bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microvascular coronary dysfunction affects global longitudinal strain after stress echocardiography
Authors: Tagliamonte E , Sperlongano S , Montuori C , Riegler L , Scarafile R , Carbone A , Iodice F , Gioia R , Di Vilio A , Serio A , Radmilovic J , Ricciardi S , D"andrea A 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
BACKGROUND. Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a potential cause of myocardial ischemia and may affect myocardial function at rest and during stress. CMD can be identified, in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), by a reduced transthoracic Doppler-derived coronary flow reserve (CFR), which is an index of coronary arterial reactivity, and can be impaired in both obstructive CAD and CMD.
The aim of this study was to investigate the dipyridamole-induced changes of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with CMD.
METHODS. 59 patients (39% women, mean age 65.6 ± 6.1 years) with history of chest pain and without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent dipyridamole stress echocardiography. Coronary flow was assessed in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) was determined as the ratio of hyperaemic to baseline diastolic coronary flow velocity. CMD was defined as CFR &lt; 2. GLS was measured at rest and at peak dose, using automated function imaging, through the positioning of three endocardial markers (two markers at the mitral annulus and one at the apex) in each apical view. Subsequently, the obtained segmental values of GLS were visualized as a bull’s-eye map in a quick and feasible manner. We had optimal left ventricular endocardial tracking in the overall population.
In each patient, we used a frame rate of 70 frames/sec for adequate 2D strain analysis. We analyzed GLS at each step of stress test and compared peak-dose values with baseline.
RESULTS. Nineteen patients (32%) among the overall population showed CMD. Baseline GLS was significantly lower in patients with CMD (-16.8 ± 2.7 vs. -19.1 ± 3.1, p &lt; 0.01). A different contractile response to dipyridamole infusion was observed between the two groups: GLS significantly increased up to peak dose in patients without CMD (from -19.1 ± 3.1 to -20.2 ± 3.1, p &lt; 0.01), and significantly decreased in patients with CMD (from -16.8 ± 2.7 to -15.8 ± 2.7, p &lt; 0.01). There was a significant inverse correlation between CFR and DGLS (r = -0.82, p &lt; 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS. GLS analysis, particularly performed by comparing dipyridamole peak-dose with baseline values, shows that in patients with CMD there is a different response of LV myocardium to stress test. It could be assumed that the inverse correlation between CFR and delta GLS reflects a progressive subclinical worsening of LV myocardial function and lack of LV contractile reserve due to underlying myocardial ischemia. Larger studies could confirm our data. Abstract Figure. Abstract Figure.
Systolic shear wave propagation speed as a novel non-invasive marker of myocardial contractility
Authors: Bezy S , Caenen A , Duchenne J , Orlowska M , D"hooge J , Voigt JU 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Research Foundation Flanders - FWO

Background
Shear wave elastography is a novel echocardiographic method that tracks shear wave propagation in the cardiac wall using high frame rate ultrasound. Shear waves can be induced by e.g. aortic valve closure (AVC). The propagation speed of these waves is related to the stiffness of the myocardium. Previous work has suggested that systolic shear wave speed is related to myocardial contractility. The current gold standard reference method for the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) contractility is pressure-volume loop analysis. However, the invasive nature of this method limits its clinical applicability.

Purpose
To compare non-invasively assessed shear wave propagation speed after AVC to invasive pressure-volume loop-derived measurements of contractility.

Methods
In 12 pigs (31.9 ± 4.3 kg), dobutamine was administered intravenously. Conventional and high frame rate echocardiographic images were acquired simultaneously with invasively measured pressure-volume loops before and after the administration of dobutamine. High frame rate echocardiographic datasets were acquired with an experimental ultrasound scanner at an average frame rate of 1304 ± 115 frames per second. Shear waves after AVC were visualized on M-mode displays along the interventricular septum which were colour coded for tissue acceleration (Figure 1A). The propagation speed was calculated by semi-automatically measuring the spatiotemporal slope of the shear wave. A set of pressure-volume loops were acquired during preload reduction by balloon occlusion of the vena cava inferior. The end-systolic elastance (Ees) of the ESPVR and preload recruitable stroke work (PRSW) were used as measures of contractility.

Results
Heart rate (72 ± 20 bpm vs. 105 ± 25 bpm; p &lt; 0.05) and LV ejection fraction (61 ± 4% vs. 74 ± 7%; p &lt; 0.001) significantly increased after the administration of dobutamine, while the LV end-systolic pressure remained similar (92 ± 21 mmHg vs. 106 ± 23 mmHg; p = 0.08). Pressure-volume loop-derived measures of contractility increased during dobutamine infusion (Ees: 1.3 ± 0.5 mmHg/ml vs. 2.1 ± 1.0 mmHg/ml; p &lt; 0.01 and PRSW: 41 ± 25 mmHg vs. 86 ± 23 mmHg; p &lt; 0.01). Likewise, shear wave propagation speed after AVC increased after dobutamine administration compared to baseline (3.1 ± 0.6 m/s vs. 5.3 ± 1.1 m/s; p &lt; 0.001). Shear wave speed after AVC had a strong positive correlation with Ees (r = 0.68; p &lt; 0.001) (Figure 1B) and PRSW (r = 0.65; p = 0.001) (Figure 1C).

Conclusions
Systolic shear wave propagation speed is related to invasively determined measurements of LV contractility. The results of this study indicate the potential of shear wave speed after AVC as a novel non-invasive parameter for the assessment of LV contractile function. Abstract Figure.
The MIDA quantitative international registry: prognostic implications of moderately elevated pulmonary artery pressure
Authors: Essayagh B , Benfari G , Antoine C , Grigioni F , Le Tourneau T , Roussel JC , Ajmone N , Van Wijngaarden A , Delgado V , Bax J , Tribouilloy C , Hochstadt A , Topilsky Y , Michelena H , Enriquez-Sarano M 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Pulmonary hypertension is a frequent complication of severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) associated with major outcome implications. However, whether pulmonary hypertension is linked with worse outcome in less that severe MR is uncertain and even more unsubstantiated is the link of elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) &lt; 50mmHg with clinical presentation and outcome.

Purpose
To assess the outcome implication of sPAP elevation, even moderate, among mitral regurgitation severity subgroups.

Methods
The MIDA-Quantitative (MIDA-Q) unprecedented registries included 7373 consecutive patients (age 64 ± 17 years, 45% women, follow-up 5.5 ± 3.4 years) with isolated DMR diagnosed at tertiary (European/North-American/Middle East) centers in which systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) was measured prospectively at baseline. Long-term survival overall, under medical management and post-mitral surgery was analyzed.

Results
Elevated pulmonary pressure (sPAP &gt;50mmHg) was observed in 1371 patients (19%, mean 63 ± 13mmHg) and moderate increase in pulmonary pressure (35&lt; sPAP &lt; 50mmHg) in 1874 patients (25%, mean 41 ± 14mmHg), with no/mild MR in 4067 (50%), moderate in 2073 (25%), and severe or above in 2047 (25%), mean ERO 0.24 ± 24cm2, RVol 37 ± 35mL and posterior leaflet prolapse in 34%. sPAP severe but also moderate both strongly and independently linked to more severe clinical presentation, with more dyspnea, more AFib, and impaired renal function (P ≤ 0.0001). &lt;SPAP&lt; &gt;By sPAP categories, 35 &lt; sPAP&lt; 50mmHg (vs. 35mmHg) was independently associated with worse outcome under medical management adjusted-HR 1.62[1.40-1/87], with considerable excess-mortality for sPAP &gt; 50mmHg (vs. &lt;35mmHg) adjusted-HR 2.54[2.17-2.96], all P &lt; 0.0001. As continuous variable, sPAP was associated with worse outcome adjusted-HR 1.25[1.21-1.29], P &lt; 0.0001 per 10mmHg-increase. Mitral valve surgery (performed in 2378 patients, 32%) improved outcome without alleviating completely higher mortality associated with sPAP &gt; 50mmHg (P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusion
In this very large international cohort of patients with DMR of all range and prospective sPAP grading, higher sPAP is associated at diagnosis with more severe clinical presentation. Long term, sPAP &gt; 50mmHg but also 35-50mmHg is independently of all confounders, associated with worse mortality. Thus careful assessment and consideration for mitral surgery/transcatheter therapy is warranted even in patients with sPAP &lt;50mmHg.&lt;/SPAP&lt; &gt; Abstract Figure. Survival stratified by sPAP Categories Abstract Figure. Postop survival by sPAP Categories
The role of echocardiography in the diagnosis of adult patients with myocarditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khanna S , Amarasekera AT , Li C , Bhat A , Chen HHL , Gan GCH , Tan TC 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) plays a key diagnostic role in the initial work-up of patients presenting with myocarditis. Its utility in myocarditis is for identification of structural and functional changes, which may assist with diagnosis, surveillance and prognostication.

Purpose
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to appraise the evidence associated with the use of echocardiography for the diagnosis of myocarditis in adults.

Methods
A systematic literature search of medical databases including Pubmed, Ovid Online, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, ProQuest, Science Direct and grey literature was performed using PRISMA principles to identify all relevant TTE studies on myocarditis in adult patients (1995-2020; English only; PROSPERO registration CRD42021243598). Data for a range of TTE parameters were individually extracted and then meta-analysed using a random-effects model for overall effect size through standard mean difference (SMD).

Results
Of the 13 relevant studies, 6 were included and revealed that myocarditis can be reliably differentiated from healthy controls, both in the acute and sub-acute phase by left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain, and less so by LV ejection fraction and LV end-diastolic volume (p &lt; 0.05 for all). See Table. LV-GLS demonstrated the strongest ability to discriminate myocarditis patients from healthy controls when compared to standard two-dimensional measures of LV size and function (p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
LV-GLS demonstrated the best discriminatory ability for differentiation of myocarditis from adult healthy controls. Further research is required to characterize the utility of these quantitative parameters in the diagnostic work-up of these patients. Abstract Figure.
Prognostic significance of right ventricle size and function in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Dziewiecka E , Karabinowska A , Wisniowska-Smialek S , Winiarczyk M , Gliniak M , Robak J , Kaciczak M , Rubis P 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is diagnosed based on systolic dysfunction and dilatation of the left ventricle (LV). Although the right ventricle (RV) can be also affected, the significance of concomitant RV pathology in DCM is less studied.

Aim
To analyse the prognostic significance of RV dilatation (RVD) and RV systolic dysfunction (RVSD) in DCM.

Methods
Between 2010 and 2020 we retrospectively analysed out- and in-hospital records of 545 DCM patients (age 53 ± 13 years, 89% male, NYHA 2.4 ± 0.9, LV end-diastolic diameter 65 ± 10mm, LV ejection fraction - LVEF 27 ± 11%, RV outflow tract diameter - RVOT 33 ± 7mm, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion - TAPSE 19 ± 5mm). The RVD was diagnosed as RVOT from parasternal long-axis view &gt;35mm, and RVSD - as TAPSE &lt;17mm.

Results
There were 284 (52%) patients with RV pathology: 192 (35%) PTS with RVD, 175 (32%) patients with RVSD, 83 (15%) patients had both RVD and RVSD (RVD + RVSD). During 47 ± 31months 83 (15%) patients died: 20 (24%) patients with RVD (p = 0.007), 32 (18%) patients with RVSD (p = 0.08), 39 (11%) patients with both RVD and RVSD (p = 0.002). All RV pathologies were found to be significant prognostic factors in DCM (RVD: HR 0.41 [95%CI 0.27-0.65]; RVSD: HR 0.59 [95%CI 0.38-0.93]; RVD + RVSD: HR 0.40 [95%CI 0.24-0.67]) (Fig. 1). However, only RVD was found to be significant prognostic factor irrespectively of LVEF (multivariate: LVEF – HR 0.97 [95%CI 0.94-0.99]; RVD – HR 0.50 [95%CI 0.31-0.79]; RVSD – HR 0.82 [9%CI 0.51-1.32]).

Conclusion
Half of DCM patients had RV pathology: dilatation or systolic dysfunction, however, only 15% had both RVD and RVSD. RVD and RVSD were associated with survival, however, only RV dilatation was found to be a prognostic factor irrespectively of LVEF. Abstract Figure 1. RVSD and RVD in DCM.
The dysfunctional right ventricle: the importance of multi-modality imaging
Authors: Surkova Elena , Cosyns Bernard , Gerber Bernhard , Gimelli Alessia , La Gerche Andre , Ajmone Marsan Nina 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Assessment of right ventricular (RV) function is crucial for the evaluation of the dyspnoeic patient and/or with systemic venous congestion and provides powerful prognostic insights. It can be performed using different imaging modalities including standard and advanced echocardiographic techniques, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and radionuclide techniques, which should be used in a complementary fashion. Each modality has strengths and weaknesses based on which the choice of their use and in which combination may vary according to the different clinical scenarios as will be detailed in this review. The conclusions from multiple studies using different imaging techniques are concordant: RV function can be reliably assessed and is a critical predictor of clinical outcomes.
Larval habitat determines the bacterial and fungal microbiota of the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti
Authors: Zouache Karima , Martin Edwige , Rahola Nil , Gangue Marc F , Minard Guillaume , Dubost Audrey , Van Van Tran , Dickson Laura , Ayala Diego , Lambrechts Louis , Moro Claire Valiente 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Mosquito larvae are naturally exposed to microbial communities present in a variety of larval development sites. Several earlier studies have highlighted that the larval habitat influences the composition of the larval bacterial microbiota. However, little information is available on their fungal microbiota, i.e. the mycobiota. In this study, we provide the first simultaneous characterization of the bacterial and fungal microbiota in field-collected Aedes aegypti larvae and their respective aquatic habitats. We evaluated whether the microbial communities associated with the breeding site may affect the composition of both the bacterial and fungal communities in Ae. aegypti larvae. Our results show a higher similarity in microbial community structure for both bacteria and fungi between larvae and the water in which larvae develop than between larvae from different breeding sites. This supports the hypothesis that larval habitat is a major factor driving microbial composition in mosquito larvae. Since the microbiota plays an important role in mosquito biology, unravelling the network of interactions that operate between bacteria and fungi is essential to better understand the functioning of the mosquito holobiont.
Comparative genomic analysis of Escherichia coli strains obtained from continuous imipenem stress evolution
Authors: Geng Juan , Liu Huiying , Chen Shuaiyin , Long Jinzhao , Jin Yuefei , Yang Haiyan , Duan Guangcai 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli has aroused increasing attention worldwide, especially in terms of imipenem (IMP) resistance. The molecular mechanism of IMP resistance remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the resistance mechanisms of IMP in E. coli. Susceptible Sx181-0-1 strain was induced into resistance strains by adaptive laboratory evolution. The drug resistance spectrum was measured using the disk diffusion and microbroth dilution methods. Whole-genome sequencing and resequencing were used to analyze the nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) between the primary susceptible strain and resistant strains. The expression levels of these genes with nsSNPs were identified by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Resistance phenotype appeared in the induced 15th generation (induction time = 183 h). Sx181-32 and Sx181-256, which had the minimum inhibitory concentrations of IMP of 8 and 64 µg ml–1, were isolated during continuous subculture exposed to increasing concentrations of IMP, respectively. A total of 19 nsSNPs were observed both in Sx181-32 and Sx181-256, distributed in rpsU, sdaC, zwf, ttuC, araJ, dacC, mrdA, secF, dacD, lpxD, mrcB, ftsI, envZ, and two unknown function genes (orf01892 and orf01933). Among these 15 genes, five genes (dacC, mrdA, lpxD, mrcB, and ftsI) were mainly involved in cell wall synthesis. The mrdA (V338A, L378P, and M574I) and mrcB (P784L, A736V, and T708A) had three amino acid substitutions, respectively. The expression levels of rpsU, ttuC, and orf01933 were elevated in both Sx181-32 and Sx181-256 compared to Sx181-0-1. The expression levels of these genes were elevated in Sx181-256, except for araJ. Bacteria developed resistance to antimicrobials by regulating various biological processes, among which the most involved is the cell wall synthesis (dacC, mrdA, lpxD, mrcB, and ftsI). The combination mutations of mrdA, envZ, and ftsI genes may increase the resistance to IMP. Our study could improve the understanding of the molecular mechanism of IMP resistance in E. coli.
Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly ofAnthidium xuezhongiNiu & Zhu, 2020 (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Megachilidae: Anthidiini)
Authors: Zhang Dan , Jin Jianfeng , Niu Zeqing , Zhang Feng , Orr Michael C , Zhou Qingsong , Luo Arong , Zhu Chaodong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAnthidiini, a large bee tribe characterized by light-colored maculations, represents nearly 1,000 pollinator species, but no genomes are yet available for this tribe. Here, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly of Anthidium xuezhongi collected from the Tibetan Plateau. Using PacBio long reads and Hi-C data, we assembled a genome of 189.14 Mb with 99.94% of the assembly located in 16 chromosomes. Our assembly contains 23 scaffolds, with the scaffold N50 length of 12.53 Mb, and BUSCO completeness of 98.70% (n = 1,367). We masked 25.98 Mb (13.74%) of the assembly as repetitive elements, identified 385 noncoding RNAs, and predicted 10,820 protein-coding genes (99.20% BUSCO completeness). Gene family evolution analyses identified 9,251 gene families, of which 31 gene families experienced rapid evolution. Interspecific chromosomal variation among A. xuezhongi, Bombus terrestris, and Apis mellifera showed strong chromosomal syntenic relationships. This high-quality genome assembly is a valuable resource for evolutionary and comparative genomic analyses of bees.
A complex genetic architecture underlies mandibular evolution in big mice from Gough Island
Authors: Parmenter Michelle D , Nelson Jacob P , Gray Melissa M , Weigel Sara , Vinyard Christopher J , Payseur Bret A 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Some of the most compelling examples of morphological evolution come from island populations. Alterations in the size and shape of the mandible have been repeatedly observed in murid rodents following island colonization. Despite this pattern and the significance of the mandible for dietary adaptation, the genetic basis of island-mainland divergence in mandibular form remains uninvestigated. To fill this gap, we examined mandibular morphology in 609 F2s from a cross between Gough Island mice, the largest wild house mice on record, and mice from a mainland reference strain (WSB). Univariate genetic mapping identifies 3 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for relative length of the temporalis lever arm and 2 distinct QTL for relative condyle length, 2 traits expected to affect mandibular function that differ between Gough Island mice and WSB mice. Multivariate genetic mapping of coordinates from geometric morphometric analyses identifies 27 QTL contributing to overall mandibular shape. Quantitative trait loci show a complex mixture of modest, additive effects dispersed throughout the mandible, with landmarks including the coronoid process and the base of the ascending ramus frequently modulated by QTL. Additive effects of most shape quantitative trait loci do not align with island-mainland divergence, suggesting that directional selection played a limited role in the evolution of mandibular shape. In contrast, Gough Island mouse alleles at QTL for centroid size and QTL for jaw length increase these measures, suggesting selection led to larger mandibles, perhaps as a correlated response to the evolution of larger bodies.
Women, Peace and Security across scales: exclusions and opportunities in Iraq's WPS engagements
Authors: Chilmeran Yasmin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
While space, positionality, hierarchy and location have been central undercurrents to understanding women's participation and uptake of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, there has been little conceptual clarity about how these dynamics play out in post-conflict settings, nor on the impact that this has on women's civil society networks in these locations. In turn, this silence depoliticizes, decontextualizes and flattens the complex and diverse uses of the WPS agenda in post-conflict settings, as well as the diverse civil society arrangements underpinning this activity. This article makes the issue of space and its political nature central (captured through the use of the ‘politics of scale’), with reference to Iraq as a context for unpacking these dynamics. I explore how Iraqi women participate across different scalar contexts linked to the WPS agenda, and navigate exclusions and opportunities within and across them. Drawing on interviews, speeches and policy material from Iraqi women's organizations and their international partners, I argue that grasping how hierarchies related to scale, identity, resourcing and positionality are reproduced in local and national contexts is vital to understanding the uptake and rewriting of the WPS agenda in post-conflict settings. Further, I explore how Iraqi women's organizations are responding to openings and attempting to challenge the spatial arrangements within and across the different scales they work and participate in.