bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adherence to self-care interventions for depression or anxiety: A systematic review
Authors: Simco Russell , McCusker Jane , Sewitch Maida 
Published: January 2014

Objective: The objective of this study was to synthesise and describe adherence to intervention in published studies of supported self-care for depression or anxiety, and to identify participant characteristics associated with higher adherence. Methods: We searched the databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PSYCINFO for the period from January 1986 until September 2010. Eligible studies reporting on adherence to supported self-care interventions for depression or anxiety symptoms were identified. Results: We identified 40 studies of supported self-care interventions for depression and anxiety, of which 22 (55%) reported any measure of adherence to the intervention. Among these 22 studies, 18 (82%) reported the percentage of participants completing the entire self-care tool (20%–93%; Mean = 66%, SD 17), 13 studies reported the amount of self-care tools completed by the average participant (50.6%–96.4%; Mean = 80%, SD 11.6). Four studies (18%) reported the frequency of contacts with the self-care guide. Three (14%) studies reported participant characteristics associated with adherence. Conclusion: Overall, reported adherence levels to supported self-care interventions for depression and anxiety indicate a significant amount of patient involvement in these interventions. Routine reporting of adherence will improve our understanding of adherence to supported self-care interventions, and will allow researchers to link adherence with intervention outcome.
The dilemma of public administration education in South Africa
Authors: Kroukamp Hendri , de Vries Michiel S. 
Published: January 2014

This article points to the adverse circumstances in which public administration education and training has to take place in developing countries, more specifically in South Africa. This is especially seen in the combination of scarce resources and rapidly increasing enrolment. The consequence thereof is that the didactics of education and training suffer in becoming characterized by mere teaching instead of the promotion of learning. The article points to a serious dilemma especially faced under such difficult circumstances, namely that a curriculum either addresses all the subjects relevant from an academic perspective and conform to international accreditation criteria, and becomes deficient in the way all these topics are taught—or opts to prioritize topics based on a skills-needs analysis and optimizes the way in which this limited number of topics is learned.
Short- and long-term changes in perceived work ability after interdisciplinary rehabilitation of chronic musculoskeletal disorders: prospective cohort study among 854 rehabilitants
Authors: Saltychev Mikhail , Laimi Katri , Pentti Jaana , Kivimäki Mika , Vahtera Jussi 
Published: January 2014

Objective: To investigate the changes in rehabilitants’ perceived work ability after rehabilitation for chronic musculoskeletal disorders with respect to the baseline characteristics. Design: Prospective cohort study based on register and repeated survey data. Setting: Public sector employees in ten towns and five hospital districts. Subjects: A total of 854 employees who participated in the rehabilitation programme owing to common chronic musculoskeletal disorders between 1997 and 2009. Interventions: Interdisciplinary, biopsychosocial, inpatient rehabilitation programme targeting people of working age with common chronic musculoskeletal disorders. The programme was executed in different rehabilitation centres across the country and funded by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. Main measures: Differences in perceived work ability level before and after rehabilitation. Data were derived from repeated surveys on average 2.1 years before rehabilitation, and 1.5 years (short-term follow-up) and 6.0 years (long-term follow-up) after rehabilitation. Results: Before the rehabilitation, perceived work ability was 7.13 (SD 1.84) among the rehabilitants and 7.27 (SD 1.72) in the matched reference population. Among rehabilitants, this figure decreased by 0.82 (95% confidence interval −0.98 to −0.67) in the short-term and by 1.26 (95% confidence interval −1.45 to −1.07) in the long-term follow-up. Only slight differences in steepness of this deterioration were observed between subgroups, created based on the participants’ baseline characteristics. Conclusions: Perceived work ability of participants, in an interdisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation programme for common musculoskeletal disorders, deteriorated regardless of any studied pretreatment characteristics. The improvement of work ability may be an unrealistic goal for participants in this type of rehabilitation.
Effect on arm function and cost of robot-assisted group therapy in subacute patients with stroke and a moderately to severely affected arm: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hesse Stefan , Heß Anke , Werner C Cordula , Kabbert Nadine , Buschfort Rüdiger 
Published: January 2014

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of robot-assisted arm group therapy (RAGT) versus individual arm therapy (IAT) to restore motor function in the moderately to severely affected patient after stroke. Design: Single blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Two in-patient neurological rehabilitation centers. Participants: Fifty first time subacute patients with stroke and a non-functional hand. Intervention: The patients practiced either 30 minutes of RAGT + 30 minutes of IAT (group A) or 2x30 minutes of IAT (group B), per workday for four weeks. The RAGT consisted of six workstations enabling repetitive practice of finger, wrist, forearm and shoulder movements. Patients practiced according to their impairment level on at least two workstations per session. The IAT followed the Motor Relearning Programme, enriched by elements of the impairment-oriented training. Main outcome measure: Changes of the Fugl Meyer Score (FM, 0-66) between baseline and after 4 weeks, incremental cost effectiveness. Results: Patients were homogeneous at study onset. All patients improved their upper limb motor function over time, but there were no between group differences. The initial (terminal) FM scores were 14.6±9.4 (25.7±16.5) in group A and 16.5±9.8 (31.1±19.1) in group B. The treatment of a single patient with RAGT cost 4.15 €, compared to 10.00 € for a patient to receive IAT. Conclusion: RAGT in combination with IAT was equally effective as a double session of IAT regarding the restoration of upper limb motor functions in moderate to severely affected subacute patients with stroke. The treatment costs for RAGT were less.
Application of Tendon-Derived Stem Cell Sheet for the Promotion of Graft Healing in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Lui Pauline Po Yee , Wong On Tik , Lee Yuk Wa 
Published: January 2014

Background: Both osteointegration and remodeling of graft midsubstance (collectively called graft healing) are slow processes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) form a cell sheet after treatment with connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and ascorbic acid, which exhibits higher tenogenic and maintains high chondro-osteogenic gene expression of TDSCs. No external scaffold is required for cell delivery. Hypothesis: Wrapping the TDSC sheet around the ACL graft would promote early graft healing in a rat model. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Green fluorescent protein (GFP) rat TDSCs were treated with connective tissue growth factor and ascorbic acid to promote cell sheet formation. Rats undergoing unilateral ACL reconstruction were divided into a control group and a TDSC group. The tendon graft was wrapped with the GFP-TDSC sheet before graft insertion in the TDSC group. At weeks 2, 6, and 12 after reconstruction, the samples were harvested for computed tomography imaging and histologic or biomechanical testing. The fate of the transplanted cell sheet was examined by immunohistochemical staining of GFP. Results: There were significantly higher tunnel bone mineral density (BMD) (42.3% increase, P = .047) and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) (625% increase, P = .009) at the metaphyseal region of the tibial tunnel at week 2 and at the femoral tunnel at week 6 (BMD: 30.8% increase, P = .014; BV/TV: 100% increase, P = .014) in the TDSC group compared with the control group. Only the TDSC group showed a time-dependent increase in tunnel BMD (overall P = .038) and BV/TV (overall P = .015) at the epiphyseal region of the tibial tunnel. Semiquantitative image analysis showed better graft osteointegration and higher intra-articular graft integrity with lower cellularity and vascularity, better cell alignment, and higher collagen birefringence in the TDSC group. The ultimate load at week 2 (52.5% increase, P = .027) and stiffness at week 6 (62% increase, P = .008) were significantly higher in the TDSC group. Cells positive for GFP were observed in all samples in the TDSC group at week 2 but became reduced with time after reconstruction. Conclusion: The TDSC sheet improved early graft healing after ACL reconstruction in the rat model. Clinical Relevance: The TDSC sheet could potentially be used for the promotion of graft healing in ACL reconstruction.
Younger Patients Are at Increased Risk for Graft Rupture and Contralateral Injury After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Webster Kate E. , Feller Julian A. , Leigh Warren B. , Richmond Anneka K. 
Published: January 2014

Background: Graft rupture of the same knee or injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the contralateral knee is a devastating outcome after ACL reconstruction surgery. While a number of factors have been identified as potentially increasing the risk of subsequent ACL injury, the literature is far from definitive. Purpose: To determine the rates of graft rupture and contralateral ACL injury in a large cohort and to investigate patient characteristics that may be associated with these. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A consecutive cohort of 750 patients who had undergone primary ACL reconstruction surgery with a minimum 3-year follow-up were questioned about the incidence of ACL graft rupture, contralateral ACL injury, family history of ACL injury, and current activity level. Patient databases provided details for age, sex, original injury mechanism, meniscus or articular surface injury, and graft diameter. Results: Responses were received from 561 patients (75%) at a mean ± SD follow-up time of 4.8 ± 1.1 years. Anterior cruciate ligament graft ruptures occurred in 25 patients (4.5%), and contralateral ACL injuries occurred in 42 patients (7.5%). The highest incidence of further ACL injury occurred in patients younger than 20 years at the time of surgery. In this group, 29% sustained a subsequent ACL injury to either knee. The odds for sustaining an ACL graft rupture or contralateral injury increased 6- and 3-fold, respectively, for patients younger than 20 years. Returning to cutting/pivoting sports increased the odds of graft rupture by a factor of 3.9 and contralateral rupture by a factor of 5. A positive family history doubled the odds for both graft rupture and contralateral ACL injury. Conclusion: Patients younger than 20 years who undergo ACL reconstruction are at significantly increased risk for both graft rupture and contralateral ACL injury. Whether age per se is a risk factor or age represents a proxy for other factors remains to be determined.
Wasteful disposition: Analysis of municipal household waste using geodemographic classification
Authors: Lawal Olanrewaju 
Published: January 2014

The continuous flow of resources through the economy is the origin of most of the environmental problems evident today. These problems are directly related to production and introduction of wastes and pollutants into the natural environment. The study investigated the relationship between household waste and geodemographic grouping (GDG) at the municipal level across England. A correlation analysis of the GDG and waste data revealed a positive relationship between waste and proportion of different GDG. A robust regression model generated represents 74% of the variation across the dataset, and it shows that there is a significant relationship between municipal waste and GDG. A higher number of GDG (e.g. 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8) displayed a very strong association with increasing total municipal household waste (TMHW). GDG such as 1, 2 and 10, despite their higher disposable incomes, displayed a weak association with TMHW. Furthermore, GDGs such as 8, 3, 7, 4 and 6 generated more household waste in comparison to GDG. This model provides an understanding that can influence the organisation of waste management programmes and forecasting of municipal waste. It also provides essential input for decisions in structuring promotion of sustainable behaviour and implementing local initiatives to support such activities.
In vitro osteogenic cell proliferation, mineralization, and in vivo osseointegration of injection molded high-density polyethylene-based hybrid composites in rabbit animal model
Authors: Tripathi Garima , Basu Bikramjit 
Published: January 2014

The present work reports the biocompatibility property of injection molded HDPE-HA-Al2O3 hybrid composites. In vitro cytocompatibility results reveal that osteogenic cell viability and bone mineralization are favorably supported in a statistically significant manner on HDPE-20% HA-20% Al2O3 composite, in comparison to HDPE-40 wt.% HA or HDPE-40 wt.% Al2O3. The difference in cytocompatibility property is explained in terms of difference in substrate wettability/surface energy and importantly, both the cell proliferation at 7 days or bone mineralization at 21 days on HDPE-20% HA-20% Al2O3 composite are either comparable or better than sintered HA. The progressive healing of cylindrical femoral bone defects in rabbit animal model was assessed by implantation experiments over 1, 4 and 12 weeks. Based on the histological analysis as well as histomorphometrical evaluation, a better efficacy of HDPE-20% HA-20% Al2O3 over high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for bone regeneration and neobone formation at host bone-implant interface was established. Taken together, the present study unequivocally establishes that despite the presence of 20% Al2O3, HDPE-based hybrid composites are as biocompatible as HA in vitro or better than HDPE in vivo.
Durability of response to vaccination against viral hepatitis A in HIV-infected patients: a 5-year observation
Authors: Jabłonowska E , Kuydowicz J 
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of total antibodies to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV-T) in the group of HIV-positive adults in Lodz region of Poland, and to evaluate the response and long-term immunity after vaccination against hepatitis A virus. In the group of 234 HIV-infected patients, 72 persons (30.8%) were anti-HAV-T positive (>20 IU/L). In multivariate analysis, two independent factors associated with the presence of anti-HAV-T were identified: the age of patients (OR = 1.07) and the presence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (OR = 2.87). Vaccination was completed in 83 patients. Good response (anti-HAV-T >20 IU/L one month after the booster dose) was obtained in 79.5% of patients. In patients with CD4 >200 cells/µL in multivariate analysis only presence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus was a prognostic factor for the response to vaccination (OR = 0.13). Among responders available for the follow-up, 82% (50 out of 61) had detectable anti-HAV-T at 1 year and 75.5% (37 out of 49) at 5 years. Our results demonstrate that most of the studied HIV-positive patients were susceptible to hepatitis A virus infection. Most HIV-infected adults with high CD4 counts had a durable response even up to 5 years after vaccination. Patients with a HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfection displayed a worse response to vaccination.
Do Angiotensin Type 2 Receptors Modulate Haemodynamic Effects of Type 1 Receptors in Conscious Newborn Lambs?
Authors: Vinturache Angela E , Smith Francine G 
Published: January 2014

Introduction and hypothesis: It was hypothesized that in the immediate newborn period, when the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is activated, angiotensin type 2 receptors (AT2Rs) buffer the haemodynamic effects of angiotensin type 1 receptors (AT1Rs), as occurs in adult animals when the RAS is activated. Materials and methods: Arterial (systolic, diastolic, and mean) pressures (SAP, DAP, MAP), mean venous pressures (MVP) and renal blood flows (RBF) were measured in conscious, chronically instrumented lambs aged ~1 (8±2 days, N=8) and 6 weeks (41±4 days, N=11). In each animal, measurements were made before and after administration of the selective AT1R antagonist ZD 7155 (experiment one) and the selective AT2R antagonist PD123319 (experiment two) as well as both antagonists, ZD 7155 and PD 123319 (experiment three). Results: Haemodynamic responses to combined inhibition of both AT1Rs and AT2Rs were similar to inhibition of AT1Rs alone: there was a significant decrease in SAP, DAP, and MAP and a significant increase in RBF within minutes of concomitant administration of ZD 7155 and PD 123319 in both age groups. These responses were similar to responses to ZD 7155 alone, whereas PD 123319 alone did not alter any of the measured variables. Conclusions: AT2Rs do not counterbalance the pressor and renal vasoconstrictor effects elicited by activation of AT1Rs in the immediate newborn period. During this time, AT1Rs appear to predominate in eliciting the haemodynamic effects of angiotensin II (ANG II), whereas the role of the upregulated AT2Rs remains elusive.
Passive Diffusion of Transdermal Glucose
Authors: Kanjananimmanont Sunsanee , Ge Xudong , Mupparapu KarunaSri , Rao Govind , Potts Russell , Tolosa Leah 
Published: January 2014

Background: The motivation for this study was to determine if a statistically significant correlation exists between blood glucose (BG) and transdermal glucose (TG) collected by passive diffusion. A positive outcome will indicate that noninvasive passive TG diffusion is a painless alternative to collecting blood through a break on the skin. Method: Sampling involves placing a small volume of buffer solution on the surface of membrane or skin for 5 minutes. The sample is then assayed with fluorescent GBP. In vitro testing was done on regenerated cellulose and a porcine skin model to determine diffusion of standard glucose solutions. In vivo testing was done on a healthy subject and a subject with type 2 diabetes. Results: Glucose diffused readily through the regenerated cellulose membrane with good correlation between surface and internal glucose concentrations ( R2 = .997). But the porcine skin model required a surface prewash to achieve the same good correlation R2 = .943). Based on this, an optimum prewash step was determined for the in vivo studies. The resulting correlation coefficients between TG and BG after a 15-minute prewash in a healthy subject and type 2 subject were .87 and .93, respectively. Conclusions: Removal of the extraneous glucose in the skin by prewashing was an important step in achieving good correlation between TG and BG. The results suggest that passive collection of TG is a noninvasive alternative to current practice of breaking the skin. Further studies are under way to determine the lag time between TG and BG and for the sampling protocol to be more amenable to point-of-care application.
Spondylolysis in Elite Junior-Level Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Donaldson Laurie D. 
Published: January 2014

Background: Spondylolysis is a common cause of low back pain and significant loss of play in the young athlete. Its incidence in hockey players has not been reported. This study reviewed the incidence and potential causative factors of low back pain and spondylolysis in an elite junior-level ice hockey program over a 15-year period. Hypothesis: Because of the repetitive movements of the lower spine required by the sport, spondylolysis was expected to be a frequent cause of low back pain in hockey players. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: The medical and athletic trainer records of male ice hockey players, ages 15 to 18 years, who presented with the complaint of low back pain were reviewed. This elite program consisted of 2 rosters. There were approximately 44 players total per year representing these 2 teams. For players diagnosed with spondylolysis, the following factors were reviewed: year in the program, age at presentation, symptoms and duration, studies performed, level of spondylolysis, presence of spondylolisthesis, affected side to shooting side, player position, treatment, and current level of play. Results: Over 9 hockey seasons, 25 players presented to medical staff with low back pain. Of those, 44% were confirmed to have lumbar spondylolysis. The majority of these cases presented in the first year of the program without clear history of trauma but rather vague pain with weight lifting or hockey. Less than half of spondylolysis cases were diagnosed on plain films. There were no cases of spondylolisthesis. Spondylolysis occurred on the shooting side in 73% of players. Sixty-four percent of players with spondylolysis were forwards. The treatment for most included rest from lifting and hockey and physical therapy. Average return to play was 8 weeks. Ninety-six percent of players continued to play at an elite level. Conclusion: Spondylolysis should be strongly considered in the differential of low back pain in ice hockey players with consideration for advanced imaging. Considerable loss of play occurs with spondylolysis, but with proper treatment, excellent outcomes occur. Clinical Relevance: This study brings to light the prevalence of spondylolysis in ice hockey players. With an increased index of suspicion, the condition can be diagnosed and properly treated to allow full return to play.
Incorporating Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging into an Observation Unit Transient Ischemic Attack Pathway
Authors: Oostema J. Adam , DeLano Mark , Bhatt Archit , Brown Michael D. 
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose: National guidelines advocate for early, aggressive transient ischemic attack (TIA) evaluations and recommend diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for brain imaging. The purpose of this study is to examine clinician compliance, the yield of MRI, and patient-centered clinical outcomes following implementation of an emergency department observation unit (EDOU) clinical pathway incorporating routine MRI into the acute evaluation of patients with TIA. Methods: This is a prospective observational study of patients with TIA admitted from the ED. Patients with low-risk TIA were transferred to an EDOU for diagnostic testing including MRI; high-risk patients were directed to hospital admission. Clinical variables, diagnostic tests, and treatment were recorded for all patients. The primary clinical outcome was the rate of stroke or recurrent TIA, determined through telephone follow-up and medical record review at 7 and 30 days. Results: A total of 116 patients with TIA were enrolled. In all, 92 (79.3%) patients were transferred to the EDOU, of whom 69 (59.5%) were discharged without hospitalization. Compliance with the EDOU pathway was 83 (91.2%) of 92. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated acute infarct in 16 (15.7%) of 102 patients. Stroke (n = 2) or TIA (n = 3) occurred in 5 patients with TIA (4.3%, 95% confidence interval: 1.6%-10.0%) within 30 days; no strokes occurred after discharge. Conclusions: Implementation of a TIA clinical pathway incorporating MRI effectively encouraged guideline-compliant diagnostic testing; however, patient-important outcomes appear similar to diagnostic protocols without routine MRI. Further study is needed to assess the benefits and costs associated with routinely incorporating MRI into TIA evaluation.