bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Voice Outcomes and Neoglottic Function After Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy: The Development of a New Scale
Authors: Palmer Andrew D. , Graville Donna J. , Bolognone Rachel K. , Gorecki Joseph , Groth Suzanne , March Jennifer , Schindler Joshua S. 
Published: December 2022

Objectives: Supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) is an oncologically sound alternative to total laryngectomy that results in long-term alterations in vocal function. Little is known about long-term improvements in dysphonia and the mechanism of vocal recovery is unclear due to the lack of a standardized rating tool: The Pattern, Degree, and Vibration (PDV) Scale. Methods: Data from 24 individuals were compared over 3 post-operative timepoints after SCPL: 3 to 11, 12 to 35, and over 35 months. Voice outcomes were assessed using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the GRBAS scale. Laryngeal exams were deidentified and rated using a novel rating scheme developed using literature review and consensus panel discussions. Results: There were significant improvements in VHI scores, Grade, and Strain over time. There was an increase in the Degree of Closure and a decline in Mucosal Vibration across timepoints. Pattern of Movement (P) was associated with dysphonia Grade. Better Degree of Closure (D) was associated with lower VHI scores and better Grade and Roughness. Mucosal Vibration (V) was associated with reduced Breathiness and Strain but variable Roughness. Age, T-stage, radiation treatment, surgery type, and time to feeding-tube removal were also associated with voicing characteristics. Conclusions: There is evidence of improvement in several voice parameters over time after the first post-operative year. Various subcomponents of the new PDV rating scale were associated with voice outcomes. Its utility for research and clinical practice merits further investigation.
Near-Total Ear Avulsion Repaired With Primary Closure and Hyperbaric Oxygen: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Favede Cecelia , Bradshaw Charles , Sethia Rishabh , Kramer Scott , Jatana Kris , Elmaraghy Charles , Grischkan Jonathan 
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Near-total ear avulsion is a rare and challenging problem to repair with many techniques described; primary repair is an attractive option but is not always successful. Healing may be augmented with postoperative hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), but this technique is under-reported, and an ideal regimen is not known. The study objective is to discuss the role of HBOT in the management of ear avulsion by reviewing 2 unique cases. Methods: Case report and review of the literature. A Pubmed search using the terms ear avulsion and postoperative hyperbaric oxygen was performed. Results: Two pediatric patients presented with near-total avulsion of the auricle after suffering a dog bite. Various management options were discussed including observation, primary repair, post-auricular cartilage banking, graft reconstruction with periauricular tissue or rib cartilage, or microsurgical replantation. The decision was made to perform primary reattachment, followed by adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The patients achieved favorable esthetic results and continue to maintain the function of the reattached ear. Photo documentation was obtained throughout the process. Discussion: There is no consensus on the management of near-total ear avulsion. Primary repair is ideal from a cosmetic and ease-of-operation standpoint but does not always yield viable tissue. The use of postoperative HBOT is an attractive option that may boost success rates, but the ideal HBOT regimen is unknown. These cases represent a successful application of this innovative technique in a pediatric patient.
‘This job is not part of my dreams, what do I leave my children? Nothing’. Livelihoods of Durban car guards at ticketed pay to park sites
Authors: Foster John RW , Chasomeris Mihalis , Blaauw Derick 
Published: December 2022

Car guards are found at many sites where motorists park, including at ticketed pay to park sites. Logic would dictate that most motorists would be less willing to tip car guards when already paying for parking. The study interviewed 15 car guards at different ticketed parking sites in Durban. Their demographic characteristics, among other factors were explored. The findings of this study are then presented and compared to the findings pertaining to an additional 30 car guards (also interviewed in 2019) at free to park sites. Car guards at free to park shopping centres work an average of 44.8 h weekly earning an average of ZAR13 hourly. At ticketed parking shopping centres, they work an average of 63.2 h weekly earning an average of ZAR9.50 hourly. At beachfront free to park sites they work an average of 51.2 h weekly earning an average of ZAR19.10 hourly. At ticketed parking beach front sites, they work an average of 65.7 h weekly earning an average of ZAR7.90 hourly. The study revealed that car guards at ticketed parking sites earn less. However, they remain optimistic, and display a level of entrepreneurship, even in the face of daily bay fees, regulations and ticketed parking.
Tree species on environmental gradients in subtropical forest of northwest Belize, in the Maya Lowlands
Authors: Ward Sheila E , Brokaw Nicholas , Walling Stanley , Cortes-Rincon Marisol 
Published: December 2022

We studied species composition and spatial distributions of tree species, and the underlying topography and soil, in subtropical forests of northwest Belize, a region in the Maya Lowlands. Our goal was to learn how much the spatial distributions of species vary and are predictable over the landscape. The study was done in old-growth, subtropical moist forest on limestone-derived topography and soil. We identified to species all trees ≥10 cm DBH in 209 400-m2 plots. For each plot, we characterized topographic setting and analyzed soil nutrients and texture. We recorded 3,984 individual trees of ∼140 tree species and used the 3,775 individuals of the 69 species occurring in ≥5 plots in multivariate analyses, including Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling (NMS). NMS showed that 73% of the variation in species composition per plot was associated with the first three ordination axes. Sixteen out of the 34 quantitative variables we measured were correlated at R 2 > 10% with the axes. Of the categorical variables, Topographic Class was strongly associated with species composition, and USDA Texture Class less so. Of the 69 focal tree species, the abundances of 21 were correlated at R 2 > 10% with one or more axes of the NMS ordination. Importantly, these 21 species accounted for 68% of all individual trees sampled in the 209 plots. Twenty-three species were indicators of particular topographic and soil classes. We conclude that patterns of tree species distribution are strongly and predictably associated with different topographic and soil conditions in this landscape. In the past, the ancient Maya could have used this type of predictable plant–soil relationship to optimize their agriculture. In the future, our results are a basis for predicting local shifts in tree species distributions due to climate change.
Meniscal Extrusion Measurements After Posterior Medial Meniscus Root Tears: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Farivar Daniel , Hevesi Mario , Fortier Luc M. , Azua Eric , LaPrade Robert F. , Chahla Jorge 
Published: December 2022

Background: Meniscal extrusion has become increasingly utilized when evaluating meniscus root abnormalities. However, no consensus definition or approach exists on how to measure extrusion. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent of heterogeneity in meniscal extrusion measurement techniques and reported extrusion values in knees with posterior medial meniscus root tears (PMMRTs). We hypothesized that meniscal extrusion measurement techniques would vary considerably throughout reported studies, with resultant wide-ranging published extrusion values. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. The inclusion criteria consisted of all clinical and cadaveric studies reporting on meniscal extrusion after PMMRTs, excluding studies lacking data in full extension, those presenting only semiquantitative analyses, articles reporting only differences in meniscal extrusion, and review articles. Results: A total of 45 studies were included. Imaging modality types included magnetic resonance imaging (89%), 3-dimensional reconstruction with computed tomography (7%), linear displacement transducers (2%), and a combination of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound (2%). The 3 most commonly used landmarks to acquire coronal images for meniscal extrusion measurements were the medial collateral ligament (38%), the midpoint of the anterior-posterior length of the medial meniscus (23%), and the middle of the medial femoral condyle (19%). The pooled mean extrusion values according to the measurement location were 3.5 ± 0.7 mm, 3.9 ± 0.8 mm, and 4.5 ± 2.1 mm, respectively, with no significant differences noted between the modality types ( P = .23). The pooled mean meniscal extrusion from all included studies was 3.2 ± 2.0 mm. Conclusion: Substantial variation exists in measurement techniques for meniscal extrusion, particularly as it relates to the coronal cross-sectional reference location. Further studies should aim to provide clear descriptions of the measurement method and have uniform measurement methodology to allow comparisons and pooling between studies.
Pericardial effusion in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: A cross-sectional study from Asia and review of the literature
Authors: Wang Yue , Zeng Qiang , Cai Xuanlin , Meng Yan , Zhang Chenxi , Fan Jiahui , Aibibula Madinaimu , Feng Ning , Luo Li , Ma Xiumin 
Published: December 2022

Objectives Pericardial effusion is a rare clinical manifestation in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). It has been described in a small number of literature studies worldwide. We describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 19 IIM patients combined with pericardial effusion, and compare them with previously reported cases. The single-center observational-study-inspired collected of 156 IIM patients with complete data from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2021 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, of which 19 patients had pericardial effusion. Methods The clinical characteristics of 19 IIM patients complicated with pericardial effusion were investigated by descriptive analysis and compared with previously reported cases. Results 19 cases of IIM patients had pericardial effusion (12.2%), patients without a large amount of pericardial effusion or pericardial tamponade. There was a predominance of women in the patients with 78.9% pericardial effusion . In the clinical examination, 10 cases showed chest tightness (52.6%), pulmonary fibrosis (47.4%), and the frequency of muscle nuclear magnetic, which suggested that muscle lymphocyte infiltration rate was 63.2%. Anti-Ro-52 antibody and anti-Jo-1 antibody were positive (26.3%, 42.1%). IIM patients with pericardial effusion were accompanied by decreased serum albumin levels and elevated ESR. In the literature review, the most common clinical characteristics of IIM patients with pericardial effusion were female, pulmonary fibrosis, shortness of breath, positive anti-Ro-52 pulmonary fibrosis, and anti-Jo-1 antibody. Conclusion In the study, 19 patients of IIMs with pericardial effusion present with chest tightness, and are accompanied by pulmonary fibrosis, positive anti-Jo-1 antibody, and anti-Ro-52 antibody. It is suggested that pericardial effusion in IIM patients may be related to anti-synthetase antibody.
Machine Learning Model for Chest Radiographs: Using Local Data to Enhance Performance
Authors: Mohn Sarah F. , Law Marco , Koleva Maria , Lee Brian , Berg Adam , Murray Nicolas , Nicolaou Savvas , Parker William A. 
Published: December 2022

Purpose To develop and assess the performance of a machine learning model which screens chest radiographs for 14 labels, and to determine whether fine-tuning the model on local data improves its performance. Generalizability at different institutions has been an obstacle to machine learning model implementation. We hypothesized that the performance of a model trained on an open-source dataset will improve at our local institution after being fine-tuned on local data. Methods In this retrospective, institutional review board approved study, an ensemble of neural networks was trained on open-source datasets of chest radiographs for the detection of 14 labels. This model was then fine-tuned using 4510 local radiograph studies, using radiologists’ reports as the gold standard to evaluate model performance. Both the open-source and fine-tuned models’ accuracy were tested on 802 local radiographs. Receiver-operator characteristic curves were calculated, and statistical analysis was completed using DeLong’s method and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results The fine-tuned model identified 12 of 14 pathology labels with area under the curves greater than .75. After fine-tuning with local data, the model performed statistically significantly better overall, and specifically in detecting six pathology labels ( P < .01). Conclusions A machine learning model able to accurately detect 14 labels simultaneously on chest radiographs was developed using open-source data, and its performance was improved after fine-tuning on local site data. This simple method of fine-tuning existing models on local data could improve the generalizability of existing models across different institutions to further improve their local performance.
Proximal Plantar Plate of Lesser Toe Metatarsophalangeal Joint Vascular Supply
Authors: Park Jiwon V. , Finney Fred T. , Singer Natalie V. , Saunders Noah E. , Walley Kempland C. , Holmes James R. , Walton David M. , Talusan Paul G. 
Published: December 2022

Background: The plantar plate is a major stabilizing structure of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint with instability frequently occurring after a tear or attenuation of this structure. Commonly, a McGlamry elevator is used to strip the plantar plate from the plantar surface of the metatarsal to improve exposure of the MTP joint. The anatomy of the proximal plantar plate and vascular consequence of stripping the plantar plate from the metatarsal is not yet well understood. The purpose of this study is to describe the proximal attachment of the plantar plate anatomically and quantify the relative contribution of blood supply to the proximal plantar plate from both the metatarsal and the plantar fascia. Methods: For anatomic evaluation, 6 lower extremity cadaver specimens without any gross evidence of foot and ankle deformity were utilized. For imaging analysis, 16 fresh frozen human adult cadaveric lower extremity specimens were used for this study, resulting in 35 MTP joints without deformity and 11 lesser MTP joints with cockup and/or crossover deformities. The specimens were prepared as described previously by Finney et al.5 Results: From gross anatomic dissection, the plantar plate origin consists of a stout fibrous pedicle distinct from the surrounding synovial-type tissue that firmly anchors the plantar plate to the metatarsal. Based on nano–computed tomographic imaging, an average of 63.5% of the vascular supply to the proximal portion of the plantar plate entered from the metatarsal pedicle. The remaining 36.5% of the vascular supply entered from the plantar fascia. Conclusion: The proximal attachment of the plantar plate includes a stout fibrous pedicle anchoring the proximal portion of the plantar plate to the notch between the medial and lateral plantar condyles of the metatarsal head. The vascular supply of the proximal plantar plate is supplied from both the metatarsal pedicle and plantar fascia. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Comparison of the Therapeutic Effects of Iodine-125 Seed Implantation and Conventional Radiochemotherapy for Advanced Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Han Lian-Qiang , Wang Chen-Huan , Cui Ting-Ting , Liu Fang , Wang Xiang-Dong , Wang Zi-Kai , Li Wen 
Published: December 2022

Background The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility, safety and efficacy of iodine-125 seed implantation in the treatment of dysphagia of advanced esophageal cancer. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with advanced esophageal cancer who underwent EUS-guided iodine-125 seed implantation or conventional chemoradiotherapy in our hospital. The propensity score match was used to reduce the baseline differences. Results A total of 127 patients were enrolled, 17 patients received EUS-guided iodine 125 seed implantation (Group A), 31 patients received radiotherapy (Group B), 38 patients received chemotherapy (Group C) and 41 patients received chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy (Group D). At half month postoperatively, the dysphagia remission rate in Group A (100%) was better than that in Groups B (39.3%), C (20%), D (15.8%), respectively, in the original cohort ( P < 0.01); At 1 month postoperatively, the dysphagia remission rate in Group A (86.7%) was better than that in Group B (57.1%) ( P > 0.05), Group C (25.7%) ( P < 0.05) and Group D (34.2%) ( P < 0.05), respectively, in the original cohort. There was no statistically significant difference in median overall survival (OS) between Group A (16 months) and Group B (37 months) ( P = 0.149), and between Group A (16months) and Group C (16 months) ( P = 0.918) in the original cohort. The mean OS of Group D (54 months) was better than that of Group A (20 months) in the original cohort ( P = 0.031). The incidences of grade ≥2 myelosuppression in Groups B, C, and D were 12.9%, 28.9%, and 43.9%, respectively; the incidence of grade ≥2 gastrointestinal adverse events in Groups B, C, and D were 12.9%, 15.8%, 12.2%, respectively. No serious adverse events were found in Group A. The radiation dose around the patient was reduced to a safe range after the distance from the implantation site was more than 1 m (4.2 ± 2.6 μSv/h) or with lead clothing (0.1 ± 0.07 μSv/h). Conclusions Compared with conventional radiotherapy or chemotherapy alone, iodine-125 seed implantation might improve dysphagia more quickly and safely, further clinical data is needed to verify whether it could effectively prolong the OS of patients.
Central toxic keratopathy after small incision lenticule extraction surgery:A case report
Authors: Linghu Shaorong , Liu Taixiang , Luo Hongyang , Shi Rong 
Published: December 2022

Purpose To report a rare case of central toxic keratopathy after small incision lenticule extraction surgery (SMILE). Case report A 38-year-old female presented with visual loss 10 days after undergoing SMILE. Subsequently, transparent band keratopathy was protruded in the left cornea and corneal cap opacity was increased, which was accompanied by hyperopic shift and corneal thinning. The patient's condition rapidly improved with the administration of prednisolone acetate and autologous serum, with significant resolution of the transparent band keratopathy within 5 weeks of treatment initiation and subsequent complete visual recovery. Conclusions Central toxic keratopathy is a severe complication after undergoing SMILE, which might be effectively treated using with steroids and autologous serum.
Transorbital endoscopic-assisted management of intraorbital lesions: Experience of 11 cases
Authors: Ben Cnaan Ran , Barequet Dana , Abumanhal Muhammad , Leibovitch Igal , Abergel Avraham 
Published: December 2022

Purpose To present our experience in the management of selected extraconal orbital roof lesions utilizing the transorbital endoscopic approach. Methods A retrospective case series of patients who underwent transorbital endoscopic orbital surgery in a single medical center between 2015 to 2020. Results Eleven patients underwent transorbital endoscope assisted surgery for various indications. The mean age at surgery was 31.9 years (range, 6–73 years). Mean follow-up time was 18 months (range, 1–30). The aim of surgery was curative in 10 cases and diagnostic in one patient. Adequate specimen for tissue diagnosis was obtained from all patients. In 8 patients the procedure was completed through a superior eyelid crease incision, and in three patients a combined approach including functional endoscopic sinus surgery was used for achieving complete excision. None of the patients required conversion to an external wider orbital procedure. Intraoperative complication included cerebrospinal fluid leak in one case, which was addressed immediately; and postoperative complications included one case of pre-septal orbital cellulitis treated by intravenous antibiotics with complete resolution. Conclusion Endoscopic-assisted transorbital approach enabled safe removal of selected lesions involving the orbital roof and provides an effective and less invasive alternative to a traditional frontal craniotomy or lateral orbitotomy.
Norwegian adolescents’ use of energy drinks and painkillers and misuse of prescription drugs prior to and during the initial COVID-19 pandemic year: Evidence from the MyLife study
Authors: Burdzovic Andreas Jasmina , Brunborg Geir Scott 
Published: December 2022

Aims: This study aimed to examine and compare the use of energy drinks, over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers and misuse of prescription drugs in two cohorts of Norwegian adolescents entering high school (i.e. grade 11) immediately prior to and during the initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Accelerated longitudinal design and multi-cohort sampling enabled identification of the two socio-demographically comparable cohorts of grade 11 students: (a) COVID-19 cohort assessed in the autumn of 2020 ( n=915) and (b) pre-COVID-19 cohort assessed in the autumn of 2018/19 ( n=1621). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic and Poisson models were used to estimate the proportion of (mis)users and use frequencies among (mis)users in two cohorts. Results: Energy drinks use was both more common in the COVID-19 cohort (60.8% vs. 52.5%; adjusted odds ratio=1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–1.66, p<0.001) and more frequent among users from this cohort than among their pre-COVID-19 counterparts (9.58 vs. 7.79 days past month, adjusted incidence risk ratio (aIRR)=1.23, 95% CI 1.14–1.32, p<0.001). No cohort differences were observed in OTC painkillers use. Prescription drugs misuse was equally common in the two cohorts but was more frequent among misusers from the COVID-19 cohort than among their pre-COVID-19 counterparts (18.94 vs. 12.45 times past year, aIRR=1.52, 95% CI 1.10–2.10, p<0.001). Conclusions: Norwegian adolescents from the COVID-19 cohort were more likely to use energy drinks and, once engaged in these behaviours, to use energy drinks and misuse prescription drugs more frequently than their pre-COVID-19 counterparts.