bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spinal fusion achieves similar two-year improvement in HRQoL as total hip and total knee replacement. A prospective, multicentric and observational study
Authors: Cervera Irimia Javier , Tomé-Bermejo Félix , Piñera-Parrilla Angel R. , Benito Gallo Marina , Bisaccia Michele , Fernández-González Manuel , Villar-Pérez Julio , Fernández-Carreira Jose Manuel , Orovio de Elizaga Javier , Areta-Jiménez Francisco Javier , Álvarez Galovich Luis , Rollo Giuseppe , Caruso Luigi , Meccariello Luigi 
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA) are surgical procedures with proven benefits. Although the literature reports outcomes of fusion of the lumbar spine comparable to those of THA/TKA in general health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) questionnaires, functional assessment is nevertheless needed for these results to be of use in clinical practice and management. Aim of our study was to prove that lumbar spinal fusion has similar if not better outcomes than THA/TKA using intervention-specific HRQoL questionnaires and functional assessment questionnaires.
Materials and methods: Observational, ambispective, multicentre study of three cohorts undergoing lumbar spinal fusion (n = 115), THA (n = 119) and TKA (n = 253). Patients were evaluated using the Short-Form-12 (SF-12), Harris–Hip-Score, Hospital for Special Surgery Scale (HSS) and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability questionnaires. A minimum follow-up of two years was conducted.
Results: The SF-12 showed significant improvement in all groups. The SF-12 physical component summary score indicated a more severe pre-operative status (p = 0.031) in the THA cohort. The mental component summary score indicated a less severe pre-operative status in the TKA cohort (p = 0.008) and greater post-operative improvement in the TKA and THA cohorts across follow-up (six months p = 0.021; one year p = 0.012; two years p = 0.042). Functional assessment indicated greater pre-operative disability in the THA group. At two years of follow-up, functional improvement according to the Harris, HSS and Oswestry questionnaires were 152.01%, 50.07% and 41.14% respectively.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that lumbar spinal fusion and total knee and hip arthroplasty are comparable in terms of functional improvement when thoroughly studied with health, quality-of-life and functional assessment questionnaires.
Jeder macht alles – das war gestern!
Authors: Hollweg Tilmann , Dimmek Bernd , Kolbe Harald Joachim , Schuchardt Stefan 
Published: July 2019

ZusammenfassungIn der forensischen Pflege ist die Vielfalt der Aufgaben inzwischen so groß, dass
es weder notwendig noch möglich ist, dass jeder Beschäftigte alle Tätigkeiten
ausführen kann. Deshalb plädieren unsere Autoren für eine Differenzierung von
Qualifikationsanforderungen innerhalb der forensisch-psychiatrischen Pflege.
Berichten RCT-Publikationen zur Versorgung von AMD-Patienten Baseline-Daten zum eingebrachten Patientengut mit Blick auf die Generalisierbarkeit des Studiendesigns?
Authors: Knippschild Stephanie , Krummenauer Frank , Hahn Ursula , Geis Berit , Tulka Sabrina , Baulig Christine 
Published: July 2019

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Für die Übertragbarkeit von Ergebnissen randomisierter klinischer Studien (RCTs) in den medizinischen Alltag und zur Beurteilung der methodischen Güte der Randomisierung geben die Baseline-Daten wichtige Informationen. Das CONSORT-Statement fordert dazu eine transparente Darstellung dieser Angaben. Hiermit soll die Umsetzungsrate sowie die formal korrekte Darstellung der Angaben in RCTs zur „altersbedingten Makuladegeneration“ (AMD) geprüft werden.
Material und Methode Die Grundlage für diese Untersuchung bildeten 132 RCTs (01/2004 – 12/2013), die mittels Vollerhebung durch 2 Reader parallel, unabhängig evaluiert und final konsentiert wurden. Die Bewertung der im CONSORT-Statement empfohlenen 2 Unterpunkte erfolgte hierbei hierarchisch. Bei formal korrekter Dokumentation wurde die Auffindbarkeit allgemeiner patientenbezogener Angaben wie Alter, Geschlecht, klinische Zielgröße der Untersuchung (z. B. Visus), AMD-Stadium, Vorliegen systemischer bzw. ophthalmologischer Vorerkrankungen geprüft.
Ergebnisse In 129 von 132 (98%) RCT-Publikationen konnte eine Dokumentation von Baseline-Daten aufgefunden werden, wobei 67 (51%) eine formal korrekte Umsetzung der geforderten Unterpunkte aufwiesen. Die Darstellung der Baseline-Daten bezog sich jedoch nur in 77 (58%) Studienberichten auf den Zeitpunkt „Studienbeginn“; in nur 67 (87%) Publikationen wurden Informationen für jede randomisierte Stichprobe dokumentiert.
Schlussfolgerung Das scheinbar „triviale“ Kriterium „Baseline-Daten“ erfährt auf den ersten Blick eine hohe Umsetzungsrate in Publikationen, die jedoch bei genauerer Betrachtung unvollständige Informationen aufwiesen. Im Publikationsprozess sollte auf die korrekte Umsetzung dieser grundlegenden Informationen geachtet werden.
Medikamentöse Therapieansätze für die nicht neovaskuläre AMD
Authors: Zeitz Oliver , Frentzel Dominik Pascal , Rübsam Anne , Seibel Ira , Riechardt Aline Isabel , Brockmann Claudia , Meißner Friederike , Joussen Antonia M. 
Published: July 2019

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Die nicht neovaskuläre (trockene) altersbedingte Makuladegeneration (AMD) ist bis heute nicht behandelbar. Dieser Artikel fasst die klinischen Forschungsansätze für eine medikamentöse Therapie zusammen und analysiert, warum diese nicht zum Erfolg geführt haben.
Material und Methoden Literatur und Datenbankrecherche.
Ergebnisse Insgesamt ist die Zahl der verfolgten Therapieansätze begrenzt. Nur die Reduktion von Lipofuscinablagerungen und Drusen ist spezifisch für die AMD. Weitere Ansätze sind die Modulation der Entzündung und Neuroprotektion. Derzeit konnte mit keinem der Verfahren in einer konfirmatorischen Studie das Voranschreiten der AMD gestoppt oder verlangsamt werden.
Diskussion Um die Chancen für Entwicklungserfolge zu erhöhen, muss der aktuell begrenzte pharmakologische Target Space durch die Anwendung molekularer Netzwerkanalysen erweitert werden. Da bei der trockenen AMD der Visus oft nicht der primär betroffene Parameter ist, muss flankierend die Perspektive Betroffener näher untersucht werden, um sinnvolle Therapieziele jenseits des Visus zu definieren.
Single-Center Study: Evaluating the Diagnostic Performance and Safety of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in Pregnant Women to Assess Hepatic Lesions
Authors: Schwarze Vincent , Marschner Constantin , Negrão de Figueiredo Giovanna , Rübenthaler Johannes , Clevert Dirk-André 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background Ultrasound is an essential imaging tool for evaluating physiological and pathological fetal or maternal conditions during pregnancy. Published data is limited with respect to the application of CEUS during pregnancy. CEUS has already been safely applied for assessing uteroplacental blood flow, cesarean scar pregnancy and invasive placenta percreta. CT and MRI scans during pregnancy must be thoroughly evaluated due to harmful ionizing radiation and cerebral gadolinium deposition, respectively.
Purpose The aim of the present retrospective single-center study is to assess the diagnostic performance and safety of CEUS during pregnancy to evaluate hepatic lesions of unknown entity.
Methods 6 pregnant patients who underwent CEUS between 2005 and 2014 (mean age: 32 years; mean weeks of pregnancy: 28 weeks) were included in this study. The applied contrast agent was a second-generation blood-pool agent (SonoVue®, Bracco, Milan, Italy). CEUS examinations were performed and interpreted by a single radiologist with experience since 2000 (EFSUMB Level 3).
Results CEUS was safely performed on all included pregnant women without the occurrence of adverse fetal or maternal events. In the context of the present study, CEUS helped to safely differentiate hepatic metastases, focal nodular hyperplasia, atypical hemangioma, hepatic arteriovenous malformation and cystic echinococcosis. In two patients CEUS determined immediate therapy.
Conclusion Although not clinically approved in obstetrics so far, CEUS is a safe imaging modality which, in addition to B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography, may be applied during pregnancy for further medical indications and to provide helpful information.
Challenges in Treating Extensive Deep Vein Thrombosis with Severe Thrombocytopenia in Patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome—A Follow-up of 2 Years
Authors: Wei Lee Kai , Sule Ashish Anil 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThrombocytopenia is one of the most common manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). There is little evidence or definitive guidelines regarding the treatment of APS with thrombocytopenia. We describe a patient with APS and moderate-to-severe thrombocytopenia and the challenges of balancing anticoagulation with thrombocytopenia. A 19-year-old male patient presented with right lower limb swelling to the emergency department with a history of gradually worsening right leg swelling for 1 week and was diagnosed with right leg proximal deep vein thrombosis. Ultrasound Doppler of the right lower limb revealed complete venous thrombosis from the level of the popliteal vein to the distal superficial femoral vein. Subsequently, he was found to have triple-positive APS and moderate-to-severe immune thrombocytopenia, with a platelet count nadir of 31 × 10 to the ninth power/L. He was started on anticoagulation with warfarin. The severe thrombocytopenia was not treated with immunosuppressants and the platelets fluctuated in the range of moderate-to-severe thrombocytopenia but did not develop any rethrombotic or bleeding events. His platelets varied from 31 × 10 to the ninth power/L to 106 × 10 to the ninth power/L. This case report demonstrates that it may be safe to hold off treatment for thrombocytopenia in APS, even in cases of severe thrombocytopenia. Treatment with immunosuppressants may be instituted only when platelet levels fall below 20 × 10 to the ninth power/L or when there is clinically significant bleeding, as in primary immune thrombocytopenia.
Treatment of Sinonasal Adenocarcinoma: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: König Marton , Osnes Terje , Bratland Åse , Jebsen Peter , Meling Torstein R. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectives Sinonasal adenocarcinoma (AC) is a potentially curable disease despite being an aggressive malignancy. Long-term survival can be achieved with early diagnosis and adequate multidisciplinary treatment. Our goal was to evaluate outcomes for patients with AC treated at our institution.Design In a population-based consecutive prospective cohort, we conducted an analysis of all patients treated for surface epithelial AC between 1995 and 2018.Results Twenty patients were included, and follow-up was 100%. The mean follow-up time was 89 months for the entire cohort (112 months for patients with no evidence of disease). Intestinal-type AC was found in 65%, whereas nonintestinal-type AC was found in 35% of all cases; 75% had stage T3/4 disease. Tumor grade was intermediate/high in 65%. Eighteen patients underwent treatment with curative intent (craniofacial resection [CFR] in 61%, transfacial approach in 39%, adjuvant radiotherapy in 89%), achieving negative margins in 56% of cases. Overall survival (OS) rates were 90, 68, and 54% after 2, 5, and 10 years of follow-up, respectively, and the corresponding disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were 90, 73, and 58%. Age over 60 years, tumor with a maxillary origin, and microscopic bone invasion were negative prognostic factors. Radical CFR was correlated with better OS and DSS.Conclusion The high probability of achieving radicality with CFR, the low complication rate, the acceptable toxicity of modern irradiation modalities, and the promising survival rates indicate that this strategy might be considered a safe and an effective option for treating patients with very advanced sinonasal AC.
Parochialism, social norms, and discrimination against immigrants
Authors: Choi Donghyun Danny , Poertner Mathias , Sambanis Nicholas 
Published: July 2019

Significance
As immigration increases due to globalization, wars, and climate change, there is more interaction between native and immigrant populations and more potential for conflict. Policymakers have emphasized the need to better integrate immigrants to forge a common set of norms concerning appropriate behavior. However, there is a lack of evidence to support the hypothesis that a shared understanding of norms can reduce discrimination. We provide experimental evidence that religious differences cause bias and discrimination in everyday interactions between natives and immigrants. Cultural integration signaled through immigrants’ enforcement of local norms reduces, but does not eliminate, bias. As long as public debates and policies heighten the importance of religious differences, cultural integration will not be able to eliminate intergroup conflict.
The use of Off-Label Medications in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Authors: Paino Maria , Aletraris Lydia , Roman Paul M. 
Published: July 2019

Background: Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment centers serve a population of clients who have diverse needs, and may desire or require access to varied treatments while seeking care for their SUDs. While pharmacotherapies have increased in popularity for the treatment of SUDs, adoption rates do remain quite low. But a wider array of pharmacotherapies has become available in recent years which may shift the trend. This article helps shed light on how variations in SUD treatment centers develop and persist with regard to the adoption and delivery of off-label medications. Methods: We use a nationally representative and longitudinal sample of SUD treatment centers in the US ( N = 196). We use a logistic regression to analyze the relationship between organizational characteristics and offering any medications, off-label. We also use a negative binomial regression to analyze the relationship between organizational characteristics and the number of medications that were used off-label. Results: Our findings reveal that older centers, accredited centers, and centers that offer mental health screenings are all positively associated with the provision of off-label medication in SUD treatment. We also find a positive relationship between private funding and offering a greater number of off-label medications. Conclusions: Our results suggest that SUD clients who seek treatment from centers that offer medications off-label, may have access to a greater number of medication-assisted treatment options.
Bilateral comparison of 10 pF and 100 pF standards (ongoing BIPM key comparisons BIPM.EM-K14.a and 14.b) between the SMD (Belgium) and the BIPM.
Authors: Moreno J A , Gournay P , Vlad D 
Published: July 2019

This report presents the results of a bilateral comparison between the SMD, Belgium, and the BIPM, which was carried out using two 10 pF and two 100 pF travelling standards belonging to the BIPM following an "A-B-A" pattern. The comparison at 10 pF forms part of the ongoing BIPM key comparison BIPM.EM-K14.a and that at 100 pF of the ongoing BIPM key comparison BIPM.EM-K14.b, where BIPM is the pilot laboratory for both of these comparisons.
The standards were measured during a total time of 18 weeks, from August 2018 to December 2018. The measurand of this comparison was the two terminal-pair capacitance of the travelling capacitors at a frequency of 1000 Hz, and a measuring rms voltage of 15 V.
The results from the SMD and the BIPM were found to be in good agreement, within a difference smaller than the relative expanded uncertainty of the comparison.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Towards a heuristic for assessing adaptation knowledge: impacts, implications, decisions and actions
Authors: Cradock-Henry Nicholas A , Buelow Franca , Flood Stephen , Blackett Paula , Wreford Anita 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Climate change poses a significant challenge to primary industries and adaptation will be required to reduce detrimental impacts and realise opportunities. Despite the breadth of information to support adaptation planning however, knowledge is fragmented, obscuring information needs, hampering strategic planning and constraining decision-making capacities. In this letter, we present and apply the Adaptation Knowledge Cycle (AKC), a heuristic for rapidly evaluating and systematising adaptation research by analytical foci: Impacts, Implications, Decisions or Actions. We demonstrate its application through an assessment of ten years’ climate change adaptation research for New Zealand’s primary industries. The letter draws on the results of systematic review, empirical analysis, workshops, interviews, narrative analyses and pathways planning to synthesise information and identify knowledge gaps. Results show the heuristic’s simplicity is valuable for cross- and transdisciplinary communication on adaptation in New Zealand’s primary industries. Results also provide insight into what we know and need to know with respect to undertaking adaptation planning. With the development of tools and processes to inform decision making under conditions of uncertainty—such as adaptation pathways—it is increasingly important to efficiently and accurately determine knowledge needs. The combination of systematic data collection techniques, and heuristics such as the AKC may provide researchers and stakeholders with an efficient, robust tool to review and synthesise existing knowledge, and identify emerging research priorities. Results can in turn support the design of targeted research and inform adaptation strategies for policy and practice.
Built Cultural Heritage and Energy Efficiency. The Sicily Case: Pros and Cons of an Innovative Experience
Authors: Buda A , Pracchi V , Sannasardo R 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The paper aims to present a study carried out within the Regional Operational Program - European Regional Development Fund 2014/2020 financing project for the efficiency improvement of 106 public heritage, owned by the Sicily Region. 38 case studies of this stock have been selected, having different uses (museum, library, office, etc.), typology and construction period, shifting from XI to XX century buildings. The sample heterogeneity gives in fact a large-scale overview on the Mediterranean heritage, allowing to assess the efficacy of energy policies (at Regional level) and to suggest feasible retrofit solutions for historic public buildings. Weak and strength points of each case are highlighted as from both an energy audit (based on bills and simulated energy performance data) and an on-field survey in a comparison. The inclusion of stakeholders’ interviews in the walk-through investigation has clarified the efficacy of building and plants management. Finally, as tangible results, it is suggested to consider retrofit low-impact interventions accordingly to the building microclimate, as well as objects and users’ needs, as a win-win strategy.
Green corridors and exterior common areas, enhancing connectivity in Athens, Greece
Authors: Tzortzi-J.Georgi N , Ioannou D , Oikonomaki E 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The greater Athens area, Greece’s capital, has a very low percentage of green spaces which also lack connectivity, resulting in an urban environment which is anything but resilient and sustainable. This deficiency is particularly evident in the city’s centre, where building regulations allow for tall buildings with maximum lot coverage, leaving little room for green areas. The few green spaces which do exist in Athens are usually in poor condition and their potential role as a “building block” of the city is overlooked. To remedy this situation, the existing green spaces as well as their connectivity must be improved, making them more appealing and accessible. Considering however that their percentage is so small, one way to “create” more of them is to take advantage of the unbuilt and overlooked surfaces in the back of lots, otherwise known as exterior common areas, which are privately owned, belonging to all of the owners in any given building block. They have the potential to become havens of greenery and pockets of tranquillity, transforming the urban environment on many levels. One way to make these green spaces (existing parks) and potential green spaces (exterior common areas) more accessible and better connected is through the use of green corridors. Thus, this paper’s objective is to present such a design proposal, creating a green corridor network within Athens’ city centre, linking the various existing parks with a few exterior common areas.
Examining the opportunities for nature-based solutions at the Municipality of Piraeus
Authors: Paraskevopoulou A , Tzortzi-J.Georgi N , Oikonomou A , Mariaki E , Paraskevas A 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Piraeus, the third largest city within Greece constitutes one of the most significant ports in the east Mediterranean region. Inhabited since 2,600 B.C. Piraeus evolved to serve as the seaport of Athens that hosted a powerful commercial and military fleet and fortified the city during classical antiquity. Remains of Piraeus past prominence is evident through the numerous archaeological findings found throughout the city. The commercial significance of Piraeus continued in modern history soon after the establishment of the Greek state. Various interventions that included the development of the Athens-Piraeus railway line in 1869, the development of the railway link between Piraeus and the Peloponnese and northern Greece, as well as the development of the Corinth Canal in 1893 contributed in increasing port-traffic and initiating industrial development. The rapid urbanisation and industrialisation process resulted in the city’s environmental degradation. In recent years Piraeus has been subjected to further degradation through de-industrialisation and downsizing of the trade industry. Nature-based solutions (NBS) aim to integrate more nature, natural features and processes within cities, landscapes and seascapes while providing environmental, economic and social benefits and contributing to building resilience. The public authorities together with the stakeholders from the private sector and civil society co- design, create and manage green infrastructure for post-industrial regeneration. The study presented constitutes part of the “proGIreg” project funded by the European Commission programme “Horizon 2020”. A detailed site analysis of the Municipality of Piraeus was undertaken under four thematic headings: Socio-cultural inclusiveness, Human health and wellbeing, Ecological and environmental restoration, Economic and labour market. The main findings of the spatial analysis are presented which lead to the identification of two sites for the use of NBS.