bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aortic arch calcification: a new predictor for inconclusive Coronary CT angiography and coronary artery disease
Authors: Paredes Hurtado N , Carnero Montoro L , Gonzalez Manzanares R , Rodriguez Nieto J , Perea Armijo J , Gallo Fernandez I , Pastor Wulf D , Lopez Baizan J , Heredia Campos G , Fernandez Aviles C , Resua Collado A , Ruiz Ortiz M , Espejo Perez S , Mesa Rubio MD , Pan Alvarez M 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Objective
Coronary CT angiography (CTA) remains as the technique of choice to rule out coronary artery disease (CAD) in symptomatic patients with intermediate-low risk. Despite its sensitivity, numerous artifacts that reduce its accuracy have been described, as well as factors related to CAD. The presence of calcium in the aortic arch (AoA) on the chest radiography (CXR) is an accessible and highly available finding in this patients and to our knowledge it have not been studied at this scenario. Our aim is to evaluate the presence of AoA as a new CTA artifact and predictor of significant coronary lesions.

Materials and methods
We conducted an observational descriptive single-center study of patients who underwent CTA to rule out CAD from July 1st to December 31st of 2020. Patients without CXR were excluded. We evaluated the presence of AoA in the postero-anterior CXR. The results of the CTA were classified into 4 categories: absence of lesions, non-significant lesions, significant lesions and inconclusive study due to artifacts.

Results
251 patients were included, mean age 60 ± 12 years, 51% males, 24% diabetics, 57% hypertensive, 13% smokers, 45% dyslipidemic. 18% presented AoA in the CXR. Mean heart rate (HR) was 60 ± 16 bpm. The results of the CTA were: 45% absense of lesions, 26% non-significant lesions, 17% significant lesions and 12% inconclusive due to artifacts. Patients with AoA presented a greater probability of inconclusive CTA and significant coronary lesions both in the univariate analysis and when adjusted for age, sex and HR [OR = 3.2 (1.2-8.1), p = 0.017 ] and [OR = 3.7 (1.5-8.7), p = 0.003] respectively.

Conclusions
Calcification of the aortic arch on chest radiography is an independent factor of inconclusive CTA and significant coronary lesions with a 3.2 and 3.7 fold higher risk compared to those who do not present this finding
Coronary risk factors and plaque morphology; semi-automated quantative coronary CTA analysis
Authors: Zajanckauskiene L , Jankauskas A , Radionovaite L , Sakalyte G 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Introduction
With advances in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) technology dedicated semi-automated coronary plaque analysis software become researches field of interest. With detailed plaque analysis we can improve CTA diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value, this way improving chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) outcomes.
Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate well known modifiable coronary risk factors (arterial hypertension (AH), smoking, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypercholesterolemia, physical inactivity, obesity) and statin use in relation to more detailed plaque features.
Methods
100 patients with stable angina and no previous history of CCS underwent CTA and were diagnosed with one or more intermediate stenosis (correspond to 50-69% stenosis). A total of 112 stenosis were analysed with post-processing semi-automated CTA dedicated software. This is a sub-study from a bigger trial, where intermediate lesions were analysed.
Results
Overall all lesions were analyzed as whole and at the vessel cross-section of maximum obstruction site. 45 different parameters were obtained. Analysis made at the level of whole lesion showed that smokers had lower plaque and dense calcium volumes (Table 1), statin users lower fibrous fatty and necrotic core volumes (Table 2). Obstruction area analysis showed significant larger vessel wall area and diameter in non-smokers group (Table 1), whereas statin users had smaller lumen area and diameter stenosis (Table 2). Patients with DM had bigger necrotic core volume with significant bigger fibrous fatty and necrotic core percentages (Table 3).
AH, hypercholesterolemia, physical inactivity or obesity did not show any significant relation with plaque features (p≥0.05). Renal insufficiency was excluded as a risk factor as all patients referred to CTA had normal or slightly decreased renal function (GFR &gt;60 ml/min.).

Conclusion
Our study shows that modifiable risk factors (smoking and DM) alongside with statin use are related to quantitative atherosclerotic plaque parameters. For risk factors modification impact on plaque characteristics studies should be done. Abstract Table 1; 2; 3.
Pacemaker lead rupture in a patient with subacute endocarditis: a case report
Authors: Caratti di Lanzacco Lorenzo , Wauters Aurélien 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)-related infections are associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Few cases have previously documented both lead endocarditis and lead rupture simultaneously.

Case summary
We describe the case of a 73-year-old man with a dual-chamber pacemaker presenting with subacute endocarditis and recurrent cholangitis. A few months prior, the patient was diagnosed with localized colon cancer and Streptococcus sanguinis lead endocarditis based on nuclear imaging. He was given prolonged antibiotic therapy and lead explantation was to be performed after sigmoidectomy. During the following weeks, his condition worsened and he was readmitted for biliary sepsis. A chest X-ray revealed, incidentally, a complete ventricular lead rupture. Pacemaker electrogram showed ventricular undersensing, loss of ventricular capture, and high impedance. As his health declined, removal of the pacemaker was deemed unreasonable and the patient died of biliary sepsis in the next few weeks.

Discussion
We describe the case of an asymptomatic intracardiac lead fracture in the setting of colon cancer and a medically managed Streptococcus lead infection. As this complication occurred during lead infection, bacterial damage may have weakened the lead over time. As illustrated by the patient’s outcomes, long-term antibiotic therapy should only be used in cases unsuitable for device removal. Complete hardware removal remains the first-line therapy in patients with CIED-related infections.
Giant coronary artery aneurysm associated with familial retinal artery macroaneurysm: a case report
Authors: Shah Muhammad Azam , Alqahtani Abdulrahman , Alshahrani Saeed T , Alshehri Halia Zain 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
The term ‘Giant’ coronary aneurysm is usually defined as any coronary aneurysm more than 8 mm in maximum diameter. The form of familial retinal arterial macroaneurysms (FRAMs) is a rare autosomal recessive disease that is described by arterial aneurysm formation in the retina. Here, we report an association of coronary artery aneurysms with FRAM in a young male who presented with the acute coronary syndrome.

Case summary
A 31-year-old male smoker presented to the emergency department with atypical chest pain for 5 days. Blood investigations showed raised troponin enzymes. Review of his past medical history revealed decreased vision in the left eye, starting at the age of 10 years which progressed to blindness. He was diagnosed to have IGFBP7 mutation which causes eye manifestations in the form of FRAM. Fundoscopy showed bleeding retinal artery macroaneurysms in the right retina and sub-retinal gliosis suggesting laser treatment for the prior retinal arterial aneurysm. Coronary angiogram revealed a large aneurysm in the proximal segment of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Cardiac computed tomography scan with contrast was done which showed a 2.28 × 1.64 cm coronary aneurysm at the proximal segment of the LAD artery with peripheral calcification with a narrow neck of about 0.6 cm. After the heart team discussion, he underwent surgical ligation of the LAD and coronary aneurysm with implantation of the saphenous venous graft to distal LAD.

Discussion
Coronary artery aneurysms can be a part of multisystem diseases like FRAM. The management should be individualized based on symptoms at presentation, size of coronary aneurysms, and local expertise.
En face view of the transcatheter heart valve from deep right-anterior-oblique cranial position for coronary access after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a case series
Authors: Hirose Suguru , Enta Yusuke , Ishii Kazunori , Inoue Arata , Nakashima Masaki , Nomura Takehiro , Saigan Makoto , Tada Norio 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
Coronary access after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is challenging due to the changes in aortic geometry. The perpendicular (long-axis) view of the transcatheter heart valve (THV) is usually used as the primary fluoroscopic angle. However, it does not always provide sufficient information on the rotational axis needed for selective coronary ostia engagement. The en face (short-axis) view from the deep right-anterior-oblique cranial position gives us additional information about three-dimensional spatial relationship of the THV and coronary ostia.

Case summary
We present three cases of coronary access after TAVI. We were successful in the use of the ‘en face’ view along with the perpendicular view in these cases.

Discussion
The use of the en face view complements that of the perpendicular long-axis view since it allows the understanding of the three-dimensional spatial relationship of the THV and the coronary ostia during fluoroscopy and control of catheter manipulation in two directions (up/down for perpendicular and clockwise/counterclockwise for en face view). We believe that the en face view helps improve the technical success of coronary access after TAVI.
Chlamydomonas CHT7 is involved in repressing DNA replication and mitotic genes during synchronous growth
Authors: Lin Yang-Tsung , Takeuchi Tomomi , Youk Brian , Umen James , Sears Barbara B , Benning Christoph 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, regulation of the cell cycle in response to external cues is critical for survival in a changing environment. The loss of the nuclear COMPROMISED HYDROLYSIS OF TRIACYLGLYCEROLS 7 (CHT7) protein affects the expression of many genes especially in response to nitrogen availability. Cells lacking CHT7 exhibit abnormal cell morphology following nitrogen deprivation and fail to resume normal cell division after N resupply. To investigate the function of CHT7 in the regulation of cell cycle-related pathways, cells were synchronized, and RNA-seq analysis was performed during various stages of the cell cycle. In the cht7 mutant following nitrogen deprivation, the cells were not dividing, but a subset of cell cycle genes involved in DNA replication and mitosis were found to be derepressed, suggesting that the CHT7 protein plays a role in cell cycle regulation that is opposite to that of the mitotic cyclin-dependent kinases. Furthermore, genes for cell wall synthesis and remodeling were found to be abnormally induced in nondividing cht7 cells; this misregulation may deplete cellular resources and thus contribute to cell death following nitrogen deprivation. Lastly, 43 minimally characterized kinases were found to be highly misregulated in cht7. Further analysis suggested that some of these CHT7-regulated kinases may be related to the MAP3K and Aurora-like kinases, while others are unique. Together, these results suggest a role of CHT7 in transcriptional regulation of the cell cycle and reveal several pathways and genes whose expression appears to be subject to a CHT7-mediated regulatory network.
Levels of Depression and Anxiety Among Informal Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study Based on the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Wister Andrew , Li Lun , Mitchell Barbara , Wolfson Christina , McMillan Jacqueline , Griffith Lauren E , Kirkland Susan , Raina Parminder ,   Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) Team, Costa Andrew , Anderson Laura , Balion Cynthia , Yukiko Asada , Basta Nicole , Cossette Benoȋt , Levasseur Melanie , Hofer Scott , Paterson Theone , Hogan David , Liu-Ambrose Teresa , Menec Verena , St. John Philip , Mugford Gerald , Gao Zhiwei , Taler Vanessa , Davidson Patrick , Wister Andrew , Cosco Theodore 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Studies on informal caregiving during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have mainly focused on subgroups of caregivers using cross-sectional or convenience samples, limiting the generalizability of findings. Conversely, this longitudinal study examines the effects of the pandemic and caregiving factors on depressive symptoms and anxiety over 9 months among informal caregivers in Canada.

Methods
This study uses data from the Baseline (2011–2015), Follow-up 1 (2015–2018), and COVID-19 Study Baseline survey (April to May 2020) and Exit surveys (September to December 2020) of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). A total of 14,118 CLSA participants who were caregivers at Follow-up 1 and participated in the COVID-19 studies were selected. Linear mixed models were used to examine the effect of sex of caregiver, changes in caregiving (increase in caregiving hours and inability to care), and location of care (same household, another household, and health care institution) on depressive symptoms and anxiety from COVID-19 studies Baseline to Exit surveys (about 6–7 months apart).

Results
Informal caregivers reported more frequent depressive symptoms from the COVID-19 Baseline to Exit surveys, but not anxiety. Female caregivers reported greater depressive symptoms and anxiety, and male caregivers exhibited a greater increase in depressive symptoms and anxiety over time. More caregiving hours and inability to provide care were significantly positively associated with depressive symptoms and anxiety. Also, in-home caregivers reported more depressive symptoms and anxiety than those who cared for someone in health care institution, and more anxiety than those who cared for some in another household.

Discussion
The findings shed light on the change in mental health among informal caregivers during the outset of the pandemic. The demonstrated associations between studied variables and mental health among informal caregivers provide empirical evidence for intervention programs aiming to support caregivers, particularly those who are female, and providing intensive care at home.
Learning from the pandemic: mortality trends and seasonality of deaths in Australia in 2020
Authors: Gregory Gabriel , Zhu Lin , Hayen Andrew , Bell Katy J L 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Aim
To assess whether the observed numbers and seasonality of deaths in Australia during 2020 differed from expected trends based on 2015–19 data.

Methods
We used provisional death data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, stratified by state, age, sex and cause of death. We compared 2020 deaths with 2015-19 deaths using interrupted time series adjusted for time trend and seasonality. We measured the following outcomes along with 95% confidence intervals: observed/expected deaths (rate ratio: RR), change in seasonal variation in mortality (amplitude ratio: AR) and change in week of peak seasonal mortality (phase difference: PD).

Results
Overall 4% fewer deaths from all causes were registered in Australia than expected in 2020 [RR 0·96 (0·95-0·98)] with reductions across states, ages and sex strata. There were fewer deaths from respiratory illness [RR 0·79 (0·76-0·83)] and dementia [RR 0·95 (0·93-0·98)] but more from diabetes [RR 1·08 (1·04-1·13)]. Seasonal variation was reduced for deaths overall [AR 0·94 (0·92-0·95)], and for deaths due to respiratory illnesses [AR 0·78 (0·74-0·83)], dementia [AR 0.92 (0.89-0.95)] and ischaemic heart disease [0.95 (0.90-0.97)].

Conclusions
The observed reductions in respiratory and dementia deaths and the reduced seasonality in ischaemic heart disease deaths may reflect reductions in circulating respiratory (non-SARS-CoV-2) pathogens resulting from the public health measures taken in 2020. The observed increase in diabetes deaths is unexplained and merits further study.
Tough and Stretchy: Mechanical Properties of the Alimentary Tract in a Fish Without a Stomach
Authors: Horton Jaquan M , Gosline John M , Carrington Emily 
Published: February 2022

Synopsis
The mechanical properties of intestinal tissues determine how a thin-walled structure exerts forces on food and absorbs the force of food as it enters and travels down the gut. These properties are critically important in durophagous and stomachless fish, which must resist the potential damage to foreign bodies (e.g., shells fragments) in their diet. We test the hypothesis that the mechanical properties of the alimentary tract will differ along its length. We predict that the proximal region of the gut should be the strongest and most extensible to handle the large influx of prey often associated with stomachless fish that lack a storage depot. We developed a custom inflation technique to measure the passive mechanical properties of the whole intestine of the stomachless shiner perch, Cymatogaster aggregata. We show that mechanical properties differ significantly along the length of the alimentary tract when inflated to structural failure, with 25–46% greater maximal stress, strain, extension ratio, and toughness at the proximal (25%) position. We also find that the alimentary tissues (excluding the heavily muscular rectum) are generally highly extensible and anisotropic, and do not differ in wall circumference or thickness along the alimentary tract. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the mechanical properties of fish intestinal tissues and guide future studies of factors influencing the evolution of fish alimentary systems.
Cystic fibrosis telemedicine in the era of COVID-19
Authors: Rad Elika J , Mirza Alicia A , Chhatwani Laveena , Purington Natasha , Mohabir Paul K 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in large-scale changes to incorporate telemedicine for the delivery of care. People with cystic fibrosis (CF) have care considerations that pose challenges to telemedicine; they include frequent visits for pulmonary disease progression, medication management, and evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of providers. We share our center’s experience with video visits replacing in-person clinic evaluation, using quality improvement strategies to create a replicable workflow. Key considerations include incorporation of the multidisciplinary team into the visit, limitations of remote delivery of care, as well as patient and staff perceptions of this care model. Results revealed that video visits were convenient, efficacious, and comparable to in-person visits, with interest for its continued incorporation into the traditional CF care model.
Adding false-profile radiographs improves detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip, data from the CHECK cohort
Authors: Herfkens Julie , van Buuren Michiel M A , Riedstra Noortje S , Verhaar Jan A N , Mascarenhas Vasco V , Agricola Rintje 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to determine the additional value of the false-profile (FP) view radiograph in the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), as compared with an anteroposterior (AP) pelvic radiograph only, and evaluate the correlation between the Wiberg-lateral center edge angle (W-LCEA) and Wiberg-anterior center edge angle (W-ACEA). We used baseline data from a nationwide prospective cohort study (Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee). DDH was quantified on AP pelvic and FP hip radiographs using semi-automatic measurements of the W-LCEA and W-ACEA. A threshold of &lt;20° was used to determine DDH for both the W-LCEA and the W-ACEA. The proportion of DDH only present on the FP view determined the FP view additional value. The correlation between the W-LCEA and W-ACEA was determined. In total 720 participants (1391 hips) were included. DDH was present in 74 hips (5.3%), of which 32 were only present on the FP view radiograph (43.2%). The Pearson correlation coefficient between W-LCEA and W-ACEA of all included hips was 0.547 (95% confidence interval: 0.503–0.591) and 0.441 (95% confidence interval: 0.231–0.652) in hips with DDH. A mean difference of 9.4° (SD 8.09) was present between the W-LCEA and the W-ACEA in the hips with DDH. There is a strong additional value of the FP radiograph in the diagnosis of DDH. Over 4 out of 10 (43.2%) individuals’ DDH will be missed when only using the AP radiograph. In hips with DDH a moderate correlation between W-LCEA and W-ACEA was calculated indicating that joints with normal acetabular coverage on the AP view can still be undercovered on the FP view.
Recurrent thromboses and major vessel compressions in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Chan Joel Ern Zher , Kuah Zhihong , Bhattacharjya Shantanu , Olakkengil Santosh Antony 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
A 41-year-old man with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), who had multiple previous unprovoked thrombotic events and without a known coagulopathic disorder, presented with symptomatic extensive thrombus distal to the compression site of the left common iliac vein by a dominant cyst in the left inferior renal pole. This was managed with inferior vena cava filter insertion, left nephrectomy and warfarinization. Later, there was inferior vena cava compression by the right polycystic kidney, leading to elective right nephrectomy. Post-renal transplantation, he had further episodes of partial dialysis access stenosis and extensive thromboses in the left deep and right superficial venous systems of the lower limbs despite absence of extrinsic compression. This represents the first report of recurrent mass effect and thromboembolic events in ADPKD, both before and after nephrectomy and anticoagulation. The potential increased thromboembolic risks among patients with ADPKD warrant further investigation.
Locally advanced rectal cancer in a patient with ectopic kidney: case report and literature review
Authors: Alsaawy Saad Mohammed 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The coexistence of ectopic kidney with locally advanced rectal cancer is rare. It poses a surgical and oncological challenge for the treating team. Careful preoperative surgical planning and decision about the neoadjuvant treatment are paramount.We report a 40-year-old male newly diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma with ectopic kidney. His preoperative staging was T3N2M0 with ectopic malrotated left kidney. After discussion in the multi-disciplinary team meeting, decision was to omit the neoadjuvant treatment and to go for low anterior resection. The procedure started open, and the findings showed the kidney lying in retroperitoneum around 3 cm above the peritoneal reflection and was separable from the tumor. Oncological resection of the rectosigmoid colon by lateral to medial approach with separation and preservation of the kidney, an end-to-end stapler anastomosis followed with a protective loop ileostomy. The patient had a smooth postoperative course, and the final pathology was T3N1Mx. He received eight cycles of adjuvant XELOX and was free of diseases on 1 year follow-up. There is no optimal option in managing this scenario due to a highly variable blood supply of the ectopic kidney and rarity of this condition. Multi-disciplinary team meeting with preoperative radiological mapping and patient counseling is crucial in making the best decision.