bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of physical activity with age-related changes in muscle echo intensity in older adults: a 4-year longitudinal study
Authors: Fukumoto Yoshihiro , Yamada Yosuke , Ikezoe Tome , Watanabe Yuya , Taniguchi Masashi , Sawano Shinichiro , Minami Seigo , Asai Tsuyoshi , Kimura Misaka , Ichihashi Noriaki 
Published: August 2018

Ultrasonic echo intensity (EI), an easy-to-use measure of intramuscular fat and fibrous tissues, is known to increase with aging. However, age-related changes in EI have not been examined in a longitudinal design. The objective of this study was to investigate 4-yr longitudinal changes in the EI of the quadriceps femoris in older adults, based on difference in physical activity (PA). This study included 131 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 72.9 ± 5.2 yr. Subcutaneous fat thickness (FT), muscle thickness (MT), and EI of the quadriceps femoris were measured by ultrasound. Isometric knee extensor strength was also measured. PA was assessed using a questionnaire at baseline, and participants were classified into the high or low PA groups. In 4 yr, a significant decrease in FT, MT, and strength was observed in both groups ( P < 0.05), whereas a significant decrease in EI was observed only in the high PA group ( P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the difference in PA was a significant predictor of 4-yr changes in MT (β = 0.189, P = 0.031) and EI (β = −3.145, P = 0.045) but not in the body mass index, FT, or strength adjusted for potential confounders. The present findings suggest that greater PA has a positive effect on longitudinal changes in the MT and EI of the quadriceps femoris in older adults. In addition, greater PA may contribute to a future decrease in EI, and an increase in EI may not occur in 4 yr, even in older adults with lesser PA. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our results suggest that greater physical activity (PA) may mitigate future changes in muscle thickness and echo intensity (EI). A decrease in EI over 4 yr was observed in older adults with greater PA, and an increase in EI was not observed, even in older adults with smaller PA. Several cross-sectional studies demonstrated an increase in EI with aging. Additionally, the results of our longitudinal study suggest that an age-related increase in EI may be moderated after the old-age period.
Fundamental Mechanisms of Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Authors: Wei Spencer C. , Duffy Colm R. , Allison James P. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractImmune checkpoint blockade is able to induce durable responses across multiple types of cancer, which has enabled the oncology community to begin to envision potentially curative therapeutic approaches. However, the remarkable responses to immunotherapies are currently limited to a minority of patients and indications, highlighting the need for more effective and novel approaches. Indeed, an extraordinary amount of preclinical and clinical investigation is exploring the therapeutic potential of negative and positive costimulatory molecules. Insights into the underlying biological mechanisms and functions of these molecules have, however, lagged significantly behind. Such understanding will be essential for the rational design of next-generation immunotherapies. Here, we review the current state of our understanding of T-cell costimulatory mechanisms and checkpoint blockade, primarily of CTLA4 and PD-1, and highlight conceptual gaps in knowledge.Significance: This review provides an overview of immune checkpoint blockade therapy from a basic biology and immunologic perspective for the cancer research community. Cancer Discov; 8(9); 1069–86. ©2018 AACR.
Attachment Theory and Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy for Vietnam Veterans
Authors: Meyer Laura , Sartori Ann 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe persistence of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans of the Vietnam War warrants an exploration of new treatment approaches, such as equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP). The purpose of this study was to use open-ended interviews to explore five Vietnam veterans’ perceptions of their bond with an equine partner duringEFPand how it influences their behavior andPTSDsymptoms. Questions addressed their relationships with their equine partners, including its development and impact on their interpersonal relationships. Attachment Theory provided a framework for understanding the four main themes that emerged from analysis of the responses: positive changes in thoughts and behaviors, veterans’ beliefs about horses’ cognitions and emotions, emotions and emotional regulation, and interpersonal and interspecies relationships. The authors concluded thatEFPmay support personal growth and healing because horses serve as attachment figures, provide a secure base for emotional exploration, and encourage non-verbal communication.
Vulnerability, Transcendence, and the Body: Exploring the Human/Nonhuman Animal Divide within Jainism
Authors: Vallely Anne 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Jainism’s renowned compassion toward nonhuman animals is derived from the vulnerability and finitude we share with them. The tradition recognizes the impetus to avoid suffering and preserve life as basic to all living beings and emphasizes our shared existential condition. Nevertheless, Jainism treats the condition of being human as privileged because of its capacity for radical bodily detachment. This article, based on long-term ethnographic work among Jain communities in India, brings Jainism’s traditional understandings of the human/nonhuman distinction into discussion with contemporary philosophical and anthropological reflections on the category of the “animal.”
Power through Collaboration: Stakeholder Influence in EU Climate and Energy Negotiations
Authors: Ydersbond Inga Margrete 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Who gets what in high-level European Union (EU) negotiations and how? This study draws on data concerning stakeholder preferences during heated negotiations leading to the EU’s 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework. It tests the explanatory values of Liberal Intergovernmentalism (LI), the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), and Historical Institutionalism (HI). Large member states were key (LI). However, coordinated groups of member states, bound by specific common interests, also played crucial roles. ACF explains the 2030 Framework only if: a) the decisive coalitions consisted of the EU’s supranational institutions, the coordinated groups of member states and long-term advocacy coalitions in the interest group community; b) coalition members held comparatively similar views; and c) coalition members adjusted their strategies mutually and/or shared information. The European Commission set the agenda (HI). The analysis demonstrates that LI, HI and ACF may be used as complementary analytical tools, filling several of each other’s gaps.
Conceptualizing a New Public Diplomacy Model: ‘Intermestic’ Strategies and Instruments to Promote Change in Mexico’s GM Food Policy
Authors: Martínez Pantoja Yadira Ixchel 
Published: August 2018

Summary
Public diplomacy emphasizes the participation of state and non-state actors to achieve common goals. This article recognizes the participation of state and non-state actors engaged in shaping the political environment of a host country to advance common interests, with different levels of leadership. A model comprised of state and non-state actors implementing reactive, proactive and relationship-building strategies and instruments is proposed. In Mexico, regulations for genetically modified (GM) foods have moved from a restrictive to a liberal approach, and this change may be explained by analysing US public diplomacy efforts to promote ideas related to GM foods. This is an ‘intermestic’ issue with international and domestic actors involved. Applying the proposed model thus helps us to understand the strategies and instruments that state actors, such as the US executive agencies, and non-state actors, including MNCs and NGOs, implement to target Mexican stakeholders and generate policy change.
The Unexpected Rapid Intensification of Tropical Cyclones in Moderate Vertical Wind Shear. Part II: Vortex Tilt
Authors: Ryglicki David R. , Doyle James D. , Jin Yi , Hodyss Daniel , Cossuth Joshua H. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe investigate a class of tropical cyclones (TCs) that undergo rapid intensification (RI) in moderate vertical wind shear through analysis of a series of idealized model simulations. Two key findings derived from observational analysis are that the average 200–850-hPa shear value is 7.5 m s−1 and that the TCs displayed coherent cloud structures, deemed tilt-modulated convective asymmetries (TCA), which feature pulses of deep convection with periods of between 4 and 8 h. Additionally, all of the TCs are embedded in an environment that is characterized by shear associated with anticyclones, a factor that limits depth of the strongest environmental winds in the vertical. The idealized TC develops in the presence of relatively shallow environmental wind shear of an anticyclone. An analysis of the TC tilt in the vertical demonstrates that the source of the observed 4–8-h periodicity of the TCAs can be explained by smaller-scale nutations of the tilt on the longer, slower upshear precession. When the environmental wind shear occurs over a deeper layer similar to that of a trough, the TC does not develop. The TCAs are characterized as collections of updrafts that are buoyant throughout the depth of the TC since they rise into a cold anomaly caused by the tilting vortex. At 90 h into the simulation, RI occurs, and the tilt nutations (and hence the TCAs) cease to occur.
How do expatriate health workers cope with needs to provide palliative care in humanitarian emergency assistance? A qualitative study with in-depth interviews
Authors: Schneider Martin , Chappuis François , Pautex Sophie 
Published: August 2018

Background: Given the worldwide increase of chronic diseases, expatriate health workers on assignment with humanitarian emergency organisations can face more clinical situations that require advanced pain control or palliative care. Multiple reasons can prevent the provision of this care. Aim: To better know how health workers react to and cope with this dilemma. Design: A qualitative interview study using inductive thematic analysis was performed. Setting/participants: A total of 15 expatriate health workers took part in individual in-depth interviews after their assignment with the organisation ‘Médecins sans Frontières’. Results: Clinical situations requiring advanced pain control or palliative care do occur during assignments. Expatriate health workers have different levels of knowledge of pain control and palliative care. Lacking opioids were a main reason for inadequate pain control. The expatriates felt helpless, distressed and frustrated in such situations. Peer support was sometimes helpful. Guidelines for palliative care in emergency settings would have been useful. Conclusion: Pain control and palliative care needs occur during clinical practice in emergency humanitarian assistance. Training for expatriate health workers should be improved. Humanitarian organisations should strengthen their capacity to provide pain control and palliative care by developing and applying adapted guidelines.
18F FDG-PET/CT evaluation of histological response after neoadjuvant treatment in patients with cancer of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction
Authors: Gabrielson Stefan , Sanchez-Crespo Alejandro , Klevebro Fredrik , Axelsson Rimma , Albert Tsai Jon , Johansson Ove , Nilsson Magnus 
Published: August 2018

Background In most parts of the world, curatively intended treatment for esophageal cancer includes neoadjuvant therapy, either with chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy alone, followed by esophagectomy. Currently 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is used for preoperative disease staging, but is not well established in the evaluation of neoadjuvant treatment. Purpose To evaluate changes in PET parameters in relation to the histological primary tumor response in the surgical specimen in patients randomized to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy. Material and Methods Patients were randomized between either neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy followed by esophagectomy.18F-FDG PET/CT exams were conducted at baseline and following neoadjuvant treatment. Standardized uptake ratio (SUR) values were measured in the primary tumor and compared as regards histological responders and non-responders as well as different treatment arms. Results Seventy-nine patients were enrolled and 51 were available for analysis. A significant rate of SUR reduction was observed ( P = 0.02) in the primary tumor in histological responders compared to non-responders. Changes in SUR were significantly greater in responders following chemoradiotherapy ( P = 0.02), but not following chemotherapy alone ( P = 0.49). There was no statistically significant difference in SUR in patients with a complete histological response compared to those with a subtotal response. Conclusion Our results are similar to those of previous studies and show that changes in the rate of SUR can be used reliably to differentiate histological responders from non-responders after neoadjuvant treatment with either chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy. Limitations of current PET technology are likely to restrict the possibility of accurately ruling out limited residual disease.
The relationship between rotator cuff tear and four acromion types: cross-sectional study based on shoulder magnetic resonance imaging in 227 patients
Authors: Kim Jong Moon , Kim Yong Wook , Kim Hyoung Seop , Lee Sang Chul , Chun Yong Min , Joo Seung Ho , Lim Hyun Sun 
Published: August 2018

Background Rotator cuff tear (RCT) has been believed to be related to specific types of the acromion. However, most of the studies were performed on a small number of patients with surgical findings not considering the severity of RCT. Purpose To analyze the relationship between age, gender, the side of the shoulder, the acromion type, and the severity of RCT using shoulder magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA). Material and Methods A total of 277 shoulder MRA findings were analyzed by a radiologist specializing in the musculoskeletal system. The relationship between variables (age, gender, side of the shoulder, and acromion type) and the injury of the supraspinatus (no rupture, partial rupture, full rupture, complete rupture) was confirmed. The partial tear of the supraspinatus tendon was divided into bursal and articular side tear in order to investigate the damage caused by the anatomical difference of the acromion. We also confirmed the differences between single supraspinatus injury and multiple RCTs. Results The severity of supraspinatus tear and multiple RCTs were statistically significant with the old age and the right side of the shoulder, but not with a specific acromion type. In supraspinatus partial tear, there was no statistical difference between bursal and articular side tears. Conclusion Our study revealed that the age at which degeneration could occur also was associated with multiple RCTs and is considered to be the most important factor in RCT, not anatomical structures such as acromion type.
The 100 top-cited articles focused on magnetic resonance: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Yoon Soo Jeong , Yoon Dae Young , Ja Lim Kyoung , Moon Ji Yoon , Hong Su Jin , Baek Sora , Yun Eun Joo 
Published: August 2018

Background The number of citations that an article has received can be used to evaluate its impact on a particular research area. Purpose The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the 100 top-cited articles focused on magnetic resonance (MR). Material and Methods We determined the 100 top-cited articles on MR via the Scopus database, using the search term. The following information was recorded for each article: year of publication; journal title; impact factor of journal; number of citations; number of annual citations; authorship; department; institution; country; type of article; topic; MR protocol; and disease. Results The number of citations for the 100 top-cited articles was in the range of 898–5679 (median = 1342.5) and the number of annual citations was in the range of 19.7–372.4 (median = 60.9). The 100 top-cited articles were published in 46 journals, led by Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (n = 13). The majority of articles were published in 1990–1999 (n = 53), originated in the United States (n = 69), were original articles (n = 81), and dealt with the clinical application of MR (n = 57). The Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital (n = 5) was the leading institution. The majority of articles did not use any specific protocol (n = 51) and was not associated with any specific disease (n = 56). Conclusion Our study presents a detailed list and analysis of the 100 top-cited articles on MR, which provides an insight into historical development in this field.
Craniofacial venous malformations treated by percutaneous sclerotherapy using polidocanol: a single-center experience
Authors: Grieb Dominik , Meila Dan , Greling Bjoern , Jacobs Collin , Hechtner Marlene , Schlunz-Hendann Martin- , Brassel Friedhelm 
Published: August 2018

Background Percutaneous therapy with various sclerosants is an established treatment of venous malformations in general. We investigated the safety and effectiveness of polidocanol in the craniofacial region. Purpose To present and evaluate our subjective and objective mid- and long-term results of patients with craniofacial venous malformations (CFVM) after percutaneous sclerotherapy using polidocanol. Material and Methods Twenty patients with CFVM treated by percutaneous sclerotherapy were followed up and asked to fill in a questionnaire comparing levels of the following CFVM-related symptoms before and after treatment: pain; functional impairment; cosmetic deformities; and impairment in daily life. Additionally, both size reduction as well as procedural-related complication rates were analyzed. Results Evaluation of the questionnaire revealed an improvement or complete relief of CFVM-related symptoms with significant reduced impairment in daily life after percutaneous sclerotherapy. Eighteen (90%) patients noticed a post-sclerotherapy improvement of at least one of their corresponding symptoms and expressed satisfaction with regard to their treatment. For 13 patients, a > 50% size reduction of the CFVM could be observed, while seven exhibited a < 50% size reduction. One minor complication was encountered in 56 treatment sessions (1.8%). Conclusion Percutaneous sclerotherapy using polidocanol is a well-tolerated treatment for CFVM with a low complication rate. Size reduction and positive results with improvement of different clinical symptoms can be achieved.
Procalcitonin may not be a differential diagnostic marker for bacterial infection in febrile patients with chronic gouty arthritis
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhao Cheng , Wu Tong , Su Jiang , Wu Xiaodan , Liu Jian , Zhu Jing , Zhou Bin 
Published: August 2018

Objective This study aimed to examine the diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels for identifying bacterial infection in febrile patients with chronic gouty arthritis. Methods Sixty-six febrile patients with chronic gouty arthritis were divided into non-bacterial infection (n = 45) and bacterial infection groups (n = 21). PCT levels were measured by an immunoassay. Other laboratory parameters, including the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cells (WBCs), and the neutrophil ratio were extracted from medical records. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate diagnostic values and accuracy. Results Serum PCT levels, the ESR, CRP levels, WBC count, and neutrophil ratio were not different between the groups. To assess the ability of PCT to discriminate bacterial infection in febrile patients with chronic gouty arthritis (cut-off value: 0.5 ng/mL), the sensitivity and specificity of PCT were 22.2% and 61.5%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of serum PCT levels was 0.526. The AUCs of related inflammatory indicators were 0.530 for the ESR, 0.635 for CRP, 0.577 for the WBC count, and 0.712 for the neutrophil ratio. Conclusion Serum PCT levels may not be a good biomarker for bacterial infection in febrile patients with chronic gouty arthritis.
Open reduction and internal fixation of intra-articular distal radius fractures under wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet
Authors: Orbach Hagay , Rozen Nimrod , Rubin Guy 
Published: August 2018

Objective The use of wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) is becoming an excellent alternative for elective hand surgeries and hand surgeries involving minor trauma. Although the use of WALANT for some soft tissue surgeries has become the state of the art, data regarding bony procedures, such as fracture management, under WALANT are limited. This study was performed to assess the WALANT technique for open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures. Methods Five patients with displaced distal radius fractures were enrolled in the study. WALANT was carried out about 30 minutes prior to the first incision. Surgery was performed in the normal fashion, and the fractures were fixed using anatomic locking plates. After surgery, the patients were admitted overnight for observation and pain assessment, and they were discharged within 24 hours postoperatively. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Follow-up was performed in our outpatient clinic. No abnormalities were recorded. Results All patients underwent a successful painless surgery. No extra bleeding or other complications were recorded. Conclusion The WALANT technique offers a simple and safe alternative to traditional anesthetic techniques for open reduction and plating of distal radius fractures.