bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Similar star formation rate and metallicity variability time-scales drive the fundamental metallicity relation
Authors: Torrey Paul , Vogelsberger Mark , Hernquist Lars , McKinnon Ryan , Marinacci Federico , Simcoe Robert A , Springel Volker , Pillepich Annalisa , Naiman Jill , Pakmor Rüdiger , Weinberger Rainer , Nelson Dylan , Genel Shy
Published: February 2018

The fundamental metallicity relation (FMR) is a postulated correlation between galaxy stellar mass, star formation rate (SFR), and gas-phase metallicity. At its core, this relation posits that offsets from the mass–metallicity relation (MZR) at a fixed stellar mass are correlated with galactic SFR. In this Letter, we use hydrodynamical simulations to quantify the time-scales over which populations of galaxies oscillate about the average SFR and metallicity values at fixed stellar mass. We find that Illustris and IllustrisTNG predict that galaxy offsets from the star formation main sequence and MZR oscillate over similar time-scales, are often anticorrelated in their evolution, evolve with the halo dynamical time, and produce a pronounced FMR. Our models indicate that galaxies oscillate about equilibrium SFR and metallicity values – set by the galaxy’s stellar mass – and that SFR and metallicity offsets evolve in an anticorrelated fashion. This anticorrelated variability of the metallicity and SFR offsets drives the existence of the FMR in our models. In contrast to Illustris and IllustrisTNG, we speculate that the SFR and metallicity evolution tracks may become decoupled in galaxy formation models dominated by feedback-driven globally bursty SFR histories, which could weaken the FMR residual correlation strength. This opens the possibility of discriminating between bursty and non-bursty feedback models based on the strength and persistence of the FMR – especially at high redshift.
Contralateral Supracerebellar-Infratentorial Approach for Resection of Thalamic Cavernous Malformations
Authors: Mascitelli Justin , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Gandhi Sirin , Lawton Michael T
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection of cavernous malformations (CM) in the posterior thalamus, pineal region, and midbrain tectum is technically challenging owing to the presence of adjacent eloquent cortex and critical neurovascular structures. Various supracerebellar infratentorial (SCIT) approaches have been used in the surgical armamentarium targeting lesions in this region, including the median, paramedian, and extreme lateral variants. Surgical view of a posterior thalamic CM from the traditional ipsilateral vantage point may be obscured by occipital lobe and tentorium.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a novel surgical approach via a contralateral SCIT (cSCIT) trajectory for resecting posterior thalamic CMs.

METHODS

From 1997 to 2017, 75 patients underwent the SCIT approach for cerebrovascular/oncologic pathology by the senior author. Of these, 30 patients underwent the SCIT approach for CM resection, and 3 patients underwent the cSCIT approach. Historical patient data, radiographic features, surgical technique, and postoperative neurological outcomes were evaluated in each patient.

RESULTS

All 3 patients presented with symptomatic CMs within the right posterior thalamus with radiographic evidence of hemorrhage. All surgeries were performed in the sitting position. There were no intraoperative complications. Neuroimaging demonstrated complete CM resection in all cases. There were no new or worsening neurological deficits or evidence of rebleeding/recurrence noted postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes the surgical feasibility of a contralateral SCIT approach in resection of symptomatic thalamic CMs It demonstrates the application for this procedure in extending the surgical trajectory superiorly and laterally and maximizing safe resectability of these deep CMs with gravity-assisted brain retraction.
How Do Physical Therapists in the United Kingdom Manage Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis? Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Holden Melanie A , Bennell Kim L , Whittle Rebecca , Chesterton Linda , Foster Nadine E , Halliday Nicola A , Spiers Libby N , Mason Elizabeth M , Quicke Jonathan G , Mallen Christian D
Published: February 2018

Background

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is common, painful, and disabling. Physical therapists have an important role in managing patients with hip OA; however, little is known about their current management approach and whether it aligns with clinical guideline recommendations.

Objective

The objective of this study is to describe United Kingdom (UK) physical therapists’ current management of patients with hip OA and to determine whether it aligns with clinical guidelines.

Design

The design is a cross-section questionnaire.

Methods

A questionnaire was mailed to 3126 physical therapists in the UK that explored physical therapists’ self-reported management of a patient with hip OA using a case vignette and clinical management questions.

Results

The response rate was 52.7% (n = 1646). In total, 1148 (69.7%) physical therapists had treated a patient with hip OA in the last 6 months and were included in the analyses. A treatment package was commonly provided incorporating advice, exercise (strength training 95.9%; general physical activity 85.4%), and other nonpharmacological modalities, predominantly manual therapy (69.6%), and gait retraining (66.4%). There were some differences in reported management between physical therapists based in the National Health Service (NHS) and non–NHS-based physical therapists, including fewer treatment sessions being provided by NHS-based therapists.

Limitations

Limitations include the potential for nonresponder bias and, in clinical practice, physical therapists may manage patients with hip OA differently.

Conclusion

UK-based physical therapists commonly provide a package of care for patients with hip OA that is broadly in line with current clinical guidelines, including advice, exercise, and other nonpharmacological treatments. There were some differences in clinical practice between NHS and non–NHS-based physical therapists, but whether these differences impact on clinical outcomes remains unknown.
Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) for Intumescence Severity inEucalyptus globulusand Validation of QTL Detection Based on Phenotyping Using Open-Pollinated Families of a Mapping Population
Authors: Ammitzboll Hans , Vaillancourt René E. , Potts Brad M. , Singarasa Sambavi , Mani Radhika , Freeman Jules S.
Published: February 2018

Intumescence is a nonpathogenic physiological disorder characterized by leaf blistering. This disorder can affect growth and development in glasshouses and growth chambers and may be confused with pathogenic diseases. We used quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis to examine the genetic basis of variation in intumescence severity in Eucalyptus globulus, and test for colocation with previously detected QTLs for pathogen susceptibility. QTL analysis used the phenotype means of open-pollinated (OP) families of an outcrossed F2mapping family (OP F3; n = 300) of E. globulus and the linkage map constructed in the F2. We validate this phenotyping approach for QTL analysis by assessing a trait previously used for QTL discovery in the F2and showing the same major QTL was detected with the OP F3. For intumescence severity, five putative QTLs were detected across four linkage groups. Four of these did not colocate with previously reported QTLs for fungal pathogen susceptibility in Eucalyptus, suggesting the mechanisms underlying susceptibility to intumescence and to the two fungal pathogens are largely independent. This study demonstrates there is a genetic basis for variation in intumescence severity, reports the first QTL for intumescence severity in plants, and provides a robust framework for investigating the potential mechanisms involved.
Identification and Characterization of Citrus Chlorotic Spot Virus, a New Dichorhavirus Associated with Citrus Leprosis-Like Symptoms
Authors: Chabi-Jesus C. , Ramos-González P. L. , Tassi A. D. , Guerra-Peraza O. , Kitajima E. W. , Harakava R. , Beserra J. E. A. , Salaroli R. B. , Freitas-Astúa J.
Published: February 2018

Local chlorotic spots resembling early lesions characteristic of citrus leprosis (CL) were observed in leaves of two sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) trees in Teresina, State of Piauí, Brazil, in early 2017. However, despite the similarities, these spots were generally larger than those of a typical CL and showed rare or no necrosis symptoms. In symptomatic tissues, transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of viroplasms in the nuclei of the infected parenchymal cells and rod-shaped particles with an average size of approximately 40 × 100 nm, resembling those typically observed during infection by dichorhaviruses. A bipartite genome of the putative novel virus, tentatively named citrus chlorotic spot virus (CiCSV) (RNA1 = 6,518 nucleotides [nt] and RNA2 = 5,987 nt), revealed the highest nucleotide sequence identity values with the dichorhaviruses coffee ringspot virus strain Lavras (73.8%), citrus leprosis virus N strain Ibi1 (58.6%), and orchid fleck virus strain So (56.9%). In addition to citrus, CiCSV was also found in local chlorotic lesions on leaves of the ornamental plant beach hibiscus (Talipariti tiliaceum (L.) Fryxell). Morphological characterization of mites recovered from the infected plants revealed at least two different types of Brevipalpus. One of them corresponds to Brevipalpus yothersi. The other is slightly different from B. yothersi mites but comprises traits that possibly place it as another species. A mix of the two mite types collected on beach hibiscus successfully transmitted CiCSV to arabidopsis plants but additional work is required to verify whether both types of flat mite may act as viral vectors. The current study reveals a newly described dichorhavirus associated with a citrus disease in the northeastern region of Brazil.
Dynamics of Fungicide Sensitivity in Venturia effusa and Fungicide Efficacy under Field Conditions
Authors: Standish J. R. , Brenneman T. B. , Stevenson K. L.
Published: February 2018

Venturia effusa, which causes pecan scab, has developed resistance to fungicides that were once effective. Over 2 years, laboratory-based sensitivity of fentin hydroxide (TPTH) and tebuconazole in V. effusa and their efficacy under field conditions were compared. Leaf and nut scab were assessed on pecan trees receiving 10 applications of TPTH, tebuconazole, azoxystrobin, azoxystrobin plus tebuconazole, TPTH plus tebuconazole, or no fungicide (NTC) per year. Sensitivity of V. effusa on leaflets collected from treated and nontreated trees was assessed in June and September, respectively. The mean relative germination (RGe) on TPTH at 30 µg/ml was 10.9 and 40.9% in 2016 and 4.2 and 0.6% in 2017. Mean relative growth (RGr) on tebuconazole at 1 µg/ml was 45.5 and 34.6% in 2016 and 69.3 and 56.3% in 2017. In both years, leaf and nut scab were significantly lower on trees treated with azoxystrobin, azoxystrobin + tebuconazole, or TPTH + tebuconazole when compared with NTC and tebuconazole-treated trees. Compared with the NTC, tebuconazole did not significantly reduce leaf scab in 2017 or nut scab in either year, indicating that an RGr value between 34.6 and 69.3% is likely to result in a control failure on tebuconazole-treated trees. Although better activity was expected, TPTH reduced scab with RGe values between 0.6 and 40.9%. These results are valuable for developing fungicide sensitivity thresholds to better predict fungicide performance.
Virtual Reality as a Distraction Intervention to Relieve Pain and Distress During Medical Procedures
Authors: Indovina Paola , Barone Daniela , Gallo Luigi , Chirico Andrea , De Pietro Giuseppe , Giordano Antonio
Published: February 2018

Objectives:

This review aims to provide a framework for evaluating the utility of virtual reality (VR) as a distraction intervention to alleviate pain and distress during medical procedures. We first describe the theoretical bases underlying the VR analgesic and anxiolytic effects and define the main factors contributing to its efficacy, which largely emerged from studies on healthy volunteers. Then, we provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical trials using VR distraction during different medical procedures, such as burn injury treatments, chemotherapy, surgery, dental treatment, and other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Methods:

A broad literature search was performed using as main terms “virtual reality,” “distraction,” and “pain.” No date limit was applied and all the retrieved studies on immersive VR distraction during medical procedures were selected.

Results:

VR has proven to be effective in reducing procedural pain, as almost invariably observed even in patients subjected to extremely painful procedures, such as patients with burn injuries undergoing wound care, and physical therapy. Moreover, VR seemed to decrease cancer-related symptoms in different settings, including during chemotherapy. Only mild and infrequent side effects were observed.

Discussion:

Despite these promising results, future long-term randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and evaluating not only self-report measures but also physiological variables are needed. Further studies are also required both to establish predictive factors to select patients who can benefit from VR distraction and to design hardware/software systems tailored to the specific needs of different patients and able to provide the greatest distraction at the lowest cost.
Sarcoid-like reactions in patients receiving modern melanoma treatment
Authors: Dimitriou Florentia , Frauchiger Anna L. , Urosevic-Maiwald Mirjana , Naegeli Mirjam C. , Goldinger Simone M. , Barysch Marjam , Franzen Daniel , Kamarachev Jivko , Braun Ralph , Dummer Reinhard , Mangana Joanna
Published: February 2018

The development of cancer immunotherapy and targeted therapy has reached an important inflection point in the history of melanoma. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and kinase inhibitors are today’s standard of care treatments in advanced melanoma patients. Treatment-related toxicities can be very intriguing and quite challenging. Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic granulomatous disease characterized by an aberrant immune response to unknown antigens, whereas sarcoid-like reactions (SLRs) refer to localized clinical features. We carried out a single-center observational study in patients with stage IIB–IV melanoma treated with BRAF/MEK inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. A description of the sarcoidosis-related manifestations was provided from patients’ records. We observated eight cases of SLRs in a cohort of 200 patients. The clinical courses were characterized by a variety of symptoms, accompanied by cutaneous signs and extracutaneous manifestations such as bilateral, hilar lymphadenopathy. We identified a histologically granulomatous inflammation involving the skin, the lungs, and the lymph nodes. Two patients presented with cutaneous lesions only, and three patients had lung involvement only. Three patients achieved complete and partial response of the melanoma disease, and three patients had stable disease. Disease progression was documented in two patients. The reported immune-related adverse events were mild to severe and in most of the cases were continued without any treatment cessation. SLRs appear during treatment with both kinase and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Awareness of these can avoid misdiagnosis of disease progression and unnecessary treatment changes.
Prenatal transplantation of human amniotic fluid stem cells for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Peng Shao-Yu , Shaw Sheng-Wen S.
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review

To review the current medical and stem-cell therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and prenatal transplantation of amniotic fluid stem cells in the future.

Recent findings

SMA is an autosomal recessive inheritance of neurodegenerative disease, which is caused of the mutation in survival motor neuron. The severe-type SMA patients usually die from the respiratory failure within 2 years after birth. Recently, researchers had found that 3-methyladenine could inhibit the autophagy and had the capacity to reduce death of the neurons. The first food and drug administration-approved drug to treat SMA, Nusinersen, is a modified antisense oligonucleotide to target intronic splicing silencer N1 just recently launched. Not only medical therapy, but also stem cells including neural stem cells, embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells could show the potential to repair the injured tissue and differentiate into neuron cells to rescue the SMA animal models. Human amniotic fluid stem cells (HAFSCs) share the potential of mesenchymal stem cells and could differentiate into tri-lineage-relative cells, which are also having the ability to restore the injured neuro-muscular function. In this review, we further demonstrate the therapeutic effect of using HAFSCs to treat type III SMA prenatally. HAFSCs, similar to other stem cells, could also help the improvement of SMA with even longer survival.

The concept of prenatal stem-cell therapy preserves the time window to treat disease in utero with much less cell number. Stem cell alone might not be enough to correct or cure the SMA but could be applied as the additional therapy combined with antisense oligonucleotide in the future.
A Parent-to-Parent Program in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Kae
Published: February 2018

Parent-to-parent programs provide emotional and informational support to parents of children with special needs by matching trained and experienced parents with parents needing support. This study examined the implementation and effects of a Parent-to-Parent Program in Taiwan that supported 3 families of youngsters with special needs. Based on the individual family's needs and the availability of local resources, these families were supported by 2 trained and experienced mothers of children with special needs, the staff of the family-centered early intervention center as well as the self-help parent group, and a researcher. Notwithstanding the myriad of criteria considered when matching the families before the program implementation, the fitness of the match would ultimately be determined on the basis of the initial contact or subsequent interactions between families. During the program implementation, this study found the following: (1) “natural” and well-prepared initial contact facilitated subsequent relationships; (2) understanding real needs was the key; (3) “being present” was a form of support; and (4) experienced parents could help “translate” professionals' recommendations. After the program was implemented, experienced parents needed support, too. This study concludes that “localization” is the key in implementing parent-to-parent programs. Furthermore, with more people involved in the program, trained professionals will no longer exert a dominant influence and more members of the families' informal support network can be empowered.
Cancer Management in Kabuki Syndrome: The First Case of Wilms Tumor and a Literature Review
Authors: Teranishi Hideto , Koga Yuhki , Nakashima Kentaro , Morihana Eiji , Ishii Kanako , Sakai Yasunari , Taguchi Tomoaki , Oda Yoshinao , Miyake Noriko , Matsumoto Naomichi , Ohga Shouichi
Published: February 2018

A 3-year-old Japanese girl treated for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and Dandy-Walker syndrome was diagnosed with Kabuki syndrome (KS) with a mutation ofKMT2D; c.13285C>T:p.Q4429*. Concurrently, macrohematuria portended the diagnosis of Wilms tumor. Postoperative chemotherapy has achieved complete remission despite a prolonged and reduced regimen due to liver dysfunction and convulsions. Cancer predisposition has been suggested for KS due to oncogenic mutations inKMT2DorKDM6A. The first case of nephroblastoma exemplified the treatability of malignancies in KS patients, as shown in the 9 cases reviewed. Active screening and intervention are recommended for the cure of malignancy in KS children.
Factors Associated With Pharyngeal Gonorrhea in Young People: Implications for Prevention
Authors: Javanbakht Marjan , Westmoreland Drew , Gorbach Pamina
Published: February 2018

Background

The objective of this study was to examine the proportion of missed infections and correlates of pharyngeal gonorrhea among young people attending public sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study of 245 young men and women between April 2012 and May 2014. Participants were eligible for inclusion if they (1) were 15 to 29 years of age, (2) reported giving oral sex to a partner of the opposite sex in the past 90 days, and (3) attended 1 of 12 public STD clinics in Los Angeles County. Computer-assisted self-interviews were used to collect information on sexual behaviors and tests were conducted for pharyngeal and urogenital gonorrhea.

Results

Most participants were younger than 25 years (69%) and more than half were female (56%). We identified a total of 64 cases (27%) of gonorrhea, of which 29 (45%) were a urogenital only infection, 18 (28%) were a pharyngeal only, and 17 (27%) were dually infected at both sites. Pharyngeal testing increased case finding by 39% from 46 to 64 cases. After adjusting for age, sex, and number of sex partners, those who reported consistent pharyngeal exposure to ejaculate/vaginal fluids were 3 times as likely to have pharyngeal gonorrhea as compared with those without this exposure (adjusted odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–7.5).

Conclusions

A large proportion of gonorrhea cases among young people would be missed in the absence of pharyngeal testing. These results have implications for those who provide medical care to clients at STD clinics and highlight the need for pharyngeal screening recommendations and counseling messages related to strategies to reduce exposure to infected fluids.
Patient Disengagement From an HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Program in a Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic
Authors: Dombrowski Julia C. , Golden Matthew R. , Barbee Lindley A. , Khosropour Christine M.
Published: February 2018

Among 307 patients enrolled in an HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program in the Public Health–Seattle & King County STD Clinic, 52 patients (17%) did not fill their PrEP prescription and 40% of those who started PrEP discontinued it at least once within 12 months.
Apoptosis as a Prognostic Factor in Colorectal Carcinoma: Comparison of TUNEL Method and Immunohistochemical Expression of Caspase-3
Authors: Kunac Nenad , Šundov Željko , Vilović Katarina
Published: February 2018

The development of colorectal cancer is known to be characterized by a sequence of events during which normal colonic epithelium gradually transforms to carcinoma, the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Apoptosis plays an important role in the development and maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Currently, there is no agreement in the literature about the prognosis of apoptosis in colorectal cancer. The number of studies examining the expression of caspases in colorectal cancer is very limited, and they have not examined any correlation between expression and patient survival. This study included histologic samples from 179 patients diagnosed with colon cancer. We used the TdT-mediated X-dUTP nick end labeling method and caspase-3 labeling to identify the degree of apoptosis. Our results show that lower apoptotic index measured by TdT-mediated X-dUTP nick end labeling method and lower immnuhistochemical expression of caspase-3 is associated with shorter disease-free survival and overall survival. However, only apoptotic index is proven to be an independent survival indicator. The results of our study are consistent with the proposed models of carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer that emphasize resistance to apoptosis as a decisive factor in the progression of the disease and resistance to treatment.
SOFAT as a Putative Marker of Osteoclasts in Bone Lesions
Authors: Cândido-Soares Lara E. , Martinez Elizabeth F. , de Araújo Vera C. , Araújo Ney S. , Freitas Nadir S. , Napimoga Marcelo H.
Published: February 2018

Secreted osteoclastogenic factor of activated T cells (SOFAT) is a novel activated human T-cell–secreted cytokine that induce osteoclastogenesis in a RANKL-independent manner. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of SOFAT in intraosseous and extraosseous lesions. Thirty-two oral biopsies were divided into 2 groups: (1) intraosseous lesions—4 cases of cherubism, 5 central giant cell lesions, 3 osteoblastomas, 3 cementoblastomas, 2 periapical lesions and (2) extraosseous lesions—5 peripheral giant cell lesions, 5 cases of oral paracoccidioidomycosis, and 5 foreign body reactions. Immunohistochemistry was performed for SOFAT and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. Image analysis consisted of a descriptive evaluation of the immunohistochemical staining pattern observed. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive lesions included those containing multinucleated giant cells (MGC) from both groups. SOFAT was positive in MGC of the intraosseous lesions group, except in periapical foreign body reactions as well as extraosseous lesions. SOFAT was shown to be a putative marker of osteoclasts, which proved useful to differentiate them from multinucleated macrophages. Osteoclast induction may be both dependent and independent from the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway and independent from the bone microenvironment.
Abdominoplasty Improves Low Back Pain and Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Taylor D. Alastair , Merten Steven L. , Sandercoe Gavin D. , Gahankari Dilip , Ingram Scott B. , Moncrieff Nicholas J. , Ho Kevin , Sellars Graham D. , Magnusson Mark R.
Published: February 2018

Background:

The authors studied the incidence of low back pain and urinary incontinence in the postpartum population presenting for abdominoplasty, and the extent of improvement following the operation.

Methods:

This multicenter prospective study used validated questionnaires: the Oswestry Disability Index for back pain and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence–Short Form for urinary incontinence. Questionnaires were administered preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

Results cover 214 patients from nine centers. The mean age was 42.1 years, the mean parity was 2.5, and the mean body mass index was 26.3 kg/m2. The mean surgical statistics were as follows: weight removed, 1222 g; liposuction volume, 795 ml; and diastasis, 4.5 cm. Eighty-seven percent of the abdominoplasties were either radical, high lateral tension, or high oblique tension. The mean Oswestry Disability Index score preoperatively was 21.6 percent, and 8.8 percent had no back pain. The mean score was 8 percent at 6 weeks and 3.2 percent at 6 months. These results are statistically significant. The mean International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire score preoperatively was 6.5; of the patients assessed, 27.5 percent had no incontinence. This score fell to 1.6 at 6 weeks, and the same, 1.6, at 6 months. These results are also statistically significant. Preoperative predictors of back pain were body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2 and umbilical hernia; predictors of incontinence were age older than 40 years and vaginal deliveries. There were no significant predictors of postoperative back pain or urinary incontinence improvement at 6 months. All methods of abdominoplasty produced similar improvement.

Conclusion:

Abdominoplasty with rectus repair creates a significant improvement in the functional symptoms of low back pain and urinary incontinence.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Thread-Lift Sutures: Still in the Lift? A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Gülbitti Haydar Aslan , Colebunders Britt , Pirayesh Ali , Bertossi Dario , van der Lei Berend
Published: February 2018

Background:

In 2006, Villa et al. published a review article concerning the use of thread-lift sutures and concluded that the technique was still in its infancy but had great potential to become a useful and effective procedure for nonsurgical lifting of sagged facial tissues. As 11 years have passed, the authors now performed again a systematic review to determine the real scientific current state of the art on the use of thread-lift sutures.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using the PubMed database and using the Medical Subject Headings search term “Rhytidoplasty.” “Rhytidoplasty” and the following entry terms were included by this Medical Subject Headings term: “facelift,” “facelifts,” “face Lift,” “Face Lifts,” “Lift,” “Face,” “Lifts,” “Platysmotomy,” “Platysmotomies,” “Rhytidectomy,” “Rhytidectomies,” “Platysmaplasty,” “and “Platysmaplasties.” The Medical Subject Headings term “Rhytidoplasty” was combined with the following search terms: “Barbed suture,” “Thread lift,” “APTOS,” “Suture suspension,” “Percutaneous,” and “Silhouette suture.” RefWorks was used to filter duplicates. Three of the authors (H.A.G., B.C., and B.L.) performed the search independently.

Results:

The initial search with all search terms resulted in 188 articles. After filtering the duplicates and the articles about open procedures, a total of 41 articles remained. Of these, the review articles, case reports, and letters to the editor were subsequently excluded, as were reports dealing with nonbarbed sutures, such as Vicryl and Prolene with Gore-Tex. This resulted in a total of 12 articles, seven additional articles since the five articles reviewed by Villa et al.

Conclusions:

The authors’ review demonstrated that, within the past decade, little or no substantial evidence has been added to the peer-reviewed literature to support or sustain the promising statement about thread-lift sutures as made by Villa et al. in 2006 in terms of efficacy or safety. All included literature in the authors’ review, except two studies, demonstrated at best a very limited durability of the lifting effect. The two positive studies were sponsored by the companies that manufacture the thread-lift sutures.
Is the Right Research Being Conducted to Advance Knowledge about Breast Reconstruction? An Analysis of the Research Pipeline
Authors: Checketts Jake X. , Gordon Joshua , Crawford Julia H. , Adams Haley , Duckett Laurie , Vassar Matt
Published: February 2018

Background:

It has been estimated that up to 85 percent of research is of limited value or wasted, in part because of the wrong research questions being addressed. In this study, the authors identified research gaps for breast reconstruction using guideline recommendations based on low-quality or no evidence. The authors then evaluated whether research was currently being conducted to fill these gaps.

Methods:

The authors extracted grade C and D options, which are based on limited evidence, from the American Society of Plastic Surgeon’s clinical practice guideline for breast reconstruction. For each option, the authors created Participants, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions and search strings using a systematic process. Searches were conducted of ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform to locate new and ongoing studies. The authors also catalogued studies on breast reconstruction funded by the Plastic Surgery Foundation.

Results:

Of the 10 research gaps, only six were being addressed by new and ongoing research. Timing of reconstruction (immediate or delayed) and use of acellular dermal matrix were most frequently studied. Preoperative referral of a plastic surgeon before mastectomy, complications associated with preoperative breast size, effects of hormone therapy on postoperative outcomes, and methods for detecting local recurrence after mastectomy were not being addressed by new research. Studies funded by the Plastic Surgery Foundation showed a similar pattern.

Conclusions:

Of the areas identified, some have received more attention than others. Gaps remain. The authors’ results should spark interest in conducting research on these topics and, by so doing, strengthen the clinical practice guideline recommendations.
Two-Point Discrimination Predicts Pain Relief after Lower Limb Nerve Decompression for Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Wang Qi , Guo Zhuang-Li , Yu Yan-Bing , Yang Wen-Qiang , Zhang Li
Published: February 2018

Background:

Peripheral nerve decompression surgery has been reported to be effective for pain reduction in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The aim of this study was to characterize which patients may have more pain relief benefits in the lower limbs after nerve decompression surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted. Pain levels were measured with the Numerical Rating Scale. Treatment effects were classified by either substantial relief (at least 50 percent reduction in Numerical Rating Scale score compared with preoperative Numerical Rating Scale score) or nonsubstantial relief (<50 percent reduction or worse in Numerical Rating Scale score) at 12 months based on established criteria. Sex, age, body mass index, duration of diabetes mellitus, duration of diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain, preoperative Numerical Rating Scale score, and two-point discrimination were evaluated using univariate and logistic regression analysis.

Results:

The mean preoperative Numerical Rating Scale score (8.65 ± 1.29) decreased significantly 6 days (3.56 ± 2.22; p < 0.01), 6 months (3.03 ± 2.11; p < 0.01), and 12 months (3.44 ± 2.36; p < 0.01) after surgery; 64.7 percent of patients had substantial pain relief at 12 months. According to univariate and logistic regression analysis, better two-point discrimination was associated with substantial pain relief (OR, 3.700; p = 0.046, logistic regression analysis).

Conclusions:

Nerve decompression surgery was able to alleviate pain in patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Two-point discrimination may be a predictive factor for the prognosis of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy after nerve decompression surgery.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Double Triangular Cartilage Excision Otoplasty
Authors: Gualdi Alessandro , Cambiaso-Daniel Janos , Gatti Jonatann , Wurzer Paul , Sljivich Michaela , Scherer Saja S. , Pietramaggiori Giorgio , Bertossi Dario , Botti Chiara , Botti Giovanni
Published: February 2018

Background:

Prominent ears have a negative impact on patients’ psychosocial well-being. There are numerous surgical correction techniques described, but the majority have high complication and recurrence rates. In this article, the authors present a stitchless technique that takes advantage of different approaches to minimize complications and recurrences.

Methods:

The authors prospectively studied patients who underwent a bilateral double triangular cartilage excision otoplasty in an outpatient setting. This prominent ear setback technique is based on a specific cartilage excision to mechanically collapse the ear without using any sutures through the cartilage. Postoperatively, surgical complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The patient-reported outcome was analyzed after completion of a questionnaire 6 months after surgery, and another clinical follow-up appointment was arranged 12 months after surgery.

Results:

Sixty patients (120 ears) with an average age of 24 years were studied, and the overall complication rate was 6 percent. Three ears (2.5 percent) developed superficial cutaneous necrosis at the anterior concha, and one ear (1 percent) required an additional correction for unsatisfactory pinna rotation. Also, 2.5 percent of the patients experienced a grade I complication, and 1 percent of the patients experienced a grade IIIa complication according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. No wound infections, hematomas, or hypertrophic scars were observed, and the patient-reported outcome showed satisfaction with the results.

Conclusions:

The authors’ findings show that the double triangular cartilage excision otoplasty is a safe procedure with low complication/recurrence rates. This stitchless technique should be included in each surgeon’s repertoire as an alternative to previously published surgical techniques.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Evaluation of Electronic Medical Records on Nurses' Time Allocation During Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Tan Merrick , Lipman Steven , Lee Henry , Sie Lillian , Carvalho Brendan
Published: February 2018

Background

The impact of the electronic medical record (EMR) on nursing workload is not well understood. The objective of this descriptive study was to measure the actual and perceived time that nurses spend on the EMR in the operating room during cesarean births.

Methods

Twenty scheduled cesarean births were observed. An observer timed the circulating nurse's EMR use during each case. Immediately after each case, the nurse completed a questionnaire to estimate EMR time allocation during the case and their desired time allocation for a typical case. They were also asked about time allotted to various activities preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively for a typical cesarean birth.

Results

Mean observed nurse EMR time was 36 ± 12 minutes per case, 40% ± 10% of the duration of the cesarean delivery. Nurses tended to estimate greater time spent on the EMR; the perceived mean proportion of time spent on the EMR (55%) was greater than the actual timed value of 40% (P = 0.020). Nurse's desired amount of time spent on the EMR was 22% ± 15% of the case duration, significantly less than actual time spent on the EMR (P = 0.007).

Conclusions

On average, nurses spent 40% of their intraoperative time on the EMR during cesarean births, and this time burden was distributed across the perioperative period. These findings highlight the time burden of EMRs and suggest that EMR functionality should be better aligned with end-user needs. Future studies are needed to better understand the impacts of intraoperative EMR use on patient safety and patient/nursing/clinician communication.
68Ga DOTATATE PET/CT Imaging of Elastofibroma Dorsi
Authors: Ishiyama Mitsutomi , Vesselle Hubert
Published: February 2018

Sixty six-year-old woman status post ileocecal resection for well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor in the terminal ileum 7 years ago, who is on octreotide therapy for liver metastases. 68Ga DOTATATE PET/CT showed soft tissue masses with mildly increased radiotracer uptake in the bilateral subscapular/infrascapular regions. In retrospective image review, these soft tissue masses were first noted 7 years prior and have gradually increased in size over the years. Given the characteristic location and imaging findings, these masses are consistent with benign elastofibroma dorsi instead of metastasis.
FDG PET/CT Findings of Polymorphic Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders in a Transplanted Kidney
Authors: Yang Yuanyuan , Wang Wei , Kan Ying , Liu Jie , Yang Jigang
Published: February 2018

A 55-year-old woman underwent simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation because of polycystic liver and kidney. Six months later, FDG PET/CT was acquired to evaluate possible lesions in the renal graft, which demonstrated abnormal 18F-FDG accumulation in the renal pelvic lesions without other abnormality. The subsequent pathology examination after biopsy demonstrated the polymorphic posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders.
Should 18F-FDG PET/CT Be Routinely Performed in the Clinical Staging of Locally Advanced Gastric Adenocarcinoma?
Authors: Perlaza Pilar , Ortín Jaime , Pagès Mario , Buxó Elvira , Fernández-Esparrach Gloria , Colletti Patrick M. , Rubello Domenico , Mayoral Maria , Sánchez Nuria , Ruiz Cristina , Ginés Angels , Fuster David
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate 18F-FDG PET/CT compared with conventional imaging techniques in the clinical management of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC).

Methods

A prospective study between January 2010 and December 2011 in patients with suspected LAGC was conducted in our hospital. 18F-FDG PET/CT, contrast-enhanced CT (CECT), endoscopic ultrasound, and laparoscopy were performed in all cases. Standard whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT images were obtained centered on the stomach at 1 and 2 hours after injection of 4.0 MBq/kg of 18F-FDG. Findings were confirmed by histopathology or by imaging follow-up in nonoperable patients.

Results

Fifty consecutive patients with confirmed LAGC (20 women, 30 men) with a mean ± SD age of 65.7 ± 12.1 years were included. Using Lauren classification, 24 patients were intestinal subtype, and 26 were diffuse subtype. Thirty-five patients with locoregional lymph node involvement and 22 with distant metastases were confirmed as peritoneal metastases (n = 15), retroperitoneal (n = 2) or mediastinal lymph nodes (n = 1), and liver (n = 3) or bone metastases (n = 1). Patients with signet ring carcinoma showed significantly less 18F-FDG uptake (P = 0.001). SUVmax correlated with tumor grading (P < 0.05). Standard and delayed 18F-FDG PET/CT and CECT images identified LAGC in 24, 27, and 28 of 30 patients, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for 18F-FDG PET/CT and CECT to detect metastases were 68% and 100% and 64% and 93%, respectively. Contrast-enhanced CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT diagnosed only 6 of the 15 patients with confirmed peritoneal metastases. The impact in therapeutic management of 18F-FDG PET/CT and CECT was 24% and 22%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for the LGAC showed a significant correlation between SUVmax and overall survival using an SUVmax threshold of less than 3.96 (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

18F-FDG PET/CT should be recommended for staging of LAGC; however, 18F-FDG PET/CT and CECT cannot replace laparoscopy to rule out peritoneal metastases. Delayed 18F-FDG PET/CT images show an increase of 18F-FDG uptake in most cases, improving LAGC detection. The grade of 18F-FDG uptake represents a significant prognostic tool in this series.
Metastasis to the Sellar/Suprasellar Region in a Patient With Endometrial Carcinoma Detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Salvatore Barbara , D’Amico Domenico , Fonti Rosa
Published: February 2018

Metastases to pituitary gland, suprasellar region or skull base from endometrial carcinoma are an extremely rare occurrence. We report the case of a 77-year-old woman with metastasis to the sellar/suprasellar region from endometrial carcinoma revealed by 18F-FDG PET/CT and confirmed by subsequent CT and MRI of the brain. This case highlights the usefulness of a whole-body imaging methodology such as 18F-FDG PET/CT in the detection of distant and/or atypical sites of metastasis therefore being of help in guiding towards the correct diagnosis.
Spontaneous Resolution of an Orbital Mass After Delivery: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Dadaci Zeynep , Kadiyoran Cengiz , Golen Mustafa , Cizmecioglu Hilal Akay
Published: February 2018

The authors report a 35-year-old woman who presented 1 month after delivery with the complaint of pain behind her left eye which started during her pregnancy. The patient described increased fullness with dependent head position and pain on left gaze but she had no proptosis and her ocular examination was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intraconal mass with inhomogeneous contrast enhancement. As the authors did not suspect malignity and her ocular examination was normal without any signs of inflammation, the authors followed the patient closely. Repeat MRI obtained 6 months after delivery revealed complete resolution of the mass. Upon disappearance of the lesion, the authors reviewed the case thoroughly and decided that orbital venous anomaly with intralesional hemorrhage/thrombosis was the most probable diagnosis. As hemorrhage or thrombosis occurring in orbital vascular anomalies may be a diagnostic challenge because of the localized lesion and distinct borders, careful interpretation of clinical characteristics and MRI findings and close follow-up is important in interpretation of orbital mass lesions, especially in pregnant or puerperal women.
Ligaments of the Face: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Hwang Kun , Choi Jeongho
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study is to search for the origin of the term “ligament" in the face, present its status, and suggest a principle to rectify the use of unclear terminology.

The structure that connects the zygoma to the skin was first presented by McGregor (1959). Kaye (1981), in describing his “extended facelift,” wrote that the adherent area of the cheek over the malar eminence (McGregor's patch) usually requires sharp dissection. Bosse (1987) reported that the zygomatic ligament is quite solidly bound to the malar eminence and usually requires sharp dissection to release it. The origin of the term was introduced later by Furnas, who stated that when Preddy, a medical artist, prepared drawings for McGregor's slide presentations, she insisted on naming it “McGregor's patch.” With the idea that “perhaps” the “retaining ligaments” of the face share a teleologic kinship with Cleland's ligaments or Grayson's ligaments of the hands, Furnas (1989) observed the structure that anchors the skin of the cheek to the inferior border of the zygoma just posterior to the origin of the zygomaticus minor muscle, and named it “the zygomatic ligaments.” Subsequently, numerous articles have been published using different terminologies that cause confusion.

To rectify the present confusing terminology of the ligament of face, the histologically proven structures should be designated by one term only following the Nomina Anatomica principles.
Cardiac Progenitors Induced from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells with Cardiogenic Small Molecule Effectively Regenerate Infarcted Hearts and Attenuate Fibrosis
Authors: Xuan Wanling , Wang Yan , Tang Yaoliang , Ali Ailia , Hu Hong , Maienschein-Cline Mark , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: February 2018

Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) being multipotent offer a promising source for cardiac repair due to their ability to proliferate and multiply into cardiac lineage cells. Here, we explored a novel strategy for human CPCs generation from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) using a cardiogenic small molecule, isoxazole (ISX-9) and their ability to grow in the scar tissue for functional improvement in the infarcted myocardium. CPCs were induced from hiPSCs with ISX-9. CPCs were characterized by immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. The CPC survival and differentiation in the infarcted hearts were determined byin vivotransplantation in immunodeficient mice following left anterior descending artery ligation and their effects were determined on fibrosis and functional improvement. ISX-9 simultaneously induced expression of cardiac transcription factors, NK2 homeobox 5, islet-1, GATA binding protein 4, myocyte enhancer factor-2 in hiPSCs within 3 days of treatment and successfully differentiated into three cardiac lineagesin vitro. Messenger RNA and microRNA-sequencing results showed that ISX-9 targeted multiple cardiac differentiation, proliferation signaling pathways and upregulated myogenesis and cardiac hypertrophy related-microRNA. ISX-9 activated multiple pathways including transforming growth factor β induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition signaling, canonical, and non-canonical Wnt signaling at different stages of cardiac differentiation. CPCs transplantation promoted myoangiogenesis, attenuated fibrosis, and led to functional improvement in treated mice.