bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left atrial to ventricular volume ratio and relation to fitness, cardiovascular risk factors, and diastolic function in healthy individuals: the HUNT Study
Authors: Sabo Sigbjorn , Dalen Havard , Nyberg John , Grenne Bjørnar Leangen , Jakobsen Even Olav , Nes Bjarne Martens , Wisløff Ulrik , Letnes Jon Magne 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims
Left atrial (LA) and ventricular (LV) remodelling is thought to be balanced in healthy individuals, and the LA end-systolic volume (LAV) to LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) ratio (LA:LV) could help discriminate between pathological and physiological LA enlargement. We aimed to assess LA:LV and its associations with age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors HbA1C, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). The association to measures of LV diastolic function and filling pressures were compared with LAV and LA reservoir strain.

Methods and results
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and measurement of risk factors 10 years apart and echocardiography at follow-up was performed in 1348 healthy adults [52% women, mean (SD) age 59 (12) years] prospectively included in a large population study. All risk factors were significantly associated with LA:LV in univariate analyses, while BMI and VO2peak were significantly associated with LA:LV in adjusted models. A higher LA:LV was associated with increased odds ratio (OR) of diastolic dysfunction [OR (95% CI) 2.6 (2.1, 3.3)]. Measures of LV filling pressures were more closely associated with LA:LV than LAV and LA reservoir strain, but LA reservoir strain was more closely related to some diastolic function measures. In individuals with LAV &gt; 34 mL/m2, the LA:LV explained 29% of variance in VO2peak (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
A higher LA:LV was associated with, and may improve, assessment of diastolic dysfunction and filling pressures. The LA:LV differentiates VO2peak in individuals with enlarged LAV and may have a role in evaluating whether LA enlargement reflects pathology.
Comparison of modified Del Nido and Custodiol® cardioplegia in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery
Authors: Kang Jagdip , Hoyer Alexandro , Dieterlen Maja-Theresa , Oetzel Hanna , Otto Wolfgang , Ginther André , Pfannmüller Bettina , Misfeld Martin , Noack Thilo , Kiefer Philipp , Borger Michael A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
In this study, we evaluated if modified Del Nido cardioplegia delivers comparable cardiac protection in comparison to Custodiol® in patients undergoing isolated minimally invasive mitral valve repair.

METHODS
From January 2018 to October 2021, all patients undergoing non-emergent isolated minimally invasive mitral valve repair were included in this study. The cardioplegia was chosen at the surgeons’ discretion. The primary end points of this study were peak postoperative cardiac enzyme levels. Secondary end points were in-hospital mortality, hospital stay, occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias, pacemaker implantations, postoperative lactate and sodium levels and postoperative incidence of renal failure requiring dialysis.

RESULTS
A total of 355 patients were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 57. After propensity score matching, a total of 156 pairs were identified. There was no difference in cross-clamp time between both groups. Postoperative creatine kinase levels were higher in patients receiving Custodiol on the 1st and 2nd postoperative days. Creatine kinase isoenzyme MB levels were higher in patients receiving Custodiol on the 2nd postoperative day (0.5 ± 0.2 vs 0.4 ± 0.1 µmol/l s; P &lt; 0.001). Postoperative Troponin T concentrations were similar between both groups. Maximum lactate concentrations were higher in patients receiving Custodiol on the day of surgery (2.4 ± 1.9 vs 2.0 ± 1.1 mmol/l; P = 0.04). The overall hospital stay was longer in patients receiving Del Nido cardioplegia (10.6 ± 3.2 vs 8 ± 4.1 days; P &lt; 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
Modified Del Nido cardioplegia based on Ionosteril® solution offers equivalent protection compared to Custodiol for isolated minimally invasive mitral valve repair.
Intracoronary imaging to guide percutaneous coronary intervention: from evidence to guidelines
Authors: Biccirè Flavio Giuseppe , Gatto Laura , Prati Francesco 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Despite notable advances in devices and techniques, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still affected by a substantial number of complications and failure rates. Over the years, the use of intracoronary imaging (ICI) has dramatically improved the understanding of mechanical and technical factors related to successful and failed PCI, becoming a mainstay in complex trans-catheter interventions. However, ICI modalities are invasive, time-consuming, and costly, and a net clinical benefit needs to be shown in order to recommend their routine use in clinical practice. In the past, the lack of evidence from randomized trials has been reflected in the scepticism shown by international guidelines. The recent publication of large randomized clinical trials conducted worldwide has provided new evidence regarding the clinical usefulness of ICI guidance in PCI. The consistent reduction of adverse events achieved in these trials, also demonstrated in an updated meta-analysis, suggested that the use of ICI in PCI is compelling to achieve optimal technical results and better outcomes, especially in complex high-risk interventions. Also considering the burden of information provided by ICI on coronary artery disease, looking from the inside seems today an opportunity that modern cardiology cannot ignore anymore.
Screening for dilated cardiomyopathy in immediate family members: to whom, how, when (and where)
Authors: Pieroni Maurizio , Ciabatti Michele , Zocchi Chiara 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is defined by the presence of left ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction in the absence of coronary artery disease, valvular disease, congenital heart disease, or altered haemodynamic conditions. Dilated cardiomyopathy can recognize multiple aetiologies, including infectious processes, effect of toxic substances, immunological mechanisms, and genetic causes. In recent years, many genes coding for proteins involved in the structure and function of the cardiomyocytes have been associated with the development of DCM, making the identification of familial forms increasingly frequent. At the same time, an ever-increasing use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging has made it possible to identify early morpho-functional alterations in subjects with initial forms of the disease, or carriers of pathogenic genetic variants. The increasingly in-depth understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms operating in DCM has also favoured the development of new therapeutic strategies including drugs with molecular targets and gene therapies. In this panorama, screening of family members of patients affected by DCM represents an important tool for early diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic stratification. In relation to its clinical relevance and its complexity, it is important that family screening and follow-up of identified patients are carried out in units dedicated to the treatment and study of cardiomyopathies.
Stem Defect Rates and Ice Storm Damage for Families of Pinus taeda from Coastal and Piedmont Provenances Planted on a North Carolina Piedmont Site
Authors: Walker Trevor D , Maynor Jessica A , Isik Fikret , Heine Austin J , Whetten Ross W , Payn Kitt G , Quate T Austin , McKeand Steven E 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Twenty Pinus taeda L. families from both the Coastal Plain and Piedmont provenances in the southeastern United States were planted on an upper Piedmont site that experienced a severe ice storm at age 3 years. Storm damage and defect rates through age 11 years were compared with the seed transfer distance and the seed parents’ breeding values to develop prediction models for storm damage and rates of forking, stem break, and sawtimber potential. Warmer-source families had higher probability of limb or stem breaks and foliage injury from the storm. Taller trees were more likely to experience breaks and foliage injury, even after accounting for seed transfer distance. Trees with forks or fusiform rust (Cronartium quercuum f. sp. fusiforme) infection had a higher probability of breaks. Trees with limb breaks or foliage injury did not have reduced sawtimber potential, but broken stems reduced sawtimber potential. The storm did not cause immediate mortality, but trees with major limb breaks, stem breaks, or foliage injury were less likely to be alive at age 8 years. At age 11 years, families with the best combination of breeding values for forking, straightness, and rust resistance had a predicted 60% of stems having sawtimber potential, whereas families with the worst combination had 30%.
Study Implications: Planting warmer-source Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) families farther north and inland may lead to greater growth but poses a risk of damage from cold temperatures and ice storms. Trees grown for solid-wood products must be relatively defect-free and require a longer rotation, whereas bioenergy and pulpwood can use smaller, defective trees. This analysis presents predictions of defect rates through age 11 years based on the seed source and breeding values using data from a planting in the upper Piedmont of North Carolina. Land managers can use these models to weigh the benefits and risks when choosing families for reforestation.
Trends in Life Expectancy in Residential Long-Term Care by Sociodemographic Position in 1999–2018: A Multistate Life Table Study of Finnish Older Adults
Authors: Korhonen Kaarina , Moustgaard Heta , Murphy Michael , Martikainen Pekka 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Residential long-term care (LTC) use has declined in many countries over the past years. This study quantifies how changing rates of entry, exit, and mortality have contributed to trends in life expectancy in LTC (i.e., average time spent in LTC after age 65) across sociodemographic groups.

Methods
We analyzed population-register data of all Finns aged ≥65 during 1999–2018 (n = 2,016,987) with dates of LTC and death and sociodemographic characteristics. We estimated transition rates between home, LTC, and death using Poisson generalized additive models, and calculated multistate life tables across 1999–2003, 2004–2008, 2009–2013, and 2014–2018.

Results
Between 1999–2003 and 2004–2008, life expectancy in LTC increased from 0.75 (95% CI: 0.74–0.76) to 0.89 (95% CI: 0.88–0.90) years among men and from 1.61 (95% CI: 1.59–1.62) to 1.83 (95% CI: 1.81–1.85) years among women, mainly due to declining exit rates from LTC. Thereafter, life expectancy in LTC decreased, reaching 0.80 (95% CI: 0.79–0.81) and 1.51 (95% CI: 1.50–1.53) years among men and women, respectively, in 2014–2018. Especially among women and nonmarried men, the decline was largely due to increasing death rates in LTC. Admission rates declined throughout the study period, which offset the increase in life expectancy in LTC attributable to declining mortality in the community. Marital status differences in life expectancy in LTC narrowed over time.

Discussion
Recent declines in LTC use were driven by postponed LTC admission closer to death. The results suggest that across sociodemographic strata older adults enter LTC in even worse health and spend a shorter time in care than before.
Selection of proxy indicators estimating the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions in general practice: a national consensus procedure in France
Authors: Simon Maïa , Bocquier Aurélie , Pereira Ouarda , Charmillon Alexandre , Gonthier Damien , Lieutier Colas Florence , Vallance Camille , Welter Adeline , Pulcini Céline , Thilly Nathalie ,   Study Group, Birgé Jacques , Boivin Jean-Marc , Boutfol Willy , Canton Antoine , Chergui Mourad Bourji , Diamantis Sylvain , Fraisse Thibaut , Hanriot Olivier , Hild Philippe , Imboula Elodie , Meyvaert Pascal , Pavese Patricia , Pelissier François , Romary Hélène , Schleck Léa , Valentin Caroline , Vauthier Jean-Charles , Viellard Mathieu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
GPs are responsible for more than 70% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions in France. Metrics are important antibiotic stewardship tools that can be used to set targets for improvement and to give feedback to professionals and stakeholders.

Objectives
The primary objective of the present study was to select a set of proxy indicators (PIs) based on 10 previously developed PIs, to estimate the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions by GPs. The secondary objective was to evaluate the clinimetric properties of the selected PIs.

Methods
A RAND-modified Delphi consensus procedure was conducted with a multidisciplinary panel of stakeholders. This procedure consisted of two successive online surveys with a consensus meeting in between. Clinimetric properties (measurability, applicability and potential room for improvement) were evaluated for the PIs selected through the consensus procedure, using 2022 Regional Health Insurance data.

Results
Seventeen experts participated in the first-round survey and 14 in the second-round. A final set of 12 PIs was selected. Among the 10 initial PIs, 3 were selected without modification and 7 were modified and selected. Moreover, two newly suggested PIs were selected. Ten of the 12 PIs presented good clinimetric properties.

Conclusions
The 12 selected PIs cover the main situations responsible for inappropriate and unnecessary use of antibiotics in general practice. These PIs, easily calculable using routinely collected health insurance reimbursement data, might be used to give feedback to prescribers and stakeholders and help improve antibiotic prescriptions in primary care.
Screening of 152 Veterinary Drug Residues in Animal Source Foods by LC–MS/MS, Multilaboratory Validation Study: Final Action 2020.04
Authors: Desmarchelier Aurélien , Bessaire Thomas , Savoy Marie-Claude , Tarres Adrienne , Mujahid Claudia , Beck Andrea , Mottier Pascal , Fu Xun , Chan Wai-Chinn , Laborie Stéphanie , Hagenbourger Nadine , Miranda Gislaine , Delatour Thierry 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The presence of veterinary drug residues in food-producing animals and animal products is regulated through the enforcement of maximum residue limits (MRLs). To answer the need of the food sector to monitor these substances in a wide range of food commodities, stakeholders at AOAC INTERNATIONAL identified the need for a reliable confirmatory screening method. Such a qualitative approach is required for compliance checking and to support product release in manufacturing.

Objective
Data were collected from five independent laboratories that applied the First Action Official Method 2020.04 to demonstrate adequate performance under reproducibility conditions. The probability of detection (POD) was calculated in blank test samples and test samples spiked at the screening target concentration (STC) level, with the objective to achieve PODs ≤10% and ≥90%, respectively. Additionally, the effectiveness of the screening method was evaluated by participating in 92 proficiency tests.

Methods
Four streams were optimized to screen for 152 veterinary drug residues by LC–MS/MS in a wide variety of food commodities including milk-based ingredients and related products (e.g., milk fractions, infant formula, infant cereals, and baby foods), meat- and fish-based ingredients and related products (fresh, powdered, cooked, infant cereals, and baby foods), and other ingredients based on eggs, animal fat, and animal byproducts. The four streams covered 105 antibiotic residues, anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic agents (stream A), 23 beta-lactams (stream B), 14 aminoglycosides (stream C), and 10 tetracyclines (Stream D).

Results
The multilaboratory validation led to PODs at the STC ≥94% and PODs in the blank ≤9%. Further application of the multilaboratory validated method to 92 proficiency tests provided more than 99% satisfactory submitted results (n = 784).

Conclusion
The interlaboratory reproducibility determined for this method met the acceptance criteria defined in AOAC Standard Method Performance Requirement (SMPR®) 2018.010.

Highlights
AOAC has approved the method for Final Action status.
New Treatment Modality for Burn Injury-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: High-Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy in Major Burns
Authors: Akın Merve , Tuncer Huriye Bilge , Akgün Ali Emre , Erkılıç Ezgi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Pulmonary insufficiency is the primary cause of death in cases of major burns accompanied by inhalation damage. It is important to consider the impact on the face and neck in flame burns. Early implementation of bronchial hygiene measures and oxygenation treatment in inhalation injury can reduce mortality. This case series presents the effects of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) application on patient outcomes in major burns and inhalation injury. This report discusses 3 different patients. One patient, a 29-year-old male with 35% TBSA burns, received HFNO treatment for inhalation injury on the sixth day after the trauma. After 72 hours of HFNO application, the patient’s pulmonary symptoms improved. The second patient had 60% TBSA burns and developed respiratory distress symptoms on the fifth day after the trauma. After 7 days of HFNO application, all symptoms and findings of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were resolved. HFNO has been used for the treatment of ARDS related to major burn (60% of burned TBSA) in a 28-year-old patient, and improvement was achieved. The use of HFNO in pulmonary insufficiency among burn patients has not been reported previously. This series of patient cases demonstrates the successful application of HFNO in treating inhalation injury and burn-related ARDS. However, further clinical studies are necessary to increase its clinical utilization.
Repeat Bronchoscopies Are Poorly Predictive of Outcomes Following Inhalation Injury
Authors: Smith Matthew D , April Michael D , Schauer Steven G , Rizzo Julie A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Inhalation injury is an independent predictor of mortality after burn injury. Although bronchoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosing inhalation injury, there is a paucity of evidence to support repeat bronchoscopies for following inhalation injuries during a patient’s clinical course. This study looks at the ability of serial bronchoscopies to prognosticate outcomes. This was a secondary analysis of a previously reported prospective observational study. Patients diagnosed with inhalation injury had repeat bronchoscopies with blinded investigators assigning severity scores. The study used multivariate regression analysis to investigate whether inhalation injury severity scores of the carinal images were predictive of mortality. Secondary outcomes included diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome or pneumonia during hospitalization. The final analysis included 99 patients. After accounting for age, percent TBSA burn, and injury severity scores, there were no days that were significant for predicting outcomes. All days were poor predictors overall, with the area under the receiver operating curve being &lt;0.8 in all instances. These results do not support the use of serial bronchoscopies for prognostication purposes. Until a larger, randomized clinical trial can evaluate this further, serial bronchoscopies performed for assessment of the progression of inhalation injury may provide more risk than benefit.
Interactions between PTH and adiposity: appetizing possibilities
Authors: Tay Donovan Yu Kwang , Bilezikian John P 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Although parathyroid hormone (PTH) is best known for its role as a regulator of skeletal remodelling and calcium homeostasis, more recent evidence supports a role for it in energy metabolism and other non-classical targets. In this report, we summarize evidence for an effect of PTH on adipocytes. This review is based upon all peer-reviewed papers, published in the English language with PubMed as the primary search engine. Recent preclinical studies have documented an effect of PTH to stimulate lipolysis in both adipocytes and liver cells and to cause browning of adipocytes. PTH also reduces bone marrow adiposity and hepatic steatosis. Although clinical studies are limited, disease models of PTH excess and PTH deficiency lend support to these preclinical findings. This review supports the concept of PTH as a polyfunctional hormone that influences energy metabolism as well as bone metabolism.
Major changes in domain arrangements are associated with the evolution of termites
Authors: Mikhailova Alina A , Dohmen Elias , Harrison Mark C 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Domains as functional protein units and their rearrangements along the phylogeny can shed light on the functional changes of proteomes associated with the evolution of complex traits like eusociality. This complex trait is associated with sterile soldiers and workers, and long-lived, highly fecund reproductives. Unlike in Hymenoptera (ants, bees, and wasps), the evolution of eusociality within Blattodea, where termites evolved from within cockroaches, was accompanied by a reduction in proteome size, raising the question of whether functional novelty was achieved with existing rather than novel proteins. To address this, we investigated the role of domain rearrangements during the evolution of termite eusociality. Analysing domain rearrangements in the proteomes of three solitary cockroaches and five eusocial termites, we inferred more than 5,000 rearrangements over the phylogeny of Blattodea. The 90 novel domain arrangements that emerged at the origin of termites were enriched for several functions related to longevity, such as protein homeostasis, DNA repair, mitochondrial activity, and nutrient sensing. Many domain rearrangements were related to changes in developmental pathways, important for the emergence of novel castes. Along with the elaboration of social complexity, including permanently sterile workers and larger, foraging colonies, we found 110 further domain arrangements with functions related to protein glycosylation and ion transport. We found an enrichment of caste-biased expression and splicing within rearranged genes, highlighting their importance for the evolution of castes. Furthermore, we found increased levels of DNA methylation among rearranged compared to non-rearranged genes suggesting fundamental differences in their regulation. Our findings indicate the importance of domain rearrangements in the generation of functional novelty necessary for termite eusociality to evolve.
Determination of nonlocal kernels in nonlocal models for solving strain localization problems
Authors: Yang Delan , Chen Wei , Yao Yin 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
The strain localization during the damage and failure of materials can be accurately predicted by nonlocal continuum theories. Yet, the results of theoretical predictions are directly affected by the nonlocal kernel formulation. In this study, the correlation between the nonlocal kernel formulation and the strain localization simulation results is revealed. First, based on the nonlocal damage theory, a novel free energy functional was proposed with strain and damage parameters as independent variables, and a constitutive relation considering nonlocality and elastic damage was derived within the framework of continuum thermodynamics. Then, one-dimensional governing equations were obtained through the dual-linearization method. Finally, strain localization predictions obtained with several nonlocal kernel formulations were presented, and the relationship between the nonlocal kernels and the solution was analyzed, thereby determining an appropriate nonlocal kernel function for the strain localization problem.