bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is sex an independent prognostic factor in cutaneous head and neck melanoma?
Authors: Arce Paolo M. , Camilon P. Ryan , Stokes William A. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Lentsch Eric J. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine if sex independently affects disease‐specific survival (DSS) in patients with cutaneous head and neck melanoma.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of a large population database.MethodsOur study included patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database with cutaneous head and neck melanoma diagnosed from 2004 to 2009. Any cases with a history of previous malignancy or with multiple primaries were excluded. We obtained data on stage, race, age at diagnosis, radiological treatment status, and surgical treatment status. Our analysis consisted of a Kaplan‐Meier analysis of DSS by sex [correction made here after initial online publication] that was supported by a multivariate Cox regression of all significant variables studied.ResultsThere were 13,507 patients identified with cutaneous head and neck melanoma who were diagnosed between 2004 and 2009. We observed that female patients had a better prognosis than their male counterparts, with 5‐year DSS of 90.40% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.03%‐91.72%) and 87.10% (95% CI, 86.12%‐88.08%), respectively. Multivariable analysis demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in disease‐specific hazard ratio due to female sex independent of stage, treatment, age, or race.ConclusionsOur study concludes that female sex is an independent prognostic factor for cutaneous head and neck melanoma. We demonstrated better 5‐year DSS in female compared to male patients. Better prognosis could be due to multiple factors including differing hair, levels of sun exposure, and advanced male age.Level of Evidence2b Laryngoscope, 124:1363–1367, 2014
Patient‐based outcomes of in‐office KTP ablation of vocal fold polyps
Authors: Sridharan Shaum , Achlatis Stratos , Ruiz Ryan , Jeswani Seema , Fang Yixin , Branski Ryan C. , Amin Milan R. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisRecent data have suggested that in‐office potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser treatment for benign vocal fold lesions yields significant reduction in lesion size with favorable effects on both mucosal wave and glottic closure. However, these previous studies omitted voice‐related outcomes. We sought to compliment these previous data with voice‐related outcomes in a cohort of patients undergoing KTP ablation of vocal fold polyps.Study DesignRetrospective outcomes study.MethodsVoice Handicap Index (VHI)−10 and acoustic measures were reviewed for 31 consecutive patients with benign vocal fold polyps treated with in‐office KTP laser surgery. All data were analyzed statistically via a mixed model fit to analyze the data from each of three clinical visits.ResultsAcross all patients, the mean VHI‐10 scores decreased at first follow‐up from 19.7 to 9.7 (P < .0001). At subsequent follow‐up visits, the VHI‐10 scores remained stable (mean, 8.3). This shift in VHI scores was accompanied by favorable improvements in both noise‐to‐harmonic ratio and speaking fundamental frequency in both males and females.ConclusionsIn‐office KTP ablation of vocal fold polyps had a favorable effect on patient‐reported handicap as determined by the VHI‐10. This treatment also slightly altered physiologic measures of voice; however, these measures did not achieve statistical significance.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 124:1176–1179, 2014
Superior laryngeal nerve quantitative intraoperative monitoring is possible in all thyroid surgeries
Authors: Darr E. Ashlie , Tufano Ralph P. , Ozdemir Suleyman , Kamani Dipti , Hurwitz Shelley , Randolph Gregory 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo report normative electromyography (EMG) data on the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) and to compare this to analogous data of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and vagus nerve (VN) during intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) using both the standard monopolar stimulator probe and a novel bipolar stimulator probe.Study DesignProspective multiple tertiary care center study.MethodA prospective study of EBSLN, RLN and VN EMG data in 22 thyroid surgeries was performed. Subjects with preoperative vocal fold paralysis were excluded. Postoperative laryngoscopy was normal in all subjects. Normative EMG data were acquired using both a standard monopolar and a novel bipolar stimulator probe, as well as a novel endotracheal tube. Cricothyroid muscle (CTM) twitch response during EBSLN stimulation was analyzed.ResultsIn 100% of cases, EBSLN was identified and quantifiable EMG response was observed. EMG amplitude did not change despite extensive nerve dissection and multiple nerve stimulations. EBSLN amplitude was similar for left and right sides for patients under age 50 and aged 50 or older, for both genders, and with monopolar and bipolar stimulators.ConclusionsIntraoperative neural monitoring may be used to safely assist in EBSLN identification during thyroid surgery in 100% of patients. A novel endotracheal tube allows for quantifiable EBSLN EMG activity in 100% of cases. Monopolar and bipolar stimulator probes produce similar EMG data.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 124:1035–1041, 2014
The vestibulo‐ocular reflex and subjective balance after vestibular schwannoma surgery
Authors: Batuecas‐Caletrio Angel , Santacruz‐Ruiz Santiago , Muñoz‐Herrera Angel , Perez‐Fernandez Nicolas 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate the vestibulo‐ocular reflex and its relationship with subjective balance in a long‐term follow‐up after vestibular schwannoma surgery.Study DesignRetrospective cohorts study in a tertiary referral hospital. Forty‐nine consecutive patients on which vestibular schwannoma surgery was performed at least 1 year before.MethodsPatients are classified in accordance with the morphology of the vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) into two groups: Group A, in which covert and overt saccades always occur in an organized fashion; and group B, in which covert and overt saccades randomly occur during head impulse and once finished. We evaluate the presence of covert and overt saccades and the morphology of the VOR measured by the video head impulse test (vHIT) and its relationship with subjective balance measured by Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI).ResultsThe group B patients returned a higher score in total DHI and all three subscales without any predominant subscale (P = 0,0002; t test). Group B patients were older than those in group A (P = 0,024; t test). No differences were found in sex distribution, tumor size, or side or time interval after surgery. Regarding the unaffected side, overt saccades were found to be more frequent in group B patients (P = 0.05; X2).ConclusionsLong‐term follow‐up after vestibular schwannoma surgery has shown that 22% of the patients display a particular abnormality in the VOR because refixation saccades occur in a random fashion after elicitation of the reflex in the HIT test. These patients report the higher level of vestibular disability and handicap.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 124:1431–1435, 2014
Outcome with immediate direct anastomosis of recurrent laryngeal nerves injured during thyroidectomy
Authors: Hong Jong W. , Roh Tai S. , Yoo Han‐Su , Hong Hyun J. , Choi Hong‐Shik , Chang Hang S. , Park Cheong S. , Kim Young S. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisManagement of unrecognized recurrent laryngeal nerve injury typically entails delayed phonosurgical intervention and laryngeal reinnervation, but in cases of recognized injury, nerve anastomosis has been considered standard management. However, the well‐organized outcome analysis of nerve anastomosis has been insufficient. We performed immediate direct anastomosis of recurrent laryngeal nerves injured during surgery for thyroid cancer, and subsequent patient outcomes were analyzed.Study DesignA total 14 patients sustaining recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during thyroidectomy were recruited for the study. Patients undergoing immediate direct reparative anastomosis of the injured nerves constituted the test group, whereas the controls of group 2 (n = 4) did not.MethodsAt follow‐up, all patients submitted to rigid laryngoscopy at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Subjective and objective outcomes of the two groups were then compared.ResultsAt 12 months postoperatively, group 1 showed greater improvement in maximum phonation time, glottic gap scores, GRBAS (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain) scales, aspiration scoring, and Voice Handicap Index than controls of group 2. Moreover, group 1 showed an improvement in all five categories at 12 months postoperatively, compared with status at 3 months. None of the patients in group 1 showed laryngoscopic evidence of vocal cord atrophy.ConclusionIn this study, patients undergoing immediate direct recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis demonstrated better phonation and perceptually rated voice quality than those who did not undergo repair.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 124:1402–1408, 2014
Vocal fold pseudocyst: Results of 46 cases undergoing a uniform treatment algorithm
Authors: Estes Christine , Sulica Lucian 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo describe treatment results and identify predictors of the need for surgical intervention in patients with vocal fold pseudocyst.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study with longitudinal followup via survey.MethodsClinical records were reviewed for demographic information, VHI‐10 score, and degree of severity of dysphonia. Videostroboscopic examinations were evaluated for presence of vocal fold pseudocyst, along with additional clinical variables, including laterality, reactive lesion, paresis, varix, and hemorrhage. Follow‐up surveys were sent to all participants to evaluate current VHI‐10 score and degree of vocal limitation. Results were analyzed to determine predictors of surgery and recurrence of pathology.ResultsForty‐six patients (41F:5M) with pseudocyst (40 unilateral: 6 bilateral) were reviewed. Twenty‐three (50%) had reactive lesions, nineteen (41%) had paresis by clinical criteria, 10 (22%) had varices, and 6 (13%) had hemorrhage on examination. All underwent initial behavioral management (2–12 sessions of voice therapy; mean of 8 sessions). Seventeen (37%) eventually required surgical intervention. No demographic or clinical variables proved predictive of surgical intervention. Follow‐up surveys were completed by 63% of patients, and 79% agreed with the statement that they were not professionally limited by their voices.ConclusionThis experience supports behavioral management as an initial intervention in patients with pseudocyst, sufficient by itself to restore vocal function in approximately two out of three patients. Neither initial severity nor any of the studied clinical findings predicted the need for surgery. The large majority of patients with pseudocyst are able to be treated effectively without impact in their professional function.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 124:1180–1186, 2014
FARMING SYSTEMS IN TWO LESS FAVOURED AREAS IN PORTUGAL: THEIR DEVELOPMENT FROM 1989 TO 2009 AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT
Authors: Jones Nádia , de Graaff Jan , Duarte Filomena , Rodrigo Isabel , Poortinga Ate 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTSince the late 1980s, sustainable land management is one of the objectives of the European Commission in Less Favoured Areas. In this paper, we investigate the economic and environmental sustainability of farming systems in two less favoured areas in Centro and Alentejo areas of Portugal. The specific objectives were the following: (i) to characterise the farming systems; (ii) to analyse their development over a 20‐year period (1989–2009); and (iii) to investigate to what extent these farming systems contribute to sustainable land management. The diversity of the farming systems was identified through a survey and cluster analysis and compared with the Farm Accountancy Data Network classification on types of farming. Indicators on the economic and environmental sustainability were estimated, namely, farm net income, return to labour and rotation management, on the basis of a survey, Farm Accountancy Data Network database and Landsat imagery, respectively. Results indicate an increased focus on livestock in the past 20 years (1989–2009). In Centro, rotation management was not affected. The small ruminant farms have been able to retain a positive farm net income but that was only possible with a below average return to labour. In Alentejo, the increased focus on livestock, cattle in particular, led to an intensification of fodder production on certain plots. Mixed crop–livestock farms show a negative farm net income since 1995 and depend heavily on subsidies to remain viable. As other studies in southern Europe have shown, farm strategies have often been directed towards lowering labour inputs, lowering forage deficits through on‐farm produced resources and acquiring subsidies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stimuli‐Responsive SiO2‐graft‐Poly(sodium acrylate) Hybrid Nanoparticles via Cu2+‐Amine Redox‐Initiated Radical Polymerization
Authors: Tao Feng , Chen Xiaobo , Zhai Guangqun 
Published: October 2013

A novel strategy is proposed to initiate radical graft polymerization of sodium acrylate (NaAAc) from amine‐functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles (SiO2‐NH2) to prepare hybrid SiO2 nanoparticles with NaPAAc chains (SiO2‐g‐NaPAAc). The polymerization is carried out in aqueous media at ca. 70–90 °C using CuSO4 as an oxidizing agent. Cu2+ oxidizes primary amine into aminyl radicals, initiating radical graft polymerization of NaAAc. The hybrid SiO2‐g‐NaPAAc nanoparticles are characterized by infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology is observed by electron microscopy. NaPAAc chains are successfully grafted from SiO2‐NH2, and the grafting yield is as high as 59.46 wt%. SiO2‐g‐NaPAAc exhibits a lower degree of aggregation compared with SiO2‐NH2 when dispersed in aqueous media. SiO2‐g‐NaPAAc exhibits a more stable dispersion in deionized water than SiO2‐NH2, and addition of a low‐molecular‐weight electrolyte reduced the stability of SiO2‐g‐NaPAAc in aqueous dispersion, due to the pH‐sensitive polyelectrolyte effect of NaPAAc chains.
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Tuning the Refractive Index of Homopolymer Blends by Controlling Nanoscale Domain Size via RIR‐MAPLE Deposition
Authors: McCormick Ryan D. , Cline Eric D. , Chadha Arvinder S. , Zhou Weidong , Stiff‐Roberts Adrienne D. 
Published: October 2013

Anti‐reflection (AR) coatings designed for glass and other rigid, inorganic substrates are commercially available; however, these inorganic AR coatings tend to crack or delaminate on flexible substrates. A polymeric film with a gradient refractive index (GRIN) profile would make an ideal AR coating for flexible substrates, but such coatings are challenging to fabricate using traditional, solution‐based techniques. Emulsion‐based resonant infrared, matrix‐assisted pulsed laser evaporation (RIR‐MAPLE) offers a straightforward approach to enabling the desired GRIN profile in polymeric materials. Two homopolymers (polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)) are deposited as a blend and one component (PMMA) is dissolved, leaving behind a porous PS film. The porosity and refractive index (RI) are controlled by the volume ratio of the two homopolymers in the film. Structural and optical characterizations, as well as comparison to modeled optical properties, confirm that porous films fabricated from polymer blends deposited by RIR‐MAPLE behave as effective media over most of the visible spectrum. While evidence for the partial collapse of the porous polymer networks is observed, the RI of the porous films is reduced from that of the bulk material. Importantly, these studies demonstrate that RIR‐MAPLE should enable broadband, omnidirectional, polymeric AR coatings appropriate for flexible substrates.
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Spontaneous Formation of Colloidal Crystals of PLA Stereocomplex Microspheres and their Hierarchical Structure
Authors: Brzeziński Marek , Biedroń Tadeusz , Tracz Adam , Kubisa Przemysław , Biela Tadeusz 
Published: October 2013

In this paper, the combined effect of the influence of polylactide (PLA) end‐group nature and PLA architecture on the morphology of stereocomplexes formed during precipitation from organic solvent is investigated. Stereocomplexation of star‐shaped poly(l‐lactide) and linear poly(d‐lactide) functionalized with imidazolium ionic liquid end groups in 1,4‐dioxane leads to the formation of uniform microspheres, which are able to crystallize in the form of colloidal crystals. Microscopic scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis show the hierarchical structure of the system starting from the nanometrical grains composed of a few stereocomplex macromolecules that aggregate in uniform microspheres finally forming colloidal crystals of microspheres.
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RAFT Polymerization of 4‐Vinylphenylboronic Acid as the Basis for Micellar Sugar Sensors
Authors: Maji Samarendra , Vancoillie Gertjan , Voorhaar Lenny , Zhang Qilu , Hoogenboom Richard 
Published: October 2013

Well‐defined homo and mPEGylated block (co)polymers of the commercially available unprotected 4‐vinylphenylboronic acid (4‐VBA) monomer are reported based on reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The polymerization kinetics are studied in detail for homo and block (co)polymerizations with different chain transfer agents (CTAs) to optimize the preparation of well‐defined polymer structures, eventually leading to comparatively low dispersities (Đ ≤ 1.25). Subsequently, block (co)polymers with methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) mPEG‐b‐P(4‐VBA) are prepared using a mPEG‐functionalized CTA. The formed block copolymer mPEG114‐b‐P(4‐VBA)30 is demonstrated to be pH and glucose responsive as its micellization behavior is dictated by pH as well as the presence of glucose. The glucose‐responsive pH window of mPEG114‐b‐P(4‐VBA)30 is found to be pH 9–10 based on the DLS and TEM measurement.
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The succinated proteome
Authors: Merkley Eric D. , Metz Thomas O. , Smith Richard D. , Baynes John W. , Frizzell Norma 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe post‐translational modifications (PTMs) of cysteine residues include oxidation, S‐glutathionylation, S‐nitrosylation, and succination, all of which modify protein function or turnover in response to a changing intracellular redox environment. Succination is a chemical modification of cysteine in proteins by the Krebs cycle intermediate, fumarate, yielding S‐(2‐succino)cysteine (2SC). Intracellular fumarate concentration and succination of proteins are increased by hyperpolarization of the inner mitochondrial membrane, in concert with mitochondrial, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress in 3T3 adipocytes grown in high glucose medium and in adipose tissue in obesity and diabetes in mice. Increased succination of proteins is also detected in the kidney of a fumarase deficient conditional knock‐out mouse which develops renal cysts. A wide range of proteins are subject to succination, including enzymes, adipokines, cytoskeletal proteins, and ER chaperones with functional cysteine residues. There is also some overlap between succinated and glutathionylated proteins, suggesting that the same low pKa thiols are targeted by both. Succination of adipocyte proteins in diabetes increases as a result of nutrient excess derived mitochondrial stress and this is inhibited by uncouplers, which discharge the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and relieve the electron transport chain. 2SC therefore serves as a biomarker of mitochondrial stress or dysfunction in chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer, and recent studies suggest that succination is a mechanistic link between mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative and ER stress, and cellular progression toward apoptosis. In this article, we review the history of the succinated proteome and the challenges associated with measuring this non‐enzymatic PTM of proteins by proteomics approaches. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 33: 98–109, 2014.
Herpes simplex encephalitis relapse with chorea is associated with autoantibodies to N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor or dopamine‐2 receptor
Authors: Mohammad Shekeeb S. , Sinclair Kate , Pillai Sekhar , Merheb Vera , Aumann Tim D. , Gill Deepak , Dale Russell C. , Brilot Fabienne 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundMovement disorder relapses after herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) encephalitis have been hypothesized to be secondary to postviral autoimmunity. Recently, a proportion of patients with HSV1 encephalitis (HSE) were shown to produce autoantibodies against N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR).MethodsWe measured autoantibodies against NMDAR and dopamine‐2 receptor (D2R) expressed at the cell surface in the stored acute serum of 9 children with HSE, 3 of whom had a relapsing course with chorea.ResultsThe 3 patients with chorea had elevated autoantibodies against NMDAR (n = 1), D2R (n = 1), or both (n = 1), whereas patients without chorea were negative (n = 6). The prospectively identified patient with chorea and NMDAR autoantibodies improved after early treatment with steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and cyclophosphamide, with reduction in serum NMDAR antibody titers.ConclusionsThese autoantibody findings lend support to the autoimmune hypothesis and the early use of immune suppression in post‐HSE chorea. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Levodopa infusion improves impulsivity and dopamine dysregulation syndrome in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Catalán María José , de Pablo‐Fernández Eduardo , Villanueva Clara , Fernández‐Diez Servando , Lapeña‐Montero Teresa , García‐Ramos Rocío , López‐Valdés Eva 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundImpulsivity and dopamine dysregulation syndrome are frequent complications of treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD).MethodsWe assessed the effect of jejunal levodopa infusion (JLI) on behavioral symptoms in 8 PD patients with motor complications and severe impulsivity and dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS), which had not be controlled before by adjusting oral medications. The infusion was delivered during 15 hours (daily dose 1007.2 ± 302.5 mg) and stopped at night time. Patients were reassessed after 25 ± 9 weeks of treatment with a stable dose of jejunal l‐dopa.ResultsOff periods and dyskinesias decreased by 27% and 20,7% respectively, compared to baseline. DDS and all types of impulse control disorders (ICDs) improved in all patients, with nearly complete symptom resolution. Punding improved in all 5 patients but disappeared completely in only 1.ConclusionsOur experience suggests that l‐dopa infusion has a positive effect on both motor complications and behavioral disorders. This treatment approach deserves further controlled studies. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society