bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Scalar Cochlear Volume and Hearing Preservation in Cochlear Implant Recipients with Residual Hearing
Authors: Räth Mareike , Schurzig Daniel , Timm Max E. , Lenarz Thomas , Warnecke Athanasia
Published: February 2024

Objective

Preservation of residual hearing is one of the main goals in cochlear implantation. There are many factors that can influence hearing preservation after cochlear implantation. The purpose of the present study was to develop an algorithm for validated preoperative cochlear volume analysis and to elucidate the role of cochlear volume in preservation of residual hearing preservation after atraumatic cochlear implantation.

Study design

Retrospective analysis.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Patients

A total of 166 cochlear implant recipients were analyzed. All patients were implanted with either a MED-EL (Innsbruck, Austria) FLEXSOFT (n = 3), FLEX28 (n = 72), FLEX26 (n = 1), FLEX24 (n = 41), FLEX20 (n = 38), or FLEX16 (n = 11, custom made device) electrode array through a round window approach. Main outcome measures: Cochlear volume as assessed after manual segmentation of cochlear cross-sections in cone beam computed tomography, and preservation of residual hearing 6 months after implantation were analyzed. The association between residual hearing preservation and cochlear volume was then assessed statistically.

Results

Rapid and valid cochlear volume analysis was possible using the individual cross-sections and a newly developed and validated algorithm. Cochlear volume had the tendency to be larger in patients with hearing preservation than in those with hearing loss. Significant correlations with hearing preservation could be observed for the basal width and length of the basal turn.

Conclusions

Preservation of residual hearing after cochlear implantation may depend on cochlear volume but appears to be influenced more strongly by other cochlear dimensions.
The TORP-PORP: A Tympanoplasty Technique for Isolated Defects of the Stapes Suprastructure
Authors: Esser Julia , Klussmann Jens Peter , Hüttenbrink Karl Bernd , Luers Jan Christoffer
Published: February 2024

Objective

Investigating the outcomes of a surgical approach to treat isolated defects of the stapes suprastructure, using a modified total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) prosthesis as a PORP between the footplate and the incus, effectively creating a TORP-PORP configuration.

Patients

Eleven patients (mean age, 37.2 years; 36% male and 64% female) between the years 2007 and 2022.

Intervention(s)

Therapeutic (ossiculoplasty).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Hearing gain (in dB) in air conduction thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 kHz, stability of bone conduction, revision rate.

Results

Significant improvement in air conduction between the preoperative and the postoperative cohorts (p = 0.002) with a mean postoperative hearing level of 30.00 ± 5.25 dB. The bone conduction remained stable. We encountered no perioperative complications, and there were no revisions surgery.

Conclusions

The described ossiculoplasty procedure is a safe and effective approach to treat isolated defects of the stapes suprastructure.
Cochlear Implantation After Head and Neck Radiation: A Case Series, Systematic Review, and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ahmad Jumah G. , Lovin Benjamin D. , Lee Anna , Nader Marc-Elie , Gidley Paul W.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To determine if cochlear implant (CI) is safe and effective in patients with radiation therapy (XRT)-induced sensorineural hearing loss and to discuss considerations in this population through a retrospective cohort review, systematic review, and meta-analysis.

Databases Reviewed

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all CI cases after head and neck (HN) XRT at our institution, noting intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, and hearing outcomes. Change in speech discrimination scores (SDSs) was the primary outcome measure. Systematic review was performed to identify all cases of CI after HNXRT. A meta-analysis was performed to assess SDS change.

Results

The retrospective cohort review identified 12 patients who underwent CI after HNXRT. One patient with HN cancer (HNC) and one with central nervous system pathology (CNSP) received bilateral implants. Six had HNC, three had CNSP, and one had Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Eleven had abnormal findings during CI. There were no postoperative complications. Twenty articles with an additional 97 patients were suitable for systematic review inclusion. Of the 109 patients, 67 (61.5%) had HNC and 18 (16.5%) had CNSP. Abnormal intraoperative findings were common (30.3%), most frequently in the mastoid (66.7%). Postoperative complications, including wound dehiscence and infection with some requiring explantation, occurred in 10.1% of patients. Sixty-six patients were included in the meta-analysis. All demonstrated SDS improvement (mean increase, 56.2%).

Conclusion

Patients with prior HNXRT benefit from CI. Paying careful attention to surgical planning and technique, postoperative care, and patient expectations is imperative, as complications are not uncommon.
Microstructural Changes in the Brainstem Auditory Pathway in Children With Hearing Loss
Authors: Moon Peter K. , Ward Kristina M. , Din Taseer F. , Saki Sara , Cheng Alan G. , Yeom Kristen W. , Ahmad Iram N.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To assess the utility of diffusion tensor imaging of the auditory pathway in children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A single academic tertiary children's hospital.

Patients

Sixteen pediatric patients with bilateral SNHL of at least moderate severity in the poorer ear (eight male; mean age, 5.3 ± 4.9 yrs). Controls consisted of age- and sex-matched children with normal hearing who were imaged for nonotologic, non-neurologic medical concerns and found to have normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Interventions

Three Tesla MRI scanners were used for diffusion tensor imaging.

Main Outcome Measures

Quantitative diffusion tensor metrics were extracted from the superior olivary nucleus (SON), inferior colliculus (IC), and ipsilateral fiber tracts between the SON and IC delineated by tractography.

Results

We identified differences in fractional anisotropy of the SON between the SNHL cohort and controls (0.377 ± 0.056 vs. 0.422 ± 0.052; p = 0.009), but not in the IC. There were no differences in the mean diffusivity (MD) values in the IC and SON. Among younger children (≤5 yrs), MD was decreased in the SNHL cohort compared with controls in the IC (0.918 ± 0.051 vs. 1.120 ± 0.142; p < 0.001). However, among older children (>5 yrs), there were no differences in MD (1.124 ± 0.198 vs. 0.997 ± 0.103; p = 0.119). There were no differences in MD or fractional anisotropy in the white matter fibers of the IC–SON tract.

Conclusions

Our results suggest abnormal neural tracts along the central auditory pathway among children with SNHL. Longitudinal studies should assess the prognostic value of these MRI-based findings for assessing long-term outcomes and determining intervention efficacy.
The Placebo Effect on Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Walters Rameen K. , Durrant Frederick G. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Meyer Ted A. , Lambert Paul R.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To quantify the placebo effect in randomized clinical trials treating tinnitus with oral or intratympanic placebo treatment.

Data Sources

CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus were searched for articles from conception to October 2022. MESH and key terms such as “tinnitus,” “placebo,” and “medication” were used to find randomized, placebo-controlled trials. The search was limited to articles in English.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials with adult subjects evaluating tinnitus pretreatment and posttreatment with an oral or intratympanic medication versus a placebo arm were included. Crossover studies, studies involving middle/inner ear operations or devices, and studies that exclusively included nonidiopathic etiologies of tinnitus were excluded. Mean tinnitus symptom survey scores for the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Tinnitus Severity Index, Tinnitus Functional Index, Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire, and Visual Analog Scales for tinnitus Intensity/Loudness (VAS-L), Annoyance (VAS-An), and Awareness (VAS-Aw) were extracted for both placebo and experimental groups.

Results

953 studies were screened with 23 studies being included in the final analysis. Meta-analysis of mean difference (MD) was calculated using RevMan 5.4. MD between pretreatment and posttreatment THI scores of the placebo arms was 5.6 (95% confidence interval, 3.3–8.0; p < 0.001). MD between pretreatment and posttreatment VAS scores of the placebo groups for Loudness, Annoyance, and Awareness were 0.8 (0.0 to 1.6, p = 0.05), 0.2 (−0.2 to 0.5, p = 0.34), and 0.3 (−0.0 to 0.7, p = 0.08), respectively.

Conclusions

Placebo treatment has shown effectiveness in improving patient-reported evaluations of tinnitus when using some standardized metrics such as THI and VAS-L; however, the improvement is not as substantial as nonplacebo treatment.
Changing Management of Intravestibular Schwannomas in the Era of Cochlear Implantation for Single-Sided Deafness
Authors: Hershey Emma , Chionis Lisa , Kazemi Ruby , Valenzuela Carla , El-Kashlan Hussam K. , Basura Gregory J. , Stucken Emily Z.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Intralabyrinthine schwannomas (ILSs) are a rare cause of deafness. Patients with ILS confined to the semicircular canals and the vestibule (intravestibular schwannomas) are potential candidates for cochlear implantation for hearing rehabilitation, a new option for patients with unilateral hearing loss since the 2019 FDA approval of cochlear implant (CI) for single-sided deafness. In this report, we describe an evolving management approach for ILSs causing hearing loss.

Patients

Adults (≥18 years) who underwent simultaneous ILS resection and CI between January 2019 and June 2023 (n = 3).

Intervention

Transmastoid labyrinthectomy with simultaneous cochlear implantation.

Main Outcome Measures

Hearing performance with cochlear implantation measured as CNC Word Recognition scores and AzBio Sentence scores.

Results

Three patients with ILS confined to the semicircular canals and vestibule underwent simultaneous tumor resection via labyrinthectomy with CI placement. In all cases, complete tumor resection and full CI insertion were achieved. No patients experienced postoperative complications. Patients 1 and 2 underwent 6- and 9-month postactivation testing, respectively, with CNC scores 64% to 80% and AzBio 81% to 99% in the implanted ears. Patient 3 scored 0% on CNC and AzBio testing at 3 months and deferred her 6-month audiometry.

Conclusions

Patients with ILS confined to the vestibule and semicircular canals can be considered for simultaneous tumor resection and CI placement.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of PCT and RDW in premature infants with septicemia
Authors: Xu Huafen , Ca Dong , Zhou Lixia
Published: February 2024

It aims to study the diagnostic effect of procalcitonin (PCT) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in premature septicemia (PS), and to analyze the prognostic evaluation value of PCT and RDW in PS. Ninety eight septicemia premature infants (SPI) who visited the neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital from June 2019 to July 2021 were selected and met the criteria. Based on the patient’s condition and the neonatal shock score, they were separated into a severe group (SG) and a mild group (MG). There were 43 children and 55 children in the 2 groups, respectively. According to the survival status of SPI after 3 days of treatment, they were divided into a death group and a SG. It detected and analyzed the peripheral venous blood of SPI before treatment (BT) and after treatment (AT), and observed the changes of PCT and RDW. The comparison of general data between severe and mild SPI and their mothers did not have statistical significance (P > .05). The PCT of the SG was higher than that of the MG BT, on the 1st day and the 3rd day AT; The PCT BT and AT in both groups ranged from high to low on the 1st day and the 3rd day AT and BT (P < .05). The RDW in the SG were higher than those in the MG, and the RDW BT and AT in both groups were the highest on the 1st day AT; The RDW BT in the MG was higher than on the 3rd day AT, while the RDW BT in the SG was lower than on the 3rd day AT (P < .05). The optimal cutoff values for PCT on the 1st and 3rd day AT were 40.594ng/ml and 64.854ng/ml, respectively, with sensitivity of 100.0% and 100.0%, and specificity of 73.2% and 87.1% (P < .05). The optimal cutoff values for RDW on the 1st and 3rd day AT were 16.649% and 18.449%, respectively, with sensitivity of 100.0% and 100.0%, and specificity of 68.5% and 91.8% (P < .05). Monitoring the changes in PCT and RDW can promote the early diagnosis of PS and their prognosis evaluation.
Identification of a novel glioblastoma multiforme molecular subtype with poor prognosis and high immune infiltration based on oxidative stress-related genes
Authors: Huang Guanyou , Hou Xiaohong , Li Xiaohu , Yu Yong , Ge Xuecheng , Gan Hongchuan
Published: February 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant primary brain tumor with a poor prognosis. Reactive oxygen species that accumulate during tumorigenesis can cause oxidative stress (OS), which plays a crucial role in cancer cell survival. Clinical and transcriptome data of TCGA-GBM dataset from UCSC Xena database were analyzed. Consensus clustering analysis was conducted to identify OS-related molecular subtypes for GBM. The immune infiltrate level between subtypes were characterized by ESTIMATE algorithm. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between subtypes were screened by DESeq2 package. Two OS-related molecular subtypes of GBM were identified, and cluster 2 had poorer overall survival and higher immune infiltration levels than cluster 1. Enrichment analysis showed that 54 DEGs in cluster 2 were significantly enriched in cytokine/chemokine-related functions or pathways. Ten hub genes (CSF2, CSF3, CCL7, LCN2, CXCL6, MMP8, CCR8, TNFSF11, IL22RA2, and ORM1) were identified in GBM subtype 2 through protein-protein interaction network, most of which were positively correlated with immune factors and immune checkpoints. A total of 55 small molecule drugs obtained from drug gene interaction database (DGIdb) may have potential therapeutic effects in GBM subtype 2 patients. Our study identified 10 hub genes as potential therapeutic targets in GBM subtype 2 patients, who have poorer overall survival and higher immune infiltration levels. These findings could pave the way for new treatments for this aggressive form of brain cancer.
The effect and mechanism of novel methoxy curcumin analogs based on network pharmacology
Authors: Xie Jingwen , Zhao Yingxin , Liu Xingyu , Li Lingling , Yu Lei , Wang Mengxuan , Li Qian
Published: February 2024

In this study, a series of novel compounds were synthesized by introducing the 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl and isatin groups into the monocarbonyl skeleton of curcumin. The possible biological activities and potential targets for these compounds were explored through network pharmacology. The results revealed that these compounds could significantly inhibit production of the inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α, and suppress phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) protein. Moreover, molecular docking experiments showed that the ERK protein was the potential target for these compounds. In summary, this study, through network pharmacology, presents a novel series of methoxy curcumin analogs as potent anti-inflammatory drugs.
Intestinal nontuberculous mycobacteria infection: A case report
Authors: Xu Yanbin , Yang Jinfeng , Cui Lili , Huang Chengchen , Wu Chun
Published: February 2024

Background:

Intestinal nontuberculous mycobacteriosis due to nontuberculous mycobacteria infection has clinical manifestations similar to intestinal tuberculosis and inflammatory bowel disease, causing difficulties in clinical diagnosis.

Case presentation:

A 42-year-old male patient was admitted to the Sino-Japanese Friendship Hospital of Jilin University in June 2021 for diarrhea and intermittent hematochezia since April 2021. He was diagnosed with inflammatory intestinal disease by colonoscopy and midtransverse colon biopsy. However, the symptoms did not relieve after 2 months of mesalazine treatment. In August 2021, the patient was admitted to the outpatient department for suspected “intestinal tuberculosis.” A diagnosis of intestinal nontuberculous mycobacteriosis was confirmed based on pathology and nucleotide-based matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). After 2 weeks of antimycobacterial therapy, the patient’s diarrhea was relieved, and hematochezia no longer appeared. In November 2021, recolonoscopy revealed scattered erosions and ulcers in ileocecal valve and ascending colon, while both nucleotide-based MALDI-TOF MS and next-generation sequencing could still detect Mycobacterium intracellulare.

Conclusion:

This study reported a patient with an intestinal nontuberculous mycobacteriosis diagnosed by colonoscopy biopsy and nucleotide-based MALDI-TOF MS, and symptoms were relieved after antimycobacterial treatment.
Osteotomy for treating knee osteoarthritis from 2012 to 2023: Bibliometric analysis and global trends
Authors: Hou Wenyuan , Xiao Fangjun , Peng Peng , He Mincong , Wei Qiushi
Published: February 2024

Background:

Numerous surgical interventions are available for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). In recent years, knee-preserving surgery, specifically osteotomy, has gained significant attention from patients, particularly those who are young and physically active, as it not only effectively alleviates pain but also preserves bone integrity, thereby allowing for potential future joint replacement. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the global application trends of osteotomy for KOA and identify the current research hotspots.

Methods:

We conducted a literature search encompassing English-language studies on osteotomy for KOA published from 2012 to 2023 in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. Bibliometric analysis tools, including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R Studio, were employed to analyze global trends and research hotspots.

Results:

We analyzed 1520 eligible publications, comprising 1350 articles and 170 reviews. The number of articles on osteotomy for KOA has exhibited a consistent upward trend over the past decade. The top 3 contributing countries (South Korea, United States, and China) accounted for 45.98% of all published articles. U.S. scholars exhibited high productivity, prominence, and academic impact in this field. Seoul National University published the most papers on the relationship between osteotomy and KOA, while Sungkyunkwan University had the highest average citation rate. Among authors, Yong Seuk Lee from Korea and Steffen Schroeter from Germany had the highest number of publications and average citation values, respectively. Research interests were clustered into 5 categories: “High tibial osteotomy,” “Biomechanics of osteotomy,” “Osteotomy combined with cartilage repair techniques,” “Postoperative prognosis and outcomes,” and “Improvement of surgical techniques.”

Conclusion:

Recent years have witnessed notable rapid progress in the research on osteotomy for KOA. The field is poised for continued growth in terms of academic literature. The United States has emerged as a global leader in knee osteotomy research, while Korea demonstrates considerable potential in this domain. Future research hotspots may encompass high tibial osteotomies, osteotomies combined with cartilage repair techniques, and advancements in surgical techniques for KOA.
The causal association between serum metabolites and lung cancer based on multivariate Mendelian randomization
Authors: Sun Tao , Chen Xiaoyang , Yan Hui , Liu Jun
Published: February 2024

This study seeks to understand the causal association between serum metabolites and different lung cancer types, an area yet to be extensively studied. We Used a two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) approach, utilizing 486 blood metabolites as exposures and 3 distinct lung cancer types genome-wide association studies datasets as outcomes. We employed inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode to estimate causal effects. We performed sensitivity analyses using Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO). Linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) analysis was conducted on the selected metabolites, and common confounding single nucleotide polymorphisms were eliminated using the human genotype-phenotype association Database. Metabolic pathway analysis was performed with MetaboAnalyst 5.0 software. Subsequently, a multivariate Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to ascertain independent risk exposures. Our findings suggest independent risk factors for specific types of lung cancer: 7-methylxanthine and isoleucine for lung adenocarcinoma, cysteine and 1-arachidonoylglycerophosphocholine are identified as independent protective and risk factors for squamous lung cancer. Undecanoate (11:0) with Linoleate (18:2n6) showed a protective effect for small cell lung cancer. Additionally, 11 metabolic pathways were associated with lung cancer. This novel perspective offers a multidimensional understanding of lung cancer phenotypes, providing valuable guidance for identifying and screening of diverse lung cancer phenotypes.
Specific patterns and potential risk factors to predict 3-year risk of death among non-cancer patients with advanced chronic kidney disease by machine learning
Authors: Chang Tzu-Hao , Chen Yu-Da , Lu Henry Horng-Shing , Wu Jenny L. , Mak Katelyn , Yu Cheng-Sheng
Published: February 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern. But there are limited machine learning studies on non-cancer patients with advanced CKD, and the results of machine learning studies on cancer patients with CKD may not apply directly on non-cancer patients. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation of risk factors for a 3-year risk of death among non-cancer advanced CKD patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60.0 mL/min/1.73m2 by several machine learning algorithms. In this retrospective cohort study, we collected data from in-hospital and emergency care patients from 2 hospitals in Taiwan from 2009 to 2019, including their international classification of disease at admission and laboratory data from the hospital’s electronic medical records (EMRs). Several machine learning algorithms were used to analyze the potential impact and degree of influence of each factor on mortality and survival. Data from 2 hospitals in northern Taiwan were collected with 6565 enrolled patients. After data cleaning, 26 risk factors and approximately 3887 advanced CKD patients from Shuang Ho Hospital were used as the training set. The validation set contained 2299 patients from Taipei Medical University Hospital. Predictive variables, such as albumin, PT-INR, and age, were the top 3 significant risk factors with paramount influence on mortality prediction. In the receiver operating characteristic curve, the random forest had the highest values for accuracy above 0.80. MLP, and Adaboost had better performance on sensitivity and F1-score compared to other methods. Additionally, SVM with linear kernel function had the highest specificity of 0.9983, while its sensitivity and F1-score were poor. Logistic regression had the best performance, with an area under the curve of 0.8527. Evaluating Taiwanese advanced CKD patients’ EMRs could provide physicians with a good approximation of the patients’ 3-year risk of death by machine learning algorithms.
Insights and preventive approaches of rod erosion in the occipital bone after complex posterior cervical spine surgery for destructive spondyloarthropathy: A case report
Authors: Hirata Hirohito , Morimoto Tadatsugu , Tsukamoto Masatsugu , Kobayashi Takaomi , Yoshihara Tomohito , Toda Yu , Mawatari Masaaki
Published: February 2024

Rationale:

Complications of rod migration into the occipital bone after upper cervical fusion are very rare. No other cases have been reported, especially when associated with destructive spondyloarthropathy (DSA). The purpose of this case report is to remind clinicians of the risk of rod migration in cervical spine surgery in patients with DSA and to provide information on its causes, countermeasures, and treatment.

Patient concern:

This case report presents the clinical course of a 61-year-old female patient with chronic kidney disease that required hemodialysis.

Diagnosis, intervention, outcomes:

The patient was diagnosed DSA involving the cervical spine. Initial treatment involved a halo vest, followed by anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion spanning from C5 to Th1. However, subsequent complications, including C5 fractures, kyphotic cervical alignment, and rod migration into the occipital bone, lead to multistage surgical interventions. This case highlights the challenges in managing DSA, the significance of optimal fixation strategies, and the importance of accounting for potential alignment changes.

Conclusion:

The effective management of occipital bone erosion after posterior cervical spine surgery for destructive spondyloarthropathy necessitates meticulous fixation planning, proactive rod length adjustment, preoperative assessment of the occipital position, and consideration of the compensatory upper cervical range of motion to prevent migration-related issues.
A retrospective analysis of children with mild and asymptomatic Omicron infections under 14: A single-center study
Authors: Sun Jing , Zhang Haiyan , Yang Zhen
Published: February 2024

Omicron BA.5 subvariant has been proven to be more transmissible than other Omicron subvariants. But the studies on the spread of the Omicron BA.5 subvariant in children are still limited. This study aimed to analyze the clinical features of children infected with Omicron BA.5.2 variant in the mobile cabin hospital and the influence factors of the infections. Children with mild and asymptomatic Omicron infections under 14 years old who were admitted to the mobile cabin hospital from October 30 to December 7, 2022 were retrospectively collected. A total of 741 children, 424 boys (57.2%) and 317 girls (42.8%) were enrolled, including 145 asymptomatic cases (22.7%) and 493 (77.3%) mild cases. Upper respiratory tract infection was the dominant manifestation. Fever was the most common presenting symptom (80.7%), followed by cough (52.5%). The average time to symptom disappearance was 3.76 days, and the average negative conversion time of nucleic acid was 12.3 days. Univariate analysis showed that the negative conversion time of nucleic acid differed significantly across the age groups. The multivariate analysis showed that the older the age, the longer the negative conversion time of nucleic acid. Among those with the negative conversion time of nucleic acid longer than 12 days, age was positively correlated to the negative conversion time of nucleic acid, while the number of vaccine doses received was negatively correlated to the negative conversion time of nucleic acid. Omicron infection occurred in children of any age group, with good prospect for recovery. Age and number of vaccine doses received were risk factors influencing the negative conversion time of nucleic acid.
Progress about the fibro-adipose vascular anomaly: A review
Authors: Sun Yi-Ran , Zou Ming-Li , Yuan Si-Ming
Published: February 2024

Fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) is a rare and complex vascular malformation associated with persistent pain, limb contracture, and even restriction of activity. However, the pathophysiology of FAVA remains unclear. Although FAVA is a benign vascular malformation, it is highly misdiagnosed and often thus undergoing repeated surgical resection and interventional sclerotherapy, resulting in worsening of symptoms and irreversible dysfunction. Therefore, aggressive diagnosis and treatment are essential. There are several different treatment options for FAVA, including surgical resection, sclerotherapy, cryoablation, drug therapy, and physical therapy. This article reviews the clinical manifestations, pathological features, pathogenesis, and treatment methods of FAVA.
Postoperative recurrence of diffuse sclerosing thyroid cancer in an adolescent patient: A case report
Authors: Ren Ningning , Geng Chong , Liu Kailin , Ren Jintao , Zhang Xuan , Tian Xingsong
Published: February 2024

Background:

Papillary thyroid cancer is an inert malignant tumor with a good response to surgical treatment, low recurrence and metastasis rate, and good prognosis. Diffuse sclerosing thyroid cancer is an invasive subtype that is more common in young people, with a higher rate of lymph node metastasis and recurrence, and a relatively poor prognosis.

Patient concerns:

A 13-year-old girl underwent radical surgery for diffuse sclerosing thyroid cancer. Eight years later, due to a large number of lymph node metastases, she underwent another radical surgery on her neck lymph nodes.

Methods:

The patient thyroid ultrasound and neck enhanced CT indicated that the patient had multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the neck with irregular morphology and structure, and the possibility of metastatic lymph nodes was high. Subsequently, the patient underwent thyroid fine-needle aspiration and the results showed that cancer cells were detected in both cervical lymph nodes.

Diagnosis:

The patient was diagnosed with bilateral cervical lymph node metastases after thyroid surgery.

Results:

After the second surgery, the patient recovered well, and no residual or focal iodine uptake tissue was found on the enhanced CT examination.

Conclusion:

As diffuse sclerosing thyroid cancer is prone to lymph node and recurrent metastases, once it is diagnosed, radical treatment should be actively performed. Postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy should be administered according to the patient condition and regular follow-ups should be conducted to monitor neck lymph node metastasis.
‘Seeing is believing’ – gender disparities in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery in Africa: a narrative review
Authors: Seguya Amina , Kabagenyi Fiona , Tamir Sharon Ovnat
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review

Various factors affect otolaryngology – head and neck surgery (OHNS) services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); including inadequate infrastructure, limited academic positions, unfavorable hospital research policies, and traditional misconceptions about gender and surgery, among others. Although gender inequalities exist globally, they are particularly pronounced in LMICs, especially in Africa.

Recent findings

A comparative narrative literature review for relevant manuscripts from January 1, 2017 to through January 10th, 2024, using PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar for articles from the United States/Canada and Africa was done. 195 relevant articles were from the United States/Canada, while only 5 were from Africa and only 1 manuscript was relevant to OHNS. The reviewed articles reported that gender disparities exist in medical training, authorship, and career advancement. We highlight possible solutions to some of these disparities to promote a more gender-diversified workforce in OHNS in Africa as well as all over the world.

Additional studies on gender disparities in Africa, are needed. These studies will highlight need for inclusive policies, structured and accessible mentorship programs; through which these disparities can be highlighted and addressed. This will in the long run ensure sustainability of OHNS care in LMICs.
Rehabilitation Interventions in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Cheng Jessica T. , Ramos Emos Marc , Leite Victor , Capozzi Lauren , Woodrow Lindsey E. , Gutierrez Carolina , Ngo-Huang An , Krause Kate J. , Parke Sara C. , Langelier David Michael
Published: February 2024

Objective

The aim of the study is to identify and appraise current evidence for rehabilitation interventions in head and neck cancer.

Design

A previously published scoping review spanning 1990 through April 2017 was updated through January 11, 2023 and narrowed to include only interventional studies (Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2019;100(12):2381–2388). Included studies had a majority head and neck cancer population and rehabilitation-specific interventions. Pairs of authors extracted data and evaluated study quality using the PEDro tool. Results were organized by intervention type.

Results

Of 1338 unique citations, 83 studies with 87 citations met inclusion criteria. The median study sample size was 49 (range = 9–399). The most common interventions focused on swallow (16 studies), jaw (11), or both (6), followed by whole-body exercise (14) and voice (10). Most interventions took place in the outpatient setting (77) and were restorative in intent (65 articles). The overall study quality was fair (median PEDro score 5, range 0–8); none were of excellent quality (PEDro >9).

Conclusions

Most head and neck cancer rehabilitation interventions have focused on restorative swallow and jaw exercises and whole-body exercise to address dysphagia, trismus, and deconditioning. More high-quality evidence for head and neck cancer rehabilitation interventions that address a wider range of impairments and activity and social participation limitations during various cancer care phases is urgently needed to reduce head and neck cancer-associated morbidity.
Role of Rehabilitation in Spine Tumors
Authors: Ruppert Lisa , de Vries Kristen
Published: February 2024

Primary and metastatic spine tumors can lead to devastating complications, but timely and careful management of these patients can improve outcomes. A multidisciplinary and structured approach is the most effective way to evaluate patients with spine disease and mitigate the risk of complications. The neurologic, oncologic, mechanical and systemic disease framework gives comprehensive guidance to providers regarding appropriate management. Physiatrists play a critical role in these patients’ initial evaluation and continued management throughout cancer treatment. Patients with spinal cord involvement have extensive needs, requiring an individualized management approach. Even though patients with nontraumatic spinal cord injury benefit from rehabilitation efforts and have improved outcomes, they are not routinely admitted to inpatient rehabilitation units or referred to outpatient cancer rehabilitation. Ongoing efforts are needed to promote rehabilitation medicine involvement in improving functional outcomes and quality of life for patients with spine involvement.
Predicting Recovery of Independent Walking After Stroke
Authors: Wouda Natasja Charon , Knijff Brenda , Punt Michiel , Visser-Meily Johanna Maria Augusta , Pisters Martijn Frits
Published: February 2024

Patients recovering from a stroke experience reduced participation, especially when they are limited in daily activities involving walking. Understanding the recovery of independent walking, can be used by clinicians in the decision-making process during rehabilitation, resulting in more personalized stroke rehabilitation. Therefore, it is necessary to gain insight in predicting the recovery of independent walking in patients after stroke. This systematic review provided an overview of current evidence about prognostic models and its performance to predict recovery of independent walking after stroke. Therefore, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase were searched for all relevant studies in English and Dutch. Descriptive statistics, study methods, and model performance were extracted and divided into two categories: subacute phase and chronic phase. This resulted in 16 articles that fulfilled all the search criteria, which included 30 prognostic models. Six prognostic models showed an excellent performance (area under the curve value and/or overall accuracy ≥0.90). The model of Smith et al. (2017) showed highest overall accuracy (100%) in predicting independent walking in the subacute phase after stroke (Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2017;31(10–11):955–64.). Recovery of independent walking can be predicted in the subacute and chronic phase after stroke. However, proper external validation and the applicability in clinical practice of identified prognostic models are still lacking.
Sport-Related Concussion in Para Athletes
Authors: Smetana Racheal M. , Kaplan Danielle T. , Magill Robbie T. , Denton Andrea H. , Ahmed Osman Hassan , Broshek Donna K.
Published: February 2024

Although research on sport-related concussion has grown substantially in the last decade, research on concussion in para sports remains limited. The aim of this scoping review is to synthesize and describe the current literature on the incidence, assessment, and management of sport-related concussion in para athletes. The literature search was conducted in CINAHL, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases and identified 22 studies that addressed one of our research questions. A majority of studies addressed concussion in elite athletes; youth and collegiate para athletes were largely underrepresented. Fewer studies addressed concussion assessment and management, in part due to limitations in accessibility of current assessment tools for athletes with varying disabilities. Moving forward, there is a need to capture a larger range of incidence data, create modified assessment tools with para-specific normative data, and develop risk prevention strategies for para athletes.
Evaluation of Electric and Air-Powered Shopping Scooters in Grocery Stores
Authors: Daveler Brandon J. , Gebrosky Benjamin , Eckstein Ian J. , Grindle Garrett G. , Cooper Rosemarie , Cooper Rory A.
Published: February 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to further previous research and gather additional information regarding the usage of motorized shopping scooters as well as feedback for improvements to an air-powered scooter.

Methods

Online surveys were used to assess individuals’ shopping characteristics and experience using the motorized scooters and to gather feedback from store employees regarding their experience. K-Means clustering analysis was used to determine user demographics who chose to use the air-powered scooter versus the electric-powered scooter while shopping.

Results

A total of 127 individuals provided informed consent, 65 individuals from site 1 and 62 individuals from site 2. One hundred twenty participants met the inclusion criteria and completed the survey. K-Means clustering found that age, type of personal mobility device, shopping bill total, and frequency using a motorized shopping scooter to be significant factors in whether individuals chose to use an air-powered scooter or electric-powered scooter.

Conclusions

Motorized shopping scooters are in high demand and used by a wide variety of individuals, yet electric-powered scooters are commonly unavailable because of having dead batteries or all the devices being in use. Air-powered scooters may serve as a practical replacement for the current electric-powered scooters found in grocery and retail stores.
Educating Families of Brain Injury Patients During Acute Rehabilitation
Authors: Zhou Yi , Jou Stacey , Altonji Kathryn A. , Petrosyan Hayk , Lin Lei , Greenwald Brian D.
Published: February 2024

Lack of information is cited as a source of distress for caregivers of patients with brain injury during the recovery process. This is a quality improvement project with the purpose of educating family members of brain injury patients about acute inpatient rehabilitation and providing a reliable source of information through the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Factsheets. The study was conducted in the brain injury unit of an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility and a total of 32 family members participated in the study. Educational sessions were provided verbally by phone based on the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center–Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems “Traumatic Brain Injury and Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation” Factsheet. Surveys with five confidence statements and Likert scale–graded responses were verbally administered by phone immediately before and after each educational session to evaluate for understanding. There was a statistically significant increase in confidence for all five confidence statements when comparing pre- and posteducation responses (P < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). This quality improvement project thereby presents an effective and feasible framework for teaching, improving communication, and providing valuable information to families early in the brain injury rehabilitation course.
Cutaneous targets for topical pain medications in patients with neuropathic pain: individual differential expression of biomarkers supports the need for personalized medicine
Authors: Albrecht Phillip J. , Liu Yi , Houk George , Ruggiero Beth , Banov Daniel , Dockum Marilyn , Day A.J. , Rice Frank L. , Bassani Gus
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Numerous potential cutaneous targets exist for treating chronic pain with topically applied active pharmaceutical ingredients. This preliminary human skin tissue investigation was undertaken to characterize several key biomarkers in keratinocytes and provide proof-of-principle data to support clinical development of topical compounded formulations for peripheral neuropathic pain syndromes, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Objectives:

The study intended to identify objective biomarkers in PHN skin on a patient-by-patient personalized medicine platform. The totality of biopsy biomarker data can provide a tissue basis for directing individualized compounded topical preparations to optimize treatment efficacy.

Methods:

Referencing 5 of the most common actives used in topical pain relief formulations (ketamine, gabapentin, clonidine, baclofen, and lidocaine), and 3 well-established cutaneous mediators (ie, neuropeptides, cannabinoids, and vanilloids), comprehensive immunolabeling was used to quantify receptor biomarkers in skin biopsy samples taken from ipsilateral (pain) and contralateral (nonpain) dermatomes of patients with PHN.

Results:

Epidermal keratinocyte labeling patterns were significantly different among the cohort for each biomarker, consistent with potential mechanisms of action among keratinocytes. Importantly, the total biomarker panel indicates that the enriched PHN cohort contains distinct subgroups.

Conclusion:

The heterogeneity of the cohort differences may explain studies that have not shown statistical group benefit from topically administered compounded therapies. Rather, the essential need for individual tissue biomarker evaluations is evident, particularly as a means to direct a more accurately targeted topical personalized medicine approach and generate positive clinical results.
Complications of Cartilage Sparing Otoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alanazi Hani
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To study the prevalence of complications in patients who have undergone cartilage sparing otoplasty.

Methods:

On December 26, 2021, the authors searched 8 databases using the search term “(otoplasty) AND (cartilage sparing OR cartilage sparing)” for collecting the most appropriate studies. The authors used R software version 4.1.2 for conducting the meta-analysis.

Results:

Of the 414 records screened, the authors included 14 studies. Recurrence/reoperation was the most common reported complication with a prevalence of 4.27% (95% CI: 2.93–6.22), followed by suture erosion 2.46% (95% CI: 0.86–7.07) and hematoma/hemorrhage 1.34% (95% CI: 0.79–2.27). The authors did not find any significant difference between cartilage sparing and cartilage scoring in terms of recurrence/reoperation [odds ratio (OR): 0.92; 95% CI: 0.53–1.60; P = 0.766], hematoma/hemorrhage (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.28–7.01; P = 0.688), and wound infection (OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.06–2.24; P = 0.279).

Conclusion:

Various complications have been reported, including recurrence and reoperation, hematoma, wound infections, suture erosions, keloid formation, and skin necrosis. However, the prevalence of these events is not high, although significant heterogeneity was reported for some outcomes. Therefore, it can be concluded that cartilage sparing otoplasty is a safe and reproducible technique.
A Study on the Effectiveness of Helmet Therapy for Cranial Deformations According to Cranial Shape
Authors: Cho Hyun Geun , Ryu Jeong Yeop , Lee Joon Seok , Yang Jung Dug , Chung Ho Yun , Choi Kang Young
Published: February 2024

Background:

To investigate the effects of helmet therapy on plagiocephaly, according to head circumference, cephalic index (CI), and skull height. Plagiocephaly is a condition in which the skull is congenitally asymmetrical or affected by acquired factors such as compression in the womb or the habit of sleeping on one side. Although there are numerous studies on the effectiveness of helmet therapy for plagiocephaly, research on its effectiveness on skull shape is lacking.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective study on 400 patients who underwent helmet therapy. The infants were enrolled and the therapy was explained to the caregiver when the child had positional plagiocephaly and had a cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) exceeding 10 mm or a CVA index (CVAI) exceeding 3.5%. The CVA and CVAI changes were compared to investigate the effectiveness of helmet therapy according to head circumference, CI, and skull height.

Results:

A significant treatment effect was observed for CI values between 90 and 103. The treatment effect was found to increase with greater skull height. However, no significant difference was observed in the effectiveness of helmet therapy according to head circumference.

Conclusions:

According to the findings, the effectiveness of helmet therapy in children with positional plagiocephaly is greater for children with higher skulls and for those with CI values between 90 and 103; it is unrelated to head circumference. Based on these results, we can provide predictions of the effectiveness of helmet therapy to caregivers of children with positional plagiocephaly.
Anthropometric analysis of the faces of Chinese beauty pageant winners, from the early 20th century to the present
Authors: Jung Sung Gyun , Wu Xiajing , Hwang Kun , Han Seung-Ho
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the aesthetic characteristics of Chinese beauty through an anthropometric analysis of beauty pageant winners from 1952 to 2021. Photographs from 5 renowned Chinese beauty pageants (Miss World Pageant, Miss Earth Pageant, Miss Universe Pageant, Miss International Pageant, and Miss Chinese Cosmos Pageant) were gathered and a total of 294 frontal and 31 lateral photographs were collected. The photos were divided into 3 time phases: phase I (1952–1977): from the first time when Chinese girls participated in beauty pageants, up until the time of reform and opening; phase II (1978–2002): from reform and opening to the re-opening of the Miss Chinese Cosmos Pageant; phase III (2003–2021): to the present. The horizontal corneal diameter (11.52 mm) was set as the reference value for the frontal face. Among the 35 anthropometric items of frontal faces (26 distances and 9 angles) and 41 anthropometric items of lateral faces (33 distances and 8 angles), 21 anthropometric items (16 distances and 5 angles) and 8 proportional indices of frontal faces showed significant differences. On lateral pictures, 2 angles showed significant differences among the 3 phases. Regarding the anthropometric measurements that decreased across the 3 phases, the width of the face, midface, and lower face exhibited the greatest changes. The lower face width showed the most striking changes, with a decrease from 128.5 to 112.0 mm. The quadratic regression revealed a significant turning point after 1978, coinciding with the period of Chinese reform and opening, which had a profound impact on aesthetics.