bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 infection and acute ischemic stroke in Lombardy, Italy
Authors: Pezzini Alessandro , Grassi Mario , Silvestrelli Giorgio , Locatelli Martina , Rifino Nicola , Beretta Simone , Gamba Massimo , Raimondi Elisa , Giussani Giuditta , Carimati Federico , Sangalli Davide , Corato Manuel , Gerevini Simonetta , Masciocchi Stefano , Cortinovis Matteo , La Gioia Sara , Barbieri Francesca , Mazzoleni Valentina , Pezzini Debora , Bonacina Sonia , Pilotto Andrea , Benussi Alberto , Magoni Mauro , Premi Enrico , Prelle Alessandro Cesare , Agostoni Elio Clemente , Palluzzi Fernando , De Giuli Valeria , Magherini Anna , Roccatagliata Daria Valeria , Vinciguerra Luisa , Puglisi Valentina , Fusi Laura , Diamanti Susanna , Santangelo Francesco , Xhani Rubjona , Pozzi Federico , Grampa Giampiero , Versino Maurizio , Salmaggi Andrea , Marcheselli Simona , Cavallini Anna , Giossi Alessia , Censori Bruno , Ferrarese Carlo , Ciccone Alfonso , Sessa Maria , Padovani Alessandro ,   the STROKOVID group
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objective
To characterize patients with acute ischemic stroke related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and assess the classification performance of clinical and laboratory parameters in predicting in-hospital outcome of these patients.

Methods
In the setting of the STROKOVID study including patients with acute ischemic stroke consecutively admitted to the ten hub hospitals in Lombardy, Italy, between March 8 and April 30, 2020, we compared clinical features of patients with confirmed infection and non-infected patients by logistic regression models and survival analysis. Then, we trained and tested a random forest (RF) binary classifier for the prediction of in-hospital death among patients with COVID-19.

Results
Among 1013 patients, 160 (15.8%) had SARS-CoV-2 infection. Male sex (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.06–2.27) and atrial fibrillation (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.05–2.43) were independently associated with COVID-19 status. Patients with COVID-19 had increased stroke severity at admission [median NIHSS score, 9 (25th to75th percentile, 13) vs 6 (25th to75th percentile, 9)] and increased risk of in-hospital death (38.1% deaths vs 7.2%; HR 3.30; 95% CI 2.17–5.02). The RF model based on six clinical and laboratory parameters exhibited high cross-validated classification accuracy (0.86) and precision (0.87), good recall (0.72) and F1-score (0.79) in predicting in-hospital death.

Conclusions
Ischemic strokes in COVID-19 patients have distinctive risk factor profile and etiology, increased clinical severity and higher in-hospital mortality rate compared to non-COVID-19 patients. A simple model based on clinical and routine laboratory parameters may be useful in identifying ischemic stroke patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who are unlikely to survive the acute phase.
A critical re-analysis of cases of post-transplantation recurrence in genetic nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Mason Anna E. , Saleem Moin A. , Bierzynska Agnieszka 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Genetic defects in podocyte proteins account for up to 30% of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in the paediatric population. Most children with genetic SRNS are resistant to immunosuppression and at high risk of progression to stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Kidney transplantation is often the treatment of choice. The possibility of post-transplantation disease recurrence in genetic SRNS remains controversial, and poses fundamental questions about disease biology.

Methods
We critically evaluated the published cases of post-transplantation recurrence in genetic patients, particularly testing ‘mutations’ against the most recent population variant databases, in order to clarify the diagnoses, and compare the clinical courses and responses to therapy.

Results
Biallelic pathogenic variants in NPHS1 leading to a complete absence of nephrin were the most commonly reported and best understood instance of nephrotic syndrome occurring post-transplantation. This is an immune-mediated process driven by antibody production against the novel nephrin protein in the allograft. We also identified a number of plausible reported cases of post-transplantation recurrence involving pathogenic variants in NPHS2 (8 patients, biallelic), one in WT1 (monoallelic) and one in NUP93 (biallelic). However, the mechanism for recurrence in these cases remains unclear. Other instances of recurrence in genetic disease were difficult to interpret due to differing clinical criteria, inclusion of patients without true pathogenic variants or the influence of other factors on renal outcome.

Conclusions
Overall, post-transplantation recurrence remains very rare in patients with genetic SRNS. It appears to occur later after transplantation than in other patients and usually responds well to plasmapheresis with a good renal outcome.
Genetic factors explain a significant part of associations between adolescent well-being and the social environment
Authors: van de Weijer Margot P. , Pelt Dirk H. M. , van Beijsterveldt Catharina E. M. , Willemsen Gonneke , Bartels Meike 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSocio-environmental factors play an important role in adolescent well-being, but potential genetic contributions to these associations are rarely assessed. To address this gap in the literature, associations between well-being and family conflict and functioning, number of friends, friendship importance and satisfaction, and leisure time variables were studied inN =  ~ 4700 twin pairs from the Netherlands Twin Register, us ing generalized estimating equations and twin-difference scores. When twin-difference scores indicated a role for genetic factors, we used bivariate genetic models to quantify genetic and environmental contributions to these associations. We identify significant associations between well-being and family functioning, family conflict, different leisure time activities, number of friends, and satisfaction with friendships. Additionally, we find evidence for large (73–91%) genetic influence on the associations between well-being and family conflict and functioning, leisure time sport/scouting clubs, and satisfaction with friendships. Finally, findings support the hypothesis of a causal association between well-being and family conflict and functioning. These findings have important implications for research into the social correlates of well-being in adolescence, as not taking genetic factors into account leads to overestimations of the influence of identified correlates and consequently to recommendations of these correlates as intervention targets.
Neural predictive monitoring and a comparison of frequentist and Bayesian approaches
Authors: Bortolussi Luca , Cairoli Francesca , Paoletti Nicola , Smolka Scott A. , Stoller Scott D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNeural state classification (NSC) is a recently proposed method for runtime predictive monitoring of hybrid automata (HA) using deep neural networks (DNNs). NSC trains a DNN as an approximate reachability predictor that labels an HA state x as positive if an unsafe state is reachable from x within a given time bound, and labels x as negative otherwise. NSC predictors have very high accuracy, yet are prone to prediction errors that can negatively impact reliability. To overcome this limitation, we present neural predictive monitoring (NPM), a technique that complements NSC predictions with estimates of the predictive uncertainty. These measures yield principled criteria for the rejection of predictions likely to be incorrect, without knowing the true reachability values. We also present an active learning method that significantly reduces the NSC predictor’s error rate and the percentage of rejected predictions. We develop two versions of NPM based, respectively, on the use of frequentist and Bayesian techniques to learn the predictor and the rejection rule. Both versions are highly efficient, with computation times on the order of milliseconds, and effective, managing in our experimental evaluation to successfully reject almost all incorrect predictions. In our experiments on a benchmark suite of six hybrid systems, we found that the frequentist approach consistently outperforms the Bayesian one. We also observed that the Bayesian approach is less practical, requiring a careful and problem-specific choice of hyperparameters.
Charcot knee — presentation, diagnosis, management — a scoping review
Authors: Lu Victor , Zhang James , Thahir Azeem , Zhou Andrew , Krkovic Matija 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundCharcot arthropathy is a progressive, non-infectious, destructive inflammatory process. Charcot arthropathy of the knee (CK) is rare and diagnosis is often delayed, resulting in detrimental outcomes. This scoping review aims to investigate the literature on CK, present the pathognomonic features of CK to aid early diagnosis, and suggest gaps in the literature for future research.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science for literature relevant to CK was performed. Primary studies such as case reports, case series, retrospective studies were included. Review articles and animal studies were excluded.ResultsOf the 513 results, 58 were included in qualitative synthesis. Average time from symptom onset to CK diagnosis was 50.5 months. Eighteen and twenty-one studies included patients who had diabetes mellitus and syphilis, respectively. Twenty-one studies reported pain as a presenting complaint, but the degree of pain didn’t correspond with the level of destruction. Oedema and joint effusion were noticed in 34 studies. Twenty-nine studies reported lower limb hypoesthesia and 17 studies reported decreased tendon reflex. Twenty-eight studies reported initial conservative treatment, often in a knee brace with minimal weight bearing, 9 of which needed subsequent surgical management. Twelve studies utilised arthrodesis, with fracture at the intramedullary nail entry site being the most common complication. Twenty-four studies utilised TKA.ConclusionThe literature on CK remains sparse, with most publications being case reports. Given that CK dramatically reduces quality of life, increases morbidity of patients, there is need for more literature on evidence-based options for early diagnoses and management.
In vitro testing of explanted shunt valves in hydrocephalic patients with suspected valve malfunction
Authors: Bettag Christoph , von der Brelie Christian , Freimann Florian Baptist , Thomale Ulrich-Wilhelm , Rohde Veit , Fiss Ingo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDiagnosis of symptomatic valve malfunction in hydrocephalic patients treated with VP-Shunt (VPS) might be difficult. Clinical symptoms such as headache or nausea are nonspecific, hence cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) over- or underdrainage can only be suspected but not proven. Knowledge concerning valve malfunction is still limited. We aim to provide data on the flow characteristics of explanted shunt valves in patients with suspected valve malfunction. An in vitro shunt laboratory setup was used to analyze the explanted valves under conditions similar to those in an implanted VPS. The differential pressure (DP) of the valve was adjusted stepwise to 20, 10, 6, and 4 cmH2O. The flow rate of the explanted and the regular flow rate of an identical reference valve were evaluated at the respective DPs. Twelve valves of different types (Codman CertasPlus valve n = 3, Miethke Shuntassistant valve n = 4, Codman Hakim programmable valve n = 3, DP component of Miethke proGAV 2.0 valve n = 2) from eight hydrocephalic patients (four male), in whom valve malfunction was assumed between 2016 and 2017, were replaced with a new valve. Four patients suffered from idiopathic normal pressure (iNPH), three patients from malresorptive and one patient from obstructive hydrocephalus. Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.001) of the flow rate between each explanted valve and their corresponding reference valve, at each DP. In all patients, significant alterations of flow rates were demonstrated, verifying a valve malfunction, which could not be objectified by the diagnostic tools used in the clinical routine. In cases with obscure clinical VPS insufficiency, valve deficiency should be considered.
Convolutional neural networks (CNNs): concepts and applications in pharmacogenomics
Authors: Vaz Joel Markus , Balaji S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractConvolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been used to extract information from various datasets of different dimensions. This approach has led to accurate interpretations in several subfields of biological research, like pharmacogenomics, addressing issues previously faced by other computational methods. With the rising attention for personalized and precision medicine, scientists and clinicians have now turned to artificial intelligence systems to provide them with solutions for therapeutics development. CNNs have already provided valuable insights into biological data transformation. Due to the rise of interest in precision and personalized medicine, in this review, we have provided a brief overview of the possibilities of implementing CNNs as an effective tool for analyzing one-dimensional biological data, such as nucleotide and protein sequences, as well as small molecular data, e.g., simplified molecular-input line-entry specification, InChI, binary fingerprints, etc., to categorize the models based on their objective and also highlight various challenges. The review is organized into specific research domains that participate in pharmacogenomics for a more comprehensive understanding. Furthermore, the future intentions of deep learning are outlined.
Metabolic reprogramming of inner ear cell line HEI-OC1 after dexamethasone application
Authors: Kather Michel , Koitzsch Sabine , Breit Bernhard , Plontke Stefan , Kammerer Bernd , Liebau Arne 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Introduction
One approach to dampen the inflammatory reactions resulting from implantation surgery of cochlear implant hearing aids is to embed dexamethasone into the matrix of the electrode carrier. Possible side effects for sensory cells in the inner ear on the metabolomics have not yet been evaluated.

Objective
We examined changes in the metabolome of the HEI-OC1 cell line after dexamethasone incubation as a cell model of sensory cells of the inner ear.

Results and Conclusion
Untargeted GC–MS-profiling of metabolic alterations after dexamethasone treatment showed that dexamethasone had antithetical effects on the metabolic signature of the cells depending on growth conditions. The differentiated state of HEI-OC1 cells is better suited for elucidating metabolic changes induced by external factors. Dexamethasone treatment of differentiated cells led to an increase in intracellular amino acids and enhanced glucose uptake and β-oxidation in the cells. Increased availability of precursors for glycolysis and ATP production by β-oxidation stabilizes the energy supply in the cells, which could be assumed to be beneficial in coping with cellular stress. We found no negative effects of dexamethasone on the metabolic level, and changes may even prepare sensory cells to better overcome cellular stress following implantation surgery.
Quantification and distribution of 4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl (4-FiBF) in postmortem biological samples using UHPLC–QqQ-MS/MS
Authors: Zawadzki Marcin , Wachełko Olga , Chłopaś-Konowałek Agnieszka , Szpot Paweł 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Development of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method for quantification of 4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl (4-FiBF) and its distribution in postmortem biological samples in four fatal intoxication cases, which occurred in September 2018, in Poland.

Methods
Biological fluids (blood, urine, vitreous humor, bile, gastric content) and tissues (brain, kidney, liver, stomach wall) were extracted with ethyl acetate from alkaline medium (pH 9). Fentanyl-d5 was used as internal standard.

Results
The validation parameters were as follows: lower limit of quantification: 0.1 ng/mL (biological fluids) and 0.1 ng/g (solid tissues), intra- and inter-day accuracies and precisions: not greater than 20%; recovery values: 86.9–110%; matrix effect: − 13.1–10.4%. Among all tested biological fluid, the highest concentration of 4-FiBF was found in bile (average concentration of 3390 ng/mL) while among the tissues, in liver (average concentration of 1650 ng/g). Furthermore, in collected specimens, there were also found other drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) e.g. N-ethylpentylon, 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC) and α-pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone (α-PiHP). Concentrations and distributions of these substances in postmortem samples have been also detailed. Examinations of seized drug (in case 4) revealed that it included the mix of 4-FiBF and α-PiHP.

Conclusions
The developed and fully validated method enabled for determination of 4-FiBF in postmortem biological fluids and tissues. To our knowledge, this is the first report of distribution study of 4-FiBF with other NPS (N-ethylpentylon, 4-CMC and α-PiHP) in authentic fatal intoxication cases.
An intuitive surgical handle design for robotic neurosurgery
Authors: Dimitrakakis Emmanouil , Lindenroth Lukas , Dwyer George , Aylmore Holly , Dorward Neil L. , Marcus Hani J. , Stoyanov Danail 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Purpose

The expanded endoscopic endonasal approach, a representative example of keyhole brain surgery, allows access to the pituitary gland and surrounding areas through the nasal and sphenoid cavities. Manipulating rigid instruments through these constrained spaces makes this approach technically challenging, and thus, a handheld robotic instrument could expand the surgeon’s capabilities. In this study, we present an intuitive handle prototype for such a robotic instrument.

Methods

We have designed and fabricated a surgical instrument handle prototype that maps the surgeon’s wrist directly to the robot joints. To alleviate the surgeon’s wrist of any excessive strain and fatigue, the tool is mounted on the surgeon’s forearm, making it parallel with the instrument’s shaft. To evaluate the handle’s performance and limitations, we constructed a surgical task simulator and compared our novel handle with a standard neurosurgical tool, with the tasks being performed by a consultant neurosurgeon.

Results

While using the proposed handle, the surgeon’s average success rate was $$80\%$$

80
%

, compared to $$41\%$$

41
%

when using a conventional tool. Additionally, the surgeon’s body posture while using the suggested prototype was deemed acceptable by the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment ergonomic survey, while early results indicate the absence of a learning curve.

Conclusions

Based on these preliminary results, the proposed handle prototype could offer an improvement over current neurosurgical tools and procedural ergonomics. By redirecting forces applied during the procedure to the forearm of the surgeon, and allowing for intuitive surgeon wrist to robot-joints movement mapping without compromising the robotic end effector’s expanded workspace, we believe that this handle could prove a substantial step toward improved neurosurgical instrumentation.
On the rate of convergence of alternating minimization for non-smooth non-strongly convex optimization in Banach spaces
Authors: Both Jakub Wiktor 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, the convergence of the fundamental alternating minimization is established for non-smooth non-strongly convex optimization problems in Banach spaces, and novel rates of convergence are provided. As objective function a composition of a smooth, and a block-separable, non-smooth part is considered, covering a large range of applications. For the former, three different relaxations of strong convexity are considered: (i) quasi-strong convexity; (ii) quadratic functional growth; and (iii) plain convexity. With new and improved rates benefiting from both separate steps of the scheme, linear convergence is proved for (i) and (ii), whereas sublinear convergence is showed for (iii).
A Robust Image Processing Algorithm for Optical-Based Stress–Strain Curve Corrections after Necking
Authors: Lu Feng , Mánik Tomáš , Lægreid Andersen Ida , Holmedal Bjørn 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTo determine the stress–strain curve of a ductile material up to the fracture from a tensile test, the necking contour is measured by an optical measurement technique. The radius of the minimal cross-sectional area and the radius of curvature are used as input for analytical necking corrections of the stress–strain curve, as well as for finite element inverse simulations. Due to the increasing surface roughness that develops during testing, a precise determination of the specimen contour is very challenging. This is crucial, since the second derivative is required for estimating the radius of curvature. A dedicated contour-tracking algorithm was developed to deal with the surface roughness and a specimen painted white with black background was found to provide enough contrast. The new algorithm was implemented in a software, which is made available as open source. Tests were made for an isotropic, commercially pure aluminum alloy and for an axisymmetric, peak aged AA6082 alloy, based on image recording by a digital camera and synchronized force measurements. Modeling by finite element simulations was performed to assess the accuracy of analytical corrections of the stress–strain curves by inverse modeling and for designing a robust contour-tracking algorithm.
Modeling of cutting forces in trochoidal milling with respect to wear-dependent topographic changes
Authors: Bergmann Jim A. , Potthoff Nils , Rickhoff Tobias , Wiederkehr Petra 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe aerospace industry utilizes nickel-based super-alloys due to its high level of strength and corrosion resistance. To evaluate milling strategies regarding tool wear, the prediction of forces during these cutting operations is essential. This comprises the determination of the undeformed chip thickness. Due to the complex interdependencies of tool engagements, the determination of these thicknesses is challenging. A geometric physically-based simulation system was extended by a novel time-discrete envelope model to increase the precision of the calculated undeformed chip thicknesses. In order to take tool wear into account, digitized topographies of cutting inserts in different states of tool wear were modelled.
Echogenic Fetal Heart Without Conduction Defect in Maternal Autoimmune Disease: A Lesser Known Association
Authors: Tamhane Tejas , Baliga Pundalik , Chidambarathanu Shanthi , Suresh Indrani , Seshadri Suresh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPositive anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies in pregnant mothers are strongly associated with fetal congenital heart block (CHB). Increased echogenicity of fetal endo-myocardium is one of the lesser known manifestations of maternal autoimmune disease. In this retrospective analysis of data from the last ten years (2010–2019) at our fetal medicine unit, we identified nine fetuses presenting in the second trimester with isolated increased echogenicity of the endo-myocardium without CHB. In three cases, mothers had a pre-existing autoimmune disease. The others were diagnosed with positive autoimmune antibodies following evaluation for the echogenic fetal heart. One fetus developed a first-degree heart block at 33 weeks and another had a second-degree heart block three weeks after presentation. There was no fetal mortality. All were live-born. One fetus with tachycardia and ventricular dysfunction died within a few days of birth. Both babies with heart block are stable and on medical follow-up, while others remain asymptomatic with a normal rhythm. There seems a spectrum of fetal disease caused by maternal auto-antibodies affecting the endo-myocardium but sparing the conduction system. In fetuses with echogenic hearts, evaluation of maternal autoimmune status should be part of the protocol for optimal fetal and maternal care.