bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Localization and Spread of Challenging Conduction Gaps of Pulmonary Veins for Atrial Fibrillation Cryoablation
Authors: Miki Keita , Fukuda Koji , Hirano Michinori , Sato Koichi , Ikeda Shohei , Shinozaki Mariko , Takeda Morihiko 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundCryoballoon ablation has been widely performed in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). In some challenging pulmonary veins (PVs), the procedure requires additional touch‐up applications against the residual conduction gaps. It implies that there could exist difficult sites to cover with standard cryoballoon applications (CBAs), resulting in resistant conduction gaps (RCGs). This study aims to characterize the RCGs after initial CBAs.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 90 consecutive paroxysmal AF patients in our institute from January 2018 to December 2021 (66.5 ± 8.9 [SD] year‐old, male/female 58/32). The RCGs after initial CBAs were mapped and analyzed with a high‐resolution mapping (HRM) catheter. The PVs isolated using HRM were classified as HRM group. The PVs isolated without HRM, if isolated with a total of one or two CBAs, were classified as Control group.ResultsWhereas 325 PVs were isolated without HRM, 29 PVs had RCGs which were mapped and identified with HRM (HRM group): 15 right inferior pulmonary veins (RIPVs), 11 left superior PVs (LSPVs), and 3 left inferior PVs (LIPVs). In HRM group, the rate of broad RCGs in each PV extending over 2 or 3 segments of PV was almost double that of one‐segment RCGs. The width of RCGs significantly correlated with nadir balloon temperature (R = 0.42; p = 0.021) and iTT15 (R = −0.44; p = 0.015).ConclusionsAfter standard CBAs, most RCGs were demonstrated to spread from the bottom to the posterior wall of RIPV and from the roof to the anterior wall of LSPV. The width of the RCGs was found to be correlated with parameters of balloon temperature, such as Tnadir and iTT15.
The Long‐Term Outcomes of Inactive Pacemaker Lead Abandonment in Children and Dramatic Observation of Complications
Authors: Nowosielecka Agnieszka , Nowosielecka Dorota , Jacheć Wojciech , Pietura Radosław , Smyk Tomasz , Gozdek Janusz , Kutarski Andrzej 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTTransvenous extraction of the leads in children is associated with a higher risk of serious complications, that is why it is reluctantly performed. Unfortunately, this conservative approach has been associated with secondary complications (tricuspid valve dysfunction and bilateral venous obstruction), adverse events during lead removal procedure and recanalization and stenting of chest veins. We present a case of a 27‐year‐old female with a pacemaker and insertion of two new leads on the opposite side of the chest leaving the old ones in place.
Minimizing for Maximum Benefit: An Illustrative Case‐Series of Atrial Only Leadless Pacing
Authors: Ip James E. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTLeadless pacing technology now includesdedicated atrial helix‐fixation leadless pacemakers (LPs), expanding theapplication of leadless devices for patients with sinus node dysfunction andatrioventricular block during sinus rhythm. This first reportedcase‐series of atrial LPs describes and discusses the potential use‐casescenarios of recently approved helix‐fixation atrial LPs. The article highlights important concepts regarding their use, including implantationtechniques, programming, battery conservation, and the low rate of progressionof AV block in patients implanted with AAI(R) pacemakers.
Evaluation of Photoaging and Sun Protection Behavior in Children With Xeroderma Pigmentosum, Group C: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: Ahuja Rhea , Imran Shafaque , Swaroop Devesh Kumar Jag , Gupta Somesh , Verma Kaushal K. , Sharma Namrata , Bhari Neetu 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThirteen children with xeroderma pigmentosum variant C were evaluated using the Dermoscopic Photoaging Assessment Scale (DPAS), the Glogau scale, and the Sun Protection Behavior Scale (SPBS). Most patients exhibited signs of epidermal photoaging, with pigmentary and vascular changes and poor sun protection behavior (mean SPBS score: 18.92 ± 5.69). The mean DPAS score of 13.15 correlated with the Glogau scale and ocular severity score. Sun protection behavior improved significantly at 6 months after repeated reinforcement of sun protection measures (35 ± 5.68).
Cross‐Border Patenting and the Margins of International Trade
Authors: Martínez‐Zarzoso Inmaculada , Santacreu Ana Maria 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the impact of cross‐border patenting on the margins of international trade using disaggregated data on international patenting and trade flows for a broad cross‐section of countries globally from 1995 to 2018. We develop a theoretical framework of trade and firms' patenting decisions that motivates our empirical analysis. The main results reveal that cross‐border patenting has a larger effect on the extensive margin of trade compared to the intensive margin. This finding suggests that firms tend to seek patent protection in international markets prior to entering those markets with new products, rather than with their existing products.
Acanthamoeba Infection in a Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipient: Challenges in Diagnosis, Management, and Source Identification
Authors: Banerjee Camellia T. , Conlan Sean , Mostaghim Anahita , Michelin Angela , Arduino Matthew , Mattioli Mia , Haston Julia C. , Das Sanchita , Seyedmousavi Amir , Chang Bickey H. , O'Connell Elise M. , Kanakry Christopher G. , Dilara Akbulut , Quezado Martha , Gea‐Banacloche Juan , Deming Clay , Segre Julia A. , Han Alison , Cuellar‐Rodriguez Jennifer 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWe report a case of Acanthamoeba infection in an HCT recipient with steroid‐refractory GVHD. We highlight the multiple challenges that free‐living ameba infections present to the clinician, the clinical laboratory, transplant infectious disease for review, hospital epidemiology if nosocomial transmission is considered, and public health officials, as exposure source identification can be a significant challenge. Transplant physicians should include Acanthamoeba infections in their differential diagnosis of a patient with skin, sinus, lung, and/or brain involvement.
Latent Tuberculosis Infection Amongst Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: The Impact of Routine Pretransplant Review by a Transplant Infectious Diseases Physician
Authors: Paykin Gabriel , Vogrin Sara , Shuttleworth Peter , Gador‐Whyte Andrew , Garner Sarah , Trevillyan Janine , Wong Eric , Smibert Olivia 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundIdentifying patients with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is challenging. This is particularly true amongst immunocompromised hosts, in whom the diagnostic accuracy of available tests is limited. The authors evaluated the impact of routine pretransplant review by a transplant infectious diseases (TID) physician on LTBI screening in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT) recipients.MethodsAdult patients who received an alloHSCT between January 2018 and December 2022 were eligible for inclusion. Data were retrospectively extracted from patient records. Participants were dichotomized into those that had a routine pretransplant review with a TID physician and who that did not.ResultsOf the 116 participants included, 61.2% had a documented TID review. This intervention was associated with more frequent initiation of LTBI treatment (8.5% vs. 0.0%) and a tendency for LTBI treatment to be initiated in the absence of immunodiagnostic criteria (7.1% vs. 0.0%). A case of LTBI reactivation occurred in each group.ConclusionRoutine pretransplant review by TID physicians improved the recognition of risk factors for LTBI and increased the initiation of LTBI treatment in patients with a high pretest probability of LTBI. Further research is needed to evaluate the utility of routine pretransplant TID review and to determine the optimal strategy for preventing LTBI reactivation amongst alloHSCT recipients in low‐endemic settings.
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Trapped in a glacial refugium: Phylogeography of the freshwater snail Melanopsis mingrelica (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Bikashvili Ani , Mumladze Levan , Glaubrecht Matthias , Neiber Marco T. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Western Caucasus is considered a refugium for several freshwater invertebrates, but detailed phylogeographic studies are lacking. By using mitochondrial sequence data, amplified fragment length polymorphisms and distribution modelling, we study the phylogeography of the Caucasian freshwater snail Melanopsis mingrelica Mousson, 1863, and discuss the role of the Western Caucasus region as a glacial refugium. Volcanism in the Lesser Caucasus and the formation of highlands to its south in the Late Miocene and Pliocene may have effectively trapped the lineage leading to the freshwater snail M. mingrelica in the western Georgian Colchis region after its arrival there during in the Late Miocene or Early Pliocene. Our results show that the Western Caucasus region can be considered a refugium for a Melanopsis lineage at the northern margin of the range of a genus that today is otherwise mostly adapted to relatively warm climatic conditions. Our results further show that the Western Caucasus region served as a large and homogeneous refugium for M. mingrelica and that global warming may have facilitated the colonization of the Caspian Sea drainage basin by M. mingrelica.
Impact of Beta-Alanine, Caffeine, and Their Combination on Intraocular Pressure and Ocular Perfusion Pressure at Rest and After Resistance Training
Authors: Vera Jesús , Martos-Arregui Antonio , Alix-Fages Carlos , Jiménez-Martínez Pablo , García-Ramos Amador 
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to determine the impact of caffeine (200 mg), beta-alanine (3 g), and their combination on intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) at rest and after resistance training. Twenty young men (age = 23.4 ± 4.5 years) took part in this placebo-controlled, triple-blind, balanced crossover study. Participants visited the lab on four different days, with the only difference of the supplement used (caffeine, beta-alanine, caffeine + beta-alanine, and placebo). IOP and blood pressure were measured at baseline after 30 min from supplement intake, and after completing the resistance training session consisting of four alternating sets of bench press and bench pull exercises using a 20 repetition maximum load without reaching failure. In resting conditions, caffeine and the combination of caffeine + beta-alanine caused an acute IOP rise (p = .009 and .004, respectively), whereas beta-alanine and placebo intake did not affect IOP levels (p = .802 in both cases). OPP levels were not influenced by the ingestion of any supplement (p = .801), whereas MAP exhibited a significant increase after 30 min of ingesting 200 mg of caffeine (p = .012). After resistance training, there was an acute reduction of IOP, OPP, and MAP levels (p < .002 in all cases), but these effects were independent of the supplement consumed (p > .272). These findings show that beta-alanine (3 g) did not alter IOP, OPP, and MAP levels in resting conditions and after resistance training. Therefore, beta-alanine supplementation is a safe alternative when avoiding fluctuations of the ocular and cardiovascular hemodynamics is desirable (i.e., glaucoma patients or hypertensive individuals).
Mouth Rinsing and Ingesting Unpleasant Salty or Bitter Solutions After Heavy-Intensity Cycling Does Not Influence Sprint Performance or Knee-Extensor Force in Trained Cyclists
Authors: Gray Edward A. , Cavaleri Rocco , Siegler Jason C. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The present study investigated the effect of unpleasant salty or bitter tastes on cycling sprint performance and knee-extensor force characteristics in different fatigue states. Methods: Following a familiarization session, 11 trained male cyclists completed 3 experimental trials (salty, bitter, and water) in a randomized crossover order. In each trial, participants cycled at 85% of the respiratory compensation point for 45 minutes and then, after a 5-minute rest, completed a 1-minute sprint. Muscle-force characteristics were assessed using 2 knee-extensor maximal voluntary contractions immediately before, between, and after the cycling efforts. Participants mouth-rinsed and ingested 25 mL of test solution (salty, bitter, and water) immediately before each maximal voluntary contractions and the 1-minute sprint. Results: There were no significant differences in mean and peak power output during the 1-minute sprint between conditions (mean power: 528 [71] W, 524 [70] W, and 521 [80] W in the water, salt, and bitter conditions, respectively). Muscle-force production was impaired in all conditions after the heavy-intensity cycling, evidenced by a decline in maximum force production (P = .01, effect size = 0.32) and 100- to 200-millisecond impulse (P = .04, effect size = 0.27). However, there were no significant differences between conditions in maximal force or impulse measures at rest or after exercise. Conclusion: These data question whether unpleasant tastes can influence muscle-force production and do not support that they may be used as an ergogenic aid for a cycling sprint performed under fatigued conditions.
Women Upward—Sex Differences in Uphill Performance in Speed Climbing, Ski Mountaineering, Trail Running, Cross-Country Skiing, and Cycling
Authors: Millet Grégoire P. , Raberin Antoine , Faiss Raphael , Giovanelli Nicola , Galindo Thierry , Place Nicolas , Sandbakk Øyvind 
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Women have generally lower body size and lean- to fat-mass ratio, lower maximal anaerobic power due to a lower muscle mass, and fewer fast-twitch fibers, although they can show higher resistance to fatigue or greater metabolic flexibility than men. These factors are well known and explain the sex differences in endurance sports such as distance running (10%–12%). Several of these factors—particularly the differences in body composition and skeletal-muscle characteristics—may directly impact vertical displacement and uphill performance. However, there is a lack of sex-difference reports in sports with uphill locomotion. Methods: The sex differences in world-level endurance performance over 10 years (2013–2022) in 6 different sports with uphill displacement (speed climbing, vertical race in ski mountaineering, vertical kilometer in mountain running, cycling, cross-country skiing, and ultratrail running) were calculated. Results: The sex differences are generally larger (18%–22%) than in endurance sports performed primarily on flat terrains. This may be due to the lower lean- to fat-mass ratio commonly reported in women. In shorter uphill events (eg, sport climbing, vertical kilometer, and short climb in cycling), the sex differences appear even more pronounced (28%–35%), potentially being explained by additional factors (eg, anaerobic capacity, muscle composition, and upper-body contribution). Conclusion: This novel analysis over 10 years of elite endurance performance in different sports with uphill displacement shows that the sex differences are generally larger (18%–22%) than in endurance sports performed primarily on flat terrains.
How does organisational culture facilitate uptake of home dialysis? An ethnographic study of kidney centres in England
Authors: Allen Kerry , Shaw Karen L , Spry Jenna L , Dikomitis Lisa , Coyle David , Damery Sarah , Fotheringham James , Lambie Mark , Williams Iestyn P , Davies Simon 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThe proportion of people having home dialysis for kidney disease varies considerably by treating centre, socioeconomic deprivation levels in the area and to some extent ethnicity. This study aimed to gain in-depth insights into cultural and organisational factors contributing to this variation in uptake.DesignThis is the first ethnographic study of kidney centre culture to focus on home dialysis uptake. The NASSS (non-adoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, and sustainability) framework was used to map factors that influence the use of home dialysis.SettingWe conducted focused ethnographic fieldwork in four kidney centres in England, with average or high rates of home dialysis use, selected to represent geographic, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity.ParticipantsObservations of patient consultations, team meetings, patient education and training sessions (n=34); and interviews with staff, patients and carers (n=72).ResultsWe identified three themes that can support the decision to pursue home dialysis: (a)Encouraging patient voice and individualised support. Kidney care teams engaged with people’s psychosocial needs and cultural contexts, and valued peer support as part of patient education; (b)Ensuring access to home dialysis. Transparency about all treatment options, minimisation of eligibility assumptions and awareness of inequities of access; (c)Achieving sustained change based on benefits for patients. This included organisational cultures which adopted quality improvement approaches and worked with wider stakeholders to shape future policy and practice.ConclusionsWillingness to pursue dialysis at home relied on patients’ and carers’ ability to place their confidence in their kidney care teams rather than how services were organised. Our study of kidney centre culture has identified approaches to patient empowerment, access to treatment and readiness for improvement and change that could be incorporated into a service delivery intervention.
Associations of socio-demographic, anthropometric and behavioural factors with phase angle in older adults: a cross-sectional study in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Jiaren , Lai Ting‐Fu , Chung Yen-Yu , Park Jong-Hwan , Liao Yung 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivePhase angle (PhA) is a prognostic factor for predicting and monitoring geriatric syndromes. However, multiple factors associated with increased PhA values as an outcome remain unclear in the older population. This study aimed to examine the association of socio-demographic, anthropometric and behavioural factors with PhA among older Taiwanese adults.DesignThis cross-sectional study was conducted between May and August 2023.SettingThe study was carried out in northern Taiwan, specifically Taipei city and Yilan county.ParticipantsParticipants aged ≥65 years who were able to walk independently and had no artificial implants, such as cardiac pacemakers or joint replacements, were recruited using convenience sampling. A total of 198 participants were initially recruited for this study.Primary outcome measuresData on socio-demographic and behavioural variables were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Anthropometric variables and PhA were measured using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyser (MC-780MA, TANITA). PhA was categorised into ‘high’ and ‘low’ using gender-specific cut-off points. A logistic regression analysis was performed.ResultsA total of 152 participants (mean age: 72.0±5.5 years; 121 women (79.6%)) were included. Male (OR=0.72, 95% CI=0.02 to 0.33), unmarried (OR=0.22, 95% CI=0.06 to 0.82) and unemployed older adults (OR=0.16, 95% CI=0.03 to 0.87) were less probable to achieve high PhA values. After adjusting for potential confounders, older individuals with an increased body mass index (BMI) (OR=2.56, 95% CI=1.61 to 4.07) and greater muscle mass (OR=1.34, 95% CI=1.12 to 1.60) may have higher PhA values, whereas those with a greater fat mass may have lower PhA values (OR=0.61, 95% CI=0.48 to 0.78). No significant associations were observed between behavioural factors and PhA values.ConclusionsThe interventions designed to improve PhA should prioritise strategies tailored to male, unmarried or unemployed older adults, as well as those with low BMI, low muscle mass and high fat mass. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm and strengthen our findings.
Prevalence and factors associated with teenage pregnancy in refugee settlements of northern Uganda post-COVID-19 (2020–2023): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Otika Donald , Odongo George , Muzaki Ruth Mary Mary , Lamwaka Beatrice Oweka , Bongomin Felix , Pebolo Francis Pebalo 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundFollowing the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in teenage pregnancies nationally, however, limited data exists regarding the same among girls living in refugee settlements.ObjectivesWe evaluated the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and associated factors in Palorinya and Bidi Bidi refugee settlements in Obongi and Yumbe districts of northern Uganda, in the post-COVID-19 era.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional study.SettingRefugee settlements in northern Uganda.ParticipantsWe included 385 teenage girls aged 15–19 years.MethodsWe used convenience sampling techniques between March and May 2023. Prevalence of teenage pregnancy was assessed by self-reported pregnancies between January 2020 and May 2023 among participants. We conducted Pearson’s χ2and Fisher’s exact tests for bivariate analysis. All variables with a p value<0.2 at bivariate analysis were included in multivariable regression. We applied a modified Poisson regression model at the multivariable level to evaluate independent associations. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was the prevalence of teenage pregnancy, assessed through self-reported pregnancies among participants. Secondary outcome measures included factors associated with teenage pregnancy, such as living with a husband, lack of formal education, peer pressure and history of sexual abuse.ResultsOverall, the mean age was 17 (IQR: 15–18), and sexual debut was at 16 (IQR: 15–17) years. Lifetime modern contraceptive use was 13.8% (n=53/385) and current use was 7.5% (n=29/385). Teenage pregnancy period prevalence was 34.0% (CI: 29.4% to 38.9%). Factors independently associated with teenage pregnancy were: living with a husband (aPR: 3.8, 95% CI: 2.51 to 5.84, p<0.001), lack of formal education (Adjusted Prevalence Ratios - aPR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.26 to 4.35, p=0.007), peer pressure (aPR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.54 to 2.86, p<0.001) and history of sexual abuse (aPR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.99, p=0.018).ConclusionOur study revealed that around 1 in 3 adolescent girls in northern Uganda’s refugee settlements experienced pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic, with only 1 in 13 currently using modern contraceptives. To address this, targeted strategies by relevant authorities are crucial, including legal actions against sexual abuse, promoting girl child education and enhancing access to long-term contraception to reduce teenage pregnancy and associated health risks in these settings.