bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Radiologic Characterization of Frontal Sinusitis in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Velasquez Nathalia , Strober William , Shaffer Amber , Stapleton Amanda 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Frontal sinusitis in the pediatric population is a disease that has not been thoroughly studied or characterized. The goals of this study are to characterize the clinical presentation, radiologic variables, treatment modalities, complications, and prognosis associated with acute and chronic frontal sinus disease in the pediatric population. Methods: IRB-approved retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients who were diagnosed with acute (AFS) or chronic frontal sinusitis (CFS) and underwent frontal sinus surgery at a tertiary level Children’s Hospital from 2006 to 2016. Patients with AFS were compared to patients with CFS. Statistical analysis completed using chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, statistical significance set at P < .05. Results: A total of 19 patients with AFS and 15 patients with CFS were analyzed. There was a male predominance in AFS and female predominance in CFS ( P < .05).AFS patients were less likely to have allergies, prior sinus disease, or significant comorbidities ( P < .05).Additionally, AFS patients presented with constitutional, neurologic, and ocular symptoms. The CFS group had predominantly sinonasal symptoms. CT-scan analysis showed that AFS patients had higher prevalence of complex frontal anatomy (Type-II cells, concha bullosa) compared with CFS patients ( P < .05). Culture results were positive in 78% of the AFS group, with S. Anginosus (53%), Anaerobes (20%), and normal flora (17%). In the CFS group cultures were positive in 60% of the patients, 56% grew normal flora, 13% H. Influenzae, 6.5% Pseudomonas, and 24.5% other species. CFS patients were more likely to have persistent sinus disease and require repeat sinus procedures ( P < .05). Conclusion: There are 2 distinct presentations of frontal sinus disease in the pediatric population. Patients with AFS vary significantly from those with CFS. Males, ages 13 to 18 years old, who cultured positive for S. Anginosus (former S.Milleri) dominated the AFS subgroup. Whereas as female patients with a history of allergic rhinitis and muco-cilliary disease were more prominent in the CRS subgroup. Correct identification and understanding of these 2 different entities are crucial for the appropriate short and long-term patient management.
Are point-of-care urine drug testing devices suitable for antenatal drug screening? A study verifying the Alere® Drug Screen Test Cup for the detection of six classes of drug in a pregnant population
Authors: Dale Rachel C , Ford Loretta T , Street Catherine 
Published: January 2021

Background Currently, there are no national guidelines for antenatal drug testing. At Colchester Hospital, we use a strategy of screen-only using point-of-care testing to detect illicit drug use in pregnancy. To determine the suitability of this approach, we have compared the results of urine analysis by point-of-care testing with another NHS specialist clinical toxicology service that uses confirmation mass spectrometry. Methods A total of 482 anonymized random urine specimens from antenatal clinics were tested for six drug classes: amphetamine, benzodiazepines, buprenorphine, cocaine, methadone and opiates using the Alere™ Drug Screen Urine Test Cup. The manufacturer’s claims for positive cut-off and result stability were verified using spiked blank urine. Confirmatory testing was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for detection of 26 individual drugs. Results Of 473 urine samples with adequate volume for point-of-care screening, 4.4% tested positive: 19 opiate and 2 cocaine. Concordance between point-of-care screening and UPLC-MS/MS confirmation was 97.9% for all drugs and 78.9% for opiates. Using spiked urine, only positive results for opiates were stable when read up to the manufacturer’s recommended time of 60 min. Conclusions The key advantages of using point-of-care devices to detect drug use in pregnancy are that is convenient and cheap. However, the clinical utility of point-of-care testing is limited by its poor sensitivity. Best practice is to confirm results using a more specific and sensitive method. As a result of this study, we are now reviewing our own procedures to consider introducing routine confirmation by mass spectrometry.
Determinants of Ethiopian Coffee Exports to Its Major Trade Partners: A Dynamic Gravity Model Approach
Authors: Eshetu Fassil , Goshu Degye 
Published: January 2021

The aim of this article is to examine export determinants of Ethiopian coffee to 31 trade partner countries using a dynamic gravity model and system generalised moment method of estimation (GMM) for the period 1998–2016. Descriptive results showed that Ethiopia was exporting only 39% of its total coffee production, and 53.5% and 34.13% of Ethiopian coffee exports were directed to European and Asian countries, respectively, over the period 1998–2016. Regression results revealed that trade openness, population size of Ethiopia, foreign direct investment and institutional quality index of Ethiopia are positively and significantly affecting volume of Ethiopian coffee export. But population of partner countries, weighted distance, lagged export volume and real exchange rate are negatively and significantly influencing export volume of Ethiopian coffee. Hence, Ethiopia needs to diversify its export destinations and export items a way from primary agricultural exports to secondary industrial exports in order to secure dependable source of foreign currency. Also, controlling corruption, increasing government effectiveness, ensuring political stability promotion of foreign direct investment and encouraging trade liberalisation would help to boost the volume of Ethiopian coffee export. JEL Codes: F12, F13, F14
Labour in India and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jha Praveen , Kumar Manish 
Published: January 2021

The fact that labour in India, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been trapped in an unprecedented crisis, in living memory, is widely acknowledged. The employment and livelihoods of the overwhelming majority of workers have taken huge hits, and a massive uncertainly continues to loom over their immediate foreseeable future. This article focuses on how the world of work in India has been impacted by the pandemic, and it seeks to investigate the ongoing challenges. However, the massive vulnerability of workers in the country, which has been brutally exposed in the current crisis, did not emerge overnight and needs to be situated against the backdrop of the so-called economic reforms, in particular those during the preceding 6 years of the current dispensation at the centre and its (mis)management. This is done in the first substantive section of the article, although very briefly. The second substantive section takes stock of the current conditions of the world of work, exacerbated by the pandemic, as it continues to evolve. The challenges confronting India’s working people at the current juncture are enormous, to say the least, but the ruling dispensation, at best, appears to be indifferent to their lives. We close the article with some concluding remarks and immediate policy pointers. JEL Classification: J21, J23, J46
The Opioid Epidemic and Homicide in the United States
Authors: Rosenfeld Richard , Wallman Joel , Roth Randolph 
Published: January 2021

Objectives: Evaluate the relationship between the opioid epidemic and homicide rates in the United States. Methods: A county-level cross-sectional analysis covering the period 1999 to 2015. The race-specific homicide rate and the race-specific opioid-related overdose death rate are regressed on demographic, social, and economic covariates. Results: The race-specific opioid-related overdose death rate is positively associated with race-specific homicide rates, net of controls. The results are generally robust across alternative samples and model specifications. Conclusions: We interpret the results as reflecting the violent dynamics of street drug markets, although more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions about the mechanisms linking opioid demand and homicide.
Global perspectives on physical and nonphysical discipline: A Bayesian multilevel analysis
Authors: Grogan-Kaylor Andrew , Castillo Berenice , Pace Garrett T. , Ward Kaitlin P. , Ma Julie , Lee Shawna J. , Knauer Heather 
Published: January 2021

Background and Objective: Sixty countries worldwide have banned the use of physical punishment, yet little is known about the association of physical and nonphysical forms of child discipline with child development in a global context. The objective of this study is to examine whether physical punishment and nonphysical discipline are associated with child socioemotional functioning in a global sample of families from 62 countries and whether country-level normativeness of physical punishment and nonphysical discipline moderated those associations. Methods: Data for this study are from 215,885 families in the fourth and fifth rounds of the United Nations Children’s Fund Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Bayesian multilevel logistic models were used to analyze the associations of physical punishment and nonphysical discipline (i.e., taking away privileges and verbal reasoning) with three different outcomes representing children’s socioemotional functioning: getting along well with other children, aggression, and becoming distracted. Results: The use of physical punishment was not associated with getting along with other children, was associated with increased aggression, and was associated with increases in distraction. Taking away privileges was associated with lower levels of getting along with other children, higher levels of aggression, and higher levels of becoming distracted. Verbal reasoning (i.e., explaining why a behavior was wrong) was associated with higher levels of getting along with other children, higher levels of aggression, and higher levels of becoming distracted. Country-level normativeness moderated some of these associations but in general the direction of effects was consistent. Conclusions: Results suggest that eliminating physical punishment would benefit children across the globe and align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which calls for all children to be free from physical violence. More attention needs to be focused on the associations of nonphysical forms of discipline with child functioning across the globe.
Bitter Taste Receptors and Chronic Otitis Media
Authors: Kaufman Adam C. , Colquitt Lauren , Ruckenstein Michael J. , Bigelow Douglas C. , Eliades Steven J. , Xiong Guoxiang , Lin Cailu , Reed Danielle R. , Cohen Noam A. 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the presence of bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) in the middle ear and to examine their relationship with chronic ear infections.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingTertiary care hospital.MethodsThis study enrolled 84 patients being evaluated for otologic surgery: 40 for chronic otitis media (COM) and 44 for other surgical procedures (controls). We collected a small piece of mucosa from 14 patients for mRNA analysis and from 23 patients for immunohistochemistry. A total of 55 patients underwent a double‐blind taste test to gauge sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide, denatonium, quinine, sucrose, and sodium chloride; 47 patients gave a salivary sample for single‐nucleotide polymorphism analysis of rs1376251 (TAS2R50) and rs1726866 (TAS2R38).ResultsBitter taste receptors were found in all samples, but the repertoire varied among patients. T2R50 was the most consistently identified receptor by mRNA analysis. Its rs1376251 allele was related to susceptibility to COM but not the expression pattern of T2R50. Ratings of bitterness intensity of phenylthiocarbamide, a ligand for T2R38, differed significantly between the COM and control groups.ConclusionT2Rs were found within the middle ear of every patient sampled; the rs1376251 allele of TAS2R50 appears to be related to chronic ear infections. These receptors are an intriguing target for future research and possible drug targeting.
Status of cardiovascular surgery in Japan between 2017 and 2018: A report based on the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database. 3. Valvular heart surgery
Authors: Abe Tomonobu , Kumamaru Hiraku , Nakano Kiyoharu , Motomura Noboru , Miyata Hiroaki , Takamoto Shinichi 
Published: January 2021

Objectives We aimed to present data regarding the current status and trends of valvular heart surgeries in Japan from the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database for the 2017–2018. Methods We extracted data on cardiac valve surgeries performed in 2017 and 2018 from the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database. We determined the trend in the number of aortic valve replacement procedures from 2013 to 2018. The operative mortality rates were calculated for representative valve procedures stratified by age group. Data regarding minimally invasive procedures and transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database are also presented. Results In conjunction with the dramatic increase in the number of transcatheter aortic valve replacements in 2017 and 2018, surgical aortic valve replacement also increased from 26,054 to 28,202. The operative mortality rate in first-time valve procedures was 1.8% in isolated aortic valve replacement, 0.9% in isolated mitral valve repair, and 8.2% and 4.6% in mitral valve replacement with biological prostheses and with mechanical prostheses, respectively. Regarding minimally invasive procedures, 30.8% of first-time isolated mitral valve plasty procedures were performed by a right thoracotomy. Although patients who underwent surgery by a right thoracotomy had better clinical outcomes, it was also apparent that patients who underwent surgery by a right thoracotomy had lower operative risk profiles. The overall mortality rates after transcatheter aortic valve replacement and surgical aortic valve replacement were 1.5% and 1.8%, respectively. Conclusion We have reported benchmark data on heart valve surgery in 2017 and 2018 from the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database.
Status of cardiovascular surgery in Japan between 2017 and 2018: A report based on the Cardiovascular Surgery Database. 2. Isolated coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Saito Aya , Kumamaru Hiraku , Motomura Noboru , Miyata Hiroaki , Takamoto Shinichi 
Published: January 2021

Background Clinical outcomes (as national clinical data) of isolated coronary artery bypass grafting have been successively reported, based on data registered in the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database, since 2013. In this study, we analysed the clinical results of isolated coronary artery bypass from 2017 to 2018 as a biannual report. Methods Data from the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database on isolated coronary artery bypass performed in 2017 and 2018 were reviewed for preoperative characteristics, postoperative outcomes, and choice of graft material for the left anterior descending artery. Results Isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass was performed in 54.6% ( n = 14,684) of all coronary artery bypass cases ( n = 26,913), and graft material for the left anterior descending artery was the left internal thoracic artery in 76.4% of cases and the right internal thoracic artery in 19.0% of cases. Operative mortality was 1.5% in elective cases (on-pump coronary artery bypass 1.9% and off-pump 1.2%, p < 0.001), 7.4% in emergency cases (on-pump 10.2% and off-pump 4.3%, p < 0.001), and 2.5% overall. Postoperative morbidity was generally lower in off-pump coronary artery bypass. The severity of surgery with expected mortality, evaluated using JapanSCORE II, is increasing every year. Conclusions Our findings suggest that short-term operative results for isolated coronary artery bypass are stable, and operative candidates are shifting to higher-risk patients.
Referral patterns for catheter-directed thrombolysis for iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Patel Kirtan D , Tang Alison YY , Zala Ashik DJ , Patel Rakesh , Parmar Kishan R , Das Saroj 
Published: January 2021

Objectives Post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a serious complication of deep venous thromboses (DVTs). PTS occurs more frequently and severely following iliofemoral DVT compared to distal DVTs. Catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) of iliofemoral DVTs may reduce PTS incidence and severity. We aimed to determine the rate of iliofemoral DVT within our institution, their subsequent management, and compliance with NICE guidelines. Methods Retrospective review of all DVTs diagnosed over a 3-year period was conducted. Cases of iliofemoral DVT were identified using ICD-10 codes from patient notes, and radiology reports of Duplex scans. Further details were retrieved, such as patient demographics and referrals to vascular services. NICE guidance was applied to determine if patients would have been suitable for CDT. A survey was sent to clinicians within medicine to identify awareness of CDT and local guidelines for iliofemoral DVT management. Results 225 patients with lower limb DVTs were identified. Of these, 96 were radiographically confirmed as iliofemoral DVTs. The median age was 77. 67.7% of iliofemoral DVTs affected the left leg. Right leg DVTs made up 30.2% and 2.1% were bilateral DVTs. Of the 96 iliofemoral DVTs, 21 were deemed eligible for CDT. Only 3 patients (14.3%) were referred to vascular services, and 3 received thrombolysis. From our survey, 95.5% of respondents suggested anticoagulation alone as management for iliofemoral DVT. Only one respondent recommended referral to vascular services. There was a knowledge deficiency regarding venous anatomy, including superficial versus deep veins. Conclusions CDT and other mechanochemical procedures have been shown to improve outcomes of patients post-iliofemoral DVT, however a lack of awareness regarding CDT as a management option results in under-referral to vascular services. We suggest closer relations between vascular services and their “tributary” DVT clinics, development of guidelines and robust care pathways in the management of iliofemoral DVT.
‘Cold bedrooms’ and other cooling facilities in UK children’s hospices, how they are used and why they are offered: A mixed methods study
Authors: Hackett Julia , Beresford Bryony 
Published: January 2021

Background: The death of a child is acutely distressing. Evidence on the benefits and value to parents of spending time with their dead child have now been integrated into routine practice and is regarded as a bereavement support intervention. UK children’s hospices have a tradition of using ‘cooling facilities’ (cold bedrooms, cooled blanket/mattress) to extend this period of time by slowing deterioration of the body. Aims: To describe: (1) type and use of cooling facilities in UK children’s hospices, policies and practices regarding their use, and any changes over time. (2) Director of care’s views on the purpose of cooling facilities and the rationale for hospice-specific practices. Methods: An explanatory mixed-methods design consisting two phases: a crosssectional survey of directors of care of UK children’s hospices ( n = 52) followed by semi-structured telephone interviews with a sub-sample of respondents. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and interview data using directed content analysis. Results: 41/52 hospices completed the survey and 13 directors of care were interviewed. All hospices had cooling facilities. Some offered use of portable cooling facilities at home, though take-up appears low. Hospices differed in approaches to managing care and duration of use. Views on whether parents should observe deterioration informed the latter. Directors of care believed they provide families with time to say ‘goodbye’ and process their loss. Challenges for staff were reported.
Timely identification of patients in need of palliative care using the Double Surprise Question: A prospective study on outpatients with cancer
Authors: Ermers Daisy JM , Kuip Evelien JM , Veldhoven CMM , Schers Henk J , Perry Marieke , Bronkhorst Ewald M , Vissers Kris CP , Engels Yvonne 
Published: January 2021

Background: The Surprise Question (“ Would I be surprised if this patient were to die within the next 12  months?”) is widely used to identify palliative patients, though with low predictive value. To improve timely identification of palliative care needs, we propose an additional Surprise Question (“ Would I be surprised if this patient is still alive after 12  months?”) if the original Surprise Question is answered with “no.” The combination of the two questions is called the Double Surprise Question. Aim: To examine the prognostic accuracy of the Double Surprise Question in outpatients with cancer. Design: A prospective study. Participants: Twelve medical oncologists completed the Double Surprise Question for 379 patients. Results: In group 1 (original Surprise Question “yes”: surprised if dead) 92.1% (176/191) of the patients were still alive after 1 year, in group 2a (original and additional Surprise Question “no”: not surprised if dead and not surprised if alive) 60.0% (63/105), and in group 2b (original Surprise Question “no,” additional Surprise Question “yes”: surprised if alive) 26.5% (22/83) ( p < 0.0001). The positive predictive value increased by using the Double Surprise Question; 74% (61/83) vs 55% (103/188). Anticipatory palliative care provision and Advance Care Planning items were most often documented in group 2b. Conclusions: The Double Surprise Question is a promising tool to more accurately identify outpatients with cancer at risk of dying within 1 year, and therefore, those in need of palliative care. Studies should reveal whether the implementation of the Double Surprise Question leads to more timely palliative care.