bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Standardizing Laryngeal Cleft Evaluations: Reliability of the Interarytenoid Assessment Protocol
Authors: Coppess Steven , Padia Reema , Horn David , Parikh Sanjay R. , Inglis Andrew , Bly Randall , Dahl John , Dudley Daniel , Johnson Kaalan 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveWhile the Benjamin‐Inglis classification system is widely used to categorize laryngeal clefts, it does not clearly differentiate a type 1 cleft from normal anatomy, and there is no widely accepted or validated protocol for systematically evaluating interarytenoid mucosal height. We sought to propose the interarytenoid assessment protocol as a method to standardize the description of the interarytenoid anatomy and to test its reliability.Study DesignRetrospective review of endoscopic videos.SettingPediatric academic center.Subjects and MethodsThe interarytenoid assessment protocol comprises 4 steps for evaluation of the interarytenoid region relative to known anatomic landmarks in the supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis. Thirty consecutively selected videos of the protocol were reviewed by 4 otolaryngologists. The raters were blinded to identifying information, and the video order was randomized for each review. We assessed protocol completion times and calculated Cohen's linear‐weighted κ coefficient between blinded expert raters and with the operating surgeon to evaluate interrater/intrarater reliability.ResultsMedian age was 4.9 years (59 months; range, 1 month to 20 years). Median completion time was 144 seconds. Interrater and intrarater reliability showed substantial agreement (interrater κ = 0.71 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55‐0.87]; intrarater mean κ = 0.70 [95% CI, 0.59‐0.92/rater 1, 0.47‐0.85/rater 2]; P <. 001). Comparing raters to the operating surgeon demonstrated substantial agreement (mean κ = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.31‐0.79/rater 1, 0.48‐0.89/rater 2; P <. 001).ConclusionThe interarytenoid assessment protocol appears reliable in describing interarytenoid anatomy. Rapid completion times and substantial interrater/intrarater reliability were demonstrated. Incorporation of this protocol may provide important steps toward improved standardization in the anatomic description of the interarytenoid region in pediatric dysphagia.
Management of Rhinitis Medicamentosa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zucker Shana M. , Barton Blair M. , McCoul Edward D. 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveRhinitis medicamentosa (RM) is a common condition resulting from overuse of topical nasal decongestants. Despite the prevalence in otolaryngologic practice, a clear treatment protocol has not been established. Our objective was to review the current published literature pertaining to the treatment of RM with the possibility of finding data that support one treatment over another.Data SourcesPubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were examined for patients diagnosed with RM resulting from chronic use of topical nasal decongestants.Review MethodsThe PRISMA standard (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses) was utilized to identify English‐language studies reporting treatment of patients with the primary diagnosis of RM after chronic use of a topical decongestant. Outcome measures of interest included patient‐reported symptom relief and objective parameters. MINORS criteria (methodological index for nonrandomized studies) were used to assess the quality of articles.ResultsA total of 350 articles were identified, 9 of which met final inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. Outcomes defined in each publication were highly varied and relied on several unstandardized measures. The most commonly reported treatment option was topical nasal steroids, although overall there was limited evidence on which to base treatment recommendation.ConclusionsThere is not adequate evidence to develop a standardized treatment protocol for RM. The development of a uniform questionnaire, standard outcomes to be measured, and a method of assessing such outcomes is necessary. Prospective randomized controlled studies are warranted to determine the optimal treatment regimen following diagnosis of RM.
Analysis of Breslow Tumor Thickness Distribution of Skin Melanoma in the Italian Region of Romagna, 1986–1991
Authors: Stanganelli Ignazio , Raccagni Antonio Ascari , Baldassari Laura , Calista Donato , Serafini Monica , Bucchi Lauro 
Published: October 2018

Aims and Background In southern European countries, the availability of epidemiologic data on cutaneous malignant melanoma is limited. A descriptive analysis was performed on melanoma cases diagnosed in the Italian region of Romagna (population 600,000), 1986-91. Methods The main end point was the proportion of cases less than 1.5 mm thick by sex, age, and site. Results A total of 297 incident cases was evaluated. The average annual age-standardized (World) incidence rates were 6.2 (95% CI 5.2–7.2) per 100,000 females and 4.5 (95% CI 3.6–5.3) per 100,000 males. Females presented with significantly thinner melanomas than males. The proportion of cases less than 1.5 mm thick decreased significantly with increasing age in both sexes, with the most pronounced decrease (approximately from 2/3 to 1/3) being observed above 60 years for females and above 40 for males. Comparing sexes by 10-year age groups, a significant F:M advantage in thickness distribution was found only at age 40–49 and 50–59 years. Among females under 60, melanomas of the legs and those of the trunk showed no difference in thickness distribution, in both sexes, incidence appeared to increase progressively with age. No apparent elevation in incidence rates was observed in the age groups with the highest frequency of thin melanomas. Conclusions The major implication of these data is that in public education programs specific messages should be aimed at those subgroups that show the poorest levels of self-surveillance.
An Intensive Treatment with Mitoxantrone and Ifosfamide in Second-Line Therapy of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Di Leo Angelo , Biganzoli Laura , Bohm Silvia , Lupi Giovanni , Oriana Saro , Riboldi Gianluca , Spatti Giovanbattista , Vicario Giovanni , Di Re Francesco , Bajetta Emilio 
Published: October 2018

Aims and background Both mitoxantrone (DHAD) and ifosfamide (IFO) have given promising results when administered as single agents in advanced ovarian cancer pretreated with platinum compounds. The aim of this I.T.M.O. group pilot trial was to evaluate, in a selected population of ovarian cancer patients, the efficacy and tolerability of the following intensive second-line regimen: DHAD, 12 mg/m2 i.v., day 1; IFO, 4,000 mg/m2 i.v., days 1 and 2; Mesna, 800 mg/m2 i.v. t.i.d., days 1 and 2. Filgrastim (5 μg/kg/day i.m.) was given from day 6 to day 19 to reduce the expected neutropenia. Cycles were repeated every 21 days. Methods Nineteen platinum-pre-treated patients were enrolled and 14 were evaluated for tumor response; the disease of 5 patients was not measurable clinically or radiologically. Results Seven responses were observed (3 CRs), with a median response duration of 5 months. The median time to treatment failure and overall survival for all 19 patients was respectively 8 and 13 months. Anemia was observed in all of the treated patients (grade 3–4 in 9 cases). Only 6 of the 19 patients ended the five planned cycles of chemotherapy without any delay. Conclusions Although DHAD plus IFO induced a considerable number of objective responses, the limited response duration time to treatment failure, and overall survival as well as the reported side effects suggest that this is not a recommended regimen for the palliative treatment of ovarian cancer patients undergoing second-line chemotherapy.
Are Lipid Abnormalities Reliable Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Dialysis Patients?
Authors: Bergesio F. , Ciuti R. , Salvadori M. , Galli G.A. , Monzani G. , Bertoni E. , Salerno A. , Frizzi V. 
Published: October 2018

Patients on chronic hemodialysis often present both hyperlipidemia and a high incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Uremic hyperlipidemia has usually been regarded as one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in these patients. In order to study whether the “uremia-induced” lipid abnormalities are actually associated with evidence of uremic CVD, and consequently may be considered reliable CVRF, 123 patients on chronic dialysis were reviewed for the presence of CVD and, at the same time, examined for their lipoprotein pattern and other clinical and biochemical variables. Lipids and lipoproteins did not prove helpful in our study in identifying patients with CVD. Despite the fact that they had been on dialysis for a shorter time, CVD patients were significantly older and had higher blood pressure than patients without CVD. Our data suggest that the uremia-induced lipid abnormalities are not reliable markers of CVD in dialysis patients, and support the hypothesis that dialysis per se does not accelerate the atherosclerotic process in uremic patients
Are Changes in Intracranial Pressure during Intermittent Machine Haemofiltration Dependent upon Membrane Biocompatibility?
Authors: Davenport A. , Davison A.M. , Will E.J. 
Published: October 2018

We measured the intracranial pressure, using a subdural catheter in three patients admitted with grade 4 hepatic encephalopathy following paracetamol (aminocetaphen) self poisoning. Acute oliguric renal failure was present in all cases and was treated with daily intermittent machine haemofiltration. Hypovolaemia prior to treatment was corrected and a total of 14 isovolaemic 17 litre exchanges carried out using either a Gambro FH77 (8) or Hospal 3600 (6) haemofilter. Intracranial pressure (ICP) increased during treatment with both types of filter, but the increase was greater in the Gambro FH77 treated group, mean ICP increased from 7.6 ± 2 mmHg to 12 ± 3 mmHg at 3 hours (p< 0.05), this was associated with a greater fall in the percentage change from the pretreatment value of both arterial oxygen tension and total peripheral white blood cell count during the first hour of treatment compared to the Hospal 3600 treated group, 8 ± 2% vs 1 ± 2% (p< 0.05) and 5 ± 2% vs 3 ± 2% (p< 0.05). This suggests that membrane biocompatibility may also play a role in the development of increased intracranial pressure during intermittent machine haemofiltration.
The Use of a Heparin Removal Device: A Valid Alternative to Protamine
Authors: Hendrikx M. , Leunens V. , Vandezande E. , Wallyn A. , Flameng W. 
Published: October 2018

Purpose Experiments were carried out to test the efficacy and safety of the heparin removal device, a plasmapheresis filter that binds and eliminates heparin, in the context of extracorporeal circulation. Procedures and Findings Six dogs were put on cardiopulmonary bypass after heparinization. Upon weaning, additional heparin was administered to obtain an activated clotting time above 900s. The animals were connected to the heparin removal device and with flows of 500 ml/min, activated clotting time, activated partial thromboplastin time and plasma heparin concentrations were normalised to baseline after 30 min. Hemodynamic parameters remained unaffected. A slight decrease in red and white blood cell count and in platelets was observed which however recovered spontaneously two hours after the filter procedure. No damage to blood components could be observed. Conclusions The use of a heparin removal device is as efficient as systemic administration of protamine to reverse the effects of heparinization. It may prevent the adverse reactions linked to protamine administration and therefore be indicated in certain subgroups of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.
Preoperative incipient osteoarthritis predicts failure after periacetabular osteotomy: 69 hips operated through the anterior intrapelvic approach
Authors: Isaksen Kjetil F , Roscher Elin K , Iversen Kjetil S , Eitzen Ingrid , Clarke-Jenssen John , Nordsletten Lars , Madsen Jan E 
Published: October 2018

Background: Untreated developmental hip dysplasia may result in pain, loss of function and is a common cause of osteoarthritis (OA). The periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) was developed to relieve symptoms and postpone further degeneration of the hip. We aimed to assess preoperative clinical and radiographic prognostic factors and evaluate survivorship of PAO after medium-term follow-up of 7.4 (2–15) years. Methods: 59 patients (69 hips) operated with a PAO through an anterior intrapelvic approach from 1999 to 2011 were retrospectively identified. The patients were evaluated radiographically and clinically with Harris Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and 15D quality of life questionnaires. Survival analyses identified native hip joint survival predictors. Results: 9 hips (9 patients) were converted to a total hip arthroplasty (THA). Of the 50 remaining patients (60 hips), 44 patients (54 hips) were examined at medium-term follow-up. 3 patients were lost to follow-up or declined participation and 3 were interviewed by telephone. Patient age at time of surgery was 32 (14–44) years. Survival analyses showed 84.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 68.7–92.5%) survival of the native hip at 8 years follow-up (number at risk 32) (worst case scenario 80% survival at 8 years, 95% CI, 63.9–89.2%, number at risk 32). Cox regression with presence of preoperative OA (Tönnis ⩾1), showed a crude hazard ratio for conversion to THA with preoperative OA of 13.73, p < 0.001. Conclusions: Periacetabular osteotomy through the anterior intrapelvic approach can be performed safely and with satisfactory results at medium-term follow-up. The presence of preoperative incipient OA (Tönnis ⩾1) is the most important predictor for poor hip joint survival.
Talent Development in China: Current Practices and Challenges Ahead
Authors: Wang Jia , Sun Jian-Min 
Published: October 2018

The Problem The continuing trend of globalization has made the need for talent a worldwide issue. China, as one of the fastest growing economies and population in the world, has made unprecedented growth during the past few decades. Nevertheless, with a rapidly aging population, migrant workers demanding better pay, rising numbers of college graduates entering the job market, and exacerbating shortage of technical managerial talents, China is facing serious new human resource challenges. The Solution In this article, we analyzed China’s talent needs and examined its current talent development practice. To gain deep insights, we classified Chinese human resources by industries (primary, secondary, and tertiary), geographical regions (Eastern, Central, and Western), and organizational ownership (private vs. state-owned). By taking this contingency-based approach, we hope to capture the uniqueness and complexity of the contextual variables that influence talent development in China. This research contributes to Chinese management literature and also expands global talent development knowledge base. The Stakeholders The findings and recommendations offered in this article will benefit multiple stakeholders, including national policy makers in China, domestic and multiple-national organizational leaders, human resource or talent development practitioners, and researchers.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of Human Lung Cancers with Anti-ras p21 Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Dosaka Hirotoshi , Harada Masao , Kuzumaki Noboru , Kobayashi Hitoshi , Isobe Hiroshi , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Kawakami Yoshikazu 
Published: October 2018

The expression of ras oncogene product p21 in human malignant pleurisy and primary lung cancer was studied immunocyto-histochemically with monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) rp-28 and rp-35 against ras p21. In pleural effusion cells, cancer cells revealed more intensively positive reaction with MoAb rp-35 than with MoAb rp-28, especially in the plasma membrane, and no positive reaction was obtained in any kind of inflammation cells with the exception of faintly positive reaction in the cytoplasm of macrophages. In primary lung cancers, well or moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma tissues showed higher reactivity with MoAb rp-28 than those of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma or any other histological subtype of lung cancer. With MoAb rp-35, intensively positive reaction was obtained in most of cases with all different histological subtypes of lung cancer. The staining in cancer cells was usually localized intensively to the plasma membrane and weakly to the cytoplasm with both MoAbs. Normal bronchial epithelial and glandular tissues showed only cytoplasmic staining. These two MoAbs, especially MoAb rp-35, may be useful in clinicopathological applications for the diagnosis of malignant pleurisy and primary lung cancer.
A New ADP-ribosyltransferase in Human Serum: Significance in Cancer
Authors: Pohl Adolf L. 
Published: October 2018

A novel ADP-ribosyltransferase (ADPRT) is reported from sera of both healthy human subjects (n = 25) and patients with colorectal tumors (n = 12) and breast cancer (n = 55). In sera of healthy controls (n = 25) the average ADPRT values were 250 ± 56 picokatal/liter. ADPRT serum activities in metastatic cancer patients (n = 47) were three times higher (p < 0.01) than in normal controls. A tumor origin of the serum ADPRT can be inferred from the statistical correlation (R = 0.74) between tumor and serum levels. The radiometric test procedure (CV 20–25%) is critically validated and kinetic properties of serum ADPRT have been studied, showing a competitive inhibition by nicotinamide, benzamide and 3-aminobenzamide. The kinetic parameters of serum ADPRT resemble those reported for nuclear ADPRT, thus indicating that serum ADPRT activity could be due to a nuclear enzyme released from the tumor cells.
CEA Levels in Gastric Juice in Precancerous Conditions and Cancer
Authors: Amador Dino , Ravaioli Alberto , Biserni Roberta , Bonaguri Chiara , Erbacci Paola , Pallotti Gualtiero , Ronchi Anna , Saragoni Ariele , Falcini Fabio 
Published: October 2018

First described in 1965 as a specific antigen for cancer of the colon, CEA is now considered to be an antigen associated with many types of malignant neoplasia, although the CEA-Test's role in clinical routine has yet to be clearly defined. In the present study CEA levels in gastric juice were measured in subjects with gastric carcinoma (n = 25) and with benign gastric lesions (n = 171). CEA was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in patients with gastric carcinoma (GC) than in subjects with benign gastric lesions, other than chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) associated with intestinal metaplasia (IM). In this latter condition CEA levels were similar to those in patients with GC. These results suggest that the assay of CEA in gastric juice could be included in the diagnostic program for gastric cancer and its precursors with the aim of assessing its utility as risk indicator in the management of precancerous conditions and lesion.
Individually Specified Drug Immunoconjugates in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Oldham R.K. , Lewis M. , Orr D.W. , Liao S-K. , Ogden J.R. , Hubbard W.H. , Birch R. 
Published: October 2018

Forty-three patients with disseminated refractory malignancies each received an individually-specified combination of either Adriamycin (24 patients) or mitomycin-C (19 patients) conjugated murine monoclonal antibodies. Tumors were typed using a panel of antibodies with both immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Cocktails of up to six antibodies were selected based on binding greater than 80% of the malignant cells in the biopsy specimen. These monoclonal antibody cocktails were drug conjugated and administered intravenously. Seventeen out of twenty-four patients had reactions to the administration of Adriamycin immunoconjugates, but these were tolerable in all but two patients. Fever, chills, pruritis and skin rash were by far the most common transitory reactions. All were well controlled with premedication. In several patients it was demonstrated that there was limited antigenic drift among various biopsies within the same patient over time. Up to 1 gram of Adriamycin and up to 5 grams of monoclonal antibody were administered. The limiting factor appeared to be a variable dissociation of active Adriamycin from the antibody which unpredictably caused hemopoietic depression. Similar findings were noted in 19 patients with mitomycin-C conjugates. Thrombocytopenia at a 60mg dose of mitomycin-C in this schedule was dose limiting. Preliminary serological evidence suggests that the development of an IgM antibody which is specific against the mouse monoclonal antibody has the specificity and sensitivity to predict clinical reactions. These antibodies were quantitatively less in mitomycin-C patients. Selected patients were re-treated. One patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia had re-treatment on three occasions and demonstrated regression of peripheral lymph nodes. Two patients with breast carcinoma had definite improvement in ulcerating skin lesions and two patients with tongue carcinoma had shrinkage of their lesions. No responses were seen with mitomycin-C conjugates but binding was noted to tumors and colon with likely drug induced colitis seen after colon binding. This study demonstrates the feasibility and illustrates technical considerations in preparing drug immunoconjugate cocktails for patients with refractory malignancies. Cocktail formulation and antibody delivery was accomplished. The major technical hurdle appears to be the selection of effective conjugation methods that can be used to optimally bind drugs to monoclonal antibodies for targeted cancer therapy.
Distribution of CA 125 in Placental Tissues
Authors: Fuith L.C. , Müller-Holzner E. , Marth C. , Perkmann E. , Zeimet A. , Daxenbichler G. 
Published: October 2018

The presence of the tumor marker CA 125 was studied in different compartments of the human placenta. Levels of CA 125 in the cytosol of chorionic villi ranged from 27 - 17100 U/g (median 560 U/g). In the placental amnion and chorion concentrations ranged from 175-29000 U/g, median 1060 U/g and were not statistically different. In the umbilical cord values were significantly lower (range 44 - 7600 U/g; median 180 U/g). Maternal serum probes were above the upper limit of normal in all cases (range 48 - 500 U/ml; median 131 U/ml). Immunohistochemistry detected CA 125 exclusively within the amniotic cells of the placenta and the umbilical cord. This might be because CA 125 fixes more to insoluble structures in the amnion or because of contamination of chorionic villi with the underlying decidua.
Clinical Behaviour of Prostatic Specific Antigen and Prostatic Acid Phosphatase: A Comparative Study
Authors: Robles J. Morote , Morell A. Ruibal , De Torres Mateos J.A. , Roselló A. Soler 
Published: October 2018

We assayed prostatic specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) serum levels in 1383 patients using a double antibody radioimmunoassay (RIA) I125. Establishing the upper normal limit in 10 ng/ml PSA and 2.5 ng/ml for PAP, the false positive results were only 1.9 and 5.1 percent in men with non-prostatic benign or malignant pathology and respectively 0 and 2.2 percent in women. We detected false positive levels for these two tumoral markers in 3.5 and 4.7 percent of patients with non-complicated benign prostatic hypertrophy, 64.8 and 19.2 percent in complicated benign prostatic hypertrophy, 24 and 16 percent in acute prostatitis and 3.3 percent in chronic prostatitis. The sensitivity in patients with prostate cancer was 87.2 percent for PSA and 64.1 percent for PAP, and there was a better correlation with PSA than PAP for tumoral spread and histological grading. Finally, clinical efficacy was higher with PSA and was no better when both markers were assayed.