bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxoplasma gondii infection possibly reverses host immunosuppression to restrain tumor growth
Authors: Chen Jiating , Liao Wenzhong , Peng HongJuan 
Published: September 2022

Tumor cells can successfully escape the host immune attack by inducing the production of immunosuppressive cells and molecules, leading to an ineffective tumor treatment and poor prognosis. Although immunotherapies have improved the survival rate of cancer patients in recent years, more effective drugs and therapies still need to be developed. As an intracellular parasite,Toxoplasma gondiican trigger a strong Th1 immune response in host cells, including upregulating the expression of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Non-replicating uracil auxotrophic strains ofT. gondiiwere used to safely reverse the immunosuppression manipulated by the tumor microenvironment. In addition to the whole lysate antigens,T. gondii-secreted effectors, includingToxoplasmaprofilin, rhoptry proteins (ROPs), and dense granule antigens (GRAs), are involved in arousing the host’s antigen presentation system to suppress tumors. WhenT. gondiiinfection relieves immunosuppression, tumor-related myeloid cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), are transformed into immunostimulatory phenotypes, showing a powerful Th1 immune response mediated by CD8+T cells. Afterwards, they target and kill the tumor cells, and ultimately reduce the size and weight of tumor tissues. This article reviews the latest applications ofT. gondiiin tumor therapy, including the activation of cellular immunity and the related signal pathways, which will help us understand whyT. gondiiinfection can restrain tumor growth.
In silico characterization of IncX3 plasmids carrying blaOXA-181 in Enterobacterales
Authors: Yu Zhijian , Zhang Zhengrong , Shi Lile , Hua Shengni , Luan Ting , Lin Qiuping , Zheng Zhixiong , Feng Xiaosan , Liu Mubiao , Li Xiaobin 
Published: September 2022

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales poses a global urgent antibiotic resistance threat because of its ability to transfer carbapenemase genes to other bacteria via horizontal gene transfer mediated by mobile genetic elements such as plasmids. Oxacillinase-181 (OXA-181) is one of the most common OXA-48-like carbapenemases, and OXA-181-producing Enterobacterales has been reported in many countries worldwide. However, systematic research concerning the overall picture of plasmids harboring blaOXA-181 in Enterobacterales is currently scarce. In this study, we aimed to determine the phylogeny and evolution of blaOXA-181-positive (gene encoding OXA-181) plasmids. To characterize the plasmids harboring blaOXA-181 in Enterobacterales, we identified 81 blaOXA-181-positive plasmids from 35,150 bacterial plasmids downloaded from the NCBI RefSeq database. Our results indicated that diverse plasmid types harbored blaOXA-181 but was predominantly carried by IncX3-type plasmids. We systematically compared the host strains, plasmid types, conjugative transfer regions, and genetic contexts of blaOXA-181 among the 66 blaOXA-181-positive IncX3 plasmids. We found that IncX3 plasmids harboring blaOXA-181 were mostly ColKP3-IncX3 hybrid plasmids with a length of 51 kb each and were mainly distributed in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Most of the IncX3 plasmids harboring blaOXA-181 were human origin. Almost all the blaOXA-181-positive IncX3 plasmids were found to carry genes coding for relaxases of the MOBP family and VirB-like type IV secretion system (T4SS) gene clusters, and all the 66 IncX3 plasmids were found to carry the genes encoding type IV coupling proteins (T4CPs) of the VirD4/TraG subfamily. Most IncX3 plasmids harbored both blaOXA-181 and qnrS1 in their genomes, and the two antibiotic resistance genes were found to a composite transposon bracketed by two copies of insertion sequence IS26 in the same orientation. Our findings provide important insights into the phylogeny and evolution of blaOXA-181-positive IncX3 plasmids and further address their role in acquiring and spreading blaOXA-181 genes in Enterobacterales.
RETRACTED: Prevalence of coronary artery disease and its risk factors in Majmaah City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Albar Haitham M. , Alahmdi Riyadh Ahmed , Almedimigh Abdulmalik A. , Shaik Riyaz Ahmed , Ahmad Mohammad Shakil , Almutairi Abdulaziz Badar , Alghuyaythat Waleed Khalid Z. , Alaoufi Shouq Yaseen , Aloyari Worud Omar , Alanazi Rand Muslat S. 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveThis study was carried out with an aim to outline the prevalence of coronary artery diseases, its risk of one region of the Saudi Arabia.MethodsA retrospective observational study conducted across five secondary medical centers located in the city of Majmaah. Hospital medical records and ministry of health records were screened over a 6-month period for data on patients admitted for Coronary artery disease (CAD). Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, medical profile, and laboratory findings.ResultsA total of 327 participants were included in this study with a median age of 64 and the majority being male participants (59.8%). The majority were married, held a primary school degree and earned a salary for living. A large number (82.9%) were hypertensive and diabetic (66.7%) and one-fourth had a previous MI (25.1%). A large number (73.7%) had heart failure with a mean ejection fraction of 44% (SD = 13). The causes of heart failure were mainly ischemic (56.3%) and hypertensive (28.1%). Readmission rates at 30 and 90 days then at 6 and 12 months were 22, 53.8, 68.8, and 75.8%, respectively. The mortality rates at the same time intervals were 5.5, 8.9, 14.1, and 22.9%, respectively. Predictors of readmission are age, CCI, and NYHA class.ConclusionCoronary artery disease is the leading cause of heart failure. End stage CAD can have similar results in terms of readmission and mortality as heart failure. Future research should target patients in different stages of the condition and monitor their comorbidities which may impact the study findings.
Bioresorbable scaffolds vs. drug-eluting stents on short- and mid-term target lesion outcomes in patients after PCI: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wan Yan-di , Wang Da-yang , Deng Wen-qi , Lai Si-jia , Wang Xian 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundWhile current concerns about bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) are centered on late or very late scaffold thrombosis, less attention had been paid to short- and mid-term clinical outcomes. This review aimed to compare the short- and mid-term outcomes between BRS and drug-eluting stents (DES).MethodsA systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared BRS vs. DES was conducted by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases from inception until 19 April 2022 (language limited to English or Chinese). The primary outcome was target lesion failure (TLF) within 12 months, defined as a composite of target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI), and cardiac death. The secondary outcomes were in-stent diameter stenosis (DS%) provided by intraluminal imaging.ResultsA total of 13 studies were eligible and were included in this review (N = 9,702 patients). The follow-up duration ranged from 6 months to 1 year. A significantly higher rate of TLF [RR, 1.22, 95% CI (1.03, 1.44)] driven by the higher rate of TVMI [RR, 1.39, 95% CI (1.09, 1.76)] was observed in the BRS group than in the DES group. The risk of TLR and cardiac death was similar between the groups. Also, compared with the DES group, the BRS group had a significantly higher in-stent DS% within 1 year [MD = 5.23, 95%CI (3.43, 7.04); I2 = 97%; p &lt; 0.00001].ConclusionBioresorbable scaffolds were associated with an increased risk of target lesion failure within 1 year as compared with DES, driven by the increased rates of target vessel myocardial infarction. Also, the in-stent DS% seemed to be higher with BRS. Therefore, BRS was inferior to DES in terms of target lesion outcomes at short- or mid-term follow-up.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=327966, PROSPERO (CRD42022327966).
Alprostadil vs. isosorbide dinitrate in ameliorating angina episodes in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Dai Jinjie , Shen Lan , Jiang Yue , Zheng Xiaowen , Xu Ke , Yang Xiaoxiao , Wang Xiaolei , Hao Ziyong , Zhao Yu , Wang Dong , Jiang Lisheng , Qiu Xingbiao , Shen Linghong , He Ben 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThe optimum therapy for coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) stays debatable. This study compared the effectiveness of alprostadil with isosorbide dinitrate in alleviating angina episodes in CSFP patients.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized controlled study, 102 patients with CSFP without severe coronary artery stenosis that exhibited stable angina were allocated randomly in a ratio of 1:1 to either the alprostadil group (40 μg, three times per day, n = 51) or the isosorbide dinitrate group (5 mg, three times per day, n = 51). Frequency of angina events, intensity of suffering, and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) grading of angina pectoris were evaluated at baseline and one month after. Additionally, the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) was assessed.ResultsBaseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. At 1-month follow-up, patients administered with alprostadil experienced fewer angina episodes [episodes per week, 1 (2) vs. 2 (2), P &lt; 0.001] and less pain intensity [self-evaluated pain score, 2 (3) vs. 3 (4), P &lt; 0.001] than those with isosorbide dinitrate. In the alprostadil group, 78.4% of patients were classified as CCS class I, significantly higher than the 47.1% seen in the isosorbide dinitrate group (P = 0.001). Furthermore, treatment of alprostadil led to a significant improvement in the SAQ score (7.09 U, 95% CI: 4.22–9.96, P &lt; 0.001) compared to isosorbide dinitrate. Additionally, fewer patients suffered headaches when receiving alprostadil (7.8% vs. 19.6%, P = 0.084).ConclusionAlprostadil was more effective in ameliorating angina symptoms in CSFP patients than isosorbide dinitrate.Clinical trial registration[www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR2000033233].
Obesity increases cardiovascular mortality in patients with HFmrEF
Authors: Liu Zhican , Peng Yiqun , Zhao Wenjiao , Zhu Yunlong , Wu Mingxin , Huang Haobo , Peng Ke , Zhang Lingling , Chen Sihao , Peng Xin , Li Na , Zhang Hui , Zhou Yuying , Chen Yongliang , Xiao Sha , Fan Jie , Zeng Jianping 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundHigh body mass index increases the risk of heart failure morbidity and mortality. It is unclear whether a high body mass index is associated with prognosis in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFmrEF). We retrospectively analyzed the effect of a high body mass index on the prognosis of patients with HFmrEF.MethodsWe investigated the association between body mass index and cardiovascular death (death from any cardiovascular mechanism) in 1,691 HFmrEF patients (mean age, 68 years; 35% female) in Xiangtan Central Hospital. Using Cox proportional hazards models, body mass index was assessed as a continuous and a categorical variable.ResultsCardiovascular death occurred in 133 patients (82 males and 51 females) after 1 year of follow-up. After adjustment for established risk factors, there was a 7.5% increase in the risk of cardiovascular death for females for each increment of 1 in BMI. In contrast, changes in male body mass index were not significantly associated with cardiovascular death (P = 0.097). Obese subjects had a 1.8-fold increased risk of cardiovascular death compared with subjects with a normal body mass index. The hazard ratio for females was 2.163 (95% confidence interval: 1.150–4.066). Obesity was not significantly associated with cardiovascular death in males (P = 0.085).ConclusionAn increased body mass index is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death in patients with HFmrEF; however, this risk was mainly associated with female patients with HFmrEF and less with male patients with HFmrEF.
Hydrogeochemical characteristics of thermal springs in the Qilian–Haiyuan fault zone at the northeast Tibetan Plateau: Role of fluids and seismic activity
Authors: Li Chenhua , Zhou Xiaocheng , Li Jingchao , Liu Lei , Su Hejun , Li Ying , He Miao , Dong Jinyuan , Tian Jiao , Zhou Huiling , Gao Gang , Zhang Caiyan , Luo Zhixin 
Published: September 2022

The Qilian–Haiyuan fault zone (QHF) is located in a highly deformed and seismically active area of the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. This study investigated the major elements, strontium, hydrogen, and oxygen isotopes of 22 sites in the thermal springs along the QHF from October to November 2020. The QHF hydrochemical system is recharged by meteoric water primarily infiltrating between 2.8 and 4.4 km a.s.l. Based on quartz geothermometers, the geothermal reservoir temperature variation ranged from 25.5 to 111.3°C, and the circulation depth ranged from 1.3 to 5.6 km. In the QHF zone, the highest spring water temperature values were correlated with deep groundwater circulation circuits in areas where earthquake foci are concentrated. A conceptual model of the hydrologic cycle of thermal springs explains the spatial distribution of earthquakes associated with tectonic movements. The fluid circulation of the QHF corresponds well with the seismicity, which indicates that the hydrological characteristics of the thermal spring in a fault zone are vital in receiving information on seismic activity to assess the seismic risk of the QHF in the future.
Crustal permeability changes inferred from seismic attenuation: Impacts on multi-mainshock sequences
Authors: Malagnini Luca , Parsons Tom , Munafò Irene , Mancini Simone , Segou Margarita , Geist Eric L. 
Published: September 2022

We use amplitude ratios from narrowband-filtered earthquake seismograms to measure variations of seismic attenuation over time, providing unique insights into the dynamic state of stress in the Earth’s crust at depth. Our dataset from earthquakes of the 2016–2017 Central Apennines sequence allows us to obtain high-resolution time histories of seismic attenuation (frequency band: 0.5–30 Hz) characterized by strong earthquake dilatation-induced fluctuations at seismogenic depths, caused by the cumulative elastic stress drop after the sequence, as well as damage-induced ones at shallow depths caused by energetic surface waves. Cumulative stress drop causes negative dilatation, reduced permeability, and seismic attenuation, whereas strong-motion surface waves produce an increase in crack density, and so in permeability and seismic attenuation. In the aftermath of the main shocks of the sequence, we show that theM≥ 3.5 earthquake occurrence vs. time and distance is consistent with fluid diffusion: diffusion signatures are associated with changes in seismic attenuation during the first days of the Amatrice, Visso-Norcia, and Capitignano sub-sequences. We hypothesize that coseismic permeability changes create fluid diffusion pathways that are at least partly responsible for triggering multi-mainshock seismic sequences. Here we show that anelastic seismic attenuation fluctuates coherently with our hypothesis.
Electromagnetic transient characteristics and overvoltage suppression strategy of renewable energy-oriented power system connected by gas-insulated transmission lines
Authors: Yang Guang , Zhu Yong , Zen Fanxing , Zhou Shengzhi , Chen Yuhang 
Published: September 2022

New energy systems, such as wind power and photovoltaic and distributed power supply, in the power generation and grid-connected transmission system basically will use stronger insulation design, higher operational safety, and smaller footprint GIL equipment, while the new energy transmission system of the smart grid development trend requires accompanying the electronic transformer equipment to promote a large area. However, the current GIL equipment used in new energy transmission systems has caused great electromagnetic interference to the electronic equipment due to the compact layout of the equipment and the transient signals generated by normal operation, which has seriously restricted the development of smart grids and became a major obstacle to the grid connection of new energy systems. In order to study the characteristics and developmental law of transient electromagnetic interference signal of GIL equipment in new energy transmission and transformation system, this study proposes a dynamic arc model based on an optimized arc extinguishing criterion, verifies the correctness of the improved dynamic arc model through theoretical analysis, simulates calculation combined with the test measurement data, and compares and analyzes the simulation results with test measurement data to study the transient electromagnetic interference source signal during arc burning duration. The simulation results and test data are compared and analyzed to study the pulse steepness, size of the wave head, and overall waveform development law of the transient electromagnetic interference source signal during the arc burning process. It is concluded that the dynamic arc model based on the optimized arc extinguishing criterion can be better used to study the transient electromagnetic interference signal in the GIL equipment. Meanwhile, the transient electromagnetic interference signal has the characteristics of large amplitude and high frequency, the maximum overvoltage can reach 1.9 p.u., the UHF can reach 30 MHz, and the wave head rise time is about 12 ns. This study provides theoretical support for subsequent research on suppressing transient electromagnetic interference source signals, improving the anti-electromagnetic interference performance of electronic devices, and is dedicated to solving the obstruction problem in the process of grid connection of new energy transmission and substation systems.
Red blood cell transfusions impact response rates to immunotherapy in patients with solid malignant tumors
Authors: Mispelbaum Rebekka , Hattenhauer Sandra Tessa , Brossart Peter , Heine Annkristin 
Published: September 2022

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions have been shown to exert immunosuppressive effects in different diseases. In consequence, RBC transfusions might also negatively influence the response to immunotherapeutic treatment approaches. To address how RBC transfusions impact response rates of antitumor immunotherapy (IT), we conducted a retrolective clinical study of patients with different solid tumors treated with IT (atezolizumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab and/or ipilimumab). We assessed the number of RBC concentrates received within 30 days before and 60 days after the start of IT. Primary objective was the initial therapy response at first staging, secondary objectives the number of immune related adverse events and infections. 15 of 55 included patients (27.3%) received RBC concentrates. The response rates were 77.5% in the non-transfused (n=40) versus 46.7% in the transfused patient group (n=15) and reached statistical significance (p=0.047). The correlation between therapy response and transfusion was statistically significant (p=0.026) after adjustment for the only identified confounder “line of therapy”. In contrast, transfusion in the interval 30 days before IT showed no significant difference for treatment response (p=0.705). Moreover, no correlation was detected between RBC transfusion and irAE rate (p=0.149) or infection rate (p=0.135). In conclusion, we show for the first time that the administration of RBC transfusions during, but not before initiation of IT treatment, negatively influences the response rates to IT. Our findings suggest a restrictive transfusion management in patients undergoing IT to receive optimal response rates.
The effect of serum IL-2 levels on the prognosis of primary biliary cholangitis-related liver failure and the preliminary exploration of its mechanism
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Yang , Qiao Wenying , Xu Bin , Liu Yanmin , Zhang Xiaodan , Li Wenjuan , Zhao Juan , Liu Mengcheng , Zhang Yang , Chen Dexi , Huang Chunyang , Jin Ronghua 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundIn primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), the levels of serum IL-2 were involved in liver inflammation and immune changes. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of serum IL-2 combined with total bilirubin (TBIL) in liver failure and cytokine changes during the disease.MethodsA total of 160 PBC patients treated with UDCA were included. Parameters at admission were collected, and the COX regression model was used to predict independent risk factors associated with PBC disease progression. We identified the optimal cut-off values and prognosis effects of serum IL-2 and TBIL based on the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. We also analyzed the incidence of liver failure with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. In addition, the changes of cytokines (mainly IL-2) in liver tissues and blood samples from 11 patients with end-stage PBC liver failure and five healthy controls were examined.ResultsAge, IL-2, ALB, γ-GT, ALP, TBIL, Hb, TBA, WBC, and PLT, as well as anti-Sp100, were found to be independent risk factors in PBC patients with liver failure. Patients with decreased serum IL-2 levels and increased TBIL levels have a significantly higher incidence of liver failure and a worse prognosis. Patients with advanced PBC liver failure after liver transplantation exhibited a significant decrease in levels of serum IL-2 and a relatively immunosuppressed status.ConclusionsThe combination of serum IL-2 and TBIL can be a predictor of the progression of liver failure in patients with primary biliary cholangitis, and it is likely to be related to the expression of GM-CSF and G-CSF.