A shared ancient enhancer element differentially regulates the bric-a-brac tandem gene duplicates in the developing Drosophila leg.

Gene duplications and transcriptional enhancer emergence/modifications are thought having greatly contributed to phenotypic innovations during animal evolution. Nevertheless, little is known about how enhancers evolve after gene duplication and how regulatory information is rewired between duplicated genes. The Drosophila melanogaster bric-a-brac (bab) complex, comprising the tandem paralogous genes bab1 and bab2, provides a paradigm to address these issues. We previously characterized an intergenic enhancer (named LAE) regulating bab2 expression in the developing legs. We show here that bab2 regulators binding directly the LAE also govern bab1 expression in tarsal cells. LAE excision by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing reveals that this enhancer appears involved but not strictly required for bab1 and bab2 co-expression in leg tissues. Instead, the LAE enhancer is critical for paralog-specific bab2 expression along the proximo-distal leg axis. Chromatin features and phenotypic rescue experiments indicate that LAE functions partly redundantly with leg-specific regulatory information overlapping the bab1 transcription unit. Phylogenomics analyses indicate that (i) the bab complex originates from duplication of an ancestral singleton gene early on within the Cyclorrhapha dipteran sublineage, and (ii) LAE sequences have been evolutionarily-fixed early on within the Brachycera suborder thus predating the gene duplication event. This work provides new insights on enhancers, particularly about their emergence, maintenance and functional diversification during evolution.

Genomic and phenotypic analysis of invasive Streptococcus suis isolated in Spain reveals genetic diversification and associated virulence traits.

Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen that causes a major health problem in the pig production industry worldwide. Spain is one of the largest pig producers in the world. This work aimed to investigate the genetic and phenotypic features of invasive S. suis isolates recovered in Spain. A panel of 156 clinical isolates recovered from 13 Autonomous Communities, representing the major pig producers, were analysed. MLST and serotyping analysis revealed that most isolates (61.6%) were assigned to ST1 (26.3%), ST123 (18.6%), ST29 (9.6%), and ST3 (7.1%). Interestingly, 34 new STs were identified, indicating the emergence of novel genetic lineages. Serotypes 9 (27.6%) and 1 (21.8%) prevailed, followed by serotypes 7 (12.8%) and 2 (12.2%). Analysis of 13 virulence-associated genes showed significant associations between ST, serotype, virulence patterns, and clinical features, evidencing particular virulence traits associated with genetic clusters. The pangenome was generated, and the core genome was distributed in 7 Bayesian groups where each group included a variable set of over- and under-represented genes of different categories. The study provides comprehensive data and knowledge to improve the design of new vaccines, antimicrobial treatments, and bacterial typing approaches.

Chaotic vortex-induced rotation of an elliptical cylinder.

Non-linear oscillations of an elliptical cylinder, which can rotate about an axis that passes through its symmetry axle due to a torsional spring and hydrodynamic torque produced by the flow of a Newtonian fluid, were analyzed in terms of a single parameter that compares vortex shedding frequency with the torsional spring's natural frequency. The governing equations for the flow coupled with a rigid body with one degree of freedom were solved numerically using the lattice-Boltzmann method. The Reynolds number used was Re=200, which, in the absence of torsional spring, produces chaotic oscillations of the elliptical cylinder. When the torsional spring is included, we identified three branches separated by transition regions when stiffness of the restorative torque changes, as in the case of vortex-induced vibrations. However, in this case, several regions presenting chaotic dynamics were identified. Two regions with stable limit cycles were found when both torques synchronized and when stiffness of the torsional spring is big enough so that the ellipse's oscillation is small.

Consequences of Genetic Recombination on Protein Folding Stability.

Genetic recombination is a common evolutionary mechanism that produces molecular diversity. However, its consequences on protein folding stability have not attracted the same attention as in the case of point mutations. Here, we studied the effects of homologous recombination on the computationally predicted protein folding stability for several protein families, finding less detrimental effects than we previously expected. Although recombination can affect multiple protein sites, we found that the fraction of recombined proteins that are eliminated by negative selection because of insufficient stability is not significantly larger than the corresponding fraction of proteins produced by mutation events. Indeed, although recombination disrupts epistatic interactions, the mean stability of recombinant proteins is not lower than that of their parents. On the other hand, the difference of stability between recombined proteins is amplified with respect to the parents, promoting phenotypic diversity. As a result, at least one third of recombined proteins present stability between those of their parents, and a substantial fraction have higher or lower stability than those of both parents. As expected, we found that parents with similar sequences tend to produce recombined proteins with stability close to that of the parents. Finally, the simulation of protein evolution along the ancestral recombination graph with empirical substitution models commonly used in phylogenetics, which ignore constraints on protein folding stability, showed that recombination favors the decrease of folding stability, supporting the convenience of adopting structurally constrained models when possible for inferences of protein evolutionary histories with recombination.

The applications of CRISPR/Cas-mediated microRNA and lncRNA editing in plant biology: shaping the future of plant non-coding RNA research.

MAIN CONCLUSION: CRISPR/Cas technology has greatly facilitated plant non-coding RNA (ncRNA) biology research, establishing itself as a promising tool for ncRNA functional characterization and ncRNA-mediated plant improvement. Throughout the last decade, the promising genome editing tool clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas; CRISPR/Cas) has allowed unprecedented advances in the field of plant functional genomics and crop improvement. Even though CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing system has been widely used to elucidate the biological significance of a number of plant protein-coding genes, this technology has been barely applied in the functional analysis of those non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that modulate gene expression, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Nevertheless, compelling findings indicate that CRISPR/Cas-based ncRNA editing has remarkable potential for deciphering the biological roles of ncRNAs in plants, as well as for plant breeding. For instance, it has been demonstrated that CRISPR/Cas tool could overcome the challenges associated with other approaches employed in functional genomic studies (e.g., incomplete knockdown and off-target activity). Thus, in this review article, we discuss the current status and progress of CRISPR/Cas-mediated ncRNA editing in plant science in order to provide novel prospects for further assessment and validation of the biological activities of plant ncRNAs and to enhance the development of ncRNA-centered protocols for crop improvement.

Unveiling the Collaborative Effect at the Cucurbit[8]uril-MoS2 Hybrid Interface for Electrochemical Melatonin Determination.

Host-guest interactions are of paramount importance in supramolecular chemistry and in a wide range of applications. Particularly well known is the ability of cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]) to selectively host small molecules. We show that the charge transfer and complexation capabilities of CB[n] are retained on the surface of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), allowing the development of efficient electrochemical sensing platforms. We unveil the mechanisms of host-guest recognition between the MoS2 -CB[8] hybrid interface and melatonin (MLT), an important molecular regulator of vital constants in vertebrates. We find that CB[8] on MoS2 organizes the receptor portals perpendicularly to the surface, facilitating MLT complexation. This advantageous adsorption geometry is specific to TMDs and favours MLT electro-oxidation, as opposed to other 2D platforms like graphene, where one receptor portal is closed. This study rationalises the cooperative interaction in 2D hybrid systems to improve the efficiency and selectivity of electrochemical sensing platforms.

Unveiling the Collaborative Effect at the Cucurbit [8] uril-MoS2 Hybrid Interface for Electrochemical Melatonin Determination.

Invited for the cover of this issue are two collaborating groups: one at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and the other at the Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid. The image depicts Cucurbit[8]uril adsorbed on a transition metal dichalcogenide surface letting the cavity open for complex formation with melatonin and allowing efficient electrochemical sensing. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202203244.

Functional Implications and Clinical Potential of MicroRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Concise Review.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny (20-24 nucleotides long), non-coding, highly conserved RNA molecules that play a crucial role within the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression via sequence-specific mechanisms. Since the miRNA transcriptome is involved in multiple molecular processes needed for cellular homeostasis, its altered expression can trigger the development and progression of several human pathologies. In this context, over the last few years, several relevant studies have demonstrated that dysregulated miRNAs affect a wide range of molecular mechanisms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common gastrointestinal disorder. For instance, abnormal miRNA expression in IBS patients is related to the alteration of intestinal permeability, visceral hyperalgesia, inflammatory pathways, and pain sensitivity. Besides, specific miRNAs are differentially expressed in the different subtypes of IBS, and therefore, they might be used as biomarkers for precise diagnosis of these pathological conditions. Accordingly, miRNAs have noteworthy potential as theragnostic targets for IBS. Hence, in this current review, we present an overview of the recent discoveries regarding the clinical relevance of miRNAs in IBS, which might be useful in the future for the development of miRNA-based drugs against this disorder.

Regulatory roles of noncoding RNAs in callus induction and plant cell dedifferentiation.

KEY MESSAGE: Plant regulatory noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as key modulators of gene expression during callus induction. Their further study may promote the design of innovative plant tissue culture protocols. The use of plants by humans has recently taken on a new and expanding insight due to the advent of genetic engineering technologies. In this context, callus cultures have shown remarkable potential for synthesizing valuable biomolecules, crop improvement, plant micropropagation, and biodiversity preservation. A crucial stage in callus production is the conversion of somatic cells into totipotent cells; compelling evidence indicates that stress factors, transcriptional regulators, and plant hormones can trigger this biological event. Besides, posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression might be essential participants in callus induction. However, research related to the analysis of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that modulate callogenesis and plant cell dedifferentiation in vitro is still at an early stage. During the last decade, some relevant studies have enlightened the fact that different classes of ncRNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in plant cell dedifferentiation through regulating the expression levels of diverse gene targets. Hence, understanding the molecular relevance of these ncRNAs in the aforesaid biological processes might represent a promising source of new biotechnological approaches for callus culture and plant improvement. In this current work, we review the experimental evidence regarding the prospective roles of ncRNAs in callus induction and plant cell dedifferentiation to promote this field of study.

Abdominal wound dehiscence and incisional hernia prevention in midline laparotomy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernia (IH) is the main complication after laparotomy. In an attempt to reduce this complication, mesh techniques and studies in which the closure technique is modified have been proposed. Both types are characterized by comparison with the closure described as standard or conventional: 1 × 1, mass, and continuous closure. For this study, modified closure techniques (MCTs) were considered as those techniques in which an extra suture is placed (reinforced tension line (RTL), retention), the closure point is modified in distance (small bites) or shape (CLDC, Smead Jones, interrupted, Cardiff point) and which aim to reduce these complications. The objective of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to evaluate the effectiveness of MCTs for reducing the incidence of IH and abdominal wound dehiscence (AWD) to provide objective support for their recommendation. METHODS: An NMA was performed according to the PRISMA-NMA guidelines. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of IH and AWD, and the secondary objective was to determine the incidence of postoperative complications. Only published clinical trials were included. The risk of bias was analyzed, and the random-effects model was used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: Twelve studies comparing 3540 patients were included. The incidence of HI was lower in RTL, retention suture, and small bites, these techniques showed statistical differences with pooled ORs (95% CI) of 0.28 (0.09-0.83), 0.28 (0.13-0.62), and 0.44 (0.31-0.62), respectively. Associated complications, including hematoma, seroma, and postoperative pain, could not be analyzed; however, MCTs did not increase the risk of surgical site infection. CONCLUSION: Small bites, RTL, and retention sutures decreased the prevalence of IH. RTL and retention suture decreased the prevalence of AWD. RTL was the best technique as it reduced both complications (IH and AWD) and had the best SUCRA and P-scores, and the number needed to treat (NNT) for net effect was 3. REGISTRATION: This study was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database under registration number CRD42021231107.

Entomopathogenic fungi for the control of larvae and adults of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To assess larvicide and adulticide activity of different native strains of fungi on Aedes aegypti. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Third instar larvae were exposed for 72 h at a concentration of 1x108 conidia/ml of 15 fungi; only fungi that significantly affected the larvae were evaluated against the adult phase at a concentration of 2x1010 conidia/ml. Mortality readings were performed at 24, 48, and 72 h for larvae, and every day to 30 days for adults. RESULTS: Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Aspergillus aculeatus, and Metarhizium anisopliae had the best larvicidal activity at 24 h of exposure (p<0.05), causing mortalities of 100, 72, and 62%, respectively. Adult mosquitoes were more affected by Gliocladium virens (45% mortality), M. anisopliae (30% mortality), and T. longibrachiatum (23.33% mortality). CONCLUSION: The larval stage of Ae. aegypti was more susceptible than the adult phase to the pathogenic action of native fungi, with T. longibrachiatum being with the highest virulence.

Combination of Dehydration and Expeller as a Novel Methodology for the Production of Olive Oil.

An alternative olive oil (OO) production process has been developed based on the combination of olive dehydration, followed by extraction with an expeller press. This procedure eliminates the utilization of water and avoids the malaxation stage. Hence, no water residues are generated. In this study, the mentioned alternative methodology was compared to conventional extraction methods. High extraction yields and oil recovery were obtained with our novel procedure. On the contrary, substantial percentages of by-products were generated with conventional methodology. The quality indexes (acidity and peroxide values) of the oils obtained by the combination of dehydration and expeller (dOO) were 0.4% of oleic acid and 3 meq O2/kg of oil, respectively. Furthermore, none of the applied processes affected the resulting OO's fatty acid composition and lipid profile. Total phenolic content was up to four times higher for dOO than for other olive oils and it showed resistance to oxidation with an oxidative stability index about five times higher than that for conventional olive oils.

Marine heatwaves drive recurrent mass mortalities in the Mediterranean Sea.

Climate change is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves (MHWs) and mass mortality events (MMEs) of marine organisms are one of their main ecological impacts. Here, we show that during the 2015-2019 period, the Mediterranean Sea has experienced exceptional thermal conditions resulting in the onset of five consecutive years of widespread MMEs across the basin. These MMEs affected thousands of kilometers of coastline from the surface to 45 m, across a range of marine habitats and taxa (50 taxa across 8 phyla). Significant relationships were found between the incidence of MMEs and the heat exposure associated with MHWs observed both at the surface and across depths. Our findings reveal that the Mediterranean Sea is experiencing an acceleration of the ecological impacts of MHWs which poses an unprecedented threat to its ecosystems' health and functioning. Overall, we show that increasing the resolution of empirical observation is critical to enhancing our ability to more effectively understand and manage the consequences of climate change.

ß-defensin 1 Gene Polymorphisms are Associated with Kidney Disease in Northwestern Mexicans with Type 2 Diabetes.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the more limiting complications to the quality of life of diabetes mellitus patients. Studies including cultured cells, animal models, and case-control studies highlight the role of human ß-defensin-1 (hBD-1) in diabetes.This study assessed the association of hBD-1 gene (DEFB1) functional variations -52 G/A (rs1799946), -44 C/G (rs1800972) and -20 G/A (rs11362) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in order to investigate its effects on genetic susceptibility and progression to DKD in a Mexican population. A total of 214 T2DM patients with and without DKD (n = 102 and n = 112, respectively) and 117 healthy subjects participated in this case-control study. Genotyping was made by PCR-RFLPs. Clinical and biochemical parameters of all patients were measured. There was no statistically significant difference in genotype or allele frequencies between patients and healthy individuals. Nevertheless, compared with patients without DKD, DKD patients have a reduced prevalence of AA genotype of -52 G/A (OR = 0.307, 95% CI = 0.104-0.905, p =.026), as well as a higher frequency of GA genotype of -20 G/A variant (OR = 1.875, 95%CI = 1.031-3.409, p = .038). Our results suggest that rs1799946 and rs11362 could be useful variants to stratify T2DM Mexican patients in order to prescribe closer follow-up to prevent or retard DKD. Further tests in different ethnic groups are encouraged.

The regulatory activities of microRNAs in non-vascular plants: a mini review.

MAIN CONCLUSION: MicroRNA-mediated gene regulation in non-vascular plants is potentially involved in several unique biological functions, including biosynthesis of several highly valuable exclusive bioactive compounds, and those small RNAs could be manipulated for the overproduction of essential bioactive compounds in the future. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous, small (20-24 nucleotides), non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression through the miRNA-mediated mechanisms of either translational inhibition or messenger RNA (mRNA) cleavage. In the past years, studies have mainly focused on elucidating the roles of miRNAs in vascular plants as compared to non-vascular plants. However, non-vascular plant miRNAs have been predicted to be involved in a wide variety of specific biological mechanisms; nevertheless, some of them have been demonstrated explicitly, thus showing that the research field of this plant group owns a noteworthy potential to develop novel investigations oriented towards the functional characterization of these miRNAs. Furthermore, the insights into the roles of miRNAs in non-vascular plants might be of great importance for designing the miRNA-based genetically modified plants for valuable secondary metabolites, active compounds, and biofuels in the future. Therefore, in this current review, we provide an overview of the potential roles of miRNAs in different groups of non-vascular plants such as algae and bryophytes.

Natural hybridization between pen shell species: Pinna rudis and the critically endangered Pinna nobilis may explain parasite resistance in P. nobilis.

Recently, Pinna nobilis pen shells population in Mediterranean Sea has plummeted due to a Mass Mortality Event caused by an haplosporidian parasite. In consequence, this bivalve species has been included in the IUCN Red List as "Critically Endangered". In the current scenario, several works are in progress to protect P. nobilis from extinction, being identification of hybrids (P. nobilis x P. rudis) among survivors extremely important for the conservation of the species.Morphological characteristics and molecular analyses were used to identify putative hybrids. A total of 10 individuals of each species (P. nobilis and P. rudis) and 3 doubtful individuals were considered in this study. The putative hybrids showed shell morphology and mantle coloration intermingled exhibiting both P. nobilis and P. rudis traits. Moreover, the analyses of 1150 bp of the 28S gene showed 9 diagnostic sites between P. rudis and P. nobilis, whereas hybrids showed both parental diagnostic alleles at the diagnostic loci. Regarding the multilocus genotypes from the 8 microsatellite markers, the segregation of two Pinna species was clearly detected on the PCoA plot and the 3 hybrids showed intermediate positions.This is the first study evidencing the existence of hybrids P. nobilis x P. rudis, providing molecular methodology for a proper identification of new hybrids. Further studies testing systematically all parasite-resisting isolated P. nobilis should be undertaken to determine if the resistance is resulting from introgression of P. rudis into P. nobilis genome and identifying aspects related to resistance.

Recent developments in the use of optical coherence tomography for glaucoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this article is to summarize findings of recent reports highlighting the utility of novel optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters in the diagnosis and monitoring of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. RECENT FINDINGS: Optic nerve head (ONH), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and macular parameters show high levels of diagnostic capability. The Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) measurement is a novel ONH parameter obtained using the Spectralis SD-OCT device (Heidelberg Engineering, Inc., Heidelberg, Germany). The inferotemporal BMO-MRW sector shows the highest diagnostic performance for this parameter. Minimum ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer thickness shows the highest diagnostic performance among macular parameters obtained with the Cirrus HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss, Inc., Dublin, CA, USA). Optic nerve head, macular, and retinal nerve fiber layer parameters are not interchangeable across protocols generated by varying OCT manufacturers. Novel machine-learning algorithms show promise with regards to achieving higher levels of diagnostic accuracy using OCT imaging platforms. SUMMARY: Digital imaging in glaucoma continues to evolve with novel parameters of the optic nerve head, retinal nerve fiber layer, and macula. Diagnostic abilities of these parameters are high and complementary to each other.

Giant Condyloma Acuminata (Buschke-Lowenstein Tumor): Review of an Unusual Disease and Difficult to Manage.

Giant condyloma acuminatum (GCA) or Buschke-Loewenstein tumor is a rare disease, with an estimated prevalence of 0.1%. It was initially described in 1896 by Buschke and later in 1925 by Buschke and Loewenstein. Classic condyloma acuminata (CCA) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were initially described as different entities. These three entities are currently considered to correspond to the same spectrum of different but not exclusive malignant transformations, associated with multiple risk factors such infection by human papilloma virus (HPV), immunodeficiencies, poor hygiene, multiple sexual partners, and chronic genital infections. HPV subtypes 6 and 11 are associated with 90% of GCA. It presents as a cauliflower-like tumor in the genital region with bad odor, bleeding, and local infection, differential diagnosis with multiple conditions should be considered, and sexually transmitted diseases should always be investigated. GCA has a higher rate of malignant transformation than CCA and tends to infiltrate adjacent soft tissues. The therapeutic approach is controversial but is considered that the resection with free edges is the gold standard and can be combined with adjuncts. The recurrence rate is high. Overall mortality is 21% and is associated with morbidity caused by recurrences. Imiquimod cream 5% has recently shown good results as monotherapy and in combination with ablative and surgical treatments. The quality of life is diminished in patients with this condition. In this review, we address the different aspects of this rare entity including the therapeutic approach.

The Emerging Role of MicroRNAs in Bone Diseases and Their Therapeutic Potential.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small (20-24 nucleotides), highly conserved, non-coding RNA molecules whose main function is the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression through sequence-specific manners, such as mRNA degradation or translational repression. Since these key regulatory molecules are implicated in several biological processes, their altered expression affects the preservation of cellular homeostasis and leads to the development of a wide range of pathologies. Over the last few years, relevant investigations have elucidated that miRNAs participate in different stages of bone growth and development. Moreover, the abnormal expression of these RNA molecules in bone cells and tissues has been significantly associated with the progression of numerous bone diseases, including osteoporosis, osteosarcoma, osteonecrosis and bone metastasis, among others. In fact, miRNAs regulate multiple pathological mechanisms, including altering either osteogenic or osteoblast differentiation, metastasis, osteosarcoma cell proliferation, and bone loss. Therefore, in this present review, aiming to impulse the research arena of the biological implications of miRNA transcriptome in bone diseases and to explore their potentiality as a theragnostic target, we summarize the recent findings associated with the clinical significance of miRNAs in these ailments.

New Parameter of the Second Half of the P-Wave, P-Wave Duration, and Atrial Conduction Times Predict Atrial Fibrillation during Electrophysiological Studies.

OBJECTIVE: Several P-wave parameters reflect atrial conduction characteristics and have been used to predict atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between maximum P-wave duration (PMax) and new P-wave parameters, with atrial conduction times (CT), and to assess their predictive value of AF during electrophysiological studies (AF-EPS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in 153 randomly selected patients aged 18-70 years, undergoing EPS. The patients were divided into 2 groups designated as no AF-EPS and AF-EPS, depending on whether AF occurred during EPS or not. Different P-wave parameters and atrial CT were compared for both study groups. Subsequently, the predictive value of the P-wave parameters and the atrial CT for AF-EPS was evaluated. RESULTS: The values of CT, PMax, and maximum Ppeak-Pend interval (Pp-eMax) were significantly higher in patients with AF-EPS. Almost all P-wave parameters were correlated with the left CT. PMax, Pp-eMax, and CT were univariate and multivariate predictors of AF-EPS. The largest ROC area was presented by interatrial CT (0.852; p < 0.001; cutoff value: ≥82.5 ms; sensitivity: 91.1%; specificity: 81.1%). Pp-eMax showed greater sensitivity (79.5%) to discriminate AF-EPS than PMax (72.7%), but the latter had better specificity (60.4% vs. 41.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Left atrial CT were directly and significantly correlated with PMax and almost all the parameters of the second half of the P-wave. CT, PMax, and Pp-eMax (new parameter) were good predictors of AF-EPS, although CT did more robustly.