bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Patients With Segmental Cervical Kyphosis Appropriate Candidates for Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (CDA)? A Clinical and Radiographic Analysis Compared to Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Authors: Abdelmalek George , Coban Daniel , Patel Neil , Changoor Stuart , Sahai Nikhil , Sinha Kumar , Hwang Ki , Emami Arash 
Published: February 2024

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objectives To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) in patients with preoperative segmental kyphosis. Methods Patients with segmental cervical kyphosis at the operative levels undergoing 1- or 2-level ACDF or CDA from 2017 to 2020 with 2 years of follow were identified. Patient demographics, perioperative data, complication rates, radiographic findings and reported outcomes were analyzed. Results A total of 48 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in our study (ACDF: n = 24, CDA: n = 24). Patient demographic data between the 2 cohorts was similar expect for proportion of males (ACDF: 62.5% vs CDA: 33.3%, P = .043). There was no statistical significance in the change of segmental lordosis (ACDF: +8.09° vs CDA: +5.88°, P = .075) between the preoperative and final postoperative period. Additionally, the change in cervical lordosis was similar between groups (ACDF:+ 9.86° vs CDA: +7.60°, P = .226). VAS scores were similar between the 2 groups at every follow-up interval. NDI scores were significantly different at the 6-month, 12 month and the final follow-up. Mean improvements between preoperative and final postoperative periods were statistically superior in the CDA cohort compared to the ACDF cohort (ACDF: 22.8 vs CDA: 24.1, P = .0375). Conclusion CDA was superior to ACDF in regards to NDI scores following index procedure in patients with preoperative segmental cervical kyphosis. Those in the CDA cohort had similar complication rates, revision rates and radiographic outcomes as those who underwent ACDF.
Role of Topical Tranexamic Acid on Blood Loss and Transfusion Requirements in Spinal Fusion for Neuromuscular and Syndromic Scoliosis
Authors: Conde Osvaldo , Ramchandran Subaraman , Coskun Ergin , Pierce Andrew , Keshavarzi Sassan , Errico Thomas , George Stephen 
Published: February 2024

Study Design Retrospective case control study. Objectives To determine the role of TXA when used as topical soaked sponges (tTXA) on peri-operative blood loss and changes in hemoglobin following posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for neuromuscular and syndromic scoliosis (NMS). Methods A single center review of NMS patients who underwent PSF was conducted. The initial set of patients where no tTXA (control) was used were compared to consecutive NMS patients in whom tTXA was used. In the tTXA group, sponges soaked in 1g TXA in 500 mL normal saline were packed in the wound instead of dry sponges. Estimated blood loss (EBL) was calculated intraoperatively using a standard way. Pre-operative, intra-operative and immediate post-operative variables were collected and compared between the 2 groups. Results 33 patients were included (mean age- 13.5 yrs., BMI- 21, 17 patients in tTXA and 16 patients in control group). Pre-op demographic and radiographic variables were similar between the 2 groups. EBL, EBL per level, EBVL, operative time and number of levels fused were similar in both groups. tTXA group received less intra-operative pRBC transfusion as compared to the control group (150 ± 214 vs 363 ± 186 cc, P = .004). No difference was noted in post-op blood transfusion and drain output for 3 days in both the groups. tTXA group had lesser hospital (5.1 vs 8.9 days) and ICU length of stay (2 vs 4.2 days) and fewer immediate post-operative complications (23.5 vs 52.9%) compared to the control group but not statistically significant ( P > .05). Conclusion Administration of tTXA-soaked sponges is an effective and safe method to reduce intraoperative blood transfusion requirements in the correction of spinal deformity in patients with NMS.
The Impact of Aromatherapy Gelatin Cold Compresses on the Concentration Level of Students in the Covid-19 Pandemic Online Class
Authors: Dewi Elvira Sari , Zakiya Fifi Afifatus , Mei Karina Wulan , Arimbawa Gusde , Evi Nurul 
Published: February 2024

Introduction Stressful circumstances presented by the Covid-19 pandemic led to reduced levels of study concentration among students, and these conditions had been linked with dopamine levels. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the impact of aromatherapy gelatin cold compress in increasing the study concentration of students by decreasing stress levels and elevating dopamine levels during the Covid-19 pandemic online class. Methods The study participants consisted of 42 students, who were selected using the simple random sampling method. Subsequently, the participants were comparably divided into control and treatment groups. Compress intervention was given to the treatment group on the forehead for 10 min before studying online. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Stroop test were then used to determine stress and concentration levels of the students, respectively. The catecholamine fractionated urine was used to measure dopamine levels. Analysis was carried out using Paired T-test and Independent T-test with α = 0.05 and CI = 95%. Results The mean value of the VAS before and after treatment was 5.81 ± 2.48 and 5.28 ± 2.61 in the control ( p = 0.205), as well as 6.28 ± 1.62 and 4.38 ± 1.89 in the treatment group ( p = 0.000). The mean interference score of the Stroop test before and after treatment was 13.16 ± 1.05 and 13.22 ± 1.31 among the controls ( p = 0.947), while 13.35 ± 6.94 and 8.92 ± 5.91 were recorded in the treatment group ( p = 0.000). The average dopamine levels before and after the intervention were 145.50 ± 7.94 mg/mL and 146.65 ± 8.23 mg/mL creatinine among the controls ( p = 0.542), while 145.35 ± 1.03 mg/mL and 265.18 ± 1.27 mg/mL creatinine were obtained in the treatment group ( p = 0.01). Furthermore, the results showed that the creatinine levels were within the normal ranges. The Independent T-test of stress, concentration, and dopamine levels obtained p = 0.024, p = 0.010, and p = 0.090, respectively. Conclusion Aromatherapy gelatin cold compress was effective in increasing study concentration by decreasing stress levels and increasing dopamine levels during the Covid-19 pandemic online class.
The Vail Hip Sport Test for Assessment of Functionality and Readiness to Return to Sport in the Setting of Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Philippon Marc J. , Comfort Spencer M. , Brown Jarrod M. , Fossum Brad W. , Ryan Mark 
Published: February 2024

Background: Functional testing is an important component of preoperative and postoperative assessment for hip arthroscopy regarding patient selection, management of patient expectations, and determination of readiness to return to sport. Indications: There is lack of consensus on timing and criteria to return to sport following hip arthroscopy, which is crucial to reduce risk of reinjury. Technique Description: In this technical note, we will present how to perform the Vail Hip Sport Test for evaluation of functionality in hip arthroscopy patients. Results: The Vail Hip Sport Test can easily be performed in the clinical setting and provides the physician and care team with information about muscular endurance, proprioception, and coordination, giving a more global picture of hip function. Discussion/Conclusion: The Vail Hip Sport Test alone and in combination with other diagnostic examinations can provide valuable information about initial hip function, patient prognosis, and readiness to return to sport. Future directions include investigating the reliability and validity of the Vail Hip Sport Test to assess function and readiness to return to sport and association with outcomes following hip arthroscopy. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Digital technologies in bronchiectasis physiotherapy services: a survey of patients and physiotherapists in a UK centre
Authors: O'Neill Katherine , O'Neill Brenda , McLeese Rebecca H. , Chalmers James D. , Boyd Jeanette , De Soyza Anthony , McCallion Paul , Bradley Judy M. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionWe aimed to explore how digital technology is currently used, could be used and how services could be improved in order to optimise bronchiectasis physiotherapy care.MethodsOnline surveys were designed and distributed amongst people with bronchiectasis and physiotherapists in Northern Ireland. Responses to closed and open question formats were collected and analysed.ResultsThe survey was completed by 48 out of 100 physiotherapists (48%) between January 2020 and January 2021 and by 205 out of 398 people with bronchiectasis (52%) between October 2020 and October 2021. 56% of physiotherapists (27 out of 48) reporting using some type of digital technology to facilitate services, whereas 44% (21 out of 48) reported that they had never used a digital technology in this patient group. When physiotherapists were asked whether they would be likely to use certain remote and/or digital options to deliver follow-up care for airway clearance techniques, most (31–38 out of 48; 65–79%) indicated that they would. Regarding patient responses, most reported that they would use telephone consultation (145 out of 199, 73%) and a smaller proportion were likely to use video consultation (64 out of 199, 32%). The most commonly mentioned theme for improvement amongst patients was follow-ups, while improved access, quality of services and treatments were the most commonly mentioned amongst physiotherapists.ConclusionDespite a large proportion of physiotherapists in this survey reporting no current use of digital technology in bronchiectasis physiotherapy care, there was significant interest and willingness to do so, amongst both physiotherapists and patients. This survey highlighted a range of care areas, specifically follow-up visits, where digital methods could be further explored.
Prognostic factors of progressive fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a large, retrospective, multicentre, observational cohort study
Authors: Cano-Jiménez Esteban , Villar Gómez Ana , Velez Segovia Eduardo , Aburto Barrenechea Myriam , Sellarés Torres Jacobo , Francesqui Joel , Portillo Carroz Karina , Solis Solis Alan Jhunior , Acosta Fernández Orlando , Llanos González Ana Belén , Bordas-Martinez Jaume , Cabrera Cesar Eva , Balcells Vilarnau Eva , Castillo Villegas Diego , Reyes Pardessus Ana , González Fernández Coral , García Moyano Marta , Urrutia Gajate Amaia , Blanco Hortas Andrés , Molina-Molina María 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundFibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (fHP) is an immune-mediated interstitial lung disease caused by sensitisation to chronic allergen inhalation. This study aimed to determine prognostic indicators of progression and mortality in fHP.MethodsThis was a retrospective, multicentre, observational, cross-sectional cohort study of consecutive patients diagnosed with fHP from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals for predictors of progression and survival.ResultsA total of 403 patients were diagnosed with fHP: median (interquartile range) age 66.5 (14.0) years, 51.9% females and 55.1% never-smokers. The cause of fHP was mainly fungal (39.7%) or avian (41.4%). Lung biopsy was performed in 269 cases (66.7%). In the whole cohort the variables that were related to mortality or lung transplant were older age (HR 1.08; p<0.001), percentage predicted forced vital capacity (HR 0.96; p=0.001), lymphocytosis in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (HR 0.93; p=0.001), presence of acute exacerbation during follow-up (HR 3.04; p=0.001) and GAP (gender, age and lung physiology) index (HR 1.96; p<0.01). In the group of biopsied patients, the presence of fibroblastic foci at biopsy (HR 8.39; p<0.001) stands out in multivariate Cox regression analyses as a highly significant predictor for increased mortality or lung transplant. GAP index (HR 1.26; p=0.009), lymphocytosis in BAL (HR 0.97; p=0.018) and age (HR 1.03; p=0.018) are also predictors of progression.ConclusionsThe study identified several prognostic factors for progression and/or survival in fHP. The presence of fibroblastic foci at biopsy was a consistent predictor for increased mortality and the presence of lymphocytosis in BAL was inversely related to mortality.
Effects of constant-load exercise and high-intensity interval training on reliever medication consumption and peak expiratory flow in individuals with asthma: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: da Silva Ronaldo Aparecido , Cukier Alberto , Carvalho-Pinto Regina Maria , Carvalho Celso R.F. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe effect of aerobic training on reliever medication consumption (short-acting β2-agonist (SABA)) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) in participants with asthma is poorly known. The comparison between constant-load exercise (CLE) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in these outcomes has never been tested. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of CLE or HIIT in SABA consumption and PEF improvement during an exercise programme in subjects with asthma.MethodsClinically stable participants were randomised into CLE (n=27; 70–85% of the maximal load (Wmax)) or HIIT (n=28; 80–140% Wmax). The programme lasted 12 weeks (two sessions per week, 40 min per session), and the intensity was based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). PEF was assessed before and after each exercise session. SABA was used if PEF was <70%. Clinical control (Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ)-6), CPET and aerobic fitness were also assessed before and after the intervention.ResultsBoth groups were similar at baseline. CLE and HIIT reduced SABA consumption throughout the intervention (p<0.05). Before training, 14 patients required SABA before exercising, but only one needed it after the intervention. Changes in post-exercise PEF were lower in the CLE group than in the HIIT group (1.6±25.3versus10.3±13.7%). Both groups improved aerobic fitness (10.1±12.8%versus5.7±15.6%) and clinical asthma control; however, only the HIIT group achieved a minimal clinically important difference in the ACQ-6 post-intervention (−0.23±1.06versus−0.52±0.73 Δ score).ConclusionCLE and HIIT reduced SABA consumption; however, only HIIT increased PEF and asthma clinical control after the intervention. These results reinforce the importance of exercise training in moderate-to-severe asthma.
Sputum metagenomics of people with bronchiectasis
Authors: Rosenboom Ilona , Thavarasa Ajith , Richardson Hollian , Long Merete B. , Wiehlmann Lutz , Davenport Colin F. , Shoemark Amelia , Chalmers James D. , Tümmler Burkhard 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe microbiota in the sputum of people with bronchiectasis has repeatedly been investigated in cohorts of different geographic origin, but so far has not been studied to the species level in comparison to control populations including healthy adults and smokers without lung disease.MethodsThe microbial metagenome from sputa of 101 European Bronchiectasis Registry (EMBARC) study participants was examined by using whole-genome shotgun sequencing.ResultsOur analysis of the metagenome of people with bronchiectasis revealed four clusters characterised by a predominance ofHaemophilus influenzae,Pseudomonas aeruginosaor polymicrobial communities with varying compositions of nonpathogenic commensals and opportunistic pathogens. The metagenomes of the severely affected patients showed individual profiles characterised by low alpha diversity. Importantly, nearly 50% of patients with severe disease were grouped in a cluster characterised by commensals. Comparisons with the sputum metagenomes of healthy smokers and healthy nonsmokers revealed a gradient of depletion of taxa in bronchiectasis, most oftenNeisseria subflava,Fusobacterium periodonticumandEubacterium sulci.ConclusionThe gradient of depletion of commensal taxa found in healthy airways is a key feature of bronchiectasis associated with disease severity.
Whole genome sequence of Vibrio cholerae NB-183 isolated from freshwater in Ontario, Canada harbors a unique gene repertoire
Authors: Lawal Opeyemi U. , Bryan Noah , Soni Mitra , Chen Yanhong , Precious Melinda , Parreira Valeria R. , Goodridge Lawrence 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
Vibrio cholerae is an enteric pathogen that poses a significant threat to global health. It causes severe dehydrating diarrheal disease cholera in humans. V. cholerae could be acquired either from consuming contaminated seafood or direct contact with polluted waters. As part of a larger program that assesses the microbial community profile in aquatic systems, V. cholerae strain NB-183 was isolated and characterized using a combination of culture- and whole-genome sequencing-based approaches.

Data description
Here we report the assembled and annotated whole-genome sequence of a V. cholerae strain NB-183 isolated from a recreational freshwater lake in Ontario, Canada. The genome was sequenced using short-read Illumina systems. The whole-genome sequencing yielded 4,112,549 bp genome size with 99 contigs with an average genome coverage of 96× and 47.42% G + C content. The whole genome-based comparison, phylogenomic and gene repertoire indicates that this strain harbors multiple virulence genes and biosynthetic gene clusters. This genome sequence and its associated datasets provided in this study will be an indispensable resource to enhance the understanding of the functional, ecological, and evolutionary dynamics of V. cholerae.
The evolution of ephemeral flora in Xinjiang, China: insights from plastid phylogenomic analyses of Brassicaceae
Authors: Xiao Tian-Wen , Song Feng , Vu Duc Quy , Feng Ying , Ge Xue-Jun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The ephemeral flora of northern Xinjiang, China, plays an important role in the desert ecosystems. However, the evolutionary history of this flora remains unclear. To gain new insights into its origin and evolutionary dynamics, we comprehensively sampled ephemeral plants of Brassicaceae, one of the essential plant groups of the ephemeral flora.

Results
We reconstructed a phylogenetic tree using plastid genomes and estimated their divergence times. Our results indicate that ephemeral species began to colonize the arid areas in north Xinjiang during the Early Miocene and there was a greater dispersal of ephemeral species from the surrounding areas into the ephemeral community of north Xinjiang during the Middle and Late Miocene, in contrast to the Early Miocene or Pliocene periods.

Conclusions
Our findings, together with previous studies, suggest that the ephemeral flora originated in the Early Miocene, and species assembly became rapid from the Middle Miocene onwards, possibly attributable to global climate changes and regional geological events.
Relationship between observation time and detection rate of focal lesions in Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: a single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Dong Li , Zhang Xiaodan , Xuan Yuting , Xiong Peiling , Ning Yumei , Zhang Bing , Wang Fan , Zhao Qiu , Fang Jun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Current studies have shown that longer observation time can improve neoplastic detection rate. This study aimed to clarify whether endoscopists with longer observation times can detect more focal lesions.

Methods
Based on the mean examination time for Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) without biopsy, endoscopists were divided into fast and slow groups, and the detection rate of focal lesions was compared between the two groups. Univariate analysis, multivariate analysis and restricted cubic spline were used to explore the factors of focal lesion detection rate.

Results
Mean examination time of EGD without biopsy was 4.5 min. The cut-off times used were 5 min. 17 endoscopists were classified into the fast (4.7 ± 3.6 min), and 16 into the slow (7.11 ± 4.6 min) groups. Compared with fast endoscopists, slow endoscopists had a higher detection rate of focal lesions (47.2% vs. 51.4%, P < 0.001), especially in the detection of gastric lesions (29.7% vs. 35.9%, P < 0.001). In univariate and multivariate analyses, observation time, patient age and gender, expert, biopsy rate, and number of images were factors in FDR. There is a nonlinear relationship between observation time and FDR.

Conclusion
Longer examination time improves the detection rate of focal lesions. Observation time is an important quality indicator of the EGD examination.
Nomogram to predict risk of neonatal mortality among preterm neonates admitted with sepsis at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: risk prediction model development and validation
Authors: Tesfie Tigabu Kidie , Anlay Degefaye Zelalem , Abie Birhanu , Chekol Yazachew Moges , Gelaw Negalgn Byadgie , Tebeje Tsion Mulat , Animut Yaregal 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Mortality in premature neonates is a global public health problem. In developing countries, nearly 50% of preterm births ends with death. Sepsis is one of the major causes of death in preterm neonates. Risk prediction model for mortality in preterm septic neonates helps for directing the decision making process made by clinicians.

Objective
We aimed to develop and validate nomogram for the prediction of neonatal mortality. Nomograms are tools which assist the clinical decision making process through early estimation of risks prompting early interventions.

Methods
A three year retrospective follow up study was conducted at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and a total of 603 preterm neonates with sepsis were included. Data was collected using KoboCollect and analyzed using STATA version 16 and R version 4.2.1. Lasso regression was used to select the most potent predictors and to minimize the problem of overfitting. Nomogram was developed using multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Model performance was evaluated using discrimination and calibration. Internal model validation was done using bootstrapping. Net benefit of the nomogram was assessed through decision curve analysis (DCA) to assess the clinical relevance of the model.

Result
The nomogram was developed using nine predictors: gestational age, maternal history of premature rupture of membrane, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress syndrome, perinatal asphyxia, necrotizing enterocolitis, total bilirubin, platelet count and kangaroo-mother care. The model had discriminatory power of 96.7% (95% CI: 95.6, 97.9) and P-value of 0.165 in the calibration test before and after internal validation with brier score of 0.07. Based on the net benefit analysis the nomogram was found better than treat all and treat none conditions.

Conclusion
The developed nomogram can be used for individualized mortality risk prediction with excellent performance, better net benefit and have been found to be useful in clinical practice with contribution in preterm neonatal mortality reduction by giving better emphasis for those at high risk.