bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification without assuming mean stationarity: quasi–maximum likelihood estimation of dynamic panel models with endogenous regressors
Authors: Kruiniger Hugo 
Published: December 2020

SummaryLinear generalised method of moments (GMM) estimators for dynamic panel models with predetermined or endogenous regressors suffer from a weak instruments problem when the data are highly persistent. In this paper, we propose new random- and fixed-effects limited-information quasi–maximum likelihood estimators (LIQMLEs) for such models. We also discuss LIQMLEs for models that contain time-varying individual effects. Unlike system GMM estimators, the LIQMLEs do not require mean stationarity conditions for consistency. Such conditions often do not hold for the models we consider. Our LIQMLEs are based on a two-step control function approach that includes the first-stage model residuals for a predetermined or endogenous regressor in the outcome equation. The LIMLEs are more precise than nonlinear GMM estimators that are based on the original outcome equation. The LIQMLEs also compare favourably to various alternative (quasi–) maximum likelihood estimators in terms of precision, robustness, and/or ease of computation.
Artificial intelligence assessment for early detection of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction based on electrocardiographic features
Authors: Kwon Joon-myoung , Kim Kyung-Hee , Eisen Howard J , Cho Younghoon , Jeon Ki-Hyun , Lee Soo Youn , Park Jinsik , Oh Byung-Hee 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
Although heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a rapidly emerging global health problem, an adequate tool to screen it reliably and economically does not exist. We developed an interpretable deep learning model (DLM) using electrocardiography (ECG) and validated its performance.

Methods and results
This retrospective cohort study included two hospitals. 34 103 patients who underwent echocardiography and ECG within 1 week and indicated normal left ventricular systolic function were included in this study. A DLM based on an ensemble neural network was developed using 32 671 ECGs of 20 169 patients. The internal validation included 1979 ECGs of 1979 patients. Furthermore, we conducted an external validation with 11 955 ECGs of 11 955 patients from another hospital. The endpoint was to detect HFpEF. During the internal and external validation, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of a DLM using 12-lead ECG for detecting HFpEF were 0.866 (95% confidence interval 0.850–0.883) and 0.869 (0.860–0.877), respectively. In the 1412 individuals without HFpEF at initial echocardiography, patients whose DLM was defined as having a higher risk had a significantly higher chance of developing HFpEF than those in the low-risk group (33.6% vs. 8.4%, P &lt; 0.001). Sensitivity map showed that the DLM focused on the QRS complex and T-wave.

Conclusion
The DLM demonstrated high performance for HFpEF detection using not only a 12-lead ECG but also 6- single-lead ECG. These results suggest that HFpEF can be screened using conventional ECG devices and diverse life-type ECG machines employing the DLM, thereby preventing disease progression.
Predictors of cumulative cost for patients with severe aortic stenosis referred for surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a population-based study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Sunner Manjot , Qiu Feng , Manoragavan Ragavie , Roifman Idan , Tam Derrick Y , Fremes Stephen C , Sun Louise , Rahal Mirna , Woodward Graham , Austin Peter C , Wijeysundera Harindra C 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) has transformed severe aortic stenosis (AS) management. Our aim was understand AS cost drivers from referral to 1-year post-procedure.

Methods and results
We identified patients referred for either TAVR/SAVR between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2018, with follow-up until 31 March 2019 in Ontario, Canada. We stratified costs into (i) a referral phase, (ii) a procedural phase from the procedure date to 60 days post-procedure, and (iii) post-procedure phase from 61 days to 1 year. Multivariable regression modelling using generalized linear models with a log link gamma distribution was used to identify cost drivers in each phase. The study cohort included 12 086 AS patients; 4832 were referred for TAVR and 7254 were referred for SAVR. The median cost for TAVR was higher than SAVR in the referral ($3593 vs. $2944) and post-procedural ($5938 vs. $3257) phases. In contrast, for the procedural phase, SAVR had a median cost of $29 756 vs. $27 907 for TAVR. Predictors of high cost in the referral phase were longer wait-time, and an urgent in-hospital procedure. In the procedural phase, procedural complications were the major drivers of higher cost. In the post-procedural phase, patient co-morbidities were the major drivers, specifically dialysis, liver disease, cancer, peripheral vascular disease, and diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion
We identified distinct patterns of cost accumulation and modifiable drivers for SAVR compared with TAVR; these drivers may guide clinical and health policy decisions to make AS care more efficient.
Frozen elephant trunk infection: to defrost or to debranch?
Authors: Nader Joseph , Chabry Yuthiline , Nazih Houda , Caus Thierry 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Infections of frozen elephant trunk hybrid prosthesis (HP) are not well documented in the literature and their management is not standardized yet. We report herein the case of a 59-year-old patient who benefited from a Thoraflex™ HP aortic arch replacement for an acute type A aortic dissection. He presented a year later with a Staphylococcus aureus infection of the proximal part of this prosthesis. We performed a replacement of the proximal compound of the HP accompanied by a complete debranching of the 3 supra-aortic vessels with an inter-carotidal retro-oesophageal bypass. As we left in situ the endovascular graft within the descending aorta, a life-long antibiotic therapy was introduced. The postoperative follow-up was uneventful, and the patient discharged home 2 weeks after his surgery. As an alternative to a more radical redo surgery with major risk, a hybrid medical and surgical treatment of infected frozen elephant trunk could be considered.
Cancer survivors present significantly lower long-term stability of orthodontic treatment: a prospective case–control study
Authors: Mitus-Kenig Maria , Derwich Marcin , Czochrowska Ewa , Pawlowska Elzbieta 
Published: December 2020

Summary

Background/Objectives
The aim of the study was to compare the stability of orthodontic treatment in cancer survivors who had been treated with cytotoxic drugs with a generally healthy control group.

Materials/Methods
The study included 52 cancer survivors treated orthodontically and 52 healthy control subjects matched for age, gender, and malocclusion. The weighted Peer Assessment Rating (w-PAR) index, the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) were assessed before treatment, after the treatment, and at the 3-year follow-up. Patients Satisfaction Score was assessed after the treatment and at the 3-year follow-up. A repeated analysis of variance test was used to check the statistical significance between the scores.

Results
Ideal occlusion was achieved in all patients. The mean w-PAR and ICON values were significantly reduced in both groups after the end of the orthodontic treatment with no significant differences between the groups regarding the obtained results. However, after the 3-year follow-up, only the cancer survivors’ group presented statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001) increase of the w-PAR and ICON values comparing to the values obtained at the end of the treatment. There was no significant change in Patients’ Satisfaction Score within 3 years after treatment.

Limitations
The limited size of the study sample as well as different types of oncological diagnoses could have had an impact on the final results of the study.

Conclusions/Implications
Previous cytotoxic drug treatment significantly decreases the stability of orthodontic treatment among the cancer survivors, particularly within first 12 months after the end of the treatment.
Comprehensive sexuality education: an Argentinean experience
Authors: Cossu Paola , Brun Gabriela 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe describe our experience with comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) content conducted during an EFL class at a state-run secondary school in Argentina. We first describe the legal landscape within which CSE is embedded in Argentina. Then, we discuss gender, sexuality, and CLIL. Next, we discuss the experience which aimed at problematizing CSE content, in this case gender roles, drawing on CLIL underpinnings. In doing so, we also refer to students’ reactions and include samples of their productions. Finally, we reflect upon the effectiveness of the experience and the challenges presented in terms of teaching and learning, and consider some possible implications in relation to CSE training in both initial teacher education and in continuing professional development programmes.
Effect of long-term beta-blocker treatment following myocardial infarction among stable, optimally treated patients without heart failure in the reperfusion era: a Danish, nationwide cohort study
Authors: Holt Anders , Blanche Paul , Zareini Bochra , Rajan Deepthi , El-Sheikh Mohammed , Schjerning Anne-Marie , Schou Morten , Torp-Pedersen Christian , McGettigan Patricia , Gislason Gunnar H , Lamberts Morten 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
We aimed to investigate the long-term cardio-protective effect associated with beta-blocker (BB) treatment in stable, optimally treated myocardial infarction (MI) patients without heart failure (HF).

Methods and results
Using nationwide registries, we included patients with first-time MI undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during admission and treated with both acetyl-salicylic acid and statins post-discharge between 2003 and 2018. Patients with prior history of MI, prior BB use, or any alternative indication or contraindication for BB treatment were excluded. Follow-up began 3 months following discharge in patients alive, free of cardiovascular (CV) events or procedures. Primary outcomes were CV death, recurrent MI, and a composite outcome of CV events. We used adjusted logistic regression and reported standardized absolute risks and differences (ARD) 3 years after MI. Overall, 30 177 stable, optimally treated MI patients were included (58% acute PCI, 26% sub-acute PCI, 16% CAG without intervention). At baseline, 82% of patients were on BB treatment (median age 61 years, 75% male) and 18% were not (median age 62 years, 68% male). BB treatment was associated with a similar risk of CV death, recurrent MI, and the composite outcome of CV events compared with no BB treatment [ARD (95% confidence intervals)] correspondingly; 0.1% (−0.3% to 0.5%), 0.2% (−0.7% to 1.2%), and 1.2% (−0.2% to 2.7%).

Conclusions
In this nationwide cohort study of stable, optimally treated MI patients without HF, we found no long-term effect of BB treatment on CV prognosis following the patients from 3 months to 3 years after MI admission.
Quantitative collagen assessment in right ventricular myectomies from patients with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Wülfers Eike M , Greiner Joachim , Giese Max , Madl Josef , Kroll Johannes , Stiller Brigitte , Kohl Peter , Rog-Zielinska Eva A , Fürniss Hannah E 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
Patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) are often affected by right ventricular fibrosis, which has been associated with arrhythmias. This study aimed to assess fibrosis distribution in right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) myocardium of TOF patients to evaluate the utility of single histology-section analyses, and to explore the possibility of fibrosis quantification in unlabelled tissue by second harmonic generation imaging (SHGI) as an alternative to conventional histology-based assays.

Methods and results
We quantified fibrosis in 11 TOF RVOT samples, using a tailor-made automated image analysis method on Picrosirius red-stained sections. In a subset of samples, histology- and SHGI-based fibrosis quantification approaches were compared. Fibrosis distribution was highly heterogeneous, with significant and comparable variability between and within samples. We found that, on average, 67.8 mm2 of 10 µm thick, histologically processed tissue per patient had to be analysed for accurate fibrosis quantification. SHGI provided data faster and on live tissue, additionally enabling quantification of collagen anisotropy.

Conclusion
Given the high intra-individual heterogeneity, fibrosis quantification should not be conducted on single sections of TOF RVOT myectomies. We provide an analysis algorithm for fibrosis quantification in histological images, which enables the required extended volume analyses in these patients.
Development of vaccines at the time of COVID-19
Authors: Almond Jeffrey , Hacker Jörg , Harwood Colin , Pizza Mariagrazia , Rappuoli Rino , Ron Eliora Z , Sansonetti Philippe , Vanderslott Samantha , Wieler Lothar H 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTIn December 2019, a working group of the European Academy of Microbiology assembled to discuss various aspects of vaccines and vaccinations. The meeting was organised by Jörg Hacker and Eliora Z. Ron and took place in the offices of the Leopoldina (German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina). Several important issues were addressed and a major part of the discussion focused on the need to develop new vaccines, especially to protect against pathogens that constitute a pandemic threat. Following the rapid and unpredicted spread of COVID-19 in the first seven months of 2020, the need to develop vaccines for pandemic viruses rapidly has been clearly established. Thus, this paper will concentrate on points that were highlighted by the recent COVID-19 pandemic and lessons learnt therefrom.
Review of How Genetic Research on Segmental Progeroid Syndromes Has Documented Genomic Instability as a Hallmark of Aging But Let Us Now PursueAntigeroid Syndromes!
Authors: Martin George M , Hisama Fuki M , Oshima Junko 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this early contribution to the new Fellows Forum of this pioneering journal for what is now called Geroscience is to provide an example of how the author’s interest in using the emerging tools of human genetics has led to strong support for one of the hallmarks of aging—Genomic Instability. We shall also briefly review our emerging interests in the genetic analysis of what we have called Antigeroid Syndromes. While there has been significant progress in that direction via genetic studies of centenarians, the search for genetic pathways that make individuals unusually resistant or resilient to the ravages of specific geriatric disorders has been comparatively neglected. We refer to these disorders as Unimodal Antigeroid Syndromes. It is our hope that our young colleagues will consider research efforts in that direction.
On the stress dependence of the elastic tensor
Authors: Maitra Matthew , Al-Attar David 
Published: December 2020

SUMMARYThe dependence of the elastic tensor on the equilibrium stress is investigated theoretically. Using ideas from finite elasticity, it is first shown that both the equilibrium stress and elastic tensor are given uniquely in terms of the equilibrium deformation gradient relative to a fixed choice of reference body. Inversion of the relation between the deformation gradient and stress might, therefore, be expected to lead neatly to the desired expression for the elastic tensor. Unfortunately, the deformation gradient can only be recovered from the stress up to a choice of rotation matrix. Hence it is not possible in general to express the elastic tensor as a unique function of the equilibrium stress. By considering material symmetries, though, it is shown that the degree of non-uniqueness can sometimes be reduced, and in some cases even removed entirely. These results are illustrated through a range numerical calculations, and we also obtain linearized relations applicable to small perturbations in equilibrium stress. Finally, we make a comparison with previous studies before considering implications for geophysical forward- and inverse-modelling.
Mortality Experiences for Women in Riverine Areas of the Niger Delta and Utilization of Maternal Health Services
Authors: Onalu Chinyere , Agwu Prince , Gobo Blessing , Okoye Uzoma 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Developing countries grapple with poor maternal health outcomes, and the Niger Delta is no exception. Discourses in the Niger Delta have been dominated by oil resource, with suboptimal attention paid to health outcomes in the region. This study investigated barriers to utilization of maternal health care services in the Okrika local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Data were sourced through focus group discussions organized for 21 health care professionals and 24 mothers residing in the area. Analysis was done thematically, relying on relevant qualitative analytical tools. Poor income, ignorance, absence of social support, religion and culture, and health care system inefficiencies were the barriers associated with utilization of maternal health care services. It was clear that maternal health outcomes and the state of health care generally in the Niger Delta do not reflect the enormous resources generated from oil that is plentiful in the region. Results point to an evident need for social work expertise to mitigate these barriers in view of improving health outcomes in the region.
Crohn’s Disease Is Associated With Activation of Circulating Innate Lymphoid Cells
Authors: Mazzurana Luca , Bonfiglio Ferdinando , Forkel Marianne , D’Amato Mauro , Halfvarson Jonas , Mjösberg Jenny 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with disturbed mucosal innate lymphoid cell (ILC) composition, which is correlated to the degree of intestinal inflammation. However, it remains unclear whether circulating ILCs are dysregulated in patients with IBD.

Methods
Blood samples from 53 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 43 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 45 healthy control subjects (HC) were analyzed by flow cytometry for markers of ILC subsets (ILC1, ILC2, and ILC precursors [ILCp]) and selected IBD-relevant proteins, as predicted by previous genome-wide association studies. A dimensionality reduction approach to analyzing the data was used to characterize circulating ILCs.

Results
The frequency of ILCp expressing the ILC3 activation markers NKp44 and CD56 was increased in CD versus HC and UC (NKp44) or in CD versus HC (CD56), whereas the CD45RA+ ILCp were reduced in CD versus UC. Furthermore, the activation marker HLA-DR was increased on ILC1 and ILC2 in CD versus HC. Interestingly, the IBD-related protein SLAMF1 was upregulated on ILC2 from both CD and UC samples as compared with HC samples. In active CD, SLAMF1+ ILC2 frequency was negatively correlated with disease severity (Harvey-Bradshaw index). The characterization of SLAMF1+ ILC2 revealed a higher expression of the ILC2 markers CRTH2, CD161, and GATA3 as compared with SLAMF1- ILC2.

Conclusions
In line with the systemic nature of CD inflammation, our findings point toward the activation of ILCs in the blood of patients with CD. Furthermore, in active CD, circulating SLAMF1+ ILC2 are increased in patients with less active disease, introducing SLAMF1+ ILC2 as interesting therapeutic targets deserving further exploration.
Initiation of an inter-hospital extracorporeal membrane oxygenation transfer programme for critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019: bringing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support to peripheral hospitals
Authors: Schmiady Martin O , Hofmann Michael , Sromicki Juri , Halbe Maximilian , van Tilburg Koen , Aser Raed , Mestres Carlos A , Maisano Francesco , Ferrari Enrico 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a resource-intensive, highly specialized and expensive therapy that is often reserved for high-volume centres. In recent years, we established an inter-hospital ECMO transfer programme that enables ECMO implants in peripheral hospitals. During the pandemic, the programme was expanded to include ECMO support in selected critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS
This retrospective single-centre study reports the technical details and challenges encountered during our initial experience with ECMO implants in peripheral hospitals for patients with COVID-19.

RESULTS
During March and April 2020, our team at the University Hospital of Zurich performed 3 out-of-centre ECMO implants at different peripheral hospitals. The implants were performed without any complications. The patients were transported by ambulance or helicopter. Good preparation and selection of the required supplies are the keys to success. The implant should be performed by a well-trained, seasoned ECMO team, because options are limited in most peripheral hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS
Out-of-centre ECMO implants in well-selected patients with COVID-19 is feasible and safe if a well-established organization is available and if the implantation is done by an experienced and regularly trained team.
High-temperature structure detection in ferromagnets
Authors: Cao Yuan , Neykov Matey , Liu Han 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This paper studies structure detection problems in high-temperature ferromagnetic (positive interaction only) Ising models. The goal is to distinguish whether the underlying graph is empty, i.e., the model consists of independent Rademacher variables, vs. the alternative that the underlying graph contains a subgraph of a certain structure. We give matching upper and lower minimax bounds under which testing this problem is possible/impossible, respectively. Our results reveal that a key quantity called graph arboricity drives the testability of the problem. On the computational front, under a conjecture of the computational hardness of sparse principal component analysis, we prove that, unless the signal is strong enough, there are no polynomial time tests which are capable of testing this problem. In order to prove this result, we exhibit a way to give sharp inequalities for the even moments of sums of i.i.d. Rademacher random variables which may be of independent interest.
CON: Carbapenems are NOT necessary for all infections caused by ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales
Authors: Rodríguez-Baño Jesús , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Belén , Pascual Alvaro 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Carbapenems are considered the drugs of choice for the treatment of serious infections caused by ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales. However, because of the dramatic increase in carbapenem-resistant organisms worldwide, finding alternatives to carbapenems is a must. The potential options include β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, temocillin, cephamycins and some non-β-lactam drugs. The most controversial is piperacillin/tazobactam; the results of the MERINO trial are challenged because the isolates of patients with worse outcomes were frequently not susceptible to piperacillin/tazobactam when studied by reference methods, and also because the drug was not administered in extended infusion. Other potential options are briefly discussed. We conclude that carbapenems are not necessary for all patients with infections caused by ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales.