bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What is an impact of hearing aids primarily fitted for presbyacusis on quality of life in patients complaining of tinnitus: a pilot study
Authors: Kaniewska Emilia , Refaie Amr El 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Objective
To assess the secondary effect of hearing aids primarily fitted for presbyacusis and their impact on the quality of life of patients complaining of tinnitus.

Design
Pilot case study

Study sample
Adults with presbyacusis hearing loss were recruited in the Asker ENT clinic in Norway. Twenty consecutive patients were included in the pilot study.

Methods
Twenty patients who were diagnosed with presbyacusis and additional tinnitus by the hearing tests (pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry) and medical interviews were recruited for the study. The level of their tinnitus distress was measured by the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) before and around 2 months after the hearing aid fitting. The results were afterwards statistically analyzed using paired sampled t-tests in Excel.

Results
The data showed that hearing aids fitted primarily for presbyacusis can improve the quality of life in individuals suffering from tinnitus (p = 0.001504). In our sample, women showed higher levels of complaints about their tinnitus, compared to men. We found that age was an influencing factor on the outcomes of hearing aid usage for both presbyacusis and tinnitus, as people in this study before the age of 75 benefited less than patients above 75 (p = 0.005). All patients with moderate hearing loss in our sample showed significant improvement in their quality of life in regard to their tinnitus complaint, with a statistical value of p = 0.044. Also, patients with the lower levels of THI (slight and mild) were the groups who had the most clinically significant improvements in tinnitus distress. Finally, while analyzing the answers to all the THI questionnaire questions from the patients who did not show improvements in THI scores, a pattern of having trouble sleeping was detected as the most probable factor.

Conclusions
The results showed that hearing aids fitted primarily for presbycusis can have a positive influence on the perception of tinnitus and their quality of life.
Determinants of Cormack–Lehane grading for glottic exposure in microlaryngeal surgery in Middle Delta Egyptian patients
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed Zakaria , Khalifa Mohamed Adel , Hegazy Hassan Moustafa , Shehata Emad Mohammed 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Laryngoscopy is a diagnostic procedure utilized in critical care to examine and visualize the larynx through the diversion of upper airway structures. Its primary functions are airway management and tracheal intubation. The objective of this study was to detect the predictors of laryngeal exposure during microlaryngeal surgery (MLS).

Methods
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on a consecutive sample of 100 patients presenting laryngeal lesions that were trans-orally microsurgeries to treat various glottic diseases (biopsies revealed 68% benign lesions such as vocal fold polyps, cysts, and nodules, and 32% glottic masses) and prepared for MLS.

Results
This study included 100 patients presenting laryngeal lesions from both sexes with the age of 47.0 ± 14.7 years, in multivariate logistic regression analysis, all these parameters were significant predictors for Cormack–Lehane and Italian Grading (P < 0.05). Body mass index (BMI) (OR = 3.449, 95% CI = 2.463–8.187), mandibular protrusion test (OR = 2.981, 95% CI = 1.922–4.044), mento-sternal length (OR = 3.722, 95% CI = 1.980–7.794), and atlanto-occipital joint (AOJ) extension (OR = 1.572, 95% CI = 1.865–4.263). Cormack–Lehane and Italian Grading was significantly associated with BMI, mandibular protrusion test, Mallampati Index, mento-thyroid, mento-sternal length, and AOJ extension, it increased with BMI of > 35, with more protruded mandible (class C), higher Mallampati Index (class III) and shorter mento-sternal distance (≤ 12.5 cm).

Conclusions
During microlaryngeal surgery, BMI, mandibular protrusion test, Mallampati Index, mento sternal and AOJ extension were significant predictors of Cormack–Lehane and Italian Grading which makes it easier for laryngeal exposure.
Incidence and severity of COVID-19 between vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals
Authors: Shehata Dina Abdel Hamed , El-Sorougi Waleed Mohamed , Abdalrazik Fatmaalzahraa Saad 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
The causal agent in a lower respiratory tract sample was identified as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Objective
To evaluate the vaccinated and unvaccinated persons for signs and severity of SARS-CoV-2.

Patients and methods
This retrospective analysis included 99 cases ranging in age from 25 to 65 with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We compared the incidence and severity of COVID-19 between vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups for a variety of COVID-19 outcomes. We performed the following tests on all cases: blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, PCR, CBC, CRP, ferritin, and D-dimer.

Results
In terms of severity, 60.6% of cases are in the moderate category, and 13.1% are in the critical level. Among the non-vaccinated group, 47.2% had lung symptoms, compared to 22.2% in the vaccinated group (p = 0.001). The vaccinated group had a mix of pulmonary and extrapulmonary symptoms. A significant difference between groups: 36 (100%) of unvaccinated had CT, 26 (96.3%) of two-dose vaccinated cases, and 30 (83.3%) of three-dose vaccinated cases.

Conclusion
We provided proof that vaccine recipients had reduced CT severity ratings and elevated inflammatory markers compared to those individuals who were not given vaccines. Cases that were not immunized had lower oxygen saturation levels.
Rice straw biochar and NPK minerals for sustainable crop production in arid soils: a case study on maize-wheat cropping system
Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim , El-habbak Amany K. , Abbas Mohamed H. , Scopa Antonio , Drosos Marios , AbdelRahman Mohamed A. E. , Bassouny Mohamed A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Maize and wheat are the main cereals grown in Egypt. However, the country relies on grain imports to meet its local demands. In order to improve their production, appropriate fertilization programs are needed. The present study investigates the effects of amending a clayey soil of an arid region with rice straw biochar and NPK mineral fertilizers, individually or in combination, for increasing growth and productivity of maize and wheat crops. Additionally, impacts of these additives on soil biological activities and carbon (C) transformations in soil were a matter of concern herein. To achieve this objective, a field research of a randomized block design was conducted during the summer (maize) and winter (wheat) seasons of 2020/2021. The following treatments were considered: unmodified control (CK), 100% N inputs in the form of biochar (reference organic treatment, RSB) (T
1
), 100% mineral treatment (reference inorganic treatment, T
2
), 75% RSB + 25% NPK minerals (T
3
), 50% RSB + 50% NPK minerals (T
4
) and 25% RSB + 75% NPK minerals (T
5
). Additional doses of mineral fertilizers were added to treatments from T
3
to T
5
to maintain NPK inputs within the recommended doses. Key results showed that all additives significantly enhanced plant growth parameters and productivity. They also increased soil organic carbon level by the end of the growing season hence reduced soil bulk density, even for the treatment that received only mineral NPK applications (T
2
). All additives also upraised soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil available nitrogen (N), and soil salinity. However, sole application of biochar recorded the least increase in soil salinity. Combined mineral-organic treatments not only recorded the highest increases in soluble and microbial fractions of organic carbon and nitrogen in soil; but also noted the greatest improvements in growth and grain productivity of maize and wheat versus sole applications of mineral fertilizers or biochar. The alkaline nature of biochar was buffered by soil while no significant differences were observed in harvest index among treatments. In conclusion, combined use of biochar and mineral fertilizers, especially T
5
is recommended for increasing soil fertility and wheat and maize grain productvity.
A case of salvage surgery following chemoradiotherapy and durvalumab for initially unresectable superior sulcus tumor with N3 involvement
Authors: Manabe Takehiko , Kanayama Masatoshi , Matsumiya Hiroki , Yoshimatsu Katsuma , Mori Masataka , Nishizawa Natsumasa , Taira Akihiro , Takenaka Masaru , Kuroda Koji , Azuma Koichi , Tanaka Fumihiro 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Durvalumab after chemoradiation (PACIFIC regimen) provides favorable treatment outcomes for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The feasibility of salvage surgery after the PACIFIC regimen has been reported in some studies; however, its efficacy remains unclear. We herein present the first case of salvage surgery after the PACIFIC regimen for a superior sulcus tumor with N3 involvement, in which a pathological complete response was achieved.

Case presentation
A 53-year-old man with a left superior sulcus tumor with N3 (# 1L, #4R) involvement (adenocarcinoma, clinical T3N3M0/IIIC) underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (2 cycles of cisplatin plus vinorelbine with 60 Gy radiotherapy) followed by durvalumab treatment for 1 year at a previous hospital. The PACIFIC regimen provided a significant primary tumor shrinkage (diameter 3.1 cm to 0.5 cm) with the disappearance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in all nodes. Six months after the end of the PACIFIC regimen, only the primary tumor showed enlargement (diameter 0.5 cm to 2.0 cm). Accordingly, local tumor recurrence was suspected. Salvage surgery (left upper lobectomy with combined chest wall resection [1st to 4th rib]) was performed. The histological examination revealed no viable tumor cells (ypT0N0M0). At 7 months after salvage surgery, the patient remains alive with no signs of tumor recurrence.

Conclusions
The present case suggests that salvage surgery may be feasible after the PACIFIC regimen for superior sulcus tumors. A long-term follow-up is essential to determine the efficacy of salvage surgery.
Efficacy and Safety of Roxadustat for Anemia in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy for Nonmyeloid Malignancies: A Randomized, Open-Label, Active-Controlled Phase III Study
Authors: Lu Shun , Wu Jiong , Jiang Jin , Guo Qisen , Yu Yan , Liu Yu , Zhang Hua , Qian Ling , Dai Xiumei , Xie Yanyan , Fu Ting , Lee Tyson , Lu Yan , Ma Rui , Eisner Mark D. 
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE
We evaluated the efficacy and safety of roxadustat, a first-in-class hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, for chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies receiving multicycle treatments of chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
In this open-label, noninferiority phase III study conducted at 44 sites in China, 159 participants age ≥18 years with CIA nonmyeloid malignancy and CIA were randomly assigned (1:1) to oral roxadustat or subcutaneous recombinant human erythropoietin-α (rHuEPO-α) three times a week for 12 weeks. Roxadustat starting dosages were 100, 120, and 150 mg three times a week for participants weighing 40-<50, 50-60, and >60 kg, respectively. rHuEPO-α starting dosage for all participants was 150 IU/kg three times a week. Both roxadustat and rHuEPO-α dosages could be modified. The primary end point was least-squares mean (LSM) change in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration from baseline to the concentration averaged over weeks 9-13.

RESULTS
Of the 159 participants randomly assigned, 140 were included in the per-protocol set (roxadustat, n = 78; rHuEPO-α, n = 62). The LSM (95% two-sided CI) change from baseline to weeks 9-13 in Hb concentration was 17.1 (13.58 to 20.71) g/L with roxadustat and 15.4 (11.34 to 19.50) g/L with rHuEPO-α (mean difference [95% CI], 1.7 [–3.39 to 6.84]). The lower bound of the one-sided 97.5% CI for the treatment difference (‒3.4 g/L) was greater than the predefined noninferiority margin of ‒6.6 g/L, establishing noninferiority. Noninferiority was supported by five of six key secondary end points. Rates of adverse events were generally comparable between treatments and consistent with previous findings.

CONCLUSION
Roxadustat was noninferior to rHuEPO-α in treating CIA in participants with nonmyeloid malignancies receiving multicycle treatments of myelosuppressive chemotherapy. The oral formulation of roxadustat may potentially increase compliance.
Challenging Diagnostic Workup of a 22-year-old Patient With Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease
Authors: Wernig Jakob , Pilz Stefan , Trummer Christian , Theiler-Schwetz Verena , Schmitt Lisa Maria , Tsybrovskyy Oleksiy 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) is a rare cause of ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome (CS), presenting diagnostic challenges due to its rarity and its difficult clinical differentiation from other causes of CS. Here, we report the case of a 22-year-old female who developed classical symptoms of hypercortisolism including progressive weight gain, moon facies, and various skin manifestations. Despite biochemical screening confirming ACTH-independent CS, imaging modalities including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed normal adrenal gland morphology, complicating the localization of cortisol hypersecretion. Subsequent nuclear imaging methods were not indicative of ectopic cortisol production until adrenal vein sampling (AVS) conclusively identified the adrenal glands as the only possible source of cortisol hypersecretion. Eventually, bilateral adrenalectomy led to a significant improvement in symptoms. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of PPNAD, and genetic testing revealed a mutation in the PRKAR1A gene associated with the Carney complex. This case highlights the importance of considering rare etiologies in hypercortisolism diagnosis and describes their challenging diagnostic workup and the utility of AVS in localizing cortisol hypersecretion in PPNAD patients.
Voces clamantium in deserto
Authors: Trudel Éric , Lefort-Favreau Julien 
Published: October 2024

Résumé
Baudelaire, prédisant notre « ruine universelle », déclarait platement: « le monde va finir »; Duras jugeait que la seule politique du monde était qu’il « aille à sa perte »; Houellebecq, titre après titre, poursuit l’examen d’un anéantissement jugé irréversible. Des jérémiades du poète face à la catastrophe imminente aux imprécations du chroniqueur réactionnaire et paniqué face à un présent décadent où se devine déjà la fin, du romancier dystopique en passant par le mélancolique ressassant les révolutions perdues et contemplant un avenir sans horizon qui chante, la littérature regorge de prophètes de malheur. Nombreux et nombreuses sont ceux et celles qui, depuis deux siècles, se sont voulus Cassandre et ont fait de leur œuvre le lieu de prédictions diverses sur l’avenir incertain du monde—et souvent, du même geste, celui de la littérature. C’est à eux que ce numéro de Romanic Review est consacré.
Two Solitudes
Authors: Armstrong Joshua 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Contemporary French novelists Michel Houellebecq and Yannick Haenel may seem to have little in common, but in fact both are given to making pronouncements about the state of Western civilization, and each has been described as prophetic in this regard. Houellebecq’s Sérotonine (2019) and Haenel’s Tiens ferme ta couronne (2017) are both stories whose protagonists isolate in their apartments, and—from that remove—proceed to, ostensibly, see the world for what it really is. Looming in both novels is a twenty-four-hour-news-cycle culture that serves as the ultimate prophet of doom. Haenel’s hero finds in solitude the critical distance from that culture needed to formulate an alternative vision of the world and exorcise the horror just enough to find hope. In Houellebecq’s novel, that distance is impossible, as his hero, a self-proclaimed “telemancer,” remains obsessed with cable news and as, on a deeper level, Houellebecq’s style merges seamlessly with the news cycle’s fearmongering logic.
The Total Effect of Social Origins on Educational Attainment: Meta-analysis of Sibling Correlations From 18 Countries
Authors: Anderson Lewis R. , Präg Patrick , Akimova Evelina T. , Monden Christiaan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe sibling correlation (SC), which estimates the total effect of family background (i.e., social origins), can be interpreted as measuring a society's inequality of opportunity. Its sensitivity to observed and unobserved factors makes the SC an all-encompassing measure and an attractive choice for comparative research. We gather and summarize all available estimates of SCs in educational attainment (M = .46, SD = .09) and employ meta-regression to explore variability in these estimates. First, we find significantly lower SCs in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark than in the United States, with U.S. correlations roughly .10 (i.e., 25%) higher. Most other (primarily European) countries in our study are estimated to fall in between these countries and the United States. Second, we find a novel Great Gatsby Curve–type positive association between income inequality in childhood and the SC, both cross-nationally and within countries over time. This finding supports theoretical accounts of the Great Gatsby Curve that emphasize the role of educational inequality as a link between economic inequality and social immobility. It implies that greater equality of educational opportunity likely requires reduced economic inequality. Additionally, correlations between sisters are modestly higher, on average, than those between brothers or all siblings, and we find no overall differences between cohorts.
The Fertility Transition in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of Structural Change
Authors: Büttner Nicolas , Grimm Michael , Günther Isabel , Harttgen Kenneth , Klasen Stephan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Despite recent economic growth and reductions in child mortality in many African countries, the region has experienced a slow fertility transition. In this study, we explore whether the slow structural economic change on the continent can explain this discrepancy. We construct a unique panel dataset combining Demographic and Health Surveys and nighttime light intensity data (an indicator of industrialization) from 57 countries at the subnational region level over three decades to analyze the drivers of fertility transitions across low- and middle-income countries. Our results confirm that household wealth, reduced child mortality, and female primary education are crucial for fertility declines. However, our analysis also highlights the importance of indicators of structural economic change, including the share of labor in nonagricultural occupations, industrialization, the share of women with higher education, and the formalization of the economy. Our simulations suggest that if high-fertility countries in sub-Saharan Africa underwent structural economic transformations comparable to those of other low- and middle-income countries with low fertility rates, their fertility levels could fall by 1 to 1.6 children.
Effect of Exercise Intensity on Biathlon Standing Shooting Performance and Rifle Movement during Outdoor Roller Skiing
Authors: DANIELSEN JØRGEN , LUCHSINGER HARRI , RAVNDAL ANNA , LAAKSONEN MARKO S. , SANDBAKK ØYVIND , MCGHIE DAVID 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose
The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of exercise intensity on standing shooting performance and related technical variables in elite biathletes performing roller skiing and live shooting outdoors.

Methods
Nineteen male biathletes performed two 5-shot series in the following order of exercise intensity: rest, low (percentage of maximum heart rate, 73 ± 4; blood lactate, 1.5 ± 0.3 mmol·L−1), moderate (84 ± 3; 2.4 ± 0.6), “race-pace” (90 ± 2; 4.5 ± 0.8), and “final-lap” (i.e., near-maximal effort: 93 ± 3; 8.7 ± 1.4). Except for rest, each shooting series was preceded by 1-km roller ski skating on a competition track. Rifle movements and triggering were determined from marker-based motion capture and accelerometer data. The primary variables were shooting outcome (hit/miss) and distance from center (dC), determined from an electronic target, and barrel velocity. Mediation analyses for shooting outcome and dC were conducted with barrel velocity (mean over last 0.25 s before triggering) as mediator and intensity as predictor.

Results
Exercise intensity increased the likelihood of miss at “race” (odds ratio (OR), 2.2; 95% CI, 1.0–4.7) and “final-lap” (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.4–5.8) intensities compared with rest, with no meaningful differences between rest, low, and moderate intensities. Furthermore, intensity affected dC (~32 ± 15 mm at rest, low, and moderate, 36 ± 20 mm at “race,” and 40 ± 23 mm at “final-lap”; P < 0.001). Barrel velocity was a partial mediator of both shooting outcome and dC, explaining some, but not all, of the effect of intensity.

Conclusions
Exercise intensity seems to have a clear negative effect on standing shooting performance in biathlon, which is partially explained by an increase in barrel velocity. Deteriorating effects were mainly seen at the two highest (race-like) intensities. Accordingly, for specificity reasons, more shooting practice should perhaps be performed at higher, competition-like exercise intensities than what is currently the norm.
Full of sound and fury
Authors: Luo Tianyi D. , Kayani Babar , Magan Ahmed , Haddad Fares S. 
Published: October 2024

The subject of noise in the operating theatre was recognized as early as 1972 and has been compared to noise levels on a busy highway. While noise-induced hearing loss in orthopaedic surgery specifically has been recognized as early as the 1990s, it remains poorly studied. As a result, there has been renewed focus in this occupational hazard. Noise level is typically measured in decibels (dB), whereas noise adjusted for human perception uses A-weighted sound levels and is expressed in dBA. Mean operating theatre noise levels range between 51 and 75 dBA, with peak levels between 80 and 119 dBA. The greatest sources of noise emanate from powered surgical instruments, which can exceed levels as high as 140 dBA. Newer technology, such as robotic-assisted systems, contribute a potential new source of noise. This article is a narrative review of the deleterious effects of prolonged noise exposure, including noise-induced hearing loss in the operating theatre team and the patient, intraoperative miscommunication, and increased cognitive load and stress, all of which impact the surgical team’s overall performance. Interventions to mitigate the effects of noise exposure include the use of quieter surgical equipment, the implementation of sound-absorbing personal protective equipment, or changes in communication protocols. Future research endeavours should use advanced research methods and embrace technological innovations to proactively mitigate the effects of operating theatre noise.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(10):1039–1043.