bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with the latency to diagnosis of childhood cancer in Peru
Authors: Vasquez Liliana , Oscanoa Monica , Tello Mariela , Tapia Elena , Maza Ivan , Geronimo Jenny 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe latency to diagnosis is the time between the detection of a patient's first symptoms and the cancer diagnosis. The aim of this study was to identify the latency to the diagnosis of cancer in children in Peru and the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with this latency.MethodsAll patients diagnosed with lymphoma and solid tumors between 2012 and 2014 at a social security referral hospital in Peru were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical and demographic variables were analyzed to assess their association with the latency to diagnosis.ResultsA total of 284 patients younger than 18 years of age were included in the study. The median time to diagnosis was 8.8 weeks, with a median patient interval of 2 weeks and diagnostic interval of 4.4 weeks. We found significant differences in the latency to diagnosis for different types of cancer (longer for Hodgkin lymphoma and shorter for Wilms tumor). Older children had significantly longer latencies to diagnosis (P = 0.048; OR: 1.05, 95% CI [1.0–1.1]), as did children who were first diagnosed by a general physician rather than by a pediatrician or surgeon (P = 0.028; OR: 2.1, 95% CI [1.1–4.2]). Parental age, level of education, marital status, metastatic disease, clinical stage, and gender did not significantly affect latency to diagnosis as analyzed by a multivariate analysis.ConclusionIn Peru, median latency to diagnosis was comparable to that described in developing countries, where the index of suspicion for childhood cancer remains low. It is crucial to establish strategies to optimize early diagnoses using associated factors.
Sunlight‐activated long persistent luminescent polyurethane incorporated with amino‐functionalized SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor
Authors: Tian Saiqi , Wen Jiating , Fan Haojun , Chen Yi , Yan Jun , Zhang Peikun 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAn amino‐terminated long persistent luminescent phosphor (Amino‐SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+) was prepared based on inorganic SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor, chemically modified with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550). Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectral, thermogravimetric and scanning electron microscopic measurements confirmed the successful synthesis of Amino‐SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+. Then this amino‐functionalized phosphor was introduced into polyurethane (PU) through urea linkages, and the effects of the chemical combination of Amino‐SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ and PU on the morphology, structure, storage stability, and mechanical, thermal and luminescent properties of the resultant long persistent luminescent polyurethane (LPLPU) were investigated. Compared with SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+/PU composites prepared by physical blending, the LPLPU shows better mechanical properties and storage stability due to the good compatibility of Amino‐SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ with PU. More residues and higher initial decomposition temperature are observed because the interaction of the amino‐phosphor and PU delays the degradation. Study of the luminescent effect reveals that the LPLPU shows more than 10 h afterglow after cessation of the excitation light, and the brightness of green light in darkness is basically the same as that of LPLPU and SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+/PU. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Integrated QM/polarizable MM/continuum approaches to model chiroptical properties of strongly interacting solute–solvent systems
Authors: Cappelli Chiara 
Published: July 2016

AbstractSolvent effects on chiroptical properties and spectroscopies can be huge, and affect not only the absolute value but the sign of molecular chiroptical responses. Therefore, the definition of reliable theoretical models and computational protocols to calculate chiroptical responses and assist the assignment of the chiral absolute configuration cannot overlook the effects of the surrounding environment. Continuum solvation methodologies are successful in case of weakly interacting solute–solvent couples, whereas in case of strongly interacting systems, such as those dominated by explicit hydrogen bonding interaction, a change of strategy is required to gain a reliable modeling. In this review, a recently developed integrated Quantum‐Mechanical/Polarizable molecular mechanics (MM)/polarizable continuum model (PCM) method is discussed, which combines a fluctuating charge approach to the MM polarization with the PCM. Its theoretical fundamentals, and issues related to the calculation of chiroptical responses are summarized, and the application to few representative test cases in aqueous solution is discussed.
Alterations in geometry, biomechanics, and mineral composition of juvenile rat femur induced by nonplanar PCB‐155 and/or planar PCB‐169
Authors: Brankovič Jana , Jovanovski Sašo , Jevnikar Peter , Hofmeister Alexander , Reininger‐Gutmann Birgit , Jan Janja , Grošelj Maja , Osredkar Joško , Uršič Matjaž , Fazarinc Gregor , Pogačnik Azra , Vrecl Milka 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTExposure to widespread lipophilic and bioaccumulative polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) induces diverse biochemical and toxicological responses in various organs, including the bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in growth rate, geometry, serum, and bone biochemical parameters and biomechanics of juvenile rat femur induced by lactational exposure to nonplanar PCB‐155 and planar PCB‐169 individually and in combination. Fifteen lactating Wistar rats were divided into four groups (PCB‐169, PCB‐155, PCB‐155+169, and control), and PCBs were administered intraperitoneally at different time points after delivery. Femurs from 22‐day‐old offspring were analyzed by microCT, three‐point bending test and inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) to obtain data on bone geometry, biomechanics and mineral composition. The serum levels of calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase were also determined. Lactational exposure to planar PCB‐169 resulted in shorter and thinner femurs, reduced endosteal and periosteal perimeters, smaller total cross‐sectional and medullary areas, and lowered serum bone marker levels and calcium levels in the bone, while femur mechanical properties were not significantly altered. The changes observed in the combination exposure (PCB‐155+169) group were similar to those observed in the PCB‐169 group but were less pronounced. In summary, our results demonstrate that alterations in lactationally exposed offspring were primarily induced by planar PCB‐169. The milder outcome in the combined group suggested that the PCB‐169‐mediated toxic effects on the bone might be reduced by a nonplanar PCB‐155 congener. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1135–1146, 2017.
Long Non-Coding RNAs and Their Roles in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wei Ming-Ming , Zhou Guang-Biao 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
As a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, lung cancer is a collection of diseases with diverse etiologies which can be broadly classified into small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lung cancer is characterized by genomic and epigenomic alterations; however, mechanisms underlying lung tumorigenesis remain to be elucidated. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of non-coding RNAs that consist of ⩾200 nucleotides but possess low or no protein-coding potential. Accumulating evidence indicates that abnormal expression of lncRNAs is associated with tumorigenesis of various cancers, including lung cancer, through multiple biological mechanisms involving epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional alterations. In this review, we highlight the expression and roles of lncRNAs in NSCLC and discuss their potential clinical applications as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets.
Intentional impaction of rectum by mattress sponge pieces (foreign bodies) leading to intestinal obstruction in a mentally ill patient: Case report and literature review
Authors: Alharbi Mohammad Bukhetan 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

Background:
It is more difficult for the treating team to make the right diagnosis at the right time in mentally ill patients due to poor history and sometimes a masked clinical presentation. The presence of an unprofessional guardian may increase the challenges, as in our case, due to hidden or even misleading history, especially with an older age group. Intentionally inserted sponge material in the rectum to reduce the frequency of loose stool evacuations in patients with diarrhoea is a new phenomenon not discussed in medical literature.

Case summary:
We report a case of an 85-year-old bedridden female with a history of stroke, hemiplegia, and dysarthria. She presented to our emergency department with significant abdominal distention and vomiting. She was attended by an unprofessional guardian (hired by her family). The history provided by the guardian was of abdominal distention and constipation 5 days prior to presentation, followed by vomiting feculent material. A physical examination revealed she had a distended tympanic abdomen without organomegaly, scars, or hernia. A digital rectal exam revealed a few pieces of a foreign body similar to sponge material with a fully distended rectum with well-formed stool. The guardian admitted that this was a sponge material used by her to reduce the frequency of stool evacuation. Removal of the foreign body by the medical team led to complete recovery in the same day.

Conclusion:
The treating team may face more challenges in treating patients with an inability to provide a proper history, especially if accompanied by an unprofessional guardian.

Highlights
Taxonomic Knowledge of Children With and Without Cochlear Implants
Authors: Lund Emily , Dinsmoor Jessica 
Published: July 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the taxonomic vocabulary knowledge and organization of children with cochlear implants to (a) children with normal hearing matched for age, and (b) children matched for vocabulary development.MethodTen children with cochlear implants, 10 age-matched children with normal hearing, and 10 vocabulary-matched children with normal hearing participated in this study. The children completed 2 experimental tasks: a forced-choice taxonomic sorting task, and a naming task requiring the children to use labels at multiple taxonomic levels.ResultsIn the first task, the children in the cochlear implant group sorted pictures with accuracy consistent with the age-matched group. In the second task, the children with cochlear implants demonstrated delayed knowledge of superordinate relations as compared with the age-matched group, similar to the vocabulary-matched group. However, the children with cochlear implants did not demonstrate delayed knowledge of basic or subordinate relations.ConclusionThe children with cochlear implants demonstrated a delay in use of superordinate taxonomic labels as compared with the children with normal hearing of the same age, which may lead to later difficulties with academic performance.
Patients’ Attitudes Toward Nonphysician Screening of Low Back and Low Back Related Leg Pain Complaints Referred for Surgical Assessment
Authors: Rempel Joshua , Busse Jason W. , Drew Brian , Reddy Kesava , Cenic Aleksa , Kachur Edward , Murty Naresh , Candelaria Henry , Moore Ainsley E. , Riva John J. 
Published: July 2016

Study Design.
A questionnaire survey.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to explore patient attitudes toward screening to assess suitability for low back surgery by nonphysician health care providers.

Summary of Background Data.
Canadian spine surgeons have shown support for nonphysician screening to assess and triage patients with low back pain and low back related leg pain. However, patients’ attitudes toward this proposed model are largely unknown.

Methods.
We administered a 19-item cross-sectional survey to adults with low back and/or low back related leg pain who were referred for elective surgical assessment at one of five spine surgeons’ clinics in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The survey inquired about demographics, expectations regarding wait time for surgical consultation, as well as willingness to pay, travel, and be screened by nonphysician health care providers.

Results.
Eighty low back patients completed our survey, for a response rate of 86.0% (80 of 93). Most respondents (72.5%; 58 of 80) expected to be seen by a surgeon within 3 months of referral, and 88.8% (71 of 80) indicated willingness to undergo screening with a nonphysician health care provider to establish whether they were potentially a surgical candidate. Half of respondents (40 of 80) were willing to travel >50 km for assessment by a nonphysician health care provider, and 46.2% were willing to pay out-of-pocket (25.6% were unsure). However, most respondents (70.0%; 56 of 80) would still want to see a surgeon if they were ruled out as a surgical candidate, and written comments from respondents revealed concern regarding agreement between surgeons’ and nonphysicians’ determination of surgical candidates.

Conclusion.
Patients referred for surgical consultation for low back or low back related leg pain are largely willing to accept screening by nonphysician health care providers. Future research should explore the concordance of screening results between surgeon and nonphysician health care providers.

Level of Evidence: 3
Prolonged Perioperative Low-Dose Ketamine Does Not Improve Short and Long-term Outcomes After Pediatric Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery
Authors: Perelló Marina , Artés David , Pascuets Cristina , Esteban Elisabeth , Ey Batlle Ana M. 
Published: July 2016

Study Design.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, with a six-month follow-up period.

Objectives.
The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a 72-hour dose of subanesthetic ketamine in this surgical procedure reduces postoperative morphine use and to assess whether there are fewer adverse effects, if postoperative recovery is faster, if there is less peri-incisional hyperalgesia, or if there is lower incidence of persistent postsurgical pain.

Summary of Background Data.
Tissue injury and high opioid requirements following posterior spinal fusion surgery produce central sensitization, which can in turn be associated with hyperalgesia and chronic pain. Clinical trials involving this type of procedure using subanesthetic ketamine doses have assessed pain and morphine requirements with contradictory results. The effects of prolonged subanesthetic ketamine doses on postoperative recovery, mechanical hyperalgesia, and the incidence of chronic pain are unknown.

Methods.
A total of 48 pediatric patients between 10 and 18 years diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis were randomized to receive perioperative low-dose ketamine or placebo for 72 hours. They received general anesthesia, intraoperative remifentanil, and morphine postoperatively (patient-controlled analgesia). We measured morphine consumption, pain at rest and during movement (coughing), undesirable effects, and sedation during morphine treatment. The onset of oral intake, ambulation, and hospital stay were recorded. The extent of the peri-incisional hyperalgesia was measured at 72 hours and pain controls were conducted postsurgery.

Results.
Primary endpoint results (total cumulative morphine consumption while admitted) were obtained in 44 patients. Results were 2.72 (SD 1.13) in the placebo group and 3.13 (SD 1.13) in the study group (P = 0.2903), with no significant differences. Moreover, differences were not found between the experimental group and the placebo group in the secondary endpoints analyzed.

Conclusion.
Our findings do not support the routine combining of prolonged subanesthetic ketamine doses with opioids in posterior fusion surgery in children with idiopathic scoliosis.

Level of Evidence: 2
Does the Traversing Length of the Aorta Change After Closing Wedge Osteotomy for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients With Thoracolumbar Kyphosis?
Authors: Liu Hao , Qian Bang-Ping , Qiu Yong , Mao Sai-Hu , Qu Zhe , Wang Bin , Yu Yang , Zhu Ze-Zhang 
Published: July 2016

Study Design.
A prospective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study.

Objective.
To investigate the change in aortic traversing length in patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) after closing wedge osteotomy (CWO).

Summary of Background Data.
The CWO has been widely adopted for the correction of thoracolumbar kyphosis caused by AS. During this procedure, the aorta may be elongated in the instrumented area, which implies a potential risk of the aortic injury. To date, no reports have been specifically published using MRI to investigate the alteration in aortic traversing length in patients with AS undergoing CWO.

Methods.
From June 2013 to July 2015, 24 patients with AS with thoracolumbar kyphosis with a mean age of 38.1 years were recruited in the present study. All patients underwent single-level CWO. MRI examinations were performed before and 2 weeks after surgery. For each subject, the aortic diameter and length were measured on the MRI. Radiographic measurements included the global kyphosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, local kyhosis, angle of fusion levels, and anterior height of the osteotomized vertebra. The height of these patients was also recorded.

Results.
The aortic traversing length significantly increased by an average of 2.0 cm after surgery. Significant changes in height, global kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, local kyphosis, and angle of fusion levels were observed (P < 0.01), whereas the anterior height of the osteotomized vertebra was comparable before and after surgery (P > 0.05). In addition, the correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between the aortic traversing length and changes in global kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, local kyphosis, angle of fusion levels, and height (P < 0.01).

Conclusion.
The stretch of the aorta after CWO for the correction of thoracolumbar kyphosis was quantitatively verified by MRI investigation in the present study. Spine surgeons should be aware of the potential vulnerability of aortic injury in patients with AS undergoing CWO.

Level of Evidence: 4
Outcomes Following Arthrodesis for Atlanto-Axial Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kang Daniel G. , Lehman Ronald A. , Wagner Scott C. , Peters Colleen , Riew K. Daniel 
Published: July 2016

Study Design.
Retrospective analysis.

Objective.
We set out to evaluate the radiographic and patient-reported outcomes following C1-C2 arthrodesis for atlantoaxial osteoarthritis (AAOA) using modern instrumentation and techniques.

Summary of Background Data.
Few studies have evaluated outcomes following C1-C2 arthrodesis for AAOA using modern surgical fixation techniques.

Methods.
Retrospective analysis of all patients following C1-C2 arthrodesis with recalcitrant AAOA from a single center, single surgeon from 2002 to 2012. Preoperative, immediate and final follow-up postoperative radiographic images were evaluated. Patient-reported outcomes scores were assessed preoperative, 1-year, and final postoperative follow-up.

Results.
We found a total of 14 patients (13 female, 1 male) with average follow-up of 2.96 ± 2.26 years and mean age at surgery of 71.8 ± 9.3 years old. The most common construct was posterior C1-C2 bilateral screw-rod construct (SRC) (n = 9), and there were 3 patients with transarticular screw (TAS) constructs, and 2 patients with hybrid fixation (unilateral SRC and contralateral TAS). Mean change from baseline to final follow-up for Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) was −4.7 ± 2.1, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was −21.0 ± 13.6, with 11 (78.6%) patients demonstrated a substantial clinical benefit (change in NDI ≥ 10). There were no differences from baseline to all follow-up time points for SF-12 Physical and Mental Component Scores. All patients had evidence of solid C1-C2 arthrodesis and stable fixation at final follow-up, with no significant change in subaxial sagittal alignment. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications.

Conclusion.
We report one of the largest series evaluating patient-reported outcomes in patients following arthrodesis for AAOA using modern C1-C2 fixation techniques. Our study found C1-C2 arthrodesis for AAOA to be safe and effective, with a significant improvement in patient-reported pain and neck disability and most patients reporting substantial clinical benefit.

Level of Evidence: 4
The Role of Elastic Fibers in Scar Formation and Treatment
Authors: Cohen Brandon E. , Geronemus Roy G. , McDaniel David H. , Brauer Jeremy A. 
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND
Laser therapy is a continuously evolving treatment option for scars, and the underlying therapeutic mechanisms continue to be elucidated.

OBJECTIVE
To comprehensively review the literature to summarize the role of elastin in the formation scars, as well as treatment via therapeutic lasers.

METHODS
Review of the PubMED/MEDLINE database for available studies pertaining to the role of elastic fibers in scar formation and after laser-based therapy.

RESULTS
The loss and disorganization of elastic fiber components plays a role in the development of atrophic, hypertrophic, and keloid scars. While the majority of histologic studies focus on the underlying changes in collagen, neoelastogenesis and reorganization of elastic fibers have also been demonstrated in studies using ablative, nonablative, and fractional laser devices for the treatment of scars.

CONCLUSION
Production of novel elastin and normalization of elastic fiber organization occur after a variety of resurfacing procedures to treat scarring. As the treatment modalities to manage scars continue to evolve, further characterization of the role of elastin in the skin and in scar formation is merited.
Basilar Fracture Due to Frozen Corpse
Authors: Zhang Junchao , Yan Yibo , Chen Yiqun , Huang Sizhe , Liu Liang 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Basilar fractures are one of the consequences of craniocerebral injury, which is serious enough to cause death. Legal examiners often pay attention to basilar fractures at autopsy and analyze the relationship between them and death. It is noteworthy whether the fracture is premortem or postmortem. Here, we describe a rarely reported case of basilar fracture due to freezing. In this case, a 30-year-old man was frozen (−18°C) for 6 months after death. At autopsy, external examination showed no trauma. However, on internal examination, there was a basilar fracture which caused controversy but turned out to be a postmortem injury. We provide the case description and discussion on antemortem or postmortem basilar fractures as a differential for these cases.