bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitral and Aortic Regurgitation in Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplantation: The Natural Course and Factors Associated With Progression
Authors: Kim Minjeong , Kim Darae , Lee Juhan , Kim Dae-Young , Seo Jiwon , Cho Iksung , Huh Kyu Ha , Hong Geu-Ru , Ha Jong-Won , Shim Chi Young 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundValve regurgitation can decrease with resolution of hemodynamic loads on the left ventricle (LV) after kidney transplantation (KT). We aimed to investigate the natural course of left-side valve regurgitation after KT and factors associated with progression.MethodsAmong patients who underwent KT in two tertiary centers, 430 (224 men, mean age 50 ± 13 years) were examined by echocardiography within 3 months before KT and between 6 and 36 months after KT. Mitral regurgitation (MR) and aortic regurgitation (AR) were graded according to the current guidelines. Regression was defined as a decrease in regurgitation by one or more steps, and progression was an increase in one or more steps after KT. Clinical and echocardiographic factors associated with progression of MR and AR were analyzed.ResultsMild or greater MR was observed in 216 (50%) patients before KT, and mild or greater AR was observed in 99 (23%). During the follow-up period of 23.4 ± 9.9 months, most patients experienced regression or no change in regurgitation after KT, but 34 patients (7.9%) showed MR progression and 37 (8.6%) revealed AR progression. Patients who showed MR progression were more likely to receive a second KT, have mitral annular calcifications, and show a smaller decrease in LV end-systolic dimension. Patients who showed AR progression were more likely to have persistent hypertension after KT, aortic valve calcifications, and a smaller reduction of LV end-systolic dimension.ConclusionsRisk factors for progression of MR after KT include a second KT, MAC and a smaller decrease in LV end-systolic dimension after KT. Risk factors for progression of AR include valve calcification, persistent hypertension and a smaller decrease in LV end-systolic dimension after KT. Further echocardiographic surveillance and risk factor management after KT are warranted in these patients.
Predictors and a Prediction Model for Central Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (cN0)
Authors: Gao Xin , Luo Wenpei , He Lingyun , Cheng Juan , Yang Lu 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesTo screen out the predictors of central cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and establish a prediction model to guide the operation of PTC patients (cN0).MethodsData from 296 PTC patients (cN0) who underwent thyroid operation at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were collected and retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two groups in accordance with central CLNM or not. Their information, including ultrasound (US) features, BRAFV600E status, and other characteristics of the two groups, was analyzed and compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, and the independent predictors were selected to construct a nomogram. The calibration plot, C-index, and decision curve analysis were used to assess the prediction model’s calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness.ResultsA total of 37.8% (112/296) of PTC patients had central CLNM, and 62.2% (184/296) did not. The two groups were compared using a univariate logistic regression analysis, and there were no significant differences between the two groups in sex, aspect ratio, boundary, morphology, hypoechoic nodule, thyroid peroxidase antibody, or tumor location (P&gt;0.05), and there were significant differences between age, tumor size, capsule contact, microcalcifications, blood flow signal, thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), and BRAF gene status (P&lt;0.05). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to further clarify the correlation of these indices. However, only tumor size (OR=2.814, 95% Cl=1.634~4.848, P&lt;0.001), microcalcifications (OR=2.839, 95% Cl=1,684~4.787, P&lt;0.001) and TgAb (OR=1.964, 95% Cl=1.039~3,711, P=0.038) were independent predictors of central CLNM and were incorporated and used to construct the prediction nomogram. The model had good discrimination with a C-index of 0.715. An ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy of this model. The decision curve analysis showed that the model was clinically useful when intervention was decided in the threshold range of 16% to 80%.ConclusionIn conclusion, three independent predictors of central CLNM, including tumor size (&gt; 1.0 cm), US features (microcalcifications), and TgAb (positive), were screened out. A visualized nomogram model was established based on the three predictors in this study, which could be used as a basis of central cervical lymph node dissection (CLND) for PTC patients (cN0).
The Urinary Glucose Excretion by Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor in Patients With Different Levels of Renal Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Suiyuan , Lin Chu , Cai Xiaoling , Zhu Xingyun , Lv Fang , Nie Lin , Ji Linong 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivePrevious evidence suggested that sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i)-mediated urinary glucose excretion (UGE) appeared to be reduced with a decrease in glomerular filtration rate. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare SGLT2i-mediated UGE among individuals with different levels of renal function.MethodsWe conducted systematic searches in PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrial.gov from inception to May 2021. Clinical studies of SGLT2i with reports of UGE changes in predefined different levels of renal function were included. The results were expressed as pooled effect sizes with 95% confidence interval (CI). A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect sizes.ResultsIn total, eight eligible studies were included. Significant differences were observed in the post-treatment UGE level among subgroups stratified by renal function (P &lt;0.001 for subgroup difference), which were gradually decreased along with the severity of impaired renal function. Consistently, changes in UGE before and after SGLT2i treatment were also decreased along with the severity of impaired renal function [67.52 g/day (95%CI: 55.58 to 79.47 g/day) for individuals with normal renal function, 52.41 g/day (95%CI: 38.83 to 65.99 g/day) for individuals with mild renal function impairment, 35.11 g/day (95%CI: 19.79 to 50.43 g/day) for individuals with moderate renal function impairment, and 13.53 g/day (95%CI: 7.20 to 19.86 g/day) for individuals with severe renal function impairment; P &lt;0.001 for subgroup differences].ConclusionsSGLT2i-mediated UGE was renal function dependent, which was decreased with the extent of renal function impairment.
Flexible Power and Biomass-To-Methanol Plants With Different Gasification Technologies
Authors: Poluzzi A. , Guandalini G. , Guffanti S. , Martinelli M. , Moioli S. , Huttenhuis P. , Rexwinkel G. , Palonen J. , Martelli E. , Groppi G. , Romano M. C. 
Published: January 2022

The competitiveness of biofuels may be increased by integrating biomass gasification plants with electrolysis units, which generate hydrogen to be combined with carbon-rich syngas. This option allows increasing the yield of the final product by retaining a higher amount of biogenic carbon and improving the resilience of the energy sector by favoring electric grid services and sector coupling. This article illustrates a techno-economic comparative analysis of three flexible power and biomass to methanol plants based on different gasification technologies: direct gasification, indirect gasification, and sorption-enhanced gasification. The design and operational criteria of each plant are conceived to operate both without green hydrogen addition (baseline mode) and with hydrogen addition (enhanced mode), following an intermittent use of the electrolysis system, which is turned on when the electricity price allows an economically viable hydrogen production. The methanol production plants include a gasification section, syngas cleaning, conditioning and compression section, methanol synthesis and purification, and heat recovery steam cycle to be flexibly operated. Due to the high oxygen demand in the gasifier, the direct gasification-based plant obtains a great advantage to be operated between a minimum load to satisfy the oxygen demand at high electricity prices and a maximum load to maximize methanol production at low electricity prices. This allows avoiding large oxygen storages with significant benefits for Capex and safety issues. The analysis reports specific fixed-capital investments between 1823 and 2048 €/kW of methanol output in the enhanced operation and LCOFs between 29.7 and 31.7 €/GJLHV. Economic advantages may be derived from a decrease in the electrolysis capital investment, especially for the direct gasification-based plants, which employ the greatest sized electrolyzer. Methanol breakeven selling prices range between 545 and 582 €/t with the 2019 reference Denmark electricity price curve and between 484 and 535 €/t with an assumed modified electricity price curve of a future energy mix with increased penetration of intermittent renewables.
Multi-Time Scale Harmonic Mitigation for High Proportion Electronic Grid
Authors: Suo Lian , Lin LiJuan , Xing Licheng , Jia Qingquan 
Published: January 2022

As new energies integrated into grid, the harmonics in the grid are more serious, and the Voltage Detection Active Power Filter (VDAPF) has been used as the mitigation equipment to solve the harmonic problems in power electronic distribution network. The global optimization method generally utilizes 15 min to mitigate harmonic which is named long-time-scale, and it is impossible to mitigate harmonic timely. This paper studies a multi-time-scale harmonic mitigation method which adds 5 min prediction to the global optimization method which is named multi-time-scale. The objective is to correct the deviation of harmonic caused by the long-time-scale harmonic prediction error. This paper utilizes MPC to predict the amplitude and phase variation of the harmonics in short time scale, and utilizes distributed VDAPF to optimize harmonic in long time scale. The IEEE 33 nodes system was used as an example to conduct a comparative analysis of mitigation effects in two different harmonic injection scenarios which injected separately 10 and 20%. The results shows that the mitigating effect of the global optimization method is limited under two different harmonic injection scenarios, and it needs to combine with short time scale harmonic prediction information to ensure the effectiveness and rationality of the mitigation results. When the harmonic current fluctuates, there are unqualified voltage distortion nodes in each region, and the voltage distortion rate is larger. But the MPC can change harmonic prediction in a short time, so every harmonic of each VDAPF conductance values is set bigger, and harmonic conductance of the higher harmonics is relatively lower.
Combined Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis of Musa nana Laur. Peel Treated With UV-C Reveals the Involvement of Key Metabolic Pathways
Authors: Chen Ming-zhong , Zhong Xu-Mei , Lin Hai-Sheng , Qin Xiao-Ming 
Published: January 2022

An increasing attention is being given to treat fruits with ultraviolet C (UV-C) irradiation to extend shelf-life, senescence, and protection from different diseases during storage. However, the detailed understanding of the pathways and key changes in gene expression and metabolite accumulation related to UV-C treatments are yet to be explored. This study is a first attempt to understand such changes in banana peel irradiated with UV-C. We treatedMusa nanaLaur. with 0.02 KJ/m2UV-C irradiation for 0, 4, 8, 12, 15, and 18 days and studied the physiological and quality indicators. We found that UV-C treatment reduces weight loss and decay rate, while increased the accumulation of total phenols and flavonoids. Similarly, our results demonstrated that UV-C treatment increases the activity of defense and antioxidant system related enzymes. We observed that UV-C treatment for 8 days is beneficial forM. nanapeels. The peels ofM. nanatreated with UV-C for 8 days were then subjected to combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis. In total, there were 425 and 38 differentially expressed genes and accumulated metabolites, respectively. We found that UV-C treatment increased the expression of genes in secondary metabolite biosynthesis related pathways. Concomitant changes in the metabolite accumulation were observed. Key pathways that were responsive to UV-C irradiation include flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid bios6ynthesis, plant-pathogen interaction, MAPK signaling (plant), and plant hormone signal transduction pathway. We concluded that UV-C treatment imparts beneficial effects on banana peels by triggering defense responses against disease, inducing expression of flavonoid and alkaloid biosynthesis genes, and activating phytohormone and MAPK signaling pathways.
Molecular Characterization of Two Known SRD5A2 Gene Variants in Mexican Patients With Disorder of Sexual Development
Authors: María Guadalupe Ortiz-López , Katy Sánchez-Pozos , Charmina Aguirre-Alvarado , Vihko Pirkko , Marta Menjivar 
Published: January 2022

Background: The 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency (5α-RD2) is a specific form of disorder of sexual development (DSD). Pathogenic variants in the SRD5A2 gene, which encodes this enzyme, are responsible for 46,XY DSD.Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the genetic etiology of 46,XY DSD in two Mexican families with affected children.Materials and methods: The SRD5A2 gene of the parents and affected children was screened in both families via polymerase chain reaction amplification and DNA direct sequencing. The role of genetic variants in enzymatic activity was tested by site-directed mutagenesis.Results: Subject 1 presented two variants: p.Glu197Asp and p.Pro212Arg. Subject 2 was homozygous for the variant p.Glu197Asp. The two variants were reported in early studies. The directed mutagenesis study showed that the p.Glu197Asp and p.Pro212Arg variants lead to a total loss of enzymatic activity and, consequently, abnormal genitalia development in the patients.Conclusion: These results suggest that p.Glu197Asp and p.Pro212Arg are pathogenic variants that lead to the phenotypic expression of DSD. 5α-RD2 is of extreme importance not only because of its frequency (it is rare) but also because of its significance in understanding the mechanism of androgen action, the process of sexual differentiation, and the factors that influence normal sexual behavior.
SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern and Variants of Interest Receptor Binding Domain Mutations and Virus Infectivity
Authors: Liu Haolin , Wei Pengcheng , Kappler John W. , Marrack Philippa , Zhang Gongyi 
Published: January 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has lasted more than 2 years with over 260 million infections and 5 million deaths worldwide as of November 2021. To combat the virus, monoclonal antibodies blocking the virus binding to human receptor, the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), have been approved to treat the infected patients. Inactivated whole virus or the full-length virus spike encoding adenovirus or mRNA vaccines are being used to immunize the public. However, SARS-CoV-2 variants are emerging. These, to some extent, escape neutralization by the therapeutic antibodies and vaccine-induced immunity. Thus, breakthrough infections by SARS-CoV-2 variants have been reported in previously virus-infected or fully vaccinated individuals. The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the virus spike protein reacts with host ACE2, leading to the entry of the virus into the cell. It is also the major antigenic site of the virus, with more than 90% of broadly neutralizing antibodies from either infected patients or vaccinated individuals targeting the spike RBD. Therefore, mutations in the RBD region are effective ways for SARS-CoV-2 variants to gain infectivity and escape the immunity built up by the original vaccines or infections. In this review, we focus on the impact of RBD mutations in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) and variants of interest (VOI) on ACE2 binding affinity and escape of serum antibody neutralization. We also provide protein structure models to show how the VOC and VOI RBD mutations affect ACE2 binding and allow escape of the virus from the therapeutic antibody, bamlanivimab.
Effect of ZrSiO4 Concentration on the Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of MAO Coatings Formed on AZ91 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Li Tianlu , Chen Guorui , Xiang Mingzhe , Zhao Yun , Chen Minfang 
Published: January 2022

As a metallic material with lightweight and high specific strength, magnesium alloy has excellent application prospects. However, the rapid corrosion rate and localized corrosion behavior of magnesium alloys limit the practical application in the automobile industry. In this study, to improve the corrosion resistance of AZ91 alloy, the film of different concentrations containing zirconium (AZR0, AZR5, AZR10, AZR15) was prepared on the surface of AZ91 alloy by micro-arc oxidation technology in the Na2SiO3-Na3PO4 system. Furthermore, the influence of electrolyte composition on the corrosion resistance of the MAO film was systematically investigated. The experimental results revealed that the ZrSiO4 particles added in the electrolyte could enter into the MAO film and ZrSiO4 particles were also decomposed into ZrO2 and Mg2Zr5O11 in the process of micro-arc oxidation. More importantly, the formation of micro-cracks and other defects in the film could be reduced after this process. The addition of 15 g l−1 ZrSiO4 in the electrolyte was contributed to the best comprehensive properties of MAO-processed AZ91 specimens, including improved Vickers hardness of 167.16 Hv, Young’s modulus of 652 MPa, and enhanced corrosion resistance (RP = 9.82 × 105 Ω cm2). This approach could provide the approach for developing Mg-based materials with high anticorrosion in industrial fields.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Activity in Anti-TNF-Treated Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Authors: Soós Boglárka , Fagyas Miklós , Horváth Ágnes , Végh Edit , Pusztai Anita , Czókolyová Monika , Csongrádi Alexandra , Hamar Attila , Pethő Zsófia , Bodnár Nóra , Kerekes György , Hodosi Katalin , Szekanecz Éva , Szamosi Szilvia , Szántó Sándor , Szűcs Gabriella , Papp Zoltán , Szekanecz Zoltán 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionAngiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 have been implicated in the regulation of vascular physiology. Elevated synovial and decreased or normal ACE or ACE2 levels have been found in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Very little is known about the effects of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibition on ACE or ACE2 homeostasis. In this study, we assessed the effects of one-year anti-TNF therapy on ACE and ACE2 production in RA and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in association with other biomarkers.Patients and MethodsForty patients including 24 RA patients treated with either etanercept (ETN) or certolizumab pegol (CZP) and 16 AS patients treated with ETN were included in a 12-month follow-up study. Serum ACE levels were determined by commercial ELISA, while serum ACE2 activity was assessed using a specific quenched fluorescent substrate. Ultrasonography was performed to determine flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT) and arterial pulse-wave velocity (PWV) in all patients. In addition, CRP, rheumatoid factor (RF) and ACPA were also measured. All assessments were performed at baseline and 6 and 12 months after treatment initiation.ResultsAnti-TNF therapy increased ACE levels in the full cohort, as well as in the RA and AS subsets. ACE2 activity increased in the full cohort, while the ACE/ACE2 ratio increased in the full cohort and in the RA subset (p &lt; 0.05). Uni- and multivariable regression analyses determined associations between ACE or ACE/ACE2 ratios at different time points and disease duration, CRP, RF, FMD and IMT (p &lt; 0.05). ACE2 activity correlated with CRP. The changes of ACE or ACE2 over 12 months were determined by treatment together with either RF or FMD (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsAnti-TNF treatment may increase ACE and ACE2 in the sera of RA and AS patients. ACE and ACE2 may be associated with disease duration, markers of inflammation and vascular pathophysiology. The effects of TNF inhibition on ACE and ACE2 may reflect, in part, the effects of these biologics on the cardiovascular system.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Caused by Human Adenovirus in Adults: A Prospective Observational Study in Guangdong, China
Authors: Wu Zhan , Zhang Rong , Liu Dongdong , Liu Xuesong , Zhang Jierong , Zhang Zhihui , Chen Sibei , He Weiqun , Li Yimin , Xu Yonghao , Liu Xiaoqing 
Published: January 2022

BackgroundViral causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are mostly limited to influenza. However, adenovirus has been emerging as a cause of ARDS with a high mortality rate and described in adults are rare.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, single-center observational study of viral pneumonia with ARDS and confirmed adenovirus-associated ARDS in adults at our quaternary referral institution between March 2019 and June 2020. We prospectively analyzed clinical characteristics, laboratory test results, radiological characteristics, viral load from nasopharyngeal swabs and endotracheal aspirates, treatments, and outcomes for the study participants.ResultsThe study enrolled 143 ARDS patients, including 47 patients with viral pneumonia-related ARDS, among which there were 14 adenovirus-associated ARDS patients, which accounted for 29.79% of the viral pneumonia-related ARDS cases. Among the adenovirus-associated ARDS patients, 78.57% were men with a mean age of 54.93 ± 19.04 years, younger than that of the non-adenovirus associated ARDS patients. Adenovirus-associated ARDS patients had no specific clinical characteristics, but they presented with decrease in the number of CD3+CD4+ T cells and higher serum creatinine during the early stage. The viral load and the positivity rate in the lower respiratory tract were higher than that of the upper respiratory tract in the patients with adenovirus-associated ARDS. All patients required invasive mechanical ventilation treatment. The average time from shortness of breath to the application of invasive ventilation was 24 h. Ten patients (71.43%) complicated by acute kidney injury, while 13 patients (71.43%) in the non-adenovirus associated ARDS group (P = 0.045). Additionally, 85.71% of the 14 adenovirus-associated ARDS patients survived. No significant differences were detected between the two groups regarding duration of ventilation, length of ICU stay and mortality.ConclusionAdenovirus infection is an important cause of virus-related ARDS. The positivity rate of adenovirus infection in lower respiratory tract secretions was higher than that in upper respiratory tract secretions in these patients. Age, lower CD3+CD4+ T cells, and high serum creatinine may be were associated with adenovirus induce ARDS in adults required mechanical ventilation. Early identification and intervention to prevent disease progression are essential for reducing the mortality rate in these patients.