bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of deceleration zones during sinus rhythm for locating critical isthmuses in left atrial macroreentrant tachycardias
Authors: Martinez Cossiani M , Castrejon S , Sanroman-Junquera M , Guido L , Merino D , Relan J , Kim S , De La Vieja Alarcon J J , Jauregui Abularach M E , Sanchez Somonte P , Martinez Maldonado M E , Handayani A , Sanz Verdejo B , Escobar Cervantes C , Merino J L 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Ablation of left atrial (LA) macroreentrant tachycardias (LAMT) poses considerable challenges, with issues such as tachycardia cycle length variations, multiple reentrant circuits, and tachycardia termination during entrainment maneuvers. Evaluating deceleration zones (DZ) through atrial pacing during sinus rhythm, and their correlation with potential critical conduction isthmuses (CI) in LAMT, remains unexplored. This approach may facilitate LAMT ablation.

Objective
To investigate the presence of DZ through atrial pacing during sinus rhythm and their association with LAMT critical conduction isthmuses (CI).

Methods
Patients who underwent LAMT high-density activation mapping with a 16-pole grid catheter were included. Conventional mapping (activation, voltage and entrainment mapping during tachycardia) was performed to localize the CI. Atrial pacing with three atrial extrastimuli (S2/S3/S4 with 500/500/300 ms coupling interval) was performed during sinus rhythm from the distal coronary sinus (CS). Isochronal late activation mapping (ILAM) of the S3 and S4 cycles was compared. Deceleration zones (DZ) were defined as an offset in the color scale of the activation map in an area with at least a radius of 10 mm. ILAMs were evaluated blindly, and DZs were compared with CIs defined by conventional mapping during tachycardia and validated by radiofrequency application termination.

Results
18 p (60.50 ± 11.63 yo, 11 male) and 21 procedures were included. LAMT termination was successful in 18 out of 21 procedures (85.71%) and failed in 3 due to the epicardial component of the reentrant circuit. ILAM during CS pacing was achieved in 13 patients and was not possible in 5 p due to multiple LAMTs leading to empiric linear ablation in 1 and to recurrent induction of LAMT or AF during the pacing protocol. A DZ was identified in 13 out of 16 maps (81.25%) in the S3 map, which was more pronounced in the S4 map. In all these 13 maps, the final ablation site was within the DZ in the S4 map, terminating the tachycardia with focal RF applications in 11 and with extended in 2.

Conclusions
Deceleration zones identified through atrial pacing during sinus rhythm are prevalent in LAMT patients. These zones generally correspond to the critical conduction isthmus and offer a valuable method for mapping the reentrant circuit when mapping during stable LAMT is not feasible.
Validation of predictive models for lesion transmurality and steam-pop using ex-vivo porcine bipolar ablation model
Authors: Kamioka M , Makimoto H , Watanabe T , Watanabe H , Yokota A , Komori T , Kabutoya T , Imai Y , Kario K 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Bipolar ablation has been reported to create deeper myocardial ablation lesion as compared to unipolar ablation, however, there is currently no standardized strategy for bipolar ablation settings such as energy and ablation time.

Purpose
The aim of the present study is to test our hypothesis that both transmural lesion creation and steam-pop occurrence during bipolar ablation can be predicted by the settings of bipolar ablation and the myocardial tissue characteristics such as tissue thickness and initial impedance prior to RF.

Methods
Using porcine cardiac tissues, we conducted ex-vivo ablation experiments. Commercially available radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheters were utilized for the procedures. Each ablation catheter was positioned bilaterally on the myocardial slices at a 45-degree angle, maintaining a targeted contact force of 10g. We documented the occurrence of steam-pop under various conditions, modulating tissue thickness (5-20 mm), RF power (20, 30, 40, 50 Watt) and ablation duration (20 sec, 40 sec, 60 sec, 180 sec). Generalized linear models (GLM) were developed to forecast the creation of transmural lesion and steam-pop incidents, drawing on the bipolar ablation settings and myocardial tissue characteristics. Subsequently, we engaged in an additional series of experiments to validate the models.

Results
In total, 194 bipolar applications were utilized as training data. Transmural lesions and steam-pops were observed in 95 (49%), and 11 applications (5.7%), respectively. We constructed GLM using the RF energy (Watt), tissue thickness (mm), initial bipolar impedance (Ohm), impedance drop during the first 5 seconds of application (Ohm), and RF duration (seconds). For transmurality prediction the model validation was conducted with another independent 111 RF applications (102 transmural, and 25 steam-pops). The GLM, which utilized RF energy, tissue thickness, initial bipolar impedance, and RF duration, performed the best performance in predicting transmural lesion creation (AUC 0.94 [0.90-0.99], sensitivity 86 %, specificity 100 %). However, the exclusion of ‘tissue thickness’ from this model led to a significant decrease in its predictive performance (AUC 0.69 [0.48-0.89], sensitivity 47%, specificity 100%, P=0.0057). For pop prediction in validation data, the GLM utilizing RF energy, initial bipolar impedance and impedance drop showed the best performance (AUC 0.90 [0.83-0.97], sensitivity 76 %, specificity 92 %).

Conclusion
Our data show that accurate assessment of tissue thickness is pivotal for predicting transmural lesion creation. To predict lesion transmurality and steam-pop incidents through RF parameters and tissue characteristics within a beating heart, further research is warranted. This could facilitate the calibration of RF settings, potentially enhancing the safety of bipolar ablation procedures.
Associations between atrial epicardial fat quantified by semi-automated CT segmentation and gender, BMI, cholesterol levels in AF patients: results from the prospective AFAT study
Authors: Erhard N , Prommersberger S , Neuner B , Bahlke F , Englert F , Popa M A , Krafft H , Abdiu E , Reents T , Kottmaier M , Telishevska M , Lengauer S , Hessling G , Bourier F , Deisenhofer I 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is defined as adipose tissue (epicardial fat) between the myocardium and the visceral pericardium. Recent evidence suggests that EAT may play important roles in regard to atrial fibrillation (AF) burden as well as other cardiovascular diseases through complex inflammatory mechanisms. Current evidence regarding the relationship of atrial EAT and BMI, gender or cardiovascular risk factors is mixed.

Methods and Results
We conducted a prospective observational study (AFAT) at the German Heart centre in Munich with 200 patients aimed to be included. This represents an interim analysis of the first 75 patients enrolled in the AFAT study. All patients received delayed dual source cardiac computer tomography (CT) imaging which was analysed using 3D segmentation (Figure 1) to quantify left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) EAT prior to receiving catheter ablation for AF.
The mean age was 67 ± 8.7 years with 46.9 % being female (n=35) and the mean BMI was 28 ± 4.5. Mean LA EAT was 33.1 ml ± 13.2 ml and RA EAT was 32.7 ml ± 12.2ml with a total mean atrial EAT volume of 65.4 ml ± 10.2 ml. Volumes of the left- and right atrial EAT were significantly correlated in our sample (p &lt; 0.001; Pearson correlation coefficient r=0.9). The mean total EAT Volume was significantly larger in males than in females (74 ml vs. 52 ml, p &lt; 0.001) (Figure 2). Linear regression analysis adjusted for cofounders demonstrated significantly larger mean atrial EAT volumes in patients with higher body mass index (p = 0.001) and with increased age (p=0.006). Increased HbA1c levels or increased total cholesterol levels were not associated with higher total atrial EAT Levels (respectively, p=0.066 and p=0.22).

Conclusion
Semi-automated CT based atrial segmentation is a novel highly accurate and reproducible way to reliably identify atrial EAT. Left and right atrial EAT volumes are significantly intercorrelated. In this study BMI, Age and male gender were independently associated with higher EAT levels.Visualization of atrial EATGender differences in atrial EAT (ml)
New joint model for the dynamic prediction of heart failure in phospholamban (PLN) p.(Arg14del) positive individuals
Authors: Van Der Heide M Y C , Verstraelen T E , Van Drie E , De Brouwer R , Proost V M , Houweling A C , Dickhoff C , Germans T , Gimeno-Blanes J R , Te Riele A S J M , Van Spaendonck-Zwarts K Y , Cox G P J , Van Tintelen J P , Zwinderman A H , Wilde A A M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
PLN p.(Arg14del) positive individuals are at risk for developing arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy which can cause severe heart failure. Future gene therapy could be lifesaving and is rapidly advancing. It is therefore of importance to identify eligible patients for this evolving treatment, with individuals risk prediction playing an imperative role in this process.

Purpose
To develop a dynamic prediction model for the individual risk prediction of heart failure in PLN p.(Arg14del) positive individuals.

Method
Data were collected of 564 PLN p.(Arg14del) positive individuals with no baseline history of heart failure or myocardial infarction. During a median follow-up of 6.3 years (interquartile range 2.9-10.0), 74 individuals experienced heart failure, defined as a composite endpoint of heart failure hospitalization, left ventricle assist device implantation, heart transplantation and heart failure-related death. For the individual prediction of time to heart failure we used a joint model which simultaneously estimates a longitudinal model for repeatedly measured left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) during follow-up and a Cox regression model for the hazards of the heart failure endpoint. Using the longitudinal model we predicted the LVEF-values of all patients at future time points using the estimated random-effects and these predicted LVEF values were used as a time-dependent covariate in the Cox model which also contained age at start of follow-up as predictor variable.

Results
The joint model trained in this study had a very good performance in discriminating the individuals at risk for heart failure, with the 5-year mean AUC of 0.86 and 10-year mean AUC of 0.84. The LVEF had a hazard ratio of 0.89 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86-0.93, p&lt;0.001), and age at baseline 1.04 (95% CI 1.03-1.06], p&lt;0.001), meaning a lower LVEF and higher age at presentation were associated with heart failure. Figure 1 shows an example of an individual risk prediction with on the x-axis the follow-up time in years, on the y-axis (left) the LVEF in % and on the y-axis (right) the predicted survival probability.

Conclusion
Individual risk prediction with a simple model including only LVEF and age is of great importance for identifying PLN p.(Arg14del) positive individuals who are at risk of developing heart failure. The introduction of this novel joint prediction model is the first step in identifying individuals at risk for heart failure and may aid patient selection for future gene therapy interventions.
Comparison of eplerenone and spironolactone treatment in patients with ischemic heart disease hospitalized due to ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Toth P , Komlosi F , Szakal I , Vamosi P , Arnoth B , Bohus G Y , Szegedi N , Sallo Z , Perge P , Osztheimer I , Ferencz A B , Orban G , Merkely B , Geller L , Nagy K V 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The beneficial effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) regarding sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk and cardiac remodeling are well known, moreover, they also reduce episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, superiority in effectiveness between receptor selective eplerenone and conventional spironolactone is unknown.

Purpose
Our aim was to assess the effect of eplerenone and spironolactone on ventricular tachycardia (VT) recurrence in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD).

Methods
We collected data of 563 patients with IHD following hospitalization due to a sustained VT episode in a structured registry. Propensity score matching was performed based on age, hypertension, diabetes, history of acute myocardial infarction, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and presentation with incessant VT. The matched population consisted of 188 patients and was further analyzed. Predictors were assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Kaplan-Meier curves were used for time-to-event analyses.

Results
The median age was 70 years with 81% being male. One third of the patients had an ICD implanted, while 43 (23%) had CRT. The median LVEF was 30%. Twenty-five (13%) patients presented with an electrical storm and 19 (10%) had incessant VT. In 86 cases (46%), the VT caused hemodynamic instability. Ablation was performed in 66 patients (35%), while 4 required mechanical circulatory support. During the median follow-up of 856 [399-1624] days, 69 patients had VT recurrence and 118 patients died. Eplerenone use significantly reduced the risk of VT recurrence compared to spironolactone (HR: 0.48 [0.29-0.78], log-rank p=0.003). This effect was consistent in the multivariate model as well (p=0.006).

Conclusions
Eplerenone use may be more beneficial in terms of VT recurrence in patients with IHD who present with a sustained VT. Further analysis is required to confirm these findings.
3DFin: a software for automated 3D forest inventories from terrestrial point clouds
Authors: Laino Diego , Cabo Carlos , Prendes Covadonga , Janvier Romain , Ordonez Celestino , Nikonovas Tadas , Doerr Stefan , Santin Cristina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Accurate and efficient forest inventories are essential for effective forest management and conservation. The advent of ground-based remote sensing has revolutionized the data acquisition process, enabling detailed and precise 3D measurements of forested areas. Several algorithms and methods have been developed in the last years to automatically derive tree metrics from such terrestrial/ground-based point clouds. However, few attempts have been made to make these automatic tree metrics algorithms accessible to wider audiences by producing software solutions that implement these methods. To fill this major gap, we have developed 3DFin, a novel free software program designed for user-friendly, automatic forest inventories using ground-based point clouds. 3DFin empowers users to automatically compute key forest inventory parameters, including tree Total Height, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), and tree location. To enhance its user-friendliness, the program is open-access, cross-platform, and available as a plugin in CloudCompare and QGIS as well as a standalone in Windows. 3DFin capabilities have been tested with Terrestrial Laser Scanning, Mobile Laser Scanning, and terrestrial photogrammetric point clouds from public repositories across different forest conditions, achieving nearly full completeness and correctness in tree mapping and highly accurate DBH estimations (root mean squared error &lt;2 cm, bias &lt;1 cm) in most scenarios. In these tests, 3DFin demonstrated remarkable efficiency, with processing times ranging from 2 to 7 min per plot. The software is freely available at: https://github.com/3DFin/3DFin.
Dendrite morphogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Heiman Maxwell G , Bülow Hannes E 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Since the days of Ramón y Cajal, the vast diversity of neuronal and particularly dendrite morphology has been used to catalog neurons into different classes. Dendrite morphology varies greatly and reflects the different functions performed by different types of neurons. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of how dendrites form and the molecular factors and forces that shape these often elaborately sculpted structures. Here, we review work in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that has shed light on the developmental mechanisms that mediate dendrite morphogenesis with a focus on studies investigating ciliated sensory neurons and the highly elaborated dendritic trees of somatosensory neurons. These studies, which combine time-lapse imaging, genetics, and biochemistry, reveal an intricate network of factors that function both intrinsically in dendrites and extrinsically from surrounding tissues. Therefore, dendrite morphogenesis is the result of multiple tissue interactions, which ultimately determine the shape of dendritic arbors.
Inequalities in Disability-Free and Disabling Multimorbid Life Expectancy in Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States
Authors: Lam Anastasia , Keenan Katherine , Cézard Geneviève , Kulu Hill , Myrskylä Mikko 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To better understand variations in multimorbidity severity over time, we estimate disability-free and disabling multimorbid life expectancy (MMLE), comparing Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States (US). We also assess MMLE inequalities by sex and education.

Methods
Data come from the Costa Rican Study on Longevity and Healthy Aging (2005–2009), the Mexican Health and Aging Study (2012–2018), and the Health and Retirement Study (2004–2018). We apply an incidence-based multistate Markov approach to estimate disability-free and disabling MMLE and stratify models by sex and education to study within-country heterogeneity. Multimorbidity is defined as a count of 2 or more chronic diseases. Disability is defined using limitations in activities of daily living.

Results
Costa Ricans have the lowest MMLE, followed by Mexicans, then individuals from the US. Individuals from the US spend about twice as long with disability-free multimorbidity compared with individuals from Costa Rica or Mexico. Females generally have longer MMLE than males, with particularly stark differences in disabling MMLE. In the US, higher education was associated with longer disability-free MMLE and shorter disabling MMLE. We identified evidence for cumulative disadvantage in Mexico and the US, where sex differences in MMLE were larger among the lower educated.

Discussion
Substantial sex and educational inequalities in MMLE exist within and between these countries. Estimating disability-free and disabling MMLE reveals another layer of health inequality not captured when examining disability and multimorbidity separately. MMLE is a flexible population health measure that can be used to better understand the aging process across contexts.
SuperFeat: Quantitative Feature Learning from Single-cell RNA-seq Data Facilitates Drug Repurposing
Authors: Zhong Jianmei , Yang Junyao , Song Yinghui , Zhang Zhihua , Wang Chunming , Tong Renyang , Li Chenglong , Yu Nanhui , Zou Lianhong , Liu Sulai , Pu Jun , Lin Wei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In this study, we devised a computational framework called Supervised Feature Learning and Scoring (SuperFeat) which enables the training of a machine learning model and evaluates the canonical cellular statuses/features in pathological tissues that underlie the progression of disease. This framework also enables the identification of potential drugs that target the presumed detrimental cellular features. This framework was constructed on the basis of an artificial neural network with the gene expression profiles serving as input nodes. The training data comprised single-cell RNA sequencing datasets that encompassed the specific cell lineage during the developmental progression of cell features. A few models of the canonical cancer-involved cellular statuses/features were tested by such framework. Finally, we illustrated the drug repurposing pipeline, utilizing the training parameters derived from the adverse cellular statuses/features, which yielded successful validation results both in vitro and in vivo. SuperFeat is accessible at https://github.com/weilin-genomics/rSuperFeat.
Robustness to Leg Loss in Opiliones: A Review and Framework Considerations for Future Research
Authors: Escalante Ignacio , O'Brien Shannon L 
Published: May 2024

Synopsis
Animals have evolved behavioral and morphological traits that allow them to respond to environmental challenges. However, these traits may have long-term consequences that could impact an animal’s performance, fitness, and welfare. Several species in a group of the arachnid order of Opiliones release their legs voluntarily to escape predators. These animals use their legs for locomotion, sensation, and reproduction. Here, we first compile data across species in the suborder Eupnoi, showing that more than half of individuals are found missing legs. Then, we review recent work on the ultimate and proximate implications of leg loss in Opiliones. Field and laboratory experiments showed that leg loss (a) did not affect their survival or mating success and (b) compromised the kinematics and energetics of locomotion, but individuals recovered velocity and acceleration quickly. These findings demonstrate that these animals display robustness, that is, the ability to withstand and overcome the potential consequences of bodily damage. This may explain why leg loss is so prevalent in Opiliones. Additionally, we encourage researchers to consider expanding their hypotheses beyond traditional adaptationist and ableist lenses and incorporate a comprehensive examination of animal welfare when studying animals’ responses to bodily damage. Finally, we highlight avenues for future research in Opiliones, namely assessing how individuals move in three-dimensional environments, the neural plasticity aiding recovery post-leg loss, applications for bio-inspired design, and evidence-based animal welfare measures.
Stochastic modified equations for symplectic methods applied to rough Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Chen Chuchu , Hong Jialin , Huang Chuying 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We investigate stochastic modified equations to explain the mathematical mechanism of symplectic methods applied to rough Hamiltonian systems. The contribution of this paper is threefold. First, we construct a new type of stochastic modified equation. For symplectic methods applied to rough Hamiltonian systems, the associated stochastic modified equations are proved to have Hamiltonian formulations. Secondly, the pathwise convergence order of the truncated modified equation to the numerical method is obtained by techniques in rough path theory. Thirdly, if increments of noises are simulated by truncated random variables, we show that the error can be made exponentially small with respect to the time step size.