bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspirin desensitization in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory exacerbated respiratory disease: The first prospective cohort in Chile
Authors: Siña María Josefina , Valdés Felipe , Zelada Úrsula , Tagle María Teresa , Campillay Rolando , Sandoval Daniela , Herrera Pablo , Bastías Carla 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD) is characterized by the Samter triad: chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, asthma, and nonallergic hypersensitivity to NSAIDs. Its diagnosis is based on a complete clinical history and an aspirin (ASA) challenge test. Medical treatments include biological drugs and ASA desensitization.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the clinical response of patients with N-ERD undergoing functional endoscopic surgery (FES), followed by ASA desensitization and maintenance treatment, being the first prospective cohort study carried out in Chile.MethodsWe conducted 1-year follow-up of 12 patients with N-ERD treated with FES, desensitization, and maintenance with ASA. For each control, the medication score, sinonasal symptomatology (SNOT-22), PEF (peak expiratory flow), nasal polyposis (Lildholdt score), and the appearance of adverse effects were recorded. Computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal cavities was performed at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up to calculate the Lund–Mackay score.ResultsPatients presented a reduction of SNOT-22 after the FES, which was maintained at 12 months (p = 0.002); the symptoms that showed the greatest reduction were feeling embarrassed and nasal obstruction. The Lildholdt score was also significantly reduced (p = 0.001); in only three patients, the nasal polyps recurred, and all were small. The PEF showed a slight nonsignificant increase of 3.3%. In total, 75% of patients had an adverse effect, the most frequent being abdominal pain (66.7%), but none of the 12 patients required discontinuation of aspirin treatment in 1-year follow-up. The Lund–Mackay score had a significant reduction of 6.6 points (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionASA desensitization is safe and effective in reducing upper and lower respiratory symptoms in patients with N-ERD and delays the reappearance of nasal polyps, although it is not exempt from adverse effects, with the vast majority being mild.
Translational albumin nanocarrier caging photosensitizer for efficient cancer photodynamic therapy
Authors: Luo Jie , Miao Zhijun , Huang Xinglong , Yang Yifan , Liu Ming , Shen Gang , Yang Tao 
Published: February 2023

It still remains a great challenge to efficiently treat malignant cancers which severely threaten human health. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a localized therapeutic modality has improved the therapeutic efficacy via chemical damage through reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, their efficacy is severely hampered by insufficient targeted delivery of photosensitizers owing to the lack of suitable carrier with facile preparation process and the clinical applicability. Herein, we applied clinically approved human serum albumin as the nanoreactor to encapsulate photosensitizers Chlorin e6 (Ce6) for enhancing their tumor accumulation and subsequently potent PDT effect against bladder cancer models. Albumin-loaded Chlorin e6 nanoparticles (CA-NPs) with rational nanoscale size exhibit increased reactive oxygen species production and excellent resistance to photobleaching. Moreover, CA-NPs could be efficiently internalized by tumor cells and locate in the lysosome, while they rapidly translocate to cytosol after irradiation to induce remarkable cytotoxicity (IC50 ∼5.8 μg/ml). Furthermore, CA-NPs accumulate effectively in tumor tissue to afford total eradication of murine bladder tumor after single injection. More importantly, we also evidence the superior PDT effect in fresh human bladder tumor tissues via abundant reactive oxygen species generation and subsequent cell apoptosis. These findings demonstrate that human serum albumin acts as a universal tool to load small organic photoactivatable molecule with remarkable effectiveness and readiness for clinical translation.
MRI on a new polymeric multichannel membrane for ultrafiltration
Authors: Kern Stefanie , Lerner Rahel , Schork Nicolas , Nirschl Hermann , Heijnen Martin , Guthausen Gisela 
Published: February 2023

Membrane ultrafiltration in new polymeric multi-channel membranes designed for in-out filtration was investigated to get insights into structure, flow and filtration properties. The apparent novelty of the membrane concerns the geometry and configuration of the feed channels.In-situmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows non-invasive and non-destructive investigations with adequate spatial and time resolution. The structure of the new polymeric membrane was measured with an in-plane spatial resolution of 35 µm/pixel revealing first the polymer density distribution over the 19-channel membrane and second the wettability of the fiber and its cavities of different dimensions. MRI was also used to answer questions about flow and consequently feed distribution in the channels. Finally,in-situfiltration of an aqueous solution of sodium alginate was observed which led to deposit formation at the channel’s inner surfaces. The kinetics of this deposit formation was quantified. Backwashing and flushing gave insight into the cleanability of the channels.
Catheter ablation in combined procedures is associated with residual leaks
Authors: Zhu Xuefeng , Li Wenjing , Chu Hongxia , Zhong Lin , Wang Chunxiao , Li Jianping , Liang Pingping , Wang Lihong , Shi Lei 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivesTo compare patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with catheter ablation (CA) and those without CA.BackgroundThe CA of AF may cause ridge edema, which may affect the safety of LAAC.MethodsPatients with AF (N = 98) who underwent LAAC (combined CA + LAAC procedure group; N = 51) or alone (LAAC group; N = 47) received pre-procedural, intra-procedural, and 6 week post-procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The depth and ostial diameter of LAA, device compression, residual leak, and ridge thickness were evaluated in the patients who had undergone combined and alone procedures, as well as images of LAA and primary clinical characteristics.ResultsA residual leak was identified in 27 patients at 6 weeks after implantation by TEE (19 in the combined procedures group and eight in the alone group; p = 0.04). The combined procedure group had a significantly higher rate of a new residual leak than the alone group (25.5 vs. 8.5%; p = 0.03). Meanwhile, compared with at the time of implant, a smaller amount of device compression ratio was significant after 6 weeks (22.44 ± 3.90 vs. 19.59 ± 5.39; p = 0.03). There was no significant difference between both groups in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and TIA/stroke/system embolism.ConclusionThe combined procedures of CA and LAAC for AF are feasible and safe; however, during the follow-up period, we found that the resolution of ridge edema caused by CA might cause an increased residual leak and a smaller device compression ratio.
Association of plasma propionate concentration with coronary artery disease in a large cross-sectional study
Authors: Pagonas Nikolaos , Seibert Felix S. , Liebisch Gerhard , Seidel Maximillian , Giannakopoulos Theodoros , Sasko Benjamin , Ritter Oliver , Babel Nina , Westhoff Timm H. 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundMicrobiome has been linked to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) but data providing direct evidence for an association of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) with CAD are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the role of propionate, the most important SCFA in patients with CAD.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study enrolling patients admitted for invasive coronary angiography in two university hospitals in Germany. Patients with known or suspected CAD and risk factors for cardiovascular disease were prospectively recruited. Blood sampling was performed after overnight fasting and before invasive procedures. Measurement of propionate was performed by liquid chromatography.ResultsThe study included 1,253 patients (median [IQR], 67 [58–76] years; 799 men [64%]). A total of 739 had invasively confirmed CAD with at least one coronary artery stenosis ≥50% and 514 had exclusion of CAD. CAD patients had significant lower levels of propionate (median 5.75 μM, IQR, 4.1–7.6) compared to the non-CAD groups 6.53 μM (4.6–8.6, p &lt; 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed an odds ratio of 0.94 (CI 0.90–0.98, p = 0.002) for propionate as predictor of CAD. The odds ratio was further decreased to 0.45 (CI 0.31–0.65, p &lt; 0.001) when comparing patients in the lowest quartile of propionate with those with higher levels of propionate.ConclusionThe study provides large-scale in vivo data for the association of propionate to manifest coronary artery disease, independent of other traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Vegetation changes and climate shift during the latest Ladinian to the early Carnian: Palynological evidence from the Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhang Ying , Sun Yuewu , Shi Xiao , Zhang Shuqin 
Published: February 2023

The Middle–Late Triassic climates have attracted the attention of paleontological and geological scientists for the Carnian pluvial event in the early Late Triassic. The event is well-documented in the pelagic and epi-continental marine deposits of the Tethys, Gondwana, and Laurasia. However, inland terrestrial deposits are less frequently depicted, with high-resolution palynological biostratigraphy constraints. In this study, we report the palynological records from the YC8-1 and YC7-3 sub-members of the Yunmeng profile in the Ordos Basin, China, where the YC7-3 was dated at 236.0–234.1 Ma. Two palynological assemblages were recognized and named the Lundbladispora watangensis–Taeniaesporites combinatus assemblage and Lundbladispora communis–Discisporites granulus assemblage for the YC8-1 and YC7-3 sub-members, respectively. Their ages were determined to be the latest Ladinian and early Carnian, respectively, for their stratigraphic correlations with the global boundary stratotype section and point (GSSP) of the base of Carnian in Europe and additional co-occurring floras with condonts in the Upper Triassic of South China. The coexistence of Cyathidites minor (Couper, 1953), Dictyophyllidites harrisii (Couper, 1958), Apiculatisporis bulliensis (Helby ex De Jersey, 1972), Aratrisporites xiangxiensis (Li and Shang, 2011), Piceaepollenites omoriciformis (Bolkh.) (Xu and Zhang, 1984), Podocarpidites ornatus (Pocock, 1962), Discisporites granulus (Zhang, 1984), and Classopollis (Pflug, 1953) is equivalent to the Carnian palynostratigraphic criterion reported in the North China palynofloristic realm. Vegetational changes, especially those occurring at the boundary between Ladinian and Carnian, account for approximately 70% of ferns and over 30% of gymnosperms lost. These were discovered and attributed to the strong seasonal arid climate, indicated by the emergence of Cheirolepidiaceae and Pinuspollenites. We thus know that the climate during the latest Ladinian and early Carnian was “hot house” with seasonal aridity. In addition, three strong monsoonal pluvial pulses were signaled by the humidity index of lowland plants. The present study will enable a better understanding the Carnian pluvial event in the Late Triassic inland basin.
Is it necessary for young patients with recurrent implantation failure to undergo preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy?
Authors: Du Yulin , Guan Yichun , Li Na , Shi Congxing , Zhang Yongjie , Ren Bingnan , Liu Jing , Lou Hua 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveTo determine whether preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) can improve the pregnancy outcomes of patients aged under 38 years who have a history of recurrent implantation failure(RIF).DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsWe retrospectively studied the pregnancy outcomes of RIF patients aged under 38 years from January 2017 to December 2021.178 patients were divided into two groups according to whether they underwent PGT-A: the PGT-A group(n=59)and the control group(n=119).In the PGT-A group, we compared the euploidy rate of the different quality and developmental rate blastocysts. In both groups,the patients were the first frozen-thaw single blastocysts transfer after the diagnosis of RIF. Among the pregnancy outcomes, the clinical pregnancy rate was assessed as the primary outcome. The spontaneous abortion rate and ongoing pregnancy rate were the secondry outcomes. The generalized estimation equation was used to adjust for the blastocysts derived from the same patients. Multivariate logistic analysis models were used to compare the pregnancy outcomes between the two groups.ResultsIn the PGT-A group, 293 blastocysts obtained from59 patients underwent PGT-A. The proportions of euploidy, aneuploidy and mosaic blastocysts were 56.31%, 25.60% and 18.09%, respectively. A comparison of the euploidy rates of different quality blastocysts showed that the rate of good-quality blastocysts was significantly higher than that of poor-quality blastocysts (67.66% vs 46.88%; odds ratio [OR], 2.203; 95%confidence interval[CI], 0.943–3.612; P=0.002). However, no significant difference was observed in the different developmental rates blastocysts. Compared with Day 5 blastocysts, the euploidy rates of Day 6 and Day 7 blastocysts were not significantly different(61.54%vs51.91%; OR,0.945; 95%CI, 0.445–2.010; P=0.884; and 61.54%vs47.37%; OR, 1.106; 95%CI, 0.774–1.578; P=0.581, respectively).As for the pregnancy outcomes, the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly increase after the use of PGT-A compared with the control group(71.19%vs56.30%; OR, 0.538; 95%CI, 0.262–1.104; P=0.039). However, the spontaneous abortion rates and ongoing pregnancy rates were not significantly different between the control and PGT-A groups (21.43% vs 19.40%; aOR,0.727; 95%CI,0.271–1.945; P=0.525; and55.93% vs 45.38%; aOR, 0.649; 95%CI, 0.329–1.283; P = 0.214,respectively).ConclusionPGT-A improved the clinical pregnancy rate after blastocyst transfer in RIF patients aged under 38 years.
Cuproptosis-related LncRNAs are correlated with immunity and predict prognosis in HNSC independent of TMB
Authors: Li Mingyu , Nurzat Yeltai , Huang He , Min Peiru , Zhang Xiaowen 
Published: February 2023

Aims: Cuproptosis is a novel cell death pathway, and the regulatory mechanism in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) remains to be explored. We determined whether cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CRLs) could predict prognosis in HNSC.Methods and Results: First, we identified 10 prognostic CRLs by Pearson correlation and univariate Cox regression analyses. Next, we constructed the CRLs prognostic model based on 5 CRLs screened by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox analysis. Following this, we calculated the risk score for HNSC patients and divided patients into high- and low-risk groups. In our prognostic model, HNSC patients with higher risk scores had poorer outcomes. Based on several prognostic features, a predictive nomogram was established. Furthermore, we investigated principal component analysis to distinguish two groups, and functional enrichment analysis of 176 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between risk groups was performed. Finally, we analyzed relationships between tumor mutation burden (TMB) and risk scores.Conclusion: Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs can be applied to predict HNSC prognosis independent of TMB, which is closely correlated with tumor immunity.
Exercise training-attenuated insulin resistance and liver injury in elderly pre-diabetic patients correlates with NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Zhang Tan , Tian Jingjing , Fan Jingcheng , Liu Xiangyun , Wang Ru 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundDiabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases and continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been shown to exert detrimental effects on diabetic models. However, evidence linking NLRP3 inflammasome and pre-diabetes has been scarcely explored. Herein, we aimed to determine whether the NLRP3 inflammasome correlates with insulin resistance and liver pathology in a cohort of pre-diabetic subjects.Methods50 pre-diabetic subjects were randomly assigned to a Pre-diabetes Control (DC, n=25) and a Pre-diabetes exercise (DEx, n=25) group. 25 Normal subjects (NC) were selected as controls. The DEx group performed a 6-month combined Yijingjing and resistance training intervention, while DC and NC group remained daily routines. Clinical metabolic parameters were determined with an automatic biochemistry analyzer; inflammatory cytokines were quantified by the ELISA assay; the protein expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome components in PBMCs were evaluated by Western Blot.ResultsThe insulin resistance, liver injury and NLRP3 inflammasome activity were higher in pre-diabetic individuals than in normal control group. However, 6-month exercise intervention counteracted this trend, significantly improved insulin sensitivity, reduced liver injury and inhibited the overactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome in pre-diabetic subjects. Moreover, positive correlations between insulin resistance, liver pathology and NLRP3 inflammasome were also found.ConclusionsOur study suggests that exercise training is an effective strategy to alleviate insulin resistance and liver injury in elderly pre-diabetic subjects which is probably associated with the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activity.
Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells as treatment for poor graft function after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: A multicenter prospective analysis
Authors: Servais Sophie , Baron Frédéric , Lechanteur Chantal , Seidel Laurence , Baudoux Etienne , Briquet Alexandra , Selleslag Dominik , Maertens Johan , Poire Xavier , Schroyens Wilfried , Graux Carlos , De Becker Ann , Zachee Pierre , Ory Aurélie , Herman Julie , Kerre Tessa , Beguin Yves 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionPoor graft function (PGF) is a rare but serious complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). Due to their hematopoietic supporting properties and immune regulatory effects, multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) could be considered a good candidate to help to restore bone marrow (BM) niches homeostasis and facilitate hematopoiesis after alloHCT.MethodsWe prospectively assessed the efficacy and safety of ex-vivo expanded BM-derived MSC from third-party donor in a series of 30 patients with prolonged severe cytopenia and PGF after alloHCT. This multicenter trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (#NTC00603330).ResultsWithin 90 days post-MSC infusion, 53% (95% CI, 35 – 71%) of patients improved at least one cytopenia (overall response, OR) and 37% (95% CI, 19 - 54%) achieved a complete hematological response (CR: absolute neutrophil count, ANC &gt;0.5 x 109/L, Hb &gt; 80g/L and platelet count &gt; 20 x 109/L with transfusion independence). Corresponding response rates increased to 67% (95% CI, 50 - 84%) OR and 53% (95% CI, 35 - 71%) CR within 180 days after MSC infusion. A significant decrease in red blood cells and platelets transfusion requirement was observed after MSC (median of 30-days transfusion requirement of 0.5 and 0 from d90-120 post-MSC versus 5 and 6.5 before MSC, respectively, p ≤0.001). An increase in ANC was also noted by day +90 and +180, with 3/5 patients with severe neutropenia having recovered an ANC &gt; 1 x 109/L within the 90-120 days after MSC infusion. Overall survival at 1 year post-MSC was 70% (95% CI, 55.4 – 88.5), with all but one of the patients who achieved CR being alive. A single infusion of third-party MSC appeared to be safe, with the exception of one deep vein thrombotic event possibly related to the intervention.DiscussionIn conclusion, a single i.v. infusion of BM-derived MSC from third party donor seemed to improve hematological function after alloHCT, although spontaneous amelioration cannot be excluded. Comparative studies are warranted to confirm these encouraging results.
Naegleria genus pangenome reveals new structural and functional insights into the versatility of these free-living amoebae
Authors: Dereeper Alexis , Allouch Nina , Guerlais Vincent , Garnier Maëlle , Ma Laurence , De Jonckheere Johan F. , Joseph Sandeep J. , Ali Ibne Karim M. , Talarmin Antoine , Marcelino Isabel 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionFree-living amoebae of the Naegleria genus belong to the major protist clade Heterolobosea and are ubiquitously distributed in soil and freshwater habitats. Of the 47 Naegleria species described, N. fowleri is the only one being pathogenic to humans, causing a rare but fulminant primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. Some Naegleria genome sequences are publicly available, but the genetic basis for Naegleria diversity and ability to thrive in diverse environments (including human brain) remains unclear.MethodsHerein, we constructed a high-quality Naegleria genus pangenome to obtain a comprehensive catalog of genes encoded by these amoebae. For this, we first sequenced, assembled, and annotated six new Naegleria genomes.Results and DiscussionGenome architecture analyses revealed that Naegleria may use genome plasticity features such as ploidy/aneuploidy to modulate their behavior in different environments. When comparing 14 near-to-complete genome sequences, our results estimated the theoretical Naegleria pangenome as a closed genome, with 13,943 genes, including 3,563 core and 10,380 accessory genes. The functional annotations revealed that a large fraction of Naegleria genes show significant sequence similarity with those already described in other kingdoms, namely Animalia and Plantae. Comparative analyses highlighted a remarkable genomic heterogeneity, even for closely related strains and demonstrate that Naegleria harbors extensive genome variability, reflected in different metabolic repertoires. If Naegleria core genome was enriched in conserved genes essential for metabolic, regulatory and survival processes, the accessory genome revealed the presence of genes involved in stress response, macromolecule modifications, cell signaling and immune response. Commonly reported N. fowleri virulence-associated genes were present in both core and accessory genomes, suggesting that N. fowleri’s ability to infect human brain could be related to its unique species-specific genes (mostly of unknown function) and/or to differential gene expression. The construction of Naegleria first pangenome allowed us to move away from a single reference genome (that does not necessarily represent each species as a whole) and to identify essential and dispensable genes in Naegleria evolution, diversity and biology, paving the way for further genomic and post-genomic studies.
Inhibitory effects of Patchouli alcohol on the early lifecycle stages of influenza A virus
Authors: Fan Yaohua , Zhang Qiong , Zhang Wen , Lai Yanni , Long Haishan , Huang Huiting , Zhan Shaofeng , Liu Xiaohong , Lai Jielan , Zhang Zhongde , Pan Pan , Su Ziren , Li Geng 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundThe antiviral activity and underlying mechanism of Patchouli alcohol remain unclear.MethodsThis study evaluated the cytotoxicity, optimal methods for drug administration, anti-influenza A activity of Patchouli alcohol. The antiviral mechanism of Patchouli alcohol was also assessed via qRT-PCR, western blot, hemagglutination inhibiting (HAI) assay, and hemolysis inhibiting assay.ResultsPatchouli alcohol was shown to have low cytotoxicity and its strongest antiviral effect was associated with premixed administration. Patchouli alcohol inhibited virus replication during the early lifecycle stages of influenza A virus infection and specifically prevented expression of the viral proteins, HA and NP. In both the HAI and hemolysis inhibiting assays, Patchouli alcohol was able to block HA2-mediated membrane fusion under low pH conditions. Patchouli alcohol had lower binding energy with HA2 than HA1.ConclusionThese findings suggest that Patchouli alcohol could be a promising membrane fusion inhibitor for the treatment of influenza A infection.