bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left atrial strain in the assessment of diastolic function: providing new insights into primary myocardial dysfunction in Marfan syndrome
Authors: García-Izquierdo Eusebio , Moñivas-Palomero Vanessa , Forteza Alberto , Martín-López Carlos , Torres-Sanabria Mario , Cia-Mendioroz Xabier , Olivo-Rodríguez Consuelo , Navarro-Rico Sara , Sánchez-Gómez Andrés , Mirelis Jesús G. , Cavero Miguel A. , Mingo-Santos Susana 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Previous studies using conventional echocardiographic measurements have reported subclinical left ventricular (LV) diastolic abnormalities in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS). Left atrial (LA) strain allows an accurate categorization of LV diastolic dysfunction. We aimed to characterize LV myocardial performance in a cohort of MFS patients using STE-derived measurements (LV and LA strain) along with conventional echocardiographic parameters. We studied 127 adult patients with MFS (no prior cardiac surgery or significant valvular regurgitation) and 38 healthy controls. We performed detailed echocardiograms and selected left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) as a surrogate of impaired relaxation. Additionally, we searched for possible determinants of LASr in patients with MFS, with a special focus on the elastic properties of the aorta. In spite of lower E-wave, septal and lateral e’ velocities and average E/e’ ratio in MFS patients, all participants had normal diastolic function according to current guidelines. MFS patients exhibited reduced LV global longitudinal strain (19.3 ± 2.6 vs 21.6 ± 2.1%, p < 0,001) and reduced LASr (32.9 ± 8.5 vs 43.3 ± 7.8%, p < 0.001) compared to controls. In the MFS cohort, we found weak significant (p < 0.05) correlations between LASr and certain parameters: E/A ratio (R = 0.258), E wave (R = 0.226), aortic distensibility (R = 0.222), stiffness index (R=-0.216), LV ejection fraction (R = 0.214), lateral e’ (R = 0.210), LV end-systolic volume index (R=-0.210), LV global longitudinal strain (R = 0.201), septal e’ (R = 0.185). After multivariate analysis, only LV end-systolic volume index and E/A ratio maintained a weak independent association with LASr (R=-0,220; p = 0,017 and R = 0,199; p = 0,046, respectively). In conclusion, LASr is reduced in patients with MFS, which may represent an early stage of LV diastolic dysfunction. LASr is not determined by the elastic properties of the aorta, suggesting that impaired myocardial relaxation is a primary condition in MFS.
Spatial-Temporal Population Dynamics of Male and Female Aedes Albopictus at a Local Scale in Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Camargo Carolina , Alfonso-Parra Catalina , Díaz Sebastián , Rincón Diego F. , Ramírez-Sánchez Luis Felipe , Agudelo Juliana , Barrientos Luisa M. , Arias Sara Villa , Avila Frank William 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Diseases transmitted by invasive Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are major public health issues in the tropics and subtropics. Understanding the ecology of mosquito vectors is essential for the development of effective disease mitigation programs and will allow for accurate predictions of vector occurrence and abundance. Studies that examine mosquito population dynamics are typically focused on female presence or total adult captures without discriminating the temporal and spatial distribution of both sexes. Methods: We collected immature and adult mosquitoes twice monthly during a two-year period (2018 – 2019) in the Medellín Botanical Garden (Medellín, Colombia) and assessed: 1) the relationship between climatic variables/vegetation coverage and adult captures, 2) the temporal and spatial distribution of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus during the study period, 3) the temporal and spatial distribution of Ae. albopictus males and females, and 4) the correlation of male and female size in relation to climatic variables and vegetation coverage. Results: We show that Ae. albopictus was the predominant species in the park during the study period. Adult captures were positively correlated with precipitation and relative humidity, and inversely correlated with temperature and wind speed. Spatial analysis showed that Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were distributed at different locations within the surveilled area. Moreover, we observed a spatial misalignment of Ae. albopictus males and females—the majority of males were located in the high vegetation coverage sites and the females in the medium vegetation coverage sites. Conclusions: Our work elucidates the differential dynamics of Ae. albopictus males and females, which is pivotal to develop accurate surveillance and the successful establishment of vector control programs based on the disruption of insect reproduction.
A new approach to find gouge free tool positions for a toroidal cutter for Bezier surfaces in Five axis machining
Authors: Sing Mukhmeet , Qu Jerry , Duvedi Ravinder Kumar , Bedi Sanjeev , Mann Stephen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We implement and test a multi-point machining tool positioning technique that positions the tool using only a variation on gouge checking. The result is a method that is roughly twice as fast as an earlier method that performed a numerical search to find a tool position with multiple points of contact with the design surface. A GPU implementation provides an additional factor of ten speedup. Verification of the method was done via simulation and machining and measuring physical parts.
Decomposition of Carbon Adsorbed on Iron (III)-Treated Clays and Their Effect on the Stability of Soil Organic Carbon and External Carbon Inputs
Authors: You Mengyang , Zhu-Barker Xia , Doane Timothy A. , Horwath William R. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The interaction of organic carbon (OC) with clay and metals stabilizes soil carbon (C), but the influence of specific clay-metal-OC assemblages (flocs) needs further evaluation. Clay-metal-OC assemblages representing OC-mineral soil fractions were synthesized using dissolved organic C (DOC) combined with kaolinite (1:1 layer structure) or montmorillonite (2:1 layer structure) clays in the absence or presence of two levels of Fe (III). Flocs were mixed with soil and incubated for 30 days. Total C mineralization from flocs was approximately 70% lower than non-flocced DOC. The flocs made with montmorillonite had 16–43% lower C mineralization rate than those made with kaolinite with no Fe or low Fe. However, when flocs were made with high Fe, clay mineralogy did not significantly affect total C mineralization. A positive priming effect (PE) of flocs on native soil OC was observed in all treatments, with a stronger PE found in lower Fe treatments. The high-Fe clay flocs inhibited ryegrass decomposition, while the flocs made without clay had no impact on it. Interestingly, flocs significantly decreased the PE of ryegrass on native soil OC decomposition. These results indicate that the adsorption of DOC onto clay minerals in the presence of Fe (III) stabilizes it against decomposition processes and its stability increases as Fe in flocs increases. Flocs also protect soil OC from the PE of external degradable plant C input. This study showed that Fe level and clay mineralogy play an important role in controlling soil C stability.
Combined Amino Acid Pet-Mri for Differentiating Recurrence from Radiation Necrosis in Gliomas- Together We Grow
Authors: Jabeen Shumyla , Arbind Arpana , Kumar Dinesh , Singh Pardeep kumar , Saini Jitender , Sadashiva Nishanth , Arimappamagan Arivazhagan , Santosh Vani , Nagaraj Chandana 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of amino acid PET, MR perfusion and diffusion as stand-alone modalities and in combination in differentiating recurrence from radiation necrosis in post-treatment gliomas and to qualitatively assess spatial concordance between the three modalities using simultaneous PET-MR acquisition.METHODS: A retrospective review of 48 cases of post-treatment gliomas who underwent simultaneous PET-MRI using C11 Methionine as radiotracer was performed. MR perfusion and diffusion sequences were acquired during the PET study. The following parameters were obtained: TBRmax, TBRmean, SUVmax and SUVmean from the PET images, rCBV from perfusion, ADCmean and ADCratio from the diffusion images. The final diagnosis was based on clinical/imaging follow-up and histopathology when available. ROC curve analysis in combination with logistic regression analysis was used to compare the diagnostic performance. Spatial concordance between modalities was graded as 0,1 and 2 representing discordance, <50% and >50% concordance respectively.RESULTS: There were 35 cases of recurrence and 13 cases of radiation necrosis. The highest area under curve(AUC) was obtained for TBRmax followed by rCBV and ADCratio. The AUC increased significantly with a combination of rCBV and TBRmax. Amino acid PET showed the highest diagnostic accuracy and maximum agreement with the final diagnosis. There was discordance between ADC and PET in 22.9%, between rCBV and PET in 16.7% and between PET and contrast enhancement in 14.6% cases.CONCLUSIONAmino acid PET had the highest diagnostic accuracy in differentiating radiation necrosis from recurrence. Combination of PET with MRI further increased the AUC thus improving the diagnostic performance.
Time Course of Outcome in Poor Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients: A longitudinal retrospective study
Authors: Bogossian Elisa Gouvea , Diaferia Daniela , Minini Andrea , Djangang Narcisse Ndieugnou , Menozzi Marco , Peluso Lorenzo , Annoni Filippo , Creteur Jacques , Schuind Sophie , Dewitte Olivier , Taccone Fabio Silvio 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Neurological outcome and mortality of patients suffering from poor grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may have changed over time. Several factors, including patients’ characteristics, the presence of hydrocephalus and intraparenchymal hematoma, might also contribute to this effect. The aim of this study was to assess the temporal changes in mortality and neurologic outcome in SAH patients and identify their predictors.
Methods

We performed a single center retrospective cohort study from 2004 until 2018. All non-traumatic SAH patients with poor grade on admission (WFNS score of 4 or 5) who remained at least 24 hours in the hospital were included. Time course was analyzed into four groups according to the years of admission (2004–2007; 2008–2011; 2012–2015 and 2016–2018).
Results

A total of 353 patients were included in this study: 202 patients died (57%) and 260 (74%) had unfavorable neurological outcome (UO) at 3 months. Mortality tended to decrease in in 2008–2011 and 2016–2018 periods (HR 0.55 [0.34–0.89] and HR 0.33 [0.20–0.53], respectively, when compared to 2004–2007). The proportion of patients with UO remained high and did not vary significantly over time. Patients with WFNS 5 had higher mortality (68% vs 34%, p = 0.001) and more frequent UO (83% vs 54%, p = 0.001) than those with WFNS 4. In the multivariable analysis, WFNS 5 was independently associated with mortality (HR 2.12 [1.43–3.14]) and UO (OR 3.23 [1.67–6.25]). The presence of hydrocephalus was associated with a lower risk of mortality (HR 0.60 [0.43–0.84]).
Conclusions

Both hospital mortality and UO remained high in poor grade SAH patients. Patients with WFNS 5 on admission had worse prognosis than others; this should be taken into consideration for future clinical studies.
Successful Treatment of Pulmonary Mucormycosis Caused by Rhizopus Microsporus With Posaconazole
Authors: Yuan Fan , Chen Jun , Liu Fang , Dang Yongchao , Kong Qingtao , Sang Hong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection occurring chiefly in the lung or the rhino-orbital-cerebral compartment, particularly in patients with immunodeficiency or diabetes mellitus. Among Mucorales fungi, Rhizopus spp. are the most common cause of mucormycosis. Case presentation: We report the case of pulmonary mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus microsporus in a young patient with diabetes but no other apparent risk factors. The diagnosis has mainly relied on clinical manifestation, positive pulmonary tissue biopsy, and fungal culture. The patient was successfully treated with posaconazole oral suspension and remains asymptomatic at one-year follow-up.Conclusions: Pulmonary mucormycosis is a life-threatening condition and based on direct microscopy, histopathology, and culture for the diagnosis.
Application of Renewable Kenaf Cellulose Nanofiber as a Temephos Nanocarrier for Control of Aedes Aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae
Authors: Pengiran Hazirah binti , Kamaldin Jahangir , Fen Leo Bey , Ahmad Hamdan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Larviciding is an effective control method in managing mosquito-borne diseases. However, current carrier materials used in larvicides formulation raised environmental concerns due to its non-renewable origin. Herein, our study aimed to evaluate the application of the renewable source kenaf cellulose nanofiber (KCNF) impregnated with temephos for the control of Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. The morphology of KCNF+T was examined using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) while the quantity of temephos impregnated, released, and retained on the fibers upon dispersion in water were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Subsequently, the bioefficacy of the KCNF+T was evaluated against Ae. aegypti larvae. The FESEM and TEM micrograph verified the presence of temephos on the KCNF after the impregnation. HPLC analysis showed the amount of temephos impregnated on KCNF was 97 % of the 0.1 mg temephos. Upon dispersion in water, KCNF+T released 53% temephos and the retention of temephos on KCNF+T gradually decreased to 30, 17 and 7 % on the first, third and fifth month, respectively. The exposure of Ae. aegypti larvae to KCNF+T at concentration 0.006 to 0.01 mg/L was effective at 17 - 25 folds in killing Ae. aegypti larvae compared to temephos without KCNF. Microscopy examination revealed accumulation of the KCNF on the larval appendages. Overall, our study demonstrated that KCNF made from renewable source is an effective nanocarrier of temephos for the control of Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae.
Neutralizing Antibody Response and Associated Factors in Coronavirus-19 Disease (COVID-19) up to One Month: A Case-Series of 129 Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Bastug Aliye , Bodur Hurrem , Safak Urartu Ozgur , Filazi Nazlican , Aydos Omer , Kehribar Ebru Sahin , Hanifehnezhad Alireza , Kazancioglu Sümeyye , Ahan Recep Erdem , Aslan Volkan , Cakir Banu , Sertcelik Ahmet , Ozkul Aykut 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose Little is known about the characteristics of neutralizing antibody(NAb) response in patients recovered COVID - 19. We aimed to elucidate the factors affecting presence and titers of in an early phase of infection up to 30 days.Methods A total of 129 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients in a tertiary-care hospital were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained retrospectively. SARS-CoV-2 specific NAb, IgM, and IgG antibody responses were analyzed. NAb-positive and negative patients were compared, to examine potential associations between clinical, demographical, and laboratory characteristics and the presence/titers of NAb.Results SARS-CoV-2 specific NAb, IgM and IgG were detected at the time of hospital discharge in 60.5%, 30.2%, and 51.9% of the patients, respectively. The presence of antibodies was 42.4%(NAb), 20.3%(IgM) and 44.1%(IgG) among patients within 5-9 days since onset; increased to 79.5%(NAb), 34.1%(IgM) and 47.7%(IgG) by 10-14 days; and detected in 66.7%(NAb), 50%(IgM), 83.3%(IgG) at/after day-15, following symptom onset. The median titer of neutralizing antibody(SN 50) was significantly higher in severe patients(25 versus 7.5, p= 0.009). Of the 23 severe patients, 52.2%(n=12) had higher NAb titers (i.e., SN 50 ≥ 1:25) when compared to that in non-severe patients(p= 0.021; OR = 2.89; 95%CI= 1.15 – 7.28), yet, potential effect of follow-up time on NAb status and titers could not be ruled out.Conclusion Presence and higher titers of NAb were detected more in severe patients compared to their non-severe counterparts. Survival analysis suggested that this difference could at least be partially explained by the length of follow-up after symptoms’ onset.
Endothelial Glycocalyx Degradation Is Associated With Early Organ Impairment in Multiple Trauma Patients
Authors: Qi Feng , Zhou Hao , Gu Peng , Tang Zhi-He , Zhu Bao-Feng , Chen Jian-Rong , Zhang Jin-Song , Li Feng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEndothelial glycocalyx (EG) abnormal degradation were widely found in critical illness. However, data of EG degradation in multiple traumas is limited. We performed a study to assess the EG degradation and the correlation between the degradation and organ functions in multiple trauma patients. MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted to enroll health participants (control group) and multiple traumas patients (trauma group) at a University affiliated hospital between Feb 2020 and Oct 2020. Syndecan1 (SDC1) and heparin sulfate (HS) were detected in serum sample of both groups. In trauma group, injury severity scores (ISS) and sequential organ failure assessments (SOFA) were calculated. Occurrences of acute kidney injury (AKI), trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) within 48 hours and 28-day all-cause mortality in trauma group were recorded. Serum SDC1 and HS levels were compared between two groups. Correlations between SDC1/HS and the indicators of organ systems in the trauma group were analyzed. ROC analyses were performed to assess the predictive value of SDC1 and HS for AKI, TIC within 48 hours, and 28-day mortality in trauma group. ResultsThere were 45 multiple trauma patients and 15 healthy participants were collected, totally. SDC1 and HS were significantly higher in trauma group than in control group (69.39 [54.18–130.80] vs. 24.15 [13.89–32.36], 38.92 [30.47–67.96] vs. 15.55 [11.89–23.24], P<0.001, respectively). SDC1 and HS were both positively correlated with prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, EVLW, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, myoglobin, creatinine, lactic acid, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (P<0.05, respectively). SDC1 and HS were both negatively correlated with Ca2+, anti-thrombin-III, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, pH and albumin (P<0.05, respectively). Trauma group was divided into high degradation group and low degradation group according to SDC1 median. High degradation group had more severe ISS, SOFA scores, worse organ functions (respiratory, kidney, coagulation and metabolic system), and higher incidence of hypothermia, acidosis and shock. ROC curve analyses demonstrated SDC1 can predict the occurrence risk of AKI, TIC within 48h, and 28-day mortality. ﻿ConclusionsEG degradation was elevated significantly in multiple trauma patients, and the degradation was correlated with impaired respiratory, kidney, coagulation and metabolic systems. Serum SDC1 is a valuable predictive indicator of early TIC, AKI risk, and 28-day mortality in multiple trauma patients.
Exosomes derived from adipose-derived stem cells overexpressing Glyoxalase-1 protect endothelial cells and enhance angiogenesis in type 2 diabetic mice with limb ischemia
Authors: Zhang Xing , Jiang Yihong , Huang Qun , Wu Zhaoyu , Pu Hongji , Xu Zhijue , Li Bo , Lu Xinwu , Yang Xinrui , Qin Jinbao , Peng Zhiyou 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Diabetic limb ischemia is a clinical syndrome and refractory to therapy. Our previous study demonstrated that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) overexpressing glyoxalase-1 (GLO-1) promoted the regeneration of ischemic lower limbs in diabetic mice, but low survival rate, difficulty in differentiation, and tumorigenicity of the transplanted cells restricted its application. Recent studies have found that exosomes secreted by the ADSCs have the advantages of containing parental beneficial factors and exhibiting non-immunogenic, non-tumorigenic, and strong stable characteristics.Methods: ADSCs overexpressing GLO-1 (G-ADSCs) were established using lentivirus transfection, and exosomes secreted ADSCs (G-ADSC-Exos) were isolated and characterized to co-culture with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and tube formation of the HUVECs were detected under high glucose conditions. The G-ADSC-Exos were injected into ischemic hindlimb muscles of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice, and the laser Doppler perfusion index, Masson’s staining, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry assays were adopted to assess the treatment efficiency. Moreover, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of the G-ADSC-Exos on the proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis of the HUVECs were explored.Results: The G-ADSC-Exos enhanced the proliferation, migration, tube formation, and anti-apoptosis of the HUVECs in vitro under high glucose conditions. After in vivo transplantation, the G-ADSC-Exo group showed significantly higher laser Doppler perfusion index, better muscle structural integrity, and higher microvessel’s density than the ADSC-Exo and control groups by Masson’s staining, and immunofluorescence assays. The underlying mechanisms by which the G-ADSC-Exos protected endothelial cells both in vitro and in vivo might be via the activation of eNOS/AKT/ERK/P-38 signaling pathways, inhibition of AP-1/ROS/NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1/IL-1β, as well as the increased secretion of VEGF, IGF-1, and FGF.Conclusion: Exosomes derived from adipose-derived stem cells overexpressing GLO-1 protected the endothelial cells and promoted the angiogenesis in type 2 diabetic mice with limb ischemia, which will be a promising clinical treatment in diabetic lower limb ischemia.
Regorafenib pharmacokinetics and its association with real-world treatment outcomes
Authors: Fukudo Masahide , Asai Keiko , Tani Chikayoshi , Miyamoto Masashi , Ando Katsuyoshi , Ueno Nobuhiro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose Despite the established activity of regorafenib in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its toxicity profile has limited clinical use. We aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of regorafenib and its active metabolites M-2/M-5, and to clarify the relationships between total drug-related exposure and clinical outcomes in real-world practice.Methods Blood samples were obtained at steady state in Cycle 1 in patients treated with regorafenib. Plasma concentrations of regorafenib and its metabolites were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The efficacy and safety endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), respectively. The exposure–response relationships were assessed.Results Thirty-four Japanese patients with advanced cancers were enrolled (CRC, n = 26; GIST and HCC, each n = 4). Nine patients started regorafenib treatment at the recommended dose of 160 mg once daily (3 weeks on / 1 week off), while the other patients received a reduced starting dose to minimize toxicities. The median PFS was significantly longer in patients achieving total trough concentrations (Ctrough) of regorafenib and M-2/M-5 ≥2.9 µg/mL than those who did not (112 vs. 57 days; p = 0.044). Furthermore, the cumulative incidence of DLTs during the first 2 cycles was significantly higher in patients with summed Ctrough levels ≥4.3 µg/mL than in others (p = 0.0003).Conclusions Dose titration of regorafenib to achieve drug-related Ctrough levels in Cycle 1 between 2.9 and 4.3 µg/mL may improve the efficacy and safety, warranting further investigation in a larger patient population.