bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-centre, prospective randomized comparison of three different substrate ablation strategies for persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Li Kaige , Xu Changhao , Zhu Xiyao , Wang Xinhua , Ye Ping , Jiang Weifeng , Wu Shaohui , Xu Kai , Li Xiangting , Wang Ying , Zheng Qidong , Wang Yanzhe , Leng Lihua , Zhang Zengtang , Han Bing , Zhang Yu , Qin Mu , Liu Xu 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Aims
The optimal strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF) is poorly defined. We conducted a multicentre, randomized, prospective trial to compare the outcomes of different ablation strategies for PerAF.

Methods and results
We enrolled 450 patients and randomly assigned them in a 1:1:1 ratio to undergo pulmonary vein isolation and subsequently undergo the following three different ablation strategies: anatomical guided ablation (ANAT group, n = 150), electrogram guided ablation (EGM group, n = 150), and extensive electro-anatomical guided ablation (EXT group, n = 150). The primary endpoint was freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF) lasting longer than 30 s at 12 months after a single ablation procedure. After 12 months of follow-up, 72% (108) of patients in the EXT group were free from AF recurrence, as compared with the 64% (96) in the EGM group (P = 0.116), and 54% (81) in the ANAT group (P = 0.002). The EXT group showed less AF/atrial tachycardia recurrence than the EGM group (60% vs. 50%, P = 0.064) and the ANAT group (60% vs. 37.3%, P &lt; 0.001). The EXT group showed the highest rate of AF termination (66.7%), followed by 56.7% in the EGM group, and 20.7% in the ANAT group. The AF termination signified less AF recurrence at 12 months compared to patients without AF termination (30.1% vs. 42.7%, P = 0.008). Safety endpoints did not differ significantly between the three groups (P = 0.924).

Conclusions
Electro-anatomical guided ablation achieved the most favourable outcomes among the three ablation strategies. The AF termination is a reliable ablation endpoint.
Use and perceived effectiveness of non-pharmacological home remedies for digestive symptoms: a questionnaire-based survey among primary care patients
Authors: Sebo Paul , Gaboreau Yoann , Morel Marie , Haller Dagmar M , Maisonneuve Hubert 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
Patients frequently visit their primary care physician (PCP) for digestive symptoms. We aimed to compile a list of non-pharmacological home remedies (NPHRs) that patients frequently use and find effective so that PCPs can then propose them to their patients with various digestive symptoms.

Methods
In this questionnaire-based survey on the use and perceived effectiveness of NPHRs for digestive symptoms, 50 randomly selected Swiss or French PCPs consecutively recruited 20–25 patients between March 2020 and July 2021. These patients were given a list of 53 NPHRs previously developed by our research team. They were asked whether they used them (Y/N) and whether they considered them to be ineffective, not very effective, moderately effective, or very effective in treating abdominal pain (14 NPHRs), bloating (2), constipation (5), diarrhoea (10), digestion trouble (12), nausea/vomiting (2) and stomach pain (8). We considered NPHRs to be perceived as effective if patients reported that they were moderately or very effective.

Results
A total of 1,012 patients agreed to participate in the study (participation rate = 84.5%, median age = 52 years, women = 61%). The two most frequently used NPHRs were rice cooking water for diarrhoea (29% of patients) and prunes for constipation (22%). The perceived effectiveness of the NPHRs ranged from 82% (fennel infusions for abdominal pain) to 95% (bicarbonate for stomach pain).

Conclusion
Our data could be useful to PCPs interested in proposing NPHRs to their patients suffering from digestive disorders, and more generally to all PCPs interested in learning more about patients’ use of NPHRs in primary care.
Status Seeking through Peacekeeping: Ukraine's Quest for a Positive Social Identity in the International System
Authors: Dobrescu Madalina 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWhen do states pursue status enhancement through peacekeeping and how do they go about it? This article argues that states’ contributions to peace operations can be related to attempts at acquiring a positive identity in the international arena through membership in highly ranked groups. Drawing on insights from social identity theory and peacekeeping and burden-sharing research, the article elaborates on how states choose an identity management strategy that involves peacekeeping practices, the factors influencing states’ ability to pursue status through peacekeeping, and the conditions for succeeding in acquiring the desired social identity. Ukraine's significant peacekeeping engagement in the first two decades following independence represents an intriguing case of an emerging state positioning itself in the international and regional systems, which makes it a relevant case study to explore. Therefore, the article discusses how two of Ukraine's formative peacekeeping experiences have fostered, or alternatively undermined, the pursuit of a positive social identity, first as a sovereign state and member of the broader international community and second as an aspiring member of the Western community of states.
A DEAD-box RNA helicase mediates meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA
Authors: Sy Victor T , Boone Erin C , Xiao Hua , Vierling Michael M , Schmitz Shannon F , Ung Quiny , Trawick Sterling S , Hammond Thomas M , Shiu Patrick K T 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
During the sexual phase of Neurospora crassa, unpaired genes are subject to a silencing mechanism known as meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA (MSUD). MSUD targets the transcripts of an unpaired gene and utilizes typical RNA interference factors for its process. Using a reverse genetic screen, we have identified a meiotic silencing gene called sad-9, which encodes a DEAD-box RNA helicase. While not essential for vegetative growth, SAD-9 plays a crucial role in both sexual development and MSUD. Our results suggest that SAD-9, with the help of the SAD-2 scaffold protein, recruits the SMS-2 Argonaute to the perinuclear region, the center of MSUD activity.
Dispersal inference from population genetic variation using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Smith Chris C R , Tittes Silas , Ralph Peter L , Kern Andrew D 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The geographic nature of biological dispersal shapes patterns of genetic variation over landscapes, making it possible to infer properties of dispersal from genetic variation data. Here, we present an inference tool that uses geographically distributed genotype data in combination with a convolutional neural network to estimate a critical population parameter: the mean per-generation dispersal distance. Using extensive simulation, we show that our deep learning approach is competitive with or outperforms state-of-the-art methods, particularly at small sample sizes. In addition, we evaluate varying nuisance parameters during training—including population density, demographic history, habitat size, and sampling area—and show that this strategy is effective for estimating dispersal distance when other model parameters are unknown. Whereas competing methods depend on information about local population density or accurate inference of identity-by-descent tracts, our method uses only single-nucleotide-polymorphism data and the spatial scale of sampling as input. Strikingly, and unlike other methods, our method does not use the geographic coordinates of the genotyped individuals. These features make our method, which we call “disperseNN,” a potentially valuable new tool for estimating dispersal distance in nonmodel systems with whole genome data or reduced representation data. We apply disperseNN to 12 different species with publicly available data, yielding reasonable estimates for most species. Importantly, our method estimated consistently larger dispersal distances than mark-recapture calculations in the same species, which may be due to the limited geographic sampling area covered by some mark-recapture studies. Thus genetic tools like ours complement direct methods for improving our understanding of dispersal.
BABA-induced pathogen resistance: a multi-omics analysis of the tomato response reveals a hyper-receptive status involving ethylene
Authors: Zapletalová Martina , Rancurel Corinne , Industri Benoit , Bardin Marc , Le Brigand Kevin , Nicot Philippe , Magnone Virginie , Seassau Aurélie , Barbry Pascal , Potěšil David , Zdráhal Zbyněk , Ponchet Michel , Lochman Jan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Prior exposure to microbial-associated molecular patterns or specific chemical compounds can promote plants into a primed state with stronger defence responses. β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) is an endogenous stress metabolite that induces resistance protecting various plants towards diverse stresses. In this study, by integrating BABA-induced changes in selected metabolites with transcriptome and proteome data, we generated a global map of the molecular processes operating in BABA-induced resistance (BABA-IR) in tomato. BABA significantly restricts the growth of the pathogens Oidium neolycopersici and Phytophthora parasitica but not Botrytis cinerea. A cluster analysis of the upregulated processes showed that BABA acts mainly as a stress factor in tomato. The main factor distinguishing BABA-IR from other stress conditions was the extensive induction of signaling and perception machinery playing a key role in effective resistance against pathogens. Interestingly, the signalling processes and immune response activated during BABA-IR in tomato differed from those in Arabidopsis with substantial enrichment of genes associated with jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET) signalling and no change in Asp levels. Our results revealed key differences between the effect of BABA on tomato and other model plants studied until now. Surprisingly, salicylic acid (SA) is not involved in BABA downstream signalization whereas ET and JA play a crucial role.
Stabilization and destabilization of hybrid systems by periodic stochastic controls based on Lévy noise
Authors: Li Wenrui , Fei Weiyin , Liang Yong , Mao Xuerong 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
We focus in this paper on determining whether or not a periodic stochastic feedback control based on Lévy noise can stabilize or destabilize a given non-linear hybrid system. Using the Lyapunov functions and the periodic functions, we establish some sufficient conditions on the stability and instability for non-linear hybrid systems with Lévy noise. Moreover, we use some numerical examples and simulations to illustrate that an unstable (or stable) non-linear hybrid system can be stabilized (or destabilized) via periodic stochastic feedback control based on Lévy noise.
Understanding German Foreign Policy in the (Post-)Merkel Era—Review Essay
Authors: Eberle Jakub 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis essay reviews four recent books on Germany's foreign policy with emphasis on the era of Angela Merkel. The evaluation is based on their (a) added value to scholarship on German foreign policy, (b) theoretical sophistication and contribution to IR, and (c) relevance also for the post-Merkel era. I argue that the books bring in valuable insights regarding the enduring, yet also changeable role of anti-militarism and provide knowledgeable analyses of the failure of Germany's policies toward Russia. Importantly, they enrich also broader literatures, especially in their focus on discursive change and state power in the European Union context. I demonstrate that these ideas help us understand Germany's struggle to redefine its role after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and offer more nuanced analyses of Germany's policies and their specifics, staying clear of treating the country as a priori exceptional.
Evaluation of the tolerance of ceftriaxone by subcutaneous route in patients ≥75 years old in geriatric departments: a prospective observational study
Authors: Renoncourt Thomas , Dossoubadjiokila Justine , Mondet Lisa , Pecquet Pauline-Eva , Bennouna Nysrine , Gras-Champel Valerie , Bennis Youssef , Bloch Frédéric 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The subcutaneous (SC) route provides an alternative to the IV or oral route for drug administration in the elderly. The benefits of SC administration have been proven for hydration but are still debated for antibiotics because tolerance remains uncertain, especially in the frail geriatric population. Here, we aimed to improve current knowledge concerning the tolerance profile of ceftriaxone SC administration at both the systemic and cutaneous level, as well as in terms of pain.

Patients and methods
This was a prospective descriptive study of SC ceftriaxone tolerance in a geriatric department. We included all patients over 75 years of age who received a prescription for SC ceftriaxone in our hospital over a 5 month period.

Methods
We evaluated the systemic and local tolerance of SC ceftriaxone. Nurses were asked about their perceptions concerning its use.

Results
Among 117 patients, 57% presented with pain and 60% with a mild local adverse effect, such as the formation of oedema in one-third of patients, induration or transient erythema. Finally, there were no serious local adverse effects and two systemic adverse effects were observed (one diarrhoea and one Clostridioides difficile colitis). Pain was mainly related to the skin breach and oedema formation.

Conclusions
We did not find any worrying signs concerning the use of SC ceftriaxone but this study shows that its wide use must consider pain management, which is often overlooked.
Assessing the Immunization Information System and electronic health record interface accuracy for COVID-19 vaccinations
Authors: McGreevy Sheila , Murray Megan , Montero Leny , Gibson Cheryl , Comfort Branden , Barry Michael , Kirmer-Voss Kalee , Coy Allison , Zufer Tahira , Rampon Kathryn H , Woodward Jennifer 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveOur objective is to assess the accuracy of the COVID-19 vaccination status within the electronic health record (EHR) for a panel of patients in a primary care practice when manual queries of the state immunization databases are required to access outside immunization records.Materials and MethodsThis study evaluated COVID-19 vaccination status of adult primary care patients within a university-based health system EHR by manually querying the Kansas and Missouri Immunization Information Systems.ResultsA manual query of the local Immunization Information Systems for 4114 adult patients with “unknown” vaccination status showed 44% of the patients were previously vaccinated. Attempts to assess the comprehensiveness of the Immunization Information Systems were hampered by incomplete documentation in the chart and poor response to patient outreach.ConclusionsWhen the interface between the patient chart and the local Immunization Information System depends on a manual query for the transfer of data, the COVID-19 vaccination status for a panel of patients is often inaccurate.
Comprehensive analysis of Japanese nationwide cohort data of particle beam therapy for pulmonary, liver and lymph node oligometastases: particle beam therapy versus high-precision X-ray radiotherapy
Authors: Aibe Norihiro , Ogino Hiroyuki , Wakatsuki Masaru , Fujikawa Kei , Teramukai Satoshi , Fukumitsu Nobuyoshi , Shiba Shintaro , Yamamoto Naoyoshi , Nomoto Akihiro , Ono Takashi , Oguri Masanosuke , Yamaguchi Hisashi , Numajiri Haruko , Shibuya Kei , Okazaki Shohei , Miyasaka Yuhei , Okonogi Noriyuki , Murata Kazutoshi , Tatebe Hitoshi , Motegi Atsushi , Okimoto Tomoaki , Yoshino Takayuki , Mandai Masaki , Katoh Norio , Tsuji Hiroshi , Sakurai Hideyuki 
Published: April 2023

AbstractJapanese national oncological experts convened to evaluate the efficacy and safety of particle beam therapy (PT) for pulmonary, liver and lymph node oligometastases (P-OM, L-OM and LN-OM, respectively) and to conduct a statistically comparative analysis of the local control (LC) rate and overall survival (OS) rate of PT versus those of X-ray stereotactic body radiotherapy (X-SBRT) and X-ray intensity-modulated radiotherapy (X-IMRT). They conducted [1] an analysis of the efficacy and safety of metastasis-directed therapy with PT for P-OM, L-OM and LN-OM using a Japanese nationwide multi-institutional cohort study data set; [2] a systematic review of X-ray high-precision radiotherapy (i.e. X-SBRT/X-IMRT) and PT for P-OM, L-OM and LN-OM; and [3] a statistical comparison between LC and OS of the cohort data set in PT and that of the extracted historical data set in X-SBRT/X-IMRT from the preceding systematic review. Safety was evaluated as the incidence of grade ≥ 3 adverse events, while statistical comparisons of LC and OS were conducted by estimating the incidence rate ratios (IRR) for local progression and mortality, respectively. This study demonstrated that PT provided durable LC (3-year LC rate: 72.8–83.2%) with acceptable OS (3-year OS rate: 38.5–68.1%) and risk of severe toxicity incidence of 0.8–3.5% in radical metastasis-directed therapy for P-OM, L-OM and LN-OM. Compared to LC with X-SBRT or X-IMRT, LC with PT was potentially superior for P-OM; superior for L-OM; and equivalent for LN-OM. In particular, this study demonstrated that PT may be a new treatment option for L-OM tumors measuring &gt; 5 cm.
Strangulated interstitial interparietal hernia following lower segment caesarean section: a case report
Authors: Garrett Celine , Wijayawardana Ruwanthi , Morris David L 
Published: April 2023

AbstractInterparietal hernias are rare and occur most commonly in the long-term postoperative setting following abdominopelvic surgery. This case report describes the development of a strangulated interparietal hernia through a defect in the posterior rectus sheath 4 days post-lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) in a 36-year-old female. Whilst she had an acute abdomen, she did not have a palpable incisional hernia. Her interparietal hernia was identified via a computed tomography scan of her abdomen and pelvis. She underwent a midline laparotomy where ischaemic small bowel was found within her hernia. This was resected and she had an unremarkable recovery. This case is the first of its kind and highlights the diagnostic challenge of interparietal hernias in acute postoperative patients as well as the importance of having a low threshold for suspicion for complicated interparietal hernias in patients with an acute abdomen following LSCS.
Giant pilomatrixoma in the infraclavicular region following an insect bite
Authors: Cóbar Juan P , Ghaddar Sawsane , Feucht Markus G , Ardebol Javier 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPilomatrixoma is a benign skin tumor typically presenting as a hard, slow-growing mass arising from hair follicle matrix cells. While most encountered in children, giant pilomatrixoma seldomly presents in adults. In the present case, a large subcutaneous, nonpainful and slow-growing mass was discovered in the infraclavicular region of a 52-year-old male. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of giant pilomatrixoma. Despite its benign nature, tumor size and location can result in significant morbidity and cosmetic deformity. This case highlights the importance of considering pilomatrixomas in patients with a slow-growing mass, especially after an inciting event, such as an insect bite. Timely diagnosis and proper management can result in successful tumor removal with minimal cosmetic compromise.
Thoracoscopic repair of iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia following multiple abdominal surgeries: a case report
Authors: Kasa Kentaro , Tanishima Yuichiro , Kurogochi Takanori , Masuda Takahiro , Yano Fumiaki , Eto Ken 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia (IDH) is a rare complication that has been reported after various interventions, including liver transplantation, liver resection and nephrectomy. A surgical procedure for IDH has not been optimized. A 56-year-old man presented to our hospital with a 1-week history of abdominal pain and nausea. His medical history included an open nephrectomy for renal cancer 8 years ago and open distal pancreatectomy for its recurrence 1.5 years ago. Enhanced computed tomography showed IDH with the fornix of the stomach herniating to the left pleural cavity, without radiographic signs of strangulation. His symptoms improved after gastric decompression with nasogastric tube placement, and he underwent elective surgery. The incarcerated stomach was repositioned, and the hernia orifice was closed and reinforced with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh using a thoracoscopic procedure. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. The operative procedure for IDH should be tailored depending on anatomical alternations after previous surgeries.
A case of recurrent epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum treated with lower esophagogastric resection and interstitial jejunal reconstruction
Authors: Ito Ayaka , Kitazono Masaki , Fujita Makoto , Ikeda Naotaka , Eguchi Mayumi , Oyama Tomohiro , Uchiyama Shuichiro , Toyosaki Ryoichi , Suenaga Toyokuni 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe patient is a 60-year-old female with a history of multiple times of recurrences of an esophageal diverticulum. She was referred for a diagnosis of persistent dysphagia and vomiting. Balloon dilation did not improve the symptoms; thus, she was referred for surgery. Esophageal fluoroscopy revealed a 5 cm diverticulum. There was no significant change in the size before and after dilation. Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a diverticulum in the lower esophagus, with a residue accumulation. The esophagus directly below the diverticulum was narrowed. The patient was diagnosed with recurrent lower esophageal diverticulum and underwent surgery. The operative findings showed poor coloration of the gastric fundus surrounding operated before by Nissen’s method, so the patient underwent lower esophagogastric resection and interstitial jejunal reconstruction. The postoperative course was uneventful and discharged on the 19th day. She is 6 years postoperatively and gained six kg compared to her preoperative weight. She has remained in excellent health.
Quantitative Detection of House Dust Mites–Specific IgE by Light-Initiated Chemiluminescence Assay
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Zheng Lisheng , Sun Yuanmin , Tan Xin , Zhang Bei , Li Xue , Li Huiqiang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objective
To establish a new method for quantitative detection of house dust mite (HDM)–sIgE based on light-initiated chemiluminescence assay (LiCA).

Methods
The assay was established after optimizing the reaction conditions, and the assay performance was evaluated according to the clinical guidelines. Further, the results of LiCA were compared with those from the ELISA and ImmunoCAP methods.

Results
Coefficients of variation for repeatability ranged from 4.22% to 7.69%, and intermediate precision from 8.38% to 10.34%. The limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), and limit of quantitation (LoQ) were 0.066 kUA/L, 0.165 kUA/L, and 0.171 kUA/L, respectively. The coefficient of correlation (r) between the results of LiCA and ELISA was 0.9263, and the r between the results of LiCA and ImmunoCAP was 0.8870.

Conclusions
A HDM-sIgE quantitation assay based on LiCA was established, which could be used as a new reliable analytical tool for the determination of HDM-sIgE.