bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in a patient with dextrocardia and interruption of the inferior vena cava: a case report
Authors: Hu Xiaofeng , Wu Shaohui , Qin Mu , Jiang Weifeng , Liu Xu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundDextrocardia with interruption of the inferior vena cava (I-IVC) is a very rare anatomical variant. Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with this anatomical variant is challenging for electrophysiologists. This case report presents a safe, effective, and radiation-free approach for high-power ablation of AF via a superior transseptal approach in patients with dextrocardia and I-IVC.Case summaryA 57-year-old man with paroxysmal AF with dextrocardia and I-IVC with azygos continuation was referred to our hospital for radiofrequency (RF) ablation. It was evident that transseptal puncture and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) would be impossible using an IVC approach via the femoral vein. Therefore, we decided to perform left atrium (LA) ablation via the superior vena cava approach. A phased array intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter was inserted in the right femoral vein. Three-dimensional (3D) anatomical reconstruction of LA, right atrium (RA), and coronary sinus (CS) ostium were performed using ICE with azygos vein and RA imaging. Navigation-enabled electrodes were inserted into annotated CS on cardiac 3D ICE image. The left internal jugular vein was accessed using an SL1 transseptal sheath and Brockenbrough needle. Transseptal puncture was performed under ICE with an RF-assisted approach. We accomplished ablation index guided high-power pulmonary vein isolation using a bi-directional guiding sheath with visualization capabilities and a surround flow contact force-sensing catheter. No complications occurred during or after the procedure.DiscussionWith the application of multitude of newer technologies, we can accomplish safe, effective, and fluoroscopy-free RF ablation of AF using the superior approach in patients with complex anomaly.
Domestic Violence in Residential Care Facilities in New South Wales, Australia: A Text Mining Study
Authors: Withall Adrienne , Karystianis George , Duncan Dayna , Hwang Ye In , Kidane Amanuel Hagos , Butler Tony 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background and Objectives
The police are often the first to attend domestic violence events in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, recording related details as structured information (e.g., date of the event, type of incident, premises type) and text narratives which contain important information (e.g., mental health status, abuse types) for victims and perpetrators. This study examined the characteristics of victims and persons of interest (POIs) suspected and/or charged with perpetrating a domestic violence-related crime in residential care facilities.

Research Design and Methods
The study employed a text mining method that extracted key information from 700 police-recorded domestic violence events in NSW residential care facilities.

Results
Victims were mostly female (65.4%) and older adults (median age 80.3). POIs were predominantly male (67.0%) and were younger than the victims (median age 57.0). While low rates of mental illnesses were recorded (29.1% in victims; 17.4% in POIs), “dementia” was the most common condition among POIs (55.7%) and victims (73.0%). “Physical abuse” was the most common abuse type (80.2%) with “bruising” the most common injury (36.8%). The most common relationship between perpetrator and victim was “carer” (76.6%).

Discussion and Implications
These findings highlight the opportunity provided by police text-based data to offer insights into elder abuse within residential care facilities.
Are competing-risk models superior to standard Cox models for predicting cardiovascular risk in older adults? Analysis of a whole-of-country primary prevention cohort aged ≥65 years
Authors: Cooper Hannah , Wells Sue , Mehta Suneela 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Both cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and deaths from non-CVD causes, which may preclude a CVD event, increase with age. We evaluated whether accounting for the competing risk of non-CVD death improves the performance of CVD risk-prediction equations in older adults.

Methods
All New Zealanders aged ≥65 years in 2012 without a prior CVD hospitalization were identified by anonymized linkage of eight routinely collected national health data sets. Sex-specific equations estimating the 5-year risk of a fatal or non-fatal CVD event were constructed using standard Cox and Fine-Gray (competing-risk) approaches. The pre-specified predictors were: age, ethnicity, deprivation level, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and baseline preventive pharmacotherapy. Model performance was evaluated by assessing calibration and discrimination in the overall cohort and in ethnic and age-specific subgroups.

Results
Among 360 443 people aged ≥65 years with 1 615 412 person-years of follow-up, 14.6% of men and 12.1% of women had a first CVD event, whereas 8.5% of men and 7.6% of women died from a non-CVD cause. Standard Cox models overestimated the mean predicted the 5-year CVD risk by ∼1% overall and by 5-6% in the highest risk deciles. The mean predicted CVD risk from the Fine-Gray models approximated the observed risk overall, although slight underestimation occurred in some subgroups. Discrimination was similar for both models.

Conclusions
In a whole-of-country primary prevention cohort aged ≥65 years, standard Cox models overestimated the 5-year CVD risk whereas the Fine-Gray models were generally better calibrated. New CVD risk equations that take competing risks into account should be considered for older people.
Phylogeny, Phenology, and Foraging Breadth ofAshmeadiella(Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)
Authors: Murray Elizabeth A , Evanhoe Laurelin , Bossert Silas , Geber Monica A , Griswold Terry , McCoshum Shaun M 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAshmeadiella Cockerell (Megachilidae: Osmiini) is a bee genus endemic to North America, with greatest richness in arid and Mediterranean regions of the southwestern United States. Species relationships of Ashmeadiella were last analyzed in the 1950s, when Robert Sokal and Charles Michener developed a novel statistical clustering method for classification called numerical taxonomy. To revisit the taxonomic groups they established, we built a molecular phylogeny including all five subgenera. Furthermore, we assembled life history data to lay the foundation for future conservation programs for these bees. We chose three aspects of bee biology that can inform conservation strategies: documenting periods of the year adult bees are flying, assembling data for the flowers each species visits, and compiling the localities and ecoregions where each species is reported. Our results suggest that some Ashmeadiella species may need to be synonymized and that the subgenera should be revised due to non-monophyly. We therefore propose synonymizing the subgenera Cubitognatha and Chilosima with Arogochila. Biological data from published collection records reveal that adult flight periods range from a few months to 11 mo; most species utilize floral resources from multiple plant families; and, over half of the species have ranges extending into the Mojave Desert.
Furthering the Dialogue Between Religious Studies and Theology: An Apophatic Approach as a Heuristic Tool for Methodological Agnosticism
Authors: Tolstaya Katya , Bestebreurtje Frank 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDebates on the relation between theology and religious studies ultimately revolve around epistemological questions: What are the respective limits of religious and academic knowledge and reasoning, and along what boundaries can they meet? This contribution argues that the “reality of religion” is the shared subject matter of these disciplines. For methodological purposes, a distinction is made between two poles: the “transcendent frame” of theology, which defines the reality of religion with reference to transcendence, and the “immanent frame” of religious studies, which defines the reality of religion with reference to the empirical or immanent and in which transcendence is “bracketed.” A qualified methodological agnosticism that considers the bounds of knowledge can further the dialogue between theology and religious studies on the status of transcendence. The theological apophatic method, which departs from a sense of not-knowing and the limits of human knowledge, can serve as a heuristic tool.
Validation of a Large Custom-Designed Pharmacogenomics Panel on an Array Genotyping Platform
Authors: Tang Nga Yeung , Pei Xun , George David , House Larry , Danahey Keith , Lipschultz Elizabeth , Ratain Mark J , O’Donnell Peter H , Yeo Kiang-Teck J , van Wijk Xander M R 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundPharmacogenomics has the potential to improve patient outcomes through predicting drug response. We designed and evaluated the analytical performance of a custom OpenArray® pharmacogenomics panel targeting 478 single-nucleotide variants (SNVs).MethodsForty Coriell Institute cell line (CCL) DNA samples and DNA isolated from 28 whole-blood samples were used for accuracy evaluation. Genotyping calls were compared to at least 1 reference method: next-generation sequencing, Sequenom MassARRAY®, or Sanger sequencing. For precision evaluation, 23 CCL samples were analyzed 3 times and reproducibility of the assays was assessed. For sensitivity evaluation, 6 CCL samples and 5 whole-blood DNA samples were analyzed at DNA concentrations of 10 ng/µL and 50 ng/µL, and their reproducibility and genotyping call rates were compared.ResultsFor 443 variants, all samples assayed had concordant calls with at least 1 reference genotype and also demonstrated reproducibility. However, 6 of these 443 variants showed an unsatisfactory performance, such as low PCR amplification or insufficient separation of genotypes in scatter plots. Call rates were comparable between 50 ng/µL DNA (99.6%) and 10 ng/µL (99.2%). Use of 10 ng/µL DNA resulted in an incorrect call for a single sample for a single variant. Thus, as recommended by the manufacturer, 50 ng/µL is the preferred concentration for patient genotyping.ConclusionsWe evaluated a custom-designed pharmacogenomics panel and found that it reliably interrogated 437 variants. Clinically actionable results from selected variants on this panel are currently used in clinical studies employing pharmacogenomics for clinical decision-making.
1,1-Difluoroethane Forensic Aspects for the Toxicologist and Pathologist
Authors: Tiscione Nicholas B , Rohrig Timothy P 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
1,1-Difluoroethane (DFE) is a halogenated hydrocarbon that is commonly used as a propellant in air duster products. Herein, the pharmacology of DFE was reviewed, and questions relevant to medicolegal investigations were addressed. Particular emphasis was given to detection time in biological specimens and the range, onset and duration of effects. DFE may be abused as an inhalant and is rapidly absorbed through the lungs. Onset of central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects is within seconds and the duration may only last minutes. The effects may lead to impairment of human performance, including confusion, lethargy, impaired judgment, loss of motor coordination and loss of consciousness. Death may result even after the first use. With heavy use or in combination with other CNS depressants, extended periods of drowsiness or loss of consciousness may be observed with an increased risk of a fatal event. A majority of impaired driving investigations where DFE was identified included a collision demonstrating the significant impact its use may have on traffic safety. When DFE is identified alone, without other drugs that cause CNS impairment, the effects may not be observable minutes after the crash, making identification of its use difficult. Although concentrations dissipate rapidly, DFE has been detected in blood specimens collected up to 3 hours after the driving incident. Two studies on passive exposure presented herein demonstrated that it is unlikely to detect DFE above concentrations of ∼2.6 µg/mL in blood or urine due to even extreme unintentional exposure. Alternative specimens such as brain, lung and tracheal air should be considered in some postmortem investigations. DFE has been identified in blood specimens from postmortem cases at concentrations from 0.14 to 460 µg/mL and in impaired driving cases from 0.16 to 140 µg/mL.
Early Wound Repair Versus Later Scar Repair in Children with Treadmill Hand Friction Burns
Authors: Zhou Rong , Qiu Lin , Xiao Jun , Mao Xiaobo , Yuan Xingang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe incidence of pediatric treadmill hand friction burns has been increasing every year. The injuries are deeper than thermal hand burns, the optimal treatment remains unclear. This was a retrospective study of children who received surgery for treadmill hand friction burns from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, in a single burn center. A total of 22 children were surveyed. The patients were naturally divided into two groups: the wound repair group (13 patients), which was admitted early to the hospital after injury and received debridement and vacuum sealing drainage initially, and a full-thickness skin graft later; and the scar repair group (nine patients), in which a scar contracture developed as a result of wound healing and received scar release and skin grafting later. The Modified Michigan Hand Questionnaire score in the wound repair group was 116.31 ± 10.55, and the corresponding score in the scar repair group was 117.56 ± 8.85 (p &gt; .05), no statistically significant difference. The Vancouver Scar Scale score in the wound repair group was 4.15 ± 1.21, and the corresponding score in the scar repair group was 7.22 ± 1.09 (p &lt; .05). Parents were satisfied with the postoperative appearance and function of the hand. None in the two groups required secondary surgery. If the burns are deep second degree, third degree, or infected, early debridement, vacuum sealing drainage initially, and a full-thickness skin graft can obviously relieve pediatric pain, shorten the course of the disease, and restore the function of the hand as soon as possible.
Association of Medicaid Expansion With Cancer Stage and Disparities in Newly Diagnosed Young Adults
Authors: Ji Xu , Castellino Sharon M , Mertens Ann C , Zhao Jingxuan , Nogueira Leticia , Jemal Ahmedin , Yabroff K Robin , Han Xuesong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundYoung adults (YAs) experience higher uninsurance rates and more advanced stage at cancer diagnosis than older counterparts. We examined the association of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion with insurance coverage and stage at diagnosis among YAs newly diagnosed with cancer.MethodsUsing the National Cancer Database, we identified 309 413 YAs aged 18-39 years who received a first cancer diagnosis in 2011-2016. Outcomes included percentages of YAs without health insurance at diagnosis, with stage I (early-stage) diagnoses, and with stage IV (advanced-stage) diagnoses. We conducted difference-in-difference (DD) analyses to examine outcomes before and after states implemented Medicaid expansion compared with nonexpansion states. All statistical tests were 2-sided.ResultsThe percentage of uninsured YAs decreased more in expansion than nonexpansion states (adjusted DD = −1.0 percentage points [ppt], 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.4 to −0.7 ppt, P &lt; .001). The overall percentage of stage I diagnoses increased (adjusted DD = 1.4 ppt, 95% CI = 0.6 to 2.2 ppt, P &lt; .001) in expansion compared with nonexpansion states, with greater improvement among YAs in rural areas (adjusted DD = 7.2 ppt, 95% CI = 0.2 to 14.3 ppt, P = .045) than metropolitan areas (adjusted DD = 1.3 ppt, 95% CI = 0.4 to 2.2 ppt, P = .004) and among non-Hispanic Black patients (adjusted DD = 2.2 ppt, 95% CI = −0.03 to 4.4 ppt, P = .05) than non-Hispanic White patients (adjusted DD = 1.4 ppt, 95% CI = 0.4 to 2.3 ppt, P = .008). Despite the non-statistically significant change in stage IV diagnoses overall, the percentage declined more (adjusted DD = −1.2 ppt, 95% CI = −2.2 to −0.2 ppt, P = .02) among melanoma patients in expansion relative to nonexpansion states.ConclusionsWe provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, on the association of Medicaid expansion with shifts to early-stage cancer at diagnosis and a narrowing of rural-urban and Black-White disparities in YA cancer patients.
An invading annual plant benefits less from soil biota and has reduced competitive power with a resident grass
Authors: Luo Xi , Larios Loralee , D’Antonio Carla , Xu Xiaohong , Guo Hui 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Aims
Interactions between plants and their soil biota, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in particular, may play a vital role in the establishment and the range expansion of exotic plants in new environments. However, whether there are post-introduction shifts in dependence on AMF and how dependency interacts with competition remains poorly understood.

Methods
We conducted a common garden greenhouse experiment to examine how native (USA) and invasive (China) populations of the plant species Plantago virginica, respond to soil biota, and whether these responses change in the presence of a competitor.

Important Findings
We found that while native populations consistently had a higher AMF colonization rate and benefited from AMF in both biomass and seed production, invasive populations received less benefit from AMF, and even showed reduced biomass with AMF in the presence of a competitor. This low mycorrhizal dependency in invasive populations correlated with greater suppression by an indigenous competitor for the invader. The different responses of the invasive and native populations to AMF suggest that alteration of mycorrhizal dependency has occurred during the invasion of P. virginica into China. Our findings suggest that this reduced dependency incurs a cost during interspecific competition.
Investigation of Possible Nosocomial-Associated Invasive Group B Streptococcus Disease Using Whole-Genome Sequencing: A Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Lukhele Sindiswa T , Kwatra Gaurav , Ismail Arshad , Allam Mushal , Dangor Ziyaad , Madhi Shabir A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We investigated possible nosocomial transmission of 3 invasive cases of Group B Streptococcus serotype III disease in newborns delivered in the same facility. All cases were of the same sequence type and clonal complex. Genomic variation was detected within the core genome and capsular region, indicating different sources of acquisition.
In pursuit of a better world: crop improvement and the CGIAR
Authors: Kholová Jana , Urban Milan Oldřich , Cock James , Arcos Jairo , Arnaud Elizabeth , Aytekin Destan , Azevedo Vania , Barnes Andrew P , Ceccarelli Salvatore , Chavarriaga Paul , Cobb Joshua N , Connor David , Cooper Mark , Craufurd Peter , Debouck Daniel , Fungo Robert , Grando Stefania , Hammer Graeme L , Jara Carlos E , Messina Charlie , Mosquera Gloria , Nchanji Eileen , Ng Eng Hwa , Prager Steven , Sankaran Sindhujan , Selvaraj Michael , Tardieu François , Thornton Philip , Valdes-Gutierrez Sandra P , van Etten Jacob , Wenzl Peter , Xu Yunbi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe CGIAR crop improvement (CI) programs, unlike commercial CI programs, which are mainly geared to profit though meeting farmers’ needs, are charged with meeting multiple objectives with target populations that include both farmers and the community at large. We compiled the opinions from &gt;30 experts in the private and public sector on key strategies, methodologies, and activities that could the help CGIAR meet the challenges of providing farmers with improved varieties while simultaneously meeting the goals of: (i) nutrition, health, and food security; (ii) poverty reduction, livelihoods, and jobs; (iii) gender equality, youth, and inclusion; (iv) climate adaptation and mitigation; and (v) environmental health and biodiversity. We review the crop improvement processes starting with crop choice, moving through to breeding objectives, production of potential new varieties, selection, and finally adoption by farmers. The importance of multidisciplinary teams working towards common objectives is stressed as a key factor to success. The role of the distinct disciplines, actors, and their interactions throughout the process from crop choice through to adoption by farmers is discussed and illustrated.
Tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase-dependent and -independent regulation of root development and signaling by PSK LRR receptor kinases in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kaufmann Christine , Stührwohldt Nils , Sauter Margret 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTyrosine-sulfated peptides are key regulators of plant growth and development. The disulfated pentapeptide phytosulfokine (PSK) mediates growth via leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases, PSKR1 and PSKR2. PSK receptors (PSKRs) are part of a response module at the plasma membrane that mediates short-term growth responses, but downstream signaling of transcriptional regulation remains unexplored. In Arabidopsis, tyrosine sulfation is catalyzed by a single-copy gene (TPST; encoding tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase). We performed a microarray-based transcriptome analysis in the tpst-1 mutant background that lacks sulfated peptides to identify PSK-regulated genes and genes that are regulated by other sulfated peptides. Of the 169 PSK-regulated genes, several had functions in root growth and development, in agreement with shorter roots and a higher lateral root density in tpst-1. Further, tpst-1 roots developed higher numbers of root hairs, and PSK induced expression of WEREWOLF (WER), its paralog MYB DOMAIN PROTEIN 23 (MYB23), and At1g66800 that maintain non-hair cell fate. The tpst-1 pskr1-3 pskr2-1 mutant showed even shorter roots, and higher lateral root and root hair density than tpst-1, revealing unexpected synergistic effects of ligand and PSKR deficiencies. While residual activities may exist, overexpression of PSKR1 in the tpst-1 background induced root growth, suggesting that PSKR1 may be active in the absence of sulfated ligands.
A note on the asymptotic expressiveness of ZF and ZFC
Authors: Bendkowski Maciej 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We investigate the asymptotic densities of theorems provable in Zermelo–Fraenkel set theory zf and its extension zfc including the axiom of choice. Assuming a canonical De Bruijn representation of formulae, we construct asymptotically large sets of sentences unprovable within zf, yet provable in zfc. Furthermore, we link the asymptotic density of zfc theorems with the provable consistency of zfc itself. Consequently, if zfc is consistent, it is not possible to refute the existence of the asymptotic density of zfc theorems within zfc. Both these results address a recent question by Zaionc regarding the asymptotic equivalence of zf and zfc.