bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Kyphosis-lordosis Difference Parameter and Its Utility in Understanding the Pathogenesis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Gardner Adrian , Berryman Fiona , Pynsent Paul 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective
The relationship of sagittal spinal shape in the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is recognised. What is not clear is the relationship between the sagittal shape of those without scoliosis and the potential development of AIS, including the greater prevalence in females. The use of a new parameter, the kyphosis-lordosis (KL) difference, was developed to explore this further.
Results
The KL difference was calculated for 117 males and 79 females over seven years with 831 measures made. For females, the KL difference, between the ages of 9 and 12 ½ years, decreases from 5° to nearly 0° until starting to climb again from the age of 14 years, back to 5° by the age of 16 ½ years. For males, there is a gradual decline from 9° at age 9 years to 5° at age 17 years. Both age and sex were statistically significant in the development of the parameter. When comparing to previously published data around the true, de-rotated, sagittal shape of the scoliotic spine, the KL difference has utility in explaining the female predominance in the prevalence of AIS. This adds to the weight of evidence behind understanding why AIS develops.
A Retrospective Descriptive Analysis of Non-physician-performed Prehospital Endotracheal Intubation Practices and Performance in South Africa
Authors: Wylie Craig Alexander , Araie Farzana , Hendrikse Clint , Burke Jan , Joubert Ivan , Hardy Anneli , Stassen Willem 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Prehospital advanced airway management (PHAAM), including endotracheal intubation (ETI), is one of the most commonly performed advanced life support skills. In South Africa, prehospital ETI is performed by non-physician prehospital providers. This practice has recently come under immense international scrutiny due to lower first pass (FPS) and overall success rates, a high incidence of adverse events (AEs), and limited data regarding the impact of ETI on mortality. The aim of this study was to describe non-physician ETI in a South African national sample in terms of patient demographics, indications for intubation, means of intubation and success rates. A secondary aim was to determine what factors were predictive of first pass success. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of prehospital ETIs performed by non-physician prehospital providers, between the periods of 01 January 2017 to 31 December 2017. Two national private Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and one provincial public EMS were sampled. Data was analysed descriptively and summarised. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the effect of demographics, clinical factors, and risk and aggravating factors for difficult intubation on the likelihood of FPS. Results: A total of 926 cases were included. The majority of cases were adults (n=781, 84.3%) and male (n=553, 57.6%). The most common pathologies requiring emergency treatment were head injury, including traumatic brain injury (TBI, n=328, 35.4%), followed by cardiac arrest (n=204, 22.0%). The mean time on scene was 46 minutes (SD = 28.3). The most cited indication for intubation was decreased level of consciousness (n=515, 55.6%), followed by cardiac arrest (n=242, 26.9%) and ineffective ventilation (n=96, 10.4%). RSI (n=344, 37.2%) was the most common approach. The FPS rate was 75.3%, with an overall success rate of 95.7%. Intubation failed in 33 (3.6%) patients. The need for ventilation was inversely associated with FPS (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.20 - 0.88, p=0.02); while deep sedation (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.36 - 0.88, p=0.13) and no drugs (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25 - 0.90, p=0.02) compared to RSI was less likely to result in FPS. Increased scene time (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.985 - 0.997, p<0.01) was inversely associated FPS. Conclusion: In this sample of ground-based EMS non-physician ETI, we found success rates similar to those reported in the literature. More research is needed to determine AE rates and the impact of ETI on patient outcome. There is an urgent need to standardise PHAAM reporting in South Africa.
Materials demand for electricity in climate mitigation scenarios
Authors: Wang Seaver , Hausfather Zeke , Davis Steven , Lloyd Juzel , Olson Erik , Liebermann Lauren , McBride Jameson 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Achieving global climate and energy goals will require prodigious increases in non-emitting electricity generation, raising concerns about the scale of materials needed and associated environmental impacts. Here, we estimate power sector demand for materials and related carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2eq) emissions from 2020-2050 across different climate-energy scenarios and compare these figures to material geological reserves and carbon budgets. We find that demand increases but cumulatively does not exceed current geological reserves. However, annual production of materials including neodymium (Nd), dysprosium (Dy), tellurium (Te), fiberglass, and solar-grade polysilicon may need to grow considerably. Cumulative CO2 emissions related to materials for electricity infrastructure may be substantial (4-29 Gt CO2eq in 1.5°C scenarios) but constitute a small share of global carbon budgets (1-9% of a 320 Gt CO2eq 1.5°C 66% avoidance budget). Our results highlight how power sector decarbonization will mobilize large quantities of materials, likely necessitating continued development of existing and new mineral resources.
Effect of Ventilation Quantity on Electron Transfer Capacity and Spectral Characteristics of Humic Substances During Sludge Composting
Authors: Tan Zhihan , Zhu Hongxiang , He Xiaosong , Xi Beidou , Tian Yuxin , Sun Xiaojie , Zhang Hongxia , Ouche Quanyi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Humic substances (HSs) plays an important role in the degradation of organic pollutants and the passivation of heavy metals in soil, and their environmental effects are closely related to their electron transfer capacity (ETC). However, the effect of ventilation quantity on ETC of compost-derived HA is unclear. In this study, HS was extracted from compost with different ventilation quantities (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 L kg−1 dry matter (DM) min−1, denoted as VQ1, VQ2, and VQ3, respectively) and divided into humic acids (HAs) and fulvic acids (FAs). Their ETC and electron recycling rate (ERR) were measured by electrochemical method. The structure and composition of HS and its evolution in composting process were analyzed by excitation–emission matrix spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry. The influence of HS composition characteristics on ETC and ERR was investigated by correlation analysis. Results showed that the increase in the ventilation quantity did not change the composition structure of HS, but it affected the formation of HS. With the composting process, the electron donating capacity (EDC), electron accepting capacity (EAC), ETC, and ERR of the three piles VQ1, VQ2, and VQ3 showed an increasing trend. By contrast, the pile VQ2 with ventilation quantity of 0.2 L kg−1 DM min−1 enhanced EAC, ETC, and ERR of HA and FA mainly because of the accelerating consumption of lignin, protein-like, and aliphatic substances and the generation of aromatic and fulvic-like substances. Such transformation improved the humification degree. Correlation analysis showed that EDC, ETC, and ERR were correlated with the generation of FA, and EAC was correlated with the generation of HA.
Clinical Features and Treatment Outcome of Wrist Tuberculosis in Adult- A Retrospective Study of 84 Consecutive Cases with Minimum of 2 Years Follow Up
Authors: Yushan Maimaiaili , Yalikun Ainizier , Hamiti Yimurang , Lu Cheng , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Wrist tuberculosis (TB) is a rare disease which may result in residual deformity, pain or stiffness even after proper antitubercular chemotherapy (ATT) and surgical intervention. The aim of our study is to present clinical features and functional outcome of wrist TB in a consecutive series of 84 adult patients with a minimum of 2 years follow up.
Methods
Clinical feature and treatment outcomes of 84 consecutive adult patients with wrist TB from January 2003 to June 2018 includes 45 men and 39 women, with a mean age of 46.8 years (18–84) were retrospectively analyzed. Data were collected on participant’s demographic details. The primary outcome measures were QuickDASH score, grip strength, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and PRWHE. Secondary outcomes include health related quality of life was evaluated using the EuroQol five-dimension five-level (EQ-5D-5L) ,assessment and postoperative complications of patients underwent operation were also recorded.
Results
All 84 patients with an average follow up of 50.8 (24–105) months. The mean duration of symptoms before treatment was 10.5 months (2–21 ). There were 27 patients with bony and 57 with primarily soft-tissue involvement based on preoperative evaluation of plain radiographies and MRI. 33 patients were treated with ATT and 51 patients were treated with surgical treatment combined with ATT.Among them, 13 patients (15.5%) underwent incision and decompression, 14 patients (16.7%) underwent wrist synovectomy, 13 patients (15.5%) underwent wrist joint fusion by plate fixation, and 11 patients (13.1%) underwent wrist joint fusion by external fixation. At last clinical visit, the QuickDASH, PRWHE score of all patients decreased significantly, the VAS, EQ-5D-5L utility index, EQ-VAS score increased remarkably, and the grip strength improved significantly. All patients indicated good wrist recovery at last follow up, and the treatment described above achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes.
Conclusion
The onset of wrist TB is insidious; early diagnosis, good patient compliance, and surgery combined with ATT are crucial steps for treatment of wrist TB, and also essential for the patient's postoperative recovery. Wrist arthrodesis has achieved satisfactory results in the treatment of severe wrist TB.
Is increased dose of triamcinolone for lumbar medial branch block associated with superior efficacy?
Authors: Park Sukhee , Choi Su Il , Kim Young Uk 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Although the beneficial effects of steroids for lumbar medial branch block (LMBB) have been demonstrated, there are no guidelines for selecting an appropriate steroid dose for LMBB. The study objective is to retrospectively compare the analgesic effect of different doses of triamcinolone in combination with local anesthetics to determine the lowest possible dose of triamcinolone for lumbar medial branch block in lumbar facet joint pain.Methods: A total of 223 patients with clinical features of lumbar facet joint syndrome who underwent LMBB were retrospectively divided into 3 groups according to the triamcinolone doses, (1) 10-mg triamcinolone (T10 group, n = 121); (2) 20-mg triamcinolone (T20 group, n = 87); (3) 40-mg triamcinolone (T40 group, n = 15). The outcome measurements were the numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores, the 7-point Likert satisfaction scale, and the proportion of responder (reduction in NRS pain score > 50% or 7-point Likert scale of ≥ 6) at 2nd visit after lumbar medial branch block. Results: The change in NRS pain score at 2nd visit (25.6 ± 14.0 days) after LMBB showed no statistical difference between the three groups. The 7-point Likert scale at 2nd visit after the LMBB also did not show significant difference between the three groups. The proportion of responder was comparable among groups.Conclusions: The increased dose of triamcinolone for LMBB did not show superior analgesic efficacy.
Postpartum depression: relation with plasma vasopressin at 6-8 weeks postpartum: a longitudinal correlational study
Authors: Ziaei Saeideh , Kashkouli Masoumeh , Sadatmahalleh Shahideh Jahanian , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan , Saber Ashraf , Darvishnia Hamid , Azarbayjani Khadijeh 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Postpartum depression is the most important postpartum mood disorder due to its significant effects on infant and family health. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) has been suggested as a hormonal agent involved in depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma concentrations of AVP and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score.Methods: This longitudinal correlational study was conducted in 2016-2017 in Darehshahr Township, Ilam Province, Iran. In the first phase, 303 pregnant women who were at 38 weeks, met the inclusion criteria, and were not depressed (according to their Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores) were included in the study. In the 6-8 weeks’ postpartum follow-up, using the Edinburgh questionnaire, 31 depressed individuals were diagnosed and referred to a psychiatrist for confirmation. The maternal venous blood samples of 24 depressed individuals who still met the inclusion criteria and 66 randomly selected non-depressed subjects was obtained by the researchers to measure AVP plasma concentrations with ELISA assay. Results: The mean plasma concentration of AVP was significantly higher in the depressed group (41.35±13.75 ng/ml) than in the non-depressed group (26.01±7.83 ng/ml) (P<0.001). In a multiple logistic regression model for various parameters, increased Vassopressin levels were associated with increased odds of postpartum depression (OR=1.15, 95% CI=1.07–1.24, P=0.000). Furthermore, multiparity (OR=5.45, 95% CI=1.21-24.43, P=0.027) and no exclusive breastfeeding (OR=13.06, 95% CI=1.36–125, P=0.026) associated with increased odds of postpartum depression. Gender preference (having a baby non-desired and desired sex) decreased odds of postpartum depression (OR=0.13, 95% CI=0.02-0.79, P=0.027 and OR=0.08, 95% CI=0.01-0.5, P=0.007).Conclusion: AVP may be a contributor to clinical postpartum depression by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Furthermore, primiparous women had significantly lower EPDS scores.
Different bimodal neuromodulation settings reduce tinnitus symptoms in a large randomized trial
Authors: Lim Hubert H. , Conlon Brendan , Hamilton Caroline , Meade Emma , Leong Sook Ling , O'Connor Ciara , Langguth Berthold , Vanneste Sven , Hall Deborah A. , Hughes Stephen 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
“You can’t do that; they’ll throw the cooking pot at you!” A qualitative study of healthcare providers’ attitudes toward assisted partner notification for people with HIV in Indonesia
Authors: Levy Judith A. , Earnshaw Valerie A. , Milanti Ariesta , Waluyo Agung , Culbert Gabriel John 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Assisted partner notification (APN) is recommended as a public health strategy to increase HIV testing in people exposed to HIV. Yet its adoption globally remains at an early stage. This qualitative study sought the opinions of HIV health service providers regarding the appropriateness and feasibility of implementing APN in Indonesia where such services are on the cusp of adoption. Focus group discussions were held with 40 health service providers to consider APN as an innovative concept and to share their reactions regarding its potential implementation in Indonesia. Voice-recorded discussions were conducted in Bahasa, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed. Participants recognized APN’s potential in contacting and informing the partners of HIV-positive clients of possible viral exposure. They also perceived APN’s value as a client-driven service permitting clients to select which of three partner notification methods would work best for them across differing partner relationships and settings. Nonetheless, participants also identified personal and health system challenges that could impede successful APN adoption including medical and human resource limitations, the need for specialized APN training, ethical and equity considerations, and lack of sufficient clarity concerning laws and government policies regulating 3rd party disclosures. They also pointed to the job-overload, stress, personal discomfort, and the ethical uncertainty that providers might experience in delivering APN. Overall, providers of HIV services embraced the concept of APN but forecast practical difficulties in key service areas where investments in resources and system change appeared necessary to ensure effective and equitable implementation.
Unsustainable Development: The Impact of Power Sector Reform on Policy Regimes in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Peterson Maxfield 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa lags the rest of the world in access to electricity, and progress towards developing renewable energy resources has been underwhelming relative to potential and expectations. Existing explanations for this failure fall into two camps. The first focuses on technical solutions to policy frameworks designed to attract private capital investment to power sectors. Such explanations make an unjustified ex ante assumption that private investment is either necessary or sufficient to solve the region's energy problems, and the policy deficiencies they identify are symptomatic of political economic conditions this literature pays little attention to. The second camp focuses on a narrow definition of institutional quality that lacks theoretical depth. This work responds to this gap in the literature by focusing on how variation in the organization of policy regimes, or the sets of institutions responsible for power sector governance, contributes to electricity access and renewable energy development. Through a longitudinal comparative case study of Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, this work finds that coherent policy regimes (where institutional interests and incentives are aligned, and policy instruments produce synergistic benefits) with limited distributions of implementation responsibilities are most effective at delivering electricity access and renewable energy development to their publics. The conclusions of the case studies are tested through a set of panel regressions on a broad sample of Sub-Saharan African countries, combining new and existing data on regulatory interventions. The panel regression results support the conclusions of the case studies.
Neonatal rebound hyperkalemia associated with long-term administration of maternal betamimetic: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Suga Kenichi , Wakata Yoshifumi , Kubo Chihiro , Tanaka Manami , Takeuchi Shunsuke , Osumi Keita , Suzue Masashi , Urushihara Maki , Nakagawa Ryuji , Kagami Shoji 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
We recently reported on a late preterm infant born at 36 gestational weeks with serious arrhythmia due to hyperkalemia associated with long term maternal ritodrine administration. In a previous nation-wide surveillance, maternal combined administration of ritodrine and magnesium sulphate administration increased the risk of neonatal hyperkalemia in intermediate and late preterm infants born at 32–36 gestational weeks. It is unknown whether ritodrine alone increases the risk of neonatal hyperkalemia in late preterm infants born at 34–36 gestational weeks.
Methods
This single center retrospective cohort study enrolled late preterm infants born at 34–36 gestational weeks between 2004 and 2018. The association between neonatal hyperkalemia (K+> 6.0 mEq/l) during 72 hours of life and maternal ritodrine use were investigated. Cases with maternal magnesium sulphate were excluded.
Results
In all, 213 late preterm infants with maternal ritodrine and 402 infants without tocolysis were included in the study. The risk of neonatal hyperkalemia was significantly increased by maternal ritodrine administration, with a crude odds ratio (OR) of 2.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–7.61; p < 0.01) and an adjusted OR of 3.79 (95% CI 1.43–10.02; p < 0.01) on multivariable analysis. Long-term ritodrine administration (≥ 28 days) increased the risk of neonatal hyperkalemia.
Conclusion
This research suggests that late preterm infants born after long-term ritodrine administration are at risk of neonatal hyperkalemia and require special attention.
A review of the functionality of Technical Working Groups (TWGs) in enabling Evidence Informed Decision Making (EIDM) within Malawi's Ministry of Health and Population: A cross-sectional qualitative study
Authors: Sakala Melody , Chawani Marlen Stacey , Kazanga-Chiumia Isabel , Hara Hleziwe , Abdullahi Leila , Kambalame Dzinkambani , Banda Josephine , Mitambo Collins , Terlouw Anja , Oronje Rose 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe roles and functionality of Technical Working Groups (TWGs) in the health sectors varies across countries, but they generally aim to support government and ministries in formulating evidence informed recommendations for policies and facilitate dialogue and alignment of activities among stakeholders within the health sector. Thus, TWG’s have a core role to enhance functionality and effectiveness of the health system structure. However, in Malawi the functionality of TWGs and how they utilise research evidence to contribute to decision making is not monitored. This study sought to understand the TWGs performance and functionality in enabling Evidence Informed Decision Making (EIDM) in Malawi's health sector.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive qualitative study employing qualitative methods. Data was collected through interviews; documents review and observation of three TWG meetings. Qualitative data was analysed using a framework analysis approach. ResultsTWG functionality varied in the Ministry of Health in Malawi. The reasons for those perceived to be functioning well included meeting frequently; diverse representation of members; and the membership consisted of highly technical people; and their recommendations to MoH were usually taken into consideration when decisions were made. For the TWGs that were perceived as not functioning well, the main reasons included lack of funding, irregular meetings and discussions that did not provide clear decisions on the actions to be taken. In addition, evidence was recognized as important in decision-making and research was valued by decision makers within the MoH. However, some of the TWGs lacked reliable mechanisms for generating, accessing, and synthesizing research. They also had limited capacity to review and use the research to inform the decisions they made. ConclusionsTWGs are a key decision-making structure within the MoH in Malawi. However, TWGs functionality will need reliable interventions for evidence informed decision making and sustainable funding to facilitate performance of TWGs.