bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep learning quantification of hypermetabolism in cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Shanbhag A , Miller R O B E R T , Michalowska A N N A , Struble H E L E N , Kransdorf E V A N , Lemley M A R K , Kavanagh P A U L , Liang J O A N N A , Builoff V A L E R I , Dey D A M I N I , Berman D A N I E L , Slomka P I O T R 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiac sarcoidosis is an inflammatory cardiomyopathy characterized by non-caseating granuloma formation. Diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis can be challenging, but 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging plays a critical role by identifying abnormal hypermetabolism in myocardium from inflammatory cells. Quantification of myocardial hypermetabolism plays an important role in diagnosis and risk stratification but currently is associated with observer variability due to subjective placement of regions of interests and varied uptake of the FDG in the myocardium. We evaluated a fully automated method for quantifying FDG PET activity using deep learning segmentation of the coregistered CT attenuation maps.

Methods
We identified 63 patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis who underwent FDG PET/CT, including only the first study for each patient. A foundational deep learning model was used to automatically segment all myocardial chambers and left ventricular myocardium from computed tomography (CT) attenuation imaging. Those segmentations were transferred to FDG PET images to automatically quantify maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax) in myocardium, target to background (left atrium) ratio (TBR), volume of inflammation (VOI) and cardiometabolic activity (CMA) (Figure 1 A). We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of these measures for cardiac sarcoidosis, with diagnosis based on Japanese Ministry of Health and Wellness criteria.

Results
A total of 63 patients were included, with mean age 56.7 ± 13.5 and 39 (61.9%) male patients. Cardiac sarcoidosis was present in 24 (38.1%) patients. Fully automated quantification was performed in ~16 seconds per patient. Patients with cardiac sarcoidosis had higher median SUVmax (7.0 vs 4.3, p=0.001), TBR (2.7 vs 1.3, p&lt;0.001), VOI (45 mL vs 1mL, p&lt;0.001), and CMA (203 vs 0, p&lt;0.001). VOI (0.910, 95% CI 0.841 – 0.979, p=0.016) and CMA (0.908, 95% CI 0.837 – 0.979, p=0.011) had significantly higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve compared to SUVmax (0.740, 95% CI 0.599 – 0.882) (Figure 1B).

Conclusions
We demonstrate that fully automated quantification of FDG PET for cardiac sarcoidosis based on segmentation of CT attenuation maps is feasible, rapid, and has high diagnostic accuracy. This approach could be applied to provide objective and reproducible measurements of cardiac hypermetabolism to aid in diagnosis or follow response to therapy.
Regional neuroinflammation-mediated cardiac sympathetic activity contributes to impaired cardiac function after cerebral stroke
Authors: Wroblewski V , Barca C , Willmann M , Gutberlet M , Ross T , Bengel F , Thackeray J 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Ischemic stroke has been shown to be associated with an elevated risk of heart failure development. Activation of the immune system and sympathetic nervous system may be potential mediators for this brain-heart crosstalk. Molecular imaging may provide mechanistic insights.
We hypothesized that neuroinflammation-driven sympathetic activation contributes to cardiac dysfunction after stroke such that selective beta-1 adrenoreceptor inhibition could spare cardiac function.

Methods
C57BL/6N mice underwent surgical cerebral stroke by transient 30min middle artery occlusion (MCAo, n=14) or sham surgery (n=8). MCAo mice were randomized to receive beta-1-adrenoceptor blocker metoprolol (10 mg/kg/d, p.o.) starting from the day of MCAo (n=7) or vehicle (n=7). Positron emission tomography (PET) using translocator protein (TSPO) ligand 18F-GE-180 measured brain inflammation at 1d, 7d and 21d after stroke. Stroke size and cardiac function were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging at 1 and 3 weeks after injury.

Results
TSPO PET imaging revealed an increased neuroinflammation in the injured brain hemisphere at 7d after MCAo compared to sham (4.6±1.0 vs 2.6±0.7% injected dose (ID)/g, p&lt;0.001) and contralateral hemisphere (4.6±1.0 vs 3.6±0.4%ID/g, p=0.05). This elevation was preserved and comparable between metoprolol- and vehicle-treated mice (3.9±0.4 vs 4.6±1.0%ID/g, p=0.16). TSPO signal remained comparable between metoprolol-treated and untreated mice (p=0.91) 3 weeks after MCAo but there was no difference in TSPO signal between injured and contralateral hemisphere (Untreated: 2.7±0.4 vs 2.9±1.0%ID/g, p&gt;0.99; Metoprolol: 2.5±0.6 vs 2.5±0.6%ID/g, p=0.89). Likewise cardiac TSPO signal, reflecting an amalgam of cardiomyocyte mitochondria and inflammatory cells, was similar between metoprolol and vehicle treated MCAo mice (5.0±1 vs 4.2± 0.6%ID/g, p=0.23). MCAo evoked a moderate decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) compared to sham mice (49.9±2.5 vs 66.1±3.5%, p&lt;0.001). Treatment with metoprolol tended to spare cardiac function 3 weeks after MCAo compared to vehicle (54.0±3.3 vs 49.9±2.5%, p=0.058).

Conclusion
MCAo induced neuroinflammation in the injured cerebral region, declining over 3 weeks. Concurrently, we observed a decline in cardiac function. Blockade of beta-1-adrenoceptors partially spared cardiac function, supporting the contribution of sympathetic neuronal activity to cardiac dysfunction after stroke. Imaging of regional neuroinflammation after stroke may identify susceptibility to sympathetic overactivity in the heart and guide intervention to mediate this brain-heart crosstalk.PET imaging and MRI of MCAo Comparison of cardiac function
The impact of lifestyle on cardiovascular risk in patients with gout: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Jung Seung Min , Jung Sang-Hyuk , Lee Su-Nam , Choi Jin A , Kim Dokyoon , Won Hong-Hee , Kim Ki-Jo , Yun Jae-Seung 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims
Gout is associated with a significant burden of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a favourable lifestyle on incident cardiovascular events in patients with gout.

Methods
We identified 9 110 patients with gout from the UK Biobank cohort based on self-report and/or hospital diagnostic codes. Lifestyle behaviours, including smoking status, physical activity, obesity, and diet, were categorized into three patterns: favourable (three to four healthy factors), intermediate (two healthy factors), and unfavourable (zero to one healthy factor). The cardiovascular risk of participants with and without gout was estimated based on their serum uric acid levels and lifestyle patterns.

Results
Among 9 110 patients with gout and 457 596 participants without gout, the median follow-up duration was 8.9 years. The incidence rate of cardiovascular disease was significantly higher in the gout population than in the non-gout population (11.38 vs. 5.49 per 1000 person-years). The gout population consistently exhibited a high cardiovascular risk, irrespective of uric acid levels, whereas a positive correlation was observed between uric acid levels and cardiovascular risk in the non-gout population. Adopting a favourable lifestyle pattern was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in both gout and non-gout populations. Across all categories of uric acid, a favourable lifestyle was found to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with gout.

Conclusion
Patients with gout remain at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease despite having normal uric acid levels. Lifestyle modifications may represent an effective and cost-efficient therapeutic approach for preventing cardiovascular events in this population.
A chromosome-scale Mytilus edulis genome assembly for aquaculture, marine ecology, and evolution
Authors: Regan Tim , Hori Tiago S , Bean Tim P 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The smooth-shelled blue mussel, Mytilus edulis is part of the Mytilus species complex, encompassing at least three putative species: M. edulis, Mytilus galloprovincialis, and Mytilus trossulus. These three species occur on both sides of the Atlantic and hybridize in nature, and both M. edulis and M. galloprovincialis are important aquaculture species. They are also invasive species in many parts of the world. Here, we present a chromosome-level assembly of M. edulis. We used a combination of PacBio sequencing and Dovetail's Omni-C technology to generate an assembly with 14 long scaffolds containing 94% of the predicted length of the M. edulis genome (1.6 out of 1.7 Gb). Assembly statistics were as follows: total length = 1.65 Gb, N50 = 116 Mb, L50 = 7, and L90 = 13. BUSCO analysis showed 92.55% eukaryote BUSCOs identified. AB-Initio annotation using RNA-seq from mantle, gills, muscle, and foot predicted 47,128 genes. These gene models were combined with IsoSeq validation resulting in 45,379 full CDS protein sequences and 129,708 isoforms. Using GBS and shotgun sequencing, we also sequenced several eastern Canadian populations of Mytilus to characterize single-nucleotide as well as structural variance. This high-quality genome for M. edulis provides a platform to develop tools that can be used in breeding, molecular ecology and evolution to address questions of both commercial and environmental perspectives.
Genomic structural variation in Barramundi Perch Lates calcarifer and potential roles in speciation and adaptation
Authors: Campbell Matthew A , Hale Matthew C 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Advancements in genome sequencing and assembly techniques have increased the documentation of structural variants in wild organisms. Of these variants, chromosomal inversions are especially prominent due to their large size and active recombination suppression between alternative homokaryotypes. This suppression enables the 2 forms of the inversion to be maintained and allows the preservation of locally adapted alleles. The Barramundi Perch (BP; Lates calcarifer) is a widespread species complex with 3 main genetic lineages located in the biogeographic regions of Australia and New Guinea (AUS + NG), Southeast Asia (SEA), and the Indian Subcontinent (IND). BP are typically considered to be a protandrous sequential hermaphrodite species that exhibits catadromy. Freshwater occupancy and intraspecific variation in life history (e.g. partially migratory populations) exist and provide opportunities for strongly divergent selection associated with, for example, salinity tolerance, swimming ability, and marine dispersal. Herein, we utilize genomic data generated from all 3 genetic lineages to identify and describe 3 polymorphic candidate chromosomal inversions. These candidate chromosomal inversions appear to be fixed for ancestral variants in the IND lineage and for inverted versions in the AUS + NG lineage and exhibit variation in all 3 inversions in the SEA lineage. BP have a diverse portfolio of life history options that includes migratory strategy as well as sexual system (i.e. hermaphroditism and gonochorism). We propose that the some of the life history variabilities observed in BP may be linked to inversions and, in doing so, we present genetic data that might be useful in enhancing aquaculture production and population management.
Tracing the color: quantitative trait loci analysis reveals new insights into red-flesh pigmentation in apple (Malus domestica)
Authors: Bouillon Pierre , Fanciullino Anne-Laure , Belin Etienne , Hanteville Sylvain , Muranty Hélène , Bernard Frédéric , Celton Jean-Marc 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Red-flesh color development in apple fruit is known to depend upon a particular allele of the MdMYB10 gene. While the anthocyanin metabolic pathway is well characterized, current genetic models do not explain the observed variations in red-flesh pigmentation intensity. Previous studies focused on total anthocyanin content as a phenotypic trait to characterize overall flesh color. While this approach led to a global understanding of the genetic mechanisms involved in color expression, it is essential to adopt a more quantitative approach, by analyzing the variations of other phenolic compound classes, in order to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the subtle flesh color variation and distribution. In this study, we performed pedigree-based quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, using the FlexQTL™ software, to decipher the genetic determinism of red-flesh color in five F1 inter-connected families segregating for the red-flesh trait. A total of 452 genotypes were evaluated for flesh color and phenolic profiles during 3 years (2021–2023). We identified a total of 24 QTLs for flesh color intensity and phenolic compound profiles. Six QTLs were detected for red-flesh color on LG1, LG2, LG8, LG9, LG11, and LG16. Several genes identified in QTL confidence intervals were related to anthocyanin metabolism. Further analyses allowed us to propose a model in which the competition between anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols (monomer and oligomer) end-products is decisive for red-flesh color development. In this model, alleles favorable to high red-flesh color intensity can be inherited from both white-flesh and red-flesh parents.
Development of Two Green and High-Throughput Microwell Spectrometric Platforms for Determination of Reboxetine, the First FDA-Approved Selective Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor Antidepressant Drug
Authors: Darwish Ibrahim A , Alsalhi Mohammed S 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Reboxetine (RBX) is the first FDA-approved antidepressant drug of the selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors class. There is a serious need for a convenient analytical tool for the quantitation of RBX in its dosage form.

Objective
This study aims toward the development and validation of two green and high-throughput microwell spectrometric platforms for the pharmaceutical analysis of RBX.

Methods
The two platforms, abbreviated as MW-AB and MW-FL, involved microwell-based analysis assisted with a multifunction microplate plate reader for measuring absorbance and fluorescence signals, respectively. The MW-AB and MW-FL platforms involved the formation of colored and fluorescent derivatives upon the reaction of RBX with oxidized pyrocatechol reagent (OPC) and tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), respectively. The absorbance of colored RBX-OPC derivative at 520 nm, and the fluorescence of RBX-TCNQ charge transfer complex at 283 and 484 nm for excitation and emission, respectively. The optimum conditions of both reactions were established, their molar ratios were determined, and reaction mechanisms were postulated.

Results
Both platforms were optimized and validated according to the guidelines of the International Council on Harmonization. The limits of quantitation were 19.6 µg/mL and 27 ng/mL for MW-AB and MW-FL, respectively. Both platforms were applied with excellent reliability to the quantitation of RBX content in Edranox® tablets and their drug uniformity. The greenness levels of both platforms were assessed by two comprehensive tools, and the results confirmed the high level of greenness for both platforms.

Conclusions
Both platforms involved one-step reactions, adapted microwell analysis, and simultaneous handling of large number of samples. Therefore, they have the advantages of greenness and high-throughput analysis.

Highlights
The proposed two platforms are valuable tools for the rapid quantitation of RBX.
Uncommon orbital metastasis in ductal breast carcinoma: a rare presentation 12 years after treatment
Authors: Horache Kenza , Jidal Manal , Sidki Kenza , Omor Youssef , Latib Rachida , Amalik Sanae 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Orbital metastasis originating from breast carcinoma, particularly ductal carcinoma, represents a rare clinical entity, with lobular carcinoma usually being more common. Long-term surveillance in breast cancer patients is crucial for early detection of metastasis. Herein, we present a case of a 70-year-old woman with a history of left ductal breast carcinoma, diagnosed and treated 12 years ago. She then developed left eye vision loss, diplopia, enophthalmos, and chemosis in October 2024. Imaging revealed orbital metastasis involving the left superior and lateral rectus extraocular muscles. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of orbital metastases arising from ductal breast carcinoma. This case underscores the significance of long-term surveillance in breast cancer patients, as metastasis can manifest years after the initial diagnosis. Despite its rarity, orbital metastasis warrants consideration in the differential diagnosis of ocular symptoms in patients with a history of breast carcinoma. Treatment primarily aims at palliation and preserving visual function, with prognosis typically poor.
Delayed Pressure Urticaria Associated With Altitude Chamber Training Responsive to Cyclosporine and Omalizumab
Authors: Alix Veronica C , Weiss Samuel L , White Kevin M 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
Delayed pressure urticaria (DPU) is a subset of chronic inducible urticaria. It is characterized by the formation of wheals anytime between 30 minutes and 24 hours after stimulus exposure of localized pressure application. In this case report, we discuss a military flight crew member with no significant past medical history who developed DPU following rapid decompression in an altitude chamber. The chamber training included an uneventful ascent to 45,000 feet, higher than he had been previously, and a rapid decompression. About 16 hours later, he developed pruritic swelling of his hands and feet, along with diffuse deep nodular swelling, erythematous plaques, and erythematous nodules. His DPU was refractory to monotherapy treatment with antihistamines, and he continued to develop lesions in weight-bearing areas. Control of symptoms was achieved through combination treatment of a second-generation antihistamine, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, and an immunosuppressant (cyclosporine). His waiver to return to flight status was denied while on cyclosporine. He was transitioned to a monoclonal antibody that binds free immunoglobin E (omalizumab) with resolution of symptoms and was cleared to return to active duty.
An embarrassment of richnesses: the PFC isn’t the content NCC
Authors: Kozuch Benjamin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Recent years have seen the rise of several theories saying that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a neural correlate of visual consciousness (NCC). Especially popular here are theories saying that the PFC is the ‘content NCC’ for vision, i.e. it contains those brain areas that are not only necessary for consciousness, but also determine ‘what’ it is that we visually experience (e.g. whether we experience green or red). This article points out how this “upper-deck” form of PFC theory is at odds with the character of visual experience: on the one hand, visual consciousness appears to contain copious amounts of content, with many properties (such as object, shape, or color) being simultaneously represented in many parts of the visual field. On the other hand, the functions that the PFC carries out (e.g. attention and working memory) are each dedicated to processing only a relatively small subset of available visual stimuli. In short, the PFC probably does not produce enough or the right kind of visual representations for it to supply all of the content found in visual experience, in which case the idea that the PFC is the content NCC for vision is probably false. This article also discusses data thought to undercut the idea that visual experience is informationally rich (inattentional blindness, etc.), along with theories of vision according to which “ensemble statistics” are used to represent features in the periphery of the visual field. I’ll argue that these lines of evidence fail to close the apparently vast gap between the amount of visual content represented in the visual experience and the amount represented in the PFC.
Early prognostication of overall survival for pediatric diffuse midline gliomas using MRI radiomics and machine learning: A two-center study
Authors: Liu Xinyang , Jiang Zhifan , Roth Holger R , Anwar Syed Muhammad , Bonner Erin R , Mahtabfar Aria , Packer Roger J , Kazerooni Anahita Fathi , Bornhorst Miriam , Linguraru Marius George 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) are aggressive pediatric brain tumors that are diagnosed and monitored through MRI. We developed an automatic pipeline to segment subregions of DMG and select radiomic features that predict patient overall survival (OS).

Methods
We acquired diagnostic and post-radiation therapy (RT) multisequence MRI (T1, T1ce, T2, and T2 FLAIR) and manual segmentations from 2 centers: 53 from 1 center formed the internal cohort and 16 from the other center formed the external cohort. We pretrained a deep learning model on a public adult brain tumor data set (BraTS 2021), and finetuned it to automatically segment tumor core (TC) and whole tumor (WT) volumes. PyRadiomics and sequential feature selection were used for feature extraction and selection based on the segmented volumes. Two machine learning models were trained on our internal cohort to predict patient 12-month survival from diagnosis. One model used only data obtained at diagnosis prior to any therapy (baseline study) and the other used data at both diagnosis and post-RT (post-RT study).

Results
Overall survival prediction accuracy was 77% and 81% for the baseline study, and 85% and 78% for the post-RT study, for internal and external cohorts, respectively. Homogeneous WT intensity in baseline T2 FLAIR and larger post-RT TC/WT volume ratio indicate shorter OS.

Conclusions
Machine learning analysis of MRI radiomics has potential to accurately and noninvasively predict which pediatric patients with DMG will survive less than 12 months from the time of diagnosis to provide patient stratification and guide therapy.
Slowdown in China's methane emission growth
Authors: Zhao Min , Tian Xiangjun , Wang Yilong , Wang Xuhui , Ciais Philippe , Jin Zhe , Zhang Hongqin , Wang Tao , Ding Jinzhi , Piao Shilong 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT
The unprecedented surge in global methane levels has raised global concerns in recent years, casting a spotlight on China as a pivotal emitter. China has taken several actions to curb the methane emissions, but their effects remain unclear. Here, we developed the Global ObservatioN-based system for monitoring Greenhouse GAses for methane (GONGGA-CH4) and assimilate GOSAT XCH4 observations to assess changes in China's methane emissions. We find the average rate of increase in China's methane emissions (0.1 ± 0.3 Tg CH4 yr−2) during 2016–2021 slowed down compared to the preceding years (2011–2015) (0.9 ± 0.5 Tg CH4 yr−2), in contrast to the concurrent acceleration of global methane emissions. As a result, the contribution of China to global methane emissions dropped significantly. Notably, the slowdown of China's methane emission is mainly attributable to a reduction in biogenic emissions from wetlands and agriculture, associated with the drying trend in South China and the transition from double-season to single-season rice cropping, while fossil fuel emissions are still increasing. Our results suggest that GONGGA-CH4 provides the opportunity for independent assessment of China's methane emissions from an atmospheric perspective, providing insights into the implementation of methane-related policies that align with its ambitious climate objectives.