bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy Using a Double‐Cannula Guide Tube for Large Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Yuan Hong , Yu Hailong , Li Changqing , Zhou Yue , Xiang Liangbi 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) using a double‐cannula guide tube (DGT), traditional PELD, and open lumbar discectomy (OLD) to treat large lumbar disc herniations (LLDHs).MethodsSeventy patients who presented with LLDH without cauda equina syndrome and were treated with surgery in our hospital from October 2015 to October 2017 were included. The detailed index included the visual analog scale (VAS) for back and radicular leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) in the immediate preoperative period and at the final follow‐up. The operation time, radiation exposure time, surgical satisfaction rate, and modified MacNab criteria score were also recorded.ResultsThe leg and back pain of the patients in these groups improved significantly in the postoperative period. No significant differences were observed in leg pain improvement between the other two groups; however, patients in the PELD group (with or without DGT) presented with significantly higher improvement in back pain than the OLD group (t = 9.965, p < 0.001). The final ODI scores were 12.1 ± 4.9, 11.2 ± 2.9, and 16.4 ± 3.6 in the PELD, PELD‐DGT, and OLD groups, respectively. Patients in the PELD and PELD‐DGT groups presented with significantly lower postoperative ODI scores than those in the OLD group (t = 20.834, p < 0.001). The mean postoperative hospital stays were significantly shorter in the PELD group and PELD with DGT group than in the OLD group (t = 46.688, p < 0.001). The mean operation time was significantly shorter in the PELD‐DGT group than those in the PELD group (t = 25.281, p = 0.001). No perioperative complications were observed in either group. Based on the modified MacNab criteria, excellent and good outcomes were achieved in 20 out of 21 patients (95.2%) in the PELD group, 23 out of 24 patients (95.8%) in the PELD‐DGT group, and 22 out of 25 patients (88.0%) in the OLD group. The rates of excellent and good outcomes were higher in the PELD and PELD‐DGT groups than in the OLD group, but there were no significant differences (χ2 = 1.454, p = 0.835).ConclusionsPELD using DGT is a safe and effective option for LLDH and features advantages such as improvements in back pain, a lower hospitalization cost than OLD, a shorter operation time, and less fluoroscopy than traditional PELD.
Environmental influences on childhood allergies and asthma — The Farm effect
Authors: Frei Remo , Heye Kristina , Roduit Caroline 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAsthma and allergies are major health problems and exert an enormous socioeconomic burden. Besides genetic predisposition, environmental factors play a crucial role in the development of these diseases in childhood. Multiple worldwide epidemiological studies have shown that children growing up on farms are immune to allergic diseases and asthma. Farm‐related exposures shape children's immune homeostasis, via mediators such as N‐glycolylneuraminic acid or arabinogalactan, or by diverse environmental microbes. Moreover, nutritional factors, such as breastfeeding or farm milk and food diversity, inducing short‐chain fatty acids‐producing bacteria in the intestine, contribute to farm‐related effects. All farm‐related exposures induce an anti‐inflammatory response of the innate immunity and increase the differentiation of regulatory T cells and T helper cell type 1. A better understanding of the components of the farm environment, that are protective to the development of allergy and asthma, and their underlying mechanisms, will help to develop new strategies for the prevention of allergy and asthma.
Do Previous Survey Experience and Participating Due to an Incentive affect Response Quality? Evidence from the CRONOS Panel
Authors: Schwarz Hannah , Revilla Melanie , Struminskaya Bella 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAs ever more surveys are conducted, recruited respondents are more likely to already have previous survey experience. Furthermore, it has become more difficult to convince individuals to participate in surveys, and thus, incentives are increasingly used. Both previous survey experience and participation in surveys due to incentives have been discussed in terms of their links with response quality. This study aims to assess whether previous web survey experience and survey participation due to incentives are linked with three indicators of response quality: item non-response, primacy effect and non-differentiation. Analysing data of the probability-based CROss-National Online Survey panel covering Estonia, Slovenia and Great Britain, we found that previous web survey experience is not associated with item non-response and the occurrence of a primacy effect but is associated with non-differentiation. Participating due to the incentive is not associated with any of the three response quality indicators assessed. Hence, overall, we find little evidence that response quality is linked with either previous web survey experience or participating due to the incentive.
Age, period and cohort effects in a dealigned electorate: comparing late deciders and vote switchers
Authors: Lisi Marco 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWhereas many advanced democracies experience a long‐term process of dealignment, the impact of age, period and cohort on late deciders and vote switchers is still unclear. In addition, extant research fails to systematically examine the determinants that account for the time of vote decision compared to explanations of vote change at the individual level. Drawing on pooled data that include election surveys for Portuguese legislative elections held between 2002 and 2019, this study analyses the impact of age, period and cohort on late deciders and vote switchers. The findings indicate that age has a significant impact on both phenomena, while period effects are important only for the time of vote decision. Finally, the lack of partisan identities and short‐term factors, in particular ambivalence towards the main party leaders, are relevant for explaining electoral indecision and inter‐election volatility.
Cytological and microbiological evaluation of conjunctiva in camels with and without conjunctivitis
Authors: Shawaf Turke , Hussen Jamal 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the cytological analysis of conjunctiva from normal camels and camels with bacterial conjunctivitis.Animals studiedThis study was conducted on 7 normal camels and 15 camels affected with conjunctivitis. The affected camels had a history of conjunctivitis with signs including chemosis, blepharospasm, frequent blinking, and mild‐to‐moderate serous, mucoid, or purulent ocular discharge.ProceduresBacterial swabs were collected from the inferior conjunctival sac of the affected eye without topical anesthetics. Conjunctival smears were obtained from the conjunctival surface for cytological analysis.ResultsThe cellular analysis of ocular smears revealed a higher percentage of basal cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages in camels with conjunctivitis compared with normal camels. In contrast to this, smears from normal camels showed an increased percentage of superficial epithelial cells compared with affected camels. The microbiological assessment of conjunctival swabs collected from affected animals identified a bacterial growth ofStaphylococcus aureus.,Bacillussp.,Streptococcussp.,Enterococcus faecium.,Staphylococcussp.,Corynebacteriumsp.,Coryne pseudotuberculosis.,Saprophytica,Enterobacter cloacae,Escherichia coli,Proteus mirabilis,Proteus vulagaris, andPseudomonas aeruginosa.ConclusionsIt was observed that bacterial conjunctivitis in camels was associated with increased percentages of basal epithelial cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages compared with normal camels, while normal camels showed an increased percentage of superficial epithelial cells compared with affected camels.
Genetic Determinants of Xylan Utilization in Humisphaera borealis M1803T, a Planctomycete of the Class Phycisphaerae
Authors: Naumoff D. G. , Kulichevskaya I. S. , Dedysh S. N. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract—
Planctomycetes of the class Phycisphaerae are aerobic and anaerobic heterotrophic bacteria that colonize a wide range of marine and terrestrial habitats. Their functional roles in the environment, however, are still poorly understood. Humisphaera borealis M1803T is one of the very few characterized planctomycetes of this class. It is also the first described representative of the previously uncultured group WD2101, which is commonly detected in soils and peatlands. This work analyzed the genetic determinants that define the ability of Humisphaera borealis M1803T to grow on xylan, one of the plant cell wall polymers. The whole genome sequence analysis of this planctomycete resulted in identification of five genes encoding the proteins homologous to previously described endo-β-xylanases. For two of these proteins, evolutionarily closer experimentally characterized homologs with other substrate specificities were found. In a member of the GH10 family of glycoside hydrolases, the active center of the enzyme was destroyed. We consider two proteins from GH62 and GH141 families as the most likely candidates for the role of β-xylanase responsible for xylan utilization. Phylogenetic analysis of proteins of GH10, GH62, and GH141 families was carried out. The role of lateral transfers in the evolution of the genes for glycoside hydrolases and their close homologs is discussed.
Evoked Potentials of the Midbrain Associated with the Beginning and End of a Sound of a Simple Tone
Authors: Kantserova A. O. , Oknina L. B. , Pitskhelauri D. I. , Podlepich V. V. , Masherov E. L. , Vologdina Y. O. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe anatomical structure of the auditory system and the presence of several complementary levels of information processing allow a person to very quickly and accurately assess a variety of natural sounds that have minimal differences in frequency, duration, or intensity. At the same time, the features of the analysis of auditory information by the deep structures of the brain have not been fully investigated. In particular, the role of the midbrain in the perception of auditory information has not been fully identified. The basis of this study was the data of analysis of the activity of the midbrain in five people, obtained during intraoperative monitoring during surgery for the removal of tumor of the brainstem. Electric potentials were recorded using a depth electrode installed in the brain aqueduct. The activity of the midbrain associated with the response to simple tones was analyzed. Peaks S1, S2 and S3 were associated with the onset of the sound stimulus, peak E was associated with the end of the sound stimulus. Peaks S1, S2, and S3 most likely reflect the conduction of an uneven impulse along the auditory pathway. Peak E reflects the analysis of auditory information in the midbrain.
Perspectives, benefits and challenges of a live OSCE during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cross-sectional study
Authors: Loda Teresa , Erschens Rebecca Sarah , Nevins Andrew B , Zipfel Stephan , Herrmann-Werner Anne 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesRestrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic mandated fundamental changes to student evaluations, including the administration of the observed structured clinical examination (OSCE). This study aims to conduct an in-person OSCE to verify students’ practical skills under necessary infection control practices and the impact of face masks on student–patient interactions.DesignCross-sectional design.SettingThe OSCE at Medical School of Tuebingen takes place in October 2020.ParticipantsA total of 149 students (third year of study) completed the survey (RR=80.1%). It was their first OSCE.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcome measure was how this type of OSCE was evaluated by participating students in regard to preparation, content and difficulty as well as in real life. Secondary outcome measures were how the implemented hygiene actions influenced the OSCE, including the interaction and communication between students and standardised patients (SPs). Items were rated on a 6-point Likert scale (1=completely to 6=not at all). Means, SDs, frequencies and percentages were calculated.Results149 students, 32 SPs and 59 examiners participated. The students rated the OSCE with 2.37 (±0.52) for preparation and 2.07 (±0.32) for content. They perceived the interaction to be significantly disrupted by the use of face masks (3.03±1.54) (p<0.001) compared with the SPs (3.84±1.44) and the examiners (4.14±1.55). In general, the three groups considered the use of face masking the OSCE to be helpful (1.60±1.15).ConclusionsAn in-person OSCE, even in the midst of a global pandemic, is feasible and acceptable to both students and faculty. When compared the students’ results to previous students’ results who completed the OSCE before the pandemic, the results indicated that students felt less prepared than under non-pandemic circumstances; however, their performances on this OSCE were not lower.
Cost–consequence analysis of COPD treatment according to NICE and GOLD recommendations compared with current clinical practice in the UK
Authors: Wright Antony , Vioix Helene , de Silva Shamika , Langham Sue , Cook Jennifer , Capstick Toby , Quint Jennifer K 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to model the clinical and economic impact of adapting current clinical practice in the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to treatment according to national and international guideline recommendations.DesignTreatment mapping was undertaken to hypothetically redistribute patients from current clinical practice, representing actual prescribing patterns in the UK, to an alternative recommendation-based treatment scenario, representing prescribing in accordance with either National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance [NG115] or Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2020 strategy.SettingPrimary care practices in the UK (1-year time horizon).ParticipantsAdults with COPD undergoing long-acting inhaler maintenance therapy in the UK (N=1 067,531).InterventionsInhaler maintenance therapy.Outcome measuresCosts and clinical outcomes (type of treatment, rates of moderate and/or severe exacerbations, and mild-to-moderate and/or severe pneumonia events) were modelled for the two alternative pathways.ResultsCompared with current clinical practice, treating patients according to NICE guidance resulted in an estimated annual reduction in expenditure of £46.9 million, and an estimated annual reduction in expenditure of over £43.7 million when patients were treated according to GOLD 2020 strategy. Total cost savings of up to 8% annually could be achieved by treatment of patients according to either of these recommendations. Cost savings arose from a reduction in the rates of pneumonia, with an associated decrease in costs associated with antibiotic use and hospitalisation. Savings were achieved overall despite a small increase in the rate of exacerbations due to the redistribution of certain patients currently undergoing triple inhaled therapy to therapies not containing inhaled corticosteroids.ConclusionRedistribution of patients with COPD from current clinical practice to treatment according to published recommendations would provide substantial cost savings over the first year.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilisation of facility-based essential maternal and child health services from March to August 2020 compared with pre-pandemic March–August 2019: a mixed-methods study in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Chalachew , Bekele Delayehu , Hunegnaw Bezawit Mesfin , Van Wickle Kimiko , Gebremeskel Fanos Ashenafi , Korte Michelle , Tedijanto Christine , Taddesse Lisanu , Chan Grace J 
Published: June 2022

IntroductionHealth systems are often weakened by public health emergencies that make it harder to access health services. We aimed to assess maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) service utilisation during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with prior to the pandemic.MethodsWe conducted a mixed study design in eight health facilities that are part of the Birhan field site in Amhara, Ethiopia and compared the trend of service utilisation in the first 6 months of COVID-19 with the corresponding time and data points of the preceding year.ResultNew family planning visits (43.2 to 28.5/month, p=0.014) and sick under 5 child visits (225.0 to 139.8/month, p=0.007) declined over the first 6 months of the pandemic compared with the same period in the preceding year. Antenatal (208.9 to 181.7/month, p=0.433) and postnatal care (26.6 to 19.8/month, p=0.155) visits, facility delivery rates (90.7 to 84.2/month, p=0.776), and family planning visits (313.3 to 273.4/month, p=0.415) declined, although this did not reach statistical significance. Routine immunisation visits (37.0 to 36.8/month, p=0.982) for children were maintained. Interviews with healthcare providers and clients highlighted several barriers to service utilisation during COVID-19, including fear of disease transmission, economic hardship, and transport service disruptions and restrictions. Enablers of service utilisation included communities’ decreased fear of COVID-19 and awareness-raising activities.ConclusionWe observed a decline in essential MNCH services particularly in sick children and new family planning visits. To improve the resiliency of fragile health systems, resources are needed to continuously monitor service utilisation and clients’ evolving concerns during public health emergencies.
Paediatric advance care planning in life-limiting conditions: scoping review of parent experiences
Authors: Bennett Helen Elizabeth , Duke Sue , Richardson Alison 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundAdvance care planning is considered best practice for children and young people with life-limiting conditions but there is limited evidence how parents’ perceive, understand and engage with the process.AimTo understand parents’ experience of advance care planning for a child or young person with a life-limiting condition.DesignScoping review, theoretically informed by Family Sense of Coherence. Parents’ experience was conceptualised in terms of meaningfulness, comprehensibility and manageability.Data sourcesElectronic databases Medline, CINAHL and PyschINFO were searched for studies published between 1990 and 2021, using MeSH and broad-base terms.Results150 citations were identified and screened; 15 studies were included: qualitative (n=10), survey (n=3) and participatory research (n=2). Parents’ experience of advance care planning was contextualised by their family values and beliefs, needs and goals and the day-to-day impact of caring for their child and family. They valued conversations, which helped them to maximise their child’s quality of life and minimise their suffering. They preferred flexible, rather than definitive decisions about end-of-life care and treatment.ConclusionsAdvance care planning which solely focuses on treatment decisions is at odds with parents’ concerns about the current and future impact of illness on their child and family. Parents want advance care planning for their child to reflect what matters to them as a family. Future longitudinal and comparative studies are needed to understand the influence of advance care planning on parental decision-making over time and how social, cultural and contextual nuances influence parental experience.
Sarcopenia in chronic kidney disease: prevalence by different definitions and relationship with adiposity
Authors: Bellafronte Natália Tomborelli , Govêia Thaísa Ribeiro , Chiarello Paula Garcia 
Published: June 2022

This was a cross-sectional study with chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients under non-dialysis-dependent (NDD), hemodialysis (HD), and kidney transplant (KTx) treatment aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) guidelines, and to analyze the relationship between sarcopenia and its components and body adiposity. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and anthropometry. Bioelectrical impedance provided data on the phase angle and body water. The prevalence of sarcopenia in the total sample ( n = 243; 53% men, 48 ± 10 years) was 7% according to the FNIH and 5% according to the EWGSOP2 criteria, and was low in each CKD group independently of the criteria applied (maximum 11% prevalence). Low muscle mass was present in 39% (FNIH) and 36% (EWGSOP2) and dynapenia in 10% of the patients. Patients who were sarcopenic according to the EWGSOP2 criteria presented low body adiposity. Conversely, patients who were sarcopenic according to the FNIH criteria presented high adiposity. This study suggests that in CKD (i) sarcopenia and low muscle mass prevalence varies according to the diagnostic criteria; (ii) sarcopenia and low muscle mass are common conditions; (iii) the association with body adiposity depends on the criteria used to define low muscle mass; and (iv) the FNIH criteria detected higher adiposity in individuals with sarcopenia. Novelty: Prevalence of sarcopenia and low muscle mass in CKD varied according to the diagnostic criteria. Association of excess adiposity with sarcopenia and low muscle mass depends on muscle mass index applied. FNIH criteria detected higher adiposity in individuals with sarcopenia and low muscle mass.
nNNPDF3.0: evidence for a modified partonic structure in heavy nuclei
Authors: Abdul Khalek Rabah , Gauld Rhorry , Giani Tommaso , Nocera Emanuele R. , Rabemananjara Tanjona R. , Rojo Juan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe present an updated determination of nuclear parton distributions (nPDFs) from a global NLO QCD analysis of hard processes in fixed-target lepton-nucleus and proton-nucleus together with collider proton-nucleus experiments. In addition to neutral- and charged-current deep-inelastic and Drell–Yan measurements on nuclear targets, we consider the information provided by the production of electroweak gauge bosons, isolated photons, jet pairs, and charmed mesons in proton-lead collisions at the LHC across centre-of-mass energies of 5.02 TeV (Run I) and 8.16 TeV (Run II). For the first time in a global nPDF analysis, the constraints from these various processes are accounted for both in the nuclear PDFs and in the free-proton PDF baseline. The extensive dataset underlying the nNNPDF3.0 determination, combined with its model-independent parametrisation, reveals strong evidence for nuclear-induced modifications of the partonic structure of heavy nuclei, specifically for the small-x shadowing of gluons and sea quarks, as well as the large-x anti-shadowing of gluons. As a representative phenomenological application, we provide predictions for ultra-high-energy neutrino-nucleon cross-sections, relevant for data interpretation at neutrino observatories. Our results provide key input for ongoing and future experimental programs, from that of heavy-ion collisions in controlled collider environments to the study of high-energy astrophysical processes.