bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Embolic versus non- embolic acute coronary syndrome. Baseline characteristics and presentation
Authors: Carmona-Carmona J , Martinez-Primoy I , Martinez-Nunez R , Almendro-Delia M , Garcia-Rubira JC , Hidalgo-Urbano RJ 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Coronary embolism (CE) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome with current evidence from small case series. In our previous work (n=36), atrial fibrillation was the main risk factor and STEMI the most frequent presentation.

Objetives
In this analysis we compare baseline characteristics from an embolic versus a non-embolic cohort both with left anterior descending artery as culprit vessel.

Methods
Observational, retrospective descriptive study of patients admitted in our unit from July 2011 to march 2021 for acute coronary syndrome and diagnosed with CE (National Cerebral Cardiovascular Center Criteria). Comparative cohort data were analysed from ARIAM Andalucia Registry.

Results
646 patients were analysed (19 embolic vs 627 non-embolic). 73.7% were women in the embolic group, 27% in the non-embolic one (p&lt;0.05). Mean age 75±12 in the embolic cases versus 62±13 in non-embolic ones (p&lt;0.05). 9.3% of patients had history of ischemic events and there was more previous heart failure in the embolic cohort (21.1% vs 3.0%, p&lt;0.05%). Smoking was more frequent in the non-embolic group (43.5% vs 5.3%, p&lt;0.05), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was more prevalent in the embolic cohort (21.1% vs 6.1%, p&lt;0.05). There were no differences in other cardiovascular risk factors. AF and anticoagulation therapy were more frequent in the embolic cohort (31.6% vs 6.2%, p&lt;0.05; 31.6% vs 5%, p&lt;0.05). Time to first medical attention was not significantly shorter in the embolic group (95±80min vs 503±3278min, p&gt;0.05). De novo AF was more frequent in the embolic group (31.6% vs 0.8%, p=0.02). GRACE and CRUSADE scores values were higher in embolic patients (162±31 vs 145±40, p=0.042; 45±10 vs 23±23, p=0.001).

Conclusions
CE is an infrequent entity. Our data suggest that in STEMI, elder women patients, with atrial fibrillation, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and not smoking, and with short delay to first medical attention, should rise the suspiction of this fenomenon.
In-hospital mortality and 6-months prognosis on cardiogenic shock depending on the aetiology in a Mediterranean cohort. The Shock-CAT Study
Authors: Garcia-Garcia C , Andrea R , Sanz E , Ruiz M , Aboal J , Pastor P , Buera I , Sionis A , Lopez T , Perez-Rodriguez M , Ariza A , Tomas C , Baneras J , Cediel G , Rueda F 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Mortality in cardiogenic shock (CS) remains very high, although the CS aetiology could influence in the acute-phase and long term prognosis.

Purpose
The aim is to investigate in-hospital mortality and 6 months prognosis (all-cause mortality and cardiovascular readmission) in CS patients depending on the CS aetiology in a Mediterranean cohort.

Method
Shock CAT study was a multicentre, prospective, observational study conducted between December 2018 and December 2019 in eight public University hospitals in Catalonia (Spain), including CS patients due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and other aetiologies. Data on clinical presentation, biomarkers, management, including mechanical assistance support were analyzed comparing ACS and non-ACS patients. In-hospital and 90-days mortality and 6-months prognosis (mortality and cardiovascular readmission) were available and have been compared between groups.

Results
A total of 382 CS patients were included, mean age was 65.3 (SD 13.9) years and 75.1% were men. Patient were classified in ACS (n=232, 60.7%) and non-ACS (n=150, 39.3%). In ACS group, 77.6% were STEMI, reperfusion in 84.7% of cases, all with primary angioplasty, 9% developed mechanical complications and 19.4% primary ventricular fibrillation. Main non-ACS aetiologies were severe heart failure (36.2%), malignant arrhythmias (22.1%), valve disease (8.0%) and myocarditis (7.4%). ACS group had less prevalence of women (17.7% vs 36%, p=0.001) and previous myocardial infarction (13.9% vs 24.8%, p=0.007). Mechanical assistance device was implanted more frequently in ACS patients (43.1% vs 16.7%, p&lt;0.001, mainly intraaortic balloon pump (35.6% vs 9.8%, p&lt;0.001) and ECMO (10.7% vs 3%, p=0.01). Both shock risk scores were higher in ACS patients, Cardshock (4.5 vs 4.0, p=0.006) and IABP (2.4 vs 1.9, p=0.005). All-patients in-hospital mortality was 33%. This acute-phase mortality was higher in ACS group (37.1% vs 26.7%, p=0.035) although this difference loss the significance at 90-days (40.9% vs 31.8%, p=0.074) and 6-months (45.2 vs 35.8%, p=0.176). Cardiovascular 6-months readmission was 8.7%, without differences between ACS and non-ACS group (9.7% vs 7.3%, p=0.155, respectively).

Conclusions
One-third of cardiogenic shock patients died during hospital admission. Patients with CS due to ACS had 28% higher in-hospital mortality than non-ACS, although this difference decreased at 90 days and 6 months. Cardiovascular 6-months readmission was 8.7%, without differences between groups.
Left ventricular outflow tract thrombus in a patient with COVID-19—a ticking time bomb: a case report
Authors: Muhammadzai Hamza Zahid Ullah , Rosal Nathaniel , Cheema Muhammad Arslan , Haas Donald 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a manifestation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which results in many different complications including left ventricular (LV) thrombi.

Case summary
We present a 30-year-old female presenting with chest pain and shortness of breath. Patient had an extensive history including heart failure with an ejection fraction 15–20% and COVID-19 2 months ago. Echocardiogram revealed a 3.3 cm ×  1.7 cm LV thrombus which was not present 4 months ago before her diagnosis of COVID-19. The LV thrombus embolized resulting in an embolus extending from the distal infrarenal abdominal aorta to the common iliac arteries bilaterally. Repeat COVID pre-procedure was positive. She underwent bilateral femoral artery cutdown, bilateral iliac artery embolectomy, superficial femoral artery embolectomy, and bilateral lower extremity fasciotomy. An extensive workup for the aetiology of the LV thrombus turned out to be negative and COVID-19 was deemed to be the aetiology of the thrombus. The patient was bridged from apixaban to warfarin and was successfully discharged within a few weeks.

Discussion
Hypercoagulability is a known complication of COVID-19 causing thrombi in various parts of the body including the LV. Early recognition with echocardiography, especially in patients with heart failure, and prompt treatment is key to avoid further complications such as embolization.
Primary thyroid leiomyosarcoma with transvenous extension to the right atrium: a case report
Authors: Dubrava Juraj , Martanovic Peter , Pavlovicova Marina , Babal Pavel 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
Primary thyroid leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a very rare tumour with less than 40 published cases yet. Direct metastatic extension into the great cervical veins and caval veins is extremely uncommon. Extension to the right heart has not yet been reported.

Case summary
A 62-year-old man was admitted for sudden onset of left neck pain and dyspnoea. Computed tomography and ultrasonography found an extensive mass of the left great cervical veins, superior vena cava, and a nodule in the left thyroid lobe. Transesophageal echocardiography visualized large protrusion of this mass into the right atrium. Cytology of a thyroid nodule diagnosed a benign hyperplastic nodule. The mass was considered to be likely an extensive thrombus. The patient was started on anticoagulant therapy. The next course was complicated by pulmonary embolism and later by enterorrhagia. Despite clinical stabilization, the patient died suddenly. Autopsy finding differed from the clinical conclusion. Microscopic investigation revealed that the mass seen in the cervical veins down to the right atrium was a spindle cell tumour with a primary site in the left thyroid lobe. Immunohistochemistry was consistent with the final diagnosis of primary thyroid LMS.

Discussion
Differential diagnosis of the masses of great cervical veins and right atrium can be challenging. Pure venous thrombus and tumour thrombus must be distinguished. Thyroid LMS should also be considered in patients with masses in the right atrium and thyroid nodules.
Continuous improvement of both hepatic and cardiac dysfunction by sequential plasma exchange in a patient with thyrotoxicosis and cardiogenic shock: a case report indicating the potential role of cardiohepatic interactions during thyroid storm
Authors: Suzuki Toshiaki , Asaumi Yasuhide , Kataoka Yu , Noguchi Teruo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
Thyroid storm (TS) complicated by cardiogenic shock is associated with high mortality due to the high incidence of multiple organ failure. It is recommended that TS patients with hepatic failure undergo plasma exchange (PE) and receive optimal anti-hyperthyroid medications. However, the effect of PE on cardiac dysfunction in TS patients has been unclear.

Case summary
A 46-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for dyspnoea and tachycardia. She was diagnosed with TS pursuant to Graves’ disease complicated by acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Cardiac function was remarkably impaired [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) = 15–20%], with rapid atrial fibrillation. Despite the management of both ADHF and hyperthyroidism, cardiogenic shock developed; therefore, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) were initiated. Plasma exchange was performed after severe hepatic failure manifested on Day 2. After the first three PE treatments, cardiac and hepatic function improved immediately but deteriorated the next day. The improvement persisted after the fourth PE, and the patient was weaned from VA-ECMO and IABP on Days 10 and 11, respectively. She was discharged on Day 37, and her cardiac function was still normal 1.5 years later.

Discussion
In hyperthyroidism, severe hepatic dysfunction is more likely to occur in patients with acute ADHF than in those without it. Plasma exchange has the potential to improve not only hepatic but also cardiac dysfunction under optimal antithyroid treatment, especially in patients with TS complicated by severe hepatic dysfunction.
Early detection of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure reduces the risk of subsequent hospitalization: a subanalysis of the randomized TIM-HF2 trial
Authors: Stegmann Tina , Koehler Kerstin , Schulze Marie , Laufs Ulrich , Koehler Friedrich , Wachter Rolf 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Aims
To evaluate the rate of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) and the potential improved outcome in heart failure (HF) patients using non-invasive remote patient management (RPM) compared with usual care (UC).

Methods and results
This analysis assessed a subgroup of 1538 patients of the TIM-HF2 trial with chronic HF, New York Heart Association Class II or III, admission to hospital for HF within 12 months before randomization, and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 45% or lower. Patients with AF in the baseline electrocardiogram (ECG), with an implanted cardiac device, a history of ablation therapy, and recent anticoagulation were excluded, leaving 347 patients for final analysis (RPM = 175; UC = 172). The percentage of days lost due to unplanned cardiovascular hospitalization or death of any cause (primary endpoint of TIM-HF2), the rate of newly detected AF, and the hospitalization rate due to AF were analysed. For patients with new AF, there was a significant reduction for the primary endpoint in the RPM group [5.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0–11.6 vs. UC: 14.6%, 95% CI 8.0–21.2; P &lt; 0.001]. Within the first 3 months, the detection rate of new AF was significantly higher in the RPM group (5.1%) compared with UC (1.2%), P = 0.035. After 1 year, 23 patients (13.1%) assigned to RPM and 12 patients (7.0%) assigned to UC had newly detected AF, P = 0.056. Unplanned hospitalizations related to AF were significantly lower in the RPM group (2 out of 23 patients vs. UC: 10 out of 12 patients; P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
In this subgroup of HF patients in the TIM-HF2 trial, non-invasive daily ECG transmission leads to a four times higher detection rate of new AF compared with UC. This was associated with a significant reduction of days lost due to unplanned cardiovascular hospitalizations, especially hospitalizations related to AF.
A comprehensive analysis of the intramural segment in interarterial anomalous coronary arteries using computed tomography angiography
Authors: Koppel Claire J , Verheijen Diederick B H , Kiès Philippine , Egorova Anastasia D , Lamb Hildo J , Voskuil Michiel , Jukema J Wouter , Koolbergen Dave R , Hazekamp Mark G , Schalij Martin J , Jongbloed Monique R M , Vliegen Hubert W 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Aims
An anomalous coronary artery originating from the opposite sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS) with an interarterial course can be assessed using computed tomography angiography (CTA) for the presence of high-risk characteristics associated with sudden cardiac death. These features include a slit-like ostium, acute angle take-off, proximal luminal narrowing, and an intramural segment. To date, no robust CTA criteria exist to determine the presence of an intramural segment. We aimed to deduct new CTA parameters to distinguish an intramural course of interarterial ACAOS.

Methods and results
Twenty-five patients with an interarterial ACAOS (64% female, mean age 46 years, 88% right ACAOS) from two academic hospitals were evaluated. Inclusion criteria were the availability of a preoperative CTA scan (0.51 mm slice thickness) and peroperative confirmation of the intramural segment. Using multiplanar reconstruction of the CTA, the distance between the lumen of the aorta and the lumen of the ACAOS [defined as ‘interluminal space’ (ILS)] was assessed at 2 mm intervals along the intramural segment. Analysis showed a mean ILS of 0.69 ± 0.15 mm at 2 mm from the ostium. At the end of the intramural segment where the ACAOS becomes non-intramural, the mean ILS was significantly larger (1.27 ± 0.29 mm, P &lt; 0.001). Interobserver agreement evaluation showed good reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.77, P &lt; 0.001). Receiver operator characteristic analysis demonstrated that at a cut-off ILS of &lt;0.95 mm, an intramural segment can be diagnosed with 100% sensitivity and 84% specificity.

Conclusion
The ILS is introduced as a novel and robust CTA parameter to identify an intramural course of interarterial ACAOS. An ILS of &lt;0.95 mm is indicative of an intramural segment.
Protist feeding patterns and growth rate are related to their predatory impacts on soil bacterial communities
Authors: Amacker Nathalie , Gao Zhilei , Hu Jie , Jousset Alexandre L C , Kowalchuk George A , Geisen Stefan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Predatory protists are major consumers of soil micro-organisms. By selectively feeding on their prey, they can shape soil microbiome composition and functions. While different protists are known to show diverging impacts, it remains impossible to predict a priori the effect of a given species. Various protist traits including phylogenetic distance, growth rate and volume have been previously linked to the predatory impact of protists. Closely related protists, however, also showed distinct prey choices which could mirror specificity in their dietary niche. We, therefore, aimed to estimate the dietary niche breadth and overlap of eight protist isolates on 20 bacterial species in plate assays. To assess the informative value of previously suggested and newly proposed (feeding-related) protist traits, we related them to the impacts of predation of each protist on a protist-free soil bacterial community in a soil microcosm via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We could demonstrate that each protist showed a distinct feeding pattern in vitro. Further, the assayed protist feeding patterns and growth rates correlated well with the observed predatory impacts on the structure of soil bacterial communities. We thus conclude that in vitro screening has the potential to inform on the specific predatory impact of selected protists.
Combined effect of Bacillus siamensis and chlorogenic acid on maintenance of quality and control of disease in stored wax apple fruit
Authors: Cheng Ziyu , Li Rui , Jiang Zecheng , Tang Yue , Li Wen , Shao Yuanzhi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined postharvest use of Bacillus siamensis strain and chlorogenic acid on quality maintenance and disease control in wax apple fruit.

Materials and Methods
Wax apple fruit were treated with Bacillus siamensis strain (N1), chlorogenic acid (CHA) and N1+CHA and preserved at 25 °C for 12 d. The appearance and quality parameters were evaluated, along with the disease index, content of total soluble solids (TSS), total acid (TA), vitamin C (Vc), total phenolic, and flavonoids during cold storage. Meanwhile, the activities of β-1,3-glucanase (GLU), phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD) were determined. Furthermore, the transcriptome and the expression level of key defense enzyme genes were analyzed by RNA-seq and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results
N1+CHA treatment significantly lowered DI and delayed fruit quality deterioration by slowing TSS and TA loss and enhancing antioxidant capacity, including Vc, total phenolic, and flavonoids content. Meanwhile, the activities of GLU, PAL, PPO, and POD were dramatically increased by N1+CHA treatment. Additionally, N1+CHA treatment modulated several metabolic pathways, including those involved in plant–hormone signal transduction and plant–pathogen interaction. The expression levels of key defense enzyme genes were significantly upregulated in stored wax apple fruit by the N1+CHA treatment, which were well coincided with the transcriptome data.

Conclusions
The combined use of N1+CHA significantly prevents disease and maintains fruit quality of wax apple during storage. These findings indicate that it could serve as a promising biological technique for preserving wax apple fruit.
The First Genome of the Balearic Shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus) Provides a Valuable Resource for Conservation Genomics and Sheds Light on Adaptation to a Pelagic lifestyle
Authors: Cuevas-Caballé Cristian , Ferrer Obiol Joan , Vizueta Joel , Genovart Meritxell , Gonzalez-Solís Jacob , Riutort Marta , Rozas Julio 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus) is the most threatened seabird in Europe and a member of the most speciose group of pelagic seabirds, the order Procellariiformes, which exhibit extreme adaptations to a pelagic lifestyle. The fossil record suggests that human colonisation of the Balearic Islands resulted in a sharp decrease of the Balearic shearwater population size. Currently, populations of the species continue to be decimated mainly due to predation by introduced mammals and bycatch in longline fisheries, with some studies predicting its extinction by 2070. Here, using a combination of short and long reads, we generate the first high-quality reference genome for the Balearic shearwater, with a completeness amongst the highest across available avian species. We used this reference genome to study critical aspects relevant to the conservation status of the species and to gain insights into the adaptation to a pelagic lifestyle of the order Procellariiformes. We detected relatively high levels of genome-wide heterozygosity in the Balearic shearwater despite its reduced population size. However, the reconstruction of its historical demography uncovered an abrupt population decline potentially linked to a reduction of the neritic zone during the Penultimate Glacial Period (∼194–135 ka). Comparative genomics analyses uncover a set of candidate genes that may have played an important role into the adaptation to a pelagic lifestyle of Procellariiformes, including those for the enhancement of fishing capabilities, night vision, and the development of natriuresis. The reference genome obtained will be the crucial in the future development of genetic tools in conservation efforts for this Critically Endangered species.
Seed banks alter the molecular evolutionary dynamics ofBacillus subtilis
Authors: Shoemaker William R , Polezhaeva Evgeniya , Givens Kenzie B , Lennon Jay T 
Published: May 2022

AbstractFluctuations in the availability of resources constrain the growth and reproduction of individuals, which subsequently affects the evolution of their respective populations. Many organisms contend with such fluctuations by entering a reversible state of reduced metabolic activity, a phenomenon known as dormancy. This pool of dormant individuals (i.e. a seed bank) does not reproduce and is expected to act as an evolutionary buffer, though it is difficult to observe this effect directly over an extended evolutionary timescale. Through genetic manipulation, we analyze the molecular evolutionary dynamics of Bacillus subtilis populations in the presence and absence of a seed bank over 700 days. The ability of these bacteria to enter a dormant state increased the accumulation of genetic diversity over time and altered the trajectory of mutations, findings that were recapitulated using simulations based on a mathematical model of evolutionary dynamics. While the ability to form a seed bank did not alter the degree of negative selection, we found that it consistently altered the direction of molecular evolution across genes. Together, these results show that the ability to form a seed bank can affect the direction and rate of molecular evolution over an extended evolutionary timescale.
Association of Pulmonary Function With Motor Function Trajectories and Disability Progression Among Older Adults: A Long-Term Community-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Jingya , Wang Jiao , Li Xuerui , Wang Zhangyu , Qi Xiuying , Dove Abigail , Bennett David A , Xu Weili 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
The association of pulmonary function (PF) with motor function and disability remains unclear. We investigate the association of PF with motor function trajectories and disability progression, and explore the role of social activity, cognitive function, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in this relationship.

Methods
Within the Rush Memory and Aging Project, 1 403 disability-free participants (mean age: 79.28 years) were followed for up to 22 years. PF was measured with a composite score based on peak expiratory flow, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and forced vital capacity at baseline. Global motor function including dexterity, gait, and hand strength was assessed annually using 10 motor tests. Disability was evaluated according to the basic activities of daily living. Social activity was defined as the frequency of common types of social interaction. Global cognitive function was assessed using a battery of 19 cognitive performance tests. CVDs (including stroke, congestive heart failure, and heart diseases) were ascertained at baseline. Linear mixed-effects models were used.

Results
Compared to high PF, low PF was related to faster decline in global motor function (β = −0.005, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.008 to −0.001) and all 3 specific motor abilities (p &lt; .05), as well as faster progression of disability (β = 0.012, 95% CI: 0.009 to 0.014). There was a statistically significant interaction between PF and social activity/cognitive function on disability progression (β = 0.005, 95% CI: 0.001 to 0.009, p = .010/β = 0.004, 95% CI: 0.001 to 0.009, p = .025).

Conclusion
Poor PF accelerates motor function decline and the progression of disability. A high level of social activity and cognitive function appear to decelerate disability progression related to poor PF.