bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Serum Thyrotropin to Thyroglobulin Ratio Is Effective for Thyroid Nodule Evaluation in Euthyroid Patients
Authors: Wang Lina , Li Hao , Yang Zhongyuan , Guo Zhuming , Zhang Quan 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveThis study was designed to assess the efficiency of the serum thyrotropin to thyroglobulin ratio for thyroid nodule evaluation in euthyroid patients.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingSun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China.Subjects and MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed for 400 previously untreated cases presenting with thyroid nodules. Thyroid function was tested with commercially available radioimmunoassays. The receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine cutoff values. The efficacy of the thyrotropin:thyroglobulin ratio and thyroid‐stimulating hormone for thyroid nodule evaluation was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and odds ratio.ResultsIn receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve was 0.746 for the thyrotropin:thyroglobulin ratio and 0.659 for thyroid‐stimulating hormone. With a cutoff point value of 24.97 IU/g for the thyrotropin:thyroglobulin ratio, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were 78.9%, 60.8%, 75.5%, 2.01, and 0.35, respectively. The odds ratio for the thyrotropin:thyroglobulin ratio indicating malignancy was 5.80. With a cutoff point value of 1.525 µIU/mL for thyroid‐stimulating hormone, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were 74.0%, 53.2%, 70.8%, 1.58, and 0.49, respectively. The odds ratio indicating malignancy for thyroid‐stimulating hormone was 3.23.ConclusionIncreasing preoperative serum thyrotropin:thyroglobulin ratio is a risk factor for thyroid carcinoma, and the correlation of the thyrotropin:thyroglobulin ratio to malignancy is higher than that for serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone.
Anterior Septal Reconstruction for Treatment of Severe Caudal Septal Deviation
Authors: Surowitz Josh , Lee Matthew K. , Most Sam P. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveTo report the long‐term efficacy of a modified extracorporeal septoplasty technique in the treatment of anterocaudal septal deviations.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingAcademic tertiary care medical center.Subjects and MethodsData were obtained by a retrospective review of patients treated by a single surgeon (S.P.M.) from December 2010 to April 2014. A total of 77 patients (52 male, 25 female) met inclusion criteria. The Nasal Obstruction Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE) scale and a visual analog scale (VAS) were administered to all patients preoperatively and at each postoperative visit. Statistical analysis was performed using a matched‐pair t test comparing preoperative and postoperative NOSE and VAS scores. A recently described severity scale for nasal obstruction was applied to NOSE scores to demonstrate postoperative results.ResultsAverage follow‐up was 4.7 months. Average preoperative NOSE and VAS scores were 68.2 ± 17.4 and 7.2 ± 1.8, respectively, placing these patients in the “severe” symptoms classification. Average NOSE and VAS scores in the early postoperative period (1‐3 months after surgery) were 21.1 ± 19.8 (P <. 0001) and 2.1 ± 2.6 (P <. 0001), respectively. Average NOSE and VAS scores in the late postoperative period (>3 months after surgery) were 15.8 ± 19.0 (P <. 0001) and 1.4 ± 1.8 (P <. 0001), respectively. Both early and late postoperative NOSE scores represented “mild” symptomatology.ConclusionsAnterior septal reconstruction represents a powerful method for correction of nasal valve stenosis resulting from severe anterocaudal septal deviations.
Using drawings of pain-related images to understand the experience of chronic pain: A qualitative study
Authors: Phillips Joanna , Ogden Jane , Copland Claire 
Published: April 2015

Introduction This study aimed to use drawing as a means to explore the content of pain-related images in a sample of people with chronic pain. Method Adults ( n = 90) attending three United Kingdom National Health Service pain clinics were asked to bring to mind and draw an image of their pain. Drawings were analysed using critical visual analysis methodology. Results Fifty-four participants drew a picture of their pain. Drawings were vivid, emotionally charged and included catastrophic interpretations of pain. Image content was described using three main themes: pain as an attacker, the nature of pain (pain sensations, timeline, pain location) and the impact of pain (pain as a barrier, being trapped by pain and the future with pain). Drawings reflected different perspectives taken in the image, with images of the person themselves in pain (as if seen through the eyes of an observer) evoking a sense of helplessness and isolation. Conclusion Pain-related images can provide a valuable insight into people’s pain worlds, with images reflecting pain cognitions and barriers to recovery. Clinicians may find drawing a helpful tool in the assessment and management of chronic pain, enabling a visual and shareable language for pain.
Homicides by older offenders in New South Wales between 1993 and 2010
Authors: Reutens Sharon , Nielssen Olav , Large Matthew 
Published: April 2015

Objective: Homicides by older people are rare and might differ from those committed by younger people. To investigate the characteristics of older homicide offenders in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Methods: A systematic search of legal, criminological and media databases for cases of homicide committed by people in NSW aged 55 and over, during the 18 years from 1993 to 2010. Results: Eighty-seven cases were identified through databases. Legal documents were obtained for 70 offenders, comprising about 5% of homicides committed in NSW in the period of the study. The proportions of male offenders and rates of firearm use were similar to other age groups. Twelve of the 14 homicides using guns occurred outside the metropolitan area. Older offenders were more likely to have cognitive impairment or psychotic illness. Victims were more likely to be female and in a domestic relationship with the offender. Conclusions: Homicide by an older person is rare, and more commonly involves a man killing a family member. Correctional facilities will increasingly have to consider the needs of older people serving long sentences.
Effect of Obesity on Outcome of Hallux Valgus Surgery
Authors: Chen Jerry Yongqiang , Lee Merrill Jian Hui , Rikhraj Kiran , Parmar Simran , Chong Hwei Chi , Yew Andy Khye Soon , Koo Kevin Oon Thien , Singh Rikhraj Inderjeet 
Published: April 2015

Background: Obesity is a global epidemic, but its effect on foot and ankle surgeries is not well defined. This study aimed to investigate the influence of obesity on functional outcome scores, incidence of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI), and repeat surgery after hallux valgus (HV) corrective surgery. Methods: Between January 2007 and December 2011, 452 patients who underwent HV corrective surgery at a tertiary hospital were evaluated. They were categorized into 2 groups based on their body mass index (BMI): (1) BMI less than 30 kg/m2 (control); (2) BMI 30 kg/m2 or more (obese). The patients were prospectively followed for 2 years. Results: Patients in the obese group were significantly older by 4 years (95% CI, 1-7 years) ( P = .043). The preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal (AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP) Scale and Physical Component Score were 6 points (95% CI, 1-11 points) and 3 points (95% CI, 1-6 points) poorer, respectively, in the obese group ( P = .014 and P = .032, respectively). However, the Visual Analog Scale, AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP Scale, Physical Component Score, and Mental Component Score were comparable between the 2 groups at 6 months and 2 years of follow-up (all P > .05). Eleven patients (3%) in the control group and 1 patient in the obese group (2%) developed postoperative SSI ( P = .777). Nine patients (2%) in the control group and 7 patients in the obese group (14%) required repeat surgery for complications ( P < .001). Conclusion: The authors conclude that while it is important to warn obese patients of the significantly higher risk of repeat surgery, these patients should not be excluded from undergoing HV surgery. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Behavioral and Physiological Responses to Nicotine Patch Administration Among Nonsmokers Based on Acute and Chronic Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure
Authors: Okoli Chizimuzo , Kodet Jonathan , Robertson Heather 
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Despite the large amount that is known about the physical health effects of secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure, little is known about the behavioral health effects. Nicotine, the principle psychoactive substance in SHS, elicits subjective mood and physiological responses in nonsmokers. However, no studies have examined the subjective mood or physiological responses to nicotine in nonsmokers while accounting for prior chronic or acute SHS exposure. Methods: A 7-mg nicotine patch was administered to 17 adult nonsmokers for 2 hr. Main outcome measures obtained at ½ hr, 1 hr, and 2 hr were subjective behavioral drug effects (based on eleven 10-cm Visual Analog Scales [VASs]) and the physiological measures of heart rate, blood pressure, and serum nicotine levels. Analysis of outcome data was based on participants’ chronic (using hair nicotine) or acute (using saliva cotinine) SHS exposure. Results: Greater chronic SHS exposure was negatively associated with pleasurable responses to nicotine administration (“drug feels good” score at 2-hr time point, Spearman’s ρ = −.65, p < .004), whereas greater acute SHS exposure was associated with positive responses (“like feeling of drug” score at 2-hr time point, Spearman’s ρ = .63, p < .01). There were no associations between chronic or acute exposure and physiological changes in response to nicotine administration. Discussion: The findings of this study may be useful in providing preliminary empirical data for future explorations of the mechanism whereby SHS exposure can influence behavioral outcomes in nonsmokers. Such studies can inform future interventions to reduce the physical and behavioral health risks associated with SHS exposure.
Malignant Down
Authors: Dalcin Daniel , Manser Courtney , Mahler Ronald 
Published: April 2015

Background: Skin changes often signal systemic disease. Hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita (HLA) is a well-recognized symptom of internal malignancy defined as the adult onset of colourless, fine, lanugo-type hairs. To our knowledge, only 5 cases of HLA associated with endometrial malignancy have been reported in the literature. Objective: The objective of this report is to describe the clinical presentation of a patient with HLA associated with endometrial adenocarcinoma. Methods: We report a patient presenting with atypical lanugo and weight loss who was diagnosed with HLA associated with endometrial adenocarcinoma. We summarize and critically review the 5 other known cases of endometrial malignancy associated with HLA reported in the literature. Results: The ectopic adult development of lanugo hair led to the diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis was made following computed tomography imaging and was confirmed by biopsy. Conclusion: Continued vigilance and reporting of HLA will increase identification and understanding of this rare paraneoplastic condition. Family physicians should be aware of HLA.
Clinical relevance of right ventricular diastolic stiffness in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Trip Pia , Rain Silvia , Handoko M. Louis , van der Bruggen Cathelijne , Bogaard Harm J. , Marcus J. Tim , Boonstra Anco , Westerhof Nico , Vonk-Noordegraaf Anton , de Man Frances S. 
Published: April 2015

Right ventricular (RV) diastolic stiffness is increased in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. We investigated whether RV diastolic stiffness is associated with clinical progression and assessed the contribution of RV wall thickness to RV systolic and diastolic stiffness.Using single-beat pressure–volume analyses, we determined RV end-systolic elastance (Ees), arterial elastance (Ea), RV­–arterial coupling (Ees/Ea), and RV end-diastolic elastance (stiffness,Eed) in controls (n=15), baseline PAH patients (n=63) and treated PAH patients (survival >5 years n=22 and survival <5 years n=23).We observed an association betweenEedand clinical progression, with baselineEed>0.53 mmHg·mL-1associated with worse prognosis (age-corrected hazard ratio 0.27, p=0.02). In treated patients,Eedwas higher in patients with survival <5 years than in patients with survival >5 years (0.91±0.50versus0.53±0.33 mmHg·mL-1, p<0.01). Wall-thickness-correctedEedvalues in PAH patients with survival >5 years were not different from control values (0.76±0.47versus0.60±0.41 mmHg·mL-1, respectively, not significant), whereas in patients with survival <5 years, values were significantly higher (1.52±0.91 mmHg·mL-1, p<0.05versuscontrols).RV diastolic stiffness is related to clinical progression in both baseline and treated PAH patients. RV diastolic stiffness is explained by the increased wall thickness in patients with >5 years survival, but not in those surviving <5 years. This suggests that intrinsic myocardial changes play a distinctive role in explaining RV diastolic stiffness at different stages of PAH.
The effects of acupuncture treatment on the right frontoparietal network in migraine without aura patients
Authors: Li Kuangshi , Zhang Yong , Ning Yanzhe , Zhang Hua , Liu Hongwei , Fu Caihong , Ren Yi , Zou Yihuai 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Background
Functional and structural abnormalities in resting-state brain networks in migraine patients have been confirmed by previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies. However, few studies focusing on the neural responses of therapeutic treatment on migraine have been conducted. In this study, we tried to examined the treatment-related effects of standard acupuncture treatment on the right frontoparietal network (RFPN) in migraine patients.

Methods
A total of 12 migraine without aura (MWoA) patients were recruited to undergo resting-state fMRI scanning and were rescanned after 4 weeks standard acupuncture treatment. Another 12 matched healthy control (HC) subjects underwent once scanning for comparison. We analyzed the functional connectivity of the RFPN between MWoA patients and HC subjects before treatment and that of the MWoA patients before and after treatment. Diffusion tensor images (DTI) data analyzing was also performed to detect fiber-related treatment responses.

Results
We observed significantly decreased FC in the RFPN and that the decreased FC could be reversed by acupuncture treatment. The changes of FC in MWoA patients was negatively correlated with the decrease of visual analogue scale (VAS) scores after treatment. This study indicated that acupuncture treatment for MWoA patients was associated with normalizing effects on the intrinsic decreased FC of the RFPN.

Conclusions
Our study provided new insights into the treatment-related neural responses in MWoA patients and suggested potential functional pathways for the evaluation of treatment in MWoA patients. Future studies are still in need to confirm the current results and to elucidate the complex neural mechanisms of acupuncture treatment.
Analysis of oxygen vacancy in Co-doped ZnO using the electron density distribution obtained using MEM
Authors: Park Ji Hun , Lee Yeong Ju , Bae Jong-Seong , Kim Bum-Su , Cho Yong Chan , Moriyoshi Chikako , Kuroiwa Yoshihiro , Lee Seunghun , Jeong Se-Young 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Oxygen vacancy (VO) strongly affects the properties of oxides. In this study, we used X-ray diffraction (XRD) to study changes in the VO concentration as a function of the Co-doping level of ZnO. Rietveld refinement yielded a different result from that determined via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), but additional maximum entropy method (MEM) analysis led it to compensate for the difference. VO tended to gradually decrease with increased Co doping, and ferromagnetic behavior was not observed regardless of the Co-doping concentration. MEM analysis demonstrated that reliable information related to the defects in the ZnO-based system can be obtained using X-ray diffraction alone.
Assessment of changes in quality of life among patients in the SAVE Study - Sirolimus as therapeutic Approach to uVEitis: a randomized study to assess the safety and bioactivity of intravitreal and subconjunctival injections of sirolimus in patients with non-infectious uveitis
Authors: Vigil Erin M , Sepah Yasir Jamal , Watters Anthony L , Sadiq Mohammad A , Ansari Mehreen , Bittencourt Millena G , Ibrahim Mohamed A , Do Diana V , Nguyen Quan Dong 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Background
The National Eye Institute 39-Question Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-39) is an indicator of vision-related quality of life (QoL). The NEI VFQ-39 is used to assess the QoL in patients with non-infectious posterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, or panuveitis, treated with subconjunctival (SCJ) or intravitreal (IVT) sirolimus as an immunomodulatory therapeutic (IMT) agent, delivered subconjunctivally (SCJ) or intravitreally (IVT) (the SAVE Study). Thirty subjects with non-infectious uveitis were randomized (SCJ:IVT, 1:1) for a prospective clinical trial. The 39-Question Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-39) was administered at baseline (BL), month 6 (M6), and month 12 (M12) visits. The survey measures self-reported vision health status for patients with chronic eye disease and assesses the effects of visual impairment on both task-oriented visual function and general health domains. In accordance to the NEI-VFQ Manual, each patient’s questionnaire was converted to a scaled score between 0 (worst) and 100 (best), and median scores were calculated for each of the subcategories and overall composite score at BL, M6, and M12. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed.

Results
Twenty-six patients completed the VFQ-39 at BL and M6, whereas 23 patients completed it at M12. Patients showed a significant improvement in pooled composite scores from BL to M6 and BL to M12. Analysis by treatment groups showed that intravitreal injection of sirolimus is better tolerated.

Conclusions
Sirolimus has demonstrated bioactivity as an IMT and corticosteroid-sparing agent to treat non-infectious uveitis. Patients receiving intravitreal injection of sirolimus showed overall improvement of vision-related health while those receiving subconjunctival injections did not. Larger randomized control trials with sirolimus are indicated to validate these results.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00908466
How do Australian podiatrists manage patients with diabetes? The Australian diabetic foot management survey
Authors: Quinton Thomas R , Lazzarini Peter A , Boyle Frances M , Russell Anthony W , Armstrong David G 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic foot complications are the leading cause of lower extremity amputation and diabetes‐related hospitalisation in Australia. Studies demonstrate significant reductions in amputations and hospitalisation when health professionals implement best practice management. Whilst other nations have surveyed health professionals on specific diabetic foot management, to the best of the authors' knowledge this appears not to have occurred in Australia. The primary aim of this study was to examine Australian podiatrists' diabetic foot management compared with best practice recommendations by the Australian National Health Medical Research Council.MethodsA 36‐item Australian Diabetic Foot Management survey, employing seven‐point Likert scales (0 = Never; 7 = Always) to measure multiple aspects of best practice diabetic foot management was developed. The survey was briefly tested for face and content validity. The survey was electronically distributed to Australian podiatrists via professional associations. Demographics including sex, years treating patients with diabetes, employment‐sector and patient numbers were also collected. Chi‐squared and Mann Whitney U tests were used to test differences between sub‐groups.ResultsThree hundred and eleven podiatrists responded; 222 (71%) were female, 158 (51%) from the public sector and 11–15 years median experience. Participants reported treating a median of 21–30 diabetes patients each week, including 1–5 with foot ulcers. Overall, participants registered median scores of at least “very often” (>6) in their use of most items covering best practice diabetic foot management. Notable exceptions were: “never” (1 (1 – 3)) using total contact casting, “sometimes” (4 (2 – 5)) performing an ankle brachial index, “sometimes” (4 (1 – 6)) using University of Texas Wound Classification System, and “sometimes” (4 (3 – 6) referring to specialist multi‐disciplinary foot teams. Public sector podiatrists reported higher use or access on all those items compared to private sector podiatrists (p < 0.01).ConclusionsThis study provides the first baseline information on Australian podiatrists' adherence to best practice diabetic foot guidelines. It appears podiatrists manage large caseloads of people with diabetes and are generally implementing best practice guidelines recommendations with some notable exceptions. Further studies are required to identify barriers to implementing these recommendations to ensure all Australians with diabetes have access to best practice care to prevent amputations.
Multicenter evaluation of a lateral-flow device test for diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in ICU patients
Authors: Eigl Susanne , Prattes Juergen , Lackner Michaela , Willinger Birgit , Spiess Birgit , Reinwald Mark , Selitsch Brigitte , Meilinger Michael , Neumeister Peter , Reischies Frederike , Wölfler Albert , Raggam Reinhard B , Flick Holger , Eschertzhuber Stephan , Krause Robert , Buchheidt Dieter , Thornton Christopher R , Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Hoenigl Martin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe incidence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is increasing, and early diagnosis of the disease and treatment with antifungal drugs is critical for patient survival. Serum biomarker tests for IPA typically give false-negative results in non-neutropenic patients, and galactomannan (GM) detection, the preferred diagnostic test for IPA using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), is often not readily available. Novel approaches to IPA detection in ICU patients are needed. In this multicenter study, we evaluated the performance of anAspergilluslateral-flow device (LFD) test for BAL IPA detection in critically ill patients.MethodsA total of 149 BAL samples from 133 ICU patients were included in this semiprospective study. Participating centers were the medical university hospitals of Graz, Vienna and Innsbruck in Austria and the University Hospital of Mannheim, Germany. Fungal infections were classified according to modified European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group criteria.ResultsTwo patients (four BALs) had proven IPA, fourteen patients (sixteen BALs) had probable IPA, twenty patients (twenty-one BALs) had possible IPA and ninety-seven patients (one hundred eight BALs) did not fulfill IPA criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value and diagnostic odds ratios for diagnosing proven and probable IPA using LFD tests of BAL were 80%, 81%, 96%, 44% and 17.6, respectively. Fungal BAL culture exhibited a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 85%.ConclusionLFD tests of BAL showed promising results for IPA diagnosis in ICU patients. Furthermore, the LFD test can be performed easily and provides rapid results. Therefore, it may be a reliable alternative for IPA diagnosis in ICU patients if GM results are not rapidly available.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT02058316. Registered 20 January 2014.