bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interatrial conduction time is associated with left atrial low voltage area and predicts the recurrence after single atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Hirota Kei , Fukui Akira , Yamaguchi Takanori , Takahashi Masaki , Kondo Hidekazu , Akioka Hidefumi , Shinohara Tetsuji , Yufu Kunio , Node Koichi , Takahashi Naohiko 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundInteratrial conduction time (IACT) prolongs in fibrotic left atrium. We tested the hypothesis that IACT is related to left atrial low voltage area (LVA) and predicts the recurrence after single atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.MethodsOne hundred sixty‐four consecutive AF patients (79 non‐paroxysmal) who underwent initial ablation in our institute were analyzed. IACT and LVA were defined as interval from the onset of P‐wave to the basal left atrial appendage (P‐LAA) activation, and area with bipolar electrogram < 0.5 mV covering over 5% of the total left atrial surface area during sinus rhythm, respectively. Pulmonary vein antrum isolation, non‐PV foci ablation, and atrial tachycardia (AT) ablation were performed without substrate modification.ResultsLVA was frequently identified in patients with prolonged P‐LAA ≥ 84 ms (n = 28) compared with patients with P‐LAA < 84 ms (n = 136). Patients with P‐LAA ≥ 84 ms were older (71 ± 10 vs. 65 ± 10 years, p = .0061), and had more frequent non‐paroxysmal AF (75% vs. 43%, p = .0018), larger left atrial diameter (43.5 ± 4.5 vs. 39.3 ± 5.7 mm, p = .0003), and higher E/e’ ratio (14.4 ± 6.5 vs. 10.5 ± 3.7, p < .0001) compared with P‐LAA < 84 ms patients. After a mean follow‐up period of 665 ± 153 days, Kaplan–Meier curve analysis showed that AF/AT recurrences was more frequently observed in patients with prolonged P‐LAA (Log‐rank p = .0001). Additionally, univariate analysis revealed that P‐LAA prolongation (OR = 1.055 per 1 ms, 95% CI: 1.028–1.087, p < .0001) and the existence of LVA (OR = 5.000, 95% CI: 1.653–14.485 p = .0053) were predictors of AF/AT recurrences after single AF ablation.ConclusionsOur results suggested that prolonged IACT as measured by P‐LAA was associated with LVA and predicts AT/AF recurrence after single AF ablation.
Computational comparison of medializing tibial tubercle osteotomy and trochleoplasty in patients with trochlear dysplasia
Authors: Fitzpatrick Clare K. , Steensen Robert N. , Alvarez Oliver , Holcomb Amy E. , Rullkoetter Paul J. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMedial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) has emerged as the procedure of choice for recurrent patellar dislocation. This addresses soft tissue injury but does not address underlying anatomic factors, including trochlear dysplasia, that are commonly present and increase risk of dislocation. Quantification of the stability offered by other surgical interventions, namely, medializing tibial tubercle osteotomy (mTTO) and trochleoplasty, with and without MPFLR, may provide insight for surgical choices in patients with trochlear dysplasia. We developed subject‐specific finite element models based on magnetic resonance scans from a cohort of 20 patients with trochlear dysplasia and recurrent patellar dislocation. The objectives of this study were (1) to compare patella stability after mTTO and trochleoplasty procedures; (2) to evaluate whether it is necessary to perform an MPFLR in combination with the mTTO or trocheoplasty procedure; and (3) to quantify the robustness of patellar stability to variability in knee kinematics. Trochleoplasty performed better than mTTO at stabilizing the patella between 5° and 30° flexion. For both mTTO and trochleoplasty procedures, it was beneficial to also perform MPFLR—inclusion of MPFLR halved the magnitude of patellar laxity predicted in the simulations. Simulations that did not include any medial patellofemoral ligament restraint were also more sensitive to variation in tibiofemoral internal–external kinematics.
Serial In‐Office Steroid Injections for Airway Stenosis: Long‐Term Benefit and Cost Analysis
Authors: O'Dell Karla , Huang Valerie , Acevedo Joseph , Reder Lindsay , Johns Michael , Ding Li 
Published: January 2023

ObjectivesTo evaluate the long‐term benefit of serial in‐office steroid injections (SISI) in the treatment of subglottic and proximal tracheal stenosis (SG/PTS). Evaluate cost of SISI compared to endoscopic dilation (ED).Study DesignRetrospective study and cost analysis.MethodsAll patients with SGS/PTS with at least two consecutive in‐office steroid injections between 2013 and 2021 were evaluated. Patients with less than 2 years of follow‐up data after the initial SISI series were excluded. Demographics, etiology of stenosis, total injections performed, time between steroid series, surgery‐free interval (SFI) and adverse events were collected. For patients with known surgical history before SISI, pre‐SISI SFI was compared. Institutional billing records and the national CMS average reimbursement were evaluated. Total charges for three treatment strategies (ED alone, ED with post‐operative SISI and primary intervention with SISI) were also compared.ResultsForty‐nine patients were included; 29 (59%) idiopathic, 11 (22%) traumatic and 9 (18%) rheumatologic. Mean (SD) follow‐up time after the first SISI was 3.41 years (1.5), range (2.08–7.25 years). 79% (39/49) did not require additional surgery during the entire follow‐up period. The SFI improved from a mean 13.5 months (SD 12.6; range 2–42 months) pre‐SISI to a mean (SD) of 42 months (SD 20.2; range 10–87 months) (p < 0.0001) after SISI. Annual average charges for ED alone in our cohort was $15,383.28, compared to $7,070.04 for SISI.ConclusionsSISI are an effective treatment for patients with SG/PTS. In‐office steroid injections could offer cost savings for the patient.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 133:2673–2679, 2023
Relationship of Lesion Location to Postoperative Steroid Use in Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Miyamura K. , Mori E. , Nakashima D. , Miura M. , Chiba S. , Otori N. 
Published: January 2023

ObjectivesEosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is known to recur after surgery. The treatment choice for recurrent ECRS, such as oral steroids or biological agents, must be chosen carefully, and identifying the lesion location may be useful. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative course of ECRS patients and assess the relationship between endoscopic lesion location and postoperative oral steroid use.MethodsPatients with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery from April 2018 to March 2020 were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of oral steroid use after surgery. The primary endpoint was the lesion location on endoscopic findings during surgery: middle turbinate, middle meatus, superior turbinate, superior meatus, nasal septum, and sphenoethmoidal recess. Subjective symptoms, blood tests, and computerized tomography (CT) findings (Lund‐Mackay score) were evaluated as secondary endpoints.ResultsAmong 264 patients, 88 were diagnosed histologically with ECRS (mean 48.98 ± 1.40 years, 67 males/21 females). Twenty‐three patients were steroid‐using, 65 were steroid‐free, and six stopped attending their appointments. Patients with sphenoethmoidal recess lesions were significantly more likely to require steroids (p = 0.019). There was a significant association between steroid use and younger age (p = 0.041), olfactory dysfunction (p = 0.021), and all sinuses (Frontal sinus: p < 0.001, Anterior ethmoid sinus: p = 0.002, Posterior ethmoid sinus: p = 0.011, Maxillary sinus: p = 0.018, Sphenoid sinus: p = 0.034, Total score: p < 0.001).ConclusionA sphenoethmoidal recess lesion was a risk factor for requiring postoperative steroids. Young age, olfactory dysfunction, and preoperative severe CT findings were also significant risk factors.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 133:2511–2516, 2023
Intercropping and nitrogen enhance eucalyptus productivity through the positive interaction between soil fertility factors and bacterial communities along with the maintenance of soil enzyme activities
Authors: Lan Yahui , Wang Shengqiang , Zhang Han , He Yaqin , Jiang Chenyang , Ye Shaoming 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe nitrogen (N) demand of eucalyptus plantations is considered to be effectively supplemented by the addition of N‐fixing plants. However, the effects of intercropping combined with N fertilization on the enzyme activity, soil fertility, and bacterial relationships, such as bacterial‐mediated nutrient cycling, remain elusive. A pot experiment was performed to assess the effect of intercropping and fertilization on eucalyptus productivity, soil fertility, enzyme activity, and bacterial characteristics, in addition to any probable linkages between these factors and how the interactions promote eco‐friendly production in eucalyptus plantations. Intercropping eucalyptus combined with suitable N fertilization (3 g plant−1) resulted in a higher Chao1 and Shannon diversity of bacterial communities; increased soil fertility, pH, enzyme activity, and eucalyptus productivity; as well as generated a stronger positive interaction between dominant bacterial taxa and soil environmental variables. According to the network and structural equation model (SEM) analysis, the interaction between dominant bacterial taxa and soil environmental variables was clearly linked to N application, and deficient or excess N fertilizer may exert a detrimental effect on eucalyptus productivity. This suggests that reasonable N application in intercropping is a potentially sustainable solution for maintaining eucalyptus productivity and soil quality under N‐limited conditions.
Linear‐Polarization‐Preserving Metasurfaces Based on Identically Spin‐Locked Geometric Phase
Authors: Fu Xinmin , Yang Jie , Wang Jiafu , Ding Chang , Han Yajuan , Jia Yuxiang , Liu Tonghao , Zhu Ruichao , Li Yongfeng , Qu Shaobo 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMetasurfaces have provided unprecedented degrees of freedom in controlling electromagnetic waves. By introducing geometric phase into metasurface, remarkable progresses have been made in manipulation circular polarized(CP) waves. However, for linearly polarized (LP) waves, polarization purity has to be sacrificed for wideband phase responses. Thus, it is desirable that wideband metasurfaces be explored for LP waves without polarization conversion. Herein, they propose a strategy of achieving wideband linear‐polarization‐preserving (LPP) metasurfaces based on identically‐spin‐locked (ISL) geometric phases. Different from the rotation‐induced oppositely‐spin‐locked (OSL) geometric phase (φL = −φR), the ISL geometric phase is the same for left‐ and right‐handed circularly polarization (LCP&RCP) states (φL = φR). Since LP waves can be decomposed into LCP and RCP waves, the same phase can also be imparted to LP waves, without changing the polarization. Therefore, wideband LPP metasurfaces can be designed. As the proof‐of‐concept, the quadru‐arc structure (QAS) is proposed to construct the LPP metasurfaces. Two prototypes, one for vortex beam generation and the other for deflection‐absorption integration, are implemented. Both the simulated and measured results verify the LPP in wideband. This work opens a wideband gate towards wideband manipulation on LP waves and can be readily extended to higher frequency bands such as terahertz, infrared and optical regimes.
Optimization of process variables in drilling of carbon fiber reinforced plastics using various multi criteria decision making approaches
Authors: Barik T. , Pal K. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCarbon fiber‐reinforced polymers are one of the lightweight materials used in structural design due to their exceptional mechanical performances. The drilling operation is indispensable as it facilitates the assembling of various manufactured components. However, drilling of fibrous laminates is deemed difficult in comparison to the traditional metals because of the anisotropic and non‐homogeneous nature. The present work addresses the parametric effect on the drilled hole delamination and further reduces it with an optimal combination of parameters for multi‐objectives using different multi‐criterion decision‐making techniques. Initially, the response surface‐based regression model of delamination as a function of three static inputs has been developed, further revised with induced thrust as well as mean torque for the improvisation of the prediction capability. Finally, for the overall improvement, a decision‐making model has been used that includes grey relation analysis, technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution, and VIšekriterijumsko Kompromisno Rangiranje method. The delamination was found to be minimum at a low drill point angle (100°), high spindle rotation (2150 min−1 ), and low feed rate (0.025 mm/rev) due to reduced thrust force. The mean absolute prediction error was significantly improved considering root mean square torque rather than axial thrust with process variables.
Characterization of a germline variant MSH6 c.4001G > C in a Lynch syndrome family
Authors: Yang Ciyu , Misyura Maksym , Kane Sarah , Rai Vikas , Latham Alicia , Zhang Liying 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundGermline variants in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) cause Lynch syndrome, an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer susceptibility syndrome. The risk for endometrial cancer is significantly higher in women with MSH6 pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants compared with that for MLH1 or MSH2 variants.MethodsThe proband was tested via a clinical testing, Memorial Sloan Kettering‐Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets (MSK‐IMPACT). RT‐PCR was performed using patient's blood DNA and cDNA was analyzed by DNA sequencing and a cloning approach.ResultsWe report a 56‐year‐old female with endometrial cancer who carries a germline variant, MSH6 c.4001G > C, located at the last nucleotide of exon 9. While the pathogenicity of this variant was previously unknown, functional studies demonstrated that this variant completely abolished normal splicing and caused exon 9 skipping, which is expected to lead to a prematurely truncated or abnormal protein.ConclusionOur results indicate that this variant likely contributes to cancer predisposition through disruption of normal splicing, and is classified as likely pathogenic.
3q29 microduplication syndrome: New evidence for the refinement of the critical region
Authors: Bauleo Alessia , Pace Vincenza , Montesanto Alberto , De Stefano Laura , Brando Rossella , Puntorieri Domenica , Cento Luca , Genuardi Maurizio , Falcone Elena 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe 3q29 microduplication syndrome is a rare genomic disorder characterized by an extremely variable neurodevelopmental phenotype usually involving a genomic region ranging from 1.6 to 1.76 Mb. A small microduplication of 448.8 Kb containing only two genes was recently described in a patient with a 3q29 microduplication that was proposed as the minimal critical region of overlap of this syndrome.MethodsMolecular karyotyping (array‐CGH) was performed on DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples using Agilent‐California USA Human Genome CGH Microarray 4 × 180 K. The proband and his younger brother were further tested with a next generation sequencing (NGS) panel including genes implicated in autism spectrum disorder and in neurodevelopmental disorders. Quantitative real‐time PCR was applied to verify the abnormal array‐CGH findings.ResultsHere, we report on a family with two males with neurodevelopmental disorders and an unaffected sibling with a small 3q29 microduplication (432.8 Kb) inherited from an unaffected mother that involves only two genes: DGL1 and BDH1. The proband had an additional intragenic duplication inherited from the unaffected father. Further testing was negative for Fragile X syndrome and for genes implicated in autism spectrum disorder and in neurodevelopmental disorders.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, one of the family members here analyzed is the second reported case of a patient carrying a small 3q29 microduplication including only DGL1 and BDH1 genes and without any additional genetic aberration. The recognition of the clinical spectrum in patients with the critical region of overlap associated with the 3q29 duplication syndrome should prove valuable for predicting outcomes and providing more informed genetic counseling to patients with duplications in this region.
Audit‐based correction mechanism for malicious statistics information of data plane
Authors: Liang Dong , Liu Qinrang , Song Ke , Yan Binghao , Hu Tao 
Published: January 2023

SummaryIn software‐defined networking (SDN), the controller relies on the information collected from the data plane for route planning, load balancing, and other functions. Statistics information is the most important kind of information among them, so the correctness of statistics information is the key to the proper operation of the network. Most of the current research on data plane focuses on policy consistency, rule redundancy, forwarding anomalies, and so on, and little attention is paid to whether the statistics information uploaded by the switches to the controller is correct. However, incorrect statistics information inevitably leads the controller to make wrong decisions. Therefore, this paper proposes an audit‐based malicious information correction mechanism to address the problem of wrong statistics information uploaded by the switches. This mechanism audits the statistics information and locates malicious switches before uploading the statistics information to the controller. It identifies and corrects the statistics information errors by combining flow path and statistics information. We have performed simulations on Nsfnet, Abilene, and Fat‐Tree, and the results show that our method can correct about 70% of the statistical information errors with less computational cost. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first malicious statistics information correction scheme for wildcard rules.
High relative accuracy with some special matrices related to Γ and β functions
Authors: Delgado Jorge , Peña Juan Manuel 
Published: January 2023

AbstractFor some families of totally positive matrices using and functions, we provide their bidiagonal factorization. Moreover, when these functions are defined over integers, we prove that the bidiagonal factorization can be computed with high relative accuracy and so we can compute with high relative accuracy their eigenvalues, singular values, inverses and the solutions of some associated linear systems. We provide numerical examples illustrating this high relative accuracy.
Microbial Changes Associated With Oral Cavity Cancer Progression
Authors: Yan Kenneth , Auger Samuel , Diaz Ashley , Naman Julia , Vemulapalli Ramya , Hasina Rifat , Izumchenko Evgeny , Shogan Benjamin , Agrawal Nishant 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the oral microbiome in the context of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.Study DesignBasic science research.SettingAcademic medical center.MethodsOral swabs were collected from patients presenting to the operating room for management of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and from age‐ and sex‐matched control patients receiving surgery for unrelated benign conditions. 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing was performed on genetic material obtained from swabs. A bacterial rRNA gene library was created and sequence reads were sorted into taxonomic units.ResultsThirty‐one control patients (17 males) and 35 cancer patients (21 males) were enrolled. Ages ranged from 23 to 89 (median 63) for control patients and 35 to 86 (median 66) for cancer patients. Sixty‐one percent of control patients and 63% of cancer patients were smokers. 16S analyses demonstrated a significant decrease in Streptococcus genera in oral cancer patients (34.11% vs 21.74% of the population, p = .04). Increases in Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus, Parvimonas, and Neisseria were also found. The abundance of these bacteria correlated with tumor T‐stage.Conclusion16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated changes in bacterial populations in oral cavity cancer and its progression compared to noncancer controls. We found increases in bacteria genera that correspond with tumor stage—Fusobacteria, Peptostreptococcus, Parvimonas, Neisseria, and Treponema. These data suggest that oral cancer creates an environment to facilitate foreign bacterial growth, rather than implicating a specific bacterial species in carcinogenesis. These bacteria can be employed as a potential marker for tumor progression or interrogated to better characterize the tumor microenvironment.
Drivers and consequences of archetypical shifting cultivation transitions
Authors: Martin Dominic A. , Llopis Jorge C. , Raveloaritiana Estelle , Coomes Oliver T. , Andriamihaja O. Ravaka , Bruun Thilde Bech , Heinimann Andreas , Mertz Ole , Rakotonarivo O. Sarobidy , Zaehringer Julie G. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractShifting cultivation remains an important land system in many tropical landscapes, but transitions away from shifting cultivation are increasingly common. So far, our knowledge on the social–economic and environmental drivers and consequences of such shifting cultivation transitions is incomplete, focusing on certain transitions, drivers, consequences or regions.Here, we use an archetype approach, validated through systematically identified literature, to describe eight archetypes encompassing the transitions from shifting cultivation to (1) perennial plantation crops, (2) permanent agroforestry, (3) regrown secondary forest, (4) permanent non‐perennial crops, (5) pasture, (6) wood plantation, (7) non‐cultivated non‐forested land and (8) restored secondary forest (ordered in decreasing prevalence).We then discuss social–economic and environmental factors favouring and disfavouring each archetype. This reveals that higher expected land rents, resulting from increased market access, crop price surges, secure land tenure and state interventions, are the main drivers of archetypical transitions to perennial plantation crops, permanent agroforestry, permanent non‐perennial crops and wood plantation. The prioritisation of other activities, both on‐ and off‐farm, favours transitions to regrown secondary forest and non‐cultivated non‐forested land, depending on plot‐level environmental conditions. Active forest restoration is typically implemented through state or NGO interventions.Turning to the consequences of archetypical transitions for biodiversity, the environment and livelihoods, we find that positive environmental outcomes prevail for transitions to permanent agroforestry, regrown secondary forest and restored secondary forest. Negative environmental outcomes dominate for four typically economically profitable transitions to perennial plantation crops, permanent non‐perennial crops, pasture and wood plantation. Non‐income‐related social–economic outcomes are heterogeneous within all archetypes and highly context‐dependent.Our archetype analysis shows that shifting cultivation transitions are diverse in themselves, in their drivers and their consequences. This calls for a critical and contextualised appraisal of the continuation of shifting cultivation, as well as the transition away from it, when designing land system policies that work for people and nature.Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.