bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality of patients with STEMI: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rattka Manuel , Dreyhaupt Jens , Winsauer Claudia , Stuhler Lina , Baumhardt Michael , Thiessen Kevin , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Imhof Armin 
Published: December 2020

AimsSince the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, hospitals reported declining numbers of patients admitted with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), indicating that the pandemic might keep patients from seeking urgent medical treatment. However, data on outcomes and mortality rates are inconsistent between studies.MethodsA literature search and meta-analysis were performed on studies reporting the mortality of patients with STEMI admitted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Additionally, prehospital and intrahospital delay times were evaluated.ResultsOutcomes of a total of 50 123 patients from 10 studies were assessed. Our study revealed that, despite a significant reduction in overall admission rates of patients with STEMI during the COVID-19 pandemic (incidence rate ratio=0.789, 95% CI 0.730 to 0.852, I2=77%, p<0.01), there was no significant difference in hospital mortality (OR=1.178, 95% CI 0.926 to 1.498, I2=57%, p=0.01) compared with patients with STEMI admitted before the outbreak. Time from the onset of symptoms to first medical contact was similar (mean difference (MD)=33.4 min, 95% CI −10.2 to 77.1, I2=88%, p<0.01) while door-to-balloon time was significantly prolonged in those presenting during the pandemic (MD=7.3 min, 95% CI 3.0 to 11.7, I2=95%, p<0.01).ConclusionThe significant reduction in admission of patients with STEMI was not associated with a significant increase of hospital mortality rates. The causes for reduced incidence rates remain speculative. However, the analysed data indicate that acute and timely medical care of these patients has been maintained during the pandemic in most countries. Long-term data on mortality have yet to be determined.
Calculated plasma volume status predicts outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Maznyczka Annette Marie , Barakat Mohamad , Aldalati Omar , Eskandari Mehdi , Wollaston Ann , Tzalamouras Vasileios , Dworakowski Rafal , Deshpande Ranjit , Monaghan Mark , Byrne Jonathan , Wendler Olaf , MacCarthy Philip , Okonko Darlington 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesCongestion can worsen outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), but can be difficult to quantify non-invasively. We hypothesised that preprocedural plasma volume status (PVS), estimated using a validated formula that enumerates percentage change from ideal PV, would provide prognostic utility post-TAVI.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study identified patients who underwent TAVI (2007–2017) from a prospectively collected database. Actual ([1-haematocrit] × [a + (b × weight (Kg))] and ideal (c × weight (Kg)) PV were quantified from equations where a, b and c are sex-dependent constants. Calculated PVS was then derived (100% x [(actual – ideal PV)/ideal PV]).ResultsIn 564 patients (mean age 82±7 years, 49% male), mean PVS was −2.7±10.2%, with PV expansion (PVS >0%) evident in 39%. Only logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) independently predicted a PVS >0% (OR 1.85, p=0.002). On Cox analyses, a PVS >0% was associated with greater mortality at 3 (HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.11 to 4.74, p=0.03) and 12 months (HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.26, p=0.006) after TAVI, independently of, and incremental to, the EuroSCORE and New York Heart Association class. A PVS >0% was also independently associated with more days in intensive care (coefficient: 0.41, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.78, p=0.03) and in hospital (coefficient: 1.95, 95% CI 0.48 to 3.41, p=0.009).ConclusionHigher PVS values, calculated simply from weight and haematocrit, are associated with greater mortality and longer hospitalisation post-TAVI. PVS could help refine risk stratification and further investigations into the utility of PVS-guided management in TAVI patients is warranted.
Severe hypercapnia associated with a chemodectoma causing profound tracheal narrowing in a cat
Authors: Lord Samuel , Bavcar Spela , Lodzinska Joanna , Gozalo‐Marcilla Miguel 
Published: December 2020

An 11‐year‐old, domestic short‐haired cat presented out‐of‐hours with a 1‐day history of dyspnoea and open‐mouthed breathing. Ninety minutes after arrival, the cat acutely deteriorated. Butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg) was administered intravenously via a preplaced cephalic vein cannula, after which anaesthesia was induced (1.3 mg/kg alfaxalone). The cat’s trachea was intubated with a 3.5 mm internal diameter cuffed endotracheal tube (ETT), but it was not possible to give a manual breath and a capnograph trace was absent; therefore the ETT was replaced with a 4.5 mm internal diameter cuffed ETT. A manual breath was still not possible but a capnograph trace was present (end‐tidal carbon dioxide tension of 95 mmHg (12.7 kPa)). Intravenous dexamethasone (0.15 mg/kg) and terbutaline (0.01 mg/kg) were administered. Computed tomography revealed a heart base mass compressing the trachea and decreasing its lumen to 1 mm diameter. The cat was euthanased due to poor prognosis. Histopathology revealed a chemodectoma.
Complexity of dynamical sphere in self-interacting Brans–Dicke gravity
Authors: Sharif M. , Majid Amal 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper aims to derive a definition of complexity for a dynamic spherical system in the background of self-interacting Brans–Dicke gravity. We measure complexity of the structure in terms of inhomogeneous energy density, anisotropic pressure and massive scalar field. For this purpose, we formulate structure scalars by orthogonally splitting the Riemann tensor. We show that self-gravitating models collapsing homologously follow the simplest mode of evolution. Furthermore, we demonstrate the effect of scalar field on the complexity and evolution of non-dissipative as well as dissipative systems. The criteria under which the system deviates from the initial state of zero complexity is also discussed. It is concluded that complexity of the sphere increases in self-interacting Brans–Dicke gravity because the homologous model is not shear-free.
On the modelling of energetic multi-jet QCD events
Authors: Turgeman Daniel , Pitt Michael , Roth Itamar , Duchovni Ehud 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPhysics beyond the Standard Model (BSM) may be unveiled by studying events with a high number of outgoing jets, produced at the LHC with energies above the TeV scale (energetic multi-jet events). Such events are dominated by QCD processes, where the calculations rely on some sort of approximation. Therefore, it is important to develop a robust approach for modeling such events that could probe the existence of BSM signals. In this note, jet spatial distributions in energetic multi-jet processes were compared using several state-of-the-art MC event generators. Slight differences were found, indicating modelling limitations. Therefore, a data-driven technique for the estimation of processes with a final state that contains a large number of jets is proposed. This procedure can predict jet multiplicities up to a precision of 25% in energetic multi-jet events.
Optimizing the performance of the CMS Electromagnetic Calorimeter to measure Higgs properties during Phase I and Phase II of the LHC
Authors: Zghiche Amina 
Published: December 2020

The CMS Electromagnetic Calorimeter (ECAL), is a high granularity lead tungstate (PbWO4) crystal calorimeter operating at the CERN LHC. The ECAL performance has been crucial in the discovery and subsequent characterization of the Higgs boson. The original ECAL design considerations, and the improvements to the energy reconstruction and energy calibration algorithms to cope with the LHC Run II are described. For the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) upgrades to ECAL are necessary. The crystals in the barrel region will be retained, defining the HL-LHC CMS barrel electromagnetic calorimeter ECAL. The readout electronics will be upgraded and operating at lower temperatures, to maintain the required performance of ECAL from 2027 onwards. The new readout electronics, the timing resolution and the electron and photon reconstruction efficiencies and energy resolution expected for HL-LHC are presented. The performance relevant to a number of key Higgs decay channels is reported.
A high precision narrow-band neutrino beam: The ENUBET project
Authors: Torti M. , Acerbi F. , Berra A. , Bonesini M. , Branca A. , Brizzolari C. , Brunetti G. , Calviani M. , Capelli S. , Carturan S. , Catanesi M. G. , Charitonidis N. , Cecchini S. , Cindolo F. , Collazuol G. , Conti E. , Dal Corso F. , Delogu C. , De Rosa G. , Falcone A. , Gola A. , Jollet C. , Kain V. , Klićek B. , Kudenko Y. , Laveder M. , Longhin A. , Ludovici L. , Lutsenko E. , Magaletti L. , Mandrioli G. , Margotti A. , Mascagna V. , Mauri N. , Meazza L. , Meregaglia A. , Mezzetto M. , Nessi M. , Paoloni A. , Pari M. , Parozzi E. G. , Pasqualini L. , Paternoster G. , Patrizii L. , Pozzato M. , Prest M. , Pupilli F. , Radicioni E. , Riccio C. , Ruggeri A. C. , Scian C. , Sirri G. , Stipćevic M. , Tenti M. , Terranova F. , Vallazza E. , Velotti F. , Vesco M. , Votano L. 
Published: December 2020

The knowledge of the initial flux, energy and flavor of current neutrino beams is the main limitation for a precise measurement of neutrino cross-sections. The ENUBET ERC project is studying a facility based on a narrow-band neutrino beam capable of constraining the neutrino fluxes normalization through the monitoring of the associated charged leptons in an instrumented decay tunnel. In ENUBET, the identification of large-angle positrons from [Formula: see text] decays at single particle level can potentially reduce the [Formula: see text] flux uncertainty at the level of 1%. This setup would allow for an unprecedented measurement of the [Formula: see text] cross-section at the GeV scale. This input would be highly beneficial to reduce the budget of systematic uncertainties in the next long baseline oscillation projects. Furthermore, in narrow-band beams, the transverse position of the neutrino interaction at the detector can be exploited to determine a priori with significant precision the neutrino energy spectrum without relying on the final state reconstruction. This contribution will present the advances in the design and simulation of the hadronic beam line. Special emphasis will be given to a static focusing system of secondary mesons that can be coupled to a slow extraction proton scheme. The consequent reduction of particle rates and pile-up effects makes the determination of the [Formula: see text] flux through a direct monitoring of muons after the hadron dump viable, and paves the way to a time-tagged neutrino beam. Time-coincidences among the lepton at the source and the neutrino at the detector would enable an unprecedented purity and the possibility to reconstruct the neutrino kinematics at source on an event-by-event basis. We will also present the performance of positron tagger prototypes tested at CERN beamlines, a full simulation of the positron reconstruction chain and the expected physics reach of ENUBET.
Regulating, Recognizing, and Religionizing Nike in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: McBrien Julie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In October 2016, the Kyrgyzstani parliament passed a new law regulating marriage amidst a growing debate on gender, sexuality, and the integrity of the Kyrgyzstani nation. The amendment, which aimed to tackle the already illegal practices of underage and forced marriage, criminalized involvement in these acts by targeting the practice that in Kyrgyzstan is colloquially called nike, or what might be referred to as a religious or non-state registered marriage. The amendment regulated and recognized nike for the first time. By adopting novel language and using terminology whose meaning differed significantly from common usage, the amendment also subtly religionized nike. The vociferous public debate surrounding the passage of the bill similarly marked nike as something done by the particularly pious explicitly outside of the state’s purview, producing a spurious and politicized reading of the quotidian practice in Kyrgyzstan.
Temporary Marriages, Mahramiyat, and the Rights of the Child in Shiʿi Adoption
Authors: Rahbari Ladan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Iran accepts temporary marriage to facilitate and sanctify sexual relationships. The concession of temporary marriage has, however, been the subject of controversy in the past four decades. One significant refutation of temporary marriage is related to its attempted usage in the case of child-adoption, sanctioned by both the state and some Shiʿi mujtahids. The explicated rationale is that an adopted child does not benefit from mahramiyat and is, therefore, non-mahram to members of the adoptive family after reaching puberty. To establish mahramiyat, Shiʿi jurisprudence allows for temporary marriage between the adoptee and a member of the adoptive family. By performing a temporary marriage, new familial ties are established, and mahramiyat limitations are lifted. This proposed solution, however, can lead to other significant legal and social complications. This paper investigates Shiʿi jurisprudence allowing temporary marriage in child-adoption scenarios in contemporary Twelver Shiʿa by exploring relevant fiqh/ijtihad and legal perspectives in Iran.
Contemporary Issues in Marriage Law and Practice in Qatar
Authors: Akhtar Rajnaara C. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This paper discusses changing marriage practices in modern-day Qatar, drawing on empirical data gathered in a sociolegal study involving interviews with individual citizens and residents about their marriage and family experiences, and with legal personnel and experts in family law. It presents a unique insight into evolving relationship behaviours occurring within and on the periphery of Qatar’s family-law framework in the context of its population make-up, historic traditions, trends in education, and globalisation. Changing practices examined include ‘late’ first marriages and ‘marrying out.’ The empirical research findings are used to analyse the link between the administrative process of obtaining permission to marry out and non-state-registered marriages, the gender imbalance in the treatment of those marrying out, and the link between child custody rights and unofficial marriages. The emerging narrative depicts couples navigating marriage laws and utilising non-state-registered ‘religious-only’ marriages as a temporary measure to overcome legal and administrative hindrances.
Moving Towards Decent Work for Street Vendors in Tanzania
Authors: Mramba Nasibu Rajabu , Mhando Nandera Ernest 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Street vending is an important employment opportunity for the millions of youth, women, anyone with very few resources and the least-skilled people in low-income countries. Its popularity is due to the ease of entry into the business as far as costs, legal eligibility, and level of education. Despite their importance to local economies, street vendors operate in challenging environments that limit the productivity, the decency, and the sustainability of this kind of work. Governments should play a central role in improving the quality of work in this sector, particularly in countries where it constitutes a large proportion of the nation’s work force, and provides goods and services to so many people.
Assessing the Relationship between Low-Frequency Oscillations of Global Hydroclimate Indices and Long-Term Precipitation throughout the United States
Authors: Giovannettone Jason 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBecause many locations throughout the United States have recently experienced periods of extreme wet and dry conditions, an attempt is made to better understand the relationships between long-term total precipitation and climate variability. Correlations between total precipitation at over 1200 U.S. sites and low-frequency oscillations of the mean activity of 30 hydroclimate indices (HCIs) are analyzed using correlation analysis and sliding window sizes on the order of years to reduce the effects of high-frequency variability in the time series. The strength and significance of each relationship are assessed using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient r, leave-one-out cross validation, and a Monte Carlo approach. The sliding window size, lag time, and beginning month were varied to produce the optimal correlation at each site; a 60-month sliding window and lag times of 12 and 48 months resulted in the strongest correlations. Correlations with 7 and 8 HCIs at each lag time, respectively, were regionally delineated. The Madden–Julian oscillation represents the dominant HCI at the 12-month lag time throughout most of the western half of the United States, whereas El Niño–Southern Oscillation revealed strong links to annual and longer-term total precipitation in the eastern and western United States, respectively. Other HCIs, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Pacific decadal oscillation, demonstrated dominance over much smaller and more well-defined regions within the Southwest and the South, respectively. The final results of this study allow a greater understanding of potential links between climate variability and long-term precipitation in the United States, leading to potentially improved predictions of the onset and persistence of future extreme meteorological events at longer lead times.
Assessment of the analytical performance of point-of-care faecal immunochemical tests for haemoglobin
Authors: O’Driscoll Shane , Carroll Magdalen , Maclean William , Piggott Carolyn , Jourdan Iain , Benton Sally C 
Published: December 2020

Background The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) detects the presence of haemoglobin (Hb) in faeces. It is used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer (CRC) and increasingly to triage patients presenting with symptoms of CRC. A number of quantitative point-of-care (POC) FIT systems marketed for professional use and intended for use in a clinical setting are available. Here we reviewed the POC FIT systems available; three (Eurolyser Cube, OC-Sensor iO and QuikRead go) were evaluated to assess their performance against manufacturers’ claims and suitability for use in a clinical setting. Methods The analytical evaluation of the POC FIT systems was undertaken using Hb lysates, patient samples and an external quality assessment sample. The evaluation focused on linearity, recovery, imprecision, prozone effect, Hb variant detection and suitability for use in a clinical setting. Results All three POC FIT systems performed to their manufacturer’s claims and demonstrated good analytical performance with acceptable linearity, recovery, within- and between-run imprecision. The QuikRead go and OC-Sensor iO were able to accurately detect samples with results above their measuring range. However, because of a prozone effect the Eurolyser Cube gave falsely low results when using high concentrations of Hb. The QuikRead go performed best in the usability assessment due to portability and timeliness of result. Conclusion Each system performed according to their manufacturers’ claims. The QuikRead go and OC-Sensor iO are suitable for use. The Eurolyser Cube is not recommended because of the risk of falsely low results.
Cognition and Its Association with Psychosocial and Occupational Functioning during Treatment with Escitalopram in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A CAN-BIND-1 Report: La Cognition Et Son Association Avec Le Fonctionnement Psychosocial Et Professionnel Durant Le Traitement Par Escitalopram Chez Des Patients Souffrant De Trouble Dépressif Majeur: Une Étude Can-Bind-1
Authors: McInerney Shane J. , Chakrabarty Trisha , Maciukiewicz Malgorzata , Frey Benicio N. , MacQueen Glenda M. , Milev Roumen V. , Ravindran Arun V. , Rotzinger Susan , Kennedy Sidney H. , Lam Raymond W. ,   On behalf of the CAN-BIND Investigator Team
Published: December 2020

Objectives: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with impairments in both cognition and functioning. However, whether cognitive deficits significantly contribute to impaired psychosocial and occupational functioning, independent of other depressive symptoms, is not well established. We examined the relationship between cognitive performance and functioning in depressed patients before and after antidepressant treatment using secondary data from the first Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression-1 study. Methods: Cognition was assessed at baseline in unmedicated, depressed participants with MDD ( n = 207) using the Central Nervous System Vital Signs computerized battery, psychosocial functioning with the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and occupational functioning with the Lam Employment Absence and Productivity Scale (LEAPS). Cognition ( n = 181), SDS ( n = 175), and LEAPS ( n = 118) were reassessed after participants received 8 weeks of open-label escitalopram monotherapy. A series of linear regressions were conducted to determine (1) whether cognitive functioning was associated with psychosocial and occupational functioning prior to treatment, after adjusting for overall depressive symptom severity and (2) whether changes in cognitive functioning after an 8-week treatment phase were associated with changes in psychosocial and occupational functioning, after adjusting for changes in overall symptom severity. Results: Baseline global cognitive functioning, after adjusting for depression symptom severity and demographic variables, was associated with the SDS work/study subscale (β = −0.17; P = 0.03) and LEAPS productivity subscale (β = −0.17; P = 0.05), but not SDS total (β = 0.19; P = 0.12) or LEAPS total (β = 0.41; P = 0.17) scores. Although LEAPS and SDS scores showed significant improvements after 8 weeks of treatment ( P < 0.001), there were no significant associations between changes in cognitive domain scores and functional improvements. Conclusion: Cognition was associated with occupational functioning at baseline, but changes in cognition were not associated with psychosocial or occupational functional improvements following escitalopram treatment. We recommend the use of more comprehensive functional assessments to determine the impact of cognitive change on functional outcomes in future research.