bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of CRP In Combination With D-Dimer In Predicting Adverse Postoperative Outcomes of Patients With Acute Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Zhiwei Tang , Junjie Du , Buqing Ni , Weidong Gu , Yongfeng Shao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CRP and D-dimer and the combination of them as prognostic indicators for patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. From January 2017 to December 2020, all consecutive patients with ATAAD admitted to the emergency medicine center of our hospital within 24 hours after symptoms (chest pain, back pain, abdominal pain and so on) onset were enrolled in our study. Serum concentration of CRP and D-dimer were measured on admission. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify these predictors of adverse postoperative outcomes by adjusting other thrombotic or inflammatory biomarkers. Predictive efficacy was defined by area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).Results: A total of 213 patients with ATAAD were finally enrolled. They were categorized as group A (n=160) and group B (n=53) according to postoperative outcomes. Compared with group A, CRP levels of group B were higher (22.40(10.00, 32.51) vs. 11.06(6.21, 22.88), p<0.01)and so were D-dimer levels (12.55(7.74, 30.92) vs 6.21(2.75, 9.45), p<0.01). After controlling for potentially relevant confounding variables, we found admission CRP and D-dimer were independent predictors of adverse postoperative outcomes (odds ratio, 1.163; 95% CI, 1.066 to 1.269; p = 0.001; odds ratio, 1.227; 95% CI, 1.096 to 1.374; p<0.001, respectively). The predictive accuracy of the combination of CRP and D-dimer (AUC：0.849) was superior to that of CRP or D-dimer alone (AUC：0.669，0.763, respectively).Conclusion: CRP and D-dimer on admission are independent predictors of adverse postoperative outcomes in patients with ATAAD, which are easy to get without paying more either for the individual or the medical system. Combination of these two markers will improve the predictive efficacy.
Acupoint Injection of Dextrose Attenuates Chronic Inflammatory Pain In Mice Through Modulation of Transient Receptor Potential V1 Channel Expression
Authors: Liao Hsien-Yin , Lin Ming-Chia , Lin Yi-Wen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Neuroinflammatory processes initiated by injury, infection, and other insults induce long-term alterations in the signaling characteristics of nociceptive neurons and associated non-neuronal cells, resulting in chronic inflammatory pain (CIP). Prolotherapy, also termed acupoint injection (AI) therapy, utilizes anatomically based meridians derived from Chinese Medicinal Theory to attenuate chronic pain. In fact, AI has demonstrated superior results compared to traditional acupuncture methods without significant side effects. Methods: In this study, we explored the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of AI on CIP in mice. The mouse hindpaw was injected with complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) to induce CIP, followed AI treatment. Results: After two weeks, indices of mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were significantly reduced by AI treatment. CIP was associated with elevated expression levels of transient receptor potential V1 (TRPV1) channels, various downstream kinases and transcription factors, and nociception-associated voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG), spinal cord, thalamus, and somatosensory cortex, while AI-induced analgesia was associated with reversal of these expression changes. Further, upregulation of TRPV1-associated signaling factors was not observed in Trpv1 knockout mice following CFA injection. In addition, the activated microglial markers Iba-1 and S100B demonstrated similar expression changes and were colocalized with TRPV1. Conclusions: These findings suggest that AI can mitigate chronic pain (and sequel such as comorbid depression) by suppressing TRPV1 overexpression in neuronal or microglial cells.
Biological evaluation of a mechanical ventilator that operates by controlling an automated manual resuscitator. A descriptive study in swine
Authors: Carazas Maryanne Melanie Gonzales , Gavidia Cesar Miguel , Fernandez Roberto Davila , Zuñiga Juan Alberto Vargas , Paiva Alberto Crespo , Bocanegra William , Calderon Joan , Sanchez Evelyn , Perales Rosa , Zeña Brandon , Isique Juan Fernando Calcina , Reategui Jaime , Aphan Benjamin Castañeda , Casado Fanny Lys 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

The Covid-19 outbreak challenged health systems around the world to design and implement cost-effective devices to complement mechanical ventilators that can be produced locally. Masi works as a mechanical ventilator to bring life-support by automating a resucitation bag to closely control ventilatory parameters.
Methods

This pre-clinical trial was designed to study the physiological responses of healthy swine maintained under volume- or pressure-controlled mechanical ventilation. Thus, physiological parameters were measured in eight sedated animals (t0), prior to inducing deep anesthesia, as well as during the next six hours of mechanical ventilation with Masi (t1-7). Hemodynamic conditions were monitored periodically using a gas analyzer machine (i.e. BEecf, HCO3, SaO2, lactate, pH, PaO2, PaCO2) and a capnometer (i.e. ETCO2). Electrocardiogram, echocardiography and lung ultrasonography were performed to detect in vivo alterations in these vital organs and pathological findings from necropsy are reported.
Results

The mechanical ventilator properly controlled physiological levels of blood biochemistry such as oxygenation parameters (PaO2, PaCO2, SaO2, ETCO2), acid-base equilibrium (pH, HCO3−, BEecf), and perfusion of tissues (lactate levels). In addition, histopathological analysis showed no evidence of acute tissue damage in lung, heart, liver, kidney, or brain. Moreover, all animals were able to breathe spontaneously after undergoing mechanical ventilation controlled by Masi device. The results demonstrate that Masi mechanical ventilator allows the regulation of body gas exchange and maintain the physiological parameters in the normal range for swine.
Conclusions

These preclinical data, added to the appropriate performance of Masi in engineering laboratory tests, support the biological safety of the medical device to move forward to further evaluation in clinical studies.
Genetic architecture of smoking: Evaluating rare variant contribution from deep whole-genome sequencing of up to 26,000 individuals
Authors: Jang Seon-Kyeong , Evans Luke , Fialkowski Allison , Arnett Donna , Becker Diane , Bis Joshua , Blangero John , Bleecker Eugene , Brody Jennifer , Cupples L. Adrienne , Damrauer Scott , David Sean , de Andrade Mariza , Fingerlin Tasha , Gharib Sina , Glahn David , Haessler Jeffrey , Heckbert Susan , Hokanson John , Hwang Shih-Jen , Hyman Matthew , Judy Renae , Justice Anne , Kaplan Robert , Kim Wonji , Kooperberg Charles , Levy Dan , Loos Ruth , Manichaikul Ani , Gladwin Mark , Martin Lisa , Nouraie Mehdi , Melander Olle , Meyers Deborah , North Kari , Oelsner Elizabeth , Peljto Anna , Preuss Michael , Psaty Bruce , Qiao Dandi , Rader Daniel , Reed Robert , Reiner Alexander , Rich Stephen , Rotter Jerome , Schwartz David , Shadyab Aladdin , Silverman Edwin , Smith Nicholas , Smith Gustav , Smith Albert , Tang Weihong , Taylor Kent , Vasan Ramachandran , Gordeuk Victor , Wang Zhe , Wiggins Kerri , Yanek Lisa , Yang Ivana , Young Kendra , Young Kristin , Zhang Yingze , Liu Dajiang , Keller Matthew , Vrieze Scott 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Across complex traits, common variants explain only a modest amount of variance, with SNP-heritability consistently below heritability estimates from close relatives. Here, we examined the contribution of rare variant to tobacco use risk in up to 26,000 individuals of European ancestry in the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program with whole genome sequence (WGS;~30X coverage).Method We grouped about 35 million genetic variants by their minor allele frequencies (MAF) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) and estimated SNP-heritability for age of smoking initiation (N = 14,747), cigarettes smoked per day (N = 15,425), smoking cessation (N = 17,871) and initiation (N = 26,340) using linear mixed model. Rare variant population structure is detected and adjusted for by permutation procedure. We estimated an upper bound for narrow-sense heritability for tobacco use using available pedigrees consisting of close relatives in TOPMed.Results Rare variants with MAF 0.1–0.01%, mostly from non-protein altering region, accounted for 26% of variation in age of initiation and 15% for cessation. Follow-up analysis indicated that about one-third of these rare variants contribtion is potentially confounded with rare variants structure even after adjusting for principal components. After further conservative adjustment of population structure, we estimated SNP-based heritability to be 0.21 (SE = 0.08) for age of initiation, 0.15 (0.06) for cigarettes per day, 0.21 (0.09) for cessation, and 0.24 (0.07) for initiation, 1.8–4.5 times higher than previous SNP-based estimates. Our pedigree-based upper-bound for SNP-based heritability ranged from 0.18–0.35.Conclusion The substantial contribution of rare variants for several smoking phenotypes sheds light on the missing heritability and genetic etiology of tobacco use. It also informs fine-mapping strategies since the majority of the rare variant contribution was located in non-coding regulatory regions.
How Does Vector Bemisia Tabaci use Visual and Olfactory Cues in Orientation to A Virus-Infected Host Plant?
Authors: Zhang Zelong , He Haifang , Yan Minghui , Zhang Beibei , Li Jingjing , Yan Fengming 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) has caused serious damage to melon crops in many countries in recent years. It is exclusively transmitted by the notorious pest Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in a semi-persistent manner. Previous studies have shown that both persistently and non-persistently transmitted viruses can manipulate orientation and performance of vector insects through changing host phenotype to facilitate virus spread. However, as a semi-persistently transmitted virus, how CCYV affect vector B. tabaci in locating host plants by altering physiological traits of host plants is still unknown. In this study, we investigated B. tabaci visual and olfactory preference between healthy and CCYV-infected host plant Cucumis sativus. Volatile profiles of healthy and CCYV-infected C. sativus plants were analyzed by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Initially, it was found that vector insects preferred to settle down CCYV-infected Cucumis sativus seedlings in free choice. The concentrations of total volatiles and terpenes in cucumber plants were notably decreased after CCYV infection, and especially, the concentrations of α-pinene, β-ocimene, α-farnesene, and nonanal, responsible for olfactory attraction of B. tabaci, dramatically reduced in CCYV-infected plants. Subsequently, we investigated the visual preference of B. tabaci to CCYV-infected and healthy host, and found that B. tabaci adults showed significant preference to CCYV-infected host. CCYV induced yellowing symptoms in host leaves may explain the visual preference of B. tabaci adults to infected hosts. This study indicated that visual cues could play a vital role in vector insects locating virus-infected host plants.
Plus Shaped Single Grating based Optical Fiber Structure for Water Sensing Application
Authors: Singh Lokendra , Agarwal NiteshKumar , Saha Chinmoy , Pareek Prakash 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Fiber grating sensors demonstrate great potential especially for the refractive index based sensing. However, a meticulous effort is still required to improve the sensitivity of fiber grating sensors towards water sensing. In this work, for the first time we have numerically investigated a plus shaped single grating within the core of optical fiber for water sensing applicaions. The primary objective of incoroporating the plus shaped grating within the core is to increase the sensitivity in comparison to existing grating sensors while increasing the analytes quantity. The testing of designed grating sensor model is done within the refractive index range from 1.33 to 1.39 with a remarkable wavelength shift of 65 nm. The analysis of proposed model of grating sensor is accomplished by using finite difference time domain (FDTD) method under the contour of perfect matched layer (PML) as boundary conditions at the interface of core and grating. The attained results depicts the significant sensitivity of the proposed fiber grating sensor for water sample sensing.
Analysis of Risk and Prognostic Factors in a Population of Pediatric Patients Hospitalized for Acute Malnutrition at the Chiulo Hospital, Angola
Authors: Tripoli Federica Maria , Accomando Salvatore , Placa Simona La , Pietravalle Andrea , Putoto Giovanni , Corsello Giovanni , Giuffrè Mario 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Malnutrition is a multifactorial pathology in which genetic, epigenetic, cultural, environmental, socio-economic factors interact with each other. The impact that this disease has on the health of children worldwide is dramatic. Severe acute malnutrition in particular is a disease affecting nearly 20 million preschool children worldwide, most of them in Africa and South East Asia.Objectives: This work aims to investigate potential prognostic factors in the clinical evolution of acute malnutrition and potential risk factors for the development of the disease.Methods: Our study was carried out at the “Hospital da Missão Catolica do Chiulo”, in Angola, where the NGO Doctors with Africa CUAMM has been operating since 2000. In the first part of the study we analyzed the characteristics and clinical evolution of 163 patients hospitalized for acute malnutrition at the UEN (Unidade Especial de Nutrição) of the Chiulo Hospital over a period of six months, in order to identify potential prognostic factors of the disease. The second part of our study was carried out by administering a questionnaire to a group of caregivers of malnourished children and to a group of caregivers of non-malnourished children admitted to Pediatrics for other causes, with the aim of identifying potential risk factors for the development of malnutrition. Results and Conclusions: The analysis of prognostic factors revealed that the most relevant are the WHZ (weight for height z-score) at the time of admission, the presence of Stunting and the presence of other pathologies or clinical conditions associated with severe acute malnutrition.The analysis of risk factors has shown that not only food shortages, but also errors in the timing of the suspension of breastfeeding and the timing of the introduction of complementary foods play an important role. Equally important were some family risk factors, including the size of the family unit and the presence of deceased children.It also emerged that the lack of knowledge of what a child needs to grow up healthy often affects the development of malnutrition. It follows that a useful and low-cost tool for preventing child malnutrition would be large-scale nutrition education campaigns.
Pre-pregnancy BMI-associated miRNA and mRNA expression signatures in the placenta highlight a sexually-dimorphic response to maternal underweight status
Authors: Clark Jeliyah , Eaves Lauren A. , Gaona Adriana R. , Santos Hudson P. , Smeester Lisa , Bangma Jacqueline T , Rager Julia E. , O’Shea T. Michael , Fry Rebecca C. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Pre-pregnancy BMI is associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal health outcomes, with differences in risk observed between sexes. Given that the placenta is a sexually dimorphic organ and critical regulator of development, examining differences in placental mRNA and miRNA expression according to pre-pregnancy BMI may provide insight into responses to maternal BMI in utero. Here, genome-wide mRNA and miRNA expression levels were assessed in the placentas of infants born extremely preterm. Differences in expression were evaluated according to pre-pregnancy BMI status (1) overall and (2) in male and female placentas separately. Overall, N = 719 mRNAs were differentially expressed in relation to underweight status. Unexpectedly, no genes were differentially expressed in relation to overweight or obese status. In male placentas, N = 572 mRNAs were associated with underweight status, with N = 503 (70%) overlapping genes identified overall. Notably, 43/572 (8%) of the mRNAs associated with underweight status in male placentas were also gene targets of two miRNAs (miR-4057 and miR-128-1-5p) associated with underweight status in male placentas. Pathways regulating placental nutrient metabolism and angiogenesis were among those enriched in mRNAs associated with underweight status in males. This study is among the first to highlight a sexually dimorphic response to low pre-pregnancy BMI in the placenta.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profile under Abiotic Stress of the barley Non-Specific Lipid Transfer Protein Gene Family and its Qingke Orthologs
Authors: Duo Jiecuo , Xiong Huiyan , Wu Xiongxiong , Li Yuan , Si Jianping , Zhang Chao , Duan Ruijun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Plant non-specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs), a group of small, basic ubiquitous proteins to participate in lipid transfer, cuticle formation and stress response, involved in the regulation of plant growth and development. To date, although the nsLTP gene family of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has been preliminarily identified, it is still unclear in the recently completed genome database of barley and Qingke and its transcriptional profiling under abiotic stress has not been elucidated as well.
Results

We identified 40 barley nsLTP (HvLTP) genes through strict screening strategy based on the latest barley genome and 35 Qingke nsLTP (HtLTP) Orthologs used blastp, and these LTP genes were divided into four types (1, 2, D and G). At the same time, the comprehensive analysis of physical and chemical characteristics, homology alignment, conservative motifs, gene structure and evolution of HvLTPs and HtLTPs were further supported their similar nsLTPs’ characteristics and classification. The genomic location of HvLTPs and HtLTPs showed that these genes were unevenly distributed, and obvious HvLTP and HtLTP gene clusters were found on the 7 chromosomes including six pairs of tandem repeats and one pair of segment repeats in barley genome, indicating that these genes may be co-evolution and co-regulated. Spatial expression analysis showed that most HvLTPs and HtLTPs were differently tissue-specific expression patterns. Moreover, the upstream cis-elements analysis of HvLTPs and HtLTPs showed that there had many different stress-related transcriptional regulatory elements, and the expression pattern of HvLTPs and HtLTPs under abiotic stress also indicated that numerous HvLTP and HtLTP genes were found to be related to abiotic stress response. Taken together, it may be due to the differences in promoter, rather than by genes themselves resulting in different expression pattern under abiotic stress.
Conclusion

Due to a stringent screening and comprehensive analysis of nsLTP gene family in barley and Qingke, and its expression profile under abiotic stress, this study can be considered as a useful source for the future studies of nsLTP genes in either barley and Qingke or comparison of different plant species.
Ventilator dependence in critically ill patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: a multicenter observational study
Authors: Kao Hsiao-Hui , Peng Chung-Kan , Sheu Chau-Chyun , Lin Yu-Chao , Chan Ming-Cheng , Wang Sheng-Huei , Chen Chia-Min , Shen Yi-Cheng , Zheng Zhe-Rong , Lin Yi-Tsung , Hsu Han-Shui , Feng Jia-Yih , Yang Kuang-Yao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is one of the key pathogens associated with VAP. Research on ventilator dependence in patients with VAP caused by CRAB remains limited.Methods: In this retrospective multicenter study, we enrolled ICU-admitted patients with VAP caused by CRAB. The status of ventilator dependence was determined on day 21 after initiating ventilator support, and the clinical factors associated with ventilator dependence as well as the differences in treatment outcomes between patients with and without ventilator dependence were investigated. The impact of VAP-onset time, defined as time between hospitalization and VAP onset, on ventilator dependence and mortality was also explored. Results: A total of 274 patients with VAP caused by CRAB were analyzed. The overall ventilator-dependence rate on day 21 was 63.5% (174/274). Patients with ventilator dependence had longer ICU stays (28.5 [interquartile range (IQR) 21–43] days vs. 16.0 (IQR 12–21) days, P<0.001) and higher day 28 mortality rates (17.2% vs. 5%, P=0.003). Clinical factors associated with ventilator dependence were advanced age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.04), higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (aOR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.08), PaO2/FIO2 (PF) ratio <200 (aOR 2.194, 95% CI 1.20–3.99), and late onset VAP (6–10 days: aOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.04–4.99; >10 days: aOR 3.92, 95% CI 1.86–8.29). Patients with late onset VAP had higher mortality rates. Conclusions: Advanced age, higher APACHE II score, PF ratio<200, and late onset VAP were independent factors associated with ventilator dependence in patients with VAP caused by CRAB. Patients with ventilator dependence and late onset VAP were associated with higher mortality rates. Trial registration: This is an observational study; therefore, it has not been registered.
Small fibre neuropathy in patients with chronic pain and a previous diagnosis of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity syndrome
Authors: Fileccia Enrico , Incensi Alex , Ventruto Francesco , Rizzo Giovanni , Galimberti Damiano , Rao Giacomo , Salvi Fabrizio , Liguori Rocco , Donadio Vincenzo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is characterised by an involvement of Aδ and C-fibres leading to sensory, mainly pain, and/or autonomic symptoms. Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS) is a still not fully defined condition characterised by the arising of different symptoms after exposure to several chemical substances. Pain is often complained by patients affected by MCS. In this study we report the histological and clinical data of a cohort of patients referred to our attention for the suspect of SFN because of chronic pain, who had also received a previous diagnosis of MCS. We studied a total of 21 patients; all patients underwent neurological clinical examination (including scales for pain and autonomic disorders) and skin biopsy. Age matched healthy were used as controls for skin biopsy data. In addition, nerve conduction studies and serum screening to exclude possible causes of peripheral neuropathy were also performed. Skin biopsy disclosed a somatic SFN in all patients. Notwithstanding the majority (18 out of 21) of patients complained also of autonomic symptoms we found a sparing of autonomic innervation on skin biopsy. Chronic pain in MCS could be secondary to the presence of a somatic SFN although larger studies are needed to confirm our observation.