bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Incidence and Disease Course of Perianal Crohn’s Disease: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study, 1997–2015
Authors: Wewer M D , Zhao M , Nordholm-Carstensen A , Weimers P , Seidelin J B , Burisch J 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background and Aims
Perianal Crohn’s disease [CD] places a considerable burden on patients’ quality of life and is complex to treat. Despite its impact and high frequency, few studies have investigated the incidence and disease course of perianal CD. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and disease course of perianal CD in adult patients throughout a 19-year period.

Methods
The cohort comprised all individuals aged 18 years or older who were diagnosed with CD in Denmark between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2015, according to the National Patient Registry [NPR].

Results
A total of 1812 [19%] out of 9739 patients with CD were found to have perianal CD. Perianal fistulas were the most common manifestation, accounting for 943 [52%] cases. The incidence of perianal CD remained stable over time. Patients with perianal CD were found to have an increased risk of undergoing major abdominal surgery compared with patients without perianal CD (hazard ratio: 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40 to 1.64, p &lt;0.001) in a multivariate Cox regression analysis. The incidence rate ratios of anal and rectal cancer in perianal CD patients were 11.45 [95% CI: 4.70 to 27.91, p &lt;0.001] and 2.29 [95% CI: 1.25 to 4.20, p = 0.006], respectively, as compared with non-IBD matched controls.

Conclusions
In this nationwide study, 19% of CD patients developed perianal disease. Patients with perianal CD were at increased risk of undergoing major surgery compared with non-perianal CD patients. The risk of anal and rectal cancer was increased in patients with perianal CD compared with non-IBD matched controls.

Podcast
This article has an associated podcast which can be accessed at https://academic.oup.com/ecco-jcc/pages/podcast
Quantification of hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: clinical relevance of hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening volume
Authors: Karády Júlia , Apor Astrid , Nagy Anikó I , Kolossváry Márton , Bartykowszki Andrea , Szilveszter Bálint , Simon Judit , Molnár Levente , Jermendy Ádám L , Panajotu Alexisz , Suhai Ferenc I , Varga Andrea , Rajani Ronak , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Merkely Béla 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Aims
Our aim was to establish an objective, quantitative methodology for volumetric hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) diagnosis and evaluate its clinical significance.

Methods and results
We prospectively enrolled 144 patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) between 2011 and 2016. At inclusion, cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA), transthoracic echocardiography, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. We quantified HALT on CTA datasets by segmenting the inner volume of TAVI frame at the level of leaflets and extracted voxels between a threshold of −200 to 200 HU based on prior recommendation. The median HALT volume was 72 [inter-quartile range (IQR): 1–154] mm3 (intra- and inter-reader agreement: intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.92 and 0.94, respectively) and 79% (n = 87/111) of the patients had HALT &gt;0 mm3. In multivariate linear regression, oral anti-coagulation (β: −0.32; 95% CI: −0.62 to −0.01; P = 0.004) and history of myocardial infarction (β: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.01–0.63; P = 0.043) were associated with HALT quantity. Log-transformed HALT volume was associated with elevated (&gt;13 mmHg) aortic mean gradient (AMG, OR: 12.85; 95% CI: 1.96–152.93; P = 0.021) and moderate-to-severe valvular degeneration (AMG ≥ 20 mmHg or ΔAMG ≥ 10 mmHg; OR: 10.56; 95% CI: 1.44–148.71; P = 0.046) but did not predict ischaemic brain lesions on MRI or all-cause death after a median follow-up of 29 (IQR: 11–29) months (all P &gt; 0.05).

Conclusion
Through systematic analysis of asymptomatic patients with TAVI, an objective and reproducible methodology was feasible for volumetric measurement of HALT. Anti-coagulation might have a protective effect against HALT. Ischaemic brain lesions and all-cause death were not associated with HALT; nevertheless, it might deteriorate prosthesis function due to its association with elevated AMG.

Clinical trial registration
http//:www.ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02826200.
Removing the wall around welfare: What do We learn from A8 immigrants in the UK?
Authors: Giua Ludovica 
Published: June 2020

SUMMARY
A relevant question within the growing debate on immigration policy concerns the impact of granting immigrants free access to the welfare system. I analyse the case of the European 2004 Accession (A8) countries and the lift of the temporary limitations to benefit eligibility that citizens from these countries faced until April 2011 in the UK. When the restrictions are relaxed A8 immigrants claim more benefits, but labour supply adjustments occur mainly for those who are more in need for assistance, namely women and the less educated, especially in the presence of children. Moreover, I provide evidence on two potential indirect effects. First, my results support the absence of magnet effects, as arrivals do not change from before to after the change in eligibility rules. Second, I show that granting immigrants access to welfare does not change the composition of the incoming flows.
Electronic cigarette
Authors: Biondi Zoccai Giuseppe , Carnevale Roberto , Sciarretta Sebastiano , Frati Giacomo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Despite significant efforts during the last decades, cigarette smoking still remains prevalent. Discouraging the use of all tobacco products, it is certainly the most effective mean to enhance public health, but complete prohibition is unlikely to succeed. The greatest challenge is the approach to chronic smokers, particularly those affected with cardiovascular conditions. To better support these patients during the difficult process leading to complete smoke cessation, it is important to characterize each patient from a clinical and psychological perspective, introducing the most reliable approaches to incentivize and support abstinence, such as varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy, thus providing a personalized recommendation. The recent introduction of electronic systems for nicotine release or tobacco heating (electronic cigarettes), offers an important challenge. These devices are reasonably considered as lower risk tools, thus providing a useful alternative which unable the patient a smoother transition toward smoking cessation, also presenting an array of choices among which a personalized selection could be made. This technology, though, should not be overemphasized, considering also its potential harmful effects, and certainly its use should be strongly discouraged in non-smokers, particularly at young age. This approach, cautious and pragmatic, aside from demonization or over-enthusiastic appraisal, could provide favourable results in the constant struggle against cigarette smoking.
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9: an update on the cardiovascular outcome studies
Authors: Ferri Nicola , Greco Maria Francesca , Corsini Alberto , Ruscica Massimiliano 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Inhibitors of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase enzyme, statins, are powerful cholesterol-lowering medications and have provided outstanding contributions to the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is one of the major modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, indeed, every 1.0 mmol/L (38.7 mg/dL) reduction in LDL cholesterolaemia corresponds to a 21% lowering in the risk of major vascular events. In this context, the pharmacological approach with PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies is considered a promising non-statin therapeutic option for the management of lipid disorders in patients with persistent cardiovascular risk, including patients with diabetes mellitus. Data from two large clinical trials have indisputably demonstrated the efficacy of alirocumab and evolocumab in preventive major adverse cardiovascular events in high risk, secondary-prevention patients with clinical manifestation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Finally, PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies did not increase the risk of serious adverse events, neurocognitive events, new-onset of diabetes, muscle-related events, or myalgia.
The PURE study and the enigmatic aspects of the diet: is it possible that an high saturated fat consumption would not be harmful?
Authors: Poli Andrea 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
According to the results of a recent observational epidemiologic study, the PURE study, an elevated consumption of saturated fats in the diet would not be detrimental for the cardiovascular risk, and would not increase all-causes-mortality. A part for the criticism the study received, for being conducted in eastern countries and mainly in rural settings, its results are substantially in agreement with the most recent epidemiological literature, which gradually redefined the pro-atherogenic role of the saturated fats. It is possible that this type of fats, in this instance, would have a limited and restricted effect, and rather represent the overall effect of the foodstuff in which they abound, in the prevalent dietetic habits of the population studied. The results of the PURE study can be integrated with little difficulties, with the recent revision of the role of the alimentary fats in determining cardiovascular risk and all-causes-mortality. The revision doesn’t support (assuming adequate calories and weight control) a limitation of the total dietary fats, saturated fats in particular. An excessive reduction of saturated fats, particularly in Europe, could lead to an unnecessary and unsolicited limitation of certain foods (most commonly cheese), whose final impact on overall health is favourable.
Left atrial fibrosis predicts left ventricular ejection fraction response after atrial fibrillation ablation in heart failure patients: the Fibrosis-HF Study
Authors: Kirstein Bettina , Neudeck Sebastian , Gaspar Thomas , Piorkowski Judith , Wechselberger Simon , Kronborg Mads Brix , Zedda Angela , Hankel Anastasia , El-Armouche Ali , Tomala Jakub , Schmidt Thomas , Mayer Julia , Wagner Michael , Ulbrich Stefan , Pu Liying , Richter Utz , Huo Yan , Piorkowski Christopher 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Aims
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist. Catheter ablation has been reported to restore left ventricular (LV) function but patients benefit differently. This study investigated the correlation between left atrial (LA) fibrosis extent and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery after AF ablation.

Methods and results
In this study, 103 patients [64 years, 69% men, 79% persistent AF, LVEF 33% interquartile range (IQR) (25–38)] undergoing first time AF ablation were investigated. Identification of LA fibrosis and selection of ablation strategy were based on sinus rhythm voltage mapping. Continuous rhythm monitoring was used to assess ablation success. Improvement in post-ablation LVEF was measured as primary study endpoint. An absolute increase in post-ablation LVEF ≥10% was defined as ‘Super Response’. Left atrial fibrosis was present in 38% of patients. After ablation LVEF increased by absolute 15% (IQR 6–25) (P &lt; 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction improvement was higher in patients without LA fibrosis [15% (IQR 10–25) vs. 10% (IQR 0–20), P &lt; 0.001]. An inverse correlation between LVEF improvement and the extent of LA fibrosis was found (R2 = 0.931). In multivariate analysis, the presence of LA fibrosis was the only independent predictor for failing LVEF improvement [odds ratio 7.2 (95% confidence interval 2.2–23.4), P &lt; 0.001]. Echocardiographic ‘Super Response’ was observed in 55/64 (86%) patients without and 21/39 (54%) patients with LA fibrosis, respectively (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Presence and extent of LA fibrosis predict LVEF response in HF patients undergoing AF ablation. The assessment of LA fibrosis may impact prognostic stratification and clinical management in HF patients with AF.
Detection of anti-HEV antibodies and RNA of HEV in pigs from a hyperendemic Italian region with high human seroprevalence
Authors: Martino Camillo , Rampacci Elisa , Pierini Ilaria , Giammarioli Monica , Stefanetti Valentina , Hyatt Doreene R , Ianni Andrea , Di Paolo Giovanni , Coletti Mauro , Passamonti Fabrizio 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundPigs are considered the main reservoir of genotypes 3 and 4 of hepatitis E virus (HEV), which is the major cause of acute hepatitis of viral origin in humans worldwide. An increasing number of autochthonous HEV infections have been observed in recent years in industrialized countries, most likely as a result of zoonotic transmission through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat products.MethodsTwo hundred and thirty-three blood and liver samples were collected at four different local slaughterhouses from domestic pigs bred in Abruzzo, a region of south-central Italy, where there is the highest human seroprevalence to HEV compared with the rest of Italy. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used for detecting anti-HEV IgG in the sera, while the presence of HEV RNA was investigated by performing a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).ResultsBetween 87.3% and 100% of swine serum samples collected in different slaughterhouses of Abruzzo were positive for anti-HEV antibodies. Conversely, none of the liver samples collected from the same animals were positive for HEV by real-time RT-PCR.ConclusionsThe hypothesis of foodborne zoonotic transmission from local pigs as responsible for the hyperendemic status of Abruzzo cannot be corroborated. However, the high seroprevalence observed in pigs indicates that HEV is highly circulating in these territories. We propose to further investigate the role of wild fauna and trade in carrier pigs, and the maintenance of HEV virulence in the environment and meat supply chain to shed light on the possible sources of human infection and the degree of occupational risk.
Crustal seismic structure beneath the Garhwal Himalaya using regional and teleseismic waveform modelling
Authors: Kanna Nagaraju , Gupta Sandeep 
Published: June 2020

SUMMARYWe investigate the crustal seismic structure of the Garhwal Himalayan region using regional and teleseismic earthquake waveforms, recorded over 19 closely spaced broad-band seismic stations along a linear profile that traverses from the Sub Himalayas to Higher Himalayas. The regional earthquake traveltime analysis provides uppermost mantle P- and S-wave velocities as 8.2 and 4.5 km s−1, respectively. The calculated receiver functions from the teleseismic P waveforms show apparent P-to-S conversions from the Moho as well as from intracrustal depths, at most of the seismic stations. These conversions also show significant azimuthal variations across the Himalayas, indicating complex crustal structure across the Garhwal Himalaya. We constrain the receiver function modelling using the calculated uppermost mantle (Pn and Sn) velocities. Common conversion point stacking image of P-to-S conversions as well as receiver function modelling results show a prominent intracrustal low shear velocity layer with a flat–ramp–flat geometry beneath the Main Central Thrust zone. This low velocity indicates the possible presence of partial melts/fluids in the intracrustal depths beneath the Garhwal Himalaya. We correlate the inferred intracrustal partial melts/fluids with the local seismicity and suggest that the intracrustal fluids are one of the possible reasons for the occurrence of upper-to-mid-crustal earthquakes in this area. The results further show that the Moho depth varies from ∼45 km beneath the Sub Himalayas to ∼58 km to the south of the Tethys Himalayas. The calculated lower crustal shear wave velocities of ∼3.9 and 4.3 km s−1 beneath the Lesser and Higher Himalayas suggest the presence of granulite and partially eclogite rocks in the lower crust below the Lesser and Higher Himalayas, respectively. We also suggest that the inferred lower crustal rocks are the possible reasons for the presence and absence of the lower crustal seismicity beneath the Lesser and Higher Himalayas, respectively.
Virtually Trans: an Australian Facebook group supporting gender diverse adults’ health and wellbeing
Authors: Dowers Eden , Kingsley Jonathan , White Carolynne 
Published: June 2020

Summary
Social networking sites are the primary means by which trans and gender diverse people meet, enabling both community contact and information exchange. This study considers the meaning of participation in a secret Facebook group for trans and gender diverse adults in Melbourne (Australia). A peer ethnographic methodology was used to study the Melbourne-based group listed under the pseudonym ‘Virtually Trans’. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Virtually Trans group members. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed. Interview data were supplemented with field notes written throughout online participation over an 8-month period to add richness and provide context to the data. Three major themes were developed from this analysis. First, experiences outside of Virtually Trans, most notably within health care settings, were perceived to be unsafe. Second, practices of care in Virtually Trans conferred a sense of kinship and identity affirmation. Finally, Virtually Trans enabled localized information exchange between peers. Virtually Trans is not a neutral platform of self-performance but a safe(r) environment for expanding the gendered possibilities of who and how people may become. This study highlights the importance of a secret Facebook group in filling care, information and resource gaps experienced by trans and gender diverse people within a major metropolitan setting. The findings have implications for practitioners working with trans and gender diverse adults and peer health navigation.
Estimation and classification of temporal trends to support integrated ecosystem assessment
Authors: Solvang Hiroko Kato , Planque Benjamin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
We propose a trend estimation and classification (TREC) approach to estimating dominant common trends among multivariate time series observations. Our methods are based on two statistical procedures that includes trend modelling and discriminant analysis for classifying similar trend (common trend) classes. We use simulations to evaluate the proposed approach and compare it with a relevant dynamic factor analysis in the time domain, which was recently proposed to estimate common trends in fisheries time series. We apply the TREC approach to the multivariate short time series datasets investigated by the ICES integrated assessment working groups for the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. The proposed approach is robust for application to short time series, and it directly identifies and classifies the dominant trends underlying observations. Based on the classified trend classes, we suggest that communication among stakeholders like marine managers, industry representatives, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies can be enhanced by finding the common tendency between a biological community in a marine ecosystem and the environmental factors, as well as by the icons produced by generalizing common trend patterns.
Prognostic score for survival with pulmonary carcinoids: the importance of associating clinical with pathological characteristics
Authors: Chiappetta Marco , Sperduti Isabella , Ciavarella Leonardo Petracca , Leuzzi Giovanni , Bria Emilio , Mucilli Felice , Lococo Filippo , Filosso Pierluigi , Ratto Giovannibattista , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Facciolo Francesco , Margaritora Stefano 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Lung carcinoids (LCs) are staged using the non-small-cell lung cancer tumour/node/metastasis staging system; the possibility of an LC-specific staging system is still being debated. The goal of our study was to construct a composite prognostic score for LC.

METHODS
From January 2002 to December 2014, data from 293 patients who underwent surgical treatment for LC in 7 research institutes were retrospectively analysed. A panel of established prognostic factors in addition to lymph node metastasis patterns (single/multiple N1–N2 station, skip metastasis, lobe specific), numbers of lymph nodes resected and the ratio between the numbers of metastatic lymph nodes and the numbers of lymph nodes resected (node ratio) were correlated to overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The log-hazard ratio (HR), obtained from the Cox model, was used to derive weighting factors for a continuous prognostic index, designed to identify differential outcome risks. The score was dichotomized according to maximally selected log-rank statistics.

RESULTS
Pathological analysis showed typical carcinoids in 223 (76.1%) and atypical carcinoids in 70 (23.9%) patients; the tumour/node/metastasis pattern was stage I in 72.4%, stage II in 18.1%, stage III in 9.5% and stage IV in 0.03% cases. The median numbers of lymph nodes resected was 12 (range 0–53); hilar and mediastinal node metastases were identified in 14% and 6.8% of cases, respectively. Overall, the 5-year OS and 5-year DFS rates were 90.6% and 76.7%, respectively. At multivariable analysis, sex, age, pathological T stage and node ratio were significantly related to a better OS; age, histological type, pathological T stage and node ratio were related to DFS. These factors were used to generate the prognostic score, which showed statistically significant differences between the high-risk and low-risk groups: 5-year OS = 96.6% if score &lt;3.1 vs 63.5% if score ≥3.1 [P &lt; 0.0001; HR 17.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.45–56.53]; 5-year DFS 92.3% if score &lt;1.5 vs 52.5% if score ≥ 1.5 (P &lt; 0.0001; HR 7.95, 95% CI 3.48–18.16).

CONCLUSIONS
The proposed prognostic scores seem to be effective in predicting outcomes for patients with LCs.
‘Alien’ vs. Editor: World English in theOxford English Dictionary, Policies, Practices, and Outcomes 1884–2020
Authors: Williams David-Antoine 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis article discusses the changing ways in which the Oxford English Dictionary has recorded the vocabularies of ‘World English’—English as spoken outside of the British Isles—from the first to the present edition. Based on direct analyses of the coded text of multiple editions, it documents and compares the practices of successive editors, taking into account various contextual factors, such as editorial principles and policies, institutional resources, and historical language development. Significant attention is given to labelling practices, including the notorious ‘tramline’ mark of the First Edition and Second Supplement, designating ‘alien’ vocabulary; the evolution of the notion of ‘regional’ English within the dictionary; and the contributions of technology to the art of lexicography. The final section details changes in policy and methods in the current revision and expansion, evaluating both its practices vis-à-vis its predecessors, and the picture it gives us of the current state of World English.