bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infusion of Non-HLA-Matched Off-the-Shelf Ex Vivo Expanded Cord Blood Progenitors in Patients Undergoing Cord Blood Transplantation: Result of a Phase II Clinical Trial
Authors: Milano F. , Thur L.A. , Blake J. , Delaney C. 
Published: April 2022

Recipients of myeloablative cord blood transplants (CBT) are known to experience delayed hematopoietic recovery and an increased risk of transplant related mortality (TRM). We developed methods for ex vivo expansion and cryopreservation of CB stem and progenitor cells. 15 patients with hematologic malignancies were enrolled in this single center phase II trial between September 2010 and August 2012 to assess the safety of infusing a non-HLA-matched expanded CB product to bolster a conventional CBT. On the day of transplant, an infusion of the expanded CB product followed the primary graft (1 or 2 unmanipulated CB units). All patients engrafted. Median time to neutrophil and platelet recovery was 19 and 35 days, respectively. Early myelomonocytic recovery was almost entirely due to cells arising from the non-HLA-matched expansion product and were no longer detected at day 14 in all but 2 patients. The probability of 3-years disease free survival was 86%. No TRM was observed throughout the study period, and only 2 patients relapsed. All patients presented with grade II acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) at a median time of 32 days, with no grade III-IV aGVHD observed. At 2 years only 2 patients remain on immunosuppressive therapy for mild chronic GVHD. This phase II safety study demonstrate that infusion of an off-the-shelf non-HLA-matched expanded CB product in addition to a conventional CB graft was safe and led to sustained myeloid recovery. Based on these encouraging results, a prospective multicenter randomized trial utilizing this product has been conducted and results will be soon released. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01175785.
Infective Endocarditis: Clinical Characteristics and Echocardiographic Findings
Authors: Poorzand Hoorak , Hamidi Fatemeh , Sheybani Fereshte , Ghaderi Fereshteh , Fazlinezhad Afsoon , Alimi Hedieh , Bigdelu Leila , Khosravi Bizhaem Saeede 
Published: April 2022

PurposeInfective endocarditis (IE) remains a disease with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics and echocardiographic features of patients with IE.MethodsWe analyzed patients with either definitive or probable diagnosis of IE who were hospitalized in a teaching hospital in Mashhad, Iran between June 2011 and January 2020. Patients who survived were followed up by echocardiography for at least 6-month after hospital discharge.ResultsA total of 82 cases with IE were included of which 62 (75.6%) received definitive diagnosis. The mean age was 39.7 ± 18.7 years and 52 (63.4%) were male. The most common preexisting structural cardiac abnormality that predispose patients to IE were congenital heart diseases (28 %) of which bicuspid aortic valve was more common (n = 12, 14.6%), followed by ventricular septal defect (n = 9, 11%) and Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) (n = 2, 2.4%). Three (3.6 %) cases had rheumatic heart disease and 12 (14.6 %) were injecting drug users. The most common causative pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus, detected in 7 (19.4%) cases. Follow-up echocardiography revealed right or left ventricular failure in 10 (12.1%) cases. Cardiac complications occurred in 41 (50%) cases and systemic complications in 63 (76.8%). All-cause mortality was 41.5% (n = 34) and 6 (18.1%) patients died due to cardiovascular complications.ConclusionsThe short- and long-term prognosis in IE was poor and the predictors for in-hospital and 1-year mortality were defined as heart failure and septic shock. Congenital heart disease and intravenous illicit drug using (IVDU) were the most common predisposing condition which may necessitate a revision in the IE prophylaxis recommendations.
Impact of Ticagrelor vs. Clopidogrel in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention After Risk Stratification With the CHA2DS2-VASc Score
Authors: Na Kun , Qiu Miaohan , Ma Sicong , Li Yi , Li Jing , Liu Rong , Zhang Jiaoyang , Han Yaling 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundsThe clinical benefit of ticagrelor vs. clopidogrel in unselected patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains controversial in the real world. This study was aimed to investigate the impact of ticagrelor vs. clopidogrel in subjects with ACS without atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) after PCI based on risk stratification using the CHA2DS2-VASc score.MethodsIn 2016–2019, patients who underwent PCI with at least one stent implanted in the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command were classified as low- or high-risk groups according to the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Incidences of 12-month ischemia [cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke], all-cause death, Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) 2,3,5 bleeding, BARC 3,5 bleeding, and net adverse clinical events (NACEs) (all-cause death, MI, stroke, or BARC 3, 5 bleeding) with aspirin plus different P2Y12 inhibitors (clopidogrel or ticagrelor) were appraised among different risk groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox multivariate analysis were used to balance the groups.ResultsA total of consecutive 17,037 patients with ACS were enrolled. The optimal cut-off value of the CHA2DS2-VASc score for ischemic events by the Youden test was 3 points. Among patients with high risk (CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 3, n = 6,151), ticagrelor was associated with slightly lower risks of ischemic events (2.29% vs. 3.54%, P = 0.02) and stroke (0.39% vs. 1.08%, P = 0.01) without excessive risk of BARC 3, 5 bleeding events (2.16% vs. 2.11%, P = 0.92) compared to clopidogrel within 12 months after PCI. For patients with low risk (CHA2DS2-VASc &lt; 3, n = 10,886), a statistically significant difference was seen in the incidence of overall 12-month BARC 2, 3, 5 bleeding events by P2Y12 receptor inhibitor (4.00% vs. 3.26%) with a similar incidence of the ischemic events (1.40% vs. 1.52%). Results in the PSM cohort and the adjustment with Cox multivariate analysis were consistent with the main outcomes.ConclusionHigher CHA2DS2-VASc scores were associated with a higher incidence of 1-year ischemic events for the patients with ACS after PCI. Compared with clopidogrel, ticagrelor was associated with lower ischemic events within 12 months after PCI without excessive risk of bleeding in high-risk patients but shows poor safety with excess bleeding in low-risk patients.
Case Report: Systemic Amyloidosis Involving the Heart and Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Lv Pinchao , Li Yuxi , Wu Lin , Shi Qiuping , Meng Lingchao , Yu Xiaojuan , Nong Lin , Li Jianping 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundAmyloidosis refers to an etiologically heterogeneous group of protein misfolding diseases characterized by extracellular deposition in organs and tissues of amyloid fibers, leading to severe organ dysfunction and death. Systemic amyloidosis often involves multiple organs. Heart and kidney are the most commonly affected organs, whereas skeletal muscle involvement is rare and often accompanied by other organs’ involvement.Case SummaryWe reported a 70-year-old man manifested with myopathy followed by heart failure who was suspected of transthyretin amyloidosis clinically, after the pathological results and the 99mTc-pyrophosphate (99mTc-PYP) scintigraphy, light-chain (AL) amyloidosis involving the heart and skeletal muscle was confirmed.ConclusionThe patient’s unique presentation gives insight into a rare but debilitating disorder and the potential link between various types of amyloidosis. In addition, myopathy in amyloidosis should be recognized.
Suitability and Eligibility of Phyllostachys pubescens (Moso Bamboo) Afforestation for GHG (Greenhouse Gases) Projects: Case Study in Central Italy
Authors: Vadalà Rossella , Cicero Nicola , Dugo Giacomo , Costa Rosaria 
Published: April 2022

A case study concerning an experimental moso bamboo plantation (5 ha), located in central Italy, is presented. In order to evaluate CO2 capturing potential, a computational study was developed and applied to the bamboo field to predict and quantify the tons of CO2 equivalent annually sequestered, during a project range of 15 years. The computational model, based on allometric parameters and field density, was integrated with an accurate analysis of the geological, pedological and climatic scenario, and of the socio-economic context. The study aimed to correlate the growth and thickening trend of moso bamboo field, namely its CO2 capturing potential, with the geopedoclimatic context. This allowed to evaluate if the bamboo afforestation projects are capable to offset carbon dioxide emissions in the Italian context. The highest segregation power of the bamboo plantation equated 3,651.32 tCO2e ⋅ yr−1, segregated by the whole field in the 12th year (out of a total timeframe of 15 years). The study demonstrated the eligibility requirements for a GHG project and the suitability of moso bamboo farming finalized to carbon trading. Our findings represent a valid model to encourage the voluntary carbon market in Italy from afforestation with bamboo species.
Identification and Validation in a Novel Quantification System of Ferroptosis Patterns for the Prediction of Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response in Left- and Right-Sided Colon Cancer
Authors: Zhang Heng-Chun , Deng Shen-Hui , Pi Ya-Nan , Guo Jun-Nan , Xi Hua , Shi Xin , Yang Xue-Fei , Zhang Bo-Miao , Xue Wei-Nan , Cui Bin-Bin , Liu Yan-Long 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThis study aimed to establish a novel quantification system of ferroptosis patterns and comprehensively analyze the relationship between ferroptosis score (FS) and the immune cell infiltration (ICI) characterization, tumor mutation burden (TMB), prognosis, and therapeutic sensitivity in left-sided and right-sided colon cancers (LCCs and RCCs, respectively).MethodsWe comprehensively evaluated the ferroptosis patterns in 444 LCCs and RCCs based on 59 ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs). The FS was constructed to quantify ferroptosis patterns by using principal component analysis algorithms. Next, the prognostic value and therapeutic sensitivities were evaluated using multiple methods. Finally, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify the key FRGs. The IMvigor210 cohort, TCGA-COAD proteomics cohort, and Immunophenoscores were used to verify the predictive abilities of FS and the key FRGs.ResultsTwo ferroptosis clusters were determined. Ferroptosis cluster B demonstrated a high degree of congenital ICI and stromal-related signal enrichment with a poor prognosis. The prognosis, response of targeted inhibitors, and immunotherapy were significantly different between high and low FS groups (HSG and LSG, respectively). HSG was characterized by high TMB and microsatellite instability-high subtype with poor prognosis. Meanwhile, LSG was more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. ALOX5 was identified as a key FRG based on FS. Patients with high protein levels of ALOX5 had poorer prognoses.ConclusionThis work revealed that the evaluation of ferroptosis subtypes will contribute to gaining insight into the heterogeneity in LCCs and RCCs. The quantification for ferroptosis patterns played a non-negligible role in predicting ICI characterization, prognosis, and individualized immunotherapy strategies.
Role of Tocilizumab in Down Regulating sCD163 Plasmatic Levels in a Cohort of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Marocco Raffaella , Carraro Anna , Zingaropoli Maria Antonella , Nijhawan Parni , Tortellini Eeva , Guardiani Mariasilvia , Mengoni Fabio , Zuccalà Paola , Belvisi Valeria , Kertusha Blerta , Parente Alberico , Del Borgo Cosmo , Vullo Vincenzo , Ciardi Maria Rosa , Mastroianni Claudio Maria , Lichtner Miriam 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundCD163, a haptoglobin-hemoglobin scavenger receptor mostly expressed by monocytes and macrophages, is involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes. Following proteolytic cleavage after pro-inflammatory stimulation, CD163 is shed from the cell surface and its soluble form in plasma, sCD163, is a biomarker of monocyte/macrophage lineage activation.The assessment of sCD163 plasmatic levels in an early stage of the disease could have clinical utility in predicting the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia. The use of tocilizumab (monoclonal antibody anti-IL-6 receptor) in COVID-19 patients reduces lethality rate at 30 days. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of tocilizumab on sCD163 plasmatic levels in a cohort of COVID-19 patients.MethodsIn COVID-19 patients, on hospital admission (T0), after 7 days from hospitalization (T7) and after 45 days from discharge (T45) sCD163 plasmatic levels were evaluated, along with other laboratory parameters. COVID-19 patients were stratified into tocilizumab (TCZ) and non-tocilizumab (non-TCZ) groups. TCZ group was further divided into responder (R) and non-responder (NR) groups. Patients who died or required mechanical ventilation were defined as NR. As control group, healthy donors (HD) were enrolled.ResultsSeventy COVID-19 patients and 47 HD were enrolled. At T0, sCD163 plasmatic levels were higher in COVID-19 patients compared to HD (p&lt;0.0001) and the longitudinal evaluation showed a reduction in sCD163 plasmatic levels at T7 compared to T0 (p=0.0211). At T0, both TCZ and non-TCZ groups showed higher sCD163 plasmatic levels compared to HD (p&lt;0.0001 and p=0.0147, respectively). At T7, the longitudinal evaluation showed a significant reduction in sCD163 plasmatic levels (p=0.0030) only in the TCZ group, reaching levels comparable to those of HD. Conversely, not statistically significance in non-TCZ group was observed and, at T7, a statistically significance was found comparing non-TCZ group to HD (p=0.0019). At T0, R and NR groups showed not statistically significance in sCD163 plasmatic levels and both groups showed higher levels compared to HD (p=0.0001 and p=0.0340, respectively). The longitudinal evaluation showed significant reductions in both groups (R: p=0.0356; NR: p=0.0273) independently of the outcome. After 45 days of follow-up sCD163 plasmatic levels remain stable.ConclusionsCD163 plasmatic levels are increased in COVID-19 pneumonia and is efficiently down-regulated by tocilizumab treatment regardless of the clinical outcome.
LncRNA TUG1 Promotes Apoptosis, Invasion, and Angiogenesis of Retinal Endothelial Cells in Retinopathy of Prematurity via MiR-145-5p
Authors: Wang Yuexia , Wang Yue , Wang Xue , Ma Yuan , Li Zhaojin , Di Yu 
Published: April 2022

PurposeRetinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a common retinal vascular disease in premature neonates. In recent years, there is increasing evidence that the long non-coding RNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) plays a regulatory role in vascular diseases, suggesting a potential role for TUG1 in vascular endothelial cells. We hypothesized that TUG1 may be associated with ROP. Our aim, therefore, was to explore the biological functions of TUG1 in aberrant retinal development.MethodsWe used the mouse oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model to simulate the pathological changes of retinal in ROP. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of TUG1, miR-145-5p and cellular communication network factor 1 (CCN1). Human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were treated with CoCl2 to mimic hypoxia conditions. Cellular functional changes were observed after transfection with RNA interference (RNAi)-TUG1 and miR-145-5p mimics. The apoptosis of HRECs was detected by flow cytometry, the migration ability was detected by wound healing and transwell migration assays, and the ability of angiogenesis was detected by tube formation assay. The potential binding sites between TUG1, miR-145-5p, and CCN1 were verified by dual-luciferase reporter assays. The degree of retinopathy was evaluated by staining retinal sections with hematoxylin and eosin, and the expression of CCN1, HIF-1α, VEGF, caspase-3, Bcl-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α protein was analyzed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.ResultsIn the retina tissue of OIR mice, TUG1, miR-145-5p, and CCN1 were differentially expressed. Knocking down TUG1 attenuated apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis induced by hypoxia on HRECs, as did miR-145-5p overexpression. Results from reporter assays indicate direct interactions between TUG1, miR-145-5p, and CCN1. Intravitreal injection of miR-145-5p mimics reduced the degree of retinopathy.ConclusionTUG1 acts as a molecular sponge of miR-145-5p to regulate CCN1 expression and thus regulate the development of retinal neovascularization. This regulatory mechanism may provide a new theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of ROP.
Immediate Ocular Changes After Light-Emitting Diode Displays Exposure—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Lin Chia-Chen , Hung Jia-Horung , Huang Yi-Hsun 
Published: April 2022

PurposeComputer vision syndrome (CVS) is one of the most frequently encountered problems among video display terminals (VDT) users, but little is known regarding the short-term effect after exposure to light-emitting diodes (LED). The purpose of this study was to determine if short-term exposure to LED leads to changes in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), lipid layer thickness (LLT), blink rates, partial blink ratio, and computer vision syndrome questionnaire (CVS-Q) score.DesignProspective, cross-sectional study.MethodsIn this study, participants were recruited at the National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, a tertiary referral center in southern Taiwan, for examination. Participants were asked to complete the CVS-Q and undergo a series of ocular examinations, including CDVA, LLT, blink rates and partial blink ratio before and after watching an LED display for 15 min. Main Outcome Measures were changes in CDVA, LLT, blink rates, partial blink ratio, and CVS-Q measurements.ResultsIn total, 120 eyes from 60 participants (mean age: 35.7 ± 9.4 years) were included; 31 participants were men (51.7%), and 29 were women (48.3%). The CDVA, LLT, blink rates, and partial blink ratio did not change after watching the LED display. The CVS-Q score significantly improved after short-term LED exposure (P &lt; 0.001). A subgroup analysis of subjects with a baseline LLT of &lt;60 nm or ≥60 nm determined that LLT significantly decreased in individuals with a baseline LLT of ≥60 nm (P = 0.016).ConclusionShort-term use of LED displays reduced LLT in individuals with a baseline LLT of ≥60 nm, despite the visual symptoms of CVS improved subjectively. Therefore, digital device users should be aware of the potential negative effects of LED exposure on the eyes.
Risk of Pleural Empyema in Adult Patients With Asthma: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liao Wei-Chih , Lin Cheng-Li , Shen Te-Chun , Tu Chih-Yen , Hsia Te-Chun , Hsu Wu-Huei 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundRespiratory system infections commonly occur among individuals with asthma. However, whether asthma patients have a higher risk of pleural empyema development remains unclear.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study based on data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The asthma cohort consisted of 48,360 newly diagnosed adult individuals from 2000 to 2012. The comparison cohort consisted of the same number of adults who did not have asthma and was matched for age, gender, comorbidity, and the year of diagnosis. The development of pleural empyema was followed up to 2013.ResultsPleural empyema incidence was 2.03-fold higher in the asthma cohort compared to the comparison cohort (8.65 vs. 4.25 per 10,000 person-years), with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 2.12 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.76–2.56]. Stratified analyses by age, gender, comorbidity, and corticosteroid use revealed that the crude and adjusted HRs of pleural empyema associated with asthma were all significant. Among patients with asthma, the risk of pleural empyema elevated with increased frequency of annual asthma-related emergency room visits and hospital admissions (≥1 vs. &lt;1, aHR = 8.07, 95% CI = 4.31–15.1 and aHR = 9.31, 95% CI = 5.56–15.6).ConclusionAn increased risk of pleural empyema occurrence was observed in adult patients with asthma than those without asthma. Furthermore, the risk of pleural empyema may increase with poor control of asthma.
Diagnostic Potential of Plasma IgA1 O-Glycans in Discriminating IgA Nephropathy From Other Glomerular Diseases and Healthy Participants
Authors: Zhang Shuyu , Sun Haidan , Zhang Zejian , Li Menglin , Guo Zhengguang , Ye Wenling , Cai Guangyan , Sun Wei , Li Mingxi 
Published: April 2022

Background: Aberrant O-glycosylation of IgA1 plays an important role in IgA nephropathy pathogenesis. Previous proteomic studies analyzed O-glycans of the circulating IgA1 hinge region and found that the N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) and galactose numbers in the hinge region of IgA1 of patients with IgA nephropathy were lower than those in healthy participants. However, the diagnostic performance of the O-glycosylation traits in the hinge region of plasma IgA1 for IgA nephropathy remains unelucidated. The present study aimed to determine the difference in plasma IgA1 hinge region O-glycoforms among IgA nephropathy, non-IgA nephropathy disease controls, and healthy participants, and to further evaluate the diagnostic performance of plasma IgA1 glycosylation traits.Methods: Sixty-two patients with biopsy-proven primary IgA nephropathy, 30 age- and sex-matched non-IgA nephropathy disease controls (10 patients with membranous nephropathy, 10 with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and 10 with minimal change disease), and 30 healthy participants were prospectively recruited. Plasma galactose deficient-IgA1 levels were measured using a KM55 kit. Plasma IgA was extracted using IgA immunoaffinity beads. After de-N-glycosylation, reduction, alkylation, trypsin digestion, and O-glycopeptide enrichment via hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was applied to analyze the IgA1 O-glycosylation patterns and we derived the plasma IgA1 O-glycosylation traits.Results: Plasma IgA1 O-glycosylation patterns were significantly changed in IgA nephropathy patients compared to those with non-IgA nephropathy disease controls and healthy participants. The GalNAc number was lowest in IgA nephropathy patients. In addition, a similar result was observed for the galactose number in the IgA1 hinge region. These values showed moderate potential for discriminating between IgA nephropathy and the controls. When these values were combined, the area under the curve increased compared to when they were considered individually. When further adding a clinical indicator, the area under the curve of the GalNAc-galactose-IgA panel exceed 0.9 in discriminating IgA nephropathy from the controls.Conclusion: The amount of GalNAc and galactose in plasma IgA1 hinge region identified by glycoproteomics could be used as a diagnostic biomarker for IgA nephropathy. The panel containing GalNAc, galactose, and circulating IgA displayed excellent diagnostic performance and is promising for practical clinical applications.