bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Venous Thromboembolism Risk Assessment Models in Patients with Severe COVID-19
Authors: Paz Rios Luis H. , Minga Iva , Kwak Esther , Najib Ayman , Aller Ashley , Lees Elizabeth , Macrinici Victor , Rezaei Bookani Kaveh , Pursnani Amit , Caprini Joseph , Spyropoulos Alex C. , Tafur Alfonso 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction Severe novel corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes dysregulation of the coagulation system with arterial and venous thromboembolism (VTE). We hypothesize that validated VTE risk scores would have prognostic ability in this population.
Methods Retrospective observational cohort with severe COVID-19 performed in NorthShore University Health System. Patients were >18 years of age and met criteria for inpatient or intensive care unit (ICU) care. The International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism (IMPROVE) and Caprini scores were calculated and patients were stratified.
Results This study includes 184 patients, mostly men (63.6%), Caucasian (54.3%), 63 years old (interquartile range [IQR]: 24–101), and 57.1% of them required ICU care. Twenty-seven (14.7%) thrombotic events occurred: 12 (6.5%) cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), 9 (4.9%) of pulmonary embolism, 5 (2.7%) of deep vein thrombosis, and 1 (0.5%) stroke. Among them, 86 patients (46.7%) died, 95 (51.6%) were discharged, and 3 (1.6%) were still hospitalized. “Moderate risk for VTE” and “High risk for VTE” by IMPROVE score had significant mortality association: (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.93–11.03; p < 0.001) and (HR = 6.22; 95% CI: 3.04–12.71; p < 0.001), respectively, with 87% sensitivity and 63% specificity (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.752, p < 0.001). “High Risk for VTE” by Caprini score had significant mortality association (HR = 17.6; 95% CI: 5.56–55.96; p < 0.001) with 96% sensitivity and 55% specificity (AUC = 0.843, p < 0.001). Both scores were associated with thrombotic events when classified as “High risk for VTE” by IMPROVE (HR = 6.50; 95% CI: 2.72–15.53; p < 0.001) and Caprini scores (HR = 11.507; 95% CI: 2.697–49.104; p = 0.001).
Conclusion The IMPROVE and Caprini risk scores were independent predictors of mortality and thrombotic events in severe COVID-19. With larger validation, this can be useful prognostic information.
Performance stability evaluation of atlas-based machine learning radiation therapy treatment planning in prostate cancer
Authors: Conroy Leigh , Khalifa Aly , Berlin Alejandro , McIntosh Chris , Purdie Thomas G 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Atlas-based machine learning (ML) for radiation therapy (RT) treatment planning is effective at tailoring dose distributions to account for unique patient anatomies by selecting the most appropriate patients from the training database (atlases) to inform dose prediction for new patients. However, variations in clinical practice between the training dataset and a new patient to be planned may impact ML performance by confounding atlas selection. In this study, we simulated various contouring practices in prostate cancer RT to investigate the impact of changing input data on atlas-based ML treatment planning. We generated 225 ML plans for nine bespoke contouring protocol scenarios (reduced target margins, modified organ-at-risk (OAR) definitions, and inclusion of optional OARs less represented in the training database) on 25 patient datasets by applying a single, previously trained and validated ML model for prostate cancer followed by dose mimicking to create a final deliverable plan. ML treatment plans for each scenario were compared to base ML treatment plans that followed a contouring protocol consistent with the model training data. ML performance was evaluated based on atlas distance metrics that are calculated during ML dose prediction. There were significant changes between atlases selected for the base ML treatment plans and treatment plans when planning target volume margins were reduced and/or optional OARs were included. The deliverability of ML predicted dose distributions based on gamma analysis between predicted and mimicked final deliverable dose showed significant differences for seven out of eight scenarios compared with the base ML treatment plans. Overall, there were small but statistically significant dosimetric changes in predicted and mimicked dose with addition of optional OAR contours. This work presents a framework for benchmarking and performance monitoring of ML treatment planning algorithms in the context of evolving clinical practices.
The improved inverted AlGaAs/GaAs interface: its relevance for high-mobility quantum wells and hybrid systems
Authors: Külah E , Reichl C , Scharnetzky J , Alt L , Dietsche W , Wegscheider W 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Two dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) realized at GaAs/AlGaAs single interfaces by molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) reach mobilities of about 15 million cm2 V s−1 if the AlGaAs alloy is grown after the GaAs. Surprisingly, the mobilities may drop to a few millions for the identical but inverted AlGaAs/GaAs interface, i.e. reversed layering. Here we report on a series of inverted heterostructures with varying growth parameters including temperature, doping, and composition. Minimizing the segregation of both dopants and background impurities leads to mobilities of 13 million cm2 V s−1 for inverted structures. The dependence of the mobility on electron density tuned by a gate or by illumination is found to be the identical if no doping layers exist between the 2DEG and the respective gate. Otherwise, it differs significantly compared to normal interface structures. Reducing the distance of the 2DEG to the surface down to 50 nm requires an additional doping layer between 2DEG and surface in order to compensate for the surface-Schottky barrier. The suitability of such shallow inverted structures for future semiconductor-superconductor hybrid systems is discussed. Lastly, our understanding of the improved inverted interface enables us to produce optimized double-sided doped quantum wells exhibiting an electron mobility of 40 million cm2 V s−1 at 1 K.
Filtered pseudo-scalar dark matter and gravitational waves from first order phase transition
Authors: Chao Wei , Li Xiu-Fei , Wang Lei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
If dark matter (DM) acquires mass during a first order phase transition, there will be a filtering-out effect when DM enters the expanding bubble. In this paper we study the filtering-out effect for a pseudo-scalar DM, whose mass may partially come from a first order phase transition in the hidden sector. We calculate the ratio of DM that may enter the bubble for various bubble wall velocities as well as various status of DM (in the thermal equilibrium, or out of the thermal equilibrium) at the time of phase transition, which results in small penetration rate that may affect the final relic abundance of the DM. We further study the stochastic gravitational wave signals emitted by the hidden sector phase transition at the space-based interferometer experiments as the smoking-gun of this model.
Constructing supported Ag antibacterial nano-agent with high activity and stability for broad-spectrum antibiosis
Authors: Xue Haibin , Gao Xuewei , Feng Xiangnan , He Shan , Zhao Feifei , Zhang Guiju , Wang Xinrui , Luo Xiaobo , Guan Shanyue 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The developing a green and facile synthetic approach of Ag-based antibacterial nanomaterials with controlled composition, size, and shape, to acquire high antibacterial activity and long-term durability, is of vital importance and remains a challenging goal. Herein, a novel LDHs-supported Ag antibacterial nanomaterial (Ag/CoAl-LDHs) are fabricated via an in situ deposition of the Ag nanoparticles onto the CoAl-LDHs surface. X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and High-resolution TEM (HRTEM) measurements confirm that the uniform Ag nanoparticles (the average particle size of 16.5 nm) are highly dispersed and firmly anchored onto CoAl-LDHs surface. As revealed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the CoAl-LDHs nanoplates play the roles of both a support and a reductant without any external, and there was a redox reaction between Co2+ in LDHs layers and Ag+ in AgNO3 solution, giving rise to in situ loading of Ag nanoparticles onto LDHs. Moreover, antibacterial experiments verify that Ag/CoAl-LDHs not only have efficient antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, but also exhibit very stable antibacterial properties for both bacteria. Therefore, this research demonstrates a successful paradigm for the rational design and preparation of new antibacterial nanomaterials with high antibacterial activity and long-term durability.
A review of sperm storage methods and post-copulatory sexual selection in the Cephalopoda
Authors: Sato Noriyosi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn many animal phyla, females have a unique sperm storage organ (SSO). Post-copulatory sexual selection is a powerful driving force of SSO evolution. SSOs are generally considered to have evolved through sexual antagonistic coevolution between male genitalia and the SSO and/or cryptic female choice (CFC). In cephalopods, sperm transfer and fertilization are conducted through complex processes, and sperm storage methods show inter-species variation. In some species, males implant spermatangia superficially under the female skin, and then sperm released from the spermatangia are transferred into a seminal receptacle (SR). Deep-sea cephalopods, which lack a SR, have instead evolved a deep-implanting method by which the spermatangium is embedded deep in the musculature of the mantle wall of the female. In some species, the female stores whole spermatangia within a spermatangium pocket. Because the males of most species do not insert an intromittent organ into the female when transferring sperm, SSO evolution may have been influenced by CFC alone. This review summarizes the sperm storage methods and the mechanisms of post-copulatory sexual selection in cephalopods and it is proposed that these diverse methods evolved as adaptive mechanisms through post-copulatory sexual selection.
Automated conversational agents for post-intervention follow-up: a systematic review
Authors: Geoghegan L , Scarborough A , Wormald J C R , Harrison C J , Collins D , Gardiner M , Bruce J , Rodrigues J N 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Advances in natural language processing and other machine learning techniques have led to the development of automated agents (chatbots) that mimic human conversation. These systems have mainly been used in commercial settings, and within medicine, for symptom checking and psychotherapy. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the acceptability and implementation success of chatbots in the follow-up of patients who have undergone a physical healthcare intervention.

Methods
A systematic review of MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-process, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, CENTRAL and the grey literature using a PRISMA-compliant methodology up to September 2020 was conducted. Abstract screening and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Risk of bias and quality assessments were performed for each study.

Results
The search identified 904 studies of which 10 met full inclusion criteria: three randomised control trials, one non-randomised clinical trial and six cohort studies. Chatbots were used for monitoring after the management of cancer, hypertension and asthma, orthopaedic intervention, ureteroscopy and intervention for varicose veins. All chatbots were deployed on mobile devices. A number of metrics were identified and ranged from a 31 per cent chatbot engagement rate to a 97 per cent response rate for system-generated questions. No study examined patient safety.

Conclusion
A range of chatbot builds and uses was identified. Further investigation of acceptability, efficacy and mechanistic evaluation in outpatient care pathways may lend support to implementation in routine clinical care.
The Orphan GPCR Receptor, GPR88, Interacts with Nuclear Protein Partners in the Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Rebeillard Florian , De Gois Stéphanie , Pietrancosta Nicolas , Mai Thi Hue , Lai-Kuen René , Kieffer Brigitte L , Giros Bruno , Massart Renaud , Darmon Michèle , Diaz Jorge 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
GPR88 is an orphan G-protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) highly expressed in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSN), also found in cortical neurons at low level. In MSN, GPR88 has a canonical GPCR plasma membrane/cytoplasmic expression, whereas in cortical neurons, we previously reported an atypical intranuclear localization. Molecular size analysis suggests that GPR88, expressed in plasma membrane of MSN or in nuclear compartment of cortical neurons, corresponds to the full-length protein. By transfection of cortical neurons, we showed that GPR88 fluorescent chimeras exhibit a nuclear localization. This localization is contingent on the third intracytoplasmic loop and C-terminus domains, even though these domains do not contain any known nuclear localization signals (NLS). Using yeast two-hybrid screening with these domains, we identified the nuclear proteins ATRX, TOP2B, and BAZ2B, all involved in chromatin remodeling, as potential protein partners of GPR88. We also validated the interaction of GPR88 with these nuclear proteins by proximity ligation assay on cortical neurons in culture and coimmunoprecipitation experiments on cortical extracts from GPR88 wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice. The identification of GPR88 subcellular partners may provide novel functional insights for nonclassical modes of GPCR action that could be relevant in the maturating process of neocortical neurons.
Shifts in Medial Orbitofrontal Cortex Activity from Adolescence to Adulthood
Authors: Loh Maxine K , Rosenkranz J Amiel 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Adolescents are characterized by a propensity for risky and impulsive behaviors, likely due to immature frontostriatal circuits. The medial orbitofrontal cortex (MO) is linked to risk and reward prediction during decision-making. Identifying age-dependent differences in MO activity and its inputs to downstream regions can elucidate the neural substrates that permit the transition from high-risk adolescent behaviors to increased risk assessment in adulthood. Action selection biased by information gathered by the MO is likely carried out by efferents into the nucleus accumbens (NAc), which guides reward-directed behaviors. Despite the large age dependency of risk-based decision-making, there is nothing known about adolescent MO activity. Here, we recorded action potentials of MO neurons from anesthetized adult and adolescent rats in vivo. On average, adolescent MO neurons fire faster and within narrower ranges than adults, and adolescents have more active MO neurons than adults. Using antidromic stimulation of axon terminals to identify MO neurons that project to NAc (MO→NAc), we found that adolescent MO→NAc neurons have a narrower range of firing frequencies than non-NAc-projecting MO neurons and adult MO→NAc neurons. These age-dependent differences in MO and MO→NAc populations may result from the fine-tuning of circuits between adolescence and adulthood that promote specific age-dependent behaviors.
Renal diseases secondary to interferon-β treatment: a multicentre clinico-pathological study and systematic literature review
Authors: Dauvergne Maxime , Buob David , Rafat Cédric , Hennino Marie-Flore , Lemoine Mathilde , Audard Vincent , Chauveau Dominique , Ribes David , Cornec-Le Gall Emilie , Daugas Eric , Pillebout Evangéline , Vuiblet Vincent , Boffa Jean-Jacques ,   French Nephropathology Group, Brocheriou Isabelle , Buob David , Daniel Laurent , Doucet Laurent , François Arnaud , Gnemmi Viviane , Moktefi Anissa , Vuiblet Vincent 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe spectrum of interferon-β (IFN-β)-associated nephropathy remains poorly described and the potential features of this uncommon association remain to be determined.MethodsIn this study we retrospectively analysed the clinical, laboratory, histological and therapeutic data of patients with biopsy-proven renal disease in a context of IFN-β treatment administered for at least 6 months.ResultsEighteen patients (13 women, median age 48 years) with biopsy-proven renal disease occurring during IFN-β therapy were included. The median exposure to IFN-β (14 patients were treated with IFN-β1a and 4 patients with IFN-β1b) was 67 months (range 23–165 months). The clinical presentation consists in hypertension (HT; 83%), malignant HT (44%), proteinuria (protU) &gt;1 g/g (94%), reduced renal function (78%), biological hallmark suggesting thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA; 61%), oedematous syndrome (17%) or nephritic syndrome (11%). The pathological findings included typical features of isolated TMAs in 11 cases, isolated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) lesions in 2 cases and 5 cases with concomitant TMA and FSGS lesions. An exploration of the alternative complement pathway performed in 10 cases (63%) did not identify mutations in genes that regulate the complement system. The statistical analysis highlighted that the occurrence of IFN-β-associated TMA was significantly associated with Rebif, with a weekly dose &gt;50 µg and with multiple weekly injections. In all cases, IFN-β therapy was discontinued. Patients with TMA lesions received other therapies, including corticosteroids (44%), eculizumab (13%) and plasma exchanges (25%). At the end of a 36-month median follow-up, persistent HT and persistent protU were observed in 61% and 22% of patients, respectively. Estimated glomerular filtration rate &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was present in 61% of patients.ConclusionsIFN-β-associated nephropathy must be sought in the case of HT and/or protU onset during treatment. When TMA and/or FSGS are observed on renal biopsy, early discontinuation of IFN-β is essential.
Murine models of clonal haematopoiesis to assess mechanisms of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wang Ying , Sano Soichi , Ogawa Hayato , Horitani Keita , Evans Megan A , Yura Yoshimitsu , Miura-Yura Emiri , Doviak Heather , Walsh Kenneth 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Clonal haematopoiesis (CH) is a phenomenon whereby somatic mutations confer a fitness advantage to haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and thus facilitate their aberrant clonal expansion. These mutations are carried into progeny leucocytes leading to a situation whereby a substantial fraction of an individual’s blood cells originate from the HSPC mutant clone. Although this condition rarely progresses to a haematological malignancy, circulating blood cells bearing the mutation have the potential to affect other organ systems as they infiltrate into tissues under both homeostatic and disease conditions. Epidemiological and clinical studies have revealed that CH is highly prevalent in the elderly and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Recent experimental studies in murine models have assessed the most commonly mutated ‘driver’ genes associated with CH, and have provided evidence for mechanistic connections between CH and cardiovascular disease. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which specific CH mutations promote disease pathogenesis is of importance, as it could pave the way for individualized therapeutic strategies targeting the pathogenic CH gene mutations in the future. Here, we review the epidemiology of CH and the mechanistic work from studies using murine disease models, with a particular focus on the strengths and limitations of these experimental systems. We intend for this review to help investigators select the most appropriate models to study CH in the setting of cardiovascular disease.
Association of coronary artery calcium score with qualitatively and quantitatively assessed adverse plaque on coronary CT angiography in the SCOT-HEART trial
Authors: Osborne-Grinter Maia , Kwiecinski Jacek , Doris Mhairi , McElhinney Priscilla , Cadet Sebastien , Adamson Philip D , Moss Alastair J , Alam Shirjel , Hunter Amanda , Shah Anoop S V , Mills Nicholas L , Pawade Tania , Wang Chengjia , Weir-McCall Jonathan R , Roditi Giles , van Beek Edwin J R , Shaw Leslee J , Nicol Edward D , Berman Daniel , Slomka Piotr J , Newby David E , Dweck Marc R , Dey Damini , Williams Michelle C 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Aims
Coronary artery calcification is a marker of cardiovascular risk, but its association with qualitatively and quantitatively assessed plaque subtypes is unknown.

Methods and results
In this post-hoc analysis, computed tomography (CT) images and 5-year clinical outcomes were assessed in SCOT-HEART trial participants. Agatston coronary artery calcium score (CACS) was measured on non-contrast CT and was stratified as zero (0 Agatston units, AU), minimal (1–9 AU), low (10–99 AU), moderate (100–399 AU), high (400–999 AU), and very high (≥1000 AU). Adverse plaques were investigated by qualitative (visual categorization of positive remodelling, low-attenuation plaque, spotty calcification, and napkin ring sign) and quantitative (calcified, non-calcified, low-attenuation, and total plaque burden; Autoplaque) assessments. Of 1769 patients, 36% had a zero, 9% minimal, 20% low, 17% moderate, 10% high, and 8% very high CACS. Amongst patients with a zero CACS, 14% had non-obstructive disease, 2% had obstructive disease, 2% had visually assessed adverse plaques, and 13% had low-attenuation plaque burden &gt;4%. Non-calcified and low-attenuation plaque burden increased between patients with zero, minimal, and low CACS (P &lt; 0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between those with medium, high, and very high CACS. Myocardial infarction occurred in 41 patients, 10% of whom had zero CACS. CACS &gt;1000 AU and low-attenuation plaque burden were the only predictors of myocardial infarction, independent of obstructive disease, and 10-year cardiovascular risk score.

Conclusion
In patients with stable chest pain, zero CACS is associated with a good but not perfect prognosis, and CACS cannot rule out obstructive coronary artery disease, non-obstructive plaque, or adverse plaque phenotypes, including low-attenuation plaque.