bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Evaluation of Liposomes and Niosomes Containing Total Ginsenosides for Anti-Photoaging Therapy
Authors: Jin Yuanyuan , Liu Da , Lu Zhen , Yang Lubing , Chen Jiangli , Zhou Xuyan , Qiu Zhidong , Jin Ye 
Published: April 2022

Ginsenosides are the principal bioactive compounds of ginseng. Total ginsenosides (GS) contain a variety of saponin monomers, which have potent anti-photoaging activity and improve the skin barrier function. To enhance the efficiency of GS transdermal absorption, GS liposomes (GSLs) and GS niosomes (GSNs) were formulated as delivery vehicles. Based on the clarified and optimized formulation process, GSL and GSN were prepared. The structure, cumulative transmittance, skin retention, total transmittance, and bioactivity of GSLs and GSNs were characterized. GSL and GSN were shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation and increase the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in human keratinocytes (HaCaTs). In addition, HaCAT cell migration, proliferation, and GS cellular uptake were significantly increased. The therapeutic effects of GSL and GSN were also evaluated in a rat model of photoaging. Histopathological changes were assessed in rat skin treated with GSL, GSN, or GS by hematoxylin–eosin (H&amp;E) and aldehyde fuchsine staining. Malondialdehyde (MDA), SOD, GSH-Px, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression levels were determined. Results indicated that the optimal formulation of GSL used soybean lecithin (SPC) as the phospholipid, with a lipid–drug ratio of 1:0.4 and a phospholipid–cholesterol ratio of 1:3.5. The optimal temperature for the preparation process of GSN by ethanol injection was 65°C, with a ratio of the organic phase to aqueous phase of 1:9. It was demonstrated that the cumulative release rate, skin retention rate, and total transmission rate of GSL-7 at 24 h were higher than those of GSN-4 and GS. GSL-7 significantly inhibited skin lipid peroxidation caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In addition, GSL-7 reduced the contents of MMPs and inflammatory cytokines in skin tissue. In conclusion, GSL-7 may reduce skin aging caused by UV radiation and contribute to skin tissue repair.
Comparing Machine Learning Models and Statistical Models for Predicting Heart Failure Events: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Zhoujian , Dong Wei , Shi Hanrui , Ma Hong , Cheng Lechao , Huang Zhengxing 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveTo compare the performance, clinical feasibility, and reliability of statistical and machine learning (ML) models in predicting heart failure (HF) events.BackgroundAlthough ML models have been proposed to revolutionize medicine, their promise in predicting HF events has not been investigated in detail.MethodsA systematic search was performed on Medline, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore for studies published between January 1, 2011 to July 14, 2021 that developed or validated at least one statistical or ML model that could predict all-cause mortality or all-cause readmission of HF patients. Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess the risk of bias, and random effect model was used to evaluate the pooled c-statistics of included models.ResultTwo-hundred and two statistical model studies and 78 ML model studies were included from the retrieved papers. The pooled c-index of statistical models in predicting all-cause mortality, ML models in predicting all-cause mortality, statistical models in predicting all-cause readmission, ML models in predicting all-cause readmission were 0.733 (95% confidence interval 0.724–0.742), 0.777 (0.752–0.803), 0.678 (0.651–0.706), and 0.660 (0.633–0.686), respectively, indicating that ML models did not show consistent superiority compared to statistical models. The head-to-head comparison revealed similar results. Meanwhile, the immoderate use of predictors limited the feasibility of ML models. The risk of bias analysis indicated that ML models' technical pitfalls were more serious than statistical models'. Furthermore, the efficacy of ML models among different HF subgroups is still unclear.ConclusionsML models did not achieve a significant advantage in predicting events, and their clinical feasibility and reliability were worse.
Serum FGF21 Levels Predict the MACE in Patients With Myocardial Infarction After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Xie Wei , Li Dan , Shi Yaru , Yu Ning , Yan Yu , Zhang Yingchao , Yu Qiongli , Li Yulin , Du Jie , Lin Zhuofeng , Wu Fan 
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesPrognosis evaluation in myocardial infarction (MI) patients with major adverse clinical events (MACE) who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is greatly important to identify high-risk patients. Elevated metabolic hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is associated with the risk of MI. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between FGF21 and the incidence of MACE in patients with MI after CABG surgery.MethodsPatients with three-vessel disease who were scheduled for first-time isolated CABG were enrolled in this project and underwent to evaluate the incidence of MACE during 48 h after CABG surgery, as well as to collect serum samples for FGF21 levels in both preoperative- and postoperative-CABG (pre-CABG and post-CABG).ResultsA total of 265 patients with MI undergoing CABG were enrolled in this study, 21 patients experienced MACE during the 48 h after CAGB surgery. Serum FGF21 levels of patients with MACE at post-CABG were significantly higher than that in patients without MACE [553.7 (433.6) vs. 291.7 (334.4), p &lt; 0.001]. Furthermore, among 81 individuals of these 265 patients, a lower level of FGF21 in preoperative-CABG (pre-CABG) and a higher level of FGF21 at postoperative-CABG (post-CABG) were observed in MI patients with MACE as compared to those without MACE respectively [ (275.0 (260.4) vs. 410.3 (420.7), p = 0.049; 550.7 (519.9) vs. 370.6 (441.2), p = 0.031]. In addition, serum FGF21 levels of MI patients with MACE at post-CABG were significantly increased compared with the baseline levels in pre-CABG [550.7 (519.9) vs.275.0 (260.4) p &lt; 0.001]. However, these profiles were not observed in patients without MACE [410.3 (420.7) vs. 370.6 (441.2), p=0.2137]. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that both serum FGF21 and CK-MB levels at post-CABG were independently associated with the incidence of MACE in patients with MI after CABG surgery. Finally, ROC analysis for FGF21 levels of 265 MI patients at post-CABG identified 455.4 pg/ml as an optimal cut-off value to predict MACE, with a sensitivity and specificity of 91.7 and 68.4% respectively.ConclusionSerum FGF21 levels at post-CABG are independently associated with the incidence of MACE in patients with MI who have undergone CABG. Measurement of FGF21 may help distinguish patients with MI at a high risk of MACE after CABG surgery.
Microscopic Characteristics of Fault Gouge in Minor-Surface-Rupture Faults: A Case Study in the Longmenshan Fault Zone, Eastern Tibetan
Authors: Li Yanbao , Chen Lichun , Ran Yongkang , Chang Yuqiao 
Published: April 2022

Active faults with potential earthquake magnitude of 6–7 are often incorrectly identified as non-Holocene active faults by traditional geological methods because their co-seismic displacements were very small or even did not reach to surface, and are defined as minor-surface-rupture faults. Geological studies associated with the 2013 Lushan Ms 7.0 earthquake show that the Dachuan–Shuangshi fault (DSF) in the southern segment of the Longmenshan fault zone (LFZ) is a minor-surface-rupture fault. This study focuses on the microstructure and mineral composition of the fault gouge in the DSF using optical microscopy, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods; then, we compare our results with the previous achievements in the Beichuan–Yingxiu fault (BYF), a major seismogenic fault of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, in the middle–northern segment of the LFZ. The results show that the microscopic characteristics of the fault gouge of the DSF are obviously different from those of the BYF in the following aspects: 1) the thickness of the fault gouge produced by one fault event is less than 5 mm; 2) under the microscope, no obvious micro-cracks were examined in surrounding rocks around the fault gouge, and discontinuous micro-cracks and untypical S-C fabrics in the fault gouge were observed; 3) under the SEM, reworked fragments were rare in the fault gouge; 4) the XRD mineral analysis reveals that the total clay content is less than 50%, the content of kaolinite is obviously higher than that of clinochlore, and the content of illite/smectite mixed layer is less than 30%. A contrastive analysis reveals the differences between the microscopic features of the fault gouge of the DSF and the BYF, which are systematical. Therefore, the abovementioned microscopic characteristics identified from the fault gouge in the DSF may be used as auxiliary indicators to identify minor-surface-rupture faults.
Forecasting Energy Consumption Based on SVR and Markov Model: A Case Study of China
Authors: Meng Zhaosu , Sun Huike , Wang Xi 
Published: April 2022

Forecasting energy demand in emerging nations is a critical policy tool utilized by decision makers worldwide. However, as estimated economic and demographic characteristics frequently diverge from realizations, precise forecast results are difficult to get due to the economic system’s intrinsic complexity. This work proposed a machine learning model for estimating energy consumption in China using the support vector regression model (SVR). Additionally, Markov Chain (MC) is employed to forecast and analyze the evolving energy consumption structure. The results demonstrate that SVR model is more accurate (98.4%) than the linear model (Moving Average model), the nonlinear model (Grey model), and past research in predicting energy usage. Under the current rate of energy consumption, China’s total energy consumption will break through six billion in the next 4 years. Furthermore, it is expected that China’s energy consumption structure will be more rational in 2025, with increased non-fossil energy consumption and decreased coal consumption, while natural gas consumption continues to grow at a low rate. It provides scientific basis for the implementation of carbon emission peak action, energy security and energy development plan during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.
Respiratory Interventions for Preterm Infants in LMICs: A Prospective Study From Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Lategan Ilse , Price Caris , Rhoda Natasha Raygaan , Zar Heather J. , Tooke Lloyd 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundPreterm birth is a global public health issue and complications of preterm birth result in the death of approximately 1 million infants each year, 99% of which are in low-and-middle income countries (LMIC). Although respiratory interventions such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and surfactant have been shown to improve the outcomes of preterm infants with respiratory distress, they are not readily available in low-resourced areas. The aim of this study was to report the respiratory support needs and outcomes of preterm infants in a low-resourced setting, and to estimate the impact of a lack of access to these interventions on neonatal mortality.MethodsWe conducted a six-month prospective observational study on preterm infants &lt;1,801 g admitted at Groote Schuur Hospital and Mowbray Maternity Hospital neonatal units in Cape Town, South Africa. We extrapolated results from the study to model the potential outcomes of these infants in the absence of these interventions.ResultsFive hundred and fifty-two infants (552) &lt;1,801 g were admitted. Three hundred (54.3%) infants received CPAP, and this was the initial respiratory intervention for most cases of respiratory distress syndrome. Surfactant was given to 100 (18.1%) infants and a less invasive method was the most common method of administration. Invasive mechanical ventilation was offered to 105 (19%) infants, of which only 57 (54.2%) survived until discharge from hospital. The overall mortality of the cohort was 14.1% and the hypothetical removal of invasive mechanical ventilation, surfactant and CPAP would result in an additional 157 deaths and increase the overall mortality to 42.5%. A lack of CPAP availability would have the largest impact on mortality and result in the largest number of additional deaths (109).ConclusionThis study highlights the effect that access to key respiratory interventions has on preterm outcomes in LMICs. CPAP has the largest impact on neonatal mortality and improving its coverage should be the primary goal for low-resourced areas to save newborn lives.
NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis Pathway Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Candida albicans Keratitis
Authors: Lian Huifang , Fang XiaoLong , Li Qingyu , Liu Shuang , Wei Qiuhong , Hua Xia , Li Wenguang , Liao Chunyang , Yuan Xiaoyong 
Published: April 2022

PurposeFungal keratitis is a sight-threatening corneal infection caused by fungal pathogens, and the pathogenic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine whether NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis contributes to Candida albicans (C. albicans) keratitis and explore the underlying mechanism.MethodsAn in vivo mouse model of C. albicans keratitis and an in vitro culture model of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) challenged with heat-killed C. albicans (HKCA) were established in this study. The degree of corneal infection was evaluated by clinical scoring. Gene expression was assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis or immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate protein expression. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to examine the pyroptotic cell death. A lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay was performed to assess cytotoxicity.ResultsCompared with the mock-infected group, we observed that the mRNA levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 (CASP1), interleukin (IL)−1β and gasdermin-D (GSDMD) in C. albicans-infected mice cornea was significantly increased. Our data also demonstrated that the protein expression of NLRP3 and the pyroptosis-related markers apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cleaved CASP1, N-GSDMD, cleaved IL-1β and cleaved IL-18 as well as pyroptotic cell death were dramatically elevated in the mouse model of C. albicans keratitis. More importantly, NLRP3 knockdown markedly alleviated pyroptosis and consequently reduced corneal inflammatory reaction in C. albicans keratitis. In vitro, the presence of activated NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptotic cell death were validated in HCECs exposed to HKCA. Furthermore, the potassium (K+) channel inhibitor glyburide decreased LDH release and suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in HCECs exposed to HKCA.ConclusionIn conclusion, the current study revealed for the first time that NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis occur in C. albicans-infected mouse corneas and HCECs. Moreover, NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis signaling is involved in the disease severity of C. albicans keratitis. Therefore, This NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pathway may be an attractive target for the treatment of fungal keratitis.
Substrate Protein Interactions and Methylglyoxal Modifications Reduce the Aggregation Propensity of Human Alpha-A-Crystallin G98R Mutant
Authors: Santhoshkumar Puttur , Sharma Krishna K. 
Published: April 2022

The G98R mutation in αA-crystallin is associated with presenile cataract development in humans. Previous studies have indicated that mutant proteins altered structure, decreased stability, increased oligomeric size, loss of chaperone-like activity, and susceptibility to proteolysis could be contributing factors to cataract formation. To evaluate the effect of substrate protein interactions with the mutant protein on cataract formation, we have performed chaperone assays with alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), citrate synthase (CS), and βB2-crystallin (βB2), and analyzed the reaction mixtures by multi-angle light scattering (MALS) analysis. It appears that αAG98R protein initially gets stabilized upon interaction with substrate proteins. Analysis of the chaperone-client protein complexes revealed that wild-type αA-crystallin interacts with substrate proteins to form compact complexes leading to a slight increase in oligomeric mass, whereas αAG98R forms less compact and high molecular weight complexes with the substrate, and the resulting complexes continue to increase in size over time. As a result, the soluble complexes formed initially by the mutant protein begin to scatter light and precipitate. We found that the stability and chaperone activity of the αAG98R can be improved by modifying the protein with low concentrations (50 µM) of methylglyoxal (MGO). Incubation of αAG98R protein (1 mg/ml) under aseptic conditions for 30 days at 37°C resulted in precipitation of the mutant protein. In contrast, mutant protein incubations carried out with 50 µM MGO remained soluble and transparent. SDS-PAGE analysis showed gradual autolysis of the mutant protein in the absence of MGO. The average molar mass of the mutant protein oligomers changed from 7,258 ± 12 kDa to 3,950 ± 08 kDa within 60 min of incubation with MGO. There was no further significant change in the molar mass of mutant protein when tested on day 7 of MGO treatment. Our data suggest that the initial stabilization of αAG98R by substrate proteins could delay congenital cataracts’ appearance, and the uncontrolled long-term interaction amongst mutant subunits and substrate proteins could be the rationale behind presenile cataracts formation. The results also demonstrate the potential benefit of low concentrations of MGO in stabilizing mutant chaperone protein(s).
Goal-Directed Intraoperative Fluid Therapy Benefits Patients Undergoing Major Gynecologic Oncology Surgery: A Controlled Before-and-After Study
Authors: Yu Jiawen , Che Lu , Zhu Afang , Xu Li , Huang Yuguang 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundFluid management during major gynecologic oncology surgeries faces great challenges due to the distinctive characteristics of patients with gynecologic malignancies as well as features of the surgical procedure. Intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has been proven to be effective in reducing postoperative complications among major colorectal surgeries; however, the efficacy of GDFT has not been fully studied in gynecologic malignancy surgeries. This study aimed to discuss the influence of GDFT practice in patients undergoing major gynecologic oncology surgery.MethodsThis study was a controlled before-and-after study. From June 2015 to June 2018 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, a total of 300 patients scheduled for elective laparotomy of gynecological malignancies were enrolled and chronologically allocated into two groups, with the earlier 150 patients in the control group and the latter 150 patients in the GDFT group. The GDFT protocol was applied by Vigileo/FloTrac monitoring of stroke volume and fluid responsiveness to guide intraoperative fluid infusion and the use of vasoactive agents. The primary outcome was postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery. The secondary outcome included length of stay and time of functional recovery.ResultsA total of 249 patients undergoing major gynecologic oncology surgery were analyzed in the study, with 129 in the control group and 120 patients in the GDFT group. Patients in the GDFT group had higher ASA classifications and more baseline comorbidities. GDFT patients received significantly less fluid infusion than the control group (15.8 vs. 17.9 ml/kg/h), while fluid loss was similar (6.9 vs. 7.1 ml/kg/h). GDFT was associated with decreased risk of postoperative complications (OR = 0.572, 95% CI 0.343 to 0.953, P = 0.032), especially surgical site infections (OR = 0.127, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.971, P = 0.037). The postoperative bowel function recovery and length of hospital stay were not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionGoal-directed intraoperative fluid therapy is associated with fewer postoperative complications in patients undergoing major gynecologic oncology surgery.
Clinical, Laboratory and Radiographic Features Associated With Prolonged Hospitalization in Children With Complicated Appendicitis
Authors: Bhattacharya Jyotsna , Silver Ellen J. , Blumfield Einat , Jan Dominique M. , Herold Betsy C. , Goldman David L. 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveIn children with appendicitis, rupture of the appendix is associated with a significant increase in morbidity. We sought to characterize the spectrum of illness in children with complicated appendicitis and to define those factors associated with a longer hospital stay.Study DesignWe conducted a retrospective review of 132 children, 18 years of age or younger at a large urban teaching hospital in the Bronx, NY between October 2015 and April 2018 with an intraoperative diagnosis of perforated appendix. Clinical, laboratory and radiologic findings were reviewed, and the primary study outcome was length of stay (LOS) dichotomized at the median, which was 7 days. Statistical analyses were done to characterize morbidity and define variables predictive of longer stay.ResultsChildren in the longer LOS group experienced significantly more morbidity, including ICU stay, ileus, and need for multiple drainage procedures. A longer duration of symptoms prior to presentation was associated with a longer stay. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that the presence of abscess and presence of free fluid in the right upper quadrant (RUQ FF) on initial imaging and C-reactive protein (CRP) level &gt;12 at admission, were independently associated with a longer stay.ConclusionThere is considerable variation in the morbidity of complicated appendicitis. The association between longer stay and the findings of abscess and RUQ FF on initial imaging along with an elevated CRP may provide a useful tool in identifying those children at risk for worse outcomes.
Case Report: A Missense Mutation in Dyskeratosis Congenita 1 Leads to a Benign Form of Dyskeratosis Congenita Syndrome With the Mucocutaneous Triad
Authors: Wang Liqing , Li Jianwei , Xiong Qiuhong , Zhou Yong-An , Li Ping , Wu Changxin 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundDyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare inheritable disorder characterized by bone marrow failure and mucocutaneous triad (reticular skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy, and oral leukoplakia). Dyskeratosis congenita 1 (DKC1) is responsible for 4.6% of the DC with an X-linked inheritance pattern. Almost 70 DKC1 variations causing DC have been reported in the Human Gene Mutation Database.ResultsHere we described a 14-year-old boy in a Chinese family with a phenotype of abnormal skin pigmentation on the neck, oral leukoplakia, and nail dysplasia in his hands and feet. Genetic analysis and sequencing revealed hemizygosity for a recurrent missense mutation c.1156G &gt; A (p.Ala386Thr) in DKC1 gene. The heterozygous mutation (c.1156G &gt; A) from his mother and wild-type sequence from his father were obtained in the same site of DKC1. This mutation was determined as disease causing based on silico software, but the pathological phenotypes of the proband were milder than previously reported at this position (HGMDCM060959). Homology modeling revealed that the altered amino acid was located near the PUA domain, which might affect the affinity for RNA binding.ConclusionThis DKC1 mutation (c.1156G &gt; A, p.Ala386Thr) was first reported in a Chinese family with mucocutaneous triad phenotype. Our study reveals the pathogenesis of DKC1 c.1156G &gt; A mutation to DC with a benign phenotype, which expands the disease variation database, the understanding of genotype–phenotype correlations, and facilitates the clinical diagnosis of DC in China.