bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating CNVII Recovery after Reconstruction with Vascularized Nerve Grafts: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Hatchell Alexandra C. , Chandarana Shamir P. , Matthews Jennifer L. , McKenzie C. David , Matthews T. Wayne , Hart Robert D. , Dort Joseph C. , Schrag Christiaan H. , Harrop A. Robertson 
Published: January 2021

Summary:Few studies have evaluated vascularized nerve grafts (VNGs) for facial nerve (CNVII) reconstruction. We sought to evaluate long-term outcomes for CNVII recovery following reconstruction with VNGs. A retrospective review of all patients at a tertiary centre who underwent radical parotidectomy and immediate CNVII reconstruction with VNGs was performed (January 2009–December 2019). Preoperative demographics, perioperative factors (flap type, source of VNGs), and postoperative factors [complications, adjuvant therapy, revisionary procedures, length of follow-up, and CNVII function via the House-Brackmann scale (HB)] were collected. Data were summarized qualitatively. Twelve patients (Mage= 53 ± 18 years) with a mean follow-up of 33 (± 23) months were included. Six patients underwent reconstruction with a radial forearm flap and dorsal sensory branches of the radial nerve. Six patients underwent reconstruction with an anterolateral thigh flap and only deep motor branches of the femoral nerve to the vastus lateralis (n = 4) or combined with the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (n = 2). Two patients regained nearly normal function (HB = 2). Eight patients regained at least resting symmetry (HB = 3 for n = 7; HB = 4 for n = 1). One patient regained a flicker of movement (HB = 5). One patient did not regain function (HB = 6). Six patients had static revision procedures to improve symmetry. Five patients had disease recurrence; 3 died from their disease. VNGs offer a practical and viable addition to the CNVII reconstruction strategy, and result in good functional recovery with acceptable donor site deficits. The associated adipofascial component of these flaps can also augment the soft tissue defect left after tumor ablation.
LABORATORY EVALUATION OF INTRAOCULAR SILICONE OIL REMOVED AFTER 23 YEARS IN SITU
Authors: Liu Yingna , Canbolat Özgü , Bever Greg J. , Stewart Jay M. 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
To report the clinicopathologic correlation and biochemical analysis of silicone oil removed after 23 years in an eye.

Methods:
A 63-years-old man with a history of HIV/AIDS and cytomegalovirus retinitis, status post retinal detachment repair with silicone oil at the age of 39 years, presented with several weeks of worse vision. He was found to have a shallow fovea-off tractional retinal detachment. After the silicone oil was removed during retinal detachment repair, it was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry.

Results:
In addition to cyclic and linear silicone oil, cholesterol was found in the removed silicone oil, which was not present in unused silicone oil samples. No other chemical alterations were identified in the extracted silicone oil.

Conclusion:
Silicone oil left inside an eye over an extended period may extract lipophilic substances from adjacent tissue, with possible pathophysiologic effects. However, no other major potentially toxic substance was identified from the long-standing silicone oil sample, suggesting relative chemical stability of the tamponade agent over time.
The Reliability of Successive Scheimpflug Imaging and Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Measurements Decreases With Increasing Keratoconus Severity
Authors: Flockerzi Elias , Elzer Berit , Daas Loay , Xanthopoulou Kassandra , Eppig Timo , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
This study assesses the reliability of successive measurements of tomographic parameters in different keratoconus (KC) stages with 2 different devices.

Methods:
A total of 125 eyes (13 controls: 24 eyes, and 73 patients with KC: stages 1|2|3|4, n = 24|24|26|27 according to Topographical KC Classification) were repeatedly examined 5 times with the rotating Scheimpflug tomograph (Pentacam HR, Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) and an anterior segment optical coherence tomograph (Casia 2, Tomey, Nagoya, Japan). Outcome measures included 1) mean anterior (KA) and 2) mean posterior powers (KP), 3) mean anterior (AC) and 4) posterior cylinders (PC), 5) maximal anterior power (Kmax), and 6) thinnest corneal thickness (TCT). The results were compared using the Wilcoxon matched pairs test considering P values <0.05 as statistically significant. Standard deviations (SDs) of repeated measurements with both devices were compared between and within the KC stages.

Results:
The Pentacam values for PC, Kmax, and TCT were significantly elevated compared with those of the anterior segment optical coherence tomograph (P < 0.0001). The SDs of successive measurements of KA and KP, AC and posterior cylinders, Kmax, and TCT increased from (Casia 2|Pentacam) 0.10|0.09 diopter (D), 0.01|0.02 D, 0.15|0.08 D, 0.02|0.05 D, 0.17|0.18 D, and 0.92|5.25 μm in controls to 0.47|0.66 D, 0.1|0.2 D, 0.86|0.9 D, 0.17|0.3 D, 0.89|1.65 D, and 7.68|15 μm in TKC4. Significant differences occurred between the 2 devices for eyes within the same KC stage.

Conclusions:
The reproducibility of measurements decreases with increasing KC severity in both devices. Although both devices seem reliable, the interdevice differences regarding measured tomographic parameters lead to the conclusion that Pentacam HR and Casia 2 measurements are not interchangeable in neither healthy nor KC corneas.
Survey of Corneal Surgeons' Attitudes Regarding Keratoplasty Rejection Risk Associated With Vaccinations
Authors: Lockington David , Lee Barry , Jeng Bennie H. , Larkin Daniel F. P. , Hjortdal Jesper 
Published: January 2021

Purpose:
To investigate the attitudes and practice of corneal specialists if patients with keratoplasty sought advice regarding common vaccinations and risk for potential graft rejection.

Methods:
An online questionnaire was posted on the Kera-net listserv and the EuCornea Web site in early 2020. Attitudes toward vaccinations and keratoplasty were obtained. Decision making for common keratoplasty (endothelial keratoplasty, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, and penetrating keratoplasty) scenarios at early and late time points was explored regarding the herpes zoster and influenza vaccines.

Results:
There were 142 respondents: 51.1% (70/137) specifically advise their patients with keratoplasty to get all vaccinations; 19.7% (27/137) stated clinical experience of a vaccine-associated rejection episode; 42.2% (57/135) were unaware of any such cases; and 64% (27/42) of those concerned would recommend delay if within 3 months of transplant surgery, recent corneal infection, or a recent rejection episode. The 2245 total responses to 18 clinical scenarios demonstrated wide variability in management of grafts in the setting of vaccination. Generally, 45.9% would not alter management, 26.2% would increase frequency of topical steroids, and 22.2% would recommend delay to vaccinations. Increased concern was expressed with recent surgery, live zoster vaccine and higher-risk penetrating keratoplasty scenarios.

Conclusions:
Nearly half of the respondents do not alter management in the setting of keratoplasty and zoster and/or influenza vaccinations. Anecdotal rejection episodes possibly associated with vaccinations were reported by some. Vaccine-related rejection has not been shown in higher-level research, but that has not eliminated clinical concerns. Prospective research into the true vaccine-related risks in keratoplasty is necessary if evidence-based management guidelines are to be developed or definitive reassurance provided.
Psychometric Validation of the Chinese Version of Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Among Chinese Patients
Authors: Li Polly W.C. , Yu Doris S.F. , Yan Bryan P. 
Published: January 2021

Background
The Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (AFEQT) is a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring disease-specific health-related quality of life in atrial fibrillation populations.

Objective
In this study we aimed to validate the Chinese version of AFEQT (AFEQT-C) among Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods
The AFEQT was translated into Chinese according to Brislin's model. The psychometric properties of internal consistency, stability, and concurrent and factorial validity were examined in a convenience sample.

Results
A total of 200 participants (mean age, 69.8 ± 5.2 years) were recruited. The Cronbach's α of the AFEQT-C was 0.94, and item-to-total correlations ranged from 0.44 to 0.80. The test-retest reliability was supported by good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficients, which ranged from 0.68 to 0.92. The AFEQT-C scores significantly correlated with the EuroQoL 5-Dimensional Questionnaire score to support concurrent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a 3-factor structure and all items loaded strongly onto their respective factors.

Conclusions
The AFEQT-C is a reliable and valid measure of health-related quality of life in Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation.
Socioeconomic Factors Associated With an Intention to Work While Sick From COVID-19
Authors: Tilchin Carla , Dayton Lauren , Latkin Carl A. 
Published: January 2021

Objective:
We sought to understand barriers to staying home from work when sick from COVID-19 (COVID-19 presenteeism) to understand COVID-19 health disparities and transmission and guide workplace and social policy.

Methods:
We used logistic regression models to assess which socioeconomic factors were associated with intended COVID-19 presenteeism among an online study population working outside their home in March 2020 (N = 220).

Results:
Overall, 34.5% of participants reported intended COVID-19 presenteeism. Younger individuals and individuals making over $90,000 per year were less likely to report COVID-19 presenteeism. Individuals who were worried about having enough food had 3-fold higher odds of intended COVID-19 presenteeism.

Conclusion:
Current policies around food access, paid sick leave, and other workplace protections need to be expanded and made more accessible to reduce health disparities as well as the transmission of COVID-19 and other infections.
Cryobiopsy of the Pleura
Authors: Tousheed Syed Z. , Manjunath Poojaramuddanahally Hanumantharayappa , Chandrasekar Sagar , Murali Mohan Bangalore Venkatraman , Kumar Hemanth , Hibare Kedar R. , Ramanjaneya Ranganatha 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Medical thoracoscopy (rigid and semirigid pleuroscopy) has revolutionized the approach to the diagnosis of pleural disease by offering a very high diagnostic yield. Rigid pleuroscopy offers the advantages of therapeutic intervention and larger biopsy specimens, whereas semirigid pleuroscopy using a standard biopsy forceps yields smaller and more superficial pleural samples. Cryobiopsy through semirigid pleuroscope in anecdotal studies has been used to overcome these disadvantages. We compared the safety and efficacy of cryobiopsy with conventional forceps biopsy in terms of the specimen size and diagnostic yield.

Methods:
We analyzed data of 139 (87 cryobiopsies and 52 forceps biopsies) patients with undiagnosed pleural effusion who underwent pleuroscopy using a semirigid pleuroscope. A cryoprobe (ERBE, 2.4 mm) was passed through the working channel of the semirigid pleuroscope, the target area of parietal pleura was frozen for an average freezing time of 8 seconds, then the semirigid pleuroscope along with the probe was forcibly withdrawn en bloc avulsing the frozen parietal pleura. Two to 3 samples were taken from each patient.

Results:
The diagnostic yield was 99% with cryobiopsy and 96% with forceps biopsy. The average specimen size through cryoprobe (13.2±6.7; range, 7 to 35 mm) was significantly larger than with the conventional forceps (6.8±3.3; range, 2 to 15 mm) (P<0.001), and no major complications were noted.

Conclusion:
Cryobiopsy of the parietal pleura through the semirigid pleuroscope is a safe procedure with a very high diagnostic yield.
The Effect of Soft Tissue Stimulation on Skull Vibrations and Hearing Thresholds in Humans
Authors: Chordekar Shai , Perez Ronen , Adelman Cahtia , Sohmer Haim , Kishon-Rabin Liat 
Published: January 2021

Hypothesis:
Hearing via soft tissue stimulation involves an osseous pathway.

Background:
A recent study that measured both hearing thresholds and skull vibrations found that vibratory stimulation of soft tissue led to hearing sensation that correlated with skull vibrations, supporting the hypothesis of an osseous pathway. It is possible, however, that a lower application force of the vibrator on the stimulated soft tissue would not be sufficient to elicit skull vibration suggesting hearing via a nonosseous pathway. The purpose of the present study was to confirm the osseous pathway by measuring skull vibrations and behavioral thresholds using a low application force on a layer of ultrasound gel. Gel was used to mimic soft tissue because of its similar acoustic impedance and to control for variability between participants.

Methods:
Hearing thresholds and the skull vibrations of five patients who were implanted with bone-anchored implants were assessed in two conditions when the bone vibrator was applied on the forehead: 1) direct application with 5N force; 2) through a layer of ultrasound gel with minimal application force. Skull vibrations were measured in both conditions by a laser Doppler vibrometer focused on the bone-anchored implant.

Results:
Skull vibrations were present even when minimal application force was applied on soft tissue. The difference in skull vibrations when the vibrator was directly on the forehead compared with the gel condition was consistent with the variability in hearing thresholds between the two conditions.

Conclusion:
These results reinforce the hypothesis that skull vibrations are involved in hearing when sound is transmitted via either soft tissue or bone.
Isolated Saccular Hydrops on High-resolution MRI Is Associated With Full Spectrum Menière's Disease
Authors: Maxwell Anne K. , Ishiyama Gail , Karnezis Stellios , Ishiyama Akira 
Published: January 2021

Objective:
To describe the clinical presentation of patients with isolated saccular endolymphathic hydrops (EH) detected.

Study Design:
Clinical case series.

Setting:
University-based tertiary referral center.

Patients:
All subjects presenting with vertigo or hearing loss who had isolated saccular EH detected.

Intervention:
High-resolution delayed-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted between November 2015 and November 2016.

Main Outcome Measures:
Audiovestibular testing results and analysis of clinical histories.

Results:
Isolated saccular EH was detected in 18 subjects. Sixteen met criteria for definite Menière's disease (MD, n = 12) or delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH, n = 4). One had a history of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and 3 years after MRI developed recurrent vertigo characteristic of DEH. One patient had a history of atypical DEH (Tumarkin falls without vertigo following SSNHL). Four patients had Tumarkin falls. Most (83%) demonstrated mild-to-severe low-frequency fluctuating loss, and six (33.3%) had a history of ipsilateral sudden profound SNHL. Nine of the 17 (53%) patients tested had an ipsilateral caloric paresis ranging from 26 to 67%. Ipsilateral vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials showed reduced or absent responses in 5 of the 17 tested (29%).

Conclusions:
The full spectrum of MD may be associated with saccular hydrops. We propose that MD and DEH often begin in the saccule, and MRI may provide clues to the pathophysiology of MD. Saccular hydrops was present in one patient with SSNHL who did not develop vertigo spells until 3 years after MRI, indicating that saccular hydrops may be the first manifestation of MD or DEH.
Impact of Reconstruction With Hydroxyapatite Bone Cement on CSF Leak Rate in Retrosigmoid Approach to Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: A Review of 196 Cases
Authors: Hwa Tiffany Peng , Luu Neil , Henry Laura E. , Naples James G. , Kaufman Adam C. , Brant Jason A. , Lee John Y. K. , Ruckenstein Michael J. , Bigelow Douglas C. 
Published: January 2021

Objective:
To assess the impact of reconstructive technique on the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following retrosigmoid approach to acoustic neuroma resection.

Study Design:
Retrospective case series.

Setting:
Academic medical center.

Patients:
A total of 1,200 patients with acoustic neuromas presented to our institution from 2005 to 2018. Of these, 196 patients underwent surgical resection via a retrosigmoid approach.

Intervention:
At our institution, internal auditory canal (IAC) reconstruction following a retrosigmoid approach was performed with bone wax and muscle plug or Norian hydroxyapatite bone cement from 2005 to 2013. Starting in 2014, a newer model of bone cement, Cranios hydroxyapatite, was used exclusively for reconstruction.

Main Outcome Measures:
Rates of CSF leak were evaluated across different methods of IAC reconstruction and types of bone cement. Patients whose leaks were attributable to the craniectomy site were excluded from analysis.

Results:
The postoperative CSF leak rate among patients who did not receive bone cement for IAC reconstruction was 15.6% (n.5). The leak rate amongst patients who received Norian bone cement was 6.3% (n.4). After introduction of Cranios bone cement, the total leak rate decreased to 1% (n.1). Compared with all other types of closure, Cranios had a significantly reduced rate of postoperative CSF leak (p < 0.005). The leak rate following Cranios versus Norian was also significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Leak rate was not affected by tumor size (p.0.30) or age (p.0.43).

Conclusion:
CSF leak rate following acoustic neuroma resection was significantly reduced by introduction of Cranios hydroxyapatite bone cement.
The effect of folate intake on ovarian cancer risk
Authors: Wang Kena , Zhang Qinwei , Yang Jianhua 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background:
Previous publications studied the correction about folate intake and ovarian cancer risk, with inconsistent results. This meta-analysis aimed to explore the association between folate intake and ovarian cancer risk using the existing published articles.

Method:
We searched for relevant studies in electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, and Wanfang databases from inception to May 31, 2020. The overall relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were pooled using a random-effect model.

Results:
A total of 12 articles with 6304 ovarian cancer cases were suitable for the inclusion criteria. The evaluated of the ovarian cancer risk with total folate intake and dietary folate intake were reported in 6 articles and 10 articles, respectively. Overall, highest category of dietary folate intake compared with lowest category had nonsignificant association on the risk of ovarian cancer (RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.77–1.06). The association was not significant between total folate intake and ovarian cancer risk (RR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.89–1.27). The results in subgroup analyses by study design and geographic location were not changed either in dietary folate intake analysis or in total folate intake analysis.

Conclusion:
Our meta-analysis demonstrates that folate intake had no significant association on the risk of ovarian cancer. Study design and geographic location were not associated with ovarian cancer while some other related factors were not investigated due to the limited information provided in each included study. Therefore, further studies are needed to verify our results.
Radiotherapy of granulomatosis with polyangiitis occurring in the eyelid
Authors: Wei Jinlong , Zhao Qin , Yao Min , Meng Lingbin , Xin Ying , Jiang Xin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Introduction:
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a chronic systemic vasculitis characterized by necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis. The disease mainly affects the middle and small blood vessels and mainly occurs in the upper respiratory tract (nose and paranasal sinuses), lower respiratory tract (lungs), and kidneys. Disease occurrence in the eyelid area is relatively rare. The standard GPA treatment is combination therapy with adrenocortical hormone and immunosuppressants. Radiotherapy as a treatment option for GPA has not been widely investigated.

Patient concerns:
A 29-year-old man presented with a 1.0 × 1.0 cm mass without exophthalmos and decreased vision in the left lower eyelid. Computed tomography revealed a mass-like high-density shadow below the left eye with a computed tomography value of 80-108 U.

Diagnosis:
The laboratory investigations revealed positive cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (titer = 1:40). Biopsy of the lower left eyelid mass revealed necrosis and granulomatous reaction with a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration. After consultation with the pathology department, the diagnosis was determined as left lower eyelid GPA.

Interventions:
The patient received 9MeV electron beam radiation therapy in the area of the left lower eyelid lesion.

Outcomes:
The lesion in the patient was significantly reduced and the symptom relieved obviously. No symptom recurrence or significant toxicity occurred during or after the treatment. The patient remains under routine follow-up.

Conclusion:
We present a case of a male patient with GPA located exclusively in the eyelid area, who underwent successful radiotherapy and achieved a complete response. The lesson we learned from this case study is that for GPA patients, when the standard treatment model fails to achieve good results, novel treatments such as radiotherapy should be considered according to the situation.
Vitamin A supplementation prevents the bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants
Authors: Ding Yueqin , Chen Zhifeng , Lu Yanling 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background:
It is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vitamin A supplementation on the bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants.

Methods:
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the role of supplemental vitamin A in preterm infants were searched. The Medline et al databases were manually searched from inception to April 30, 2020. Related outcomes including incidence of BPD, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), sepsis and mortality were assessed with Review Manager 5.3 software, and Random-effect model was applied for all conditions.

Results:
A total of 9 RCTs with 1409 patients were included. The analyzed results showed that the incidence of BPD in vitamin A group was significantly less than that of control group (OR = 0.67, 95%CI [0.52–0.88]). There was no significant difference in the incidence of ROP (OR = 0.65, 95%CI [0.29–1.48]), NEC (OR = 0.88, 95%CI [0.59–1.30]), IVH (OR = 0.90, 95%CI [0.65–1.25]), sepsis (OR = 0.84, 95%CI [0.64–1.09]) and mortality (OR = 0.98, 95%CI [0.72–1.34]) among two groups.

Conclusion:
Vitamin A supplementation is beneficial to the prophylaxis of BPD in premature infants, further studies on the administration approaches and dosages of vitamin A in premature infants are warranted.