bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ball Tip Technique for S2AI Screw Placement in Sacropelvic Fixation: A Comparative Study with Conventional Freehand Technique
Authors: Zhou Zhenhai , Tu Cheng , Yu Honggui , Xiong Jiachao , Liu Zhiming , Ma Shengbiao , Deng Wenqiang , Cao Kai 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficiency of the ball tip technique for S2AI screw placement and introduce this technique.MethodsSixty‐three patients who underwent pelvic fixation with S2AI screws were retrospectively reviewed. They were 29 males and 34 females with an average age of 59.6 ± 12.5 years. Among these patients, 35 patients (14 males and 21 females with an average age of 58.8 ± 11.3 years) received ball tip technique and 28 patients (15 males and 13 females with an average age of 63.7 ± 12.6 years) received conventional freehand technique. Ball tip technique was used in ball tip technique group. After a pedicle probe just penetrated the sacroiliac joint, a ball‐tipped probe consisting of a ball shaped metal tip with a flexible shaft was malleted to make a guide track within ilium. This ball‐tipped probe could bend automatically away from the cortex and forward through the cancellous bone when the tip met the cortical lamina of ilium, which can avoid penetration. After repeating the procedures, a guide hole was gradually formed. S2AI screw was inserted along the guide hole after tapping. In the conventional freehand group, S2AI screw was placed according to the conventional method. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) was used to assess the accuracy of screws. The time cost of screw insertion and screw‐related complications were recorded. Independent t‐test was used to compare the time cost between ball tip group and conventional freehand group. A chi‐square test was used to compare the accuracies of the ball tip group with the conventional group.ResultsThere were 35 patients (70 S2AI screws) in ball tip group and 28 patients (56 S2AI screws) in conventional freehand group. No screw‐related complication occurred in all patients. Time costs were 9.8 ± 4.5 mins in ball tip group and 20.2.0 + 8.6 mins in conventional freehand group, respectively (P < 0.05). Four screws penetrated iliac cortex in the ball tip group vs 10 screws in conventional freehand group (5.7% vs 17.9%) (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe ball tip technique enhances the accuracy of screw placement and has less time cost compared with conventional freehand technique.
A single nucleotide deletion in the third exon of FT‐D1 increases the spikelet number and delays heading date in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Chen Zhaoyan , Ke Wensheng , He Fei , Chai Lingling , Cheng Xuejiao , Xu Huanwen , Wang Xiaobo , Du Dejie , Zhao Yidi , Chen Xiyong , Xing Jiewen , Xin Mingming , Guo Weilong , Hu Zhaorong , Su Zhenqi , Liu Jie , Peng Huiru , Yao Yingyin , Sun Qixin , Ni Zhongfu 
Published: January 2022

SummaryThe spikelet number and heading date are two crucial and correlated traits for yield in wheat. Here, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was conducted in F8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from crossing two common wheats with different spikelet numbers. A total of 15 stable QTL influencing total spikelet number (TSN) and heading date (HD) were detected. Notably, FT‐D1, a well‐known flowering time gene in wheat, was located within the finely mapped interval of a major QTL on 7DS (QTsn/Hd.cau‐7D). A causal indel of one G in the third exon of FT‐D1 was significantly associated with total spikelet number and heading date. Consistently, CRISPR/Cas9 mutant lines with homozygous mutations in FT‐D1 displayed an increase in total spikelet number and heading date when compared with wild type. Moreover, one simple and robust marker developed according to the polymorphic site of FT‐D1 revealed that this one G indel had been preferentially selected to adapt to different environments. Collectively, these data provide further insights into the genetic basis of spikelet number and heading date, and the diagnostic marker of FT‐D1 will be useful for marker‐assisted pyramiding in wheat breeding.
B cell class switching in intestinal immunity in health and disease
Authors: Fleming Aaron , Castro‐Dopico Tomas , Clatworthy Menna R. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe gastrointestinal tract is colonized by trillions of commensal microorganisms that collectively form the microbiome and make essential contributions to organism homeostasis. The intestinal immune system must tolerate these beneficial commensals, whilst preventing pathogenic organisms from systemic spread. Humoral immunity plays a key role in this process, with large quantities of immunoglobulin (Ig)A secreted into the lumen on a daily basis, regulating the microbiome and preventing bacteria from encroaching on the epithelium. However, there is an increasing appreciation of the role of IgG antibodies in intestinal immunity, including beneficial effects in neonatal immune development, pathogen and tumour resistance, but also of pathological effects in driving chronic inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These antibody isotypes differ in effector function, with IgG exhibiting more proinflammatory capabilities compared with IgA. Therefore, the process that leads to the generation of different antibody isotypes, class‐switch recombination (CSR), requires careful regulation and is orchestrated by the immunological cues generated by the prevalent local challenge. In general, an initiating signal such as CD40 ligation on B cells leads to the induction of activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID), but a second cytokine‐mediated signal determines which Ig heavy chain is expressed. Whilst the cytokines driving intestinal IgA responses are well‐studied, there is less clarity on how IgG responses are generated in the intestine, and how these cues might become dysfunctional in IBD. Here, we review the key mechanisms regulating class switching to IgA vs IgG in the intestine, processes that could be therapeutically manipulated in infection and IBD.
Are national treatment guidelines for falciparum malaria in line with WHO recommendations and is antimalarial resistance taken into consideration? – A review of guidelines in non‐endemic countries
Authors: Visser Marc T. , Zonneveld Rens , Peto Thomas J. , van Vugt Michele , Dondorp Arjen M. , van der Pluijm Rob W. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivePlasmodium falciparum infections are a relatively rare but potentially deadly disease found in returning travellers. We compare the national treatment guidelines of non‐endemic countries with the WHO guidelines for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum infections.MethodsReview. We identified non‐endemic countries with an incidence rate of imported malaria of at least one per 100,000 population and at least 50 cases annually. Using PubMed and Google Search, we reviewed national guidelines published before 1 March 2021.ResultsThirteen guidelines were identified. For uncomplicated falciparum malaria, 11 of 13 countries (85%) recommend an artemisinin‐based combination therapy as first‐line regimen in adults, of which artemether–lumefantrine was the most common. For severe malaria, all guidelines recommend the use of intravenous artesunate. Only three countries adjust treatment recommendations based on expected artemisinin resistance.ConclusionTreatment guidelines for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in non‐endemic countries generally adhere to WHO recommendations but often fail to mention the risk of drug resistance in returning travellers. Artemisinin‐based Combination Therapies (ACTs) should be the first choice for all uncomplicated malaria cases. Furthermore, the choice between ACTs should be based on regional resistance patterns.
Unsteady Pressure Measurements in a Heated Rotating Cavity
Authors: Jackson Richard W. , Tang Hui , Scobie James A. , Pountney Oliver J. , Sangan Carl M. , Owen J. Michael , Lock Gary D. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The flow in the heated rotating cavity of an aero-engine compressor is driven by buoyancy forces, which result in pairs of cyclonic and anticyclonic vortices. The resultant cavity flow field is three-dimensional, unsteady, and unstable, which makes it challenging to model the flow and heat transfer. In this paper, properties of the vortex structures are determined from novel unsteady pressure measurements collected on the rotating disk surface over a range of engine-representative parameters. These measurements are the first of their kind with practical significance to the engine designer and for validation of computational fluid dynamics. One cyclonic/anticyclonic vortex pair was detected over the experimental range, despite the measurement of harmonic modes in the frequency spectra at low Rossby numbers. It is shown that these modes were caused by unequal size vortices, with the cyclonic vortex the larger of the pair. The structures slipped relative to the disks at a speed typically around 10%–15% of that of the rotor, but the speed of precession was often unsteady. The coherency, strength, and slip of the vortex pair increased with the buoyancy parameter, due to the stronger buoyancy forces, but they were largely independent of the rotational Reynolds number.
Fouling Mitigation for Laser Igniters in Natural Gas Engines
Authors: Gupta Sreenath B. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDue to several recent developments in lasers and optics, laser igniters can now be designed to be (i) compact so as to have the same footprint as a standard spark plug, (ii) have low power draw, usually less than 50 Watts, and (iii) have vibration and temperature resistance at levels typical of reciprocating engines. Primary advantages of these laser igniters remain (i) extension of lean or dilution limits for ignition of combustible mixtures, and (ii) improved ignition at higher pressures. Recently, tests performed in a 350 kW six-cylinder stationary natural gas reciprocating engine retrofitted with these igniters showed an extension of the operational envelope to yield efficiency improvements of the order of 2.6% points while being compliant with the mandated emission regulations. Even though laser igniters offer promise, fouling of the final optical element that introduces the laser into the combustion chamber is of concern. After performing a thorough literature search, a test plan was devised to evaluate various fouling mitigation strategies. The final approach that was used is a combination of three strategies and helped sustain an optical transmissivity exceeding 98% even after 1500 h of continuous engine operation at 2400 rpm. Based on the observed trend in transmissivity, it now appears that laser igniters can last up to 6000 h of continuous engine operation in a stationary engine running at 1800 rpm.
Cluster randomised controlled trial to assess a tailored intervention to reduce antibiotic prescribing in rural China: study protocol
Authors: Cong Wenjuan , Chai Jing , Zhao Linhai , Cabral Christie , Yardley Lucy , Yao Guiqing Lily , Zhang Tingting , Cheng Jing , Shen XingRong , Liu Rong , Little Paul , Stuart Beth , Hu Xiaowen , Sun Ye-Huan , Oliver Isabel , Zheng Bo , Lambert Helen , Wang DeBin 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionUp to 80% of patients with respiratory tract infections (RTI) attending healthcare facilities in rural areas of China are prescribed antibiotics, many of which are unnecessary. Since 2009, China has implemented several policies to try to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use; however, antibiotic prescribing remains high in rural health facilities.Methods and analysisA cluster randomised controlled trial will be carried out to estimate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a complex intervention in reducing antibiotic prescribing at township health centres in Anhui Province, China. 40 Township health centres will be randomised at a 1:1 ratio to the intervention or usual care arms. In the intervention group, practitioners will receive an intervention comprising: (1) training to support appropriate antibiotic prescribing for RTI, (2) a computer-based treatment decision support system, (3) virtual peer support, (4) a leaflet for patients and (5) a letter of commitment to optimise antibiotic use to display in their clinic. The primary outcome is the percentage of antibiotics (intravenous and oral) prescribed for RTI patients. Secondary outcomes include patient symptom severity and duration, recovery status, satisfaction, antibiotic consumption. A full economic evaluation will be conducted within the trial period. Costs and savings for both clinics and patients will be considered and quality of life will be measured by EuroQoL (EQ-5D-5L). A qualitative process evaluation will explore practitioner and patient views and experiences of trial processes, intervention fidelity and acceptability, and barriers and facilitators to implementation.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of Anhui Medical University (Ref: 20180259); the study has undergone due diligence checks and is registered at the University of Bristol (Ref: 2020-3137). Research findings will be disseminated to stakeholders through conferences and peer-reviewed journals in China, the UK and internationally.Trial registration numberISRCTN30652037.
Economic evaluation of an Australian nurse home visiting programme: a randomised trial at 3 years
Authors: Bohingamu Mudiyanselage Shalika , Price Anna M H , Mensah Fiona K , Bryson Hannah E , Perlen Susan , Orsini Francesca , Hiscock Harriet , Dakin Penelope , Harris Diana , Noble Kristy , Bruce Tracey , Kemp Lynn , Goldfeld Sharon , Gold Lisa 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesTo investigate the additional programme cost and cost-effectiveness of ‘right@home’ Nurse Home Visiting (NHV) programme in relation to improving maternal and child outcomes at child age 3 years compared with usual care.DesignA cost–utility analysis from a government-as-payer perspective alongside a randomised trial of NHV over 3-year period. Costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were discounted at 5%. Analysis used an intention-to-treat approach with multiple imputation.SettingThe right@home was implemented from 2013 in Victoria and Tasmania states of Australia, as a primary care service for pregnant women, delivered until child age 2 years.Participants722 pregnant Australian women experiencing adversity received NHV (n=363) or usual care (clinic visits) (n=359).Primary and secondary outcome measuresFirst, a cost–consequences analysis to compare the additional costs of NHV over usual care, accounting for any reduced costs of service use, and impacts on all maternal and child outcomes assessed at 3 years. Second, cost–utility analysis from a government-as-payer perspective compared additional costs to maternal QALYs to express cost-effectiveness in terms of additional cost per additional QALY gained.ResultsWhen compared with usual care at child age 3 years, the right@home intervention cost $A7685 extra per woman (95% CI $A7006 to $A8364) and generated 0.01 more QALYs (95% CI −0.01 to 0.02). The probability of right@home being cost-effective by child age 3 years is less than 20%, at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $A50 000 per QALY.ConclusionsBenefits of NHV to parenting at 2 years and maternal health and well-being at 3 years translate into marginal maternal QALY gains. Like previous cost-effectiveness results for NHV programmes, right@home is not cost-effective at 3 years. Given the relatively high up-front costs of NHV, long-term follow-up is needed to assess the accrual of health and economic benefits over time.Trial registration numberISRCTN89962120.
Biomarker discovery studies for patient stratification using machine learning analysis of omics data: a scoping review
Authors: Glaab Enrico , Rauschenberger Armin , Banzi Rita , Gerardi Chiara , Garcia Paula , Demotes Jacques 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveTo review biomarker discovery studies using omics data for patient stratification which led to clinically validated FDA-cleared tests or laboratory developed tests, in order to identify common characteristics and derive recommendations for future biomarker projects.DesignScoping review.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science to obtain a comprehensive list of articles from the biomedical literature published between January 2000 and July 2021, describing clinically validated biomarker signatures for patient stratification, derived using statistical learning approaches. All documents were screened to retain only peer-reviewed research articles, review articles or opinion articles, covering supervised and unsupervised machine learning applications for omics-based patient stratification. Two reviewers independently confirmed the eligibility. Disagreements were solved by consensus. We focused the final analysis on omics-based biomarkers which achieved the highest level of validation, that is, clinical approval of the developed molecular signature as a laboratory developed test or FDA approved tests.ResultsOverall, 352 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The analysis of validated biomarker signatures identified multiple common methodological and practical features that may explain the successful test development and guide future biomarker projects. These include study design choices to ensure sufficient statistical power for model building and external testing, suitable combinations of non-targeted and targeted measurement technologies, the integration of prior biological knowledge, strict filtering and inclusion/exclusion criteria, and the adequacy of statistical and machine learning methods for discovery and validation.ConclusionsWhile most clinically validated biomarker models derived from omics data have been developed for personalised oncology, first applications for non-cancer diseases show the potential of multivariate omics biomarker design for other complex disorders. Distinctive characteristics of prior success stories, such as early filtering and robust discovery approaches, continuous improvements in assay design and experimental measurement technology, and rigorous multicohort validation approaches, enable the derivation of specific recommendations for future studies.
Rationale and study design of the MINERVA study: Multicentre Investigation of Novel Electrocardiogram Risk markers in Ventricular Arrhythmia prediction—UK multicentre collaboration
Authors: Ng G Andre , Mistry Amar , Newton Michelle , Schlindwein Fernando Soares , Barr Craig , Bates Matthew GD , Caldwell Jane , Das Moloy , Farooq Mohsin , Herring Neil , Lambiase Pier , Osman Faizel , Sohal Manav , Staniforth Andrew , Tayebjee Muzahir , Tomlinson David , Whinnett Zachary , Yue Arthur , Nicolson Will B 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionThe purpose of this study is to assess the ability of two new ECG markers (Regional Repolarisation Instability Index (R2I2) and Peak Electrical Restitution Slope) to predict sudden cardiac death (SCD) or ventricular arrhythmia (VA) events in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy undergoing implantation of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for primary prevention indication.Methods and analysisMulticentre Investigation of Novel Electrocardiogram Risk markers in Ventricular Arrhythmia prediction is a prospective, open label, single blinded, multicentre observational study to establish the efficacy of two ECG biomarkers in predicting VA risk. 440 participants with ischaemic cardiomyopathy undergoing routine first time implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation for primary prevention indication are currently being recruited. An electrophysiological (EP) study is performed using a non-invasive programmed electrical stimulation protocol via the implanted device. All participants will undergo the EP study hence no randomisation is required. Participants will be followed up over a minimum of 18 months and up to 3 years. The first patient was recruited in August 2016 and the study will be completed at the final participant follow-up visit. The primary endpoint is ventricular fibrillation or sustained ventricular tachycardia >200 beats/min as recorded by the ICD. The secondary endpoint is SCD. Analysis of the ECG data obtained during the EP study will be performed by the core lab where blinding of patient health status and endpoints will be maintained.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted by Research Ethics Committees Northern Ireland (reference no. 16/NI/0069). The results will inform the design of a definitive Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT). Dissemination will include peer reviewed journal articles reporting the qualitative and quantitative results, as well as presentations at conferences and lay summaries.Trial registration numberNCT03022487.
Significant ketoacidosis at autopsy: a single-centre systematic review
Authors: Gwiti Paida , Davidson Fiona , Beresford Peter , Gallagher Patrick J 
Published: January 2022

AimTo examine the value of vitreous beta-hydroxybutyrate and serum acetone in the investigation of sudden unexpected death.MethodsCoroners’ autopsy reports from a provincial UK city, with a population of approximately 900 000, over a 24-month period with significant ketoacidosis were studied. Demographic features, medical history, anatomical and histological findings, and biochemical parameters, including renal function, vitreous glucose, serum and vitreous alcohol, were analysed.ResultsForty-two cases (28 males and 14 females) were identified; 55% had a history of alcohol and/or substance misuse, and mental health problems, particularly depression and anxiety, and 16% were diabetic. In all, 50% of subjects had alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA), 19% had diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and 12% had a history of both diabetes and alcohol abuse. In 19% of cases, an exact cause of ketoacidosis was established. In AKA, the subjects typically had low vitreous glucose and low or undetected blood alcohol levels. All of the subjects with raised vitreous glucose levels had DKA.ConclusionKetoacidosis is relatively common and should be considered as a cause of sudden death, especially in alcoholic patients and patients with diabetes with no clear cause of death at autopsy.
A new touch temperature of the event horizon and Rindler horizon in the Kinnersley spacetime
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Menquan , Liu Zhie , Yang Shuzheng 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe Kinnersley spacetime not only describes a non-spherical symmetric, non-stationary and accelerating black hole, but also can be used to explore the characteristics of collision of two black holes because it has two horizons: the Rindler horizon and the event horizon. Previous research shows Rindler horizon and the event horizon cannot touch due to violation of the third law of thermodynamics. By solving a fermion dynamical equation including the Lorentz dispersion relation, we obtain a modified radiation temperature at the event horizon of the black hole, as well as the colliding temperature at the touch point of Rindler horizon and the event horizon. We find the temperature at the touch point is not equal to zero if $${\dot{r}}_H\ne 0$$

r
˙

H

≠
0

. This result indicates that the event horizon and Rindler horizon can collide without violation of the third law of thermodynamics when Lorentz dispersion relation is considered.