bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Summertime Subtropical Stationary Waves in the Northern Hemisphere: Variability, Forcing Mechanisms, and Impacts on Tropical Cyclone Activity
Authors: Chang Chuan-Chieh , Wang Zhuo , Ting Mingfang , Zhao Ming 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The interannual variability of summertime subtropical stationary waves, the forcing mechanisms, and their connections to regional tropical cyclone (TC) variability are investigated in this study. Two indices are identified to characterize the interannual variability of subtropical stationary waves: the longitudinal displacement of the zonal wavenumber-1 component (WN1) and the intensity change of the zonal wavenumber-2 component (WN2). These two indices are strongly anticorrelated and offer simple metrics to depict the interannual variability of subtropical stationary waves. Furthermore, the longitudinal displacement of the WN1 is significantly correlated with the variability of TC activity over the North Pacific and North Atlantic, and its influences on regional TC activity can be explained by variations in vertical wind shear, tropospheric humidity, and the frequency of Rossby wave breaking. The subtropical stationary waves are strongly related to precipitation anomalies over different oceanic regions, implying the possible impacts of low-frequency climate modes. Semi-idealized experiments using the Community Earth System Model version 2 (CESM2) show that the longitude of the WN1 is strongly modulated by ENSO, as well as SST anomalies over the Atlantic main development region and the central North Pacific. Further diagnosis using a baroclinic stationary wave model demonstrates the dominant role of diabatic heating in driving the interannual variability of stationary waves and confirms the impacts of different air–sea coupled modes on subtropical stationary waves. Overall, subtropical stationary waves provide a unified framework to understand the impacts of various forcing agents, such as ENSO, the Atlantic meridional mode, and extratropical Rossby wave breaking, on TC activity over the North Atlantic and North Pacific.
Seasonal Variation of Peritonsillar Abscess Presentation to an Emergency Department in an Atlantic Canadian Climate: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Hathi Kalpesh , Lees Miranda X. , Chandra Kavish , Lewis David , McMullin Ben , Chin Christopher J. 
Published: October 2022

Objectives:Patients with a peritonsillar abscess (PTA) often present to emergency departments as the first point of medical contact. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are more frequent in the winter. Therefore, we hypothesize that the incidence of PTAs will be more frequent in colder winter months as well. This is the first study assessing the seasonal variation and epidemiology of PTA presentations to an emergency department in Atlantic Canada, home to a unique maritime climate.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted through a chart review of all patients who presented to the Saint John Regional Hospital Emergency Department from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020. Patient characteristics, treatment, and microbiology were reported. A chi-square goodness-of-fit test assessed the seasonal variation of PTA. Pearson correlations assessed PTA incidence per mean monthly temperature and humidity.Results:A total of 75 patients were included. 57.3% were male and 42.7% were female, with a mean age (±SD) of 35.9 ± 14.0. Most patients presented afebrile (82.7%, cutoff ≥ 38.0°C). Approximately half of all patients had an elevated WBC count (49.3%, cutoff ≥ 10.9 × 109). The most common bacteria isolated were Streptococcus species followed by anaerobic bacteria (17.9%). No significant variation was found with respect to season (X2(3) = 1.0, P = .801), temperature ( r(70) = 0.198, P = .096), or humidity, ( r(70) = 0.063, P = .599).Conclusion:This study did not find a seasonal variation of PTA in a maritime climate. These findings question the anecdotal hypothesis that PTA is associated with progression from acute URTIs and therefore would be more common in the winter months.
A rubric as a tool for summative and formative evaluation in Laboratory Animals Technologist degree at the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Authors: Cicale Eliana M , Casanova Verónica , Caturini Eduardo , Retamal Marianela Ceol , Greco María C , Gimenez Sofía , Gulin Julián E 
Published: October 2022

Laboratory Animals Technologist degree ( Técnico Universitario en Gestión Integral de Bioterios) was created in 1989. It is offered jointly by the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry at the University of Buenos Aires. The complete programme is organized into 15 courses, including basic and applied sciences, along with specific courses ( Técnicas de Bioterio I to V) with a solid practice content that students must achieve. An additional challenge occurs when practices consist of animal handling and procedures, which can be stressful for students and animals. Since traditional evaluation methods may not be the best way to determine the acquisition of knowledge and practical performance, an evaluation rubric is proposed to assess the practices carried out by students. The aspects and criteria to be examined were previously known of by students and teachers. The evaluation levels include: ‘Daily report and record-keeping’, ‘Food and water supply’, ‘Cleaning and disinfection of areas, Standardized Operational Procedures and routines fulfilment’, ‘Personnel and supplies circulation’, ‘Use of personal protection equipment and physical care’, ‘Fulfilment of tasks in established times’, ‘Animals procedures and organization of needed materials’, ‘Animal care’ and ‘Teamwork camaraderie and organization’. The proposed tool was implemented with good results to achieve the academic objectives while augmenting the confidence for practical expertise, minimizing doubts and uncertainties related to traditional evaluation methods, and providing students with an environment that favours knowledge acquisition and practical skills, establishing standard criteria among the teaching staff, and reducing and refining the use of animals for educational purposes.
Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma in the Olfactory Cleft for COVID-19 Patients With Persistent Olfactory Dysfunction: Description of the Technique
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , Saussez Sven 
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we described technique of platelet rich plasma injection into the olfactory cleft in a 22-year-old female with 24-month post–COVID-19 anosmia. The technique starts with the blood extraction and the isolation of PRP through a 10-min centrifugation. The supernatant was injected in nasal regions after a local anesthesia through a 0° rigid optic. Several points of .2–.5 mL were performed in the nasal septum in regard of the head of the middle turbine and in the head of the middle turbine in both sides. The baseline threshold, discrimination, and identification scores were 1, 8, and 0, and the Olfactory Disorder Questionnaire score was 51, respectively. The injection of PRP in olfactory cleft was done without complication and mild pain. The patient perception of recovery of smell sense occurred at 3-week post-injection. From this time, the smell sense progressively improved to the 2-month consultation. At 2-month post-injection, the TDI scores reached 16, 16, and 16 (48), while the Olfactory Disorder Questionnaire was 73. The injection of PRP into the olfactory cleft appears to be a safe and easiness new approach that may improve the recovery of smell sense. Future controlled studies are needed.
The use of PSA testing over more than 20 years: A population-based study in North-Eastern Italy
Authors: Taborelli Martina , Toffolutti Federica , Bidoli Ettore , Dal Maso Luigino , Del Zotto Stefania , Clagnan Elena , Gobbato Michele , Serraino Diego , Franceschi Silvia 
Published: October 2022

Objective: To describe the practice of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing over more than 20 years in Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG), North-Eastern Italy. Methods: A population-based, ecological study was conducted using information derived from regional administrative health-related databases. Data on PSA and prostate biopsies performed on resident men aged ⩾45 years from 1998 to 2019 were retrieved. PSA and biopsy rates were calculated as the number of men who had at least one such procedure in each calendar year over the mean resident male population of the same year. Temporal trends were analyzed using joinpoint regression (annual percentage change –APC). Results: A total of 2,502,670 PSA were made between 1998 to 2019 in men aged ⩾45 years. The number of PSA steadily increased from 51,055 in 1998-1999 to 134,504 in 2010-2011, then dropped to 122,080 in 2018-2019. Significant changes in the slopes of PSA rates emerged in 2002 and 2009: the largest increase occurred during 1998-2002 (APC 18.4), followed by a smaller increase in 2002-2009 (APC 3.4) and a subsequent reduction (APC -2.5). Similar patterns emerged for all ages, but the decrease since 2009 was smaller for men aged ⩾65 years. An upward trend emerged in biopsy rate from 1998 to 2001 (APC 13.0), followed by a smaller increase until 2007 (APC 5.7) and a subsequent decrease. Biopsies as percentage of PSA decreased from 3.2% to 2.2%, particularly in those aged ⩾75 years. Conclusions: Although overall declining PSA rates have been observed in FVG since 2009, rates remained higher in the ⩾65-year-old group than in the 45-64–year-old group.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among Public Health Professionals towards COVID-19 in India
Authors: Majumdar Piyusha , Gupta S. D. , Sharma Neeraj , Mangal D. K. 
Published: October 2022

World is suffering from a pandemic situation due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) since December 2019. In this emergency, everyone at individual/country/global level is trying to contribute at their best with their available knowledge and resources. However, more and more research and developmental activities are going on but, the reality is far away for a grass-root level health professional. They rely on the indirect sources, that is, published or unpublished literature, social media, internet etc. Many a time, these sources may share an unrealistic or false positive/negative information. Our study was intended to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices related to COVID-19 among the healthcare professionals of different levels. We conducted an online survey after the initiation of the first lockdown in India. Our research team in consultation with the subject experts designed a mix method-based study tool and shared it by sending emails to 1,200 participants. A total of 180 respondents participated in the online survey of which 34% were government health professionals and 24% were working with a research/academic institution. All participants were between 23 and 74 years age group (mean 39 years). Participants shared their views on first, knowledge about symptoms, preventive measures and treatment options for COVID-19. Second, on attitude towards handling COVID-19 pandemic using social distancing, following lockdown and travel advisory, etc. Third, on the practice of non-pharmaceutical measures to prevent COVID-19. We found that the social media platform acted as one of the most important platforms for awareness generation regarding COVID-19 but it was also generating stigma among people. Till the time of the survey, there is still a dearth of knowledge about social distancing and what it means, especially physical distance of 1–3 metres and correct usage of mask in different situations. Various important issues pertaining to infant feeding practices, mother and childcare and disposal of dead bodies of COVID infected persons require deliberations and awareness.
Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy and Helmet Therapy for Sagittal Craniosynostosis: An Analysis of Cranial Growth Changes in the Early Postoperative Period
Authors: Rudolph Christina M. , Awad Amanda N. , Toth Katie , Adamo Matthew A. , Carpenter Courtney 
Published: October 2022

Objective The purpose of this study is to analyze cranial width and length growth curves in the early postoperative period of patients by undergoing endoscopic sagittal strip craniectomy (ESC) to determine the timing of the maximal growth curve change. By analyzing the complex interplay of cephalic length and width measurements, we hope to better understand the cephalic index (CI) growth curve during this early period. This is the first of a multistep process to elucidate the ideal cranial remolding orthosis (CRO) treatment duration. Design Retrospective review. Setting Tertiary academic institution. Patients Children with isolated sagittal craniosynostosis. Interventions ESC and postoperative CRO treatment (2015-2019). Main Outcome Measures One cranial orthotist obtained preoperative and postoperative measurements. The maximal rate of change of width, length, and CI were compared against the postoperative week these occurred. Results Thirteen children (mean age: 3.3 months, average preoperative CI: 73.4) underwent this intervention. CI reached its highest growth rate by 4.9 average weeks postoperatively, which correlated with the maximal width growth rate (5.2 weeks). Length curves reached their maximal growth rate by 15.5 weeks. CI peaked (81.3) by 22.7 weeks postoperatively, a significant increase from baseline. Conclusions Following ESC, in the early postoperative period, the CI growth curve has 4 phases: initial rapid expansion, early and late slowed expansion, and plateau, followed by possible regression phases. This highlights the importance of early postoperative CRO initiation, CRO compliance, and properly fitting CROs, especially in the first 2 phases. This data sets the stage for investigating the ideal treatment length.
Fibrinolytic Changes in Women with Preeclampsia
Authors: Godtfredsen Anne Cathrine , Sidelmann Johannes Jakobsen , Dolleris Britta Blume , Jørgensen Jan Stener , Johansen Emma Kathrine Jungjohan , Pedersen Melissa Fernard Bøg , Palarasah Yaseelan , Gram Jørgen Brodersen 
Published: October 2022

Objectives Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious complication of pregnancy. The fibrinolytic system play crucial roles regarding placentation and evolution of PE. Aim To study comprehensively components of the fibrinolytic system and fibrin lysability in women with PE. Design and Methods 117 women with PE and matched controls were included. Tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen, PAI-1, plasmin inhibitor (PI), D-dimer, the fibrinolytic potential of dextran sulphate euglobulin fraction (DEF), PAI-2, polymere PAI-2, fibrin clot lysability, thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) and fibrinogen were assessed. Results Women with PE had significantly increased concentrations of t-PA and PAI-1, whereas the plasma concentration of PAI-2 was significantly lower compared to controls, p < 0.0001. Polymere PAI-2 was detected in both groups. DEF, TAFI and fibrinogen were not different between the groups. D-dimer was significantly increased and plasminogen/PI together with fibrin clot lysability time decreased in the PE-group, p  =  0.0004 p  =  0.04, p  =  0.03, p < 0.0001 respectively. Conclusion This study demonstrates that PE is associated with an affected t-PA/PAI-1 system, decreased PAI-2 and increased fibrin lysability. Furthermore, PAI-2 has the potential to polymerize during pregnancy.
CEUS-guided PTA on stenotic AVF: Morphological and functional point of view
Authors: Taurisano Marco , Mancini Andrea , D’elia Filomena 
Published: October 2022

Background: Stenosis represents the main cause of hemodialysis fistula malfunction. The ultrasound-guided angioplasty with ecographic contrast (CEUS) could provide further advantages to the classical ultrasound guided method improving the morphological characterization of the stenosis and providing quantitative data with the creation of time intensity curves (TIC) collecting functional data comparable between pre and post procedure. Methods: A total of 10 CEUS-guided angioplasties were performed on malfunctioning fistulas. The sonographic contrast medium was injected into the vascular tree trough the introducer. Morphological and functional data nature were collected. Were generated TIC curves, obtained by positioning a ROI in correspondence with the post-stenotic tract of the efferent vein. The data collected, regarding the peak intensity reached by the signal (PI) and the time to reach the peak signal intensity (TTP), were compared in the pre and post-procedural phase with flow of vascular access (Qa) and resistance indices (RI). Results: Statistically significant correlation ( p < 0.05) was observed between Qa and TTP ( r = 0.77; p = 0.009), RI and TTP ( r = 0.71; p = 0.02), Qa and PI ( r = 0.86; p = 0.0012), and between RI and PI ( r = 0.88; p < 0.001). Conclusion: In addition to the advantages associated with the use of ultrasound contrast medium in improving the visualization and characterization of the stenosis by facilitating the PTA procedure, the functional data deriving from the quantitative analysis provide new parameters for evaluating the success of the procedure which could also be used as predictive markers of stenosis recurrence together with the classical ones.
Impact of Omicron on sick leave across industries: A population-wide study
Authors: Grøsland Mari , Reme Bjørn-Atle , Gjefsen Hege Marie 
Published: October 2022

Aims: To estimate the industry-specific impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (Omicron wave) on sick leave. Methods: Using individual-level data from the Norwegian Emergency Preparedness Register, the study covers all workers in different industries ( N = 2,733,751 people) on a monthly level in the time periods January–March 2017–2020 (except March 2020) and 2022 (38,199,536 person-months). We estimated the industry-specific increase in monthly average sick leave during the Omicron wave in 2022 compared with the corresponding months in 2017–2020. Results: We found an average increase in monthly sick leave rates of 2.92 percentage points (95% CI 2.9–2.94) during the three first months of 2022. The increases were strongest within food and accommodation (4.42 percentage points increase, 95% CI 4.33–4.51) and administrative support services (3.94 percentage points increase, 95% CI 3.85–4.03). Conclusions: The Omicron wave resulted in a substantial increase in sick leave, which was unevenly distributed across industries. The results of this study highlight the importance of industry-specific contingency planning when facing the rapid spread of infectious diseases.
Efficacy of a Novel Bipolar Radiofrequency Clamp: An Acute Porcine Model
Authors: Yates Tari-Ann , McGilvray Martha , Razo Nick , McElligott Stacie , Melby Spencer J. , Zemlin Christian , Damiano Ralph J. 
Published: October 2022

Objective: Expert consensus guidelines recommend surgical ablation (SA) for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF), but less than half of patients with AF undergoing cardiac procedures receive concomitant SA. Complete isolation of the left atrial posterior wall (LAPW) has been shown to be the most critical part of the Cox maze procedure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of a novel radiofrequency (RF) bipolar device, EnCompass™ (AtriCure, Inc., Mason, OH, USA), designed to isolate the LAPW in a single application. Methods: Five adult pigs underwent SA in a beating heart model. After a single ablation, the heart was arrested, explanted, and stained with triphenyl-tetrazolium-chloride for histological assessment. Each lesion was sectioned, and the ablation depth, muscle, and fat thickness were determined. The lesion width, energy delivery, and ablation times were compared with those from a reference RF clamp (Synergy™, AtriCure). Results: Transmurality was documented in 100% of lesions (5 of 5) and cross sections (160 of 160). Electrical isolation was documented in every instance. There was no evidence of clot, charring, or pulmonary vein stenosis. Compared with the reference clamp, the lesions created by the EnCompass™ clamp were 1.5 times wider on average. The average energy delivered was 5 times higher over a duration that was 4.5 times longer due to the increased volume of tissue ablated. Conclusions: The EnCompass™ clamp reproducibly created transmural isolation of the LAPW with a single application. This may allow for simplification of the SA strategy and increased adoption of AF treatment during concomitant surgery.
Gray-Scale and Power Doppler Ultrasound Findings Predictive of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Severity
Authors: Lee Tony Y. , Dy Christopher J. , Ray Wilson Z. , Colorado Berdale S. , Brogan David M. 
Published: October 2022

Background: The use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) is an attractive alternative to electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies, but its utility is binary with poor severity correlation. We hypothesize that increasing ulnar nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) and power Doppler measurement of intraneural vascularity may predict the extent of disease. Methods: We identified 20 elbows from patients with a history of CuTS and 20 elbows in 10 asymptomatic controls. Electrodiagnosis was performed for symptomatic patients. Gray-scale ultrasound and power Doppler ultrasound were performed to measure CSA and intraneural vascularity in all participants. Functional measures, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System surveys were also completed. Results: A strong positive correlation was found between CSA and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) decrease between elbow and forearm, which increased when BCTQ >2 was used as a screening criterion. Increased CSA also demonstrated a high positive predictive value (PPV) in predicting MNCV changes, but poor ability to predict axonal loss. In contrast, power Doppler ultrasound demonstrated 100% PPV and 94% negative predictive value (NPV) in predicting severe CuTS (defined as compound motor action potential [CMAP] amplitude <6 mV and electromyography [EMG] findings). Conclusions: Cross-sectional area is a sensitive method for identifying changes in MNCV and amplitude but does not stratify disease severity, as defined by diminished CMAP amplitude and/or evidence of denervation on EMG. The presence of increased intraneural vascularity is relatively sensitive but highly specific for axonal loss. The combination of nerve CSA, BCTQ screening, and power Doppler ultrasound may provide an alternative means for CuTS assessment.
Prognostic value of D-dimer to fibrinogen ratio for patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Litao , Jiang Jiahong , Li Jie , Wang Min , Zhou Jun 
Published: October 2022

Objective Myocardial infarction is a severe disease with high in-hospital mortality without aggressive clinical treatment. The study aims to evaluate prognostic worth of D-dimer-to-fibrinogen (FIB) ratio (DFR) for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods 133 patients (65 (37, 93) years old) from our hospital (China) with AMI were enlisted from January 2017 to December 2019. Patients were assigned into the survivor and nonsurvivor group based on in-hospital outcomes. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and multivariate analysis were fulfilled to analyze the prognostic value of DFR. Results The degree of DFR in the nonsurvivor group was significantly higher than that in the survivor group ( p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis presented that DFR (hazard ratio (HR), 2.207; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.050–4.640; p = 0.037) was independently related with in-hospital death. ROC demonstrated that the area under the curve (AUC) of DFR was = 0.808 (0.725–0.892) (sensitivity, 85.3%; specificity, 69.7%). Conclusion DFR might be a new independent predictor of in-hospital death for AMI patients. Further studies are needed to validate this preliminary finding.