bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Crosslinking Method for Improving the Anti-Calcification Ability and Extracellular Matrix Stability in Transcatheter Heart Valves
Authors: Qi Xiaoke , Jiang Zhenlin , Song Mingzhe , Tang Zhenjie , Xie Xinlong , Liu Yuhong , Wu Qiying , Wu Zhongshi 
Published: July 2022

More than 200,000 patients with aortic diseases worldwide undergo surgical valve replacement each year, and transcatheter heart valves (THV) have been more widely used than ever before. However, THV made by the glutaraldehyde (Glut) crosslinking method has the disadvantage of being prone to calcification, which significantly reduces the durability of biomaterials. In this study, we applied a novel crosslinking method using ribose in THV for the first time, which can decrease calcification and increase the stability of the extracellular matrix (ECM). We incubated the bovine pericardium (BP) in ribose solution at 37°C by shaking for 12 days and confirmed that the structure of the BP was more compact than that of the Glut group. Moreover, the ribose method remarkably enhanced the biomechanical properties and provided reliable resistance to enzymatic degradation and satisfactory cellular compatibility in THV. When the BP was implanted subcutaneously in vivo, we demonstrated that ECM components were preserved more completely, especially in elastin, and the immune-inflammatory response was more moderate than that in the Glut treatment group. Finally, the ribose-cross-linked materials showed better anti-calcification potential and improved durability of THV than Glut-cross-linked materials.
Finding Correlations Between mRNA and Protein Levels in Leishmania Development: Is There a Discrepancy?
Authors: Cortazzo da Silva Leonardo , Aoki Juliana Ide , Floeter-Winter Lucile Maria 
Published: July 2022

Multiple genes and proteins have been identified as differentially expressed in the stages of the Leishmania life cycle. The differentiation processes are implicated in specific transcriptional and proteomic adjustments driven by gene expression regulation mechanisms. Leishmania parasites lack gene-specific transcriptional control, and gene expression regulation mostly depends on posttranscriptional mechanisms. Due to the lack of transcriptional regulation, criticism regarding the relevance of transcript quantification as a possible and efficient prediction of protein levels is recurrent in studies that use transcriptomic information. The advent of high-throughput technologies has improved the analysis of genomes, transcriptomes and proteomes for different organisms under several conditions. Nevertheless, defining the correlation between transcriptional and proteomic profiles requires arduous and expensive work and remains a challenge in Leishmania. In this review, we analyze transcriptomic and proteomic data for several Leishmania species in two different stages of the parasite life cycle: metacyclogenesis and amastigogenesis (amastigote differentiation). We found a correlation between mRNA and protein levels of 60.9% and 69.8% for metacyclogenesis and amastigogenesis, respectively; showing that majority mRNA and protein levels increase or decrease concomitantly. Among the analyzed genes that did not present correlation indicate that transcriptomic data should be carefully interpreted as protein expression. We also discuss possible explanations and mechanisms involved for this lack of correlation.
Spatiotemporal Changes in Land Use and Ecosystem Service Values Under the Influence of Glacier Retreat in a High-Andean Environment
Authors: Madrigal-Martínez Santiago , Puga-Calderón Rodrigo J. , Bustínza Urviola Victor , Vilca Gómez Óscar 
Published: July 2022

Glaciers supply multiple ecosystem services that are threatened by climate change. The retreat and disappearance of tropical glaciers is an important dynamic that affects ecosystems and local communities. The knowledge of the impacts of this land-change dynamics on the supply of ecosystem services is lacking. In that sense, the assessment developed can provide evidence about the costs and benefits of promoting conservation and human well-being at the same time. Then, the main objective of this research is to determine the spatial–temporal changes and their effects on the economic value of ecosystem services in a glacial retreat environment. We selected the Marangani district as a study area. It comprises the La Raya Mountain range in the Andes. The assessments were carried out across two scales of observation: the municipality and the watershed level. Here, we process spectral information from Landsat Sensor using the Random Forest algorithm in the Google Earth Engine platform to classify 10 biomes. It was carried out over more than 30 years (from 1986 to 2019). After that, ecosystem services provided by the biomes were valued using the transfer method. This research shows that at the municipality level, almost all the LULCs faced variations over time, and the glaciers had the highest change, accumulating a ratio of –85.51%, whereas at the watershed level, a higher tendency of land changes is observed in the areas without glaciers, and those with glacier areas count on permanent larger bofedales. At the municipality level, the economic value of ecosystems shows that bofedales and water surfaces are the LULCs that supply the highest ecosystem services (∼33,000 USD ha−1 yr−1 each). In addition, without the inflation adjustment, the total ESV is on a trajectory of losing ESV (–$9.67 × 106). In the watersheds with glacier retreat, significant quantity of bofedales and natural grasslands controls the fluctuations of ESV. These high-mountain watersheds play an essential role in providing benefits and value to local communities. In general, the municipality level indicates the trajectory of changes in the district, whereas the watershed scale shows the urgency for implementing spatial conservation actions.
Skeletal Muscle Transcriptomic Comparison Between Men and Women in Response to Acute Sprint Exercise
Authors: Nie Mingkun , Liu Qingling , Yan Cheng 
Published: July 2022

Background: Acute sprint exercise is a time-efficient physical activity that improves cardiorespiratory fitness in younger and middle-aged adults. Growing evidence has demonstrated that acute sprint exercise provides equal to or superior health benefits compared with moderate-intensity continuous training, which will dramatically increase aerobic capacity, insulin sensitivity, and muscle capillarization. Although the beneficial effects of acute sprint exercise are well documented, the mechanisms behind how acute sprint exercise prevents disease and benefits health are less understood.Method: We obtained differentially expressed genes in muscle (vastus lateralis) from men and women before and after an acute sprint exercise. Then, we identified hub genes from the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and key transcription factors in men and women related to acute sprint exercise. Finally, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses are performed on DEGs and sex-biased genes, respectively.Results: First, we identified 127 sexually dimorphic genes in men (90 upregulated and 37 downregulated) and 75 genes in women (90 upregulated and 37 downregulated) in response to acute sprint exercise. Second, CEBPB, SMAD3, and CDKN1A are identified as the top three hub genes related to men-biased genes. Accordingly, the top three hub genes related to women-biased genes are JUN, ACTB, and SMAD7. In addition, CLOCK, ZNF217, and KDM2B are the top three enriched transcriptional factors in men-biased genes, while XLR, SOX2, JUND, and KLF4 are transcription factors enriched most in women-biased genes. Furthermore, based on GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, we identified potential key pathways in regulating the exercise-related response in men and women, respectively.Conclusion: In this study, we found the difference in gene expression and enrichment pathways in muscle in men and women in response to acute sprint exercise. These results will shed new light on the mechanism underlying sex-based differences in skeletal muscle remodeling and metabolism related to acute sprint exercise, which may illustrate the mechanisms behind how acute sprint exercise prevents disease and benefits health.
Association Between Trp64Arg Polymorphism of Beta-3 Adrenergic Receptor Gene and Susceptibility to Overactive Bladder: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dai Rong , Chen Yue , Yang Kai , Wu Tao , Deng Changkai 
Published: July 2022

Objective: Some studies have been carried out to investigate the association between Trp64Arg polymorphism in beta-3 adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB3) and susceptibility to overactive bladder (OAB), but the results remain inconsistent. We carried out a meta-analysis to acquire a more accurate estimation.Methods: All eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Pooled odds ratios, with 95% confidence intervals, were assessed for the association using fixed and random effects models.Results: The overall results of this meta-analysis demonstrated that there might be an association between Trp64Arg polymorphism and susceptibility to OAB in allele model, dominant model, and heterozygote comparison with a relative risk of 2.00 (95% CI 1.36–2.93), 2.13 (95% CI 1.20–3.76), and 2.07 (95% CI: 1.13–3.79), respectively. However, in the recessive model and homozygote comparison, no significant association between ESR1 Trp64Arg polymorphism and susceptibility to OAB was observed, with a relative risk of 2.47 (95% CI 0.63–9.73) and 3.12 (95% CI: 0.79–12.35), respectively. Based on trail sequential analysis, the results turned out to be true positive in the allele model, false positive in the dominant model and heterozygote comparison, and negative in the recessive model and homozygote comparison, respectively.Conclusion: Our analysis indicated that Trp64Arg polymorphisms in ADRB3 might increase the risk of OAB twice in the allele model, but further well-designed studies with large sample sizes are required to confirm the present findings in other modes and comparisons.
Effects of Dietary Glycerol Monolaurate on Growth, Antioxidant Capacity and Lipid Metabolism in Cage-Farmed Pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) Juveniles
Authors: Lin Huaxing , Tan Beiping , Yang Qihui , Chi Shuyan , Wei Hongjie , Wu Yuancai , Ray Gyan Watson , Yohana Mpwaga Alatwinusa 
Published: July 2022

Glycerol monolaurate (GML), a representative fatty acid glyceride, was used to promote growth. This study investigated the effects of GML in diets on growth, serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity, liver morphology and lipid metabolism for juvenile pompano Trachinotus ovatus. Six groups of T. ovatus (mean weight = 14.00 ± 0.70 g) were fed with six diets, containing varying GML levels of 0.00% (G0), 0.05% (G5), 0.10% (G10), 0.15% (G15), 0.20% (G20), and 0.25% (G25) for 8 weeks. Fish were reared for in floating cages (length: 1 m; width: 1 m; and height: 2 m). The highest weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and protein deposit rate (PDR) were observed in the G15 group (P &lt; 0.05). Hepatic glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly increased in the G10 and G15 groups compared with the G0 group (P &lt; 0.05), whereas hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly reduced in the G10 and G15 groups (P &lt; 0.05). The alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher in the G5, G10, G15, and G20 groups than in the G0 group (P &lt; 0.05), and the highest AKP activity was observed in the G15 group. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was significantly lower in the G10, G15, G20, and G25 groups than in the G0 group (P &lt; 0.05). The addition of GML to the feed significantly reduced triglyceride (TG) content (P &lt; 0.05). In comparison with the G0 group, the G15, G20, and G25 groups had significantly lower total cholesterol content and significantly higher high-density lipoprotein content (P &lt; 0.05). Low-density lipoprotein content was significantly lower in the G5 and G10 groups than in the G0 group (P &lt; 0.05). Serious vacuolation occurred in the G0 group, but the cell boundaries in all added groups were obvious, and the rate of intracellular vacuolization decreased. As the GML level increased, carnitine palmitoyl-transferase Ι mRNA level was significantly up-regulated (P &lt; 0.05). The expression of fatty acid synthesis in the G10, G15, G20, and G25 groups was significantly lower than that in the G0 group (P &lt; 0.05). The expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-Ι was significantly lower in the G10, G15, G20, and G25 groups than in the G0 group (P &lt; 0.05). Based on the broken-line model of WGR and PDR corresponding to GML levels, the optimum addition level of dietary GML was 0.14%-0.16% for juvenile T. ovatus. In conclusion, 0.15% GML significantly improved the growth performance, hepatic antioxidant ability, and lipid metabolism and protected the liver for juvenile pompano T. ovatus.
Acupuncture for Impaired Glucose Tolerance in People With Obesity: A Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yan Yan , Sun Yuanjie , Wang Xinlu , Zhu Lili , Chen Yu , Liu Zhishun 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundImpaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is associated with being overweight/obesity and is a powerful risk factor for the disease of diabetes. In addition to lifestyle intervention that shows limited clinical application, acupuncture treatment has been a feasible treatment method for IGT in clinical practice. However, the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment has not been proved in evidence-based practice. Therefore, we design a multicenter randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for IGT in people with overweight/obesity.MethodsThe trial will be conducted at hospitals in three different sites in China. A total of 196 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned at a ratio of 1:1 to either to the acupuncture group or the sham acupuncture (SA) group. Both groups will receive 30 sessions of treatment for 12 consecutive weeks and will be provided with lifestyle intervention and a 24-week follow-up. The primary outcome will be change in the baseline value of 2-h blood glucose (2hPG) on the 12th week. Additionally, the expectancy of acupuncture, blinding, and safety will also be assessed. All statistical analyses will be performed by two-sided test, and a p-value of less than 0.05 will be considered statically significant.DiscussionThis study aims to provide quantitative clinical evidence of acupuncture effectiveness and safety in treating IGT in people who are overweight/obese.Clinical Trial Registration[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT05347030].
Serological Biomarkers of Intestinal Collagen Turnover Identify Early Response to Infliximab Therapy in Patients With Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Alexdottir Marta S. , Bourgonje Arno R. , Karsdal Morten A. , Pehrsson Martin , Loveikyte Roberta , van Dullemen Hendrik M. , Visschedijk Marijn C. , Festen Eleonora A. M. , Weersma Rinse K. , Faber Klaas Nico , Dijkstra Gerard , Mortensen Joachim H. 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundCrohn’s disease (CD) is characterized by excessive protease activity and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. To date, 30–50% of patients experience non-response to anti-TNF-α treatment. This study aimed to assess whether serological biomarkers of ECM turnover could monitor or predict response to infliximab (IFX) induction therapy in patients with and without a surgical history.MethodsSerum biomarkers of type I (C1M), III (C3M), IV (C4M), and VI (C6Ma3) collagen degradation, type III (PRO-C3) and VI (PRO-C6) collagen formation, basement membrane turnover (PRO-C4), and T-cell activity (C4G), were measured at baseline and week 14, in 63 patients with CD undergoing IFX induction therapy. Patients were stratified according to surgical history.ResultsC4M was elevated at baseline in responders with a surgical history (n = 10) and associated with response at baseline (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, C6Ma3, PRO-C3, and PRO-C6 were elevated at week 14 in responders compared with non-responders (n = 8) and could differentiate between the two groups (P &lt; 0.05). Two biomarker ratios (C4M/C4G and PRO-C4/C4G) were elevated at week 14 in non-responders (n = 5) without a surgical history compared with responders (n = 40) and could differentiate between the response groups (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionBaseline levels of a serological biomarker for type IV collagen degradation associated with response to IFX induction therapy, and biomarkers of type III and VI collagen formation may be used to monitor response at the end of induction therapy in patients with a surgical history. Biomarker ratios of type IV collagen turnover demonstrated promising results in monitoring treatment response in patients without a surgical history.
The Biological Effects of Smoking on the Formation and Rupture of Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Hanbin , Wang Luxuan , Wang Jiyue , Zhang Lijian , Li Chunhui 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundAneurysms of the cerebral vasculature are relatively common, which grow unpredictably, and even small aneurysms carry a risk of rupture. Rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IA) is a catastrophic event with a high mortality rate. Pieces of evidence have demonstrated that smoking is closely related to the formation and rupture of IA. However, the biological effect of smoking cigarettes on the formation and rupture of IA is still underrepresented.MethodsThe study protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO, registration number CRD42020203634. We performed a systematic search in PubMed and CNKI for studies exploring the biological effects of smoking on intracranial aneurysms published up to December 2021, and all studies were included in the analysis. The RevMan software was used for data analysis.ResultsA total of 6,196 patients were included in 14 original articles in this meta-analysis. The risk of ruptured IA in the current smoking group was significantly higher than that in the non-smoking group, with statistical significance (RRtotal = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.11–1.37). After heterogeneity among cohorts was removed by the sensitivity analysis, there was still a statistically significant difference in the risk of ruptured IA between the smoking and non-smoking groups (RR total = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.18–1.34). There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of ruptured IA between the former smoking (smoking cessation) group and the non-smoking group (RRtotal = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.50–2.38). After heterogeneity among cohorts was removed by sensitivity analysis, there was still no statistically significant difference in the risk of ruptured IA between the former smoking (smoking cessation) group and the non-smoking group (RRtotal = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.47–1.19). The risk of the ruptured IA in the current smoking group was significantly higher than that in the former smoking (smoking cessation) group, with a statistically significant difference (RRtotal=1.42, 95%CI: 1.27–1.59).ConclusionAlthough the biological effects of smoking on the formation and rupture of IA are unknown, this study suggests that current smoking is a risk factor for ruptured IA. Quitting smoking is very important for patients with IA.
Sepsis in Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke–Clinical Characteristics and Outcome
Authors: Stösser Sebastian , Isakeit Julia , Bode Felix J. , Bode Christian , Petzold Gabor C. 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundInfections are an important complication after stroke and negatively affect clinical outcome. While pneumonia and urinary tract infections are well recognized after stroke, the incidence and consequences of sepsis remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of sepsis in patients undergoing endovascular therapy for large vessel occlusion stroke, and its association with clinical outcome.MethodsWe analyzed a cohort of patients who underwent endovascular therapy at a single center between 2016 and 2020. The diagnosis and timing of infections and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were evaluated retrospectively to identify patients with sepsis. Patients with sepsis were compared to controls regarding clinical characteristics and outcome.ResultsFifty-four of 406 patients (13.3%) were found to have sepsis. The median onset of sepsis was 2 days after admission. The majority of cases (85.2%) was caused by pneumonia. At 3 months, 72.5% of patients with sepsis were bedridden or dead compared to 25.7 and 42.7% of controls and patients with an infection without sepsis, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for a poor outcome was 5.4 (1.6–17.6) for patients with sepsis vs. controls, and 2.0 (0.8–5.2) for patients with sepsis vs. patients with an infection without sepsis.ConclusionsSepsis is a frequent complication after large vessel occlusion stroke, and may be associated with a poor clinical outcome. More studies are needed to determine specific risk factors and measures to early recognize and reduce the possibly negative impact of sepsis on outcome after stroke.
Sling Exercise Can Drive Cortical Representation of the Transversus Abdominis and Multifidus Muscles in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Li Xin , Zhang Haojie , Lo Wai Leung Ambrose , Ge Le , Miao Ping , Liu Howe , Li Le , Wang Chuhuai 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveThe transversus abdominis (TrA) and multifidus (MF) muscles are essential in preventing chronic low back pain (CLBP) recurrence by maintaining segmental stabilization and stiffness. Sling exercise is a high-level core stability training to effectively improve the activities of the TrA and MF muscles. However, the neural mechanism for sling exercise-induced neural plasticity change in the primary motor cortex (M1) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of sling exercise in the reorganization of the motor cortical representation of the TrA and MF muscles.MethodsTwenty patients with CLBP and 10 healthy individuals were recruited. For map volume, area, the center of gravity (CoG) location (medial-lateral location and anterior-posterior location), and latency, two-way ANOVA was performed to compare the effects of groups (the CLBP-pre, CLBP-post, and healthy groups) and the two muscles (the TrA and MF muscles). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and postural balance stability were assessed at baseline and at the end of 2 weeks of sling exercise. Linear correlations between VAS or ODI and CoG locations were assessed by Pearson's correlation test.Results2 weeks of sling exercise induced both the anterior-medial (P &lt; 0.001) and anterior-posterior (P = 0.025) shifts of the MF muscle representation at the left motor cortex in patients with CLBP. Anterior-medial (P = 0.009) shift of the TrA muscle representation at the right motor cortex was observed in patients with CLBP. The motor cortical representation of the two muscles in patients with CLBP after sling exercise (TrA: 2.88 ± 0.27 cm lateral and 1.53 ± 0.47 cm anterior of vertex; MF: 3.02 ± 0.48 cm lateral and 1.62 ± 0.40 cm anterior of vertex) closely resembled that observed in healthy individuals (TrA: 2.83 ± 0.48 cm lateral and 2.00 ± 0.43 cm anterior of vertex; MF: 2.94 ± 0.43 cm lateral and 1.77 ± 0.48 cm anterior of vertex). The VAS and the ODI were reduced following the sling exercise (VAS: P &lt; 0.001; ODI: P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThis study provides evidence that sling training can drive plasticity changes in the motor system, which corresponds with the reduction in pain and disability levels in patients with CLBP. This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Clinical Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR2100045904, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=125819).Clinical Trial RegistrationChiCTR2100045904.