bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Auditory but Not Audiovisual Cues Lead to Higher Neural Sensitivity to the Statistical Regularities of an Unfamiliar Musical Style
Authors: Zioga Ioanna , Harrison Peter M. C. , Pearce Marcus T. , Bhattacharya Joydeep , Luft Caroline Di Bernardi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIt is still a matter of debate whether visual aids improve learning of music. In a multisession study, we investigated the neural signatures of novel music sequence learning with or without aids (auditory-only: AO, audiovisual: AV). During three training sessions on three separate days, participants (nonmusicians) reproduced (note by note on a keyboard) melodic sequences generated by an artificial musical grammar. The AV group (n = 20) had each note color-coded on screen, whereas the AO group (n = 20) had no color indication. We evaluated learning of the statistical regularities of the novel music grammar before and after training by presenting melodies ending on correct or incorrect notes and by asking participants to judge the correctness and surprisal of the final note, while EEG was recorded. We found that participants successfully learned the new grammar. Although the AV group, as compared to the AO group, reproduced longer sequences during training, there was no significant difference in learning between groups. At the neural level, after training, the AO group showed a larger N100 response to low-probability compared with high-probability notes, suggesting an increased neural sensitivity to statistical properties of the grammar; this effect was not observed in the AV group. Our findings indicate that visual aids might improve sequence reproduction while not necessarily promoting better learning, indicating a potential dissociation between sequence reproduction and learning. We suggest that the difficulty induced by auditory-only input during music training might enhance cognitive engagement, thereby improving neural sensitivity to the underlying statistical properties of the learned material.
Exploring Changes in Racial/Ethnic Disparities of HIV Diagnosis Rates Under the “Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America” Initiative
Authors: McCree Donna Hubbard , Chesson Harrell , Bradley Erin L.P. , Williams Austin , Gant Zanetta , Geter Angelica 
Published: August 2020

Objectives Racial/ethnic disparities in HIV diagnosis rates remain despite the availability of effective treatment and prevention tools in the United States. In 2019, President Trump announced the “Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America” (EHE) initiative to reduce new HIV infections in the United States at least 75% by 2025 and at least 90% by 2030. The objective of this study was to show the potential effect of the EHE initiative on racial/ethnic disparities in HIV diagnosis rates at the national level. Methods We used 2017 HIV diagnoses data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National HIV Surveillance System. We developed a counterfactual scenario to determine changes in racial/ethnic disparities if the 2017 HIV diagnosis rates were reduced by 75% in the geographic regions targeted by the EHE initiative. We used 4 measures to calculate results: rate ratio, population-attributable proportion (PAP), Gini coefficient, and Index of Disparity. Results The relative measures of racial/ethnic disparity decreased by 9%-21% in the EHE scenario compared with the 2017 HIV diagnoses data. The largest decrease was in the Hispanic/Latino:white rate ratio (−20.6%) and in the black:white rate ratio (−18.2%). The PAP measure decreased by 11.5%. The absolute versions of the Index of Disparity (unweighted and weighted) were approximately 50% lower in the EHE scenario than in the 2017 HIV diagnoses data. Conclusions EHE efforts could reduce but will not eliminate racial/ethnic disparities in HIV diagnosis rates. Efforts to address racial/ethnic disparities should continue, and innovative approaches, specifically those that focus on social and structural factors, should be developed and implemented for populations that are disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States.
Muscle flaps in pulmonary infections: a case series from Northeast India
Authors: Kynta Reuben Lamiaki , Sun Neelamjingbha , Saikia Manuj Kumar 
Published: August 2020

Aim Treatment of complications due to pulmonary infections usually involves lung resection with or without debridement. Managing residual intrathoracic defects, chronic empyema, and bronchopleural fistulae after such resections poses unique challenges. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of all 9 patients referred to us with complications due to pulmonary infections, including the surgical procedures, flaps used, and their outcomes between 2018 and 2019. Results The mean age of the patients was 30 years (range 9?48 years). The primary disease was tuberculosis in 6 (66%) patients. Complications of primary infections were pneumothorax ( n = 3), auto-pneumonectomy ( n = 2), organized empyema ( n = 3), and recurrent hemoptysis ( n = 1). Initial interventions included lobectomy ( n = 2), tracheoesophageal repair ( n = 1), bronchial artery embolization ( n = 1), intercostal tube drainage ( n = 4), and decortication( n = 1). Complications after primary interventions included bronchopleural fistula ( n = 4, 45%), recurrent empyema ( n = 3, 33%), tracheal stump dehiscence ( n = 1, 11%) and non-resolving hemoptysis ( n = 1, 11%). Pathological microorganisms were isolated in 8 (88%) patients. Secondary corrective surgical interventions along with pedicled muscle flap interposition and reinforcement were undertaken. Nine flap procedures with or without thoracoplasty were performed. There was no open thoracostomy conversion. There was one death postoperatively. Conclusion A locoregional pedicled flap with or without thoracoplasty is an effective option to manage complications of pulmonary infections. The cardiothoracic surgeon should have a knowledge of the locoregional flaps of the thorax and abdomen to address such complications.
The role of contrast-enhanced and non-contrast-enhanced MRI in the follow-up of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zarei Fariba , Ghaedian Mehrnaz , Ghaedian Tahereh 
Published: August 2020

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) for different indications. However, frequent administration of gadolinium in these patients can have some potential complications. So, a more limited approach reducing the use of gadolinium should be considered. Purpose To evaluate the additional benefits of contrast-enhanced MRI over non-contrast-enhanced MRI in routine follow-up of patients with MS. Material and Methods This is a retrospective cohort study including patients with MS who underwent both contrast-enhanced and non-contrast-enhanced MRI for two time-points with an interval of at least six months. Non-contrast-enhanced images were compared for each patient and interpreted as non-progressive or progressive disease. Then, rate and type of enhancing lesions were analyzed and compared between the groups. All images were reviewed and compared visually by two radiologists. Results A total of 462 patients (392 women; mean age = 36 years) were included. Of these patients, 352 were in the non-progressive group and 112 were in progressive group. Comparison of baseline and follow-up contrast-enhanced MRIs revealed that 13 (3.7%) patients in the non-progressive group and 58 (51.8%) patients in progressive group developed enhancing lesions ( P < 0.001). All 58 patients in the progressive group developed new enhancing lesions, whereas all those in the non-progressive group revealed persistent or reactivated enhancing lesions without evidence of new lesions. Conclusion According to the very low incidence rate of new enhancing lesions in patients with non-progressive disease on follow-up non-contrast-enhanced MRI, routine administration of contrast in follow-up studies is not suggested.
Effect of nitrate treatment on functional capacity and exercise time in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Long Wenjie , Liao Huili , Liu Qingqing , Ning Yile , Wu Tingchun , Kang Jinhua , Liu Jianhong , Xian Shaoxiang , Yang Zhongqi 
Published: August 2020

Objectives Heart failure (HF) is a common and potentially fatal condition. In 2015, HF affected approximately 40 million people globally. Evidence showing that the use of nitrates can improve clinical outcomes in patients with HF is limited. This study aimed to assess the effect of nitrates on functional capacity and exercise time in patients with HF. Methods PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were reviewed for articles on the use of nitrates and other treatments for patients with HF. The primary endpoints were the 6-minute walk test distance, exercise time, and quality of life. Secondary endpoints were all-cause mortality, arrhythmia, hospitalization, and worsening HF. The weighted mean difference, risk ratio, and 95% confidence interval were calculated. Results A total of 14 related studies that comprised 26,321 patients were included. No significant differences were found in the 6-minute walk test distance, exercise time, and quality of life between the nitrate and control treatment groups. There were also no differences in all-cause mortality, the incidence of arrhythmia, hospitalization, and worsening HF between these two groups. Conclusion Patients with HF who receive nitrate treatment do not have better quality of life or exercise capacity compared with controls.
Chemotherapy at the End of Life
Authors: Urvay Semiha , Civelek Burak , Özaslan Ersin , Sürel Aziz Ahmet 
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives: The use of chemotherapy at the end of life in advanced cancer patients has increased and end of life care has become increasingly aggressive. The aim of this study is to evaluate patients receiving chemotherapy in the last 3 months of life and the aggressiveness of end-of-life support of these patients. Methods: All adult patients with solid tumors who received chemotherapy in their last 3 months of life and died in our hospital between January 2015 to June 2019 were included. Detailed information on chemotherapy and toxicity was collected in patient records. Results: A total of 182 patients included. Median age was 58,9 years. The median survival from the docementation of metastatic disease was 9,98 months (0,95-64,3). Of these 182 patients, 95 (52%) were treated with chemotherapy in the last month of life and 52 (29%) in the last 2 weeks of life. The median number of days between the last administration of chemotherapy and patient death was 29 (0-90). A new chemotherapy regimen was started in the last 3 months of life in 102 patients (56%), in the last month of life in 43 patients (23,6%) and in the last 2 weeks in 23 patients (12.6%). Discussion and Implications: There are many patients who received chemotherapy in the last 3 months of their life and the rates of chemotherapy initiation during this period are well above ideal rates. Whether such care has positive effects on survival or quality of life is questionable and deserves additional investigation.
Robotic versus conventional laparoscopic liver resections: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kamarajah Sivesh Kathir , Bundred James , Manas Derek , Jiao Long , Hilal Mohammad Abu , White S. A. 
Published: August 2020

Background: Theoretical advantages of robotic surgery compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery include improved instrument dexterity, 3D visualization, and better ergonomics. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine advantages of robotic surgery over laparoscopic surgery in patients undergoing liver resections. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted for studies comparing robotic assisted or totally laparoscopic liver resection. Meta-analysis of intraoperative (operative time, blood loss, transfusion rate, conversion rate), oncological (R0 resection rates), and postoperative (bile leak, surgical site infection, pulmonary complications, 30-day and 90-day mortality, length of stay, 90-day readmission and reoperation rates) outcomes was performed using a random effects model. Result: Twenty-six non-randomized studies including 2630 patients (950 robotic and 1680 laparoscopic) were included, of which 20% had major robotic liver resection and 14% had major laparoscopic liver resection. Intraoperatively, robotic liver resection was associated with significantly less blood loss (mean: 286 vs 301 mL, p < 0.001) but longer operating time (mean: 281 vs 221 min, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in conversion rates or transfusion rates between robotic liver resection and laparoscopic liver resection. Postoperatively, there were no significant differences in overall complications, bile leaks, and length of hospital stay between robotic liver resection and laparoscopic liver resection. However, robotic liver resection was associated with significantly lower readmission rates than laparoscopic liver resection (odds ratio: 0.43, p = 0.005). Conclusions: Robotic liver resection appears to offer some advantages compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery, although both techniques appear equivalent. Importantly, the quality of evidence is generally limited to cohort studies and a high-quality randomized trial comparing both techniques is needed.
Predictive Factors of the Adherence to Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Sensors: A Prospective Observational Study (PARCS STUDY)
Authors: Murata Takashi , Kuroda Akio , Matsuhisa Munehide , Toyoda Masao , Kimura Moritsugu , Hirota Yushi , Kato Ken , Sawaki Hideaki , Tone Atsuhito , Kawashima Satoshi , Okada Akira , Watanabe Tomokazu , Nirengi Shinsuke , Suganuma Akiko , Sakane Naoki 
Published: August 2020

Background: Information about factors related to better adherence to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor adherence is quite limited. Materials and Methods: Forty-six participants with type 1 diabetes using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) without CGM were recruited. The participants’ characteristics and diabetes-related quality of life (QOL) were evaluated at baseline and one year after starting to use CGM. Participants wearing the sensor for ≥60% of the time were considered as adherent. Results: The mean age of the 46 participants was 44.1 ± 15.0 years old and the mean glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) was 7.7 ± 1.0%; 60.9% of the participants were classified as adherent. The duration of using CSII was longer in the adherent group, and the degree of diabetic retinopathy was significantly different. There were no significant differences in age, frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose, or Hypoglycemia Fear Survey (HFS-B for behavior, HFS-W for worry) score at baseline between the adherent and nonadherent groups. The Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) score at baseline was significantly higher and the total CSII-QOL score at baseline was significantly lower in the adherent group. The usage of dual-wave bolus was significantly increased in the adherent group (34.6%-61.5%, P = .016), but not in the nonadherent group (33.3%-33.3%, P > .999). The HbA1c level showed a significant improvement in the adherent group (7.8%-7.3%, P < .001), but not in the nonadherent group (7.5%-7.2%, P = .102). Conclusions: Higher adherence to CGM sensors may be associated with a heavier emotional burden of diabetes and a worse QOL in relation to CSII at baseline.
The effect of abdominal functional electrical stimulation on bowel function in multiple sclerosis: a cohort study
Authors: Lin Sophia D , Butler Jane E , Boswell-Ruys Claire L , Hoang Phu D , Jarvis Tom , Gandevia Simon C , McCaughey Euan J 
Published: August 2020

Background Chronic constipation is prevalent in people with multiple sclerosis, with current treatments usually only partially effective. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of abdominal functional electrical stimulation to reduce whole gut and colonic transit times and improve bowel and bladder-related quality of life. Methods A total of 23 people with multiple sclerosis who fulfilled the Rome III criteria for functional constipation applied abdominal functional electrical stimulation for 1 hour per day, 5 days per week, for 6 weeks. Whole gut and colonic transit times and bowel and bladder-related quality of life were measured before and after the intervention period. Results Whole gut (mean 81.3 (standard deviation 28.7) hours pre vs. 96.1 (standard deviation 53.6) hours post-intervention, P = 0.160) and colonic transit time (65.1 (31.4) vs. 74.8 (51.1) hours, P = 0.304) were unchanged following 6 weeks of abdominal functional electrical stimulation. There was a significant improvement in bowel (mean 1.78 (SD: 0.64) pre vs. 1.28 (SD: 0.54) post, P = 0.001) and bladder (50.6 (26.49) vs. 64.5 (21.92), p = 0.007) related quality of life after the intervention period. Conclusion While abdominal functional electrical stimulation did not reduce whole gut and colonic transit times for people with multiple sclerosis, a significant improvement in bowel and bladder-related quality of life was reported.
Age Is Just a Number: Patient Age Does Not Affect Outcome Following Surgery for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Gupta Anmol , Cha Thomas , Schwab Joseph , Fogel Harold , Tobert Daniel , Qureshi Sheeraz , Hecht Andrew , Bono Christopher M. , Hershman Stuart 
Published: August 2020

Study Design: Retrospective study. Objective: Multiple studies have shown that osteoporotic patients are at an increased risk for medical and surgical complications, making optimal management of these patients challenging. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between patient age and the likelihood of surgical complications, mortality, and 30-day readmission rates following surgery for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Methods: A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2014 identified 1979 patients who met inclusion criteria. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR), with corresponding P values and 95% confidence intervals, of the relationship between age (treated as a continuous variable) and perioperative mortality, surgical complications, and 30-day readmission rates. Results: Younger patients were statistically more likely to endure a minor (OR = 0.98; P = .002) or major complication (OR = 0.97; P = .009). The older a patient was, on the other hand, the higher the likelihood that patient would be readmitted within 30 days of surgery (OR =1.02; P = .004). Mortality within the 30-day perioperative period was not statistically correlated with age. Conclusions: The impact of age on adverse outcomes following surgery for OVCF is mixed. While younger patients are more likely to endure complications, older patients are more likely to be readmitted within 30 days following surgery. Patient age showed no correlation with mortality rates. In the setting of surgical treatment for an OVCF, a patient’s age can help determine the risk of complications and the rate of readmission following intervention.
Correlation and Differences in Lumbopelvic Sagittal Alignment Parameters Between Lumbar Radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Xu Chongqing , Yin Mengchen , Mo Wen 
Published: August 2020

Study Design: Imaging parameter study. Objective: Though lumbar alignment is better evaluated using standing radiograph than supine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), few studies have researched this. Our study aimed to observe the correlation and difference in alignment between standing radiograph and supine MRI, and assess whether the change of position affects the lumbopelvic parameters. Methods: We analyzed 105 patients, measuring lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence (PI). Inter- and intraparameter analyses were performed to identify any difference between standing radiograph and supine MRI. Statistical differences between the lumbopelvic parameters were compared. Results: There was excellent interobserver agreement for each parameter (interclass correlation coefficient > 0.75), and significant differences were observed in each parameter between radiograph and MRI ( P < .05). Strong correlations were noted between the equivalent parameters in radiograph and MRI, both SS and PI were strongly correlated with LL in radiograph and MRI image, both PT and SS were strongly correlated with PI in radiograph and MRI image ( r = −1.0 to −0.5 or 0.5 to 1.0). Conclusion: Supine MRI obviously underestimated the measurements of lumbopelvic sagittal alignment parameters in standing radiograph. Therefore, standing lumbar radiographs should be obtained preoperatively in all surgical patients, not only supine MRI. In addition, we observed that PI was not a constant morphological parameter.
Iron deficiency following bariatric surgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gowanlock Zachary , Lezhanska Anastasiya , Conroy Maeve , Crowther Mark , Tiboni Maria , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Siegal Deborah M. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Iron deficiency is a common consequence of bariatric surgery and frequently leads to anemia. Our study reports the incidence and predictors of iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and IV iron use after bariatric surgery. We conducted a retrospective study of all adult patients who underwent bariatric surgery from January to December 2012 at the regional bariatric surgery center in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and were followed for at least 6 months. Time-to-event data were presented as Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox regression analysis was used to identify outcome predictors. A total of 388 patients met the inclusion criteria. Iron deficiency, IDA, and the use of IV iron were reported in 43%, 16%, and 6% of patients, respectively, with a mean follow-up of 31 months. The cumulative incidence of iron deficiency and IDA increased with longer follow-up, and there was a significant increase in IV iron use starting 3 years after surgery. Malabsorptive procedures (hazard ratio [HR], 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-3.06; P = .006) and low baseline ferritin (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.95-0.97; P &lt; .001) were associated with an increased risk of iron deficiency. Young age (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.99; P = .028), baseline anemia (HR, 19.6; 95% CI, 7.85-48.9; P &lt; .001), and low baseline ferritin (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.95-0.98; P &lt; .001) were associated with an increased risk of IDA. Our results suggest that IDA is a delayed consequence of bariatric surgery and that preoperative assessment of patient risk may be possible.
Eculizumab impairs Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B killing in whole blood despite 4CMenB vaccination of PNH patients
Authors: Langereis Jeroen D. , van den Broek Bryan , Franssen Sjoerd , Joosten Irma , Blijlevens Nicole M. A. , de Jonge Marien I. , Langemeijer Saskia 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Complement C5 inhibitor eculizumab has a great impact on the treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). However, this treatment success has a major drawback: a substantially increased susceptibility for life-threatening Neisseria meningitidis infections. Therefore, N meningitidis vaccination is strongly advised before initiating complement C5–blocking therapy. In this study, we show that the multicomponent N meningitidis serogroup B (4CMenB) vaccination of PNH patients treated with eculizumab results in a significant increase in anti–N meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels. Anti-MenB IgG was able to bind to the bacterial surface and initiate complement activation; however, inhibition of the membrane attack complex formation completely blocked whole blood–mediated killing of MenB. This would suggest that, despite 4CMenB vaccination, PNH patients taking C5 inhibitors are not sufficiently protected against MenB infection, which is in line with the fact that vaccinated PNH patients still experience meningococcal infections.