bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research on Deformation and Fracture Characteristics of the Fractured Rock Mass Under Coupling of Heavy Rainfall Infiltration and Mining Unloading
Authors: Wang Menglai , Li Xiaoshuang , Yang Shun , Teng Lin , Chen Qiusong , Jiang Song 
Published: February 2022

The present study used PFC numerical software to examine the mechanical properties and fracture propagation characteristics of the fractured rock mass under coupling of heavy rainfall infiltration and mining unloading. Based on the engineering background of the Dexing mine, the pore water pressure is set to 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mpa, the true triaxial lateral unloading rate is 0.3 mpa/level and 0.6 mpa/level, and the water content state of rock is dry, natural, and saturated. Then, the true triaxial compression numerical simulation test is carried out, and the results showed that with the increase of the water content, the rock compaction stage increases, the elastic stage shortens, and the yield stage becomes more obvious. The faster the unloading rate is, the greater the influence on the rock strain is. After unloading, the stress jump point appears and the strain increase rate becomes larger, the volume of the rock increases and occurs as large s in the unloading direction, and finally it leads to severe brittle failure of the rock. With the increase of rock pore water pressure, the compressive strength and the peak strain of the rock decrease, and the pore water pressure accelerates the process of rock failure.
Spectrally Consistent Mean Dynamic Topography by Combining Mean Sea Surface and Global Geopotential Model Through a Least Squares-Based Approach
Authors: Shi Hongkai , He Xiufeng , Wu Yihao , Andersen Ole Baltazar , Knudsen Per , Liu Yanxiong , Zhang Zhetao 
Published: February 2022

The filtering procedure is usually mandatory for modeling mean dynamic topography (MDT) when a geodetic approach based on the Mean Sea Surface (MSS) and the Global Geopotential Model (GGM) is used. This is due to the inconsistent spectral contents between MSS and GGM. However, traditional isotropic filtering algorithms (e.g., Gaussian filter) consider neither the MDT locations nor their azimuth when smoothing the signal within the filtering radius. Hence, the isotropic filtering will attenuate the MDT signal near the current and filter the current signal into the surrounding ocean, which may lead to signal contamination and distortion. In this study, we set up a least squares-based (LS) approach to model MDT signal from the altimeter-derived MSS and geoid height using spherical harmonics from GGMs, where MDT is parameterized by Lagrange Basis Functions (LBFs). The design matrix is segmentally established, considering the error information of GGM in various spectral bands. Numerical experiments in the Gulf Stream show that applications of full error variance-covariance matrix or only diagonal error variance of GGM may have marginal effects on the MDT modeling. The MDT computed from this LS-based approach using the latest releases of Gravity Field and Steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) geoid models, i.e., GO_CONS_GCF_2_DIR_R6 and Gravity Observation Combination 06s model (GOCO06s), have the best agreement with the comparison data, especially near the current region. Deduced geostrophic velocities based on the MDT solutions show that the LS-based approach recovers the current signal better than the Gaussian filtering by 1.8 cm/s. Estimated error map illustrates that errors are more concentrated near the coastal region.
The Accuracy of Simple and Adjusted Aldosterone Indices for Assessing Selectivity and Lateralization of Adrenal Vein Sampling in the Diagnosis of Primary Aldosteronism Subtypes
Authors: Parasiliti-Caprino Mirko , Bioletto Fabio , Ceccato Filippo , Lopez Chiara , Bollati Martina , Di Carlo Maria Chiara , Voltan Giacomo , Rossato Denis , Giraudo Giuseppe , Scaroni Carla , Ghigo Ezio , Maccario Mauro 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the reliability of simple and corrected aldosterone indices for assessing the selectivity and lateralization of adrenal vein sampling (AVS) in patients with primary aldosteronism.MethodsData of all consecutive patients with primary aldosteronism who underwent AVS for subtype diagnosis, followed at two Italian referral centers, were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsAVS achieved bilateral selectivity in 112/144 patients. Unilateral disease was diagnosed in 60 cases (53.6%) and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism in 52 individuals (46.4%). The aldosterone index (aldosterone ratio between an adrenal vein and the inferior vena cava) showed a high accuracy in predicting selectivity, compared to a cortisol selectivity index of 1.1, and a moderate accuracy, compared to cortisol cut-offs of 2 and 3. The simple aldosterone index showed a moderate accuracy in predicting ipsi/contralateral aldosterone hypersecretion, while lesion side- and hypokalemia-corrected aldosterone index revealed a significant improvement in predicting ipsi/contralateral disease. Moreover, the comparative aldosterone index (aldosterone ratio in the dominant vs the non-dominant adrenal vein) revealed a high accuracy in predicting unilateral primary aldosteronism. For an immediate clinical application of our results, the adjusted cut-offs were calculated, according to the Youden’s criterion and to a pre-established specificity of 90%, for all possible combinations of lesion side at imaging and presence/absence of hypokalemia.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the diagnostic accuracy of simple and clinical-/imaging-corrected aldosterone indices for adrenal vein sampling in subtype diagnosis of primary aldosteronism and suggests the potential application of these tools to select patients for adrenalectomy when standard indices cannot be performed.
Predictors of Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules Classified as Bethesda Category III
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Wang Jingjing , Du Wei , Dai Liyuan , Fang Qigen 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveTo determine predictors of malignancy in surgically treated Bethesda category III nodules.MethodsPatients with surgically treated thyroid nodules classified as Bethesda category III were retrospectively enrolled. The association between clinical/sonographic features and postoperative pathology was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsA total of 188 nodules from 184 patients were included. The overall malignancy rate was 54.3%. In univariate analysis, male sex, aspect ratio &gt;1, microcalcification, unclear boundary, BRAFV600E mutation, and nuclear atypia were significantly associated with malignant disease in Bethesda category III nodules. Multivariate analysis confirmed that male sex, aspect ratio &gt;1, microcalcification, and BRAFV600E mutation were independent predictors of malignant disease.ConclusionsMalignant disease was common in Bethesda category III nodules, and surgical treatment was strongly indicated in the presence of male sex, aspect ratio&gt;1, microcalcification, and BRAFV600E mutation.
Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Targeting Protects Against Ischemic Damage After Fibrin-Rich Thrombotic Stroke Despite Non-Reperfusion
Authors: Peña-Martínez Carolina , Durán-Laforet Violeta , García-Culebras Alicia , Cuartero María Isabel , Moro María Ángeles , Lizasoain Ignacio 
Published: February 2022

Stroke is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide caused primarily by a thrombotic vascular occlusion that leads to cell death. To date, t-PA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) is the only thrombolytic therapy approved which targets fibrin as the main component of ischemic stroke thrombi. However, due to its highly restrictive criteria, t-PA is only administrated to less than 10% of all stroke patients. Furthermore, the research in neuroprotective agents has been extensive with no translational results from medical research to clinical practice up to now. Since we first described the key role of NETs (Neutrophil Extracellular Traps) in platelet-rich thrombosis, we asked, first, whether NETs participate in fibrin-rich thrombosis and, second, if NETs modulation could prevent neurological damage after stroke. To this goal, we have used the thromboembolic in situ stroke model which produces fibrin-rich thrombotic occlusion, and the permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery by ligature. Our results demonstrate that NETs do not have a predominant role in fibrin-rich thrombosis and, therefore, DNase-I lacks lytic effects on fibrin-rich thrombosis. Importantly, we have also found that NETs exert a deleterious effect in the acute phase of stroke in a platelet-TLR4 dependent manner and, subsequently, that its pharmacological modulation has a neuroprotective effect. Therefore, our data strongly support that the pharmacological modulation of NETs in the acute phase of stroke, could be a promising strategy to repair the brain damage in ischemic disease, independently of the type of thrombosis involved.
The Pre-Transplant Non-HLA Antibody Burden Associates With the Development of Histology of Antibody-Mediated Rejection After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Senev Aleksandar , Ray Bryan , Lerut Evelyne , Hariharan Jayasree , Heylen Christine , Kuypers Dirk , Sprangers Ben , Emonds Marie-Paule , Naesens Maarten 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundMany kidney allografts fail due to the occurrence of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), related to donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (HLA-DSA). However, the histology of ABMR can also be observed in patients without HLA-DSA. While some non-HLA antibodies have been related to the histology of ABMR, it is not well known to what extent they contribute to kidney allograft injury. Here we aimed to investigate the role of 82 different non-HLA antibodies in the occurrence of histology of ABMR after kidney transplantation.MethodsWe included all patients who underwent kidney transplantation between 2004-2013 in a single center and had biobanked serum. Pre- and post-transplant sera (n=2870) were retrospectively tested for the presence of 82 different non-HLA antibodies using a prototype bead assay on Luminex (Immucor, Inc). A ratio was calculated between the measured MFI value and the cut-off MFI defined by the vendor for each non-HLA target.Results874 patients had available pretransplant sera and were included in this analysis. Of them, 133 (15.2%) received a repeat kidney allograft, and 100 (11.4%) had pretransplant HLA-DSA. In total, 204 (23.3%) patients developed histology of ABMR after kidney transplantation. In 79 patients (38.7%) the histology of ABMR was explained by pretransplant or de novo HLA-DSA. The multivariable Cox analysis revealed that only the broadly non-HLA sensitized (number of positive non-HLA antibodies) patients and those with the highest total strength of the non-HLA antibodies (total ratios of the positive non-HLA antibodies) were independently associated with increased rates of histology of ABMR after transplantation. Additionally, independent associations were found for antibodies against TUBB (HR=2.40; 95% CI 1.37 – 4.21, p=0.002), Collagen III (HR=1.67; 95% CI 1.08 – 2.58, p=0.02), VCL (HR=2.04; 95% CI 1.12 – 3.71, p=0.02) and STAT6 (HR=1.47; 95% CI 1.01 – 2.15, p=0.04). The overall posttransplant non-HLA autoreactivity was not associated with increased rates of ABMRh.ConclusionsThis study shows that patients highly and broadly sensitized against non-HLA targets are associated with an increased risk of ABMR histology after kidney transplantations in the absence of HLA-DSA. Also, some pretransplant non‐HLA autoantibodies are individually associated with increased rates of ABMR histology. However, whether these associations are clinically relevant and represent causality, warrants further studies.
Bidirectional Association Between Psoriasis and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Real-World Evidence From Two Longitudinal Cohort Studies
Authors: Gau Shuo-Yan , Huang Kuang-Hua , Lee Chiu Hsiang , Kuan Yu-Hsiang , Tsai Tung-Han , Lee Chien-Ying 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundAssociation between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and future psoriasis has not yet been confirmed, although the two diseases partially share a common pathogenesis pathway. Studies have revealed an association between psoriasis and subsequent NAFLD; however, these studies were limited to small sample sizes and a cross-sectional study design. Hence, the main objective of this population-based longitudinal cohort study was to evaluate the bidirectional association between psoriasis and NAFLD.MethodsData were retrieved from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with new-onset NAFLD and psoriasis were respectively enrolled in two cohorts. For each comparison cohort, propensity-score-matched controls with no record of NAFLD or psoriasis were selected. An adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) was applied to evaluate subsequent risks.ResultsThe risk of patients with new-onset NAFLD developing psoriasis was statistically significant, with an HR of 1.07 (95% CI, 1.01–1.14). For younger patients with NAFLD, the risk of developing psoriasis was 1.3-fold higher. The risk of patients with new-onset psoriasis developing NAFLD in the future was 1.28-fold higher than that of patients without psoriasis (95% CI, 1.21–1.35), and patients in younger psoriasis subgroups below the age of 40 years were at a higher risk than those in older subgroups, with an aHR of 1.55 (95% CI, 1.40–1.71).ConclusionEvidence supports a bidirectional association between NAFLD and psoriasis, especially in patients below the age of 40 years. The correlation between the two diseases and the subsequent risk of disease development should be considered when caring for patients.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Functional Constipation According to the Rome Criteria in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Zhe , Peng Yingying , Shi Qingyang , Chen Yongjie , Cao Lujia , Jia Jiannan , Liu Chunxiang , Zhang Junhua 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundFunctional constipation (FC) is a common bowel disorder that prevails worldwide. In China, although a heterogeneous prevalence of constipation is expected, it is currently not demonstrated. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and related risk factors of FC in the Chinese population, according to the Rome criteria.MethodsWe searched the PubMed, the Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Wanfang data knowledge service platform, the VIP information resource integration service platform, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed) databases from the inception of database to July 2021. Population-based cross-section studies that enrolled adults with FC, diagnosed by the Rome criteria, were deemed eligible. We summarized the overall prevalence and detected the subgroup effect per the Rome I, Rome II, Rome III, and Rome IV criteria. We used the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with a random-effect intercept to pool the prevalence and performed pairwise meta-analyses for prevalence comparisons by risk factors.ResultsWe identified 3,213 records through our database search, and 39 studies from China, comprising 1,240,79 participants, met the eligibility criteria for our study. The pooled overall prevalence of FC using the Rome criteria was 8.5% in China. Heterogeneous prevalence was detected within the Rome criteria (Rome II: 10.6%, 95% CI: 7.2–15.4; Rome III: 6.5%, 95% CI: 3.4–12.0; Rome IV: 8.1%, 95% CI: 5.6–11.8). The prevalence increased between 1991 and 2020 (from 5.5% with 95% CI: 3.6–8.2 between 1991 and 2000 to 10.9% with 95% CI: 5.5–20.4 between 2011 and 2020). Higher prevalence was found in women [odds ratio (OR) = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.31–1.78] and the elderly (≥70 years vs. ≤ 29 years: OR = 3.38, 95% CI: 2.16–5.30) than in men and the younger population. A high-fiber diet was associated with lower prevalence (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15–0.75), whereas irregular bowel habit and inactivity were associated with higher prevalence (OR = 3.64, 95% CI: 2.64–5.03; OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.14–3.43). Unhealthy mental states, such as anxiety and depression, and poor sleep quality led to high prevalence (OR = 3.16, 95%C I: 1.96–5.11; OR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.76–4.26; OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.69–2.72, respectively).ConclusionVarious types of FC prevail in China based on the different Rome criteria, personal characteristics, and habits. The prevalence also increased over the past three decades. The FC should be included under the primary care setting with uniform diagnosis criteria in China.Systematic Review Registrationhttp://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, CRD42021277172.
Platelet Transfusion in Patients With Sepsis and Thrombocytopenia: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis Using a Large ICU Database
Authors: He Shuangjun , Fan Chenyu , Ma Jun , Tang Chao , Chen Yi 
Published: February 2022

PurposeSepsis with thrombocytopenia is highly prevalent in critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients and is associated with adverse outcomes. Platelet transfusion is the primary treatment of choice. However, evidence for the beneficial effects of platelet transfusion in patients with sepsis and thrombocytopenia is scarce and low in quality. This study aimed to evaluate the association between platelet transfusion and mortality among ICU patients with sepsis and thrombocytopenia.Patients and MethodsUsing the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database (v. 1.4), the outcomes of sepsis patients with platelet counts of ≤ 150,000/μL were compared between those who did and did not receive platelet transfusion. The primary outcomes were 28- and 90-day all-cause mortalities. The secondary outcomes were red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, ICU-free days, and hospital-free days. Propensity score matching was employed to assemble a cohort of patients with similar baseline characteristics.ResultsAmong 7,765 eligible patients, 677 received platelet transfusion and were matched with 677 patients who did not receive platelet transfusion according to propensity scores. Platelet transfusion, as compared with no platelet transfusion, was associated with an increased risk of 28-day all-cause mortality [36.9 vs. 30.4%, odds ratio (OR), 1.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.46; p = 0.039], increased risk of 90-day all-cause mortality (50.8 vs. 44.6%, OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.00–1.31; p = 0.048), fewer mean (standard deviation) 28-day ICU-free days (15.88 ± 8.97 vs. 18.64 ± 8.33 days, p &lt; 0.001), and fewer hospital-free days (10.29 ± 8.49 vs. 11.43 ± 8.85 days, p = 0.017). The rate of RBC transfusion was not significantly different between the platelet transfusion and non-transfusion groups (p = 0.149). The results were maintained across several subgroup and sensitivity analyses.ConclusionIn this study, platelet transfusion was associated with higher 28- and 90-day all-cause mortalities. These results suggest the potential hazards of platelet transfusion in ICU patients with sepsis and thrombocytopenia.
Extracellular Vesicles Derived From Plasma of Patients With Neurodegenerative Disease Have Common Transcriptomic Profiling
Authors: Sproviero Daisy , Gagliardi Stella , Zucca Susanna , Arigoni Maddalena , Giannini Marta , Garofalo Maria , Fantini Valentina , Pansarasa Orietta , Avenali Micol , Ramusino Matteo Cotta , Diamanti Luca , Minafra Brigida , Perini Giulia , Zangaglia Roberta , Costa Alfredo , Ceroni Mauro , Calogero Raffaele A. , Cereda Cristina 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesThere is a lack of effective biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal dementia. Extracellular vesicle (EV) RNA cargo can have an interesting potential as a non-invasive biomarker for NDs. However, the knowledge about the abundance of EV-mRNAs and their contribution to neurodegeneration is not clear.MethodsLarge and small EVs (LEVs and SEVs) were isolated from plasma of patients and healthy volunteers (control, CTR) by differential centrifugation and filtration, and RNA was extracted. Whole transcriptome was carried out using next generation sequencing (NGS).ResultsCoding RNA (i.e., mRNA) but not long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in SEVs and LEVs of patients with ALS could be distinguished from healthy CTRs and from other NDs using the principal component analysis (PCA). Some mRNAs were found in commonly deregulated between SEVs of patients with ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and they were classified in mRNA processing and splicing pathways. In LEVs, instead, one mRNA and one antisense RNA (i.e., MAP3K7CL and AP003068.3) were found to be in common among ALS, FTD, and PD. No deregulated mRNAs were found in EVs of patients with AD.ConclusionDifferent RNA regulation occurs in LEVs and SEVs of NDs. mRNAs and lncRNAs are present in plasma-derived EVs of NDs, and there are common and specific transcripts that characterize LEVs and SEVs from the NDs considered in this study.
Effects of Repetitive Peripheral Sensory Stimulation in the Subacute and Chronic Phases After Stroke: Study Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Trial
Authors: Kroth Jéssica Borges , Handfas Benjamim , Rodrigues Glaucia , Zepeda Francisco , Oliveira Marco Aurélio , Wang Danny J. J. , Azevedo Neto Raymundo Machado de , Silva Gisele Sampaio , Amaro Edson , Sorinola Isaac Olubunmi , Conforto Adriana Bastos 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundRepetitive peripheral nerve sensory stimulation (RPSS) is a potential add-on intervention to motor training for rehabilitation of upper limb paresis after stroke. Benefits of RPSS were reported in subjects in the chronic phase after stroke, but there is limited information about the effects of this intervention within the 1st weeks or months. The primary goal of this study is to compare, in a head-to-head proof-of-principle study, the impact of a single session of suprasensory vs. subsensory RPSS on the upper limb motor performance and learning in subjects at different phases after stroke subacute and chronic phases and mild upper limb motor impairments after stroke. In addition, we examine the effects of RPSS on brain perfusion, functional imaging activation, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels. Subjects with mild upper limb motor impairments will be tested with MRI and clinical assessment either at an early (7 days to 3 months post-stroke) or at a chronic (&gt;6 months) stage after stroke.MethodsIn this multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, proof-of-principle clinical trial with blinded assessment of outcomes, we compare the effects of one session of suprasensory or subsensory RPSS in patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and upper limb paresis. Clinical assessment and MRI will be performed only once in each subject (either at an early or at a chronic stage). The primary outcome is the change in performance in the Jebsen–Taylor test. Secondary outcomes: hand strength, cerebral blood flow assessed with arterial spin labeling, changes in the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) effect in ipsilesional and contralesional primary motor cortex (M1) on the left and the right hemispheres assessed with functional MRI (fMRI) during a finger-tapping task performed with the paretic hand, and changes in GABA levels in ipsilesional and contralesional M1 evaluated with spectroscopy. The changes in outcomes will be compared in four groups: suprasensory, early; subsensory, early; suprasensory, chronic; and subsensory, chronic.DiscussionThe results of this study are relevant to inform future clinical trials to tailor RPSS to patients more likely to benefit from this intervention.Trial RegistrationNCT03956407.