bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do 2 weeks of instruction time matter? Using a natural experiment to estimate the effect of a calendar change on students' performance
Authors: Sanz Ismael , Tena J. D. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper investigates the effect on academic performance of an exogenous educational reform that reduced the school calendar of non‐fee‐paying schools in the Madrid region (Spain) by approximately two weeks, leaving the basic curriculum unchanged. To identify the consequences of such a measure, we exploit the fact that it did not affect private schools (control group) and the existence of an external cognitive test that measures academic performance before and after its application in the region. We find that the reform worsened students' educational outcomes by around 0.13 of a standard deviation. This effect was especially strong in the subjects of Spanish and Mathematics. We further explored quantile effects across the distribution of exam scores, finding that the disruption had a more negative effect on students in the upper quartile than those in the lower quartile. Overall, the analysis shows a reduction in the gap across non‐fee‐paying schools and an increase in the gap between non‐fee‐ and fee‐paying schools.
Predictable forward performance processes: Infrequent evaluation and applications to human‐machine interactions
Authors: Liang Gechun , Strub Moris S. , Wang Yuwei 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe study discrete‐time predictable forward processes when trading times do not coincide with performance evaluation times in a binomial tree model for the financial market. The key step in the construction of these processes is to solve a linear functional equation of higher order associated with the inverse problem driving the evolution of the predictable forward process. We provide sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness and an explicit construction of the predictable forward process under these conditions. Furthermore, we find that these processes are inherently myopic in the sense that optimal strategies do not make use of future model parameters even if these are known. Finally, we argue that predictable forward preferences are a viable framework to model human‐machine interactions occurring in automated trading or robo‐advising. For both applications, we determine an optimal interaction schedule of a human agent interacting infrequently with a machine that is in charge of trading.
Psychophysiological fidelity: A comparative study of stress responses to real and simulated clinical emergencies
Authors: Peek Russell , Moore Lee , Arnold Rachel 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionExperiencing psychological stress may affect clinician performance in acute emergencies. While simulation is used extensively in healthcare education, it is unknown whether simulation effectively replicates the psychophysiological stress of real‐world conditions. Thus, this study explored whether measurable differences exist in psychophysiological responses to acute stress in simulated compared with real‐world clinical practice.MethodsIn this within‐subjects observational study, stress appraisals, state anxiety and heart rate variability (HRV) were recorded during simulated and real‐world emergencies in a 6‐month training placement in neonatal medicine. Eleven postgraduate trainees and one advanced neonatal nurse practitioner participated. Mean (SD) participant age was 33 (8) years; and eight participants (67%) were female. Data were collected at rest and immediately before, during and 20 min after simulated and real‐world neonatal emergencies. In situ simulation scenarios were modelled on those used in accredited neonatal basic life support training. Stress appraisals and state anxiety were assessed using Demand Resource Evaluation Scores and the short State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. High‐frequency power, a component of HRV associated with parasympathetic tone, was derived from electrocardiogram recordings.ResultsSimulation was associated with greater likelihood of threat appraisal and higher state anxiety. High‐frequency HRV reduced from baseline in simulated and real‐world emergencies but recovered further towards baseline 20 min after simulated events. Possible explanations for the observed differences between conditions include participants' previous experiences and expectations of simulation and the effect of post‐simulation debrief and feedback.DiscussionThis study identifies important differences in psychophysiological stress responses to simulated and real‐world emergencies. Threat appraisals, state anxiety and parasympathetic withdrawal are educationally and clinically significant, given their known associations with performance, social functioning and health regulation. While simulation may facilitate interventions aimed at optimising clinicians' stress responses, it is vital to confirm that outcomes transfer to real‐world clinical practice.
Dietary pulses as a means to improve the gut microbiome, inflammation, and appetite control in obesity
Authors: John Hannah St , Doucet Éric , Power Krista A. 
Published: July 2023

SummaryA dysbiotic intestinal microbiome has been linked to chronic diseases such as obesity, which may suggest that interventions that target the microbiome may be useful in treating obesity and its complications. Appetite dysregulation and chronic systemic low‐grade inflammation, such as that observed in obesity, are possibly linked with the intestinal microbiome and are potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of obesity via the microbiome. Dietary pulses (e.g., common beans) are composed of nutrients and compounds that possess the potential to modulate the gut microbiota composition and function which can in turn improve appetite regulation and chronic inflammation in obesity. This narrative review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the connection between the gut microbiome and obesity, appetite regulation, and systemic and adipose tissue inflammation. More specifically, it highlights the efficacy of interventions employing dietary common beans as a means to improve gut microbiota composition and/or function, appetite regulation, and inflammation in both rodent obesity and in humans. Collectively, results presented and discussed herein provide insight on the gaps in knowledge necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the potential of beans as a treatment for obesity while highlighting what further research is required to gain this understanding.
Ewing's sarcoma of the head and neck: A systematic review
Authors: Spiguel Monica Hermann , Schuch Lauren Frenzel , Kovalski Luan Nathiel , Ribeiro Julia Turra , Só Bruna Barcelos , Silveira Felipe Martins , Vargas Pablo Agustin , Martins Marco Antonio Trevizani , Zanella Virgílio Gonzales , Aleixo Pedro Bandeira , Wagner Vivian Petersen , Martins Manoela Domingues 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of head and neck Ewing sarcoma (ES) concerning patients' demographic and clinical features, histopathological findings, treatment, follow‐up, and survival rate.Materials and MethodsAn electronic search was undertaken in four databases. Articles describing case reports or case series were included. Outcomes were evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method along with Cox regression.ResultsThe search yielded 186 studies describing 227 ES cases. The mean age was 22.7 years, and males were slightly more affected. Interestingly, more than half the cases were diagnosed up to 20 years. The respiratory tract was the most reported site, followed by the jawbones. Clinically, symptomatic swelling or nodules were described, with a mean duration of 4 months. Management involved multimodal treatment regimens. Local recurrence, lymph node and distant metastasis were observed in 10.7%, 12.6%, and 20.3% of cases, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that older patients with distant metastasis had a lower overall survival rate (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis study provides an overall view of head and neck ES that can assist oral and maxillofacial pathologists with the diagnosis and extend the knowledge of surgeons and oncologists about this condition.
Basic clinical management of preschool wheeze
Authors: Bush Andrew 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPreschool wheeze is very common and often difficult to treat. Most children do not require any investigations; only a detailed history and physical examination to ensure an alternative diagnosis is not being missed; and the differential diagnosis, and hence investigation protocols for the child in whom a major illness is suspected, shows geographical variation. The pattern of symptoms may be divided into episodic viral and multiple trigger to guide treatment, but the pattern of symptoms must be re‐assessed regularly. However, symptom patterns are a poor guide to underlying pathology. Attention to the proper use of spacers, and adverse environmental exposures such as tobacco smoke exposure, is essential. There are no disease‐modifying therapies, so therapy is symptomatic. This paper reviews recent advances in treatment, including new data on the place of leukotriene receptor antagonists, prednisolone for acute attacks of wheeze, and antibiotics, based on new attempts to understand the underlying pathology in a way that is clinically practical.
Characterization and burden of localized back pain versus back pain with chronic overlapping pain conditions
Authors: Terkawi Abdullah Sulieman , Popat Rita A. , Mackey Sean 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundChronic low back pain (cLBP) is the most common cause of years lived with disability (YLD). Chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) is a relatively new taxonomy for widespread pain. Researchers have postulated that patients with COPCs have more pain‐related impact than those with isolated pain conditions. We know little about the combination of COPCs with cLBP. This study aims to characterize patients with isolated cLBP compared to those with cLBP and associated COPCs across multiple domains of physical, psychological, and social functioning.MethodsUsing Stanford's CHOIR registry‐based learning health system, we performed a cross‐sectional study on patients with localized cLBP (group L) versus cLBP with COPCs (group W). We used demographic, PROMIS (Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System), and legacy survey data to characterize the physical, psychological, social, and global health outcomes. We further subdivided the COPCs into intermediate and severe based on the number of body regions involved. We used descriptive statistics and generalized linear regression models to characterize and compare the pain groups.ResultsAmong 8783 patients with cLBP, 485 (5.5%) had localized cLBP (Group L) without widespread pain. Compared to Group L, patients in Group W were more likely to be females, younger, and reported longer duration of pain. Although the mean pain scores were significantly higher in group W, this difference did not appear clinically significant (average pain scores MD −0.73, 95% CI [−0.91 to −0.55]). Group W had significantly worse outcomes in all PROMIS outcomes. However, outcomes with large clinical differences (Cohen's d > 0.5) were fatigue (MD = −7.0, 95% CI [−8.0 to −6.1]); sleep impairment (MD = −6.2, 95% CI [−7.1 to −5.3]); sleep disturbance (MD = −5.3, 95% CI [−6.2 to −4.5]); pain behavior (MD = −2.2, 95% CI [−2.5 to −1.8]); physical function (MD = 4.0, 95% CI [3.2–5.0]); pain interference (MD = −3.4, 95% CI [−4.0 to −2.8]); and anxiety (MD = −4.9, 95% CI [−5.7 to −4.0]). Adjusted analysis controlling for age, gender, BMI category, and duration of pain confirmed worsening of all outcomes with more widespread pain.ConclusionCOPCs are a common presentation with cLBP. The combination of COPCs with cLBP is associated with significantly worse physical, psychological, social, and global health outcomes. This information may identify patients with COPCs and cLBP to optimally risk and treatment stratify their care and individualize their management.
Antitumoral photoinduced effects of crude extract, fractions, and naphthoquinones from Sinningia magnifica (Otto & A. Dietr.) Wiehler (Gesneriaceae) in a bioguided study
Authors: Serain A. F. , Buitrago‐Mejia A. J. , de Souza G. C. A. , Corrêa W. R. , Stefanello M. E. A. , Salvador M. J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used for various purposes, including as an antitumor resource in a noninvasive therapy with minimal side effects. Sinningia magnifica (Otto & A. Dietr.) Wiehler is a rupicolous plant found in rock crevices in Brazilian tropical forests. Initial studies indicate the presence of phenolic glycosides and anthraquinones in species of the genus Sinningia (Generiaceae family). It is known that anthraquinones are natural photosensitizers with potential PDT applications. This led us to investigate the potential compounds of S. magnifica for use as a natural photosensitizer against the melanoma (SK‐MEL‐103) and the prostate cancer (PC‐3) cell lines in a bioguided study. Our results showed that singlet oxygen production by the 1,3‐DPBF photodegradation assay greatly increased in the presence of crude extract and fractions. The biological activity evaluation showed photodynamic action against melanoma cell line SK‐MEL‐103 and prostate cell line PC‐3. These results suggest the presence of potential photosensitizing substances, as demonstrated in this in vitro antitumor PDT study by the naphthoquinones Dunniol and 7‐hydroxy‐6‐methoxy‐α‐dunnione for the first time. Naphthoquinones, anthraquinones and phenolic compounds were identified in the crude extract by UHPLC–MS/MS analysis, motivating us to continue with the bioguided phytochemical study aiming to discover more photochemically bioactive substances in Gesneriaceae plants.
Dispute over the Status and Use of the Waters of the Silala (Chile v Bolivia): Is the International Court of Justice falling short?
Authors: Kebebew Tadesse M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis case note offers insights into a decision of the International Court of Justice on the legal dispute between Chile and Bolivia over the nature and use of the Silala waters and its implications for international water law. It begins with two positive notes, namely, the recognition of the unity of the Silala waters (natural and artificially enhanced flows) and the use of science and expert evidence to resolve the dispute. It then addresses two other issues that the Court should and could have dealt with more adequately, being disputes on the ‘current use’ and ‘acquired rights’ under the ambit of the equitable and reasonable utilization principle and the obligation to notify and consult planned measures. The case note concludes that the Court failed to settle the underlying legal issues sufficiently and to better guide the parties on their rights and obligations.
That Interim Period: England's Agricultural Transition
Authors: Fajardo‐Escoffié Jose Luis 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBrexit, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, has offered the UK government a unique opportunity to fundamentally reform agricultural policy. In England, the new policy—called Environmental Land Management—will reward farmers for activities that produce environmental public goods, such as clean air and water and a thriving wildlife, and prevent environmental hazards. It could lead to the biggest changes in land management since the end of World War II. This photo essay and the process of making it contributes to a better understanding of how farmers feel about the changes underway.
Modified rush venom immunotherapy in dogs with Hymenoptera hypersensitivity
Authors: Moore Alexandra , Burrows Amanda K. , Rosenkrantz Wayne S. , Ghubash Rudayna M. , Hosgood Giselle 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundHymenoptera envenomation occurs frequently in people and dogs and can trigger anaphylaxis. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the only preventive treatment for Hymenoptera hypersensitivity and is indicated for people with severe adverse reactions to insect stings. Rush VIT is an accelerated VIT protocol in people. This has not been reported in dogs.ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to evaluate the safety of modified rush VIT.AnimalsTwenty client‐owned dogs with Hymenoptera hypersensitivity based on a history of adverse reactions to Hymenoptera envenomation and a positive intradermal test to honey bee and/or paper wasp venom.Materials and MethodsDogs received incremental doses of venom via subcutaneous injection one day per week for three consecutive weeks until the maintenance dose was achieved. Vital signs were recorded every 30 min prior to venom administration. Adverse reactions were categorised as localised or grade I–IV systemic reactions.ResultsNineteen of 20 dogs (95%) completed rush VIT. One dog experienced a grade III systemic adverse reaction and was withdrawn from the study. No adverse reactions occurred in 10 of 20 dogs (50%). Localised and grade I–II systemic reactions occurred in nine of 20 dogs (45%), including nausea (n = 5), injection site pruritus (n = 3) and diarrhoea and lethargy (n = 1).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceModified rush VIT in dogs was well‐tolerated and should be considered for dogs with Hymenoptera hypersensitivity. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of VIT in dogs for preventing hypersensitivity reactions to insect stings.
Effect of metastatic calcification on complication rate and survival in 74 renal transplant cats (1998–2020)
Authors: Friday Sarah E. , Oyama Mark A. , Massey Laura K. , Aronson Lillian R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo report the incidence of metastatic calcification in cats with renal failure presenting for renal transplantation, and to determine if metastatic calcification detected prior to renal transplantation is associated with complication rates and patient survival.Study designRetrospective case series.Sample populationSeventy‐four cats.MethodsIn imaging studies, 178 feline renal transplant recipients from 1998 to 2020 were evaluated for metastatic calcification. Demographic, clinicopathological data, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, need for hemodialysis, and survival times were recorded. Exclusion criteria were cats lacking imaging reports and cats with gastric, renal, or tracheal/bronchial calcification alone. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine variables that were independently associated with survival. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to generate survival plots and estimate median survival times with a 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsSeventy four of 178 cats met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen of 74 (20.3%) cats had metastatic calcification prior to renal transplantation. Twelve of 74 (16.2%) cats developed calcification following transplantation, and 47 of 74 (63.5%) cats had no calcification during the study period. Median follow‐up time was 472 days, with a range of 0–1825 days. Cats with pretransplant calcification had shorter median survival times (147 days) than cats without calcification (646 days) (p = .0013). Metastatic calcification pretransplant was associated with an increased risk of death by 240% (95% CI, 1.22–4.71).ConclusionMetastatic calcification in renal transplant cats is a negative prognostic indicator and is associated with decreased survival times.Clinical significanceThese findings may help guide therapeutic recommendations and owner expectations in cats undergoing renal transplantation.
Developments and expansions of a suite of trickling filters models
Authors: Pearce Peter 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn the United Kingdom, trickling filters remain the most widespread secondary biological treatment process for municipal sewage treatment in terms of number of installations. Ongoing improvement in environmental quality of surface waters requires many of these sites to meet stringent effluent standards. Since publication of the original model for nitrification on mineral media trickling filters by Pearce and Williams in 1999 and the model for nitrification on plastic media filters by Pearce and Edwards in 2010, they have attracted widespread use. Since publication, the models have undergone some refinement and benefitted from an increased application range. Furthermore, recent publications by Pearce and Yang have delivered widely based models for predicting average and seasonal humus tank effluent suspended solids and variability at a resolution of daily 95th percentile performance. This paper presents recent developments of the nitrification models and consolidates the suite of models now available for trickling filter design, evaluation and operation.
The Similarity Law of Cavitation Number on Cavitation Instability in Liquid Rocket Inducer
Authors: Tamura Koki , Kondo Sota , Kawasaki Satoshi , Iga Yuka 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The influence of inducer rotation speed on the propagation characteristics of rotating cavitation and on the unsteady characteristics of cavitation in rotating cavitation and cavitation surge were examined using a three-bladed inducer, which is named THK inducer, to develop the rocket engine turbopump that can operate stably over a wide operating range. The novel point of the paper is focusing on the cavitation itself, which is the cause of cavitation instabilities. The paper conducted two types of experiments using an inducer and single hydrofoils, and the dimensional and nondimensional unsteady characteristic, which is the frequency of unsteady cavitation and the Strouhal number, were evaluated. Three types of rotating cavitation and cavitation surge were observed in the inducer. For a given cavitation number, the Strouhal number of rotating cavitation and the frequency of unsteady cavitation in cavitation surge are independent of the inducer rotation speed, respectively. The characteristic of rotating cavitation corresponds to that of cavitations arising in hydrofoils, but its characteristic of cavitation surge does not correspond. The dynamic characteristic of cavitation compliance in cavitation surge is similar to that of several rocket engine turbopumps. Therefore, it was proved that rotating cavitation is a cavity oscillation and cavitation surge is a system oscillation. Additionally, in a flow field with the same flow coefficient and different impeller rotation speed, the unsteady characteristics of cavitation instabilities are equal if the cavitation number is equal, which is named the “similarity law of cavitation number on cavitation instability.”