bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive spine surgery in lumbar spondylodiscitis: a retrospective single-center analysis of 67 cases
Authors: Tschugg Anja , Hartmann Sebastian , Lener Sara , Rietzler Andreas , Sabrina Neururer , Thomé Claudius 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Background
Minimally invasive surgical techniques have been developed to minimize tissue damage, reduce narcotic requirements, decrease blood loss, and, therefore, potentially avoid prolonged immobilization. Thus, the purpose of the present retrospective study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a minimally invasive posterior approach with transforaminal lumbar interbody debridement and fusion plus pedicle screw fixation in lumbar spondylodiscitis in comparison to an open surgical approach. Furthermore, treatment decisions based on the patient´s preoperative condition were analyzed.

Methods
67 patients with lumbar spondylodiscitis treated at our department were included in this retrospective analysis. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the surgical procedure: group (MIS) minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion (n = 19); group (OPEN) open lumbar spinal fusion (n = 48). Evaluation included radiological parameters on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), laboratory values, and clinical outcome.

Results
Preoperative MRI showed higher rates of paraspinal abscess (35.5 vs. 5.6%; p = 0.016) and multilocular location in the OPEN group (20 vs. 0%, p = 0.014). Overall pain at discharge was less in the MIS group: NRS 2.4 ± 1 vs. NRS 1.6 ± 1 (p = 0.036). The duration of hospital stay was longer in the OPEN than the MIS group (19.1 ± 12 days vs. 13.7 ± 5 days, p = 0.018).

Conclusion
The open technique is effective in all varieties of spondylodiscitis inclusive in epidural abscess formation. MIS can be applied safely and effectively as well in selected cases, even with epidural abscess.
Spore dissemination by mycophagous adult drosophilids
Authors: Kobayashi Mio , Kitabayashi Keiko , Tuno Nobuko 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAlthough most fungal spores are transported by wind, some remain on lamellae even after fungal fruiting bodies start to decay. This raises the question: are these remaining spores useless or instead transported by other means? In this study, we accordingly investigated whether adult dipteran insects transport fungal spores. Our examination revealed that fungal spores were present in intestines of most drosophilid adults but almost completely absent from those of other dipteran adults. At least some spores excreted by Drosophila angularis and D. brachynephros retained the capacity to germinate. Structural damage to spores that passed through the digestive tract of these two drosophilid species varied among fungal species, with a greater number of colorless spores generally damaged than colored ones. These results suggest that adult drosophilid flies, but not other dipterans, can transport fungal spores.
On the compressive behavior of an FDM Steward Platform part
Authors: Vidakis Nectarios , Petousis Markos , Vairis Achilles , Savvakis Konstantinos , Maniadi Athena 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) is commonly used material in the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process. In this work, ABS and ABS plus parts were built with different building parameters and they were tested according to the ASTM D695 standard. Compression strength results were compared to stock ABS material values. The fracture surfaces of selected specimens were examined under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), to determine the failure mode of the filament strands. Following this a Steward Platform part was tested under compression in a tensile testing machine. The experimental results were employed to develop a finite element model of the Steward Platform part, in order to determine the maximum force the part can withstand. The Finite Element Model results were in good agreement with the values measured in the Steward Platform part compressive tests, demonstrating that the model developed is reliable. In these experiments, it was found that ABS parts build with a larger layer thickness showed lower compressive strength, which ABS plus did not show. ABS specimens on average developed about half the compressive strength of the ABS plus specimens, while the ABS plus specimens showed lower compressive strength values than stock ABS material.
Highlights ABS and ABS plus specimens were tested according to the ASTM D695 standard. A finite element model (FEM) of a Steward Platform part was developed and studied. The FEM results were experimentally verified. The FEM results were in agreement with the part compressive tests results. The model developed based on the compression experiments is reliable.
Public and private goods in the development of additive manufacturing capacity
Authors: Samford Steven , Warrian Peter , Goracinova Elena 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe promotion of additive manufacturing (AM) as a set of enabling technologies has been a prominent feature of new policies seeking to revitalize manufacturing in developed economies. Because of its differences from traditional manufacturing technologies, small businesses, in particular, face high costs in adopting AM methods. How can governments assist small firms and their innovation ecosystems to make significant leaps in enabling technologies? This paper conceptualizes the challenges faced by groups of small enterprises adopting new technologies and a decentralized policy effort to systematically increase the use of advanced manufacturing technologies. In Canada, funding used by community colleges to create applied research centers has been intended to establish anchors for local “industrial commons” around advanced manufacturing methods. By providing both information and working capital to private sector partners, these community college programs should ideally mitigate challenges to the adoption of AM technologies—the so-called “valley of death”—in local ecosystems. There are many successful individual cases of partnership (i.e., private goods); however, this bottom-up approach seems to fail both as a means of promoting vibrant industrial commons (i.e., public goods) and as a coherent national strategy. We trace the challenges of this approach to principal-agent problems associated with layering new programs upon existing organizations, the density of program participants, and the presence of appropriate technologies.
Intensive blood-pressure lowering in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Alrahbi Sufyan , Alaraimi Rashid , Alzaabi Abdalla , Gosselin Sophie 
Published: June 2017

Clinical questionIs intensive blood pressure (BP) treatment (systolic BP target 110-139 mm Hg) better than standard antihypertensive treatment (systolic BP target 140-179 mm Hg) in reducing mortality and disability in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)?Article chosenQureshi AI, Palesch YY, Barsan WG, et al. Intensive blood-pressure lowering in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage. N Engl J Med 2016;375(11):1033-43.ObjectiveTo determine the therapeutic benefit of intensive BP treatment compared to standard BP treatment in reducing death and disability after 3 months of follow-up among patients with ICH treated within 4.5 hours from onset of symptoms.
In vitrolarvicidal andin vivoanthelmintic effects ofOxalis tetraphylla(Oxalidaceae) hydroalcoholic extract againstHaemonchus contortusin lambs
Authors: González-Cruz B.J. , Rodríguez-Labastida M. , González-Cortázar M. , Zamilpa A. , López-Arellano M.E. , Aguilar-Marcelino L. , González-Garduño R. , Torres-Acosta J.F.J. , Olmedo-Juárez A. , Mendoza-de Gives P. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThein vitrolarvicidal andin vivoanthelmintic effects ofOxalis tetraphyllahydroalcoholic extract (HE), againstHaemonchus contortusin experimentally infected lambs, were assessed. We used a microtitration plate method, comprising the following two stages. Stage 1: 20 μl of water containing 200 sheathedH. contortusinfective larvae (ShHcl) were deposited in every well of three series; then, the series 2 and 3 wells were treated with 80 μl 1% ivermectin andO. tetraphyllaHE at 20 mg/ml, respectively. Stage 2: the same procedure was performed replacing the ShHcl with exsheathed larvae (ExShHcl). Evaluations were performed after 24 and 48 h. The total numbers of dead and live larvae were counted. A second experiment evaluated the reduction in nematode egg populations in the faeces of lambs treated orally with theO. tetraphyllaHE. The 27 lambs used were divided into Groups 1, 2 and 3 (n= 9), which were administered water (positive control), levamisole 1m(7.5 mg/kg body weight (BW), as a unique dose) andO. tetraphyllaHE (20 mg/kg BW), respectively. The plant HE was administered daily for 8 days. Thein vitroassay showed 80.9% and 86.5% larval mortality of ShHcl after 24 and 48 h, respectively, while the corresponding mortality values for ExShHcl were 97 and 99%, respectively. Thein vivoassay showed variability in the eggs/gram of faeces (epg) values; however, at the end of the trial, the average reduction in the epg values of theO. tetraphyllaHE group was 45.6% (P< 0.05).Oxalis tetraphyllaHE contains compounds that belong to the flavonol group with anthelmintic activity.
Production, Distribution, Use and Curation: A Study of Stamped Tile from Gloucestershire
Authors: Warry Peter 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper explores the development of tile-stamping in the perioda.d.100–50 by the Gloucester and Cirencester civic authorities, and by private tile-makers in Gloucestershire, and the territorial divisions between them. It argues that builders’ merchants were used in tile distribution and building reclamation and,inter alia, identifies Hucclecote villa as such a site. It proposes that Gloucester tiles stamped just RPG were issued annually and were used for commercial purposes while tiles with magistrates’ names were issued as required, but only for use on public buildings. The evidence suggests that these stamps were subsequently extensively curated. This paper adds nearly 200 new stamps to the existing catalogues and proposes significant revisions to the magistrate dies as a result.
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN TURKEY
Authors: Kahveci Rabia , Koç Esra Meltem , Küçük Emine Özer 
Published: June 2017

Objectives: The healthcare transformation program in Turkey has shown its success with improvements in important health indicators, increased access to healthcare services and expansion of coverage to all citizens. Turkey has been relatively able to bear the burdens associated with this due to rapid economic growth. The need for health technology assessment (HTA) was believed as a result of the expansion of coverage, pressure of new technologies, and increased expenditures. This study outlines the background and current formalization of HTA and shares the current use of HTA in decision making, while summarizing the transformation of the Turkish healthcare system for developing a high-quality, equal, and accessible care system.Methods: We reviewed and analyzed policy changes in the Turkish healthcare system, universal health coverage, healthcare expenditures, and pricing and reimbursement policies to identify the changes leading to HTA. We reviewed existing HTA functions in Turkey and outlined their activities. Finally, we outlined a set of major challenges for HTA in Turkey over the next decade.Results: HTA was formalized in Turkey in 2012–2013 with three national HTA structures and one hospital-based HTA unit. These functions currently run independent from each other. There are three major challenges in this country for HTA in the next decade: clarification of the assessment scope and methods, building a strong supporting system for HTA, and defining the role of HTA in the future vision of Turkish healthcare policy.Conclusion: HTA, despite challenges, has a good opportunity to develop further with clear action plans and strong political will.
VISIONS OF STAKEHOLDERS ABOUT INSTUTIONALIZATION OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN CHILE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Lavín Constanza Paz , Alaniz Rafael , Espinoza Manuel 
Published: June 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the viewpoints and beliefs with respect to a health technology assessment (HTA) process and its institutionalization in a sample of stakeholder representatives in Chile.Methods: A qualitative study with a descriptive design, based on the model of discourse analysis, was performed. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted on nineteen Chilean representatives of stakeholders in HTA. The data analysis was based on a process of open coding that allows the contrasting of the interviewees’ visions.Results: From what the interviewees mentioned, a proposal to institutionalize the process of HTA is presented for Chile. The focus is on three main areas: (i) Principles to guide the HTA, (ii) Institutional Framework for Chile, and (iii) Impacts associated with their implementation process. Transparency and participation were the main principles identified. The idea of an autonomous body for HTA, independent and publicly funded, was widely supported. However, this implementation could face potential resistance from technicians and politicians, who might impose barriers to avoid their loss of decision power.Conclusions: There is a broad agreement about the importance of creating a national institution for HTA, independent and publicly funded. This study supplies relevant information for other countries that are currently undertaking a similar process.
Discontinuation of contact precautions with the introduction of universal daily chlorhexidine bathing
Authors: MCKINNELL J. A. , EELLS S. J. , CLARK E. , RAND D. D. , KIET G. T. , MACIAS-GIL R. , MENDEZ J. M. , HUANG S. S. , MILEFCHIK E. N. , MILLER L. G. 
Published: June 2017

SUMMARYContact precautions are a traditional strategy to prevent transmission of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA). Chlorhexidine bathing is increasingly used to decrease MRSA burden and transmission in intensive care units (ICUs). We sought to evaluate a hospital policy change from routine contact precautions for MRSA compared with universal chlorhexidine bathing, without contact precautions. We measured new MRSA acquisition in ICU patients and surveyed for MRSA environmental contamination in common areas and non-MRSA patient rooms before and after the policy change. During the baseline and chlorhexidine bathing periods, the number of patients (453vs.417), ICU days (1999vs.1703) and MRSA days/1000 ICU days (109vs.102) were similar. MRSA acquisition (2/453vs.2/457,P= 0·93) and environmental MRSA contamination (9/474vs.7/500,P= 0·53) were not significantly different between time periods. There were 58% fewer contact precaution days in the ICU during the chlorhexidine period (241/1993vs. 102/1730,P< 0·01). We found no evidence that discontinuation of contact precautions for patients with MRSA in conjunction with adoption of daily chlorhexidine bathing in ICUs is associated with increased MRSA acquisition among ICU patients or increased MRSA contamination of ICU fomites. Although underpowered, our findings suggest this strategy, which has the potential to reduce costs and improve patient safety, should be assessed in similar but larger studies.
Neonatal DNA methylation and early-onset conduct problems: A genome-wide, prospective study
Authors: Cecil Charlotte A. M. , Walton Esther , Jaffee Sara R. , O'Connor Tom , Maughan Barbara , Relton Caroline L. , Smith Rebecca G. , McArdle Wendy , Gaunt Tom R. , Ouellet-Morin Isabelle , Barker Edward D. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractEarly-onset conduct problems (CP) are a key predictor of adult criminality and poor mental health. While previous studies suggest that both genetic and environmental risks play an important role in the development of early-onset CP, little is known about potential biological processes underlying these associations. In this study, we examined prospective associations between DNA methylation (cord blood at birth) and trajectories of CP (4–13 years), using data drawn from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Methylomic variation at seven loci across the genome (false discovery rate < 0.05) differentiated children who go on to develop early-onset (n = 174) versus low (n = 86) CP, including sites in the vicinity of the monoglyceride lipase (MGLL) gene (involved in endocannabinoid signaling and pain perception). Subthreshold associations in the vicinity of three candidate genes for CP (monoamine oxidase A [MAOA], brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], and FK506 binding protein 5 [FKBP5]) were also identified. Within the early-onset CP group, methylation levels of the identified sites did not distinguish children who will go on to persist versus desist in CP behavior over time. Overall, we found that several of the identified sites correlated with prenatal exposures, and none were linked to known genetic methylation quantitative trait loci. Findings contribute to a better understanding of epigenetic patterns associated with early-onset CP.
Spanish-Language Adaptation of Morgeson and Humphrey’s Work Design Questionnaire (WDQ)
Authors: Fernández Ríos Manuel , Ramírez Vielma Raúl G. , Sánchez García José Carlos , Bargsted Aravena Mariana , Polo Vargas Jean David , Ruiz Díaz Miguel Ángel 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSince work organizations became the subject of scientific research, how to operationalize and measure dimensions of work design has been an issue, mainly due to concerns about internal consistency and factor structure. In response, Morgeson and Humphrey (2006) built the Work Design Questionnaire –WDQ–, an instrument that identifies and measures these dimensions in different work and organizational contexts. This paper presents the instruent’s adaptation into Spanish using reliability and validity analysis and drawing on a sample of 1035 Spanish workers who hold various jobs in an array of occupational categories. The total instrument’s internal consistency was Cronbach’s alpha of .92 and the various scales’ reliability ranged from .70 to .96, except for three dimensions. There was initially a difference in the comparative fit of the two versions’ factor structures, but the model with 21 work characteristics (motivational -task and knowledge-, social, and work context) showed the highest goodness of fit of the various models tested, confirming previous results from the U.S. version as well as adaptations into other languages and contexts. CFA results indicated goodness of fit of factor configurations corresponding to each of the four major categories of work characteristics, with CFI and TLI around .90, as well as SRMR and RMSEA below .08. Thus it brings to the table a reliable, valid measure of work design with clear potential applications in research as well as professional practice, applications that could improve working conditions, boost productivity, and generate more personal and professional development opportunities for workers.
Assessment of noise intensity in a dental teaching clinic
Authors: da Cunha Kelly Ferreira , dos Santos Rubem Beraldo , Klien Celso Afonso 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Objectives/Aims:
The aim of this study is to evaluate if the duration of the consultation has influence on the intensity of noise in the dental clinic environment.

Materials and Methods:
The measurement was performed using the decibelmetre IDETEC 300. It was turned on among 10 dental equipment at basal time (BT) and in the first, second and third hours of activity by 10 times with 1-week interval.

Results:
The average noise was 67.39±1.11 dB for BT and 82.38±3.85, 80.99±4.78, and 70.06±6.95 dB for hours 1 to 3, respectively, representing a significant difference (ANOVA, F(3.36)=29.28, P<0.0001).

Conclusion:
In the first and second hours of clinical care there was more noise intensity in the work environment compared to BT and to the third time. Furthermore, the noise peaks became closer to the limit of 85 dB, which can threaten hearing loss with repeated exposure throughout a dentist’s career.

Discussion:
The findings presented here show how much the dental surgeon is exposed to the level of noise since his time of study.
Mesoscopic chaos mediated by Drude electron-hole plasma in silicon optomechanical oscillators
Authors: Wu Jiagui , Huang Shu-Wei , Huang Yongjun , Zhou Hao , Yang Jinghui , Liu Jia-Ming , Yu Mingbin , Lo Guoqiang , Kwong Dim-Lee , Duan Shukai , Wei Wong Chee 
Published: June 2017

AbstractChaos has revolutionized the field of nonlinear science and stimulated foundational studies from neural networks, extreme event statistics, to physics of electron transport. Recent studies in cavity optomechanics provide a new platform to uncover quintessential architectures of chaos generation and the underlying physics. Here, we report the generation of dynamical chaos in silicon-based monolithic optomechanical oscillators, enabled by the strong and coupled nonlinearities of two-photon absorption induced Drude electron–hole plasma. Deterministic chaotic oscillation is achieved, and statistical and entropic characterization quantifies the chaos complexity at 60 fJ intracavity energies. The correlation dimensionD2is determined at 1.67 for the chaotic attractor, along with a maximal Lyapunov exponent rate of about 2.94 times the fundamental optomechanical oscillation for fast adjacent trajectory divergence. Nonlinear dynamical maps demonstrate the subharmonics, bifurcations and stable regimes, along with distinct transitional routes into chaos. This provides a CMOS-compatible and scalable architecture for understanding complex dynamics on the mesoscopic scale.
Age-related delay in visual and auditory evoked responses is mediated by white- and grey-matter differences
Authors: Price D. , Tyler L. K. , Neto Henriques R. , Campbell K. L. , Williams N. , Treder M.S. , Taylor J. R. ,   Cam-CAN, Brayne Carol , Bullmore Edward T. , Calder Andrew C. , Cusack Rhodri , Dalgleish Tim , Duncan John , Matthews Fiona E. , Marslen-Wilson William D. , Rowe James B. , Shafto Meredith A. , Cheung Teresa , Davis Simon , Geerligs Linda , Kievit Rogier , McCarrey Anna , Mustafa Abdur , Samu David , Tsvetanov Kamen A. , van Belle Janna , Bates Lauren , Emery Tina , Erzinglioglu Sharon , Gadie Andrew , Gerbase Sofia , Georgieva Stanimira , Hanley Claire , Parkin Beth , Troy David , Auer Tibor , Correia Marta , Gao Lu , Green Emma , Allen Jodie , Amery Gillian , Amunts Liana , Barcroft Anne , Castle Amanda , Dias Cheryl , Dowrick Jonathan , Fair Melissa , Fisher Hayley , Goulding Anna , Grewal Adarsh , Hale Geoff , Hilton Andrew , Johnson Frances , Johnston Patricia , Kavanagh-Williamson Thea , Kwasniewska Magdalena , McMinn Alison , Norman Kim , Penrose Jessica , Roby Fiona , Rowland Diane , Sargeant John , Squire Maggie , Stevens Beth , Stoddart Aldabra , Stone Cheryl , Thompson Tracy , Yazlik Ozlem , Barnes Dan , Dixon Marie , Hillman Jaya , Mitchell Joanne , Villis Laura , Henson R. N. A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSlowing is a common feature of ageing, yet a direct relationship between neural slowing and brain atrophy is yet to be established in healthy humans. We combine magnetoencephalographic (MEG) measures of neural processing speed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of white and grey matter in a large population-derived cohort to investigate the relationship between age-related structural differences and visual evoked field (VEF) and auditory evoked field (AEF) delay across two different tasks. Here we use a novel technique to show that VEFs exhibit a constant delay, whereas AEFs exhibit delay that accumulates over time. White-matter (WM) microstructure in the optic radiation partially mediates visual delay, suggesting increased transmission time, whereas grey matter (GM) in auditory cortex partially mediates auditory delay, suggesting less efficient local processing. Our results demonstrate that age has dissociable effects on neural processing speed, and that these effects relate to different types of brain atrophy.