bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between four-dimensional echocardiographic left atrial measures and left atrial fibrosis assessed by left atrial late gadolinium enhancement
Authors: Olsen Flemming Javier , Bertelsen Litten , Vejlstrup Niels , Diederichsen Søren Zöga , Bjerregaard Caroline Løkke , Graff Claus , Brandes Axel , Krieger Derk , Haugan Ketil , Køber Lars , Højberg Søren , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Biering-Sørensen Tor 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Left atrial (LA) fibrosis is a hallmark of atrial cardiomyopathy, and non-invasive surrogate measures of LA fibrosis are therefore needed. We investigated the association between four-dimensional (4D) echocardiographic LA measures and LA fibrosis.

Methods and results
A multimodality imaging substudy was performed in a randomized clinical trial (LOOP study), recruiting elderly participants with cardiovascular risk factors. LA late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was used as a surrogate for LA fibrosis. 4D echocardiographic LA quantification was used to measure maximal and minimal LA volume (LAVmax and LAVmin, respectively), LA emptying fractions (LAEFtotal), and strain. Logistic regression was used to relate LA measures to high LA LGE (≥17 cm2). Of the 44 participants (mean age 76 years, 64% men, median LA LGE 13.1 cm2), 14 exhibited high LA LGE. These participants exhibited abnormalities in several LA functional measures but not LAVmax. In linear regressions, only increasing LAVmin, and decreasing LAEFtotal, and reservoir strain were associated with increasing LA LGE. Furthermore, increasing LAVmin was associated with a higher likelihood of high LA LGE [odds ratio (OR) = 1.19 (1.04–1.37)]. Decreasing LAEFtotal and reservoir strain were also associated with higher likelihood of LA LGE [OR = 1.18 (1.05–1.33)] and OR = 1.15 (1.02–1.30), per 1% decrease in LAEFtotal and reservoir strain, respectively]. These findings were consistent after multivariable adjustments. LAEFtotal provided the highest performance for detecting high LA LGE (area under the curve of 0.78).

Conclusion
LAVmin, LAEFtotal, and reservoir strain measured by 4D echocardiography are significantly associated with LA LGE. LAEFtotal provides the best performance for detecting high LA LGE.
Role of impaired iron transport on exercise performance in heart failure patients
Authors: Campodonico Jeness , Junod Daniele , Carulli Ermes , Lo Russo Gerardo , Gaudenzi Asinelli Margherita , Doni Francesco , Bonomi Alice , Agostoni Piergiuseppe 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Impaired iron transport (IIT) occurs frequently in heart failure (HF) patients, even in the absence of anaemia and it is associated with a poor quality of life and prognosis. The impact of IIT on exercise capacity, as assessed by the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), in HF is at present unknown. The aim of this article is to evaluate in HF patients the impact on exercise performance of IIT, defined as transferrin saturation (TSAT) &lt;20%.

Methods and results
We collected data of 676 patients hospitalized for HF. All underwent laboratory analysis, cardiac ultrasound, and CPET. Patients were grouped by the presence/absence of IIT and anaemia (haemoglobin &lt;13 and &lt;12 g/dL in male and female, respectively): Group 1 (G1) no anaemia, no IIT; Group 2 (G2) anaemia, no IIT; Group 3 (G3) no anaemia, IIT; Group 4 (G4) anaemia and IIT. Peak oxygen uptake (peakVO2) reduced from G1 to G3 and from G2 to G4 (G1: 1266 ± 497 mL/min, G2: 1011 ± 385 mL/min, G3: 1041 ± 395 mL/min, G4: 833 ± 241 mL/min), whereas the ventilation to carbon dioxide relationship slope (VE/VCO2 slope) increased (G1: 31.8 ± 7.5, G2: 34.5 ± 7.4, G3: 36.1 ± 10.2, G4: 37.5 ± 8.4). At multivariate regression analysis, peakVO2 independent predictors were anaemia, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and left ventricular ejection fraction, whereas VE/VCO2 slope independent predictors were IIT and BNP.

Conclusion
In HF IIT is associated with exercise performance impairment independently from anaemia, and it is a predictor of elevated VE/VCO2 slope, a pivotal index of HF prognosis.
Terrestrial heat flow and its geodynamic implications in the northern Songliao Basin, Northeast China
Authors: Shi Yizuo , Jiang Guangzheng , Shi Shangming , Wang Zecheng , Wang Shejiao , Wang Zhuting , Hu Shengbiao 
Published: December 2021

SUMMARY
Heat flow data are essential for understanding lithospheric dynamics. As a petroliferous basin, a large number of boreholes have been drilled during hydrocarbon exploration and production in the northern part of Songliao Basin, Northeast China. Meanwhile, the data on crustal structures, core samples and formation temperatures have been accumulated, which provide an opportunity for understanding the thermal state of the basin. Based on the temperature data from both Drilling Stem Test and continuous steady-state logging profiles, together with the systematic analysis of the thermal properties of rock samples, we present a new heat flow map of the northern Songliao Basin with significantly increased number of heat flow sites. The northern Songliao Basin is characterized by relatively high geothermal gradients and high heat flow for sedimentary basins. The heat flow values range from 44.4 to 95.0 mW m–2 with an average of 67.2 ± 12.8 mW m–2, and the geothermal gradients range from 21 to 59 °C km–1 with an overall average of 41.7 °C km–1. Heat production from sedimentary covers accounts for about 4.5 mW m–2 at the site of Well SK-2. Furthermore, based on the crustal structures revealed by previous seismic studies, lithospheric thermal structures are analysed and compared among different structural units of the basin. A thinned thermal lithosphere with a thickness of ∼65 km is found beneath the Central downwarp and the Southeast uplift in which a large part of the heat flow is mantle derived. The Western Slope exhibits a moderate heat flow value and a thicker thermal lithosphere with thickness greater than 110 km. From the perspective of the geothermal state of the lithosphere, the regional geodynamics related to the Mesozoic lithosphere stretching and the subduction of the Pacific Plate are discussed.
Quantile-based Random Kaczmarz for corrupted linear systems of equations
Authors: Steinerberger Stefan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We consider linear systems $Ax = b$ where $A \in \mathbb{R}^{m \times n}$ consists of normalized rows, $\|a_i\|_{\ell ^2} = 1$, and where up to $\beta m$ entries of $b$ have been corrupted (possibly by arbitrarily large numbers). Haddock, Needell, Rebrova & Swartworth propose a quantile-based Random Kaczmarz method and show that for certain random matrices $A$ it converges with high likelihood to the true solution. We prove a deterministic version by constructing, for any matrix $A$, a number $\beta _A$ such that there is convergence for all perturbations with $\beta &lt; \beta _A$. Assuming a random matrix heuristic, this proves convergence for tall Gaussian matrices with up to $\sim 0.5\%$ corruption (a number that can likely be improved).
Optical flux and colour variability of blazars in the ZTF survey
Authors: Negi Vibhore , Joshi Ravi , Chand Krishan , Chand Hum , Wiita Paul , Ho Luis C , Singh Ravi S 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT
We investigate the temporal and colour variability of 897 blazars, comprising 455 BL Lacertae objects (BL Lacs) and 442 Flat Spectrum Radio Quasars (FSRQs), selected from the Roma-BZCAT catalogue, using the multiband light curves from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF DR6) survey. Assessing the colour variability characteristics over ∼2 yr time-scales, we found that 18.5 per cent (84 out of 455) BL Lacs showed a stronger bluer-when-brighter (BWB) trend, whereas 9.0 per cent (41 out of 455) showed a redder-when-brighter (RWB) trend. The majority (70 per cent) of the BL Lacs showing RWB are host galaxy dominated. For the FSRQ subclass, 10.2 per cent (45 out of 442) objects showed a strong BWB trend and 17.6 per cent (78 out of 442) showed a strong RWB trend. Hence, we find that BL Lacs more commonly follow a BWB trend than do FSRQs. This can be attributed to the more dominant jet emission in the case of BL Lacs and the contribution of thermal emission from the accretion disc for FSRQs. In analysing the colour behaviour on shorter time windows, we find many blazars evince shorter partial trends of BWB or RWB nature (or occasionally both). Some of such complex colour behaviours observed in the colour–magnitude diagrams of the blazars may result from transitions between the jet-dominated state and the disc-dominated state and vice versa.
Investigation of Rocket Effect in BRC 18 using Gaia EDR3
Authors: Saha Piyali , Gopinathan M , Ojha D K , Neha Sharma 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT
Bright-rimmed clouds (BRCs) are ideal candidates to study radiation-driven implosion mode of star formation as they are potential sites of triggered star formation, located at the edges of Hii regions, showing evidence of ongoing star formation processes. BRC 18 is located towards the eastern edge of relatively closer (∼400 pc) H ii region excited by λ Ori. We made R-band polarimetric observations of 17 candidate young stellar objects (YSOs) located towards BRC 18 to investigate any preferred orientation of the discs with respect to the ambient magnetic field and the direction of energetic photons from λ Ori. We found that the discs are oriented randomly with respect to the projected magnetic field. Using distances and proper motions from the Gaia EDR3 of the candidate YSOs, we investigated the possible acceleration of BRC 18, away from λ Ori due to the well-known ‘Rocket Effect’, by assuming that both the candidate YSOs and BRC 18 are kinematically coupled. The relative proper motions of the candidate YSOs are found to show a trend of moving away from λ Ori. We computed the offset between the angle of the direction of the ionization front and the relative proper motion of the candidate YSOs and found it to lie close to being parallel to each other. Additionally, we found 12 sources that are co-moving with the known candidate YSOs towards BRC 18. These co-moving sources are most likely to be young and are missed in previous surveys conducted to identify potential YSOs of the region.
Early Multicenter Experience With Imipenem-Cilastatin-Relebactam for Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Infections
Authors: Rebold Nicholas , Morrisette Taylor , Lagnf Abdalhamid M , Alosaimy Sara , Holger Dana , Barber Katie , Justo Julie Ann , Antosz Kayla , Carlson Travis J , Frens Jeremy J , Biagi Mark , Kufel Wesley D , Moore William J , Mercuro Nicholas , Raux Brian R , Rybak Michael J 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A multicenter case series of 21 patients were treated with imipenem-cilastatin-relebactam. There were mixed infection sources, with pulmonary infections (11/21,52%) composing the majority. The primary pathogen was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16/21, 76%), and 15/16 (94%) isolates were multidrug-resistant. Thirty-day survival occurred in 14/21 (67%) patients. Two patients experienced adverse effects.
Measuring Voluntary Control Over Hallucinations: The Yale Control Over Perceptual Experiences (COPE) Scales
Authors: Mourgues Catalina , Hammer Allison , Fisher Victoria , Kafadar Eren , Quagan Brittany , Bien Claire , Jaeger Hale , Thomas Rigi , Sibarium Ely , Negreira Alyson M , Sarisik Elif , Polisetty Vasishta , Nur Eken Hatice , Imtiaz Ayyub , Niles Halsey , Sheldon Andrew D , Powers Albert R 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) frequently cause significant distress and dysfunction, and may be unresponsive to conventional treatments. Some voice-hearers report an ability to fully control the onset and offset of their AVH, making them significantly less disruptive. Measuring and understanding these abilities may lead to novel interventions to enhance control over AVH. Fifty-two voice-hearers participated in the pilot study. 318 participants with frequent AVH participated in the validation study. A pool of 59 items was developed by a diverse team including voice-hearers and clinicians. After the pilot study, 35 items were retained. Factorial structure was assessed with exploratory (EFA, n = 148) and confirmatory (CFA, n = 170) factor analyses. Reliability and convergent validity were assessed using a comprehensive battery of validated phenomenological and clinical scales. CFA on the final 18 items supported two factors for a Methods of Control Scale (5 items each, average ω = .87), and one factor for a Degree of Control Scale (8 items, average ω = .95). Correlation with clinical measures supported convergent validity. Degree of control was associated with positive clinical outcomes in voice-hearers both with and without a psychosis-spectrum diagnosis. Degree of control also varied with quality of life independently of symptom severity and AVH content. The Yale control over perceptual experiences (COPE) Scales robustly measure voice-hearers’ control over AVH and exhibit sound psychometric properties. Results demonstrate that the capacity to voluntarily control AVH is independently associated with positive clinical outcomes. Reliable measurement of control over AVH will enable future development of interventions meant to bolster that control.
The effects of precisely meeting estimated daily energy and lysine requirements for gestating sows over three consecutive pregnancies on sow reproductive and lactation performance
Authors: Stewart Victoria , Buis R Quincy , Christensen Brenda , Hansen Lauren L , de Lange Cornelis F M , Mandell Ira B , Huber Lee-Anne 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of precisely meeting estimated daily energy and Lys requirements for gestating sows over three consecutive pregnancies on sow reproductive and lactation performance. A total of 105 sows (initial reproductive cycle 1.4 ± 0.5) were randomly assigned to a precision (PF; n = 50) or control (CON; n = 55) feeding program between days 2 and 9 of gestation and housed in group-pens equipped with electronic sow feeders capable of blending two diets. The PF sows received unique daily blends of two isocaloric diets (2518 kcal/kg NE; 0.80% and 0.20% standardized ileal digestible [SID] Lys, respectively), whereas CON sows received a static blend throughout gestation to achieve 0.56% SID Lys. After weaning, sows were re-bred and entered the same feeding program as in the previous pregnancy for two subsequent pregnancy cycles (PF: n = 36; CON: n = 37; average reproductive cycle: 2.4 ± 0.5; PF: n = 25; CON: n = 24; average reproductive cycle: 3.5 ± 0.5). Sows on the PF program received 97%, 105%, and 118% (average over three pregnancy cycles) of dietary energy and 67%, 79%, and 106% of SID Lys intakes compared to CON between days 5 and 37, 38 and 72, and 73 and 108 of gestation, respectively. Estimated N (26.1%) retention did not differ between gestation feeding programs in any pregnancy, but excess N excretion was less (1617 vs. 1750 ± 54 g/sow; P &lt; 0.01) for PF vs. CON sows. Regardless of pregnancy cycle, sows that received the PF program had greater ADG between days 38 and 72 (614 vs. 518 ± 63 g/d; P &lt; 0.05) and between days 73 and 108 (719 vs. 618 ± 94 g/d; P = 0.063) of gestation, and greater loin depth gain between days 63 and 110 of gestation (0.7 vs. −1.1 ± 1.6 mm; P &lt; 0.05), but BW (235.1 kg) and backfat (17.8 mm) and loin (70.5 mm) depths on day 110 of gestation did not differ. The number of piglets born alive, stillborn, and mummified, and litter birth weight (16.5 kg) did not differ in any pregnancy cycle, nor did piglet ADG during lactation (250 g/d) and piglet BW (6.7 kg) at weaning. Sows that received the PF program during gestation had lower ADFI during lactation (5.7 vs. 6.2 ± 0.2 kg; P &lt; 0.01). Therefore, using feeding programs that precisely match estimated daily energy and Lys requirements for gestating sows provides the opportunity to reduce N losses to the environment and reduce lactation feed usage, without negatively affecting sow reproductive and lactation performance.
A review of the role of non-invasive ventilation in critical care responses to COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries: lessons learnt from Baghdad
Authors: Thomas Richard , Abdulateef Mustafa M , Godard Aurelie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In 2021, the burden of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic became especially severe in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). With high numbers of patients requiring advanced respiratory support and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), many ICUs were overwhelmed. This problem is particularly pronounced in LMICs, where the availability of intensive care beds may be limited. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been increasingly used in COVID-19, as both a bridge to intubation as well as a definitive treatment. Use of NIV may be a feasible management strategy in settings where performing IMV is not possible on a large scale due to resource constraints. During 2020–2021, Médecins Sans Frontière helped manage a COVID-19 ICU in Baghdad, Iraq. The predominant mode of treatment was NIV. Due to a shortage of intensive care ventilators, NIV was delivered in the majority of cases by home continuous positive airway pressure machines. In total, 709 patients were admitted to the ICU during the study period with an overall mortality of 61.1%. In addition to the ventilation strategy, patients must be treated holistically, with a comprehensive package of critical care. We aim to highlight the role of NIV in this setting and summarise our experiences to assist future critical care projects during the pandemic.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery Versus Wide Local Excision in the Treatment of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Carrasquillo Osward Y. , Cancel-Artau Karina J. , Ramos-Rodriguez Alvaro J. , Cruzval-O’Reilly Estefania , Merritt Bradley G. 
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neoplasm with high rates of recurrences. Current guidelines recommend wide local excision (WLE) with 1 to 2 cm margins. However, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) offers a potential advantage over WLE because of its ability of sparing healthy tissue and assessing 100% of margins.

OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the surgical modalities for the treatment of MCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eligible articles were identified using MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. All available studies investigating surgical treatment of MCC with WLE or MMS were considered.

RESULTS
Forty studies met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-one studies described patients treated with WLE, 3 with MMS, and 6 with either WLE or MMS. Subgroup analysis of Stage I MCC showed recurrence rates similar in both surgical modalities with local recurrence rate of 6.8% for WLE versus 8.5% for MMS (p = .64) and a regional recurrence rate of 15.2% for WLE versus 15.3% for MMS (p = .99).

CONCLUSION
Overall WLE cases were at a higher stage at presentation. Subgroup analysis showed that MMS is not inferior to WLE excision for the treatment of Stage I MCC and is a reasonable option for anatomic locations where tissue sparing is important.
Updates on targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer: what's to know in 2021
Authors: McAndrew Nicholas P. 
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review
To highlight recent practice changing clinical trials, focusing on those leading to new drug approvals, in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer.

Recent findings
The improved disease-free survival of adjuvant trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) over trastuzumab in patients with residual disease has made neoadjuvant sequencing of therapy standard for most patients with early stage disease. In patients with metastatic HER2+ breast cancer, trastuzumab deruxtecan has recently shown dramatically improved efficacy over T-DM1. Tucatinib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor with best in class blood-brain barrier penetration. Margetuximab, a novel HER2-targeted chimeric monoclonal antibody with an engineered Fc receptor designed to activate local immune response, was recently approved in heavily pretreated patients based on modest but significant improvement in progression-free survival.

Summary
Patients with HER2+ breast cancer have a variety of therapeutic options in the early stage and metastatic setting. Optimal sequencing of therapy will depend on patient-specific factors such as site of tumor progression and underlying comorbidities. De-escalation of the first-line metastatic regimen may be considered in select patients with hormone positive/HER2+ breast cancer, by using endocrine therapy instead of chemotherapy in combination with HER2-targeted therapy, which may improve side effects without sacrificing efficacy.
The Role of Supermicrosurgery and Arborization Capture in Improving Free-styled Propeller Flap Survival
Authors: Khajuria Ankur , Koshima Isao , Kannan Ruben Y. 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Propeller flaps have a higher-than-normal incidence of partial flap necrosis. Although venous supercharging has been shown to reduce this risk, its application is limited outside the scope of lower limb propeller flaps. In this article, we look at the ability of arborization capture and supermicrosurgery to allow propeller flaps to capture adjacent perforasomes and significantly improve flap survival.

Methods:
In a retrospective case series across two institutions, the outcomes of two groups of patients who had propeller flaps were compared. Group A patients were those who had conventional free-styled propeller flaps (n = 25), whereas Group B (n = 19) patients had propeller flaps algorithmically selected for either (1) arborization capture or (2) venous supercharging, or both. Two-way ANOVA analysis was performed to evaluate inter-group differences.

Results:
Conventional propeller flaps had a 64% complete survival rate (32% partial necrosis rate and a 4% total necrosis rate) compared with a 94% complete survival rate in modified propeller flaps. Of the 12 cases of arborization capture (perforator complex diameters of 1–2 mm), only one flap sustained partial flap loss, whereas all seven supercharged propeller flaps (selected for perforator diameter <1 mm, with venous supercharging, in addition to arborization capture) survived completely.

Conclusions:
The arborization technique should be the mainstay technique for all propeller flaps with perforator complex diameters of less than 2 mm while supercharging further enhances its survival, particularly in perforator complex diameters of less than 1 mm.