bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of diagnostic, prognostic, and risk blood and urine biomarkers of transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors: Schoettler Michelle L. , Bhatt Harshil , Vasu Sumithira 
Published: February 2023

Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is an increasingly recognized complication of allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic cellular therapy (HCT), associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although the central drivers of the disease are thought to be endothelial damage and complement activation, no specific diagnostic biomarkers have been identified. TA-TMA is typically diagnosed using criteria comprised of non-specific clinical and laboratory features. Some patients will have a self-remitting course, but more than half develop multi-organ dysfunction or die, making prognostic biomarkers critical. Prevention of TA-TMA, an approach central to other HCT complications such as graft-versus-host disease, is largely untested in part due to a lack of identified early high-risk biomarkers. We conducted a systematic review to summarize the diagnostic, early risk, and prognostic biomarkers of TA-TMA. We screened the titles and abstracts of 1524 citations. After screening out duplications, we read the abstracts of 979 papers and fully reviewed 132 full-text publications. Thirty-one publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria of more than five patients with TA-TMA and a reported measure of association with diagnosis, prognosis, or risk of later development of the disease. Fourteen studies (45%) were with adults, 12 (39%) were with children &lt;18 years old, three included both children and adults, and two did not report age. There were 53 biomarker or biomarker signature entries, and a total of 27 unique biomarkers. Only four biomarkers reported sensitivity and specificity. The single biomarker with the most robust data was sC5b-9, which conferred diagnostic, prognostic, and risk implications. Studies of combinations of biomarkers were rare. No meta-analyses were performed because of significant heterogeneity between studies. The limitations of studies included small sample size, study designs with a high risk of bias (i.e., case–control), the timing of sample collection, and the selection of controls. Furthermore, only two (6%) studies included a training and validation cohort. Cut-off points are needed to stratify groups, as most biomarkers do not have normal values, or normal values cannot be assumed in the HCT setting. In the future, multi-institutional, collaborative efforts are needed to perform rigorously designed, prospective studies with serially enrolled patients, with samples collected at the time of TA-TMA diagnosis, careful selection of controls, and validation of selected biomarkers and cut-off points in a separate cohort.
Interleukin 27 is a novel cytokine with anti-inflammatory effects against spondyloarthritis through the suppression of Th17 responses
Authors: Jouhault Quentin , Cherqaoui Bilade , Jobart-Malfait Aude , Glatigny Simon , Lauraine Marc , Hulot Audrey , Morelle Guillaume , Hagege Benjamin , Ermoza Kétia , El Marjou Ahmed , Izac Brigitte , Saintpierre Benjamin , Letourneur Franck , Rémy Séverine , Anegon Ignacio , Boissier Marie-Christophe , Chiocchia Gilles , Breban Maxime , Araujo Luiza M. 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionSpondylarthritis (SpA) development in HLA-B27/human β2-microglobulin transgenic rat (B27-rat) is correlated with altered conventional dendritic cell (cDC) function that promotes an inflammatory pattern of CD4+T cells, including a biased expansion of pro-inflammatory Th17 population and imbalance of regulatory T cells cytokine profile. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that cDCs from B27-rats under express IL-27, an anti-inflammatory cytokine which induces the differentiation of IL-10+ regulatory T cells and inhibits Th17 cells.MethodsHere, we first investigated whether in vitro addition of exogenous IL-27 could reverse the inflammatory pattern observed in CD4+ T cells. Next, we performed preclinical assay using IL-27 to investigate whether in vivo treatment could prevent SpA development in B27-rats.Resultsin vitro addition of IL-27 to cocultures of cDCs and CD4+ T cell subsets from B27-rats reduced IL-17 and enhanced IL-10 production by T cells. Likewise, IL-27 inhibited the production of IL-17 by CD4+ T cells from SpA patients. Interestingly, in vivo treatment with recombinant IL-27 starting before SpA onset, inhibited SpA development in B27-rats through the suppression of IL-17/TNF producing CD4+ T cells.DiscussionOverall, our results reveal a potent inhibitory effect of IL-27 and highlight this cytokine as a promising new therapeutic target in SpA, especially for SpA patients non responders to currently approved biotherapies.
Association of systemic immune inflammatory index with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in hypertensive individuals: Results from NHANES
Authors: Cao Yang , Li Pengxiao , Zhang Yan , Qiu Miaohan , Li Jing , Ma Sicong , Yan Yudong , Li Yi , Han Yaling 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundThe relationship between the systemic immune inflammatory index (SII) and the prognosis of hypertensive patients is unclear. This study aims to explore the association of SII with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in patients with hypertension.MethodsThis study included 8524 adults with hypertension from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2011–2018, and followed for survival through December 31, 2019. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the associations between SII and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. Restricted cubic spline, piecewise linear regression, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also used.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 4.58 years, 872 all-cause deaths occurred. After adjusting for covariates, higher SII was significantly associated with an elevated risk of CVD mortality. There was a 102% increased risk of CVD mortality per one-unit increment in natural log-transformed SII (lnSII) (P &lt; 0.001). Consistent results were also observed when SII was examined as categorical variable (quartiles). The associations of SII with all-cause and cancer mortality were detected as U-shaped with threshold values of 5.97 and 6.18 for lnSII respectively. Below thresholds, higher SII was significantly associated with lower all-cause mortality (HR=0.79, 95%CI=0.64-0.97) and cancer mortality (HR=0.73, 95%CI=0.53-1.00). Above thresholds, SII was significantly positive associated with all-cause mortality (HR=1.93, 95%CI=1.55-2.40) and cancer mortality (HR=1.93, 95%CI=1.22-3.05). The results were robust in subgroup and sensitivity analyses.ConclusionHigher SII (either as a continuous or categorical variable) were significantly associated with a higher risk of CVD mortality. The U-shaped associations were observed between SII and all-cause and cancer mortality.
IgE+ plasmablasts predict the onset of clinical allergy
Authors: Simonin Elisabeth M. , Babasyan Susanna , Tarsillo Justine , Wagner Bettina 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionIgE+ plasmablasts develop following allergen exposure and B cell activation. They secrete IgE and therefore are directly linked to maintain the mechanisms of IgE-mediated allergies. Here, we show that the presence of IgE+ plasmablasts in peripheral blood not only coincides with clinical allergy, but also predicts the upcoming development of clinical disease.MethodsUsing an equine model of naturally occurring allergy, we compared the timing of allergen exposure, arrival of IgE+ plasmablasts in peripheral blood, and onset of clinical disease.ResultsWe found that IgE+ plasmablasts predict the development of clinical allergy by at least 3 weeks and can be measured directly by flow cytometry or by IgE secretion following in vitro culture. We also compared the IgE secretion by IgE+ plasmablasts with total plasma IgE concentrations and found that while IgE secretion consistently correlates with clinical allergy, total plasma IgE does not.DiscussionTogether, we describe IgE+ plasmablasts as a reliable and sensitive predictive biomarker of allergic disease development.
Severely ill and high-risk COVID-19 patients exhibit increased peripheral circulation of CD62L+ and perforin+ T cells
Authors: Lesteberg Kelsey E. , Araya Paula , Waugh Katherine A. , Chauhan Lakshmi , Espinosa Joaquin M. , Beckham J. David 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionThe emergence of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, has led to over 400 million reported cases worldwide. COVID-19 disease ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe disease and may be impacted by individual immune differences.MethodsWe used multiparameter flow cytometry to compare CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in severe (ICU admitted) and non-severe (admitted to observational unit) hospitalized COVID-19 patients.ResultsWe found that patients with severe COVID- 19 had greater frequencies of CD4+ T cells expressing CD62L compared to non-severe patients and greater frequencies of perforin+ CD8+ T cells compared to recovered patients. Furthermore, greater frequencies of CD62L+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were seen in severely ill diabetic patients compared to non-severe and non-diabetic patients, and increased CD62L+ CD4+ T cells were also seen in severely ill patients with hypertension.DiscussionThis is the first report to show that CD62L+ T cells and perforin+ T cells are associated with severe COVID-19 illness and are significantly increased in patients with high-risk pre-existing conditions including older age and diabetes. These data provide a potential biological marker for severe COVID-19.
Investigating how river flow regimes impact on river delta salinization through idealized modeling
Authors: Matsoukis Constantinos , Amoudry Laurent O. , Bricheno Lucy , Leonardi Nicoletta 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionExcessive salinity can harm ecosystems and compromise the various anthropogenic activities that take place in river deltas. The issue of salinization is expected to exacerbate due to natural and/or anthropogenic climate change. Water regulations are required to secure a sufficient water supply in conditions of limited water volume availability. Research is ongoing in seek of the optimum flow distribution establishing longer lasting and fresher conditions in deltas.MethodsIn this study a three–dimensional (3D) numerical model built for an idealized delta configuration was utilized to investigate how different river discharge annual distributions affect saltwater in deltas. Five simulations were carried out by implementing annual distributions of equal water volume but different shape.ResultsThe results showed that peak flow magnitude, time of occurrence and the length of a hydrograph’s tails can be important parameters affecting stratification, freshwater residence, and renewal times. Hydrographs of small flow range and light tails were the most successful in keeping the delta and its trunk channel fresher for longer periods. Salinity distributions showed a slower response to decreasing rather than increasing river discharges. An increase in the flow rate can result in salinity standards demanded for certain activities (e.g., farming, irrigation etc.) in much shorter times. On the other hand, hydrographs with heavy tails can push the salt intrusion limit further away and be more efficient in mixing the water column. However, they present low freshwater residence and high-water renewal times.DiscussionThese results provide strong indications that it is possible to improve the freshwater conditions in deltas without seeking for additional water resources but by modifying the water distribution. The main outcomes of this work may be able to support and assist coastal scientists and stakeholders dealing with the management of freshwater resources in river deltas across the world.
Developing machine learning methods for automatic recognition of fishing vessel behaviour in the Scomber japonicus fisheries
Authors: Wang Shuxian , Zhang Shengmao , Tang Fenghua , Shi Yongchuang , Sui Yanming , Fan Xiumei , Chen Junlin 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionWith a higher degree of automation, fishing vessels have gradually begun adopting a fishing monitoring method that combines human and electronic observers. However, the objective data of electronic monitoring systems (EMS) has not yet been fully applied in various fishing boat scenarios such as ship behavior recognition.MethodsIn order to make full use of EMS data and improve the accuracy of behaviors recognition of fishing vessels, the present study proposes applying popular deep learning technologies such as convolutional neural network, long short-term memory, and attention mechanism to Chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) fishing vessel behaviors recognition. The operation process of Chub mackerel fishing vessels was divided into nine kinds of behaviors, such as “pulling nets”, “putting nets”, “fish pick”, “reprint”, etc. According to the characteristics of their fishing work, four networks with different convolutional layers were designed in the pre-experiment. And the feasibility of each network in behavior recognition of the fishing vessels was observed. The pre-experiment is optimized from the perspective of the data set and the network. From the standpoint of the data set, the size of the optimized data set is significantly reduced, and the original data characteristics are preserved as much as possible. From the perspective of the network, different combinations of pooling, long short-term memory(LSTM) network, and attention(including CBAM and SE) are added to the network, and their effects on training time and recognition effect are compared.ResultsThe experimental results reveal that the deep learning methods have outstanding performance in behaviors recognition of fishing vessels. The LSTM and SE module combination produced the most apparent optimization effect on the network, and the optimized model can achieve an F1 score of 97.12% in the test set, surpassing the classic ResNet, VGGNet, and AlexNet.DiscussionThis research is of great significance to the management of intelligent fishery vessels and can promote the development of electronic monitoring systems for ships.
The impact of COVID-19 disease on the natural course of cirrhosis: Before and after starting vaccination
Authors: Keskin Onur , Oral Hakan , Sahin Tevhide , Kav Taylan , Parlak Erkan 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundCirrhosis has been reported as an important risk factor for death in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on the natural course of cirrhosis before and after starting vaccination.MethodsThe cirrhosis patients in our cohort (n: 140; median age:56; 71 female) were included in this study. The median MELD (Model For End-stage Liver Disease) score was 11 (6–25) and CCI (Charlson Comorbidity Index) score was 4 (1–11). In total, 85 had CTP (Child-Turcotte-Pugh)-A, 44 had CTP-B and 11 had CTP-C cirrhosis. The course of COVID-19 in this patient group was evaluated before and after COVID-19 vaccination.ResultsBetween March 2020 and January 2021, 36 of the 140 cirrhosis patients had developed COVID-19. Cirrhosis (+)/COVID-19 (+) and Cirrhosis (+)/COVID-19 (–) groups did not differ in terms of age, CCI and MELD-Na scores, or gender. There were six deaths in the Cirrhosis (+)/COVID-19 (+) group and five in the Cirrhosis (+)/COVID-19 (–) group [6/36 (16.6%) vs. 5/104 (4.8%); p: 0.03]. Patients who died were older, had higher CCI and MELD-Na scores, and lower albumin levels. Having had COVID-19 [6.45 (1.43–29.4); p: 0.015], higher MELD-Na score [1.35 (1.18–1.60); p: 0.001] and higher CCI score [1.65 (1.14–2.39); p: 0.008] were found to be independent predictors of mortality. After effective vaccination started in Turkey, only 11 of the remaining 129 patients developed COVID-19, and only one patient died, who was unvaccinated.DiscussionIn our cirrhotic cohort, COVID-19 disease was associated with 16% mortality in the pre-vaccination period. COVID-19 vaccination prevents serious illness and death due to COVID-19 in cirrhotic patients.
Survival status and predictors of mortality among patients admitted to surgical intensive care units of Addis Ababa governmental hospitals, Ethiopia: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Endeshaw Amanuel Sisay , Fekede Mulualem Sitot , Gesso Ashenafi Seifu , Aligaz Esubalew Muluneh , Aweke Senait 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionCritical care is a serious global healthcare burden. Although a high number of surgical patients are being admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU), the mortality remained high, particularly in low and middle-income countries. However, there is limited data in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the survival status and predictors of mortality in surgical patients admitted to the SICUs of Addis Ababa governmental hospitals, Ethiopia.MethodsA multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted on 410 surgical patients admitted to the SICUs of three government hospitals in Addis Ababa selected using a simple random sampling from February 2017 to February 2020. The data were entered into Epidata version 4.6 and imported to STATA/MP version 16 for further analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable Cox regression models were fitted in the analysis to determine the predictor variables. A hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed, and variables with a p-value &lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsFrom a sample of 410 patients, 378 were included for final analysis and followed for a median follow-up of 5 days. The overall mortality among surgical patients in the SICU was 44.97% with an incidence rate of 5.9 cases per 100 person-day observation. Trauma (AHR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.19–2.08), Glasgow coma score (GCS) &lt;9 (AHR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.28–3.31), readmission to the SICU (AHR = 3.52, 95% CI: 2.18–5.68), mechanical ventilation (AHR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.23–5.15), and creatinine level (AHR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.18) were found to be significantly associated with mortality in the SICU.ConclusionThe mortality of surgical patients in the SICU was high. Trauma, GCS &lt;9 upon admission, readmission to the SICU, mechanical ventilation, and increased in the creatinine level on admission to the SICU were the identified predictors of mortality in the SICU.
Impact of reduced antibiotic treatment duration on antimicrobial resistance in critically ill patients in the randomized controlled SAPS-trial
Authors: Shajiei Arezoo , Berends Matthijs S. , Luz Christian F. , van Oers Jos A. , Harmsen Hermie J. M. , Vos Piet , Klont Rob , Loef Bert G. , Reidinga Auke C. , Bormans-Russell Laura , Linsen Kitty , Dormans Tom , Otten Martine , van der Bij Akke , Beishuizen Albertus , de Lange Dylan W. , de Jong Evelien , Nijsten Maarten W. 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundIn the previously reported SAPS trial (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01139489), procalcitonin-guidance safely reduced the duration of antibiotic treatment in critically ill patients. We assessed the impact of shorter antibiotic treatment on antimicrobial resistance development in SAPS patients.Materials and methodsCultures were assessed for the presence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) or highly resistant organisms (HRMO) and compared between PCT-guided and control patients. Baseline isolates from 30 days before to 5 days after randomization were compared with those from 5 to 30 days post-randomization. The primary endpoint was the incidence of new MDR/HRMO positive patients.ResultsIn total, 8,113 cultures with 96,515 antibiotic test results were evaluated for 439 and 482 patients randomized to the PCT and control groups, respectively. Disease severity at admission was similar for both groups. Median (IQR) durations of the first course of antibiotics were 6 days (4–10) and 7 days (5–11), respectively (p = 0.0001). Antibiotic-free days were 7 days (IQR 0–14) and 6 days (0–13; p = 0.05). Of all isolates assessed, 13% were MDR/HRMO positive and at baseline 186 (20%) patients were MDR/HMRO-positive. The incidence of new MDR/HRMO was 39 (8.9%) and 45 (9.3%) in PCT and control patients, respectively (p = 0.82). The time courses for MDR/HRMO development were also similar for both groups (p = 0.33).ConclusionsIn the 921 randomized patients studied, the small but statistically significant reduction in antibiotic treatment in the PCT-group did not translate into a detectable change in antimicrobial resistance. Studies with larger differences in antibiotic treatment duration, larger study populations or populations with higher MDR/HRMO incidences might detect such differences.
Predictors of pulmonary sequelae after COVID-19 pneumonia: A 12-month follow-up study
Authors: Bernardinello Nicol , Cocconcelli Elisabetta , Giraudo Chiara , Daverio Matteo , Castelli Gioele , Petrarulo Simone , Bovo Matteo , Fichera Giulia , Cavinato Silvia , Cattelan Anna Maria , Saetta Marina , Spagnolo Paolo , Balestro Elisabetta 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundSince the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, over 550 million people have been infected worldwide. Despite these large numbers, the long-term pulmonary consequences of COVID-19 remain unclear.AimsThe aim of this single-center observational cohort study was to identify and characterize pulmonary sequelae of COVID-19 at 12 months from hospitalization and to reveal possible predictors for the persistence of long-term lung consequences.MethodsBased on the persistence or absence of radiological changes after 12 months from hospitalization, the whole population was categorized into NOT-RECOVERED (NOT-REC) and RECOVERED (REC) groups, respectively. Clinical and pulmonary function data tests and clinical data were also collected and compared in the two groups. In the NOT-REC group, high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images were semiquantitatively scored analyzing ground-glass opacities (GGO), interstitial thickening (IT), consolidations (CO), linear and curvilinear band opacities, and bronchiectasis for each lung lobe. Logistic regression analyses served to detect the factors associated with 12-month radiological consequences.ResultsOut of the 421 patients followed after hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, 347 met inclusion and exclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. The NOT-REC patients (n = 24; 6.9%) were significantly older [67 (62–76) years vs. 63 (53–71) years; p = 0.02], more frequently current smokers [4 (17%) vs. 12 (4%); p = 0.02], and with more severe respiratory failure at the time of hospitalization [PaO2/FiO2 at admission: 201 (101–314) vs. 295 (223–343); p = 0.01] compared to REC group (n = 323; 93.1%). On multivariable analysis, being a current smoker resulted in an independent predictor for lung sequelae after 12 months from hospitalization [5.6 OR; 95% CI (1.41–22.12); p = 0.01].ConclusionAfter 12 months from hospital admission, a limited number of patients displayed persistent pulmonary sequelae with minimal extension. Being a current smoker at the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection is an independent predictive factor to lung consequences, regardless of the disease severity.