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[ "Diffuse panbronchiolitis: an underdiagnosed disease?<||||>Diffuse panbronchiolitis is a clinical pathologic condition characterized by chronic inflammation of respiratory bronchioles, with clinical features that position it as a differential diagnosis among the sinopulmonary syndromes.", "Diffuse panbronchiolitis: an underdiagnosed disease?<||||>We present 4 cases (1 Black, 2 Japanese descendants, and 1 Japanese), living in Brazil, in which the diagnosis was made by the clinical and radiological features and confirmed by transbronchial biopsy. The clinical findings included chronic sinusitis, productive cough, rhonchi, and wheezes. The pulmonary function tests showed an obstructive pattern. High resolution computerized tomography showed a diffuse nodular pattern, airway ectasia, and airway wall thickening. The biopsy showed interstitial accumulation of foam cells and lymphoid cells in the walls of respiratory bronchioles: 2 of our cases had bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue hyperplasia. We searched for the HLA Bw54 in all of our patients, but only 1 was positive. A low dose macrolide treatment was introduced, resulting in with clinical and functional improvement. A score that rated the extent of nodules, airway ectasia, mucus plugging, and airway wall thickening was applied on pre- and post-treatment High resolution computerized tomography results, revealing an improvement in tomographic pattern related to that observed in the pulmonary function tests." ]

[ "Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of focal liver lesions in the left and right lobes: is there a difference in ADC values?<||||>To determine possible differences between the left and right hepatic lobes in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of benign and malignant focal liver lesions (FLLs) and normal liver parenchyma.", "Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of focal liver lesions in the left and right lobes: is there a difference in ADC values?<||||>Thirty-six patients (16 males, 20 females; mean age 56.8 years) with FLLs of the same etiology in both the left and right hepatic lobes (13 patients with 26 benign FLLs and 23 patients with 46 malignant FLLs) who underwent 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion-weighted MRI (b values: 0 and 800 seconds/mm) with respiratory gating and without cardiac gating were included in this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant and institutional review board-approved study. ADC values of normal liver parenchyma and FLLs in each hepatic lobe were calculated and compared by using Student's t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, respectively.", "Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of focal liver lesions in the left and right lobes: is there a difference in ADC values?<||||>The mean ADC values of normal liver parenchyma, benign FLLs, and malignant FLLs were significantly higher (P<.001, P = .003, and P = .005, respectively) in the left hepatic lobe (1.74 × 10(-3), 1.81 × 10(-3), and 1.48 × 10(-3) mm²/second, respectively) than in the right hepatic lobe (1.48 × 10(-3), 1.54 × 10(-3), and 1.24 × 10(-3) mm²/second, respectively)." ]

[ "Is mild cognitive impairment prodromal for vascular dementia like Alzheimer's disease?<||||>Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and probably other forms of dementia. Some subtypes of vascular dementia (VaD) may possess minor neuropathological changes of AD that may contribute to cognitive impairments. It was posited that MCI, identified by criteria described here, might present as a prodrome for VaD and AD.", "Is mild cognitive impairment prodromal for vascular dementia like Alzheimer's disease?<||||>Serial Mini-Mental State Examination was administered at 3- to 6-month intervals, and neuroimaging was performed annually. Subtle cognitive dysfunctions were weighted and measured according to MCI criteria defined here. Subjects identified with MCI were then followed up for an additional 3.88+/-3.01 years. Diagnoses of VaD and AD were made according to established criteria.", "Is mild cognitive impairment prodromal for vascular dementia like Alzheimer's disease?<||||>During 3.72+/-2.94 years of follow-up of the original normative subjects, 73 of 291 (25.1%) developed MCI. Of the 27 subjects who developed VaD, 15 (55.6%) had prodromal MCI. Of these, two thirds were subclassified as having small-vessel dementia. The remaining 12 patients with VaD (44.4%) were diagnosed directly from a cognitively normal status without preceding MCI. These were predominantly multi-infarct or strategic-infarct dementia (66.7%). An additional 35 MCI subjects (47.9%) developed AD. Both VaD and AD diagnosed after MCI prodromes manifested similar spectral domains of cognitive impairments, which included memory, during their MCI stages." ]

[ "Treat-to-target for osteoporosis: is now the time?<||||>Current clinical practice guidelines identify patients at high risk for fracture who are likely to benefit from pharmacological therapy and suggest ways to monitor for effectiveness of therapy. However, there is no clear guidance on when fracture risk has been reduced to an acceptably low level. As a consequence, some patients at low risk for fracture may be treated for longer than necessary, whereas others at high risk for fracture may have treatment stopped when they might benefit from continuation of the same treatment or a change to a more potent therapeutic agent. The objective of this statement is to describe the potential clinical utility of developing a \"treat-to-target\" strategy for the management of patients with osteoporosis.", "Treat-to-target for osteoporosis: is now the time?<||||>We recommend that a task force of clinicians, clinical investigators, and other stakeholders in the care of osteoporosis explore the options, review the evidence, and identify additional areas for investigation to establish osteoporosis treatment targets.", "Treat-to-target for osteoporosis: is now the time?<||||>Data from large, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled registration trials for currently available osteoporosis therapies should be analyzed for commonalities of correlations between easily measured endpoints and fracture risk.", "Treat-to-target for osteoporosis: is now the time?<||||>Osteoporosis experts, professional organizations, and patient care advocates should be involved in the process of developing consensus on easily measurable osteoporosis treatment targets that are supported by the best available evidence and likely to be accepted by clinicians and patients in the care of osteoporosis." ]

[ "Tinnitus with temporomandibular joint disorders: a specific entity of tinnitus patients?<||||>Tinnitus is frequently associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. However, the nature of the relationship is not fully understood. Here the authors compared 30 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and tinnitus to a group of 61 patients with tinnitus but without any subjective complaints of TMJ dysfunction with respect to clinical and demographic characteristics.", "Tinnitus with temporomandibular joint disorders: a specific entity of tinnitus patients?<||||>Case-control study.", "Tinnitus with temporomandibular joint disorders: a specific entity of tinnitus patients?<||||>Tertiary referral center.", "Tinnitus with temporomandibular joint disorders: a specific entity of tinnitus patients?<||||>Tinnitus patients with and without TMJ dysfunction presenting at the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and th: Tinnitus Clinic at the University of Regensburg.", "Tinnitus with temporomandibular joint disorders: a specific entity of tinnitus patients?<||||>Tinnitus patients with TMJ disorder had better hearing function (P<.0005), lower age (P = .001), and lower age at tinnitus onset (P = .002) and were more frequently female (P = .003). Their subjectively perceived tinnitus loudness was lower (P = .01), and more of them could modulate their tinnitus by jaw or neck movements (P = .001)." ]

[ "Plain abdomen radiographs: the right view?<||||>Plain abdomen radiographs (PAR) have limited use in the setting of the emergency department. We conducted this study to look at the appropriateness of requests and its utilization in our emergency department.", "Plain abdomen radiographs: the right view?<||||>We conducted a retrospective analysis of scanned emergency department notes between the period of December 2005 and February 2006 (3 months). Those cases with PAR requested by an emergency department doctor were recruited in this study. The documented history, examination, and provisional diagnosis in the case notes were reviewed to look at the appropriateness of the indications for requests.", "Plain abdomen radiographs: the right view?<||||>Only 67% (50 of 75) of the requests were appropriate according to the Royal College of Radiologists guidelines with bowel obstruction/paralytic ileus, renal colic and foreign body ingestion being the common presentations. Thirty three percent (25 of 75) (95% confidence interval: 24-45) of the requests were inappropriate and could have been avoided by referring to the aforementioned guidelines." ]

[ "Do overweight girls overreport physical activity?<||||>To determine if overweight adolescent girls are more likely to overreport physical activity compared to normal-weight girls.", "Do overweight girls overreport physical activity?<||||>Participation in physical activities and perceived intensity of activities were assessed from the previous day physical activity recall (PDPAR) in 1021 girls aged 11-14 years old (37% overweight). Daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured using accelerometry.", "Do overweight girls overreport physical activity?<||||>Girls in the \"at-risk for overweight\" and \"overweight\" categories had 17.7% and 19.4% fewer minutes of MVPA per block reported on the PDPAR compared to normal-weight girls (P<0.05)." ]

[ "Is medical thoracoscopy efficient in the management of multiloculated and organized thoracic empyema?<||||>Pleural empyema can be subdivided into 3 stages: exudative, multiloculated, and organizing. In the absence of clear septation, antibiotics plus simple drainage of pleural fluid is often sufficient treatment, whereas clear septation often requires more invasive treatment.", "Is medical thoracoscopy efficient in the management of multiloculated and organized thoracic empyema?<||||>The aim of this study was to report our experience and analyze the safety and efficacy of medical thoracoscopy in patients with multiloculated and organizing empyema.", "Is medical thoracoscopy efficient in the management of multiloculated and organized thoracic empyema?<||||>We performed a retrospective study reviewing the files of patients referred for empyema and treated by medical thoracoscopy at our department from July 2005 to February 2011.", "Is medical thoracoscopy efficient in the management of multiloculated and organized thoracic empyema?<||||>A total of 41 patients with empyema were treated by medical thoracoscopy; empyema was free flowing in 9 patients (22%), multiloculated in 24 patients (58.5%), and organized in 8 patients (19.5%). Medical thoracoscopy was considered successful without further intervention in 35 of 41 patients (85.4%): all of the 9 patients with free-flowing fluid, 22 of the 24 patients with multiloculated empyema (91.7%), and only 4 of the 8 patients with organizing effusion (50%)." ]

[ "Can HMGI-C be used as an aid with MDM2 and CDK4 to differentiate liposarcoma subtypes from their mimics?<||||>Liposarcoma represents the most common soft tissue tumors in adults. The tumors are characterized by a high morphological diversity and a great variation in biological behavior. Atypical lipomatous tumors represent a distinctive subset of mesenchymal neoplasms featuring mature adipocytic differentiation. Histologically, atypical lipomatous tumor might be easily confused with lipoma. Conversely, dedifferentiated liposarcoma may be confused with other spindle cell/pleomorphic undifferentiated tumors.", "Can HMGI-C be used as an aid with MDM2 and CDK4 to differentiate liposarcoma subtypes from their mimics?<||||>A group of liposarcomas was analyzed by investigating the MDM2, CDK4, and HMGI-C proteins. The study was extended to a group of lipomas and non-lipomatous sarcomas, to determine whether the immunohistochemical investigation of these proteins might play any diagnostic role.", "Can HMGI-C be used as an aid with MDM2 and CDK4 to differentiate liposarcoma subtypes from their mimics?<||||>Our data suggest that ordinary lipomas may form a molecular genetic and morphological continuum with atypical lipomatous tumor. At one end of the spectrum are lipomas characterized by HMGI-C activation and at the other end are atypical lipomatous tumors with overrepresentation of the HMGI-C, CDK4, or MDM2 proteins. These findings not only provide insights into the molecular pathogenesis of lipomatous tumors, but also indicate that the immunohistochemical analysis of HMGI-C, CDK4, or MDM2 may help to increase diagnostic accuracy." ]

[ "Is subconjunctival steroid administration in addition to local therapy after cataract operations necessary?<||||>Subconjunctival steroids are often injected at the end of cataract surgery. In the present laser flare-cell meter study, we investigated whether this procedure improves the anti-inflammatory effect of steroid eye drops.", "Is subconjunctival steroid administration in addition to local therapy after cataract operations necessary?<||||>Thirty patients (69-81 years of age) without preexisting deficiencies of the blood-aqueous barrier were investigated preoperatively and after ECCE with PC-IOL implantation. The laser flare-cell meter (model FC 1000; Kowa Company) used for examination permits sensitive and exact determination of aqueous flare. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the following two treatment groups: group A: topical therapy with prednisolone 1% eye drops (Inflanefran forte) 5 times per day; group B: subconjunctival injection of 4 mg dexamethasone (Fortecortin) immediately at the end of surgery; topical therapy as in group A. In addition, all patients received antibiotic therapy using gentamicin eye drops. Oral steroids were not administered.", "Is subconjunctival steroid administration in addition to local therapy after cataract operations necessary?<||||>Under topical therapy with prednisolone 1% (group A), the aqueous flare (in photon counts/millisecond) increased from a preoperative value of 10.2 +/- 2.5 (mean +/- SD) to 37.3 +/- 11.1 in the afternoon after surgery (8 h postoperatively) and decreased to 30.9 +/- 38.7 and 27.8 +/- 3.2 on days 1 and 3 after surgery. With additional steroid injection (group B), the flare accounted to 31.7 +/- 8.7 in the afternoon after surgery and to 31.3 +/- 5.9 and 27.1 +/- 4.7 on days 1 and 3 after surgery, respectively. There was no significant group difference (P>0.3)." ]

[ "Do health behaviors moderate the effect of socioeconomic status on metabolic syndrome?<||||>The purpose of this study is to determine whether the effect of socioeconomic factors on metabolic syndrome is influenced by such covariates as health behavior and psychosocial factors.", "Do health behaviors moderate the effect of socioeconomic status on metabolic syndrome?<||||>This study used data collected from 4400 households during the 2001 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A stratified multistage probability sampling method was applied and the final sample included 6601 subjects older than 20 years who had completed necessary health examinations.", "Do health behaviors moderate the effect of socioeconomic status on metabolic syndrome?<||||>The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Koreans was 25.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.8-27.2) for men and 28.7% (95% CI, 27.2-30.2) for women. Analysis of moderator effects showed that interactions between education and smoking or exercise status and between income and alcohol or smoking status were significant. The significance of the interaction terms indicates that health behavior and psychosocial factors modified the relationship between socioeconomic factors and metabolic syndrome." ]

[ "Is serum creatine kinase:aspartate aminotransferase ratio useful for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction in elderly patients?<||||>A three month prospective study of all patients admitted to an acute geriatric unit who were clinically assessed and investigated with electrocardiograms and measurement of CK, AST, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities on the first three days of admission. Excluding those with liver disease and alcohol misuse, patients with increased CK activity were then classified into four groups depending on whether they had fallen or had an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or both.", "Is serum creatine kinase:aspartate aminotransferase ratio useful for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction in elderly patients?<||||>270 patients were evaluated. CK activity was raised in 86 (31%) patients on any of the first three days of admission. Of these, 31 had fallen, 19 had an AMI, and five had both fallen and sustained an AMI. The CK:AST ratio, on all days, was higher (p<0.05) in those who had fallen. On the second and third days, the CK:AST ratio was higher (p<0.01) in those patients who did not have an AMI. The overlap, however, between these groups was large." ]

[ "Are there too many conferences for general and visceral surgery in Germany?<||||>Human and financial resources are increasingly bound due to economic pressure and the working hours Act whereby the already restricted further training times are further limited. The industry also has less funding available for sponsorship of conferences and workshops. Against this background the question arises whether a reduction or focusing of the conferences is necessary; therefore, the aim of this survey was to obtain an opinion from members of the German Society of General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV) and possibly to derive a need for action to submit to the board members.", "Are there too many conferences for general and visceral surgery in Germany?<||||>From 7 February to 18 March 2015 an online survey was conducted by the DGAV with their members regarding the number of necessary congress events in Germany.", "Are there too many conferences for general and visceral surgery in Germany?<||||>A total of 670 responses were received (return rate 16 %). In total, 56 % of participants felt that there are too many conferences. A differentiation according to the position of the respondent and the level of the associated hospital resulted in the following: 69.3 % of the participating head physicians (HP) shared this opinion, compared to 48.6 % of senior physicians (SP) and 34.4 % of residents (RP). Of the participants from basic and standard care hospitals (B/SC) 50 % shared this opinion, compared to 59.2 % from maximum care hospitals (MC) and 63.6 % from university hospitals (UH). In addition, a total of 75 % of the participants (HP 82.9 %, SP 78.4 %, RP 70.5 %) were in favor of keeping the congress of the DGAV (annual meeting of the German Society for Digestive and Metabolic Diseases in conjunction with the Autumn meeting of the DGAV) in its previous form, regardless of the underlying level of care of the associated hospital (B/SC 77 %, MC 79 %, UC 68 %)." ]

[ "Does priming for mastery goals improve the performance of students with an entity view of ability?<||||>There is evidence that an entity view of ability (where ability is viewed as a fixed entity that cannot be changed) is linked with social comparison goals and poor performance. On the other hand, an incremental view of ability (where ability is viewed as an acquirable skill) is linked with a mastery goal orientation and positive achievement outcomes. On these bases, the present study sought evidence that priming students with an entity view of ability to pursue mastery goals would result in improved performance.", "Does priming for mastery goals improve the performance of students with an entity view of ability?<||||>Participants were 48 students with an entity view of ability, and 48 students with an incremental view of ability.", "Does priming for mastery goals improve the performance of students with an entity view of ability?<||||>We used a 2 (views of ability: entity, incremental) x 2 (performance feedback: success, failure) x 2 (goal priming: mastery, social comparison) between-subjects factorial design to examine the effects of goal priming on performance for students with either an incremental or entity view of ability following either success or failure feedback. Prior to, and following, performance feedback, participants completed parallel measures of state anxiety. Participants were then primed for either social comparison goals prior to attempting to solve 16 Unicursal (tracing puzzle) tasks. Their performance on a subsequent set of Unicursal tasks was then examined. Finally participants completed a State Goals Scale assessing their degree of endorsement of social comparison/mastery goals whilst working on the Unicursal tasks.", "Does priming for mastery goals improve the performance of students with an entity view of ability?<||||>The performance of students with an incremental view of ability was comparable irrespective of whether they were initially exposed to success and failure feedback and irrespective of whether they were primed for mastery or social comparison goals. However the performance of students with an entity view of ability improved when they were primed for mastery relative to social comparison goals irrespective of whether they were initially exposed to success or failure." ]

[ "Penetrating injuries to the cervical oesophagus: is routine exploration mandatory?<||||>There are differing views regarding the management of oesophageal injuries with some authors advocating mandatory operation while others prefer a selective, conservative approach. This study was undertaken to establish whether conservative management of cervical oesophageal injuries is safe and effective.", "Penetrating injuries to the cervical oesophagus: is routine exploration mandatory?<||||>This is a retrospective study carried out over 5 years (1994-1998). Of 1358 patients with neck trauma, 220 presented with odynophagia, of whom 28 were shown on contrast swallow to have cervical oesophageal injury (17 stabs, 11 firearms). Median age was 26 years (range, 11-44 years). There were 23 males (M:F ratio, 6:1). All patients with contained extravasation were managed non-operatively irrespective of the delay from injury to admission. Repair was undertaken in patients with major disruption and those requiring exploration for another reason. Associated tracheal injuries were repaired primarily with or without tracheostomy. Patients were fed using fine bore enteral feeding tubes. Oral feeding was recommenced after a water soluble contrast swallow had confirmed healing.", "Penetrating injuries to the cervical oesophagus: is routine exploration mandatory?<||||>All patients presented with odynophagia. Seven had clinical surgical emphysema, and 15 had retropharyngeal air on lateral neck X-ray. Chest X-ray showed surgical emphysema in 8, haemothorax in 2 and pneumothorax in 2. Seventeen patients were managed non-operatively. Sixteen recovered with no complications, while one developed local sepsis. Eleven patients underwent exploration (debridement in 7 and primary repair in 4). There were 6 associated tracheal injuries, all of whom underwent primary repair with tracheostomy performed in four. Thirteen patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. Median duration of enteral tube feeding was 18 days (range, 5-40 days) and median hospital stay was 18 days (range, 6-91 days). Two patients with firearm injuries died from associated injuries." ]

[ "Bedside electromagnetic-guided feeding tube placement: an improvement over traditional placement technique?<||||>Registered dietitian/registered nurse (RD/RN) teams were created to place small bowel feeding tubes (SBFT) at the bedside in intensive care unit (ICU) patients using an electromagnetic tube placement device (ETPD). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of placing feeding tubes at the ICU bedside using an ETPD. Secondary outcomes included success rate, cost, and timeliness of feeding initiation.", "Bedside electromagnetic-guided feeding tube placement: an improvement over traditional placement technique?<||||>Data were collected prospectively on 20 SBFT blind placements in ICU patients (control group). After implementing a protocol for RD/RN teams to place SBFTs with an ETPD, 81 SBFTs were placed (study group). Complications, success rate, number of x-rays after tube placement, x-ray cost, and time from physician order to initiation of feedings were compared between the groups.", "Bedside electromagnetic-guided feeding tube placement: an improvement over traditional placement technique?<||||>No adverse events occurred in either group. Successful SBFT placement was 63% (12/19) in the control group and 78% (63/81) in the study group (not significant, NS). The median time between physician order for tube placement and feeding initiation decreased from 22.3 hours (control group) to 7.8 hours (study group, p = .003). The median number of x-rays to confirm correct placement was 1 in the study group compared with 2 in the control group (p = .0001), resulting in a 50% decrease in the mean cost for x-rays." ]

[ "Does maternal blood cortisol entrain fetal diurnal rhythm?<||||>To evaluate whether maternal blood cortisol acts as an entrainer of the fetus, we compared diurnal variations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) of two cases with Cushing's syndrome, under condition of glucocorticoid replacement therapy after adrenalectomy.", "Does maternal blood cortisol entrain fetal diurnal rhythm?<||||>The Maternal cortisol concentration in Case 1 showed bimodal change, at 31 and 38 weeks' gestation, while the concentration in Case 2 was found to have an abnormally high level with no diurnal variation at 30 weeks and a monomodal pattern at 34 weeks.", "Does maternal blood cortisol entrain fetal diurnal rhythm?<||||>The FHR patterns in both cases demonstrated similar developmental change: a remarkable diurnal rhythm comparable to control cases was observed at 34-38 weeks. Analysis of spectral 1/f characteristics revealed, however, that Case 1 exhibited a pattern equivalent to control cases, whereas in Case 2, FHR values did not display overt diurnal variation." ]

[ "Endometriosis and pregnancy outcome: are pregnancies complicated by endometriosis a high-risk group?<||||>Increased incidence of preterm birth, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies have been reported in women with endometriosis, but the study populations included women in whom a definitive diagnosis was not attainable, and women who conceived via in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET), which, in itself, is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcome. Thus there is a lack of consensus on the effects of endometriosis on pregnancy outcome. This study compared the pregnancy outcomes of women with or without a definitive diagnosis of endometriosis on laparoscopy.", "Endometriosis and pregnancy outcome: are pregnancies complicated by endometriosis a high-risk group?<||||>Retrospective comparison of pregnancy outcomes of 108 women who underwent managed delivery of pregnancies established after laparoscopic investigation of infertility. Women with factors known to affect pregnancy outcome, such as age ≥41 years, conception via IVF/ET and multiple births, were excluded. Forty-nine of the study participants had endometriosis (En+ group) and 59 participants did not have endometriosis (En- group).", "Endometriosis and pregnancy outcome: are pregnancies complicated by endometriosis a high-risk group?<||||>There were no significant differences in mean (±standard deviation) age (33±3.8 vs 33.6±4.1 years), history of miscarriage, history of preterm birth and history of PIH between the two groups. Ovulation induction was used for infertility treatment in 26.5% of the En+ group and 30.5% of the En- group, and artificial insemination was used in 30.6% of the En+ group and 32.2% of the En- group. Regarding pregnancy outcomes, no significant differences in miscarriage (18.4% vs 18.6%), subchorionic haematoma (5.0% vs 2.1%), preterm birth (7.5% vs 8.3%), PIH (15.0% vs 12.5%), caesarean section (32.5% vs 22.9%), gestational age at delivery (38.9±1.5 vs 38.8±1.7 weeks), birth weight (3013.3±480 vs 2934.5±639.5g) and SGA babies (2.5% vs 2.1%) were found between the En+ and En- groups. Placental abruption did not occur in either group. One neonate had trisomy 21 in the En+ group, and one woman had gestational diabetes in the En- group." ]

[ "Does Disclosure of Terminal Prognosis Mean Losing Hope?<||||>A primary barrier to physician disclosure of terminal prognosis is concern that patients will lose hope. Inpatient palliative care (IPC) teams are especially posed to mediate this barrier, but little is known about patient perceptions and experience of IPC.", "Does Disclosure of Terminal Prognosis Mean Losing Hope?<||||>This study aimed to elicit seriously ill patients' perspective and experience of an IPC consultation, and to explore patient attitudes toward information derived from the consultation.", "Does Disclosure of Terminal Prognosis Mean Losing Hope?<||||>An exploratory, qualitative study was conducted at a large nonprofit community hospital in the Los Angeles area. An established IPC team conducted individualized consults with patients and families within 24 hours of referral. Eligible participants were English-speaking adults, aged 18 or over, who had received an IPC consultation within the previous week during their hospitalization. Purposive recruitment of patients was conducted by the IPC social worker. Interviews were conducted at bedside using a semistructured interview protocol employing open-ended questions.", "Does Disclosure of Terminal Prognosis Mean Losing Hope?<||||>Twelve seriously ill patients were interviewed. Four themes were identified from the interview transcripts: (1) holistic care approach, (2) knowledge/information gained, (3) hope and enlightenment, and (4) patient readiness." ]

[ "Is there a need for routine follow-up after primary total hip arthroplasty?<||||>The objective of routine outpatient assessment of well-functioning patients after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is to detect asymptomatic failure of prostheses to guide recommendations for early intervention. We have observed that the revision of THAs in asymptomatic patients is highly uncommon. We therefore question the need for routine follow-up of patients after THA.", "Is there a need for routine follow-up after primary total hip arthroplasty?<||||>A prospective analysis of an orthopaedic database identified 158 patients who received 177 revision THAs over a four-year period. A retrospective chart review was conducted. Patient demographics, primary and revision surgery parameters and follow-up information were recorded and cross-referenced with Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry data.", "Is there a need for routine follow-up after primary total hip arthroplasty?<||||>One hundred ten THAs in 104 patients (average age 70.4 (SD 9.8 years)). There were 70 (63.6%) in total, 13 (11.8%) femoral and 27 (24.5%) acetabular revisions. The indications for revision were aseptic loosening (70%), dislocation (8.2%), peri-prosthetic fracture (7.3%), osteolysis (6.4%) and infection (4.5%). Only four (3.6%) were asymptomatic revisions. A mean of 5.3 (SD 5.2 and 1.9 (SD 5.3)) follow-up appointments were required before revision in patients with and without symptoms, respectively. The average time from the primary to revision surgery was 11.8 (SD 7.23) years." ]

[ "Can stimulating massage improve joint repositioning error in patients with knee osteoarthritis?<||||>The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of massage applied to the thigh muscles on joint repositioning error (JRE) in patients suffering from osteoarthritis (OA).We hypothesized that stimulating massage of the muscles around an osteoarthritic knee joint, could improve the neuromuscular function and thereby optimize the positive and minimize the negative performance factors in relation to an exercise program.", "Can stimulating massage improve joint repositioning error in patients with knee osteoarthritis?<||||>In a cross-over design, 19 patients with knee osteoarthritis, mean age of 73.1 years (SD: 9.4; range 56 to 88 years), recruited from the local department of rheumatology, were randomly allocated to either receive massage and a week later, act as controls or vice versa. The applied massage consisted of stimulating massage of the quadriceps femoris, sartorious, gracilus, and hamstrings muscles for 10 min on the affected leg. Participants had their JRE measured before and immediately after the 10 min massage and control sessions. Data were analyzed by using paired t-test.", "Can stimulating massage improve joint repositioning error in patients with knee osteoarthritis?<||||>No significant change in JRE was observed (95% CI: -0.62 degrees to 0.85 degrees, p = 0.738)." ]

[ "Does early colectomy increase desmoid risk in familial adenomatous polyposis?<||||>Desmoid tumors are non-metastasizing fibromatoses that occur in 10%-20% of subjects with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Intra-abdominal desmoid tumors are a major cause of mortality in FAP. FAP-associated desmoid tumors are linked to trauma, particularly abdominal surgery, family history of desmoids, hormonal factors, and the location of the APC mutation. We hypothesized that prophylactic colectomy at an early age might increase the risk of developing desmoids. The aim of this study was to determine whether colectomy earlier in life is a risk factor for the development of desmoid tumors.", "Does early colectomy increase desmoid risk in familial adenomatous polyposis?<||||>An analysis was made of the association between development of desmoid and age at colectomy, family history of desmoids, gender, and APC mutation in FAP patients in the Registry (1980-2005) at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.", "Does early colectomy increase desmoid risk in familial adenomatous polyposis?<||||>FAP patients (n = 930) from 365 kindreds were identified. Desmoid prevalence was 14% (n = 121). Female patients were more likely to develop desmoids than male patients (17% vs 11%, P = .03). Female patients who had an early colectomy were more than 2 times more likely to develop a desmoid, compared with women who had a colectomy at>18 years (P = .01). Early colectomy did not increase risk of developing a desmoid in male patients (P = .42). Female patients who had an early colectomy (</=18 years) were 2.5 times more likely to develop desmoids, compared with male patients who had a late colectomy (P = .05). The prevalence of desmoids in the 5' and 3' groups was 13% and 38%, respectively (P = .0005). Patients with a mutation after codon 1399 were found to have 4 times greater chance of developing a desmoid." ]

[ "Does dipyrone have any effect on respiratory function in COPD patients?<||||>Dipyrone (Novalgin) is an effective analgesic, antipyretic agent also with spasmolytic effects on various types of smooth muscles. It has recently been reported that dipyrone relaxes tracheal smooth muscle of guinea pig. In this present study, we aimed to investigate whether this and previously reported in vitro results have any consequences on the respiratory function of normal healthy volunteers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.", "Does dipyrone have any effect on respiratory function in COPD patients?<||||>In this one-centered, non-randomized, non-comparative, open labelled study, 15 normal healthy volunteers and 15 stable COPD patients, with partially reversible bronchospasm, diagnosed according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria were enrolled in the study at the time they had any indication of dipyrone use. The spirometric tests were performed by a portable notebook and Medikro Spiro2000 spirometry programme-software 1.6 version, before 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after 20 mg/kg of orally dipyrone intake. Groups were compared with the General Linear Model Repeated Measures analysis of variance.", "Does dipyrone have any effect on respiratory function in COPD patients?<||||>None of the spirometric parameters evaluated showed any significant differences when compared with the baseline values in both groups." ]

[ "Melanoma metastatic to cervical lymph nodes: Can radiotherapy replace formal dissection after local excision of nodal disease?<||||>Completion cervical lymphadenectomy is usually performed after excisional biopsy of nodal metastases from melanoma. Radiation (XRT) might be effective for some patients in lieu of formal lymph node dissection.", "Melanoma metastatic to cervical lymph nodes: Can radiotherapy replace formal dissection after local excision of nodal disease?<||||>Thirty-six patients with parotid or cervical node metastases from melanoma were treated with excision of nodal disease and postoperative XRT without formal lymph node dissection. Radiation was delivered to the primary site (if known), the site of nodal excision, and the undissected ipsilateral neck.", "Melanoma metastatic to cervical lymph nodes: Can radiotherapy replace formal dissection after local excision of nodal disease?<||||>With a median follow-up of 5.3 years, the disease recurred within the regional basin in two patients and at distant sites in 14 patients. The actuarial 5-year regional control and distant metastasis-free survival rates were 93% and 59%, respectively. Two patients had a clinically significant side effect develop." ]

[ "Inflammation and oxidative stress in testicular torsion: do they deserve intensive treatment to save both guilty and innocent testes?<||||>To investigate at the molecular level, whether the combined use of an antioxidant (L-carnitine) and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor (meloxicam) is effective in the treatment of cellular damage caused by testicular torsion.", "Inflammation and oxidative stress in testicular torsion: do they deserve intensive treatment to save both guilty and innocent testes?<||||>A total of 30 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. The control group underwent a sham operation, and the second group underwent torsion/detorsion for 90 minutes. Groups 3 and 4 received L-carnitine (500 mg/kg/d) and meloxicam (3 mg/kg/d), respectively. Group 5 also received these 2 agents, in addition to the same torsion/detorsion procedure. Bilateral orchiectomy was performed 96 hours after the operation in all groups. cDNA was synthesized after isolation of total RNA from the tissues. The relative expression of interleukin (IL)-1a, COX-2, and β-actin genes was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction.", "Inflammation and oxidative stress in testicular torsion: do they deserve intensive treatment to save both guilty and innocent testes?<||||>The COX-2 and IL-1a mRNA levels had significantly decreased in groups 3, 4, and 5 compared with group 2 (P<.05). COX-2 and IL-1a mRNA levels were significantly great in the torsion/detorsion group (P=.007). The COX-2 and IL-1a mRNA levels significantly decreased in the torsion/detorsion testis after maximal treatment (P<.001)." ]

[ "Can colorectal carcinomas be resected laparoscopically?<||||>The efficacy of laparoscopic resection of colorectal tumours was evaluated in a prospective observational study.", "Can colorectal carcinomas be resected laparoscopically?<||||>All patients with elective laparoscopic resection for colorectal tumours between 1995 and 1997 were included.", "Can colorectal carcinomas be resected laparoscopically?<||||>Laparoscopic resections were accomplished in 70 patients with a mean age of 61.9 +/- 15.6 years--most of them (n = 45) left-sided. The operative time was 232 +/- 75 minutes and the estimated blood loss 235 +/- 123 ml. In six patients (8.6%) laparoscopic-assisted procedures were performed, and no patient had to be converted to a conventional midline incision. Intraoperative complications occurred in one patient, postoperative general complications in 2.9% and surgical complications in 5.7%. Clinically relevant anastomotic leaks were not recorded. No patient died postoperatively. Reconvalescence was short, first bowel movement was documented after 3.3 +/- 1.3 days. Postoperative hospital stay was 10.1 +/- 3.1 days." ]

[ "Does prenatal sonography affect intellectual performance?<||||>Little is known about potential risks of ultrasound during pregnancy. The developing brain is susceptible to environmental influences, and prenatal ultrasound has been reported to affect cognitive abilities in animals.", "Does prenatal sonography affect intellectual performance?<||||>To assess a possible association between prenatal ultrasound and intellectual performance, we studied men born in Sweden from 1973 to 1978 who enrolled for military service from 1991 to 1996. Intellectual scores (mean +/- standard deviation = 5 +/- 2) were measured by a test battery at enrollment, and subnormal performance was defined as a score of 3 or less. We estimated differences in mean intellectual score between ultrasound-exposed and ultrasound-unexposed using linear regression, and we calculated relative risks of subnormal performance using logistic regression analysis.", "Does prenatal sonography affect intellectual performance?<||||>There were 7999 eligible men born in a hospital (Malmo) that included ultrasound scanning in standard antenatal care (exposed) and 197,829 men born in hospitals without ultrasound scanning programs (unexposed). We found lower intellectual performance scores (mean difference = -0.16; 95% confidence interval = -0.21 to -0.11) and an increased risk of subnormal performance (odds ratio = 1.28; CI = 1.18 to 1.38) among ultrasound-exposed compared with unexposed. However, men born in Malmo before scanning was introduced also had lower scores, and the decrease in test scores after the introduction of ultrasound was small. Moreover, we found no differences in intellectual performance within pairs of brothers as a result of ultrasound exposure." ]

[ "Overestimation of fetal weight by ultrasound: does it influence the likelihood of cesarean delivery for labor arrest?<||||>We sought to determine whether the overestimation of ultrasound-derived estimated fetal weight (EFW) is associated with increased diagnosis of labor arrest.", "Overestimation of fetal weight by ultrasound: does it influence the likelihood of cesarean delivery for labor arrest?<||||>This is a historical cohort study of nulliparous women with term pregnancies who underwent bedside ultrasound examination for EFW before labor induction. Labor outcomes of women with EFW overestimation>15% the actual birthweight were compared with those with EFW not overestimated.", "Overestimation of fetal weight by ultrasound: does it influence the likelihood of cesarean delivery for labor arrest?<||||>Overestimation of EFW occurred in 9.5% of cases (23/241). The rate of cesarean delivery (CD) for labor arrest was higher for those with EFW overestimation (34.8% vs 13.3%; P = .01) even though there were no differences in length of the induction duration. After adjusting for confounding factors, EFW overestimation remained associated with CD for labor arrest (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-15.2)." ]

[ "Does RV lead positioning provide additional benefit to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with advanced heart failure?<||||>The left ventricular (LV) stimulation site is currently recommended to position the lead at the lateral wall. However, little is known as to whether right ventricular (RV) lead positioning is also important for cardiac resynchronization therapy. This study compared the acute hemodynamic response to biventricular pacing (BiV) at two different RV stimulation sites: RV high septum (RVHS) and RV apex (RVA).", "Does RV lead positioning provide additional benefit to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with advanced heart failure?<||||>Using micro-manometer-tipped catheter, LV pressure was measured during BiV pacing at RV (RVA or RVHS) and LV free wall in 33 patients. Changes in LV dP/dt(max) and dP/dt(min) from baseline were compared between RVA and RVHS. BiV pacing increased dP/dt(max) by 30.3 +/- 1.2% in RVHS and by 33.3 +/- 1.7% in RVA (P = n.s.), and decreased dP/dt(min) by 11.4 +/- 0.7% in RVHS and by 13.0 +/- 1.0% in RVA (P = n.s.). To explore the optimal combination of RV and LV stimulation sites, we assessed separately the role of RV positioning with LV pacing at anterolateral (AL), lateral (LAT), or posterolateral (PL) segment. When the LV was paced at AL or LAT, the increase in dP/dt(max) with RVHS pacing was smaller than that with RVA pacing (AL: 12.2 +/- 2.2% vs 19.3 +/- 2.1%, P<0.05; LAT: 22.0 +/- 2.7% vs 28.5 +/- 2.2%, P<0.05). There was no difference in dP/dt(min) between RVHS- and RVA pacing in individual LV segments." ]

[ "Can you please put it out?<||||>The present study aimed to identify the psychosocial predictors of non-smoker employee intentions to ask smokers not to smoke at work. The predictive effects of past behaviour, anticipated regret, social norms, attitudinal, outcome expectancy and behavioural control beliefs were investigated in relation to the Attitudes-Social influence-self-Efficacy (ASE) model.", "Can you please put it out?<||||>Data were collected from Greek non-smoker employees (n=137, mean age=33.5, SD=10.5, 54.7% female) in 15 companies. The main outcome measure was assertiveness intention. Data on participants' past smoking, age, gender and on current smoking policy in the company were also collected.", "Can you please put it out?<||||>The majority of employees (77.4%) reported being annoyed by exposure to passive smoking at work, but only 37% reported having asked a smoker colleague not to smoke in the last 30 days. Regression analysis showed that the strongest predictor of non-smokers' assertiveness intentions was how often they believed that other non-smokers were assertive. Perceived control over being assertive, annoyance with secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure at work and past assertive behaviour also significantly predicted assertiveness intentions." ]

[ "Is the risk of allergic hypersensitivity to fungi increased by indoor exposure to moulds?<||||>Moulds are frequently found in the indoor environment of residential houses. An association between domestic mould contamination and respiratory symptoms has been reported, but mould exposure as a risk factor for allergy to moulds is not well documented. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of allergic hypersensitivity to moulds.", "Is the risk of allergic hypersensitivity to fungi increased by indoor exposure to moulds?<||||>A group of 243 participants was examined. Of these 118 lived in dwellings with evident signs of fungal contamination (study group) and 125 in non-contaminated sites (controls). An interview, skin prick tests to common and fungal allergens, evaluation of total serum IgE and specific IgE to moulds, resting spirometry as well as mycological analysis in building were performed for each participant.", "Is the risk of allergic hypersensitivity to fungi increased by indoor exposure to moulds?<||||>19.8% subjects were sensitized to at least one mould allergen. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the history of respiratory and skin symptoms, smoking cigarettes in the past and positive skin prick tests (SPT) to common allergens (dust mite and grass pollens) or the presence of a cat as a pet animal were the significant associated factors of hypersensitivity to moulds." ]

[ "Does rumination mediate the relationship between mindfulness and depressive relapse?<||||>Major depressive disorder is a significant mental illness that is highly likely to recur, particularly after three or more previous episodes. Increased mindfulness and decreased rumination have both been associated with decreased depressive relapse. The aim of this study was to investigate whether rumination mediates the relationship between mindfulness and depressive relapse.", "Does rumination mediate the relationship between mindfulness and depressive relapse?<||||>This prospective design involved a secondary data analysis for identifying causal mechanisms using mediation analysis.", "Does rumination mediate the relationship between mindfulness and depressive relapse?<||||>This study was embedded in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in which 203 participants (165 females, 38 males; mean age: 48 years), with a history of at least three previous episodes of depression, completed measures of mindfulness, rumination, and depressive relapse over a 2-year follow-up period. Specific components of mindfulness and rumination, being nonjudging and brooding, respectively, were also explored.", "Does rumination mediate the relationship between mindfulness and depressive relapse?<||||>While higher mindfulness scores predicted reductions in rumination and depressive relapse, the relationship between mindfulness and relapse was not found to be mediated by rumination, although there appeared to be a trend." ]

[ "Are gatekeeper requirements associated with cancer screening utilization?<||||>There is widespread debate over whether health plans should require enrollees to use \"gatekeepers,\" which are primary care providers that coordinate care and control access to specialists. However, little is known about whether health plan gatekeeper requirements improve or reduce quality-of-care. Our objective was to examine whether gatekeeper requirements are associated with the utilization of cancer screening for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer.", "Are gatekeeper requirements associated with cancer screening utilization?<||||>Three linked sources (N = 13,534): (1) 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Household Survey, a nationally representative, ongoing survey sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; (2) 1996 MEPS Health Insurance Plan Abstraction, which codes data from health plan booklets obtained from privately insured respondents, and (3) 1995 National Health Interview Survey.STUDY DESIGN/", "Are gatekeeper requirements associated with cancer screening utilization?<||||>Cross-sectional, multivariate logistic regression analysis using secondary data.", "Are gatekeeper requirements associated with cancer screening utilization?<||||>We found in multivariate analyses that women in gatekeeper plans were significantly more likely to obtain mammography screening (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.22, 95 percent Confidence Interval [CI]1.07-1.40), clinical breast examinations (OR = 1.39, 95 percent CI 1.23-1.57), and Pap smears (OR = 1.33, 95 percent CI 1.16-1.52) than women not in gatekeeper plans. In contrast, gatekeeper requirements were not associated with prostate cancer screening (OR = 1.11, 95 percent CI 0.93-1.33). We found no association between screening utilization and aggregate plan types (HMO, POS, PPO, FFS)." ]

[ "Coronary artery bypass grafting: are risk models developed from on-pump surgery valid for off-pump surgery?<||||>This study was undertaken to test whether risk models developed from on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting are valid for assessing the risk for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.", "Coronary artery bypass grafting: are risk models developed from on-pump surgery valid for off-pump surgery?<||||>From January 1997 through June 2002, a total of 12,845 patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting procedures in Providence Health System hospitals. Of these, 1782 operations (14%) were performed without cardiopulmonary bypass. An operative mortality risk model was derived from on-pump data with logistic regression. This model and two other external risk models developed from on-pump data were then applied to patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting to test the model adequacy.", "Coronary artery bypass grafting: are risk models developed from on-pump surgery valid for off-pump surgery?<||||>Good model discrimination and calibration were obtained from all three models." ]

[ "Is pathology examination of disc specimens necessary after routine anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?<||||>A retrospective chart review was performed from 1990-1994.", "Is pathology examination of disc specimens necessary after routine anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?<||||>To evaluate the outcome of pathologic examination of cervical disc specimens submitted after anterior cervical discectomy.", "Is pathology examination of disc specimens necessary after routine anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?<||||>This study is the first to review the outcome of pathologic examination of disc specimens after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.", "Is pathology examination of disc specimens necessary after routine anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?<||||>Charts were reviewed based on the procedure code of anterior cervical fusion and the main diagnoses of cervical disc and spondylosis. The following data were recorded for each patient: symptoms, examination, diagnostic studies, operative procedure, operative findings, and pathology report. Statistical analysis was performed.", "Is pathology examination of disc specimens necessary after routine anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?<||||>Five hundred six disc levels in 394 patients were reviewed. All patients had symptoms and examination results consistent with cervical radiculopathy. All patients had cervical radiographs and some combination of myelography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Findings at the time of surgery included the presence of either a herniated disc or degenerative spondylitic changes. The pathologic examination results of all specimens reported fibrocartilaginous tissue consistent with disc material with the presence of degenerative changes. No infectious, benign, or malignant process was identified at the time of surgery or on gross and histologic examination of any of the disc specimens. Using confidence intervals (95%) for exact proportions and given 500 negatives, the chance the next occurrence would be positive would be 0.0060 or 0.60% or six of 1000." ]

[ "Does bony hyperostosis in intracranial meningioma signify tumor invasion?<||||>While operating intracranial meningiomas, neurosurgeons commonly drill the hyperostotic bone and put the bone flap back.", "Does bony hyperostosis in intracranial meningioma signify tumor invasion?<||||>To determine whether bony changes seen in meningioma are due to tumor invasion or reactionary changes.", "Does bony hyperostosis in intracranial meningioma signify tumor invasion?<||||>This prospective study, conducted over 10 months (October 2010- July 2011) included consecutive patients with intracranial meningiomas. Preoperatively, computed tomography (CT) was done in all patients and reviewed by two neurosurgeons for associated bony hyperostosis. During surgery, a piece of bone showing hyperostosis was taken for histopathological evaluation for tumor invasion. In absence of hyperostosis, the bone sample was taken from the bone in contact with the dural attachment of the tumor.", "Does bony hyperostosis in intracranial meningioma signify tumor invasion?<||||>This study included 40 consecutive patients who underwent resection for intracranial meningiomas. Radiological evidence of hyperostosis was present in 30 (75%) patients. On histopathological examination, tumor invasion of the bone was seen in eight (20%) patients. These included seven patients who demonstrated hyperostosis and one patient without hyperostosis. Convexity meningiomas (n=12) showed the highest rate of bony invasion (33.3%)." ]

[ "Tilt training: does it have a role in preventing vasovagal syncope?<||||>Vasovagal syncope is one of the most common medical conditions in young adults. Previous trials have shown effectiveness of tilt training in treating this condition. We conducted a prospective, randomized study in order to evaluate the role of tilt-training in young adults with vasovagal syncope.", "Tilt training: does it have a role in preventing vasovagal syncope?<||||>Forty-six soldiers (mean age 19.4 +/- 0.8 years, 25 males), with a clinical diagnosis of vasovagal syncope supported by positive tilt test, were randomized to either three months of daily tilt training (treatment group), or no training (control group). Patients in both groups were instructed to increase fluid and salt intake, and to refrain from syncope-inducing situations, such as prolonged standing.", "Tilt training: does it have a role in preventing vasovagal syncope?<||||>Compliance, defined as performing 50% or more of the tilt training daily sessions, was 91% during the first month, and declined to 58% during three months. Treatment group patients had a median (interquartile range) of 5.0 (0.5-16.0) syncope episodes during one-year follow up, compared to a median of 2.0 (0-6.0) episodes in the control group (P = 0.737). Also, there was no difference in time to first syncope after randomization between groups: a median of 1.0 (0.5-2.0) month in the treatment group, compared to 0.8 (0.5-2.0) month in the control group (P = 0.336)." ]

[ "Association of endoscopic ultrasonographic parameters and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): can endoscopic ultrasonography be used to screen gastric GISTs for potential malignancy?<||||>Previous research shows that only 10-30% of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are malignant. Nonetheless, some reports suggest that all of them have some degree of potential for malignancy. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a useful technique for differentiation of subepithelial lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. We explored EUS characteristics that might predict the malignancy potential of GISTs.", "Association of endoscopic ultrasonographic parameters and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): can endoscopic ultrasonography be used to screen gastric GISTs for potential malignancy?<||||>In this retrospective review of the medical records from 1999 through 2007, patients who had gastric stromal tumors diagnosed prior to surgery using EUS were enrolled. The EUS images, procedure records and tissue histopathology were reviewed. All patients were positive for C-kit.", "Association of endoscopic ultrasonographic parameters and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): can endoscopic ultrasonography be used to screen gastric GISTs for potential malignancy?<||||>Of the 110 patients enrolled, 57 were males, and 53 were females. Most (67%) of the GISTs were located in the gastric body. The lesion size ranged from 6.3 to 150 mm (mean ± SD: 39.73 ± 22.49 mm). The high-risk GIST group had 19 (17.3%) patients, the intermediate-risk group had 12 (10.9%) patients and the low/very low-risk group had 79 (71.8%) patients. Thirty patients had cystic lesions (27.3%), while six patients had calcification in the lesion (5.5%). Additionally, 27 patients (24.5%) had surface ulceration visible on endoscopy. GISTs at high risk for malignancy were highly associated with lesion size (p<0.0001), cystic change (p = 0.015) and surface ulceration (p = 0.036) but not with calcification (p = 0.667). We also found that mitosis was associated with lesion size (p<0.0001) rather than other parameters. Age was not predictive of malignancy potential (p = 0.316). However, tumor size is the only one independent risk factor for malignancy (p ≤ 0.0001)." ]

[ "Does food store access modify associations between intrapersonal factors and fruit and vegetable consumption?<||||>Existing theoretical frameworks suggest that healthy eating is facilitated by an individual's ability, motivation and environmental opportunities. It is plausible, although largely untested, that the importance of factors related to ability and motivation differ under varied environmental conditions. This study aimed to determine whether the magnitude of associations between fruit and vegetable consumption and intrapersonal factors (ability and motivation) were modified by differences in access to stores selling these items (environmental opportunities).SUBJECTS/", "Does food store access modify associations between intrapersonal factors and fruit and vegetable consumption?<||||>Cross-sectional analysis of 4335 women from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the state of Victoria, Australia. Self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed against a number of ability- and motivation-related factors. To examine whether associations were modified by store access, interactions with access to supermarkets and greengrocers within 2 km of participants' households were tested.", "Does food store access modify associations between intrapersonal factors and fruit and vegetable consumption?<||||>Of the two factors related to ability and seven factors related to motivation, almost all were associated with fruit and vegetable consumption. In general, associations were not modified by store access suggesting that these factors were not tempered by environmental opportunities." ]

[ "Do physicians correctly calculate thromboembolic risk scores?<||||>Clinical risk scores, CHADS2 and CHA2 DS2 -VASc scores, are the established tools for assessing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).AIM: The aim of this study is to assess concordance between manual and computer-based calculation of CHADS2 and CHA2 DS2 -VASc scores, as well as to analyse the patient categories using CHADS2 and the potential improvement on stroke risk stratification with CHA2 DS2 -VASc score.", "Do physicians correctly calculate thromboembolic risk scores?<||||>We linked data from Atrial Fibrillation Spanish registry FANTASIIA. Between June 2013 and March 2014, 1318 consecutive outpatients were recruited. We explore the concordance between manual scoring and computer-based calculation. We compare the distribution of embolic risk of patients using both CHADS2 and CHA2 DS2 -VASc scores", "Do physicians correctly calculate thromboembolic risk scores?<||||>The mean age was 73.8 ± 9.4 years, and 758 (57.5%) were male. For CHADS2 score, concordance between manual scoring and computer-based calculation was 92.5%, whereas for CHA2 DS2 -VASc score was 96.4%. In CHADS2 score, 6.37% of patients with AF changed indication on antithrombotic therapy (3.49% of patients with no treatment changed to need antithrombotic treatment and 2.88% of patients otherwise). Using CHA2 DS2 -VASc score, only 0.45% of patients with AF needed to change in the recommendation of antithrombotic therapy." ]

[ "Female urinary incontinence at orgasm: a possible marker of a more severe form of detrusor overactivity. Can ultrasound measurement of bladder wall thickness explain it?<||||>Coital incontinence (CI) during orgasm is a form of urinary incontinence possibly because of detrusor overactivity (DO), as the underlying pathophysiological condition. Women with this symptom usually show a pharmacological lower cure rate than those with DO alone. The ultrasound measurement of the bladder wall thickness (BWT) allows an indirect evaluation of detrusor muscle thickness, giving a potential index of detrusor activity.AIM: We wanted to understand if CI at orgasm could be a marker of severity of DO by comparing BWT in women with both DO and CI at orgasm vs. women with DO alone. In addition we aimed to confirm if CI during orgasm is related to antimuscarinics treatment failure.", "Female urinary incontinence at orgasm: a possible marker of a more severe form of detrusor overactivity. Can ultrasound measurement of bladder wall thickness explain it?<||||>This is a prospective cohort study performed in two tertiary urogynecological referral departments, recruiting consecutive patients seeking treatment for symptomatic DO.", "Female urinary incontinence at orgasm: a possible marker of a more severe form of detrusor overactivity. Can ultrasound measurement of bladder wall thickness explain it?<||||>All patients were thoroughly assessed including physical examination, urodynamic evaluation, and BWT measurement according to the International Continence Society/International Urogynecological Association and ICI recommendations. Solifenacine 5 mg once daily was then prescribed and follow-up was scheduled to evaluate treatment. Multiple logistic regression (MLR) was performed to identify risk factors for treatment failure.", "Female urinary incontinence at orgasm: a possible marker of a more severe form of detrusor overactivity. Can ultrasound measurement of bladder wall thickness explain it?<||||>Between September 2007 and March 2010, 31 (22.6%) and 106 (77.4%) women with DO with and without CI at orgasm were enrolled. Women complaining of CI at orgasm had significantly higher BWT than the control group (5.8 ± 0.6 mm vs. 5.2 ± 1.2 mm [P=0.007]). In patients with CI at orgasm, the nonresponder rate to antimuscarinics was significantly higher than controls (P=0.01). After MLR, CI at orgasm was the only independent predictor decreasing antimuscarinics efficacy (odds ratio [OR]3.16 [95% CI 1.22-8.18], P=0.02)." ]

[ "Gun carrying and conduct disorder: a highly combustible combination?<||||>To examine concealed gun carrying between the ages of 12 and 17 years in a population of clinic-referred boys, many of whom qualified for a disruptive behavior disorder, including conduct disorder (CD); to identify factors and diagnoses related to concealed gun carrying; and to examine the extent to which gun carrying is associated with crime in adulthood.", "Gun carrying and conduct disorder: a highly combustible combination?<||||>Longitudinal follow-up study.", "Gun carrying and conduct disorder: a highly combustible combination?<||||>Pittsburgh, Pa, and Athens and Atlanta, Ga.", "Gun carrying and conduct disorder: a highly combustible combination?<||||>One hundred seventy-seven clinic-referred boys, first assessed between the ages of 7 and 12 years and followed up yearly until the age of 19 years.", "Gun carrying and conduct disorder: a highly combustible combination?<||||>Violence, property offenses, and drug charges in adulthood.", "Gun carrying and conduct disorder: a highly combustible combination?<||||>Between the ages of 12 and 17 years, 1 in 5 participants carried a concealed gun, and the annual prevalence increased linearly with age. More than half (61.1%) carried a gun for 1 year only. Gun carrying was significantly (incident rate ratio, 3.93%; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-9.60) associated with CD. Conduct disorder, maternal psychopathy, victimization, and parental monitoring increased the risk of gun carrying by a factor of 8. Adult crime was best predicted by gun carrying, CD, and parental monitoring. Gun carrying predicted drug charges, but not violence or property offenses." ]

[ "Symphysiotomy: Is it obsolete?<||||>This was a prospective comparative cohort study. Symphysiotomy was performed in 25 women who presented with obstructed labor. The controls were 50 women on whom CS was performed due to obstructed labor. Maternal mortality and morbidity due to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), sepsis, genitourinary trauma, pelvic pain and gait problems were analyzed and compared between cases and controls. Neonatal mortality and morbidity due to birth asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, cephalohematoma and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy were also compared following the two procedures.", "Symphysiotomy: Is it obsolete?<||||>Maternal mortality was similar in both the cesarean section group (CSG) and symphysiotomy group (SG), but SYM has less morbidity than CS, and also preserves the uterus from scars. Transient pelvic pain was the most common maternal morbidity following SYM, whereas PPH and wound sepsis were the most common complications after CS. Neonatal mortality and morbidity were similar in both cases and controls. Lastly, SYM is a simple, low-cost and quicker procedure than CS." ]

[ "Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection after gastric surgery for peptic ulcer: is the rapid urease test useful?<||||>The usefulness of the rapid urease test (RUT) in diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection after peptic ulcer surgery is unknown.", "Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection after gastric surgery for peptic ulcer: is the rapid urease test useful?<||||>Patients who had undergone peptic ulcer surgery were offered endoscopic examination if they presented with dyspepsia or gastrointestinal bleeding. Biopsy specimens were taken for RUT and histology from the corpus and the stoma in patients who had undergone partial gastrectomy or from the corpus and the antrum in patients who had undergone vagotomy. Histologic examination using haematoxylin and eosin stain and Warthin-Starry stain were used as the gold standard.", "Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection after gastric surgery for peptic ulcer: is the rapid urease test useful?<||||>Ninety patients were studied (69 had partial gastrectomy and 21 had vagotomy). Forty-three patients (32 in the partial gastrectomy group and 11 in the vagotomy group) were positive for H. pylori by histology. The respective sensitivity of RUT was 59% (stoma) and 75% (corpus) in the partial gastrectomy group (P = 0.36) and 55% (antrum) and 73% (corpus) in the vagotomy group (P = 0.51)." ]

[ "Can colchicine response be predicted in familial Mediterranean fever patients?<||||>The aims of this study were to explore whether the demographic and clinical features of paediatric familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients with different colchicine response vary or not and to determine whether colchicine response can be predicted in FMF patients.", "Can colchicine response be predicted in familial Mediterranean fever patients?<||||>Files of patients who have been on colchicine therapy for at least 6 months were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: group I included patients with no attacks after colchicine and group II comprised patients with ongoing attacks. Thereafter group II was further divided into two groups according to the reduction rate of attack frequency: group IIA (>50%) and group IIB (≤50%).", "Can colchicine response be predicted in familial Mediterranean fever patients?<||||>The study group comprised 221 FMF patients (116 females, 105 males). There were 131 patients in group I and 90 patients in group II (54 in group IIA and 36 in group IIB). Leg pain and M694V homozygosity were more frequent in group II (P<0.05). Final colchicine doses, disease severity scores and number of patients with elevated acute phase reactant levels (attack-free period) were significantly higher and colchicine compliance was lower in group II when compared with group I (P<0.05). Erysipelas-like erythema (ELE), leg pain and protracted arthritis/protracted febrile myalgia/vasculitis were more frequently detected in group IIB (P<0.05)." ]

[ "Evaluation of resident communication skills and professionalism: a matter of perspective?<||||>Evaluation procedures that rely solely on attending physician ratings may not identify residents who display poor communication skills or unprofessional behavior. Inclusion of non-physician evaluators should capture a more complete account of resident competency. No published reports have examined the relationship between resident evaluations obtained from different sources in pediatric settings. The objective of this study was to determine whether parent and nurse ratings of specific resident behaviors significantly differ from those of attending physicians.", "Evaluation of resident communication skills and professionalism: a matter of perspective?<||||>Thirty-six pediatric residents were evaluated by parents, nurses, and attending physicians during their first year of training. For analysis, the percentage of responses in the highest response category was calculated for each resident on each item. Differences between attending physician ratings and those of parents and nurses were compared using the signed rank test.", "Evaluation of resident communication skills and professionalism: a matter of perspective?<||||>Parent and attending physician ratings were similar on most items, but attending physicians indicated that they frequently were unable to observe the behaviors of interest. Nurses rated residents lower than did attending physicians on items that related to respecting staff (69% vs 97%), accepting suggestions (56% vs 82%), teamwork (63% vs 88%), being sensitive and empathetic (62% vs 85%), respecting confidentiality (73% vs 97%), demonstrating integrity (75% vs 92%), and demonstrating accountability (67% vs 83%). Nurse responses were higher than attending physicians on anticipating postdischarge needs (46% vs 25%) and effectively planning care (52% vs 33%)." ]

[ "The Child Protection Register: a tool in the accident and emergency department?<||||>To determine the number of children on the Child Protection Register (CPR) attending the accident and emergency (A&E) department and the referral source, diagnostic category, and frequency distribution for such attendances. To determine whether lack of knowledge that a child is on the CPR results in failure to suspect non-accidental injury (NAI) if the standard indicators of NAI have been sought.", "The Child Protection Register: a tool in the accident and emergency department?<||||>Access to the CPR was obtained. Records of each child attending the A&E departments of the United Hospitals Trust between June 1994 and May 2000 were reviewed.", "The Child Protection Register: a tool in the accident and emergency department?<||||>Over the six years 191 children were on the CPR. Seventy nine (41%) attended A&E departments on 206 occasions. Frequency of attendance ranged to 18 with a mean of 2.6. Self referral was the commonest source of referral (81%) followed by general practitioners (13%), 999 calls (5%), and a small number from schools (1%). Most presentations involved trauma-upper limb (21%), lower limb (14%), and head injury (8%). Almost all cases of trauma were adjudged to be consistent with the history and NAI not suspected. Common childhood illnesses accounted for the remainder of presentations. Only six children were identified as being on the CPR at the time of presentation. Concerns were raised in two other cases and concerns should have been raised in three other children. Social Services were alerted on five occasions directly by the parents themselves." ]

[ "Does sleep apnea increase the risk of cardiorespiratory complications during endoscopy procedures?<||||>Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have an increased risk of perioperative complications.AIM: The purpose of this study is to assess whether OSA increases the risk of cardiorespiratory complications in patients undergoing endoscopic procedures.", "Does sleep apnea increase the risk of cardiorespiratory complications during endoscopy procedures?<||||>A retrospective study was performed. We identified all patients who had undergone both an endoscopic procedure under conscious sedation and a sleep study from January 2001 to May 2008. Patients were divided into four groups: OSA negative (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) < 5/h), OSA positive; mild: AHI 5-15/h, moderate: AHI 15.1-30/h, and severe: AHI > 30/h. Minor and major complications were identified. The minor ones were hypertension, hypotension, bradycardia, tachycardia, oxygen desaturation (<90%), and bradypnea. Major complications included chest pain, respiratory distress, cardiorespiratory arrest, or any minor complication that required intervention.", "Does sleep apnea increase the risk of cardiorespiratory complications during endoscopy procedures?<||||>Procedures were performed in 639 patients: colonoscopies 68.5%, upper endoscopies 20.2%, and combined procedures 11.3%. The mean age was 60.5 years, mean body mass index 33.7, and 93% were males. Sleep study results: 130 negative, 509 positive; 135 mild, 125 moderate, and 249 severe. Of the patients, 19% had minor complications, while 7% had major complications. There was no significant difference between the patients with and without OSA in the rate of minor complications (odds ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 0.70-1.92) or major complications (odds ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 0.54-2.63). The odds ratio was also not significantly increased when a cutoff value of 10 or 15/h was used to delineate a positive sleep study." ]

[ "Do people with risky behaviours participate in biomedical cohort studies?<||||>Analysis was undertaken on data from randomly selected participants of a bio-medical cohort study to assess representativeness. The research hypotheses was that there was no difference in participation and non-participations in terms of health-related indicators (smoking, alcohol use, body mass index, physical activity, blood pressure and cholesterol readings and overall health status) and selected socio-demographics (age, sex, area of residence, education level, marital status and work status).", "Do people with risky behaviours participate in biomedical cohort studies?<||||>Randomly selected adults were recruited into a bio-medical representative cohort study based in the north western suburbs of the capital of South Australia--Adealide. Comparison data was obtained from cross-sectional surveys of randomly selected adults in the same age range and in the same region. The cohort participants were 4060 randomly selected adults (18+ years).", "Do people with risky behaviours participate in biomedical cohort studies?<||||>There were no major differences between study participants and the comparison population in terms of current smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, overall health status and proportions with current high blood pressure and cholesterol readings. Significantly more people who reported a medium to very high alcohol risk participated in the study. There were some demographic differences with study participants more likely to be in the middle level of household income and education level." ]

[ "Is orientation week a gateway to persistent alcohol use in university students?<||||>Orientation Week is common at many universities throughout the world and is a way to introduce students to their new environment. Despite some benefits, Orientation Week is often typified by heavy alcohol use. Although typically viewed as a \"one-time\" event, the higher levels of drinking that students engage in during Orientation Week may persist into the academic year. We investigated this possibility in the present study.", "Is orientation week a gateway to persistent alcohol use in university students?<||||>Freshman-year students (n = 143; 41% male) residing in a dormitory were surveyed about their alcohol intake before university. During Orientation Week, students were sent a daily text message asking about the number of drinks they consumed the previous night. Then, during the academic year, students were sent one text message each month to record their weekend drinking.", "Is orientation week a gateway to persistent alcohol use in university students?<||||>Participants consumed a higher number of standard drinks during Orientation Week (M = 26.0, SD = 28.6) than they did either before entering university (M = 13.1, SD = 13.6) or during the academic year (M = 6.4, SD = 8.5). For male students, but not female students, higher Orientation Week drinking uniquely contributed to higher rates of drinking during the academic year when controlling for pre-university drinking (b = 0.122, p<.001). Students who drank at low levels before entering university were particularly susceptible to the negative effects of Orientation Week drinking." ]

[ "The productivity of Washington State's obstetrician-gynecologist workforce: does gender make a difference?<||||>To compare the practice productivity of female and male obstetrician-gynecologists in Washington State.", "The productivity of Washington State's obstetrician-gynecologist workforce: does gender make a difference?<||||>The primary data collection tool was a practice survey that accompanied each licensed practitioner's license renewal in 1998-1999. Washington State birth certificate data were linked with the licensure data to obtain objective information regarding obstetric births.", "The productivity of Washington State's obstetrician-gynecologist workforce: does gender make a difference?<||||>Of the 541 obstetrician-gynecologists identified, two thirds were men and one third were women. Women were significantly younger than men (mean age 43.3 years versus 51.7 years). Ten practice variables were evaluated: total weeks worked per year, total professional hours per week, direct patient care hours per week, nondirect patient care hours per week, outpatient visits per week, inpatient visits per week, percent practicing obstetrics, number of obstetrical deliveries per year, percentage working less than 32 hours per week, and percentage working 60 or more hours per week. Of these, only 2 variables showed significant differences: inpatient visits per week (women 10.1 per week, men 12.8 per week, P<or =.01) and working 60 or more hours per week (women 22.1% versus men 31.5%, P<or =.05). After controlling for age, analysis of covariance and multiple logistic regression confirmed these findings and in addition showed that women worked 4.1 fewer hours per week than men (P<.01). When examining the ratio of female-to-male practice productivity in 10-year age increments from the 30-39 through the 50-59 age groups, a pattern emerged suggesting lower productivity in many variables in the women in the 40-49 age group." ]

[ "Should lidocaine spray be used to ease nasogastric tube insertion?<||||>To investigate the efficacy and safety of lidocaine nasal spray before nasogastric tube insertion in an emergency department.", "Should lidocaine spray be used to ease nasogastric tube insertion?<||||>Double-blind, randomised controlled study.", "Should lidocaine spray be used to ease nasogastric tube insertion?<||||>Emergency department of a major regional hospital in Hong Kong.", "Should lidocaine spray be used to ease nasogastric tube insertion?<||||>A total of 206 adult patients, for whom nasogastric tube insertion was indicated.", "Should lidocaine spray be used to ease nasogastric tube insertion?<||||>Primary outcome was discomfort gauged on a visual analogue scale, and Likert scale addressing difficulty of nasogastric tube insertion.", "Should lidocaine spray be used to ease nasogastric tube insertion?<||||>Compared with placebo spray use, lidocaine spray use was associated with less patient discomfort, and less difficulty in nasogastric tube insertion, both difference being statistically significant." ]

[ "Do atrial differences in endothelial damage, leukocyte and platelet activation, or tissue factor activity contribute to chamber-specific thrombogenic status in patients with atrial fibrillation?<||||>Thrombi form mainly in the left rather than the right atria of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the reason of this predilection being unknown.", "Do atrial differences in endothelial damage, leukocyte and platelet activation, or tissue factor activity contribute to chamber-specific thrombogenic status in patients with atrial fibrillation?<||||>The purpose of this study was to investigate whether atrial-specific differences in endothelial damage, leukocyte activation, platelet stimulation, and tissue factor activity occur in patients with AF.", "Do atrial differences in endothelial damage, leukocyte and platelet activation, or tissue factor activity contribute to chamber-specific thrombogenic status in patients with atrial fibrillation?<||||>Twenty-two patients (16 men, 6 women; age 56 ± 8 years; 16 paroxysmal AF, 6 persistent AF) with AF undergoing pulmonary vein isolation were investigated. Blood samples from the left and the right atrium were obtained at the start of the procedure. Microparticles (MPs) released by apoptotic/stimulated cells were measured by capture assays. Their procoagulant abilities were quantified by functional prothrombinase and tissue factor assays and their cellular origin were determined (endothelium, platelet, leukocyte). Platelet reactivity was evaluated by whole blood flow cytometry for expression of platelet P-selectin (CD62P), active glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor (PAC-1). Platelet aggregation was evaluated using ADP, TRAP and collagen-induced whole blood aggregometry.", "Do atrial differences in endothelial damage, leukocyte and platelet activation, or tissue factor activity contribute to chamber-specific thrombogenic status in patients with atrial fibrillation?<||||>There were no atrial-specific differences in the levels of total procoagulant MPs, leukocyte-derived-MPs or platelet-derived MPs. Conversely, endothelial-derived MPs and tissue factor activity and collagen-induced platelet aggregation were slightly elevated in the right atrium (P<0.05)." ]

[ "Do mental health clinicians elicit a history of previous trauma in female psychiatric inpatients?<||||>A history of trauma is linked to the development of a wide range of mental health problems, and has long-lasting physiological and psychological consequences. The importance of clinicians directly questioning trauma history has been consistently emphasised in the literature.", "Do mental health clinicians elicit a history of previous trauma in female psychiatric inpatients?<||||>To investigate whether a trauma history is obtained from female psychiatry inpatients during an inpatient admission.", "Do mental health clinicians elicit a history of previous trauma in female psychiatric inpatients?<||||>The study was a retrospective file audit of 100 female patients admitted to the psychiatric ward of a major metropolitan Melbourne Hospital between December 2013 and November 2014.", "Do mental health clinicians elicit a history of previous trauma in female psychiatric inpatients?<||||>In the files of 51% of patients there was no mention of whether or not the patient had a trauma-abuse history. Eight percent of patients had documentation stating there was no trauma-abuse history. Forty-one percent of the patients had documented evidence of a trauma-abuse history, although only 3% of these patients had a specific description provided. The presence of current illicit drug use and the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder were the only variables associated with an increase in the likelihood of having a documented trauma-abuse history." ]

[ "Motor and cognitive slowing in multiple sclerosis: an attentional deficit?<||||>Action slowing is frequently observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Several factors may account for response slowing: motor, perceptual, cognitive deficits, global mental slowing. Our objective was to examine mechanisms accounting for action slowing in MS patients.", "Motor and cognitive slowing in multiple sclerosis: an attentional deficit?<||||>Twenty MS patients, free of visual impairment and of upper limbs sensory-motor deficit underwent previously validated reaction time (RT) tests using visual stimuli. Three tasks were used: (1) motor tapping, (2) simple reaction time (SRT) in a simple and dual task condition, and (3) choice RT (CRT) with varying response probabilities. Results were compared to those of 20 healthy matched subjects.", "Motor and cognitive slowing in multiple sclerosis: an attentional deficit?<||||>MS patients had: (1) lower motor tapping frequency (p=0.02); (2) SRT lengthening (p=0.001) related to a lower proportion of fast responses (p=0.001) indicating attentional deficit whereas perceptuomotor index was spared (p=0.5), without higher sensitivity to dual task (p=0.9); and (3) CRT lengthening (p=0.001) with spared decision time (p=0.7)." ]

[ "Can school teachers improve the management and prevention of skin disease?<||||>The effect of health education provided by teachers, in three primary schools of Guerrero, Mexico, on the prevalence of head louse infestation was compared.", "Can school teachers improve the management and prevention of skin disease?<||||>A cross-sectional survey and rapid appraisal methods were performed, including a child questionnaire and qualitative data from teachers and focus groups of mothers in the same schools.", "Can school teachers improve the management and prevention of skin disease?<||||>Nine hundred and forty-four students and 33 teachers were interviewed; a focus group discussion with 6-8 mothers per school was performed. In the self-diagnosis of pediculosis, the prevalence was 22% (range, 18%-33%) with a sensitivity of 68% and a specificity of 86%. In one school, 100% of the teachers applied a health program, whereas in the other two schools this percentage was only 20%. A child under 9 years of age who attended a school without information on health was 3.6 times more likely to have head louse infestation (OR = 3.6, CI 95% = 2.1-6) than a child of the same age who attended a school where information was given. In older children the effect and potential impact were lower. The difference between the two age groups is unlikely to be explained by chance (X2 het = 5.7, df = 1, p = 0.01)." ]

[ "Does eliminating Helicobacter pylori mean the healing of the duodenal ulcer?<||||>A prospective study of 92 duodenal ulcer patients (diagnosed by endoscopy) with H. pylori infection demonstrated by rapid urease test, positive histology and culture. They were treated with a 7-day regimen of lansoprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin. Healing was evaluated in a follow-up gastroscopy performed one month after treatment had finished. Eradication was defined as negative urease test, histology and culture at 30 days and negative urea breath test at 60 days.", "Does eliminating Helicobacter pylori mean the healing of the duodenal ulcer?<||||>Duodenal ulcer healing was observed in 85 patients (92.4%, CI 85-96.9). Eradication of H. pylori infection was the only variable independently associated with ulcer healing. Healing was observed in 97.2% of patients with H. pylori eradication versus 75% of those with persistent infection (p<0.01; OR = 11.6; CI 95% = 2.06-65.9)." ]

[ "Is it only diastolic dysfunction?<||||>To investigate changes in longitudinal systolic function estimated by strain echocardiography in relation to global diastolic dysfunction and alterations in segmental relaxation patterns.", "Is it only diastolic dysfunction?<||||>We studied 75 hypertensive patients, of whom 45 had diastolic dysfunction and normal EF, and 30 matched controls. All subjects had 2D and colour Doppler myocardial imaging. Mean longitudinal strain (S) and strain rate (SR) were averaged from the basal and mid-LV segments assessed in the longitudinal axis. Early to late diastolic SR ratio<1.1 was defined as altered segmental relaxation [segmental diastolic dysfunction (DD)]. The total number of segmental DD out of the 18 basal-mid-apical segments was calculated for all the participants. Longitudinal systolic function estimated by mean strain and SR was decreased in the hypertensive group, but was further deteriorated in the diastolic dysfunction group compared with controls. Altered Segmental Relaxation was highly correlated with longitudinal systolic dysfunction expressed by strain (r: -0.56)or SR (r: -0.57). A septal mitral annular Ea cut-off of 5.9 cm/s predicted longitudinal systolic dysfunction with a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 70%. A multiple linear regression model proved LVMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and age as independent predictors of diastolic and longitudinal systolic dysfunction and BMI to independently related to diastolic dysfunction." ]

[ "Trend in alcohol use in Australia over 13 years: has there been a trend reversal?<||||>Skog's collectivity theory of alcohol consumption predicted that changes in alcohol consumption would synchronize across all types of drinkers in a population. The aim of this paper is examine this theory in the Australian context. We examined whether there was a collective change in alcohol use in Australia from 2001 to 2013, estimated alcohol consumption in non-high risk and high risk drinkers, and examined the trends in alcohol treatment episodes.", "Trend in alcohol use in Australia over 13 years: has there been a trend reversal?<||||>Data from the 2001-2013 National Drug Strategy Household Surveys (N = 127,916) was used to estimate the prevalence and alcohol consumption of abstainers, high risk drinkers and frequent heavy episodic drinkers. Closed treatment episodes recorded in the Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services National Minimum Dataset (N = 608,367) from 2001 to 2013 were used to examine the trends of closed alcohol treatment episodes.", "Trend in alcohol use in Australia over 13 years: has there been a trend reversal?<||||>The prevalence of non-drinkers (abstainers) decreased to the lowest level in 2004 (15.3 %) and rebounded steadily thereafter (20.4 % in 2013; p < .001). Correspondingly, the per capita consumption of high risk drinkers (2 standard drinks or more on average per day) increased from 20.7 L in 2001 to peak in 2010 (21.5 L; p = .020). Non-high risk drinkers' consumption peaked in 2004 (2.9 L) and decreased to 2.8 L in 2013 (p < .05). There were decreases in alcohol treatment episodes across nearly all birth cohorts in recent years." ]

[ "Do immunisation procedures match provider perception?<||||>Immunisation coverage of children by 19 months of age in US primary care practices is below the desired goal of 80%. In order to improve this rate, primary care providers must first understand the specific processes of immunisation delivery within their office settings. This paper aims to identify key components in identifying strategies for quality improvement (QI) of immunisation delivery.", "Do immunisation procedures match provider perception?<||||>We surveyed a South Carolina Pediatric Practice Research Network (SCPPRN) representative for each of six paediatric practices. The surveys included questions regarding immunisation assessment, medical record keeping, opportunities for immunisation administration and prompting. Subsequently, research staff visited the participating practices to directly observe their immunisation delivery process and review patient charts in order to validate survey responses and identify areas for QI.", "Do immunisation procedures match provider perception?<||||>Most survey responses were verified using direct observation of actual practice or chart review. However, observation of actual practice and chart review identified key areas for improvement of immunisation delivery. Although four practices responded that they prompted for needed immunisations at sick visits, only one did so. We also noted considerable variation among and within practices in terms of immunising with all indicated vaccines during sick visits. In addition, most practices had multiple immunisation forms and all administered immunisations were not always recorded on all forms, making it difficult to determine a child's immunisation status." ]

[ "Androgenetic alopecia and insulin resistance: are they truly associated?<||||>Controversies exist regarding the association of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) with insulin resistance. Are they truly associated, or is insulin resistance just related to aging, obesity, or to the presence of metabolic syndrome?", "Androgenetic alopecia and insulin resistance: are they truly associated?<||||>To assess insulin resistance in young nonobese patients with AGA with and without metabolic syndrome.", "Androgenetic alopecia and insulin resistance: are they truly associated?<||||>The study included four equally distributed groups of age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched young, nonobese subjects: 30 patients with AGA and metabolic syndrome (group 1); 30 patients with AGA and no metabolic syndrome (group 2); 30 patients with metabolic syndrome and no AGA (group 3); and 30 healthy controls (group 4). Insulin resistance based on fasting insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was assessed in all groups.", "Androgenetic alopecia and insulin resistance: are they truly associated?<||||>Twenty-three patients in group 1, four patients in group 2, 25 patients in group 3, and three healthy controls had insulin resistance with statistically significant differences in fasting insulin and HOMA-IR levels between all groups, between groups 1 and 2, groups 1 and 4, groups 2 and 3, and groups 3 and 4. No significant differences existed between groups 2 and 4 or groups 1 and 3. Correlations between insulin resistance parameters, age of patients, disease duration, and stages of AGA in males and females revealed nonsignificant differences." ]

[ "A new surgical procedure for palmar hyperhidrosis: is it possible to perform endoscopic sympathectomy under deep sedation without intubation?<||||>Palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) is a common dysfunctional disorder, with endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) being the most popular treatment method. However, until now, there is little improvement to this technique. In this paper, we present a new alternative to the conventional surgical method.", "A new surgical procedure for palmar hyperhidrosis: is it possible to perform endoscopic sympathectomy under deep sedation without intubation?<||||>We performed ETS with flexible thoracoscopy under deep sedation without intubation in 13 patients. All patients were followed up until today.", "A new surgical procedure for palmar hyperhidrosis: is it possible to perform endoscopic sympathectomy under deep sedation without intubation?<||||>During surgery, the vital signs of the patients remained stable and no intubation was necessary. The operative times ranged between 30 and 40 min. The symptom of PH disappeared postoperatively, and no complications occured. All patients were discharged from the hospital on the second postoperative day." ]

[ "Can community leaders' preferences be used to proxy those of the community as a whole?<||||>Community-based distribution of ivermectin and other drugs requires people in the endemic communities who are capable of distributing the drug. It is essential also to collect information on local people's views concerning different financing mechanisms and approaches to distributing ivermectin. However, studies at household level are resource-intensive. Eliciting the preferences of the community by interviewing a smaller number of community leaders offers an alternative strategy.", "Can community leaders' preferences be used to proxy those of the community as a whole?<||||>A comparison of information from community leaders and household heads on the financing and distribution of ivermectin through communities was conducted in three communities in Nigeria to determine whether rapidly collected information from key community leaders could represent broad community preferences.", "Can community leaders' preferences be used to proxy those of the community as a whole?<||||>The preferences of community leaders and household heads were comparable in relation to the method of collecting payments, managing payments and making payments, who should set the level of payments and the drug distribution mechanisms. However, there were differences between community leaders' views and those of heads of households concerning how the scheme should be supervised." ]

[ "Endoscopic ultrasound: valuable tool for diagnosis of biliary complications in liver transplant recipients?<||||>Biliary complications after liver transplantation (LT) are still common and are an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Until now, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been considered the gold standard for diagnosing such complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the management of biliary complications after LT.", "Endoscopic ultrasound: valuable tool for diagnosis of biliary complications in liver transplant recipients?<||||>Thirty-seven liver transplant patients who presented with clinical, biochemical, sonographic, and/or histological evidence of biliary complications, and who first received EUS followed by ERCP, were enrolled into this prospective observational study. Subsequently, we evaluated the value of EUS in detecting and classifying biliary complications after LT.", "Endoscopic ultrasound: valuable tool for diagnosis of biliary complications in liver transplant recipients?<||||>Thirty-seven biliary complications were detected in 32 patients. Endoscopic ultrasound showed an overall sensitivity and accuracy of 94.6 % each. In cases of biliary cast and ischemic cholangiopathy, EUS was found to be diagnostically superior to ERCP and has had, in these cases, a significant impact on clinical decision-making. However, EUS was less reliable when diagnosing anastomotic strictures." ]

[ "Diagnosis of posttraumatic pulmonary embolism: is chest computed tomographic angiography acceptable?<||||>Pulmonary angiography (PA-gram) has long been the accepted criterion standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE). Computed tomographic angiography has recently been advocated as an equivalent alternative to PA-gram. CT angiography is known to be insensitive for peripheral (segmental and subsegmental) emboli. We have previously found that a significant number of posttraumatic PEs occur early. We therefore hypothesized that because of the fragmentation of these early (soft) clots, posttraumatic PEs would be found disproportionately in the lung periphery.", "Diagnosis of posttraumatic pulmonary embolism: is chest computed tomographic angiography acceptable?<||||>Trauma patients with PE confirmed by PA-gram were identified from our trauma database and medical records. PA-grams and reports were re-reviewed and the location of all emboli was documented.", "Diagnosis of posttraumatic pulmonary embolism: is chest computed tomographic angiography acceptable?<||||>We identified 45 patients, with an average age of 46 +/- 19 years; two thirds of the patients were men and 82% had a blunt mechanism of injury. Patients had PE diagnosed between days 0 and 57. Overall, PE was confined to segmental or smaller vessels in 27 (60%) patients and to subsegmental vessels in 7 (16%) patients. Twelve patients (27%) had a PE within the first 4 days. Furthermore, 32 patients (71%) had unilateral clot and 22 patients (48.9%) had clot confined to one region." ]

[ "Management of early onset severe preeclampsia in a tertiary hospital in India: does expectant management alter perinatal outcome?<||||>The aims of the study were to find out the maternal and perinatal outcome of early onset severe preeclampsia (PE) in a tertiary care center in a developing country like India and to determine whether expectant management in such a setup improves the perinatal outcome.", "Management of early onset severe preeclampsia in a tertiary hospital in India: does expectant management alter perinatal outcome?<||||>It was a retrospective study. All women with early PE were admitted stabilized and evaluated. Expectant management was given whenever there was no indication for eminent delivery. The perinatal outcome of the expectant group was compared with that of the aggressive group, and appropriate statistical analysis was carried out.", "Management of early onset severe preeclampsia in a tertiary hospital in India: does expectant management alter perinatal outcome?<||||>A total of 106 women were admitted with severe PE, 61 were treated aggressively, and 45 were stable enough to receive expectant management. The total days gained on expectant management was 7 days. Perinatal mortality was 31.13%. Perinatal outcome of the expectant and aggressive management groups did not differ (P = 0.141); there was no increase in maternal complications on expectant management. There were 2 cases of maternal mortality in the aggressively managed group." ]

[ "Are overweight and obese patients who receive autologous free-flap breast reconstruction satisfied with their postoperative outcome?<||||>Obese and overweight patients represent a challenging surgical group for autologous free-flap breast reconstruction. There is a paucity of information regarding post-operative patient-reported satisfaction in this increasingly prevalent cohort. This retrospective study aimed to determine using BREAST-Q patient-reported satisfaction amongst normal, overweight and obese patients receiving autologous free-flap breast reconstruction.", "Are overweight and obese patients who receive autologous free-flap breast reconstruction satisfied with their postoperative outcome?<||||>BREAST-Q (post-reconstruction) module was sent to 174 autologous breast free flap reconstruction patients between 2001 and 2012. Clinical data were collated for patients who returned questionnaires. Post-operative complications and satisfaction scores were compared between normal versus overweight and obese patients.", "Are overweight and obese patients who receive autologous free-flap breast reconstruction satisfied with their postoperative outcome?<||||>A total of 101 patients (normal body mass index (BMI) = 27; overweight BMI = 48 and obese BMI = 25) completed BREAST-Q (response rate 66%). Obese and overweight patients are significantly more likely to develop major (44.8% and 31.1% vs. 29.6%) and minor (34.4% and 20% vs. 7.4%) complications in comparison to normal BMI patients (p<0.02). Overweight and obese patients demonstrated similar levels of satisfaction compared with normal patients with the shape of their reconstructed breasts (73.2 and 72.1 vs. 71.2; p>0.05) and overall surgical outcome (75.8 and 78.9 vs. 75.4; p>0.05)." ]

[ "Is acupuncture in addition to conventional medicine effective as pain treatment for endometriosis?<||||>The aim of the study was to examine whether acupuncture is an effective additional pain treatment for endometriosis.", "Is acupuncture in addition to conventional medicine effective as pain treatment for endometriosis?<||||>One hundred and one women aged 20-40 years participated and were randomised into two groups, each receiving two units of 10 acupuncture treatments, twice a week over a period of five weeks. Group 1 (n = 47) received verum-acupuncture during the first series, and group 2 (n = 54) received non-specific acupuncture. After the first unit of 10 treatments, an observation period of at least two menstruation cycles was set, followed by a second unit, according to a cross-over design. Prior to the study (during a two-week run-in period) the patients' actual pain intensity was surveyed. Throughout the study period, participants were asked to keep a 'pain protocol', in which they defined and recorded their pain according to the 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS).", "Is acupuncture in addition to conventional medicine effective as pain treatment for endometriosis?<||||>Eighty-three out of a total of 101 patients finished the study. Group 1 showed a significant reduction of pain intensity after the first 10 treatments. In comparison, group 2 showed significant pain relief only after the cross-over." ]

[ "Do false positive thallium-201 scans lead to unnecessary catheterization?<||||>We postulated that artifactually abnormal thallium-201 scans are well identified at the time of initial clinical interpretation by experienced readers and do not lead to unnecessary coronary angiography.", "Do false positive thallium-201 scans lead to unnecessary catheterization?<||||>Exercise thallium-201 scintigraphy employing quantitative imaging techniques has yielded sensitivity and specificity values of 80% to 90%. There are image artifacts, such as breast shadows, and variants of normal that, if not correctly identified, can lead to a high false positive rate for detection of coronary artery disease.", "Do false positive thallium-201 scans lead to unnecessary catheterization?<||||>Data from 338 consecutive patients with one or more focal thallium-201 defects on quantitative planar images were reviewed. All patients had undergone symptom-limited exercise scintigraphy and were classified as having either artifactual or nonartifactual thallium-201 defects after review of clinical reports.", "Do false positive thallium-201 scans lead to unnecessary catheterization?<||||>Of the 265 patients with defects judged to be nonartifactual on clinical readings, 167 underwent coronary angiography, which demonstrated significant coronary artery disease (>or = 50% stenosis) in 161 (96%) and normal findings in 6. Four of the latter six had documented prior myocardial infarction. The remaining 73 patients (85% female) had thallium-201 defects deemed to be artifactual on clinical readings, chiefly as a result of breast (66%) and diaphragmatic (8%) attenuation or variants of normal (26%). Only 4 (5%) of the 73 patients underwent subsequent coronary angiography; none had coronary artery disease. One had aortic stenosis and two had variant angina. Follow-up (mean 20 +/- 2 months) of the 69 patients in this group who did not undergo coronary angiography revealed no deaths and one nonfatal non-Q wave myocardial infarction." ]

[ "Diagnosis of malpositioned chest tubes after emergency tube thoracostomy: is computed tomography more accurate than chest radiograph?<||||>The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy between computed tomography (CT) and frontal chest radiography in the diagnosis of malpositioned chest tubes (MCT).", "Diagnosis of malpositioned chest tubes after emergency tube thoracostomy: is computed tomography more accurate than chest radiograph?<||||>CT scans positive for MCT between March 2000 and March 2004 were reviewed. Two radiologists assessed for intra- and extrathoracic locations of MCT in CT studies. Two physicians who were blinded to the results of CT scans assessed the frontal chest radiographs for location of chest tubes, within the pleural space or outside pleural space. The results of CT were then compared with the results of frontal chest radiographs. Medical records were also reviewed for function of the chest tubes and any complications induced by MCT.", "Diagnosis of malpositioned chest tubes after emergency tube thoracostomy: is computed tomography more accurate than chest radiograph?<||||>CT revealed 28 MCT among the 76 chest tubes that were placed in 54 patients. Among the 28 MCT detected by CT, 23 tubes were in the intrathoracic location (20 intraparenchymal; 3 intrafissural) and 5 tubes were in the extrathoracic location (4 in mediastinum; 1 in chest wall). Frontal chest radiographs only revealed six MCT. Among 28 MCT, 16 sufficient, 8 insufficient, and 4 indeterminate functions of the chest tubes were noted from medical charts. One patient complicated with lung abscess, four patients had suffered pleural empyema, and one patient suffered active lung parenchymal bleeding, resulting from MCT." ]

[ "Do you get value for money when you buy an expensive pair of running shoes?<||||>This investigation aims to determine if more expensive running shoes provide better cushioning of plantar pressure and are more comfortable than low-cost alternatives from the same brand.", "Do you get value for money when you buy an expensive pair of running shoes?<||||>Three pairs of running shoes were purchased from three different manufacturers at three different price ranges: low (40-45 pounds), medium (60-65 pounds) and high (70-75 pounds). Plantar pressure was recorded with the Pedar in-shoe pressure measurement system. Comfort was assessed with a 100 mm visual analogue scale. A follow-on study was conducted to ascertain if shoe cushioning and comfort were comparable to walking while running on a treadmill. Forty-three and 9 male subjects participated in the main and follow-on studies, respectively. The main outcome measure was the evaluation of plantar pressure and comfort.", "Do you get value for money when you buy an expensive pair of running shoes?<||||>Plantar pressure measurements were recorded from under the heel, across the forefoot and under the great toe. Differences in plantar pressure were recorded between models and between brands in relation to cost. Shoe performance was comparable between walking and running trials on a treadmill. No significant difference was observed between shoes and test occasions in terms of comfort." ]

[ "Does the association between different dimension of social capital and adolescent smoking vary by socioeconomic status?<||||>To analyze how dimensions of social capital at the individual level are associated with adolescent smoking and whether associations differ by socioeconomic status.", "Does the association between different dimension of social capital and adolescent smoking vary by socioeconomic status?<||||>Data were from the 'Health Behaviour in School-aged Children' study 2005/2006 including 6511 15-year-old adolescents from Flemish Belgium, Canada, Romania and England. Socioeconomic status was measured using the Family Affluence Scale (FAS). Social capital was indicated by friend-related social capital, participation in school and voluntary organizations, trust and reciprocity in family, neighborhood and school. We conducted pooled logistic regression models with interaction terms and tested for cross-national differences.", "Does the association between different dimension of social capital and adolescent smoking vary by socioeconomic status?<||||>Almost all dimensions of social capital were associated with a lower likelihood of smoking, except for friend-related social capital and school participation. The association of family-related social capital with smoking was significantly stronger for low FAS adolescents, whereas the association of vertical trust and reciprocity in school with smoking was significantly stronger for high FAS adolescents." ]

[ "Iodine deficiency in ambulatory participants at a Sydney teaching hospital: is Australia truly iodine replete?<||||>To assess iodine status in four separate groups--pregnant women, postpartum women, patients with diabetes mellitus and volunteers.", "Iodine deficiency in ambulatory participants at a Sydney teaching hospital: is Australia truly iodine replete?<||||>Prospective cross-sectional study at a tertiary referral hospital in Sydney.", "Iodine deficiency in ambulatory participants at a Sydney teaching hospital: is Australia truly iodine replete?<||||>81 pregnant women attending a \"high risk\" obstetric clinic; 26 of these same women who attended three months postpartum; 135 consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus attending the diabetes clinic for an annual complications screen; and 19 volunteers. There were no exclusion criteria.", "Iodine deficiency in ambulatory participants at a Sydney teaching hospital: is Australia truly iodine replete?<||||>Spot urine samples were obtained, and urinary iodine was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer.", "Iodine deficiency in ambulatory participants at a Sydney teaching hospital: is Australia truly iodine replete?<||||>Iodine status based on urinary iodine concentration categorised as normal (>100 micrograms/L), mild deficiency (51-100 micrograms/L) and moderate to severe deficiency (<50 micrograms/L).", "Iodine deficiency in ambulatory participants at a Sydney teaching hospital: is Australia truly iodine replete?<||||>Moderate to severe iodine deficiency was found in 16 pregnant women (19.8%), five postpartum women (19.2%), 46 patients with diabetes (34.1%) and five volunteers (26.3%). Mild iodine deficiency was found in an additional 24 pregnant women (29.6%), nine postpartum women (34.6%), 51 patients with diabetes (37.8%) and 9 normal volunteers (47.4%). Median urinary iodine concentration was 104 micrograms/L in pregnant women, 79 micrograms/L in postpartum women, 65 micrograms/L in patients with diabetes mellitus and 64 micrograms/L in volunteers." ]

[ "Does Suture Technique Affect Re-Rupture in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair?<||||>To evaluate the effects of suture configuration, repair method, and tear size on rotator cuff (RC) repair healing.", "Does Suture Technique Affect Re-Rupture in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair?<||||>We conducted a literature search of articles that examined surgical treatment of RC tears published between January 2003 and September 2014. For single-row (SR) repairs, we calculated rerupture rates for simple, mattress, and modified Mason-Allen sutures while stratifying by tear size. All double-row repairs-those using 2 rows of suture anchors (DA) and those using a suture bridge (SB)--were performed using mattress sutures, and we compared rerupture rates by repair method while stratifying by tear size. A random-effects model with pooled estimates for between-study variance was used to estimate the overall rerupture proportion and corresponding 95% confidence interval for each group. Statistical significance was defined as P<.05.", "Does Suture Technique Affect Re-Rupture in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair?<||||>A total of 682 RC repairs from 13 studies were included. For SR repairs of tears measuring less than 3 cm, there was no significant difference in rerupture rates for modified Mason-Allen sutures versus simple sutures (P = .18). For SR repairs of tears measuring 3 cm or more, there was no significant difference in rerupture rates for mattress sutures versus simple sutures (P = .23). The rates of rerupture did not differ between SB and DA repairs for tears measuring less than 3 cm (P = .29) and 3 cm or more (P = .50)." ]

[ "Is postadolescent mandibular anterior growth rotation a risk factor for relapse of incisor alignment in males?<||||>The purpose of this study was to test the hypotheses that (1) pronounced postadolescent anterior mandibular rotation is associated with relapse of mandibular incisor alignment and (2) mandibular anterior rotation is conducive to more severe relapse.", "Is postadolescent mandibular anterior growth rotation a risk factor for relapse of incisor alignment in males?<||||>Based on the amount of mandibular anterior rotation posttreatment, 2 groups of orthodontically treated males were selected: 1 with pronounced anterior rotation (Max AR group; n = 27), defined as maximal decrease of sella-nasion/gonion-menton angle (SN/GoMe), and 1 with minimal anterior rotation (Min AR group; n = 29). Cephalograms and study models made before treatment, after treatment (T2), and at a minimum of 10 years postretention (T3) were evaluated, and SN/GoMe, the irregularity index (II), and intercanine width were measured.", "Is postadolescent mandibular anterior growth rotation a risk factor for relapse of incisor alignment in males?<||||>The incisor II increased in both groups from T2 to T3, but independent t tests failed to detect an intergroup difference (P = 0.969). Moderate crowding (II>or=3.5 and<or=5.5 mm) was 3 times higher in the Min AR than in the Max AR group (P = 0.03). However, when subjects with mild (II<3.5 mm) and moderate crowding were pooled in each group, chi-square tests failed to demonstrate an intergroup difference." ]

[ "Are n-3 PUFA dietary recommendations met in in-hospital and school catering?<||||>Literature provides compelling evidence for the health benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) consumption and low n-6/n-3 ratio, in particular, on inflammation and metabolic syndrome prevention and treatment. Consequently, recommendations were established for adequate n-3 PUFA supplies in the general population. The aim of our study was to evaluate the fatty acid (FA) profile in collective catering in relation to those recommendations.", "Are n-3 PUFA dietary recommendations met in in-hospital and school catering?<||||>We obtained composition of lunches provided by the Township of Lille (France) to children and adults, and of \"standard\", \"low-fat\" and \"for diabetic\" menus from the catering service of St Luc university hospital (Brussels, Belgium). The average proportions of fish, meat, oils, and dairy were used to estimate total, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (n-6 and n-3) FA contents. We used official tables of foodstuffs composition provided by the French Agency for Food Safety, the project \"Nutritional Composition of Aquatic Products\", the French Institute for Nutrition, and the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. French guidelines were taken as reference for daily recommended intakes.", "Are n-3 PUFA dietary recommendations met in in-hospital and school catering?<||||>n-3 PUFA content in lunches provided by municipal catering and in in-hospital menus were slightly below recommended intakes. In the latter, n-3 PUFA enriched margarine contributed for 50% to daily intakes. Despite, the n-6/n-3 ratio was too high, especially in municipal catering (around 20), related to excessive n-6 PUFA supply." ]

[ "Does laser inactivate botulinum toxin?<||||>Botulinum toxin is a popular and effective treatment for dynamic rhytids. It is a neurotoxic protein complex that exerts its effect by inhibiting acetylcholine release at the presynaptic neuromuscular junction. Nonablative resurfacing treatments have also become well liked by patients and physicians owing to the minimal downtime associated with treatment. Currently, same-day nonablative laser treatments are performed prior to botulinum toxin injection owing to the concern that the laser may inactivate it. On occasion, it may be desirable to perform nonablative laser after the botulinum toxin has been injected (ie, patient afterthought, scheduling concern).", "Does laser inactivate botulinum toxin?<||||>To determine whether the use of nonablative rejuvenation laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) immediately following botulinum toxin injections has any effect on the efficacy of the botulinum toxin treatment.", "Does laser inactivate botulinum toxin?<||||>Nineteen subjects received botulinum toxin injections to either the glabellar or crow's-feet areas. One side of the treated glabellar or periorbital area was treated with either VBeam laser (Candela, Wayland, MA, USA), SmoothBeam laser (Candela), CoolGlide laser (Cutera, Brisbane, CA, USA), or an IPL or radiofrequency (RF) device within 10 minutes of botulinum toxin injection. Pretreatment and 2-week post-treatment photographs were compared.", "Does laser inactivate botulinum toxin?<||||>No decrease in the efficacy of botulinum toxin denervation was observed when glabellar or perioral areas were treated with VBeam laser, SmoothBeam laser, CoolGlide laser, or an IPL or RF device within 10 minutes of botulinum toxin injection." ]

[ "Predictors of successful percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy using the Bonhoeffer Multi-Track system in patients with moderate to severe mitral stenosis: Can we see beyond the Wilkins score?<||||>To know the predictors of a successful outcome of percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) other than described in the Wilkins scoring system.", "Predictors of successful percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy using the Bonhoeffer Multi-Track system in patients with moderate to severe mitral stenosis: Can we see beyond the Wilkins score?<||||>Two hundred fifty-eight consecutive patients were enrolled for this observational study in a tertiary care heart center of Pakistan who had a Wilkins score of ≤ 8. Patients with more than mild mitral regurgitation (MR) or having a clot in the left atrium were excluded. The Bonhoeffer multi-track system was used as a default technique. Successful PTMC was defined as achieving a mitral valve area (MVA) of ≥ 1.5 cm(2) with no more than mild MR.", "Predictors of successful percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy using the Bonhoeffer Multi-Track system in patients with moderate to severe mitral stenosis: Can we see beyond the Wilkins score?<||||>Out of 258 PTMC procedures, 197 were successful. The Bonhoeffer multi-track system was used in ~94% cases. Among unsuccessful procedures, 41 patients did not achieve the required valve area, and 21 patients developed more than mild MR, including those 8 patients who did not achieve the required valve area and had more than mild MR. Bigger mean annulus size (33.5 ± 2.6 versus 32.8 ± 2.1 mm; p=0.02) and preprocedure MVA (0.93 ± 0.1 versus 0.87 ± 0.1 cm(2); p=0.002) had a significant effect on successful PTMC. Lower mean preprocedure systolic right ventricular pressure on echo (65.4 ± 19.4 versus 75.3 ± 18 mm Hg; p=0.000) and on cath (74 ± 21.5 versus 81.5 ± 24.6 mm Hg; p=0.002), lower grade of left ventricular dysfunction (p=0.04), and tricuspid regurgitation on echo (p=0.003) also had positive effects on the outcome." ]

[ "Perinatal outcome in growth-restricted fetuses: do hypertensive and normotensive pregnancies differ?<||||>To test the hypothesis that fetal growth restriction (FGR) associated with a maternal hypertensive disorder results in worse perinatal outcome than FGR in pregnancies without maternal hypertension.", "Perinatal outcome in growth-restricted fetuses: do hypertensive and normotensive pregnancies differ?<||||>All consecutive, singleton, nondiabetic, small for gestational age (SGA) deliveries (birth weight at or below the tenth percentile for gestational age) in a 15-year computerized data base were analyzed for pregnancy outcome. Perinatal outcome was compared after stratification by presence or absence of hypertensive disorders and by gestational age at delivery.", "Perinatal outcome in growth-restricted fetuses: do hypertensive and normotensive pregnancies differ?<||||>Eleven thousand two hundred twenty-seven SGA pregnancies were analyzed. The morbidity and mortality profiles differed between hypertensive and normotensive pregnancies delivered preterm and those delivered at term. Perinatal mortality was significantly higher in the normotensive than in the hypertensive group in preterm deliveries (30.3 versus 18.7%, odds ratio [OR] 1.9 [confidence interval (CI) 1.3-2.9]). At term, hypertensive pregnancies demonstrated significantly higher mortality than normotensive pregnancies (4.6 versus 1.9%, OR 2.42 [95% CI 1.7-3.4]). In both preterm and term gestations, cesarean rates were significantly higher in hypertensive pregnancies than in normotensive pregnancies. Using logistic regression analysis, hypertension was independently associated with a 39% reduction in risk of perinatal mortality preterm, compared with a twofold increased risk of perinatal mortality at term." ]

[ "Worsening renal function in children hospitalized with decompensated heart failure: evidence for a pediatric cardiorenal syndrome?<||||>The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of renal insufficiency in children hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure and whether worsening renal function is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcome.", "Worsening renal function in children hospitalized with decompensated heart failure: evidence for a pediatric cardiorenal syndrome?<||||>Prospective observational cohort study.", "Worsening renal function in children hospitalized with decompensated heart failure: evidence for a pediatric cardiorenal syndrome?<||||>Single-center children's hospital.", "Worsening renal function in children hospitalized with decompensated heart failure: evidence for a pediatric cardiorenal syndrome?<||||>All pediatric patients from birth to age 21 yrs admitted to our institution with acute decompensated heart failure from October 2003 to October 2005.", "Worsening renal function in children hospitalized with decompensated heart failure: evidence for a pediatric cardiorenal syndrome?<||||>None.", "Worsening renal function in children hospitalized with decompensated heart failure: evidence for a pediatric cardiorenal syndrome?<||||>Acute decompensated heart failure was defined as new-onset or acute exacerbation of heart failure signs or symptoms requiring hospitalization and inpatient treatment. We required that heart failure be attributable to ventricular dysfunction only. Worsening renal function was defined as an increase in serum creatinine by>or = 0.3 mg/dL during hospitalization. Sixty-three patients (35 male, 28 female) comprised 73 patient hospitalizations. Median age at admission was 10 yrs (range 0.1-20.3 yrs). Median serum creatinine at admission was 0.6 mg/dL (range 0.2-3.5 mg/dL), and median creatinine clearance was 103 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range 22-431 mL/min/1.73 m2). Serum creatinine increased during 60 of 73 (82%) patient hospitalizations (median increase 0.2 mg/dL, range 0.1-2.7 mg/dL), and worsening renal function occurred in 35 of 73 (48%) patient hospitalizations. Clinical variables associated with worsening renal function included admission serum creatinine (p = .009) and blood urea nitrogen (p = .04) and, during hospitalization, continuous infusions of dopamine (p = .028) or nesiritide (p = .007). Worsening renal function was independently associated with the combined end point of in-hospital death or need for mechanical circulatory support (adjusted odds ratio 10.2; 95% confidence interval 1.7-61.2, p = .011). Worsening renal function was also associated with longer observed length of stay (33 +/- 30 days vs. 18 +/- 25 days, p<.03)." ]

[ "Is there a \"July effect\" in surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?<||||>Prior studies in various medical and surgical specialties have suggested that the changeover of medical trainees in the United States at the end of the academic year, or so-called \"July effect,\" negatively impacts the quality of patient care, including increasing morbidity and decreasing efficiency. We analyzed whether the outcomes of surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis involving physicians-in-training as first assistants were affected by the time of year the surgery was performed.", "Is there a \"July effect\" in surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?<||||>We performed a multicenter retrospective study with use of a prospectively collected database to examine outcomes following instrumented posterior spinal fusion in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The minimum duration of follow-up was two years. The outcomes of procedures performed by twelve surgeons whose first assistants were all surgeons-in-training were analyzed on the basis of the month of year that the surgery was performed. Variables assessed included blood loss, operative time, length of hospitalization, radiographic outcomes, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) scores, and complications.", "Is there a \"July effect\" in surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?<||||>Five hundred and seventy-five surgical procedures for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were performed, most in June (14%) and July (13%) (p ≤ 0.001). Preoperative radiographic characteristics were similar across all months as were postoperative radiographic outcomes. Preoperative and two-year SRS-22 scores were also similar across all months, with the exception of scores in the preoperative pain domain, which showed worse pain for patients who underwent surgery in February. No significant differences in blood loss, operative time, or length of hospital stay were observed when these variables were analyzed on the basis of the month in which the surgery was performed. The rate of patients experiencing any complication (23.5% overall) was not associated with the month of surgery, nor were the rates for the specific subcategories of neurologic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, instrumentation, or surgical site-related complications. With the exception of three gastrointestinal complications that were observed in July, the odds of a patient having a complication from surgery in July/August were unchanged from other months." ]

[ "Can grade 2 neutropenia predict the risk of grade 3 neutropenia in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy?<||||>Neutropenia is a major factor affecting continuation of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. In many clinical trials, a neutrophil count of>1500 is targeted for continuation; for a count of<1500, medication is commonly discontinued. However, there is no definitive evidence supporting the need for a neutrophil count of 1500 for continuation of chemotherapy. In the clinical trials that we conducted, we discontinued chemotherapy when the neutrophil count was<1000 (grade 3); for a count of 1000-1500 (grade 2), chemotherapy was continued. Therefore, even practical treatment uses the same setting. Our aim was to examine neutrophil counts during continuation of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients with counts of 1000-1500 and to assess the need for discontinuation of medication for neutrophil counts in this range. Moreover, we examined neutrophil counts during the previous course of chemotherapy when they fell below 1000.", "Can grade 2 neutropenia predict the risk of grade 3 neutropenia in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy?<||||>The study included 144 patients who received XELOX + bevacizumab therapy and XELOX therapy for advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer.", "Can grade 2 neutropenia predict the risk of grade 3 neutropenia in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy?<||||>Thirty (20.8 %) patients had neutrophil counts of 1000-1500. One (3.3 %) of 30 patients had a neutrophil count of<1000 during the following course of chemotherapy. Moreover, among the patients with neutrophil counts of<1000, 27.3 % had counts of 1000-1500 during the previous course of chemotherapy and 72.7 % had counts of>1500." ]

[ "Do partners with children know about firearms in their home?<||||>The gender gap describing the apparent differences in male and female reports of firearm-ownership and -storage habits has never been evaluated among individuals who live in the same household. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine the level of agreement on household firearms and storage practices among cohabiting partners.", "Do partners with children know about firearms in their home?<||||>Data for this investigation came from follow-up telephone interviews of participants who underwent a randomized, controlled trial to test the effect of home-safety counseling, including firearm safety, on behavior change. Baseline interviews were conducted at a level 1 pediatric emergency department in North Carolina with adults who took a child or adolescent who was under his or her care to a pediatric emergency department. Follow-up interviews were conducted via telephone at 18 months after intervention with participants who reported household firearms at baseline. Participants then were asked whether their partners could be contacted for a separate telephone interview. The measured outcomes were number and type of household firearms and firearm-storage practices. The strength of agreement between partners' reported firearm-ownership and -storage practices was measured with the kappa statistic.", "Do partners with children know about firearms in their home?<||||>Seventy-six partner-respondent pairs completed the study (62% response rate). Most initial respondents were white (89%), female (76%), and college graduates (52%); the median age was 37. There were no same-gender partners, and 91% reported that they were spouses. There was not perfect agreement among male and female partners with regard to the presence of household firearms. More men (80%) reported the presence of household firearms than did women (72%; kappa = .64). The discordance between partner pairs regarding the number of household firearms and type was poor to fair (kappa = .35 and .34, respectively). Although similar proportions of men and women reported storing any household firearms loaded (10%) and storing all household firearms locked up (63% men and 62% women), the kappa values demonstrated only moderate agreement (kappa = .56-.60). Most men (88%) and women (83%) reported that firearm storage was the husband's responsibility; 82% of men compared with 17% of women reported that they personally owned all of the firearms." ]

[ "Is clinical examination an accurate indicator of raised intra-abdominal pressure in critically injured patients?<||||>To determine the rate of elevated intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and to evaluate the accuracy of clinical abdominal examination in the assessment of IAP in the critically injured trauma patient.", "Is clinical examination an accurate indicator of raised intra-abdominal pressure in critically injured patients?<||||>A prospective blinded study.", "Is clinical examination an accurate indicator of raised intra-abdominal pressure in critically injured patients?<||||>The medical-surgical critical care unit of a university-affiliated regional adult trauma centre.", "Is clinical examination an accurate indicator of raised intra-abdominal pressure in critically injured patients?<||||>Forty-two adult blunt trauma victims, who had a mean injury severity score of 36.", "Is clinical examination an accurate indicator of raised intra-abdominal pressure in critically injured patients?<||||>Urinary bladder pressure was measured daily and classified as normal (10 mm Hg or less), elevated (more than 10 mm Hg) or significantly elevated (more than 15 mm Hg). A blinded clinical assessment of abdominal pressure was concurrently performed and recorded as elevated or normal.", "Is clinical examination an accurate indicator of raised intra-abdominal pressure in critically injured patients?<||||>The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy and the positive and negative predictive values of the 2 interventions in identifying elevated IAP.", "Is clinical examination an accurate indicator of raised intra-abdominal pressure in critically injured patients?<||||>Twenty-one patients (50%) had an elevated IAP at some point during the study. Of the 147 bladder pressure measurements done in these 42 patients, 47 (32%) were more than 10 mm Hg and 16 (11%) were more than 15 mm Hg. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of clinical abdominal examination for identifying elevated IAP were 40%, 94%, 76%, 77% and 77%, respectively. Clinical abdominal examination had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of 56%, 87%, 35%, 94% and 84% respectively, for significantly elevated IAP." ]

[ "Does partial surgical tumour removal influence the response to octreotide-LAR in acromegalic patients previously resistant to the somatostatin analogue?<||||>To compare the intrapatient response to the same dose of slow-release octreotide (OCT-LAR) before and after noncurative surgery in acromegalic patients who did not attain disease control after primary treatment with OCT-LAR.", "Does partial surgical tumour removal influence the response to octreotide-LAR in acromegalic patients previously resistant to the somatostatin analogue?<||||>Prospective clinical study.", "Does partial surgical tumour removal influence the response to octreotide-LAR in acromegalic patients previously resistant to the somatostatin analogue?<||||>Eleven acromegalic patients (eight men, aged 42.45 +/- 11.15 years, 10 macroadenomas) received OCT-LAR (20 mg, n = 1; 30 mg, n = 10) every 28 days as the primary treatment (1stOCT-LAR) for 11.3 +/- 4.2 months, without IGF-I normalization. They were subsequently submitted to surgery without cure and were then treated with the same dose of OCT-LAR for 8.0 +/- 6.5 months (2ndOCT-LAR).", "Does partial surgical tumour removal influence the response to octreotide-LAR in acromegalic patients previously resistant to the somatostatin analogue?<||||>GH and IGF-I serum concentrations were obtained under basal conditions as well as during treatment. Pituitary tumour volume was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sella. IGF-I was also expressed as a percentage of the upper limit of the normal age- and sex-matched range (%ULNR IGF-I).", "Does partial surgical tumour removal influence the response to octreotide-LAR in acromegalic patients previously resistant to the somatostatin analogue?<||||>After 1stOCT-LAR, there was a decrease in GH levels (P = 0.003) and %ULNR IGF-I (P = 0.009) compared to baseline (B), but no IGF-I normalization. Tumour shrinkage was observed in eight of 10 patients with macroadenomas (median 63.7%, range 24.5-75.5%). After surgery, mean levels of GH and %ULNR IGF-I were lower than those at baseline (P = 0.0004 and P = 0.003, respectively), but not when compared to values during 1stOCT-LAR (P = 1.000 and P = 0.957, respectively). MRI confirmed surgical tumour removal (median 64%, range 4.9-96.6%) in eight of the 10 patients. Comparing the 2ndOCT-LAR results with postsurgical results, there were no significant decrease in %ULNR IGF-I (P = 0.061) and GH levels (P = 0.414). Nine patients (82%) achieved IGF-I normalization. The degree of surgical tumour reduction did not correlate with IGF-I normalization (P = 0.794). When comparing the results between 1stOCT-LAR and 2ndOCT-LAR, there was a decrease, albeit not statistically significant, in serum GH levels (P = 0.059) and a significant decrease in %ULNR IGF-I (P = 0.011)." ]

[ "A population-based assessment of melanoma: Does treatment in a regional cancer center make a difference?<||||>Regionalization of care to specialized centers has improved outcomes for several cancer types. We sought to determine if treatment in a regional cancer center (RCC) impacts guideline adherence and outcomes for patients with melanoma.", "A population-based assessment of melanoma: Does treatment in a regional cancer center make a difference?<||||>In Alberta, Canada, 561 patients with stage I-IIIC primary melanoma were diagnosed between January 2009 and December 2010. The electronic health record was used to capture demographic and pathologic data. Provincial guidelines for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and wide local excision (WLE) are based on recommendations of several pre-existing guidelines including the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.", "A population-based assessment of melanoma: Does treatment in a regional cancer center make a difference?<||||>148 of 561 patients were identified as having been treated at a RCC. Median follow-up was 45 months. Patients treated at the RCC presented with higher stage melanomas. The RCC was more likely to follow guideline recommendations for performing SLNB (81.3% vs. 55.4%, P < 0.0001) but not for the extent of WLE (76.6% vs. 84.1%, P = 0.054). Overall survival was impacted by tumor thickness (HR 1.14, P < 0.0001), ulceration (HR 5.58, P < 0.0001), and mitoses (HR 0.59, P = 0.05)." ]

[ "Assessment of Autism Symptoms During the Neonatal Period: Is There Early Evidence of Autism Risk?<||||>To define neonatal social characteristics related to autism risk.", "Assessment of Autism Symptoms During the Neonatal Period: Is There Early Evidence of Autism Risk?<||||>Sixty-two preterm infants underwent neonatal neurobehavioral testing. At age 2 yr, participants were assessed with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition.", "Assessment of Autism Symptoms During the Neonatal Period: Is There Early Evidence of Autism Risk?<||||>Positive autism screening was associated with absence of gaze aversion, χ=5.90, p=01, odds ratio=5.05, and absence of endpoint nystagmus, χ=4.78, p=.02, odds ratio=8.47. Demonstrating gaze aversion was related to better language outcomes, t(55)=-3.07, p≤.003. Displaying endpoint nystagmus was related to better language outcomes, t(61)=-3.06, p=.003, cognitive outcomes, t(63)=-5.04, p<.001, and motor outcomes, t(62)=-2.82, p=.006." ]

[ "Does Donation After Cardiac Death Utilization Adversely Affect Hepatocellular Cancer Survival?<||||>Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is an established indication for liver transplantation. This group is often allocated a donor after cardiac death (DCD) liver as a solution for waiting times. There are concerns that this approach may oncologically disadvantage HCC recipients. The aim of this study was to determine whether DCD transplantation was associated with poorer cancer-related survival in HCC.", "Does Donation After Cardiac Death Utilization Adversely Affect Hepatocellular Cancer Survival?<||||>Study population was from a single institute (2001-2014) with an HCC listing diagnosis. Variables related to recipient, tumor, and graft were analyzed to determine association with HCC death.", "Does Donation After Cardiac Death Utilization Adversely Affect Hepatocellular Cancer Survival?<||||>There were 347 recipients listed for HCC of which 91 received a DCD. Donor after cardiac death and donor after brain stem death (DBD) had equivalent 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall (P = 0.115) and cancer-specific survival (P = 0.7). On univariate analysis recipient age, sex, model for end stage liver disease, viral etiology had no bearing on the risk of HCC death. Neither did the graft variables of type (DCD vs DBD), donor age, steatosis, cold ischemic time, peak aspartate transaminase, day 5 bilirubin or international normalized ratio after transplant. Only tumor variables of alpha-fetoprotein, number, total diameter, microvascular invasion, and differentiation were predictors of HCC death. On multivariate analysis, predictors of HCC death remained tumor number (P = 0.002), total diameter of tumor(s) (P<0.001), microvascular invasion (P = 0.025), and poor differentiation (P = 0.021)." ]

[ "Antinuclear antibody and HLA-B27 positive uveitis: combination of two diseases?<||||>Anterior uveitis associated with juvenile chronic arthritis concerns two different clinical entities: firstly, antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive patients who have a chronic anterior uveitis with severe complications and often a poor visual prognosis; secondly, usually HLA-B27 positive children, predominantly boys, with unilateral recurrent anterior uveitis. Three patients are described who had a combination of clinical and laboratory features of both diseases.", "Antinuclear antibody and HLA-B27 positive uveitis: combination of two diseases?<||||>Retrospective clinical and laboratory analysis of three patients.", "Antinuclear antibody and HLA-B27 positive uveitis: combination of two diseases?<||||>Ocular features in the three patients combined the clinical picture of ANA positive chronic anterior uveitis during early childhood with the clinical features of HLA-B27 unilateral acute anterior uveitis during adolescence. The patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of juvenile chronic arthritis, and they had no ankylosing spondylitis. All three patients had the HLA-B*2705 subtype." ]

[ "Residential facilities and day centres in mental health. Is there any difference?<||||>We wanted to investigate to what extent and in what characteristics the patients cared in the psychiatric residential facilities (RF) were similar to those in the day-centres (DC), and whether 6-month improvements in the two settings were comparable.", "Residential facilities and day centres in mental health. Is there any difference?<||||>We described 141 patients admitted to the RF and 180 in DC of three mental health service networks in Milan and near Milan. They were evaluated again after six months.", "Residential facilities and day centres in mental health. Is there any difference?<||||>In both groups, we identified subgroups of more intensive treatment: 45% of those in residential treatment were in high intensity rehabilitation facilities, and those who followed a residential program of>12 hours/week were 53%. The mean duration of treatment in the residential treatment was 40 months (SD 55.7) and in DC 49.6 months (49.3). The two groups differed in the overall scores of the HoNOS, but differences emerged in the subscales relative to daily life activities and living conditions. Among those in RF, about half had a house, versus 99% among those in DC. After six months, clinically significant modifications were small in both groups." ]

[ "Can self-reported disability assessment behaviour of insurance physicians be explained?<||||>Very little is known about the attitudes and views that might underlie and explain the variation in occupational disability assessment behaviour between insurance physicians. In an earlier study we presented an adjusted ASE model (Attitude, Social norm, Self-efficacy) to identify the determinants of the disability assessment behaviour among insurance physicians. The research question of this study is how Attitude, Social norm, Self-efficacy and Intention shape the behaviour that insurance physicians themselves report with regard to the process (Behaviour: process) and content of the assessment (Behaviour: assessment) while taking account of Knowledge and Barriers.", "Can self-reported disability assessment behaviour of insurance physicians be explained?<||||>This study was based on 231 questionnaires filled in by insurance physicians, resulting into 48 scales and dimension scores. The number of variables was reduced by a separate estimation of each of the theoretical ASE constructs as a latent variable in a measurement model. The saved factor scores of these latent variables were treated as observed variables when we estimated a path model with Lisrel to confirm the ASE model. We estimated latent ASE constructs for most of the assigned scales and dimensions. All could be described and interpreted. We used these constructs to build a path model that showed a good fit.", "Can self-reported disability assessment behaviour of insurance physicians be explained?<||||>Contrary to our initial expectations, we did not find direct effects for Attitude on Intention and for Intention on self reported assessment behaviour in the model. This may well have been due to the operationalization of the concept of 'Intention'. We did, however, find that Attitude had a positive direct effect on Behaviour: process and Behaviour: Assessment and that Intention had a negative direct effect on Behaviour: process." ]

[ "Is prophylactic anticoagulation for deep venous thrombosis common practice after intracerebral hemorrhage?<||||>Prophylactic anticoagulation for deep venous thrombosis prevention after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is safe. Current guidelines recommend prophylactic anticoagulation after cessation of hematoma growth. We aimed to evaluate nationwide trends in deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis after ICH.", "Is prophylactic anticoagulation for deep venous thrombosis common practice after intracerebral hemorrhage?<||||>In an analysis of the Premier database, we identified adult patients with ICH (International Classification of Diseases Ninth edition code 431) from 2006 to 2010 who survived to day 2 of hospitalization. We excluded those with trauma or who underwent craniotomy or angiography. We abstracted type of anticoagulant used and date of first administration. We used univariate statistics and multivariable logistic regression to assess factors associated with prophylactic anticoagulation after ICH.", "Is prophylactic anticoagulation for deep venous thrombosis common practice after intracerebral hemorrhage?<||||>Among 32 690 (mean age, 69.7 years; 50.1% men) patients with spontaneous ICH, 5395 (16.5%) patients received any prophylactic anticoagulation during the hospital stay. Among these patients, 2416 (44.8%) received prophylactic anticoagulation by day 2. The most commonly used agents were heparin (71.1%), enoxaparin (27.5%), and dalteparin (1.4%). The proportion of patients receiving prophylactic anticoagulation increased slightly during the study period from 14.3% to 18.0% (P<0.01 for trend). Use of prophylactic anticoagulation varied by geographic region (P<0.001) in the United States: Northeast (23.2%), South (19.0%), Midwest (10.8%), and West (9.8%). In multivariable analysis, geographic region remained an independent predictor of prophylactic anticoagulation." ]

[ "Is it possible to predict outcome in cardiac ECMO?<||||>Serious heart failure may be treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) when other treatment fails. The aim of the present study was to analyse preoperative risk factors of early mortality in patients treated with veno-arterial (VA)-ECMO.", "Is it possible to predict outcome in cardiac ECMO?<||||>We studied a total of 18 possible risk factors in 80 patients with severe cardiac insufficiency treated with VA-ECMO. All consecutive cases treated at our institution between Sept.1990 and May 2006 were included. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed on 16 risk factors. The endpoint was early mortality (any death within 30 days of ECMO treatment).", "Is it possible to predict outcome in cardiac ECMO?<||||>Thirty patients (37.5%) died within 30 days. Age, gender, cause of cardiac failure, pre-ECMO treatment (ventilator, NO, IABP) did not significantly influence early mortality. A higher SvO2 was associated with survival and remained significant in the multivariate analysis." ]

[ "Is bipolar II disorder misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder in children?<||||>To estimate the lifetime prevalence of bipolar II disorder in children and adolescents presenting with DSM-IV major depressive disorder (MDD).", "Is bipolar II disorder misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder in children?<||||>Sixty-one consecutive subjects aged<or =18 years attending the outpatient services of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric (CAP) services of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India with a diagnosis of MDD were evaluated using the Missouri Assessment of Genetics Interview for children (MAGIC). Two psychiatrists, one of whom was a child psychiatrist diagnosed hypomania by consensus.", "Is bipolar II disorder misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder in children?<||||>Twelve children had a past episode of hypomania (20%), which was hitherto undiagnosed clinically.", "Is bipolar II disorder misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder in children?<||||>We recruited subjects from a psychiatric hospital, thus limiting the generalizability of the finding. Sample size was relatively small and assessments were cross-sectional." ]

[ "Does this patient have Barrett's esophagus?<||||>Few studies have evaluated the ability of the endoscopist to predict the presence of Barrett's esophagus (BE) at index endoscopy. The goals of this study were to determine the operating characteristics of endoscopy in diagnosing BE, and to determine the clinical and endoscopic predictors of BE in suspected BE patients at the index endoscopy.", "Does this patient have Barrett's esophagus?<||||>From September 1993 to October 1997, endoscopic reports were examined to identify patients with suspected BE. All esophageal pathology reports during the same period were evaluated for the presence of specialized intestinal metaplasia.", "Does this patient have Barrett's esophagus?<||||>During the study period, 4053 endoscopies were performed on 2393 patients. Eight percent of all procedures were performed for suspected or confirmed BE. Fifty-three patients were known to have BE and thus their reports were excluded from this analysis. Five hundred seventy of the remaining patients had esophageal biopsies performed, and were included in this analysis. Among these 570 patients, 146 were suspected to have BE on endoscopy, while 424 were not suspected to have BE at the time of endoscopy. There were no differences among the two groups in terms of gender, race, and dyspepsia as an indication for the endoscopy. However, suspected BE patients were slightly younger and were more likely to have heartburn, but were less likely to have dysphagia as an indication for the endoscopy. The sensitivity and specificity of the endoscopists' assessments were 82% (95% confidence interval [CI], 72-92) and 81% (95% CI, 78-84), respectively. The positive predictive value and the negative predictive value were 34% and 97%, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 4.32 (95% CI, 3.49-5.31) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.13-0.38). Univariate analysis showed that endoscopists diagnosed BE in those with long-segment BE (LSBE) more accurately than in those with short-segment BE (SSBE) (55% vs 25% p = 0.001; odds ratio [OR]= 3.63, 95% CI, 1.71-7.70). Barrett's esophagus was correctly diagnosed in 38.5% of white patients but in only 14.7% of black patients (p = 0.01; OR = 3.63, 95% CI, 1.31-10.13). Multivariable logistic regression identified only the length of the columnar-appearing segment (p = 0.002; OR = 3.33, 95% CI, 1.54-7.17) and race (p = 0.08; OR = 2.31, 95% CI, 0.88-6.03) to be associated with the presence of BE on biopsy." ]

[ "Does anonymity increase the reporting of mental health symptoms?<||||>There is no doubt that the perceived stigma of having a mental disorder acts as a barrier to help seeking. It is possible that personnel may be reluctant to admit to symptoms suggestive of poor mental health when such data can be linked to them, even if their personal details are only used to help them access further care. This may be particularly relevant because individuals who have a mental health problem are more likely to experience barriers to care and hold stigmatizing beliefs. If that is the case, then mental health screening programmers may not be effective in detecting those most in need of care. We aimed to compare mental health symptom reporting when using an anonymous versus identifiable questionnaire among UK military personnel on deployment in Iraq.", "Does anonymity increase the reporting of mental health symptoms?<||||>Survey among UK military personnel using two questionnaires, one was anonymous (n = 315) and one collected contact details (i.e. identifiable, n = 296). Distribution was by alternate allocation. Data were collected in Iraq during January-February 2009.", "Does anonymity increase the reporting of mental health symptoms?<||||>No significant difference in the reporting of symptoms of common mental disorders was found (18.1% of identifiable vs. 22.9% of anonymous participants). UK military personnel were more likely to report sub-threshold and probable PTSD when completing questionnaires anonymously (sub-threshold PTSD: 2.4% of identifiable vs. 5.8% of anonymous participants; probable PTSD: 1.7% of identifiable vs. 4.8% of anonymous participants). Of the 11 barriers to care and perceived social stigma statements considered, those completing the anonymous questionnaire compared to those completing the identifiable questionnaire were more likely to endorse three statements: \"leaders discourage the use of mental health services\" (9.3% vs. 4.6%), \"it would be too embarrassing\" (41.6% vs. 32.5%) and \"I would be seen as weak\" (46.6% vs. 34.2%)." ]

[ "Ventricular remodelling post-bariatric surgery: is the type of surgery relevant?<||||>The aim of the study was to examine ventricular remodelling in patients free of cardiac risk factors, before, and 6 months post-bariatric surgery with the new imaging modality of three-dimensional (3D) strain and the comparison of two surgical techniques: sleeve gastrectomy vs. gastric bypass.", "Ventricular remodelling post-bariatric surgery: is the type of surgery relevant?<||||>Fifty-two consecutive patients referred to the Bariatric Services of Imperial College NHS Trust were examined with conventional 2D and 3D strain echocardiography, prior to and 6 months after bariatric surgery. They were all free from cardiac disease. The study cohort's mean age was 44.2 ± 8.7 years and body mass index of 42.4 ± 4.6 g/m(2) prior to surgery. Eighteen patients (34.6%) underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and 34 laparoscopic gastric bypass. On 3D speckle tracking, there was significant reverse remodelling post-bariatric surgery [left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF): pre-surgery: 59 ± 8% vs. post-surgery: 67 ± 7%, P<0.001 and right ventricular (RV) EF: pre-surgery: 60 ± 9% vs. post-surgery: 68 ± 8.2%, P = 0.0001]. Furthermore, there was significant regression of mass (LV mass: pre-surgery: 111 ± 23.5 g vs. post-surgery: 92.8 ± 15.5 g and RV mass: pre-surgery: 95.2 ± 19.8 vs. post-surgery: 67.3 ± 16.3, P<0.001). RV and LV global strain improved 6 months post-bariatric surgery: global RV strain: pre-surgery -11.7 ± 4 vs. post-surgery -17.52 ± 3.7, P<0.001; global LV strain: pre-surgery: -20.2 ± 1.7 vs. post-surgery: -26.5 ± 1.86, P<0.001. Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass had comparable effects." ]

[ "Can larger-bodied cemented femoral components reduce periprosthetic fractures?<||||>The risk for late periprosthetic femoral fractures is higher in patients treated for a neck of femur fracture compared to osteoarthritis. It has been hypothesised that osteopaenia and consequent decreased stiffness of the proximal femur are responsible for this. We investigated whether a femoral component with a bigger body would increase the torque to failure in a biaxially loaded composite Sawbone model.", "Can larger-bodied cemented femoral components reduce periprosthetic fractures?<||||>A biomechanical bone analogue was used. Two different body sizes (Exeter 44-1 versus 44-4) of a polished tapered cemented femoral stem were implanted by an experienced surgeon in seven bone analogues each and internally rotated at 40°/s until failure. Torque to fracture and fracture energy were measured using a biaxial materials testing device (Instron 8874, MI, USA). The data were non-parametric and therefore tested with the Mann-Whitney U test.", "Can larger-bodied cemented femoral components reduce periprosthetic fractures?<||||>The median torque to fracture was 156.7 Nm (IQR 19.7) for the 44-1 stem and 237.1 Nm (IQR 52.9) for the 44-4 stem (p = 0.001). The median fracture energy was 8.5 J (IQR 7.3) for the 44-1 stem and 19.5 J (IQR 8.8) for the 44-4 stem (p = 0.014)." ]

[ "Are children who play a sport or a musical instrument better at motor imagery than children who do not?<||||>Playing a sport or a musical instrument is presumed to improve motor ability. One would therefore predict that children who play a sport or music are better at motor imagery tasks, which rely on an intact cortical proprioceptive representation and precise motor planning, than children who do not. The authors tested this prediction.", "Are children who play a sport or a musical instrument better at motor imagery than children who do not?<||||>This study involved an online questionnaire and then a motor imagery task. The task measured the reaction time (RT) and the accuracy for left/right-hand judgements in children aged 5 to 17 years. Forty pictured hands (20 left), held in various positions and rotated zero, 90°, 180° or 270°, were displayed on a screen. Participants indicated whether the displayed hands were left or right by pressing keys on a keyboard.", "Are children who play a sport or a musical instrument better at motor imagery than children who do not?<||||>Fifty-seven children (30 boys; mean±SD age=10±3.3 years) participated. The mean±SD RT was 3015.4±1330.0 ms and the accuracy was 73.9±16.6%. There was no difference in RT between children who played sport, music, neither or both (four-level one-way analysis of variance, p=0.85). There was no difference in accuracy between groups either (Kruskal-Wallis, p=0.46). In a secondary analysis, participants whose parents rated them as being 'clumsy' were no slower (n.s.) but were about 25% less accurate than those rated coordinated or very coordinated (p<0.05)." ]

[ "Major West Indies MRSA clones in human beings: do they travel with their hosts?<||||>Descriptions of the epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have seldom been produced in the Caribbean, which is a major tourism destination.", "Major West Indies MRSA clones in human beings: do they travel with their hosts?<||||>Using DNA microarrays and spa typing, we characterized 85 MRSA isolates from human skin and soft-tissue infections from five different islands.", "Major West Indies MRSA clones in human beings: do they travel with their hosts?<||||>In the French West Indies (n = 72), the most frequently isolated clones were the same clones that are specifically isolated from mainland France [Lyon (n = 35) and Geraldine (n = 11) clones], whereas the clones that were most frequently isolated from the other islands (n = 13) corresponded with clones that have a worldwide endemic spread [Vienna/Hungarian/Brazilian (n = 5), Panton Valentine leukocidin-positive USA300 (n = 4), New York/Japan (n = 2), and pediatric (n = 1) clones]." ]