bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole‐Heart High‐Resolution Late Gadolinium Enhancement: Techniques and Clinical Applications
Authors: Toupin Solenn , Pezel Théo , Bustin Aurélien , Cochet Hubert 
Published: June 2021

In cardiovascular magnetic resonance, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) has become the cornerstone of myocardial tissue characterization. It is widely used in clinical routine to diagnose and characterize the myocardial tissue in a wide range of ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies. The recent growing interest in imaging left atrial fibrosis has led to the development of novel whole‐heart high‐resolution late gadolinium enhancement (HR‐LGE) techniques. Indeed, conventional LGE is acquired in multiple breath‐holds with limited spatial resolution: ~1.4–1.8 mm in plane and 6–8 mm slice thickness, according to the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance standardized guidelines. Such large voxel size prevents its use in thin structures such as the atrial or right ventricular walls. Whole‐heart 3D HR‐LGE images are acquired in free breathing to increase the spatial resolution (up to 1.3 × 1.3 × 1.3 mm3) and offer a better detection and depiction of focal atrial fibrosis. The downside of this increased resolution is the extended scan time of around 10 min, which hampers the spread of HR‐LGE in clinical practice. Initially introduced for atrial fibrosis imaging, HR‐LGE interest has evolved to be a tool to detect small scars in the ventricles and guide ablation procedures. Indeed, the detection of scars, nonvisible with conventional LGE, can be crucial in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction with nonobstructed coronary arteries, in the detection of the arrhythmogenic substrate triggering ventricular arrhythmia, and improve the confidence of clinicians in the challenging diagnoses such as the arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. HR‐LGE also offers a precise visualization of left ventricular scar morphology that is particularly useful in planning ablation procedures and guiding them through the fusion of HR‐LGE images with electroanatomical mapping systems. In this narrative review, we attempt to summarize the technical particularities of whole‐heart HR‐LGE acquisition and provide an overview of its clinical applications with a particular focus on the ventricles.Evidence Level2Technical Efficacy Stage2
Measurement of the Brain Volume/Liver Volume Ratio by Three‐Dimensional MRI in Appropriate‐for‐Gestational Age Fetuses and Those With Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Li Kui , Yan Guohui , Zheng Weizeng , Sun Jin , Zou Yu 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundFetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with a high fetal brain volume/liver volume (FBV/FLV) ratio. Ultrasound may not always be reliable, which has prompted further investigation of MRI techniques.PurposeTo determine the relationship between FBV/FLV ratio, as measured by MRI, and gestational age (GA) in normal fetuses and those with FGR.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationOne hundred and forty seven singleton pregnancies including 105 appropriate‐for‐gestational age (AGA) fetuses and 42 FGR fetuses.Field Strength/SequenceThree‐dimensional fast imaging employing steady‐state acquisition at 1.5 T.AssessmentThe FBV and FLV were measured by three radiologists. The inter‐ and intraobserver agreements, the correlation between FBV/FLV ratio, and advancing GA were evaluated; the diagnostic value of FBV/FLV ratio was evaluated and compared with head circumference/abdominal circumference (HC/AC) ratio measured by ultrasound.Statistical TestsIntraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine inter‐ and intraobserver agreements. Regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between FBV/FLV ratio and advancing GA. The diagnostic value of the FBV/FLV ratio was examined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.ResultsThe inter‐ and intraobserver agreements were excellent with an interobserver ICC of 0.984 and intra‐observer ICCs of 0.989, 0.994, and 0.995. The FBV/FLV ratio in AGA fetuses decreased significantly with advancing GA (Pearson correlation coefficient = −0.844). The FBV/FLV ratio in FGR fetuses was significantly higher than that in AGA fetuses. To identify fetuses at high risk for FGR using the FBV/FLV ratio, the area under the ROC curve was 0.978, with an optimal cut‐off value of 4.10. The sensitivity of FBV/FLV ratio in identifying FGR was significantly higher than that of HC/AC ratio (0.929 vs. 0.529).Data ConclusionAn inverse correlation exists between FBV/FLV ratio and advancing GA in normal fetuses. A high FBV/FLV ratio may be used to ascertain fetuses at high risk for FGR.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy Stage: 3
Spatio‐temporal variability of dryness and wetness based on standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index and standardized wetness index and its relation to the normalized difference vegetation index
Authors: Lv Wenhan , Wu Chuanhao , Yeh Pat J.‐F. , Hu Bill X. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLand surface change (LSC) due to human‐caused global environmental changes has considerably affected the development of regional droughts. The standardized wetness index (SWI) developed recently by combining the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) with the evapotranspiration (ET) estimated from the Budyko framework considers the joint effects of climate variability and LSC on the land dryness/wetness conditions. Here, using a 25‐year (1984–2008) monthly gridded terrestrial water budget dataset, a comparative global analysis of the spatio‐temporal variability of drought characteristics (duration D, severity S, peak K, frequency, and drought area) estimated based on SWI and SPEI is presented. The relationship between dryness/wetness (as indicated by SWI and SPEI) and LSC (as indicated by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI) is explored by correlation analysis and the dynamic time warping algorithm (DTW). The results show that SWI is strongly correlated with SPEI for most global regions (except for the extremely arid and extremely humid regions). Both SWI and SPEI show similar directions and magnitudes in the trends of drought characteristics during 1984–2008. However, the drying trends in SPEI are stronger than that of SWI particularly in arid regions, accompanied with larger global drought areas and higher frequencies of extreme drought. Furthermore, the correlation between SWI and LSC is larger than that between SPEI and LSC particularly in arid regions (e.g., northern Africa, Indus, and southern Australia). As SWI accounts for the effects of LSC, it can be inferred that the underestimation of drying trend indicated by SWI relative to SPEI is partially caused by LSC.
Evidence of Tinnitus Development Due to Stress: An Experimental Study in Rats
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Park So Young , Park Jung Mee , Yu Hyo Jeong , Park Ilyong , Park Shi Nae 
Published: June 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTinnitus can develop due to, or be aggravated by, stress in a rat model. To investigate stress as a possible causal factor in the development of tinnitus, we designed an animal study that included tinnitus behavior and excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitter expression after noise exposure as well as restraint stress.Study DesignAn experimental animal study.MethodsWistar rats were grouped according to single or double exposure to noise and restraint stress. The noise exposure (NE) group was subjected to 110 dB sound pressure level (SPL) of 16 kHz narrow‐band noise (NBN) for 1 hour, and the restraint stress (RS) group was restrained for 1 hour with or without noise exposure. Gap prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle (GPIAS) reflex was measured at an NBN of 16 kHz to investigate tinnitus development. Various immunohistopathologic and molecular biologic studies were undertaken to evaluate possible mechanisms of tinnitus development after noise and/or restraint stress.ResultsThe RS‐only group showed a reduced GPIAS response, which is a reliable sign of tinnitus development. In the double‐stimulus groups, more tinnitus‐development signs of reduced GPIAS responses were observed. The expression of γ‐aminobutyric acid A receptor α1 (GABAAR α1) in the hippocampus decreased in the NE│RS group. Increased N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor1 intensities in the NE│RS group and decreased GABAAR α1 intensities in the RS and NE│RS groups were observed in the CA3 region of the hippocampus.ConclusionsTinnitus appeared to develop after stress alone in this animal study. An imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the hippocampus may be related to the development of tinnitus after acute NE and/or stress.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:2332–2340, 2021
The finite element method: A high‐performing approach for computing the probability of ruin and solving other ruin‐related problems
Authors: Ahmadian Davood , Ballestra Luca Vincenzo 
Published: June 2021

The finite element method (FEM), despite being a very powerful tool for solving partial differential equations, has never been used to compute the probability of ruin, nor it has been applied to other kinds of ruin‐related problems, at least to the best of our knowledge. In this paper, in order to explore possible applications of the FEM in insurance mathematics, a high‐order FEM is proposed to solve problems related to ruin. Specifically, a FEM based on either quadratic, cubic, or quartic polynomials is developed to compute the probability of ruin and the (discounted) expected value of the assets of a firm in two previously published ruin models. Moreover, when dealing with the calculation of the probability of ruin, a suitable operator splitting technique is employed, such that the FEM variational formulation is used to approximate only spatial derivatives. Numerical experiments are presented showing that the FEM performs extraordinarily well. In fact, the solutions of the two problems considered can be obtained with an error (in the maximum norm) of order 10−5 or even smaller in a time smaller than a second. Finally, in accordance with already established theoretical results, the FEM reveals to be superconvergent at the boundaries of the finite elements.
Do we need more patient‐friendly treatment options for overactive bladder (OAB)?
Authors: Gerig Nel , Cameron Tracy , Arora Samir , Spear Jessica , Lescozec Laura , Zhang Mingming 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimsTo collect feedback from subjects diagnosed with overactive bladder (OAB) on its impact on their quality of life, their satisfaction with current treatment options, and to assess nonsurgical, tibial nerve stimulation as a treatment option.MethodsSubjects were asked a variety of questions about the impact of OAB on their lives, their satisfaction with current and previous treatment approaches. Subjects evaluated the comfort of a nonworking prototype garment and were given electrical stimulation over their posterior tibial nerve to assess comfort and tolerability. Electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded.ResultsA total of 40 subjects with OAB symptoms were evaluated in the study. Urgency (55%), frequency (47.5%), nocturia (40%), and incontinence (30%) were the most bothersome symptoms. At the time of the study only 32.5% of the subjects were treating their OAB symptoms. Of those that had tried and discontinued treatments, most had failed medications (n = 14) due to no improvements or side effects. Only 2 subjects found stimulation to be uncomfortable before an EMG signal could be detected. The most common word used to describe the feeling of stimulation was “constant,” followed by “tingling,” “vibrating,” and “comfortable.”ConclusionsMost subjects who had tried OAB treatments were dissatisfied and discontinued their use. A new patient‐friendly approach to OAB therapy that delivers efficacy but overcomes drawbacks associated with currently available treatments is needed. Subjects found electrical stimulation over the tibial nerve to be comfortable and tolerable and this should be considered as an alternative treatment approach for OAB.
Trends in cardiovascular disease risk factors by BMI category among adults in England, 2003‐2018
Authors: Scholes Shaun , Fat Linda Ng , Mindell Jennifer S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to estimate trends in cardiovascular disease risk factors by BMI category among adults in England (n = 115,860).MethodsRisk factors included cigarette smoking, hypertension, total diabetes, and raised total cholesterol. Risk factor prevalence was computed in the following four 4‐year time periods: 2003‐2006; 2007‐2010; 2011‐2014; and 2015‐2018. Change was computed as the difference between the first and last time periods, expressed in percentage points (PP).ResultsHypertension remained at a stable level among men with normal weight but decreased among men with obesity (−4.1 PP; 95% CI: −7.1 to −1.0). Total diabetes remained at a stable level among adults with normal weight but increased among adults with obesity (men: 3.5 PP, 95% CI: 1.2 to 5.7; women: 3.6 PP, 95% CI: 1.8 to 5.4). Raised total cholesterol decreased in all BMI groups but fell more sharply among women with obesity (−21 PP; 95% CI: −25 to −17) versus their counterparts with normal weight (−16 PP; 95% CI: −18 to −14).ConclusionsGreater reductions in hypertension and raised total cholesterol among adults with overweight and obesity partially reflect improvements in screening, treatment, and control among those at highest cardiovascular risk. Higher levels of risk factor prevalence among adults with overweight and obesity, in parallel with rising diabetes, highlight the importance of national prevention efforts to combat the public health impact of excess adiposity.
Can exercise promote additional benefits on body composition in patients with obesity after bariatric surgery? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Boppre Giorjines , Diniz‐Sousa Florêncio , Veras Lucas , Oliveira José , Fonseca Hélder 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundBariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for patients with severe obesity, but success rates vary substantially. Exercise is recommended after bariatric surgery to reduce weight regain but the effectiveness remains undetermined on weight loss due to conflicting results. It is also unclear what should be the optimal exercise prescription for these patients. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials on the effects of exercise on body weight (BW), anthropometric measures, and body composition after bariatric surgery was performed.MethodsPubMed/MEDLINE®, EBSCO®, Web of Science® and Scopus® databases were searched to identify studies evaluating exercise effectiveness.ResultsThe analysis comprised 10 studies (n = 487 participants). Exercise favored BW (−2.51kg; p = 0.02), waist circumference (−4.14cm; p = 0.04) and body mass index (−0.84kg·m−2; p = 0.02) reduction but no improvements in body composition. Combined exercise interventions were the most effective in reducing BW (−5.50kg; p < 0.01) and body mass index (−1.86kg·m−2; p < 0.01). Interventions starting >6‐months after bariatric surgery were more successful in reducing BW (−5.02kg; p < 0.01) and body mass index (−1.62kg·m−2; p < 0.01).ConclusionExercise, combined exercise regimens and interventions starting >6‐months after bariatric surgery were effective in promoting BW, waist circumference and body mass index reduction. Exercise following bariatric surgery does not seem to favor body composition improvements.
Exploring shared public perspectives on biodiversity attributes
Authors: Austen Gail E. , Dallimer Martin , Irvine Katherine N. , Maund Phoebe R. , Fish Robert D. , Davies Zoe G. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Researchers, practitioners and policymakers have widely documented the multifarious ways that nature influences human well‐being. However, we still have only a limited understanding of how the public interact with, respond to and talk about attributes of biodiversity.

We used image‐based Q methodology to explore the shared and contrasting perspectives people hold for biodiversity. This approach is a powerful way of allowing people to articulate what is, or is not, important to them, free from constraints associated with statement‐based stimuli.

We used British woodlands as a study system, as they are accessible and well‐visited by the public. The elements of biodiversity incorporated in the Q methodology represented vertebrates, invertebrates, trees and understorey plants and fungi.

The shared public perspectives varied, and the reasons underpinning those perspectives were rich and diverse. People articulated reasons related to an array of biodiversity attributes (e.g. functions, behaviours, colours, smells, shapes). Many of the perspectives transcended specific species or taxonomic groups.

Although woodlands were used as a study system, people referenced perceptions and experiences external to this habitat (e.g. within their gardens) and associated with their everyday lives. Cultural influences and memories linked to particular people and places were also prominent.

Few of the shared perspectives map onto the objective measures and dimensions that researchers use to describe and categorise biodiversity (e.g. rarity, ecosystem service provision).

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Cutin extraction and composition determined under differing depolymerisation conditions in cork oak leaves
Authors: Simões Rita , Miranda Isabel , Pereira Helena 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionCutin is a biopolyester involved in waterproofing aerial plant organs, including leaves. Cutin quantification and compositional profiling require depolymerisation, namely by methanolysis, but specific protocols are not available.ObjectivesInvestigate how different methanolysis conditions regarding catalyst concentration effect cutin depolymerisation and monomer release, to better define protocols for cutin content determination and composition profiling.Material and MethodsCork oak (Quercus suber) dewaxed leaves were reacted with five sodium methoxide (NaOMe) concentrations. Extracts were analysed: glycerol by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and long‐chain lipids by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS).ResultsCutin was completely removed by 3% NaOMe (8.4% of dewaxed leaves), while mild 0.1% and 0.01% NaOMe methanolysis only depolymerised 14% of total cutin. Reactivity of cutin ester bonds is not homogeneous and glyceridic ester bonds are more easily cleaved, releasing the existing glycerol already under the mildest conditions (0.53% with 0.01% NaOMe and 0.41% with 3% NaOMe). The composition of cutin extracts varies with depolymerisation extent, with easier release of alkanoic acids and alkanols, respectively, 34.9% and 8.8% of total monomers at 0.1% NaOMe, while ω‐hydroxyacids (49.3% of total monomers) and α,ω‐diacids (9.0% of the monomers) are solubilised under more intensive reactive conditions.ConclusionCutin of Quercus suber leaves is confirmed as a glyceridic polyester of ω‐hydroxyacids and alkanoic acids, with minor content of α,ω‐diacids, and including coumarate moieties. The protocol for the determination of cutin content and compositional profiling was established regarding catalyst concentration. The molar composition of cutin suggests a macromolecular assembly based on glycerol linked to lipid oligomeric chains with moderate cross‐linking.
Evaluation of more than one billion outpatient prescriptions and eight‐year trend showing a remarkable reduction in antibiotic prescription in Turkey: A success model of governmental interventions at national level
Authors: Aksoy Mesil , Isli Fatma , Kadi Esma , Varimli Didem , Gursoz Hakki , Tolunay Tolga , Kara Ates , Unal Serhat , Alp Mese Emine 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeTo present the antibiotic prescription trend between 2011–2018 at primary healthcare in Turkey in order to evaluate the effects of interventions at national level for providing rational prescription of antibiotics.MethodsElectronic prescription data of the family physicians collected from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2018 in 81 provinces of Turkey were recorded through the Prescription Information System and screened for the antimicrobial drugs. The interventions to promote rational antibiotic use during 2011–2018 in Turkey includes reminding the legislation to stop access of antibiotics without prescription, monitoring of antibiotic prescription behaviors of primary healthcare physicians, and education of healthcare workers and the public on the appropriate use of antibiotics.ResultsA total of 1 054 261 396 prescriptions for outpatients of all age groups were recorded during this period. Of the prescriptions written by family physcians, 34.94% were containing at least one antibiotic in 2011, which declined to 24.55% in 2018. Antibiotics constituted 13.99% of all the items in prescriptions in 2011 and 10.47% in 2018. Percentage of total antibiotic expenditure to the total drug expanditure decreased from 14.14% to 4.12% during 2011–2018. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were amoxicillin and enzyme inhibitor combination, cefdinir, and cefuroxime during 2011–2018, with an increasing trend for prescription of first‐line antibiotic, amoxicillin, in recent years.ConclusionsGovernmental interventions at national level have contributed to reducing antibiotic prescription and increasing preference of first‐line antibiotics at primary healthcare level in Turkey over a course of 8 years. Turkey's model of governmental interventions may set an example for other countries with high consumption of antibiotics, and contribute to the actions against antimicrobial resistance worldwide.
Analysis of the interaction between personality dysfunction and traits in the statistical prediction of physical aggression: Results from outpatient and community samples
Authors: Leclerc Philippe , Savard Claudia , Vachon David D. , Faucher Jonathan , Payant Maude , Lampron Mireille , Tremblay Marc , Gamache Dominick 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) and the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (11th ed.; ICD‐11) are, respectively, hybrid categorical‐dimensional and dimensional frameworks for personality disorders (PDs). Both models emphasize personality dysfunction and personality traits. Previous studies investigating the links between the AMPD and ICD‐11, and self‐reported physical aggression have mostly focused on traits and did not take into account the potential interaction between personality dysfunction and traits. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify dysfunction*trait interactions using regression‐based analysis. Outpatients with personality disorder from a specialized public clinic (N = 285) and community participants (N = 995) were recruited to complete self‐report questionnaires. Some small‐size, albeit significant and clinically/conceptually meaningful personality dysfunction*trait interactions were found to predict physical aggression in both samples. Interaction analyses might further inform, to some degree, about the current discussion pertaining to the potential redundancy between dysfunction and traits, the optimal personality dysfunction structure (in the case of the AMPD), as well as clinical assessment based on AMPD/ICD‐11 PD frameworks.