bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos de pacientes com COVID-19 atendidos em um centro de referência na Amazônia
Authors: Moreira Amanda Gabay , Mota Ney Reale da , Pereira Daniel Marinho , Santa Rosa Victor Augusto Campina , Pires Carla Andrea Avelar 
Published: January 2022

Introdução: A pandemia da COVID-19 é um grave problema de saúde pública, registrando milhões de casos confirmados em todo o mundo, ressalta-se, entre os países, o Brasil, por assumir a terceira posição a nível mundial. O quadro clínico desta patologia é variável, desde casos assintomáticos a casos graves, podendo o paciente evoluir a óbito. Diversos fatores parecem influenciar no prognóstico desses pacientes, tais quais algumas características epidemiológicas e clínicas. Objetivo: Analisar os aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos de pacientes atendidos e que realizaram tomografia de tórax em um centro de referência para COVID-19 no período de maio a junho de 2020. Método: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, analítico, transversal e unicêntrico, em pacientes atendidos na triagem e que foram submetidos à tomografia computadorizada de tórax, com suspeita de COVID-19, na Policlínica Metropolitana de Belém, nos meses de maio e junho de 2020, utilizando um protocolo de pesquisa próprio que contemplou os dados coletados. Resultados: Inicialmente foram coletadas informações de 4.245 pacientes, nos quais 1.897 (44,69 %) apresentaram laudo tomográfico com alterações sugestivas de infecção pelo novo coronavírus, notou-se que destes, 71,69% tiveram comprometimento pulmonar leve, com maior prevalência de 55,35% de mulheres, 34,84% de idosos e procedentes da capital Belém. Os principais sintomas relatados foram a tríade: tosse seca, dispneia e febre. Observou-se, além disso, como os principais fatores para pior prognóstico a idade e a presença de dispneia. Conclusão: A população idosa, procedentes de áreas de maior densidade populacional e com comorbidade, merecem cautela na triagem e no acompanhamento, por serem considerados grupos de pior prognóstico clínico e tomográfico. É de suma importância, diante disso, estratégias de conscientização sobre os prováveis sintomas decorrente de COVID-19 e prioridade na construção de estratégias com enfoque no cuidado dos principais grupos de risco, possibilitando assim a potencialização dos serviços de saúde.
Safety of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices with generator and lead(s) brand mismatch
Authors: Minaskeian Nareg , Hajnal Sofia P , Liu Michael B , Klooster Lindsay M , Devick Katrina L , Schwartz Linda , Jokerst Clinton E , Sorajja Dan , Scott Luis RP 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable imaging modality for the assessment of both cardiac and non‐cardiac structures. With a growing population of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), 50%–75% of these patients will need an MRI. MRI‐conditional CIEDs have demonstrated safety of MRI scanning with such devices, yet non‐conditional devices such as hybrid CIEDs which have generator and lead brand mismatch may pose a safety risk. In this retrospective study, we examined the outcomes of patients with hybrid CIEDs undergoing MRI compared to those patients with non‐hybrid CIEDs. A total of 349 patients were included, of which 24 patients (7%) had hybrid CIEDs. The primary endpoint was the safety of MRI for patients with hybrid CIEDs as compared to those with non‐hybrid devices, measured by the rate of adverse events, including death, lead or generator failure needing immediate replacement, loss of capture, new onset arrhythmia, or power‐on reset. Secondary endpoints consisted of pre‐ and post‐MRI changes of decreased P‐wave or R‐wave sensing by ≥50%, changes in pacing lead impedance by ≥50 ohms, increase in pacing thresholds by ≥ 0.5 V at 0.4 ms, and decreasing battery voltage of ≥ 0.04 V. The primary endpoint of any adverse reaction was present in 1 (4.2%) patient with a hybrid device, and consistent of atrial tachyarrhythmia, and in 10 (3.1%) patients with a non‐hybrid device, and consisted of self‐limited atrial and non‐sustained ventricular arrhythmias; this was not statistically significant. No significant differences were found in the secondary endpoints. This study demonstrates that MRI in patients with hybrid CIEDs does not result in increased patient risk or significant device changes when compared to those patients who underwent MRI with non‐hybrid CIEDs.
Effects of different nitrogen application rates on the quality and metabolomics of cigar tobacco
Authors: Yang Rongzhou , Yang Jinpeng , Yu Jun , Wang Sheliang , Yang Chunlei , Xu Fangsen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient element in plants that participates in physiological and biochemical regulation. However, the effects of different N applications on cigar tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) growth are not well known. In this study, the differences in agronomical characteristics and nutritional quality of cigar tobacco leaves at the mature and curing stages under different exogenous N applications were explored. The dry matter accumulation of cigar tobacco leaves increased with increasing N application rates. In the two stages, the nutritional quality of cigar tobacco leaves was similar, but the concentrations of N and Cl were increased. To understand the effect of exogenous N on cigar tobacco metabolism, untargeted metabolomics was applied. Six significantly differential metabolites, including phenylalanine, phosphoserine, glutamate, oxoproline, succinylhomoserine, and homoserine, were identified, and the main metabolic pathways around the tricarboxylic acid cycle were identified. These results provide a better understanding of the effects of exogenous N application on the physiological, biochemical, and metabolic processes of cigar tobacco and provide a reference for fertilization control in cigar tobacco production.
B Cell Depletion and SARS‐CoV‐2 Vaccine Responses in Neuroimmunologic Patients
Authors: Kornek Barbara , Leutmezer Fritz , Rommer Paulus S. , Koblischke Maximilian , Schneider Lisa , Haslacher Helmuth , Thalhammer Renate , Zimprich Fritz , Zulehner Gudrun , Bsteh Gabriel , Dal‐Bianco Assunta , Rinner Walter , Zebenholzer Karin , Wimmer Isabella , Steinmaurer Anja , Graninger Marianne , Mayer Margareta , Roedl Kilian , Berger Thomas , Winkler Stefan , Aberle Judith H. , Tobudic Selma 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveThe study was undertaken to assess the impact of B cell depletion on humoral and cellular immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccination in patients with various neuroimmunologic disorders on anti‐CD20 therapy. This included an analysis of the T cell vaccine response to the SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta variant.MethodsWe investigated prospectively humoral and cellular responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccination in 82 patients with neuroimmunologic disorders on anti‐CD20 therapy and 82 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. For quantification of antibodies, the Elecsys anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 viral spike (S) immunoassay against the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) was used. IFN‐gamma enzyme‐linked immunosorbent spot assays were performed to assess T cell responses against the SARS‐CoV‐2 Wuhan strain and the Delta variant.ResultsSARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies were found less frequently in patients (70% [57/82]) compared with controls (82/82 [100%], p < 0.001). In patients without detectable B cells (<1 B cell/mcl), seroconversion rates and antibody levels were lower compared to nondepleted (≥1 B cell/mcl) patients (p < 0.001). B cell levels ≥1 cell/mcl were sufficient to induce seroconversion in our cohort of anti‐CD20 treated patients. In contrast to the antibody response, the T‐cell response against the Wuhan strain and the Delta variant was more pronounced in frequency (p < 0.05) and magnitude (p < 0.01) in B‐cell depleted compared to nondepleted patients.InterpretationAntibody responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccinnation can be attained in patients on anti‐CD20 therapy by the onset of B cell repopulation. In the absence of B cells, a strong T cell response is generated which may help to protect against severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in this high‐risk population. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:342–352
Finger stick blood test to assess postvaccination SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibody response against variants
Authors: Lim Sing Mei , Cheng Hoi Lok , Jia Huan , Kongsuphol Patthara , D/O Shunmuganathan Bhuvaneshwari , Chen Ming Wei , Ng Say Yong , Gao Xiaohong , Turaga Shuvan Prashant , Heussler Sascha P. , Somani Jyoti , Sengupta Sharmila , Tay Dousabel M. Y. , McBee Megan E. , Young Barnaby E. , MacAry Paul A. , Sikes Hadley D. , Preiser Peter R. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThere is clinical need for a quantifiable point‐of‐care (PoC) SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibody (nAb) test that is adaptable with the pandemic's changing landscape. Here, we present a rapid and semi‐quantitative nAb test that uses finger stick or venous blood to assess the nAb response of vaccinated population against wild‐type (WT), alpha, beta, gamma, and delta variant RBDs. It captures a clinically relevant range of nAb levels, and effectively differentiates prevaccination, post first dose, and post second dose vaccination samples within 10 min. The data observed against alpha, beta, gamma, and delta variants agrees with published results evaluated in established serology tests. Finally, our test revealed a substantial reduction in nAb level for beta, gamma, and delta variants between early BNT162b2 vaccination group (within 3 months) and later vaccination group (post 3 months). This test is highly suited for PoC settings and provides an insightful nAb response in a postvaccinated population.
Cation exchange as a single polishing step for conjugated peptides
Authors: Rockwell Lauren , Bao Haiying , Insaidoo Francis , Ikechukwu Ijeoma , Tugcu Nihal , Kandula Sunitha 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurification of peptides typically includes expensive reverse phase (RP) processes, which utilize high pressure and large volumes of solvent. For two conjugated peptides, chromatography process development targeted a low‐pressure aqueous process that could achieve target product purities of ≥95%, comparable to purities seen with traditional RP. A high throughput screening approach of different modalities was used to identify binding and elution conditions on a cation exchange resin and small‐scale columns were used in order to assess impurity removal and process yield. The parameters for load and gradient elution were optimized to increase product purity and process productivity with a wide operating window identified where high purity and productivity are achieved. Computational modeling was then used to validate experimental chromatography results and to gain insight on the effect of the chemical modifications on the surface properties of the two peptides. Both modeling and experimental data showed that with optimization, cation exchange could be utilized as a single polishing step for conjugated peptides. Similar purities were achieved as those seen with RP with up to double the productivity.
IL‐17 in intervertebral disc degeneration: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications
Authors: Tan Jing‐Hua , Li Ze‐Peng , Liu Lu‐Lu , Liu Hao , Xue Jing‐Bo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) serves as an independent risk factor for lower back pain and is closely associated with spinal musculoskeletal disorders, including lumbar disc herniation, radiculopathy, and myelopathy. Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), also named IL‐17A, is a critical signature cytokine of T‐helper 17 cells. Upon binding to the IL‐17 receptor A/C heterodimeric complex, IL‐17 can trigger multiple signal transduction pathways to stimulate gene transcription and increase messenger RNA stability. IL‐17 expression is significantly increased in degenerative disc tissue and shows a positive correlation with disease severity. IL‐17 has been shown to accelerate the development of IDD by promoting extracellular matrix degradation, enhancing inflammatory response, inducing neoangiogenesis, and inhibiting nucleus pulposus cell autophagy and proliferation. Targeting IL‐17 represents a novel and promising approach for the therapeutic intervention of IDD. In this review, we summarized the recent progression about the role of IL‐17 in IDD and highlighted its therapeutic implications.
In‐hospital outcomes of transesophageal versus intracardiac echocardiography guided left atrial appendage closure
Authors: Morcos Ramez , Megaly Michael , Saad Marwan , Barakat Amr F. , Rubens Muni , Saxena Anshul , Elbadawi Ayman , Kucharik Michael , Luna Michael , Garcia Santiago , Veledar Emir , Maini Brijeshwar , Khalili Houman 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundTransesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is the preferred imaging modality to guide transcatheter left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has evolved as a less invasive alternative to TEE. Several observational studies have shown similar success rates and perioperative complications between TEE and ICE for LAAC.ObjectivesWe sought to examine the temporal trends and patient characteristics of TEE versus ICE use in LAAC using a national database. We also evaluated hospital outcomes including periprocedural complications, mortality, and length of hospital stay.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of data from the National Readmission Database, collected from 2016 to 2018. The primary outcome was major adverse events (MAE) defined as in‐hospital mortality, cardiac arrest, pericardial effusion with or without tamponade, pericardiocentesis or window pericardiocentesis and pericardial window, pericardial effusion and tamponade, and hemorrhage requiring transfusion.ResultsTrend analysis showed that TEE‐guided LAAC increased from 96.6% in 2016 to 98.4% in 2018 (relative increase, 1.9%), while ICE‐guided LAAC decreased from 3.4% to 1.6% during the same period (relative decrease, 53%, p for trend = 0.08). In the unmatched cohorts, the MAE was significantly lower in TEE‐guided LAAC compared to ICE‐guided LAAC (6.5% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.022). In the propensity score matching analysis, MAE remained significant (5.6% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001). The incidence of pericardial effusion with or without tamponade remained significantly lower in the TEE group (2.3% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.001). Length of stay (3.4 vs. 1.9 days, p < 0.001) and hospitalization cost ($34,826 vs. $20,563, p < 0.001) remained significantly lower for TEE‐guided LAAC.ConclusionsCompared to ICE, the incidence of MAE was significantly lower for TEE‐guided LAAC, driven mainly by less pericardial effusion events. Large‐scale randomized trials are needed to confirm the findings of the current and previous studies.
Propensity matched analysis of vascular complications using integrated or expandable sheaths for TAVR
Authors: Ruge Hendrik , Burri Melchior , Erlebach Magdalena , Lange Ruediger 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesVascular access site complications increase morbidity and mortality in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).BackgroundMedtronic's EnVeo PRO® low‐profile sheath concept and Edwards' expandable eSheath® aim to lower vascular trauma and access site complications. This study aims to compare Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)‐3 defined access‐related vascular complications using the two different transcatheter heart valve (THV) delivery concepts.MethodsWe performed a retrospective, propensity‐matched study to compare access site vascular complications in 756 consecutive patients who underwent a transfemoral TAVR using a Medtronic Evolut‐R®/Evolut‐PRO® or an Edwards Sapien3®/Sapien3ultra® THV.ResultsPropensity score matching resulted in 275 patient pairs. The primary endpoint of major VARC‐3 vascular complication was 7.6% in the Medtronic group and 12.7% in the Edwards group (p = 0.066). Minor VARC‐3 vascular complications were 9.1% and 8%, respectively (p = 0.76). VARC‐3 bleeding complications (8.4% vs. 12.7%, p = 0.129) length of hospital stay (7.6
+ 5.4 vs. 7.5
+ 3.7 days, p = 0.783) and in‐hospital mortality (1.1% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.624) were comparable between both groups.ConclusionsIn a propensity‐matched TAVR population, patients treated with the integrated sheath showed a trend towards fewer major vascular complications than patients treated with an expandable sheath, however, the difference was not statistically significant.
Impact of mitral intervention on outcomes of patients with mitral valve dysfunction and annulus calcification
Authors: Kato Nahoko , Pellikka Patricia A. , Scott Christopher G. , Lee Alexander T. , Jain Vaibhav , Eleid Mackram F. , Alkhouli Mohamad A. , Reeder Guy S. , Michelena Hector I. , Pislaru Sorin V. , Bagameri Gabor , Crestanello Juan A. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Guerrero Mayra 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo compare all‐cause mortality in patients with mitral annulus calcification (MAC) and severe mitral valve dysfunction (MVD) who received standard mitral intervention versus no intervention.BackgroundPatients with MAC often have high surgical risk due to advanced age, comorbidities, and technical challenges related to calcium. The impact of a mitral intervention on outcomes of patients with MAC and severe MVD is not well known.MethodsRetrospective review of patients with MAC by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in 2015 at a single institution. Patients with severe mitral stenosis (MS) or regurgitation (MR) were analyzed and stratified into two groups: surgical or transcatheter intervention performed <1 year after the index TTE, and no or later intervention. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality.ResultsOf 5502 patients with MAC, 357 had severe MVD (MS = 27%, MR = 73%). Of those, 108 underwent mitral intervention (surgery = 87; transcatheter = 21). They were younger (73 ± 11 vs. 76 ± 11 years, p < 0.01) and less frequently had cardiovascular diseases compared with no‐intervention. Frequency in women was similar (45% vs. 50%, p = 0.44). During median follow‐up of 3.2 years, the intervention group had higher estimated survival than those without intervention (80% vs. 72% at 1 year and 55% vs. 35% at 4 year, p < 0.01). Adjusted for age, eGFR, LVEF < 50%, and pulmonary hypertension, mitral intervention was an independent predictor of lower mortality (hazard ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.43–0.99, p = 0.046).ConclusionPatients with MAC and severe MVD who underwent mitral intervention <1 year from index TTE had lower mortality than those without intervention. Mitral intervention was independently associated with lower mortality.
Resource exploitation efficiency collapses the home range of an apex predator
Authors: Dickie Melanie , Serrouya Robert , Avgar Tal , McLoughlin Philip , McNay R. Scott , DeMars Craig , Boutin Stan , Ford Adam T. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractOptimizing energy acquisition and expenditure is a fundamental trade‐off for consumers, strikingly reflected in how mobile organisms use space. Several studies have established that home range size decreases as resource density increases, but the balance of costs and benefits associated with exploiting a given resource density is unclear. We evaluate how the ability of consumers to exploit their resources through movement (termed “resource exploitation”) interacts with resource density to influence home range size. We then contrast two hypotheses to evaluate how resource exploitation influences home range size across a vast gradient of productivity and density of human‐created linear features (roads and seismic lines) that are known to facilitate animal movements. Under the Diffusion Facilitation Hypothesis, linear features are predicted to lead to more diffuse space use and larger home ranges. Under the Exploitation Efficiency Hypothesis, linear features are predicted to increase foraging efficiency, resulting in less space being required to meet energetic demands and therefore smaller home ranges. Using GPS telemetry data from 142 wolves (Canis lupus) distributed over more than 500,000 km2, we found that wolf home range size was influenced by the interaction between resource density and exploitation efficiency. Home range size decreased as linear feature density increased, supporting the Exploitation Efficiency Hypothesis. However, the effect of linear features on home range size diminished in more productive areas, suggesting that exploitation efficiency is of greater importance when resource density is low. These results suggest that smaller home ranges will occur where both linear feature density and primary productivity are higher, thereby increasing regional wolf density.
Access to health care and mental health—Evidence from the ACA preexisting conditions provision
Authors: Hampton Matt , Lenhart Otto 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study evaluates the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) preexisting conditions provision on mental health. The 2014 policy ensured individuals with preexisting health conditions the right to obtain insurance coverage. Using longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics between 2007 and 2017 and estimating difference‐in‐differences models, our study provides evidence that the policy reduced severe mental distress by 1.44 percentage points (baseline mean: 8.09%) among individuals with preexisting physical health conditions. Exploiting pre‐ACA, state‐level variation in policies providing insurance coverage options to people with preexisting conditions, we find that this improvement in mental well‐being is highly associated with the presence of high‐risk pools before 2014, which provided individuals with prior health conditions access to coverage. Specifically, we show that our main results are driven by individuals with preexisting health conditions living in the 16 states that did not have high‐risk pools. Furthermore, gender‐specific analysis shows that the reduction in mental distress is primarily observable among women. When examining potential mechanisms, our analysis provides evidence that increases in insurance coverage, reductions in healthcare expenditures, and improvements in physical health can explain the positive effects of the provision on mental well‐being.