bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes for 61 cases of hypopharyngeal cancer with synchronous esophageal cancer
Authors: Yang Shixuan , Yang Shuang , Liao Wenjun , Huang Rui , Li Baisen , Lu Shun , Li Chao , Wang Zhaohui , Li Chunhua , Pei Jiao , Wen Hao , Zhang Shichuan 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The aim of this research was to provide data from a single-center study of the treatment of synchronous hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) and esophageal cancer (EC) with different treatment modalities. A total of 61 patients with synchronous HPC and EC were included in this study. Patients were treated with radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy (28 cases), surgery (9 cases), palliative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy (17 cases), or supportive care (7 cases). The median radiotherapy doses for EC and HPC in the radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy group were 64.5 Gy (range, 0–70) and 70 Gy (range, 60–75.2), respectively. Seven patients in the surgery group received pharyngoesophagectomy with gastric pull-up reconstruction, and two received esophagectomy followed by radiotherapy at the hypopharynx. Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that the outcome of active treatments, including surgery and radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy, was better than that of conservative care. In survival analysis, patients in the surgery group tended to have a better 3-year overall survival rate than those in the radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy group (55.6% vs 30.9%); however, this difference was not statistically different (P = 0.493). The two groups had similar 3-year progression-free survival rates (30.6% and 33.3%, P = 0.420). The current study suggested that radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy should be considered as an important treatment modality in addition to surgery for synchronous HPC and EC.
Equivariant ZFA and the foundations of nominal techniques
Authors: Gabbay Murdoch 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
We give an accessible presentation to the foundations of nominal techniques, lying between Zermelo–Fraenkel set theory and Fraenkel–Mostowski set theory, which has several nice properties including being consistent with the Axiom of Choice. We give two presentations of equivariance, accompanied by detailed yet user-friendly discussions of its theory and application.
Early Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Changes in Normal-Appearing Brain in Pediatric Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Quon Jennifer L , Kim Lily H , MacEachern Sarah J , Maleki Maryam , Steinberg Gary K , Madhugiri Venkatesh , Edwards Michael S B , Grant Gerald A , Yeom Kristen W , Forkert Nils D 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Moyamoya disease often leads to ischemic strokes visible on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with subsequent cognitive impairment. In adults with moyamoya, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is correlated with regions of steal phenomenon and executive dysfunction prior to white matter changes.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate quantitative global diffusion changes in pediatric moyamoya patients prior to explicit structural ischemic damage.

METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed children (<20 yr old) with moyamoya disease and syndrome who underwent bypass surgery at our institution. We identified 29 children with normal structural preoperative MRI and without findings of cortical infarction or chronic white matter ischemic changes. DWI datasets were used to calculate ADC maps for each subject as well as for 60 age-matched healthy controls. Using an atlas-based approach, the cerebral white matter, cerebral cortex, thalamus, caudate, putamen, pallidum, hippocampus, amygdala, nucleus accumbens, and brainstem were segmented in each DWI dataset and used to calculate regional volumes and ADC values.

RESULTS
Multivariate analysis of covariance using the regional ADC and volume values as dependent variables and age and gender as covariates revealed a significant difference between the groups (P < .001). Post hoc analysis demonstrated significantly elevated ADC values for children with moyamoya in the cerebral cortex, white matter, caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens. No significant volume differences were found.

CONCLUSION
Prior to having bypass surgery, and in the absence of imaging evidence of ischemic stroke, children with moyamoya exhibit cerebral diffusion changes. These findings could reflect microstructural changes stemming from exhaustion of cerebrovascular reserve.
Homoeroticism in Hinduism
Authors: Vanita Ruth 
Published: May 2019

Homoeroticism is represented in Hindu texts from the epic period (c. 500 bce–200 ce) onward. Same-sex relations are explicitly depicted in temple sculptures in the first millennium ce and discussed in legal, medical, and erotic treatises from the 1st century bce onward, in tones varying from somewhat disapproving and dispassionate to humorous and pragmatic. More frequently, close same-sex friendships that last a lifetime and that rival cross-sex relationships in intensity and intimacy are celebrated in the same type of language that appears in contexts of cross-sex romance. Same-sex relations are sometimes depicted as running parallel to cross-sex relations in the life of an individual; at other times, they are subordinated to the latter. In the Sanskrit epics, the Purāṇas and story cycles, miraculous sex-change becomes one of the ways that same-sex desire is expressed and absorbed into the institution of marriage. The story cycles of the gods and goddesses depict them as able to manifest in male as well as female forms and also as simultaneously male and female. One of Śiva’s forms is Ardhanārīswara, the god who is half woman. This can be read as emblematic of his inseparability from his wife Pārvatī, but can also be read as expressive of the inherent bisexuality of all beings. Bhakti or devotional poetry, lyric, epic, and hagiographic, deals largely in bridal mysticism. In one unique set of Bengal versions of the Rāmāyaṇa, two women are depicted having divinely planned and blessed sexual relations that result in the birth of a heroic child. In sum, Hindu written texts and art up to the colonial period depict and discuss same-sex relations without euphemism or virulence. After British rulers passed the antisodomy law, many educated Indian social reformers and nationalists began to express a new aversion to elements of their heritage, including polytheism, polygamy, and sex outside marriage, including same-sex relations. For the first time, it became unacceptable to write about same-sex relations in polite literature. This continued through the first half of the 20th century. Some Hindu gurus continued to express tolerance and several Hindu priests from the 1980s onward are recorded as performing same-sex marriages in various parts of the country. Hindu gurus today take a variety of positions on the subject, as do Hindu political leaders and organizations.
Hispanic adults’ physical activity and sedentary behavior profiles: examining existing data to drive prospective research
Authors: Heredia Natalia I , Lee MinJae , Reininger Belinda M 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Because physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) are two distinct, interdependent behaviors, increases in PA may influence SB. As a limited number of SB interventions have been tested in Latino/Hispanic samples,. The purpose of this study is to assess if there was more PA and less SB in a Hispanic border community where there had been a PA-targeted community-wide campaign since 2005.

Methods
This cross-sectional study included Hispanic adults (N = 676) sampled from both intervention and comparison Texas-Mexico border communities in 2010. Our dependent variable was four-categories based on meeting PA guidelines and excessive SB (≥540 mins/day) cut-points. We conducted adjusted multivariable analysis to assess the association of intervention group with the PA/SB groupings.

Results
In 2010, most adults were in the Low PA/Low SB group. Compared to the comparison group, the intervention group had 6.45 (p &lt; 0.001) times the adjusted odds of being in the High PA/Low SB vs. Low PA/High SB group.

Conclusions
Five years into the campaign, more PA and less SB were more likely in the intervention community, indicating the association of some PA interventions with SB. PA-targeted interventions should capture effects on SB to expand the literature on effective SB interventions for Hispanic adults.
Cardiovascular and renal outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention in a population with renal disease: a case-control study
Authors: Allen L A , Pyart R D , Holmes J , Donovan K L , Anderson R A , Phillips A O 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundPatients with renal disease are less likely to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to concerns about poor outcomes.AimWe describe outcomes following PCI in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as compared with matched controls with comparable CKD who did not undergo PCI. We also identified factors predictive of poor outcomes following PCI amongst patients with CKD.DesignRetrospective observational case-control study.MethodsCases were individuals with CKD (stages 1–5) undergoing PCI between 2008 and 2014. Controls were age, gender and creatinine-matched individuals not requiring PCI. We compared mortality between groups using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression modelling. We assessed changes in serum creatinine using Wilcoxon Rank testing. We explored the relationship between biochemical and haematological measures (baseline creatinine, calcium, phosphate, calcium-phosphate product, parathyroid hormone, white cell count, haemoglobin, platelet count, c-reactive protein and total cholesterol) and post-PCI mortality, using logistic regression.ResultsWe identified 144 cases and 144 controls. Mortality was significantly lower amongst cases compared with controls [hazard ratio 0.46 (95% confidence intervals 0.31, 0.69)]. PCI did not result in a significant change in renal function (P=0.52). Amongst cases, serum creatinine and calcium-phosphate product were predictors of mortality following PCI.ConclusionCases undergoing PCI had lower mortality, and PCI was not associated with accelerated CKD progression. On this data, PCI should not be deferred as a treatment option in patients with CKD. Serum creatinine and calcium-phosphate product predict mortality following PCI in this cohort, and may be useful in risk-stratifying patients with CKD being considered for PCI.
Certification, Lawsuits and the Role of Epidemiology in the Yokkaichi Asthma Episode in the 1960s and 1970s: Lessons and Legacy
Authors: Feng Danyang 
Published: May 2019

Summary
Yokkaichi asthma, one of the four big pollution diseases of Japan, occurred as a result of the operation of local petrochemical complexes in the city of Yokkaichi in the early 1960s. This article explores how Yokkaichi asthma was caused, how it was certified by local government and how the air pollution victims ultimately won a lawsuit against the polluting corporations. Yoshida Katsumi, a Medical Professor at Mie Prefectural University, consulted the Atomic Bomb Medical Law to establish Yokkaichi’s own certification system. Because both leukaemia and asthma are non-specific diseases, they may also be caused by non-pollution-related factors. In the Yokkaichi lawsuit, Yoshida applied the epidemiological causation to the legal judgment for the purpose of providing compensation to individuals. As the case for compensation unfolded from 1967 to 1972, epidemiological knowledge, legal theory and social norms were deployed to advance the plaintiffs’ claim, whose success set a good example for other legal proceedings.
Low seroprevalence rates of Zika virus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Sam I-Ching , Montoya Magelda , Chua Chong Long , Chan Yoke Fun , Pastor Andrew , Harris Eva 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Zika virus (ZIKV) is believed to be endemic in Southeast Asia. However, there have been few Zika cases reported to date in Malaysia, which could be due to high pre-existing levels of population immunity.

Methods
To determine Zika virus (ZIKV) seroprevalence in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1085 serum samples from 2012, 2014–2015 and 2017 were screened for anti-ZIKV antibodies using a ZIKV NS1 blockade-of-binding assay. Reactive samples were confirmed using neutralization assays against ZIKV and the four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes. A sample was possible ZIKV seropositive with a ZIKV 50% neutralization (NT50) titre ≥20. A sample was probable ZIKV seropositive if, in addition, all DENV NT50 titres were &lt;20 or the ZIKV NT50 titre was &gt;4-fold greater than the highest DENV NT50 titre.

Results
We found low rates of possible ZIKV seropositivity (3.3% [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.4 to 4.6]) and probable ZIKV seropositivity (0.6% [95% CI 0.3 to 1.4]). Possible ZIKV seropositivity was independently associated with increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04 [95% CI 1.02 to 1.06], p&lt;0.0001) and male gender (OR 3.5 [95% CI 1.5 to 8.6], p=0.005).

Conclusions
The low ZIKV seroprevalence rate, a proxy for population immunity, does not explain the low incidence of Zika in dengue-hyperendemic Kuala Lumpur. Other factors, such as the possible protective effects of pre-existing flavivirus antibodies or reduced transmission by local mosquito vectors, should be explored. Kuala Lumpur is at high risk of a large-scale Zika epidemic.
Severity and costs associated with hospitalization for dengue in public and private hospitals of Surat city, Gujarat, India, 2017–2018
Authors: Bajwala Viral R , John Denny , Rajasekar T Daniel , Murhekar Manoj V 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Dengue is major public health problem in India, especially in urban areas. We conducted a study to estimate the severity and costs of treatment among hospitalized dengue patients in Surat city, Gujarat, India.

Methods
We reviewed the medical records of dengue patients hospitalized in five tertiary care facilities (private [n=2], semi-government [n=2] and government [n=1]) between April 2017 and March 2018. We used the World Health Organization 2009 classification to classify the severity of dengue. A resource utilization approach was used to estimate the cost of illness in US dollars (US$) (inflation adjusted to 2018) from a quasi-societal perspective (excluding non-medical cost) for dengue hospitalization.

Results
Of the 732 hospitalized dengue patients, 44.7% had no warning symptoms, 39.5% had warning signs and 15.8% had severe dengue. The mean cost of hospitalization was US$86.9±170.7. The cost of hospitalization was 28.8 times higher in private hospitals compared with government hospitals. Consultant charges in private hospitals, laboratory investigations in semi-government hospitals and registration with admission charges in government hospitals accounted for 27.3%, 39.4% and 53% of the direct cost in these facilities, respectively.

Conclusions
A better triage system for hospitalization, subsidizing costs in the public sector and cost capping in the private sector can help to reduce the cost of hospitalization due to dengue so as to ensure affordability for larger portion of the society for universal health coverage.
Highlights in allergic contact dermatitis 2018/2019
Authors: Johansen Jeanne D. , Werfel Thomas 
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review
The purpose was to highlight recent findings especially concerning new and old allergens, trends, diagnosis and causes of contact allergy.

Recent findings
Nickel is still the most frequent cause of contact allergy in women and piercings remain an important risk factor. Countries with a long history of regulation of contact allergens have the lowest level of contact allergy to nickel and chromium in Europe. Among the most frequent causes of fragrance contact allergy is terpenes, which are oxidized such as limonene, linalool and in some countries: geraniol. Methylisothiazolinone is still causing considerable problems due to hidden exposures. Acrylates are emerging allergens and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate has been included in the 2019 update of the baseline series, as many new cases are seen due to long-lasting nail polish based on acrylates and glue (isobornyl acrylate) in insulin pumps. More than 10 new allergens have been described, which need to be considered in diagnosing contact allergy.

Summary
Allergic contact dermatitis is a frequent problem, it also constitutes a challenge to diagnose due to many potential contact allergens. The main culprit allergens remain the same, new significant causes are found especially within acrylates.
Neurotrophic factors and nerve growth factor in ocular allergy
Authors: Sacchetti Marta , Bruscolini Alice , Lambiase Alessandro 
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review
During allergic reaction, nervous and immune systems mutually interact through release of mediators, including neurotrophic factors and nerve growth factor (NGF). These mediators modulate allergic reaction through binding their receptors expressed by immune and structural cells and by stimulating neuropeptide release by nerves. The role of neuropeptides and NGF has been demonstrated in allergic asthma and rhinitis, and, to a lesser extent, in allergic conjunctivitis. The aim of this review are to elucidate the evidence of the role of NGF and neuropeptides in the pathogenesis of allergic conjunctivitis.

Recent findings
NGF modulates allergic reaction by stimulating release of cytokines, inflammatory mediators and neuropeptides by immune and structural cells and nerve endings at the site of inflammation. Evidence showed that local and systemic NGF levels increase in patients with allergic conjunctivitis, including allergic rhinoconjuncivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. We recently described an increase of conjunctival p75NTR expression in patients with allergic rhinoconjuncivitis, and an increase of tear levels of NGF after conjunctival provocation test with allergen.

Summary
NGF modulates ocular allergic reaction. Increasing understanding of the role of neuropeptides in allergic conjunctivitis may pave the way to the development of novel therapeutic approaches and improvement of patients’ management.
The Effect of Tobacco Use on Postoperative Pain Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Patel Dil V. , Yoo Joon S. , Lamoutte Eric H. , Karmarkar Sailee S. , Singh Kern 
Published: May 2019

Study Design:
This was a retrospective cohort study.

Objective:
To identify the differences in inpatient pain scores, narcotic consumption, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between tobacco users and nonusers following an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Summary of Background Data:
Previous studies have investigated tobacco use as a risk factor for negative postsurgical outcomes following spine surgery; however, few studies have analyzed the effects of tobacco on pain following ACDF.

Methods:
Patients undergoing primary, 1-level, or 2-level ACDF were retrospectively reviewed and stratified by tobacco use at the time of surgery. Inpatient pain scores and narcotic consumption were collected. Neck Disability Index and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) neck and arm pain scores were collected preoperatively and at 6-week, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up visits. Differences in demographics and perioperative characteristics were assessed using χ2 analysis and multivariate linear regression. An association between immediate postoperative pain, narcotics consumption, and long-term PROs was tested for using multivariate linear regression.

Results:
A total of 192 patients were included and stratified by tobacco use: tobacco (n=25) and nontobacco (n=167). There were no significant differences in demographic and perioperative characteristics. No statistical differences were observed in inpatient VAS pain scores and narcotic consumption on postoperative day 0 and postoperative day 1. Preoperative VAS neck pain and arm pain was greater in tobacco users, however, improvements in neck and arm pain were similar in the postoperative period through 6-month follow-up. In addition, no statistical differences in Neck Disability Index were observed preoperatively or at any postoperative time points.

Conclusions:
Our study suggests that tobacco use does not influence inpatient pain scores, narcotic consumption, and improvements in PROs following ACDF. As such, tobacco users and nonusers should receive similar postoperative pain management protocols following surgery.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
The effect of vaginal erbium laser treatment on sexual function and vaginal health in women with a history of breast cancer and symptoms of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a prospective study
Authors: Arêas Fernanda , Valadares Ana L.R. , Conde Délio Marques , Costa-Paiva Lúcia 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Objectives:
To assess the effects of vaginal erbium laser treatment on the vaginal health and sexual function of postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer.

Methods:
An open, prospective, therapeutic intervention study was conducted with 24 postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer and vaginal dryness, and/or dyspareunia, who had not used vaginal hormone therapy for at least 6 months. The women were treated using a 2,940-nm Erbium: YAG laser (Etherea-MX, Athena, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil), with 90o and 360o scanning scopes, between August, 2017 and October, 2017 in a private clinic in a city of southeastern Brazil. Vaginal erbium laser treatment was performed at three sessions with a 30-day interval between each session. Sexual function was assessed before and 1 month after treatment using the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire. Questions related to genitourinary symptoms were also applied. Vaginal health was assessed before each laser session using the Vaginal Health Index Score.

Results:
Mean age was 53.7 years. Vaginal health improved, as shown by an increased overall score (P < 0.001). The effect size was large between pretreatment and post-treatment scores for vaginal elasticity, fluid volume, epithelial integrity, and moisture. The effect size was also significant for the overall sexual function score and for the score in the dyspareunia domain between pretreatment and 1 month after the final treatment session.

Conclusion:
Vaginal erbium laser may represent a novel therapeutic option for improving vaginal health and sexual function in postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer.
A Simplified and Practical Surgical Treatment for Medial Ectropion: A Case Report
Authors: Pinelli Massimo , Starnoni Marta , De Santis Giorgio 
Published: May 2019

Summary:
We present the case of a 81-year-old patient with right facial palsy suffering from recurrent medial ectropion with lower lateral dislocation of the lacrimal punctum causing epiphora and photophobia. The patient was first treated for ectropion with lateral tarsal strip procedure. Unfortunately, this surgical procedure did not get the expected result. This was the reason we used the Mitek anchor system to fix the lower lateral dislocation of the punctum. We had no recurrence of symptoms during a follow-up period of 18 months.
Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction and Red Breast Syndrome: Demystification and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Nahabedian Maurice Y. 
Published: May 2019

Summary:
Red breast syndrome (RBS) represents an inflammatory condition that rarely occurs in the setting of acellular dermal matrix use after prosthetic reconstruction. It is characterized by erythema or rubor that occurs directly over the ADM, and its appearance resembles that of a cellulitis. There have been many explanations with regard to etiology, but none have addressed the physiologic alterations leading to the onset and resolution of RBS. RBS is postulated to be the result of lymphatic disruption and is self-limiting. Resolution is postulated to be the result of angiolymphatic regeneration and the re-establishment of lymphatic flow within the mastectomy skin flap and the ADM, resulting in the clearance of inflammatory mediators responsible for the localized erythema.