bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A possible third body in the X-ray system GRS 1747−312 and models with higher order multiplicity
Authors: Painter Caleb , Di Stefano Rosanne , Kashyap Vinay L , Soria Roberto , Lopez-Miralles Jose , Urquhart Ryan , Steiner James F , Motta Sara , Ragozzine Darin , Mori Hideyuki
Published: January 2024

GRS 1747−312 is a bright Low-Mass X-ray Binary in the globular cluster Terzan 6, located at a distance of 9.5 kpc from the Earth. It exhibits regular outbursts approximately every 4.5 months, during which periodic eclipses are known to occur. These eclipses have only been observed in the outburst phase, and are not clearly seen when the source is quiescent. Recent Chandra observations of the source were performed in 2019 June and 2021 April, June, and August. Two of these observations captured the source during its outburst, and showed clear flux decreases at the expected time of eclipse. The other two observations occurred when the source was quiescent. We present the discovery of a dip that occurred during the quiescent state. The dip is of longer duration and its time of occurrence does not fit the ephemeris of the shorter eclipses. We study the physical characteristics of the dip and determine that it has all the properties of an eclipse by an object with a well defined surface. We find that there are several possibilities for the nature of the object causing the 5.3 ks eclipse. First, GRS 1747−312 may be an X-ray triple, with an LMXB orbited by an outer third object, which could be an M-dwarf, brown dwarf, or planet. Secondly, there could be two LMXBs in close proximity to each other, potentially bound together. Whatever the true nature of the eclipser, its presence suggests that the GRS 1747−312 system is exotic.
Intermediate-luminosity Type IIP SN 2021gmj: a low-energy explosion with signatures of circumstellar material
Authors: Murai Yuta , Tanaka Masaomi , Kawabata Miho , Taguchi Kenta , Teja Rishabh Singh , Nakaoka Tatsuya , Maeda Keiichi , Kawabata Koji S , Nagao Takashi , Moriya Takashi J , Sahu D K , Anupama G C , Tominaga Nozomu , Morokuma Tomoki , Imazawa Ryo , Inutsuka Satoko , Isogai Keisuke , Kasuga Toshihiro , Kobayashi Naoto , Kondo Sohei , Maehara Hiroyuki , Mori Yuki , Niino Yuu , Ogawa Mao , Ohsawa Ryou , Okumura Shin-ichiro , Saito Sei , Sako Shigeyuki , Takahashi Hidenori , Uno Kohki , Yamanaka Masayuki
Published: January 2024

We present photometric, spectroscopic, and polarimetric observations of the intermediate-luminosity Type IIP supernova (SN) 2021gmj from 1 to 386 d after the explosion. The peak absolute V-band magnitude of SN 2021gmj is −15.5 mag, which is fainter than that of normal Type IIP SNe. The spectral evolution of SN 2021gmj resembles that of other sub-luminous SNe: The optical spectra show narrow P-Cygni profiles, indicating a low expansion velocity. We estimate the progenitor mass to be about 12 $\rm {\rm M}_{\odot}$ from the nebular spectrum and the 56Ni mass to be about 0.02 $\rm {\rm M}_{\odot}$ from the bolometric light curve. We also derive the explosion energy to be about 3 × 1050 erg by comparing numerical light-curve models with the observed light curves. Polarization in the plateau phase is not very large, suggesting nearly spherical outer envelope. The early photometric observations capture the rapid rise of the light curve, which is likely due to the interaction with a circumstellar material (CSM). The broad emission feature formed by highly ionized lines on top of a blue continuum in the earliest spectrum gives further indication of the CSM at the vicinity of the progenitor. Our work suggests that a relatively low-mass progenitor of an intermediate-luminosity Type IIP SN can also experience an enhanced mass-loss just before the explosion, as suggested for normal Type IIP SNe.
On the maximum age resolution achievable through stellar population synthesis models
Authors: Zibetti Stefano , Rossi Edoardo , Gallazzi Anna R
Published: January 2024

As the reconstruction of the star formation histories (SFHs) of galaxies from spectroscopic data becomes increasingly popular, we explore the best age resolution achievable with stellar population synthesis (SPS) models, relying on different constraints: broad-band colours, absorption indices, a combination of the two, and the full spectrum. We perform idealized experiments on SPS models and show that the minimum resolvable relative duration of a star formation episode (time difference between 10 per cent and 90 per cent of the stellar mass formed divided by the median age) is never better than 0.4, even when using spectra with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) larger than 100 per Å. Typically, the best relative age resolution ranges between 0.4 and 0.7 over most of the age–metallicity plane, corresponding to minimum bin sizes for SFH sampling between 0.15 and 0.25 dex. This resolution makes the spectroscopic exploration of distant galaxies mandatory in order to reconstruct the early phases of galaxies’ SFHs. We show that spectroscopy with ${\rm SNR} \gtrsim 20\,$ Å−1 is essential for good age resolution. Remarkably, using the full spectrum does not prove significantly more effective than relying on absorption indices, especially at SNR ≲ 20 Å−1. We discuss the physical origins of the age resolution trends as a function of age and metallicity, and identify the presence of maxima in age resolution (i.e. minima in measurable relative time duration) at the characteristic ages that correspond to quick time variations in spectral absorption features. We connect these maxima to bumps commonly observed in reconstructed SFHs.
Simulating image coaddition with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope – I. Simulation methodology and general results
Authors: Hirata Christopher M , Yamamoto Masaya , Laliotis Katherine , Macbeth Emily , Troxel M A , Zhang Tianqing , Cao Kaili , Choi Ami , Givans Jahmour , Heitmann Katrin , Ishak Mustapha , Jarvis Mike , Kovacs Eve , Long Heyang , Mandelbaum Rachel , Park Andy , Porredon Anna , Walter Christopher W , Wood-Vasey W Michael
Published: January 2024

The upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will carry out a wide-area survey in the near-infrared. A key science objective is the measurement of cosmic structure via weak gravitational lensing. Roman data will be undersampled, which introduces new challenges in the measurement of source galaxy shapes; a potential solution is to use linear algebra-based coaddition techniques such as imcom that combine multiple undersampled images to produce a single oversampled output mosaic with a desired ‘target’ point spread function (PSF). We present here an initial application of imcom to 0.64 square degrees of simulated Roman data, based on the Roman branch of the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) Dark Energy Science Collaboration (DESC) Data Challenge 2 (DC2) simulation. We show that imcom runs successfully on simulated data that includes features such as plate scale distortions, chip gaps, detector defects, and cosmic ray masks. We simultaneously propagate grids of injected sources and simulated noise fields as well as the full simulation. We quantify the residual deviations of the PSF from the target (the ‘leakage’), as well as noise properties of the output images; we discuss how the overall tiling pattern as well as Moiré patterns appear in the final leakage and noise maps. We include appendices on interpolation algorithms and the interaction of undersampling with image processing operations that may be of broader applicability. The companion paper (‘Paper II’) explores the implications for weak lensing analyses.
Combined magnetic field evolution in neutron star cores and crusts: ambipolar diffusion, Hall effect, and Ohmic dissipation
Authors: Skiathas Dimitrios , Gourgouliatos Konstantinos N
Published: January 2024

Neutron star magnetic field evolution is mediated through the Hall effect and Ohmic dissipation in the crust while ambipolar diffusion is taking place in the core. These effects have been studied in detail in either part of the star, however, their combined, simultaneous evolution and interplay has not been explored in detail yet. Here, we present simulation results of the simultaneous evolution of the magnetic field in the core due to ambipolar diffusion and the crust due to Hall effect and Ohmic decay, under the assumption of axial symmetry. We find that a purely poloidal field generates a toroidal field in the crust, due to the Hall effect, that sinks into the core. A purely toroidal field remains toroidal and spreads into the core and the crust. Finally, for a mixed poloidal–toroidal field, the north–south symmetry is broken due to the Hall effect in the crust, however, ambipolar diffusion, tends to restore it. We examine the role of ambipolar diffusion to the magnetic field decay and we compare the rate of the conversion of magnetic field energy into heat, finding that it enhances the magnetic field decay in neutron stars.
The evolution of catastrophically evaporating rocky planets
Authors: Curry Alfred , Booth Richard , Owen James E , Mohanty Subhanjoy
Published: January 2024

In this work, we develop a rocky planet interior model and use it to investigate the evolution of catastrophically evaporating rocky exoplanets. These planets, detected through the dust tails produced by evaporative outflows from their molten surfaces, can be entirely destroyed in a fraction of their host star’s lifetime. To allow for the major decrease in mass, our interior model can simultaneously calculate the evolution of the pressure and density structure of a planet alongside its thermal evolution, which includes the effects of conduction, convection and partial melting. We first use this model to show that the underlying planets are likely to be almost entirely solid. This means that the dusty tails are made up of material sampled only from a thin dayside lava pool. If one wishes to infer the bulk compositions of rocky exoplanets from their dust tails, it is important to take the localized origin of this material into account. Secondly, by considering how frequently one should be able to detect mass loss from these systems, we investigate the occurrence of sub-Earth mass exoplanets, which is difficult with conventional planet detection surveys. We predict that, depending on model assumptions, the number of progenitors of the catastrophically evaporating planets is either in line with, or higher than, the observed population of close-in (substellar temperatures around 2200 K) terrestrial exoplanets.
Trends in treatment for patients with late-onset rheumatoid arthritis in Japan: Data from the NinJa study
Authors: Matsui Toshihiro , Yoshida Tomoya , Nishino Takahiro , Yoshizawa Shigeru , Sawada Tetsuji , Tohma Shigeto
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Our objective was to investigate trends in the treatment of patients with late-onset rheumatoid arthritis (LORA) using data from the National Database of Rheumatic Diseases in Japan (NinJa).

Methods

Patients registered in the National Database of Rheumatic Diseases in Japan were classified according to the disease onset: at <65 years (young-onset rheumatoid arthritis); at 65–74 years (early LORA); and at ≥75 years (late LORA). Chronological changes in the treatment and disease activity were compared.

Results

A total of 7178, 13,171, 15,295, and 15,943 patients were evaluated in 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019, respectively. In all groups, the use of methotrexate gradually decreased, whereas that of biological/targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) increased; the use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors decreased, whereas that of non-tumor necrosis factor inhibitors increased. LORA was characterized by more single DMARD use and less methotrexate and biological/targeted synthetic DMARD use. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and interleukin-6 inhibitors were used less frequently, whereas abatacept was utilized more frequently in late versus early LORA. Conventional synthetic DMARD (excluding methotrexate) and glucocorticoid use was higher in late versus early LORA.

Conclusions

This analysis revealed chronological changes in the treatment of LORA in Japan. Differences between early and late LORA suggest that patients are not a homogeneous population.
Hypofractionated radiotherapy for glioblastoma: A large institutional retrospective assessment of 2 approaches
Authors: Beckham Thomas H , Rooney Michael K , McAleer Mary F , Ghia Amol J , Tom Martin C , Perni Subha , McGovern Susan , Grosshans David , Chung Caroline , Wang Chenyang , De Brain , Swanson Todd , Paulino Arnold , Jiang Wen , Ferguson Sherise , Patel Chirag B , Li Jing , Yeboa Debra N
Published: January 2024

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) poses therapeutic challenges due to its aggressive nature, particularly for patients with poor functional status and/or advanced disease. Hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) regimens have demonstrated comparable disease outcomes for this population while allowing treatment to be completed more quickly. Here, we report our institutional outcomes of patients treated with 2 hypofractionated RT regimens: 40 Gy/15fx (3w-RT) and 50 Gy/20fx (4w-RT).

Methods

A single-institution retrospective analysis was conducted of 127 GBM patients who underwent 3w-RT or 4w-RT. Patient characteristics, treatment regimens, and outcomes were analyzed. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The impact of chemotherapy and RT schedule was explored through subgroup analyses.

Results

Median OS for the entire cohort was 7.7 months. There were no significant differences in PFS or OS between 3w-RT and 4w-RT groups overall. Receipt and timing of temozolomide (TMZ) emerged as the variable most strongly associated with survival, with patients receiving adjuvant-only or concurrent and adjuvant TMZ having significantly improved PFS and OS (P < .001). In a subgroup analysis of patients that did not receive TMZ, patients in the 4w-RT group demonstrated a trend toward improved OS as compared to the 3w-RT group (P = .12).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates comparable survival outcomes between 3w-RT and 4w-RT regimens in GBM patients. Receipt and timing of TMZ were strongly associated with survival outcomes. The potential benefit of dose-escalated hypofractionation for patients not receiving chemotherapy warrants further investigation and emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment approaches.
The Effects of Partial Melting and Metasomatism on Peridotite Water Contents: Insights from Shuangliao Volcano Group, Northeast China
Authors: Zhu Chang-Yu , Chen Huan , Hao Yan-Tao , Xia Qunke
Published: January 2024

Many minerals within the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) contain structurally bonded hydrogen (commonly referred to as ‘water’), which significantly impacts their physical properties and associated geodynamic processes. Observations from different localities worldwide make understanding the behavior of hydrogen during partial melting and mantle metasomatism a contentious issue, as different localities reveal either melting or metasomatism as the controlling factor. To provide new insights, major elements, trace elements and water contents of peridotite xenoliths from three volcanoes of the Shuangliao Volcano Group in Northeast China were analyzed. Minerals display variations in major and trace elements, particularly in clinopyroxene. Most olivine contains no observable water, while orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene retained 14–157 and 46–351 μg/g of water, respectively. Samples were divided into three types according to clinopyroxene trace element patterns, namely, type 1: light rare earth elements (LREEs)-depleted samples; type 2: ‘spoon-shaped’ samples featuring slight enrichment of the most incompatible elements (La and Ce) and relative depletion of mid-rare earth element; and type 3: LREE-enriched samples. Combined with major element trends, the Shuangliao SCLM experienced varying degrees of partial melting and cryptic metasomatism. Different water contents in the Shuangliao SCLM are a combined result of melting and metasomatism: less metasomatized samples (LREE-depleted and ‘spoon-shaped’) preserved the control of water contents by partial melting, while strongly metasomatized samples (LREE-enriched), equilibrated at higher oxygen fugacity and temperature, display considerable post-melting modifications of water contents, possibly associated with Fe redox. These characteristics suggest that hydrous and oxidized melts/fluids likely released by the stagnant Pacific slab in the big mantle wedge have metasomatized the shallow SCLM beneath Shuangliao, which indicates the circulation of materials released by the stagnant slab throughout the upper mantle.
Advances in the diagnosis of myocarditis in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: an overview of diagnostic tests
Authors: Sen Gautam , Scully Paul , Gordon Patrick , Sado Daniel
Published: January 2024

Cardiac involvement in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) purports to worse clinical outcomes, and therefore early identification is important. Research has focused on blood biomarkers and basic investigations such as ECG and echocardiography, which have the advantage of wide availability and low cost but are limited in their sensitivity and specificity. Imaging the myocardium to directly look for inflammation and scarring has therefore been explored, with a number of new methods for doing this gaining wider research interest and clinical availability. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with contemporary multiparametric mapping techniques and late gadolinium enhancement imaging, is an extremely valuable and increasingly used non-invasive imaging modality for the diagnosis of myocarditis. The recently updated CMR-based Lake Louise Criteria for the diagnosis of myocarditis incorporate the newer T1 and T2 mapping techniques, which have greatly improved the diagnostic accuracy for IIM myocarditis.18F-FDG-PET/CT is a well-utilized imaging modality in the diagnosis of malignancies in IIM, and it also has a role for the diagnosis of myocarditis in multiple systemic inflammatory diseases. Endomyocardial biopsy, however, remains the gold standard technique for the diagnosis of myocarditis and is necessary for the diagnosis of specific cases of myocarditis. This article provides an overview of the important tests and imaging modalities that clinicians should consider when faced with an IIM patient with potential myocarditis.
Neutron spectrum measurements near KAMINI reactor south beam vault door using nested neutron spectrometer
Authors: Subramanian D Venkata , Haridas Adish , Kumar D Sunil , Pandikumar G , Arul A John
Published: January 2024

KAlpakkam MINI reactor (KAMINI) is a 233U fuelled research reactor has various neutron irradiation locations for experimental purposes. The pit at the south beam end of KAMINI reactor is being extensively utilised for neutron attenuation experiments in prospective shielding materials as well as for neutron radiography. During reactor operation, it will be closed by a movable shield. A vault door is located above the shield and the movable shield is used to attenuate streaming neutrons and gamma-rays during reactor operation. Even with the shield, there exists significant dose because of streaming neutrons and gamma rays. Its variation depends on the power of the reactor. The neutron and gamma dose rates close to the south beam vault door have recently been found to be 275–300 μSv/h and 175–200 μSv/h, respectively, when the reactor is operating at 10 kW. In order to characterise the streaming neutron spectra of vault door place for the first time, measurements are done using the Nested Neutron Spectrometer. Along with the neutron flux, neutron mean energy and ambient dose-equivalent rate are also measured and compared with earlier measurements carried out inside the south beam pit. It is observed that the presence of paraffin shield reduces the neutron average energy from 370 to 178 keV. Apart from energy reduction, 10 kW normalised neutron flux of south beam pit is also attenuated by the shield by 25 000 times and it is found that the neutron spectrum of the measured location is also more thermalized. Neutron reference data of the location are generated.
Formation of hepatocyte cytoplasmic inclusions and their contribution to methylcarbamate-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in F344 rats
Authors: Takimoto Norifumi , Ishii Yuji , Mitsumoto Tatsuya , Takasu Shinji , Namiki Moeka , Shibutani Makoto , Ogawa Kumiko
Published: January 2024

Methylcarbamate (MC), a reaction product between dimethyl dicarbonate and ammonia or ammonium ion, is a potent hepatocarcinogen in F344 rats. Various genotoxicity tests have shown negative results for MC. Although previous studies have described the effects of MC on the liver, including the formation of characteristic basophilic cytoplasmic inclusions (CIs) in hepatocytes, the toxicological significance of CIs and their involvement in hepatocarcinogenesis remain unclear. In the current study, to elucidate the mechanisms of MC hepatocarcinogenesis, we examined hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity after 4 weeks of administration of MC using gpt delta rats with an F344 genetic background as a reporter gene transgenic animal model. Histopathologically, single-cell necrosis, karyomegaly, and the formation of CIs positive for Feulgen staining were observed in hepatocytes at the carcinogenic dose, demonstrating the hepatotoxicity of MC. CIs were also detected as large micronuclei in liver micronucleus tests but not in the bone marrow, suggesting that MC could cause chromosomal instability specifically in the livers of rats. Reporter gene mutation assays demonstrated that MC did not induce mutagenicity even in the liver. Immunofluorescence analyses revealed that CIs exhibited loss of nuclear envelope integrity, increased heterochromatinization, and accumulation of DNA damage. An increase in liver STING protein levels suggested an effect on the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes innate immune pathway. Overall, these data demonstrated the possible occurrence of chromothripsis-like chromosomal rearrangements via CIs. Thus, the formation of CIs could be a crucial event in the early stage of MC-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in F344 rats.
The development and characterization of a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated PD-1 functional knockout rat as a tool to study idiosyncratic drug reactions
Authors: Cho Tiffany , Wierk Antonia , Gertsenstein Marina , Rodgers Christopher E , Uetrecht Jack , Henderson Jeffrey T
Published: January 2024

Idiosyncratic drug reactions are rare but serious adverse drug reactions unrelated to the known therapeutic properties of the drug and manifest in only a small percentage of the treated population. Animal models play an important role in advancing mechanistic studies examining idiosyncratic drug reactions. However, to be useful, they must possess similarities to those seen clinically. Although mice currently represent the dominant mammalian genetic model, rats are advantageous in many areas of pharmacologic study where their physiology can be examined in greater detail and is more akin to that seen in humans. In the area of immunology, this includes autoimmune responses and susceptibility to diabetes, in which rats more accurately mimic disease states in humans compared with mice. For example, oral nevirapine treatment can induce an immune-mediated skin rash in humans and rats, but not in mice due to the absence of the sulfotransferase required to form reactive metabolites of nevirapine within the skin. Using CRISPR-mediated gene editing, we developed a modified line of transgenic rats in which a segment of IgG-like ectodomain containing the core PD-1 interaction motif containing the native ligand and therapeutic antibody domain in exon 2 was deleted. Removal of this region critical for mediating PD-1/PD-L1 interactions resulted in animals with an increased immune response resulting in liver injury when treated with amodiaquine.
Fast MRI Techniques for Abdominal Imaging Simplified: Part 1—Making Sense of It All
Authors: Taneja Ranu , Goh Winfred Xi Tai
Published: January 2024

Motion is a major limiting factor in abdominal MRI. Scan time is related to MR signal acquisition and k-space filling. K-space is the raw data matrix that stores digitized MR signal, which is Fourier transformed into an image. So rapid signal acquisition, reduced k-space filling, and partial Fourier techniques can reduce scan time. This article aims to provide a simplified explanation of the physics behind various techniques for fast abdominal MRI.
My Catastrophizing and Your Catastrophizing
Authors: Stragapede Elisa , Huber Jonathan D. , Corsini-Munt Serena
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

Endometriosis, a chronic gynecologic pain condition, contributes to disruptions in multiple areas of life for both those affected and their partner. Pain catastrophizing has been associated with worse pain outcomes and quality of life for women with endometriosis, and with more cognitive load for partners. Examining both partners’ pain catastrophizing dyadically with our variables of interest will enhance our understanding of its associations to the distressing nature of experiencing and responding to pain during sex for couples with endometriosis.

Methods:

Persons with endometriosis experiencing pain during sex and their partners (n=52 couples; 104 individuals) completed online, self-report measures of pain catastrophizing, depressive symptoms, sexual satisfaction, and partner responses to pain. Persons with endometriosis reported on pain during sexual activity. Analyses were guided by the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model.

Results:

Persons with endometriosis’ pain catastrophizing was associated with their higher pain intensity and unpleasantness during sex. When persons with endometriosis reported more pain catastrophizing, they were less sexually satisfied and reported their partners responded more negatively to their pain. When partners reported higher catastrophizing, they were more depressed and responded more negatively to the pain.

Discussion:

Consistent with the Communal Coping Model of pain catastrophizing, although meant to elicit support from the environment, the often-deleterious cognitive process of magnifying, ruminating and feeling helpless about one’s pain (or one’s partner’s pain) is associated with poorer outcomes for the individual with pain and their romantic partner. Implications for pain management include the relevance of involving the partner and attending to pain cognitions of both members of the couple.
Cardiovascular Challenges Beyond Earth: Investigating the Impact of Space Travel on Astronauts’ Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Mahmood Ramsha , Shaik Tanveer , Kaur Inder P. , Gupta Vasu , Shaik Ayesha , Anamika Fnu , Garg Nikita , Jain Rohit
Published: January 2024

In the coming decades, as humanity aims to establish a presence on Mars, there is a growing significance in comprehending, monitoring, and controlling the diverse health challenges arising from space exploration. The extended exposure to microgravity during space missions leads to various physical alterations in astronauts, such as shifts in bodily fluids, reduced plasma volume, loss of bone density, muscle wasting, and cardiovascular deconditioning. These changes can ultimately lead to orthostatic intolerance, underscoring the increasing importance of addressing these health risks. Astronauts are exposed to cosmic radiation consisting of high-energy particles from various sources, including solar cosmic rays and galactic cosmic rays. These radiations can impact the electrical signals in the heart, potentially causing irregular heart rhythms. Understanding the risks to the heart and blood circulation brought on by exposure to space radiation and the overall stress of spaceflight is essential and this article reviews the cardiovascular effects of space travel on astronauts.
Endocardial Fibroelastosis: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Barkhordarian Maryam , Ghorbanzadeh Atefeh , Frishman William H. , Aronow Wilbert S.
Published: January 2024

Endocardial fibroelastosis emerged as a challenging clinical phenomenon in the 1940s. It is characterized by an atypical proliferation of fibrous and elastic tissue within the heart and is primarily observed in childhood, occasionally displaying familial inheritance. While the precise cause remains elusive, various factors, including genetic, infectious, metabolic, autoimmune, oncologic, and medication-related influences, appear to play a role in its pathogenesis. The coexistence of endocardial fibroelastosis with multiple cardiac structural abnormalities manifests in symptoms of congestive heart failure and rhythm abnormalities. Despite its challenging diagnosis, various findings from ECG and imaging have proven beneficial in further evaluation of this condition. Finally, the treatment approach to endocardial fibroelastosis became complex due to addressing its concurrent cardiac abnormalities. Strategies for managing and preventing this condition are still under investigation. In this review, we intend to highlight the existing knowledge and illuminate future considerations regarding the etiology, diagnosis, and management of this disease.
Impact of Preloading Strategy With Ticagrelor on Periprocedural Myocardial Injury in Patients With Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Early Invasive Strategy
Authors: Karaca Orhan Furkan , Cimci Murat , Raimoglou Damla , Durmaz Eser , Yalman Hakan , Tekin Alpin Mert , Incesu Gunduz , Ozkan Ferit Ulas , Yavuz Betul , Karadag Bilgehan
Published: January 2024

Pretreatment with an oral P2Y12 receptor blocker (before coronary angiography) versus treatment in the catheterization laboratory has been a matter of debate in patients presenting with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The primary aim of this study was to assess the impact of an immediate preloading strategy with ticagrelor on periprocedural myocardial injury in patients with NSTEMI treated with an early invasive strategy. NSTEMI patients who underwent coronary angiography and subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 24 hours after hospital admission were divided into 2 groups: the first group (pretreatment group) included patients who received ticagrelor pretreatment as soon as possible after admission and the second group (no pretreatment group) included patients who received a loading dose of ticagrelor after coronary angiography. The pretreatment group included 232 patients, and the no pretreatment group included 87 patients. Male patients represented the majority of the patients. The 2 groups were similar in baseline characteristics, except for a greater incidence of hypertension (P = 0.014) and higher hemoglobin levels (P = 0.01) in the pretreatment group in comparison with the no pretreatment group. Patients in the ticagrelor pretreatment group had less myocardial injury until coronary angiography based on troponin measurements collected at 12 hours after admission (P = 0.025). Patients in the ticagrelor pretreatment group also had fewer periprocedural myocardial injuries based on troponin measurements taken between 12 and 24 hours after the PCI (P = 0.026 and P = 0.022, respectively). Our findings suggested that ticagrelor pretreatment reduces periprocedural myocardial injury in NSTEMI patients who underwent PCI within 24 hours after admission.
Renalase mediates macrophage-to-fibroblast crosstalk to attenuate pressure overload-induced pathological myocardial fibrosis
Authors: Fu Ru , You Nana , Li Ruixuan , Zhao Xiexiong , Li Yihui , Li Xiaogang , Jiang Weihong
Published: January 2024

A potential antifibrotic mechanism in pathological myocardial remodeling is the recruitment of beneficial functional subpopulations of macrophages or the transformation of their phenotype. Macrophages are required to activate molecular cascades that regulate fibroblast behavior. Identifying mediators that activate the antifibrotic macrophage phenotype is tantamount to identifying the button that retards pathological remodeling of the myocardium; however, relevant studies are inadequate. Circulating renalase (RNLS) is mainly of renal origin, and cardiac myocytes also secrete it autonomously. Our previous studies revealed that RNLS delivers cell signaling to exert multiple cardiovascular protective effects, including the improvement of myocardial ischemia, and heart failure. Here, we further investigated the potential mechanism by which macrophage phenotypic transformation is targeted by RNLS to mediate stress load-induced myocardial fibrosis. Mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) were used as a model of myocardial fibrosis. The co-incubation of macrophages and cardiac fibroblasts was used to study intercellular signaling. The results showed that RNLS co-localized with macrophages and reduced protein expression after cardiac pressure overload. TAC mice exhibited improved cardiac function and alleviated left ventricular fibrosis when exogenous RNLS was administered. Flow sorting showed that RNLS is essential for macrophage polarization towards a restorative phenotype (M2-like), thereby inhibiting myofibroblast activation, as proven by both mouse RAW264.7 and bone marrow-derived macrophage models. Mechanistically, we found that activated protein kinase B is a major pathway by which RNLS promotes M2 polarization in macrophages. RNLS may serve as a prognostic biomarker and a potential clinical candidate for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis.
High dietary salt intake attenuates nitric oxide mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation and increases oxidative stress in pregnancy
Authors: Vulin Martina , Muller Andrijana , Drenjančević Ines , Šušnjara Petar , Mihaljević Zrinka , Stupin Ana
Published: January 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary salt intake during normal pregnancy on maternal microvascular and macrovascular endothelium-dependent reactivity and oxidative stress level.

Materials and methods:

In this cross-sectional study, based on their 24-h urinary sodium excretion, pregnant women (37–40 weeks of gestation) were divided into three groups: normal salt (<5.75 g/day, N = 12), high salt (5.75–10.25 g/day, N = 36), and very high salt (VHS;>10.25 g/day, N = 17). Forearm skin microvascular reactivity in response to vascular occlusion, local heating (LTH) and iontophoresis of acetylcholine (AChID), as well as brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) were measured. Serum nitric oxide, endocan, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and ferric-reducing ability of plasma assay were measured as biomarkers of endothelial function/activation and oxidative stress.

Results:

Brachial artery FMD, microvascular AChID, and LTH were significantly decreased in VHS compared with NS group, while LTH was also decreased in normal salt compared with high salt group. Nitric oxide was significantly decreased in both high salt and VHS groups compared with normal salt. Endocan, 8-iso-PGF2α, and TBARS were significantly increased in VHS compared with the normal salt group.

Conclusion:

High dietary salt intake is associated with decreased nitric oxide mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation in peripheral microcirculation and macrocirculation of healthy pregnant women due to increased oxidative stress.
Prediction of preeclampsia from retinal fundus images via deep learning in singleton pregnancies: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Tianfan , Gu Shengyi , Shao Feixue , Li Ping , Wu Yuelin , Xiong Jianhao , Wang Bin , Zhou Chenchen , Gao Peng , Hua Xiaolin
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Early prediction of preeclampsia (PE) is of universal importance in controlling the disease process. Our study aimed to assess the feasibility of using retinal fundus images to predict preeclampsia via deep learning in singleton pregnancies.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study was conducted at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine. Eligible participants included singleton pregnancies who presented for prenatal visits before 14 weeks of gestation from September 1, 2020, to February 1, 2022. Retinal fundus images were obtained using a nonmydriatic digital retinal camera during their initial prenatal visit upon admission before 20 weeks of gestation. In addition, we generated fundus scores, which indicated the predictive value of hypertension, using a hypertension detection model. To evaluate the predictive value of the retinal fundus image-based deep learning algorithm for preeclampsia, we conducted stratified analyses and measured the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. We then conducted sensitivity analyses for validation.

Results:

Our study analyzed a total of 1138 women, 92 pregnancies developed into hypertension disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including 26 cases of gestational hypertension and 66 cases of preeclampsia. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of the fundus scores was 2.582 (95% CI, 1.883–3.616; P < 0.001). Otherwise, in the categories of prepregnancy BMI less than 28.0 and at least 28.0, the aORs were 3.073 (95%CI, 2.265–4.244; P < 0.001) and 5.866 (95% CI, 3.292–11.531; P < 0.001). In the categories of maternal age less than 35.0 and at least 35.0, the aORs were 2.845 (95% CI, 1.854–4.463; P < 0.001) and 2.884 (95% CI, 1.794–4.942; P < 0.001). The AUC of the fundus score combined with risk factors was 0.883 (sensitivity, 0.722; specificity, 0.934; 95% CI, 0.834–0.932) for predicting preeclampsia.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrates that the use of deep learning algorithm-based retinal fundus images offers promising predictive value for the early detection of preeclampsia.
Trends in Otitis Media Ambulatory Visits in American Indian and Alaska Native Children During the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Period and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bressler Sara S. , Bruden Dana , Hammitt Laura L. , Chukwuma Uzo , Fischer Marc , Singleton Rosalyn
Published: January 2024

Otitis media-associated outpatient visits among American Indians/Alaska Natives children <5 years old decreased by 52% (100 to 48 per 100 children per year) from 2003 to 2019. Otitis media visits decreased by another 50% from 2019 to 2020, but rebounded between 2020 and 2021 back to a rate similar to 2019.
Pediatric Cryptococcosis
Authors: Gifford Alison , Jayawardena Naamal , Carlesse Fabianne , Lizarazo Jairo , McMullan Brendan , Groll Andreas H. , Warris Adilia
Published: January 2024

Background:

Seroprevalence studies have shown that 70% of children are exposed to Cryptococcus, the most common cause of meningitis in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but reported pediatric disease prevalence is much lower than in adults.

Methods:

PubMed and Ovid Global Health databases were searched with the terms “cryptococcosis,” “cryptococcal meningitis,” “Cryptococcus neoformans” or “Cryptococcus gattii.” All studies reporting pediatric specific data in the English language from 1980 up until December 2022 were included.

Results:

One hundred sixty-eight publications were reviewed totaling 1469 children, with the majority reported from Africa (54.2%). Sixty-five percent (961) were HIV positive, 10% (147) were non-HIV immunocompromised and 19% (281) were immunocompetent. Clinical signs and symptoms were only reported for 458 children, with fever (64%), headache (55%) and vomiting (39%) being the most common. Most children (80%) suffered from meningoencephalitis. Lung involvement was rarely described in HIV-positive children (1%), but significantly more common in the non-HIV immunocompromised (36%) and immunocompetent (40%) groups (P < 0.0001). Only 22% received the recommended antifungal combination therapy, which was significantly higher in immunocompetent children than those with HIV (39% vs. 6.8%; P < 0.0001). Overall mortality was 23%. A significant higher mortality was observed in children with HIV compared with immunocompetent children (32% vs. 16%; P < 0.001), but not compared with children with non-HIV immunosuppression (25).

Conclusions:

This is the largest review of pediatric cryptococcosis with new observations on differences in clinical presentation and outcome depending on the underlying condition. The lack of granular clinical data urges prospective clinical epidemiological studies for improved insight in the epidemiology, management and outcome of cryptococcosis in children.
Comparison of COVID-19 and Non–COVID-19 Patients in Intensive Care Unit for Secondary Infections
Authors: Oz Yasemin , Karakoc Ebru , Kara Serap , Kasifoglu Nilgun , Us Tercan , Yelken Birgul , Bilgin Muzaffer , Durmaz Gul
Published: January 2024

Background

Bacterial secondary infections were commonly reported in viral respiratory tract infections. However, it is not clear whether there is a difference in the infection rates during the hospitalization in intensive care unit (ICU) caused by COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the secondary infections in long-term hospitalized patients in the ICU due to COVID-19 and whether COVID-19 increases the tendency to secondary infection in ICU patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective case-control study. It was conducted in a tertiary care hospital including 34-bed COVID-19 ICU and 20-bed non–COVID-19 ICU. Adult patients in the ICU hospitalized for ≥10 days were included the study. The results of microbiological cultures of blood, urine, and respiratory samples were evaluated in terms of infections during their hospitalization.

Results

The study group consisted of 51 patients with COVID-19 and the control group consisted of 57 non–COVID-19 patients. There was no significant difference between 2 groups in terms of distribution and frequency of agents isolated from blood culture. The frequency of isolation of Enterobacterales members in urine cultures and nonfermenting bacteria in respiratory samples were significantly higher in non–COVID-19 patients compared with COVID-19 patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study revealed that there was no difference among the patients with and without COVID-19 in ICU for the secondary infections when the ICU stay was prolonged. We think that prolonged hospitalization, urinary catheterization, and mechanical ventilation are more important risk factors for secondary infections in ICUs and COVID-19 does not occur an additional risk factor in prolonged ICU stay.
Effect of 3-Dimensional, Virtual Reality Models for Surgical Planning of Robotic Partial Nephrectomy on Surgical Outcomes: Qualitative Data from a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Shirk Joseph D. , Thiel David D. , Wallen Eric M. , Linehan Jennifer M. , White Wesley M. , Badani Ketan K. , Porter James R.
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

Planning for robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy requires surgeons to review two-dimensional CT or MRI scans to understand three-dimensional (3D) anatomy. We sought to determine the drivers of improvements in key surgical outcomes when using patient-specific 3D virtual reality (VR) models for operative planning.

Materials and Methods:

A multicenter, randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted from January 2019 to December 2020. Patients undergoing robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy were randomly assigned to a control group undergoing usual preoperative planning with CT and/or MRI only or to an intervention group where imaging was supplemented with a 3D VR model. A survey was administered to surgeons after review of the model and after the operation. The primary outcome measure was operative time, and secondary outcomes included clamp time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay.

Results:

Qualitative data analysis of 44 cases in the treatment arm was performed. Surgeons reported seeing anatomic details much better in the 3D model 55% of the time and modified their preoperative plan based on anatomy shown in the 3D model 30% of the time. Cases in which the surgeon reported modifying their preoperative plan after viewing the model (30%) had significantly lower operative time, blood loss, and clamp time (P < .05). In addition, increased surgeon confidence after viewing the model significantly lowered operative time, estimated blood loss, and clamp time (P < .05).

Conclusions:

We demonstrate that surgeons who use 3D VR models for robotic kidney surgery are able to visualize anatomic structures and select the optimal approach, leading to better surgical outcomes.

Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT0333434.
Right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling is an independent risk factor for coronary artery lesions in children with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Cao Ran , Wu Xuchu , Zheng Xiaozhi
Published: January 2024

Background

The recognition ability of right ventricular-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling for coronary artery lesions (CAL) in children with Kawasaki disease (KD) has not been well characterized. This study aimed to determine whether RV-PA coupling is an independent the risk factors for CAL in children with KD.

Methods

Between October 2021 and August 2023, RV-PA coupling was assessed in 59 KD children using the ratio between echocardiographic tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for CAL among the demographic, clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic data.

Results

Twenty-nine of 59 KD children had CAL according to the diagnostic criteria of echocardiography. There were significantly different white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, PASP and RV-PA coupling at admission, and significantly different acute/subacute phase ratio of RV-PA coupling between KD children with and without CAL (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that acute/subacute phase ratio of RV-PA coupling (OR = 26.800; 95% CI, 1.276–562.668; P = 0.034) was an independent risk factor for CAL in children with KD. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve for the acute/subacute phase ratio of RV-PA coupling was 0.715 (95%CI: 0.624 - 0.825) to predict CAL in KD children (P < 0.05), with a sensitivity of 81.25% and a specificity of 62.57% at the optimal cutoff value of 0.839.

Conclusion

The acute/subacute phase ratio of RV-PA coupling was an independent risk factor for CAL in KD children.
An unusual imaging presentation of pediatric bacterial meningoencephalitis: a case-report study
Authors: Kachuei Maryam , Zare Ramin , Sayyahfar Shirin , Khalili Mitra , Movahedi Hamidreza , Naghshbandi Mobin , Eghdami Shayan
Published: January 2024

Background:

Bacterial meningoencephalitis is a serious infection affecting the brain and its surrounding membranes. While imaging studies play a crucial role in diagnosing this condition, the typical radiological findings are well-documented. However, this case report describes an unusual imaging presentation that deviates from the expected patterns, emphasizing the need for awareness of such variations.

Case presentation:

A 7-year-old female with no prior medical history was referred to our hospital with fever, seizure, and loss of Consciousness. She had mild flu a week before admission. The duration of seizure episodes were 2–3 min, with tonic-clonic uncontrollable jerky movements. Brudzinski and Kernig signs were positive and plantar reflex was upward bilaterally in the physical examination. The computed tomography (CT) scan showed brain ventriculomegaly/hydrocephalus, and MRI findings indicated multiple foci located at cerebellum, basal ganglia, and thalamus alongside intensely restricted diffusion of the layering debris, suggesting pyogenic ventriculitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed severe hypoglycorrhachia, despite non-significant increase of protein. The patient was undergone antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone, vancomycin and rifampin, resulting in normalization of CSF values.

Conclusion:

This case report highlights the importance of recognizing and interpreting unusual imaging presentations of bacterial meningoencephalitis in paediatric patients. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies, to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of this potentially life-threatening condition. Further research and awareness of atypical imaging findings are warranted to enhance our understanding and improve patient outcomes.