bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Severity of Cervical Disc Degeneration Does Not Impact 2-year Postoperative Outcomes in Patients With Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Who Underwent Laminoplasty
Authors: Habibi Hasibullah , Suzuki Akinobu , Tamai Koji , Ohyama Shoichiro , Hori Yusuke , Yabu Akito , Terai Hidetomi , Hoshino Masatoshi , Toyoda Hiromitsu , Takahashi Shinji , Ahmadi Sayed Abdullah , Nakamura Hiroaki 
Published: April 2020

Study Design.
Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of cervical disc degeneration (CDD) severity on 2-year postoperative outcomes following laminoplasty.

Summary of Background Data.
The impact of CDD on postoperative outcomes of cervical laminoplasty has not been well established.

Methods.
A total of 144 patients who underwent open-door laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) were enrolled. Six cervical discs were independently analyzed for degeneration severity using a previously reported grading system (grade 0: none, grade 3: severest). The relationship between the segmental range of motion (ROM) and the severity of CDD was evaluated. Subsequently, after dividing overall patients into mild and severe CDD groups by the average of CDD scores, the mixed-effect model was applied to assess 2-year postoperative outcomes, including physician-assessed myelopathy scores, patient-reported outcomes, and preoperative radiographic parameters. Finally, as additional analysis, the severe CDD group was further divided into two groups: group 1 included patients with a grade 3 CDD change in their most stenotic level and group 2 included the others. The 2-year postoperative myelopathy score was compared between groups 1 and 2.

Results.
The cervical segments with grade 3 CDD showed significantly smaller ROM compared with those with grade 0, 1, or 2 CDD (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in postoperative improvements in myelopathy, pain, patient-reported physical and mental status, and radiographic parameters, except for quality of life (QOL) scores between CDD groups. A significant (P = 0.02) postoperative improvement in QOL scores was noted in the severe CDD group. In an additional analysis, myelopathy score at 2 years postoperatively was significantly higher in group 1 than group 2 (P = 0.041).

Conclusion.
The severity of CDD did not negatively impact 2-year postoperative laminoplasty outcomes. The postulated reason is that the decreased segmental instability in the level with severe CDD may affect surgical outcomes positively.

Level of Evidence: 3
Mechanical Ventilation and Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality in Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease With Acute Respiratory Failure: A Cohort Analysis Through the Paradigm of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Martin Max J. , Moua Teng 
Published: April 2020

Objectives:
Prior studies report significant mortality in fibrotic interstitial lung disease patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Little is known about baseline characteristics or ventilator strategies that might improve outcomes. We analyzed the ventilator characteristics of a large cohort of fibrotic interstitial lung disease patients from the perspective of an acute respiratory distress syndrome paradigm to see if any specific mechanical ventilation strategies might improve in-hospital mortality.

Design:
Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:
Single-center, multihospital medical ICUs.

Patients:
Consecutive fibrotic interstitial lung disease patients who experienced mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure.

Interventions:
Interstitial lung disease characteristics, demographics, and ventilator variables were analyzed for univariable and multivariable predictors of in-hospital mortality, adjusted for confounding with an a priori causation model.

Measurements and Main Results:
A total of 111 patients accounted for 114 admissions. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis comprised 34% with idiopathic acute exacerbation (65%) being the most common admission type. Ninety-five percent were initiated on mandatory volume-control ventilation with only 50% achieving a low tidal volume strategy (plateau pressure ≤ 30 cm H2O) within 3 hours of intubation. Unadjusted clinical predictors of in-hospital mortality included age (unit odds ratio, 1.05; 1.01–1.10; p = 0.015), time from admission to intubation (hr) (unit odds ratio, 1.01; 1.01–1.03; p = 0.017), and use of paralytics (relative risk, 1.54; 1.26–1.90, p < 0.001). Adjusted mechanical ventilation-related predictors of in-hospital mortality included achieving early targeted plateau pressures (odds ratio, 0.23; 0.07–0.76; p = 0.016), Pao
2/Fio
2 ratio at 3 (unit odds ratio, 0.98; 0.96–0.99, p = 0.002) and 48 hours (unit odds ratio, 0.98; 0.97–0.99, p = 0.018), initial mean airway pressure (unit odds ratio, 1.13; 1.02–1.28, p = 0.019), and total net fluid status (mL) (unit odds ratio, 1.01; 1.001–1.02, p = 0.0001).

Conclusions:
Several factors predict in-hospital mortality in fibrotic interstitial lung disease-associated mechanical ventilation when viewed through an acute respiratory distress syndrome model. Further research is needed to refine strategies that may perhaps improve survival if mechanical ventilation is pursued in this set of patients.
Effects of Exercise-Based Interventions on Fall Risk and Balance in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Delbressine Jeannet M. , Vaes Anouk W. , Goërtz Yvonne M. , Sillen Maurice J. , Kawagoshi Atsuyoshi , Meijer Kenneth , Janssen Daisy J. A. , Spruit Martijn A. 
Published: April 2020

Purpose:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent disease characterized by airflow limitation and is associated with decreased balance and increased fall risk. Since falls are related to increased mortality, interventions targeting balance and fall risk could reduce morbidity and mortality. The objective of this review was to systematically assess the effects of exercise-based interventions on fall risk and balance in patients with COPD.

Methods:
PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CINAHL were screened for randomized controlled trails and within-group studies evaluating effects of exercise-based interventions on fall risk or balance in patients with COPD. Data were presented in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

Results:
Fifteen studies were identified, 6 randomized controlled trails and 9 within-group studies. All interventions reported positive effects on balance outcomes. No studies reported fall risk. Taking current recommendations of balance outcome measures in patients with COPD into account, pulmonary rehabilitation combined with balance training had the highest effect size. Nine papers had concerns regarding bias, mostly due to the lack of blinding outcome assessors.

Conclusions:
Exercise-based interventions have a positive effect on balance in patients with COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation with balance training seems to have the most beneficial effect on balance. The effects on fall risk, as well as the long-term intervention effects remain unclear. A standardized balance assessment and research on long-term effects and fall risk are recommended.
Comparison of femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery and conventional cataract surgery: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Kolb Carolin M. , Shajari Mehdi , Mathys Lisa , Herrmann Eva , Petermann Kerstin , Mayer Wolfgang J. , Priglinger Siegfried , Kohnen Thomas 
Published: April 2020

Purpose:
To compare the efficacy and safety of femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) with conventional cataract surgery (CCS).

Setting:
Department of Ophthalmology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Design:
Meta-analysis.

Methods:
PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were systematically searched for studies comparing FLACS and CCS. Outcomes were efficacy and safety parameters. The effect measures were weighted mean differences or odds ratios with 95% CIs.

Results:
A total of 73 studies (25 randomized controlled, 48 observational) were reviewed with a total of 12 769 eyes treated with FLACS and 12 274 eyes treated with CCS. In eyes treated with FLACS, uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities and spherical equivalent after 1 month to 3 months (P = .04, P = .005, and P = .007, respectively) were better, total and effective phacoemulsification times were shorter (P < .001 each), cumulative dissipated energy was less (P < .001), circularity was more accurate (P < .001), central corneal thickness after 1 day and 1 month to 3 months was less (P < .001 and P = .004, respectively), and endothelial cell loss after 3 to 6 weeks and 3 months was less (P = .002 and P < .001, respectively) compared with CCS. Anterior capsule ruptures occurred more often with FLACS. No significant differences among groups were found in visual acuity at 1 week and after 6 months or in posterior capsule rupture rates and endothelial cell loss after 6 months.

Conclusions:
Both FLACS and CCS are effective and safe. FLACS required less ultrasound energy and a more precise treatment. However, mid-term visual acuity did not show any difference between both methods.
Availability of Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening and Expedited Partner Therapy at Federally Qualified Health Centers in Michigan
Authors: Jamison Cornelius D. , Waselewski Marika , Kuznia Angela , Richardson Caroline R. , Mmeje Okeoma , Chang Tammy 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Via secret shopper study, we assessed: (1) availability of sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening; (2) provision of expedited partner therapy; and (3) wait times for new patient STI screening appointments at Michigan federally qualified health centers. Of the 147 clinics with STI screening availability, 10.2% (15) confirmed expedited partner therapy provision.
To Pool or Not to Pool Samples for Sexually Transmitted Infections Detection in Men Who Have Sex With Men? An Evaluation of a New Pooling Method Using the GeneXpert Instrument in West Africa
Authors: De Baetselier Irith , Vuylsteke Bea , Yaya Issifou , Dagnra Anoumou , Diandé Souba , Mensah Ephrem , Dah Elias , Anoma Camille , Koné Amadou , Fayé-Ketté Hortense , Yeo Alain , Dembélé Keita Bintou , Laurent Christian , Crucitti Tania 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) using preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, PrEP services should include regular screening forChlamydia trachomatis(CT) andNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) at urethra, anorectum, and pharynx. However, financial and logistic challenges arise in low-resource settings. We assessed a new STI sample pooling method using the GeneXpert instrument among MSM initiating PrEP in West Africa.MethodsUrine, anorectal, and pharyngeal samples were pooled per individual for analysis. In case of an invalid result only (strategy 1) or a positive result of the pool (strategy 2), samples were analyzed individually to identify the infection's biological location. The results of 2 different pooling strategies were compared against the individual results obtained by a criterion standard.ResultsWe found a prevalence of 14.5% for chlamydia and 11.5% for gonorrhea, with a predominance of infections being extragenital (77.6%). The majority of infections were asymptomatic (88.2%). The pooling strategy 1, had a sensitivity, specificity and agreement for CT of 95.4%, 98.7%, and 0.93, respectively; and 92.3%, 99.2%, and 0.93 for pooling strategy 2. For NG, these figures were 88.9%, 97.7%, and 0.85 for strategy 1, and 88.9%, 96.7%, and 0.81 for strategy 2.ConclusionsWest African MSM have a high prevalence of extragenital and asymptomatic STIs. The GeneXpert method provides an opportunity to move from syndromic toward etiological STI diagnosis in low-income countries, as the platform is available in African countries for tuberculosis testing. Pooling will reduce costs of triple site testing.
A Call to Restore Your Calling: Self-care of the Emergency Physician in the Face of Life-Changing Stress
Authors: Kazmierczak Magdalena , Albahri Afnan , Mull Colette C. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Whereas our last article focused on burnout in practicing pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians, this article centers on burnout in PEM fellows. Our discussion is based solely on trainee burnout literature. As graduates of pediatrics or emergency medicine residencies, PEM fellows are charged with achieving attending-level clinical expertise while continuing to cope with trainee challenges, such as limited practice autonomy, low pay, financial debt, and uncertain future employment. In this article, we discuss PEM fellow burnout and review risk and protective factors, presentation, and evidence-based interventions to mitigate it. In the absence of PEM fellow-specific literature, we share pediatrics and emergency medicine residency data.
This article is dedicated to the trainees we have lost to suicide. We miss you.
Estimating COVID-19 Prevalence in the United States: A Sample Selection Model Approach
Authors: Benatia David , Godefroy Raphael , Lewis Joshua 
Published: April 2020

SummaryBackgroundPublic health efforts to determine population infection rates from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been hampered by limitations in testing capabilities and the large shares of mild and asymptomatic cases. We developed a methodology that corrects observed positive test rates for non-random sampling to estimate population infection rates across U.S. states from March 31 to April 7.MethodsWe adapted a sample selection model that corrects for non-random testing to estimate population infection rates. The methodology compares how the observed positive case rate vary with changes in the size of the tested population, and applies this gradient to infer total population infection rates. Model identification requires that variation in testing rates be uncorrelated with changes in underlying disease prevalence. To this end, we relied on data on day-to-day changes in completed tests across U.S. states for the period March 31 to April 7, which were primarily influenced by immediate supply-side constraints. We used this methodology to construct predicted infection rates across each state over the sample period. We also assessed the sensitivity of the results to controls for state-specific daily trends in infection rates.ResultsThe median population infection rate over the period March 31 to April 7 was 0.9% (IQR 0.64 1.77). The three states with the highest prevalence over the sample period were New York (8.5%), New Jersey (7.6%), and Louisiana (6.7%). Estimates from mod-els that control for state-specific daily trends in infection rates were virtually identical to the baseline findings. The estimates imply a nationwide average of 12 population infections per diagnosed case. We found a negative bivariate relationship (corr. = -0.51) between total per capita state testing and the ratio of population infections per diagnosed case.InterpretationThe effectiveness of the public health response to the coronavirus pandemic will depend on timely information on infection rates across different regions. With increasingly available high frequency data on COVID-19 testing, our methodology could be used to estimate population infection rates for a range of countries and subnational districts. In the United States, we found widespread undiagnosed COVID-19 infection. Expansion of rapid diagnostic and serological testing will be critical in preventing recurrent unobserved community transmission and identifying the large numbers individuals who may have some level of viral immunity.FundingSocial Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Early analysis of the Australian COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Price David J , Shearer Freya M , Meehan Michael T , McBryde Emma , Moss Robert , Golding Nick , Conway Eamon J , Dawson Peter , Cromer Deborah , Wood James , Abbott Sam , McVernon Jodie , McCaw James M 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAs of 18 April 2020, there had been 6,533 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia [1]. Of these, 67 had died from the disease. The daily count of new confirmed cases was declining. This suggests that the collective actions of the Australian public and government authorities in response to COVID-19 were sufficiently early and assiduous to avert a public health crisis — for now. Analysing factors, such as the intensity and timing public health interventions, that contribute to individual country experiences of COVID-19 will assist in the next stage of response planning globally. Using data from the Australian national COVID-19 database, we describe how the epidemic and public health response unfolded in Australia up to 13 April 2020. We estimate that the effective reproduction number was likely below 1 (the threshold value for control) in each Australian state since mid-March and forecast that hospital ward and intensive care unit occupancy will remain below capacity thresholds over the next two weeks.
COVID-19 Control Strategies and Intervention Effects in Resource Limited Settings: A Modeling Study
Authors: Pandey Kiran Raj , Subedee Anup , Khanal Bishesh , Koirala Bhagawan 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundMany countries with weaker health systems are struggling to put together a coherent strategy against the COVID-19 epidemic. We explored COVID-19 control strategies that could offer the greatest benefit in resource limited settings.MethodsUsing an age-structured SEIR model, we explored the effects of COVID-19 control interventions--a lockdown, physical distancing measures, and active case finding (testing and isolation, contact tracing and quarantine)-- implemented individually and in combination to control a hypothetical COVID-19 epidemic in Kathmandu (population 2.6 million), Nepal.ResultsA month-long lockdown that is currently in place in Nepal will delay peak demand for hospital beds by 36 days, as compared to a base scenario of no interventions (peak demand at 108 days (Inter-Quartile Range IQR 97–119); a 2 month long lockdown will delay it by 74 days, without any difference in annual mortality, or healthcare demand volume. Year-long physical distancing measures will reduce peak demand to 36% (IQR 23%-46%) and annual morality to 67% (IQR 48%-77%) of base scenario. Following a month long lockdown with ongoing physical distancing measures and an active case finding intervention that detects 5% of the daily infection burden could reduce projected morality and peak demand by more than 99%.InterpretationLimited resources settings are best served by a combination of early and aggressive case finding with ongoing physical distancing measures to control the COVID-19 epidemic. A lockdown may be helpful until combination interventions can be put in place but is unlikely to reduce annual mortality or healthcare demand.
Sequential screening nominates the Parkinson’s disease associated kinase LRRK2 as a regulator of Clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Heaton George R. , Landeck Natalie , Mamais Adamantios , Nalls Mike A , Nixon-Abell Jonathon , Kumaran Ravindran , Beilina Alexandra , Pelligrini Laura , Li Yan ,   International Parkinson Disease Genomics Consortium (IPDGC), Harvey Kirsten , Cookson Mark R. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are an established cause of inherited Parkinson’s disease (PD). LRRK2 is expressed in both neurons and glia in the central nervous system, but its physiological function(s) in each of these cell types is uncertain. Through sequential screens, we report a functional interaction between LRRK2 and Clathrin adaptor protein complex 2 (AP2). Analysis of LRRK2 KO tissue revealed a significant dysregulation of AP2 complex components, suggesting LRRK2 may act upstream of AP2. In line with this hypothesis, expression of LRRK2 was found to modify recruitment and phosphorylation of AP2. Furthermore, expression of LRRK2 containing the R1441C pathogenic mutation resulted in impaired clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). A decrease in activity-dependent synaptic vesicle endocytosis was also observed in neurons harboring an endogenous R1441C LRRK2 mutation. AlongsideLRRK2, several PD-associated genes intersect with membrane-trafficking pathways. To investigate the genetic association between Clathrin-trafficking and PD, we used polygenetic risk profiling from IPDGC genome wide association studies (GWAS) datasets. Clathrin-dependent endocytosis genes were found to be associated with PD across multiple cohorts, suggesting common variants at these loci represent a cumulative risk factor for disease. Taken together, these findings suggest CME is a LRRK2-mediated, PD relevant pathway.
An engineered stable mini-protein to plug SARS-Cov-2 Spikes
Authors: Romano Maria , Ruggiero Alessia , Squeglia Flavia , Berisio Rita 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe novel betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological agent of the current pandemic COVID-19. Like other coronaviruses, this novel virus relies on the surface Spike glycoprotein to access the host cells, mainly through the interaction of its Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Therefore, molecular entities able to interfere with binding of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein to ACE2 have a great potential to inhibit viral entry. Starting from the available structural data on the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and the host ACE2 receptor, we here engineered a mini-protein with the aim of creating a soluble and stable Spike interactor. This mini-protein, which was recombinantly produced in high yields, possesses a stable α helical conformation and is able to interact with the RBD of glycosylated Spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 with nanomolar affinity, as measured by microscale thermophoresis. By plugging the Spike protein, our mini-protein constitutes a valid tool for the development of treatments against different types of coronavirus.
Chronostratigraphy of Jerzmanowician. New data from Koziarnia Cave, Poland
Authors: Kot Małgorzata , Krajcarz Maciej T. , Hoyo Magdalena Moskal-del , Gryczewska Natalia , Wojenka Michał , Pyżewicz Katarzyna , Sinet-Mathiot Virginie , Diakowski Marcin , Fedorowicz Stanisław , Gąsiorowski Michał , Marciszak Adrian , Mackiewicz Paweł 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLincombian-Ranisian-Jerzmanowician (LRJ) sites are sparse, and Koziarnia Cave in Poland is one of only few such sites situated at the eastern fringe of LRJ. The aim of the recent study was to obtain new chronostratigraphic data for the LRJ industries due to their extreme scarcity in Central Europe. Although the new fieldworks did not bring newfossil directeursuch as bifacial leafpoints, a detail debitage analysis enabled identifying a presence of the ventral thinning chips in layer D, which could be identified as the LRJ assemblage-containing stratum. Besides the LRJ assemblage, strata with traces of Late Middle Palaeolithic and Early Gravettian occupation were found at the site. The radiocarbon dates of Koziarnia samples show that the archaeological settlement represent one of the oldest Gravettian stays north to Carpathians. What is more, these dates demonstrate that the cave had been alternately occupied by humans and cave bears. Additionally the radiocarbon dates indicate rather young chronology of the Jerzmanowician occupation in Koziarnia Cave (c.a. 39-36 ky cal. BP). The results confirm the possibility of long chronology of the LRJ technocomplex, exceeding the Campanian Ignimbrite event.