bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Trajectories and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors During Childhood: A Large Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xiao Pei , Cheng Hong , Li Haibo , Zhao Xiaoyuan , Hou Dongqing , Xie Xianghui , Mi Jie 
Published: March 2022

Background and ObjectivesVitamin D has been indicated to play an important role in the optimal function of the cardiovascular system. However, with limited evidence, it remains unclear whether vitamin D status transition during childhood would affect cardiometabolic risk factors. Thus, we aimed to identify the associations of the longitudinal trajectory of vitamin D status with cardiometabolic risk factors in children.MethodsA total of 10,482 participants with complete follow-up records from a large population-based prospective cohort study were included in this analysis. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, blood pressure, blood lipids, and fasting blood glucose were determined. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25(OH)D concentrations below 30 nmol/L according to the Institute of Medicine recommendations. Based on the vitamin D status at baseline and follow-up, we identified four possible trajectories: (1) persistent non-deficiency (reference); (2) baseline non-deficiency to follow-up deficiency; (3) baseline deficiency to follow-up non-deficiency; (4) persistent deficiency. The relationships between cardiometabolic risk factors and vitamin D trajectories were evaluated using adjusted risk ratios (RRs).ResultsOverall, 35.1 and 24.2% of participants had vitamin D deficiency at the baseline and follow-up, respectively, and 15.1% were under the condition of persistent vitamin D deficiency. Compared to children with persistent non-deficiency, those who shifted from non-deficiency at baseline to deficiency at follow-up had a 2.09-fold (95% CI: 1.36, 3.23) increased risk of high triglyceride (TG). Besides, children with altered vitamin D status from deficiency to non-deficiency during follow-up were still at a significantly higher risk of high total cholesterol (TC) than the reference group [RR (95% CI): 1.39 (1.04, 1.86)]. Finally, children with persistent vitamin D deficiency were at the highest risks of high TC [RR (95% CI): 1.61 (1.18, 2.19), Ptrend &lt; 0.001], high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) [RR (95% CI): 1.53 (1.04, 2.27), Ptrend = 0.046], and high TG [RR (95% CI): 1.96 (1.34, 2.87), Ptrend = 0.003].ConclusionOur results suggest that persistent vitamin D deficiency might increase the risk of dyslipidemia in children, and vitamin D deficiency could have has short- and long-term effects on TG and TC, respectively.
High Rank Coal Pore Fracture Structure and its Impact on Reservoir Characteristics in the Southern Qinshui Basin
Authors: Ji Changjiang , Li Guofu , Hao Haijin , Song Zhimin , Guo Dingding 
Published: March 2022

Although the southern Qinshui Basin is the most successful area for coalbed methane (CBM) development in China, the production of CBM wells in different blocks in the area is significantly different. One of the key reasons is the difference in pore structure in various-ranked coal. In this study, No. 3 coal seam of Sihe and Zhaozhuang blocks in southern Qinshui Basin was selected as the research object to investigate the high rank coal pore fracture structure and its impact on reservoir characteristics. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), low-temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption (LTN2A), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and isothermal adsorption tests were conducted. The results show that the Sihe No.3 coal seam was mainly composed of open cylindrical and flat pores with a high proportion of transition pores (10–100 nm), large specific surface area, good connectivity, strong adsorption capacity, high gas content, and reservoir energy. Zhaozhuang No.3 coal had high proportion of mesopores (100–1,000 nm), small specific surface area, poor pores connectivity, weak adsorption capacity, poor gas content, low reservoir energy, and critical desorption pressure. The proportion of cylindrical pores, parallel plate pores, and wedge-shaped pores closed at one end was high. The anomalies in pore morphology and pore structure characteristics of coal reservoir were the main factors that caused variation in gas production of No.3 coal seam in Sihe and Zhaozhuang blocks.
Association of Organochlorine Pesticides With Genetic Markers of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case–Control Study Among the North-Indian Population
Authors: Tawar Neha , Banerjee Basu Dev , Madhu Sri Venkata , Agrawal Vivek , Gupta Sanjay 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundOrganochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been long linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, this relation at the molecular level has not been explored yet. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and pro-inflammatory pathways are considered vital ones in the pathogenesis of T2DM. We aimed to investigate the existence of any association between OCPs, ER stress, and pro-inflammatory pathways in subjects with known T2DM.MethodsSeventy subjects each with T2DM and normal glucose tolerance were recruited from the surgery department. Their visceral adipose tissue was collected intraoperatively. OCP concentration, ER stress, and pro-inflammatory markers were analyzed and compared between two study groups.ResultsWe found 18 OCPs and their metabolites in visceral adipose tissue samples of study participants. The levels of δ-HCH, heptachlor, endrin, and p,p′DDT were significantly higher in the T2DM group and were also positively correlated with fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels (p &lt; 0.01). We observed a positive association of δ-HCH (p &lt; 0.01), heptachlor (p &lt; 0.05), and endrin (p &lt; 0.05) with central adiposity and ER stress markers. However, we failed to establish the correlation of OCPs with any of the pro-inflammatory markers.ConclusionThe existence and simultaneous complex correlation of OCPs with ER stress may explain their role in the pathogenesis of T2DM, revealing the persistence of the gene–environment interaction in the etiology of T2DM.
Dynamic Changes in the Quantitative Electroencephalographic Spectrum During Attention Tasks in Patients With Prader–Willi Syndrome
Authors: Tsai Li-Ping , Wang Syu-Siang , Chee Siew-Yin , Wong Shi-Bing 
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Attention problems are frequently observed in patients with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS); however, only few studies have investigated the severity and mechanisms of attention problems in them. In this study, we aim to evaluate dynamic changes in the quantitative electroencephalographic (EEG) spectrum during attention tasks in patients with PWS.Method: From January to June 2019, 10 patients with PWS and 10 age-matched neurotypical control participants were recruited at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital. Each participant completed Conners’ continuous performance test, third edition (CPT-3), tasks with simultaneous EEG monitoring. The dynamic changes in the quantitative EEG spectrum between the resting state and during CPT-3 tasks were compared.Results: Behaviorally, patients with PWS experienced significant attention problems, indicated by the high scores for several CPT-3 variables. The theta/beta ratio of the resting-state EEG spectrum revealed no significant differences between the control participants and patients with PWS. During CPT-3 tasks, a significant decrease in the alpha power was noted in controls compared with that in patients with PWS. The attention-to-resting alpha power ratio was positively correlated with many CPT-3 variables. After adjusting for genotype, age, intelligence, and body mass index, the attention-to-resting alpha power ratio was still significantly correlated with participants’ commission errors.Conclusion: This study provides evidence that attention problems are frequently observed in patients with PWS, while attention impairment can be demonstrated by dynamic changes in the quantitative EEG spectrum.
Effects of IL-6 Polymorphisms on Individual Susceptibility to Allergic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Ying , Xiao Jingxin , Tang Lingling , Wang Bohan , Sun Xianhong , Xu Zhongchi , Liu Li , Shi Suofang 
Published: March 2022

Background: Many studies have assessed the potential link between interleukin-6 polymorphisms and susceptibility to allergic diseases. However, the results are still conflicting. Therefore, a comprehensive meta-analysis can not only resolve differences but also provide clues for future projects.Methods: A systematic electronic search was conducted on the databases of Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library to retrieve all published studies. Revman and Stata software were used for statistical analysis.Results: This meta-analysis included 11 studies. The results revealed that there was a statistically significant association between IL-6 rs1800795 polymorphism and the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis in the general population. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that rs1800795 affected allergic diseases risk in different populations.Conclusion: Our findings suggested that IL-6 rs1800795 was associated with allergic diseases susceptibility among Asians and Caucasians in opposite trends, and it might influence the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis. None of the IL-6 polymorphisms were shared risk variants of allergic diseases.
Pre-Transplant Expression of CCR-2 in Kidney Transplant Recipients Is Associated With the Development of Delayed Graft Function
Authors: Pontrelli Paola , Simone Simona , Rascio Federica , Pesce Francesco , Conserva Francesca , Infante Barbara , Castellano Giuseppe , Sallustio Fabio , Fiorentino Marco , Zaza Gianluigi , Gallone Anna , Battaglia Michele , Ditonno Pasquale , Stallone Giovanni , Gesualdo Loreto , Grandaliano Giuseppe 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundDelayed graft function (DGF) leads to a reduced graft survival. Donors’ features have been always considered as key pathogenic factors in this setting. The aim of our study was to evaluate the recipients’ characteristics in the development of DGF.MethodsWe enrolled 932 kidney graft recipients from 466 donors; 226 recipients experienced DGF. In 290 donors, both recipients presented with early graft function (EGF, group A), in 50 both recipients experienced DGF (group B), and in 126 one recipient presented with DGF and the other with EGF (group C). In group C, we selected 7 couples of DGF/EGF recipients and we evaluated the transcriptomic profile by microarray on circulating mononuclear cells harvested before transplantation. Results were validated by qPCR in an independent group of 25 EGF/DGF couples.FindingsIn the whole study group, DGF was associated with clinical characteristics related to both donors and recipient. In group C, DGF was significantly associated with body mass index, hemodialysis, and number of mismatches. In the same group, we identified 411 genes differently expressed before transplantation between recipients discordant for the transplant outcome. Those genes were involved in immune dysfunction and inflammation. In particular, we observed a significant increase in DGF patients in the expression of C–C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2), the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) receptor. CCR-2 upregulation was confirmed in an independent cohort of patients.ConclusionsOur results suggest that recipients’ clinical/immunological features, potentially modulated by dialysis, are associated with the development of DGF independently of donors’ features.
Performance Assessment of Two Different Approaches of Measuring Skeletonized Radial Peripapillary Capillary Vessel Density in Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Guo Yiqin , Sun Yunxiao , Zhang Xueyuan , Wang Ningli 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo compare performance assessment of two methods of measuring radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) vessel density (VD) after skeletonization using MATLAB and Image J in glaucoma clinical setting.MethodsSeventy-three eyes of 73 glaucoma patients from Beijing Tongren Hospital were included in this prospective study. Original images of RPC were obtained using optical coherence tomography angiography. Two approaches were executed before measuring. Method 1 (M1) required image sharpening, removal of big vessels, and skeletonization. Method 2 (M2) required skeletonization and removal of major vessels. Each method was executed twice. Repeatability and correlations with glaucomatous parameters were assessed. Factors associated with retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) and visual field mean deviation (MD) were analyzed.ResultsAverage VD was 13.86 ± 2.73 and 7.50 ± 2.50% measured by M1 and M2. Percentage of total elimination of the major vessels was 36.99 and 100% by M1 and M2, respectively. The intrasession and intersession reproducibility was higher by M2 (ICC = 0.979, ICC = 0.990) than by M1 (ICC = 0.930, ICC = 0.934). VD measured by M2 showed stronger correlations with glaucomatous parameters than by M1. By stepwise multiple linear regression, thinner RNFLT was associated with smaller VD measured by M2 (B = 4.643, P &lt; 0.001). Worse MD was associated with smaller VD measured by M1 (B = 1.079, P = 0.015).ConclusionThe VD measured by M2 showed better reproducibility and higher correlation with glaucomatous structural parameters. Image sharpning helps display of hazy vasculature in glaucoma, which may reflect visual function better. Researchers should carefully choose image processing methods according to their research object.
Tissue Damage, Not Infection, Triggers Hepatic Unfolded Protein Response in an Experimental Rat Peritonitis Model
Authors: Müllebner Andrea , Herminghaus Anna , Miller Ingrid , Kames Martina , Luís Andreia , Picker Olaf , Bauer Inge , Kozlov Andrey V. , Duvigneau Johanna Catharina 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundAbdominal surgery is an efficient treatment of intra-abdominal sepsis. Surgical trauma and peritoneal infection lead to the activation of multiple pathological pathways. The liver is particularly susceptible to injury under septic conditions. Liver function is impaired when pathological conditions induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. ER stress triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR), aiming at restoring ER homeostasis, or inducing cell death. In order to translate basic knowledge on ER function into the clinical setting, we aimed at dissecting the effect of surgery and peritoneal infection on the progression of ER stress/UPR and inflammatory markers in the liver in a clinically relevant experimental animal model.MethodsWistar rats underwent laparotomy followed by colon ascendens stent peritonitis (CASP) or surgery (sham) only. Liver damage (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and De Ritis values), inflammatory and UPR markers were assessed in livers at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h postsurgery. Levels of inflammatory (IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and HO-1), UPR (XBP1, GRP78, CHOP), and apoptosis (BAX/Bcl-XL) mRNA were determined by qPCR. Splicing of XBP1 (XBP1s) was analyzed by gel electrophoresis, p-eIF2α and GRP78 protein levels using the western blots.ResultsAspartate aminotransferase levels were elevated 24 h after surgery and thereafter declined with different kinetics in sham and CASP groups. Compared with sham De Ritis ratios were significantly higher in the CASP group, at 48 and 96 h. CASP induced an inflammatory response after 48 h, evidenced by elevated levels of IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and HO-1. In contrast, UPR markers XBP1s, p-eIF2α, GRP78, XBP1, and CHOP did not increase in response to infection but paralleled the kinetics of AST and De Ritis ratios. We found that inflammatory markers were predominantly associated with CASP, while UPR markers were associated with surgery. However, in the CASP group, we found a stronger correlation between XBP1s, XBP1 and GRP78 with damage markers, suggesting a synergistic influence of inflammation on UPR in our model.ConclusionOur results indicate that independent mechanisms induce ER stress/UPR and the inflammatory response in the liver. While peritoneal infection predominantly triggers inflammatory responses, the conditions associated with organ damage are predominant triggers of the hepatic UPR.
Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index Predicts Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jiang Hangpan , Li Duanbin , Xu Tian , Chen Zhezhe , Shan Yu , Zhao Liding , Fu Guosheng , Luan Yi , Xia Shudong , Zhang Wenbin 
Published: March 2022

Background and AimsSystemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is an emerging indicator and correlated to the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to explore the association between SII and contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI).MethodsIn this retrospective cross-sectional study, 4,381 subjects undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) were included. SII is defined as neutrophil count × platelet count/lymphocyte count. CI-AKI was determined by the elevation of serum creatinine (Scr). Multivariable linear and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the relationship of SII with Scr and CI-AKI, respectively. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, structural equation model analysis, and subgroup analysis were also performed.ResultsOverall, 786 (17.9%) patients suffered CI-AKI after the intravascular contrast administration. The subjects were 67.1 ± 10.8 years wold, with a mean SII of 5.72 × 1011/L. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that SII linearly increased with the proportion of Scr elevation (β [95% confidence interval, CI] = 0.315 [0.206 to 0.424], P &lt; 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that higher SII was associated with an increased incidence of CI-AKI ([≥12 vs. &lt;3 × 1011/L]: odds ratio, OR [95% CI] = 2.914 [2.121 to 4.003], P &lt; 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed consistent results. ROC analysis identified a good predictive value of SII on CI-AKI (area under the ROC curve [95% CI]: 0.625 [0.602 to 0.647]). The structural equation model verified a more remarkable direct effect of SII (β = 0.102, P &lt; 0.001) on CI-AKI compared to C-reactive protein (β = 0.070, P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsSII is an independent predictor for CI-AKI in patients undergoing CAG procedures.
Epithelial Abnormalities in the Small Intestine of Zambian Children With Stunting
Authors: Mulenga Chola , Sviben Sanja , Chandwe Kanta , Amadi Beatrice , Kayamba Violet , Fitzpatrick James A. J. , Mudenda Victor , Kelly Paul 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundEnvironmental enteropathy (EE) contributes to impaired linear growth (stunting), in millions of children worldwide. We have previously reported that confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) shows fluorescein leaking from blood to gut lumen in vivo in adults and children with EE. We set out to identify epithelial lesions which might explain this phenomenon in Zambian children with stunting non-responsive to nutritional support.MethodsWe performed confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) in 75 children and collected intestinal biopsies for histology in 91 children. CLE videos were evaluated, employing the Watson score to determine severity of leakiness. Morphometry was carried out on well-orientated mucosa and 3 biopsies were examined by electron microscopy.ResultsConfocal laser endomicroscopy demonstrated substantial leakage from circulation to gut lumen in 73 (97%) children. Histology consistently showed characteristic changes of EE: villus blunting, lamina propria and epithelial inflammation, and depletion of secretory cells (Paneth cells and goblet cells). Epithelial abnormalities included marked variability in epithelial height, disorganised and shortened microvilli, dilated intercellular spaces, pseudostratification, formation of synechiae between epithelium on adjacent villi, crypt destruction, and abundant destructive lesions which may correspond to the microerosions identified on CLE.ConclusionEpithelial abnormalities were almost universal in Zambian children with non-responsive stunting, including epithelial microerosions, cell-cell adhesion anomalies, and defects in secretory cells which may all contribute to impairment of mucosal barrier function and microbial translocation.
Inflammatory Profiles of Tracheal Biopsies From SARS-CoV-2 Patients
Authors: Fiacchini Giacomo , Proietti Agnese , Poma Anello Marcello , Picariello Miriana , Dallan Iacopo , Guarracino Fabio , Forfori Francesco , Fontanini Gabriella , Bruschini Luca 
Published: March 2022

PurposeAn increasing number of laryngotracheal complications in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients has been reported in the last few months. Many etiopathogenetic hypotheses were proposed but no clear explanation of these complications was identified. In this paper we evaluated the possibility that the tracheal mucosa could be a high viral replication site that could weaken the epithelium itself.MethodsSubjects for the COVID-19 group and the control group were selected retrospectively according to specific criteria. Patients’ basic and clinical data were recorded and analyzed. Tracheal samples of both groups were collected during surgical tracheostomies and then analyzed from a histological and genetic-transcriptional point of view.ResultsFour COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study and compared with four non-COVID-19 patients. No laryngotracheal complications were identified in both groups. The SARS-CoV-2 was detected in one out of four COVID-19 samples. A subepithelial inflammatory lymphomonocyte infiltrate was observed in all patients but two cases of the COVID-19 group showed vasculitis of small subepithelial vessels associated with foci of coagulative necrosis. Two gene sets (HALLMARK_INFLAMMATORY_RESPONSE and HALLMARK_ESTROGEN_RESPONSE_LATE) were significantly deregulated in COVID-19 patients compared to the control group.ConclusionThe altered inflammatory response of the COVID-19 patients could be another possible explanation of the increasing number of laryngotracheal complications.