bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
National Incidence, Outcomes, and Management Strategies for Pre- and Post-Transplant Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Karius Alexander K , Zhou Alice L , Ruck Jessica M. , Massie Allan B. , Segev Dorry L. , Spragg David , Kilic Ahmet 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAmong heart transplant candidates, atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common comorbidity; however, little is known about the impact of pre-transplant AF on incidence of post-transplant AF or other transplant outcomes.MethodsAdult heart transplant recipients transplanted from 07/01/2012 to 07/01/2021 with data available in both the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients and Symphony Health pharmacy databases were included. Recipients were categorized by presence of pre-transplant AF using prescription fill data. Perioperative outcomes and survival out to 5 years post-transplant were compared between those with and without pre-transplant AF.ResultsOf the 11,789 heart transplant recipients, 2,477 (21.0%) had pre-transplant AF. Pre-transplant AF was associated with an increased likelihood of pre-discharge stroke (aOR 2.13 [95%CI: 1.07-4.26], p=0.03) and dialysis (aOR 1.45 [1.05-2.00], p=0.02), as well as of post-transplant AF at 6 months (aOR 2.42 [1.44-1.48], p=0.001) and 1 year (aOR 2.81 [1.72-4.56], p<0.001). Pre-transplant AF was associated with increased post-transplant mortality at 30 days (aHR 2.39 [1.29-4.44], p=0.006) and 1 year (aHR 1.46 [95% CI: 1.01-2.13], p=0.04), but similar mortality at 5 years (aHR 1.23 [0.96-1.58], p=0.11).ConclusionHeart transplant recipients with pre-transplant AF had worse short-term outcomes and increased risk of developing post-transplant AF but comparable survival at 5 years post-transplant. Our findings emphasize the importance of increased monitoring for perioperative complications and highlight the long-term safety of heart transplantation in this population.What Is New?Patients with atrial fibrillation who undergo heart transplantation have worse short term survival (30-days and 1-year) but similar long term survival (5-years) compared to recipients without pre-transplant atrial fibrillation.Pre-transplant atrial fibrillation increases the risk of clinically significant post-transplant atrial fibrillation and peri-operative stroke.Rate vs rhythm control pharmacotherapy for atrial fibrillation is not associated with differences in survival in heart transplant recipients with pre-transplant atrial fibrillationWhat are the Clinical Implications?Atrial fibrillation should not deter heart transplantation in appropriate candidates, though cardiovascular and stroke risk adjustment may be warranted.Use of amiodarone at doses ≤ 200 mg/day is not associated with reduced survival in heart transplant recipients with pre-transplant atrial fibrillation.
Sensorimotor faculties bias perceptual decision-making
Authors: Kubanek Jan , Snyder Lawrence H , Abrams Richard A 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDecision-making is a deliberate process that seemingly evolves under our own volition. Yet, research on embodied cognition has demonstrated that higher-order cognitive processes may be influenced, in unexpected ways, by properties of motor and sensory systems. Here we tested whether and how simple decisions are influenced by handedness and by asymmetries in the auditory system. Right- and left-handed participants performed an auditory decision task. In the task, subjects decided whether they heard more click sounds in the right ear or in the left ear, and pressed a key with either their right or left index finger, according to an instructed stimulus-key assignment (congruent or reversed). On some trials, there was no stimulus and subjects could choose either of the responses freely. When subjects chose freely, their choices were substantially governed by their handedness: Left-handed subjects were significantly biased to make the leftward choice, whereas right-handed subjects showed a substantial rightward bias. When the choice was governed by the sensory stimulus, subjects showed a rightward choice bias under the congruent key assignment, but this effect reversed to a leftward choice bias under the reversed key assignment. This result indicates a bias towards deciding that there were more clicks presented to the right ear. Together, our findings demonstrate that human choices can be considerably influenced by properties of motor and sensory systems.
The main duct of von Ebner’s glands is a source of Sox10+taste bud progenitors and susceptible to pathogen infections
Authors: Yu Wenxin , Kastriti Maria Eleni , Ishan Mohamed , Choudhary Saurav Kumar , Kramer Naomi , Rashid Md Mamunur , Truong Do Hy Gia , Wang Zhonghou , Xu Ting , Schwabe Robert F , Ye Kaixiong , Adameyko Igor , Liu Hong-Xiang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe have recently demonstrated thatSox10-expressing (Sox10+) cells give rise to mainly type-III neuronal taste bud cells that are responsible for sour and salt taste. The two tissue compartments containingSox10+cells in the surrounding of taste buds include the connective tissue core of taste papillae and von Ebner’s glands (vEGs) that are connected to the trench of circumvallate and foliate papillae. In this study, we used inducible Cre mouse models to map the cell lineages of connective tissue (including stromal and Schwann cells) and vEGs and performed single cell RNA-sequencing of the epithelium ofSox10-Cre/tdTmouse circumvallate/vEG complex.In vivolineage mapping showed that the distribution of traced cells in circumvallate taste buds was closely linked with that in the vEGs, but not in the connective tissue.Sox10, but not the known stem cells markerLgr5, expression was enriched in the cell clusters of main ducts of vEGs that contained abundant proliferating cells, whileSox10-Cre/tdTexpression was enriched in type-III taste bud cells and excretory ductal cells. Moreover, multiple genes encoding pathogen receptors are enriched in the vEG main ducts. Our data indicate that the main duct of vEGs is a source ofSox10+taste bud progenitors and susceptible to pathogen infections.
eIF2α phosphorylation evokes dystonia-like movements with D2-receptor and cholinergic origin and abnormal neuronal connectivity
Authors: Lewis Sara A. , Forstrom Jacob , Tavani Jennifer , Schafer Robert , Tiede Zach , Padilla-Lopez Sergio R. , Kruer Michael C. 
Published: May 2024

SummaryDystonia is the 3rdmost common movement disorder. Dystonia is acquired through either injury or genetic mutations, with poorly understood molecular and cellular mechanisms. Eukaryotic initiation factor alpha (eIF2α) controls cell state including neuronal plasticity via protein translation control and expression of ATF4. Dysregulated eIF2α phosphorylation (eIF2α-P) occurs in dystonia patients and models including DYT1, but the consequences are unknown. We increased/decreased eIF2α-P and tested motor control and neuronal properties in a Drosophila model. Bidirectionally altering eIF2α-P produced dystonia-like abnormal posturing and dyskinetic movements in flies. These movements were also observed with expression of theDYT1risk allele. We identified cholinergic and D2-receptor neuroanatomical origins of these dyskinetic movements caused by genetic manipulations to dystonia molecular candidates eIF2α-P, ATF4, or DYT1, with evidence for decreased cholinergic release.In vivo, increased and decreased eIF2α-P increase synaptic connectivity at the NMJ with increased terminal size and bouton synaptic release sites. Long-term treatment of elevated eIF2α-P with ISRIB restored adult longevity, but not performance in a motor assay. Disrupted eIF2α-P signaling may alter neuronal connectivity, change synaptic release, and drive motor circuit changes in dystonia.
Leeches Predate on Fast-Escaping and Entangling Blackworms by Spiral Entombment
Authors: Tuazon Harry , David Samuel , Ma Kenneth , Bhamla M. Saad 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe investigate how theHelobdellaspp. freshwater leeches capture and consumeLumbriculus variegatusblackworms despite the blackworm’s ultrafast helical swimming escape reflex and ability to form large tangled ‘blobs’. We describe our discovery of a unique spiral ‘entombment’ strategy used by these leeches to overcome the blackworms’ active and collective defenses. Unlike their approach to less reactive and solitary prey like mollusks, where leeches simply attach and suck,Helobdellaleeches employ this spiral entombment strategy specifically adapted for blackworms. Our findings highlight the complex interactions between predator and prey in freshwater ecosystems, providing insights into ecological adaptability and predator-prey dynamics.
POSTERIOR-SUPERIOR INSULA REPETITIVE TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION REDUCES EXPERIMENTAL TONIC PAIN AND PAIN-RELATED CORTICAL INHIBITION IN HUMANS
Authors: Chowdhury Nahian S , Millard Samantha K , de Martino Enrico , Larsen Dennis Boye , Seminowicz David A , Schabrun Siobhan M , Andrade Daniel Ciampi de , Graven-Nielsen Thomas 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTHigh frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the posterosuperior insula (PSI) may produce analgesic effects. However, the neuroplastic changes behind PSI-rTMS analgesia remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to determine whether tonic capsaicin-induced pain and cortical inhibition (indexed using TMS-electroencephalography) are modulated by PSI-rTMS. Twenty healthy volunteers (10 females) attended two sessions randomized to active or sham rTMS. Experimental pain was induced by capsaicin administered to the forearm for 90 minutes, with pain ratings collected every 5 minutes. Left PSI-rTMS was delivered (10Hz, 100 pulses per train, 15 trains) ∼50 minutes post-capsaicin administration. TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and thermal sensitivity were assessed at baseline, during capsaicin pain prior to rTMS and after rTMS. Bayesian evidence of reduced pain scores and increased heat pain thresholds were found following active rTMS, with no changes occurring after sham rTMS. Pain (prior to active rTMS) led to an increase in the frontal negative peak ∼45 ms (N45) TEP relative to baseline. Following active rTMS, there was a decrease in the N45 peak back to baseline levels. In contrast, following sham rTMS, the N45 peak was increased relative to baseline. We also found that the reduction in pain NRS scores following active vs. sham rTMS was partially mediated by decreases in the N45 peak. These findings provide evidence of the analgesic effects of PSI-rTMS and suggest that the TEP N45 peak is a potential marker and mediator of both pain and analgesia.
A novel missense variant in the ATPase domain of ATP8A2 and review of phenotypic variability ofATP8A2-related disorders caused by missense changes
Authors: Flannery Kyle P. , Safwat Sylvia , Matsell Eli , Battula Namarata , Hamed Ahlam A. A. , Mohamed Inaam N. , Elseed Maha A. , Koko Mahmoud , Abubaker Rayan , Abozar Fatima , Elsayed Liena E. O. , Bhise Vikram , Molday Robert S. , Salih Mustafa A. , Yahia Ashraf , Manzini M. Chiara 
Published: May 2024

AbstractATPase, class 1, type 8A, member 2 (ATP8A2) is a P4-ATPase with a critical role in phospholipid translocation across the plasma membrane. Pathogenic variants inATP8A2are known to cause cerebellar ataxia, mental retardation, and disequilibrium syndrome 4 (CAMRQ4) which is often associated with encephalopathy, global developmental delay, and severe motor deficits. Here, we present a family with two siblings presenting with global developmental delay, intellectual disability, spasticity, ataxia, nystagmus, and thin corpus callosum. Whole exome sequencing revealed a homozygous missense variant in the nucleotide binding domain of ATP8A2 (p.Leu538Pro) that results in near complete loss of protein expression. This is in line with other missense variants in the same domain leading to protein misfolding and loss of ATPase function. In addition, by performing diffusion-weighted imaging, we identified bilateral hyperintensities in the posterior limbs of the internal capsule suggesting possible microstructural changes in axon tracts that had not been appreciated before and could contribute to the sensorimotor deficits in these individuals.
Identifying barriers to genetic testing in subspecialty cardiac care
Authors: Pond Sierra , Echols Genevie , Tristani-Firouzi Martin M , Etheridge Susan P , Anderson Hannah S , Sawyer Briana L 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe utility of genetic testing in cardiovascular medicine is well-established in expert consensus statements for optimizing patient care. However, significant genetic testing care gaps persist for patients with inherited cardiovascular conditions.ObjectiveThis study aimed to understand why genetic testing care gaps in cardiovascular medicine exist by evaluating cardiovascular providers’ opinions and use of genetic testing.MethodsWe developed and administered an anonymous survey to cardiovascular providers delivering direct patient care in the United States. Participants were contacted in collaboration with the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation.ResultsA total of 111 individuals completed the survey representing the following specialties: electrophysiology (55%, n=61), general cardiology (10.8%, n=12), imaging (7.2%, n=8), heart failure/transplant (6.3%, n=7), interventional cardiology (6.3%, n=7), fetal cardiology (5.4%, n=6), and other (9%, n=10). Eighty-six percent of respondents (n=97) stated genetic testing is ‘very relevant’ in the care of their patients. Eighty percent of electrophysiologists reported ordering genetic testing a few times a month or more. Navigating insurance authorization and billing procedures was an identified area of discomfort by 47.7% of respondents (n=53). Overall, cardiovascular provider specialty was shown to impact how often genetic testing is ordered. Provider work setting was shown to impact opinion of the utility of genetic testing for family screening, opinion of the utility of genetic testing for medication and device management, and how often genetic testing is ordered.ConclusionsThe results of this study support targeted provider education to increase the uptake of genetic testing for patients with inherited cardiovascular conditions.
Correlating hippocampal and amygdala volumes with neuropathological burden in neurodegenerative diseases using 7T postmortem MRI
Authors: Liou Jr-Jiun , Li Jinghang , Berardinelli Jacob , Jin Hecheng , Santini Tales , Noh Jaehoon , Farhat Nadim , Wu Minjie , Aizenstein Howard , Mettenburg Joseph M , Yong William , Head Elizabeth , Ikonomovic Milos , Ibrahim Tamer , Kofler Julia ,   the Alzheimer’s Biomarker Consortium on Down syndrome study
Published: May 2024

AbstractNumerous research groups worldwide have focused on postmortem imaging to bridge the resolution gap between clinical neuroimaging and neuropathology data. We developed a standardized protocol for brain embedding, imaging, and processing, facilitating alignment between antemortem MRI, postmortem MRI, and pathology to observe brain atrophy and structural damage progression over time. Using 7T postmortem ex vivo MRI, we explore the potential correlation of amygdala and hippocampal atrophy with neuropathological burden in both Down syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cohorts. Using 7T postmortem ex vivo MRI scans from 66 cases (12 DS and 54 AD) alongside a subset of antemortem scans (n=17), we correlated manually segmented hippocampal and amygdala volumes, adjusted for age, sex, and ApoE4 status, with pathological indicators such as Thal phase, Braak stage, limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) stage, hippocampal sclerosis (HS), and Lewy body (LB) stage. A significant correlation was observed between postmortem and antemortem volumes for the hippocampus, but a similar trend observed for the amygdala did not reach statistical significance. DS individuals exhibited notably smaller hippocampal and amygdala volumes compared to AD subjects. In DS, lower hippocampal and amygdala volumes correlated with more severe Braak stage, without significant associations with Thal phase. LATE and HS pathologies were uncommon in DS cases but trended toward smaller hippocampal volumes. In AD, lower hippocampal volume associated with dementia duration, advanced Thal phase, Braak stage, LATE stage, and HS presence, whereas reduced amygdala volume correlated mainly with severe LATE stage and HS, but not with Thal or Braak stages. No significant LB correlation was detected in either DS or AD cohorts. Hippocampal volume in AD appears influenced by both AD and LATE pathologies, while amygdala volume seems primarily influenced by LATE. In DS, smaller hippocampal volume, relative to AD, appears primarily influenced by tau pathology.
Compartmental Model for Epidemics with Contact Tracing and Isolation under Arbitrary Degree Distribution
Authors: Ocheretner Elan , Leshem Amir 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe recent COVID-19 epidemic demonstrated the need and importance of epidemic models as a tool for policy-making during times of uncertainty, allowing the decision-makers to test different intervention techniques and scenarios. Furthermore, tools such as large-scale contact tracing became technologically feasible for the first time. While large-scale agent-based simulations are nowadays part of the toolboxes, good analytical models allow for much faster testing of scenarios. Unfortunately, good models that consider contact tracing and quarantine, and allow for different degree distributions do not exist. To overcome these shortcomings of existing models we propose a new simple compartmental model that integrates quarantine and contact tracing into the SIR compartmental models with arbitrary degree distribution of nodes to better understand the dynamics of the disease under various parameters of intervention and contagion. Consequently, we analytically derive the epidemic threshold as a function of the degree distribution and the model parameters when both quarantine and contact tracing are used. Simulation results demonstrate and quantify the benefits of quarantine and contact tracing and show the effectiveness of such measures over a large range of epidemic parameters.
Clinical Course and Factors Associated With Hospital Admission and Mortality among Sars-Cov 2 Patients within Nairobi Metropolitan Area
Authors: Njuguna Augustine Gatimu , Wangombe Ann Wanjiru , Walekhwa Michael N. , Kamondo Davis Kiruki 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aims to investigate the clinical course and factors associated with hospital admission and mortality among SARS-CoV-2 patients within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. The study utilizes a multicenter retrospective cohort design, collecting clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters of hospitalized patients from March 2020 to May 2022. Data analysis includes percentages, frequencies, chi-square tests, Kaplan-Meier analysis, pairwise comparisons, and multivariate regression models. Ethical considerations are observed throughout the research process.The study findings highlight significant associations between comorbidities, such as hypertension, and increased mortality risk due to COVID-19. Symptoms including fever, cough, dyspnea, chest pain, sore throat, and loss of smell/taste are also identified as predictors of mortality. Abnormal laboratory parameters, such as oxygen saturation, procalcitonin, glucose levels, serum creatinine, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, are associated with mortality. However, demographic factors and certain vital signs do not exhibit significant associations.Recommendations based on this study suggest increased monitoring and management of comorbidities, early identification and management of symptoms, regular monitoring of laboratory parameters, continued research and collaboration, and implementation of preventive measures. Overall, a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and the public is crucial to improve COVID-19 outcomes and reduce mortality rates. Adaptation of strategies based on emerging evidence and resource allocation is essential for effective management of the pandemic.
A protocol to assess risk of fractures associated with use of menopausal hormone therapy: nested case-control study using CPRD
Authors: Vinogradova Yana , Iyen Barbara , Masud Tahir , Taylor Lauren , Kai Joe 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMenopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is prescribed to women with severe symptoms of menopause. Various studies have demonstrated increased bone density and decreased fracture risk in women using MHT. The randomised controlled trials were, however, run over only relatively short time periods, and there is no reliable or consistent evidence about fracture risk after MHT discontinuation. The proposed nested case-control study aims to fill this gap. We will use CPRD (GOLD and AURUM) and HES data. Every woman 40 years or over with a diagnosis of first fracture between 1998 and 2022 (a case) will be matched by age and general practice to up to 5 female controls with no previous records of fracture at the time of the case diagnosis (index date). MHT exposure will be assessed using prescriptions for the different types of MHT treatment historically available from the NHS. Conditional logistic regression will estimate fracture risk associated with duration of use and gap after discontinuation of MHT. The findings will be adjusted for smoking status, body mass index, family history of dementia, medical conditions and events, other medications and contraceptive drugs. A number of sensitivity analyses will be run to address the limitations of the study.
Prevalence and work-related risk factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders among miners at Kalumbila Mine, Kalumbila District Zambia
Authors: Kunda Chibuye , Lupenga Joseph , Meki Chisala D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundMining is a hazardous occupation with high injury rates and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, few studies have reported on the prevalence and risk factors of work related musculoskeletal disorders among mineworkers in Zambia. Therefore, the study sought to examine risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among mineworkers at Kalumbila mine in Zambia.MethodA cross-sectional study was undertaken and data were collected using a selfadministered Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. A total of 357 participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method from among the male and female mine workers at the Kalumbila mine. Stata 17 was used to analyse the data and the descriptive analysis was used to determine the prevalence and types of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders were identified using simple and multiple logistic regression. The level of significance was set at 0.05 and confidence level at 95%.ResultsThe study revealed 274/356 (77%) of the participants reporting pain or discomfort in at least one body location. The highest level of discomfort or pain was reported in the lower back 184 (51.5%), upper back 90 (25.2%) and neck 89 (24.9%), whereas the lowest level of discomfort was reported in the left thigh 10 (2.8%), left forearm 11 (3.1%) and left foot 13 (3.6%). In the multivariable analysis, secondary education (AOR 2.03 CI 95%: 1.02 - 4.05, p=0.044), not taking any breaks while working (AOR 0.10 CI 95%: 0.01 - 0.86, p=0.036), and operating machinery causing whole-body vibration (AOR 3.0 CI 95%: 1.52-5.95, p=0.002) were associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders.ConclusionSelf-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders were common among miners, underscoring the need to invest in worker safety through ergonomic programs and workers’ training on safety measures.