bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of dipyridamole stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance in elderly patients &gt;75 years with suspected coronary artery disease
Authors: Pezel Théo , Sanguineti Francesca , Kinnel Marine , Hovasse Thomas , Garot Philippe , Unterseeh Thierry , Champagne Stéphane , Louvard Yves , Morice Marie Claude , Garot Jérôme 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Aims
There are only very few data on the prognostic value of stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in elderly people, while life expectancy of the general population is steadily increasing. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prognostic value of vasodilator stress perfusion CMR in elderly &gt;75 years.

Methods and results
Between 2008 and 2017, we included consecutive elderly &gt;75 years without known coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for dipyridamole stress CMR. They were followed for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including cardiac death or non-fatal myocardial infarction. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the prognostic value of ischaemia or late gadolinium enhancement. Of 754 elderly individuals (82.0 ± 3.9 years, 48.4% men), 659 (87.4%) completed the follow-up with median follow-up of 4.7 years. Using Kaplan–Meier analysis, the presence of myocardial ischaemia was associated with the occurrence of MACE [hazard ratio (HR) 5.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.56–9.56; P &lt; 0.001]. In a multivariable Cox regression including clinical characteristics and CMR indexes, inducible ischaemia was an independent predictor of a higher incidence of MACE (HR 4.44, 95% CI: 2.51–7.86; P &lt; 0.001). In patients without ischaemia, the occurrence of MACE was lower in women when compared with men (P &lt; 0.01).

Conclusion
Stress CMR is safe and has discriminative prognostic value in elderly, with a significantly lower event rate of future cardiovascular event or death in subjects without ischaemia or infarction.
Cardiac sequelae of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a clinical case series
Authors: Demertzis Zachary D , Dagher Carina , Malette Kelly M , Fadel Raef A , Bradley Patrick B , Brar Indira , Rabbani Bobak T , Suleyman Geehan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 most commonly manifests with fever and respiratory illness. The cardiovascular manifestations have become more prevalent but can potentially go unrecognized. We look to describe cardiac manifestations in three patients with COVID-19 using cardiac enzymes, electrocardiograms, and echocardiography.

Case summaries
The first patient, a 67-year-old Caucasian female with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy, presented with dyspnoea on exertion and orthopnoea 1 week after testing positive for COVID-19. Echocardiogram revealed large pericardial effusion with findings consistent with tamponade. A pericardial drain was placed, and fluid studies were consistent with viral pericarditis, treated with colchicine, hydroxychloroquine, and methylprednisolone. Follow-up echocardiograms showed apical hypokinesis, that later resolved, consistent with Takotsubo syndrome. The second patient, a 46-year-old African American male with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with fevers, cough, and dyspnoea due to COVID-19. Clinical course was complicated with pulseless electrical activity arrest; he was found to have D-dimer and troponin elevation, and inferior wall ST elevation on ECG concerning for STEMI due to microemboli. The patient succumbed to the illness. The third patient, a 76-year-old African American female with hypertension, presented with diarrhoea, fever, and myalgia, and was found to be COVID-19 positive. Clinical course was complicated, with acute troponin elevation, decreased cardiac index, and severe hypokinesis of the basilar wall suggestive of reverse Takotsubo syndrome. The cardiac index improved after pronation and non-STEMI therapy; however, the patient expired due to worsening respiratory status.

Discussion
These case reports demonstrate cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 that required monitoring and urgent intervention.
Non-parental care in childhood and health up to 30 years later: ONS Longitudinal Study 1971–2011
Authors: Murray Emily T , Lacey Rebecca , Maughan Barbara , Sacker Amanda 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Children who spend time in non-parental care report worse health later in life on average, but less is known about differences by type of care. We examined whether self-rated health of adults who had been in non-parental care up to 30 years later varied by type of care.

Methods
We used longitudinal data from the office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study. Participants were aged &lt;18 and never-married at baseline of each census year from 1971 to 2001. Separately for each follow-up period (10, 20 and 30 years later), multi-level logistic regression was used to compare self-rated health outcomes by different care types.

Results
For combined census years, sample sizes were 157 896 dependent children with 10 years of follow-up, 166 844 with 20 years of follow-up and 173 801 with 30 years of follow-up. For all follow-up cohorts, longitudinal study members who had been in care in childhood, had higher odds of rating their health as ‘not good’ vs. ‘good’; with highest odds for residential care. For example, 10-year follow-up odds ratios were 3.5 (95% confidence interval: 2.2–5.6) for residential care, 2.1 (1.7–2.5) for relative households and 2.6 (2.1–3.3) for non-relative households, compared with parental households after adjustment for childhood demographics. Associations were weakest for 10-year, and strongest for 20-year, follow-up. Additional adjustment for childhood social circumstances reduced, but did not eliminate, associations.

Conclusion
Decades after children and young people are placed in care, they are still more likely to report worse health than children who grew up in a parental household.
Optimal-rate finite-element solution of Dirichlet problems in curved domains with straight-edged tetrahedra
Authors: Ruas Vitoriano 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
In a series of papers published since 2017 the author introduced a simple alternative of the $n$-simplex type, to enhance the accuracy of approximations of second-order boundary value problems subject to Dirichlet boundary conditions, posed on smooth curved domains. This technique is based upon trial functions consisting of piecewise polynomials defined on straight-edged triangular or tetrahedral meshes, interpolating the Dirichlet boundary conditions at points of the true boundary. In contrast, the test functions are defined by the standard degrees of freedom associated with the underlying method for polytopic domains. While the mathematical analysis of the method for Lagrange and Hermite methods for two-dimensional second- and fourth-order problems was carried out in earlier paper by the author this paper is devoted to the study of the three-dimensional case. Well-posedness, uniform stability and optimal a priori error estimates in the energy norm are proved for a tetrahedron-based Lagrange family of finite elements. Novel error estimates in the $L^2$-norm, for the class of problems considered in this work, are also proved. A series of numerical examples illustrates the potential of the new technique. In particular, its superior accuracy at equivalent cost, as compared to the isoparametric technique, is highlighted.
Elevated Expression of Serum Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecules in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Tong Ming , Jiang Yu , Xia Da , Xiong Ying , Zheng Qing , Chen Fang , Zou Lianhong , Xiao Wen , Zhu Yimin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
In a retrospective study of 39 COVID-19 patients and 32 control participants in China, we collected clinical data and examined the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Serum levels of fractalkine, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) were elevated in patients with mild disease, dramatically elevated in severe cases, and decreased in the convalescence phase. We conclude the increased expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules is related to COVID-19 disease severity and may contribute to coagulation dysfunction.
Determination of Selected Cathinones in Blood by Solid-Phase Extraction and GC–MS
Authors: Antunes Mónica , Sequeira Margarida , de Caires Pereira Mariana , Caldeira Maria João , Santos Susana , Franco João , Barroso Mário , Gaspar Helena 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The emergence of potentially dangerous new psychoactive substances (NPS) is challenging for forensic laboratories, as well as the ability to develop and validate methods for a rapid and unambiguous monitoring of these compounds. Thereupon, the aim of this work was to establish a methodology for the identification and quantification of four synthetic cathinones already seized in Portugal [4-chloroethcathinone (4-CEC), α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP), 4-chloro-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (4-Cl-PVP) and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)] in whole blood samples, using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The analytes were extracted from blood by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and derivatized with N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) with 5% trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS). For all analytes, linearity was observed from 25 (lower limit of quantification, LLOQ) to 800 ng/mL, with coefficients of determination higher than 0.99. The limits of detection (LOD) were 5 ng/mL for α-PVP, 4-Cl-PVP and MDPV and 25 ng/mL for 4-CEC. The method was selective, precise and accurate, and the extraction efficiency was higher than 85% for all analytes. The target cathinones were stable under different stock conditions, being MDPV the most stable and 4-CEC the least stable compound. The validated analytical method was then applied to real samples that previously tested positive for amphetamines, but no positive samples were found for the cathinones under study. The present method describes for the first time the quantification of 4-CEC and 4-Cl-PVP in whole blood samples by GC–MS, allowing their accurate determination in forensic situations where the compounds are involved.
Oops! I Shrunk the Sample Covariance Matrix Again: Blockbuster Meets Shrinkage
Authors: De Nard Gianluca 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Existing shrinkage techniques struggle to model the covariance matrix of asset returns in the presence of multiple-asset classes. Therefore, we introduce a Blockbuster shrinkage estimator that clusters the covariance matrix accordingly. Besides the definition and derivation of a new asymptotically optimal linear shrinkage estimator, we propose an adaptive Blockbuster algorithm that clusters the covariance matrix even if the (number of) asset classes are unknown and change over time. It displays superior all-around performance on historical data against a variety of state-of-the-art linear shrinkage competitors. Additionally, we find that for small- and medium-sized investment universes the proposed estimator outperforms even recent nonlinear shrinkage techniques. Hence, this new estimator can be used to deliver more efficient portfolio selection and detection of anomalies in the cross-section of asset returns. Furthermore, due to the general structure of the proposed Blockbuster shrinkage estimator, the application is not restricted to financial problems.
A Survey of Tick Surveillance and Control Practices in the United States
Authors: Mader Emily M , Ganser Claudia , Geiger Annie , Harrington Laura C , Foley Janet , Smith Rebecca L , Mateus-Pinilla Nohra , Teel Pete D , Eisen Rebecca J 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Tickborne diseases are an increasing public health threat in the United States. Prevention and diagnosis of tickborne diseases are improved by access to current and accurate information on where medically important ticks and their associated human and veterinary pathogens are present, their local abundance or prevalence, and when ticks are actively seeking hosts. The true extent of tick and tickborne pathogen expansion is poorly defined, in part because of a lack of nationally standardized tick surveillance. We surveyed 140 vector-borne disease professionals working in state, county, and local public health and vector control agencies to assess their 1) tick surveillance program objectives, 2) pathogen testing methods, 3) tick control practices, 4) data communication strategies, and 5) barriers to program development and operation. Fewer than half of respondents reported that their jurisdiction was engaged in routine, active tick surveillance, but nearly two-thirds reported engaging in passive tick surveillance. Detection of tick presence was the most commonly stated current surveillance objective (76.2%). Most of the programs currently supporting tick pathogen testing were in the Northeast (70.8%), Upper and Central Midwest (64.3%), and the West (71.4%) regions. The most common pathogens screened for were Rickettsia spp. (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) and bacterial and viral agents transmitted by Ixodes (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks. Only 12% of respondents indicated their jurisdiction directly conducts or otherwise financially supports tick control. Responses indicated that their ability to expand the capacity of tick surveillance and control programs was impeded by inconsistent funding, limited infrastructure, guidance on best practices, and institutional capacity to perform these functions.
Aerobic Metabolism Alterations as an Evidence of Underlying Deltamethrin Resistance Mechanisms in Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: Rolandi Carmen , Roca-Acevedo Gonzalo , Schilman Pablo E , Germano Mónica D 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834), the main vector of Chagas disease in Latin America, is regularly controlled by spraying the pyrethroid deltamethrin, to which some populations have developed resistance. The three main mechanisms of resistance are 1) metabolic resistance by overexpression or increased activity of detoxifying enzymes, 2) target site mutations, and 3) cuticle thickening/modification. We use open-flow respirometry to measure real-time H2O loss rate (V˙H2O) and CO2 production rate (V˙CO2), on nymphs from susceptible and resistant populations before and after exposure to the insecticide to understand the underlying mechanisms of resistance in live insects. Lack of differences in V˙H2O between populations suggested that cuticular thickness/composition is not acting as a relevant resistance mechanism. Similarly, there was no difference in resting V˙CO2, suggesting a trade-off between resistance mechanisms and other physiological processes. The increment in V˙CO2 after application of deltamethrin was similar in both populations, which suggested that while enhanced enzymatic detoxification may play a role in resistance expression in this population, the main mechanism involved should be a passive one such as target site mutations. Open-flow respirometry provided useful evidence for evaluating the mechanisms involved in deltamethrin resistance. Using this technique could improve efficiency of scientific research in the area of insecticide resistance management, leading to a faster decision making and hence improved control results.
Indian Princely States and the 19th-century Transformation of the Law of Nations
Authors: Singh Prabhakar 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The role of the roughly 600 Indian princely kingdoms in the transformation of the law of nations into international law during the 19th century is an overlooked episode of international legal history. The Indian princely states effected a gradual end of the Mughal and the Maratha confederacies while appropriating international legal language. The Privy Council—before and after 1858—sanctified within common law as the acts of state, both, the seizure of territories from Indian kings and the ossification of encumbrances attached to the annexed territories. After the Crown takeover of the East India Company in 1858, the British India Government carefully rebooted, even mimicked, the native polyandric relationship of the tribal chiefs, petty states and semi-sovereigns with the Mughal–Maratha complex using multi-normative legal texts. Put down in the British stationery as engagements, sunnuds and treaties, these colonial texts projected an imperially layered nature of the native sovereignty. I challenge the metropole's claims of a one-way export to the colonies of the assumed normative surpluses. I argue that the periphery while responding to a ‘jurisdictional imperialism' upended interational law's civilisation-giving thesis by exporting law to the metropole.
Tumor volume shrinkage during stereotactic body radiotherapy is related to better prognoses in patients with stage I non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Vu Nam , Onishi Hiroshi , Saito Masahide , Kuriyama Kengo , Komiyama Takafumi , Marino Kan , Araya Masayuki , Aoki Shinichi , Saito Ryo , Nonaka Hotaka , Funayama Satoshi , Watanabe Hiroaki , Sano Naoki 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between tumor volume changes during stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and prognoses in stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This retrospective review included stage I NSCLC patients in whom SBRT was performed at a total dose of 48.0–50.5 Gy in four or five fractions. The tumor volumes observed on computed tomography (CT) simulation and on the CT performed at the last treatment session using a CT-on-rails system were measured and compared. Then, the tumor volume changes during the SBRT period were measured and assessed for their association with prognoses (overall survival, local control, lymph node metastases and distant metastases). A total of 98 patients with a mean age of 78.6 years were enrolled in the study. The T-stage was T1a in 42%, T1b in 32% and T2a in 26% of the cases. The gross tumor volume (GTV) shrank and increased ≥10% in 23 (23.5%) and 36 (36.7%) of the cases, respectively. The 5-year local control and overall survival rates in the groups with a tumor shrinkage of ≥10% vs the group with a shrinkage of &lt;10% were 94.7 vs 70.8% and 85.4 vs 47.6%, respectively; these differences were significant, with a P-value &lt; 0.05. During a short SBRT period, the tumor shrank or enlarged in a small number of cases. A decrease of ≥10% in the GTV during SBRT was significantly related to better overall survival and local control.
Role and limitations of the geometric mean method regarding head rotation in salivary gland scintigraphy: a phantom study
Authors: Chen I-Feng , Lin Li-Fan , Lin Chun-Long , Chung Tzu-Jou , Tseng Ta-Wei , Chiu Chuang-Hsin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
To investigate the possible influence of head rotation on the results of salivary gland scintigraphy, a phantom study was designed to simulate clinical salivary gland scintigraphy. The quantitative accuracy of regional activity counts was compared for two data acquisition methods involving head rotation: (i) an anterior planar projection-only (ANT) method and (ii) a geometric mean (GM) method using both the anterior and posterior planar projections. The roles and limitations of the GM and ANT methods when used at different head rotation angles were examined. Parallel planar projections of a head phantom with four salivary gland simulators, containing 3.7 MBq 99mTc-sodium pertechnetate, at various rotational settings were acquired using a dual-head gamma camera. The difference between the standard activity counts (no phantom rotation) and the activity counts affected by the phantom rotation was calculated and defined as the rotational bias that decreased the accuracy of activity quantification. For small-angle rotation (≤10°), use of the GM method decreased the bias for all salivary gland simulators. In contrast, the bias of large-angle rotation (&gt;10°) between four salivary gland simulators became conspicuous and complex in both methods. This bias may reflect different attenuation effects caused by displacement of the structures. Our data suggest that the GM method can be used when the head rotation angle is small (≤10°); however, when the head rotation angle is &gt;10°, the non-negligible influence of head rotation should be considered during image acquisition.
Epidemiology of bloodstream Candida species in a Spanish tertiary care hospital as a guide for implementation of T2MR (T2CANDIDA®) for rapid diagnosis of candidemia
Authors: Falces-Romero Iker , Romero-Gómez María Pilar , Moreno-Ramos Francisco , Mingorance Jesús , García-Rodríguez Julio , Cendejas-Bueno Emilio 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the epidemiology of candidemia in our hospital in order to determine whether the T2MR system might be a useful tool for early diagnosis of candidemia in selected units. We perform a retrospective review of all candidemia episodes registered in the last 12 years in selected units of our hospital in adult and pediatric patients. Candida species and antifungal susceptibility patterns were registered. A total of 686 isolates were registered, of which 625 were infections due to the five most common species of Candida. C. albicans (45.6%) and C. parapsilosis (33.1%) were the predominant species found in our institution. In adults these species were closely followed by C. glabrata (12–21%) in all units. While in pediatric medical and intensive care units (PICU), these species were followed by other uncommon yeasts. Resistance rates to triazoles were low in C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. In C. glabrata and C. tropicalis the resistance rates to fluconazole ranged from 10.86 to 6.67%. Resistance rates for echinocandins were very low and all strains were susceptible to amphotericin B. T2Candida® might be useful to guide antifungal targeted treatment and discontinuation of antifungal empirical treatment in those units where the five most common Candida species represent more than the ninety percent of the isolates. The selection of medical and surgical units should be based on local epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility patterns. Incidence should be taken into account in order to make clinical decisions based on negative results.

Lay Abstract
T2Candida® might be useful selectively in clinical units according to their local epidemiology, antifungal resistance patterns, and incidence of candidemia. It optimizes the clinical value of positive results supporting decisions about targeted therapies or discontinuations based on negative results.