bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Point Cloud Generation for Meshfree Methods: An Overview
Authors: Suchde Pratik , Jacquemin Thibault , Davydov Oleg 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMeshfree methods are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to mesh-based methods of numerical simulation. The biggest stated advantage of meshfree methods is the avoidance of generating a mesh on the computational domain. However, even today a surprisingly large amount of meshfree literature ironically uses the nodes of a mesh as the point set that discretizes the domain. On the other hand, already existing efficient meshfree methods to generate point clouds are apparently not very well known among meshfree communities, which has led to recent work redeveloping existing algorithms. In this paper, we present a brief overview of point cloud generation methods for domains and surfaces and discuss their features and challenges, in particular in the context of applicability to industry-relevant complex geometries.
Are Defense Styles Mediators between traumatic Experiences and Maladaptive Daydreaming?
Authors: Musetti Alessandro , Gori Alessio , Michelini Giovanni , Di Monte Cinzia , Franceschini Christian , Mariani Rachele 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMaladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a new proposed mental disorder in which an excessive absorption in vivid, narrative fantasies generates impairments in various life domains. This study aimed to examine the role of traumatic life experiences and immature, neurotic, and mature defense styles in MD. Three hundred and fifty-six Italian adults, ranging in age from 18 to 60 years completed an online survey, including measures of MD, traumatic life events, and defense styles. A multiple mediation model showed that immature, neurotic, and mature defense styles fully mediated the relationship between traumatic life experiences and MD. These findings suggest that clinical interventions for people with a history of traumatic experience who developed MD should aim to help them acquire more adaptive coping strategies to deal with traumatic memories.
On binary quartics and the Cassels–Tate pairing
Authors: Fisher Tom 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe use the invariant theory of binary quartics to give a new formula for the Cassels–Tate pairing on the 2-Selmer group of an elliptic curve. Unlike earlier methods, our formula does not require us to solve any conics. An important role in our construction is played by a certain K3 surface defined by a (2, 2, 2)-form.
Effects of Potassium Fertilizer Application on Festuca arundinacea I: Plant Growth and Potassium Requirement
Authors: Huai Tingting , Xu Shuxuan , Zhang Shen , Miao Qingxuan , Liu Chunxiao , Lu Xinghui , Li Haiyun , Lv Futang , Si Dongxia 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis study sought to clarify the effects of potassium (K) fertilizer application on the growth and K requirement of Festuca arundinacea and determine the appropriate K fertilizer application rate for its normal growth. A pot experiment was conducted to test the plant growth and K uptake of Festuca arundinacea response to different K fertilizer rates (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg K2O kg−1) in two K levels (medium K and low K) of soils. Potassium fertilizer application and soil significantly affected plant growth, K uptake and K concentration in the shoot, and K uptake in the root. Low-K soil and without K fertilizer application increased the root-shoot ratio. Increasing K fertilizer application enhanced K distribution in the shoot. The recommended optimum K fertilizer rate to obtain 80% of the maximum shoot biomass in medium-K and low-K soils was 88.9 mg K2O kg−1 and 71.1 mg K2O kg−1, and the corresponding critical K concentration of shoot was 17.9 g kg−1 and 14.4 g kg−1. Appropriate K fertilizer application could promote plant growth and K uptake. An optimized K fertilizer management strategy and K diagnostic concentration should be carried out according to soil K levels during the establishment phase of Festuca arundinacea.
A Novel Technique of Urethroplasty Could Reduce Urethra-Related Complications in Phalloplasty With Urethral Lengthening
Authors: Gao Hong , Wu Dan , Kong Xiangjing , Zhu Lie , Jie Xiang , Zhang Wenjun , Hu Zheyuan , Zhu Xiaohai 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionUrethral lengthening in phalloplasty could bring many postoperative complications, such as urethra fistula and stricture, which greatly affects the patient's mental health and quality of life.AimTo describe a novel technique of vaginal mucosal graft for prelamination urethra (VMGPU) combined with modified urethral anastomosis (MUA) for the reconstruction of a neourethra.MethodsA retrospective study of transgender men between January 2006 and March 2021 was conducted. Patients were divided into three groups according to the surgical methods : traditional group（TG，VMGPU group（VG） and VMGPU+MUA group (VMG).Main Outcome MeasureThe main outcomes measures were demographics, surgical characteristics, complications, International Prostate Symptom Score（IPSS，Quality of Life（QOL） score，and voiding frequency conditions.ResultsOf 80 eligible transgender men（TG:n = 39，VG:n = 31, VMG:n = 10), the urethral fistula developed in 19/39 (49%) patients in TG, 8/31 (26%) in VG, and 1/10 (10%) in VMG (P = 0.034). The urethral stricture formed in 15/39 (38%) patients in TG, 4/31 (13%) in VG, and 1/10 (10%) in VMG (P = 0.028). Compared with TG, the VG got more favorable IPSS. The QOL scores showed that patients in VG or VMG were more satisfied with their postoperative status.Clinical ImplicationsVMGPU combined with MUA may help reduce urethral complications for transgender men who wish to undergo phalloplasty with urethral lengthening.Strength & LimitationsVMGPU combined with MUA focuses on reducing the urethra-related complications in the anastomotic stoma between the fixed and the penile urethra, which has not been noticed in the past. The limitations of this study are that the retrospective study design is prone to bias; the study using VMGPU+MUA technique is only in the preliminary stage, and more cases are needed to prove its effectiveness; the median follow-up in VMG was only 2 years, and longer-term follow-up results are inconclusive; the IPSS, QOL, and the voiding frequency chart were not validated in transgender men.ConclusionOur pilot study suggests that VMGPU combined with MUA may reduce the urethra-related complications, especially the urethral fistula in the anastomosis stoma between the fixed and the penile urethra.
Cryopreserved, Irradiated Tracheal Homograft Transplantation for Laryngotracheal Reconstruction in Human Beings
Authors: Kunachak Somyos , Kulapaditharom Boonchu , Vajaradul Yongyudh , Rochanawutanon Mana 
Published: September 2022

Subglottic tracheal stenosis is a common clinical entity. Management in severe cases is often problematic. Various techniques for tracheal replacement have been used with varying degrees of success. In this study we used cryopreserved, irradiated tracheal homografts, the use of which in human beings has not been reported previously. In a sterile setup, the tracheas were harvested from donor cadavers within 24 hours of death. The grafts were initially kept at 57°C for 20 minutes; they were then placed in a −70°C chamber for another 2 to 3 days or more and were irradiated to 25 kGy (2.5 million rad). Finally, the grafts were stored at −70°C until usage. Seven patients underwent the surgery, but only 4 are presented here. In the remaining 3 patients, the follow‐up time was too short to be evaluated. Four patients, 2 male and 2 female (aged 2‐40 years, mean 16 years), with severe subglottic tracheal stenosis underwent segmental tracheal graft reconstruction. Immunosuppressant medications were not given to any patient. Follow‐up ranged from 18 to 20 months. Three patients successfully underwent decannulation, and 1 patient had local infection and dislodgment of the intraluminal stent with subsequent restenosis. The postoperative tracheal lumen appeared to be near normal, with histologic evidence of normal respiratory epithelium at the grafted site. In conclusion, cryopreserved, irradiated tracheal homograft transplantation is a valuable alternative for subglottic tracheal reconstruction.
Bone Wax Prevents Nystagmus After Labyrinthine Fenestration in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Brockenbrough John M. , Marzo Sam , Wurster Robert , Young M. Rita I. 
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVEWe examined the effect of 3 methods of closure of labyrinthine fenestrations.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGA guinea pig animal model was developed to examine the effect of 3 methods of closure of labyrinthine fenestrations. These methods included bone wax alone, fascia and fibrin glue, and fascia alone. Nystagmus, a reproducible sign of labyrinthine injury, was chosen as an end point for comparing materials commonly used in human ear surgery.RESULTSAnimals repaired with bone wax showed no postoperative nystagmus, whereas animals repaired with other materials or that underwent canal fenestration without repair showed 3 to 5 days of postoperative nystagmus.CONCLUSIONSAlthough it is premature to extrapolate our results to human surgery, postoperative nystagmus can be eliminated in guinea pigs by sealing labyrinthine fenestrations with bone wax.SIGNIFICANCEGiven the intimate relationship between the vestibular and cochlear systems, it is possible that prevention of vestibular irritation might be associated with preservation of cochlear function.
Acyclovir in the Treatment of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Uri Nechama , Doweck Ilana , Cohen‐Kerem Raanan , Greenberg Elhanan 
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUNDIdiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a vexing problem that continues to pose a diagnostic and therapeutic enigma for the otologist. The aim of the study, adopting the viral theory, was to discover whether patients with ISSNHL would benefit from early treatment with acyclovir and hydrocortisone compared with patients treated by hydrocortisone alone.METHODSSixty patients with ISSNHL were treated in a prospective controlled randomized manner. Patients were seen within 7 days of onset and were divided randomly into 2 groups. The study group patients were treated with acyclovir and hydrocortisone, whereas those in the control group were treated with hydrocortisone alone.RESULTSWe compared the 2 groups before and after treatment regarding SRT, mean hearing level at each frequency, speech reception threshold improvement, gender, age, tinnitus, and balance complaints. The overall improvement was 78%.CONCLUSIONWe conclude that there probably is no benefit from the addition of acyclovir in the treatment of ISSNHL.
Bilateral Congenital Absence of Stapes and Oval Window in 2 Members of a Family: Etiology and Management
Authors: Yi Zixiang , Yang Jiangsun , Li Zhichune , Zhou Aidong , Lin Yefen 
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVETo date, bilateral congenital absence of stapes and oval window in 2 members (brother and sister) of a family has not been reported in the literature. Carhart's notch as one of the indications for the diagnosis of this disease is proposed. The etiology and management of this condition are discussed.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe older brother and younger sister of a family had severe bilateral hearing loss and concomitant speech disability since early childhood. Their parents are first cousins and have 2 sons and 1 daughter, but the younger son is in good health with normal hearing. No similar disease was found among other relatives. Physical examination showed that the older brother and the younger sister had normal external ears and tympanic membranes. Congenital bilateral absence of stapes and oval window were confirmed by history, audiologic examination, high‐resolution computed tomography scanning, and/or surgery. The modified Lempert's fenestration operation on the horizontal semicircular canal was performed on 1 ear of each patient.RESULTSPostoperative hearing threshold was 25 dB for speech frequencies with a gain of 47 dB for the older brother and 28 dB for speech frequencies with a gain of 52 dB for the younger sister. Follow up at 5 to 13 years individually, their hearing gains were steady. Both sister and brother now enjoy a normal life.CONCLUSIONSBilateral congenital absence of stapes and oval window in the 2 family members may be related to inheritance. This report points out Car‐hart's notch as noted in otosclerosis as an important indication for diagnosis of this disease. The modified Lempert's fenestration operation of the horizontal semicircular canal is a safe and good choice for these patients and a better choice than a hearing aid throughout life.
Genioglossus advancement and hyoid myotomy under local anesthesia
Authors: Neruntarat Chairat 
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVEObstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common chronic illness that results in significant morbidity in many patients. Upper airway obstruction of OSAS patients occurring during sleep can appear at multiple sites, including the hypopharynx. Successful results of genioglossus advancement and hyoid myotomy with suspension (GAHM) in the treatment of hypopharyngeal obstruction have been reported when performed under general anesthesia. However, many patients have difficulty at induction of anesthesia and intubation. Patients are predisposed to specific complications, owing to anatomical abnormalities of the airway and existence of underlying syndrome. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of GAHM for the treatment of OSAS with the patient under local anesthesia.METHODSThirty‐one OSAS patients with hypopharyngeal obstruction underwent GAHM under local anesthesia. The inferior alveolar nerve was blocked. The osteotomized mandibular segment was advanced and turned to lock the inner surface of the mandible and geniotubercle at the outer surface. The hyoid bone was suspended to the superior aspect of the thyroid cartilage. Uvulopalatal flap was an adjunct surgical procedure for palatal obstruction. Patients had a mean age of 46.2 ± 5.8 years and a body mass index of 28.8 ± 3.2 kg/m2. Most of the patients were male. Data on patients were compared between preoperative and postoperative assessment points. Statistical analysis was performed using Student'sttest.RESULTSAll patients tolerated the procedure well. The mean follow‐up was 8 months (range, 6 to 10 months). The mean Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI) decreased from 48.2 ± 10.8 to 14.5 ± 5.8, and the lowest oxygen saturation increased from 81.8 ± 3.8% to 88.8 ± 2.9%. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale score improved from 14.9 ± 2.3 to 8.2 ± 1.7 (P< 0.001), and the snoring scale improved from 8.1 ± 0.6 to 3.4 ± 0.9 (P< 0.001). Postoperative complications included wound dehiscence in 3%, transient dysphagia in 3%, and transient paresthesia of the lower jaw in 6%. Bleeding, infection, and airway obstruction were not observed. Most patients had mild‐to‐moderate pain (visual analog scale, ≤7) for 5 to 7 days after procedures. Responders were defined as OSAS patients who had a reduction in the RDI of ≥50% and an RDI of ≤20 after surgery. By these criteria, 70% of the patients were regarded as having responded to GAHM.CONCLUSIONSignificant reduction in RDI and clinical improvements in snoring and sleepiness were observed after GAHM. It appears to be a safe, inexpensive, and effective procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia with a low chance of complications in carefully selected OSAS patients.
Auditory steady‐state response testing in children: Evaluation of a new technology
Authors: Roberson Joseph B. , O'Rourke Carolann , Stidham Katrina R. 
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to evaluate auditory steady‐state responses (ASSR) for determining frequency‐specific hearing impairment and to compare this technology with conventional auditory brainstem responses (ABR).STUDY DESIGNThe study was a prospective clinical trial. Twenty‐eight pediatric patients ranging in age from 7 to 61 months who were undergoing sedated ABR testing for evaluation of hearing impairment were also evaluated using ASSR. Estimated audiograms of the ASSR are compared with the ABR results.RESULTSASSR estimated audiograms with frequency‐specific information were produced for all patients in whom an ABR recording was obtained. In 20 ears in which an ABR tracing was absent at the maximum level of 90 dB, 13 ears had measurable ASSR thresholds with an average threshold of 98.9 dB at 250 to 8000 Hz.CONCLUSIONASSR showed sensitivity equal to that of ABR for individuals with hearing levels (HL) from 0 to 90 dB HL. In patients with hearing impairment greater than 90 dB normal HL (nHL), ASSR showed distinct advantage over ABR testing in that recordings were reliably produced up to 127 dB nHL.
The Biochemical Analysis of Tympanosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Doner Fehmi , Yariktas Murat , Dogru Harun , Uzun Hafize , Aydin Seval , Delibas Namik 
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVEWe conducted a biochemical analysis of tympanosclerotic (TS) plaques.METHODSForty‐five samples containing TS plaques were obtained from 45 patients. Qualitative and quantitative biochemical analyses were performed. TS plaques were evaluated macroscopically in respect to color and structure.RESULTSPhosphate, calcium, ammonium, and cholesterol were detected in 44, 43, 35, and 7 samples, respectively. Mean calcium and phosphate levels and protein levels of samples were 2.5 ± 2.6 mg/100 mg tissue, 0.16 ± 0.11 mg, and 3.4 ± 3.4 mg, respectively. TS plaques were dirty white in 20 samples, brunette in 13, yellowish in 4, white in 7, and brown in 1. The structure of TS plaques was hard in consistency in 23 samples, fibrous in 14 samples, and soft in 8 samples.CONCLUSIONThe wider range of values and different mineral contents in our series might be explained by the fact that we had a much larger variety of tissues in various stages of the TS process. The color and the consistency of TS plaques are due to the discrepancy in their content and the amount of mineral, cholesterol, and protein.
New Endoscopic Secondary Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis Placement Technique
Authors: Costa Claudiney C. , Abrahão Marcio , Cervantes Onivaldo , Chagas José F. S. 
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to present a new technique of secondary vocal prosthesis placement on an outpatient basis without general anesthesia by means of digestive endoscopy.METHODSIt is a prospective study, 35 laryngectomized patients were sedated with midazolam and underwent digestive endoscopy and tracheoesophageal punch with vocal prosthesis insertion.RESULTSA success rate of 94.2% was achieved with this surgical technique. The mean procedure time was estimated at 12 minutes, and no serious complications due to the prosthesis insertion were observed.CONCLUSIONThe advantages of this new technique over the classic technique are lack of use of general anesthesia, performance of procedure on an outpatient basis, lower complication risks (including hemorrhage, mediastinitis, vertebral fracture, esophageal perforation; and minor oropharyngeal, and esophageal mucosal trauma), and direct visualization of the prosthesis in the esophageal lumen.
Anxiety in the First Attack of Vertigo
Authors: Pollak Lea , Klein Colin , Rafael Stryjer , Vera Kossych , Rabey Jose Martin 
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUNDAlthough psychiatric disturbances have been reported in chronic vestibular disorders, little is known about the psychological impact of an acute vertigo attack.METHODSWe conducted a comparative questionnaire study in 30 patients with a first attack of vestibular dysfunction and in 35 patients with a nonvesicular neurologic deficit of acute onset.RESULTSPatients with vertigo reported more anxiety than patients with nonvestibular neurologic deficits (P = 0.002), despite the fact that premorbid anxiety was similar in both groups (P = 0.5). No difference in anxiety levels was found between vertigo patients who vomited and those who were free of vegetative symptoms (P = 0.97). Vertigo patients felt more disabled than nonvertigo patients (P = 0.06), irrespective of the objective restrictions caused by the disease. The rate of depression did not differ between the groups of patients (P = 0.09).CONCLUSIONPatients with acute vertigo experience extreme anxiety, and this contributes to their feeling of disproportionate disability. The reason for emotional disturbances in vestibular dysfunction is probably the result of physiological connections between the vestibular and limbic system and deserves further neuroanatomic investigation.
Mitomycin‐C in the Postsurgical Ear Canal
Authors: Banthia Vishal , Selesnick Samuel H. 
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVEOur goal was to evaluate the use of topical mitomycin‐C (MMC) in the prevention of scar tissue formation in the postsurgical external auditory canal (EAC).STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGWe conducted a prospective pilot study at a tertiary care institution.METHODSSix patients with recurrent postoperative granulation tissue after canaloplasty, tympanomastoidectomy, or lateral temporal bone resection were included. MMC (0.5 mg/mL) was applied topically for 5 minutes to the EAC/mastoid cavity.RESULTSOutcomes were measured at initial MMC application and 1 and 3 months thereafter using a visual analog scale score based on the degree of EAC occlusion by granulation tissue. Need for debridement of recurrent granulation tissue on follow‐up was noted. Three (50%) patients had improved VAS 1 month after treatment. Two (33%) had improved visual analog scale score at 3 months. Five (83%) required at least one debridement procedure. Repeat MMC application was performed in 2 patients.CONCLUSIONTopical MMC was ineffective in preventing scar formation in the postsurgical EAC.
Facial F wave recording: A novel and effective technique for extra‐ and intraoperative diagnosis of facial nerve function in acoustic tumor disease
Authors: Wedekind Christoph , Klug Norfrid 
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVETo investigate the diagnostic yield of facial F wave recording in patients with acoustic neurinomas intraoperatively and extraoperatively.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTINGProspective study, comparative evaluation of facial F waves, transcranial magnetic stimulation of the facial motor cortex, blink reflex, and intraoperative online electromyographic activity. The study was performed in the neurosurgical department of a university hospital.RESULTSExtraoperatively, only F wave latencies were closely correlated to tumor diameter as an independent variable. Intraoperatively, loss of F waves was specific for the development of a severe to total facial paresis postoperatively. A transient loss of F waves heralds an imminent danger of severe facial dysfunction.CONCLUSIONFacial F wave recording provides valuable information on the functional status of the nerve intra‐ and extraoperatively.SIGNIFICANCEFacial F wave recording should be used as a standard electrodiagnostic technique in addition to transcranial magnetic stimulation and blink reflex recording. It seems particularly useful for intraoperative facial nerve monitoring.