bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revision Stapes Surgery in a Tertiary Referral Center: Surgical and Audiometric Outcomes
Authors: Blijleven Esther E. , Wegner Inge , Tange Rinze A. , Thomeer Hans G.X.M. 
Published: June 2019

Objectives: To evaluate pure-tone audiometric results in otosclerosis patients undergoing revision stapes surgery following previous middle ear interventions. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed in a tertiary referral center. Consecutive otosclerosis patients who underwent revision stapes surgeries, following previous middle ear interventions, for persistent conductive hearing loss, recurrent conductive hearing loss, or vertigo and had available postoperative pure-tone audiometry were included. Mean pre- and postoperative air conduction, bone conduction, and air-bone gap averaged over 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz were obtained. Audiometric outcomes were obtained at 7 weeks postoperatively. Results: In total, 63 consecutive otosclerosis patients who underwent 66 revision stapes surgeries were included. Air-bone gap improved significantly with a mean gain of 19 dB (95% CI, 15-22). Air conduction improved significantly with a mean gain of 18 dB (95% CI, 14-23). Bone conduction did not change significantly, with a mean deterioration of 0 dB (95% CI, –2 to 1). Air-bone gap closure to 10 dB or less was achieved in 38% of cases and to 20 dB or less in 80% of cases. Indication for surgery, previous type of procedure, primary cause of failure, and current surgical technique were not significantly associated with air-bone gap closure to 10 dB or less. Indication for surgery and primary cause of failure were associated with one another. Conclusions: Compared to the available literature, a slightly larger gain in air conduction and air-bone gap was achieved in our study. Air-bone gap closure to 10 dB or less was achieved less often in our study.
Small Cell Carcinoma in the Head and Neck
Authors: Wakasaki Takahiro , Yasumatsu Ryuji , Masuda Muneyuki , Matsuo Mioko , Tamae Akihiro , Kubo Kazuhiko , Kogo Ryunosuke , Uchi Ryutaro , Taura Masahiko , Nakagawa Takashi 
Published: June 2019

Objectives: Small cell carcinomas in extrapulmonary sites (ESmCCs) are very rare. ESmCCs originating in the head and neck account for approximately 10% of all ESmCCs, and there are few reports about this disease. ESmCCs have an aggressive natural history characterized by widespread metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of patients with ESmCCs of the head and neck. Methods: The outcomes of 21 patients with ESmCCs of the head and neck treated between January 2001 and December 2015 at the authors’ hospital and associated facilities were reviewed. Results: There were 18 men and 3 women, and the median age was 74 years (range, 53-91 years). The tumor site was the larynx in 6 patients; the paranasal sinus in 5; the hypopharynx in 3; the oropharynx in 2; the nasopharynx in 2; and the oral cavity, salivary gland, and primary unknown in 1 patient each. The extent of the disease was staged as follows: stage I or II, 3 cases; stage III, 4 cases; stage IVA, 9 cases; stage IVB, 1 case; and stage IVC, 4 cases. The median observation time was 17 months (range, 1-103 months). Four patients (19%) had distant metastasis at initial treatment, and 13 patients (62%) developed distant metastasis within 3 years. Treatments were administered, including radical surgery (9 patients), radiation therapy (5 patients), chemoradiotherapy (7 patients), and chemotherapy (6 patients). The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates of patients were 56% and 37%, respectively. More than half of the patients died of distant metastasis. Conclusions: ESmCCs of the head and neck have a poor prognosis, similar to those of carcinomas in many other sites. Control of distant metastasis would contribute to improving the prognosis of ESmCCs of the head and neck. Further studies are required for better understanding these disease entities and their response to treatment modalities.
Type I Posterior Glottic Stenosis: Natural History and In-Office Management
Authors: Silva Merea Valeria , Sadoughi Babak 
Published: June 2019

Objectives: To review the natural history of type I posterior glottic stenosis (PGS-I) and its treatment outcomes through a case presentation and demonstrate the feasibility of in-office management of PGS-I. Methods: The case of a middle-aged woman who developed PGS-I after prolonged intubation is presented. A review of the literature on management and treatment outcomes of PGS-I is also performed. Results: Initially presenting with a large granuloma that failed conservative management, the patient deferred surgical intervention and developed unilateral vocal fold hypomobility with posterior glottic synechia. The adhesion was successfully ablated in the office with potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser; however, vocal fold hypomobility persisted after treatment. Conclusions: This case illustrates the natural history of the development of PGS-I, demonstrates the feasibility of office-based management of this condition, and provides further evidence that lysis of PGS-I synechia does not uniformly lead to restoration of normal laryngeal function and mobility.
Differences in beliefs and attitudes toward Depression and Schizophrenia in Russia and the United States
Authors: Nersessova Karine S , Jurcik Tomas , Hulsey Timothy L 
Published: June 2019

Background: Cross-cultural studies find that culture shapes people’s understanding of mental illnesses, particularly Depression and Schizophrenia. Aims: To compare individuals’ beliefs and attitudes toward Depression and Schizophrenia in Russia and the United States. Method: Participants ( N=607) were presented with vignettes of two diagnostically unlabeled psychiatric case histories and then answered questions regarding mental health literacy (MHL) and attitudes toward the person and the illness. Results: Our findings indicate that Depression was most often attributed to psychosocial stress while Schizophrenia was thought to be caused by biological factors. People from both countries considered those suffering from Schizophrenia to be unpredictable and dangerous. US participants were more likely to endorse lay and professional help for both disorders than their Russian counterparts. Russian participants reported being less likely to turn to someone they trust and more likely to deal with problems on their own. Russian participants were also more likely to view those with Depression as ‘weak-willed’ and leading an ‘immoral lifestyle’. Conclusion: Our findings further inform cultural understandings of these mental illnesses in an often neglected national group. Patterns suggest that both groups may benefit from exposure to corrective information about Depression and Schizophrenia.
Understanding what it means to be socially included for people with a lived experience of mental illness
Authors: Filia Kate , Jackson Henry , Cotton Sue , Killackey Eoin 
Published: June 2019

Aims: Social inclusion is increasingly understood to have positive and beneficial implications for the mental health outcomes of people with severe mental illness. The concept is plagued by definitional inconsistencies and a lack of consensus regarding what it means to be socially included, in particular for groups most vulnerable to social exclusion, such as people with mental illness. The aim of this study was to obtain a consensus regarding the key contributors to social inclusion from the perspective of people with and without a lived experience of mental illness (consumers of mental health services, carers, and general community members). Methods: Delphi methodology was employed to reach consensus agreement. The Delphi questionnaire was based on a previous review of the literature and consisted of 147 items categorized into 13 domains. It was presented to participants over three rounds. Participants ( N  = 104) were recruited into three groups (32 consumers, 32 carers of people with a mental illness, and 40 members of the general community – neither consumers nor carers). Retention of participants from Round 1 to Round 3 was 79.8%. Results: Similarities and differences were observed between the groups. A number of items were very strongly endorsed as key contributors to social inclusion, relating to social participation, social supports, housing, neighbourhood, community involvement, employment and education, health and well-being and service utilization. Conclusion: Findings supported previous work, indicating the importance of having a strong sense of connection with others as well as the importance of safe and stable housing, support services and personal motivation and hope. We obtained a well-rounded perspective among groups regarding the key contributors to social inclusion, with a particular relevance to people living with mental illness. This perspective has significant clinical and research utility.
Methamphetamine-related post-mortem cases in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Prakobsrikul Piyatida , Srisont Smith , Jinawath Artit , Boonkrem Manee 
Published: June 2019

Introduction This study investigated variables associated with methamphetamine-related deaths in Thailand. Methods This study used data obtained from methamphetamine-related autopsy cases over a six-year period from 2011 to 2016. From the data available during this period, considered variables included: demographic, toxicological and histopathological profiles. Methamphetamine blood concentration calculations and myoglobin immunostainings in kidney samples were also carried out. Statistical analysis and tests of significance were conducted using a paired-sample t-test, adopting a p-value of 0.05. Results A total of 61 methamphetamine-related cases were reviewed. Of several pathological findings, cardiovascular pathological findings were the most common. Cases were divided into a non-trauma group ( n = 19; 31.15%) and a trauma group ( n  =  42; 68.85%), and it was found that methamphetamine blood concentrations of non-trauma cases were largely in therapeutic ranges. The differences between methamphetamine concentrations of trauma and non-trauma groups were not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). Immunostainings for myoglobin in kidney samples were positive in two non-trauma cases, which is suggestive of methamphetamine-induced rhabdomyolysis. Conclusions Methamphetamine intoxication causes cardiac toxicity and can cause death. However, methamphetamine quantitation, autopsy findings and scene investigations are considered altogether in determination of cause of death due to many factors such as drug tolerances. Myoglobin immunostaining was found to be a useful tool in determining cause of death.
Applied Epidemiology Workforce Growth and Capacity Challenges: The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists 2017 Epidemiology Capacity Assessment
Authors: Arrazola Jessica , Israel Mia N. , Binkin Nancy 
Published: June 2019

Objectives: To better understand the current status and challenges of the state public health department workforce, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) assessed the number and functions of applied public health epidemiologists at state health departments in the United States. Methods: In 2017, CSTE emailed unique online assessment links to state epidemiologists in the 50 states and the District of Columbia (N = 51). The response rate was 100%. CSTE analyzed quantitative data (27 questions) on funding, the number of current and needed epidemiologists, recruitment, retention, perceived capacity, and training. CSTE coded qualitative data in response to an open-ended question that asked about the most important problems state epidemiologists face. Results: Most funding for epidemiologic activities came from the federal government (mean, 77%). State epidemiologists reported needing 1199 additional epidemiologists to achieve ideal capacity but noted challenges in recruiting qualified staff members. Respondents cited opportunities for promotion (n = 45, 88%), salary (n = 41, 80%), restrictions on merit raises (n = 36, 70%), and losses to the private or government sector (n = 33, 65%) as problems for retention. Of 4 Essential Public Health Services measured, most state epidemiologists reported substantial-to-full capacity to monitor health status (n = 43, 84%) and diagnose and investigate community health problems (n = 47, 92%); fewer respondents reported substantial-to-full capacity to conduct evaluations (n = 20, 39%) and research (n = 11, 22%). Conclusions: Reliance on federal funding negatively affects employee retention, core capacity, and readiness at state health departments. Creative solutions for providing stable funding, developing greater flexibility to respond to emerging threats, and enhancing capacity in evaluation and applied research are needed.
Inter-observer reproducibility of quantitative dynamic susceptibility contrast and diffusion MRI parameters in histogram analysis of gliomas
Authors: Dijkstra Hildebrand , Sijens Paul E , van der Hoorn Anouk , van Laar Peter Jan 
Published: June 2019

Background Dynamic-susceptibility contrast and diffusion-weighted imaging are promising techniques in diagnosing glioma grade. Purpose To compare the inter-observer reproducibility of multiple dynamic-susceptibility contrast and diffusion-weighted imaging parameters and to assess their potential in differentiating low- and high-grade gliomas. Material and Methods Thirty patients (16 men; mean age = 40.6 years) with low-grade (n = 13) and high-grade (n = 17) gliomas and known pathology, scanned with dynamic-susceptibility contrast and diffusion-weighted imaging were included retrospectively between March 2006 and March 2014. Three observers used three different methods to define the regions of interest: (i) circles at maximum perfusion and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient; (ii) freeform 2D encompassing the tumor at largest cross-section only; (iii) freeform 3D on all cross-sections. The dynamic-susceptibility contrast curve was analyzed voxelwise: maximum contrast enhancement; time-to-peak; wash-in rate; wash-out rate; and relative cerebral blood volume. The mean was calculated for all regions of interest. For 2D and 3D methods, histogram analysis yielded additional statistics: the minimum and maximum 5% and 10% pixel values of the tumor (min5%, min10%, max5%, max10%). Intraclass correlations coefficients (ICC) were calculated between observers. Low- and high-grade tumors were compared with independent t-tests or Mann–Whitney tests. Results ICCs were highest for 3D freeform (ICC = 0.836–0.986) followed by 2D freeform (ICC = 0.854–0.974) and circular regions of interest (0.141–0.641). High ICC and significant discrimination between low- and high-grade gliomas was found for the following optimized parameters: apparent diffusion coefficient ( P < 0.001; ICC = 0.641; mean; circle); time-to-peak ( P = 0.015; ICC = 0.986; mean; 3D); wash-in rate ( P = 0.004; ICC = 0.826; min10%; 3D); wash-out rate ( P < 0.001; ICC = 0.860; min10%; 2D); and relative cerebral blood volume ( P ≤ 0.001; ICC = 0.961; mean; 3D). Conclusion Dynamic-susceptibility contrast perfusion parameters relative cerebral blood volume and time-to-peak yielded high inter-observer reproducibility and significant glioma grade differentiation for the means of 2D and 3D freeform regions of interest. Choosing a freeform 2D method optimizes observer agreement and differentiation in clinical practice, while a freeform 3D method provides no additional benefit.
Normative Data for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Greek Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Poptsi Eleni , Moraitou Despina , Eleftheriou Marina , Kounti-Zafeiropoulou Fotini , Papasozomenou Chrysa , Agogiatou Christina , Bakoglidou Evaggelia , Batsila Georgia , Liapi Despina , Markou Nefeli , Nikolaidou Evdokia , Ouzouni Fani , Soumpourou Aikaterini , Vasiloglou Maria , Tsolaki Magda 
Published: June 2019

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is among the most commonly used screening tools worldwide. Objective: The aim of the study was to provide normative data for the MoCA in a Greek cohort of people older than 60 years who meet criteria for subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia in order to optimize cutoff scores for each diagnostic group. Method: Seven hundred forty-six community-dwelling older adults, visitors of the Day Center of Alzheimer Hellas were randomly chosen. Three hundred seventy-nine of them met the criteria for dementia, 245 for MCI and 122 for SCD. Results: Initial statistical analyses showed that the total MoCA score is not affected by gender ( P = .164), or age ( P = .144) but is affected by educational level ( P < .001). A cutoff score of 23 for low educational level (≤6 years) can distinguish people with SCD from MCI (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 84.2%), while 26 is the cutoff score for middle educational level (7-12 years; sensitivity 73.2%, specificity 67.0%) and high educational level (≥13 years; sensitivity 77.6%, specificity 74.7%). Montreal Cognitive Assessment can discriminate older adults with SCD from dementia, with a cutoff score of 20 for low educational level (sensitivity 100%, specificity 92.3%) and a cutoff score 23 for middle educational level (sensitivity 97.6%, specificity 92.7%) and high educational level (sensitivity 98.5%, specificity 100%). Conclusion: Montreal Cognitive Assessment is not affected by age or gender but is affected by the educational level. The discriminant potential of MoCA between SCD and MCI is good, while the discrimination of SCD from dementia is excellent.
Adherence to Orthodontic Treatment in Youth With Craniofacial Conditions: A Survey of US Orthodontists
Authors: Crerand Canice E. , Kapa Hillary M. , Litteral Jennifer , Da Silveira Adriana C. , Markey Mia K. 
Published: June 2019

Objective: (1) To explore orthodontists’ perceptions of nonadherence and related factors in their patients with craniofacial conditions; (2) to examine differences in adherence perceptions by provider characteristics; (3) to evaluate current adherence interventions. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: United States-based orthodontists affiliated with a nonprofit association for providers treating oral cleft and craniofacial conditions received survey invitations via list-serv, e-mail, and social media. Participants: Thirty-eight orthodontists participated (mean age = 50.5 ± 10.7 years; 76% Caucasian; 55% male; 54% private practice). Main Outcome Measure: An 80-item survey assessed demographic characteristics; frequencies of various adherence problems and adherence-related prolonged or terminated treatment; importance of adherence to treatment outcomes; factors that may impact adherence; interest in improving adherence; and use of adherence-enhancing interventions. Results: Adherence problems were common, yet 80.6% of participants rated adherence as “very important” to cleft treatment outcomes. Child behavior and motivation, caregiver reinforcement of behavior, and provider communication with the family were identified as factors that greatly impact adherence. Orthodontists in university-affiliated programs were more likely to rate individual, family, health-care system, and community factors as impacting adherence compared to private practice orthodontists; 80.6% used adherence interventions; these strategies were all rated as “sometimes successful.” Conclusions: Nonadherence to cleft lip/palate-related orthodontic care is common and potentially detrimental to care. Current interventions are not uniformly successful and could be better tailored. Understanding provider, patient, and family factors that affect adherence can inform individualized treatment planning to improve adherence and ultimately, treatment outcomes.
A Holistic Evaluation of Articles on PD-1 and PD-L1 Published Between 1975 and 2017: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Baş Yılmaz , Şenel Engin 
Published: June 2019

Background: Bibliometrics has been used for assessing and predicting trends in macro-health science and medical systems, especially in the field of cancer. Bibliometric and scientometric studies in the field of programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) may guide further research in this field. Objective: To perform bibliometric analysis of articles on PD-1 and PD-L1 published in the academic literature during 1975 to 2017. Method: The bibliometric analysis was performed using the Thomson Reuters Web of Science database. Results: A total of 23 813 articles were retrieved, 73.52% of which were original articles. The United States was the leading country by total publication number (n = 10 897, 10.91%), followed by China (10.54%), and produced the most literature on PD-1/PD-L1 (164.65 articles). Among the institutions identified, Harvard University (USA) contributed the most articles on PD-1/PD-L1. Conclusions: All authors and institutions in the top 10 contributor’s lists were from the developed countries. Researchers from the developing and least-developed countries should be encouraged to perform novel studies on PD-1 and PD-L1.
Obesity worsens central inflammation and disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Stampanoni Bassi Mario , Iezzi Ennio , Buttari Fabio , Gilio Luana , Simonelli Ilaria , Carbone Fortunata , Micillo Teresa , De Rosa Veronica , Sica Francesco , Furlan Roberto , Finardi Annamaria , Fantozzi Roberta , Storto Marianna , Bellantonio Paolo , Pirollo Pamela , Di Lemme Sonia , Musella Alessandra , Mandolesi Georgia , Centonze Diego , Matarese Giuseppe 
Published: June 2019

Background: Previous studies evidenced a link between metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: To explore whether increased adipocyte mass expressed as body mass index (BMI) and increased serum lipids influence cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inflammation and disease severity. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 140 consecutive relapsing-remitting (RR)-MS patients underwent clinical assessment, BMI evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging scan, and blood and CSF collection before any specific drug treatment. The CSF levels of the following cytokines, adipocytokines, and inflammatory factors were measured: interleukin (IL)-6, IL-13, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, leptin, ghrelin, osteoprotegerin, osteopontin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, resistin, and Annexin A1. Serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were assessed. Results: A positive correlation emerged between BMI and Expanded Disability Status Scale score. Obese RR-MS patients showed higher clinical disability, increased CSF levels of the proinflammatory molecules IL-6 and leptin, and reduced concentrations of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-13. Moreover, both the serum levels of triglycerides and TC/HDL-C ratio showed a positive correlation with IL-6 CSF concentrations. Conclusion: Obesity and altered lipid profile are associated with exacerbated central inflammation and higher clinical disability in RR-MS at the time of diagnosis. Increased adipocytokines and lipids can mediate the negative impact of high adiposity on RR-MS course.