bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fibroblast Activation Protein-Alpha is a Prognostic Biomarker Associated With Ferroptosis in Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lyu Zejian , Li Yafang , Zhu Dandan , Wu Sifan , Hu Fei , Zhang Yu , Li Yong , Hou Tieying 
Published: March 2022

Background: The potential role of fibroblast activation protein-alpha (FAP) in modulating the progression and invasion of stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) has not yet been comprehensively investigated. This study aimed to explore the role of FAP in STAD and the underlying association between FAP and the tumor microenvironment (TME) and ferroptosis.Methods: Overall survival was analyzed to evaluate the prognostic value of FAP based on gene expression data and clinical information on STAD. Associations between FAP expression, clinical parameters, and immune characteristics were comprehensively analyzed. The ferroptosis-related patterns of STAD samples were investigated based on 43 ferroptosis-related genes, and the correlations between these clusters and clinical characteristics were evaluated. The possible biological functions and pathways were explored using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).Results: FAP was identified as a novel biomarker that significantly contributed to the poor prognosis of STAD (hazard ratio = 1.270, P = 0.013). The elevated level of FAP expression was related to a more advanced tumor stage in STAD. The close relationship between FAP and the TME was validated. Four distinct ferroptosis-related clusters (A–D) were evident. Evaluating ferroptosis-related clusters could illustrate the stages of STAD and patient prognosis. Cluster C displayed the lowest FAP expression and a better prognosis than the other clusters. The different clusters were linked to different biological mechanisms, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune-relevant pathways.Conclusion: FAP is a promising biomarker to distinguish prognosis and is associated with the TME and ferroptosis in STAD.
Synthesis of Hierarchical Porous SAPO-34 and Its Catalytic Activity for 4,6-Dimethyldibenzothiophene
Authors: Wang Hua-Qin , Cui Yun-Qi , Ding Ya-Long , Xiang Mei , Yu Pei , Li Rong-Qiang 
Published: March 2022

Zeolite SAPO-34 has been widely used in the industry because of its special pore structure and wide distribution of acid sites in the pore channel. However, traditional SAPO-34 with a small pore size suffers from carbon deposition and deactivation in catalytic reactions, and its inability to catalytically convert bulky organic molecules limits its industrial application. Meanwhile, impurities of SAPO-5, which have weak acidity leading to rapid catalyst deactivation, appear in SAPO-34 zeolite. Therefore, it is of great significance to synthesize SAPO-34 zeolite with a mesoporous pore structure, which can significantly improve the transfer of molecules in zeolites. In this paper, SAPO-34 zeolite with a hierarchical pore structure was synthesized, and its hydrodesulfurization performance for 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) was studied in a fixed bed reactor. The characteristic results show that BET-specific surface area, micropore volume, and mesoporous volume of synthesized SAPO-34 are 754 m2 g−1, 0.25, and 0.23 cm3 g−1 respectively, and the pore size is mainly concentrated at 4 nm. The catalytic conversion of 4,6-DMDMT with Co- and Mo-supported SAPO-34 is about 83%, which is much higher than the catalytic performance of Al2O3.
Using Procalcitonin to Guide Antibiotic Escalation in Patients With Suspected Bacterial Infection: A New Application of Procalcitonin in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Wang Xu , Long Yun , Su Longxiang , Zhang Qing , Shan Guangliang , He Huaiwu 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundProcalcitonin (PCT) is efficient in reducing antibiotic usage without increasing complications for its sensitivity and specificity in detecting bacterial infection. However, its role in guiding antibiotic-spectrum escalation has not been studied. This study was performed to validate the role of PCT in indicating antibiotic spectrum escalation when pathogen results are unknown for ICU patients of suspected bacterial infections.MethodsThis was a single-center retrospective study including patients who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2014 to June 2018 for suspected bacterial infections. Patients were divided into “escalation” or “non-escalation” groups according to the change of employed antibiotic spectrum before and after the occurrence of “PCT alert”. The main study endpoint was the length of ICU stay (LIS), and LIS longer than 7 days was defined as “prolonged-ICU-stay (PIS)” while LIS equal to or shorter than 7 days was defined as “non-prolonged-ICU-stay(nPIS)”. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and infection characteristics were compared between patients in the “nPIS” and “PIS” groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate independent risk factors for PIS.ResultsTotally, 1109 patients were included, and 654 in the PIS group, other 455 in the nPIS group. Respiratory infection was the main cause in both groups. Patients were older in PIS group than in nPIS group(PIS vs. nPIS: 58.99 ± 16.30 vs. 56.12 ± 15.93 years, P=0.002). The baseline Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was 11.16 ± 7.33 and 9.73 ± 3.70 in PIS and nPIS groups. Fewer patients received antibiotic escalation in face of “PCT alert” in PIS group (PIS vs. nPIS: 27.68 vs.35.38%, P=0.014). In the multivariable logistic regression model, older age, higher heart rate, not undergoing surgery, higher baseline SOFA score, and not escalating antibiotics in face of “PCT alert” were associated with a prolonged ICU stay. The odds ratio of antibiotic escalation for PIS was 0.582 (95% CI: 0.365, 0.926, P=0.022).ConclusionsUsing PCT to guide antibiotic escalation when pathogen evidence is unavailable could be associated with a shorter length of ICU stay for ICU patients of suspected bacterial infection.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Women After Maternal Complications of Pregnancy: An Observational Cohort Analysis
Authors: Aldridge Emily , Pathirana Maleesa , Wittwer Melanie , Sierp Susan , Leemaqz Shalem Y. , Roberts Claire T. , Dekker Gustaaf A. , Arstall Margaret A. 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionCertain complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, intrauterine growth restriction, spontaneous preterm birth, and placental abruption, are established independent risk factors for premature cardiovascular disease in women. Metabolic syndrome, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, may be a suitable alternative to traditional cardiovascular risk calculators that underestimate risk in young women. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women who experienced a complicated pregnancy 6 months earlier.MethodsThis observational study investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome as defined by the International Diabetes Federation in all eligible participants (n = 247) attending a postpartum lifestyle intervention clinic from August 2018 to June 2021 at the Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide, South Australia.ResultsA total of 89 (36%) participants met the criteria for metabolic syndrome at a mean follow up time of 7 months postpartum. Almost 90% of the cohort were abdominally obese, and over two thirds of the total cohort met at least two of the criteria for metabolic syndrome.ConclusionsWomen with a prior history of one of the common major pregnancy complications are at high risk of future cardiovascular and metabolic disease, with many showing either metabolic syndrome or multiple risk factors at only 7 months postpartum. The results indicate that follow-up within 1 year postpartum is an appropriate time to commence preventative strategies, as many women are already showing early signs of disease.
Changes in Specific Biomarkers Indicate Cardiac Adaptive and Anti-inflammatory Response of Repeated Recreational SCUBA Diving
Authors: Dumić Jerka , Cvetko Ana , Abramović Irena , Šupraha Goreta Sandra , Perović Antonija , Njire Bratičević Marina , Kifer Domagoj , Sinčić Nino , Gornik Olga , Žarak Marko 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveRecreational SCUBA (rSCUBA) diving has become a highly popular and widespread sport. Yet, information on molecular events underlying (patho)physiological events that follow exposure to the specific environmental conditions (hyperbaric conditions, coldness, immersion, and elevated breathing pressure), in which rSCUBA diving is performed, remain largely unknown. Our previous study suggested that repeated rSCUBA diving triggers an adaptive response of cardiovascular and immune system. To elucidate further molecular events underlying cardiac and immune system adaptation and to exclude possible adverse effects we measured blood levels of specific cardiac and inflammation markers.MethodsThis longitudinal intervention study included fourteen recreational divers who performed five dives, one per week, on the depth 20–30 m that lasted 30 min, after the non-dive period of 5 months. Blood samples were taken immediately before and after the first, third, and fifth dives. Copeptin, immunoglobulins A, G and M, complement components C3 and C4, and differential blood count parameters, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were determined using standard laboratory methods. Cell-free DNA was measured by qPCR analysis and N-glycans released from IgG and total plasma proteins (TPP), were analyzed by hydrophilic interaction ultra-performance liquid chromatography.ResultsCopeptin level increased after the first dive but decreased after the third and fifth dive. Increases in immunoglobulins level after every dive and during whole studied period were observed, but no changes in C3, C4, and cfDNA level were detected. NLR increased only after the first dive. IgG and TPP N-glycosylation alterations toward anti-inflammatory status over whole studied period were manifested as an increase in monogalyctosylated and core-fucosylated IgG N-glycans and decrease in agalactosylated TPP N-glycans.ConclusionrSCUBA diving practiced on a regular basis promotes anti-inflammatory status thus contributing cardioprotection and conferring multiple health benefits.
Late Holocene Orbital Forcing and Solar Activity on the Kuroshio Current of Subtropical North Pacific at Different Timescales
Authors: Ding Xue , Hu Bangqi , Li Jun , Zhao Jingtao , Yao Yue , Li Qing , Lan Jianghu , Zheng Xufeng , Yi Liang 
Published: March 2022

The North Pacific subtropical gyre (NPSTG) redistributes heat and moisture between low and high latitudes and plays a key role in modulating the global climate change and ecosystem. Recent evidence suggests intensification and poleward shift of the subtropical gyres over the last decades due to global warming, but insufficient observations have hampered insight into the integrated effects of ocean-atmosphere interactions at longer timescales. Here we present the first high-resolution (∼12 years) grain-size record from Core CF1 in the Okinawa Trough, western subtropical North Pacific, to reconstruct the evolution of the western boundary Kuroshio Current (KC) of NPSTG during the Late Holocene. Our results indicate the KC slow-down during 4.6–2.0 ka, followed by quick enhancement after 2.0 ka, with centennial-scale variabilities (500–700 years) superimposed on the long-term trend. Over millennial timescales, gradually increased pole-to-equator thermal gradient, due to orbital forcing mechanisms, resulted in long-term enhanced KC, whereas solar activity triggered phase changes in the tropical Pacific mean state and controlled KC anomalies on centennial timescales. We suggest that both forcing mechanisms resulted in ocean-atmosphere feedback provoking concurrent changes in mid-latitude westerly and subtropical easterly winds over the North Pacific, alternating their dominance as source regions causing the dynamic changes of KC at different timescales. Our findings offer insight into the role of external forcing mechanisms in the NPSTG changes before the Anthropocene, which have profound implications for the deeper understanding of changes in ocean gyres under global warming scenarios.
Novel Insight Into Nutritional Regulation in Enhancement of Immune Status and Mediation of Inflammation Dynamics Integrated Study In Vivo and In Vitro of Teleost Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella): Administration of Threonine
Authors: Dong Yu-Wen , Jiang Wei-Dan , Wu Pei , Liu Yang , Kuang Sheng-Yao , Tang Ling , Tang Wu-Neng , Zhou Xiao-Qiu , Feng Lin 
Published: March 2022

This study aims to investigate the effects of threonine (Thr) on immunoregulation in vivo and in vitro of teleost grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Juveniles (9.53 ± 0.02 g) were reared for 8 weeks with respective Thr diet (3.99, 7.70, 10.72, 14.10, 17.96, and 21.66 g/kg) and then challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila for in vivo study. Macrophages isolated from head kidney were treated in vitro for 48 h with L-Thr (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mM) after 6 h of lipopolysaccharide induction. The results showed that, compared with Thr deficiency (3.99 g/kg), the optimal dietary Thr (14.10g/kg) affected the immunocyte activation in the head kidney (HK) and spleen (SP) by downregulating the mRNA expressions of MHC-II and upregulating CD4 (not CD8), and it mediated the innate immune by enhancing the activities of lysozyme (LZ), acid phosphatase content of complement 3 (C3) and C4, increasing the mRNA abundances of hepcidin, liver expressed antimicrobial peptide-2A (LEAP-2A), LEAP-2B, β-defensin1, downregulating tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12p35, IL-12p40, IL-17AF1, and IL-17D partly by attenuating RORγ1 transcriptional factor and nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κBp65) signaling cascades [IKKβ/IκBα/NF-κBp65] and upregulating transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), IL-4/13A, -4/13B, IL-10, and IL-22 partly by GATA-3. Besides these, the optimal dietary Thr regulated the adaptive immune by upregulating the mRNAs of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgZ (not IgD). Moreover, 2 mM Thr downregulated in vitro the mRNA abundances of colony stimulating factor-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, mannose receptor 1, matrix metalloproteinase2 (MMP-2), and MMP-9 significantly (P &lt; 0.05), indicating that Thr could attenuate the M1-type macrophages’ activation. Moreover, L-Thr downregulated the mRNA transcripts of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β associated with impairing the SOCS1/STAT1 signaling and upregulated IL-10 and TGF-β1 partly by accentuating the SOCS3/STAT3 pathway. The above-mentioned observations suggested that Thr improved the immune status in the immune organs of fish by enhancing the immune defense and mediating the inflammation process. Finally, based on the immune indices of LZ activity in HK and C3 content in SP, the optimal Thr for immune enhancement in juvenile grass carp (9.53–53.43 g) was determined to be 15.70 g/kg diet (4.85 g/100 g protein) and 14.49 g/kg diet (4.47 g/100 g protein), respectively.
Comparative Study on the Effect of Ultrasonic Power on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 2195 Aluminum Alloy Ingot
Authors: Hu Yuqi , Jiang Ripeng , Li Xiaoqian 
Published: March 2022

High-intensity ultrasound was introduced for the casting of 2195 aluminum–lithium alloy ingots. The shape of the ingots was a cylinder with a length of 650 mm and a radius of 30 mm. In this study, the effects of different ultrasonic powers were applied in the melt. The grain shape, α-Al grain size, the size of the precipitated phase, and the mechanical properties of the ingots were compared. The results showed that when the power of the ultrasonic system was maintained at 1,600 W, an ingot with a more uniformly dispersed precipitation phase and grain refinement structure was formed. It can be concluded that the coarse eutectic structure in the ingot is effectively reduced when the power is around 1,600 W, and the mechanical properties of the ingot reach the best value.
Do Muscle Changes Contribute to the Neurological Disorder in Spastic Paresis?
Authors: Pradines Maud , Ghédira Mouna , Bignami Blaise , Vielotte Jordan , Bayle Nicolas , Marciniak Christina , Burke David , Hutin Emilie , Gracies Jean-Michel 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundAt the onset of stroke-induced hemiparesis, muscle tissue is normal and motoneurones are not overactive. Muscle contracture and motoneuronal overactivity then develop. Motor command impairments are classically attributed to the neurological lesion, but the role played by muscle changes has not been investigated.MethodsInteraction between muscle and command disorders was explored using quantified clinical methodology—the Five Step Assessment. Six key muscles of each of the lower and upper limbs in adults with chronic poststroke hemiparesis were examined by a single investigator, measuring the angle of arrest with slow muscle stretch (XV1) and the maximal active range of motion against the resistance of the tested muscle (XA). The coefficient of shortening CSH= (XN-XV1)/XN(XN, normally expected amplitude) and of weakness CW= (XV1-XA)/XV1) were calculated to estimate the muscle and command disorders, respectively. Composite CSH(CCSH) and CW(CCW) were then derived for each limb by averaging the six corresponding coefficients. For the shortened muscles of each limb (mean CSH&gt; 0.10), linear regressions explored the relationships between coefficients of shortening and weakness below and above their median coefficient of shortening.ResultsA total of 80 persons with chronic hemiparesis with complete lower limb assessments [27 women, mean age 47 (SD 17), time since lesion 8.8 (7.2) years], and 32 with upper limb assessments [18 women, age 32 (15), time since lesion 6.4 (9.3) years] were identified. The composite coefficient of shortening was greater in the lower than in the upper limb (0.12 ± 0.04 vs. 0.08 ± 0.04;p= 0.0002, while the composite coefficient of weakness was greater in the upper limb (0.28 ± 0.12 vs. 0.15 ± 0.06, lower limb;p&lt; 0.0001). In the lower limb shortened muscles, the coefficient of weakness correlated with the composite coefficient of shortening above the 0.15 median CSH(R= 0.43,p= 0.004) but not below (R= 0.14,p= 0.40).ConclusionIn chronic hemiparesis, muscle shortening affects the lower limb particularly, and, beyond a threshold of severity, may alter descending commands. The latter might occur through chronically increased intramuscular tension, and thereby increased muscle afferent firing and activity-dependent synaptic sensitization at the spinal level.
Complete Response to Combined Chemotherapy and Anti-PD-1 Therapy for Recurrent Gallbladder Carcinosarcoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Liu Qin-qin , Lin Hao-ming , Han Hong-wei , Yang Cai-ni , Liu Chao , Zhang Rui 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundGallbladder carcinosarcoma (GBCS) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with extremely poor prognosis. Although surgery is regarded as the primary therapy for GBCS, the effective therapeutic strategies for unresected lesions have been poorly defined.Case PresentationWe presented a case of a 74-year-old male who underwent radical resection of gallbladder carcinoma at a local hospital. Seven months later, he was admitted to our hospital due to right upper abdominal discomfort. Postoperative radiological examinations showed multiple hepatic lesions, hilar lymph node metastasis, and main portal vein tumor thrombus. The pathological consultation results confirmed GBCS and immunohistochemical examinations revealed PD-L1 expression in 20% of tumor cells. Then, the patient received chemotherapy (Gemcitabine plus Oxaliplatin, GEMOX) in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy. After nine courses of the combination therapy, complete regression of the tumors was achieved with no evidence of relapse till now.ConclusionsWe, for the first time, reported a patient with recurrent GBCS who benefited from the combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy, providing a potential effective management strategy for the refractory malignant tumor.
Efficacy and Safety of Triple Combination Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Modulators in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Yizi , Ma Bin , Li Wenya , Li Peiwen 
Published: March 2022

Background: Cystic fibrosis is a rare, recessive, progressive genetic disease caused by dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. Small molecules have recently been developed to treat the molecular consequences of CFTR mutations and restore CFTR protein function. However, the data on triple combination therapy (mainly from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which is most tested in clinical trials) are limited. This meta-analysis was aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of this therapy according to different mutation genotypes and comparators.Methods: Relevant publications were identified through searching several medical databases before 31 December 2021. The primary outcomes of ppFEV1, sweat chloride concentration and Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) score were pooled and analyzed. The secondary outcomes were adverse events in triple combination therapy.Results: Six randomized controlled trials were eligible for analysis. The total outcome of the ppFEV1 change was higher with triple combination therapy than triple placebo or active control (mean difference, MD, 13.6% and 8.74%, respectively). The pooled result of sweat chloride concentrations with triple combination therapy was lower than that of triple placebo or active control (MD, −44.13 and −39.26, respectively). The pooled estimate of the CFQ-R score was higher with triple combination therapy than triple placebo or active control (MD, 19.8% and 14.63%, respectively). No clear differences in adverse events were found between triple combination therapy and the control (placebo or active control).Conclusion: CFTR modulators in triple combination achieve better clinical results than placebo and active control, and result in comparable adverse events.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021293402, identifier PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021293402.