bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of prognosis in patients with tetralogy of Fallot based on deep learning imaging analysis
Authors: Diller Gerhard Paul , Orwat Stefan , Vahle Julius , Bauer Ulrike M M , Urban Aleksandra , Sarikouch Samir , Berger Felix , Beerbaum Philipp , Baumgartner Helmut 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveTo assess the utility of machine learning algorithms for automatically estimating prognosis in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).MethodsWe included 372 patients with ToF who had undergone CMR imaging as part of a nationwide prospective study. Cine loops were retrieved and subjected to automatic deep learning (DL)-based image analysis, trained on independent, local CMR data, to derive measures of cardiac dimensions and function. This information was combined with established clinical parameters and ECG markers of prognosis.ResultsOver a median follow-up period of 10 years, 23 patients experienced an endpoint of death/aborted cardiac arrest or documented ventricular tachycardia (defined as >3 documented consecutive ventricular beats). On univariate Cox analysis, various DL parameters, including right atrial median area (HR 1.11/cm², p=0.003) and right ventricular long-axis strain (HR 0.80/%, p=0.009) emerged as significant predictors of outcome. DL parameters were related to adverse outcome independently of left and right ventricular ejection fraction and peak oxygen uptake (p<0.05 for all). A composite score of enlarged right atrial area and depressed right ventricular longitudinal function identified a ToF subgroup at significantly increased risk of adverse outcome (HR 2.1/unit, p=0.007).ConclusionsWe present data on the utility of machine learning algorithms trained on external imaging datasets to automatically estimate prognosis in patients with ToF. Due to the automated analysis process these two-dimensional-based algorithms may serve as surrogates for labour-intensive manually attained imaging parameters in patients with ToF.
Are the XYZ states unconventional states or conventional states with unconventional properties?
Authors: Hanhart Christoph , Klempt Eberhard 
Published: March 2020

We discuss three possible scenarios for the interpretation of mesons containing a heavy quark and its antiquark near and above the first threshold for a decay into a pair of heavy mesons in a relative [Formula: see text]-wave. View I assumes that these thresholds force the quark potential to flatten which implies that while in these energy ranges molecular states may be formed, there should not be any quark–antiquark states above these thresholds. View II assumes that the main part of the interaction between two mesons is due to the poles which originate from the [Formula: see text] interaction. The properties of the [Formula: see text] mesons are strongly influenced by opening thresholds but the number of states is given by the quark model. In View III, both types of mesons are admitted also near and above the open flavor thresholds: [Formula: see text] mesons and dynamically generated mesons. Experimental consequences of these different views are discussed.
Risk Score for Predicting 2‐Year Mortality in Patients With Chagas Cardiomyopathy From Endemic Areas: SaMi‐Trop Cohort Study
Authors: Di Lorenzo Oliveira Claudia , Nunes Maria Carmo P. , Colosimo Enrico Antonio , de Lima Emilly Malveira , Cardoso Clareci S. , Ferreira Ariela Mota , de Oliveira Lea Campos , Moreira Carlos Henrique Valente , Bierrenbach Ana Luiza , Haikal Desireé Sant′Ana , Peixoto Sérgio Viana , Lima‐Costa Maria Fernanda , Sabino Ester Cerdeira , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz P. 
Published: March 2020

Background
Risk stratification of Chagas disease patients in the limited‐resource setting would be helpful in crafting management strategies. We developed a score to predict 2‐year mortality in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy from remote endemic areas.

Methods and Results

This study enrolled 1551 patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy from Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from the SaMi‐Trop cohort (The São Paulo‐Minas Gerais Tropical Medicine Research Center). Clinical evaluation, ECG, and
NT
‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) were performed. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to develop a prediction model based on the key predictors. The end point was all‐cause mortality. The patients were classified into 3 risk categories at baseline (low, <2%; intermediate, ≥2% to 10%; high, ≥10%). External validation was performed by applying the score to an independent population with Chagas disease. After 2 years of follow‐up, 110 patients died, with an overall mortality rate of 3.505 deaths per 100 person‐years. Based on the nomogram, the independent predictors of mortality were assigned points: age (10 points per decade), New York Heart Association functional class higher than I (15 points), heart rate ≥80 beats/min (20 points),
QRS
duration ≥150 ms (15 points), and abnormal
NT
‐pro
BNP
adjusted by age (55 points). The observed mortality rates in the low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk groups were 0%, 3.6%, and 32.7%, respectively, in the derivation cohort and 3.2%, 8.7%, and 19.1%, respectively, in the validation cohort. The discrimination of the score was good in the development cohort (C statistic: 0.82), and validation cohort (C statistic: 0.71).

Conclusions
In a large population of patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy, a combination of risk factors accurately predicted early mortality. This helpful simple score could be used in remote areas with limited technological resources.
Soluble CD14, Ischemic Stroke, and Coronary Heart Disease Risk in a Prospective Study: The REGARDS Cohort
Authors: Olson Nels C. , Koh Insu , Reiner Alex P. , Judd Suzanne E. , Irvin Marguerite R. , Howard George , Zakai Neil A. , Cushman Mary 
Published: March 2020

Background

Soluble
CD
14 (
sCD
14), a circulating pattern recognition receptor, has been suggested as a cardiovascular disease risk factor. Prospective studies evaluating
sCD
14 with incident cardiovascular disease events are limited, particularly among racially diverse populations.

Methods and Results

Between 2003 and 2007, the
REGARDS
(
Re
asons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) study recruited 30 239 black and white participants across the United States. In a nested case–cohort study,
sCD
14 was measured in baseline serum from 548 cases of incident ischemic stroke, 612 cases of incident coronary heart disease (
CHD
), and a cohort random sample (n=1039). Cox models estimated hazards ratios (
HR
) of incident ischemic stroke or
CHD
per 1
SD
higher
sCD
14, adjusting for cardiovascular disease risk factors. There was a differential association of
sCD
14 with ischemic stroke and
CHD
risk by race. Among blacks, the adjusted
HR
of stroke per
SD
increment of
sCD
14 was 1.42 (95%
CI
: 1.12, 1.80), with no association among whites (
HR
1.02 [95%
CI
: 0.82, 1.27]). Higher
sCD
14 was associated with increased
CHD
risk in blacks but not whites, and relationships between
sCD
14 and
CHD
were stronger at younger ages. Adjusted for risk factors, the
HR
of
CHD
per
SD
higher
sCD
14 among blacks at age 45 years was 2.30 (95%
CI
: 1.45, 3.65) compared with 1.56 (95%
CI
: 0.94, 2.57) among whites. At age 65 years, the
CHD HR
was 1.51 (95%
CI
: 1.20, 1.91) among blacks and 1.02 (95%
CI
: 0.80, 1.31) among whites.

Conclusions

sCD
14 may be a race‐specific stroke and
CHD
risk marker.
Non-Proliferation Treaty and Nuclear Disarmament
Authors: Hayashi Mika 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
A few final documents adopted by the Review Conferences of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (‘NPT’) include important references to nuclear disarmament and to Article VI of the NPT. It is frequently assumed or claimed that these references amount to subsequent agreements as to the interpretation of Article VI. However, such a view is difficult to maintain. With the help of the 2018 Draft Conclusions on subsequent agreements and practice, this article seeks to establish two conditions that such final documents ought to satisfy if they are to be treated as subsequent agreements under Article 31 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (‘VCLT’). The analysis suggests that the final documents in question do not satisfy such conditions. Based on this evaluation, the article also explores other theoretical frameworks both within and without treaty interpretation rules, that can adequately take into account the final documents of the NPT Review Conferences in discussing nuclear disarmament in international law.
Health Infrastructure Disparities in Punjab: An Inter-district Analysis
Authors: Kumar Gulshan , Singh Jagmohan 
Published: March 2020

Economic and social development can be achieved by improving the health conditions of people which, in turn, depend upon the development and provision of health infrastructure facilities in any region or society. Better and sound health infrastructure is of paramount importance to support the health conditions of people in any region. Keeping this in mind, the present study has attempted to examine the inter-district disparities in health infrastructure in Punjab. Using principal component analysis, a district-level health infrastructure index (HII) for Punjab has been constructed at three points of time, that is, 1994, 2008 and 2018. The study detected the presence of inter-district disparities in health infrastructural facilities in Punjab. Barnala, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mansa and Shri Muktsar Sahib have been identified as improving districts, whereas Amritsar, Firozpur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Moga, Patiala and Tarn Taran appeared under deteriorating category. Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Rupnagar and Sangrur have been traced under fluctuating district category while Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar have emerged as stable districts for the study period. JEL Classification: C38, H54, I19
The state of play – the first national survey of consultation-liaison psychiatry services in New Zealand
Authors: Hopkins John , Cullum Sarah , Sundram Frederick 
Published: March 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct the first national survey of consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) services in New Zealand. Method: An online survey based on the Multidimensional Matrix for Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (mMAX-LP) was circulated to a psychiatrist at each of 12 identified CLP services nationally during April–May 2018. Existing data for Middlemore Hospital (where the lead author is based) were added later for completion. Results: Most CLP services in New Zealand are funded and managed by the mental health division, operate within office hours, and have psychologists and other allied health staff external to their service. However, there was significant heterogeneity amongst these services in terms of structure and function and in particular, the coverage of emergency departments and young/older patient groups. Conclusion: This first national survey has provided a snapshot of CLP services in New Zealand in 2018 and found striking heterogeneity. The survey has established a baseline for future local and international comparisons.
Condylar Fractures: An Argument for Conservative Treatment
Authors: Vanpoecke Jasper , Dubron Kathia , Politis Constantinus 
Published: March 2020

Introduction: The treatment of mandibular condyle fractures remains a controversial topic in maxillofacial surgery. No uniform treatment protocol is currently available. Purpose: We performed a retrospective monocentric cohort study of patients with condylar fractures and their treatment, including long-term follow-up by telephone, followed by a short review of the literature. Patients and Methods: The available data on condylar fractures presenting at Leuven University Hospitals between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2015, were analyzed. Cause, age, sex, fracture level, degree of displacement, associated facial fractures, malocclusion, type of treatment, and complications were noted. Follow-up by telephone was performed after an average 261 weeks for the conservative group. Results: A total of 109 condylar fractures were observed with a male/female ratio of 1.14:1. Most fractures were subcondylar, unilateral, displaced, caused by road traffic accidents, and treated conservatively. Discussion: In children and intracapsular fractures, conservative management remains the first choice. Maxillomandibular fixation should be used sparingly in children and for as short a time as possible. Some patients indicated for surgery can still have acceptable results if treated conservatively.
Efficacy of anakinra for idiopathic and non-idiopathic pericarditis refractory or intolerant to conventional therapy
Authors: Shaukat Muhammad HS , Singh Sukhraj , Davis Kathryn , Torosoff Mikhail , Peredo-Wende Ruben 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Anakinra, a recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is effective in treatment of idiopathic recurrent pericarditis. However, its efficacy in non-idiopathic pericarditis (secondary to a diagnosed inflammatory condition, or other known etiology) is unclear. We evaluated the efficacy of anakinra in patients with non-idiopathic (secondary to a diagnosed inflammatory condition, or other known etiology) and idiopathic pericarditis, who were intolerant or refractory to conventional therapy (colchicine and corticosteroids).

Methods:
This was a single-center study in which we performed a retrospective chart review of consecutive adult patients hospitalized with pericarditis intolerant or refractory to conventional therapy who were treated with conventional therapy and anakinra between January 2016–October 2018. The control group included age-matched hospitalized pericarditis patients treated with conventional therapy only. Symptom relief at discharge, time to symptom relief and recurrence on treatment were compared. The effect of outpatient continuation of anakinra on post-treatment recurrence risk was assessed.

Results:
Twelve patients received anakinra for pericarditis; 22 age-matched controls were identified. Ten patients (83.3%) in the conventional therapy and anakinra group and 13 patients (54.1%) in the conventional therapy groups had non-idiopathic pericarditis. All conventional therapy and anakinra patients and 16 of 22 patients in the conventional therapy group reported symptom relief at discharge (p=0.04). Time to symptom relief was decreased in the conventional therapy and anakinra group (3.75±1.87 vs 5.63±3.28 days, p=0.08). During treatment, all conventional therapy and anakinra-treated patients continued to be symptom free, while nine of 22 conventional therapy patients (40.9%) experienced recurrence (p=0.009). Recurrence risk after treatment discontinuation was similar in the conventional therapy and anakinra group and the conventional therapy group.

Conclusions:
In hospitalized patients with non-idiopathic or idiopathic pericarditis refractory, or intolerant to, conventional therapy, anakinra is associated with improved symptom relief and decreased recurrence risk during treatment.
Use of palygorskite as a viscosity enhancer in salted water-based muds: effect of concentration of palygorskite and salt
Authors: Santanna Vanessa Cristina , Silva Samara Leandro , Silva Rhaul Phillypi , Castro Dantas Tereza Neuma 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDrilling fluids are essential for the operation and productivity of petroleum wells. This study compares the efficiency of a salted water-based mud for which the viscosity has been enhanced with polymeric compounds with that of a new salted water-based mud containing palygorskite clay, which mainly functions as a viscosity enhancer. The experiment measured the density, apparent viscosity, plastic viscosity, yield point, American Petroleum Institute filtrate and pH of the samples. The results indicate that the rheological properties of the fluids containing greater amounts of palygorskite were not affected significantly by the addition of salt. However, when the concentration of palygorskite was low, the rheological behaviour of the samples was appropriate to the drilling operation only with lesser amounts of salt. In addition to its good rheological properties, the filtrate volume obtained for samples containing greater concentrations of palygorskite was lower, which suggests that the filtration properties at the bottoms of the wells were controlled appropriately.
Mechanisms of anti-GPIbα antibody–induced thrombocytopenia in mice
Authors: Morodomi Yosuke , Kanaji Sachiko , Won Eric , Ruggeri Zaverio M. , Kanaji Taisuke 
Published: March 2020

AbstractImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired bleeding disorder characterized by antibody-mediated platelet destruction. Different mechanisms have been suggested to explain accelerated platelet clearance and impaired thrombopoiesis, but the pathophysiology of ITP has yet to be fully delineated. In this study, we tested 2 mouse models of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia using the rat anti-mouse GPIbα monoclonal antibody 5A7, generated in our laboratory. After a single IV administration of high-dose (2 mg/kg) 5A7, opsonized platelets were rapidly cleared from the circulation into the spleen and liver; this was associated with rapid upregulation of thrombopoietin (TPO) messenger RNA. In contrast, subcutaneous administration of low-dose 5A7 (0.08-0.16 mg/kg) every 3 days gradually lowered the platelet count; in this case, opsonized platelets were observed only in the spleen, and TPO levels remained unaltered. Interestingly, in both models, the 5A7 antibody was found on the surface of, as well as internalized to, bone marrow megakaryocytes. Consequently, platelets generated in the chronic phase of repeated subcutaneous 5A7 administration model showed reduced GPIbα membrane expression on their surface. Our findings indicate that evaluation of platelet surface GPIbα relative to platelet size may be a useful marker to support the diagnosis of anti-GPIbα antibody–induced ITP.
Longitudinal and lateral diffusion of solute transport in flow with rigid vegetation
Authors: Lou Sha , Liu Hongzhe , Liu Shuguang , Chen Ming , Zhong Guihui 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Aquatic vegetation has major influence on the local water environment, affecting flow velocities and solute mixing. Extensive research has been conducted on the flow characteristics of vegetated areas, but little is known about solute transport. In this study, Laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate how solute transport is affected by emergent and submerged rigid vegetation.

Results
Vegetation greatly reduces the mean velocity, especially within the vegetated region. Near the bottom, the solute concentration is greater in the dense vegetation than in the sparse vegetation. The vertical distribution of the solute concentration decreases rapidly with the relative water depth. Generally, the longitudinal and lateral diffusion coefficients are less affected by denser vegetation, but both coefficients are strongly influenced by the relative water depth (submerged vegetation height).

Conclusions
A modified function to estimate the longitudinal diffusion coefficients is proposed under both emergent and submerged vegetation conditions, including cases of variable vegetation height. The key parameters (a’ and b’) for the assessment of the lateral diffusion coefficients are improved considering vegetation height. Results in the present paper can be used as efficient and convenient methods to estimate the longitudinal and lateral diffusion coefficients in flow with rigid vegetation.
Respiratory pattern and phrenic and hypoglossal nerve activity during normoxia and hypoxia in 6-OHDA-induced bilateral model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Andrzejewski Kryspin , Jampolska Monika , Zaremba Małgorzata , Joniec-Maciejak Ilona , Boguszewski Paweł M. , Kaczyńska Katarzyna 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRespiratory disturbances present in Parkinson’s disease (PD) are not well understood. Thus, studies in animal models aimed to link brain dopamine (DA) deficits with respiratory impairment are needed. Adult Wistar rats were lesioned with injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the third cerebral ventricle. Two weeks after hypoxic test was performed in whole-body plethysmography chamber, phrenic (PHR) and hypoglossal (HG) nerve activities were recorded in normoxic and hypoxic conditions in anesthetized, vagotomized, paralyzed and mechanically ventilated rats. The effects of activation and blockade of dopaminergic carotid body receptors were investigated during normoxia in anesthetized spontaneously breathing rats. 6-OHDA injection affected resting respiratory pattern in awake animals: an increase in tidal volume and a decrease in respiratory rate had no effect on minute ventilation. Hypoxia magnified the amplitude and minute activity of the PHR and HG nerve of 6-OHDA rats. The ratio of pre-inspiratory to inspiratory HG burst amplitude was reduced in normoxic breathing. Yet, the ratio of pre-inspiratory time to total time of the respiratory cycle was increased during normoxia. 6-OHDA lesion had no impact on DA and domperidone effects on the respiratory pattern, which indicate that peripheral DA receptors are not affected in this model. Analysis of monoamines confirmed substantial striatal depletion of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline (NA) and reduction of NA content in the brainstem. In bilateral 6-OHDA model changes in activity of both nerves: HG (linked with increased apnea episodes) and PHR are present. Demonstrated respiratory effects could be related to specific depletion of DA and NA.
Immunological risk stratification and tailored minimisation of immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients
Authors:   for the South West Thames Renal Transplantation Network, Phanish Mysore K. , Hull Richard P. , Andrews Peter A. , Popoola Joyce , Kingdon Edward J. , MacPhee Iain A. M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The efficacy and safety of minimisation of immunosuppression including early steroid withdrawal in kidney transplant recipients treated with Basiliximab induction remains unclear.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study reports the outcomes from 298 consecutive renal transplants performed since 1st July 2010–June 2013 treated with Basiliximab induction and early steroid withdrawal in low immunological risk patients using a simple immunological risk stratification and 3-month protocol biopsy to optimise therapy. The cohort comprised 225 low-risk patients (first transplant or HLA antibody calculated reaction frequency (CRF ≤50% with no donor specific HLA antibodies) who underwent basiliximab induction, steroid withdrawal on day 7 and maintenance with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and 73 high-risk patients who received tacrolimus, MMF and prednisolone for the first 3 months followed by long term maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus and prednisolone. High-risk patients not undergoing 3-month protocol biopsy were continued on triple immunosuppression.

Results
Steroid withdrawal could be safely achieved in low immunological risk recipients with IL2 receptor antibody induction. The incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection was 15.1% in the low-risk and 13.9% in the high-risk group (including sub-clinical rejection detected at protocol biopsy). One- year graft survival was 93.3% and patient survival 98.5% in the low-risk group, and 97.3 and 100% respectively in the high-risk group. Graft function was similar in each group at 1 year (mean eGFR 61.2 ± 23.4 mL/min low-risk and 64.6 ± 19.2 mL/min high-risk).

Conclusions
Immunosuppression regimen comprising basiliximab induction, tacrolimus, MMF and prednisolone with early steroid withdrawal in low risk patients and MMF withdrawal in high risk patients following a normal 3-month protocol biopsy is effective in limiting acute rejection episodes and produces excellent rates of patient survival, graft function and complications.