bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Phospholipid Transfer Protein Activity Is Associated With Markers of Enhanced Lipopolysaccharide Clearance in Human During Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Nguyen Maxime , Gautier Thomas , Reocreux Guillaume , Pallot Gaëtan , Maquart Guillaume , Bahr Pierre-Alain , Tavernier Annabelle , Grober Jacques , Masson David , Bouhemad Belaid , Guinot Pierre-Grégoire 
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a component of gram-negative bacteria, known for its ability to trigger inflammation. The main pathway of LPS clearance is the reverse lipopolysaccharide transport (RLT), with phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) and lipoproteins playing central roles in this process in experimental animal models. To date, the relevance of this pathway has never been studied in humans. Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is known to favor LPS digestive translocation. Our objective was to determine whether pre-operative PLTP activity and triglyceride or cholesterol-rich lipoprotein concentrations were associated to LPS concentrations in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.Methods: A post-hoc analysis was conducted on plasma samples obtained from patients recruited in a randomized controlled trial.Total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), triglyceride and PLTP activity were measured before surgery. LPS concentration was measured by mass spectrometry before surgery, at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass and 24 h after admission to the intensive care unit.Results: High PLTP activity was associated with lower LPS concentration but not with inflammation nor post-operative complications. HDLc, LDLc and total cholesterol were not associated with LPS concentration but were lower in patients developing post-operative adverse events. HDLc was negatively associated with inflammation biomarkers (CRP, PCT). Triglyceride concentrations were positively correlated with LPS concentration, PCT and were higher in patients with post-operative complications.Conclusion: Our study supports the role of PLTP in LPS elimination and the relevance of RLT in human. PLTP activity, and not cholesterol rich lipoproteins pool size seemed to be the limiting factor for RLT. PLTP activity was not directly related to post-operative inflammation and adverse events, suggesting that LPS clearance is not the main driver of inflammation in our patients. However, HDLc was associated with lower inflammation and was associated with favorable outcomes, suggesting that HDL beneficial anti-inflammatory effects could be, at least in part independent of LPS clearance.
Inflation-Deflation Episodes in the Hengill and Hrómundartindur Volcanic Complexes, SW Iceland
Authors: Ducrocq Cécile , Geirsson Halldór , Árnadóttir Thóra , Juncu Daniel , Drouin Vincent , Gunnarsson Gunnar , Kristjánsson Bjarni R. , Sigmundsson Freysteinn , Hreinsdóttir Sigrún , Tómasdóttir Sigrún , Blanck Hanna 
Published: October 2021

Non-eruptive uplift and subsidence episodes remain a challenge for monitoring and hazard assessments in active volcanic systems worldwide. Sources of such deformation may relate to processes such as magma inflow and outflow, motion and phase changes of hydrothermal fluids or magma volatiles, heat transfer from magmatic bodies and heat-mining from geothermal extraction. The Hengill area, in southwest Iceland, hosts two active volcanic systems, Hengill and Hrómundartindur, and two high-temperature geothermal power plants, Hellisheiði and Nesjavellir. Using a combination of geodetic data sets (GNSS and InSAR; Global Navigation Satellite Systems and Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar, respectively) and a non-linear inversion scheme to estimate the optimal analytical model parameters, we investigate the ground deformation between 2017–2018. Due to other ongoing deformation processes in the area, such as plate motion, subsidence in the two geothermal production fields, and deep-seated source of contraction since 2006, we estimate 2017–2018 difference velocities by subtracting background deformation, determined from data spanning 2015–2017 (InSAR) or 2009–2017 (GNSS). This method highlights changes in ground deformation observed in 2017–2018 compared to prior years: uplift signal of ∼10 km diameter located in the eastern part of the Hengill area, and geothermal production-related temporal changes in deformation near Húsmúli, in the western part of the Hengill area. We find an inflation source located between the Hengill and Hrómundartindur volcanic complexes, lasting for ∼5 months, with a maximum uplift of ∼12 mm. Our model inversions give a source at depth of ∼6–7 km, located approximately in the same crustal volume as an inferred contracting source in 2006–2017, within the local brittle-ductile transition zone. No significant changes were observed in local seismicity, borehole temperatures and pressures during the uplift episode. These transient inflation and deflation sources are located ∼3 km NW from a source of non-eruptive uplift in the area (1993–1999). We consider possible magmatic and hydrothermal processes as the causes for these inflation-deflation episodes and conclude that further geophysical and geological studies are needed to better understand such episodes.
Genesis of High-Mg Adakites in the Southeastern Margin of North China Craton: Geochemical and U-Pb Geochronological Perspectives
Authors: Zheng Shuo , An Yanfei , Lai Chunkit , Wang Hongzhi , Li Yunfeng 
Published: October 2021

In the eastern North China Craton (NCC), Mesozoic tectonics was dominated by the Paleo-Pacific subduction rollback and the Tanlu crustal-scale fault movement. The regional transtension had generated extensive adakitic magmatism, some Cu-Au ore-forming but others not. To establish the geodynamic setting and any metallogenic link for the adakites from the southeastern NCC margin, we analyzed the ore-barren adakitic rocks from underground mines in the Huaibei-Linhuan coalfield (where surface igneous outcrops are scarce), and compared their ages and geochemistry with other mineralized and ore-barren adakites across Eastern China. Zircon U-Pb dating reveals two magmatic episodes in the Huaibei-Linhuan coalfield: 1) early-Early Cretaceous (ca. 130–129 Ma) (quartz-)diorite and granodiorite, and 2) late-Early Cretaceous (ca. 115.8 and 105.8 Ma) microgabbro and dolerite. Whole-rock geochemistry indicates that the (quartz-)diorite and granodiorite are high-Mg adakitic, featured by low K2O/Na2O (avg. 0.33), high Sr/La (avg. 44.3), and lack of correlation between SiO2 (fractionation index) and Sr/Y (avg. 56.55) and MREE/HREE (avg. 1.09), resembling typical adakites derived from oceanic-slab partial melting. Geochronological correlation with the regional tectonic events suggests that the slab-melting may have been caused by the Paleo-Pacific subduction rollback. Further extension and crustal thinning in the late-Early Cretaceous along the southern Tanlu fault may have formed the gabbro-dolerite in the coalfield. Geochemical comparison suggests that parental magma of the Huaibei-Linhuan adakites may have had similar water content [similar zircon 10,000*(Eu/Eu*)/Y and Eu/Eu* ratios] to typical porphyry Cu-Au ore-forming magmas, yet the former may have been considerably more reduced (lower zircon Ce/Nd and whole-rock V/Sc ratios). We considered that the assimilation of Carboniferous-Permian coal seams in the area may have further lowered the magma fO2 and thus its potential to form Cu-Au mineralization.
Pore Connectivity Characterization Using Coupled Wood’s Metal Intrusion and High-Resolution Imaging: A Case of the Silurian Longmaxi Shales From the Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Yu Lingjie , Liu Keyu , Fan Ming , Pan Zhejun 
Published: October 2021

Pore connectivity is crucial for shale gas production. However, the three-dimensional (3D) characteristics and distribution of pore networks and, more fundamentally, the underlying role of different pore types on pore connectivity in shales are inadequately understood. By comparing the 3D pore connectivity derived from direct microstructural imaging of pores filled with Wood’s metal at a pressure corresponding to the finest accessible pore throat in the resolution ranges that may be achieved by X-ray micro-CT and SEM, it is possible to evaluate pore connectivity of different types of shales. The pore connectivity of three shales including a mixed mudstone, siliceous shale, and argillaceous shale from the Silurian Longmaxi Formations is investigated via combined broad ion beam (BIB) polishing, and SEM and X-ray micro-CT imaging after Wood’s metal injection at a pressure up to 380 MPa. The three shales show significant differences in pore connectivity. The mixed mudstone shows excellent pore connectivity in the matrix; the siliceous shale shows an overall poor connectivity with only a small amount of OM (organic matter) pores immediately adjacent to microfractures displaying interconnectivity, while the pores in the argillaceous shale, dominated by plate-like clay pores, are largely not interconnected.
Minimum Detectable Mass and Volume Fluxes During Magmatic Recharge at High Prominence Volcanoes: An Application to Erciyes Dağ Volcano (Turkey)
Authors: Males Katie , Gottsmann Jo 
Published: October 2021

Magma reservoir recharge is widely recognised as a precursor of eruptive activity. However, the causative relationships between reservoir rejuvenation and surface observables such as gravitational potential field changes and ground deformation are still poorly understood. At intermediate and silicic intra-plate volcanoes where crustal mechanical heterogeneity combined with high-prominence are expected to fundamentally affect the crustal stress and strain relationship, protracted period of repose and absence of monitoring data raise questions about the detectability of magma recharge. Here we report results from integrated geodetic forward modelling of ground displacements and gravity changes from reservoir recharge at Erciyes Dağ, a large prominence (∼2,800 m), yet poorly studied, stratovolcano of the Central Anatolian Volcanic Province in Turkey. The most recent eruption at ∼7000 BC, close proximity to the Kayseri Metropolitan Area and absence of dedicated volcano monitoring set a precedent to explore stealth magmatic processes at the volcano. Using finite element analysis we systematically explore the influence of subsurface mechanical heterogeneities and topography on surface deformation and gravity changes from magmatic recharge of Erciyes Dağ’s reservoir. We show that whilst crustal heterogeneity amplifies ground displacements and gravity variations, the volcano’s substantial prominence has the opposite effect. For generic reservoir pressure and density changes of 10 MPa and 10 kg m−3 predicted vertical displacements vary by a factor of 5 while residual gravity changes vary by a factor of 12 between models ignoring topography or mechanical heterogeneity and those that do not. We deduce reservoir volume and mass changes of order 10–3 km3 and 1010 kg, respectively, at the detectability limit of conventional surveying techniques at the volcano. Though dependent on model assumptions, all results indicate that magma recharge at Erciyes Dağ may go undetected at fluxes 1) sufficient to maintain an active reservoir containing eruptable magma and 2) similar to those reported for intermediate/silicic volcanoes with repose times of 100–1,000s of years (e.g., Parinacota) and persistently active mafic volcanoes such as Mt. Etna and Stromboli. Our findings may be utilised to inform integrated geodetic and gravimetric monitoring at Erciyes Dağ and other large prominence silicic volcanoes and could provide early insights into reservoir rejuvenation with implications for the development of disaster risk reduction initiatives.
Can the Cytokine Profile According to ABO Blood Groups Be Related to Worse Outcome in COVID-19 Patients? Yes, They Can
Authors: Tamayo-Velasco Álvaro , Peñarrubia Ponce María Jesús , Álvarez Francisco Javier , Gonzalo-Benito Hugo , de la Fuente Ignacio , Pérez-González Sonia , Rico Lucía , Jiménez García María Teresa , Sánchez Rodríguez Alba , Hijas Villaizan Milagros , Martín-Fernández Marta , Dueñas Carlos , Gómez-Sánchez Esther , Heredia-Rodríguez María , Gorgojo-Galindo Óscar , Fernández Itziar , del Río Lourdes , Carnicero-Frutos Irene , Muñoz-Moreno María Fe , Tamayo Eduardo , Bernardo David , Martínez-Paz Pedro 
Published: October 2021

Severe status of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is extremely associated to cytokine release. Moreover, it has been suggested that blood group is also associated with the prevalence and severity of this disease. However, the relationship between the cytokine profile and blood group remains unclear in COVID-19 patients. In this sense, we prospectively recruited 108 COVID-19 patients between March and April 2020 and divided according to ABO blood group. For the analysis of 45 cytokines, plasma samples were collected in the time of admission to hospital ward or intensive care unit and at the sixth day after hospital admission. The results show that there was a risk of more than two times lower of mechanical ventilation or death in patients with blood group O (log rank: p = 0.042). At first time, all statistically significant cytokine levels, except from hepatocyte growth factor, were higher in O blood group patients meanwhile the second time showed a significant drop, between 20% and 40%. In contrast, A/B/AB group presented a maintenance of cytokine levels during time. Hepatocyte growth factor showed a significant association with intubation or mortality risk in non-O blood group patients (OR: 4.229, 95% CI (2.064–8.665), p &lt; 0.001) and also was the only one bad prognosis biomarker in O blood group patients (OR: 8.852, 95% CI (1.540–50.878), p = 0.015). Therefore, higher cytokine levels in O blood group are associated with a better outcome than A/B/AB group in COVID-19 patients.
Inflammatory Factors of Macular Atrophy in Eyes With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treated With Aflibercept
Authors: Sato Tomohito , Enoki Toshio , Karasawa Yoko , Someya Hideaki , Taguchi Manzo , Harimoto Kozo , Takayama Kei , Kanda Takayuki , Ito Masataka , Takeuchi Masaru 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundNeovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of blindness in older people. Low-grade inflammation is well-known as one of the pathogenic mechanisms in nAMD. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is the first-line treatment for nAMD, although macula atrophy (MA) developed under anti-VEGF therapy causes irreversible visual function impairment and is recognized as a serious disorder. Here, we show specific expression patterns of aqueous humor (AH) cytokines in nAMD eyes developing MA under intravitreal injection of aflibercept (IVA) as an anti-VEGF antibody and present predictive cytokines as biomarkers for the incidence of MA in nAMD eyes under IVA treatment.MethodsTwenty-eight nAMD patients received three consecutive monthly IVA, followed by a pro re nata regimen for 2 years. AH specimens were collected before first IVA (pre-IVA) and before third IVA (post-IVA). AH cytokine levels, visual acuity (VA), and central retinal thickness (CRT) were measured.ResultsTwo-year incidence of MA was 21.4%. In nAMD eyes developing MA [MA (+) group], pre-IVA levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β, VEGF and post-IVA level of MCP-1 were higher than those in nAMD eyes without MA [MA (−) group]. In hierarchical cluster analysis, pre-IVA MCP-1 and VEGF were grouped into the same subcluster, as were post-IVA MCP-1 and CRT. In principal component analysis, principal component loading (PCL) of pre-IVA interferon-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) was 0.61, but PCL of post-IVA IP-10 decreased to −0.09. In receiver operating characteristic analysis and Kaplan–Meier curves, pre-IVA MCP-1, MIP-1β, and VEGF and post-IVA interleukin-6, MCP-1, and MIP-1β were detected as predictive factors for MA incidence. In 2-year clinical course, changes of VA in groups with high levels of pre-IVA MIP-1β (over 39.9 pg/ml) and VEGF (over 150.4 pg/ml) were comparable to those in MA (+) group.ConclusionSubstantial loss of IP-10 effects and persistent inflammation contribute to incidence of MA, and screening of AH cytokine levels could be a useful method to predict MA incidence in nAMD eyes under anti-VEGF therapy.
Oral Pathobiont-Induced Changes in Gut Microbiota Aggravate the Pathology of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Yamazaki Kyoko , Kato Tamotsu , Tsuboi Yuuri , Miyauchi Eiji , Suda Wataru , Sato Keisuke , Nakajima Mayuka , Yokoji-Takeuchi Mai , Yamada-Hara Miki , Tsuzuno Takahiro , Matsugishi Aoi , Takahashi Naoki , Tabeta Koichi , Miura Nobuaki , Okuda Shujiro , Kikuchi Jun , Ohno Hiroshi , Yamazaki Kazuhisa 
Published: October 2021

Background &amp; AimsPeriodontitis increases the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we show that gut dysbiosis induced by oral administration of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a representative periodontopathic bacterium, is involved in the aggravation of NAFLD pathology.MethodsC57BL/6N mice were administered either vehicle, P. gingivalis, or Prevotella intermedia, another periodontopathic bacterium with weaker periodontal pathogenicity, followed by feeding on a choline-deficient, l-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet with 60 kcal% fat and 0.1% methionine (CDAHFD60). The gut microbial communities were analyzed by pyrosequencing the 16S ribosomal RNA genes. Metagenomic analysis was used to determine the relative abundance of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways encoded in the gut microbiota. Serum metabolites were analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics coupled with multivariate statistical analyses. Hepatic gene expression profiles were analyzed via DNA microarray and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsCDAHFD60 feeding induced hepatic steatosis, and in combination with bacterial administration, it further aggravated NAFLD pathology, thereby increasing fibrosis. Gene expression analysis of liver samples revealed that genes involved in NAFLD pathology were perturbed, and the two bacteria induced distinct expression profiles. This might be due to quantitative and qualitative differences in the influx of bacterial products in the gut because the serum endotoxin levels, compositions of the gut microbiota, and serum metabolite profiles induced by the ingested P. intermedia and P. gingivalis were different.ConclusionsSwallowed periodontopathic bacteria aggravate NAFLD pathology, likely due to dysregulation of gene expression by inducing gut dysbiosis and subsequent influx of gut bacteria and/or bacterial products.
Improving the in vitro Degradation, Mechanical and Biological Properties of AZ91-3Ca Mg Alloy via Hydrothermal Calcium Phosphate Coatings
Authors: Ali Asif , Ikram Fakhera , Iqbal Farasat , Fatima Hira , Mehmood Azra , Kolawole Maruf Yinka , Chaudhry Aqif Anwar , Siddiqi Saadat Anwar , Rehman Ihtesham Ur 
Published: October 2021

For many years, calcium phosphate coatings to tailor the degradation behavior of magnesium and magnesium-based alloys for orthopaedic applications have received lots of research attention. However, prolong degradation behavior, its effect on biological and mechanical properties as well as osteoblastic response to single-step hydrothermally deposited calcium phosphate coatings remain poorly documented. In this study, Alamar blue assay, cell attachment, live/dead assay, and qRT-PCR were done to study the biological response of the coatings. Furthermore, immersion testing in SBF for 28 days and compression testing of the degraded samples were carried out to examine the degradation behavior and its effect on mechanical properties. The results indicated that coatings have a significant influence on both the substrate performance and structural integrity of coated AZ91-3Ca alloy. Immersion test revealed that coating deposited at pH 7, 100°C (CP7100) improves the hydrogen evolution rate by 65% and the degradation rate by 60%. As the degradation performance of coated samples improves so does the mechanical strength. CP7100 samples successfully retained 90% of their compressive strength after 14 days of immersion while bare AZ91-3Ca alloy lost its mechanical integrity. Furthermore, biological studies show that cells are happily proliferating, differentiating, and adhering to the coating surfaces, which indicates, improved osteointegration and osteogenesis with no sign of alkaline poisoning. qRT-PCR results showed that calcium phosphate coatings enhanced the mRNA levels for RUNX2, Col1A, and ALP that may exhibit a speedy bone recovery. Thus, calcium phosphate coatings produced via a single-step hydrothermal method improve the degradation behavior, mechanical integrity and stimulate the differentiation of osteoblast lining. This leads toward faster bone regeneration, which shows a great potential of these coatings to be used on degradable implants as a bioactive protective layer.
PET/CT Technology in Adult Zebrafish: A Pilot Study Toward Live Longitudinal Imaging
Authors: Tucker Carl , Collins Richard , Denvir Martin A. , McDougald Wendy A. 
Published: October 2021

Decades of research have confirmed the beneficial and advantageous use of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model of human disease in biomedical studies. Not only are 71% of human genes shared with the zebrafish many of these genes are linked to human diseases. Currently, numerous transgenic and mutant genetic zebrafish lines are now widely available for use in research. Furthermore, zebrafish are relatively inexpensive to maintain compared to rodents. However, a limiting factor to fully utilising adult zebrafish in research is not the fish but the technological imaging tools available. In order to increase the utilisation of adult zebrafish, which are not naturally transparent, requires new imaging approaches. Therefore, this feasibility study: (1) presents an innovative designed PET/CT adult zebrafish imaging platform, capable of maintaining normal aquatic physiology during scanning; (2) assesses the practical aspects of adult zebrafish imaging; and (3) set basic procedural guidelines for zebrafish imaging during a PET/CT acquisition.Methods: With computer aided design (CAD) software an imaging platform was developed for 3D printing. A 3D printed zebrafish model was created from a CT acquisition of a zebrafish using the CAD software. This model and subsequently euthanised zebrafish were imaged post-injection using different concentrations of the radiotracer [18F]FDG with CT contrast.Results: PET/CT imaging was successful, revealing levels as low as 0.01 MBq could be detected in the fish. In the zebrafish imaging post-injection distribution of the radiotracer was observed away from the injection site as well as tissue uptake. Potential preliminary husbandry and welfare guidelines for the fish during and after PET/CT imaging were determined.Conclusion: Using PET/CT for adult zebrafish imaging as a viable non-invasive technological tool is feasible. Adult zebrafish PET/CT imaging has the potential to be a key imaging technique offering the possibilities of enhanced biomedical understanding and new translational data sets.