bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Survival in the United States: A SEER Study
Authors: Patel Vishal J. , Chen Nai‐Wei , Resto Vicente A. 
Published: October 2016

ObjectiveTo determine whether patient race and ethnicity affect nasopharyngeal cancer survival.Study DesignRetrospective database analysis.SettingNational Cancer Institute’s SEER database (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results), 1988‐2010.Subjects and MethodsNasopharyngeal carcinoma cases were extracted according to site codes and histology recode–broad groupings. The cohort of 5427 patients was used to calculate disease‐specific survival in regard to race and ethnicity. Extracted data were further analyzed through direct comparisons and multivariable Cox regression models controlling for patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics.ResultsUnadjusted survival curves for all nasopharyngeal carcinomas considered together showed a statistically significant better disease‐specific survival for the African American race (P =. 02) and Asian ethnicity (P =. 01) relative to Caucasian patients. The survival advantage for both these groups was eliminated after controlling for the age and sex of the patients.ConclusionAfrican American and Asian patients with nasopharyngeal cancer have better disease‐specific survival as compared with Caucasian patients, while Hispanic ethnicity has no effect relative to Caucasians. This disparity is accounted for by diagnosis at an older age in Caucasian patients but remains poorly explained in regard to Hispanic patients.
Application of SLICC classification criteria in undifferentiated connective tissue disease and evolution in systemic lupus erythematosus: analysis of a large monocentric cohort with a long-term follow-up
Authors: Bortoluzzi A , Furini F , Campanaro F , Govoni M 
Published: October 2016

Objectives The objectives of this study were to analyse the performance of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) 2012 classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a large cohort of undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) population at onset of the disease and during a long-term follow-up of 15 years (1999–2013) and to evaluate the transition from UCTD to SLE, according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997 and SLICC 2012 classification criteria. Methods A cohort of patients who met the classification criteria proposed by Mosca et al. for UCTD, were analysed. The SLICC 2012 classification criteria for SLE were retrospectively applied to each patient at the time of the diagnosis (T0) and also periodically re-applied and compared to ACR 1997 criteria at three different time points in the follow-up. Results 329 patients were enrolled. According to inclusion criteria at T0 no patient met the SLE/ACR criteria, whilst, retrospectively applying the SLE/SLICC criteria, 44 patients already satisfied this set of criteria for SLE. During the follow-up 23 new patients reached the SLE/SLICC criteria and 14 patients met the ACR criteria with a stable rate of progression to SLE over time. Acute or subacute skin rash, antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) positivity and serositis were the variables correlated to the evolution to SLE. Conclusions In our UCTD population, the application of SLICC classification criteria for SLE at disease onset allowed identification of a proportion of otherwise missed SLE cases; during follow-up, and compared with ACR criteria, SLICC criteria expanded the number of patients classifiable as SLE otherwise classified as UCTD.
Instructions for masking the taste of medication for children
Authors: Vaillancourt Régis , Truong Yen , Karmali Shazya , Kraft Amanda , Manji Selina , Villarreal Gilda , Pouliot Annie 
Published: October 2016

Background: Medications that taste unpleasant can be a struggle to administer to children, most often resulting in low adherence rates. Pictograms can be useful tools to improve adherence by conveying information to patients in a way that they will understand. Methods: One-on-one structured interviews were conducted with parents/guardians and with children between the ages of 9 and 17 years at a pediatric hospital. The questionnaire evaluated the comprehension of 12 pictogram sets that described how to mask the taste of medications for children. Pictograms understood by >85% of participants were considered validated. Short-term recall was assessed by asking participants to recall the meaning of each pictogram set. Results: There were 51 participants in the study—26 (51%) were children aged 9 to 17 years and 25 (49%) were parents or guardians. Most children (54%) had health literacy levels of grade 10 or higher. Most parents and guardians (92%) had at least a high school health literacy level. Six of the 12 pictogram sets (50%) were validated. Eleven of 12 pictogram sets (92%) had a median translucency score greater than 5. All 12 pictogram sets (100%) were correctly identified at short-term recall and were therefore validated. Conclusion: The addition of validated illustrations to pharmaceutical labels can be useful to instruct on how to mask the taste of medication in certain populations. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical impact of providing illustrated information to populations with low health literacy.
Transcriptome analysis of trigeminal ganglia following masseter muscle inflammation in rats
Authors: Chung Man-Kyo , Park Jennifer , Asgar Jamila , Ro Jin Y. 
Published: October 2016

Background Chronic pain in masticatory muscles is a major medical problem. Although mechanisms underlying persistent pain in masticatory muscles are not fully understood, sensitization of nociceptive primary afferents following muscle inflammation or injury contributes to muscle hyperalgesia. It is well known that craniofacial muscle injury or inflammation induces regulation of multiple genes in trigeminal ganglia, which is associated with muscle hyperalgesia. However, overall transcriptional profiles within trigeminal ganglia following masseter inflammation have not yet been determined. In the present study, we performed RNA sequencing assay in rat trigeminal ganglia to identify transcriptome profiles of genes relevant to hyperalgesia following inflammation of the rat masseter muscle. Results Masseter inflammation differentially regulated >3500 genes in trigeminal ganglia. Predominant biological pathways were predicted to be related with activation of resident non-neuronal cells within trigeminal ganglia or recruitment of immune cells. To focus our analysis on the genes more relevant to nociceptors, we selected genes implicated in pain mechanisms, genes enriched in small- to medium-sized sensory neurons, and genes enriched in TRPV1-lineage nociceptors. Among the 2320 candidate genes, 622 genes showed differential expression following masseter inflammation. When the analysis was limited to these candidate genes, pathways related with G protein-coupled signaling and synaptic plasticity were predicted to be enriched. Inspection of individual gene expression changes confirmed the transcriptional changes of multiple nociceptor genes associated with masseter hyperalgesia (e.g., Trpv1, Trpa1, P2rx3, Tac1, and Bdnf) and also suggested a number of novel probable contributors (e.g., Piezo2, Tmem100, and Hdac9). Conclusion These findings should further advance our understanding of peripheral mechanisms involved in persistent craniofacial muscle pain conditions and provide a rational basis for identifying novel genes or sets of genes that can be potentially targeted for treating such conditions.
Histopathological findings in systemic sclerosis-related myopathy: fibrosis and microangiopathy with lack of cellular inflammation
Authors: Corallo Claudio , Cutolo Maurizio , Volpi Nila , Franci Daniela , Aglianò Margherita , Montella Antonio , Chirico Chiara , Gonnelli Stefano , Nuti Ranuccio , Giordano Nicola 
Published: October 2016

Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify specific histopathological features of skeletal muscle involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Methods: A total of 35 out of 112 SSc-patients (32%, including 81% female and 68% diffuse scleroderma) presenting clinical, biological and electromyographic (EMG) features of muscle weakness, were included. Patients underwent vastus lateralis biopsy, assessed for individual pathologic features including fibrosis [type I collagen (Coll-I), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)], microangiopathy [cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), anti-angiogenic VEGF-A165b], immune/ inflammatory response [CD4, CD8, CD20, human leucocyte antigens ABC (HLA-ABC)], and membranolytic attack complex (MAC). SSc biopsies were compared with biopsies of ( n = 35) idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) and to ( n = 35) noninflammatory myopathies (NIMs). Ultrastructural abnormalities of SSc myopathy were also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: Fibrosis in SSc myopathy (81%) is higher compared with IIM (32%, p < 0.05) and with NIM (18%, p < 0.05). Vascular involvement is dominant in SSc muscle (92%), and in IIM (78%) compared with NIM (21%, p < 0.05). In particular, CD31 shows loss of endomysial vessels in SSc myopathy compared with IIM ( p < 0.05) and with NIM ( p < 0.01). VEGF-A is downregulated in SSc myopathy compared with IIM ( p < 0.05) and NIM ( p < 0.05). Conversely, VEGF-A165b is upregulated in SSc myopathy. The SSc immune/inflammatory response suggested humoral process with majority (85%) HLA-ABC fibral neoexpression and complement deposits on endomysial capillaries MAC, compared with IIM ( p < 0.05), characterized by CD4+/CD8+/B-cell infiltrate, and NIM ( p < 0.05). TEM analysis showed SSc vascular alterations consisting of thickening and lamination of basement membrane and endothelial cell ‘swelling’ coupled to endomysial/perimysial fibrosis. Conclusions: Fibrosis, microangiopathy and humoral immunity are predominant in SSc myopathy, even if it is difficult to identify specific histopathological hallmarks of muscle involvement in SSc, since they could be present also in other (IIM/NIM) myopathies.
Comparing the Comprehensive Stroke Ward Versus Mixed Rehabilitation Ward—The Importance of the Team in the Acute Stroke Care in a Case–Control Study
Authors: Lange Marcos C. , de Araujo Tiago F. S. , Ferreira Luiz F. T. , Ducci Renata D. P. , Novak Edison M. , Germiniani Francisco M. B. , Zetola Viviane F. 
Published: October 2016

Background and Purpose: Ischemic stroke is one of the most frequent causes of death in Brazil. Many measures have been taken to reduce this tragic outcome, and one of those is the implementation of stroke units in hospitals. The aim of the present study is to analyze the in-hospital complications for patients with ischemic stroke admitted in a comprehensive stroke ward (CSW) as compared to patients admitted in a mixed rehabilitation ward (MRW). Methods: A retrospective interventional study with historic controls of patients admitted to the Neurology Division between January 2010 and October 2013. Patients admitted between January 2010 and September 2012 were included in the MRW group, and patients admitted from October 2012 until October 2013 were included in the CSW group. Throughout the whole study period, the same team assisted all the patients. Both groups were paired in relation to age and gender. The rate of in-hospital complications, mortality, and independency on discharge were evaluated in both groups. Results: Each group was comprised of 91 patients. There were no statistically significant differences for any of the risk factors analyzed between the 2 groups nor for outcome measures—in-hospital complications, mortality, and independence on discharge. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that in-hospital complications, independence on discharge, and mortality have similar rates in patients admitted to an MRW compared to patients admitted to a CSW, when the same staff provided them with specialized in-hospital care. Evidence Level: Case–control study—Evidence Level 3.
Emergency department crowding in Singapore: Insights from a systems thinking approach
Authors: Schoenenberger Lukas K , Bayer Steffen , Ansah John P , Matchar David B , Mohanavalli Rajagopal L , Lam Sean SW , Ong Marcus EH 
Published: October 2016

Objectives: Emergency Department crowding is a serious and international health care problem that seems to be resistant to most well intended but often reductionist policy approaches. In this study, we examine Emergency Department crowding in Singapore from a systems thinking perspective using causal loop diagramming to visualize the systemic structure underlying this complex phenomenon. Furthermore, we evaluate the relative impact of three different policies in reducing Emergency Department crowding in Singapore: introduction of geriatric emergency medicine, expansion of emergency medicine training, and implementation of enhanced primary care. Methods: The construction of the qualitative causal loop diagram is based on consultations with Emergency Department experts, direct observation, and a thorough literature review. For the purpose of policy analysis, a novel approach, the path analysis, is applied. Results: The path analysis revealed that both the introduction of geriatric emergency medicine and the expansion of emergency medicine training may be associated with undesirable consequences contributing to Emergency Department crowding. In contrast, enhancing primary care was found to be germane in reducing Emergency Department crowding; in addition, it has apparently no negative side effects, considering the boundary of the model created. Conclusion: Causal loop diagramming was a powerful tool for eliciting the systemic structure of Emergency Department crowding in Singapore. Additionally, the developed model was valuable in testing different policy options.
A rare nasal cavity mass in a child: Accessory middle turbinate
Authors: Chang Andrew , Ulualp Seckin O , Koral Korgun , Veling Maria 
Published: October 2016

Objectives: The accessory middle turbinate, a rare anatomical variation of the nasal cavity, have been systematically studied in adults. Presence of accessory middle turbinate and its clinical significance in a child has not been reported. We describe clinical appearance and radiologic features of accessory middle turbinate in a child. Methods: Retrospective chart review. Results: A 3-year-old boy presented to the otolaryngology clinic for evaluation of recurrent epistaxis. Anterior rhinoscopy revealed moist nasal mucosa without inflammation and bilateral prominent blood vessels on the anterior nasal septum. Nasal endoscopy showed turbinate like protuberances in bilateral middle meatus. CT images documented accessory middle turbinate in the bilateral nasal cavity. Conclusion: Otolaryngologists should be cognizant of anatomical variations of middle turbinate to achieve correct diagnosis and avoid potential complications during surgical management.
What happens when 55% of acute psychiatric beds are closed in six days: an unexpected naturalistic observational study
Authors: Laugharne Richard , Branch Matt , Mitchell Anji , Parkin Lindsay , Confue Phil , Shankar Rohit , Wilson-James Diane , Marshall Mike , Edgecombe Maria , Keaney Bernie , Gill Kiran , Harrison Juliet 
Published: October 2016

Objective The sudden closure of 30 out of 54 acute psychiatric beds in Cornwall presented a stressful challenge to staff but also a natural experiment on how a service dealt with this situation. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients needing to leave the closed ward, how bed occupancy rates were affected and the impact on admission rates. Design A service evaluation of the impact of the ward closure. Setting A comprehensive secondary NHS mental health service in Cornwall serving 550,000 population. Main outcome measures The destination of the patients needing to leave the acute unit, the effect of the closure on bed occupancy, admission rates and serious untoward incidents. Results Of 26 patients needing to be moved from the acute ward, only 10 needed an acute psychiatric bed. None of the seven patients who had been on the ward longer than nine weeks needed an acute unit. Admission rates fell over the subsequent three months. There was no increase in serious incidents due to the closure. Conclusions This naturalistic event suggests that many patients on acute units could be cared for elsewhere, especially recovery/rehabilitation care environments, if political and financial urgency is present. Admission rates are responsive to the pressure on beds.
Magnesium, zinc, arsenic, selenium and platinum urinary excretion from cancer patients of Antofagasta region, Chile: multi-metal approach
Authors: Román DA , Pizarro I , Rivera L , Ávila J , Cortés P 
Published: October 2016

Objectives To evaluate the short-term 24 h urinary excretion of platinum, arsenic, selenium, magnesium and zinc in patients with lung cancer and with cancer other than lungs treated with cisplatin or/and carboplatin from Antofagasta, Chile. Design Urine measurements of Pt and Se were made by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, As by hydride-generation atomic absorption spectrometry and Mg and Zn by means of flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Setting All samples were provided by the Oncological Centre of Antofagasta Regional Hospital (Region of Antofagasta, Chile). Participants Ninety 24-h urine samples from cancer patients after the infusion of Pt-base drugs and 10 24-h urine samples from cancer patients not treated with metal-base drugs. Main outcome measures Concentrations of Pt, Se, As, Zn and Mg coming from 24-h urine samples. Results Pt excreted was not significantly different between patients with lung and other cancers treated with cisplatin. The excretion of Mg, Zn and Se was greater than As. Then, Pt favours the excretion of essential elements. For lung and other types of cancers treated with drugs without Pt, excretion of Mg, Zn and Se was also greater than that of As, suggesting antagonism Mg-Zn-Se–anti-cancer drug relationship. Conclusions The amounts of Mg, Zn and Se excreted were greater than for As either with or without Pt-containing drugs, suggesting antagonist Mg-Zn-Se–anti-cancer drug relationships. The excretion of As, Mg, Zn and Se is induced by Pt. Knowledge obtained can contribute to understanding the arsenic cancer mechanism and the As-Mg-Zn-Se-Pt inter-element association for lung cancer and other types of cancer.
Testosterone activates sexual dimorphism including male-typical carotenoid but not melanin plumage pigmentation in a female bird
Authors: Lindsay Willow R. , Barron Douglas G. , Webster Michael S. , Schwabl Hubert 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT
In males it is frequently testosterone (T) that activates the expression of sexually selected morphological and behavioral displays, but the role of T in regulating similar traits in females is less clear. Here, we combine correlational data with results from T and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) manipulations in both sexes to assess the role of T in mediating sexually dimorphic coloration and morphology in the red-backed fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus). We show that: (1) natural variation in female expression of ornamental traits (darkened bills and red back feathers) is positively associated with age and circulating androgen titres, (2) females have the capacity to express most male-typical traits in response to exogenous T, including carotenoid-pigmented body plumage, shorter feathers, darkened bill and enlarged cloacal protuberance, but (3) appear constrained in production of male-typical melanin-pigmented plumage, and (4) low androgen levels during the pre-nuptial molt, probably because of low ovarian capacity for steroid production (or luteinizing hormone sensitivity), prevent females from developing male-like ornamentation. Thus, females appear to retain molecular mechanisms for hormonally regulated male-typical ornamentation, although these are rarely activated because of insufficient production of the hormonal signal.
Cognitive Linguistics, gesture studies, and multimodal communication
Authors: Cienki Alan 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The fields of Cognitive Linguistics and gesture studies have begun to find each other of great interest in recent years. The cross-recognition is making for a healthy relationship because it is not a simple “mutual admiration society”, but a relation in which recognition of the other involves change and development on the part of each. Taking the usage-based tenet of Cognitive Linguistics seriously in light of video-recorded data of talk raises questions about the very object of study in Cognitive Linguistics, what its nature is, and what its scope is. The still nascient modern field of gesture studies calls for empirical research tied to the real life contexts of gesture use in order to gain a more complete picture of the phenomena “at hand”. Discussion of the place of studying multimodal communication within Cognitive Linguistics leads to consideration of broader political, economic, and sociological factors in academia which can play a role in determining the future of the field.
Effect of surfactant concentration on the morphology of MoxSy nanoparticles prepared by a solvothermal route
Authors: Akram Hanane , Mateos-Pedrero Cecilia , Gallegos-Suarez Esteban , Chafik Tarik , Guerrero-Ruiz Antonio , Rodríguez-Ramos Inmaculada 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The preparation of MoxSy nanoparticles with different morphologies via a surfactant-assisted one-pot solvothermal route was reported. The concentration of surfactant was studied to evaluate its effects on the morphology and the size of the as obtained nanoparticles. The final products were comprehensively characterized using XRD, TEM, HRTEM, IR, TGA and XPS. It was found that at low surfactant concentration, MoS2 spherical shapes were obtained whereas tubular morphologies are formed at higher concentration. This issue has been discussed based on various relevant experimental data.
Hydrothermal green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract and evaluation of their antifungal activity
Authors: Mohammadlou Mojgan , Jafarizadeh-Malmiri Hoda , Maghsoudi Hafez 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract via a hydrothermal method. The effects of the Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract concentration (PLEC) and the amount of 1 mm AgNO3 solution on the center of the broad emission peak (λmax) and the color of the synthesized AgNP solution were investigated by using response surface methodology. The main reducing and stabilizing compounds of Pelargonium/Geranium leaf extract were identified by Fourier transform-infrared and gas chromatography. Spherical AgNPs with an average size of 29 nm were successfully fabricated at the optimal synthesis conditions using 9.8 ml of 1 mm AgNO3 solution and 0.1 ml of 0.62 g/100 ml PLEC. AgNPs were determined to have a polydispersity index value of 0.413 and a ζ potential of +0.6 mV. The antifungal activity of fabricated AgNPs was tested against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus, and found to posses a significant inhibitory effect against these microorganisms.