bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrode Impedance Fluctuations as a Biomarker for Inner Ear Pathology After Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Choi June , Payne Matthew R. , Campbell Luke J. , Bester Christo W. , Newbold Carrie , Eastwood Hayden , O’Leary Stephen J. 
Published: November 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis:
Cochlear implant surgery now aims to preserve residual low frequency hearing. The current research explores whether fluctuations in the electrical impedance of cochlear implant electrodes may act as a biomarker for pathological changes that lead to the delayed loss of residual hearing.

Study Design:
Secondary analysis of a double-blinded randomized trial, where methylprednisolone was administered intravenously before cochlear implantation with a view to preserving residual hearing.

Methods:
Seventy-four patients with residual hearing after cochlear implant surgery were investigated for an impedance “spike,” defined as a median rise of ≥4 kΩ across all electrodes from the baseline measurements. Spikes were related to objective and subjective hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus.

Results:
An impedance spike occurred in 14% (10/74) of enrolled patients. Three months after surgery, five patients exhibited spikes and three of these patients had a total loss of their residual hearing. 4.3% of the 69 patients without spikes lost residual hearing. At 1 year, 9 of 10 patients who exhibited spikes had lost all their residual hearing. 8.1% of the 37 patients who did not experience a spike lost their residual hearing. Seventy percent of patients exhibiting a spike also experienced vertigo. The administration of steroids at the time of surgery did not influence the occurrence of spikes.

Conclusion:
Our results suggest that there is a relationship between a spike and the loss of residual hearing. It seems that rises in impedance can reflect pathology within the inner ear and predict the future loss of residual hearing.
Usefulness of High-Resolution 3D Multi-Sequences for Peripheral Facial Palsy: Differentiation Between Bell's Palsy and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Authors: Kuya Junko , Kuya Keita , Shinohara Yuki , Kunimoto Yasuomi , Yazama Hiroaki , Ogawa Toshihide , Takeuchi Hiromi 
Published: November 2017

Objective:
To investigate the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including three-dimensional (3D) sequences in the differentiation between Bell's palsy (BP) and Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS).

Study Design:
A prospective study.

Setting:
Tertiary care center.

Patients:
Twenty patients: 15 patients with BP and five patients with RHS.

Intervention:
Diagnostic.

Main Outcome Measure:
Clinical diagnosis (BP or RHS).

Results:
The presence of hyperintensity on 3D-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence (3D-FLAIR) and enhancement on gadolinium-enhanced (CE)-3D-FLAIR and CE-3D-T1-weighted image (3D-T1WI) along the internal auditory canal (IAC) wall were significantly associated with RHS (p < 0.05). Hyperintensity in the inner ear was observed on pre- and postcontrast 3D-FLAIR, and enhancement of the cranial nerve (CN)-VIII was observed only on CE-3D-FLAIR. The presence of these findings also showed significant relationships with RHS (p < 0.05). Moreover, thickening of the CN-VII in the fundus of the IAC in 3D-constructive interference on steady state sequence (3D-CISS) also showed a significant association with RHS (p < 0.05). In contrast, the presence of hyperintensity of the CN-VII in the fundus of the IAC on 3D-FLAIR did not demonstrate a significant relationship (p = 0.95), and enhancement in this region was observed in all cases on CE-3D-FLAIR and gadolinium-enhanced-three-dimensional-T1-weighted gradient echo sequence (CE-3D-T1WI).

Conclusions:
3D MRI sequences are useful for differentiating RHS from BP. In particular, the enhancement in the CN-VIII and/or along the IAC wall are valuable findings, and CE-3D-FLAIR is the most useful sequence to evaluate these findings. Thickening of the CN-VII on 3D-CISS is also an important finding.
Management of Sigmoid Sinus Associated Pulsatile Tinnitus: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Wang Alan C. , Nelson Avery N. , Pino Cassandra , Svider Peter F. , Hong Robert S. , Chan Eleanor 
Published: November 2017

Objectives:
Although studies demonstrate 4 to 20% of patients with pulsatile tinnitus (PT) have associated sigmoid sinus anomalies, no consensus exists regarding optimal management. Our objective was to perform a systematic review exploring surgical and endovascular intervention of PT caused by sigmoid sinus anomalies.

Data Sources/Extraction:
A systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Systems for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines for reporting of results, with a target population encompassing patients with PT and either sigmoid sinus diverticulum or sigmoid wall dehiscence. From an initial search yielding 74 articles, 21 manuscripts met inclusion criteria.

Data Synthesis:
Of 139 patients, 90.4% were female. Mean age was 39.0 years. Diagnosis was sigmoid sinus diverticulum/aneurysm in 47.5% of patients, sigmoid sinus dehiscence in 35.3% of patients, and both in 17.3%. Sigmoid sinus wall reconstruction/resurfacing (SSW R/R) was used in 91.4% and endovascular procedures in 7.9% of patients. Postoperative recurrence was 3.5% (mean follow-up 21.1 m). Although there was no association between resolution rate and age or sex, right-sided PT resolved at a higher rate. For every increase in body mass index by 1 kg/m2, the odds of PT resolution increased 9.2%.

Conclusion:
PT as a result of sigmoid sinus diverticula, aneurysms, and dehiscence is a rare, but largely treatable condition. Available interventions include SSW R/R, endovascular intervention, and cardiac U-clip techniques. In SSW R/R, bone pate, unspecified soft-tissue graft, and bone cement had the highest rates of PT resolution. While temporalis fascia and autologous bone chips were the materials most commonly used, they had significantly lower rates of PT resolution compared with the other materials, with the exception of auricular cartilage and bone cement. Most episodes of recurrence are resolved with medical management or a revision procedure. This study serves to summarize the current state of knowledge on the treatment of pulsatile tinnitus across disciplines.
Diffusion of Bevacizumab Across Oncology Practices
Authors: Keating Nancy L. , Huskamp Haiden A. , Schrag Deborah , McWilliams John M. , McNeil Barbara J. , Landon Bruce E. , Chernew Michael E. , Normand Sharon-Lise T. 
Published: November 2017

Background:
Technological advances can improve care and outcomes but are a primary driver of health care spending growth. Understanding diffusion and use of new oncology therapies is important, given substantial increases in prices and spending on such treatments.

Objectives:
Examine diffusion of bevacizumab, a novel (in 2004) and high-priced biologic cancer therapy, among US oncology practices during 2005–2012 and assess variation in use across practices.

Research Design:
Population-based observational study.

Setting:
A total of 2329 US practices providing cancer chemotherapy.

Participants:
Random 20% sample of 236,304 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged above 65 years in 2004–2012 undergoing infused chemotherapy for cancer.

Measures:
Diffusion of bevacizumab (cumulative time to first use and 10% use) in practices, variation in use across practices overall and by higher versus lower-value use. We used hierarchical models with practice random effects to estimate the between-practice variation in the probability of receiving bevacizumab and to identify factors associated with use.

Results:
We observed relatively rapid diffusion of bevacizumab, particularly in independent practices and larger versus smaller practices. We observed substantial variation in use; the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of bevacizumab use was 2.90 higher (2.73–3.08) for practices 1 SD above versus one standard deviation below the mean. Variation was less for higher-value [odds ratio=2.72 (2.56–2.89)] than lower-value uses [odds ratio=3.61 (3.21–4.06)].

Conclusions:
Use of bevacizumab varied widely across oncology practices, particularly for lower-value indications. These findings suggest that interventions targeted to practices have potential for decreasing low-value use of high-cost cancer therapies.
Long-term observational studies of chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Kanariou Maria , Spanou Kleopatra , Tantou Sofia 
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review
Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency, with a defect of phagocytes in killing specific pathogens. CGD is characterized by severe recurrent bacterial and fungal infections and dysregulated inflammatory response. Since its first description as fatal disease about 60 years ago, a significant improvement in outcome has been achieved in the last 20 years. The purpose of this review is to framework recent advances in CGD immunopathogenesis, management of disease manifestation and cure of CGD patients.

Recent findings
For years, CGD is a known cause of life-threatening infections and excessive inflammation. The cause and the management of inflammatory reactions, however, have not been clarified, and the range of clinical presentation is growing with corresponding novel therapeutic interventions. Recent work focuses on the best outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and gene therapy for the cure of CGD patients, more specifically, those with X-linked and p47phox mutations.

Summary
The genetics and phenotype of CGD is well characterized; however, the underlying mechanisms, the treatment of its inflammatory manifestations and the cure of CGD is under further investigation.
The Changing Face of Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Martinelli Massimo , Giugliano Francesca P. , Russo Marina , Giannetti Eleonora , Andreozzi Marialuisa , Bruzzese Dario , Perrone Laura , Staiano Annamaria , Miraglia Del Giudice Emanuele , Miele Erasmo , Marzuillo Pierluigi , Strisciuglio Caterina 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aims of this retrospective study were to describe ulcerative colitis (UC) phenotype at diagnosis and follow‐up and to identify possible predictors of severe disease course.Methods:This was a retrospective, single‐center study. We reviewed the charts of patients with UC diagnosed between 2 and 18 years at our referral center from January 2007 to January 2016. Laboratory and clinical features at diagnosis, such as disease extent, atypical phenotypes, extraintestinal manifestations, and therapies, and pattern changes during the follow‐up, including relapse rate, disease extension, and the cumulative risk for colectomy were collected.Results:One hundred eleven patients were enrolled. Atypical phenotypes were identified at diagnosis in 55 out of 111 patients (49.5%). Extraintestinal manifestations were detected in 16 out of 111 (14.4%) at the diagnosis. During the follow‐up 60 out of 111 (54%) patients needed to start azathioprine, 9 out of 111 (8.1%) patients started biologic therapy and 10 out of 111 (patients underwent surgery, resulting in a cumulative risk of 8% at 5 years and 16% at 10 years. Steroid refractoriness (hazard ratio: 13.9) and starting of biologic therapy (hazard ratio: 25.3) represented the best predictors for surgery. The cumulative probability of first relapse was 47% at 6 months and 63% at 1 year. Disease extension was reported in 21 out of 70 patients (30%).Conclusion:Pediatric UC is associated with a severe phenotype and a high percentage of atypical features. Surgery rate seems to be decreased from early reports.
Compliance With Fecal Calprotectin Testing in Pediatric Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Queliza Karen , Wang Michael K. , Kellermayer Richard 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTFecal calprotectin (FC) is a highly sensitive biomarker for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Utilization of this assay has been steadily increasing. Adherence levels for FC have, however, yet to be examined in the pediatric IBD setting. We analyzed 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with IBD between 2014 and 2015 at Texas Children's Hospital. Fifty‐six percent of patients were men and median age at diagnosis was 13.7 years. Following diagnosis of IBD, 84 patients had a minimum of 1 FC requested, and 95.2% of these patients completed the test at least once. An average of 2 FCs per patient was ordered each year, and the overall compliance was 76.6%. Patients who completed the initial testing with a minimum of 3 consecutive tests were more likely to remain compliant than those who failed to perform the first lab (P < 0.001). Our findings indicate good compliance with FC testing in pediatric patients with IBD.
Shortened 8 Weeks Course of Dual Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir Therapy in Adolescent Patients, With Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: El‐Shabrawi Mortada H. , Abdo Alaa M. , El‐Khayat Hisham R. , Yakoot Mostafa 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTRecently, sofosbuvir and the fixed‐dose combination of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir were approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in adolescents, criteria being 12 years old and above or weighing at least 35 kg. Here we present the results of a pilot single cohort of 10 consecutive adolescent patients with chronic hepatitis C virus and treated with dual sofosbuvir/daclatasvir therapy for a response‐tailored duration of 8 weeks for those who achieved very rapid virologic response (vRVR) and 12 weeks for those who did not. All patients achieved vRVR at week 2 and completed the shortened 8 weeks course. All patients (10/10) (100% [confidence interval 72.25–100%]) achieved sustained vRVR at week 12 post‐treatment with good tolerability and no serious adverse events. These data could provide support to our suggested response‐tailored protocol of dual therapy with sofosbuvir/daclatasvir in adolescents particularly for shortened duration in those who achieved vRVR. Further larger randomized controlled studies are recommended.
Cost-Effectiveness of Peer- Versus Venue-Based Approaches for Detecting Undiagnosed HIV Among Heterosexuals in High-Risk New York City Neighborhoods
Authors: Stevens Elizabeth R. , Nucifora Kimberly A. , Zhou Qinlian , Braithwaite Ronald Scott , Cleland Charles M. , Ritchie Amanda S. , Kutnick Alexandra H. , Gwadz Marya V. 
Published: November 2017

Introduction:
We used a computer simulation of HIV progression and transmission to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a scale-up of 3 strategies to seek out and test individuals with undiagnosed HIV in New York City (NYC).

Setting:
Hypothetical NYC population.

Methods:
We incorporated the observed effects and costs of the 3 “seek and test” strategies in a computer simulation of HIV in NYC, comparing a scenario in which the strategies were scaled up with a 1-year implementation or a long-term implementation with a counterfactual scenario with no scale-up. The simulation combined a deterministic compartmental model of HIV transmission with a stochastic microsimulation of HIV progression, calibrated to NYC epidemiological data from 2003 to 2015. The 3 approaches were respondent-driven sampling (RDS) with anonymous HIV testing (“RDS-A”), RDS with a 2-session confidential HIV testing approach (“RDS-C”), and venue-based sampling (“VBS”).

Results:
RDS-A was the most cost-effective strategy tested. When implemented for only 1 year and then stopped thereafter, using a societal perspective, the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained versus no intervention was $812/QALY, $18,110/QALY, and $20,362/QALY for RDS-A, RDS-C, and VBS, respectively. When interventions were implemented long term, the cost per QALY gained versus no intervention was cost-saving, $31,773/QALY, and $35,148/QALY for RDS-A, RDS-C, and VBS, respectively. When compared with RDS-A, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for both VBS and RDS-C were dominated.

Conclusions:
The expansion of the RDS-A strategy would substantially reduce HIV-related deaths and new HIV infections in NYC, and would be either cost-saving or have favorable cost-effectiveness.
Comparison of the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Single-Dose Tenofovir Vaginal Film and Gel Formulation (FAME 05)
Authors: Robinson Jennifer A. , Marzinke Mark A. , Fuchs Edward J. , Bakshi Rahul P. , Spiegel Hans M. L. , Coleman Jenell S. , Rohan Lisa C. , Hendrix Craig W. 
Published: November 2017

Objective:
Although preexposure prophylaxis with oral tenofovir (TFV) disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine reduces HIV acquisition rates, poor adherence to and acceptability of daily vaginal gels have led to development of vaginal film formulations to improve adherence and, potentially, to enable episodic use.

Study Design:
In this 2-arm, cross-over study of a fast-dissolving tenofovir film (40 mg) compared with a previously studied semisolid tenofovir 1% gel (40 mg), 10 healthy women received a single vaginal dose of each study product. Clinical, pharmacokinetic, and antiviral assessments were performed over 1 week after dose.

Results:
Nine of 10 participants experienced mild to moderate adverse effects, similar between products, with no severe adverse events or events attributed to study products. TFV concentrations after film dosing exceeded concentrations after gel dosing in plasma between 8 and 24 hours (P ≤ 0.02). TFV concentrations in cervicovaginal fluid and both TFV and TFV diphosphate concentrations in cervical tissue homogenates were higher after film dosing (all P values < 0.04). The differences ranged from median (interquartile range) 2.9-fold (1.1, 9.0; midvaginal cervicovaginal fluid) to 4.4-fold (2.9, 7.7; plasma). Neither film nor gel demonstrated reduced cervical tissue biopsy infectivity after ex vivo HIV challenge.

Conclusion:
Single-dose tenofovir film demonstrated consistently higher concentrations in plasma and cervicovaginal samples when compared with gel during the first day after dosing. Single-dose cervical tissue TFV-diphosphate concentrations at 5 hours exceeded steady-state concentrations previously reported with daily oral Truvada dosing. Tenofovir film may provide an alternative to tenofovir oral and gel formulations. Clinical efficacy remains to be tested.
Pathways From HIV-Related Stigma to Antiretroviral Therapy Measures in the HIV Care Cascade for Women Living With HIV in Canada
Authors: Logie Carmen H. , Lacombe-Duncan Ashley , Wang Ying , Kaida Angela , Conway Tracey , Webster Kath , de Pokomandy Alexandra , Loutfy Mona R. 
Published: November 2017

Background:
Associations between HIV-related stigma and reduced antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence are widely established, yet the mechanisms accounting for this relationship are underexplored. There has been less attention to HIV-related stigma and its associations with ART initiation and current ART use. We examined pathways from HIV-related stigma to ART initiation, current ART use, and ART adherence among women living with HIV in Canada.

Methods:
We used baseline survey data from a national cohort of women living with HIV in Canada (n = 1425). Structural equation modeling using weighted least squares estimation methods was conducted to test the direct effects of HIV-related stigma dimensions (personalized, negative self-image, and public attitudes) on ART initiation, current ART use, and 90% ART adherence, and indirect effects through depression and HIV disclosure concerns, adjusting for sociodemographic factors.

Results:
In the final model, the direct paths from personalized stigma to ART initiation (β = −0.104, P < 0.05) and current ART use (β = −0.142, P < 0.01), and negative self-image to ART initiation (β = −0.113, P < 0.01) were significant, accounting for the mediation effects of depression and HIV disclosure concerns. Depression mediated the pathways from personalized stigma to ART adherence, and negative self-image to current ART use and ART adherence. Final model fit indices suggest that the model fit the data well [χ2(25) = 90.251, P < 0.001; comparative fit index = 0.945; root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.044].

Conclusions:
HIV-related stigma is associated with reduced likelihood of ART initiation and current ART use, and suboptimal ART adherence. To optimize the benefit of ART among women living with HIV, interventions should reduce HIV-related stigma and address depression.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of a Urethral Caruncle and the Pathologic Correlation: A Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Tomita Hayato , Takeyama Nobuyuki , Hayashi Takaki , Tanihuji Satoru , Yamamoto Kenro , Sasaki Haruaki , Ohike Nobuyuki , Nakajima Yasuo , Hashimoto Toshi 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
A urethral caruncle is the most common disease of the urethra in postmenopausal women. A definitive diagnosis can usually be reached based on physical examination. Cross-sectional imaging is performed when malignant urethral tumor is suspected, such as a urethral carcinoma. No articles have discussed the detailed imaging of urethral caruncles. We present 3 patients with symptomatic urethral caruncles who underwent magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively.
Pendular Seesaw Nystagmus in a Patient With a Giant Pituitary Macroadenoma: Pathophysiology and the Role of the Accessory Optic System
Authors: Yat-Ming Woo Peter , Takemura Saori , Ming-Yan Cheong Allen , Chi-Ho Chu Alberto , Chan Yung , Wong Hoi-Tung , Chan Kwong-Yau 
Published: November 2017

Abstract:
Seesaw nystagmus is characterized by cyclic eye movements with a conjugate torsional component and a dissociated vertical component. In the first half of the cycle, one eye elevates and intorts, whereas the other eye depresses and extorts. The pattern is reversed in the remaining half of the cycle. We describe a patient with a giant pituitary adenoma who developed pendular seesaw nystagmus. Disturbance in the visuovestibular system is postulated to contribute to this form of seesaw nystagmus. Lesions compressing the optic chiasm and the accessory optic system could interrupt the transmission of retinal error signals to the inferior olivary nucleus and the interstitial nucleus of Cajal, thus interfering with the adaptive mechanism of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and leading to pendular seesaw nystagmus.
Using Facebook differently in two education policy protests
Authors: Avigur-Eshel Amit , Berkovich Izhak 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
Scholars have identified various uses of Facebook by activists and social movements in political activism and beyond. They overlooked, however, the possibility that social movements may take advantage of certain capabilities provided by social media platforms, while neglecting others, thereby creating differences in patterns of use between movements. The purpose of this paper is to investigate these differences and to assess the role of the lived experience of activists and supporters in shaping them.

Design/methodology/approach
This study compared two protests in Israel with respect to activists’ use of social media, the class profile of participants and the leadership’s demands and their resonance among various social groups. Each case was analyzed by combining thematic and quantitative analysis of online data from Facebook pages and of offline data from various sources.

Findings
The two protests exhibited distinctively different patterns of use of the capabilities provided by Facebook. These differences are associated with the lived experience of protest participants and of the individuals the movement leadership sought to mobilize.

Originality/value
This study is the first to show that successful public policy protests can exhibit distinctive use patterns of social media for political activism. It also identifies lived experience as an important factor in shaping these patterns.