bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical impact of eliminating nonpulmonary vein triggers of atrial fibrillation and nonpulmonary vein premature atrial contractions at initial ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Tohoku Shota , Fukunaga Masato , Nagashima Michio , Korai Kengo , Hirokami Jun , Yamamoto Kei , Takeo Ayaka , Niu Harushi , Ando Kenji , Hiroshima Kenichi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe role of nonpulmonary vein (PV) triggers ablation in persistent atrial fibrillation (PEAF) was suggested but it is still under debate.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the effectiveness of non‐PV trigger‐targeted ablation for patients with PEAF.MethodsConsecutive patients with PEAF undergoing catheter ablation (CA) between January 2015 and April 2017 were enrolled. Isoproterenol plus adenosine challenge was performed to provoke non‐PV triggers. Non‐PV triggers were defined as the trigger beats inducing AF (non‐PV AF triggers) and/or frequent premature contractions (non‐PV PACs) from other than PVs. Three groups were defined: Group 1 (n = 186) without non‐PV triggers; Group 2 (n = 65) with non‐PV triggers that could be completely eliminated with CA; Group 3 (n = 49) with non‐PV triggers still inducible after CA. The primary endpoint was freedom from any atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa) recurrence.ResultsA total of 300 patients (230 males, age 64 ± 10) were enrolled. The mean follow‐up period was 27 ± 10 months. Freedom from ATa recurrence at 1 and 2 years were significantly lower in Group 3 compared to the other two groups (Group 1; 74.7%, 67.2% vs. Group 2; 75.8%, 68.3% vs. Group 3: 52.1%, 38.6%, p = .0005), irrespective of the type of non‐PV triggers (non‐PV AF triggers vs. non‐PV PACs). On multivariate analysis, unsuccessful elimination of non‐PV triggers was an independent predictor for ATa recurrence (hazard ratio = 1.80, 95% confidence interval = 1.07–2.95, p = .026).ConclusionSuccessful non‐PV triggers elimination can improve the ATa recurrence rate in PEAF ablation. ATa recurrence rate is higher, if non‐PV AF triggers or even non‐PV PACs remain in patients with PEAF.
Is social capital a determinant of board gender diversity?
Authors: Oyotode‐Adebile Renee , Ujah Nacasius U. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe examine the impact of social capital on board gender diversity among U.S. firms. We test whether trust and social networks in a county lead to an increase in female board representation. We find that firms headquartered in high‐social‐capital counties have higher diversity in their corporate board. Economically, we estimate that a 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in social capital leads to a 0.042 SD increase in board gender diversity. We contribute to the literature by extending the evidence on board gender diversity determinants to informal institutions.
Population dynamics of Rhizoctonia, Oculimacula, and Microdochium species in soil, roots, and stems of English wheat crops
Authors: Brown Matthew , Woodhall James W. , Nielsen Linda K. , Tomlinson Daniel , Farooqi Arifa , Ray Rumiana V. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to elucidate the population dynamics of Rhizoctonia, Oculimacula, and Microdochium species, causing the stem base disease complex of sharp eyespot, eyespot, and brown foot rot in cereals. Pathogen DNA in soil, roots, and stem fractions, and disease expression were quantified in 102 English wheat fields in two seasons. Weather data for each site was collected to determine patterns that correlate with assessed diseases. Oculimacula spp. (66%) and R. solani AG 2‐1 (63%) were most frequently detected in soil, followed by R. cerealis (54%) and Microdochium spp. (33%). Oculimacula spp. (89%) and R. cerealis (56%) predominated on roots and soil but were not associated with root rot symptoms, suggesting that these species used soil and roots for survival and as inoculum source. M. nivale was more frequently detected than M. majus on stems up to GS 21–30 and co‐occurred on plant samples with O. acuformis. O. yallundae had higher DNA concentration than O. acuformis at the lower 5 cm basal region at GS 37–45. R. cerealis predominated in the upper 15 cm above the base beyond stem extension. Brown foot rot by Microdochium spp. was favoured by cool and wet autumns/winters and dominated in English wheat. Eyespot and sharp eyespot disease index by Oculimacula spp. and R. cerealis, respectively, correlated with wet/humid springs and summers. Results suggested that stem base pathogens generally coexisted; however, their abundance in time and space was influenced by favourable weather patterns and host development, with niche differentiation after stem extension.
Analysis goals, error‐cost sensitivity, and analysis hacking: Essential considerations in hypothesis testing and multiple comparisons
Authors: Greenland Sander 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe “replication crisis” has been attributed to perverse incentives that lead to selective reporting and misinterpretations of P‐values and confidence intervals. A crude fix offered for this problem is to lower testing cut‐offs (α levels), either directly or in the form of null‐biased multiple comparisons procedures such as naïve Bonferroni adjustments. Methodologists and statisticians have expressed positions that range from condemning all such procedures to demanding their application in almost all analyses. Navigating between these unjustifiable extremes requires defining analysis goals precisely enough to separate inappropriate from appropriate adjustments. To meet this need, I here review issues arising in single‐parameter inference (such as error costs and loss functions) that are often skipped in basic statistics, yet are crucial to understanding controversies in testing and multiple comparisons.I also review considerations that should be made when examining arguments for and against modifications of decision cut‐offs and adjustments for multiple comparisons. The goal is to provide researchers a better understanding of what is assumed by each side and to enable recognition of hidden assumptions. Basic issues of goal specification and error costs are illustrated with simple fixed cut‐off hypothesis testing scenarios. These illustrations show how adjustment choices are extremely sensitive to implicit decision costs, making it inevitable that different stakeholders will vehemently disagree about what is necessary or appropriate. Because decisions cannot be justified without explicit costs, resolution of inference controversies is impossible without recognising this sensitivity. Pre‐analysis statements of funding, scientific goals, and analysis plans can help counter demands for inappropriate adjustments, and can provide guidance as to what adjustments are advisable. Hierarchical (multilevel) regression methods (including Bayesian, semi‐Bayes, and empirical‐Bayes methods) provide preferable alternatives to conventional adjustments, insofar as they facilitate use of background information in the analysis model, and thus can provide better‐informed estimates on which to base inferences and decisions.
FRN and P3 during the Iowa gambling task: The importance of gender
Authors: Garrido‐Chaves Ruth , Perez‐Alarcón Mario , Perez Vanesa , Hidalgo Vanesa , Pulopulos Matias M. , Salvador Alicia 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPrevious research has shown gender‐related psychobiological differences in risky and competitive strategies that affect win and loss outcomes. In addition, some studies have found differences in the decision‐making process, with women taking longer to reach the same performance as men. However, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate gender differences in behavioral performance and neural correlates during a decision‐making task, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Forty healthy young adults (23 men and 17 women) performed the IGT while the feedback‐related negativity (FRN) and P3 were recorded as neural correlates of feedback processing. No gender differences were observed in the behavioral performance on the IGT after 100 and 150 trials, or in the P3 component. In women, but not in men, the FRN component showed a greater amplitude for losses than for wins. There were no significant gender‐related differences in behavioral performance, and men and women revealed a similar learning process on the IGT. At the neural level, no direct differences between men and women were observed in the feedback processing stage for the FRN or P3. However, our results indicate that women showed greater sensitivity to losses than to wins during the decision‐making task, as reflected in the FRN component.
Impact of Covid‐19 epidemic on the activities of a blood centre, transfusion support for infected patients and clinical outcomes
Authors: Quaglietta Anna , Nicolucci Antonio , Posata Raffaella , Frattari Antonella , Parruti Giustino , Accorsi Patrizia 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe evaluated how the Severe Acute Respiratory disease from Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) epidemic impacted transfusion services, transfusion support required by Covid‐19 patients and their clinical outcome.BackgroundIn Italy, the first confirmed case of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was registered on 21 February 2020. As of 20 April, about 250 000 cases were registered, 1143 of which were in the province of Pescara.MethodsWe compared transfusion services provided by the blood centre of Pescara between 1 March and 20 April 2019 and between 1 March and 20 April 2020. We assessed the number and type of blood components donated, those transfused in the various hospital departments and those transfused to Covid‐19 patients.ResultsCompared to 2019, we documented a decrease of 32% in the number of donations. The number of transfusions increased by 139% in the infectious diseases department (IDD), dedicated to Covid‐19 patients, and by 76% in the intensive care unit (ICU), whereas it markedly decreased in the other departments. Of 299 patients with Covid‐19, 60 were transfused (20.1%). Transfused patients in the ICU were significantly younger than those in IDD and had a lower number of lymphocytes, lower post‐transfusion increment of haemoglobin levels and higher D‐dimer and C reactive protein values. Mortality rate was 60.7% among transfused patients in the ICU and 39.0% among those in the IDD (p = 0.02).ConclusionThe Covid‐19 epidemic had a profound impact on transfusion activities. The important blood demand for Covid‐19 patients was satisfied because of the reduction in activities in other hospital wards. Covid‐19‐positive transfused patients showed a very poor prognosis.
Evaluation of effect of scheduled fresh frozen plasma on ECMO circuit life: A randomized pilot trial
Authors: McMichael Ali B.V. , Zimmerman Kanecia O. , Kumar Karan R. , Ozment Caroline P. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundFactor consumption is common during ECMO complicating the balance of pro and anticoagulation factors. This study sought to determine whether transfusion of coagulation factors using fresh frozen plasma (FFP) increased ECMO circuit life and decreased blood product transfusion. Secondly, it analyzed the association between FFP transfusion and hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications.Study Design and MethodsThirty‐one pediatric ECMO patients between October 2013 and January 2016 at a quaternary care institution were included. Patients were randomized to FFP every 48 hours or usual care. The primary outcome was ECMO circuit change. Secondary outcomes included blood product transfusion, survival to decannulation, hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications, and ECMO costs.ResultsMedian (interquartile range [IQR]) number of circuit changes was 0 (0, 1). No difference was seen in percent days without a circuit change between intervention and control group, P = .53. Intervention group patients received median platelets of 15.5 mL/kg/d IQR (3.7, 26.8) vs 24.8 mL/kg/d (12.2, 30.8) for the control group (P = .16), and median packed red blood cells (pRBC) of 7.7 mL/kg/d (3.3, 16.3) vs 5.9 mL/kg/d (3.4, 18.7) for the control group, P = .60. FFP transfusions were similar with 10.2 mL/kg/d (5.0, 13.9) in the intervention group vs 8.8 (2.5, 17.7) for the control group, P = .98.ConclusionIn this pilot randomized study, scheduled FFP did not increase circuit life. There was no difference in blood product transfusion of platelets, pRBCs, and FFP between groups. Further studies are needed to examine the association of scheduled FFP with blood product transfusion.
Effect of antimicrobial use and production system on Campylobacter spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Salmonella spp. resistance in Spanish swine: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mencía‐Ares Oscar , Argüello Héctor , Puente Héctor , Gómez‐García Manuel , Álvarez‐Ordóñez Avelino , Manzanilla Edgar G. , Carvajal Ana , Rubio Pedro 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance is a worldwide public health threat; hence, current trends tend to reduce antimicrobial use in food‐producing animals and to monitor resistance in primary production. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of antimicrobial use and production system on swine farms in the antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter, Salmonella and Staphylococcus, the main zoonotic pathogens in pig herds, in order to assess their potential value as sentinel microorganisms in antimicrobial resistance surveillance schemes. A total of 37 Spanish swine farms, 18 intensive and 19 organic/extensive farms, were included in the study. The antimicrobial resistance of 104 Campylobacter, 84 Staphylococcus and 17 Salmonella isolates was evaluated using Sensititre plates following the EUCAST guidelines. Mixed‐effects logistic regression was used to evaluate the influence of production system and antimicrobial use in resistant and multidrug‐resistant (MDR) phenotypes to the antimicrobials tested. The results showed that antimicrobial use was higher (p < .001) on intensive farms than on organic/extensive farms. MDR in Campylobacter and Staphylococcus was lower on organic/extensive farms (OR < .01p < .001). Antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter and Staphylococcus isolates was, also for most of the antimicrobials studied, significantly higher in intensive than organic/extensive pig herds. Tetracycline resistance was associated with total antimicrobial consumption in both microbial species (p < .05), and some cross‐associations between distinct antimicrobial substances were established, for instance resistance to erythromycin was associated with macrolide and phenicol consumption. No significant associations could be established for Salmonella isolates. The results demonstrate the link between antimicrobial consumption and resistance in zoonotic bacteria and evidence the potential value of using Campylobacter and Staphylococcus species in monitoring activities aimed at determining the impact of antimicrobials use/reduction on the occurrence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.
A Hemodynamic Comparison of Myocardial Bridging and Coronary Atherosclerotic Stenosis: A Computational Model With Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Sharzehee Mohammadali , Seddighi Yasamin , Sprague Eugene A. , Finol Ender A. , Han Hai-Chao 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMyocardial bridging (MB) and coronary atherosclerotic stenosis can impair coronary blood flow and may cause myocardial ischemia or even heart attack. It remains unclear how MB and stenosis are similar or different regarding their impacts on coronary hemodynamics. The purpose of this study was to compare the hemodynamic effects of coronary stenosis and MB using experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approaches. For CFD modeling, three MB patients with different levels of lumen obstruction, mild, moderate, and severe were selected. Patient-specific left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery models were reconstructed from biplane angiograms. For each MB patient, the virtually healthy and stenotic models were also simulated for comparison. In addition, an in vitro flow-loop was developed, and the pressure drop was measured for comparison. The CFD simulations results demonstrated that the difference between MB and stenosis increased with increasing MB/stenosis severity and flowrate. Experimental results showed that increasing the MB length (by 140%) only had significant impact on the pressure drop in the severe MB (39% increase at the exercise), but increasing the stenosis length dramatically increased the pressure drop in both moderate and severe stenoses at all flow rates (31% and 93% increase at the exercise, respectively). Both CFD and experimental results confirmed that the MB had a higher maximum and a lower mean pressure drop in comparison with the stenosis, regardless of the degree of lumen obstruction. A better understanding of MB and atherosclerotic stenosis may improve the therapeutic strategies in coronary disease patients and prevent acute coronary syndromes.
The Physical Demands and Power Profile of Professional Men’s Cycling Races: An Updated Review
Authors: Sanders Dajo , van Erp Teun 
Published: December 2020

Background: A variety of intensity, load, and performance measures (eg, “power profile”) have been used to characterize the demands of professional cycling races with differing stage types. An increased understanding of the characteristics of these races could provide valuable insight for practitioners toward the design of training strategies to optimally prepare for these demands. However, current reviews within this area are outdated and do not include a recent influx of new articles describing the demands of professional cycling races. Purpose: To provide an updated overview of the intensity and load demands and power profile of professional cycling races. Typically adopted measures are introduced and their results summarized. Conclusion: There is a clear trend in the research that stage type significantly influences the intensity, load, and power profile of races with more elevation gain typically resulting in a higher intensity and load and longer-duration power outputs (ie, >10 min). Flat and semimountainous stages are characterized by higher maximal mean power outputs over shorter durations (ie, <2 min). Furthermore, single-day races tend to have a higher (daily) intensity and load compared with stages within multiday races. Nevertheless, while the presented mean (grouped) data provide some indications on the demands of these races and differences between varying competition elements, a limited amount of research is available describing the “race-winning efforts” in these races, and this is proposed as an important area for future research. Finally, practitioners should consider the limitations of each metric individually, and a multivariable approach to analyzing races is advocated.
Tracing Argoland in eastern Tethys and implications for India-Asia convergence
Authors: Zhang Xiaoran , Chung Sun-Lin , Tang Jui-Ting , Maulana Adi , Mawaleda Musri , Oo Thura , Tien Chia-Yu , Lee Hao-Yang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIncremental accretion of continental fragments from East Gondwana to Eurasia resulted in the growth of Asia and rise of the Tibetan Plateau, yet its detailed evolution remains uncertain. Argoland, a continental fragment that rifted from NW Australia during the Late Jurassic, played a key role in the initial opening of the Indian Ocean and the evolution of eastern Tethys. However, its present identity remains elusive, with East Java-West Sulawesi currently assumed to be the most likely option. To constrain the missing Argoland and its role in India-Asia convergence, we report new detrital zircon data from Sulawesi, Indonesia, and West Burma, Myanmar, and synthesize literature results from relevant regions in Southeast Asia, which (&gt;15,000) reveal age profiles of West Sulawesi, the central Sulawesi metamorphic belt, and southeast Borneo comparable to that of Bird's Head, New Guinea, whereas age patterns of West Burma and East/West Java are similar to those of NW Australia. Notably, the most dominant age populations in NW Australia are rarely detected in Sulawesi and Borneo. These observations, combined with previous geological records and recent paleomagnetic data, suggest that West Burma is the mysterious Argoland, opposing the currently favored East Java-West Sulawesi model, with East Java and West Sulawesi probably having originated from NW Australia and Bird's Head, respectively. We estimate an average northward motion of ∼6–8 cm/yr for West Burma, which split from NW Australia to approach the equator during ca. 155–95 Ma, shedding new light on the reconstruction and breakup of northern East Gondwana, progressive building of Southeast Asia, and India-Asia convergence.
Evidence base for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for diagnosis of skull fractures in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alexandridis Georgios , Verschuuren Eva W , Rosendaal Arthur V , Kanhai Danny A 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundBlunt head trauma is a common presentation to emergency departments (EDs). Identifying skull fractures in children is important as they are known factor of risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Currently, CT is the reference standard for diagnosing skull fractures and TBIs in children. Identifying skull fractures with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) may help risk-stratify children for TBI following blunt trauma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of POCUS in identifying skull fractures in children.MethodsA systematic search was performed on 17 July 2020 in Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Embase. Prospective studies reporting skull fractures diagnosed with ultrasound in children younger than 18 years due to blunt head injury were included. Studies that did not confirm the fracture with CT were excluded. The quality of studies was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 tool. Data were extracted from the eligible studies to calculate outcomes such as sensitivity and specificity; when possible overall outcomes were calculated.ResultsSeven studies were included. All eligible studies included patients for whom the decision to perform a CT scan was made in advance. Overall, the included studies demonstrated low risk of bias or had minor concerns regarding risk of bias. The pooled data (n=925) demonstrated a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 96%, positive predictive value of 88% and negative predictive value of 97%.ConclusionThe included studies demonstrate minor methodological limitations. Overall, the evidence suggests that POCUS is a valid option for diagnosing skull fractures in children visiting the ED after blunt head injury.