bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
scPLAN: a hierarchical computational framework for single transcriptomics data annotation, integration and cell-type label refinement
Authors: Guo Qirui , Yuan Musu , Zhang Lei , Deng Minghua 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Motivation
In the past decade, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a pivotal method for transcriptomic profiling in biomedical research. Precise cell-type identification is crucial for subsequent analysis of single-cell data. And the integration and refinement of annotated data are essential for building comprehensive databases. However, prevailing annotation techniques often overlook the hierarchical organization of cell types, resulting in inconsistent annotations. Meanwhile, most existing integration approaches fail to integrate datasets with different annotation depths and none of them can enhance the labels of outdated data with lower annotation resolutions using more intricately annotated datasets or novel biological findings.

Results
Here, we introduce scPLAN, a hierarchical computational framework designed for scRNA-seq data analysis. scPLAN excels in annotating unlabeled scRNA-seq data using a reference dataset structured along a hierarchical cell-type tree. It identifies potential novel cell types in a systematic, layer-by-layer manner. Additionally, scPLAN effectively integrates annotated scRNA-seq datasets with varying levels of annotation depth, ensuring consistent refinement of cell-type labels across datasets with lower resolutions. Through extensive annotation and novel cell detection experiments, scPLAN has demonstrated its efficacy. Two case studies have been conducted to showcase how scPLAN integrates datasets with diverse cell-type label resolutions and refine their cell-type labels.

Availability
https://github.com/michaelGuo1204/scPLAN
H2S donor GYY4137 mitigates sFlt-1-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction in pregnant rats
Authors: Yadav Pankaj , Mishra Jay S , Hurt Mason William , Chen Dong-Bao , Kumar Sathish 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Gestational hypertension, often associated with elevated soluble Fms-related receptor tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gasotransmitter, has demonstrated blood pressure-lowering effects in hypertensive animals and humans. However, its role in pregnancy-induced hypertension remains unclear. This study investigated the impact of GYY4137, a slow-release H2S donor, on sFlt-1-induced hypertension in pregnant rats . Pregnant rats were administered sFlt-1 (6 μg/kg/day, intravenously) or vehicle from gestation day (GD) 12–20. A subset of these groups received GYY4137 ( 50 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal) from GD 16–20. Serum H2S levels, mean arterial blood pressure, uterine artery blood flow, and vascular reactivity were assessed. Elevated sFlt-1 reduced both maternal weight gain and serum H2S levels. GYY4137 treatment restored both weight gain and H2S levels in sFlt-1 dams. sFlt-1 increased mean arterial pressure and decreased uterine artery blood flow in pregnant rats. However, treatment with GYY4137 normalized blood pressure and restored uterine blood flow in sFlt-1 dams. sFlt-1 dams exhibited heightened vasoconstriction to phenylephrine and GYY4137 significantly mitigated the exaggerated vascular contraction. Notably, sFlt-1 impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation, while GYY4137 attenuated this impairment by upregulating eNOS protein levels and enhancing vasorelaxation in uterine arteries. GYY4137 mitigated sFlt-1-induced fetal growth restriction. In conclusion, sFlt-1 mediated hypertension is associated with decreased H2S levels. Replenishing H2S with the donor GYY4137 mitigates hypertension and improves vascular function and fetal growth outcomes. This suggests modulation of H2S could offer a novel therapeutic strategy for managing gestational hypertension and adverse fetal effects.
Recalled through this day but forgotten next week?—retrieval activity predicts durability of partly consolidated memories
Authors: Ness Hedda T , Folvik Line , Sneve Markus H , Grydeland Håkon , Vidal-Piñeiro Didac , Raud Liisa , Geier Oliver M , Walhovd Kristine B , Fjell Anders M 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Even partly consolidated memories can be forgotten given sufficient time, but the brain activity associated with durability of episodic memory at different time scales remains unclear. Here, we aimed to identify brain activity associated with retrieval of partly consolidated episodic memories that continued to be remembered in the future. Forty-nine younger (20 to 38 years; 25 females) and 43 older adults (60 to 80 years, 25 females) were scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging during associative memory retrieval 12 h post-encoding. Twelve hours is sufficient to allow short-term synaptic consolidation as well as early post-encoding replay to initiate memory consolidation. Successful memory trials were classified into durable and transient source memories based on responses from a memory test ~6 d post-encoding. Results demonstrated that successful retrieval of future durable vs. transient memories was supported by increased activity in a medial prefrontal and ventral parietal area. Individual differences in activation as well as the subjective vividness of memories during encoding were positively related to individual differences in memory performance after 6 d. The results point to a unique and novel aspect of brain activity supporting long-term memory, in that activity during retrieval of memories even after 12 h of consolidation contains information about potential for long-term durability.
Findings beyond procedural region and their clinical implications in pre-transaortic valve replacement computed tomography in a second level hospital
Authors: Sanz Ortega I , Sadaba Sagredo M , Armendariz Tellitu K , Salcedo Arruti A , Onaindia Gandarias J J , Rodriguez Sanchez I , Ullate De La Torre A , Velasco Del Castillo M 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Computed tomography (CT) is widely used for planification of transaortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures. In coronary-CT scans concurrent findings are often reported. As TAVR population is generally older, these findings may be even more frequent.

Methods
We selected patients with CT preTAVR from February 2015 to March 2023 and reviewed findings other than aortic valve, heart failure, coronarial and/or vascular access disease. Findings were classified as cardiac, vascular and extracardiovascular. Anatomic variants were excluded. It was reported if findings were incidental, if more exams o treatment were needed, and if a cause for temporal o definite exclusion for TAVR.

Results
There were 145 patients (46% women) with mean age 82 (standard deviation (SD): 0,5). Among patients with no findings (14%), 25% women (mean age of 82 (range 78-87) and among patients with any finding, 49% were women (mean age 82 (SD: 0,5)) (χ2 p=0,04 for sex). 58% patients had 1 type of finding (1 patient cardiac, none patients vascular, the rest extracardiovascular). 26% with 2 type of findings, and 1 patient with 3 type of findings. 21% of patients had cardiac findings (mean 1.2 findings/patient, range 1-4): 2 patients (7%) incidental. 1 (3%) need for more treatment or exams with temporal exclusion for TAVR. 13% of patients had vascular findings (mean 1.4 findings/patient, range 1-3): 95% incidental, 3 patients (16%) needed more treatment and were temporally excluded from TAVR. 85% of patients had extracardiovascular findings (mean 5.8 findings/patient±3,2range 1-3): 80% incidental ones, 8% need more exams o treatment and 40% of them had temporal exclusion (1 patient died waiting for more exams). Definite exclusion was only due to extracardiovascular cause in 3 patients (2%). it is shown in picture 1 patients with incidental findings. Odds for treatment or exclusion vs no change was 0.03 in cardiac findings, 0.16 for vascular findings and 0,1 for extracardiovascular findings. It was more probable to have an actuation or exclusion if vascular or extracardiovascular incidental finding was prsente (OR: 5.3 for vascular, 33.3 for extracardiovascular)

Conclusions
Findings outside procedural region are very frequent, mainly known but sometimes incidental. Some of them may need treatment or exams and may cause temporal exclusion for TAVR but definite exclusion occurred rarely only with extracardiovascular ones. Male sex may be a factor for not having findings. Radiologists and clinicians should take this into account. cCT performed at second level hospital may avoid unnecessary referrals to TAVR centres.Graphic
Prototype catheter-based device for real time dual-isotope myocardial mapping
Authors: Stendahl J C , Vermillion Ii B , Daghighian F , Sinusas A J 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Molecular signals from radiotracers have potential utility for guiding localized interventions to the myocardium. To address potential technical challenges related to the coordination of these interventions with PET and SPECT imaging, we are developing an integrated catheter-based device for real time myocardial mapping and molecularly-guided intervention (1). In this context, a catheter-based device that performs dual-isotope evaluations may be especially useful.

Purpose
Develop a prototype gamma detection catheter for dual-isotope myocardial assessment.

Methods
Our prototype device (see image) consists of a flexible catheter with a gamma detection tip that contains a miniature plastic scintillator coupled to an Si photodiode. Signals from the catheter are transmitted wirelessly to the remote display unit. We utilized the catheter to measure gamma emission spectra from plastic vials containing variable concentrations of 99mTc (peak 140 keV) and 201Tl (68-80 keV). Peak counts for each radionuclide were normalized and compared to normalized data generated by gamma well counting.

Results
Normalized catheter-based measurements of gamma emissions from 99mTc/ 201Tl solutions correlate linearly with the relative amounts of the radionuclides in solution (solid bars in chart). These dual-isotope catheter-based measurements also show good agreement with corresponding well counting data (cross-hatched bars).

Conclusion
The miniature gamma detector in our prototype catheter device reliably performs dual-isotope measurements in vitro; further evaluation is needed to determine its effectiveness in detecting myocardial gamma emissions and guiding interventions.
Does myocardial perfusion imaging after revascularization have a role in risk stratification of heart rhythm abnormalities?
Authors: Sobral Torres L , Soeiro P , Albergueiro R 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Myocardial Perfusion Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (MPS) is a standard practice for monitoring patients with ischemic heart disease when new symptoms arise. Nonetheless, its application is less common in asymptomatic individuals who have recently undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and the relevance of this procedure in such cases is not well-established. The occurrence of heart rhythm abnormalities post-CABG is frequent and is correlated with an unfavourable long-term prognosis.

Purpose
The objective of this study is to evaluate if MPS in asymptomatic patients after CABG can serve as a predictive indicator for the likelihood of developing heart rhythm abnormalities.

Methods
A single tertiary-care centre retrospective study was conducted, including asymptomatic adult patients who underwent MPS within the first 3 years following CABG between January and May of 2013. Patients with pre-existing heart conditions other than coronary disease or pathology and therapy that potentially affect the heart were excluded. MPS imaging was retrieved and reviewed using the QGS/QPS and SyncToolTM software, covering aspects of perfusion, motility and left ventricular function. Demographic data was retrieved and medical records up to December 2023 were reviewed to assess Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and the occurrence of heart rhythm abnormalities, including conduction disturbances and/or supraventricular arrhythmias. Cox regression analysis was performed using the R software. Univariate and multivariate models to assess the risk of occurrence of heart rhythm abnormalities were performed with 16 variables – summed stress scores (SSS) of the motility and thickening polar maps and left ventricular function parameters.

Results
Forty one patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with mean age 66±9,2 years old; 78% were male. The mean time elapsed between CABG and MPS was 9±8,4 months. The mean stress EF at the time of MPS was 64±9%. Fourteen (34%) of the patients developed rhythm abnormalities, 9 (64%) of which atrial fibrillation, a mean time of 6,75±3,5 years after CABG. Univariate models to assess the risk of arrhythmia occurrence showed no statistical significance. When employing a predictive model incorporating three variables—end-systolic eccentricity (ESE), stress ejection fraction (EF), and the motility map’s SSS of the anterior descending artery (ADA) territory –, all of them exhibited statistical significance. ESE and the SSS of the ADA yielded hazard ratios of 1.15 (p=0.006) and 1.12 (p&lt;0.001), respectively, indicating an association with an elevated risk of developing arrhythmia.

Conclusion
Based on our preliminary data, MPS shows promise in identifying patients at a higher risk of developing heart rhythm disorders after CABG.
Left atrium wall metabolism by PET-CT in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Alves P , Fernandes C R , Silva R , Gomes A , Abrunhosa A , Castelo-Branco M , Goncalves L , Ferreira M J 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) diastolic dysfunction leads to left atrium (LA) enlargement and often to the occurrence of atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to assess myocardial LA wall metabolism with its volume (LAV) and with the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with non-obstructive cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results
Thirty patients were recruited with an age of 54.4±11.3, 60% males and a with a LAV of 46.1±16.5. LA metabolism was assessed by PET-CT performed in a Biograph Vision 600, Siemens and to suppress physiologic 2-[18F]FDG cardiac uptake, a 2 day high-fat/low-carbohydrate diet and a 12 hours overnight fast were prescribed. Metabolism in the LA through maximum 2-[18F]FDG uptake by drawing several regions of interest (ROI) in the left atria and the maximum found value was corrected to vascular activity in the right atria (TBR). A TBR above 1 was seen in 13.3% and AF was present in 23.3% of the patients. The TBR in the LA wall was of 0.84±0.15. LA TBR was correlated with LAV with a coefficient of 0.42(p=0.02). Although patients with atrial fibrillation exhibit higher values of TBR, no statistical significance was found (AF 0.92±0.18 / No AF 0.81±0.14 p=0.07).

Conclusions
Increased metabolism in the LA wall in patients with HCM is related with its volume and could be related with the presence of AF.
Not all aortic segments are created equal: an exploratory analysis from a 18F-NaF PET-CT study
Authors: Grine M , Oliveira-Santos M , Borges-Rosa J , Silva R , Gomes A , Abrunhosa A , Castelo-Branco M , Goncalves L , Ferreira M J 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
18F-NaF-PET-CT (Positron emission tomography­ computed tomography with 18F­sodium fluoride) is able to identify active microcalcification, a marker of plaque instability. Differences in 18F-NaF uptake between the coronary, carotid and aortic territories have been described.

Purpose
We sought to further characterize regional variations in 18F-NaF uptake within the Aorta of a population with high cardiovascular (CV) risk.

Methods
We prospectively scanned individuals at high CV risk but no prior events with 18F-NaF-PET-CT. Aortic wall 18F-NaF uptake was quantified via tissue-to-background ratio (TBR), which was calculated by dividing the maximum standard uptake value in each region of interest by the baseline blood pool activity (measured in the atria).

Results
Thirty patients were included in this analysis. Mean age was 63.7 ± 9.5 years, 70.0% were male, most were diabetic and hypertensive (93.3%). Estimated 10-year CV event risk was 10.5% (6.5-15.5) according to SCORE2/SCORE-OP and 32.2 ± 18.6% according to the ASCVD equation. 18F-NaF uptake was significantly higher in the Abdominal Aorta compared with remaining aortic segments [p&lt;0.001; Abdominal Aorta TBR: 1.84 (1.56-2.21); Descending Thoracic Aorta TBR: 1.63 (1.51-1.84); Aortic Arch TBR: 1.68 ± 0.25; Ascending Aorta TBR: 1.65 (1.43-1.78)]. No other significant regional differences were found. Males had higher Abdominal Aorta TBR (1.95 (1.68-2.62) vs. 1.56 (1.51-1.79), p = 0.014). Higher 18F-NaF uptake was positively correlated with the 10-year event risk estimated by the SCORE2/SCORE-OP and ASCVD systems (R=0.49/p=0.006 and R=0.43/p=0.017, respectively). There was no significant association between other baseline characteristics and Abdominal Aorta TBR.

Conclusions
In our cohort, the abdominal portion of the Aorta had significantly higher 18F-NaF activity than other segments. Abdominal Aorta TBR was more pronounced in males and was positively associated with greater predicted CV risk. Larger studies are required to validate these findings and determine the role of 18F-NaF-PET-CT in CV disease research and management.
Clinical Value and Utility of the 18F-FDG PET/CT in Detecting Prosthetic Infection After the Aortic Valve and Thoracic Aorta Reconstruction
Authors: Gracia Sanchez L , Sanchez Rodriguez I E , Notta P C , Hervas Sanz B , Diaz Lopez J L , Carrero Vazquez V , Martinez Ramos C , Escrihuela Vidal F , Blasco A , Sbraga F , Cortes Romera M 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aim/Introduction
To assess the utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in detecting infection in aortic vascular prostheses. Identify the morphometabolic characteristics that allow discerning between post-surgical inflammatory changes and the infectious process. Correlate PET/CT findings with clinical data.

Materials and Methods
A retrospective descriptive study in patients undergoing reconstruction of the aortic valve and thoracic aortic artery with prosthetic devices who presented clinical suspicion of prosthetic infection and underwent an examination with 18F-FDG PET/CT for diagnostic purposes. Twelve patients were reviewed from March 2016 to October 2023. Demographic data, vascular devices, symptoms, clinical analysis, and the characteristics of the PET/CT study were studied, contrasting with the final diagnosis.

Results
12 patients (8 men) with a mean of 71 years old (53-82) were analyzed. The 2 patients that PET/CT classified as positive were true positives; 3 were classified as doubtful: 1 was positive, and the other 2 were negative. Two of those positive for endocarditis presented heterogeneous uptake; the other showed a focal uptake on the PET image. The positive patients showed a higher semiquantitative uptake index (SUVmax) in the suspicious images and a slight elevation of leukocytes compared to the negative patients. The CT identified abscesses in 2 of the 3 positive patients. The 7 patients that PET/CT classified as negative were true negatives.

Conclusion
18F-FDG PET/CT allowed us to reject all negative patients, avoiding unnecessary surgeries and prolonged courses of antibiotic therapy. It demonstrated excellent performance in the detection and localization of infectious processes. The focal uptake pattern and the abscess were the PET/CT image findings that were most associated with the diagnosis of infection.
[18F]FDG PET/CT as a novel imaging biomarker in the diagnosis of anthracycline cardiotoxicity in hematologic patients
Authors: Kalnina M , Nikolajevs A , Vikentjeva A , Vagalis E 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background/Introduction
Anthracyclines is a highly effective and commonly employed chemotherapy drug for individuals with lymphoma. The primary negative impact of this substance is its ability to myocardial injury due to oxidative stress, caused irreversible damage. In clinical practice, routine cardiovascular examinations are not carried out for patients with hematological malignancy). [18F]FDG PET/CT, the gold standard in lymphoma imaging, may be a valuable technology for the early detection of myocardial damage.

Purpose
To examine the impact of chemotherapy on the cardiac metabolism of lymphoma patients using [18F]FDG PET/CT before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy.

Methods
In 2022 and 2023, 145 patients with lymphoma underwent [18F]FDG-PET/CT for staging, chemotherapy efficacy evaluation and remission conformation at a single center. Patients with no initial uptake in the myocardium were included. Each patient was administered doxorubicin based on their treatment plan. An analysis of the myocardial [18F]FDG uptake in each patient before, during, and after exposure to chemotherapy was conducted. The correlation between the glucose analog uptake in the myocardium and the dose of doxorubicin was determined.

Results
The study included only patients who followed the diet restrictions and recommendation to have no physiologic myocardial uptake. The patterns of [18F]FDG myocardial uptake were as follows: no uptake (100% at staging, 70.3% at interim, 69% at end of treatment), focal uptake (8.3% at interim, 11.7% at end of treatment), diffuse uptake (15.2% at interim, 14.5% at end of treatment), and focal-on-diffuse uptake (6.2% at interim, 4.8% at end of treatment). There were no significant changes in myocardial uptake patterns between interim PET/CT and end-of-treatment PET/CT (McNemar-Bowker test, p= 0.679). Significant disparity in the SUVmax and SUVmean between the staging PET/CT and interim PET/CT (p&lt;0.001), as well as between the staging PET/CT and end-of-treatment PET/CT (p&lt;0.001), was found. The correlation was found between Doxorubicin dose and EOT PET/CT SUVmax and SUVmean values (rs = -0.310, p = 0.024, and rs = -0.312, p = 0.023).

Conclusion(s)
The study demonstrated a noticeable change in the metabolism of [18F]FDG in the heart among lymphoma patients prior to and following anthracycline chemotherapy. The metabolism of the heart muscle changes after two cycles of chemotherapy and continues to be in a similar state after the treatment is finished, suggesting changes occur early and have long-lasting effects. The key determinant is the changing metabolic activity in the myocardium of the individual patient during the treatment and after it and it correlates with the administered dose of anthracyclines, showing that oncologic PET/CT imaging findings in myocardium may serve as a biomarker for cardiotoxicity.