. The research presented can support managers in understanding incentives and opportunities for implementing a GTS.

Originality/value
– This paper combines in-depth academic research with the involvement of Swedish fresh food enterprises. The study is of benefit to fresh food enterprises, authorities and organizations in the further implementation and development of GTSs.
Benchmarking by Item Response Theory (BIRTH)
Authors: Pacheco Juliano Anderson , de Andrade Dalton Francisco , Bornia Antonio Cezar 
Published: June 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to present a new method for benchmarking, which allows the construction of scales of competitiveness for the comparison of products using Item Response Theory (IRT).Design/methodology/approach– Theoretically, the method combines classic benchmarking process steps with IRT steps and demonstrates through mathematical models how this technique can measure the competitiveness of products by means of a latent trait.Findings– The IRT method uses the theories of psychometrics to measure the competitiveness of products through qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the tangible and intangible characteristics of those products. To demonstrate the application of the developed method, the items were constructed for teaching staff.Research limitations/implications– The application of the developed method will increase the accuracy of assessments of the competitiveness of a product because this method uses a mathematical model of the IRT to evaluate the characteristics product that reflect market competitiveness. Items must be selected based on theories relevant to the product and/or expert opinion or customers.Practical implications– The applicability of the method results in the construction of a scale in which items identify good practice with greater difficulty because they are represented in the same units that index competitiveness. Thus, managers of companies obtain knowledge about their products and the market, which allows them to assess their performance against their competitors and to make decisions regarding the continuous improvement of their production process and expansion of product characteristics.Originality/value– This work presents a new method for benchmarking using a quantitative technique that enables measurement of the latent trait of “competitiveness” through robust mathematical models.