bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Hague Judgments Convention and Mainland China-Hong Kong SAR Judgments Arrangement: Comparison and Prospects for Implementation
Authors: Zhang Wenliang , Tu Guangjian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The year 2019 saw the arrival of the Hague Judgments Convention and Mainland China-Hong Kong SAR Judgments Arrangement, which is not a coincidence. Both instruments mark a historical culmination and constitute a milestone, at the global level and the at the level of territorial units within a country respectively. With novelties created to avoid the failures shadowing the past Hague Judgments Project, the 2019 Convention reflects the global trend and maximizes the common grounds countries could agree to, though it still falls short of some longstanding expectations. Similarly, the 2019 Arrangement advances judgment circulation between territorial units within China despite that room for further collaboration is still large. In significant respects, the 2019 Arrangement is heavily modelled on the 2019 Convention, while the Arrangement also addresses special concerns of the two regions. Undeniably, it may be another success for the Convention to be able to influence judgments recognition instruments targeting territorial units within a country and show its model effect. Recent years have witnessed Mainland China’s efforts to promote transboundary movement of judgments and its contribution to the arrival of both the 2019 Convention and Arrangement. As an important global player with increasing ambition of claiming more international presence, China will welcome both instruments and the instruments are expected to fare well as desired.
First Dose of BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine in a Healthcare Worker Cohort Is Associated With Reduced Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection
Authors: Lillie Patrick J , O’Brien Paul , Lawtie Michelle , Jessop Steve , Easom Nicholas J W , Patmore Russell 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Over the first 2 months of 2021, vaccination coverage of staff at Hull Teaching Hospitals with BNT162b2 increased from 8.3% to 82.5% and was associated with a significant reduction in symptomatic and asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cases. The proportion of positive lateral flow tests from asymptomatic screening was maintained over this period.
Development and Validation of the Long Coronavirus Disease (COVID) Symptom and Impact Tools: A Set of Patient-Reported Instruments Constructed From Patients’ Lived Experience
Authors: Tran Viet-Thi , Riveros Carolina , Clepier Bérangère , Desvarieux Moïse , Collet Camille , Yordanov Youri , Ravaud Philippe 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
To develop and validate patient-reported instruments, based on patients’ lived experiences, for monitoring the symptoms and impact of long coronavirus disease (covid).

Methods
The long covid Symptom and Impact Tools (ST and IT) were constructed from the answers to a survey with open-ended questions to 492 patients with long COVID. Validation of the tools involved adult patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and symptoms extending over 3 weeks after onset. Construct validity was assessed by examining the relations of the ST and IT scores with health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), function (PCFS, post-COVID functional scale), and perceived health (MYMOP2, Measure yourself medical outcome profile 2). Reliability was determined by a test-retest. The “patient acceptable symptomatic state” (PASS) was determined by the percentile method.

Results
Validation involved 1022 participants (55% with confirmed COVID-19, 79% female, and 12.5% hospitalized for COVID-19). The long COVID ST and IT scores were strongly correlated with the EQ-5D-5L (rs = −0.45 and rs = −0.59, respectively), the PCFS (rs = −0.39 and rs = −0.55), and the MYMOP2 (rs = −0.40 and rs = −0.59). Reproducibility was excellent with an interclass correlation coefficient of 0.83 (95% confidence interval .80 to .86) for the ST score and 0.84 (.80 to .87) for the IT score. In total, 793 (77.5%) patients reported an unacceptable symptomatic state, thereby setting the PASS for the long covid IT score at 30 (28 to 33).

Conclusions
The long covid ST and IT tools, constructed from patients’ lived experiences, provide the first validated and reliable instruments for monitoring the symptoms and impact of long covid.
Acquisition of Ciprofloxacin Resistance Among an Expanding Clade of β-Lactamase–Positive, Serogroup Y Neisseria meningitidis in the United States
Authors: Potts Caelin C , Retchless Adam C , McNamara Lucy A , Marasini Daya , Reese Natashia , Swint Stephanie , Hu Fang , Sharma Shalabh , Blain Amy E , Lonsway David , Karlsson Maria , Hariri Susan , Fox LeAnne M , Wang Xin ,   Antimicrobial-Resistant Neisseria meningitidis Team, Dhungana Nirmala , Gabrio-Brannon Ryan , Kyle Jennifer , Martin Brittany , Campos Joseph , Hanisch Benjamin , Taormina Gillian , Barnes Meghan , Moore Ashley , Dominguez Catherine E , Lunquest Kristy , Patel Ami A , Torpey David , Hannagan Susan , Keating Page , Li Sandy , Albertson Justin , Fleming Wayne , Russell Christina , Sanders Kelsey , DeBolt Chas , Graff Nicholas , Lam Esther 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Penicillin and ciprofloxacin are important for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) management and prevention. IMD cases caused by penicillin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant Neisseria meningitidis containing a ROB-1 β-lactamase gene (blaROB-1) and a mutated DNA gyrase gene (gyrA) have been recently reported in the United States.

Methods
We examined 2097 meningococcal genomes collected through US population-based surveillance from January 2011 to February 2020 to identify IMD cases caused by strains with blaROB-1- or gyrA-mediated resistance. Antimicrobial resistance was confirmed phenotypically. The US isolate genomes were compared to non-US isolate genomes containing blaROB-1. Interspecies transfer of ciprofloxacin resistance was assessed by comparing gyrA among Neisseria species.

Results
Eleven penicillin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates were identified after December 2018; all were serogroup Y, sequence type 3587, clonal complex (CC) 23, and contained blaROB-1 and a T91I-containing gyrA allele. An additional 22 penicillin-resistant, blaROB-1- containing US isolates with wild-type gyrA were identified from 2013 to 2020. All 33 blaROB-1-containing isolates formed a single clade, along with 12 blaROB-1-containing isolates from 6 other countries. Two-thirds of blaROB-1-containing US isolates were from Hispanic individuals. Twelve additional ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates with gyrA T91 mutations were identified. Ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates belonged to 6 CCs and contained 10 unique gyrA alleles; 7 were similar or identical to alleles from Neisseria lactamica or Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Conclusions
Recent IMD cases caused by a dual resistant serogroup Y suggest changing antimicrobial resistance patterns in the United States. The emerging dual resistance is due to acquisition of ciprofloxacin resistance by β-lactamase–containing N. meningitidis. Routine antimicrobial resistance surveillance will effectively monitor resistance changes and spread.
Can Solar Energy Fuel Pollinator Conservation?
Authors: Dolezal Adam G , Torres Jacob , O’Neal Matthew E 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAs the expansion of solar power spreads through much of the United States, members of the solar industry are working to change how solar energy facilities are designed and presented to the public. This includes the addition of habitat to conserve pollinators. We highlight and discuss ongoing efforts to couple solar energy production with pollinator conservation, noting recent legal definitions of these practices. We summarize key studies from the field of ecology, bee conservation, and our experience working with members of the solar industry (e.g., contribution to legislation defining solar pollinator habitat). Several recently published studies that employed similar practices to those proposed for solar developments reveal features that should be replicated and encouraged by the industry. These results suggest the addition of native, perennial flowering vegetation will promote wild bee conservation and more sustainable honey beekeeping. Going forward, there is a need for oversight and future research to avoid the misapplication of this promising but as of yet untested practice of coupling solar energy production with pollinator-friendly habitat. We conclude with best practices for the implementation of these additions to realize conservation and agricultural benefits.
Adverse functional remodelling of the subpulmonary left ventricle in patients with a systemic right ventricle is associated with clinical outcome
Authors: Santens Béatrice , Helsen Frederik , Van De Bruaene Alexander , De Meester Pieter , Budts Anne-Laure , Troost Els , Moons Philip , Claus Piet , Rega Filip , Bogaert Jan , Budts Werner 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Aims
Early recognition of adverse remodelling is important since outcome is unfavorable once patients with a systemic right ventricle (sRV) become symptomatic. We aimed assessing prognostic markers linked to short-term clinical evolution in this population.

Methods and results
Thirty-three patients (76% male) with sRV (atrial switch repair for D-transposition of the great arteries and congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries) underwent detailed phenotyping including exercise cardiac magnetic resonance and were followed over mean follow-up time of 3 years. Mean age was 40 ± 8 (range 26–57) years at latest follow-up. Adverse outcome was a composite of heart failure (HF) and tachyarrhythmia. Descriptive statistics and univariate cox regression analyses were performed. When compared with baseline: (i) most patients remained in New York Heart Association functional class I (76%), (ii) the degree of severity of the systemic atrioventricular valve regurgitation rose, and (iii) more electrical instability was documented at latest follow-up. Six (18%) of a total of 9 events were counted as first cardiovascular events (9% HF and 9% arrhythmia). NT-proBNP, oxygen pulse, left ventricle end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi), and stroke volume index (SVi) of the subpulmonary left ventricle (LV) both in rest and at peak exercise were significantly associated with the first cardiovascular event.

Conclusion
NT-proBNP was by far the best prognostic marker for clinical outcome. Adverse remodelling with increase of LVEDVi and SVi of the subpulmonary LV at rest and during exercise were associated with worse clinical outcome. We theorize that remodelling of the subpulmonary ventricle might be an early sign of a failing sRV circulation.
EACVI survey on the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function
Authors: Sitges Marta , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Cameli Matteo , D’Andrea Antonello , Carvalho Ricardo Fontes , Holte Espen , Michalski Blazej , Podlesnikar Tomaz , Popescu Bogdan A , Schulz-Menger Jeanette , Stankovic Ivan , Haugaa Kristina H , Dweck Marc R 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Aims
The aim of this study is to analyse how current recommendations on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function assessment have been adopted. Identifying potential discrepancies between recommendations and everyday clinical practice would enable us to better understand and address the remaining challenges in this controversial and complex field.

Methods and results
A total of 93 centres, mainly from tertiary care settings, responded to the survey. More than three-quarters (77%) of centres follow the 2016 ASE/EACVI recommendations for LV diastolic function evaluation in patients with preserved ejection fraction based upon e′, E/e′, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, and left atrial (LA) volume. These recommendations were generally preferred to the previous 2009 version. Many centres also consider strain assessments in the LV (48%) and left atrium (53%) as well as diastolic stress echocardiography (33%) to be useful as additional assessments of LV diastolic function. Echocardiographic assessments of LV diastolic function were used frequently to guide therapy in 72% of centres.

Conclusion
There is widespread adoption of current recommendation on the evaluation of LV diastolic function and these are frequently used to guide patient management. Many centres now also consider LV and LA strain assessments useful in the clinical assessment of diastolic function. These may be considered in future recommendations.
Left anterior descending/right coronary artery bifurcation angioplasty in a rare case of single coronary artery: a case report
Authors: Prasad Krishna , Chhikara Sanya , Kumar Mahesh Nalin , Gupta Ankush 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Single coronary artery (SCA) is a rare congenital coronary anomaly with incidence of 8–66 per 100 000 cases. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with SCA is technically challenging. This is a case of bifurcation angioplasty involving left anterior descending/right coronary artery (LAD/RCA) in a patient with SCA and 1-year follow-up with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA).

Case summary
A 52-year-old female with history of PCI to LAD 4 months back, presented with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiogram showed 90% stenosis in mid-LAD, distal to the previous stent and proximal to an anomalously originating RCA from mid-LAD. She was planned for LAD/RCA provisional bifurcation angioplasty and a drug-eluting stent was deployed in LAD across RCA, following which patient developed angina with ischaemic electrocardiogram (ECG) changes due to significant pinching of RCA. Using Reverse crush technique, RCA was stented successfully with resolution of angina and ECG changes. At 1-year follow-up, patient is in New York Heart Association class I with normal left ventricular function and patent LAD/RCA bifurcation stent on CTCA.

Discussion
SCA poses a great challenge to interventional cardiologists during PCI, especially in the event of a complication. Detailed anatomical knowledge, appropriate hardware and operator expertise are the key factors for successful PCI of SCA. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case report of bifurcation angioplasty of LAD/RCA in a rare case of SCA. This case also describes the use of reverse crush technique as a bailout strategy during provisional bifurcation angioplasty.
Echocardiography from a transhepatic approach in left ventricular assist device patients with difficult transthoracic imaging
Authors: Strachinaru Mihai , Hirsch Alexander , Bowen Daniel , Caliskan Kadir 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used in the treatment of end-stage heart failure. One important limitation in the follow-up of these patients is the very difficult echocardiographic image, because of the interposition of implanted materials.

Case summary
We present here a case series of LVAD patients with severely limited transthoracic echocardiographic windows in whom the echocardiographic analysis of the left and right ventricular function could be obtained from a very unusual approach, using a right intercostal transhepatic window, allowing visualization of the heart chambers and quantification of function even in these very challenging cases. In one case, the result was confirmed by computed tomography. In the second case, computed tomography images were unreliable because of strong artefacts from the LVAD system and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads, but the transhepatic approach still provided sufficient image quality in order to allow the imaging follow-up of the patient. In the third case, the transhepatic window was the only approach that provided echocardiographic images, and due to the good visualization of the heart cavities, this imaging technique was considered sufficient for follow-up studies in this stable subject with LVAD as destination therapy.

Discussion
The transhepatic window may represent a good alternative in selected LVAD patients with very difficult acoustic access in traditional transthoracic views. Modified or alternate echocardiographic windows may reduce the need for invasive procedures (transoesophageal echocardiography) or imaging methods using radiations.
GARFIELD-AF risk score for mortality, stroke, and bleeding within 2 years in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Fox Keith A A , Virdone Saverio , Pieper Karen S , Bassand Jean-Pierre , Camm A John , Fitzmaurice David A , Goldhaber Samuel Z , Goto Shinya , Haas Sylvia , Kayani Gloria , Oto Ali , Misselwitz Frank , Piccini Jonathan P , Dalgaard Frederik , Turpie Alexander G G , Verheugt Freek W A , Kakkar Ajay K ,   for the GARFIELD-AF Investigators
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Aims
To determine whether the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD–Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF) integrated risk tool predicts mortality, non-haemorrhagic stroke/systemic embolism, and major bleeding for up to 2 years after new-onset AF and to assess how this risk tool performs compared with CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED.

Methods and results
Potential predictors of events included demographic and clinical characteristics, choice of treatment, and lifestyle factors. A Cox proportional hazards model was identified for each outcome by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator methods. Indices were evaluated in comparison with CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED risk predictors. Models were validated internally and externally in ORBIT-AF and Danish nationwide registries. Among the 52 080 patients enrolled in GARFIELD-AF, 52 032 had follow-up data. The GARFIELD-AF risk tool outperformed CHA2DS2-VASc for all-cause mortality in all cohorts. The GARFIELD-AF risk score was superior to CHA2DS2-VASc for non-haemorrhagic stroke, and it outperformed HAS-BLED for major bleeding in internal validation and in the Danish AF cohort. In very low- to low-risk patients [CHA2DS2-VASc 0 or 1 (men) and 1 or 2 (women)], the GARFIELD-AF risk score offered strong discriminatory value for all the endpoints when compared to CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED. The GARFIELD-AF tool also included the effect of oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy, thus allowing clinicians to compare the expected outcome of different anticoagulant treatment decisions [i.e. no OAC, non-vitamin K antagonist (VKA) oral anticoagulants, or VKAs].

Conclusions
The GARFIELD-AF risk tool outperformed CHA2DS2-VASc at predicting death and non-haemorrhagic stroke, and it outperformed HAS-BLED for major bleeding in overall as well as in very low- to low-risk group patients with AF.

Clinical trial registration
URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier for GARFIELD-AF: NCT01090362, ORBIT-AF I: NCT01165710; ORBIT-AF II: NCT01701817.
Health impact of tafamidis in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy patients: an analysis from the Tafamidis in Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy Clinical Trial (ATTR-ACT) and the open-label long-term extension studies
Authors: Rozenbaum Mark H , Garcia Andrea , Grima Daniel , Tran Diana , Bhambri Rahul , Stewart Michelle , Li Benjamin , Heeg Bart , Postma Maarten , Masri Ahmad 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Aim
The Tafamidis in Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy Clinical Trial (ATTR-ACT) showed that tafamidis reduced all-cause mortality and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). This study aimed to estimate the impact of tafamidis on survival and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs).

Methods and results
A multi-state, cohort, Markov model was developed to simulate the disease course of ATTR-CM throughout a lifetime. For survival extrapolation, survival curves were fitted by treatment arm and New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class I/II (68% of patients) and NYHA Class III (32% of patients) cohorts using the individual patient-level data from both the ATTR-ACT and the corresponding long-term extension study. Univariate and multivariate sensitivity analyses were conducted. The predicted mean survival for the total population (NYHA Class I/II + III) was 6.73 years for tafamidis and 2.85 years for the standard of care (SoC), resulting in an incremental mean survival of 3.88 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32–5.66]. Of the 6.73 life-years, patients on tafamidis spend, on average, 4.82 years in NYHA Class I/II, while patients on SoC spend an average of 1.60 life-years in these classes. The combination of longer survival in lower NYHA classes produced a QALY gain of 5.39 for tafamidis and 2.11 for SoC, resulting in 3.29 incremental QALYs (95% CI 1.21–4.74) in favour of tafamidis.

Conclusion
Based on the disease simulation model results, tafamidis is expected to more than double the life expectancy and QALYs of ATTR-CM patients compared to SoC. Longer-term follow-up data from the ATTR-ACT extension study will further inform these findings.

Clinical trials.gov identifier
NCT01994889 (date of registration: 26 November 2013).
Epidemiological and clinical boundaries of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Gentile Francesco , Ghionzoli Nicolò , Borrelli Chiara , Vergaro Giuseppe , Pastore Maria Concetta , Cameli Matteo , Emdin Michele , Passino Claudio , Giannoni Alberto 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is highly prevalent and is associated with relevant morbidity and mortality. However, an evidence-based treatment is still absent. The heterogeneous definitions, differences in aetiology/pathophysiology, and diagnostic challenges of HFpEF made it difficult to define its epidemiological landmarks so far. Several large registries and observational studies have recently disclosed an increasing incidence/prevalence, as well as its prognostic significance. An accurate definition of HFpEF epidemiological boundaries and phenotypes is mandatory to develop novel effective and rational therapeutic approaches.
Post-implementation perspectives on smokefree prison policy: a qualitative study with staff and people in custody
Authors: Brown Ashley , Mitchell Danielle , Hunt Kate 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
A comprehensive smokefree prison policy (SFPP) was introduced in Scottish prisons from November 2018, reflecting concern about inequalities in occupational exposures to second-hand smoke (SHS) and tobacco-related harms among people in custody (PiC). We aimed to address a gap, whereby few studies have sought to understand SFPP from the perspectives of people living and working in prisons.

Methods
As part of a comprehensive evaluation, focus groups and interviews with staff (n = 99) and interviews with PiC (n = 23) were conducted 6–9 months post-implementation of SFPP in Scotland. Data were analysed using the framework approach.

Results
Our study found that new restrictions on smoking had been widely accepted by PiC, after a period of adjustment which was less troublesome than participants had anticipated. Benefits of the SFPP for the safety and comfort of staff and PiC who were no longer exposed to SHS, and additionally for the health of PiC who were now smoking-abstinent, were widely acknowledged. Drawbacks of the SFPP, such as difficulties managing without tobacco and use of alternatives (e.g. e-cigarettes and changes in use of illegal drugs), were also reported. Contraband tobacco was not reported to be a major problem following prisons becoming smokefree.

Conclusions
The findings strengthen evidence that SFPPs can be implemented without causing major disruption and highlight the need for removal of tobacco to be underpinned by careful planning, partnership working and ensuring the availability of support for smokers. Experiences from Scotland may be of interest and some comfort, internationally for jurisdictions considering smoke-free rules in prisons.