A guide to large data sets for population-based cancer research: Strengths, limitations, and pitfalls.

With the proliferation of cancer research based on large databases, misalignment of research questions and data set capabilities is inevitable. Nationally maintained databases are appealing to cancer researchers because of the ease of access to large amounts of patient data available for analysis and risk estimation. Data sets that are commonly used in cancer research include the National Cancer Database, the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) program of the National Cancer Institute, the SEER-Medicare database, the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, and the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project databases, among others.

Current Medicare reimbursement for complex endovascular aortic repair is inadequate based on results from a multi-institutional cost analysis.

Objective: Complex endovascular juxta-, para- and suprarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (comEVAR) is frequently accomplished with commercially available fenestrated (FEVAR) devices or off-label use of aortoiliac devices with parallel branch stents (chEVAR). We sought to evaluate the implantable vascular device costs incurred with these procedures as compared with standard Medicare reimbursement to determine the financial viability of comEVAR in the modern era.

Methods: Five geographically distinct institutions with high-volume, complex aortic centers were included.

Selective Facial Muscle Activation with Acute and Chronic Multichannel Cuff Electrode Implantation in a Feline Model.

Objectives: Facial paralysis is a debilitating condition with substantial functional and psychological consequences. This feline-model study evaluates whether facial muscles can be selectively activated in acute and chronic implantation of 16-channel multichannel cuff electrodes (MCE).

Methods: Two cats underwent acute terminal MCE implantation experiments, 2 underwent chronic MCE implantation in uninjured facial nerves (FN) and tested for 6 months, and 2 underwent chronic MCE implantation experiments after FN transection injury and tested for 3 months.

Spontaneous Involution of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibromas: Report of a Case.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a locally aggressive tumor that predominantly affects adolescent males. Surgical resection is generally considered the standard treatment for both primary and recurrent tumors, regardless of staging. The natural history of these tumors, particularly when untreated or in the setting of residual tumor, is not well characterized.

The Relationship Between Vestibular Migraine and Motion Sickness Susceptibility.

Objectives: To determine the relationship between vestibular migraine (VM) and motion sickness (MoS) susceptibility and their comorbidity in a large student population, and to assess whether experiencing MoS is associated with higher susceptibility for VM.

Methods: Surveys including Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSSQ) and questions assessing migraine-related symptoms as well as family history of motion sickness and migraine headache were distributed to the university undergraduate students through Facebook and email. Diagnosis of definite VM (dVM) was based on the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders.

Characteristics of Mid-Frequency Sensorineural Hearing Loss Progression.

Objectives: To characterize the progression of mid-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (MFSNHL) over time.

Methods: A retrospective chart review spanning 2012 to 2017 was performed at a tertiary care audiology and neurotology center. Our cohort included 37 patients met the criteria for MFSNHL also known as "cookie bite hearing loss.

Medical Malpractice of Vestibular Schwannoma: A 40-Year Review of the United States Legal Databases.

Objectives: To analyze medical malpractice lawsuit trends pertaining to cases of vestibular schwannomas (VS).

Methods: Two major computerized legal databases (LexisNexis and WestLaw) were queried and reviewed for evaluation of all the US state and federal court records from civil trials alleging malpractice between 1976 and 2016.

Results: A total of 32 VS cases were identified.

A Case Series of Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Primarily Diagnosed by Otological Manifestations.

Objective: To describe a case series of previously undiagnosed granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) patients who presented primarily with otological manifestations.

Method: We report a series of patients visited at a neurotology clinic who were eventually diagnosed with GPA based on their otologic complaints and had no prior knowledge of having this condition.

Results: In this series, 10 (91%) patients presented with hearing loss (HL), more than half of which were bilateral (60%).