bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Staying connected: re-establishing social relationships following vision loss
Authors: Wang Shu-Wen , Boerner Kathrin 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To examine the nature of relationship-related challenges experienced by adults with vision impairment, as well as the strategies employed to deal with them. Design: Cross-sectional qualitative study. Setting: Vision rehabilitation agency. Subjects: Fifty-eight young, middle-aged and older adults with vision impairment. Method: Telephone and in-person interviews included an open-ended question about how having a vision impairment has changed relationships. Interviews were coded using a qualitative analytical approach. Results: Participants' responses fell into two categories: difficulty in social situations was due either to other people's lack of understanding and/or one's own lack of visual cues. Responses were either to readjust one's behaviour to maintain relationships or to let relationships go or turn sour. Within these two directions, participants reported specific strategies. For readjusting one's behaviour, participants mentioned explaining themselves more and being more assertive, relying on other senses for information, 'faking' it through interactions, and being more selective about who they interacted with. For letting relationships go, participants reported either withdrawing and making fewer initiatives to socialize, or getting angry and telling people off. Conclusions: Study findings suggest that re-establishing relationships following vision loss is a multifaceted experience in which individuals employ different strategies. These need to be further researched, given their importance to individuals dealing with vision impairment.
'We're just sick people, nothing else': ... factors contributing to elderly stroke patients' satisfaction with rehabilitation
Authors: Mangset Margrete , Tor Erling Dahl  , Førde Reidun , Wyller Torgeir Bruun 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To identify factors contributing to elderly stroke patients' satisfaction with rehabilitation following stroke. Design: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Setting: Interviews conducted in two phases, once in a stroke rehabilitation unit and once after hospital discharge. Subjects: Twelve elderly stroke patients (seven women and five men, aged 60—87 years). Results: One main category: 'To be treated with respect and dignity' was identified as a core factor contributing to patients' satisfaction with the rehabilitation services. This main factor was divided into five subcategories: (1) Being treated with humanity, (2) Being acknowledged as individuals, (3) Having their autonomy respected, (4) Having confidence and trust in professionals, (5) Dialogue and exchange of information. The statements covered a continuum from satisfaction via indifference to dissatisfaction. Expressions of satisfaction emerged mainly as general statements while expressions of dissatisfaction described situations in greater detail. Satisfaction was merely connected to daily care experiences and fulfilment of basic needs. Trust in providers and being dignified seemed more closely associated with satisfaction than being involved in treatment decisions. The findings demonstrate how the quality of patient—professional interaction influences patients' satisfaction with stroke rehabilitation. Conclusion: To be treated with respect and dignity seems to be a core element influencing vulnerable elderly stroke patients' satisfaction with rehabilitation. A merely functional definition of the success of rehabilitation should be expanded into an approach encompassing patients' perceptions and personal preferences. The meaning of dignity for elderly stroke patients in the rehabilitation setting should be further clarified and given practical substance.
Comparison of two extracorporeal shock wave therapy techniques for the treatment of painful subcalcaneal spur. A randomized controlled study
Authors: Tornese Davide , Mattei Enrico , Lucchesi Giampaolo , Bandi Marco , Ricci Gabriele , Melegati Gianluca 
Published: August 2008

Objective: To describe and compare two extracorporeal shock wave therapy techniques for the treatment of painful subcalcaneal spur. Design: Random assignment to two groups of treatment with two and eight months follow-up. Setting: The data were collected in outpatients. Subjects: Forty-five subjects with a history of at least six months of heel pain were studied. Interventions: Each subject received a three-session ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave therapy (performed weekly). Perpendicular technique was used in group A (n=22, mean age 59.3 ± 12 years) and tangential technique was used in group B (n= 23, mean age 58.8 ± 12.3 years). Main outcome measures: Mayo Clinical Scoring System was used to evaluate each subject before the treatment and at two and eight months follow-up. Results: Mayo Clinical Scoring System pretreatment scores were homogeneous between the groups (group A 55.2 ±18.7; group B 53.5 ± 20; P>0.05). In both groups there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in the Mayo Clinical Scoring System score at two months (group A 83.9 ± 13.7; group B 80 ± 15,8) and eight months (group A 90 ± 10.5; group B 90.2 ±8.7) follow-up. No significant differences were obtained comparing the Mayo Clinical Scoring System scores of the two groups at two and eight months follow-up. Conclusions: There was no difference between the two techniques of using extracorporeal shock wave therapy. The tangential technique was found to be better tolerated as regards treatment-induced pain, allowing higher energy dosages to be used.
Hamstring Graft Size Prediction
Authors: Treme Gehron , Diduch David R. , Billante Mark J. , Miller Mark D. , Hart Joseph M. 
Published: August 2008

Background Recently we retrospectively collected clinical data to predict hamstring graft diameter. Prospective data collection will improve and further define prediction of hamstring graft size. Hypothesis Clinical anthropometric data can be used to predict hamstring graft size. Study Design Cohort study (prevalence); Level of evidence, 1. Methods Fifty consecutive patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency scheduled for reconstruction using hamstring autograft were prospectively evaluated. Preoperatively we recorded height, weight, body mass index, age, gender, leg length, thigh length, shank length, bilateral thigh circumference, and Tegner score. Intraoperative measurements of both the gracilis and semitendinosus tendons were made, including absolute length before fashioning the graft and final diameter of the quadrupled graft using sizing tubes calibrated to 0.5 mm. Bivariate correlation coefficients (Pearson r) were calculated to identify relationships among clinical data and intraoperatively measured hamstring graft length and diameter. Results Strongest correlations for graft lengths were height and leg length measurements. Shorter persons with shorter leg, thigh, and shank lengths tended to have shorter gracilis and semitendinosus grafts. Likewise, the strongest correlations for graft diameter were weight and thigh circumference. Self-reported activity level and age did not correlate. Gender comparison revealed that women who were shorter, lighter, and had smaller body mass indices were more likely to have smaller graft diameters and shorter graft lengths. Conclusion Patients weighing less than 50 kg, less than 140 cm in height, with less than 37 cm thigh circumference, and with body mass index less than 18 should be considered at high risk for having a quadrupled hamstring graft diameter less than 7 mm. When separated by gender, small graft diameters are most likely in older, short, female subjects with small thigh circumferences or young, skinny, male subjects with small thigh circumferences and low body mass index. Common clinical measurements can be used for preoperative identification of patients at risk for insufficient graft tissue and would be useful for patient counseling and alternative graft source planning.
Repair of Large Chondral Defects of the Knee with Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in Patients 45 Years or Older
Authors: Rosenberger Ralf E. , Gomoll Andreas H. , Bryant Tim , Minas Tom 
Published: August 2008

Background Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) has become an accepted option for the treatment of chondral defects in carefully selected patients. Current recommendations limit this procedure to younger patients, as insufficient data are available to conclusively evaluate outcomes in patients older than 45 years. Hypothesis Cartilage repair with ACI in patients older than 45 years results in substantially different outcomes than those previously reported for younger age groups. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods This prospective cohort study reviewed patients 45 years of age at the time of treatment with ACI. The clinical evaluation included a patient satisfaction questionnaire and four validated rating scales: Short Form-36, Modified Cincinnati Rating Scale, WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities) Osteoarthritis Index, and the Knee Society Score. Results A total of 56 patients 45 years of age were treated with ACI. The average patient age at index surgery was 48.6 years (range, 45–60 years). The minimum follow-up was 2 years (range, 2–11 years; mean, 4.7 years). The cohort included 36 men and 20 women. The mean transplant size was 4.7 cm2 per defect (range, 1–15.0 cm2) and 9.8 cm2 per knee (range, 2.5–31.6 cm2). Twenty-eight patients (50%) underwent concomitant osteotomies to address malalignment. There were 8 failures (14%); 6 of 15 (40%) in patients receiving workers’ compensation (WC) and 2 of 41 (4.9%) in non-WC patients. Additional arthroscopic surgical procedures were required in 24 patients (43%) for periosteal-related problems and adhesions; 88% of these patients experienced lasting improvement. At their latest available follow-up, 72% of patients rated themselves as good or excellent, 78% felt improved, and 81 % would again choose ACI as a treatment option. Conclusion Our results showed a failure rate of ACI in older patients that is comparable with rates reported in younger patient groups. The procedure is associated with a substantial rate of reoperations, mostly for the arthroscopic treatment of graft hypertrophy, similar to that in younger patients.
Force Measurements on the Posterior Oblique Ligament and Superficial Medial Collateral Ligament Proximal and Distal Divisions to Applied Loads
Authors: Griffith Chad J. , Wijdicks Coen A. , LaPrade Robert F. , Armitage Bryan M. , Johansen Steinar , Engebretsen Lars 
Published: August 2008

Background There is limited information regarding load responses of the posterior oblique and superficial medial collateral ligaments to applied loads. Hypotheses The degree of knee flexion affects loads experienced by the posterior oblique ligament and both divisions of the superficial medial collateral ligament. The posterior oblique ligament provides significant resistance to valgus and internal rotation forces near knee extension. Different load responses are experienced by proximal and distal divisions of the superficial medial collateral ligament. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Twenty-four nonpaired, fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were tested. Buckle transducers were applied to the proximal and distal divisions of the superficial medial collateral and posterior oblique ligaments. Applied loads at 0°, 20°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion consisted of 10 N.m valgus loads, 5 N .m internal and external rotation torques, and 88 N anterior and posterior drawer loads. Results External rotation torques produced a significantly higher load response on the distal superficial medial collateral ligament than did internal rotation torques at all flexion angles with the largest difference at 90° (96.6 vs 22.5 N). For an applied valgus load at 60° of knee flexion, loads on the superficial medial collateral ligament were significantly higher in the distal division (103.5 N) than the proximal division (71.9 N). The valgus load response of the posterior oblique ligament at 0° of flexion (19.1 N) was significantly higher than at 30° (10.6 N), 60° (7.8 N), and 90° (6.8 N) of flexion. At 0° of knee flexion, the load response to internal rotation on the posterior oblique ligament (45.8 N) was significantly larger than was the response on both divisions of the superficial medial collateral ligament (20 N for both divisions). At 90° of flexion, the load response to internal rotation torques reciprocated between these structures with a significantly higher response in the distal superficial medial collateral ligament division (22.5 N) than the posterior oblique ligament (9.1 N). Conclusion The superficial medial collateral ligament experienced the largest load response to applied valgus and external rotation torques; the posterior oblique ligament observed the highest load response to internal rotation near extension. Clinical Relevance This study provides new knowledge of the individual biomechanical function of the main medial knee structures in an intact knee and will assist in the interpretation of clinical knee motion testing and provide evidence for techniques involving repair or reconstruction of the posterior oblique ligament and both divisions of the superficial medial collateral ligament.
Incidence of Associated Injuries with Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocations Types III through V
Authors: Tischer Thomas , Salzmann Gian Max , El-Azab Hosam , Vogt Stephan , Imhoff Andreas B. 
Published: August 2008

Background Traumatic acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations are common injuries among the active population. The injury mechanism requires excessive force delivered by a fall or blow to the shoulder. Associated injuries may occur and remain undetected if they are masked by the painful and prominent AC joint injury. Hypothesis Intra-articular injuries associated with high-grade AC joint dislocations are common. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Between 2002 and 2007, 77 patients (68 male, 9 female; average age, 35.5 years; range, 17-62 years) were surgically treated for acute AC joint dislocations (Rockwood type III, 5; type IV, 30; and type V, 42). All patients underwent diagnostic glenohumeral joint arthroscopy. Concomitant intra-articular injuries were identified and treated. Results Intra-articular injuries were found in 14 of 77 patients (18.2%). Superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions were observed in 11 of 77 patients 14.3% (SLAP I, 3; II, 2; III, 3; and IV, 3). Nineteen percent of Rockwood V lesions had associated SLAP lesions (SLAP I excluded), whereas only 3.4% of Rockwood IV lesions showed SLAP lesions. A complete supraspinatus tear was detected in 1 case, and partial articular-sided supraspinatus tears were detected in 2 cases. Four patients sustained an accompanying fracture. Conclusion Concomitant injuries to the shoulder girdle obtained during traumatic AC joint separation may be more frequent than previously thought. Clinical diagnosis may be difficult in the setting of an acute and painful dislocated AC joint. Shoulder arthroscopy during arthroscopic AC joint stabilization may aid in detecting associated injuries.
Native human autoantibodies targeting GIPC1 identify differential expression in malignant tumors of the breast and ovary
Authors: Yavelsky Victoria , Rohkin Sarit , Shaco-Levy Ruthy , Tzikinovsky Alina , Amir Tamar , Kohn Hila , Delgado Berta , Rabinovich Alex , Piura Benjamin , Chan Gerald , Kalantarov Gavreel , Trakht Ilya , Lobel Leslie 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
We have been studying the native humoral immune response to cancer and have isolated a library of fully human autoantibodies to a variety of malignancies. We previously described the isolation and characterization of two fully human monoclonal antibodies, 27.F7 and 27.B1, from breast cancer patients that target the protein known as GIPC1, an accessory PDZ-domain binding protein involved in regulation of G-protein signaling. Human monoclonal antibodies, 27.F7 and 27.B1, to GIPC1 demonstrate specific binding to malignant breast cancer tissue with no reactivity with normal breast tissue.

Methods
The current study employs cELISA, flow cytometry, Western blot analysis as well as immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. Data is analyzed statistically with the Fisher one-tail and two-tail tests for two independent samples.

Results
By screening several other cancer cell lines with 27.F7 and 27.B1 we found consistently strong staining of other human cancer cell lines including SKOV-3 (an ovarian cancer cell line). To further clarify the association of GIPC1 with breast and ovarian cancer we carefully studied 27.F7 and 27.B1 using immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. An immunohistochemical study of normal ovarian tissue, benign, borderline and malignant ovarian serous tumors, and different types of breast cancer revealed high expression of GIPC1 protein in neoplastic cells. Interestingly, antibodies 27.F7 and 27.B1 demonstrate differential staining of borderline ovarian tumors. Examination of different types of breast cancer demonstrates that the level of GIPC1 expression depends on tumor invasiveness and displays a higher expression than in benign tumors.

Conclusion
The present pilot study demonstrates that the GIPC1 protein is overexpressed in ovarian and breast cancer, which may provide an important diagnostic and prognostic marker and will constitute the basis for further study of the role that this protein plays in malignant diseases. In addition, this study suggests that human monoclonal antibodies 27.F7 and 27.B1 should be further evaluated as potential diagnostic tools.
Costs of treating patients with schizophrenia who have illness-related crisis events
Authors: Zhu Baojin , Ascher-Svanum Haya , Faries Douglas E , Peng Xiaomei , Salkever David , Slade Eric P 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Relatively little is known about the relationship between psychosocial crises and treatment costs for persons with schizophrenia. This naturalistic prospective study assessed the association of recent crises with mental health treatment costs among persons receiving treatment for schizophrenia.

Methods
Data were drawn from a large multi-site, non-interventional study of schizophrenia patients in the United States, conducted between 1997 and 2003. Participants were treated at mental health treatment systems, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, community mental health centers, community and state hospitals, and university health care service systems. Total costs over a 1-year period for mental health services and component costs (psychiatric hospitalizations, antipsychotic medications, other psychotropic medications, day treatment, emergency psychiatric services, psychosocial/rehabilitation group therapy, individual therapy, medication management, and case management) were calculated for 1557 patients with complete medical information. Direct mental health treatment costs for patients who had experienced 1 or more of 5 recent crisis events were compared to propensity-matched samples of persons who had not experienced a crisis event. The 5 non-mutually exclusive crisis event subgroups were: suicide attempt in the past 4 weeks (n = 18), psychiatric hospitalization in the past 6 months (n = 240), arrest in the past 6 months (n = 56), violent behaviors in the past 4 weeks (n = 62), and diagnosis of a co-occurring substance use disorder (n = 413).

Results
Across all 5 categories of crisis events, patients who had a recent crisis had higher average annual mental health treatment costs than patients in propensity-score matched comparison samples. Average annual mental health treatment costs were significantly higher for persons who attempted suicide ($46,024), followed by persons with psychiatric hospitalization in the past 6 months ($37,329), persons with prior arrests ($31,081), and persons with violent behaviors ($18,778). Total cost was not significantly higher for those with co-occurring substance use disorder ($19,034).

Conclusion
Recent crises, particularly suicide attempts, psychiatric hospitalizations, and criminal arrests, are predictive of higher mental health treatment costs in schizophrenia patients.
Regional differences in mortality in Greece (1984–2004): The case of Thrace
Authors: Papastergiou Panagiotis , Rachiotis George , Polyzou Konstantina , Zilidis Christos , Hadjichristodoulou Christos 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Mortality differences at national level can generate hypothesis on possible causal association that could be further investigated. The aim of the present study was to identify regions with high mortality rates in Greece.

Methods
Age adjusted specific mortality rates by gender were calculated in each of the 10 regions of Greece during the period 1984–2004. Moreover standardized mortality rates (SMR) were also calculated by using population census data of years 1981, 1991, 2001. The mortality rates were examined in relation to GDP per capita, the ratio of hospital beds, and doctors per population for each region.

Results
During the study period, the region of Thrace recorded the highest mortality rate at almost all age groups in both sexes among the ten Greek regions. Thrace had one of the lowest GDP per capita (11 123 Euro) and recorded low ratios of Physicians (284) per 100 000 inhabitants in comparison to the national ratios. Moreover the ratio of hospital beds per population was in Thrace very low (268/100 000) in comparison to the national ratio (470/100 000). Thrace is the Greek region with the highest percentage of Muslim population (33%). Multivariate analysis revealed that GDP and doctors/100000 inhabitants were associated with increased mortality in Thrace.

Conclusion
Thrace is the region with the highest mortality rate in Greece. Further research is needed to assess the contribution of each possible risk factor to the increased mortality rate of Thrace which could have important public health implications.