bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Galectin‐3 as Adjunct to HBME‐1 Staining of Fine‐Needle Aspiration Biopsy Samples of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Scheffler Patrick , Forest Veronique‐Isabelle , Florea Anca , Tamilia Michael , Hier Michael P. , Mlynarek Alex M. , J Payne Richard 
Published: September 2014

Objectives:(1) Examine the added value of galectin‐3 to HBME‐1 staining on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules. (2) Correlate galectin‐3 on FNA with pathology results both on FNA and final surgical pathology.Methods:A retrospective review of the charts of 53 patients undergoing FNA at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, Canada, in 2013 for the investigation of thyroid nodules whose FNA samples underwent HBME‐1 and galectin‐3 staining in addition to pathological examination.Results:Of 53 FNABs, 20 (37%) were galectin‐3 positive, 24 (45%) were galectin‐3 negative, and 9 (17%) were equivocal. With regard to HBME‐1, 15 (28%) samples were positive, 32 (60%) were negative, and 6 (11%) were equivocal. Both stains correlated strongly with each other (P <. 001) as well as with pathologist examinations of the FNA samples (P <. 001 for both galectin‐3 and HBME‐1). Eleven patients underwent total or partial thyroidectomy. In correlation with surgical pathology, galectin‐3 was correctly positive in 5 patients, correctly negative once, falsely positive once, falsely negative once, and indeterminate in 3 patients. HBME‐1 was correctly positive in 7 patients, correctly negative in 2 patients, falsely negative once, indeterminate once, and without false positives. When combining HBME‐1 and galectin‐3, 8 true positives, 1 true negative, and 1 false positive were observed. No false negatives were found when combining both stains.Conclusions:Galectin‐3 may be a useful adjunct to HBME‐1 staining in FNA of thyroid nodules in order to detect papillary thyroid carcinoma. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
Genetic Biomarkers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Masternak Michal , Zhi Xu , Lamperska Katarzyna , Golusinski Pawel , Luczewski Lukasz , Schork Nicholas , Golusinski Wojciech 
Published: September 2014

Objectives:Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is known as one of the 6 most common human cancers mainly caused by consumption of tobacco and alcohol. There is also a genetic factor; however, the genetic markers are not yet established. Our objectives were to (1) validate the genetic signature of molecular targets expressed by tumors in HNSCC and (2) determine potential biomarkers for earlier detection, potential therapies, and prediction of patients’ survival.Methods:The HNSCC patients were recruited to the study in the Greater Poland Cancer Centre in 2010. Oral cancer and normal epithelium tissue taken at a minimum of 2 cm distal from the tumors’ margins from 41 patients were used for analysis by Cancer Pathway Finder array and followed with real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Results:Analysis indicated up‐regulation of 11 genes including KRT14, ACLY, MCM2, SKP2, STMN1, CDC20, SNAI2, MKI67, SLC2A1, BCL2L11, and IGFBP3 (P <. 05), suggesting altered regulation of cell cycle, cell senescence, metabolism, apoptosis, and hypoxia. Interestingly, 3‐year patient follow‐up survival analysis indicated that skp2, cdh2, vegfc, and bcl2l11 genes expression was significantly associated with survival of the patients.Conclusions:Our data indicate that there is significant activation of several cellular pathways in tumor tissue that should be further investigated. Importantly, observed significant association between the expression of skp2, cdh2, vegfc, and bcl2l11 and survival indicate that the larger the difference between the expression in tumor and normal tissue of these genes, the shorter the survival time of the patient.
Head and Neck Cancer Quality of Life Study
Authors: Alexander Richard L. , Fan Claire , Waltonen Joshua D. , Browne James D. , Sullivan Christopher A. , Lintzenich Catherine R. 
Published: September 2014

Objectives:(1) Evaluate quality of life (QOL) outcomes in head and neck cancer survivors at our institution. (2) Recognize areas of improvement in our head and neck cancer survivors in order to decrease morbidity and mortality.Methods:A total of 53 patients completed a 24‐question QOL survey, previously validated by Terrell et al. The study was conducted between 2013 and the present day.Results:Sixty‐two percent were male, and the average age was 64. Patients were on average 1.8 years past their definitive surgery. Thirty‐eight percent were current tobacco users and 30% were former tobacco users. Most cases were squamous cell carcinoma (92%) of the oral cavity/oropharynx and hypopharynx/larynx (57% and 30%, respectively). All stages were represented (I: 19%, II: 28%, III: 13%, IV: 34%). Fifty‐four percent underwent radiation therapy, and 26% underwent chemotherapy. Overall, patients were satisfied with speech, eating, pain, emotional toll, and overall disturbance (71% ± 27 [SD], 76% ± 19, 80% ± 23, 76% ± 22, and 70% ± 23 respectively). Overall, patients were very satisfied with their head and neck care at our institution (93% ± 12%). Most patients quit using tobacco products after their cancer treatments/diagnosis.Conclusions:Overall, most patients were satisfied with pain, speech, eating, emotional impact, and overall disturbance. However, the standard deviation was large. This finding could be related to pooling of all the results. Future studies are planned to evaluate quality of life outcomes based on stage, location, and/or time since surgery.
Head and Neck Cancer: Time from Diagnosis to Treatment and Its Impact on Outcomes
Authors: Hesham Hosai , Petty Bradley , Nayak Neil , Burmeister Andrea D. , Bidassie Balmatee , Musunuri Sai S. , Krasnow Steven 
Published: September 2014

Objectives:Effective head and neck cancer care requires a multidisciplinary approach. Proper coordination, or lack thereof, can greatly influence delays in treatment. Proper coordination can be improved with the help of patient navigation via cancer care coordination. Finally, there is scarce research on what is an acceptable delay in treatment of head and neck cancer and its impact on patient outcomes. The aim of this study is to determine how a cancer care coordinator (CCC) for patient navigation may improve timeliness of care and patient compliance.Methods:A retrospective and prospective cohort of 161 veterans at the Washington, DC, VA who were diagnosed with head and neck cancer after January 1, 2007, were studied. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: patients diagnosed before versus after the advent of the CCC at our institution. These groups were compared for their average diagnosis‐to‐treatment time and for average time from diagnosis to completion of treatment.Results:The overall mean time from diagnosis to treatment initiation was 47 days. The CCC group had an average time of 41 days and the group without CCC had an average of 63 days. The overall mean time from diagnosis to completion of treatment was 127 days—92 days for the CCC group and 148 days for the group without CCC.Conclusions:These results clearly show that CCC can both decrease time to initiation and completion of treatment. With further studies and survival data in our cohort, we can define a guideline for timeliness of treatment and describe the role of cancer care coordination in head and neck malignancy.
High‐Grade Salivary Duct Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: Clinicopathologic Features and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Mifsud Matthew J. , Leon Marino E. , Otto Kristen J. , Sharma Saurabh , Padhya Tapan A. , Caudell Jimmy J. 
Published: September 2014

Objectives:(1) Analyze the treatment approach for these rare salivary gland neoplasms at our institution. (2) Demonstrate observed patterns of failure and survival for high‐grade salivary duct carcinoma (HGSDC) involving the parotid glands.Methods:Clinical data on 17 patients with nonmetastatic HGSDC involving parotid salivary glands from 1998 to 2012 were abstracted from our institutional database. Inclusion required surgical resection with postoperative radiotherapy (n = 8) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (n = 9). Demographics, histopathologic features, treatment course, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Specimens were re‐reviewed by a dedicated head and neck pathologist. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were estimated via Kaplan‐Meier method, and comparisons were made with the log‐rank test.Results:Median patient age was 65 years (range, 52‐83 years) with a male:female ratio of 7.5:1 and median follow‐up of 37 months. Most commonly, these cases presented as pT4a (n = 14) with adverse clinical features, including perineural invasion (76.5%), positive lymph nodes (76.5%), and vascular invasion (58.8%). Three‐year DFS and OS were 35.7% and 61.4%, respectively. The pattern of treatment failure was predominately distant (n = 11) versus locoregional (n = 3). Univariate analysis of demographic, histopathologic, and treatment characteristics did not reveal a significant association with OS or DFS. Median survival after metastasis was 13 months, with only a single patient having a sustained treatment response >2 years after disease dissemination.Conclusions:In this series, we highlight the aggressive nature of high‐grade salivary duct carcinoma, which has a significant risk of distant recurrence and poor overall survival.
How Can We Screen Voice Problems Effectively in Patients Undergoing Thyroid Surgery?
Authors: Park Jun‐Ook , Sun Dong‐Il 
Published: September 2014

Objectives:We designed this study to develop an efficient and cost‐effective screening tool for detecting voice disorders following thyroidectomy.Methods:We developed the Perioperative Voice‐Screening Protocol for Thyroid Surgery (PVST) using the Thyroidectomy‐Related Voice Questionnaire (TVQ) to provide a cost‐effective diagnostic flow sheet for patients following thyroidectomy. The TVQ is a simple questionnaire that was developed at our institution and has already demonstrated its effectiveness in detecting pre‐ and post‐thyroidectomy voice‐related disorders in our previous studies. To investigate the PVST, we enrolled 242 subjects who underwent thyroidectomy and let them follow the PVST. All subjects underwent a voice work‐up by a voice specialist to verify the predictive value of the protocol.Results:Using PVST, we could effectively screen for abnormal preoperative laryngeal findings with a sensitivity and specificity of 82.1% and 50.5%, respectively, especially laryngeal benign mucosal disease with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 45.6%, respectively. We could also screen for postoperative voice‐related problems with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 50.4% for detecting vocal cord palsy, and 66.7% and 51.2% for detecting a low‐pitched voice, respectively. When all 242 patients followed the protocol, US $42,768 would be saved, and the PVST was estimated to decrease costs by 43.5%.Conclusions:The PVST is a reliable and cost‐effective perioperative screening tool that enables thyroid surgeons to detect patients with voice problems in their routine outpatient clinic for early and appropriate referral to voice specialists.
Quality indicators for palliative care services: Mixed-method study testing for face validity, feasibility, discriminative power and usefulness
Authors: Leemans Kathleen , Deliens Luc , Francke Anneke L , Vander Stichele Robert , Van den Block Lieve , Cohen Joachim 
Published: September 2014

Background: In the absence of a standardized, comprehensive and valid set of quality indicators for palliative care, we developed one for palliative care services in Belgium. Aim: This study evaluates its face validity, feasibility, discriminative power and usefulness. Design: We combined a quantitative analysis evaluating the answers with qualitative interviews with the contact persons of all participating services. Setting: The quality indicator set was implemented in nine palliative care services in Belgium involving a measurement procedure with questionnaires to the patients of the services, their professional caregivers, family carers and physicians. Results: The response rate was 56% for patients, 97% for caregivers, 56% for family carers and 65% for physicians, indicating good feasibility of the measurement procedure. During the interviews, caregivers found the indicator scores valid and none was extremely skewed, confirming their discriminative power. Still, 20 of the 80 indicators showed problems of feasibility and 5 of usefulness. One was discarded and the others were improved by changing either the formulation of the indicator or the questions used. Most participants expressed a desire for a smaller but still comprehensive set. Conclusion: Based on the results, minor adjustments were made to individual indicators, to the measurement tools and to the procedure used; the quality indicators are now ready for further evaluation and use across palliative care services in Belgium. As soon as these indicators are being used systematically, it will be possible to demonstrate and compare quality at the national and international levels and to evaluate improvement initiatives.
DTI abnormalities in adults with past history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a tract-based spatial statistics study
Authors: Bode Michaela K , Lindholm Päivi , Kiviniemi Vesa , Moilanen Irma , Ebeling Hanna , Veijola Juha , Miettunen Jouko , Hurtig Tuula , Nordström Tanja , Starck Tuomo , Remes Jukka , Tervonen Osmo , Nikkinen Juha 
Published: September 2014

Background Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique enabling visualization and measurement of white matter tracts. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been studied with DTI earlier with variable results, yet there is little research on remitted ADHD. Purpose To compare the brain white matter between ADHD drug naïve subjects whose ADHD symptoms have mostly subsided and healthy controls. Material and Methods Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was used to compare 30 subjects with adolescent ADHD with control subjects at the age of 22–23 years. The study population was derived from a population-based Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and measures of diffusion direction (λ1–3) were calculated. Permutation testing was used to test for differences in mean values of FA, MD, and λ1–3 between the groups. The results were corrected for multiple comparisons across the whole white matter skeleton. Results The ADHD group showed increased FA related to decreased radial diffusivity in the left forceps minor ( P < 0.05). In the vicinity along the same tract, axial diffusion was significantly decreased without any significant effect on FA. No between-group difference in MD was observed. Regressor analysis revealed no gender-, IQ- or GAF-related changes. After removal of left handed subjects the statistical significance was only barely lost. Conclusion In a setting with remitted ADHD, the results may represent a compensatory mechanism in the left forceps minor.
Effect of heated humidified ventilation on bronchial mucus transport velocity in general anaesthesia: A randomized trial
Authors: Seo Hyungseok , Kim Sung-Hoon , Choi Jae-Hyung , Hong Jeong-Yeon , Hwang Jai-Hyun 
Published: September 2014

Objective To evaluate the effects of heated humidified ventilation on mucociliary function during general anaesthesia. Methods Male patients (ASA physical status 1 or 2), scheduled for elective radical retropubic prostatectomy, were allocated to receive sevoflurane general anaesthesia with conventional or heated humidified ventilation. Bronchial mucus transport velocity was assessed via fibreoptic bronchoscope and methylene blue dye at 3h after induction of anaesthesia. Results Median (SE) bronchial mucus transport velocity was significantly higher in the heated humidified group ( n = 26) than the conventional ventilation group ( n = 24) (1.7 [0.3] mm/min vs 0.9 [0.1] mm/min). Conclusion Heated humidified ventilation effectively maintains mucociliary clearance of patients during sevoflurane general anaesthesia.
Prevalence of vascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus compared with type-1 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study of two cohorts
Authors: Koenig K F , Ribi C , Radosavac M , Zulewski H , Trendelenburg M ,   Swiss SLE cohort study (SSCS)
Published: September 2014

Objectives Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with considerable cardiovascular morbidity that has not yet been directly compared with other diseases with known cardiovascular risk. Methods Two hundred and forty-one patients of the multicentre Swiss SLE cohort study (SSCS) were cross-sectionally assessed for coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). SLE patients were compared with a cohort of 193 patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus being followed at the University Hospital Basel. A subgroup analysis of 50 age- and sex-matched patients from the University Hospital Basel was performed. Results Of patients within the SSCS 13.3% had one or more vascular events: 8.3% CHD, 5% CVD and 1.2% PAD. In type-1 diabetes mellitus patients, 15% had vascular events: 9.3% CHD, 3.1% CVD and 5.6% PAD. In the matched subgroup, 26% of SLE patients had vascular events (14% CHD) compared with 12% in type-1 DM patients (2% CHD). Cardiovascular risk factors were similar in both groups. Vascular events in SLE patients were associated with age, longer disease duration, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension. Conclusion Cardiovascular morbidity in SLE is at least as frequent as in age- and sex-matched type-1 diabetes mellitus patients. Therefore, aggressive screening and management of cardiovascular risk factors should be performed.
Assessment of final product dosing accuracy when using volumetric technique in the preparation of chemotherapy
Authors: Poppe Lindsey B , Savage Scott W , Eckel Stephen F 
Published: September 2014

Background Studies have compared gravimetric and volumetric dosing accuracies in chemotherapy agents, finding high accuracy in gravimetric measurements with a mean deviation of ± 0.06%, while volumetric measurements had a mean deviation of ± 3.02%. Methods Chemotherapy doses prepared under a biological safety cabinet containing two weights from the precision scale between 15 December 2010 and 30 March 2011 were eligible for inclusion. Empty syringes attached to a closed-system transfer device were weighed prior to product manipulation. The product was then prepared using the syringe pull-back method (volumetric technique) and the same syringe containing drug was weighed (gravimetric method). Results A total of 1156 compounded sterile products were eligible for the study. The mean percent volume difference of preparations included was –0.53% with a range of –64.9% to 94.22% for individual doses. Of the prepared doses, 71.7% were within ± 5% and 87.4% were within ± 10% of the ordered dose. Secondary outcomes found to be associated with an increased percent volume difference were the pediatric population, smaller volumes prepared, drugs requiring reconstitution compared to already in solution, and final product dispensed to the patient in syringes. Conclusion While the mean value of volumetric measurements is within the generally understood acceptable range for dispensing chemotherapy, the range of measurements is highly variable. Future studies are warranted to better understand the reasons behind the variation and to evaluate the impact of workflow changes on improving final product accuracy.
Glasgow aneurysm scores in patients undergoing open surgical procedure for aortic aneurysm
Authors: Ozen Anil , Unal Ertekin Utku , Kubat Emre , Turkcan Basak Soran , Caliskan Aytac , Aytekin Bahadir , Aksoyek Aysen , Birincioglu Cemal Levent , Pac Mustafa 
Published: September 2014

Background To assess the applicability of the Glasgow aneurysm score (GAS) in patients with aortic aneurysm undergoing an elective open surgical procedure in our hospital. Materials and methods A total of 105 patients undergoing elective open surgical procedure between January 2006 and June 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. Glasgow aneurysm score (GAS) was calculated as age+7 points for myocardial disease, +10 points for cerebrovascular disease, and +14 points for renal disease. The best cut-off value for GAS was determined using the ROC curve analysis. Results The hospital mortality rate was 3.8% (4 patients). GAS was significantly lower in patients who survived the operation (76.05 ± 14.71 vs. 92.0 ± 10.8 respectively, p = 0.031). The ICU stay was also significantly lower in patients who survived the operation (2.37 ± 5.23) compared to the nonsurvivors (25.67 ± 13.80, p = 0.001). No significant difference was observed regarding age, duration of hospital stay, and aortic diameter. The area under the ROC curve was 0.818 and for a 100% sensitivity rate, the cut-off value for GAS was 77.5 with a 58.4% specificity rate ( p = 0.031). All patients with a GAS < 77.5 were alive after surgery. Conclusion The GAS appears to be a reliable clinical predictor for in hospital mortality following elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm following open surgical procedure.
The Role of Cells in Meniscal Guided Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Jülke Henriette , Mainil-Varlet Pierre , Jakob Roland P. , Brehm Walter , Schäfer Birgit , Nesic Dobrila 
Published: September 2014

Objective: Successful repair of defects in the avascular zone of meniscus remains a challenge in orthopedics. This proof of concept study aimed to investigate a guided tissue regeneration approach for treatment of tears in meniscus avascular zone in a goat model. Design: Full-depth longitudinal tear was created in the avascular zone of the meniscus and sutured. In the two treatment groups, porcine collagen membrane was wrapped around the tear without (CM) or with injection of expanded autologous chondrocytes (CM+cells), whereas in the control group the tear remained only sutured. Gait recovery was evaluated during the entire follow-up period. On explantation at 3 and 6 months, macroscopic gross inspection assessed healing of tears, degradation of collagen membrane, potential signs of inflammation, and osteoarthritic changes. Microscopic histology scoring criteria were developed to evaluate healing of tears, the cellular response, and the inflammatory response. Results: Gait recovery suggested protective effect of collagen membrane and was supported by macroscopical evaluation where improved tear healing was noted in both treated groups. Histology scoring in CM compared to suture group revealed an increase in tear margins contact, newly formed connective tissue between margins, and cell formations surrounded with new matrix after 3 months yet not maintained after 6 months. In contrast, in the CM+cells group these features were observed after 3 and 6 months. Conclusions: A transient, short-term guided tissue regeneration of avascular meniscal tears occurred upon application of collagen membrane, whereas addition of expanded autologous chondrocytes supported more sustainable longer term tear healing.
Loss of STAT3 in murine NK cells enhances NK cell–dependent tumor surveillance
Authors: Gotthardt Dagmar , Putz Eva M. , Straka Elisabeth , Kudweis Petra , Biaggio Mario , Poli Valeria , Strobl Birgit , Müller Mathias , Sexl Veronika 
Published: September 2014

Key PointsLoss of STAT3 in NK cells enhances the expression of granzyme B, perforin, and DNAM-1, resulting in enhanced tumor surveillance. STAT3 binds the IFN-γ promoter and interferes with cytokine-induced IFN-γ production in NK cells.
Carboxyl-terminal-dependent recruitment of nonmuscle myosin II to megakaryocyte contractile ring during polyploidization
Authors: Badirou Idinath , Pan Jiajia , Legrand Céline , Wang Aibing , Lordier Larissa , Boukour Siham , Roy Anita , Vainchenker William , Chang Yunhua 
Published: September 2014

Key Points
C-terminal domain determines myosin II localization to the MK contractile ring and the specific role of NMII-B in MK polyploidization.