bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simple approaches to nonlinear difference-in-differences with panel data
Authors: Wooldridge Jeffrey M 
Published: August 2023

Summary
I derive simple, flexible strategies for difference-in-differences settings where the nature of the response variable may warrant a nonlinear model. I allow for general staggered interventions, with and without covariates. Under an index version of parallel trends, I show that average treatment effects on the treated (ATTs) are identified for each cohort and calendar time period in which a cohort was subjected to the intervention. The pooled quasi-maximum likelihood estimators in the linear exponential family extend pooled ordinary least squares estimation of linear models. By using the conditional mean associated with the canonical link function, imputation and pooling across the entire sample produce identical estimates. Generally, pooled estimation results in very simple computation of the ATTs and their standard errors. The leading cases are a logit functional form for binary and fractional outcomes—combined with the Bernoulli quasi-log likelihood (QLL)—and an exponential mean combined with the Poisson QLL.
Hollywood’s Peerless Advocate for Israel: Max Nussbaum, ‘Rabbi to the Stars’
Authors: Goodman Giora , Shaw Tony 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A neglected figure in the histories of Zionism, American Jewry and US-Israel relations, Max Nussbaum carved out an unusual place for himself in Hollywood after the Second World War. Known affectionately as the ‘Rabbi to the Stars’, as spiritual leader of Temple Israel of Hollywood Nussbaum stood at the centre of entertainment’s Jewish community for thirty years, where he played a key role in advocating for Israel during the state’s formative decades. The rabbi raised millions of ‘publicity dollars’ for Israel with the help of Hollywood moguls and show-business friends, converted the actress Elizabeth Taylor into a Zionist champion, and conversed with America’s political leaders about Middle Eastern affairs. Using American and Israeli archives, this article explores the extensive range of Nussbaum’s pro-Zionist endeavours, demonstrating the importance of Temple Israel of Hollywood’s on- and off-screen support for Israel. It factors in the role of American Jewish organisations and the particular importance of Zionist advocacy and celebrity culture to the changing attitudes of American Jews and the US government towards Israel from the 1940s to the 1970s. At the same time, it reveals the limits of Nussbaum’s pro-Israel political lobbying activities in Washington and assesses why, despite his devotion to Israel, Nussbaum clashed with its leaders over the goals of the Zionist movement. The article highlights the need to integrate religious figures such as Max Nussbaum and cultural players like Hollywood more fully into the history of the US-Israel alliance.
Atrial fibrillation progression after cryoablation vs. radiofrequency ablation: the CIRCA-DOSE trial
Authors: Andrade Jason G , Deyell Marc W , Khairy Paul , Champagne Jean , Leong-Sit Peter , Novak Paul , Sterns Lawrence , Roux Jean-Francois , Sapp John , Bennett Richard , Bennett Matthew , Hawkins Nathaniel , Sanders Prashanthan , Macle Laurent 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a chronic progressive disorder. Persistent forms of AF are associated with increased rates of thromboembolism, heart failure, and death. Catheter ablation modifies the pathogenic mechanism of AF progression. No randomized studies have evaluated the impact of the ablation energy on progression to persistent atrial tachyarrhythmia.MethodsThree hundred forty-six patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF were enrolled and randomly assigned to contact-force–guided RF ablation (CF-RF ablation, 115), 4 min cryoballoon ablation (CRYO-4, 115), or 2 min cryoballoon ablation (CRYO-2, 116). Implantable cardiac monitors placed at study entry were used for follow-up. The main outcome was the first episode of persistent atrial tachyarrhythmia. Secondary outcomes included atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence and arrhythmia burden on the implantable monitor.ResultsAt a median of 944.0 (interquartile range [IQR], 612.5–1104) days, 0 of 115 patients (0.0%) randomly assigned to CF-RF, 8 of 115 patients (7.0%) assigned to CRYO-4, and 5 of 116 patients (4.3%) assigned to CRYO-2 experienced an episode of persistent atrial tachyarrhythmia (P = .03). A documented recurrence of any atrial tachyarrhythmia ≥30 s occurred in 56.5%, 53.9%, and 62.9% of those randomized to CF-RF, CRYO-4, and CRYO-2, respectively; P = .65. Compared with that of the pre-ablation monitoring period, AF burden was reduced by a median of 99.5% (IQR 94.0%, 100.0%) with CF-RF, 99.9% (IQR 93.3%–100.0%) with CRYO-4, and 99.1%% (IQR 87.0%–100.0%) with CRYO-2 (P = .38).ConclusionsCatheter ablation of paroxysmal AF using radiofrequency energy was associated with fewer patients developing persistent AF on follow-up.
Advancing the science of management of arrhythmic disease in children and adult congenital heart disease patients within the last 25 years
Authors: Paul Thomas , Krause Ulrich , Sanatani Shubhayan , Etheridge Susan P 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This review article reflects how publications in EP Europace have contributed to advancing the science of management of arrhythmic disease in children and adult patients with congenital heart disease within the last 25 years. A special focus is directed to congenital atrioventricular (AV) block, the use of pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy devices, and implantable cardioverter defibrillators in the young with and without congenital heart disease, Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, mapping and ablation technology, and understanding of cardiac genomics to untangle arrhythmic sudden death in the young.
Twenty-five years of research in cardiac imaging in electrophysiology procedures for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Berruezo Antonio , Penela Diego , Jáuregui Beatriz , de Asmundis Carlo , Peretto Giovanni , Marrouche Nassir , Trayanova Natalia , de Chillou Christian 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Catheter ablation is nowadays considered the treatment of choice for numerous cardiac arrhythmias in different clinical scenarios. Fluoroscopy has traditionally been the primary imaging modality for catheter ablation, providing real-time visualization of catheter navigation. However, its limitations, such as inadequate soft tissue visualization and exposure to ionizing radiation, have prompted the integration of alternative imaging modalities. Over the years, advancements in imaging techniques have played a pivotal role in enhancing the safety, efficacy, and efficiency of catheter ablation procedures. This manuscript aims to explore the utility of imaging, including electroanatomical mapping, cardiac computed tomography, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and nuclear cardiology exams, in helping electrophysiology procedures. These techniques enable accurate anatomical guidance, identification of critical structures and substrates, and real-time monitoring of complications, ultimately enhancing procedural safety and success rates. Incorporating advanced imaging technologies into routine clinical practice has the potential to further improve clinical outcomes of catheter ablation procedures and pave the way for more personalized and precise ablation therapies in the future.
25 years of basic and translational science in EP Europace: novel insights into arrhythmia mechanisms and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Remme Carol Ann , Heijman Jordi , Gomez Ana M , Zaza Antonio , Odening Katja E 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In the last 25 years, EP Europace has published more than 300 basic and translational science articles covering different arrhythmia types (ranging from atrial fibrillation to ventricular tachyarrhythmias), different diseases predisposing to arrhythmia formation (such as genetic arrhythmia disorders and heart failure), and different interventional and pharmacological anti-arrhythmic treatment strategies (ranging from pacing and defibrillation to different ablation approaches and novel drug-therapies). These studies have been conducted in cellular models, small and large animal models, and in the last couple of years increasingly in silico using computational approaches. In sum, these articles have contributed substantially to our pathophysiological understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms and treatment options; many of which have made their way into clinical applications. This review discusses a representative selection of EP Europace manuscripts covering the topics of pacing and ablation, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and pro-arrhythmic ventricular remodelling, ion channel (dys)function and pharmacology, inherited arrhythmia syndromes, and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies, highlighting some of the advances of the past 25 years. Given the increasingly recognized complexity and multidisciplinary nature of arrhythmogenesis and continued technological developments, basic and translational electrophysiological research is key advancing the field. EP Europace aims to further increase its contribution to the discovery of arrhythmia mechanisms and the implementation of mechanism-based precision therapy approaches in arrhythmia management.
Progress in atrial fibrillation ablation during 25 years of Europace journal
Authors: Boersma Lucas , Andrade Jason G , Betts Tim , Duytschaever Mattias , Pürerfellner Helmut , Santoro Francesco , Tzeis Stylianos , Verma Atul 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The first edition of Europace journal in 1999 came right around the time of the landmark publication of the electrophysiologists from Bordeaux, establishing how elimination of ectopic activity from the pulmonary veins (PVs) resulted in a marked reduction of atrial fibrillation (AF). The past 25 years have seen an incredible surge in scientific interest to develop new catheters and energy sources to optimize durability and safety of ablation, as well as study the mechanisms for AF and devise ablation strategies. While ablation in the beginning was performed with classic 4 mm tip catheters that emitted radiofrequency (RF) energy to create tissue lesions, this evolved to using irrigation and contact force (CF) measurement while increasing power. Also, so-called single-shot devices were developed with balloons and arrays to create larger contiguous lesions, and energy sources changed from RF current to cryogenic ablation and more recently pulsed field ablation with electrical current. Although PV ablation has remained the basis for every AF ablation, it was soon recognized that this was not enough to cure all patients, especially those with non-paroxysmal AF. Standardized approaches for additional ablation targets have been used but have not been satisfactory in all patients so far. This led to highly technical mapping systems that are meant to unravel the drivers for the maintenance of AF. In the following sections, the development of energies, strategies, and tools is described with a focus on the contribution of Europace to publish the outcomes of studies that were done during the past 25 years.
Less Is (Often) More: Number of Children and Health Among Older Adults in 24 Countries
Authors: Antczak Radoslaw , Quashie Nekehia T , Mair Christine A , Arpino Bruno 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Previous evidence about the impact of parenthood on health for older adults is mixed, perhaps due to variation in number of children and context. Higher numbers of children could lead to support or strain, depending on individual and country contexts. Yet, no studies currently exist that examine associations between the number of children and several health indicators among older adults across multiple global regions.

Methods
We analyze cross-sectional data (1992–2017) of 166,739 adults aged 50+ across 24 countries from the Health and Retirement Study family of surveys to document associations between the number of children, treated as a categorical variable, and 5 health outcomes (self-rated health, activities of daily living limitations, instrumental activities of daily living limitations, chronic conditions, and depression). We perform multivariable analyses by estimating logistic regression models for each country and each outcome.

Results
Multiple comparisons between categories of number of children revealed at least 1 significant difference in each country, and a majority of significant differences indicated those with more children had poorer health. The risk of poorer health for parents of multiple children was observed in 15 countries, but in some countries, fewer children predict poorer health. The greatest number of differences was identified for depression and chronic conditions, and very few for functional limitations.

Discussion
We observe a greater probability that more children are associated with poorer health in later life, especially for chronic conditions and depression. However, a universal global or regional pattern could not be identified. These findings raise new questions about how country contexts shape fertility and health.
Cholera intoxication of human enteroids reveals interplay between decoy and functional glycoconjugate ligands
Authors: Singla Akshi , Boucher Andrew , Wallom Kerri-Lee , Lebens Michael , Kohler Jennifer J , Platt Frances M , Yrlid Ulf 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Prior research on cholera toxin (CT) binding and intoxication has relied on human colonic cancer derived epithelial cells. While these transformed cell lines have been beneficial, they neither derive from small intestine where intoxication occurs, nor represent the diversity of small intestinal epithelial cells (SI-ECs) and variation in glycoconjugate expression among individuals. Here, we used human enteroids, derived from jejunal biopsies of multipledonors to study CT binding and intoxication of human non-transformed SI-ECs. We modulated surface expression of glycosphingolipids, glycoproteins and specific glycans to distinguish the role of each glycan/glycoconjugate. Cholera-toxin-subunit-B (CTB) mutants were generated to decipher the preference of each glycoconjugate to different binding sites and the correlation between CT binding and intoxication. Human enteroids contain trace amounts of GM1, but other glycosphingolipids may be contributing to CT intoxication. We discovered that inhibition of either fucosylation or O-glycosylation sensitize enteroids to CT-intoxication. This can either be a consequence of the removal of fucosylated “decoy-like-ligands” binding to CTB’s non-canonical site and/or increase in the availability of Gal/GalNAc-terminating glycoconjugates binding to the canonical site. Furthermore, simultaneous inhibition of fucosylation and O-glycosylation increased the availability of additional Gal/GalNAc-terminating glycoconjugates but counteracted the sensitization in CT intoxication caused by inhibiting O-glycosylation because of reduction in fucose. This implies a dual role of fucose as a functional glycan and a decoy, the interplay of which influences CT binding and intoxication. Finally, while the results were similar for enteroids from different donors, they were not identical, pointing to a role for human genetic variation in determining sensitivity to CT.
Identification of blood protein biomarkers associated with prostate cancer risk using genetic prediction models: analysis of over 140,000 subjects
Authors: Zhong Hua , Zhu Jingjing , Liu Shuai , Ghoneim Dalia H , Surendran Praveen , Liu Tao , Fahle Sarah , Butterworth Adam , Ashad Alam Md , Deng Hong-Wen , Yu Herbert , Wu Chong , Wu Lang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) brings huge public health burden in men. A growing number of conventional observational studies report associations of multiple circulating proteins with PCa risk. However, the existing findings may be subject to incoherent biases of conventional epidemiologic studies. To better characterize their associations, herein, we evaluated associations of genetically predicted concentrations of plasma proteins with PCa risk. We developed comprehensive genetic prediction models for protein levels in plasma. After testing 1308 proteins in 79 194 cases and 61 112 controls of European ancestry included in the consortia of BPC3, CAPS, CRUK, PEGASUS, and PRACTICAL, 24 proteins showed significant associations with PCa risk, including 16 previously reported proteins and eight novel proteins. Of them, 14 proteins showed negative associations and 10 showed positive associations with PCa risk. For 18 of the identified proteins, potential functional somatic changes of encoding genes were detected in PCa patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Genes encoding these proteins were significantly involved in cancer-related pathways. We further identified drugs targeting the identified proteins, which may serve as candidates for drug repurposing for treating PCa. In conclusion, this study identifies novel protein biomarker candidates for PCa risk, which may provide new perspectives on the etiology of PCa and improve its therapeutic strategies.
High order approximations of the Cox–Ingersoll–Ross process semigroup using random grids
Authors: Alfonsi Aurélien , Lombardo Edoardo 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We present new high order approximations schemes for the Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) process that are obtained by using a recent technique developed by Alfonsi and Bally (2021, A generic construction for high order approximation schemes of semigroups using random grids. Numer. Math., 148, 743–793) for the approximation of semigroups. The idea consists in using a suitable combination of discretization schemes calculated on different random grids to increase the order of convergence. This technique coupled with the second order scheme proposed by Alfonsi (2010, High order discretization schemes for the CIR process: application to affine term structure and Heston models. Math. Comp., 79, 209–237) for the CIR leads to weak approximations of order $2k$, for all $k\in{{\mathbb{N}}}^{\ast }$. Despite the singularity of the square-root volatility coefficient, we show rigorously this order of convergence under some restrictions on the volatility parameters. We illustrate numerically the convergence of these approximations for the CIR process and for the Heston stochastic volatility model and show the computational time gain they give.
Numerical approximation of singular-degenerate parabolic stochastic partial differential equations
Authors: Baňas Ľubomír , Gess Benjamin , Vieth Christian 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We study a general class of singular degenerate parabolic stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) that include, in particular, the stochastic porous medium equations and the stochastic fast diffusion equation. We propose a fully discrete numerical approximation of the considered SPDEs based on the very weak formulation. By exploiting the monotonicity properties of the proposed formulation we prove the convergence of the numerical approximation towards the unique solution. Furthermore, we construct an implementable finite element scheme for the spatial discretization of the very weak formulation and provide numerical simulations to demonstrate the practicability of the proposed discretization.
Digital Norm Contestation and Feminist Foreign Policy
Authors: Aggestam Karin , Rosamond Annika Bergman , Hedling Elsa 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis article examines the role of digital norm contestation in feminist foreign policy (FFP). It analyzes how states that participate in digital diplomacy are involved in challenging and resisting norms, values and expectations related to feminist positionings in the digital environment. The article presents an analytical framework for the study of digital norm contestation and conducts an empirical case study of Sweden as the first country in the world to brand its foreign policy “feminist.” This triggered a process of digital norm contestation, particularly visible in the area of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Three empirical vignettes of digital norm contestation are analyzed. The first example illustrates how the Swedish government was able to exercise global leadership to visually perform and digitally advocate the contestation of the US global gag rule. The second example underlines how the Swedish government harnessed its leadership by connecting it to grassroots contestations of the global gag rule through digital advocacy networks. The third example illuminates how the Swedish government’s visit to Iran backfired because of a lost sense of control over visual performative effects in the digital environment. By way of conclusion, we suggest three avenues that can be pursued to further the research agenda on gender, digital norm contestation, and foreign policy.
Prevalence and associated factors of antibiotic exposure during pregnancy in a large French population-based study during the 2010–19 period
Authors: Tran Anh , Zureik Mahmoud , Sibiude Jeanne , Drouin Jérôme , Miranda Sara , Weill Alain , Dray-Spira Rosemary , Duval Xavier , Tubiana Sarah 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Although bacterial infections are frequent during pregnancy, the prescription of antibiotics to pregnant women represents a challenge for physicians, driven by the benefit–risk balance.

Objectives
To assess the extent of prenatal antibiotic exposure and its associated factors.

Methods
This study included pregnancies in the National Mother-Child EPI-MERES Register 2010–19 (built from the French Healthcare Data System) regardless of outcome. Antibiotic exposure was defined as having at least one antibiotic prescription filled during pregnancy. The prevalence of pregnancies exposed to antibiotics was estimated. Univariable Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations was used to compare the number of antibiotic prescriptions filled during pregnancy and the period after pregnancy with the period 1 year before pregnancy. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to investigate factors associated with antibiotic exposure during pregnancy.

Results
Among 9 769 764 pregnancies, 3 501 294 (35.8%) were exposed to antibiotics and amoxicillin was the most common. Compared with a similar period 1 year before pregnancy, the number of filled antibiotic prescriptions was lower during pregnancy [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.903 (95% CI 0.902–0.905)] and during the period 1 year after pregnancy [IRR 0.880 (95% CI 0.879–0.881)]. Region of residence, deprivation index, smoking-related conditions and chronic diseases (especially chronic respiratory diseases) were associated with antibiotic exposure during pregnancy.

Conclusions
Antibiotic prescriptions are filled less frequently during pregnancy than during the preceding year. This may be due to a more relevant benefit–risk assessment. Pregnant women living with social deprivation, those with smoking-related conditions and those with chronic diseases are more likely to fill antibiotic prescriptions.