bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MRI and CT coronary angiography in survivors of COVID-19
Authors: Singh Trisha , Kite Thomas A , Joshi Shruti S , Spath Nick B , Kershaw Lucy , Baker Andrew , Jordan Helen , Gulsin Gaurav Singh , Williams Michelle Claire , van Beek Edwin J R , Arnold Jayanth Ranjit , Semple Scott I K , Moss Alastair James , Newby David E , Dweck Marc , McCann Gerry P 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesTo determine the contribution of comorbidities on the reported widespread myocardial abnormalities in patients with recent COVID-19.MethodsIn a prospective two-centre observational study, patients hospitalised with confirmed COVID-19 underwent gadolinium and manganese-enhanced MRI and CT coronary angiography (CTCA). They were compared with healthy and comorbidity-matched volunteers after blinded analysis.ResultsIn 52 patients (median age: 54 (IQR 51–57) years, 39 males) who recovered from COVID-19, one-third (n=15, 29%) were admitted to intensive care and a fifth (n=11, 21%) were ventilated. Twenty-three patients underwent CTCA, with one-third having underlying coronary artery disease (n=8, 35%). Compared with younger healthy volunteers (n=10), patients demonstrated reduced left (ejection fraction (EF): 57.4±11.1 (95% CI 54.0 to 60.1) versus 66.3±5 (95 CI 62.4 to 69.8)%; p=0.02) and right (EF: 51.7±9.1 (95% CI 53.9 to 60.1) vs 60.5±4.9 (95% CI 57.1 to 63.2)%; p≤0.0001) ventricular systolic function with elevated native T1 values (1225±46 (95% CI 1205 to 1240) vs 1197±30 (95% CI 1178 to 1216) ms;p=0.04) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) (31±4 (95% CI 29.6 to 32.1) vs 24±3 (95% CI 22.4 to 26.4)%; p<0.0003) but reduced myocardial manganese uptake (6.9±0.9 (95% CI 6.5 to 7.3) vs 7.9±1.2 (95% CI 7.4 to 8.5) mL/100 g/min; p=0.01). Compared with comorbidity-matched volunteers (n=26), patients had preserved left ventricular function but reduced right ventricular systolic function (EF: 51.7±9.1 (95% CI 53.9 to 60.1) vs 59.3±4.9 (95% CI 51.0 to 66.5)%; p=0.0005) with comparable native T1 values (1225±46 (95% CI 1205 to 1240) vs 1227±51 (95% CI 1208 to 1246) ms; p=0.99), ECV (31±4 (95% CI 29.6 to 32.1) vs 29±5 (95% CI 27.0 to 31.2)%; p=0.35), presence of late gadolinium enhancement and manganese uptake. These findings remained irrespective of COVID-19 disease severity, presence of myocardial injury or ongoing symptoms.ConclusionsPatients demonstrate right but not left ventricular dysfunction. Previous reports of left ventricular myocardial abnormalities following COVID-19 may reflect pre-existing comorbidities.Trial registration numberNCT04625075.
Safety of endovascular therapy for symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis: a national prospective registry
Authors: Wang Yabing , Wang Tao , Dmytriw Adam Andrew , Yang Kun , Jiao Liqun , Shi Huaizhang , Lu Jie , Li Tianxiao , Huang Yujie , Zhao Zhenwei , Wu Wei , Wan Jieqing , Sun Qinjian , Hong Bo , Li Yongli , Zhang Liyong , Chu Jianfeng , Cheng Qiong , Cai Yiling , Wang Pengfei , Luo Qi , Yang Hua , Dong Baijing , Zhang Yang , Zhao Jun , Chen Zuoquan , Li Wei , Bai Xiaoxin , He Weiwen , Cai Xueli , Ti Maimai , Zaidat Osama O 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionThe safety outcomes of endovascular therapy for intracranial artery stenosis in a real-world stetting are largely unknown. The Clinical Registration Trial of Intracranial Stenting for Patients with Symptomatic Intracranial Artery Stenosis (CRTICAS) was a prospective, multicentre, real-world registry designed to assess these outcomes and the impact of centre experience.Methods1140 severe, symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) patients treated with endovascular therapy were included from 26 centres, further divided into three groups according to the annual centre volume of intracranial angioplasty and stent placement procedures over 2 years: (1) high volume for ≥25 cases/year; (2) moderate volume for 10–25 cases/year and (3) low volume for <10 cases/year.ResultsThe rate of 30-day stroke, transient ischaemic attack or death was 9.7% (111), with 5.4%, 21.1% and 9.7% in high-volume, moderate-volume and low-volume centres, respectively (p<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression confirmed high-volume centres had a significantly lower primary endpoint compared with moderate-volume centres (OR=0.187, 95% CI: 0.056 to 0.627; p≤0.0001), while moderate-volume and low-volume centres showed no significant difference (p=0.8456).ConclusionCompared with the preceding randomised controlled trials, this real-world, prospective, multicentre registry shows a lower complication rate of endovascular treatment for symptomatic ICAS. Non-uniform utilisation in endovascular technology, institutional experience and patient selection in different volumes of centres may have an impact on overall safety of this treatment.
Effect of Executive Dysfunction on Posture Control and Gait after Stroke
Authors: Yu Huixian , Zhang Qianqian , Liu Sihao , Liu Changbin , Dai Pei , Lan Yue , Xu Guangqing , Zhang Hao 
Published: October 2021

Objective. The purpose of the study was to observe the effects of executive dysfunction (ED) on gait and postural control during walking after stroke. Methods. In this study, 34 subjects with stroke and ED (8 women and 26 men; age, 55.41 ± 7.89 years; time since stroke onset, 1.3 ± 0.12 months) were recruited. Stroop color-word test (SCWT), 10-meter walk test (10MWT), timed-up-and-go test (TUGT), and gait analysis were evaluated. The correlation among the correct number of Stroop tasks (SCWT-C), the number of time-consuming tasks (SCWT-T), the amount of interference (SIE-M and SIE-T) and posture control, and gait-related parameters was analyzed. Results. The results indicated that SCWT-C was negatively correlated with 10MWT, TUGT, and bilateral symmetry (

P

< 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between SCWT-C and stride (

P

> 0.05). A significant negative correlation was seen between SCWT-C and bilateral symmetry (

P

< 0.05). There was no significant correlation between SCWT-T and stride (

P

> 0.05). SCWT-T was positively correlated with TUGT, 10MWT, and bilateral symmetry (

P

< 0.05). SIE-T was positively correlated with TUGT and bilateral symmetry (

P

< 0.05). There was no significant correlation between SIE-T and 10MWT or stride (

P

> 0.05). SIE-M was positively correlated with TUGT and bilateral symmetry (

P

< 0.05). There was no significant correlation between SIE-T and 10MWT or stride (

P

> 0.05). Conclusions. ED is closely related to the decline in postural control and the occurrence of falls. In the early phases of stroke rehabilitation, physiotherapists should focus on the patients’ executive function to accelerate the recovery of postural control.
The Bioinformatics Analysis of Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma and Verification of Differentially Expressed Genes
Authors: Gao Yinjie , Ma Xiaosen , Wang Huiping , Cui Yunying , Zhang Yushi , Nie Min , Tong Anli 
Published: October 2021

Purpose. Previous studies have investigated the transcriptional modulations of aldosterone overproduction of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). We aimed to systematically study the genes and pathways associated with molecular mechanism underlying APA by bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation for the expression profile. Methods. This study was performed based on three gene expression profiles (GSE64957, GSE8514, and GSE60042). Differentially expressed gene (DEG) investigation, function and pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed by the bioinformatics analysis. For the validation with quantitative PCR, tissues from 11 patients with nonfunctioning adrenal adenoma (NFA) and 13 with APA were included in our cohort. Results. In this study, the bioinformatics analysis was performed and 182 upregulated and 88 downregulated DEGs were identified. As expected, the upregulated DEGs were primarily involved in calcium ion homeostasis (

p

= 2.00X10−4). In the KEGG pathway analysis, calcium signaling pathway (

p

= 4.38X10−6) and the aldosterone synthesis and secretion (

p

= 8.73X10−6) were enriched. Moreover, quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression of 7 upregulated genes (PCP4, ATP2A3, CYP11B2, CLCN5, HTR4, VDR, and AQP2) among the intersection of DEGs. The mRNA levels of CYP11B2, HTR4, and AQP2 were significantly increased in APA samples compared to NFA (24.420 folds of NFA,

p

< 0.001; 3.753 folds of NFA,

p

= 0.002; and 11.487 folds of NFA,

p

= 0.018). Conclusion. In summary, the present study showed several candidate genes with high expression from bioinformatics analysis and our cohort. Also, the DEGs were enriched in aldosterone synthesis and secretion and calcium signaling pathway as expected.
Event-by-Event Particle Ratio Fluctuations at LHC Energies
Authors: Khan Shaista , Ali Bushra , Chandra Anuj , Ahmad Shakeel 
Published: October 2021

A Monte Carlo study of identified particle ratio fluctuations at LHC energies is carried out in the framework of HIJING model using the fluctuation variable

ν

dyn

. The simulated events for Pb-Pb collisions at

s

N
N

=
2.76

and 5.02 TeV and Xe-Xe collisions at

s

N
N

=
5.44

TeV

are analyzed. From this study, it is observed that the values of

π
,
K

,

p
,
K

, and

π
,
p

follow the similar trends of energy dependence as observed in the most central collision data by NA49, STAR, and ALICE experiments. It is also observed that

ν

dyn

for all the three combinations of particles for semicentral and central collisions, the model predicted values of

ν

dyn

A
,
B

for Pb-Pb collisions at

s

N
N

=
2.76

TeV

agree fairly well with those observed in the ALICE experiment. For peripheral collisions, however, the model predicted values of

ν

dyn

π
,
K

are somewhat smaller, whereas for

p
,
K

and

π
,
p

it predicts larger values as compared to the corresponding experimental values. The possible reasons for the observed differences are discussed. The

ν

dyn

values scaled with charged particle density when plotted against

N

part

exhibit a flat behaviour, as expected from the independent particle emission sources. For

p
,
K

and

π
,
p

combinations, a departure from the flat trend is, however, observed in central collisions in the case of low

p

T

window when the effect of jet quenching or resonances is considered. Furthermore, the study of

ν

dyn

A
,
B

dependence on particle density for various collision systems (including proton-proton collisions) suggests that at LHC energies

ν

dyn

values for a given particle pair are simply a function of charged particle density, irrespective of system size, beam energy, and collision centrality.
Raman Spectroscopy and Machine Learning Reveals Early Tumor Microenvironmental Changes Induced by Immunotherapy
Authors: Paidi Santosh Kumar , Rodriguez Troncoso Joel , Raj Piyush , Monterroso Diaz Paola , Ivers Jesse D. , Lee David E. , Avaritt Nathan L. , Gies Allen J. , Quick Charles M. , Byrum Stephanie D. , Tackett Alan J. , Rajaram Narasimhan , Barman Ishan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCancer immunotherapy provides durable clinical benefit in only a small fraction of patients, and identifying these patients is difficult due to a lack of reliable biomarkers for prediction and evaluation of treatment response. Here, we demonstrate the first application of label-free Raman spectroscopy for elucidating biomolecular changes induced by anti–CTLA4 and anti–PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of colorectal tumor xenografts. Multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) decomposition of Raman spectral datasets revealed early changes in lipid, nucleic acid, and collagen content following therapy. Support vector machine classifiers and random forests analysis provided excellent prediction accuracies for response to both ICIs and delineated spectral markers specific to each therapy, consistent with their differential mechanisms of action. Corroborated by proteomics analysis, our observation of biomolecular changes in the TME should catalyze detailed investigations for translating such markers and label-free Raman spectroscopy for clinical monitoring of immunotherapy response in cancer patients.Significance:This study provides first-in-class evidence that optical spectroscopy allows sensitive detection of early changes in the biomolecular composition of tumors that predict response to immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Atrial Fibrillation Is Not Associated With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Chen Trong-Zong , Cheng Bi-Hua , Hu Hsiao-Yun , Chang Chia-Chi , Lin Shu-Yi , Huang Hung-Meng 
Published: October 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Methods: This study was conducted by searching the longitudinal health insurance database of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program for relevant information from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2011. Patients with AF were matched with non-AF controls with a 1:1 strategy according to propensity scores. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk of SSNHL. Results: In total, 14 698 patients with AF were matched with the same number of non-AF patients as controls. After propensity score matching, the use of antiplatelet or anticoagulation medications and the occurrence of SSNHL were found to have a significant difference between AF and non-AF patients. The occurrence of SSNHL was found to be higher in men, those of 45 to 74 years old, and patients with hypertension in both AF and non-AF groups. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that male gender, age between 45 and 74 years, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension are risk factors for SSNHL. The use of aspirin was found to reduce the rate of SSNHL (odds ratio [OR]: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.94, P = .019), but AF was not found to be a risk factor for SSNHL (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.64-1.23, P = .467). Conclusion: The association between AF and SSNHL is not significant.
Quelle(s) stratégie(s) adopter pour sélectionner des cas dans une recherche qualitative ? Illustration à partir d’une recherche comparative sur les changements dans la structure du pouvoir exécutif en Equateur
Authors: Robalino María-Imelda , de Visscher Christian 
Published: October 2021

What strategies should be adopted to select cases in a qualitative research ? Illustration from a comparative study on the changes in the structure of the executive branch in Ecuador. In a qualitative research design – particularly a comparative one - case selection is undoubtedly one of the most critical issues. The literature proposes a series of individual selection strategies, but in practice, researchers use them in combination. This discrepancy between theory and practice motivated us to propose a sequential combination of qualitative techniques for case selection that meet four objectives: to achieve variation in outcome, to respect the diversity of the set, to highlight the different degrees of a continuum, and to highlight the substantial importance of each case. The process was carried out in two stages: first, a pre-selection made directly by the researcher, and second the selection itself, carried out with the participation of experts by means of the Delphi method. The empirical basis of the proposal is the design of a comparative research on changes in the structure of executive power in Ecuador during the three presidential terms of Rafael Correa Delgado (2007–2009, 2009–2013, 2013–2017).
Advanced robotics as a support in healthcare organizational response: A COVID-19 pandemic case study
Authors: Bartosiak Marcin , Bonelli Gianni , Maffioli Lorenzo Stefano , Palaoro Ugo , Dentali Francesco , Poggialini Giovanni , Pagliarin Federica , Denicolai Stefano , Previtali Pietro 
Published: October 2021

The use of robotics is becoming widespread in healthcare. However, little is known about how robotics can affect the relationship with patients during an emergency or how it impacts clinicians in their organization and work. As a hospital responding to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic “ASST dei Sette Laghi” (A7L) in Varese, Italy, had to react quickly to protect its staff from infection while coping with high budgetary pressure as prices of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) increased rapidly. In response, it introduced six semi-autonomous robots to mediate interactions between staff and patients. Thanks to the cooperation of multiple departments, A7L implemented the solution in less than 10 weeks. It reduced risks to staff and outlay for PPE. However, the characteristics of the robots affected staff's perceptions. This case study reviews critical issues faced by A7L in introducing these devices and recommendations for the path forward.
Increased expression of epimorphin in a peritoneal fibrosis mouse model
Authors: Yamada Muneharu , Hirai Yohei , Inoue Dan , Komatsu Shuhei , Uchida Takahiro , Kojima Tadasu , Tomiyasu Tomohiro , Yoshikawa Noriko , Oda Takashi 
Published: October 2021

Background: Long-term peritoneal dialysis results in functional and histopathological alterations of the peritoneal membrane, leading to peritoneal fibrosis (PF). The mechanism of PF has not been fully elucidated, and at present there is no effective therapy for PF. Epimorphin is a mesenchymal protein that not only regulates morphogenesis in organ development but is implicated in tissue repair. However, the role of epimorphin in PF has not yet been clarified. Methods: PF was induced in C57/Bl6 mice by intraperitoneal injection of chlorhexidine gluconate (CG-injected mice) three times a week for 3 weeks. The parietal peritoneum was subsequently dissected and assessed by Masson’s trichrome staining, and epimorphin expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, epimorphin-positive regions were analysed by multiple immunofluorescence staining using fibrosis-associated markers. In addition, normal rat fibroblast cells (NRK-49F) were treated with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the presence or absence of epimorphin. The expression of fibrosis-associated markers was assessed by real-time RT-PCR. Results: In CG-injected mice, Masson’s trichrome staining showed marked thickening of the submesothelial compact zone. Weak epimorphin expression was observed in the narrow submesothelial compact zone beneath the mesothelial cells in control mice; however, epimorphin expression was stronger in the submesothelial compact zone in CG-injected mice. Epimorphin expression was observed mainly in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive myofibroblasts. Epimorphin suppressed the TGF-β-induced upregulation of α-SMA and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β in cultured cells. Conclusions: Our results suggest that epimorphin may be a therapeutic target for fibrotic diseases of the peritoneum.
Potential interactions between antineoplastic agents and medicines used to treat Covid-19
Authors: Sobreira da Silva Mario Jorge , Serpa Osorio-de-Castro Claudia Garcia , Paes Rafael Duarte , Negrete Christopher Lucas , Eugênio Elizangela , Moraes Elaine Lazzaroni , Livinalli Annemeri 
Published: October 2021

Introduction Cancer patients with Covid-19 are exposed to treatment combinations that can potentially result in interactions that adversely affect patient outcomes. This study aimed to identify potential drug–drug interactions between antineoplastic agents and medicines used to treat Covid-19. Methods We conducted a search for potential interactions between 201 antineoplastic agents and 26 medicines used to treat Covid-19 on the Lexicomp® and Micromedex® databases. The following data were extracted: interaction severity (“major” and “contraindicated”) and interaction effects (pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic). We also sought to identify the therapeutic indication of the antineoplastic drugs involved in the potential drug–drug interactions. Results A total of 388 “major” or “contraindicated” drug–drug interactions were detected. Eight drugs or combinations (baricitinib, lopinavir/ritonavir, atazanavir, darunavir, azithromycin, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and sirolimus) accounted for 91.5% of these interactions. The class of antineoplastic agents with the greatest potential for interaction was tyrosine kinase inhibitors (accounting for 46.4% of all interactions). The findings show that atazanavir, baricitinib, and lopinavir/ritonavir can affect the treatment of all common types of cancer. The most common pharmacokinetic effect of the potential drug–drug interactions was increased plasma concentration of the antineoplastic medicine (39.4%). Conclusions Covid-19 is a recent disease and pharmacological interventions are undergoing constant modification. This study identified a considerable number of potential drug–drug interactions. In view of the vulnerability of patients with cancer, it is vital that health professionals carefully assess the risks and benefits of drug combinations.
Pulmonary rehabilitation for interstitial lung disease: Referral and patient experiences
Authors: Hoffman Mariana , Mellerick Christie , Symons Karen , Glaspole Ian , Holland Anne E 
Published: October 2021

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the proportion of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) referred to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and to understand their experiences of participation or non-participation. Methods: Adults (>18 years old) with a diagnosis of ILD were identified from the Alfred Health ILD registry in Melbourne. Information regarding PR referral and attendance were collected from medical records. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted with patients who had been referred to PR. Results: Of 336 patients eligible for inclusion, PR referral was identified in 137 patients (40.7%). Patients referred to PR had worse respiratory function than those not referred (forced vital capacity mean 64 (SD 23) vs 79 (19) % predicted) and more desaturation during a 6-min walk test (86.6 (7.8%) vs 88.5 (7.0%)). Semi-structured interviews identified three major themes: valued components of PR (supervision and individualization, improved confidence with exercise, education and peer support); limited knowledge about PR prior to attendance and barriers to attending PR (lack of perceived benefits, fear of exercise and accessibility). Discussion: Over 40% of patients who attended a specialist ILD clinic were referred to pulmonary rehabilitation, with higher referral rates in those with more severe disease. There are opportunities to improve patient knowledge regarding the role and expected benefits of PR in people with ILD.