bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left ventricular strain for predicting the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: two methods for one question
Authors: Hubert Arnaud , Gallard Alban , Rolle Virginie Le , Smiseth Otto A , Leclercq Christophe , Voigt Jean-Uwe , Galli Elena , Galand Vincent , Hernandez Alfredo , Donal Erwan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
Myocardial work (manually controlled software) and integral-derived longitudinal strain (automatic quantification of strain curves) are two promising tools to quantify dyssynchrony and potentially select the patients that are most likely to have a reverse remodelling due to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We sought to test and compare the value of these two methods in the prediction of CRT-response.

Materials and results
Two hundred and forty-three patients undergoing CRT-implantation from three European referral centres were considered. The characteristics from the six-segment of the four-chamber view were computed to obtain regional myocardial work and the automatically generated integrals of strain. The characteristics were studied in mono-parametric and multiparametric evaluations to predict CRT-induced 6-month reverse remodelling. For each characteristic, the performance to estimate the CRT response was determined with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the difference between the performances was statistically evaluated. The best area under the curve (AUC) when only one characteristic used was obtained for a myocardial work (AUC = 0.73) and the ROC curve was significantly better than the others. The best AUC for the integrals was 0.63, and the ROC curve was not significantly greater than the others. However, with the best combination of works and integrals, the ROC curves were not significantly different and the AUCs were 0.77 and 0.72.

Conclusion
Myocardial work used in a mono-parametric estimation of the CRT-response has better performance compared to other methods. However, in a multiparametric application such as what could be done in a machine-learning approach, the two methods provide similar results.
Commissural Malalignment as a Predictor of Coronary Artery Abnormalities in Patients with Transposition of Great Arteries
Authors: Al Nasef M , Alghamdi Mohammed H , Bello Valls Maria L , Zahrani Ahmed M , AlAkfash Ali , Ardah Husam I , Diranneya Obayda M , Alhabshan Fahad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
In patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), commissural malalignment (CM) between semilunar valves may be associated with abnormal coronary (CA) pattern. We intend to assess the degree of CM with incidence of unusual CA anatomy.

Methods
We proposed a ratio to measure the distance of both ends of the anterior facing sinuses of the pulmonary valve from the facing commissure of the aortic valve. We labeled it as D1 and D2 distance. A ratio (C ratio) of the smaller distance (either D1 or D2 whichever is shorter) over the sum of both D1 and D2 was taken (D1 or D2 whichever is shorter/D1+D2). We related this ratio with the incidence of the unusual CA anatomy in D-TGA patients

Results
We had a total of 158 patients. We defined the point beyond which the C-Ratio becomes significantly associated with abnormal coronary artery pattern, this represents the median effective level (EL50). The EL50 of the C-Ratio was found to be equal to 31% (0.31). The prediction revealed that the CA pattern would most probably be usual when there is a minor commissural malalignment (C-Ratio less than the EL50) and most probably be unusual when there is a major malalignment (C-Ratio is greater than the EL50). The sensitivity was 71% and the specificity 88% (p-value &lt;0.0001).

Conclusions
The C-Ratio helps to categorize the degree of CM as minor (less than 0.31) or major (more than 0.31). A higher C-Ratio predicts a higher incidence of unusual CA pattern
Theoretical adequacy, methodological quality and efficacy of online interventions targeting resilience: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Díaz-García Amanda , Franke Marvin , Herrero Rocio , Ebert David Daniel , Botella Cristina 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
There is a growing interest in the promotion of mental health, and concepts as resilience are re-emerging and taking relevance. In addition, Information and Communication Technologies can provide potential benefits in the field of mental health, and the treatment of mental disorders in particular. This study aims to synthesize the evidence of internet-based resilience interventions, analyzing the theoretical adequacy, methodological quality and efficacy.

Methods
A systematic search was performed. The eligibility criteria stated for this article were: randomized controlled trials targeted at adults or adolescents and including any psychological intervention focussing on resilience in its rationale or design. Studies with direct (e.g. resilience scales) and proximal resilience measures (e.g. scales on well-being) were included. Risk of bias was assessed for each trial using Cochrane’s Collaboration Tool. Two reviewers worked independently in order to identify potential articles. A total of 11 articles were selected. A random-effects pooling model using the Hartung–Knapp–Sidik–Jonkman method based on direct and proximal resilience measures at post-test was used.

Results
The overall effects of online resilience training compared to control groups at post-test were not significant; the effect size concerning the improvement of resilience was g=0.12 (95% CI: −0.14 to 0.38). In addition, a potential association between the type of outcome and the effect size could be revealed.

Conclusions
The results of the present meta-analysis showed that the overall effect of online resilience trainings was not significant. Nonetheless, a tendency for a higher benefit for resilience was found in the studies with a clear assessment theory, indicating some promising effects.

Registration Number
PROSPERO CRD42018083339.
Chromosomal-Level Genome Assembly of Silver Sillago (Sillago sihama)
Authors: Lin Xinghua , Huang Yang , Jiang Dongneng , Chen Huapu , Deng Siping , Zhang Yulei , Du Tao , Zhu Chunhua , Li Guangli , Tian Changxu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Silver sillago, Sillago sihama is a member of the family Sillaginidae and found in all Chinese inshore waters. It is an emerging commercial marine aquaculture species in China. In this study, high-quality chromosome-level reference genome of S. sihama was first constructed using PacBio Sequel sequencing and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technique. A total of 66.16 Gb clean reads were generated by PacBio sequencing platforms. The genome-scale was 521.63 Mb with 556 contigs, and 13.54 Mb of contig N50 length. Additionally, Hi-C scaffolding of the genome resulted in 24 chromosomes containing 96.93% of the total assembled sequences. A total of 23,959 protein-coding genes were predicted in the genome, and 96.51% of the genes were functionally annotated in public databases. A total of 71.86 Mb repetitive elements were detected, accounting for 13.78% of the genome. The phylogenetic relationships of silver sillago with other teleosts showed that silver sillago was separated from the common ancestor of Sillago sinica ∼7.92 Ma. Comparative genomic analysis of silver sillago with other teleosts showed that 45 unique and 100 expansion gene families were identified in silver sillago. In this study, the genomic resources provide valuable reference genomes for functional genomics research of silver sillago.
Age, Multiple Chronic Conditions, and COVID-19: A Literature Review
Authors: Tisminetzky Mayra , Delude Christopher , Hebert Tara , Carr Catherine , Goldberg Robert J , Gurwitz Jerry H 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Various patient demographic and clinical characteristics have been associated with poor outcomes for individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To describe the importance of age and chronic conditions in predicting COVID-19-related outcomes.

Methods
Search strategies were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE. Daily alerts were created.

Results
A total of 28 studies met our inclusion criteria. Studies varied broadly in sample size (n = 21 to more than 17,000,000). Participants’ mean age ranged from 48 years to 80 years, and the proportion of male participants ranged from 44% to 82%. The most prevalent underlying conditions in patients with COVID-19 were hypertension (range: 15%–69%), diabetes (8%–40%), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (4%–61%), chronic pulmonary disease (1%–33%), and chronic kidney disease (range 1%–48%). These conditions were each associated with an increased in-hospital case fatality rate (CFR) ranging from 1% to 56%. Overall, older adults have a substantially higher case fatality rate (CFR) as compared to younger individuals affected by COVID-19 (42% for those &lt;65 vs 65% &gt; 65 years). Only one study examined the association of chronic conditions and the risk of dying across different age groups; their findings suggested similar trends of increased risk in those &lt; 65 years and those &gt; 65 years as compared to those without these conditions.

Conclusions
There has been a traditional, single-condition approach to consideration of how chronic conditions and advancing age relate to COVID-19 outcomes. A more complete picture of the impact of burden of multimorbidity and advancing patient age is needed.
Applications of Circulating Tumor DNA in a Cohort of Phase I Solid Tumor Patients Treated With Immunotherapy
Authors: Araujo Daniel V , Wang Ao , Torti Dax , Leon Alberto , Marsh Kayla , McCarthy Aoife , Berman Hal , Spreafico Anna , Hansen Aaron R , Razak Albiruni-Abdul , Bedard Philippe L , Wang Lisa , Plackmann Eric , Chow Helen , Bao Hua , Wu Xue , Pugh Trevor J , Siu Lillian L 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
The correlation between blood-based tumor mutation burden (bTMB) and tissue-based tumor mutation burden(tTMB) has not been broadly tested in a multicancer cohort. Here, we assess the correlation between bTMB with tTMB in phase I trial patients treated with immunotherapy. As an exploratory analysis, we evaluated circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) dynamics in responders.

Methods
Patients treated with immunotherapy at the Princess Margaret phase I trials unit were enrolled. Pretreatment plasma ctDNA and matched normal blood controls were collected. Available archival tissue formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples were analyzed. A 425-gene panel was used to sequence both ctDNA and FFPE samples. Samples with TMB within the highest tertile were considered as high TMB.

Results
Thirty-eight patients were accrued from 25 different trials, 86.8% of which involved an anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agent. Thirty patients (78.9%) had detectable mutations in ctDNA, of which the median (range) bTMB was 5 (1-53) mutations per megabase (mut/Mb). Of the 22 patients with available FFPE samples, mutations were detected in 21 (95.4%); the median (range) tTMB was 6 (2-124) mut/Mb. Among the 16 patients with detectable mutations in both FFPE and ctDNA, a statistically significant correlation between bTMB and tTMB was observed (ρ = 0.71; P = .002). High TMB was not associated with better survival. All 3 responders had a decrease in the variant allele frequency of mutations detected in ctDNA at a second timepoint relative to baseline, indicating a potential early marker of response.

Conclusions
In this small series, bTMB correlated with tTMB. An on-treatment decrease in VAF of mutations detected in ctDNA at baseline was observed in responders. Larger studies to verify our findings are warranted.
Humanising not transformative? The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and economic inequality in OECD countries 2008-19
Authors: Ragnarsson Kári Hólmar 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
After leaving the issue mostly unaddressed, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has in the last few years increasingly raised concerns about economic inequality, recommending progressive taxation to finance social spending. However, emphasising tax-and-transfer to ensure sufficient provision risks humanising and legitimising neoliberalism, leaving deeper structures untouched.
Vestibular Physical Therapy Evaluation of Individuals Exposed to Directed Energy
Authors: Hoppes Carrie W , Lambert Karen H , Harvard Orlando D , Whitney Susan L 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Directed energy has been described as exposure to a unique sound/pressure phenomenon such as infrasonic or ultrasonic acoustic or electromagnetic energy. Following suspected sonic attacks on U.S. Embassies, a subset of individuals presented with a unique cluster of symptoms believed to have resulted from exposure to directed energy. The Joint Force does not have an established protocol to guide the vestibular physical therapy evaluation of individuals exposed to directed energy. Therefore, we sought to provide evidence-based guidance for conducting a comprehensive vestibular physical therapy evaluation in persons exposed to directed energy.

Materials and Methods
A comprehensive search of relevant databases was performed from 2018 to the present. Four seminal articles were used to inform suggestions for clinical best practice.

Results
The physical therapist should ask open-ended questions to understand what the individual is experiencing and use key questions to focus attention on the mechanism of injury, symptom report, and symptom timeline. The physical therapist should perform an evaluation to determine if the peripheral vestibular apparatus (semicircular canals and otoliths), vestibular nerve, and/or central pathways have been affected by directed energy exposure. Components of the quantitative examination were selected because they provide information on health condition(s), body structure and function impairments, and activity limitations but require little to no specialized equipment.

Conclusions
Evidence-based guidance for conducting a comprehensive vestibular physical therapy evaluation in individuals exposed to directed energy may aid in the identification and diagnosis of unconventional brain injury. This standardized approach can help physical therapists to evaluate complaints that do not match any previously known medical conditions but resemble brain injury or vestibular pathology.
Lyman-α emission from a WISE-selected optically faint powerful radio galaxy M151304.72-252439.7 at z = 3.132
Authors: Shukla Gitika , Srianand Raghunathan , Gupta Neeraj , Petitjean Patrick , Baker Andrew J , Krogager Jens-Kristian , Noterdaeme Pasquier 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
We report the detection of a large (∼90 kpc) and luminous Lyα nebula [LLyα = (6.80 ± 0.08) × 1044$\rm {\, erg\, s^{-1}}$] around an optically faint (r &gt; 23 mag) radio galaxy M1513-2524 at zem = 3.132. The double-lobed radio emission has an extent of 184 kpc, but the radio core, i.e. emission associated with the active galactic nucleus (AGN) itself, is barely detected. This object was found as part of our survey to identify high-z quasars based on Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) colours. The optical spectrum has revealed Lyα, N v, C iv, and He ii emission lines with a very weak continuum. Based on long-slit spectroscopy and narrow band imaging centred on the Lyα emission, we identify two spatial components: a ‘compact component’ with high velocity dispersion (∼1500 km s−1) seen in all three lines, and an ‘extended component’, having low velocity dispersion (i.e. 700–1000 km s−1). The emission line ratios are consistent with the compact component being in photoionization equilibrium with an AGN. We also detect spatially extended associated Lyα absorption, which is blue-shifted within 250–400 km s−1 of the Lyα peak. The probability of Lyα absorption detection in such large radio sources is found to be low (∼10 per cent) in the literature. M1513-2524 belongs to the top few percent of the population in terms of Lyα and radio luminosities. Deep integral field spectroscopy is essential for probing this interesting source and its surroundings in more detail.
GD 424 – a helium-atmosphere white dwarf with a large amount of trace hydrogen in the process of digesting a rocky planetesimal
Authors: Izquierdo Paula , Toloza Odette , Gänsicke Boris T , Rodríguez-Gil Pablo , Farihi Jay , Koester Detlev , Guo Jincheng , Redfield Seth 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
The photospheric metal pollution of white dwarfs is now well established as the signature of the accretion of planetary debris. However, the origin of the trace hydrogen detected in many white dwarfs with helium atmospheres is still debated. Here, we report the analysis of GD 424: a metal-polluted, helium-atmosphere white dwarf with a large amount of trace hydrogen. We determined the atmospheric parameters using a hybrid analysis that combines the sensitivity of spectroscopy to the atmospheric composition, log(H/He), with that of photometry and astrometry to the effective temperature, Teff, and surface gravity, log g. The resulting white dwarf mass, radius, and cooling age are $\mbox{$M_{\mathrm{WD}}$}=0.77\pm 0.01\, \mbox{$\mathrm{M}_{\odot }$}$, $\mbox{$R_{\mathrm{WD}}$}=0.0109\pm 0.0001\, \mbox{$\mathrm{R}_{\odot }$}$, and τcool = 215 ± 10 Myr, respectively. We identified and measured the abundances of 11 photospheric metals and argue that the accretion event is most likely either in the increasing or in steady state, and that the disrupted planetesimal resembles either CI chondrites or the bulk Earth in terms of its composition. We suggest that the observed 1.33 × 1022 g of trace hydrogen in GD 424 was at least partly acquired through accretion of water-rich planetary debris in an earlier accretion episode.
Bimodality of [α Fe]–[Fe/H] distributions is a natural outcome of dissipative collapse and disc growth in Milky Way-type galaxies
Authors: Khoperskov Sergey , Haywood Misha , Snaith Owain , Di Matteo Paola , Lehnert Matthew , Vasiliev Evgenii , Naroenkov Sergey , Berczik Peter 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
By using chemo-dynamical simulations of the Milky Way-type galaxies formation, we find that the two α-sequences are formed in quite different physical environments. The high-α sequence is formed early from a burst of star formation in a turbulent, compact gaseous disc that forms a thick disc. The low-α stellar population is the result of quiescent star formation supported by the slow accretion of enriched gas on to a radially extended thin disc. Feedback-driven outflows during the formation of the thick disc are responsible for the enrichment of the surrounding gaseous halo, which subsequently feeds the disc on a longer time-scale. During the thin disc phase, chemical evolution reaches an equilibrium metallicity and abundance, where the stars pile-up. This equilibrium metallicity decreases towards the outer disc, generating the ridge line that forms the low-α sequence. We identify a second mechanism capable of creating a low-α sequence in one of our simulations. A rapid shutdown of the star formation due to feedback at the end of the thick disc phase, suppresses the chemical enrichment of the halo gas, which, once accreted on to the star-forming disc, dilutes the interstellar medium at the beginning of the thin disc formation. Therefore, the bimodality is independent of any particular merger history, suggesting that it could be much more widespread than has been claimed. We also find that radial migration has a negligible effect on the $\rm [\alpha / Fe]\!-\![Fe / H]$ distribution over time, suggesting that α-bimodality results purely from the presence of different star formation regimes over the galaxy’s formation.
Testing the impact of coronal mass ejections on cosmic-ray intensity modulation with algorithm selected Forbush decreases
Authors: Okike O , Nwuzor O C , Odo F C , Iyida E U , Ekpe J E , Chukwude A E 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
The relationship between coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and Forbush decreases (FDs) has been investigated in the past. But the selection of both solar events are difficult. Researchers have developed manual and automated methods in efforts to identify CMEs as well as FDs. While scientists investigating CMEs have made significant advancement, leading to several CME catalogues, including manual and automated events catalogues, those analyzing FDs have recorded relatively less progress. Till date, there are no comprehensive manual FD catalogues, for example. There are also paucity of automated FD lists. Many investigators, therefore, attempt to manually select FDs which are subsequently used in the analysis of the impact of CMEs on galactic cosmic-ray (GCR) flux depressions. However, some of the CME versus FD correlation results might be biased since manual event identification is usually subjective, unable to account for the presence of solar-diurnal anisotropy which characterizes GCR flux variations. The current paper investigates the relation between CMEs and FDs with emphasis on accurate and careful Forbush event selection.
Reliability of mecA in Predicting Phenotypic Susceptibilities of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Williams Manon C , Dominguez Samuel R , Prinzi Andrea , Lee Kayla , Parker Sarah K 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The mecA gene is commonly used to identify resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, but historically is not used for coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). Analysis of 412 staphylococcal blood cultures (2014–2018) revealed that the absence of mecA had high concordance (100%) with oxacillin susceptibility for S. aureus and CoNS alike.
Transient photoinhibition and photo-oxidative stress as an integral part of stress acclimation and plant development in a dioecious tree adapted to Mediterranean ecosystems
Authors: Muñoz Paula , Cotado Alba , Munné-Bosch Sergi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Mastic trees (Pistacia lentiscus L.) are dioecious perennial plants that are highly adapted to Mediterranean climates but display a high sensitivity to winter periods. In order to understand how sex, leaf phenology and ecological context could condition sensitivity to winter and associated mechanisms to acclimate to these conditions, photoinhibition and photo-oxidative stress markers were examined in mastic trees (P. lentiscus) from a natural population growing in the Garraf Natural Park for a consecutive 12-month period (seasonal study), as well as in three populations naturally growing in the Montseny Natural Park, including the highest altitudes described for this species, during winter (altitudinal study). Results from these studies indicate that both the winter period and higher elevation influenced the degree of photoinhibition, but this was not conditioned by sex. In fact, winter photoinhibition occurred transiently even though it was accompanied by chlorophyll loss and malondialdehyde contents. Stress acclimation was achieved through biochemical adjustments in chloroplasts, characterized by anthocyanin shielding, increased de-epoxidation state of the xanthophyll cycle as well as tocopherol accumulation, and phenological adaptations, the latter allowing a complete resetting of the physiological performance of leaves. Moreover, although females showed higher lipid peroxidation than males during the coldest winter months, at the highest elevation and during flowering in spring, this oxidative stress was mild and transient with no negative consequences for the physiology of plants. It is concluded that evergreen mastic trees acclimate to winter conditions and higher elevations by activation of antioxidant defenses together with phenological adjustments, altogether playing a crucial role in plant survival. Sexual dimorphism in mastic trees appears as a relevant factor when considering sensitivity to photo-oxidative stress in winter and altitudinal conditions.