bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left atrial appendage: a comparative analysis using 2D and 3D transoesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Modan S , Madan K , Gunton J , Perry R , Parvar S , Gluyas K , Sinhal A , Joseph M 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an alternative intervention to anticoagulation to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation with a higher risk of bleeding. The imaging of LAA is crucial to determine the optimal ostium dimensions for safe closure and procedural outcomes. Sizing using three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (3D-TOE) is likely to offer a more accurate assessment, as seen in other structural interventions such as annular measurements in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Aim
This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of LAA sizing using two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D-TOE) and 3D-TOE. Furthermore, we assessed the accuracy of the measurements by correlating both imaging modalities with final device size and post-device leakage.

Methods
Our study prospectively analysed the LAA dimensions of 63 consecutive patients undergoing transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) with measurements using both 2D and 3D-TOE (Figure 1 & 2). The assessing clinician remained blinded to measurements that were performed retrospectively by data analysts. Additionally, we retrospectively evaluated outcomes with 25 consecutive LAA closures (Figure 3 & 4), where 2D-TOE was utilised alongside fluoroscopy for sizing in 18 (72%), and 3D-TOE was employed in 8 (32%) of patients.

Results
The mean age of patients was 76 ± 7 years. The LAA annulus was eccentric in 47 (75%) and circular in 16 (25%) of patients. There was a good intraclass correlation (ICC) between 2D and 3D-TOE (ICC=0.81, p &lt;0.001) and Pearson’s correlation (r=0.84, p &lt;0.001). Bland-Altmann analysis (Figure 5) revealed a bias of 0.19, indicating 3D-TOE LAA measurements were larger overall, with limits of agreement between -0.33cm to 0.71cm.
The retrospective analysis showed that 2D-TOE underestimated the final device size by 1.86 ± 1.1 mm, while 3D-TOE underestimated by 0.6 ± 1.2 mm. Clinically, using only 2D-TOE measurements, 9 patients (36%) required upsizing, whereas 3D-TOE accurately predicted the final device size in all but one case. Additionally, in 18 cases guided solely by 2D-TOE, 9 (50%) were complicated by post-device leakage at the six-week follow-up, albeit they were all leaks were less than the guideline cut-off value of 6 mm. In contrast, for 8 patients where 3D-TOE was also used, there was only one case of post-device leak.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that while 2D and 3D-TOE values are mostly consistent, 3D-TOE measurements are larger and more accurately depict the irregular, eccentric nature of LAA orifices. 3D-TOE guidance had better correlation with true device size, resulting in lower post-device leakage and less intra-procedural upsizing. These findings align with TAVI literature, which notes that 2D echocardiography underestimates the true size of the aortic valve annulus compared to CT and 3D echocardiography techniques.
Effectiveness of cardiovascular rehabilitation programs among patients with heart failure based on myocardial deformation and atrial function echocardiographic predictors
Authors: Adam C , Marcu D T M , Mitu O , Costache C A , Mitu F 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) plays an important role in heart failure (HF) contributing to stopping functional decline, relieving symptoms and increasing quality of life in combination with optimal therapeutic management.

Purpose
We aimed to evaluate the impact of participating in a CR program after 6 months in terms of biological (N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], inflammatory biomarkers) and echocardiographic parameters (left and right ventricle global longitudinal [LV, RV GLS], left atrial strain) with a prognostic role in HF.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study on 105 patients with HF admitted to a center specialized in CR programs. Based on functional status at enrolment assessed on the NYHA class, we divided the patients into two groups: with mild and moderate functional limitation (NYHA I-II class) (n=70) and with severe functional limitation (NYHA III class) (n=35) respectively.

Results
We analyzed demographics, anthropometrics, clinical and paraclinical parameters, with a focus on echocardiographic parameters of biventricular and atrial systolic function. Both at enrollment and at the 6-month assessment, functional status was assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). At the 6-month follow-up patients in the second group had superior improvement in biological (p=0.039 for NT-proBNP) and echocardiographic parameters (p=0.041 for LV GLS, p=0.035 for RV GLS, p=0.017 for left atrial strain) compared to baseline. In the second group, LV GLS values were statistically significantly correlated with NT-proBNP (p=0.023), peak oxygen uptake (p=0.041) and maximum walking distance (p=0.031). RV GLS also positively correlated with peak oxygen uptake (p=0.017) at the follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that biventricular and atrial systolic function parameters amelioration are echocardiographic predictors for increased cardiorespiratory fitness. Lack of LV GLS and left atrial strain improvement in patients with severe functional limitation (group 2) is a negative predictor (AUC = 0.811, p = 0.015 for LV GLS and AUC = 0.649, p = 0.022 for left atrial strain).

Conclusion(s)
CR programs improve systolic dysfunction and atrial function in HF patients. Improvement of LV and RV GLS as well as left atrial strain can be used as echocardiographic markers of better cardiorespiratory fitness 6 months after the start of the CR program.
Early mortality predictors in COVID-19 pneumonia complicated with pulmonary embolism- unicentre analysis
Authors: Duraj I , Broncel M , Karina Wierzbowska-Drabik K W B 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Covid-19 took an huge death-toll in the era of its pandemic widespread in scale of the whole world imposing a new and still not completely understood not resolved threat to public health. Beyond the severity of lungs affliction and the subsequent respiratory failure thromboembolic complications with their crucial form of pulmonary embolism (PE) are seen as responsible of this high numbers of fatalities.

Aim
We aim to find predictors of in hospital death in subgroup of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosed simultaneously with CT-angiography of pulmonary embolism.

Methods
Our group included 39 patients from 42 to 95 year old (mean age 67±13, 27 males and 12 females) hospitalized in Internal Disease and Clinical Pharmacology Department since October 2020 to June 2021 with the diagnosis of SARS COV2 pneumonia and pulmonary embolism detected with CT angiography during the analysed hospitalization. We compared clinical, laboratory and treatment data between group who died during hospitalization (G1) and those who survived the early period of at least 1 month after disease onset (G2).

Results
During hospitalization and in extended to 1 month follow-up 12 deaths occurred, 8 in men (30%) and 4 in women (33%), however this difference did not reach statistical significance and moreover women were older than men among all PE patients (73±12 vs 64±13 years respectively, p=0.049). The compared groups did not differ significantly according to age (although some trend to higher age in G1), the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as well as provided treatment including heparin, oxygen therapy, remdesivir, tocilizumab and dexamethasone or heart rate, creatinine, troponin or NT-proBNP level, see Table. They differ, however, according to IL-6 concentration significantly higher in group with fatal outcome (108 (77-240) vs 52 (41-98) pg/ml, p =0.0162) as well as according to surprisingly higher lymphocyte count (0.95 (0.75-1.55) vs 0.6 (0.4-0.7) count X 1000, p=0.0058). Both these parameter showed significant predictive value of early death in studied group with sensitivity of 75% for both parameters and specificity of 74% for IL-6 &gt; 91 and 78% for lymphocytes above 700/µl.
Myocardial strain and work parameter changes predict long term mortality and rehospitalization in an acute heart failure patient population after levosimendan use
Authors: Kormanyos A , Schvartz N , Nagy V , Takacs H , Racz G , Polestyuk B , Vidacs D L , Borbas J , Szili-Torok T , Sepp R 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Decompensated acute heart failure (HF) in patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) signifies a pivotal stage in the progression of chronic HF. This condition is closely linked to increased rates of rehospitalization and a higher risk of mortality and morbidity due to inadequate decongestion. Recently, the field of quantitative echocardiography has experienced significant advancements, particularly in myocardial work analysis (MWA), which measures the energy the heart uses during each cardiac cycle.

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of levosimendan on myocardial mechanics and to determine if these effects can predict the composite endpoint of HF-related rehospitalization and cardiovascular mortality.

Methods
60 patients with HFrEF have been enrolled in the present study (age: 63.8±14.1, 46 males, 25 ischemic HFrEF, 35 non-ischemic HFrEF). or all patients, detailed baseline echocardiography, including strain imaging and myocardial work analysis (MWA), was conducted. Follow-up echocardiography was performed an average of 13.1±12.5 days after levosimendan administration. The clinical follow-up period lasted 496±191 days.

Results
Before levosimendan administration there was no significant difference in baseline echocardiographic, strain imaging and MWA parameters between ischemic and non-ischemic HFrEF groups. After the drug administration, left ventricular global wasted work (179±89 Hgmm% vs. 319±220 Hgmm%, p &lt;0.05) was higher in the ischemic HFrEF group compared to non-ischemic HFrEF group. Among advanced echocardiographic parameters, global longitudinal strain (GLS) showed no significant improvement, however out of the MWA parameters, global work index (376±215 Hgmm% vs. 460±272 Hgmm%, p &lt;0.05) improved significantly. The prognostic role of hemodynamic and novel echocardiographic parameters has been also assessed. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that LV stroke volume index improvement of 0.145 ml/m2 (p=0.01), LVEF improvement of at least 10% or more (p=0.032), LV GLS improvement of 0.85% (p=0.018) and lastly global constructive work improvement of 100 Hgmm% or more (p=0.021) resulted in significantly better event-free survival during the follow up period.

Conclusion
Levosimendan administration produces substantial immediate effects on hemodynamic parameters, myocardial deformation, and MWA metrics. These alterations appear to hold significant long-term prognostic value for predicting the composite endpoint and event-free survival.
Role of multimodality cardiovascular imaging for evaluation of the effect of enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Gwak S , Seo J , Hong Y , Cho I , Shin C Y , Ha J , Hong G 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Fabry’s cardiomyopathy patients receiving enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) have no validated cardiac functional biomarkers to evaluate the effect of ERT.

Purpose
We aimed to investigate functional cardiac biomarkers to assess the response of ERT on the heart and to predict clinical outcomes.

Methods
Patients with Fabry’s disease having LV wall thickness ≥12mm were prospectively enrolled and treated with Agalsidase beta. The primary endpoint was the change of exercise peak E/e’ by diastolic stress echocardiography (DSE) during ERT; secondary endpoints were changes in conventional echo-Doppler parameters, LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), and diastolic reserve (DR25W) by DSE. We compared two groups (stable and progression groups) divided by LVMI change in CMR. Clinical outcomes were defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, aborted sudden cardiac death, and stroke.

Results
Between March 2015 and January 2021, 20 patients (mean age 46.6±12.8 years, 50.0% women) were enrolled and received Agalsidase beta during 2.0±0.9 years. 13 (65.0%) patients remained stable, and 7 (35.0%) experienced progression during ERT. The annual change of peak exercise E/e’ showed no significant differences between the two groups. However, LVGLS and diastolic reserve (DR25W) significantly improved in the stable group but not in the progression group. The annual change of LVGLS (AUC, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.64–1.00], sensitivity 57.1%, specificity 100.0%, P=0.007) and DR25W (AUC, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.63–1.00], sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 90.9%, P=0.008) had a significant predictive value for LV mass progression in ROC analysis (Figure). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that LV mass progression was significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes (Log-rank, P=0.014).

Conclusion
Cardiac functional imaging biomarkers were useful in predicting the effect of ERT in patients with Fabry’s cardiomyopathy. LV mass progression during ERT was associated with poor clinical outcomes.
ROC analysis
Hemodynamic forces: a novel cardiac MRI parameter to assess early cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis patients
Authors: Kante A , Afana A , Sene D , Champion K , Pagis V , Bigot W , Burlacu R , Baladi C , Bousson V , Goncalves T , Ballout E , Toupin S , Henry P , Comarmond C , Pezel T 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is an underdiagnosed condition characterized by the formation of non-caseating granuloma in the myocardium, potentially leading to arrhythmia, acute heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Early screening for diagnosis is crucial to optimize treatment and delay progression. Hemodynamic forces (HDFs) are a measurement of the global force exchanged between blood volume and myocardium assessed during cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), and are a novel noninvasive parameter used to detect early cardiac dysfunction. HDFs have not yet been studied in patients with suspected CS.

Purpose
To investigate left ventricle (LV) HDFs in suspected CS compared to healthy controls (HC). Among patients with suspected CS, to investigate the diagnostic role of HDFs between confirmed-CS and non-CS patients.

Methods
In a single-center study, patients with suspected cardiac involvement and biopsy-proven sarcoidosis were included and a 1.5T CMR exam performed. HDFs were obtained using an advanced post-processing software (Medis Suite). CMR from suspected CS were compared to age and sex-matched HC. In sarcoidosis patients, cardiac involvementwas confirmed using the WASOG (World Association for Sarcoidosis Other Granulomatous diseases) 2014 criteria. The performance of HDFs for diagnosing CS among sarcoidosis patient was assessed using a logistic regression model using 3 HDFs parameters: LV systolic peak, LV longitudinal force and LV impulse and adjusted for the presence of LGE.

Results
Among 45 sarcoidosis patients with suspected CS, 60% had a confirmed-CS using the WASOG criteria (22% had a positive cardiac FDG-PET, 11% had scintigraphy perfusion defects and 85% had LGE). In this population, systolic and diastolic HDFs were significantly altered compared to HC (LV impulse, p=0.045; LV systolic ratio, p=0.018; LV systolic-diastolic-transition, p=0.012; LV diastolic deceleration, p=0.013) (Figure 1). LV strain and LVEF (median [IQR]) were not statistically different between CS (56 [53–60] %) and non-CS patients (60 [55–64] %). However, HDFs parameters LV longitudinal force (p=0.041), LV impulse (p=0.018), and LV systolic peak (p=0.035) were significantly altered in confirmed-CS patients compared to non-CS patients. Furthermore, the combination of LV longitudinal force, LV impulse, and LV systolic peak enabled an accurate diagnosis of CS among sarcoidosis patients, with an AUROC (area under the receiver operating characteristic) of 0.88 (Figure 2).

Conclusions
Sarcoidosis patients with suspected CS had altered hemodynamic forces compared to HC due to altered LV geometry and mechanics. Furthermore, hemodynamic forces were superior to traditional volumetric and functional CMR parameters (LVEF and strain) to predict cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis patients.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Review of pretreatment and analytical methods for environmental endocrine disruptors: Phthalates
Authors: Ding Ding , Wang Yu , He Jiaxin , Gao Jiajia , Xu Zhizhen , Dou Yan , Guo Ling , Ji Xiaohui , Shu Mushui , Yue Tao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Phthalates, known as phthalate esters (PAEs), are among the most ubiquitous pervasive env7ironmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs), extensively utilized globally in various facets of modern life due to their irreplaceable role as plasticizers. The exponential production and utilization of plastic goods have substantially escalated plastic waste accumulation. Consequently, PAEs have infiltrated the environment, contaminating food and drinking water reservoirs, posing notable threats to human health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of research advancements in PAE detection and identifies key focal points from 2000 to 2022, utilizing the Web of Science Core Collection. Sample pretreatment and analytical methodologies for PAEs are examined based on bibliometric analysis findings. Pretreatment methods mainly include dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE), magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE), molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME). Laboratory analytical methods such as gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatograph (LC) and immunoassay have been described. Additionally, a discussion on the advantages and challenges of rapid on-site detection methods, in comparison to traditional approaches, is presented in alignment with the evolving demands of PAEs detection. Based on the current research progress, future studies can focus on the demand of rapid detection of PAEs.
Black and Latinx hermeneutical resources, hip hop music and white supremacy
Authors: Bayruns García Eric 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
I will argue that the diminishment of hip hop music as a hermeneutical resource for Black and Latinx persons by white supremacy promotes the ubiquity of ignorance of racial injustice in North America. To this end, I will defend what I call the hermeneutical-diminishment thesis. According to this thesis, white supremacy has diminished hip hop as a hermeneutical resource for Black and Latinx persons. To defend this thesis, I will substantiate two sub-theses. The first is the prescriptive-rap sub-thesis. According to this sub-thesis, white supremacy has caused prescriptive rap to predominate the content of hip hop in comparison to descriptive rap. The second sub-thesis is the descriptive-rap sub-thesis. According to this sub-thesis, if (i) hip hop can have prescriptive or descriptive content; (ii) hip hop with prescriptive content is a poorer hermeneutical resource for Black and Latinx people; and (iii) hip hop is dominated by rap music with prescriptive content; then (iv) hip hop is a poorer hermeneutical resource for Black and Latinx people. The defense that I present of the hermeneutical-diminishment thesis will take the following form. If the prescriptive-rap sub-thesis is true and the descriptive-rap sub-thesis is true, then the hermeneutical-diminishment thesis is true. I here show that both sub-theses are true, and therefore the hermeneutical-diminishment thesis is true.
Elucidating the life history parameters of Culicoides oxystoma (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) under varied substrate compositions and temperatures
Authors: Sarkar Ankita , Banerjee Paramita , Mazumdar Abhijit 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A comprehensive study was conducted on the life history parameters of an important vector Culicoides oxystoma Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), to standardize potential rearing procedures. Data on life history traits and rearing conditions are crucial for establishing laboratory colony and conducting vector competence-based studies utilizing specimens with a known rearing history. Six different substrate compositions were used to rear the larvae: S1: habitat mud containing cattle manure + nutrient broth + yeast, S2: yeast, S3: habitat mud containing cattle manure + nutrient broth, S4: nutrient broth, S5: sterile (habitat mud consisting cattle manure + nutrient broth + yeast) and S6: tap water. Gravid females preferred ovipositing on beds moistened with tap water compared to distilled water. Egg hatching recorded minimal (3%) in the sterile substrate (S5), hinting at the role of live microbial load. Progression of larval instars got disrupted at 1st instars in S5 and S6. Larval survival and adult emergence were the highest in S1 and the lowest in S4, indicating that S1 is highly effective in the rearing of this species. The life cycle parameters and duration between transitional stages were evaluated at 15 °C, 20 °C, 26 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C using rearing substrate S1. The highest larval survival (&gt;70%) and adult emergence (69%) were achieved at 26 °C. The duration from egg to adult was 16 to 20 d at 35 °C, 18 to 24 d at 26 °C, but up to 36 d at 15 °C. Elucidating the effective rearing conditionalities of this important vector species will be helpful to study the transmission cycles of pathogens.
Sexual dysfunction in female patients with multiple sclerosis: relationship with functional status, fatigue, depression, sleep quality, and quality of life
Authors: Yeni Kübra , Tulek Zeliha , Terzi Murat 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Although sexual dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), there are relatively few studies on this topic.

Aim
The aim of this study was to assess sexual function in female MS patients and investigate its association with functional state, fatigue, depression, sleep, and quality of life.

Methods
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2019 with MS patients attending an MS outpatient clinic at a university hospital. Patients' sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Scale (MSQoL-54) were used to determine their relationship to sexual function.

Outcomes
Sexual function, functional status, depression, sleep quality, and quality of life.

Results
The mean age of the 83 patients included in the study was 41.8 (±8.5) years, and all were married. The mean FSFI score of the patients was 21.1 (±8.9) and 26.55, 72.3% of patients were found to have sexual dysfunction. FSFI scores were found to have a negative correlation with age (r = −0.398, P = .001), duration of diagnosis (r = −0.338, P = .001), and EDSS scores (r = −0.326, P = 0.040). Patients taking symptomatic medication (P = .032) and antidepressants (P = .012) had lower mean FSFI scores. Additionally, the FSFI score showed a significant negative correlation with the FSS (r = −0.368, P = .001), the BDI (r = −0.423, P &lt; .001), the PSQI (r = −0.314, P = .004), and the MSQoL-54 (physical health: r = 0.509, P &lt; .001 and mental health: r = 0.431, P &lt; .001).

Clinical implications
A comprehensive evaluation of sexual dysfunction and the development of tailored treatment plans, taking into account associated factors, will be beneficial for female patients with MS.

Strengths and Limitations
Small sample size and assessment of sexual function by a generic scale are the limitations of this study.

Conclusion
Considering the multifactorial nature of sexual dysfunction in female MS patients, it is recommended that patients be assessed multidimensionally during outpatient follow-up visits.