bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significance of transesophageal contrast echocardiography with the agitated saline test for diagnosing pulmonary arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Lim Kyung Hee , Kim Sung Mok , Park Sung-Ji , Kim Eun Kyoung , Chang Sung-A , Lee Sang-Chol , Park Seung Woo , Choe Yeon Hyeon 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesThis study evaluated the diagnostic value of transesophageal contrast echocardiography (TECE) with the agitated saline test for diagnosing pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) in comparison with chest CT or pulmonary angiography.BackgroundAlthough transthoracic contrast echocardiography (TTCE) is the recommended screening test for diagnosing PAVMs, it has low specificity and positive predictive value. TECE is expected to offer improved sensitivity and specificity compared with TTCE, but no studies have reported the diagnostic accuracy and clinical significance of TECE in detecting PAVMs.Methods and resultsIn total, 1,809 patients underwent TECE with the agitated saline test to evaluate symptoms of a suspected right to left shunt. Patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) were excluded. A total of 387 patients showed transpulmonary bubble passage, indicating a PAVM. Among them, 182 patients had additional chest CT or pulmonary angiography. Those patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of a PAVM in the radiologic imaging. A total of 18 patients (9.8%) were confirmed for the PAVM group. Only 13 patients required embolization for their PAVMs. The TECE with saline test results were divided into four grades according to the number of bubbles: grade 1 (n = 91), grade 2 (n = 47), grade 3 (n = 35), and grade 4 (n = 9). None of the patients in the PAVM group had grade 1 shunts in their TECE results. The positive predictive values for the presence of a PAVM according to the TECE grade scale were 10.6% for grade 2, 22.8% for grade 3, and 55.6% for grade 4.ConclusionTECE with a grade scale is a useful method for initially diagnosing PAVMs in non-HHT patients with a suspected right to left shunt. The findings of this study also suggest that patients with a small grade (&lt;10 bubbles) shunt in their TECE findings should be spared unnecessary radiation exposure from CT scans or pulmonary angiography.
Semiquantitative assessment of 99mTc-MIBI uptake in parathyroids of secondary hyperparathyroidism patients with chronic renal failure
Authors: Yu Dafu , Zou Lin , Jin Yao , Wei Mingxiang , Wu Xiaoqun , Zuo Lingjing , Wu Mingkang , Jiang Yong 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveTo explore the valuably influential factors and improve the diagnostic accuracy and efficiency of 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) uptake in parathyroids of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) patients with chronic renal failure (CRF).MethodsThe correlation analysis was performed between clinical indices related to CRF and 99mTc-MIBI uptake intensity TBR (the gray value mean ratio between the parathyroid target and the bilateral neck background, semiquantitatively calculated with ImageJ software). All clinical indices and TBRs were compared by a three- or two-level grouping method of MIBI uptake, which was visually qualitatively assessed. The three-level grouping method comprised slight, medium, and high groups with little, faint, and distinct MIBI concentration in parathyroids, respectively. The two-level grouping method comprised insignificant and significant groups with TBR greater than or less than 0.49–0.71, respectively.ResultsMIBI uptake was significantly positively related to patient age, CRF course, hemodialysis vintage, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) but was significantly negatively related to serum uric acid (UA). MIBI washout was significantly positively related to patient age but was significantly negatively related to serum phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) × P. Oral administration of calcitriol and calcium could significantly reduce the MIBI uptake. MIBI uptake tendency might alter. Such seven indices, namely the MIBI uptake, CRF course, hemodialysis vintage, serum AKP, calcium, cysteine proteinase inhibitor C, and PTH, were comparable between the slight and medium groups but were significantly different between the slight and high groups or between the medium and high groups. The above seven indices plus blood urea nitrogen/creatinine were all significantly different between the insignificant and significant groups. All above significances were with P &lt; 0.05.ConclusionsPatient age, CRF course, hemodialysis vintage, serum PTH, AKP, UA, phosphorus, Ca × P, oral administration of calcitriol and calcium, and parathyroids themselves can significantly influence MIBI uptake in parathyroids of SHPT patients with CRF. The two-level grouping method of MIBI intensity should be adopted to qualitatively diagnose the MIBI uptake.
Diagnostic performance of C-TIRADS in malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Yan , Xu Shangyan , Zhan Weiwei 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundChinese thyroid imaging reports and data systems (C-TIRADS) is a novel malignancy risk stratification used for thyroid nodule diagnosis and guiding thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA). In this review, we aim to assess the performance of C-TIRADS in malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules.MethodsPubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched until 1 April 2022. Original articles reporting data about C-TIRADS and setting FNA or histology as reference standards were included. C-TIRADS 4A, 4B, and 4C were set as thresholds, respectively, to obtain pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the curve (AUC). Integrated nested Laplace approximation was used for Bayesian bivariate meta-analysis of diagnostic tests.ResultsSixteen studies were included, evaluating 11,506 thyroid nodules. The rate of malignancy in each risk classification is comparable with that in C-TIRADS. C-TIRADS 4B appeared to have better diagnostic performance than C-TIRADS 4A and 4C. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR-, and DOR of C-TI-RADS 4B were 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89–0.97), 0.70 (95% CI: 0.60–0.79), 3.20 (95% CI: 2.28–4.39), 0.09 (95% CI: 0.05–0.15), and 33.71 (95% CI: 25.51–42.40), respectively. The area under the summary ROC curve was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.90-0.96).ConclusionC-TIRADS performed well in malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules. C-TIRADS 4B showed strong evidence of detecting malignancy.
A global synthesis of patterns in soil organic matter and temperature sensitivity along the altitudinal gradient
Authors: Li Chao , Xiao Chunwang , Li Mingxu , Xu Li , He Nianpeng 
Published: September 2022

Although it is important to determine how the global carbon (C) cycle is responding to climate change in our three-dimensional Earth, variation in the soil organic matter (SOM) and temperature sensitivity (Q10) of soil respiration along the altitudinal gradient remains unclear globally. This study explored spatial variability in SOM and Q10 and its regulatory mechanisms from a three-dimensional perspective. We collected SOM and Q10 datasets from published studies for 0–10 cm soil depth along elevational gradients of mountain ranges globally. We found that the SOM content in most mountains changed significantly with increasing altitude; unexpectedly, these changes with altitude significantly differed across different climate zones. Specifically, the SOM content increased with increasing altitude in tropical and subtropical regions, while it decreased with increasing altitude in temperate and plateau regions. Climate factors (mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation) and soil properties (total N content, C/N ratio, and pH) together accounted for 83% of spatial variation in SOM with altitude. Q10 values, under both laboratory incubation and in situ studies, did not significantly correlate with altitude, and no apparent global patterns were detected (mean: 2.07); however, Q10 was regulated by variation in soil substrate quality along altitudinal gradients, to some extent. In the context of global climate change, this new information on SOM and Q10 in relation to the altitude at a global scale might enhance our understanding of soil C−climate feedbacks.
LNC-ZNF33B-2:1 gene rs579501 polymorphism is associated with organ dysfunction and death risk in pediatric sepsis
Authors: Lu Zhaoliang , Yu Hongyan , Xu Yufen , Chen Kaining , Lin Yueling , Lin Kun , Wang Yishuai , Xu Kaixiong , Fu Lanyan , Li Weizhan , Zhou Huazhong , Wei Bing , Pi Lei , Che Di , Gu Xiaoqiong 
Published: September 2022

Background: Sepsis is a severe systemic reaction disease induced by bacteria and virus invading the bloodstream and subsequently causing multiple systemic organ dysfunctions. For example, the kidney may stop producing urine, or the lungs may stop taking in oxygen. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are related to the dysfunction of organs in sepsis. This study aims to screen and validate the sepsis-associated lncRNAs and their functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).Result: Unconditional multiple logistic regression based on the recessive model (adjusted odds ratio = 2.026, 95% CI = 1.156–3.551, p = 0.0136) showed that patients with the CC genotype of rs579501 had increased risk of sepsis. Stratification analysis by age and gender indicated that patients with the rs579501 CC genotype had higher risk of sepsis among children aged &lt;12 months (adjusted odds ratio = 2.638, 95% CI = 1.167–5.960, p = 0.0197) and in male patients (adjusted odds ratio = 2.232, 95% CI = 1.127–4.421, p = 0.0213). We also found a significant relationship between rs579501 and severe sepsis risk (CC versus AA/AC: adjusted odds ratio = 2.466, 95% CI = 1.346–4.517, p = 0.0035). Stratification analysis for prognosis and number of organ dysfunctions demonstrated that the rs579501 CC genotype increased non-survivors’ risk (adjusted odds ratio = 2.827, 95% CI = 1.159–6.898, p = 0.0224) and one to two organs with dysfunction risk (adjusted odds ratio = 2.253, 95% CI = 1.011–5.926, p = 0.0472).Conclusion: Our findings showed that the lnc-ZNF33B-2:1 rs579501 CC genotype increases the susceptibility to sepsis. From the medical perspective, the lnc-ZNF33B-2:1 rs579501 CC genotype could be serving as a biochemical marker for sepsis.
Recombinant COVID-19 vaccine based on recombinant RBD/Nucleoprotein and saponin adjuvant induces long-lasting neutralizing antibodies and cellular immunity
Authors: Ghaemi Amir , Roshani Asl Parisa , Zargaran Hedieh , Ahmadi Delaram , Hashimi Asim Ali , Abdolalipour Elahe , Bathaeian Sahar , Miri Seyed Mohammad 
Published: September 2022

SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic, infecting millions of people. An effective preventive vaccine against this virus is urgently needed. Here, we designed and developed a novel formulated recombinant receptor-binding domain (RBD) nucleocapsid (N) recombinant vaccine candidates. The RBD and N were separately expressed in E. coli and purified using column chromatography. The female Balb/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with the combination of purified RBD and N alone or formulated with saponin adjuvant in a two-week interval in three doses. Neutralization antibody (Nabs) titers against the SARS-CoV-2 were detected by a Surrogate Virus Neutralization (sVNT) Test. Also, total IgG and IgG1, and IgG2a isotypes and the balance of cytokines in the spleen (IFN-γ, Granzyme B, IL-4, and IL-12) were measured by ELISA. The percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were quantified by flow cytometry. The lymphoproliferative activity of restimulated spleen cells was also determined. The findings showed that the combination of RBD and N proteins formulated with saponin significantly promoted specific total IgG and neutralization antibodies, elicited robust specific lymphoproliferative and T cell response responses. Moreover, marked increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were observed in the adjuvanted RBD and N vaccine group compared with other groups. The results suggest that the formulations are able to elicit a specific long-lasting mixed Th1/Th2 balanced immune response. Our data indicate the significance of the saponin-adjuvanted RBD/N vaccine in the design of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and provide a rationale for the development of a protective long-lasting and strong vaccine.
The use of ELISA is comparable to immunoprecipitation in the detection of selected myositis-specific autoantibodies in a European population
Authors: Loganathan Aravinthan , McMorrow Fionnuala , Lu Hui , Li Danyang , Mulhearn Ben , McHugh Neil John , Tansley Sarah Louise 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThe reliable detection of myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSA) provides valuable clinical information regarding prognosis, clinical progression and diagnostic confirmation.ObjectivesTo evaluate the reliability of a commercial ELISA immunoassay in detecting myositis-specific autoantibodies in comparison to immunoprecipitation as the reference standard.MethodsSerum samples were chosen from a biobank of more than 3000 samples. Samples with a confirmed MSA on Immunoprecipitation (n=116) were evaluated in duplicate by ELISA to detect Mi2, MDA5, Jo1, EJ, KS, PL-7 and PL-12 (Medical &amp; Biological Laboratories Co. Ltd, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan). Healthy control samples (n=246) confirmed autoantibody negative by immunoprecipitation were similarly assessed.ResultsThere was a very good agreement between ELISA and immunoprecipitation for serum samples containing anti-Mi2, MDA5, Jo1, EJ, KS and PL-7 and PL-12 auto-antibodies. Cohen’s κ values ranged from 0.86-1 for the measured autoantibodies on ELISA.ConclusionELISA was an accurate method for detecting anti-synthetase, anti-Mi2 and anti-MDA5 autoantibodies.
Global trends in research on oxidative stress associated with periodontitis from 1987 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Xin Xirui , Xiang Xingchen , Xin Yu , Li Qiong , Ma Haonan , Liu Xinchan , Hou Yubo , Yu Weixian 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundOxidative stress has been implicated in many chronic inflammatory diseases, including periodontitis. To date, however, only a few bibliometric analyses have systematically studied this field. This work sought to visualize research hot spots and trends in oxidative stress associated with periodontitis from 1987 to 2022 through bibliometric approaches.MethodsThe Web of Science Core Collection was searched to retrieve relevant publications. HistCite, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace were used to perform bibliometric analysis visually in terms of annual output, active countries, prolific institutions, authors, core journals, co-cited references, and co-occurrence of keywords.ResultsA total of 1654 documents were selected for analysis. From 1 January 1987 to 11 June 2022, the number of annual publications related to oxidative stress in periodontitis exhibited an upward trend. The most prolific country was China with 322 documents, but the United States had 11334 citations. Okayama University, University of Birmingham, and Sichuan University were the most active and contributive institutions. The Journal of Periodontology ranked first in terms of numbers of publications and citations. Ekuni was the most prolific author, while Chapple ranked first among co-cited authors. The Role of Reactive Oxygen and Antioxidant Species in Periodontal Tissue Destruction published by Chapple was the most frequently co-cited reference. Keywords co-occurrence showed that oxidative stress was closely related to inflammation, antioxidants, and diabetes.ConclusionOur research found that global publications regarding research on oxidative stress associated with periodontitis increased dramatically and were expected to continue increasing. Inflammation and oxidative stress, and the relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases, are topics worthy of attention.
Novel immune scoring dynamic nomograms based on B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2: Potential prediction in survival and immunotherapeutic efficacy for gallbladder cancer
Authors: Lv Chao , Han Shukun , Wu Baokang , Liang Zhiyun , Li Yang , Zhang Yizhou , Lang Qi , Zhong Chongli , Fu Lei , Yu Yang , Xu Feng , Tian Yu 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundGallbladder cancer (GBC) is a mortal malignancy with limited therapeutic strategies. We aimed to develop novel immune scoring systems focusing on B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2. We further investigated their potential clinical effects in predicting survival and immunotherapeutic efficacy for GBC.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study in a single center that explored the expression characteristics of B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2. The immune scoring nomograms for prognostic were developed via logistic regression analyses. Their performance was evaluated using the Harrell concordance index (C-index) and decision curves analysis (DCA), and validated with calibration curves.ResultsB7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2 manifested with a relatively high rate of co-expression patterns in GBC tissues. They were associated with worse clinicopathological stage, suppression of immune microenvironment, and unfavorable prognosis in postoperative survival. B7 stratification established based on B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2 was an independent prognostic predictor (p&lt;0.05 in both groups). Moreover, immune stratification was also successfully constructed based on B7 stratification and the density of CD8+ TILs (all p&lt;0.001). The prediction models were developed based on B7-/or immune stratification combined with the TNM/or Nevin staging system. These novel models have excellent discrimination ability in predicting survival and immunotherapeutic efficacy for GBC patients by DCA and clinical impact plots. Finally, dynamic nomograms were developed for the most promising clinical prediction models (B7-TNM model and Immune-TNM model) to facilitate prediction.ConclusionsImmune scoring systems focusing on B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2 may effectively stratify the prognosis of GBC. Prognostic nomograms based on novel immune scoring systems may potentially predict survival and immunotherapeutic efficacy in GBC. Further valid verification is necessary.
Long-term changes in corneal densitometry and associated factors following small incision lenticule extraction for moderate and high myopia
Authors: Xu Changqin , Yang Dongmei , Zhao Wuxiao , Long Zhigang , Zhang Zhe , Shen Yang , Zhou Xingtao , Zhao Jing 
Published: September 2022

PurposeTo investigate long-term trends in corneal densitometry and associated influencing factors following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).MethodsA comparative study was performed among 72 eyes of 38 patients undergoing SMILE. Eyes were divided into moderate myopia [mean spherical equivalent (SE),−4.22 ± 0.68D] and high myopia (mean SE,−7.63 ± 1.09 D) groups. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, corneal topography and corneal densitometry (CD) were evaluated preoperatively and 3 years postoperatively.ResultsThe efficacy indices at last postoperative follow-up (42.47 ± 0.51 months) were 0.92 ± 0.21 and 0.97 ± 0.22, the safety indices were 1.12 ± 0.17 and 1.14 ± 0.21 for high and moderate myopia, respectively (all P &gt; 0.05). CD values in the 0–6 mm zone of the posterior corneal layer was statistically significantly lower than the preoperative values in both groups. Postoperative CD values (0–2 mm zone) in the posterior layer of the high myopia group were statistically significantly lower than in the moderate myopia group (P = 0.025); CD values (2–6 mm zone) in the anterior layer were higher in the high myopia group (P = 0.026). Correlation analyses showed that CD values in the 0–2 mm middle layer were negatively correlated with lenticule thickness in high myopia (r = −0.411, P = 0.016); there was a negative correlation between the CD values (0–6 mm) and corneal oblique trefoil in this group (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionCorneal transparency in the 0–6 mm zone of the posterior cornea increased following SMILE in moderate and high myopia. Long-term CD values in high myopia may be correlated with oblique trefoil and lenticule thickness.
PD-1 combined with TRBC1 and pan-T cell antibodies for robustly monitoring angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Zhu Li , Liu Songya , Yi Shujuan , Xiao Min , Zhang Yicheng , Mao Xia 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThe diagnosis of AITL is challenging. It may be delayed or even missed due to critical clinical conditions and its histologic and immunophenotypic overlap with other neoplastic and reactive lymphoid proliferations.ObjectiveThe key objective is to obtain an efficient diagnosis, sensitive disease monitoring and treatment efficacy assessment of AITL using multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC).MethodsIn total, 167 de novo AITL patients were immunophenotypically profiled using sensitive MFC. We precisely identified the aberrant T-cell populations of AITL and performed an in-depth description of their phenotypic characteristics in comparison with their residual normal CD4+ T cells. A comparison of Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) expression was performed among AITL and other T-cell lymphomas.ResultsMFC detected a neoplastic T-cell population in 94.1% (80/85) of tissue, 71.5% (108/151) of bone marrow (BM), 100% (8/8) of peripheral blood (PB) and 78.6% (11/14) of body fluid samples. The most frequent immunophenotypic aberrations included the absence and diminished expression of CD3 (71.25% in tissues, 71.3% in BM, 75% in PB, 81.8% in hydrothorax and ascites specimens), followed by the loss or partial loss of CD7 (71.25% in LN, 67.6% in BM, 50% in PB, 81.8% in hydrothorax and ascites specimens). The immunophenotyping of neoplastic T-cell populations showed a high degree of similarity among different sites of the same patient and they might change over time but were relatively stable. Bright PD-1 expression showed high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating AITL from other T-cell lymphomas. In 14 AITL patients, neoplastic T-cell populations were initially missed by T-cell screening tube but were successfully discovered by bright PD-1 expression.ConclusionT-cell screening tube can reliably screen neoplastic T-cell populations in AITL patients with typical immunophenotyping, such as loss of surface CD3 and loss of CD7 with a relatively high ratio. Bright PD-1 expression is essential for identifying aberrant T cells in almost all AITLs. The clonality assessment antibody TRBC1 is efficient for robustly and cheaply assessing T-cell clonality. Using PD-1 and TRBC1 combined with pan-T cell antibodies can make a precise diagnosis of AITL and also sensitively monitor minimal residual disease regardless of the antigenic drift of the neoplastic T cells.