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Objective: To assess the perceived symptoms caused by the sinuses as defined by otolaryngology patients and clinicians. Study Design: Multi‐institutional cross‐sectional study. Setting: Six academic outpatient otolaryngology practices. Methods: We performed a multi‐institutional, cross‐sectional study using a semantics‐based questionnaire. Consecutive patients were enrolled at 6 academic otolaryngology centers from June 2020 to May 2021. The primary outcome examined patient and provider definitions for the symptoms caused by the sinuses from a list of 28 proposed terms covering 6 general categories. These data were also collected from otolaryngology faculty at the same institutions. Results: Responses were obtained from 451 patients (54% female, mean age 48.3 years) and 29 otolaryngologists (38% female, mean age 37.4 years). Patients selected a median of 12 terms, compared to 8.5 for otolaryngologists. Among patients, the most frequently selected symptom domains were mucus (419, 92.9%), airflow (412, 91.4%), and pain (389, 86.3%). Compared to clinicians, patients more frequently selected symptoms related to the ear (difference, 48.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 34.8%‐59.3%), throat (difference, 35.7%, 95% CI, 22.0%‐47.5%), systemic (difference, 34.4%, 95% CI, 21.2%‐46.0%), mucus (difference, 20.5%, 95% CI, 10.2%‐30.6%), and airflow domains (difference, 19.0%, 95% CI, 8.4%‐29.3%). Multiple domains were selected by 98% of patients and 79% of providers. Conclusion: Semantic differences exist between patients and clinicians regarding the symptoms caused by the sinus with patients having a broader range of perceived symptoms. These differences may provide clues to improve communication between otolaryngologists and their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conversely, tissue neutrophil association with LM scores in N-ERD patients suggests that neutrophils contribute to the severity of the polyp burden in N-ERD. Neutrophilic inflammation and epithelial barrier disruption in nasal polyps characterize non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease Neutrophil counts were higher in the nasal polyp tissues of N-ERD patients (8.5 cells per hpf (IQR 3-25) vs. 2.5 cells (IQR 2-5) in non-N-ERD ( I p i = .026, Figure 1B). [Extracted from the article]

Fine tuning N recommendations requires an understanding of crop N status and yield potential early enough in the growing season when changes to N management can influence yields. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to assess crop N status and predict yield in wheat (Tricticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.); however, there has been relatively little such research on rice (Oryza sativa L.). The objectives of this study were to determine how well NDVI measured at the panicle initiation (PI) rice growth stage assesses crop N status and predicts final grain yield. Nitrogen response trials were established over a 4-yr period (10 site-years) at various locations throughout the Sacramento Valley rice growing region of California. Additionally, the relationship between NDVI and crop N status was characterized across 28 onfarm plots representing a range of environmental conditions and management practices. The NDVI at PI was best correlated with total N uptake (NUP, r² = 0.66), followed by N concentration (NCONC, r² = 0.54), and aboveground biomass (AGB, r² = 0.51). The utility of NDVI was greatest at lower values of crop N status, whereas at higher values, NDVI saturated. The NDVI at PI was positively correlated with final grain yield (r² = 0.58) indicating utility for developing in-season yield predictions. While NDVI is a potentially useful tool to improve N fertilizer management and develop in-season yield predictions in rice, alternative indices that do not saturate would likely provide a basis for a better tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the cost considerations and strategies for incorporating ultrasound (US) in a head and neck practice. Study design and setting: A retrospective chart review of office-based US procedures from 2001 to 2005 was completed at our academic medical center. Billing and coding for US and US guided fine needle aspiration (USFNA) were examined. Results: The appropriate CPT codes are 76536 for US and 76942 and 10022 for USFNA-related procedures. The USFNA codes should be used repeatedly for correct coding of biopsies from multiple sites. Cost (equipment) sharing between specialties is a potential strategy for office-based US incorporation. Conclusion: Based on practice volume, specific CPT coding, and Medicare reimbursements, office-based US equipment and certification costs could be offset in 1 year. Significance: Office-based US can be readily incorporated with significant benefits to patients. Billing and usage strategies were identified that would improve the economics of providing office-based US. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]