bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel case report of isolated cardiac myxedematosus
Authors: Murphy Brittany Saldivar , Liu Angela , Dendy Jeffrey M , Johnson Joyce E , Zalawadiya Sandip K 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiac mucinous deposits are a rare entity only previously described in the setting of scleromyxedema, a disorder characterized by cutaneous and systemic mucin deposits, fibroblastic proliferation, and monoclonal gammopathies.

Case summary
A 41-year-old woman was transferred to our hospital after a month-long hospitalization with worsening cardiogenic shock requiring ionotropic support. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 23%, prior right coronary artery infarct, full-thickness late gadolinium enhancement in the left ventricle basilar wall, global abnormal parametric mapping parameters of both native T1, T2, and extracellular volume, and severe biventricular dysfunction concerning for infiltrative cardiomyopathy. Endomyocardial biopsy demonstrated heavy deposits of interstitial mucin, confirmed by electron microscopy; a Congo red stain was negative for amyloid. She was treated with an aggressive decongestive strategy, oral guideline-directed medical therapy, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg); she was discharged home off inotropic support. Subsequently, she had three additional hospitalizations for heart failure exacerbation in a span of 6 months, and her overall prognosis remains guarded.

Discussion
We report a first known case of isolated cardiac myxedematosus associated with a severe systolic and diastolic cardiomyopathy. Our patient did not have any clinical evidence of systemic scleromyxedema or paraproteinemia, both of which have been reported in association with cardiac mucin deposits. Mucinosus has been described in patients with systemic lupus erythematous; however, cardiac deposits have not been reported. While IVIg has been used as a treatment in previously reported cases of cardiac scleromyxedema, its clinical benefit remains unclear in isolated cardiac myxedematosus.
Deep learning algorithm for predicting left ventricular systolic dysfunction in atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response
Authors: Jeong Joo Hee , Kang Sora , Lee Hak Seung , Lee Min Sung , Son Jeong Min , Kwon Joon-myung , Lee Hyoung Seok , Choi Yun Young , Kim So Ree , Cho Dong-Hyuk , Kim Yun Gi , Kim Mi-Na , Shim Jaemin , Park Seong-Mi , Kim Young-Hoon , Choi Jong-Il 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aims
Although evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is crucial for deciding the rate control strategy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), real-time assessment of LVEF is limited in outpatient settings. We aimed to investigate the performance of artificial intelligence–based algorithms in predicting LV systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in patients with AF and rapid ventricular response (RVR).

Methods and results
This study is an external validation of a pre-existing deep learning algorithm based on residual neural network architecture. Data were obtained from a prospective cohort of AF with RVR at a single centre between 2018 and 2023. Primary outcome was the detection of LVSD, defined as a LVEF ≤ 40%, assessed using 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG). Secondary outcome involved predicting LVSD using 1-lead ECG (Lead I). Among 423 patients, 241 with available echocardiography data within 2 months were evaluated, of whom 54 (22.4%) were confirmed to have LVSD. Deep learning algorithm demonstrated fair performance in predicting LVSD [area under the curve (AUC) 0.78]. Negative predictive value for excluding LVSD was 0.88. Deep learning algorithm resulted competent performance in predicting LVSD compared with N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (AUC 0.78 vs. 0.70, P = 0.12). Predictive performance of the deep learning algorithm was lower in Lead I (AUC 0.68); however, negative predictive value remained consistent (0.88).

Conclusion
Deep learning algorithm demonstrated competent performance in predicting LVSD in patients with AF and RVR. In outpatient setting, use of artificial intelligence–based algorithm may facilitate prediction of LVSD and earlier choice of drug, enabling better symptom control in AF patients with RVR.
Corticosteroid rhythms in hypoparathyroid patients
Authors: Astor Marianne C , Løvås Kristian , Methlie Paal , Simunkova Katerina , Assmus Jörg , Husebye Eystein S 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
Previous studies indicate a possible bidirectional stimulatory relationship between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and adrenocortical hormones, but the pattern of adrenocortical secretion in hypoparathyroidism is unknown. We aimed to characterize the adrenocortical secretion in patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism, and whether continuous subcutaneous PTH (1-34) infusion alters secretion patterns.

Design
Crossover interventional study.

Methods
We recruited 10 patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism with very low PTH levels on stable treatment with active vitamin D and calcium. Cortisol, cortisone, and aldosterone levels were measured in microdialysate from subcutaneous tissue over 24 h, before and during continuous subcutaneous PTH (1-34) infusion. Cortisol was also assayed in serum, saliva, and urine, and aldosterone and ACTH in serum and plasma, respectively. Ten patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and 10 healthy volunteers matched for sex and age served as controls.

Results
Hypoparathyroid patients displayed both ultradian and circadian rhythmicity for tissue cortisol, cortisone, and aldosterone. Tissue aldosterone and cortisone levels were significantly lower in hypoparathyroid patients than in healthy controls, with no difference in tissue cortisol, but a higher cortisol to cortisone ratio. Treatment with PTH (1-34) increased tissue levels of aldosterone, cortisol, and cortisone and reduced the ratio of cortisol to cortisone.

Conclusion
Adrenocortical hormone levels are reduced in postsurgical hypoparathyroidism, and partly restored by short-term continuous subcutaneous PTH (1-34) therapy.

Clinical trial registration number
NCT02986607
Commemorating the monkey bars, catalyst of debate at the intersection of human evolutionary biology and public health
Authors: Fannin Luke D , Thayer Zaneta M , Dominy Nathaniel J 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Play is an essential part of childhood, and growing attention has focused on the potential health benefits of ‘risky’ or ‘thrill-seeking’ play. Such play behavior is readily observed on any playground, where it can sometimes lead to injuries––most often from fall impacts––that require medical attention. Monkey bars account for ~7% of childhood arm fractures in the USA, an alarming statistic that raises difficult questions over its costs and benefits. Many authors view monkey bars as a public health hazard, but it is plausible that our childhood impulse toward thrill-seeking play is a result of selective pressures throughout our primate evolutionary history. Indeed, emerging evidence suggests that the developmental benefits of thrill-seeking play extend into adulthood, outweighing the occasional costs of injury. Disparate and consequential, these dueling perspectives have fueled debate among health professionals and policymakers, but with little attention to the work of biological anthropologists. Here we call attention to the hominin fossil record and play behaviors of non-human primates, providing a novel perspective that bolsters arguments for the adaptive significance of thrill-seeking play. The moment for such a review is timely, for it commemorates the centennial anniversaries of two playground icons: the jungle gym and monkey bars.
Artificial intelligence in cardiovascular medicine: clinical applications
Authors: Lüscher Thomas F , Wenzl Florian A , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , Friedman Paul A , Antoniades Charalambos 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Clinical medicine requires the integration of various forms of patient data including demographics, symptom characteristics, electrocardiogram findings, laboratory values, biomarker levels, and imaging studies. Decision-making on the optimal management should be based on a high probability that the envisaged treatment is appropriate, provides benefit, and bears no or little potential harm. To that end, personalized risk–benefit considerations should guide the management of individual patients to achieve optimal results. These basic clinical tasks have become more and more challenging with the massively growing data now available; artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) can provide assistance for clinicians by obtaining and comprehensively preparing the history of patients, analysing face and voice and other clinical features, by integrating laboratory results, biomarkers, and imaging. Furthermore, AI/ML can provide a comprehensive risk assessment as a basis of optimal acute and chronic care. The clinical usefulness of AI/ML algorithms should be carefully assessed, validated with confirmation datasets before clinical use, and repeatedly re-evaluated as patient phenotypes change. This review provides an overview of the current data revolution that has changed and will continue to change the face of clinical medicine radically, if properly used, to the benefit of physicians and patients alike.
The aculeate wasp family Sierolomorphidae (Hymenoptera) in the Early Cretaceous
Authors: Álvarez-Parra Sergio , Engel Michael S , Peñalver Enrique , Azar Dany 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The aculeate wasp family Sierolomorphidae is a small and enigmatic group including 14 species in 2 extant genera distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. Nothing is known about their biology, although ectoparasitoidism on insects has been speculated. Only 1 fossil genus from Turonian (Upper Cretaceous) amber was tentatively assigned to this family. The family Sierolomorphidae is recorded from the Early Cretaceous for the first time, representing the earliest occurrence of the family. Orisolemorpha dyscheres Álvarez-Parra and Engel gen. et sp. n. is described and figured from a male in upper Albian amber of San Just in Spain and is distinguished from all other genera in the family. The genus Loreisomorpha is here assigned to a new subfamily, Loreisomorphinae Álvarez-Parra and Engel subfam. n., based on its significant differences in wing venation relative to the remainder of the family. Taxonomic placement of the new genus is discussed, including a key for the fossil sierolomorphid genera. The ecology and biogeography of the family are reviewed. A checklist is provided of all living and fossil Sierolomorphidae.
Insights into macrolide resistance in Arcobacter butzleri: potential resistance mechanisms and impact on bacterial fitness and virulence
Authors: Couto Francisca , Martins Inês , Vale Filipa , Domingues Fernanda , Oleastro Mónica , Ferreira Susana 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Macrolides are recommended for treating the emerging enteropathogen Arcobacter butzleri; nonetheless, this bacterium often exhibits highly variable resistance rates, and the mechanisms behind this resistance phenotype remain largely unexplored.

Objectives
To understand the phenotypic and genotypic consequences associated with the acquisition of erythromycin resistance in A. butzleri, as well as the effects on the fitness of this species.

Methods
Resistant strains resulting from spontaneous mutations and adaptive laboratory evolution under increasing erythromycin concentrations were examined regarding their cross-resistance and collateral susceptibility profiles. Genetic causes of phenotypic antibiotic resistance were analysed by sequencing and bioinformatics, with functional correlation through ethidium bromide accumulation assays. Growth profiles in the presence and absence of erythromycin, motility and biofilm formation abilities were assessed to detect potential changes in fitness and virulence.

Results
Clones from spontaneous mutation rate evolution demonstrated decreased susceptibility to erythromycin and other classes of antibiotics, associated with mutations in the transcriptional repressor areR, causing overexpression of the AreABC efflux pump. In turn, WGS analysis of the evolved strain showed additional mutations in the ribosomal proteins L4 and L22 and in the areR gene. Furthermore, the acquisition of macrolide resistance altered A. butzleri virulence and entailed a high biological cost.

Conclusions
The findings of this study have proved that efflux activity contributes synergistically with mutations in the ribosomal proteins L4 and L22 to A. butzleri’s high-level macrolide resistance. The results further suggest an impact on the bacterial physiology and virulence, with the increased fitness cost justifying the low worldwide prevalence of high-level resistant circulating strains.
Reduction of particle size of field peas (Pisum sativum L.) increases net energy and digestibility of starch when fed to growing pigs, but there is no difference in nutritional value between peas from the United States and peas from Canada
Authors: Ibagon Jimena A , Lee Su A , Rodriguez Diego A , Nyachoti C Martin , Stein Hans H 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses that particle size of field peas and location where peas are grown do not affect apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients and gross energy, digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy (NE), apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of starch, or standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA). In both experiments, 3 sources of field peas were used. One source was obtained from the United States and 2 sources were obtained from Canada (i.e., Canada 1 and Canada 2). The U.S. field peas were ground to 678, 457, or 265 µm, whereas the 2 sources of Canadian peas were ground to 411 and 415 µm, respectively. Therefore, 5 batches of field peas were used in both experiments. A basal diet contained corn and soybean meal as the only source of energy, starch, and AA, and 5 diets containing corn and soybean meal and 50% of each source of field peas were also formulated. The ratio between corn and soybean meal was 1.92:1 in all diets. In experiment 1, an N-free diet was also used to calculate basal endogenous losses of AA and CP, but in experiment 2, no N-free diet was used. In experiment 1, 7 barrows (initial body weight = 60.6 ± 2.1 kg) that had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were allotted to a 7 × 7 Latin square design with 7 diets and 7 periods. In experiment 2, 24 pigs (initial body weight = 30.8 ± 1.0 kg) were housed in 6 calorimeter chambers with 4 pigs per chamber. The 6 chambers were allotted to one of the 6 diets using a 6 × 6 Latin square design with 6 consecutive periods of 15 d. Results of experiment 1 demonstrated that the SID of CP and AA was not influenced by the origin of the peas or by the particle size, but the AID of starch increased (linear, P &lt; 0.001) as particle size was reduced from 678 to 457 or 265 µm. Results of experiment 2 indicated that growing location did not affect concentrations of DE, ME, or NE of field peas, but concentrations of DE, ME, and NE increased (linear, P &lt; 0.05) when particle size was reduced from 678 to 457 or 265 µm. In conclusion, field peas grown in Canada or the United States have the same nutritional value, but starch digestibility and NE increase if the particle size of field peas is reduced.
The effect of aroma lymphatic tressage on taxane-induced lower-extremity edema in breast cancer patients
Authors: Ha Yang Sun , Kim Ju Won , Lee Ji Yoon , You Ji Young , Jung Seung Pil , Hahm Suk Chan , Park Kyong Hwa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Taxanes are effective chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer care, but adverse effects pose a significant challenge in cancer treatment. Taxane-induced fluid retention and lower-extremity edema are two of the important dose-limiting toxicity and result in decreased quality of life (QoL). However, there is no standard of care to alleviate the symptoms. We conducted a clinical study to assess the efficacy of short-term aroma lymphatic tressage therapy (ALTT) in reducing taxane-induced edema in breast cancer patients.

Methods
In this phase 2 clinical trial, patients with edema of CTCAE grade 2 or higher were enrolled and conducted 8 sessions of ALTT. The primary endpoint was to determine the proportion of patients with a reduction in lower extremity circumference of 3% or more before and 6 weeks after starting ALTT. The change in QoL was assessed as the secondary endpoint using QoL questionnaires.

Results
A total of 37 breast cancer patients completed the protocol and were analyzed. The median sum of the 3-point circumference (thigh, calf, and ankle) was 230.8 cm (IQR 218–243) in the baseline and 220.2 cm (IQR 212–236) at the end of the study. The average decrease of circumference was 3.8%. About, 23 patients (62%) experienced a circumference decrease of 3% or more. An improvement in every scale of FACT-TAXANE and EORTC-QLQ-C30 was observed when comparing questionnaire results before and at the end of the intervention (P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusion
Eight sessions of ALTT over 4 weeks were effective in reducing lower-extremity edema and resulted in improvement of QoL in patients with breast cancer.
Habitat-induced changes in forage quality and implications for fitness in Plateau Pika (Ochotona curzoniae)
Authors: Chen Huiqing , Shang Guozhen , Zhang Lu , Dong Xin , Wu Xueqin , Wu Yan , Bian Jianghui 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) play a keystone role in the alpine meadow ecosystem on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP). For decades, QTP grasslands have become degraded to some degree, largely as a result of heavy livestock grazing. Concomitantly, the abundance of plateau pikas has increased dramatically as grassland degradation has altered the vegetation community structure and dominant species, shifting the plant nutrient contents toward higher protein conditions that favor them. Considerable research supports the hypothesis that the quantity and quality of food limit herbivore populations. Here, we examined the relationship between the availability of essential amino acids in the diets of plateau pikas and the degree of meadow degradation associated with livestock grazing intensity through a field survey, as well as the fitness of individuals by laboratory feeding experiments with 2 pelleted chows containing 0.26% and 0.45% methionine. Sulfur-containing methionine and cystine were the most limiting amino acids in the diets of pikas. During the pika breeding season, the concentrations of most essential acids, particularly methionine and cystine, were higher in heavily degraded meadows than in lightly and moderately degraded meadows. Individuals fed 0.45% methionine exhibited enhanced cell-mediated immunity, reduced intensity of coccidian infection, and increased concentrations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone compared to those fed 0.26% methionine. These results showed that heavily degraded meadows provided relatively high-quality food that improved individual fitness, suggesting that the high-methionine food in the heavily degraded meadows may be a key factor in the generation and maintenance of high-density populations of plateau pikas.
Abundance, distribution, and dynamics of Anopheles species (Diptera: Culicidae) in Iowa, United States
Authors: Lee Christopher H , Leonard Mark , Smith Ryan C 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Malaria was once endemic in the United States prior to its elimination in 1951. However, due to consistent introductions of travel-associated malaria cases and the presence of several native Anopheles species (Diptera: Culicidae) that are competent vectors of malaria, the potential for local (autochthonous) malaria transmission remains a persistent threat in the United States. While several intermittent cases of local malaria transmission have occurred in the United States in the decades since elimination, the emergence of autochthonous transmission in 4 states in 2023 demonstrates the continued risk for future outbreaks. Moreover, these recent examples also highlight significant gaps in current mosquito surveillance efforts that have predominantly focused on threats of arboviral disease, such that our understanding of Anopheles distributions relies only on historical records and offers limited insight into the ecological factors that influence their abundance. Herein, we summarize mosquito surveillance data collected over the last 20 years (2004–2023) across 59 Iowa counties to provide essential information into the spatial distribution, temporal abundance, and trap preferences of Anopheles species in the state. Further analyses of the 2 most abundant species, Anopheles punctipennis Say and Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say, reveal the additional influence of precipitation and forested habitats in defining An. punctipennis abundance. Together, we believe these results provide an increased understanding of previously neglected Anopheles species that have the potential for autochthonous malaria transmission in Iowa and that can be extended to other regions of the United States to enhance preparedness for future malaria outbreaks.
Joint modelling of survival and backwards recurrence outcomes: an analysis of factors associated with fertility treatment in the U.S.
Authors: Guo Siyuan , Zhang Jiajia , McLain Alexander C 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The motivation for this paper is to determine factors associated with time-to-fertility treatment (TTFT) among women currently attempting pregnancy in a cross-sectional sample. Challenges arise due to dependence between time-to-pregnancy (TTP) and TTFT. We propose appending a marginal accelerated failure time model to identify risk factors of TTFT with a model for TTP where fertility treatment is included as a time-varying treatment to account for their dependence. The latter requires extending backwards recurrence survival methods to incorporate time-varying covariates with time-varying coefficients. Since backwards recurrence survival methods are a function of mean survival, computational difficulties arise in formulating mean survival when fertility treatment is unobserved, i.e. when TTFT is censored. We address these challenges by developing computationally friendly forms for the double expectation of TTP and TTFT. The performance is validated via comprehensive simulation studies. We apply our approach to the National Survey of Family Growth and explore factors related to prolonged TTFT in the U.S.
Small Area Estimation of Household Economic Indicators under Unit-Level Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape
Authors: Mori Lorenzo , Ferrante Maria Rosaria 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
We propose a small area estimation model based on Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (SAE-GAMLSS) for the estimation of household economic indicators. SAE-GAMLSS relax the exponential family distributional assumption and allow each distributional parameter to depend on covariates. A bootstrap approach to estimate the MSE is proposed. The SAE-GAMLSS estimator shows a largely better performance than the well-known Empirical Best Linear Unbiased Predictor (EBLUP) under various simulated scenarios. Per-capita consumption of Italian and foreign households in Italian regions, in urban and rural areas, is estimated using SAE-GAMLSS. Results show that the well-known Italian North–South divide does not hold for foreigners.