bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homologous Escherichia coli Identified in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Bloodstream
Authors: Shi Qingmiao , Zhang Jun , Wang Jinghui , Du Lijuan , Shi Zhaoyang , Xu Min , Luo Yonggang 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundEscherichia coli is an opportunistic bacterium that causes a wide range of diseases, such as bloodstream infection and central nervous system infection. The traditional culture-based method to detect E. coli usually takes more than 2 days. The object of this study is to explore the value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in identifying E. coli from human cerebrospinal fluid. In addition, we investigated the infection source of E. coli through whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.MethodsWe combined a clinical example to analyze the function of mNGS in pathogen detection from cerebrospinal fluid. NextSeq 550Dx platform was applied for mNGS. Next, whole genome sequencing was performed to obtain the genomic characterization of E. coli. Furthermore, we screened 20 E. coli strains from the National Center for Biotechnology Information and conducted a phylogenetic analysis.ResultsA middle-aged patient who attended our hospital was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma and received surgery. The patient had recurrent fever and persistent lethargy after surgery. Cerebrospinal fluid culture firstly failed to grow the bacteria. Next the cerebrospinal fluid sample was detected by mNGS and the sequence readings of E. coli were identified. Later, E. coli was reported via the second cerebrospinal fluid culture, certifying the result of mNGS. Moreover, we also cultured carbapenem-resistant E. coli from the patient’s bloodstream. Through whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, we found that the E. coli isolated from cerebrospinal fluid and the bloodstream was 100% homologous, indicating the E. coli central nervous system infection was originated from the bloodstream.ConclusionMetagenomic next-generation sequencing is a valuable tool to identify the pathogens from cerebrospinal fluid, and seeking the infection source is of great significance in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, carbapenem-resistant E. coli is a serious problem as the cause of bloodstream infection and central nervous system infection, and effective and adequate measures to prevent and control the present circumstance are urgent.
Twelve-Month Results From the First-in-China Prospective, Multi-Center, Randomized, Controlled Study of the FREEWAY Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon for Femoropopliteal Treatment
Authors: Zhang Bihui , Yang Min , He Tao , Li Xuan , Gu Jianping , Zhang Xiaoming , Dai Xiangchen , Li Xuedong , Lu Xinwu , Lang Dehai , Hu Hongyao , Chen Xueming , Yang Baozhong , Gu Hongbin , Zhang Xiwei , Zou Yinghua 
Published: September 2021

Background: Several paclitaxel-coated balloons have been proved to provide better efficacy results than uncoated balloons in femoropopliteal lesions. But the efficacy and safety of FREEWAY balloons have not been investigated in Chinese patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety performance of FREEWAY paclitaxel-coated balloons vs. uncoated balloons in Chinese femoropopliteal artery lesions.Methods: In this prospective multi-center randomized controlled FREEWAY-CHINA study, 311 patients with symptomatic lower limb ischemia (Rutherford category 2–5) and femoropopliteal lesions of 14 Chinese centers were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to endovascular treatment with either FREEWAY paclitaxel-coated balloons or uncoated balloons (control). The primary endpoint was the 6-month clinically-driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) rate. Secondary endpoints included the device and technical success rate, the ankle-brachial indexes (ABIs), Rutherford category change, the 6-month primary and secondary patency rates, severe adverse effects, and the 12-month CD-TLR rate.Results: The two groups were comparable in terms of their demographic and lesion characteristics. Patients' mean age was 70 years, and 70% were men. The mean lesion length was 71 mm. The 6-month CD-TLR rate was 2.6% in the FREEWAY group and 11.7% in the control group (P = 0.001). The 12-month CD-TLR rate was 2.7% in the FREEWAY group and 13.2% in the control group (P = 0.0005). Other endpoints, including patency rates, major adverse events, and ABI or Rutherford change, did not differ between the two groups.Conclusion: The FREEWAY balloon resulted in an effective decrease in CD-TLR rates and had similar safety results compared to the uncoated balloon in Chinese femoropopliteal artery patients at the 12-month follow-up appointment.
Direct Radiotherapy-Induced Effects on Dental Hard Tissue in Combination With Bleaching Procedure
Authors: Klarić Sever Eva , Tarle Andro , Soče Majana , Grego Timor 
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of radiation and tooth bleaching on the physical and morphological properties of enamel and dentin on permanent teeth.Materials and Methods: Eighty fresh, non-carious third molars were used in this study. Before cutting the crown in half, the teeth samples were randomly allocated to treatment and control groups by using a lottery method. The first group (n = 20) underwent standard radiation protocol (2 Gy/fraction/day, 5 days/week) with bleaching treatment afterward using 16% carbamide peroxide gel, the second group (n = 20) underwent standard radiation protocol with afterward bleaching treatment using 38% hydrogen peroxide, the third group (n = 20) underwent a short, one strong, experimental dose of 70 Gy with afterward bleaching treatment using 16% carbamide peroxide gel, and the fourth group (n = 20) underwent one strong, experimental dose of 70 Gy with afterward bleaching treatment using 38% hydrogen peroxide gel. Groups 5–8 (n = 20) served as control as they underwent only bleaching treatment. Vickers microhardness and surface roughness were performed before (initial) and after irradiation and before bleaching or after only bleaching. The effects of irradiation and bleaching on microhardness (or roughness) of enamel and dentin were analyzed in the repeated-measures ANOVA model.Results: Enamel microhardness after experimental single 70-Gy irradiation or after standard radiation protocol and bleaching with 16 or 38% gel was not statistically significant from microhardness in the control group (p &gt; 0.05). There was a statistically significantly greater reduction in the average microhardness of enamel and dentin during bleaching with 38% gel compared to 16% for both radiation protocols (p &lt; 0.001). After experimental 70-Gy irradiation and bleaching, a 16% statistically significant increase in surface roughness was found for enamel (p = 0.006) and dentin (p = 0.018), while this was not recorded for 38% gel. There was a statistically significantly greater increase in the average roughness of enamel and dentin during bleaching with 38% gel compared to 16% (p &lt; 0.001) for both radiation protocols.Conclusions: Directly induced radiation leads to potential damage of hard dental tissues, which can be further damaged by additional bleaching. If teeth whitening is necessary after irradiation, it is suggested to use lower concentrations of whitening gels.
Effects of Whole SST Anomaly in the Tropical Indian Ocean on Summer rainfall Over Central Asia
Authors: Meng Lixia , Zhao Yong , Li Mingang 
Published: September 2021

The effects of sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly in the tropical Indian Ocean (IO) on summer rainfall over central Asia (CA) are investigated using NCEP/NCAR reanalysis circulation data, Hadley Centre SST data, and GPCC gridded precipitation data for 1971–2016. Results show that the SST anomalies over the whole tropical IO play important roles in modulating summer rainfall over southeast CA via the subtropical westerly jet. When the SSTs in the tropical IO are in positive phases, the south Asian monsoon is weakened, which reduces summer rainfall in the Indian monsoon regions corresponding to less release of latent heat. There is an anomalous anticyclone over the Indian Peninsula and an anomalous cyclone in the upper troposphere over CA, corresponding to a shift of the subtropical westerly jet farther south over CA. The southward shift of westerly jet would be responded to anomalous cyclone at 500 hPa over CA and water vapor transported into CA through two steps from the Arabian Sea, above both contribute to more summer rainfall over CA.
Flash Pyrolysis Kinetics of Extracted Lignocellulosic Biomass Components
Authors: Pielsticker Stefan , Gövert Benjamin , Umeki Kentaro , Kneer Reinhold 
Published: September 2021

Biomass is a complex material mainly composed of the three lignocellulosic components: cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The different molecular structures of the individual components result in various decomposition mechanisms during the pyrolysis process. To understand the underlying reactions in more detail, the individual components can be extracted from the biomass and can then be investigated separately. In this work, the pyrolysis kinetics of extracted and purified cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are examined experimentally in a small-scale fluidized bed reactor (FBR) under N2 pyrolysis conditions. The FBR provides high particle heating rates (approx. 104 K/s) at medium temperatures (573–973 K) with unlimited reaction time and thus complements typically used thermogravimetric analyzers (TGA, low heating rate) and drop tube reactors (high temperature and heating rate). Based on the time-dependent gas concentrations of 22 species, the release rates of these species as well as the overall rate of volatiles released are calculated. A single first-order (SFOR) reaction model and a 2-step model combined with Arrhenius kinetics are calibrated for all three components individually. Considering FBR and additional TGA experiments, different reaction regimes with different activation energies could be identified. By using dimensionless pyrolysis numbers, limits due to reaction kinetics and heat transfer could be determined. The evaluation of the overall model performance revealed model predictions within the ±2σ standard deviation band for cellulose and hemicellulose. For lignin, only the 2-step model gave satisfying results. Modifications to the SFOR model (yield restriction to primary pyrolysis peak or the assumption of distributed reactivity) were found to be promising approaches for the description of flash pyrolysis behavior, which will be further investigated in the future.
Effect of MAP3K8 on Prognosis and Tumor-Related Inflammation in Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hao Jiatao , Cao Yumeng , Yu Hui , Zong Lu , An Ruifang , Xue Yan 
Published: September 2021

Background: MAPK kinase kinase 8 (MAP3K8) is involved in the regulation of MAPK cascades and immune responses. Differential expression of MAP3K8 is closely correlated with tumorigenesis. In this study, we used bioinformatics tools to explore expression level, prognostic values, and interactive networks of MAP3K8 in renal clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC).Methods: Differential expression of MAP3K8 was determined by TIMER2.0, UALCAN, and Oncomine Platform. For exploration of MAP3K8 mutation profile, TIMER2.0, DriverDBv3, and cBioPortal were used. The survival module of GEPIA, UALCAN, and DriverDBv3 was used to examine the prognostic value of MAP3K8. Immune infiltration was estimated by TIMER, TIDE, CIBERSORT, CIBERSORT-ABS, QUANTISEQ, XCELL, MCPCOUNTER, and EPIC algorithms. PPI networks and functional enrichment analysis were constructed using GeneMANIA, Cytoscape, and Metascape. The co-expression module in cBioPortal was used to find genes that are correlated with MAP3K8 in mRNA expression.Results: Compared to normal renal samples, ccRCC (3.08-fold change, P = 1.50E-7; 1.10-fold change, P = 3.00E-3), papillary RCC (2.24-fold change, P = 1.86E-4), and hereditary ccRCC (1.98-fold change, P = 1.69E-9) have significantly higher levels of MAP3K8 expression. Compared to Grade 1 ccRCC samples, Grade 2 (P = 1.28E-3) and Grade 3 (P = 7.41E-4) cases have higher levels of MAP3K8 methylation. Percentage of patients harboring MAP3K8 mutation is 0.3% from TIMER2.0 and 0.2 to 11.5% from cBioPortal. High levels of MAP3K8 expression were associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in ccRCC (GEPIA: Log-rank P = 0.60E-2, HR = 1.5; DriverDBv3: Log-rank P = 1.68E-7, HR = 2.21; UALCAN: P = 0.20E-2). MAP3K8 was positively correlated with the presence of T cell regulatory (Tregs) (QUANTISEQ: Rho = 0.33, P = 1.59E-13). PPI network and functional enrichment analyses revealed that MAP3K8 correlated with NFKBIZ, MIAT, PARP15, CHFR, MKNK1, and ERMN, which was mainly involved in I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB and toll-like receptor signaling pathways.Conclusion: MAP3K8 overexpression was correlated with damaged survival in ccRC and may play a crucial role in cancer-related inflammation via I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB and toll-like receptor signaling pathways.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Non-Responders Show Higher Frequencies of CD24highCD38high Regulatory B Cells and Lower Levels of IL-10 Expression Compared to Responders
Authors: Körber Nina , Pohl Laureen , Weinberger Birgit , Grubeck-Loebenstein Beatrix , Wawer Andrea , Knolle Percy A. , Roggendorf Hedwig , Protzer Ulrike , Bauer Tanja 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe cellular mechanisms involved in the lack of protective antibody response after hepatitis B vaccination are still rather unclear. Regulatory B cells (Breg) known as modulators of B-and T-cell responses may contribute to poor vaccine responsiveness. The current study aimed to investigate the role of regulatory B cells (Breg) in hepatitis B vaccine non-responsiveness after immunization with second- or third-generation hepatitis B vaccines.MethodWe performed comparative phenotypic and frequency analysis of Breg subsets (CD24+CD27+ and CD24highCD38high Breg) in second-generation hepatitis B vaccine non-responders (2nd HBvac NR, n = 11) and responders (2nd HBvac R, n = 8) before (d0), on day 7 (d7), and 28 (d28) after booster vaccination. Cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated ex vivo with a combination of CpG, PMA, and Ionomycin (CpG+P/I) and analyzed for numbers and IL-10 expression levels of Breg by flow cytometry-based analyses.ResultsFlow cytometry-based analyses revealed elevated frequencies of CD24+CD27+ Breg at all time points and significantly higher frequencies of CD24highCD38high Breg on d0 (p = 0.004) and 28 (p = 0.012) in 2nd HBvac NR compared to 2nd HBvac R. In parallel, we observed significantly lower levels of CpG+P/I-induced IL-10 expression levels of CD24+CD27+ and CD24highCD38high Breg (d0: p &lt; 0.0001; d7: p = 0.0004; d28: p = 0.0003 and d0: p = 0.016; d7: p = 0.016, respectively) in 2nd HBvac NR compared to 2nd HBvac R before and after booster immunization. Frequencies of CD24+CD27+ and CD24highCD38high Breg significantly decreased after third-generation hepatitis B booster vaccination (d7: p = 0.014; d28: p = 0.032 and d7: p = 0.045, respectively), whereas IL-10 expression levels of both Breg subsets remained stable.ConclusionHere we report significantly higher frequencies of CD24highCD38high Breg in parallel with significantly lower IL-10 expression levels of CD24+CD27+ and CD24highCD38high Breg in 2nd HBvac NR compared to 2nd HBvac R. Anti-HBs seroconversion accompanied by a decrease of Breg numbers after booster immunization with a third-generation hepatitis B vaccine could indicate a positive effect of third-generation hepatitis B vaccines on Breg-mediated immunomodulation in hepatitis B vaccine non-responders.
Evaluation of the Diagnostic Value of Non-criteria Antibodies for Antiphospholipid Syndrome Patients in a Chinese Cohort
Authors: Hu Chaojun , Li Siting , Xie Zhijuan , You Hanxiao , Jiang Hui , Shi Yu , Qi Wanting , Zhao Jiuliang , Wang Qian , Tian Xinping , Li Mengtao , Zhao Yan , Zeng Xiaofeng 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveAlthough specific anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPLs) have been used in the diagnosis of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) for years, new biomarkers are required to increase its diagnostic and risk-predictive power. This study aimed to explore the value of several non-criteria aPLs in a Chinese cohort.MethodsA total of 312 subjects, namely, 100 patients diagnosed with primary APS, 51 with APS secondary to SLE, 71 with SLE, and 90 healthy controls, were recruited. Serum anticardiolipin (aCL) IgG/IgM/IgA, anti-β2-glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) IgG/IgM/IgA, anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT) IgG/IgM, and anti-annexin A5 antibodies (aAnxV) IgG/IgM were tested using ELISA kits.ResultsOf the total number of patients, 30.46% and 6.62% with APS were positive for aCL or aβ2GPI IgA, respectively, while 39.07% and 24.50% were positive for aAnxV or aPS/PT for at least one antibody (IgG or IgM). The addition test of aCL IgA and aAnxV IgM assists in identifying seronegative APS patients, and IgG aPS/PT was linked to stroke.ConclusionDetection of aCL IgA, aβ2GPI IgA, aAnxV IgG/M, and aPS/PT IgG/M as a biomarker provides additive value in APS diagnosis and would help in risk prediction for APS patients in medical practice.
Complement Alternative and Mannose-Binding Lectin Pathway Activation Is Associated With COVID-19 Mortality
Authors: Defendi Federica , Leroy Corentin , Epaulard Olivier , Clavarino Giovanna , Vilotitch Antoine , Le Marechal Marion , Jacob Marie-Christine , Raskovalova Tatiana , Pernollet Martine , Le Gouellec Audrey , Bosson Jean-Luc , Poignard Pascal , Roustit Matthieu , Thielens Nicole , Dumestre-Pérard Chantal , Cesbron Jean-Yves 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers excessive immune response resulting in increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, endothelial injury, and intravascular coagulopathy. The complement system (CS) activation participates to this hyperinflammatory response. However, it is still unclear which activation pathways (classical, alternative, or lectin pathway) pilots the effector mechanisms that contribute to critical illness. To better understand the immune correlates of disease severity, we performed an analysis of CS activation pathways and components in samples collected from COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Grenoble Alpes University Hospital between 1 and 30 April 2020 and of their relationship with the clinical outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, single-center study cohort in 74 hospitalized patients with RT-PCR-proven COVID-19. The functional activities of classical, alternative, and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) pathways and the antigenic levels of the individual components C1q, C4, C3, C5, Factor B, and MBL were measured in patients’ samples during hospital admission. Hierarchical clustering with the Ward method was performed in order to identify clusters of patients with similar characteristics of complement markers. Age was included in the model. Then, the clusters were compared with the patient clinical features: rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, corticoid treatment, oxygen requirement, and mortality.ResultsFour clusters were identified according to complement parameters. Among them, two clusters revealed remarkable profiles: in one cluster (n = 15), patients exhibited activation of alternative and lectin pathways and low antigenic levels of MBL, C4, C3, Factor B, and C5 compared to all the other clusters; this cluster had the higher proportion of patients who died (27%) and required oxygen support (80%) or ICU care (53%). In contrast, the second cluster (n = 19) presented inflammatory profile with high classical pathway activity and antigenic levels of complement components; a low proportion of patients required ICU care (26%) and no patient died in this group.ConclusionThese findings argue in favor of prominent activation of the alternative and MBL complement pathways in severe COVID-19, but the spectrum of complement involvement seems to be heterogeneous requiring larger studies.
Asthma Patients Benefit More Than Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Authors: Xiong Ruoyan , Zhao Zhiqi , Lu Huanhuan , Ma Yiming , Zeng Huihui , Chen Yan 
Published: September 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised many questions about the role of underlying chronic diseases on disease outcomes. However, there is limited information about the effects of COVID-19 on chronic airway diseases. Therefore, we conducted the present study to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and ascertain risk factors for acute exacerbations (AEs).Methods: This single-center observational study was conducted at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, involving asthma or COPD patients who had been treated with inhaled combination corticosteroids (ICSs), such as budesonide, and one long-acting beta-2-agonist (LABA), such as formoterol, for at least a year before the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted telephone interviews to collect demographic information and clinical data between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, focusing on respiratory and systemic symptoms, as well as times of exacerbations. Data for asthma and COPD were then compared, and the risk factors for AEs were identified using logistic regression analysis.Results: A total of 251 patients were enrolled, comprising 162 (64.5%) who had asthma and 89 who had COPD, with none having COPD/asthma overlap. Frequency of AEs among asthma patients was significantly lower in 2020 than in 2019 (0.82 ± 3.33 vs. 1.00 ± 3.16; P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, these patients visited the clinic less (0.37 ± 0.93 vs. 0.49 ± 0.94; P &lt; 0.05) and used emergency drugs less (0.01 ± 0.11 vs. 007 ± 0.38; P &lt; 0.05) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, among COPD patients, there were no significant differences in AE frequency, clinic visits, or emergency drug use. Furthermore, asthma patients visited clinics less frequently during the pandemic than those with COPD. Logistic regression analysis also showed that a history of at least one AE within the last 12 months was associated with increased AE odds for both asthma and COPD during the COVID-19 pandemic (odds ratio: 13.73, 95% CI: 7.04–26.77; P &lt; 0.01).Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with asthma showed better disease control than before, whereas patients with COPD may not have benefited from the pandemic. For both diseases, at least one AE within the previous 12 months was a risk factor for AEs during the pandemic. Particularly, among asthma patients, the risk factors for AE during the COVID-19 pandemic were urban environment, smoking, and lower asthma control test scores.