bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Junctional rhythm produces retrograde flow in the whole Fontan system: cardiac magnetic resonance–derived flow documentation—a case report
Authors: Ferrari Irene , Shehu Nerejda , Stern Heiko , Meierhofer Christian 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundArrhythmias after palliation of congenital malformations with functional monoventricle by different Fontan modifications are very common. Sinus node dysfunction and junctional rhythm are known to have a high prevalence and a detrimental impact on the optimal functioning of Fontan circulations. Maintaining sinus node function has high prognostic significance, and some cases have even been described where atrial pacing with restoring of atrioventricular synchrony was able to reverse protein-losing enteropathy with overt failure of the Fontan.Case summaryA 12-year-old boy with a complex congenital malformation (double outlet right ventricle, transposition of the great arteries, pulmonary stenosis, and straddling atrioventricular valve) palliated through a modified Fontan (total cavopulmonary connection with a fenestrated extracardiac 18 mm Gore-Tex conduit) presented for cardiac magnetic resonance evaluation for mild asthenia and worsening of exercise tolerance. Flow profiles in all the regions of the Fontan (both caval veins and right and left pulmonary arteries) showed a small amount of retrograde flow; a four-chamber cine sequence clearly showed contraction of the atria against closed atrioventricular valve; this haemodynamic condition can be caused either by retro-conducted junctional rhythm (previously demonstrated in our patient) or by isorhythmic dissociation of sinus rhythm.DiscussionOur finding directly demonstrates the profound impact of retro-conducted junctional rhythm on the haemodynamic of a Fontan circulation in which, with each cardiac beat, the pressure rise in the atria and pulmonary veins due to atrial contraction with closed atrioventricular valves is able to stop and invert the passive flow of the systemic venous return towards the lungs.
Safety and efficacy of surgical correction of anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries: experiences from 2 tertiary cardiac centres
Authors: Pregaldini Fabio , Widenka Hannah , Barghout Mohamed , Gräni Christoph , Czerny Martin , Kari Fabian A , Chikvatia Salome , Kadner Alexander , Siepe Matthias 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study aims to describe the outcomes of surgical correction for anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery (AAOCA) with regard to symptom relief.

METHODS
We performed a retrospective multicentre study including surgical patients who underwent correction for AAOCA between 2009 and 2022. Patients who underwent concomitant cardiac procedures were also included. However, to analyse symptom relief, we only assessed the subgroup of symptomatic patients who underwent isolated correction for AAOCA.

RESULTS
A total of 71 consecutive patients (median age 55, range 12–83) who underwent surgical correction for AAOCA were included in the study. Right-AAOCA was present in 56 patients (79%), left-AAOCA in 11 patients (15%) and single coronary ostium AAOCA in 4 patients (6%). Coronary unroofing was performed in 72% of the patients, coronary reimplantation in 28% and an additional neo-ostium patchplasty in 13% of the patients. In 39% of the patients, a concomitant cardiac procedure was performed. During follow-up, no cardiovascular-related death was observed. Three patients (4.2%) had a myocardial infarction and underwent postoperative coronary artery bypass grafting. Six patients (8.5%) needed postoperative temporary mechanical circulatory support. Among the 34 symptomatic patients who underwent isolated AAOCA correction, 70% were completely asymptomatic after surgery, 12% showed symptom improvement and no symptom improvement was observed in 18% of the patients (median follow-up 3.5 years, range 0.3–11.1).

CONCLUSIONS
Correction for AAOCA can be safely performed with or without concomitant cardiac procedures. Performing AAOCA correction leads to a significant improvement in symptoms for most patients.
The 26 November 2019 Durrës earthquake, Albania: coseismic displacements and occurrence of slow slip events in the year following the earthquake
Authors: Matraku Kristina , Jouanne François , Dushi Edmond , Koçi Rexhep , Kuka Neki , Grandin Raphael , Bascou Pascale 
Published: March 2023

SUMMARYOuter Albanides experienced a seismic sequence starting on 21 September 2019, with an Mw 5.6 earthquake, considered a foreshock, and culminated with the main shock on 26 November 2019, followed by a paramount aftershock activity. We propose a model for the coseismic slip distribution using InSAR, permanent, and campaign GNSS measurements. We tested two hypotheses: an earthquake on a thrust plane with the direction N160° and along with a back thrust. By varying the depth and dip angle for the first hypothesis and only the dip angle for the second hypothesis, we concluded the optimal solution is a blind thrust at a 15-km depth dipping eastward 40°, a maximum slip of 1.4 m and an Mw 6.38. A GNSS time-series obtained after 2020 shows two slow slip events (SSEs): the first one is 200 d after the main shock up to 26 d, and the second one is 300 d after the main shock up to 28 d. We tested three hypotheses: SSE along the basement thrust where the main shock has been localized, SSE along the flat formed by the detachment layer of the cover, and SSE along these two faults. We concluded that SSE occurred along the detachment layer or along the two faults.
Examining the computation of the underlying components of DALYs
Authors: Verguet Stéphane , Chakrabarti Averi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) capture the mortality and morbidity arising from a disease: they incorporate the years of life lost (YLLs) and the years of life lived with disability (YLD) due to a disease. The relative importance of YLLs and YLDs differs across diseases. The magnitudes of YLLs and YLDs depend on parameters such as the age of onset of disease, duration of disease, the case fatality ratio and disability weight. In this paper, we examine the mathematical computation of the DALY and its underlying components, YLDs and YLLs. We aim to demonstrate under which circumstances (e.g. sets of input parameters) disease-specific YLDs and YLLs become sizeable relative to one another using the parameters of a set of diseases in low-income country settings. Researchers could then focus on understanding the key inputs that drive the relative extents of YLDs and YLLs (e.g. determine whether a detailed estimation of disability weights is essential), while maintaining DALYs as their key outcome metric consistent with disease burden assessments.
Applications of a space-time FOSLS formulation for parabolic PDEs
Authors: Gantner Gregor , Stevenson Rob 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In this work, we show that the space-time first-order system least-squares formulation (Führer, T. & Karkulik, M. (2021) Space–time least-squares finite elements for parabolic equations. Comput. Math. Appl.92, 27–36) for the heat equation and its recent generalization (Gantner, G. & Stevenson, R. (2021) Further results on a space-time FOSLS formulation of parabolic PDEs. ESAIM Math. Model. Numer. Anal.55, 283–299) to arbitrary second-order parabolic partial differential equations can be used to efficiently solve parameter-dependent problems, optimal control problems and problems on time-dependent spatial domains.
A systems approach evaluating the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern mutations on CD8+ T cell responses
Authors: Buckley Paul R , Lee Chloe H , Antanaviciute Agne , Simmons Alison , Koohy Hashem 
Published: March 2023

Summary
T cell recognition of SARS-CoV-2 antigens after vaccination and/or natural infection has played a central role in resolving SARS-CoV-2 infections and generating adaptive immune memory. However, the clinical impact of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses is variable and the mechanisms underlying T cell interaction with target antigens are not fully understood. This is especially true given the virus’ rapid evolution, which leads to new variants with immune escape capacity. In this study, we used the Omicron variant as a model organism and took a systems approach to evaluate the impact of mutations on CD8+ T cell immunogenicity. We computed an immunogenicity potential score for each SARS-CoV-2 peptide antigen from the ancestral strain and Omicron, capturing both antigen presentation and T cell recognition probabilities. By comparing ancestral vs. Omicron immunogenicity scores, we reveal a divergent and heterogeneous landscape of impact for CD8+ T cell recognition of mutated targets in Omicron variants. While T cell recognition of Omicron peptides is broadly preserved, we observed mutated peptides with deteriorated immunogenicity that may assist breakthrough infection in some individuals. We then combined our scoring scheme with an in silico mutagenesis, to characterise the position- and residue-specific theoretical mutational impact on immunogenicity. While we predict many escape trajectories from the theoretical landscape of substitutions, our study suggests that Omicron mutations in T cell epitopes did not develop under cell-mediated pressure. Our study provides a generalisable platform for fostering a deeper understanding of existing and novel variant impact on antigen-specific vaccine- and/or infection-induced T cell immunity.
Teicoplanin and vancomycin as treatment for glycopeptide-susceptible Enterococcus faecium bacteraemia: a propensity score-adjusted non-inferior comparative study
Authors: Yamaguchi Ryo , Yamamoto Takehito , Okamoto Koh , Harada Sohei , Echizenya Miho , Tsutsumi Takeya , Takada Tappei 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Limited evidence is available regarding alternative therapeutic agents to vancomycin in treating glycopeptide-susceptible Enterococcus faecium (GSEF) bacteraemia. This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of teicoplanin compared with vancomycin for treating GSEF bacteraemia.

Patients and methods
This was a retrospective, non-inferiority cohort study. Patients aged ≥18 years who developed GSEF bacteraemia and received either teicoplanin or vancomycin were included. The primary effectiveness outcome was the clinical success at the end of treatment, with a generalized linear model using the propensity score for selecting the agent as a covariate. We used an absolute difference of 20% in clinical success as the non-inferiority margin. Using multivariable logistic regression, the primary safety outcome was the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI).

Results
In total, 164 patients (74 and 90 in the teicoplanin and vancomycin groups, respectively) were included. Overall, 64.9% (48/74) and 48.9% (44/90) of patients in the teicoplanin and vancomycin groups, respectively, achieved the primary effectiveness outcome. A generalized linear analysis showed an adjusted effectiveness difference of 9.9% (95% CI, −0.9% to 20.0%; P = 0.07), indicating non-inferiority of teicoplanin versus vancomycin. The incidence of AKI was 8.1% (6/74) and 24.4% (22/90) in the teicoplanin and vancomycin groups, respectively, with an adjusted OR of 0.242 (95% CI, 0.068 to 0.864; P = 0.029), indicating significantly lower AKI risk in the teicoplanin than in the vancomycin group.

Conclusions
Teicoplanin is a safe and useful alternative therapeutic agent for treating GSEF bacteraemia.
Validation of an administrative algorithm for transgender and gender diverse persons against self-report data in electronic health records
Authors: Streed Carl G , King Dana , Grasso Chris , Reisner Sari L , Mayer Kenneth H , Jasuja Guneet K , Poteat Tonia , Mukherjee Monica , Shapira-Daniels Ayelet , Cabral Howard , Tangpricha Vin , Paasche-Orlow Michael K , Benjamin Emelia J 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo adapt and validate an algorithm to ascertain transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients within electronic health record (EHR) data.MethodsUsing a previously unvalidated algorithm of identifying TGD persons within administrative claims data in a multistep, hierarchical process, we validated this algorithm in an EHR data set with self-reported gender identity.ResultsWithin an EHR data set of 52 746 adults with self-reported gender identity (gold standard) a previously unvalidated algorithm to identify TGD persons via TGD-related diagnosis and procedure codes, and gender-affirming hormone therapy prescription data had a sensitivity of 87.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 86.4–88.2), specificity of 98.7% (95% CI 98.6–98.8), positive predictive value (PPV) of 88.7% (95% CI 87.9–89.4), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.5% (95% CI 98.4–98.6). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.930 (95% CI 0.925–0.935). Steps to further categorize patients as presumably TGD men versus women based on prescription data performed well: sensitivity of 97.6%, specificity of 92.7%, PPV of 93.2%, and NPV of 97.4%. The AUC was 0.95 (95% CI 0.94–0.96).ConclusionsIn the absence of self-reported gender identity data, an algorithm to identify TGD patients in administrative data using TGD-related diagnosis and procedure codes, and gender-affirming hormone prescriptions performs well.
Improved Stability-Indicating RP-UPLC Method for the Levamisole Hydrochloride Assay and Estimation of Its Related Compounds
Authors: Adhikari Sarju , Rustum Abu M 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Levamisole hydrochloride (LVM) is an anthelmintic drug substance with immunomodulatory and anticancer activities. LVM has also found usage as a cutting agent in street cocaine.

Objective
This study was aimed to develop and validate an alternative and improved stability-indicating reversed-phase ultraperformance liquid chromatography (RP-UPLC) method for the determination of LVM and the estimation of its related compounds.

Method
The UPLC method for the assay was optimized in terms of organic solvents consumed, pH, column temperature, and flow rate. Determination of LVM and its related compounds was performed using a gradient elution on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C18 (50 mm × 2.1 mm i.d., 130 Å). The column temperature was maintained at 35°C. Mobile phase A was composed of aqueous 5 mM ammonium hydroxide, and mobile phase B was composed of acetonitrile. All the analytes were monitored by UV detection at 215 nm with a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. The total runtime of the method with column equilibration is 4.0 min.

Results
The developed method met all the acceptance criteria of the current International Council for Harmonization [ICH Q2 (R1)] guidelines. The method was tested in terms of specificity, linearity (R2 &gt; 0.999), limit of detection (LOD; 0.06 μg/mL), limit of quantitation (LOQ; 0.2 μg/mL), accuracy, precision, and robustness. With a short analysis time (&lt;2.5 min) and reduced consumption of organic solvents, the proposed method is considered a greener alternative to conventional chromatographic methods.

Conclusions
An alternative and improved UPLC method was successfully developed and validated in accordance with the ICH guidelines for the determination of LVM and the estimation of its related compounds.

Highlights
Due to its high degree of selectivity, speed, and accuracy, the developed method can significantly benefit the end-users with laboratory efficiency and throughput during routine analysis of production batches and stability monitoring of LVM-related drug products.
A Novel, Sustainable, and Eco-Friendly Spectrophotometric and Chemometric Approach for Determination of Severely Overlapped Spectrum via Unified Regression Equation: Greenness and Whiteness Assessment
Authors: Magdy Ragaa , Fares Nermine V , Farouk Maha , Hemdan Ahmed 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Nebivolol and valsartan (VAL) in combination with each other successfully control blood pressure and improve hypertension patient outcomes.

Objective
To develop and validate innovative, simple, and sustainable spectrophotometric methods for the simultaneous analysis of nebivolol and valsartan.

Method
The new modified difference amplitude modulation (MD-AM) method uses only unified regression equation and does not require any resolution techniques. Other different approaches were also applied for the determination of the same mixture including univariate and multivariate spectrophotometric methods. The multivariate methods were PLS and PCR, whereas the univariate methods were derivative ratio (DD1), ratio difference (RD), constant center (CC), constant center spectrum subtraction (CC-SS), constant value coupled with amplitude difference (CV-AD), advanced concentration value (ACV), and amplitude difference (AD). The proposed methods use a green solvent; thus, the environmental impact of the presented procedures was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively using six well-known evaluation tools.

Results
All methods were applied successfully for the analysis of the studied drugs in their bulk powder, pharmaceutical dosage form Byvalson®, and in vitro release at intestinal pH (7.4) using a USP dissolution tester. Results obtained were compared statistically with the reported method and with each other using a one-way ANOVA statistical test, and no significant differences were found.

Conclusions
All green and white analytical chemistry evaluation tools results confirm the safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of the approaches, indicating that the methods are regarded green and sustainable. Results were agreeable, encouraging their applicability in quality control laboratories for dosage form and making these methods an eco-friendly substitute for the analysis of this combined dosage form and for evaluating the dissolution profile.

Highlights
For the first time, a severely overlapped spectrum was determined using a unified regression equation without the need of extended part or zero contribution regions by the novel method MD-AM. The proposed methods are the first study of in vitro dissolution profiling of nebivolol hydrochloride (NEB) and VAL and the first sustainable and green methods applied without compromising the analytical criteria.
Response to acute hyperglycemia and high fructose in cultured tenocytes
Authors: Kuan Rebecca , Nath Shilpa , Agrawal Devendra K , Thankam Finosh G 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
High monosaccharide levels are intimately associated with diabetes and impact tendon cells through inflammation and impairment in metabolic homeostasis. Experiments were designed to understand the responses elicited by cultured tenocytes under monosaccharide stress induced by hyperglycemia and hyperfructosemia. We simulated hyperglycemia and hyperfructosemia in vitro by treating tenocytes with media containing sublethal concentrations of glucose and fructose, respectively. Exposure of tenocytes to high glucose and high fructose altered the levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL10 and IL-17A. AMPK expression was increased in high-glucose and decreased in high-fructose groups. High fructose increased the level of IRS-1 compared with the control. Increased mitochondrial superoxide levels and compromised mitochondrial membrane integrity were exhibited by both the groups. The findings from the network analysis revealed many altered genes that are related to pathways for enzyme-linked receptor protein signaling, positive regulation of metabolic processes, transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase pathway, insulin receptor signaling and regulation of cytokine production. Overall, the data suggest that the tenocytes under high monosaccharide levels exhibit survival responses by altering the expression status of cytokines and metabolic mediators that are involved in the underlying pathogenesis of tendinopathy.
iPS cell–derived model to study the interaction between tissue macrophage and HIV-1
Authors: Eltalkhawy Youssef M , Takahashi Naofumi , Ariumi Yasuo , Shimizu Jun , Miyazaki Kazuo , Senju Satoru , Suzu Shinya 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Despite effective antiretroviral therapy, HIV-1 persists in cells, including macrophages, which is an obstacle to cure. However, the precise role of macrophages in HIV-1 infection remains unclear because they reside in tissues that are not easily accessible. Monocyte-derived macrophages are widely used as a model in which peripheral blood monocytes are cultured and differentiated into macrophages. However, another model is needed because recent studies revealed that most macrophages in adult tissues originate from the yolk sac and fetal liver precursors rather than monocytes, and the embryonic macrophages possess a self-renewal (proliferating) capacity that monocyte-derived macrophages lack. Here, we show that human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived immortalized macrophage-like cells are a useful self-renewing macrophage model. They proliferate in a cytokine-dependent manner, retain macrophage functions, support HIV-1 replication, and exhibit infected monocyte-derived macrophage–like phenotypes, such as enhanced tunneling nanotube formation and cell motility, as well as resistance to a viral cytopathic effect. However, several differences are also observed between monocyte-derived macrophages and induced pluripotent stem cell–derived immortalized macrophage-like cells, most of which can be explained by the proliferation of induced pluripotent stem cell–derived immortalized macrophage-like cells. For instance, proviruses with large internal deletions, which increased over time in individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy, are enriched more rapidly in induced pluripotent stem cell–derived immortalized macrophage-like cells. Interestingly, inhibition of viral transcription by HIV-1–suppressing agents is more obvious in induced pluripotent stem cell–derived immortalized macrophage-like cells. Collectively, our present study proposes that the model of induced pluripotent stem cell–derived immortalized macrophage-like cells is suitable for mimicking the interplay between HIV-1 and self-renewing tissue macrophages, the newly recognized major population in most tissues that cannot be fully modeled by monocyte-derived macrophages alone.
Reproduction drives changes in space use and habitat selection in a highly adaptable invasive mammal
Authors: Chinn Sarah M , Hepinstall-Cymerman Jeffrey , Beasley James C 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
For ungulates, it is not well understood how the interaction between habitat and reproduction affects movement behavior, space use, and habitat selection. We used known parturition (farrowing) data to validate First Passage Time (FPT) movement analysis to identify wild pig (Sus scrofa) parturition events from data collected with GPS collars. We examined home range and habitat selection during three physiologically distinct time periods in the reproductive cycle: late-gestation; farrowing; and neonate-care period. Sows exhibited a behavioral change 1-2 days prior to farrowing, suggesting FPT analysis can reliably identify parturition events for wide-ranging species that have a focused birthing area. Home range was smallest during the farrowing period, likely reflective of nest building, parturition, and protection of neonates. Home range size during the neonate-care period was intermediate between the late-gestation and farrowing periods, indicative of offspring care that may restrict maternal movement. Across all periods, sows avoided developed areas that have sparse canopy and ground cover and are associated with human activities. During late-gestation, sows avoided pine forests that have an open understory and less vegetative cover. During late-gestation and neonate-care, sows selected bottomland hardwood forests, habitat associated with ample food, cover, and water. During farrowing and neonate-care periods, sows selected upland hardwood forests, habitat with high quality food and cover for neonates. The physiological requirements of reproduction drive female habitat selection and spatial scale of movement patterns associated with parturition. Our study contributes to delineation of the appropriate scale at which to analyze movement data to provide insight about where individuals chose to place their home range, how much space to use, and how they use resources on the landscape to maximize reproductive success and fitness.