bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Bilirubin Level as a Potential Marker for the Hearing Outcome in Severe-Profound Bilateral Sudden Deafness
Authors: Bing Dan , Wang Da-Yong , Lan Lan , Zhao Li-Dong , Yin Zi-Fang , Yu Lan , Xie Lin-Yi , Guan Jing , Wang Qiu-Ju 
Published: May 2019

Objective:
To investigate the association of serum bilirubin level with hearing outcomes in bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (BSSHL) patients.

Participants:
One hundred thirteen in-patient BSSHL patients were consecutively enrolled between July 2008 and December 2015 in a tertiary center.

Main Outcome Measures:
Multivariable linear regression, generalized estimating equations (GEE), and stratified analyses were applied to examine the association between serum bilirubin level and hearing outcome measures such as final hearing threshold and absolute and relative hearing gains in BSSHL.

Results:
After full adjustment for potential confounders, total bilirubin levels (TBIL) were observed to be positively and independently associated with hearing outcomes as measured by final hearing (β [95% confidence interval {CI}]: −1.5 [−2.7, −0.2] dB HL per 1 μmol/L increase in TBIL) and absolute and relative hearing gains (β [95% CI]: 1.4 [0.2, 2.7] dB and 1.6 [0.2, 3.1] dB, respectively) in the severe to profound hearing loss subpopulation.

Conclusions:
Higher TBIL levels, within the normal or mildly elevated ranges, were independently and significantly associated with better hearing outcome in BSSHL patients with severe to profound hearing loss. Given bilirubin elevation treatments exist, our finding suggests a novel pharmacological strategy for this specific subpopulation.
Incus Necrosis and Blood Supply: A Micro-CT and Synchrotron Imaging Study
Authors: Enghag Sara , Strömbäck Karin , Li Hao , Rohani Seyed Alireza , Ladak Hanif M. , Rask-Andersen Helge , Agrawal Sumit 
Published: May 2019

Background:
Incus necrosis is a common complication following stapes surgery and is associated with impaired microcirculation. The objective of this study was to investigate the vascular anatomy of the human incus by using light microscopy, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and synchrotron phase-contrast imaging (SR-PCI) for a novel three-dimensional (3D) analysis of the middle ear, mucosal folds, major vascular pathways, and intraosseous vascular bone channels.

Methods:
One-hundred-and-fifty temporal bones from the Uppsala collection were analyzed under light microscopy. Twenty temporal bones underwent high-resolution micro-CT scanning, and an additional seven specimens underwent SR-PCI at the Canadian Lightsource in Saskatoon, Canada. One of these specimens was from an individual who had undergone stapes surgery. Data were processed with volume-rendering software to create 3D reconstructions using scalar opacity mapping for bone transparency, cropping, and soft tissue analyses.

Results:
Micro-CT and SR-PCI with 3D rendering revealed the extensive vascular plexus within the un-decalcified incus bone communicating with the exterior surface. The relationship between the vessels, lenticular process, and incudostapedial joint were clearly observed. SR-PCI allowed for histologic-level detail while preserving the specimen and its 3D relationships.

Conclusion:
SR-PCI with 3D reconstructions confirmed the main vascular supply to the lenticular process along the intraosseous lenticular vessels. This is the first synchrotron analysis of a patient having undergone stapes surgery, and it suggests that incus necrosis associated with stapes surgery may be caused by a disruption of the lenticular blood flow induced by the prosthesis loop, and not by strangulation of mucosal vessels as has been previously described.
Caring for the patient with a failing allograft: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Agrawal Nikhil , Pavlakis Martha 
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review
The population of kidney transplant recipients with advanced chronic kidney disease is growing but their outcomes are poor and care is not standardized. There has been wide variety of research in recent years on different aspects of care in failing allografts, and these research findings may help the providers in optimizing care. The purpose of the review is to outline the challenges and opportunities in management of failing allograft, and provide tools for improvement.

Recent findings
This review summarizes the recent research in field of failing allograft including outcomes, immunosuppression, risk factor management, multidisciplinary CKD care, dialysis initiation, nephrectomy and re-transplantation.

Summary
Kidney allograft failure is a period of higher risk of mortality compared with other transition periods for patients with ESRD. Risk mitigation is a complex challenge for patients and their care teams. In addition to summarizing the recent literature, we propose a checklist approach to the various issues, medical, surgical, psychological and nutritional as patients approach kidney transplant failure while they consider initiation of dialysis and possible repeat transplantation. Once standard algorithms are instituted, studies can be conducted to identify those high-value interventions that actually reduce morbidity and mortality risk during this transition period.
Evaluation of Methods to Measure Production Pressure
Authors: Wilbanks Bryan A. 
Published: May 2019

Background:
Production pressure is a major contributor to the occurrence of medical errors. Production pressure is the demand on health care professionals to increase the quantity of work at the expense of quality.

Purpose:
The purpose was to summarize the state of the science on measuring production pressure in health care settings so that evidence-based strategies could be identified that minimize medical errors.

Methods:
This was a literature review. The electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were queried using the keywords “work pressure” or “production pressure.”

Results:
Production pressure is often measured with quantitative approaches that measure efficiency, staff workload, capacity utilization (number of hospital beds occupied), or psychometric instruments. Ethnography is a qualitative method that is also used to assess production pressure.

Conclusions:
There were several strategies identified to minimize the impact of production pressure on the occurrence of medical errors. These strategies can be categorized as administrator, educational, or workflow related.
Informatics Competencies for Nurse Leaders
Authors: Strudwick Gillian , Nagle Lynn , Kassam Iman , Pahwa Meera , Sequeira Lydia 
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVE
To consolidate informatics competencies for nurse leaders.

BACKGROUND
Nurses in leadership positions with financial and human resource responsibilities have the capacity to shape how technologies are selected, implemented, and used. Many nurse leaders are not equipped with the essential informatics competencies to do so effectively. There have been efforts to identify a set of standard informatics competencies that should be core to every nurse leader's suite of capabilities; nonetheless, these efforts have yet to be disseminated widely.

METHODS
A scoping review was conducted by: 1) identifying the research questions; 2) identifying relevant studies; 3) selecting studies; 4) extracting collected data; and 5) reporting the results.

RESULTS
Fifteen articles were found, and 11 competency themes related to informatics knowledge, informatics skills, and others were identified.

CONCLUSION
Findings of this review can be used to support nursing leaders in their identification of gaps in their informatics knowledge and skill.
Effect of Anodic tDCS Over Motor Cortex Versus Cerebellum in Cerebral Palsy: A Study Protocol
Authors: Villalta Santos Lucas , Benite Palma Lopes Jamile , Almeida Carvalho Duarte Natália , Galli Manuela , Collange Grecco Luanda André , Santos Oliveira Claudia 
Published: May 2019

Purpose:To compare the clinical and functional effects of treadmill training combined with anodic transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) on the primary motor cortex (Cz), specifically on the area of motor cortex representation of the lower limbs, and on the cerebellum (Cb) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).Methods:Thirty children and adolescents with spastic CP will be randomly allocated in 3 groups: (1) treadmill training and atDCS on Cz; (2) treadmill training and atDCS on Cb; (3) treadmill training and sham tDCS on Cz. Evaluations of gait spatial-temporal parameters, functional mobility, functional balance, gross motor function, and functional performance will be performed 1 week before intervention and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after intervention. Every 3 months the participants will cross over groups.Discussion:This is a protocol for an intervention study comparing the clinical and functional effects of atDCS over Cz and Cb.
The Validity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment for Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
Authors: Tay Matthew Rong Jie , Soh Yan Ming , Plunkett Tegan Kate , Ong Poo Lee , Huang Wanping , Kong Keng He 
Published: May 2019

Objective
The aim of the study was to pilot the use of Montreal Cognitive Assessment as a quick clinical screen for cognitive assessment in traumatic brain injury patients.

Design
The study recruited 61 participants with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury presenting to a tertiary rehabilitation center under the Brain Injury Program. A Montreal Cognitive Assessment questionnaire and neuropsychological battery (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status and Color Trails Test) were administered to participants who had completed inpatient rehabilitation.

Results
Receiver operating characteristic analysis for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment revealed an optimal balance of sensitivity and specificity at 24/25 to discriminate participants who were classified as less than 5th centile on the Total Scale Index on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. This achieved a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 73.9%, 86.5%, 77.3%, and 84.2%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for the trail making subtest of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment achieved a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 79.4%, 74.1%, 79.4%, and 74.1% in identifying patients classified as less than 5th centile on Color Trail Test part 2.

Conclusions
The use of Montreal Cognitive Assessment displayed good validity in identifying patients with clinically significant impairment on a standard neuropsychological assessment battery in the study population. However, it may lack sensitivity for estimating mild levels of impairment.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells for B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Ceppi Francesco , Gardner Rebecca A. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is transforming the landscape for treatment of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy makes use of T cells that have been modified to target a cancer-specific cell surface antigen. There is currently 1 Food and Drug Administration–approved CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory B-ALL with numerous other CAR T-cell products under clinical investigation. This review covers the development of CAR T cells for B-ALL, citing the remarkable efficacy of inducing remissions in a very high-risk population of patients. However, following the first round of CAR T-cell trials targeting CD19 in B-ALL, it has been found that approximately 50% of patients who initially respond will ultimately recur. Current efforts in the field are focusing on the identification of targets beyond CD19 as well as advancing strategies to promote more durable remissions as work is ongoing to move this therapy upfront.
Multiple Myeloma, Targeting B-Cell Maturation Antigen With Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells
Authors: Shah Urvi A. , Smith Eric L. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Multiple myeloma is still an incurable malignancy despite the many new therapies approved over the last decade and therefore represents a significant unmet medical need. To address this need, adoptive cellular therapies using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells are being explored in clinical investigations. The number of CAR T-cell trials for multiple myeloma has increased exponentially over the past few years. Although the data are preliminary at this time, the results have garnered much enthusiasm in the field. Immune therapies targeting B-cell maturation antigen have been the most widely developed, and much of these early data were presented at the recent American Society of Hematology 2018 meeting. Here we review the available data for anti–B-cell maturation antigen CAR T-cell therapies and discuss next steps as the field progresses forward.
Field Suitability and Diagnostic Accuracy of the Biocentric Open Real-Time PCR Platform for Dried Blood Spot–Based HIV Viral Load Quantification in Eswatini
Authors: Kerschberger Bernhard , Ntshalintshali Nombuso , Mpala Qhubekani , Díaz Uribe Paola Andrea , Maphalala Gugu , Kalombola Sydney , Telila Addissu Bekele , Chawinga Tiwonge , Maphalala Mukelo , Jani Aditi , Phugwayo Nomcebo , de la Tour Roberto , Nyoni Nomxolise , Goiri Javier , Dlamini Sindisiwe , Ciglenecki Iza , Fajardo Emmanuel 
Published: May 2019

Background:
To assess the performance and suitability of dried blood spot (DBS) sampling using filter paper to collect blood for viral load (VL) quantification under routine conditions.

Methods:
We compared performance of DBS VL quantification using the Biocentric method with plasma VL quantification using Roche and Biocentric as reference methods. Adults (≥18 years) were enrolled at 2 health facilities in Eswatini from October 12, 2016 to March 1, 2017. DBS samples were prepared through finger-prick by a phlebotomist (DBS-1), and through the pipetting of whole venous blood by a phlebotomist (DBS-2) and by a laboratory technologist (DBS-3). We calculated the VL-testing completion rate, correlation, and agreement, as well as diagnostic accuracy estimates at the clinical threshold of 1000 copies/mL.

Results:
Of 362 patients enrolled, 1066 DBS cards (DBS-1: 347; DBS-2: 359; DBS-3: 360) were tested. Overall, test characteristics were comparable between DBS-sampling methods, irrespective of the reference method. The Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from 0.67 to 0.82 (P < 0.001) for different types of DBS sampling using both reference methods, and the Bland–Altman difference ranged from 0.15 to 0.30 log10 copies/mL. Sensitivity estimates were from 85.3% to 89.2% and specificity estimates were from 94.5% to 98.6%. The positive predictive values were between 87.0% and 96.5% at a prevalence of 30% VL elevations, and negative predictive values were between 93.7% and 95.4%.

Conclusions:
DBS VL quantification using the newly configured Biocentric method can be part of contextualized VL-testing strategies, particularly for remote settings and populations with higher viral failure rates.
Controversy around airborne versus droplet transmission of respiratory viruses: implication for infection prevention
Authors: Shiu Eunice Y.C. , Leung Nancy H.L. , Cowling Benjamin J. 
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review
Health agencies recommend transmission-based precautions, including contact, droplet and airborne precautions, to mitigate transmission of respiratory viruses in healthcare settings. There is particular controversy over the importance of aerosol transmission and whether airborne precautions should be recommended for some respiratory viruses. Here, we review the current recommendations of transmission-based precautions and the latest evidence on the aerosol transmission of respiratory viruses.

Recent findings
Viral nucleic acids, and in some instances viable viruses, have been detected in aerosols in the air in healthcare settings for some respiratory viruses such as seasonal and avian influenza viruses, Middle East respiratory syndrome-coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus. However, current evidences are yet to demonstrate that these viruses can effectively spread via airborne route between individuals, or whether preventive measures in airborne precautions would be effective.

Summary
Studies that use transmission events as outcome to demonstrate human-to-human transmission over the aerosol route or quantitative measurement of infectious respiratory viruses in the air are needed to evaluate the infectiousness of respiratory viruses over the aerosol route. When a respiratory virus in concern only leads to disease with low severity, airborne precautions are not likely to be justified.
Pittsburgh Compound-B Uptake in Meningioma With Histopathologic Correlation
Authors: Doi Shuhei , Kashiwagi Nobuo , Satou Takao , Kaida Hayato , Ishi Kazunari 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Previous studies have reported increased Pittsburgh compound-B (PiB) uptake in meningiomas; however, histological correlation to elucidate the underlying mechanism has not yet been done. We report a case of an 82-year-old woman with an incidental intracranial tumor that showed focal increased PiB uptake. Because of tumor growth, surgical resection was performed, yielding a histological diagnosis of meningioma. Any special and immunochemical staining for amyloid did not reveal amyloid deposition in the tumor. Our findings suggest that increased PiB uptake was not associated with amyloid in this instance.
Two-Flap Otoplasty
Authors: Ersen Burak 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Prominent ear deformity is a common congenital deformity of the external ear affecting 5% of the general population. Although this is a harmless deformity, several publications demonstrate the psychological distress, emotional trauma, and behavioral problems that this deformity can inflict on children. As a result of these concerns, corrective prominent ear surgery is now widely performed as a prophylactic surgery.
A laterally based perichondrioadipodermal flap and a medially based adipoperichondrial flap were elevated. A subdermal pocket was prepared over mastoid bone. Medially based adipoperichondrial flap was fixed to the posterior helical skin; laterally based perichondrioadipodermal flap was fixed to the mastoid bone periosteum. The helix-mastoid distances and concha-mastoid angles of the patients were measured preoperatively and at the sixth month of the surgery as the late postoperative assessment. Patients were also evaluated for suture extrusion, granuloma formation, deformity recurrence, and postauricular area sensitivity.
Twenty-two patients with bilateral prominent ear deformities were treated between January 2017 and January 2018. None of the patients suffered from skin necrosis, suture extrusion, hematoma, or wound infection at the early or late postoperative period. Unilateral recurrence was noted in 1 patient, and revision was performed.
Preparation of a medially based adipoperichondrial flap and a laterally based perichondrioadipodermal flap and the reposition of these flaps with opposite vectors not only decrease postoperative complication rates but also provide a primary otoplasty technique. The posterior fascia flap is already a well-documented and reliable protruding ear correction method.
Unusual Cause of Facial Asymmetry: Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Authors: Ogul Hayri , Kiziloglu Alper 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare neurocutaneous disease, also called encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis. In this study, we aimed to present a patient with Sturge-Weber syndrome who had atypical radiological findings and with dural arteriovenous fistula. The patient presented with hemifacial asymmetry. Sturge-Weber syndrome may present with atypical radiological findings and additional pathologies.
Cold Storage Increases Albumin and Advanced Glycation-End Product-Albumin Levels in Kidney Transplants: A Possible Cause for Exacerbated Renal Damage
Authors: Lo Sorena , Byrum Stephanie D. , Tackett Alan J. , Parajuli Nirmala 
Published: May 2019

Background.
Prolonged cold storage (CS) of kidneys is associated with poor renal outcome after transplantation (Tx). We recently showed that in rats (Lewis), proteasome and renal function were severely compromised in kidney transplants subjected to CS (CS/Tx) as compared with those without CS exposure (autotransplanted [ATx]).

Methods.
Evaluation of whole-kidney extracts from our rat kidney transplant model showed a subset of proteins induced after CS/Tx when compared with ATx or sham groups; this study examined those proteins using mass spectrometry, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry.

Results.
Mass spectrometry identified basal albumin levels in sham kidney extracts; western blots and immunohistochemistry confirmed this. Western blotting showed exceptionally higher albumin levels in both soluble and insoluble fractions of CS/Tx renal extracts when compared with ATx and sham groups. Surprisingly, levels of advanced glycation-end products (AGE) were higher in CS/Tx renal extracts. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation of albumin followed by western blotting for AGE revealed AGE-albumin in all 3 extracts; its levels were highest in CS/Tx extracts. Immunohistochemistry analysis of kidney sections revealed higher albumin or AGE levels in the CS/Tx group, and the protein was detected all over (within glomeruli, and intratubular and extratubular compartments) when compared with ATx and sham groups, which show confinement of these proteins to the extratubular compartment and within glomeruli. As expected, kidneys of the ATx group showed evidence of more macrophages, which was exacerbated in the CS/Tx group.

Conclusions.
These results suggested that CS/Tx increased AGE-albumin, which was correlated with increased inflammation and renal damage.
The Relationship Between Caregiver Burden and Emotion Recognition Deficits in Persons With MCI and Early AD
Authors: Spitzer Naama , Shafir Tal , Lerman Yaffa , Werner Perla 
Published: May 2019

Objectives:
Emotion recognition (ER) abilities change in people with early Alzheimer disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and can influence their caregivers’ lives and experiences. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess caregivers’ awareness of ER deficits in care-receivers with early AD or MCI; (2) to examine the mediating role of caregivers’ subjective evaluations on the relationship between caregiver burden and ER deficits in persons with MCI and early AD.

Methods:
Persons with MCI (N=29) and with early AD (N=26) performed an ER task (objective emotion recognition, OER) of watching short clips of dynamic bodily and dynamic facial expressions of 6 basic emotions. In addition, their family caregivers (N=55) were interviewed to measure their evaluation of their relatives’ ER ability (subjective emotion recognition, SER) as well as their own experience of burden.

Results:
Two thirds of the caregivers either underestimated or overestimated the care-receivers’ ER deficits. Regression results yielded a significant positive relationship between OER and SER, as well as a significant negative relationship between SER and caregiver burden. Moreover, SER was found to mediate the relationship between OER and caregiver burden.

Conclusion:
Caregivers’ better awareness of ER deficits in people with MCI and early AD might mitigate the deleterious consequences of caregiving for persons with cognitive deterioration and might therefore allow better chances for people with dementia to age in a homecare setting.