bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Midterm Results of Drug-Coated Balloon and Bare Metal Stent in the Treatment of TASCII C/D Femoropopliteal Artery Occlusive Disease: A Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Xiao Lei , Gu Shuntong , Chen Yonghui , Zhang Xiujun , Wang Yuqiang , Dai Xiangchen 
Published: November 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to compare midterm efficacy between drug-coated balloon (DCB) and bare metal stent (BMS) in the treatment of TASCII C/D femoropopliteal artery lesions. Methods: The clinical data of patients with TASCII C/D femoropopliteal artery disease admitted to 3 vascular surgery centers from January 2018 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into DCB group and BMS group. The DCB group was further subdivided into DCB alone subgroup and DCB+BMS subgroup. Study primary outcomes were freedom from clinical-driven target lesion reintervention (FCD-TLR) at 24 months postprocedure. Secondary outcomes included ankle brachial index (ABI), Rutherford classification, major amputation rate, and mortality. Results: A total of 410 consecutive patients were enrolled. At 24 months follow-up, in DCB group (114 patients) relative to BMS group (296 patients), FCD-TLR (86.00% vs 71.91%, p=0.039), and ABI (0.53±0.11 vs 0.47±0.19, p=0.007) were higher; mean Rutherford class was lower (1.57±0.68 vs 3.31±1.39, p=0.000); and major amputation rate (0.87% vs 4.05%, p>0.05) and all-cause mortality (8.92% vs 6.41%, p>0.05) were statistically similar. In DCB alone, subgroup relative to DCB+BMS subgroup, FCD-TLR (90.00% vs 85.00%, p>0.05), major amputation rate (0 vs 1.08%, p>0.05), and all-cause mortality rate (9.09% vs 8.69%, p>0.05) were statistically similar, while FCD-TLR was higher in the DCB+BMS subgroup (90.00% vs 71.91%, p=0.045). Conclusion: At midterm follow-up of patients treated for TASCII C/D femoropopliteal artery disease, use of DCB or of DCB combined with rescue BMS appeared similarly efficacious, and yielded more favorable outcomes than use of BMS. Clinical Impact The efficacy of drug-coated balloons relative to that of bare metal stents for the treatment of complex femoropopliteal artery lesions, particularly TASCII grade D lesions, remains uncertain. There is a scarcity of multicenter comparative studies, and in this multicenter retrospective study with up to 24-month follow-up, use of drug-coated balloon alone or combined with rescue bare metal stent appeared similarly efficacious while yielding more favorable outcomes than use of bare metal stent alone in the treatment of TASCII grade C/D femoropopliteal artery lesions. Randomized studies are warranted.
Association of circulating CD34+ cells level and prognosis after ischemic stroke
Authors: Mizuno Takafumi , Hoshino Takao , Ishizuka Kentaro , Toi Sono , Takahashi Shuntaro , Wako Sho , Arai Satoko , Kitagawa Kazuo 
Published: November 2023

Background: CD34 is a transmembrane phosphoglycoprotein and a marker of hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. In experimental studies, CD34+ cells are rich sources of endothelial progenitor cells and can promote neovascularization and endothelial repair. The potential role of CD34+ cells in stroke patients remains unclear. Aims: We aimed to assess the prognostic effect of circulating CD34+ cell levels on the risk of vascular events and functional prognosis in stroke patients. Patients and methods: In this prospective observational study, patients with ischemic stroke were consecutively enrolled within 1 week of onset and followed up for 1 year. Patients were divided into three groups according to tertiles of the level of circulating CD34+ cells (Tertile 1, <0.51/µL; Tertile 2, 0.51–0.96/µL; and Tertile 3, >0.96/µL). The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including nonfatal stroke, nonfatal acute coronary syndrome, major peripheral artery disease, and vascular death. The secondary outcomes included the modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores. Results: A total of 524 patients (mean age, 71.3 years; male, 60.1%) were included. High CD34+ cell levels were associated with younger age ( p < 0.001) and low National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at admission ( p = 0.010). No significant differences were found in the risk of MACEs among the three groups (annual rates: 15.0%, 13.4%, and 12.6% in Tertiles 1, 2, and 3, respectively; log-rank p = 0.70). However, there were significant differences in the mRS scores at 3 months (median (interquartile range); 2 (1–4), 1 (1–3), and 1 (0–2) in Tertiles 1, 2, and 3, respectively; p = 0.010) and 1 year (3 (1–4), 2 (1–4), and 1 (0–3); p < 0.001) among these groups. After multivariable adjustments, a higher CD34+ cell level was independently associated with good functional outcomes (mRS score of 0–2) at 3 months (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–2.05) and 1 year (adjusted OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.09–2.16). Conclusion: Although no correlations were found between circulating CD34+ cell levels and vascular event risk, elevated CD34+ cell levels were associated with favorable functional recovery in stroke patients. Data access statement: Data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Clinical trial registration: The TWMU Stroke Registry is registered at https://upload.umin.ac.jp as UMIN000031913.
Image Timing After COVID-19 Infection in Athletes
Authors: Meester Scott , Balcik Brenden J. , Chill Nicholas , Lockrem Justin , Monseau Aaron J. 
Published: November 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly impacted National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletics, with specific concerns for cardiac involvement after infection. Pericardial abnormalities have been seen in up to 39.5% of athletes after COVID-19 infection, while myocardial involvement has been reported at a lower rate of 2.7%. To date, myocardial injury has been seen in 0.6% to 0.7% of athletes when using symptom screening and imaging as clinically indicated, which increases to 2.3% to 3.0% when all athletes with COVID-19 undergo cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Purpose: This study will examine whether there exists an ideal time from positive COVID-19 results to obtaining imaging to increase the likelihood of finding abnormalities. Study Design: Prospective cohort study Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: NCAA athletes at West Virginia University who were found to be COVID-19 positive on routine screening were required to undergo echocardiography (ECG) and CMR. These data were reviewed by cardiology and determined to be normal or abnormal. Statistical analysis with logistic regression and descriptive statistics was performed to evaluate whether a time existed where abnormalities on imaging were most likely to be found. Results: A total of 41 athletes were included in this study. ECG was performed earlier on average than CMR imaging, at 18.2 days versus 27.5 days. No significant difference was found in timing from COVID-19 infection diagnosis and abnormalities seen on imaging for either ECG or CMR imaging. Conclusion: The risk of cardiac involvement in athletes in the setting of COVID-19 has already been documented. This study suggests that imaging timing is independent of cardiac involvement with no correlation to specific time periods where more abnormalities may be found. However, CMR imaging showing changes at day 54 after infection suggests cardiac findings can be seen months after imaging. Clinical Relevance: Cardiac imaging for athletes after contracting COVID-19 does not show a significant relationship to time of imaging. However, given the cardiac involvement seen months after diagnosis, further examination of prolonged cardiac effects must be carried out.
How I treat sickle cell disease in pregnancy
Authors: James Andra H. , Strouse John Joseph 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Fifty years ago, people with sickle cell disease (SCD) were discouraged from becoming pregnant, but now, most should be supported if they choose to pursue a pregnancy. They and their providers, however, should be aware of the physiological changes of pregnancy that aggravate SCD and pregnancy’s unique maternal and fetal challenges. Maternal problems can arise from chronic underlying organ dysfunction such as renal disease or pulmonary hypertension; from acute complications of SCD such as acute anemia, vaso-occlusive crises, and acute chest syndrome; and/or from pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia, sepsis, severe anemia, thromboembolism, and the need for cesarean delivery. Fetal problems include alloimmunization, opioid exposure, fetal growth restriction, preterm delivery, and stillbirth. Before and during pregnancy, in addition to the assessment and care that every pregnant patient should receive, patients with SCD should be evaluated and treated by a multidisciplinary team with respect to their unique maternal and fetal issues.
SARS-CoV-2 helicase might interfere with cellular nonsense-mediated RNA decay: insights from a bioinformatics study
Authors: Akbari Behnia , Ahmadi Ehsan , Zabihi Mohammad Reza , Zamir Mina Roshan , Shaker Mina Sadeghi , Noorbakhsh Farshid 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundViruses employ diverse strategies to interfere with host defense mechanisms, including the production of proteins that mimic or resemble host proteins. This study aimed to analyze the similarities between SARS-CoV-2 and human proteins, investigate their impact on virus-host interactions, and elucidate underlying mechanisms.ResultsComparing the proteins of SARS-CoV-2 with human and mammalian proteins revealed sequence and structural similarities between viral helicase with human UPF1. The latter is a protein that is involved in nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD), an mRNA surveillance pathway which also acts as a cellular defense mechanism against viruses. Protein sequence similarities were also observed between viral nsp3 and human Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) family of proteins. Gene set enrichment analysis on transcriptomic data derived from SARS-CoV-2 positive samples illustrated the enrichment of genes belonging to the NMD pathway compared with control samples. Moreover, comparing transcriptomic data from SARS-CoV-2-infected samples with transcriptomic data derived from UPF1 knockdown cells demonstrated a significant overlap between datasets.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that helicase/UPF1 sequence and structural similarity might have the ability to interfere with the NMD pathway with pathogenic and immunological implications.
Genome-wide characterization of regulator of chromosome condensation 1 (RCC1) gene family in Artemisia annua L. revealed a conservation evolutionary pattern
Authors: Chen Jieting , Wu Wenguang , Ding Xiaoxia , Zhang Danchun , Dai Chunyan , Pan Hengyu , Shi Peiqi , Wu Chanjuan , Zhang Jun , Zhao Jianmin , Liao Baosheng , Qiu Xiaohui , Huang Zhihai 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Artemisia annua is the major source for artemisinin production. The artemisinin content in A. annua is affected by different types of light especially the UV light. UVR8, a member of RCC1 gene family was found to be the UV-B receptor in plants. The gene structures, evolutionary history and expression profile of UVR8 or RCC1 genes remain undiscovered in A. annua.

Results
Twenty-two RCC1 genes (AaRCC1) were identified in each haplotype genome of two diploid strains of A. annua, LQ-9 and HAN1. Varied gene structures and sequences among paralogs were observed. The divergence of most RCC1 genes occurred at 46.7 – 51 MYA which overlapped with species divergence of core Asteraceae during the Eocene, while no recent novel RCC1 members were found in A. annua genome. The number of RCC1 genes remained stable among eudicots and RCC1 genes underwent purifying selection. The expression profile of AaRCC1 is analogous to that of Arabidopsis thaliana (AtRCC1) when responding to environmental stress.

Conclusions
This study provided a comprehensive characterization of the AaRCC1 gene family and suggested that RCC1 genes were conserved in gene number, structures, constitution of amino acids and expression profiles among eudicots.
Towards unlocking the biocontrol potential of Pichia kudriavzevii for plant fungal diseases: in vitro and in vivo assessments with candidate secreted protein prediction
Authors: Elkhairy Bassma Mahmoud , Salama Nabil Mohamed , Desouki Abdalrahman Mohammad , Abdelrazek Ashraf Bakry , Soliman Khaled Abdelaziz , Ibrahim Samir Abdelaziz , Khalil Hala Badr 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Plant fungal pathogens cause substantial economic losses through crop yield reduction and post-harvest storage losses. The utilization of biocontrol agents presents a sustainable strategy to manage plant diseases, reducing the reliance on hazardous chemical. Recently, Pichia kudriavzevii has emerged as a promising biocontrol agent because of its capacity to inhibit fungal growth, offering a potential solution for plant disease management.

Results
Two novel Pichia kudriavzevii strains, Pk_EgyACGEB_O1 and Pk_EgyACGEB_O2, were isolated from olive brine samples. The microscopic characterization of the strains revealed similar structures. However, there were noticeable differences in their visual morphology. Based on their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA sequences, Pk_EgyACGEB_O1 and Pk_EgyACGEB_O2 strains assigned by GenBank IDs MZ507552.1 and MZ507554.1 shared high sequence similarity (~ 99.8% and 99.5%) with P. kudriavzevii, respectively. Both strains were evaluated in vitro against plant pathogenic fungi. The strains revealed the ability to consistently inhibit fungal growth, with Pk_EgyACGEB_O2 showing higher effectiveness. In addition, both P. kudriavzevii strains effectively controlled grey mold disease caused by B. cinerea in golden delicious apples, suggesting their potential as sustainable and eco-friendly biocontrol agents for post-harvest diseases. Based on a comprehensive bioinformatics pipeline, candidate-secreted proteins responsible for the potent antifungal activity of P. kudriavzevii were identified. A total of 59 proteins were identified as common among the P. kudriavzevii CBS573, SD108, and SD129 strains. Approximately 23% of the secreted proteins in the P. kudriavzevii predicted secretome are hydrolases with various activities, including proteases, lipases, glycosidases, phosphatases, esterases, carboxypeptidases, or peptidases. In addition, a set of cell-wall-related proteins was identified, which might enhance the biocontrol activity of P. kudriavzevii by preserving the structure and integrity of the cell wall. A papain inhibitor was also identified and could potentially offer a supplementary defense against plant pathogens.

Conclusion
Our results revealed the biocontrol capabilities of P. kudriavzevii against plant pathogenic fungi. The research focused on screening novel strains for their ability to inhibit the growth of common pathogens, both in vitro and in vivo. This study shed light on how P. kudriavzevii interacts with fungal pathogens. The findings can help develop effective strategies for managing plant diseases.
The neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio is associated with all-cause mortality in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Yuan , Wang Yuxing , Liu Jia , Xu Xiaorong , Liu Jiamei , Chen Mulei , Shi Linying 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
In this study, we evaluated the predictive utility of neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) for all-cause mortality in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods
Patients diagnosed as CHF enrolled in this retrospective cohort study were from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, capital medical university. Admission NPAR was calculated as neutrophil percentage divided by serum albumin. The endpoints of this study were defined as 90-day, 1-year and 2-year all-cause mortality. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model was performed to confirm the association between NPAR and all-cause mortality. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the ability for NPAR to predict all-cause mortality.

Results
The 90-day (P = 0.009), 1-year (P < 0.001) and 2-year (P < 0.001) all-cause mortality in 622 patients with CHF were increased as admission NPAR increased. Multivariable Cox regression analysis found the higher NPAR value was still independently associated with increased risk of 90-day (Group III versus Group I: HR, 95% CI: 2.21, 1.01–4.86, P trend = 0.038), 1-year (Group III versus Group I: HR, 95% CI:2.13, 1.30–3.49, P trend = 0.003), and 2-year all-cause mortality (Group III versus Group I: HR, 95% CI:2.06, 1.37–3.09, P trend = 0.001), after adjustments for several confounders. ROC curves revealed that NPAR had a better ability to predict all-cause mortality in patients with CHF, than either albumin or the neutrophil percentage alone.

Conclusions
NPAR was independently correlated with 90-day, 1-year, and 2-year all-cause mortality in patients with CHF.
Screening UFMylation-associated genes in heart tissues of Ufm1-transgenic mice
Authors: Jiajia Hu , Ziyao Yang , Jiaqi Zheng , Yanli Chen , Xiaotao Zhao , Ming Su 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUFMylation is a ubiquitination-like modification that is related to endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response. A recent study reported that Ufl1, a key enzyme of UFMylation, protects against heart failure, indicating that UFMylation may be associated with heart function regulation. In the present study, we initially constructed a Flag-6×His-tagged Ufm1ΔSC transgenic (Tg-Ufm1) mouse model that enables UFMylation studies in vivo. Tg-Ufm1 mice showed significant activation of UFMylation in hearts. By using this model, we identified 38 potential Ufm1-binding proteins in heart tissues through LC‒MS/MS methods. We found that these proteins were associated with mitochondria, metabolism and chaperone binding. By using transcriptomic screening, we identified Tnfaip2 as a novel UFMylation-associated gene. Overexpression of Ufm1 significantly upregulated the protein expression of Tnfaip2, whereas isoproterenol treatment decreased Tnfaip2 expression in Tg-Ufm1 mice. These data may provide novel clues for UFMylation in cardiac hypertrophy.
Prevalence and antibiotic resistance pattern of bacteria from sepsis suspected neonates at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Sherif Merema , Abera Dessie , Desta Kassu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Neonatal sepsis is the major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, especially in low and middle-income countries. Continuous monitoring of pathogens and their antibiotic resistance pattern is crucial for managing neonatal sepsis. This study aimed to determine neonatal sepsis due to bacteria, antibiotic resistance patterns, associated risk factors and patient outcomes at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College.

Method
An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 neonates suspected of sepsis at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College from March 2020 to July 2020. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information, clinical parameters and potential risk factors from study participants. About 2ml of blood was drawn aseptically and inoculated into Tryptone Soya Broth at the patient’s bedside. Bacterial identification was performed by using standard microbiological techniques. The disk diffusion method was used to determine the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of each isolated bacteria. Data entry and analysis were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess associated risk factors of neonatal sepsis. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statically significant with a 95% confidence interval.

Results
The overall prevalence of neonatal septicemia was 21% (84/400). Of these, 67 (79.8%) and 17 (20.2%) were gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, respectively. Klebsiella spp, 37 (44%), E. coli 19 (21.6%) and Coagulase negative Staphylococci 13 (15.47%) were the leading cause of neonatal sepsis. Ciprofloxacin and amikacin were the most effective antibiotics for gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Multidrug resistance was observed in 84% of the bacterial isolates. Low birth weight and preterm were associated with neonatal septicemia (AOR = 49.90, 95% CI = 15.14-123.081, P = 0.002) and (AOR = 18.20, 95% CI = 6.835–27.541, P = 0.004) respectively.

Conclusion
Klebsiella spp and E. coli were frequently isolated bacteria in our study. The proportion of multidrug-resistance was significantly high. Most isolated bacteria were resistant to ampicillin, ceftazidime, cefotaxime and gentamycin, which indicates the necessity of continuous evaluation of antibiotic resistance rate.
Cannulation via the external jugular vein——An alternative to conventional peripherally inserted central catheterisation for paediatric patients
Authors: Zhang Ping , Jia Miao , Li Wan-yuan , Li Juan , Niu Jin-lei , Ding Hong , Zhou Wang-mei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to describe a peripherally inserted central catheterisation (PICC) for paediatric patients with inaccessible access and a high risk of general anaesthesia (GA). Methods: This was a retrospective observational study involving all paediatric inpatients who performed the PICC via an EJV approach without GA between September 2014 and September 2021 in a provincial key clinical speciality. Results: A total of 290 EJV line placement attempts were performed, and 29 were excluded due to missing placement results, resulting in a sample size of 261. The anatomical localisation, punctures, and catheterisation success rates for this practice were 100%, 100%, and 90.04%, respectively. The placement success rate in children younger than one year was 93.75% (45/48). The median line duration of use was 19 days, with a median length of catheter insertion of 13 cm. The most common complications were catheter malposition (n = 20) and dislodgement (n = 7). Conclusion: The PICC via an EJV approach without GA is a feasible and safe practice with acceptable success and complication rates, and low costs. It might be an attractive alternative for obtaining central vascular access for paediatric patients.
Novel mutation in ELN gene causes cardiac abnormalities and inguinal hernia: case report
Authors: Zhang Hua-yong , Xiao Min , Zhang Yong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Elastin-driven genetic diseases are a group of complex diseases driven by elastin protein insufficiency and dominant-negative production of aberrant protein, including supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) and autosomal dominant cutis laxa. Here, a Chinese boy with a novel nonsense mutation in the ELN gene is reported.

Case presentation
We report a 1-year-old boy who presented with exercise intolerance, weight growth restriction with age, a 1-year history of heart murmur, and inguinal hernia. Gene sequencing revealed a novel nonsense mutation in the ELN gene (c.757 C > T (p.Gln253Ter), NM_000501.4). Due to severe branch pulmonary artery stenosis, the reconstruction of the branch pulmonary artery with autologous pericardium was performed. The inguinal hernia repair was performed 3 months postoperatively. After six months of outpatient follow-up, the child recovered well, gained weight with age, and had no special clinical symptoms.

Conclusion
We identified a de novo nonsense mutation in the ELN gene leading to mild SVAS and severe branch pulmonary artery stenosis. A new phenotype of inguinal hernia was also needed to be considered for possible association with the ELN gene. Still, further confirmation will be necessary.