bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MRI and CT Assessment of Abdominal Tissue Composition in Patients After High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Therapy Treatments: One-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Kinney Brian M , Kent David E 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Several studies investigating high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) treatments have recently been published. However, due to the novelty of the procedure, long-term data are still missing.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in abdominal tissues on average 1 year after a series of HIFEM treatments, to determine the long-term durability of patients’ original body responses.

Methods
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scanning were performed on 21 patients a mean of 332.6 [88.5] days after their original HIFEM treatment series. The scans were evaluated by a blinded radiologist for abdominal muscle thickness, subcutaneous fat changes, and abdominal separation. The results were compared with the MRI/CT-assisted measurements taken at baseline and 6-week follow-up. Correlations between collected data sets were calculated and tested. The incidence of any adverse events related to earlier treatments was monitored.

Results
When comparing the 1-year follow-up measurements with the baseline, the MRI/CT-assisted calculations revealed mean reductions of 14.63% (2.97 [2.11] mm) in fat, 19.05% (1.89 [0.88] mm) in muscle thickening, and 10.46% (1.96 [1.71] mm) in diastasis recti. All changes were significant (P &lt; 0.05) and not related to weight fluctuations (P &gt; 0.05). The baseline width of diastasis positively correlated with the degree of improvement at follow-up. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion
The HIFEM-induced muscle hypertrophy, fat reduction, and reduction in abdominal separation were maintained 1-year posttreatment. This suggests long-term durability of the original bodily response, which needs to be verified by continuing follow-up of this group and by further studies.

Level of Evidence: 4
Predictors of itch and pain in the 12 months following burn injury: results from the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand (BRANZ) Long-Term Outcomes Project
Authors: Tracy Lincoln M , Edgar Dale W , Schrale Rebecca , Cleland Heather , Gabbe Belinda J ,   the BRANZ Adult Long-Term Outcomes Pilot Project participating sites and working party
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
Itch and pain are common complaints of patients with burn injuries. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and predictors of itch and moderate to severe pain in the first 12 months following a burn injury, and determine the association between itch, moderate to severe pain, work-related outcomes, and health-related quality of life following a burn injury.

Methods
Burn patients aged 18 years and older were recruited from five Australian specialist burn units. Patients completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey Version 2 (SF-36 V2), the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) work scale, and a specially developed questionnaire relating to itch at 1, 6, and 12 months post-injury. Moderate to severe pain was defined as a score less than 40 on the bodily pain domain of the SF-36 V2. Multivariate mixed-effects regression models were used to identify patient and burn injury predictors of itch and moderate to severe pain.

Results
Three hundred and twenty-eight patients were included. The prevalence of itch decreased from 50% at 1 month to 27% at 12 months. Similarly, the prevalence of moderate to severe pain decreased from 23% at 1 month to 13% at 12 months. Compared to patients aged 18-34, the adjusted odds of experiencing any itch were 59% (95% CI: 0.20, 0.82) and 55% (95% CI: 0.22, 0.91) lower for patients aged between 35 and 49 and ≥ 50 years, respectively. Compared to patients aged 18-34, the adjusted odds of experiencing moderate to severe pain were 3.12 (95% CI: 1.35, 7.20) and 3.42 (95% CI: 1.47, 7.93) times higher for patients aged 35-49 and ≥ 50 years, respectively.

Conclusions
Less than 15% of patients reported moderate or severe pain at 12 months, while approximately one-quarter of the patients reported itch at the same period. The presence of moderate to severe pain was associated with a greater negative impact on health-related quality of life and work outcomes compared to itch. Further research is needed to improve our ability to identify patients at higher risk of persistent itch and pain who would benefit from targeted review and intervention studies.
Comparison of GABA, Somatostatin, and Corticotrophin-Releasing Hormone Expression in Axon Terminals That Target the Parabrachial Nucleus
Authors: Lundy Robert 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Several forebrain areas have been shown to project to the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) and exert inhibitory and excitatory influences on taste processing. Some sources of descending input such as the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) might utilize somatostatin (Sst) and/or corticotrophin-releasing hormone (Crh) to influence taste processing in the PBN (Panguluri S, Saggu S, Lundy R. 2009. Comparison of somatostatin and corticotrophin-releasing hormone immunoreactivity in forebrain neurons projecting to taste-responsive and non-responsive regions of the parabrachial nucleus in rat. Brain Res 1298:57–69; Magableh A, Lundy R. 2014. Somatostatin and corticotrophin releasing hormone cell types are a major source of descending input from the forebrain to the parabrachial nucleus in mice. Chem Senses 39:673–682). Since the predominate effect of CeA stimulation on PBN taste-evoked responses is inhibition, this study used transgenic reporter lines (Sst/TdTomato and Crh/TdTomato) and electron microscopy to assess Sst/gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Crh/GABA coexpression in axon terminals within the PBN. Robust expression of Sst and Crh axon terminals was observed in the PBN. The majority of Sst-positive axon terminals were positive for GABA expression, while the majority of Crh terminals were not. The results indicate that Sst-expressing neurons, but not Crh neurons, are a source of GABAergic input to the PBN. To assess whether the CeA is a source of GABAergic input to the PBN, the CeA of Sst-cre mice was injected with cre-dependent enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) virus and PBN tissue processed for GABA and EYFP expression. Again, the majority of EYFP Sst-positive axon terminals in the PBN coexpressed GABA. Together, the present results suggest that CeA neurons marked by Sst expression represent a major extrinsic source of GABAergic input to the PBN and this could underlie the predominate inhibitory effect of CeA stimulation on taste-evoked responses in the PBN.
Winter-Active Spider Fauna is Affected by Plantation Forest Type
Authors: Ingle Kapilkumar , Kaur Hardeep , Gallé-Szpisjak Nikolett , Bürgés József , Szabó Áron , Gallé Róbert 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPlantations of non-native trees for commercial use are common practice in Europe. They are known to have severe ecological impacts on arthropod fauna by altering microclimatic conditions and reducing microhabitat diversity. However, the effect of plantation tree species on winter-active fauna is relatively unknown. Spiders are a diverse predatory arthropod taxon with strong effect on their prey populations. The composition of spider communities sensitively indicates changes in habitat structure. We established 40 sampling sites in five non-native pine and five native poplar plantations and collected spiders with pitfall traps for two winters in the Southern part of Hungary. We assessed the average height of vegetation and percentage cover of leaf litter, mosses, herbaceous vegetation, and shrubs to characterize habitat structure. We found species richness and activity density of spiders in the non-native compared to the native plantations, presumably due to the more temperate microclimate in pine than in poplar plantations. However, there was no significant effect of habitat structure and its interaction with forest type on species richness and activity density of spiders. Species composition of non-native and native plantation forests differed significantly. Furthermore, we identified six characteristic spider species of non-native plantations with preference for relatively moist habitat conditions. The single characteristic species, (Agroeca cuprea Menge, 1873) for the native plantations preferred dry and partly shaded habitats. We conclude that the effect of microclimatic differences and prey availability presumably overrides the effect of habitat structure on winter-active spiders.
Left atrial remodelling, mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide, and prognosis across a range of ejection fractions in heart failure
Authors: Putko Brendan N , Savu Anamaria , Kaul Padma , Ezekowitz Justin , Dyck Jason R , Anderson Todd J , White James A , Paterson D Ian , Thompson Richard B , Oudit Gavin Y 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Aims
Measures of structural and functional remodelling of the left atrium (LA) are emerging as useful biomarkers in heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that LA volume and its contribution to stroke volume (SV) would predict a composite endpoint of HF hospitalization or death in patients with HF.

Methods and results
We recruited 57 controls and 86 patients with HF, including preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate LA volumes and contribution to LV SV. Plasma mid-region pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) was evaluated. LA volume was negatively correlated with LVEF (P = 0.001) and positively correlated with LV mass in HFrEF (P &lt; 0.001) but not in HFpEF. LA volume at end-diastole was associated with the composite endpoint in HFrEF (hazard ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.54; P = 0.044), but not HFpEF (1.06, 0.85–1.30; P = 0.612), per 10 mL/m increase. Active contribution to SV was negatively associated with the composite endpoint in HFpEF (0.32, 0.14–0.66; P = 0.001), but not HFrEF (0.91, 0.38–2.1; P = 0.828) per 10% increase. MR-proANP was associated with the composite endpoint in HFpEF (1.46, 1.03–1.94; P = 0.034), but not in HFrEF (1.14, 0.88–1.37; P = 0.278), per 100 pM increase.

Conclusion
We found different relationships between LA remodelling and biomarkers in HFrEF and HFpEF. Our results support the hypothesis that the pathophysiologic underpinnings of HFpEF and HFrEF are different, and atrial remodelling encompasses distinct components for each HF subtype.
Early and long-term results of total arch replacement with the frozen elephant trunk technique for acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Yoshitake Akihiro , Tochii Masato , Tokunaga Chiho , Hayashi Jun , Takazawa Akitoshi , Yamashita Kentaro , Chubachi Fumiya , Hori Yuuto , Nakajima Hiroyuki , Iguchi Atsushi , Gatate Yodo , Nakano Shintaro , Asakura Toshihisa 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We evaluated the operative and long-term outcomes of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique for acute type A aortic dissection.

METHODS
This study evaluated 426 consecutive patients who underwent aortic repair for acute type A aortic dissection from June 2007 to December 2018 at our centre. Of these, 139 patients underwent total arch replacement with FET (FET group), and 287 underwent other procedures (no FET group). Ninety-two patients in the FET group were matched to 92 patients in the no FET group by using propensity score matching analysis.

RESULTS
Thirty-day mortality and neurological dysfunction were not significantly different between the FET and no FET groups (1.4% vs 2.4%, P = 0.50 and 5.0% vs 6.3%, P = 0.61, respectively). Long-term survival was better in the FET group than in the no FET group (P = 0.008). Freedom from distal thoracic reintervention was similar in the FET and no FET groups (P = 0.74). In the propensity-matched patients, freedom from aortic-related death was better in the FET group than in the no FET group (P = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS
Operative outcomes showed no significant difference between the 2 groups. FET contributes to better long-term survival in patients with acute type A aortic dissection.
Bioenergetic influence on the historical development and decline of industrial fisheries
Authors: Guiet J , Galbraith E D , Bianchi D , Cheung W W L 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The global wild capture fishery expanded rapidly over the 20th century as fishing technology improved, peaking in the 1990s as most fisheries transitioned to fully- or over-exploited status. Historical records for individual large marine ecosystems (LMEs) tend to echo this same progression, but with local variations in the timing and abruptness of catch peaks. Here, we provide objective descriptions of these catch peaks, which generally progressed from high- to low-latitude LMEs, and attribute the temporal progression to a combination of economic and ecological factors. We show that the ecological factors can be remarkably strong by using a spatially resolved, observationally-constrained, coupled macroecological-economic model to which we impose an idealized, globally homogeneous increase in catchability. The globally-uniform technology creep produces a spatial progression of fishing from high-to-low latitudes that is similar to observations, primarily due to the impact of temperature on ecosystem metabolism. In colder LMEs, low respiration rates allow the build-up of larger pristine standing stocks, so that high-latitude fisheries are profitable earlier, at lower levels of fishing technology. We suggest that these bioenergetic characteristics contributed significantly to the historical progression of this human-ecological system.
Scandalizing the judiciary: An analysis of the uneven response of the Supreme Court of India to sexual harassment allegations against judges
Authors: Jain Sanjay , Mishra Saranya 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The Supreme Court of India (SC) pronounced a momentous judgment in Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan in 1997, categorically recognizing the menace of sexual harassment (SH) at workplace and constitutionally rendering it as being in violation of fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 15, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India 1950. The Court also provided a mechanism for redressal against SH, which was ultimately reinforced by Parliament with the enactment of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 (POSH Act). However, when it comes to allegations of SH against judges in the SC and High Courts by its employees, interns, or lower court judges, the response of the SC has been abysmal to say the least. There is a systematic pattern to suggest foul play and conspiracy in each such allegation, and judges, including even the Chief Justice of India (CJI), have not hesitated to openly indulge in victim-shaming and-blaming. In other words, the court has not been able to uphold its own jurisprudence on sexual harassment, which it expects to be scrupulously adhered to by other organs of the state. It is submitted that in not supporting the cause of victims alleging SH against judges, the other organs of the state are also party to this constitutional decay and serious infraction of fundamental rights. It leads us to ask the question, how can we guard against the guardians?
High-resolution inversion for dispersion characteristics of acoustic logging waveforms
Authors: Chen Da , Guan Wei , Zhang Chao , Zhou Qihang , Hu Hengshan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In acoustic logging, most published studies of extracting array data characteristics are difficult to avoid the interference from the false modes. The false modes contribute little to the acoustic waveforms but makes the true modes hard to identify. We introduce a threshold of the energy spectrum into the pole-calculation method to remove the false modes, thereby eliminating their interferences to the true modes. To avoid the separation of multiple crossings of pole distribution, we directly acquire the slowness dispersion of multiple modes by superposing the single-mode results calculated from the weighted spectral semblance method. We processed the slowness-frequency snapshot and design an extreme-point extraction formula to generate the multi-mode scatterplot, which provide a precise slowness dispersion result. In terms of four synthetic cases of acoustic logging, it has demonstrated that the proposed algorithm can provide a high-resolution slowness dispersion profile for multiple modes. Even for acoustic logging while drilling with strong tool wave components, the aliases and interferences of false modes do not exist. Finally, a test proves that the proposed algorithm also has a good anti-noise ability.
Patient Reflections on Individual Music Therapy for a Major Depressive Disorder or Acute Phase Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Paul Natalie , Lotter Carol , van Staden Werdie 
Published: February 2020

AbstractReflections of patients have not been studied qualitatively after a completed course of individual music therapy for a major depressive disorder (MDD) or an acute phase of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). Our interpretivist study explored patient reflections through individual interviews with 15 hospitalized patients after a completed course of eight individual music therapy sessions that were flexibly structured in blended fashion utilizing a set of active and receptive music therapy methods. Our analyses yielded 8 themes, supported by 23 subthemes. These themes were grouped into three domains, capturing respectively participants’ praise for music therapy, the distress from which change emerged, and various perceived gains. Participants cast the perceived gains from music therapy in the wake of their distress. The domain of distress comprised two themes: distress before and during therapy, and a process of opening up and dealing with old wounds. The themes expressing their gains were: new perspectives, growing strong, emotional fulfillment, becoming socially closer and more adept, and becoming liberated and creatively inspired. These client perspectives on a completed course of music therapy augment the evidence base established in clinician terms of what matters as a potential gain from music therapy. These perspectives, furthermore, inform on the gains and the distress from which gains emerged, congruent with a strengths-oriented therapeutic pursuit in music therapy for an MDD or an acute phase of SSD. Music therapists in similar settings may draw on these perspectives in the planning and strengthening of a course of music therapy.
Classical probabilities and belief functions in legal cases
Authors: Meester Ronald 
Published: February 2020

AbstractI critically discuss a recent suggestion in Nance (Belief Functions and Burdens of Proof. Law, Probability and Risk, 18:53–76, 2018) concerning the question which ratios of beliefs are appropriate when in criminal or civil cases one works with belief functions instead of classical probabilities. I do not call into question the use of belief functions themselves in this context, and I agree with in Nance (Belief Functions and Burdens of Proof. Law, Probability and Risk, 18:53–76, 2018) that so-called ‘uncommitted support’, possible in the framework of belief functions, should not be taken into account in a decision-theoretic framework. However, I argue against in Nance (Belief Functions and Burdens of Proof. Law, Probability and Risk, 18:53–76, 2018) in that, at least in criminal law, relative sizes of beliefs should not be used for decision-making at all. I will argue that only the individual, absolute beliefs should be considered. Since belief functions generalize classical probabilities, this position seems at first sight to conflict with the fact that odds are abundant when we use classical probabilities in a legal context. I will take the opportunity, then, to point out that also in the classical setting, odds are not our primary concern either. They are convenient since they appear, together with the likelihood ratio, in the odds form of Bayes’ rule. Apart from that, they do not have any individual significance. I also note that in civil law the conclusions might be different.
Is Falcine Meningioma a Diffuse Disease of the Falx? Case Series and Analysis of a “Grade Zero” Resection
Authors: Mooney Michael A , Abolfotoh Mohammad , Bi Wenya Linda , Tavanaiepour Daryoush , Almefty Rami O , Bassiouni Hischam , Pravdenkova Svetlana , Dunn Ian F , Al-Mefty Ossama 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Falcine meningiomas have unique characteristics including their high rates of recurrence, association with high grade pathology, increased male prevalence, and potential for diffuse involvement of the falx.

OBJECTIVE
To address these issues in a substantial series of falcine meningiomas and report on the impact of extent of resection for this distinct meningioma entity.

METHODS
Retrospective analysis of characteristics and outcomes of 59 falcine meningioma patients who underwent surgery with the senior author. A “Grade Zero” category was used when an additional resection margin of 2 to 3 cm from the tumor insertion was achieved.

RESULTS
For de novo falcine meningiomas, gross total resection (GTR) was associated with significantly decreased recurrence incidence compared with subtotal resection (P ≤ .0001). For recurrent falcine meningiomas, median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly improved for GTR cases (37 mo vs 12 mo; P = .017, hazard ratio (HR) .243 (.077-.774)). “Grade Zero” resection demonstrated excellent durability for both de novo and recurrent cases, and PFS was significantly improved with “Grade Zero” resection for recurrent cases (P = .003, HR 1.544 (1.156-2.062)). The PFS benefit of “Grade Zero” resection did not achieve statistical significance over Simpson grade 1 during the limited follow-up period (mean 2.8 yr) for these groups.

CONCLUSION
The recurrence of falcine meningiomas is related to the diffuse presence of tumor between the leaflets of the falx. Increased extent of resection including, when possible, a clear margin of falx surrounding the tumor base was associated with the best long-term outcomes in our series, particularly for recurrent tumors.
Failed Foramen Magnum Decompression in Chiari I Malformation Is Associated With Failure to Restore Normal Intracranial Compliance: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Dyson Edward W , Chari Aswin , Toma Ahmed K , Thorne Lewis W , Watkins Laurence D 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The standard treatment for symptomatic Chiari malformation (CM) I is foramen magnum decompression (FMD) to facilitate cerebral spinal fluid flow through the foramen magnum, improve intracranial compliance, and alleviate symptoms (commonly headache). This procedure has a variable success rate, with a significant proportion of patients having persistent symptoms after surgery.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate intracranial pressure (ICP) hydrodynamics in symptomatic surgery-naïve patients with CM I and symptomatic patients who have had prior FMD.

METHODS
We undertook a retrospective, observational cohort study, extracting data from our departmental ICP database. Patients with untreated (“Virgin”) Chiari malformations (VCM), patients with previous “failed” FMD (ie, with persistent classical Chiari symptoms) (fFMD) and a normal control group, all with existing continuous ICP monitoring date were included. Median ICP (mICP) and median pulse amplitude (mPA) were compared between the groups.

RESULTS
A total of 33 CM patients (22 VCM and 11 fFMD) and 42 normal controls were included for analysis. mICP did not differ significantly between the normal control, VCM, and fFMD groups. mPA in the VCM and fFMD groups was significantly higher than the control group (P < .01 and P < .05, respectively).

CONCLUSION
In this cohort, patients with persistent symptoms after FMD have persistently impaired intracranial compliance, similar to patients who have not undergone surgery at all when compared with a control group. The reasons for this are not clear, and further research is required to establish the causation and optimum management for failed FMD.