bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy with major vein resection for pancreatic head cancer
Authors: Sung Min Kyu , Song Ki Byung , Hong Sarang , Park Yejong , Kwak Bong Jun , Jun Eunsung , Lee Woohyung , Lee Jae Hoon , Hwang Dae Wook , Kim Song Cheol
Published: February 2023

Background/Purpose

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with major vein resection is a challenging procedure. Herein, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic vein resection in pancreatic head cancer with portal vein/superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV) invasion, and compared the survival rate following laparoscopic surgery with that following open surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of all patients with pancreatic head cancer who underwent surgery performed by a single surgeon from January 2015 to December 2017. Kaplan–Meier curves were plotted to compare the disease‐free survival, while Cox‐proportional hazard models were used to analyze prognostic factors for survival.

Results

Among 76 patients, 63 underwent open PD and 13 underwent laparoscopic PD with PV/SMV resection. There was no significant difference in the rate of complications, including portal vein stenosis and portal vein thrombus, recurrence of tumors, or pathological outcomes after surgery between the groups. There was also no significant difference in disease‐free survival (p = .803) between the two groups. Additionally, the surgical method was not an independent prognostic factor for disease‐free survival.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic PD with major vein resection can be feasibly performed in select patients with abutment and focal narrowing of the PV/SMV in pancreatic head cancer.
The Early‐Enhancing Hepatic Vein: Differentiating Focal Nodular Hyperplasia and Hepatic Adenoma With Pathologic Validation in MRI
Authors: Kania Leann M. , Dave Jaydev , Guglielmo Flavius F. , Naringrekar Haresh V. , Alturki Abdullah , Civan Jesse M. , Bundschuh Mark A. , Mitchell Donald G.
Published: February 2023

Background

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatic adenoma (HA) are two common benign liver lesions with different management options. In particular, resection is considered for large HA lesions to avoid possible bleeding complications or rarely malignant degeneration.

Purpose

To determine whether early enhancement of a draining hepatic vein (EDHV) and absence of perilesional enhancement (PLE) on arterial phase MR images are useful for distinguishing FNH from HA.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 34 patients: 16 with FNH and 18 with HA lesions.

Field Strength/Sequence

A1.5 T, axial T1 fat‐suppressed arterial postcontrast.

Assesment

Four abdominal radiologists blinded to pathologic diagnosis assessed for the presence or absence of EDHV in association with the lesion, definitively characterized by pathology. This was considered present if contrast could be identified in a hepatic vein contiguous with the lesion in question. Secondarily, PLE was evaluated.

Statistical Tests

Fleiss's multirater kappa statistic, Chi‐squared statistic, Phi‐coefficient. Significance level P < 0.05.

Results

Considering all observations obtained from the four readers, an EDHV was identified with FNH 48.5% of the time. EDHV was seen with HA in 8.8% of cases. PLE was seen with significantly greater frequency in HA. The presence of an EDHV was associated with the absence of PLE.

Data Conclusion

In a lesion that may be either an FNH or HA, confident identification on arterial phase images of an EDHV should lead the reader to favor FNH, while the presence PLE should dissuade the reader from FNH.

Evidence Level

4.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
Observed aerosol‐layer depth at Station Nord in the high Arctic
Authors: Gryning Sven‐Erik , Batchvarova Ekaterina , Floors Rogier , Münkel Christoph , Sørensen Lise Lotte , Skov Henrik
Published: February 2023

The depth of the aerosol layer at the Villum Research Station at Station Nord in the high Arctic is analysed based on 8 years of observations from a ceilometer and one full year from a wind lidar. The layer is of particular interest for aerosol process modelling and atmospheric chemistry studies. The depth of the aerosol layer is assigned to the inflection point in the attenuated backscatter profile by two methods; one is based on polynomial approximation of the profile and the other is direct numerical differentiation. The analysis is based on two types of hourly profiles; one consists of averaging the attenuated backscatter observations and the other by computing the median. Due to sporadic occurrence of outliers in the ranges around 50 m in the ceilometer observations, this part of the profile is not used in this study. Restricting the observations to heights above 100 m, the depths of the aerosol layer are found to be typically ≈230 m. It varies little between winter and summer, but the spread in the depth is larger during the winter as compared to summer. To extend the study of the aerosol‐layer depth below 100 m, a method is applied that combines the ceilometer measurements with the carrier‐to‐noise ratio from the wind lidar. The results are available for 2018 only, and they show aerosol‐layer depths below ≈80 m as well as depths around 230 m and they show few observations between ≈80 and ≈230 m. Near the ground, the observed backscatter exhibits a pronounced seasonal variation, having low values during the summer and high values during the winter. The strength of the seasonal variability decreases with height, especially above the aerosol‐layer depth, and is virtually absent at 1 km.
Lavender essential oil accelerates lipopolysaccharide‐induced chronic wound healing by inhibiting caspase‐11‐mediated macrophage pyroptosis
Authors: Ao Xiang , Yan Huan , Huang Mei , Xing Wei , Ao Luo‐Quan , Wu Xiao‐Feng , Pu Cheng‐Xiu , Zhang Bao‐Yue , Xu Xiang , Liang Hua‐Ping , Guo Wei
Published: February 2023

Chronic wounds seriously affect the quality of life of the elderly, obese people, and diabetic patients. The excessive inflammatory response is a key driver of delayed chronic wound healing. Although lavender essential oil (EO [lav]) has been proven to have anti‐inflammatory and accelerate wound curative effects, the specific molecular mechanism involved is still ambiguous. The results showed that the wounds treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) not only had delayed healing, but also the expression levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and the inflammatory mediator protein, high‐mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB‐1), in the wound tissues were significantly increased. However, treatment of LPS‐induced chronic wounds with EO (lav) accelerated wound healing and decreased IL‐1β and HMGB‐1 expression levels. It was further found that LPS induced macrophage pyroptosis to produce IL‐1β. After treatment with EO (lav), the expression level of macrophage pyroptosis marker Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and pyroptosis‐related cytotoxic effects were significantly reduced. Immunofluorescence results also directly indicate that EO (lav) can protect macrophages from LPS‐induced pyroptosis. Moreover, EO (lav) can down‐regulate expression levels of IL‐1β, GSDMD, and nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the caspase‐11‐related pyroptotic signaling pathway. This study demonstrates that EO (lav) can reduce proinflammatory factor production and ameliorate inflammatory response by inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis, which accelerates LPS‐induced chronic wound healing.
Soil salinity dynamics in arid oases during irrigated and non‐irrigated seasons
Authors: Zhu Chuanmei , Ding Jianli , Zhang Zipeng , Wang Jinjie , Chen Xiangyue , Han Lijing , Shi Haobo , Wang Jingzhe
Published: February 2023

Preventing soil salinization is key to the healthy development of agroecosystems in arid regions. Notably, long‐term anthropogenic irrigation accelerates secondary salinity accumulation in arid areas; however, the regional‐scale spatial patterns of soil salinity pre‐ and post‐irrigation season remain unclear. Accordingly, field observations over two periods (n = 182 samples), along with environmental covariates and the randomForest algorithm, were used to estimate the horizontal and vertical spatial distributions (12 soil depths) of soil salinity in the Weiku Oasis (0–60 cm) at a 30 m spatial resolution. The results showed that the prediction accuracy was greater for the non‐irrigated season than for the irrigated season. Moreover, soil salinity was low in the interior of the oasis, high in the desert oasis interlacing zone, and significantly decreased with increasing soil depth. Variable contributions indicated that the effects of SoilGrids variables on soil salinity increased with greater soil depth. During the irrigation season, an inflection point for salt aggregation was observed at ~55 cm for farmlands, grasslands, and shrubs, with the greatest variation seen in farmlands. The findings here provide insights into the improvement of irrigation techniques in arid zone agroecosystems.
Determinants of impact factor and Eigenfactor score in otolaryngology journals
Authors: Ali Ayad , Phillips Katie M. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aims to identify determinants of high impact, measured by Impact Factor (IF) and Eigenfactor score, among otolaryngology journals.

Methods

Bibliometric data of “otorhinolaryngology” journals were collected from the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) database. For the years 2009–2020, we collected normalized Eigenfactor score, 5‐year IF, immediacy index, fraction of IF from journal‐self citation, proportion and magnitude of published citable articles, and total citation counts. High‐IF and ‐Eigenfactor journals were considered those within the top‐quartile of that metric each respective year.

Results

High‐IF and ‐Eigenfactor otolaryngology journals displayed higher 5‐year IFs, immediacy indexes, and IF without self‐citation (p < .05 for all years) including total citations counts and citable articles when ranked by Eigenfactor (p < .05 for all years). Otolaryngology IF correlated with 5‐year IF and immediacy index within the same year (p < .05 for all years) and from previous years (p < .05 for all years; p < .05 for 2017‐2018; p > .05 for 2009‐2016). Eigenfactor correlated with 5‐year IF, total citation counts, and citable articles within the same year (p < .05 for all years) and previous years (p < .05 for 2013–2018). Multilinear regression revealed that 5‐year IF (p < .05 for 2009–2018) and immediacy index from the prior 2 years (p < .05 for 2017‐2018; p > .05 for 2009‐2016) predicted 2019 IF. Similarly, 5‐year IF, total citation counts, and citable articles (p < .05 for 2013–2018) predicted 2019 Eigenfactor score.

Conclusion

Sustained publication of impactful articles is the dominant driver of high IF and Eigenfactor score. Eigenfactor score reflects a unique evaluation of otolaryngology journals; ranking otolaryngology journals by their Eigenfactor scores significantly alters journal ranking compared to ranking by IF.

Level of evidence

NA.
Modulating the Quantum Efficiency of Sb2S3‐Based Photodiodes Based on Conventional and Inverted Structures
Authors: Li Ruiming , Zeng Haiyi , Bai Songxue , Jia Zhenglin , Xu Yalun , Yao Fang , Liu Yong , Huang Huiming , Li Ye , Xie Rong‐Jun , Lin Qianqian
Published: February 2023

Antimony sulfide (Sb2S3), a binary chalcogenide, has recently emerged as a promising candidate for photovoltaics due to its high absorption coefficient, facile processing, and lower toxicity. However, high‐performance photodiodes based on Sb2S3 have not been achieved and systematically investigated. Herein, Sb2S3‐based photodiodes based on conventional and inverted structures are developed, and their charge transport and spectral dependent quantum efficiency of these two types of devices are carefully modulated. After optimization, the conventional photodetectors achieve broadband responsivity up to 0.3 A W−1, high specific detectivity of 1.25 × 1012 Jones, and fast response speed of 6.4 µs with a small bias voltage of −0.5 V. On the other hand, the inverted devices exhibit imbalanced charge transport and color discrimination, which is promising for narrowband photodetection. These distinct device performances are highly dependent on the device architecture, which is crucial for designing efficient chalcogenide‐based optoelectronic devices.
Evaluation of cutting efficiency and thermal damage during soft tissue surgery with 940 nm‐diode laser: An ex vivo study
Authors: Strakas Dimitrios , Dionysopoulos Dimitrios , Tolidis Kosmas , Meister Jörg
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To investigate quantitatively the cutting efficiency and the thermal effects in the surrounding soft tissues of incisions that are induced by a 940 nm‐diode laser with different power settings.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐four gingival samples were prepared from the lower jaws of freshly slaughtered German‐land race pigs and were randomly divided into 9 groups (n = 6) according to the adjusted output power (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5 and 6 W). Five incisions were implemented for each sample using a diode laser (940 nm) in continuous wave with an initiated tip resulting in 30 incisions for each experimental group utilizing a three‐dimensional computer‐controlled micropositioner. The samples were prepared for histometric evaluation using a transmitted light microscope. The cutting depth and width and the thermal damage were recorded for each sample and the efficiency factor γ was calculated.

Results

The highest cutting efficiency (γz = 0.81 ± 0.03) exhibited the group with 5 W output power (p < 0.05), while the lowest (γz = 0.45 ± 0.11) showed the 1‐W group (p < 0.05). Over 3.5 W there was a rapid increase in the size of thermal damage of the incisions, especially for 6 W, which presented the largest.

Conclusions

The most effective power parameters of diode laser (940 nm) for soft tissue surgery were from 3 to 5 W. The outcomes of the current study may help to establish clinical protocols for the use of diode lasers (940 nm) in soft tissue surgery in contact mode assisting dental professionals to achieve optimal clinical results and avoid complications.
Computational 19F NMR of trifluoromethyl derivatives of alkenes, pyrimidines, and indenes
Authors: Ukhanev Stepan A. , Fedorov Sergei V. , Krivdin Leonid B.
Published: February 2023

The 19F NMR chemical shifts of 13 trifluoromethyl derivatives of alkenes, pyrimidines, and indenes were calculated at the DFT level using the BhandHLYP, BHandH, PBE, PBE0, O3LYP, B3LYP, KT2, and KT3 functionals in combination with the pcS‐2 basis set. Best result was documented for the BHandHLYP functional: The mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.66 ppm for the scaled values was achieved for the range of about 20 ppm. Solvent, vibrational, and relativistic corrections were found to be rather small, especially when taken in combination, generally demonstrating a slight decrease in the difference between calculated and experimental fluorine chemical shifts. As a measure of the practical importance of these compounds, one should recall that the growing number of life science products that contain trifluoromethyl groups provides a continuing driving force for the development of an effective methodology that enables both regio‐ and stereoselective introduction of trifluoromethyl groups into both aliphatic and aromatic systems.
Diffusion time dependency of extracellular diffusion
Authors: Xu Junzhong , Xie Jingping , Semmineh Natenael B. , Devan Sean P. , Jiang Xiaoyu , Gore John C.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To quantify the variations of the power‐law dependences on diffusion time t or gradient frequency of extracellular water diffusion measured by diffusion MRI (dMRI).

Methods

Model cellular systems containing only extracellular water were used to investigate the dependence of , the extracellular diffusion coefficient. Computer simulations used a randomly packed tissue model with realistic intracellular volume fractions and cell sizes. DMRI measurements were performed on samples consisting of liposomes containing heavy water(D2O, deuterium oxide) dispersed in regular water (H2O). was obtained over a broad range (∼1–1000 ms) and then fit power‐law equations and .

Results

Both simulated and experimental results suggest that no single power‐law adequately describes the behavior of over the range of diffusion times of most interest in practical dMRI. Previous theoretical predictions are accurate over only limited ranges; for example, is valid only for short times, whereas or is valid only for long times but cannot describe other ranges simultaneously. For the specific range of 5–70 ms used in typical human dMRI measurements, matches the data well empirically.

Conclusion

The optimal power‐law fit of extracellular diffusion varies with diffusion time. The dependency obtained at short or long limits cannot be applied to typical dMRI measurements in human cancer or liver. It is essential to determine the appropriate diffusion time range when modeling extracellular diffusion in dMRI‐based quantitative microstructural imaging.
Comparison and optimization of pCASL and VSASL for rat thoracolumbar spinal cord MRI at 9.4 T
Authors: Lee Seongtaek , Meyer Briana P. , Hernandez‐Garcia Luis , Kurpad Shekar N. , Schmit Brian D. , Budde Matthew D.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To evaluate pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) and velocity‐selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL) for quantification of spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) in the rat thoracolumbar spinal cord.

Methods

Labeling efficiency (LE) was compared between pCASL and three VSASL variants in simulations and both phantom and in vivo experiments at 9.4 T. For pCASL, the effects of label plane position and shimming were systematically evaluated. For VSASL, the effects of composite pulses and phase cycling were evaluated to reduce artifacts. Additionally, vessel suppression, respiratory, and cardiac gating were evaluated to reduce motion artifacts. pCASL and VSASL maps of spinal cord blood flow were acquired with the optimized protocols.

Results

LE of the descending aorta was larger in pCASL compared to VSASL variants. In pCASL, LE off‐isocenter was improved by local shimming positioned at the label plane and the anatomical level of labeling for the thoracic cord was only viable at the level of the T10 vertebra. Cardiac gating was essential to reduce motion artifacts. Both pCASL and VSASL successfully demonstrated comparable SCBF values in the thoracolumbar cord.

Conclusion

pCASL demonstrated high and consistent LE in the thoracic aorta, and VSASL was also feasible, but with reduced efficiency. A combination of cardiac gating and recording of actual post‐label delays was important for accurate SCBF quantification. These results highlight the challenges and solutions to achieve sufficient ASL labeling and contrast at high field in organs prone to motion.
Exploring the Use of Price Indices to Adjust Angler Expenditure Profiles over Time
Authors: Parker Charles R. , Hunt Kevin M. , Grado Stephen C. , Henderson James E. , Freeman Matthew A.
Published: February 2023

This research evaluated a price-adjusting methodology to update trip expenditure information annually for economic impact analysis. Historic expenditure profiles for nonlocal Texas anglers and nonresident (out-of-state) anglers were generated from 1995 angler survey data collected at Lake Fork Reservoir; these data were then adjusted over a 20-year period using price indices produced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To determine whether the price adjustment methodology was appropriate for angler expenditures, a replication of the 1995 angler survey was conducted in 2015 to compare adjusted expenditures to actual expenditures. Preliminary results concluded that expenditure profiles for nonlocal and nonresident anglers were different between the two periods but also suggested that significant differences within angler groups existed between the two angler surveys, so anglers were regrouped based on trip length rather than origin of trip. Adjusted average daily expenditure total for 1-d trips during the 1995 study (US$69.38) was similar to the average daily expenditure total of the 2015 study ($77.18), and the same conclusion was found for all item categories. For multiple-day trips, adjusted average daily expenditure ($130.48) was similar to the average daily expenditure ($128.04) in 2015. Expenditure profiles were then combined with effort data in the IMPLAN (Impact Analysis for Planning) software model to generate estimates of economic impacts. Total economic impacts of 1-d fishing trips to Lake Fork Reservoir were estimated to be $1.28 million and $1.43 million when using the adjusted and actual expenditure profiles, respectively. For multiple-day trips, economic impacts were estimated to be $10.82 million and $10.80 million for the adjusted and actual expenditure profiles, respectively. Although economic impact analysis must continue to identify where trip expenditures originate, results suggest that adjusting trip expenditures over time can be done using price indices and should be conducted based on trip length regardless of origin.
Diet Patterns and Niche Overlap of Muskellunge and Co-Occurring Piscivores in Minnesota Lakes
Authors: Glade Kamden C. , Herwig Brian R. , Ahrenstorff Tyler D. , Reed Jeffrey R. , Hafs Andrew W.
Published: February 2023

Muskellunge Esox masquinongy, Northern Pike E. lucius, Walleye Sander vitreus, and Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides are popular sport fish that often co-occur in aquatic systems. Although numerous studies have investigated interactions among these species, the simultaneous evaluation of diet patterns and niche overlap among all four species has not been conducted. Our experimental design aimed to quantify diet overlap among Muskellunge and the other piscivores, while lakes without Muskellunge were also sampled to compare the diets of the other piscivores in their presence or absence. Diets of piscivores from 10 Minnesota lakes were collected via gastric lavage and quantified using an index of relative importance. Diets of individual species were compared among seasons and predator length categories, and among-species comparisons were also conducted by season and relative to Muskellunge presence using permutational multivariate ANOVA (PERMANOVA). Muskellunge consumed a wide range of prey, whereas Northern Pike and Walleye diets consisted primarily of Yellow Perch Perca flavescens and centrarchids. Largemouth Bass consumed more invertebrates, especially crayfish Faxonius spp. No species exhibited seasonal diet shifts, but diets were different among length categories for all species except Walleye. Although nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordinations indicated shared prey use, PERMANOVA results indicated that the diets of Muskellunge and Largemouth Bass were most different from each other and the other piscivores' diets across all seasons. Conversely, Northern Pike and Walleye diets were similar regardless of season or Muskellunge presence. Finally, lake-scale habitat variables were correlated with piscivore diets, and Yellow Perch abundance was correlated with Walleye diets. Our results indicate that while Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Largemouth Bass can coexist in a variety of lakes, populations of important prey and habitat variables should be examined before management actions (e.g., stocking) are implemented to ensure adequate prey availability and to ensure that competition among these piscivores is not increased to the detriment of existing fisheries.
Mesh‐size independent rigid‐body spring network for simulation of the dynamic fracture behavior of concrete
Authors: Choo Bonhwi , Park Ji Woon , Nam Young Jun , Hwang Young Kwang , Lim Yun Mook
Published: February 2023

In this study, a numerical approach is developed for simulating the rate‐dependent behaviors of concrete without mesh sensitivity. The rheological units (e.g., dashpot) are integrated with the six directional springs in the rigid‐body spring network (RBSN) elements to reflect the rate‐dependent behavior of concrete. Previously, the viscoplastic damage model was associated with the elemental degrees of freedom. However, in the present approach, a viscoelastic constitutive law is newly defined for the normal direction as a function of the strain rate, from which the internal forces can be updated from the regularized elemental stresses. Such improvements are validated through the numerical simulations of the direct tensile test and spalling test using the modified split‐Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The simulated results show consistent structural responses without mesh dependence on the strain rate. In addition, the influences of the softening curve shapes on the crack localizations are examined. It is shown that the rheological parameters can be optimized and determined for consistent applications through virtual experiments. The proposed numerical approach enables the mesh construction procedure without concerning the mesh‐size sensitivity due to the strain rate, and various applications are expected for the simulations of detailed numerical models of concrete materials and structures under high loading rates.
An Analysis of Otolaryngology in Avicenna's Canon of Medicine: Utilizing the Original Arabic Text
Authors: Samarrai Ruwaa , Radwan Tariq , Samarrai Musab , Soultan Eman , Mutib Omair , Chebib Mohamad F. , Falcone Todd , Parham Kourosh
Published: February 2023

Avicenna authored The Canon of Medicine, a principal medical textbook for over 600 years. Our primary goal is to systematically review and translate relevant portions of The Canon in its original Arabic and correlate to Sardo's 2014 translation, focusing on otolaryngology, to present an accurate representation of Avicenna's impact and highlight notable discrepancies. Secondarily, we aim to review the literature for citations discussing Avicenna's contributions to otolaryngology and identify misinterpretations. Notably, Avicenna may have described the shape of the cochlea 500 years before its believed discovery in humans by Eustachius (1552) and Falloppius (1561). There are also obscurities in Avicenna's descriptions of the etiology of epistaxis and airway management. It is essential to remain critical of historical texts and safeguard the accurate propagation of information to preserve the integrity of historical context and timelines of scientific advancement.
The Course of Hearing Loss in Patients With a Progressive Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Koetsier Kimberley S. , Locher Heiko , Koot Radboud W. , van der Mey Andel G.L. , van Benthem Peter‐Paul G. , Jansen Jeroen C. , Hensen Erik F. ,   The Leiden Skull Base Centre
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study evaluates the natural course of hearing loss (HL) prior to treatment in patients with progressive tumors and an indication for active intervention. Evaluating this patient group specifically can put hearing outcomes after vestibular schwannoma therapy into an adequate context.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

Inclusion criteria comprised unilateral vestibular schwannomas prior to active treatment, with ≥2 mm extracanalicular (EC) tumor growth and ≥2 audiograms. We performed a comprehensive assessment of hearing using multiple outcome parameters including (the annual decrease in) pure‐tone averages (PTAs; an average of 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz). Predictors for HL were evaluated (patient age, tumor size/progression, follow‐up duration, baseline hearing).

Results

At presentation, 86% of patients suffered from sensorineural HL on the affected side (≥20 dB PTA) with a median of 39 dB (interquartile rate [IQR]: 27‐51 dB). The median follow‐up duration was 21 months (IQR: 13‐34 months), after which 58% (187/322) of patients experienced progressive HL (≥10 dB), with a median increase of 6.4 dB/year. At the last follow‐up, the median PTA was 56 dB (IQR: 37‐73). Median speech discrimination scores deteriorated from 90% (IQR: 70%‐100%) to 65% (IQR: 35%‐100%). Tumor progression (maximal EC diameter) was significantly correlated to the progression of sensorineural HL, corrected for follow‐up (F(2,228) = 10.4, p < .001, R2 = 8%).

Conclusion

The majority of patients (58%) with radiologically confirmed progressive vestibular schwannomas experience progressive sensorineural HL during observation. Tumor progression rate, EC tumor extension, and longer follow‐up are factors associated with more sensorineural HL.
Developing Consensus on Priority Pediatric Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Conditions and Procedures
Authors: Nuss Sarah , Cahill Gabrielle L. , Limenh Wale , Wiedermann Joshua
Published: February 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop an international expert consensus on priority pediatric otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery (OHNS) conditions and procedures for which all national health systems globally should be capable of managing.

Study Design

The Delphi method is a multiround online questionnaire and was administered internationally to otolaryngologists with a focus on pediatric populations. This study was administered in parallel to a Delphi survey focusing on adult OHNS conditions amongst adult otolaryngology experts.

Setting

International online survey.

Methods

In round 1, participants listed the top 15 pediatric otolaryngological conditions and top 15 pediatric otolaryngology procedures for their World Bank region. In round 2, participants ranked round 1 responses in order of global importance on a 5‐point Likert scale. In round 3, participants reranked conditions and procedures that did not achieve consensus, defined as at least 70% of the round 2 Likert responses being ranked as either “important” or “very important.” Descriptive statistics were calculated for each round.

Results

The survey was distributed to 35 experts globally, with a 40% (n = 14) response rate. Fifty percent (n = 7) of participants were from low‐ and middle‐income countries, with at least 1 participant from each World Bank region. A list of 28 consensus surgical procedures and 11 consensus conditions were identified.

Conclusion

This Delphi survey method of world experts in pediatric otolaryngology identified a core list of medical conditions and surgical procedures that should be a part of every national health system's clinical goals of treatment, research, and capacity building.
Twitter Perspectives on Cochlear Implantation: Sentiment and Thematic Analysis
Authors: Feier Joel S. , Nguyen Kenny , Choi Janet S.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To identify themes that contribute to the most positive and negative perspectives of cochlear implants (CIs) on Twitter.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional qualitative study.

Setting

Social media (Twitter).

Methods

In this study, all English‐language original tweets mentioning “cochlear implant” from 2019 to 2021 were collected from Twitter's Academic Research Database using a custom Python script. Sentiment analysis was performed using VADER, a sentiment analysis tool built to analyze the inherent positivity or negativity of social media posts. Tweets were quantitatively sorted by compound sentiment score (range −1 [most negative] to 1 [most positive]). Thematic analysis based on grounded theory was performed on the most positive, negative, and “liked” tweets.

Results

Of the 19,376 tweets included, the average (standard deviation) compound sentiment score was 0.21 (0.46). A total of 10,375 (53.5%) tweets had a positive tone, 4965 (25.6%) were neutral and 4036 (20.8%) were negative. Of the 100 most negative tweets, the most prominent themes were media representation (21.9%), the controversy of CI within the Deaf community (19.8%), and unrelated to direct patient experience (16.7%). Of the 100 most positive tweets, the most prominent themes were tweets of happiness and support (25.0%), tweets unrelated to direct patient experience (18.0%), and tweets about hearing new sounds (10.0%).

Conclusion

While the majority of tweets on CI carried a positive tone, there are ongoing challenges with the stigma surrounding CI. Public perspectives of CI on social media may help clinicians counsel CI patients and elucidate issues that lead to newfound acceptance or ongoing stigma of CI in the general population.
Need for Tympanostomy Tubes in Children With Recurrent Acute Otitis Media Without Middle Ear Effusion
Authors: Clark Alexander , Forner David , Noel Christopher W. , Corsten Gerard , Hong Paul
Published: February 2023

Objective

Children with recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM) presenting without middle ear effusion (MEE) do not meet indications for surgical intervention as outlined by Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). The objective of this study was to determine which patients presenting with RAOM without MEE ultimately received tympanostomy tubes.

Study Design

Case series.

Setting

Single academic pediatric otolaryngology clinic.

Methods

Children (0‐12 years) presenting with RAOM and no MEE were identified from October 2017 to December 2019. As per CPGs, no surgery was offered initially. Patients were given a semiurgent return appointment should they experience another suspected otitis media episode. If MEE was observed, tympanostomy tube insertion was offered. Patients were followed for 1‐year following enrollment.

Results

One‐hundred and twenty‐four patients were included. The median age was 3.15 years old (interquartile range: 4.10). Seventy‐five (60%) patients did not require additional follow‐up and thus did not require tympanostomy tubes. Forty‐nine (40%) patients were seen again; of these, 11 patients received tympanostomy tubes. Therefore, of patients presenting with no MEE, 91% did not require tympanostomy tubes. Patients who had surgery were younger on initial assessment than those who did not (mean difference 2.68 years, 95% confidence interval: 2.14‐3.23).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the practical effect of adhering to CPGs for RAOM and suggests that many children may not require tympanostomy tube placement within the 1st year after the consultation if they did not initially present with MEE.
Deciphering the Selectivity of the Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to CO by a Cobalt Porphyrin Catalyst in Neutral Aqueous Solution: Insights from DFT Calculations
Authors: Cao Yu‐Chen , Shi Le‐Le , Li Man , You Bo , Liao Rong‐Zhen
Published: February 2023

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to investigate the cobalt porphyrin‐catalyzed electro‐reduction of CO2 to CO in an aqueous solution. The results suggest that CoII−porphyrin (CoII−L) undertakes a ligand‐based reduction to generate the active species CoII−L⋅−, where the CoII center antiferromagnetically interacts with the ligand radical anion. CoII−L⋅− then performs a nucleophilic attack on CO2, followed by protonation and a reduction to give CoII−L−COOH. An intermolecular proton transfer leads to the heterolytic cleavage of the C−O bond, producing intermediate CoII−L−CO. Subsequently, CO is released from CoII−L−CO, and CoII−L is regenerated to catalyze the next cycle. The rate‐determining step of this CO2RR is the nucleophilic attack on CO2 by CoII−L⋅−, with a total barrier of 20.7 kcal mol−1. The competing hydrogen evolution reaction is associated with a higher total barrier. A computational investigation regarding the substituent effects of the catalyst indicates that the CoPor−R3 complex is likely to display the highest activity and selectivity as a molecular catalyst.
Unpacking the interface of modernization, development and sustainability in Indigenous Guna communities of Panama
Authors: Dam Lam Rodolfo , Gasparatos Alexandros
Published: February 2023

This study elicits the main development challenges for the indigenous social‐ecological system (SES) of the Guna people in Panama, which is characterized by rapid change and a unique governance system.

We elicit the key challenges in the region through a combination of expert interviews with key actors in Gunayala's development and surveys with local communities.

Current development centred on tourism and government support provide new livelihood opportunities, access to better education and healthcare. However, the shift from a subsistence‐based economy characterized by strong community cohesion to a lifestyle characterized by capital accumulation has had undesirable consequences.

The current modernization and development trends have degraded some of the core values within the Guna belief system and worldview, and ultimately degraded elements of the SES. This is despite the strong institutions and self‐determination in Gunayala, which are commonly identified as strong buffers against unsustainable change in indigenous settings.

Our study shows that merging the perspectives of national experts and Indigenous communities can help provide complementary lenses to identify how modernization processes, development aspirations and socioeconomic and environmental change intersect. Arguably this can provide valuable insights to inform effective and sensitive development programmes and mitigate unintended consequences.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Empirical examples demonstrate how relational thinking might enrich science and practice
Authors: Eyster Harold N. , Satterfield Terre , Chan Kai M. A.
Published: February 2023

Interdependent relationships among humans and nature often go overlooked, delaying better environmental, social and public health outcomes. Emerging approaches have emphasized thinking through relationships, which we call ‘relational thinking’.

Threads of relational thinking have matured in areas such as anthropology and Indigenous scholarship, and interest is growing across many disciplines. Welcoming this new cadre of relational thinkers requires a more broadly accessible synthesis. Sustainability scholars have begun to overcome these barriers with high‐level overviews and broad calls to adopt relational thinking.

This literature has investigated the conceptual underpinnings of relational thinking, but the concrete, empirical benefits of relational thinking for understanding human–natural systems remain obscure.

Here, we introduce a wide range of accessible empirical examples to demonstrate the potential for relational thinking to illuminate diverse coupled human‐and‐natural systems. We complement these examples with an overview of the theory behind relational thinking.

We use these empirical examples to argue that some conventional methods are consistent with relational thinking, particularly when accompanied by deliberation and flexibility about which relationships to target, why, and how.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Two‐stage reinforcement learning task predicts psychological traits
Authors: Treviño Mario , Castiello Santiago , De la Torre‐Valdovinos Braniff , Osuna Carrasco Paulina , Medina‐Coss y León Ricardo , Arias‐Carrión Oscar
Published: February 2023

External sources of information influence human actions. However, psychological traits (PTs), considered internal variables, also play a crucial role in decision making. PTs are stable across time and contexts and define the set of behavioral repertoires that individuals express. Here, we explored how multiple metrics of adaptive behavior under uncertainty related to several PTs. Participants solved a reversal‐learning task with volatile contingencies, from which we characterized a detailed behavioral profile based on their response sequences. We then tested the relationship between this multimetric behavioral profile and scores obtained from self‐report psychological questionnaires. The PT measurements were based on the Hierarchical Taxonomy Of Psychopathology (HiTOP) model. By using multiple linear regression models (MLRMs), we found that the learning curves predicted important differences in the PTs and task response times. We confirmed the significance of these relationships by using random permutations of the predictors of the MLRM. Therefore, the behavioral profile configurations predicted the PTs and served as a “fingerprint” to identify participants with a high certainty level. We discuss briefly how this characterization and approach could contribute to better nosological classifications.
Atmospheric plasma activation and thin film deposition processes for adhesion improvement and corrosion resistance in the automotive industry
Authors: Ben Salem Dhia , Pappas Daphne , Buske Magnus
Published: February 2023

The latest trends in the automotive industry show a shift towards more lightweight, robust vehicles powered by electric energy. Light weighting can be achieved through the use of carbon‐reinforced composite materials or light metals, such as aluminum, and by using adhesives for bonding instead of rivets and bolts. In this paper, results from the characterization of plasma‐treated polypropylene using water contact angle goniometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy are presented, showing the functionalization of the surface with chemical groups originating in the plasma phase. The improved adhesion to a hot melt adhesive is discussed and linked to an industrial headlamp application. Other case studies presented involve the plasma treatment of thermoplastic elastomers for car doors, the surface modification of semi‐trailer panels, and the deposition of plasma‐derived nanocoatings on aluminum substrates to promote corrosion resistance.
A case of disseminated intravascular coagulation following tumour lysis syndrome due to small cell carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Takahashi Saeko , Takehara Tomohiro , Tani Tetsuo , Ishioka Kota , Madoiwa Seiji
Published: February 2023

A 64‐year‐old man was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with multiple bone and liver metastases and bone marrow metastases. Spontaneous tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) was observed before starting chemotherapy with carboplatin, etoposide, and atezolizumab. The tumour further collapsed, and the patient developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) on day 4 of chemotherapy. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous hydration and rasburicase for TLS and subcutaneous unfractionated heparin for DIC. A large amount of tissue factor may be released in TLS, which could induce DIC. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of DIC following TLS in a case of SCLC. DIC following TLS in SCLC is a rare but life‐threatening oncologic complication. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this possibility when treating patients with advanced SCLC.
High‐order control barrier functions‐based optimization control for time‐varying nonlinear systems with full‐state constraints: A dynamic sub‐safe set approach
Authors: Wang Haijing , Peng Jinzhu , Xu Juanjuan , Zhang Fangfang , Wang Yaonan
Published: February 2023

This study focuses on the problems of safety control and stabilization for time‐varying nonlinear systems in the presence of time‐varying full‐state constraints. High‐order control barrier functions (HoCBFs) without the assumption of forward completeness are introduced to prevent high‐relative degree constraint violations. The activated HoCBFs, which determine the dynamic sub‐safe sets, are proposed to indicate that the state constraints are already or about to be violated. Subsequently, the HoCBFs‐based controller is designed to obtain the admissible control set by utilizing the quadratic programming (QP) with activated HoCBFs conditions to synthesize the nominal controller. An explicit analytical expression is provided for the HoCBFs‐based controller. The input‐to‐state stable (ISS) property of the closed‐loop system under the proposed controller is investigated to ensure that all closed‐loop states remain bounded and achieve asymptotic tracking without violation of the constraint. Moreover, a Lyapunov‐like constraint is added to the HoCBFs‐based QP problem such that the solvability of the QP problem is a sufficient condition for the system ISS. The effectiveness of the proposed HoCBFs‐based control method for time‐varying nonlinear systems is illustrated using a numerical example.
Graphene‐Oxide‐Loaded Fe3O4‐Pd‐Ag Nanoparticles Allow Sensitive Detection of CEA through a Signal Enhancement Strategy**
Authors: Chen Siyu , Wu Mei , Shi Lei , Hong Chenglin
Published: February 2023

Using graphene oxide (GO)‐loaded Fe3O4‐Pd‐Ag (GO/Fe3O4‐Pd‐Ag) nanoparticles on a gold electrode as a platform, an unlabeled electrochemical immunosensor was fabricated in this study to detect the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) with high sensitivity. After modification, the stability and strength of the signal are improved by the increased effective area of the electrode and the synergistic effect of the silver nanoparticles with GO, Fe3O4, and Pd. The signal intensity decreased as the concentration of CEA increased. Using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the immunosensor layer assembly process was validated. Under optimal conditions, the electrochemical immunosensor had a detection range of 1 pg mL−1 to 80 ng mL−1. The linear equation was I (μA)=304.563–41.867×logcCEA (ng mL−1), the correlation coefficient was 0.9967, and the detection limit was 0.2 pg mL−1. In addition, the modified electrochemical immunosensor exhibited high selectivity, stability, and repeatability. This electrochemical immunosensor shows a good application prospect in the detection of tumor marker CEA.
Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanodispersions in Solutions of Different Molecular Weight Chitosans
Authors: Urodkova Ekaterina K. , Uryupina Ol'ga Ya. , Zhavoronok Elena S. , Grammatikova Natalia E. , Kharitonova Tatiana V. , Senchikhin Ivan N.
Published: February 2023

The results of the testing of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) antibacterial activity obtained in aqua solutions of high molecular chitosan and oligochitosans at near‐physiological pH values are demonstrated. Aggregative stable AgNPs were synthesized in solutions of chitosans of average molecular weight of 6, 12 and 311 kDa. Nanodispersions were characterized by UV‐Vis and FTIR, SEM and TEM. AgNPs formation was confirmed by the presence of the surface plasmon resonance peak at nearly 425 nm in the extinction spectrum and TEM. The average size of approximately 40–90 nm was determined by DLS, electron microscopy and UV‐Vis. Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by microdilution in the Mueller‐Hinton broth method. The AgNPs dispersions exhibit a significant antibacterial effect toward both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria strain (MIC values are of 1–8 μg/ml). The effect is little dependent on polymer molecular weight. A two‐stage Staphylococcus aureus growth suppression effect was found for the first time.
Synthesis and Inhibitory Activity of Oxazolethioacetamides against Metallo‐β‐Lactamase
Authors: Kong Lingyan , Zhang Yilin , Yang Liwen , Yan Yong , Cheng Min , Wang Xuejun , Zhai Le , Yang Kewu
Published: February 2023

The metallo‐β‐lactamases (MβLs) produced by pathogens has issued a challenge to the treatment of bacterial infections worldwide. A number of oxazolethioacetamides were designed and synthesized as potential MβLs inhibitors. Most of the compounds displayed inhibitory activity against MβL L1 with an IC50 value range of 0.19–0.38 μM. The fluorine substituted compounds also inhibited VIM‐2 with IC50 value of 2.1 to 6.8 μM. Molecule Docking showed the style and position of electron withdrawing groups played important role between the oxazolethioacetamides and MβLs.