bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bronze Age Central Asia
Authors: Dupuy Paula Doumani 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis article focuses on the principal characteristics and features of the Bronze Age of the steppes, deserts, mountain foothills, and oases of Central Asia. It outlines the history of research on the region’s mobile pastoral and settled agricultural societies during the third and second millennium BC. The article examines how approaches to the social history and economy have changed from one of macro-studies of regional assemblages toward more targeted investigations of the dynamic and variable nature of this period. Finally, an overview of pottery, metal, and textile assemblages and analyses is used to form a discussion on craft production practices, consumption, and regional exchange across Central Asia.
A Picture of Prehistoric Sudan
Authors: Usai Donatella 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe physiographic setting of the Nile valley, in Sudan as well as in Egypt, provides a nearly homogenizing factor in the cultural and socioeconomic development of Mesolithic and Neolithic prehistoric populations. Unfortunately, a dearth of prehistoric research has hindered the recognition of regional differences and our comprehension of the complexity of such development. Furthermore the past fifty years of archaeological investigations in prehistoric Sudan have not, paradoxically, pushed forward our understanding beyond A. J. Arkell excavations at the Khartoum Hospital site (1949) and Shaheinab (1953), the first prehistoric sites excavated in this region. This premise is necessary in order to advise of the volatility of the picture that can be drawn with the currently available data. The Mesolithic populations of the Sudanese Nile valley are characterised by their pottery production and associated with a hunter-gatherer-fishers economy. The Neolithization of the region is rooted in these groups, but the contribution of foreign influences cannot be ruled out.
The Origins and Early Development of Writing in Egypt
Authors: Regulski Ilona 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe Egyptian writing system represents one of the oldest recorded languages known to humankind, along with Sumerian. But the system took centuries to adapt to what we now regard as its primary function: the encoding of continuous speech. Major changes in the historical and social-linguistic environment of late Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egypt (ca. 3250–2700 BC) left traces in the written communication and steered significant developments in the early writing system. After a brief introduction of the earliest evidence of writing in Egypt, this chapter will focus on the long and complex process of creating, extending, and standardizing the early hieroglyphic sign corpus. It will propose possible explanations for the dramatic decrease in the number of signs in the beginning of the third millennium BC.
A Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Active Leptospermum Honey for the Treatment of Partial-Thickness Facial Burns
Authors: Duncan Christina L. , Enlow Paul T. , Szabo Margo M. , Tolchin Eric , Kelly Robert W. , Castanon Lourdes , Aballay Ariel M. 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:
Research suggests that active Leptospermum honey (ALH) improves outcomes in patients with partial-thickness burns by enhancing healing and reepithelialization rates, as well as by protecting against antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. This study assessed the effectiveness of ALH gel on healing time, bacterial growth, patient satisfaction, and cost of treatment.

DESIGN:
Single-arm, prospective case series.

SETTING AND PATIENTS:
Seven patients (aged 7–64 years) with partial-thickness facial burns were recruited from a northeastern US burn center.

INTERVENTION:
All patients cleansed their wounds daily with soap and water, after which they applied ALH gel.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Three physicians independently rated healing using wound photography and daily tests for the presence of exudate. Wound cultures on days 1 and 7 (±2 days) assessed bacterial growth. Patients completed a satisfaction survey at the end of treatment, and cost of treatment was calculated.

MAIN RESULTS:
Healing time ranged from 3 to 14 days (mean, 8.1 days). Wound cultures revealed normal bacterial growth on days 1 and 7 for all patients. Patients rated ALH gel favorably, with the most common complaint of stickiness in 5 patients. One patient experienced transient burning on application that did not interrupt treatment. Average hospital-based cost of treatment was $26.15 per patient.

CONCLUSIONS:
Healing time was congruent with or better than what would have been expected with standard treatment. Furthermore, despite no antibiotic treatment, wound culture results yielded no abnormal bacterial growth. Finally, patients overall reported satisfaction with treatment. The findings of this study suggest that ALH is a clinically and economically valuable treatment for partial-thickness facial burns.
Environmental exposures and the development of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Barbhaiya Medha , Costenbader Karen H. 
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review
This review examines evidence relating environmental factors to the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Recent findings
The strongest epidemiologic evidence exists for the associations of silica, cigarette smoking, oral contraceptives, postmenopausal hormone therapy and endometriosis, with SLE incidence. Recent studies have also provided robust evidence of the association between alcohol consumption and decreased SLE risk. There are preliminary, conflicting or unsubstantiated data that other factors, including air pollution, ultraviolet light, infections, vaccinations, solvents, pesticides and heavy metals such as mercury, are related to SLE risk. Biologic mechanisms linking environmental exposures and SLE risk include increased oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and inflammatory cytokine upregulation, and hormonal triggers, as well as epigenetic modifications resulting from exposure that could lead to SLE.

Summary
Identifying the environmental risk factors related to risk of SLE is essential as it will lead to increased understanding of pathogenesis of this complex disease and will also make risk factor modification possible for those at increased risk.
Plasma Concentrations of Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity-2 and Interleukin-6 Are Predictive of Successful Liberation From Mechanical Ventilation in Patients With the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome*
Authors: Alladina Jehan W. , Levy Sean D. , Hibbert Kathryn A. , Januzzi James L. , Harris R. Scott , Matthay Michael A. , Thompson B. Taylor , Bajwa Ednan K. 
Published: July 2016

Objectives:
Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 and interleukin-6 concentrations have been associated with the inflammatory cascade of acute respiratory distress syndrome. We determined whether soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 and interleukin-6 levels can be used as prognostic biomarkers to guide weaning from mechanical ventilation and predict the need for reintubation.

Design, Setting, and Patients:
We assayed plasma soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (n = 826) concentrations and interleukin-6 (n = 755) concentrations in the Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial, a multicenter randomized controlled trial of conservative fluid management in acute respiratory distress syndrome. We tested whether soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 and interleukin-6 levels were associated with duration of mechanical ventilation, the probability of passing a weaning assessment, and the need for reintubation.

Measurements and Main Results:
In models adjusted for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score and other relevant variables, patients with higher day 0 and day 3 median soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 and interleukin-6 concentrations had decreased probability of extubation over time (day 0 soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2: hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.72–1.00; p = 0.05; day 0 interleukin-6: hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.54–0.75; p < 0.0001; day 3 soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2: hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.54–0.75; p < 0.0001; and day 3 interleukin-6: hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62–0.85; p = 0.0001). Higher biomarker concentrations were also predictive of decreased odds of passing day 3 weaning assessments (soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2: odds ratio, 0.62: 95% CI, 0.44–0.87; p = 0.006 and interleukin-6: odds ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.43–0.85; p = 0.004) and decreased odds of passing a spontaneous breathing trial (soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2: odds ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28–0.71; p = 0.0007 and interleukin-6 univariate analysis only: odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36–0.83; p = 0.005). Finally, higher biomarker levels were significant predictors of the need for reintubation for soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (odds ratio, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.04–10.07; p = 0.04) and for interleukin-6 (odds ratio, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.14–5.84; p = 0.02).

Conclusions:
Higher soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 and interleukin-6 concentrations are each associated with worse outcomes during weaning of mechanical ventilation and increased need for reintubation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Biomarker-directed ventilator management may lead to improved outcomes in weaning of mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Early Angiosarcoma of the Scalp: A Clinicopathological Pitfall
Authors: Paolino Giovanni , Lora Viviana , Cota Carlo , Panetta Chiara , Muscardin Luca Maria , Donati Pietro 
Published: July 2016

Abstract:
Angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare malignant vascular tumor, which affects mainly elderly patients. After the diagnosis, the mean overall survival of patients is 30 months. The variable presentation of the malignancy, the benign appearance of the cutaneous lesions, and the minimal histological changes in early lesions can sometimes delay the correct diagnosis. The authors report a case of an 80-year-old white male patient, with a painless and ecchymotic lesion of the scalp, which histologically showed minimal pathological atypia, conclusive for a diagnosis of AS with minimal histological changes. The authors discuss the main and most emblematic cases of AS initially misdiagnosed for other cutaneous diseases reported in the literature, noting that in some cases, also the histology can be treacherous and a trap for the dermatopathologist. The recent findings on MYC, FLT4 and KDR amplification, and the relative therapeutic perspectives are also discussed. Finally, the authors draw up some pathological cornerstones, which could improve the diagnosis, above all in early lesions with minimal atypia.
Improvement of the Rotation Arch of the Posterior Interosseous Pedicle Flap Preserving Both Reverse Posterior and Anterior Interosseous Vascular Sources
Authors: Tiengo Cesare , Dalla Venezia Erica , Lombardi Matteo , Bassetto Franco 
Published: July 2016

Purpose:
The reverse posterior interosseous artery flap has several advantages, not sacrificing any major blood vessel, but its relatively short pedicle limits the use to cover defects up to the metacarpophalangeal joint. Our purpose is to demonstrate that the ligature of the anterior interosseous artery (AIA), proximal to the communicating branch with the posterior interosseous artery, leads to an improved flap rotation arch, preserving both vascular sources.

Methods:
Sixteen fresh cadavers with latex perfusion were analyzed before and after our technique of elongation, and the so-obtained measures were standardized in “percentage of elongation of the pedicle.” Eight patient with the loss of substance at the dorsal aspect of the hand have been treated with this technique, and results were evaluated in terms of flap survival and complication rates.

Results:
The medium length of the pedicle in the normal flap was 10.8 cm, and after the section of the AIA, the medium length of the pedicle was 13.6 cm with a medium increase of 2.8 cm. It means a medium increase of 24% of the length of the pedicle. In all patients treated, full coverage of the defect was obtained, and we did not experience major complications.

Conclusions:
This anatomical study supported by our clinical experience demonstrates that the use of the variant described above permits to reach more distal part of the hand without being afraid to stretch the pedicle because of the connection with the anastomotic arcades of the AIA at the wrist reducing the risk of ischemia of the flap.
Corneal Sublayers Thickness in Patients With Mitral Valve Prolapse
Authors: Duru Necati , Haşhaş Oğuz Erman , Göktaş Emre , Duru Zeynep , Arifoğlu Hasan Basri , Ulusoy Döndü Melek , Karatepe Haşhaş Arzu Seyhan , Ataş Mustafa 
Published: July 2016

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to compare the thickness of each corneal sublayer in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and healthy individuals.

Methods:
A total of 38 eyes from 38 patients with MVP and 34 eyes from 34 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were included in this study. The thickness of the corneal epithelium, Bowman layer, stroma, and Descemet membrane—endothelium complex were measured on the central cornea (i.e., corneal apex) and both the inferior and superior halves of the cornea with anterior segment module of spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Results:
No statistically significant differences emerged between the study and control groups in terms of Bowman layer thickness in the central cornea and the cornea's superior half (P=0.092 and P=0.128, respectively). However, in the inferior half of the cornea, Bowman layer thickness among patients with MVP was 11.95±2.34 μm (range 7–16 μm) and in the control group was 13.03±1.62 μm (range 10–16 μm), which made for a statistically significant difference (P=0.025).

Conclusions:
Our study revealed thinning of Bowman layer in the inferior half of the cornea in patients with MVP.
Partial Orbicularis Resection for the Augmentation of Traditional Internal Brow Pexy: The “Tuck and Rise”
Authors: Armstrong Blair K. , Sobti Deepak , Mancini Ronald 
Published: July 2016

Purpose:
Brow ptosis commonly occurs with aging. Minimally invasive techniques are varied and include neurotoxin paralysis of eyebrow depressors and internal brow pexy. The authors present a modification of the traditional brow-pexy surgery which incorporates weakening of the lateral eyebrow depressor, the orbicularis oculi muscle, to synergistically influence brow position.

Methods:
This retrospective review includes 44 brows in 22 patients treated over a 14-month period. All patients underwent surgery by a single surgeon (RM) at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The surgical technique includes partial orbicularis resection to augment the traditional internal brow pexy. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were analyzed using ImageJ software.

Results:
This procedure has been successfully performed on 44 brows in 22 patients with no complications and a high satisfaction rate. ImageJ analysis demonstrates an average elevation of 2.42 mm of the lateral tail of the brow with improved brow contour, volume, and symmetry.

Conclusions:
The “Tuck and Rise” has proven a simple, minimally invasive, and effective technique to volumize and elevate the lateral tail of the eyebrow.
Disproportionate longer-term opioid use among U.S. adults with mood disorders
Authors: Halbert Brian T. , Davis Roger B. , Wee Christina C. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Adults with mood disorders frequently use prescription opioids. The factors associated with this increased use remain unclear. We used the Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys from 2005 to 2011 to measure the association of mood disorders with new opioid use and the transition to longer-term opioid use for a variety of pain conditions before and after controlling for patient characteristics and clinical disability. We analyzed 33,450 adults with likely acute or potentially chronic pain conditions who were not using opioids at baseline. Among respondents with likely acute pain conditions, those with mood disorders initiated opioids more frequently for that pain condition compared with those without mood disorders (19.3%, vs 17.2%, P = 0.01). After initiation, they also transitioned to longer-term opioid therapy more frequently (11.7% vs 5.3%, P < 0.01). Among respondents with potentially chronic pain conditions, adults with mood disorders initiated opioid therapy more frequently for their chronic pain condition (11.5% vs 9.2%, P < 0.01) and transitioned to longer-term therapy more frequently (36.8% vs 19.9%, P < 0.01). After adjusting for sociodemographics and clinical disability, there was no association between mood disorders and new opioid use for likely acute (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.05 [0.92-1.20]) or potentially chronic pain (aOR 0.91 [0.80-1.03]). However, there remained a strong association between mood disorders and the transition to longer-term opioid use for likely acute (aOR 1.77 [1.15-2.72]) and potentially chronic pain (aOR 1.95 [1.42-2.68]). Targeting the transition to longer-term opioid use may help clinicians reduce potentially inappropriate opioid prescriptions in this high-risk population.
Reconstruction of nasal defects: contemporary approaches
Authors: Austin Grace K. , Shockley William W. 
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review
There are many well-established principles and surgical techniques for nasal reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to describe contemporary reconstruction of nasal defects. The unique anatomic features of the nose make this a challenging task. Although obtaining an optimal esthetic result is always the goal of reconstruction, maintenance and restoration of nasal function are of equal importance.

Recent findings
The first step of nasal reconstruction is a thoughtful analysis of the defect. The best surgical option will provide the patient with an excellent esthetic result and nasal function. Depending upon the extent of the defect as well as the anatomic site, a local flap, full-thickness skin graft, composite graft, or interpolated flap will provide the optimal result. The decision will depend on the surgeon's experience and expertise, as well as expectations and desires of the patient. Many cutaneous defects will require not only reconstruction of the defect, but also cartilage grafts to provide nasal contour and support. Most large or complex defects will require a paramedian forehead flap for reconstruction along with cartilaginous and/or bony support, as well as a lining flap.

Summary
This study highlights recent advances in nasal reconstruction and novel modifications of well-accepted traditional techniques.
The Impact of SMS-Based Interventions on VMMC Uptake in Lusaka Province, Zambia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Leiby Kevin , Connor Alison , Tsague Landry , Sapele Crispin , Kaonga Albert , Kakaire Joshua , Wang Paul 
Published: July 2016

Introduction:
Zambia has high HIV prevalence and low voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) rates, heightening the need for effective VMMC demand generation strategies for HIV prevention.

Methods:
A 3-arm randomized controlled trial measured the impact of 2 short message service (SMS) campaigns on self-reported and verified VMMC uptake over 6 months in Lusaka Province. The study enrolled 2312 uncircumcised males aged 15–30 previously subscribed on Zambia U-Report, an existing SMS platform providing confidential, free counseling services relevant to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Participants in the “Conventional” campaign group received a standard package of messages promoting VMMC. Messages sent to the “Tailored” campaign group were targeted at participants' intention level to get circumcised. The control group had routine counselor access through SMS. Data were collected using SMS surveys, and verification of self-reported VMMC uptake used health facility client data.

Results:
Six-month self-reported VMMC uptake was 11.6%, 12.6%, and 10.4% in the Conventional, Tailored, and control arms, respectively; verified uptake was 1.8%, 1.1%, and 1.5%. Using multivariate logistic regression, the adjusted odds ratio of self-reported VMMC uptake was 1.17 (95% CI: 0.80 to 1.72) in the Conventional campaign arm compared with the control arm and 1.24 (95% CI: 0.84 to 1.81) in the Tailored campaign arm. The adjusted odds ratios of verified VMMC uptake in the Conventional and Tailored campaign arms were 1.34 (95% CI: 0.45 to 4.02) and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.20 to 2.23), respectively.

Conclusions:
Neither SMS campaign had statistically significant impact on VMMC uptake compared with routine SMS counseling. Future research is necessary to fully understand the potential of SMS-based tools for VMMC demand creation.
A Sport-Based Intervention to Increase Uptake of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Among Adolescent Male Students: Results From the MCUTS 2 Cluster-Randomized Trial in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Authors: Kaufman Zachary A. , DeCelles Jeff , Bhauti Kenneth , Hershow Rebecca B. , Weiss Helen A. , Chaibva Cynthia , Moyo Netsai , Mantula Fennie , Hatzold Karin , Ross David A. 
Published: July 2016

Background:
Mathematical models suggest that 570,000 HIV infections could be averted between 2011 and 2025 in Zimbabwe if the country reaches 80% voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) coverage among 15- to 49-year-old male subjects. Yet national coverage remains well below this target, and there is a need to evaluate interventions to increase the uptake.

Methods:
A cluster-randomized trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Make-The-Cut-Plus (MTC+), a single, 60-minute, sport-based intervention to increase VMMC uptake targeting secondary school boys (14–20 years). Twenty-six schools in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, were randomized to either receive MTC+ at the start (intervention) or end (control) of a 4-month period (March to June 2014). VMMC uptake over these 4 months was measured via probabilistic matching of participants in the trial database (n = 1226 male participants; age, 14–20 years; median age, 16.2 years) and the registers in Bulawayo's 2 free VMMC clinics (n = 5713), using 8 identifying variables.

Results:
There was strong evidence that the MTC+ intervention increased the odds of VMMC uptake by approximately 2.5 fold (odds ratio = 2.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.21 to 5.30). Restricting to participants who did not report being already circumcised at baseline, MTC+ increased VMMC uptake by 7.6% (12.2% vs 4.6%, odds ratio = 2.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.19 to 5.86). Sensitivity analyses related to the probabilistic matching did not change these findings substantively. The number of participants who would need to be exposed to the demand creation intervention to yield one additional VMMC client was 22.7 (or 13.2 reporting not already being circumcised). This translated to approximately US dollar 49 per additional VMMC client.

Conclusions:
The MTC+ intervention was an effective and cost-effective strategy for increasing VMMC uptake among school-going adolescent male subjects in Bulawayo.