bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of the Dynasplint Trismus System to Tongue Depressor Therapy in Improving Treatment‐Related Trismus
Authors: Zhang Mike W. , Khichi Sunny S. , Cochran Phillip G. , Clemons Lisa , Carroll William R. , Withrow Kirk P. , Rosenthal Eben L. 
Published: September 2014

Objectives:(1) Evaluate and compare the effectiveness of tongue depressors and the Dynasplint Trismus System to manage trismus in head and neck cancer patients. (2) Analyze factors that may indicate improved outcomes for patients in trismus management.Methods:Single‐institution randomized controlled cross‐over study (2007‐2013). Fifty‐three patients with trismus as a complication of cancer treatment were enrolled in the study at an academic tertiary care center. Twenty‐seven patients were randomized to a treatment arm using Dynasplint, while 26 were enrolled in a treatment arm using tongue depressors to perform stretching exercises. The primary outcome was interval measurement of incisor‐to‐incisor opening during and at the completion of tongue depressor therapy compared to Dynasplint usage. Pretreatment and treatment characteristics, including type of cancer treatments used, were analyzed for association with rate of improvement.Results:Dynasplint and tongue depressors both significantly increased the maximal incisal opening of patients at 3 months compared with baseline (P <. 01 in both treatment arms). A statistically significant difference in outcomes between the treatment arms was not found at any time point. Patients who received only surgery and no radiation showed significantly more improvement in maximal incisal opening from baseline to 3 months (P =. 0036) and 6 months (P =. 012).Conclusions:Surgical therapy alone responds better to trismus therapy compared to dual modality therapy. Both Dynasplint Trismus System and tongue depressors were able to improve the trismus status for patients with equal effectiveness. Ease of use and cost favor the management with tongue depressors.
Depression as a Contributing Factor in Postoperative Functional Performance Status (PFPS): A Prospective Study
Authors: Barber Brittany , Zhang Han , O'Connell Daniel A. , Harris Jeffrey R. , Seikaly Hadi 
Published: September 2014

Objectives:The incidence of depressive symptoms in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients has been shown to be up to 40% during treatment and can affect patients’ desires to rehabilitate after surgery. The objectives in this study were to (1) evaluate the relationship between preoperative depressive symptoms and postoperative functional performance status (PFPS) and (2) assess the effect of preoperative depressive symptoms on length of hospital stay (LOHS), completion of adjuvant therapy (CAT), rate of postoperative readmission, and loss of follow‐up.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted in new adult HNC patients undergoing surgery as primary therapy from January 2013 to January 2014 measuring baseline preoperative depressive symptomatology on the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) and PFPS was assessed on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Head & Neck (FACT‐HN) 6 months from the initial presentation. Secondary outcomes assessed included LOHS, CAT, rate of readmission due to failure to thrive, and loss of follow‐up. A Mann‐Whitney U test and chi‐squared analyses were used to assess the difference between the Normal‐Mild and Moderate‐Severe QIDS groups.Results:Preliminary results of the prospective study demonstrate an incidence of preoperative moderate‐severe depression of 29.2% and significant difference in FACT‐HN scores between moderate‐severely depressed patients and those with normal‐mild symptoms (P =. 03). CAT scores trended to lower in the MS group (P =. 09), but there was no significant difference in loss of follow‐up (P =. 24).Conclusions:Depression should be recognized as a contributive factor in postoperative functional performance status.
Early Prediction of Oral Calcium and Vitamin D Requirements in Post‐thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia
Authors: Aldhahri Saleh F. , Terkawi Abdullah S. , Mubasher Mohamed , Al Essa Mohamed , Al Muhawas Fida 
Published: September 2014

Objectives:Optimize and individualize post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia management.Methods:A multicenter, standardized prospective study was conducted. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical data were collected. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) was measured preoperatively, then at 1 and 6 hours postoperatively. The optimal required doses of calcium and vitamin D were defined as those maintaining the patients as asymptomatic and their cCa ≥ 2 mmol/L. They were used as an endpoint in a generalized linear mixed effect modeling (GLIMMIX) aiming to identify the best predictors of optimal required doses. Models were evaluated by goodness of fit (Akaike information criteria), receiver operating characteristic curves, and sensitivity analysis.Results:A total of 168 patients met inclusion criteria; mean age was 41.8 years, 85.1% were female, 49.3% had a body mass index (BMI) >30, and 64% had vitamin D deficiency. Of the patients, 25.6% had post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia, of whom 18 (41.9%) were symptomatic and received intravenous calcium. First‐hour percentage drop in PTH correlated positively with the severity of hypocalcemia (P <. 0001). The GLIMMIX prediction model for oral calcium requirement was based on first‐hour percentage change from preoperative PTH level, preoperative actual PTH, BMI, and thyroid function. The same predictors were identified for vitamin D, except that thyroid function was replaced with vitamin D status. These factors were used to build predictive equations for calcium and vitamin D doses.Conclusions:Our findings could help in optimizing the management of post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. They can assist in early identification of those who are not at risk of hypocalaemia and can guide early effective management of those at risk.
Functional Swallowing Outcomes after Transoral Robotic Supraglottic Laryngectomy
Authors: Bayrak Sinehan , Davis Amanda , Vural Emre A. 
Published: September 2014

Objectives:(1) Defining functional swallowing outcomes as well as determining an expected length of time for patients to safely return to a normal oral diet in transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for resection of supraglottic laryngeal cancer.Methods:Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent TORS for resection of laryngeal cancer from 2011‐2013. ASHA's National Outcomes Measurement System, oral diet levels, and dependency on tube feedings were used as outcome measures.Results:Eleven patients were included in this study. Five out of 11 patients completed the treatment program and follow‐up care, 100% returned to full oral diets in an average of 18.6 weeks, and all subsequently had their g‐tube removed. Sixty percent of these patients continued to require compensatory swallowing techniques (ie, supraglottic swallowing maneuver) and/or modified diets (ie, thickened liquids) in order to safely consume oral diet without aspiration. Two patients died; 1 patient was lost to follow‐up; 3 patients were still NPO at last contact.Conclusions:Patients who have undergone supraglottic laryngectomy will likely experience significant dysphagia, but good functional swallowing outcomes should be expected in the intermediate term.
Human Papillomavirus‐16 E7 Viral Load Predicts Distant Metastasis in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Chung‐Guei , Lee Li‐Ang , Tsao Kuo‐Chien , Liao Chun‐Ta , Shih Shin‐Ru , Yen Tzu‐Chen 
Published: September 2014

Objectives:Human papillomaviruses (HPV) seem to be related to distant metastasis (DM) in advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. The objective of this study was to investigate whether high‐risk HPV viral load may predict DM among patients with OSCC and stratify patients for risk‐adapted treatment.Methods:We measured viral load of E7 oncogenes for HPV‐16 and HPV‐18 by quantitative PCR tests in paraffin‐embedded surgical specimens from 312 OSCC of which the HPV genotypes had been determined previously. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify the independent prognostic factors for 5‐year DM.Results:Only the HPV‐16 E7 viral load was a significant adverse predictor of 5‐year DM. By multivariable analysis, high HPV‐16 E7 viral load (≥15.0 copies/genome); pathological N2 status (pN2); tumor depth ≥11 mm; extracapsular spread (ECS); and level IV/V metastases were independent risk factors for DM and identified 3 prognostic groups. In the high‐risk group (level IV/V metastases or high HPV‐16 E7 viral load plus pN2, tumor depth ≥11 mm, or ECS), the 5‐year DM rate was 77.5%. In the intermediate‐risk group (high HPV‐16 E7 viral load, pN2, tumor depth ≥11 mm, or ECS), the 5‐year DM rate was 17.8%. Finally, the 5‐year DM rate was 1.3% in the low‐risk group (no risk factors).Conclusions:Among OSCC patients, a high HPV‐16 E7 viral load and the presence of specific pathological risk factor(s) identify a subgroup of patients at high‐risk of 5‐year DM. These subjects may benefit from a more intensive follow‐up program and aggressive therapeutic strategies.
Diffusion-weighted imaging during MR-guided radiofrequency ablation of hepatic malignancies: analysis of immediate pre- and post-ablative diffusion characteristics
Authors: Hoffmann Rüdiger , Rempp Hansjörg , Schraml Christina , Schwenzer Nina , Grözinger Gerd , Blumenstock Gunnar , Rothgang Eva , Pereira Philippe L , Claussen Claus D , Clasen Stephan 
Published: September 2014

Background Previous studies have shown a benefit of magnetic resonance (MR)-diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for follow-up after liver radiofrequency (RF) ablation. However, no data are available concerning acute changes of DWI characteristics immediately after RF ablation. Purpose To analyze and compare the MR-diffusion characteristics of pre-interventional hepatic malignancies and the ablation zone during successful MR-guided RF ablation. Material and Methods This retrospective study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the local institutional review board. Forty-seven patients with 29 HCC (24 patients) and 30 hepatic metastases (23 patients) underwent MR-guided radiofrequency ablation including DWI before and immediately after ablation (b = 50, 400, 800 s/mm2). Two reviewers (A and B) analyzed DWI with focus on detectability of the tumor before ablation and characteristics of the coagulative area after treatment. Mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was compared between liver, untreated tumor, and hyperintense areas in post-ablative DWI (b = 800 s/mm2) with the paired Student’s t-test. Results Pre-ablative: the reviewers classified 19/29 (A) and 23/29 (B) HCC and 25/30 (A and B) metastases as detectable in DWI. Post-ablative: a hyperintense rim surrounding the ablation zone was observed in 28/29 treated HCC and 30/30 treated metastases (A and B). A homogenous hypointense central ablation zone was found in 18/29 (A) and 20/29 (B) treated HCC and 17/30 (A & B) treated metastases in DWI. ADC of the rim was significantly lower than ADC of the liver ( P < 0.001). Conclusion DWI enables visualization of the target tumor in MR-guided liver radiofrequency ablation in most cases. A common post-ablative DWI finding is a hyperintense rim with decreased ADC surrounding the ablation zone.
Fabrication and property of discarded denim fabric/polypropylene composites
Authors: Wei Baochun , Xu Fujun , Azhar Sayed Waqar , Li Wei , Lou Luyang , Liu Wei , Qiu Yiping 
Published: September 2014

In this study, discarded denim fabric was adopted to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP). The composites with different fiber weight fractions were designed and fabricated by using a hand layup and hot pressing method. The tensile, impact, and flame-retardant properties of the composites were investigated and their morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Owing to the integrity structure and good mechanical property of denim fabric, the tensile strength and impact strength of the 84 wt% denim-reinforced composite were up to 57 MPa and 5.1 J/mm, which super exceed those of the ramie/PP composites (26 MPa) and flax/PP composites (0.36 J/mm). In addition, the flame-retardant properties of the composites were modified by three methods. The results showed that the composites composed of flame-retardant-modified denim fabric exhibited the limiting oxygen index value of 27.3%, much higher than that of the modified PP composites (<19.2%) and untreated composites (<19.2%). Composites made by using flame-retardant PP and modified denim fabric simultaneously attained highest limiting oxygen index at 28.7%. The discarded denim fabric/PP composites showed good mechanical and flame-retardant properties and thus could substitute the traditional composites in automotive interior, packing materials and engineering materials.
The re-evaluation of the measurement of pain in population-based epidemiological studies: The SHAMA study
Authors: Flüß Elisa , Bond Christine M , Jones Gareth T , Macfarlane Gary J 
Published: September 2014

Background: While many pain patients rely on pain-relieving treatments to manage their pain, pain-related research commonly quantifies pain status using validated questionnaires without taking into account that information. This will lead to an underestimate of the burden of pain in the community. To ensure a more accurate assessment of the prevalence and severity of pain, this study aimed to develop a pain management questionnaire and to assess how much population-based pain estimates change when pain management is considered. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional population-based study in Grampian, north-east Scotland. A total of 4600 people, aged 25 years and over, were randomly selected from a population sample frame and sent a questionnaire on pain and pain management. Population estimates of pain were determined twice: with the use of standard pain status questionnaires (‘current pain’) and with the use of a newly developed enhanced pain status questionnaire to determine patients’ estimated pain without pain management (‘all pain’). Results: The prevalence of current pain was 50.5% (95% CI = 48.0, 52.9). Of those who reported no current pain, 11.6% (95% CI = 9.4, 13.8) reported that they would have had pain had they not managed their pain. Thus, the all pain prevalence was 56.2% (95% CI = 53.7, 58.7). This difference in prevalence rates was statistically significant (difference = 5.7%; 95% CI = 2.2, 9.2). Likewise, participants’ pain severity significantly increased when they estimated their pain without pain management (p < 0.001, Wilcoxon-signed rank test). Conclusions: Failure to assess pain management information results in an underestimation of pain prevalence and severity. This should be considered in future epidemiological studies. Summary points Pain management information is currently not considered for the assessment of pain in epidemiological population-based studies. Since pain management can affect people’s pain status drastically, it is likely that we currently underestimate the true burden of pain in studies assessing pain. Incorporating self-reported pain management information in an epidemiological study of pain led to significantly increased estimates of both pain prevalence and pain severity. It is therefore crucial to collect and take into account people’s pain management information in future studies for a more accurate measurement of pain.
A survey of birth order status of students studying for medical degree at the University of Sheffield
Authors: Clayton Sarah , Apperley Elizabeth , Hannon Fergus , Karia Anika , Baxter Victoria , Julious Steven A 
Published: September 2014

Summary Objective It is hypothesised that firstborn children and only children are more intelligent with higher intelligence scores having been observed in firstborn or only children. Evidence of the increased intelligence has been suggested by the fact that 21/23 (91%) of US astronauts, 23/43 (53%) of US presidents and between 75 and 80% of students at Harvard are firstborn or only children. It is of interest to investigate, therefore, whether a high achieving career such as medicine has a disproportionate number of firstborn or only children. Design A survey of medical students. Setting The University of Sheffield Medical School. Participants All students studying medicine in the academic year 2011–2012. Main outcome measures The proportion of firstborn or only children. Results There was a disproportionate number of students who were firstborn or only children: 53% (95% CI 49 to 58%). The expected percentage is 39.8% and therefore we can reject the null hypothesis. The results were consistent across all phases of study. Conclusions There is a higher than expected proportion of medical students at the University of Sheffield who are firstborn or only children. The data though highlight the issue of comparing populations. Here we are comparing a population of medical students with a general population. A comparison which may not be appropriate as medical students may be drawn from a subsample of the general population.
Evaluating evidence for atrophic scarring treatment modalities
Authors: Patel Lopa , McGrouther Duncan , Chakrabarty Kaushik 
Published: September 2014

Summary Introduction Atrophic scars cause significant patient morbidity. Whilst there is evidence to guide treatment, there does not appear to be a systematic review to analyse the efficacy of treatment options. Objectives To retrieve all evidence relating to atrophic scar treatment and evaluate using the Clinical Evidence GRADE score in order to allow clinicians to make evidence-based treatment choices. Method Searches were performed in Medline, EMBASE, CINHL and Cochrane to identify all English studies published evaluating treatment of atrophic scars on adults excluding journal letters. Each study was allocated a GRADE score based on type of study, quality, dose response, consistency of results and significance of results. The end score allowed categorisation of evidence into high, moderate, low or very low quality. Results A total of 41 studies were retrieved from searches including randomised controlled trials, observational studies, retrospective analyses and case reports of which 7% were allocated a high-quality score, 10% a moderate score, 7% a low score and 75% a very low score. Treatment modalities included ablative laser therapy, non-ablative laser therapy, autologous fat transfer, dermabrasion, chemical peels, injectables, subcision, tretinoin iontophoresis and combination therapy. Conclusion There is a paucity of good-quality clinical evidence evaluating treatment modalities for atrophic scarring. Evidence supports efficacy of laser, surgery and peel therapy. Further biomolecular research is required to identify targeted treatment options and more randomised controlled trials would make the evidence base for atrophic scar treatment more robust.
UBAP2L is a novel BMI1-interacting protein essential for hematopoietic stem cell activity
Authors: Bordeleau Marie-Eve , Aucagne Romain , Chagraoui Jalila , Girard Simon , Mayotte Nadine , Bonneil Éric , Thibault Pierre , Pabst Caroline , Bergeron Anne , Barabé Frédéric , Hébert Josée , Sauvageau Martin , Boutonnet Christel , Meloche Sylvain , Sauvageau Guy 
Published: September 2014

Key Points
UBAP2L interacts with BMI1 as part of a novel Polycomb subcomplex. UBAP2L regulates HSC activity via a mechanism unrelated to the repression of the Ink4a/Arf locus.
Quasi-log concavity conjecture and its applications in statistics
Authors: Wen Jia Jin , Han Tian Yong , Cheng Sui Sun 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
This paper is motivated by several interesting problems in statistics. We first define the concept of quasi-log concavity, and a conjecture involving quasi-log concavity is proposed. By means of analysis and inequality theories, several interesting results related to the conjecture are obtained; in particular, we prove that log concavity implies quasi-log concavity under proper hypotheses. As applications, we first prove that the probability density function of k-normal distribution is quasi-log concave. Next, we point out the significance of quasi-log concavity in the analysis of variance. Next, we prove that the generalized hierarchical teaching model is usually better than the generalized traditional teaching model. Finally, we demonstrate the applications of our results in the research of the allowance function in the generalized traditional teaching model.

MSC:26D15, 62J10.
Anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanol extract of Dictamnus dasycarpus leaf in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages
Authors: Ghosh Chiranjit , Hong Bora , Batabyal Subhasis , Jeon Tae-Il , Yang Seung-Hak , Hwang Seong Gu 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background

Dictamnus dasycarpus is widely used as a traditional remedy for the treatment of eczema, rheumatism, and other inflammatory diseases in Asia. The current study investigates the molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of the ethanol extract of Dictamnus dasycarpus leaf (DE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

Methods
Nitric oxide (NO) production was assessed by Griess reaction and the mRNA and protein expressions of pro inflammatory cytokines, transcription factor, and enzymes were determined by real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting analysis.

Results
DE (0.5 and 1 mg/mL) suppressed the NO production by 10 and 33%, respectively, compared to the untreated group in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. DE (0.5 and 1 mg/mL) reduced the mRNA expression of key transcription factor nuclear factor-κB by 7 and 24%, respectively compared to the untreated group in LPS activated macrophage. The pro inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β were also decreased by DE treatment. Moreover, the protein expression of pro inflammatory enzymes, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 were also dramatically attenuated by DE in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusions
These results suggest that Dictamnus dasycarpus leaf has a potent anti-inflammatory activity and can be used for the development of new anti-inflammatory agents.
First report on the molecular epidemiology of Malaysian Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from a University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Sani Nurul Azirah Mohamad , Sapri Hassriana Fazilla , Neoh Hui-min , Hussin Salasawati 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a pathogen associated with nosocomial infections whose medical importance has increased due to progressively invasive medical procedures. In this study, we characterized the molecular epidemiology of S. epidermidis strains circulating in our university hospital situated in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Findings
A total of 798 S. epidermidis were isolated from our university hospital, where 56.3% of the isolates were found to be cefoxitin (methicillin) resistant and also positive for the mecA gene. Staphylococcus Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing revealed that 39.6% of the methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE) were SCCmec-untypeable, with 54.6% harboring the cassette chromosome recombinase C (ccrC) gene. A total of 67 isolates from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was selected for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing, where 13 pulsotypes were identified at a cut-off value of 80% similarity. No significant association was found between the PFGE pulsotypes, SCCmec types and antibiotic susceptibilities. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect biofilm-associated genes in the ica operon and also 4 staphylococcal toxin genes (cna, seh, PVL genes and tst-1) revealed that only 8.0% isolates had the complete operon, while cna was the most prevalent toxin gene detected amongst the isolates (35.8%).

Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first report on the molecular epidemiology of Malaysian S. epidermidis. We found the strains to be low in virulence potential; nevertheless further studies have to be conducted to determine if this phenomenon translates into a better clinical outcome for patients.