bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of AGXT2 variants on blood pressure and blood sugar among 750 older Japanese subjects recruited by the complete enumeration survey method
Authors: Yoshino Yuta , Kumon Hiroshi , Mori Takaaki , Yoshida Taku , Tachibana Ayumi , Shimizu Hideaki , Iga Jun-ichi , Ueno Shu-ichi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase 2 (AGXT2; EC 2.6.1.44) is the only enzyme that degrades the R-form of 3-aminoisobutyrate, an intermediate metabolite of thymine. AGXT2, as well as diaminoarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1; EC 3.5.3.18), works as an enzyme that degrades asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), which competitively inhibits the nitric oxide synthase family. Thus, these two enzyme activities may change vascular vulnerability for a lifetime via the nitric oxide (NO) system. We investigated the association between vascular conditions and diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus and polymorphisms of these two genes in 750 older Japanese subjects (mean age ± standard deviation, 77.0 ± 7.6 years) recruited using the complete enumeration survey method in the Nakayama study. Demographic and biochemical data, such as blood pressure (BP) and casual blood sugar (CBS), were obtained. Four functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs37370, rs37369, rs180749, and rs16899974) of AGXT2 and one functional insertion/deletion polymorphism in the promotor region with four SNPs (rs307894, rs669173, rs997251, and rs13373844) of DDAH1 were investigated. Plasma ADMA was also analyzed in 163 subjects.

Results
The results of multiple regression analysis showed that a loss of the functional haplotype of AGXT2, CAAA, was significantly positively correlated with BP (systolic BP, p = 0.034; diastolic BP, p = 0.025) and CBS (p = 0.021). No correlation was observed between DDAH1 and either BP or CBS. ADMA concentrations were significantly elevated in subjects with two CAAA haplotypes compared with subjects without the CAAA haplotype (p = 0.033).

Conclusions
Missense variants of AGXT2, but not DDAH1, may be related to vulnerability to vascular diseases such as hypertension and DM via the NO system.
Helicobacter pylori infection is correlated with the incidence of erosive oral lichen planus and the alteration of the oral microbiome composition
Authors: Li Shutong , Zhang Yangheng , Yang Zongcheng , Li Jingyuan , Li Ya , Li Huanjie , Li Wenjuan , Jia Jihui , Ge Shaohua , Sun Yundong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundOral lichen planus (OLP), a common clinical oral disease, is associated with an increased risk of malignant transformation. The mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of OLP is unknown. Oral dysbacteriosis is reported to be one of the aetiological factors of OLP. AlthoughHelicobacter pyloriinfection is associated with various oral diseases, the correlation betweenH. pyloriinfection and OLP is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect ofH. pyloriinfection on OLP pathogenesis and oral microbiome composition in the Chinese population, which has a high incidence ofH. pyloriinfection.ResultIn this study, saliva samples of 30 patients with OLP (OLP group) and 21 negative controls (NC group) were collected.H. pyloriinfection was detected using the carbon-13-labeled urea breath test (UBT). The saliva samples were divided into the following four groups based on theH. pyloristatus:H. pylori-positive OLP (OLP+),H. pylori-positive NC (NC+),H. pylori-negative OLP (OLP−), andH. pylori-negative NC (NC−). Oral microbiome compositions were significantly different between the OLP and NC groups and between the OLP− and OLP+ groups. Compared with those in the OLP− group, those in the OLP+ group had a higher incidence of erosive OLP and higher levels of salivary cytokines. In contrast, the oral microbiome composition and cytokine levels were not significantly different between the NC− and NC+ groups.ConclusionsThis is the first report to demonstrate thatH. pyloriinfection is significantly correlated with the pathogenesis of erosive OLP.
Analysis of miRNA-mediated regulation of flowering induction in Lilium × formolongi
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zhao Yu-Qian , Gao Xue , Jia Gui-Xia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
MicroRNAs play pivotal roles in plant vegetative phase change and flowering induction via integrating into multiple flowering pathways. Lilium × formolongi is an important ornamental lily cultivar that can flower within one year after sowing. However, it remains unresolved how miRNA-mediated regulation networks contribute to the L. × formolongi characteristics of a short vegetative growth period and rapid flowering.

Results
In this study, the small RNA libraries and one degradome library were constructed for L. × formolongi during vegetative growth and flowering initiation, and 366 conserved miRNAs and 32 novel miRNAs were identified. Additionally, 84 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed during development. A total of 396 targets of 185 miRNAs were identified and validated through degradome sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses showed that functions of the targets were top enriched in the cold and cadmium ion responses, pentose phosphate pathway and carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms. Furthermore, among 23 differentially expressed miRNA-target pairs, the miR156s-LfSPL2, miR172a-LfAP2 and miR164a-LfNAC pairs as well as miR159a-LfSPL2 were found to be relevant to flowering based on the correlation analysis of expression profiles in the miRNA libraries, degradome and transcriptome. A coexpression regulatory network focused on differentially expressed pairs was also constructed by WGCNA, and 14 miRNAs were considered putative key miRNAs during vegetative development and flowering induction. miR156a/ d/ e showed particularly strong relationships with other miRNAs in the coexpression network.

Conclusions
This study provides cues for the further exploration of the regulatory mechanisms of short vegetative development and flowering in L. × formolongi.
Midterm follow up of transcatheter closure of coronary artery fistula with Nit-Occlud® patent ductus arteriosus coil
Authors: Amoozgar Hamid , Edraki Mohammad Reza , Naghshzan Amir , Mehdizadegan Nima , Mohammadi Hamid , Ajami Gholamhossein , Amirghofran Ahmad Ali 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a rare congenital anomaly with a challenging scenario in children. This study reports our experience in transcatheter closure of CAF with Nit-Occlude PDA coil and midterm clinical and imaging follow-up.

Methods
Twelve children with congenital CAF between 2009 and 2019, mean age 2.05 ± 2.05 years (4 days to 7.2 years), mean weight 8.8 ± 4.83 (2.8–17 kg), who underwent transcatheter closure with PFM coil at the Namazi hospital, Shiraz, Iran, were reported. Echocardiography and electrocardiogram were done before and after the procedure (early, 3, and 6 months after), and Multi-slice computerized tomography or conventional coronary angiography was performed at least one year after closure.

Results
In a median follow-up of 5.5 years (range 13 months to 8 years), retrogradely closed fistula had no residual, and the fistula tract was wholly occluded, but in most anterogradely closed fistula, had a small residual, which made the fistula tract open and need additional coil closure.

Conclusions
Transcatheter closure of CAF with PFM coil is feasible and effective with low mortality and morbidity, although antegrade closure with this device may be accompanied by residual shunt and need for multiple coil insertion.
Hemodynamic change in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy before and after alcohol septal ablation using 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Suwa Kenichiro , Akita Keitaro , Iguchi Keisuke , Ushio Takasuke , Maekawa Yuichiro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The hemodynamics in the left ventricle (LV) and the ascending aorta (AAO) before and after alcohol septal ablation (ASA) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is elucidated. Our objective was to evaluate the pattern changes in AAO and intra-LV flow assessed by four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after ASA and to clarify the association between 4D flow MRI-derived hemodynamic characteristics and the peak pressure gradient (PPG) in patients with drug-refractory HOCM.

Methods
In this retrospective observational study, 11 patients with HOCM underwent 4D flow MRI before and a week after ASA. The 4D flow MRI included blood flow visualization and quantification using streamline images. The combined score of vortex and helix in AAO was analyzed. The duration and phase count of the AAO vortex or helix flow and the size of the intra-LV anterior vortex were quantified. The correlation between the changes in hemodynamics and the resting PPG at LV outflow tract was also analyzed. We used the paired t-test for the comparison between before and after ASA and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient for the analysis.

Results
The combined score for the incidence of vortex and/or helix flow in AAO after ASA was significantly lower than that before ASA (1.45 ± 0.52 vs. 1.09 ± 0.30, p = 0.046). The duration (744 ± 291 ms vs. 467 ± 258 ms, p < 0.001) and phase count (14.8 ± 4.4 phases vs. 10.5 ± 5.8 phases, p < 0.001) of the vortex or helix flow in AAO were significantly decreased after ASA. The LV anterior vortex area after ASA was significantly larger than that before ASA (1628 ± 420 mm2 vs. 2974 ± 539 mm2, p = 0.009). The delta phase count of the AAO vortex or helix before and a week after ASA was significantly correlated with delta PPG before and a week after ASA (R = 0.79, p = 0.004) and with delta PPG before and 6 months after ASA (R = 0.83, p = 0.002).

Conclusions
Lower vortex or helix flow in AAO and larger diastolic vortex flow in LV were observed after ASA, which suggests the possibility to detect the changes of aberrant hemodynamics in HOCM.
A prospective observational study comparing two supraglottic airway devices in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Lønvik Maja Pålsdatter , Elden Odd Eirik , Lunde Mats Joakimsen , Nordseth Trond , Bakkelund Karin Elvenes , Uleberg Oddvar 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Airway management in patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is important and several methods are used. The establishment of a supraglottic airway device (SAD) is a common technique used during OHCA. Two types of SAD are routinely used in Norway; the Kings LTS-D™ and the I-gel®. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical performance of these two devices in terms of difficulty, number of attempts before successful insertion and overall success rate of insertion.

Methods
All adult patients with OHCA, in whom ambulance personnel used a SAD over a one-year period in the ambulance services of Central Norway, were included. After the event, a questionnaire was completed and the personnel responsible for the airway management were interviewed. Primary outcomes were number of attempts until successful insertion, by either same or different ambulance personnel, and the difficulty of insertion graded by easy, medium or hard. Secondary outcomes were reported complications with inserting the SAD’s.

Results
Two hundred and fifty patients were included, of whom 191 received I-gel and 59 received LTS-D. Overall success rate was significantly higher in I-gel (86%) compared to LTS-D (75%, p = 0.043). The rates of successful placements were higher when using I-gel compared to LTS-D, and there was a significant increased risk that the insertion of the LTS-D was unsuccessful compared to the I-gel (risk ratio 1.8, p = 0.04). I-gel was assessed to be easy to insert in 80% of the patients, as opposed to LTS-D which was easy to insert in 51% of the patients.

Conclusions
Overall success rate was significantly higher and the difficulty in insertion was significantly lower in the I-gel group compared to the LTS-D in patients with OHCA.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer patients: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Xu Yun , Huang Zong-Hao , Zheng Charlie Zhi-Lin , Li Cong , Zhang Yu-Qin , Guo Tian-An , Liu Fang-Qi , Xu Ye 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Since December 2019, China has experienced a public health emergency from the coronavirus disease, which has become a pandemic and is impacting the care of cancer patients worldwide. This study evaluated the impact of the pandemic on colorectal cancer (CRC) patients at our center and aimed to share the lessons we learned with clinics currently experiencing this impact.

Methods
We retrospectively collected data on CRC patients admitted between January 1, 2020 and May 3, 2020; the control group comprised patients admitted between January 1, 2019 and May 3, 2019.

Results
During the pandemic, outpatient volumes decreased significantly, especially those of nonlocal and elderly patients, whereas the number of patients who received chemotherapy and surgery remained the same. During the pandemic, 710 CRC patients underwent curative resection. The proportion of patients who received laparoscopic surgeries was 49.4%, significantly higher than the 39.5% during the same period in 2019. The proportion of major complication during the pandemic was not significantly different from that of the control group. The mean hospital stay was significantly longer than that of the control group.

Conclusions
CRC patients confirmed to be infection-free can receive routine treatment. Using online medical counseling and appropriate identification, treatment and follow-up can be effectively maintained. Adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy should not be discontinued. Endoscopic polypectomy, elective, palliative, and multidisciplinary surgeries can be postponed, while curative surgery should proceed as usual. For elderly CRC patients, endoscopic surgery and neoadjuvant radiotherapy are recommended.
Cost-effectiveness of TAS-102 plus bevacizumab versus TAS-102 monotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Sugiura Kiyoaki , Seo Yuki , Takahashi Takayuki , Tokura Hideyuki , Ito Yasuhiro , Tanaka Motomu , Kishida Norihiro , Nishi Yusuke , Onishi Yoshihiko , Aoki Hikaru 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
TAS-102 plus bevacizumab is an anticipated combination regimen for patients who have metastatic colorectal cancer. However, evidence supporting its use for this indication is limited. We compared the cost-effectiveness of TAS-102 plus bevacizumab combination therapy with TAS-102 monotherapy for patients with chemorefractory metastatic colorectal cancer.

Method
Markov decision modeling using treatment costs, disease-free survival, and overall survival was performed to examine the cost-effectiveness of TAS-102 plus bevacizumab combination therapy and TAS-102 monotherapy. The Japanese health care payer’s perspective was adopted. The outcomes were modeled on the basis of published literature. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between the two treatment regimens was the primary outcome. Sensitivity analysis was performed and the effect of uncertainty on the model parameters were investigated.

Results
TAS-102 plus bevacizumab had an ICER of $21,534 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained compared with TAS-102 monotherapy. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that TAS-102 monotherapy was more cost-effective than TAS-102 and bevacizumab combination therapy at a willingness-to-pay of under $50,000 per QALY gained.

Conclusions
TAS-102 and bevacizumab combination therapy is a cost-effective option for patients who have metastatic colorectal cancer in the Japanese health care system.
Caregiving burnout of community-dwelling people with dementia in Hong Kong and New Zealand: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chan Crystal Y. , Cheung Gary , Martinez-Ruiz Adrian , Chau Patsy Y. K. , Wang Kailu , Yeoh E. K. , Wong Eliza L. Y. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Informal caregiving for people with dementia can negatively impact caregivers’ health. In Asia-Pacific regions, growing dementia incidence has made caregiver burnout a pressing public health issue. A cross-sectional study with a representative sample helps to understand how caregivers experience burnout throughout this region. We explored the prevalence and contributing factors of burnout of caregivers of community-dwelling older people with dementia in Hong Kong (HK), China, and New Zealand (NZ) in this study.

Methods
Analysis of interRAI Home Care Assessment data for care-recipients (aged ≥65 with Alzheimer’s disease/other dementia) who had applied for government-funded community services and their caregivers was conducted. The sample comprised 9976 predominately Chinese in HK and 16,725 predominantly European in NZ from 2013 to 2016. Caregiver burnout rates for HK and NZ were calculated. Logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of the significant factors associated with caregiver burnout in both regions.

Results
Caregiver burnout was present in 15.5 and 13.9% of the sample in HK and NZ respectively. Cross-regional differences in contributing factors to burnout were found. Care-recipients’ ADL dependency, fall history, and cohabitation with primary caregiver were significant contributing factors in NZ, while primary caregiver being child was found to be significant in HK. Some common contributing factors were observed in both regions, including care-recipients having behavioural problem, primary caregiver being spouse, providing activities-of-daily-living (ADL) care, and delivering more than 21 h of care every week. In HK, allied-health services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy) protected caregiver from burnout. Interaction analysis showed that allied-health service attenuates the risk of burnout contributed by care-recipient’s older age (85+), cohabitation with child, ADL dependency, mood problem, and ADL care provision by caregivers.

Conclusions
This study highlights differences in service delivery models, family structures and cultural values that may explain the cross-regional differences in dementia caregiving experience in NZ and HK. Characteristics of caregiving dyads and their allied-health service utilization are important contributing factors to caregiver burnout. A standardized needs assessment for caregivers could help policymakers and healthcare practitioners to identify caregiving dyads who are at risk of burnout and provide early intervention.
The causal relationship between O2:K7:H6 extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) and native valve endocarditis: a case report
Authors: Leonard Marie-Françoise , Rodriguez-Villalobos Hector , Boisen Nadia , Scheutz Flemming , Laterre Pierre-François , Hantson Philippe 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Native valves infective endocarditis due to Escherichia coli is still a rare disease and a particular virulence of some E.coli isolate may be suspected.

Case presentation
A 79-year-old woman presented during the post-operative period of an orthopedic surgery a urinary tract infection following obstructive ureteral lithiasis. E. coli was isolated from a pure culture of urine and blood sampled simultaneously. After evidence of sustained E.coli septicemia, further investigations revealed acute cholecystitis with the same micro-organism in biliary drainage and a native valve mitral endocarditis. E.coli was identified as O2:K7:H6, phylogenetic group B2, ST141, and presented several putative and proven virulence genes. The present isolate can be classified as both extra-intestinal pathogenic E.coli (ExPECJJ) and uropathogenic E. coli (UPECHM).

Conclusions
The relationship between the virulent factors present in ExPEC strains and some serotypes of E. coli that could facilitate the adherence to cardiac valves warrants further investigation.
Patterns of use, effectiveness and safety of gadolinium contrast agents: a European prospective cross-sectional multicentre observational study
Authors: Jakobsen Jarl Åsbjørn , Quattrocchi Carlo Cosimo , Müller Frank H. H. , Outteryck Olivier , Alcázar Andrés , Reith Wolfgang , Fraga Patricia , Panebianco Valeria , Sampedro Alexis , Pietura Radoslaw 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The EU gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) market has changed in recent years due to the European Medicines Agency decision to suspend the marketing authorisation of linear GBCA and the marketing authorisation of new generic macrocyclic GBCA. The study aims to understand the patterns of (GBCA) use, and to study the effectiveness and safety of GBCA in routine practice across Europe.

Methods
Prospective, cross-sectional, multicentre, observational study in patients undergoing contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance. Reported usage patterns included indication, referral and examination details. Assessment of effectiveness included changes in radiological diagnosis, diagnostic confidence and image quality. Safety data were collected by spontaneous patient adverse event (AE) reporting.

Results
2118 patients were included from 8 centres across 5 European countries between December 2018 and November 2019. Clariscan, Dotarem (gadoteric acid), Gadovist (gadobutrol) and ProHance (gadoteridol) were utilised in 1513 (71.4%), 356 (16.8%), 237 (11.2%) and 12 (0.6%) patients, respectively. Most were performed in CNS-related indications (46.2%). Mean GBCA doses were 0.10 mmol/kg body weight, except for Gadovist (mean 0.12 mmol/kg). GBCA use increased confidence in diagnosis in 96.2% of examinations and resulted in a change in radiological diagnosis in 73.9% of patients. Image quality was considered excellent or good in 96.1% of patients and across all GBCA. Four patients reported AEs (0.19%), with only 1 (0.05%) considered serious.

Conclusions
This European study confirmed that GBCAs are used appropriately in Europe for a wide range of indications. The study demonstrated a significant increase in diagnostic confidence after GBCA use and confirmed the good safety profile of GBCAs, with comparable results for all agents used.