bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synchronization of Chaotic Circuits with Stochastically-Coupled Network Topology
Authors: Uwate Yoko , Nishio Yoshifumi , Ott Thomas 
Published: January 2021

In recent years, research on synchronization between coupled chaotic circuits has attracted interest in a wide range of fields. This is because the synchronization of coupled chaotic circuits is a multidisciplinary phenomenon that occurs in various applications, such as broadband communication systems or secure communication. In this study, we propose a coupled chaotic circuit network model with stochastic couplings. We investigate the synchronization phenomena observed for the proposed network using different network structures such as fully-coupled, random, small world and scale-free networks. We find that the same synchronization characteristics can be obtained for these networks with a dynamic topology as when the coupling strength is changed in static networks.
Policy Note: Digital Feedback-Based Interventions for Water Conservation
Authors: Hartley Kris , Lim Nicole Sher Wen , Tortajada Cecilia 
Published: January 2021

Progress in water conservation is dependent as much on human behavior as on the promise of new technologies. Digital feedback-based interventions present an opportunity to bring these two factors together, as increasingly sophisticated technologies can help change behaviors rather than simply solving problems caused by those behaviors. This paper explores the various options and opportunities for adopting feedback-based interventions — those that communicate information for the purpose of encouraging individuals to alter water consumption habits. Lessons proposed are applicable to any realm in which individual human behavior contributes to a collective environmental or social problem. Focusing on five determinants of success (design, delivery, content, integration, and commitment), this paper presents findings of related studies and fashions them into a suite of recommendations that serves as a template for practice and agenda for future research. The underlying theme — that technology is no absolute substitute for behavioral change but can be one catalyst for it — contributes to broader discussions about the relationship between human systems and the environment.
Novel Guidewire Design and Coating for Continuous Delivery of Adenosine During Interventional Procedures
Authors: Forman Mervyn B. , Brewer Erik C. , Brown Zachary R. , Menshikova Elizabeth V. , Lowman Anthony M. , Jackson Edwin K. 
Published: January 2021

Background
The “no‐reflow phenomenon” compromises percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes. There is an unmet need for a device that prevents no‐reflow phenomenon. Our goal was to develop a guidewire platform comprising a nondisruptive hydrophilic coating that allows continuous delivery of adenosine throughout a percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results
We developed a guidewire with spaced coils to increase surface area for drug loading. Guidewires were plasma treated to attach hydroxyl groups to metal surfaces, and a methoxy–polyethylene glycol–silanol primer layer was covalently linked to hydroxyl groups. Using polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and polyvinyl acetate, a drug layer containing jet‐milled adenosine was hydrogen‐bonded to the polyethylene glycol–silanol layer and coated with an outer diffusive barrier layer. Coatings were processed with a freeze/thaw curing method. In vitro release studies were conducted followed by in vivo evaluation in pigs. Coating quality, performance, and stability with sterilization were also evaluated. Antiplatelet properties of the guidewire were also determined. Elution studies with adenosine‐containing guidewires showed curvilinear and complete release of adenosine over 60 minutes. Porcine studies demonstrated that upon insertion into a coronary artery, adenosine‐releasing guidewires induced immediate and robust increases (2.6‐fold) in coronary blood flow velocity, which were sustained for ≈30 minutes without systemic hemodynamic effects or arrhythmias. Adenosine‐loaded wires prevented and reversed coronary vasoconstriction induced by acetylcholine. The wires significantly inhibited platelet aggregation by >80% in vitro. Guidewires passed bench testing for lubricity, adherence, integrity, and tracking.

Conclusions
Our novel drug‐releasing guidewire platform represents a unique approach to prevent/treat no‐reflow phenomenon during percutaneous coronary intervention.
Newly Diagnosed Leptospirosis and Subsequent Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Li Kuan-Ying , Chou Mei-Chia , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Lin Mei-Chen , Hung Yao-Min , Chang Renin 
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose:
Preceding infection as an important risk factor for ischemic stroke has been reported but neglected for hemorrhagic stroke, especially in young and middle-aged patients. This study investigates whether newly diagnosed leptospirosis is associated with an increased risk of stroke.

Methods:
We identified 3699 in-patients who were aged ≥18 years and newly diagnosed with leptospirosis. We also randomly selected a comparison cohort 14 796 in-patients from the general population by using a propensity score matching method (at a 1:4 ratio). We analyzed the risks of stroke by using Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results:

The adjusted hazard ratio (HR; 95% CI) of stroke for the leptospirosis group was 1.14 (0.93–1.38;
P
=0.200) as opposed to the comparison group after adjusting sex, age, and comorbidities. However, adjusted HR (95% CI) of ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke was 1.01 (0.80–1.29) and 1.58 (1.12–2.23), respectively. The strength of association between leptospirosis and hemorrhagic stroke remained statistically significant after variation of leptospirosis and stroke definitions. The post hoc subgroup analysis indicated that a patient with leptospirosis had a significantly greater risk of hemorrhagic stroke in male (adjusted HR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.08–2.44]) and individuals between age 18 and 39 (adjusted HR, 3.67 [95% CI, 1.33–10.14]). The risk of hemorrhagic stroke among people with leptospirosis was highest in the first 2 years after diagnosis (adjusted HR, 1.97 [95% CI, 1.15–3.38]).

Conclusions:
A 2.49-fold risk of stroke was found among the leptospirosis cohort of aged younger than 39 years. Age acted as an effect modifier between the leptospirosis and risk of new-onset stroke.
Obligation to Conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (eia) in International Adjudication: Interaction between Law and Time
Authors: Tanaka Yoshifumi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
An environmental impact assessment (eia) can have a valuable role in effectuating substantive rules of international law of the environment, such as the obligation of due diligence and the precautionary approach. Thus this article seeks to examine the interlink between an obligation to perform an eia, the obligation of due diligence, and the precautionary approach, focusing on temporal elements of international law of the environment. First, this article examines the interlink between an obligation to conduct an eia and the obligation of due diligence. Second, this article addresses the interlink between an obligation to conduct an eia and the precautionary approach. Third, the timing of triggering the obligation to conduct an eia must be considered. Finally, this article examines the issues of breach of the obligation to conduct an eia, before offering conclusions.
Surgical Management of Sialorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Schild Sam D. , Timashpolsky Alisa , Ballard Daniel P. , Horne Sylvia , Rosenfeld Richard M. , Plum Ann W. 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveChronic sialorrhea commonly occurs in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. While conservative management can provide sufficient symptom control, surgical intervention is often required. One of the most common procedures utilized is submandibular gland excision (SMGE), with or without parotid duct ligation or rerouting (PDL or PDR). This study aims to compare these surgical approaches and their outcomes.Data SourcesPubMed, Web of Science, and Embase.Review MethodsThis systematic review includes studies of patients with chronic sialorrhea treated with SMGE alone or SMGE plus PDR or PDL and reports on postintervention outcomes and complications. Two independent investigators assessed study eligibility, rated quality, and extracted data for analysis. A random effects model was used for meta‐analysis of pooled data.ResultsOf 3186 studies identified, 21 met inclusion criteria, with 708 patients: 103 underwent SMGE alone (15%); 299 (42%), SMGE and PDL; and 306 (43%), SMGE plus PDR. Overall, a majority of patients had significant improvement, with very good to excellent control of symptoms after surgery: SMGE, 82% (95% CI, 73%‐89%); SMGE and PDL, 79% (95% CI, 73%‐85%); and SMGE and PDR, 85% (95% CI, 75%‐92%). Importantly, there was no significant difference in outcomes with the addition of PDL or PDR. Reported complications included sialocele, parotitis, dental caries, and dry mouth.ConclusionOur systematic review identified consistent positive outcomes with SMGE for patients with chronic sialorrhea but no additional benefit when PDR or PDL was performed as a concurrent procedure.
Effects of COVID‐19 Lockdown on Otitis Media With Effusion in Children: Future Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Aldè Mirko , Di Berardino Federica , Marchisio Paola , Cantarella Giovanna , Ambrosetti Umberto , Consonni Dario , Zanetti Diego 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of social isolation during the lockdown due to the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) in modifying the prevalence of otitis media with effusion (OME) and the natural history of chronic OME.Study DesignRetrospective study.SettingTertiary level referral audiologic center.MethodsWe assessed the prevalence of OME among children aged 6 months to 12 years who attended the outpatient clinic for hearing or vestibular disorders during 2 periods before the lockdown, May‐June 2019 (n = 350) and January‐February 2020 (n = 366), and the period immediately after the lockdown, May‐June 2020 (n = 216). We also compared the disease resolution rates between a subgroup of children with chronic OME (n = 30) who were diagnosed in summer 2019 and reevaluated in May‐June 2020 and a similar subgroup (n = 29) assessed in 2018‐2019.ResultsThe prevalence of OME in this clinic population was 40.6% in May‐June 2019, 52.2% in January‐February 2020, and 2.3% in May‐June 2020. Children with chronic OME had a higher rate of disease resolution in May‐June 2020 (93.3%) than those examined in May‐June 2019 (20.7%, P <. 001).ConclusionClosure of schools and the physical distancing rules were correlated with a reduction in the prevalence of OME and favored the resolution of its chronic forms among children who attended the outpatient clinic. These data could suggest that in the presence of chronic OME, keeping young children out of group care settings for a period might be beneficial to allow for OME resolution.
Association between exposure to ambient air pollution and hospital admission, incidence, and mortality of stroke: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of more than 23 million participants
Authors: Niu Zhiping , Liu Feifei , Yu Hongmei , Wu Shaotang , Xiang Hao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have suggested that exposure to air pollution may increase stroke risk, but the results remain inconsistent. Evidence of more recent studies is highly warranted, especially gas air pollutants.

Methods
We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify studies till February 2020 and conducted a meta-analysis on the association between air pollution (PM2.5, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm; PM10, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm; NO2, nitrogen dioxide; SO2, sulfur dioxide; CO, carbon monoxide; O3, ozone) and stroke (hospital admission, incidence, and mortality). Fixed- or random-effects model was used to calculate pooled odds ratios (OR)/hazard ratio (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for a 10 μg/m3 increase in air pollutant concentration.

Results
A total of 68 studies conducted from more than 23 million participants were included in our meta-analysis. Meta-analyses showed significant associations of all six air pollutants and stroke hospital admission (e.g., PM2.5: OR = 1.008 (95% CI 1.005, 1.011); NO2: OR = 1.023 (95% CI 1.015, 1.030), per 10 μg/m3 increases in air pollutant concentration). Exposure to PM2.5, SO2, and NO2 was associated with increased risks of stroke incidence (PM2.5: HR = 1.048 (95% CI 1.020, 1.076); SO2: HR = 1.002 (95% CI 1.000, 1.003); NO2: HR = 1.002 (95% CI 1.000, 1.003), respectively). However, no significant differences were found in associations of PM10, CO, O3, and stroke incidence. Except for CO and O3, we found that higher level of air pollution (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2) exposure was associated with higher stroke mortality (e.g., PM10: OR = 1.006 (95% CI 1.003, 1.010), SO2: OR = 1.006 (95% CI 1.005, 1.008).

Conclusions
Exposure to air pollution was positively associated with an increased risk of stroke hospital admission (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3), incidence (PM2.5, SO2, and NO2), and mortality (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2). Our study would provide a more comprehensive evidence of air pollution and stroke, especially SO2 and NO2.
Risk factors for postoperative recurrent tricuspid regurgitation after concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty during left heart surgery and the association between tricuspid annular circumference and secondary tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Xu JinGuo , Han Jie , Zhang Haibo , Meng Fei , Luo Tiange , Tian BaiYu , Wang JianGang , Jiao YuQing , Yu HuiMei , Meng Xu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
To identify the association between tricuspid annular circumference and secondary tricuspid regurgitation and analyze the risk factors of recurrent tricuspid regurgitation after concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty during left heart surgery.

Methods
From October 2018 to June 2019, a total of 117 patients receiving concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty within left heart surgery were enrolled. Severity of tricuspid regurgitation was classified as 4 subtypes: normal, mild, moderate and severe. Perioperative data and mid-term outcome were collected. Tricuspid annular circumference (TAC) was measured under cardiac arrest during surgery procedure by cardioplegia. Optimal TAC and TAC index (TAC/body surface area, BSA) cutoffs of significant tricuspid annulus dilatation (moderate and severe) were obtained. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors of postoperative recurrent tricuspid regurgitation. The follow up period is 13–19 months (mean 15.5 ± 3.2 months).

Results
There was 1 patient was excluded who died after surgery. A total of 116 patients receiving tricuspid annuloplasty were included. Optimal cutoffs of significant tricuspid annulus dilatation were recommended (TAC 11.45 cm, Sensitivity 82.89%, Specificity 73.68%, AUC 0.915; TAC index 7.09 cm/m2, Sensitivity 73.68%, Specificity 85%, AUC 0.825, respectively). Based on findings of multivariable logistic regression, it has been showed that TAC index and postoperative atrial fibrillation were the independent risk factors of recurrent regurgitation after surgery. Optimal TAC index cutoff to predict recurrent tricuspid regurgitation was 7.86 cm/m2

Conclusions
The severity of secondary tricuspid regurgitation is associated with the tricuspid annular circumference. The cut-offs of significant tricuspid regurgitation (more than moderate) were TAC 11.45 cm and TAC index 7.09 cm/m2, respectively. Clinically, concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty is relative safe and effective. TAC index ≥ 7.86 cm/m2 and postoperative atrial fibrillation are the risk factors of recurrent significant tricuspid regurgitation after concomitant tricuspid annuloplasty during left heart surgery.
Acceptance of smoking cessation support and quitting behaviours of women attending Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Services for antenatal care
Authors: Daly Justine B. , Dowe Sarah , Tully Belinda , Tzelepis Flora , Lecathelinais Christophe , Gillham Karen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAcceptance of smoking cessation support during antenatal care and associated quitting behaviours of pregnant Aboriginal women or women having an Aboriginal baby has not been investigated. This study aimed to determine, among pregnant women who smoke and attended AMIHS for their antenatal care:The acceptance of smoking cessation support, factors associated with acceptance and barriers to acceptance;The prevalence of quitting behaviours and factors associated with quitting behaviours.MethodsA cross-sectional telephone survey of women who attended 11 AMIHSs for their antenatal care during a 12 month period in the Hunter New England Local Health District of New South Wales.ResultsOne hundred women contacted consented to complete the survey (76%). Of those offered cessation support, 68% accepted NRT, 56% accepted follow-up support and 35% accepted a Quitline referral. Participants accepting NRT had greater odds of quitting smoking at least twice during the antenatal period [OR = 6.90 (CI: 1.59–29.7)] and those reporting using NRT for greater than eight weeks had six times the odds of quitting smoking for one day or more [OR = 6.07 (CI: 1.14–32.4)].ConclusionsAboriginal women or women having an Aboriginal baby who smoke make multiple attempts to quit during pregnancy and most women accept smoking cessation support when offered by their antenatal care providers. Acceptance of care and quitting success may be improved with increased focus on culturally appropriate care and enhanced training of antenatal care providers to increase skills in treating nicotine addiction and supporting women to use NRT as recommended by treatment guidelines.
Factors for postoperative recurrence of orbital solitary fibrous tumor: an analysis of long‐term clinical follow‐up results from a Chinese tertiary hospital
Authors: Yang Peng , Liu Hao-Cheng , Qiu E , Wang Wei , Zhang Jia-Liang , Jiang Li-Bin , Liu Hong-Gang , Kang Jun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
This study analyzed the clinical features, imaging manifestations, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and surgical approaches of the orbital solitary fibrous tumor (OSFT), as well as the factors for postoperative recurrence of such disease.

Methods
The clinical data of 16 patients with OSFT treated in our center from 2003 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively, and the clinical symptoms, treatment methods, and follow-up results were recorded.

Results
Of the 16 patients, 8 were females (50.0 %) and 8 were males (50.0 %); the average age of treatment was 37 ± 7 years and the median follow-up time was 74 (8, 228) months. Sixteen patients with OSFT underwent a total of 29 operations, of which 12 were transorbital approach operations and 17 were transfronto-orbital approach operations. Ten patients (10/16, 62.5 %) had recurrence. The recurrence rate of transorbital approach operations was 83.3 % (10/12), and the recurrence rate of transfronto-orbital approach operations was 17.6 % (3/17). No patients had treatment-related complications.

Conclusions
The main pathological feature of OSFT is a benign tumor. OSFT has a tendency to grow toward the cranio-orbital junction. The postoperative recurrence rate of OSFT is relatively high, so complete tumor resection is very important for prognosis. Inappropriate surgical approaches can lead to incomplete removal of the tumor and cause recurrence. Choosing the correct operation approach according to the position of the OSFT in the orbit and complete removal of the dura mater and bone affected by the tumor is crucial for the prognosis. Nevertheless, regular long-term follow-up after complete resection is necessary.
A scoping review of methods for assessment of sex differentials in early childhood mortality
Authors: Costa Janaína Calu , Victora Cesar G. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
While assessment of sex differentials in child mortality is straightforward, their interpretation must consider that, in the absence of gender bias, boys are more likely to die than girls. The expected differences are also influenced by levels and causes of death. However, there is no standard approach for determining expected sex differences.

Methods
We performed a scoping review of studies on sex differentials in under-five mortality, using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Publication characteristics were described, and studies were grouped according to their methodology.

Results
From the 17,693 references initially retrieved we included 154 studies published since 1929. Indian, Bangladeshi, and Chinese populations were the focus of 44% of the works, and most studies addressed infant mortality. Fourteen publications were classified as reference studies, as these aimed to estimate expected sex differentials based upon the demographic experience of selected populations, either considered as gender-neutral or not. These studies used a variety of methods – from simple averages to sophisticated modeling – to define values against which observed estimates could be compared. The 21 comparative studies mostly used life tables from European populations as standard for expected values, but also relied on groups without assuming those values as expected, otherwise, just as comparison parameters. The remaining 119 studies were categorized as narrative and did not use reference values, being limited to reporting observed sex-specific estimates or used a variety of statistical models, and in general, did not account for mortality levels.

Conclusion
Studies aimed at identifying sex differentials in child mortality should consider overall mortality levels, and report on more than one age group. The comparison of results with one or more reference values, and the use of statistical testing, are strongly recommended. Time trends analyses will help understand changes in population characteristics and interpret findings from a historical perspective.