bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of a novel hexaspline pulsed field ablation system in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: the PLEASE-AF study
Authors: Wang Zulu , Tang Min , Reddy Vivek Y , Chu Huimin , Liu Xingpeng , Xue Yumei , Wang Jingfeng , Xu Jing , Liu Shaowen , Xu Wei , Zhang Zhihui , Han Bing , Hong Lang , Yang Bing , Ding Mingying , Liang Ming 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is an emerging non-thermal ablative modality demonstrating considerable promise for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, these PFA trials have almost universally included only Caucasian populations, with little data on its effect on other races/ethnicities. The PLEASE-AF trial sought to study the 12-month efficacy and the safety of a multi-electrode hexaspline PFA catheter in treating a predominantly Asian/Chinese population of patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF.

Methods and results
Patients underwent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) by delivering different pulse intensities at the PV ostium (1800 V) and atrium (2000 V). Acute success was defined as no PV potentials and entrance/exit conduction block of all PVs after a 20-min waiting period. Follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months included 12-lead electrocardiogram and 24-h Holter examinations. The primary efficacy endpoint was 12-month freedom from any atrial arrhythmias lasting at least 30 s. The cohort included 143 patients from 12 hospitals treated by 28 operators: age 60.2 ± 10.0 years, 65.7% male, Asian/Chinese 100%, and left atrial diameter 36.6 ± 4.9 mm. All PVs (565/565, 100%) were successfully isolated. The total procedure, catheter dwell, total PFA application, and total fluoroscopy times were 123.5 ± 38.8 min, 63.0 ± 30.7 min, 169.7 ± 34.6 s, and 27.3 ± 10.1 min, respectively. The primary endpoint was observed in 124 of 143 patients (86.7%). One patient (0.7%) developed a small pericardial effusion 1-month post-procedure, not requiring intervention.

Conclusion
The novel hexaspline PFA catheter demonstrated universal acute PVI with an excellent safety profile and promising 12-month freedom from recurrent atrial arrhythmias in an Asian/Chinese population with paroxysmal AF.

Clinical trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05114954
Vision-based planting position selection system for an unmanned reforestation machine
Authors: Li Songyu , Rossander Morgan , Lideskog Håkan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Research on automated seedling planting systems in forestry is a crucial aspect of forestry automation. This paper introduces the development of a vision-based automated seedling planting position selection system, integrated with hardware and software components on an unmanned forest machine platform. Developed around object detection as the core, this research presents a comprehensive system consisting of two main functionalities: (i) A vision system that performs obstacle detection and localization, providing estimated obstacle types, sizes, and positions to the plant planner function. (ii) A plant planner function utilizes this information to plan the plantable areas and selects suitable planting locations. The integrated system has been tested in the field and we found it to effectively determine suitable planting locations on the ground of a clear-cut. The implementation of this system lays the foundation for subsequent automated planting operations. Furthermore, the automation of forest seedling planting reduces the need for manual labor and enhances planting precision, contributing to improved forest health and ecological balance. Looking ahead, this research offers insights into the future development of unmanned forestry operations, making strides in automating forest management, achieving cost-effectiveness, and facilitating ecological restoration.
Inconsistent Increase in Age at Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalization of Children Aged &lt;2 Years During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pandemic: A Retrospective Multicenter Study in 4 European Countries
Authors: Harding Eline R , Wildenbeest Joanne G , Heikkinen Terho , Dacosta-Urbieta Ana , Martinón-Torres Federico , Cunningham Steve , Templeton Kate , Bont Louis J , Billard Marie-Noëlle ,   PROMISE investigators, Harding Eline , Billard Marie-Noëlle , Wildenbeest Joanne , Bont Louis , Pollard Andrew , Dacosta-Urbieta Ana , Martinón-Torres Federico , Heikkinen Terho , Cunningham Steve , Templeton Kate , Nair Harish , Openshaw Peter , Beutels Philippe , Nohynek Hannah , Teirlinck Anne , Paget John , Kragten Leyla , Giaquinto Carlo , Diez-Domingo Javier , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Dos Santos Gael , Htar Tin Tin , Aerssens Jeroen , Vernhes Charlotte , Kramer Rolf , Kumar Veena , Ahani Bahar , Molero Eva 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic disrupted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasonality. To optimize the use and evaluation of RSV infant immunization strategies, monitoring changes in RSV epidemiology is essential.

Methods
Hospitalizations for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and RSV-coded ARI in children &lt;2 years were extracted in 4 European hospitals, according to predefined case definitions (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes). Prepandemic RSV seasons (2017–2018 to 2019–2020) were compared to 2021–2022 and 2022–2023.

Results
In 2021–2022 and 2022–2023, the peak number of RSV hospitalizations was higher than prepandemic peaks after short periods of RSV circulation, and lower than prepandemic peaks after long periods of RSV circulation. A greater proportion of RSV hospitalizations occurred in children 1 to &lt;2 years in 2021–2022 in the Netherlands (18% vs 9%, P = .04). No increase in age was observed elsewhere. High-risk children represented a greater proportion of RSV hospitalizations during the pandemic. The proportion of pediatric intensive care unit admissions did not increase.

Conclusions
A decrease in population immunity has been linked to older age at RSV hospitalization. We did not observe an increase in age in 3 of the 4 participating countries. Broad age categories may have prevented detecting an age shift. Monitoring RSV epidemiology is essential as Europe implements RSV immunization.
Incidence of RSV in Adults: A Comprehensive Review of Observational Studies and Critical Gaps in Information
Authors: Doty Benjamin , Ghaswalla Parinaz , Bohn Rhonda L , Stoszek Sonia K , Panozzo Catherine A 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
We conducted a global comprehensive literature review of observational studies reporting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) incidence in adults and determined current evidence gaps.

Methods
PubMed and Embase were searched for English-language publications (2000–2022) and congress abstracts (2019–2021) reporting RSV incidence rates/cumulative incidence. Cross-sectional studies, case series, and other designs estimating only RSV frequency were excluded. The search included all geographic areas; data were extracted by age group and underlying condition where available.

Results
In total, 528 potentially relevant records were identified, of which 37 primary studies were relevant to this review. Most evidence was from high-income regions. Approximately two-thirds of the studies reported RSV incidence in the hospital setting. Fifteen studies included or focused exclusively on RSV incidence in adult populations with underlying conditions. Studies varied in their measurement and presentation of incidence. RSV incidence estimates were highly variable within and between geographic regions. Overall, RSV incidence tended to increase with age and was highest in adults with underlying conditions.

Conclusions
Estimates of RSV incidence are highly variable across populations and geographies. Further population-based studies with well-defined, consistent case definitions and surveillance strategies are needed for accurate and comparable estimates of RSV incidence, particularly in the geographic regions identified by the gap analysis.
Osteopontin Depletion in Nonhematopoietic Cells Improves Outcomes in Septic Mice by Enhancing Antimicrobial Peptide Production
Authors: Yu Chang , Xu Dongwei , Luo Yichun , Jiao Junzhe , Liu Guanjie , Wang Fang , Gao Yueqiu , Sun Xuehua , Lv Xin , Wu Hailong , Kong Xiaoni 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Osteopontin (Opn) depletion can improve septic outcomes, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that nonhematopoietic but not hematopoietic Opn depletion improved septic outcomes. When compared with wild type mice, cohoused Opn−/− mice displayed enhanced production of antibacterial peptides (AMPs), decreased bacterial loads, and a distinct bacterial composition of gut microbiota. Fecal microbiota transplantation and OPN neutralization assay showed that Opn depletion could reduce bacterial loads and improve septic inflammation. By employing an intestinal organoid culture system, we proved that OPN neutralization in wild type organoids could inactivate AKT and decrease FOXO3a phosphorylation, resulting in enhanced AMP production, whereas OPN treatment in OPN-deficient organoids could activate AKT and increase FOXO3a phosphorylation, leading to reduced AMP production. Our findings identified OPN as a novel regulatory factor of AMP production to modulate bacterial loads and composition of gut microbiota, in turn affecting sepsis outcomes.
Comparing characteristics of individuals screened for lung cancer with 2021 vs 2013 US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations
Authors: Henderson Louise M , Durham Danielle D , Gruden James , Pritchard Michael , Lane Lindsay , Long Jason , Bellinger Christina , Rivera M Patricia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
We conducted a cross-sectional, multicenter study to compare the demographics, clinical characteristics, and lung cancer screening results among individuals eligible for lung cancer screening per 2013 vs 2021 US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations. Statistical tests are 2 sided, with P less than  .05 considered statistically significant. Among 17 702 screened individuals (85.2% 2013 eligible, 14.8% 2021 newly eligible), a higher proportion of individuals screened per 2021 vs 2013 criteria were female (56.1% vs 48.1%, P &lt; .001) and non-Hispanic Black (19.3% vs 13.4%, P &lt; .001). The risk of developing and dying from lung cancer per 1000 people was statistically significantly higher among individuals eligible per 2013 vs 2021 criteria. A higher proportion of lung cancer screening exams had an increased suspicion of lung cancer in the 2013 vs 2021 criteria groups. Our data suggest that, as intended, updated 2021 US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations are leading to a higher proportion of lung cancer screening exams among non-Hispanic Black individuals and women.
Leiomyosarcoma of the small bowel presenting as an acute small bowel obstruction
Authors: Wilt Erika , McDaniel Grant , Stiene Jennifer , Stolly Madison , Guo Rongjun , Diep David 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Leiomyosarcoma is a subtype of soft-tissue sarcoma, which is a rare soft-tissue malignancy comprising &lt; 1% of adult cancers. There are a variety of etiologies of small bowel obstruction. Infrequently, small bowel malignancies can first present as small bowel obstruction. In exceedingly rare cases, leiomyosarcomas can be the offending malignancy. A 53-year-old male presented to the emergency department with several weeks of persistent right abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Computed tomography scan revealed a central necrotic mass within the right lower quadrant originating from the small bowel. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy to relieve the obstruction and a mass was identified originating from the terminal ileum that adhered to surrounding structures. Pathological analysis determined the mass to be small bowel leiomyosarcoma. Leiomyosarcoma is definitively diagnosed after primary resection with histopathology and immunohistochemistry. As opposed to other small bowel neoplasms, surgical resection with negative margins is the only potentially curative option.
The Moral Economies of Reflexive Migration Studies
Authors: Stielike Laura , Schäfer Philipp , Stierl Maurice , Bartels Inken 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Reflexive Migration Studies has emerged as a subfield of Migration Studies. Drawing on moral economy perspectives, we explore how the entanglement of, and tensions between, moral and economic rationalities shape the development of a field of knowledge production in which we ourselves partake. Clearly, Reflexive Migration Studies has not emerged in a vacuum but through socio-material practices and in a specific scientific context and community. Using the case of the Migration Studies landscape in Germany, we suggest that a moral economies perspective allows us to examine the production of knowledge infrastructures, scholarly identities, and research outputs that are key in creating a new academic field. By scrutinizing these infrastructures, identities, and outputs, we point to tensions between some of the morally charged claims and the material conditions and labour contexts of doing Reflexive Migration Studies. With our contribution, we want to raise questions regarding the direction that we, as scholars participating in the field, are taking. We see the risk that the critique brought forward in Reflexive Migration Studies falters in light of prevailing economies of scientific knowledge production and academic labour.
Impact of Serine Racemase Deletion on Nicotine Discrimination
Authors: Yu Isabel L , Coyle Joseph T , Desai Rajeev I 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The high comorbidity between schizophrenia and cigarette smoking points to a possible shared heritable factor predisposing individuals with schizophrenia to nicotine addiction. The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor has been highly implicated in both schizophrenia and nicotine addiction.

Methods
In the present study, we used mice with a null mutation on the serine racemase gene (srr), an established risk gene for schizophrenia, which encodes the enzyme to produce the NMDA receptor co-agonist d-serine, to model the pathology of schizophrenia and to determine whether NMDA receptor hypofunction reduced the ability of srr−/− mice to identify nicotine’s subjective effects. Established nicotine discrimination procedures were used to train srr−/− and wild-type (WT) mice to discriminate 0.4 mg/kg nicotine under a 10-response fixed-ratio (FR10) schedule of food reinforcement.

Results
Results show that WT mice reliably acquired 0.4 mg/kg nicotine discrimination in about 54 training sessions, whereas srr−/− mice failed to acquire robust 0.4 mg/kg nicotine discrimination even after extended (&gt;70) training sessions. These results show that NDMA receptor hypofunction in srr−/− mice decreased sensitivity to the interoceptive effects of nicotine.

Conclusions
Projected to humans, NMDA receptor hypofunction caused by mutations to the serine racemase gene in schizophrenia may reduce sensitivity to nicotine’s subjective effects leading to increased nicotine consumption to produce the same effects as those unaffected by schizophrenia.

Implications
There is high comorbidity between schizophrenia and nicotine dependence as well as possible shared genetic risk factors between the two. The serine racemase knockout mouse (srr−/−) with NMDA receptor hypofunction has been developed as a model for schizophrenia. We found that srr−/− mice were unable to acquire 0.4 mg/kg nicotine discrimination, while WT mice readily discriminated nicotine. These results show that decreased NMDA receptor function present in srr−/− mice and patients with schizophrenia may result in reduced sensitivity to nicotine’s interoceptive effects, leading to increased nicotine consumption to produce the same subjective effects as those unaffected by schizophrenia.
Effect of Saffron Versus Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Shafiee Arman , Jafarabady Kyana , Seighali Niloofar , Mohammadi Ida , Rajai Firouz Abadi Shahryar , Abhari Faeze Soltani , Bakhtiyari Mahmood 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Context
Saffron, a natural remedy with potential antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, has gained attention as a potential therapeutic option.

Objective
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of saffron versus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating depression and anxiety.

Data Source
Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database, were searched from inception to April 31, 2023.

Data Extraction
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing saffron intervention with SSRIs in adults with depression or anxiety were included.

Data Analysis
Random-effects meta-analysis using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and risk ratio (RRs) with their 95% CIs calculated continuous and binary outcomes, respectively. Meta-analysis of 8 studies assessing depression outcomes revealed a nonsignificant difference between saffron and SSRIs in reducing depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.10l 95% CI: –0.09 to 0.29). Four studies reporting anxiety outcomes showed a nonsignificant difference between saffron and SSRIs in reducing anxiety symptoms (SMD = 0.04; 95% CI: –0.22 to 0.29). With regard to safety, participants receiving saffron had fewer adverse events than the SSRI group (risk difference: –0.06; 95% CI: –0.09, –0.04; I2: 0%).

Conclusion
Saffron could be a potential SSRI alternative to reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms with fewer adverse events. Further research with larger sample sizes and in diverse populations is warranted to validate these findings and explore potential moderators of treatment response.

Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023443236.
How Musical Are Game Players?
Authors: Oliva Costantino 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Costantino Oliva’s chapter has its theoretical foundation in John Blacking’s analysis of musical situations, whereby an intercultural understanding of music and musicality arises from an emphasis on the individual rather than the social. With this in mind, Oliva sets out to examine the musicality of the game player by focusing on the player’s creative impulse and individual experience. The player’s perspective, in this sense, is presented as a fundamental factor, capable of orientating engagement with video games toward varying and shifting musical meanings. Oliva shows that a variety of musical situations in video games challenge received elitist musical paradigms by facilitating a space of the expression of individual musicality and creative endeavor.
Intrinsically Unpleasant Sounds and Player Experience
Authors: Zlobin Denis 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The game audio designer Denis Zlobin uses his chapter to put forward the view that, rather than approach such design as the creation of sounds for video games, the designer should conceive of the role as creating video games via sound. To illustrate this, Zlobin uses the example of modulating player experience through the judicious use of intrinsically unpleasant sound effects. Zlobin proposes a framework for the evaluation, from various angles, of unpleasant sounds in video games then suggests how the audio designer can best create synergies with other areas of game development when seeking to use such sounds to serve the game.
Repairing the harm caused by arrest: A mixed-methods evaluation of a restorative justice diversion program
Authors: Dunlap Brenna , Huff Jessica , Tregle Brandon 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Research has yet to establish whether restorative justice can rebuild relationships between communities and the police. The current study examines a novel diversion program centred around police officer and arrestee restorative justice conferences. The two-year evaluation uses interviews with police officers and arrestees and surveys of arrestees to assess participants’ perceptions of the program and each other. Both groups were satisfied with the program and highly supported its continuation. Participants recognized the feelings or situations of others and humanized them. Both groups reported intentions to change their behaviours in future encounters, with officers intending to improve communication and arrestees discussing avoidance. Arrestees maintained neutral or somewhat positive perceptions of police. Arrestees in the second year had more positive perceptions of legitimacy, police interactions, and procedural justice than protesters arrested in year one. The results suggest that conferences could be a promising approach for agencies seeking to rebuild strained police–community relations.
Qualities of will and ambivalent moral worth
Authors: Eichhorn Leonie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
On many prominent accounts, moral praise- and blameworthiness depend on the quality of will an agent manifests in their action. This paper draws attention to a pertinent but overlooked phenomenon: the manifestation of commendable and objectionable qualities of will in an action at once. By showing that all the manifested qualities of will have an effect on the agent's praise- and blameworthiness (i.e., on their action's moral worth), it is argued that quality of will theories need to provide an account of this effect. An account according to which the manifested degrees of qualities of will cancel each other out and the praise- or blameworthiness is determined by the remaining quality of will is discussed and dismissed. Finally, it is argued that agents who manifest objectionable and commendable qualities of will at once are simultaneously both praise- and blameworthy for their actions. Actions can thus have ambivalent moral worth.
What Is Early Recovery of Physical Abilities After Wedge Resection Surgery for Patients With Bone Tumor? An Observational Study
Authors: Cotti Marco , Morri Mattia , Peccerillo Vincenzo , Guerrini Clizia , Abbruzzese Alida , Ruggiero Antonio , Culcasi Antonio , Donati Davide Maria , Davoli Fabio , Celli Guglielmo 
Published: June 2024

Background:
The aim of this study is to describe the course of recovery of physical ability for patients undergoing lung wedge resection surgery for bone tumor metastases using the 1-minute sit-to-stand (1MSTS) test.

Methods:
All patients undergoing wedge resection for localized lung metastases from January 2022 to July 2023 were recruited consecutively. The recovery of physical performance was assessed by conducting the 1MSTS test the day before surgery and every day after surgery. A comparison was made between the number of repetitions performed in the preoperative test vs the performance on the sixth postoperative day.

Results:
A total of 52 patients were enrolled. The median age was 51 years and women made up 44.2% of the sample. The 1MSTS test on the sixth day was conducted in all patients with a median number of repetitions of 17.5, with a value comparable to the preoperative median. The patients able to recover to the preoperative repetitions were 38%. Multivariate analysis showed female gender as a protective factor and previous respiratory comorbidities and previous surgery to the upper limbs/trunk as risk factors. During preoperative assessment, higher heart rate and lower oxygen saturation (SpO2) after 1MSTS test were also predictors of a worse postoperative outcome.

Conclusion:
After wedge resection surgery for lung metastasis, the recovery of physical ability should be encouraged from the early postoperative phases and can be monitored through the use of the 1MSTS test during hospitalization. Aerobic training exercises in the preoperative phase may be useful to improve preoperative performance.