bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired strontium magnesium phosphate cement prepared utilizing the precursor method for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Liu Qiaoyun , Liu Changjiang , Wang Weixing , Yuan Liangjie , Wang Yu , Yi Xinzeyu , Pan Zhenyu , Yu Aixi 
Published: February 2023

Bioinspired strontium magnesium phosphate cements for bone tissue engineering were prepared using a new, facile, environmentally friendly and high yielding (98.5%) precursor method. The bioinspired SMPCs have uniform particle distributions, excellent mechanical strengths and high biocompatibilities. The in vitro responses of bone marrow stromal cells to the SMPCs, including viability, osteogenic differentiation and alkaline phosphatase activity, were evaluated. The results show that the SMPC containing 0.5 mol of strontium (referred to as SMPC-2) has a higher degradation rate and biological activity than magnesium phosphate cements and the other SMPCs. In addition, the synergistic effect of strontium and magnesium ion release from SMPC-2 creates a conducive environment for cell proliferation, mineralized calcium deposition and new bone formation. These observations demonstrate the feasibility of using the new precursor method to generate SMPCs and the utility of these biologically compatible and highly effective cements for bone tissue engineering.
Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in patients with infective endocarditis
Authors: Li Shao-Lin , Zhao Xi , Tao Jun-Zhong , Yue Zhen-Zhen , Zhao Xiao-Yan 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivesMetagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology is helpful for the early diagnosis of infective endocarditis, especially culture-negative infective endocarditis, which may guide clinical treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the presence of culture-negative infective endocarditis pathogens versus culture-positive ones, and whether mNGS test results could influence treatment regimens for patients with routine culture-negative infective endocarditis.MethodsThe present study enrolled patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis and tested for mNGS in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2019 to February 2022 continuously. According to the culture results, patients were divided into culture-negative group (Group CN, n=18) and culture-positive group (Group CP, n=32). The baseline characteristics, clinical data, pathogens, 30 day mortality and treatment regimen of 50 patients with infective endocarditis were recorded and analyzed.ResultsExcept for higher levels of PCT in the Group CN [0.33 (0.16-2.74) ng/ml vs. 0.23 (0.12-0.49) ng/ml, P=0.042], there were no significant differences in the basic clinical data and laboratory examinations between the two groups (all P&gt;0.05). The aortic valve and mitral valve were the most involved valves in patients with infective endocarditis (aortic valve involved: Group CN 10, Group CP 16; mitral valve involved: Group CN 8, Group CP 21; P&gt;0.05) while 9 patients had multiple valves involved (Group CN 2, Group CP 7; P&gt;0.05). The detection rate of non-streptococci infections in the Group CN was significantly higher than that in the Group CP (9/18 vs. 3/32, P=0.004). There was no significant difference in patients with heart failure hospitalization and all-cause death at 30 days after discharge (3 in Group CN vs. 4 in Group CP, P&gt;0.05). It is worth noting that 10 patients with culture-negative infective endocarditis had their antibiotic regimen optimized after the blood mNGS.ConclusionsCulture-negative infective endocarditis should be tested for mNGS for early diagnosis and to guide clinical antibiotic regimen.
The impact of persistent anomalous precipitation in Southwest China caused by low-frequency atmospheric disturbances in different latitudes and altitudes
Authors: Xiao Tian-Gui , Huang Yao , Han Lin , Nong Ya-yue 
Published: February 2023

Previous studies have pointed out that persistent abnormal precipitation is closely related to atmospheric low-frequency oscillation, and Southwest China can be affected by low-frequency oscillation in different latitudes and altitudes. Therefore, it is necessary to study the relationship between persistent abnormal precipitation in Southwest China and low-frequency oscillation. In this study, the characteristics of atmospheric low-frequency oscillation in different latitudes and altitudes affecting persistent extreme precipitation in Southwest China were discussed by synthetic analysis and Butterworth filtering with precipitation data from meteorological stations and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data, and the configuration relationship of low-frequency systems in three-dimensional space was shown. The results showed the following: 1) in the low-frequency circulation field, the Ural Mountains, east of Lake Baikal, the Sea of Okhotsk (Japan), the Western Pacific subtropical high control area, the South China Sea, the Indian Peninsula, and the Bay of Bengal were the key areas affecting precipitation; 2) oscillation could better reflect the original circulation characteristics at all latitudes of each layer, and on a period of oscillation of 15–30 days, it will affect precipitation at all altitudes and latitudes; and 3) at the lower level, different low-frequency cyclones and anticyclones moved to the mid-latitude and converged in different forms in the precipitation area. In the middle layer, the low-frequency high-pressure and low-pressure centers in the middle and high latitudes moved southward, finally forming a circulation situation of the high west and low east. At the upper level, the rainy area was controlled by low-frequency anticyclones and divergence centers from different regions, forming a high-altitude divergence field. The results can provide a theoretical basis for forecasting the extended period of persistent heavy rain in Southwest China.
Investigation of the 2015 Ms5.8 Alxa Left Banner earthquake sequence: Aftershock evolution and seismogenic structure
Authors: Zeng Xianwei , Li Xinyan , Li Mengya , Li Wenjun 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The 2015 Ms5.8 Alxa Left Banner earthquake (Alxa Ms 5.8 eathquake) struck a sparsely inhabited area of Inner Mongolia, northwestern China. However, as first &gt; Ms 5 event on the Ningxia–Inner Mongolia segment of the North–South seismic zone for 24 years, the earthquake is of considerable scientific interest.Methods: In this study, the seismic distribution of the Alxa Ms 5.8 earthquake sequence was redetermined via the analysis of data from permanent and campaign seismic stations using the double-difference (DD) method. To improve the completeness of the earthquake catalog, the match and locate (M&amp;L) method was then used to detect micro-earthquakes.Results: The mainshock rupture started at the eastern end of the fault, propagating east-to-west and deep-to-shallow. Aftershocks were distributed in a NEE trending (N70°–75°E), with a 12-km length and a dominant depth of 15–25 km. Moreover, the aftershocks formed two distinct segments (the eastern and western segments). The mainshock and early aftershocks were primarily located on the eastern segment and relatively fewer aftershocks occurred on the western segment.Discussion: Subsequently, from March to June 2016, three earthquakes of &gt; ML3.0 occurred in the seismic gap between the eastern and western segments, releasing stress that was not released by the mainshock. According to the aftershock evolution, the seismogenic fault of Alxa Ms 5.8 eathquake associated with a NEE-striking blind fault that becomes steeply dipping toward the south. Furthermore, the seismogenic fault is a western branch fault of the Dengkou–Benjing blind fault (DBF). The aftershock evolution and inferred seismogenic structure provide a reference for further research in the study area.
Increased levels of anti-BSA antibodies in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Grace Sian L. , Mortimer Georgina L. , Kozhakhmetova Aizhan , Leveret Jamie , Newton Richard , Reimand Koit , Shield Julian P. H. , Uibo Raivo , Williams Alistair J. K. , Gillespie Kathleen M. 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionAutoimmune diabetes occurs more often in the first 2 years of life in children with Down syndrome (DS) compared with the general population. We previously observed increased frequencies of islet autoantibodies, including insulin autoantibodies (IAA), in children with DS. Assays for IAA using 125I-labelled insulin require competition to overcome cross reactivity with antibodies to the cow’s milk protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA). 125I-IAA assay results suggested that levels of antibodies to BSA may also be increased in children with DS. The aim of this study therefore was to determine whether the levels of anti-BSA antibodies differed in children with DS compared with controls.MethodsSamples were available from two populations with DS: one from the UK, (UK DS cohort n=106, 58 male, median age 12.5 years) and one from Estonia (Estonian DS cohort: n=121, 65 male, median age 9.75 years). A UK control population was provided by sex and age-matched healthy siblings of probands participating in the Bart’s Oxford (BOX) family study of type 1 diabetes. A competitive-displacement radiobinding assay (RBA) and a Dissociation Enhanced Lanthanide Fluoroimmunoassay (DELFIA) were developed to measure and confirm anti-BSA antibody levels. HLA class II genotype was analysed by PCR using sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP).ResultsOverall, levels of anti-BSA antibodies were increased in those with DS compared with controls (p&lt;0.0001) but this was not HLA associated.ConclusionIncreased levels of anti-BSA antibodies may reflect a defect in immune maturation or increased gut permeability in children with DS, increasing their risk of developing autoimmunity.
Influenza vaccination trend and related factors among patients with diabetes in Korea: Analysis using a nationwide database
Authors: Lee Dong-Hwa , Yang Bumhee , Gu Seonhye , Kim Eung-Gook , Kim Youlim , Kang Hyung Koo , Choe Yeong Hun , Jeon Hyun Jeong , Park Seungyong , Lee Hyun 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundSubjects with diabetes are at higher risk of serious influenza-related complications. We aimed to investigate the yearly trend of influenza vaccination and factors associated with being unvaccinated for influenza in subjects with diabetes using a nationwide observational study performed within the recent decade.MethodsAmong 105,732 subjects from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2019, 8,632 with diabetes were included. We investigated the yearly trend of influenza vaccination and factors associated with being unvaccinated for influenza.ResultsDuring the study period, the prevalence of influenza vaccination in subjects with diabetes showed a tendency to increase every year, reaching almost 60% in 2019, which was higher than the rate in subjects without diabetes. Younger age (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) [95% CI] 11.29 [8.63–14.75] for &lt; 50 years; 6.16 [5.21–7.29] for 50–65 years), male (aHR 1.67 [1.52–1.87]), current smoker (aHR 1.31 [1.00–1.72], lower-income status (aHR 1.46 [1.17, 1.84]), and high education level (aHR 1.30 [1.01–1.67]) were associated with being unvaccinated. Also, a poorer glycemic control with HbA1c ≥ 9% was found to be correlated with unvaccinated status (aHR 1.48 [1.15–1.90]).ConclusionThe influenza vaccination rate is still unsatisfactory in subjects with diabetes. Young age, males, low-income level, high education level, and poor glycemic control were associated with unvaccinated status. Considering the risk-benefits of influenza vaccination in patients with diabetes, physicians should make an effort to increase vaccination rates, especially in low vaccination rate groups.
Integrative genetics-metabolomics analysis of infant bronchiolitis-childhood asthma link: A multicenter prospective study
Authors: Ooka Tadao , Zhu Zhaozhong , Liang Liming , Celedon Juan C. , Harmon Brennan , Hahn Andrea , Rhee Eugene P. , Freishtat Robert J. , Camargo Carlos A. , Hasegawa Kohei 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundInfants with bronchiolitis are at high risk for developing childhood asthma. While genome-wide association studies suggest common genetic susceptibilities between these conditions, the mechanisms underlying the link remain unclear.ObjectiveThrough integrated genetics-metabolomics analysis in this high-risk population, we sought to identify genetically driven metabolites associated with asthma development and genetic loci associated with both these metabolites and asthma susceptibility.MethodsIn a multicenter prospective cohort study of infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis, we profiled the nasopharyngeal metabolome and genotyped the whole genome at hospitalization. We identified asthma-related metabolites from 283 measured compounds and conducted metabolite quantitative trait loci (mtQTL) analyses. We further examined the mtQTL associations by testing shared genetic loci for metabolites and asthma using colocalization analysis and the concordance between the loci and known asthma-susceptibility genes.ResultsIn 744 infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis, 28 metabolites (e.g., docosapentaenoate [DPA], 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol, sphingomyelin) were associated with asthma risk. A total of 349 loci were associated with these metabolites—161 for non-Hispanic white, 120 for non-Hispanic black, and 68 for Hispanics. Of these, there was evidence for 30 shared loci between 16 metabolites and asthma risk (colocalization posterior probability ≥0.5). The significant SNPs within loci were aligned with known asthma-susceptibility genes (e.g., ADORA1, MUC16).ConclusionThe integrated genetics-metabolomics analysis identified genetically driven metabolites during infancy that are associated with asthma development and genetic loci associated with both these metabolites and asthma susceptibility. Identifying these metabolites and genetic loci should advance research into the functional mechanisms of the infant bronchiolitis-childhood asthma link.
Remodelling of the fibre-aggregate structure of collagen gels by cancer-associated fibroblasts: A time-resolved grey-tone image analysis based on stochastic modelling
Authors: Gommes Cedric J. , Louis Thomas , Bourgot Isabelle , Noël Agnès , Blacher Silvia , Maquoi Erik 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionSolid tumors consist of tumor cells associated with stromal and immune cells, secreted factors and extracellular matrix (ECM), which together constitute the tumor microenvironment. Among stromal cells, activated fibroblasts, known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are of particular interest. CAFs secrete a plethora of ECM components including collagen and modulate the architecture of the ECM, thereby influencing cancer cell migration. The characterization of the collagen fibre network and its space and time-dependent microstructural modifications is key to investigating the interactions between cells and the ECM. Developing image analysis tools for that purpose is still a challenge because the structural complexity of the collagen network calls for specific statistical descriptors. Moreover, the low signal-to-noise ratio of imaging techniques available for time-resolved studies rules out standard methods based on image segmentation.MethodsIn this work, we develop a novel approach based on the stochastic modelling of the gel structure and on grey-tone image analysis. The method is then used to study the remodelling of a collagen matrix by migrating breast cancer-derived CAFs in a three-dimensional spheroid model of cellular invasion imaged by time-lapse confocal microscopy.ResultsThe structure of the collagen at the scale of a few microns consists in regions with high fibre density separated by depleted regions, which can be thought of as aggregates and pores. The approach developped captures this two-scale structure with a clipped Gaussian field model to describe the aggregates-and-pores large-scale structure, and a homogeneous Boolean model to describe the small-scale fibre network within the aggregates. The model parameters are identified by fitting the grey-tone histograms and correlation functions of the images. The method applies to unprocessed grey-tone images, and it can therefore be used with low magnification, noisy time-lapse reflectance images. When applied to the CAF spheroid time-resolved images, the method reveals different matrix densification mechanisms for the matrix in direct contact or far from the cells.ConclusionWe developed a novel and multidisciplinary image analysis approach to investigate the remodelling of fibrillar collagen in a 3D spheroid model of cellular invasion. The specificity of the method is that it applies to the unprocessed grey-tone images, and it can therefore be used with noisy time-lapse reflectance images of non-fluorescent collagen. When applied to the CAF spheroid time-resolved images, the method reveals different matrix densification mechanisms for the matrix in direct contact or far from the cells.
Comprehensive analysis to identify the influences of SARS-CoV-2 infections to inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zhang Chengyan , Ma Zeyu , Nan Xi , Wang Wenhui , Zeng Xianchang , Chen Jinming , Cai Zhijian , Wang Jianli 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are both caused by a disordered immune response and have direct and profound impacts on health care services. In this study, we implemented transcriptomic and single-cell analysis to detect common molecular and cellular intersections between COVID-19 and IBD that help understand the linkage of COVID-19 to the IBD patients.MethodsFour RNA-sequencing datasets (GSE147507, GSE126124, GSE9686 and GSE36807) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database are extracted to detect mutual differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for IBD patients with the infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to find shared pathways, candidate drugs, hub genes and regulatory networks. Two single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-eq) datasets (GSE150728, PRJCA003980) are used to analyze the immune characteristics of hub genes and the proportion of immune cell types, so as to find common immune responses between COVID-19 and IBD.ResultsA total of 121 common DEGs were identified among four RNA-seq datasets, and were all involved in the functional enrichment analysis related to inflammation and immune response. Transcription factors-DEGs interactions, miRNAs-DEGs coregulatory networks, and protein-drug interactions were identified based on these datasets. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) was built and 59 hub genes were identified. Moreover, scRNA-seq of peripheral blood monocyte cells (PBMCs) from COVID-19 patients revealed a significant increase in the proportion of CD14+ monocytes, in which 38 of 59 hub genes were highly enriched. These genes, encoding inflammatory cytokines, were also highly expressed in inflammatory macrophages (IMacrophage) of intestinal tissues of IBD patients.ConclusionsWe conclude that COVID-19 may promote the progression of IBD through cytokine storms. The candidate drugs and DEGs-regulated networks may suggest effective therapeutic methods for both COVID-19 and IBD.
Increased levels of NETosis biomarkers in high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients’ biofluids: Potential role in disease diagnosis and management
Authors: Tomás-Pérez Sarai , Oto Julia , Aghababyan Cristina , Herranz Raquel , Cuadros-Lozano Aitor , González-Cantó Eva , Mc Cormack Bárbara , Arrés Judith , Castaño María , Cana Fernando , Martínez-Fernández Laura , Santonja Núria , Ramírez Rocío , Herreros-Pomares Alejandro , Cañete-Mota Sarai , Llueca Antoni , Marí-Alexandre Josep , Medina Pilar , Gilabert-Estellés Juan 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionHigh-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the second most frequent gynecological malignancy but the most lethal, partially due to the spread of the disease through the peritoneal cavity. Recent evidence has shown that, apart from their role in immune defense through phagocytosis and degranulation, neutrophils are able to participate in cancer progression through the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in a process called NETosis. NETs are composed of DNA, histones, calprotectin, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and elastase and the NETosis process has been proposed as a pre-requisite for the establishment of omental metastases in early stages of HGSOC. Nevertheless, its role in advanced stages remains to be elucidated. Therefore, our principal aim is to characterize a NETosis biomarker profile in biofluids from patients with advanced HGSOC and control women. MethodsSpecifically, five biomarkers of NETosis (cell-free DNA (cfDNA), nucleosomes, citrullinated histone 3 (citH3), calprotectin and MPO) were quantified in plasma and peritoneal fluid (PF) samples from patients (n=45) and control women (n=40).ResultsOur results showed that HGSOC patients presented a higher concentration of cfDNA, citH3 and calprotectin in plasma and of all five NETosis biomarkers in PF than control women. Moreover, these biomarkers showed a strong ability to differentiate the two clinical groups. Interestingly, neoadjuvant treatment (NT) seemed to reduce NETosis biomarkers mainly systemically (plasma) compared to the tumor environment (PF).DiscussionIn conclusion, NETosis biomarkers are present in the tumor environment of patients with advanced HGSOC, which might contribute to the progression of the disease. Besides, plasma cfDNA and calprotectin could represent minimally invasive surrogate biomarkers for HGSOC. Finally, NT modifies NETosis biomarkers levels mainly at the systemic level.