bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy for risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease: the AMICO registry
Authors: Gimelli Alessia , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Buechel Ronny R , Coceani Michele , Clemente Alberto , Kaufmann Philipp A , Marzullo Paolo 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Aims
We assessed the prognostic value of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) with cadmium–zinc–telluride in addition to clinical and coronary anatomy analysis.

Methods and results
We prospectively enrolled 1464 patients (26% females, 69.5 ± 10.4 years) referred for stress-rest MPS. All the patients underwent invasive coronary angiography (1171, 80%) or coronary computed tomography angiography (293, 20%). We defined a composite endpoint of cardiovascular death and non-fatal MI. After an 8-year follow-up, summed stress score (SSS) had the highest accuracy in predicting primary endpoint with a ROC-derived cut-off of SSS &gt;8 (&gt;10% myocardium). SSS &gt;8 portended the lowest survival probability at Kaplan–Meier analysis (P &lt; 0.0001 for the composite endpoint and individual components). The Cox-regression analysis indicated SSS as an independent predictor of the composite endpoint, along with fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol and contrary to coronary anatomy parameters. Patients with SSS &gt;8 treated with optimal medical therapy (OMT) had the largest area of necrosis, the lower ischaemic burden, the most compromised LV systo-diastolic function and the highest LV mass, but received a less aggressive treatment in comparison to early revascularized patients. Survival analysis revealed patients with SSS ≤8 had the greater freedom from events, irrespective of the treatment strategy, while the group with SSS &gt;8 and OMT had the worst outcome, followed by patients with SSS &gt;8 and early revascularization (log-rank test: all P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusion
MPS-SSS constitutes a strong independent predictor of future adverse events after adjustment for multiple clinical parameters and coronary angiography. In particular, MPS could help risk stratification of patients who did not undergo early revascularization.
Effect of alcohol consumption on the risk of adverse events in atrial fibrillation: from the COmparison study of Drugs for symptom control and complication prEvention of Atrial Fibrillation (CODE-AF) registry
Authors: Lim Chewan , Kim Tae-Hoon , Yu Hee Tae , Lee So-Ryoung , Cha Myung-Jin , Lee Jung-Myung , Park Junbeom , Park Jin-Kyu , Kang Ki-Woon , Shim Jaemin , Uhm Jae-Sun , Kim Jun , Park Hyung Wook , Choi Eue-Keun , Kim Jin-Bae , Lee Young Soo , Joung Boyoung 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Aims
The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between alcohol consumption and atrial fibrillation (AF)-related adverse events in the AF population.

Methods and results
A total of 9411 patients with nonvalvular AF in a prospective observational registry were categorized into four groups according to the amount of alcohol consumption—abstainer-rare, light (&lt;100 g/week), moderate (100–200 g/week), and heavy (≥200 g/week). Data on adverse events (ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack, systemic embolic event, or AF hospitalization including for AF rate or rhythm control and heart failure management) were collected for 17.4 ± 7.3 months. A Cox proportional hazard models was performed to calculate hazard ratios (HRs), and propensity score matching was conducted to validate the results. The heavy alcohol consumption group showed an increased risk of composite adverse outcomes [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.66] compared with the reference group (abstainer-rare group). However, no significant increased risk for adverse outcomes was observed in the light (aHR 0.88, 95% CI 0.68–1.13) and moderate (aHR 0.91, 95% CI 0.63–1.33) groups. In subgroup analyses, adverse effect of heavy alcohol consumption was significant, especially among patients with low CHA2DS2-VASc score, without hypertension, and in whom β-blocker were not prescribed.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of adverse events in patients with AF, whereas light or moderate alcohol consumption does not.
Prevalence and prognostic association of ventricular arrhythmia in non-ischaemic heart failure patients: results from the DANISH trial
Authors: Boas Rune , Thune Jens Jakob , Pehrson Steen , Køber Lars , Nielsen Jens C , Videbæk Lars , Haarbo Jens , Korup Eva , Bruun Niels Eske , Brandes Axel , Eiskjær Hans , Thøgersen Anna M , Philbert Berit T , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Dixen Ulrik 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Aims
Improved risk stratification to identify non-ischaemic heart failure patients who will benefit from primary prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is needed. We examined the potential of ventricular arrhythmia to identify patients who could benefit from an ICD.

Methods and results
A total of 850 non-ischaemic systolic heart failure patients with left ventricle ≤35% and elevated N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptides had a 24-h Holter monitor recording performed. We examined present non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), defined as ≥3 consecutive premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) with a rate of ≥100/min, and number of PVCs per hour stratified into low (&lt;30) and high burden (≥30) groups. Outcome measures were overall mortality, sudden cardiac death (SCD), and cardiovascular death (CVD). In total, 193 patients died, 49 from SCD and 125 from CVD. Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (365 patients) was significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–2.03; P = 0.02] and to CVD (HR 1.89; CI 1.25–2.87; P = 0.003). High burden PVC (352 patients) was associated with increased all-cause mortality (HR1.38; CI 1.00–1.90; P = 0.046) and with CVD (HR 1.78; CI 1.19–2.66; P = 0.005). There was no statistically significant association with SCD for neither NSVT nor PVC. In interaction analyses, neither NSVT (P = 0.56) nor high burden of PVC (P = 0.97) was associated with survival benefit from ICD implantation.

Conclusion
Ventricular arrhythmia in non-ischaemic heart failure patients was associated with a worse prognosis but could not be used to stratify patients to ICD implantation.
Matrix inhibition by Salmonella excludes uropathogenic E. coli from biofilm
Authors: Miryala Sandeep , Nair Veena G , Chandramohan S , Srinandan C S 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACT
Biofilm is a predominant lifestyle of bacteria that comprises of cells as collectives enmeshed in a polymeric matrix. Biofilm formation is vital for bacterial species as it provides access to nutrients and protects the cells from environmental stresses. Here we show that interference in biofilm matrix production is a strategy by the competing bacterial species to reduce the ability of the other species to colonize a surface. Escherichia coli colonies that differ in matrix production display different morphologies on Congo red agar media, which we exploited for screening bacterial isolates capable of inhibiting the matrix. The cell-free supernatants from growth culture of the screened isolates impaired uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) UTI89 strain's biofilm. A physicochemical analysis suggested that the compound could be a glycopeptide or a polysaccharide. Isolates that inhibited matrix production belonged to species of the family Enterobacteriaceae such as Shigella, Escherichia, Enterobacter and Salmonella. Competition experiments between the isolates and the UPEC strain resulted in mutual inhibition, particularly during biofilm formation causing significant reduction in productivity and fitness. Furthermore, we show that Salmonella strains competitively excluded the UPEC strain in the biofilm by inhibiting its matrix production, highlighting the role of interference competition.
Calcium Signaling in Pancreatic Immune CellsIn situ
Authors: Gryshchenko Oleksiy , Gerasimenko Julia V , Petersen Ole H , Gerasimenko Oleg V 
Published: October 2020

AbstractImmune cells were identified in intact live mouse pancreatic lobules and their Ca2+ signals, evoked by various agents, characterized and compared with the simultaneously recorded Ca2+ signals in neighboring acinar and stellate cells. Immunochemistry in the live lobules indicated that the pancreatic immune cells most likely are macrophages. In the normal pancreas the density of these cells is very low, but induction of acute pancreatitis (AP), by a combination of ethanol and fatty acids, markedly increased the number of the immune cells. The principal agent eliciting Ca2+ signals in the pancreatic immune cells was ATP, but these cells also frequently produced Ca2+ signals in response to acetylcholine and to high concentrations of bradykinin. Pharmacological studies, using specific purinergic agonists and antagonists, indicated that the ATP-elicited Ca2+ signals were mediated by both P2Y1 and P2Y13 receptors. The pancreatic immune cells were not electrically excitable and the Ca2+ signals generated by ATP were primarily due to release of Ca2+ from internal stores followed by store-operated Ca2+ entry through Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ channels. The ATP-induced intracellular Ca2+ liberation was dependent on both IP3 generation and IP3 receptors. We propose that the ATP-elicited Ca2+ signal generation in the pancreatic immune cells is likely to play an important role in the severe inflammatory response to the primary injury of the acinar cells that occurs in AP.
The Evolution of Chromosome Numbers: Mechanistic Models and Experimental Approaches
Authors: Mayrose Itay , Lysak Martin A 
Published: October 2020

AbstractChromosome numbers have been widely used to describe the most fundamental genomic attribute of an organism or a lineage. Although providing strong phylogenetic signal, chromosome numbers vary remarkably among eukaryotes at all levels of taxonomic resolution. Changes in chromosome numbers regularly serve as indication of major genomic events, most notably polyploidy and dysploidy. Here, we review recent advancements in our ability to make inferences regarding historical events that led to alterations in the number of chromosomes of a lineage. We first describe the mechanistic processes underlying changes in chromosome numbers, focusing on structural chromosomal rearrangements. Then, we focus on experimental procedures, encompassing comparative cytogenomics and genomics approaches, and on computational methodologies that are based on explicit models of chromosome-number evolution. Together, these tools offer valuable predictions regarding historical events that have changed chromosome numbers and genome structures, as well as their phylogenetic and temporal placements.
Variability in Hourly Activity Levels: Statistical Noise or Insight Into Older Adult Frailty?
Authors: Huisingh-Scheetz Megan , Wroblewski Kristen , Waite Linda , Huang Elbert S , Schumm L Philip , Hedeker Donald 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Frailty is associated with lower mean activity; however, hourly activity is highly variable among older individuals. We aimed to relate frailty to hourly activity variance beyond frailty’s association with mean activity.

Method
Using the 2010–2011 National Social Life, Health and Aging Project wrist accelerometry data (n = 647), we employed a mixed-effects location scale model to simultaneously determine whether an adapted phenotypic frailty scale (0–4) was associated with the log10-mean hourly counts per minute (cpm) and between-and within-subject hourly activity variability, adjusting for demographics, health characteristics, season, day-of-week, and time-of-day. We tested the significance of a Frailty × Time-of-day interaction and whether adjusting for sleep time altered relationships.

Results
Each additional frailty point was associated with a 7.6% (10–0.0343, β = −0.0343; 95% CI: −0.05, −0.02) lower mean hourly cpm in the morning, mid-day, and late afternoon but not evening. Each frailty point was also associated with a 24.5% (e0.219, β = 0.219; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.34) greater between-subject hourly activity variance across the day; a 7% (e0.07, β = 0.07; 95% CI: 0.01¸ 0.13), 6% (e0.06, β = 0.06; 95% CI: 0, 0.12), and 10% (e0.091, β = 0.091; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.15) greater within-subject hourly activity variance in the morning, mid-day, and late afternoon, respectively; and a 6% (e−0.06, β = −0.06; 95% CI: −0.12, −0.003) lower within-subject hourly activity variance in the evening. Adjusting for sleep time did not alter results.

Conclusions
Frail adults have more variable hourly activity levels than robust adults, a potential novel marker of vulnerability. These findings suggest a need for more precise activity assessment in older adults.
The Finite-interval Spectral Power method for detecting underground cavities using seismic ambient noise
Authors: Kristekova Miriam , Kristek Jozef , Moczo Peter , Labak Peter 
Published: October 2020

SUMMARYUndetected natural and man-made cavities pose a serious geotechnical hazard to human safety. It is therefore important to develop methods for identifying and locating underground cavities in urban development and civil construction. Another important type of cavity is the one generated by an underground nuclear explosion. Identification and location of such cavities is an important proof in case of suspicion of violating the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), an international treaty banning nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion which is yet to come into force. We present a new method for detecting and locating a horizontal position of cavity which uses the Finite-interval Spectral Power of seismic ambient noise. The method makes it possible to use single-station measurements at a set of potentially irregularly distributed points in the area on the Earth's free surface over a suspected cavity. Because the method gives better results for undistorted segments of noise records, we also present a method of automatic identification of such segments. We tested our method using records of noise from a site near the Felsőpetény, Hungary, which were collected for the CTBT Organization during a field test in the framework of developing on-site inspection capabilities. The method is ready for further tests in different cavity conditions and applications.
SWI/SNF inactivation in the endometrial epithelium leads to loss of epithelial integrity
Authors: Reske Jake J , Wilson Mike R , Holladay Jeanne , Wegener Marc , Adams Marie , Chandler Ronald L 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Although ARID1A mutations are a hallmark feature, mutations in other SWI/SNF (SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable) chromatin remodeling subunits are also observed in endometrial neoplasms. Here, we interrogated the roles of Brahma/SWI2-related gene 1 (BRG1, SMARCA4), the SWI/SNF catalytic subunit, in the endometrial epithelium. BRG1 loss affects more than one-third of all active genes and highly overlaps with the ARID1A gene regulatory network. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed widespread subunit-specific differences in transcriptional regulation, as BRG1 promoter interactions are associated with gene activation, while ARID1A binding is associated with gene repression. However, we identified a physiologically relevant subset of BRG1 and ARID1A co-regulated epithelial identity genes. Mice were genetically engineered to inactivate BRG1 specifically in the endometrial epithelium. Endometrial glands were observed embedded in uterine myometrium, indicating adenomyosis-like phenotypes. Molecular similarities were observed between BRG1 and ARID1A mutant endometrial cells in vivo, including loss of epithelial cell adhesion and junction genes. Collectively, these studies illustrate overlapping contributions of multiple SWI/SNF subunit mutations in the translocation of endometrium to distal sites, with loss of cell integrity being a common feature in SWI/SNF mutant endometrial epithelia.
Conditional deletion of SMN in cell culture identifies functional SMN alleles
Authors: Blatnik Anton J , McGovern Vicki L , Le Thanh T , Iyer Chitra C , Kaspar Brian K , Burghes Arthur H M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by mutation or deletion of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) and retention of SMN2 leading to SMN protein deficiency. We developed an immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblast (iMEF) line in which full-length wild-type Smn (flwt-Smn) can be conditionally deleted using Cre recombinase. iMEFs lacking flwt-Smn are not viable. We tested the SMA patient SMN1 missense mutation alleles A2G, D44V, A111G, E134K and T274I in these cells to determine which human SMN (huSMN) mutant alleles can function in the absence of flwt-Smn. All missense mutant alleles failed to rescue survival in the conditionally deleted iMEFs. Thus, the function lost by these mutations is essential to cell survival. However, co-expression of two different huSMN missense mutants can rescue iMEF survival and small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) assembly, demonstrating intragenic complementation of SMN alleles. In addition, we show that a Smn protein lacking exon 2B can rescue iMEF survival and snRNP assembly in the absence of flwt-Smn, indicating exon 2B is not required for the essential function of Smn. For the first time, using this novel cell line, we can assay the function of SMN alleles in the complete absence of flwt-Smn.
Variants in RABL2A causing male infertility and ciliopathy
Authors: Ding Xinbao , Fragoza Robert , Singh Priti , Zhang Shu , Yu Haiyuan , Schimenti John C 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Approximately 7% of men worldwide suffer from infertility, with sperm abnormalities being the most common defect. Though genetic causes are thought to underlie a substantial fraction of idiopathic cases, the actual molecular bases are usually undetermined. Because the consequences of most genetic variants in populations are unknown, this complicates genetic diagnosis even after genome sequencing of patients. Some patients with ciliopathies, including primary ciliary dyskinesia and Bardet–Biedl syndrome, also suffer from infertility because cilia and sperm flagella share several characteristics. Here, we identified two deleterious alleles of RABL2A, a gene essential for normal function of cilia and flagella. Our in silico predictions and in vitro assays suggest that both alleles destabilize the protein. We constructed and analyzed mice homozygous for these two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, Rabl2L119F (rs80006029) and Rabl2V158F (rs200121688), and found that they exhibit ciliopathy-associated disorders including male infertility, early growth retardation, excessive weight gain in adulthood, heterotaxia, pre-axial polydactyly, neural tube defects and hydrocephalus. Our study provides a paradigm for triaging candidate infertility variants in the population for in vivo functional validation, using computational, in vitro and in vivo approaches.
Homological Percolation: The Formation of Giant k-Cycles
Authors: Bobrowski Omer , Skraba Primoz 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In this paper we introduce and study a higher dimensional analogue of the giant component in continuum percolation. Using the language of algebraic topology, we define the notion of giant $k$-dimensional cycles (with $0$-cycles being connected components). Considering a continuum percolation model in the flat $d$-dimensional torus, we show that all the giant $k$-cycles ($1\le k \le d-1$) appear in the regime known as the thermodynamic limit. We also prove that the thresholds for the emergence of the giant $k$-cycles are increasing in $k$ and are tightly related to the critical values in continuum percolation. Finally, we provide bounds for the exponential decay of the probabilities of giant cycles appearing.
The Burden of Malaria in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Deutsch-Feldman Molly , Parr Jonathan B , Keeler Corinna , Brazeau Nicholas F , Goel Varun , Emch Michael , Edwards Jessie K , Kashamuka Melchior , Tshefu Antoinette K , Meshnick Steven R 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Despite evidence that older children and adolescents bear the highest burden of malaria, large malaria surveys focus on younger children. We used polymerase chain reaction data from the 2013–2014 Demographic and Health Survey in the Democratic Republic of Congo (including children aged &lt;5 years and adults aged ≥15 years) and a longitudinal study in Kinshasa Province (participants aged 6 months to 98 years) to estimate malaria prevalence across age strata. We fit linear models and estimated prevalences for each age category; adolescents aged 10–14 years had the highest prevalence. We estimate approximately 26 million polymerase chain reaction–detectable infections nationally. Adolescents and older children should be included in surveillance studies.
A Novel Approach to Hematology Testing at the Point of Care
Authors: Bransky Avishay , Larsson Anders , Aardal Elisabeth , Ben-Yosef Yaara , Christenson Robert H 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The need for rapid point-of-care (POC) diagnostics is now becoming more evident due to the increasing need for timely results and improvement in healthcare service. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, POC has become critical in managing the spread of disease. Applicable diagnostics should be readily deployable, easy to use, portable, and accurate so that they fit mobile laboratories, pop-up treatment centers, field hospitals, secluded wards within hospitals, or remote regions, and can be operated by staff with minimal training. Complete blood count (CBC), however, has not been available at the POC in a simple-to-use device until recently. The HemoScreen, which was recently cleared by the FDA for POC use, is a miniature, easy-to-use instrument that uses disposable cartridges and may fill this gap.

Content
The HemoScreen’s analysis method, in contrast to standard laboratory analyzers, is based on machine vision (image-based analysis) and artificial intelligence (AI). We discuss the different methods currently used and compare their results to the vision-based one. The HemoScreen is found to correlate well to laser and impedance-based methods while emphasis is given to mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), and platelets (PLT) that demonstrate better correlation when the vision-based method is compared to itself due to the essential differences between the underlying technologies.

Summary
The HemoScreen analyzer demonstrates lab equivalent performance, tested at different clinical settings and sample characteristics, and might outperform standard techniques in the presence of certain interferences. This new approach to hematology testing has great potential to improve quality of care in a variety of settings.
Trophic relationships within the genusCarollia(Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in a premontane forest of central Peru
Authors: Pellón Juan J , Rivero Jorge , Williams Marta , Flores Mercedes 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAssemblages of Neotropical frugivorous bats are structured as a function of the fruit diets of species; however, ecological relationships among closely related species largely remain unknown. This study evaluated the trophic relations among three species of Carollia in a premontane forest of central Peru. To accomplish this, we first determined the diet composition of frugivorous bats to build a bat–fruit interaction network. We then assessed the trophic structure of the bat assemblage using a modularity analysis in the network. Carollia brevicauda and Carollia perspicillata were grouped apart from Carollia benkeithi. This partition occurred because the diet of C. benkeithi was more specialized, characterized by two Piper species, a Cyclanthaceae species, and Banara guianensis. Moreover, C. benkeithi, in contrast to its congeners, did not consume fruits of Ficus or Cecropia (canopy resources). This result and available information on the ecology of Carollia species suggest that small species of Carollia are more likely to carry out most of their feeding activities in the understory than are large species of the genus.