bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reoperation Rates of Percutaneous and Paddle Leads in Spinal Cord Stimulator Systems: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Antonovich Devin D , Gama Willy , Ritter Alexandra , Wolf Bethany Jacobs , Nobles Ryan H , Selassie Meron A , Hillegass M Gabriel 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Objective
We hypothesize that reoperation rates of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) systems utilizing percutaneous leads are comparable to those utilizing paddle leads. We attempt here to characterize causes for those reoperations and identify any related patient characteristics.

Design and Subjects
This study is a single-center retrospective chart review of 291 subjects (410 operations) who underwent at least one permanent SCS implantation utilizing percutaneous or paddle leads over a 10-year period at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Methods
Charts were reviewed for height, weight, body mass index, gender, race, age, stimulator type, type of reoperation, diabetes status, history and type of prior back surgery, top lead location, and number of leads placed. Comparisons of patient and procedural characteristics were conducted using a two-sample t test (continuous variables), chi-square, or Fisher exact approach (categorical variables). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were developed, identifying associations between patient characteristics, SCS characteristics, reoperation rates, and time to reoperation.

Results
Thirty point five eight percent of subjects (89/291), required at least one reoperation. The reoperation rate was 27.84% for percutaneous systems (N = 54/194) and 27.78% for paddle systems (N = 60/216). Time to reoperation also did not differ between the two systems (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.70–1.60). Of all factors examined, younger age at time of placement was the only factor associated with risk of reoperation (HR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.62–0.87, P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
Our data suggest that reoperation rates and time to reoperation between percutaneous and paddle leads are clinically similar; therefore, rates of reoperation should have no bearing on which system to choose.
Do Voters Respond to Relative Economic Performance?
Authors: Aytaç Selim Erdem 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
An emerging literature suggests that economic voting is driven by incumbents’ relative performance, that is, how the national economy performed relative to recent past outcomes in the country (domestic comparison) and in a cross-national perspective (international comparison). While scholars have presented macro-level evidence in this direction, to date there has been scant micro-level evidence as to whether voters’ evaluations of incumbent competence are shaped by relative performance. This article contributes to the literature by presenting two population-based survey experiments fielded in the United Kingdom and in Istanbul, Turkey. Both British and Turkish voters’ evaluations of incumbent competence are affected by information about how well the economy performed in domestic and international comparisons, though Turkish voters seem to react to international performance comparison to a lesser degree than to a domestic one. In both countries highly educated individuals are more responsive to the incumbent’s relative international performance. These results provide support for macro-level analyses that highlight the importance of incumbents’ relative performance for economic voting.
Support for Regionalization in Federal Belgium: The Role of Political Socialization
Authors: Dupuy Claire , Verhaegen Soetkin , Van Ingelgom Virginie 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRegionalization, in the form of a dispersion of political power away from national political centers to regional governments, has been a defining feature of European politics since the 1970s. The article focuses on how institutional regionalization changed citizens’ attitudes about the division of competences between the central and regional level. It argues that regional institutions and policies exert a socializing effect on citizens’ preference in favor of these institutions through a mechanism of adaptive preferences. First, attitudes are studied across cohorts in a single population to test whether cohorts that came of age in a context of more institutional regionalization are more favorable towards regional decision-making than cohorts that came of age in a centralized state. The analyses indeed show evidence for a socializing effect of institutional regionalization. Second, the article shows how regional elites’ discourses may moderate the relationship between institutional regionalization and citizens’ attitudes about regionalization. We study Belgium as a crucial case. We use five cross-sectional datasets of the Flemish and Walloon populations during the course of increased regionalization in Belgium (1991–2007).
Long-term Outcomes of Punctal Cauterization in the Management of Ocular Surface Diseases
Authors: Wang Yvonne , Carreno-Galeano Jimena Tatiana , Singh Rohan Bir , Dana Reza , Yin Jia 
Published: May 2020

Purpose:
To evaluate the long-term outcomes of surgical occlusion of lacrimal puncta using thermal cautery in the management of ocular surface diseases.

Methods:
We reviewed medical records of 80 consecutive patients from a single academic center who underwent punctal cauterization. Patient demographics, ocular history, symptoms, and signs of ocular surface diseases pre- and post-cauterization were recorded.

Results:
A total of 80 patients (171 puncta) were included, with an average age of 59 years and a follow-up duration of 27 months. The most common ocular morbidity was ocular graft-versus-host disease (n = 36), followed by primary keratoconjunctivitis sicca (n = 15). Indications for punctal cauterization included plug loss (n = 51), difficulty in plug fitting (n = 11), plug-related complications (n = 6), recanalization of previous cauterization (n = 7), and severe ocular surface disease requiring permanent punctal closure (n = 4). After punctal cauterization, the percentage of eyes with severe (21%) and moderate (25%) dry eye decreased significantly (8% and 19% at 3 months and 6% and 17% at 12 months, P = 0.0006). Fifty-four percent of patients reported improvement in their symptoms. The rate of recanalization was 21% during the follow-up period. The use of topical corticosteroids was associated with higher recanalization rate. Associated complications were limited to temporary pain and swelling.

Conclusions:
Punctal cauterization is an effective modality in treating severe ocular surface diseases in patients who repeatedly lose punctal plugs, and it can be easily performed in a clinic setting without major complications. However, cauterization may need to be repeated in up to a quarter of cases because of recanalization.
Increased expression of microRNA-93 correlates with progression and prognosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Chongshan , Tian Shengping , Zhang Dongjiang , Deng Jinbiao , Cai Huage , Shi Chongjun , Yang Weizhong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
MicroRNA-93 (miR-93) has been found to be up-regulated in multiple malignancies. miR-93 might promote the proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cell. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the expression level of miR-93 in prostate cancer tissues and its clinical and prognostic value in patients with prostate cancer.
A total of 103 paired prostate cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues were obtained from male patients who underwent surgical treatment in the department of urology, Huizhou Third People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University between July 2014 and March 2018. The correlation between prostate cancer characteristics and miR-93 expression was examined by chi-square test. Patient survival was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for survival data.
Compared to noncancerous prostate tissues, the expression levels of miR-93 in prostate cancer tissues were significantly increased (P < .001). High level of miR-93 expression was significantly correlated with Gleason score (P = .018), lymph node involvement (P = .026), bone metastasis (P < .001), and Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage (P < .001). The 5-year overall survival rate in the high expression group was lower than that in the low expression group (log-rank test, P = .031). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that miR-93 expression level (HR = 2.181, 95% CI: 1.092-6.829, P = .028) was an independent factor in predicting the overall survival of prostate cancer patients.
The present study demonstrated that increased expression of miR-93 correlates with progression and prognosis of prostate cancer. These fndings suggest miR-93 may serve as a novel target for prostate cancer prognosis and therapy.
Correlation of microRNA-146a/b with disease risk, biochemical indices, inflammatory cytokines, overall disease severity, and prognosis of sepsis
Authors: Chen Li , Yu Lili , Zhang Rixin , Zhu Ling , Shen Wanqi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background:
Previous studies have indicated the association of microRNA-146a/b (miR-146a/miR-146b) with pro-inflammatory cytokines production, lipopolysaccharide-mediated injuries and organ dysfunction, however, the correlation of miR-146a/miR-146b with disease risk, disease severity, biochemical indices, inflammatory cytokines and mortality of sepsis has not been explored, which was investigated in the present study.

Methods:
In total, 180 sepsis patients and 180 healthy controls were enrolled. The peripheral blood samples were collected from sepsis patients within 24 hour after admission and from healthy controls at enrolment. Furthermore, MiR-146a/miR-146b expressions in plasma were detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results:
MiR-146a and miR-146b expressions were higher in sepsis patients compared to healthy controls. MiR-146a (AUC: 0.774, 95%CI: 0.727–0.820) and miR-146b (AUC: 0.897, 95%CI: 0.865–0.929) were both of good value in predicting increased sepsis risk, among which miR-146b presented a superior predictive value. In sepsis patients, MiR-146a expression was positively associated with miR-146b expression. Besides, MiR-146a and miR-146b expressions were positively correlated with acute pathologic and chronic health evaluation II score, sequential organ failure assessment score, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, while negatively correlated with albumin. Based on the survival status in 28-day follow-up, MiR-146a and miR-146b expression were both increased in survivors compared to deaths. miR-146b presented relatively good predictive for increased 28-day mortality risk (AUC: 0.703, 95%CI: 0.617–0.788), but MiR-146a was of poor value in predicting increased 28-day mortality risk (AUC: 0.599, 95%CI: 0.511–0.688).

Conclusion:
MiR-146b presents superior potential as a prognostic biomarker in sepsis patients compared to MiR-146a, which implies the clinical application of miR-146b in disease management of sepsis.
Identification of a novel mutation in pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ia in a Chinese family
Authors: Tang Yuchen , Zheng Fenping , Lin Xihua , Pan Qianqian , Li Lin , Li Hong 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Introduction:
Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) indicates a group of rare disorders characterized by end-organ resistance to various hormones, primarily parathyroid hormone (PTH). One of its most common type is PHP-Ia, which is caused by maternally inherited inactivating mutations in GNAS. In this report, we present a Chinese girl with typical features of PHP-Ia and a novel mutation of the GNAS gene.

Patient concerns:
A 9-year-old Chinese girl presented with recurrent epileptic seizure.

Diagnosis:
Biochemical and imaging findings were consistent with PHP-Ia, including typical Albright hereditary osteodystrophy phenotype (short stature, round face, brachydactyly, and mild mental retardation), PTH resistance (hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, elevated serum PTH, and multiple intracranial calcification) and thyroid stimulating hormone resistance (elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone).

Interventions:
The patient was given 1α-hydroxylated vitamin D (calcitriol, 0.5 ug/d), calcium carbonate and vitamin D3 tablets (1.5 g/d, including 600 mg calcium and 125 IU vitamin D3). DNA analysis of the GNAS gene was performed for the whole family.

Outcomes:
Investigation of the GNAS gene revealed a novel mutation c.313delG (p.Glu105Lysfs∗7) in the patient, as well as her mother. So the diagnosis of PHP-Ia was confirmed.

Conclusion:
The study further expands the spectrum of known GNAS mutations associated with PHP and lay emphasis on the genetic analysis of GNAS gene for identifying genetic abnormalities as well as making diagnosis and differentiation of various subtypes of PHP.
Long-term results of irrigated bipolar radiofrequency ablation in patients with recurrent arrhythmia after failed unipolar ablation
Authors: Baszko Artur , Kochman Karol , Królak Tomasz , Kałmucki Piotr , Telec Wojciech , Ożegowski Stefan , Szyszka Andrzej 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Introduction:
The RF ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or atrial flutter (AFl) can be unsuccessful due to lack of lesion transmurality. Bipolar ablation (BA) is more successful than unipolar ablation (UA). The purpose of our study was to investigate the long-term effect of BA ablation in patients after failed UA.

Methods:
Patients with septal VT (5) or AFL (2) after 2 to 5 unsuccessful UA were prospectively analysed after BA. All patients presented with heart failure or had ICD interventions.

Results:
BA was successful in 5 patients (1 failure each in the AFL and VT group). The follow-up duration was 10 to 26 months. In AFL group, BA was successful in 1 patient, unidirectional cavotricuspid block in was achieved in the other patient. All patients were asymptomatic for 12 months, but 1 had atrial fibrillation and the other had AFL reablation 19 months after BA. In VT group, all patients had several forms of septal VT. BA was successful in 4 patients. In 2 patients with high septal VT BA resulted in complete atrioventricular block. During follow-up, 1 patient had VT recurrence 26 months after BA and died after an unsuccessful reablation. Three patients had VT recurrences of different morphologies, which required reablation (UA in 2 and alcohol septal ablation in the other patient).

Conclusion:
BA was successful in patients with AFL and septal VT resistant to standard ablation. Relapses of clinical arrhythmia are rare; however, long-term follow-up is complicated by recurrences of different arrhythmias related to complex arrhythmogenic substrate
Postoperative T1 tilt is a risk factor for postoperative distal adding-on in Lenke type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Sakai Yusuke , Takenaka Shota , Makino Takahiro , Yoshikawa Hideki , Kaito Takashi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Retrospective comparable study.
Postoperative loss of correction, which is referred to as the distal adding-on phenomenon, sometimes occurs during the postoperative course in Lenke type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Selection of the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) has been reported to be one of the significant factors for preventing distal adding-on. However, proximal parameters, such as the Cobb angle of the proximal thoracic (PT) curve, radiographic shoulder height, and T1 tilt, were rarely described in previous reports. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for postoperative distal adding-on, including proximal radiographic parameters, in Lenke type 1 AIS.
Preoperative and postoperative radiographs of 34 consecutive patients with Lenke type 1 curve who underwent selective thoracic fusion were analyzed. The patients were divided into an adding-on group and a no-adding-on group according to the presence of adding-on at a 2-year follow-up. The 2 groups were compared with regard to age at surgery, Lenke lumbar modifier, Risser grade, instrumentation type, and radiographic parameters.
Distal adding-on was noted in 10 patients (29%). The adding-on group had significant variables including preoperative larger PT Cobb angle (P = .002), larger main thoracic (MT) flexibility (P = .006), smaller thoracolumbar (TL) Cobb angle (P = .012), larger LIV shift (P < .001), larger T1 tilt (P = .001), postoperative larger PT Cobb angle (P = .012), smaller MT Cobb angle (P = .016), smaller TL Cobb angle (P < .001), larger PT–MT mismatch (P < .001), larger LIV shift (P = .026), and larger T1 tilt (P = .006) when compared with the findings in the no-adding-on group. Postoperative T1 tilt was significantly correlated with PT–MT mismatch.
Our findings suggest that not only the LIV but also proximal parameters, including T1 tilt and PT–MT mismatch, are associated with postoperative distal adding-on in Lenke type 1 AIS. Strategies to reduce postoperative T1 tilt and PT–MT mismatch are required to prevent distal adding-on.
A new technique for supracervical hysterectomy
Authors: Li Zi-Jun , Jia Zhen-Xiang , Zheng Ya-Qin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
To review the results of a novel method of subtotal hysterectomy, called anterograde vaginal subtotal hysterectomy (AVSH), and to compare them with those of laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy (LSH).
We recruited 100 women with non-prolapsed uteruses and benign lesions of the uterus who required surgery. Of these, 60 underwent AVSH and 40 underwent LSH. Clinical data included average operation time, average volume of bleeding, postoperative anal exsufflation time, operative complications, average length of hospital stay and average hospital maintenance fee.
There were no significant differences in terms of average operation time, average length of hospital stay, or operative complications between the AVSH and LSH groups. The AVSH group showed early postoperative anal exsufflation (P = .000), and had a low average hospital maintenance fee (P = .000). The AVSH group showed a higher perioperative bleeding volume than the LSH group (P = .001), which may be a result of the relatively amateur AVSH technique.
AVSH is a minimally invasive, safe and feasible surgical procedure, with favorable early postoperative anal exsufflation and a low average hospital maintenance fee.
Operative fixation of medial epicondyle fractures: complication rates based on mode of fixation
Authors: Nielsen Ena , Andras Lindsay M. , Anesi Trevor J. , Lightdale-Miric Nina , Lee Pace J. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to define the rate of implant failure and risk factors for failure in patients treated operatively for displaced medial epicondyle fractures.
Patients <18 years of age with medial epicondyle humerus fractures that were treated with screw or k-wire fixation between 2005 and 2015 were eligible. Inclusion criteria included follow-up until radiographic union and no known medical conditions that could impair healing.
Thirty four patients with 35 fractures were identified with an average age of 12 years old. 11.4% (n = 4/35) of fractures were treated using K-wires, 25.7% (n = 9/35) were treated using a screw and washer construction, and 62.9% (n = 22/35) were treated using screw alone. There were 16 reported complications (46%) including implant prominence requiring reoperation (6), implant failure (1), and fracture displacement (1). Other complications included non-union/delayed union (4), new ulnar nerve palsy (2), and decreased range of motion (2). Rates of complications were not different between the types of fixation (P = 1.0). Those who developed complications were younger than those who did not (P = 0.05). 91.4% of patients returned to full activity including weight bearing and throwing sports.
Although 25% of patients experienced implant complications and the overall complication rate approached 50%, nearly all reported return to full activity.
A case report of Hodgkin lymphoma in a patient treated with ustekinumab for psoriasis
Authors: Charakopoulos Emmanouil , Spyrou Ioannis , Viniou Nora-Athina , Giannakopoulou Nefeli , Hatzidavid Sevastianos , Diamantopoulos Panagiotis Theodorou 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Rationale:
Ustekinumab is a biological agent that inhibits interleukin 12 and 23 and has been approved for the treatment of moderate and severe plaque psoriasis. There have been case reports that raise concerns about its oncogenic potential. We are the first authors to report a case of Hodgkin lymphoma in a psoriatic patient receiving ustekinumab.

Patient concerns:
A 22-year-old asymptomatic female patient presented to our department to investigate an enlarged cervical lymph node. Her past history was unremarkable, except for psoriasis since age 13. Two months before presentation the decision to administer Ustekinumab was taken and the patient had already received 3 doses.

Diagnoses:
During workup a Stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma was discovered.

Interventions:
Ustekinumab administration was discontinued. The patient received treatment with the ABVD regimen.

Outcomes:
The patient's disease was refractory to the above-mentioned treatment. Therefore, a more aggressive regimen (BEACOPP escalated) was administered.

Lessons:
Growing postmarketing surveillance data and case reports indicate that further research is warranted in order to elucidate a potential association between Ustekinumab and malignancy.
Personalized electro-acupuncture versus auricular-acupuncture comparative effectiveness (PEACE): A protocol of a randomized controlled trial for chronic musculoskeletal pain in cancer survivors
Authors: Liou Kevin T. , Baser Ray , Romero Sally A.D. , Green Jamie , Li Q. Susan , Orlow Irene , Panageas Katherine S. , Mao Jun J. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Introduction:
Chronic pain is a leading cause of disability and remains under-treated in nearly half of patients with cancer. The opioid crisis has highlighted an urgent public health need for effective nonpharmacological pain management. Electroacupuncture (EA) and Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) represent nonpharmacological modalities used in clinical practice to manage pain; however, their effectiveness has not been rigorously evaluated in oncology settings.

Methods:
We describe the design of a 3-arm, parallel, single-center, multisite randomized controlled trial that investigates EA and BFA versus usual-care wait-list control (WLC) for chronic musculoskeletal pain among 360 patients with diverse cancer types across various stages. The primary aim is to compare effects of EA and BFA versus WLC on pain, physical function, and co-morbid symptoms. The secondary aim is to examine the interaction between patient outcome expectancy and acupuncture modality (EA vs BFA) on pain reduction. The tertiary aim is to evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms and responses to acupuncture. Patients will be randomized in a 2:2:1 ratio to EA:BFA:WLC. Acupuncture groups will receive weekly treatments over 10 weeks. WLC will receive usual care over the same evaluation period as the acupuncture groups. The primary endpoint will be the change in average pain intensity score from baseline to week 12. We will collect validated patient-reported outcomes and blood/saliva samples at multiple timepoints over 24 weeks.

Discussion:
Our findings will advance nonpharmacological pain management in oncology and inform personalized treatment approaches that integrate individuals’ expectations and genetic biomarkers to deliver “precision” acupuncture to cancer patients with chronic pain.

Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02979574