bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Right ventricular longitudinal strain remains unimpaired in severe primary mitral regurgitation and functional tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Krivickiene A , Verikas D , Norvilaite R , Ereminiene E
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

INTRODUCTION

The right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RV GLS) increasingly has been used for the prognosis of mortality in the heart failure patients. However, the relationship of RV strains to other RV functional parameters and its dependency of functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) as a result of left heart valvular disease is not well studied. 

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship of RV geometry, functional and strain parameters to the predominant left heart aetiology in patients with functional TR as a result of left heart valvular disease. 

METHODS

Prospective observational cohort study enrolled patients with functional TR caused by left heart valvular disease for whom surgical valvular repairment is scheduled. Patients with ischemic heart disease (assessed by coronary angiography) were excluded from the analysis. The current study included 52 patients with full sets of preoperative echocardiographic parameters. Echocardiographic quantification included the following parameters: the RV geometry (RV diameters, RV area), functional (velocity of the tricuspid annular systolic motion (S’) and RV fractional area change (FAC)) and strain parameters (RV GLS, longitudinal RV free wall strain (RVFWS) and longitudinal strains of each segment of RV free wall). The severity of TR was measured quantitively according the recent ESC guidelines. Patients were divided into groups according to the predominant left heart valvular disease causing moderate or severe functional TR: 1. TR caused by primary severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to mitral valve (MV) prolapse and MV chordae rupture; 2. TR caused by other left heart valvular pathologies (severe aortic stenosis [16 pts.], severe rheumatic aortic and MV disease [11 pts], severe aortic regurgitation [3 pts]). The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS statistical software. 

RESULTS

In 52 patients of current analysis 64% were female, mean age was 67 ± 9. The distribution of echocardiography parameters in study groups are shown in Table 1. The RV geometry parameters and parameter of TR severity (effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) did not differ significantly between these two groups. The RV longitudinal function (S’) and RV strain parameters (RV GLS and longitudinal RVFWS) were better in severe MR group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the right ventricular geometry and severity of functional tricuspid regurgitation does not depend on different predominant left heart valvular disease causing significant functional tricuspid regurgitation, the right ventricular longitudinal function and longitudinal right ventricular free wall strain are less affected and remains unimpaired in patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation caused by severe primary mitral regurgitation. Abstract Figure.
Acute and chronic changes in LV performance in patients with primary severe mitral regurgitation undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair
Authors: Galli E , Hubert P , L"official G , Panis V , Donal E
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The non-invasive assessment of myocardial work allow to evaluate LV performance by taking into account the effect of LV load. Aim of this study is to evaluate the acute and chronic impact of percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) on left ventricular (LV) performance, in patients with severe primary mitral regurgitation (PMR).

Methods and Results

71 patients (age: 77 ± 9 years, females: 44%) with severe PMR (effective regurgitant orifice: 0.57 ± 0.31 cm2, regurgitant volume: 80 ± 34 ml) and preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF: 60 ± 10%) underwent PMVR according to current recommendations. Myocardial work indices were evaluated before the procedure, 2 days after the procedure and at 1-year follow-up.  PMVR was associated with an acute reduction in LVEF, global longitudinal strain (GLS), myocardial work index (MWI), and work efficiency (MWE), and a significant increase in myocardial wasted work (MWW) and mechanical dispersion (MD). 1-year after the procedure, LV size significantly decreased, GLS, MWI, MWE and MD improved, whereas GWW remained significantly reduced. LVEF improved but remained significantly altered compared with baseline values (Table 1).

Conclusions

In patients severe PMR undergoing PMVR, the acute reduction in LV preload causes a significant impairment of all parameters of LV performance. After 1-year, progressive LV remodeling is associated a significant improvement in MCW, counterbalanced by a persistently high MWW, which can explain the partial recovery of LVEF. Abstract Figure.
An in-vitro model of stiffened aortic valves to develop an iso-stiffness-lines graph for aortic stenosis classification
Authors: Buffle E , Stucki M , De Marchi SF , Obrist D
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Bern Center for Precision Medicine (BCPM)

Introduction

The echocardiographic diagnosis of aortic stenosis (AS) is established by assessing its maximal opening area (OA). The behavior of OA is dependent on transvalvular flow which can be low in case of low-flow, low-gradient AS. However, the complicated decision tree of the current guidelines for the assessment of AS does not consider flow but rather a stroke volume and does not take into account the size of the valve. This experiment was designed to create a graphical representation of the OA versus flow for various valve stiffness values to eventually build a model with iso-stiffness lines and simplify the assessment of aortic stenosis

Methods

We filmed a harvested porcine aortic valve mounted in a pulsatile flow loop during the ejection time with a high speed camera (2000Hz), measured for each time point OA and the instantaneous flow through the aortic valve at 10 different mean flow rates (ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 liters/min). We stiffened the valve by treating it with a protein cross-linking agent (formaldehyde) to yield a total of three stiffness grades (a, b, c) and repeated the procedure for each of those grades. We divided both OA and flow, by the area of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) in order to account for different valve sizes. We plotted each OA against its corresponding flow after correcting for the intersignal delay. In order to analyze the cycle portion corresponding to the most steady flow, we only included the 5% highest instantaneous flow rates (for each of the 10 mean flow rates). We then measured the relative stiffness by measuring the relative pump work between stiffness grades, 1 being defined as the native stiffness grade. We predicted relative stiffness grade of each valve in a k-fold validation algorithm (each valve being sequentially taken as the test set and all the other remaining valves in the training set), taking a sigmoid function model. Finally we performed a linear regression of each measured and predicted stiffness grade of each valve to assess the accuracy of the model.

Results

We could analyze 11 valves and performed an 11-fold cross validation. We could predict the relative stiffness of each of the valve with a good slope value (slope = 0.898) and a modest accuracy (r = 0.639).

Conclusions

We could predict with modest accuracy the inherent stiffness of the valve only with valve size, flow and opening area, all information available with echocardiography. This will allow to create iso-stiffness line to better classify valve stenosis and compare any patient on one single graph at any flow or valve" size, potentially simplifying the grading system of aortic stenosis, especially for patient with low-flow, low-gradient AS. Abstract Figure. Combination of Flow and OA  Abstract Figure. 3 stiffness stages and Cross-validation
Echocardiographic assessment of the left ventricular systolic function in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Karakosta M , Miaris N , Kasinos N , Destounis A , Linardakis S , Zahos P , Barmpagiannis D , Vassaki M , Grigoraki E , Kalesi AE , Maritsa D , Boukis D , Skouloudis E , Theodosis-Georgilas A , Pisimisis E
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background/Introduction

Research data have shown evidence of association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Early detection of CVD in IBD patients is crucial for their further management.

Purpose

In this case–control study, we assessed the left ventricular (LV) systolic function of IBD patients with no evidence of CVD and compared it with healthy volunteers.

Methods

The study population consisted of consecutive IBD patients with no evidence of CVD or relative medical history who were referred to our laboratory from January 2021 to July 2021 and a group of healthy volunteers. Standard 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was performed in each group and LV systolic function was assessed by LV ejection fraction (LVEF) with modified Simpson’s rule and LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS). As the normal distribution assumption was not met, the Mann Whitney U test (new procedure) was used to compare the variables within the two groups, while correlations between the 2 continuous variables were examined with the Spearman"s correlation analysis. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Twenty-four IBD patients (15 men, 9 women, 12 with Crohn’s disease, 12 with ulcerative colitis) of a mean age of 39.63 years [minimum = 23, maximum = 56, standard deviation (SD)=9.56] were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of 24 healthy volunteers (15 men, 9 women) of a mean age of 37.75 years (minimum = 17, maximum = 58, SD = 12.12). For the IBD group, the mean LVEF was 57.71% and the median was 58% (minimum = 52%, maximum = 63%, SD = 3.56%), while the mean LVGLS was -18.23% and the median was -18.65% (minimum absolute value = 12.40%, maximum absolute value = 22.70%, SD = 2.48%). For the control group, the mean LVEF was 61.21% and the median was 60% (minimum = 55%, maximum = 68%, SD = 3.43%), while the mean LVGLS was -20.08% and the median was -20% (minimum absolute value = 17%, maximum absolute value = 25.2%, SD = 1.96%). The IBD patient group showed significantly lower LVEF measurements (mean rank = 18.98, Mann-Whitney U = 155.500, p = 0.006) and absolute LVGLS values (mean rank = 19.40, Mann-Whitney U = 165.500, p = 0.011) compared to the control group (LVEF mean rank = 30.02, LVGLS absolute value mean rank = 29.60). Correlation analysis revealed that LVEF was positively correlated with LVGLS absolute values in both groups (IBD patients: Spearman"s rs = 0.532, p = 0.008, control group: Spearman"s rs = 0.565, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Subclinical LV systolic impairment seems to be evident in IBD patients and echocardiographic assessment may facilitate its early detection. Abstract Figure.
Left ventricular global longitudinal strain may foresee prolonged postoperative pericardial effusion
Authors: Bakalli A , Alihajdaraj R , Grbolar A , Krasniqi X , Bekteshi T , Sejdiu B , Cavolli R , Kutllovci A , Dula B , Brahimaj R
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Pericardial effusion (PE) is a frequent finding in patients that undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (GABG). Postoperative PE may be found in as many as 85% of patients. Although postoperative PE is a frequent finding following CABG, fortunately its course is usually benign and they randomly disappear within 7-10 days. However, in some instances PE may persist for longer and cause complications. There are currently limited data in the medical literature providing information regarding the factors that may contribute to postoperative pericarditis. We aimed to analyze the main echocardiographic characteristics that may influence the presence of PE 6 to 8 weeks following CABG.  

Material and methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study that included 90 consecutive patients that underwent CABG procedure in the Cardio Surgery Department of our tertiary medical center.  We excluded patients that underwent other cardiac surgery interventions, patients with CABG that had postoperative bleeding which required reoperation and patients that had PE prior to intervention.  Patients in whom PE was registered formed the first group (32 patients), whereas those without PE formed the second group (58 patients). Echocardiography data obtained before the surgery were compared between the two groups.

Results

The average amount of PE was 5.11 ± 1.62 mm. The groups did not differ in regard to gender (males 65.62% vs 63.79%, p = 0.86), age (59.59 ± 9.29 vs 61.69 ± 10.71, p = 0.35), body mass index (27.13 ± 4.05 vs 28.62 ± 4.11, p = 0.1). Comparison between groups in respect to echocardiographic features are presented in table 1. As seen in this table, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) was the only echocardiographic feature analyzed with statistical significance (-14.64 ± 6.86 vs -16.96 ± 4.1, p = 0.04). Both groups had mean values outside reference range, which can be explained by coronary artery disease in both groups.  

Conclusions

Postoperative PE in small amount may be found in a considerable number of patients, as long as two months following CABG. More severe LV GLS alterations may be associated with occurrence of PE in patients following CABG. Abstract Figure. Comparison of echocardiographic features
Effect of daily sodium consumption on hemodynamics in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Maslova MY , Krylova NS , Poteshkina NG , Kovalevskaya EA
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are advised to avoid dehydration and drink enough fluids to maintain circulating blood volume (BV) when LV volume is reduced. Salt (NaCl) intake is one of the main factors affecting BV and hemodynamics. At the same time, there have been no studies to find the optimal level of salt intake and identify its effect on hemodynamics in HCM patients.

Purpouse

To estimate the effect of salt (NaCl) intake on the clinical course and hemodynamics in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients (HCM).

Material and methods: 54 HCM patients aged between 18 and 81 (average age 60.1 ± 15.2 years), were examined. Medical history and complaints were mainly focused on the shortness of breath, dizziness, and nonarrhythmogenic syncope. ECG, Holter ECG monitoring and EchoCG were performed. The NT-proBNP level and the 24-hour urine sodium tests were taken.

Results

The average level of Na+ in the 24-hour urine sample was 128.2 ± 84.1 mmol/day; an inverse correlation was found between this parameter and syncope (r=-0.4, p = 0.03) and also with LV outflow tract obstruction (r=-0.3, p = 0.04). NT-proBNP level was found to be 1449 [444; 3807] ng/L, with a positive relationship between NT-proBNP and functional class of chronic heart failure by NYHA (r = 0.4; p = 0.009). In patients with daily natriuresis <50 mmol/day, syncope was more common (60% vs 8%, p = 0.01), a lower LV stroke volume index (LV SVI) was revealed (19.8 ± 3.6 vs 27.1 ± 4, 8 ml/m², p = 0.006); daily natriuresis >65 mmol/day corresponded to a higher right atrium volume index (21.7 ± 7.3 vs 29.1 ± 11.1 ml/m², p = 0.01),  higher left atrium volume index (36.0 ± 13.8 vs 47.6 ± 13.8 ml/m², p = 0.01) and higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure (28.4 ± 6.3 vs 35.1 ± 7.9 mm Hg, p = 0.02). An increase in natriuresis > 100 mmol/day was followed by a decrease in the frequency of obstruction (52% vs 22%, р=0.04), which persisted at natriuresis > 110 mmol/day (58% vs 29%, р=0.03). Daily natriuresis <50 mmol/day folowed by increased of syncope with OR 16.9 (95% CI: 2.2-132.5, p = 0.007), and <65 mmol/day - OR 7.6 (95% CI: 1.4-41.7; p = 0.02). Obstruction frequency decreased with natriuresis > 90 mmol/day - OR 3.7 (95% CI: 1.2-12.1, p = 0.03), with natriuresis >100 mmol/day OR 3.9 (95% CI: 1.3-12.3, p = 0.02), with natriuresis >110 mmol/day OR 5.2 (95% CI: 1.6-16.9, p = 0.007). 

Conclusions

Low salt intake in the observed cohort of HCM patients was accompanied by a lower LV SVI and higher incidents of syncope. As salt intake in patients with HCM increases, the atria volume and the pressure in the pulmonary artery increase also. Frequency of obstruction was reduced with sodium levels in daily natriuresis > 90 mmol/day.
Functional tricuspid regurgitation : a clustering analysis and prognostic validation of 3 phenotypes on an external cohort
Authors: Vely M , L"official G , Galli E , Lacout M , Leurent G , Oger E , Donal E
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) ≥ moderate is an independent risk factor of morbidity and mortality. FTR could be classified into 2 categories: "atrial functional-TR" (AF-TR) and "ventricular functional-TR" (VF-TR). Percutaneous procedures increase interest in best understanding and selecting patients eligible for intervention. We aim to study echocardiographic criteria associated with the prognosis in patients with severe TR, using a clustering method on a retrospective monocentric cohort that we applied to an external validation prospective multicentric cohort.

Methods and results: Ninety-two patients with severe TR (mean age 77.9 ± 13 years, 48.9% female, atrial fibrillation in 68.5%) were enrolled. A hierarchical clustering analysis was conducted. Four parameters explained the clustering categorization (right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic mid-cavity diameter, RV free-wall Strain, right atrial (RA) volume index, RA Strain; p = 0,0039). Three clusters were identified: Cluster 1 with better right ventricular, left ventricular, and right atrial function (related to AF-TR) compared with Cluster 2 (related to VF-TR). Cluster 3 includes patients with severely dilated heart chambers, and RV and RA dysfunction. When applying the 3 clusters in the validation cohort (149 patients), the primary endpoint (hospitalization for Heart failure and/or death from any cause) was significantly better in cluster 1 in 30.8% versus 48% and 58.8% in clusters 2 and 3 respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Three phenotypes of FTR were built.  Significant TR assessment should include RV and RA characteristics. AF-TR seems to have a better prognosis than VF-TR (under non interventional management). Abstract Figure. survival according to clusters
Early impairment of left ventricular longitudinal and radial deformation in primary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Memis H , Mihalcea D , Mihaila S , Balinisteanu A , Vinereanu D
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Grant TE 137/2020

Background. In primary mitral regurgitation (PMR) left ventricular (LV) remodeling is an adaptive process with prognostic significance.

Aim. To characterize LV deformation parameters related to PMR severity for a better understanding of LV pathophysiology, in patients with mild to severe PMR and preserved LV ejection fraction (EF).

Methods. 48 patients (56 ± 14 years, 42% men) with PMR (mild - 12 patients, moderate - 12 patients, severe - 24 patients) and 50 age and sex matched-controls (56 ± 12 years, 48% men) were analyzed by 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D STE) for LV endo, mid, and epicardial longitudinal strain (LS); endo, mid, and epicardial circumferential strain (CS); and radial strain (RS). LV volumes and EF, and LA volumes and emptying fraction (EmF) were measured by 3D echocardiography. MR severity was quantified by vena contracta (VC), PISA radius, MR regurgitant volume, and EROA measurements, according to the 2021 ESC guidelines.

Results. 3D LVEF had no significant difference between PMR patients and controls (p= 0.11). From control subjects to mild, moderate, and severe PMR, there was a progressive reduction of LS and RS (Figures 1 and 2), but not of CS. By 2D STE multilayer analysis, when compared to controls, PMR patients had decreased endo-, mid-, and epi-LS (p < 0.04), with a compensatory increase of endo-LS in mild PMR (Figure 2). Basal, middle, and apical segments LS decreased similarly and progressively from control subjects to PMR patients (p < 0.01). In addition, in patients with PMR only LS, but not RS or CS, correlated with MR severity (PISA radius, VC, and MR regurgitant volume: r= -0.43, r= -0.32, r= -0.38, all p < 0.01), and LA function (EmF: r = -0.41, p < 0.01).

Conclusion. When compared to normal subjects, patients with PMR and preserved LVEF have altered LV longitudinal and radial deformation, with preserved circumferential strain. All longitudinal layers and all LV segments were similarly affected. Only longitudinal strain correlates with MR severity and atrial function. Our study suggests that a comprehensive evaluation of the LV deformation should be included in the assessment of patients with PMR, in order to identify early stages of LV dysfunction, starting even from mild MR. Abstract Figure. LV deformation - PMR vs controls  Abstract Figure. Multilayer LS in PMR patients
Phenotypic clustering of patients with newly diagnosed coronary artery disease using cardiovascular magnetic resonance and coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Pezel T , Unterseeh T , Hovasse T , Asselin A , Lefevre T , Chevalier B , Neylon A , Benamer H , Champagne S , Sanguineti S , Toupin S , Garot P , Garot J
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological characteristics and prognostic profiles of patients with newly diagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD) are heterogeneous. Thus, providing individualized cardiovascular (CV) risk stratification and tailored prevention is crucial.

PURPOSE

Phenotypic unsupervised clustering integrating clinical, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) data was used to unveil pathophysiological differences between subgroups of patients with newly diagnosed CAD.

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2020, consecutive patients with newly diagnosed obstructive CAD on CCTA and further referred for vasodilator stress CMR were followed for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined by cardiovascular death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. A cluster analysis was performed on clinical, CCTA and CMR variables, and associations between phenogroups and outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 2,210 patients who underwent CMR, 2,015 (46% male, mean 70 ± 12 years) completed follow-up (median 6.8[IQR 5.9-9.2] years); 277 experienced a MACE (13.7%). Three mutually exclusive and clinically distinct phenogroups (PG) were identified based upon unsupervised hierarchical clustering of principal components: [PG1] CAD in elderly patients with few traditional risk factors; [PG2] women with metabolic syndrome, calcified plaques on CCTA and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); and [PG3] younger male smokers with proximal noncalcified plaques on CCTA, myocardial scar and reduced LVEF. Using survival analysis, the occurrence of MACE, cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality (all p < 0.001) differed among the three PG, PG3 having the worse prognosis. In each PG, inducible ischemia was associated with MACE (PG1, HR = 3.09, 95%CI, 1.70-5.62; PG2, HR = 3.62, 95%CI, 2.31-5.70; PG3, HR = 3.55, 95%CI, 2.30-5.49; all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Cluster analysis of clinical, CCTA and CMR variables identified 3 phenogroups of patients with newly diagnosed CAD that were associated with distinct clinical and prognostic profiles. Inducible ischemia assessed by stress CMR remained associated with the occurrence of MACE within each phenogroup. Abstract Figure. Cluster analysis: Biplot representation  Abstract Figure. Kaplan Meier curves by Phenogroups
Intracoronary thrombus assessment with cardiac computed tomography angiography in a deferred stenting strategy
Authors: Montes A , Pozo Osinalde E , Bastante T , Cecconi A , Garcia-Guimaraes M , Rivero F , De Rueda C , Rojas Gonzalez A , Olivera MJ , Salamanca J , De Agustin JA , Caballero P , Aguilar Torres R , Jimenez Borreguero LJ , Alfonso Manterola F
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background.

Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is precise in non-invasive coronary atherosclerosis characterization but its value in the diagnosis of intracoronary thrombus remains unknown. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CCTA for intracoronary thrombus and stenosis detection in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) with high thrombus burden selected for a deferred stenting (DS) strategy.

Methods.

We systematically performed a CCTA in consecutive DS patients 24 hours before the scheduled repeated coronary angiography that also included optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Intracoronary thrombus and residual stenosis were blindly and independently evaluated by both non-invasive and invasive diagnostic tests. Agreement was determined per lesion using weighted Kappa (K) coefficient and  absolute intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). A stratified analysis according to OCT-detected thrombus burden was also performed.

Results.

Thirty lesions in 28 consecutive patients with a large thrombus burden were analyzed. Concordance between CCTA and repeated coronary angiography in thrombus detection was good (K= 0.554; p< 0.001), but both showed a poor agreement with OCT. CCTA needed >11.5% thrombus burden on OCT to obtain adequate diagnostic accuracy. The lesions detected by angiography were more frequently classified as red thrombus (76.5 vs 33.3%; p= 0.087) on OCT. CCTA showed an excellent concordance with coronary angiography in diameter stenosis (ICC= 0.85; p< 0.001), and was able to identify all the patients with severe residual stenosis.

Conclusion.

CCTA is able to assess intracoronary thrombus. Although CCTA showed just a good concordance with angiography in thrombus detection, the agreement in residual stenosis was excellent. Thus, in patients with a high-thrombus burden CCTA may substitute repeat angiography in patients considered for DS. Abstract Figure.
Temporal and spatial microbiome dynamics across natural populations of the social spider Stegodyphus dumicola
Authors: Busck Mette M , Lund Marie B , Bird Tharina L , Bechsgaard Jesper S , Bilde Trine , Schramm Andreas
Published: February 2022

Host–symbiont interactions may form obligatory or facultative associations that are context dependent. Long-term studies on microbiome composition from wild populations should assess the temporal and spatial dynamics of host–microbe associations. We characterized the temporal and spatial variation in the bacterial microbiome composition in six populations of the social spider Stegodyphus dumicola for 2.5 years, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of whole spiders. Individuals within a nest exhibit highly similar microbiomes, which remain stable over several generations and are not predictably affected by seasonal variation in temperature or humidity. This stability in nest microbiome is likely due to social transmission, whereas drift-like processes during new nest foundations explain variation in host microbiomes between nests. This is supported by the lack of obligate symbionts (i.e. no symbionts are present in all spider individuals). Quantitative PCR analyses showed that the bacterial load of individual spiders is stable in healthy nests but can increase dramatically in perishing nests. These increases are not driven by specific bacterial taxa but likely caused by loss of host immune control under deteriorating conditions. Spider nests show an annual survival rate of approximately 45%, but nest death is not correlated to microbiome composition, and the bacteria found in S. dumicola are not considered to be high virulence pathogens.
Relationship Between Adipokines, Cognition, and Brain Structures in Old Age Depending on Obesity
Authors: Ha Junghee , Kwak Seyul , Kim Keun You , Kim Hyunjeong , Cho So Yeon , Kim Minae , Lee Jun-Young , Kim Eosu
Published: February 2022

Background

Adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin are associated with cognitive function. Although adiposity crucially affects adipokine levels, it remains unclear whether the relationship between adipokines and cognition is influenced by obesity.

Methods

We enrolled 171 participants and divided them into participants with obesity and without obesity to explore the effect of obesity on the relationship between adipokines and cognition. In addition to plasma levels of leptin and adiponectin, multidomain cognitive functions and brain structures were assessed using neuropsychological testing and magnetic resonance imaging. Association between levels of these adipokines and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was then assessed by logistic regression.

Results

We found that cognitive function was negatively associated with leptin levels and leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (LAR). Such correlations between leptin and cognitive domains were prominent in participants with obesity but were not observed in those without obesity. Leptin levels were associated with lower hippocampal volumes in participants with obesity. A significant interaction of leptin and obesity was found mostly in the medial temporal lobe. Both leptin and LAR were positively associated with insulin resistance and inflammation markers in all participants. Of note, LAR was associated with a higher risk of AD after adjusting for demographic variables, Apolipoprotein E genotype, and body mass index.

Conclusions

Obesity might be a factor that determines how adipokines affect brain structure and cognition. Leptin resistance might influence the relationship between adipokines and cognition. In addition, LAR rather than each adipokine levels alone may be a better indicator of AD risk in older adults with metabolic stress.
Frailty Risk in Older Adults Associated With Long-Term Exposure to Ambient PM2.5 in 6 Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Guo Yanfei F , Ng Nawi , Kowal Paul , Lin Hualiang , Ruan Ye , Shi Yan , Wu Fan
Published: February 2022

Background

A series of studies have explored the health effects of long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 among older adults. However, few studies have investigated the adverse effect of long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 on frailty, and the results are inconclusive. This study sought to investigate the associations between long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 and frailty in 6 low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

We included an analytical sample of 34 138 individuals aged 50 and older from the Study on global AGEing and adult health Wave 1 (2007/2010). Air pollution estimates were generated using a standard methodology derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer observations and Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer instruments from the Terra satellite, along with simulations from the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model. A 3-level hierarchical logistic model was used to evaluate the association between frailty index and long-term PM2.5 exposure at 3 levels (individual, province, and country).

Results

In rural areas, each 10 μg/m3 increase in ambient PM2.5 was associated with a 30% increase in the odds of frailty (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.21–1.39) after adjusting for various potential confounding factors. The gender-stratified analysis showed that the association seemed to be slightly stronger in men (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.18–1.46) than in women (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07–1.36) in rural areas.

Conclusion

In a large sample of community-based older adults from 6 middle-income countries, we found evidence that long-term PM2.5 exposure was associated with frailty in rural areas.
DNA Damage in Circulating Hematopoietic Progenitor Stem Cells as Promising Biological Sensor of Frailty
Authors: Grasselli Chiara , Bombelli Silvia , Eriani Stefano , Domenici Giulia , Galluccio Riccardo , Tropeano Chiara , De Marco Sofia , Bolognesi Maddalena M , Torsello Barbara , Bianchi Cristina , Antolini Laura , Rossi Fabio , Mazzola Paolo , Leoni Valerio , Bellelli Giuseppe , Perego Roberto A
Published: February 2022

Frailty is an age-related syndrome that exposes individuals to increased vulnerability. Although it is potentially reversible, in most cases it leads to negative outcomes, including mortality. The different methods proposed identify frailty after the onset of clinical manifestations. An early diagnosis might make it possible to manage the frailty progression better. The frailty pathophysiology is still unclear although mechanisms, in particular, those linked to inflammation and immunosenescence, have been investigated. A common feature of several clinical aspects involved in senescent organisms is the increase of oxidative stress, described as one of the major causes of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage accumulation in aged cells including the adult stem cell compartment. Likely, this accumulation is implicated in frailty status. The oxidative status of our frail, pre-frail, and non-frail population was characterized. In addition, the DNA damage in hematopoietic cells was evidenced by analyzing the peripheral blood mononuclear cell and their T lymphocyte, monocyte, circulating hematopoietic progenitor stem cell (cHPSC) subpopulations. The phosphorylation of C-terminal of histone H2AX at amino acid Ser 139 (γ-H2AX), which occurs at the DNA double-strand break focus, was evaluated. In our frail population, increased oxidative stress and a high level of DNA damage in cHPSC were found. This study may have potential implications because the increment of DNA damage in cHPSC could be suggestive of an organism impairment preceding the evident frailty. In addition, it may open the possibility for attenuation of frailty progression throughout specific drugs acting on preventing DNA damage or removing damaged cells
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Affect the Phenotype and Disease Course of Coexisting Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Attauabi Mohamed , Wewer Mads Damsgaard , Bendtsen Flemming , Seidelin Jakob Benedict , Burisch Johan
Published: February 2022

Background

It is unclear whether inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) affect the phenotype and severity of co-occurring immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). We aimed to investigate the characteristics of IMIDs in relation to co-occurring IBD.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to September 2020. We identified studies reporting the phenotype, severity, or disease course of IMIDs among patients with or without co-occurring IBD. A meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models.

Results

The electronic search yielded 13 220 studies that we narrowed down to 73 eligible studies for full-text review, including 42 on primary sclerosing cholangitis, 12 on axial spondyloarthropathies, and 8 studies on psoriasis. In primary sclerosing cholangitis, IBD was associated with less frequent involvement of extrahepatic bile ducts (risk ratio [RR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.75), longer liver transplantation–free survival (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.60-0.82), and no increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.59-1.31). Patients with axial spondyloarthropathies and co-occurring IBD were characterized by an increased risk of dactylitis (RR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.24-3.42), a lower Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index (mean difference [MD] = -2.28; 95% CI, -3.26 to -1.30), and better Schober’s test results (MD = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.64-1.49). Psoriasis and co-occurring IBD was associated with reduced disease severity (RR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.02-1.96) and less frequent presentation in nails (RR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.05-0.42), with no apparent impact on psoriatic arthritis (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.27-3.31).

Conclusions

This systematic review with meta-analysis found IBD is associated with a distinct disease phenotype among the IMIDs investigated. Our findings emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to patients with co-occurring IMIDs and IBD.
Fecal Calprotectin Is a Predictor of Need for Rescue Therapy in Hospitalized Severe Colitis
Authors: Sasidharan Saranya , Sasson Alexa N , Shannon Kevin M , Ananthakrishnan Ashwin N
Published: February 2022

Background

Up to one-third of patients hospitalized for acute severe colitis secondary to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) do not adequately respond to intravenous steroids. There is an unmet need to identify a useful predictor for rescue treatment in this cohort of patients.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the predictive efficacy of fecal calprotectin in identifying the need for medical or surgical therapy in patients with acute severe colitis.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study including patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who were hospitalized for severe exacerbation of colitis. The primary outcome was the need for in-hospital medical or surgical rescue therapy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of rescue therapy.

Results

Our study included 147 patients with UC. One-third (33%) required rescue therapy, and 13% underwent colectomy. Patients requiring rescue therapy had significantly higher fecal calprotectin (mean 1748 mcg/g vs 1353 mcg/g, P = .02) compared with those who did not. A fecal calprotectin >800 mcg/g independently predicted the need for inpatient medical rescue therapy (odds ratio, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.12-6.12). An admission calprotectin >800 mcg/g independently predicted surgery within 3 months (odds ratio, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.01-8.17).

Conclusions

Fecal calprotectin levels may serve as a useful noninvasive predictor of medical and surgical risk in individuals with UC presenting with acute severe colitis. This approach can facilitate earlier therapeutic interventions and improve outcomes.
Effects of harvest date and growth stage on triticale forages in the southwest United States: agronomic characteristics, nutritive value, energy density, and in vitro disappearance of dry matter and fiber
Authors: Coblentz Wayne K , Ottman Michael J , Kieke Burney A
Published: February 2022

Recently, there has been increased interest in including triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) or other winter cereals within forage programs throughout the southwest United States. Our objectives were to screen 14 diverse triticale cultivars for agronomic and nutritive characteristics with specific emphasis on identifying normal, as well as deviant, responses to the calendar date and plant maturity for forages seeded in December and harvested from late February throughout May at Maricopa, AZ. Fourteen cultivars were established in a randomized complete block design with each cultivar represented within each of three field blocks. Plots were clean tilled and established on December 18, 2018, and then harvested at 2-wk intervals beginning on February 27 and ending May 23, 2019. Across all harvest dates, forage (N = 315) energy density (NEL) exhibited strong negative correlations with growth stage (r =  −0.879), plant height (r =  −0.913), head weight (r =  −0.814), and estimated dry matter (DM) yield (r =  −0.886) but was positively associated with percentages of leaf (r = 0.949), and weakly associated with percentages of the stem (r = 0.138). Through April 10, similar correlations were observed within individual harvest dates (N = 45) for growth stage, leaf percentage, and plant height but not for stem or head-weight percentages. Within later harvest dates, only sporadic correlations with NEL were observed. Primarily cubic regression relationships for neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, 30- and 48-h in vitro disappearance of DM and fiber, and NEL were fit for the mean or typical cultivar using both days from February 1 and growth stage as independent variables. Coefficients of determination (R2 ≥ 0.860) in all cases indicated a good fit for the polynomial models. For NEL, deviation from the typical cultivar when days from February 1 was used as the independent regression variable was largely affected by cultivar maturation rate. When the growth stage was substituted as the independent variable, plant height, stem percentage beginning at anthesis, and low grain-head percentage were associated with the maximum negative deviant cultivar (Merlin Max). The 0.23 Mcal/kg difference between maximum positive and negative deviant cultivars at a common late-boot/early-heading stage of growth suggests that some attention should be placed on cultivar selection as well as forage inventory needs and overall cropping goals.
Function of m6A and its regulation of domesticated animals’ complex traits
Authors: Mi Siyuan , Shi Yuanjun , Dari Gerile , Yu Ying
Published: February 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most functionally important epigenetic modification in RNA. The m6A modification widely exists in mRNA and noncoding RNA, influences the mRNA processing, and regulates the secondary structure and maturation of noncoding RNA. Studies showed the important regulatory roles of m6A modification in animal’s complex traits, such as development, immunity, and reproduction-related traits. As an important intermediate stage from animal genome to phenotype, the function of m6A in the complex trait formation of domestic animals cannot be neglected. This review discusses recent research advances on m6A modification in well-studied organisms, such as human and model organisms, and introduces m6A detection technologies, small-molecule inhibitors of m6A-related enzymes, interaction between m6A and other biological progresses, and the regulation mechanisms of m6A in domesticated animals’ complex traits.
Grape seed tannin extract and polyunsaturated fatty acids affect in vitro ruminal fermentation and methane production
Authors: Thanh Lam Phuoc , Kha Pham Truong Thoai , Loor Juan J , Hang Tran Thi Thuy
Published: February 2022

Condensed tannins (CT), one of the most ubiquitous compounds in the plant kingdom, can modulate ruminal nutrient metabolism. Objectives were to study potential interactions of CT and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on ruminal fermentation, biohydrogenation (BH), and methane production. Ruminal fluid obtained from lactating Holstein Friesian cows was used. All experiments were carried out as a completely randomized design with the same mixed diet: control (60:40 forage:concentrate) without supplement (CON), 2.5% soybean oil (SBO), and SBO + grape seed tannin extract (GSTE) at 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, or 0.8% dietary DM (ST0.2, ST0.4, ST0.6, and ST0.8, respectively). Compared with CON (84.7 mM), total VFA concentration was not affected by SBO, but decreased (P < 0.001) with ST0.8 vs. ST0.6 (75.3 vs. 78.3 mM). Relative to CON, methane production was depressed (P < 0.001) by 17.7% and 28.0% in ST0.4 and ST0.8. The highest (P < 0.001) mean concentrations of c9,t11 CLA and C18:1 t11 were observed with ST0.4 compared with CON, but there was no difference between SBO and CT-containing diets. Disappearance of C18:2 c9,c12 was 49.1% vs. 50.3% in CON vs. SBO, whereas it ranged from 39.9% to 46.3% in CT-containing diets after 2 h incubation (P < 0.001). Concentrations of c9,t11 CLA with supplemental SBO and ST0.8 nearly peaked (P < 0.001) at 2 h incubation, but this fatty acid peaked (P > 0.05) at 6 h incubation and remained higher (P < 0.001; 15.9–17.0 µg/mL) at 24 h incubation with ST0.2, ST0.4, and ST0.6 compared with other diets (13.5–14.5 µg/mL). Compared with CON (50.6 µg/mL), concentration of C18:1 t11 with SBO and CT-containing diets reached a peak (P < 0.001; 241–265 µg/mL) at 12 h incubation. Concentration of C18:0 was 171%–231% higher (P < 0.001) with SBO and CT relative to CON at 24 h incubation. Overall, these results demonstrated that PUFA in SBO are more effective in modulating ruminal BH and CH4 production when combined with CT. However, high doses of added CT can reduce ruminal VFA concentration. Thus, a level of 0.4% GSTE added to diets containing 2.5% PUFA from plant origin might be suitable for optimizing ruminal fermentation and BH of C18:2 c9,c12 to fatty acid intermediates that could have beneficial effects to human health.
Global Hospital Infrastructure and Pediatric Burns
Authors: Puthumana Joseph Stephen , Cooney Carisa Miller , Hultman Charles Scott , Redett Richard James
Published: February 2022

Low-income regions carry the highest mortality burden of pediatric burns and attention to remedy these inequities has shifted from isolated mission trips toward building infrastructure for lasting improvements in surgical care. This study aims to investigate disparities in pediatric burn care infrastructure and their impact on mortality outcomes. The multinational Global Burn Registry was queried for all burn cases between January 2018 and August 2021. Burn cases and mortality rates were analyzed by chi-square and multinomial regression. There were a total of 8537 cases of which 3492 (40.9%) were pediatric. Significantly lower mortality rates were found in facilities with sophisticated nutritional supplementation (P < .001), permanent internet connectivity (P < .001), critical care access (P < .001), burn OR access (P = .003), dedicated burn unit (P < .001), and advanced plastic and reconstructive skills (P = .003). Significant disparities were found in the availability of these resources between high- and low-income countries, as well granular information within low-income regions. In a multinomial logistic regression controlling for TBSA, the most significant predictive factors for mortality were limited critical care availability (OR 15.18, P < .001) and sophisticated nutritional access (OR 0.40, P = .024). This is the first quantitative analysis of disparities in global burn infrastructure. The identification of nutritional support as an independent and significant protective factor suggests that low-cost interventions in hospital nutrition infrastructure may realize significant gains in global burn care. Granular information in the variability of regional needs will begin to direct targeted infrastructure initiatives rather than a one-size-fits-all approach in developing nations.
An introduction to the Special Section on Crustacean Mitochondrial Genomics: Improving the assembly, annotation, and characterization of mitochondrial genomes using user-friendly and open-access bioinformatics tools, with decapod crustaceans as an example
Authors: Baeza J Antonio
Published: February 2022

The special section on crustacean mitochondrial genomics houses five articles focused on the characterization of mitochondrial genomes in different decapod crustaceans. In this introductory article, I highlight details and peculiarities of the workflow used in these articles with which mitochondrial genomes were de novo assembled, annotated, manually curated, and characterized. The workflows used in these studies improves the characterization of mitochondrial genomes and are expected to democratize and advance our knowledge on mitochondrial genomics in non-model crustaceans, while profiting from user-friendly and open access bioinformatics tools.