bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supine ergometry induced changes of left ventricular function and pulmonary hypertension have an uneven prognostic relevance for asymptomatic aortic stenosis according to age and gender
Authors: Armenis I , Ritsatos K , Vartela V , Marinou M , Gonteva M , Kyrzopoulos S , Tsiapras D , Athanassopoulos G D 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Risk stratification in the asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) remains a difficult task within the spectrum of its hemodynamic phenotypes, especially on aging demographics. Interplay of left ventricular function and AS hemodynamics may be studied using semisupine bicycle ergometry (SBE).

Purpose
Purpose of the study was to interrogate the prognostic relevance of SBE based evaluation of LV function and noninvasive hemodynamics in asymptomatic severe AS.

Methods
Seventy-eight asymptomatic severe AS patients (pts), followed up on valve clinic in a tertiary center (age 65±12 years, female 29), were referred for SBE. AS related cardiac events (independent decision for surgery, NYHA worsening) during a follow up of 33/21 months occurred in 25 pts (64% for age&gt;65 vs 30% for age&lt;65).
Workload (Watts) and % achieved target heart rate (%targetHR) were considered surrogates for SBE efficiency. The following parameters (mean±SD) were estimated at rest(R) and SBE (Ex): Biplane LV ejection fraction (EF) and stroke volume (SV), 2D strain (SR), tricuspid peak gradient (TRPG), transmitral E/e, HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), HR*SBP product and their respective % changes.

Results
Event group had a decreased SBE efficiency in workload (Watts: 59±16 vs 78±20, p&lt;0.001), similar %target heart rate (73±13 vs 73±9), with differences among the continuous variables only in EFex (59±8 vs 63±7, p = 0.04) and %dLVEF (6±10 vs 12±10, p = 0.02).
Categorical classification was performed for inadequate LV functional improvement at SBE, using the absolute cut off for &lt;5% LVEF increase and the &lt;3% for LVSR increase, as well as for an excessive increase in pulmonary hypertension at SBE, using the cut off for TRPG &gt;55mmHg.
Respective distribution of cases was similar for age category &gt; or &lt;=65 years (dEX &lt;5: 46% vs 45%, dSR &lt;3: 62% vs 87%, TRPGEx &gt;55mmHg: 38% vs 48%, all p = ns).
Kaplan Meier analysis for events using TRPG&gt;55 was significant for females (log rank=3.2, p = 0.06/ figure1). Kaplan Meier analysis for events using dEF≥5 was significant for age &lt;65 years (log rank =4.7, p = 0.03/figure2).
LVSR cut off did not provide any difference in outcome.

Conclusion
SBE induced changes on LV function and pulmonary hypertension have an uneven risk stratification relevance according to age and gender. Dedicated algorithms to gender and age have to be applied for the improvement of prognostication in severe AS based on SBE.
Body mass components affecting low-attenuation noncalcified coronary plaque burden
Authors: Henzel J , Kruk M , Kepka C , Makarewicz-Wujec M , Wardziak L , Trochimiuk P , Dabrowski R , Dzielinska Z , Demkow M 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): National Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw, Poland

Background
Weight control is a major risk modifier for coronary artery disease. However, the effect exerted by individual body mass components on coronary plaque may not be uniform. Low-attenuation noncalcified plaque (LAP) has been recently identified as an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes [1].

Purpose
To determine the relationship between changes in body mass composition and LAP burden.

Methods
89 participants of Dietary Intervention to Stop Coronary Atherosclerosis in Computed Tomography (DISCO-CT) were enrolled into the analysis (40% women, mean age 60±7.7 years). Patients with non-obstructive (stenosis&lt;70%) coronary atherosclerosis confirmed in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and qualified to conservative treatment were randomized (1:1) to intensive diet and lifestyle intervention atop optimal medical therapy (OMT) versus OMT alone over 66.8±13.7 months [2]. Body mass (BM) and body mass components including total body fat (TBF), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), visceral cell mass (VCM), and extracellular mass (ECM) were measured at baseline and follow-up (InBody S10 analyser, South Korea). LAP burden was defined as the volume of coronary plaque &lt;30 Hounsfield units divided by the vessel volume, and expressed in %. Changes in body components were compared with changes in LAP measured in serial CCTA scans (QAngioCT, Medis Medical Imaging Systems, the Netherlands).

Results
Reduction in BM was significantly higher in the experimental (∆BM=-3.6±4.9 kg) vs control arm (∆BM=-1.4±2.9 kg; p = 0.016) and so was the reduction in TBF (∆TBF=-4.2±5.3 kg vs ∆TBF=0.2±4.3 kg, respectively; p&lt;0.001). SMM increased by 0.4±2.6 kg in the experimental arm and decreased by 1.0±2.1 kg in the control arm (p = 0.006). No significant interarm differences were observed for changes in VCM and ECM. Reduction in LAP was higher in the experimental vs control arm (∆LAP=-0.42±1.4% vs ∆LAP=-0.03±0.45%, respectively; p = 0.078).
In the entire study population, a significant positive correlation between LAP reduction and BM reduction was revealed (r=0.45, p&lt;0.001). Multivariate regression model incorporating the investigated body mass components identified TBF as the only component associated with LAP reduction (table).

Conclusions
Body mass reduction may decrease LAP burden due to body fat reduction.
Assessment of intracardiac flow dynamics for the evaluation of patients with aortic stenosis
Authors: Leo I , Sabatino J , Strangio A , Canino G , Critelli C , Troilo F , Maglione M , Loliva G , Romano L R , Indolfi C , De Rosa S 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Assessment of intracardiac flows has acquired increasing significance in the past few years, due to the development and introduction of technologies for non-invasive cardiovascular imaging. Recent studies have demonstrated abnormalities in cardiac function, which are related to pathological intracardiac vortical flows.
This study investigates the additional information provided by quantifying intracardiac flow dynamics for the evaluation of patients with aortic stenosis (AS), by using an advanced echocardiography vortex-based approach.

Methods
One hundred twenty patients with severe AS (65 females – 54%), 60 patients with concentric remodelling (VR) (7 females – 12%) and 100 healthy controls (CTRL) (32 females – 32%) were prospectively enrolled to undergo a non-invasive evaluation of intracardiac flow dynamics. Echocardiographic assessments were performed, and apical three chamber views were recorded by means of MyLab™ X8 Platform. The HyperDoppler software adapted to an Esaote echo-scanner without contrast injection was used to assess vortex properties in all the patients.

Results
Vortex depth, vortex length, vortex intensity and vortex area were all significantly increased in SAo compared to CTRL (p&lt;0.001, p = 0.003, p&lt;0.001 and p = 0,049, respectively). Only vortex depth and vortex intensity (p&lt;0.001 and p = 0.013, respectively) were significantly increased in SAo compared with VR. The mean energy dissipation of SAo group was significantly increased compared to control group (p&lt;0.001) and VR (p = 0.002). Finally, the ROC Curve, generated to assess the capability of vortex depth to discriminate patients with and without severe aortic stenosis, showed an AUC of 0.751 (cutoff value ≥ 0.354; sensitivity, 73%; specificity, 73%).

Conclusions
There is a significant change of vortex localization, vorticity and energy parameters in patients with Sao. In particular, vortex depth, vortex intensity and energy dissipation are all significantly increased in SAo compared to CTRL and vortex depth can independently differentiate patients with SAo to those with only concentric remodelling and to CTRLs with high accuracy.
These findings indicate that the assessment of intracardiac flow dynamics may provide complementary information to standard echocardiography, helping to distinguish within the heterogeneous population of patients with severe AS.
Health-economic modelling of cost savings due to the use of rezafungin based on a German cost-of-illness study of candidiasis
Authors: Jeck Julia , Jakobs Florian , Kurte Melina S , Cornely Oliver A , Kron Florian 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Candida species are responsible for fungal diseases and the development of nosocomial bloodstream infections. Treatment is resource-intensive and economically challenging for healthcare systems. Cost analyses of drugs against candidiasis, such as rezafungin, are thus of great interest to healthcare payers.

Methods
We conducted a cost-of-illness study of patients with Candida infections based on real-word data of the Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne (Germany) between 2016 and 2021. Health-economic parameters were analysed to describe the economic impact of Candida infections. Potential cost savings due to the administration of rezafungin were modelled for patients with invasive candidiasis or candidaemia based on a 5 day reduction of ICU length of stay (LOS) shown by the STRIVE study.

Results
We found 724 cases (652 patients) with Candida infections, of which 61% received ICU treatment (n = 442) and 29% were mechanically ventilated (n = 207). Twenty-six percent died during hospitalization (n = 185). Median LOS was 25 and 15 days, on normal wards and ICU, respectively. Median total treatment costs per case accounted for €22 820. Based on the ICU LOS reduction, the retrospective model showed a median cost-saving potential of €7175 per hospital case with invasive candidiasis or candidaemia. Accumulated cost savings for 37 patients of €283 335 were found.

Conclusions
Treatment of candidiasis is cost intensive due to increased hospital LOS. The ICU LOS reduction rezafungin showed in STRIVE would lead to sustainable cost savings.
Semi-automated technique for bovine skeletal muscle fiber cross-sectional area and myosin heavy chain determination
Authors: Fuerniss Luke K , Johnson Bradley J 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Myosin heavy chain (MyHC) type and muscle fiber size are informative but time-consuming variables of interest for livestock growth, muscle biology, and meat science. The objective of this study was to validate a semi-automated protocol for determining MyHC type and size of muscle fibers. Muscle fibers obtained from the longissimus and semitendinosus of fed beef carcasses were embedded and frozen within 45 min of harvest. Immunohistochemistry was used to distinguish MyHC type I, IIA, and IIX proteins, dystrophin, and nuclei in transverse sections of frozen muscle samples. Stained muscle cross sections were imaged and analyzed using two workflows: 1) Nikon workflow which used Nikon Eclipse inverted microscope and NIS Elements software and 2) Cytation5 workflow consisting of Agilent BioTek Cytation5 imaging reader and Gen5 software. With the Cytation5 workflow, approximately six times more muscle fibers were evaluated compared to the Nikon workflow within both the longissimus (P &lt; 0.01; 768 vs. 129 fibers evaluated) and semitendinosus (P &lt; 0.01; 593 vs. 96 fibers evaluated). Combined imaging and analysis took approximately 1 h per sample with the Nikon workflow and 10 min with the Cytation5 workflow. When muscle fibers were evaluated by the objective thresholds of the Cytation5 workflow, a greater proportion of fibers were classified as glycolytic MyHC types, regardless of muscle (P &lt; 0.01). Overall mean myofiber cross-sectional area was 14% smaller (P &lt; 0.01; 3,248 vs. 3,780) when determined by Cytation5 workflow than when determined by Nikon workflow. Regardless, Pearson correlation of mean muscle fiber cross-sectional areas determined by Nikon and Cytation5 workflows was 0.73 (P &lt; 0.01). In both workflows cross-sectional area of MyHC type I fibers was the smallest and area of MyHC type IIX fibers was the largest. These results validated the Cytation5 workflow as an efficient and biologically relevant tool to expedite data capture of muscle fiber characteristics while using objective thresholds for muscle fiber classification.
A Diagnostic Dilemma: New Enhancing Suspicious Findings on Breast MRI Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: LaRoy Jennifer R , Tadros Audree B , Sevilimedu Varadan , Mango Victoria L 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Evaluate the incidence and outcome of new enhancing findings on breast MRI after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Methods
This IRB-approved retrospective review included women with breast cancer undergoing MRI to evaluate NAC response at our institution from January 1, 1998 to March 3, 2021. Post-NAC MRIs given BI-RADS 4 or 5 with new enhancing findings were identified. Patients were excluded if they lacked pretreatment MRI or insufficient follow-up, or if the finding was a satellite of the primary tumor. Medical records and imaging studies were reviewed to identify patients and to find characteristics and outcomes.

Results
Over the study period, 2880 post-NAC breast MRIs were performed. Of 128 post-NAC MRIs given BI-RADS 4 or 5 (4.4%), 35 new suspicious findings were found on 32 MRIs, incidence rate 1.1% (32/2880). Most were characterized as nonmass enhancement (17/35, 49%), followed by mass (11/35, 31%), and then focus (7/35, 20%), with an average maximum dimension of 1.3 cm (range 0.3–7.1 cm). New findings were ipsilateral to the index cancer in 20/35 (57%) of cases. Of the 35 suspicious findings, 22 underwent image-guided biopsy (62%), 1 was surgically excised (3%), 7 underwent mastectomy (20%), 5 were stable or resolved on follow-up (8%), and none were malignant. Thirty-three were benign (94%), and two were benign high-risk lesions (atypical ductal hyperplasia, radial scar) (6%).

Conclusion
New suspicious breast MRI findings after NAC are uncommon with a low likelihood of malignancy. Further study is warranted using multi-institutional data for this low incidence finding.
Establishment and impacts of emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) parasitoids released at early- and post-invasion sites
Authors: Morris Timothy D , Gould Juli R , Fierke Melissa K 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Forest stands infested by emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, experience extensive mortality of mature ash trees. Post-invasion woodlands commonly have a small contingent of mature lingering ash, an orphaned cohort of seedlings/saplings, and low EAB densities. To protect regenerating ash against rebounding EAB populations, a suite of biocontrol agents are being reared and released. USDA APHIS guidelines currently recommend the release of parasitoids into forests prior to overstory ash mortality at sites containing a variety of ash size classes and low to moderate but building EAB densities. To understand if biocontrol establishment and control of EAB is feasible in post-invasion sites, we assessed the establishment of parasitoids in 6 post-invasion forest stands in 2 regions of NY and compared EAB mortality in these stands to 2 regions where releases were conducted during the early-invasion phase. Results of parasitoid trapping indicates Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang established under both release strategies. Spathius galinae Belokobylskij & Strazanac was only released in post-invasion stands, where it was established successfully. Artificial EAB cohorts were established and life tables were constructed at 3 sites per region. EAB mortality due to T. planipennisi parasitism was similar under both release strategies 2 yr after release in post-invasion stands versus 8 yr after release in early-invasion stands. Combined mortality from T. planipennisi and woodpecker predation resulted in consistently low EAB reproductive rates. Future biocontrol releases could target forests identified as economically or ecologically important, regardless of whether EAB populations are increasing or have collapsed following initial invasion.
Identification and functional analysis of isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase genes in the whiteflies Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Yang Zhifang , Wang Kui , Liu Shunxiao , Li Xiang , Wang Hongliang , Wang Liuhao , Zhang Hongwei , Yu Hao 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The juvenile hormone (JH) plays a vital role in the regulation of a number of physiological processes, including development, reproduction, and ovarian maturation. Isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase (IPPI) is a key enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of JH. In this study, we identified an isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase protein from Bemisia tabaci and named it BtabIPPI. The open reading frame (ORF) of BtabIPPI is 768 bp and encodes a protein of 255 amino acids that contains a conserved domain of the Nudix family. The temporal and spatial expression profiles showed that BtabIPPI was highly expressed in the female adults.RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing of BtabIPPI reduced JH titers and the relative expression of vitellogenin receptor (VgR) and JH signaling pathway genes, resulting in a dramatic reduction in fecundity and hatchability. These results indicate that the BtabIPPI gene plays an important role in the female fecundity of B. tabaci. This study will broaden our understanding of the function of IPPI in regulating insect reproduction and provide a theoretical basis for targeting IPPI for pest control in the future.
Factors that affect long-distance movements of small rodents and shrews in the Ural taiga: disentangling dispersal from excursion movements
Authors: Tolkachev Oleg , Maklakov Kirill , Malkova Ekaterina 
Published: June 2023

AbstractLong-distance movements (LDMs) of small mammals (SMs) are complex phenomena that cover both dispersals and excursions occurring outside the home ranges of individuals. Owing to methodological difficulties, there are a lack of data on LDMs for SMs. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors that influence the LDMs of different mouse-sized rodents and shrews in the Ural taiga (Sverdlovsk region, Russia). We conducted a field experiment in a boreal forest using individual- (capture–marking–recapture [CMR]) and group- (biomarkers: tetracycline and rhodamine B) marking methods, in conjunction with additional feeding. The species, sex, maturity, plot ID, additional food supply, species abundance indices, individuals/100 trap-nights indices in the capture plot, and body weight of each animal were analyzed as predictors of LDMs. We identified 89 individuals from six species that moved at distances of 250, 350, and 500 m. LDMs varied with the particular species and its population abundance. Most of the observed movements were excursions and not dispersal events. Applying mathematical simulations to the obtained empirical data facilitated estimation of the intensity of the excursion activity for different species. We present the 1st excursion data on Sylvaemus uralensis (Pallas, 1811), Microtus arvalis (Pallas, 1778), and Sorex caecutiens (Laxmann, 1788). The detected excursion distance (250 m) for Myodes glareolus (Schreber, 1780) is the maximum excursion distance known for this species. We demonstrate that with comparable labor and time costs, the use of biomarkers makes it possible to detect many more LDMs than CMR allows.
Shedding light on the controversial taxonomic status of Culicoides jamaicensis and Culicoides paolae (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae): an overseas trip among continents
Authors: Bravo-Barriga Daniel , González Mikel Alexander , Parreira Ricardo , Frontera Eva , Huerta Herón , Alarcón-Elbal Pedro María 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are small bloodsucking flies that act as vectors for various pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. This study aimed to examine, using a comprehensive approach, the controversial taxonomic status of 2 Culicoides species that are currently distributed in the Neotropical (Culicoides jamaicensis Edwards) and Palearctic (Culicoides paolae Boorman) areas and possess unique and distinctive features. Previous investigations based on morphological analysis have suggested that these 2 species may be synonyms. Our work updated the current geographical distribution of both species and analyzed new specimens from different geographic origins, together with publicly available sequences. We used 2 universal genetic markers (COI and 28S) to test this hypothesis. Our study reveals evidence that C. paolae and C. jamaicensis belong to the same species due to the following statements: (i) similar morphological features; (ii) low interspecific genetic variation; (iii) association with a single genetic cluster; (iv) inclusion within the subgenus Drymodesmyia, which has only been recorded in the New World; and (v) occurrence in habitats with moderate temperatures. We recommend that European and African specimens of C. paolae be considered from now on as C. jamaicensis. Our comprehensive approach shed new light on the taxonomic status of these 2 Culicoides species and has implications for future studies on their biology and ecology.
Highly efficient production and characterization of the exopolysaccharides from a thermotolerant Bacillus sp.
Authors: Ma Jing , Zhao Xiangying , Rong Zhangbo , Liu Liping , Zhang Jiaxiang , Li Qingshuai , Han Mo , Liu Jianjun 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
One thermotolerant Bacillus strain SFLV-ZM107 which could produce large amounts of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) at 50°C was identified as Bacillus licheniformis by 16S rDNA sequencing and physiological and biochemical experiments. The EPS was identified as levan fructan by monosaccharides determination, NMR, and FTIR. Strain SFLV-ZM107 can be grown in the range of 35–55°C and it is efficient to produce levan from 400 to 500 g l−1 of sucrose. The production of levan can reach 158 g l−1 in a 5 L tank fermentation with an initial sucrose concentration of 450 g l−1 at 50°C for 12 hours with a maximum productivity of 13.17 g l−1 h−1. To the best of our knowledge, the strains obtained in this study are the most productive and efficient, which has great prospects for industrial application.
Genetic variants underlying developmental arrests in human preimplantation embryos
Authors: Ozturk Saffet 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Developmental arrest in preimplantation embryos is one of the major causes of assisted reproduction failure. It is briefly defined as a delay or a failure of embryonic development in producing viable embryos during ART cycles. Permanent or partial developmental arrest can be observed in the human embryos from one-cell to blastocyst stages. These arrests mainly arise from different molecular biological defects, including epigenetic disturbances, ART processes, and genetic variants. Embryonic arrests were found to be associated with a number of variants in the genes playing key roles in embryonic genome activation, mitotic divisions, subcortical maternal complex formation, maternal mRNA clearance, repairing DNA damage, transcriptional, and translational controls. In this review, the biological impacts of these variants are comprehensively evaluated in the light of existing studies. The creation of diagnostic gene panels and potential ways of preventing developmental arrests to obtain competent embryos are also discussed.