Globally, songs and instrumental melodies are slower and higher and use more stable pitches than speech: A Registered Report.

Both music and language are found in all known human societies, yet no studies have compared similarities and differences between song, speech, and instrumental music on a global scale. In this Registered Report, we analyzed two global datasets: (i) 300 annotated audio recordings representing matched sets of traditional songs, recited lyrics, conversational speech, and instrumental melodies from our 75 coauthors speaking 55 languages; and (ii) 418 previously published adult-directed song and speech recordings from 209 individuals speaking 16 languages. Of our six preregistered predictions, five were strongly supported: Relative to speech, songs use (i) higher pitch, (ii) slower temporal rate, and (iii) more stable pitches, while both songs and speech used similar (iv) pitch interval size and (v) timbral brightness. Exploratory analyses suggest that features vary along a "musi-linguistic" continuum when including instrumental melodies and recited lyrics. Our study provides strong empirical evidence of cross-cultural regularities in music and speech.

The use of ultrasound in the assessment of the glenoid labrum of the glenohumeral joint. Part II: Examples of labral pathologies.

Labral pathologies of the glenohumeral joint are most commonly caused by trauma. The majority of lesions affect the anterior part of labrum, resulting from much higher frequency of anterior shoulder dislocations over posterior ones. Another subgroup of labral lesions, not directly related to joint instability, are SLAP tears. Other findings include degenerative changes of labrum and paralabral cysts. Diagnostic imaging is crucial for making a decision regarding operative treatment. Apart from a standard X-ray examination, the imaging mainly relies on magnetic resonance or computed tomography arthrography. Based on their own experience, the authors propose the use of ultrasound in the assessment of labral tears of the glenohumeral joint. Different signs indicating labral pathology may be discovered and assessed during ultrasound examination. They include permanent displacement of the labrum onto the glenoid, labral instability during dynamic examination, lack of the labrum in the anatomical position, hypoechoic zone at the base of the labrum >2 mm in width, residual or swollen labrum as well as paralabral cyst(s). The most frequent appearance of labral pathology is displacement of the anteroinferior labrum onto the external aspect of the glenoid typically seen after anterior shoulder dislocation. The another most important US feature is labral instability while dynamically examined. The swelling or reduced size of the labrum usually indicates degeneration. This article presents sonographic images of selected labral pathologies.

The use of ultrasound in the assessment of the glenoid labrum of the glenohumeral joint. Part I: Ultrasound anatomy and examination technique.

The glenohumeral joint is a spherical articulation with a remarkable range of motion in several planes and decreased stability. The maintenance of joint stability is influenced by the functioning of specific muscle groups in the shoulder region, a complex system of ligaments reinforcing the joint capsule, and the labrum which augments the glenoid fossa. Lesions of the aforementioned structures require accurate diagnosis prior to a decision for operative treatment. Ultrasound is one of the imaging methods that has been widely used in the assessment of various shoulder pathologies. In the author opinion, this imaging modality may also be applied for the evaluation of labral tears. Being attached along the glenoid rim, the labrum forms a collar deepening the glenoid fossa thus increasing area of its contact with the head of the humerus. To better describe the location of lesions, the glenoid labrum is usually divided into certain zones. Most of them may be visualized sonographically. The US examination of the posterior labrum can be performed during evaluation of the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles. The anterior labrum along with capsulolabral complex is seen at the glenoid edge under the subscapularis tendon. Sonographic examination of the inferior labrum is best performed using axillar approach. The superior labrum is only partially available for US examination. A crucial part of the sonographic assessment of the labrum is the dynamic examination during rotation of the upper extremity. The paper presents normal sonographic anatomy of the glenoid labrum and technique of the examination.

Successful primary coronary angioplasty improves early and long-term outcomes in ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes in patients above 80 years of age.

BACKGROUND: ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in patients above 80 years of age continues to be a therapeutic challenge. Patients in this age group are rarely included in randomised clinical trials. AIM: Comparison of the effectiveness and safety of STEMI management in octogenarians in hospitals with a 24-hour percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) capability and hospitals without PCI access. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of medical records of 50 octogenarians who were treated with PCI (group 1) in one center and 50 patients treated noninvasively in the other 3 hospitals (group 2). We evaluated mortality and major adverse cardiac events after 10 days, 30 days and 1 year. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics of the study groups. The duration of coronary pain was similar in both groups: 318 min in group 1 vs 383 min in group 2 (NS). Mortality in group 2 was significantly higher than in group 1: 40% vs 14%, respectively, after 10 days (p = 0.0034); 48 vs 18% after 30 days (p = 0.0014); and 54% vs 24% after 1 year (p = 0.0021). Thrombolytic treatment was used in only 40% of the patients in group 2. In group 2, acute heart failure (HF) (Killip class III and IV) was diagnosed more frequently than in group 1 (28% vs 12%, p = 0.034). In patients with Killip class I/II HF, mortality in patients in group 2 and group 1 was 22% vs 9%, at 10 days; 31% vs 14% at 30 days; and 39% vs 20% at 1 year. In patients with Killip class III/IV HF, mortality was 86% vs 50%, at 10 days; 93% vs 50% at 30 days; and 93% vs 50% at 1 year, respectively (all differences NS). In multivariate analysis adjusted for the differences between groups, HF (a negative effect) and a successful PCI (a positive effect) were independent predictors of 1-year survival. CONCLUSIONS: Successful primary PCI in STEMI patients above 80 years of age resulted in a reduction of early and long-term mortality compared to the medically treated patients. The benefits of PCI treatment accrued during the follow-up. In patients treated in the tertiary reference centre in whom PCI was not successful or was not deemed feasible, prognosis was similar to that in the medically treated patients. The latter patients rarely received thrombolytic treatment.

Comparison of bioabsorbable interference screws and posts for distal fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Comparison of the results of bioabsorbable interference screws and posts for hamstring graft distal fixation in ACL reconstructions are presented. The results of 20 patients with bioabsorbable screws were compared to 22 patients with posts. The assessement was based on Lysholm-Gillquist and Marshall scores and the KT-1000 device. In the study group the points gained were 38.9 in the Lysholm-Gillquist and 12.89 in the Marshall scale. The average KT-1000 difference was 2.46 mm. In the control group the points gained were 32.93 in the Lysholm-Gillquist and 11.47 in the Marshall scale. The average KT-1000 difference was 2.5 mm. There were 14 patients in the study group with interference screw problems; in 2 the implants were removed. (1) There are no differences in outcome using bioabsorbable interference screws and posts for distal fixation of hamstring ACL grafts. (2) The lack of bioabsorbtion with poly L-lactide interference screws is frequent and causes problems.

[Pharmacological versus invasive treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation]. / Prospektywna ocena chorych z migotaniem przedsionków leczonych za pomoca ablacji przeznaczyniowej i farmakoterapii.

Aim of this prospective study was to assess quality of life (QoL), left ventricular (LV) function and exercise performance in two groups of patients (pts) with atrial fibrillation (Af) treated with: radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) and antiarrhythmic drugs (AA). Between 1996 and 2000 - 74 patients, 28 women, with drug refractory Af were enrolled by clinical indications for two modes of therapy: RFA and AA. RFA group consisted of 38 pts, 63.7 +/- 11.5 years old: 28 pts with RF AV Node ablation and pacemaker implantation (PI) and 10 pts with AV Node modification or right atrial isthmus RF ablation due to Af conversion to atrial flutter (Aflu) during medical therapy. AA group consisted of 36 pts, aged 59.7 +/- 13.8 years. Patients from RFA group suffered significantly more serious diseases than pts from AA group. No significant (sign.) differences between two groups were found in age, gender, arrhythmia history and number of AA taken. Pts were analyzed before entry, after 3 and 12 months of follow-up (3 mo. FU, 12 mo. FU) with following indices: LV function (Echo: EF & FS), exercise performance (treadmill test), QoL questionnaires, number of hospital admissions connected to arrhythmia or procedures (RFA & PI), number of AA drugs taken in RFA group. RFA group: Two deaths occurred due to end stage respiratory insufficiency (COPD), one pt required reposition of pacemaker lead. AA group: 3 pts required RFA due to uncontrolled Af/Aflu (AV Node ablation with PI - 1 pt, right atrial isthmus ablation - 2 pts). Analysis of two patients groups: LV function: Sign. improvement (EF & FS) in both groups in 12 mo. FU; Exercise performance: no sign. changes in 3 and 12 mo. FU. QoL: Arrhythmia scale: 3 mo. FU sign. reduction in both groups; 12 mo. FU reduction in RFA group only; Anxiety scale: 3 and 12 mo. FU sign. reduction of anxiety level in RFA group; Exercise and activity scales: 3 and 12 mo. FU sign. improvement in RFA group. During 3 and 12 mo. FU sign. less pts from RFA group required hospital admission versus pts from AA group. Sign. reduction in AA was noted in RFA group. Patients with symptomatic Af treated with RFA benefit from this kind of therapy more than patients treated with AA. Quality of life improvement visible in short term observation in patients from RFA group is still present after one year observation. Improvement in LV function is observed after one year in both groups of pts with Af.

[Imaging of dialysis fistulae]. / Diagnostyka obrazowa przetok dializacyjnych.

Vascular access malfunctions can be diagnosed by means of imaging and non-imaging methods. The former are: ultrasound (US), colour Doppler ultrasonography, arteriography and phlebography. Radiological imaging allows for direct assessment of the morphology and function of the hemodialysis fistula, and shows precisely the kind and location of lesions, that may lead to access failure. The aim of the study was to present the algorithm of methods employed in evaluation of hemodialysis fistulae, that had been developed by the authors. From March 1995 to July 2001, 1020 colour Doppler ultrasonography examinations were performed, followed by 250 angiographies of hemodialysis fistulae. In the studied group there were 170 well functioning hemo-dialysis fistulae. They were evaluated in order to establish normal blood flow parameters in the fistula. In 135 patients with symptoms of fistula failure US revealed the presence of pathological lesions, such as thrombosis or aneurysm of the venous branch. In 193 cases the presence of stenosis was stated. Three hundred eleven hemodialysis fistulae were sonographically evaluated before the patient was referred to surgical (81) or intravascular (230) treatment. Post-operative assessment was performed in 125 cases. In 231 cases, angiography confirmed the results of US. In 19 cases the degree of fistula stenosis was underestimated in colour Doppler sonography. Colour Doppler sonography is a method of choice in evaluation of arteriovenous hemodialysis fistulae. Abnormal results of physical examinations, dialysis parameters, as well as patients complaints associated with the fistula are indications to perform an ultrasound examination. Angiography is required in case of dubious US findings or as the first step in endovascular treatment.

Can Levovist-enhanced Doppler ultrasound replace angiography in renal arteries imaging?

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound imaging of renal arteries after Levovist administration. MATERIAL/METHODS: During a 20-month period, 100 hypertensive patients with suspected renal artery stenosis were referred to the Department of Interventional Radiology. In all patients, angiography and ultrasound examinations of renal arteries were performed (100 right, 100 left and 23 additional), before and after Levovist injection, using color and spectral Doppler. Results of Doppler examinations before and after Levovist administration were compared with results of angiography ('gold standard '). Hemodynamically significant renal artery stenoses (> 50% in angiography)were diagnosed following Doppler parameters: Vmax > 2 m/s, V min > 1.5 m/s, RAR > 3.5, acceleration time > 0.08 s. RESULTS: The diagnostic efficacy of Doppler examinations of the right renal artery (RRA)increased from 68% before to 98% after Levovist enhancement and diagnostic efficacy for the left renal artery (LRA) increased from 61% to 97%. In conventional study, 7 additional renal arteries (30.4%) were visualized, after Levovist administration this number increased to 15 (65.2%). Before Levovist injection, 3 stenoses of RRA and 1 stenosis of LRA were diagnosed. After Levovist enhancement, the number of RRA stenoses increased to 5 and that of LRA stenoses increased to 2, later confirmed by angiography. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Levovist increases the diagnostic efficacy of Doppler ultrasound examinations of renal arteries and makes it comparable to angiography.

The diagnostic value of levovist in Doppler imaging of visceral arteries in patients with abdominal angina before and after angioplasty.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic value of Levovist in the ultrasound imaging of visceral arteries in patients with clinical symptoms of abdominal angina, before and after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). MATERIAL AND METHOD: During a 12-month period (2000/2001) five patients with visceral arterial stenoses had ultrasound examinations and a subsequent PTA procedure. Indications for ultrasound examination were abdominal angina symptoms persisting for 3-5 years, (postprandial abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting). In all patients ultrasound examinations were performed using color and spectral Doppler before and after Levovist injections. Color Doppler images and maximum blood flow velocity in stenosed visceral arteries were assessed. Patients underwent control Doppler examinations with Levovist injections to assess the effect of PTA. RESULTS: In three patients conventional Doppler examination did not allow proper evaluation of visceral arteries, because of weak color and spectral Doppler signal and in two remaining patients visceral arteries were not visualized at all. In all five patients strong enhancement of color and spectral Doppler signal was observed after Levovist administration. In all these cases a hemodynamically significant stenosis was diagnosed: coeliac trunk-2 and superior mesenteric artery-3. PTA was performed successfully in these patients. In one of them ultrasound examination done before Levovist injection allowed good visualization of treated SMA and showed good PTA result. In the remaining four patients Doppler examination with the use of Levovist demonstrated visceral arteries well and confirmed successful PTA procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Levovist makes the diagnostic efficiency of Doppler examinations much higher. In most cases it allows an unequivocal diagnosis of visceral artery stenosis in patients with abdominal angina symptoms. The Doppler examination with the use of Levovist is the method of choice in follow-up after PTA.

[Vascular supply of recurrent juvenile angiofibroma after external carotid artery ligation]. / Unaczynienie nawrotu naczyniakowlókniaka mlodzienczego po podwiazaniu tetnicy szyjnej zewnetrznej.

A case of recurrent juvenile angiofibroma after the operation with external carotid artery ligation is described. Arteriography demonstrated significant collateral circulation to the tumour from the internal carotid and vertebral arteries.

[Repair of focal chondral lesions of femoral condyles treated with osteochondral autografts]. / Naprawy ogniskowych uszkodzen chrzastki stawowej klykci kosci udowych autogennymi przeszczepami chrzestno-kostnymi.

A series of 15 patients with focal chondral lesions of the femoral condyles were treated at the Orthopaedics Department of the University of Medical Sciences of Lublin between 1998-2000. The patients' age varied from 20 to 72 years and the follow-up period from 6 months to 2.5 years. Osteochondritis dissecans was observed in 9 patients. Articular cartilage defects associated with chronic ligament instability was noted in 5 cases and 1 patient suffered from a chondral fracture of the lateral femoral condyle during a traumatic luxation of the patella. The depth of the lesions was graded according to ICRS scale. Grade IV was found in 11 cases and the remaining 4 cases had grade III lesions. The defects were treated with osteochondral autografts using OATS instrumentation set. Results were prospectively evaluated according to the HSS score. The preoperative value of HSS score ranged from 28 to 51 points (average 40.3). During follow-up the score values ranged from 76 to 91 points (average 84.7 points). All patients regained full range of motion in the knee, although in one case arthroscopic release of intraarticular adhesions was performed 6 months after chondroplasty. The lowest HSS values at follow-up were found in elderly patients with concomitant mild degenerative changes in the lateral knee compartment and in the patello-femoral joint. All patients had MRI examination early post-op, then after 6, 12 and 24 months from the procedure. MRI confirmed proper structure of the grafted cartilage but bony parts of the graft did not integrate with the surroundings.