bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for instent restenosis of sirolimus-coated stents in coronary intervention for patients with unstable angina
Authors: Liu Dongchao , Xue Zheng , Qi Jingxian , Yin Liang , Duan Bing , Wu Lin , Yang Kun , Gao Bulang , Cao Qinying , Mi Jie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo investigate the instent restenosis rate of sirolimus-coated stents in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and risk factors for in-stent restenosis, patients with unstable angina (UA) caused by coronary artery stenosis were enrolled, and all clinical and imaging data were analyzed. Among 143 enrolled patients with UA aged 35–83 (mean 60.9 ± 10.0) years enrolled, there were 114 (79.7%) male and 29 (20.3%) female patients. Arterial stenosis was present in one coronary artery in 6 (4.2%) patients, in two coronary arteries in 20 (14.0%) patients, in three arteries in 116 (81.1%), and in four coronary arteries in 1 (0.7%) patient. Stenting was successfully performed in all (100%) patients, and 181 stents were deployed. The quantitative flow ratio (QFR) was 0.92 ± 0.03 (range 0.84–0.96) immediately after stenting, and the TIMI was grade 3 in all patients. The diameter of the stents deployed ranged 2.25–4 mm (mean 3.04 ± 0.44) with a length ranging 10 mm to 104 mm (mean 32.73 ± 15.5). Follow-up angiography was performed in all patients with a duration of 1–92 (mean 15.0 ± 18.8) months. Instent restenosis ≥ 50% occurred in 25 (17.5%) patients. In univariate logistic regression analysis, significant (P < 0.05) risk factors for instent restenosis ≥ 50% were QFR (OR 0.036, 95% CI 0.13–0.97), stent diameter (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.18–0.92), hypertension (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.02–9.82), smoking (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11–0.89), and neutrophil count (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.10–5.44). In multivariate analysis, QFR (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.002–0.19), stent diameter (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.005–0.59), hypertension (OR 6.75, 95% CI 1.83–35.72) and neutrophil count (OR 276.07, 95% CI 12.32–10,959.95) were significant (P < 0.05) independent risk factors for instent restenosis ≥ 50%. In conclusion, certain instent restenosis rates occurs after the sirolimus-eluted coronary stent deployment for the treatment of coronary artery stenosis in patients with UA, and quantitative flow ratio after stenting, stent diameter, hypertension, and neutrophil count are significant risk factors for instent restenosis of the sirolimus-coated stents in coronary intervention.
Six-minute walk test distance at time of hospital discharge is strongly and independently associated with all-cause mortality following cardiac surgery
Authors: Shawon Md Shajedur Rahman , Hsu Benjumin , Chard Richard , Nicholson Ian A. , Elias Victoria L. , Nicola Lauren K. , Moore Corrina R. , Hirschhorn Andrew D. , Jorm Louisa R. , Mungovan Sean F. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe investigated the impact of distance covered in the six-minute walk test (6mWT) before being discharged from the hospital after cardiac surgery on the risk of all-cause mortality. Our study included 1127 patients who underwent cardiac surgery and then took part in a standardised physiotherapist-supervised inpatient rehabilitation programme during 2007–2017. The percentage of the predicted 6mWT distance, and the lower limit of normal distance was calculated based on individual patients’ age, sex, and body mass index. We used Cox regression with adjustment for confounders to determine multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality. Over a median follow-up period of 6.4 (IQR: 3.5–9.2) years, 15% (n = 169) patients died. We observed a strong and independent inverse association between 6mWT distance and mortality, with every 10 m increase in distance associated to a 4% reduction in mortality (HR: 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.98, P < 0.001). Those in the top tertile for predicted 6mWT performance had a 49% reduced risk of mortality (HR: 0.51, 95% CI 0.33–0.79) compared to those in the bottom tertile. Patients who met or exceeded the minimum normal 6mWT distance had 36% lower mortality risk (HR: 0.64, 95% CI 0.45–0.92) compared to those who did not meet this benchmark. Subgroup analysis showed that combined CABG and valve surgery patients walked less in the 6mWT compared to those undergoing isolated CABG or valve surgeries, with a significant association between 6mWT and mortality observed in the isolated procedure groups only. In conclusion, the longer the distance covered in the 6mWT before leaving the hospital, the lower the risk of mortality.
Comparison of cytotoxicity of Miltefosine and its niosomal form on chick embryo model
Authors: Seyedi Fatemeh , Sharifi Iraj , Khosravi Ahmad , Molaakbari Elaheh , Tavakkoli Hadi , Salarkia Ehsan , Bahraminejad Sina , Bamorovat Mehdi , Dabiri Shahriar , Salari Zohreh , Kamali Ali , Ren Guogang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractVarious drugs have been used for the treatment of leishmaniasis, but they often have adverse effects on the body's organs. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of one type of drug, Miltefosine (MIL), and its analogue or modifier, liposomal Miltefosine (NMIL), on several fetal organs using both in silico analysis and practical tests on chicken embryos. Our in silico approach involved predicting the affinities of MIL and NMIL to critical proteins involved in leishmaniasis, including Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A), the Kinase insert domain receptor (KDR1), and apoptotic-regulator proteins (Bcl-2-associate). We then validated and supported these predictions through in vivo investigations, analyzing gene expression and pathological changes in angiogenesis and apoptotic mediators in MIL- and NMIL-treated chicken embryos. The results showed that NMIL had a more effective action towards VEGF-A and KDR1 in leishmaniasis, making it a better candidate for potential operative treatment during pregnancy than MIL alone. In vivo, studies also showed that chicken embryos under MIL treatment displayed less vascular mass and more degenerative and apoptotic changes than those treated with NMIL. These results suggest that NMIL could be a better treatment option for leishmaniasis during pregnancy.
Anxiety, depression, and brain overwork in the general population of Mongolia
Authors: Lkhagvasuren Battuvshin , Hiramoto Tetsuya , Bat-Erdene Enkhjin , Tumurbaatar Enkhnaran , Tumur-Ochir Gantsetseg , Amartuvshin Tsolmontuya , Dashtseren Myagmartseren , Lai Edward , Viswanath Vijay , Oka Takakazu , Jadamba Tsolmon 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn Mongolia, there is limited data on the prevalence and correlates of common mental health conditions. This study addresses this data gap by exploring anxiety, depression, and brain overwork. The aim of this study was to determine normative data on these conditions in the general population of Mongolia. This nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 sampling centers across Mongolia in 2020. A total of 613 participants (190 men and 423 women) with a mean age of 41.8 ± 12.4 years were recruited. The participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Brain Overwork Scale (BOS-10). Vital signs, body measurements, and lifestyle determinants were also assessed. The prevalence of anxiety was 9.9%, depression was 4.9%, and brain overwork was 18.3% among the participants. Anxiety and depression were correlated with brain overwork symptoms. Brain overwork was associated with young age, unemployment, low income, and alcohol use. These findings suggest that anxiety, depression, and brain overwork are a significant problem in the general population of Mongolia. Further research is needed to develop effective interventions to reduce the prevalence and risk factors of anxiety, depression, and brain overwork.
Aptamer selection against cell extracts containing the zoonotic obligate intracellular bacterium, Anaplasma phagocytophilum
Authors: Le Dortz Lisa Lucie , Rouxel Clotilde , Leroy Quentin , Ducongé Frédéric , Boulouis Henri-Jean , Haddad Nadia , Deshuillers Pierre Lucien , Lagrée Anne-Claire 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA. phagocytophilumis a zoonotic and tick-borne bacterium, threatening human and animal health. Many questions persist concerning the variability of strains and the mechanisms governing the interactions with its different hosts. These gaps can be explained by the difficulty to cultivate and studyA. phagocytophilumbecause of its strict intracellular location and the lack of specific tools, in particular monoclonal antibodies, currently unavailable. The objective of our study was to develop DNA aptamers againstA. phagocytophilum,or molecules expressed during the infection, as new study and/or capture tools. Selecting aptamers was a major challenge due to the strict intracellular location of the bacterium. To meet this challenge, we set up a customized selection protocol against an enriched suspension ofA. phagocytophilumNY18 strain, cultivated in HL-60 cells. The implementation of SELEX allowed the selection of three aptamers, characterized by a high affinity for HL-60 cells infected withA. phagocytophilumNY18 strain. Interestingly, the targets of these three aptamers are most likely proteins expressed at different times of infection. The selected aptamers could contribute to increase our understanding of the interactions betweenA. phagocytophilumand its hosts, as well as permit the development of new diagnostic, therapeutic or drug delivery appliances.
Subsurface geology detection from application of the gravity-related dimensionality constraint
Authors: Karimi Kurosh , Kletetschka Gunther 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGeophysics aims to locate bodies with varying density. We discovered an innovative approach for estimation of the location, in particular depth of a causative body, based on its relative horizontal dimensions, using a dimensionality indicator (I). The method divides the causative bodies into two types based on their horizontal spread: line of poles and point pole (LOP–PP) category, and line of poles and plane of poles (LOP–POP) category; such division allows for two distinct solutions. The method’s depth estimate relates to the relative variations of the causative body’s horizontal extent and leads to the solutions of the Euler Deconvolution method in specific cases. For causative bodies with limited and small depth extent, the estimated depth (z^0) corresponds to the center of mass, while for those with a large depth extent, z^0 relates to the center of top surface. Both the depth extent and the dimensionality of the causative body influence the depth estimates. As the depth extent increases, the influence of I on the estimated depth is more pronounced. Furthermore, the behavior of z^0 exhibits lower errors for larger values of I in LOP–POP solutions compared with LOP–PP solutions. We tested several specific model scenarios, including isolated and interfering sources with and without artificial noise. We also tested our approach on real lunar data containing two substantial linear structures and their surrounding impact basins and compared our results with the Euler deconvolution method. The lunar results align well with geology, supporting the effectiveness of this approach. The only assumption in this method is that we should choose between whether the gravity signal originates from a body within the LOP–PP category or the LOP–POP category. The depth estimation requires just one data point. Moreover, the method excels in accurately estimating the depth of anomalous causative bodies across a broad spectrum of dimensionality, from 2 to 3D. Furthermore, this approach is mathematically straightforward and reliable. As a result, it provides an efficient means of depth estimation for anomalous bodies, delivering insights into subsurface structures applicable in both planetary and engineering domains.
Environmental exposure to lead and cadmium are associated with triglyceride glucose index
Authors: Jin Taiyue , Park Eun Young , Kim Byungmi , Oh Jin-Kyoung 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe triglyceride glucose (TyG) index was suggested as a novel reliable surrogate marker for insulin resistance and related cardiovascular-metabolic diseases. We aimed to evaluate the association between the TyG index and environmental exposure to lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd). A total of 9645 adults who enrolled in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2005, 2008–2013, and 2016 were included. Fasting plasma glucose and triglyceride levels were used to calculate the TyG index. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We noted an increasing trend in the TyG index with increment of blood Pb and Cd concentrations. Participants in the highest quartile of blood Pb and Cd concentrations had higher TyG index values than those in the lowest quartile, with ORs (95% CIs) of 1.32 (1.07–1.63) and 1.29 (1.04–1.59) for Pb and Cd, respectively. Strong associations between blood Pb and Cd concentrations and the TyG index were found in men. Blood Hg concentrations did not show a significant association with the TyG index. Our study suggests that public health strategies for cardiovascular-metabolic disorder prevention should be directed toward individuals exposed to priority heavy metals.
Fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling with inverted flap technique versus standard internal limiting membrane peeling for symptomatic myopic foveoschisis
Authors: Polito Antonio , Garruto Giulio , Maggio Emilia , Mete Maurizio , Guerriero Massimo , Pertile Grazia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo study the long-term outcomes of standard ILM peeling and fovea sparing with inverted flap (FSIF) peeling for symptomatic myopic foveoschisis (MF). This retrospective observational study included 36 eyes of 34 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy with standard ILM peeling and FSIF peeling for MF between April 2012 and march 2020. The primary outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) at 1 month and final visit and postoperative development of macular hole. There were 14 eyes in the standard ILM peeling group and 22 eyes and in the FSIF peeling groups with a mean FU of 34.2 months (SD 23.3; min. 12–max. 96) and 27.7 months (SD 14.9; min. 12–max. 63), respectively. In both groups BCVA was not significantly improved at 1 month but improved at last visit from 0.55 ± 0.21 to 0.37 ± 0.29 in the standard ILM peeling group (P = 0.0154) and from 0.57 ± 0.27 to 0.28 ± 0.23 in the FSIF peeling group (P < 0.0001). At 1 month and final visit CMT decreased from 572 ± 183.5 µm to 277.5 ± 95.2 µm and to 250.4 ± 96.1 µm, respectively, in the standard ILM peeling group and from 589.9 ± 189.8 µm to 383 ± 110.1 µm and 162.3 ± 74.8 µm in the FSIF peeling group (P < 0.001 for both groups at both time-points). The preoperative and postoperative BCVA and CMT showed no significant differences between groups. Three of the eyes in the standard ILM peeling group developed postoperative macular hole at 1, 10, 24 months, respectively, and none of the eyes in the FSIF peeling group. Multivariate analysis revealed that a better BCVA was the only independent factor correlated with the final BCVA. In this study, standard ILM peeling and FSIF peeling were both beneficial in improving the anatomy and function of eyes with MF. Postoperative MH may occur up to 2 years after standard peeling and seem effectively prevented by FSIF peeling.
Oral administration of ellagic acid mitigates perioperative neurocognitive disorders, hippocampal oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in aged mice by restoring IGF-1 signaling
Authors: Chen Fang , Lu Kai , Bai Ning , Hao Yabo , Wang Hui , Zhao Xinrong , Yue Fang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the potential of ellagic acid (EA), a phytochemical with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in managing perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND). PND, which represents a spectrum of cognitive impairments often faced by elderly patients, is principally linked to surgical and anesthesia procedures, and heavily impacted by oxidative stress in the hippocampus and microglia-induced neuroinflammation. Employing an aged mice model subjected to abdominal surgery, we delve into EA's ability to counteract postoperative oxidative stress and cerebral inflammation by engaging the Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) pathway. Our findings revealed that administering EA orally notably alleviated post-surgical cognitive decline in older mice, a fact that was manifested in improved performance during maze tests. This enhancement in the behavioral performance of the EA-treated mice corresponded with the rejuvenation of IGF-1 signaling, a decrease in oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus (like MDA and carbonylated protein), and an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT. Alongside these, we observed a decrease in microglia-driven neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, thus underscoring the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles of EA. Interestingly, when EA was given in conjunction with an IGF1R inhibitor, these benefits were annulled, accentuating the pivotal role that the IGF-1 pathway plays in the neuroprotective potential of EA. Hence, EA could serve as a potent candidate for safeguarding against PND in older patients by curbing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation through the activation of the IGF-1 pathway.
The crystal structure of SUN1-KASH6 reveals an asymmetric LINC complex architecture compatible with nuclear membrane insertion
Authors: Gurusaran Manickam , Erlandsen Benedikte S. , Davies Owen R. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe LINC complex transmits cytoskeletal forces into the nucleus to control the structure and movement of nuclear contents. It is formed of nuclear SUN and cytoplasmic KASH proteins, which interact within the nuclear lumen, immediately below the outer nuclear membrane. However, the symmetrical location of KASH molecules within SUN-KASH complexes in previous crystal structures has been difficult to reconcile with the steric requirements for insertion of their immediately upstream transmembrane helices into the outer nuclear membrane. Here, we report the crystal structure of the SUN-KASH complex between SUN1 and JAW1/LRMP (KASH6) in an asymmetric 9:6 configuration. This intertwined assembly involves two distinct KASH conformations such that all six KASH molecules emerge on the same molecular surface. Hence, they are ideally positioned for insertion of upstream sequences into the outer nuclear membrane. Thus, we report a SUN-KASH complex architecture that appears to be directly compatible with its biological role.
Machine learning identifies key metabolic reactions in bacterial growth on different carbon sources
Authors: Woo Hyunjae , Kim Youngshin , Kim Dohyeon , Yoon Sung Ho 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCarbon source-dependent control of bacterial growth is fundamental to bacterial physiology and survival. However, pinpointing the metabolic steps important for cell growth is challenging due to the complexity of cellular networks. Here, the elastic net model and multilayer perception model that integrated genome-wide gene-deletion data and simulated flux distributions were constructed to identify metabolic reactions beneficial or detrimental to Escherichia coli grown on 30 different carbon sources. Both models outperformed traditional in silico methods by identifying not just essential reactions but also nonessential ones that promote growth. They successfully predicted metabolic reactions beneficial to cell growth, with high convergence between the models. The models revealed that biosynthetic pathways generally promote growth across various carbon sources, whereas the impact of energy-generating pathways varies with the carbon source. Intriguing predictions were experimentally validated for findings beyond experimental training data and the impact of various carbon sources on the glyoxylate shunt, pyruvate dehydrogenase reaction, and redundant purine biosynthesis reactions. These highlight the practical significance and predictive power of the models for understanding and engineering microbial metabolism.
Leveraging Communication Partner Speech to Automate Augmented Input for Children on the Autism Spectrum Who Are Minimally Verbal: Prototype Development and Preliminary Efficacy Investigation
Authors: Holyfield Christine , MacNeil Stephen , Caldwell Nicolette , O'Neill Zimmerman Tara , Lorah Elizabeth , Dragut Eduard , Vucetic Slobodan 
Published: January 2024

Purpose:
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology innovation is urgently needed to improve outcomes for children on the autism spectrum who are minimally verbal. One potential technology innovation is applying artificial intelligence (AI) to automate strategies such as augmented input to increase language learning opportunities while mitigating communication partner time and learning barriers. Innovation in AAC research and design methodology is also needed to empirically explore this and other applications of AI to AAC. The purpose of this report was to describe (a) the development of an AAC prototype using a design methodology new to AAC research and (b) a preliminary investigation of the efficacy of this potential new AAC capability.

Method:
The prototype was developed using a Wizard-of-Oz prototyping approach that allows for initial exploration of a new technology capability without the time and effort required for full-scale development. The preliminary investigation with three children on the autism spectrum who were minimally verbal used an adapted alternating treatment design to compare the effects of a Wizard-of-Oz prototype that provided automated augmented input (i.e., pairing color photos with speech) to a standard topic display (i.e., a grid display with line drawings) on visual attention, linguistic participation, and (for one participant) word learning during a circle activity.

Results:
Preliminary investigation results were variable, but overall participants increased visual attention and linguistic participation when using the prototype.

Conclusions:
Wizard-of-Oz prototyping could be a valuable approach to spur much needed innovation in AAC. Further research into efficacy, reliability, validity, and attitudes is required to more comprehensively evaluate the use of AI to automate augmented input in AAC.
Leveraging the page buffer data cache for enhanced programmability in NAND flash memories with on‐chip microcontrollers
Authors: Kim Geonu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper proposes a simple yet effective scheme for NAND Flash memories that employ on‐chip microcontroller units (MCUs) to manage internal array operations. Through minimal hardware overhead, the proposed scheme enables—without mask revision— executing new or updated array operations by leveraging the page buffer data cache instead of the hard‐wired on‐chip read‐only memory (ROM) for MCU instruction memory. While not applicable to ordinary user operations, this approach presents significant advantages across various stages of NAND flash memory development and implementation.
Electromagnetic performance analysis of a new high‐speed hybrid excitation synchronous machine
Authors: Su Wu , Lin Nan , Zhang Xianbiao , Wang Dong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo facilitate the regulation of the air‐gap magnetic field of permanent magnet synchronous machines, a novel topology of a high‐speed hybrid excitation synchronous machine (HESM) was presented. The electromagnetic performance of the proposed HESM was evaluated. The air‐gap magnetic field regulation principle was introduced first. Then, a mathematical model of the HESM was established. Based on the characteristics of a 3D magnetic circuit, the HESM equalled three types of 2D magnetic circuit machines in axial parallel superposition, and thus the expressions of inductance parameters were deduced. Subsequently, the voltage regulation performance of the HESM was assessed according to the mathematical model and inductance parameters. The loss and efficiency were calculated. Finally, a HESM prototype was tested and verified.