bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Bethesda category and molecular mutation in patients undergoing thyroidectomy
Authors: Mascarella Marco Antonio , Peeva Magdalena , Forest Veronique‐Isabelle , Pusztaszeri Marc Philippe , Avior Galit , Tamilia Michael , Mlynarek Alex M. , Hier Michael P. , Payne Richard J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to ascertain the relationship between Bethesda category and molecular mutation of thyroid nodules in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.DesignA retrospective cohort of patients who underwent thyroidectomy following needle biopsy and molecular profile testing was performed.SettingTwo tertiary care academic hospitals.ParticipantsConsecutive patients with a dominant thyroid nodule who underwent both USFNA and molecular profile testing followed by thyroidectomy were included in the study.Main Outcome and MeasuresThe main outcome was postoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancer and aggressivity of disease based on histopathological variants, nodal metastasis or extra‐thyroidal extension. Associations between Bethesda category, molecular mutation and postoperative pathology was assessed using descriptive analysis and chi‐square testing.ResultsFour hundred fifty‐one patients were included. 95.9% (93/97) of patients with a BRAFV600E mutation had a Bethesda category V or VI (p < .001), and all had confirmed thyroid cancer on postoperative pathology. Those with H, K or N RAS or EIF1AX mutations, gene expression profiling (GEP) or copy number alterations showed an association with Bethesda categories III and IV (p ≤ .01). Those with no identified molecular mutation had a lower incidence of aggressive thyroid cancer compared to those with an identified mutation (12.6% vs. 44.3%, p < .01).ConclusionBRAFV600E mutations were associated with thyroid cancer subtypes known to be more aggressive whereas RAS and EIF1AX mutations, copy number alterations, and GEP were related to Bethesda categories III and IV. These findings may help thyroid specialists better identify aggressive thyroid nodules associated with indeterminate Bethesda categories.
Predictors of right ventricular function improvement with sacubitril/valsartan in a real‐life population of patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Correale Michele , Mazzeo Pietro , Magnesa Michele , Fortunato Martino , Tricarico Lucia , Leopizzi Alessandra , Mallardi Adriana , Mennella Raffaele , Tucci Salvatore , Brunetti Natale Daniele 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundObservational studies have demonstrated that treatment with sacubitril/valsartan may improve left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function in subjects with reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in real‐world studies. Subjects with heart failure and reduced EF (HFrEF), however, are also characterized by an impaired right ventricular (RV) function. We therefore aimed to evaluate whether also RV function may improve after S/V therapy and possible predictors of RV improvement could be identified at echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging.MethodsFifty consecutive patients (67 ± 8 years, LVEF 28 ± 6%, male 86%) with chronic HFrEF and NYHA class II‐III were followed up for 6 months after therapy with S/V. LV&RV function was assessed at baseline and after 6 months of therapy.ResultsAfter 6‐month therapy with S/V a significant improvement was shown in the following echocardiography parameters assessing RV function: PAsP (31 ± 11 vs. 35 ± 10 mmHg, p < 0.001), TAPSE (19 ± 3 vs. 18 ± 3 mm, p < 0.001), RV FAC (38 ± 7 vs. 34 ± 6 mm, p < 0.001), RV S’ (12 ± 2 vs. 10 ± 2 cm/s, p < 0.001), RV‐FW‐LS (−20 ± 5 vs. −18 ± 5%, p < 0.001), RV‐4Ch‐LS (−16 ± 5 vs. −14 ± 5%, p < 0.001). At multivariable analysis improvement in RV‐FW‐LS was associated to baseline levels of RV S’ (r 0.75, p < 0.01) and RAV (r –0.32, p < 0.05).ConclusionsIn a real‐world scenario, 6‐month therapy with S/V was associated with an improved RV function in HFrEF. RV function improvement may be predicted by assessing baseline RV S’ and right atrial volume values.
Understanding retail dynamics of a regionally important domestic bird market in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Fiennes Sicily , Zhang Mingxia , Sun Fuping , Lee Tien Ming 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe prevailing methodology of noncontinuous wildlife market surveys contributes little to our understanding of the spatiotemporal variations of markets and their supply. Here, we investigate trends in bird trade in a large regional domestic market. Near‐continuous monthly surveys at a pet market in Guangzhou, China discovered over 95,000 individuals of 147 species between 2011 and 2013. We analyzed optimal survey frequency, finding that autumn is the best season to detect maximal species diversity. In a mixed‐effects model, we found that species‐specific purposes for trade controls the occurrence of species across shops in a market. A buffer analysis showed that 13 of the 15 most abundant species are distributed within 200 km of the market. However, hotspots of range overlap for wild‐caught, native species were found at great distances from the market within China and along China's borders. Identifying the location of theoretical trapping bottlenecks (areas where trapping levels are high) from this market data can help identify regions (e.g., southwest China) that are affected by trade, where local bird populations may be experiencing residual impacts from harvesting. Our results provide insights to improve methodologies for monitoring wildlife markets and identify priority regions for population surveys of in‐demand wild bird species.
User‐centered design features for digital health applications to support physical activity behaviors in solid organ transplant recipients: A qualitative study
Authors: Mathur Sunita , Janaudis‐Ferreira Tania , Hemphill Julia , Cafazzo Joseph A. , Hart Donna , Holdsworth Sandra , Lovas Mike , Wickerson Lisa 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionDigital health tools may be effective in engaging solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients in physical activity (PA). This study examined the perspectives of SOT recipients regarding PA, and desired features for digital health tools.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were used to explore perspectives of SOT recipients about barriers and motivators to physical activity, and core features of a digital health tool to support PA. Interviews were analyzed via thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants included 21 SOT recipients (11 men, 10 women, 21‐78 years, 1.5‐16 years post‐transplant) from various organ groups (four heart, five kidney, five liver, three lung, and four multi‐organ). Barriers to PA included risk aversion, managing non‐linear health trajectories, physical limitations and lack of access to appropriate fitness training. Facilitators of PA included desire to live long and healthy lives, renewed physical capabilities, access to appropriate fitness guidelines and facilities. Desired features of a digital health tool included a reward system, affordability, integration of multiple functions, and the ability to selectively share information with healthcare professionals and peers.ConclusionsSOT recipients identified the desired features of a digital health tool, which may be incorporated into future designs of digital and mobile health applications to support PA in SOT recipients.
Primary biliary cholangitis has the highest waitlist mortality in patients with cirrhosis and acute on chronic liver failure awaiting liver transplant
Authors: Singal Ashwani K. , Wong Robert J. , Jalan Rajiv , Asrani Sumeet , Kuo Yong‐Fang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundData are sparse on etiology specific outcomes on waitlist (WL) and post‐transplant outcomes among patients with acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF).Methods and resultsIn a retrospective cohort of 14,774 adults from United network for organ sharing (UNOS) database listed for Liver transplantation (LT) with cirrhosis and ACLF (January 2013–June 2019), 40% were due to alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD), followed by hepatitis C virus (HCV) at 20%, non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (19%), cryptogenic cirrhosis (7%), autoimmune hepatitis (5%), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) at 3%, and 2% each for hepatitis B, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and metabolic etiology. Using competing risk analysis, cumulative risk of WL mortality was highest for PBC at 20.5% and lowest for PSC at 13.3%, P < .001. Compared with ALD as reference, WL mortality was higher for PBC (1.45 [1.16–1.82]), and similar for other etiologies, P < .001. Of this cohort, 9650 (65.3%) patients received LT, with 1‐year. patient survival of 91.6% for PBC, worst for cryptogenic cirrhosis (89.5%) and best for PSC and ALD (93.4%), P < .001.ConclusionAmong listed candidates with ACLF, those with PBC have highest WL mortality 1‐year. post‐transplant survival was excellent among recipients for PBC. If these findings are validated in prospective studies, liver disease etiology should be considered for LT selection among patients in ACLF.
Violence‐related morbidity among people released from prison in Australia: A data linkage study
Authors: Willoughby Melissa , Keen Claire , Young Jesse T. , Spittal Matthew J. , Borschmann Rohan , Janca Emilia , Kinner Stuart A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionPeople released from prison have an increased risk of morbidity, including from nonfatal violence. We examined the incidence and predictors of violence‐related morbidity after release from prison and investigated whether there are differences according to sex and Indigenous status.MethodsBaseline data were collected from 1325 people within 6 weeks of release from prisons in Queensland, Australia, between 1 August 2008 and 31 July 2010. Data were linked to state‐wide health (ambulance, emergency department and hospital) and prison records, and national death records until 31 July 2012. Predictors were identified using a multivariable Andersen‐Gill model. Differences according to sex and Indigenous status were investigated using effect modification.ResultsA total of 225 (18.2%) people experienced 410 violence‐related events that were recorded in health records. The incidence was 12.8 per 100 person‐years [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.7, 14.1]. Risk factors for violence‐related morbidity included diagnosed mental illness [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.0, 95% CI 1.1, 3.8], substance use disorder (HR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.1, 2.3) or dual diagnosis (HR = 3.2, 95% CI 2.2, 4.8); high‐risk alcohol use (HR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.5, 2.8); being Indigenous (HR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2, 2.5); and two or more prison releases (HR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2, 2.6). Indigenous status modified the risk of violence‐related morbidity, with Indigenous men having twice the risk of non‐Indigenous men (HR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.3, 2.8).Discussion and ConclusionsApproximately one in five people released from prisons in Queensland experienced violence‐related morbidity. Coordinated and continuous mental health and substance use treatment from prison to the community may reduce the risk of violence‐related morbidity in this population.
The rise of developmental biology in China
Authors: Huang Xun , Lin Xinhua , Liu Feng , Wu Gen , Yang Zhongzhou , Meng Anming 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDevelopmental biology research in China started from experimental embryology, in particular from studies on aquatic and reptile animals. The recent growth of the developmental biology community in China parallels the increased governmental funding support and the recruitment of overseas talents. This flourishing field in China embraces the activities of developmental biology‐related societies, national meetings, key research initiatives and talented scientists. The first Development paper from China, published in 2000, marked the beginning of a new era. More recently, the second decade in the 21st century witnessed the blossoming of developmental biology research in China. Significant research spotlights, technical advances, and up‐and‐coming areas will be discussed in this overview.
Fetal echocardiographic diagnosis of a triad with common embryological origins: Cervical aortic arch, retro‐aortic left innominate vein and coarctation of the aorta
Authors: Ramaswamy Prema , Harrington Jamie K. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCervical aortic arch (CAA) and retro‐aortic innominate vein (RAIV) are rare entities which can be associated with one another in a structurally normal heart. Less well recognized is the fact, that a third entity may often be present as well, since aortic arch abnormalities are common in a CAA. Hence, these three entities (CAA, RAIV, and an arch anomaly – in this case a post‐ductal coarctation) may present as a triad. We present the first prenatal diagnosis of this rare triad which can be explained by common embryological origins which are discussed along with instructive aspects in diagnosis and management.
Hypothyroid cardiomyopathy: A reversible phenocopy of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cianciulli Tomás F. , Morita Luis A. , Saccheri María C. , Zylberman Marcelo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe present the case of a 46‐year‐old patient with hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto's thyroiditis who was admitted with decompensation in the form of myxedema. A 2‐D echocardiogram shows a septal asymmetric hypertrophy, with low‐voltage QRS complex in the ECG and a bull's‐eye map of longitudinal strain with preserved apical strain with reduction of mid and basal strain that results in “cherry on the top” pattern, similar to the most frequent phenocopy of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as is the cardiac amyloidosis, and that, unlike this pathology, reverted after the patient reached the euthyroid state.
Accuracy and diagnostic performance of doppler echocardiography to estimate mean pulmonary artery pressure in heart failure
Authors: Björkman Alva , Lund Lars H. , Faxén Ulrika Ljung , Lindquist Per , Venkateshvaran Ashwin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundMultiple echocardiographic algorithms have been proposed to estimate mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPM) and assess pulmonary hypertension (PH) likelihood. We assessed the accuracy of four echocardiographic approaches to estimate PAPM in heart failure (HF) patients undergoing near‐simultaneous right heart catheterization (RHC), and compared diagnostic performance to identify PH with recommendation‐advised tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity (TRVmax).MethodsWe employed four validated echocardiographic algorithms incorporating tricuspid regurgitation peak or mean gradient, pulmonary regurgitation peak gradient, and right ventricular outflow tract acceleration time to estimate PAPM. Echocardiographic estimates of right atrial pressure were incorporated in all algorithms but one. Association and agreement with invasive PAPM were assessed. Diagnostic performance of all algorithms to identify PH was evaluated and compared with the recommended TRVmax cut‐off.ResultsIn 112 HF patients, all echocardiographic algorithms demonstrated reasonable association (r = .41–.65; p < 0.001) and good agreement with invasive PAPM, with relatively lower mean bias and higher precision observed in algorithms that incorporated tricuspid regurgitation peak or mean gradient. All methods demonstrated strong ability to identify PH (AUC = .70–.80; p < 0.001) but did not outperform TRVmax (AUC = .84; p < 0.001). Echocardiographic estimates of right atrial pressure were falsely elevated in 30% of patients.ConclusionsEchocardiographic estimates demonstrate reasonable association with invasive PAPM and strong ability to identify PH in HF. However, none of the algorithms outperformed recommendation‐advised TRVmax. The incremental value of echocardiographic estimates of right atrial pressure may need to be re‐evaluated.
Immediate evaluation of global longitudinal strain at initiation of trastuzumab treatment in breast cancer patients
Authors: Banke Ann , Schou Morten , Ewertz Marianne , Dahl Jordi , Frederiksen Peter Hartmund , Videbæk Lars , Cold Søren , Møller Jacob E. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundGlobal longitudinal strain (GLS) is recommended to detect subclinical changes preceding reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in trastuzumab related cardiotoxicity. Since the possibility to detect signs of acute myocardial deterioration at treatment initiation is not clarified, the objective of this study was to assess changes in GLS and biomarkers within the first 2 weeks of trastuzumab treatment.MethodsIn a prospective cohort study, 45 patients with non‐metastatic breast cancer (age 54, LVEF 62.8%, GLS ‐19.9%, 40% hypertension) scheduled for trastuzumab treatment were included. Echocardiography and measurement of troponin and NT‐proBrain‐Natriuretic‐Peptide were conducted before initiation of trastuzumab, at days 3, 7, and 14 and after 3, 6, and 9 months.ResultsA significant deterioration in LVEF from 62.8% (SD±3.6) to 58.4% (SD±4.1) (p < 0.0001), GLS from ‐19.9 (SD±2.1) to ‐18.1 (SD±2.5) (p = 0.004), s’ (p < 0.0001), e’ septal (p = 0.008), and s’ RV (p < 0.0001) occurred at 9 months and was preceded by significant changes in these parameters within the first 14 days. After 14 days, 12 patients (27%) had a ≥10% deterioration in GLS, which was associated with significantly lower LVEF at 55.2% (SD±4.1) at 9 months compared to patients with < 10% early deterioration in GLS (LVEF = 59.5% (SD±3.5) (p = 0.001)). No difference in plasma concentrations of biomarkers was observed between the two groups.ConclusionIn this study deteriorations in key echocardiographic parameters within normal limits were detected during the first 2 weeks of trastuzumab treatment, and an early ≥10% deterioration in GLS was associated with a lower LVEF at 9 months.
Prenatally diagnosed left atrial appendage aneurysm with various postnatal imaging investigations: A case report
Authors: Sasaki Takeshi , Kawasaki Yuki , Murakami Yosuke , Fujino Mitsuhiro , Nakamura Kae , Yoshida Yoko , Suzuki Tsugutoshi , Nishigaki Kyoichi , Ehara Eiji 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm (LAAA) is a rare cardiac malformation, that is, usually diagnosed in adulthood. It is rarely diagnosed prenatally. In most cases, surgical resection is recommended soon after the diagnosis has been made due to the risk of arrhythmia and thrombotic events. The present report describes a case of LAAA that was prenatally diagnosed and was asymptomatic postnatally. Imaging revealed the relation of the cardiac and airway structures around the LAAA in detail. The patient underwent surgical resection of the LAAA successfully at 7 months of age and is currently healthy at 5 years of age.
Myocardial work and left ventricular contractile reserve during stress echocardiography: An angiographic validation
Authors: Edwards Natalie F. A. , Scalia Gregory M. , Putrino Anthony , Appadurai Vinesh , Sabapathy Surendran , Anderson Bonita , Chamberlain Robert , Khandheria Bijoy K. , Chan Jonathan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjective: This study sought to determine the contractile reserve (CR) response to exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) quantified by the novel parameter, non‐invasive myocardial work (MW), in subjects with angiographically proven coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods: CR was measured by the relative change in ejection fraction (EF), global longitudinal strain (GLS) and MW indices from rest to peak exercise in 304 patients referred for clinically indicated ESE. Positive ESE patients proceeded to coronary angiography and further risk stratified based on either percutaneous or surgical intervention.Results: CRGLS and global work index (CRGWI) significantly decreased with exercise induced ischemia and angiographically proven significant CAD (CRGLS −1.6±3.5%; CRGWI −8.6±511 mm Hg% decrement, p < 0.001) compared to non‐ischemic patients (CRGLS 1.4±2.2%; CRGWI 398±404 mm Hg% improvement). Global constructive work (CRGCW) was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in non‐ischemic (818±457 mm Hg%) and blunted in ischemic patients (208±550 mm Hg%). CRGCW (AUC .81; 95%CI:.75–.86) demonstrated the most association for inducible ischemia followed by CRGLS (AUC .75; 95%CI:.69–.80), CRGWI (AUC .73, 95%CI:.67–.79) and CREF (AUC .71; 95%CI:.65–.77, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed patients requiring surgical revascularization demonstrated a significantly lower CRGWE (−11.5±7.6%, p < 0.05) as a result of reduced CRGCW (281±573 mm Hg%, p < 0.05) and increased global wasted work (CRGWW, 289±151 mm Hg%, p = 0.09).Conclusion: Multivessel disease requiring surgical revascularization have the greatest reduction in CR. MW may potentially improve detection of ischemia and further risk stratification during ESE to maximize the benefits of revascularization.
An indolent cause of high‐output heart failure in end‐stage kidney disease—Application of the Nicoladoni‐Israel‐Branham test: A case report
Authors: Ogugua Fredrick , Herzog Charles A. , Sahadevan Meena , Davies Scott , Shroff Gautam R. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundA hemodynamically significant arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) causes a high flow state, resulting in pathologic cardiovascular remodeling, and deserves timely clinical recognition.CaseA 55‐year‐old woman with history of ESKD with deceased donor kidney transplant with failing graft function and baseline creatinine of 2.8 mg/dl presented to the clinic with nocturnal cough, orthopnea, dyspnea on exertion and pedal edema. Physical exam was notable for large, aneurysmal right brachial AVF. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed left ventricular (LV) enlargement and hypertrophy and elevated cardiac output (CO) of 10 L/min, raising a clinical concern for high‐output heart failure.Decision makingA non‐invasive assessment of the hemodynamic significance of the AVF was performed using a TTE. During temporary occlusion of the AVF, it was determined that about 27% of the resting CO was attributed to the AVF, suggesting hemodynamic significance. Nicoladoni‐Israel‐Branham sign was negative as there was no change in patient's heart rate, but this was potentially attributed to beta‐blockade and chronic loading conditions. She underwent AVF banding and 2‐month later her presenting symptoms resolved, and a TTE showed a decrease in resting CO of 7.6 L/min with normalization of LV size.ConclusionThis case highlights several teaching points. Firstly, in patients with ESKD, a large AVF can contribute to a high CO state resulting in maladaptive cardiovascular remodeling. Secondly, TTE evaluation of the hemodynamic contribution of an AVF can be performed with the application of the Nicoladoni‐Israel‐Branham sign. Finally, some experts recommend pre‐emptive banding or ligation of AVF after successful kidney transplantation as this has been shown to have symptomatic and cardiovascular benefits.
Rare presentation of transposition of great arteries and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection in an 18‐year‐old
Authors: Chatterjee Debika , Gangopadhyay Debasree , Narayan Pradeep 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTransposition of great arteries (TGA) in association with total anomalous Pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare anomaly, that is seldom reported in adulthood. While both the conditions are life threatening on their own, in combination they compensate for each other and can often present after weeks or months after birth. Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) can reliably diagnose this anomaly. Cardiac MRI can also be used to confirm the diagnosis. We describe a rare combination of TGA and TAPVC in an 18‐year‐old patient.