bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and reproducibility of auto-strain analysis in a healthy Spanish paediatric population
Authors: Aristizabal Duque C , Fernandez Cabeza J , Blancas Sanchez IM , Delgado Ortega M , Aparicio Martinez P , Romero Saldana M , Fonseca Del Pozo FJ , Pan Alvarez-Osorio M , Ruiz Ortiz M , Mesa Rubio MD 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
The analysis of systolic-diastolic function by two-dimensional ultrasound speckle-tracking strain (2DSTE) in the paediatric population is becoming progressively more available, its use can be helpful in the diagnosis of subclinical pathology in paediatric disease, both in acquired cardiovascular pathology, congenital heart disease and especially in cardio-oncology(1-4). For this purpose, a reliable, reproducible, and easy-to-use technique is required(5).

Purpose
To assess the feasibility and reproducibility of the strain using the software of newest software based on artificial intelligence, of one of the widely available companies in our environment.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out in a population in Andalusia, Spain. Of 265 children who agreed to participate, 156 healthy children aged 6-17 years were selected by excluding congenital or acquired heart disease. Analysis using the new auto-strain software for the left ventricle, right ventricle, and left atrium. Feasibility and gender differences were assessed. As well as inter- and Inter-observer variability.

Results
The feasibility of the auto-strain measurement ranged from 94.2% for left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) to 98.1% for other chamber strain parameters. No differences were found in matters of gender (Table 1). Excellent intra- and interobserver reproducibility was found for the measurement of right and left ventricular strain (intraclass correlation coefficients ranged between 0.88 and 0.98, respectively). (Table 2)

Conclusions
The strain analysis by auto-strain was both highly feasible and reproducible using this new software. Abstract Figure. Abstract Figure.
Performance of non-invasive myocardial work to predict the first hospitalization for de novo heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
Authors: Paolisso P , Gallinoro E , Mileva N , Moya A , Fabbricatore D , Esposito G , De Colle C , Spapen J , Heggermont W , Collet C , Van Camp G , Vanderheyden M , Barbato E , Bartunek J , Penicka M 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Dr. Paolisso, Dr. Esposito, Dr. Fabbricatore are supported by a research grant from the CardioPaTh PhD Program of University of Naples Federico II
Background
Non-invasive myocardial work (MW) is a validated index of left ventricular (LV) systolic performance, incorporating afterload and myocardial metabolism. The role of MW in predicting the first hospitalization for de novo heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is still unknown.

Purpose
To investigate the diagnostic performance of MW to predict the first de novo HFpEF hospitalization in ambulatory individuals with preserved LVEF.
Methods
Twenty-nine patients with trans-thoracic echocardiography performed at least 6 months before the first HFpEF hospitalization were compared with 29 matched controls. MW was derived as the area of pressure-strain loop using speckle-tracking and brachial artery blood pressure. Global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE) were collected. First HFpEF hospitalization and its combination with cardiovascular death (MACE) and all-cause of death (MAE) were assessed.
Results
At baseline, future HFpEF patients showed lower GWI, GCW, GWE and higher GWW than controls (all p &lt; 0.05). At admission versus baseline, GWE significantly decreased, and GWW increased in the HFpEF group (p &lt; 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed in the controls over time. GWW, with a cut-off of 170 mmHg%, showed the largest AUC to predict first HFpEF hospitalization (AUC = 0.80, 95% CI 0.69–0.91, p &lt; 0.001), MACE (AUC = 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.90, p &lt; 0.001) and MAE (AUC = 0.79, 95% CI 0.62–0.88, p = 0.001). GWW &gt; 170 mmHg% was associated with a 4-fold increase of MACE (HR = 4.5, 95% CI 1.59–13.12, p = 0.005) and a 3-fold higher risk of MAE (HR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.24–6.6, p = 0.014).
Conclusions
In ambulatory patients with preserved LVEF and risk factors, GWW showed high accuracy to predict the first HFpEF hospitalization and its combination with mortality. The GWW routine assessment may be clinically helpful in patients with dyspnea. Abstract Figure 1: Serial changes of LARs, LV GLS Abstract Figure 2:Kaplan–Meier survival curves fo
Effect of interventional edge-to-edge repair in tricuspid regurgitation on dimensions of the annulus
Authors: Goebel B , Salomon C , Abdulrahman M , Richter S , El Garhy M , Costello-Boerrigter L , Lapp H , Lauten P 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
The technique of percutaneous tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair (pTVR) depends upon the connection of leaflets in the area of regurgitation using a coaptation device. By closing the coaptation device a considerable tractive force is applied on the leaflets, which might have an effect on the valve annulus. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of device implantation on tricuspid annular dimensions.

Methods
During pTVR, 3D zoom loops of the tricuspid valve (TV) were acquired before and after clip placement using transesophageal echocardiography. Measurements of TV annular dimensions included the following parameters: annulus area (TV area), maximal diameter, minimal diameter, and eccentricity index (Figure 1). Tenting area was derived from a four-chamber view of the valve. Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity was graded from 1+ to 5+ by measuring vena contracta area (VCA3D) in 3D full volume color Doppler loop using multiplanar reconstruction. Right atrial (RA) and ventricular volumes (RVVd3D, RVVs3D) and function (RVEF3D) were assessed in a 3D full volume loop.

Results
The study population consisted of 97 patients (age 78 ± 6 years, 47 male), undergoing pTVR at our hospital. As expected, cavity dimension correlated with TV area size (for RVVd3D r = 0.51, p &lt; 0.001 and for RA volume r = 0.71, p &lt; 0.001). The mean TV annular area was significantly reduced (Annular area 8.53 ± 2.23 cm²/m²BSA vs. 7.55 ± 2.18 cm²/m²BSA, p &lt; 0.001) and the shape of the annulus became more oval (Eccentricity index 1.2 ± 0.15 vs. 1.29 ± 0.17, p &lt; 0.001) after pTVR. The reduction in annular area (12 ± 7%, range 0.7-28%) was only modestly correlated with the number of implanted coaptation devices (r = 0.30, p &lt; 0.001) and the percentage reduction of VCA3D (r =0.36, p &lt; 0.001). In the patient group with an annular area change ≥12%, a decrease in TR grade to ≤2+ by pTVR was achieved in 83% of cases, whereas only 62% of patients achieved moderate TR when the change in area was below 12%.

Conclusion
pTVR using coaptation devices reduces the area of the TV annulus. This effect may be modestly correlated to the number of devices implanted. Abstract Figure.
Automatic measurement of LV wall thickness from 2D cardiac echocardiography
Authors: Fernandes JF , Loncaric F , Marciniak M , Gilbert A , Smistad E , Lovstakken L , Mcleod K , Sitges M , Lamata P 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): PIC from European Union"s Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions ITN

Background
The wall thickness of the left ventricle (LV) is an important parameter in the diagnosis of hypertension and more specifically in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A user-dependent manual assessment of distances on 2D echocardiographic images is the current clinical gold-standard.

Purpose
The automation of LV wall thickness measurements in 2D echocardiography in order to improve robustness and reduce time of clinical reports where wall thickness is required, such as hypertrophy and the presence of Basal Septal Hypertrophy (BSH)(1).

Methods
A dataset of 4-chamber (4CH) echocardiograms on 118 patients with a diagnosis of hypertension (2) is used for this study. The images were segmented automatically (3) extracting the blood pool and the myocardium. Based on the curvature of the complete myocardial contour, the valve annular regions are removed leaving the endocardial and the epicardial walls as independent structures. The wall thickness along the myocardium is calculated as the distance from each endocardial border pixel to the closest epicardial point (see Figure 1). A high pass gaussian filter was applied to remove high frequency noise. Ultimately, the basal-to-mid septal wall thickness ratio that defines BSH (ratio ≥ 1.4) was computed as the maximal of basal-septal segment divided by minimum of mid-septal segment. In order to validate the method for BSH detection, the wall thickness septal ratio was carefully measured by a clinical expert following the guidelines (2). The statistical agreement was accessed via linear correlation and Bland-Altman analysis.

Results
The automatic assessment of LV wall thickness along the myocardium is feasible in 2D echocardiography. The septal ratio showed an excellent agreement with manual measurements (R2 = 0.94, bias=-0.01, see Figure 2), leading to a detection of BSH in n = 19 vs the n = 18 detected manually (1 false-negative and 2 false-positives). In comparison to the intra and inter-observer variabilities of 12% and 42% respectively in the manual measurement (4), the automatic method had no variability for a given image acquisition.

Conclusions
The automatic measurement of myocardial wall thickness from a 2D echocardiographic images is accurate and reproducible. The implementation of the methodology in clinical practise has the potential to improve and automate the assessment of hypertrophic cardiac conditions. Abstract Figure. Pipeline for automatic measurement of WT Abstract Figure. Agreement of BSH WT ratio
Acute and chronic changes in LV performance in patients with secondary severe mitral regurgitation undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair
Authors: Galli E , Hubert P , Panis V , L"official G , Vely M , Donal E 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
The non-invasive assessment of myocardial work allows to evaluate left ventricular (LV) performance by considering the effect of LV load on LV deformation. Aim of this study is to evaluate the acute and chronic impact of percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) on LV function, in patients with severe secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR).

Methods and Results
41 patients (age: 69 ± 10 years, females: 29%) with severe SMR (effective regurgitant orifice: 0.42 ± 0.16 cm2, regurgitant volume: 65 ± 325 ml) underwent PMVR according to current recommendations. Myocardial work indices were evaluated before the procedure, 2 days after the procedure and at 1-year follow-up. PMVR was associated with an acute reduction in LV ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and myocardial constructive work (MCW) and with a significant increase in myocardial wasted work (MWW). 1-year after the procedure, we did not observe significant LV reverse remodeling. GWE remained significantly impaired despite the small improvement in GCW, which can explain the absence of improvement in MWE and GLS. Interestingly, LVEF modestly increased compared with the post-procedural values, but remained significantly reduced compared to baseline values (Table1).

Conclusions
In patients severe SMR undergoing PMVR, the acute reduction in LV preload causes a significant impairment of all parameters of LV performance. After 1-year, the absence of LV reverse remodelling is associated a significant impairment in GWW, without substantial improvement in the remaining parameters of LV function. Abstract Figure.
Impact of severe mitral annular calcification on mitral regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Calvao J , Costa C , Amador A , Pinto R , Carvalho M , Proenca T , Marques C , Cabrita A , Grilo P , Resende C , Torres S , Sousa C , Macedo F 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the standard of care treatment in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at intermediate or high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is frequent in patients with aortic stenosis, and its presence is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Not infrequently, it is associated with significant morphologic and functional abnormalities of the mitral valve apparatus.

Purpose
The aim of this work is to evaluate the relationship between severe MAC and the presence and development of significant mitral regurgitation after TAVI.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent TAVI at a tertiary center from October 2014 to November 2019. Clinical, echocardiographic and procedure-related data were collected until a follow-up of 6 months. Statistical analysis was conducted on IBM SPSS® Statistics software. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. Sample T-test, Chi-square and Wilcoxon sign test were used. A p-value &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. The presence and severity of MAC was defined according to echocardiographic data. Severe MAC was defined by the presence of calcification of more than half of the mitral annular circumference.

Results
A total of 343 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the population was 80 ± 8 years, 45% were male. Mean functional area was 0.75 ± 0.18 cm2, mean transvalvular pressure gradient was 48 ± 15 mmHg and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 54 ± 14%. MAC was detected in 231 (67%) patients. In 44 (19%) of these patients, MAC was graded as severe. Patients with severe MAC tended to have higher prevalence of moderate (27.3 vs 20.4%, p = 0.30) as well as severe (4.5 vs 1.8%, p = 0.24) mitral regurgitation at baseline. After TAVI, the prevalence of moderate mitral regurgitation at 6 months was similar between both groups (22.5 vs 20.4%, p = 0.76). Although not reaching statistical significance, patients with severe MAC had higher prevalence of severe mitral regurgitation at 6 months post-procedure (12.2 VS 5.0%, p = 0.07) as well as higher incidence of worsening of mitral regurgitation (34.2 vs 23.7%, p = 0.16). The proportion of patients that had improvement (13.2 vs 15.0%, p = 0.76) or no change (52.6 vs 61.3%, p = 0.31) in the degree of mitral regurgitation was similar in both groups.

Conclusion
The presence of severe MAC at baseline echocardiography in patients undergoing TAVI may be associated with worsening of mitral regurgitation after the procedure. These patients tend to have higher prevalence of severe mitral regurgitation post-TAVI. Further studies are needed in order to further elucidate this association.
Sex differences in patients with takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Budnik M , Piatkowski R , Ochijewicz D , Zaleska M , Glowczynska R , Grabowski M , Opolski G 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf
Pol-tako
Introduction
Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute revesible left ventricular dysfunction which occurs mainly in postmenopausal women. Despite the fact that the most patients with TTS are postmenopausal women and the possible patomechanism is related to female hormones, including estrogens, men also suffer from TTS.
Objectives
The goal of this study was to compare course of disease and prognoses in male and female patients with TTS.
Patients and Methods
The analysis included 210 patients (192 women and 18 men) hospitalized at the academic hospital from the year 2006 to 2020.
Results
Physical stress was trigger of TTS more often in men than women (50 vs. 38%). There were no differences in the frequency of risk factors and comorbidities, with the exception of higher prevalence of smoking in men. Markers of cardiac necrosis were similar in both groups. At admission and peak NTproBNP levels were significantly more elevated in women (1527 vs. 3152 and 3752 vs. 5079pg/ml, respectively). ST depression was found more frequently in men than in women (22 vs. 5%). Ejection fraction was lower among male patients at discharge (50 vs. 60%), despite the same length of hospitalization. Beta-adrenolytics and statins were more frequently prescribed for women than for men (90 vs 78% and 68 vs. 31%) whereas ACEI was prescribed in 96% men and 79% women. Moreover, there was P2Y12 inhibitors were more often used in men (33 vs 10.4%). In-hospital complications (arrhytmias, mechanical complications, cardiogenic shock) were similar in both groups. However, mortality rate was higher in women (3 vs. 0%).
Conclusions
Clinical course in patients with TTS is similar in women and men. However, in-hospital mortality was higher in women.
The Remote Assessment and Dynamic Response Program: Development of an In-Home Dementia-Related Care Needs Assessment to Improve Well-Being
Authors: Miller Lyndsey M , Solomon Diane N , Whitlatch Carol J , Hiatt Shirin O , Wu Chao-Yi , Reynolds Christina , Au-Yeung Wan-Tai Michael , Kaye Jeffrey , Steele Joel S 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background and Objectives
The Remote Assessment and Dynamic Response (READyR) Program was developed in order to address the current lack of early-stage dementia care planning programs that assess the care needs of persons with dementia. The goal was to create a program informed by care values and ongoing ecologically valid data. The objectives of this study are to describe the development and design process of the READyR Program, and to evaluate the utility of the READyR Program for identifying dementia-related care needs.

Research Design and Methods
A prototype of the web-based READyR Program tool was first created using digital activity data that were collected by previous studies using a platform of multimodal sensors installed in the homes of older adult couples with and without dementia. Digital activity data were then mapped onto potential care values (e.g., safety & autonomy) to create a values-based needs assessment that is tailored to the individual care dyad. Next, evaluation of the READyR Program by 11 professional dementia care coordinators and case managers (across 3 semistructured focus groups) was used to explore the utility of READyR for assessing dementia-related needs. Qualitative description using conventional content analysis was used to iteratively code focus group data and to describe prevalent themes.

Results
Prevalent focus groups themes included barriers to (e.g., family relationship strain) and facilitators of (e.g., tailored assessments) the optimal process for assessing dementia-related care needs by care coordinators, as well as advantages to (e.g., providing new objective insights into function, and routines) and disadvantages of (e.g., bringing up new questions about care) incorporating the remote monitoring data into a values-based needs assessment.

Discussion and Implications
READyR has the potential to help family members, as well as care coordinators and providers, gain insight into the values-based care needs of persons with early-stage dementia.
Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT04542109
Integration of genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics identifies candidate loci underlying fruit weight in loquat
Authors: Peng Ze , Zhao Chongbin , Li Shuqing , Guo Yihan , Xu Hongxia , Hu Guibing , Liu Zongli , Chen Xiuping , Chen Junwei , Lin Shunquan , Su Wenbing , Yang Xianghui 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFruit weight is an integral part of fruit quality and directly influences the commodity value and economic return of fruit crops. Despite the importance of fruit weight, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain understudied, especially for perennial fruit tree crops such as cultivated loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.). Auxin is known to regulate fruit development, but its role and metabolism during the development of loquat fruit remain obscure. In this study, we used a multi-omics approach, integrating whole-genome resequencing-based quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping with an F1 population, population genomics analysis using germplasm accessions, transcriptome analysis, and metabolic profiling to identify genomic regions potentially associated with fruit weight in loquat. We identified three major loci associated with fruit weight, supported by both QTL mapping and comparative genomic analysis between small- and large-fruited loquat cultivars. Comparison between two genotypes with contrasting fruit weight performance by transcriptomic and metabolic profiling revealed an important role for auxin in the regulation of fruit development, especially at the fruit enlargement stage. The multi-omics approach identified homologs of ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 4 (EjEIN4) and TORNADO 1 (EjTRN1) as promising candidates for the control of fruit weight. Three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were also closely associated with fruit weight. Results from this study provide insights into the genetic and metabolic controls of fruit weight in loquat from multiple perspectives. The candidate genomic regions, genes, and sequence variants will facilitate our understanding of the molecular basis of fruit weight and lay a foundation for future breeding and manipulation of fruit weight in loquat.
Airway Management in Pediatric Patients With Burn Contractures of the Face and Neck
Authors: Unal Dilek , Sumak Hazir Melis 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBurn injury is a common cause of trauma. Non-fatal burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity, and significant numbers of the victims are children. Scar contracture after burn injury can cause severe functional limitation, pain, and aesthetic and psychological problems and patients may present for contracture release and reconstructive surgery. The aim of this systematic review was to identify research relevant to airway management of children with burn contracture of the face and neck with special emphasis on awake airway management and airway anesthesia, and synthesize results that can aid practice. Literature search was performed on Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar with selected keywords. The search was restricted to human subjects of ≤18 year age, there was no language or time restriction, and the final search was concluded in July 2021. The review included 41 articles involving airway management of 56 patients in 61 anesthesia episodes. Patients aged between 8 months to 18 years. Mask ventilation and direct laryngoscopy, video laryngoscopy, optical stylet, supraglottic airway, flexible scope intubation and tracheostomy, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were the devices and methods used for securing the airway and oxygenation while the patients were awake or after anesthesia induction. Detailed planning and patient preparation are the fundamentals of airway management of pediatric patients with burn contracture of the face and neck; awake airway management with airway anesthesia can be safely used in selected patients. This review provides information for good clinical practice and might serve to improve the care of such children.