bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of cryoablation versus antiarrhythmic therapy for treatment of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Villanueva P , Sibulo M , David B , Cheng F 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia that causes various complications if left untreated. Current primary care guidelines recommend administration of antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) as the preferred treatment regimen for first diagnosed AF and considers ablation if there is failure of therapy. However, recent studies show the benefit of cryoablation on the initial treatment of AF.

Purpose
The primary objective of this study is to determine the efficacy and the safety of cryoablation therapy over AAD as treatment regimen for atrial fibrillation.

Methods
A comprehensive and relevant search of randomized controlled trials (RCT) was conducted examining the use of cryoablation as initial treatment of AF compared to AAD. Outcome measures for recurrence of atrial arrhythmias and serious adverse effects (SAEs) were extracted and analyzed using Review Manager 5.4. Fixed effects model was used initially for both outcomes; however, if there was substantial heterogeneity (I² &gt; 50%), random effects model was then used.

Results
Four studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of 969 subjects analyzed. Initially, a fixed effect model was used to compute for the Risk Ratio (RR) which yielded RR of 0.55 [95% CI: 0.49-0.63], I²=93, p &lt; 0.0001. Since there was substantial heterogeneity among the four RCTs, a random effects model was then used. The heterogeneity may be attributed to the difference in study designs as some of the studies involved a cross-over design. Using the random effects model, the computed RR was 0.50 [95% CI: 0.33-0.85], I²=93, p = 0.01. Hence, cryoballoon therapy is found to be more beneficial in preventing recurrence of atrial arrhythmias. This result can be interpreted as statistically significant given that the p value is &lt; 0.05.
On the other hand, the fixed effects model revealed there was no significant difference between cryoballoon therapy and AAD in terms of SAE (RR 0.80 [95%CI: 0.58-1.10], I²=0, p=0.17). SAEs included in the studies included the following but not limited to death, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, syncope, pulmonary embolism, etc.

Conclusion
Cryoablation therapy is more beneficial in preventing atrial arrhythmias compared to AADs. The rate of serious adverse event is similar between cryoablation therapy and AAD.
Estimation of brain natriuretic peptide values from N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide levels and other factors
Authors: Kajikawa Y , Ueda A , Ikeda M , Hirota M 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Backgrounds
Both brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-pro BNP) are established biomarkers that are necessary in the diagnosis and management of heart failure (HF). Recently with the introduction of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor in the treatment of HF, the course of HF is now assessed using NT-ProBNP levels1). However, it is difficult to infer BNP concentration from NT-proBNP levels for a physician who is familiar with BNP. Generally, simultaneous measurement of BNP and NT-proBNP is not permitted in medical insurance.

Purpose
To estimate BNP concentration from NT-proBNP levels and other factors as an equivalent prognostic strength compared to the actual BNP concentration.

Methods
From August 2021 to October 2021, we measured BNP and NT-proBNP levels of patients who were known or suspected to have HF (n=200). We created a formula for estimating BNP concentration from the data of NT-proBNP, age, body mass index (BMI), white cell counts, hemoglobin (Hb), estimated glemerular filtration rate) (eGFR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) using multivariate analysis.

Results
Patients’ background were as follows: age 66.4±23.6 years, male /female : 112/88 , BMI: 23.1±5.2 kg/m2, Hb level: 12.3±2.2 g/dL, albmine level: 3.7±0.7 g/dL, eGFR level: 63.3±27.0 mL/min/1.73m², CRP level; 1.80±4.67 mg/dL, BNP level: 103.3±207.9 pg/mL, NT-proBNP level: 1,505.1±3,479.6 pg/mL (mean ± SD). There was a strong correlation between BNP concentration and NT-proBNP level when using actual measured values (r= 0.84) and when using log-transformed values (r=0.92) in these patients.Using multiple regression analysis, we created an equation that estimated
LogBNP=-0.864+0.734×LogNT-proBNP+0.005×age-0.003×eGFR-0.009×BMI+0.016×CRP (R²=0.89).

Conclusion
This equation will be useful, especially for a physician who is not familiar with NT-proBNP. Testing BNP concentrations were reliably estimated from an equation featuring NT-proBNP, eGFR, age, BMI and CRP2),3),4).
The surprises in optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients presenting with in-stent restenosis: the road less travelled
Authors: Roy S , Singh V , Ahmed J , Dwivedi S K , Sethi R , Chandra S , Pradhan A K , Vishwakarma P , Sharma A K , Bhandari M , Shukla A , Singh A , Chaudhary G 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Morphological features of neointimal tissue play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of In-Stent Restenosis (ISR) after percutaneous coronary intervention, hence understanding these features and patterns is crucial.

Purpose
The present study was designed to qualitatively and quantitatively assess neointimal characteristics of lesions using OCT in patients presenting with ISR.

Methods
This was a single-center, prospective, observational study performed between 1st August 2020 and 30th December 2021 at a tertiary-care center in India. Patients diagnosed with stable angina and acute coronary syndrome with post-procedural angiographically documented restenosis (&gt;50%) were included. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of neointimal hyperplasia patterns was performed using OCT.

Results
A total of 34 patients with ISR were studied. Neointimal hyperplasia was classified as (i) homogenous group (n=18) and (ii) non-homogenous group (n=16). As many as 14 (77.8%) diabetics belonged to the homogenous group. Predominant plaque characteristics such as neoatherosclerosis, cholesterol crystals, and calcium were documented in 14 (77.8%), 12 (66.7%), and 11 (61.1%) patients in the homogenous group and in 10 (62.5%), 10 (62.5%), and 9 (56.2%) patients in the non-homogenous group, respectively. Unexpanded stent struts were identified in 11 (61.1%) and 11 (68.8%) patients in the homogenous and non-homogenous groups, respectively. Mean strut thickness was 93.73 ± 31.03 µm and 83.54 ± 18.0 µm, ISR was 72.50 ± 15.93% and 65.37 ± 21.69%, the neointimal thickness was 588.06 ± 167.82 mm and 666.25 ± 218.05 mm, and neointimal hyperplasia was 54.54 ± 11.23% and 59.26 ± 8.86% in the homogenous and non-homogenous groups, respectively.

Conclusion
Neoatherosclerosis and stent underexpansion was predominantly observed in our study, which was in contrast to most of the existing literature [1,2,3], and only diabetes was found to be significantly associated with homogenous neointimal hyperplasia, irrespective of the generation of the stent.
Statin use after valvular heart surgery is associated with a decreased risk of prosthetic valve endocarditis
Authors: Tse Y K , Ren Q W , Wu M Z , Huang J Y , Leung C K L , Li H L , Yiu K H 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen, China;
HKU-SZH Fund for Shenzhen Key Medical Discipline

Background
Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a rare but serious complication following valvular heart surgery for which preventive strategies remain unknown. Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that statins may reduce the risk of infections and infection-related complications.

Purpose
We aim to assess the association between statin use and the risk of prosthetic valve endocarditis in patients undergoing valvular heart surgery.

Methods
In all patients undergoing valvular heart surgery in Hong Kong between 2010 and 2021, statin use was ascertained by ≥14-day consecutive filled prescriptions after surgery. Stepwise Poisson regression was applied to identify predictors of PVE. Baseline characteristics between statin nonusers (N = 1400) with statin users (N = 976) were balanced using the inverse probability of treatment weighting. Cox proportional-hazard models with competing risk regression were further performed to estimate the risk of PVE and cardiovascular mortality associated with statin use.

Results
Our study included 2376 patients; the mean age was 57.8±14.2 years, and 54.4% were males. Over a median follow-up of 5.5 years (interquartile range 2.8-8.6), PVE occurred in 93 patients (6.75 [95% CI 5.51-8.26] PVE events per 1000 person-years). PVE was associated with New York Heart Association Class (Relative Risk [RR] 1.22, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.01-1.45; P = 0.035), prior infective endocarditis (RR 8.64, 95% CI 5.58-13.19; P &lt; 0.001), and aortic valve replacement (RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.11-2.53; P = 0.014).
Compared with non-use, statin use was associated with a 47% lower risk of PVE incidence (multivariable-adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 0.53, 95% CI 0.33-0.83; P = 0.006) (Figure 1). This inverse association with the risk of PVE was duration dependent, with an adjusted SHR of 0.60 (95% CI 0.47-0.73; P &lt; 0.001) per year of statin use. Results were consistent across subgroups of sex (male vs female), the number of valvular procedures (single vs multiple), and prosthesis type (mechanical vs biological), but not in groups aged ≤60 years or with prior infective endocarditis (Figure 2). Statin use was associated with a 45% decreased risk of cardiovascular death (SHR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36-0.84; P = 0.006).

Conclusions
In patients undergoing valvular surgery, post-operative statin use is associated with a lower risk of PVE. These results provide new avenues for preventing PVE and hence valve failure.
In-hospital outcomes of rotational atherectomy in relation to operator volumes: data from an asian national databank
Authors: Uy F M , Keh Y S , Lu R Y , Lau Y H , Goh Y S , Low A F , Lim Z Y , Jafary F H , Yeo K K 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Studies investigating the relationship between percutaneous coronary intervention operator volumes and patient adverse events largely, but not consistently, suggest an inverse association. A recent study of rotational atherectomy (Rota-PCI) suggests lower adverse events as operator volumes increased.

Purpose
In this study, we aimed to use a Southeast asian national registry to investigate the relationship of Rota-PCI operator volumes to patient selection, procedural success, and in-hospital outcomes.

Methods
Data from a national databank was analysed for all Rota-PCI procedures performed at public hospitals from 2013 to 2019. No procedures were excluded. Operator volumes were divided into 3 tertiles and logistic regressions were performed to investigate the association to patient selection, procedural success, and in-hospital clinical outcomes.

Results
A total of 1,278 Rota-PCI procedures, with 37 operators performing a median volume of 23 procedures per year was included. The tertiles had median volumes of 5, 17 and 30 annually respectively. Operators at the highest tertile performed Rota-PCI in more patients with renal disease (43% vs 49% vs 53%, Tertiles 1, 2, 3 respectively; p=0.006), ACS presentations (34% vs 37% vs 41%, p=0.036), severe left ventricular dysfunction (28% vs 42% vs 44%, p&lt;0.001), and left main disease (17% vs 24% vs 31%, p&lt;0.001). This group also attempted more lesions (2 vs 2 vs 3, p&lt;0.001), and utilized more circulatory support (4.2% vs 7% vs 12%, p&lt;0.001). Intracoronary imaging was used most by the lowest tertile (29% vs 24% vs 12%, p&lt;0.001). Operators at the highest tertile had a higher incidence of complete heart block (2.1% vs 0.8% vs 3.9%, p=0.05) but had no difference in coronary complications. There was an increase in length of stay (2 vs 3 vs 3 days, p&lt;0.001) but otherwise no difference in in-hospital outcomes of MI, major bleed, stroke and mortality in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion
In summary, in-hospital outcomes were similar between all three tertiles of operator volumes. These findings may reflect our local practice where operators appropriately triage Rota-PCI cases, with the most complex cases being assigned to high volume operators.
Myocardial bridge over coronary arteries and myocardial coat over coronary sinus: a cadaveric study
Authors: Borthakur D , Kumar R , Dada R 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Myocardial Bridge (MB) over the coronary artery and myocardial coat (MC) over the cardiac veins are sometimes detected in angiography and cadaveric dissection. Left anterior descending (LAD) branch of left coronary artery is most frequent site of MB. Rarely MB is also seen over right coronary artery (RCA) branch. MB has proven association with ischemic heart disease and other critical cardiac consequences like myocardial infarction (MI)(1)(2). MC on the other hand has not gained enough attention in erstwhile studies. Large MB can be readily identified in angiograms, but minute MB can be picked up by newer imaging studies like multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan(3). Cadaveric dissection however holds its unique place in direct visualization and studying the macro and micro-anatomical characteristics.

Purpose
To study the prevalence and anatomical attributes of MB and MC in cadaveric hearts.

Methods
Ten adult cadaveric hearts (6 male and 4 female) were dissected as part of routine undergraduate teaching during academic year 2021-22. MB over the coronary artery and MC over cardiac vein was identified. Data pertaining to the MB and MC dimensions were measured with digital vernier calliper. Histology of the MC was carried out to confirm its presence and observe the cyto-architecture pattern. Relevant gross macroscopic and microscopic images were photographed and photomicrographed.

Results
20% of the dissected cadavers revealed MB involving LAD in first heart while LAD and RCA both in second heart with length 7.5 mm, 11.5 mm and 1.8 mm respectively. MC was noted over coronary sinus and proximal few millimeters of great and middle cardiac veins. Histological examination revealed cardiac striated muscle in MC with typical cyto-architecture. The mean myocardial muscle index (MMI) of MBs was 1.39.

Conclusions
Present study highlights 20% prevalence of MBs in cadavers involving both right and left coronary artery. 10% of the subjects had histologically confirmed MC over cardiac veins. MC over coronary sinus and other cardiac veins needs more elaborate explorative studies to quantify the anatomic properties and to examine the possible association with cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, anatomic attributes should be kept in mind to better appreciate MI in evolution and MI at evaluation in a case with MB.
Methane and nitrous oxide fluxes from clonal eucalyptus forests in different spacing arrangements
Authors: Rodrigues Gleice Gomes , Zanatta Josileia Acordi , Rachwal Marcos Fernando Glück , Higa Rosana Clara Victoria , Lavoranti Osmir , Silva Luciana Duque 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAlthough Eucalyptus is the most commonly cultivated genus in Brazil, more information is needed on how these forests can act as a sink for greenhouse gases. This study assessed the potential greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation of eucalyptus forests by quantifying both the seasonal rates of exchange of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) gases at the soil–atmosphere interface and their relationships with soil variables (moisture, temperature and physicochemical attributes). Soil organic carbon sequestration rate was used together with soil GHG emission to estimate net global warming potential. This study was conducted at an experimental forestry station in the south-central region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. No differences were found between treatments in the seasonal fluxes of N2O and CH4, which may have resulted from similar soil properties, particularly bulk density and nitrate (NO3−) contents. CH4 flux dynamics were mainly controlled by the concentrations of ammonium (NH4+) in the soil. In all treatments, the soil acted as a continuous sink for CH4, absorbing it at an average rate of −65 μg C m−2 h−1, which was higher than the results of other studies conducted in native areas of the Cerrado biome and planted forests. However, although CH4 removal helped offset greenhouse gas emissions, net emissions were seen in most treatments due to N2O emissions in greater magnitude and soil carbon losses.
The effect of Drosophila attP40 background on the glomerular organization of Or47b olfactory receptor neurons
Authors: Duan Qichen , Estrella Rachel , Carson Allison , Chen Yang , Volkan Pelin C 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Bacteriophage integrase-directed insertion of transgenic constructs into specific genomic loci has been widely used by Drosophila community. The attP40 landing site located on the second chromosome gained popularity because of its high inducible transgene expression levels. Here, unexpectedly, we found that homozygous attP40 chromosome disrupts normal glomerular organization of Or47b olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) class in Drosophila. This effect is not likely to be caused by the loss of function of Msp300, where the attP40 docking site is inserted. Moreover, the attP40 background seems to genetically interact with the second chromosome Or47b-GAL4 driver, which results in a similar glomerular defect. Whether the ORN phenotype is caused by the neighbouring genes around Msp300 locus in the presence of attP40-based insertions or a second unknown mutation in the attP40 background remains elusive. Our findings tell a cautionary tale about using this popular transgenic landing site, highlighting the importance of rigorous controls to rule out the attP40 landing site-associated background effects.
Shear wave velocity structure at the Fukushima forearc region based on H/V analysis of ambient noise recordings by ocean bottom seismometers
Authors: Farazi Atikul Haque , Ito Yoshihiro , Garcia Emmanuel Soliman M , Lontsi Agostiny Marrios , Sánchez-Sesma Francisco José , Jaramillo Aristoteles , Ohyanagi Shukei , Hino Ryota , Shinohara Masanao 
Published: January 2023

SUMMARYThis study presents the shear wave velocity (VS) structures of sedimentary sequences and a section of the upper crustal layer in the Fukushima forearc region of the Japan Trench subduction zone, which were obtained by analysing the horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) spectral ratios of ambient vibration records. The H/V curves were derived using 31 d of continuous seismic data from 3 broad-band and 16 short-period ocean bottom seismometer (OBS) stations. Using the broad-band data, H/V ratios from 0.01 to 10 Hz were derived, but the ratios below 0.1 Hz frequencies were unusually large and temporally unstable. Characterization of seismic noise energy from ∼1 yr of seismic data of three broad-band OBSs revealed variable and elevated energy conditions below 0.1 Hz due to typical long-period oceanic noise; we link these observations with the unstable H/V ratios below this frequency. Therefore, H/V analysis was performed in the frequency range of 0.1–10 Hz for both broad-band and short-period OBSs to obtain subsurface VS profiles. For the forward calculation of the H/V ratios in the inversion process, we used the recently developed ‘hvgeneralized’ method, which is based on the diffuse field assumption, and accounts for the water layer on top of stratified media. Moreover, available prior geological and geophysical information was utilized during the inversion of the H/V curves. We found that subsurface VS ranged from approximately 30 m s−1 at the seabed to approximately 4900 m s−1 at 7000 m below the sea floor (mbsf). Starting with the best model candidate at each OBS location, the effect of the water layer on the H/V curve in the deep ocean was investigated by comparing synthetic H/V curves with and without the water layer. The synthetic H/V analysis revealed that the water layer had a significant effect on H/V amplitudes at higher frequencies (&gt;1 Hz), whereas comparatively little effect was observed at lower frequencies (&lt;1 Hz). This study provides an empirical basis for H/V analysis using OBS data to determine VS down to several kilometres of sedimentary sequences to the upper crust with high-resolution.
Dietary yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan supplemented to adult Labrador Retrievers alters peripheral blood immune cell responses to vaccination challenge without affecting protective immunity
Authors: Fries-Craft Krysten , Kilburn-Kappeler Logan R , Aldrich Charles G , Bobeck Elizabeth A 
Published: January 2023

AbstractYeast-derived 1,3/1,6 β-glucans may alter host immunity to produce robust and quickly resolved responses that align with companion animal health goals. In adult dogs, immunomodulation by yeast 1,3/1,6 β-glucans in extruded kibble diet have not been well documented. The study objective was to evaluate systemic immune responses in dogs fed kibble diets with two yeast 1,3/1,6 β-glucans doses before and after vaccine challenge. Twenty-four adult Labrador Retrievers were assigned to three dietary treatments consisting of a basal diet (control) supplemented with 0.012% or 0.023% (0.5 or 1×, respectively) yeast 1,3/1,6 β-glucan with equal sex representation within each treatment (8 dogs/diet). Animals were fed experimental diets for a 29-d acclimation period, after which baseline blood samples were collected before administration of a combination canine distemper virus, parvovirus, and adenovirus-2 vaccine. Blood samples were collected weekly for 21 d following vaccination with whole blood for CBC analysis, serum for titer and cytokine assays, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated for flow cytometric immune cell profiling. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure with diet and timepoint fixed effects. Serum titer was analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis test (SAS 9.4; P ≤ 0.05). Prior to vaccination, β-glucan diets did not affect serum cytokines, antibody titer, or immune cell populations. In the first 7 d post-vaccination (dpv), PBMC CD21low B cells increased 36.5% to 58.1% in all groups but the magnitude of change was lesser in the 0.5× β-glucan diet resulting in 25.6% lower CD21low populations compared to control-fed dogs (P = 0.007). By 21 dpv, B-cell populations recovered to baseline levels in dogs fed 1× β-glucan, but CD21high cells remained elevated 50.5% in dogs fed 0.5× β-glucan diets compared with baseline (P &lt; 0.0001). While no differences in serum titer or cytokines were observed, feeding both β-glucan diets maintained stable blood monocytes, whereas a 53.0% decrease between baseline and 14 dpv was observed in control-fed dogs (P = 0.01). Collectively, these outcomes suggest that a 1× dose of 1,3/1,6 yeast β-glucan in extruded kibble diets altered monocytes associated with trained immunity, did not reduce PBMC CD21low B-cell responsiveness, and simultaneously contributed to B-cell population resolution by 21 dpv in adult dogs. Additional research to assess the functionality of these changes is needed.