bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moisture Sources for East Asian Precipitation: Mean Seasonal Cycle and Interannual Variability
Authors: Guo Liang , van der Ent Ruud J. , Klingaman Nicholas P. , Demory Marie-Estelle , Vidale Pier Luigi , Turner Andrew G. , Stephan Claudia C. , Chevuturi Amulya 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the moisture sources that supply East Asian (EA) precipitation and their interannual variability. Moisture sources are tracked using the Water Accounting Model-2layers (WAM-2layers), based on the Eulerian framework. WAM-2layers is applied to five subregions over EA, driven by the ERA-Interim reanalysis from 1979 to 2015. Due to differences in regional atmospheric circulation and in hydrological and topographic features, the mean moisture sources vary among EA subregions. The tropical oceanic source dominates southeastern EA, while the extratropical continental source dominates other EA subregions. The moisture sources experience large seasonal variations, due to the seasonal cycle of the EA monsoon, the freeze–thaw cycle of the Eurasian continent, and local moisture recycling over the Tibetan Plateau. The interannual variability of moisture sources is linked to interannual modes of the coupled ocean–atmosphere system. The negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation increases moisture transport to northwestern EA in winter by driving a southward shift in the midlatitude westerly jet over the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea. Atmospheric moisture lifetime is also reduced due to the enhanced westerlies. In summers following El Niños, an anticyclonic anomaly over the western North Pacific increases moisture supplied from the South China Sea to the southeastern EA and shortens the traveling distance. A stronger Somali Jet in summer increases moisture to the Tibetan Plateau and therefore increases precipitation over the eastern Tibetan Plateau. The methods and findings in this study can be used to evaluate hydrological features in climate simulations.
Detaining patients in the general hospital – current practice and pitfalls
Authors: Smith Murray , O’Regan Rian , Goldbeck Rainer 
Published: March 2019

Aims Much has been written about the use of the Mental Health Act in psychiatric settings. There is, however, little written on its use to detain patients with mental disorder in general hospitals. Method and results We therefore carried out a survey of the use of the Mental Health Act in general hospital settings in Aberdeen, and also posted a questionnaire to Scottish Liaison Psychiatrists, asking about their experience of the use of the Mental Health Act in general hospitals. Over a six-month period in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, we identified 39 detentions. Out of hours, the use of Emergency Detention Certificates was more common than use of Short Term Detention Certificates – the latter is recommended by the Mental Welfare Commission, as patients are afforded more rights. When psychiatric staff were not directly involved, procedural and administrative errors were more likely to occur. Liaison psychiatrists elsewhere in Scotland reported similar observations. Conclusion General hospital clinicians are unfamiliar with the Mental Health Act and its use. Errors in its application therefore arise, and are more common when psychiatric staff is not involved. Better education, including the provision of written information and consideration of an electronic system, may improve current practice.
Risk Recall of Complications Associated with Vestibular Schwannoma Treatment
Authors: Goshtasbi Khodayar , Abouzari Mehdi , Moshtaghi Omid , Maducdoc Marlon , Lehrich Brandon M. , Lin Harrison W. , Djalilian Hamid R. 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo assess the risk recall of complications among patients who underwent different vestibular schwannoma (VS) treatments.Study DesignPatients with VS completed a voluntary and anonymous survey.SettingSurvey links were distributed via the Acoustic Neuroma Association (ANA) website, Facebook, and email list.Subjects and MethodsSurveys were distributed to ANA members from January to March 2017. Of the 3200 ANA members with a VS diagnosis at the time of survey distribution, 789 (25%) completed the survey.ResultsSubjects reported the following incidence of posttreatment complications: imbalance (60%), hearing issues (51%), dry eyes (30%), headache (29%), and facial weakness (27%). Overall, 188 (25%) recalled remembering all the risks associated with their treatment. Among those in the surgical cohort (52%) who experienced balance issues, facial weakness, cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, and stroke, 73%, 91%, 77%, 67%, and 33% claimed recall of these associated risks. Among those in the radiosurgery cohort (28%) who experienced balance issues, facial weakness, and hydrocephalus, 56%, 52%, and 60% recalled discussions of those risks. Patients with higher‐level education (P =. 026) and those who underwent surgery (P =. 001) had a significantly higher risk recall ratio, while sex, age, and tumor size were not significant contributing factors.ConclusionNot all patients with VS who experienced treatment complications recalled remembering those risks being discussed with them. Patients with higher education and those who underwent surgery had a better recall of risks associated with different treatment modalities. The risk recall ratio of patients experiencing complications ranged 33% to 91%, suggesting an opportunity for decision‐making and discussion improvement.
Electroconvulsive stimulation differentially affects [11C]MDL100,907 binding to cortical and subcortical 5HT2A receptors in porcine brain
Authors: Landau Anne M , Alstrup Aage Kristian Olsen , Noer Ove , Winterdahl Michael , Audrain Hélène , Møller Arne , Videbech Poul , Wegener Gregers , Gjedde Albert , Doudet Doris J 
Published: March 2019

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy is an effective therapy of depression. We hypothesized that the beneficial effects are mediated partly by decreased serotonin receptor availability in the cortex. Aims: We used positron emission tomography with the serotonin 5HT2A receptor radioligand [11C]MDL100,907 to determine serotonin receptor availability in response to electroconvulsive stimulation (ECS). Methods: Seven Göttingen minipigs were deeply anaesthetized and imaged at baseline before the onset of ECS, and at 1–2 and 8–10 days after the end of a clinical course of ECS, consisting of 10 sessions over 3.5 weeks, and post-ECS values were compared to baseline. One additional minipig was anaesthetized over 10 sessions without ECS, as a control. We analysed images with the Ichise model for binding in cortex and hippocampus, followed by whole-brain analysis by statistical non-parametric mapping. Results: We found significantly increased binding potential of [11C]MDL100,907 in the cortex and hippocampus 1–2 days after ECS, consistent with increased serotonin receptor availability compared to baseline. By 8–10 days after the final ECS, the average tracer binding had returned towards baseline. However, we also found significantly decreased tracer binding in the subcortical regions of olfactory bulb, pons, thalamus and striatum. Conclusions: With ECS, minipigs, unlike primates but like rodents, have higher availability at cortical and hippocampal 5HT2A receptors. Decreased tracer binding is consistent with reduced serotonin receptor availability as a differential effect of ECS on 5HT2A receptors in subcortical regions of minipig brain.
Effects of Aspirin on Growth Factor Release From Freshly Isolated Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma in Healthy Men: A Prospective Fixed-Sequence Controlled Laboratory Study
Authors: Jayaram Prathap , Yeh Peter , Patel Shiv J. , Cela Racel , Shybut Theodore B. , Grol Matthew W. , Lee Brendan H. 
Published: March 2019

Background: The benefits of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are believed to be in part dependent on growth factor release after platelet activation. Platelet activation is complex and involves multiple mechanisms. One important mechanism is driven by cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1)–mediated conversion of arachidonic acid (AA) to precursor prostaglandins that then mediate proinflammatory responses that trigger growth factor release. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; also known as aspirin) is known to irreversibly inhibit COX-1, thereby blocking AA-mediated signaling; however, it is unclear whether ASA use alters growth factor release from freshly isolated PRP. Purpose: To assess the effects of low-dose ASA use on activation of growth factor release from freshly isolated human PRP via AA and thrombin (TBN). Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Twelve healthy men underwent blood collection and leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) preparation through a double-spin protocol to obtain baseline whole blood and PRP counts the same day. PRP was aliquoted into 3 groups: nonactivated, AA activated, and TBN activated. Immediately after activation, the concentrations of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The same 12 participants were then placed on an 81-mg daily dose of oral ASA for 14 days. Repeat characterization of whole blood and PRP analyses was done on day 14, followed by repeat ELISAs of growth factors under the same nonactivated and activated settings as previously stated. Results: Fourteen days of daily ASA had no effect on the number of platelets and leukocytes measured in whole blood and LR-PRP. Compared with nonactivated LR-PRP, AA- and TBN-mediated activation led to significant release of VEGF and PDGF-AB. In contrast, release of TGF-β1 from LR-PRP was observed only with activation by AA, not with TBN. Consistent with its inhibitory role in AA signaling, ASA significantly inhibited AA-mediated release of all 3 growth factors measured in this study. Although ASA had no effect on TBN-mediated release of VEGF and TGF-β1 from LR-PRP, ASA did partially block TBN-mediated release of PDGF-AB, although the mechanism remains unclear. Conclusion: Daily use of low-dose ASA reduces VEGF, PDGF-AB, and TGF-β1 expression in freshly isolated human LR-PRP when activated with AA. Clinical Relevance: Reduction in growth factor release attributed to daily use of low-dose ASA or other COX inhibitors can be mitigated when PRP samples are activated with TBN. Clinical studies are needed to determine whether activation before PRP injection is needed in all applications where ASA is in use and to what extent ASA may inhibit growth factor release in vivo at the site of injury.
Campaigning Outside the Campaign: Political Parties and Referendums in Bulgaria
Authors: Stoychev Stoycho P. , Tomova Gergana 
Published: March 2019

This article is part of the special cluster titled Political Parties and Direct Democracy in Eastern Europe, guest-edited by Sergiu Gherghina. The instrumental use of referendums by political parties has already been acknowledged in earlier studies showing how parties in government used direct democracy tools to promote their policies and to gain legitimacy, while parties in opposition sought to augment their image in the eyes of the public. However, opposition parties may have another potential reason to promote referendums on top of their quest for a better public image: The topic of the referendum could be a legacy of their own government. This article reveals how this mechanism works by focusing on the first referendum at the national level in post-communist Bulgaria in 2013. It shows how the Bulgarian Socialist Party, in opposition at the time of the referendum, pursued a policy initiated when it was in office. We use primary data to investigate the extent to which the rhetoric of the party during the referendum campaign served as the basis for subsequent electoral campaigns.
It Takes an E-Village: Supporting African American Mothers in Sustaining Breastfeeding Through Facebook Communities
Authors: Robinson Ayanna , Davis Marsha , Hall Jori , Lauckner Carolyn , Anderson Alex Kojo 
Published: March 2019

Background: Lack of breastfeeding support is a common barrier reported by African American mothers, whose breastfeeding rates remain significantly below the national average. Despite mothers’ reported use of social network sites to access support on topics relating to child rearing, few studies have examined their use to exchange breastfeeding support. Research aims: To describe (1) the experiences of African American mothers who participate in breastfeeding support groups on Facebook and (2) the breastfeeding beliefs, practices, and outcomes for this population of mothers. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional qualitative study with an online focus group design. The study was guided by Black Feminist Thought and an integrated model of behavior prediction. Four online focus groups ( N = 22) were conducted using video conferencing during September 2017 with African American mothers who were participating in breastfeeding support groups on Facebook. Results: Thematic analysis was used to develop four themes and two subthemes, including creating a community for Black mothers, online interactions and levels of engagement, advantages of participating in online support groups, critiques of online support groups, empowerment of self and others, and shifts in breastfeeding perceptions and decisions. Among participants in this study, positive imagery of African American breastfeeding mothers and ongoing support from women with shared experiences improved confidence with public breastfeeding and prolonged goals for breastfeeding duration. Conclusion: Receiving peer support within Facebook communities may positively influence breastfeeding norms and confidence in breastfeeding, help mothers to overcome breastfeeding challenges, and ultimately extend intended breastfeeding duration.
The Role of Ultrasound-Guided Therapeutic Thoracentesis in an Outpatient Transitional Care Program: A Case Series
Authors: Segaline Nicole , Wang Jeffrey , Bethancourt Bruce , Ota Ken S. 
Published: March 2019

Background: Symptomatic pleural effusions create discomfort and are a frequent cause of hospitalization. Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis is a key palliative intervention to assist in the management of this vulnerable population. Our institution has created a multidisciplinary transitional care program to address the needs of those discharged from the hospital with chronic complex conditions, including symptomatic pleural effusions. Methods: This case series was performed in a transitional care clinic between May 8, 2017, and December 11, 2018. Eight unique patients with symptomatic pleural effusions were referred to our clinic posthospital discharge and treated with ultrasound-guided thoracentesis. A retrospective review was performed to assess procedure details, complications, and follow-up emergency department visits or hospital readmissions. Additionally, cost comparison data were obtained from the hospital financial system. Results: Of the 8 unique patients, 15 thoracenteses were performed over the 19-month period in the transitional care clinic. The median age of the cohort was 56 years old (range: 39-92 years). All patients reported an immediate relief of symptoms (dyspnea and/ or pain) and no procedural complications. The total cost of performing an ultrasound-guided thoracentesis in the transitional care clinic was 61.8% that of performing the procedure in the hospital (US$537.61 vs US$869.65). Conclusion: All 8 patients experienced an immediate relief in pleural effusion-related symptoms following thoracentesis. Our experience helps reveal the safety, efficacy, and cost-efficiency of ultrasound-guided thoracentesis in providing symptom management for patients with pleural effusions in a transitional care clinic.
Multivariate analysis of risk factors for re-dislocation after revision for dislocation after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Herman Amir , Masri Bassam A , Duncan Clive P , Greidanus Nelson V , Garbuz Donald S 
Published: March 2019

Background: The treatment for recurrent dislocation of a total hip arthroplasty is surgical using varied techniques and technologies to reduce the chances of re-dislocation and re-revision. The goal of this study is to compare operative techniques to reduce re-dislocation and re-revision in revision hip arthroplasty due to recurrent dislocations. Methods: A retrospective study of revision hip arthroplasties done due to recurrent dislocation prior to 01 January 2014. Electronic physician and provincial health records were used to collect patients’ initial and follow-up data. Treatment failure was defined as either aseptic re-revision or re-dislocation without revision. Time to event was considered as the re-revision date or the date of second dislocation when the latter endpoint was used. Results: Of 379 operations, 88 (23.2%) had aseptic repeat revision or recurrent dislocation. Of these: 66 (75.0%) due to dislocation with re-revision; 10 (11.4%) due to dislocation with no re-revision surgery; 5 (5.7%) due to aseptic loosening of components; 3 (3.4%) due to osteolysis; 3 (3.4%) due to pseudotumour; and 1 (1.1%) due to periprosthetic fracture. The following factors increase risk of failure: the use of augmented-liners (lipped, oblique and high-offset liners; HR = 1.68, 95% CI, 1.05–2.69), periprosthetic femur fracture (HR = 2.80, 95% CI, 1.39–8.21) and pelvic discontinuity (HR = 3.69, 95% CI, 1.66–8.21). Femur head sizes 36–40 mm are protective (HR = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.31–0.86). In abductor dysfunction the use of focal constrained liners decreases the risk of failure (HR = 0.13, 95% CI, 0.018–0.973). Conclusions: Larger head sizes and focal constrained liners (abductors dysfunction) should be used and fully constrained liners and augmented-liners should be avoided in a revision hip arthroplasty due to recurrent dislocations.
Clinical Characteristics and Satisfaction of Liraglutide Treatment among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Study
Authors: Al Hayek Ayman A , Robert Asirvatham A , Al Dawish Mohamed A 
Published: March 2019

Background: Evaluation of patient-reported results, treatment satisfaction, in particular, is popularly gaining recognition as crucial to the assessment of the efficiency of new therapies. The aim of this study is to examine the clinical features and treatment satisfaction with liraglutide in insulin-dependent obese patients having uncontrolled diabetes. Methods: A prospective study was performed for 12 weeks using 64 type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, 30 to 70 years of age, who came in for treatment to the Diabetes Treatment Center in Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2017 to July 2018. All the patients enrolled in this study were given liraglutide in addition to their existing treatment. For the first week, they were subcutaneously administered 0.6 mg once per day, which was gradually raised to 1.2 mg after 1 week, and the final given dose went up to 1.8 mg per day until the study period was completed. Purposive and suitable selection of the respondents was performed at their convenience. They were interviewed adopting the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (Arabic version) at baseline and after 12 weeks. Besides, the clinical variables like hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), total daily insulin dose (TDD), number of injections, and hypoglycemia/weeks were also recorded at baseline and at the end of the study. Results: In comparison with the baseline values, notable positive differences were identified in the domains of treatment satisfaction, namely, satisfied with current treatment ( P = .0001), frequency of perceived hyperglycemia ( P = .0001), frequency of perceived hypoglycemia ( P = .0001), convenience of current treatment ( P = .0001), understanding diabetes ( P = .0001), recommend the current treatment ( P = .018), and continue the present treatment ( P = .0001) when the study is completed. After 12 weeks, the addition of liraglutide to the existing treatment showed significant positive changes on FBS ( P = .0001), HbA1c ( P = .001), TDD ( P = .0001), number of injections ( P = .0001), documented hypoglycemia/weeks ( P = .0005), and body weight ( P = .0001) in comparison with the baseline values. Conclusions: The addition of liraglutide to the existing treatment raised the level of treatment satisfaction and minimized the frequency of hypoglycemic/hyperglycemic events apart from the other clinical variables.
Reduced dynamics of functional connectivity and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: d’Ambrosio Alessandro , Valsasina Paola , Gallo Antonio , De Stefano Nicola , Pareto Deborah , Barkhof Frederik , Ciccarelli Olga , Enzinger Christian , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Stromillo M Laura , Arévalo Maria J , Hulst Hanneke E , Muhlert Nils , Koini Marisa , Filippi Massimo , Rocca Maria A 
Published: March 2019

Background: In multiple sclerosis (MS), abnormalities of brain network dynamics and their relevance for cognitive impairment have never been investigated. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the dynamic resting state (RS) functional connectivity (FC) on 62 relapsing-remitting MS patients and 65 sex-matched healthy controls enrolled at 7 European sites. Methods: MS patients underwent clinical and cognitive evaluation. Between-group network FC differences were evaluated using a dynamic approach (based on sliding-window correlation analysis) and grouping correlation matrices into recurrent FC states. Results: Dynamic FC analysis revealed, in healthy controls and MS patients, three recurrent FC states: two characterized by strong intra- and inter-network connectivity and one characterized by weak inter-network connectivity (State 3). A total of 23 MS patients were cognitively impaired (CI). Compared to cognitively preserved (CP), CI-MS patients had reduced RS-FC between subcortical and default-mode networks in the low-connectivity State 3 and lower dwell time (i.e. time spent in a given state) in the high-connectivity State 2. CI-MS patients also exhibited a lower number and a less frequent switching between meta-states, as well as a smaller distance traveled through connectivity states. Conclusion: Time-varying RS-FC was markedly less dynamic in CI- versus CP-MS patients, suggesting that slow inter-network connectivity contributes to cognitive dysfunction in MS.
Graft Patency after Robotically Assisted Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Kitahara Hiroto , Nisivaco Sarah , Balkhy Husam H. 
Published: March 2019

Objective With advances in robotic instrumentation and technology, both robotically assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (RMIDCAB) and totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) have been widely used over the past 20 years. Graft patency is the most important outcome in coronary bypass surgery and is associated with long-term prognosis. In this article we reviewed all experts’ studies in the field of robotic assisted coronary artery bypass and investigated graft patency in patients who underwent RMIDCAB or TECAB. Methods We performed a literature search in PubMed from 1999 to 2018 using the terms “Robotic” and “Coronary bypass” and/or “Minimally invasive” and/or “Totally endoscopic.” Of the articles found, studies investigating graft patency were specifically selected. Results In 33 articles, a total of 4,000 patients underwent robotic assisted coronary artery bypass surgery either by a RMIDCAB (2,396) or by a TECAB (1,604) approach. The graft patency was assessed by invasive angiography or computed tomographic angiography in all studies. The mean graft patency at early (<1 month), midterm (<5 years), and long-term (>5 years) follow-up was 97.7%, 96.1%, and 93.2% in RMIDCAB and 98.8%, 95.8%, and 93.6% in TECAB, respectively. Conclusions The graft patency of robotic assisted coronary artery bypass was equivalent to reported outcomes of the conventional approach. These results should encourage the adoption of robotic approaches in coronary bypass surgery.