Saint Francis University

About: Saint Francis University is a education organization based out in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Osteoblast. The organization has 1694 authors who have published 2038 publications receiving 87149 citations.

Newer developments in the therapeutics of the transitional cell carcinoma of renal pelvis.

Abstract: Many of the risk factors and pathogenesis of urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis are similar to the ones of the more common urothelial bladder cancer. In addition, two endemic nephropathies and two inherited syndromes have been linked with the development of upper urologic cancer. Multiple synchronous or metachronous lesions throughout urinary tract are rather common and should always be sought in the management of this entity. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice in early-stage tumors. The role of adjuvant radiation and chemoradiation for carcinoma of the renal pelvis remains to be redefined, given the advent of conformal approaches and intensity modulation. In non-surgical candidates, chemotherapy remains the mainstay. Metastatic urothelial renal pelvic cancer is usually treated with combination platinum-based chemotherapy. Definitive radiation therapy should be considered in persons with locally advanced/unresectable disease, multiple comorbidities, and/or severely compromised performance status. Recently, the antifolate agent pemetrexed has demonstrated an overall response rate of circa 30% in urothelial carcinoma. New targeted agents, alone or in combination with cytotoxic drugs, are currently being tested in clinical trials and may lead to new and exciting avenues for the therapy of this disease.

Test-Retest Reliability of the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) in a Modified Test Position in Division I Collegiate Basketball Players.

Abstract: Background The closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST) as originally described may not be appropriate for assessing athletes interchangeably considering body size variations. A modified test position may be warranted to normalize the CKCUEST to body size, in order to reflect an accurate representation of upper limb function. Purpose To determine test-retest reliability of the CKCUEST in a modified test position in Division I collegiate basketball players. Study design Test-retest reliability. Methods 15 subjects (8 male, 7 female) were recruited from Division I basketball teams. Subjects began in a push-up position with their hands located directly under their shoulders. Subjects performed one 15 second trial of the modified CKCUEST initially and a second trial one week later. Hand-written data was transferred to a spreadsheet for analysis using Minitab Statistical Software for comparison. Results Test-retest reliability was 0.88 for men's basketball, 0.79 for women's basketball, and 0.90 when both teams were combined. Test mean for men's basketball were 29.5 ± 4.78, and retest mean were 31.88 ± 4.99. Test mean for women's basketball were 24.86 ± 5.52, and retest mean were 26.71 ± 5.41. Test mean for both teams combined were 27.33 ± 5.5, and retest mean were 29.47 ± 5.67. Conclusions The CKCUEST in a modified test position is a reliable assessment tool. Results support previous findings and may contribute to injury prevention and return to sport decision-making. Level of evidence 3b.

Resilience and Veteran Community Reintegration: An Exploratory Study

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the potential association between resilience and veteran community reintegration (VCR) in recently discharged military veterans. It was hypothesized...

Randomized controlled trial of single-use negative-pressure wound therapy dressings in morbidly obese patients undergoing cesarean delivery.

Abstract: BACKGROUND The single-use negative-pressure wound therapy dressings are designed to use over a closed surgical wound. Early prospective studies suggested that these dressings may be of potential benefit in reducing cesarean wound complications. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to test the hypothesis that incisional negative-pressure wound therapy decreases postoperative wound morbidity compared with standard surgical dressing in patients with class III obesity undergoing cesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN In a single-site, parallel, randomized controlled trial, participants with class III obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m2) were recruited to participate in the study. Patients were consented in the ambulatory obstetrical units, on admission to the antepartum service, and on labor and delivery before active labor. Patients who had a cesarean delivery were randomized to either the standard surgical dressing or a prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy device. The randomization was achieved using permuted blocks of 4, 6, and 8 in a 1:1 allocation ratio. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of wound complications. The planned enrollment of 242 subjects was based on the power to detect a 50% decrease in the composite wound outcome, assuming a 30% baseline wound morbidity rate for this population. The outcomes were assessed by study staff blinded to the patient's treatment arm. RESULTS An unplanned interim analysis was performed because of the slow enrollment and publication of larger trials showing no benefit of the negative-pressure wound therapy. Of 411 eligible patients during the study period, 212 participants with class III obesity were enrolled. Of these, 110 underwent cesarean delivery and were subsequently randomized (55 to standard dressing and 55 to prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy device). The primary outcome occurred in 29.1% in the standard surgical dressing compared with 20% in the negative-pressure wound therapy group (risk difference, 9.1%; 95% confidence interval, −8.3 to 25.8%; P=.38). The study was stopped early because of a low enrollment rate and lower likelihood of seeing a clinically significant benefit. CONCLUSION The trial was stopped after an unplanned, interim analysis showed the use of a prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy device used for cesarean delivery did not reduce wound complications compared with a standard surgical dressing.

Personal watercraft injuries on noncoastal waterways.

Abstract: This article reports on a study of injuries associated with personal watercraft (PWC). The authors conducted a retrospective review of the trauma registry at a Level I trauma center, covering data between 2000 and 2008, and including all patients (n = 24) injured as a result of PWC use in either Kansas or Oklahoma. The data included patient demographics, location of accident (lake or river), mechanism of accident, type and use of safety equipment, mechanism of injury, indication of intoxication, neurologic status, radiological studies, need for surgery, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and length of stay, need for mechanical ventilation, ventilator days, hospital length of stay (LOS), and discharge status (home, rehabilitation, or death). Average patient age was 29.8 years (plus or minus 14.2 years) and patients were predominantly male (66.7%). The majority of patients were not wearing safety equipment (62.5%) and no patients were known to be wearing protective head gear. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was the most common injury (n = 9; 37.5%). Bony skeletal injury to the extremity or pelvis was the next most common injury (n = 7; 29.2%). All patients survived with 87.5% discharged to home. There were two delayed diagnoses (8.3%) and five unexpected readmissions (20.8%). The authors stress that, with appropriate education and increased emphasis on safety mechanisms and equipment, many PWC accidents can be prevented. They call for legislative efforts to require mandatory safety measures and impose uniform age restrictions. In addition, both drivers and passengers are cautioned to wear protective head gear.