bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kelp Patch-Specific Characteristics Limit Detection Capability of Rapid Survey Method for Determining Canopy Biomass Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: McPherson Meredith L. , Kudela Raphael M. 
Published: July 2022

Kelp forests dominate autotrophic biomass and primary productivity of approximately 30,000 to 60,000 km of shallow temperate and Arctic rocky reef coastline globally and contribute significantly to carbon cycling in the coastal ocean. Rapid biomass turnover is driven by very high growth rates and seasonal environmental drivers. As a result, kelp biomass varies greatly with time, space, and by species. In the northeast Pacific region, bull kelp (Nereocystis leutkeana) and giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) form extensive floating surface canopies with a distinct spectral signature compared to the surrounding water. Studies have shown that remote sensing is advantageous for deriving large-scale estimates of floating surface canopy biomass, which comprises more than 90% of bull and giant kelp standing stock. However, development and validation of remotely derived kelp canopy biomass is lacking because existing approaches are time intensive and costly. This study attempted to close that gap by developing a rapid survey design utilizing diver and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery across six sites in northern and central California. Kelp sporophytes were collected and measured for morphometric characteristics and genera-specific allometry to canopy biomass. Kelp density was measured using in situ diver surveys and coupled with UAV imagery to quantify kelp canopy biomass at a range of ground sampling distances. We successfully estimated kelp canopy biomass from UAV imagery at 33% (2/6) of the survey sites, but consistently determining canopy biomass via this approach was challenged by both survey design and kelp patch-specific spatial characteristics. The morphologies of bull kelp in Monterey were significantly different than other regions measured, but further work should be conducted to fully characterize differences in canopy biomass at the regional and sub-regional scale. We use this opportunity to suggest survey design strategies that will increase the success of future methodological development of UAV biomass retrieval. We also recommend developing long-term, annual genera-specific monitoring programs across the northeast Pacific region and beyond to validate remote sensing derived biomass estimates beyond the small number of existing well-characterized sites.
Epidemiological Trends in Alopecia Areata at the Global, Regional, and National Levels
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Pan Lifang , Wu Yanfeng 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundNo comprehensive studies have been published on the global burden of alopecia areata since 2010.ObjectiveWe aimed to measure the global, regional, and national incidence of alopecia areata and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) by age, sex, and socio-demographic index (SDI) value from 1990 to 2019.MethodsData were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to quantify temporal trends in the age-standardized rates of alopecia areata incidence and DALYs. The correlations between EAPCs in the age-standardized rates and SDI values were also analyzed.ResultsFrom 1990 to 2019, the alopecia areata incidence number and the associated number of DALYs increased globally by 49.14%, and 49.51%, respectively. The global age-standardized incidence rate decreased (EAPC, −0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.13 to −0.12) and the age-standardized DALY rate showed a downward trend (EAPC, −0.12; 95% CI, −0.13 to −0.11). The largest increases in the age-standardized incidence rate and age-standardized DALY rate were observed in Low SDI quintile and Western Sub-Saharan Africa regions. The regions with the greatest changes in the incidence of alopecia areata were Central Sub-Saharan Africa and Western Sub-Saharan Africa. The three countries with the largest increases in alopecia areata incidence from 1990 to 2019 were Kuwait (EAPC, 0.15), South Sudan (EAPC, 0.12), and Nigeria (EAPC, 0.11). The age-standardized incidence rate was higher in females than in males.ConclusionGlobally, both the age-standardized incidence rate and age-standardized DALY rate of alopecia areata showed decreasing trends. Future preventive strategies should focus on low-income countries, Central Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Sub-Saharan Africa, Kuwait, South Sudan, Nigeria.
Platelet Count/Spleen Thickness Ratio and the Risk of Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhosis With Esophagogastric Varices
Authors: Liu Huimin , Zhang Qun , Gao Fangyuan , Yu Hao , Jiang Yuyong , Wang Xianbo 
Published: July 2022

IntroductionThe platelet count/spleen thickness ratio (PC/ST ratio) is associated with the grade of esophagogastric varices (EGV) in cirrhotic patients, but little is known about its relationship with esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the PC/ST ratio and the risk of EGVB within 1 year in cirrhotic patients.MethodsA total of 1,354 patients with cirrhosis who had EGV were enrolled in this cohort study. A logistic regression model was used to determine the association between the PC/ST ratio and the risk of EGVB within 1 year in patients with cirrhosis by adjusting the PC/ST ratio with all the important clinical variables and confounders.ResultsThe quartile values of the PC/ST ratio were 1.01, 1.36, and 1.98, respectively. The PC/ST ratio was an independent risk factor for variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients with moderate or severe EGV. After adjusting for multiple variables, the relationship was still unchanged. The odds ratios of the first EGVB in these patients were 5.07-fold at non-adjustment and 3.28-fold after multivariate adjustment. The odds ratios of rebleeding in these patients from the lowest to the highest quartile were 2.34-fold at non-adjustment and 2.01-fold after multivariable adjustment. The PC/ST ratio ≤ 1.36 elevated the 1-year risk of first-time variceal bleeding or rebleeding in cirrhotic patients with moderate or severe EGV (All P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe PC/ST ratio ≤ 1.36 is an independent risk factor for the onset of first bleeding or rebleeding in cirrhotic patients with moderate or severe EGV.
Nimodipine vs. Milrinone – Equal or Complementary Use? A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Jentzsch Jennifer , Ziganshyna Svitlana , Lindner Dirk , Merkel Helena , Mucha Simone , Schob Stefan , Quäschling Ulf , Hoffmann Karl-Titus , Werdehausen Robert , Halama Dirk , Gaber Khaled , Richter Cindy 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundCerebral vasospasm (CVS) continues to account for high morbidity and mortality in patients surviving the initial aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Nimodipine is the only drug known to reduce delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), but it is believed not to affect large vessel CVS. Milrinone has emerged as a promising option. Our retrospective study focused on the effectiveness of the intra-arterial application of both drugs in monotherapy and combined therapy.MethodsWe searched for patients with aneurysmal SAH, angiographically confirmed CVS, and at least one intra-arterial pharmacological angioplasty. Ten defined vessel sections on angiograms were assessed before and after vasodilator infusion. The improvement in vessel diameters was compared to the frequency of DCI-related cerebral infarction before hospital discharge and functional outcome reported as the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score after 6 months.ResultsBetween 2014 and 2021, 132 intra-arterial interventions (144 vascular territories, 12 bilaterally) in 30 patients were analyzed for this study. The vasodilating effect of nimodipine was superior to milrinone in all intradural segments. There was no significant intergroup difference concerning outcome in mRS (p = 0.217). Only nimodipine or the combined approach could prevent DCI-related infarction (both 57.1%), not milrinone alone (87.5%). Both drugs induced a doubled vasopressor demand due to blood pressure decrease, but milrinone alone induced tachycardia.ConclusionsThe monotherapy with intra-arterial nimodipine was superior to milrinone. Nimodipine and milrinone may be used complementary in an escalation scheme with the administration of nimodipine first, complemented by milrinone in cases of severe CVS. Milrinone monotherapy is not recommended.
Homocysteine Levels Are Associated With the Rupture of Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Wei Sen , Yuan Xin , Li Dongdong , Guo Xinbin , Guan Sheng , Xu Yuming 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundHomocysteine (Hcy) levels may be associated with the development of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). However, whether it increases the risk of rupture of IAs is unknown. This study aimed to determine the association between homocysteine levels and IA rupture.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients with IAs and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) at our hospital between January 2019 and May 2021. Clinical data, including Hcy levels and IA images, were assessed. The association between Hcy level and IA rupture was investigated using multivariate logistic regression analyses in patients with IAs and SAH.ResultsA total of 589 patients were included. 546 patients with IAs, including 331 UIA (Unruptured IA) and 215 RIA (Ruptured IA). The average age was 57.43 ± 10.86 years old, and 67.03% were women. Among them, all 215 RIAs lead to SAH. In addition, we also enrolled 43 non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (Na-SAH) patients. The average age was 54.12 ± 10.55 years old, and 53.48% were female. After adjusting for confounders in the multivariate model, Hcy levels were correlated with the rupture of IA (odds ratio [OR] 1.069; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.025–1.114, p = 0.002) and a-SAH (OR 1.083; 95% CI 1.002–1.170, p = 0.046).ConclusionHcy levels were associated with IA rupture. These findings provide novel insights into IAs rupture, and future studies are needed to confirm this relationship.
SETD3 Methyltransferase Regulates PLK1 Expression to Promote In Situ Hepatic Carcinogenesis
Authors: Cheng Meng , Yang Qingmiao , Liu Yafei , Zhao Meng-Jie , Du Xinyuan , Sun Jiaqi , Shu Wen-Jie , Huang Zan , Bi Jianping , Xu Ximing , Du Hai-Ning 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundThe development of a new strategy to overcome chemoresistance to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment is a long-standing issue. We have previously found that upregulated SETD3 levels are closely correlated with HCC. This study aims to explore the mechanism underlying how upregulation of SETD3 promotes liver carcinogenesis.MethodsRNA-Sequencing analysis was used to explore the correlation of SETD3 with regulatory targets. In vitro assays including cell proliferation and migration were performed to study the oncogenic roles of SETD3 and PLK1. Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining, and blood biochemical assays were performed to examine protein expression or pathological index in tumor tissues and mice liver tissues. Luciferase reporter system and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to explore the mechanism.ResultsWe revealed that SETD3 regulates gene expression in subgroups, including cell division, cell proliferation, and cell cycle, in hepatocellular tumor cells. We found that SETD3 upregulation is associated with elevated PLK1 level in both hepatic tumor cells and clinical liver tissues. We further showed that overexpression of SETD3 promoted tumor cell proliferation and migration, whereas inhibition of PLK1 activity attenuated these phenotypes caused by SETD3. By taking advantage of the Sleep Beauty transposase system, we confirmed that upregulated mouse Setd3 promoted hepatic carcinogenesis in situ, but knockdown of mouse Plk1 mitigated Setd3-promoted tumorigenesis in mice. Mechanistically, we showed that SETD3 could be recruited to the promoter of PLK1 gene to facilitate PLK1 transcription.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that elevated SETD3 may promote HCC by enhancing PLK1 expression, which suggests that SETD3 may act as a potential drug target combined with PLK1 inhibition to treat HCC.
Predicting Grade of Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma: Can Stretched Exponential Model-Based DWI Perform Better Than Bi-Exponential and Mono-Exponential Model?
Authors: Yang Hui , Ge Xubo , Zheng Xiuzhu , Li Xiaoqian , Li Jiang , Liu Min , Zhu Jianzhong , Qin Jian 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundTo evaluate and compare the potential performance of various diffusion parameters obtained from mono-exponential model (MEM)-, bi-exponential model (BEM)-, and stretched exponential model (SEM)-based diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in grading of esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESC).MethodsEighty-two patients with pathologically confirmed ESC without treatment underwent multi-b-value DWI scan with 13 b values (0~12,00 s/mm2). The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) deriving from the MEM; the pure molecular diffusion (ADCslow), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (ADCfast), perfusion, and fraction (f) deriving from the BEM; and the distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC) and water molecular diffusion heterogeneity index (α) deriving from the SEM were calculated and compared between poorly differentiated and well/moderately differentiated ESC, respectively. The prediction parameters and diagnostic efficiency were compared by drawing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsThe ADC, ADCslow, ADCfast, and DDC in poorly ESC were significantly lower than those in well/moderately differentiated ones. By using only one parameter, ADCslow, DDC had the moderate diagnostic efficiency and the areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.758 and 0.813 in differentiating ESC. The DDC had the maximum AUC with sensitivity (88.00%) and specificity (68.42%). Combining ADC with ADCfast, ADCslow, and DDC and combining ADCslow with ADCfast can provide a higher diagnostic accuracy with AUC ranging from 0.756, 0.771, 0.816, and 0.793, respectively.ConclusionVarious parameters derived from different DWI models including MEM, BEM, and SEM were potentially helpful in grading ESC. DDC obtained from SEM was the most promising diffusion parameter for predicting the grade of ESC.
Improving the Therapeutic Efficacy of Sorafenib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Repurposing Disulfiram
Authors: Zhang Gong , Wang Yufeng , Fuchs Bryan C. , Guo Wei , Drum David L. , Erstad Derek J. , Shi Baomin , DeLeo Albert B. , Zheng Hui , Cai Lei , Zhang Liyuan , Tanabe Kenneth K. , Wang Xinhui 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundSorafenib, a kinase inhibitor, is a standard treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but provides only a limited survival benefit. Disulfiram (DSF), a drug for treating alcoholism and a chelator of copper (Cu), forms a complex with Cu (DSF/Cu). DSF/Cu is a potent inducer of autophagic apoptosis of cancer stem cells, which can demonstrate drug resistance. Thus, we hypothesized that DSF/Cu could increase the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib by targeting hepatic cancer stem cells.MethodsThe synergistic effect of DSF/Cu and sorafenib on human HCC cell lines was assessed by cell viability MTT assay. Changes in stemness gene expression in HCC cells were investigated by assessing the presence of hepatic cancer stem cells (HCSCs) (defined as ALDH+ cells) using flow cytometry, sphere formation ability as an index of in vitro tumorigenicity, and expression of stemness gene-encoded proteins by western blot. Autophagic apoptosis and the ERK signaling pathway were also assessed by western blot. Most importantly, the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of DSF/Cu and sorafenib was tested using orthotopic HCC xenografts in mice.ResultsCompared with sorafenib alone, DSF/Cu + sorafenib synergistically inhibited proliferation of all HCC cell lines, decreased the stemness of HCC cells, and increased the autophagy and apoptosis of HCC cells. The mechanism by which DSF/Cu mediated these phenomena with sorafenib was sustained activation of the ERK pathway. The combination of DSF/Cu (formed with endogenous Cu2+) and sorafenib was significantly more effective than sorafenib alone in inhibiting the growth of orthotopic HCC xenografts in mice. This in vivo anti-tumor efficacy was associated with decreased stemness in treated HCC tumors.ConclusionsDSF/Cu and sorafenib can synergistically and effectively treat HCC by targeting HCSCs in vitro and in vivo. Our data provide a foundation for clinical translation.
Increased MPO in Colorectal Cancer Is Associated With High Peripheral Neutrophil Counts and a Poor Prognosis: A TCGA With Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Weng Meilin , Yue Ying , Wu Dan , Zhou Changming , Guo Miaomiao , Sun Caihong , Liao Qingwu , Sun Minli , Zhou Di , Miao Changhong 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundMyeloperoxidase (MPO) has been demonstrated to be a local mediator of inflammation in tissue damage in various inflammatory diseases. Given its controversial effect on colorectal cancer (CRC), there has been growing interest in investigating the role of this enzyme in CRC. The mechanism underlying MPO activity and CRC progression requires further clarification.MethodsThe expression and function of MPO in CRC were evaluated using TCGA analysis. TCGA, TIMER, and Human Cell Landscape analyses were used to analyze the correlation between MPO expression and neutrophil infiltration in CRC. Spearman’s bivariate correlation analysis was used to verify the correlation between MPO levels in CRC and the peripheral neutrophil count. In the clinical analysis, 8,121 patients who underwent elective surgery for CRC were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study from January 2008 to December 2014. Propensity score matching was used to address the differences in baseline characteristics. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to identify independent prognostic factors in patients with CRC.ResultsMPO was upregulated in CRC tissues, which is related to malignant progression and worse survival in CRC patients from TCGA analysis. MPO was significantly correlated with the infiltration level of neutrophils in CRC in TCGA, TIMER, and Human Cell Landscape analyses. MPO was positively correlated with the peripheral neutrophil count. Data of the 8,121 patients who underwent CRC surgery were available for analysis. After propensity score matching, 3,358 patients were included in each group. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that high preoperative neutrophil levels were associated with decreased overall survival (OS; P &lt; 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS; P = 0.015). The preoperative neutrophil count was an independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.157; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.055–1.268; P = 0.002) and DFS (HR, 1.118; 95% CI, 1.009–1.238; P = 0.033).ConclusionsOur research indicates that increased MPO levels in CRC are significantly correlated with high preoperative neutrophil counts, and both serve as prognostic indicators for worse survival in CRC patients. Our study suggests that neutrophils may be key players in the mechanism linking MPO levels with poor CRC outcomes.
Determination of the Relative Potency of Norepinephrine and Phenylephrine Given as Infusions for Preventing Hypotension During Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Up-And-Down Sequential Allocation Study
Authors: Qian Jing , Zhao Yan-Ping , Deng Jia-Li , Wang Li-Zhong , Xiao Fei , Shen Bei , Yao Han-Qing 
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The relative potency of norepinephrine and phenylephrine given as boluses to treat hypotension during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery has been reported but few data are available for infusions. This study aimed to determine the relative potency of norepinephrine and phenylephrine when given by infusion for preventing hypotension during combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for cesarean delivery.Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, up-and-down sequential allocation study. Patients were randomly allocated to receive a prophylactic infusion of norepinephrine or phenylephrine started immediately after induction of anesthesia. The first patients received either norepinephrine 0.1 μg/kg/min or phenylephrine 0.5 μg/kg/min. An effective infusion rate was defined when no hypotension occurred before delivery. For each subsequent patient, the norepinephrine infusion rate was decreased or increased by 0.01 μg/kg/min or the phenylephrine infusion rate was decreased or increased by 0.05 μg/kg/min according to whether the infusion was effective or ineffective respectively in the previous patient. Values for the infusion rate that was effective in preventing hypotension in 50% of patients (ED50) for norepinephrine and phenylephrine were estimated using up-and-down sequential analysis and relative potency was estimated. Probit regression was used as a backup and sensitivity analysis.Results: The ED50 values for norepinephrine and phenylephrine calculated by the up-and-down method were 0.061 (95% CI 0.054–0.068) μg/kg/min and 0.368 (95% CI 0.343–0.393) μg/kg/min respectively. The estimated relative potency ratio for ED50 for norepinephrine to phenylephrine was 6.03:1 (95% CI 5.26:1 to 6.98:1).Conclusion: Under the conditions of this study, norepinephrine given by infusion was about 6 times more potent than phenylephrine. This information is useful for clinical practice and further comparative studies of norepinephrine versus phenylephrine.Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx, identifier [ChiCTR2200056237]
Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction Prevents the Occurrence of Intestinal Tumors by Regulating Intestinal Microbiota and Gasdermin E
Authors: Ren Lingli , Zhang Zhengwei , Zhao Wenjing , Zhao Bing , Chen Xi , Wang Yongxiang , Chen Zhong , Ye Juan , Yang Yang , Cao Peng 
Published: July 2022

Background: Intestinal tumors are the third most common malignant tumors worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all new cancer cases worldwide. Cancer prevention is a promising way to limit the intestinal tumor incidence rate; however, challenges remain. Qingchang Wenzhong decoction (QCWZD) can clinically treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis symptoms. Moreover, the mechanism by which it prevents intestinal tumors has not been clarified. In this study, we explored the mechanism by which QCWZD prevents the occurrence of intestinal tumors.Methods: To study the preventive mechanism of QCWZD on intestinal tumors, we used two model mice with azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS)- and Apcmin/+-induced intestinal tumor formation. The two models exhibited colitis-associated cancer and familial adenomatous polyposis, respectively. Colon and small intestine tissues were collected and analyzed based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry analyses. Fecal samples were collected, and 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the correlation between intestinal microbiota and the prevention of intestinal tumors.Results: In the AOM/DSS mice, the QCWZD reduced the number and size of tumors, as well as tumor load. Similarly, in the Apcmin/+ mice, QCWZD can also reduce the number of tumors and the tumor load. The results of 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed that QCWZD altered the composition of intestinal microbiota in mice, a phenomenon that may prevent the occurrence of intestinal tumors by aiding the increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Ralstonia and Butyricicoccus, and reducing that of pathogenic bacteria, such as Desulfobacterota and Bacteroides, in the intestine. Further, immunohistochemistry reveald that QCWZD can improve the expression of intestinal barrier-related proteins and inhibit pyroptosis-related proteins.Conclusions: QCWZD has the potential to prevent the occurrence of intestinal tumors. The anti-tumor activity may be achieved by regulating the intestinal microbiota, improving the function of the intestinal barrier, and inhibiting GSDME mediated pyroptosis.