bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of efficacy of left bundle branch area pacing and biventricular pacing in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: He Qiang , li xiaoming , xu xilin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is a type of conduction system pacing (CSP), and is often used as an alternative to traditional biventricular pacing (BIVP).For patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, there is still a lack of comparison between the efficacy of LBBAP and BIVP, and the different efficacy of LBBAP in patients with left bundle branch block(LBBB) or atrioventricular block(AVB).
Methods
124 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were retrospectively collected and divided into LBBAP group (n = 66) and BIVP group (n = 58) according to different surgical methods. Preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, clinical cardiac function grading, intraoperative implantation parameters, and follow-up results at 1, 6, and 12 months after pacemaker implantation of all patients were collected. The two groups of data were compared and subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the different therapeutic effects of LBBAP on patients with CLBBB and patients with AVB respectively.
Results
Compared with BIVP, LBBAP produces lower and stable pacing threshold and shorter operation time. LBBAP reduced QRSd significantly more than BIVP (47.65 ± 17.94 vs 24.41 ± 15.80 ms, p < 0.001). It should be emphasized that LBBAP and BIVP improved left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF), left atrial diameter(LAD), left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole(LVIDD) and New York Heart Association(NYHA) class of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy compared with baseline, but LBBAP improved more significantly than BIVP. In addition, the number of readmissions of patients receiving LBBAP was significantly lower than that of BIVP group (p = 0.004). Subgroup analysis showed that the improvement of cardiac function was related to the correction of electrical conduction asynchrony; In the LBBAP group, the improvement of LVIDD in CLBBB patients was significantly higher than that in AVB patients (11.30 ± 7.24mm vs. 6.61 ± 5.54 mm).
Conclusions
Compared with BIVP, LBBAP can better optimize electrical synchronization and improve cardiac function and clinical outcome and can be the first choice for patients with cardiac conduction pathway block. LBBAP has a better effect on improving left ventricular structure in patients with CLBBB than in patients with AVB.
Second thoracoscopic left lobectomy in a case of difficult single lung ventilation during left tracheobronchial intubation
Authors: Jiao Bo , Wang Jingyi , Song Zhuxuan , Si Wen , Han Yangdong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The accessory bronchus is a physiological congenital malformation suggestive of abnormal bronchial growth that is present in 0.1%-2% of the general population. Providing adequate perioperative single-lung ventilation and airway management to affected patients remains a persistent challenge facing anesthesiologists.
Case presentation
In the present report, we describe a rare case of abnormal airway anatomy in a patient with lung cancer who exhibited a bronchial opening entering the right upper lobe and who had a history of right lower lobectomy for lung cancer. In addition to the normal opening, this patient exhibited a distinct tracheobronchial opening in the upper right lobe of the lung originating directly from the trachea and above the protuberans. However, the patient had two side tracheal bronchi that he could see above the bronchus. Using left single lumen endotracheal intubation and right lung single lung ventilation, the patient underwent left lower lung lobectomy, and no anesthetic complications were observed during recovery.
Conclusions
In this case, timely tracheobronchial identification and successful single-lung ventilation of the right lung while avoiding hypoxemia were central to appropriate anesthesia management.
Efficacy and Safety of African Medicinal plants in the treatment of mild or moderate COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial using Doubase C ®
Authors: Kabwe Benjamin Mwilambwe , Makulo Jean-Robert , Mandina Madone Ndona , Wumba Roger , Kasereka Selain Kabunga , Bepouka Benilde Izizag , Mangala Donat Sonzi , Odio Jerome Ossam , Nsitwayizatadi Bertin Munlemvo , Longokolo Murielle Mashi , Mukenge Eric Kasongo , Kamwiziku Guyguy , Situakibanza Hippolyte Nani-Tuma , Sengi Ntamabyaliro , Barhahiga Berthe Simire , Mesia Gauthier , Longo-Mbenza Benjamin , Kabanda Gilbert Kurhega , Mbungu Roger Mwimba 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, an herbal medicine Doubase C = Uvaria brevistipita + Haroungana madasgascariensis (DBC) had received authorization for clinical trials in DR Congo. We aimed to determine its efficacy and safety compared to hydroxychloroquine-azithromycin (HCQ-AZI), the national standard treatment for COVID-19 at that time.
Methods
We conducted an open randomized clinical trial between May 2021 and January 2022. Only mild and moderate cases of COVID-19 (WHO classification) were included. Asymptomatic, severe and critical cases were excluded.
Each patient's parameters (NEW score, Ordinale scale, viral load, EKG tracing) were evaluated sequentially and the proportion of changes was compared between the two arms on days 7 and 14.
Results
376 patients randomized (mean age = 40 years, 14 % ≥ 60 years, 90.7% mild case, 9.3% moderate case).
From day 7, 97.6 % of mild case had a marked improvement in their NEW score and Ordinal scale (p=ns). Among patients with moderate case, 5.8% progressed to the severe form of COVID-19 in the HCQ-AZI arm and no patient in the DBC arm (p=ns). The viral load was progressively negative (29.8 % negative viral load on day 7 and 86.7 % on day 14) (p=ns).
4.4 % of patients on HCQ-AZI experienced QTc interval prolongation and none in the DBC arm (p=0.021). We have not recorded any critical cases or deaths.
Conclusions
In both arms, most patients experienced clinical improvement but DBC offers better cardiac safety. The young age of the patients may have influenced the results.
Critical Period of Oxygen Supplementation and Invasive Ventilation: Implications for Severe Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Choi Ho Jung , Shin Baek Sup , Shin Seung Han , Kim Ee-Kyung , Kim Han-Suk 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Several studies have identified graded oxygen saturation targets to prevent retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a serious complication in preterm infants. We aimed to analyze the critical period of oxygen supplementation and/or invasive ventilation associated with severe ROP.
Methods
This retrospective case-control study included neonates with a gestational age (GA) < 29 weeks. Participants were divided into two groups: treated retinopathy and untreated/no retinopathy. Time-weighted average FiO2 (TWAFiO2) and weekly invasive ventilation were compared between groups by postnatal age (PNA) and postmenstrual age (PMA). The association of treated retinopathy with TWAFiO2 and invasive ventilation was analyzed.
Results
Data from 287 neonates were analyzed; 98 were treated for ROP and had lower GAs (25.5 vs. 57.4 weeks, p < 0.01) and lower birthweights (747.6 vs. 1014 grams, p < 0.001) than those with untreated/no ROP. TWAFiO2 was higher from PMA 26–34 weeks, except for PMA 31 weeks in treated ROP, and higher in the first nine weeks of life in treated ROP. On multiple logistic regression, TWAFiO2 and invasive ventilation were associated with ROP treatment during the first seven weeks PNA. Invasive ventilation was associated with ROP treatment from PMA 26–31 weeks; no association was found for TWAFiO2 and PMA.
Conclusions
Amount of oxygen supplementation and/or invasive ventilation during the first 7 weeks of life or up to 31 weeks PMA was associated with development of severe ROP. This period might be candidate timing for strict oxygen supplementation strategies in preterm infants, while concerns of mortality with low oxygen supplementation should be further explored.
Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of male goat kids supplemented by bitter vetch grains as an alternative protein resource
Authors: Boukrouh Soumaya , Noutfia Ali , Moula Nassim , Avril Claire , Hornick Jean-Luc , Cabaraux Jean-François , Chentouf Mouad 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Bitter vetch is an underused alternative local feed resources in the Mediterranean area. The current study was carried out to evaluate the effect of their incorporation into the diet of local goat kids on their growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Sixteen goat kids were divided into two groups. The control group received a conventional diet based on oat hay, barley, and fava bean. In the test group, fava bean was replaced by bitter vetch grains. At the end of the trial, the animals were slaughtered, and carcass characteristics and meat quality of Longissimus Dorsi and Semimembranosus muscles were determined. The diet did not affect slaughter body weight, hot carcass weight, and dressing percentage (15.6 kg, 7.2 kg, and 45.8%, respectively), but impacted average daily gain. The diets influenced several parameters but not in the same way on each muscle. Regarding meat quality, the diets influenced muscle protein content with less protein in the chevon from animals receiving bitter vetch. Bitter vetch decreased also medium chain fatty acids (C11:0, C14:0, C14:1, C16:1) with no major effect on SFA and PUFA. Bitter vetch grains can be safely incorporated into the fattening diet of goat kids.
Non-invasive optoacoustic imaging of glycogen-storage and muscle degeneration in Late-onset Pompe disease
Authors: Knieling Ferdinand , Tan Lina , Zschüntzsch Jana , Meyer Stefanie , Stobbe Alica , Bruex Hannah , Regensburger Adrian , Alves Frauke , Jüngert Jörg , Rother Ulrich , Li Yi , Danko Vera , Lang Werner , Türk Matthias , Schmidt Sandy , Vorgerd Matthias , Schlaffke Lara , Wölfle Joachim , Hahn Andreas , Mensch Alexander , Winterholler Martin , Trollmann Regina , Heiß Rafael , Wagner Alexandra , Raming Roman 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Pompe disease (PD) is a rare autosomal-recessive glycogen storage disorder resulting in proximal muscle weakness and loss of respiratory function. While enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the only effective treatment, biomarkers for disease monitoring are scarce. After ex vivo biomarker validation in phantom studies, we applied multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT), a molecular sensitive ultrasound approach, in a clinical trial (NCT05083806) to image biceps muscles of 10 late-onset PD patients (LOPD) compared to matched healthy controls. MSOT was compared to muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, spirometry, muscle testing, and quality of life score (QOL). Additionally, the results were validated in an independent LOPD patient cohort from a second clinical site. Our study demonstrated that MSOT enabled imaging of subcellular disease pathology with increases in glycogen/water, collagen and lipid signals providing higher sensitivity to detect muscle degeneration than current clinical and imaging methods. This translation approach suggests implementation in the complex care of these ultra-rare disease patients.
Phenotypic correlations between live body weight and linear body measurements and Regression Equations for prediction of live body weight in Tswana, Dorper, Damara, Meat-master and Karakul sheep breeds in Botswana
Authors: PELOTSHWEU KAELO , BOLOWE MONOSI ANDRIES , MOSWEU NICODEMUS PUNGI , THUTWA KETSHEPHAONE , KGWATALALA PATRICK MONAMETSI 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The study was conducted to determine the relationship between body weight and other morphological traits, and the practicality of using linear body measurements to estimate body weight. Correlation coefficients were determined from a total of 595 sheep (Damara: 79, Dorper: 177, Karakul: 135, Meat-master: 156 and Tswana: 48), while regression equations were estimated from a total of 94 sheep (Damara: 20, Dorper: 30, Karakul: 16, and Meat-master: 28) using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) 9.4. The highest, strong and positive correlation coefficients were found between body weight and heart girth in both sexes across the different sheep breeds, with males having high correlation coefficients than females. Body length in males across the breeds had a much higher correlation coefficient with body weight compared to height at withers. Linear body measurements like heart girth, body length, height at withers, neck length, cannon bone length, cannon bone circumference and scrotal circumference in males were used to estimate body weight of Dorper, Damara, Meat-master and Karakul sheep breeds. Heart girth accounted for most of the variability in the prediction models of all the breeds, irrespective of sex, except for Damara males. Heart girth and body length explained most of the variability in the model used to predict body weight of Damara males, which means these traits can be used as selection criteria for body weight. Addition of more independent variables increases the accuracy of the prediction equation.
Small-scale plantation forestry and actor’s inclusiveness in decision making on tax regimes
Authors: Tumaini Ubaldus , Mustalahti Irmeli , Maro Aristarik , Lwoga Edda 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Globally, forest-based bioeconomy is expected to create alternative raw material and products to oil based products. Small-scale tree growers have become increasingly important producers of timber and other forest products. Small-scale plantation forestry has been accounting for an increasing share of the national timber supply since the beginning of the 2000s, especially in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Our research findings expose several inconsistencies in locally implemented tax rules in timber trade, which may discourage further investments in tree planting and timber trade. Further, our empirical data shows how government agencies control the decision-making process on taxes, levies, and charges. The concerns related to small-scale investments and timber trade are not recognized within decision making: Small- scale non-state actors may be consulted for comments, but the taxation authorities retain control over the final decisions and do not openly share information. One-sided decision-making leads to lack of actors’ inclusion and disappointment in financial performance. In addition, distrust between local level actors connected to small-scale forestry, where small-scale forest owners do not seek to engage with development as a process of social change, has created marginal and subordinate groups in plantation forestry. Based on our study in Tanzania, we conclude that the inclusion of the forest owners to the decision-making process for determining these taxes is needed not as form of discrete technocratic interventions but as underlying process of social change and potential home for democratic structures.
DNA i-motif levels are overwhelmingly depleted in living human cells: insights from in-cell NMR.
Authors: Trantirek Lukas , Viskova Pavlina , Istvankova Eva , Rynes Jan , Dzatko Simon , Loja Tomas , Zivkovic Martina Lenarcic , Rigo Riccardo , El-Khoury Roberto , Serano Israel , Damha Masad , Gonzalez Carlos , Mergny Jean-Louis , Foldynova-Trantirkova Silvie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
I-Motifs (iM) are non-canonical DNA structures potentially forming in the accessible, single-stranded, cytosine-rich genomic regions with regulatory roles. Chromatin, protein interactions, and intracellular properties seem to govern iM formation at sites with i-motif formation propensity (iMFPS) in human cells, yet their specific contributions remain unclear. Using in-cell NMR with oligonucleotide iMFPS models, we monitored iM-associated structural equilibria in asynchronous and cell cycle-synchronized HeLa cells at 37°C. Our findings show that iMFPS displaying pHT <7 under reference in vitro conditions occur predominantly in unfolded states in cells, while those with pHT >7 occur as a mix of folded and unfolded states depending on the cell cycle phase. Comparing these results with previous data obtained using an iM-specific antibody (iMab) revealed that cell cycle-dependent iM formation has a dual origin, and iM formation concerns only a small fraction (possibly 1%) of genomic sites with iM formation propensity. We propose a comprehensive model aligning observations from iMab and in-cell NMR and enabling the identification of iMFPS capable of adopting iM structures under physiological conditions in living human cells. Our results suggest that many iMFPS may have biological roles linked to their unfolded states.
Fault Classification in Predictive Maintenance
Authors: Roehrich Guenter , Raffaele Davide 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

In the field of predictive maintenance, “smart condition monitoring” extends beyond merely assessing the present state of manufacturing equipment. In today's landscape, businesses and research endeavors strive for deeper insights into equipment conditions, seeking to uncover potential causes behind issues or anticipate the remaining lifespan. This paper examines an approach focused on classifying anomalous behavior of bearings and map them to historically similar fault patterns. This study aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of condition monitoring and predictive maintenance practices.
Frailty Among Elderly Patients with Baseline Advanced Nondialysis Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Franco Maria Eugenia Portilla , Molina Fernando Tornero , Calvo Jose Antonio Herrero , Gregorio Pedro Gil 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
PURPOSE: Given the important association between frailty and chronic kidney disease (CKD), we assessed the prognostic value of the frailty phenotype (FP) in elderly patients with advanced CKD and compared the ability of two established frailty tools to predict mortality.
METHODS: Observational, prospective study with two years of follow-up. Spanish patients ≥ 65 years from the Nephrology clinic at San Carlos Hospital, with an eGFR<20mL/min/1.73m2, and without renal replacement therapy. All patients received functional, cognitive and nutritional assessments. Frailty was measured using established FP cut-off. Regression models were conducted to determine whether frailty was associated with greater mortality, hospital admission, and dialysis initiation. The frailty assessments included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and gait speed.
RESULTS: One hundred individuals (62% male; mean age 78.8±7.1 years) were assessed and showed a prevalence of frailty of 44.7%. The mean follow-up was 2.1±0.2 years, during which 34% started dialysis and 24% died. Frail patients had an increased adjusted risk of death (HR 5.4; 95% CI:1.859-15.866) and hospital admission (OR 3.4; 95% CI:1.247-9.534). SPPB had better predictive ability in estimating the risk of death at two years, similar to that obtained by the FP.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the prognostic value of the FP in the assessment of advanced CKD patients, the use of the SPPB tool in clinical practice for risk stratification of patients and the possible benefit from establishing effective interventions aimed at improving or reversing the frailty condition, thus improving the quality of life for this special population.
Rope-sheave contact transient analysis in hoisting operations with a bristle model and an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian approach
Authors: Escalona José 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a computational model for the rope-sheave contact interaction in reeving systems when the ropes are modeled with an arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian approach. This discretization approach has been developed in previous publications as a general and systematic method for the modeling and simulation of reeving systems. However, the rope-sheave contact model was avoided assuming the no-slip contact condition. The contact model developed in this paper introduces specialized ALE-ANCF-cubic rope contact elements that are used to discretize the rope segment winded at the sheave. The contact is modeled using a set of virtual discrete bristles attached to material points in the mid-line of the rope in one end and in contact with the sheave in the other end. Therefore, a second Lagrangian mesh, apart of the ALE mesh used to discretize the rope, is used to define the fixed ends of the bristles. The kinematics and dynamics used to calculate the normal and tangential contact forces are described in detail. The contact model is 3D and can be used to analyse the contact with a sheave groove with arbitrary shape. The tangential contact force model can be used to describe stick and slip contact conditions and, to improve the simulation performance of the model, a LuGre regularization tangential contact force model is used. The rope-sheave contact model is used to analyze the behavior of a simple elevator system. The numerical results show that the static rope-sheave contact interaction agrees well with an analytical solution of the problem. Finally, the same elevator system is analyzed dynamically for a cabin ride of 8 meters with a steady velocity of 1 m/s. Results show that the normal and tangential contact forces during the steady velocity period are not so different to the static solution, but very different of the classical Creep Theory and Firbank's Theory.
Isolation of endophytic strains of Bacillus thuringiensis from wild plant seeds: A potential new biotechnological development
Authors: Cando-Narvaez Areli , Rincón-Castro M. Cristina Del , González-Elizondo M. Socorro , Ibarra Jorge E. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In recent years, the insecticidal bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis has been found as an endophytic inhabitant of cultivated and wild plants. However, its ability to be vertically transmitted in nature is unknown. This work was aimed to detect B. thuringiensis strains within seeds of wild plants. Seeds were collected from nine different locations in northern and central Mexico, surface-sterilized and placed on LB agar for 18 h to corroborate sterilization. Then, seed were mashed, pasteurized, and inoculated in LB broth. Strains with B. thuringiensis morphology (ovoid spores and parasporal crystals) were isolated, and morphologically, molecularly, and toxicologically characterized. From seeds collected from 72 different plant species, 20 strains were isolated and identified as B. thuringiensis by their morphology, sequencing of the 16S ribosomal gene, the hag gene, and the MLST group of genes. Two isolates were identified as subspecies nigeriensis, two as israelensis, and one as thompsoni, while 15 were identified to species level. Parasporal bodies showed atypical morphology and no toxicity against Aedes aegypti larvae. One was highly toxic to Manduca sexta larvae and one more against Caenorhabditis elegans. Hence, B. thuringiensis was found in plant seeds at a high frequency (28%), potentially capable of vertical transmission in nature. The potential biotechnological significance of this discovery is discussed.