bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latitudinal influence on gametogenesis and host–parasite ecology in a marine bivalve model
Authors: Mahony Kate E. , Lynch Sharon A. , Egerton Sian , Laffan Rebecca E. , Correia Simão , de Montaudouin Xavier , Mesmer‐Dudons Nathalie , Freitas Rosa , Culloty Sarah C.
Published: May 2021

Reproduction and parasites have significant impacts on marine animal populations globally. This study aimed to investigate the associative effects of host reproduction and a host–parasite interplay on a marine bivalve, along a geographic gradient of latitude. Cockles Cerastoderma edule were sampled from five European sites (54°N to 40°N), between April 2018 and October 2019. A histological survey provided data on trematode (metacercaria and sporocyst life stages), prevalence, and cockle stage of gametogenesis to assess the influence of a latitudinal gradient on both interplays. Sex ratios at the northernmost sites were skewed toward females, and spawning size was reduced at the lower latitudes. Trematode infection did not follow a latitudinal gradient. Localized site‐related drivers, namely seawater temperature, varied spatially, having an impact on cockle–trematode interactions. Spawning was related to elevated temperatures at all sites. Prolonged spawning occurred at southern latitudes, where seawater temperatures were warmer. Trematode prevalence and the impact of trematodes on gametogenesis were found to be spatially variable, but not latitudinally. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the likelihood of boom and bust events in cockles, based on the latitudinal location of a population. In terms of sublethal impacts, it appeared that energy was allocated to reproduction rather than somatic growth in southern populations, with less energy allocated to reproduction in the larger, northern cockles. The demonstrated spatial trend of energy allocation indicates the potential of a temporal trend of reduced cockle growth at northern sites, as a result of warming sea temperatures. This awareness of the spatially varying drivers of populations is crucial considering the potential for these drivers/inhibitors to be exacerbated in a changing marine environment.
Modeling vegetation greenness and its climate sensitivity with deep‐learning technology
Authors: Chen Zhiting , Liu Hongyan , Xu Chongyang , Wu Xiuchen , Liang Boyi , Cao Jing , Chen Deliang
Published: May 2021

Climate sensitivity of vegetation has long been explored using statistical or process‐based models. However, great uncertainties still remain due to the methodologies’ deficiency in capturing the complex interactions between climate and vegetation. Here, we developed global gridded climate–vegetation models based on long short‐term memory (LSTM) network, which is a powerful deep‐learning algorithm for long‐time series modeling, to achieve accurate vegetation monitoring and investigate the complex relationship between climate and vegetation. We selected the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) that represents vegetation greenness as model outputs. The climate data (monthly temperature and precipitation) were used as inputs. We trained the networks with data from 1982 to 2003, and the data from 2004 to 2015 were used to validate the models. Error analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the model errors and investigate the sensitivity of global vegetation to climate change. Results show that models based on deep learning are very effective in simulating and predicting the vegetation greenness dynamics. For models training, the root mean square error (RMSE) is <0.01. Model validation also assure the accuracy of our models. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis of models revealed a spatial pattern of global vegetation to climate, which provides us a new way to investigate the climate sensitivity of vegetation. Our study suggests that it is a good way to integrate deep‐learning method to monitor the vegetation change under global change. In the future, we can explore more complex climatic and ecological systems with deep learning and coupling with certain physical process to better understand the nature.
Niche–trait relationships at individual and population level in three co‐occurring passerine species
Authors: Shaner Pei‐Jen L. , Chen Yin‐Kai , Hsu Yu‐Cheng
Published: May 2021

The niche variation hypothesis (NVH) predicts that populations with wider niches exhibit greater morphological variation through increased interindividual differences in both niche and morphology. In this study, we examined niche–trait relationships in three passerine species (Cyanoderma ruficeps, Sinosuthora webbiana, and Zosterops simplex). A total of 289 C. ruficeps from 7 sites, 259 S. webbiana from 8 sites, and 144 Z. simplex from 6 sites were sampled along an elevation gradient (0–2,700 m) in Taiwan from 2009 to 2017. We measured bill traits (length, width, and depth of bill) and body size traits (length of head, tarsus, and wing) of the birds, which were reduced to four principal components (bill PC1, bill PC2, body size PC1, and body size PC2). We collected feather tissues for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses to quantify their isotope niche. We quantified interindividual differences in isotope space and trait space with four diversity metrics (divergence, dispersion, evenness, and uniqueness) and tested whether interindividual differences in isotope space and trait space are positively associated. We quantified population isotope niche width by Bayesian ellipse area and population morphological variation by variances of the PCs. The results showed that individual uniqueness in isotope niche and bill morphology (average closeness of individuals within the population isotope/trait space) were positively associated across three species. Furthermore, isotope niche width and bill PC1 (reflecting the size of bill) variation at population level were also positively associated across the three species, supporting the NVH. Of the three species, C. ruficeps and S. webbiana showed stronger support for the NVH than Z. simplex, possibly due to the latter having narrower elevational distribution and a more specialized, plant‐based diet. The diversity metrics represented different aspects of interindividual differences in niche/trait space, and for the passerines, individual uniqueness appeared to play an important role in their niche–trait dynamics.
Lethal interactions among forest‐grouse predators are numerous, motivated by hunger and carcasses, and their impacts determined by the demographic value of the victims
Authors: Waggershauser Cristian N. , Ruffino Lise , Kortland Kenny , Lambin Xavier
Published: May 2021

New vertebrate communities are emerging in Europe following the recovery of multiple native predators to highly anthropized landscapes where predator control is still prevalent. While the lack of reference points for these communities creates novel challenges for conservationists and wildlife managers, they also provide opportunities to further our understanding of species interactions. Despite a growing body of evidence, many aspects of interactions among predators remain poorly understood, impairing our ability to anticipate the effects of such changes in predator communities. Through a systematic literature review, we gathered all the available evidence concerning the existence, strength, and demographic impacts of lethal predator interactions among forest‐grouse predators in Europe. We found a highly interconnected predator community, with 44 pairwise lethal interactions among 12 taxa. Three of these resulted in some degree of population suppression of the victim, while another three did not. However, most interactions (38) have not been evaluated for population suppression. Additionally, we highlight how predators interact simultaneously with a large range of other predators and identified at least two further taxa possibly suppressed through the combined impacts of multiple predators. We propose that interactions causing demographic suppression are characterized by impacts on individuals with high survival elasticity and that they are motivated by food limitation and additionally, in mammals, by competition for carcasses. Predator interactions, and our still poor understanding of them, introduce large uncertainties to conservation actions based on the management of predator abundances, which should be carefully evaluated.
Plant–plant communication and community of herbivores on tall goldenrod
Authors: Shiojiri Kaori , Ishizaki Satomi , Ando Yoshino
Published: May 2021

The volatiles from damaged plants induce defense in neighboring plants. The phenomenon is called plant–plant communication, plant talk, or plant eavesdropping. Plant–plant communication has been reported to be stronger between kin plants than genetically far plants in sagebrush.

Why do plants distinguish volatiles from kin or genetically far plants? We hypothesize that plants respond only to important conditions; the induced defense is not free of cost for the plant. To clarify the hypothesis, we conducted experiments and investigations using goldenrod of four different genotypes.

The arthropod community on tall goldenrods were different among four genotypes. The response to volatiles was stronger from genetically close plants to the emitter than from genetically distant plants from the emitter. The volatiles from each genotype of goldenrods were different; and they were categorized accordingly. Moreover, the arthropod community on each genotype of goldenrods were different.

Synthesis: Our results support the hypothesis: Goldenrods respond to volatiles from genetically close plants because they would have similar arthropod species. These results are important clues elucidating adaptive significance of plant–plant communication.

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Comparative transcriptomics of albino and warningly‐coloured caterpillars
Authors: Galarza Juan A.
Published: May 2021

Coloration is perhaps one of the most prominent adaptations for survival and reproduction of many taxa. Coloration is of particular importance for aposematic species, which rely on their coloring and patterning acting as a warning signal to deter predators. Most research has focused on the evolution of warning coloration by natural selection. However, little information is available for color mutants of aposematic species, particularly at the genomic level. Here, I compare the transcriptomes of albino mutant caterpillars of the aposematic wood tiger moth (Arctia plantaginis) to those of their full sibs having their distinctive orange‐black warning coloration. The results showed >290 differentially expressed genes genome‐wide. Genes involved in the immune system, structural constituents of cuticular, and immunity were mostly downregulated in the albino caterpillars. Surprisingly, higher expression was observed in core melanin genes from albino caterpillars, suggesting that melanin synthesis may be disrupted in terminal ends of the pathway during its final conversion. Taken together, these results suggest that caterpillar albinism may not be due to a depletion of melanin precursor genes. In contrast, the albino condition may result from the combination of faulty melanin conversion late in its synthesis and structural deficiencies in the cuticular preventing its deposition. The results are discussed in the context of how albinism may impact individuals of aposematic species in the wild.
The complete mitogenome of Phymorhynchus sp. (Neogastropoda, Conoidea, Raphitomidae) provides insights into the deep‐sea adaptive evolution of Conoidea
Authors: Yang Mei , Dong Dong , Li Xinzheng
Published: May 2021

The deep‐sea environment is characterized by darkness, hypoxia, and high hydrostatic pressure. Mitochondria play a vital role in energy metabolism; thus, they may endure the selection process during the adaptive evolution of deep‐sea organisms. In the present study, the mitogenome of Phymorhynchus sp. from the Haima methane seep was completely assembled and characterized. This mitogenome is 16,681 bp in length and contains 13 protein‐coding genes, 2 rRNAs, and 22 tRNAs. The gene order and orientation were identical to those of most sequenced conoidean gastropods. Some special elements, such as tandem repeat sequences and AT‐rich sequences, which are involved in the regulation of the replication and transcription of the mitogenome, were observed in the control region. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Conoidea is divided into two separate clades with high nodal support. Positive selection analysis revealed evidence of adaptive changes in the mitogenomes of deep‐sea conoidean gastropods. Eight residues located in atp6, cox1, cytb, nad1, nad4, and nad5 were determined to have undergone positive selection. This study explores the adaptive evolution of deep‐sea conoidean gastropods and provides valuable clues at the mitochondrial level regarding the exceptional adaptive ability of organisms in deep‐sea environments.
Maternal effects and the outcome of interspecific competition
Authors: Van Allen Benjamin , Jones Natalie , Gilbert Benjamin , Carscadden Kelly , Germain Rachel
Published: May 2021

Maternal environmental effects create lagged population responses to past environments. Although they are ubiquitous and vary in expression across taxa, it remains unclear if and how their presence alters competitive interactions in ecological communities.

Here, we use a discrete‐time competition model to simulate how maternal effects alter competitive dynamics in fluctuating and constant environments. Further, we explore how omitting maternal effects alter estimates of known model parameters from observational time series data.

Our simulations demonstrate that (i) maternal effects change competitive outcomes, regardless of whether competitors otherwise interact neutrally or exhibit non‐neutral competitive differences, (ii) the consequences of maternal effects for competitive outcomes are mediated by the temporal structure of environmental variation, (iii) even in constant conditions, competitive outcomes are influenced by species' maternal effects strategies, and (iv) in observational time series data, omitting maternal effects reduces variation explained by models and biases parameter estimates, including competition coefficients.

Our findings demonstrate that the ecological consequences of maternal effects hinge on the competitive environment. Evolutionary biologists have long recognized that maternal effects can be an important but often overlooked strategy buffering populations from environmental change. We suggest that maternal effects are similarly critical to ecology and call for research into maternal effects as drivers of dynamics in populations and communities.
No evidence of increased fecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) due to wind turbines
Authors: Coppes Joy , Kämmerle Jim‐Lino , Grünschachner‐Berger Veronika , Palme Rupert , Nopp‐Mayr Ursula
Published: May 2021

Wind energy facilities (WEFs) are a relatively novel impact on wildlife habitats, and an increasing number of studies show negative effects on wildlife. Increased stress‐associated hormone levels are an indicator of disturbance effects, and measuring fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FCM) levels is an established noninvasive method to study disturbance effects on wildlife. We studied whether FCM levels of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), a locally threatened forest bird species with proven behavioral responses to WEF, are affected by WEF. Using a before–after–control–impact (BACI) study design at sites in Austria, Germany and Sweden we investigated whether mean FCM levels changed after the construction of WEF and whether there was spatial variation in FCM levels in relation to WEF impacts. By analyzing 553 fecal samples from five wind farms and five control sites, we did not find evidence of increased FCM levels due to WEF when comparing wind farm sites before and after WEF construction with control sites. We further could not detect any spatial variation in FCM levels at wind farms related to turbine effects. There was, however, temporal variation in FCM, with lower FCM levels toward the end of the winter season. Differences among individual study sites emphasize the importance of larger studies with a BACI study design. Facing some methodological limitations, we currently find no evidence for an increase in FCM levels in capercaillie due to WEF.
An automatic method for removing empty camera trap images using ensemble learning
Authors: Yang Deng‐Qi , Tan Kun , Huang Zhi‐Pang , Li Xiao‐Wei , Chen Ben‐Hui , Ren Guo‐Peng , Xiao Wen
Published: May 2021

Camera traps often produce massive images, and empty images that do not contain animals are usually overwhelming. Deep learning is a machine‐learning algorithm and widely used to identify empty camera trap images automatically. Existing methods with high accuracy are based on millions of training samples (images) and require a lot of time and personnel costs to label the training samples manually. Reducing the number of training samples can save the cost of manually labeling images. However, the deep learning models based on a small dataset produce a large omission error of animal images that many animal images tend to be identified as empty images, which may lead to loss of the opportunities of discovering and observing species. Therefore, it is still a challenge to build the DCNN model with small errors on a small dataset. Using deep convolutional neural networks and a small‐size dataset, we proposed an ensemble learning approach based on conservative strategies to identify and remove empty images automatically. Furthermore, we proposed three automatic identifying schemes of empty images for users who accept different omission errors of animal images. Our experimental results showed that these three schemes automatically identified and removed 50.78%, 58.48%, and 77.51% of the empty images in the dataset when the omission errors were 0.70%, 1.13%, and 2.54%, respectively. The analysis showed that using our scheme to automatically identify empty images did not omit species information. It only slightly changed the frequency of species occurrence. When only a small dataset was available, our approach provided an alternative to users to automatically identify and remove empty images, which can significantly reduce the time and personnel costs required to manually remove empty images. The cost savings were comparable to the percentage of empty images removed by models.
Accelerated vegetation succession but no hydrological change in a boreal fen during 20 years of recent climate change
Authors: Kolari Tiina H. M. , Korpelainen Pasi , Kumpula Timo , Tahvanainen Teemu
Published: May 2021

Northern mires (fens and bogs) have significant climate feedbacks and contribute to biodiversity, providing habitats to specialized biota. Many studies have found drying and degradation of bogs in response to climate change, while northern fens have received less attention. Rich fens are particularly important to biodiversity, but subject to global climate change, fen ecosystems may change via direct response of vegetation or indirectly by hydrological changes. With repeated sampling over the past 20 years, we aim to reveal trends in hydrology and vegetation in a pristine boreal fen with gradient from rich to poor fen and bog vegetation. We resampled 203 semi‐permanent plots and compared water‐table depth (WTD), pH, concentrations of mineral elements, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), plant species occurrences, community structure, and vegetation types between 1998 and 2018. In the study area, the annual mean temperature rose by 1.0°C and precipitation by 46 mm, in 20‐year periods prior to sampling occasions. We found that wet fen vegetation decreased, while bog and poor fen vegetation increased significantly. This reflected a trend of increasing abundance of common, generalist hummock species at the expense of fen specialist species. Changes were the most pronounced in high pH plots, where Sphagnum mosses had significantly increased in plot frequency, cover, and species richness. Changes of water chemistry were mainly insignificant in concentration levels and spatial patterns. Although indications toward drier conditions were found in vegetation, WTD had not consistently increased, instead, our results revealed complex dynamics of WTD as depending on vegetation changes. Overall, we found significant trend in vegetation, conforming to common succession pattern from rich to poor fen and bog vegetation. Our results suggest that responses intrinsic to vegetation, such as increased productivity or altered species interactions, may be more significant than indirect effects via local hydrology to the ecosystem response to climate warming.
Plastid genome sequencing, identification of nuclear SNP markers, and quality assessment of medicinal rhizomatous herb Polygonatum odoratum (Asparagaceae) cultivars
Authors: Lee Shiou Yih , Chen Zhihui , Chen Zhiming , Chen Jingrui , Zhang Xinjian , Pan Jiawen , Fan Qiang , Liao Wenbo
Published: May 2021

Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce (Asparagaceae, Asparagales) is a widely cultivated medicinal herb in China. However, this useful herb is understudied despite being known as a medicinal resource with top grade medical and edible properties since long. In this study, P. odoratum and four cultivars were investigated. The variations in morphological characteristics and vegetative phases of each cultivar were observed. For genetic aspect, the plastid genome of P. odoratum varies in length from 154,569 bp to 155,491 bp, containing a large single‐copy region of 83,486–84,459 bp, a small single‐copy region of 18,292–18,471 bp, and two inverted repeats of 26,302–26,370 bp. A total of 131 genes were predicted, including 85 protein‐coding, 38 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. Genome comparisons revealed a slight variation in the sequence across the five accessions, but two highly variable regions (trnC‐petN and rpl32‐trnL) were detected when comparing the four different cultivars. For the RAD‐seq markers, a total of 33.64 Gb of clean data, with an average value of 1.08 Gb per sample, were analyzed for the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Well‐resolved phylogenies of the P. odoratum cultivars are constructed; the nonmonophyletic relationship in the plastome‐based phylogenetic trees, yet monophyletic form in the RAD‐based linkage map suggested possibility of hybrid cultivar for P. odoratum “Dazhu” (GDDZ), which was further supported by morphological observations. Quality assessment based on the standards of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia on Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma (POR) on the four cultivars used in this study recorded that PORs from P. odoratum “Zhongzhu” (GDZZ) met the minimum criteria for the acceptance as raw material for medicinal drug production. This study has provided insights on the morphological variations, genetic background, and medicinal qualities of P. odoratum cultivars that could be explored for future genetic improvement as well as breeding programs of P. odoratum for POR production.
What do you mean by false positive?
Authors: Darling John A. , Jerde Christopher L. , Sepulveda Adam J.
Published: May 2021

Misunderstandings regarding the term “false positive” present a significant hurdle to broad adoption of eDNA monitoring methods. Here, we identify three challenges to clear communication of false‐positive error between scientists, managers, and the public. The first arises from a failure to distinguish between false‐positive eDNA detection at the sample level and false‐positive inference of taxa presence at the site level. The second is based on the large proportion of false positives that may occur when true‐positive detections are likely to be rare, even when rates of contamination or other error are low. And the third misunderstanding occurs when conventional species detection approaches, often based on direct capture, are used to confirm eDNA approaches without acknowledging or quantifying the conventional approach's detection probability. The solutions to these issues include careful and consistent communication of error definitions, managing expectations of error rates, and providing a balanced discussion not only of alternative sources of species DNA, but also of the detection limitations of conventional methods. We argue that the benefit of addressing these misunderstandings will be increased confidence in the utility of eDNA methods and, ultimately, improved resource management using eDNA approaches.
Left ventricular remodelling and prognosis after discharge in new‐onset acute heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: van den Berge Jan C. , Vroegindewey Maxime M. , Veenis Jesse F. , Brugts Jasper J. , Caliskan Kadir , Manintveld Olivier C. , Akkerhuis K. Martijn , Boersma Eric , Deckers Jaap W. , Constantinescu Alina A.
Published: May 2021

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the left ventricular (LV) remodelling and long‐term prognosis of patients with new‐onset acute heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction who were pharmacologically managed and survived until hospital discharge. We compared patients with ischaemic and non‐ischaemic aetiology.

Methods and results

This cohort study consisted of 111 patients admitted with new‐onset acute HF in the period 2008–2016 [62% non‐ischaemic aetiology, 48% supported by inotropes, vasopressors, or short‐term mechanical circulatory devices, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at discharge 28% (interquartile range 22–34)]. LV dimensions, LVEF, and mitral valve regurgitation were used as markers for LV remodelling during up to 3 years of follow‐up. Both patients with non‐ischaemic and ischaemic HF had significant improvement in LVEF (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively) with significant higher improvement in those with non‐ischaemic HF (17% vs. 6%, P < 0.001). Patients with non‐ischaemic HF had reduction in LV end‐diastolic and end‐systolic diameters (6 and 10 mm, both P < 0.001), but this was not found in those with ischaemic HF [+3 mm (P = 0.09) and +2 mm (P = 0.07), respectively]. During a median follow‐up of 4.6 years, 98 patients (88%) did not reach the composite endpoint of LV assist device implantation, heart transplantation, or all‐cause mortality, with no difference between with ischaemic and non‐ischaemic HF [hazard ratio 0.69 (95% confidence interval 0.19–2.45)].

Conclusions

Patients with new‐onset acute HF with reduced ejection fraction discharged on optimal medical treatment have a good prognosis. We observed a considerable LV remodelling with improvement in LV function and dimensions, starting already at 6 months in patients with non‐ischaemic HF but not in their ischaemic counterparts.
Successful heart transplantation for COVID‐19‐associated post‐infectious fulminant myocarditis
Authors: Gaudriot Baptiste , Mansour Alexandre , Thibault Vincent , Lederlin Mathieu , Cauchois Aurélie , Lelong Bernard , Ross James T. , Leurent Guillaume , Tadié Jean‐Marc , Revest Matthieu , Verhoye Jean‐Philippe , Flecher Erwan , Nesseler Nicolas
Published: May 2021

Various clinical presentations of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) have been described, including post‐infectious acute and fulminant myocarditis. Here, we describe the case of a young patient admitted for COVID‐19‐associated post‐infectious fulminant myocarditis. Despite optimal pharmacologic management, haemodynamic status worsened requiring support by veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Emergent heart transplantation was required at Day 11 given the absence of cardiac function improvement. The diagnosis of post‐infectious COVID‐19‐associated myocarditis was made from both pathologic examination of the explanted heart and positive SARS‐CoV‐2 serology.
Easy‐to‐use preload stress echocardiography by using combined dynamic postural stress can identify high‐risk patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Shibata Nao , Katsumoto Kensuke , Shono Ayu , Suzuki Makiko , Sumimoto Keiko , Tanaka Yusuke , Yamashita Kentaro , Yokota Shun , Suto Makiko , Dokuni Kumiko , Tanaka Hidekazu , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: May 2021

Aims

Haemodynamic assessment during stress testing is not commonly performed in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) because of its invasiveness, lower feasibility, and safety concerns. This study aimed to assess the haemodynamic characteristics of patients with HFrEF in response to non‐invasive preload stress during dynamic postural alterations achieved by combining both semi‐sitting position and passive leg‐lifting and to evaluate whether combined postural stress could be used for risk stratification in these patients.

Methods and results

For this study, 101 patients with HFrEF and 35 age‐matched and sex‐matched healthy controls were prospectively recruited. After all standard echocardiographic measurements were obtained in the left decubitus position, all subjects underwent postural stress testing, which consisted of changing from semi‐sitting position to passive leg‐lifting. During a median follow‐up period of 12.2 months, 21 (21%) patients developed adverse cardiovascular events. In patients without adverse cardiovascular events, the stroke volume index (SVi) significantly changed from 28 ± 8 to 35 ± 10 mL/m2 (P < 0.001) during combined postural stress. By contrast, ΔSVi during combined dynamic postural stress was significantly smaller in patients with cardiovascular events than in those without events (ΔSVi 3.4 ± 4.0 vs. 6.4 ± 3.8 mL/m2, P = 0.002), which indicated severely diseased heart operated on a relatively flat portion of the Frank–Starling curve. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, ΔSVi (hazard ratio 0.81, P = 0.02) was an independent predictor of future adverse cardiovascular events.

Conclusions

The combined assessment of dynamic postural stress is a non‐invasive, simple, quick, and easy‐to‐use clinical tool for assessing preload reserve and risk stratification in HFrEF patients.
A decrease in tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient associates with favorable outcome in patients with heart failure
Authors: Seko Yuta , Kato Takao , Morimoto Takeshi , Yaku Hidenori , Inuzuka Yasutaka , Tamaki Yodo , Ozasa Neiko , Shiba Masayuki , Yamamoto Erika , Yoshikawa Yusuke , Kitai Takeshi , Yamashita Yugo , Iguchi Moritake , Nagao Kazuya , Kawase Yuichi , Morinaga Takashi , Toyofuku Mamoru , Furukawa Yutaka , Ando Kenji , Kadota Kazushige , Sato Yukihito , Kuwahara Koichiro , Kimura Takeshi ,   KCHF Study Investigators
Published: May 2021

Aims

Although the prognostic impact of the high tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG) has been investigated, the association of the decrease in TRPG during follow‐up with clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF) has not been previously studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of a decrease in TRPG between hospitalization and 6 month visit with subsequent clinical outcomes in patients with acute decompensated HF (ADHF).

Methods and results

Among 721 patients with available TRPG data both during hospitalization and a subsequent 6 month visit, the study population was divided into two groups: a decrease in TRPG group (>10 mmHg decrease at 6 month visit) (N = 179) and no decrease in TRPG group (N = 542). The primary outcome measure was a composite of all‐cause death or HF hospitalization. The cumulative 6 month incidence of primary outcome measure was significantly lower in the decrease in TRPG group than in the no decrease in TRPG group (12.2% vs. 18.7%, P = 0.02). After adjusting for confounders, there was a significantly lower risk in decrease in TRPG group than in the no decrease in TRPG group for the measured primary outcome (hazard ratio: 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.32–0.93, P = 0.02). The lower risk in decrease in TRPG group was not different among the basal TRPG values.

Conclusions

Heart failure patients with a decrease in TRPG at 6 months after discharge from ADHF hospitalization had lower subsequent risk of all‐cause death and HF hospitalization than those without a decrease in TRPG, regardless of TRPG values.
Identification of novel circulating microRNAs in advanced heart failure by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Galluzzo Alessandro , Gallo Simona , Pardini Barbara , Birolo Giovanni , Fariselli Piero , Boretto Paolo , Vitacolonna Annapia , Peraldo‐Neia Caterina , Spilinga Martina , Volpe Alessandra , Celentani Dario , Pidello Stefano , Bonzano Alessandro , Matullo Giuseppe , Giustetto Carla , Bergerone Serena , Crepaldi Tiziana
Published: May 2021

Aims

Risk stratification in patients with advanced chronic heart failure (HF) is an unmet need. Circulating microRNA (miRNA) levels have been proposed as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in several diseases including HF. The aims of the present study were to characterize HF‐specific miRNA expression profiles and to identify miRNAs with prognostic value in HF patients.

Methods and results

We performed a global miRNome analysis using next‐generation sequencing in the plasma of 30 advanced chronic HF patients and of matched healthy controls. A small subset of miRNAs was validated by real‐time PCR (P < 0.0008). Pearson's correlation analysis was computed between miRNA expression levels and common HF markers. Multivariate prediction models were exploited to evaluate miRNA profiles' prognostic role. Thirty‐two miRNAs were found to be dysregulated between the two groups. Six miRNAs (miR‐210‐3p, miR‐22‐5p, miR‐22‐3p, miR‐21‐3p, miR‐339‐3p, and miR‐125a‐5p) significantly correlated with HF biomarkers, among which N‐terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide. Inside the cohort of advanced HF population, we identified three miRNAs (miR‐125a‐5p, miR‐10b‐5p, and miR‐9‐5p) altered in HF patients experiencing the primary endpoint of cardiac death, heart transplantation, or mechanical circulatory support implantation when compared with those without clinical events. The three miRNAs added substantial prognostic power to Barcelona Bio‐HF score, a multiparametric and validated risk stratification tool for HF (from area under the curve = 0.72 to area under the curve = 0.82).

Conclusions

This discovery study has characterized, for the first time, the advanced chronic HF‐specific miRNA expression pattern. We identified a few miRNAs able to improve the prognostic stratification of HF patients based on common clinical and laboratory values. Further studies are needed to validate our results in larger populations.
Predictors and prognosis of right ventricular function in pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Schmeißer Alexander , Rauwolf Thomas , Groscheck Thomas , Fischbach Katharina , Kropf Siegfried , Luani Blerim , Tanev Ivan , Hansen Michael , Meißler Saskia , Schäfer Kerstin , Steendijk Paul , Braun‐Dullaeus Ruediger C.
Published: May 2021

Aims

Failure of right ventricular (RV) function worsens outcome in pulmonary hypertension (PH). The adaptation of RV contractility to afterload, the RV‐pulmonary artery (PA) coupling, is defined by the ratio of RV end‐systolic to PA elastances (Ees/Ea). Using pressure–volume loop (PV‐L) technique we aimed to identify an Ees/Ea cut‐off predictive for overall survival and to assess hemodynamic and morphologic conditions for adapted RV function in secondary PH due to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF).

Methods and results

This post hoc analysis is based on 112 patients of the prospective Magdeburger Resynchronization Responder Trial. All patients underwent right and left heart echocardiography and a baseline PV‐L and RV catheter measurement. A subgroup of patients (n = 50) without a pre‐implanted cardiac device underwent magnetic resonance imaging at baseline. The analysis revealed that 0.68 is an optimal Ees/Ea cut‐off (area under the curve: 0.697, P < 0.001) predictive for overall survival (median follow up = 4.7 years, Ees/Ea ≥ 0.68 vs. <0.68, log‐rank 8.9, P = 0.003). In patients with PH (n = 76, 68%) multivariate Cox regression demonstrated the independent prognostic value of RV‐Ees/Ea in PH patients (hazard ratio 0.2, P < 0.038). Patients without PH (n = 36, 32%) and those with PH but RV‐Ees/Ea ≥ 0.68 showed comparable RV‐Ees/Ea ratios (0.88 vs. 0.9, P = 0.39), RV size/function, and survival. In contrast, secondary PH with RV‐PA coupling ratio Ees/Ea < 0.68 corresponded extremely close to cut‐off values that define RV dilatation/remodelling (RV end‐diastolic volume >160 mL, RV‐mass/volume‐ratio ≤0.37 g/mL) and dysfunction (right ventricular ejection fraction <38%, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion <16 mm, fractional area change <42%, and stroke‐volume/end‐systolic volume ratio <0.59) and is associated with a dramatically increased short and medium‐term all‐cause mortality. Independent predictors of prognostically unfavourable RV‐PA coupling (Ees/Ea < 0.68) in secondary PH were a pre‐existent dilated RV [end‐diastolic volume >171 mL, odds ratio (OR) 0.96, P = 0.021], high pulsatile load (PA compliance <2.3 mL/mmHg, OR 8.6, P = 0.003), and advanced systolic left heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction <30%, OR 1.23, P = 0.028).

Conclusions

The RV‐PA coupling ratio Ees/Ea predicts overall survival in PH due to HFREF and is mainly affected by pulsatile load, RV remodelling, and left ventricular dysfunction. Prognostically favourable coupling (RV‐Ees/Ea ≥ 0.68) in PH was associated with preserved RV size/function and mid‐term survival, comparable with HFREF without PH.
Early follow‐up at outpatient care after discharge improves long‐term heart failure readmission rate and prognosis
Authors: Matsukawa Ryuichi , Masuda Seigo , Matsuura Hirohide , Nakashima Hiroka , Ikuta Hiroshi , Okabe Kousuke , Okahara Arihide , Kawai Shunsuke , Tokutome Masaki , Tobushi Tomoyuki , Mukai Yasushi
Published: May 2021

Aims

It has been reported that congestive heart failure (CHF) readmission has not decreased in the last decade. It is also reported that CHF readmission is likely to occur shortly after discharge. We investigated whether an early follow‐up at outpatient care within 2 weeks after discharge affects the long‐term readmission rate and prognosis.

Methods and results

We reviewed consecutive 1002 patients admitted to our hospital due to CHF. Two‐hundred and fifty‐nine patients who died in‐hospital or were transferred to another hospital or readmitted within 2 weeks were excluded and 743 of discharged patients were analysed. We extracted contributing variables associated with heart failure (HF) readmission and the composite adverse outcome (all cause death or HF readmissions) by univariate and multivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that the early follow‐up was independently associated with freedom from HF readmission and the composite outcome. We divided these patients into two groups, with/without early follow‐up and performed a propensity score‐matching analysis (n = 259 each). HF readmission during 2 year follow‐up was significantly less in the early follow‐up group [P = 0.02, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.647, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.447–0.935] as well as the composite outcome was less in the early follow‐up group (P = 0.01, HR = 0.643, 95% CI = 0.456–0.908). Medication adjustments were done in only 33.2% of the patients. Rates of HF readmissions were comparable regardless of whether or not medication adjustment was done at the early follow‐up (P = 0.505, HR = 1.208, 95% CI = 0.692–2.106).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that an early follow‐up approach after discharge in CHF patients may improve the long‐term prognosis. These results may not depend on medication adjustment but rather on modifying patient factors early after discharge.
Immobilized Ru‐Pincer Complexes for Continuous Gas‐Phase Low‐Temperature Methanol Reforming‐Improving the Activity by a Second Ru‐Complex and Variation of Hydroxide Additives
Authors: Schwarz Christian H. , Kraus Dominik , Alberico Elisabetta , Junge Henrik , Haumann Marco
Published: May 2021

Ru‐pincer complexes were immobilized as supported liquid phase (SLP) materials to allow the methanol reforming reaction as continuous gas phase process. Under reaction conditions, the liquid phase forms from the hydroxide coating. Several hydroxides were screened and CsOH showed highest activity compared to the standard KOH coating. The well‐known Ru‐pincer complex carbonylchlorohydrido [bis(2‐di‐i‐propylphosphinoethyl)amine]ruthenium(II) is limited in catalyzing the final step of the methanol reforming. Addition of a second complex, having a methylated backbone in the pincer‐ligand, could overcome these limitations. Significant enhancement of the overall catalytic activity was observed.
Patient reported outcome measures in trigeminal neuralgia – A systematic review of psychometric performance
Authors: Venda Nova Carolina , Zakrzewska Joanna M. , R. Baker Sarah , Ni Riordain Richeal
Published: May 2021

Background

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a rare condition for which there are multiple treatment options available. To date, there has been difficulty in comparing the outcomes of treatment due to the variety of patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) and their inadequate psychometric testing. The aim of this review was to assess the psychometric properties of PROMs used to date in TN and make recommendations for their use in future studies.

Methods

Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, Health and Psychosocial Instruments) were searched for studies assessing the development of PROMs or their psychometric properties in TN studies. The records obtained were assessed independently by two reviewers for their methodological quality, following guidance from the Consensus‐based Standards for the selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN).

Results

Six studies were identified and information on five PROMs (Brief Pain Inventory Facial (BPI‐F), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Barrow Neurology Institute Pain Scale (BNI‐PS), Penn Facial Pain Scale‐Revised (Penn‐FPS‐R) and Trigeminal Neuralgia Quality of Life Score) were retrieved. The Penn‐FPS‐R demonstrated moderate quality evidence for sufficient content validity. The BPI‐F showed moderate evidence for sufficient internal consistency and structural validity but low evidence for inconsistent content validity. The Trigeminal Neuralgia Quality of Life score showed very low‐quality evidence for insufficient content validity, structure validity and responsiveness. No evidence was found on the assessment of any psychometric properties of the VAS and BNI‐PS in TN.

Conclusion

There is limited evidence of the psychometric performance of patient‐reported outcomes for TN and recommendations for their inclusion in future studies cannot be made. The validation of PROMs in TN studies should be a priority in this field of research.

Significance

This review highlights the knowledge gap in the field of psychometrics of patient reported outcomes measures in the field of TN. Given the unavailability of an objective outcome measure for pain or health related quality of life, psychometrically sound PROMs are essential for assessing medical and surgical treatment outcomes in TN.
The combustion behavior of epoxy‐based multifunctional electrolytes
Authors: Shirshova Natasha , Rogaume Thomas , Najmi Hussain , Poisson Marc
Published: May 2021

Multifunctional or structural electrolytes are characterized by ionic conductivity high enough to be used in the electrochemical devices and mechanical performance suitable for the structural applications. Preliminary insights are provided into the combustion behavior of structural bi‐continuous electrolytes based on bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA), synthesized using the techniques of reaction induced phase separation and emulsion templating. The effect of the composition of the structural electrolytes and external heat flux on the behavior of the formulations were studied using a cone calorimeter with gases formed during testing analyzed using FTIR. The composition of the formulations investigated was changed by varying the type and amount of the ion conductive part of the bi‐continuous electrolyte. Two ionic liquids, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (EMIM‐TFSI) and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIM‐BF4), as well as a deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on ethylene glycol and choline chloride, were used. The results obtained confirm that time to ignition, heat release rate (HRR), total mass loss, as well as the composition of the gases released during tests depend on the composition of the formulations. Addition of liquid electrolyte is found to reduce the time to ignition by up to 10% and the burning time by between 28% and 60% with the added benefit of reducing the HRR by at least 34%. Gaseous products such as CO2, CO, H2O, CH4, C2H2, N2O, NO, and HCN were detected for all formulations with the gases SO2, NH3, HCl, C2H4, and NH3 found to be for certain formulations only.
Pogostemon cablin extract as an anticancer agent on human acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Chien Ju‐Huei , Huang Xiao‐Fan , Lai Wen‐Lin , Chang Kai‐Fu , Li Chia‐Yu , Chen Szu‐Yin , Wu Chun‐Yu , Li Kuan‐Ying , Tsai Nu‐Man
Published: May 2021

Pogostemon cablin has been indicated to treat many kinds of diseases and the progression of cancers, such as colorectal cancer. However, the effects of P. cablin extract (PPa extract) against acute myeloid leukemia have not been investigated. Thus, this study explored the anticancer potential of PPa extract and its mechanism in HL‐60 cells. The MTT assay results showed that PPa extract significantly inhibited the proliferation of HL‐60 cells in a dose‐dependent manner and affected cell morphology, causing cell shrinkage and the formation of debris. PPa extract blocked cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 phase in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner and induced cell apoptosis, as shown by the observation of DNA fragments and apoptotic bodies. Furthermore, PPa extract caused the accumulation of a population of cells at G0/G1 phase via a reduction in p‐Rb, increasing p21 expression, and downregulating cell cycle regulator protein expression. Then, PPa extract was found to activate the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, leading to cell death. These data demonstrated that PPa extract exerted inhibitory activity and triggered cell apoptosis in HL‐60 cells and that PPa extract might be a chemopreventive agent for cancer therapy.
MLH1 epimutation is a rare mechanism for Lynch syndrome: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zyla Roman , Graham Tracy , Aronson Melyssa , Velsher Lea , Mrkonjic Miralem , Turashvili Gulisa
Published: May 2021

Endometrial carcinoma is one of the prototypical malignancies associated with Lynch syndrome, an inherited cancer syndrome most commonly caused by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, although rare alternative mechanisms also exist. In this report, we describe a patient first diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 33, then vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, facial sebaceous adenoma/sebaceoma, and finally endometrial carcinoma at age 52. All tumors were MLH1/PMS2‐deficient by immunohistochemistry, and MLH1 promoter methylation was identified in the endometrial cancer. Germline MLH1 testing was negative for pathogenic variants, but she was subsequently diagnosed with Lynch syndrome secondary to a germline monoallelic constitutional epimutation of the MLH1 promoter. Identification of patients displaying a Lynch syndrome phenotype but lacking germline MMR mutations is important to avoid delays in the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome as well as the initiation of appropriate cancer screening and genetic counseling.