bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implantable cardiac monitor and leadless pacemaker in the management of syncope due to intermittent high-degree atrioventricular block: a case report
Authors: Tang Nian , Chen Xiaoxiao , Zhang Denghong , Li Hongfei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Lead dislodgements, tricuspid valve failure, and wound infections are prominent issues addressed by leadless pacemakers (LPM). These devises have emerged as viable alternatives to conventional transvenous pacemakers. LPMs offer minimized complications and effective pacing, particularly beneficial for elderly patients with a low body mass index (BMI) who are at heightened infection of risk. The Micra AV leadless pacemaker was released in the US in 2020, featuring a VDD pacing mode akin to conventional pacemakers. It senses atrial activity to pace ventricular beats while maintaining the natural atrioventricular activation sequence. Micra AV achieves atrioventricular synchronization through mechanical sensing principles. Ongoing research aims to assess its efficacy, implantation feasibility, and clinical safety.

Case presentation
An 83-year-old man with a history of syncope was the focus of this case study. An implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) recorded occasional high-degree atrioventricular block in the patient. Subsequently, the Micra AV was implanted via the left femoral vein, and its settings were adjusted in accordance with data obtained from the ICM. No significant issues regarding pacing threshold or impedance were found during the follow-up examinations post-surgery. Importantly, the patient experienced a noticeable reduction in symptoms compared to before the implantation.

Discussion
This case underscores the significance of ICM monitoring in elucidating cardiac events leading to syncope and guiding appropriate treatment. It also highlights the successful outcomes and reliable implantation of the Micra AV for managing high-degree atrioventricular block. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the adoption of leadless pacemakers as a viable option for patients requiring cardiac pacing, particularly those vulnerable to complications associated with traditional pacemakers. It provides real-world evidence of Micra AV’s efficacy and safety, further validating its role in clinical practice.
Comparison of microscopic full-laminectomy (open surgery) and microendoscopic minimally invasive hemilaminectomy for thoracic extramedullary spinal tumours
Authors: Chen Gang , Yu Yong , Qian Chengxing , Jiang Yong , Chen Jie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Minimally invasive treatments for spinal cord tumours are common. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients with thoracic extramedullary spinal tumours (TEST) treated by microendoscopic minimally invasive surgery—hemilaminectomy through a homemade tubular retractor (MIS-TR) and microscopic full laminectomy (open surgery).

Methods
Between February 2016 and February 2021, 51 patients with TEST were included. According to their clinical data, patients were classified into the MIS-TR group (n = 30) and the open surgery group (n = 21) and assessed.

Results
In both groups, the mean operation time, change in perioperative ASIA score, and modified Macnab score were comparable. The average postoperative hospital stay in the MIS-TR group was substantially shorter than that in the open surgery group (p < 0.0001). The mean blood loss volume in the MIS-TR group was substantially lower than that in the open surgery group (p = 0.001). The perioperative complication rate in the MIS-TR group was considerably lower than that in the open surgery group (p < 0.0001). At the 3-month follow-up, there was no substantial difference in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score improvement between the two groups. Nonetheless, at the 12-month follow-up, the average ODI in the MIS-TR group was considerably lower than that in the open surgery group (p = 0.023). The main influencing factors for complete postoperative recovery were preoperative ASIA score (OR 7.848, P = 0.002), surgical complications (OR 0.017, P = 0.008) and age (OR 0.974, P = 0.393).

Conclusions
MIS-TR is safer and more effective than open surgery for treating TEST, but the long-term recovery of MIS-TR is not better than that of open surgery.
Optimising a digitally delivered behavioural weight loss programme: study protocol for a factorial cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wren Gina M. , Koutoukidis Dimitrios A. , Scragg Jadine , Preston Grace , Hennessy Marianne , Estephane Daisy , Whitman Michael , Jebb Susan A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Digitally delivered weight loss programmes can provide a convenient, potentially cheaper, and scalable treatment option for people who may need to lose weight. However, outcomes are often inferior to in-person interventions in the long-term. This trial will use principles from the Multiphase Optimisation Strategy (MOST) framework to test whether it can enhance the effectiveness of a commercial digital behavioural weight loss programme. This trial aims to identify an optimised combination of four intervention components to enhance weight loss over a 24-week period. We will also explore which components contribute to improvements in participant retention and engagement with the programme.

Methods
Approximately 1400 adults with a BMI > 21 kg/m2 will be enrolled and randomised to one of 16 experimental conditions in a 24 factorial cluster design. The trial will test four intervention components: an introductory video call with the health coach, drop-in webchat sessions with the health coach, goal setting statements, and food diary review and feedback. All participants will receive the core digital behavioural weight loss programme and up to four new intervention components. Participation in the trial will last for 24 weeks. The primary outcome will be weight change at 16 weeks. Other outcomes, measured at 4, 16, and 24 weeks, include programme drop-out and engagement (number of interactions with the three main app functions). Fidelity and acceptability will be assessed using data on component adherence and self-report questionnaires. Decision-making for the enhanced programme will be based on components that contribute to at least a minimal improvement in weight loss, defined as ≥ 0.75kg, alone or in combination with other components.

Discussion
The factorial design is an efficient way to test the efficacy of behavioural components alone, or in combination, to improve the effectiveness of digital weight loss programmes. This trial will test the implementation of the MOST framework in an industry setting, using routinely collected data, which may provide a better way to refine and evaluate these types of interventions in a model of continuous service improvement.

Trial registration
Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN14407868. Registered 5 January 2024, 10.1186/ISRCTN14407868.
Enhancing monolignol ferulate conjugate levels in poplar lignin via OsFMT1
Authors: Unda Faride , de Vries Lisanne , Karlen Steven D. , Rainbow Jordan , Zhang Chengcheng , Bartley Laura E. , Kim Hoon , Ralph John , Mansfield Shawn D. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The phenolic polymer lignin is one of the primary chemical constituents of the plant secondary cell wall. Due to the inherent plasticity of lignin biosynthesis, several phenolic monomers have been shown to be incorporated into the polymer, as long as the monomer can undergo radicalization so it can participate in coupling reactions. In this study, we significantly enhance the level of incorporation of monolignol ferulate conjugates into the lignin polymer to improve the digestibility of lignocellulosic biomass.

Results
Overexpression of a rice Feruloyl-CoA Monolignol Transferase (FMT), OsFMT1, in hybrid poplar (Populus alba x grandidentata) produced transgenic trees clearly displaying increased cell wall-bound ester-linked ferulate, p-hydroxybenzoate, and p-coumarate, all of which are in the lignin cell wall fraction, as shown by NMR and DFRC. We also demonstrate the use of a novel UV–Vis spectroscopic technique to rapidly screen plants for the presence of both ferulate and p-hydroxybenzoate esters. Lastly we show, via saccharification assays, that the OsFMT1 transgenic p oplars have significantly improved processing efficiency compared to wild-type and Angelica sinensis-FMT-expressing poplars.

Conclusions
The findings demonstrate that OsFMT1 has a broad substrate specificity and a higher catalytic efficiency compared to the previously published FMT from Angelica sinensis (AsFMT). Importantly, enhanced wood processability makes OsFMT1 a promising gene to optimize the composition of lignocellulosic biomass.
The C-terminal region of the Plasmodium berghei gamete surface 184-kDa protein Pb184 contributes to fertilization and male gamete binding to the residual body
Authors: Nakayama Kazuhiko , Haraguchi Asako , Hakozaki Jun , Nakamura Sakure , Kusakisako Kodai , Ikadai Hiromi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Malaria, a global health concern, is caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus, which undergo gametogenesis in the midgut of mosquitoes after ingestion of an infected blood meal. The resulting male and female gametes fuse to form a zygote, which differentiates into a motile ookinete. After traversing the midgut epithelium, the ookinete differentiates into an oocyst on the basal side of the epithelium.

Methods
Membrane proteins with increased gene expression levels from the gamete to oocyst stages in P. berghei were investigated utilizing PlasmoDB, the functional genomic database for Plasmodium spp. Based on this analysis, we selected the 184-kDa membrane protein, Pb184, for further study. The expression of Pb184 was further confirmed through immunofluorescence staining, following which we examined whether Pb184 is involved in fertilization using antibodies targeting the C-terminal region of Pb184 and biotin-labeled C-terminal region peptides of Pb184.

Results
Pb184 is expressed on the surface of male and female gametes. The antibody inhibited zygote and ookinete formation in vitro. When mosquitoes were fed on parasite-infected blood containing the antibody, oocyst formation decreased on the second day after feeding. Synthesized biotin-labeled peptides matching the C-terminal region of Pb184 bound to the female gamete and the residual body of male gametes, and inhibited differentiation into ookinetes in the in vitro culture system.

Conclusions
These results may be useful for the further studying the fertilization mechanism of Plasmodium protozoa. There is also the potential for their application as future tools to prevent malaria transmission.

Graphical Abstract
Increasing the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in the citrus postharvest pathogen Penicillium digitatum
Authors: Ropero-Pérez Carolina , Marcos Jose F. , Manzanares Paloma , Garrigues Sandra 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Penicillium digitatum is a fungal plant pathogen that causes the green mold disease in harvested citrus fruits. Due to its economical relevance, many efforts have focused on the development of genetic engineering tools for this fungus. Adaptation of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology was previously accomplished with self-replicative AMA1-based plasmids for marker-free gene editing, but the resulting efficiency (10%) limited its practical implementation. In this study, we aimed to enhance the efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in P. digitatum to facilitate its practical use.

Results
Increasing the culture time by performing additional culture streaks under selection conditions in a medium that promotes slower growth rates significantly improved the gene editing efficiency in P. digitatum up to 54–83%. To prove this, we disrupted five candidate genes that were chosen based on our previous high-throughput gene expression studies aimed at elucidating the transcriptomic response of P. digitatum to the antifungal protein PdAfpB. Two of these genes lead to visual phenotypic changes (PDIG_53730/pksP, and PDIG_54100/arp2) and allowed to start the protocol optimization. The other three candidates (PDIG_56860, PDIG_33760/rodA and PDIG_68680/dfg5) had no visually associated phenotype and were targeted to confirm the high efficiency of the protocol.

Conclusion
Genome editing efficiency of P. digitatum was significantly increased from 10% to up to 83% through the modification of the selection methodology, which demonstrates the feasibility of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for gene disruption in this phytopathogenic fungus. Moreover, the approach described in this study might help increase CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing efficiencies in other economically relevant fungal species for which editing efficiency via CRISPR/Cas9 is still low.
Biogeographical distribution and community assembly of Myxococcota in mangrove sediments
Authors: Zou Dayu , Zhang Cuijing , Liu Yang , Li Meng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Myxococcota, characterized by their distinct social lifestyles, are widely distributed micro-predators in global sediments. They can feed on a wide range of bacterial, archaeal, and fungal prey. Myxococcota are capable of producing diverse secondary metabolites, playing key roles in microbial food webs, and regulating the microbial community structures in different ecosystems. However, Myxococcota are rarely pure cultured due to the challenging and stringent culturing conditions. Their natural distribution, niche differentiation, and predator–prey relationships in a specific habitat are poorly understood.

Results
In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence data from public databases and our collection. We compared the abundance, diversity, and distribution patterns of Myxococcota in various habitats, with a specific focus on mangroves. We found that Myxococcota accounted for 1.45% of the total prokaryotes in global sediments based on the abundance of 16S rRNA genes. Myxococcota are abundant and diverse in mangrove sediments. They tend to be more generalistic in mangroves than in other habitats due to their wide niche breadth. Besides, the deterministic processes (variable selection) influenced the assembly of mangrove Myxococcota communities significantly more than stochastic processes. Further, we determined that environmental factors explained a greater amount of total community variation in mangrove Myxococcota than geographical variables (latitude and sediment depth). In the end, through the analysis of microbial co-occurrence networks, Myxococcota emerges as a key component and functions as a connector in the mangrove microbial community.

Conclusions
Our study enhances comprehension of mangrove Myxococcota's biogeography, assembly patterns, driving factors, and co-occurrence relationships, as well as highlights their unique niche and ecological importance in mangrove sediments.
Effectiveness study of the dual application of new Indigenous entomopathogenic nematode isolate Heterorhabditis taysearae and entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana against armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Authors: Abd El Azim Amany M. , Khashaba Etr H. K. , El Kady Gamal A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous insect pest species that travel great distances every summer to disperse. They mostly feed on maize and over 350 other crops. In this investigation, two entomopathogens: Beauveria bassiana and Heterorhabditis taysearae, were utilized to test the efficacy of each against S. frugiperda separately and then as a group by inoculating H. taysearae two days after fungal infection.

Results
Evaluations were done on mortality percentage, infective juvenile (IJ) production, and conidia production. The LT50 continually reduced with increases in nematode and fungus concentrations. For the LC50 value, the H. taysearae isolate was 289 IJs/larva after 96 h of treatment, while for B. bassiana isolate, it was 106 CFU/ml after 144 h of treatment. Dual infections with B. bassiana and H. taysearae had a beneficial effect on pest mortality, resulting in 83% mortality, and caused a significant increase in conidia production while utilizing the nematode or fungal separately caused decrease in mortality (63 and 73%, respectively).

Conclusions
The study’s findings indicated a quicker time to death and suggested that combining a moderately pathogenic fungal isolate with nematodes could raise the mortality rate. The mutually beneficial relationship between B. bassiana and H. taysearae controls S. frugiperda.
Wave dissipation effect of a new combined breakwater and its protective performance for coastal box girder bridges
Authors: Leng Shuangjin , Xue Shihao , Jin Yuanjie , Xu Guoji , Xie Weibo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBreakwaters play an important role in in mitigating wave-induced damage to marine structures. However, conventional submerged breakwaters often exhibit limited wave dissipation capabilities, while floating breakwaters may lack adequate safety performance. Therefore, this study introduces a novel combined breakwater design aimed at addressing the shortcomings of both traditional types. The proposed breakwater integrates a floating structure with a trapezoidal submerged breakwater via an anchor chain connection. To evaluate its efficacy, numerical simulations of wave interactions with structures were conducted using the OpenFOAM computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software in a two-dimensional (2D) numerical flume. Dynamic mesh technology was employed to simulate the motion of the floating body, and the resulting wave loads on a box girder bridge deck positioned behind the breakwater were analyzed to assess the combined breakwater’s protective capabilities and influencing factors. Analysis of wave heights and loads on the bridge deck revealed that the combined breakwater outperformed traditional submerged breakwaters in terms of wave dissipation. Furthermore, it was observed that the protective efficacy of the combined breakwater was more sensitive to variations in the size of the floating body compared to the submerged structure, and more responsive to changes in wave period than wave height. Leveraging the ability of the floating body to attenuate waves near the surface and the enhanced impact resistance provided by the combined floating and submerged structures, the proposed breakwater offers a promising approach to improving wave attenuation performance and enhancing safety for coastal infrastructure.
Longitudinal Increases in Time to Surgery for Patients with Breast Cancer: A National Cohort Study
Authors: Tortorello Gabriella N. , Shafique Neha , Keele Luke , Susman Carolyn G. , Dheer Anushka , Fayanju Oluwadamilola M. , Tchou Julia , Miura John T. , Karakousis Giorgos C. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Longer time to surgery (TTS) is associated with worse survival in patients with breast cancer. Whether this association has encouraged more prompt care delivery remains unknown.

Methods
The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients ≥18 years of age diagnosed with clinical stage 0–III breast cancer between 2006 and 2019 for whom surgery was the first mode of treatment. A linear-by-linear test for trend assessed median TTS across the interval. Adjusted linear regression modeling was used to examine TTS trends across patient subgroups.

Results
Overall, 1,435,584 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR] 53–72), 84.3% of patients were White, 91.1% were non-Hispanic, and 99.2% were female. The median TTS in 2006 was 26 days (IQR 16–39) versus 39 days in 2019 (IQR 27–56) [p < 0.001]. In a multivariable linear regression model, TTS increased significantly, with an annual increase of 0.83 days (95% confidence interval 0.82–0.85; p < 0.001). A consistent, significant increase in TTS was observed on subgroup analyses by surgery type, reconstruction, patient race, hospital type, and disease stage. Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, and having either Medicaid or being uninsured were significantly associated with prolonged TTS, as were mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

Conclusions
Despite evidence that longer TTS is associated with poorer outcomes in patients with breast cancer, TTS has steadily increased, which may be particularly detrimental to marginalized patients. Further studies are needed to ensure the delivery of timely care to all patients.
Extreme Oncoplasty: Oncologically Safe When Compared with Mastectomy
Authors: Hossino Deena , Silverstein Melvin J. , Savalia Nirav , Jayich Margaret , Khan Sadia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Extreme oncoplasty is a breast-conserving operation using oncoplastic techniques in a patient who does not meet the traditional criteria for breast conservation and in whom most physicians would suggest a mastectomy. These tumors are generally multicentric and/or multifocal, they span more than 50 mm, or they can be large recurrences in a previously irradiated breast.

Methods
A prospective single institution database was queried from 2008 through mid 2023 for patients who met the criteria for extreme oncoplasty and were treated with excision plus whole-breast radiation therapy (WBRT) or mastectomy without WBRT. Patients with recurrent breast cancer were excluded. Endpoints were local, regional, and distant recurrence as well as overall and breast-cancer-specific survival.

Results
272 patients were treated with oncoplastic mammaplasty, using a standard or split reduction excision followed by postoperative WBRT. An additional 101 patients elected to be treated with mastectomy without postoperative radiation therapy. With a median follow-up of 7 years, there were no significant differences in local, regional, or distant recurrence, nor in breast-cancer-specific survival or overall survival.

Conclusions
We strongly support extreme oncoplasty plus WBRT as the default procedure of choice for patients with large multifocal/multicentric lesions amenable to reconstruction with volume displacement mammaplasty.
Sucrose‐induced metabolic syndrome differentially affects energy metabolism and fiber phenotype of EDL and soleus muscles during exercise in the rat
Authors: Eduardo Rodríguez‐Correa , Karla Carvajal 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMolecular mechanisms associated to improvement of metabolic syndrome (MetS) during exercise are not fully elucidated. MetS was induced in 250 g male Wistar rats by 30% sucrose in drinking water. Control rats receiving tap water were controls, both groups received solid standard diet. After 14 weeks, an endurance exercised group, and a sedentary were formed for 8 weeks. The soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were dissected to determine contractile performance, expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms, PGC1α, AMPKα2, NFATC1, MEF2a, SIX1, EYA1, FOXO1, key metabolic enzymes activities. Exercise mildly improved MetS features. MetS didn't alter the contractile performance of the muscles. Exercise didn't altered expression of PGC1α, NFATC1, SIX1 and EYA1 on MetS EDL whereas NFATC1 increased in soleus. Only citrate synthase was affected by MetS on the EDL and this was partially reverted by exercise. Soleus α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity was increased by exercise but MetS rendered the muscle resistant to this effect. MetS affects mostly the EDL muscle, and endurance exercise only partially reverts this. Soleus muscle seems more resilient to MetS. We highlight the importance of studying both muscles during MetS, and their metabolic remodeling on the development and treatment of MetS by exercise.