bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncovering DNA methylation landscapes to decipher evolutionary footprints of phenotypic diversity in chickpea
Authors: Daware Anurag , Mohanty Jitendra K , Narnoliya Laxmi , Singh Akansha , Rathore Deepanshi , Thakro Virevol , Francis Aleena , Singh Nagendra Pratap , Francis Philip , Tripathi Shailesh , Chattopadhyay Debasis , Parida Swarup K 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Genetic diversity and environmental factors are long believed to be the dominant contributors to phenotypic diversity in crop plants. However, it has been recently established that, besides genetic variation, epigenetic variation, especially variation in DNA methylation, plays a significant role in determining phenotypic diversity in crop plants. Therefore, assessing DNA methylation diversity in crop plants becomes vital, especially in the case of crops like chickpea, which has a narrow genetic base. Thus, in the present study, we employed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing to assess DNA methylation diversity in wild and cultivated (desi and kabuli) chickpea. This revealed extensive DNA methylation diversity in both wild and cultivated chickpea. Interestingly, the methylation diversity was found to be significantly higher than genetic diversity, suggesting its potential role in providing vital phenotypic diversity for the evolution and domestication of the Cicer gene pool. The phylogeny based on DNA methylation variation also indicates a potential complementary role of DNA methylation variation in addition to DNA sequence variation in shaping chickpea evolution. Besides, the study also identified diverse epi-alleles of many previously known genes of agronomic importance. The Cicer MethVarMap database developed in this study enables researchers to readily visualize methylation variation within the genes and genomic regions of their interest (http://223.31.159.7/cicer/public/). Therefore, epigenetic variation like DNA methylation variation can potentially explain the paradox of high phenotypic diversity despite the narrow genetic base in chickpea and can potentially be employed for crop improvement.
Diltiazem reduces levels of NT-proBNP and improves symptoms compared with metoprolol in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Enge Katrine , Tveit Arnljot , Enger Steve , Onarheim Sophia , Pripp Are Hugo , Rønningen Peter Selmer , Solberg Magnar Gangås , Byrkjeland Rune , Andresen Kristoffer , Halsen Anders , Aulie Hanne Aaserud , Steinsvik Trude , Hall Christian , Ulimoen Sara Reinvik 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aims
Short-term treatment with calcium channel blockers lowers levels of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and reduces rhythm-related symptoms compared to treatment with beta-blockers. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of metoprolol and diltiazem for rate control in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) after 6 months.

Methods and results
Men and women with permanent AF and preserved left ventricular systolic function were randomized to receive either diltiazem 360 mg or metoprolol 100 mg once daily. The primary endpoint was the level of NT-proBNP after a 6-month treatment period. Secondary endpoints included heart rate, rhythm-related symptoms and exercise capacity. A total of 93 patients (mean age 71 ± 7 years, 28 women) were randomized. After 6-months’ treatment, mean levels of NT-proBNP decreased in the diltiazem group and increased in the metoprolol group, with a significant between-group difference (409.8 pg/mL, 95% CI: 230.6–589.1, P &lt; 0.001). Treatment with diltiazem significantly reduced rhythm-related symptoms compared to baseline, but no change was observed in the metoprolol group. Diltiazem and metoprolol had similar effects on heart rate and exercise capacity.

Conclusion
Diltiazem reduced NT-proBNP levels and improved rhythm-related symptoms. Metoprolol increased peptide levels but had no impact on symptoms despite similar heart rate reduction. Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers should be considered more often for rate control in permanent AF.
Early goal-directed management after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: lessons from a certified cardiac arrest centre
Authors: Markus Birgit , Patsalis Nikolaos , Müller Charlotte , Chatzis Georgios , Möller Leona , Rupa Rosita , Viniol Simon , Betz Susanne , Schieffer Bernhard , Kreutz Julian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite continuous advances in post-resuscitation management, the outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is limited. To improve the outcome, interdisciplinary cardiac arrest centres (CACs) have been established in recent years, but survival remains low, and treatment strategies vary considerably in clinical and geographical aspects. Here we analysed a strategy of in-hospital post-resuscitation management while evaluating the outcome.

Methods
A broad spectrum of pre- and in-hospital parameters of 545 resuscitated patients admitted to the Cardiac Arrest Center of the University Hospital of Marburg between January 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively analysed. Inclusion criteria were ≥18 years, resuscitation by emergency medical services, and non-traumatic cause of OHCA.

Results
In the overall patient cohort, the survival rate to hospital discharge was 39.8% (n = 217/545), which is 50.7% higher than in the EuReCa-TWO registry. A total of 77.2% of the survivors had CPC status 1 or 2 (favourable neurological outcome) before and after therapy. A standardized ‘therapy bundle’ for in-hospital post-resuscitation management was applied to 445 patients who survived the initial treatment in the emergency department. In addition to basic care (standardized antimicrobial therapy, adequate anticoagulation, targeted sedation, early enteral, and parenteral nutrition), it includes early whole-body CT (n = 391; 87.9%), invasive coronary diagnostics (n = 322; 72.4%), targeted temperature management (n = 293; 65.8%), and if indicated, mechanical circulatory support (n = 145; 32.6%), and appropriate neurological diagnostics.

Conclusions
Early goal-directed post-resuscitation management in a well-established and highly frequented CAC leads to significantly higher survival rates. However, our results underline the need for a broader standardization in post-resuscitation management to ultimately improve the outcome.
Competing risks of monomorphic vs. non-monomorphic ventricular arrhythmias in primary prevention implantable cardioverter–defibrillator recipients: Global Electrical Heterogeneity and Clinical Outcomes (GEHCO) study
Authors: Tereshchenko Larisa G , Waks Jonathan W , Tompkins Christine , Rogers Albert J , Ehdaie Ashkan , Henrikson Charles A , Dalouk Khidir , Raitt Merritt , Kewalramani Shivangi , Kattan Michael W , Santangeli Pasquale , Wilkoff Bruce W , Kapadia Samir R , Narayan Sanjiv M , Chugh Sumeet S 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aims
Ablation of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (MMVT) has been shown to reduce shock frequency and improve survival. We aimed to compare cause-specific risk factors for MMVT and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF) and to develop predictive models.

Methods and results
The multicentre retrospective cohort study included 2668 patients (age 63.1 ± 13.0 years; 23% female; 78% white; 43% non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy; left ventricular ejection fraction 28.2 ± 11.1%). Cox models were adjusted for demographic characteristics, heart failure severity and treatment, device programming, and electrocardiogram metrics. Global electrical heterogeneity was measured by spatial QRS-T angle (QRSTa), spatial ventricular gradient elevation (SVGel), azimuth, magnitude (SVGmag), and sum absolute QRST integral (SAIQRST). We compared the out-of-sample performance of the lasso and elastic net for Cox proportional hazards and the Fine–Gray competing risk model. During a median follow-up of 4 years, 359 patients experienced their first sustained MMVT with appropriate implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) therapy, and 129 patients had their first PVT/VF with appropriate ICD shock. The risk of MMVT was associated with wider QRSTa [hazard ratio (HR) 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.34], larger SVGel (HR 1.17; 95% CI 1.05–1.30), and smaller SVGmag (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.63–0.86) and SAIQRST (HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71–0.99). The best-performing 3-year competing risk Fine–Gray model for MMVT [time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC(t)AUC) 0.728; 95% CI 0.668–0.788] identified high-risk (&gt; 50%) patients with 75% sensitivity and 65% specificity, and PVT/VF prediction model had ROC(t)AUC 0.915 (95% CI 0.868–0.962), both satisfactory calibration.

Conclusion
We developed and validated models to predict the competing risks of MMVT or PVT/VF that could inform procedural planning and future randomized controlled trials of prophylactic ventricular tachycardia ablation.

Clinical Trial Registration
URL:www.clinicaltrials.gov Unique identifier:NCT03210883.
Starvation hepatitis and refeeding-induced hepatitis: mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Biolato Marco , Terranova Rosy , Policola Caterina , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Gasbarrini Antonio , Grieco Antonio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among young adults and is associated with a substantial risk of death from suicide and medical complications. Transaminase elevations are common in patients with AN at the time of hospital admission and have been associated with longer lengths of hospital stay. Multiple types of hepatitis may occur in these patients, including two types that occur only in patients with AN: starvation hepatitis and refeeding-induced hepatitis. Starvation hepatitis is characterized by severe transaminase elevation in patients in the advanced phase of protein-energy deprivation and is associated with complications of severe starvation, such as hypoglycaemia, hypothermia, and hypotension. Refeeding-induced hepatitis is characterized by a milder increase in transaminases that occurs in the early refeeding phase and is associated with hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesaemia. Among the most common forms of hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury is particularly relevant in this patient cohort, given the frequent use and abuse of methamphetamines, laxatives, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. In this review, we provided an overview of the different forms of anorexic-associated hepatitis, a diagnostic approach that can help the clinician to correctly frame the problem, and indications on their management and treatment.
The estimation of b-value of the frequency–magnitude distribution and of its 1σ intervals from binned magnitude data
Authors: Tinti S , Gasperini P 
Published: May 2024

SUMMARY
The estimation of the slope (b-value) of the frequency–magnitude distribution of earthquakes is based on a formula derived by Aki decades ago, assuming a continuous exponential distribution. However, as the magnitude is usually provided with a limited resolution, its distribution is not continuous but discrete. In the literature, this problem was initially solved by an empirical correction (due to Utsu) to the minimum magnitude, and later by providing an exact formula such as that by Tinti and Mulargia, based on the geometric distribution theory. A recent paper by van der Elst showed that the b-value can be estimated also by considering the magnitude differences (which are proven to follow an exponential discrete Laplace distribution) and that in this case the estimator is more resilient to the incompleteness of the magnitude data set. In this work, we provide the complete theoretical formulation including (i) the derivation of the means and standard deviations of the discrete exponential and Laplace distributions; (ii) the estimators of the decay parameter of the discrete exponential and trimmed Laplace distributions and (iii) the corresponding formulas for the parameter b. We deduce (iv) the standard 1σ intervals for the estimated b. Moreover, we are able (v) to quantify the error associated with the Utsu minimum-magnitude correction. Furthermore, we have discussed the formulas to produce statistically independent magnitude differences. We tested extensively the b-value estimators on simulated synthetic data sets including complete catalogues as well as catalogues affected by a strong incompleteness degree such as aftershock sequences where the incompleteness is made to vary from one event to the next. We have also analysed the real aftershock sequence of the 30/10/2016 Norcia (central Italy) to integrate the finding of the simulations. To judge the performance of the various estimators we have introduced an index p that can be seen as a non-parametric extension of the Student's t index. The main outcomes of this paper are that (1) the b-value estimators devised for continuous magnitude data are not adequate for binned magnitudes, (2) for complete data sets, estimators based on magnitudes and on magnitude differences provide substantially equivalent results, (3) for incomplete magnitude data sets, estimators based on magnitude differences provide better results and (4) for incomplete aftershock sequences there is no evidence that methods based on positive magnitude differences are superior than other methods using differences. This conclusion is further confirmed by our analysis of the above-mentioned Norcia seismic sequence. This last finding contrasts with the van der Elst's claim that the so called ${{b}_ + }$ method is the most adequate to treat real aftershock sequences.
A quantum computing concept for 1-D elastic wave simulation with exponential speedup
Authors: Schade Malte , Bösch Cyrill , Hapla Václav , Fichtner Andreas 
Published: May 2024

SUMMARY
Quantum computing has attracted considerable attention in recent years because it promises speedups that conventional supercomputers cannot offer, at least for some applications. Though existing quantum computers (QCs) are, in most cases, still too small to solve significant problems, their future impact on domain sciences is already being explored now. Within this context, we present a quantum computing concept for 1-D elastic wave propagation in heterogeneous media with two components: a theoretical formulation and an implementation on a real QC. The method rests on a finite-difference approximation, followed by a sparsity-preserving transformation of the discrete elastic wave equation to a Schrödinger equation, which can be simulated directly on a gate-based QC. An implementation on an error-free quantum simulator verifies our approach and forms the basis of numerical experiments with small problems on the real QC IBM Brisbane. The latter produce simulation results that qualitatively agree with the error-free version but are contaminated by quantum decoherence and noise effects. Complementing the discrete transformation to the Schrödinger equation by a continuous version allows the replacement of finite differences by other spatial discretization schemes, such as the spectral-element method. Anticipating the emergence of error-corrected quantum chips, we analyse the computational complexity of the best quantum simulation algorithms for future QCs. This analysis suggests that our quantum computing approach may lead to wavefield simulations that run exponentially faster than simulations on classical computers.
Microbe-cellulose hydrogels as a model system for particulate carbon degradation in soil aggregates
Authors: Candry Pieter , Godfrey Bruce J , Winkler Mari Karoliina-Henriikka 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Particulate carbon (C) degradation in soils is a critical process in the global C cycle governing greenhouse gas fluxes and C storage. Millimeter-scale soil aggregates impose strong controls on particulate C degradation by inducing chemical gradients of e.g. oxygen, as well as limiting microbial mobility in pore structures. To date, experimental models of soil aggregates have incorporated porosity and chemical gradients but not particulate C. Here, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept encapsulating microbial cells and particulate C substrates in hydrogel matrices as a novel experimental model for soil aggregates. Ruminiclostridium cellulolyticum was co-encapsulated with cellulose in millimeter-scale polyethyleneglycol-dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) hydrogel beads. Microbial activity was delayed in hydrogel-encapsulated conditions, with cellulose degradation and fermentation activity being observed after 13 days of incubation. Unexpectedly, hydrogel encapsulation shifted product formation of R. cellulolyticum from an ethanol-lactate-acetate mixture to an acetate-dominated product profile. Fluorescence microscopy enabled simultaneous visualization of the PEGDMA matrix, cellulose particles, and individual cells in the matrix, demonstrating growth on cellulose particles during incubation. Together, these microbe-cellulose-PEGDMA hydrogels present a novel, reproducible experimental soil surrogate to connect single cells to process outcomes at the scale of soil aggregates and ecosystems.
Speaking of Godot: Fiction, Reference, and Indeterminate Identities
Authors: Alward Peter 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
Everett (2005) has argued that fictional realism runs into insuperable difficulties when faced with fictional stories in which there are indeterminate identities. By appeal to a principle linking the individuation of characters within stories and without, Everett argues that such stories entail that there are indeterminate identities outside of fiction on the fictional realist picture. And although indeterminate identities are perfectly acceptable within fiction, they are intolerable in the (nonfictional) world itself. In this paper, I develop the “extended-game” model of fiction according to which fictional characters are props—and, hence, potential objects of reference—in authorized games of make-believe for fictional works in which they appear but do not originate but are neither props nor potential objects of reference in authorized games for works in which they do originate. And I argue that this entails that Everett’s linking principle, on which his argument depends, simply fails to apply.
Screening the Implant-Augmented Breast with Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: Is Tomosynthesis Necessary for Non-implant-Displaced Views?
Authors: Nguyen Derek L , Grimm Lars J , Nelson Jeffrey S , Johnson Karen S , Ghate Sujata V 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
To determine cancer visualization utility and radiation dose for non-implant-displaced (ID) views using standard protocol with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) vs alternative protocol with 2D only when screening women with implant augmentation.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study identified women with implants who underwent screening DBT examinations that had abnormal findings from July 28, 2014, to December 31, 2021. Three fellowship-trained breast radiologists independently reviewed examinations retrospectively to determine if the initially identified abnormalities could be visualized on standard protocol (DBT with synthesized 2D (S2D) for ID and non-ID views) and alternate protocol (DBT with S2D for ID and only the S2D images for non-ID views). Estimated exam average glandular dose (AGD) and associations between cancer visualization with patient and implant characteristics for both protocols were evaluated.

Results
The study included 195 patients (mean age 55 years ± 10) with 223 abnormal findings. Subsequent biopsy was performed for 86 abnormalities: 59 (69%) benign, 8 (9%) high risk, and 19 (22%) malignant. There was no significant difference in malignancy visualization rate between standard (19/223, 8.5%) and alternate (18/223, 8.1%) protocols (P = .92), but inclusion of the DBT for non-ID views found one additional malignancy. Total examination AGD using standard protocol (21.9 mGy ± 5.0) was significantly higher than it would be for estimated alternate protocol (12.6 mGy ± 5.0, P &lt;.001). This remained true when stratified by breast thickness: 6.0-7.9 cm, 8.0-9.9 cm, &gt;10.0 cm (all P &lt;.001).

Conclusion
The inclusion of DBT for non-ID views did not significantly increase the cancer visualization rate but did significantly increase overall examination AGD.
Fracture risk and bone health in adrenal adenomas with mild autonomous cortisol secretion/subclinical hypercortisolism: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Pal Rimesh , Banerjee Mainak , Prasad Trupti N , Walia Rama , Bhadada Tushar , Singh Jasbir , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Adrenal adenomas/incidentalomas with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS)/subclinical hypercortisolism (SH) are often associated with metabolic syndrome, glucocorticoid–induced osteoporosis, and fractures. In this background, the present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to collate the available evidence and provide a summary of the effect of MACS/SH on bone health in terms of fractures, osteoporosis/osteopenia, microarchitecture, and bone turnover. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for observational studies reporting prevalence of fractures, osteoporosis/osteopenia or data on bone microarchitecture/bone turnover markers (BTMs). Following literature search, 16 observational studies were included. Pooled prevalence of any fractures (vertebral and non–vertebral), vertebral fractures, and osteoporosis/osteopenia in MACS/SH were 43% [95% confidence intervals (CI): 23%, 62%], 45% (95% CI: 22%, 68%) and 50% (95% CI: 33%, 66%), respectively. On meta-regression, age, sex, 24-hour urinary free cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate did not predict fracture risk. The likelihood of any fractures [odds ratio (OR) 1.61; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.20; P = 0.0026], vertebral fractures (OR 2.10; 95% CI: 1.28, 3.45; P = 0.0035), and osteoporosis/osteopenia (OR 1.46; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.85; P = 0.0018) was significantly higher in adrenal adenomas and MACS/SH than non–functional adrenal adenomas. Subjects with MACS/SH had significantly lower bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine [mean difference (MD) −0.07 g/cm2; 95% CI: −0.11, −0.03; P = 0.0004) and femoral neck (MD -0.05 g/cm2; 95% CI: -0.08, −0.02; P = 0.0045) than their non–functional counterparts. Limited data showed no significant difference in BTMs. Publication bias was observed in the pooled prevalence of any fractures, vertebral fractures and pooled MD of femoral neck BMD. To conclude, people with adrenal adenomas/incidentalomas and MACS/SH are at a 1.5- to 2-fold higher likelihood of fractures and osteoporosis/osteopenia compared to non–functional adrenal adenomas and should routinely be screened for bone disease. Nevertheless, considering the modest sample size of studies and evidence of publication bias, larger and high–quality studies are required (CRD42023471045).