bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring
Authors: Singer Michael C. , Rosenfeld Richard M. , Sundaram Krishnamurthi 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveThere is continued debate over the value of laryngeal nerve monitoring (LNM) during thyroidectomy. Previous studies have suggested that utilization of electromyographic endotracheal tubes for neuromonitoring is limited. We queried head and neck surgeons regarding their attitudes toward LNM.Study DesignVoluntary survey.SettingInternet based.Subjects and MethodsAn anonymous survey of the members of the American Head and Neck Society was performed. Information was collected on participants’ training history, practice setting, years of experience, and annual volume of thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. Participants’ use of LNM and their beliefs regarding possible benefits were assessed.ResultsOne hundred seventy surveys were completed (18% response rate). Of respondents, 65% use LNM in at least some thyroid and parathyroid cases, 37% always and 28% sometimes. The most commonly cited reasons for LNM use were “medical‐legal protection” and “increased confidence.” Comparing otolaryngologists to general surgeons, 43% versus 17% (P =. 016) always use LNM, 27% versus 36% sometimes use monitoring, and 30% versus 47% never use monitoring. Younger surgeons were more likely to use LNM.ConclusionCurrently, no consensus exists regarding the use of LNM during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Our results suggest that LNM use has become more widespread. Irrespective of the reasons surgeons are adopting LNM, if this trend continues, LNM may eventually become routine practice among head and neck surgeons.
Risk Factors for Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Neuropraxia Postthyroidectomy
Authors: Sheahan Patrick , O’Connor Ann , Murphy Matthew S. 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveDespite preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), transient vocal cord paralysis (VCP) occurs after 1.2% to 10.9% of thyroidectomies. The objective of this study was to study risk factors for transient VCP after thyroidectomy.Study DesignProspective cohort study.SettingAcademic teaching hospital.Subjects and MethodsTwo hundred fifteen consecutive thyroid surgeries performed by a single surgeon. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative laryngoscopy. Patients with preexisting VCP or without postoperative laryngoscopy were excluded. Clinical and operative data were recorded prospectively at the time of thyroid surgery. The association between possible risk factors and occurrence of postoperative transient VCP was studied.ResultsSix patients were excluded (2 with preexisting VCP and 4 without postoperative laryngoscopy). There was 1 intentional sacrifice of an RLN and 1 unintentional RLN transection. Of the remaining 322 RLNs at risk, 15 (4.7%) had postoperative VCP. Operative findings of cancer invading the RLN requiring sharp dissection to separate the nerve (P =. 006) and operative findings of RLN extensively draped along the thyroid or intimately associated with the thyroid parenchyma at Berry’s ligament (P =. 03) were significantly associated with VCP. Revision surgery (P =. 06) trended toward significance. Malignancy, central compartment neck dissection, extralaryngeal RLN branching, hyperthyroidism, and retrosternal extension were not significant. Of cases with follow‐up laryngoscopic documentation of vocal function, 85% (11/13) showed full resolution of VCP, with 1 further case showing partial recovery.ConclusionInvasive cancer and variants in the anatomic course of the RLN are risk factors for transient VCP after thyroidectomy.
Efficient data collection from wireless nodes under the two-ring communication model
Authors: Tekdas Onur , Bhadauria Deepak , Isler Volkan 
Published: March 2012

We introduce a new geometric robot-routing problem which arises in data-muling applications where a mobile robot is charged with collecting data from stationary sensors. The objective is to compute the robot’s trajectory and download sequence so as to minimize the time to collect data from all of the sensors. The total data collection time has two components:the robot’s travel time and the download time. The time to download data from a sensor s is a function of the location of the robot and s: if the robot is a distance r in away from s, it can download the sensor’s data in T in units of time. If the distance is greater than r in but less than r out, the download time is T out > T in. Otherwise, the robot can not download the data from s. Here, r in, r out, T in and T out are input parameters. We refer to this model, which is based on recently developed experimental models for sensor network deployments, as the two-ring model, and the problem of downloading data from a given set of sensors in minimum amount of time under this model as the two-ring tour (TRT) problem. We present approximation algorithms for the general case which uses solutions to the traveling salesperson with neighborhoods (TSPN) Problem as subroutines. We also present effcient solutions to special, but practically important versions of the problem such as grid-based and sparse deployments. The approach is validated in outdoor experiments.
Clinical Significance of Baseline Platelet Reactivity in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Sedky Hebatallah A. , El-Sewefy Dahlia A. , Saad Abeer A. , Ahmed Mohamed I. , El-Maraghy Heba M. A. 
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study was to assess the baseline platelet hyperactivity in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and correlate it with the disease severity and clinical outcome. Participants and Methods: This study was conducted on 60 patients with the first attack of non-ST-segment elevation ACS and 30 healthy controls. Patients were subdivided into 2 groups: group I: 40 patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and group II: 20 patients with unstable angina. All the studied patients were subjected to baseline platelet function analysis using platelet function analyzer 100 (PFA-100). Results: Group I patients showed significantly lower PFA-100 closure time (CT) than group II ( P = .04) and control group ( P = .03). The occurrence of complications in NSTEMI patients was associated with older age, hypertension, and shorter baseline collagen adenosine diphosphate PFA-100 CT ( P < .05). Conclusion: NSTEMI patients proved to have enhanced platelet function that can be used as a predictor of the outcome.
Autism spectrum disorders in Hispanics and non-Hispanics
Authors: Chaidez Virginia , Hansen Robin L. , Hertz-Picciotto Irva 
Published: March 2012

Objectives To compare differences in autism between Hispanic and non-Hispanics. We also examined the relationship between multiple language exposure and language function and scores of children. Methods The Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment (CHARGE) study is an ongoing population-based case-control study with children sampled (n=1061) from three strata: those with autism (AU) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD); developmental delay (DD); or the general population (GP). Results Non-Hispanic cases demonstrated higher cognitive composite scores for the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL). There were significant associations between multiple language exposure and MSEL subscales for receptive language and expressive language, in both cases (AU/ASD) and TD controls, but not DD controls. Results of multivariate regression analyses suggest several predictors to be associated with lower Mullen expressive language scores including: diagnosis of ASD/AU, speaking to the child in a second language 25-50% of the time and Hispanic ethnicity; while maternal college education was associated with higher scores. Conclusion Overall, the CHARGE Hispanic group displayed more similarities than differences compared to non-Hispanics in terms of autistic phenotypes and maladaptive & adaptive scores for cases. The relationship between multiple language use and cognitive scores warrants a closer look.
Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy is effective in the treatment of early-stage H pylori–positive gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Kuo Sung-Hsin , Yeh Kun-Huei , Wu Ming-Shiang , Lin Chung-Wu , Hsu Ping-Ning , Wang Hsiu-Po , Chen Li-Tzong , Cheng Ann-Lii 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
An explorative study evaluates the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication (HPE) therapy on early-stage gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) without features of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), the pure (de novo) DLBCLs, in comparison with its efficacy on high-grade transformed gastric MALT lymphomas, the DLBCL(MALT). In total, 50 patients of stage IE/IIE1 HP-positive gastric DLBCLs with frontline HPE treatment were included. HP infection was successfully eradicated in 100% (16/16) of the pure (de novo) DLBCL patients and 94.1% (32/34) of the DLBCL(MALT) patients. In total, 68.8% (11/16) of pure (de novo) DLBCL patients and 56.3% (18/32) of DLBCL(MALT) patients achieved complete pathologic remission (pCR) after HPE therapy. The median time to pCR was 2.1 months (95% confidence interval, 0.6%-3.7%) for pure (de novo) DLBCLs and 5.0 months (95% confidence interval, 2.8%-7.5%; P = .024) for DLBCL(MALT). At a median follow-up of 7.7 years, all patients with pCR after HPE therapy were alive and free of lymphomas, except for one patient with pure (de novo) DLBCL who died of lung cancer. Similar to DLBCL(MALT), a substantial portion of early-stage HP-positive gastric pure (de novo) DLBCLs remains HP-dependent and responds to antibiotic treatment. Prospective studies to validate the findings are warranted.
Dome-type carcinoma of the colon; a rare variant of adenocarcinoma resembling a submucosal tumor: a case report
Authors: Yamada Masayoshi , Sekine Shigeki , Matsuda Takahisa , Yoshida Masayuki , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Kushima Ryoji , Sakamoto Taku , Nakajima Takeshi , Saito Yutaka , Akasu Takayuki 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Dome-type carcinoma (DC) is a distinct variant of colorectal adenocarcinoma and less than 10 cases have been described in the literature. Most of the previously reported cases were early lesions and no endoscopic observations have been described so far. We herein report a case of a DC invading the subserosal layer, including endoscopic findings.

Case presentation
A highly elevated lesion in the transverse colon was diagnosed by colonoscopy in a 77-year-old man. The tumor appeared to be similar to a submucosal tumor (SMT), however, a demarcated area of reddish and irregular mucosa was observed at the top of the tumor. There were no erosions or ulcers. Laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy was performed and pathological examination revealed a well-circumscribed tumor invading the subserosal layer. The tumor was a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma associated with a dense lymphocytic infiltration and showed expansive growth. The overlying mucosal layer showed high-grade dysplasia.

Conclusion
The present lesion was diagnosed as a DC of the colon invading the subserosal layer. Because the association of mucosal dysplasia is common in DCs, the detection of dysplastic epithelium would be important to discriminate DCs from SMTs.
North Korean refugee health in South Korea (NORNS) study: study design and methods
Authors: Lee Yo Han , Lee Won Jin , Kim Yun Jeong , Cho Myong Jin , Kim Joo Hyung , Lee Yun Jeong , Kim Hee Young , Choi Dong Seop , Kim Sin Gon , Robinson Courtland 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Understanding the health status of North Korean refugees (NKRs), and changes in health during the resettlement process, is important from both the humanitarian standpoint and the scientific perspective. The NOrth Korean Refugee health iN South Korea (NORNS) study aims to document the health status and health determinants of North Korean refugees, to observe various health outcomes as they occur while adapting to the westernized lifestyle of South Korea, and to explain the mechanisms of how health of migrants and refugees changes in the context of new environmental risks and opportunities.

Methods
The NORNS study was composed of an initial survey and a follow-up survey 3.5 years apart. Participants were recruited voluntarily among those aged 30 or more living in Seoul. The survey consists of a health questionnaire and medical examination. The health questionnaire comprises the following six domains: 1) demographic and migration information 2) disease history, 3) mental health, 4) health-related lifestyle, 5) female reproductive health, and 6) sociocultural adaptation. The medical examination comprises anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and atherosclerosis, and various biochemical measurements. Prevalence of several diseases able to be diagnosed from the medical examination, the changes between the two surveys, and the association between the outcome and other measurements, such as length of stay and extent of adaptation in South Korea will be investigated. Furthermore, the outcome will be compared to a South Korean counterpart cohort to evaluate the relative health status of NKRs.

Discussion
The NORNS study targeting adult NKRs in South Korea is a valuable study because various scales and medical measurements are employed for the first time. The results obtained from this study are expected to be utilized for developing a health policy for NKRs and North Korean people after unification. Additionally, since NKRs are an immigrant group who are the same race and have the same genetic characteristics as South Koreans, this study has the characteristics of a unique type of migrant health study.
Assessment of providers' referral decisions in Rural Burkina Faso: a retrospective analysis of medical records
Authors: Ilboudo Tegawende Pierre , Chou Yiing-Jenq , Huang Nicole 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
A well-functioning referral system is fundamental to primary health care delivery. Understanding the providers' referral decision-making process becomes critical. This study's aim was to assess the correctness of diagnoses and appropriateness of the providers' referral decisions from health centers (HCs) to district hospitals (DHs) among patients with severe malaria and pneumonia.

Methods
A record review of twelve months of consultations was conducted covering eight randomly selected HCs to identify severe malaria (SM) cases among children under five and pneumonia cases among adults. The correctness of the diagnosis and appropriateness of providers' referral decisions were determined using the National Clinical Guidebook as a 'gold standard'.

Results
Among the 457 SM cases affecting children under five, only 66 cases (14.4%) were correctly diagnosed and of those 66 correctly diagnosed cases, 40 cases (60.6%) received an appropriate referral decision from their providers. Within these 66 correctly diagnosed SM cases, only 60.6% were appropriately referred. Among the adult pneumonia cases, 5.9% (79/1331) of the diagnoses were correctly diagnosed; however, the appropriateness rate of the provider's referral decision was 98.7% (78/79). There was only one case that should not have been referred but was referred.

Conclusions
The adherence to the National Guidelines among the health center providers when making a diagnosis was low for both severe malaria cases and pneumonia cases. The appropriateness of the referral decisions was particularly poor for children with severe malaria. Health center providers need to be better trained in the diagnostic process and in disease management in order to improve the performance of the referral system in rural Burkina Faso.
Comparative genomics and transcriptional profiles of Saccharopolyspora erythraea NRRL 2338 and a classically improved erythromycin over-producing strain
Authors: Peano Clelia , Talà Adelfia , Corti Giorgio , Pasanisi Daniela , Durante Miriana , Mita Giovanni , Bicciato Silvio , De Bellis Gianluca , Alifano Pietro 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
The molecular mechanisms altered by the traditional mutation and screening approach during the improvement of antibiotic-producing microorganisms are still poorly understood although this information is essential to design rational strategies for industrial strain improvement. In this study, we applied comparative genomics to identify all genetic changes occurring during the development of an erythromycin overproducer obtained using the traditional mutate-and- screen method.

Results
Compared with the parental Saccharopolyspora erythraea NRRL 2338, the genome of the overproducing strain presents 117 deletion, 78 insertion and 12 transposition sites, with 71 insertion/deletion sites mapping within coding sequences (CDSs) and generating frame-shift mutations. Single nucleotide variations are present in 144 CDSs. Overall, the genomic variations affect 227 proteins of the overproducing strain and a considerable number of mutations alter genes of key enzymes in the central carbon and nitrogen metabolism and in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, resulting in the redirection of common precursors toward erythromycin biosynthesis. Interestingly, several mutations inactivate genes coding for proteins that play fundamental roles in basic transcription and translation machineries including the transcription anti-termination factor NusB and the transcription elongation factor Efp. These mutations, along with those affecting genes coding for pleiotropic or pathway-specific regulators, affect global expression profile as demonstrated by a comparative analysis of the parental and overproducer expression profiles. Genomic data, finally, suggest that the mutate-and-screen process might have been accelerated by mutations in DNA repair genes.

Conclusions
This study helps to clarify the mechanisms underlying antibiotic overproduction providing valuable information about new possible molecular targets for rationale strain improvement.
Gene expression profiling of HCV genotype 3a initial liver fibrosis and cirrhosis patients using microarray
Authors: Ahmad Waqar , Ijaz Bushra , Hassan Sajida 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes liver fibrosis that may lead to liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and may partially depend on infecting viral genotype. HCV genotype 3a is being more common in Asian population, especially Pakistan; the detail mechanism of infection still needs to be explored. In this study, we investigated and compared the gene expression profile between initial fibrosis stage and cirrhotic 3a genotype patients.

Methods
Gene expression profiling of human liver tissues was performed containing more than 22000 known genes. Using Oparray protocol, preparation and hybridization of slides was carried out and followed by scanning with GeneTAC integrator 4.0 software. Normalization of the data was obtained using MIDAS software and Significant Microarray Analysis (SAM) was performed to obtain differentially expressed candidate genes.

Results
Out of 22000 genes studied, 219 differentially regulated genes found with P ≤ 0.05 between both groups; 107 among those were up-regulated and 112 were down-regulated. These genes were classified into 31 categories according to their biological functions. The main categories included: apoptosis, immune response, cell signaling, kinase activity, lipid metabolism, protein metabolism, protein modulation, metabolism, vision, cell structure, cytoskeleton, nervous system, protein metabolism, protein modulation, signal transduction, transcriptional regulation and transport activity.

Conclusion
This is the first study on gene expression profiling in patients associated with genotype 3a using microarray analysis. These findings represent a broad portrait of genomic changes in early HCV associated fibrosis and cirrhosis. We hope that identified genes in this study will help in future to act as prognostic and diagnostic markers to differentiate fibrotic patients from cirrhotic ones.
Immobilization of enzyme and antibody on ALD-HfO2-EIS structure by NH3 plasma treatment
Authors: Wang I-Shun , Lin Yi-Ting , Huang Chi-Hsien , Lu Tseng-Fu , Lue Cheng-En , Yang Polung , Pijanswska Dorota G , Yang Chia-Ming , Wang Jer-Chyi , Yu Jau-Song , Chang Yu-Sun , Chou Chien , Lai Chao-Sung 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Thin hafnium oxide layers deposited by an atomic layer deposition system were investigated as the sensing membrane of the electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structure. Moreover, a post-remote NH3 plasma treatment was proposed to replace the complicated silanization procedure for enzyme immobilization. Compared to conventional methods using chemical procedures, remote NH3 plasma treatment reduces the processing steps and time. The results exhibited that urea and antigen can be successfully detected, which indicated that the immobilization process is correct.
Rapid identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by a new array format-based surface plasmon resonance method
Authors: Hsieh Shang-Chen , Chang Chia-Chen , Lu Chia-Chen , Wei Chia-Fong , Lin Chuan-Sheng , Lai Hsin-Chih , Lin Chii-Wann 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Tubercle bacillus [TB] is one of the most important chronic infectious diseases that cause millions of deaths annually. While conventional smear microscopy and culture methods are widely used for diagnosis of TB, the former is insensitive, and the latter takes up to 6 to 8 weeks to provide a result, limiting the value of these methods in aiding diagnosis and intermediate decisions on treatment. Therefore, a rapid detection method is essential for the diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and recurrence monitoring. A new surface plasmon resonance [SPR] biosensor based on an array format, which allowed immobilizing nine TB antigens onto the sensor chip, was constructed. Simultaneous determination of multiple TB antibodies in serum had been accomplished with this array-based SPR system. The results were compared with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a conventional immunological method. Array-based SPR showed more advantages in providing label-free and real-time detection. Additionally, the high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of TB infection showed its potential for future development of biosensor arrays for TB diagnosis.
Nanocomposites of ZnS and poly-(dimethyl)-block-(phenyl)siloxane as a new high-refractive-index polymer media
Authors: Sergienko Natalia , Godovsky Dmitri , Zavin Boris , Lee Minjong , Ko Minjin 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
In the present paper, we describe a new and original method to obtain transparent, siloxane-based composites, with high refractive index (up to 1.68). The method is based on the decomposition of Zn-siloxane, mixed with a poly-(dimethyl)-block-(phenyl)siloxane matrix in different ratios. It was found that after treatment of such mixed metal-containing polymer blend with H2S, the nanoparticles of ZnS are formed, with the size in a 1- to 5-nm range, which allow effective increase of the refractive index of the nanocomposite mixture with poly-(dimethyl)-block-(phenyl)siloxane without loss of film transparency. We succeded to increase the refractive index from 1.54 (pure matrix) up to 1.68 (composite with a ZnS content of 4.6 vol.%). The siloxane-based compositions are optically transparent, which makes it possible to use them as light-emitting diodes or solar cell sealants or adhesives.