bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ag Functionalized In2O3 Derived From MIL-68(In) as an Efficient Electrochemical Glucose Sensor
Authors: Arif Dooa , Hussain Zakir , Abbasi Amna Didar , Sohail Manzar 
Published: May 2022

In this study, Ag@In2O3 modified nickel foam (NF) was reported for its role as a non-enzymatic glucose sensor. Ag@In2O3 was prepared by a simple two-step method; preparation of a metal-organic framework (MOF) MIL-68(In) by solvothermal method, entrapment of Ag + by adding AgNO3 then drying it for 2 h to complete the entrapment process and subsequent calcination at 650°C for 3 h. The Ag@In2O3 modified NF was employed as a non-enzymatic glucose sensor to determine glucose concentrations in an alkaline medium. Two linear ranges were obtained from Ag@In2O3 modified electrode, i.e., 10 μM to 0.8 mM and 0.8–2.16 mM with a sensitivity of 3.31 mA mM−1 cm−2 and 1.51 mA mM−1 cm−2 respectively, with a detection limit of 0.49 µM. Ag@In2O3 modified NF exhibited high selectivity for glucose, among other interfering agents.
Deformation of Polycrystalline MgO Up to 8.3 GPa and 1270 K: Microstructures, Dominant Slip-Systems, and Transition to Grain Boundary Sliding
Authors: Ledoux Estelle Elisa , Lin Feng , Miyagi Lowell , Addad Ahmed , Fadel Alexandre , Jacob Damien , Béclin Franck , Merkel Sébastien 
Published: May 2022

Ferropericlase is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s lower mantle and its mechanical properties have a strong influence on the rheology of this region. Here, we deform polycrystalline MgO, the magnesium end-member of ferropericlase, at conditions ranging from 1.6 to 8.3 GPa and 875–1,270 K. We analyse the flow laws and microstructures of the recovered samples using electron microscopy and compare our observations with predictions from the literature. We identify a first mechanism for samples deformed at 1,270 K, attributed to a regime controlled by grain boundary sliding accommodated by diffusion, and characterized by a small grain size, an absence of texture, and no intracrystalline deformation. At 1,070 K and below, the deformation regime is controlled by dislocations. The samples show a more homogeneous grain size distribution, significant texture, and intracrystalline strains. In this regime, deformation is controlled by the ⟨110⟩{110} slip system and a combined ⟨110⟩{110} and ⟨110⟩{100} slip, depending on pressure and temperature. Based on these results, we propose an updated deformation map for polycrystalline MgO at mantle conditions. The implications for ferropericlase and seismic observations in the Earth’s lower mantle are discussed.
A New Filtered Alcoholic Beverage: Residues Evidence From the Qingtai Site (ca. 5,500–4,750 cal. BP) in Henan Province, Central China
Authors: Liao Jingwen , Yang Yuzhang , Gu Wanfa , Yao Ling , Wei Qingli , Luo Wuhong , Gong Yingxue , Ding Lanpo , Gu Chunguang , Zhang Juzhong 
Published: May 2022

Recent studies have provided evidence of alcohol production and consumption in 16 sites in northern China during the Neolithic period, focusing on the Yangshao Culture (ca. 7,000–5,000 cal. BP). Yet, the comparison of similarities and differences in brewing technology and drinking patterns within the Yangshao Culture still needs more supporting information from case studies in different regions. In this paper, 17 pottery samples excavated from the Yangshao Culture site of Qingtai (ca. 5,500–4,750 cal. BP) in the central part of Henan Province were analyzed for microfossils (starch grains, phytoliths, fungi) and organic acids, on the basis of the theoretical model constructed from our simulation experiments. The results revealed a mixed filtered alcoholic beverage, likely to be fermented by fruit and/or honey. The ingredients were mainly foxtail millet, rice, Job’s tears, Triticeae, snake gourd roots, lotus roots, legumes, nuts, fruits, and/or honey. What’s more, we found that the jiandiping amphora from Qingtai was not likely used for brewing or drinking. In terms of prehistoric drinking habits, in the large-scale settlement of the late Yangshao Culture in China, it is possible that people drank filtered alcohol alone or that a few people drank filtered alcohol poured from the painted bottle, indicating a switch from communal drinking to individual drinking. This study sheds light on the similarities and differences in brewing techniques, fermentation ingredients, and drinking patterns among different regions of the late Neolithic Yangshao Culture, and deepens our understanding of alcoholic beverages in the early Chinese civilized societies.
Analysis of Knee Joint Injury Caused by Physical Training of Freshmen Students Based on 3T MRI and Automatic Cartilage Segmentation Technology: A Prospective Study
Authors: Liu Lingling , Liu Henan , Zhen Zhiming , Zheng Yalan , Zhou Xiaoyue , Raithel Esther , Du Jiang , Hu Yan , Chen Wei , Hu Xiaofei 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe differential effects of various exercises on knee joint injury have not been well documented. Improper physical training can cause irreversible damage to the knee joint. MRI is generally used to precisely analyze morphological and biochemical changes in the knee cartilage. We compared the effects of long-walking and regular daily physical training on acute and chronic knee joint injuries as well as cartilage structure in freshmen students.MethodsA total of 23 young male college freshmen were recruited to participate in an 8-day 240 km long distance walk and a one-year daily training. 3D-DESSwe, 2D T2 mapping, DIXON, and T1WI of the right knee joint were performed using the MAGNETOM Spectra 3T MR scanner. The injury of meniscus, bone marrow edema, ligaments and joint effusion is graded. Cartilage volume, thickness and T2 values of 21 sub-regions of the knee cartilage were estimated using automatic cartilage segmentation prototype software. Friedman’s test and Wilcoxon paired rank-sum test were used to compare quantitative indices of knee cartilage in three groups.ResultsThe injury to the medial meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint, joint effusion, and bone marrow edema was significantly higher in the long-walking group compared to the baseline and daily groups. Furthermore, injury to the lateral meniscus was significantly worse in the long-walking group compared to the baseline group but was significantly better in the daily group compared to the baseline group. No significant changes to the posterior cruciate ligament were observed among the three groups. Knee cartilage volume was significantly increased, mainly in the stress surface of the femur, patella, and the lateral area of the tibial plateau. Regular daily training did not significantly change the thickness of the knee cartilage. Conversely, knee cartilage thickness decreased in the long-walking group, especially in the medial and lateral areas of the femur and tibial plateau. Moreover, no significant changes were observed in the knee cartilage volume of the long-walking group. Both long-walking and daily groups showed reduced T2 values of the knee joint compared to the baseline.ConclusionAmong freshmen students and the training of this experimental intensity, our results show that regular daily training does not cause high-level injury to the knee joint, but improve the knee joint function adaptability by increasing cartilage volume. Moreover, knee injury caused by short-term long walking can be reversible.
Orf Virus-Based Vectors Preferentially Target Professional Antigen-Presenting Cells, Activate the STING Pathway and Induce Strong Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses
Authors: Müller Melanie , Reguzova Alena , Löffler Markus W. , Amann Ralf 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundOrf virus (ORFV)-based vectors are attractive for vaccine development as they enable the induction of potent immune responses against specific transgenes. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of immune activation remain unknown. This study therefore aimed to characterize underlying mechanisms in human immune cells.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells were infected with attenuated ORFV strain D1701-VrV and analyzed for ORFV infection and activation markers. ORFV entry in susceptible cells was examined using established pharmacological inhibitors. Using the THP1-Dual™ reporter cell line, activation of nuclear factor-κB and interferon regulatory factor pathways were simultaneously evaluated. Infection with an ORFV recombinant encoding immunogenic peptides (PepTrio-ORFV) was used to assess the induction of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells.ResultsORFV was found to preferentially target professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in vitro, with ORFV uptake mediated primarily by macropinocytosis. ORFV-infected APCs exhibited an activated phenotype, required for subsequent lymphocyte activation. Reporter cells revealed that the stimulator of interferon genes pathway is a prerequisite for ORFV-mediated cellular activation. PepTrio-ORFV efficiently induced antigen-specific CD8+ T cell recall responses in a dose-dependent manner. Further, activation and expansion of naïve antigen-specific CD8+ T cells was observed in response.DiscussionOur findings confirm that ORFV induces a strong antigen-specific immune response dependent on APC uptake and activation. These data support the notion that ORFV D1701-VrV is a promising vector for vaccine development and the design of innovative immunotherapeutic applications.
Mortality Risk Stratification Using Cluster Analysis in Patients With Myositis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease Receiving Initial Triple-Combination Therapy
Authors: Gono Takahisa , Masui Kenichi , Sato Shinji , Kuwana Masataka 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveTo stratify patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) who were initially treated with an intensive regimen consisting of high-dose corticosteroids, a calcineurin inhibitor, and intravenous cyclophosphamide (triple-combo therapy) into subgroups based on mortality outcomes by a cluster analysis using a large-scale multicenter retrospective cohort of Japanese patients with myositis-associated ILD (JAMI).MethodsTwo-step cluster analysis of preclustering and subsequent hierarchical clustering was conducted in 185 patients who received triple-combo therapy in an unbiased manner. Initial predictors for mortality previously reported in patients with myositis-associated ILD were used as variables and included age, sex, disease duration, classification of myositis, requirement of supplemental oxygen, anti-aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (ARS) antibody, anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody, and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6). The cluster model was further applied to 283 patients who received conventional regimens consisting of corticosteroids with or without a single immunosuppressive agent (dual-combo therapy or monotherapy). Cumulative survival rates were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and the log-rank test was used to test for significant differences between two groups.ResultsWe developed a cluster model consisting of 6 clusters, which were categorized by age at onset, clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis, CRP, KL-6, requirement of supplemental oxygen, anti-ARS antibody, and anti-MDA5 antibody. This model was judged to be of good quality based on the silhouette measure of cohesion and separation of 0.6. These clusters were regrouped into three subsets based on low (&lt;10%), moderate (10-50%), and high (&gt;50%) mortality rates. The performance of the clustering was generally replicated in patients who received initial dual-combo therapy or monotherapy. Survival benefits of triple-combo therapy over dual-combo therapy or monotherapy were not observed in any of the clusters.ConclusionWe successfully developed a cluster model that stratified patients with myositis-associated ILD who were treated with initial triple-combo therapy into subgroups with different prognoses, although this model failed to identify a patient subgroup that showed survival benefits from triple-combo therapy over dual-combo therapy or monotherapy.
Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients Infected by the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Zhang Jianguo , Chen Nan , Zhao Daguo , Zhang Jinhui , Hu Zhenkui , Tao Zhimin 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundCurrently, as the omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) surges amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, its clinical characteristics with intrinsic severity and the protection from vaccination have been understudied.MethodsWe reported 169 COVID-19 patients that were infected with the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 and hospitalized in Suzhou, China, from February to March 2022, with their demographic information, medical/immunization history, clinical symptom, and hematological profile. At the same time, patients with none/partial (one-dose), full (two-dose) and three–dose vaccination were also compared to assess the vaccine effectiveness.FindingsFor the omicron COVID-19 patients included in this study, their median age was 33.0 [interquartile range (IQR): 24.0–45.5], 53.3% were male and the median duration from illness onset to hospitalization was 2 days. Hypertension, bronchitis, and diabetes were the leading comorbidities among patients. While the common clinical symptoms included cough, fever, expectoration, and fatigue, etc., asymptomatic patients took up a significant portion (46.7%). For hematological parameters, most values revealed the alleviated pathogenicity induced by the omicron variant infection. No critically ill or deceased patients due to COVID-19 infection were reported in this study.InterpretationOur results supported that the viremic effect of the omicron variant became milder than the previous circulating variants, while full vaccination or booster shot was greatly desired for an effective protection against clinical severity.
Serum sTREM2: A Potential Biomarker for Mild Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Jiahuan Xu , Ying Zou , Hongyu Jin , Zhijing Wei , Shibo Guan , Chengyue Deng , Liangyu Fu , Fan Liu , Wei Wang 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveCognitive impairment is a common comorbidity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that leads to poor quality of life and a heavier medical burden. However, the assessment and longitudinal tracking of cognitive impairment in OSA is challenging. This study aimed to examine the alternation and related factors of serum soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) in patients with OSA, and to explore whether serum sTREM2 could be a biomarker for mild cognitive impairment in OSA patients.MethodsA total of 94 OSA patients and 13 snoring subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Demographic information, questionnaires, and polysomnography results were collected. Serum sTREM2 levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the factors influencing sTREM2, and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the predictive value of serum sTREM2 for mild cognitive impairment in patients with OSA.ResultsPatients with OSA had higher serum sTREM2 levels than the controls. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that serum sTREM2 levels in patients with OSA were associated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score and oxygen depletion index levels. Additionally, serum sTREM2 levels were higher in OSA patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) than in those without. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that at a cutoff value of &gt;18,437 pg/ml, the sensitivity of serum sTREM2 to predict MCI in OSA was 64.62%, the specificity was 68.97%, and the area under the curve was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.58–0.81).ConclusionSerum sTREM2 levels were elevated in patients with OSA, particularly in those with MCI. It therefore has the potential to be a biomarker for MCI in OSA patients.
Analyzing Corin–BNP–NEP Protein Pathway Revealing Differential Mechanisms in AF-Related Ischemic Stroke and No AF-Related Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Shen Xiaozhu , Dong Nan , Xu Yiwen , Han Lin , Yang Rui , Liao Juan , Zhang Xianxian , Xie Tao , Wang Yugang , Chen Chen , Liu Mengqian , Jiang Yi , Yu Liqiang , Fang Qi 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF)-related stroke increases with aging. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) family, including Corin-B type natriuretic peptide (BNP)-neprilysin (NEP) protein levels increased with age and are risk markers of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as AF and cardioembolic stroke. Aging is also linked to epigenetics, specifically DNA methylation. However, only a few studies have investigated the effect of DNA methylation on the NP system. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether the Corin-BNP-NEP protein pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of AF-stroke and CpG methylation in the promoter region of the Corin protein gene has an effect on AF-related ischemic stroke.MethodsA total of 82 patients hospitalized with acute ischemic strokes were enrolled in this study. The differences in clinical information were compared between the AF-stroke (n = 37) and no AF-stroke groups (n = 45). Plasma-soluble Corin and NEP were detected using an ELISA kit. CpG methylation in the promoter region of the gene was assessed by a next-generation sequencing-based bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (BSP).Results(1) Patients in AF-stroke were older, had higher initial NIHSS score, 90-day mRs, higher D2-dimer, INR, and APTT, and low TG, TC, and HbA1c (all p &lt; 0.05). (2) Serum levels of Corin and BNP in the AF-stroke group were significantly higher than that in the no AF-stroke group (p &lt; 0.05). No significant difference was detected in the serum levels of NEP between the two groups. (3) The levels of CpG methylation in the promoter region of the Corin protein gene in the AF-stroke group was significantly lower than that in the no AF-stroke group (p &lt; 0.05). The CpG sites with maximal methylation differences between the two groups were CORIN:678, CORIN:682, CORIN:694, and CORIN:700.ConclusionThe current findings raise the possibility that the Corin–BNP–NEP protein pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of AF-related ischemic stroke. Deficient CpG methylation in the promoter region of the Corin protein gene is associated with AF-related ischemic stroke.
Brain Activity in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients From the Perspective of Regional Homogeneity: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Liu Qi-Ying , Pan Yi-Cong , Shu Hui-Ye , Zhang Li-Juan , Li Qiu-Yu , Ge Qian-Min , Shao Yi , Zhou Qiong 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveIn this study, the regional homogeneity (ReHo) method was used to investigate levels of cerebral homogeneity in individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with the aim of exploring whether these measures are associated with clinical characteristics.Materials and MethodsPatients with AMD and healthy controls attending the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were invited to participate. Resting state functional magnetic resonance images were recorded in each participant and levels of synchronous neural activity were evaluated using ReHo. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of this method.ResultsEighteen patients with AMD (9 males and 9 females) and 15 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The two groups were approximately matched in age, gender and weight. Compared with controls, the ReHo values were significantly higher in the AMD group at the limbic lobe and parahippocampal gyrus, and were significantly reduced at the cingulate gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, and precentral gyrus. Mean ReHo values at the cingulate gyrus and the superior frontal gyrus were negatively correlated with clinical symptoms.ConclusionBrain neural homogeneity dysfunction is a manifestation of visual pathways in AMD patients, and may be one of the pathological mechanisms of chronic vision loss, anxiety and depression in AMD patients. In addition, the ReHo data may be useful for early screening for AMD.
Relationships Between Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Age-Related Cognitive Decline in Chinese Centenarians
Authors: Sun Zhigao , Ping Ping , Li Yulong , Feng Long , Liu Fan , Zhao Yali , Yao Yao , Zhang Pei , Fu Shihui 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundAge-related cognitive decline (ARCD) is a common condition among older adults, affecting 100 million people worldwide. Traditional Chinese Medicine’s (TCM) constitution is closely related to the occurrence and development of diseases in the elderly population. However, little is known about the relationships between TCM constitution and ARCD in the super-aged population. The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between the TCM constitution and ARCD in Chinese centenarians and to explore the application of the constitution to prevent ARCD in the elderly population.MethodsEach participant underwent a standardized epidemiological investigation and physical examination, based on the China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study. Data on the demographic characteristics and TCM constitution were collected using structured questionnaires.ResultsThe present study included 636 centenarians aged 100–116 years. The prevalence of ARCD was 87.7% (n = 558 centenarians). In multiple linear regression analysis, an inverse relationship between Qi depression and Mini-Mental State Examination scales was significant after controlling for a wide range of other factors (P &lt; 0.05). In multiple logistic regression analysis, Qi depression was positively associated with ARCD after full adjustment (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionAs the first study in the world, the present study provides strong epidemiological evidence that Qi depression has a significant relationship with ARCD in Chinese centenarians, and regulating Qi depression may be a valuable method to prevent and treat ARCD in the elderly population.