bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender differences of morphological and hemodynamic characteristics of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Gao Zujie , Xiong Jiang , Chen Zengsheng , Deng Xiaoyan , Xu Zaipin , Sun Anqiang , Fan Yubo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Gender difference in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is an important topic in the field of cardiovascular medicine. In this study, we focused on the mortality difference of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), which is higher for female than that of male. The aim of this study was to verify whether morphological and hemodynamic factors play their roles in this phenomenon.

Methods
Patient-specific AAA models of 11 females and 23 males with similar age and body mass index (BMI) have been reconstructed based on clinical computed tomography (CT) data. Firstly, the morphological parameters (diameters, curvature, intraluminal thrombus volume, etc.) of AAA models and lumbar vertebrae models were collected and analyzed. Then, based on statistical results of morphological parameters, uniformed male and female AAA models were reconstructed, and hemodynamic simulations were conducted respectively. In post-processing, the hemodynamic performances induced by gender-different morphological geometries were analyzed and compared.

Results
The comparison of morphological parameters revealed that the average curvature of lumbar vertebrae and AAA centerline of female AAA models were obviously higher than that of the male. The amount of intraluminal thrombus in female AAA models was relatively lower than that of the male. According to the hemodynamic simulation, the uniform female AAA model has higher peak pressure, lower oscillatory shear stress index (OSI), and lower relative residence time (RRT) than that of the male model, all of which put female AAA to a relatively higher risk hemodynamic situation.

Conclusions
The morphological and hemodynamic features of AAA have very obvious gender differences that would induce higher risk of rupture for female AAA biomechanically. These findings would help to explore the mechanism of gender differences in AAA and draw attention to gender-specific consideration for AAA treatment. More morphological and hemodynamic indictors are suggested to be involved in the future guidelines.
Tomographic assessment of palatal suture opening pattern and pterygopalatine suture disarticulation in the axial plane after midfacial skeletal expansion
Authors: Colak Ozge , Paredes Ney Alberto , Elkenawy Islam , Torres Martha , Bui Joseph , Jahangiri Sara , Moon Won 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this study was to assess the palatal suture opening and the pterygopalatine suture disarticulation pattern in the tomographic axial plane after treatment with midfacial skeletal expander (MSE).

Materials and methods
Pre- and post-expansion CBCT records of 50 subjects (20 males, 30 females, mean age 18 ± 3 years) who were treated with MSE (Biomaterials Korea, Seoul, Korea) appliance were superimposed and compared using OnDemand software. Reference planes were identified and the angulation of the midpalatal suture opening after expansion was calculated as well as the frequency of the pterygopalatine suture split.

Results
After MSE treatment, the mean palatal suture opening angle (SOA) was 0.57°. (− 0.8° to 1.3°). There was no significant difference between males and females in terms of the palatal suture opening pattern (P > 0.05). Only 3 out of 50 (6%) subjects presented SOA above 1 degree. Also, 3 out of 50 (6%) patients presented a negative SOA value. With regard to the pterygopalatine suture split, 84 sutures out of 100 (84%) presented openings between the medial and lateral pterygoid plates on both right and left sides. Partial split was detected with 8 patients (5 females, 3 males). Five patients had split only in the medial pterygoid plates of both pterygomaxillary sutures, and 3 patients exhibited disarticulation on the right side only. No significant differences were found in the frequency of suture opening between males and females (P = 1.000).

Conclusions
MSE appliance performed almost parallel expansion in the axial view. Remarkably, this study shows that pterygopalatine suture can be split by MSE appliance without the surgical intervention; the disarticulation of pterygopalatine suture was visible in most of the patients.
Home-based management of knee osteoarthritis during COVID-19 pandemic: literature review and evidence-based recommendations
Authors: Karasavvidis Theofilos , Hirschmann Michael T. , Kort Nanne P. , Terzidis Ioannis , Totlis Trifon 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To provide evidence-based recommendations for patients with severe knee osteoarthritis (OA), who had their knee surgery postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Central databases were systematically reviewed for studies reporting outcomes of home-based treatments for knee OA. Due to between-study differences in treatment strategy and reporting methods the results were not pooled and findings of the current review were presented in a narrative manner.

Results
The comprehensive literature search yielded 33 eligible studies that were included in this review. Management is performed at home and consists of exercise, proper nutrition, physical therapy and use of corrective and assistive orthotics. Virtual education on self-management strategies should be part of coping with knee OA. Initiating an exercise programme involving gymnastics, stretching, home cycling and muscle strengthening is highly recommended. Obese patients are encouraged to set weight loss goals and adopt a healthy diet. Potential benefits but weak evidence has been shown for the use of knee braces, sleeves, foot orthotics or cushioned footwear. Walking aids may be prescribed, when considered necessary, along with the provision of instructions for their use.

Conclusion
When bridging the time to rescheduled surgery, it is essential to use appropriate home-based tools for the management of knee OA if pain is to be reduced and need for analgesics or opioid use is to be diminished while maintaining or even improving the functioning and avoiding further limitation of range of motion and subsequent muscular atrophies. Finally, none of these treatments may completely substitute for the life-changing effect of a total knee arthroplasty in patients with severe knee OA. Hence, the subsequent goal is to gradually and safely reinstate elective surgery.
A comparison of flight energetics and kinematics of migratory Brambling and residential Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Authors: Wang Yang , Yin Yuan , Ren Zhipeng , Jiang Chuan , Sun Yanfeng , Li Juyong , Nabi Ghulam , Wu Yuefeng , Li Dongming 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Unlike resident birds, migratory birds are generally believed to have evolved to enhance flight efficiency; however, direct evidence is still scarce due to the difficulty of measuring the flight speed and mechanical power.

Methods
We studied the differences in morphology, flight kinematics, and energy cost between two passerines with comparable size, a migrant (Fringilla montifringilla, Brambling, BRAM), and a resident (Passer montanus, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, TRSP).

Results
The BRAM had longer wings, higher aspect ratio, lower wingbeat frequency, and stroke amplitude compared to the TRSP despite the two species had a comparable body mass. The BRAM had a significantly lower maximum speed, lower power at any specific speed, and thus lower flight energy cost in relative to the TRSP although the two species had a comparable maximum vertical speed and acceleration.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that adaptation for migration may have led to reduced power output and maximum speed to increase energy efficiency for migratory flight while residents increase flight speed and speed range adapting to diverse habitats.
Effects of firewood harvesting intensity on biodiversity and ecosystem services in shrublands of northern Patagonia
Authors: Goldenberg Matías G. , Oddi Facundo J. , Gowda Juan H. , Garibaldi Lucas A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Forest management has historically focused on provisioning of goods (e.g. timber, biomass), but there is an increasing interest to manage forests also to maintain biodiversity and to provide other ecosystem services (ES).

Methods
We evaluated the effects of firewood harvesting intensity on biodiversity and different ES in three contrasting shrubland sites in northern Patagonia (Argentina). At each site, four harvesting treatments, representing various levels of harvest intensity, were randomly assigned to eight permanent sample plots of 31.5 m × 45 m during 2013–2014.

Results
We found that the effects of increasing harvesting intensity on plant diversity changed from negative to positive (and from nonlinear to more linear responses) with increasing site productivity. Harvesting intensity showed contrasting effects on variables related to fire protection ecosystem service, since it reduced fuel amount (potentially reducing fire spread) but also reduced live fuel moisture content (potentially increasing flammability) at the three sites. Two variables related to soil formation and protection ES, leaf litter cover and aerial soil cover, decreased with harvesting intensity at the three sites.

Conclusions
We conclude that shrubland management for firewood production may enhance biodiversity without compromising certain important ES. The intensity of harvesting should be determined according to site conditions and forecasted impacts on biodiversity, fire and soil formation and protection.
The architecture of national boundary regimes: mapping immigration and citizenship policies in 23 democracies 1980–2010
Authors: Schmid Samuel D. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this article, I introduce a typology that maps the regulation of two fundamental boundaries of modern nation-states regarding immigration: territorial boundaries and membership boundaries. Based on a theory of the structural logics underlying Immigration Regime Openness (IRO) and Citizenship Regime Inclusiveness (CRI), I make four observations on the two-dimensional policy space determined by the relative porousness of these two boundaries. First, a Categorical Principal Component Analysis (CATPCA) using a combination of original and existing panel data across 23 liberal democracies from 1980 to 2010 confirms that IRO and CRI are internally consistent and statistically distinct dimensions. Immigration policies therefore appear more coherent than often assumed. Second, the distribution of cases over the four ideal-typical policy configurations from 1980 to 2010 shows that more and more cases combine relatively liberal immigration policies with relatively liberal citizenship policies. Behind this finding are, third, overall liberalizing trajectories in both policies as well as a pattern of convergence in immigration policies. The liberalisation of immigration policies is most notable until 1996 and the level of openness fluctuates thereafter. Regarding citizenship, I provide evidence for a much-cited restrictive turn during the 2000s. In addition, I show that there has already been a restrictive turn in citizenship during the 1990s. Fourth, instead of the trade-off anticipated by much of the literature, I find an increasingly positive correlation between IRO and CRI. The new typology, its underlying theory, and the subsequent findings significantly advance our understanding of the most fundamental boundaries of modern nation-states.
The impact of patient involvement in research: a case study of the planning, conduct and dissemination of a clinical, controlled trial
Authors: Skovlund Pernille Christiansen , Nielsen Berit Kjærside , Thaysen Henriette Vind , Schmidt Henrik , Finset Arnstein , Hansen Kristian Ahm , Lomborg Kirsten 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The interest in patient and public involvement (PPI) in health research is increasing. However, the experience and knowledge of PPI throughout the entire research process and especially in the analysis are limited. We explored ways to embrace the perspectives of patients in a research process, and the impact and challenges our collaboration has had on patients, researchers, and the research outcomes.

Methods
This is an explorative single case study of a Danish, clinical, controlled intervention trial and a nested intervention fidelity study included herein. Five patient representatives with metastatic melanoma were part of designing, undertaking and disseminating the trial where the effect of using patient-reported outcome (PRO)-measures as a dialogue tool in the patient-physician consultation was tested. In the fidelity study, audio-recorded consultations were analyzed after training in the Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences (VR-CoDES). Results were jointly disseminated at an international scientific conference. The outcomes, impact, and challenges were explored through a workshop.

Results
In the design phase, we selected PRO-measures and validated the dialogue tool. The information sheet was adjusted according to the patients’ suggestions. The analysis of the fidelity study showed that patients and researchers had a high consensus on the coding of emotional cues and concerns. The patients contributed with a new vocabulary and perspective on the dialogue, and they validated the results. PPI caused considerations related to emotional (sadness/sorrow and existential thoughts), administrative (e.g. arranging meetings, balancing work and small talk) and intellectual (e.g. avoiding information harm, continuing activities despite the death of patients) investments. A limitation of the study was the lack of use of a solid evaluation tool to determine the impact of PPI.

Conclusion
PPI throughout the process and co-creation in the analysis was feasible and beneficial. The case is unique in the degree of workable details, sustainability, and transparency. Moreover, the co-creation provides ideas of ways to operationalize PPI. An evaluation workshop revealed considerations about emotional, administrative and intellectual investments – best described as tacit, yet important ‘work’. This knowledge and experience can be applied to other studies where patients are partners in the research.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03163433, registration date: 8th May 2017.
Line blot immunoassays in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: retrospective review of diagnostic accuracy and factors predicting true positive results
Authors: To Fergus , Ventín-Rodríguez Clara , Elkhalifa Shuayb , Lilleker James B. , Chinoy Hector 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Line blot immunoassays (LIA) for myositis-specific (MSA) and myositis-associated (MAA) autoantibodies have become commercially available. In the largest study of this kind, we evaluated the clinical performance of a widely used LIA for MSAs and MAAs.

Methods
Adults tested for MSA/MAA by LIA at a tertiary myositis centre (January 2016–July 2018) were identified. According to expert-defined diagnoses, true and false positive rates were calculated for strongly and weakly positive autoantibody results within three cohorts: idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM), connective tissue disease (CTD) without myositis, and non-CTD/IIM. Factors associated with true positivity were determined.

Results
We analysed 342 cases. 67 (19.6%) had IIM, in whom 71 autoantibodies were detected (50 strong positives [70.4%], 21 weak positives [29.6%]). Of the strong positives, 48/50 (96.0%; 19 MSAs, 29 MAAs) were deemed true positives. Of the weak positives, 15/21 (71.4%; 3 MSAs, 12 MAAs) were deemed true positives.
In CTD without myositis cases (n = 120), 31/61 (51.0%; 5 MSAs, 26 MAAs) autoantibodies were strongly positive, with 24/31 (77.4%; 0 MSAs, 24 MAAs) true positives. 30/61 (49.2%; 13 MSAs, 17 MAAs) were weakly positive, with 16/30 (53.3%; 0 MSAs, 16 MAAs) true positives. In non-CTD/IIM cases (n = 155), all 24 MSAs and 22 MAAs were false positives; these results included 17 (37.0%; 7 MSAs, 10 MAAs) strong positives.
Individual autoantibody specificities were > 98.2 and > 97.5% for weakly and strongly positive results, respectively. True positivity was associated with high pre-test for IIM (odds ratio 50.8, 95% CI 13.7–189.2, p < 0.001) and strong positive (versus weak positive) results (4.4, 2.3–8.3, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
We demonstrated the high specificity of a myositis LIA in a clinical setting. However, a significant burden of false positive results was evident in those with a low pre-test likelihood of IIM and for weakly positive autoantibodies.
Left omental artery bleeding in two patients with segmental arterial mediolysis successfully isolated with coil embolization
Authors: Nishiyama Tomoya , Yamada Daisuke , Oba Ken , Kurihara Yasuyuki 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a rare, nonatherosclerotic, noninflammatory arteriopathy of unknown etiology, rarely involving omental artery (OA). No case reports have described left OA bleeding successfully treated with transarterial embolization (TAE) with coils. This report describes two cases of SAM-affected left OA bleeding successfully embolized using isolation technique with coils, recognizing the potential for the greater omentum to have arterial collateral network between OAs.

Case presentation
Case 1.
A 55-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented with an acute abdomen. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed possible hemorrhagic ascites involving the left portion of the greater omentum and dilated, stenotic change of the left OA with a possible hematoma. SAM-associated left OA bleeding was suspected. Given its acute-angled branching from a splenic artery or branch and long, tortuous catheter-trajectory, we used a triaxial catheter system. Left OA angiography revealed the proximal dilated, stenotic change and a distal pseudoaneurysm. Isolation was successfully performed with coils. Because he had no abdominal pain or progressive anemia, he was discharged on hospital day 5. Neither recurrence nor new SAM-associated findings were observed during two-years of follow-up.
Case 2.
A 60-year-old-man with no significant past medical history presented with an acute abdomen. CT revealed similar finding as Case 1. SAM-associated left OA bleeding was suspected. Left OA angiography revealed proximal dilated, stenotic change with distal occlusion. Despite having no signs of active bleeding, review of the CT and angiography findings suggested the left OA as the bleeding site. Given proximal embolization at this point could lead to incomplete hemostasis or rebleeding via the arterial collateral network between OAs, an attempt was made to navigate the microcatheter into the distal side beyond the occlusion. Distal left OA angiography confirmed that the distal OA over the occlusion was intact and directly communicated with a right OA arising from right gastroepiploic artery. The SAM-associated lesion was successfully isolated with coils. Because he had no abdominal pain or progressive anemia, he was transported to another hospital on hospital day 3. Neither recurrence nor new SAM-associated findings were observed during two-years follow-up.

Conclusion
SAM can involve left OA and be controlled using an isolation technique with coils.
Projection-domain iteration to estimate unreliable measurements
Authors: Zeng Gengsheng L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDue to the beam-hardening effect of the broad energy spectrum of the X-ray source in computed tomography, the reconstructed images usually suffer from severe artifacts when metallic objects are being imaged. Metal artifact correction methods are usually sophisticated and not practical, especially in some non-medical applications, in which the linear attenuation coefficients are unknown. This paper suggests a simple and effective algorithm to estimate the unreliable measurements. The proposed algorithm is an iterative algorithm, in which the iteration is performed in the projection domain, while the objective function is set up in the image domain. The final image is reconstructed with the conventional filtered backprojection algorithm. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified with airport bags that contain some unknown metals.
Detection and genomic characterization of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 from pigs in Ghana, Africa
Authors: El-Duah Philip , Dei Dickson , Binger Tabea , Sylverken Augustina , Wollny Robert , Tasiame William , Oppong Samuel , Adu-Sarkodie Yaw , Emikpe Benjamin , Folitse Raphael , Drexler Jan Felix , Phillips Richard , Drosten Christian , Corman Victor Max 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of human hepatitis worldwide. Zoonotic genotypes of the virus have been found in diverse animal species with pigs playing a major role. Putative risk of zoonotic infection from livestock particularly swine in Sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana is poorly understood due to scarcity of available data, especially HEV sequence information.

Methods
Serum samples were collected from cattle, sheep, goats and pigs from Kumasi in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Samples were subjected to nested RT-PCR screening and quantification of HEV RNA-positive samples using real-time RT-PCR and the World Health Organization International Standard for HEV. Testing of all pig samples for antibodies was done by ELISA. Sanger sequencing and genotyping was performed and one representative complete genome was generated to facilitate genome-wide comparison to other available African HEV sequences by phylogenetic analysis.

Results
A total of 420 samples were available from cattle (n = 105), goats (n = 124), pigs (n = 89) and sheep (n = 102). HEV Viral RNA was detected only in pig samples (10.1%). The antibody detection rate in pigs was 77.5%, with positive samples from all sampling sites. Average viral load was 1 × 105 (range 1.02 × 103 to 3.17 × 105) International Units per mL of serum with no statistically significant differences between age groups (≤ 6 month, > 6 months) by a T-test comparison of means (t = 1.4272, df = 7, p = 0.1966). Sequences obtained in this study form a monophyletic group within HEV genotype 3. Sequences from Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Madagascar were found to share a most recent common ancestor; however this was not the case for other African HEV sequences.

Conclusion
HEV genotype 3 is highly endemic in pigs in Ghana and likely poses a zoonotic risk to people exposed to pigs. HEV genotype 3 in Ghana shares a common origin with other virus strains from Sub-Saharan Africa.