bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of pre-operative transthoracic echocardiography in predicting post-operative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis
Authors: Kawczynski Michal J , Gilbers Martijn , Van De Walle Sophie , Schalla Simon , Crijns Harry J , Maessen Jos G , Schotten Ulrich , Maesen Bart , Bidar Elham 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsThis systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the role of pre-operative transthoracic echocardiography in predicting post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery.Methods and resultsElectronic databases were searched for studies reporting on pre-operative echocardiographic predictors of POAF in PubMed, Cochrane library, and Embase. A meta-analysis of echocardiographic predictors of POAF that were identified by at least five different publications was performed. Forty-three publications were included in this systematic review. Echocardiographic predictors for POAF included surrogate parameters for total atrial conduction time (TACT), structural cardiac changes, and functional disturbances. Meta-analysis showed that prolonged pre-operative PA-TDI interval [5 studies, Cohen’s d = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9–1.9], increased left atrial volume indexed for body surface area (LAVI) (23 studies, Cohen’s d = 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.0), and reduced peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) (5 studies, Cohen’s d = 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–1.8), were associated with POAF incidence. Left atrial volume indexed for body surface was the most important predicting factor in patients without a history of AF. These parameters remained important predictors of POAF in heterogeneous populations with variable age and comorbidities such as coronary artery disease and valvular disease.ConclusionThis meta-analysis shows that increased TACT, increased LAVI, and reduced PALS are valuable parameters for predicting POAF in the early post-operative phase in a large variety of patients.
Feasibility of anorectal chlamydia testing in women: a cross-sectional survey among general practitioners
Authors: Derckx Raissa T , Rinsma Sygriet , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H T M , AB Elisabeth , van Bergen Jan , de Bont Eefje , Hoebe Christian J P A , Cals Jochen W L 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Anorectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) may be clinically relevant for women in general practice. Although anorectal CT testing in this setting may prevent underdiagnosis and undertreatment, its feasibility is questioned as GPs currently rarely order anorectal CT tests, for yet unknown reasons.

Objective
To explore the feasibility of anorectal CT testing in women in general practice.

Methods
GPs across the Netherlands were invited directly (n = 1481) and by snowball sampling (n = 330) to join an online cross-sectional survey that asked about the acceptability of and barriers for (standard) anorectal testing in women during CT-related consultations. Data were analysed with univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results
The questionnaire was opened by 514 respondents (28%, 514/1811) and 394 fully completed it. GPs’ acceptability of anorectal testing by either self-sampling or provider-sampling was high (86%). Twenty-eight percent of GPs felt neutral, and 43% felt accepting towards standard anorectal testing. Nevertheless, 40% of GPs had never tested for anorectal CT in women, which was associated with a reported difficulty in asking about anal sex (odds ratio [OR]: 3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–7.80), infrequency of anal sexual history taking (OR: 11.50, 95% CI: 6.39–20.72), low frequency of urogenital CT testing (OR 3.44, 95%-CI: 1.86–6.38) and with practicing in a non-urban area (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.48–3.48). Acceptability of anorectal testing was not associated with the studied factors.

Conclusion
This quantitative survey shows that anorectal CT testing is feasible based on its acceptability, but is likely hindered by a lower awareness of (anorectal) CT in GPs.
A dimensionality reduction technique for unconstrained global optimization of functions with low effective dimensionality
Authors: Cartis Coralia , Otemissov Adilet 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We investigate the unconstrained global optimization of functions with low effective dimensionality, which are constant along certain (unknown) linear subspaces. Extending the technique of random subspace embeddings in Wang et al. (2016, J. Artificial Intelligence Res., 55, 361–387), we study a generic Random Embeddings for Global Optimization (REGO) framework that is compatible with any global minimization algorithm. Instead of the original, potentially large-scale optimization problem, within REGO, a Gaussian random, low-dimensional problem with bound constraints is formulated and solved in a reduced space. We provide novel probabilistic bounds for the success of REGO in solving the original, low effective-dimensionality problem, which show its independence of the (potentially large) ambient dimension and its precise dependence on the dimensions of the effective and embedding subspaces. These results significantly improve existing theoretical analyses by providing the exact distribution of a reduced minimizer and its Euclidean norm and by the general assumptions required on the problem. We validate our theoretical findings by extensive numerical testing of REGO with three types of global optimization solvers, illustrating the improved scalability of REGO compared with the full-dimensional application of the respective solvers.
Immunoglobulin G Immune Complexes May Contribute to Neutrophil Activation in the Course of Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Mazzitelli Ignacio , Bleichmar Lucia , Ludueña María Guillermina , Pisarevsky Andrea , Labato Mariana , Chiaradia Verónica , Finocchieto Paola , Paulin Francisco , Hormanstorfer Macarena , Baretto María Constanza , Adanza Santiago Piombi , Parodi María Noel , Ragusa Martín , Melucci Claudia , Díaz Fernando Erra , Paletta Ana , Di Diego Facundo , Ceballos Ana , Geffner Jorge 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSevere coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with an overactive inflammatory response mediated by macrophages. Here, we analyzed the phenotype and function of neutrophils in patients with COVID-19. We found that neutrophils from patients with severe COVID-19 express high levels of CD11b and CD66b, spontaneously produce CXCL8 and CCL2, and show a strong association with platelets. Production of CXCL8 correlated with plasma concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase and D-dimer. Whole blood assays revealed that neutrophils from patients with severe COVID-19 show a clear association with immunoglobulin G (IgG) immune complexes. Moreover, we found that sera from patients with severe disease contain high levels of immune complexes and activate neutrophils through a mechanism partially dependent on FcγRII (CD32). Interestingly, when integrated in immune complexes, anti–severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 IgG antibodies from patients with severe COVID-19 displayed a higher proinflammatory profile compared with antibodies from patients with mild disease. Our study suggests that IgG immune complexes might promote the acquisition of an inflammatory signature by neutrophils, worsening the course of COVID-19.
Differential T-Cell Reactivity to Endemic Coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 in Community and Health Care Workers
Authors: da Silva Antunes Ricardo , Pallikkuth Suresh , Williams Erin , Dawen Yu Esther , Mateus Jose , Quiambao Lorenzo , Wang Eric , Rawlings Stephen A , Stadlbauer Daniel , Jiang Kaijun , Amanat Fatima , Arnold David , Andrews David , Fuego Irma , Dan Jennifer M , Grifoni Alba , Weiskopf Daniela , Krammer Florian , Crotty Shane , Hoffer Michael E , Pahwa Savita G , Sette Alessandro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Herein we measured CD4+ T-cell responses against common cold coronaviruses (CCC) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in high-risk health care workers (HCW) and community controls. We observed higher levels of CCC-reactive T cells in SARS-CoV-2–seronegative HCW compared to community donors, consistent with potential higher occupational exposure of HCW to CCC. We further show that SARS-CoV-2 T-cell reactivity of seronegative HCW was higher than community controls and correlation between CCC and SARS-CoV-2 responses is consistent with cross-reactivity and not associated with recent in vivo activation. Surprisingly, CCC T-cell reactivity was decreased in SARS-CoV-2–infected HCW, suggesting that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 might interfere with CCC responses, either directly or indirectly. This result was unexpected, but consistently detected in independent cohorts derived from Miami and San Diego.
CD4+ T-cell responses against common cold coronaviruses (CCC) are elevated in SARS-CoV-2 seronegative high-risk health care workers (HCW) compared to COVID-19 convalescent HCW, suggesting that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 might interfere with CCC responses and/or cross-reactivity associated with a protective effect.
Rotavirus Genotype Trends and Gastrointestinal Pathogen Detection in the United States, 2014–2016: Results From the New Vaccine Surveillance Network
Authors: Esona Mathew D , Ward M Leanne , Wikswo Mary E , Rustempasic Slavica M , Gautam Rashi , Perkins Charity , Selvarangan Rangaraj , Harrison Christopher J , Boom Julie A , Englund Janet A , Klein Eileen J , Staat Mary Allen , McNeal Monica M , Halasa Natasha , Chappell James , Weinberg Geoffrey A , Payne Daniel C , Parashar Umesh D , Bowen Michael D 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Following the implementation of rotavirus vaccination in 2006, severe acute gastroenteritis (AGE) due to group A rotavirus (RVA) has substantially declined in US children. We report the RVA genotype prevalence as well as coinfection data from 7 US New Vaccine Surveillance Network sites during 3 consecutive RVA seasons, 2014–2016

Methods
A total of 1041 stool samples that tested positive for RVA by Rotaclone enzyme immunoassay were submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for RVA genotyping and multipathogen testing.

Results
A total of 795 (76%) samples contained detectable RVA when tested at the CDC. Rotavirus disease was highest in children &lt; 3 years of age. Four G types (G1, G2, G9, and G12) accounted for 94.6% of strains while 2 P types (P[4] and P[8]) accounted for 94.7% of the strains. Overall, G12P[8] was the most common genotype detected in all 3 seasons. Stepwise conditional logistic analysis found year and study site were significant predictors of genotype. Twenty-four percent of RVA-positive specimens contained other AGE pathogens.

Conclusions
G12P[8] predominated over 3 seasons, but strain predominance varied by year and study site. Ongoing surveillance provides continuous tracking and monitoring of US genotypes during the postvaccine era.
Bioelectronics in the brain–gut axis: focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Authors: Stakenborg Nathalie , Boeckxstaens Guy E 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Accumulating evidence shows that intestinal homeostasis is mediated by cross-talk between the nervous system, enteric neurons and immune cells, together forming specialized neuroimmune units at distinct anatomical locations within the gut. In this review, we will particularly discuss how the intrinsic and extrinsic neuronal circuitry regulates macrophage function and phenotype in the gut during homeostasis and aberrant inflammation, such as observed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, we will provide an overview of basic and translational IBD research using these neuronal circuits as a novel therapeutic tool. Finally, we will highlight the different challenges ahead to make bioelectronic neuromodulation a standard treatment for intestinal immune-mediated diseases.
Presence of HIV-1 G-to-A mutations linked to APOBEC editing is more prevalent in non-B HIV-1 subtypes and is associated with lower HIV-1 reservoir
Authors: Abdi Basma , Lambert-Niclot Sidonie , Wirden Marc , Jary Aude , Teyssou Elisa , Sayon Sophie , Palich Romain , Tubiana Roland , Simon Anne , Valantin Marc-Antoine , Katlama Christine , Morand-Joubert Laurence , Calvez Vincent , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Soulie Cathia 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
APOBEC3 editing activity contributes to sequences variation and viral diversification. We aimed to characterize virological and clinical factors associated with G-to-A mutations and stop codons in the HIV-1 reservoir, markers of APOBEC3 footprints, in order to better understand HIV-1 diversity among virologically suppressed HIV-1-infected patients.

Methods
Immuno-virological and clinical factors were compared between 92 patients harbouring G-to-A mutations and stop codons (APOBEC+) in the reverse transcriptase gene and 92 patients without G-to-A mutations (APOBEC–) and stop codons in their DNA genotypes.

Results
Patients were predominantly men (74.5%) and were mostly infected by B-subtype (69.0%), with 44.1% and 55.9% in APOBEC+ and APOBEC– groups, respectively. At time of HIV DNA genotypes, the total cell-associated HIV-1 DNA load was 2.34 log10 copies/106 cells (IQR 1.85–2.67) and 33.2% of them had a detectable ultrasensitive plasma viral load. Hypermutated sequences were identified in 28.2% of the APOBEC+ group. The median total cell-associated HIV-1 DNA level was significantly lower in APOBEC+ than APOBEC– group: 2.13 log10 copies/106 cells (IQR 1.60–2.60) versus 2.52 log10 copies/106 cells (IQR 2.19–2.71) (P &lt; 0.001), respectively. Presence of G-to-A mutations and stop codon was independently associated with HIV-1 subtype non-B (P = 0.017).

Conclusions
These results show an independent association between the presence of G-to-A mutations and stop codons with HIV-1 subtype non-B and low proviral DNA that could be explained by the APOBEC3 footprints and restriction of DNA synthesis and integration. However, further investigations are needed to study the contribution of Vif amino acid variability among HIV-1 subtypes.
High level of HIV drug resistance informs dolutegravir roll-out and optimized NRTI backbone strategy in Mozambique
Authors: Carnimeo V , Pulido Tarquino I A , Fuentes S , Vaz D , Molfino L , Tamayo Antabak N , Cuco R M , Couto A , Lobo S , de Amaral Fidelis J , Mulassua J S , Ciglenecki I , Ellman T , Schramm B 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
HIV drug resistance (HIV-DR) is rising in sub-Saharan Africa in both ART-naive and ART-experienced patients.

Objectives
To estimate the level of acquired DR (ADR) and pre-treatment DR (PDR) across selected urban and rural sites in Southern Africa, in Mozambique.

Methods
We conducted two cross-sectional surveys among adult HIV patients (October 2017–18) assessing ADR and PDR. In the (ADR) survey, those on NNRTI-based first-line ART for ≥6 months were recruited (three sites). In the PDR survey, those ART-naive or experienced with ≥3 months of treatment interruption prior were enrolled (eight sites).

Results
Among 1113 ADR survey participants 83% were receiving tenofovir (TDF)/lamivudine (3TC)/efavirenz (EFV). The median time on ART was 4.5 years (Maputo) and 3.2 years (Tete), 8.3% (95% CI 6.2%-10.6%, Maputo) and 15.5% (Tete) had a VL ≥ 1000 copies/mL, among whom 66% and 76.4% had NNRTI+NRTI resistance, and 52.8% and 66.7% had 3TC+TDF-DR. Among those on TDF regimens, 31.1% (Maputo) and 42.2% (Tete) were still TDF susceptible, whereas 24.4% and 11.5% had TDF+zidovudine (ZDV)-DR. Among those on ZDV regimens, 25% and 54.5% had TDF+ZDV-DR. The PDR survey included 735 participants: NNRTI-PDR was 16.8% (12.0–22.6) (Maputo) and 31.2% (26.2–36.6) (Tete), with a higher proportion (≥50%) among those previously on ART affected by PDR.

Conclusions
In Mozambique, viral failure was driven by NNRTI and NRTI resistance, with NRTI DR affecting backbone options. NNRTI-PDR levels surpassed the WHO 10% ‘alert’ threshold. Replacing NNRTI first-line drugs is urgent, as is frequent viral load monitoring and resistance surveillance. Changing NRTI backbones when switching to second-line regimens may need reconsideration.
Dose rate in the highest irradiation area of the rectum correlates with late rectal complications in patients treated with high-dose-rate computed tomography-based image-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer
Authors: Isohashi Fumiaki , Akino Yuichi , Matsumoto Yuri , Suzuki Osamu , Seo Yuji , Tamari Keisuke , Sumida Iori , Sawada Kenjiro , Ueda Yutaka , Kobayashi Eiji , Tomimatsu Takuji , Nakanishi Erina , Nishi Takahisa , Kimura Tadashi , Ogawa Kazuhiko 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dose rate to the rectum on late rectal complications in patients treated with computed tomography (CT)-based image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) for cervical cancer. The subjects were 142 patients with cervical cancer who underwent Ir-192 high-dose-rate (HDR)-IGBT between March 2012 and January 2018. The dose rate to the rectum was calculated using in-house software. The minimum, mean and maximum effective dose rate (EDR) was calculated for voxels of the rectal volume covered by cumulative doses &gt;D0.1cc, &gt;D2cc, and &gt; D5cc. The average EDR of three to four brachytherapy sessions was calculated (EDR for patients; EDRp). The total dose of the rectum was calculated as the biologically equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions (EQD2). The associations between EDRp for D0.1cc, D2cc, and D5cc and the respective rectal EQD2 values with late rectal complications were then analyzed. The median follow-up period was 40 months. Patients with rectal complications of ≥Grade 1 received a significantly higher mean EDRp for D0.1cc–5cc and had a greater EQD2 for D0.1cc–5cc. Multivariate analysis was performed using the mean EDRp for D2cc, EQD2 for D2cc, heavy smoking and BMI. Of these four variables, mean EDRp for D2cc (HR = 3.38, p = 0.004) and EQD2 for D2cc (HR = 2.59, p = 0.045) emerged as independent predictors for late rectal complications. In conclusion, mean EDRp and EQD2 were associated with late rectal complications in patients treated with HDR CT-based IGBT for cervical cancer.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Autonomy? Situational Vulnerability, the Inherent Jurisdiction, and Insights from Feminist Philosophy
Authors: Lewis Jonathan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The High Court continues to exercise its inherent jurisdiction to make declarations about interventions into the lives of situationally vulnerable adults with mental capacity. In the light of the protective responses of health care providers and the courts to decision-making situations involving capacitous vulnerable adults, this article has two aims. The first is diagnostic. The second is normative. The first aim is to identify the harms to a capacitous vulnerable adult’s autonomy that arise based on the characterisation of situational vulnerability and autonomy as fundamentally opposed concepts or the failure to adequately acknowledge the conceptual relationship between them at common law. The second (normative) aim is to develop an account of self-authorised, intersubjective autonomy based on insights from analytic feminist philosophy. This approach not only attempts to capture the autonomy of capacitous vulnerable adults and account for the necessary harms to their autonomy that arise from standard common law responses to their situational vulnerability, it is also predicated on the distinctions between mental capacity, informed consent, and autonomy, meaning that it is better placed to fulfil the primary aim of the inherent jurisdiction—to facilitate the autonomy of vulnerable adults with capacity.
Hypermetabolism and impaired cerebrovascular reactivity beyond the standard MRI-identified tumor border indicate diffuse glioma extended tissue infiltration
Authors: Sebök Martina , van Niftrik Christiaan Hendrik Bas , Muscas Giovanni , Pangalu Athina , Seystahl Katharina , Weller Michael , Regli Luca , Fierstra Jorn 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Diffuse gliomas exhibit diffuse infiltrative growth, often beyond the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detectable tumor lesion. Within this lesion, hypermetabolism and impaired cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) are found, but its exact distribution pattern into the peritumoral environment is unknown. Our aim was to better characterize the extent of diffuse glioma tissue infiltration, beyond the visible lesion (ie, beyond the T1-contrast-enhancing lesion and/or T2/FLAIR-defined tumor border), with metabolic positron emission tomography (PET), and functional MRI CVR (blood oxygenation-level-dependent CVR [BOLD-CVR]) mapping.

Methods
From a prospective glioma database, 18 subjects (19 datasets) with diffuse glioma (n = 2 with anaplastic astrocytoma, n = 10 with anaplastic oligodendroglioma, and n = 7 with glioblastoma) underwent a BOLD-CVR and metabolic PET study between February 2016 and September 2019, 7 of them at primary diagnosis and 12 at tumor recurrence. In addition, 19 matched healthy controls underwent an identical BOLD-CVR study. The tumor lesion was defined using high-resolution anatomical MRI. Volumes of interest starting from the tumor lesion outward up to 30 mm were created for a detailed peritumoral PET and BOLD-CVR tissue analysis. Student’s t test was used for statistical analysis.

Results
Patients with diffuse glioma exhibit impaired BOLD-CVR 12 mm beyond the tumor lesion (P = .02) with normalization of BOLD-CVR values after 24 mm. Metabolic PET shows a difference between the affected and contralateral hemisphere of 6 mm (P = .05) with PET values normalization after 12 mm.

Conclusion
We demonstrate hypermetabolism and impaired CVR beyond the standard MRI-defined tumor border, suggesting active tumor infiltration in the peritumoral environment.
Cut-off value to identify a flare using the Flare Assessment in Rheumatoid Arthritis (FLARE-RA) questionnaire: analysis of the TOSCA study
Authors: Aouad Krystel , Gaudin Philippe , Vittecoq Olivier , Morel Jacques , Berthelot Jean-Marie , Senbel Eric , Schaeverbeke Thierry , Lioté Frédéric , Flipo René-Marc , Pinta Alexandrine , Guillemin Francis , Fautrel Bruno 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objective
The Flare Assessment in RA (FLARE-RA) self-administered questionnaire aims to identify patients who had flare in the interval between two consultations. This study aimed to establish a threshold for FLARE-RA score to identify RA flare.

Methods
The Tocilizumab SubCutAneous study evaluated the efficacy and safety of s.c. tocilizumab (TCZ) to patients with active RA. Disease activity was assessed with the DAS28ESR at baseline and at week 2 (W2), W4, W12 and W24. The FLARE-RA questionnaire was administered at W12 and W24. Patient satisfaction, assessed at baseline and W24 with the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), was used as a surrogate marker of no flare. A correlation was sought between the FLARE-RA score at W12 and W24 and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for monthly DAS28ESR. The optimal FLARE-RA cut-off below which patient satisfaction reached the PASS was explored with an ROC curve.

Results
A total of 139 patients were included (mean age 57.3 ± 13.8 years, 74.1% women, mean RA duration 10.8 ± 9.2 years, mean DAS28ESR 5.8 ± 1.1). The correlation between the FLARE-RA score and DAS28ESR AUC was moderate at all times: ρ = 0.41 at W12 (P &lt; 0.0001) and 0.51 at W24 (P &lt; 0.0001). The optimal cut-off for the FLARE-RA score to identify absence of flare (i.e. an acceptable situation based on the PASS) was 2.3 with an AUC of 0.81.

Conclusion
FLARE-RA and DAS28ESR assessment differ; we propose a FLARE-RA cut-off of 2.3, below which the situation (i.e. without flare) is acceptable for patients.