bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Explaining Racial Disparities in Surgically Treated Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Jassal Japnam S. , Cramer John D. 
Published: October 2020

Objectives/HypothesisTo assess the causative factors that contribute to racial disparities in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and establish the role of hospital factors in racial disparities.Study DesignRetrospective database analysis.MethodsPatients with surgically treated HNSCC were identified using the National Cancer Database (2004–2014). Logistic and proportional‐hazard regression models were used to characterize the factors that contribute to racial disparities. Differences in quality of care received were compared among black and white patients using previously validated metrics.ResultsWe identified 69,186 eligible patients. Black patients had a 48% higher mortality than white patients (HR 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41–1.54). Black patients had a lower mean quality score (67.6%; 95% CI, 66.8%–69.4%) compared with white patients (71.2%: 95% CI, 71.0%–71.4%) for five quality metrics. After adjusting for differences in patient, oncologic, and hospital factors we were able to explain 60% of the excess mortality for black patients. Oncologic factors at presentation accounted for 57.7% of observed mortality differences, whereas hospital characteristics and quality of care accounted for 11.5%. After adjusting for these factors, black patients still had a 19% higher mortality (HR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.14–1.24).ConclusionsOncologic factors at presentation are a major contributor to racial disparities in outcomes for HNSCC. Hospital factors, such as quality, volume, and safety‐net status, constitute a minor factor in the mortality difference. Resolving existing disparities will require detecting head and neck cancer at an earlier stage and improving the quality of care for black patients.Level of Evidence3. Laryngoscope, 131:1053–1059, 2021
Single Layer Biomaterial Repair of Frontal Sinus Encephalocele in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Su‐Velez Brooke M. , Hsu David W. , West Alisha N. , Suh Jeffrey D. 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionReconstruction of skull base defects are determined by size, location, and complexity of the defect.MethodsCase report.Case DiscussionAn 11‐year old girl presented with a right frontoethmoidal encephalocele after an episode of meningitis. An endoscopic approach was performed with a Draf III to provide exposure. The skull base defect extended superolateral over the orbit, which limited the choice of reconstructive options. The defect was successfully repaired with a single layer onlay graft of bovine collagen matrix.ConclusionsSingle layer repairs using commercial biomaterials should be considered where multilayer closure or vascularized flaps may not be possible. Laryngoscope, 131:E1750–E1752, 2021
A probabilistic approach to a non‐local quadratic form and its connection to the Neumann boundary condition problem
Authors: Vondraček Zoran 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this paper we look at a probabilistic approach to a non‐local quadratic form that has lately attracted some interest. This form is related to a recently introduced non‐local normal derivative. The goal is to construct two Markov processes: one corresponding to that form and the other which is related to a probabilistic interpretation of the Neumann problem. We also study the Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann operator for non‐local operators.
Prodromal Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Subjects Have Quantifiable Gait and Postural Sway Deficits
Authors: Velázquez‐Pérez Luis , Rodriguez‐Labrada Roberto , González‐Garcés Yasmani , Arrufat‐Pie Eduardo , Torres‐Vega Reidenis , Medrano‐Montero Jacqueline , Ramirez‐Bautista Beatriz , Vazquez‐Mojena Yaimeé , Auburger Georg , Horak Fay , Ziemann Ulf , Gomez Christopher M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe search for valid preclinical biomarkers of cerebellar dysfunction is a key research goal for the upcoming era of early interventional approaches in spinocerebellar ataxias. This study aims to describe novel preclinical biomarkers of subtle gait and postural sway abnormalities in prodromal spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (pre‐SCA2).MethodsThirty pre‐SCA2 patients and their matched healthy controls underwent quantitative assessments of gait and postural sway using a wearable sensor‐based system and semiquantitative evaluation of cerebellar features by SARA (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia) score.ResultsQuantitative analysis of natural gait showed a significantly larger variability of the swing period, toe‐off angle and toe‐out angle in pre‐SCA2, and larger mean coronal and transverse ranges of motion of the trunk at the lumbar location and of the sagittal range of motion of the trunk at the sternum location compared to controls. During tandem gait, pre‐SCA2 subjects showed larger lumbar, trunk, and arm ranges of motion than controls. Postural sway analysis showed excessive body oscillation that was increased in tandem stance. Overall, these abnormalities were detected in pre‐SCA2 patients without clinical evidence of abnormalities in SARA. The toe‐off angle and swing time variability were significantly correlated with the time to ataxia onset, whereas the toe‐off angle and transverse range of motion at trunk position during tandem gait were significantly associated with the SARA score.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates early alteration of gait and postural sway control in prodromal SCA2 using a wearable sensor‐based system. This offers new pathophysiological hints into this early disease stage and provides novel potential biomarkers for future clinical trials. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Disease Progression in Patients with Parkin‐Related Parkinson's Disease in a Longitudinal Cohort
Authors: Sun Yi‐Min , Yu Hui‐Ling , Zhou Xin‐Yue , Xiong Wei‐Xi , Luo Su‐Shan , Chen Chen , Liu Feng‐Tao , Zhao Jue , Tang Yi‐Lin , Liang Xiao‐Niu , Yang Yu‐Jie , Shen Bo , Shen Yan , Yu Wen‐Bo , Ding Zheng‐Tong , An Yu , Wu Jian‐Jun , Wang Jian 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundThere was a paucity of follow‐up studies in the disease progression of early‐onset PD patients with Parkin mutations (Parkin‐EOPD). Here we conducted a longitudinal study to investigate the progression of motor and cognitive features of Parkin‐EOPD patients.MethodsGenetic analysis was performed via target sequencing and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification. Thirty patients carrying homozygous or compound heterozygous Parkin mutations with at least 2 follow‐up revisions were investigated as the Parkin‐EOPD group. Fifty‐two patients with at least 2 follow‐up revisions, who did not have any known causative PD mutations, GBA or LRRK2 risk variants, a heterozygous Parkin mutation or 2 Parkin mutations without a segregation test, were defined as the genetically undefined EOPD (GU‐EOPD) group. A linear mixed‐effect model was implemented to evaluate longitudinal changes in motor symptoms and cognition.ResultsAt baseline, the Parkin‐EOPD group had a lower Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score (UPDRS‐III) (off‐medication) than the GU‐EOPD group, without significant differences in cognition. A longitudinal study showed the estimated progression rate per year (standard error) of the UPDRS‐III score (off‐medication) was lower in the Parkin‐EOPD group (0.203 [0.3162] points per year) than in the GU‐EOPD group (1.056 [0.3001] points per year). The difference in the UPDRS‐III score rate between the 2 groups was 0.853 (0.4183) (P = 0.042). The Parkin‐EOPD group showed better maintenance of spatial processing ability compared with the GU‐EOPD group (P = 0.027).ConclusionParkin‐EOPD patients showed a slower deterioration of motor symptoms and a better spatial processing ability than GU‐EOPD patients, which suggests that subtyping according to genetic features can help predict PD progression. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Evaluation of a compact multicontrast and multiresolution X‐ray phase contrast edge illumination system for small animal imaging
Authors: Massimi Lorenzo , Meganck Jeffrey A. , Towns Rebecca , Olivo Alessandro , Endrizzi Marco 
Published: October 2020

PurposeIn this work the performance of a compact multiresolution and multicontrast x‐ray phase system based on edge illumination is investigated. It has been designed for small animal imaging and with a limited footprint for ease of deployment in laboratories.MethodsThe presented edge illumination system is based on a compact microfocus tungsten x‐ray source combined with a flat panel detector. The source has a maximum output of 10 W when the minimum spot size of about 15 μm is used. The system has an overall length of 70 cm. A new double sample mask design, obtained by arranging both skipped and nonskipped configurations on the same structure, provides dual resolution capability. To test the system, we carried out computed tomography (CT) scans of a plastic phantom with different source settings using both single‐image and multi‐image acquisition schemes at different spatial resolutions. In addition, CT scans of an ex‐vivo mouse specimen were acquired at the best identified working conditions to demonstrate the application of the presented system to small animal imaging.ResultsWe found this system delivers good image quality, allowing for an efficient material separation and improving detail visibility in small animals thanks to the higher signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of phase contrast with respect to conventional attenuation contrast. The system offers high versatility in terms of spatial resolution thanks to the double sample mask design integrated into a single scanner. The availability of both multi‐ and single‐image acquisition schemes coupled with their dedicated retrieval algorithms, allows different working modes which can be selected based on user preference. Multi‐image acquisition provides quantitative separation of the real and imaginary part of the refractive index, however, it requires a long scanning time. On the other hand, the single image approach delivers the best material separation and image quality at all the investigated source settings with a shorter scanning time but at the cost of quantitativeness. Finally, we also observed that the single image approach combined with a high‐power x‐ray source may result in a fast acquisition protocol compatible with in‐vivo imaging.
Technical Note: A methodology for improved accuracy in stopping power estimation using MRI and CT
Authors: Scholey Jessica E. , Chandramohan Dharshan , Naren Tarun , Liu William , Larson Peder Eric Zufall , Sudhyadhom Atchar 
Published: October 2020

PurposeProton therapy is becoming an increasingly popular cancer treatment modality due to the proton’s physical advantage in that it deposits the majority of its energy at the distal end of its track where the tumor is located. The proton range in a material is determined from the stopping power ratio (SPR) of the material. However, SPR is typically estimated based on a computed tomography (CT) scan which can lead to range estimation errors due to the difference in x‐ray and proton interactions in matter, which can preclude the ability to utilize protons to their full potential. Applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in radiotherapy have increased over the past decade and using MRI to calculate SPR directly could provide numerous advantages. The purpose of this study was to develop a practical implementation of a novel multimodal imaging method for estimating SPR and compare the results of this method to physical measurements in which values were computed directly using tissue substitute materials fabricated to mimic skin, muscle, adipose, and spongiosa bone.MethodsFor both the multimodal imaging method and physical measurements, SPR was calculated using the Bethe‐Bloch equation from values of relative electron density and mean ionization potential determined for each tissue. Parameters used to estimate SPR using the multimodal imaging method were extracted from Dixon water‐only and (1H) proton density‐weighted zero echo time MRI sequences and CT, with both kVCT and MVCT used separately to evaluate the performance of each. For comparison, SPR was also computed from kVCT using the stoichiometric method, the current clinical standard.ResultsResults showed that our multimodal imaging approach using MRI with either kVCT or MVCT was in close agreement to SPR calculated from physical measurements for the four tissue substitutes evaluated. Using MRI and MVCT, SPR values estimated using our method were within 1% of physical measurements and were more accurate than the stoichiometric method for the tissue types studied.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated the methodology for improved estimation of SPR using the proposed multimodal imaging framework.
Virtual assessments of knee and wrist joint range motion have comparable reliability with face‐to‐face assessments
Authors: Mehta Saurabh P. , Kendall Kaitlyn M. , Reasor Charlotte M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere has been increased usage of virtual telerehabilitation approach during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It is crucial to establish reliability of conducting virtual assessments for musculoskeletal conditions.ObjectivesThis research determined the intra‐ and interrater reliability of measuring knee and wrist range of motion (ROM) assessed virtually and obtained face‐to‐face (F2F) using a goniometer (UG) for a student and an experienced examiner.MethodKnee and wrist joint ROM for 54 healthy participants was assessed virtually and F2F by a student examiner and an experienced physical therapist. Intra‐ (virtual vs. UG assessment) and inter‐rater (virtual or UG assessment between examiners) reliabilities were examined for all ROM using Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The ICC values were considered good (>0.75) or excellent (>0.90). Bland and Altman plots determined the limits of agreement (LOA) in assessing joint ROM.Results/findingsStudent examiner had good reliability in virtually estimating knee extension (ICC = 0.79), wrist flexion (ICC = 0.82) and wrist extension (ICC = 0.78), whereas the experienced examiner had excellent reliability in virtually estimating all knee and wrist ROM (ICC > 0.90). The LOA in assessing knee and wrist ROM for the student examiner were wider indicating higher disagreement between virtual and UG‐obtained ROM in some cases.ConclusionsVirtual estimation of knee and wrist ROM is a reliable technique, however experience level impacts the precision of measurement. It is suggested that the same examiner conducts all the ROM assessments throughout the clinical course of a patient receiving virtual interventions for knee or wrist pathologies.
Factors associated with loneliness in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kobos Ewa , Szewczyk Alicja , Kokoszka‐Paszkot Janina , Dziedzic Beata 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimTo (a) explore the prevalence of loneliness in patients with diabetes mellitus and (b) identify loneliness‐related factors in the group of hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsThe study included 248 patients with diabetes mellitus who were staying in six Polish hospitals. A questionnaire including sociodemographic and clinical data, and the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (R‐UCLA), was used for research data collection. Data were collected from March 2019 to June 2019.ResultsPatients with diabetes generally experience moderate loneliness, with almost one‐fifth (16%) of patients experiencing intense loneliness. The patients scored a mean 9.94 out of a possible 20 in belongings and affiliation category and 20.14 out of a possible 40 in the intimate others category. Lower education, being single and the presence of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus were risk factors for increased loneliness.
Real world data to identify target population for new CAR‐T therapies
Authors: Belleudi Valeria , Trotta Francesco , Fortinguerra Filomena , Poggi Francesca R. , Olimpieri Odoardo , Santelli Enrica , Cozzi Ilaria , Michelozzi Paola , Addis Antonio 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeDiffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma often refractory to currently available treatments (immuno‐chemotherapy/autologous‐stem‐cell‐transplantation‐ASCT). Recently, new cell therapies have been approved for patients failing two conventional treatments, CAR‐T (Chimeric‐Antigen‐Receptor‐T‐cell), committing payers in planning and implementing their use. We aim to define, using Real World Data (RWD), a reproducible procedure that allows identification of CAR‐T target population for DLBCL.MethodsThrough the linking of electronic healthcare datasets (EHD), we identified patients with non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), resident in Lazio region (2010–2015), aged ≥20 years. DLBCL patients were followed using pathological anatomy (PA) reports, up to 3 years. To be defined as relapsed after two treatment lines, patients must have had new chemotherapy and/or NHL hospitalization after ASCT or at the end of the second chemotherapy. The incident rate of second relapse (R2‐rate) was extended to the population without PA reports.ResultNHL incident patients were 7384, 68% presented a PA report and, 29% of these had DLBCL codes. Patients who relapsed after two treatment lines were 47 (39%) in the subgroup of patients who received ASCT and 138 (41%) in that with second chemotherapy treatment. Patients in the two subgroups were very different in terms of age and comorbidity. The annual incident number of DLBCL was estimated to be 329 which multiplied by R2‐rate (13.7%) gives 45 patients per year eligible for CAR‐T.DiscussionThis study shows how RWD allows the identification of a target population with new advanced therapies. This approach is rigorous, transparent and verifiable over time.
Effectiveness of risk minimisation measures for valproate: A drug utilisation study in Europe
Authors: Toussi Massoud , Shlaen Margarita , Coste Florence , de Voogd Hanka , Dimos Vasilis , Kaplan Sigal 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the risk minimisation measures (RMMs) implemented in Europe in 2014 for valproate‐containing products to mitigate their risk during pregnancy and to characterise valproate prescribing patterns in women of childbearing potential (WCBP) before and after implementation of RMMs.MethodsA multinational cohort study based on existing data sources using a pre‐/post‐ design was performed in five European countries (France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, UK) in an outpatient setting. Effectiveness of RMMs was assessed by comparing the proportion of valproate initiations as second (or subsequent) line therapy before and after implementation of RMMs (primary outcome) with an increase in this proportion indicating success of RMMs. Overall use of valproate and incidence of pregnancies in WCBP were also examined.ResultsThe proportion of valproate initiations as second line therapy increased after implementation of RMMs in incident female users in Sweden (from 81.1%, 95% CI 79.9%‐82.3% to 84.5%, 95% CI 83.5%‐85.5%) and the UK (from 66.4%, 95% CI 64.5%‐68.3% to 72.4%, 95% CI 70.0%‐74.9%), it remained the same in Germany and Spain and decreased in France from 48.7% (95% CI 45.6%‐51.9%) to 40.6% (95% CI 37.6%‐43.7%). In Sweden and the UK, the incidence of pregnancies exposed to valproate decreased in the post‐implementation period: 8.0 vs 9.5 and 10.9 vs 16.9 per 1000 person‐years, respectively.ConclusionThe results on primary outcome of this study suggest limited effectiveness of the RMMs. Additional RMMs were implemented in 2018.
Migration, precariousness, and the linked lives of newcomers in Hong Kong
Authors: Bailey Adrian J. , Ng Rainbow Wing Yan , Hankins Katherine , De Beer Stephan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe develop the concept of linked lives to deepen understanding of the relationship between migration and precarity. Linked lives and precariousness are mutually constitutive as they embed subjects in the social, spatial, and temporal relations of everyday life while referencing transitions, trajectories, and biographies that unfold through the life course. Studying linked lives draws attention to how cumulative social and cultural processes, including familyhood and belonging, contribute to the persistence of precarity. On the basis of 64 qualitative interviews with selected newcomer migrants in Hong Kong, we describe how precariousness was not just restricted to exploitative employment or limited rights but enveloped multiple domains of everyday life, including housing and social fields. Respondents associated precariousness with feelings of generalised pressure and disrupted spacetimes and connected it with their expectations for familyhood, employment, social life, and belonging. We argue that the mutual constitution of precariousness and linked lives has important implications for social policy and close with a call for the creation of resourceful spacetimes that support linked lives and, more widely, a more participatory process of formulating social policy for migrants.
Theoretical designing and understanding of the performances of BH bridged organocatalysts by π‐conjugated molecules in CO2 hydroboration
Authors: Sabet‐Sarvestani Hossein , Izadyar Mohammad , Eshghi Hossein 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDesigning and introducing a new class of organocatalysts in CO2 hydroboration are the main purposes of this study. Reduction is an essential reaction in the conversion of CO2 into value‐added materials. The first part of this research is focused on organocatalyst designing, which is performed by a reaction between some of the π‐conjugated molecules and borane. This step produces a bridged structure for the developed organocatalysts (BH bridged organocatalysts). π contributions of electron localized function (ELFπ) and nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICSπZZ) analyses are valuable for understanding and justifying the calculated ∆G≠ and ∆E≠ values of the organocatalysts formation step. In the second part of this research, CO2 reduction was investigated using designed BH bridged organocatalysts. The reduction reaction can proceed through two different barrier energies. The results revealed that, among 9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9‐BBN) and BH2 segments of the BH bridged organocatalysts, hydride transfer of 9‐BBN moiety is more favorable kinetically. Finally, kinetic studies of CO2 hydroboration using the energetic span model (ESM) showed that the barrier energy of CO2 reduction is the rate‐determining step of the reduction reaction.
Subfemtosecond charge dynamics in vertically stacked bilayer silicene
Authors: Mokkath Junais Habeeb 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUltrafast charge dynamics in two‐dimensional materials have attracted great interest from both fundamental and applied perspectives due to its significance in the next‐generation battery and solar cells. In this work, using the realistic quantum mechanical real‐time propagation time‐dependent density functional theory (rt‐TDDFT) simulations, we disclose the ultrafast charge dynamics in vertically stacked bilayer silicene subjected to an external bias. Among other insights, our study indicates that even modest changes in interlayer distance produce significant modulations in the ultrafast charge dynamics at the subfemtosecond time scale. The findings in this work may open new pathways for the use of bilayer silicene in novel optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.