bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methylation-reprogrammed CHRM3 results in vascular dysfunction in the human umbilical vein following IVF-ET
Authors: Shi Yajun , Liu Jingliu , Zhu Dan , Lu Likui , Zhang Mengshu , Li Weisheng , Zeng Hongtao , Yu Xi , Guo Jun , Zhang Yingying , Zhou Xiuwen , Gao Qinqin , Xia Fei , Chen Youguo , Li Min , Sun Miao 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been used globally among infertile couples. However, many epidemiological investigations have indicated that ART is associated with a range of long-term adverse health outcomes in offspring, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and increased plasma lipid levels. Until now, direct evidence has been limited regarding the pathological changes in vascular function in fetuses with ART. In this study, human umbilical cords were collected from healthy normal pregnancies and in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) pregnancies. Vascular functional studies involving acetylcholine (ACh), antagonists of its specific receptors, and L-type calcium channel/PKC-MLC20 phosphorylation pathway specific inhibitors were conducted. Quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and methylation analyses were performed on umbilical vein samples. We found that the umbilical vein constriction induced by ACh in the IVF-ET group was significantly attenuated compared with that in the healthy normal pregnancy group, which was not only associated with the hypermethylation of ACh muscarinic receptor subtype 3 (CHRM3) and decreased expression of CHRM3, PKCβ, and CaV1.2, but was also related to the reduced phosphorylation of MLC20. This study revealed that the hypermethylation of CHRM3, leading to a reduction in CHRM3 expression and downregulation of the CaV1.2/PKC-MLC20 phosphorylation pathway, was responsible for the decreased sensitivity to ACh observed in the umbilical vein under IVF-ET conditions. The hypermethylation of CHRM3 caused by IVF-ET might play an important role in altered vasoconstriction and impact cardiovascular systems in the long run.
Trimming the fat: is there a health economic case for the use of new lipid-lowering drugs in chronic kidney disease? A scoping review
Authors: Gallagher Alexandra , Agresta Blaise , Smyth Brendan , Jardine Meg , Ferro Charles , Morton Rachael L 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT

Background
Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at a very high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). New lipid-lowering agents offer hope of improved outcomes where traditional agents have been less efficacious, yet the cost of these agents needs consideration in this population before their widespread application.

Objective
We sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of novel lipid-lowering therapies for a CKD population.

Methods
We searched four electronic databases, one government registry and the reference lists of included literature to identify cost-effectiveness analyses of novel lipid-lowering agents in CKD. Costs were converted to a single currency to allow cross-country comparisons. Completeness of reporting was analysed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist. Results were synthesized in narrative form with graphical representation of cost-effectiveness ratios.

Results
Of the 1041 identified studies, 4 met the inclusion criteria. None were specific to a CKD-only population. All examined the impact of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9is) in the secondary prevention of ASCVD. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of new agents compared with standard care were between €7288 and €112 530 per quality-adjusted life year gained. Cost-effectiveness was sensitive to the degree of cardiovascular risk of the underlying populations.

Conclusion
This review found PCSK9is were moderately cost-effective in populations with high cardiovascular risk. People with CKD were included as an undifferentiated subpopulation in the primary studies, but application of these findings to CKD-specific populations should be interpreted with caution. There is insufficient evidence for a health economic case to support novel lipid-lowering therapies for advanced CKD.
Comparison of antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 after two doses of inactivated virus and BNT162b2 mRNA vaccines in kidney transplant
Authors: Seija Mariana , Rammauro Florencia , Santiago José , Orihuela Natalia , Zulberti Catherine , Machado Danilo , Recalde Cecilia , Noboa Javier , Frantchez Victoria , Astesiano Rossana , Yandián Federico , Guerisoli Ana , Morra Álvaro , Cassinelli Daniela , Coelho Cecilia , de Aramburu Belén , González-Severgnini Paulina , Moreno Romina , Pippolo Aldana , López Gabriela , Lemos Mónica , Somariva Lorena , López Eliana , Fumero Soledad , Orihuela Carla , Rodríguez Rosalía , Acuña Gonzalo , Rabaza Victoria , Perg Nancy , Cordero Rossana , Reisfeld Cristina , Olivera Paula , Montero Paola , Nogueira Cecilia , Nalerio Catheryn , Orihuela Sergio , Curi Lilián , Burgstaller Ema , Noboa Oscar , Pritsch Otto , Nin Marcelo , Bianchi Sergio 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT

Background
Antibody response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) after mRNA or adenoviral vector-based vaccines is weak in kidney transplant (KT) patients. However, few studies have focused on humoral response after inactivated virus-based vaccines in KT. Here, we compare antibody response following vaccination with inactivated virus (CoronaVac®) and BNT162b2 mRNA.

Methods
A national multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted. The study group was composed of patients from all KT centres in Uruguay, vaccinated between 1 and 31 May 2021 (CoronaVac®, n = 245 and BNT162b2, n = 39). The control group was constituted of 82 healthy individuals. Participants had no prior confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test. Blood samples were collected between 30 and 40 days after the second dose. Serum-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein were determined using the COVID-19 IgG QUANT ELISA Kit.

Results
Only 29% of KT recipients showed seroconversion (36.5% BNT162b2, 27.8% inactivated virus, P = 0.248) in comparison with 100% in healthy control with either vaccine. Antibody levels against RBD were higher with BNT162b mRNA than with inactivated virus [median (interquartile range) 173 (73–554) and 29 (11–70) binding antibody units (BAU)/mL, P &lt; 0.034] in KT and 10 times lower than healthy control [inactivated virus: 308 (209–335) and BNT162b2: 2638 (2608–3808) BAU/mL, P &lt; 0.034]. In multivariate analysis, variables associated with negative humoral response were age, triple immunosuppression, estimated glomerular filtration rate and time post-KT.

Conclusion
Seroconversion was low in KT patients after vaccination with both platforms. Antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 were lower with inactivated virus than BNT162b mRNA. These findings support the need for strategies to improve immunogenicity in KT recipients after two doses of either vaccine.
Epidemiology and outcomes of pulmonary hypertension in the cardiac intensive care unit
Authors: Jentzer Jacob C , Wiley Brandon M , Reddy Yogesh N V , Barnett Christopher , Borlaug Barry A , Solomon Michael A 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been consistently associated with adverse outcomes in hospitalized patients. Limited epidemiologic data exist regarding PH in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) population. Here, we describe the prevalence, aetiology, and outcomes of PH in the CICU.

Methods and results
Cardiac intensive care unit patients admitted from 2007 to 2018 who had right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) measured via transthoracic echocardiography near CICU admission were included. PH was defined as RVSP &gt;35 mmHg, and moderate-to-severe PH as RVSP ≥50 mmHg. Predictors of in-hospital mortality were determined using multivariable logistic regression. Among 5042 patients (mean age 69.4 ± 14.8 years; 41% females), PH was present in 3085 (61%). The majority (68%) of patients with PH had left heart failure, and 29% had lung disease. In-hospital mortality occurred in 8.3% and was more frequent in patients with PH [10.9% vs. 4.2%, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.92, P = 0.03], particularly patients with moderate-to-severe PH (14.4% vs. 6.2%, adjusted OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.27–2.14, P &lt; 0.001). In-hospital mortality increased incrementally as a function of higher RVSP (adjusted 1.18 per 10 mmHg increase, 95% CI 1.09–1.28, P &lt; 0.001). Patients with higher RVSP or moderate-to-severe PH had increased in-hospital mortality across admission diagnoses (all P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
Pulmonary hypertension is very common in the CICU population and appears to be independently associated with a higher risk of death during hospitalization, although the strength of this association varies according to the underlying admission diagnosis. These data highlight the importance of PH in patients with cardiac critical illness.
Dronedarone vs. placebo in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter across a range of renal function: apost hocanalysis of the ATHENA trial
Authors: Vamos Mate , Oldgren Jonas , Nam Gi-Byoung , Lip Gregory Y H , Calkins Hugh , Zhu Jun , Ueng Kwo-Chang , Ludwigs Ulf , Wieloch Mattias , Stewart John , Hohnloser Stefan H 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsUse of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is challenging owing to issues with renal clearance, drug accumulation, and increased proarrhythmic risks. Because CKD is a common comorbidity in patients with atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL), it is important to establish the efficacy and safety of AAD treatment in patients with CKD.Methods and resultsDronedarone efficacy and safety in individuals with AF/AFL and varying renal functionality [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): ≥60, ≥45 and &lt;60, and &lt;45 mL/min] was investigated in a post hoc analysis of ATHENA (NCT00174785), a randomized, double-blind trial of dronedarone vs. placebo in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF/AFL plus additional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Log-rank testing and Cox regression were used to compare the incidence of endpoints between treatments. Overall, 4588 participants were enrolled from the trial. There was no interaction between treatment group and baseline eGFR assessed as a continuous variable (P = 0.743) for the first CV hospitalization or death from any cause (primary outcome). This outcome was lower with dronedarone vs. placebo across a wide range of renal function. First CV hospitalization and first AF/AFL recurrence were both lower in the two least renally impaired subgroups with dronedarone vs. placebo. Treatment emergent adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation were more frequent with dronedarone vs. placebo and occurred more often in patients with severe renal impairment.ConclusionDronedarone is an effective AAD in patients with AF/AFL and CV risk factors across a wide range of renal function.
Changes in balance due to mild lateral ankle sprain measured by parts of the JESS-Score: a case report
Authors: Loudovici-Krug Dana , Kießhauer Susan , Best Norman 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
By chance, one participant of a norm value study concerning the Jenaer-Standing-Stability-Score (JESS-Score) could be measured before and after a lateral ankle sprain (LAS, Grade I). Therefore, a complete comparison of the initial function, the situation after the LAS and even after additional therapy with focus on balance and postural control, was possible.

Case presentation
A 34-year-old woman, working as medical doctor was measured her standing stability by use of the JESS-Score. A few weeks after, she experienced a mild LAS. There was no physical therapy in the first 3 months after the LAS. In the following, the patient received 7 sessions of physical therapy with focus on balance and postural control. The 2 used parts of the stability assessment (JESS-Score: 1—unipedal stance test; 2—target-step-test) changed in the course of time. Before the ankle sprain both tests on balance and postural control reached the standard value and were inconspicuous. There was no medically prescribed therapy due to the LAS, based on the minor complaints. However, after the LAS the number of deviating test items increased and was even 6 weeks and 3 months after the LAS inconsistent. Only after additional physiotherapy, the score result improved to the initial situation again.

Conclusions
It is assumable that LAS is associated with postural deterioration. Therefore, the effect of exercises focussing on postural control and balance after lateral ankle sprain, even if only mild, should be investigated. Some items of the JESS-Score seem to be sensitive for evaluating changes concerning the balance ability.
Single-Step Genomic Analysis Increases the Accuracy of Within-Family Selection in a Clonally Replicated Population ofPinus taedaL.
Authors: Walker Trevor D , Cumbie W Patrick , Isik Fikret 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe use of genomic markers in forest tree breeding is expected to improve the response to selection, especially within family. To evaluate the potential improvements from genotyping, we analyzed a large Pinus taeda L. clonal population (1,831 cloned individuals) tested in multiple environments. Of the total, 723 clones from five full-sib families were genotyped using 10,337 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers. Single-step models with genomic and pedigree-based relationships produced similar heritability estimates. Breeding value predictions were greatly improved with inclusion of genomic relationships, even when clonal replication was abundant. The improvement was limited to genotyped individuals and attributable to accounting for the Mendelian sampling effect. Reducing clonal replication by omitting data indicated that genotyping improved breeding values similar to clonal replication. Genomic selection predictive ability (masking phenotypes) was greater for stem straightness (0.68) than for growth traits (0.41 to 0.44). Predictive ability for a new full-sibling family was poorer than when full-sibling relationships were present between model training and validation sets. Species that are difficult to propagate clonally can use genotyping to improve within-family selection. Clonal testing combined with genotyping can produce breeding value accuracies adequate to graft selections directly into deployment orchards without progeny testing.
Assessing Health Care Use Trajectories After the Onset of Functional Disability: Application of a Group-Based Trajectory Model
Authors: Ankuda Claire K , Ornstein Katherine A , Kelley Amy S 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objectives
While older adults with activity limitations have high levels of health care use, we do not know how this varies over time. We aimed to assess trajectories of Emergency Department (ED) use and hospitalization after the onset of receipt of help with self-care or mobility.

Methods
We used the 2011–2017 National Health Aging Trends Study (NHATS) linked to Medicare claims to identify a cohort of older adults who began to receive help with self-care or mobility in the past year. Primary outcome was the quarterly rates of ED use and/or hospitalization over the 24 months following the onset of receiving help. We fit a Group-Based Trajectory Model to identify the trajectories of ED use or hospitalization and assessed the association of characteristics preceding and concurrent to the onset of help with trajectory group membership.

Results
Among 1,687 NHATS respondents newly receiving help with self-care/mobility, health care use escalated and then immediately fell. We found distinct trajectories of ED use and hospitalization: delayed rise (13.5%), falling (26.2%), and persistent (60.4%). Trajectory group membership was predicted by clinical, economic, and regional characteristics; and the individuals in each group differed in terms of concurrent new illnesses and degree of disability.

Discussion
While activity limitations are a strong predictor of health care use among older adults, trajectories of health care use are heterogeneous. Along with clinical characteristics, potentially modifiable household and regional factors shaped health care trajectories, indicating that addressing these factors could potentially shift health care use patterns.
10-Year Trend of Abdominal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Compared With Abdominal Computed Tomography Scans in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Shah Raj , Elangovan Abbinaya , Jordan David W , Katz Jeffry , Cooper Gregory S 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently undergo multiple computed tomography (CT) examinations. With the widespread availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it is unclear whether the use of CTs in IBD has declined. We aimed to analyze the trends of CT and MRI use in a large cohort of IBD patients in a 10-year period.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed adults ≥18 years of age using a de-identified database, IBM Explorys. Patients with ≥1 CT of the abdomen (± pelvis) or MRI of the abdomen (± pelvis) at least 30 days after the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) were included. We examined the factors associated with patients undergoing multiple CTs (≥5 CTs of the abdomen) and performed a trend analysis from 2010 to 2019.

Results
Among 176 110 CD and 143 460 UC patients, those with ≥1 CT of the abdomen annually increased from 2010 to 2019 with mean annual percentage change of +3.6% for CD and +4.9% for UC. Similarly, annual percentage change for patients with ≥1 MRI (CD: +15.6%; UC: +22.8%) showed a rising trend. There was a 3.8% increase in CD patients receiving ≥5 CTs of the abdomen annually compared with a 2.4% increase among UC patients in the 10-year period. Age ≥50 years, men, African Americans, public insurance payors, body mass index ≥30kg/m2, and smoking history were associated with ≥5 CTs.

Conclusions
There is a considerable increase in the number of CT scans performed in IBD patients. Further studies can explore factors influencing the use of CT and MRI of the abdomen in IBD patients.
Successful redo aortic valve replacement using Perceval for multiple recurrent prosthetic valve dysfunction
Authors: Kakizawa Yumi , Nishi Hiroyuki , Goto Takasumi , Kitahara Mutsunori 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A 50-year-old man who required aortic valve replacement (AVR) 3 times for severe paravalvular leakage (PVL) was diagnosed with a recurrence of severe PVL. Since the PVL recurred each time because of prosthetic valve detachment from the annulus, a fourth AVR was performed using a self-expanding sutureless valve. Postoperative echocardiography showed no significant PVL. The patient was discharged without any complications and returned to normal work soon after. In cases such as our patient, sutureless AVR could be a powerful alternative to conventional AVR.
Knowledge of surgical management of hyperhidrosis among primary care physicians and the general public
Authors: Lee Andy Chao Hsuan , Ferguson Mark K 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Our study examined attitudes towards initial management of hyperhidrosis, willingness to seek surgical consultation and knowledge of an appropriate specialty for surgical consultation among primary care physicians and the general public.

METHODS
An online survey was sent to all general medicine and paediatric residents and attending physicians at our academic medical centre. Participants were provided with a clinical scenario of palmar hyperhidrosis and were asked to select among initial management options and preferences for surgical consultation if patients failed non-operative management. To assess the general public’s perspective, workers from Amazon Mechanical Turk were recruited to complete a similar survey.

RESULTS
The majority of primary care physicians (31/53; 58%) would prescribe topical aluminium chloride for palmar hyperhidrosis, whereas 28 of 53 (53%) would refer such patients to dermatology. Twenty-three of 53 (43%) physicians would refer such patients to surgery if conservative management failed: 18 (78%) to plastic surgery, 4 (17%) to general surgery and none to thoracic surgery. The majority of workers (130/205; 63.4%) would seek primary care treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. Over half (113/205; 55%) would seek surgical consultation if conservative management failed: 65 (58%) general surgery and 15 (13%) neurosurgery, with only 8 (7%) selecting thoracic surgery.

CONCLUSIONS
Neither primary care physicians nor the general public recognize the role of thoracic surgeons in managing primary focal hyperhidrosis when medical management fails. Education of physicians and the public may mitigate this knowledge gap.
Differential Potency of Venlafaxine, Paroxetine, and Atomoxetine to Inhibit Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Aldosary Fahad , Norris Sandhaya , Tremblay Philippe , James Jonathan S , Ritchie James C , Blier Pierre 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Venlafaxine is a dual serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The specific dose at which it begins to efficiently engage the norepinephrine transporter (NET) remained to be determined. Paroxetine is generally considered as a selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor but exhibits some affinity for NET. Atomoxetine is a NET inhibitor but also has some affinity for the 5-HT reuptake transporter (SERT).

Methods
This study examined the effects of forced titration of venlafaxine from 75 to 300 mg/d, paroxetine from 20 to 50 mg/d, or atomoxetine from 25 to 80 mg/d in 32 patients with major depressive disorder. Inhibition of SERT was estimated using the depletion of whole-blood 5-HT. Inhibition of NET was assessed using the attenuation of the systolic blood pressure produced by i.v. injections of tyramine.

Results
All 3 medications significantly reduced 5-HT levels at the initiating regimens: venlafaxine and paroxetine by approximately 60% and atomoxetine by 16%. The 3 subsequent regimens of venlafaxine and paroxetine reduced 5-HT levels by over 90%, but the highest dose of atomoxetine only reached a 40% inhibition. Atomoxetine dose dependently inhibited the tyramine pressor response from the lowest dose, venlafaxine from 225 mg/d, and paroxetine left it unaltered throughout.

Conclusion
These results confirm that venlafaxine and paroxetine are potent SERT inhibitors over their usual therapeutic range but that venlafaxine starts inhibiting NET only at 225 mg/d, whereas paroxetine remains selective for SERT up to 50 mg/d. Atomoxetine dose dependently inhibits NET from a low dose but does not inhibit SERT to a clinically relevant degree.
A Criterion for Decomposabilty in QYBE
Authors: Camp-Mora Sergio , Sastriques Raúl 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this paper, set theoretic solutions of the Quantum Yang–Baxter Equations are considered. Etingof et al. [ 8] defined the structure group for non-degenerate solutions and gave some properties of this group. In particular, they provided a criterion for decomposability of involutive solutions based on the transitivity of the structure group. In that paper, the diagonal permutation $T$ is also introduced. It is known that this permutation is trivial exactly when the solution is square free. Rump [ 12] proved that these solutions are decomposable except in the trivial case. Later, Ramirez and Vendramin [ 11] gave some criteria for decomposability related with the diagonal permutation $T$. In this paper it was proven that an involutive solution is decomposable when the number of symbols of the solution and the order of the diagonal permutation $T$ are coprime.