bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of the clinical context on the results of treatment of complex bifurcation coronary lesions by mini-crush stenting after prolonged follow-up
Authors: Moron Alguacil A , Sanchez Perez I , Lozano Ruiz-Poveda F , Concepcion Suarez R , Freites Esteves A , Martinez Del Rio J , Negreira Caamano M , Munoz Garcia M , Aguila Gordo D , Mateo Gomez C , Maseda Uriza R , Gonzalvez Garcia A , Piqueras Flores J 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Contradictory results have been seen regarding the benefit of double stenting techniques over provisional stenting in the treatment of complex bifurcation coronary lesions. There are few results for the "mini-crush" technique when used in acute coronary syndrome.

Purpose
To determine the influence of the clinical context on the results of the "mini-crush" technique, in terms of incidence of all-cause mortality and major cardiac events (MACE): combined event of cardiovascular mortality, AMI due to target lesion, and target lesion revascularization (TLR).

Methods
Observational study with 152 patients (mean age 69.5 ± 12.5 years, 73.7% male) from our hospital, presenting 152 complex severe bifurcation coronary lesions according to the Medina classification (1-0-1; 0-1-1; 1-1-1). Patients were divided into 2 groups: PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) due to acute coronary syndrome, or PCI scheduled in stable condition, using "mini-crush" technique from March 2014 to December 2020. Median follow-up of 32 months.

Results
The main results are shown in Table 1. 50% of the procedures were performed in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Regarding the baseline characteristics of the patients, no differences were found between the groups in the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors and LVEF (Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction) at the time of PCI.
Complexity of coronary anatomy was similar in both groups according to the SYNTAX I scale. There was a high rate of pretreatment with a second antiplatelet agent in both groups (clopidogrel was the most frequent). In the acute coronary syndrome group, the main bifurcation vessel most frequently affected was the left anterior descending artery (diagonal artery the side branch). In stable patients, the left main, and the circumflex artery the side branch. There were no differences in the rate of predilatation or ending with "Kissing Balloon", neither in the stents used (zotarolimus stent was the most commonly used in both groups in the main vessel and side branch, with no differences in diameter and length).
At the end of follow-up, new angiography had been performed for clinical indication in 13.2% of patients. The incidence of MACE was similar in both groups (13.2% in the acute coronary syndrome vs 11.8% in the group of stable patients, p=0.806). There was also no difference in all-cause mortality (13.2% vs 17.1%, p=0.698).

Conclusions
"Mini-crush" technique for the treatment of complex bifurcation coronary lesions showed similar results whether it was performed in the context of acute coronary syndrome or scheduled in stable condition, with no increase in all-cause mortality.
Elevation in troponin associated with COVID-19 is associated with an adverse long-term outcome
Authors: Deshpande A , Bajomo T , Rathod KS , Baumbach A , Mathur A , Jones D 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Aim
Elevated troponin levels have been shown to predict in-hospital outcomes in patients with COVID-19. However, whether this relates to or predicts longer-term outcomes is unknown. We aimed to investigate the effect of troponin elevation in patients with COVID-19, looking at resource utilisation post discharge, re-hospitalisation and outcomes.

Methods
This was a prospective study of 7650 patients admitted from December 2019 to July 2020 across a large university hospital trust. Patients were stratified according to COVID-19 status and troponin values (elevated = troponin T ≥15 ng/mL). The primary outcome assessed was all-cause mortality.

Results
1005 patients were COVID-19 positive and had elevated troponin levels, with the remaining patients troponin positive but COVID-19 negative. COVID+ patients were more likely to be older, and less likely to be Caucasian (35.7% vs 46.6%, p&lt;0.0001), however, peak troponin did not differ significantly between the groups {54 (28-125) vs 47 (25-130) ng/mL, p=0.121}.
Mortality before first discharge was four times more likely in COVID+ than COVID- patients with elevated troponins {389 (39%) vs 359 (9.9%); p&lt;0.001}. This mortality rate was also significantly higher than in COVID-19 positive patients who were troponin negative (p=6%, P&lt;0.0001). Post-discharge over a follow-up period of 365 days, in the discharged COVID-19 positive troponin positive group, a minority of patients (13.2%) were investigated with outpatient cardiac investigations (echocardiography, CTCA, coronary angiography and cardiac MRI) compared to the COVID-19 negative group (34.5%). Post-discharge mortality was significantly higher among the COVID+ cohort {63 (10.2%) vs COVID-19 negative troponin positive 103 (3.1%); p&lt;0.001}. COVID+ patients who died post discharge were more likely to be Caucasian (55.4% vs 35.2%, p&lt;0.05) and more likely to be older (81 (72-87.5) vs 67 (57-79), p&lt;0.05) than COVID+ patients who survived post discharge.

Conclusion
Elevated troponin levels in patients with COVID-19 is associated with long-term mortality. Patients were unlikely to undergo cardiac investigations and the troponin rise likely reflects illness severity. Further data is needed in this area.
In-hospital mortality predictors in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Paula S , Santos M , Santos H , Almeida I , Figueiredo M , Almeida S , Almeida L 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) makes up for the majority of admissions to a cardiac unit.

Purpose
identify the predictors leading to in-hospital mortality in patients presenting with NSTEMI.

Methods
Based on a multicenter retrospective study, data collected from admissions between January 2013 and January 2020. Patients without data on previous cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. Patients were divided in 2 groups (G): G1 – in-hospital death due to NSTEMI; G2 – patients with NSTEMI that survived. Logistic regression was performed.

Results
7453 patients were admitted with NSTEMI, 90 patients (1.2%) died during the in-hospital stay. Regarding epidemiological and past history, G1 was older (74±11 vs 66±12, p&lt;0.001), had higher rates of arterial hypertension (83.9% vs 72.7%, p=0.02), renal insufficiency (19.3% vs 6.1%, p&lt;0.001) and dementia (5.3% vs 0.7%, p&lt;0.001). G1 had more patients taking diuretics (54.9% vs 25.7%, p&lt;0.001) previously to the hospital admission, presented more frequently with fatigue (6.0% vs 0.6%, p=0.01) and Killip-Kimball class (KKC) &gt; 1 (51.8% vs 11.5%, p&lt;0.001), had higher rates of elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (61.8% vs 23.8%, p&lt;0.001), multivessel disease (74.2% vs 50.5%, p&lt;0.001) and had worse left ventricular systolic function &lt;30% (27.0% vs 2.4%, p&lt;0.001).
Logist regression confirmed that patients previously taking diuretics (p=0.01, OR 1.99, CI 1.16-3.42), presenting with fatigue (p=0.01, OR 5.75, CI 1.45-22.96) and KKC &gt; 1 (p=0.001, OR 2.66, CI 1.51-4.66) and with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction &lt;30% (p=0.01, OR 2.57, CI 1.21-5.46) were predictors of in-hospital death in patients presenting with NSTEMI.

Conclusion
In-hospital mortality in the setting of NSTEMI was associated with patients taking diuretics previously to the admission, fatigue and Killip-Kimball class &gt; 1 at admission and with poorer left ventricular systolic function.
A literature review of coping strategies and health-related quality of life among patients with heart failure
Authors: Alanazi Mohammed Owayrif , Given Charles W , Deka Pallav , Lehto Rebecca , Wyatt Gwen 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimsTo identify and provide clarity on factors that influence coping and the type of coping strategies used by patients with heart failure (HF) to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL).Methods and resultsThe Arksey and O’Malley template framed this scoping review guided by the stress and coping model. Five databases were explored: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Keywords included HF, quality of life, coping, and influencing factors. Eligibility criteria involved patients with HF, reported on coping strategies and HRQoL, and published in English. Thirty-five studies were included (4 randomized controlled trials, 27 cross-sectional, and 4 qualitative/mixed methods). Active emotional coping (e.g. acceptance) and problem-focused (e.g. seeking social support) coping strategies were linked to better HRQoL, while avoidant emotional coping (e.g. denial) was linked to worse HRQoL. In the presence of the stressor of HF severity, key factors that influenced the types of the coping strategy included sex, age, social support, income, education, spiritual beliefs, and illness duration. However, the evidence on the effectiveness of the type of coping on HRQoL remains inadequate due to the majority of studies being cross-sectional.ConclusionProblem-focused and active emotional coping strategies are associated with improved HRQoL. However, their effect is inconclusive due to the lack of experimental studies. Additional predictive studies will enhance the understanding of coping among HF patients.
CHD Chromatin Remodeling Protein Diversification Yields Novel Clades and Domains Absent in Classic Model Organisms
Authors: Trujillo Joshua T. , Long Jiaxin , Aboelnour Erin , Ogas Joseph , Wisecaver Jennifer H. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Chromatin remodelers play a fundamental role in the assembly of chromatin, regulation of transcription, and DNA repair. Biochemical and functional characterizations of the CHD family of chromatin remodelers from a variety of model organisms have shown that these remodelers participate in a wide range of activities. However, because the evolutionary history of CHD homologs is unclear, it is difficult to predict which of these activities are broadly conserved and which have evolved more recently in individual eukaryotic lineages. Here, we performed a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of 8,042 CHD homologs from 1,894 species to create a model for the evolution of this family across eukaryotes with a particular focus on the timing of duplications that gave rise to the diverse copies observed in plants, animals, and fungi. Our analysis confirms that the three major subfamilies of CHD remodelers originated in the eukaryotic last common ancestor, and subsequent losses occurred independently in different lineages. Improved taxon sampling identified several subfamilies of CHD remodelers in plants that were absent or highly divergent in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Whereas the timing of CHD subfamily expansions in vertebrates corresponds to whole genome duplication events, the mechanisms underlying CHD diversification in land plants appear more complicated. Analysis of protein domains reveals that CHD remodeler diversification has been accompanied by distinct transitions in domain architecture, contributing to the functional differences observed between these remodelers. This study demonstrates the importance of proper taxon sampling when studying ancient evolutionary events to prevent misinterpretation of subsequent lineage-specific changes and provides an evolutionary framework for functional and comparative analysis of this critical chromatin remodeler family across eukaryotes.
Increase of Diversity of Mumps Virus Genotype G SH Variants Circulating Among a Highly Immunized Population: Spain, 2007–2019
Authors: Gavilán A M , Díez-Fuertes F , Sanz J C , Castellanos A M , López-Perea N , Jiménez S M , Ruiz-Sopeña C , Masa-Calles J , García-Comas L , de Ory F , Pérez-Olmeda M , Fernández-García A , Echevarría J E 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMuV caused three epidemic waves in Spain since genotype G emerged in 2005, despite high vaccination coverage. SH gene sequencing according to WHO protocols allowed the identification of seven relevant variants and 88 haplotypes. While the originally imported MuVi/Sheffield.GBR/1.05/-variant prevailed during the first two waves, it was subsequently replaced by other variants originated by either local evolution or importation, according to the additional analysis of hypervariable NCRs. The time of emergence of the MRCA of each MuV variant clade was concordant with the data of the earliest sequence. The analysis of Shannon entropy showed an accumulation of variability on six particular positions as the cause of the increase on the number of circulating SH variants. Consequently, SH gene sequencing needs to be complemented with other more variable markers for mumps surveillance immediately after the emergence of a new genotype, but the subsequent emergence of new SH variants turns it unnecessary.
Waning Immunity Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Authors: Reicherz Frederic , Xu Rui Yang , Abu-Raya Bahaa , Majdoubi Abdelilah , Michalski Christina , Golding Liam , Stojic Aleksandra , Vineta Marina , Granoski Madison , Cieslak Zenon , Chacko Anil , Desai Neil , Sekirov Inna , Marchant David J , Lavoie Pascal M 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Health jurisdictions have seen a near-disappearance of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the first year of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Over this corresponding period, we report a reduction in RSV antibody levels and live virus neutralization in sera from women of childbearing age and infants between May to June 2020 and February to June 2021, in British Columbia (BC), Canada. This supports that antibody immunity against RSV is relatively short-lived and that maintaining optimal antibody levels in infants requires repeated maternal viral exposure. Waning immunity may explain the interseasonal resurgence of RSV cases observed in BC and other countries.
Leveraging resources and the impact of neglected tropical disease elimination programmes: getting (much) more than what you pay for
Authors: Jones Iain , Downs Philip 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Partnerships have been key to significant progress in combating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Collaboration between a range of partners, each bringing different skills and resources, helps reach more people in need with greater efficiency. Some partners have contributed in-kind donations, including drugs and volunteer time. When making resource allocation decisions donors need to consider the significant leverage their investment in NTD programmes can have. This commentary estimates the value of the leverage that the Ascend programme achieved. It is clear that funding from UK aid to Ascend delivered (much) more than what they paid for.
Development of a quality assurance tool for intensive care units in Lebanon during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Halmin Märit , Abou Mourad Ghada , Ghneim Adam , Rady Alissar , Baker Tim , Von Schreeb Johan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, low- and middle-income countries have rapidly scaled up intensive care unit (ICU) capacities. Doing this without monitoring the quality of care poses risks to patient safety and may negatively affect patient outcomes. While monitoring the quality of care is routine in high-income countries, it is not systematically implemented in most low- and middle-income countries. In this resource-scarce context, there is a paucity of feasibly implementable tools to monitor the quality of ICU care. Lebanon is an upper middle-income country that, during the autumn and winter of 2020–1, has had increasing demands for ICU beds for COVID-19. The World Health Organization has supported the Ministry of Public Health to increase ICU beds at public hospitals by 300%, but no readily available tool to monitor the quality of ICU care was available.

Objective
The objective with this study was to describe the process of rapidly developing and implementing a tool to monitor the quality of ICU care at public hospitals in Lebanon.

Methods
In the midst of the escalating pandemic, we applied a systematic approach to develop a realistically implementable quality assurance tool. We conducted a literature review, held expert meetings and did a pilot study to select among identified quality indicators for ICU care that were feasible to collect during a 1-hour ICU visit. In addition, a limited set of the identified indicators that were quantifiable were specifically selected for a scoring protocol to allow comparison over time as well as between ICUs.

Results
A total of 44 quality indicators, which, using different methods, could be collected by an external person, were selected for the quality of care tool. Out of these, 33 were included for scoring. When tested, the scores showed a large difference between hospitals with low versus high resources, indicating considerable variation in the quality of care.

Conclusions
The proposed tool is a promising way to systematically assess and monitor the quality of care in ICUs in the absence of more advanced and resource-demanding systems. It is currently in use in Lebanon. The proposed tool may help identifying quality gaps to be targeted and can monitor progress. More studies to validate the tool are needed.
Robustness scores in fattening pigs based on routinely collected phenotypes: determination and genetic parameters
Authors: Lenoir Guillaume , Flatres-Grall Loïc , Friggens Nicolas C , David Ingrid 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The objective was to determine operational proxies for robustness based on data collected routinely on farm that allow phenotyping of these traits in fattening pigs, and to estimate their genetic parameters. A total of 7,256 pigs, from two Piétrain paternal lines (Pie and Pie NN), were tested at the AXIOM boar testing station (Azay-sur-Indre, France) from 2019 to 2021. During the fattening period (from 75 to 150 d of age), individual performance indicators were recorded (growth, backfat, loin depth, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio [FCR]) together with indicators such as insufficient growth, observable defect, symptoms of diseases, and antibiotic and anti-inflammatory injections. These indicators were combined into three categorical robustness scores: R1, R2, and R3. Genetic parameters were estimated using an animal linear model. The robustness score R2 (selectable or not selectable animal) that combined information from status at testing and mortality had the highest heritability estimates of 0.08 ± 0.03 for Pie NN line and a value of 0.09 ± 0.02 for Pie line, compared with traits R1 and R3. The score R3 that combines information from the score R2 with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory injections presented slightly lower heritability estimates (0.05 ± 0.02 to 0.07 ± 0.03). Genetic correlations between R2 and R3 were high and favorable (0.93 ± 0.04 to 0.95 ± 0.03) and R2 and R3 can be considered identical with regard to the confidence interval. These two robustness scores were also highly and favorably genetically correlated with initial body weight and average daily gain, and unfavorably correlated with daily feed intake (ranging from 0.73 ± 0.06 to 0.90 ± 0.08). Estimates of genetic correlations of R2 and R3 with backfat depth and raw FCR (not standardized between starting and finishing weights) were moderate and unfavorable (0.20 ± 0.13 to 0.46 ± 0.20). A part of these genetic correlations, that are of low precision due to the number of data available, have to be confirmed on larger datasets. The results showed the interest of using routine phenotypes collected on farm to build simple robustness indicators that can be applied in breeding.
Potential effect of twoBacillusprobiotic strains on performance and fecal microbiota of breeding sows and their piglets
Authors: Saladrigas-García Mireia , Solà-Oriol David , López-Vergé Sergi , D’Angelo Matilde , Collado Maria Carmen , Nielsen Bea , Faldyna Martin , Pérez José Francisco , Martín-Orúe Susana M 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe effect of long-term administration of two Bacillus strains was tested on 98 breeding sows and their litters allotted into three treatments: a control group (CON); supplemented with 5 × 108 cfu/kg B. subtilis − 541 (BSU); or with 5 × 108 cfu/kg B. amyloliquefaciens − 516 (BAM). Reproductive and performance variables were recorded over three cycles with 56 dams remaining through the third lactation. Blood and fecal samples were taken longitudinally from 12 sows per treatment on days 8 and 21 of the third lactation and milk samples were taken on day 21. Feces from one piglet per litter was sampled on days 21 and 33 and jejunal gene expression was assessed in two piglets on day 21. Changes in fecal microbiota were assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (Illumina MiSeq) and gene expression by Open-Array technology. Metabolomic responses were analyzed in milk by NMR and Ig-G and Ig-A specific antibodies were determined by ELISA. No significant differences were observed on feed intake, body weight, or fat mobilization of the sows. However, a significant increase in the total number of piglets born was observed in supplemented sows. Although the increase was seen from the first cycle with BAM, improvements were not seen with BSU until the third cycle. BAM also increased the number of born-alive and weaned piglets. NMR analysis showed an impact of BAM on milk composition. No differences were found in milk or blood immunoglobulins. A different structure of the fecal microbiota was found in supplemented sows, with changes across phylum, family, and genus. These changes were greater at day 8, suggesting a relevant role of probiotics establishing a new intestinal balance after labor. Shifts in the microbiota were also seen in the piglets, with a clearer impact post-weaning than in suckling. In this regard, correlations between microbial groups of sows and piglets showed a higher link with weaned (d33) than with suckling pigs (d21), reinforcing the idea of an early maternal carry-over. No changes due to treatment in jejunal gene expression were detected; however, piglet size had a clear impact on different genes. In summary, the addition of both probiotics, and particularly Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, demonstrated potential benefits on the prolificacy of sows. Daily feeding of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens resulted in an increase in the number of weaned piglets. The high correlations between the compositions of the microbiota of sows and their piglets are evidence of maternal imprinting, with effects lasting beyond weaning.