bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Return to Sport After Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty
Authors: Morse Kyle W. , Premkumar Ajay , Zhu Andrew , Morgenstern Rachelle , Su Edwin P.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement and degenerative hip osteoarthritis (OA) affect athletes across a wide variety of sports. Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) has emerged as a surgical treatment for active individuals with end-stage hip OA to provide pain relief and allow return to high-impact activities. Return to professional sports after HRA has not been well characterized.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The aim of this study was to report on a series of elite athletes in a variety of sports who underwent HRA. We hypothesized that professional and elite-level athletes would be able to return to sports after HRA for end-stage hip OA.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective case series was conducted on professional athletes who underwent HRA at a single institution between 2007 and 2017. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon using the posterolateral approach. Athletes’ return to play and sport-specific performance statistics were obtained using self-reported and publicly available data sources. Athletes were matched to an age- and performance-based cohort to determine changes in performance-based metrics.

Results:

Eight professional athletes were identified, including 2 baseball pitchers, 1 ice hockey defenseman, 1 foil fencer, 1 men’s doubles tennis player, 1 basketball player, 1 ultramarathoner, and 1 Ironman triathlete. All 8 patients returned to sports; 6 of 8 (75%) patients were able to return for at least 1 full season at a professional level after surgery. There were no significant differences between performance statistics for athletes who returned to play and their preoperative performance measures for the years leading up to surgery or the age- and performance-matched cohort.

Conclusion:

HRA remains a surgical alternative for end-stage hip OA in young, high-impact, active patients. While the primary goals of surgery are pain control and quality of life improvement, it is possible to return to elite-level sporting activity after HRA.
Biomechanical Strength of All-Inside ACL Reconstruction Grafts Using Side-to-Side and Backup Fixation
Authors: Graf-Alexiou Lucas , Karpyshyn Jillian , Baptiste Jonelle Jn , Hui Catherine , Sommerfeldt Mark , Westover Lindsey
Published: May 2021

Background:

The all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) procedure uses a single hamstring tendon folded twice and secured to itself to form a 4-stranded graft. There are several possible configurations for preparing the graft.

Purpose:

To investigate the biomechanical properties of a new graft preparation technique in comparison with 2 commonly used configurations.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Five porcine flexor tendons were prepared into the test graft configuration: side-to-side fixation with a backup fixation at the button loop (graft M). The test configuration was compared with the results of a previous study that included grafts with simple interrupted sutures (graft A; n = 5) and end-to-end fixation (graft C; n = 5). All grafts were subjected to the same mechanical testing protocol to determine the mean failure load, stiffness, rate of elongation, and total elongation during both cyclic loading and pull to failure. Differences between groups were evaluated.

Results:

Graft A had a significantly lower failure load (637 ± 99 N) compared with graft M (883 ± 66 N; P = .002) and graft C (846 ± 26 N; P = .002). Graft A also had significantly lower stiffness (166 ± 12 N/mm) compared with graft M (215 ± 8 N/mm; P < .001) and graft C (212 ± 11 N/mm; P < .001). Graft C had a significantly lower elongation during cyclic loading (3.42 ± 0.24 mm) compared with graft M (4.37 ± 0.74 mm; P = .026) and graft A (4.90 ± 0.88 mm; P = .006). The unsecured fixation was the weakest graft, with the lowest failure load and stiffness. The new side-to-side configuration and end-to-end configuration were equally strong.

Conclusion:

The new side-to-side configuration was not biomechanically superior to the end-to-end configuration; however, they were both stronger than unsecured fixation.

Clinical Relevance:

As the all-inside ACLR is gaining popularity, this study provides surgeons with a new method of preparing grafts and evaluates the method with respect to currently used configurations.
Type 2 Diabetes in Youth
Authors: Rao Goutham , Jensen Elizabeth T.
Published: May 2021

The incidence of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents in the United States rose at an annual rate of 4.8% between 2002-2003 and 2014-2015. Type 2 diabetes progresses more aggressively to complications than type 1 diabetes. For example, in one large epidemiological study, proliferative retinopathy affected 5.6% and 9.1% of children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Screening begins at age 10 or at onset of puberty, and is recommended among children with a BMI% ≥85 with risk factors such as a family history and belonging to a high risk racial or ethnic or racial group. HbA1C% is preferred for screening as it does not require fasting. As distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is not straightforward, all children with new onset disease should undergo autoantibody testing. Results of lifestyle interventions for control of type 2 diabetes have been disappointing, but are still recommended for their educational value and the potential impact upon some participants. There is limited evidence for the benefit of newer mediations. Liraglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, however, has been shown to significantly reduce HbA1C% in one study and is now approved for children. Liraglutide should be considered as second line therapy.
Novel Coronavirus Infection in an Infant with Intussusception
Authors: Osorno Juan Felipe , Giraldo Manuel , Marín Andrés Felipe , Figueroa Luis Mauricio
Published: May 2021

Background. Intussusception is the leading cause of intestinal obstruction in children under 4 years of age. Viral infections are the associated etiology in most cases, SARS-CoV-2 thereby being a plausible cause, although only 5 cases have been reported worldwide with both entities. We report a case of an infant with Intussusception and covid-19, its clinical approach, and surgical outcomes, throughout a retrospective review of electronic medical chart history with the authorization of the Ethics Committee on research of the “Hospital Universitario del Valle” and endorsement for publication. Case report. It is an 8-month-old male patient with 72 hours of fever 100.4°F; bloody diarrheal stools; episodic abdominal pain; signs of peritoneal irritation and sensation of a mass in the right quadrants of the abdomen. Intussusception confirmed by ultrasound led to surgery, with SARS-CoV-2 infection as a possible differential diagnosis. Surgical findings reported intussusception of the transverse colon, peritonitis, and intestinal ischemia of distal ileum and right colon, for which intestinal resection with consequent ileostomy and a mucous fistula was performed. Positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test result was confirmed. Pediatric intensive care unit support took place at the initial postoperative phase, and eventual intestinal, with enteral feeding tolerance at the fourth day, and respiratory improvement came off within the first week of medical and surgical treatment. Conclusion. Gastrointestinal symptoms are often the leading manifestations of COVID-19 in children, which can be isolated or as a common sign of a concomitant pathology such as intussusception, and they could also have a causal relationship.
Systematic Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Integration in Regular School Classes: A Naturalistic Study
Authors: Kotsopoulos Sotiris I. , Karaivazoglou Katerina , Florou Irene S. , Gyftogianni Maria I. , Papadaki Ermioni J. , Kotsopoulou Angelique
Published: May 2021

Objective of the present study was the assessment of the effect of a systematic community intervention offered at an early age to 32 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 2 to 5 year after completion of treatment while attending public school classes. The intervention had been offered at a community Day Centre and lasted 3 years. On assessment all children showed clinical improvement and significant results on Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Vineland Adaptive Scales and 13 scored below criteria for autism on Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-2 (ADOS-2). Most performed adequately at school whilst 12 required academic assistance. No major disruptive behavior difficulties were reported.
Eliciting Preferences for Adult Orthodontic Treatment: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Fenton G.D. , Cazaly M.H.M. , Rolland S.L. , Vernazza C.R.
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

There has been little research to explore how adults financially value private orthodontic treatment and whether they have preferences for different attributes of treatment. This study used a discrete choice experiment and aimed to determine whether the recognized skill level of the dental professional and the type of orthodontic appliance influence the values that the public places on private adult orthodontic treatment.

Methods:

In total, 206 adult patients or the parents/guardians of children attending general dental practices in the northeast of England were recruited to complete a discrete choice experiment. Three attributes were included: the type of dental professional providing treatment, the type of orthodontic appliance, and cost. Also collected were demographic and orthodontic history characteristics. Results were analyzed with conditional logistic regression and elicited marginal willingness to pay (MWTP).

Results:

Participants value the training and expertise of the dental professional providing private orthodontic treatment greater than the type of orthodontic appliance. MWTP for orthodontic treatment increased in conjunction with the recognized skill level of the dental professional. Participants were willing to pay more for aesthetic appliances over a fixed metal appliance.

Conclusions:

Participants value the training and expertise of the dental professional providing private adult orthodontic treatment greater than the type of orthodontic appliance. These preferences concur with other discrete choice experiments undertaken in medical specialties that included attributes focusing on the qualification, skill, or expertise of the health care professional. MWTP for orthodontic treatment increased in conjunction with the recognized skill level of the dental professional. Participants were willing to pay more for aesthetic appliances than metal fixed appliances. The cost of orthodontics is significant, and adults appreciate the importance of having options and making choices. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this study suggest that patients are willing to pay more for orthodontic services provided by clinicians with higher levels of formal training. In a competitive market where the public appears to prefer the provider over treatment modality, there is an incentive for clinicians to optimize their knowledge and skills to deliver the high-quality orthodontic treatment that patients are demanding. Orthodontic clinicians should be mindful of the demand for the different adult orthodontic appliances and tailor their skill sets accordingly.
Oral Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Listening to Patients
Authors: Protudjer J.L.P. , Billedeau C. , Hurst K. , Schroth R. , Stavropoulou C. , Kelekis-Cholakis A. , Hitchon C.A.
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Rates of periodontal disease and tooth loss are increased in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Understanding factors that contribute to the increased burden of periodontal disease in RA is critical to improving oral health and arthritis outcomes.

Objectives:

To determine the perceptions held by people with RA relating to their oral health, to identify patient-centered priorities for oral health research, and to inform optimal strategies for delivering oral health knowledge.

Methods:

Semistructured interviews were conducted with patients with RA. Recorded interview transcripts were iteratively reviewed to reveal surface and latent meaning and to code for themes. Constructs were considered saturated when no new themes were identified in subsequent interviews. We report themes with representative quotes.

Results:

Interviews were conducted with 11 individuals with RA (10 women [91%]; mean age, 68 y), all of whom were taking RA medication. Interviews averaged 19 min (range, 8 to 31 min) and were mostly conducted face-to-face. Three overall themes were identified: 1) knowledge about arthritis and oral health links; 2) oral health care in RA is complicated, both in personal hygiene practices and in professional oral care; and 3) poor oral health is a source of shame. Participants preferred to receive oral health education from their rheumatologists or dentists.

Conclusions:

People with RA have unique oral health perceptions and experience significant challenges with oral health care due to their arthritis. Adapting oral hygiene recommendations and professional oral care delivery to the needs of those with arthritis are patient priorities and are required to improve satisfaction regarding their oral health.

Knowledge Translation Statement:

Patients living with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis described poor oral health–related quality of life and multiple challenges with maintaining optimal oral health. Study findings indicate a need for educational materials addressing oral health maintenance for patients with rheumatic diseases and their providers.
A validation study of auditory function in an aminoglycoside-furosemide ototoxicity mouse model: Auditory brainstem response and distortion product otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Ahn Yeji , Choi Jin Sil , Kim Dae Hyun , Batsaikhan Temuulen , Seo Young Joon
Published: May 2021

Sensorineural hearing loss due to ototoxic drugs remains as a conflict as the treatment option with aminoglycosides. Ototoxic mouse model was produced with the administration of ototoxic drugs aminoglycoside kanamycin and loop-diuretic furosemide, thus validation of auditory function of the mouse model is needed to determine the efficacy of the drugs. Kanamycin sulfate 550 mg/kg (VWR life sciences, PA, USA) and furosemide 130 mg/kg (Lasix, Handok, Korea) were administered through subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injection respectively. Auditory brainstem response and distortion otoacoustic emission tests were performed on days 3,5,7,10,14 post administration of the ototoxic drug. Thresholds in response to the stimulus given in the auditory brainstem recordings and distortion otoacoustic emission tests were obtained. The hearing threshold shift to high stimulus intensity was observed post administration of the ototoxic drug. Latency of the ABR peak waves were recorded and analyzed, latency delay was observed as hearing threshold increases. These findings will further support in the application of this animal model in various studies regarding ototoxic hearing loss.
Caste and Untouchability in Jawaharlal Nehru’s Literary Masterpieces
Authors: Tashneem Tahira
Published: May 2021

As one of the major pillars of Indian social structure, the caste system distinguishes Indian culture from all other cultures of the world. Though the Constitution of India assures equality of status and opportunity for all citizens and various academic and political discourses also appealed for the complete eradication of the caste system, it has not been eradicated even after five decades of democracy. In this context, it becomes really interesting to re-examine the views on caste as reflected in Jawaharlal Nehru’s prose writings. Nehru’s major prose works unquestionably delineate his concern for caste. Focusing mainly on An Autobiography and the Discovery of India, this article seeks to examine the different representations of caste in his prose works and will also try to locate the gaps and the shifts underlying his views on caste.
Rail-to-park transformations in 21st century modern cities: Green gentrification on track
Authors: Argüelles Lucía , Cole Helen V.S. , Anguelovski Isabelle
Published: May 2021

With urban greening projects increasingly sparking conflicts with environmental and social activists, rail-to-park transformations reveal how ideas of modernity in urban planning enable the perfect “green growth machine.” Here, trains and connectivity—powerful symbols of Modernity in the 19th and 20th centuries—are interlaced with greening and sustainability, motives of the current progress paradigm, and planning orthodoxy. Through a political economy and political ecology lens, we analyze the material and symbolic assembly of two recent railway transformations—Valencia Parc Central and the Atlanta Beltline—and their associated parks. We examine the actual process under which parks are created (parks as a tangible, material object, as infrastructure) and how such a process is entangled in social, political, and economic dynamics that also shape adjacent gentrification. We argue that gentrification is implicit, yet necessary, in the process of park making. Such a process and its embedded politics shape the role that parks have in their neighborhoods and their cities, and what it is expected from them socially, politically, and financially. The conflicts arising from the park making illustrate the two speeds working within 21st century cities: the fast, modern, outward-looking competitive model and the inward-looking, caring more for local revitalization and residents’ welfare.
Insights into the endoscopic management of esophageal achalasia
Authors: Brindise Elizabeth , Khashab Mouen A. , El Abiad Rami
Published: May 2021

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder characterized by the loss of inhibitory neurons in the myenteric plexus, resulting in impaired relaxation of the esophagogastric junction. Achalasia is an incurable disease, and the treatment modalities are aimed at disruption of the esophagogastric junction and vary widely from pharmacological to endoscopic to surgical. Traditional endoscopic therapy includes pneumatic dilation, botulinum toxin injection, and peroral endoscopic myotomy. This review aims to provide an overview of the endoscopic management of achalasia, while focusing on the utilization of peroral endoscopic myotomy and other novel approaches.
Simplified methods to estimate mean hazard due to updated ground motion model: Application to nuclear power plants in CEUS
Authors: Talaat Mohamed M , Seifried Andrew , Anup Abhinav , Hardy Gregory S , Richards John M
Published: May 2021

Two methods were developed to estimate updated mean seismic hazard for existing probabilistic seismic hazard analyses (PSHAs) due to a change in the ground motion model (GMM). Both methods were used to estimate updated hazard at nuclear power plant (NPP) sites in the Central and Eastern United States (CEUS) for a change from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) 2013 GMM to the Next Generation Attenuation (NGA)-East GMM. These methods present efficient tools to inform decisions on whether to perform a full PSHA revision or other detailed evaluations, especially when a large number of sites must be analyzed. A Simplified Hazard (SiHaz) method was developed to estimate mean hazard explicitly using a reduced PSHA logic tree that incorporates the updated GMM and potential changes in the site response model. An alternative scaling method was independently developed to be applied directly to current CEUS NPP hazard. Both methods were validated using updated PSHA results at several sites. Estimates at 46 NPP sites using both methods showed good agreement for mean annual frequencies of exceedance between 1E-4 and 1E-5/yr.
The total costs of seismic retrofits: State of the art
Authors: Fung Juan F , Sattar Siamak , Butry David T , McCabe Steven L
Published: May 2021

This article presents the current state-of-practice with respect to quantifying the total cost to retrofit an existing building. In particular, we combine quantitative, qualitative, and heuristic data to provide a taxonomy for understanding the direct and indirect costs associated with seismic risk mitigation. Much of the literature to date has focused on estimating structural retrofit costs, the costs of retrofitting the structural elements of a building. In contrast, there is very little research or data on the remaining cost components of the total cost. We propose using structural cost as the foundation for approximating the remaining cost components and the total cost itself. To validate our findings, we compare the proposed approximations with actual cost estimates developed by engineering professionals.
Molecular and morphological clocks for estimating evolutionary divergence times
Authors: Barba-Montoya Jose , Tao Qiqing , Kumar Sudhir
Published: May 2021

Background

Matrices of morphological characters are frequently used for dating species divergence times in systematics. In some studies, morphological and molecular character data from living taxa are combined, whereas others use morphological characters from extinct taxa as well. We investigated whether morphological data produce time estimates that are concordant with molecular data. If true, it will justify the use of morphological characters alongside molecular data in divergence time inference.

Results

We systematically analyzed three empirical datasets from different species groups to test the concordance of species divergence dates inferred using molecular and discrete morphological data from extant taxa as test cases. We found a high correlation between their divergence time estimates, despite a poor linear relationship between branch lengths for morphological and molecular data mapped onto the same phylogeny. This was because node-to-tip distances showed a much higher correlation than branch lengths due to an averaging effect over multiple branches. We found that nodes with a large number of taxa often benefit from such averaging. However, considerable discordance between time estimates from molecules and morphology may still occur as  some intermediate nodes may show large time differences between these two types of data.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that node- and tip-calibration approaches may be better suited for nodes with many taxa. Nevertheless, we highlight the importance of evaluating the concordance of intrinsic time structure in morphological and molecular data before any dating analysis using combined datasets.
A short-term evaluation of a prototype disposable Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device in a cohort of children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: O’Sullivan Kevin J. , Power Valerie , Linnane Barry , McGrath Deirdre , Mulligan Magdalena , White Rebecca , O’Sullivan Leonard W. , Dunne Colum P.
Published: May 2021

Background

Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) devices are important adjuncts to airway clearance therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Current devices are typically reusable and require daily, or often more frequent, cleaning to prevent risk of infection by acting as reservoirs of potentially pathogenic organisms. In response, a daily disposable OPEP device, the UL-OPEP, was developed to mitigate the risk of contamination and eliminate the burdensome need for cleaning devices.

Methods

A convenience sample of 36 participants, all current OPEP device users, was recruited from a paediatric CF service. For one month, participants replaced their current OPEP device with a novel daily disposable device. Assessment included pre- and post-intervention lung function by spirometry, as well as Lung Clearance Index. Quality of life was assessed using the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire – Revised, while user experience was evaluated with a post-study survey.

Results

31 participants completed the study: 18 males; median age 10 years, range 4–16 years. Lung function (mean difference ± SD, %FEV1 = 1.69 ± 11.93; %FVC = 0.58 ± 10.04; FEV1: FVC = 0.01 ± 0.09), LCI (mean difference ± SD, 0.08 ± 1.13), six-minute walk test, and CFQ-R were unchanged post-intervention. Participant-reported experiences of the device were predominantly positive.

Conclusions

The disposable OPEP device maintained patients’ lung function during short term use (≤ 1 month), and was the subject of positive feedback regarding functionality while reducing the risk of airway contamination associated with ineffective cleaning.

Registration

The study was approved as a Clinical Investigation by the Irish Health Products Regulatory Authority (CRN-2209025-CI0085).
Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench treatment of monocytes promotes tonic interferon signaling, increased innate immunity gene expression and DNA repeat hypermethylated silencing of endogenous retroviral sequences
Authors: Declerck Ken , Novo Claudina Perez , Grielens Lisa , Van Camp Guy , Suter Andreas , Vanden Berghe Wim
Published: May 2021

Background

Herbal remedies of Echinacea purpurea tinctures are widely used today to reduce common cold respiratory tract infections.

Methods

Transcriptome, epigenome and kinome profiling allowed a systems biology level characterisation of genomewide immunomodulatory effects of a standardized Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench extract in THP1 monocytes.

Results

Gene expression and DNA methylation analysis revealed that Echinaforce® treatment triggers antiviral innate immunity pathways, involving tonic IFN signaling, activation of pattern recognition receptors, chemotaxis and immunometabolism. Furthermore, phosphopeptide based kinome activity profiling and pharmacological inhibitor experiments with filgotinib confirm a key role for Janus Kinase (JAK)-1 dependent gene expression changes in innate immune signaling. Finally, Echinaforce® treatment induces DNA hypermethylation at intergenic CpG, long/short interspersed nuclear DNA repeat elements (LINE, SINE) or long termininal DNA repeats (LTR). This changes transcription of flanking endogenous retroviral sequences (HERVs), involved in an evolutionary conserved (epi) genomic protective response against viral infections.

Conclusions

Altogether, our results suggest that Echinaforce® phytochemicals strengthen antiviral innate immunity through tonic IFN regulation of pattern recognition and chemokine gene expression and DNA repeat hypermethylated silencing of HERVs in monocytes. These results suggest that immunomodulation by Echinaforce® treatment holds promise to reduce symptoms and duration of infection episodes of common cold corona viruses (CoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV, and new occurring strains such as SARS-CoV-2, with strongly impaired interferon (IFN) response and weak innate antiviral defense.
Notch-ing up knowledge on molecular mechanisms of skin fibrosis: focus on the multifaceted Notch signalling pathway
Authors: Condorelli Angelo Giuseppe , El Hachem May , Zambruno Giovanna , Nystrom Alexander , Candi Eleonora , Castiglia Daniele
Published: May 2021

Fibrosis can be defined as an excessive and deregulated deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, causing loss of physiological architecture and dysfunction of different tissues and organs. In the skin, fibrosis represents the hallmark of several acquired (e.g. systemic sclerosis and hypertrophic scars) and inherited (i.e. dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa) diseases. A complex series of interactions among a variety of cellular types and a wide range of molecular players drive the fibrogenic process, often in a context-dependent manner. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to skin fibrosis are not completely elucidated. In this scenario, an increasing body of evidence has recently disclosed the involvement of Notch signalling cascade in fibrosis of the skin and other organs. Despite its apparent simplicity, Notch represents one of the most multifaceted, strictly regulated and intricate pathways with still unknown features both in health and disease conditions. Starting from the most recent advances in Notch activation and regulation, this review focuses on the pro-fibrotic function of Notch pathway in fibroproliferative skin disorders describing molecular networks, interplay with other pro-fibrotic molecules and pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β1, and therapeutic strategies under development.
COVID19-CT-dataset: an open-access chest CT image repository of 1000+ patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis
Authors: Shakouri Shokouh , Bakhshali Mohammad Amin , Layegh Parvaneh , Kiani Behzad , Masoumi Farid , Ataei Nakhaei Saeedeh , Mostafavi Sayyed Mostafa
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has drastically impacted the global health and economy. Computed tomography (CT) is the prime imaging modality for diagnosis of lung infections in COVID-19 patients. Data-driven and Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions for automatic processing of CT images predominantly rely on large-scale, heterogeneous datasets. Owing to privacy and data availability issues, open-access and publicly available COVID-19 CT datasets are difficult to obtain, thus limiting the development of AI-enabled automatic diagnostic solutions. To tackle this problem, large CT image datasets encompassing diverse patterns of lung infections are in high demand.

Data description

In the present study, we provide an open-source repository containing 1000+ CT images of COVID-19 lung infections established by a team of board-certified radiologists. CT images were acquired from two main general university hospitals in Mashhad, Iran from March 2020 until January 2021. COVID-19 infections were ratified with matching tests including Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and accompanying clinical symptoms. All data are 16-bit grayscale images composed of 512 × 512 pixels and are stored in DICOM standard. Patient privacy is preserved by removing all patient-specific information from image headers. Subsequently, all images corresponding to each patient are compressed and stored in RAR format.
An analytical study of the Huexotzinco Codex using X-ray fluorescence, fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy, and portable Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Villafana Tana Elizabeth , Haude Mary Elizabeth , Satorius Amanda
Published: May 2021

The Huexotzinco Codex is one of the earliest surviving manuscripts from the early colonial period of Mexico. The codex pertains to the legal case of conquistador Hernán Cortés and contains paintings and documents detailing the seizure of Cortés’ personal properties and over-taxation of his Huexotzincan allies by the colonial government in New Spain (present-day Mexico). Eight paintings within the manuscript were subjected to non-invasive analytical techniques revealing the pigment palette and production methodology. The findings of this study show a mixture of pre- and colonial codex production practices as well a unique Maya blue formulation and the identification of a silicate material used as a matrix for an organic yellow dye.
Arm activity measure (ArmA): psychometric evaluation of the Swedish version
Authors: Ramström Therese , Bunketorp-Käll Lina , Wangdell Johanna
Published: May 2021

Background

Patient Reported Outcomes Measure (PROM) are commonly used in research and essential to understand the patient experience when receiving treatment. Arm Activity Measure (ArmA) is a valid and reliable self-report questionnaire for assessing passive (section A) and active (section B) real-life arm function in patients with disabling spasticity. The original English version of ArmA has been psychometrically tested and translated into Thai.

Aims

Translate and cross-culturally adapt ArmA to Swedish language and context. Further, to evaluate the reliability, validity and sensitivity of the Swedish version of the questionnaire (ArmA-S) in patients with disabling upper limb spasticity caused by injuries to the central nervous system (CNS).

Materials and methods

ArmA was translated and cross-culturally adapted according to established guidelines. Validity and reliability were evaluated in 61 patients with disabling spasticity. Face and content validity was evaluated by expert opinions from clinicians and feedback from patients with upper limb spasticity. Internal consistency reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability was assessed using the quadratic weighted kappa.

Results

ArmA-S was shown to be clinically feasible, with good face and content validity and no floor or ceiling effects. Internal consistency of ArmA-S was high and equivalent to ArmA; with Chronbach´s alpha coefficients values of 0.94 and 0.93 for section A and B, respectively. Test-retest reliability was good, with kappa values of 0.86 and 0.83 for section A and B, respectively. Some layout modifications of ArmA-S were made to further increase the user-friendliness, test-retest reliability, and responsiveness.

Conclusion

ArmA-S was shown to be a reliable and valid self-report questionnaire for use in clinical practice and research to assess improvements in passive and active upper limb function in patients with disabling spasticity.
Large-scale wildfire reduces population growth in a peripheral population of sage-grouse
Authors: Dudley Ian F. , Coates Peter S. , Prochazka Brian G. , O’Neil Shawn T. , Gardner Scott , Delehanty David J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Drastic increases in wildfire size and frequency threaten western North American sagebrush (Artemisia L. spp.) ecosystems. At relatively large spatial scales, wildfire facilitates type conversion of sagebrush-dominated plant communities to monocultures of invasive annual grasses (e.g., Bromus tectorum L.). Annual grasses provide fine fuels that promote fire spread, contributing to a positive grass–fire feedback cycle that affects most sagebrush ecosystems, with expected habitat loss for resident wildlife populations. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus Bonaparte, 1827) are sagebrush obligate species that are indicators of sagebrush ecosystem function because they rely on different components of sagebrush ecosystems to meet seasonal life history needs. Because wildfire cannot be predicted, chronic impacts of wildfire on sage-grouse populations have been largely limited to correlative studies. Thus, evidence from well-designed experiments is needed to understand the specific mechanisms by which wildfire is detrimental to sage-grouse population dynamics.

Results

Following a significant wildfire event in the southwest periphery of sage-grouse range, we implemented a before-after-control-impact study with long-term paired (BACIP) datasets of male sage-grouse surveyed from traditional breeding grounds (leks) within and outside the wildfire boundary. We estimated sage-grouse population rate of change in apparent abundance ($$ \hat{\uplambda} $$

λ
̂

) at burned and unburned areas before and after wildfire and derived BACIP ratios, which provide controlled evidence of wildfire impact. We found that $$ \hat{\uplambda} $$

λ
̂

at leks within the wildfire boundary decreased approximately 16% relative to leks at control sites. Furthermore, we estimated a 98.5% probability that the observed change in $$ \hat{\uplambda} $$

λ
̂

could be attributed to the wildfire.

Conclusions

We demonstrated adverse wildfire impacts on sage-grouse population growth using an experimental BACIP design, which disentangled the effect of wildfire disturbance from natural population fluctuations. Our results underscore the importance of active and comprehensive management actions immediately following wildfire (i.e., seeding coupled with planting sagebrush), that might offset short-term impacts of wildfire by timing rapid recovery of sagebrush to meet short-term species’ habitat requirements. Burned leks likely have substantial immediate impacts that may extend beyond wildfire boundaries, especially if critical source habitats are removed. Such impacts could fragment habitat and disrupt connectivity, thereby affecting larger populations and possibly contributing to more widespread declines in sage-grouse populations.
The Impact of an Epidemic: Experimental Evidence on Preference Stability from Wuhan
Authors: Shachat Jason , Walker Matthew J. , Wei Lijia
Published: May 2021

We examine how the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in the Hubei province of China impacted pro-social behavior and attitudes toward risk and uncertainty. The study repeatedly applies a panel of financially incentivized individual and strategic decision tasks via the WeChat social media platform to a population of preregistered Wuhan University students. We find that the initial outbreak coupled with the lock-down of Wuhan City led to an uptick in altruism, trust, and ambiguity aversion and a downtick in risk aversion. Over the remaining samples, we observed that all measurements return to baseline levels except for risk aversion.
Indoor Air Quality, Information, and Socioeconomic Status: Evidence from Delhi
Authors: Greenstone Michael , Lee Kenneth , Sahai Harshil
Published: May 2021

In Delhi, one of the world's most polluted cities, there is relatively little information on indoor air pollution and how it varies by socioeconomic status (SES). Using indoor air quality monitors (IAQMs), we find that winter levels of household air pollution exceed World Health Organization standards by more than 20 times in both high-and low-SES households. We then evaluate a field experiment that randomly assigned monthlong IAQM user trials across medium-and high-SES households but suffered from significant survey non-response. Among respondents, IAQMs did not affect take-up of subsidized air purifier rentals or other defensive behavior.
Info.Econ: Increasing Diversity among Economics Majors
Authors: Chambers Andrea , Dickert-Conlin Stacy , Elder Carey , Haider Steven J. , Imberman Scott
Published: May 2021

We analyze an intervention that provided information from diverse voices about breadth, opportunities, and grade distributions in economics. In 2020, the year of a global pandemic, randomized control trials delivered videos/infographics and letters to students in Michigan State University's introductory classes. We find suggestive evidence, due to large standard errors, that the video treatment differentially increases the intentions of female and underrepresented minority (URM) students to take additional courses and major in economics. The video treatment increased the probability of URM students' self-reported chances of taking another economics course by 6 percentage points, 11 percent above the baseline, relative to the control group.
Union Reform, Performance Pay, and New Teacher Supply: Evidence from Wisconsin's Act 10
Authors: Baron E. Jason
Published: May 2021

This study examines the impact of performance pay on teacher selection. I exploit a shift toward performance pay in Wisconsin induced by the enactment of Act 10, which gave school districts autonomy to redesign their compensation schemes. Following the law, half of Wisconsin school districts eliminated salary schedules and started negotiating pay with individual teachers based on performance. Comparing the quantity of teaching degrees in Wisconsin institutions before and after Act 10, and relative to those in similar states, I find that Act 10 led to a 20 percent increase in teaching degrees. This effect was entirely driven by selective universities.
The Common Application and Student Choice
Authors: Knight Brian , Schiff Nathan
Published: May 2021

We study the effects of the Common Application (CA) platform, which allows students to submit a single application to multiple institutions, on student choice. Using individual-level data from freshman surveys over the period 1982-2014, we develop two proxies for student choice, one based upon the number of applications submitted and another based upon students attending non-first-choice institutions. Using these proxies, we first document sharp increases in student choice over time. Linking these outcomes to the timing of CA membership, we provide evidence of a link between CA entry and increased student choice.
Changing Population Exposure to Pollution in China’s Special Economic Zones
Authors: Martin Leslie A. , Zhang Katie
Published: May 2021

Martin and Zhang (2020) show that the increase in manufacturing output in China's special economic zones significantly increased air pollution. In this complementary paper, we document that widespread migration into these industrial clusters between 2000 and 2010 did little to change overall population exposure to pollution. We show using satellite air pollution data that there is much heterogeneity across zones and that most population growth occurred in relatively cleaner zones, supporting recent literature that documents local willingness to make location decisions based on environmental quality (Chen et al. 2019, Khanna et al. 2020).
Off the Rails: The Real Effects of Railroad Bond Defaults following the Panic of 1873
Authors: Cotter Christopher
Published: May 2021

Although corporate default crises are often quite severe, previous work has found little impact on real macroeconomic variables. This article investigates the relationship between railroad defaults and the balance sheets of local banks following the Panic of 1873. Receivers appointed to run railroads in default lacked the legal tools necessary to fully maintain railroad operations. The results indicate that railroad bond defaults negatively impacted the lending activity of local banks. Affected banks experienced declines in loans and deposits along with increases in excess reserves. These findings point to a disruption of the transportation network attributable to the railroad bond default crisis.
The Life Cycle of Businesses and Their Internal Organization
Authors: Handwerker Elizabeth Weber , Moreira Sara , Piccone David
Published: May 2021

We document new stylized facts on the occupational mix of businesses in the United States and how their internal organization evolves over their life cycles. Our main empirical finding is that younger businesses have fewer hierarchical layers and lower span of control than comparable older businesses do. Our results suggest that businesses become simultaneously more hierarchical and increase their managerial span of control over their life cycles. We show that this pattern is not entirely driven by selection or differences in size and is pervasive across cohorts and sectors.
Rare case of extra-peritoneal brown fat (hibernoma) mimicking dumbbell-shaped liposarcoma
Authors: Kiu Alex , Fung Tiffany , Jung Sungmi , Jaffer Rehana , Martin Marie-Helen
Published: May 2021

Hibernomas are a very rare and benign soft tissue tumour that originate from brown adipose tissue. While they are not histologically malignant, they may be indistinguishable from aggressive tumours such as liposarcomas on imaging. It is, therefore, important to consider it as a differential diagnosis when a suspicious fatty lesion is seen on imaging. This may prevent unnecessary invasive surgery and patient stress. This paper illustrates the clinical presentation, radiological features, and histological diagnosis of a patient with a rare dumbbell-shaped hibernoma in the pelvis.
A systematic review of the case findings, testing and management of COVID-19
Authors: Susanna Dewi , Pratiwi Dian , Purnama Sang Gede
Published: May 2021

Background: Mass testing and adequate management are essential to terminate the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This testing is due to the possibility of unidentified cases, especially ones without COVID-19 related symptoms. This review aimed to examine the outcome of the existing studies on the ways of identifying COVID-19 cases, and determine the populations at risk, symptom and diagnostic test management of  COVID-19.

Methods: The articles reviewed were scientific publications on the PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Scopus databases. The keywords used to obtain the data were COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and case detection, case management or diagnostic test. We applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Population, Intervention, Control and Outcomes (PICO) approaches.

Results: A total of 21 articles from 13 countries met the inclusion criteria and were further analyzed qualitatively. However, 62% of the articles used a rapid antibody test for screening rather than a rapid antigen test. According to the rapid antigen test, 51.3% were positive, with men aged above 50 years recording the highest number of cases. Furthermore, 57.1% of patients were symptomatic, while diagnostic tests' sensitivity and specificity increased to 100% in 14 days after the onset.

Conclusions:  Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)  is recommended by the World Health Organization for detection of COVID-19. Suppose it is unavailable, the rapid antigen test is used as an alternative rather than the rapid antibody test. Diagnosis is expected to be confirmed using the PCR and serological assay to achieve an early diagnosis of COVID-19, according to disease progression, gradual rapid tests can be used, such as rapid antigen in an earlier week and antibody tests confirmed by RT–PCR and serological assay in the second week of COVID-19.
Assessing fitness-for-purpose and comparing the suitability of COVID-19 multi-country models for local contexts and users
Authors: Clapham Hannah , Gad Mohamed , Gheorghe Adrian , Hutubessy Raymond , Megiddo Itamar , Painter Christopher , Ruiz Francis , Cheikh Nejma , Gorgens Marelize , Wilkinson Thomas , Brisson Marc , Gay Nigel , Labadin Jane , McVernon Jodie , Luz Paula M. , Ndifon Wilfred , Nichols Brooke E. , Prinja Shankar , Salomon Joshua , Tshangela Akhona
Published: May 2021

Background: Mathematical models have been used throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to inform policymaking decisions. The COVID-19 Multi-Model Comparison Collaboration (CMCC) was established to provide country governments, particularly low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and other model users with an overview of the aims, capabilities and limits of the main multi-country COVID-19 models to optimise their usefulness in the COVID-19 response.

Methods: Seven models were identified that satisfied the inclusion criteria for the model comparison and had creators that were willing to participate in this analysis. A questionnaire, extraction tables and interview structure were developed to be used for each model, these tools had the aim of capturing the model characteristics deemed of greatest importance based on discussions with the Policy Group. The questionnaires were first completed by the CMCC Technical group using publicly available information, before further clarification and verification was obtained during interviews with the model developers. The fitness-for-purpose flow chart for assessing the appropriateness for use of different COVID-19 models was developed jointly by the CMCC Technical Group and Policy Group.

Results: A flow chart of key questions to assess the fitness-for-purpose of commonly used COVID-19 epidemiological models was developed, with focus placed on their use in LMICs. Furthermore, each model was summarised with a description of the main characteristics, as well as the level of engagement and expertise required to use or adapt these models to LMIC settings.

Conclusions: This work formalises a process for engagement with models, which is often done on an ad-hoc basis, with recommendations for both policymakers and model developers and should improve modelling use in policy decision making.