bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Comparison to Non‐Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Noseworthy Peter A. , Van Houten Holly K. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Kent David M. , Abraham Neena S. , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Alkhouli Mohamad , Henk Henry J. , Shah Nilay D. , Gersh Bernard J. , Friedman Paul A. , Holmes David R. , Yao Xiaoxi 
Published: September 2022

Background
This study aimed to compare percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants among patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results

Using a US administrative database, 562 850 patients with atrial fibrillation were identified, among whom 8397 were treated with LAAO and 554 453 were treated with non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants between March 13, 2015 and December 31, 2018. Propensity score overlap weighting was used to balance baseline characteristics. The primary outcome was a composite end point of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, major bleeding, and all‐cause mortality. The mean age was 76.4±7.6 years; 280 097 (49.8%) were female. Mean follow‐up was 1.5±1.0 years. LAAO was associated with no significant difference in the risk of the primary composite end point (hazard ratio [HR], 0.93 [0.84–1.03]), or the secondary outcomes including ischemic stroke/systemic embolism (HR, 1.07 [0.81–1.41]), and intracranial bleeding (HR, 1.08 [0.72–1.61]). LAAO was associated with a higher risk of major bleeding (HR, 1.22 [1.05–1.42],
P
=0.01) and a lower risk of mortality (HR, 0.73 [0.64–0.84],
P
<0.001). The lower risk of mortality associated with LAAO was most pronounced in patients with a prior history of intracranial bleeding.

Conclusions
In comparison to non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants, LAAO was associated with no significant difference in the risk of the composite outcome and a lower risk of mortality, which suggests LAAO might be a reasonable option in select patients with atrial fibrillation. The observation of higher bleeding risk associated with LAAO highlights the need to optimize postprocedural antithrombotic regimens as well as systematic efforts to assess and address bleeding predispositions.
Adherence and Discontinuation of Optimal Heart Failure Therapies According to Age: A Danish Nationwide Study
Authors: Garred Caroline H. , Zahir Deewa , Butt Jawad H. , Ravn Pauline B. , Bruhn Jonas , Gislason Gunnar H. , Fosbøl Emil L. , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Petrie Mark C. , McMurray John J. V. , Køber Lars , Schou Morten 
Published: September 2022

Background
Guideline‐recommended disease‐modifying pharmacological therapies for heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction are underutilized, particularly among elderly patients. We studied the association of age in adherence and discontinuation of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin‐II receptor blockers (ACEi/ARB), β‐blockers (BB), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists.

Methods and Results
Patients with a first heart failure diagnosis who had initiated ACEi/ARB and BB within 120 days of presentation were included from nationwide registries and divided into 3 age groups: <65 years (reference), 65 to 79, and ≥80. One‐year median proportions of daily target doses were calculated. Adherence was estimated by the proportion of days covered. The 5‐year risk of discontinuation was assessed with the Aalen‐Johansen estimator. Discontinuation rates were evaluated using Multivariable Cox regression. Twenty‐nine thousand four hundred eighty‐two patients were included. Advancing age was associated with lower median proportions of daily target doses and adherence (ACEi/ARB 79.1%, 77.5%, and 69.4%; BB 79.1%, 78.6%, and 73.8%), in the <65, 65 to 79, and ≥80 age groups, respectively. Age ≥80 was associated with higher discontinuation rates (cumulative incidence, ACEi/ARB 41%, 44%, and 51%; BB 38%, 35%, and 39%; hazard ratio, ACEi/ARB 1.60 [95% CI, 1.51–1.69]; BB 1.33 [95% CI, 1.25–1.41]). The risk of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists discontinuation differed little with age (50%, 54%, and 56%), although mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists initiation in the most elderly was less frequent (33%, 33%, and 22%).

Conclusions
In a nationwide cohort of patients with heart failure, advanced age was associated with lower proportions of daily target doses, lower adherence, and higher discontinuation rates of ACEi/ARB and BBs. Focus on treatment adherence and optimal dosages among elderly patients with heart failure could improve outcomes.
The Musical Abilities, Pleiotropy, Language, and Environment (MAPLE) Framework for Understanding Musicality-Language Links Across the Lifespan
Authors: Nayak Srishti , Coleman Peyton L. , Ladányi Enikő , Nitin Rachana , Gustavson Daniel E. , Fisher Simon E. , Magne Cyrille L. , Gordon Reyna L. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Using individual differences approaches, a growing body of literature finds positive associations between musicality and language-related abilities, complementing prior findings of links between musical training and language skills. Despite these associations, musicality has been often overlooked in mainstream models of individual differences in language acquisition and development. To better understand the biological basis of these individual differences, we propose the Musical Abilities, Pleiotropy, Language, and Environment (MAPLE) framework. This novel integrative framework posits that musical and language-related abilities likely share some common genetic architecture (i.e., genetic pleiotropy) in addition to some degree of overlapping neural endophenotypes, and genetic influences on musically and linguistically enriched environments. Drawing upon recent advances in genomic methodologies for unraveling pleiotropy, we outline testable predictions for future research on language development and how its underlying neurobiological substrates may be supported by genetic pleiotropy with musicality. In support of the MAPLE framework, we review and discuss findings from over seventy behavioral and neural studies, highlighting that musicality is robustly associated with individual differences in a range of speech-language skills required for communication and development. These include speech perception-in-noise, prosodic perception, morphosyntactic skills, phonological skills, reading skills, and aspects of second/foreign language learning. Overall, the current work provides a clear agenda and framework for studying musicality-language links using individual differences approaches, with an emphasis on leveraging advances in the genomics of complex musicality and language traits.
Immigration Lottery Design: Engineered and Coincidental Consequences
of H-1B Reforms
Authors: Pathak Parag A. , Rees-Jones Alex , Sönmez Tayfun 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The H-1B Visa Reform Act of 2004 dictates an annual allocation of 85,000 visas with 20,000 reserved for advanced-degree applicants. We represent the main requirements of this legislation as formal axioms and characterize visa allocation rules consistent with the axioms. Despite the precise number reserved, we show that the range of implementations satisfying these axioms can change the allocation of advanced-degree visas by as much as 14,000 in an average year. Of all rules satisfying these axioms, the 2019 rule imposed by executive order is most favorable to advanced-degree holders. However, two earlier modifications resulted in larger changes, possibly unintentionally.
Transversus abdominis plane block in rats: Preliminary cadaveric studies
Authors: Burrows Chris S , Duncan Juliet C , Martinez-Taboada Fernando 
Published: September 2022

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is an ultrasound guided regional anaesthetic technique used to provide analgesia to the abdominal wall. Research in humans and cats has demonstrated that TAP blocks reduce pain and post-operative opioid requirements after abdominal surgery. To date TAP blocks have not been described in rats. The optimal technique to employ when performing TAP blocks is controversial with single point injection techniques failing to reliably provide adequate coverage of the cranial abdominal wall. It has been suggested that performing a two point injection may provide more reliable coverage of the cranial abdominal wall. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of performing ultrasound guided TAP blocks in rat cadavers and to evaluate whether performing a two point technique provides greater spread of injectate than a one point technique when administering the same total volume of methylene blue solution. Twenty-three, four-month-old, female Sprague Dawley rat cadavers weighing 506 ± 78 g were used. TAP blocks were performed using a total of 1 ml/kg of methylene blue solution. Overall success rates for injections were 21.7% (13.6–32.8%). Single point injection area of spread was 87.8 ± 32 mm2 compared with 102.4 ± 17 mm2 for the two point injection technique. Due to the low success rate the use of TAP blocks using the current technique cannot be recommended. Two point injection technique appears to provide greater spread; however, additional data is required to draw meaningful conclusions.
Corneal aberrations, densitometry on scheimpflug imaging, and visual acuity after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty
Authors: Arora Ritu , Gupta Isha , Sahu Jigyasa , Vishwanath Shweta , Gupta Palak , Jain Parul 
Published: September 2022

Purpose To evaluate visual acuity, corneal aberrations, and densitometry post deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). Methods Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients who underwent DALK for corneal stromal diseases with normal endothelium were enrolled in a prospective interventional study. Evaluation for corneal aberrations and densitometry postoperatively was performed using Scheimpflug imaging at 6 months. Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (ASOCT) was done for host-graft morphology. Correlation analysis of postoperative best-corrected visual acuity with corneal aberrations and corneal densitometry (CD) was performed. Results Big bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (BB-DALK) was successful in 18 patients, while 7 eyes underwent manual dissection due to failed BB (Big Bubble) technique. The mean BSCVA was 1.35 ± 0.46 logMAR units pre-operatively which improved to 0.36 ± 0.19 logMAR units post DALK at 6 months (P < 0.001). The mean Root Mean Square (RMS) (μm) of the magnitude of total corneal aberrations, HOA and LOA from central 6mm zone of cornea were 14.6 ± 9.2, 4.7 ± 2.9, and 13.8 ± 8.8, respectively. The mean anterior (120μm), central and posterior corneal (60μm) densitometry in 0–2mm zone were 25.8 ± 7.7 GSU, 18.7 ± 4.16 GSU and 10.09 ± 3.9 GSU respectively. A statistically significant correlation of postoperative residual stromal bed thickness, total corneal HOA, LOA, total corneal aberrations, HOA front and posterior corneal densitometry (0–2mm zone) with postoperative BSCVA was found. Conclusion Though there is a significant improvement in BSCVA after DALK, the quality of vision in terms of aberrometry and densitometry is suboptimal, especially in cases undergoing manual DALK compared to those undergoing big bubble formation.
Stability of scRNA-Seq Analysis Workflows is Susceptible to Preprocessing and is Mitigated by Regularized or Supervised Approaches
Authors: Durmaz Arda , Scott Jacob G 
Published: September 2022

Background: Statistical methods developed to address various questions in single-cell datasets show increased variability to different parameter regimes. In order to delineate further the robustness of commonly utilized methods for single-cell RNA-Seq, we aimed to comprehensively review scRNA-Seq analysis workflows in the setting of dimension reduction, clustering, and trajectory inference. Methods: We utilized datasets with temporal single-cell transcriptomics profiles from public repositories. Combining multiple methods at each level of the workflow, we have performed over 6 k analysis and evaluated the results of clustering and pseudotime estimation using adjusted rand index and rank correlation metrics. We have further integrated neural network methods to assess whether models with increased complexity can show increased bias/variance trade-off. Results: Combinatorial workflows showed that utilizing non-linear dimension reduction techniques such as t-SNE and UMAP are sensitive to initial preprocessing steps hence clustering results on dimension reduced space of single-cell datasets should be utilized carefully. Similarly, pseudotime estimation methods that depend on previous non-linear dimension reduction steps can result in highly variable trajectories. In contrast, methods that avoid non-linearity such as WOT can result in repeatable inferences of temporal gene expression dynamics. Furthermore, imputation methods do not improve clustering or trajectory inference results substantially in terms of repeatability. In contrast, the selection of the normalization method shows an increased effect on downstream analysis where ScTransform reduces variability overall.
Factors Associated With Refractoriness to an Up to Fourfold Dosage of Antihistamines in Isolated Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: Wongjirattikarn Rachot , Chaowattanapanit Suteeraporn , Foocharoen Chingching , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak , Choonhakarn Charoen , Julanon Narachai , Utchariyaprasit Eakkapol 
Published: September 2022

Background Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common skin disease and has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. The aim of treatment is complete symptom control. Aim To identify potential factors associated with antihistamine-refractory isolated CSU and to determine the factors that predict response to second-generation H1 antihistamines at dosages from one- to fourfold. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study, which included adult patients diagnosed with isolated CSU and had complete symptom control. Clinical and laboratory findings were compared between the patients who were responsive to second-generation H1 antihistamines (< fourfold) and those who were refractory to a fourfold dose. Clinical and laboratory data were compared by dosage in the antihistamine-responsive group. Results There were 182 isolated CSU patients who met the study criteria, of whom 150 (82.4%) were responsive to treatment with up to a fourfold dose of second-generation H1 antihistamines, while 32 (17.6%) were refractory. In univariate analysis, age at onset, body mass index, baseline Urticaria Activity Score-7 (UAS7), white blood cell count, total neutrophil count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet count, and new generation antihistamines were significantly higher in the antihistamine-refractory group. According to multivariate analysis, baseline UAS7 was the only independent factor associated with antihistamine-refractory isolated CSU (odds ratio 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.28, P = .03). In the antihistamine-responsive group, white blood cell count tended to predict response to antihistamine treatment ( P < .001, 0.04, 0.34 between onefold and twofold, twofold and threefold, and threefold and fourfold, respectively). Conclusion Baseline UAS7 was an independent factor associated with antihistamine-refractory isolated CSU.
Body mass index and pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A nationwide registry-based cohort study
Authors: Saeed Usman , Myklebust Tor Å. , Robsahm Trude E. , Møller Bjørn , Mala Tom , Skålhegg Bjørn S. , Yaqub Sheraz 
Published: September 2022

Background and objective: An association between body mass index (BMI) and pancreatic cancer is suggested in observational studies. However, further studies are required to substantiate available evidence. The aim of this study was to explore the association between BMI and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) risk, treatment, and mortality. Methods: A registry-based cohort study was performed by combining data from four registries in Norway. Baseline data were collected between 1963 and 1975 with follow-up data collected until 2018. Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariable Cox regressions were estimated. Chi-square tests were used to analyze differences between groups. Results: The study cohort consisted of 1,723,692 individuals. A total of 8973 PDAC cases were identified during 55,744,749 person-years of follow-up. A 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI was associated with an increased risk of PDAC if high BMI at young age (16–29 years) (hazard ratio (HR): 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–1.31), both for men (HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.15–1.46) and women (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05–1.28). In men, there was a 52% increase in risk of early-onset PDAC (<age 50) (HR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.13-2.03) with 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI. A total of 2645 individuals were diagnosed with stage 1–3 disease, of whom 1131 underwent curative surgery. In all, 49% of normal weight, 38% overweight, and 30% obese individuals with stage 1–3 PDAC underwent surgery with curative intent (p < 0.001). Cancer survival was lower in overweight and obese individuals for both sexes. Analysis adjusted for sex, age, and period of diagnosis confirmed increased risk of cancer death in obese individuals. Conclusion: This study suggests that increased BMI in young adults may increase the risk of PDAC, and higher BMI in men is associated with an increased risk of early onset PDAC (<age 50). Overweight and obese individuals were less likely to undergo curative surgery and obese individuals had a higher risk of cancer-related death.
Formation of oxide crystallites on the porous GaAs surface by electrochemical deposition
Authors: Suchikova Yana , Kovachov Sergii , Bohdanov Ihor 
Published: September 2022

We demonstrate how the formation of octahedral microcrystals of arsenic oxide As2O3in the form of arsenolite with a size of 200 nm to 10 μm can be initiated by the electrochemical etching method with simultaneous deposition on the surface of substrates with n-GaAs (111). Crystallites were formed on a previously synthesized porous layer of GaAs. To explain the behavior of formation on the surface of the monocrystalline GaAs porous layer and As2O3crystallites in the electrochemical reaction, we propose a qualitative model based on the decomposition of binary semiconductors in contact with electrolytes. Under this model, the crystallization of precipitated oxides occurs as a result of the transfer of ions to the crystal surface as a result of the electrolysis process. The formation of the composite structure takes place on the surface of the semiconductor and is characterized by the minimization of elastic energy. XRD analysis showed the formation of a complex compound of As2O3and As0.172Sb0.570O1.113. The appearance of antimony is explained in terms of the formation of new centers when the As atom is replaced by an Sb doping atom in the crystal. Directed controlled oxidation technologies make it possible to synthesize a reliable passivating layer consisting of one type of oxide, namely As2O3in the cubic phase of arsenolite. In addition, such structures can be used in photonics devices and as photocatalysts.
The Effect of Additional Finishing and Polishing Sequences on Hardness and Roughness of Two Different Dental Composites: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Dülger Kıvanç 
Published: September 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of additional finishing and polishing sequences on a new structural colored (Omnichroma) and a conventional dental composite (Estelite Sigma Quick). Materials and Method: Forty disk-shaped dental composite specimens were prepared from each dental composite and assigned to four groups in terms of additional finishing polishing sequences. Group 1: Mylar strip (control). Group 2: Abrasive disks. Group 3: After abrasive disks, application of a felt brush with abrasive paste. Group 4: After abrasive disks, application of a felt brush with abrasive paste. Then, a single-bottle adhesive was applied as a surface sealer. Hardness and surface roughness were measured using the Vickers hardness test and a profilometer, respectively. SEM images of one of each group were captured at 500x, 1500x, and 3500x magnifications. Two-way analysis of variance, Tukey HSD, and Shapiro–Wilk tests were used for the statistical analysis. Results: Mean hardness values differ in terms of finishing-polishing sequences ( P < .001), dental composites ( P < .001), and interaction of finishing-polishing sequences-dental composites ( P < .001). Mean roughness values differ in terms of finishing-polishing ( P = .002). The main effect of composites on roughness values was not found statistically significant ( P = .990). Also, there is no difference between the mean roughness values in terms of the interactions of finishing-polishing and composites ( P = .967). Conclusion: Finishing-polishing with abrasive disks and abrasive paste are important steps for these dental composites. However, the application of a single-bottle adhesive as a surface sealant on these composites decreases the hardness of the materials.
Exploring the neurobiology of the premonitory phase of migraine preclinically – a role for hypothalamic kappa opioid receptors?
Authors: Kopruszinski Caroline M. , Vizin Robson , Watanabe Moe , Martinez Ashley L. , de Souza Luiz Henrique Moreira , Dodick David W. , Porreca Frank , Navratilova Edita 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
The migraine premonitory phase is characterized in part by increased thirst, urination and yawning. Imaging studies show that the hypothalamus is activated in the premonitory phase. Stress is a well know migraine initiation factor which was demonstrated to engage dynorphin/kappa opioid receptors (KOR) signaling in several brain regions, including the hypothalamus. This study proposes the exploration of the possible link between hypothalamic KOR and migraine premonitory symptoms in rodent models.

Methods
Rats were treated systemically with the KOR agonist U-69,593 followed by yawning and urination monitoring. Apomorphine, a dopamine D1/2 agonist, was used as a positive control for yawning behaviors. Urination and water consumption following systemic administration of U-69,593 was also assessed. To examine if KOR activation specifically in the hypothalamus can promote premonitory symptoms, AAV8-hSyn-DIO-hM4Di (Gi-DREADD)-mCherry viral vector was microinjected into the right arcuate nucleus (ARC) of female and male KORCRE or KORWT mice. Four weeks after the injection, clozapine N-oxide (CNO) was administered systemically followed by the assessment of urination, water consumption and tactile sensory response.

Results
Systemic administration of U-69,593 increased urination but did not produce yawning in rats. Systemic KOR agonist also increased urination in mice as well as water consumption. Cell specific Gi-DREADD activation (i.e., inhibition through Gi-coupled signaling) of KORCRE neurons in the ARC also increased water consumption and the total volume of urine in mice but did not affect tactile sensory responses.

Conclusion
Our studies in rodents identified the KOR in a hypothalamic region as a mechanism that promotes behaviors consistent with clinically-observed premonitory symptoms of migraine, including increased thirst and urination but not yawning. Importantly, these behaviors occurred in the absence of pain responses, consistent with the emergence of the premonitory phase before the headache phase. Early intervention for preventive treatment even before the headache phase may be achievable by targeting the hypothalamic KOR.