bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fusion of Glutamate Dehydrogenase and Formate Dehydrogenase Yields a Bifunctional Efficient Biocatalyst for the Continuous Removal of Ammonia
Authors: Marchini Valentina , Benítez-Mateos Ana I. , Roura Padrosa David , Paradisi Francesca 
Published: December 2021

A novel fusion protein has been rationally designed, combining the hexameric glutamate dehydrogenase from Clostridium symbiosum with the dimeric formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii. The former enzyme consumes ammonia for the reductive amination of α-ketoglutarate using NADH, while the latter biocatalyst regenerates continuously the cofactor. This enzymes fusion opens new perspectives for the detection and the removal of ammonia. The bifunctional biocatalyst has been successfully created, expressed, and then characterized. The two fused protein domains retained identical properties and catalytic activity of the individual enzymes. Additionally, the immobilization on a methacrylate resin optimized the assembly providing a reusable and stable biocatalyst. This is an example of immobilization of a fusion protein, so that efficiency and sustainability of the process are enhanced. The immobilized biocatalyst could be recycled 10 times retaining still half of the initial activity. Such preparation outperforms the co-immobilized wild-type enzymes in the conversion of 300 mM of ammonia, which could be carried out also in continuous mode.
Temporal Trends of Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Atrial Fibrillation: Insight From the KAMIR-NIH Registry
Authors: Lee Oh-Hyun , Kim Yongcheol , Cho Deok-Kyu , Kim Jung-Sun , Kim Byeong-Keuk , Choi Donghoon , Hong Myeong-Ki , Jeong Myung Ho , Jang Yangsoo ,   the KAMIR-NIH Investigators
Published: December 2021

Background: Triple therapy is the combination of dual antiplatelet therapy plus oral anticoagulant after stent implantation. Current guidelines recommend triple therapy for acute coronary syndrome with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to identify temporal trends of antithrombotic therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and AF.Methods: Among 13,104 consecutive patients from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health (KAMIR-NIH) registry, we identified 453 patients with AF after stent implantation for AMI; these patients were then divided into those who did and did not use oral anticoagulant (OAC) [OAC group (n = 71) vs. non-OAC group (n = 382), respectively].Results: The results showed that the prevalence of AF in AMI patients was 5.4% (712/13,104). Among 453 patients, only 15.7% (71/453) were treated with OAC while dual or single antiplatelet therapy was provided for 84.7% (382/453) of patients. In patients with high stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2), OACs were used only in 17% (69/406). Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex [odds ratio (OR) 2.11; 95% CI: 1.17–3.79], diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.35–4.17), prior cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (OR 4.19; 95% CI: 2–8.75), and congestive heart failure (CHF) (OR 1.89; 95% CI: 1.09–3.3) as the significant determinants of OAC use.Conclusion: The study concluded that OAC was underused. Approximately, 15%, of AMI patients with AF undergoing PCI with stent and female gender, DM, prior CVA history, and a history of CHF or the presence of moderate to severe left ventricle systolic impairment were significant determinants of OAC use.
Regional Morpho-Kinematic Inventory of Slope Movements in Northern Norway
Authors: Rouyet Line , Lilleøren Karianne Staalesen , Böhme Martina , Vick Louise Mary , Delaloye Reynald , Etzelmüller Bernd , Lauknes Tom Rune , Larsen Yngvar , Blikra Lars Harald 
Published: December 2021

Mountain slopes in periglacial environments are affected by frost- and gravity-driven processes that shape the landscape. Both rock glaciers and rockslides have been intensively inventoried worldwide. Although most inventories are traditionally based on morphologic criteria, kinematic approaches based on satellite remote sensing have more recently been used to identify moving landforms at the regional scale. In this study, we developed simplified Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) products to inventory ground velocity in a region in Northern Norway covering approximately 7,500 km2. We used a multiple temporal baseline InSAR stacking procedure based on 2015–2019 ascending and descending Sentinel-1 images to take advantage of a large set of interferograms and exploit different detection capabilities. First, moving areas are classified according to six velocity brackets, and morphologically associated to six landform types (rock glaciers, rockslides, glaciers/moraines, talus/scree deposits, solifluction/cryoturbation and composite landforms). The kinematic inventory shows that the velocity ranges and spatial distribution of the different types of slope processes vary greatly within the study area. Second, we exploit InSAR to update pre-existing inventories of rock glaciers and rockslides in the region. Landform delineations and divisions are refined, and newly detected landforms (54 rock glaciers and 20 rockslides) are incorporated into the databases. The updated inventories consist of 414 rock glacier units within 340 single- or multi-unit(s) systems and 117 rockslides. A kinematic attribute assigned to each inventoried landform documents the order of magnitude of the creep rate. Finally, we show that topo-climatic variables influence the spatial distribution of the rock glaciers. Their mean elevation increases toward the continental interior with a dominance of relict landforms close to the land-sea margin and an increased occurrence of active landforms further inland. Both rock glaciers and rockslides are mostly located on west-facing slopes and in areas characterised by strongly foliated rocks, which suggests the influence of geological preconditioning factors. The study demonstrates the value of semi-quantitative InSAR products to characterise kinematic information at large scale and exploit the results for periglacial research. It highlights the complementarity of both kinematic and morphologic approaches for inventorying slope processes.
Reconstruction of the Historical (1750–2020) Mass Balance of Bordu, Kara-Batkak and Sary-Tor Glaciers in the Inner Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Van Tricht Lander , Paice Chloë Marie , Rybak Oleg , Satylkanov Rysbek , Popovnin Victor , Solomina Olga , Huybrechts Philippe 
Published: December 2021

The mean specific mass balance of a glacier represents the direct link between a glacier and the local climate. Hence, it is intensively monitored throughout the world. In the Kyrgyz Tien Shan, glaciers are of crucial importance with regard to water supply for the surrounding areas. It is therefore essential to know how these glaciers behave due to climate change and how they will evolve in the future. In the Soviet era, multiple glaciological monitoring programs were initiated but these were abandoned in the nineties. Recently, they have been re-established on several glaciers. In this study, a reconstruction of the mean specific mass balance of Bordu, Kara-Batkak and Sary-Tor glaciers is obtained using a surface energy mass balance model. The model is driven by temperature and precipitation data acquired by combining multiple datasets from meteorological stations in the vicinity of the glaciers and tree rings in the Kyrgyz Tien Shan between 1750 and 2020. Multi-annual mass balance measurements integrated over elevation bands of 100 m between 2013 and 2020 are used for calibration. A comparison with WGMS data for the second half of the 20th century is performed for Kara-Batkak glacier. The cumulative mass balances are also compared with geodetic mass balances reconstructed for different time periods. Generally, we find a close agreement, indicating a high confidence in the created mass balance series. The last 20 years show a negative mean specific mass balance except for 2008–2009 when a slightly positive mass balance was found. This indicates that the glaciers are currently in imbalance with the present climatic conditions in the area. For the reconstruction back to 1750, this study specifically highlights that it is essential to adapt the glacier geometry since the end of the Little Ice Age in order to not over- or underestimate the mean specific mass balance. The datasets created can be used to get a better insight into how climate change affects glaciers in the Inner Tien Shan and to model the future evolution of these glaciers as well as other glaciers in the region.
Geochemical Characteristics of Hydrothermal Volatiles From Southeast China and Their Implications on the Tectonic Structure Controlling Heat Convection
Authors: Tian Jiao , Li Yiman , Zhou Xiaocheng , Pang Zhonghe , Li Liwu , Xing Lantian , Li Zhongping 
Published: December 2021

Hot springs and igneous rocks are present widely in southeast China, influenced by the subduction of the Western Pacific and Philippine Sea Plates. This study reports on new data of chemical compositions and He–Ne–C isotopes for gas samples from representative hot springs and wells in the Guangdong and Fujian provinces to identify the origin of hydrothermal volatiles and provide insight into geothermal tectonic affinities. The primary hydrothermal volatile component from southeast China is atmospheric N2, with a volumetric percentage of 82.19%–98.29%. It indicates medium-low temperature geothermal systems where geothermal fluids suffered a shallow circulation in closed fracture systems. Low CO2 and CH4 contents and their depleted δ13C values confirmed the small number of deep-derived components in the study area. However, spatially discernible geochemical characteristics imply enhanced hydrothermal fluid convection in the adjacent area of the two provinces, including the Fengshun, Zhangzhou, Longyan, and Sanming geothermal fields. Specifically, the He–Ne isotopes from this area exhibit mantle He contribution of more than 10% and mantle heat flow accounts for more than half of the total heat flow. Moreover, according to the thermal background calculations, the highest heat flow value of 77.7 mW/m2 is indicated for the Zhangzhou geothermal area and the lowest value of 54.7 mW/m2 is indicated for the Maoming geothermal area. Given the epicenter distributions and the corresponding earthquake magnitudes, the NE-trending faults are heat-control tectonic structures and their intersections with the NW-trending faults provided expedite channels for geothermal fluids rising to the surface. Therefore, the preferred development potential of geothermal resources can be expected in the adjacent area of the two provinces where two sets of active faults crossed. This study provides critical information on understanding the geothermal distribution controlled by the tectonic structure in southeast China.
Associations of Sex Hormones and Hormonal Status With Arterial Stiffness in a Female Sample From Reproductive Years to Menopause
Authors: Laakkonen Eija K. , Karppinen Jari E. , Lehti Satu , Lee Earric , Pesonen Emilia , Juppi Hanna-Kaarina , Kujala Urho M. , Haapala Eero A. , Aukee Pauliina , Laukkanen Jari A. , Ihalainen Johanna K. 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveLoss of sex hormones has been suggested to underlie menopause-associated increment in cardiovascular risk. We investigated associations of sex hormones with arterial stiffness in 19–58-years-old women. We also studied associations of specific hormonal stages, including natural menstrual cycle, cycle with combined oral contraceptives (COC) and menopausal status with or without hormone therapy (HT), with arterial stiffness.MethodsThis study includes repeated measurements of 65 healthy women representing reproductive (n=16 natural, n=10 COC-users) and menopause (n=5 perimenopausal, n=26 postmenopausal, n=8 HT-users) stages. Arterial stiffness outcomes were aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) and augmentation index (AIx%) assessed using Arteriograph-device. Generalized estimating equation models were constructed to investigate associations of each hormone (wide age-range models) or hormonal stage (age-group focused models) with arterial stiffness. PWVao models with cross-sectional approach, were adjusted for age, relative fitness, fat mass and mean arterial pressure, while models with longitudinal approach were adjusted for mean arterial pressure. AIx% models used the same approach for adjustments and were also adjusted for heart rate.ResultsNegative and positive associations with arterial stiffness variables were observed for estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone, respectively, until adjustment for confounding effect of age. In naturally menstruating women, AIx% was higher at ovulation (B=3.63, p&lt;0.001) compared to the early follicular phase. In COC-users, PWVao was lower during active (B=-0.33 - -0.57, p&lt;0.05) than inactive pills. In menopausal women, HT-users had higher PWVao (B=1.43, p=0.03) than postmenopausal non-HT-users.ConclusionsWhen using wide age-range assessments covering reproductive to menopausal lifespan it is difficult to differentiate age- and hormone-mediated associations, because age-mediated influence on arterial stiffness seemed to overrule potential hormone-mediated influences. However, hormonal status associated differentially with arterial stiffness in age-group focused analyses. Thus, the role of sex hormones cannot be excluded. Further research is warranted to resolve potential hormone-mediated mechanisms affecting arterial elasticity.
Decreased Endometrial Thickness Is Associated With Higher Risk of Neonatal Complications in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Huang Jialyu , Lin Jiaying , Xia Leizhen , Tian Lifeng , Xu Dingfei , Liu Peipei , Zhu Jing , Wu Qiongfang 
Published: December 2021

PurposeTo evaluate the association of endometrial thickness (EMT) with obstetric and neonatal outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodsA total of 1755 subfertile PCOS women with singleton livebirths after frozen-thawed embryo transfer were included between January 2009 and September 2019. Main obstetric outcomes were hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and abnormal placentation. Main neonatal outcomes were preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight (LBW) and small-for-gestational age (SGA). Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.ResultsEach millimeter decrease in EMT was related to a 9% (adjusted OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.00–1.19; P = 0.053), 14% (adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.28; P = 0.002) and 22% (adjusted OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.07–1.38; P = 0.003) higher risk of PTB, LBW and SGA, respectively. Compared to women with EMT &gt;13 mm, women with EMT ≤8 mm also had significantly higher risk of PTB (adjusted OR 3.79, 95% CI 1.53–9.39; P = 0.004), LBW (adjusted OR 4.33, 95% CI 1.39–13.50; P = 0.012) and SGA (adjusted OR 6.38, 95% CI 1.78–22.83; P = 0.004). These associations remained consistent in further subgroup analysis by endometrial preparation regimen and in sensitivity analyses among nulligravida women or women without adverse obstetric outcomes. No significant differences were found in the incidence of several pregnancy complications across EMT categories.ConclusionDecreased EMT was independently associated with increased risk of PTB, LBW and SGA in women with PCOS.
The Livebirth Rate Per In Vitro Fertilization Cycle Is Higher Than The Cumulative Live Birth Rates of Intrauterine Insemination for Patients of Poseidon Group 3 With Unexplained Infertility
Authors: Wu Yixuan , Liu Haiying , Liu Jianqiao 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundNo studies have been done to examine the efficacy of IVF and intrauterine insemination (IUI) for the treatment of young patients with unexplained infertility and low ovarian reserve, although it is becoming an increasingly significant indication for in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The goal of this research was to compare the efficacy of IVF with IUI on Poseidon group 3 patients with unexplained infertility (PG3&amp;UI).MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of PG3&amp;UI patients who had IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or IUI at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between January 1, 2015, and March 31, 2021. To equalize the baseline characteristics of the IVF/ICSI and IUI groups, propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were used to compare the differences in live births. To discover variations in time to biochemical pregnancy leading to live birth, Kaplan-Meier curves were produced. To evaluate the expenses per live birth between two procedures, a cost-effective analysis was done.ResultsAccording to ITT analysis, the live birth rate for the IVF/ICSI group was substantially higher than the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) for the IUI group (22.6% (38/168) vs. 11.3% (19/168), RR 2.00, 95% CI 1.20-3.32, P = 0.006). In the PP analysis, the live birth rate was 23.0% (38/165) in the IVF/ICSI group and 11.7% (19/162) in the IUI group (RR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.18-3.26, P = 0.007). When censored at 365 days, the Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the IVF/ICSI group had a higher live birth rate than the IUI group (log-rank test χ²= 6.025; P = 0.014). However, when the two groups were censored at 180 days, the live birth rates were not substantially different (log-rank test χ²= 3.847; P = 0.05). The number of hospital visits per live birth in the IUI group was higher than in the IVF/ICSI group (85 vs. 48). The overall cost of a live birth was comparable across the two groups (¥132242 vs. ¥131611), while the medical expenses for a live delivery from IVF/ICSI were higher than those from IUI (¥118955 vs. ¥108279).ConclusionsThe livebirth rate per IVF/ICSI cycle with at most one embryo transfer is higher than the CLBR of IUI, with fewer hospital visits and similar expenses.
Clinical Approach to Neuroendocrine Neoplasm Associated With Ovarian Teratoma
Authors: Opalińska Marta , Sowa-Staszczak Anna , Olearska Helena , Ulatowska-Bialas Magdalena , Gilis-Januszewska Aleksandra , Hubalewska-Dydejczyk Alicja 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundNeuroendocrine neoplasms are a heterogeneous group of cancers that develop from enterochromaffin cells of the diffuse endocrine system, with an increase in incidents over the last years. Ovarian neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are rare neoplasms, comprising 0.1% of all ovarian neoplasms and less than 5% of all neuroendocrine tumors. They may arise alone (as monodermal, specialized teratoma – ovarian carcinoid) or as a part of other ovarian lesion: cystic mature or immature teratomas. Due to the rarity and limited amount of such cases reported in the literature, there is no consensus on diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in this group of patients.Materials and MethodsThe group of 10 patients at the age of 19 to 77 years (mean 42.8 ± 17.9), diagnosed with unilateral NET within ovarian teratoma were analyzed. The histopathological type of tumor, progression free survival after surgical treatment and presence of hormonally active syndrome were assessed.Results70% (n=7) of patients was diagnosed with mature cystic teratomas containing NET component and 30% (n=3) with monodermal teratoma (strumal carcinoid). All cases of monodermal teratomas were found in women at premenopausal age. Determined Ki67 ranged from 2% to 9%. Ninety percent of lesions (n=9) stained positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin, while markers: CK20, CK7, TTF-1 and CDX2 were negative in all cases, which ruled out their metastatic nature. None of the patients presented with carcinoid syndrome. All followed-up patients remain progression-free, which confirms surgical intervention being a crucial and sufficient method of treatment.ConclusionsThe prognosis and clinical behavior of NETs associated with ovarian teratomas are good with long progression-free survival.
Comparison of Bolus and Continuous Infusion of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone During Adrenal Vein Sampling
Authors: Hu Jinbo , Chen Jiangqiong , Cheng Qingfeng , Jing Ying , Yang Jun , Du Zhipeng , Song Ying , Ma Linqiang , Yang Yi , Luo Ting , Wang Yue , Li Qifu , Yang Shumin 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundAdrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is widely used in adrenal vein sampling (AVS) and can be administered as a bolus injection or continuous infusion. The optimal administration method has not been determined. We aimed to compare the effects of ACTH bolus with infusion on cannulation success, lateralization assessment and adverse events (AEs).MethodsRetrospectively collected data from patients with primary aldosteronism who underwent AVS with ACTH at a tertiary hospital in China. Rate of successful cannulation, lateralization index (LI), complete biochemical remission and AEs related to AVS were analyzed.ResultsThe study included 80 patients receiving ACTH bolus and 94 receiving infusions. The rate of successful cannulation was comparable between bolus and infusion groups (75/80, 93.4% vs 88/94, 93.6%). In those with successful cannulation, the bolus group had a higher selectivity index than the infusion group, while LI [6.4(1.8-17.5) vs. 7.6(2.0-27.8), P=0.48] and rate of complete biochemical remission (43/44, 97.7% vs 53/53, 100%, P=0.45) did not significantly differ between the two groups. One in the bolus and one patient in the infusion group had adrenal vein rupture but they recovered with conservative treatment. The bolus group reported more transient AEs such as palpitation (52.9% vs 2.2%) and abdominal discomfort (40.0% vs 2.2%) than the infusion group.ConclusionsDue to their similar effects on cannulation success and lateralization, but a lower rate of transient AEs in the infusion group, the continuous infusion method should be recommended for ACTH stimulation in AVS.
Association of Elevated Plasma FGF21 and Activated FGF21 Signaling in Visceral White Adipose Tissue and Improved Insulin Sensitivity in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Subtype: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Wang Ning , Sun Bo , Guo Haonan , Jing Yingyu , Ruan Qi , Wang Mengjun , Mi Yang , Chen Huan , Song Lin , Cui Wei 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveTo study the discrepancy of the insulin sensitivity alteration pattern, circulating fibroblast growth factor (FGF21) levels and FGF21 signaling in visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) subtypes.Methods26 GDM women with either a predominant of insulin-secretion defect (GDM-dysfunction, n = 9) or insulin-sensitivity defect (GDM-resistance, n = 17) and 13 normal glucose tolerance (NGT) women scheduled for caesarean-section at term were studied. Blood and vWAT samples were collected at delivery.ResultsThe insulin sensitivity was improved from the 2nd trimester to delivery in the GDM-resistance group. Elevated circulating FGF21 concentration at delivery, increased FGF receptor 1c and decreased klotho beta gene expression, enhanced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and increased GLUT1, IR-B, PPAR-γ gene expression in vWAT were found in the GDM-resistance group as compared with the NGT group. The circulating FGF21 concentration was negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose (r = -0.574, P &lt; 0.001), and associated with the GDM-resistance group (r = 0.574, P &lt; 0.001) in pregnant women at delivery. However, we observed no insulin sensitivity alteration in GDM-dysfunction and NGT groups during pregnancy. No differences of plasma FGF21 level and FGF21 signaling in vWAT at delivery were found between women in the GDM-dysfunction and the NGT group.ConclusionsWomen with GDM heterogeneity exhibited different insulin sensitivity alteration patterns. The improvement of insulin sensitivity may relate to the elevated circulating FGF21 concentration and activated FGF21 signaling in vWAT at delivery in the GDM-resistance group.