bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
#47 RESULTS OF AN EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT OF DECREASING TIME TO THERAPY (DoTT) IN PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS WITH FEBRILE NEUTROPENIA IN PERU
Authors: Mendieta Ana Luisa
Published: June 2022

Background

In low-and middle-income countries, a limitation for optimal treatment of children with fever and neutropenia (FN) due to chemotherapy is the delay in administering the first dose of antibiotics. DoTT is a quality improvement project implemented in Peru and aligned to the WHO Global Initiative of Childhood Cancer. A component of DoTT is an educational intervention of health care providers to decrease the time to antibiotics (TTA) in pediatric patients presenting to the emergency room (ER) with FN.

Method

This study was performed at Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati, a tertiary care National Hospital in Lima. We defined TTA as the time elapsed between patient′s arrival to the ER and administering the first dose of an antibiotic. Patient Time to Arrival, PTA, is the time elapsed between onset of symptoms and arrival to the hospital. The intervention consisted of a synchronous and asynchronous educational course on managing FN in children with cancer. Trainees were attending pediatricians and pediatric residents. We compared the TTA between 22 patients admitted from October to November 2021 with fever and neutropenia (after educational intervention) and baseline data of 99 patients from 2020 January and 2021 August (before intervention).

Results

The median age considering the two groups was 5 years, 55 patients were female and 66 were male. 104/121 patients had leukemia, and 17/121 patients had solid malignant tumors. No patients required admission to ICU or died of sepsis in the pre-intervention group, in the post-intervention group one patient required admission to ICU and one patient died of sepsis. In the pre-intervention group (97 patients), the median TTA was 171 minutes (IQR: 102–293), and in the post-intervention group, the median TTA was 60 minutes (IQR: 35–73). Early results indicate a statistically significant decrease in the TTA (p=0.001). A long PTA was observed before intervention (median= 1483 minutes) which was decreased (median=1290 minutes) in the post-intervention group (p=0.06).

Conclusion

This study suggests the potential impact of the educational intervention in pediatric health care professionals in to decrease of TTA in pediatric patients with cancer and FN, which encourages the team to continue with the intervention in other health care providers in the emergency room. The PTA was very high in both groups and indicated the need for an additional intervention to improve these results.
#58 Establishment of an antibiogram in paediatric Oncology unit in National Cancer Institute - Sri Lanka Samanmalee Gunasekara 1, Upeka Rathnayaka 1, Deepika Vidanage 1 1 Department of Microbiology, National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunasekara Samanmalee
Published: June 2022

Background

Bacterial infection is a dreaded complication in cancer patients worldwide. In low resources setting where supportive care facilities are less than ideal this takes on even more greater significance. In recent years, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance has become a significant problem worldwide and cancer patients are among those most affected. Treatment of infections due to MDR (Multi Drug Resistant) bacteria represents a clinical challenge since the therapeutic options are limited. It is important to monitor emerging trends of antibiotic resistance in an institution to support clinical decision making and infection control interventions.

Method

Microbiology Laboratory received 4302 aerobic blood cultures from paediatric Oncology unit between 1st January and 31st December 2020. Aerobic bacterial blood cultures were performed in BD BACTEC automated blood culture system. All positive blood cultures were sub cultured onto blood agar and MacConkey agar. Bacterial isolates were identified and antibiotic susceptibility was tested using VITEK 2 automated system. Patient’s data, bacterial identification and sensitivity results were entered and analyzed using WHONET software. An antibiogram was developed for Gram- negative and Gram- positive organisms using analysed data.

Results

Seventy two blood cultures grew Gram- negative organisms including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the predominant isolate, 47 %( n= 34) and only 21.2% of them were sensitive to meropenem. Twenty three blood cultures grew Gram- positive organisms including, Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative staphylococci, and Streptococcus pneumonia. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant isolate, 78 %( n=18) and 55% of them were MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

Conclusion

Use of antibiogram could help in the selection of empirical choice of treatment in patients with sepsis due to neutropenia. Also the antibiogram shows high degree of antibiotic resistance among both Gram- negative and Gram- positive organisms. Therefore implementation of antibiotic stewardship program and infection control measures is the cornerstone for controlling the development and spread of these MDR pathogens in the paediatric unit. Limitations: This antibiogram was developed using only the bacterial isolates grew in the blood cultures due to financial constraints (high cost of the VITEK identification and sensitivity cards).
Robotic-assisted resection of pelvic mesorectum lipoma during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case report
Authors: Macchini Daniele , Perano Vittoria , Celoria Valentina , Bombardieri Emilio , Goletti Orlando
Published: June 2022

Mesorectal lipoma is a rare, usually asymptomatic tumor. The best treatment is R0 resection but the previous literature reports different approaches. Robotic surgery allows for an accurate intervention, with a faster postoperative course, less risk of infection and need for transfusions, a faster return to normal daily activities and the best esthetic result. We describe a case of a 43-year-old female with a large lipoma with dislocation of the vagina, rectum and distal sigmoid colon, potentially malignant, successfully treated by robotic excision, which was safe, effective and well tolerated by the patient.
Flood syndrome: a rare case of spontaneous rupture of umbilical hernia in a cirrhotic patient
Authors: Gorji Leva , Brown Jordan
Published: June 2022

Flood syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal complication of long-standing ascites resulting from a spontaneous rupture of an umbilical hernia. We present the case of a 67-year-old male with a medical history of diastolic heart failure, cocaine abuse, hepatitis C and cirrhosis secondary to daily alcohol consumption who presented to the emergency department with spontaneous rupture of an umbilical hernia with continuous, perfuse drainage of ascites from a 3 cm hernia defect. In this case report, we highlight the successful temporizing and definitive management of flood syndrome, as the patient presented to and was temporized a community hospital and was subsequently transferred to a tertiary care center for definitive management.
RIP kinases and necroptosis in aging and aging-related diseases
Authors: Yang Yuanxin , Li Xingyan , Zhang Tao , Xu Daichao
Published: June 2022

Aging is a natural process that is characterized by chronic, low-grade inflammation, which represents the primary risk factor in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, i.e. aging-related diseases. RIP kinases, in particular RIPK1 and RIPK3, have emerged as master regulators of proinflammatory responses that act either by causing apoptosis and necroptosis or by directly regulating intracellular inflammatory signaling. While, RIPK1/3 and necroptosis are intimately linked to multiple human diseases, the relationship among RIPK1/3, necroptosis, and aging remains unclear. In this review, we discuss current evidence arguing for the involvement of RIPK1/3 and necroptosis in the progression of aging. In addition, we provide updated information and knowledge on the role of RIPK1/3 and necroptosis in aging-related diseases. Leveraging these new mechanistic insights in aging, we postulate how our improved understanding of RIPK1/3 and necroptosis in aging may support the development of therapeutics targeting RIPK1/3 and necroptosis for the modulation of aging and treatment of aging-related diseases.
Exploratory methods for relation discovery in archival data
Authors: Giagnolini Lucia , Daquino Marilena , Mambelli Francesca , Tomasi Francesca
Published: June 2022

In this article, we propose a holistic approach to discover relations in art historical communities and enrich historians’ biographies and archival descriptions with graph patterns relevant to art historiographic enquiry. We use exploratory data analysis to detect patterns, we select features, and we use them to evaluate classification models to predict new relations, to be recommended to archivists during the cataloguing phase. Results show that relations based on biographical information can be addressed with higher precision than relations based on research topics or institutional relations. Deterministic and a priori rules present better results than probabilistic methods.
The scatter in the galaxy–halo connection: a machine learning analysis
Authors: Stiskalek Richard , Bartlett Deaglan J , Desmond Harry , Anbajagane Dhayaa
Published: June 2022

We apply machine learning (ML), a powerful method for uncovering complex correlations in high-dimensional data, to the galaxy–halo connection of cosmological hydrodynamical simulations. The mapping between galaxy and halo variables is stochastic in the absence of perfect information, but conventional ML models are deterministic and hence cannot capture its intrinsic scatter. To overcome this limitation, we design an ensemble of neural networks with a Gaussian loss function that predict probability distributions, allowing us to model statistical uncertainties in the galaxy–halo connection as well as its best-fitting trends. We extract a number of galaxy and halo variables from the Horizon-AGN and IllustrisTNG100-1 simulations and quantify the extent to which knowledge of some subset of one enables prediction of the other. This allows us to identify the key features of the galaxy–halo connection and investigate the origin of its scatter in various projections. We find that while halo properties beyond mass account for up to 50 per cent of the scatter in the halo-to-stellar mass relation, the prediction of stellar half-mass radius or total gas mass is not substantially improved by adding further halo properties. We also use these results to investigate semi-analytic models for galaxy size in the two simulations, finding that assumptions relating galaxy size to halo size or spin are not successful.
On the peculiar long-term orbital evolution of the eclipsing accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar SWIFT J1749.4 − 2807
Authors: Sanna A , Burderi L , Salvo T Di , Riggio A , Altamirano D , Marino A , Bult P , Strohmayer T E , Guillot S , Malacaria C , Ng M , Mancuso G , Mazzola S M , Albayati A C , Iaria R , Manca A , Deiosso N , Cabras C , Anitra A
Published: June 2022

We present the pulsar timing analysis of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar SWIFT J1749.4 − 2807 monitored by NICER and XMM–Newton during its latest outburst after almost 11 yr of quiescence. From the coherent timing analysis of the pulse profiles, we updated the orbital ephemerides of the system. Large phase jumps of the fundamental frequency phase of the signal are visible during the outburst, consistent with what was observed during the previous outburst. Moreover, we report on the marginally significant evidence for non-zero eccentricity (e ≃ 4 × 10−5) obtained independently from the analysis of both the 2021 and 2010 outbursts and we discuss possible compatible scenarios. Long-term orbital evolution of SWIFT J1749.4 − 2807 suggests a fast expansion of both the NS projected semimajor axis (x), and the orbital period (Porb), at a rate of $\dot{x}\simeq 2.6\times 10^{-13}\, \text{lt-s}\, \text{s}^{-1}$ and $\dot{P}_{\rm orb}\simeq 4 \times 10^{-10}\, \text{s}\, \text{s}^{-1}$, respectively. SWIFT J1749.4 − 2807 is the only accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar, so far, from which the orbital period derivative has been directly measured from appreciable changes on the observed orbital period. Finally, no significant secular deceleration of the spin frequency of the compact object is detected, which allowed us to set a constraint on the magnetic field strength at the polar caps of BPC < 1.3 × 108 G, in line with typical values reported for AMXPs.
Machine-guided exploration and calibration of astrophysical simulations
Authors: Oh Boon Kiat , An Hongjun , Shin Eun-jin , Kim Ji-hoon , Hong (홍 성 욱) Sungwook E
Published: June 2022

We apply a novel method with machine learning to calibrate sub-grid models within numerical simulation codes to achieve convergence with observations and between different codes. It utilizes active learning and neural density estimators. The hyper parameters of the machine are calibrated with a well-defined projectile motion problem. Then, using a set of 22 cosmological zoom simulations, we tune the parameters of a popular star formation and feedback model within Enzo to match observations. The parameters that are adjusted include the star formation efficiency, coupling of thermal energy from stellar feedback, and volume into which the energy is deposited. This number translates to a factor of more than three improvements over manual calibration. Despite using fewer simulations, we obtain a better agreement to the observed baryon makeup of a Milky Way (MW)-sized halo. Switching to a different strategy, we improve the consistency of the recommended parameters from the machine. Given the success of the calibration, we then apply the technique to reconcile metal transport between grid-based and particle-based simulation codes using an isolated galaxy. It is an improvement over manual exploration while hinting at a less-known relation between the diffusion coefficient and the metal mass in the halo region. The exploration and calibration of the parameters of the sub-grid models with a machine learning approach is concluded to be versatile and directly applicable to different problems.
Dynamical modelling and emission signatures of a candidate dual AGN with precessing radio jets
Authors: Giri Gourab , Dubey Ravi Pratap , Rubinur K , Vaidya Bhargav , Kharb Preeti
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we have modelled the dynamical and emission properties (in the presence of radiative losses and diffusive shock acceleration) of an observed S-shaped radio source (2MASX J12032061+131931) due to a precessing jet. In this regard, we have performed high-resolution 3D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of a precessing jet in a galactic environment. We show the appearance of a distinct S-shape with two bright hotspots when the bow shock region weakens over time. The formed morphology is sensitive to the parameter selections. The increased interaction between the helical jet and the ambient medium and the deceleration of the jet due to MHD instabilities also greatly affect the resulting structure. Hence, kinematic models must be corrected for these deceleration effects in order to adequately predict the precession parameters. The synthetic spectral index map shows that the jet side and leading edges possess relatively steeper spectral index values than the jet ridge lines, whereas the hotspots show flat spectral index values. The jets are also found to be highly linearly polarized (up to 76 per cent) and the magnetic field lines, in general, follow the jet locus which is formed due to the jet-ambient medium interaction. Diffusive shocks, in this context, keep the structure active during its course of evolution. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that these galaxies deviate significantly from the ‘equipartition’ approximation leading to a discrepancy in their spectral and dynamical age.
OGLE-2018-BLG-0799Lb: a q ∼ 2.7 × 10−3 planet with Spitzer parallax
Authors: Zang Weicheng , Shvartzvald Yossi , Udalski Andrzej , Yee Jennifer C , Lee Chung-Uk , Sumi Takahiro , Zhang Xiangyu , Yang Hongjing , Mao Shude , Novati Sebastiano Calchi , Gould Andrew , Zhu Wei , Beichman Charles A , Bryden Geoffery , Carey Sean , Gaudi B Scott , Henderson Calen B , Mróz Przemek , Skowron Jan , Poleski Radoslaw , Szymański Michał K , Soszyński Igor , Pietrukowicz Paweł , Kozłowski Szymon , Ulaczyk Krzysztof , Rybicki Krzysztof A , Iwanek Patryk , Wrona Marcin , Albrow Michael D , Chung Sun-Ju , Han Cheongho , Hwang Kyu-Ha , Jung Youn Kil , Ryu Yoon-Hyun , Shin In-Gu , Cha Sang-Mok , Kim Dong-Jin , Kim Hyoun-Woo , Kim Seung-Lee , Lee Dong-Joo , Lee Yongseok , Park Byeong-Gon , Pogge Richard W , Bond Ian A , Abe Fumio , Barry Richard , Bennett David P , Bhattacharya Aparna , Donachie Martin , Fujii Hirosane , Fukui Akihiko , Hirao Yuki , Itow Yoshitaka , Kirikawa Rintaro , Kondo Iona , Koshimoto Naoki , Li Man Cheung Alex , Matsubara Yutaka , Muraki Yasushi , Miyazaki Shota , Ranc Clément , Rattenbury Nicholas J , Satoh Yuki , Shoji Hikaru , Suzuki Daisuke , Tanaka Yuzuru , Tristram Paul J , Yamawaki Tsubasa , Yonehara Atsunori , Bachelet Etienne , Hundertmark Markus P G , Jaimes R Figuera , Maoz Dan , Penny Matthew T , Street Rachel A , Tsapras Yiannis
Published: June 2022

We report the discovery and analysis of a planet in the microlensing event OGLE-2018-BLG-0799. The planetary signal was observed by several ground-based telescopes, and the planet-host mass ratio is q = (2.65 ± 0.16) × 10−3. The ground-based observations yield a constraint on the angular Einstein radius θE, and the microlensing parallax vector $\boldsymbol{{\pi} }_{\rm E}$, is strongly constrained by the Spitzer data. However, the 2019 Spitzer baseline data reveal systematics in the Spitzer photometry, so there is ambiguity in the magnitude of the parallax. In our preferred interpretation, a full Bayesian analysis using a Galactic model indicates that the planetary system is composed of an $M_{\rm planet} = 0.26_{-0.11}^{+0.22}M_{\rm J}$ planet orbiting an $M_{\rm host} = 0.093_{-0.038}^{+0.082}~\mathrm{M}_{\odot }$, at a distance of $D_{\rm L} = 3.71_{-1.70}^{+3.24}$ kpc. An alternate interpretation of the data shifts the localization of the minima along the arc-shaped microlens parallax constraints. This, in turn, yields a more massive host with median mass of $0.13 {\, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }}$ at a distance of 6.3 kpc. This analysis demonstrates the robustness of the osculating circles formalism, but shows that further investigation is needed to assess how systematics affect the specific localization of the microlens parallax vector and, consequently, the inferred physical parameters.
Alternating current electroluminescent fibers for textile displays
Authors: Wang Zhen , Shi Xiang , Peng Huisheng
Published: June 2022

This perspective summarizes the research status of textile displays based on fiber-shaped and interwoven light-emitting devices with remaining challenges and future directions.
E3 ligase AtAIRP5/GARU regulates drought stress response by stimulating SERINE CARBOXYPEPTIDASE-LIKE1 turnover
Authors: Cho Na Hyun , Woo Og-Geum , Kim Eun Yu , Park Kiyoul , Seo Dong Hye , Yu Seong Gwan , Choi Yoon A , Lee Ji Hee , Lee Jae-Hoon , Kim Woo Taek
Published: June 2022

Ubiquitination is a major mechanism of eukaryotic posttranslational protein turnover that has been implicated in abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated drought stress response. Here, we isolated T-DNA insertion mutant lines in which ABA-insensitive RING protein 5 (AtAIRP5) was suppressed, resulting in hyposensitive ABA-mediated germination compared to wild-type Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants. A homology search revealed that AtAIRP5 is identical to gibberellin (GA) receptor RING E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligase (GARU), which downregulates GA signaling by degrading the GA receptor GID1, and thus AtAIRP5 was renamed AtAIRP5/GARU. The atairp5/garu knockout progeny were impaired in ABA-dependent stomatal closure and were markedly more susceptible to drought stress than wild-type plants, indicating a positive role for AtAIRP5/GARU in the ABA-mediated drought stress response. Yeast two-hybrid, pull-down, target ubiquitination, and in vitro and in planta degradation assays identified serine carboxypeptidase-like1 (AtSCPL1), which belongs to the clade 1A AtSCPL family, as a ubiquitinated target protein of AtAIRP5/GARU. atscpl1 single and atairp5/garu-1 atscpl1-2 double mutant plants were more tolerant to drought stress than wild-type plants in an ABA-dependent manner, suggesting that AtSCPL1 is genetically downstream of AtAIRP5/GARU. After drought treatment, the endogenous ABA levels in atscpl1 and atairp5/garu-1 atscpl1-2 mutant leaves were higher than those in wild-type and atairp5/garu leaves. Overall, our results suggest that AtAIRP5/GARU RING E3 Ub ligase functions as a positive regulator of the ABA-mediated drought response by promoting the degradation of AtSCPL1.
Systemic Cytokine Level Differences in Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Spinal Pain Compared to Healthy Controls and Its Association with Pain Severity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Canlı Kübra , Billens Amber , Van Oosterwijck Jessica , Meeus Mira , De Meulemeester Kayleigh
Published: June 2022

Objective

Although there has been increasing interest in the role of systemic cytokines in chronic spinal pain (CSP), the evidence on their potential contribution is still unclear. Therefore, the current study systematically reviewed the evidence on systemic cytokine level differences between people with CSP compared to healthy controls (HCs) and the potential associations with pain severity.

Methods

An electronic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and Embase. All included studies were classified as observational studies, exploring the comparison between a CSP group and a HC group, and the association between systemic cytokine levels and pain severity.

Results

Nine articles were included with a total sample of 400 CSP patients suffering from chronic whiplash associated disorder (CWAD) or chronic low back pain (CLBP). In CLBP, moderate evidence was found for elevated tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, interleukin (IL) 6, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), and soluble TNF receptor (sTNF-R) type 2, for normal interferon (IFN) γ and IL-2 levels, and for reduced IL-10 levels. No association was found between pain severity and these cytokines in CLBP. In CWAD, moderate evidence was found for elevated CRP and evidence for changes in TNF-α was inconclusive. Evidence for the association between pain severity and CRP was limited, and there is probably no association between pain severity and TNF-α with limited evidence in CWAD.

Conclusions

Moderate evidence indicates the presence of systemic inflammation in CSP. Evidence regarding the association between pain severity and systemic cytokines is inconclusive and limited.
The female to male calf sex ratio is associated with the number of services to achieve a calf and parity of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Mendes Andrew J , Murphy Michael R , Casper David P , Erickson Peter S
Published: June 2022

Commercial dairy producers may get frustrated by the lower ratio of female to male calves born because female calves are more valuable than bull calves. Our objective was to determine if parity or stage of lactation at the time of breeding, using conventional semen, influenced the sex of the calf. Data from the University of Illinois and the University of New Hampshire dairy herds were collected and summarized for calf sex, the number of services to achieve a calf and the lactation number when conception of that calf occurred. Logistical regression procedures were used to analyze the dataset via version 9.4 of SAS. The final dataset contained 2,987 calvings, which consisted of 1,406 females and 1,581 males (47.1% and 52.9% for females and males, respectively). The frequency distribution of the number of services to achieve a calf was highest for the first service and progressively declined with increasing services (52.06%, 21.66%, 10.75%, 6.66%, 4.22%, and 4.65% for 1 to 6 services, respectively). The frequency distribution of calvings by lactation number was greatest for first lactation cows becoming pregnant with their second calf and declined with increasing parity (35.49%, 28.22%, 17.01%, 9.61%, 5.02%, 2.51%, 1.14%, 0.70%, and 0.30% for lactation numbers 1 to 9, respectively). Logistic stepwise regression indicated that the number of services to achieve a calf was significant in predicting the ratio of female to male calves. Calculation of odds ratios indicated that as the lactation number increased the likelihood of getting a bull calf decreased. Parity, services, and parity by services interaction were significant for cows having a greater number of parities and cows with a greater number of services yielding more heifer calves. However, an interaction occurred where cows with greater number of services along with greater parities more likely to have a bull calf. These data provide evidence that increasing the number of services to achieve a calf and increasing age of the cow increased the probability of a heifer calf being born. These data indicate that cows with greater parties (lesser cull rate) are more likely to produce heifer calves.
Cytogenetic Characterization and Molecular Marker Development for a Wheat-T. boeoticum 4Ab (4B) Disomic Substitution Line with Stripe Rust Resistance
Authors: Liu Xin , Chen Longyu , Zhang Minghu , Li Hui , Jiang Xiaomei , Zhang Junqing , Jia Zhenjiao , Ma Pan , Hao Ming , Jiang Bo , Huang Lin , Ning Shunzong , Yuan Zhongwei , Chen Xuejiao , Chen Xue , Liu Dengcai , Zhang Lianquan
Published: June 2022

Triticum boeoticum (2n = 2x = 14, AbAb) is an important relative of wheat. This species tolerates many different types of environmental stresses, including drought, salt, and pathogenic infection, and is lower in dietary fiber and higher in antioxidants, protein (15 to 18%), lipids, and trace elements than common wheat. However, the gene transfer rate from this species to common wheat is low, and few species-specific molecular markers are available. In this study, the wheat-T. boeoticum substitution line Z1889, derived from a cross between the common wheat cultivar Crocus and T. boeoticum line G52, was identified using multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization, multicolor genomic in situ hybridization, and a 55K single-nucleotide polymorphism array. Z1889 was revealed to be a 4Ab (4B) substitution line with a high degree of resistance to stripe rust pathogen strains prevalent in China. In addition, 22 4Ab chromosome-specific molecular markers and 11 T. boeoticum genome-specific molecular markers were developed from 1,145 4Ab chromosome-specific fragments by comparing the sequences generated by specific-length amplified fragment sequencing, with an efficiency of up to 55.0%. Furthermore, the specificity of these markers was verified in four species containing the Ab genome. These markers not only can be used for the detection of the 4Ab chromosome but also provide a basis for molecular marker-assisted, selection-based breeding in wheat.
Tree Effects on Coffee Leaf Rust at Field and Landscape Scales
Authors: Avelino Jacques , Gagliardi Stephanie , Perfecto Ivette , Isaac Marney E. , Liebig Theresa , Vandermeer John , Merle Isabelle , Hajian-Forooshani Zachary , Motisi Natacha
Published: June 2022

Although integrating trees into agricultural systems (i.e., agroforestry systems) provides many valuable ecosystem services, the trees can also interact with plant diseases. We demonstrate that a detailed understanding of how plant diseases interact with trees in agroforestry systems is necessary to identify key tree canopy characteristics, leaf traits, spatial arrangements, and management options that can help control plant diseases at different spatial scales. We focus our analysis on how trees affect coffee leaf rust, a major disease affecting one of the world’s most significant crop commodities. We show that trees can both promote and discourage the development of coffee leaf rust at the plot scale via microclimate modifications in the understory. Based on our understanding of the role of tree characteristics in shaping the microclimate, we identify several canopy characteristics and leaf traits that can help manage coffee leaf rust at the plot scale: namely, thin canopies with high openness, short base height, horizontal branching, and small, dentate leaves. In contrast, at the edge of coffee farms, having large trees with high canopy volume and small, thick, waxy leaves is more useful to reduce throughflow wind speeds and intercept the airborne dispersal of urediniospores, an important consideration to control disease at the landscape scale. Seasonal pruning can help shape trees into the desired form, and trees can be spatially arranged to optimize desired effects. This case study demonstrates the added value of combining process-based epidemiology studies with functional trait ecology to improve disease management in agroforestry systems.
Rose Rosette Disease: A Diagnostic Guide
Authors: Claros Nicolas Aparicio , Shires Madalyn , Mollov Dimitre , Hammond John , Jordan Ramon , Ochoa-Corona Francisco , Olson Jennifer , Ong Kevin , Salamanca Lina Rodriguez
Published: June 2022

Rose rosette disease (RRD) is a common disease of roses, predominantly in North America.  RRD is caused by the rose rosette virus (RRV), an emaravirus transmitted by the eriophyid mite Phyllocoptes fructiphilus Keifer. RRD characteristic symptoms include deformed leaves, abnormal thorns, and witches’ brooms. Roses are important cultivated plants around the world. Most Rosa spp. and cultivated varieties such as climbers, hybrid teas, floribundas, and miniature roses are susceptible to the disease.  Rose rosette virus detection relies on molecular assays.
PULSE PRESSURE ASSOCIATED WITH PHYSICAL FUNCTION DECLINE AND FRAILTY SYNDROME PROGRESSION
Authors: Chuang Shao-Yuan , Lin Wen-Ling , Lai Chia-Hung , Chung Ren-Hua , Hsu Chih-Cheng
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Arterial stiffness and hypertension interacted and related to frailty syndrome. The physical function decline was the dominant component of frailty syndrome. The longitudinal relationships of arterial stiffness and hypertension for physical function decline among elderly population remain ambiguous. We aimed to investigate the associations of arterial stiffness and hypertension for the physical, functional decline in a prospective study.

Design and method:

A total of 3218 adults aged >  = 55 years old from The Healthy Aging Longitudinal Study in Taiwan (HALST) cohort was followed 5 years for evaluating the physical, functional decline, including gait speed, hand grip, the 6-meter walking distance at baseline (2008) and 2nd wave (2013). Artery stiffness were evaluated by the pulse pressure (systolic mines diastolic blood pressure). The physical function decline was defined by the significantly slower gait speed (gait speed because lower more than 0.23 m/sec). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations of pulse pressure and hypertension for the slowness of gait speed.

Results:

Baseline pulse pressure was associated the changes of gait speed (beta = -0.1121, p < .0001). The changes of gait speed between baseline and the followed wave for those with PP < 40 mmHg(group-1,n = 196), 40–60 mmHg(group-2, n = 1874), 60–70 mmHg(group-3,n = 656), 70–80 mmHg(group-4,n = 302) and > = 80 mmHg(group-5,n = 190) were 0.04 ± 0.24 m/sec, 0.00 ± 0.23 m/sec, -0.04 ± 0.42 m/sec, -0.05 ± 0.23 m/sec, and -0.07 ± 0.25 m/sec (p-value for trend < .0001), respectively. The proportion of significant decline in gait speed (-0.23m/sec) was 10.20% for group-1, 17.56% for group-2, 22.87% for group-3, 27.48% for group-4 and 33.68% for group-5 (p-value for trend < 0.0001). Compared to those with PP less than 40 mm Hg (group-1), the odds ratio of physical, functional decline was 4.47(95% confidence intervals: 2.57–7.76) for group-5, 3.34(1.97–5.65) for group-4, 2.61(1.59∼4.29) for group-3 and 1.87(1.16∼3.02) for group-2. The associations remain significant in the model adjusted for age and glucose.We also found higher systolic BP (Systolic BP> = 150 mmHg) has significantly risk for physical function decline (OR = 1.32; 95% CI:1.01∼1.73), compare to normal blood pressure or well controlling BP (SBP: 120∼140 mmHg)

Conclusions:

Pulse pressure was associated with physical function decline among elderly population. Blood pressure controlling could delay the progression of physical function decline.
DISENTANGLING THE VARYING ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEALTH OUTCOMES IN THE VERY OLD: AN INDIVIDUAL PATIENT DATA META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Bogaerts Jonathan , Poortvliet Rosalinde , Van Der Klei Veerle , Achterberg Wilco , Blom Jeanet , Teh Ruth , Muru-Lanning Marama , Kerse Ngaire , Rolleston Anna , Jagger Carol , Kingston Andrew , Robinson Louise , Arai Yasu , Shikimoto Ryo , Gussekloo Jacobijn
Published: June 2022

Objective:

While randomized controlled trials have proven the benefits of blood pressure (BP) lowering in participating octogenarians, population-based observational studies suggest an association between low systolic blood pressure (SBP) and faster overall decline. This study investigates the effects of BP-lowering treatment, a history of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and cognitive and physical fitness on the associations between SBP and health outcomes in the very old.

Design and method:

Five cohorts from the Towards Understanding Longitudinal International older People Studies (TULIPS) consortium were included in a two-step individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA). We pooled hazard ratios (HR) from Cox proportional-hazards models for five-year mortality and estimates of linear mixed models for change in cognitive and functional decline. Models were stratified by BP-lowering treatment, history of CVD, Mini-Mental State examination-scores (MMSE) and grip strength (GS).

Results:

Of all 2480 participants (59.9% females, median 85 years), median baseline SBP was 149 mmHg, 64.3% used BP-lowering drugs and 47.3% had a history of CVD. Overall, higher SBP was associated with lower all-cause mortality (pooled HR 0.91 [95%CI 0.88–0.95] per 10 mmHg). Associations remained irrespective of BP-lowering treatment and history of CVD, but were absent in octogenarians with above-median MMSE and GS. In pooled cohorts, SBP was not associated with cognitive and functional decline.

Conclusions:

While in the very old with low cognitive or physical fitness, a higher SBP was associated with a lower all-cause mortality, this association was not evident in fit octogenarians. SBP was not consistently associated with cognitive and functional decline.
PREDICTING THE PATTERN OF ANATOMICAL LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY USING ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL BIOMARKERS FROM THE ECG QRS COMPLEX IN HYPERTENSIVE INDIVIDUALS FROM UK BIOBANK
Authors: Naderi Hafiz , Ramírez Julia , Van Duijvenboden Stefan , Aung Nay , Fung Kenneth , Young William , Petersen Steffen , Munroe Patricia
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Hypertension has progressive end-organ effects such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), an established independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Four distinct LVH phenotypes with varying prognostic implications have been described using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) LV mass to volume ratio; normal LV, LV remodelling, eccentric LVH and concentric LVH. Current electrocardiogram (ECG) criteria can detect LVH but their ability to differentiate between LVH phenotypes is unclear.

Design and method:

As a preliminary analysis, 5,065 participants in the UK Biobank were categorised into the 4 CMR-defined LVH phenotypes. The 12 lead ECG of each participant was analysed using MATLAB to derive ECG biomarkers known to have an association with LVH (QRS duration, QRS ascending and descending slopes, Q wave, R wave, S wave and QRS wave amplitudes). ANOVA compared differences in ECG biomarkers across LVH phenotypes. Univariate logistic regression was used to test association of each ECG biomarker with the LVH phenotypes. ECG biomarkers with a significant association (P < 0.05) were included in the multinomial logistic regression model.

Results:

In combination, the set of 7 ECG biomarkers detected a difference (P < 2.2e-16) across the LVH phenotypes. Using logistic regression, QRS duration, S wave and QRS waves amplitude were able to differentiate between the 4 LVH phenotypes. With normotensive group as a reference, there was a significant association between S wave amplitude and normal LV (Odds Ratio 1.80, P 1.46e-03), QRS wave amplitude and normal LV (OR 2.23, P 9.01e-05), global QRS duration with eccentric LVH (OR 1.05, P 4.45e-06) and concentric LVH (OR 1.03, P 1.02e-05).

Conclusions:

We identified a set of ECG markers from the QRS complex that can differentiate between the 4 LVH phenotypes, providing support for the ECG to identify subclinical LVH identified using CMR. We are currently extending our analyses to the full 45,000 UK Biobank imaging cohort for validation.
HOME BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING SCHEDULE: OPTIMAL AND MINIMUM BASED ON 2,122 INDIVIDUAL SUBJECTS’ DATA
Authors: Kyriakoulis Konstantinos , Ntineri Angeliki , Niiranen Teemu , Lindroos Annika , Jula Antti , Schwartz Claire , Kollias Anastasios , Andreadis Emmanuel , McManus Richard , Stergiou George S.
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Home blood pressure (HBP) monitoring has become a primary method for hypertension diagnosis and management. Most hypertension guidelines suggest HBP monitoring for 3–7 days and exclusion of first day for calculation of the average. This analysis investigated the optimal and minimum schedule for HBP monitoring using a European database.

Design and method:

A retrospective analysis of cross-sectional research data was performed, which involved HBP and 24-hour ambulatory BP (ABP) monitoring in adults collected within the context of clinical studies in Finland, Greece, and UK. Participants with 6–7 HBP monitoring days and at least 12 HBP readings were included. The stability of HBP was assessed by evaluating the average value and variability (SD) of an increasing number of readings. The association of different HBP schedules with awake ABP was also assessed.

Results:

Data from 2,122 participants were analyzed (mean age 53.9 ± 11.3 years, males 53%, treated 34%). A progressive HBP decline was observed in succeeding days, reaching a plateau after day 3. Day 1 average HBP was higher than in the next days by about 2.8/1.4 mmHg (systolic/diastolic, p < 0.001). Similarly, day 1 HBP SD was higher than in the next days. In a 3-day HBP monitoring schedule, the exclusion of day 1 reduced average HBP and SD, with a clinically important HBP decline in 115 participants (5%) and different hypertension diagnosis in 120 (6%). For HBP monitoring schedules including more than 3 days, the exclusion of day 1 had negligible impact. In a 6-day HBP monitoring schedule, the exclusion of day 1 led to clinically important HBP decline in 0.4% of participants and to different hypertension diagnosis in 3%. The 3-day average HBP was strongly correlated with awake ABP (correlation coefficient r = 0.70/0.77 systolic/diastolic, p < 0.05), with little improvement thereafter.

Conclusions:

These data support the recommendation for 7-day HBP monitoring as optimal schedule and 3-day as minimum. Readings of the first day should better be excluded, particularly when the minimum 3-day monitoring is obtained.
ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUG TREATMENT IN WHITE-COAT HYPERTENSION: DATA FROM THE PLAQUE HYPERTENSION LIPID-LOWERING ITALIAN STUDY (PHYLLIS)
Authors: Quarti-Trevano Fosca , Seravalle Gino , Dell’Oro Raffaella , Facchetti Rita , Grassi Guido , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

Objective:

No trial-based evidence is available on whether antihypertensive treatment lowers cardiovascular risk in white-coat hypertension (WCH). Protection may be indirectly inferred, however, from the blood pressure (BP) effects of treatment, because in trials outcomes decrease is linearly related to BP reduction. We andomis the effect of antihypertensive treatment on office and out-of-office BP in WCH using data from the Plaque HYpertension Lipid-Lowering Italian Study (PHYLLIS).

Design and method:

Office and ambulatory BP were measured in 470 hypertensive patients andomisat to an ACE-inhibitor or a diuretic alone or combined with a statin before treatment and at yearly intervals during a 3-year follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether baseline data obtained before andomisation to treatment showed that 1) office and 24-hour mean BP were elevated (75.8% sustained hypertensive, SH) or 2) office BP was elevated but 24-hour BP values were normal (24.2% WCH).

Results:

Antihypertensive drug treatment was associated with an early marked reduction of BP, which persisted virtually unchanged throughout the treatment period and was only slightly and usually not significant different in SH and WCH (-18.9 ± 11.1/-12.7 ± 5.9 mmHg for SBP/DBP in SH and -18 ± 10.4/-12.3 ± 6.2 for SBP/DBP in WCH p = 0.43/p = 0.52). This was not the case, however, for 24-h BP which, fell consistently in SH while showing no change in WCH(-10.7 ± 10.8/1.0 ± 8.3 mmHg for SBP/DBP in SH and -7.4 ± 7.2/0.1 ± 4.8 for SBP/DBP in WCH p < 0.001/p < 0.001). In SH but not in WCH antihypertensive treatment consistently reduced either the higher daytime and the lower nighttime SBP and DBP values during the treatment.

Conclusions:

In WCH antihypertensive treatment can effectively and durably reduce office BP. This reduction is accompanied by the inability to lower ambulatory BP from the normal values characterizing this condition at baseline.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN EPICARDIAL FAT AND LEFT VENTRICULAR GEOMETRY IN YOUNG NON-OBESE HYPERTENSIVES
Authors: Khomova Irina , Khramkova Anastasia , Shavarova Elena , Ezhova Nadezhda , Shkolnikova Ekaterina , Maksimova Maya , Aryutina Olga , Kobalava Zhanna
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been considered as a marker of cardiovascular risk. Previously association between the EAT volume with the insulin resistance index, metabolic parameters and emodelling parameters of the left heart was observed in young obese people with abdominal obesity.

Aim:

to evaluate the relations between epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EAT) with metabolic parameters and left ventricular geometry in young non-obese individuals with hypertension comparing to normotensive subjects.

Design and method:

30 young non-obese subjects with untreated essential hypertension (HTN) diagnosed by office blood pressure (BP) measurements by Korotkoff method and/or ambulatory BP monitoring (ESH, 2018) were included as study group (mean age - 23 ± 3 yrs, 100% were male, mean BMI 26 ± 6 kg/m2, office SBP/DBP 138 [130; 171] / 74 [64; 97] mm Hg). The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers without HTN (mean age - 33 ± 6 yrs, 100% were male, mean BMI 26 ± 4 kg/m2, office SBP/DBP 126 [124; 128] / 70 [65; 75] mm Hg).

The thickness and area of the epicardial fat were measured by CT-scan images with parasternal short axis view at basal, mid-ventricular and apical levels and horizontal long axis view directly surrounding the main coronary arteries

Results:

EAT thickness was higher in AH group comparing to healthy volunteers (7,42 [5,22; 11,01] vs 7,17 [4,67; 9,67] mm, p < 0.05) and EAT square was larger in study group comparing to control group (93,5 [60,3; 267.0] vs 88,7 [50,7; 126,6] mm2, p < 0.05). Correlations between EAT square and LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.53, p < 0,05), HDL-cholesterol (r = -0,51, p < 0,05), interventricular septum thickness of the left ventricle (r = 0.47, p < 0,05), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (r = 0.56, p < 0,05), relative wall thickness (r = 0.45, p < 0,05) were found in AH group. No significant correlations were found in the control group.

Conclusions:

The accumulation of EAT among patients with AH is larger than among people with normal blood pressure. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness as early marker of visceral obesity associated with left ventricular emodelling in young non-obese patients with essential hypertension.
LONG-TERM RESULTS FROM THE SPYRAL HTN-ON MED TRIAL: RENAL DENERVATION INCREASES TIME IN BLOOD PRESSURE TARGET RANGE OVER 36 MONTHS
Authors: Tsioufis Konstantinos , Kandzari David , Kario Kazuomi , Townsend Raymond , Mahfoud Felix , Weber Michael , Schmieder Roland , Pocock Stuart , Fahy Martin , Bohm Michael
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Six-month results from the SPYRAL HTN-ON MED pilot trial showed that patients with antihypertensive medications that underwent renal denervation (RDN) had a significantly greater reduction in 24-hr ambulatory and office systolic blood pressure (BP) from baseline compared to sham control. However, the effect of RDN on BP burden over time has not been established. Time in target range (TTR) analysis estimates the percent of time since procedure spent in a preferred systolic BP range as an indicator of BP control. An increase in TTR is associated with significantly lower risk of major cardiovascular events. In this analysis, we evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of RDN in the SPYRAL HTN-ON MED pilot trial.

Design and method:

Eligible patients were enrolled in SPYRAL HTN-ON MED with an office systolic BP (OSBP) of 150 to < 180 mmHg, office diastolic BP > = 90 mm Hg, and a 24-hr mean ambulatory systolic BP (ASBP) of 140 to < 170 mmHg. Successive follow-up BP measures over 36 months were linearly interpolated to estimate TTR over time. BP target range was defined as 24-hr ASBP < = 140 mmHg and OSBP < = 140 mmHg. TTR was calculated for each patient as the proportion of time spent in the target BP range since the procedure, including the baseline BP measurement. At 24 months (RDN, n = 34; control, n = 17) there were fewer patients with follow-up measures in the control group due to protocol requirements and the option for patients to crossover. For sham control patients who later crossed over to RDN before their 36-month follow-up (n = 13), the last measure prior to RDN was imputed at 36 months.

Results:

Long-term, 36-month safety and efficacy outcomes of the first 80 patients andomised 1:1 into the RDN (n = 38) and sham control arms (n = 42) will be presented at ESH 2022, in addition to a time in blood pressure target range analysis.

Conclusions:

Thirty-six month results evaluating the long-term efficacy and durability of RDN compared to a sham control in SPYRAL HTN-ON MED for patients with uncontrolled hypertension will be presented at ESH 2022.