bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Fate of Patients After Failed Epicardial Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Nasso Giuseppe , Lorusso Roberto , Motekallemi Arash , Dell’Aquila Angelo M. , Bari Nicola Di , Condello Ignazio , Moscarelli Marco , Iacopino Saverio , Serraino Giuseppe F. , Mastroroberto Pasquale , Santarpino Giuseppe , Speziale Giuseppe 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background – Much debate is still going on about the best ablation strategy – via endocardial or epicardial approach – in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and evidence gaps exist in current guidelines in this area. More specifically, there are no clear long-term outcome data after failed surgical AF ablation.Methods – Since June 2008, 549 surgical AF ablation procedures through a right minithoracotomy were performed at our institution. From 2008 to 2011, a unipolar radiofrequency device was used (151 patients), whereas from 2011 to 2020 a bipolar radiofrequency device was used (398 patients). Patients were scheduled for surgery on the basis of the following criteria: recurrent episodes of paroxysmal or persistent lone AF refractory to maximally tolerated antiarrhythmic drug dosing and at least one failed cardioversion attempt. Besides the recommended follow-up by the local cardiologist, starting from 2021, surviving patients were asked to undergo assessment of left ventricular function and to complete a questionnaire addressing quality of life and predisposing factors for recurrent AF.Results – At a mean follow-up of 77 months, the rate of AF recurrence was 20.7% (n=114). On multivariate analysis, impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (58 patients, 51%, p=0.002), worsening of European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) symptom class (37 patients, 32%, p=0.003) and cognitive decline or depression (23 patients, 20%, p=0.023) during follow-up were found to be significantly associated with AF recurrence.Conclusions – Surgical AF ablation through a right minithoracotomy is safe, but a better outcome could be achieved using a hybrid approach. Patients after initial failed surgical AF ablation show worsening of cardiac function, clinical status and quality of life at follow-up compared to patients with successful AF ablation.
Intercomparison of Historical Simulation and Future Projection of Rainfall and Temperature by CMIP5 and CMIP6 GCMs Over Egypt
Authors: Hamed Mohammed Magdy , Nashwan Mohamed Salem , Shahid Shamsuddin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The performances of the Global Climate Models (GCMs) of recently released Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) compared to its predecessor, CMIP5 are evaluated to anticipate the expected changes in climate over Egypt, globally one of the most environmentally fragile countries due to water insecurity and climate change. Thirteen common GCMs and their multi-model ensemble (MME) of both CMIPs were used for this purpose. The future projections were compared for two radiative concentration pathways (RCP 4.5 and 8.5), and two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP 2-4.5 and 5-8.5) scenarios. The results revealed improvement in most CMIP6 models in replicating historical rainfall, maximum temperature (Tmax) and minimum temperature (Tmin) climatology over Egypt. The MME of the CMIPs revealed that both could reproduce the spatial distribution and seasonal variability of climate in Egypt. However, the bias in CMIP6 is much less than that for CMIP5. The uncertainty in simulating seasonal variability of rainfall and temperature was lower for CMIP6 compared to CMIP5. The future projection of rainfall using CMIP6 MME revealed a higher reduction of precipitation (4 to 10 mm) in the economically crucial northern region compared to that estimated using CMIP5 (10 to >15 mm). CMIP6 also projected a 1.5 to 2.5ºC more rise in Tmax and Tmin compared to CMIP5. The study indicates more aggravated scenarios of climate changes in Egypt than anticipated earlier, using the CMIP5 model. Therefore, Egypt needs to streamline the existing adaptation measures formulated based on CMIP5 projections.
Redesigning An Antibody H3 Loop by Virtual Screening of A Small Library of Human Germline-Derived Sequences
Authors: Corbeil Christopher R. , Manenda Mahder Seifu , Sulea Traian , Baardsnes Jason , Picard Marie-Ève , Hogues Hervé , Gaudreault Francis , Deprez Christophe , Shi Rong , Purisima Enrico O. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The design of superior biologic therapeutics, including antibodies and engineered proteins, involves optimizing their specific ability to bind to disease-related molecular targets. Previously, we developed and applied the Assisted Design of Antibody and Protein Therapeutics (ADAPT) platform for virtual affinity maturation of antibodies (PLoS ONE, 12(7): e0181490). However, ADAPT is limited to point mutations of hot-spot residues in existing CDR loops. In this study, we explore the possibility of wholesale replacement of the entire H3 loop with no restriction to maintain the parental loop length. This complements other currently published studies that sample replacements for the CDR loops L1, L2, L3, H1 and H2. Given the immense sequence space theoretically available to H3, we focused on the virtual grafting of over 5000 human germline-derived H3 sequences from the IGMT/LIGM database increasing the diversity of the sequence space when compared to using crystalized H3 loop sequences. H3 loop conformations are generated and scored to identify optimized H3 sequences. Experimental testing of high-ranking H3 sequences grafted into the framework of the bH1 antibody against human VEGF-A led to the discovery of multiple hits, some of which had similar or better affinities relative to the parental antibody. In over 75% of the tested designs, the redesigned H3 loop contributed favorably to overall binding affinity. The hits also demonstrated good developability attributes such as high thermal stability and no aggregation. Crystal structures of select redesigned H3 variants were solved and indicated that although some deviations from predicted structures were seen in the more solvent accessible regions of the H3 loop, they did not significantly affect predicted affinity scores.
Extraction High Purity Nanosilica Corn Cob by Modified Precipitation Technique
Authors: Ajeel Sami A. , Sukkar Khalid A. , zedin naser korde 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Corn cob considers the agricultural waste in Iraq. High purity SiO2NPs were extracted from corn cob by enhanced precipitation and developed leaching processes. In this study, pre-treatment with 3N HCl has achieved then calcination of the corn cob at 700°C, then follows with the leaching process with (2, 2.5, 3)N NaOH. The characterizations of the prepared SiO2NPs were analyzed with atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results were found that the prepared SiO2NPs have an amorphous structure with a high purity of 97.13 %. Also, the AFM results indicated that the average diameter of the SiO2NPs was 85 nm. It was noted that the leaching processes and pretreatment methods determine the structure, particle size, and quality of the synthesized SiO2NPs.
Sum and Difference Beamspace Domain Refined Maximum Likelihood Algorithm for Elevation Estimation in Multipath Environment
Authors: Chen Sheng , Zhao Yongbo , Hu Yili , Pang Xiaojiao 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Beamspace domain super-resolution methods for elevation estimation in multipath environment has attracted significant attention. However, the difference beam is rarely used in super-resolution methods, especially in low elevation estimation. In order to improve the accuracy of beamspace domain maximum likelihood algorithm for elevation estimation, we apply the difference beam to the beamformer. Therefore, we develop a sum and difference beamspace domain maximum likelihood (SDBDML) algorithm for elevation estimation, which has good estimation accuracy and is not sensitive to antenna height and reflection coefficient errors. In order to further improve the estimation performance, we take the refined signal model into account in the SDBDML algorithm, and develop a sum and difference beamspace domain refined maximum likelihood (SDBDRML) algorithm. Compared with the SDBDML algorithm, the SDBDRML algorithm has higher estimation accuracy and lower computational burden, although it is sensitive to antenna height and reflection coefficient errors. The theoretical target elevation angle root mean square error (RMSE) and the computational complexity of proposed algorithms are analyzed. Finally, our computer simulations and real data processing results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Early Detection and Intervention for Young Children With Early Developmental Disabilities in Western Uganda: a Mixed-methods Evaluation
Authors: Sadoo Samantha , Nalugya Ruth , Lassman Rachel , Kohli-Lynch Maya , Chariot Golden , Davies Hannah , Katuutu Euphrasia , Clee Melissa , Seeley Janet , Webb Emily L , Rehema Mutoni Vedastine , Beckerlegge Fiona , Tann Cally 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Early support for children with developmental disabilities is crucial but frequently unavailable in low-resource settings. We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a programme of early detection and intervention for young children with developmental disabilities in Western Uganda. Methods: Early child development training for healthcare workers (HCWs) was implemented in three rural districts, and attendance was tracked. HCW knowledge and confidence were assessed pre-/post-training, and referral numbers tracked to evaluate impact. Facilitators were trained and mentored to deliver a participatory, group, early intervention programme (EIP) for young children with developmental disabilities and their families. Facilitators were tracked as they were identified, trained, and delivered the intervention, and attendance of families was tracked. Pre-/post-intervention assessments evaluated changes in family quality of life (PedsQL 2.0, Family Impact Module), and child nutritional outcomes. Focus group discussions with stakeholders also assessed feasibility, acceptability and impact.Results: Overall, 93 HCWs from 45 healthcare facilities received training. In the pre-/post-evaluation, median knowledge and confidence scores increased significantly (from 4.0 to 7.0 and from 2.7 to 4.7, respectively (p<0.001)). HCWs reported feeling empowered to refer and offer care for families with a young child with disability. Referral rates increased from 148 to 251 per annum (70%). Eleven EIP facilitators were trained, and all delivered the intervention; 84 families were enrolled, of which 78% attended at least 6 out of 10 modules. Amongst those with paired pre-/post-intervention data (n=48), total family quality of life scores increased significantly (21%, p<0.001). Improvements were seen across all domains of quality of life, with the largest impacts on emotional functioning and social functioning (p<0.001). The programme was acceptable to caregivers and facilitators. Caregivers reported improved knowledge, family relationships, hope, emotional wellbeing, and reduced self-stigma. Conclusions: A programme of early detection and intervention for children with early developmental disabilities and their families was feasible and acceptable in a rural community-based Ugandan setting. HCW training positively impacted knowledge, confidence, attitudes, and referral rates. Families enrolled to the EIP reported significant improvements in quality of life. Important programmatic barriers identified included geographical spread, poverty, gender inequality, and stigma.
Bacterial Isolates from Decomposing Rice Straw used for Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production from Straw Hydrolysate Obtained by Alkaline Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Authors: Thuoc Doan Van , Chung Nguyen Thi , Hatti-Kaul Rajni 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Rice straw is an important low cost feedstock for bio-based economy. This report presents a study in which rice straw was used both as a source for isolation of bacteria producing the biodegradable polyester polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), as well as the carbon source for the production of the polymer by the isolated bacteria. Of the 100 bacterial isolates, seven were found to be positive for PHA production by Nile blue staining and were identified as Bacillus species by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Three isolates showed 100% sequence identity to B. cereus, one to B. paranthracis, two with 99 and 100% identity to B. anthracis, while one was closely similar to B. thuringensis. For use in PHA production, rice straw was subjected to mild alkaline pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis. Comparison of pretreatment by 2% sodium hydroxide, 2% calcium hydroxide and 20% aqueous ammonia, respectively, at different temperatures showed maximum weight loss with NaOH at 80 °C for 5 hours, but ammonia for 15 h at 80 °C led to highest lignin removal of 63%. The ammonia pretreated rice straw also led to highest release of total reducing sugar up to 92% on hydrolysis by a cocktail of cellulases and hemicellulose at 50 °C. Cultivation of the Bacillus isolates on the pretreated rice straw revealed highest PHA content of 59.3 and 46.4%, and PHA concentration of 2.96 and 2.51 g/L by Bacillus cereus VK92 and VK98, respectively.
Role of biomass (bio-diesel, bio-ethanol. biomass pyro-lysis),solar energy and green energy related project
Authors: Tripathi Bhavya , P.Vijay  
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The present work outlines the energy crisis produced by burning of excess amount of fossil fuels. The scientists and environmentalists come to realize the importance of renewable amount of energy to eradicate the pollution by developing new technologies and discussing its pros and cons, in addition to it developing sustainable ways to tackle the problem of global warming and green-house effect. There is a need to understand the development of developing the bio-fuel project by undergoing the cumulative aspects of various environmental, man-made, resource etc,. We cannot only rely on the unique aspect of producing bio-fuel products. There are certain no. ways to inculcate the agendas related to its development. An attempt was made to produce bio-oil from wheatgrass. In conclusion, the bio-oil was obtained by means of biomass pyrolysis method indicates that it is a good source of bio-oil and can be used as a resource of diesel and various petroleum products after grinding, separation, distillation and extraction.
E-Cigarette Use, Cigarette Use, and Sex Modify the Nasal Microbiome and Nasal Host-Microbiota Interactions
Authors: Hickman Elise , Hinton Andrew , Zorn Bryan , Rebuli Meghan , Robinette Carole , Wolfgang Matthew , Mucha Peter , Jaspers Ilona 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
E-cigarettes are often perceived as safer than cigarettes, but previous research suggests that e-cigarettes can alter respiratory innate immune function. The respiratory microbiome plays a key role in respiratory host defense, but the effect of e-cigarettes on the respiratory microbiome has not been studied. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing on nasal epithelial lining fluid samples from adult e-cigarette users, smokers, and nonsmokers, followed by novel computational analysis of pairwise log ratios, we determined that e-cigarette use and smoking causes differential respiratory microbiome dysbiosis, which was further affected by sex. We also collected nasal lavage fluid for analysis of immune mediators associated with host-microbiota interactions. Our analysis identified disruption of the relationships between host-microbiota mediators in the nose of e-cigarette users and smokers, which is indicative of disrupted respiratory mucosal immune responses. Our approach provides a novel platform that robustly identifies host immune dysfunction caused by e-cigarette use or smoking.
Differential Immunogenicity of BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 Vaccines After Extended-Interval Homologous Dual Vaccination in Older People
Authors: Parry Helen , Bruton Rachel , Stephens Christine , Brown Kevin , Amirthalingam Gayatri , Otter Ashley , Hallis Bassam , Zuo Jianmin , Moss Paul 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSeveral SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have shown clinical efficacy against Covid-19 infection but there remains uncertainty about the immune responses elicited by different regimens. This is a particularly important question for older people who are at increased clinical risk following infection and in whom immune senescence may limit vaccine responses. The BNT162b2 mRNA and ChAdOx1 adenovirus vaccines were the first two vaccines deployed in the UK programme using an 8-12 week ‘extended interval’.ObjectivesWe undertook analysis of the spike-specific antibody and cellular immune response in 131 participants aged 80+ years after the second dose of ‘extended interval’ dual vaccination with either BNT162b2 mRNA (n=54) or ChAdOx1 (n=77) adenovirus vaccine. Blood samples were taken 2-3 weeks after second vaccine and were paired with samples taken at 5-weeks after first vaccine which have been reported previously. Antibody responses were measured using the Elecsys® electrochemiluminescence immunoassay assay and cellular responses were assessed by IFN-g ELISpot. ResultsAntibody responses against spike protein became detectable in all donors following dual vaccination with either vaccine. 4 donors had evidence of previous natural infection which is known to boost vaccine responses. Within the 53 infection-naïve donors the median antibody titre was 4030 U/ml (IQR 1892-8530) following BNT162b2 dual vaccination and 1405 (IQR 469.5- 2543) in the 74 patients after the ChAdOx1 vaccine (p=<0.0001). Spike-specific T cell responses were observed in 30% and 49% of mRNA and ChAdOx1 recipients respectively and median responses were 1.4-times higher in ChAdOx1 vaccinees at 14 vs 20 spots/million respectively (p=0.022).ConclusionDual vaccination with BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 induces strong humoral immunity in older people following an extended interval protocol. Antibody responses are 2.9-times higher following the mRNA regimen whilst cellular responses are 1.7-times higher with the adenovirus-based vaccine. Differential patterns of immunogenicity are therefore elicited from the two vaccine platforms. It will be of interest to assess the relative stability of immune responses after these homologous vaccine regimens in order to assess the potential need for vaccine boosting. Furthermore, these findings indicate that heterologous vaccine platforms may offer the opportunity to further optimize vaccine responses.
Identification of the Most Specific Markers to Differentiate Primary Pulmonary Carcinoma From Metastatic Gastrointestinal Carcinoma to the Lung.
Authors: Alabdullah Bachar , Hadji-Ashrafy Amir 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: A number of biomarkers have the potential of differentiating between primary lung tumours and secondary lung tumours from the gastrointestinal tract, however, a standardised panel for that purpose does not exist yet. We aimed to identify the smallest panel that is most sensitive and specific at differentiating between primary lung tumours and secondary lung tumours from the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: A total of 170 samples were collected, including 140 primary and 30 non-primary lung tumours and staining for CK7, Napsin-A, TTF1, CK20, CDX2, and SATB2 was performed via tissue microarray. The data was then analysed using univariate regression models and a combination of multivariate regression models and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves.Results: Univariate regression models confirmed the 6 biomarkers’ ability to independently predict the primary outcome (p<0.001). Multivariate models of 2-biomarker combinations identified 11 combinations with statistically significant ORs (p<0.05), of which TTF1/CDX2 had the highest area under the curve (AUC) (0.983, 0.960-1.000 95% CI). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 75.7%, 100%, 100%, and 37.5% respectively. Multivariate models of 3-biomarker combinations identified 4 combinations with statistically significant ORs (p<0.05), of which CK7/CK20/SATB2 had the highest AUC (0.965, 0.930-1.000 95% CI). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 85.1%, 100%, 100%, and 41.7% respectively. Multivariate models of 4-biomarker combinations did not identify any combinations with statistically significant ORs (p<0.05). Conclusions: The analysis identified the combination of CK7/CK20/SATB2 to be the smallest panel with the highest sensitivity (85.1%) and specificity (100%) for predicting tumour origin with an ROC AUC of 0.965 (p<0.001; SE: 0.018, 0.930-1.000 95% CI).
Factors Associated with Depression and Anxiety in the Adult Population of Qatar after the First COVID-19 Wave: a Cross-sectional study
Authors: Khaled Salma M. , Amro Iman , Bader Lina , Woodruff Peter , Alabdulla Majid A , Bellaj Tarek , Marzouki Youssri , Hasan Yousef , Al-Kaabi Ibrahim , Haddad Peter M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background: To date, limited mental health data are available from Arabic-speaking countries and from different time points in the pandemic.Aim: To identify factors associated with symptoms of depression-anxiety in the adult population of Qatar after the first COVID-19 wave. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in Qatar between July and December 2020. Depression-anxiety was defined as a cut-off of 20 or higher on the PHQ-ADS scale. Results: Of 1138 participants, 71.05% were female, 69.0% Arabs, and 70.0% Non-Qataris. 77% were < 40 years (median age in Qatar is 32 years). In a fully-adjusted model, six variables were significantly associated with PHQ-ADS; Arab ethnicity (OR=1.67, p=0.026), never married (OR=2.04, p < 0.001 (versus married), prior history of psychiatric disorder (versus no history) (OR=1.76, p=0.039), increased worries due to social media use for COVID-related news/updates (OR=1.72, p=0.003), those with a history of COVID-19 (OR=1.76, p=0.039), loneliness (OR=1.91, p < 0.001), and lower levels of religiosity (OR=0.96, p=0.039). These associations also pertained in the reduced model, with exception of religiosity which was only marginally statistically significant (OR=0.97, p=0.055).Conclusions: The potential risk factors identified may assist with anxiety and depression prevention and early intervention in future COVID-19 waves and similar crises.