bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 and Myocarditis: Findings from Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Endomyocardial Biopsies
Authors: Greulich Simon , Klingel Karin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDiagnosing myocarditis is still challenging due to its varying presentation ranging from none or mild symptoms to sudden cardiac death. Clinical presentation, electrocardiography, and cardiac biomarkers seem not to be sufficient for a reliable diagnosis. In fact, an unequivocal myocardial characterization is needed, applying endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), a technique which demonstrates high accuracy to histology. Besides the assessment of functional parameters (volumes, ejection fraction), established late gadolinium enhancement and recent T1 and T2 mapping techniques including the calculation of extracellular volume fraction allow distinct myocardial tissue analysis by a noninvasive approach without the need of radiation. However, EMB is the only method which allows the identification of the underlying etiology of cardiac inflammation. Since myocardial damage and inflammation seem to be prevalent in a considerable number of patients even in the mid-term range after COVID-19, CMR and EMB seem to be adequate tools to further investigate these findings. In this article, we will (1) review current knowledge about the role of CMR in the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) report about our own EMB findings in COVID-19 patients in the Cardiopathology Center of our University Hospital.
Endometrial Receptivity Testing and Therapy in Assisted Reproductive Treatment
Authors: Polanski Lukasz Tadeusz , Baumgarten Miriam 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAssisted reproductive treatment (ART) gave numerous couples the chance to have their biological child. Improvement in laboratory and culture conditions allows for selection of embryos with the best developmental potential, although replacement of these top-quality embryos does not, however, guarantee reproductive success. Endometrial receptivity is essential for pregnancy establishment and may be the limiting factor for the observed pregnancy rates with ART. Multiple modalities have been in use to assess endometrial receptivity, with ultrasound assessment of the endometrial morphology most commonly used due to its noninvasive nature and availability. Utilization of various “omics” increases our understanding of endometrial receptivity and selectivity; however, significantly more work is required to develop clinically relevant and validated tests of endometrial receptivity and treatments which could improve a suboptimal endometrial milieu. Current evidence for and against use of various tests of endometrial receptivity in women undergoing ART is presented in this article.
Limiting too-big-to-fail: market reactions to policy announcements and actions
Authors: Bellia Mario , Maccaferri Sara , Schich Sebastian 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBanks considered too-big-to-fail (TBTF) tend to benefit from funding cost advantages as their debt is considered implicitly guaranteed by public authorities, even if the latter have undertaken substantial effort to limit TBTF. This paper focuses on the changes in related market perceptions in response to bank regulatory and resolution reform announcements as well as actual failure resolution actions. It analyses how premia on risky bank debt have reacted to such events, using data for senior and subordinated debt CDS quotes for 45 European banks from January 2007 to May 2020. The empirical results are consistent with progress being made in reducing the value of implicit bank debt guarantees, especially on subordinated bank liabilities. Some earlier bank failure resolution actions appeared to significantly raise risk premia, although more recent failure resolution cases either had no effect on risk premia or moved them in the opposite direction. Several of these events consisted of no-action, that is, in particular, they did not entail any bail-in. As opposed to resolution actions, the reactions of risk premia to policy and regulatory announcements are more difficult to explain and no clear pattern seems to be emerging, confirming the view that action speaks louder than words.
Physical compatibility of Normosol-R with critical care medications used in patients with COVID-19 during simulated Y-site administration
Authors: Holyk Amanda A , Lindner Alexandra H , Lindner Scott E , Shippert Brian W 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Purpose
Guidelines from the National Institutes of Health support the use of balanced crystalloid solutions such as Normosol-R (Hospira, Lake Forest, IL) for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, their clinical utility is hindered by a lack of Y-site compatibility data that is essential for use in patients with limited intravenous access. The objective of this study was to determine the physical compatibility of selected intensive care unit medications with Normosol-R.

Methods
The study involved laboratory simulation of Y-site compatibility. Medications tested included amiodarone, caspofungin, dexmedetomidine, dobutamine, dopamine, epinephrine, levofloxacin, norepinephrine, pantoprazole, phenylephrine, piperacillin/tazobactam, vancomycin, and vasopressin. Tests performed were visual assessment with Tyndall light, turbidity measurement, and pH assessment. Tests were performed immediately after mixing (with the exception of turbidity testing) and after 1 hour and 4 hours.

Results
Incompatibility was defined as observation of haze, gas, particulate, or color change or admixture turbidity above 0.3 or above 0.5 nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU), depending on whether the baseline turbidity was less than or greater than 0.5 NTU, respectively. Analysis of solubility and compatibility based on change from baseline to admixture pH in relation to the reported −log of the acid dissociation constant (pKa) was performed. There was no evidence of visual incompatibility for any of the admixtures when mixed with Normosol-R. Turbidity exceeded the defined threshold with pantoprazole, phenylephrine, and highly concentrated norepinephrine. Pantoprazole was the only test medication with a significant pH change when compared to its pKa.

Conclusion
Normosol-R is compatible for Y-site administration with all tested medications except for pantoprazole, phenylephrine, and highly concentrated norepinephrine, allowing for potential increased use in patients with COVID-19.
Rethinking antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients receiving medicinal leech therapy
Authors: McCracken James Andrew , Koehler Steven M , Sharma Roopali 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Purpose
To describe challenges in the management of prophylaxis against infections for patients receiving medicinal leech therapy given changes in antimicrobial resistance patterns in the normal flora of leeches.

Summary
This article presents a patient case of reconstructive surgery complicated by infection associated with the use of medicinal leeches, as well as a discussion of prophylaxis in medicinal leech therapy, focusing on considerations for choosing a prophylactic agent.

Conclusion
Our case report highlights resistance changes in Aeromonas isolates associated with medicinal leeches and the potential for complications if isolates resistant to chosen prophylactic agents arise. When administering antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients receiving medicinal leech therapy, clinicians should be familiar with the susceptibilities of Aeromonas species but also conscious of evolving antimicrobial resistance given the extent of the consequences of infected surgical grafts.
Accessibility of postgraduate training program information to graduates from US doctor of pharmacy programs holding F-1 visas
Authors: Lu Chi-Hua , Rauf Maha , Wasim Ume Farwa , Zhang Qiuyi , Prescott Gina M , Slazak Erin M , Desai Kalpesh J , Bednarczyk Edward M 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate information provided by residency and fellowship programs to graduates of Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education–accredited doctor of pharmacy programs holding F-1 visas who are seeking postgraduate training opportunities.MethodsA 2-phase review of all US-based postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) residency and fellowship programs was conducted. In phase 1, program eligibility criteria were reviewed from the residency and fellowship directories published by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP). In phase 2, the postgraduate programs’ official websites were reviewed for additional information. Each program was evaluated to determine the eligibility of international students with F-1 visa or Optional Practical Training (OPT) status, visa sponsorship and work authorization opportunities, and citizenship requirements. Programs were classified as eligible or noneligible to international students or as not providing sufficient information. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.ResultsA total of 1,455 ASHP PGY1 programs and 69 fellowship programs were included in our analysis. In phase 1, there were 3 eligible programs accepting applicants with F-1/OPT status and 377 noneligible programs. In phase 2, there were 10 eligible programs accepting applicants with F-1/OPT status or providing H-1B sponsorship and 410 noneligible programs. Over 70% of programs (phase 1, n = 1,075; phase 2, n = 1,035) were classified as providing no information. None of the fellowship programs were classified as eligible in our review.ConclusionMost residency and fellowship programs did not provide clear eligibility criteria for students with F-1/OPT status. Only a few programs clearly stated that they would accept applicants with F-1/OPT status or provide visa sponsorship to graduates holding F-1 visas.
Alpha-XIC: a deep neural network for scoring the coelution of peak groups improves peptide identification by data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry
Authors: Song Jian , Yu Changbin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Motivation
The peptide-centric identification methodologies of data-independent acquisition (DIA) data mainly rely on scores for the mass spectrometric signals of targeted peptides. Among these scores, the coelution scores of peak groups constructed by the chromatograms of peptide fragment ions have a significant influence on the identification. Most of the existing coelution scores are achieved by artificially designing some functions in terms of the shape similarity, retention time shift of peak groups. However, these scores cannot characterize the coelution robustly when the peak group is in the circumstance of interference.

Results
On the basis that the neural network is more powerful to learn the implicit features of data robustly from a large number of samples, and thus minimizing the influence of data noise, in this work, we propose Alpha-XIC, a neural network-based model to score the coelution. By learning the characteristics of the coelution of peak groups derived from the being analyzed DIA data, Alpha-XIC is capable of yielding robust coelution scores even for peak groups with interference. With this score appending to initial scores generated by the accompanying identification engine DIA-NN, the ensuing statistical validation can report the identification result and recover the misidentified peptides. In our evaluation of the HeLa dataset with gradient lengths ranging from 0.5 to 2 h, Alpha-XIC delivered 9.4–16.2% improvements in the number of identified precursors at 1% false discovery rate. Furthermore, Alpha-XIC was tested on LFQbench, a mixed-species dataset with known ratios, and increased the number of peptides and proteins fell within valid ratios by up to 16.4% and 17.8%, respectively, compared to the initial identification by DIA-NN.

Availability and implementation
Source code is available at https://github.com/YuAirLab/Alpha-XIC.
BitQT: a graph-based approach to the quality threshold clustering of molecular dynamics
Authors: González-Alemán Roy , Platero-Rochart Daniel , Hernández-Castillo David , Hernández-Rodríguez Erix W , Caballero Julio , Leclerc Fabrice , Montero-Cabrera Luis 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Motivation
Classical Molecular Dynamics (MD) is a standard computational approach to model time-dependent processes at the atomic level. The inherent sparsity of increasingly huge generated trajectories demands clustering algorithms to reduce other post-simulation analysis complexity. The Quality Threshold (QT) variant is an appealing one from the vast number of available clustering methods. It guarantees that all members of a particular cluster will maintain a collective similarity established by a user-defined threshold. Unfortunately, its high computational cost for processing big data limits its application in the molecular simulation field.

Results
In this work, we propose a methodological parallel between QT clustering and another well-known algorithm in the field of Graph Theory, the Maximum Clique Problem. Molecular trajectories are represented as graphs whose nodes designate conformations, while unweighted edges indicate mutual similarity between nodes. The use of a binary-encoded RMSD matrix coupled to the exploitation of bitwise operations to extract clusters significantly contributes to reaching a very affordable algorithm compared to the few implementations of QT for MD available in the literature. Our alternative provides results in good agreement with the exact one while strictly preserving the collective similarity of clusters.

Availability and implementation
The source code and documentation of BitQT are free and publicly available on GitHub (https://github.com/LQCT/BitQT.git) and ReadTheDocs (https://bitqt.readthedocs.io/en/latest/), respectively.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Techniques To Exploit Vulnerabilities: Persuasion And Education In Chinese Police Interrogations
Authors: Mou Yu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDrawing upon in-depth interviews with frontline police officers, this article examines persuasion and education as a psychological interrogation method routinely applied in Chinese police questioning. It analyses the three tactics employed by the interrogators in inducing the suspect to confess, including utilization of suspects’ personal relationships, their hope for the uncertain future and memories of past experiences. These mechanisms correspond to the three forms of universal vulnerability shared by human beings, namely the individuals’ susceptibility to human dependency, the predicament of irreversibility and uncertainty about the future. This article analyses the ways in which vulnerability as a universal human condition can be exploited by state coercion, and how this coercion produces the moral vulnerability of police.
Diapause Termination in Invasive Populations of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Response to Photoperiod
Authors: McDougall Robert N , Ogburn Emily C , Walgenbach James F , Nielsen Anne L 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Understanding cues for diapause termination in insects can be valuable in predicting phenological events in their lifecycles. Once identified, such cues can be utilized as a biofix, the point at which the majority of individuals within a population begin to accumulate degree days. We investigated the impact of photoperiod on completion of reproductive diapause in the invasive eastern North American population of the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), by exposing diapausing females to varying light regimes in otherwise identical environments. The critical photoperiod estimated to initiate reproductive development in at least 50% of the potential reproductive population was 13.0–13.5 h, with increasing photoperiods coinciding with increased probability of females reproducing, earlier time to first oviposition, and higher rates of fecundity. These data on the species’ response to photoperiod are in agreement with previous modeling that predicted the twin constraints of photoperiod and temperature on H. halys reproduction prevents populations that undergo diapause from producing more than two generations annually anywhere within the continental U.S. However, the facultative nature of diapause in H. halys leaves open the possibility that sub-populations may not enter diapause in some conditions, potentially allowing for additional annual generations.
Sex differences in left ventricular remodelling in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Kuneman Jurrien H , Singh Gurpreet K , Milhorini Pio Stephan , Hirasawa Kensuke , Hautemann David , van der Kley Frank , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Knuuti Juhani , Delgado Victoria , Bax Jeroen J 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Aims
Women with severe aortic stenosis (AS) have better long-term outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) but worse survival after surgical aortic valve replacement compared with men. Whether this is related to sex differences in left ventricular (LV) remodelling is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the sex differences in LV remodelling with multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) and outcome in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI between 2007 and 2018.

Methods and results
A total of 289 patients (age 80 ± 6 years, 54% male) were included. LV volumes, mass, and function were analysed on pre-procedural MDCT scans. Women showed smaller LV volumes and mass compared with men. Patients were classified into four LV remodelling patterns: concentric hypertrophy (50%) was the most frequent pattern of LV remodelling followed by eccentric hypertrophy (33%), normal geometry (13%), and concentric remodelling (4%). Men showed more concentric remodelling compared with women (91% vs. 9%, respectively, P = 0.011). However, no differences were observed in the remaining LV remodelling patterns. During a median follow-up of 3.8 (IQR 2.2–5.1) years after TAVI, 87 (30%) patients died. Women demonstrated better outcome after TAVI compared with men (log-rank χ2 = 4.29, P = 0.038). No association was observed between the interaction of the LV remodelling patterns and sex with outcome.

Conclusion
LV concentric hypertrophy and eccentric hypertrophy are similarly observed in men and women with severe AS but concentric remodelling was more common in men. Women demonstrated better outcome after TAVI when compared with men. The interaction between the LV remodelling patterns and sex was not associated with survival.
A case report of pudendal arteries angioplasty with sirolimus drug-coated balloon and drug-eluting stent associated with intracavernous autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells injection for untreatable vasculogenic erectile dysfunction
Authors: Terlizzese Giuseppe , Stubinski Robert , Casini Andrea , Clerici Giacomo , Sangiorgi Giuseppe 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundErectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent health problem that seriously impacts men's quality of life. The potential treatment of ED by percutaneous approach has emerged with valid angiographic results and a significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. In addition, cell-based regenerative therapies aiming at enhancing neovascularization have been successfully performed with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) in diabetic patients affected by critical limb ischaemia.Case summaryWe report a case of a young insulin dependent (ID) diabetic patients who suffered of severe vasculogenic erectile dysfunction associated with a poor response for more than 1 year to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) and intracavernous (IC) phosphodiesterase type 1 (PDE1) therapy. At selective angiography of the pelvic district, a severe atherosclerotic disease of the internal iliac and pudendal artery was evident with absence of distal vascularization of the cavernous bodies. The patient was treated by mechanical revascularization with drug-coated balloon and drug-eluting stent placement associated with IC injection of autologous PBMNCs. Immediate and 1-year clinical and angiographic follow-up are described.DiscussionPercutaneous revascularization with drug-coated balloon and drug-eluting stent associated with IC autologous PBMNCs cells injection is a safe and effective procedure to restore normal erectile function in diabetic patients affected by severe vasculogenic ED not responding to conventional oral drug therapies.
Clinical use of percutaneous mechanical circulatory assistance in a patient with end-stage right-sided heart failure and massive tricuspid insufficiency due to congenital heart disease: first-in-the-world case report
Authors: García Gómez Mario , Uribarri Aitor , San Román Calvar José Alberto , Stepanenko Alexander 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Due to improvement in the management of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), the likelihood of their survival to adulthood is increasing. A relevant population suffers end-stage right ventricular failure (RVF) in their 3rd–4th decade of life. Hence, heart transplantation is still gold standard of treatment of end-stage heart failure, mechanical circulatory assistance has become a valuable tool in the bridging to heart transplant or definitive therapy. Use of implantable short-term or long-term devices is reported by others. However, within this clinical context, presence of significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) or CHD is used as exclusion criteria for insertion of a percutaneous right ventricular circulatory support.

Case summary
We described a 36-year-old patient diagnosed with Ebstein's anomaly and severe TR who is admitted to hospital due to RVF refractory to standard medical treatment. After case presentation to the heart team, an Impella RP device insertion was scheduled, in spite of the presence of TR or CHD after evaluation of pulmonary valve competency and 3D reconstruction with virtual device implantation. During support, the patient improved clinically and haemodynamically. Due to device displacement to the right ventricle, it was bedside explanted after 30 days of support. After mechanical unloading during 30 days patients’ right ventricle recovered partially, permitting patient to improve his functional class.

Discussion
Although TR and CHD are exclusion criteria for the implantation of the Impella RP device, we report clinical experience in patient with Ebstein's anomaly and severe TR supported with percutaneous device as bridge to heart transplantation during 30 days.
Use of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for up-titration of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitor therapy in patients with heart failure: a case series
Authors: Williams Rhys , James Alexander , Ashton Moira , Vaughan Sian , Wong Aaron 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Patients often receive suboptimal dosing of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi) therapy over concerns of hyperkalaemia. However, studies have shown associations between suboptimal dosing or interruptions to therapy and adverse clinical events. Therefore, effective treatments for hyperkalaemia that can enable optimal RAASi therapy are needed. This case series examines eight patients whose commencement on the novel potassium binder sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) allowed for the initiation and/or up-titration of RAASi therapy.

Case summary
Eight patients aged 64–87 years with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction all developed hyperkalaemia (serum potassium (sK+) &gt;5.0 mmol/L) while receiving RAASi therapy. Following initiation of SZC, all patients experienced eventual stabilization of sK+ levels. All patients were able to initiate, restart, or up-titrate RAASi therapy with five patients achieving optimal medical therapy. Left ventricular ejection fraction improved in four patients, two patients are now re-classified as New York Heart Association Class I, and an additional patient had improved exercise tolerance. Follow-up for Patient 8 is still ongoing.

Discussion
These real-world cases demonstrate that use of SZC to manage hyperkalaemia in patients with HF is feasible and allows optimization of RAASi therapy.