bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WILLINGNESS TO RANDOMIZE PATIENTS TO LUMBAR SPINE FUSION SURGERY OR CONSERVATIVE CARE IN THE FORENSIC-UK AND FORENSIC-AUSTRALIA TRIALS
Authors: Foster N E , Bada E , Window P , Stovell M , Ahuja S , Beard D , Gardner A 
Published: August 2024

Background and PurposeThe UK's NIHR and Australia's NHMRC have funded two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to determine if lumbar fusion surgery (LFS) is more effective than best conservative care (BCC) for adults with persistent, severe low back pain (LBP) attributable to lumbar spine degeneration. We aimed to describe clinicians’ decision-making regarding suitability of patient cases for LFS or BCC and level of equipoise to randomise participants in the RCTs.MethodsTwo online cross-sectional surveys distributed via UK and Australian professional networks to clinicians involved in LBP care, collected data on clinical discipline, practice setting and preferred care of five patient cases (ranging in age, pain duration, BMI, imaging findings, neurological signs/symptoms). Clinicians were also asked about willingness to randomise each patient case.ResultsOf 174 responses (73 UK, 101 Australia), 70 were orthopaedic surgeons, 34 neurosurgeons, 65 allied health professionals (AHPs), 5 others. Most worked in public health services only (92% UK, 45% Australia), or a mix of public/private (36% Australia). Most respondents chose BCC as their first-choice management option for all five cases (81–93% UK, 83–91% Australia). For LFS, UK surgeons preferred TLIF (36.4%), whereas Australian surgeons preferred ALIF (54%). Willingness to randomise cases ranged from 37–60% (UK mean 50.7%), and 47–55% (Australian mean 51.9%); orthopaedic and neuro-surgeons were more willing than AHPs.ConclusionWhilst BCC was preferred for all five patient cases, just over half of survey respondents in both the UK and Australia were willing to randomise cases to either LFS or BCC, indicating clinical equipoise (collective uncertainty) needed for RCT recruitment.Conflicts of interestNoneSources of fundingNo specific funding obtained for the surveys. DB, SA, AG and NEF have funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) UK (FORENSIC-UK NIHR134859); NEF, DB and SA have funding from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC FORENSIC-Australia GA268233). AG has funding from Orthopaedic Research UK (combined with British Association of Spine Surgeons and British Scoliosis Society) and Innovate UK. NEF is funded through an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator Grant (ID: 2018182).
THE IMPACT OF IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY ON PAIN PROCESSING AND PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOME MEASURES IN PEOPLE WITH PERSISTENT LOW BACK PAIN: PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Authors: Alghamdi Mohammed Nasser , Sparkes V. , Khot S. , Davies J.L. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundEmbodiment- and distraction-based approaches to immersive virtual reality (IVR) show promise in treating persistent low back pain (PLBP). However, which approach is more effective is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the impact of distraction- and embodiment-based IVR on pain processing and patient-reported outcome measures in PLBP.MethodIndividuals with PLBP were randomised to receive eight sessions of either distraction- or embodiment-based IVR over two weeks. Outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and after the eighth session. Pain processing was evaluated using conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and temporal summation (TS).ResultsThree participants (n=2 embodiment, n=1 distraction) have completed all eight IVR sessions. Preliminary results indicate a decrease from pre to post-intervention in Numerical Pain Rating Scale score (pre: 5/10, 6/10, 5/10; post: 2/10, 5/10, 2/10) and Pain Catastrophising Scale score (pre: 34/52, 11/52, 38/52; post: 11/52, 8/52, 12/52), with no clear trend in other self-reported measures (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, Oswestry low back disability questionnaire, fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire, Tampa scale of kinesiophobia). Preliminary results suggest a potential increase in NPRS absolute values from pre- to post-intervention in CPM (pre: -2.7, -2.3, -2.0; post: -3.3, -2.0, -4.3) and TS (pre-1.2, 2.5, 2.4; post: 1.4, 2.5, 3.1).ConclusionEight sessions of IVR may reduce pain severity and pain catastrophising in people with PLBP and may increase the efficacy of endogenous pain modulatory systems. Data collection is ongoing to compare the effect of distraction- and embodiment-based IVR.Conflicts of InterestThere are no conflicts of interest.Sources of FundingThis project is funded by the Saudi Arabia Cultural Bureau.
THE MANAGEMENT OF OSTEOPOROTIC VERTEBRAL FRACTURES AT A DISTRICT GENERAL HOSPITAL
Authors: Raghu A. , Kapilan M. , Ibrahim M. , Mushtaq S. , Sherief T. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMost common osteoporotic fracture20-30% of patients with OVFs are presented to hospital while 2.2 million remain undiagnosed, as diagnosis is usually opportunistic66,000 OVFs occur annually in the UK with increase by 18,000 cases a year until 2025.20% chance of another OVF in next 12 months and 3 times risk of hip fracture.Acute painful OVFs poorly tolerated by infirm elderly patients, leading to significant morbidity and 8 times increase in age-adjusted mortality.Materials and MethodsClassify fracture severity and patents with ovfs in 12-month period.To assess follow-up status and if kyphoplasty was offered within 6 weeks as per NICE guidelines.To introduce Royal Osteoporosis Society and GIRFT guidelines on management of symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral fracturesResultsTotal no. of patients- 62Initial pain assessment=40Pain assessed at ≤6 weeks- 21Duration from decision to operate to kyphoplasty 8.7 weeks.11% had kyphoplasty of which 50% noted improvement in pain.11 deathsNearly similar findings to NoSH studyConclusionTo improve pain assessment on admission of patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures.To follow GIRFT guidelines for early assessment and intervention in patients with acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures to improve pain, mobility and early discharge from hospital.Conflicts of interestNoneSources of fundingNone
Microbial contamination of spittoons and germicidal effect of irradiation with krypton chloride excimer lamps (Far UV-C 222 nm)
Authors: Tanimoto Hiroaki , Ogawa Yoshimasa , Nambu Takayuki , Koi Toru , Ohashi Hiroyuki , Okinaga Toshinori , Yamamoto Kazuyo 
Published: August 2024

Background
In dentistry, instruments, appliances, and body fluids such as saliva or blood are possible sources of infection. Although conventional antiseptic procedures effectively prevent infection, spittoons cannot be sanitized between each treated patient and are usually washed only with running water. However, there is currently no fast and efficient disinfection method that can be implemented between treatments. An optically filtered krypton chloride excimer lamp using ultraviolet light (Far UV-C) in the 200–230 nm wavelength range (innocuous to humans) has been recently used as a virus- and bacteria-inactivating technology. This study aimed to identify the bioburden of a dental spittoon and examine the susceptibility of two oral Streptococcus and two Enterococci to 222-nm Far UV-C by irradiating the spittoon with 222 nm Far UV-C for 5 min before evaluating the disinfection effect.

Methods
Bacterial analysis and real-time polymerase-chain reaction testing was used to confirm the spittoon’s biological contamination. Bacterial susceptibility to a 222-nm Far UV-C was determined with a graded dose irradiation test. After each treatment, the spittoon was irradiated with 222-nm Far UV-C for 5 min, and the disinfecting effect was evaluated. Microbial analysis of the spittoon’s surface was performed using the Silva database.

Results
We found that > 97% of the microbes consisted of six bacterial phyla, whereas no viruses were found. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was frequently detected. The 1-log reduction value of two oral-derived Streptococci and two Enterococci species at 222-nm Far UV-C was 4.5–7.3 mJ/cm2. Exposure of the spittoon to 222-nm Far UV-C at 3.6–13.5 mJ/cm2 significantly decreased bacterial counts (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Irradiation with 222-nm Far UV-C at 3.6–13.5 mJ/cm2 significantly eliminates bacteria in spittoons, even when they are only rinsed with water. Hence, 222-nm Far UV-C irradiation may inhibit the risk of bacterial transmission from droplets in sink surfaces.
Factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among people living with HIV: Data from the Balearic cohort (EVHIA)
Authors: Artigues Serra Francisca , Pinecki Socias Sophia , Fanjul Francisco Javier , Peñaranda Maria , Homar Francisco , Sorni Patricia , Serra Julia , Rey Adelaida , Ventayol Lola , Macia Maria Dolores , Ribas Maria Àngels , Riera Melchor 
Published: August 2024

Introduction
The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection among people living with HIV (PLWH) has been a matter of research. We evaluated the incidence and factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis among PLWH. We also assessed factors related to vaccination coverage in the Balearic Islands.

Methods
A retrospective analytical study was performed, including patients from the Balearic cohort (EVHIA) who were visited at least twice between 1st January 2020 and 31st March 2022. Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare categorical and continuous variables respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were estimated to identify risk factors.

Results
A total of 3567 patients with HIV were included. The median age was 51 years (IQR 44–59). Most of them were male (77,3%), from Europe (82,1%) or South America (13,8%). During the study period 1036 patients were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection (29%). The incidence rate was 153,24 cases per 1000 person-year. After multivariable analysis, men who have sex with men (MSM) were associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (adjusted hazard ratio 1,324, 95% CI 1,138–1,540), whereas African origin, tobacco use and complete or booster vaccination coverage were negatively related. Overall, complete vaccination or booster coverage was recorded in 2845 (79,75%) patients. When analysing vaccination uptake, older patients (adjusted hazard ratio 5,122, 95% CI 3,170–8,288) and those with a modified comorbidity index of 2–3 points (adjusted hazard ratio 1,492, 95% CI 1,056–2,107) had received more vaccine doses.

Conclusions
In our study no HIV related factor was associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, except for differences in the transmission route. Possible confounding variables such as mask wearing or social interactions could not be measured. Vaccines were of utmost importance to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Efforts should be made to encourage vaccination in those groups of PLWH with less coverage.
Efficient development technology of Upper Paleozoic Lower Shihezi tight sandstone gas reservoir in northeastern Ordos Basin
Authors: Lei Tao , Shao Longkan , Xu Yanzheng , Yin Chao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The Lower Shihezi Formation of the Upper Paleozoic at the northeastern margin of the Ordos Basin develops widely distributed thick massive and multilayer gas reservoirs. How to formulate an effective development policy is a difficult and hot spot. In this article, reservoir characteristics and production capacity influencing factors of the tight gas sandstone in Lower Shihezi Formation in this area are systematically studied, and optimization schemes of development measures for massive and multilayer gas reservoirs are proposed. The results show that the petrophysical characteristics of the small pore–mesopore type gas reservoir in the target layer are the best, with the average porosity, permeability, and coordination number of 7.6%, 0.74 mD, and 3.3, respectively. Thick sand body, high structural position, good petrophysical properties, and high drilling rate of sandstone are all conducive to drilling high production gas wells. Development policies for massive and multilayer gas reservoirs have been formulated: (1) the preferred well type for massive gas reservoir is vertical well + horizontal well, while the preferred well type for multilayer gas reservoir is horizontal well + stepped horizontal well; (2) the reasonable horizontal segment length of massive gas reservoir is 1,000 m, and the reasonable horizontal segment length of multilayer gas reservoir is 1,250 m; (3) similar to massive and multilayer gas reservoirs, the more the fracture stages, the higher the cumulative gas production, and the optimal fracture stage number of both gas reservoirs is 8; (4) the optimal fracture half-length and the angle between the fracture and the horizontal section are 140 m and 90°, respectively; and (5) the reasonable well spacing of vertical wells is 600 m and that of horizontal wells is 750 m. The development policy proposed in this study is suitable for the efficient development of complex tight sandstone gas reservoirs in similar areas.
Lymphedema in Turner syndrome: correlations with phenotype and karyotype
Authors: Ikomi Chijioke , Blatt Julie , Ghofrani Simon , Zhang Ran , Ross Judith , Law Jennifer R. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Lymphedema (LD) in Turner syndrome (TS) is a commonly reported comorbidity, though its associations with karyotype and other comorbidities are poorly understood. Characteristics of patients with TS and LD, including correlation with phenotype and karyotype, are described.

Methods
Medical records of patients with TS seen in two pediatric institutions from 2002 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data (age, presentation onset, clinical features, genetics, LD presence, investigations, treatments) were collected.

Results
393 girls with TS with mean age of 12.5 years (SD: 5.7) were identified. LD was noted in 37 % of patients (n=146). Among the 112 patients with TS and documentation of onset of LD, LD was noted within the first year of life in 78.6 % (n=88). 67.6 % (n=96) of total patients with TS and LD had non-mosaic 45, X karyotype. Frequency of webbed neck was significantly greater in girls with TS and LD compared with girls without LD (58 vs. 7 %, p<0.001). Congenital heart anomalies, hypertension, and renal anomalies were also more common in girls with LD. Nail abnormalities with presence of hypoplastic or dysplastic nails were significantly associated with LD (OR: 6.784, 95 % CI 4.235–11.046). The number of girls reporting presence of LD decreased with age.

Conclusions
LD in TS often occurs within the first year of life, is less prevalent in older children and adolescents, and is significantly associated with 45, X karyotype, presence of webbed neck, nail changes, congenital heart anomalies, and renal anomalies.
Investigating the ecological fallacy through sampling distributions constructed from finite populations
Authors: Torres David J. , Rouson Damain 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Correlation coefficients
and linear regression values computed from group averages can differ from correlation coefficients and linear regression values computed using individual scores. This observation known as the ecological fallacy often assumes that all the individual scores are available from a population. In many situations, one must use a sample from the larger population. In such cases, the computed correlation coefficient and linear regression values will depend on the sample that is chosen and the underlying sampling distribution.
The sampling distribution of correlation coefficients and linear regression values for group averages will be identical to the sampling distribution for individuals for normally distributed variables for random samples drawn from infinitely large continuous distributions.
However, data that is acquired in practice is often acquired when sampling without replacement from a finite population. Our objective is to demonstrate through Monte Carlo simulations that the
sampling distributions for
correlation and linear regression will also be similar for individuals and group averages when sampling without replacement from normally distributed variables. These simulations suggest that when a random sample from a population is selected, the correlation coefficients and linear regression values computed from individual scores will not be more accurate in estimating the entire population values compared to samples when group averages are used as long as the sample size is the same.
Evaluation of 2010 heatwave prediction skill by SLNE coupled model
Authors: Fadeev Rostislav Yu. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSLNE is the coupled model, that was developed in 2023. SL and NE here are the first two letters from SLAV (Semi-Lagrangian, based on Absolute Vorticity equation) model of the atmosphere and NEMO (Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean) ocean model that have been coupled using OASIS3-MCT software. The initial conditions for SLAV and NEMO are specified from an atmospheric and ocean analyses produced in Hydrometcentre of Russia. The 2010–2021 hindcast accuracy study shows, that SLNE has comparable errors to the operational SLAV model on a sub-seasonal time scale. The SLNE model has improved prediction skill of the 2010 heatwave features in comparison to SLAV, that is a motivation for further work to improve the coupled model.
ANALYTICAL ANGULAR-FREQUENCY DEPENDENCE FOR AN ACOUSTO-OPTIC DEFLECTOR USING A SECTIONED ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER
Authors: НИКИТИН П.А. 
Published: August 2024

Акустооптические дефлекторы терагерцевого излучения, изготовленные на основе оптически изотропной среды, характеризуются низким числом разрешённых световых пятен. Существенного улучшения характеристик дефлектора можно добиться при использовании секционированного фазированного излучателя ультразвука. В работе впервые аналитически получена углочастотная зависимость для такого дефлектора, а также уточнено положение на ней рабочей точки с учётом влияния зазора между секциями излучателя ультразвука.
Acousto-optic terahertz radiation deflectors based on an optically isotropic medium are characterized by a low number of resolved light spots. Substantial improvement of the deflector characteristics can be achieved by using a sectioned phased ultrasonic transducer. In this paper, an angular-frequency dependence for such a deflector is analytically obtained for the first time, and the position of the working point on it is specified taking into account the influence of the gap between the sections of the ultrasound transducer.
Leucemia viral felina simultánea con otras patologías en tres casos clínicos diferentes
Authors: Ortíz Álvarez José F 
Published: August 2024

SummaryFeline viral leukemia (ViLeF) is a pathology commonly associated with other illnesses. We present three cases of cats with ViLeF who also exhibited other pathologies. The cause and effect relationship between leukemia and the associated pathologies is not understood. The first animal also suffered from aregenerative anemia. The second cat had breast carcinoma, and the third one had peritonitis. Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and evolution of the patients are fully described. With this report we suggest that veterinarians consider ViLeF as a possible cause for these pathologies. More studies are needed to establish the relationship between ViLeF and other pathologies for therapeutic interventions.Key words: anemia, feline, tumors, viral leukemia. Resumen La leucemia viral felina (ViLeF) es una patología, que se asocia con la presentación de varias enfermedades; el artículo presenta tres casos de pacientes cada uno con patologías diferentes que a su vez fueron positivos a ViLeF; no se descarta que esta enfermedad esté relacionada o sea la causa delas tres patologías, en el primer caso se encontró una anemia arregenerativa, en el otro, un carcinoma mamario y en el último, un proceso compatible con una peritonitis felina. Se describen la sintomatología, los procedimientos diagnósticos, el tratamiento instaurado y la evolución clínica. Con este reporte se pretende que los médicos veterinarios consideren dentro de sus diagnósticos diferenciales a ViLeF como factor causante de muchas otras patologías; también se quiere hacer un llamado de atención para que se realicen estudios sobre la prevalencia de esta enfermedad en nuestro medio, para así implementar medidas sanitarias que eviten su proliferación. Palabras clave: anemia, felinos, leucemia viral, tumores. Resumo O vírus da leucemia felina (ViLeF) é uma condição que está associada com a apresentação de várias doenças; O artigo apresenta trÍs casos de pacientes com diversas patologias que, por sua vez, foram positivos á ViLeF. Nestes casos não está excluído que a doença este ou foi relacionada coma causa dos três doenças. No primeiro caso foi encontrado anemia arregenerativa, no outro caso, foi encontrado um carcinoma mamário e na última possível Feline peritonite. Descrevem-se os sintomas, diagnóstico, tratamento e a possível evolução clínica dos doentes. Este relatório procura que os veterinários considerem no seu diagnóstico diferencial do ViLeF como um factor causador de muitos outras patologias e a necessidade de realizar estúdios de prevalência nosso meio, para implementar medidas de saúde, para evitar a propagação da doença. Palavras chave: anemia, felina, leucemia vírus, tumores.
HSP90 is a target protein for ubiquitination in Giardia intestinalis
Authors: Chaparro Gutiérrez Jenny Jovana , Wasserman Moisés 
Published: August 2024

Previous studies have demonstrated the existence and expression of genes essential to the process of protein ubiquitination in Giardia intestinalis, indicating that the ubiquitin-proteasome system may be involved in the degradation of proteins during its life cycle of the parasite. In this study, purification of ubiquitin was conducted from protein extracts of G. intestinalis trophozoites. Then, an anti-ubiquitin specific antibody was obtained to standardize an assay for the detection and evaluation of ubiquitination patterns. Finally, HSP90 was identified as an ubiquitinated protein in this protozoan. This post-translational modification could have regulatory effects associated with the functionality of the protein or its turnover to regulate key molecular events during the parasite’s life cycle.Key Words: protozoan, thermic shock protein, ubiquitin.ResumenEstudios previos han demostrado la existencia y expresión de genes esenciales para el proceso de ubiquitinación de proteínas en Giardia intestinalis, indicando que el sistema ubiquitina-proteosoma puede estar involucrado en el proceso de degradación de proteínas de este parásito durante su ciclo de vida. En el presente trabajo se realizó la purificación de ubiquitina a partir de extractos proteicos de trofozoítos de G. intestinalis, se produjo un anticuerpo anti-ubiquitina específico que permitió la estandarización de un ensayo para la detección y evaluación de los patrones de ubiquitinación, y se identificó la HSP90 como una proteína ubiquitinada en este protozoario. Esta modificación post-transduccional puede tener efectos regulatorios asociados con la funcionalidad de la proteína o con el recambio para regular eventos moleculares claves durante el ciclo de vida del parásito.Palabras clave: protozoario, proteína de choque térmico, ubiquitina.ResumoEstudos anteriores demonstraram a existência e expressão de genes essenciais para o processo de ubiquitinação de proteínas em Giardia intestinalis, indicando que o sistema ubiquitina-proteassoma podem estar envolvidos na degradação de proteínas do parasita durante seu ciclo de vida. Neste trabalho, foi realizada a purificação da proteína ubiquitina de extratos de trofozoítos de G. intestinalis, foi produzido um antiicorpo anti-ubiquitina específico que permitiu a padronização de um ensaio para a detecção e avaliação de padrões de ubiquitinação e foi identificado a HSP90 como uma proteína ubiquitinada no protozoário. Esta modificação pós-transducional pode ter efeitos regulamentares associados com a funcionalidade das proteínas ou com o a substituição para regular eventos moleculares importantes durante o ciclo de vida do parasita.Palavras-chave: protozoários, proteínas de choque térmico, ubiquitina.