bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
America
Authors: Hamlin William M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
What did Montaigne think of the New World? “America” looks at two of his essays, “On Coaches” and “On Cruelty.” Montaigne saw virtue as a sliding scale, seeing natural goodness, including his own, as less evolved, whereas a man overcoming dark urges carried more weight. Montaigne abhorred cruelty, and while he did not see the New World’s inhabitants as innocent, he mourned the lost opportunities for brotherhood in the Old World’s razing of the New for “pearls and pepper” and found in the tribes a useful rhetorical device for contrasting their “savage” behavior, such as cannibalism, with the more calculated cruelties of the Old World.
Providential diversity
Authors: Hamlin William M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Montaigne delighted in diversity, but did he prioritize it over sameness? “Providential diversity” covers his writings that warn against the human tendency to judge what is unfamiliar as inferior and barbaric, a tendency Montaigne tried to avoid in life and which he returns to throughout the Essays. He did not advocate that we return to the innocent state of children but that we recognize that our thoughts could be as flexible as a child’s. His conclusion that we should conform in public life was based partly on conservatism and partly on a belief in divine providence, that God put us in positions that are not for us to question.
Death and the good life
Authors: Hamlin William M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
For Montaigne death forms part of any life that is worth living. “Death and the good life” considers Montaigne’s writing and thought on the end of life and on living life. Montaigne is optimistic in his earlier essays about the freeing effects of inspecting and accepting mortality. Later, less confident that we can detach ourselves from the constraints of earthly existence, he is firmly convicted that death is inextricably bound up with life. In fact, he states, we rub shoulders with death every day. However, no writer can please everyone and Montaigne is no exception and this is arguably the most evident in his writing on these two weighty topics.
Global Islam: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Green Nile 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Global Islam—A Very Short Introduction looks at the methods used by individuals, organizations, and states to spread multiple versions of Islam around the world. Since the late nineteenth century, publications, missions, congresses, and pilgrimages have contributed to the communication and evolution of Islam. At the start of the twentieth century, the infrastructure of European empire allowed for the widespread communication of Islamic beliefs. During a period of secularism in the mid-twentieth century, global Islam became more accessible and, in some cases, more political. How have today’s broadcasting and smartphone technologies changed the face of global Islam? Will communication technologies reconcile the contradictions between variations of the faith, or will they create new ones?
Islam in the age of empire, steam, and print
Authors: Green Nile 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Where did global Islam come from? “Islam in the Age of Empire, Steam, and Print” looks at the period between 1870 and 1920, when the infrastructure of empire combined with technology to create the conditions needed for global Islam. Starting with the Ottoman Empire’s call for worldwide Muslim unity against European colonizers, journals and magazines with worldwide subscriptions spread messages of Islam. Salafism, developed by Rashid Rida (d. 1935), rejected ritual and miracles, combining modern science with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Global Islam lost some of its focus when the Ottoman Empire collapsed shortly after the First World War.
From Islamic revolutions to the Internet
Authors: Green Nile 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
“From Islamic Revolutions to the Internet” traces the development of global Islam from the Islamic Revolution in Iran and the war in Afghanistan to today, via the post-Soviet opening of multiple borders and the growth of Islam in China, Central Asia, and rural Africa. This period was characterized by competition between rival organizations, some violent such as ISIS. What happened when the states were no longer able to control the beliefs they sponsored? Today’s nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have returned to a message of Muslim unity. Smartphone technology has enabled individual religious activists to communicate their beliefs in a more vibrant and arresting way than state-sponsored televised debates.
Conclusions
Authors: Green Nile 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
“Conclusions” focuses on the past and future of global Islam, beginning with the move away from Sufi leadership and ending with today’s diverse and fragmentary representations of Islam. The spread of global Islam was underpinned by a variety of technological structures often created by non-Muslim societies, finding expression in genres with little or no precedent in Islamic tradition. Islam has changed during these globalizing transfers, and what we see and hear in today’s global Islam is by no means representative of the entire faith. In some ways, the story of global Islam is the story of how some of its versions have crossed borders more effectively than others.
Serologic Testing of US Blood Donations to Identify Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–Reactive Antibodies: December 2019–January 2020
Authors: Basavaraju Sridhar V , Patton Monica E , Grimm Kacie , Rasheed Mohammed Ata Ur , Lester Sandra , Mills Lisa , Stumpf Megan , Freeman Brandi , Tamin Azaibi , Harcourt Jennifer , Schiffer Jarad , Semenova Vera , Li Han , Alston Bailey , Ategbole Muyiwa , Bolcen Shanna , Boulay Darbi , Browning Peter , Cronin Li , David Ebenezer , Desai Rita , Epperson Monica , Gorantla Yamini , Jia Tao , Maniatis Panagiotis , Moss Kimberly , Ortiz Kristina , Park So Hee , Patel Palak , Qin Yunlong , Steward-Clark Evelene , Tatum Heather , Vogan Andrew , Zellner Briana , Drobeniuc Jan , Sapiano Matthew R P , Havers Fiona , Reed Carrie , Gerber Susan , Thornburg Natalie J , Stramer Susan L 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, with subsequent worldwide spread. The first US cases were identified in January 2020.

Methods
To determine if SARS-CoV-2–reactive antibodies were present in sera prior to the first identified case in the United States on 19 January 2020, residual archived samples from 7389 routine blood donations collected by the American Red Cross from 13 December 2019 to 17 January 2020 from donors resident in 9 states (California, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin) were tested at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Specimens reactive by pan-immunoglobulin (pan-Ig) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against the full spike protein were tested by IgG and IgM ELISAs, microneutralization test, Ortho total Ig S1 ELISA, and receptor-binding domain/ACE2 blocking activity assay.

Results
Of the 7389 samples, 106 were reactive by pan-Ig. Of these 106 specimens, 90 were available for further testing. Eighty-four of 90 had neutralizing activity, 1 had S1 binding activity, and 1 had receptor-binding domain/ACE2 blocking activity &gt;50%, suggesting the presence of anti–SARS-CoV-2–reactive antibodies. Donations with reactivity occurred in all 9 states.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may have been introduced into the United States prior to 19 January 2020.
Robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy: first clinical experiences and review of the literature
Authors: Chiu Philip Wai-yan , de Groot Eline Marieke , Yip Hon-chi , Egberts Jan-Hendrik , Grimminger Peter , Seto Yasuyuki , Uyama Ichiro , van der Sluis Pieter Christiaan , Stein Hubert , Sallum Rubens , Ruurda Jelle P , van Hillegersberg Richard 
Published: November 2020

Summary
Pulmonary complications, and especially pneumonia, remain one of the most common complications after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. These complications are reduced by minimally invasive techniques or by avoiding thoracic access through a transhiatal approach. However, a transhiatal approach does not allow for a full mediastinal lymphadenectomy. A transcervical mediastinal esophagectomy avoids thoracic access, which may contribute to a decrease in pulmonary complications after esophagectomy. In addition, this technique allows for a full mediastinal lymphadenectomy. A number of pioneering studies have been published on this topic. Here, the initial experience is presented as well as a review of the current literature concerning transcervical esophagectomy, with a focus on the robot-assisted cervical esophagectomy procedure.
Technical details of the hand-sewn and circular-stapled anastomosis in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy
Authors: de Groot Eline M , Möller Thorben , Kingma B Feike , Grimminger Peter P , Becker Thomas , van Hillegersberg Richard , Egberts Jan-Hendrik , Ruurda Jelle P 
Published: November 2020

SUMMARY
The circular mechanical and hand-sewn intrathoracic anastomosis are most often used in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). The aim of this study was to describe the technical details of both techniques that were pioneered in two high volume centers for RAMIE. A prospectively maintained database was used to identify patients with esophageal cancer who underwent RAMIE with intrathoracic anastomosis. The primary outcome was anastomotic leakage, which was analyzed using a moving average curve. For the hand-sewn anastomosis, video recordings were reviewed to evaluate number of sutures and distances between the anastomosis and the longitudinal staple line or gastric conduit tip. Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 68 patients with a hand-sewn anastomosis and 60 patients with a circular-stapled anastomosis were included in the study. For the hand-sewn anastomosis, the moving average curve for anastomotic leakage (including grade 1–3) started at a rate of 40% (cases 1–10) and ended at 10% (cases 59–68). For the circular-stapled anastomosis, the moving average started at 10% (cases 1–10) and ended at 20% (cases 51–60). This study showed the technical details and refinements that were applied in developing two different anastomotic techniques for RAMIE. Results markedly improved during the period of development with specific changes in technique for the hand-sewn anastomosis. The circular-stapled anastomosis showed a more stable rate of performance.
Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE): tips and tricks from the bedside assistant view—expert experiences
Authors: van der Horst S , Voli C , Polanco I A , van Hillegersberg R , Ruurda J P , Park B , Molena D 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
The role of bedside assistants in robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy is important. It includes knowledge of the procedure, knowledge of the da Vinci Surgical System, skills in laparoscopy, and good communicative skills. An experienced bedside assistant will likely improve efficiency and safety of robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy.
Robot-assisted minimally invasive thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy versus open esophagectomy: long-term follow-up of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: de Groot Eline M , van der Horst Sylvia , Kingma B Feike , Goense Lucas , van der Sluis Pieter C , Ruurda Jelle P , van Hillegersberg Richard 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
Initial results of the ROBOT, which randomized between robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) and open transthoracic esophagectomy (OTE), showed significantly better short-term postoperative outcomes in favor of RAMIE. However, it is not yet clarified if RAMIE is equivalent to OTE regarding long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to report the long-term oncological results of the ROBOT trial in terms of survival and disease-free survival. This study is a follow-up study of the ROBOT trial, which was a randomized controlled trial comparing RAMIE to OTE in 112 patients with intrathoracic esophageal cancer. Both the trial protocol and short-term results were previously published. The primary outcome of the current study was 5-year overall survival. Secondary outcomes were disease-free survival and recurrence patterns. Analysis was by intention to treat. During the recruitment period, 109 patients were included in the survival analysis (RAMIE n = 54, OTE n = 55). Majority of patients had clinical stage III or IV (RAMIE 63%, OTE 55%) and received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (80%). Median follow-up was 60 months (range 31–60). The combined 5-year overall survival rates for RAMIE and OTE were 41% (95% CI 27–55) and 40% (95% CI 26–53), respectively (log rank test P = 0.827). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 42% (95% CI 28–55) in the RAMIE group and 43% (95% CI 29–57) in the OTE group (log rank test P = 0.749). Out of 104 patients, 57 (55%) developed recurrent disease detected at a median of 10 months (range 0–56) after surgery. No statistically difference in recurrence rate nor recurrence pattern was observed between both groups. Overall survival and disease-free survival of RAMIE are comparable to OTE. These results continue to support the use of robotic surgery for esophageal cancer.
Real-world use and accuracy of stress echocardiography: preliminary insights from the EVAREST study
Authors: Woodward W , McCourt A , Dockerill C , Ayres L , Augustine D , O'Driscoll J , Sharma R , Benedetto E , Spagou N , Tsiachristas A , Upton R , Leeson P 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Stress echocardiography is a widely used, non-invasive imaging modality used to identify prognostically significant coronary artery disease. High levels of accuracy have been reported, however this is highly dependent on operator training and image quality. There are currently limited data available on the accuracy of stress echo in every day clinical practice.

Purpose
The EVAREST study links stress echo clinics in 30 NHS Hospital Trusts in England and therefore provides data to evaluate the performance and diagnostic accuracy of stress echo in “real-world” clinical practice.

Methods
Analysis was performed on the first 7415 patients recruited prospectively between 2015 and January 2020. Participants are included if they have undergone stress echo to investigate for ischaemic heart disease. Data is collected on medical history and stress echo performance. Participants are followed up for 12 months through health records and patient phone call, with all outcomes undergoing expert adjudication. A positive cardiac outcome is defined as initiation of anti-anginal medications, ≥70% stenosis on coronary angiography, revascularisation, confirmed acute coronary syndrome or cardiac-related death.

Results
Mean age of patients undergoing stress echo is 65±12.3 years and 56% are male. Average BMI is 28.9±5.6 kg/m2. 71.4% undergo dobutamine stress (DSE) and 28.4% exercise with &lt;1% having a pacemaker-mediated stress. Contrast was used in 71.4% of studies. Stress echos were interpreted at time of clinic visit as positive for inducible ischaemia in 18.2% of patients. One-year outcome data is currently available for 1892 participants. Sensitivity and specificity for clinician prediction of a positive cardiac outcome was 88.7% and 94.4%, respectively. Positive and negative predictive value of stress echo was 76.4% and 97.6%, respectively.

Conclusion
EVAREST provides unprecedented, large-scale information on the “real world” use and accuracy of stress echo across different healthcare settings in the UK, demonstrating performance consistent with best practice. Ongoing data collection will be used to evaluate sources of heterogeneity in the predictive accuracy of stress echo and identify optimal approaches to further improve performance.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Ultromics Ltd., Lantheus Ltd.
Added value of left atrial expansion index for non-invasive estimation of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
Authors: Genovese D , Badano L.P , Muraru D , Carrer A , Previtero M , Ferraris G , Tona F , Tarantini G , Iliceto S , Perazzolo Marra M 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Right heart catheterization (RHC) is the reference technique for pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) measurement but remains invasive. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) diastolic parameters (DPs) are used as non-invasive surrogates but have suboptimal accuracy. Left atrial expansion index (LAEI), describing LA reservoir function, could be used for indirectly estimate PCWP.

Purpose
To evaluate the correlation between LAEI and PCWP and to compare LAEI accuracy against DPs in estimating PCWP.

Methods
We retrospectively included the patients admitted to our department from 05/2015 to 02/2018 who underwent both a clinically indicated RHC and TTE within 24 hours. PCWP was obtained during RHC. DPs were measured offline and LAEI was calculated from LA maximum volume (MaxVol) and LA minimum volume (MinVol) as LAEI = [(LAMaxVol − LAMinVol) / LAMinVol)] × 100.

Results
We enrolled 405 patients (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)&lt;50% n=172; PCWP&gt;12mmHg n=209). LAEI showed a logarithmic correlation with PCWP. The log-transformed LAEI (lnLAEI) had an excellent linear correlation (r=−0.82; p&lt;0.001) with PCWP, higher than DPs (LAMaxVoli: r=0.42; E/A: r=0.57; E/e': r=0.51; TRMaxVel r=0.17; all p&lt;0.001). lnLAEI had the highest accuracy in identifying PCWP&gt;12 mmHg (lnLAEI AUC 0.921, p&lt;0.001) when compared to DPs and their association (Figure). lnLAEI showed an independent and added predictive value in estimating PCWP in a model including atrial fibrillation (Afib), heart rate (HR), LVEF, mitral regurgitation (MR), LAMaxVoli, E/A, E/e' and TRMaxVel (Table).

Conclusions
LAEI is a simple parameter strongly associated with PCWP which might be used for PCWP estimation.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Is raphe only an innocent bystander finding or a predictor of complications in bicuspid aortic valve patients? Experience of Italian REBECCA registry
Authors: Bellino M , Citro R , La Carrubba S , Fabiani I , Faggiano P , Desseni N , Faganello G , Barbieri A , Cresti A , Moreo A , Dentamaro I , Monte I , Colonna P , Benedetto F , Antonini-Canterin F 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart disease, affecting 0.5%–2% of the general population. It is associated with valvular dysfunction (aortic stenosis and/or regurgitation, endocarditis) but also with a wide spectrum of aortopathy with unpredictable clinical presentations. The role of the raphe is still controversial.

Methods
The REgistro della Valvola Aortica Bicuspide della Società Italiana di ECocardiografia e CArdiovascular Imaging is a retrospective/prospective, multicenter, observational registry, with definitive diagnosis of BAV. Anamnestic, demographic, clinical, and instrumental data are collected into dedicated software at first evaluation and during follow-up. Aortopathy was defined as: annulus ≥14 mm/m2; root ≥20 mm/m2; sino-tubular junction (STJ) ≥16 mm/m2; ascending aorta (AA) ≥17 mm/m2; it was classified in: type A, dilation of the ascending aorta; type B, dilation of the aortic root and the ascending aorta; and type C, isolated dilation of the aortic root. Patients were divided in two groups; those with raphe and those without.

Results
At December 2019, 800 patients with BAV (Male, 73.3%; M:F ratio 2.9; Mean Age at diagnosis 44±23 years) have been included in the registry. Prevalence of hypertension was 29%, diabetes mellitus 3%, smoking-habit 8%. We reported a majority (42.7%, 342) of patients with type 1, followed by type 2 (10.2%, 82) and type 3 (3.7%, 30). No gender differences were observed according to BAV phenotypes, while male gender was associated to higher prevalence of aortic valve regurgitation (p=0.0003). Moreover, in patients with raphe, aortic stenosis (49.8% vs 38.4%; p=0.014) and aortopathy (57.4% vs 46.1%; p=0.034) were significantly prevalent (see Table 1). Of note no difference about aortic regurgitation (62.8% vs 48.7%; p=0.064) between two groups were detected. At univariable logistic regression analysis the presence of raphe was significantly associated with aortopathy [OR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.02–1.42; p=0.037] especially with Type B Aortopathy [OR: 0.55: 95% CI: 0.33–0.93: p=0.02].

Conclusion
Preliminary data from Italian Multicenter REBECCA registry highlight that, in patients with BAV, the raphe is not an innocent bystander but a risk factor for aortic stenosis and type B aortopathy.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Meta-analysis for cardiovascular risk stratification based on noninvasive left anterior descending velocity reserve
Authors: Fountas E , Djordjevic-Dikic A , Beleslin B , Voudris V , Athanassopoulos G 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Left anterior descending velocity reserve (LADVR) by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has been proposed for cardiovascular risk stratification in observational prospective studies. Aim of the current study was to interrogate the prognostic consistency and coherence of the existing LADVR data by the means of meta-analysis of relevant studies.

Methods
A systematic research through electronic databases was performed for prospective studies with patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) who had LADVR data.
The exposure was abnormal values of LADVR as defined in each study and the outcome was the occurrence of cardiovascular event or death (CE-D). Statistical index considered were the risk ratio (RR) for CE-D of patients with abnormal vs. normal LADVR, as obtained from Cox proportional hazard models.
A meta-analysis of these studies using random-effects model was performed to evaluate the pooled prognostic value of abnormal LADVR.

Results
Fifteen studies with 13050 patients (59.7% male; mean age 64.2 years; mean follow-up 25.1 months) were included in this meta-analysis. Every study used adjustments for every established risk factor for CE-D (age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking habits, wall motion abnormalities during stress echo). The abnormal value of LADVR was associated with an increased risk of CE-D (RR=3.33, 95% CI: 2.54–4.37, p-value &lt;0.001). Moderate heterogeneity was observed between studies (Q=35.83, p-value=0.001, I2=60.9%) which was further investigated with sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis and meta-regression.

Conclusions
Meta-analytic data for the cardiovascular risk stratification based on dichotomous LADVR data provide robust evidence for efficient prognostic yield.
The current results support the broader clinical application of the LADVR.
LADVR meta-analysis forestplot

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None