bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significance of preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction in 5-year outcome after isolated CABG
Authors: Fallahzadeh Aida , Sheikhy Ali , Ajam Ali , Sadeghian Saeed , Pashang Mina , Shirzad Mahmoud , Bagheri Jamshid , Mansourian Soheil , Momtahen Shahram , Hosseini Kaveh 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Pre-operative ejection fraction (EF) and comorbidities affect post-op outcomes. We aimed to compare the mortality and adverse events of patients with different baseline EF and also to evaluate the distribution of comorbidities in each EF group.

Methods
A total of 20,937 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery from January 2006 to December 2016 was included. Patients were divided into three groups based on their pre-operative left ventricular EF as follows; (1) Normal: EF ≥ 50%; (2) Mild to moderately reduced: 50% < EF ≤ 35%; and (3) Severely reduced: EF < 35%. The backward elimination method was considered for multivariate Cox-regression analysis to locate predictors of mortality and non-fatal cerebro-cardiovascular events (CCVEs). The median follow-up time was 5.61 [3.12–8.0] years.

Results
The mean age in the total population was 60.94 ± 9.51 years and 73.6% of the total population was male. Diabetes mellitus was the common risk factor of mortality and CCVE in all EF groups. Impaired renal function (GFR < 60 ml/min) was associated with a higher risk of mortality after CABG regardless of EF level. The median 5-year mortality rate in patients with normal EF, mild-moderately reduced EF and severely reduced EF were 9.5%, 12.8%, and 22.7% respectively (P < 0.001). Although the trend of CCVEs was higher in severe left ventricle (LV) dysfunction, it was not statistically significant (p = 0.071).

Conclusion
Patients with severely reduced EF are at higher risk of mortality after CABG compared to those with higher EF levels; however, the rate of CCVEs may not be necessarily higher after adjustment for multiple pre-operative comorbidities.
Effects of hypercholesterolism on expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysm in rat model
Authors: Lee Jong Seok , Park Sun Cheol , Kim Sang Dong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Inflammation is recognized as a critical process in expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). A relationship between effects of cholesterol and statin in this process have been suggested, but remain untested. Therefore, current study aimed to examine the effects of hypercholesterolism on expansion of AAA in a rat model.

Methods
A total of 16 male rats were divided into 4 groups as follows: group I, normocholesterol diet and saline infusion, group II, normocholesterol diet and porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) infusion, group III, hypercholesterol diet and PPE infusion, and group IV, hypercholesterol diet, PPE infusion and statin administration. At the 3rd week, saline was infused intraluminally in group I and PPE in groups II-IV to induce AAA. At the 5th week, blood and aortic tissue were obtained from each rat for evaluation of lipid profiles, aortic diameters (ADs), and characteristics of stains.

Results
Post-procedural aortic diameter (AD3) and AD3/pre-procedural aortic diameter (AD1) were significantly different among four groups (P = 0.042, P = 0.028, respectively). AD3 was significantly larger in group II than group I, and group III than group IV (P = 0.012, P = 0.043, respectively). AD3/AD1 was significantly higher in group II than group I, and group III than group II (P = 0.008, P = 0.030, respectively). Group III showed the highest cellularity for inflammatory cells.

Conclusions
Though larger experimental and clinical studies are necessary, authors suggest that hypercholesterolism can aggravate expansion of AAA, and that statin therapy can reduce it. Therefore, monitoring for hypercholesterolism and instituting statin therapy may be helpful to suppress expansion of AAA.
Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation in end-stage coronary artery disease patients undergoing myocardial revascularization
Authors: Condello Ignazio , Santarpino Giuseppe , Bartolomucci Francesco , Valenti Giovanni , Di Bari Nicola , Moscarelli Marco , Vitobello Vincenza , Triggiani Vera , Gaudino Mario , Rimmaudo Flavio , Speziale Giuseppe , Nasso Giuseppe 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Patients with coronary artery disease and concomitant heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%) requiring myocardial revascularization are at risk of poor long-term prognosis and higher mortality. The benefits of minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC), particularly in end-stage coronary artery disease patients undergoing myocardial revascularization, have not been completely described.

Materials and methods
In this single-centre control study, 60 end-stage coronary artery disease patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were included. Patients were divided into two groups of 30 patients each undergoing CABG using MiECC or conventional extracorporeal circulation (cECC).

Results
In the MiECC group, oxygen delivery index (DO2i) was 305 mL/min/m2 in relation to indexed oxygen extraction ratio (O2ERi) 21.5%, whereas in the cECC group DO2i was 288 mL/min/m2 in relation to O2ERi 25.6% (p = 0.037). Lactate levels > 3 mmol/L were reported in 7 MiECC patients vs 20 cECC patients (p = 0.038), with blood glucose peak. Mean nadir hemoglobin values during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were 9.7 g/dL in the MiECC group vs 7.8 g/dL in the cECC group (p = 0.044). Cardiac index during CPB was 2.4 L/min/m2 in both groups. Red blood cell units administered were 8 vs 21 units in the MiECC vs cECC group (p = 0.022). A glycemic peak was recorded in 7 patients of the MiECC group and in 20 patients of the cECC group (p = 0.037).

Conclusion
In end-stage coronary artery disease, the MiECC technique was associated with a higher DO2i compared to cECC. MiECC patients showed a significant reduction in red blood cell unit administration and peak intraoperative lactate levels, which correlated with better postoperative outcome.
Prevalence of and risk factors for depressive and anxiety symptoms in a large sample of Chinese adolescents in the post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Zhang Xiaobin , Yang Haidong , Zhang Jing , Yang Man , Yuan Nian , Liu Junjie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Depressive and anxiety symptoms are widespread among adolescents today, creating a large social problem. However, few previous studies have addressed depression and anxiety among adolescents in Chinese cohorts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese middle school adolescent students in the post-COVID-19 era.

Methods
A total of 22,380 middle school students from Jiangsu Province were surveyed online, and their general demographic data were collected. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms, and the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale was used to measure anxiety symptoms.

Results
Of these participants (aged 12–17 years), 25.6% had depressive symptoms, 26.9% had anxiety symptoms, and 20.6% had a combination of depression and anxiety symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in female adolescents (27.6%) than in male adolescents (23.7%; χ2 = 45.479, P = 0.000), and the proportion with anxiety symptoms was higher among female adolescents (28.6%) than among male adolescents (25.4%; χ2 = 29.390, P = 0.000). Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis showed that gender, region, and parental relationship were significantly associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents, while age, gender, region, and parental relationship were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrated that the prevalence of reported depressive and anxiety symptoms in Chinese adolescents are high. Female gender, urban region, and poor parental relationship may be risk factors for depressive and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, policy makers, schools, and families need to pay more attention to the psychological health of adolescents, develop response plans and take early intervention measures to reduce the prevalence of adolescent depression and anxiety.
Methodological approaches for conducting follow-up research with clinical trial participants: a scoping review and expert interviews
Authors: Signorell Aita , Saric Jasmina , Appenzeller-Herzog Christian , Ewald Hannah , Burri Christian , Goetz Martin , Gerold Jana 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Evidence-based establishment and implementation of best principles, laws and ordinances that regulate clinical research depend on the consultation and involvement of trial participants. Yet, guidance on methodological approaches to obtain trial participants’ perspectives is currently missing. This scoping review therefore aimed at identifying, describing and evaluating research approaches to obtain trial participants’ feedback on their views and experiences.

Methods
We searched the electronic databases Medline and PsycInfo via Ovid and the Web of Science Core Collection. Clinical trials were included that involved adult participants that were conducted in selected high-income countries and that were published in peer-reviewed journals between 1985 and 2018. In addition, 29 expert interviews were conducted between March and May 2019.

Results
Out of 5994 identified records, 23 articles were included in this review. Twelve studies used a qualitative approach, 10 were quantitative and one study used a mixed-method design. More than 75% of all work was conducted in the USA and the UK. The scoping review and the expert interviews highlighted that recruitment of participants was generally done through direct contact by principal investigators and/or study nurses or through searches in de-identified patient databases. Authors used surveys, interviews or focus group discussions. The tools used were either based on existing validated ones or developed and verified de novo with the support of experts and/or patient representatives.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first methodological literature review of approaches to researching experiences of clinical trial participants where findings were triangulated with expert interviews. Covering a range of indications, trial phases and study settings, it demonstrates that clinical trial participant perspectives and experience is heavily under-researched. This casts doubt on the overall robustness of available insight into trial participants’ views and experiences. Our results demonstrate that the methodology for studying participant opinion, perception and experience should be adapted to the measure of interest and conform to the study population. Using valid patient experience data is the basis to evaluate existing legal and regulatory human subject research frameworks for their appropriateness from a patient perspective. Such an evaluation will be critical to empower research participants.
Balloon pulmonary angioplasty combined with riociguat for the treatment of inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (PRACTICE study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Qin-Hua , Gong Su-Gang , He Jing , Yuan Ping , Wu Wen-Hui , Luo Ci-Jun , Jiang Rong , Zhang Rui , Qiu Hong-Ling , Li Hui-Ting , Li Yuan , Liu Jin-Ming , Wang Lan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Management of inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) remains a clinical challenge. Currently, riociguat, a soluble guanylate-cyclase stimulator is recommended by international guidelines. More recently, balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) develops as an alternative treatment for inoperable CTEPH.

Method
This study is a single-center randomized controlled trial. Subjects with inoperable CTEPH are randomized into either a BPA combined with riociguat or riociguat monotherapy group (2:1) and observed for 12 months after initiation of treatment. The primary endpoint is the change in pulmonary vascular resistance from baseline to 12 months after initiation of treatment. The secondary endpoints include 6-min walk distance (6MWD), WHO-FC, NT-proBNP, SF-36, and other hemodynamic parameters. Safety endpoints are analyzed too.

Discussion
This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of BPA combined with riociguat and riociguat monotherapy for inoperable CTEPH.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000032403. Registered on 27 April 2020.
Down-regulation of OsMYB103L distinctively alters beta-1,4-glucan polymerization and cellulose microfibers assembly for enhanced biomass enzymatic saccharification in rice
Authors: Wu Leiming , Zhang Mingliang , Zhang Ran , Yu Haizhong , Wang Hailang , Li Jingyang , Wang Youmei , Hu Zhen , Wang Yanting , Luo Zi , Li Lin , Wang Lingqiang , Peng Liangcai , Xia Tao 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
As a major component of plant cell walls, cellulose provides the most abundant biomass resource convertible for biofuels. Since cellulose crystallinity and polymerization have been characterized as two major features accounting for lignocellulose recalcitrance against biomass enzymatic saccharification, genetic engineering of cellulose biosynthesis is increasingly considered as a promising solution in bioenergy crops. Although several transcription factors have been identified to regulate cellulose biosynthesis and plant cell wall formation, much remains unknown about its potential roles for genetic improvement of lignocellulose recalcitrance.

Results
In this study, we identified a novel rice mutant (Osfc9/myb103) encoded a R2R3-MYB transcription factor, and meanwhile generated OsMYB103L-RNAi-silenced transgenic lines. We determined significantly reduced cellulose levels with other major wall polymers (hemicellulose, lignin) slightly altered in mature rice straws of the myb103 mutant and RNAi line, compared to their wild type (NPB). Notably, the rice mutant and RNAi line were of significantly reduced cellulose features (crystalline index/CrI, degree of polymerization/DP) and distinct cellulose nanofibers assembly. These alterations consequently improved lignocellulose recalcitrance for significantly enhanced biomass enzymatic saccharification by 10–28% at p < 0.01 levels (n = 3) after liquid hot water and chemical (1% H2SO4, 1% NaOH) pretreatments with mature rice straws. In addition, integrated RNA sequencing with DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-seq) analyses revealed that the OsMYB103L might specifically mediate cellulose biosynthesis and deposition by regulating OsCesAs and other genes associated with microfibril assembly.

Conclusions
This study has demonstrated that down-regulation of OsMYB103L could specifically improve cellulose features and cellulose nanofibers assembly to significantly enhance biomass enzymatic saccharification under green-like and mild chemical pretreatments in rice. It has not only indicated a powerful strategy for genetic modification of plant cell walls in bioenergy crops, but also provided insights into transcriptional regulation of cellulose biosynthesis in plants.
Cocktail biosynthesis of triacylglycerol by rational modulation of diacylglycerol acyltransferases in industrial oleaginous Aurantiochytrium
Authors: Lan Chuanzeng , Wang Sen , Zhang Huidan , Wang Zhuojun , Wan Weijian , Liu Huan , Hu Yang , Cui Qiu , Song Xiaojin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Triacylglycerol (TAG) is an important storage lipid in organisms, depending on the degree of unsaturation of fatty acid molecules attached to glycerol; it is usually used as the feedstock for nutrition or biodiesel. However, the mechanism of assembly of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) or polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into TAGs remains unclear for industrial oleaginous microorganism.

Results
Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) is a key enzyme for TAG synthesis. Hence, ex vivo (in yeast), and in vivo functions of four DGAT2s (DGAT2A, DGAT2B, DGAT2C, and DGAT2D) in industrial oleaginous thraustochytrid Aurantiochytrium sp. SD116 were analyzed. Results revealed that DGAT2C was mainly responsible for connecting PUFA to the sn-3 position of TAG molecules. However, DGAT2A and DGAT2D target SFA and/or MUFA.

Conclusions
There are two specific TAG assembly routes in Aurantiochytrium. The “saturated fatty acid (SFA) TAG lane” primarily produces SFA-TAGs mainly mediated by DGAT2D whose function is complemented by DGAT2A. And, the “polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) TAG lane” primarily produces PUFA-TAGs via DGAT2C. In this study, we demonstrated the functional distribution pattern of four DGAT2s in oleaginous thraustochytrid Aurantiochytrium, and provided a promising target to rationally design TAG molecular with the desired characteristics.
DRESS syndrome in the setting of oxacillin therapy—a call for better patient preparedness: a case report
Authors: Abu Hawa Ozien , Ali Sajjadh M. J. , Phuyal Anil , Sherif Akil , Williams Gregory T. , Chastain Iryna 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome is a rare but severe and potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction, with significant morbidity and mortality. The clinical presentation of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms may include extensive skin rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, internal organ involvement, eosinophilia, and atypical lymphocytosis, most commonly due to drug-induced reaction. Our case is a rare occurrence of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome in the setting of oxacillin therapy.

Case presentation
A 55-year-old Caucasian male presented to the emergency department on account of acute onset, 2-day history of generalized pruritic rash with associated fever, occurring 3 weeks after commencing therapy with intravenous oxacillin for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. He had no known drug allergies. Two days prior to hospitalization, he had a telehealth visit with the infectious diseases specialist on account of his rash, and was recommended to use oral diphenhydramine. However, with the onset of fever and persistence of his rash, he was advised to discontinue the oxacillin and present to the emergency department. On examination, he was febrile at 101.2 °F and had a generalized blanchable maculopapular and morbilliform rash involving the face, trunk, upper and lower extremities, but sparing the palms, soles, and oral mucosa. He had palpable nontender lymph nodes in the cervical and inguinal regions bilaterally. Laboratory studies revealed atypical lymphocytosis, eosinophilia, neutrophilia, and elevated serum transaminases. He was started on intravenous diphenhydramine and admitted to the in-patient medical service. On the second day of hospitalization, his fever resolved. However, his rash was persistent and generalized, as well as elevated transaminases and an abnormal cell count on the second day of hospitalization. To complete his 6-week course of antibiotics for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, he was switched to an alternative therapy with cefazolin, and he was scheduled for weekly follow-up assessments following hospital discharge.

Conclusions
Healthcare providers should increasingly be aware of the significant morbidity and mortality attributable to drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome and the potential medications which may incite such life-threatening reactions. Early recognition of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome and prompt institution of management strategies can promote improved clinical outcomes. Enhanced patient–provider communication strategies should be implemented to better prepare patients for the likelihood of such drug reactions, with the goal of improving patient-centered care and adherence with treatment strategies.
Growth, respiratory activity and chlorpyrifos biodegradation in cultures of Azotobacter vinelandii ATCC 12837
Authors: Conde-Avila Victoria , Peña Carlos , Pérez-Armendáriz Beatriz , Loera Octavio , Martínez Valenzuela Carmen , Leyva Morales José Belisario , Jesús Bastidas Bastidas Pedro de , Salgado-Lugo Holjes , Ortega Martínez Luis Daniel 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the growth, respiratory activity, and biodegradation of chlorpyrifos in cultures of Azotobacter vinelandii ATCC 12837. A strategy based on the modification of culture media and aeration conditions was carried out to increase the cell concentration of A. vinelandii, in order to favor and determine its tolerance to chlorpyrifos and its degradation ability. The culture in shaken flasks, using sucrose as a carbon source, significantly improved the growth compared to media with mannitol. When the strain was cultivated under oxygen-limited (5.5, 11.25 mmol L−1 h−1) and no-oxygen-limited conditions (22 mmol L−1 h−1), the growth parameters were not affected. In cultures in a liquid medium with chlorpyrifos, the bacteria tolerated a high pesticide concentration (500 ppm) and the growth parameters were improved even under conditions with a reduced carbon source (sucrose 2 g L−1). The strain degraded 99.6% of chlorpyrifos at 60 h of cultivation, in co-metabolism with sucrose; notably, A. vinelandii ATCC 12837 reduced by 50% the initial pesticide concentration in only 6 h (DT50).
Graphical Abstract
Impact of dynamic capacities on the performance of food and beverage enterprises in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Zhou Lu Lin , Ayegba James Onuche , Ayegba Emmanuel Onu , Ayegba Peace Maina , Jie Zhang Xin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study examined the impact of dynamic capacities on the performance of food and beverage enterprises in Lagos, Nigeria. The following sub-variables (strategic decision-making capacity, product innovation capacity, strategic flexibility, competitive intensity, technological turbulence, and technological capability) were employed to represent the variable of dynamic capacity. Also, the following sub-variables (sales growth, enterprise survival, enterprise efficiency, and competitive advantage) were employed to represent the variable of enterprise performance. Primary data was used to achieve descriptive and inferential statistics, and the statistics is estimated by the PLS-SEM method which was calibrated on Lisrel 8.70 software. This study found that product innovation, competitive intensity and technological turbulence, technological capability and competitive intensity, and strategic flexibility are critical sub-variables in determining the robustness of dynamic capacities, as they adequately improve increasing sales growth, survival, and sustenance of enterprise into the unforeseeable future, efficiency of enterprise, and competitive advantage of food and beverage manufacturing enterprises, respectively, particularly in this trying period that is evidenced with technological change and competition, among others.
A 35-year-old father with persistent Mullerian duct syndrome and seminoma of the right undescended testis: a rare case report
Authors: Mansour Marah , Fattal Abdullah , Ouerdane Yassamine , Alsuliman Tamim , Kanjawi Omar 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
A persistent Müllerian duct syndrome is a rare disorder of sexual differentiation characterized by the presence of the female reproductive system in a normal male.

Case presentation
Herein, we report a case of a 35-year-old father with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome and seminoma in the right undescended testis. The exploratory laparotomy was performed and revealed a mass in the right undescended testis and Müllerian duct structures.

Conclusions
For patients with cryptorchidism and inguinal hernia, the persistent Müllerian duct syndrome should be considered, and radiological evaluation of the genitourinary system is recommended for early diagnosis of persistent Müllerian duct syndrome. The persistent Müllerian duct syndrome is usually detected during a surgical operation, and it is considered a risk factor for developing testicular malignancies.