bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of the lateral and posterolateral trajectories for fixation of the sacroiliac joint—a cadaveric study
Authors: Payne Christopher , Jaffee Stephen , Swink Isaac , Cook Daniel , Yeager Matthew , Oh Michael , Schmidt Gary , Lindsey Derek P. , Yerby Scott A. , Cheng Boyle 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
A number of minimally invasive sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion solutions for placing implants exist, with reduced post-operative pain and improved outcomes compared to open procedures. The objective of this study was to compare two MIS SI joint fusion approaches that place implants directly across the joint by comparing the ilium and sacrum bone characteristics and SI joint separation along the implant trajectories.

Methods
Nine cadaveric specimens (n = 9) were CT scanned and the left and right ilium and sacrum were segmented. The bone density, bone volume fraction, and SI joint gap distance were calculated along lateral and posterolateral trajectories and compared using analysis of variance between the two orientations.

Results
Iliac bone density, indicated by the mean Hounsfield Unit, was significantly greater for each lateral trajectory compared to posterolateral. The volume of cortical bone in the ilium was greater for the middle lateral trajectory compared to all others and for the top and bottom lateral trajectories compared to both posterolateral trajectories. Cortical density was greater in the ilium for all lateral trajectories compared to posterolateral. The bone fraction was significantly greater in all lateral trajectories compared to posterolateral in the ilium. No differences in cortical volume, cortical density, or cancellous density were found between trajectories in the sacrum. The ilium was significantly greater in density compared with the sacrum when compared irrespective of trajectory (p < 0.001). The posterolateral trajectories had a significantly larger SI joint gap than the lateral trajectories (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Use of the lateral approach for minimally invasive SI fusion allows the implant to interact with bone across a significantly smaller joint space. This interaction with increased cortical bone volume and density may afford better fixation with a lower risk of pull-out or implant loosening when compared to the posterolateral approach.
Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) versus open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the treatment of distal fibula Danis-Weber types B and C fractures
Authors: Marazzi Cesare , Wittauer Matthias , Hirschmann Michael T. , Testa Enrique A. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) has been reported to be superior to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the treatment of different long bone fractures. Nevertheless, in distal fibula fractures, the evidence of MIPO remains scarce. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of the minimally invasive techniques applied to the distal fibula with open reduction and internal fixation within a 12 months follow-up.

Methods
A consecutive series of patients who underwent surgery using either ORIF or MIPO for the treatment of distal fibula fractures between 2010 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All distal fibular fractures requiring an operative treatment (Danis-Weber type B ≙ AO type 44 B1, 2, 3 and Danis-Weber type C ≙ AO type 44 C1, 2) were included (ORIF n = 35, MIPO n = 35). Patients were assessed for postoperative pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain (ranging from 0 to 10) and classified into 4 groups: “no pain” for VAS = 0, “low” for VAS = 1–3, “moderate” for VAS = 3–5, and “severe” for VAS = 5–10. In addition, complications of postoperative fracture-related infection, wound healing disorders, vascular and nerve injury and development of nonunion were evaluated and analyzed. Radiologic outcome measures assessing the talocrural angle, lateral and medial clear space, tibiofibular overlap, and talar tilt angle were evaluated postoperatively.

Results
The overall complication rate showed to be lower in the MIPO group compared to the ORIF group (14% vs. 37%, p = 0.029). Even though not statistically significant, specific surgery-related complications such as skin necrosis (3% vs. 9%, p = 0.275), nonunion (0% vs. 6%, p = 0.139), infections and wound healing disorders (9% vs. 20%, p = 0.141), as well as postoperative pain (17% vs. 26%, p = 0.5) were found more frequently in the ORIF group. The tibiofibular overlap demonstrated to be significantly lower in the ORIF group (3.3 mm vs. 2.7 mm, p = 0.033). The talocrural angle, talar tilt angle, and lateral and medial clear space showed to be equivalent in both groups.

Conclusion
In this retrospective single-center consecutive series, MIPO was superior to ORIF in the surgical treatment of distal fibula fractures with respect to the overall complication rate.

Trial registration
EKNZ Project-ID: 2019-02310, registered on the 20th of December 2019 with swissethics
A rapid, high-volume cervical screening project using self-sampling and isothermal PCR HPV testing
Authors: Goldstein Andrew , Lei Yang , Goldstein Lena , Goldstein Amelia , Bai Qiao Xu , Felix Juan , Lipson Roberta , Demarco Maria , Schiffman Mark , Egemen Didem , Desai Kanan T. , Bedell Sarah , Gersten Janet , Goldstein Gail , O’Keefe Karen , O’Keefe Casey , O’Keefe Tierney , Sebag Cathy , Lobel Lior , Zhao Anna , Lu Yan Ling 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective
Rapid, high-volume screening programs are needed as part of cervical cancer prevention in China.

Methods
In a 5-day screening project in Inner Mongolia, 3345 women volunteered following a community awareness campaign, and self-swabbed to permit rapid HPV testing. Two AmpFire™ HPV detection systems (Atila Biosystems) were sufficient to provide pooled 15-HPV type data within an hour. HPV+ patients had same-day digital colposcopy (DC) performed by 1 of 6 physicians, using the EVA™ system (MobileODT). Digital images were obtained and, after biopsy of suspected lesions for later confirmatory diagnosis, women were treated immediately based on colposcopic impression. Suspected low- grade lesions were offered treatment with thermal ablation (Wisap), and suspected high-grade lesions were treated with LLETZ.

Results
Of 3345 women screened, 624 (18.7%) were HPV+. Of these, 88.5% HPV+ women underwent same-day colposcopy and 78 were treated. Later consensus histology results obtained on 197 women indicated 20 CIN2+, of whom 15 were detected and treated/referred at screening (10 by thermal ablation, 4 by LLETZ, 1 by referral).

Conclusions
Global control of cervical cancer will require both vaccination and screening of a huge number of women. This study illustrates a cervical screening strategy that can be used to screen-and-treat large numbers of women. HPV self-sampling facilitates high-volume screening. Specimens can be tested rapidly, promoting minimal loss-to-follow-up. Specifically, the AmpFire™ system used in this study is highly portable, simple, rapid (92 specimens per 65 min per unit), and economical. Visual triage can be performed on HPV+ women with a portable digital colposcope that provides magnification, lighting, and a recorded image. Diagnosis and appropriate treatment remain the most subjective elements. The digital image is under study for deep-learning based automated evaluation that could assist the management decision, either by itself or combined with HPV typing.
A call for collaboration and consensus on training for endotracheal intubation in the medical intensive care unit
Authors: Brown Wade , Santhosh Lekshmi , Brady Anna K. , Denson Joshua L. , Niroula Abesh , Pugh Meredith E. , Self Wesley H. , Joffe Aaron M. , O’Neal Maynord P. , Carlos W. Graham 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEndotracheal intubation (EI) is a potentially lifesaving but high-risk procedure in critically ill patients. While the ACGME mandates that trainees in pulmonary and critical care medicine (PCCM) achieve competence in this procedure, there is wide variation in EI training across the USA. One study suggests that 40% of the US PCCM trainees feel they would not be proficient in EI upon graduation. This article presents a review of the EI training literature; the recommendations of a national group of PCCM, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and pediatric experts; and a call for further research, collaboration, and consensus guidelines.
Respiratory support in COPD patients after acute exacerbation with monitoring the quality of support (Rescue2-monitor): an open-label, prospective randomized, controlled, superiority clinical trial comparing hospital- versus home-based acute non-invasive ventilation for patients with hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors:   On behalf of the Rescue2-monitor group, Gonzalez-Bermejo J. , Hajage D. , Durand-Zaleski I. , Arnal J. M. , Cuvelier A. , Grassion L. , Jaffre S. , Lamia B. , Pontier S. , Prigent A. , Rabec C. , Raherison-Semjen C. , Saint Raymond C. , Soler J. , Trzepizur W. , Winck J. C. , Aguiar M. , Chaves H. , Conde B. , Guimarães M. J. , Lopes P. , Mineiro A. , Moreira S. , Pamplona P. , Rodrigues C. M. , Sousa S. , Antón A. , Córdoba-Izquierdo A. , Embid C. , Esteban González C. , Ezzine F. , Garcia P. , González M. , Guerassimova I. , López D. , Lujan M. , Martí Beltran S. , Martinez J. M. , Masa F. , Pascual N. , Peñacoba N. , Resano P. , Rey L. , Rodríguez Jerez F. , Roncero A. , Sancho Chinesta Je. , Sayas Catalán Ja 
Published: October 2020

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is expected to be the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide by 2020. Despite improvements in survival by using acute non-invasive ventilation (NIV) to treat patients with exacerbations of COPD complicated by acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF), these patients are at high risk of readmission and further life-threatening events, including death. Recent studies suggested that NIV at home can reduce readmissions, but in a small proportion of patients, and with a high level of expertise. Other studies, however, do not show any benefit of home NIV. This could be related to the fact that respiratory failure in patients with stable COPD and their response to mechanical ventilation are influenced by several pathophysiological factors which frequently coexist in the same patient to varying degrees. These pathophysiological factors might influence the success of home NIV in stable COPD, thus long-term NIV specifically adapted to a patient’s “phenotype” is likely to improve prognosis, reduce readmission to hospital, and prevent death. In view of this conundrum, Rescue2-monitor (R2M), an open-label, prospective randomized, controlled study performed in patients with hypercapnic COPD post-AHRF, will investigate the impact of the quality of nocturnal NIV on the readmission-free survival. The primary objective is to show that any of 3 home NIV strategies (“rescue,” “non-targeted,” and “targeted”) will improve readmission-free survival in comparison to no-home NIV. The “targeted” group of patients will receive a treatment with personalized (targeted) ventilation settings and extensive monitoring. Furthermore, the influence of comorbidities typical for COPD patients, such as cardiac insufficiency, OSA, or associated asthma, on ventilation outcomes will be taken into consideration and reasons for non-inclusion of patients will be recorded in order to evaluate the percentage of ventilated COPD patients that are screening failures. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03890224. Registered on March 26, 2019.
Empirical evidence of disease activity thresholds used to indicate need for major therapeutic change in US veterans with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sauer Brian C. , Chen Wei , Xu Yizhe , Shen Jincheng , Accortt Neil A. , Collier David H. , Cannon Grant W. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
A previous analysis of the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) registry showed that more than half of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) did not receive a major therapeutic change (MTC) despite moderate or severe disease activity. We aimed to empirically determine disease activity thresholds associated with a decision by rheumatologists and nurse practitioners to institute a MTC in patients with RA and to report the impact of that change on RA disease activity.

Methods
We analyzed data from the VARA registry between January 1, 2006, and September 30, 2017. Eligible patients had a visit with 3 disease activity measures (DAMs) recorded: Disease Activity Score for 28 joints (DAS28), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3). The Youden Index was used to identify disease activity thresholds that best discriminated rheumatologist/nurse practitioner decision to initiate MTC. Clinical outcome was 20% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR20 response). The effect of MTC on ACR20 response was presented as crude descriptive statistics and evaluated using G-computation for marginal and conditional effects with established disease activity level combined with an empirical threshold from Youden analysis.

Results
The study population comprised 1776 patients (12,094 visits: 3077 with MTC, 9017 without MTC). Empirical thresholds (95% bootstrap confidence interval with 1000 replications) for MTC were 4.03 (3.70–4.36) for DAS28, 12.9 (10.4–15.4) for CDAI, and 3.81 (3.32–4.30) for RAPID3. Visits with MTC had increased likelihood of ACR20 response: risk ratios for ACR20 response for visits with MTC vs without MTC ranged 1.2–2.6 across DAMs; risk differences ranged 0.2–14.5%.

Conclusions
MTC was associated with clinical improvement across all DAMs with the greatest change in patients with RA disease activity above the Youden threshold identified in this work.

Trial registration
VARA Registry, https://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/research/abstracts.cfm?Project_ID=2141698764
Weight loss is associated with sustained improvement of disease activity and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriatic arthritis and obesity: a prospective intervention study with two years of follow-up
Authors: Klingberg Eva , Björkman Sofia , Eliasson Björn , Larsson Ingrid , Bilberg Annelie 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundObesity is overrepresented in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and associated with increased disease activity. We have previously shown in 41 patients with PsA (Caspar criteria) and obesity (body mass index; BMI ≥33 kg/m2) that weight loss treatment with Very Low Energy Liquid Diet (VLED), 640 kcal/day during 12–16 weeks, followed by a structured reintroduction of an energy restricted diet resulted in a median weight loss of 18.6% and concomitantly a significant improvement of the disease activity in joints, entheses and skin.The objectives of this follow-up were to study the effects of the weight loss treatment on disease activity in longer term (12 and 24 months) and to study the effects on cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsThe patients were assessed with 66/68 joints count, Leeds enthesitis index (LEI), body surface area, blood pressure, BMI, questionnaires and fasting blood samples at the 12- and 24-month visits.ResultsIn total, 39 and 35 PsA patients attended the 12- and the 24-month visits, respectively. Median weight loss since baseline was 16.0% (IQR 10.5–22.4) and 7.4% (IQR 5.1–14.0) at the 12- and 24-months follow-up. The 66/68 swollen/tender joints score, LEI, CRP and HAQ score were still significantly reduced at the 12- and 24-month visits compared to baseline. The number of patients with Minimal Disease Activity increased from 28.2% (11/39) at baseline, to 38.5% (15/39;p = 0.008) and 45.7% (16/35;p = 0.016) at the 12- and 24-month visits.The weight loss was also associated with improved levels of serum lipids, glucose and urate and the antihypertensive treatment was reduced or stopped in five patients during the follow-up.ConclusionsWeight loss treatment, with VLED included in the program, was associated with long-term improvement of measures of disease activity, self-reported function and markers of the metabolic syndrome after 24-months follow-up.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT02917434, Registered September 28, 2016- Retrospectively registered.
Isolation of Arcobacter spp. and identification of isolates by multiplex PCR from various domestic poultry and wild avian species
Authors: Çelik Elif , Otlu Salih 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present study was to determine the extent and seasonal prevalence of Arcobacter spp. in domestic poultry and wild birds in the Kars region of Turkey using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m-PCR).

Methods
In this study, 1570 samples were collected from domestic poultry and wild avian species. The numbers of collected samples were as follows: 182 fecal samples from chickens, geese, and turkeys from family farms in the Kars region in Turkey; 1089 cloacal swab samples from chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, and quails from family farms in this region; and 299 fecal samples from wild pigeons, crows, and owls in the same region.

Results
Arcobacter spp. were isolated from 17.43%, 35.77%, 3.63%, 6.87%, and 3.33% of the cloacal swab samples obtained from geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys, and quails, respectively. In the stool samples, Arcobacter spp. were isolated from 9.62%, 13.33%, and 4% of chicken, goose, and turkey samples, respectively. In wild birds, the isolation rates of Arcobacter spp. were 6.6%, 12.15%, and 0% in pigeons, crows, and owls, respectively. Using m-PCR, among 171 Arcobacter spp. isolates obtained from poultry and wild birds, 67, 78, 24, and 2 were identified as Arcobacter cryaerophilus, Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter skirrowii, and Arcobacter cibarius, respectively.

Conclusions
Both poultry and wild avian species exhibited variable rates of Arcobacter species positivity. The presence of Arcobacter spp. in the digestive tracts of healthy poultry and wild birds may serve as a potential reservoir for the dissemination of these microbes in the environment and their transmission to other animals and humans.
FPGA-embedded Linearized Bregman Iteration algorithm for trend break detection
Authors: Calliari Felipe , Castro do Amaral Gustavo , Lunglmayr Michael 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDetection of level shifts in a noisy signal, or trend break detection, is a problem that appears in several research fields, from biophysics to optics and economics. Although many algorithms have been developed to deal with such a problem, accurate and low-complexity trend break detection is still an active topic of research. The Linearized Bregman Iterations have been recently presented as a low-complexity and computationally efficient algorithm to tackle this problem, with a formidable structure that could benefit immensely from hardware implementation. In this work, a hardware architecture of the Linearized Bregman Iteration algorithm is presented and tested on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The hardware is synthesized in different-sized FPGAs, and the percentage of used hardware, as well as the maximum frequency enabled by the design, indicate that an approximately 100 gain factor in processing time, concerning the software implementation, can be achieved. This represents a tremendous advantage in using a dedicated unit for trend break detection applications. The proposed architecture is compared with a state-of-the-art hardware structure for sparse estimation, and the results indicate that its performance concerning trend break detection is much more pronounced while, at the same time, being the indicated solution for long datasets.
Quantification and correlates of tuberculosis stigma along the tuberculosis testing and treatment cascades in South Africa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bresenham Dana , Kipp Aaron M. , Medina-Marino Andrew 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
South Africa has one of the world’s worst tuberculosis (TB) (520 per 100 000 population) and TB-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics (~ 56% TB/HIV co-infected). While individual- and system-level factors influencing progression along the TB cascade have been identified, the impact of stigma is underexplored and underappreciated. We conducted an exploratory study to 1) describe differences in perceived community-level TB stigma among community members, TB presumptives, and TB patients, and 2) identify factors associated with TB stigma levels among these groups.

Methods
A cross sectional study was conducted in November 2017 at public health care facilities in Buffalo City Metro (BCM) and Zululand health districts, South Africa. Community members, TB presumptives, and TB patients were recruited. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, TB knowledge, health and clinical history, social support, and both HIV and TB stigma. A validated scale assessing perceived community TB stigma was used. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to describe differences in perceived community TB stigma by participant type and to identify factors associated with TB stigma.

Results
We enrolled 397 participants. On a scale of zero to 24, the mean stigma score for TB presumptives (14.7 ± 4.4) was statistically higher than community members (13.6 ± 4.8) and TB patients (13.3 ± 5.1). Community members from Zululand (β = 5.73; 95% CI 2.19, 9.72) had higher TB stigma compared to those from BCM. Previously having TB (β = − 2.19; 95% CI − 4.37, 0.0064) was associated with reduced TB stigma among community members. Understanding the relationship between HIV and TB disease (β = 2.48; 95% CI 0.020, 4.94), and having low social support (β = − 0.077; 95% CI − 0.14, 0.010) were associated with increased TB stigma among TB presumptives. Among TB Patients, identifying as Black African (β = − 2.90; 95% CI − 4.74, − 1.04) and knowing the correct causes of TB (β = − 2.93; 95% CI − 4.92, − 0.94) were associated with decreased TB stigma, while understanding the relationship between HIV and TB disease (β = 2.48; 95% CI 1.05, 3.90) and higher HIV stigma (β = 0.32; 95% CI 0.21, 0.42) were associated with increased TB stigma.

Conclusions
TB stigma interventions should be developed for TB presumptives, as stigma may increase initial-loss-to-follow up. Given that stigma may be driven by numerous factors throughout the TB cascade, adaptive stigma reduction interventions may be required.