bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Upper Airway Volume Measurements Among Children With Craniofacial Abnormalities
Authors: Ben‐Dov Tom , Pan Lydia , Gordon Alex J. , Taufique Zahrah , Kassem Firas , Rickert Scott 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo measure postoperative airway volumes among patients with craniofacial abnormalities and compare them to normative values.Study DesignRetrospective, comparative study.SettingAcademic Medical Center.MethodsRetrospective analysis of imaging of children with craniofacial abnormalities treated at NYU Langone Health from January 2013 to February 2021. Upper airway volumes postcraniofacial surgery were measured using 3D processing software (Dolphin 3D, version 11.95). These values were compared with published normative values.ResultsTwenty‐one subjects were identified and compared to normative values. The postoperative oropharyngeal volumes were on average 43.7% smaller than the normative values (P < .001), and the total upper airway volumes were 31.6% smaller (P = .003). No significant differences were observed in the nasopharyngeal or hypopharyngeal volumes of the study cohort compared to the normative data. Among children ages 12 to 17 years (n = 13), the mean oropharyngeal volumes were 47.6% smaller than normal (P < .001), and the mean total upper airway volumes were 34.6% smaller than normal (P < .001). Among children ages 7 to 11 years (n = 8), the mean oropharyngeal volumes were 35.1% smaller than normal (P = .049), but no difference in mean total upper airway volume was observed.ConclusionIn children with craniofacial anomalies, postoperative airway volumes remain lower than normative values. However, even a slight increase in airway volume can yield a substantial increase in flow rate. 3D airway evaluations are a valuable tool for surgical planning and analysis and can help with optimizing airway dynamics.
Otitis Media With Effusion After the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Return to the Past and New Lessons
Authors: Aldè Mirko , Marchisio Paola , Folino Francesco , Ambrosetti Umberto , Berardino Federica Di , Barozzi Stefania , Zanetti Diego , Pignataro Lorenzo , Cantarella Giovanna 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of otitis media with effusion (OME) among children who attended a tertiary level audiologic center 2 and 3 years after the COVID‐19 lockdown, and to determine the impact of temporary interruption of day care center attendance on chronic OME.Study DesignRetrospective study.SettingTertiary level referral audiologic center.MethodsWe assessed the prevalence of OME among children aged 6 months to 12 years in 3 different periods (May‐June 2022, January‐February 2023, and May‐June 2023) and compared the results with those of the corresponding periods before the COVID‐19 lockdown. We also compared the disease resolution rates between a subgroup of children with chronic OME who interrupted day care center attendance for a 2‐month period (Subgroup A) and a similar subgroup who continued attending day care centers (Subgroup B).ResultsThe prevalence of OME was 38.5% (138/358) in May‐June 2022, 51.9% (193/372) in January‐February 2023, and 40.9% (149/364) in May‐June 2023. No significant prevalence differences were observed between the periods May‐June 2019, May‐June 2022, and May‐June 2023 (P = .78), and between the periods January‐February 2020 and January‐February 2023 (P = .93). At the May‐June 2023 assessment, the children belonging to Subgroup A presented a greater rate of disease resolution (85.7%, 18/21) than the children belonging to Subgroup B (32%, 8/25, P < .001).ConclusionThis study suggests that the prevalence of OME has returned to prelockdown levels, and that interrupting day care center attendance for a 2‐month period could be effective in resolving most cases of chronic OME.
Medicare Restriction of Telehealth Speech Services Negatively Impacts Patient Care
Authors: Young VyVy N. , Ma Yue , Rosen Clark A. , Schneider Sarah L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveAmple literature shows voice and swallowing therapy, in‐person or virtual, to be essential for Otolaryngology and Speech‐Language Pathology care. In March 2023, Medicare announced discontinuing teletherapy reimbursement in hospital‐based outpatient departments, effective May 2023. This decision was subsequently reversed; however, the uncertain interval period provided the opportunity to study the impact of eliminating teletherapy.Study DesignProspective cohort.SettingTertiary laryngology center.MethodsAffected Medicare patients were contacted via mailed letter, phone, and secure patient portal and offered to change appointments to in‐person, teletherapy with cash self‐payment ($165‐282/session) or cancellation. Demographics and responses were collected. Statistical analyses conducted using Student's t test.ResultsFifty‐three patients (28 female; mean age 66.8 ± 14.2 years) were impacted. 64% (n = 34) changed to in‐person appointment, 28% (n = 15) canceled, 8% (n = 4) did not respond. No patients opted to self‐pay. 67% of patients that canceled telehealth care cited distance from in‐person care location. The mean distance for canceled versus rescheduled patients was 92.3 ± 93.0 versus 32.8 ± 57.4 miles, P = .034. Mean age, gender, and number of sessions were not different between groups. Mean time to third next available therapy appointment was 96 ± 46 versus 46 ± 12 days before and after rule change, P = .007. Upon Medicare's reversal, this trend rebounded to nearly baseline (mean 77 ± 12 days, P = .12).ConclusionMedicare's discontinuation of reimbursement for teletherapy services caused nearly 30% of patients to cancel voice and swallowing therapy, primarily due to distance. These cancellations led to decreased access to care for Medicare patients with voice/swallowing diagnoses, which affect function, quality of life, and potentially even mortality risk.
The effect of quercetin on adipogenesis, lipolysis, and apoptosis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes: The role of SIRT1 pathways
Authors: Maleki Mohammad Hasan , Abdizadeh Javazm Sara , Dastghaib Sanaz , Panji Anahita , Hojjati Far Mohammad , Mahmoodi Hajar , Siri Morvarid , Shafiee Sayed Mohammad 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundLipotoxicity, caused by adipocyte triglyceride over‐accumulation, contributes to obesity‐related comorbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, respiratory dysfunction, and osteoarthritis. This study focuses on determining how sirtuin‐1 (SIRT‐1) mediates quercetin's (QCT) effect on 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Key aspects of this study include preventing adipogenesis, inducing lipolysis, and stimulating adipocyte apoptosis.Methods3T3‐L1 adipocytes underwent treatment with varying QCT doses, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the SIRT‐1 inhibitor EX‐527, followed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide [MTT] assay for cell viability assessment. Furthermore, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction measured mRNA expression levels of adipogenesis markers (fatty acid synthase [FASN] and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma [PPARγ]), lipolysis markers (adipose triglyceride lipase [ATGL] and hormone‐sensitive lipase [HSL]), and apoptosis markers (B‐cell lymphoma2 [Bcl‐2], Bcl‐2 Associated ‐X‐protein [BAX] and Caspase‐3).ResultsThe data showed that LPS + QCT significantly reduced cell viability in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, unaffected by LPS + QCT + EX‐527. Treatment with LPS + QCT did not affect FASN and PPARγ expression but significantly increased ATGL and HSL mRNA expression compared with LPS alone. Interestingly, EX‐527 reversed the effects of LPS + QCT on lipogenesis and lipolysis markers completely. QCT enhanced apoptosis in a SIRT‐1 independent pattern.ConclusionThe data suggest that QCT suppresses adipogenesis while increasing lipolysis via SIRT‐1. However, QCT's effects on apoptosis appear to be independent of SIRT‐1. These findings provide further evidence for QCT's effects on adipocytes, particularly its interaction with SIRT‐1.
Factors Associated With Inadequate Health Literacy: An Academic Otolaryngology Clinic Population Study
Authors: Hearn Madison , Sciscent Bao Y. , King Tonya S. , Goyal Neerav 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize the prevalence of inadequate health literacy among otolaryngology patients and assess the association of individual patient factors with inadequate health literacy.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingTertiary academic medical center otolaryngology clinic.MethodsAdult patients presenting to the clinic were recruited from March to June 2022. Participants completed a validated health literacy questionnaire in the waiting room. Data on age, sex, race, insurance, county of residence, and language were extracted from the electronic medical record, linked to the survey responses, and deidentified for analysis. Logistic regression analyses assessed the association between inadequate health literacy and patient factors.ResultsOf 374 participants, the mean age was 54.8 years (SD = 17.8) and most were white (79%) and native English speakers (95%). The median health literacy score was 14.5 (Q1‐Q3: 12.0‐15.0) and 43 participants (12%) had inadequate health literacy. Bivariate analysis showed the odds of inadequate health literacy were 2.5 times greater for those with public insurance (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24‐5.20, P = .011), 3.5 times greater for males (95% CI: 1.75‐6.92, P < .001), and significantly different among race groups (P = .003). When all factors were evaluated simultaneously with multivariable regression, only sex (P < .001) and race (P = .005) remained significant predictors of inadequate health literacy. There were no significant associations between health literacy and age or rurality.ConclusionInadequate health literacy was associated with sex and race, but not with age or rurality. 12% of patients had inadequate health literacy, which may perpetuate disparities in care and necessitate interventions to improve care delivery in otolaryngology.
Submental Island Flaps for Lateral Reconstruction: Technical Refinements for Optimal Outcomes and Resource Efficiency
Authors: Oh Melissa S. , Vettikattu Nikhil T. , Baddour Harry Michael , Gross Jennifer H. , Boyce Brian J. , Patel Mihir R. , Schmitt Nicole C. , Arturo Solares Clementino , Vuncannon Jackson R. , Kaka Azeem S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo describe our modifications to the submental island flap (SMIF) in a case series that demonstrates improved reproducibility, shortened length of stay (LOS), and reduced utilization of hospital resources.Study DesignThis retrospective case series with chart review included adult patients who underwent resection of malignant or benign tumors resulting in lateral facial, parotid, or temporal bone defects, which were reconstructed with SMIF.SettingA tertiary‐care academic referral center.MethodsRetrospective case series included all adult patients who underwent SMIF reconstruction between March 2020 and August 2021. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected. Primary outcomes were measures of hospital utilization including duration of surgery, LOS, and postoperative outcomes.ResultsTwenty‐eight patients were included with a mean age of 71.7 years. Eighty percent were male. All patients underwent parotidectomy, and the mean operative time was 347 minutes. The median LOS was 2.5 days (range 0‐16 days). Seventy‐five percent of the flaps drained into the internal jugular vein, and 25% drained into the external jugular vein. No patients required reoperation or readmission. All flaps survived.ConclusionSMIFs are a safe and effective option for reconstruction of lateral facial, parotid, and temporal bone defects. Compared to free flap reconstruction, SMIFs offer reduced length of surgery, decreased use of health care resources, and lower rate of reoperation. As health care resource allocation is increasingly important, the SMIF offers an excellent alternative to free flap reconstruction of lateral defects.
Enhancing intersectoral collaboration: Lessons from the coordinated donor support to the South African COVID‐19 vaccination programme
Authors: Hartnack Andrew 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDespite the increasing importance of intersectoral collaborations to address crisis situations, relatively little is known about how they are organised, managed and governed. Moreover, within the field of public administration, there is still much to learn about how governments can use intersectoral collaboration to effectively address crises. This paper examines the case of the Coordinated Donor Support initiative in South Africa's COVID‐19 vaccination programme to illustrate the value of multisectoral partnerships, especially for developing countries. This partnership involved donors and philanthropic organisations, non‐governmental and civil society organisations, and private sector organisations, yet it sought to partner with the government, rather than take over the government's role. The paper also explores the complexities, contradictions and threats to such partnerships, and what is required to optimise them. It argues that several measures need to be put in place in the pre‐crisis phase to ensure that such multisectoral collaborations can quickly be mobilised when crises occur. It also shows that partnerships which are forged in times of crisis can assist countries to address their ongoing developmental challenges.
Non‐monetary sanctions as tax enforcement tools: Evaluating California's top 500 program
Authors: Angaretis Chad , Galle Brian , Organ Paul R. , Prohofsky Allen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMany U.S. states and countries around the world use non‐monetary sanctions, including public disclosure, license suspension, and withholding of other government‐provided benefits or privileges, to encourage tax compliance. Little is known about the effectiveness of these programs. Using administrative tax microdata from California's “Top 500” program, we study whether notices warning of the imminent publication of a taxpayer's personal information and potential license suspension affect payment and other compliance outcomes. Exploiting variation over time in the cutoff balance for program eligibility, we find evidence of strong positive compliance responses to the program. We also develop estimates of the long‐run revenue and social‐welfare effects of the program. Together, these results suggest that non‐monetary sanctions can be efficient tax enforcement tools, at least among the relatively high‐income population we study.
Good engraftment after reduced intensity targeted busulfan‐based conditioning and matched related donor hematopoietic cell transplantation in hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Klink Maximilian , Felber Matthias , Zeilhofer Ulrike , Hauri‐Hohl Mathias , Schmugge Markus , Drozdov Daniel , Güngör Tayfun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundHematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an established curative therapy for transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (TDT) and sickle cell disease (SCD). The latest American Society of Hematology guidelines recommend myeloablative preparative regimen in patients under 18 years of age.ProcedureThe objective was to demonstrate safety and efficacy of a reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen including high‐dose fludarabine, anti‐thymocyte globulin, and targeted busulfan as a single alkylator to sub‐myeloablative exposures.ResultsBetween 2012 and 2021, 11 patients with SCD and five patients with TDT and matched related donor (MRD) HCT were included. The median age at transplantation was 8.3 years (range: 3.7–18.8 years). The median administered busulfan AUC was 67.4 mg/L×h (range: 60.7–80 mg/L×h). Overall survival was 93.8% and event‐free survival 87.5% with one engrafted SCD patient with pre‐existing moyamoya disease succumbing after drainage of a subdural hematoma. One SCD patient developed a secondary graft failure and was treated with a second HCT. Myeloid chimerism was full in all other patients with a median follow‐up time of 4.1 years (range: 2.0–11.1 years), whereas T‐cell donor chimerism was frequently mixed.ConclusionThis RIC conditioning followed by MRD HCT is sufficiently myeloablative to cure pediatric patients with hemoglobinopathies without the need for additional total body irradiation or thiotepa.
Three‐point bending, interlaminar shear, and impact strength in bioinspired helicoidal basalt fiber/epoxy composites: A comparative experimental analysis
Authors: Rai Shreya , Rawat Prashant 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the mechanical characteristics of basalt fiber/epoxy polymer composites (BPC) inspired by nature's higher‐order designs especially helicoidal structures found in fish scales. The present work includes the experimental analysis of 20‐layered bioinspired BPC composites in single helicoidal ([90/80/70/60/50/40/30/20/10/0]s), and double helicoidal ([130/40/120/30/110/20/100/10/90/0]s) layups. The hand layup technique, followed by the vacuum bagging method, is used to fabricate composite laminates. The layup design significantly influenced the mechanical properties of both helicoidal structures with different stacking sequences, including load capacity, deformation, energy absorption, and fracture modes. Interestingly, failure mechanisms demonstrated both bending and twisting (attributed to specific ply orientation, resulting in a twisting effect) occurring majorly under flexural loading, leading to improved energy absorption. The flexural strength of single helicoidal laminate was observed to be 28.8% higher than double helicoidal laminate design. On the other hand, the double helicoidal laminate showed 46.8% and 19.4% higher interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and impact resistance properties, respectively, compared to the single helicoidal laminate design. Therefore, this comparative experimental analysis of both stacking structures provides insights into potential changes in conventional stacking sequences and enhances understanding of mechanical responses in bioinspired composites.Highlights
Mechanical characterization of bioinspired helicoidal laminates is done.
The flexural strength of single helicoidal laminates is 28.8% higher than double helicoidal laminates.
Double helicoidal laminates showed better interlaminar shear strength and energy absorption.
Fetal cardiac screening: 1st trimester and beyond
Authors: Freud Lindsay R. , Simpson Lynn L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCongenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common birth defect and a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality. CHD often occurs in low‐risk pregnant patients, which underscores the importance of routine fetal cardiac screening at the time of the 2nd trimester ultrasound. Prenatal diagnosis of CHD is important for counseling and decision‐making, focused diagnostic testing, and optimal perinatal and delivery management. As a result, prenatal diagnosis has led to improved neonatal and infant outcomes. Updated fetal cardiac screening guidelines, coupled with technological advancements and educational efforts, have resulted in increased prenatal detection of CHD in both low‐ and high‐risk populations. However, room for improvement remains. In recent years, fetal cardiac screening for specific high‐risk populations has started in the 1st trimester, which is a trend that is likely to expand over time. This review discusses fetal cardiac screening throughout pregnancy.
The process‐structure–property relationship of 3D printed G‐Polymer using fused filament fabrication technique
Authors: Parnian Pooyan , Russo Pietro , Squillace Antonino , D'Amore Alberto 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe ever‐increasing demand for additive manufacturing (AM) is driven by the technology's rapid prototyping and flexible manufacturing benefits. Among the various AM techniques, fused filament fabrication (FFF) is one of the most commonly used techniques, in which thermoplastic polymer filaments are deposited layer by layer to create the final part. This technique has been used extensively in various sectors. However, new materials have yet to be developed for use in FFF. This research aims to introduce a new biodegradable highly amorphous polyvinyl alcohol (HAVOH), commercially known as G‐Polymer (GP), into the scope of FFF, to propose a process window for the fabrication of parts with enhanced mechanical properties and to discover the process‐structure–property relationship for this material. This study investigates the effect of five key parameters in GP FFF, including raster angle, number of contours, nozzle temperature, build platform temperature, and print speed. The results of the chemical, thermal, and thermo‐mechanical analysis of the filaments before and after hot extrusion of the 3D printer nozzle showed a significant increase in the mechanical properties of the hot‐extruded filaments. In addition, the mechanical characterization of 3D printed parts showed that increasing the number of contours can improve the mechanical properties of parts, while the raster angle can have a complex effect. The mechanical properties of the parts are also improved by reducing the temperature of the nozzle and the build platform. Printing speed, as an essential parameter in AM, was related to the previously mentioned parameters, and the results showed that increasing the printing speed could improve the UTS and Young's modulus of the 3D printed part.Highlights
A novel biodegradable polymer (HAVOH) was introduced into the scope of FFF.
The hot extruded G‐Polymer filament from the nozzle showed improved mechanical properties.
180°C nozzle and room temperature platform resulted in improved mechanical properties.
3D printed parts with +45°/−45° raster angle show improved mechanical properties
110 mm/s print speed results in higher mechanical strength than 70 mm/s print speed.
The personal impact of living with a myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: Eppingbroek A. A. M. , Lechner L. , Bakker E. C. , Nijkamp M. D. , de Witte M. A. , Bolman C. A. W. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study is to gain insight into the physical, psychological and social impact of having a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), a rare type of cancer with an often chronic course.MethodsAn online survey was conducted among 455 Dutch MPN patients (62.7% female, age M 63) to explore the impact of the disease by measuring the MPN symptom burden (MPN‐SAF TSS) and quality of life (QoL) (EORTC QLQ‐C30) and its subscales within a hierarchical QoL model. We examined differences in MPN symptom burden and QoL in relation to sociodemographic and disease‐related factors. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to explain variances in QoL.ResultsMost patients (97%) experienced MPN‐related health complaints, with a significantly higher MPN symptom burden in women (M 31.50) compared to men (M 24.10). Regarding to fatigue and cognitive functioning MPN patients suffered more compared to a reference group of other cancers. MPN subtype or type of treatment did not show significant differences in MPN symptom burden or QoL. However, experiencing side effects, complications or comorbidities significantly negatively affected MPN symptom burden and QoL. 48.8% of patients reported that MPN affected their ability to work. The explained variance in overall QoL was 58%, most importantly by disease progression, comorbidities, MPN symptom burden and role, emotional and social functioning.ConclusionThis study revealed that having an MPN has a negative impact on several domains of QoL. Symptom assessment and support should be included in the healthcare management of MPN patients.