bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does isolation of the left atrial posterior wall using cryoballoon ablation improve clinical outcomes in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation? A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ahn Jinhee , Shin Dong Geum , Han Sang Jin , Lim Hong Euy 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Aims
Posterior wall isolation (PWI) of the left atrium (LA) adjunct to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by radiofrequency catheter ablation has shown favourable outcomes in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF). This study was sought to investigate the efficacy and safety of additional PWI by cryoballoon ablation (CBA) alone in patients with PeAF.

Methods and results
Patients who underwent de novo CBA for PeAF (n = 100) were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to the PVI only group and PVI combined with PWI (PVI+PWI) group. Procedural and clinical outcomes were prospectively compared over a 12-month follow-up.

Baseline characteristics, including mean AF duration (56.2 ± 43.2 months) and LA size (48.2 ± 7.7 mm), were well-balanced between the groups. Successful PVI was achieved in all patients. In the PVI+PWI group, complete PWI by CBA was achieved in 31 (62%) patients. The LA indwelling and procedure times were significantly longer in the PVI+PWI group. The complication rates were not different between groups. During a mean follow-up of 457.9 ± 61.8 days, the recurrence rate of atrial tachyarrhythmia was significantly lower in the PVI+PWI group than in the PVI only group (24% vs. 46%; P = 0.035). The recurrence-free survival rate was significantly higher in the PVI+PWI group compared with the PVI only group, irrespective of complete PWI (log-rank P = 0.013). Multivariate analysis showed that adjunctive PWI [hazard ratio (HR) 0.255; P = 0.003] and LA size (HR 1.079; P = 0.014) were independent predictors of clinical recurrence.

Conclusion
Compared with PVI only, adjunctive PWI achieved exclusively by CBA resulted in better clinical outcomes without increasing complications in patients with PeAF.
Electrical markers and arrhythmic risk associated with myocardial fibrosis in mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Chivulescu Monica , Aabel Eivind W , Gjertsen Erik , Hopp Einar , Scheirlynck Esther , Cosyns Bernard , Lyseggen Erik , Edvardsen Thor , Lie Øyvind H , Dejgaard Lars A , Haugaa Kristina H 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Aims
We aimed to characterize the substrate of T-wave inversion (TWI) using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and the association between diffuse fibrosis and ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP).

Methods and results
TWI was defined as negative T-wave ≥0.1 mV in ≥2 adjacent ECG leads. Diffuse myocardial fibrosis was assessed by T1 relaxation time and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction by T1-mapping CMR. We included 162 patients with MVP (58% females, age 50 ± 16 years), of which 16 (10%) patients had severe VA (aborted cardiac arrest or sustained ventricular tachycardia). TWI was found in 34 (21%) patients. Risk of severe VA increased with increasing number of ECG leads displaying TWI [OR 1.91, 95% CI (1.04–3.52), P = 0.04]. The number of ECG leads displaying TWI increased with increasing lateral ECV (26 ± 3% for TWI 0-1leads, 28 ± 4% for TWI 2leads, 29 ± 5% for TWI ≥3leads, P = 0.04). Patients with VA (sustained and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia) had increased lateral T1 (P = 0.004), also in the absence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (P = 0.008).

Conclusions
Greater number of ECG leads with TWI reflected a higher arrhythmic risk and higher degree of lateral diffuse fibrosis by CMR. Lateral diffuse fibrosis was associated with VA, also in the absence of LGE. These results suggest that TWI may reflect diffuse myocardial fibrosis associated with VA in patients with MVP. T1-mapping CMR may help risk stratification for VA.
Geosocial Features and Loss of Biodiversity Underlie Variable Rates of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Large Developing Country: A Population-Based Study
Authors: da Luz Moreira Andre , de Campos Lobato Luiz Felipe , de Lima Moreira Jessica Pronestino , Luiz Ronir Raggio , Elia Celeste , Fiocchi Claudio , de Souza Heitor Siffert Pereira 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background
The epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in developing countries may uncover etiopathogenic factors. We investigated IBD prevalence in Brazil by investigating its geographic, spatial, and temporal distribution, and attempted to identify factors associated with its recent increase.

Methods
A drug prescription database was queried longitudinally to identify patients and verify population distribution and density, race, urbanicity, sanitation, and Human Development Index. Prevalence was calculated using the number of IBD patients and the population estimated during the same decade. Data were matched to indices using linear regression analyses.

Results
We identified 162 894 IBD patients, 59% with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 41% with Crohn’s disease (CD). The overall prevalence of IBD was 80 per 100 000, with 46 per 100 000 for UC and 36 per 100 000 for CD. Estimated rates adjusted to total population showed that IBD more than triplicated from 2008 to 2017. The distribution of IBD demonstrated a South-to-North gradient that generally followed population apportionment. However, marked regional differences and disease clusters were identified that did not fit with conventionally accepted IBD epidemiological associations, revealing that the rise of IBD was variable. In some areas, loss of biodiversity was associated with high IBD prevalence.

Conclusions
When distribution is considered in the context of IBD prevalence, marked regional differences become evident. Despite a background of Westernization, hotspots of IBD are recognized that are not explained by population density, urbanicity, sanitation, or other indices but apparently are explained by biodiversity loss. Thus, the rise of IBD in developing countries is not uniform, but rather is one that varies depending on yet unexplored factors like geoecological conditions.
SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity and Antibody Titer Reduction for 6 Months After Second Dose of BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine in Health Care Workers: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Namhee , Shin Sue , Minn Dohsik , Park Seungman , An Dongheui , Park Jae Hyeon , Roh Eun Youn , Yoon Jong Hyun , Park Hyunwoong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Several studies reported that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 antibody levels change over 6 months in participants receiving the vaccination. From the enrolled 272 health care workers (HCWs), blood samples were obtained at 2, 16, and 24 weeks after the second vaccination dose. In the 267 noninfected HCWs, the neutralizing antibodies decreased by 23.9%, and the anti-spike/receptor binding domain antibody decreased by 53.8% at 24 weeks. We observed no significant difference in antibody reduction between the sexes; however, in younger individuals, there was higher antibody formation and lower reduction rates of the neutralizing antibody. In 3 HCWs with breakthrough infections, the antibody levels were relatively low just before the coronavirus disease 2019 infection. In conclusion, as antibody titers decrease over time after the second vaccination dose and HCWs with low antibody titers tend to have a high probability of breakthrough infection, an additional dose should be considered after several months.
Blood samples were obtained from health care workers at 2, 16, and 24 weeks after a second vaccination dose. Antibody titers decreased over time and the participants with low antibody titers tended to have a high probability of breakthrough infection.
World Travelers: Parthenogenesis and Ecological Tolerance Enable Multiple Colonization Events by the Widespread Short-Tailed Whipscorpion, Stenochrus portoricensis (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae)
Authors: Monjaraz-Ruedas Rodrigo , Francke Oscar F , Prendini Lorenzo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Whereas morphology remains a powerful tool for the diagnosis and description of short-tailed whip scorpions, or schizomids (Order Schizomida Petrunkevitch, 1945), especially when adults of both sexes are available, the systematics of some schizomid taxa is difficult to resolve due to a lack of characters in these morphologically conserved arachnids. Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922, defined on a single character of the female spermathecae, is the most widespread schizomid in the New World. Numerous records in the Neotropics, from the southern United States to Brazil, throughout the Caribbean, and further afield, including the Galapagos Islands and Europe, raise the question as to whether S. portoricensis is indeed a single widespread species or a complex of multiple species with conserved morphology? The present study uses a multilocus dataset and the broadest geographical sample currently available to address the phylogeography of S. portoricensis with molecular divergence dating and ancestral area reconstruction of all currently known species of Stenochrus Chamberlin, 1922. Analyses recovered S. portoricensis as paraphyletic. Two species previously synonymized are revalidated and transferred to Stenochrus. Population structure analyses recovered the remaining samples of S. portoricensis as a single monophyletic species with low genetic divergence and comprising two subclades. Ancestral area reconstruction suggests a Mesoamerican origin for Stenochrus, which contains a widespread species, recently introduced to multiple localities. Introductions to Europe and the Caribbean occurred from a single clade in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, within which genetic divergence is minimal, confirming the hypothesis of multiple independent introductions with successful colonization facilitated by parthenogenetic reproduction.
“It’s a mess sometimes”: patient perspectives on provider responses to healthcare costs, and how informatics interventions can help support cost-sensitive care decisions
Authors: Richards Olivia K , Iott Bradley E , Toscos Tammy R , Pater Jessica A , Wagner Shauna R , Veinot Tiffany C 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveWe investigated patient experiences with medication- and test-related cost conversations with healthcare providers to identify their preferences for future informatics tools to facilitate cost-sensitive care decisions.Materials and MethodsWe conducted 18 semistructured interviews with diverse patients (ages 24–81) in a Midwestern health system in the United States. We identified themes through 2 rounds of qualitative coding.ResultsPatients believed their providers could help reduce medication-related costs but did not see how providers could influence test-related costs. Patients viewed cost conversations about medications as beneficial when providers could adjust medical recommendations or provide resources. However, cost conversations did not always occur when patients felt they were needed. Consequently, patients faced a “cascade of work” to address affordability challenges. To prevent this, collaborative informatics tools could facilitate cost conversations and shared decision-making by providing information about a patient’s financial constraints, enabling comparisons of medication/testing options, and addressing transportation logistics to facilitate patient follow-through.DiscussionLike providers, patients want informatics tools that address patient out-of-pocket costs. They want to discuss healthcare costs to reduce the frequency of unaffordable costs and obtain proactive assistance. Informatics interventions could minimize the cascade of patient work through shared decision-making and preventative actions. Such tools might integrate information about efficacy, costs, and side effects to support decisions, present patient decision aids, facilitate coordination among healthcare units, and eventually improve patient outcomes.ConclusionTo prevent a burdensome cascade of work for patients, informatics tools could be designed to support cost conversations and decisions between patients and providers.
Mechanical fault detection based on machine learning for robotic RV reducer using electrical current signature analysis: a data-driven approach
Authors: Raouf Izaz , Lee Hyewon , Kim Heung Soo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Recently, prognostic and health management (PHM) has become a prominent field in modern industry. The rotate vector (RV) reducer is one of the widely used mechanical components in industrial systems, specifically in robots. The RV reducer is known for its unique characteristics of small size, efficient speed transmission, and high torsion. The RV reducer is prone to several kinds of faults, due to its continuous operation in an industrial robot. To keep the operation smooth and steady, timely PHM of the RV reducer has become essential. Previously, the RV reducer fault was diagnosed via various techniques, such as ferrography analysis, vibration analysis, and acoustic emission analysis. However, these conventional techniques have various issues. To resolve those issues, we introduce a novel approach to use the embedded electrical current system for the fault detection of the RV reducer. However, this is quite complicated to investigate mechanical fault using an electrical current signature, since the RV reducer is not an integral part of the electric motor, and finding a fault pattern in faulty components needs thorough examination. We therefore focus on the application of machine learning (ML) for fault classifications. We present an approach for feature extraction, feature selection, and feature reduction using the information obtained from the motor current signature analysis to create an ML-based fault classification system with distinguishable prominent features. Finally, the authenticity of the presented approach is justified via the improved values of evaluating parameters, such as accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity, for ML classifiers.
A finite-element algorithm with a perfectly matched layer boundary condition for seismic modelling in a diffusive-viscous medium
Authors: Zhao Haixia , Xu Wenhao , Gao Jinghuai , Zhang Yijie , Yan Wenjing 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSeismic numerical modelling involved in each stage of seismic exploration process is aimed at predicting seismograms in an assumed subsurface medium. The energies and phases of waves vary with the presence of fluids, while the frequency-dependent seismic reflections in a reservoir with hydrocarbons was explained using the diffusive-viscous wave (DVW) equation. We proposed a Galerkin finite-element method (FEM) to numerically study the propagation properties of the DVW in fluid-filled media to ascertain the influences of saturated fluids on characteristics of the wavefield. We also theoretically analysed the numerical dispersion and stability condition of the FEM algorithm, which indicated that a minimum of six nodes per wavelength is recommended to achieve more accurate results. In numerical simulation, we presented a non-split perfectly matched layer (NPML) boundary condition for the DVW equation to absorb the artificial reflections in finite-element modelling, using a homogeneous model to demonstrate the effectiveness of the NPML boundary condition through comparisons with the results without the PML condition. Moreover, we modelled the DVW propagation in a fluid-saturated (gas, oil and water) medium with sharp edges and curved interfaces using the proposed method and compared the results with those pertaining to acoustic waves. The numerical results indicated significant amplitude damping and phase variation in the DVW when it propagates across the fluid-saturated layers compared with those of acoustic waves. Furthermore, we compared the numerical results in the fluid-saturated model calculated via the FEM with those calculated via FCT-FDM (flux corrected transport-finite-difference method) to demonstrate the validity of the former.
Avian Introgression Patterns are Consistent With Haldane’s Rule
Authors: Ottenburghs Jente 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAccording to Haldane’s Rule, the heterogametic sex will show the greatest fitness reduction in a hybrid cross. In birds, where sex is determined by a ZW system, female hybrids are expected to experience lower fitness compared to male hybrids. This pattern has indeed been observed in several bird groups, but it is unknown whether the generality of Haldane’s Rule also extends to the molecular level. First, given the lower fitness of female hybrids, we can expect maternally inherited loci (i.e., mitochondrial and W-linked loci) to show lower introgression rates than biparentally inherited loci (i.e., autosomal loci) in females. Second, the faster evolution of Z-linked loci compared to autosomal loci and the hemizygosity of the Z-chromosome in females might speed up the accumulation of incompatible alleles on this sex chromosome, resulting in lower introgression rates for Z-linked loci than for autosomal loci. I tested these expectations by conducting a literature review which focused on studies that directly quantified introgression rates for autosomal, sex-linked, and mitochondrial loci. Although most studies reported introgression rates in line with Haldane’s Rule, it remains important to validate these genetic patterns with estimates of hybrid fitness and supporting field observations to rule out alternative explanations. Genomic data provide exciting opportunities to obtain a more fine-grained picture of introgression rates across the genome, which can consequently be linked to ecological and behavioral observations, potentially leading to novel insights into the genetic mechanisms underpinning Haldane’s Rule.
Estimating deer density and abundance using spatial mark–resight models with camera trap data
Authors: Bengsen Andrew J , Forsyth David M , Ramsey Dave S L , Amos Matt , Brennan Michael , Pople Anthony R , Comte Sebastien , Crittle Troy 
Published: January 2022

AbstractGlobally, many wild deer populations are actively studied or managed for conservation, hunting, or damage mitigation purposes. These studies require reliable estimates of population state parameters, such as density or abundance, with a level of precision that is fit for purpose. Such estimates can be difficult to attain for many populations that occur in situations that are poorly suited to common survey methods. We evaluated the utility of combining camera trap survey data, in which a small proportion of the sample is individually recognizable using natural markings, with spatial mark–resight (SMR) models to estimate deer density in a variety of situations. We surveyed 13 deer populations comprising four deer species (Cervus unicolor, C. timorensis, C. elaphus, Dama dama) at nine widely separated sites, and used Bayesian SMR models to estimate population densities and abundances. Twelve surveys provided sufficient data for analysis and seven produced density estimates with coefficients of variation (CVs) ≤ 0.25. Estimated densities ranged from 0.3 to 24.6 deer km−2. Camera trap surveys and SMR models provided a powerful and flexible approach for estimating deer densities in populations in which many detections were not individually identifiable, and they should provide useful density estimates under a wide range of conditions that are not amenable to more widely used methods. In the absence of specific local information on deer detectability and movement patterns, we recommend that at least 30 cameras be spaced at 500–1,000 m and set for 90 days. This approach could also be applied to large mammals other than deer.
Modeling the suitability of Texas karst regions for infection by Pseudogymnoascus destructans in bats
Authors: Wolf Lilianna K , Meierhofer Melissa B , Morrison Michael L , Cairns David M , Lacher Thomas E 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans and has led to the deaths of millions of North American bats since it was first documented in New York in 2006. Since the first cases were recorded, WNS has spread rapidly across North America and is now confirmed or suspected in 40 US states and seven Canadian provinces. Often, the presence of P. destructans is detected in a cave or hibernaculum before signs of WNS manifest in the resident bat population, making presence of the fungus a more reliable assessment of potential epidemic spread than expansion of manifested WNS. An analysis of 43 cave internal climates across the state of Texas revealed a pattern of thermal suitability for P. destructans that correlated significantly with landscape (elevation, lithology) and external climate (mean surface temperature and precipitation). We generated a predictive model to assess the potential spread of P. destructans through Texas karst systems based on external features that correlate with suitable internal climates for fungal growth. Applications of this model to external climatic variables from 2019 showed seasonally varying patterns of suitability for fungal growth in select regions of Texas karst systems. Results from these surveys and models showed that internal climates of Texas caves are likely able to sustain the growth of P. destructans and could cause disease and resulting declines in Texas bats, and act as stepping-stones for the fungus, allowing it to travel southward into Mexican and Central American cave systems. The resulting work will inform researchers and natural resource managers of areas of significant concern to monitor for the spread of WNS.
Proofs of the Divine: Luke’s Use of Tekmhpion in Acts 1:3 in Light of Herodotus’ Description of the Battle of Mycale (Hist. 9.100.2)
Authors: Morgan James M 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In Acts 1:3, the author claims that Jesus had shown himself alive ‘by many proofs’ (ἐν πολλοῖς τεκμηρίοις). Phrases containing τεκμήριον (a NT hapax) qualified by πολύς have a long textual history. Reference works, however, do not discuss the closest rhetorical and theological parallel to the occurrence of τεκμήριον in Acts, which is found in Herodotus’ description of the battle of Mycale (Histories 9.100.2) in a metaleptic aside about proofs of divine intervention in human history: Δῆλα δὴ πολλοῖσι τεκμηρίοισι ἐστὶ τὰ θεῖα τῶν πρηγμάτων. Given the theologically charged nature of Luke–Acts and the Histories, this rich parallel illustrates well both projects and evinces plausible Herodotean influence on Luke’s historiographical erudition.
The Science of Human Flourishing
Authors: VanderWeele Tyler J. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Virtues play an important role in mental health and in human flourishing. Virtues are arguably both constitutive of human flourishing, and promote other aspects of flourishing that extend beyond character. Certain virtues play an important role in preserving and restoring mental health. Indeed, randomized trials of interventions focused on developing or making use of certain virtues, such as gratitude, forgiveness, and benevolence, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and promote psychological well-being. Such interventions could be added to psychiatrists’ toolkits as supplemental resources and could be offered in addition to other cognitive, behavioral, psychodynamic, and pharmaceutical approaches. More subtly, psychiatrists can also potentially look for opportunities to encourage patients’ growth in character, when appropriate. While the virtues have potential to play an important role in psychiatric practice, cautions are also necessary, including not blaming the patient for mental health difficulties, acknowledging that actions in accord with virtue to serve others can themselves sometimes bring about hardship, and acknowledging the possible role of hardship, suffering, and mental distress in the development of virtue. Appropriately incorporating approaches to facilitate virtue—of both patient and clinician—in psychiatric care holds considerable promise for the promotion of mental health and human flourishing.