bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lax connections in

-deformed integrable field theories *
Authors: Chen Bin , Hou Jue , Tian Jia 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this work, we attempt to construct the Lax connections of

-deformed integrable field theories in two different ways. With reasonable assumptions, we make an ansatz and find the Lax pairs in the

-deformed affine Toda theories and the principal chiral model by solving the Lax equations directly. This method is straightforward, but it may be difficult to apply for general models. We then make use of a dynamic coordinate transformation to read the Lax connection in the deformed theory from the undeformed one. We find that once the inverse of the transformation is available, the Lax connection can be read easily. We show the construction explicitly for a few classes of scalar models and find consistency with those determined using the first method.
TiO2/PFO inorganic-organic hybrid heterojunction for self-powered blue light photodetector
Authors: Xie Yanru , Yao Yicun , Zhang Dong , Li Hefu , Wang Qingru , Zhang Liqiang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Organic-inorganic hybrid heterojunction is very promising for low cost and high performance photodetection device application. We have fabricated a heterojunction composed of n-type inorganic TiO2 nanorod arrays and p-type organic semiconductor polymer [9,9-bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl] (PFO). A peak of 0.32 mA W−1 was observed locating at 410 nm in spectral responsivity curve. The photocurrent response was rapid, repeatable as well as consistent. Under weak blue light (410 nm, 75 μW cm−2) irradiance, the rise time and decay time were observed to be 0.16 and 0.12 s, respectively. These results demonstrated that TiO2/PFO heterojuncton could bring prospect for the development of self-powered blue light photodetectors with high spectral selectivity.
The association of glucagon with disease severity and progression in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: an observational cohort study
Authors: Knol Martine G E , Kramers Bart J , Gansevoort Ron T , van Gastel Maatje D A 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT

Background
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and ketogenesis have been shown to ameliorate disease progression in experimental autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Glucagon is known to lower mTOR activity and stimulate ketogenesis. We hypothesized that in ADPKD patients, higher endogenous glucagon is associated with less disease severity and progression.

Methods
Data were analysed from 664 Dutch ADPKD patients participating in the Developing Intervention Strategies to Halt Progression of ADPKD observational cohort, including patients &gt;18 years of age with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥15 mL/min/1.73 m2 and excluding patients with concomitant diseases or medication use that may impact the natural course of ADPKD. The association between glucagon and disease severity and progression was tested using multivariate linear regression and mixed modelling, respectively.

Results
The median glucagon concentration was 5.0 pmol/L [interquartile range (IQR) 3.4–7.2) and differed significantly between females and males [4.3 pmol/L (IQR 2.9–6.0) and 6.6 (4.5–9.5), P &lt; 0.001, respectively]. Intrasubject stability of glucagon in 30 patients showed a strong correlation (Pearson’s correlation coefficient 0.893; P &lt; 0.001). Moreover, glucagon showed significant associations with known determinants (sex, body mass index and copeptin; all P &lt; 0.01) and known downstream effects (glucose, haemoglobin A1c and cholesterol; all P &lt; 0.05), suggesting that glucagon was measured reliably. Cross-sectionally, glucagon was associated with eGFR and height-adjusted total kidney volume, but in the opposite direction of our hypothesis, and these lost significance after adjustment for confounders. Glucagon was not associated with an annual decline in kidney function or growth in kidney volume.

Conclusions
These data do not provide evidence for a role of endogenous glucagon as a protective hormone in ADPKD. Intervention studies are needed to determine the relation between glucagon and ADPKD.
Polypharmacy and medication use in patients with chronic kidney disease with and without kidney replacement therapy compared to matched controls
Authors: van Oosten Manon J M , Logtenberg Susan J J , Hemmelder Marc H , Leegte Martijn J H , Bilo Henk J G , Jager Kitty J , Stel Vianda S 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT

Background
This study aims to examine polypharmacy (PP) prevalence in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage G4/G5 and patients with kidney replacement therapy (KRT) compared with matched controls from the general population. Furthermore, we examine risk factors for PP and describe the most commonly dispensed medications.

Methods
Dutch health claims data were used to identify three patient groups: CKD Stage G4/G5, dialysis and kidney transplant patients. Each patient was matched to two controls based on age, sex and socio-economic status (SES) score. We differentiated between ‘all medication use’ and ‘chronic medication use’. PP was defined at three levels: use of ≥5 medications (PP), ≥10 medications [excessive PP (EPP)] and ≥15 medications [hyper PP (HPP)].

Results
The PP prevalence for all medication use was 87, 93 and 95% in CKD Stage G4/G5, dialysis and kidney transplant patients, respectively. For chronic medication use, this was 66, 70 and 75%, respectively. PP and comorbidity prevalence were higher in patients than in controls. EPP was 42 times more common in young CKD Stage G4/G5 patients (ages 20–44 years) than in controls, while this ratio was 3.8 in patients ≥75 years. Older age (64–75 and ≥75 years) was a risk factor for PP in CKD Stage G4/G5 and kidney transplant patients. Dialysis patients ≥75 years of age had a lower risk of PP compared with their younger counterparts. Additional risk factors in all patients were low SES, diabetes mellitus, vascular disease, hospitalization and an emergency room visit. The most commonly dispensed medications were proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and statins.

Conclusions
CKD Stage G4/G5 patients and patients on KRT have a high medication burden, far beyond that of individuals from the general population, as a result of their kidney disease and a large burden of comorbidities. A critical approach to medication prescription in general, and of specific medications like PPIs and statins (in the dialysis population), could be a first step towards more appropriate medication use.
Ultra-Early Differential Diagnosis of Acute Cerebral Ischemia and Hemorrhagic Stroke by Measuring the Prehospital Release Rate of GFAP
Authors: Mattila Olli S , Ashton Nicholas J , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Harve-Rytsälä Heini , Pihlasviita Saana , Ritvonen Juhani , Sibolt Gerli , Nukarinen Tiina , Curtze Sami , Strbian Daniel , Pystynen Mikko , Tatlisumak Turgut , Kuisma Markku , Lindsberg Perttu J 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and tau are promising markers for differentiating acute cerebral ischemia (ACI) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS), but their prehospital dynamics and usefulness are unknown.

Methods
We performed ultra-sensitivite single-molecule array (Simoa®) measurements of plasma GFAP and total tau in a stroke code patient cohort with cardinal stroke symptoms [National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥3]. Sequential sampling included 2 ultra-early samples, and a follow-up sample on the next morning.

Results
We included 272 cases (203 ACI, 60 HS, and 9 stroke mimics). Median (IQR) last-known-well to sampling time was 53 (35–90) minutes for initial prehospital samples, 90 (67–130) minutes for secondary acute samples, and 21 (16–24) hours for next morning samples. Plasma GFAP was significantly higher in patients with HS than ACI (P &lt; 0.001 for &lt;1 hour and &lt;3 hour prehospital samples, and &lt;3 hour secondary samples), while total tau showed no intergroup difference. The prehospital GFAP release rate (pg/mL/minute) occurring between the 2 very early samples was significantly higher in patients with HS than ACI [2.4 (0.6–14.1)] versus 0.3 (−0.3–0.9) pg/mL/minute, P &lt; 0.001. For cases with &lt;3 hour prehospital sampling (ACI n = 178, HS n = 59), a combined rule (prehospital GFAP &gt;410 pg/mL, or prehospital GFAP 90–410 pg/mL together with GFAP release &gt;0.6 pg/mL/minute) enabled ruling out HS with high certainty (NPV 98.4%) in 68% of patients with ACI (sensitivity for HS 96.6%, specificity 68%, PPV 50%).

Conclusions
In comparison to single-point measurement, monitoring the prehospital GFAP release rate improves ultra-early differentiation of stroke subtypes. With serial measurement GFAP has potential to improve future prehospital stroke diagnostics.
Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1-Expressing Circulating Tumor Cells: A New Prognostic Biomarker in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sinoquet Léa , Jacot William , Gauthier Ludovic , Pouderoux Stéphane , Viala Marie , Cayrefourcq Laure , Quantin Xavier , Alix-Panabières Catherine 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), analysis of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is a potential alternative to overcome the problems linked to the tumor biopsy spatiotemporal heterogeneity. However, the prognostic significance of PD-L1-positive [PD-L1(+)] CTCs remains controversial.

Methods
We prospectively evaluated the correlation with clinicopathological variables and prognostic value of PD-L1(+) CTCs, detected with the FDA-cleared CellSearch® system, in 54 patients with advanced NSCLC.

Results
We detected CTCs and PD-L1(+) CTCs in 43.4% and 9.4% of patients with NSCLC. PD-L1 expression concordance between tumor tissue and CTCs was low (54%). The presence of PD-L1(+) CTC correlated with the absence of gene alterations in tumor tissue and with poor prognosis-related biological variables (anemia, hyponatremia, increased lactate dehydrogenase). In univariate analysis, absence of gene alterations, number of metastatic sites, prior systemic therapies, and presence of CTCs and PD-L1(+) CTCs were associated with worse overall survival, whereas PD-L1 expression in tumor tissue was not. In multivariate analysis, squamous cell carcinoma histology, number of prior systemic treatments, and the presence of CTC were significantly associated with overall survival. Survival was worse in patients with PD-L1(+) CTCs than in patients with PD-L1-negative CTC or without any CTC.

Conclusions
Our study suggests that the presence of PD-L1(+) CTCs is associated with poor prognosis in patients with advanced NSCLC. Studies with larger samples are needed to confirm our results and to determine how PD-L1(+) CTC detection could help to predict the response or resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies.

Clinical trial registration NCT02866149
Normalization of left ventricular filling pressure after cardiac surgery for the Loeffler’s endocarditis: a case report
Authors: Carcaterra Andrea , Mock Stéphane , Müller Hajo , Testuz Ariane 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Loeffler endocarditis is a rare restrictive cardiomyopathy, characterized by hypereosinophilia and fibrous thickening of the endocardium causing progressive onset of heart failure and appearance of thrombi on the walls of the heart chambers.

Case summary
A 72-year-old man known for hypertension and dyslipidaemia consults for progressive dyspnoea up to New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classes 2–3 over 3 weeks. The biological balance sheet shows a high eosinophil level and an echocardiography shows a mild echodensity fixed to the left apex. After exclusion of a secondary cause of hypereosinophilia, diagnosis of endomyocardial fibrosis in the context of a hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is therefore retained. The patient’s clinical presentation with cardiac involvement leads us to start a treatment with corticosteroids. The patient is then regularly followed every 6 months with an initially stable course without complications. Two years later, he develops progressive signs of heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography shows a left ventricular (LV) dilatation with a normal ejection fraction, but decreased volume due to a large echodense mass in the apex, and moderate aortic regurgitation caused by myocardial infiltration. In view of this rapid evolution, resection of the LV mass with concomitant aortic valve replacement is performed. Pathology confirms eosinophilic infiltration. The clinical course is very good with a patient who remains stable with dyspnoea NYHA Classes 1–2, and echocardiography at 1 year shows a normalization of LV filling pressure.

Discussion
HES represents a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by overproduction of eosinophils. One of the major causes of mortality is associated cardiac involvement. Endocardial fibrosis and mural thrombosis are frequent cardiac findings. Echocardiography plays a crucial role in initial diagnosis of endomyocardial fibrosis, and for regular follow-up in order to adapt medical treatment and monitor haemodynamic evolution of the restrictive physiology and of valvular damage caused by the disease’s evolution. This case also shows that surgery can normalize filling pressure and allow a clear improvement on the clinical condition even at the terminal fibrotic state.
Run-off Elections in the Laboratory
Authors: Bouton Laurent , Gallego Jorge , Llorente-Saguer Aniol , Morton Rebecca 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We study experimentally the properties of the majority run-off system and compare them to those of plurality rule. Our focus is on Duverger’s famous prediction that the plurality rule leads to higher co-ordination of votes on a limited number of candidates than the majority run-off rule. We find strong co-ordination forces under both systems. However, as predicted by the theory, in some cases these forces are stronger under plurality. Despite these differences in voting behaviour, we find small and mostly not significant differences in electoral outcomes and, hence, voters’ welfare.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Severe or Fulminant Clostridioides difficile Infection: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Song Yi Nong , Yang David Yi , Veldhuyzen van Zanten Sander , Wong Karen , McArthur Eric , Song Claire Zhao , Ianiro Gianluca , Cammarota Giovanni , Kelly Colleen , Fischer Monika , Russell Lindsey , Kao Dina 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Severe or fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection (SFCDI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence suggests fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) may be a promising therapy for SFCDI.

Aim
This systematic review determines the safety and efficacy of FMT in medically refractory SFCDI.

Methods
A systematic search of the literature was conducted using PubMed (1965 to 2020), Web of Science (1900 to 20), EMBASE (1974 to 2020), and Cochrane Review (1945 to 2020). Quality appraisal by NIH Study Quality Assessment tools, and data extraction were performed by two teams of independent researchers. The primary outcome was resolution of SFCDI 4 weeks after the final FMT. Pooled resolution rates were calculated using generalized linear mixed models estimates.

Results
Two hundred and forty patients from 10 studies (8 case series, 1 case–control and 1 randomized study) were included with 209 individual patient-level data. FMT resulted in resolution of SFCDI within 4 weeks in 211/240 individuals for a pooled estimate of 88% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83 to 0.91). The mean number of FMT required was 1.6 for severe and 2.0 for fulminant CDI resolution. The pooled proportional estimates for patients requiring CDI-directed antimicrobials after FMT was 50% (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.94) for severe CDI and 67.0% (95% CI: 0.30 to 0.91) for fulminant CDI. Serious adverse event rates were low.

Conclusion
FMT appears effective in treating SFCDI patients with low adverse events, but requires multiple treatments with a significant proportion of patients requiring additional anti-CDI antibiotics to achieve resolution. The optimal route of FMT delivery remains unknown. The presence of pseudomembranous colitis may guide additional FMT or anti-CDI antibiotic treatment.
Variation in Genetic Mechanisms for Plumage Polymorphism in Skuas (Stercorarius)
Authors: Janssen Kirstin , Bustnes Jan Ove , Mundy Nicholas I 
Published: June 2021

AbstractColoration is evolutionarily labile and so provides an excellent trait for examining the repeatability of evolution. Here, we investigate the repeatability of the evolution of polymorphic variation in ventral plumage coloration in skuas (Stercorarius: Stercorariidae). In 2 species, arctic (S. parasiticus) and pomarine skuas (S. pomarinus), plumage polymorphism was previously shown to be associated with coding changes at the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) locus. Here, we show that polymorphism in a third species, the south polar skua (S. maccormicki), is not associated with coding variation at MC1R or with variation at a Z-linked second candidate locus, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1). Hence, convergent evolution of plumage polymorphisms in skuas is only partly repeatable at the level of the genetic locus involved. Interestingly, the pattern of repeatability in skuas is aligned not with phylogeny but with the nature of the phenotypic variation. In particular, south polar skuas show a strong sex bias to coloration that is absent in the other species, and it may be that this has a unique genetic architecture.
#10: Tropism, Susceptibility, and Infectivity of Differentiated Human Tonsillar Epithelial Cells by Different Influenza Viruses
Authors: Okda* Faten A , Webby Richard 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Influenza viruses cause significant socioeconomic impact due to annual outbreaks and pandemic risks. Human tonsil epithelium cells (HTEC) are a heterogeneous group of actively differentiating epithelia comprising stratified squamous epithelium and reticulated crypt cells with abundant keratin expression.

Hypothesis
We hypothesized that the tonsils are a primary site for influenza infection and sustained viral replication.

Methods and Results
Primary HTEC (ScienCell Research Laboratories) were grown using an air-liquid interface and infected apically with different influenza viruses at various MOIs to measure viral growth kinetics. These cells were highly differentiated, with subpopulations of cells including ciliated, non-ciliated cells and specialized cells with secretory functions. There was a heterogenous distribution of both human-like (α2,6-linked) and avian-like (α2,3-linked) sialic acid receptors. The HTEC surface and crypts were lined with pseudostratified columnar ciliated cells possessing both α2,6-linked and α2,3-linked sialic acid receptors that were interrupted by patches of reticular epithelial cells. The HTEC epithelial cells were permissive for growth of influenza A and B viruses. A subset of cells, mostly ciliated cells, underwent apoptosis while others including non-ciliated cells remained intact despite being positive for influenza virus nucleoprotein. Interestingly, differences were seen between subtypes with colocalization of H3N2 virus and non-ciliated cells while H1N1 virus mostly associated with ciliated cells.

Conclusion
Our results implicated human tonsillar crypt epithelium as a site for influenza virus replication. The tonsil epithelium cell culture differentiated system provides a valuable in vitro model for studying cellular tropism, infectivity, cytokines immune response and the pathogenesis of influenza viruses for better development of effective universal vaccine and therapies against different strains of influenza viruses.
#12: The Safety and antibody kinetics of COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Galvis Alvaro E , Morphew Tricia , Ehwerhemuepha Louis , Osborne Stephanie , Enriquez Claudia , Imfeld Karen , Hoag Janet , Nieves Delma , Ashouri Negar , Singh Jajist , Nugent Diane , Arrieta Antonio 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Introduction
A novel Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the pathogen responsible for a serious, life threatening respiratory infection (COVID-19) initially reported in Wuhan, China which rapidly spread worldwide resulting in global pandemic. Multiple immunological and pharmacological therapies have been evaluated with variable results. Convalescent plasma has been used in previous outbreaks such as Influenza 1918 and 2009, Ebola, MERS and SARS with good efficacy and safety reported. There have been multiple large reports on the safety of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) for the treatment of this serious infection in the adults; controversy has ensued regarding its efficacy. Pediatric data on CCP use are limited.

Methods
We conducted a prospective, open label treatment trial using CCP (10 ml/kg up to 1 unit) for the treatment of COVID-19 in pediatric patients with moderate to severe disease or high risk for serious illness. Safety and antibody kinetics and outcome data were collected.

Results
Eighteen moderate to severe COVID19 pediatric patients were enrolled and received CCP early in their illness (median days of symptoms XX). We observed no infusion related adverse events, no hematological or metabolic adverse events were noted during the hospitalization and at 3 weeks after infusion follow up. Sixteen patients demonstrated significant clinical improvement by day seven post infusion, as measured by the WHO eight-category ordinal severity scale for COVID-19. Presence of SARS-COV-2 anti-nucleocapsid IgG was demonstrated in all CCP specimens, a significant increase in antibodies was demonstrated in CCP recipients 24 hours after receiving CCP. Sustained high levels of anti- SARS-COV-2 anti-nucleocapsid IgG was demonstrated at 7- and 21-days post-transfusion. A transient IgM response not associated with CCP was noted. Eleven (61.1%) patients were discharge to home by day 7 post CCP infusion. One patient remained on invasive ventilatory support 21 days after CCP infusion and was eventually discharged to an intermediate care facility, one patient died retrospectively confirmed to have been brain death before receiving CCP.

Conclusion
We conclude that CCP was well tolerated in pediatric patients. CCP resulted in rapid increase of antibodies and sustained levels 21 days after infusion suggesting that CCP did not interfere with patients own immune response. More data are necessary to establish efficacy of this intervention in children, but our patients clinical course suggests benefit of CCP. Pediatric patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 may benefit of CCP when used early in the course of illness in conjunction with other immunological or antiviral interventions as needed.