bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Five reasons COVID-19 is less severe in younger age-groups
Authors: Turke Paul W 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The severity of COVID-19 is age-related, with the advantage going to younger age-groups. Five reasons are presented. The first two are well-known, are being actively researched by the broader medical community, and therefore are discussed only briefly here. The third, fourth and fifth reasons derive from evolutionary life history theory, and potentially fill gaps in current understanding of why and how young and old age-groups respond differently to infection with SARS-CoV-2. Age of onset of generalized somatic aging and the timing of its progression are identified as important causes of these disparities, as are specific antagonistic pleiotropic tradeoffs in immune system function. Lay Summary: Covid-19 is less severe in younger age-groups than it is in older age-groups. Five advantages of youth are identified and explained in light of evolutionary life history theory, with a focus on the pattern of aging and specific tradeoffs between early and late immune system function.
Height and well-being during the transition from plan to market
Authors: Adserà Alícia , Dalla Pozza Francesca , Guriev Sergei , Kleine-Rueschkamp Lukas , Nikolova Elena 
Published: December 2020

SUMMARY
Kleine-Rueschkamp, and Elena Nikolova?&gt;Using newly available data, we re-evaluate the impact of transition from plan to market in former communist countries on objective and subjective well-being. We find clear evidence of the high social cost of early transition reforms: cohorts born around the start of transition are about 1 cm shorter than their older or younger peers. We provide suggestive evidence on the importance on mechanisms that partially explain these results: the decline of GDP per capita and the deterioration of healthcare systems. On the bright side, we find that cohorts that experienced transition in their infancy are now better educated and more satisfied with their lives than their counterparts. Taken together, our results imply that the transition process has been a traumatic experience, but that its negative impact has largely been overcome.
Device closure for patent foramen ovale in patients with cryptogenic stroke: which patients should get it?
Authors: Parrini Iris , Cecchi Enrico , Forno Davide , Lyon Alexander R , Asteggiano Riccardo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) and cryptogenic stroke (CS) both have a high prevalence. The optimal treatment to reduce stroke recurrence after CS remains controversial. Results from clinical trials, meta-analyses, and position papers, support percutaneous PFO device closure and medical therapy compared to medical therapy alone. However, the procedure may be associated with cardiac complications including an increased incidence of new atrial fibrillation. The benefit/risk balance should be determined on a case-by-case basis with the greatest benefit of PFO closure in patients with atrial septal aneurysm and PFO with large shunts. Future studies should address unsolved questions such as the choice of medical therapy in patients not undergoing closure, the duration of antiplatelet therapy, and the role of PFO closure in patients over 60 years old.
Prevention of stroke in patients with chronic coronary syndromes or peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Parker William A E , Gorog Diana A , Geisler Tobias , Vilahur Gemma , Sibbing Dirk , Rocca Bianca , Storey Robert F 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Stroke is a common and devastating condition caused by atherothrombosis, thromboembolism, or haemorrhage. Patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) or peripheral artery disease (PAD) are at increased risk of stroke because of shared pathophysiological mechanisms and risk-factor profiles. A range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies can help to reduce stroke risk in these groups. Antithrombotic therapy reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including ischaemic stroke, but increases the incidence of haemorrhagic stroke. Nevertheless, the net clinical benefits mean antithrombotic therapy is recommended in those with CCS or symptomatic PAD. Whilst single antiplatelet therapy is recommended as chronic treatment, dual antiplatelet therapy should be considered for those with CCS with prior myocardial infarction at high ischaemic but low bleeding risk. Similarly, dual antithrombotic therapy with aspirin and very-low-dose rivaroxaban is an alternative in CCS, as well as in symptomatic PAD. Full-dose anticoagulation should always be considered in those with CCS/PAD and atrial fibrillation. Unless ischaemic risk is particularly high, antiplatelet therapy should not generally be added to full-dose anticoagulation. Optimization of blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein levels, glycaemic control, and lifestyle characteristics may also reduce stroke risk. Overall, a multifaceted approach is essential to best prevent stroke in patients with CCS/PAD.
Safety, effectiveness, and quality of life following pulmonary vein isolation with a multi-electrode radiofrequency balloon catheter in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: 1-year outcomes from SHINE
Authors: Schilling Richard , Dhillon Gurpreet Singh , Tondo Claudio , Riva Stefania , Grimaldi Massimo , Quadrini Federico , Neuzil Petr , Chierchia Gian-Battista , de Asmundis Carlo , Abdelaal Ahmed , Vanderlinden Liesbeth , Tan Tiffany , Ding Wern Yew , Gupta Dhiraj , Reddy Vivek Y 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a compliant multi-electrode radiofrequency balloon catheter (RFB) used with a multi-electrode diagnostic catheter for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).Methods and resultsThis prospective, multicentre, single-arm study was conducted at six European sites and enrolled patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The primary effectiveness endpoint was entrance block in treated pulmonary veins (PVs) after adenosine/isoproterenol challenge. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of primary adverse events (PAEs) within 7 days. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging and neurological assessments were performed pre- and post-ablation in a subset of patients. Atrial arrhythmia recurrence was assessed over 12 months via transtelephonic and Holter monitoring. Quality of life was assessed by the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) questionnaire. Of 85 patients undergoing ablation per study protocol, PV entrance block was achieved in all (one PV required touch-up with a focal catheter). Acute reconnection of ≥1 PVs after adenosine/isoproterenol challenge was observed in 9.3% (30/324) of PVs ablated. Post-ablation, silent cerebral lesions were detected in 9.7% (3/31) of patients assessed, all of which was resolved at 1-month follow-up. One patient experienced a PAE (retroperitoneal bleed). Freedom from documented symptomatic and all arrhythmia was 72.2% and 65.8% at 12 months. Four patients (4.7%) underwent repeat ablation. Significant improvements in all AFEQT subscale scores were seen at 6 and 12 months.ConclusionPVI with the novel RFB demonstrated favourable safety and effectiveness, with low repeat ablation rate and clinically meaningful improvement in quality of life.ClinicalTrials.gov Registration NumberNCT03437733.
DrivAER: Identification of driving transcriptional programs in single-cell RNA sequencing data
Authors: Simon Lukas M , Yan Fangfang , Zhao Zhongming 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) unfolds complex transcriptomic datasets into detailed cellular maps. Despite recent success, there is a pressing need for specialized methods tailored towards the functional interpretation of these cellular maps.

Findings
Here, we present DrivAER, a machine learning approach for the identification of driving transcriptional programs using autoencoder-based relevance scores. DrivAER scores annotated gene sets on the basis of their relevance to user-specified outcomes such as pseudotemporal ordering or disease status. DrivAER iteratively evaluates the information content of each gene set with respect to the outcome variable using autoencoders. We benchmark our method using extensive simulation analysis as well as comparison to existing methods for functional interpretation of scRNA-seq data. Furthermore, we demonstrate that DrivAER extracts key pathways and transcription factors that regulate complex biological processes from scRNA-seq data.

Conclusions
By quantifying the relevance of annotated gene sets with respect to specified outcome variables, DrivAER greatly enhances our ability to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Time-dependent and spatiotemporal statistical analysis of intraplate anomalous seismicity: Sarria-Triacastela-Becerreá (NW Iberian Peninsula, Spain)
Authors: Crespo-Martín Cristina , Martín-González Fidel , Yazdi Pouye , Hainzl Sebastian , Rincón Marta 
Published: December 2020

SUMMARY
The Sarria-Triacastela-Becerreá seismicity is located in an intraplate region considered seismically stable, but in 1995 started an unprecedented earthquake activity in the area. Since then an anomalous long-term continuous seismicity remains until now in the same location. Despite the long-term seismicity and the large magnitudes for the region standards (5.1 Mw), the origin and mechanisms of this seismicity remains unclear. The isolation of background from the main shock–aftershock contribution by means of the application of the Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequences (ETAS) model, the spatial depiction and the resemblance to near seismic regions allow us to identify several seismicity behaviours. From 1995 to 1998/99, the seismicity in this location mainly consists of intensive and deeper earthquake sequences linked to the 1995 and 1997 main shocks. Our results suggest that the main shocks triggered aftershocks and additionally initiated or facilitated aseismic processes. A likely scenario is that the main shocks broke a sealed source at depth allowing a subsequent intrusion of high-pressurized fluids from depth. The resemblance of this period with Zamora seismic characteristics proposes that Triacastela seismicity was also initiated by tectonic activity. From 1998/99 to 2018, a change in seismicity is observed, the background contribution took control and swarm-type activity is predominant. While the earthquake rate decreases, the relative background contribution goes up. Actually, after 2013 the clusters almost disappear and background contribution achieves 55 per cent of the total activity. The spatial migration to the southeast and the upward trend to shallower depth support fluid migration as possible driving mechanism responsible for the transient seismicity in this period. The swarm-type activity in Triacastela in later periods and the resemblance of b-values with Ponte Caldelas and Ventaniella seismicity suggest that the seismicity in Triacastela is related to fluid migration and the reactivation of fractured areas. We propose that the mechanism of this anomalous and long-term seismicity in Triacastela is the mix of different mechanisms, starting with the tectonic seismicity, generated during the 1995 and 1997 seismic sequences, which initiated a fluid upward migration through fractured crustal fault patches, observed after 1998–1999, and responsible for the seismicity during the following 20 yr.
Understanding disparities in person-centred maternity care: the potential role of provider implicit and explicit bias
Authors: Afulani Patience A , Ogolla Beryl A , Oboke Edwina N , Ongeri Linnet , Weiss Sandra J , Lyndon Audrey , Mendes Wendy Berry 
Published: December 2020

AbstractStudies in low-resource settings have highlighted disparities in person-centred maternity care (PCMC)—respectful and responsive care during childbirth—based on women’s socioeconomic status (SES) and other characteristics. Yet few studies have explored factors that may underlie these disparities. In this study, we examined implicit and explicit SES bias in providers’ perceptions of women’s expectations and behaviours, as well as providers’ general views regarding factors influencing differential treatment of women. We conducted a convergent mixed-methods study with 101 maternity providers in western Kenya. Implicit SES bias was measured using an adaptation of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) and explicit SES bias assessed using situationally specific vignettes. Qualitative data provided additional details on the factors contributing to disparities. Results provide evidence for the presence of both implicit and explicit bias related to SES that might influence PCMC. Differential treatment was linked to women’s appearance, providers’ perceptions of women’s attitudes, assumptions about who is more likely to understand or be cooperative, women’s ability to advocate for themselves or hold providers accountable, ability to pay for services in a timely manner, as well as situational factors related to stress and burnout. These factors interact in complex ways to produce PCMC disparities, and providing better care to certain groups does not necessarily indicate preference for those groups or a desire to provide better care to them. The findings imply the need for multilevel approaches to addressing disparities in maternity care. This should include provider training on PCMC and their biases, advocacy for women of low SES, accountability mechanisms, and structural and policy changes within health care settings.
RPGR isoform imbalance causes ciliary defects due to exon ORF15 mutations in X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP)
Authors: Moreno-Leon Laura , West Emma L , O’Hara-Wright Michelle , Li Linjing , Nair Rohini , He Jie , Anand Manisha , Sahu Bhubanananda , Chavali Venkat Ramana Murthy , Smith Alexander J , Ali Robin R , Jacobson Samuel G , Cideciyan Artur V , Khanna Hemant 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Mutations in retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) cause severe retinal ciliopathy, X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Although two major alternatively spliced isoforms, RPGRex1-19 and RPGRORF15, are expressed, the relative importance of these isoforms in disease pathogenesis is unclear. Here, we analyzed fibroblast samples from eight patients and found that all of them form longer cilia than normal controls, albeit to different degrees. Although all mutant RPGRORF15 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are unstable, their steady-state levels were similar or higher than those in the control cells, suggesting there may be increased transcription. Three of the fibroblasts that had higher levels of mutant RPGRORF15 mRNA also exhibited significantly higher levels of RPGRex1-19 mRNA. Four samples with unaltered RPGRex1-19 levels carried mutations in RPGRORF15 that resulted in this isoform being relatively less stable. Thus, in all cases, the RPGRex1-19/RPGRORF15 isoform ratio was increased, and this was highly correlative to the cilia extension defect. Moreover, overexpression of RPGRex1-19 (mimicking the increase in RPGRex1-19 to RPGRORF15 isoform ratio) or RPGRORF15 (mimicking reduction of the ratio) resulted in significantly longer or shorter cilia, respectively. Notably, the cilia length defect appears to be attributable to both the loss of the wild-type RPGRORF15 protein and to the higher levels of the RPGRex1-19 isoform, indicating that the observed defect is due to the altered isoform ratios. These results suggest that maintaining the optimal RPGRex1-9 to RPGRORF15 ratio is critical for cilia growth and that designing strategies that focus on the best ways to restore the RPGRex1-19/RPGRORF15 ratio may lead to better therapeutic outcomes.
Urine Concentration Does Not Affect Biochemical Testing for Non-adherence
Authors: Burns A D , Alghamadi R , Iqbal A , Davies T , Lane D , Patel P , Gupta P 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Hypertension is one of the most important modifiable risk factor causing cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, non-adherence to antihypertensive medications is frequently observed in hypertensive patients and can lead to an increase in morbidity and mortality. Until recently, there was no robust clinical method to objectively diagnose non-adherence. Recently, the detection of medications in urine or blood by mass spectrometry techniques such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) has been accepted as the diagnostic method of choice for the detection of non-adherence. Despite this, it is unclear whether the concentration of urine can affect the detection of medications in urine. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of urine concentration on detection of antihypertensive medications by LC–MS-MS in which urine creatinine is used as an independent marker of urine concentration. Biochemical adherence results for 22 different medications (1,709 prescriptions) in 463 different subjects were converted to an adherence score. The adherence score was defined as the ratio of the total number of subjects in which the drug was detected to the total number of subjects to whom the drug was prescribed. The adherence scores for each medication were correlated with urine creatinine concentration for each medication. Non-adherence was observed in 47.1% of samples with a mean urine creatinine concentration of these samples of 9.4 ± 7.1 mmol/L. There was no significant difference between the urine creatinine concentrations in the detected vs non-detected groups for each of the 22 medications. Furthermore, there are no differences in adherence scores across the urine creatinine concentration. This is the first study to demonstrate that urine creatinine concentration does not affect the results of the adherence screening by LC–MS-MS.
Transitioning to Practice: Getting up to Speed in Efficiency and Accuracy
Authors: Patel Miral M , Kapoor Megha M , Whitman Gary J 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The transition from trainee to breast radiologist is challenging. The many new responsibilities that breast radiologists acquire while establishing themselves as clinicians may increase stress and anxiety. Taking inventory of existing knowledge and skills and addressing deficits toward the end of one’s training can be beneficial. New breast radiologists should expect to be slower and gain proficiency in the first several years out of training. Having realistic expectations for oneself with respect to screening mammography interpretation and following up on the subsequent diagnostic imaging workup of screening callback examinations can increase competence and confidence. Familiarity with the available literature to guide management in the diagnostic setting can increase efficiency. Planning ahead for localizations and biopsies also allows for efficiency while alleviating anxiety. Ultimately, adapting to a new work environment using a collaborative approach with primary healthcare providers, pathologists, and surgeons while remembering to have mentors within and beyond the field of radiology allows for a more successful transition.
How Does Public Disclosure of Performance Information Affect Politicians’ Attitudes towards Effort Allocation? Evidence from a Survey Experiment
Authors: Desmidt Sebastian , Meyfroodt Kenn 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Does relative performance information (PI) still impact politicians’ attitudes when the potential for external blame or credit is limited? And, if not, is the active disclosure of PI about government activities with a low propensity for media attention an effective strategy for increasing the effect of PI? Despite the tendency to progressively disclose PI, empirical evidence on the effectiveness of publicly disclosing PI is almost non-existent. Hence, a survey embedded experiment was developed, building on self-determination theory and blame-avoidance theory, to assess how the provision of PI with a low propensity to attract media attention affects politicians’ attitudes towards resource allocation and whether this effect is altered by the public disclosure of PI. Data from 795 Belgian (Flemish) local councilors indicates that PI with a low propensity for media attention does impact politicians’ attitudes towards effort allocation but that public disclosure of PI mitigates the effect size in the case of negative-valence PI. Thus, the results draw attention to the unintended—and potentially dysfunctional—effects of the disclosure of PI.
Automated approach for segmenting gross tumor volumes for lung cancer stereotactic body radiation therapy using CT-based dense V-networks
Authors: Cui Yunhao , Arimura Hidetaka , Nakano Risa , Yoshitake Tadamasa , Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Yabuuchi Hidetake 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop an automated segmentation approach for small gross tumor volumes (GTVs) in 3D planning computed tomography (CT) images using dense V-networks (DVNs) that offer more advantages in segmenting smaller structures than conventional V-networks. Regions of interest (ROI) with dimensions of 50 × 50 × 6–72 pixels in the planning CT images were cropped based on the GTV centroids when applying stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to patients. Segmentation accuracy of GTV contours for 192 lung cancer patients [with the following tumor types: 118 solid, 53 part-solid types and 21 pure ground-glass opacity (pure GGO)], who underwent SBRT, were evaluated based on a 10-fold cross-validation test using Dice’s similarity coefficient (DSC) and Hausdorff distance (HD). For each case, 11 segmented GTVs consisting of three single outputs, four logical AND outputs, and four logical OR outputs from combinations of two or three outputs from DVNs were obtained by three runs with different initial weights. The AND output (combination of three outputs) achieved the highest values of average 3D-DSC (0.832 ± 0.074) and HD (4.57 ± 2.44 mm). The average 3D DSCs from the AND output for solid, part-solid and pure GGO types were 0.838 ± 0.074, 0.822 ± 0.078 and 0.819 ± 0.059, respectively. This study suggests that the proposed approach could be useful in segmenting GTVs for planning lung cancer SBRT.
Against ‘ideological neutrality’: on the limits of liberal and neoliberal economic and social human rights
Authors: Manfredi Zachary 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This article intervenes in contemporary debates about the future of economic and social human rights. It analyses neoliberal and mainstream liberal theories and argues that both approaches substantially limit understanding of these rights. The article concludes by discussing some of the challenges facing an alternative, socialist conception of economic and social rights.
Cloud cover and aurora contamination at dome A in 2017 from KLCAM
Authors: Yang Xu , Shang Zhaohui , Hu Keliang , Hu Yi , Ma Bin , Wang Yongjiang , Cao Zihuang , Ashley Michael C B , Wang Wei 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Dome A in Antarctica has many characteristics that make it an excellent site for astronomical observations, from the optical to the terahertz. Quantitative site testing is still needed to confirm the site’s properties. In this paper, we present a statistical analysis of cloud cover and aurora contamination from the Kunlun Cloud and Aurora Monitor (KLCAM). KLCAM is an automatic unattended all-sky camera aiming for long-term monitoring of the usable observing time and optical sky background at Dome A. It was installed at Dome A in January 2017, worked through the austral winter, and collected over 47 000 images over 490 d. A semi-quantitative visual data analysis of cloud cover and auroral contamination was carried out by five individuals. The analysis shows that the night sky was free of clouds for 83 per cent of the time, which ranks Dome A highly in a comparison with other observatory sites. Although aurorae were detected somewhere on an image for nearly 45 per cent of the time, the chance of a point on the sky being affected by an aurora is small. The strongest auroral emission lines can be filtered out with customized filters.