bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endovascular transcatheter embolization of recurrent postsurgical varicocele: anatomic reasons for surgical failure
Authors: Jargiello Tomasz , Drelich-Zbroja Anna , Falkowski Aleksander , Sojka Michal , Pyra Krzysztof , Szczerbo-Trojanowska Małgorzata 
Published: January 2014

Background Formation or pre-existence of collateral gonadal veins in varicocele patients has been reported as the main cause of surgical treatment failure. Purpose To describe venographic findings in patients with postsurgical recurrent varicoceles and to assess the efficacy of the following minimally invasive endovascular treatment. Material and Methods Thirty-three men with failed surgical treatment of left-sided varicocele were examined between 2006 and 2013, using retrograde venography to assess the anatomy of varicocele draining veins before the attempted transcatheter embolization. Anatomic variants of gonadal veins were categorized according to the classification modified for the purpose of the present study. 3% polidocanol was used as an embolic agent together with pushable fibered coils. Results In 31 (93%) out of 33 patients venography demonstrated incompetence of the gonadal vein or veins draining varicoceles after failed surgical treatment. The most frequent venographic finding was gonadal vein duplication – 66% of cases (39% in its mid-portion). Technical success of embolization was achieved in all 31 patients. No major complications were observed. Conclusion Retrograde varicocele embolization may be superior to surgery because of its ability to detect gonadal vein variants. In our study group, transcatheter embolization with 3% polidocanol and fibered coils allowed successful, minimally invasive treatment of postsurgical varicoceles.
MR image texture in Parkinson’s disease: a longitudinal study
Authors: Sikiö Minna , Holli-Helenius Kirsi K , Harrison Lara CV , Ryymin Pertti , Ruottinen Hanna , Saunamäki Tiia , Eskola Hannu J , Elovaara Irina , Dastidar Prasun 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundFew of the structural changes caused by Parkinson’s disease (PD) are visible in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with visual inspection but there is a need for a method capable of observing the changes beyond the human eye. Texture analysis offers a technique that enables the quantification of the image gray-level patterns.PurposeTo investigate the value of quantitative image texture analysis method in diagnosis and follow-up of PD patients.Material and MethodsTwenty-six PD patients underwent MRI at baseline and after 2 years of follow-up. Four co-occurrence matrix-based texture parameters, describing the image homogeneity and complexity, were calculated within clinically interesting areas of the brain. In addition, correlations with clinical characteristics (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Ranking Scales I–III and Mini-Mental State Examination score) along with a comparison to healthy controls were evaluated.ResultsPatients at baseline and healthy volunteers differed in their brain MR image textures mostly in the areas of substantia nigra pars compacta, dentate nucleus, and basilar pons. During the 2-year follow-up of the patients, textural differences appeared mainly in thalamus and corona radiata. Texture parameters in all the above mentioned areas were also found to be significantly related to clinical scores describing the severity of PD.ConclusionTexture analysis offers a quantitative method for detecting structural changes in brain MR images. However, the protocol and repeatability of the method must be enhanced before possible clinical use.
Usefulness of phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis and treatment evaluation in patients with SIH
Authors: Tung Hsin , Liao Yi-Chu , Wu Chih-Ceng , Chang Ming-Hong , Chen Clayton Chi-Chang , Chen Po-Lin , Chen Hung-Chieh 
Published: January 2014

Background Most diagnostic tools for spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) are either invasive or occasionally inconsistent with the clinical condition. In this study, we examined the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in SIH using phase-contrast magnetic resonance (PC-MR) imaging. Materials and method Seventeen SIH patients and 32 healthy individuals, matched by sex and age, were recruited. Each person underwent brain and PC-MR imaging using 3-Tesla MRI. We evaluated the differences in image parameters among patients during the initial and recovery stages against the status of the control group. Results SIH patients had lower CSF flow-volume, flux, peak velocity, and higher systolic-to-diastolic time ratio, as well as systolic-to-diastolic volume ratio compared to the control group and the conditions when they recovered. The flow time and volume of the diastolic phase markedly increased after treatment. The discriminating power of PC-MR for SIH was good. Diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement and venous engorgement were present when their PC-MR values were lower than the cut-off values for SIH diagnosis. The headache scores correlated with the peak velocity and pituitary volume. Conclusion Noninvasive PC-MR could provide valid parameters for diagnosis and treatment follow-up in SIH patients. It may be more sensitive than conventional brain MRI.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Knee in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population
Authors: Murphy Ryan T. , Pennock Andrew T. , Bugbee William D. 
Published: January 2014

Background: Multiple studies in adults have shown that osteochondral allograft transplantation is an effective treatment option for large chondral and osteochondral defects of the knee. Limited outcome data are available on osteochondral allografts in the pediatric and adolescent patient populations. Purpose: To describe a 28-year experience with osteochondral allograft transplantation in patients younger than 18 years with a focus on subjective outcome measures, return to activities, and allograft survivorship. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 39 patients (43 knees) underwent fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation for treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions. Twenty-six male and 17 female knees with a mean age of 16.4 years (range, 11.0-17.9 years) at index surgery were followed-up at a mean of 8.4 years (range, 1.7-27.1 years). Thirty-four knees (79%) had at least 1 previous surgery. The most common underlying causes of the lesions were osteochondritis dissecans (61%), avascular necrosis (16%), and traumatic chondral injury (14%). Mean allograft size was 8.4 cm2. The most common allograft location was the medial femoral condyle (41.9%), followed by the lateral femoral condyle (35%). Each patient was evaluated with the International Knee Documentation Committee pain, function, and total scores; a modified Merle d’Aubigné-Postel (18-point) scale; and Knee Society function score. Failure was defined as revision osteochondral allograft or conversion to arthroplasty. Results: Five knees experienced clinical failure at a median of 2.7 years (range, 1.0-14.7 years). Four failures were salvaged successfully with another osteochondral allograft transplant. One patient underwent prosthetic arthroplasty 8.6 years after revision allograft. Graft survivorship was 90% at 10 years. Of the knees whose grafts were in situ at latest follow-up, 88% were rated good/excellent (18-point scale). The mean International Knee Documentation Committee scores improved from 42 preoperatively to 75 postoperatively, and the Knee Society function score improved from 69 to 89 (both P < .05). Eighty-nine percent of patients reported “extremely satisfied” or “satisfied.” Conclusion: With 88% good/excellent results and 80% salvage rate of clinical failures with an additional allograft, osteochondral allograft transplantation is a useful treatment option in pediatric and adolescent patients.
Assessing the repair of critical size bone defects performed in a goat tibia model using tissue-engineered constructs cultured in a bidirectional flow perfusion bioreactor
Authors: Gardel LS , Afonso M , Frias C , Gomes ME , Reis RL 
Published: January 2014

This work evaluated in vivo performance of a tissue-engineered bone-like matrix obtained by culturing cell-scaffold constructs in a flow perfusion bioreactor, designed to enable culture of large constructs, envisioning the regeneration of critical-sized defects. A blend of starch with polycaprolactone scaffolds was seeded with goat bone marrow stromal cells (GBMSCs) cultured in the perfusion bioreactor for 14 days using osteogenic medium. Cell seeded scaffolds cultured in static conditions acted as controls. After 14 days, constructs (42 mm length and 16 mm in diameter) were implanted in critical size defects performed in the tibial bone of six adult goats from which the bone marrow had been collected previously. Explants were retrieved after six and 12 weeks of implantation and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, micro-computed tomography and radiographic analysis to assess tissue morphology and calcification. Explants were histologically analyzed, using Hematoxylin & Eosin and Masson Trichrome staining. Results provided relevant information about the performance and functionality of starch with polycaprolactone–goat bone marrow stromal cell constructs in a critical size orthotopic defect performed in a large animal model and demonstrated that culture of the starch with polycaprolactone scaffolds with the autologous cells in perfusion culture provide a good therapy for the healing and regenerative process of bone defects.
Denosumab in hypercalcemia of malignancy: A case series
Authors: Dietzek Amanda , Connelly Kelly , Cotugno Michael , Bartel Sylvia , McDonnell Anne M 
Published: January 2014

Background Denosumab is a nuclear factor-kappa ligand monoclonal antibody whose FDA-approved indications include treatment of osteoporosis, bone loss with certain anticancer hormonal agents, and prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors. In clinical trials, the incidence of severe hypocalcemia has been reported as 3.1–10.8%. To date, case reports and two clinical trials have reported the use of denosumab in the management of hypercalcemia of malignancy. No reports of denosumab-induced hypocalcemia have been reported for the hypercalcemia of malignancy population. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who received denosumab for hypercalcemia of malignancy to describe the effects of denosumab on calcium levels at our institution. Results Seven patients received doses of denosumab for hypercalcemia of malignancy. The most common tumor types were breast cancer (n = 3) and hematologic malignancies (n = 2). All patients had bone involvement. Two patients received single doses of 60 mg. The other five patients received 120 mg. The mean corrected calcium levels were 13.7 mg/dL and 12.24 mg/dL for the days of admission and denosumab administration, respectively (p = 0.1889). The mean corrected calcium level for the last known value was 9.92 mg/dL, while in house (p = 0.0016). Supportive care prior to denosumab included hydration (n = 7), bisphosphonates (n = 6), and calcitonin (n = 5). One patient had a calcium level of 6.6 mg/dL on day 4 after denosumab, requiring calcium supplementation and telemetry. Of the seven patients treated with denosumab for hypercalcemia of malignancy at our institution, six patients were discharged alive. Of these, one patient died two days after discharge. Last-known follow-up was a median of 26 days, range, 3–195, for all patients. Conclusions Denosumab helped decrease calcium in patients with hypercalcemia of malignancy. However, symptomatic hypocalcemia may result from denosumab in hypercalcemia of malignancy.
The Effects of an Educational Self-Efficacy Intervention on Osteoporosis Prevention and Diabetes Self-Management Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ha Mei , Hu Jie , Petrini Marcia A. , McCoy Thomas P. 
Published: January 2014

Background: Prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) is high among Chinese adults with diabetes. Assessment of OP and fracture risk as well as patient education should be included as part of the management of diabetes. Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to test the effectiveness of an educational self-efficacy intervention on knowledge about OP, dietary calcium intake, the importance of physical activity (PA), and glycemic control among Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes residing in Wuhan, China. Method: A quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was employed. Participants were assigned to either the intervention ( n = 23) or the control group ( n = 23). Intervention participants attended 6 weekly 1-hr educational sessions comprising presentations, demonstration, and discussions. Control participants received standard care. Data were collected via questionnaires at pre- and postintervention and at 3-month follow-up, and blood was drawn at preintervention and 3-month follow-up. Results: Participants in the intervention group had significant improvement in OP knowledge, F(2, 43) = 11.504, p < .001; OP self-efficacy, F(2, 43) = 6.915, p = .003; dietary calcium intake, F(2, 43) = 7.856, p = .002; level of PA, F(2, 43) = 4.787, p = .011; diabetes self-care activities, F(2, 43) = 14.009, p < .001; diabetes self-efficacy, F(2, 43) = 19.722, p < .001; and glycemic control (A1C level; t = 2.809, p = .010) compared to the control group at the 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the effectiveness of OP prevention education based on self-efficacy theory among Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes.
Multiple sclerosis in the Iranian immigrant population of BC, Canada: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Guimond Colleen , Lee Joshua D , Ramagopalan Sreeram V , Dyment David A , Hanwell Heather , Giovannoni Gavin , Criscuoli Maria , Yee Irene M , Vorobeychik Galina , Ebers George C , Sadovnick A Dessa 
Published: January 2014

Background: There is a well-documented increase in the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) when migrating from a region of low prevalence to one of high prevalence. Objective: We present here an investigation of MS prevalence and candidate environmental and genetic risk factors among Iranian immigrants to British Columbia (BC), Canada. Methods: MS cases of Iranian ancestry were ascertained from a population-based Canadian study. We collected blood samples for genetic and serological analyses, and administered a personal history questionnaire to the cases. Results: The crude prevalence of MS in this population of Iranian ancestry was 287/100,000 (95% CI: 229 – 356/100,000). MS cases were more likely to have a history of infectious mononucleosis (odds ratio (OR) = 7.5; p = 0.005) and smoking (OR = 17.0; p < 0.0001), as compared to healthy controls from previous studies in Iran. Cases were also more likely than controls to have been born between April and September (OR = 2.1; p = 0.019). Conclusion: The prevalence of MS among Iranian immigrants to Canada is greater than the overall prevalence of MS in Iran by a factor of at least four, and is similar to that recently observed among Iranian immigrants in other western nations. No major genetic susceptibility variants were identified, suggesting the environment in Canada may be what is increasing the risk of MS in this population.
A pharmacist-managed telemedicine clinic for hepatitis C care: a descriptive analysis
Authors: You Andy , Kawamoto Jenna , Smith Jason P 
Published: January 2014

Summary We established a pharmacist-led telemedicine clinic to manage patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. The clinic used individual pharmacist-to-patient consultations. There was also a group hepatitis C patient education class. The hepatitis C telemedicine service began in February 2011 and was available at three remote sites (Santa Maria, Bakersfield and East Los Angeles) from the main site in West Los Angeles. A total of 96 patients were seen through telemedicine in the first nine months. A patient satisfaction survey was conducted at the end of 2011 and 18 questionnaires were returned. In comparison with visits to the clinic in West Los Angeles, all patients were at least equally satisfied with telemedicine and there were no patients who were less satisfied with telemedicine. Telemedicine reduced the travelling distance and time it took for patients to attend their clinic appointment. 82% of patients preferred their future hepatitis C clinic visits to be conducted via telemedicine and 78% would prefer any future clinic visit for any disease state management to be conducted via telemedicine. The use of telemedicine increased the opportunities for patients living in remote areas to receive care for hepatitis C management.
A pilot study of a tool to stimulate physical activity in patients with COPD or type 2 diabetes in primary care
Authors: Verwey Renée , van der Weegen Sanne , Spreeuwenberg Marieke , Tange Huibert , van der Weijden Trudy , de Witte Luc 
Published: January 2014

Summary We tested the performance, acceptance and user satisfaction of a tool to stimulate physical activity. The tool consisted of an accelerometer, a smartphone app and a server/web application. Patients received feedback concerning their physical activity relative to a goal, which was set in dialogue with their practice nurse. Nurses could monitor their patients’ physical activity via a website. Twenty patients with COPD or type 2 diabetes used the tool for three months, combined with behaviour change counselling. Physical activity data were collected at the server and a log file was used to record technical problems. We interviewed patients and nurses after every consultation. At baseline, and after the intervention, patients completed questionnaires. Participants were positive about the tool, although motivation dropped when technical problems occurred caused by log-in and connectivity errors. On average, physical activity increased from 29 (SD 21) min per day in the first two weeks to 39 (SD 24) min per day in the last two weeks ( P = 0.02), and quality of life scores increased from 0.76 (SD 0.21) to 0.84 (SD 0.17) ( P = 0.04). Provided that no connectivity problems occur, the tool is a feasible intervention when embedded in primary care, and has a positive effect on physical activity levels.
Agreement between telepsychiatry assessment and face-to-face assessment for Emergency Department psychiatry patients
Authors: Seidel Richard W , Kilgus Mark D 
Published: January 2014

Summary We compared psychiatrists’ evaluations of Emergency Department (ED) mental health patients made face-to-face or by telemedicine. In a 39-month study, 73 patients presenting in the ED were enrolled after initial screening. Patients were interviewed by a psychiatrist either face-to-face in the ED or remotely by video. A second psychiatrist, acting as an observer, was in the room with the patient and independently completed the assessment. Based on the primary diagnosis of the interviewer, 48% of patients had a depressive disorder, 18% a substance use disorder, 14% a bipolar disorder, 11% a psychotic disorder, 6% an anxiety disorder and 4% other disorders. The raw agreement between the psychiatrists about disposition when both used face-to-face assessment was 84% and it was 86% when one used telemedicine. Using Cohen’s kappa to evaluate agreement, there were no significant differences for disposition recommendation, strength of recommendation, diagnosis or the HCR-20 dangerousness scale. There was no significant difference for the intraclass correlation coefficients for the suicide scale. The results provide preliminary support for the safe use of telepsychiatry in the ED to determine the need for admission to inpatient care.
Managing eating and drinking difficulties (dysphagia) with children who have learning disabilities: What is effective?
Authors: Harding Celia , Cockerill Helen 
Published: January 2014

People who work with children who have neurological and learning disabilities frequently need to manage the health and emotional risks associated with eating, drinking and swallowing (dysphagia). Some approaches can support children to develop oral feeding competence or to maximise their ability to maintain some oral intake supplemented with tube feeding. However, some clinicians feel that oral-motor exercises can support eating and drinking skills as well as speech and language development, whereas there is little evidence to support this. The implied “beneficial” association between oral-motor exercises, speech and swallowing skills gives a false impression in terms of future outcomes for parents and carers of children with learning disabilities. This paper considers oral-motor approaches in the remediation of dysphagia and the need for a cultural shift away from this view. Realistic and useful outcomes for people with learning disabilities need to be an essential part of therapeutic intervention.
China’s Ethical Dilemmas Under Globalization and Uncertainty
Authors: Ke Jie , Wang Greg G. 
Published: January 2014

The Problem Globalization has created increased economic and social uncertainty to China partially represented by daunting ethical dilemmas. It is critical for Chinese human resource development (HRD) researchers and practitioners to advice China to address the problems through balancing the need for short-term growth and long-term sustainability following the Global Financial Crisis era. However, little is known about how HRD can and should respond to these circumstances in a Chinese context. The Solution Linking China’s ethical dilemmas to traditional cultural beliefs and values is necessary to understand the ethical issues in dealing with increased uncertainty in future development. Three major cultural beliefs/ideologies that influence ethical behaviors in China are analyzed: Confucianism, Taoism, and Capitalism. Ethical imperatives derived from cultural analysis and HRD implications are presented at the national, organizational, and individual level. The Stakeholders The article offers HRD researchers and practitioners a framework to address how to create a benign ethical culture for China, which promotes and sustains ethical behaviors.
Impact of Noncaregiving-Related Stressors on Informal Caregiver Outcomes
Authors: Austrom Mary Guerriero , Lu Yvonne Yueh-Feng , Perkins Anthony J. , Boustani Malaz , Callahan Christopher M. , Hendrie Hugh C. 
Published: January 2014

Background: Caregivers of persons with dementia are stressed. Stressors not related to care recipients’ needs impact caregiver outcomes, yet are seldom reported. The purpose of this study was to report the most stressful events experienced by spouse caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer s disease during a 6-month period. Methods: 31 caregivers completed the Most Stressful Event form, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Revised Memory Behavioral Problem Checklist (R-MBPC). Fisher’s exact test and two-sample t-test were used to compare Most Stressful Events between caregivers. ANOVA model tested whether the PHQ-9 and R-MBPC subscales differed by stressor. Results: Caregivers reported no stressors 21.5% of the time, 1-2 stressors 25% of the time, and 3 stressors 53% of the time with 318 stressors reported in total. Care recipient needs (30.2%), caregiver needs (26.7%), and decision-making (16.7%) were the most frequently reported stressors. Using a mixed effects model, there were associations between the Most Stressful Events and depression (p = 0.016), mobility (p = 0.024) and caregiver issues (p = 0.009) subscales of R-MBPC. Conclusion: Results can be used to develop targeted intervention and support strategies for spouse caregivers experiencing non-caregiving related stressorsas well as the traditional challenges with caregiving related issues.