bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in individuals with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pallikadavath S , Ashton L , Burton J , Brunskill N , Gray L , Major R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Aspirin is widely used in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Its use in primary prevention, particularly in CKD, is less clear. Previous reviews have offered inconclusive findings for the benefit of aspirin in CKD. Recent trials have been completed that may help provide more conclusive answers in CKD.

Purpose
This study aimed to assess the role of aspirin in the primary prevention of CVD and its associated adverse events in individuals with CKD.

Methods
A pre-defined protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD42014008860) was used. The OVID Medline and EMBASE databases were searched for studies from 1996 to the 15th September 2020. Abstracts and full-texts were screened independently by two reviewers. Randomised controlled trials that compared aspirin to placebo in individuals with non-endstage CKD without CVD nor primary renal disease were included. The primary outcomes of interests were: CVD, major and minor bleeding events. Secondary outcomes of interest were: all-cause mortality, coronary artery disease and stroke. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to calculate a pooled relative risk (RR).

Results
Five trials were included with 434 CVD events in 7,825 individuals with CKD. Aspirin offered no statistically significant benefit in reduction of CVD events (RR = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.57, 1.09) but significantly increased both minor (RR = 2.62, 95%CI: 1.64, 4.20) and major bleeding (RR= 1.51, 95%CI: 1.13, 2.02) events compared to placebo. Aspirin conferred no benefit for all-cause mortality (RR= 0.89, 95%CI: 0.64, 1.22), coronary heart disease (RR= 0.66, 95%CI: 0.27, 1.63) and stroke (RR= 0.94, 95%CI: 0.55, 1.58).

Conclusion
Aspirin cannot be recommended for the primary prevention of CVD in individuals with CKD as it offers no conclusive benefit and increases the risk of bleeding. Other strategies to optimise CVD primary prevention in individuals with CKD should be prioritised.
Adherence to remote cardiac rehabilitation during the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Nabutovsky I , Klempfner Y , Nachshon A , Yeshayahu S , Breitner D , Heller A , Klempfner R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
The global crisis of COVID-19 has highlighted how the health care system needs to adapt. With the announcement of a partial lockdown, cardiac rehabilitation centers in Israel were closed and patients were left without regular training and risk factor management. However, the Remote Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs (RCRP), which had been previously developed, continued to function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of RCRP during the pandemic.

Methods
We compared retrospective cohort data on the performance of RCRP patients and care teams over two time periods: (P1) nine weeks before lockdown; and (P2) seven weeks during the lockdown. Included in the analysis were parameters of exercise adherence, objective training efficacy, and satisfaction.

Results
The analysis included 38 patients, 92% male, age 58 ± 11 enrolled in the RCRP predominantly following myocardial infarction or coronary interventions (57%). Patient activity during the lockdown period increased with higher average exercise minutes per week as well as higher exercise minutes performed at the designated target heart rate (all P for trend &lt; 0.05). In a mid-study survey, over 86% of patients responded that they felt safe and satisfied with the RCRP.

Conclusions
The RCRP has proven to be reliable and effective in maintaining the mental and physical health of patients in the face of a national crisis, even with a substantial reduction in staff. Automation by flexible rules, incorporated in the system, resolved numerous time-consuming tasks, thus allowing for more time to be dedicated to human interaction.
Assessed parameter Entire study duration Period 1 Period 2 P value Aerobic minutes per week, average 221.1 205.5 241.7 0.01 Number of Aerobic sessions per week, median 3.8 3.6 4 NA Average number of Minutes at Target HR per session, per week (% of session time at target HR) 116.2 (52.5%) 107.7 (52.4%) 127.2 (52.6%) &lt; 0.001 The average %HRR during aerobic session, per week 75.7 75.4 76.1 0.47 Steps per day, average 8,830 9,000 8,600 0.06 Mobile application entries per week, average 4.43 4.3 4.6 0.50 Patients activity before (P1) and during (P2) the lockdown
Abstract Figure. The clinical program management center a
Smartphone app-guided secondary prevention in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Eckardt I , Buschhaus C , Nickenig G , Jansen F 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Background
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Lifestyle change is a crucial part of secondary prevention. Only 30% of CAD patients follow the corresponding guideline recommendations. The widespread adoption of smartphones offers the opportunity to integrate secondary prevention into the daily routine of CAD patients.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to show that smartphone-guided secondary prevention (SGSP) could achieve lifestyle changes and a gain of disease specific knowledge among CAD patients.
Methods
We developed an app to integrate secondary prevention into CAD patients’ everyday life. The app provided a daily 15-minute program that included video-guided exercises, video sessions with background information about CAD, and a tool to record blood pressure and heart rate once a day.
The SGSP app was tested with the primary outcome of 28-day adherence. The secondary outcome was a composite of self-reported behavioural changes, gain of knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors and an increase in quality of life.
Results
Of the 66 patients screened, 43 (65%) were included into the study and, of those, 17 (40%) used the app continuously for 28 days. From this group, 14 (82%) were physically more active and ten (59%) improved their dietary habits. Usage of the SGSP app was also associated with a gain of knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors (70% physical activity, 59% healthy diet).
Conclusion
The regular use of a SGSP app appears to support lifestyle changes in patients with CAD.
Primary and secondary endpoints Results Overall(n = 17) P-Value Adherence (28 days) 17 (39.5) 0.34 Behavioural change Significantly increased physical activity no. (%) 14 (82.4) 0.08 Implemented a healthier diet no. (%) 10 (58.8) 0.64 Relevant gain of knowledge about CVRF Physical activity no. (%) 12 (70.6) 0.13 Unhealthy diet no. (%) 10 (58.8) 1.00 Smoking no. (%) 1 (5.9) 0.47 Stress no. (%) 7 (41.2) 0.13 Potential for long-term use Willingness to use the App over a long time period (&gt;28 days), no. (%) 15 (88.2) 1.00
Abstract Figure.
Aging is accompanied by a decrease in the number of naive Tregs
Authors: Filatova A , Potekhina A , Radyukhina N , Ruleva N , Arefieva T 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background. Age-related changes in the immune system are an important factor contributing to the maintenance of chronic inflammatory status. There are undoubted data on the decrease of the number of T-lymphocytes with age caused by thymus involution, but there are currently no unambiguous data on changes of minor T-cell subpopulations, in particular, regulatory T-cells (Treg). The aim of this study was to analyze the content of effector and regulatory CD4+ T cell subsets in patients with coronary and/or carotid atherosclerosis depending on age.
Methods. 111 patients (men, median age 63 (55;69)) with coronary and/or carotid atherosclerosis, without smoking anamnesis, were enrolled. Mononuclear leuocytes were isolated from blood by gradient centrifugation, and CD4 + CD25high and CD4 + Foxp3+ Treg, CD4 + IL17+ T-helpers (Th) 17 and CD4 + INFγ Th1 were evaluated by direct immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. For intracellular cytokine detection cells were pre-activated in vitro in the presence of PMA/ionomycin/brefeldin A. In 74 patients cells were additionally stained with CD39, CD278, CD45RA Mabs to reveal naïve and primed T-cells.
Results. According to age the patients formed three groups: I – &lt;55 y.o. (n = 23), II – 55-64 y.o. (n = 42), III - ≥65 y.o. (n = 46). All patients were taking statins at baseline. The groups were comparable in traditional risk factors of CVD (BMI, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial infarction anamnesis). The absolute content of CD4+ T cells was lower in group III (646.3 (516.0;806.4)) compared to groups I (903.0 (585.6;1113.8), p = 0.03) and II (745.4 (502.2;924.0), p = 0.06). The absolute content of CD4 + CD25high Treg was lower in group III (24.2 (18.4;35.2)) compared to groups I (35.0 (28.7;54.4), p = 0.01) and II (31.0 (21.1;43.6), p = 0.03). There were no differences in Th1, Th17, CD39 + CD45RA- and CD278+ Treg content between groups. A negative correlation was found between age and the content of CD4+ T cells (r= -0.28), CD4 + CD25high Treg (r= -0.27), p &lt; 0.05. A negative correlation was found between age and CD4 + CD25highCD45RA+ Treg (r= -0.24) and CD4 + CD45RA+ T cells (r= -0.36), CD4 + CD45RA+/CD4 + CD45RA- T-cells ratio (r= -0.24), p &lt; 0.05.
Conclusion. Here we demonstrate an age-dependent decrease of total CD4+ T cell population and Treg subset in patients with atherosclerosis. The changes observed were primary due to the deficiency of CD45RA+ naïve T cells. The effector cell Th1 and Th17 quantities were at the same levels. Future research will show whether the identified immunological patterns can contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis and other chronic inflammatory diseases.
Analysis of cardiac rhythm reported to ABO blood group
Authors: Choukrani H , Abouradi S , Kherraf A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

INTRODUCTION
ABO blood groups have been associated with various diseases , particularly cardiovascular diseases which are the most common causes of death in developed countries and their prevalence rate is rapidly growing in developing countries. Cardiac arrhythmias in particular, atrial fibrillation are frequents .
The aim of this study was to research if there is a relationship between cardiac rhythm and ABO blood group.
METHODS : We included in this retrospective study patients who were hospitalized in the cardiology department of the university hospital center between 2018 and 2020 with blood group phenotype.
RESULTS :
The study includes 90 patients, mean age was 58.86 ±14.03 years old, sex ratio 1.09 (52.2% men 47.8 % women), blood group included A 45.5 % ; AB 1.1%. B 20% O 33.3%. On the electrocardiogram, atrial fibrillation was found in 23% of the cases, 57% related to mitral stenosis. while 77 % of the cases were in sinus rhythm. A significant relation was found between blood group type A+ and atrial fibrillation (p =0.026 ; OR : 3.06 (95%CI: 1.17–6.8) ; no significant relation was found between other types of blood group and cardiac rhythm neither between blood type A and particular atrial fibrillation etiology.
CONCLUSION :
Blood group A may be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation.
Larger studies may support this finding. Understanding the physiopathology will orient towards new possible therapies.
Evidence for reactivation of new faults and seismicity migration away from the causative fault of the 2001 MW 7.7 Bhuj earthquake, western India
Authors: Paul Himangshu , Ravi Kumar M , Kumar Santosh 
Published: May 2021

SUMMARYThe Kachchh Rift Basin of western India that hosted the devastating 2001 MW 7.7 Bhuj earthquake has been witnessing minor to moderate seismicity since then. The genesis of these intraplate earthquakes and geometry of the causative faults is still elusive. In this study, we relocated all the earthquakes recorded between 2006 and 2018 and utilized a set of 4285 best located earthquakes to provide rare insights into the orientation and depth distribution of the currently active faults. We also analysed previously computed source mechanisms, in perspective of our location results. It is revealed that the present seismic activity is primarily aligned along two planes—one steeply dipping (∼60°) to the northeast with a NW–SE strike and the other gently (∼34°) dipping to the SSW, striking WNW–ESE. The traces of these fault surfaces coincide with the Kachchh Mainland fault (KMF) and the North Wagad Fault (NWF) when extrapolated to the surface, respectively. Activity along the NWF has been shown in earlier studies, however, clear evidence of activity along the steep north-dipping KMF is presented for the very first time. Thrust earthquakes dominate the NWF while strike-slip earthquakes are seen across the KMF. Our results show that the two fault surfaces converge between 70.30°E and 70.43°E longitudes in the depth range 22–32 km, however, there is large E–W offset between the northern and southern extremities of the fault-system. This convergence zone hosted the largest earthquakes (ML 4.7–5.1) between 2006 and 2018 and the hypocentre of 2001 main shock also coincide with it. The earthquakes occurring in the interfault region show major strike-slip motion and are probably influenced by the relative motion between the NWF and KMF. Consistent seismicity, assisted probably by high conducting material, is seen across the NWF while intermittent seismicity is revealed along the KMF. Scrutiny of earlier studies revealed that the 2001 main shock and first few weeks of aftershocks were hosted on another south-dipping fault, the South Wagad Fault (SWF), however, activity along the SWF is found to be meagre during 2006–2018. Instead, seismicity has currently migrated to faults north and south of the SWF. These currently active faults most likely were reactivated during/after the 2001 main shock.
On magnetic disturbances induced by rotation of coil-type magnetometer driven by seismic waves
Authors: Gao Yongxin , Jiang Peng , Xu Yixian , Jiang Li , Cheng Chieh-Hung , Zhao Guoze , Tang Ji , Chen Xiaobin , Han Bin , Chong Jiajun , Yao Cheng 
Published: May 2021

SUMMARYRotation of coil-type magnetometers caused by seismic waves can change the magnetic flux of the earth's magnetic field through the coils and thereby give rise to rotation-induced magnetic fields (RIMFs), which have contribution to so-called coseismic magnetic disturbances during earthquake events. In this study, we present a method to numerically calculate the rotational motion and RIMFs excited by a seismic source in a horizontally layered model. Like computing synthetic seismograms, this method allows calculating the full response of magnetic disturbances during an earthquake event. Numerical examples are conducted to investigate characters of the magnetic fields under excitation of different kinds of sources. The results show that the P-SV-mode waves mainly contribute to radial and vertical magnetic disturbances, while the SH-mode waves dominate tangential magnetic disturbances. We also apply this method to the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake. The synthetic magnetic signals explain well the observed data, suggesting that the coseismic magnetic fields observed during this earthquake are mainly caused by the rotation of the magnetometers.
Cell dynamics in human villous trophoblast
Authors: Aplin John D , Jones Carolyn J P 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDVillous cytotrophoblast (vCTB) is a precursor cell population that supports the development of syncytiotrophoblast (vSTB), the high surface area barrier epithelium of the placental villus, and the primary interface between maternal and fetal tissue. In light of increasing evidence that the placenta can adapt to changing maternal environments or, under stress, can trigger maternal disease, we consider what properties of these cells empower them to exert a controlling influence on pregnancy progression and outcome.OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALEHow are cytotrophoblast proliferation and differentiation regulated in the human placental villus to allow for the increasing demands of the fetal and environmental challenges and stresses that may arise during pregnancy?SEARCH METHODSPubMed was interrogated using relevant keywords and word roots combining trophoblast, villus/villous, syncytio/syncytium, placenta, stem, transcription factor (and the individual genes), signalling, apoptosis, autophagy (and the respective genes) from 1960 to the present. Since removal of trophoblast from its tissue environment is known to fundamentally change cell growth and differentiation kinetics, research that relied exclusively on cell culture has not been the main focus of this review, though it is mentioned where appropriate. Work on non-human placenta is not systematically covered, though mention is made where relevant hypotheses have emerged.OUTCOMESThe synthesis of data from the literature has led to a new hypothesis for vCTB dynamics. We propose that a reversible transition can occur from a reserve population in G0 to a mitotically active state. Cells from the in-cycle population can then differentiate irreversibly to intermediate cells that leave the cycle and turn on genes that confer the capacity to fuse with the overlying vSTB as well as other functions associated with syncytial barrier and transport function. We speculate that alterations in the rate of entry to the cell cycle, or return of cells in the mitotic fraction to G0, can occur in response to environmental challenge. We also review evidence on the life cycle of trophoblast from the time that fusion occurs, and point to gaps in knowledge of how large quantities of fetal DNA arrive in maternal circulation. We critique historical methodology and make a case for research to re-address questions about trophoblast lifecycle and dynamics in normal pregnancy and the common diseases of pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction, where altered trophoblast kinetics have long been postulated.WIDER IMPLICATIONSThe hypothesis requires experimental testing, moving research away from currently accepted methodology towards a new standard that includes representative cell and tissue sampling, assessment of cell cycle and differentiation parameters, and robust classification of cell subpopulations in villous trophoblast, with due attention to gestational age, maternal and fetal phenotype, disease and outcome.
Validation of stock assessment methods: is it me or my model talking?
Authors: Kell Laurence T , Sharma Rishi , Kitakado Toshihide , Winker Henning , Mosqueira Iago , Cardinale Massimiliano , Fu Dan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The adoption of the Precautionary Approach requires providing advice that is robust to uncertainty. Therefore, when conducting stock assessment alternative, model structures and data sets are commonly considered. The primary diagnostics used to compare models are to examine residuals patterns to check goodness-of-fit and to conduct retrospective analysis to check the stability of estimates. However, residual patterns can be removed by adding more parameters than justified by the data, and retrospective patterns removed by ignoring the data. Therefore, neither alone can be used for validation, which requires assessing whether it is plausible that a system identical to the model generated the data. Therefore, we use hindcasting to estimate prediction skill, a measure of the accuracy of a predicted value unknown by the model relative to its observed value, to explore model misspecification and data conflicts. We compare alternative model structures based on integrated statistical and Bayesian state-space biomass dynamic models using, as an example, Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna. Validation is not a binary process (i.e. pass or fail) but a continuum; therefore, we discuss the use of prediction skill to identify alternative hypotheses, weight ensemble models and agree on reference sets of operating models when conducting Management Strategy Evaluation.
Metrics on a Surface with Bounded Total Curvature
Authors: Li Yuxiang , Sun Jianxin , Tang Hongyan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Let $g=e^{2u}g_{euc}$ be a conformal metric defined on the unit disk of ${{\mathbb{C}}}$. We give an estimate of $\|\nabla u\|_{L^{2,\infty }(D_{\frac{1}{2}})}$ when $\|K(g)\|_{L^1}$ is small and $\frac{\mu (B_r^g(z),g)}{\pi r^2}&lt;\Lambda $ for any $r$ and $z\in D_{\frac{3}{4}}$. Then we use this estimate to study the Gromov–Hausdorff convergence of a conformal metric sequence with bounded $\|K\|_{L^1}$ and give some applications.
Hypergeometric Functions of Type BC and Standard Multiplicities
Authors: Narayanan Eravimangalam Krishnan , Pasquale Angela 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We study the Heckman–Opdam hypergeometric functions associated with a root system of type $BC$ and a multiplicity function that is allowed to assume some nonpositive values (a standard multiplicity function). For such functions, we obtain positivity properties and sharp estimates that imply a characterization of the bounded hypergeometric functions. As an application, our results extend the known properties of Harish-Chandra’s spherical functions on Riemannian symmetric spaces of the non-compact type $G/K$ to spherical functions over homogeneous vector bundles on $G/K$, which are associated with certain small $K$-types.
Classification of Simply-Transitive Levi Non-Degenerate Hypersurfaces in ℂ3
Authors: Doubrov Boris , Merker Joël , The Dennis 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Holomorphically homogeneous Cauchy–Riemann (CR) real hypersurfaces $M^3 \subset \mathbb{C}^2$ were classified by Élie Cartan in 1932. In the next dimension, we complete the classification of simply-transitive Levi non-degenerate hypersurfaces $M^5 \subset \mathbb{C}^3$ using a novel Lie algebraic approach independent of any earlier classifications of abstract Lie algebras. Central to our approach is a new coordinate-free formula for the fundamental (complexified) quartic tensor. Our final result has a unique (Levi-indefinite) non-tubular model, for which we demonstrate geometric relations to planar equi-affine geometry.
Lack of Commitment, Retroactive Taxation, and Macroeconomic Instability
Authors: Ortigueira Salvador , Pereira Joana 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Retroactive tax legislation is constitutional in most high-income countries. In this paper, we are concerned with the fiscal and macroeconomic consequences stemming from retroactive income taxation. Within the context of a real neoclassical economy, we find that if the government can set taxes retroactively within the fiscal year—or if there is a positive probability that a future government will be able to use retroactive taxation—then there exists a multiplicity of expectations-driven equilibria. In this case, neither fiscal policy nor macroeconomic aggregates are uniquely pinned down by economic fundamentals. Rather, they are determined by expectations about current and future fiscal policies. This implies that the government is a source of macroeconomic instability. In contrast, a constitutional reform banning the government from using retroactive tax legislation would yield a unique equilibrium, thus removing the possibility of expectations-driven fluctuations.