bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Disease‐Specific and General Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures of Hearing Health
Authors: Mohan Suresh , Corrales C. Eduardo , Yueh Bevan , Shin Jennifer J. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo assess disease‐specific (Inner EAR) and general (Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS]) health status in patients reporting hearing loss and whether there is enough correlation between scales such that the general instrument alone could suffice.Study DesignCorrelation analysis of prospective cohort data.SettingTertiary care academic medical center.MethodsAdults presenting with a chief complaint of hearing loss completed the Inner EAR scale and the PROMIS instrument. Summary statistics, including means, percentiles, and measures of variance, were calculated. The Spearman ρ statistic was used to test the null hypothesis that there were no correlations between the Inner EAR composite or global score and PROMIS scores.ResultsThe mean Inner EAR composite score was 35.6, while the global item had a mean score of 4.8. Mean PROMIS‐10 scores were 16.0 for physical health and 15.3 for mental health. The global item and social item had mean scores of 3.6 and 3.8, respectively. Inner EAR composite scores were significantly correlated with the PROMIS mental health summary scores (Spearman ρ = 0.3, P =. 0066) and the PROMIS social item score (Spearman ρ = 0.4, P =. 0005). The Inner EAR global item was moderately correlated with the PROMIS social item score (Spearman ρ = 0.3, P =. 0118), while there was no significant correlation between the Inner EAR global item and the PROMIS physical health, mental health, or global item scores.ConclusionsInner EAR and a subset of PROMIS scores have weak to moderate correlations. Disease‐specific assessment still confers independent value.
Treatment Times in Salivary Gland Cancer: National Patterns and Association with Survival
Authors: Morse Elliot , Fujiwara Rance J. T. , Judson Benjamin , Mehra Saral 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo characterize treatment times in salivary cancer; associate treatment times with patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics; and examine the association of treatment times and overall survival.Study DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingCommission‐on‐Cancer Accredited Hospitals 2004‐2013.Subjects and MethodsIn total, 5953 patients with salivary cancer included in the National Cancer Database were identified. For each treatment interval, patients in the fourth quartile (“prolonged”) were compared to patients in the first and second quartiles (“not prolonged”). Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were associated with prolonged times via multivariable binary logistic regression. Prolongation of each interval was associated with overall survival via multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, controlling for clinically relevant factors.ResultsMedian durations for diagnosis‐to‐treatment initiation, surgery‐to‐radiation treatment (RT), RT duration, total treatment package, and diagnosis‐to‐treatment end were 31, 44, 47, 92, and 110 days, respectively. Race, insurance status, comorbidities, age, T and N stage, facility volume and location, and a facility care transition from diagnosis to initial treatment were associated with prolonged treatment time. Prolonged RT duration was associated with decreased overall survival (OS) (62% vs 75% 5‐year OS, HR = 1.26 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09‐1.47]; P =. 002), but prolonged diagnosis‐to‐treatment initiation, surgery‐to‐RT, total treatment package, and diagnosis‐to‐treatment end intervals were not (70% vs 67% 5‐year OS, HR = 1.11 [95% CI, 0.92‐1.34], P =. 284; 72% vs 68%, HR = 0.93 [95% CI, 0.79‐1.09], P =. 370; 70% vs 70%, HR = 1.00 [95% CI, 0.84‐1.20], P =. 974; 66% vs 71%, HR = 0.99 [95% CI, 0.84‐1.18], P =. 920, respectively).ConclusionThe median durations identified here can serve as reference points. Radiation therapy duration is associated with overall survival in salivary cancer and could be considered a quality indicator.
Effect of Piecemeal vs En Bloc Approaches to the Lateral Temporal Bone on Survival Outcomes
Authors: Muelleman Thomas , Chowdhury Naweed I. , Killeen Daniel , Sykes Kevin , Kutz J. Walter , Isaacson Brandon , Staecker Hinrich , Lin James 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesLateral temporal bone resection (LTBR) has traditionally been performed en bloc in accordance with oncologic principles. Occasionally, this is not possible due to a low tegmen or lateralized vasculature. We sought to determine if outcomes of piecemeal and en bloc LTBR are comparable.Study DesignRetrospective review.SettingTwo academic medical centers.Subjects and MethodsMulti‐institutional retrospective cohort study. Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify patients with T1 to T3 squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal (EAC) who underwent LTBR from 2005 to 2015. Kaplan‐Meier curves were constructed to compare total survival between the 2 treatment approaches. Pairwise comparisons were performed using χ2 and Fisher exact tests (significance at P =. 05), as appropriate.ResultsTwenty‐five patients were identified. Ten patients underwent en bloc LTBR; 15 underwent piecemeal LTBR. Median follow‐up time was 11 months (range, 1‐60 months). There was not a significant difference in overall survival between en bloc (38.9 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 22.7‐55.2) compared to piecemeal (37.5 months; 95% CI, 21.1‐53.9) procedures (P =. 519). Estimates of disease‐free survival also did not reveal statistically significant differences: estimated mean disease‐free survival was 48.1 months (95% CI, 33.7‐62.6) in en bloc patients and 32.5 months (95% CI, 17.1‐47.8) in piecemeal patients (P =. 246).ConclusionThese data suggest that piecemeal resection can be considered for cases of squamous cell carcinoma involving the external auditory canal where anatomic constraints preclude a safe en bloc resection. Larger studies or studies with a longer follow‐up time may provide improved insight into survival comparisons.
The lupus patient with positive rheumatoid factor
Authors: Fedrigo A , dos Santos T A F G , Nisihara R , Skare T 
Published: February 2018

Background Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may form clusters with clinical manifestations and autoantibodies. Objective The objective of this report is to study whether SLE patients with positive rheumatoid factor (RF) have a special clinical and/or serological profile. Methods A retrospective study of 467 SLE patients seen at a single rheumatology unit was conducted. Epidemiological data (age, gender, age at disease onset, ethnic background and tobacco use), clinical data (malar rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, discoid lesions, serositis, glomerulonephritis, convulsions, psychosis, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, lymphocytopenia, arthritis and hypothyroidism) and serological profile (anti-dsDNA, anti-Ro/SS-A, anti-La/SS-B, anti-RNP, anti-Sm, IgG aCL, IgM aCL, lupus anticoagulant, direct Coombs and RF) were collected. Patients with positive and negative RF were compared. Results RF was found in 24.9% of the sample. In univariate analysis, RF was positively associated with butterfly rash ( p = 0.04), anti-Ro ( p = 0.03), anti-Sm antibodies ( p = 0.01) and hypothyroidism ( p = 0.01) and negatively associated with glomerulonephritis ( p = 0.003). Logistic regression showed that only glomerulonephritis ( p = 0.03; OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.21–0.93) and anti-Ro ( p = 0.009; OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.24–4.57) were independent associations. Conclusion In our sample RF was associated with protection from glomerulonephritis and with higher prevalence of anti-Ro antibodies.
Active Presurgical Infant Orthopedics for Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Kornbluth Michelle , Campbell Richard E. , Daskalogiannakis John , Ross Elizabeth J. , Glick Patricia H. , Russell Kathleen A. , Doucet Jean-Charles , Hathaway Ronald R. , Long Ross E. , Sitzman Thomas J. 
Published: February 2018

Objective: To compare dental arch relationship, craniofacial form, and nasolabial aesthetic outcomes among cleft centers using distinct methods of presurgical infant orthopedics (PSIO). Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Four cleft centers in North America. Patients: One hundred ninety-one children with repaired complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP). Main Outcome Measures: Dental arch relationship was assessed using the GOSLON Yardstick. Craniofacial form was assessed by 12 cephalometric measurements. Nasolabial aesthetics were assessed using the Asher-McDade system. Assessments were performed between 6 and 12 years of age. Results: The center that used no PSIO achieved the most favorable dental arch relationship and maxillomandibular relationship, with a median GOSLON score of 2.3 ( P < .01) and an ANB angle of 5.1° ( P < .05). The proportion of children assigned a GOSLON score of 4 or 5, predictive of the need for orthognathic surgery in adolescence, was 16% at the center that used no PSIO and no secondary surgery, compared to 76% at the centers that used the Latham appliance and early secondary lip and nose surgery ( P < .01). The center that used no PSIO and no secondary surgery achieved significantly less favorable nasolabial aesthetic outcomes than the centers using Latham appliance or nasoalveolar molding (NAM) ( P < .01). Conclusions: Effects of active PSIO are multifaceted and intertwined with use of revision surgery. In our study, centers using either the Latham appliance combined with early revision surgery or the NAM appliance without revision surgery achieved better nasolabial aesthetic outcomes but worse maxillary growth, compared to a center using no PSIO and secondary surgery.
Functional Outcomes of Symptomatic Implant Removal Following Ankle Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation
Authors: Williams Benjamin R. , McCreary Dylan L. , Chau Michael , Cunningham Brian P. , Pena Fernando , Swiontkowski Marc F. 
Published: February 2018

Background: Orthopedic implant removal following open reduction internal fixation of a fracture is a common procedure, especially in the foot and ankle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional change after the removal of symptomatic implants following ankle fracture open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) using the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) outcome score. We hypothesized that implant removal after ankle fracture would result in improved functional outcomes. Methods: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data on patients with a closed ankle fracture between 2013 and 2016 was performed. Inclusion criteria were skeletal maturity, symptomatic ankle implants and completion of the SMFA questionnaire prior to and 6 months after removal. Exclusion criteria were development of a nonunion, prior or current infection, peripheral neuropathy or ongoing litigation surrounding the surgery. The primary outcome was change in SMFA score from baseline to follow-up using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Additional logistic regression models evaluated the effects of age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, and patient American Society of Anesthesiologists scores. Results: The study population consisted of 43 patients. There was a statistically significant improvement in function, represented by a decrease in SMFA scores from baseline to the 6-month follow-up period (∆ = −4.1 [95% confidence interval, −7.0, −1.3]; P = .003). Secondary outcome measures of the bother index and daily activities domain also demonstrated significant improvements ( P = .005 and P = .002, respectively). Additional logistical regression models identified no significant effects by assessed covariates for change in SMFA scores. Conclusion: Patients with symptomatic implants following ankle fracture ORIF had a statistically significant improvement in function following implant removal. There appears to be value in removing implants from the ankle in patients who report discomfort during daily activities. Further investigation into the specific indications for implant removal and the impact of injury and fracture pattern on outcomes is warranted. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Anatomical Pathology of the Umbilical Cord and Its Maternal and Fetal Clinical Associations in 434 Newborns
Authors: Olaya-C Mercedes , Gil Fabian , Salcedo Juan D , Salazar Ana J , Silva Jaime L , Bernal Jaime E 
Published: February 2018

Introduction Umbilical cord (UC) abnormalities and their clinical relations in 434 newborns were analyzed. We had previously reported on clinical associations of long and short UCs with any kind of malformation. This study focuses on other UC features (insertion, vessels, entanglements, coiling, and knots) and their associations with clinical characteristics and neonatal prognosis. Methods An observational analytic study was performed on placentas from consecutive deliveries. Ordered logistic regression with bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between variables of interest concerning UC abnormalities. Results A total of 434 placentas made up the study. UC abnormalities were abnormal insertion, 82 (18.86%); coiling (hypo and hypercoiled), 177 (40.78%); single umbilical artery (SUA), 4 (0.92%); entanglements, 8 (1.84%); true knots, 3 (0.69%); webs in UC base, 9 (2.07%); and right twist, 68 (15.67%). After analyzing maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy, multivariate analysis confirmed the recognized association between malformations and SUA and male gender; further confirmation was also made between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and true knots. Discussion UC abnormalities associated with undesirable outcomes are varied and should be recognized and described. Clinical factors associated with anatomical UC abnormalities are not completely understood and justify forthcoming studies.
A Comprehensive Study of De Novo Genome Assemblers: Current Challenges and Future Prospective
Authors: Khan Abdul Rafay , Pervez Muhammad Tariq , Babar Masroor Ellahi , Naveed Nasir , Shoaib Muhammad 
Published: February 2018

Background: Current advancements in next-generation sequencing technology have made possible to sequence whole genome but assembling a large number of short sequence reads is still a big challenge. In this article, we present the comparative study of seven assemblers, namely, ABySS, Velvet, Edena, SGA, Ray, SSAKE, and Perga, using prokaryotic and eukaryotic paired-end as well as single-end data sets from Illumina platform. Results: Results showed that in case of single-end data sets, Velvet and ABySS outperformed in all the seven assemblers with comparatively low assembling time and high genome fraction. Velvet consumed the least amount of memory than any other assembler. In case of paired-end data sets, Velvet consumed least amount of time and produced high genome fraction after ABySS and Ray. In terms of low memory usage, SGA and Edena outperformed in all the assemblers. Ray also showed good genome fraction; however, extremely high assembling time consumed by the Ray might make it prohibitively slow on larger data sets of single and paired-end data. Conclusions: Our comparison study will provide assistance to the scientists for selecting the suitable assembler according to their data sets and will also assist the developers to upgrade or develop a new assembler for de novo assembling.
Flexor tendon repair in the hand with the M-Tang technique (without peripheral sutures), pulley division, and early active motion
Authors: Giesen Thomas , Reissner Lisa , Besmens Inga , Politikou Olga , Calcagni Maurizio 
Published: February 2018

We report outcomes in 29 patients with flexor tendon repairs in 32 digits (five thumbs and 27 fingers) with our modified protocols. We repaired the lacerated flexor digitorum profundus tendons with core suture repairs using the 6-strand M-Tang method and without circumferential sutures. We divided the pulleys as much as needed to allow excursion of the repaired tendons, including complete division of the A4 or A2 pulleys when necessary. In nine fingers, we repaired one slip of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon and resected the other half. When the flexor digitorum profundus tendon would not glide under the A2 pulley, we excised the remaining slip of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon. The wrist was splinted in mild extension post-surgery with early commencement of tenodesis exercises. No tendon repair ruptured. By the Strickland criteria, out of 27 fingers, 18 had excellent, six had good, two had fair, and one had poor results. We conclude that a strong core suture (such as the M-Tang repair) without peripheral sutures, and with division of pulleys as necessary is safe for early active motion and yields good outcomes. Level of evidence: IV
Risk factors for fingolimod-induced lymphopenia in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ohtani Ryohei , Mori Masahiro , Uchida Tomohiko , Uzawa Akiyuki , Masuda Hiroki , Liu Jia , Kuwabara Satoshi 
Published: February 2018

Background Lymphopenia is a well-known adverse event of fingolimod, a disease-modifying drug for multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives The objective of this paper is to investigate risk factors for predicting fingolimod-induced lymphopenia in MS by frequent hematological monitoring. Methods We retrospectively reviewed data of fingolimod-treated MS patients. Data assessed were sex, age, disease duration, medication history, body mass index, all attacks, Kurtzke’s Expanded Disability Status Scale score, and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) within two days before initiating fingolimod (baseline), on the day after first administration (day 2), and at least every other month after initiating fingolimod therapy. Results Of 41 MS patients, marked lymphopenia (ALC <200/µl) was confirmed in 12 patients (lymphopenia group) within one year. A significantly more frequent history of treatment with any interferon-beta and lower median baseline ALC was observed in the lymphopenia group than in the non-lymphopenia group ( n = 29) (91.7% vs. 44.8%; p = 0.006 and 1469/µl vs. 1879/µl; p = 0.005). An ALC of ≤952/μl on day 2 was the most responsible risk factor for predicting marked lymphopenia (sensitivity, 92%; specificity, 76%; area under the curve, 0.823; p < 0.001). Conclusions Low baseline ALC and treatment history with any interferon-beta were risk factors for fingolimod-induced lymphopenia, possibly predicted from ALC on day 2.
Assessing dengue transmission risk and a vector control intervention using entomological and immunological indices in Thailand: study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Overgaard Hans J. , Pientong Chamsai , Thaewnongiew Kesorn , Bangs Michael J. , Ekalaksananan Tipaya , Aromseree Sirinart , Phanitchat Thipruethai , Phanthanawiboon Supranee , Fustec Benedicte , Corbel Vincent , Cerqueira Dominique , Alexander Neal 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Background
Dengue fever is the most common and widespread mosquito-borne arboviral disease in the world. There is a compelling need for cost-effective approaches and practical tools that can reliably measure real-time dengue transmission dynamics that enable more accurate and useful predictions of incidence and outbreaks. Sensitive surveillance tools do not exist today, and only a small handful of new control strategies are available. Vector control remains at the forefront for combating dengue transmission. However, the effectiveness of many current vector control interventions is fraught with inherent weaknesses. No single vector control method is effective enough to control both vector populations and disease transmission. Evaluations of novel larval and adult control interventions are needed.

Methods/design
A cluster-randomized controlled trial will be carried out between 2017 and 2019 in urban community clusters in Khon Kaen and Roi Et cities, northeastern Thailand. The effectiveness of a pyriproxyfen/spinosad combination treatment of permanent water storage containers will be evaluated on epidemiological and entomological outcomes, including dengue incidence, number of female adult dengue vectors infected or not infected with dengue virus (DENV), human exposure to Aedes mosquito bites, and several other indices. These indices will also be used to develop predictive models for dengue transmission and impending outbreaks. Epidemiological and entomological data will be collected continuously for 2 years, with the intervention implemented after 1 year.

Discussion
The aims of the trial are to simultaneously evaluate the efficacy of an innovative dengue vector control intervention and developing predictive dengue models. Assessment of human exposure to mosquito bites by detecting antibodies generated against Aedes saliva proteins in human blood samples has, so far, not been applied in dengue epidemiological risk assessment and disease surveillance methodologies. Likewise, DENV detection in mosquitoes (adult and immature stages) has not been used in any practical way for routine disease surveillance strategies. The integration of multiple outcome measures will assist health authorities to better predict outbreaks for planning and applying focal and timely interventions. The trial outcomes will not only be important for Thailand, but also for the entire Southeast Asian region and further afield.

Trial registration
ISRCTN, ISRCTN73606171. Registered on 23 June 2017.
Long-term effects on the progress of neuropathy after diabetic Charcot foot: an 8.5-year prospective case–control study
Authors: Jansen Rasmus Bo , Møller Christensen Tomas , Bülow Jens , Rørdam Lene , Holstein Per E. , Svendsen Ole Lander 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Objective
Charcot foot is a severe complication to diabetes mellitus, associated with diabetic neuropathy. Any long-term effects of a Charcot foot on the progress of neuropathy are still largely unexplored. The objective was to investigate whether a previous Charcot foot had any long-term effects on the progress of neuropathy.

Results
An 8.5-year follow-up case–control study of 49 individuals with diabetes mellitus, 24 of whom also had Charcot foot at baseline visit in 2005–2007. Neuropathy was assessed with a questionnaire, biothesiometry, heart rate variability and venous occlusion plethysmography. Of the 49 baseline participants, 22 were able to participate in the follow-up. Twelve had passed away in the meantime. Heart rate variability was unchanged in both groups; from 9.7 to 7.2 beats/min (p = 0.053) in the Charcot group, and 14.3 to 12.6 beats/min (p = 0.762) in the control group. Somato-sensoric neuropathy showed no difference between baseline and follow-up in the Charcot group (from 39.1 to 38.5 V) (p = 0.946), but a significantly worsened sensitivity in the control group (from 25.1 to 38.9 V) (p = 0.002). In conclusion, we found that any differences in somatic or cardial autonomic neuropathy present at baseline had disappeared at follow-up after 8.5 years.
Efficient policing for screen mirroring traffic
Authors: Loizides Orestis-Stavros , Kastrinakis Marios , Badawy Ghada , Smadi Mohammed N. , Murray David , Koutsakis Polychronis 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe greediness of multimedia applications in terms of their bandwidth demands calls for new and efficient network traffic control mechanisms, especially in wireless networks where the bandwidth is limited. In an enterprise-like environment, an additional burden is expected to be added to the network by screen mirroring traffic. Smart mobile devices are displacing personal computers in many daily applications but at the same time users still need to use a large display, keyboard and mouse. Hence, the transmission of low-latency, high fidelity video over a Wi-Fi link can lead to significant unfairness among users in terms of the bandwidth that is available to them, if this wireless video traffic is not accurately policed. In this work, we focus on the problem of policing screen mirroring traffic. We evaluate various classic and new traffic policing mechanisms, and we propose a new mechanism which is shown to clearly outperform all other mechanisms, including the widely used token bucket policer.