bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação pré-operatória na cirurgia ambulatorial dermatológica de baixa complexidade
Authors: Etcheverria Isabela Corralo Ramos , Moretti Miguel Antonio , Batista Caroline Hamati Rosa , Poltronieri Pedro Borghesi , Ferreira João Fernando Monteiro , Chagas Antônio Carlos Palandri
Published: July 2023

Introdução: A avaliação pré-operatória fornece dados sobre o paciente, que irão auxiliar no preparo da cirurgia. Nas cirurgias ambulatoriais, de baixa complexidade, os critérios para a realização dessa avaliação não são bem definidos nas diretrizes. Objetivo: comparar estratégias de avaliação e seu impacto na evolução perioperatória. Método: Estudo prospectivo e controlado em cirurgia dermatológica. Incluídos pacientes de baixo e moderado risco pelo score EMAPO (Estudo multicêntrico de avaliação perioperatória para operações não cardíacas). Divididos em dois grupos: (G1) avaliação com o cirurgião; (G2) avaliação com cirurgião e com cardiologista. Seguimento de sete dias. Analisados dados sobre o procedimento, evolução e eventos adversos. Avaliação estatística: Shapiro-Wilk. Teste χ2 de Pearson e test T ou Mann-Whitney (IC 95% com P<0.05). Resultados: 299 pacientes avaliados (G1=200 e G2=99). Todos liberados para cirurgia, sem nenhuma orientação especial. Grupos homogêneos, EMAPO (G1=2.6 ± 3.6 e G2=2.7 ± 3.2), exceto pela dislipidemia (G1=13,5% e G2=23,2% p=0,03). Não houve eventos cardiovasculares. Três pacientes do G2 e um no G1 tiveram infecção de ferida operatória. Os pacientes do G2 realizaram mais exames (5.1 ± 1.7 vs 1.3 ± 1.7; p<0.01). O tempo de espera para a realização da cirurgia foi menor no G1 (2.7 ± 2.1 meses) em relação a G2 (6.8 ± 4.6m) (p<0.01). Conclusão: Não há necessidade de avaliação pré-operatória com cardiologista e/ou mais exames em pacientes de baixo ou médio risco pelo score EMAPO para cirurgias dermatológicas ambulatoriais.
Doença de Whipple: um relato de caso
Authors: Ferreira Felipe Bertollo , Solino Gabriela Azevedo , Sousa Maria Antonia Lopes de , Melado Marina Boechat , Miranda Carla Campos , Lorenzoni Matheus Zavaris , Motta Luciene Lage da , Lorentz Felipe Welling , Clara Ana Paula Hamer Sousa
Published: July 2023

Masculino, 46 anos, com artralgia, dor abdominal, perda de peso, diarreia e inapetência. Realizada endoscopia digestiva alta que evidenciou bulbo duodenal apresentando pontilhado esbranquiçado difuso. Ao anatomopatológico de duodeno evidenciado periodic acid-Schiff positivos, firmando-se o diagnóstico de Doença de Whipple. Diante dos achados, iniciou-se o tratamento com sulfametoxazol+trimetropina, com melhora significativa dos sintomas. A Doença de Whipple é uma patologia rara, como consequência apresenta um difícil diagnóstico e o tratamento ideal da patologia ainda não é completamente elucidado. Assim, são necessários estudos clínicos com maior impacto científico para auxiliar no diagnóstico e definir a conduta preferencial diante do quadro.
Single‐ Versus Dual‐Chamber Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator for Primary Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death in the United States
Authors: Margolis Gilad , Hamuda Nashed , Kobo Ofer , Elbaz Greener Gabby , Amir Offer , Homoud Munther , Madias Christopher , Heist Edwin Kevin , Ruskin Jeremy N. , Kazatsker Mark , Roguin Ariel , Leshem Eran , Rozen Guy
Published: July 2023

Background

Routine addition of an atrial lead during an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death, in patients without pacing indications, was not shown beneficial in contemporary studies. We aimed to investigate the use and safety of single‐ versus dual‐chamber ICD implantations in these patients.

Methods and Results

Using the National Inpatient Sample database, we identified patients with no pacing indications who underwent primary‐prevention ICD implantation in the United States between 2015 and 2019. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as in‐hospital complications, were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of in‐hospital complications. An estimated total of 15 940 patients, underwent ICD implantation for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death during the study period, 8860 (55.6%) received a dual‐chamber ICD. The mean age was 64 years, and 66% were men. In‐hospital complication rates in the dual‐chamber ICD and single‐chamber ICD group were 12.8% and 10.7%, respectively (
P
<0.001), driven by increased rates of pneumothorax/hemothorax (4.6% versus 3.4%;
P
<0.001) and lead dislodgement (3.6% versus 2.3%;
P
<0.001) in the dual‐chamber ICD group. Multivariable analyses confirmed atrial lead addition as an independent predictor for “any complications” (odds ratio [OR], 1.1 [95% CI, 1.0–1.2]), for pneumo/hemothorax (odds ratio, 1.1 [95% CI, 1.0–1.4]), and for lead dislodgement (odds ratio, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.1–1.6]).

Conclusions

Despite lack of evidence for clinical benefit, dual‐chamber ICDs are implanted for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in a majority of patients who do not have pacing indication. This practice is associated with increased risk of periprocedural complications. Avoidance of routine implantation of atrial leads will likely improve safety outcomes.
Bidirectional Association Between Frailty and Cardiac Structure and Function: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Ramonfaur Diego , Skali Hicham , Claggett Brian , Windham B. Gwen , Palta Priya , Kitzman Dalane , Ndumele Chiadi , Konety Suma , Shah Amil M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Frailty and heart failure frequently coexist in late life. Limited data exist regarding the longitudinal associations of frailty and subclinical cardiac dysfunction. We aim to quantify the association of frailty with longitudinal changes in cardiac function and of cardiac function with progression in frailty status in older adults.

Methods and Results

Participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort underwent frailty assessments at Visit 5 (V5; 2011–2013), V6 (2016–2017), and V7 (2018–2019), and echocardiographic assessments at V5 and V7. We assessed the association between frailty status at V5 and changes in frailty status from V5 to V7 and changes in cardiac function over 6 years. We then evaluated the association of cardiac function measured at Visit 5 with progression in frailty status over 4 years. Multivariable regression models adjusted for demographics and comorbidities. Among 2574 participants free of heart failure at V5 and V7 (age 74±4 years at V5 and 81±4 years at V7), 3% (n=83) were frail. Frailty at V5 was associated with greater left atrial volume index and E/e' ratio at V5 and 7. Participants who transitioned from robust at V5 to frail at V7 demonstrated greater increases in left ventricular mass index, left atrial volume index, and E/e' over the same period. Among 1648 robust participants at Visit 5, greater left ventricular mass index and mean wall thickness, lower tissue Doppler imaging e', and higher E/e' ratio at Visit 5 were associated with progression in frailty status.

Conclusions

Among robust, older adults free of heart failure, progression in frailty and subclinical left ventricular remodeling and diastolic dysfunction are interrelated.
Learning Intention-Aware Policies in Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Wu Shuai , Li Guixi , Chen Yarui , Niu Gang , Sugiyama Masashi
Published: July 2023

Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) provides an agent with an optimal policy so as to maximize the cumulative rewards. The policy defined in DRL mainly depends on the state, historical memory, and policy model parameters. However, we humans usually take actions according to our own intentions, such as moving fast or slow, besides the elements included in the traditional policy models. In order to make the action-choosing mechanism more similar to humans and make the agent to select actions that incorporate intentions, we propose an intention-aware policy learning method in this letter To formalize this process, we first define an intention-aware policy by incorporating the intention information into the policy model, which is learned by maximizing the cumulative rewards with the mutual information (MI) between the intention and the action. Then we derive an approximation of the MI objective that can be optimized efficiently. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the intention-aware policy in the classical MuJoCo control task and the multigoal continuous chain walking task.
Ranges of Randomization
Authors: Agranov Marina , Ortoleva Pietro
Published: July 2023

A growing literature has shown that people sometimes prefer to randomize between two options. We investigate how prevalent this behavior is in an experiment using a novel and simple method. Subjects face a list of questions in which one of the alternatives is fixed and the other varies, like a Multiple Price List, but in each row they can randomize between the options. We find that the majority of subjects chose to randomize in the majority of questions, and notably, they did so for ranges of values that were “very large.”
Does Economics Make You Sexist?
Authors: Paredes Valentina , Paserman M. Daniele , Pino Francisco J.
Published: July 2023

We provide direct evidence on explicit and implicit biases against women among students in economics relative to other fields. We conducted a large scale survey among undergraduates in Chile, among both entering first-year students and students in years 2 and above, combining a wide battery of measures to create an index of gender bias. Economics students are more biased than students in other fields. There is some evidence that economics students are more biased already upon entry, before exposure to economics classes. The gap becomes more pronounced among students in years 2 and above, especially for male students.
Did the Federal Reserve Break the Phillips Curve? Theory & Evidence of Anchoring Inflation Expectations
Authors: Bundick Brent , Smith A. Lee
Published: July 2023

In a macroeconomic model with drifting long-run inflation expectations, the anchoring of inflation expectations manifests in two testable predictions. First, expectations about inflation far in the future should no longer respond to news about current inflation. Second, better anchored inflation expectations weaken the relationship between unemployment and inflation, flattening the reduced-form Phillips curve. We evaluate both predictions and find that the Federal Reserve's communication of a numerical inflation objective, first through its Summary of Economic Projections and later through the announcement of a 2 percent target in 2012, better anchored inflation expectations. Moreover, inflation expectations in the United States have remained anchored amid the volatility of the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, similar analysis reveals no evidence of anchoring in Japan despite the adoption of a numerical inflation target.
High-Pressure, High-Paying Jobs?
Authors: Nagler Markus , Rincke Johannes , Winkler Erwin
Published: July 2023

Work-related stress has reportedly increased over time. Using worker-level survey and experimental data, we investigate the labor market consequences of work pressure. We build a measure of pressure strongly associated with adverse health outcomes and show that pressure comes with a sizable earnings premium, reflecting workers' willingness-to-pay to avoid pressure. As expected, we do not find a premium among civil servants who face strong labor market frictions. Our experimental evidence is consistent with workers sorting into high-pressure jobs and with a sizable market-level compensating differential. Differences in the prevalence and valuation of work pressure explain substantial shares of wage inequality.
Multiscale Influences on Rainfall in Northeast Australia
Authors: Dao Thi Lan , Vincent Claire L. , Lane Todd P.
Published: July 2023

This study examines the multiscale modulation of mean and extreme rainfall in Northeast (NE) Australia under different background modes of variability, which is a new aspect given the high-resolution and long-term observational datasets. Daily rainfall probability is significantly modified by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), and its influence varies with the seasons and is associated with atmospheric circulation anomalies. Rainfall generally decreases during El Niño and increases during La Niña years; however, there is a notable spatial nuance to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-associated extreme rainfall, with some locations showing the opposite precipitation response to the typical ENSO–rainfall relationship. Despite more precipitation overall in La Niña years, the mean and extreme precipitation responses to the MJO appear to be stronger and more often statistically significant during El Niño compared to La Niña periods. The impact of ENSO on the MJO–rainfall relationship is stronger than the variation of the MJO itself with ENSO, and likely reflects a change in the MJO modulation of rain-bearing atmospheric processes. During El Niño periods, diurnal rainfall amplitude is generally stronger in the central and southern subtropical parts of the study area than during La Niña periods, while the opposite tendency occurs in the northern tropical part. The diurnal cycle of both mean and extreme precipitation is amplified during suppressed convection phases compared to enhanced convection phases of the MJO. In general, the peak time of diurnal cycle does not change with MJO regimes, but there are some notable differences in rainfall propagation between enhanced and suppressed MJO phases.

Significance Statement

This study presents a new perspective on the relationship between precipitation in Northeast (NE) Australia and two important climate modes, the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Rainfall in NE Australia is strongly influenced by the MJO, ENSO, and their interaction, suggesting that climate models need to capture both individual climate modes and their interactions for reliable rainfall projections. These findings have societal climate risk implications, as NE Australia is an area prone to catastrophic flooding due to extreme rainfall.
DPCA-Based Doppler Radar Measurements from Space: Effect of System Errors on Velocity Estimation Performance
Authors: Durden S. L. , Beauchamp R. M. , Graniello S. , Venkatesh V. , Tanelli S.
Published: July 2023

The displaced phased center antenna (DPCA) method of clutter cancellation for ground moving target detection from airborne platforms has been in use for a number of decades. Application of the DPCA method for spaceborne Doppler weather radar velocity estimation was suggested in 2007. The initial description and analysis of the technique was followed several years ago by demonstration using a multiantenna airborne radar. Recent reviews of methods and technology for spaceborne cloud and precipitation radar have also mentioned possible use of DPCA. However, to date, analyses of the application of DPCA to spaceborne Doppler weather radar have assumed that the two channels and antennas are identical, including perfect alignment, and that the DPCA condition is well-satisfied. This study uses simulation to examine the effects of relaxing these assumptions. The simulation method and its validation are discussed, with companion analytical calculations in the appendix. Next, simulations are used to show the effects on the Doppler estimates from errors in pointing and positioning relative to the ideal DPCA. The DPCA technique is relatively robust to possible errors, indicating that a practical DPCA radar system can provide precise Doppler measurements from space.

Significance Statement

Analytical and simulation results show that the displaced phase center antenna approach can enable spaceborne atmospheric Doppler radar measurements with good accuracy, even in the presence of antenna mispointing and other system errors.
Long-Term Strategic Thinking, Cost Considerations, and the Partisan Politics of Ghent
Authors: Oude nijhuis Dennie
Published: July 2023

It has long been established that the presence of the so-called “Ghent systems” of unemployment insurance greatly enhances unionization rates. This paper investigates the political determinants of the choice for and against the introduction and continuation of these systems. Based on a diachronic analysis of three paradigmatic cases, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and two shadow cases, Germany and Britain, it shows that all major actors were well aware of their organizational effect during the first half of the 20th century. At the same time, it shows that long-term strategic thinking only played a major role in shaping party attitudes toward “Ghent” in countries where the prevailing party system ensured that its introduction produced clear partisan “winners” and “losers.” In all other countries, cost considerations were central in shaping party views on Ghent. The analysis shows how cost considerations can explain both bourgeois party support for its introduction and left-party support for its discontinuation.
Progressive Ideology and Support for Punitive Crime Policy: Evidence from Argentina and Brazil
Authors: Laterzo Isabel G.
Published: July 2023

Scholars commonly link citizens’ broader ideological views to their preferences for two opposing approaches to fighting crime: conservatives are believed to support punitive approaches, while progressives support preventative solutions. Yet, other studies indicate that citizens across the ideological spectrum support punitive approaches, often due to instrumental factors such as experiences with and perceptions of crime. This study examines how instrumental factors interact with ideology and determines under what circumstances progressives support punitive candidates. The results of a conjoint experiment fielded in Argentina and Brazil demonstrate that among progressives, the effect of ideology on preferences for punitive candidates is moderated by three instrumental factors: perceptions regarding 1) insecurity, 2) the ineffectiveness of social policy, and 3) gang-driven crime; there are null results regarding the role of victimization. The findings also provide evidence that conservatives prefer punitive candidates regardless of instrumental explanations. The results are validated through an analysis of AmericasBarometer data.
Immigrant-Ethnic Activity Space (IEAS), Ex-Prisoner Concentration, and Recidivism
Authors: Ramos Javier , Piatkowska Sylwia J. , Kim Young-An , Hipp John R.
Published: July 2023

Prior research measures immigration by only accounting for where immigrants live. We argue that this approach misses the activity spaces of immigrants, which also impact crime but are not always located in their residential communities. The present study uses an alternative definition of immigration—immigrant-ethnic activity space (IEAS)—that accounts for both the residential location and routine activities of immigrants. Additionally, given the crime-reducing effects associated with immigration, including for high-risk populations, we consider whether IEAS protects against reoffending for ex-inmates. Using Cox hazards models, we examine the relationship between IEAS and recidivism across the communities of five ethnic groups. Results show that the IEAS of all groups are inversely associated with recidivism. However, ex-prisoner concentration amplifies the risk for recidivism in the IEAS of some groups.
Balance, self-efficacy and collective individualism: Young people’s ideal eater types
Authors: Bohm Ingela , Bengs Carita
Published: July 2023

Background:

In health education, there is a risk of giving overly prescriptive recommendations, potentially activating conflicting in-group norms that reduce message receptiveness. For example, the notion of ‘unhealthy youth’ is a stereotype which suggests that young people are expected to make unhealthy choices. If such in-group norms are activated as part of health education, the will to emulate healthy out-group behaviour may decrease.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to explore how young people construct different types of eaters in relation to health recommendations.

Method:

Group interviews were conducted with 31 students aged 10–16 years (from school grades 5 and 8) in northern Sweden and data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results:

The analysis yielded eight ideal eater types: healthy-but-not-too-healthy; obsessively healthy; devil-may-care; destabilised; contextual; powerless; intuitive; and discontented eaters. Participants’ preferred types did not overly regulate their eating, bute intuitively ate what they liked and/or needed in a balanced way. They were also receptive to social and contextual cues without being completely guided by them.

Conclusion:

Even in the current era of individualism, food retains its social meanings, and young people’s views of healthy eating are shaped by valued social groups. We therefore recommend the promotion of shared individualism as part of health education, where the expression of individual taste is encouraged alongside adherence to group norms. It is also crucial to highlight how healthy and unhealthy foods can coexist as part of a balanced diet.
Gaming Borderless Internationalism: From International to Interlocalized System Using Ujamaa Epistemology
Authors: Onditi Francis , Amuhaya Claire
Published: July 2023

This article develops a proposed unifying theoretical framework for the concept of ‘interlocalization ’ as an explanatory adjustment to the hegemonic concept of internationalism. This is a response to an exploratory study by Francis Onditi, published by the Futures, ‘Futuring an “Inclusive Knowledge Futures” Framework beyond IR Theories’, aimed at elucidating Afrocentric international studies scholars’ understanding of Africa’s futures that emboldens both local and global value systems. In the current article, ‘interlocalization ’ is defined as a process of (re)creating a seamless linkage between African local epistemologies ( ujamaa) and international knowledge systems. In this system of knowledge production and consumption, institutions and debates shift from the national scale to the global scale and downwards to the local level. In this proliferation and restless knowledge scaling, it remains blurred, whether the local African epistemologies and knowledge networks are capable of becoming simultaneously more globalized and transnational? In this article, we utilize gaming model to theoretically simulate the ‘ positivity’ and ‘ negativity’ of the attributes that build up a mutual global system and international order.
Beyond Rome: Brescia and the Difficult Heritage of Italian Fascism
Authors: Carter Nick
Published: July 2023

Physical reminders of Fascist rule in Italy can be found in virtually every Italian town and city. To date, though, studies of how Italians have dealt with this ‘difficult heritage’ have focused overwhelmingly on Rome, where Fascism's copious remains are treated and admired as aesthetic objects, unmoored from their political–historical origins. Implied, assumed or articulated in these studies is the idea of Rome as an exemplar of the nation: that what is true of the capital is true of the country. In fact, the idea that Rome's approach to its Fascist heritage is representative of Italy's has yet to be properly tested. This article argues for the need to go ‘beyond Rome’ in order to gain a deeper, richer, and more nuanced understanding of the ways in which Italians have negotiated the difficult heritage of Fascism. Focusing on the provincial Lombard city of Brescia, the article reveals the complex interplay between time, place, use, memory, aesthetics, and politics in shaping how bresciani have negotiated three surviving ‘faces’ of Fascism: Marcello Piacentini's monumental piazza della Vittoria; Arturo Dazzi's colossal statue ‘L’Era Fascista’, popularly known as the ‘Bigio’; and Oscar Prati's monument-ossuary to the fallen of the Great War.
Design and implementation of a real-time simulation platform for embedded applications on general-purpose operating systems
Authors: Chen Jinchao , Zhang Haoran , He Ruimeng , Du Chenglie , Cui Jie , Sun Xiaoying
Published: July 2023

In recent years, the number of invested resources adopted in experiments of embedded applications dropped significantly as many simulation technologies are widely used. However, the efficiency of simulations is seriously influenced by some expensive and difficult-to-obtain devices. It is urgent and of great significance to build a universal simulation platform for embedded applications on general-purpose operating systems with an objective of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of system development and implementation. Since virtualization technology can greatly enhance the simulation efficiency by providing virtual models to simulate the behaviors of real devices, this paper designs and realizes a real-time simulation platform on general-purpose operating systems with the virtualization technology such that embedded applications would be correctly and efficiently debugged and tested on the general-purpose operating systems. The proposed simulation platform contains four layers named hardware resource, virtualization, virtual runtime environment, and interface adaptation, allowing dynamic debugging and testing of embedded applications without requiring the actual presence of real devices. Experiments are conducted to verify the functionalities of the proposed simulation platform, and results demonstrate that the proposed simulation platform can meet the real-time and high reliability requirements of embedded applications.
Universalising Sociology: Lessons From Radhakamal Mukerjee
Authors: Munshi Surendra
Published: July 2023

Even though Radhakamal Mukerjee is recognised as a founding father of sociology in India, he has remained a neglected figure in his own country. This lecture attempts to make his major writings more accessible. They are seen in the context of his life as he lived it, with an emphasis on some formative influences, biographical and societal, of his early life. This leads to an argument about his writings that highlights his overriding concern with universalising sociology by overcoming its narrowness so that it may contribute to the welfare of humanity. It is further argued that he is relevant to us at present in the face of the challenges of environmental degradation, the persisting pandemic, war, and our tendency to face these challenges not with truth but with falsehoods.
Causal vs. Conceptual Heterogeneity: Reply to Turner
Authors: Mahoney James
Published: July 2023

Professor Turner’s reply to my article focuses on the ways in which set-theoretic analysis can be used to help solve problems of causal heterogeneity in social science research. By contrast, I discuss the ways in which set-theoretic analysis can be used to help solve problems of conceptual heterogeneity. I identify conceptual heterogeneity as a ubiquitous problem that is disguised by psychological essentialism. The seriousness of this problem must be recognized for scholars to appreciate the advantages of constructivist set-theoretic analysis for the social sciences.
Networked fault detection for fuzzy systems using a quantizer with event-triggered strategy
Authors: Chen Ziran , Cui Ziqi , Sun Hongtao , Tan Cheng
Published: July 2023

This paper concerns with the problem of fault detection for networked fuzzy systems. Considering the digital communication channel, quantization is adopted to make the data transmission feasible and the induced data distortion is converted into a bounded uncertain term. For the purpose of saving network resources, a new quantizer with an event-triggered strategy is designed to reduce the length and the number of the transmitted data packets, simultaneously. In the process of stability analysis, the T-S fuzzy model approach is employed to approximate the nonlinear networked system, and a more flexible fuzzy design method is presented to get the fault detection filter which can detect the sensor fault in the presence of external disturbance. And sufficient conditions are constructed to guarantee the stability of the filter error system in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, the simulation example is given to verify the feasibility of the method.
Safety of Antibiotic Irrigations for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Patients with Identical Drug Allergies or Adverse Reactions: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chung Hye Rhyn , Miller Jessa E. , Suh Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2023

Objectives: The use of topical antibiotics in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis (AECRS) represents a viable option prior to initiation of parenteral antibiotics when no oral antibiotic alternatives are available due to patient allergy or adverse reactions. The main objectives of this pilot study were to determine the safety and efficacy of antibiotic irrigations in the treatment of AECRS in patients with documented adverse reactions to the oral form of the drug. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients diagnosed with AECRS treated with antibiotic irrigations. Inclusion criteria included a documented allergy or adverse event to the systemic form of the same antibiotic. Patient demographics, medical history, prior sinus surgery, nasal endoscopy findings, and microbiology results were obtained. Side effects to the antibiotic irrigations were recorded. Results: Six patients met the inclusion criteria resulting in 7 treated cases of AECRS. Four patients with adverse effects to oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) received TMP/SMZ irrigations, and 1 patient with an adverse reaction to oral ciprofloxacin was treated with ciprofloxacin irrigations. One patient with adverse effects to both oral TMP/SMZ and levofloxacin was treated with TMP/SMZ and levofloxacin irrigations, respectively during 2 separate AECRS episodes. Following treatment, 1 case (14.3%) resulted in complete resolution of infection, 1 (14.3%) had partial improvement, and 5 (71.4%) had minimal to no endoscopic improvement at the subsequent clinic visit. There were no adverse reactions to antibiotic irrigations among the entire cohort. Conclusions: Currently, no prior study has examined whether adverse reactions to a systemic antibiotic also occur when the medication is delivered topically via sinonasal irrigations. Our findings suggest that topical administration of antibiotics may be a safe alternative for patients with adverse effects to the systemic form.
Where the Kids Went: Nonpublic Schooling and Demographic Change during the Pandemic Exodus from Public Schools
Authors: Dee Thomas S.
Published: July 2023

Over the first two full school years under the COVID-19 pandemic, K-12 enrollment in public schools fell dramatically (i.e., by more than 1.2 million students) with losses concentrated among the youngest students. Currently, little is known about where these students went and what learning environments they are experiencing. In this research note, I present leading descriptive evidence on this question by combining public-school enrollment data with newly collected state-level data on private-school and homeschool enrollment and Census-based estimates of the changed size of the school-age population resident in each state. These data indicate that, between the 2019-20 and the 2021-22 school years, homeschool and private-school enrollment grew by 30 and 4 percent, respectively. Across the states with available data, increased homeschool enrollment and population loss each explain 26 percent of the public-school enrollment decline while the more modest increase in private-school enrollment explains 14 percent. Over a third of public-school enrollment loss cannot be explained by observed changes in nonpublic-school enrollment and the school-age population. This large residual indicates the pandemic may have shaped learning opportunities, particularly for the youngest children, in additional ways (e.g., skipping kindergarten, unregistered homeschooling, truancy) that merit further scrutiny.
Mechanical and thermal properties of polyvinyl acetate foams reinforced with biopolymers
Authors: Ergun Mehmet Emin , Ozen Ertan , Yildirim Nadir , Dalkilic Berk , Baysal Ergun
Published: July 2023

The study developed and designed polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) foams using advanced freeze-drying technology, which exhibited good heat-insulating ability, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties. Different combinations of bleach kraft pulp, water-soluble chitosan, and zinc borate were used to reinforce the foams. The foams exhibited desirable compression and flexural properties, with compression strength and compression modulus ranging from 0.01 MPa to 0.08 MPa and 0.05 MPa to 0.29 MPa, respectively, while flexural strength and flexural modulus ranged from 0.12 MPa to 5.37 MPa and 9.86 MPa to 260,85 MPa, respectively. The use of zinc borate as a reinforcement resulted in improved thermal properties and reduced mass loss at 600°C by 20.69%. Thermal conductivity tests indicated that the foams had low thermal conductivity values ranging from 0.037 W/mK to 0.074 W/mK. The foams with zinc borate (60  g/L) and high molecular weight water-soluble chitosan (70  g/L) reinforcement exhibited high limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 28.72%. Overall, the results suggest that the PVAc foams could serve as a promising sustainable alternative in thermal insulation and construction fields.
The Influence of Sociocultural Norms, Psychological and Behavioral Factors, and Poly-Victimization at Age 13 on Adolescent Dating Violence Victimization at Age 17: A Longitudinal Analysis of Multivariate Predictors
Authors: Campo-Tena Laura , Larmour Simon R. , Ribeaud Denis , Eisner Manuel
Published: July 2023

Experiences of dating violence are widespread among adolescents. Therefore, increasing the understanding on the developmental antecedents is crucial. However, most existing studies involve cross-sectional designs, which poses a challenge in better understanding the developmental precursors of dating violence victimization. To address this, we examine age 13 predictors of age 17 dating violence victimization in a culturally diverse sample of 643 participants (57.3% girls). Negative binomial regression models showed some significant associations between self-reports of anxiety and depression, poly-victimization, endorsement of violence-legitimizing norms of masculinity, and having initiated sexual relationships and dating at age 13 with dating violence victimization at age 17, with variations depending on the gender of the victim and the form of dating violence measured. Findings increase longitudinal evidence in the field with the aim of informing prevention and intervention strategies that address factors associated with dating violence early in adolescence.
Development of a Naturalness Preference Scale
Authors: Bayerman Shawna F. , Li Meng , Syed Adnan , Scherer Laura D.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Naturalness preference can influence important health decisions. However, the literature lacks a reliable way to measure individual differences in naturalness preferences. We fill this gap by designing and validating a scale to measure individual differences in naturalness preference.

Methods

We conducted 3 studies among Amazon Mechanical Turk participants. In study 1 ( N = 451), we created scale items through an iterative process that measured naturalness preference in hypothesized domains. We conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify items that assess the naturalness preference construct. In study 2 ( N = 448), we conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and tests of criterion, discriminant, convergent, and incremental validity. In study 3 ( N = 607), we confirmed test-retest reliability of the scale and performed additional validity tests.

Results

EFA revealed 3 correlated factors consistent with naturalness preference in medicine, food, and household products. The CFA confirmed the 3-factor structure and led to the decision to drop reverse-coded items. The finalized Naturalness Preference Scale (NPS) consists of 20 items and 3 subscales: NPS-medicine, NPS-food, and NPS-household products. The NPS demonstrated good test-retest reliability, and subscales had good validity in their respective domains. The NPS-medicine subscale was predictive of the uptake of a hypothetical COVID-19 vaccine ( r = −0.45) and belief in unproven natural COVID remedies and treatments ( r = 0.29).

Conclusions

The NPS will allow researchers to better assess individual differences in naturalness preference and how they influence decision making and health behaviors.

Highlights

This research created and validated a scale to measure individual differences in naturalness preference in 3 domains: medicine, food, and household products. This study confirms that the strength of the naturalness preference differs in different domains. An important and timely finding is that higher scores in the naturalness preference medical subscale are associated with belief in COVID-19 misinformation and reluctance toward COVID-19 vaccination.
Early ribavirin for hepatitis E virus infection in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy: a retrospective, observational study
Authors: Franz Anika , Reuken Philipp A , Guliyeva Sura , Rose Michael , Boden Katharina , Stallmach Andreas , Bruns Tony
Published: July 2023

Objective

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are common, self-limiting causes of acute viral hepatitis. This study aimed to analyze hepatic injury, viremia, and chronicity rates in patients with acute HEV infection receiving immunosuppressive (IS) therapy taking into account ribavirin treatment.

Methods

In this retrospective, single-center, observational study, we analyzed the disease course of 25 non-cirrhotic patients receiving IS therapy who were diagnosed with acute HEV viremia. Forty-four patients with acute HEV viremia without IS therapy were controls.

Results

Demographics, symptoms at presentation, and extrahepatic manifestations were not different between patients with and without IS therapy, but liver injury at presentation was less severe in patients with IS therapy. Among the patients with IS therapy, 18 (72%) received ribavirin for a median of 56 days. Sustained viral clearance was observed in 21 patients with IS therapy, whereas 3 patients relapsed after ribavirin, and 1 patient had viral persistence. Among patients with sustained viral clearance, there was a longer duration of viremia in patients with IS therapy than in those without.

Conclusions

In this cohort of non-cirrhotic patient with IS, early treatment with ribavirin for acute HEV infection did not improve viral clearance rates, but may have shortened the duration of viremia.
Response of vertebral fractures to treatment with denosumab in a patient with postpartum osteoporosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Guan-xi , Han Jin-hua , Zhou Rui-zhi , Gao Chuan-ping
Published: July 2023

Postpartum osteoporosis (PO) is a rare condition characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of vertebral fragility fracture. We encountered a 34-year-old woman who developed back pain 1 week after delivery. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine revealed three vertebral compression fractures. Pretreatment BMD evaluation by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry revealed a low T-score and Z-score (−2.0 and −2.0, respectively; BMD, 0.876 g/cm2) in the affected region of the spine. The patient was diagnosed with PO and treated with subcutaneous injection of denosumab 60 mg (Prolia; Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA, USA) every 6 months. After two treatments, the BMD had significantly increased and the back pain was improved; the patient therefore decided to terminate the treatment. Two months later, her back pain worsened and BMD decreased as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry examination of the lumbar spine. Therefore, the patient resumed treatment with denosumab, and the BMD of the lumbar spine increased after another two treatments. Therefore, we consider denosumab to be promising in the management of PO with respect to increased BMD and decreased pain.
Anti-GT1a and anti-GQ1b immunoglobulin G antibody positivity with overlapping Miller Fisher/Guillain–Barré syndromes and prominent headache: a case report
Authors: Chi Ming , Han Lu , Zhu Zilong
Published: July 2023

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) and Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) are acute immune-mediated peripheral neuropathies. In addition to their classic presentations, a variety of other signs and symptoms have been reported; however, headache appears to be relatively uncommon. We describe a 53-year-old woman who presented with acute bulbar palsy as the first symptom of overlapping MFS/GBS accompanied by severe headache. The first important clinical impairment of the patient was acute bulbar palsy along with prominent headache, without limb weakness. Although her initial diagnosis was acute bulbar palsy plus, she subsequently developed lower limb diffuse weakness, and her final clinical diagnosis was overlapping MFS/GBS. Anti-ganglioside antibodies were positive for anti-GQ1b and anti-GT1a immunoglobulin G. The patient received intravenous immunoglobulin on day 2 of admission. Early identification of these overlapping syndromes is important for the management of patients, to avoid respiratory failure or severe weakness with axonal degeneration. We therefore remind clinicians of the importance of further examination in patients with headache and acute bulbar palsy of unknown origin.
Application of biomaterials and nanotechnology in corneal tissue engineering
Authors: Soleimani Mohammad , Ebrahimi Zohreh , Ebrahimi Kosar Sadat , Farhadian Negin , Shahlaei Mohsen , Cheraqpour Kasra , Ghasemi Hamed , Moradi Sajad , Chang Arthur Y. , Sharifi Sina , Baharnoori Seyed Mahbod , Djalilian Ali R.
Published: July 2023

Corneal diseases are among the most common causes of blindness worldwide. Regardless of the etiology, corneal opacity- or globe integrity-threatening conditions may necessitate corneal replacement procedures. Several procedure types are currently available to address these issues, based on the complexity and extent of injury. Corneal allograft or keratoplasty is considered to be first-line treatment in many cases. However, a significant proportion of the world’s population are reported to have no access to this option due to limitations in donor preparation. Thus, providing an appropriate, safe, and efficient synthetic implant (e.g., artificial cornea) may revolutionize this field. Nanotechnology, with its potential applications, has garnered a lot of recent attention in this area, however, there is seemingly a long way to go. This narrative review provides a brief overview of the therapeutic interventions for corneal pathologies, followed by a summary of current biomaterials used in corneal regeneration and a discussion of the nanotechnologies that can aid in the production of superior implants.
Lagrange's method applied to a Slinky
Authors: Cumber Peter S
Published: July 2023

The Lagrange method is applied to two dynamic models of a Slinky, one based on point masses and linear springs and a second where the Slinky is represented as a sequence of half hoops connected by torsion springs. For the first time, the use of Lagrange's method applied to a Slinky has produced a multi-body dynamic model that can potentially with minor modification reproduce all the interesting behaviour Slinkies are well known for; descending stairs, pseudo levitation, transmission of longitudinal and transverse waves. In this paper, the models are derived and a limited exploration of the two dynamic models’ behaviour is considered. For unforced oscillation, the point mass model and torsion spring model produce a similar amplitude and frequency. When considering forced oscillations, the point mass model has a very different spectrum of natural frequencies than the torsion spring model. The torsion spring model is considered for different forcing conditions.
Applying Anand versus Garofalo creep constitutive models for simulating sintered silver die attachments in power electronics
Authors: Gharaibeh Mohammad A , Wilde Jürgen
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to examine the thermomechanical response of sintered silver die attachments in power electronics using finite element analysis (FEA). In this work, several material parameters of the sintered silver bonds are investigated. Additionally, two common solder creep constitutive laws including Anand and Garofalo models are also studied. To ensure the fidelity of the simulation procedures, the finite element (FE) models are first correlated with digital image correlation data. Afterward, the FE models are utilized to examine the influence of the material and creep models on the die attach stresses, strains, and plastic works. The expected fatigue and lifetime predictions of the sintered silver layer are thoroughly discussed, accordingly. The results proved that the die attach layer mechanical response is highly driven by the material parameters and creep modeling procedures considered throughout the simulations. Thus, the resulting fatigue life is evaluated. Finally, a general modeling guideline for simulating thermomechanical response of sintered silver die attachments in power electronics are provided in great detail.
Cargo Airport Planning: Discerning Spatial Distributions of Freight Development in Airport-Adjacent Communities
Authors: McNair Amber Woodburn , Kwon Kihyun
Published: July 2023

Recent initiatives from the federal government, such as Justice40, assert the need to ensure equitable distribution of economic benefits of infrastructure investment. Yet, there is little empirical work that assesses spatial-economic outcomes in airport-adjacent communities. To inform these equity goals in the context of cargo airport development, this study proposed a strategy for discerning the economic clustering characteristics of airport-adjacent communities relative to their metropolitan areas. The study focused on the 10 U.S. airports with the most airfreight in 2017. We used the local spatial statistic, the Getis–Ord [Formula: see text], to identify grid-based spatial clusters of regionally significant transportation and logistics economic activity. We further explored the extent to which those clusters were consistent across economic attributes (businesses, employees, and sales volume). The results demonstrated that the presence of business hot spots in the airport-adjacent community was not necessarily matched by hot spots of employment or sales volume. The study recommends the following spatial terminology to describe patterns of spatial-economic hot spots near airports: Compacted aerotropolis, Fragmented aerotropolis, Sector aerotropolis, Airea, Corridor, and Outlying. The study found that two airports fit the Fragmented aerotropolis model; two, the Compacted aerotropolis model; one, the Airea; one, Outlying; and four were inconsistent across economic variables. By dividing the study airports into these categories, we were able to discern the significance of the economic impacts on the airport-adjacent community and provide a spatial rhetoric that would be meaningful and accessible to a variety of stakeholders in the participatory planning process.