Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differences in the feasibility, anatomical parameters predicting procedural difficulty, and isolation area of a left atrial posterior wall isolation using radiofrequency versus cryoballoon catheters

The difficulty and outcome of the adjunctive left atrial posterior wall isolation (LAPWI) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PersAF) may be affected by the ablation energy used. This study aimed to compare the completion rate, anatomical parameters predicting procedural difficulty, and the isolation area of a LAPWI between the use of radiofrequency (RFA) and cryoballoon ablation (CBA).
Working Papers | 90 |

This paper examines the impact of offshoring on labour elasticities for a sample of 40 countries over the period 1995-2009 using the recently compiled World Input-Output Data-base (WIOD). Including measures of narrow and broad offshoring, as well as indicators of manufacturing and services offshoring, in conditional and unconditional labour demand equations we find that offshoring has an overall neutral or slightly positive effect on employment. This result hides differences across industry types and across employment types however, with additional results indicating a negative effect of services offshoring in many industry types. Positive effects of other offshoring measures are found in high-tech manufacturing and for high-educated employment in particular.
Psychological Treatment Targeting Acceptance and Compassion in Patients With Chronic Pain

Objectives: Chronic pain is often associated with lower function. Self-criticism is associated with depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to explore if fusing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion-focused therapy could improve psychological well-being and disability in individuals with chronic pain with high levels of self-criticism in comparison to a wait-list control group. Methods: Individuals with chronic pain (n=71) were randomly assigned to an 8-week internet-based intervention focused on acceptance and compassion or a wait-list condition. Primary treatment outcomes were the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire, Self-Compassion Scale, and Pain Disability Index. Secondary outcomes were the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Quality of Life Inventory, Multidimensional Pain Inventory, and Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire. Results: Missing data at postintervention were 22.5%. Intention-to-treat analyses were conducted using linear mixed models. The results revealed greater levels of acceptance and self-compassion for the treatment group, which were primary outcomes, with effect sizes ranging from small to large, and these results were maintained at 6-month follow-up. The rates of clinically significant improvements were also greater for the treatment group in comparison to the wait-list control group on acceptance and compassion. The treatment group also improved in the third primary outcome, pain disability. Significant differences were found in several of the secondary outcomes, in favor of the treatment group. Discussion: Internet-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with compassion-focused therapy components shows promise as a viable treatment option in the management of chronic pain.
REMOTE SENSING AND VEGETATION DAMAGE: A THEORY FOR DETECTION AND ASSESSMENT

This paper discusses the philosophical and technical aspects of remote sensing for vegetation damage assessment. Answers are presented for these questions: (1) What constitutes remote sensing evidence of vegetation damage? (2) How is vegetation damage interpreted from remotely sensed data? and (3) How can the damage be assessed? The answers to these questions are discussed in detail relevant to normal color and color-infrared aerial photography. Consideration is given to details of film reaction to variations in spectral reflectance patterns. Damages showing morphological or physiological changes are discussed relative to spectral reflectance changes and presented as a means to code damage types. An hypothesis for quantitatively monitoring forest damage is presented. /Author/
Carbonate Slope Morphology and Sedimentary Processes along Southwestern Great Bahama Bank

of a thesis at the University of Miami. Thesis supervised by Professor Gregor P. Eberli. No. of pages in text. (102) High-resolution multibeam bathymetry and sub-bottom profile data from offshore Great Bahama Bank, covering an area of 6,500 km2, allow an assessment of the evolution of the slope and basin environment. The data reveal a substantial variability in the slope morphology. Three different sedimentary processes (downslope mass gravity flows, margin collapse, and contour currents) control this variability in slope morphology. The deposits that result from these processes produce a consistent facies distribution along the slope, consisting of four morphofacies: 1) a steep upper slope with an onlapping sediment wedge, 2) a toe-of-slope with redeposited carbonates, 3) a basin floor covered with pelagic sediments, and 4) an elevated seafloor with pockmarks. The margin and uppermost slope is steep and cemented, with declivities ranging from 20° to 70°. The steep slope is onlapped by a sediment wedge that reaches a thickness of 100 m and extends >5 km basinward. The lower slope and toe-ofslope is dominated by coarse-grained sediments and debris from mass-gravity flows. Most of the coarse-grained sediment is funneled through closely spaced gullies on the middle slope and deposited as turbidite beds at the toe-of-slope. These turbidite deposits are arranged in lobes and apron system. In this area fine-grained sediment is largely winnowed away by ocean currents. Margin and slope instability add to the strike variability. Four segments of the platform margin collapse have been identified. Margin collapse features are characterized by crooked and convex bankward morphology. The smallest collapse margin scar is 3 km long and the largest scar is more than 20 km long. The 20 km long scar eroded bankward more than 350 m and produced an extensive megabreccia on the adjacent slope and basin floor that extends tens of kilometers from the margin. Contour currents that flow in the Old Bahama Channel transport drift sediment to the basinal are of this study where they interfinger with bank-derived the toe-ofslope deposits. The surface of the drift deposit is littered by thirty pockmarks generated by water and gas escape. The close proximity of these pockmarks to the Cuban fold and thrust belt indicates that the degassing is related to overpressure from by tectonic activity.
AGE OF THE WALDEN CREEK GROUP, WESTERN BLUE RIDGE PROVINCE: RESOLVING A DECADES-OLD CONTROVERSY VIA DETRITAL MINERAL GEOCHRONOLOGY AND SEDIMENTARY PROVENANCE ANALYSIS

OF THESIS AGE OF THE WALDEN CREEK GROUP, WESTERN BLUE RIDGE PROVINCE: RESOLVING A DECADES-OLD CONTROVERSY VIA DETRITAL MINERAL GEOCHRONOLOGY AND SEDIMENTARY PROVENANCE ANALYSIS Originally mapped as Precambrian and uppermost Ocoee Supergroup (OS), recent discoveries of Paleozoic microfossils have placed the Walden Creek Group (WCG), eastern Tennessee, into a younger depositional framework (Silurian or younger). In this study, monazite geochronology using SIMs, detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology determined by LA-ICP-MS, feldspar compositions determined by microprobe, zircon-tourmaline-rutile (ZTR) indices, and framework mineral modes were used to characterize provenance of sandstones of the WCG. Monazite ages cluster at 450 and 1050 Ma. All Ordovician ages are from grains that, in BSE images, have inclusion-rich microtextures interpreted as diagenetic and/or metamorphic, thus requiring that the WCG was deposited prior to Taconic metamorphism. The WCG heavy mineral suite is similar to the OS in its low modal abundance of monazite, but contains a slightly higher ZTR index. WCG Feldspar compositions are sodium poor-Kfs and sodic plagioclase, like the OS. Detrital zircon U-Pb ages for three formations of the WCG (seven samples total, n = 620) match the Ocoee signature. The dominant age modes are at ca. 1000 and 1150 Ma, with smaller modes at 1450 and 650 Ma. The monazite ages and supporting observations prove the WCG is not Paleozoic and its source rock signature matches the underlying OS.
Cardiac muscle–restricted partial loss of Nos1ap expression has limited but significant impact on electrocardiographic features

Abstract Genome-wide association studies have identified sequence polymorphisms in a functional enhancer of the NOS1AP gene as the most common genetic regulator of QT interval and human cardiac NOS1AP gene expression in the general population. Functional studies based on in vitro overexpression in murine cardiomyocytes and ex vivo knockdown in zebrafish embryonic hearts, by us and others, have also demonstrated that NOS1AP expression levels can alter cellular electrophysiology. Here, to explore the role of NOS1AP in cardiac electrophysiology at an organismal level, we generated and characterized constitutive and heart muscle–restricted Nos1ap knockout mice to assess whether NOS1AP disruption alters the QT interval in vivo. Constitutive loss of Nos1ap led to genetic background-dependent variable lethality at or right before birth. Heart muscle–restricted Nos1ap knockout, generated using cardiac-specific alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter-driven tamoxifen-inducible Cre, resulted in tissue-level Nos1ap expression reduced by half. This partial loss of expression had no detectable effect on the QT interval or other electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters, except for a small but significant reduction in the QRS interval. Given that challenges associated with defining the end of the T wave on murine electrocardiogram can limit identification of subtle effects on the QT interval and that common noncoding NOS1AP variants are also associated with the QRS interval, our findings support the role of NOS1AP in regulation of the cardiac electrical cycle.
Three‐dimensional morphometry of the testis in dog using design‐unbiased stereology

Testis is considered the main organ of the male reproductive system. Dogs are used as a suitable experimental model of testicular diseases in humans. From the veterinary aspect, several disorders have been reported to affect the testis in dogs. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the morphometrical features of the dog testis using design‐based stereology. The testes of six male dogs were used. Isotropic, uniform random sections were obtained and processed for light microscopy. Testicular total volume and the fractional volume of the seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissue and germinal epithelium were measured using the Cavalieri's estimator and the point counting system. Germinal epithelial surface area was estimated using test lines, and total length of seminiferous tubules was analysed using the counting frames. The total volume of testis was calculated 13.64 ± 1.94 cm3. The relative volume fractions of the seminiferous tubules, interstitial tissue and germinal layer expressed as a percentage of total testicular volume were found to be 75.87 ± 6.11%, 23.68 ± 5.15% and 64.15 ± 4.82%, respectively. The surface area of the germinal layer was 915.25 ± 150.48 cm2. The thickness of germinal layer was estimated to be 96.18 ± 10.72 μm. The total length of seminiferous tubules measured 290.8 ± 35.86 m. No statistical difference in investigated parameters was found between the left and right testes (p > 0.05). Our data might contribute to the male reproductive knowledge, help develop experimental studies in this field and possibly lead to advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular diseases in the dog.
Exploring factors contributing to caregiver burden in family caregivers of congolese adults with suspected dementia

Predicting caregiver burden in individuals with suspected dementia – is critical due to the debilitating nature of these disorders and need for caregiver support. While some examination of the factors affecting burden has been undertaken in Sub‐Saharan Africa, each country presents with its own unique challenges and obstacles. This pilot study investigates predictors of caregiver burden in family caregivers of individuals with suspected dementia living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Cost-effectiveness analysis of bimekizumab for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in Sweden

Abstract Aims To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of bimekizumab, an inhibitor of IL-17F and IL-17A, against biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) from the Swedish healthcare system perspective. Materials and methods A Markov model was developed to simulate the clinical pathway of biologic [b] DMARD-naïve or tumor necrosis factor inhibitor experienced [TNFi-exp] PsA patients over a lifetime horizon. Treatment response was incorporated as achievement of the American College of Rheumatology 50% (ACR50) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75% (PASI75) response, and changes in the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) score. The efficacy of bimekizumab was obtained from the BE OPTIMAL (bDMARD-naïve) and BE COMPLETE (TNFi-experienced) trials while a network meta-analysis (NMA) informed the efficacy of the comparators. Resource use and drug costs were obtained from published studies and databases of drug retail prices in Sweden. A willingness-to-pay threshold of €50,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) was applied. Results In bDMARD-naïve patients, bimekizumab achieved greater QALYs (14.08) than with all comparators except infliximab (14.22), dominated guselkumab every 4 and 8 weeks, ixekizumab, secukinumab 300 mg, ustekinumab 45 mg and 90 mg, and was cost-effective against risankizumab, tofacitinib, upadacitinib and TNFis, except adalimumab biosimilar. In TNFi-experienced patients, bimekizumab led to greater QALYs (13.56) than all comparators except certolizumab pegol (13.84), and dominated ixekizumab and secukinumab 300 mg while being cost-effective against all other IL-17A-, IL-23- and JAK inhibitors. Limitations An NMA informed the comparative effectiveness estimates. Given gaps in evidence of disease management and indirect costs specific to HAQ-DI scores, and sequential clinical trial evidence in PsA, non-PsA cost data from similar joint conditions were used, and one line of active treatment followed by best supportive care was assumed. Conclusions Bimekizumab was cost-effective against most available treatments for PsA in Sweden, irrespective of prior TNFi exposure
Maternal PlGF and umbilical Dopplers predict pregnancy outcomes at diagnosis of early-onset fetal growth restriction

BACKGROUND Severe, early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) causes significant fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Predicting the outcome of affected pregnancies at the time of diagnosis is difficult, thus preventing accurate patient counseling. We investigated the use of maternal serum protein and ultrasound measurements at diagnosis to predict fetal or neonatal death and 3 secondary outcomes: fetal death or delivery at or before 28+0 weeks, development of abnormal umbilical artery (UmA) Doppler velocimetry, and slow fetal growth. METHODS Women with singleton pregnancies (n = 142, estimated fetal weights [EFWs] below the third centile, less than 600 g, 20+0 to 26+6 weeks of gestation, no known chromosomal, genetic, or major structural abnormalities) were recruited from 4 European centers. Maternal serum from the discovery set (n = 63) was analyzed for 7 proteins linked to angiogenesis, 90 additional proteins associated with cardiovascular disease, and 5 proteins identified through pooled liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Patient and clinician stakeholder priorities were used to select models tested in the validation set (n = 60), with final models calculated from combined data. RESULTS The most discriminative model for fetal or neonatal death included the EFW z score (Hadlock 3 formula/Marsal chart), gestational age, and UmA Doppler category (AUC, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86–0.97) but was less well calibrated than the model containing only the EFW z score (Hadlock 3/Marsal). The most discriminative model for fetal death or delivery at or before 28+0 weeks included maternal serum placental growth factor (PlGF) concentration and UmA Doppler category (AUC, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83–0.94). CONCLUSION Ultrasound measurements and maternal serum PlGF concentration at diagnosis of severe, early-onset FGR predicted pregnancy outcomes of importance to patients and clinicians. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02097667. FUNDING The European Union, Rosetrees Trust, Mitchell Charitable Trust.
Obstructive sleep apnea heterogeneity and autonomic function: a role for heart rate variability in therapy selection and efficacy monitoring

Obstructive sleep apnea is a highly prevalent sleep‐related breathing disorder, resulting in a disturbed breathing pattern, changes in blood gases, abnormal autonomic regulation, metabolic fluctuation, poor neurocognitive performance, and increased cardiovascular risk. With broad inter‐individual differences recognised in risk factors, clinical symptoms, gene expression, physiological characteristics, and health outcomes, various obstructive sleep apnea subtypes have been identified. Therapeutic efficacy and its impact on outcomes, particularly for cardiovascular consequences, may also vary depending on these features in obstructive sleep apnea. A number of interventions such as positive airway pressure therapies, oral appliance, surgical treatment, and pharmaceutical options are available in clinical practice. Selecting an effective obstructive sleep apnea treatment and therapy is a challenging medical decision due to obstructive sleep apnea heterogeneity and numerous treatment modalities. Thus, an objective marker for clinical evaluation is warranted to estimate the treatment response in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Currently, while the Apnea–Hypopnea Index is used for severity assessment of obstructive sleep apnea and still considered a major guide to diagnosis and managements of obstructive sleep apnea, the Apnea–Hypopnea Index is not a robust marker of symptoms, function, or outcome improvement. Abnormal cardiac autonomic modulation can provide additional insight to better understand obstructive sleep apnea phenotyping. Heart rate variability is a reliable neurocardiac tool to assess altered autonomic function and can also provide cardiovascular information in obstructive sleep apnea. Beyond the Apnea–Hypopnea Index, this review aims to discuss the role of heart rate variability as an indicator and predictor of therapeutic efficacy to different modalities in order to optimise tailored treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
Effects of allergen immunotherapy on follicular regulatory T cells

Purpose of review Emerging evidence indicating that the dysfunction of T follicular regulatory (TFR) cells contributes to excessive immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and the development of allergic diseases. Conversely, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) modulates TFR cells abundance and function to promote immune tolerance. This review focus on the role of TFR cells in allergic diseases and AIT, with the objective of providing novel insights into the mechanisms underlying immune tolerance of AIT and proposing the potential targeting of TFR cells in the context of allergic diseases. Recent findings Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that TFR cells play a pivotal role in the inhibition of class switch recombination to IgE in both humans and specific murine models. This suppression is attributed to the actions of neuritin and IL-10 secreted by TFR cells, which exert direct and indirect effects on B cells. In patients with allergic rhinitis, reduced frequencies of circulating or tonsillar TFR cells have been reported, along with impaired functionality in suppressing IgE production. AIT, whether administered subcutaneously or sublingually, reinstates the frequency and functionality of TFR cells in allergic rhinitis patients, accompanied by changes of the chromatin accessibility of TFR cells. The increase in TFR cell frequency following AIT is associated with the amelioration of clinical symptoms. Summary TFR cells exert an inhibitory effect on IgE production and demonstrate a correlation with the clinical efficacy of AIT in patients with allergic rhinitis, suggesting TFR cells hold promise as a therapeutic target for allergic diseases and potential biomarker for AIT.
The evolution of non-metric dental variation in Europe

The potential for dental morphology to answer questions about human evolution in the Middle to Late Pleistocene has only recently begun to be appreciated. Non-metric dental traits provide useful information for taxonomic diagnosis as well as for assessing biological relationships among living and ancient populations. This study uses dental morphology to assess temporal change in Europe. Homo erectus serves as the presumptive primitive condition for later humans and change over time is assessed by calculating estimates of divergence between groups based on the mean measure of divergence multivariate statistic. The samples include Homo erectus (n = 12), early modern humans from Africa and West Asia (n = 12), early Neandertals (n = 16), late Neandertals (n = 20), Upper Paleolithic Europeans (n = 28) and contemporary Europeans (n = 47). The results show a marked disruption in continuity from early modern to later modern humans when Neandertals are incorporated into the temporal sequence. If Neandertals are left out of the sequence the change in divergence values conforms to expectations for gradual evolution toward the modern human condition (e.g., distance values get progressively smaller through time). At minimum this should set to rest any idea that modern Europeans evolved directly from Neandertal ancestors. Late Neandertals are somewhat less 'specialized' than early Neandertals; the implications of this finding are discussed.
Demand uncertainty and inventory turnover performance: an empirical analysis of the US retail industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of demand uncertainty on inventory turnover performance through empirical modeling. In particular the authors use the inaccuracy of quarterly sales forecasts as a proxy for demand uncertainty and study its impact on firm-level inventory turnover ratios. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use regression analysis to study the effect of various measures on inventory performance. The authors use a sample financial data for 304 publicly listed US retail firms for the 25-year period from 1985 to 2009. Findings – Controlling for the effects of retail segments and year, it is found that inventory turnover is negatively correlated with mean absolute percentage error of quarterly sales forecasts and gross margin and positively correlated with capital intensity and sales surprise. These four variables explain 73.7 percent of the variation across firms and over time and 93.4 percent of the within-firm variation in the data. Practical implications.