bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the English Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Quality of Life (BaSQoL) Questionnaire
Authors: Yu Wesley Y. , Waalboer-Spuij Rick , Bremer Rebecca , Lu Brian , Aroyan Christine , Crow Lauren , Grekin Roy , Neuhaus Isaac , Yu Siegrid , Arron Sarah T. , Hollestein Loes M. 
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND
Keratinocyte carcinomas (KC) impact patient quality of life (QoL). There is a need for validated QoL instruments specific to KC. The Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma QoL (BaSQoL) questionnaire was developed to comprehensively measure issues of importance to patients with KC.

OBJECTIVE
To validate and characterize the BaSQoL questionnaire for QoL measurement after diagnosis and treatment of KC.

METHODS
This was a prospective, observational study. Patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were asked to fill out BaSQoL, Skin Cancer Index (SCI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and classical test theory were used to assess validity.

RESULTS
One hundred eighty-seven subjects enrolled in this study: 122 with BCC and 65 with SCC. One hundred seventy-one subjects (91.4%) completed questionnaires at all 3 time points; 16 patients (8.6%) were lost to follow-up. Overall performance using classical test theory was good, with good internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.63–0.80). BaSQoL subscales were strongly correlated with subscales of the SCI, demonstrating convergent validity, and weakly correlated with HADS, showing divergent validity.

CONCLUSION
The English language version of BaSQoL has good face, content, and construct validity. This study validates BaSQoL for use in English-speaking patients with BCC and SCC.
Impact of Great Saphenous Vein Foam Sclerotherapy on Quality of Life and Photoplethysmography Findings in Chronic Venous Insufficiency: One-Year Follow-up
Authors: Neto Felipe Coelho , Gomes de Oliveira Rodrigo , Thomazinho Fernando , Weinhardt Batista Anna Paula , Moraes Kessler Iruena 
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND
Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) for treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) has been attracting significant interest over the past 20 years. It is a minimally invasive technique that comprises a safe treatment option and has yielded good results, especially in cases of advanced disease, with high rates of wound healing.

OBJECTIVE
To examine clinical, ultrasound, and photoplethysmography outcomes after a 1-year follow-up of UGFS for CVI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty-nine legs classified as C4, C5, or C6 of the CEAP classification were included. Patients answered the VEINES questionnaire on quality of life and symptoms. and their venous filling time (VFT) was measured using photoplethysmography before and 45, 180, and 360 days after treatment of CVI with UGFS.

RESULTS
The results showed statistically significant improvements in VEINES quality-of-life and symptom scores and in VFT measured by photoplethysmography and a reduction in great saphenous vein diameter (p < .0001) at 45, 180, and 360 days after treatment with UGFS.

CONCLUSION
Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy demonstrated efficacy and resulted in high satisfaction levels, confirmed by improvement in questionnaire scores, venous refilling time, and ultrasound findings.
Censoring for Loss to Follow-up in Time-to-event Analyses of Composite Outcomes or in the Presence of Competing Risks
Authors: Lesko Catherine R. , Edwards Jessie K. , Moore Richard D. , Lau Bryan 
Published: August 2019

Background:In time-to-event analyses, there is limited guidance on when persons who are lost to follow-up (LTFU) should be censored.Methods:We simulated bias in risk estimates for: (1) a composite event of measured (outcome only observable in a patient encounter) and captured events (outcome observable outside a patient encounter); and a (2) measured or (3) captured event in the presence of a competing event of the other type, under three censoring strategies: (i) censor at the last study encounter; (ii) censor when LTFU definition is met; and (iii) a new, hybrid censoring strategy. We demonstrate the real-world impact of this decision by estimating: (1) time to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) diagnosis or death, (2) time to initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and (3) time to death before ART initiation among adults engaged in HIV care.Results:For (1) our hybrid censoring strategy was least biased. In our example, 5-year risk of AIDS or death was overestimated using last-encounter censoring (25%) and under-estimated using LTFU-definition censoring (21%), compared with results from our hybrid approach (24%). Last-encounter censoring was least biased for (2). When estimating 5-year risk of ART initiation, LTFU-definition censoring underestimated risk (80% vs. 85% using last-encounter censoring). LTFU-definition censoring was least biased for (3). When estimating 5-year risk of death before ART initiation, last-encounter censoring overestimated risk (5.2% vs. 4.7% using LTFU-definition censoring).Conclusions:The least biased censoring strategy for time-to-event analyses in the presence of LTFU depends on the event and estimand of interest.
Gabapentin Decreases Narcotic Usage: Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Pathway in Free Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Fan Kenneth L. , Luvisa Kyle , Black Cara K. , Wirth Peter , Nigam Manas , Camden Rachel , Won Lee Dong , Myers Joseph , Song David H. 
Published: August 2019

Background:
The opioid crisis is public health emergency, in part due to physician prescribing practices. As a result, there is an increased interest in reducing narcotic use in the postsurgical setting.

Methods:
From January 1, 2018, to October 31, 2018, we employed a multidisciplinary, multimodal Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway abdominally based free tissue transfer involving the rectus. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative nonnarcotic modalities were emphasized. Factors in reducing narcotic consumption, pain scores, and antiemetic use were identified.

Results:
Forty-two patients were included for a total of 66 free flaps, with a 98.4%(65/66) success rate. Average postoperative in-hospital milligram morphine equivalent (MME) use was 37.5, but decreased 85% from 80.9 MME per day to 12.9 MME per day during the study period. Average pain scores and antiemetic doses also decreased. Postoperative gabapentin was associated with a significant 59.8 mg decrease in postoperative MME use, 21% in self-reported pain, and a 2.5 fewer doses of antiemetics administered but increased time to ambulation by 0.89 days. Postoperative acetaminophen was associated with a significant 3.0 point decrease in self-reported pain.

Conclusions:
This study represents our early experience. A shift in the institutional mindset of pain control was necessary for adoption of the ERAS protocol. While the ERAS pathway functions to reduce stress and return patients to homeostasis following surgery, postoperative gabapentin resulted in the greatest reduction in postoperative opioid use, self-reported pain, and postoperative nausea vomiting compared to any other modality.
Noninvasive Monitoring of Allograft Rejection Using a Novel Epidermal Sampling Technique
Authors: Rabbani Piul S. , Rifkin William J. , Kadle Rohini L. , Rao Nakul , Diaz-Siso J. Rodrigo , Abdou Salma A. , Rodriguez Eduardo D. , Ceradini Daniel J. 
Published: August 2019

Summary:
Despite promising short- and long-term results to date in vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA), acute rejection remains the most common major complication in recipients. Currently, diagnosis of acute rejection relies on clinical inspection correlated with histopathological analysis. However, disagreement exists regarding the value of full-thickness skin and mucosal biopsies and histopathology remains semiquantitative, subject to sampling bias, and prone to intra- and inter-observer variabilities. Additionally, biopsies may cause infection, scarring, and/or potentially incite rejection through immune activation after injury. Noninvasive methods to diagnose rejection represent a critical unmet need for the emerging field of VCA. Here, we propose a novel technique utilizing skin stripping of the epidermis and subsequent molecular analysis to detect known markers of acute rejection. Using a small animal VCA model, we sought to validate our epidermal sampling technique as a noninvasive diagnostic test for acute rejection.
Aerobic Exercise Effects on Quality of Life and Psychological Distress After an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: Dougherty Cynthia M. , Burr Robert L. , Kudenchuk Peter J. , Glenny Robb W. 
Published: August 2019

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate quality of life (QOL), psychological function, and self-efficacy outcomes in the Anti-Arrhythmic Effects of Exercise After an ICD Trial.Methods:In the Anti-Arrhythmic Effects of Exercise After an ICD Trial, 160 patients (124 men and 36 women) who had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for primary (43%) or secondary (57%) prevention were randomized to exercise (EX, n = 84) or usual care (UC, n = 76). The EX consisted of 8 wk of home walking 1 hr/d 5 d/wk, followed by 16 wk of maintenance home walking for 150 min/wk. Adherence was determined from exercise logs, ambulatory HR recordings, and phone calls. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 8, and 24 wk for QOL: Patient Concerns Assessment and Short Form-36; anxiety: State Trait Anxiety Inventory; depression: Physician Health Questionnaire-Depression; and self-efficacy: Self-Efficacy for Walking Scale.Results:Participants averaged 55 ± 12 yr of age with ejection fraction = 40.6 ± 15.7%. The EX significantly decreased depression severity (EX: 1.33 ± 0.64; UC: 1.51 ± 0.86,P= .05) and improved self-efficacy (EX: 7.65 ± 1.97; UC: 6.85 ± 2.40,P= .05) at 8 wk. There were no significant effects at 24 wk. Adherent exercisers had significant improvements in QOL, psychological, and self-efficacy outcomes at 8 and 24 wk compared with those who were nonadherent. There were no implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks associated with exercise.Conclusions:The EX conferred significant effects on depression and self-efficacy at 8 wk, without effects on QOL. Adherent exercisers experienced significant improvements in outcomes over those who were nonadherent or received UC.
DETECTION OF NEUROSENSORY RETINAL DETACHMENT COMPLICATING DEGENERATIVE RETINOSCHISIS BY ULTRA-WIDEFIELD FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE IMAGING
Authors: Francone Anibal , Kothari Nikisha , Farajzadeh Matthew , Hosseini Hamid , Prasad Pradeep , Schwartz Steven , Hubschman Jean Pierre 
Published: August 2019

Purpose:
To determine whether neurosensory retinal detachment complicating degenerative retinoschisis (RS) can be reliably detected with ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence evaluation.

Methods:
Consecutive patients diagnosed with RS who had ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence imaging were included in this retrospective case series. According to the fundus autofluorescence patterns, we divided the eyes into two groups: 1) eyes with RS and a hyperautofluorescent leading edge and 2) eyes with RS and without hyperautofluorescence. Peripheral spectral domain optical coherence tomography images at the level of RS were obtained.

Results:
Thirty-eight eyes that met eligibility criteria were identified. Review of ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence demonstrated 21/39 (55%) eyes with distinctive hyperautofluorescence over the area of RS (Group A) and 17/38 (45%) eyes without any form of hyperautofluorescence (Group B). Spectral domain optical coherence tomography images confirmed the presence of full-thickness neurosensory retina separation from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium in the areas of hyperautofluorescence in 10/10 eyes (100%) from Group A. None (0/11; 0%) of the eyes from Group B showed full-thickness neurosensory retina separation on the spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging of the retina–RS interface.

Conclusion:
Hyperautofluorescent findings suggest the presence of a neurosensory retinal detachment. Retinal detachment associated with RS can be reliably detected on ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence and may be a useful diagnostic imaging modality.
The Effect of Ocular Demodex Colonization on Schirmer test and OSDI Scores in Newly Diagnosed Dry Eye Patients
Authors: Ayyildiz Taha , Sezgin Fikriye Milletli 
Published: August 2019

Objective:
To determine whether ocular Demodex colonization results in differences in Schirmer test scores and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire values in individuals with dry eye disease (DED) diagnosed for the first time.

Method:
Eighty-eight adults aged 40 to 68 years who were admitted to Ophthalmology outpatient clinic for routine ophthalmological examination or presbyopia examination and diagnosed with DED for the first time and who do not have any chronic disease were included in the study. All the patients were asked to complete the OSDI, which is widely used for assessing dry eye symptom severity and vision-related functioning. The Schirmer test was performed, and then two eyelashes were taken from the inferior eyelids of each eyes. After saline (0.09% NaCl) was added to the sample, it was quickly taken to the microbiology laboratory, which is located next to the Ophthalmology policlinic. The sample was evaluated by a parasitologist experienced in Demodex.

Results:
One hundred sixty-eight eyes of 84 patients were included in the study. Average Schirmer test score was 2.1±0.5, the OSDI questionnaire score was 61.82±10.95, and the mean age was 55.36±8.74 years in patients who had Demodex colonization (n=30), whereas the average Schirmer test score was 6.6±0.9 score, OSDI questionnaire score was 40.96±12.73, and the mean age was 49.12±6.87 years in patients without Demodex colonization (n=58). It has been observed that dry eye patients with Demodex colonization had a higher mean age (P: 0.001), higher mean OSDI score (P: 0.001), and lower average Schirmer test score (P: 0.001) compared with those without Demodex. The significant relationship between lower Schirmer test score and higher OSDI rates and occurrence of Demodex infestation continued after adjusting for mean age values (P=0.012; P=0.035).

Conclusion:
It was determined that the presence of ocular Demodex colonization was associated with the average Schirmer test scores, OSDI scores, and age values in patients with newly diagnosed DED. Demodex quantity was found increased in older aged patients, but the significant relationship between lower Schirmer test score and higher OSDI rates and Demodex infestation persisted even after controlling the mean age values. Supporting these findings with large-numbered and randomized-controlled studies will help in clarifying the association of the Demodex infestation with etiopathogenesis of dry eye.
Use of Second-line Medications and Treatment Outcomes in Children With Tuberculosis in a Single Center From 2007 to 2018
Authors: Chiappini Elena , Matucci Tommaso , Lisi Catiuscia , Petrolini Chiara , Venturini Elisabetta , Tersigni Chiara , de Martino Maurizio , Galli Luisa 
Published: August 2019

Background:
The incidence of drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis (DR-TB) and the number of children treated with second-line drugs (SLDs) are increasing. However, limited amount of information is available regarding the use of SLDs in this population.

Methods:
To describe the treatment of pediatric TB with SLDs and factors associated with use of SLDs in children with and without documented DR-TB, records of pediatric TB patients referred to a center in Italy from 2007 to 2018 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results:
Of 204 children diagnosed with active TB during the study period, 42 were treated with SLDs because of confirmed or probable drug resistance (42.8%), adverse reactions to first-line drugs (7.1%), central nervous system involvement (11.9%) or unconfirmed possible drug resistance (38.1%). There were no deaths or adverse reactions to SLDs reported. Treatment was successful in 85.2% children treated with first-line drugs and 92.9% children treated with SLDs. After adjusting for calendar period, the only factor associated with DR-TB was <2 years old [odds ratio (OR): 5.24 for <2 years vs. 5–18 years; P = 0.008]. Factors associated with treatment with SLDs were TB at 2 or more sites (OR: 11.30; P < 0.001), extrapulmonary TB (OR: 8.48; P < 0.001) or adverse reactions to first-line drugs (OR: 7.48; P = 0.002). No differences were noted in age or region of origin.

Conclusions:
A substantial proportion of TB children were treated with SLDs. The main reason for using SLDs was failure of a first-line drug regimen, suggesting possible DR-TB and underestimation of DR-TB in children. The use of SLD regimens was associated with a high success rate and good tolerability profile.
Infectious Complications of Mucositis in Postchemotherapy Neutropenic Cancer Patients
Authors: Shah Neepa , Adashek Jacob J. , Molinas Natalia L. , Ramsakal Asha , Greene John N. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Mucositis is a common, painful, and potentially dangerous adverse effect of many chemotherapy regimens. The mucosal barrier can be compromised from oncologic therapies resulting in high levels of exposure to organisms. These are often normal flora that become opportunistic pathogens, especially in these patients who already have compromised cellular immunity from neutropenia and humoral immunity from cytotoxic agents. The combination of a hampered immune system along with breakdown of the mucosa can lead to severe infections and lead to complications that undermine patient outcomes. The most common types of infections that are seen in neutropenic patients are bacterial, followed by viral, and then fungal. This case series will outline 3 vignettes of patients who developed mucositis secondary to chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and will review the most common infections seen in this delicate patient population plus empiric treatment strategies. For this review, a literature search was made using Google Scholar Database. Key words searched included bacterial, fungal, viral, mucositis, and leukemia. Articles published between 1983 and 2018 were selected.
Role of Inflammatory Markers in Diagnosing Diabetic Foot Infection
Authors: Majeed Aneela , Mushtaq Adeela , Iftikhar Ahmad , Zahid Umar , Malik Mustafa Nadeem , Razzaq Faryal , Al Mohajer Mayar 
Published: August 2019

Background
Inflammatory markers including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) are frequently ordered in suspected cases of diabetic foot infection (DFI). We did a meta-analysis to compare diagnostic performance of these inflammatory markers for detecting DFI.

Materials and Methods
The meta-analysis was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We used bivariate random-effects regression model to pool the sensitivity and specificity of the targeted biomarkers.

Results
A comprehensive literature search identified 73 studies. Twelve studies met our inclusion criteria. The number of studies reporting data on each individual biomarker was as follows: 11 for ESR, 7 for CRP, and 5 for PCT. For Infectious Diseases Society of America grade I versus grade II, we calculated pooled sensitivity and specificity for ESR to be 0.86 and 0.82, positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 4.7, negative likelihood ratio (LR−) of 0.17, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.91. Pooled sensitivity and specificity for CRP were found to be 0.54 and 0.91, LR+ of 6.2, LR− of 0.50, and AUROC of 0.80. Pooled sensitivity and specificity for PCT were 0.72 and 0.96, LR+ of 18.4, LR− of 0.29, and AUROC of 0.84. For Infectious Diseases Society of America grade II versus grade III, we calculated pooled sensitivity and specificity for ESR to be 0.81 and 0.80, LR+ of 4.0, LR− of 0.24, and AUROC of 0.84.

Conclusions
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate has the highest AUROC of 0.91 followed by PCT (0.84) and CRP (0.80) to diagnose DFI. For osteomyelitis, ESR has a diagnostic accuracy of 0.84. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate could be beneficial in ruling out infection in persons who have low suspicion of disease (lowest −LR). For those who have high suspicion of disease, PCT could be helpful in ruling in infection (highest +LR). All inflammatory markers need standardization of threshold levels for detecting infection.
Acute Bacterial Parotitis in Adult Hematologic Malignancy
Authors: Shabani Sepehr , Cheema Asima , Nanjappa Sowmya , Ramsakal Asha , Greene John N. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Acute bacterial parotitis (ABP) is an uncommon condition in immunosuppressed adult cancer patients. Here, we report 2 cases of parotitis in immunocompromised patients; one with a diagnosis of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma and the other with acute myeloid lymphoma. Both patients were treated with antibiotics and local management with resolution of their parotitis. Per review of literature, this is the first article describing ABP in patients with bone marrow transplantation and hematologic malignancies. Moreover, this is also the first article reporting ABP due to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, an opportunistic gram-negative rod bacterium.
Supportive Care Needs of Patients With Lung Cancer in Mainland China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: ZHANG Tian , HE Hongye , LIU Qunhui , LV Xiaoqing , SONG Yongxia , HONG Jingfang 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT

Background
The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer necessitate a variety of supportive care needs. To our knowledge, no studies have been conducted that target specifically the supportive care needs of patients with lung cancer in Mainland China. Cross-cultural studies indicate that supportive care needs vary by cultural background. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the supportive care needs of patients with lung cancer in the cultural context of China.

Purpose
This study aimed to describe the level of supportive care required by patients with lung cancer in China and to examine the relationships between supportive care needs and demographic factors and between supportive care needs and treatment variables.

Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted. Five hundred fifty-four patients with lung cancer were recruited using a convenience sampling method from inpatient departments in four tertiary teaching hospitals that are affiliated with a medical university in Anhui Province, China. The Nursing Professional Social Support Needs Scale and background information list were used as the data collection instruments. A Wilcoxon rank sum test and a Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test were conducted to examine the differences among the professional supportive care needs of patients of different demographic characteristics and under different treatment conditions.

Results
Participants self-reported the highest scores in the domain of informational needs (M = 3.67, interquartile range = 1.25). The most common supportive care need was “to be cared for by nurses with skilled venipuncture techniques.” There were significant differences in needs across different genders, age groups, educational levels, and income levels (p < .05). Patients with metastasis and other illnesses had greater supportive care needs in terms of total and subscale scores in Stages III and IV (p < .05).

Conclusions
Patients with serious diseases and heavy socioeconomic burdens have greater supportive care needs. Therefore, healthcare providers should improve their awareness and expertise to identify the needs of their patients and to provide supportive care to patients with lung cancer. In addition, patients with high supportive care needs should be identified.