bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin-K antagonists for left ventricular thrombus - a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Saleiro C , Lopes J , Campos D , Puga L , Costa M , Goncalves L , Teixeira R 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Left ventricular (LV) thrombus is a current clinical problem. The incidence of systemic embolism (SE) is up to 16% in these patients and international guidelines recommend anticoagulation with vitamin-K antagonists (VKAs). Data on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for LV thrombus is increasing but still with conflicting results.

Methods
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing the efficacy of DOACs versus VKAs in LV thrombus resolution, SE events and/or stroke and bleedings events. We systematically searched PubMed and Cochrane database for studies comparing DOACs versus VKAs as anticoagulant strategy for LV thrombus. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed.

Results
Four studies were included: n= 727 patients (DOACs group – 243 patients vs VKAs group – 484 patients). There is a 40% reduction in the odds for achieving thrombus resolution in the group of patients treated with DOACs (pooled OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.43-0.85; I2 =0%; P = 0.003) - Figure 1A. No difference between groups for the odds of SE and/or stroke was observed during follow-up (pooled OR 1.75; 95% CI 0.92-3.35; I2 =0%; P = 0.09) - Figure 1B. Bleedings events were not different between both anticoagulant strategies (pooled OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.30-1.39; I2= 0%, P = 0.26) - Figure 1C.

Conclusion
Although probably with less efficacy for thrombus resolution, the use of DOAC for LV thrombus does not seem to increase the risk of SE and/or stroke or bleedings events compared to VKAs.
Abstract Figure 1 - Pooled analysis (DOAC vs VKA)
Atrial strain performance in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing successful radio-frequency catheter ablation
Authors: Katbeh A , De Potter T , Geelen P , Nagumo S , Balogh Z , Albano M , Van Camp G , Penicka M 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): International PhD Program in Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Therapeutics CardioPaTh

Background
Radio-frequency catheter ablation (CA) is associated with changes of left atrial (LA) structure and function. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the long-term impact of successful CA on atrial morphology and mechanics.

Purpose
To compare the time course of LA and right atrial (RA) performance in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing the first CA.

Methods
This prospective study included 89 consecutive patients (age:62 ± 21 years; 66% male) with a history of symptomatic AF who underwent successful CA. All patients maintained SR during follow-up. A comprehensive echocardiographic examination was performed 1- day before and 1-day, 3-month and 12-month after CA. The reservoir and contractile strain for both LA and RA (LAS, RAS), and left intra-atrial mechanical dispersion (LAMD) were assessed using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography in all three apical views (only 4CH view for RAS and LAMD).

Results
At baseline, all patients with paroxysmal AF showed a significant reduction of reservoir and contractile LAS and RAS compared with controls (all p &lt; 0.01). CA was associated with a significant decrease in reservoir and contractile LAS while no significant difference was observed for RAS. At 3-month follow-up, the LAS showed full recovery, whereas the RAS did not show any significant change from 1-day post CA values. At 12-month follow-up, both reservoir and contractile LAS showed further improvement compared to baseline and 3-month values. LAMD derived from the LA strain curve followed a similar trend. Although the RA motion was not affected in the early phase, both reservoir and contractile RAS showed a significant increase between 3-month and 12-month follow-up.

Conclusion
Although the radio-frequency CA affected negatively LA performance in the acute phase, it has a long-term positive impact on both left and right atrial function.

Figure
Time course of reservoir and contractile LAS and RAS at Baseline, 1-day, 3-month and 12-month follow-up.
Abstract Figure.
Functional adaptation of the right ventricle to different degrees of the left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with left-sided heart disease: a three-dimensional echocardiography study
Authors: Surkova E , Kovacs A , Tokodi M , Lakatos BK , Muraru D , Badano LP 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background. Right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction in patients with left-sided heart disease is known adverse factor. However, the RV adaptation at the different degrees of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction remains to be clarified.

Purpose
to assess the change in RV contraction pattern in relation to LV ejection fraction (EF) in patients with left-sided heart disease.
Methods. LV and RV volumes and EF were measured by 3D-echocardiography in 295 patients with left-sided heart disease (59 ± 17years, 69% male). The 3D meshmodel of the RV was postprocessed by the ReVISION software and its contraction pattern was decomposed along the longitudinal, radial and anteroposterior directions (Fig. A) providing longitudinal, radial and anteroposterior EF (LEF, REF, AEF). Relative contribution of each component to the RV systolic function was measured as the ratio between LEF, REF and AEF and global RVEF (LEFi, REFi, AEFi).
Results. Patients with LV systolic dysfunction also had reduced RVEF. Relative contribution of the longitudinal and anteroposterior components decreased, while radial component increased in patients with reduced LVEF (Table).
RV LEF and AEF significantly correlated with the LVEF (Rho 0.50 and 0.51, p &lt; 0.0001), while the correlation between REF and LVEF was weak (Rho 0.22, p = 0.0002).
There was a significant drop in LEF and AEF (Fig. B) and their relative contribution to the total RVEF (Fig. C) starting from the earlier stages of LV dysfunction. However, it was effectively compensated by significant increase in the radial RV component resulting in preservation of total RVEF in those with normal, mildly and moderately reduced LVEF (50 [46;54] vs 47 [44;52] vs 46 [42;49]%), whereas total RVEF dropped significantly only in severe LV dysfunction (30 [25;39]%; p &lt; 0.0001) (Fig. D).
Conclusions. The longitudinal and anteroposterior RV contraction was related to the LVEF and decreased from early stages of the LV systolic dysfunction. Increase in the radial component compensated for the loss of longitudinal and anteroposterior RV components in mild and moderate LV dysfunction to maintain total RVEF. Drop in all three components resulted in significant reduction of total RVEF in severe LV dysfunction.
Characteristics of study population Overall (N = 295) LVEF≥50% (N = 166) LVEF &lt; 50% (N = 129) LV EF, % 49.6 ± 14.3 59.9 ± 5.6 36.4 ± 10.9* RV EF, % 46.5 ± 9.2 49.8 ± 6.9 42.3 ± 10.0* RV LEFi 0.42 ± 0.09 0.45 ± 0.09 0.38 ± 0.09* RV REFi 0.47 ± 0.1 0.45 ± 0.1 0.50 ± 0.09* RV AEFi 0.39 ± 0.08 0.41 ± 0.08 0.37 ± 0.07* *p &lt; 0.0001 Abstract Figure.
Retrogated compressed sensing cine in one minute
Authors: Longere B , Grenier L , Pagniez J , Silvestri V , Simeone A , Hennicaux J , Toupin S , Pontana F 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
PURPOSE
Real-time compressed sensing cine (CSrt) provides reliable quantifications for both ventricles but impairs image quality . This aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volumes, ejection fraction and mass quantifications based on a retrogated segmented compressed sensing-fashioned accelerated 2D cine sequence (CSrg). Image quality was also evaluated.
METHOD AND MATERIALS
Thirty patients were enrolled. Each patient underwent the reference retrogated segmented steady-state free precession cine sequence (SSFPref), the first generation real-time CSrt cine and the segmented retrogated prototype CSrg sequence providing the same numbers and positions of slices. Functional parameters quantification was performed on SSFPref and CSrg images sets. Image quality was assessed for the three sequences by using edge sharpness which is an estimate of the edge spread function.
RESULTS

Mean scan times were
SSFPref = 512 ± 15 s, CSrt = 24 ± 5 s and CSrg = 58 ± 15 s. CSrg provided LV and RV functional parameters (end-systolic, end-diastolic, ejection fraction and LV mass) which were not significantly different from the one assessed with SSFPref (p &gt; 0.05). Edge sharpness was significantly better with CSrg (0.083 ± 0.013 pixel-1) than with CSrt (0.070 ± 0.011 pixel-1; p = 0.0004) and not different from the reference techniques (0.075 ± 0.016 pixel-1; p = 0.0516). Inter and intrarater variabilities demonstrated intraclass correlation coefficients over 0.96.

CONCLUSION
CSrg cine provides in one minute an accurate quantification of LV and RV functional parameters without compromising the sharpness of myocardial boarders which was impaired by the first-generation real-time compressed sensing sequence.
Abstract Figure. Image quality and volumes assessment
Can deep learning identify normal coronary flow reserve from rubidium myocardial PET perfusion?
Authors: Hoath J , Menezes LJ , Hamilton O , Endozo R , Wan S , Katramados I , Kayani I , Groves AM 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Impaired vasodilator function is an early manifestation of coronary artery disease (CAD) and may precede angiographic stenosis. Rest and stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) are calculated from dynamic imaging during rest/stress Rubidium (Rb) myocardial PET perfusion. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) equals stress divided by rest MBF. CFR is an independent predictor of cardiac mortality in patients with known or suspected CAD. We evaluated the prediction of CFR from analysis of stress/rest PET images by deep learning (DL) as compared with standard calculation of CFR using supervised learning applied methodology using within a commercial DL training platform.

Methods
1036 patients (625 male, 411 female, mean age: 64.3 years old) were studied. Patients underwent Stress/rest Rb PET perfusion, and CFR calculated using MBF software by an expert user. Abnormal CFR was defined as &lt;2.0. The left ventricle myocardium was segmented using standard software.
DL was trained using polar distribution of normalized PET uptake at stress and rest, processed stress and rest images were cropped, the stress images were then subtracted from the rest images. DL was trained using 935 subtracted images and tested using the remaining 101 images. DL was trained with supervision to classify images. The image shows examples of subtracted abnormal cases (1a & 1b).

Results
Using our supervised training methodology, the commercial MBF software platform reported 465 cases as abnormal, with 48 of these were included in the DL test set. The DL platform produced abnormal output classifiers for all the whole test set. DL accurately detected over 70% of abnormal cases.
The commercial MBF software reported 571 cases as normal; with 50 of these contributing to the DL test set. DL was accurate in 48.0% of normal cases. Statistical results are shown in the table.

Conclusion
We have shown the proof of concept that DL algorithms trained with supervision can detect abnormal CFR. Our work shows that further work is needed to develop supervised learning methodology in order to improve accuracy for clinical use.
Statistical Results Statistic Value Sensitivity 63.16% Specificity 56.67% + Predictive Value 48.00% - Predictive Value 70.83% Accuracy 59.18% Abstract Figure.
The association between coronary graft patency and clinical status in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Gaudino Mario , Di Franco Antonino , Bhatt Deepak L , Alexander John H , Abbate Antonio , Azzalini Lorenzo , Sandner Sigrid , Sharma Garima , Rao Sunil V , Crea Filippo , Fremes Stephen E , Bangalore Sripal 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The concept of a direct association between coronary graft patency and clinical status is generally accepted. However, the relationship is more complex and variable than usually thought. Key issues are the lack of a common definition of graft occlusion and of a standardized imaging protocol for patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. Factors like the type of graft, the timing of the occlusion, and the amount of myocardium at risk, as well as baseline patients’ characteristics, modulate the patency-to-clinical status association. Available evidence suggests that graft occlusion is more often associated with non-fatal events rather than death. Also, graft failure due to competitive flow is generally a benign event, while graft occlusion in a graft-dependent circulation is associated with clinical symptoms. In this systematic review, we summarize the evidence on the association between graft status and clinical outcomes.
Divergence in Coding Sequence and Expression of Different Functional Categories of Immune Genes between Two Wild Rodent Species
Authors: Zhong Xiuqin , Lundberg Max , Råberg Lars 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDifferences in immune function between species could be a result of interspecific divergence in coding sequence and/or expression of immune genes. Here, we investigate how the degree of divergence in coding sequence and expression differs between functional categories of immune genes, and if differences between categories occur independently of other factors (expression level, pleiotropy). To this end, we compared spleen transcriptomes of wild-caught yellow-necked mice and bank voles. Immune genes expressed in the spleen were divided into four categories depending on the function of the encoded protein: pattern recognition receptors (PRR); signal transduction proteins; transcription factors; and cyto- and chemokines and their receptors. Genes encoding PRR and cyto-/chemokines had higher sequence divergence than genes encoding signal transduction proteins and transcription factors, even when controlling for potentially confounding factors. Genes encoding PRR also had higher expression divergence than genes encoding signal transduction proteins and transcription factors. There was a positive correlation between expression divergence and coding sequence divergence, in particular for PRR genes. We propose that this is a result of that divergence in PRR coding sequence leads to divergence in PRR expression through positive feedback of PRR ligand binding on PRR expression. When controlling for sequence divergence, expression divergence of PRR genes did not differ from other categories. Taken together, the results indicate that coding sequence divergence of PRR genes is a major cause of differences in immune function between species.
Intellectual property and essential medicines in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: De Campos-Rudinsky Thana C 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Global justice theorists have widely discussed how the international intellectual property rights regime (i.e., the TRIPs regime of the World Trade Organization) makes it more difficult to achieve the goal of universal access to generic (and more affordable) vital COVID-19 treatments (including potential COVID-19 vaccines). This article argues that while patents can impose certain barriers to universal access to generic COVID-19 treatments, the TRIPs regime itself is an integral part of an equitable global solution to the pandemic. More specifically, it argues that article 31bis of the TRIPs, in allowing for a cooperation strategy predicated on complementary importing and exporting of vital COVID-19 generic treatments, is key for successful pandemic suppression. By providing a normative interpretative analysis of article 31bis in light of the ethical requirements of global justice, and by responding to possible objections to its core argument, this article substantiates the ideal of multilateral solidarity among nations. In times of crisis—not only a crisis of global public health, but also a crisis of multilateralism—this complementary cooperation strategy that article 31bis allows for shows a way forward in upholding the global common good that the international legal order seeks to safeguard.
On the Definition of Irreducible Holomorphic Symplectic Manifolds and Their Singular Analogs
Authors: Schwald Martin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the definition of irreducible holomorphic symplectic manifolds the condition of being simply connected can be replaced by vanishing irregularity. We discuss holomorphic symplectic, finite quotients of complex tori with ${\operatorname{h}}^0(X,\,\Omega ^{[2]}_X)=1$ and their Lagrangian fibrations. Neither $X$ nor the base can be smooth unless $X$ is a $2$-torus.
Optimal feed level during the transition period to achieve faster farrowing and high colostrum yield in sows
Authors: Feyera Takele , Skovmose Sigrid J W , Nielsen Signe E , Vodolazska Darya , Bruun Thomas S , Theil Peter K 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to determine the optimal supply of lactation feed during the transition period to minimize farrowing duration (FD) and maximize colostrum yield (CY) and quality with the overall aim of reducing piglet mortality. A total of 48 sows were stratified for body weight and assigned to six levels of feed supply (1.8, 2.4, 3.1, 3.7, 4.3, and 5.0 kg/d) from day 108 of gestation until 24 h after the onset of farrowing. The number of total born, live-born, and stillborn piglets; birth time and birth weight of each piglet; and frequency of farrowing assistance (FA) was recorded, and blood samples were obtained from newborn piglets at birth. Live-born piglets were further weighed at 12 and 24 h after birth to record weight gain, which in turn was used to estimate intake and yield of colostrum. Colostrum samples were collected at 0, 12, 24, and 36 h after the onset of farrowing. FD was shortest (4.2 h) at intermediate (3.7 kg/d), longest (7.1 to 7.6 h) at low (1.8 and 2.4 kg/d), and intermediate (5.6 to 5.7 h) at high (4.3 and 5.0 kg/d) feed intake (P = 0.004; mean comparison). FA was lowest (0.7% to 0.8%) at intermediate feed intake (3.7 and 4.3 kg/d) and substantially elevated (4.3% to 4.7%) at both lower and higher feed intake (P = 0.01; mean comparison). The cubic contrast revealed 4.1 kg/d as the optimal feed intake to achieve the shortest FD and to minimize FA. Newborn piglets from second-parity sows were less vital than piglets from gilts as evaluated by blood biochemical variables immediately after birth. CY was greatest at 3.1 kg/d (P = 0.04), whereas the cubic contrast revealed 3.0 kg/d as the optimal feed intake to maximize CY. Concentrations of colostral components were affected by the diet, parity, and their interaction except for lactose concentrations. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the importance of proper feed level during the transition period on sow productivity. Moreover, this study estimated 4.1 and 3.0 kg/d as the optimal feed intake during the transition period to improve farrowing characteristic and CY, respectively, and these two feed intake levels supplied daily 38.8 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) and 23.9 g standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (3.0 kg/d) or 53.0 MJ ME and 32.7 g SID lysine (4.1 kg/d). The discrepancy of optimal feed intake for optimal farrowing and colostrum performance suggests that it may be advantageous to lower dietary lysine concentration in the diet fed prepartum.
Brexit and Trade Defence: Effects of a Changed Territory
Authors: Bickel Fabian 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
After the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU), the EU’s trade defence measures no longer applied to the territory of the UK. This means that the UK now applies its own trade defence measures and has transitioned some of the EU’s trade defence measures. The EU applies its trade defence measures to the reduced territory of the EU27, while third parties that had imposed trade defence measures against the EU now apply them against the EU27 and the UK. This article analyses the compatibility of these changed measures with WTO law. It argues first that in principle WTO law allows changes in the territorial scope of trade defence measures if the investigation and imposition of the measures remain attributable to the imposing WTO Member. This defends the EU’s and the UK’s approaches. Second, changed circumstances’ reviews or adaptations of the measures by the EU or the UK may be necessary. However, this happens rarely and only if specific evidence is provided. Third, subject to review or adaptations where warranted, third countries can apply their measures targeting the EU against the EU27 and the UK.
Comparison of performances of different fungal laccases in delignification and detoxification of alkali-pretreated corncob for bioethanol production
Authors: Liu Shenglong , Liu Huan , Shen Chen , Fang Wei , Xiao Yazhong , Fang Zemin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The performance of the alkaline fungal laccase PIE5 (pH 8.5) in the delignification and detoxification of alkali-pretreated corncob to produce bioethanol was evaluated and compared with that of the neutral counterpart (rLcc9, 6.5), with the acidic laccase rLacA (4.0) was used as an independent control. Treatment with the three laccases facilitated bioethanol production compared with their respective controls. The lignin contents of alkali-pretreated corncob reduced from 4.06%, 5.06%, and 7.80% to 3.44%, 3.95%, and 5.03%, after PIE5, rLcc9, and rLacA treatment, respectively. However, the performances of the laccases were in the order rLacA &gt; rLcc9 &gt; PIE5 in terms of decreasing total phenol concentration (0.18, 0.36, and 0.67 g/l), boosting ethanol concentration (8.02, 7.51, and 7.31 g/l), and volumetric ethanol productivity (1.34, 0.94, and 0.91 g/l hr), and shortening overall fermentation time. Our results would inform future attempts to improve laccases for ethanol production. Furthermore, based on our data and the fact that additional procedures, such as pH adjustment, are needed during neutral/alkaline fungal laccase treatment, we suggest acidic fungal laccases may be a better choice than neutral/alkaline fungal laccases in bioethanol production.