bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technical Tips for Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy: A Three‐step Maneuver for Puncture and Early Clinical Experience
Authors: Wang Rui , Liang Ze Yan , Chen Xin Yao , Chen Chun Mei 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) with three‐step maneuver for puncture (TSMP) for lumbar herniated disc (LDH).MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 30 patients who underwent PTED using TSMP for LDH and met inclusion criteria from January 2018 to September 2018. The primary outcome, leg or back pain, was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patient surgical satisfaction was measured at 12 months post surgery using a five‐point Likert scale. Potential prognostic factors measured were demographic characteristics, duration of symptom (DOS), and involved levels. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test and t‐test. TSMP is a three‐step maneuver that builds on the concept of needle puncture site and trajectory determination based on the principles of Kambin's triangle. First, accurate direction of the puncture is confirmed by inserting the needle horizontally. Then by gradually raising the needle tail in the manner described, the superior articular facet and the intervertebral foramen are sequentially located. Finally, the needle tip slides into the intervertebral foramen to reach the target superior articular facet.ResultsPreoperative mean VAS was 7.6 ± 1.19, which decreased to 1.4 ± 0.97 at 12 months following treatment (P < 0.0001). Rates of surgical satisfaction per Likert scale were as follows: very satisfied and satisfied in 26 patients (86.7%). Three recurrent disc herniations of adjacent segmental levels were observed in the L5‐S1 group at eight and 12 months after surgery. VAS scores at 12 months varied significantly between L4‐L5 level surgery and L5‐S1 level surgery groups (P < 0.01).ConclusionTSMP is a reliable technique for puncture into the intervertebral foramen.
Motor outcomes in young children pre‐and one‐year post‐liver transplant
Authors: Patterson Catherine , So Stephanie , Rogers Alaine , Ng Vicky L. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundMotor skill acquisition plays an important role in physical activity participation and overall social and physical health. Limited studies have examined motor development in children pre‐and post‐liver transplant (LT).MethodsRetrospective review of motor outcomes in children <6 years old with cholestatic liver disease assessed pre‐and 1‐year post‐isolated LT. Measures include Alberta Infant Motor Scale and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (gross motor quotient (GMQ), fine motor quotient (FMQ), and total motor quotient (TMQ)). Association of medical variables with motor outcomes was explored.ResultsParticipants included 33 (58% male) children with diagnoses of biliary atresia (70%), Alagille syndrome (21%), and others (9%). Median age at LT was 10 (IQR 7.0–20.5) months. Pre‐LT >75% of children were at risk for motor delay (≤10th percentile on AIMS/ ≥1SD below mean GMQ). Post‐LT, 52% scored ≥1 SD below the mean GMQ compared with 22% FMQ. Children at risk/delayed pre‐LT had an increased risk of motor delay on GMQ post‐LT (odds ratio 11.43, 95% CI 1.12–116.7, p = .017). Higher INR pre‐LT correlated with lower TMQ post‐LT (r = −.51, p = .003). Longer waitlist time correlated with lower FMQ post‐LT (r = .41, p = .03). GMQ post‐LT and height z‐scores pre‐LT (r = .46, p = .02) and post‐LT (r = .45, p < .01) were positively correlated. There was no correlation with presence of ascites, weight z‐score, length of hospitalization, and age at LT.ConclusionsYoung children have increased risk of motor delay pre‐LT, which may persist post‐LT. Severity of liver disease and growth delays may impact motor development, highlighting the need for ongoing rehabilitation pre‐ and post‐LT.
Comparative analysis of three methods in anti‐dsDNA antibodies detection: implications for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus diagnosis
Authors: Cuomo Laura , Vitillo Marina , Della Rocca Massimiliano , Trivedi Pankaj 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe evaluation of anti‐dsDNA antibodies represents one of the essential diagnostic and prognostic marker features in patients affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we have compared immunoblotting (IB) with Crithidia luciliae indirect immunofluorescence test (CLIFT) and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) in 91 patients referred to our hospital for anti‐dsDNA antibodies detection. The concordance and correlation measured by Cohen's kappa and Spearman's coefficient respectively was significant between CLIFT and CLIA (0.70; 0,7404, P < .0001) and among CLIA and IB (0.79; 0,5377, P < 0,0001) and lower between CLIFT and IB (0.55; 0,4373, P <0,0001). Among the 46 IB‐positive samples, 14 were positive for either CLIA or CLIFT. It is noteworthy that 11 out of these 14 samples had the final diagnosis of SLE. Thirteen out of fourteen samples were also positive for anti‐nucleosome antibodies as measured concomitantly in immunoblotting. While our observations are based on a limited number of samples and will have to be confirmed in a bigger cohort, they underline the contribution of immunoblotting as an additional assay in defining the anti‐dsDNA antibody profile in association with other well‐established methods such as CLIA and CLIFT.
Importation of plasma and use of apheresis platelets as risk reduction measures for variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease: The SaBTO review
Authors: Thomas Stephen , Katz Matthew , Slowther Anne‐Marie , Coelho Emily , Mallinson Gary ,   Paediatric Components Working Group of the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs
Published: December 2021

AbstractFollowing recognition that blood, blood components, tissues and organs donated by infected donors could transmit infectious prions causing variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob Disease (vCJD), several risk reduction measures were introduced in the UK. The Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) established a working group to review the measures in place. Factors considered included: ethical issues around the current provisions and potential changes; operational issues for blood establishments and hospitals; a review from the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) showing the downward trend in the estimated number of future cases of vCJD; and cost‐effectiveness. The working group recommended that the current vCJD risk reduction measures for individuals born after 1995 or with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) could be withdrawn. After consultation with stakeholders, SaBTO accepted these proposals which allow more equal provision of components, less operational complexity and risk, and more resources to be deployed elsewhere in the NHS. The potential saving on plasma will be £500 m and moving to using pooled platelets in additive solution for all recipients will bring potential savings of £280 m over the next 50 to 60 years. There could be small number of additional clinical cases of vCJD: 1–2 (<1–14; 95% CI) from plasma and 3–4 (<1 to 45; 95% CI) from platelets. Local and national guidelines will still be applied for managing individual conditions. UK Ministers for Health accepted SaBTO's recommendations on 9 Sept 2019 and implementation began immediately. This paper describes the review and rationale leading to these recommendations.
Stability of healthcare quality measures for maternal and child services: Analysis of the continuous service provision assessment of health facilities in Senegal, 2012–2018
Authors: Leslie Hannah H. , Hategeka Celestin , Ndour Papa Ibrahima , Nimako Kojo , Dieng Mamadou , Diallo Abdoulaye , Ndiaye Youssoupha 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveHigh‐quality healthcare is essential to ensuring maternal and newborn survival. Efficient measurement requires knowing how long measures of quality provide consistent insight for intended uses.MethodsWe used a repeated health facility assessment in Senegal to calculate structural and process quality of antenatal care (ANC), delivery and child health services in facilities assessed 2 years apart. We tested agreement of quality measures within facilities and regions. We estimated how much input‐adjusted and process quality‐adjusted coverage measures changed for each service when calculated using quality measurements from the same facilities measured 2 years apart.ResultsOver 6 waves of continuous surveys, 628 paired assessments were completed. Changes at the facility level were substantial and often positive, but inconsistent. Structural quality measures were moderately correlated (0.40–0.69) within facilities over time, more so in hospitals; correlation was <0.20 for process measures based on direct observation of ANC and child visits. Most measures were more strongly correlated once averaged to regions; process quality of child services was not (−0.32). Median relative difference in national‐adjusted coverage estimates was 6.0%; differences in subnational estimates were largest for process quality of child services (19.6%).ConclusionContinuous measures of structural quality demonstrated consistency at regional levels and in higher level facilities over 2 years; results for process measures were mixed. Direct observation of child visits provided inconsistent measures over time. For other measures, linking population data with health facility assessments from up to 2 years prior is likely to introduce modest measurement error in adjusted coverage estimates.
Quality of life assessment in patients on chronic dialysis: Comparison between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis at a national hospital in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Phuong Que , Nguyen Nhi Truc Y , Nguyen Bach , Bui Quynh Thi Huong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectivesEnd‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is a chronic disease that can adversely affect the patient's quality of life (QoL) in terms of functional limitation and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with QoL in patients with ESRD undergoing dialysis at a national hospital in Vietnam.MethodsA descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted among outpatients aged ≥18 years who underwent haemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) for at least 3 months at Thong Nhat Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from May 2020 to July 2021. QoL was measured using the validated Vietnamese version of the EuroQol‐5 Dimensional‐5 Level (EQ‐5D‐5L). The factors associated with the QoL of patients with ESRD undergoing dialysis were identified using multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsIn total, 131 (73.6%) and 47 (26.4%) patients underwent HD and PD, respectively. Overall, 178 (55.6%) patients were men (median age, 66 [56–79] years). The mean EQ‐5D‐5L score was significantly higher in patients undergoing PD than in those undergoing HD (0.848 ± 0.183 vs. 0.766 ± 0.231; p = 0.030). Older age (β = −0.006; p < 0.001) and peptic ulcer disease (β = −0.083; p = 0.029) were associated with lower QoL scores. PD treatment was associated with higher QoL scores (β = 0.065; p = 0.046).ConclusionsIt is necessary to improve the QoL of patients undergoing dialysis, especially of elderly patients and patients with peptic ulcer disease. PD may be a better method for maintenance dialysis, if applicable, in terms of QoL.
Use of esmolol for control of tachycardia in 28 dogs and cats (2003–2020)
Authors: Verschoor‐Kirss Michael , Rozanski Elizabeth , Rush John E. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the indications and clinical response for dogs and cats treated with esmolol.DesignRetrospective case series from 2003 to 2020.SettingSingle university veterinary teaching hospital.AnimalsTwenty‐two dogs and 6 cats.InterventionsAnimals received either a bolus or bolus and continuous rate infusion of the ultrashort‐acting beta receptor antagonist, esmolol.Measurements and Main ResultsTwenty‐two animals were treated for either a supraventricular or sinus tachycardia, 5 were treated for a ventricular tachycardia, and 1 was treated for atrial fibrillation. Esmolol was most frequently used in dogs (N = 9) who had ingested a toxin such as albuterol, amphetamine, or chocolate. Esmolol was administered at median bolus dose of 330 µg/kg (range 10–1000 µg/kg) and continued as a continuous rate infusion in 15 animals at a median dose of 50 µg/kg/min. Defining success as a reduction in heart rate of 20% or greater, esmolol therapy was considered successful in 13 of 28 animals (46%). Animals treated for a toxicosis were more likely to have a successful rate reduction than those treated for other causes (P = 0.006). Nineteen animals survived to discharge. Both treatment success (P = 0.046) and treatment for a toxicosis (P = 0.003) were associated with survival.ConclusionsEsmolol administration was well tolerated by dogs and cats with tachycardia due to intoxication. Heart rate reduction by at least 20% was achieved in 46% of cases. Animals with toxin ingestion were more likely to be discharged from the hospital.
Ecological Adaptive Cruise Control of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle With Connected Infrastructure and On-Road Experiments
Authors: Bae Sangjae , Kim Yeojun , Choi Yongkeun , Guanetti Jacopo , Gill Preet , Borrelli Francesco , Moura Scott J. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This paper examines both mathematical formulation and practical implementation of an ecological adaptive cruise controller (ECO-ACC) with connected infrastructure. Human errors are typical sources of accidents in urban driving, which can be remedied by rigorous control theories. Designing an ECO-ACC is, therefore, a classical research problem to improve safety and energy efficiency. We add two main contributions to the literature. First, we propose a mathematical framework of an online ECO-ACC for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Second, we demonstrate ECO-ACC in a real world, which includes other human drivers and uncertain traffic signals on a 2.6 (km) length of the corridor with eight signalized intersections in Southern California. The demonstration results show, on average, 30.98% of energy efficiency improvement and 8.51% additional travel time.
Flexural strike-slip basins
Authors: Neuharth Derek , Brune Sascha , Glerum Anne , Morley Chris K. , Yuan Xiaoping , Braun Jean 
Published: December 2021

AbstractStrike-slip faults are classically associated with pull-apart basins where continental crust is thinned between two laterally offset fault segments. We propose a subsidence mechanism to explain the formation of a new type of basin where no substantial segment offset or syn-strike-slip thinning is observed. Such “flexural strike-slip basins” form due to a sediment load creating accommodation space by bending the lithosphere. We use a two-way coupling between the geodynamic code ASPECT and surface-processes code FastScape to show that flexural strike-slip basins emerge if sediment is deposited on thin lithosphere close to a strike-slip fault. These conditions were met at the Andaman Basin Central fault (Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean), where seismic reflection data provide evidence of a laterally extensive flexural basin with a depocenter located parallel to the strike-slip fault trace.
Characteristics and morphology of lipohypertrophic lesions in adults with type 1 diabetes with ultrasound screening: an exploratory observational study
Authors: Hashem Rabab , Mulnier Henrietta , Abu Ghazaleh Haya , Halson-Brown Susan , Duaso Maria , Rogers Rebecca , Karalliedde Janaka , Forbes Angus 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionLipohypertrophy is a common complication of exposure to insulin therapy. Despite the prevalence of lipohypertrophy and its potentially hazardous effects on glucose regulation, it remains a relatively understudied problem in diabetes. The objective of this study was to characterize lipohypertrophic tissue using ultrasound in adults with type 1 diabetes.Research design and methodsAn observational study of 74 people with type 1 diabetes from a diabetes center in South East London. Participants’ insulin exposed areas were scanned with ultrasound, with a high-frequency linear probe (6–13 MHz). The observed tissue changes were described, measured and graded according to nodule size and thickness of the dermal layer.ResultsParticipants mean age and diabetes duration were 40.6 (±14.2) and 18.3 (±10.9) years, respectively, and 60% (n=44) were male. A total of 740 lipohypertrophic nodules were observed, ranging from 1.8 mm to 40 mm in width. The mean (SD/range) number of nodules per participants was 10.4 (±6.2/1–29). Delineation between the dermal layers was disrupted in all current injection sites. In 52 participants (70%), there was a 30% increase in dermal thickness compared with local none injected tissue, and in 36 participants (48%) the increase was 50%. The level of thickness was >3 mm in the abdominal areas of 22 (40%) of these participants and in thighs of eight participants (17.8%). Hypoechogenic areas suggestive of necrotic tissue were observed within the lipohypertrophic nodules of 22 (30%) participants. Needle length and nodule depth were correlated (r=0.69, p<0.001). A conceptual model of the insulin exposed tissue changes observed was constructed.ConclusionsThe study confirms that insulin-exposed tissue changes are heterogenous and has provided conceptual and grading frameworks for classifying these changes. Further studies are required to establish the clinical implications of these classifications, in relation to glucose regulation and other clinical parameters.
Hypertension incidence among middle-aged and older adults: findings from a 5-year prospective study in rural South Africa, 2010–2015
Authors: Houle Brian , Gaziano Thomas A , Angotti Nicole , Mojola Sanyu A , Kabudula Chodziwadziwa W , Tollman Stephen M , Gómez-Olivé F Xavier 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesThere is a scarcity of longitudinal cohort studies in sub-Saharan Africa to understand the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease as a basis for intervention. We estimated incident hypertension and associated sociodemographic, health and behavioural risk factors in a population aged 40 years and older over a 5-year period.DesignWe assessed the association between incident hypertension and sociodemographic, health and behavioural factors using Poisson regression. We adjusted for non-response in 2015 using inverse probability sampling weights from a logistic regression including sex and age at baseline.SettingRural South Africa.ParticipantsWe used a population-based cohort of normotensive adults in 2010 who were aged 40 years and older at retest in 2015.ResultsOf 676 individuals completing baseline and 5-year follow-up, there were 193 incident cases of hypertension. The overall hypertension incidence rate was 8.374/100 person-years. In multivariable analyses, those who became hypertensive were more likely to be older, have a high waist circumference (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.557, 95% CI: 1.074 to 2.259) and be employed (IRR: 1.579, 95% CI: 1.071 to 2.329) at baseline. Being HIV positive and not on antiretroviral therapy at baseline was associated with lower risk of incident hypertension.ConclusionsOver a 5-year period, 29% of respondents developed hypertension. Given the high burden of hypertension in South Africa, continued longitudinal follow-up is needed to understand the complex interplay of non-communicable and infectious diseases and their underlying and modifiable risk factors to inform public health prevention strategies and programmes.
Do comprehensive deep learning algorithms suffer from hidden stratification? A retrospective study on pneumothorax detection in chest radiography
Authors: Seah Jarrel , Tang Cyril , Buchlak Quinlan D , Milne Michael Robert , Holt Xavier , Ahmad Hassan , Lambert John , Esmaili Nazanin , Oakden-Rayner Luke , Brotchie Peter , Jones Catherine M 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesTo evaluate the ability of a commercially available comprehensive chest radiography deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) to detect simple and tension pneumothorax, as stratified by the following subgroups: the presence of an intercostal drain; rib, clavicular, scapular or humeral fractures or rib resections; subcutaneous emphysema and erect versus non-erect positioning. The hypothesis was that performance would not differ significantly in each of these subgroups when compared with the overall test dataset.DesignA retrospective case–control study was undertaken.SettingCommunity radiology clinics and hospitals in Australia and the USA.ParticipantsA test dataset of 2557 chest radiography studies was ground-truthed by three subspecialty thoracic radiologists for the presence of simple or tension pneumothorax as well as each subgroup other than positioning. Radiograph positioning was derived from radiographer annotations on the images.Outcome measuresDCNN performance for detecting simple and tension pneumothorax was evaluated over the entire test set, as well as within each subgroup, using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). A difference in AUC of more than 0.05 was considered clinically significant.ResultsWhen compared with the overall test set, performance of the DCNN for detecting simple and tension pneumothorax was statistically non-inferior in all subgroups. The DCNN had an AUC of 0.981 (0.976–0.986) for detecting simple pneumothorax and 0.997 (0.995–0.999) for detecting tension pneumothorax.ConclusionsHidden stratification has significant implications for potential failures of deep learning when applied in clinical practice. This study demonstrated that a comprehensively trained DCNN can be resilient to hidden stratification in several clinically meaningful subgroups in detecting pneumothorax.
Effects of demolishing abandoned buildings on firearm violence: a moderation analysis using aerial imagery and deep learning
Authors: Jay Jonathan , de Jong Jorrit , Jimenez Marcia P , Nguyen Quynh , Goldstick Jason 
Published: December 2021

PurposeDemolishing abandoned buildings has been found to reduce nearby firearm violence. However, these effects might vary within cities and across time scales. We aimed to identify potential moderators of the effects of demolitions on firearm violence using a novel approach that combined machine learning and aerial imagery.MethodsOutcomes were annual counts of fatal and non-fatal shootings in Rochester, New York, from 2000 to 2020. Treatment was demolitions conducted from 2009 to 2019. Units of analysis were 152×152 m grid squares. We used a difference-in-differences approach to test effects: (A) the year after each demolition and (B) as demolitions accumulated over time. As moderators, we used a built environment typology generated by extracting information from aerial imagery using convolutional neural networks, a deep learning approach, combined withk-means clustering. We stratified our main models by built environment cluster to test for moderation.ResultsOne demolition was associated with a 14% shootings reduction (incident rate ratio (IRR)=0.86, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.90, p<0.001) the following year. Demolitions were also associated with a long-term, 2% reduction in shootings per year for each cumulative demolition (IRR=0.98, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.00, p=0.02). In the stratified models, densely built areas with higher street connectivity displayed following-year effects, but not long-term effects. Areas with lower density and larger parcels displayed long-term effects but not following-year effects.ConclusionsThe built environment might influence the magnitude and duration of the effects of demolitions on firearm violence. Policymakers may consider complementary programmes to help sustain these effects in high-density areas.