bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Detection of Cardiac Damage by Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography After Thoracic Radiation Therapy: Study Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhu Dan , Li Tingcui , Zhuang Hongqing , Cui Ming 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundAs one of the important treatment methods for cancer patients, radiotherapy may lead to incidental irradiation of the heart, resulting in radiotherapy-induced heart disease (RIHD) arising many years after radiotherapy. While, there are few studies on early subclinical cardiac damage, which may be essential for the protection of late RIHD. To detect and predict RIHD and early subclinical cardiac damage induced by thoracic radiation therapy, based on two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) combined with multiple circulating biomarkers and accurate heart dosimetry.Methods and AnalysisThis is a monocentric prospective cohort study in which 104 patients treated for malignant tumors and with cardiac radiation exposure will be included. All participants will be followed for 12 months after radiotherapy. Echocardiography, 2D STE, and blood samples will be underwent at 5-time points (baseline; after completion of RT; 2, 6, and 12 months after RT). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); global longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain; diastolic function parameters; creatine kinase (CK); creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB); cardiac troponin T (cTnT); N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) will be measured at baseline and every follow-up time. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events will be recorded.DiscussionThis study details the protocol and presents the primary limits and advantages of this single-center project. The inclusion of patients began in 2021, and the results are expected to be published in 2023. This study will be allowed to enhance knowledge on detection and prediction of early subclinical cardiac dysfunction induced by thoracic radiation therapy, based on two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) combined with circulating biomarkers and accurate heart dosimetry. Furthermore, we will evaluate risk factors of subtle cardiac damage and identify high-risk groups for early heart damage.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04443400.
Brain Imaging Changes and Related Risk Factors of Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Jiang Yangyang , Wang Lei , Lu Ziwen , Chen Shiqi , Teng Yu , Li Tong , Li Yang , Xie Yingzhen , Zhao Mingjing 
Published: January 2022

Background/AimsTo explore the imaging changes and related risk factors of heart failure (HF) patients with cognitive impairment (CI).MethodsA literature search was systematically carried out in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. In this systematic review, important relevant information was extracted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality was assessed by three scales according to the different study types.ResultsFinally, 66 studies were included, involving 33,579 patients. In the imaging changes, the severity of medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) and the decrease of gray Matter (GM) volume were closely related to the cognitive decline. The reduction of cerebral blood flow (CBF) may be correlated with CI. However, the change of white matter (WM) volume was possibly independent of CI in HF patients. Specific risk factors were analyzed, and the data indicated that the increased levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)/N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and the comorbidities of HF, including atrial fibrillation (AF), diabetes mellitus (DM) and anemia were definitely correlated with CI in patients with HF, respectively. Certain studies had also obtained independent correlation results. Body mass index (BMI), depression and sleep disorder exhibited a tendency to be associated with CI. Low ejection fraction (EF) value (&lt;30%) was inclined to be associated with the decline in cognitive function. However, no significant differences were noted between heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in cognitive scores.ConclusionBNP/NT-proBNP and the comorbidities of HF including AF, DM and anemia were inextricably correlated with CI in patients with HF, respectively. These parameters were independent factors. The severity of MTA, GM volume, BMI index, depression, sleep disorder, and low EF value (&lt;30%) have a disposition to associated with CI. The reduction in the CBF volume may be related to CI, whereas the WM volume may not be associated with CI in HF patients. The present systematic review provides an important basis for the prevention and treatment of CI following HF.
Short-Term Climatic Effect of Gyaring and Ngoring Lakes in the Yellow River Source Area, China
Authors: Yang Xianyu , Wen Jun , Huang Anning , Lu Yaqiong , Meng Xianhong , Zhao Yong , Wang Yurun , Meng Lixia 
Published: January 2022

Based on the field observation and WRF-CLM model, the effects of Gyaring and Ngoring lakes on the short-term climate over the Yellow River source area during May to September have been studied through two experiments with and without the lakes. A backward water vapor transfer model was also employed to investigate the contribution of water vapor evapotranspiration from the Gyaring and Ngoring lakes and various surface types to the local precipitation. The results show that without the Gyaring and Ngoring lakes, the sensible heat is increased by 120%, whereas the latent heat is decreased by 58.5%, and the height of atmospheric boundary layer increases from 500 to 1,500–2,000 m during daytime over the lake area. The sum of sensible and latent heat fluxes in the lake area simulated by the experiment with and without the lakes is 185.8 and 130.3 W m−2, respectively. The precipitation amount over the lake area is significantly increased without considering the lake effect, generally by more than 20–40 mm. About 63.8% of the total precipitation in Gyaring and Ngoring lakes is contributed by the external water vapor sources. The evapotranspiration from the grassland is the secondary water vapor source for the precipitation in the Yellow River source area, and 25.2% of the total precipitation is contributed by this source. Around 4.2% of the total precipitation in the lake area is contributed by the evaporation from the Gyaring and Ngoring lakes.
Hyaluronic Acid Correlates With Bone Metastasis and Predicts Poor Prognosis in Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhao Cong , Zhang Zhiyun , Hu Xingsheng , Zhang Lina , Liu Yanxia , Wang Ying , Guo Yi , Zhang Tongmei , Li Weiying , Li Baolan 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundHyaluronan (HA) is one of the essential elements of the extracellular matrix (ECM), involved in the onset of metastasis in various tumors. The interaction and binding of the ligand–receptor HA/cluster of differentiation-44 (CD44) regulate the physical and biochemical properties of the ECM, which correlates with an increased propensity toward metastasis and poor survival outcome. Our study aimed to explore HA for predicting metastasis and survival rate in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).Materials and MethodsThis prospective cohort study recruited 72 patients with SCLC. Plasma HA and CD44 levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for 72 cases before initial systematic treatment (baseline samples), and plasma HA was detected via after-2-cycle-chemotherapy (A-2-C-CT) in 48 samples. Logistic regression analysis and the Cox proportional risk model were used to determine the independent predictors of distant metastasis and survival rate of patients.ResultsBaseline plasma HA was notably associated with bone metastasis (BM) [OR (95% CI = 1.015 (1.006–1.024), p = 0.001]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that baseline plasma HA was chosen as an independent predictor of BM. Either baseline HA or CD44 or both were associated with BM. Dynamic alteration of HA was notably associated with A-2-C-CT clinical efficacy. Multivariate Cox regression analysis in forward likelihood ratio showed that A-2-C-CT HA was an independent predictor of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).ConclusionsHA appears to be used as an independent predictive factor for BM, and the dynamic detection of HA can predict prognosis in SCLC patients. The mechanism of the HA/CD44 axis in BM of SCLC deserves further exploration.
Novel Subgroups and Chronic Complications of Diabetes in Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese:A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Fei , Zheng Ruizhi , Li Ling , Xu Min , Lu Jieli , Zhao Zhiyun , Li Mian , Wang Tiange , Wang Shuangyuan , Bi Yufang , Xu Yu , Ning Guang , Cai Weimin 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is regarded as highly heterogeneous. Novel diabetes phenotypes by cluster analysis have been proposed in Europeans but may show different cluster features in Asians. The applicability of cluster analysis in middle-aged and elderly Chinese community T2DM patients needs further investigation.MethodsParticipants were recruited from Jiading community in Shanghai, China. We adopted k-means cluster analysis in 1130 patients (aged ≥ 40 years) with newly-diagnosed T2DM at baseline. Cluster analysis was performed based on seven variables, including fasting plasma glucose, 2 hours postprandial blood glucose, age at diagnosis, body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, homoeostatic model assessment estimates of β-cell function and insulin resistance. All subjects were re-examined at 4.4 years later. Metabolic associated fatty liver disease was diagnosed using B-ultrasound, hepatic fibrosis by non-invasive scores, renal and cardiovascular status by subclinical biomarkers. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare the risks of complications between clusters.ResultsPatients were classified into 4 clusters. 381 (33.7%), 456 (40.4%), 87 (7.7%), and 206 (18.2%) patients were separately assigned to mild age-related diabetes (MARD), mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD), severe insulin-deficient and insulin-resistant diabetes (SIDRD), or severe obesity-related and insulin-resistant diabetes (SOIRD), respectively. Participants in MARD, SOIRD, and SIDRD clusters were associated with significantly increased risks of different complications. SOIRD and SIDRD showed novel features in Chinese T2DM patients that were different from those in Europeans.ConclusionsThe refined diabetes phenotypic approach was applicable to Chinese middle-aged and elderly T2DM patients. Patients in different clusters presented significantly different characteristics, progression of metabolic features, and risks of diabetic complications.
Identification and Validation of Ferroptosis-Related LncRNA Signatures as a Novel Prognostic Model for Colon Cancer
Authors: Wu Zhiwei , Lu Zhixing , Li Liang , Ma Min , Long Fei , Wu Runliu , Huang Lihua , Chou Jing , Yang Kaiyan , Zhang Yi , Li Xiaorong , Hu Gui , Zhang Yi , Lin Changwei 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundFerroptosis is a newly defined form of programmed cell death that plays an important role in many cancers. However, ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (FRLs) involved in the regulation of colon cancer are not thoroughly understood. This study aimed to identify a prognostic FRL signature in colon cancer and explore its potential molecular function.MethodsRNA-seq data and relevant clinical information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and a list of ferroptosis-related genes was extracted from the FerrDb website. Analysis of differentially expressed FRLs was performed using the ‘limma’ package in R software. By implementing coexpression analysis and univariate Cox analysis, we then identified prognostic FRLs. Using Cox regression analysis with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm, we constructed a prognostic model based on 4 FRLs. We evaluated the prognostic power of this model using Kaplan–Meier (K-M) survival curve analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Moreover, the relationships between the signature and immune landscape, somatic mutation and drug sensitivity were explored. Finally, in vitro experiments were conducted to validate the functions of AP003555.1 and AC000584.1.ResultsA 4-FRL signature was constructed. Two risk groups were classified based on the risk score calculated by this signature. The signature-based risk score exhibited a more powerful capacity for survival prediction than traditional clinicopathological features in colon patients. Additionally, we observed a significant difference in immune cells, such as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and macrophages, between the two groups. Moreover, the high-risk group exhibited lower IC50 values for certain chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin, docetaxel, bleomycin or axitinib. Finally, the in vitro experiments showed that ferroptosis processes were suppressed after AP003555.1 and AC000584.1 knockdown.ConclusionThe proposed 4-FRL signature is a promising biomarker to predict clinical outcomes and therapeutic responses in colon cancer patients.
Corrosion Experimental Research on Local Damage of Epoxy-Coated Steel Bars in Concrete Under Marine Environment
Authors: Cao Hongfei , Lyu Zhongda , Dong Wei , Zhao Zhuo , Gan Weizhong , Wang Yonggang 
Published: January 2022

Epoxy coating has been proven to protect steel bars from corrosion. However, the damage of epoxy coating is inevitable, and this may lead to more serious corrosion of steel bar. In order to study the corrosion resistance of steel bars with damaged epoxy coating, two groups of coating-damaged bar and one group of coating-intact rebar were designed, and six specimens were made. The influence of electrolyte concentration on the corrosion rate of steel bars was studied by setting different concentrations. After 30 days of accelerated corrosion, electrochemical data were recorded by the electrochemical workstation. The experimental result shows that the steel bars with coating damage have obvious polarization curve characteristics of corrosion, and corrosion resistance decreases obviously. According to the corrosion current and potential, the larger the damaged area of the coating, the faster will be the corrosion rate. According to the polarization curve data, the polarization resistance is modified, and the result is closer to the real polarization resistance value. The calculated corrosion rate shows that the corrosion rate of reinforcement is affected by both electrolyte concentration and coating damage area, and electrolyte concentration has a greater influence on the corrosion rate.
Metabolomics-Based Frailty Biomarkers in Older Chinese Adults
Authors: Pan Yiming , Li Yun , Liu Pan , Zhang Yaxin , Li Bowen , Liu Zuyun , Shui Guanghou , Ma Lina 
Published: January 2022

Background/ObjectivesOwing to accelerated population aging, health in older adults is becoming increasingly important. Frailty can reflect the health status and disease risks of older adults; however, appropriate biomarkers for early screening of frailty have not been identified. Here, we applied metabolomics to identify frailty biomarkers and potential pathogenic mechanisms of frailty.MethodsSerum metabolic profiles from 25 frail and 49 non-frail (control) older adults were systematically investigated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics.ResultsWe identified 349 metabolites of 46 classes, with four increased and seven decreased metabolites in frail older adults. Pearson correlation analysis identified 11 and 21 metabolites that were positively and negatively correlated with grip strength, and 7 and 76 metabolites that were positively and negatively correlated with gait speed, respectively. Pathway analysis identified 10 metabolite sets and 13 pathways significantly associated with one or more frailty phenotype criteria.ConclusionThese results revealed the metabolite characteristics of serum in frail older adults. Intermediates of carbohydrate metabolism (e.g., isocitrate, malate, fumarate, cis-aconitate, glucuronate, and pyruvate), saturated fatty acids (e.g., palmitic acid), unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., arachidonate and linoleic acid), and certain essential amino acids (e.g., tryptophan) may be candidate biomarkers for the early diagnosis of frailty. Mitochondrial function disorders, saturated fatty acid-mediated lipotoxicity, aberrant unsaturated fatty acid metabolism, and increased tryptophan degradation could be potential mechanisms of frailty.
Significantly Increased Risk of All-Cause Mortality Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients Living Alone
Authors: Fu Liyao , Zhou Ying , Sun Jiaxing , Xing Zhenhua , Wang Yongjun , Tai Shi 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThere is a lack of studies evaluating the association between living status and subsequent outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the association between living alone and the risk of all-cause mortality in T2DM patients.MethodsWe performed a secondary analysis in patients with long-lasting T2DM from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models was used to analyze and compare the hazard ratios (HRs) in patients living alone and with one or more adults.ResultsThis study included 10,249 patients with T2DM. Of these, 2,078 (20.28%) were living alone and 8,171 (79.72%) lived with one or more adults. Over a median total follow-up of 8.8 years, 1,958 patients developed the primary endpoint. The all-cause mortality rates in patients living alone or living with one or more adults were 23.24 and 18.05%, respectively. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that T2DM patients living alone had significantly higher rate of all-cause mortality than those living with others (HR, 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–1.48; p &lt; 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, living alone was an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in patients with T2DM (adjusted HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.14–1.41; p &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, the risks of both congestive heart failure (CHF) and fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) among 4,050 propensity score-matched patients were higher for patients living alone (respectively HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.08–1.74; p = 0.010; and HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.00–1.34; p = 0.047).ConclusionsThe risk of all-cause mortality was significantly higher in T2DM patients living alone than in those living with one or more adults.
Saliva Sampling for Prospective SARS-CoV-2 Screening of Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Raimann Adalbert , Farr Alex , Huscsava Mercedes , Krois Wilfried , Strassl Robert , Schellnegger Julia , Eibensteiner Fabian , Göschl Bernadette , Schned Hannah , Steinbauer Philipp , Hetzmannseder Mathias , Stiegner Fabian , Greber-Platzer Susanne , Kiss Herbert , Plener Paul L. , Aufricht Christoph , Berger Angelika , Wagner Michael 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to analyze the feasibility and acceptance of a non-invasive, daily and proactive screening program for SARS-CoV-2 infection employing serial saliva testing, in combination with a digital questionnaire among healthcare providers (HCPs) in a multi-professional setting.DesignThis was a prospective cohort study involving HCPs from different units at a single tertiary care center, over a pilot phase of 4 weeks during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic from April 18th to June 6th, 2020.SettingPediatric tertiary patient care units, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna.SubjectsHCPs from different units, including physicians, nurses, midwives, and administrative staff (with patient contact) were considered eligible for the study. Study participants were working in different settings in our center at varying levels of risk exposure.InterventionsSaliva collection from mouth gargle and electronic symptom and exposure monitoring (eSEM) was performed by participants at the onset of each regular clinical shift (day or night shift), using an anonymous ID for matching the results.MeasurementsRT-PCR of all saliva samples, eSEM, as well as feasibility and acceptance thereof.ResultsTwo hundred and seventy-five volunteers collected 1,865 saliva samples and responded 1,378 times in the eSEM during a 4-week period. 1,331 (96.7%) responses were that the testing was feasible and acceptable. The most common severe symptom during the 4-week period mentioned by HCPs was headache, reported 54 times (3.9%). Two SARS-CoV-2 positive samples—one of them being associated with symptoms—were identified. The acceptance rate among HCPs was 96.6%.ConclusionSerial saliva screening was a well-accepted and feasible method for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infectious state in health care professionals. Combination of regular SARS-CoV-2 tests with sequential saliva collection and storage could potentially represent a highly efficient strategy to identify and trace virus positive staff for employee and patient safety.
Cortical Visual Impairment in CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder
Authors: Quintiliani Michela , Ricci Daniela , Petrianni Maria , Leone Simona , Orazi Lorenzo , Amore Filippo , Gambardella Maria Luigia , Contaldo Ilaria , Veredice Chiara , Perulli Marco , Musto Elisa , Mercuri Eugenio Maria , Battaglia Domenica Immacolata 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundCDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a developmental encephalopathy caused by pathogenic variants in the gene cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5. Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is frequent in patients with CDD. In addition to being recognized as a specific feature of the pathology, it has been suggested that visual impairment may correlate with neurodevelopmental outcome and epilepsy severity, but no systematic behavioral visual assessment has been performed. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical and electrophysiological profile of CVI in patients with CDD, to correlate various aspects of visual function to neurodevelopmental and epileptic features.MethodsThe study included all patients with CDD from the National Pathology Registry. All patients underwent neurological examination, a disease-specific functional assessment, structured clinical evaluation of visual functions, including pattern reversal visual evoked potential (VEP), and a detailed monitoring of epileptic features, including video-EEG.ResultsAll the 11 patients recorded in the CDKL5 national registry, 10 females and one male, age range of 1.5 to 24 years (mean 9, SD 7.7, median 6.5), were enrolled. Visual function is impaired in all patients; in particular, visual fields, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and stereopsis were consistently abnormal whereas other aspects, such as fixing and tracking, were relatively preserved. Pattern reversal VEP was abnormal in nearly 80% of our patients. No correlation was found among CVI severity, age, level of psychomotor development, EEG abnormalities, and pathology stages even if an overall less abnormal EEG pattern was more often associated with better visual results.ConclusionIn conclusion, CVI can be considered as a major feature of CDD with a diffuse involvement in several behavioral and electrophysiological aspects. Larger cohorts will help to better clarify the possible prognostic role of EEG severity in predicting both visual and developmental abnormalities.