bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction Between Brackish Water Intermittent Infiltration and Cultivated Soil Environment: A Case Study From Arid Piedmont Plain of Northwest China
Authors: Leilei Guo , Zaimin Wang 
Published: June 2022

Brackish groundwater was widely used in arid areas which may cause soil salinization and groundwater environmental declines. To ensure the sustainable development of agriculture in arid areas, brackish water intermittent infiltration experiments were conducted in Southern Xinjiang, Northwest China between June to September 2018, and Hydrus-2D numerical simulation was used to analyze the underground pipe drainage systems. The field experiments were carried out during cotton growth stages after the first freshwater flood infiltration and salt washing. Two control experiments were, respectively, designed as freshwater (0.68 g/L) and brackish water (1.66 g/L) with water amount of 1.0 Q = 572 mm. Other eight groups (1.05–1.40 Q) were compared to analyze the effect of soil salt leaching by increasing the brackish water amount. The results showed that the soil moisture content was almost less than the field capacity of 0.203 at depth of 0–60 cm before each infiltration due to roots water uptake, and the soil water holding capacity rate was lower than 0.2 after 5 days under 1.20–1.40 Q brackish water treatments. Variation of EC1:5 at depth of 0–30 cm was less than 0.5 dS/m. Salt mainly accumulated at the depth of 40–60 cm whether the water amount was excessive or insufficient even under the fresh water infiltration. The optimal brackish water amount was 1.15 Q = 657.8 mm, and the soil total salinity was less than 0.55 dS/m (EC1:5) and reached mild salinization degree. Numerical simulations were used based on the 2018 field experimental results and extended by another 10 years. The soil salt accumulated to 1.10–2.99 dS/m (EC1:5) at the depth of 40–60 cm during 0–30 days. The no salinization area expanded to depth of 40–45 cm after 120 days and reduced during non-infiltration period due to evaporation effect. The soil salt was gradually leached and less than 0.55 dS/m (EC1:5) after 10 years. The optimized leaching–drainage system could not only provide a low salinity soil condition for cotton growth and realize sustainable cultivation but also greatly protect the soil and groundwater environment.
Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment, the Catalyst to Amplify the Effect of Maternal Infertility on Preterm Birth
Authors: Zhang Youzhen , Zhou Wei , Feng Wanbing , Hu Jingmei , Hu Kuona , Cui Linlin , Chen Zi-Jiang 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo identify the influence of different infertility causes and assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment on perinatal outcomes and clarify the relationship between the maternal pathophysiological changes and artificial interventions.MethodsA total of 1,629 fertile women and 27,112 infertile women with sole infertility causes were prospectively recruited from July 2014 to December 2017, and 9,894 singletons were finally enrolled into the study. Pregnancies with more than one cause of infertility and/or multiple births were excluded. According to the causes of infertility and the exposure of ART treatment, the participants were divided into four groups, namely, fertile naturally conceived (NC) group, infertile NC group, female factor ART group, and male factor ART group. Perinatal outcomes, including gestational age of delivery (GA), birth weight (BW), preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA), were compared among groups. Logistic regression was performed for the adjustment of several covariates.Result(s)The birth outcomes of the infertile NC group and fertile NC group, female factor ART group, and infertile NC group were comparable. Compared to the fertile NC group, the female factor ART group had a shorter GA (39.0 ± 1.6 vs. 39.3 ± 1.5 weeks, BW: P &lt; 0.05). An interaction test showed that ART treatment had an interaction on the effect of female infertility on GA (P = 0.023). The female factor ART group also had a higher risk of PTB (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.18–2.07) and LGA (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10–1.47) compared to the fertile NC group. The risk of PTB was increased for tubal factor ART (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.12–2.00), ovulatory dysfunction ART (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.29–2.72), and unexplained infertility ART (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.11–3.17). The risk of LGA was increased for tubal factor ART (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11–1.48) and ovulatory dysfunction ART (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03–1.57).Conclusion(s)Our findings indicated that ART treatment could amplify the adverse effect of female infertility on neonates. Women with tubal factor infertility, ovulatory dysfunction, and unexplained infertility have a higher risk of PTB after ART treatment. Thus, clinicians should be vigilant in such patients and provide corresponding prevention strategies before and during pregnancy.
Adrenalectomy Improves Blood Pressure and Metabolic Control in Patients With Possible Autonomous Cortisol Secretion: Results of a RCT
Authors: Morelli Valentina , Frigerio Sofia , Aresta Carmen , Passeri Elena , Pugliese Flavia , Copetti Massimilano , Barbieri Anna Maria , Fustinoni Silvia , Polledri Elisa , Corbetta Sabrina , Arosio Maura , Scillitani Alfredo , Chiodini Iacopo 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveThe best approach to patients with adrenal incidentaloma (AI) and possible autonomous cortisol secretion (PACS) is debated. The aim of this study was to assess the metabolic effect of adrenalectomy in AI patients with PACS in relation to cortisol secretion parameters, peripheral activation, and glucocorticoid sensitivity.DesignThis is a multicenter randomized study (NCT number: NCT04860180).MethodsSixty-two AI outpatients (40–75 years) with AI &gt;1 cm and cortisol after overnight dexamethasone suppression test (F-1mgDST) between 50 and 138 nmol/L were randomized to adrenalectomy (Arm A) or a conservative approach (Arm B). Fifty-five patients completed the 6-month follow-up, 25 patients in Arm A (17 female patients, aged 62.5 ± 10.4 years) and 30 patients in Arm B (24 female patients, 66.1 ± 9.1 years). Plasma adrenocorticotroph hormone (ACTH), 24-h urinary free cortisol, 24-h urinary free cortisone, F-1mgDST, glucose, lipids, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, blood pressure (BP), body weight, and treatment variations were assessed. The 24-h urinary free cortisol/cortisone ratio (an 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 activity marker), BclI, and the N363S variants of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) polymorphisms were also evaluated.ResultsBP control improved in 68% and 13% of the subjects in Arm A and Arm B, respectively (p = 0.001), and the glycometabolic control improved in 28% and 3.3% of the subjects in Arm A and Arm B patients, respectively (p = 0.02). Arm A subjects more rarely showed the BP and/or glycometabolic control worsening than Arm B patients (12% and 40%, respectively, p = 0.03). The surgical approach was independently associated with BP amelioration (OR 3.0, 95% CI 3.8–108.3, p &lt; 0.001) but not with age, F-1mgDST levels, BMI, and hypertension and diabetes mellitus presence at baseline. The 24-h urinary free cortisol/cortisone ratio and the presence of sensitizing GR polymorphisms were not associated with the surgical outcome. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the BP control amelioration was associated with F-1mgDST [area under the curve (AUC), 0.82 ± 0.09 p = 0.012]. The F-1mgDST cutoff with the best compromise in predicting the BP amelioration was set at 75 nmol/L (sensitivity 77%, specificity 75%).ConclusionsAI patients with PACS benefit from surgery in terms of BP and glycometabolic control.
The Effect of Normothermic Machine Perfusion on the Immune Profile of Donor Liver
Authors: Lee Andy Chao Hsuan , Edobor Arianna , Lysandrou Maria , Mirle Vikranth , Sadek Amir , Johnston Laura , Piech Ryan , Rose Rebecca , Hart John , Amundsen Beth , Jendrisak Martin , Millis James Michael , Donington Jessica , Madariaga Maria Lucia , Barth Rolf N. , di Sabato Diego , Shanmugarajah Kumaran , Fung John 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundNormothermic machine perfusion (NMP) allows viability assessment and potential resuscitation of donor livers prior to transplantation. The immunological effect of NMP on liver allografts is undetermined, with potential implications on allograft function, rejection outcomes and overall survival. In this study we define the changes in immune profile of human livers during NMP.MethodsSix human livers were placed on a NMP device. Tissue and perfusate samples were obtained during cold storage prior to perfusion and at 1, 3, and 6 hours of perfusion. Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and bead-based immunoassays were used to measure leukocyte composition and cytokines in the perfusate and within the liver tissue. Mean values between baseline and time points were compared by Student’s t-test.ResultsWithin circulating perfusate, significantly increased frequencies of CD4 T cells, B cells and eosinophils were detectable by 1 hour of NMP and continued to increase at 6 hours of perfusion. On the other hand, NK cell frequency significantly decreased by 1 hour of NMP and remained decreased for the duration of perfusion. Within the liver tissue there was significantly increased B cell frequency but decreased neutrophils detectable at 6 hours of NMP. A transient decrease in intermediate monocyte frequency was detectable in liver tissue during the middle of the perfusion run. Overall, no significant differences were detectable in tissue resident T regulatory cells during NMP. Significantly increased levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were seen following initiation of NMP that continued to rise throughout duration of perfusion.ConclusionsTime-dependent dynamic changes are seen in individual leukocyte cell-types within both perfusate and tissue compartments of donor livers during NMP. This suggests a potential role of NMP in altering the immunogenicity of donor livers prior to transplant. These data also provide insights for future work to recondition the intrinsic immune profile of donor livers during NMP prior to transplantation.
Tislelizumab Plus Chemotherapy Sequential Neoadjuvant Therapy for Non-cCR Patients After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ETNT): An Exploratory Study
Authors: He Wenwu , Wang Chenghao , Wu Lei , Wan Gang , Li Baisen , Han Yongtao , Li Haojun , Leng Xuefeng , Du Kunyi , Chen Haijun , Wang Qifeng , Peng Lin 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains a challenging malignant tumor with poor prognosis and limited treatment methods worldwide, and most patients are at a locally advanced stage at diagnosis. High recurrence and metastasis rates remain the main factors leading to the failure of the current standard treatment of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus surgery for resectable locally advanced ESCC. Improving the pathological complete response (pCR) rate may significantly benefit the survival of patients with resectable locally advanced ESCC after neoadjuvant therapy.MethodsTislelizumab plus sequential neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to non-clinical complete response (cCR) patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced ESCC. The patients then received surgery and adjuvant therapy according to the postoperative pathological results. Eighty patients with locally advanced ESCC were recruited for the study. The primary outcomes of the pCR rate and the incidence of adverse events will be analyzed completely within 24 months, and the secondary endpoints will include cCR rate, major pathological response rate, objective response rate, R0 resection rate, event-free survival, and overall survival.DiscussionThis study explored the safety and efficacy of tislelizumab plus chemotherapy sequential neoadjuvant therapy for non-cCR patients and provided a total neoadjuvant therapy model that can benefit patients with locally advanced ESCC.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials. gov NCT05189730. Registered: November 26, 2021, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S000BBD5&amp;selectaction=Edit&amp;uid=U0004UG3&amp;ts=47&amp;cx=e0cm59.
Decoy Receptor 3 Suppresses T-Cell Priming and Promotes Apoptosis of Effector T-Cells in Acute Cell-Mediated Rejection: The Role of Reverse Signaling
Authors: Weng Shuo-Chun , Wen Mei-Chin , Hsieh Shie-Liang , Chen Nien-Jung , Tarng Der-Cherng 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundDecoy receptor 3 (DcR3) belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily and neutralizes TNF ligands, including FasL and TRAIL, to prevent T activation during T-cell priming. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying acute cell-mediated rejection (ACMR) remain unknown.MethodsWe generated DcR3 transgenic (Tg) mice and mice with high DcR3 expression (HDE) to study both in vivo and in vitro. FasR RNA knockdown in immortalized CD4+CD8+ T-cells was used to survey the role of DcR3 on FasR/Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD)/caspase 8 pathway and its cross-link to TNF receptor-associated factor 1 (TNFR1)-associated death domain protein (TRADD) in suppressing TNFR1. TNF/TRADD knockout mice were used to show the importance of TNF adaptor protein.ResultsDcR3.Fc suppressed C57BL/6 female T-cell activation and transformation into CD4+CD69+, CD4+CD44+, and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ when compared with isotype IgG1 and its co-treatment with FasL/TRAIL after exposing to bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) that carried alloantigen with male H-Y and minor antigenic determinant. Interleukin-17 and interferon-γ productions by BMDC-activated T-cells were lowered after co-treating with DcR3.Fc. DcR3.Fc induced effector T-cells (Teffs) and was susceptible to FasR-mediated apoptosis through the FADD/TRADD/caspase 8 pathway. After exposing to DcR3.Fc, TRADD was silenced, likely turning down the inflammatory response. The systemic effects of DcR3 Tg mice and HDE phenotype induced by the promoter of cytomegalovirus not only attenuated ACMR severity but also ameliorated the high serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels even with high T-cell exposure frequencies. Besides this, DcR3 has minor biological effects on both MHC-matched and MHC-mismatched models.ConclusionsHigh DcR3 doses protect renal tubular epithelial cells from acute T-cell attack during the T-cell priming stage via interfering with TNF ligand-mediated reverse signaling and possibly promoting Teff apoptosis through FasR upregulation. Our findings supported that the decoy receptor is involved in T-cell modulation in kidney transplant rejection.
One-Year Outcomes of Modified Technique for Scleral Fixation of a Three-Piece Intraocular Lens Without Conjunctival Opening
Authors: Ye Hongfei , Zhang Shiguang , Mi Wei , Fei Ping , Zhao Peiquan 
Published: June 2022

PurposeThis study aimed to present the 1-year follow-up of a modified technique for scleral fixation of three-piece intraocular lens (IOLs) without conjunctival incision.Materials and MethodsA retrospective chart review of a consecutive series of 10 eyes of nine patients who underwent scleral IOL fixation using the modified technique was performed. Data were collected 1 year after surgery for all patients.ResultsThe range of follow-up time was between 1 year and 31 months. At the last follow-up point, the IOL was well-positioned and the visual acuity was good (as limited by primary diseases). Short-term complications included pupillary IOL capture (n = 1) and decreased intraocular pressure (n = 1), and no long-term complications were observed.ConclusionOutcome data support this technique as a viable option for the management of secondary IOL fixation with flexible usage of more designs of IOLs.
Impact of Lung Function Decline on Mortality in Lung Transplant Recipients: Long-Term Results From the L-CsA-i Study for the Prevention of Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome
Authors: Kneidinger Nikolaus , Ghiani Alessandro , Milger Katrin , Monforte Víctor , Knoop Christiane , Jaksch Peter , Parmar Jasvir , Ussetti Piedad , Solé Amparo , Müller-Quernheim Joachim , Voelp Andreas , Behr Juergen , Neurohr Claus 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundChronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is defined by a progressive loss of FEV1 and is associated with premature mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the direct association between FEV1 decline and risk of mortality in patients after lung transplantation (LTx).Methods10-year follow up data from lung transplant recipients participating in randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the role of liposomal Cyclosporine A for inhalation (L-CsA-i) in the prevention of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (NCT01334892) was used. The association between the course of FEV1 over time and the risk of mortality was assessed using joint modeling and Cox regression analysis.ResultsA total of 130 patients were included. Predictors of FEV1 decline were a higher absolute FEV1 at baseline and male sex. The joint model analysis indicated a significant association of change of FEV1 and risk of mortality (p &lt; 0.001), with a predicted 3.4% increase in mortality risk for each 1% decline in FEV1. Significant predictors of a progressive phenotype were single LTx and treatment with placebo (as opposed to L-CsA-i). At the end of follow-up, 82 patients (63.1%) were still alive. Cox regression analyses for mortality identified only single LTx as a predictor of higher risk.ConclusionBased on our observation of a close association between FEV1 and mortality over a period of 10 years we suggest FEV1 as a valid predictor of mortality and a suitable surrogate endpoint in the investigation of early interventions.
Different Profiles of Spatial Navigation Deficits In Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarker-Positive Versus Biomarker-Negative Older Adults With Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Laczó Martina , Martinkovic Lukas , Lerch Ondrej , Wiener Jan M. , Kalinova Jana , Matuskova Veronika , Nedelska Zuzana , Vyhnalek Martin , Hort Jakub , Laczó Jan 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundSpatial navigation impairment is a promising cognitive marker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) that can reflect the underlying pathology.ObjectivesWe assessed spatial navigation performance in AD biomarker positive older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (AD aMCI) vs. those AD biomarker negative (non-AD aMCI), and examined associations between navigation performance, MRI measures of brain atrophy, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers.MethodsA total of 122 participants with AD aMCI (n = 33), non-AD aMCI (n = 31), mild AD dementia (n = 28), and 30 cognitively normal older adults (CN) underwent cognitive assessment, brain MRI (n = 100 had high-quality images for volumetric analysis) and three virtual navigation tasks focused on route learning (body-centered navigation), wayfinding (world-centered navigation) and perspective taking/wayfinding. Cognitively impaired participants underwent CSF biomarker assessment [amyloid-β1–42, total tau, and phosphorylated tau181 (p-tau181)] and amyloid PET imaging (n = 47 and n = 45, respectively), with a subset having both (n = 19).ResultsIn route learning, AD aMCI performed worse than non-AD aMCI (p &lt; 0.001), who performed similarly to CN. In wayfinding, aMCI participants performed worse than CN (both p ≤ 0.009) and AD aMCI performed worse than non-AD aMCI in the second task session (p = 0.032). In perspective taking/wayfinding, aMCI participants performed worse than CN (both p ≤ 0.001). AD aMCI and non-AD aMCI did not differ in conventional cognitive tests. Route learning was associated with parietal thickness and amyloid-β1–42, wayfinding was associated with posterior medial temporal lobe (MTL) volume and p-tau181 and perspective taking/wayfinding was correlated with MRI measures of several brain regions and all CSF biomarkers.ConclusionAD biomarker positive and negative older adults with aMCI had different profiles of spatial navigation deficits that were associated with posterior MTL and parietal atrophy and reflected AD pathology.
Cerebellar Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation for Aphasia Rehabilitation: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zheng Kai , Chen Mingyun , Shen Ying , Xu Xinlei , Gao Fanglan , Huang Guilan , Ji Yingying , Su Bin , Song Da , Fang Hui , Liu Peng , Ren Caili 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundLanguage recovery is limited in moderate to severe post-stroke aphasia patients. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a promising tool in improving language dysfunctions caused by post-stroke aphasia, but the treatment outcome is as yet mixed. Considerable evidence has demonstrated the essential involvement of the cerebellum in a variety of language functions, suggesting that it may be a potential stimulation target of TMS for the treatment of post-stroke aphasia. Theta burst stimulation (TBS) is a specific pattern of rTMS with shorter stimulation times and better therapeutic effects. The effect of continuous TBS (cTBS) on the cerebellum in patients with aphasia with chronic stroke needs further exploration.MethodsIn this randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial, patients (n = 40) with chronic post-stroke aphasia received 10 sessions of real cTBS (n = 20) or sham cTBS (n = 20) over the right cerebellar Crus I+ a 30-min speech-language therapy. The Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) serves as the primary measure of the treatment outcome. The secondary outcome measures include the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, Boston Naming Test and speech acoustic parameters. Resting-state fMRI data were also obtained to examine treatment-induced changes in functional connectivity of the cerebro-cerebellar network. These outcome measures are assessed before, immediately after, and 12 weeks after cerebellar cTBS intervention.DiscussionThis protocol holds promise that cerebellar cTBS is a potential strategy to improve language functions in chronic post-stroke aphasia. The resting-state fMRI may explore the neural mechanism underlying the aphasia rehabilitation with cerebellar cTBS.
Anterior Circulation Fusiform Aneurysms Have a Lower Occlusion Rate After Pipeline Embolization Device Treatment Than Posterior Circulation Fusiform Aneurysms: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Xu Chao , Wu Pei , Zou Liang , Xu Shancai , Luo Bin , Yang Xinjian , Shi Huaizhang 
Published: June 2022

Objective:Intracranial fusiform aneurysms are uncommon and can occur in vessels of the anterior circulation (AC) or posterior circulation (PC). While flow diversion is one treatment option, research into Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) treatment is lacking. This study explored the efficacy and safety of PED treatment for intracranial fusiform aneurysms, and compared therapeutic effects between AC and PC aneurysms.MethodsIn the post-market multi-center cohort study of embolization of intracranial aneurysms with PED in China (PLUS) registry study, we retrospectively analyzed 71 fusiform aneurysms in 67 patients among 1,171 patients treated with a PED from November 2014 to October 2019. The general characteristics, perioperative status, aneurysm occlusion rate at the last follow-up angiography, and changes in modified Rankin Scale scores were analyzed. Aneurysms were divided into AC and PC groups, and univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted.ResultsThe study included 26 AC (25 patients) and 45 PC (42 patients) aneurysms. A total of 75 PEDs were used, an average of 1.1 PEDs were used, and the median follow-up was 6.7 months. Fifty aneurysms (71.4%) were occluded and twenty (28.5%) were incompletely occluded. There were significantly more occluded aneurysms in the PC group than in the AC group (12 vs. 38; P = 0.001). Risk factors for incomplete occlusion were AC aneurysms (P = 0.001) and a perforating artery originating from the aneurysm (P = 0.006). The mean modified Rankin Scale score was significantly lower at the last follow up than preoperatively (0.58 vs. 0.21; P = 0.0001).ConclusionNon-overlapping PED is a safe and effective treatment for both AC and PC fusiform aneurysms. The occlusion rate of AC fusiform aneurysms is lower than that of PC.