bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Value of serum sTREM-1,D-lactate and I-FABP in diagnosis and prognosis evaluation in liver cirrhotic patients with sepsis
Authors: Yang Danhong , Zhang Qiang , Wang Weiping , Huang Yicheng , Pan Hongying , Wu Miaomiao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSepsis is can cause serious negative effects among patients with cirrhosis.Finding reliable biomarker in early diagnose and prognosis in septic patients with liver cirrhosis is very important.We assessed value of serumsoluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 ( sTREM-1),D-lactate and Intestinal fatty acid binding protein(I-FABP) in diagnosis and prognosis evaluation in liver cirrhotic patients with sepsis.MethodsA prospective observational study of 158 cirrhosis patients was conducted. A total of 158cirrhosis patients were enrolled, 83 of whom were diagnosed with sepsis and 75 patients without sepsis during hospitalization.We evaluated value of early diagnostic and prognosis of cells-1(sTREM-1),D-lactate and I-FABP in cirrhotic patients with sepsis.Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were used to assess the ability of tested biomarkers to diagnose and prognosis cirrhotic patients with sepsis.ResultsOur results showed the CRP，PCT，sTREM-1, D-lactate and I-FABP were significantly higher in the sepsis group than in the no-sepsis group.,but only levels of serum sTREM-1 showed increasing trend with the severity of the cirrhotic patients with sepsis. The cutoff value of sTREM-1was 123.62 pg/mL and showed 84.3% sensitivity and 92.0% specificity and high accuracy in the early diagnosis for cirrhotic patients with sepsis.The AUC of sTREM-1 was 0.959(95%CI: 0.934–0. 985) and higher than that of CRP,PCT,D-lactate and I-FABP( P <0.001, P =0.002, P <0.001, P <0.001 respectively).Total 31(37.35%) cirrhotic patients with sepsis cases died during 90-day follow-up.Only sTREM-1 level had significance between survivors and non-survivors(263.99±213.79 vs 672.24±191.44,P=0.031).The AUCs of sTREM-1 for predicting 90-day mortality was 0.904( 95% CI:0.836-.971 ) and higher than that of CRP,PCT,D-lactate (P=0.001,p=0.003, P <0.001 respectively) The AUCs of I-FABP is only 0.482 and had no value of predicting prognosis.ConclusionSerum sTREM-1 is a valuable new biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis in cirrhosis with sepsis, proving more accurate than CRP,PCT, D - lactate and I - FABP.Serum D-lactate and I-FABP levels can identify early cirrhosis with sepsis, but they is little relationship with the prognosis of patients.
A Network-Based Model to Explore the Role of Testing in Epidemic Control
Authors: Cui Yapeng , Ni Shunjiang , Shen Shifei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Testing is one of the most effective means to deal with epidemics. However, there is an upper bound on daily testing volume due to the limited healthcare staff and working hours, and different testing methods may also be adopted such as random testing and contact-tracking testing. Methods: In this paper, a network-based epidemic transmission model combined with testing mechanism is proposed to study the role of testing in epidemic control. We simulate the epidemic spread process on complex networks and introduce testing preference to describe different testing strategies. Results: Through a series of numerical simulations, we find that testing can flatten the infection curve and delay the outbreak of epidemics. In addition, the higher the priority for testing individuals in close contacts with confirmed cases, the smaller the infection scale. Compared with the increase speed of daily testing volume, the upper bound of daily testing volume plays a more important role in epidemic control. We also discover that when testing combined with other measures is adopted, the daily testing volume required to control epidemics (i.e., control infection scale below 5%) will be reduced by more than 40% even if other measures only reduce individuals’ infection probability by 10%. Conclusions: In short, although testing can effectively inhibit the spread of infectious diseases, it requires a huge amount of daily testing volume. It is highly recommended that testing be adopted combined with other measures such as wearing masks and social distancing to deal with infectious diseases. Our research contributes to understanding the role of testing in epidemic control and provides useful suggestions for the government and individuals in response to epidemics.
Scale-up and Sustainability of a Personalized End-of-Life Care Intervention: A Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Takaoka Alyson , Tam Benjamin , Vanstone Meredith , Clarke France J. , Hoad Neala , Swinton Marilyn , Toledo Feli , Boyle Anne , Woods Anne , Duan Erick H. , Heels-Ansdell Diane , Waugh Lily , Soth Mark , Rudkowski Jill , Alhazzani Waleed , Perri Dan , Ligori Tania , Jaeschke Roman , Zytaruk Nicole , Cook Deborah J. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Scaling-up and sustaining healthcare interventions can be challenging. Our objective was to describe how the 3 Wishes Project (3WP), a personalized end-of-life intervention, was scaled-up and sustained in an intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: In a longitudinal mixed-methods study from January 1,2013 - December 31, 2018, dying patients and families were invited to participate if the probability of patient death was >95% or after a decision to withdraw life support. A research team member or bedside clinician learned more about each of the patients and their family, then elicited and implemented <3 personalized wishes for patients and/or family members. We used a qualitative descriptive approach to analyze interviews and focus groups conducted with 25 clinicians who cared for patients enrolled in the project. We used descriptive statistics to summarize patient, wish, and clinician characteristics, and analyzed outcome data in quarters using Statistical Process Control charts. The primary outcome was enrollment of terminally ill patients and respective families; the secondary outcome was the number of wishes per patient; tertiary outcomes included wish features and stakeholder involvement. Results: Both qualitative and quantitative analyses suggested a three-phase approach to the scale-up of this intervention during which 369 dying patients were enrolled, having 2039 terminal wishes implemented. From a research project to clinical program to an approach to practice, we documented a three-fold increase in enrolment with a five-fold increase in total wishes implemented, without a change in cost. Beginning as a study, the protocol provided structure; starting gradually enabled frontline staff to experience and recognize the value of acts of compassion for patients, families, and clinicians. The transition to a clinical program was marked by handover from the research staff to bedside staff, whereby project catalysts mentored project champions to create staff partnerships, and family engagement became more intentional. The final transition involved empowering staff to integrate the program as an approach to care, expanding it within and beyond the organization. Conclusions: The 3WP is an end-of-life intervention which was implemented as a study, scaled-up into a clinical program, and sustained by becoming integrated into practice as an approach to care.
Deletion of the transcriptional regulator GntR affects apoptosis and autophagy in Brucella abortus-infected RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Wei Shujuan , Wang Shuli , Xi Li , Cui Yanyan , Zhang Jinliang , Hao Junfang , Zhang Huan , Zhang Hui 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by the pathogen Brucella. Regulating apoptosis and autophagy is the prerequisite for the intracellular survival of Brucella. GntR is an important transcriptional regulator of Brucella that can regulate the expression of many target genes, and then play a regulatory role in many cell processes, including regulation apoptosis and autophagy. Therefore, understanding the relationship between GntR and apoptosis and autophagy is crucial to comprehending the pathogenic mechanism of Brucella. Methods: In the present study, we described the influence of GntR on apoptosis and autophagy after the infection of RAW 264.7 cells with Brucella. We constructed the GntR mutant strain (2308ΔGntR) of Brucella abortus 2308 (S2308). Following the infection of the RAW 264.7 cells with S2308 and 2308ΔGntR, apoptosis and autophagy were detected. Results: Western blot analysis and flow cytometry analysis indicated that the apoptosis rate of the 2308ΔGntR-infected group was remarkably higher than that of the S2308-infected group. Confocal laser microscopy experiments indicated the presence of the P62 protein as punctate aggregates in the 2308ΔGntR group. Conclusion: These results showed that 2308ΔGntR promoted apoptosis and inhibited autophagy in the RAW 264.7 cells during Brucella infection.
Effects of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) Modulation on Potentially Diarrhea Causing Pathogens in Yaks Through Metagenomics Sequencing
Authors: Li Kun , Zeng Zhibo , Liu Juanjuan , Pei Lulu , Wang Yaping , Li Aoyun , Kulyar Muhammad Fakhar-e-Alam , Shahzad Muhammad , Qi Desheng , LI JIAKUI 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Yaks are of great importance on the plateau; however, an emerging endemic diarrheal disease during the last few years is posing a great threat to the health of these animals. Yaks have special gut microbiotal community and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which are not only the principle nutrient substrates of intestinal epithelial cells but can also regulate the epithelial barrier. Until now, metagenomics sequencing has not been reported in diarrheal yaks. A scarce information is available regarding the levels of fecal SCFAs and diarrhea in yaks. The purpose of our study was to identify the potential pathogens that cause the emerging diarrhea and also to explore the potential relationship of short-chain fatty acids in this issue. We estimated diarrhea rate in yaks after collecting the equal number of fecal samples from affected animals. Metagenomics sequencing and quantitative analysis of SCFAs were performed which revealed 15-25% and 5-10% prevalence in diarrheal yak’s calves and adults yaks respectively. Significant difference was observed in GC contents (44.69%~46.08% vs 46.12%~46.38%) under two reference groups (p<0.05). Violin box plot also showed the higher degree of dispersion in gene abundance distribution of diarrhea yaks, while genes of normal yaks were relatively gathered. We found 366163 significant differential abundance genes in diarrheal yaks, with 141305 up-regulated and 224858 down-regulated genes as compared with normal yaks via DESeq analysis. Metagenomic binning analysis indicated the higher significant of bin 33 (Bacteroidales) (p<0.05) in diarrheal animals, while bin 10 (p<0.0001), bin 30 (Clostridiales) (p<0.05), bin 51 (Lactobacillales) (p<0.05), bin 8 (Lachnospiraceae) (p<0.05) and bin 47 (Bacteria) (p<0.05) were obviously higher in normal animals. At different levels, an obviously difference in Phylum, Class, Oder, Family, Genus and Species was noticed as 4, 8, 8, 16, 17 and 30 respectively. Compared with healthy yaks, Acetic acid (p<0.01), Propionic acid (p<0.01), Butyric acid (p<0.01), Isobutyric acid, Isovaleric acid (p<0.05) and Caproic acid (p<0.01) were all observed obviously at lower rate in diarrheal yaks. In conclusion, besides the increased pathogens level of Staphylococcus aureus, Babesia ovata, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bacteroides fluxus, viruses, Klebsiella pneumonia, and inflammation-related bacteria; the decreased of SCFAs caused by the imbalance of intestinal microbiota may potentially leads to emergence of diarrhea in yaks.
Lower Normal Thyroid Function is Associated With a Higher Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort on Chinese Population
Authors: Ding Xi , Zhu Chunying , Li Rui , Wu Liping , Wang Yue , Hu Shiqian , Zhao Fengyi , Zhao Yang , Zhang Meng , He Mingqian , Chen Ziyi , Shi Bingyin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRecently, the relationship between thyroid hormones (THs) across the euthyroid ranges and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been widely discussed. This study aimed to present specific cutoff values of THs to assess the association between THs and MetS in a euthyroid cohort.MethodsData of 2694 subjects, aged 18-80 years, who attended health examination in Xi’an Electric Power Central Hospital from April 2011 to December 2015 were collected and analyzed. The basic cohort enrolled 929 participants (followed up by 2221 person-years totally) to assess correlations between serum thyrotropin (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) levels and MetS. The second cohort included 698 participants (followed up by 1709 person-years totally) to evaluate relationships between serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) levels and MetS. MetS was defined according to the criteria of the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI) scientific statements of 2009. Euthyroidism was defined as serum TSH, FT3 and FT4 levels within the reference ranges without taking any thyroid medication.ResultsThe cutoff values for TSH, T3, T4, FT3 and FT4 were 2.0mIU/L, 1.9nmol/L, 117nmol/L, 4.3pmol/L and 16pmol/L, respectively. Participants were categorized into two groups according to cutoff values: the lower-THs group and the higher-THs group. There was no significant difference in the risk of MetS between two groups in TSH, T3, T4 and FT3. The incidence of MetS was significantly higher in lower-FT4 group than higher-FT4 group (1.00 vs 0.622 (0.458, 0.846), P=0.002). The lower-FT4/higher-TSH group had the highest hazard ratios of MetS. (2.131vs 1.0 (1.380,3.291), P=0.006)ConclusionsLower normal FT4 (FT4≤16.0 pmol/L) is an independent risk factor for MetS, and lower normal thyroid function (TSH>2.0 mIU/L and FT4≤16.0 pmol/L) is associated with a higher risk of developing MetS.
Engineered Whole Cut Meats Assembled of Cell Fibers Constructed by Tendon-Gel Integrated Bioprinting
Authors: Kang Dong-Hee , Louis Fiona , Liu Hao , Shimoda Hiroshi , Nishiyama Yasutaka , Nozawa Hajime , Kakitani Makoto , Takagi Daisuke , Kasa Daijiro , Nagamori Eiji , Irie Shinji , Kitano Shiro , Matsusaki Michiya 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
With the current interest in artificial meat, mammalian cell-based cultured meat has mostly been in minced form. There is thus still a high demand for artificial steak-like meat. Herein, we demonstrate in vitro construction of engineered steak-like meat assembled of three types of edible bovine cell fibers, such as skeletal muscle, adipose, and blood capillary fabricated by tendon-gel integrated printing (TIP) technology. Because actual meat is an anisotropically aligned assembly of the fibers connected to tendon for the actions of contraction and relaxation, TIP was discovered to construct the fiber assembly connecting tendon gels with engineered structures. In this study, a total of 72 fibers comprising 42 muscle, 28 adipose, and 2 blood capillary were constructed by TIP and subsequently assembled to fabricate a steak-like meat with a diameter of 5 mm and a length of 10 mm by consulting histological images of actual Wagyu beef steak. The TIP discovered here could be a powerful manufacturing technology for fabrication of the desired types of steak-like cultured meats.
Neural Response to Trauma-Related and Trauma-Unrelated Negative Stimuli in Remitted and Persistent Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Wang Peng , Peng Zulai , Liu Lu , An Li , Liu Yuxin , Cao Qingjiu , Sun Li , Ji Ning , Chen Yun , Yang Binrang , Wang Yufeng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Most youths who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) lose their diagnosis in the first 1-2 years. However, there are few studies on this brain mechanism, and the heterogeneity of the findings is partially due to the different stimuli applied and the mixed trauma history. Therefore, the use of trauma-related/unrelated stimuli to study the remittance mechanism of earthquake-induced PTSD could advance our knowledge of PTSD and inspire future treatment.Methods: Thirteen youths with PTSD, 18 remitted participants and 18 control participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while viewing trauma-related pictures, trauma-unrelated negative pictures and scrambled pictures.Results: Under trauma-unrelated condition, the neural activity of the left hippocampus in the remitted group was in the middle between the two other groups. Under trauma-related condition, the PTSD and the remitted group exhibited higher neural activity in the right middle occipital gyrus than controls. The remitted group showed higher neural activity in the right parahippocampal gyrus and right lingual gyrus under trauma-related condition than trauma-unrelated condition, while no significant difference was found in PTSD group.Conclusion: PTSD symptom-related group difference is mainly reflected in the left hippocampus under the trauma-unrelated condition, while the hyperactivity in the right middle occipital gyrus under trauma related condition could be an endophenotype for PTSD.
Early Extubation is Associated with Improved Outcomes After Complete Surgical Repair of Pulmonary Atresia with Ventricular Septal Defect and Hypoplastic Pulmonary Arteries in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Li Yinan , Jia Yuan , Wang Hongbai , Wu Xie , Li Shoujun , Yan Fuxia , Yuan Su 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of an early extubation strategy on outcomes following complete repair of pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect, and hypoplastic pulmonary artery. Methods: 113 patients undergoing complete repair surgery of pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect, and hypoplastic pulmonary artery between 2016 and 2018 were included in our retrospective propensity-score matched study. Propensity score matching was conducted in 1 to 2 ratio to balance the covariables impacting on clinical outcomes between groups. The primary outcomes were defined as length of intensive care unit stay, postoperative length of hospital stay and in-hospital medical cost. The secondary outcomes included postoperative complications such as re-intubation, re-exploration, in-hospital mortality, arrhythmia and etc.. In addition, blood product consumption were also abstracted.Results: Compared with matched controls, patients in the early extubation group were demonstrated with a significant reduced length of intensive care unit stay (Median: 1.9 d νs. 4.1 d, p=0.039), postoperative length of hospital stay (Median: 9.0 d νs. 17.0 d, p=0.007) and in-hospital medical cost (Median: 69.5×1000CNY νs. 17.0×1000CNY, p=0.041). As for the postoperative complications, the occurrence of re-intubation, re-exploration, in-hospital mortality, arrhythmia and renal replacement therapy was similar between groups. However, pulmonary complications (p=0.049) were with a significantly lower rate in the early extubation group. In addition, fresh frozen plasma (p=0.041) transfusion volume were significantly reduced in the early extubation group rather than packed red blood cells and platelets. Conclusions: Early extubation following complete repair of pulmonary atresia improved clinical outcomes and reduced in-hospital medical cost without increasing any postoperative complications.
A Multi-epitope Peptide rOmp22 Encapsulated in Chitosan-PLGA Nanoparticles as Vaccine Candidate Against Acinetobacter baumannii Infection
Authors: Du Xingran , Xue Jianpeng , Jiang Mingzi , Lin Shaoqing , Huang Yuzhen , Deng Kaili , Shu Lei , Xu Hanmei , Li Zeqing , Yao Jing , Chen Sixia , Shen Ziyan , Feng Ganzhu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Development of vaccine is a promising and cost-effective strategy to prevent emerging multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii infections. The purpose of this study was to prepare a multi-epitope peptide nanovaccine and evaluate its immunogenicity and protective effect in BALB/c mice.Results: The B-cell and T-cell epitopes of Omp22 from A. baumannii were predicted using bioinformatics method and identified by immunological experiments. Three dominant B-cell epitopes and two T-cell epitopes were linked in series and chemically synthesized to generate multi-epitope peptide rOmp22. Then, rOmp22 was encapsulated by chitosan (CS) and polylactic acid glycolic acid (PLGA) to prepare CS-PLGA-rOmp22 nanoparticles (NPs). CS-PLGA-rOmp22 NPs were small (mean size of 272.83 nm) with apparently spherical structural, positively charged (4.39 mV) and exhibited nontoxicity to A549 cells. We achieved a high encapsulation efficiency (54.94%) and a continuous slow release pattern. Compared with non-encapsulated rOmp22, CS-PLGA-rOmp22 induced more rOmp22-specific IgG in serum and IFN-γ in splenocyte supernatant. Vaccination with CS-PLGA-rOmp22 decreased lung injury, suppressed bacterial burdens in the lung and blood, provided potent protection (57.14%-83.3%) against acute lethal intratracheal A. baumannii challenge in BALB/c mice.Conclusions: CS-PLGA-rOmp22 NPs could elicit specific IgG antibody, Th1 cellular immunity and protection against acute lethal intratracheal A. baumannii challenge. Our results indicate this nanovaccine is a disirable candidate to prevent A. baumannii infection.
Fluid-injection induced earthquakes characterized by hybrid-frequency waveforms manifest the transition from aseismic to seismic slip
Authors: Yu Hongyu , Harrington Rebecca , Kao Honn , Liu Yajing , Wang Bei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Aseismic slip loading has recently been proposed as a complementary mechanism for moderate earthquakes (M3+) induced over the short operational period of hydraulic fracturing stimulations but located several kilometers away from the wellbore. However, aseismic/slow slip signals linked to fluid injection-induced earthquakes remain largely undocumented to date. Here we report a new type of induced seismic signal consisting of an impulsive broadband onset followed by protracted low-frequency ringing. Earthquakes characterized by hybrid-frequency waveforms (EHWs) differ from ordinary induced earthquakes by having broader P and S-pulses (implying longer source durations) and lower corner frequencies (implying either slower rupture speeds, lower stress drop values, or a combination of both). The characteristics described above are identical to low-frequency earthquakes found in plate boundary zones. EHWs could thus manifest the source process that bridges the slow (aseismic) slip inferred by recent modeling and observations near the wellbore to seismic slip at greater distances.