bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Vocal Cord Paralysis in Patients with Incidentally Discovered Enlarged Lymph Nodes along the Expected Course of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Authors: Agarwal Ritu , Ionita Justin A. , Akin Esma A. , Sadeghi Nader , Taheri M. Reza 
Published: August 2015

Objectives: We sought to determine the prevalence of vocal cord paralysis in patients with incidentally discovered lymphadenopathy along the expected course of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Methods: We reviewed the positron-emission tomographic (PET) and computed tomographic (CT) scans of 936 consecutive patients with a variety of diagnoses. Enlarged lymph nodes (short-axis diameter of more than 1 cm) along the expected course of the RLN were identified. Patients with lymphadenopathy were evaluated for CT signs of vocal cord paralysis. The medical records of patients with lymphadenopathy were reviewed for clinical signs of vocal cord paralysis. Patients with head and neck malignancies were excluded from the study. Results: Lymphadenopathy along the course of the RLN was identified in 57 of the 936 patients studied. Fifty-three of the 57 patients (93%) were found to have a malignancy. Thirty-four enlarged nodes (60%) had FDG uptake as shown on a PET/CT scan. Twenty enlarged nodes (35%) had CT evidence of extracapsular spread. Four patients (7%) had CT evidence of vocal cord paralysis. One patient (2%) had clinical evidence of vocal cord paralysis. Conclusions: In asymptomatic patients with incidental lymphadenopathy along the course of the RLN, vocal cord paralysis is rare.
Salvage Endoscopic Angiolytic KTP Laser Treatment of Early Glottic Cancer after Failed Radiotherapy
Authors: Barbu Anca M. , Burns James A. , Lopez-Guerra Gerardo , Landau-Zemer Tali , Friedman Aaron D. , Zeitels Steven M. 
Published: August 2015

Objectives: Management of early glottic cancer subsequent to failed radiotherapy is challenging, especially in balancing oncological control and function preservation. Patients frequently have been incentivized against surgical management and thus have undergone radiotherapy as initial treatment. This history compounds the difficulty of discussions about surgical management after recurrence. Typically, endoscopic salvage has less morbidity than transcervical partial laryngectomy and is clearly desirable over total laryngectomy. However, there are appropriate concerns about the efficacy of endoscopic salvage and the overarching impact on larynx preservation and survival. Given our success with endoscopic angiolytic KTP laser treatment of previously nonirradiated T1 and T2 glottic cancers, we examined our results from treating similar-sized lesions after failed radiotherapy. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 20 patients from our cancer database who had undergone failed radiation therapy elsewhere for early glottic cancer and then underwent endoscopic angiolytic KTP laser treatment. Results: Analysis of the geographic tumor recurrence of the 20 patients revealed T1a N0 M0 cancer in 4 patients, T1b N0 M0 cancer in 1 patient, T2a N0 M0 cancer in 1 patient, and T2b N0 M0 cancer in 14 patients. After KTP laser salvage treatment, 4 patients (20%) had local recurrence (all T2b) and required subsequent total laryngectomy, and 3 of these patients (15%) ultimately died of disease. The remaining 16 patients (80%) were free of disease at least 2 years after endoscopic salvage (average follow-up, 39 months). Conclusions: Our investigation provides preliminary evidence that angiolytic KTP laser salvage treatment of early glottic cancer is an effective treatment after failed irradiation. Studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up will be necessary to establish incontrovertible evidence of its efficacy.
Protective Effects of Exogenous Surfactant Protein A in Allergic Rhinitis: A Mouse Model
Authors: Ren Jie , Deng Yuqin , Xiao Bokui , Wang Guirong , Tao Zezhang 
Published: August 2015

Objectives: A mouse model of allergic rhinitis (AR) was prepared, and exogenous surfactant protein A (SP-A) was given by an intranasal route to study its mechanism and effects in the mice. Methods: Sixty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a normal control group, a group with AR (AR group), and a group with AR that was given SP-A (treatment group). Results: A mouse model of AR was successfully established. Enzyme-linked immunoassay showed that the level of ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E in the AR group was significantly higher than those in the treatment and control groups (p < 0.05), whereas the levels were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the treatment and control groups. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed typical allergic injury of the nasal epithelium in the AR group, and the number of eosinophils that migrated into the nasal tissue in the AR group was significantly greater than those measured in the treatment and control groups (p < 0.05). Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing revealed that the type 2 helper (Th2) cytokine (interleukin 4 and interleukin 5) levels were highest in the AR group, followed by the treatment and control groups, with significant differences between each of the groups (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found in the levels of nasal mucosa type 1 helper (Th1) cytokines (interferon γ, interleukin 12) among the AR, treatment, and control groups; the highest levels were found in the control group, and the lowest levels were detected in the AR group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Exogenous SP-A had a significant therapeutic effect in mice with AR, and its mechanisms of action included inhibition of the differentiation of Th2 cells in the nasal mucosa, reduced levels of Th2 cytokines, and increased levels of Th1 cytokines. Together, these effects corrected the Th1/Th2 imbalance, inhibited the increase of specific immunoglobulin E production, effectively reduced the symptoms of AR, and inhibited the development of AR.
Transnasal Approach to the Orbital Apex and Cavernous Sinus
Authors: Felippu Alexandre , Mora Renzo , Guastini Luca , Peretti Giorgio 
Published: August 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide the anatomic rationale for a transnasal approach to the orbital apex and cavernous sinus, and to evaluate its applicability and efficiency. Methods: One hundred patients with lesions of the orbital apex, cavernous sinus, optic nerve, clivus, parapharyngeal space, infratemporal fossa, or pterygopalatine fossa were reviewed over a 10-year period. All patients underwent an endoscopic transnasal approach to the orbital apex and cavernous sinus. The surgical technique required a standard endoscopic sinus surgery set. The possible complications were recorded and classified as intraoperative or postoperative. Results: There were complications in 8 cases: 4 intraoperative and 4 postoperative. The intraoperative complications included rupture of the internal carotid artery in 1 patient and cerebrospinal fluid leak in 3 patients. All intraoperative complications were resolved during surgery. The postoperative complications were transitory eyelid ptosis in 2 patients (resolved in 6 months) and transitory diplopia with immediate deficit of the medial rectus muscle in 2 patients (completely resolved in 1 month). Conclusions: With the use of this technique, the surgeon can precisely identify the position of the surgical instrument without losing his or her way, thereby significantly reducing the rate of complications.
Repair of Posterior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence from a High Jugular Bulb
Authors: Gubbels Samuel P. , Zhang Qi , Lenkowski Paul W. , Hansen Marlan R. 
Published: August 2015

Objectives: We describe the clinical evaluation and operative management of posterior semicircular canal dehiscence caused by a high jugular bulb. Methods: We performed a retrospective case report. Results: The patient had clinical and audiometric findings consistent with semicircular canal dehiscence and imaging findings that demonstrated erosion of the posterior semicircular canal by a high jugular bulb. Resurfacing of the eroded canal provided resolution of the vestibular symptoms without damage to the inner ear. Conclusions: Dehiscence of the posterior semicircular canal can cause clinical and audiometric findings similar to those of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome. Resurfacing of the area of dehiscence can successfully relieve the vestibular symptoms. In the case of dehiscence of the posterior canal from a high jugular bulb, resurfacing may offer advantages over canal plugging for definitive management.
Management of Wire Brush Bristle Ingestion
Authors: Wong Stephanie , Brook Christopher , Grillone Gregory 
Published: August 2015

Objectives: To increase awareness of wire brush bristle ingestion, review the literature relating to wire brush bristle ingestion, and describe an algorithm for management of wire brush bristle foreign bodies as well as a technique for bedside removal. Methods: The authors present a case of an accidental wire bristle ingestion that was successfully treated with bedside removal and describe a successful bedside technique for removal. For the literature review, the PubMed journal database and Google Scholar were queried using the search terms wire bristle, wire brush, grill brush, and grill bristle. Results: Twenty-three wire brush ingestions with upper aerodigestive presentations were identified in the medical literature. Bedside visualization was attempted in 10 patients and successful in 5. The foreign body was able to be removed at the bedside in 3 of these patients. Two patients were managed conservatively. The authors developed an algorithm for management based on these literature findings. Conclusion: Wire brush bristle ingestion is increasingly common in the literature, and a definitive algorithm does not exist for management. The authors present an algorithm for management and describe a technique for successful removal at the bedside.
Damage Tolerance of Laminated Composites Containing an Open Hole and Subjected to Compressive Loadings: Part I—Analysis
Authors: Chang Fu-Kuo , Lessard Larry B. 
Published: August 2015

An analytical investigation was performed to study the damage in laminated composites containing an open hole and subjected to compressive loading. A progressive damage model was developed during the investigation to predict the extent and the failure modes of the internal damage in the laminates as a function of the applied load and to simulate the in-plane response of the laminates from initial loading to final collapse. The model consists of a stress analysis and a failure analysis. Stresses and strains inside the laminates were calculated by a nonlinear finite element analysis which is based on finite deformation theory with consideration of material and geometric nonlinearities. The types and extent of damage in the material were predicted by a failure analysis which includes a set of proposed failure criteria and material degradation models. Numerical results from the model were compared with the data which were obtained during the investigation and are presented in a companion paper [1]. Good agreements were found between the predictions and the test results. A computer code was developed based on the model which can be used as a tool for sizing and designing composite plates containing holes and subjected to compression.
Typology of Canadian Alcohol Users
Authors: Fortin Marilyn , Bélanger Richard E. , Moulin Stéphane 
Published: August 2015

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to propose a multidimensional typology of drinking in Canada according to use, contexts, and motivations to drink, and to explore the extent to which these profiles are associated with gender and age. Methods: Data are drawn from the 2005 Canadian Survey as part of the project “Gender, Alcohol, and Culture: An International Study.” The subsample consisted of 876 men and 848 women. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were undertaken to ascertain drinking profiles. Results: MCA and HCA identified six sociocultural drinking profiles in which distinctive drinking patterns, contexts, and motivations were observed. Conclusions: The variability of drinking styles in Canadian society demonstrates cohabitation and hybridization of “wet” and “dry” cultures—“ideal types” of two drinking cultures. This study revealed the complexity of drinking practices among the Canadian population and the necessity of focusing on social dimensions in order to enhance our understanding of alcohol use.
Feasibility of the Factorial Survey Method in Aging Research
Authors: Teti Andrea , Gross Christiane , Knoll Nina , Blüher Stefan 
Published: August 2015

Background: The factorial survey (FS) method is increasingly used in the social sciences. It is particularly suitable for studying decision situations that are difficult to assess empirically. This article evaluates whether the FS method is suitable for studying decisions in gerontological research. Methods: The present article draws on data from the Housing Opportunities & Mobility in the Elderly study. A total of 103 respondents (between 55 and 90 years) were asked to make hypothetical relocation decisions. The consistency of these responses was assessed as a function of respondents’ age, gender, immigration background, education, household income, employment status, and intention to move. Results: No significant differences in response consistency were attributable to age, gender, education, or immigration background. The personal relevance of the survey topic was positively related to response consistency in multiperson households. Conclusion: FS method can, under certain methodological conditions, be used among older adults especially when the topic of the survey is relevant to their daily lives.
Long‐Term Results of Transmeatal Cochleovestibular Neurectomy: An Analysis of 100 Cases
Authors: Jones Raleigh , Silverstein Herbert , Smouha Eric 
Published: August 2015

One hundred patients have been treated ever a 13‐year period with a transmeatal approach to the internal auditory canal for cochleovestibular neurectomy. Ninety‐one of these patients have followup of more men 3 months (average, 4.67 years). The most common indication for the procedure was Meniere's disease (71%). Chronic labyrinthitis, usually following stapes, middle ear, or mostold surgery, was the next most common indication. Patients with the preoperative diagnosis of Meniere's disease had better results in the curing of vertigo (89%) then those having chronic labyrinthitis (68%) Overall, vertigo was cured in 84% of patients end markedly improved in another 15.1% Tinnitus was relieved or improved in 65% of all patients and in 67% of patients with Meniere's disease. Mild unsteadiness was commonly noticed postoperatively, but only 11% described this as severe. Eighty percent of these latter patients reported unsteadiness preoperatively. Complications were uncommon and temporary: One case of delayed facial paresis that recovered completely, one CSF leak, and one wound infection. There were no cases of permanent facial paralysis or meningitis. The advantages of the transmeatal approach to the IAC for CVN over labyrinthectomy without CVN are assurance of complete labyrinthine denervation, increased likelihood of improved tinnitus, practice at sectioning the posterior ampullary nerve (PAN), and the ability to inspect the internal auditory canal for a small tumor or other pathology. We recommend this procedure for treatment of unilateral vestibular dysfunction in patients with no serviceable hearing.
Direct Nerve Implantation Vs. Nerve‐Muscle Pedicle: A Comparative Study of Reinnervation in the Rabbit
Authors: Broniatowski Michael , Ilyes Laszlo A. , Sorensen Kelly , Rosenthal David I. , Nose Yukihiko , Maniglia Anthony J. 
Published: August 2015

To determine the optimal method for reinnervation of the paralyzed head and neck musculature, we compared direct muscular nerve implants (DNI) with nerve‐muscle pedicles (NMP) in rabbits. In 25 anesthetized animals, one ansa hypoglossi nerve was cut. Five animals sensed as controls and two groups of 10 each received cross‐over DNIs or NMP from one sternothyroid to the contralateral sternohyoid muscle. The transplanted nerves of animals that survived long enough for neurotization to occur (8 DNIs, 5 NMPs) were stimulated with 3 to 10 mA. 0.05 msec pulse trains to obtain force curves from corresponding straps. Fiber diameters and areas were calculated on muscles harvested before the animals were killed. There was a nonsignificant trend toward stronger contraction in the NMP group, but NMP fibers were significantly larger than those in DNI and control groups (p < 0.001).
A multimethod analysis of shared decision-making in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings including family caregivers
Authors: Washington Karla T , Parker Oliver Debra , Gage L Ashley , Albright David L , Demiris George 
Published: August 2015

Background: Much of the existing research on shared decision-making in hospice and palliative care focuses on the provider–patient dyad; little is known about shared decision-making that is inclusive of family members of patients with advanced disease. Aim: We sought to describe shared decision-making as it occurred in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings that included family caregivers as participants using video-conferencing technology. Design: We conducted a multimethod study in which we used content and thematic analysis techniques to analyze video-recordings of hospice interdisciplinary team meetings ( n = 100), individual interviews of family caregivers ( n = 73) and hospice staff members ( n = 78), and research field notes. Setting/participants: Participants in the original studies from which data for this analysis were drawn were hospice family caregivers and staff members employed by one of five different community-based hospice agencies located in the Midwestern United States. Results: Shared decision-making occurred infrequently in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings that included family caregivers. Barriers to shared decision-making included time constraints, communication skill deficits, unaddressed emotional needs, staff absences, and unclear role expectations. The hospice philosophy of care, current trends in healthcare delivery, the interdisciplinary nature of hospice teams, and the designation of a team leader/facilitator supported shared decision-making. Conclusion: The involvement of family caregivers in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings using video-conferencing technology creates a useful platform for shared decision-making; however, steps must be taken to transform family caregivers from meeting attendees to shared decision-makers.
Improving the feline veterinary consultation: the usefulness of Feliway spray in reducing cats’ stress
Authors: Pereira Joana Soares , Fragoso Sara , Beck Alexandra , Lavigne Stephane , Varejão Artur Severo , da Graça Pereira Gonçalo 
Published: August 2015

Objectives Going to the veterinary clinic is a stressful experience for most cats as they feel threatened when entering a new and confined environment. The aim of this research was to investigate if Feliway spray, when used on the table in the consultation room, can decrease cats’ stress and ease their handling. Methods A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was developed, using a total sample of 87 cats of both sexes, castrated or intact, of any breed, aged >26 weeks. A Feliway spray and a placebo solution spray were tested in two different consultation rooms. During the first phase, Feliway spray was applied to the examination table of one room and the placebo spray in the other. After a washout period of 15 days the spray allocation was switched. After the first 15 mins of general questioning and physical examination carried out by the veterinarian, the observer assessed the stress levels of the cats based on a seven-level ‘cat stress score’, and the ease of handling based on a five-point ‘scale of handling’ developed by the authors. Results The study demonstrated that the use of Feliway spray leads to significant ( P = 0.01) differences in cats’ usual behaviour, according to their owners. With regard to stress, animals exposed to Feliway spray showed significantly lower stress levels than those treated with placebo ( P = 0.02). Regarding the scale of handling, the scoring did not differ significantly between cats under the effect of Feliway spray and cats receiving placebo ( P = 0.01). Conclusions and relevance This research shows that the use of Feliway spray on the examination table improves the welfare of cats by reducing their stress during veterinary consultations. Feliway spray significantly changed the behaviour of the cats in this study, and offers a simple and effective way to help decrease stress in cats during the consultation.
Cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light chain levels predict visual outcome after optic neuritis
Authors: Modvig S , Degn M , Sander B , Horwitz H , Wanscher B , Sellebjerg F , Frederiksen JL 
Published: August 2015

Background: Optic neuritis is a good model for multiple sclerosis relapse, but currently no tests can accurately predict visual outcome. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of tissue damage and remodelling (neurofilament light chain (NF-L), myelin basic protein, osteopontin and chitinase-3-like-1) predict visual outcome after optic neuritis. Methods: We included 47 patients with optic neuritis as a first demyelinating episode. Patients underwent visual tests, optical coherence tomography (OCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar puncture. Biomarkers were measured in CSF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were followed up six months after onset and this included visual tests and OCT. Outcome measures were inter-ocular differences in low contrast visual acuity (LCVA), retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer+inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thicknesses. Results: CSF NF-L levels at onset predicted inter-ocular differences in follow-up LCVA (β=13.8, p=0.0008), RNFL (β=5.6, p=0.0004) and GC-IPL (β=4.0, p=0.0008). The acute-phase GC-IPL thickness also predicted follow-up LCVA (β=12.9, p=0.0021 for NF-L, β=−1.1, p=0.0150 for GC-IPL). Complete/incomplete remission was determined based on LCVA from 30 healthy controls. NF-L had a positive predictive value of 91% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.79 for incomplete remission. Conclusion: CSF NF-L is a promising biomarker of visual outcome after optic neuritis. This could aid neuroprotective/regenerative medical advancements.
The Occurrence of Raynaud's Phenomenon in a General Population: The Framingham Study
Authors: Brand Frederick N , Larson Martin G , Kannel William B , McGuirk Jacqueline M 
Published: August 2015

The prevalence and predisposing conditions for primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) were examined in The Framingham Study based on 16 years of follow-up of a cohort of 4182 men and women. The association with atypical chest pain and migraine headache was also investigated. Over the 16 years of follow-up there were 130 men and 171 women who developed primary RP. The prevalence in women (9.6%) was somewhat higher than in men (8.1%) and 81.4% of the RP was primary. Secondary RP was equally prevalent in men (18.6%) and women (19.7%). The most common causes of secondary RP were beta-blocker use (34.2%), carpal tunnel syndrome (10.5%) and rheumatoid arthritis (7.2%). Primary RP cases differed from noncases by having lower systolic blood pressure ( p ≤ 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure ( p < 0.0001), and more coronary disease ( p = 0.009), smoking ( p ≤ 0.01) and higher blood sugars ( p ≤ 0.009). Atypical chest pain was present more often than noted previously in The Framingham Study general population survey, and was equally prevalent in primary and secondary RP and in the two sexes. Associated migraine was more prevalent in women (14.4%) than men (5.0%). Vibrating tool use with associated RP occurred in 14.6%.