bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foreign Direct Investment Policy and Development in Bolivia under Morales
Authors: Paz María J. , Ramírez-Cendrero Juan M. 
Published: December 2017

Since 2006, Bolivia has made major changes to its economic policy and development strategy, especially with regard to the treatment of foreign capital. Analysis of the change in foreign direct investment policy as applied to the oil and gas industry reveals that it has produced greater state involvement in and control of oil revenues but no great strides in gas investment, production, or industrialization. This result contributes to the current debate on whether foreign direct investment policy is the best means of development for resource-rich countries. Desde 2006, Bolivia ha implementado grandes cambios en su política económica y sus estrategias de desarrollo, especialmente con relación al trato del capital extranjero. El análisis del cambio en la política sobre la inversión extranjera directa en la industria del petróleo y el gas revela que esa nueva política ha producido una mayor participación del estado en ese sector y un mayor control de los ingresos del petróleo pero no grandes avances en la inversión, producción e industrialización de esos recursos. Este resultado contribuye grandemente al debate actual sobre si la política sobre la inversión extranjera directa es el mejor medio de desarrollo para los países ricos en recursos naturales.
Pharmacotherapy for Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitor–Induced Angioedema: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lawlor Claire M. , Ananth Ashwin , Barton Blair M. , Flowers Thomas C. , McCoul Edward D. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveAngioedema is a potentially life‐threatening complication of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) use, occurring in up to 0.5% of users. Although the pathophysiology of ACEI‐induced angioedema is attributable to elevated serum bradykinin, standard management typically includes corticosteroids and antihistamines. We sought to summarize the evidence supporting pharmacotherapy for ACEI‐induced angioedema.Data SourcesPubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase portals.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Databases were queried by 3 independent reviewers for English‐language studies published between 1980 and 2017. The initial search screened for all occurrences of “angioedema” and then was further refined to include studies of ACEI‐related cases and exclude hereditary angioedema.ResultsFive articles representing 218 cases were identified, including 3 randomized controlled trials and 2 prospective case series with historical controls. One of 2 studies of icatibant (bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist) found more rapid symptom improvement than that with a control group of corticosteroids and antihistamines. Two studies of ecallantide (plasma kallikrein inhibitor) and 1 study of C1 inhibitor replacement found no significant benefit over control. No studies were identified that compared the efficacy of corticosteroids with antihistamines, of one dose with another, of fresh frozen plasma, or of combination therapy.ConclusionThe efficacy of treatment of ACEI‐induced angioedema with bradykinin antagonists, kallikrein inhibitor, and C1 inhibitor warrants further study. Although consistent benefit of these medications has not been demonstrated, their use has not caused harm. One study examining off‐label use of icatibant has demonstrated efficacy over control. In addition, further study is needed to establish the efficacy and mechanism of action of standard pharmacotherapy such as corticosteroids and antihistamines in treatment of this condition.
Evaluating Intracochlear Trauma after Cochlear Implant Electrode Insertion through Middle Fossa Approach in Temporal Bones
Authors: Cisneros Lesser Juan Carlos , de Brito Rubens , Queiroz Martins Graziela de Souza , Gebrim Eloisa Maria Mello Santiago , Bento Ricardo Ferreira 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate cochlear trauma after cochlear implant insertion through a middle fossa approach by means of histologic and imaging studies in temporal bones.Study DesignProspective cadaveric study.SettingUniversity‐based temporal bone laboratory.Subjects and MethodsTwenty fresh‐frozen temporal bones were implanted through a middle cranial fossa basal turn cochleostomy. Ten received a straight electrode and 10 a perimodiolar electrode. Samples were fixed in epoxy resin. Computed tomography (CT) scans determined direction, depth of insertion, and the cochleostomy to round window distance. The samples were polished by a microgrinding technique and microscopically visualized to evaluate intracochlear trauma. Descriptive and analytic statistics were performed to compare both groups.ResultsThe CT scan showed intracochlear insertions in every bone, 10 directed to the middle/apical turn and 10 to the basal turn. In the straight electrode group, the average number of inserted electrodes was 12.3 vs 15.1 for the perimodiolar group (U = 78, P =. 0001). The median insertion depth was larger for the perimodiolar group (14.4 mm vs 12.5 mm, U = 66, P =. 021). Only 1 nontraumatic insertion was achieved and 14 samples (70%) had important trauma (Eshraghi grades 3 and 4). No differences were identified comparing position or trauma grades for the 2 electrode models or when comparing trauma depending on the direction of insertion.ConclusionThe surgical technique allows a proper intracochlear insertion, but it does not guarantee a correct scala tympani position and carries the risk of important trauma to cochlear microstructures.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Central Auditory Pathways in Patients with Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tarabichi Osama , Kozin Elliott D. , Kanumuri Vivek V. , Barber Samuel , Ghosh Satra , Sitek Kevin R. , Reinshagen Katherine , Herrmann Barbara , Remenschneider Aaron K. , Lee Daniel J. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveThe radiologic evaluation of patients with hearing loss includes computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to highlight temporal bone and cochlear nerve anatomy. The central auditory pathways are often not studied for routine clinical evaluation. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an emerging MRI‐based modality that can reveal microstructural changes in white matter. In this systematic review, we summarize the value of DTI in the detection of structural changes of the central auditory pathways in patients with sensorineural hearing loss.Data SourcesPubMed, Embase, and Cochrane.Review MethodsWe used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis statement checklist for study design. All studies that included at least 1 sensorineural hearing loss patient with DTI outcome data were included.ResultsAfter inclusion and exclusion criteria were met, 20 articles were analyzed. Patients with bilateral hearing loss comprised 60.8% of all subjects. Patients with unilateral or progressive hearing loss and tinnitus made up the remaining studies. The auditory cortex and inferior colliculus (IC) were the most commonly studied regions using DTI, and most cases were found to have changes in diffusion metrics, such as fractional anisotropy, compared to normal hearing controls. Detectable changes in other auditory regions were reported, but there was a higher degree of variability.ConclusionWhite matter changes based on DTI metrics can be seen in patients with sensorineural hearing loss, but studies are few in number with modest sample sizes. Further standardization of DTI using a prospective study design with larger sample sizes is needed.
Predicting the Outcome after Acute Unilateral Vestibulopathy: Analysis of Vestibulo‐ocular Reflex Gain and Catch‐up Saccades
Authors: Cerchiai Niccolò , Navari Elena , Sellari‐Franceschini Stefano , Re Chiara , Casani Augusto Pietro 
Published: December 2017

Objectives(1) To describe the relationships among the main instrumental features characterizing an acute unilateral vestibulopathy and (2) to clarify the role of the video head impulse test in predicting the development of chronic vestibular insufficiency.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary referral center.Subjects and MethodsSixty patients suffering from acute unilateral vestibulopathy were retrospectively analyzed: 30 who recovered spontaneously (group 1) and 30 who needed a vestibular rehabilitation program (group 2). The main outcome measures included Dizziness Handicap Inventory score, canal paresis, high‐velocity vestibulo‐oculomotor reflex gain, and catch‐up saccade parameters. The tests were all performed between 4 and 8 weeks from the onset of symptoms.ResultsThe high‐velocity vestibulo‐oculomotor reflex gain correlated with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory score (P =. 004), with the amplitude of covert and overt saccades (P <. 001), and with the prevalence of overt saccades (P <. 001). Patients in need for vestibular rehabilitation programs had a significantly lower gain (P <. 001) and a higher prevalence and amplitude of overt saccades (P =. 002 and P =. 008, respectively). Conversely, we found no differences in terms of response to the caloric test (P =. 359).ConclusionsLower values of high‐velocity vestibulo‐oculomotor reflex gain and a high prevalence of overt saccades are related to a worse prognosis after acute unilateral vestibulopathy. This is of great interest to clinicians in identifying which patients are less likely to recover and more likely to need a vestibular rehabilitation program.
Impact of Biopsy Modality on the Management of Cutaneous Melanoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Namin Arya W. , Zitsch Robert P. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine how biopsy modality affects the treatment course and outcomes of patients with cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck. Specifically, we investigated if partial biopsy techniques are associated with positive margins on definitive wide local excision (DWLE), the need for early reoperation to obtain adequate margins or sentinel lymph node biopsy, and survival.Study DesignRetrospective case series.SettingTertiary care academic center.Subjects and MethodsSubjects (N = 170) included all patients who were surgically treated for primary cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck at the University of Missouri–Columbia between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015. For analysis, patients were divided into 4 groups based on biopsy modality: shave (n = 61), excisional (n = 62), punch (n = 33), and incisional (n = 14).ResultsThe shave biopsy group (P =. 0324) and the punch biopsy group (P =. 0479) were significantly more likely to have positive margins on DWLE. The shave biopsy group (P =. 0042) and the punch biopsy group (P =. 0479) were also significantly more likely to need early reoperation. The mean number of sentinel nodes and incidence of positive sentinel nodes detected on pathologic examination did not differ significantly across biopsy modality (P =. 3600). Overall survival (P =. 4605) and disease‐free survival (P =. 5011) did not differ significantly among the groups.ConclusionsPatients diagnosed with shave and punch biopsy techniques are significantly more likely to have positive margins after DWLE and more frequently require early reoperation. Biopsy modality does not appear to influence the number of sentinel nodes detected, the incidence of detecting regional metastases in sentinel nodes, the overall survival, or the disease‐free survival.
Clinical Significance of Low 2‐Methoxyestradiol Levels in Serum and Tissue of Recurrent Juvenile‐Onset Laryngeal Papillomatosis
Authors: Liu Danling , Wang Jiadong , Xu Yanan 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveWe aim to explore the correlation between serum and tissue 2‐methoxyestradiol (2‐ME‐2) levels and recurrence of juvenile‐onset respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP).Study DesignRetrospective cohort studies.SettingsLaboratory of Otolaryngology, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University.Subjects and MethodsSixty‐four patients diagnosed with JORRP in our department from January 2007 to December 2012 were enrolled. Patients were divided into recurrence and nonrecurrence groups, with 32 patients in each group. ELISA detected the concentration of 2‐ME‐2 in serum and tissue samples collected during the first surgical procedure. Mann‐Whitney analysis, receiver operating characteristic curves, logistic regression model, and Kaplan‐Meier method were used for data processing.ResultsThere was no difference in the serum 2‐ME‐2 concentration between the groups (P =. 237), while the tissue 2‐ME‐2 concentration of the recurrent group was significantly lower than that of the nonrecurrence group (P =. 0001). When the area under the curve was 0.752, the cutoff value of tissue 2‐ME‐2 at 670.02 pg/mL yielded the highest predictive sensitivity (71.9%) and specificity (71.9%). Regrouped by this cutoff point, patients with a lower tissue 2‐ME‐2 level (n = 26) had shorter disease‐free survival and a higher recurrence odds ratio than patients with a higher tissue 2‐ME‐2 level (n = 38; P =. 0408, odds ratio = 7.667).ConclusionA low tissue 2‐ME‐2 level is associated with a higher recurrence rate of JORRP. Tissue 2‐ME‐2 may be an effective target for JORRP treatment and a convenient measure for recurrence monitoring.
Clinicopathologic Factors Predictive of Occult Lymph Node Involvement in Cutaneous Head and Neck Melanoma
Authors: Yalamanchi Pratyusha , Brant Jason A. , Chen Jinbo , Newman Jason G. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesEvaluate clinicopathologic factors contributing to regional lymph node (LN) metastases in cutaneous head and neck melanoma (HNM).Study DesignRetrospective review of a national cancer database.SettingNational Cancer Database (2004‐2012).MethodsNational Cancer Database (NCDB) cases diagnosed between 2004 and 2012 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were head and neck cutaneous site codes, melanoma histology codes, and clinically node‐negative status. Independent, clinicopathologic factors associated with pathologic positive LN status were identified by multivariable logistic regression. Subset analysis was performed on thin melanoma cases of 0.75 to 1 mm tumor depth to determine factors predictive of LN involvement and survival.ResultsOf 66,495 cases meeting inclusion criteria, 18,882 had nodes examined pathologically with 9.7% presenting with occult positive LN involvement. Mean (SD) age was 62.9 (16.13) years, and primary sites were scalp and neck (42.2%), face (40.2%), and external ear, lip, or eyelid (7.6%). Multivariable analysis found younger age; primary site of cutaneous scalp, neck, or face; increasing thickness; mitoses; ulceration; and vertical growth phase presence were independently associated with LN positivity (P <. 001). Only 2% of 0.75‐ to 1.0‐mm Breslow thickness cases had regional LN involvement, and age >70 was negatively associated with LN involvement (P =. 002) in this subset.ConclusionThis is the largest study examining factors predictive of occult LN involvement in patients with clinical node‐negative cutaneous HNM who may benefit from sentinel LN biopsy. Primary sites of external ear, lip, or eyelid are less likely to present with occult nodal involvement, and older patients with T1a melanoma ≥0.76 mm are unlikely to present with regional node metastasis and may not require sentinel node guided management.
Strategies used in improving and assessing the level of reporting of implementation fidelity in randomised controlled trials of palliative care complex interventions: A systematic review
Authors: Ang Kexin , Hepgul Nilay , Gao Wei , Higginson Irene J 
Published: December 2017

Background: Implementation fidelity is critical in evaluating effectiveness of interventions. Aim: Identifying and summarising strategies to improve and assess the level of reporting of implementation fidelity in randomised controlled trials of palliative care complex interventions. Design: Systematic review. Data sources: Published and completed randomised controlled trials from 2000 to current evaluating effectiveness of specialised palliative care services on patient-centred outcomes in adult patients were examined. MEDLINE was searched from 2008 to 29 September 2015 and supplemented by randomised controlled trials identified in a 2008 systematic review. Results: Altogether, 20 randomised controlled trials involving 8426 patients were reviewed using 40 subcomponents of five elements of implementation fidelity (resulting in 20 × 40 = 800 items). Over 88 strategies were identified, classified under the following elements: ‘treatment design’, ‘training providers’, ‘delivery of treatment’, ‘receipt of treatment’ and ‘enactment of treatment skills’. No single overarching strategy was discovered. Strategies under ‘treatment design’ aimed to ensure equivalent treatment dose between and within intervention and control groups, and delivery of necessary ingredients. Ongoing ‘training (of) providers’ included supervision and ensuring skill acquisition. Use of treatment manuals and implementation checklists aimed to aid ‘delivery of treatment’. Research teams aimed to improve ‘receipt of treatment’ by transmitting clear information and verifying understanding, while improving ‘enactment of treatment skills’ by reviewing and reinforcing prior content. Only 26% of the items received sufficient reporting; 34% were either not used or reported on. Conclusion: Implementation fidelity in palliative care is under-recognised. A table to collate these strategies to improve implementation fidelity in palliative care research and clinical practice is proposed.
Non-enhanced versus low-dose contrast-enhanced renal magnetic resonance angiography at 7 T: a feasibility study
Authors: Laader Anja , Beiderwellen Karsten , Kraff Oliver , Maderwald Stefan , Ladd Mark E , Forsting Michael , Umutlu Lale 
Published: December 2017

Background Considering the currently reported association between a repetitive application and cumulative dosage of Gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents and Gd-deposition in brain tissue as well as the risk for the advent of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), techniques allowing for a dose reduction become an important key aspect aside from non-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) techniques. Thus, this study was focused on the reduction and/or complete omission of contrast agent for renal MRA at 7T. Purpose To evaluate the performance of time-of-flight MRA versus low-dose contrast-enhanced (CE) renal MRA at 7T. Material and Methods Ten healthy volunteers were examined on a 7T MR system comprising a TOF MRA and three-dimensional (3D) fast low angle shot spoiled gradient-echo sequence (FLASH) MRA after administration of one-quarter of clinical dose of gadobutrol. Qualitative image analysis was performed including overall image quality, artery delineation and presence of artifacts. Contrast ratio (CR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the renal arteries were calculated. Results TOF MRA and low-CE MRA achieved comparable overall ratings, with slightly superior delineation of the main renal arteries in TOF MRA (TOF = 3.10 ± 0.75, low-CE = 2.95 ± 0.75). Segmental branches outside and inside the parenchyma were delineated significantly better on TOF MRA. Quantitative analysis demonstrated the superiority of TOF MRA, yielding higher scores for CR, SNR, and CNR. Conclusion The initial results of our study demonstrate the feasibility and comparable diagnostic performance of TOF and low-dose CE renal MRA at 7T.
Depressive symptoms in Parkinson’s disease are related to decreased left hippocampal volume: correlation with the 15-item shortened version of the Geriatric Depression Scale
Authors: Goto Masami , Kamagata Koji , Hatano Taku , Hattori Nobutaka , Abe Osamu , Aoki Shigeki , Hori Masaaki , Gomi Tsutomu 
Published: December 2017

Background The relationship between hippocampal and amygdaloid volumes and depression in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a controversial issue. Purpose To investigate the correlation between the 15-item shortened version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and gray matter volume in PD. Material and Methods In the present study, 46 participants with PD were scanned with 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to obtain three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted (T1W) images. Neurologists specializing in movement disorders performed clinical evaluations of the participants (e.g. GDS-15, Mini-Mental State Examination, PD duration, age, sex). Statistical Parametric Mapping 8 software was used for image gray matter segmentation and for a correlation analysis between gray matter volume and GDS-15 score. Results The results showed a significant negative correlation between GDS-15 score and left hippocampal volume, and between GDS-15 score and right parahippocampal gyrus volume. No significant positive correlations were found in the whole brain. Conclusion The current results provide new evidence regarding the relationship between depression in PD and hippocampal volume.
Lipid management among individuals with inflammatory arthritis in the national REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort
Authors: Navarro-Millán Iris , Gamboa Christopher M. , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Safford Monika M. 
Published: December 2017

Objective Hyperlipidemia guidelines do not currently identify inflammatory arthritis (IA) as a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. We compared hyperlipidemia treatment of individuals with and without IA (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis) in a large national cohort. Methods Participants from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study were classified as having IA (without diabetes or hypertension); diabetes (but no IA); hypertension (but no diabetes or IA); or no IA, diabetes, or hypertension. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the odds of medical treatment among those with hyperlipidemia. Results Thirty-nine participants had IA, 5423 had diabetes, 7534 had hypertension, and 5288 had no diabetes, hypertension, or IA. The fully adjusted odds of treatment were similar between participants with IA and those without IA, hypertension, or diabetes. Participants with diabetes and no IA and participants with hypertension and no IA were twice as likely to be treated for hyperlipidemia as those without IA, diabetes, or hypertension. Conclusion Despite their higher CVD risk, patients with IA were as likely to be treated for hyperlipidemia as those without diabetes, hypertension, or IA. Lipid guidelines should identify IA as a CVD risk factor to improve CVD risk optimization in IA.
Prediction of the requirement of open reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Alassaf Nabil 
Published: December 2017

Objective Closed reduction (CR) is a noninvasive treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), and this treatment is confirmed intraoperatively. This study aimed to develop a preoperative estimation model of the probability of requiring open reduction (OR) for DDH. Methods The study design was cross-sectional by screening all patients younger than 2 years who had attempted CR between October 2012 and July 2016 by a single surgeon. Potential diagnostic determinants were sex, age, side, bilaterality, International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) grade, and acetabular index (AI). An intraoperative arthrogram was the reference standard. A logistic regression equation was built from a reduced model. Bootstrapping was performed for internal validity. Results A total of 164 hips in 104 patients who met the inclusion criteria were analysed. The prevalence of CR was 72.2%. Independent factors for OR were older age, higher IHDI grade, and lower AI. The probability of OR = 1/[1 + exp − (−2.753 + 0.112 × age (months) + 1.965 × IHDI grade III (0 or 1) + 3.515 × IHDI grade IV (0 or 1) − 0.058 × AI (degrees)]. The area under the curve was 0.79. Conclusion This equation is an objective tool that can be used to estimate the requirement for OR.