bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multicenter Study of 342 Anorectal Malformation Patients: Age, Gender, Krickenbeck Subtypes, and Associated Anomalies
Authors: Banu Tahmina , Karim Anwarul , Adel Maryam Ghavami , Lakhoo Kokila , Aziz Tasmiah Tahera , Das Arni , Sharmeen Nugayer , Yapo Benjamin , Ferdous Kazi Md Noor-ul , Kabir Kh Ahasanul , Zahid Mirza Kamrul , Ford Kathryn , Ahsan Md Qumrul , Akter Mastura , Alam Md Afruzul , Hoque Mozammel 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIntroduction Published studies based on Krickenbeck classification of anorectal malformations (ARMs) are still insufficient to assess the global as well as regional relative incidence of different ARM subtypes, gender distribution, and associated anomalies. The primary purpose of this study was to provide an estimate of those in Global Initiative for Children's Surgery (GICS) research group.Materials and Methods We collected ARM data prospectively for 1 year from four institutes of different geographic locations. A total of 342 patients were included in this study (195, 126, 11, and 10 from Bangladesh, Iran, Papua New Guinea, and Oxford, United Kingdom, respectively).Results Overall male to female ratio was 1:1. The most frequent ARM subtype was perineal fistula (23.7% = 81/342). About 48.5% (166/342) patients had at least one associated anomaly. Cardiac and genitourinary systems were the most commonly affected systems, 31.6% (108/342) and 18.4% (63/342), respectively. These organ-systems were followed by anomalies of vertebral/spinal (9.9% = 34/342), musculoskeletal (4.4% = 15/342), and gastrointestinal/abdominal (3.2% = 11/342) systems. Rectovesical fistula had the highest percentage (96.4% = 27/28) of associated anomalies. About 18.1% (62/342) patients had multiple anomalies. ARMs (both isolated and with associated anomalies) occurred equally in males and females. Comparison between patients from Bangladesh and Iran showed differences in relative incidence in ARM subtypes. In addition, Iranian patient group had higher percentage of associated anomalies compared with Bangladeshi (73 vs. 35.4%).Conclusion Our study provides important insights about ARM subtypes, gender distribution and associated anomalies based on Krickenbeck classification especially from Bangladesh and Iran.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Enoxaparin in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Song Diane , Magers Jacqueline , Abdel-Rasoul Mahmoud , Prusakov Pavel 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective This article evaluates the efficacy of enoxaparin when targeting anti-factor Xa levels of 0.5 to 1 units per milliliter in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Study Design This is a retrospective chart review of 45 neonates receiving enoxaparin for the treatment of venous thromboembolism. Enoxaparin dosing and corresponding anti-factor Xa levels were collected. Time to resolution of clot was confirmed by imaging and compared between clots in various locations.
Results The median time to clot resolution was 76 days (interquartile range 40–91 days). Clot location, postnatal age, and sex at the clot onset were significantly associated with time to clot resolution in a multivariable Cox model (p-value: 0.03, 0.03, and < 0.01, respectively). Of the 54 patients analyzed for safety, 5 patients (9.3%) experienced bleeding events resulting in the discontinuation of enoxaparin.
Conclusion Based on our findings, 50% of all patients evaluated, regardless of thrombus location, achieved resolution within the first 76 days of therapy. Clots located in the extremities tended to resolve sooner, hence earlier reimaging should be considered.
Pregnancy Outcomes among Hispanics Stratified by Country of Origin
Authors: Mendez-Figueroa Hector , Chauhan Suneet P. , Sangi-Haghpeykar Haleh , Aagaard Kjersti 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective This study aimed to compare the perinatal outcomes among U.S.-born and foreign-born Hispanics and Caucasians and ascertain if length of time in the US was associated with the rate of adverse outcomes.
Study Design Retrospective cohort analysis of gravidae enrolled in our institutional perinatal database. Women delivering a non-anomalous, singleton, at 24 weeks or more and self-identified as Caucasian or Hispanic were included. Women were stratified by country of birth and ethnicity into U.S.-born Caucasian, U.S.-born Hispanic, and U.S. foreign-born Hispanic. Composite maternal (CMM) and neonatal (CNM) morbidity was assessed.
Results Of 20,422 women, 21% were Caucasian, 15% were U.S.-born Hispanics, and 64% were U.S. foreign-born Hispanics. Compared to Caucasians, U.S.-born and foreign-born Hispanic were older, more likely to be a grand multiparous, obese and less likely to be married. Compared to Caucasians, foreign-born Hispanics had a 1.42-fold increased risk of CMM (95% CI 1.26–1.30). Paradoxically, the rate of CNM was 40% lower among neonates born to foreign-born Hispanics (95% CI 0.51–0.74). A significant direct relationship was noted between time in the USA and CMM but not CNM among foreign-born Hispanics.
Conclusion Despite less favorable baseline characteristics, U.S. foreign-born Hispanics have 40% less CNM compared to both Caucasians and U.S.-born Hispanics.
Predatory politics and personalization of power: The abuses and misuses of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in Somalia
Authors: Ingiriis Mohamed Haji 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This article investigates the security sector in Somalia, with a focus on the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), a government security unit, involved in the fight against the Al-Shabaab insurgency. This article argues that the historically traumatic legacy of autocratic oppression of the former military regime gives the Somali intelligence agency an infamous reputation that survives today and plays a significant role in the operations of the intelligence agency. Intelligence agents employ tactics from the late Cold War era military regime’s intelligence services, suggesting striking historical continuities of the military regime in practice and performance. The empirical data also shows that NISA is enmeshed in the ‘dirty war’ between the federal government and Al-Shabaab. Not only does the intelligence agency normalize extrajudicial activities to serve the agenda of political authorities and to suppress their critics, but it also financially benefits from arrests without trials. NISA agents harass the public and political opposition groups daily and brutally suppress mass media and freedom of speech, especially in the government-controlled areas in Mogadishu. As the first empirical academic investigation into NISA, the article contributes to broader debates on intelligence, the anthropology of the state, security studies, and institution- and state-building in violent environments.
High-frequency words in academic spoken English: corpora and learners
Authors: Dang Thi Ngoc Yen 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
EAP teachers and course designers usually assume that learners have already mastered the most frequent words of general language before entering their courses. Therefore, they focus on words that are outside high-frequency vocabulary but common in academic written English. This fixed vocabulary benchmark is questionable given EAP learners’ varied language proficiency. A good understanding of academic spoken English is certainly important for students’ academic success. Concentrating only on academic written vocabulary for comprehending academic spoken English may therefore be problematic. No attempts have been made to address these issues in a single study. This study compared the occurrences of high-frequency words in academic spoken and written English. It also tested EAP learners’ receptive knowledge of these words. Results showed that high-frequency words play a very important part in academic spoken English, but most participants failed to master them receptively. Suggestions for enhancing EAP learners’ knowledge of high-frequency words are provided.
Real-world risk of cardiovascular outcomes associated with hypertriglyceridaemia among individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and potential eligibility for emerging therapies
Authors: Lawler Patrick R , Kotrri Gynter , Koh Maria , Goodman Shaun G , Farkouh Michael E , Lee Douglas S , Austin Peter C , Udell Jacob A , Ko Dennis T 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Aims
Hypertriglyceridaemia in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has been in focus following the REDUCE-IT trial showing benefit with icosapent ethyl. Among individuals with prevalent ASCVD, we sought to quantify the contemporary, real-world risk of ASCVD events associated with hypertriglyceridaemia, as well as estimate icosapent ethyl eligibility and compare trial participants with REDUCE-IT-like individuals in the population.

Methods and results
We examined data from 2 424 865 adults with lipid panels in the Ontario population. Among those with prevalent ASCVD, we examined adjusted associations between triglyceride (TG) and ASCVD events (first occurrence of myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke or transient ischaemic attack, coronary revascularization, or cardiovascular death). The proportion of patients with ASCVD potentially eligible for icosapent ethyl was estimated as those with TG 135–499 mg/dL (1.52–5.63 mmol/L) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) 41–100 mg/dL (1.06–2.59 mmol/L), similar to the lipid cut-offs in REDUCE-IT, and their demographics and event rates examined. Among 196 717 individuals with ASCVD, median age was 69 years and 30% were female. A total of 24 097 composite ASCVD events occurred over a mean (standard deviation) 2.9 (0.5) years of follow-up. Increasing TG was associated with a graded, progressively higher hazard of ASCVD events. Twenty-five percent (49 886) of individuals with ASCVD had hypertriglyceridaemia and controlled LDLc; these patients were demographically similar to those in REDUCE-IT with comparable event rates.

Conclusions
Among patients with ASCVD, hypertriglyceridaemia is common, and is associated with higher ASCVD risk across a range of TG. It is possible that as many as one in four patients with ASCVD may be candidates for emerging therapies.
The role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and sudden cardiac death prevention: indications, device selection, and outcome
Authors: Goldenberg Ilan , Huang David T , Nielsen Jens Cosedis 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Multiple randomized multicentre clinical trials have established the role of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) as the mainstay in the treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) prevention. These trials have focused mainly on heart failure patients with advanced left ventricular dysfunction and were mostly conducted two decades ago, whereas a more recent trial has provided conflicting results. Therefore, much remains to be determined on how best to balance the identification of patients at high risk of SCD together with who would benefit most from ICD implantation in a contemporary setting. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators have also evolved from the simple, defibrillation-only devices implanted surgically to more advanced technologies of multi-chamber devices, with physiologic bradycardic pacing, including cardiac resynchronization therapy, atrial and ventricular therapeutic pacing algorithms, and subcutaneous ICDs. These multiple options necessitate individualized approach to device selection and programming. This review will focus on the current knowledge on selection of patients for ICD treatment, device selection and programming, and future directions of implantable device therapy for SCD prevention.
Intraprocedural endpoints to predict durable pulmonary vein isolation: a randomized trial of four post-ablation techniques
Authors: Jiang Ruhong , Chen Minglong , Yang Bing , Liu Qiang , Zhang Zuwen , Zhang Fengxiang , Ju Weizhu , Li Mingfang , Sheng Xia , Sun Yaxun , Zhang Pei , Yu Lu , Chen Shiquan , Zhu Jun , Cheng Hui , Fu Guosheng , Tung Roderick , Jiang Chenyang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Aims
The optimal procedural endpoint to achieve permanent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) during ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unknown. We aimed to compare the impact of prolonged waiting periods and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing after PVI on long-term freedom from AF.

Methods and results
In total, 538 patients (median age 61 years, 62% male) undergoing first-time radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal AF were randomized into four groups: Group 1 [PVI (no testing), n = 121], Group 2 (PVI + 30min waiting phase, n = 151), Group 3 (PVI+ATP, n = 131), and Group 4 (PVI + 30min+ATP, n = 135). The primary endpoint was freedom from AF. Repeat mapping to assess for late pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection was performed in patients who remained AF-free for &gt;3 years (n = 46) and in those who had repeat ablation for AF recurrence (n = 82). During initial procedure, acute PV reconnection was observed in 33%, 26%, and 42% of patients in Groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively. At 36 months, no significant differences in freedom from AF recurrence were observed among all four groups (55%, 61%, 50%, and 62% for Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively; P = 0.258). Late PV reconnection was commonly observed, with a similar incidence between patients with and without AF recurrence (74% vs. 83%; P = 0.224).

Conclusion
Although PVI remains the cornerstone for AF ablation, intraprocedural techniques to assess for PV reconnection did not improve long-term success. Patients without AF recurrence after 3 years exhibited similarly high rates of PV reconnection as those that underwent repeat ablation for AF recurrence. The therapeutic mechanisms of AF ablation may not be solely predicated upon durable PVI.
A randomized controlled trial of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with prolonged atrioventricular interval: the REAL-CRT pilot study
Authors: Botto Giovanni Luca , Iuliano Assunta , Occhetta Eraldo , Belotti Giuseppina , Russo Giovanni , Campari Monica , Valsecchi Sergio , Stabile Giuseppe 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Aims
A prolonged PR interval is known to be associated with increased mortality and a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF). We tested the hypothesis that cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is superior to conventional dual-chamber pacing with algorithms for right ventricular pacing avoidance (DDD-VPA) in preserving systolic and diastolic function and in preventing new-onset AF in patients with normal systolic function, indication for pacing and prolonged atrioventricular conduction (PR interval ≥220 ms).

Methods and results
We randomly assigned 82 patients with ejection fraction &gt;35%, indication for pacing and PR interval ≥220 ms to CRT or to DDD-VPA. On 12-month follow-up examination, the study and control arms did not differ in terms of left ventricular end-systolic volume (44 ± 17 mL vs. 47 ± 16 mL, P = 0.511) or ejection fraction (55 ± 6% vs. 57 ± 8%, P = 0.291). The E to A mitral wave amplitude ratio was higher in the CRT arm (1.3 ± 1.3 vs. 0.8 ± 0.4, P = 0.046) and the E wave deceleration time was longer (262 ± 83 ms vs. 205 ± 51 ms, P = 0.027). Left atrial volume was smaller in the CRT arm (64 ± 17 mL vs. 84 ± 25 mL, P = 0.035). Moreover, the functional class was lower in CRT patients (1.4 ± 0.6 vs. 1.8 ± 0.5, P = 0.010). During follow-up, CRT was associated with a lower risk of new-onset AF [hazard ratio = 0.37 (0.13–0.98), P = 0.046].

Conclusion
Cardiac resynchronization therapy proved superior to DDD-VPA in terms of better diastolic function, less left atrial enlargement and lower risk of new-onset AF, at 12 months. These data need to be confirmed in a larger trial with longer follow-up.

Clinical trial registration
URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ Identifier: NCT02150538
Shear wave velocity structure beneath Bandung basin, West Java, Indonesia from ambient noise tomography
Authors: Pranata B , Yudistira T , Widiyantoro S , Brahmantyo B , Cummins P R , Saygin E , Zulfakriza Z , Rosalia S , Cipta A 
Published: October 2019

Summary
We investigated the seismic shear wave velocity structure of the upper crust beneath the Bandung area in West Java, Indonesia, using ambient seismic noise tomography. We installed 60 seismographs to record ambient seismic noise continuously in the city of Bandung and its surrounding area for 8 months. After inter-station cross-correlation of recordings of ambient seismic noise, we obtained empirical Green's functions for Rayleigh waves. Group velocity dispersion curves for Rayleigh waves between periods of 1 s and 8 s were measured on each inter-station path by applying the multiple filter analysis method with phase-matched processing. The spatial variation of group velocities shows a good correlation with the geological structure of the Bandung Basin. The Rayleigh wave dispersion maps were inverted to obtain the 1D shear wave velocity profiles beneath each station, which were interpolated to infer a pseudo-3D structure under the study region. The results show that the Bandung Basin has a thick layer of sediment. Along the northern, eastern and southern mountains surrounding the Bandung Basin there is high-velocity structure, except to the west of the Tangkuban Parahu volcano, where a massive low-velocity structure extending throughout the upper crust might indicate the presence of fluids or partial melts.
On the measurement of seismic traveltime changes in the time–frequency domain with wavelet cross-spectrum analysis
Authors: Mao Shujuan , Mordret Aurélien , Campillo Michel , Fang Hongjian , van der Hilst Robert D 
Published: October 2019

SUMMARY
The spatial distribution of temporal variations in seismic wavespeed is key to understanding the sources and physical mechanisms of various geophysical processes. The imaging of wavespeed changes requires accurate measurements of traveltime delays with both high lapse-time and frequency resolutions. However, traditional methods for time-shift estimation suffer from their limited resolutions. In this paper we propose a new approach, the wavelet method, to measure the traveltime changes in the time–frequency domain. This method is based on wavelet cross-spectrum analysis, and can provide optimal time–frequency joint resolution while being computationally efficient. It can deal not only with coda but also dispersive surface waves even in the presence of cycle skipping. Using synthetic coda, we show that the wavelet method can retrieve traveltime shifts more stably and accurately than traditional methods. An application at Salton Sea Geothermal Field indicates that the wavelet method is less affected by spectral smearing and better discriminates dv/v variations at different frequencies. Furthermore, upon investigations on synthetic coda, we illustrate that the bias on dv/v measurements due to changes in source frequency content is likely to be negligible, either with traditional methods or with the new wavelet method. The wavelet method sheds lights on applications of seismic interferometry that aim to locate changes in space.
Comparison of multiple approaches to calculate time-varying biological reference points in climate-linked population-dynamics models
Authors: O’Leary Cecilia A , Thorson James T , Miller Timothy J , Nye Janet A 
Published: October 2019

AbstractFisheries managers use biological reference points (BRPs) as targets or limits on fishing and biomass to maintain productive levels of fish stock biomass. There are multiple ways to calculate BRPs when biological parameters are time varying. Using summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) as a case study, we investigated time-varying approaches in concert with climate-linked population models to understand the impact of environmentally driven variability in natural mortality, recruitment, and size-at-age on two commonly used BRPs [B0(t) and F35%(t)]. We used the following two approaches to calculate time-varying BRPs: dynamic-BRP and moving-average-BRP. We quantified the variability and uncertainty of different climate dependencies and estimation approaches, attributed BRP variation to variation in life-history processes, and evaluated how using different approaches impacts estimates of stock status. Results indicate that the dynamic-BRP approach using the climate-linked natural mortality model produced the least variable reference points compared to others calculated. Summer flounder stock status depended on the estimation approach and climate model used. These results emphasize that understanding climate dependencies is important for summer flounder reference points and perhaps other species, and careful consideration is warranted when considering what time-varying approach to use, ideally based upon simulation studies within a proposed set of management procedures.
Core Genome Allelic Profiles of Clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Using a Random Forest Algorithm Based on Multilocus Sequence Typing Scheme for Hypervirulence Analysis
Authors: Lan Peng , Shi Qiucheng , Zhang Ping , Chen Yan , Yan Rushuang , Hua Xiaoting , Jiang Yan , Zhou Jiancang , Yu Yunsong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) infections can have high morbidity and mortality rates owing to their invasiveness and virulence. However, there are no effective tools or biomarkers to discriminate between hvKP and nonhypervirulent K. pneumoniae (nhvKP) strains. We aimed to use a random forest algorithm to predict hvKP based on core-genome data.

Methods
In total, 272 K. pneumoniae strains were collected from 20 tertiary hospitals in China and divided into hvKP and nhvKP groups according to clinical criteria. Clinical data comparisons, whole-genome sequencing, virulence profile analysis, and core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) were performed. We then established a random forest predictive model based on the cgMLST scheme to prospectively identify hvKP. The random forest is an ensemble learning method that generates multiple decision trees during the training process and each decision tree will output its own prediction results corresponding to the input. The predictive ability of the model was assessed by means of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results
Patients in the hvKP group were younger than those in the nhvKP group (median age, 58.0 and 68.0 years, respectively; P &lt; .001). More patients in the hvKP group had underlying diabetes mellitus (43.1% vs 20.1%; P &lt; .001). Clinically, carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae was less common in the hvKP group (4.1% vs 63.8%; P &lt; .001), whereas the K1/K2 serotype, sequence type (ST) 23, and positive string tests were significantly higher in the hvKP group. A cgMLST-based minimal spanning tree revealed that hvKP strains were scattered sporadically within nhvKP clusters. ST23 showed greater genome diversification than did ST11, according to cgMLST-based allelic differences. Primary virulence factors (rmpA, iucA, positive string test result, and the presence of virulence plasmid pLVPK) were poor predictors of the hypervirulence phenotype. The random forest model based on the core genome allelic profile presented excellent predictive power, both in the training and validating sets (area under receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.987 and 0.999 in the training and validating sets, respectively).

Conclusions
A random forest algorithm predictive model based on the core genome allelic profiles of K. pneumoniae was accurate to identify the hypervirulent isolates.