bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe functional ischaemic mitral regurgitation: is functional a misnomer for a dysfunctional valve? A case report
Authors: Chrissoheris Michael P , Kourkoveli Panagiota , Aravantinos Dionysios , Spargias Konstantinos 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Mitral regurgitation (MR) in the context of left ventricular systolic dysfunction is often designated as functional, with emphasis on the underlying cardiomyopathy leading to malcoaptation of the ‘otherwise normal valve’.

Case summary
A 63-year-old male with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction 20%) presented with intractable heart failure in need of inotropic support and could not be stepped down from an ICU hospital setting. Functional MR, graded as moderate on transthoracic echocardiography, was initially not considered as pertinent to the clinical condition and options discussed included initiation of dialysis for volume management, chronic inotropic support, and palliative measures. However, a re-examination of the mitral valve by transoesophageal echo revealed severe regurgitation from annular dilatation and restricted mobility during systole. Transcatheter edge to edge repair utilizing the PASCAL device resulted in marked reduction of MR followed by an abrupt clinical improvement, weaning off inotropes and discharge home 4 days later. At four-year follow-up, the patient is stable on optimal heart failure therapy.

Discussion
For many patients with heart failure and underlying cardiomyopathy, the presence of significant functional MR, instead of a ‘bystander’ disease, actually becomes the dominant driver of symptoms and compounds the low cardiac output state. In these patients, the term ‘functional’ MR becomes a misnomer, as in fact the so called ‘otherwise normal’ mitral valve is actually a severely dysfunctional valve with a wide malcoaptation zone. Transcatheter edge to edge repair is an effective bailout procedure for patients with low cardiac output and disproportionate severe functional MR.
Atrial arrhythmias and acute pericarditis triggered by bleach ingestion-associated oesophageal perforation: a case report
Authors: Saleh Ahmed , D'amico Alex , Hasnie Ammar , Clarkson Stephen , Heindl Brittain 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Acute pericarditis due to oesophageal perforation and caustic injury is a rare presentation of bleach ingestion. Cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter have been associated with certain aetiologies of acute pericarditis. This case report presents a unique occurrence of acute pericarditis following bleach ingestion and intermittent atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter triggered by liquid intake.

Case summary
A 36-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented after attempted suicide by ingesting bleach. He had acute pericarditis resulting from caustic oesophageal perforation and extensive mediastinal injury. In the following days, he developed recurrent episodes of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter following fluid intake, prompting treatment with metoprolol. On Day 5 of hospitalization, he underwent an oesophagogram and developed persistent atrial arrhythmia with haemodynamic instability requiring cardioversion. He underwent thoracoscopic surgery to address the oesophageal injury. A jejunostomy tube was placed and he had complete resolution of his recurrent atrial arrhythmia.

Discussion
This case highlights a rare presentation of atrial arrhythmias and acute pericarditis caused by corrosive oesophageal injury due to bleach ingestion. The effective management of such cases necessitates a co-ordinated approach, involving the collaboration of cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists, and critical care specialists, with the aim of enhancing patient outcomes and mitigating the life-threatening risks associated with oesophageal perforation and cardiac arrhythmias. Furthermore, this case underscores the imperative for further research to better understand the relationship between traumatic acute pericarditis and atrial arrhythmias, offering the potential for improved patient care in these intricate clinical scenarios.
Artificial intelligence for ventricular arrhythmia capability using ambulatory electrocardiograms
Authors: Barker Joseph , Li Xin , Kotb Ahmed , Mavilakandy Akash , Antoun Ibrahim , Thaitirarot Chokanan , Koev Ivelin , Man Sharon , Schlindwein Fernando S , Dhutia Harshil , Chin Shui Hao , Tyukin Ivan , Nicolson William B , Ng G Andre 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aims
European and American clinical guidelines for implantable cardioverter defibrillators are insufficiently accurate for ventricular arrhythmia (VA) risk stratification, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Artificial intelligence offers a novel risk stratification lens through which VA capability can be determined from the electrocardiogram (ECG) in normal cardiac rhythm. The aim of this study was to develop and test a deep neural network for VA risk stratification using routinely collected ambulatory ECGs.

Methods and results
A multicentre case–control study was undertaken to assess VA-ResNet-50, our open source ResNet-50-based deep neural network. VA-ResNet-50 was designed to read pyramid samples of three-lead 24 h ambulatory ECGs to decide whether a heart is capable of VA based on the ECG alone. Consecutive adults with VA from East Midlands, UK, who had ambulatory ECGs as part of their NHS care between 2014 and 2022 were recruited and compared with all comer ambulatory electrograms without VA. Of 270 patients, 159 heterogeneous patients had a composite VA outcome. The mean time difference between the ECG and VA was 1.6 years (⅓ ambulatory ECG before VA). The deep neural network was able to classify ECGs for VA capability with an accuracy of 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.66–0.87), F1 score of 0.79 (0.67–0.90), area under the receiver operator curve of 0.8 (0.67–0.91), and relative risk of 2.87 (1.41–5.81).

Conclusion
Ambulatory ECGs confer risk signals for VA risk stratification when analysed using VA-ResNet-50. Pyramid sampling from the ambulatory ECGs is hypothesized to capture autonomic activity. We encourage groups to build on this open-source model.

Question
Can artificial intelligence (AI) be used to predict whether a person is at risk of a lethal heart rhythm, based solely on an electrocardiogram (an electrical heart tracing)?

Findings
In a study of 270 adults (of which 159 had lethal arrhythmias), the AI was correct in 4 out of every 5 cases. If the AI said a person was at risk, the risk of lethal event was three times higher than normal adults.

Meaning
In this study, the AI performed better than current medical guidelines. The AI was able to accurately determine the risk of lethal arrhythmia from standard heart tracings for 80% of cases over a year away—a conceptual shift in what an AI model can see and predict. This method shows promise in better allocating implantable shock box pacemakers (implantable cardioverter defibrillators) that save lives.
Diversification history and morphological evolution of larks
Authors: García-Navas Vicente , Stervander Martin , Alström Per 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Larks (Alaudidae) constitute one of the avian families best adapted to xeric environments, having colonized a wide suite of open habitats including deserts. Although their highest diversity is in Africa, larks occur on all nonpolar continents. We tested whether larks exhibit exceptional and/or correlated shifts in the tempos of speciation and ecological trait diversification in the face of open ecological space. We employed a near-complete phylogeny and a morphological dataset including several recently recognized species. We found homogeneity in diversification dynamics across the family and evidence for a diversity-dependent slowdown in cladogenesis, which indicates that Alaudidae may approach their ‘ecological limit’. We did not observe an early burst in phenotypic diversification, as would be expected in a ‘classic’ adaptive radiation. Our findings suggest that the morphology of larks shows a high level of evolutionary conservatism and overall lack of ecomorphological convergence: ecological variables (diet and habitat)—which by contrast display a higher lability—explain little of shape/size variation except beak shape. Both adaptation to aridity and dietary transitions have evolved independently in multiple lineages across subfamilies. This study supports the idea that continental radiations in open habitats may reach an equilibrium faster than those in tropical forests, due to differences in ecological opportunities.
GPI-anchored Gas1 protein regulates cytosolic proteostasis in budding yeast
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Ruan Linhao , Li Rong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The decline in protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is a hallmark of cellular aging and aging-related diseases. Maintaining a balanced proteostasis requires a complex network of molecular machineries that govern protein synthesis, folding, localization, and degradation. Under proteotoxic stress, misfolded proteins that accumulate in cytosol can be imported into mitochondria for degradation through the “mitochondrial as guardian in cytosol” (MAGIC) pathway. Here, we report an unexpected role of Gas1, a cell wall-bound glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored β-1,3-glucanosyltransferase in the budding yeast, in differentially regulating MAGIC and ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Deletion of GAS1 inhibits MAGIC but elevates protein ubiquitination and UPS-mediated protein degradation. Interestingly, we found that the Gas1 protein exhibits mitochondrial localization attributed to its C-terminal GPI anchor signal. But this mitochondria-associated GPI anchor signal is not required for mitochondrial import and degradation of misfolded proteins through MAGIC. By contrast, catalytic inactivation of Gas1 via the gas1-E161Q mutation inhibits MAGIC but not its mitochondrial localization. These data suggest that the glucanosyltransferase activity of Gas1 is important for regulating cytosolic proteostasis.
A call-to-action: integrate a learning health system framework into longitudinal population studies to improve health response in Africa
Authors: Kadengye Damazo T , Kiragga Agnes N 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Longitudinal population studies (LPSs) in Africa have the potential to become powerful engines of change by adopting a learning health system (LHS) framework. This is a call-to-action opinion and highlights the importance of integrating an LHS approach into LPSs, emphasizing their transformative potential to improve population health response, drive evidence-based decision making, and enhance community well-being. Operators of LPS platforms, community members, government officials, and funding agencies have a role to contribute to this transformative journey of driving evidence-based interventions, promoting health equity, and fostering long-term public health solutions for African communities.
Effects of betaine on growth performance and intestinal health of rabbits fed different digestible energy diets
Authors: Li Zimei , Pu Junning , Zeng Tingxuan , Cai Jingyi , Jia Gang , Zhao Hua , Liu Guangmang , Zeng Qiufeng , Luo Yuheng , Tian Gang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of betaine on growth performance and intestinal health in rabbits fed diets with different levels of digestible energy. During a 36-d experiment, a total of 144 healthy 35-d-old weaned New Zealand white rabbits with a similar initial body weight (771.05 ± 41.79 g) were randomly distributed to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Experimental treatments consisted of two levels of digestible energy (normal: 10.20 and low: 9.60 MJ/kg) and three levels of betaine (0, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg). Results indicated that rabbits fed the diet with low digestible energy (LDE) had reduced body gain/feed intake on days 1 to 14 and 1 to 36 (P &lt; 0.05), increased the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and n-free extract, and decreased the ATTD of gross energy (GE), crude fiber, and organic matter (OM; P &lt; 0.05). The LDE diet upregulated the gene abundance levels of duodenum junctional adhesion molecule-3 (JAM-3) and downregulated the ileum toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation factor 88, and interleukin-6 (IL-6; P &lt; 0.05). Activities of amylase, lipase, trypsin, and the immunoglobulin M content in the jejunum were decreased in the LDE treatment group (P &lt; 0.05). Dietary betaine supplementation increased the ATTD of GE, dry matter (DM), ADF, and n-free extract by LDE (P &lt; 0.05). The villus height, crypt depth, and goblet cell numbers were decreased, and the villus–crypt ratio was increased in the duodenum (P &lt; 0.05). The gene abundance levels of duodenum IL-2 were downregulated, and the duodenum JAM-2 and JAM-3 were upregulated (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the addition of betaine to the LDE diet increased the ATTD of GE, DM, and OM in rabbits (P &lt; 0.05). Gene abundance levels of ileum IL-6 and duodenum JAM-3 were upregulated (P &lt; 0.05). In summary, LDE diets can reduce the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes and decrease the ATTD of nutrients. However, the addition of betaine to LDE diets improved the intestinal barrier structure and nutrient ATTD in rabbits, with better results when betaine was added at an additive level of 500 mg/kg.
Impact of aging on copper isotopic composition in the murine brain
Authors: Lahoud Esther , Moynier Frédéric , Luu Tu-Han , Mahan Brandon , Borgne Marie Le 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aging is the main risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is linked to alterations in metal homeostasis and changes in stable metal isotopic composition can occur, possibly allowing the latter to serve as relevant biomarkers for potential AD diagnosis. Copper stable isotopes are used to investigate changes in Cu homeostasis associated with various diseases. Prior work has shown that in AD mouse models, the accumulation of 63Cu in the brain is associated with the disease's progression. However, our understanding of how the normal aging process influences the brain's isotopic composition of copper remains limited. In order to determine the utility and predictive power of Cu isotopes in AD diagnostics, we aim—in this study—to develop a baseline trajectory of Cu isotopic composition in the normally aging mouse brain. We determined the copper concentration and isotopic composition in brains of 30 healthy mice (WT) ranging in age from 6 to 12 mo, and further incorporate prior data obtained for 3-mo-old healthy mice; this range approximately equates to 20–50 yr in human equivalency. A significant 65Cu enrichment has been observed in the 12-mo-old mice compared to the youngest group, concomitant with an increase in Cu concentration with age. Meanwhile, literature data for brains of AD mice display an enrichment in 63Cu isotope compared to WT. It is acutely important that this baseline enrichment in 65Cu is fully constrained and normalized against if any coherent diagnostic observations regarding 63Cu enrichment as a biomarker for AD are to be developed.
Olive leaf extract effect on cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Álvares Andressa Anelo , Garcêz Anderson , Silva Lucas Tolio , Averbuch Natália , Garavaglia Juliano 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Context
Olive leaf extract (OLE) is rich in phenolic compounds, which are known for their health benefits. Cardiovascular diseases, primarily coronary heart disease and stroke, are leading causes of mortality globally.

Objective
This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of OLE on cardiometabolic risk factors in adults. The selection of studies was based on intervention and outcomes, using relevant search descriptors.

Data Sources
The databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were systematically searched for pertinent studies published up to August 2021.

Data Extraction
Only randomized clinical trials, either cross-over or parallel, involving adult individuals aged ≥18 years, were considered. Additionally, trials that had a comparative or placebo group and used pure OLEs for oral treatment were included.

Data Analysis
Twelve randomized clinical trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. These trials had follow-up periods ranging from 2 days to 12 weeks and involved 703 patients aged 18 years–79 years. The outcomes demonstrated a positive correlation between the intervention group and glucose metabolism (4 RCTs), blood pressure (2 RCTs), lipid profile (2 RCTs), and inflammatory markers (2 RCTs). The RoB2 tool and the GRADE system were used to evaluate the risk of bias and the quality of evidence in the studies.

Conclusions
In the meta-analysis, fasting glycemia, as evaluated in studies using a low dose of OLE, showed a significant result favoring the control group. To obtain more consistent results, further clinical studies in humans, using similar methodologies, are required.

Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020200877.
A Study of the Criminal Victimization of Policewomen by Other Police Officers
Authors: Stinson Philip Matthew , Liederbach John , Wentzlof Chloe Ann , Parker Jordan M 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Our research focuses on the criminal victimization of policewomen by other police officers. The data derive from a larger nationwide study on police crime, or cases in which police officers have been arrested for the perpetration of one or more criminal offenses. The current study identifies cases involving policewomen who are victims of police-perpetrated sexual harassment, official misconduct, stalking, indecent exposure, simple and aggravated assault, and rape. The specific goals of the research are three-fold: (1) explore the nature and character of police crimes perpetrated against policewomen, (2) describe cases of police crime perpetrated against policewomen that specifically involve some form of sexual violence, and (3) compare cases of police crime perpetrated against male and female police victims. Findings demonstrate the differential criminal victimization of policewoman, particularly in terms of cases involving police sexual violence (PSV) and officer-involved domestic violence (OIDV).
Unionization, licensure and workplace variation in pay inequality between immigrants and natives
Authors: Drange Ida , Helland Håvard , Hermansen Are Skeie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Organizational research has revealed considerable variation in immigrant–native pay inequalities across workplace contexts. However, less is known about how broader labor market institutions intersect in the local dynamics of wage setting between employees of immigrant and native backgrounds. We argue that union density and higher shares of employees in licensed occupations in workplaces constrain organizational opportunity structures for unequal pay according to immigrant backgrounds. Our analysis of longitudinal linked employer–employee administrative data for the Norwegian labor market shows that the wage gap between immigrants and natives decreases with increasing workplace unionization, but almost exclusively for immigrants who are union members. Next, licensure raises pay at the individual and workplace levels, although any reduction in immigrant–native pay gaps is contingent on immigrants’ access to licensed jobs. Our findings support the claim that institutional regulation in the workplace reduces the organizational scope of unequal pay based on immigrant status.
Adaptive changes in BMAL2 with increased locomotion associated with the evolution of unihemispheric slow-wave sleep in mammals
Authors: Yin Daiqing , Zhang Biao , Chong Yujie , Ren Wenhua , Xu Shixia , Yang Guang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Marine mammals, especially cetaceans, have evolved a very special form of sleep characterized by unihemispheric slow-wave sleep (USWS) and a negligible amount or complete absence of rapid-eye-movement sleep; however, the underlying genetic mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we detected unique, significant selection signatures in basic helix-loop-helix ARNT like 2 (BMAL2; also called ARNTL2), a key circadian regulator, in marine mammal lineages, and identified two nonsynonymous amino acid substitutions (K204E and K346Q) in the important PER-ARNT-SIM domain of cetacean BMAL2 via sequence comparison with other mammals. In vitro assays revealed that these cetacean-specific mutations specifically enhanced the response to E-box-like enhancer and consequently promoted the transcriptional activation of PER2, which is closely linked to sleep regulation. The increased PER2 expression, which was further confirmed both in vitro and in vivo, is beneficial for allowing cetaceans to maintain continuous movement and alertness during sleep. Concordantly, the locomotor activities of zebrafish overexpressing the cetacean-specific mutant bmal2 were significantly higher than the zebrafish overexpressing the wild-type gene. Subsequently, transcriptome analyses revealed that cetacean-specific mutations caused the upregulation of arousal-related genes and the downregulation of several sleep-promoting genes, which is consistent with the need to maintain hemispheric arousal during USWS. Our findings suggest a potential close relationship between adaptive changes in BMAL2 and the remarkable adaptation of USWS and may provide novel insights into the genetic basis of the evolution of animal sleep.
Estimated rates of progression to tuberculosis disease for persons infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the United States
Authors: Ekramnia Mina , Li Yunfei , Haddad Maryam B. , Marks Suzanne M. , Kammerer J. Steve , Swartwood Nicole A. , Cohen Ted , Miller Jeffrey W. , Horsburgh C Robert , Salomon Joshua A. , Menzies Nicolas A. 
Published: January 2024

Background:
In the United States, over 80% of tuberculosis (TB) disease cases are estimated to result from reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI) acquired more than 2 years previously (“reactivation TB”). We estimated reactivation TB rates for the US population with LTBI, overall, by age, sex, race–ethnicity, and US-born status, and for selected comorbidities (diabetes, end-stage renal disease, and HIV).

Methods:
We collated nationally representative data for 2011–2012. Reactivation TB incidence was based on TB cases reported to the National TB Surveillance System that were attributed to LTBI reactivation. Person–years at risk of reactivation TB were calculated using interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) positivity from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, published values for interferon-gamma release assay sensitivity and specificity, and population estimates from the American Community Survey.

Results:
For persons aged ≥6 years with LTBI, the overall reactivation rate was estimated as 0.072 (95% uncertainty interval: 0.047, 0.12) per 100 person-years. Estimated reactivation rates declined with age. Compared to the overall population, estimated reactivation rates were higher for persons with diabetes (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] = 1.6 [1.5, 1.7]), end-stage renal disease (aRR = 9.8 [5.4, 19]), and HIV (aRR = 12 [10, 13]).

Conclusions:
In our study, individuals with LTBI faced small, non-negligible risks of reactivation TB. Risks were elevated for individuals with medical comorbidities that weaken immune function.